Midori no Hibi

Midori Days

Aired Date:2004-04-04

Status:FINISHED

Ratings:68/100

Genres:Comedy, Drama, Ecchi, Romance, Slice of Life, Supernatural

Season:1

Total Episodes:13

Duration:24 min/ep

Studio:Bandai Visual

Source:MANGA

Format:TV

Director:Tsuneo Kobayashi

Review:50/100

Watch Online: Tubi TV

Synopsis

High school delinquent Seiji Sawamura is desperate to have a girlfriend, especially after being rejected by 20 girls as of late. He's afraid that he will end his life with his right hand as his only companion. Apparently, that doesn't change when one day when he wakes up and discovers that his right hand has become a girl named Midori Kasugano, who confesses that she has had a crush on him for the last three years. (Source: Anime News Network)

Characters

Midori Kasugano MAIN

Seiji Sawamura MAIN

Kouta Shingyouji SUPPORTING

Rin Sawamura SUPPORTING

Shiori Tsukishima SUPPORTING

Shuuichi Takamizawa SUPPORTING

Haruka Kasugano SUPPORTING

Osamu Miyahara SUPPORTING

Takako Ayase SUPPORTING

Midori Days: A Quirky Rom-Com That Still Charms After Two Decades

If you’re trawling through the vast ocean of anime looking for something that’s equal parts bizarre, heartfelt, and hilarious, Midori Days (or Midori no Hibi) might just be the hidden gem you’re after. This 2004 romantic comedy, adapted from Kazurou Inoue’s manga, is a short but memorable ride that blends shonen energy with a surreal premise: a tough-guy delinquent wakes up one day to find his right hand has turned into a miniature girl with a crush on him. Yes, you read that right. Let’s dive into what makes this 13-episode series a quirky classic that’s still worth watching today.

A Wild Premise That Works

Midori Days centers on Seiji Sawamura, a high schooler nicknamed “Mad Dog” for his fearsome fighting skills and his legendary “Devil’s Right Hand.” Seiji’s a bit of a misunderstood hero—he’s quick to throw punches but only to protect the weak. His tough reputation, though, scares off every girl he approaches, leaving him girlfriend-less after 20 rejections. In a moment of despair, he jokingly vows to live with his right hand as his only companion. Cue the cosmic twist: the next morning, his right hand is replaced by Midori Kasugano, a shy 16-year-old from another school who’s been secretly in love with him for three years.

Midori, now a living, talking, doll-sized version of herself attached to Seiji’s arm, is thrilled to be so close to her crush, while Seiji is understandably freaked out. Her real body lies in a coma at home, and no one knows how or why this happened. The series follows their attempts to navigate this absurd situation, keep it a secret, and maybe—just maybe—find a way to return Midori to normal. Along the way, they bumble through school life, dodge nosy classmates, and face off against rival gangs, all while grappling with their growing feelings for each other.

The premise sounds like it could veer into pure gimmick territory, but Midori Days pulls it off with surprising heart. The show leans into its weirdness, using Midori’s predicament for slapstick comedy (imagine Seiji trying to eat or shower with a tiny girl as his hand) while also exploring themes of loneliness, self-worth, and young love. It’s a delicate balance, and Studio Pierrot—known for heavier hitters like Bleach—nails the mix of humor and sincerity.

Characters You Can’t Help But Root For

Seiji and Midori are the beating heart of the show. Seiji, voiced by Kishō Taniyama, is a lovable oaf—gruff and impulsive but with a strong sense of justice. His tough exterior hides a deep yearning for connection, and watching him soften under Midori’s influence is genuinely endearing. Midori, brought to life by Mai Nakahara’s sweet performance, is painfully shy and self-conscious, constantly worried she’s a burden to Seiji. Her unrequited love drives the story, but her growth into a braver, more assertive person is just as compelling.

The supporting cast adds spice to the mix. There’s Rin, Seiji’s older sister and former gang leader, who loves tormenting him but secretly cares (her antics are a highlight). Shuichi Takamizawa, a doll-obsessed classmate, provides creepy-but-funny moments and inadvertently helps Midori with her wardrobe needs. Kouta, Midori’s childhood friend, brings a touch of drama with his own feelings for her, while Takako Ayase, a classmate who develops a crush on Seiji, adds a classic love triangle dynamic. Each character feels distinct, and their interactions keep the show lively.

A Time Capsule of Early 2000s Anime

Midori Days is unmistakably a product of its era, and that’s part of its charm. The animation, while not flashy, is vibrant and expressive, with Studio Pierrot making great use of exaggerated facial reactions and dynamic fight scenes. The opening theme, “Sentimental” by CooRie, is a catchy slice of J-pop nostalgia, and the ending, “Mōsukoshi… Mōsukoshi…” by Saori Atsumi, perfectly captures the wistful tone of the romance. The show’s humor leans heavily on early 2000s tropes—expect some ecchi gags and over-the-top sight gags—but it rarely feels mean-spirited or overly crude.

The series also pokes fun at anime conventions, like the magical girl genre (a nod to Pierrot’s own history with shows like Creamy Mami). Seiji’s daydreams, often animated in a deliberately goofy style, add a layer of self-aware humor. Yet for all its silliness, the show knows when to slow down for quieter moments, like Seiji and Midori sharing their insecurities under the stars.

Does It Hold Up Today?

In a 2022 article, CBR posed the question: does Midori Days still work by modern standards? The answer is a qualified yes. The core romance remains timeless—Seiji and Midori’s awkward, earnest connection resonates as much now as it did in 2004. The comedy, driven by the absurd premise, still lands, especially if you enjoy slapstick and don’t mind some dated ecchi humor. Studio Pierrot’s animation holds up well, with clean character designs and fluid action.

That said, some elements haven’t aged perfectly. The ecchi jokes, while tame by today’s standards, might raise eyebrows for viewers sensitive to fanservice. Rin’s aggressive sibling dynamic can feel grating, as some fans on Reddit have noted, calling her “unpleasant” at times. And at just 13 episodes, the anime only adapts part of the manga, leaving some character arcs—like Ayase’s—feeling rushed. Fans on forums like Anime UK News have lamented the ending’s pacing, wishing for a few more episodes to flesh things out.

Compared to the manga, which ran from 2002 to 2004 in Weekly Shōnen Sunday, the anime skips several arcs and tweaks the ending. Hardcore fans might prefer the manga’s deeper dive into side characters like Nao, a young girl with a crush on Seiji, or the more gradual buildup to the finale. Still, the anime stands on its own as a tight, self-contained story.

Why Watch Midori Days?

Midori Days isn’t trying to be a profound masterpiece—it’s a lighthearted rom-com with a bonkers hook, and it knows it. Its strength lies in its ability to make you laugh at Seiji’s attempts to hide Midori in a bandage wrap while also making you root for their unlikely love story. The show’s short length makes it an easy binge, perfect for a weekend when you want something fun and undemanding.

For longtime anime fans, it’s a nostalgic trip back to the early 2000s, when rom-coms like Love Hina and Chobits ruled the airwaves. For newcomers, it’s a quirky introduction to the genre, with enough heart to keep you invested. As one MyAnimeList reviewer put it, “It’s one of the most beautiful sudden transformations of human I’ve ever seen.” Hyperbolic? Maybe. But Midori Days has a way of sneaking into your heart.

You can stream Midori Days on platforms like Tubi (subbed) or check out the manga via VIZ Media. Whether you’re drawn to the oddball premise or the sweet romance, this little series is a reminder that sometimes, love comes from the most unexpected places—even your right hand.

Sources:

• Wikipedia entry on Midori Days
• MyAnimeList synopsis and reviews
• CBR article on Midori Days’ relevance
• Anime UK News forum discussion
• Reddit threads on Midori Days