6. Hidamari Sketch

What is Hidamari Sketch?

It’s yet another adaptation of a 4-koma comic strip, of course. And it’s another one of those Shinbo shows. And it goes without saying that it’s slice-of-life. But, as accurate as these descriptions may be, I don’t think they say much more about the show than what’s already obvious. What is the essence of Hidamari Sketch?

Whether or not Hidamari Sketch is “iyashikei”, or “healing” anime is a matter of personal opinion, I think. It shares a lot of characteristics with your typical iyashikei series, but the Shinbo quirkiness gives the show an edge that’s missing from, say, Aria or Kokoro Library. And it’s because of that edge that I think the show is difficult to define. Is it relaxing slice-of-life? Offbeat comedy? An instructional video for Japan’s “my pace” movement?

It’s all of these things and then some, I suppose. But, for me, the essence of Hidamari Sketch is summed up perfectly in this image. Looks inviting, doesn’t it? For all intents and purposes, each and every episode of Hidamari Sketch is representative of the feeling I get when I look at that image. And, in a year in which my caffeine intake has increased tenfold and my blood pressure has likely followed suit, it’s a feeling I’ve come to appreciate. I need to make like Yuno and find a blanket already. And a Hiro to share it with.

Of course, I’m not an island unto myself. Hidamari Sketch is more about sharing that feeling with others than it is keeping it to yourself. The many scenes in which Yuno and friends sat around a table working on a project or telling stories reminded me an awful lot of similar good times from my college days. My friends and roommates back then were just as much a part of my family as anyone who shared my last name. They still are. Of course, now that we’re separated by time and distance, there’s no more sitting around the table except on special occasions.

I kind of envy those of you who have the good fortune to be exposed to shows like Hidamari Sketch while still (relatively) young. I often wonder if my outlook toward life would be different today had I had such an opportunity. Would I be better off for it? Is the inclination to even consider such questions something that only comes with age? Would I have simply found Hidamari Sketch boring as hell ten years ago?

I hope not, but I also know myself well enough to know that I probably would have. Everything in due time. And, as for the question at hand?

Hidamari Sketch is bittersweet, that’s what.