Ever wondered what would happen if you had to cross-dress all day to pay off debt? Himegoto, a comedy anime series from 2014, plunges you into the world of Hime Arikawa, a boy forced to play the role of a cute girl under the orders of three student council girls. This series will have you laughing until your stomach hurts with its cheeky and unexpected cross-dressing gags!
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Hime Arikawa, a high school boy whose parents left him with a huge debt, is about to have everything seized by creditors. But luckily, three girls from the student council step in to help. They offer a bizarre alternative: Hime must dress as a girl during school hours in exchange for debt repayment, with the condition that he keeps this secret from everyone. The series follows Hime's daily life as he plays the role of a girl, with biting humor and chaotic situations involving classmates and family.
Performance and Characters
Lead voice actor Yuuki Kuwahara as Hime vividly portrays the confusion between masculinity and femininity, with pitch changes that make the character both cute and comical. Yuka Matenro voices Aruku, the quiet but sly student council girl, while Saki Ono plays Ungo, who seems tough but has a soft side. Hisako Tojo as Albertina the Second adds madness with her eccentric personality. Takuya Eguchi as best friend Yuma represents normalcy amidst the chaos. Every character has a distinct personality that perfectly complements the comedy.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Director Yoshihiro Yamaguchi nails the timing of gags, using fast cuts and over-the-top facial expressions to enhance humor. The animation by studio Animation Planet, while not highly detailed, features memorable character designs and vibrant colors. The soundtrack by Masato Nakayama includes a catchy opening theme that sets a fun tone, and the ending theme fits the cross-dressing theme. Although the visual quality doesn't match modern anime, it effectively conveys comedic emotions.
Editorial Analysis
Himegoto is an anime that boldly tackles gender identity issues through a surreal comedic lens. While not deeply analytical of society, it prompts reflection on societal constraints and expectations regarding gender. The series uses the protagonist's cross-dressing as the main gag mechanism, which can sometimes feel repetitive or risk being offensive, but overall it's fun and not overly crude. A highlight is the gradual development of relationships from coercion to genuine friendship. However, with only 13 short episodes, some plot points are left unresolved, which may disappoint some viewers.
Verdict
For those looking for a lighthearted, no-brainer comedy anime with surreal cross-dressing gags, <strong>Himegoto</strong> is the right answer. Though not perfect in visuals or depth, it delivers laughter and entertainment throughout its 13 short episodes, perfect for killing time without overthinking.
👍 Pros
- +Fresh and unique cross-dressing comedy
- +Cute and distinctive characters
- +Catchy opening theme that fits the atmosphere
👎 Cons
- −Animation quality is fairly average
- −Some episodes feel repetitive
- −Certain plot points are left unresolved
Top Cast
FAQ
Himegoto has 13 episodes, each about 4 minutes long.
It's a comedy anime with cross-dressing elements.
The content has some adult jokes but is not explicit, suitable for teenagers and up.
No, there is no sequel; currently only one season.
