Higehiro: After Being Rejected, I Shaved and Took in a High School Runaway
Synopsis
When regular salaryman Yoshida wakes up one Sunday morning after a long night at the bar, the last thing he expects to see is that his tiny apartment has a new resident—an unfamiliar high school girl. The previous night, despite finally gathering the courage to confess to his boss and longtime crush, Airi Gotou, Yoshida was rejected. After drowning his sorrows at a bar with his good friend Hashimoto, Yoshida headed back to his home in a drunken stupor, only to run into Sayu Ogiwara, a runaway high schooler. She asked him to let her stay the night, and with his judgment clouded by alcohol, Yoshida complied. Now, with his head on straight but with no memory of last night's events, Yoshida has Sayu explain just how she ended up sleeping at his apartment. Having listened to her story, Yoshida finds himself unable to kick her out—especially after learning that she came all the way from Hokkaido! So, despite his reservations about sheltering an underage girl, Yoshida allows her to stay, and their life together begins. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience opinions are highly divided, with some praising the heartwarming character development and exploration of difficult themes, while others criticize the show's hypocritical handling of sensitive topics and inconsistent tone. Many find the relationship between the main characters disturbing. Critics are wary of the series, some viewing it as an exploitative fantasy.
Strengths
- Character development between Sayu and Yoshida is heartwarming and well-executed.
- Exploration of complex themes like abandonment and finding one's place is gentle and uplifting.
- Visually appealing art style and character designs enhance the viewing experience.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent tone and blending of heavy drama with fan service is jarring.
- Characters act unrealistically and make illogical decisions.
- The series attempts to cover serious topics but lacks the depth and tact to handle them effectively.