Shachiku-san wa Youjo Yuurei ni Iyasaretai.

Miss Shachiku and the Little Baby Ghost

Characters

Fushihara-san

MAIN

Yuurei-chan

MAIN

Miko-chan

SUPPORTING

Konta

SUPPORTING

Myako

SUPPORTING

Kon

SUPPORTING

Satsuki Kurahashi

SUPPORTING

Kachou

SUPPORTING

Lily

SUPPORTING

Kaori

SUPPORTING

Ryouko

SUPPORTING

Shino

SUPPORTING

Miss Shachiku and the Little Baby Ghost Season 1: A Heartwarming Yet Repetitive Slice-of-Life Anime

Miss Shachiku and the Little Baby Ghost (or Shachiku-san wa Yōjo Yūrei ni Iyasaretai, meaning “The Company Slave Wants to Be Healed by a Little Ghost Girl”) is a 2022 anime adaptation of Imari Arita’s manga, serialized in Square Enix’s Monthly Shōnen Gangan and originally shared on Twitter. Produced by Project No.9, this 12-episode series aired from April to June 2022 and is available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime Video. Combining workplace comedy, supernatural elements, and slice-of-life charm, the show aims to deliver a soothing, feel-good experience. While it succeeds in moments with its adorable characters and heartfelt themes, it struggles with pacing and narrative depth, making it a polarizing watch. Below is a detailed review of Season 1, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and unique qualities, while offering fresh insights for fans and newcomers alike.

Synopsis: A Corporate Slave Meets a Caring Ghost

The story follows Fushihara, a young woman trapped in the grueling life of a shachiku (corporate slave) in Japan, working late nights under a demanding boss. One evening, while burning the midnight oil, she hears a tiny voice urging her to “Leave now~.” This voice belongs to Yūrei-chan, an adorable toddler ghost haunting the office, who is determined to save Fushihara from overworking herself to death. Rather than being frightened, Fushihara is smitten by Yūrei’s overwhelming cuteness, sparking a heartwarming dynamic where the ghost tries to enforce self-care, and Fushihara resists—partly because she’s too enchanted by her new spectral companion.

As the series progresses, the duo is joined by Myako, a bakeneko (ghost cat) who transforms into a human girl, and other supernatural characters like Lily, a ghost maid. Together, they form a found-family unit, navigating daily life, workplace challenges, and the emotional complexities of being ghosts in a human world. The anime blends humor, cuteness, and light commentary on Japan’s overwork culture, aiming to “heal” viewers with its cozy, low-stakes vibe.

Strengths: Cuteness Overload and Relatable Themes

1. Adorable Characters and Visual Charm
   The standout feature of Miss Shachiku is its unrelenting cuteness, driven by Yūrei-chan and Myako. Yūrei’s teary-eyed expressions, tiny frog raincoat, and earnest pleas for Fushihara to go home are irresistibly heartwarming. Myako, with her playful cat-like antics and backstory involving a cherished hairbrush, adds another layer of charm. The animation by Project No.9 is clean and colorful, with soft, cutesy character designs by Haruka Tanaka that amplify the show’s soothing aesthetic. Fans of “moe” anime will find plenty to love, as the series leans heavily into its kawaii appeal, often punctuated by a narrator who can’t stop gushing over the ghosts’ cuteness.
2. Relatable Depiction of Overwork
   Fushihara’s struggles as a corporate drone resonate deeply, especially for viewers familiar with Japan’s notorious work culture. Her perpetual exhaustion, dark circles under her eyes, and bleak humor about her boss being scarier than a ghost capture the grind of a soul-crushing job. The show’s premise—that even ghosts worry about her well-being—offers a poignant, if lighthearted, critique of overwork. Early episodes, like the premiere’s amusing scene where Fushihara shrugs off a spooky voice because her deadlines are scarier, strike a chord with anyone who’s ever felt trapped in a demanding job.
3. Heartwarming Found-Family Dynamic
   The evolving relationship between Fushihara, Yūrei, and Myako is the emotional core of the series. Yūrei’s mission to “heal” Fushihara by encouraging rest and self-care flips the typical ghost story, making the supernatural a source of comfort rather than fear. Later additions, like Myako’s backstory and the introduction of Lily, add depth to the theme of lonely souls finding connection. Moments like Fushihara imagining Yūrei and Myako with randoseru backpacks or the trio celebrating Children’s Day with koi fish streamers are genuinely touching, emphasizing the power of chosen family.
4. Unique Supernatural Twist
   The show’s blend of workplace comedy and supernatural elements is a fresh take on the slice-of-life genre. Unlike typical ghost stories, Yūrei and her ghostly companions are tangible, eating human food and interacting with the world in quirky ways (e.g., getting stuck in a copy machine). The series also sprinkles in Japanese folklore, such as Myako’s bakeneko origins, which adds cultural flavor. While the ghost lore isn’t deeply explored, it provides just enough intrigue to keep viewers curious about the characters’ pasts.

Weaknesses: Repetition and Missed Opportunities

1. Repetitive Pacing and Lack of Plot
   The biggest criticism of Miss Shachiku is its repetitive structure, especially in the early episodes. The premiere sets up a promising premise, but as one reviewer noted, “after the first five minutes, that’s the entire episode. Ghost Girl wants to help Fushihara. Ghost Girl does A Cute. Fushihara is happy. Rinse and repeat.” This cycle dominates much of Season 1, with little progression beyond Yūrei’s attempts to get Fushihara to leave work and Fushihara’s obsession with her cuteness. The lack of an overarching story or meaningful character development makes the 24-minute episodes feel overstretched, leading some to argue it would have worked better as a short-form series.
2. Underdeveloped Themes
   While the show touches on serious topics like overwork and loneliness, it rarely dives deeper than surface-level commentary. Fushihara’s realization that her life is “incorrectly balanced” is hinted at, but the series prioritizes cute antics over exploring her growth or the societal issues it raises. Unlike Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, a similar anime with a stronger narrative and character arcs, Miss Shachiku feels aimless at times, leaving viewers unsure of its ultimate message. Is it about self-care, found family, or simply indulging in cuteness? The lack of clarity undermines its emotional impact.
3. Uneven Humor and Tone
   The comedy in Miss Shachiku is hit-or-miss, often relying on the same gag: Yūrei’s cuteness overwhelms Fushihara, who refuses to leave work because she Curveball moments, like Yūrei and Myako getting stuck in a copier or competing for Fushihara’s attention, are genuinely funny, but the humor doesn’t evolve much beyond these recurring bits. Some reviewers found the show’s earnest attempts at charm patronizing, crossing the line from “soothing” to “boring.” Additionally, the occasional creepy undertones—like Fushihara’s near-obsessive adoration of Yūrei or the narrator’s random comments—can feel jarring in an otherwise wholesome series.
4. Late-Season Plot Tease Falls Flat
   Toward the end of Season 1, the show introduces a mysterious package and threatening letters demanding Fushihara and the ghosts move out, hinting at a potential conflict. However, this plotline is resolved quickly and anticlimactically, leaving little impact. The late introduction of intriguing elements, like ghost lore or Fushihara’s neighbor Kurahashi-san, feels like a missed opportunity to add substance to a series that leans too heavily on fluff.

Unique Elements: What Sets It Apart

Miss Shachiku stands out for its unconventional take on ghost stories, portraying spirits not as malevolent but as nurturing figures who mirror Fushihara’s need for connection. The show’s focus on a female protagonist in a workplace setting is also refreshing in the slice-of-life genre, which often centers on younger characters or fantastical settings. Its subtle nod to Japanese cultural elements, like Children’s Day celebrations and bakeneko folklore, adds authenticity and charm, making it appealing to viewers interested in cultural nuances.

The series also resonates with a specific audience: overworked adults who see themselves in Fushihara’s exhaustion and find solace in the fantasy of supernatural caregivers. Unlike more plot-driven anime, Miss Shachiku prioritizes emotional resonance over narrative complexity, aiming to be a “healing” experience. For some, this simplicity is a strength, offering a low-stakes escape from real-world stress. For others, it’s a drawback, as the lack of depth can feel like a missed opportunity to say something profound about its themes.

Reception and Comparisons

Reviews of Miss Shachiku are mixed, reflecting its niche appeal. On MyAnimeList, fans praise its cuteness, with some calling it “the cutest thing ever” and comparing it to Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid for its found-family dynamic. However, others echo Anime News Network’s critique that it’s “the exact opposite of a good time” due to its lack of humor and repetitive structure. The show’s IMDb rating of 5.7/10 suggests a lukewarm reception, with some viewers appreciating its earnestness but others finding it forgettable compared to stronger Spring 2022 competitors like Aharen-san or Deaimon.

Final Verdict: A Niche Comfort Watch

Miss Shachiku and the Little Baby Ghost Season 1 is a cozy, undemanding anime that delivers on its promise of heartwarming moments and adorable characters. Its exploration of overwork and found family, paired with its unique supernatural twist, makes it a standout for fans of slice-of-life and moe genres. However, its repetitive pacing, shallow themes, and inconsistent humor hold it back from being a must-watch. It’s best suited for viewers seeking a low-effort, feel-good escape rather than a gripping story.

Rating: 6.5/10
Recommended for: Fans of Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, Sewayaki Kitsune no Senko-san, or anyone craving a lighthearted anime to unwind with after a long day.
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV.

If you’re looking for a deeper dive into the manga, it’s available in English on Square Enix’s Manga Up! Global app, offering more context for Fushihara and Yūrei’s charming, if simplistic, world.