The appeal and reviews of "My Roommate is My Knee, Sometimes, on My Head": The pinnacle of healing anime

"My roommate is sometimes on my lap, sometimes on my head." - A story of everyday life filled with healing and warmth

■Overview of the work

"My Roommate is a Cat" is a TV anime series based on the original story by Minatsuki and the manga by Futatsuya Asu. It aired for 12 episodes from January 9 to March 27, 2019. It was broadcast on AT-X and TOKYO MX for 30 minutes every week. The series tells the heartwarming story of the cohabitation of a mystery writer, Sou Tsuki, who is not good with strangers, and a cat named Haru, who has survived a harsh life on the street.

■ Story

"My Roommate is on My Lap, Sometimes on My Head" is the story of a shy novelist, Subaru Tsuji, who is not good with strangers, and a stray cat named Haru who was abandoned in the past, who meet and start living together. Subaru lost his parents in an accident while traveling and has been living alone. However, he meets Haru by chance, who inspires him to write, and they start living together. Haru is a sharp-eyed cat who has led a harsh life as a stray, but is touched by Subaru's kindness and begins to look after him in his own way. The story depicts how the bond between the two as a family deepens as they spend small moments together through their daily lives.

■ Characters

・Great

Voice actor: Kensho Ono

A mystery writer who has difficulty socializing. After losing his parents in an accident while traveling, he lives alone. He meets a stray cat named Haru by chance, which inspires him to write, and they begin living together. Through his life with Haru, Subaru gradually opens up to her. The story carefully depicts the delicate movements of his heart and his love for Haru.

Haru

Voice actor: Haruka Yamazaki

A female cat with sharp eyes who has led a harsh life as a stray. By chance, she is picked up by Subaru and they begin living together. Despite being human, Subaru can't be left alone, so Haru begins to take care of him in her own way. The story also depicts life with Subaru from Haru's perspective, providing a fresh look at the relationship between humans and cats from a cat's perspective.

・Atsushi Kawase

Voice actor: Hiro Shimono

He is Subaru's editor at Koguma Publishing. He is an avid cat lover who proactively interacts with the shy Subaru, and dotes on Haru. Kawase's presence plays an important role in connecting Subaru to society. His bright personality adds color to the story.

・Yasaka Taito

Voice actor: Shun Horie

Subaru's childhood friend. Although he seems rough around the edges, he is sociable and cares about Subaru, who has lost his parents. His presence helps Subaru escape from his loneliness. His friendship is an important element of the story.

・Nana Oshimori

Voice actor: Anzai Chika

A pet shop clerk. She gives advice to Subaru, who is worried about starting to live with a cat. She lives with two cats, Roku and Hachi. Nana's presence is important as she supports Subaru in enjoying life with cats. Her knowledge and kindness support the story.

■ Production staff

Many talented staff members were involved in the production of this work. The director is Suzuki Kaoru, the series composition is Akao Deko, the character design and general animation director is Kitao Masaru, the sub-character design and prop design is Nishino Misaki, the art director is Gourokuhiro, the art setting is Kesamaru Emi, the color director is Furukawa Atsushi, the color design is Tsujita Kunio, the director of photography is Kunishige Motohiro, the editor is Utsunomiya Masaki, the sound director is Naya Ryosuke, the sound production is Studio Mouse, the music is Kotringo, the music production is Avex Pictures, the animation production is Zero G, and the production is Hizaue Production Committee. These staff members came together to create a heartwarming story.

■ Episode

Each episode depicts the daily lives of Subaru and Haru while carefully depicting the deepening relationship between the two. Below are the subtitles and broadcast dates for each episode.

• Episode 1: "Encounter with the Unknown" (2019/01/10)
• Episode 2 "I'm calling you" (2019/01/17)
• Episode 3 "Touching You" (2019/01/24)
• Episode 4 "For You" (2019/01/31)
• Episode 5: "What I want to tell you" (2019/02/07)
• Episode 6: "Connected Things" (2019/02/14)
• Episode 7: "You who are not under my control" (2019/02/21)
• Episode 8 "Because You're Here" (2019/02/28)
• Episode 9: "I Offer It to You" (2019/03/07)
• Episode 10 "Dinner Together" (2019/03/14)
• Episode 11 "Circling Feelings" (2019/03/21)
• Episode 12 "You and Me" (2019/03/28)

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme "Unknown World" was written, composed, and arranged by Iori Kanzaki, and sung by Schrödinger's Cat adding Kotoringo. The ending theme "Next to You, My Place" was written by Yoshino Nanjo, composed and arranged by Hanako Oku, and sung by Yoshino Nanjo. These songs further enhance the atmosphere of the story.

■ Evaluation and impressions

"My Roommate is a Cat" has been well received by many viewers as a story of everyday life filled with healing and warmth. In particular, the careful portrayal of the relationship between Subaru and Haru has been praised. The alternating portrayal of Subaru's delicate emotional movements and Haru's feline perspective allows viewers to empathize deeply with the lives of the two men. The presence of supporting characters such as Kawase Atsushi, Yasaka Taito, and Oshimori Nana also enriches the story. Their presence supports the lives of Subaru and Haru and adds color to the story.

This work is filled with a message about valuing the small joys of everyday life, and will warm the hearts of viewers. In particular, people who live with pets will find the film touching and relatable, with many scenes that will move them. Subaru's creative work may also serve as an opportunity to reexamine your own life.

■ Recommendation points

The reasons why we recommend "My Roommate is on My Lap, Sometimes on My Head" are as follows:

• A story of everyday life filled with healing and warmth
• The relationship between Subaru and Haru is carefully depicted.
• A fresh look at the relationship between humans and cats from their perspective
• The presence of supporting characters enriches the story.
• The message is to cherish the small joys of everyday life.
• There are many scenes that people who live with pets can relate to.
• Subaru's creative activities give me the opportunity to reexamine my own life.

Related information

The original manga of "My Roommate is My Knees, Sometimes My Head" is currently being serialized in Comic Polaris and has been well received. Even after it was made into an anime, it has been supported by many fans and has been receiving a great response, with a decision to reprint it. In addition, the Blu-ray and DVD have also been released, making it a must-see item for fans. In addition, merchandise and collaboration cafes have been developed, allowing you to enjoy the world of the work even more deeply.

This work will provide a heartwarming moment for those who are looking for healing and warmth. Through the daily lives of Subaru and Haru, viewers will be able to reexamine their own lives and learn to cherish the small joys. "My Roommate is on My Lap, Sometimes on My Head" is a work recommended for anyone looking for a heartwarming story.