My Deer Friend Nokotan Season 1 Review: A Wild, Absurd Ride Through Deer-Driven Chaos

“Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan!” If that catchy, nonsensical phrase is already stuck in your head, congratulations—you’ve likely stumbled into the wonderfully unhinged world of My Deer Friend Nokotan. This 2024 anime, adapted from Oshioshio’s manga and brought to life by Wit Studio, is a surreal slice-of-life comedy that defies expectations and revels in its own absurdity. Season 1, which aired from July to September 2024, is a 12-episode whirlwind of deer crackers, fourth-wall breaks, and a deer-girl hybrid who turns a high school upside down. But is it the comedic masterpiece its viral memes suggest, or does it falter under the weight of its own zaniness? Let’s dive into the deer-filled chaos and unpack what makes My Deer Friend Nokotan Season 1 so uniquely polarizing.

The Premise: A Delinquent, a Deer-Girl, and a Descent into Madness

At its core, My Deer Friend Nokotan follows Torako Koshi (nicknamed “Koshi-tan”), a second-year student at Hino Minami High School who’s worked hard to bury her delinquent past and craft the image of a perfect honor student. Her carefully curated life unravels when she rescues Noko Shikanoko (“Nokotan”), a mysterious deer-girl hybrid dangling from power lines, antlers tangled like a comedic Christmas ornament. Nokotan, with her detachable antlers, deer-cracker obsession, and inexplicable ability to sniff out Torako’s shady history, enrolls at her school and drags her into the newly formed Deer Club. What follows is a series of absurd, episodic adventures that test Torako’s sanity and blend slice-of-life tropes with unapologetic weirdness.

The show’s premise is deceptively simple: a straight-laced protagonist clashes with a chaotic force of nature. But Nokotan elevates this dynamic with its commitment to surreal humor, pop culture references, and a refusal to take itself seriously. Think Nichijou meets Pop Team Epic with a dash of deer-themed fever dream.

The Good: Absurdity Done Right (Most of the Time)

1. A Meme-Worthy Soundtrack and Visual Flair
Let’s start with the elephant—or rather, the deer—in the room: the opening theme, “Shikairo Days,” is an absolute banger. Its infectious chant, “Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan,” became a viral sensation before the show even aired, spawning countless memes and dance videos. The ending theme, paired with real-life footage of deer and deer-cracker recipes, adds a bizarrely charming touch that’s equal parts wholesome and unhinged. Wit Studio’s animation is vibrant, with exaggerated expressions and fluid comedic timing that amplify the show’s absurdity. The use of photo-realistic CGI deer, especially in the cold open of Episode 1, sets the tone for the series’ willingness to lean into the bizarre.

2. Nokotan’s Chaotic Charm
Noko Shikanoko, voiced by Megumi Han (Japanese) and Trina Deuhart (English), is the heart of the show. She’s a walking paradox: a deer-girl with magical antlers, a penchant for causing chaos, and an aloof demeanor that makes her both infuriating and endearing. Her ability to influence everyone around her (except Torako) creates hilarious scenarios, like when teachers and students shrug off her property-damaging antics as if she’s a divine being. Nokotan’s randomness—whether she’s ripping off her antlers as a “gift” or turning a school festival into a deer-worshipping spectacle—keeps the energy unpredictable.

3. A Strong Supporting Cast
While Nokotan steals the spotlight, the ensemble cast adds depth to the chaos. Torako (voiced by Saki Fujita and Roo Ryder) is a perfect straight-man, her internal panic contrasting beautifully with her outward composure. Anko, Torako’s obsessive younger sister, brings uncomfortable but memorable energy with her sister complex. Meme Bashame, a freshman who dreams of “becoming a deer,” and the quirky student council members—Neko, Kinu, and Chiharu—each contribute their own brand of weirdness. The dynamic between Torako and her “rival” Neko, who’s too adorable to be threatening, is a highlight for its playful subversion of typical anime rivalries.

4. Fourth-Wall Shenanigans and References
My Deer Friend Nokotan thrives on breaking the fourth wall, from the narrator’s snarky commentary to Nokotan’s winks at the audience. The show is packed with references to other anime, video games (like a Dark Souls nod in the opening), and Japanese culture, making it a treasure trove for eagle-eyed fans. These elements, combined with exaggerated melodrama—like treating a pile of deer crackers as a life-or-death crisis—create a self-aware tone that’s refreshing in the slice-of-life genre.

5. Emotional Resonance (Yes, Really)
Surprisingly, amidst the chaos, Nokotan delivers moments of heart. Fans on IMDb and Reddit have shared how the show’s silliness provided comfort during tough times, with one viewer calling it “the happiest I’ve been in my entire life.” The unlikely friendship between Torako and Nokotan, while played for laughs, hints at deeper themes of acceptance and identity. The finale’s reveal about Nokotan’s origins in the mysterious “Deer Hole” organization adds a layer of intrigue that elevates the show beyond pure gag comedy.

The Not-So-Good: When Absurdity Overstays Its Welcome

1. Repetitive Humor
The biggest criticism of Nokotan is its reliance on the same gag: “Nokotan is a deer, and that’s silly!” Jokes about deer crackers, antlers, and Nokotan’s general weirdness dominate the 12 episodes, and for some viewers, the repetition grows stale. As one reviewer on DoubleSama noted, “Everything in this series has to do with ‘Look at how silly Nokotan is!’… That’s a lot of time to spend doing the same thing over and over again.” Episode 6, with its 18 bite-sized sketches, is a particular low point, with only a few landing effectively.

2. Underdeveloped Characters
While the cast is quirky, the show struggles to give them depth beyond their comedic roles. Torako’s delinquent past is teased but rarely explored, and supporting characters like Anko and the student council members feel one-dimensional. Anko’s obsessive behavior, in particular, has drawn criticism for being uncomfortable and off-putting. A second season could flesh out these characters, but Season 1 leaves them as vehicles for gags rather than fully realized personalities.

3. Pacing and Narrative Issues
My Deer Friend Nokotan prioritizes absurdity over plot, which works for its slice-of-life roots but can feel aimless. The lack of a cohesive narrative makes some episodes feel like filler, and the show’s experimental nature—like the bizarrely underwhelming fight between Nokotan and Kumatori—doesn’t always pay off. The finale introduces the Deer Hole and Nokotan’s origins, but it’s too little, too late for viewers craving more substance.

4. Controversial Subtitles
The premiere episode faced backlash for its subtitles, with some fans suspecting AI-generated translations due to awkward phrasing. While this didn’t derail the show entirely, it dampened the initial hype and frustrated viewers who rely on subs for accessibility. The English dub, however, has been praised for its over-the-top delivery, particularly in capturing Nokotan’s chaotic energy.

5. Not for Everyone
The show’s relentless absurdity is a double-edged sword. While some fans adore its unapologetic weirdness, others, like a reviewer on Twin Cities Geek, found it lacking substance: “Absurdity is My Deer Friend Nokotan’s bread and butter, and it wears out its welcome after the first episode.” If you’re not on board with its brand of humor, the show can feel like a slog.

Standout Episodes and Moments

• Episode 1: “Girl Meets Deer” – A hilarious introduction to Nokotan’s chaos, with the CGI deer stampede and Torako’s meltdown over her delinquent past being exposed. The episode sets the tone perfectly.
• Episode 3 – The viral “Koshi-tan dancing in front of a deer” meme originates here, though the scene itself is oddly lackluster without the opening theme. Still, it’s a cultural touchstone.
• Episode 12 – The finale brings a surprising twist with the Deer Hole reveal and Nokotan’s fight with Sento-kun, balancing humor with a hint of mystery.

Cultural Impact and Reception

My Deer Friend Nokotan was a meme machine before it even premiered, thanks to its marketing and the “Shikanoko” chant. Posts on X and Reddit highlight its cult following, with fans praising its brainrot humor and comparing it to Nichijou (though purists argue it doesn’t reach those heights). The show earned two Crunchyroll Anime Award nominations, a testament to its popularity. However, not everyone was sold—some X users, like @Girltaku_AT, found the humor redundant, and critical reviews range from calling it “comedic gold” to “a bad anime you’re better off experiencing through memes.”

Final Verdict: A Deer-Lightful Niche or a One-Trick Antler?

My Deer Friend Nokotan Season 1 is a polarizing gem that thrives on its absurdity but stumbles when it leans too heavily on repetitive gags. Its strengths—vibrant animation, a catchy soundtrack, and Nokotan’s chaotic charisma—make it a must-watch for fans of surreal comedy. However, its lack of character depth and narrative cohesion may alienate viewers seeking more substance. It’s not Nichijou, but it’s not trying to be. Instead, it’s a love letter to those who find joy in the ridiculous, whether it’s a deer-girl worshipping deer crackers or a high school turned into a deer shrine.

Rating: 7.5/10
If you’re ready to embrace the chaos, My Deer Friend Nokotan is a wild ride worth taking. Just don’t expect it to make sense—or to stop chanting “Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan” in your head for weeks.

Where to Watch: Available on Crunchyroll, Prime Video, and Apple TV.
Manga Source: Published by Seven Seas Entertainment, with five volumes released as of December 2024.

SHIKA NOKO NOKO NOKO KOSHI TAN TAN! 🦌