The title character of Kotaro Lives Alone is such an unusual child. Sure, he plays pretend as an old feudal lord, has the characteristic precociousness main characters have, and he is drawn in the old school blocky anime style for young kids’ shows. But despite these markers for lighthearted entertainment, there’s something undeniably poignant behind this quirky character that his adult neighbors thankfully notice. As lazy next door neighbor Shin Karino gets to know him, and the residents of the complex band together, this slice-of-life series brings on the laughs, while simultaneously stabbing the heart with each realization. Kotaro Lives Alone works because it examines the actual ramifications of living without parents.
A lonely little boy moves into a ramshackle apartment building all on his own and makes friends with the broke manga artist who lives next door.
A lonely little boy moves into a ramshackle apartment building all on his own and makes friends with the broke manga artist who lives next door.