Just Because!

Just Because!

Characters

Ena Komiya

MAIN

Hazuki Morikawa

MAIN

Haruto Souma

MAIN

Mio Natsume

MAIN

Eita Izumi

MAIN

Watanabe-sensei

SUPPORTING

Yoriko Inui

SUPPORTING

Momoka Suzuki

SUPPORTING

Next Level Review: Why Just Because! Season 1 Is a Quietly Powerful Anime That Redefines Slice-of-Life

Just Because! Season 1, a 2017 anime produced by Pine Jam, is an understated masterpiece that sneaks up on you with its emotional depth, relatable characters, and a melancholic charm that lingers long after the credits roll. Unlike the bombastic action or fantastical premises of many anime, this 12-episode series thrives in its simplicity, weaving a poignant coming-of-age story about high school students navigating the bittersweet transition to adulthood. This review dives into what makes Just Because! a unique and powerful addition to the slice-of-life genre, offering an experience that feels both universal and deeply personal.

A Story That Captures the Weight of “What If”

At its core, Just Because! follows a group of high school seniors in their final semester, grappling with unspoken feelings, uncertain futures, and the quiet moments that define youth. The story centers on Eita Izumi, a transfer student returning to his hometown, whose arrival stirs dormant emotions among his old friends and new acquaintances. The narrative unfolds through interconnected relationships, particularly the slow-burn romance between Eita and Mio Natsume, alongside subplots involving friends like Hazuki Morikawa, Ena Komiya, and Haruto Souma.

What sets Just Because! apart is its refusal to lean on melodrama or contrived plot twists. Instead, it embraces the mundane—missed text messages, awkward silences, and fleeting glances—with a realism that feels raw and unfiltered. The show’s title, Just Because!, reflects its ethos: life doesn’t always need grand reasons to be meaningful. The characters’ choices, from confessing a crush to choosing a college, feel organic, driven by the messy, unpolished emotions of youth. This authenticity makes every small victory or heartbreak resonate deeply.

Characters That Feel Like Real People

The strength of Just Because! lies in its characters, who are flawed, relatable, and beautifully human. Eita is not your typical anime protagonist; he’s reserved, sometimes frustratingly passive, yet his internal struggles with reconnecting to his past are palpable. Mio, meanwhile, is a standout—a studious girl wrestling with her lingering feelings for Eita while chasing her academic dreams. Their chemistry is subtle but electric, built on shared history rather than flashy romantic gestures.

Supporting characters like Ena, a bold photography club member, and Haruto, a baseball player facing the end of his athletic career, add layers to the narrative. Each character’s arc feels purposeful, exploring themes of unrequited love, self-discovery, and the courage to move forward. The show doesn’t spoon-feed their motivations; instead, it trusts viewers to piece together their inner lives through nuanced dialogue and expressive animation. This restraint makes their growth feel earned and their relationships authentic.

Visuals and Soundtrack: A Melancholic Symphony

Just Because!’s animation, while not groundbreaking, is a perfect match for its tone. The soft color palette and detailed backgrounds—think snow-dusted schoolyards and quiet suburban streets—evoke a nostalgic, almost wistful atmosphere. The character designs are simple yet expressive, with subtle facial cues that convey volumes. Moments like Mio’s hesitant glances or Eita’s furrowed brow are animated with care, amplifying the emotional weight of their interactions.

The soundtrack, composed by Nagi Yanagi, is a triumph. The opening theme, “Over and Over,” sets a reflective tone, while the ending track, “behind,” captures the series’ bittersweet essence. The background music, with its gentle piano and acoustic melodies, underscores the quiet moments that define the show. As one reviewer noted on MyAnimeList, the music “really matches the feel of the show,” enhancing its melancholic vibe without overpowering the story.

Themes That Hit Close to Home

Just Because! excels at exploring universal themes through a distinctly personal lens. The show captures the liminal space of late adolescence—where dreams clash with reality, and every choice feels monumental. It tackles questions like: What do you do when your feelings don’t align with your plans? How do you say goodbye to a chapter of your life? These themes are universal, yet the show grounds them in specific, relatable moments, like studying for entrance exams or sending a risky text.

The series also weaves in modern elements, like the use of social media (LINE messages play a key role), which feels refreshingly grounded for a 2017 anime. This integration adds a layer of realism, showing how technology shapes modern relationships without overshadowing the human element. The baseball subplot, while not central, adds another dimension, reflecting the pressure to perform and the inevitability of moving on.

Why It Stands Out in the Slice-of-Life Genre

In a genre crowded with high school romances and coming-of-age tales, Just Because! distinguishes itself through its restraint and emotional honesty. Unlike flashier contemporaries like Your Lie in April or My Teen Romantic Comedy Yahari, it doesn’t rely on heightened drama or quirky archetypes. Instead, it feels like a love letter to the quiet moments that shape us—moments that are often overlooked in favor of grand narratives.

The show’s pacing, while slow at times, mirrors the rhythm of real life, allowing relationships to develop naturally. Some viewers might find the deliberate pace challenging, but it rewards patience, building to a finale that feels both cathartic and open-ended. The climax, without spoiling, balances closure with ambiguity, leaving viewers to ponder the characters’ futures—a bold choice that respects the audience’s intelligence.

Critiques: Not Without Flaws

No show is perfect, and Just Because! has its share of critiques. The pacing can feel sluggish, especially in the early episodes, as the story takes time to establish its ensemble cast. Some subplots, like Hazuki’s, feel underdeveloped compared to the central romance. Additionally, the animation, while effective, lacks the polish of bigger-budget productions, which might disappoint viewers accustomed to visual spectacles. However, these minor flaws don’t detract from the show’s emotional core.

A Never-Before Experience

What makes Just Because! Season 1 truly “next level” is its ability to transform the ordinary into something profound. It’s not just a story about high school kids; it’s a meditation on the fleeting nature of youth, the courage to be vulnerable, and the beauty of connections that don’t always have a clear purpose. It’s the kind of show that feels like a memory you didn’t know you had—a reminder of the awkward, hopeful, and heartbreaking moments that define growing up.

For fans of slice-of-life anime or anyone craving a quiet yet powerful story, Just Because! is a must-watch. It’s available on platforms like HIDIVE and Crunchyroll, where you can experience its understated brilliance for yourself. This is not just another anime; it’s a journey that feels personal, universal, and unforgettable—just because.

Final Verdict: 8.5/10
✅ Relatable characters and authentic relationships
✅ Hauntingly beautiful soundtrack
✅ Subtle, emotionally resonant storytelling
❌ Slow pacing may not suit all viewers
❌ Some subplots feel underdeveloped