Tsurezure Children

Tsuredure Children

Characters

Takuro Sugawara

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Masafumi Akagi

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Ayaka Kamine

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Chiyo Kurihara

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Yuki Minagawa

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Ryouko Kaji

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Shinichi Katori

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Takeru Gouda

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Kana Ijima

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Haruhiko Takase

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Kazuko Hosogawa

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Chiaki Uchimura

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Jun Furuya

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Chizuru Takano

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Takao Yamane

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Saki Kanda

SUPPORTING

Noriko Yoshinaga

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Satsuki Sasahara

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Yuuki Kaga

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Tomomichi Motoyama

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Kaoru Nanase

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Hotaru Furuya

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Hideki Yukawa

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Youichi Kirihara

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Ayane Matsuura

BACKGROUND

Tsurezure Children Season 1: A Kaleidoscope of Young Love’s Beautiful Chaos

Tsurezure Children (2017), a 12-episode anime adapted from Toshiya Wakabayashi’s four-panel manga, redefines the romantic comedy genre with its raw, unfiltered portrayal of teenage love. Unlike conventional romance anime that often linger on drawn-out confessions or predictable tropes, this series delivers a refreshing, bite-sized exploration of love’s awkward, exhilarating, and often hilarious moments. With its short 13-minute episodes, each split into multiple vignettes, Tsurezure Children captures the fleeting, fragmented nature of adolescence, making it a standout in its genre.

A Mosaic of Love Stories

The anime’s omnibus format is its greatest strength, weaving together over a dozen distinct romantic arcs within a single high school setting. Each vignette focuses on a different couple—or potential couple—ranging from shy introverts to bold delinquents, showcasing the diversity of how love manifests. There’s no single protagonist; every character is the star of their own story, whether it’s the stoic student council president Akagi navigating his relationship with the rebellious Kaji, or the painfully awkward Takase and Takano, who can barely muster the courage to look at each other. This structure mirrors the chaotic, interconnected web of high school social dynamics, where friendships and crushes overlap in subtle but meaningful ways.

What sets Tsurezure Children apart is its refusal to indulge in filler. Every scene is purposeful, packed with character-driven humor or heartfelt moments that advance each relationship. The brevity of the vignettes—often just 3-4 minutes—forces tight storytelling, distilling romance to its most potent moments: a stammered confession, a misinterpreted gesture, or a fleeting first kiss. This economy of narrative makes every emotional beat hit harder, whether it’s the joy of a mutual confession or the sting of a missed opportunity.

Character-Driven Depth

The show’s sprawling cast, exceeding 20 characters, could easily have been a weakness, but Tsurezure Children turns it into a strength by giving each character distinct quirks and motivations. For instance, Kyouko Kaji, a delinquent who quits smoking under Akagi’s influence, evolves from a rough exterior to someone who values herself more deeply. Similarly, Chiaki’s comedic antics with Kana reveal a vulnerability that grounds their playful dynamic. Even minor characters, like the self-conscious Yamane, shine through their relatable insecurities.

This character-driven approach allows the series to explore a spectrum of romantic experiences. Some couples, like Minagawa and Furuya, grapple with playful misunderstandings—her teasing confessions keep him guessing about her sincerity. Others, like Takase and Takano, embody the paralyzing fear of rejection that resonates with anyone who’s ever hesitated to speak their heart. The diversity of personalities—introverts, extroverts, and everything in between—ensures there’s a couple for every viewer to root for.

Realism in the Absurd

Tsurezure Children excels at balancing humor and sincerity. The comedy often stems from misunderstandings or exaggerated reactions, like a character’s over-the-top blush or a comically timed interruption (a mother walking in at the worst possible moment). Yet these moments feel grounded, capturing the heightened emotions of youth where every glance or word feels monumental. The show doesn’t shy away from bolder territory either—some couples navigate physical intimacy, a rarity in anime that adds authenticity to their relationships.

However, the series isn’t flawless. Some arcs, like Kanda and Takase’s, lack resolution, leaving viewers hanging after buildup that promised more. The astronomy club characters also fade into the background without explanation, a missed opportunity to flesh out the ensemble. These hiccups, though minor, highlight the challenge of juggling so many stories in a short runtime.

Visual and Audio Craftsmanship

Studio Gokumi’s animation is simple but effective, with vibrant character designs that make the large cast instantly recognizable—a necessity given the rapid-fire vignettes. The lack of complex action sequences allows the focus to remain on expressive facial reactions and subtle body language, amplifying the emotional weight of each scene. The voice acting is a highlight, with talents like Haruka Tomatsu (Hotaru) and Kana Hanazawa (Minagawa) bringing nuance to their roles, whether it’s playful teasing or heartfelt confessions. The opening theme, while not groundbreaking, sets a lighthearted tone that complements the series’ energy.

A Mirror to Youth

What makes Tsurezure Children uniquely powerful is its ability to evoke nostalgia without romanticizing the past. It captures the messy, exhilarating reality of young love—its missteps, its triumphs, and its quiet moments of growth. The show doesn’t just depict romance; it dissects the universal struggle of expressing vulnerability, making it resonate far beyond its high school setting. While some criticize its predictable punchlines or unresolved arcs, these feel secondary to the emotional truth at its core.

For those seeking a romance anime that skips the fluff and dives straight into the heart of human connection, Tsurezure Children Season 1 is a gem. Its short episodes are perfect for binge-watching, yet its depth invites reflection long after the credits roll. It’s a reminder that love, in all its forms, is both tedious and transformative—a paradox beautifully rendered in this understated masterpiece.

Note: No second season has been confirmed, and given the anime’s role as a manga advertisement, it’s unlikely. For more, the manga (12 volumes, 212 chapters) offers deeper exploration of these couples and additional stories not covered in the anime.