Romance remains a staple genre in anime, often exemplified by hits like Fruits Basket and Kaguya-sama: Love Is War. However, meaningful representation of queer relationships has historically lagged behind in the medium.

While recent years have seen an increase in yuri titles, Boys' Love (BL) adaptations have been slower to emerge. Even when queer romance is present, such as in Yuri!! on Ice, the relationship often takes a secondary role to other plot elements, relying heavily on subtext.

The Refreshing Premise of ‘Go for It, Nakamura-Kun!!’

Crunchyroll’s new adaptation, based on the manga by Syundei, stands out by immediately committing to its central relationship. The story centers on Okuto Nakamura, a shy, gloomy fifteen-year-old starting high school.

Nakamura instantly falls in love with his classmate, Aiki Hirose, upon seeing him at the entrance ceremony. Crucially, Nakamura is certain of his feelings from the outset and actively tries to pursue a connection, despite his crippling social anxiety and lack of friends (save for his pet octopus).

Awkward Beginnings and High School Hurdles

After agonizing over every possibility, Nakamura finally attempts to introduce himself to Hirose. Predictably, his poor social skills turn the simple introduction into an unintentionally hilarious disaster.

The series then follows Nakamura’s efforts to recover from this messy first impression while navigating his overwhelming anxiety and growing admiration for Hirose.

Visual Excellence: Translating the Manga to Screen

The source manga, with its distinctive ’80s style, did not seem like an obvious candidate for animation. Yet, Studio Drive, known for works like To Your Eternity, has delivered an electrifying adaptation.

The retro aesthetic translates beautifully, featuring mature artwork, vivid colors, and backgrounds reminiscent of watercolor paintings. This results in a visually joyful and engaging viewing experience.

Animation Enhancements and Style Choices

While the anime features a slightly rounder character design for Nakamura compared to the manga, this does not detract from the overall quality. The opening sequence fully embraces the retro style.

The theme song, “Let’s Fall in Love Instantly” by Yasuyuki Okamura and Kento Nakajima, is both catchy and upbeat, perfectly setting the series' tone. The opening animation utilizes a comics-inspired aesthetic that highlights the show’s humor and introduces the colorful supporting cast.

Furthermore, the physical comedy is significantly amplified in the animated format. Nakamura’s internal debates about approaching Hirose are brought to life through exaggerated timing, expressive animation, and dynamic visual gags, ensuring the show elicits laughter.

Story Adjustments: Changes for Accessibility

The anime makes several noticeable, impactful deviations from the original manga storyline. One significant change occurs during a home economics class scene where Nakamura and Hirose are cooking.

In the anime, Nakamura fantasizes about a newlywed life after seeing Hirose in an apron. Later, when octopuses are discovered in a sink, Nakamura, being an octopus owner, saves them.

Comparing Anime and Manga Narratives

This sequence differs from the manga, where the setting was a school festival, and the class planned to cook the octopuses into dumplings. In the manga, Nakamura’s fantasy was also more exaggerated, involving Hirose enveloped by giant tentacles.

These alterations suggest the anime aims for a broader, more innocent tone. By softening certain moments, the series allows the audience to focus on the tenderness of first love and the relatable internal struggles of adolescence.

The decision to have Nakamura save the octopuses, rather than cook them, enhances his character consistency and endearment. However, the pacing of the first meeting is extended in the anime, which occasionally feels dragged out and detracts from the viewing experience.

Conclusion: An Earnest and Distinctive Adaptation

Overall, Go for It, Nakamura-Kun!! is a charming and visually unique adaptation that successfully brings this niche story to life. Its expressive animation, thoughtful color palette, and heightened physical comedy elevate Nakamura’s internal world.

The choice to adopt a softer, more innocent tone increases accessibility, allowing the central romance to resonate as a relatable coming-of-age tale. Despite potential alterations that may divide manga fans, the series possesses an undeniable sincerity that makes Nakamura easy to root for.