√ Kakushigoto - Series Review

Alternative Title: かくしごと

↓ Spoilers Ahead ↓

「 A quote from this series 」

"I'm going to continue keeping this a secret to protect that smile."

「 The Review 」

Synopsis

On her 18th birthday, Hime Gotou discovers what her father has been hiding from her for a very long time.

Story

If you're a parent who has a job in the present, or even from that past, you would like to keep a secret from your child, this show is for you.

Likewise, if you're an aspiring mangaka, and would like to know the ups and downs of having your own small company with assistants and an editor that could cause you a headache, then better check this out as well.

At its core, this is about a father pretending to be somebody in the eyes of his daughter, for the betterment of both of them while she's still not considered an adult -- sounds interesting enough, right?

Characters

The focus of this anime is on the manga author Kakushi Gotou and his daughter Hime Gotou. Take note, both of their names mean "secret" in Japanese.

Regarding the mc, he is a hard worker but is also overly cautious, and an overthinker. In short, he gives himself too much pressure, both physically and mentally. He even thinks his work doesn't have any hardcore fans -- this is something which I don't really like about him. As an adult, you cannot degrade yourself like that.

As a (single) parent though, I will give him an A+. For all the troubles he has to go through for the well-being of his child, he really deserves a Father of the Year award.

Speaking of his daughter, Hime is like a dream kid for most parents, if not all, she's truly kind and understanding.

When it comes to people working with Kakushi, it's Satsuki Tomaruin who will have the most spotlight. He's that supporting character you will see in most comedic scenes. (Mind you, he can be quite annoying, lol.)

And, last but not the least -- the gossipers! Yes, this bunch of ladies has a huge role here as well. For some reason, they can easily influence the mindset of our beloved pair.

Writing / Storyboarding

The storytelling here is pure genius. At the end of every episode, there's a scene regarding the present and it will make you wonder what it is all about. So, you will really stick with this show until the end. And believe me, it's worth it.

This anime likes to make fun of other famous titles as well.

I lost it when they parodied Jujutsu Kaisen, I mean that anime was released just a season after this, and they already made a joke about it.

Sadly, some funny scenes have become predictable though. They overused a pattern, like when they will say something's not gonna happen, in the next second, it will.

For the best episode, it's definitely the finale. I'd give it a score of 7 if only I could. It totally gave a different tone compared to the rest.

If I will compare this anime to Goto's work, episodes 1-11 were manga in black and white, while episode 12 was a colored issue.

Artwork / Animation

Some of the dramatic scenes here lacked an impact. I have a feeling it's because of how the characters' eyes were drawn in those scenes. They just felt sort of dead to me.

On the good side, the paintings here looked impressive.

Music / Sound

The ending song Kimi wa Tennenshoku (Your Natural Colors) by Eiichi Ootaki was amazing. It reminded me of the opening song from Satoshi Kon's Paranoia Agent. They don't sound alike, but both have jolly music, yet contain deep, sensical lyrics. It's so beautiful, I increase the volume when it's about to play.

Episode Ratings

1 - Secrets / Wishes - 5
2 - Beach Sandals and B4 / Don’t Place, Don’t Draw, Don’t Finish Up - 4
3 - Makeshift Circus / The True State of Manga and Muscles - 4
4 - Normale Namae / Komawari Sketch - 4.5
5 - And Yet Everyone Gets Their Turn in the End / You’re Spending the Night! - 5
6 - School Rucksack - 5
7 - Inuhoshiki: Dog Wanted / The One Who Connects Mother and Child - 5
8 - Our Rough Draft / Unfortunate Memories Club - 5
9 - Your Lie in December - 4
10 - I"S (Izu) - 4
11 - Saishukai: The Last Chapter Doesn't Bother Her - 4
12 - Hidden Truths - 5

PS: If you want another show about manga artists, I recommend the rom-com anime Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun (Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun).

Tights (the main character in Kakushi's gag manga) reminds me of the Pink Guy (Filthy Frank).

「 Series Rating 」

An otaku since the mid-90's. I consider Evangelion as the most influential anime. My favorite classic films are Laputa: Castle in the Sky and Spirited Away.