Feb 9, 2021
Few shows realistically depict the challenges and hardships that are common in everyday life. Fewer shows capture real life in a way that is enjoyable and rewarding to watch. Usagi Drop, however, does both. It is an anime that portrays parenthood trials in a way that is not just realistic but is heartwarming and beautiful.
Our story begins when Kawachi Daikichi, a thirty-year-old salesman, returns home to attend his grandfather's funeral. Upon arriving at the house, he meets a shy young girl who, to his surprise, is his grandfather's illegitimate daughter Rin. Nobody knows who Rin's mother is. Nobody is willing to take her in
...
until Daikichi, angered by his relative's coldness towards her, decides to adopt Rin despite being a single man with no experience raising a child.
Usagi Drop is about what it means to be a parent and how raising a child has its ups and downs. Today, especially in Japan's aging and work-driven culture, many people have a career-first, family-second mentality. Daikichi is no different at first. He tries to hide the fact that he's raising a child from his coworkers and initially struggles to find a balance between spending time at work and spending time with Rin. But as the show progresses, we see Daikichi make sacrifices in his career and social life, adopting new responsibilities and lifestyle changes to be a better parent for Rin. We witness how these sacrifices pay off as Rin begins smiling more and slowly grows happier. As the unlikely hero of the story, Daikichi's journey of overcoming parenthood trials is a process that can resonate with parents and families alike.
The most realistic and likable character in Usagi Drop has to be Rin, who has a childish side that occasionally peeks through despite being quite mature for her age. She is delighted about little things like losing her first tooth and anxious about being the last one to be picked up from school. Alongside Rin, the rest of the characters also feel like genuine people. They all carry unique stories reflecting some parenting challenges, all serving to develop our leading duo further. In particular, Daikichi and Rin's friendship with the Nitani family truly adds a lot to the show's overall charm and enjoyment. Kouki Nitani, Rin's childhood friend, has a rebellious personality that sharply contrasts Rin's gentle nature. The two are a joy to watch, with Rin helping Kouki become more responsible while Kouki helps Rin become more independent.
Usagi Drop's visuals are spectacular, as the art style fits seamlessly with the show's theme. The minimalistic, picture book-like design of the characters does a fantastic job of drawing the audience's attention to even the most subtle personalities and emotions. Usagi Drop's focus on emotional realism is underscored most predominantly in the opening scenes, which begins with a soft watercolor style that merges into the sharper, minimalistic animation. Right from the beginning, the show's visuals emanate motifs of innocence, genuineness, and growth, and is an excellent example of how Usagi Drop's visuals further complement its core message of how beauty and love, like the swirling of watercolor pastels, comes from caring for others.
Accompanying the animation is the show's mastery of writing dialogue and lack thereof. Conversations feel like conversations and aren't melodramatic. The show brilliantly uses quiet moments in sensitive and emotional scenes, often relying on the character's facial expressions and gestures to tell the story. The music is also skillfully used to enhance the mood of certain scenes. Upbeat tunes accompany most lighthearted scenes, while slow, somber piano pieces highlight the serious and sensitive moments.
In the end, Usagi Drop is a simple, cute, and heartwarming tale that explores what it means to raise a child and start a family. It is a refreshing breath of realism in a medium often saturated by shallow fantasy, opting to celebrate the often-understated challenges and joys of parenthood through masterful storytelling and subtle artistry. In all its bubbly excitement and sad moments, Usagi Drop shines the spotlight on the importance of compassion, empathy, and the love that can come from caring for others.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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