Azumanga Daioh

Also Known As: Azu Dai, Azu Daioh, Azu

Genre: Comedy

Format: 26 Episodes

Allegiance: GENCO

Director: Nishikiori Hiroshi

Vintage: 2002

Intelligence Agency Report by: Kuzu Ryu Sen

At first glance, one would expect a day with Class 1-3 to be as normal as with any other class. As one walks in the door, there’s the 10 year old genius girl with the pigtails reading. When the bell rings, there’s the screeching of the teacher struggling to make it on time. During class, there’s the tall quiet girl looking out the window at what appears to be a very cute cat-shaped cloud, with another girl staring at her with a red face… Directly in front, there’s the girl from Kansai staring blankly into air. Behind, the two childhood friends are arguing loudly again and whacking each other with their textbooks, but it’s fine because the teacher is too distracted by what’s happening in the class next door. Ah, just another day in the world of Azumanga Daioh.

Field Agent Report by: Kuzu Ryu Sen

Plot
Characters
Impact
Visual
Audio

7.00
9.50
10.00
9.00
9.50

Overall

9.25

(not an average)

I know what you’re thinking. A comedy about a group of girls going through high school; that’s either got to be filled with pointless fanservice and cheap slapstick, or else be the most boring thing in the world, right? Guess again, because Azumanga Daioh bucks the trend easily with its amazing cast, outstanding humour, and ability to rekindle touching nostalgic moments.

The thing that makes Azumanga Daioh great is its characters. Everyone in the show has a unique personality that is absolutely priceless. Back that up with ample screen time for everybody and outstanding seiyuu work and you have a recipe for hilarious comedy. With really no plot to speak of, one would think that the jokes would eventually get old, but Azumanga Daioh's format doesn’t allow for it. Each episode is made up of 5 mini-episodes, and the rapid pace that comes as a result ensures that Azumanga is as enjoyable at the beginning as it is at the end. Although the mood is largely comedic and light hearted, Azumanga is particularly good at producing some very touching moments, and older viewers are sure to remember their high school days fondly (or not so fondly) while watching. In particular, the ending is very good at eliciting a powerful emotional response.

Unfortunately though, this show is not for everyone. A lot of the humour is directed at a certain niche, and like other cute comedies (Di Gi Charat for one), there will be a group of people that will hate this anime. Also, to fully understand Azumanga Daioh, a fairly decent grasp of Japanese culture is required. This is, after all, a show about normal life in Japan. Lastly, there are certain parts involving detachable pigtails and flying cats that just make less sense than the last two episodes of Evangelion. Just try to take them in stride, and not let them worry you too much.

In the end, Azumanga Daioh is a hilarious outlook on life, and can be watched over and over starting from any point in the series. It’s an anime that focuses on the little things in life, and how often these overlooked events are just as special as the major milestones.

Field Agent Report by: Lady Sage

Plot
Characters
Impact
Visual
Audio

8.00
10.00
9.50
9.50
10.00

Overall

9.50

(not an average)

There is no major conflict in this anime. There is no villain, no great plan to save the world. Heck, there isn’t even any particular plot beyond some carryover silliness. It’s just a group of friends going through high school, hanging out, and living their lives. The concept is the epitome of mundane. Heck, at least half the people who see it have gone through the same thing. And that is exactly why it works.

The characters are not exactly developed in the traditional sense, but nor are they flat or clichéd. Instead, each has a strong, believable personality that complements the others’, which is good considering the comedy is almost completely character-driven. You’ll swear that at least one of them was based on someone you knew in high school, or maybe even yourself. The characters are aided by top-notch seiyuu work, from the hyper-kawaii Chiyo to the shrieking Yukari-sensei to the hilariously spacey and deadpan Osaka. The everyday plot and realistic characters create a powerful sense of realism, which makes for an emotional conclusion that will bring tears to the eyes of anyone with fond memories of high school.

Azumanga Daioh also excels in the technical areas. The animation is bright and clean-looking, and everyone moves smoothly. To be sure, it is not absolute top-quality, but since the series is dialogue- and character-driven, not action-driven, it’s acceptable. Especially notable is the character designs: each character has her own look without only being distinguishable by hairstyle. The music is diverse, ranging from funky ska-style trumpets to gentle flutes, always setting or complementing the mood perfectly. The opening theme song, Soramimi Cake, is an energetic piece that fits the hyperactive mood of the series perfectly, with matching animation that is actually a one-and-a-half minute summary of the entire show. The closing theme, Raspberry Heaven, in many ways captures the quieter, more peaceful side of Azumanga Daioh that is less prominent but no less pertinent.

Unfortunately, Azumanga Daioh isn’t for everyone. Just as it may create an amazing sense of nostalgia for those who enjoyed high school, it may stir up unpleasant memories for those who did not. Others who prefer a coherent plot may not enjoy the format of five separate, albeit interrelated, vignettes per episode. Nor is the series an anime for beginners, since it requires a basic knowledge of Japanese culture and school life in Japan. Nevertheless, some things are universal, and the latter issue is one easily overcome.