Sket Dance

Sket Dance

Sket Dance revolves around the adventures of three individuals (Bossun, Himeko, Switch) and their efforts in a unique high school club. This club thrives on helping others with their day to day problems, Sket being an acronym meaning Support, Kindness, Encouragement, and Troubleshoot. Lots of hilarity ensues, but at the end of the day, these folks always succeed at helping those in need.

Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, High School Life

What to Expect: An anime with a relaxed atmosphere, with humor at the forefront. Often, the episodes are divided into two "mini-episodes" each with separate plots. Generally, the daily antics of the club serve as our main focus point in the story. New characters are often introduced by approaching Sket Dance with a problem, and our lovable trio tries their hardest to tackle whatever the task is at hand. This is not quite a gag comedy, there are some serious and dramatic moments to be found. Though if you are looking for romance, this title only hints on it subtly, and is not a main focus. Above all, the characters and their personalities tend to grow with you over time. Even characters that seemed minor a one point, can reappear and have a prominent role. Overall, a lighthearted show with its touching moments.

How is this Inspirational?

Throughout the course of the anime, we are shown the importance of friendships, how meaningful they can be, and how they mature over time, just like anything else. A club and those within it that dedicate their free time simply to help others, volunteering out of the kindness in their heart. Sket Dance has its share of emotionally powerful scenes that can really connect to the viewer. How one's path and course in life can change so drastically by reforming oneself for the better. Many scenes like these are hidden like a precious gem, waiting to be uncovered. That is the power of having comedy as the main focus. When the tone of a given situation turns to the serious side, it really draws our attention and effects us.

Sket Dance on Wikipedia | Characters | Sket Dance Episodes

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Sket Dance Manga

White Album

White Album

White Album depicts the story of Tōya Fujii, a university student, and his relationship with Yuki Morikawa, an up and coming idol singer. The two struggle to make time for each other with his university studies and her singing competitions and auditions.

Genre: Slice of Life, Romance, Drama, High School Life, Harem

What to Expect: A very interesting and easy to relate to plot based on a scenario that endangers many relationships to this day. What happens when a couple can't make time for each other? We witness firsthand the trials and tribulations that Yuki and Tōya go through to make their love work. Yuki is very committed to her work as a prospective singer. Ultimately, she is forced to choose between her career and the love of her life.

Rina Ogata, plays the role of the second heroine in this story. She is also an up and coming idol, much like Yuki. Little does Yuki know, she will face competition not just in her work field, but over the man she loves most.

If you are familar with Kouji Seo's work, I would say the drama is on a similar scale. Not necessary a bad thing, if that is something you are looking for. This anime very accurately depicts the struggles of young love, and how work and one's career can change the course of love.

How is this Inspirational?

A very easy to relate to anime, as I have mentioned. You could take from these events and reflect back on your life. It shows us that love may be broken up, under factors we cannot control. Will one be patient enough to wait for their partner, even if they see them less and less? Can one remain faithful and love the other unconditionally under these circumstances? If you really love someone, what lengths will you go to be with them?

White Album on Wikipedia | Characters | White Album Episodes

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Kimi no Iru Machi

 Kimi no Iru Machi
(A Town Where You Live )

A love story set in the same universe as Kouji Seo's previous work, Suzuka. Haruto Kirishima and Yuzuki Eba suddenly reunite some years later after being childhood friends. Can a girl from Tokyo adjust to rural life in the Hiroshima Prefecture, especially living with Haruto?

Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life, Romance, Drama, High School Life

What to Expect:If you were a fan of Kouji Seo's previous work, Suzuka, you will not be too far from home here. The art style and general feeling of that series is present here as well. The OVA at least sort of places you in the middle of the manga timeline so if you have not read up to that point, you may be lost on the plot. With the OVA, the timeline starts at around the time Yuzuki moves back to Tokyo and Haruto decides to see her during his school trip to Tokyo.

This series gives a glimpse into high school romance, and the happenings of destiny and fate. One wonders if first love is meant to be. The drama has the same level of emotional tension prevalent as in Suzuka; one can expect many heart-wrenching moments. 

How is this Inspirational?

The anime and manga highlight the importance of childhood friendships and how chance encounters may very well rekindle themselves into adulthood. How a friendship can slowly blossom into love. The lengths as well as physical and emotional distance that two people must travel for a relationship to thrive over the years. 

Kimi no Iru Machi on Wikipedia | Characters | Kimi no Iru Machi OVA | Kimi no Iru Machi OVA 2

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Kimi no Iru Machi Manga

Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou

  Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou

Based on a gag manga, the anime first aired in Japan in January 2012. The stories centers around the daily lives of 3 high school boys who attend an all boys school. One interesting artistic choice here is that many of the girls do not have detailed faces.

Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, High School Life, Shounen

What to Expect:Tadakuni, Hidenori, and Yoshitake are best friends who are often depicted as lounging and just goofing around from day to day. The story is depicted in a series of small "skits" that last anywhere from 2 to 7 minutes. As things progress, we are often shown things from the prospective of several side characters as well. If you are looking for laughs and comedic value, this is the anime for you. Romance is hinted at here, but it is very subtle, and surprisingly enough if you are patient, it has its touching moments as well.

How is this Inspirational?

This being based on a gag manga, it is mainly focused on comedic value and a "punchline" so to speak, at the end of each skit. This title ranks pretty high on my list if you are looking for comedy and need something to brighten your day, and as thus, this won't fail to achieve. What took me by surprise, is that there are some heartfelt moments hidden in this series, when you least expect it, making the impact on the viewer that much stronger.

Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou on Wikipedia | Characters | Anime Episodes

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Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou Manga