Taishi Tsutsui’s manga, We Never Learn, also known as Bokuben, has charmed many with its blend of humor, heart, and relatable characters navigating the pressures of academic life. Recognizing its potential, Studio Silver and Arvo Animation, under the direction of Yoshiaki Iwasaki, adapted this beloved series into an anime. With Gō Zappa, known for Blend S, handling the scripts, the We Never Learn Anime aimed to not just replicate the manga’s success, but to elevate it. This review dives into whether the anime adaptation truly earns a spot on the Dean’s List of must-watch series.
Like its manga counterpart, the We Never Learn anime centers around Nariyuki Yuiga, voiced by Ryōta Ōsaka, a diligent high school senior striving for a prestigious scholarship. His academic prowess becomes his ticket to opportunity, but with a significant condition. To secure his future, Nariyuki must tutor three brilliant yet academically challenged young women: Fumino Furuhashi (Haruka Shiraishi), a literary genius struggling with mathematics; Rizu Ogata (Miyu Tomita), a science prodigy baffled by arts and humanities; and Uruka Takemoto (Sayumi Suzushiro), an athletic star whose academic performance lags behind her swimming skills. Each girl harbors dreams of entering specific college programs aligned with their passions, making Nariyuki’s tutoring crucial to their aspirations.
At first glance, We Never Learn anime might appear as another run-of-the-mill high school anime with a tutoring premise and romantic undertones. However, what distinguishes this series is the depth given to the characters’ motivations. Unlike typical harems, the focus isn’t solely on romantic entanglements but on the genuine academic and personal growth of Fumino, Rizu, and Uruka. Fumino’s struggle with math stands in stark contrast to her celestial aspirations in astrophysics. Rizu’s difficulty grasping emotional nuances through literature clashes with her desire to understand the human heart. Uruka’s athletic dreams are jeopardized by her poor grades, highlighting the academic hurdles even talented individuals face.
Nariyuki’s role transcends that of a mere tutor; he becomes a catalyst for their development. He carries the weight of their academic futures alongside his own scholarship ambitions. The series beautifully portrays their collective can-do spirit, showcasing how mutual support and friendship can overcome academic and personal challenges. Despite humorous misunderstandings and romantic mishaps, their bond as friends and study partners remains the heartwarming core of We Never Learn anime. The title itself is playfully ironic, as the series demonstrates significant learning and evolution within its characters.
Scriptwriter Gō Zappa deserves particular praise for streamlining the narrative in the We Never Learn anime. He adeptly refines some of the manga’s more protracted storylines, enhancing the pacing for anime format. Conflicts that felt drawn-out in the manga, such as those involving former tutor Mafuyu, are resolved more efficiently, maintaining narrative momentum. Zappa’s skillful adaptation extends to pacing issues present in the original manga, cleverly condensing or integrating less crucial chapters into the main plot, resulting in a tighter and more engaging viewing experience. The narrative improvements made in the We Never Learn anime showcases a deep understanding of adapting manga to anime effectively.
Director Yoshiaki Iwasaki’s rom-com expertise, reminiscent of Love Hina, infuses We Never Learn anime with familiar comedic charm. While romantic feelings do blossom among the girls for Nariyuki, they develop organically and sweetly, avoiding forced or abrupt scenarios. The anime realistically portrays the gradual unfolding of emotions, building a believable romantic tension that crescendos at just the right moments. These “aha!” moments of romantic realization are genuinely heartwarming rather than cliché, adding emotional depth to the comedic framework of We Never Learn anime.
Of course, We Never Learn anime incorporates fan-service elements, a common trope in rom-com anime. Visual gags involving boob jokes, accidental nudity, and steam-filled scenes are present. However, Iwasaki’s direction elevates these potentially overused tropes with fresh comedic timing and execution. A notable example is the bath scene where Nariyuki and the girls test a study theory, resulting in hilarious phone interactions and perfectly timed facial expressions that make even predictable jokes feel genuinely funny.
The voice cast enhances the anime’s appeal significantly. Ryōta Ōsaka’s portrayal of Nariyuki exudes a dependable older brother vibe, capturing his maturity and occasional exasperation effectively. Haruka Shiraishi’s Fumino is both endearingly air-headed and genuinely kind-hearted. Sayumi Suzushiro’s Uruka bursts with the energy and spunk that define her athletic character. However, Miyu Tomita’s Rizu stands out with her adorably sweet and occasionally pouty demeanor, making her character incredibly endearing and a highlight of the We Never Learn anime.
Visually, the collaboration between Studio Silver and Arvo Animation effectively captures the spirit of We Never Learn anime. The comedic moments are animated with vibrant energy, reminiscent of classic early 2000s rom-coms but with a modern, polished aesthetic. While some backgrounds might occasionally appear less detailed, the expressive character animation and dynamic voice acting compensate for minor visual shortcomings. Overall, the animation successfully brings Taishi Tsutsui’s characters to life with fidelity and charm.
Masato Nakayama’s score for We Never Learn anime provides a pleasant backdrop to the comedic and heartwarming scenes. While fitting, the soundtrack doesn’t particularly stand out compared to other memorable rom-com scores. However, the opening and ending themes performed by the voice actresses Shiraishi, Tomita, and Suzushiro, under the group name STUDY, are exceptionally catchy. “Seishun Seminar,” the opening theme, sets an upbeat tone for each episode, while “Never Give It Up!!” provides an energetic and danceable closing.
In conclusion, We Never Learn anime is not just a good manga adaptation; it’s arguably a superior experience. Packed with genuine laughs, heartwarming moments, and well-developed characters, this adaptation polishes its source material to a high sheen. While viewers might find themselves debating which girl is best suited for Nariyuki, they will undoubtedly find joy in the characters’ evolving relationships and personal growth throughout the series. Drawing inspiration from classic rom-com formulas while adding its own smart and playful twists, We Never Learn anime delivers an enjoyable and engaging experience for any anime enthusiast. You can watch We Never Learn anime on Crunchyroll, VRV, Hulu, and FunimationNow.
Story: 4/5
Script: 4.5/5
Animation: 3.5/5
Voice Acting: 5/5
Soundtrack: 3/5
Overall: 4/5 (Excellent)
