Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo, often referred to as ‘The Pet Girl of Sakurasou’, dives into the rom-com slice of life genre, a space both beloved and crowded with varying levels of quality. So, with so many options, why should this anime capture your attention? What makes Sakurasou stand out from the multitude of similar series? Let’s explore what makes this anime unique and whether it deserves a spot on your watchlist.
One of Sakurasou’s most compelling strengths, and what truly sets it apart, is its exceptional character dynamics. This anime thrives on the interactions and relationships between its vibrant cast. To truly appreciate this aspect, we’ll delve into the plot, with spoiler sections clearly marked for those who prefer to discover the story unspoiled.
The heart of Sakurasou revolves around a core group of five main characters: Kanda Sorata, the protagonist navigating the chaotic Sakurasou dormitory; Kamiigusa Misaki, the energetic and eccentric animator; Shiina Mashiro, the titular “pet girl” and prodigious artist; Aoyama Nanami, the hardworking and aspiring voice actress; and Mitaka Jin, the playboy scriptwriter. This ensemble cast is a distinctive feature of Sakurasou. Unlike many rom-coms that focus on a pair or trio, Sakurasou offers a broader spectrum of character development, enriching the narrative with multiple perspectives and storylines.
The story’s central thread follows Kanda Sorata, who finds himself exiled to Sakurasou, or “Sakura Hall,” for the seemingly simple offense of keeping cats in the regular dorms. Sorata’s deep affection for his feline companions leads him to embrace life in Sakurasou, a dormitory housing the school’s more…unconventional students. It is within the walls of Sakurasou that the intricate web of relationships between these five individuals forms the captivating backbone of the anime’s narrative.
For enthusiasts of the rom-com slice of life genre, the premise of five main characters and a 24-episode run might sound like a recipe for success. However, Sakurasou presents a curious dichotomy, particularly when it comes to romance. While excelling in many areas, the romantic elements are arguably the weakest link. This is a point of contention for some viewers, including myself, as I found myself deeply invested in almost every aspect of Sakurasou except for its romantic developments.
To discuss this further, we’ll venture into spoiler territory. For those wishing to remain completely unspoiled, please skip ahead to the [endspoiler] tag.
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One of the primary issues lies in the portrayal of Misaki’s pursuit of love with Jin. Misaki’s character, and the overall tone of the anime, often treated her romantic endeavors as more of a comedic side plot. Despite her emotional outbursts and occasional heartbreak, it was difficult to invest emotionally in her struggles. Her romantic setbacks often lacked genuine weight, and their resolutions sometimes felt rushed, further diminishing their impact.
Misaki Kamiigusa’s energetic personality often overshadowed the seriousness of her romantic pursuits in ‘The Pet Girl of Sakurasou’.
The more significant point of contention, however, revolves around the relationship between Aoyama and Kanda. This dynamic, for many viewers, including myself, proved to be a source of frustration. Having hoped for a romantic connection between Aoyama and Kanda, the series took a different, and arguably less satisfying, path. Before watching, I had encountered opinions describing Sakurasou as “predictable in a bad way,” and after experiencing the anime, this sentiment became clear. From the very first episode, the trajectory of Shiina and Kanda as a romantic pairing was heavily foreshadowed. The early displays of intimacy, suggestive humor, and voyeuristic moments all pointed towards a predetermined outcome.
This begs the question: why introduce a seemingly significant second romantic possibility with Aoyama and Kanda? In my view, it felt unnecessary and poorly executed. Throughout the series, Kanda remains remarkably oblivious, while Aoyama’s romantic efforts are often portrayed as agonizing and almost pathetic. Witnessing Aoyama’s repeated attempts to confess her feelings to Kanda was genuinely uncomfortable, especially for viewers who, like myself, favored Aoyama as a romantic partner for Kanda over Shiina (though appreciating Shiina as a character in her own right).
Aoyama’s unrequited love felt consistently cringe-inducing. Two particularly jarring moments were her confession disguised as “good acting” and her lackluster, half-hearted confession after her audition. It felt as though the narrative intentionally raised expectations of a potential Aoyama-Kanda pairing, only to cruelly dash those hopes. On multiple occasions, the setup suggested an impending confession and potential relationship development, only to culminate in Aoyama’s love remaining unfulfilled. The chemistry, or lack thereof, between Aoyama and Kanda felt not only poorly handled but also largely superfluous. Introducing a second romantic interest for Kanda seemed unnecessary; Sakurasou is not a harem anime. Focusing solely on the development of Kanda and Shiina’s relationship could have been a more streamlined and satisfying narrative choice.
Just as the Aoyama-Kanda storyline reached its most frustrating point, episode 23, the graduation episode, arrived. This episode stands out as a truly exceptional moment in anime. The raw emotion displayed by all characters – students, faculty, and Sakurasou residents alike – was genuinely powerful. While not explicitly tear-jerking, the episode masterfully conveyed the sincerity of each character’s sadness, their heartfelt speeches, and their deep affection for one another. Instead of succumbing to sentimentality, the creators of Sakurasou crafted a graduation episode that felt authentically emotional and resonant. It left a lasting impact. However, this emotional high point led to the question: “Why wasn’t this the final episode?”
The graduation episode of ‘The Pet Girl of Sakurasou’ is widely praised for its emotional depth and genuine portrayal of character feelings.
The subsequent episode, episode 24, felt like the beginning of a new chapter rather than a conclusion. It introduced two new characters and marked the start of a new academic year, signaling a fresh start. The episode hinted at exploring Kanda and Shiina’s relationship in a new dynamic, separated from the original Sakurasou residents, and offered glimpses into the personalities of the new dormitory members. This setup suggested ample material for a potential second season. The decision to end the series after episode 24 felt abrupt and somewhat unsatisfying. It raised questions about why a new chapter was initiated only to be immediately concluded. While this open ending might be interpreted as a hint towards a possible second season, no concrete news has emerged, leaving fans with lingering hopes and a sense of incompleteness.
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Beyond the romantic subplot, Sakurasou excels in virtually every other aspect.
Story (9/10): The narrative of Sakurasou is undeniably compelling. While the romantic elements may be considered weak, as previously discussed, they do not significantly detract from the overall story’s strength. Despite some criticisms, each episode remained captivating, fueling a desire to know what would unfold next. The dramatic moments, in particular, added significant depth and emotional resonance to Sakurasou.
Art (10/10): Visually, Sakurasou is stunning. The art style is distinctive, employing a predominantly warm and vibrant color palette. Many anime share a similar visual aesthetic due to reliance on generic color palettes, but Sakurasou distinguishes itself with its unique artistic choices. Character designs are consistently appealing, and the animation is meticulously detailed. However, the true artistic triumph lies in the depiction of Shiina Mashiro’s artistic genius. The anime’s visual presentation effectively conveys the extent of Shiina’s extraordinary talent, allowing viewers to genuinely appreciate her artistic prowess. Furthermore, the artwork attributed to Shiina within the anime is itself remarkably well-executed.
Shiina Mashiro’s artistic talent is vividly portrayed through the stunning visuals in ‘The Pet Girl of Sakurasou’.
Sound (10/10): The soundtrack of Sakurasou is exceptional. The opening and ending themes are not just anime songs; they are genuinely memorable and enjoyable pieces of music. Initially, the first opening theme might sound somewhat conventional, but repeated listens, facilitated by watching the anime, reveal its captivating charm. The opening themes perfectly capture the overall mood and tone of Sakurasou, and cleverly showcase the anime’s distinctive art style. The second ending theme, in particular, resonates beautifully with the character dynamics at that specific point in the story.
Characters (10/10): The characters are the heart and soul of Sakurasou, adding remarkable depth to the anime. For a rom-com, the five main characters possess surprising complexity and depth. Throughout the narrative, their individual backstories and personal journeys are explored, enriching our understanding of their motivations and relationships. What truly elevates the characters is the genuine sense of acceptance and camaraderie within the Sakurasou group, despite their vastly different backgrounds and personalities. There is no underlying animosity or resentment among them; their friendships feel authentic and heartwarming. This chemistry between the characters is what makes Sakurasou so engaging and enjoyable to watch.
After careful consideration, and despite acknowledging certain shortcomings, particularly in the romantic aspects, Sakurasou deserves high praise. This anime has left a significant and positive impression. Few anime series evoke such a strong desire for more content. Throughout its run, Sakurasou provided consistent entertainment, delivering both laughter and poignant drama. Crucially, Sakurasou not only meets but often surpasses the typical expectations of a romantic comedy slice-of-life anime. It is a truly well-crafted production. While recommending anime within this genre as essential viewing for all anime enthusiasts is often a cautious endeavor, Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo is a notable exception, deserving of recommendation to a wide range of viewers.
