A Sweet Dive into Nostalgia: A Unique and Informative Review of Dagashi Kashi Season 1

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to blend the quirky charm of a slice-of-life anime with a passionate ode to Japanese snack culture, Dagashi Kashi Season 1 delivers exactly that. Airing from January 7 to March 31, 2016, this 12-episode anime, produced by Studio Feel and adapted from Kotoyama’s manga, is a delightful concoction of comedy, nostalgia, and surprisingly educational content about dagashi—the inexpensive, nostalgic candies and snacks that define childhood memories in Japan. This review explores what makes Dagashi Kashi Season 1 a unique gem in the anime landscape, diving into its strengths, quirks, and occasional missteps, while offering a fresh perspective on its cultural significance and appeal.

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The Premise: A Sweet Shop with a Side of Dreams

Set in a quiet, rural Japanese town, Dagashi Kashi centers on Shikada Dagashi, a small, family-run shop selling traditional Japanese snacks for nine generations. The story follows Kokonotsu “Coconuts” Shikada, a high schooler with dreams of becoming a manga artist, much to the dismay of his father, Yō, who desperately wants him to inherit the family business. Enter Hotaru Shidare, an eccentric, candy-obsessed heiress of a major sweets conglomerate, who bursts into their lives with a mission: to recruit Yō for her family’s company. Yō agrees, but only if Hotaru can convince Kokonotsu to take over the shop. What unfolds is a lighthearted, episodic comedy where Hotaru’s snack-fueled antics and encyclopedic knowledge of dagashi challenge Kokonotsu’s resolve, while a small cast of lovable characters adds flavor to the mix.

The premise is deceptively simple, but its execution is anything but ordinary. Dagashi Kashi isn’t driven by a grand narrative arc or high-stakes drama—it thrives on its ability to make the mundane magical, turning obscure snacks like Umaibou and Fue Ramune into the stars of the show. It’s a love letter to dagashi culture, wrapped in vibrant animation and quirky humor.

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A Feast for the Eyes: Animation and Art Style

Studio Feel’s animation in Season 1 is a standout, delivering a clean, colorful aesthetic that perfectly complements the show’s playful tone. The rural setting of Shikada Dagashi is rendered with warm, nostalgic hues, evoking a sense of timeless simplicity. The character designs, crafted by Kanetoshi Kamimoto, are distinctive and memorable, with each character’s personality shining through their visuals. Hotaru’s spiral-shaped irises and larger-than-life expressions make her a visual dynamo, while Kokonotsu’s more subdued, slanted eyes reflect his laid-back yet conflicted nature. Supporting characters like Saya Endō, with her pinprick pupils, and her brother Tō, with his perpetually cool sunglasses, add diversity to the cast’s visual identity.

The animation shines brightest in its depiction of dagashi. Each snack is rendered with meticulous detail, from the crinkle of a candy wrapper to the powdery texture of a ramune tablet. These close-ups often feel like mini-commercials, designed to make viewers crave the snacks themselves—an intentional nod to the advertising culture surrounding dagashi in Japan. However, the show doesn’t shy away from fan service, with Hotaru’s exaggerated poses and suggestive candy-related innuendos occasionally feeling overdone. While this adds to the comedic flair, it can distract from the show’s more wholesome moments.

The opening theme, “Checkmate!?” by Michi, is a stylistic earworm that sets the fun, energetic tone, while the ending theme, “Hey! Caloric Queen” by Ayana Taketatsu, leans into a whimsical, Alice-in-Wonderland-inspired vibe that’s both charming and memorable. The soundtrack, while not groundbreaking, complements the lighthearted atmosphere without overshadowing the dialogue-heavy comedy.

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Characters: The Heart of the Candy Shop

The true spark of Dagashi Kashi lies in its characters, who elevate a simple premise into a delightful ensemble comedy. Hotaru Shidare is the undeniable star—an eccentric, candy-obsessed whirlwind whose infectious enthusiasm and quirky naivety make her both hilarious and endearing. Voiced by Ayana Taketatsu, Hotaru’s boundless energy and knack for turning every conversation into a dagashi lecture carry the show. Her unintentional innuendos and dramatic flair (often accompanied by sparkles and exaggerated poses) make her a one-woman comedic force. Yet, beneath her zany exterior, there’s a subtle depth to her passion, hinting at a personal connection to dagashi that resonates with viewers.

Kokonotsu, voiced by Atsushi Abe, serves as the grounded straight man to Hotaru’s chaos. His dream of becoming a manga artist feels authentic, and his reluctance to take over the shop creates a relatable tension between personal ambition and family duty. His surprising knowledge of dagashi—often rivaling Hotaru’s—adds layers to his character, making their snack-based showdowns both funny and engaging.

The supporting cast rounds out the ensemble with charm. Saya Endō, the shy café owner with a crush on Kokonotsu, brings a sweet, understated dynamic, while her brother Tō, the self-proclaimed cool guy, injects absurd humor with his over-the-top antics. Yō Shikada, Kokonotsu’s father, is a lovable goofball whose passion for the shop mirrors Hotaru’s, making him a perfect foil. While the cast is small, their chemistry and distinct personalities ensure that every interaction feels fresh and entertaining.

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The Sweet Spot: Educational and Nostalgic Appeal

What sets Dagashi Kashi apart from other slice-of-life comedies is its deep dive into dagashi culture. Each episode introduces a new snack, complete with its history, marketing gimmicks, and cultural significance. From the satisfying crunch of Umaibou to the playful whistle of Fue Ramune, the show transforms these inexpensive treats into fascinating artifacts of Japanese pop culture. Hotaru’s impassioned monologues—often delivered with the gravitas of a scholar—cover everything from production techniques to the psychology behind snack packaging, making the show surprisingly educational. For international viewers, this glimpse into Japan’s snack aisle is both exotic and nostalgic, evoking memories of childhood treats from their own cultures.

The show’s focus on dagashi also serves as a commentary on tradition versus modernity. Kokonotsu’s desire to become a manga artist represents a pull toward a contemporary, individualistic dream, while the family shop embodies a fading tradition. Hotaru’s presence bridges these worlds, showing that even something as simple as a candy shop can be a source of pride and creativity. This subtle theme adds depth to the otherwise lighthearted narrative, making Dagashi Kashi more than just a quirky comedy.

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The Sour Notes: Where It Falls Short

While Dagashi Kashi Season 1 is a delightful treat, it’s not without its flaws. The plot, or lack thereof, is a common critique. The show follows a formulaic structure: Hotaru introduces a snack, a mundane problem escalates, a contest ensues, and little is resolved. This episodic approach can feel repetitive, and the lack of a central narrative arc may disappoint viewers looking for progression or closure. Kokonotsu’s indecision about the shop remains largely unchanged by the season’s end, which can feel frustrating for those expecting character growth.

The comedy, while often sharp, is hit-or-miss. Hotaru’s over-the-top antics and candy-related innuendos land well for some, but others may find them excessive or predictable. The fan service, while not overwhelming, occasionally feels shoehorned in, detracting from the show’s more wholesome appeal. Additionally, the world-building is minimal, with the rural setting and small cast creating a cozy but somewhat limited scope. Some reviewers have noted pacing issues, with episodes feeling like extended advertisements for dagashi rather than cohesive stories.

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Cultural Impact and Reception

Dagashi Kashi Season 1 was a modest hit, bolstered by the manga’s growing popularity (1.6 million copies in print by the anime’s premiere). It ranked #5 on the “Nationwide Bookstore Employees’ Recommended Comics” list in 2016 and was nominated for the 41st Kodansha Manga Awards in the “best shōnen manga” category. Fans praised its unique premise and Hotaru’s magnetic personality, with many enjoying the educational aspect of the dagashi trivia. Funimation’s English dub, featuring a bonus segment called “Put It in Your Mouth” where voice actors tried real dagashi, added an interactive layer for Western audiences.

Critics, however, were divided. AnimeNewsNetwork’s Nick Creamer gave the season a B, calling it “a light show that’s never likely to truly impress or disappoint, but is perfectly content to be its warm and endearing self.” The Fandom Post’s G.B. Smith gave it a B+, noting its watchability but questioning its rewatch value. Some, like IMDb reviewers, felt the show leaned too heavily on snack promotion and lacked depth, with one user giving it a harsh 2/10 due to pacing and unlikable characters like Saya.

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Why It’s Worth Watching

Dagashi Kashi Season 1 is a rare blend of comedy, education, and nostalgia that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s perfect for viewers who enjoy low-stakes, character-driven stories with a side of cultural insight. Hotaru’s infectious passion and the show’s vibrant animation make it a joy to watch, even when the plot meanders. For anime fans looking for something outside the usual genres—shonen battles, isekai adventures, or heavy dramas—this series offers a refreshing change of pace. It’s like biting into a piece of dagashi: simple, satisfying, and unexpectedly delightful.

The show also has a unique educational angle, making it a gateway to understanding Japanese snack culture. Whether you’re a longtime anime viewer or a newcomer curious about dagashi, Season 1 is a sweet introduction that leaves you curious for more (and maybe craving a snack or two). If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted escape with quirky characters and a touch of nostalgia, Dagashi Kashi is worth a taste.

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Final Verdict

Rating: 8/10

Dagashi Kashi Season 1 is a charming, if imperfect, slice-of-life comedy that transforms the humble world of Japanese snacks into a vibrant celebration of culture and character. Hotaru Shidare steals the show with her eccentric charm, and the detailed dagashi trivia adds a unique educational layer. While the repetitive structure and lack of plot progression may not satisfy everyone, its warmth, humor, and visual flair make it a delightful treat for fans of quirky anime. Grab a snack, settle in, and let Dagashi Kashi whisk you away to a world where candy is king.

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Where to Watch: Dagashi Kashi Season 1 is available on platforms like Funimation, Amazon (Blu-ray/DVD), and various streaming services, depending on your region. Check availability on https://x.ai/grok for the latest options.

Fun Fact: The title Dagashi Kashi is a playful pun, combining “dagashi” (cheap sweets) with “daga shikashi” (meaning “however” in Japanese), reflecting the show’s whimsical tone.

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This review aims to capture the essence of Dagashi Kashi Season 1 while offering a fresh perspective on its cultural and comedic appeal. Whether you’re a snack enthusiast or just looking for a lighthearted anime, this series is a sweet addition to your watchlist.