Sekirei
Synopsis
Struggling yet brilliant 19-year-old Minato Sahashi has failed his college entrance exams for the second time, resulting in him being regarded as worthless by those around him. However, the course of his seemingly bleak future is altered dramatically when a beautiful, supernatural woman falls from the sky and into his life. That woman, Musubi, is a unique being known as a "Sekirei," a humanoid extraterrestrial with extraordinary abilities. These aliens are known for kissing humans carrying the Ashikabi gene in order to awaken additional latent powers deep within. Recognizing the potential within the seemingly insignificant youth, Musubi kisses the bewildered Minato, initiating a bond between the two of them. This drags him into the high-stakes world of the Sekirei, where he and his new partner must compete against others in a battle for survival called the "Sekirei Plan." However, unbeknownst to the contestants, there is far more at risk that what the competition initially entailed. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Sekirei is a polarizing anime that leans heavily into ecchi and harem tropes, which is both its greatest appeal and its most significant detractor. While many praise its action, voice acting, and unique premise, a large portion of the audience is put off by its excessive fan service, unrealistic character designs, and weak male protagonist. The show is seen as enjoyable but flawed, with opinions strongly divided on whether its strengths outweigh its weaknesses.
Strengths
- Strong voice acting performances and talented cast of seiyu
- Visually appealing animation and detailed character designs
- Engaging action sequences and fight choreography
- Unique blend of genres (action, harem, comedy, supernatural) that works well for many
- Interesting premise and concept (Sekirei, Ashikabi, Sekirei Plan)
Weaknesses
- Over-reliance on gratuitous fan service and nudity
- Unrealistic and exaggerated character body proportions, particularly breasts
- Underdeveloped main character (Minato) who is often seen as uninspired or bland
- Plot can be cliché, unoriginal, and sometimes nonsensical (e.g., the secrecy of the Sekirei Plan)
- Inconsistent animation quality in some scenes and dull backgrounds
- Ending leaves many questions unanswered and feels like a setup for a future season