"We Never Learn": What is the appeal of this youth comedy that explores the balance between studies and love?

"We Never Learn": A love comedy about geniuses who are incompetent

"We Never Learn" is a TV anime series that aired in 2019, based on the manga of the same name by Taishi Tsutsui. The series aired from April 7 to June 30, 2019, with a total of 13 episodes airing every Sunday from 12:30am on TOKYO MX and AT-X. This anime entertained many viewers as a romantic comedy about geniuses who are "bad" at both studying and love.

story

The protagonist, Nariyuki Yuiga, is a third-year high school student who aims to get a "special VIP recommendation" that will exempt him from university tuition fees for the sake of his family. To do so, he decides to become a tutor for his classmates who are struggling with their entrance exam studies. The students he will be tutoring are the most talented and beautiful girls in the school. These girls include Fumino Furuhashi, the "Sleeping Beauty of the Forest of Literature," and Rizu Ogata, the "Clockwork Thumbelina." However, they are completely useless when it comes to subjects they are weak at, and Nariyuki is at the mercy of these unique "incompetent girls," but he works hard to help them pass the entrance exams.

cast

The voice actors for the main characters are as follows:

• Yuiga Nariyuki: Ryota Osaka
• Fumino Furuhashi: Haruka Shiraishi
• Rizu Ogata: Miyu Tomita
• Uruka Takemoto: Sayumi Suzushiro
• Kirisu Mafuyu: Lynn
• Asami Kominami: Ayaka Asai

Main Characters

Below are details about the main characters:

Yuiga Nariyuki

Although Nariyuki does not have any special talent, he is a brilliant student who scores over 80% in almost all subjects. He is aiming for a "special VIP recommendation" for his family, and has a serious and caring personality. However, he is so enthusiastic as a teacher that he is insensitive to his own love life. His efforts and dedication are at the heart of the story and will move the audience.

Fumino Furuhashi

Fumino is known as the "Sleeping Beauty of the Forest of Literature" and is a genius in the humanities. Her writings move the hearts of all who read and hear them. However, she is extremely weak when it comes to science subjects, and just looking at a mathematical formula makes her mind go blank. She has a bright and friendly personality, but sometimes she can say some harsh things.

Ogata Rizu

Rizu is a science genius nicknamed the "Clockwork Thumbelina," and can instantly solve even difficult mathematical equations. She is steeped in science-based thinking, and has a serious and somewhat stubborn personality. Because of this, she is particularly bad at liberal arts subjects that involve reading people's minds. She is also not very good at analog games, which she loves, as she is not very good at bargaining.

Uruka Takemoto

Uruka is a swimming genius who is called the "Silver Black Mermaid Princess." She is completely devoted to swimming and is not good at studying, but she is studying English hard in order to get a sports recommendation. She has been dating Nariyuki since middle school and secretly has feelings for him. She has a lively and unpretentious personality, but when it comes to love, she becomes a girly-girl all at once.

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

• Episode 1: Genius and [X] are two sides of the same coin
• Episode 2: If a fish has a heart, a genius has a heart [X]
• Episode 3: A genius realizes that [X] can understand him too
• Episode 4: What she wants from a genius is [X]
• Episode 5: Genius of the Forest is lost in [X]
• Episode 6: This is why geniuses [X] can't study
• Episode 7: The predecessor's secret area is in a state of [X]
• Episode 8: The genius's every move can sometimes toy with [X]
• Episode 9: In the forbidden land, he fights for [X]
• Episode 10: The lost lamb meets [X] in the new world
• Episode 11: A dignified senior sometimes bows down to [X]
• Episode 12: Geniuses sometimes share and reminisce about [X]
• Episode 13: In the eyes of a genius, all the light in the sky is [X]

Theme songs and music

The opening and ending themes are as follows:

• OP: "Can now, Can now" / Sung by: Study (Period: Episodes 1-13)
• ED: "After School Liberty" / Sung by halca (Period: Episodes 1-13)

Production information

The director is Yoshiaki Iwasaki, and the animation is by stsilver and Arbo Animation. Copyright © Taishi Tsutsui / Shueisha, We Never Learn Production Committee.

Evaluation and Impressions

"We Never Learn" has received critical acclaim as a romantic comedy with themes of studying and romance. In particular, the characters' distinctive personalities left a strong impression on viewers. Nariyuki's devoted attitude and the incompetent side of the geniuses are depicted in a comical way, providing laughter and emotion at the same time. Additionally, the growth of each character and the changes in their relationships are carefully depicted, adding depth to the story.

The anime's visual appeal is also great, with beautiful character designs and background art. The opening and ending songs also match the atmosphere of the work, further enriching the viewing experience.

Recommended points

Here are some reasons why I recommend this anime:

• Character appeal : Each character is unique and leaves a strong impression on the viewer. In particular, Nariyuki's seriousness, Fumino's literary talent, Rizu's science-mindedness, and Uruka's liveliness are all attractive.
• Comedy elements : The geniuses' clumsy side is depicted in a comical way, making you laugh endlessly. Especially the failures in their studies and the slapstick love scenes are highlights.
• Emotional elements : Nariyuki's efforts and the growth of the characters are very moving. In particular, the climax in the final episode moved many viewers to tears.
• Visuals and Music : Beautiful character designs, background art, and opening and ending songs add to the appeal of the work.

Related information

The original manga of "We Never Learn" was serialized in Shueisha's "Weekly Shonen Jump" and many tankobon volumes have been published. In 2020, a sequel, "We Never Learn!", was broadcast, and in 2022, a sequel to "We Never Learn!", "We Never Learn! 2nd Season", was broadcast. These series have also been highly acclaimed and are must-watch for fans.

Furthermore, there are many related goods and events, and the fan community is very active. Character songs, drama CDs, and figures are especially popular.

summary

"We Never Learn" was loved by many viewers as a romantic comedy with themes of studying and romance. The characters' personalities, comedic elements, and moving elements are exquisitely combined to enrich the viewing experience. The visuals and music are also attractive, and the work boasts high quality overall. You can also enjoy the original manga and sequel anime, so be sure to check them out.