Tamako Market

Dera is a royal bird from an island in the South and he's been given the mission to find a bride for his Prince. But when he bumps into Tamako, the mochi makers daughter he decides to join the many occupants of Usagiyami District. Talking birds aside, Tamako is living a normal peaceful life. Growing up is never easy yet Tamako still fills her days with fun with all the occupants of Usagiyami  District. With her two best friends, Midori and Kanna, Tamako goes to school and Baton club while at home she makes mochi with her sister Anko experimenting with new flavours for her family's mochi shop. Also, just across the road is the rival mochi shop "Rice Cakes Oh! Zee" and home of Tamako's childhood friend Mochizou. But more than childhood friends, Tamako is Mochizou s crush!  But basically every episode tells the tale of Dera causing nothing but trouble while Tamako organises all manner of events to encourage more customers.

You've got to love slice-of-life's really, there is no focus on plot, it's all about having fun. The show is as a welcoming as the characters in it and you immediately feel like a member of the -- district.  Tamako Market is very reminiscent of K-ON to me, (school girls having fun with a mission but no real progress) but it has very little focus on the girls' school activities. Also, the occasionally present love story (and later love triangle) is sweet but not over played. But the most novel addition to this show is the talking bird and that part of the story. The bird is amusing in himself with all his strange ideas but the story attached to him is even more ridiculous. I have not yet met this Prince, but I really hope he is eccentric enough to not be overshadowed by his bird! Dera does have some brilliant jokes. For example, when Tamako explains that the statues are used to protect you from bad things Dera retorts that they are heavy enough to throw at your enemies!! I love Tamako, she's ditzy and cheerful and looks like just the sort of person I'd get along with but we see so many characters like her. Talking birds full of arrogance and ignorance are completely new, as such, Dera is easily the best character in the show!
The art also makes me think of K-ON but I suppose that's to be expected since it's not only a similar genre but also the same people making it! Just like the how, the art is sweet and laidback. Everything is bright and happy. The animation is fluid, but then, there's really not many scenes where much animation is needed! The -- Districts holds host to a wide range of character designs. There's afros, trans' and old men showing off a range of comedic art. The bird is really cute as well! I love the pink tinted wings and it's fluttering eyes that he uses when trying to win over the ladies. It's brilliant, it really is.
Slice-of-life's can become quite monotonous  but Tamako Market has a fair few novelties. I already told you how rare talking animals are, but this one's royalty!! I believe this is my first experience of a love line being used so casually as well. Right from the get-go this anime is full of fun energy whilst still holding the peaceful lethargy of a slice-of-life. Just watching the OP you can see how much chaotic fun the show is! It really has a bit of something for every one and as a this season anime, you should watch it while it's still hot!

(sorry, no sub, it's too new!)

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