Romance has always been a popular genre in anime, with series like Fruits Basket, <em>Kaguya-sama: Love Is War,</em> and Ao Haru Ride being the gold standard. However, like many forms of media, anime has lagged regarding its depiction of queer relationships. While action and fantasy still hold the crown in ratings and rankings, audiences have increasingly gravitated toward shojo and romance manga adaptations, yet meaningful LGBTQ+ representation remains frustratingly rare.
Although recent years have brought more yuri (or girls’ love) titles, like Whisper Me a Love Song and This Monster Wants to Eat Me, BL (or boys’ love) adaptations have been much slower to break through. And even when we do get said representation, such as in <em>The Summer Hikaru Died</em> and Yuri!! on Ice, the romance often takes a backseat to other aspects of the plot. Instead of fully committing to the relationship at the story’s center, these shows tend to embrace subtext, with characters hesitant to openly acknowledge their feelings — if they even recognize them in the first place. This leaves viewers stuck in a familiar will-they-won’t-they cycle, which is exactly why Crunchyroll’s latest adaptation feels like a breath of fresh air.
What Is ‘Go for It, Nakamura-Kun!!’ About?
Written and illustrated by Syundei, Go for It, Nakamura-Kun!! follows Okuto Nakamura (voiced by Chiaki Kobayashi), a shy and gloomy-looking fifteen-year-old who has just started high school. Despite being socially awkward and anxious around people, Nakamura is determined to become friends with his classmate, Aiki Hirose (Yuki Sakakihara), whom he falls in love with instantly after seeing him for the first time at the school entrance ceremony. This moment is what sets this adaptation apart from the rest. Right from the start, Nakamura is sure about his feelings; he makes them clear to the audience, and he is, as the title indicates, trying to act on them. His main obstacle, however, is his poor social skills, which have rendered him friendless, save for his pet octopus.
One day, after envisioning every possible scenario in his head and mustering every ounce of courage, he finally decides to speak to his crush. But, as expected, Nakamura manages to turn a simple introduction into an awkward situation, making an unintentionally hilarious impression on Hirose. Now, Nakamura must find a way to recover from this messy first encounter and figure out how to get closer to the person he admires so deeply, all while navigating the challenges of high school and his own overwhelming anxiety.
‘Go for It, Nakamura-Kun!!’ Beautifully Translates the Manga to the Screen
The manga series this anime is based on doesn’t necessarily seem like the obvious choice for an adaptation. While its ’80s style is a bold, creative choice, neither the visuals nor the plot immediately suggests a story that would benefit from a contemporary transition to the screen. However, Studio Drive, the studio behind titles such as To Your Eternity and Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister, has managed to create something truly electrifying with Go for It, Nakamura-kun!!
The manga’s retro style translates beautifully to the screen, with mature art, vibrant colors, and backgrounds that often resemble watercolor paintings. As a result, Go for It, Nakamura-kun!! immediately becomes a visually joyful and engaging watch. Those who have been keeping up with the manga might notice that Nakamura’s character design looks rounder, with fewer sharp edges, making him appear younger than his counterpart on the page, but this doesn’t take away from the experience. The retro stylistic choice also extends to the opening sequence. The theme song, “Let’s Fall in Love Instantly” by Yasuyuki Okamura and Kento Nakajima, is both upbeat and catchy, perfectly setting the tone for the series. Meanwhile, the opening animation leans into a seemingly comics-inspired aesthetic, emphasizing the show’s humor while also introducing a colorful cast of characters.
Another aspect of the story that has been significantly improved by the animated format is the physical comedy. Nakamura’s internal struggle as he debates how to approach Hirose is brought to life through exaggerated timing, expressive animation, and visual gags. The overall dramatization of these comedic beats adds an extra layer of charm, making scenes feel more dynamic and engaging than they might on the page. These elements work seamlessly to ensure that at least Go for It, Nakamura-kun!! will make you chuckle more than once. Altogether, the visual components work together to create an adaptation that not only honors its source material but also enhances it in ways that feel fresh, dynamic, and especially suited for animation.
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‘Go for It, Nakamura-Kun!!’ Makes Noticeable Changes to the Story For Better and Worse
While it’s not uncommon for anime adaptations to make adjustments to the story,Go for It, Nakamura-kun!! is already diverting from the source material in small but impactful ways. The episode provided for review includes a scene in which Nakamura and Hirose are cooking for a home economics class. In this sequence, Nakamura fantasizes about what Hirose would be like as a newlywed after seeing him put on an apron. It’s an overall innocent moment that leans heavily into the comedy of the situation. Moments later, the class discovers some octopuses in a sink and while they debate what to do with them,Nakamura manages to save the animals from harm.
This scene plays out very differently in the manga where the setting is a school festival and where they are preparing to cook octopuses into dumplings. In that version,Nakamura’s fantasy is also more exaggerated featuring Hirose enveloped in giant tentacles.This suggests thatthe anime may be aiming to adapt the story for a broader audience. By maintaining a more innocent tone,the series allows its audience to focus on tenderness of first love and internal struggle that comes with falling for someone as a teen. At the same time,the change aligns more closely with Nakamura’s established love for octopuses. Instead of participating in cooking them he actively saves them from a tragic fate which ultimately makes his characterization feel more consistent and endearing.The pacing is also different from manga, with anime extending their first meeting as if emphasizing how difficult it is for Nakamura to speak to Hirose. However,this ultimately detracts from viewing experience as this subplot begins feeling dragged out by end.
Overall,Go for It,Nakamura-kun!!a charming and visually distinctive adaptation that succeeds in bringing a niche story to life.. At its best,the series shines through its expressive animation thoughtful use of color heightened physical comedy all of which elevate Nakamura’s internal world.The decision lean into softer more innocent tone also makes story more accessible allowing central romance resonate as relatable coming-of-age experience. However,the adaptation’s tendency simplify or alter certain moments may not sit well with fans of manga.Still there’s undeniable sincerity at heart series that makes it easy root for Nakamura even in most awkward moments.Go for It,Nakamura-kun!!may not be flawless adaptation but it’s earnest enjoyable one with strong visual identity relatable angsty teen root for refreshing take on BL storytelling.
Go for It,Nakamura-Kun!! premieres April 1 on Crunchyroll.
- The distinct retro visual style translates beautifully to animation.
- Expressive animation and physical comedy elevate humor.
- The clear romantic intent from start avoids typical BL ambiguity.
- The pacing is somewhat uneven especially with extended scenes that feel dragged out.
- There are noticeable changes from manga that may not appeal all fans.
