Summary: >

Sana is a child actor on a show called "A Child's Toy". While the show supposedly features many children, Sana is considered the star do to her "enthusiasm". And by enthusiasm I mean something like crack induced hysteria. But Sana's life isn't so easy either. Her school life is in trouble mainly due to a boy named Akito Haiyama who has completely taken over the class and holds some mysterious power over the teacher. Aside from that there are also pressures from being a child actor, and the fact that Sana's adopted mother who is a famous writer, will soon release a book detailing that Sana is in fact adopted. How can Sana cope with all of this? As it turns out Sana's best friend may turn out to be her formal rival.

This and about a zillion other sub plots and stories all contained within Kodocha.

Thoughts: >

One thing I'd like to point out is that the target audience for this anime is probably in the pre-teen group. While Kodocha doesn't pull punches, in some ways it does feel like a kids show (which it is I guess). And you know that's kind of ironic, because in other ways this show is deeper than a lot of prime time dramas you'd see on typical American television. Some of the stuff is fairly resqué for that matter. I mean Sana refers to Rei as her "pimp". And you get the impression that Zenjirou has a beyond kinky personal life.

My summary doesn't really do the show justice as Kodocha continuously transitions from one sub plot to the next. It does so seamlessly in a way that I couldn't even tell you the length of one of the plots, the transition really is that smooth. As such you find that Kodocha has a story that is always engaging and always moving yet pretty easy to follow. And I really do like story. Sometimes it's touching, often it's funny as hell, but it's always interesting. Another strong point are the characters. They're all a bit wacky in their own way, but all very different at the same time, and I'd say there are pretty much no stereotypes to be had in this series. It would be easy for such an anime to simply turn the hysteria up to 11 for all the characters, but really Sana is the only one who does so, and Akito is a perfect contrast to her with his listless personality. Most characters are much more tame but often with a bit of a wacky edge to them.

I actually first watched Kodocha a long time ago, and was really surprised to see that it was licensed in the U.S. But don't get me wrong, I was ecstatic too. As one of my favorite anime series, how could I not be happy about getting my hands on a domestic release? Well predictably sales didn't do so great, and they didn't bring much past the first season. I'm still very happy I got to see even this much of it. If you had seen me years ago being prodded by my girlfriend that I just had to watch this anime title she had gotten a hold of, you'd see the doubt in me too. Some shows are funny, some are "laugh out loud" funny, but Kodocha had me honestly laughing so hard it hurt. So if you're wondering why I rate Kodocha with my highest rating, then how else could you possibly better judge a comedy if it makes you laugh so hard that you're gasping for breath? Despite the fact that it's mainly a comedy, in the drama department Kodocha actually does exceptionally well too which only strengthens this title.

Now keep in mind that I wouldn't recommend this to everyone. I could see how Sana's insanity could wear thin on people. And the show is very... energetic in the way that you have to be prepared for. As an anime veteran I can say I could appreciate this, but if you're new to anime then this is probably not a starter title. Likewise if you prefer subtitles but read slowly, this title will completely lose you as people can talk at a million miles an hour - sometimes simultaneously.

Personally I would highly recommend this as a comedy, but I think it's important to understand that Kodocha is very much oriented towards a certain type of audience. Not necessarily kids mind you, but certainly someone who can appreciate the toils of kids. In the end I guess this is also a shoujo title as well, but for some reason it just never stuck in my mind that way since it's just so all around crazy. A great show for laughs if that's what you're seeking.