Teasing Master Takagi-san was one of the most highly anticipated anime for the winter 2022 anime season, and it did not disappoint. The slice of life school anime remains one of the season's favorites.
For those still undecided, is Teasing Master Takagi-san actually any good? What is it that makes the anime worth watching? Here's what we think:
What Is Teasing Master Takagi-san All About?
"If you blush, you lose." This is the unspoken rule between Nishikata, a naive, easily embarrassed boy, and his schoolmate Takagi, a crafty girl who loves teasing him. For years, Nishikata has been on the losing side of Takagi's antics, always blushing first. One day, he hopes to get back at Takagi with some teasing of his own and make her blush instead.
Is Teasing Master Takagi-san Actually Any Good?
By reading the premise alone, some would dismiss the anime. After all, other anime like Don't Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro, have a dedicated fanbase, but also some serious criticism, with Nagatoro's antics occasionally bordering towards bullying. Thankfully, Teasing Master Takagi-san is less problematic.
As Takagi and Nishikata are middle schoolers, between the ages of 12 and 15 as the story progresses, this is a much more innocent and less suggestive story than the blurb would have you think. Fans describe Teasing Master Takagi-san as a wholesome story that puts a smile on their faces. The show has been praised for its overall believable portrayal of childhood, and it is simply entertaining to watch.
The art is quite cute, and the main characters are portrayed by talented voice actors who add to their fun with their performances. Moreover, in comparison with the ongoing Teasing Master Takagi-san manga, the anime shows some progression and continuity, bringing Takagi and Nishikata closer to ending up together. The side characters are well-done as well, with many fans wanting to see more of them.
Overall, Teasing Master Takagi-san is a carefree, relaxing viewing experience that might make you nostalgic about your school days.
Are There Any Negatives?
That depends on your definition of a good anime, and a good time. If you want a show with complex mind-games and an intricate plot or a story that will invite you to think about difficult topics, Teasing Master Takagi-san might not be right for you.
The anime doesn't have much of a plot. Each episode of Teasing Master Takagi-san features short segments with glimpses into the characters' lives, and only in later episodes does their budding romance progresses. This lack of a plot isn't necessarily negative, because the anime doesn't pretend to be complex, nor does it promise any violent plot twists. It's simply funny and wholesome and it doesn't need much of a story to achieve that.
Of course, some viewers might find the formula a bit repetitive after a while. Moreover, the fact that Takagi keeps distracting Nishikata and making them uncomfortable might not sit well with some viewers, even if it doesn't go to extreme lengths like other similar anime.
Related: When Will Teasing Master Takagi-san Season 3 Be Dubbed in English?
Is Teasing Master Takagi-san Worth Watching?
That depends on what you're looking for. Teasing Master Takagi-san is ideal for fans of school anime and slow-burn first romances. The comedic elements will keep you entertained, and the short segments mean that you don't have to be overly concentrated, making the show a nice stress relief.
Teasing Master Takagi-san isn't for those who want every story to have a complex plot, or provide food for serious thought, but, if the elements above sound good to you, you should definitely give the anime a try. And, if you're already enjoying the show, we've compiled a list of anime like Teasing Master Takagi-san you should start watching!
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