We All Live in the Kawai Complex: A thorough analysis of the appeal of the video bonuses on each Blu-ray/DVD volume!

We All Live in the Kawai Complex: A thorough analysis of the appeal of the video bonuses on each Blu-ray/DVD volume!

The appeal and evaluation of the OVA "We All Live in Kawai Complex"

Introduction

"We All Live in Kawai-sou" is an OVA based on the popular manga by Miyahara Ruri. Released on Blu-ray and DVD in 2014, this OVA draws out the charm of the original work to the fullest while depicting the daily lives of the Kawai-sou residents from a new perspective. In this article, we will explain in detail the details and appeal of this OVA, as well as the recommended points for viewers.

Overview

■ Public Media
OVA
■ Original Media
comics
■ Release date
July 2, 2014
BD/DVD bonus footage
■Release and sales
Pony Canyon
■Frequencies
5 mins
■ Number of Episodes
Episode 7
■Original Story
Miyahara Ruri "We are all Kawai-sou" (serialized in "Young King Ours" / Shonen Gahosha)
■ Director
Shigeyuki Miya
■ Production
・Animation Production: Brain's Base
■Works
©Ruri Miyahara, Shonen Gahosha/The Committee is All About Kawai House
■ Story

When his parents are transferred, Usa, a high school freshman, begins living alone, a dream come true. He ends up living in Kawai-sou, a boarding house with free meals, a rarity these days. His crush, Ritsu, also lives in Kawai-sou, and Usa dreams of a fun high school life, but...?? In addition to Ritsu, Kawai-sou is surrounded by other unfortunate residents with strong personalities, including Usa's masochistic roommate Kinosaki, the beautiful and busty but alcoholic Mayumi who has no luck with men, and the scheming female college student Ayaka...! Will Usa be able to live the high school life he's always dreamed of?!

■Explanation

"We All Live in Kawai Complex" OVA included on Blu-ray & DVD.

■Cast

Kazunari Usa, Yuichi Iguchi, Ritsu Kawai, Kana Hanazawa, Kinosaki, Go Shinomiya, Mayumi Nishikino, Rina Sato, Sayaka Watanabe, Hisako Kanemoto, Sumiko Kawai, Sanae Kobayashi, Chinatsu, Ai Shimizu, Hayashi, Manami Numakura, Yamamoto (Hojo), Hikaru Midorikawa, Saionji (Kurokawa), Takashi Kondo

■ Main staff

・Original story: Ruri Miyahara "We are all Kawai-sou" (serialized in "Young King Ours" / Shonen Gahosha)
Director: Shigeyuki Miya; Series composition, scriptwriter: Takeshi Konota; Art director: Masaki Mayuzumi; Color design: Kayoko Nishi; Director of photography: Shigeki Asakawa; Animation production: Brain's Base

■ Main Characters

A normal high school freshman who has to move into Kawai House due to Usa Kazuchika's job transfer. He admires his senior, Ritsu, who also lives in Kawai House.
Ritsu Kawai is a second-year student at the same high school as Usa. He is always reading books, and because of that, he has no friends. He is unsociable and expressionless, but occasionally shows a glimpse of the cuteness of a typical high school student. Ritsu's mother is the landlord of Kawai House.
・Kinosaki Usa's roommate, nicknamed "Shiro". Occupation unknown. A true masochist. Basically harmless, but would rather be harmed.
Mayumi Nishikino is a beautiful, busty office lady with glasses. However, she has no luck with men and is always being pushed around and dumped by them, so her emotions are intense, and sometimes Usa and Shiro become victims of those emotions.
Watanabe Ayaka: At first glance, she appears to be a cute female college student, but she also shows a cunning and sinister side when it comes to dealing with men, and she accurately criticizes Mayumi's "useless man catcher" behavior.
She is the caretaker of Kawai House, and takes care of everyone's meals and daily life. Ritsuko is her great-niece.
・Chinatsu・Hayashi・Yamamoto (Hojo)
・Saionji (Kurokawa)

■Subtitle

・Shiro-san and Me (1) (2014/07/02)
・Shiro-san and Me (2) (2014/07/02)
・Shiro-san and Me (3) (2014/07/02)
・Shiro-san and Me (4) (2014/08/06)
・Kawai-so Girls Talk (2014/08/06)
・Ms. Sumiko from Kawai-so (2014/09/03)
・Shiro-san and Me (5) (2014/09/03)
・Little Devil♥Mayumi (2014/10/01)
・Little Devil♥Sayaka-chan(2014/10/01)
・My friend was a masochist (2014/11/05)
・Shiro-san and Me (6) (2014/11/05)
・Shiro-san and Me (7) (2014/12/03)
・Shiro-san and Me (8) (2014/12/03)
・The Two of Us at That Time (2015/01/30)

Appeal of the work

The OVA of "We All Live in Kawai-sou" skillfully animates the humor of the original work and the individuality of the characters. In particular, although each episode is short, it provides viewers with laughter and empathy by depicting the daily lives of the Kawai-sou residents. Below are some specific features that make the work appealing.

1. The appeal of the characters

Each resident of Kawai-sou has a strong personality, and the comedic elements that arise from their clashes are a major part of the series' appeal. In particular, the main character, Usa Kazunari, is relatable as an upstanding high school student who is pushed around by the eccentric residents of Kawai-sou. Additionally, each character has their own distinct characteristics, such as Ritsu's expressionless face but occasional cuteness, Kinosaki's masochistic nature, Mayumi's lack of luck with men, and Ayaka's dark side. The drama woven by these characters will keep viewers entertained.

2. Authenticity to the original work

OVAs faithfully reproduce the episodes of the original work, while taking advantage of the expressive power of anime to bring out new charms. In particular, the comedy scenes from the original work, as well as the expressions and movements of the characters, are made even more interesting by the animation. In addition, the OVA's unique story unfolds without compromising the atmosphere of the original work, allowing fans of the original work to enjoy it from a new perspective.

3. Voice acting

The cast of voice actors also adds to the appeal of the work. In particular, the performances of Iguchi Yuichi as Usa Kazunari, Hanazawa Kana as Kawai Ritsu, Shinomiya Go as Kinosaki, Sato Rina as Nishikino Mayumi, and Kanemoto Hisako as Watanabe Ayaka stand out, bringing out the best in each character's personality. Shinomiya Go's performance, expressing Kinosaki's masochistic nature, leaves a particularly strong impression on viewers. Sato Rina's performance, which realistically portrays Mayumi's emotional ups and downs, is also not to be missed.

4. A short but dense story

Although each episode is only five minutes long, it has a dense storyline. In particular, the "Shiro-san and Me" series depicts the strange relationship between Usa and Kinosaki, making viewers laugh. Additionally, "Kawai-sou Girls Talk" and "Kawai-sou no Sumiko-san" depict the daily lives of the female characters, delving deeply into their personalities and relationships. These short episodes pile up to make the lives of the Kawai-sou residents feel real.

Rating and Recommended Points

The OVA of "We All Live in Kawai-sou" is a work that can be recommended not only to fans of the original work, but also to people who like anime and comedies. Below are specific evaluations and recommended points.

1. Evaluation

This OVA brings out the best of the original work while taking advantage of the expressive power that only anime can offer. The characters' personalities stand out, and there are plenty of gag scenes that will make viewers laugh. Although it's short, it has a dense story that will keep viewers entertained. The voice actors' performances are also excellent, further enhancing the charm of the characters. Overall, this is a work that deserves very high praise.

2. Recommended points

・A must-see for fans of the original work: While faithfully recreating episodes from the original work, it brings out new charms that are unique to anime. This is a work that fans of the original work cannot miss.
・For comedy fans: The comedic elements that arise from the clash of characters' personalities are a major attraction. Recommended for people who like to laugh.
・Enjoy in a short time: Each episode is only 5 minutes long, but it has a dense story. Even busy people can enjoy it easily.
・Enjoy the voice actors' performances: The voice actors in the cast deliver performances that bring out the individuality of the characters to the fullest. Recommended for those who want to enjoy the voice actors' performances.

Conclusion

The OVA of "We All Live in Kawai Complex" brings out the charm of the original work to the fullest while taking advantage of the expressive power that only anime can offer. The characters' personalities stand out, and there are plenty of gag scenes that will make viewers laugh. In addition, the story is short but dense, so viewers won't get bored. The voice actors' performances are also excellent, further enhancing the charm of the characters. This is a work that can be recommended not only to fans of the original work, but also to people who like anime and comedies. Please give it a watch.

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