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East Asian schools are somewhat infamous for the teasing, ostracizing and sometimes inhuman oppression students can inflict on their fellow classmates. This is not to say that educational institutions across the world, from preschool to graduate, are exempt from bullying in some form or another. It’s a universal phenomenon that crops up wherever social order exists.

Those who are doing the bullying may not realize the extent of the damage they cause (“We’re just having fun”) or otherwise justify it through the abasement of their victims (“he’s so weird; she deserves it”).

Those at the receiving end often “demonize” their oppressors and curse the world and ... themselves.


Very rarely is a victim able to smile and take it quietly.


“Koe no Katachi” is a story that is unusually mature and respectful of reality. It acknowledges Guilt, not from simple misunderstandings and circumstances but from foolish, painful, irreversible mistakes that can’t be undone by a thousand apologies.

It explores painful knots that aren’t easy to untie, life as unpolished and horribly complicated. It acknowledges the reality of ugly faces, bloodshot eyes, and even pimples.

But it doesn’t stop there. Ishida Shouya, after deciding to commit suicide, reaches out to the one he made miserable and took so much away from... and finds that Nishimiya Shouko doesn’t forgive him. She denies there was anything to forgive in the first place. That deafness wasn’t the reason she was staying silent. It wasn’t because she was weak, but because she was strong.

An “I’m sorry,” doesn't go very far, but as for how far it goes, the guilty must cherish every millimeter, every little step toward making that huge mistake right again. New friends are met along the way, and old “friends” and former accomplices have to be faced once more.

Sometimes the worst thing that happens in stories like these is that the harshness of reality makes happiness look foolish. Sometimes the mangaka views tenderness as a fault to be overcome and the art and story reflect it, turning everyday faces into grotesque caricatures.

This story doesn’t make that mistake. More cynically-minded readers such as myself may be tempted to see such a hopeful new start as “unrealistic” and “soft.” Because my life didn’t give me that kind of second chance. I wasn’t even able to think to be kind to the those (********) that made my life miserable. And the ones I looked the other way from? That I bullied in return? There’s no way they’d be to me.

But stories are a wonderful place to find hope. One must remember that there if there is a shadow, there is a light behind it. Nishimiya Shouko makes Ishida Shouya start his life over again, and, unknowlingly, invites the reader to do the same... or, you know, just cry their eyes out. But maybe that's enough for now.

Kimi to Boku... You and me. In Japanese, this is a rather informal and comfortable way of saying the English equivalent, and it is a fitting title for the series. Though certainly not the most "exciting" show to air on Japanese television, it becomes strangely alluring in its own way, and leaves viewers wanting more.

Story: 9
The story is rather laid back, not too complex. It doesn't focus on about saving the world, helping a friend in dire distress, or even falling in love (that's not to say that there aren't any sweet dilemmas present). It's a slice of life that revolves around the theme of ... growing up and friendships that grow along with one's stature. Yes, the story revolves around 4 (then 5) males. At first, one feels like this could NEVER be anything but yaoi (male on male anime/manga), but it is anything but that. Instead, Kimi to Boku brings a new light on a what could be an "over-done" subject. Poetic prose seasons the the memories of the various protagonists who wistfully (and sometimes regretfully) reminisce the past, their experiences more than 10 years ago still having strong influences and ties to what is happening at the "now" of their life. As for romance, you'll have to see for yourself.

Art: 9
The art is also not of the "spectacular, melts the eyes and makes them bleed" type. Those who are looking for sophisticated backdrops and blinding visual effects should look elsewhere. However, as with many anime of this genre, the art compliments the story (indeed nearly every aspect of the anime) with its simplistic and relaxing tones and hues. Simple though it may be, some of the ending credit "snapshots" are sure to curve even the most stubborn of lips. It did mine.

Sound: 9
The sound was what stood out to me at first. I understand it isn't for everyone, but with the reviews out now that say that its "okay" leave me confused. The opening ("Bye Bye" by the artist "7!!") and ending ("Nakumushi" by the artist "Miku Sawai") are perfectly in sync with the series, and are totally worth hearing in their full versions (you guys do this too, right?). Personally, I find these artists' other songs worthwhile as well. As for the rest of the music, it isn't perfect, but it is certainly well-matched and well-placed in each episode, and at times you can find yourself tapping your foot or even rocking your head to that catchy guitar.

Character: 10
The other outstanding aspect of this anime are the characters. At first glance, they are flat and uninteresting. Four (then five, you'll understand what I mean) high school boys: A very feminine, long-haired Matsuoka Shun, two rather good-looking yet otherwise un-noteworthy twins (Yuuki and Yuuta) who only speak in monotone voices, and a seemingly stereotypical, steady-type nerd (Kaname -> Megane). The fifth guy is something of a wild card. You'll see.

But, as the story progresses, it's like watching a flower bloom. (Spare me your spit and jeers for saying it in such a way, but I won't take it back.) The artist really pay attention to little details, and create such depth in these characters that you'll find yourself wondering why you ever believed in Santa Claus. Each episode, viewers learn just a little bit more about these boys: what they were like when they were little and how they acted as opposed to how they are now - insignificant little details, things that seem unimportant yet hold some strange and precious place in their hearts. To these characters, the world is changed through these little details, and their bonds, it feels, are irreplaceable.

Enjoyment: 10
If it was meant to be exciting, this anime is not that great. It would deserve those careless sixes and sevens and be overshadowed by better shows. But it seems the artist wants to do something else. What else is there to life besides head-pounding, heart-rushing battle? Simple, sweet, everyday life. A cup of tea with friends. Fretting over school and girls. It's these overlooked yet precious, precious things that one can only miss once they are over and naught but memories. Kimi to Boku brings wistfulness in a curious way, and stokes the fires of the heart. If anything, it's real art.

Overall: 10.