Shoshimin episode 1 review: A promising mystery anime that still can't be compared to Hyouka

Modified Jul 07, 2024 17:30 GMT

Shoshimin (Image via Lapin Track) — Shoshimin (Image via Studio Lapin Track)

Shoshimin episode 1 premiered on July 7, 2024, amidst considerable hype built up through its promotional efforts. It is safe to say that this first episode did have its ups and downs as the animanga community waited with bated breath. The anime had a few hurdles to cross to deliver a product that does justice to the source material and episode 1 was a test of just that.

Studio Lapin Track assumed the responsibility of bringing Honobu Yonezawa's series to life. Off the success of Undead Girl Murder Farce and I'm Kodama Kawashiri, hopes were high for this release. While the initial episode was shrouded in considerable mystery, it still managed to draw in a positive response.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the opinions of the author.

Shoshimin episode 1: Brief recap

Jogoro Kobato and Yuki Osanai (Image via Studio Lapin Track)

Titled Sheep Costume, Shoshimin episode 1 quickly introduced its three main characters - Jogoro Kobato, Yuki Osanai, and Dojima Kengo. The trio had been accepted into Funato High School. Moving forward, Jogoro's observational skills were fully on display when he pinpointed exactly the type of sweets Yuki liked.

True to the series title, the light was shed on the "rules" to being ordinary, i.e., blending into the every day and abstaining from causing disturbances. Just past this point, as Jogoro and Yuki were heading to buy limited edition strawberry tarts, Kengo approached the former with a case - to locate a missing pochette.

The involved parties came back empty-handed after a thorough search. But this was where Jogoro's deduction abilities shone brightly. The pochette's owner was the subject of someone's affection, but the latter was unaware of how to make those feelings known.

Shoshimin episode 1 concluded with a mix of feelings - first, there was mention of a "promise" between Jogoro and Yuki on their path to becoming ordinary, and second, the strawberry tarts they strove hard to get were ultimately destroyed.

Shoshimin episode 1 review: Animation and direction - a good start

Shoshimin episode 1 is a visual treat. The use of light and shadow to establish mood, tone, and time of day was extremely fulfilling. Direction is splendid and dialogue majorly drives the story. The characters' eye colors appear unique and are a great touch. Overall, the animation is stunning, smooth, and polished.

In comparison to Lapin Track's Undead Girl Murder Farce which was ostentatious and visually inventive, Shoshimin appears a bit more subdued and tame but equally beautiful. However, for the time being, Shoshimin episode 1 looks to have kicked things off on a suitably positive note.

Shoshimin episode 1 review: Characters and plot - a tad ambiguous

This first episode was largely shrouded in mystery, featuring 2 major events - the stolen pochette and the strawberry tarts. The stolen pochette was a mundane incident portrayed to be needlessly complex. Although it revolved around a nervous love confession, it was given the seriousness of a whodunit.

The tragedy of the strawberry tarts was far more important, given Yuki's feelings towards it. Further, the episode does not let off much about the main duo (Jogoro and Yuki), apart from the fact that they are striving to "become ordinary".

Final thoughts

Yuki Osanai (Image via Studio Lapin Track)

Shoshimin episode 1 looks to be off to a promising start, with the studio's attention to detail and Mamoru Kanbe's direction, the anime has raised anticipation among the fans. Elsewhere, while the positive shines bright, the initial rocky bits cannot be ignored. The series starts off a bit ambiguous, with little knowledge about the characters or the story as a whole.

When comparing it to Hyouka, Shoshimin seems to lack the pull to keep viewers interested, at least initially. The former's opening theme, setting, tone, mystery element, and character dynamic were placed well to hook in fans and keep them there till the very end. Only time will tell if Shoshimin can do the same.