Synopsis: Koshi Torako has everyone fooled. Her classmates see her as the perfect honor student, unaware of her secret delinquent past. But her new picturesque school life is thrown into chaos when she bumps into Shikanoko Noko, a girl with antlers! Mayhem seems to follow this strange doe-eyed girl. Who, or what, is she?
“Shikanoko” is a unique and unconventional anime that leans heavily into absurdist humor. The show centers around deers, with a narrative that often defies logic, making it a pure comedic experience. Right from the opening scene, where the main protagonist Nokotan is inexplicably hanging from an electric pole, it’s clear that this anime doesn’t take itself seriously. The humor is random and nonsensical, reminiscent of shows like “The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You,” particularly in how jokes are delivered. However, one potential downside is the repetitive nature of the humor, which might lead to viewers feeling a bit bored after a few episodes. Despite this, “Shikanoko” manages to be funny, and it boasts an energetic anime opening that adds to its charm.
Studio and Staff: “Shikanoko” is adapted from the manga Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan by author Oshioshio. The anime adaptation is handled by the well-known Wit Studio, a studio famous for producing high-quality shows like “Vinland Saga” and “Attack on Titan.”
- Nokotan: The main character, Nokotan, is voiced by Megumi Han, a talented voice actress who has portrayed iconic characters such as Gon from “Hunter x Hunter” and Arima Kana from “Oshi no Ko.”
- Koshi Tan: Another main character, Koshi Tan, is voiced by Saki Fujita, known for her work as Hatsune Miku and Ymir from “Attack on Titan.”
- Meme Bashame: A key character introduced later in the series, Meme Bashame, is voiced by Izumi Fuuka, who previously voiced Utena Hiiragi from “Gushing Over Magical Girls.”
- Anko Koshi: Anko Koshi, the sister of Koshi Tan, is voiced by Ayane Sakura, known for her roles such as Miuna Shiodome from “A Lull in the Sea.”
- Narrator: The narrator for the show is voiced by Toriumi Kousuke, who has played notable roles like Guido Mista from “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 5.”
Comedy Style and Similar Shows: If you enjoy the type of offbeat, gag-centric humor found in “Shikanoko,” you might also like other comedy anime such as:
- Nichijou: A classic in the gag comedy genre, known for its surreal and often exaggerated humor.
- Chio’s School Road: Follows the daily, often bizarre, adventures of a high school girl trying to get to school.
- Azumanga Daioh: A slice-of-life comedy featuring a group of quirky high school girls.
- Yuru Yuri: A light-hearted comedy about the everyday lives of a group of girls in a school club.
The reason this show went viral :
Release Date and Where to Watch: “Shikanoko” is set to air starting on July 7, 2024, every Sunday at 23:30 (JST). You can watch it on Crunchyroll. If you’re in the mood for something that doesn’t make much sense but is guaranteed to make you laugh, “Shikanoko” might just be the perfect show for you.
Here’s the latest trailer of the show: