Ein Zeichen der Zuneigung

The best anime about a disabled girl still remains A Silent Voice and the best romance of this anime season is the second season of The Dangers in My Heart, however, Yubisaki to Renren still stands out as a remarkable anime romance with beautiful animation, captivating music, and a truly charming and adorable main heroine. Even the main hero is intriguing and refreshingly unique by the standards of typical Japanese anime, but considering his story, it's actually quite logical. Japanese people in general are very reserved and value their personal space very much. However, Itsuomi is an extrovert who doesn't seem to have much regard for personal space. He'll casually sling an arm around a stranger's shoulder on the street or playfully tousle a girl's hair upon first meeting her. For a Japanese person or even an average introverted viewer like myself, this behavior might come off as borderline creepy. However, it all makes sense when you consider Itsuomi's background. Raised in Germany since childhood, his extremely extroverted nature reflects a different set of cultural norms regarding behavior. This contrast is also evident in how affectionate Itsuomi is. It's a portrayal that seems to reflect the Japanese author's imagination of the average energetic German (or European in general) — a character sometimes depicted as a bit over-the-top and eccentric, even to us. Personally, I found Itsuomi incredibly likable. I appreciate open and honest characters who speak their mind, and I admire his efforts to explore the world and become a part of the heroine's life. The dynamic between the two romantic rivals, and even the societal views on a disabled girl, when one would prefer to keep her closed somewhere safe, while the other would like to show her the beauties of the world, was a fascinating aspect of the show. I only wish it had been further developed. The theme of unrequited love and how the characters navigate it is also well-executed. However, if I were to offer one minor criticism, it would be the lack of drama throughout the series. It almost feels like love and romance are portrayed as a leisurely stroll through a rose garden, viewed through rose-colored glasses in fifty shades of pink. Every rivalry and problem seems easily resolved with a calm, mature conversation or a few tears. It was all a bit too saccharine for my taste. While it did match the heroine's nature and all her blushing, I didn't notice any strong moment that would make me 100% sure that I wouldn't forget about the series. One notable detail that caught my eye from the trailer was the prominently drawn lips on the male characters. I initially thought this might be for better portrayal of lip reading, and while it is used once in the series, much more emphasis is placed on hands and sign language. Despite these critiques, Yubisaki no renren did not disappoint. It was a delightful romantic series deserving of my 8/10 rating. I hold back from a perfect score because I believe it could have delved deeper into certain aspects, which would make it stronger and more compelling. Nonetheless, it was a very enjoyable watch and definitely worth your time. (23.03.2024) (weniger) (mehr)