Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo, often referred to as “Pet Girl of Sakurasou,” falls into the popular rom-com slice of life genre. While this category is known for its lighthearted and comforting narratives, it’s also heavily saturated, making it crucial for any series to truly stand out. So, why should anime enthusiasts choose Sakurasou among the myriad of similar offerings? The answer lies in its exceptional handling of character dynamics, a feature that elevates it beyond typical genre conventions. This review will explore what makes Sakurasou a compelling watch, delving into its plot, characters, and overall strengths, while also addressing some of its weaker points.
One of the most striking aspects of Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo is its ensemble cast. Instead of focusing on just one or two central figures, the anime gives equal weight to five main characters: Kanda Sorata, Kamiigusa Misaki, Shiina Mashiro, Aoyama Nanami, and Mitaka Jin. This approach is quite unique in the rom-com genre, allowing for a richer tapestry of relationships and individual growth. While the story is primarily viewed through the eyes of Kanda Sorata, who finds himself relocated to the unconventional Sakurasou dormitory for keeping cats in the regular dorms, the narrative intricately weaves together the lives of all five residents. Sakurasou, or “Sakura Hall,” becomes the stage for their intertwined stories, housing individuals deemed “troublemakers” or simply outside the norm. The relationships forged within Sakurasou form the very heart and soul of this anime.
For fans of romantic comedy and slice of life, the premise of Sakurasou, with its five central characters and a 24-episode run, already holds considerable appeal. However, the anime’s approach to romance is where opinions become more divided. While Sakurasou excels in many areas, its romantic storylines are arguably its weakest link. This is a point of contention for many viewers, including myself, as I found myself thoroughly enjoying almost every facet of Sakurasou except for its romantic developments.
To delve deeper into the specifics, the following section will contain spoilers regarding the plot and character relationships. Readers who wish to experience Sakurasou without any prior knowledge should proceed to the end of the spoiler section marked by the [endspoiler] tag.
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One of the primary issues lies in the portrayal of Misaki’s romantic pursuits with Jin. Misaki’s character is inherently energetic and somewhat eccentric, and her quest for love often felt more like comedic relief than a serious emotional arc. While her persistent rejections are played for laughs, they lacked genuine emotional depth. As a viewer, it was difficult to feel true sympathy for Misaki’s romantic struggles. Her setbacks often felt lightweight, and even her eventual resolution seemed rushed, further diminishing the impact of her romantic journey.
(Alt Text: Energetic Misaki Kamiigusa, a key character in Pet Girl of Sakurasou, showcases her vibrant personality.)
The more significant point of contention, however, revolves around the relationship between Aoyama and Kanda. This particular romantic dynamic proved to be divisive and, for some, detracted from the overall experience. Throughout the series, I personally found myself hoping for a romantic pairing between Aoyama and Kanda. However, Sakurasou seemed determined to steer in a different direction, and arguably, executed it in a less than satisfying manner. Before watching, I had encountered comments labeling Sakurasou as “predictably bad,” and after watching, I understood this sentiment. From the very beginning, the anime heavily hinted at a Shiina and Kanda pairing. Their early physical closeness, suggestive humor, and recurring peeping moments all pointed towards a predetermined romantic outcome.
This begs the question: why introduce a second potential romantic interest in Aoyama? It felt unnecessary and, at times, poorly handled. Throughout the series, Kanda remains remarkably oblivious to Aoyama’s feelings, while Aoyama’s attempts at expressing her affections often come across as agonizingly awkward. Watching Aoyama’s repeated failed attempts to confess was genuinely uncomfortable, especially for viewers like myself who favored her character over Shiina. While Shiina is undoubtedly a compelling character in her own right, Aoyama’s earnestness and relatable struggles made her a more sympathetic figure for some. Two moments stand out as particularly cringe-inducing: Aoyama’s initial confession disguised as “acting practice” and her subsequent, half-hearted confession after an audition. It felt as though the writers were intentionally raising expectations only to cruelly dash them. On two separate occasions, the narrative seemed to build towards Aoyama finally confessing her feelings and Kanda potentially reciprocating or rejecting them, yet both instances resulted in a frustrating non-resolution, leaving Aoyama’s love unrequited. The romantic chemistry, or lack thereof, between Aoyama and Kanda felt forced and ultimately detracted from the narrative’s overall impact. The story could have effectively focused solely on the development of a Kanda and Shiina romance without the inclusion of a second, ultimately unsuccessful, romantic subplot.
However, just as the Aoyama and Kanda storyline reached its most frustrating point, episode 23, the graduation episode, arrived and delivered an unexpectedly powerful emotional punch. Many consider this episode to be a highlight of the entire series, and for good reason. The raw emotion displayed by all characters – students, faculty, and Sakurasou residents alike – was genuinely moving. While not overtly tear-jerking, the episode conveyed a profound sense of sadness, sincerity, and deep affection among the characters through their speeches and interactions. Instead of resorting to melodrama, Sakurasou managed to craft a genuinely poignant and emotionally resonant graduation scene. This episode stands as a testament to the anime’s ability to evoke genuine feeling, even amidst its romantic missteps. Yet, after such a powerful episode, a lingering question remained: “Why wasn’t this the final episode?”
Episode 24, the actual finale, felt more like the beginning of a new chapter than a conclusive ending. It introduced two new characters and marked the start of a new school year, signaling a fresh start. The episode hinted at exploring Kanda and Shiina’s relationship in isolation from the original group and potentially delving into the dynamics with the new Sakurasou residents, who showed promise as interesting additions. It felt as though the creators had ample material to work with for a potential second season. The decision to conclude the anime after setting up these new storylines felt abrupt and unsatisfying. The ending lacked a sense of closure, leaving viewers wanting more. While this open ending could be interpreted as a hint towards a potential second season, no such announcement has materialized, leaving fans with lingering hopes and unanswered questions.
(Alt Text: Sakurasou residents in graduation attire, capturing the emotional farewell in episode 23 of Pet Girl of Sakurasou.)
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Despite its shortcomings in the romance department, Sakurasou excels in almost every other aspect of anime production.
Story [9/10]: The narrative of Sakurasou is, for the most part, exceptional. While the romantic storylines may be considered a weak point, as previously discussed, they don’t significantly detract from the overall narrative strength. Despite some criticisms, each episode remained engaging and suspenseful. The dramatic moments in particular added considerable depth to the series, keeping viewers invested in the characters’ journeys and the unfolding events.
Art [10/10]: The visual presentation of Sakurasou is a standout feature, deserving of high praise. The art style is distinctive, employing a predominantly warm and vibrant color palette. Many anime series utilize generic color schemes, leading to visual homogeneity. Sakurasou deviates from this trend, creating a visually unique and appealing aesthetic. Character designs are well-crafted, and meticulous attention is paid to even the smallest details in the animation. However, the true artistic triumph lies in the depiction of Shiina Mashiro’s artistic talent. The anime’s art effectively conveys the sheer extent of Shiina’s artistic genius, allowing viewers to visually comprehend her extraordinary abilities. Furthermore, the artwork showcased as Shiina’s creations is genuinely impressive in its own right.
Sound [10/10]: The soundtrack of Sakurasou is undeniably excellent. The opening and ending themes are not only catchy but also perfectly encapsulate the overall mood and tone of the anime. Initially, the first opening theme might sound somewhat generic, but repeated listens within the context of the series reveal its charm and fittingness. The openings cleverly incorporate the anime’s distinctive art style, further enhancing their appeal. The second ending theme is particularly noteworthy, aligning beautifully with the evolving character dynamics at that point in the story.
Character [10/10]: The characters of Sakurasou are what truly elevate the anime. For a rom-com, the five main characters possess surprising depth and complexity. Throughout the series, viewers gain insight into each character’s background, motivations, and personal struggles. What makes them truly remarkable is their ability to accept and support each other despite their vastly different personalities and upbringings. There is a genuine sense of camaraderie and friendship among the Sakurasou residents, devoid of any underlying resentment or animosity. This authentic chemistry between the characters is a key element that makes Sakurasou so captivating to watch.
(Alt Text: Artistic Shiina Mashiro, the pet girl of Sakurasou, demonstrating her incredible artistic skills in a visually stunning scene.)
After careful consideration, and acknowledging the minor flaws, particularly in the romantic aspects, Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo ultimately deserves a high recommendation. This anime has left a lasting impression on many viewers, myself included. Few anime series manage to evoke such a strong desire for more content after the credits roll. Sakurasou provided countless moments of laughter and genuine drama, ensuring that boredom was never an option. The most significant achievement of Sakurasou is its ability to not only meet but exceed the typical expectations of a romantic comedy slice-of-life anime. It is a truly fantastic production that can be confidently recommended as a must-watch for anime enthusiasts of all tastes and preferences.
