Datte, Shitai - Review and recommendation as a touching family drama

"Datte Datte Shitai" - The sweet relationship between a sexy single father and his housekeeper

"Papa Datte, Shitai" is a web anime released in 2019, based on a manga by Serina Seo. It is a short but intense work with 8 episodes, each 15 minutes long. This anime depicts a sweet and heartbreaking story that unfolds between a single father and his housekeeper.

■ Story

"Even fathers... sometimes can't stand it."

The story begins when Asumi Koya, a university student working part-time as a housekeeper, visits the home of single father Naruse Keiichi and his son, Ichika. Naruse is busy every day with work and childcare, but Asumi can't help but notice his sexy appearance. Although Asumi is supposed to be straight, he can't help but be tempted when he notices Naruse's sexual frustration. Naruse is too erotic for a father!

■Cast

The role of Asumi Koya is played by Yamanaka Mahiro, the role of Naruse Keiichi is played by Terashima Junta, the role of Naruse Ichika is played by Furuki Nozomi, and the role of Yui Ryohei is played by Shirai Yusuke. In particular, the acting of Yamanaka Mahiro and Terashima Junta is very realistic in expressing the feelings of the characters, drawing the audience into the story.

■ Main staff

The original work is by Serina Seo, the director is Mitsutaka Noshitani, the script is by Ayumu Nishito, the character design is by Taihei Nagai, the sound production is by Studio Mouse, the sound director is Takahiro Enomoto, the production is by Picante Circus, the animation is by Magic Bus, and the production is by Suiseisha. Thanks to their hands, the charm of the original work is brought out to the fullest.

■ Main Characters

Asumi Koya is a fourth-year university student working part-time as a housekeeper. He is supposed to be straight, but he is drawn to Naruse's sex appeal. Naruse Keiichi is a single father who is busy juggling work and childcare, and sometimes gets into trouble because of his sex appeal. Naruse Ichika is Naruse's only son, and has a friendly and innocent personality. Yui Ryohei is Naruse's colleague, a father of two children, and a good confidant for Naruse.

■Subtitle

Episode 1: Even fathers have times when they can't stand it. (2019/01/06)
Episode 2: If we're alone, can I touch you? (2019/01/13)
Episode 3: "Dad, it's okay to be spoiled sometimes" (2019/01/20)
Episode 4: "I want to help in any way I can... From now on" (2019/01/27)
Episode 5: "It's not really a job, it's more..." (2019/02/03)
Episode 6: "Why... don't you understand that I'm serious?" (2019/02/10)
Episode 7: "I love you... I can't help it" (2019/02/17)
Episode 8: "I'm Ready" (2019/02/24)

■ Theme songs and music

The ending theme "Home sweet Home" was written by Rei Hinooka and composed and arranged by Koichi Morita. The song is sung by Mahiro Yamanaka, who plays Koya Asumi, and Junta Terashima, who plays Keiichi Naruse, further enhancing the sweet atmosphere of the story.

■Detailed story and character analysis

"Papa Datte, Shitai" centers around the relationship between Naruse Keiichi and Asumi Koya. Naruse Keiichi is a single father who is raising his son Ichika while also devoting himself to his work. However, his sexy appearance attracts not only Asumi Koya but also the viewers. Naruse's sex appeal symbolizes the loneliness and frustration he feels inside, which adds depth to the story.

At first, Asumi Koya visits the Naruse family as a straight man, but as he comes into contact with Naruse's sex appeal, he begins to notice new feelings within himself. His growth and struggles resonate with viewers. In particular, in episode 4, "I want to help in any way I can...from now on," Asumi's consideration for Naruse is strongly portrayed, and there are many scenes that touch the hearts of viewers.

Naruse Ichika is an innocent watcher of Naruse-san and Asumi's relationship. His purity adds warmth to the story. Yui Ryohei also serves as a confidant for Naruse-san, listening to his troubles and supporting him. Yui's presence eases Naruse-san's loneliness, while also being an important character for depicting his inner conflict in more depth.

■Animation and Music

Magic Bus, the animation production company, meticulously depicts the characters' expressions and movements, visually expressing the emotions of the story. In particular, the scenes expressing Naruse's sexiness are skillfully used with lighting and camerawork, capturing the hearts of viewers. Additionally, character design by Taihei Nagai highlights the individuality of the characters and adds depth to the story.

Studio Mouse, in charge of sound production, and Takahiro Enomoto, the sound director, effectively used background music and sound effects to enhance the atmosphere of the story. In particular, the ending theme "Home sweet Home" is a song that symbolizes the relationship between Asumi and Naruse-san, and is a song that will remain in the hearts of viewers.

■ Viewer reactions and ratings

"Papa Datte, Shitai" has been highly praised by viewers. In particular, Naruse's sex appeal and the story depicting Asumi's growth resonated with many viewers. The quality of the characters' acting and animation was also highly praised, with many viewers saying it was "worth watching" and "moving."

This work also garnered attention as a work belonging to the BL (Boys' Love) genre, with many BL fans saying things like, "It's a wonderful BL work drawn from a new perspective," and "I was drawn to Naruse's sexiness."

■ Recommendations and related works

"Papa Datte, Shitai" is recommended for those who are interested in BL works and adult anime. It will also be enjoyed by those who like works that depict the suffering and growth of single fathers. As for related works, the sequel to "Papa Datte, Shitai" also based on the original work by Serina Seo, and other works in the BL genre are also recommended.

Specifically, we recommend the following titles:

• "Papa Datte Shitai" sequel (original story: Serina Seio)
• "Love and Lies" (original work: Musawo)
• "Heaven's Great Demon Realm" (original work: Masakazu Ishiguro)

Conclusion

"Papa Datte, Shitai" depicts the sweet relationship between a single father and his housekeeper. The story, which depicts Naruse's sex appeal and Asumi's growth, deeply moves viewers. In addition, the quality of the character acting and animation is also high, and it has the power to draw viewers into the story. This is a work that I would highly recommend to those who are interested in BL works and adult anime, and those who like works that depict the suffering and growth of single fathers.