ASOBI ASOBASE — A Gag Anime with Substance

While I don’t often search for or watch comedy, Asobi Asobase guaranteed I will never have to actively research another comedy anime again. After several rewatches of Asobi Asobase and ordering (and translating) the manga, I feel obligated to review and share this precious story with others.

Lerche’s adaptation of Rin Suzukawa’s comedic story following three middle school girls — Hanako, Olivia, and Kasumi — is a comedic twelve-episode automatic mood-lifter. Although the whimsical intro of the trio prancing in a flowerbed misleads watchers into believing Asobi Asobase is a typical shoujo anime, every episode is brimming with chaotic gags and dirty jokes — the same jokes everyone thought were hilarious in middle school, immature in high school, and once again hysterical in adulthood.

The three girls bond over the creation of the play club — Asobi Asobase — and every episode’s club activities urge other students to question the legitimacy of the play club.

Characters:

Asobi Asobase centers around a trio of girls inherently different yet their individual styles and idiosyncrasies complement each other and enhance the punchlines.

Hanako studies the most, scores the highest test scores, and speaks the best English among the three of them (despite her comical thoughts and ridiculous ideas that leave…