For the longest time after my start-off into the anime world, the tag “slice of life” to me equalled ‘boring’. Heavens though, was I wrong!!!

“Usagi Drop” is the tale of a 30-year-old salesman taking in his 6(or so)year old aunt on a whim when nobody else among their relatives seems to care about her. The resulting chaos is subtle, if chaotic at all. Usagi Drop is a simple story of daily adjustments and the forming of familial bonds, and where the main characters sure are thrown together in an odd manner, the resulting drama and emotion are sure to hit the hearts of many out there.

“Usagi Drop” is simple and slow; that’s for sure. It’s easy to get into, and it’s easy enough to follow that even a three-year old could watch (provided they understand Japanese, because I have yet to hear news of an English dub). But in all that, there’s one thing it’s not, which is superficial. Instead, it’s absolutely beautiful--realistic, sincere, and heart-warming. All its simplicity actually helps the deeper parts along, as the problems depicted are real, relatable, and relate well to issues present within modern society (balancing family life and work is only one example). It’s a tale of real life and everyday struggles, and how people find a way to pull through even if things are hard at times.

To be frank, when I watched the first episode, I was eagerly waiting for the next, but with an air of anxiety--aka, “please don’t let this turn into a pedo plot thing”. If you’re having similar worries, there’s no need for those. “Usagi Drop” is one of the rare anime that always manages to tread a delicate line where it comes to people and relationships. It’s just one big picture of genuine familial love--I can’t recall even one instance where it would have slipped up or gone overboard.

The cast is reasonably small; and the characters may not be much in themselves. They however are individuals, and fully-fleshed out in that; even the children are portrayed realistically, which in no means is an easy task. And character dynamics and development is where this anime shines. The topic of parenthood is approached with a maturity that’s rare in anime world; e.g. how important family is in raising a child; that it’s by no means easy to do so; but also the happiness the task brings along. Raw familial bonds and emotions are sure to touch people’s hearts, and some comedy adds to the light-hearted feel of the whole show. There’s an entire strong and safe emotional base to it all--in short, it’s just an honest anime; tender, smooth, relaxing, and large in heart. If you care for children at all, this will ring true; believe me.

The dialogue is as simple and understandable as the story, but helps the emotion along. It may be flawed at times, yet it’s very realistic, and the voice-acting only helps it. Rin is so cute~ XD

The animation may take a little getting used to, as it is as different from most anime out there as can get, but it fits the show very well, and the art, simple as it may be, is expressive and adds a lot of that subtle detail unique to “Usagi Drop”. The music is just as simple, but always manages to hit the right string.

“Usagi Drop” is simple--yes. But it’s also detailed, pleasant, heart-warming, and all in all very well thought-out. A tale of family that can be enjoyed by everyone with an attention span; a tale that will ring true if you care for children at all; and one that makes you think about yourself and the little things in life. That it portrays some unique feats of Japanese culture on a side-line (e.g. throwing a child’s first teeth on the roof) only makes it better. It’s detailed, and simply unique on many levels; and where some things may be slightly inconclusive, that only makes it truer to real life. There’s the manga for those who want the full closure, but it takes quite a time jump where the anime ends, so some fans might find it to have lost its flavour somewhat (just saying).

Short, but definitely aimed at those with an attention span, but definitely one of the most beautiful anime out there as well! If you’re not just into gangsters, ecchi, and action only, but are looking for something heart-warming and inspiring instead, grab a cup of tea and give this a spin--it’s awesome. :D (show less)

pros
+ simple but heartwarming
+ superb character growth and dynamics
+ raw bonds and emotion between the characters
cons
- charas aren't much in themselves
- the art looks great in the manga but in animation it's just a pain
- music could be more varied (although it always manages to hit the right string)

conclusion: if you like gangsters, ecchi, and action, you're at the wrong place. bunny drop is short, somewhat slow, simple, sincere, and beautiful, not to mention realistic. it might not look like much at first, seeing since the characters in themselves aren't exactly the most intriguing, but their growth and dynamics along with raw emotion make this worthwhile. treads a delicate line where it comes to people and relationships. both storyline and dialogue are simple, understandable, at times flawed, but just like real life is, too. only the animated adaption of the art style's a pain - it looks great in manga but simply plain and flat in anime. the music is just as plain, although it always manages to hit the right string. if you don't let the animation get to you, however, this show might be geared towards an adult audience but is recommended for all ages, or at least those with a slight attention span. short, beautiful, lovable. believe that coming from a guy. :p

peace. (show less)

First off...this anime might look like another stuff for the kiddies out there if you take a look at Rin and Daikichi but it would prove you wrong.
This anime is awesome and its awesome where other animes let me down. Watching it makes you feel kinda warm and fuzzy and its something I think everyone should experience for themselves
The characters in it aren't that much but the growth of this so few characters is really something else. At the start some characters would seem flat and uninteresting but watch it for a while and then you start seeing things changing for the best and experiencing these characters growth in Usagi Drop is like so very awesome.
The Art might seem a little bit off for most people especially the scenes before the Openings but watch about 2-3 episodes and you start noticing that it suits the anime perfectly.
The sound is really nice (has that soft touch to it) and the opening and ending thoroughly suits the anime too
Youngsters may not enjoy this anime since its made for a mature audience but I personally feel it has something for everyone (yeah,including you)
The dialogue is also simple and understandable and makes the characters more believable and real even though they are in 2-D
I personally think everyone should watch this since its a break form all the ninja and shinigami stuff out there and it would make you feel like you have never felt before. (show less)

Do not let the simple story line fool you. This anime is amazing. Its simple story line makes it wonderfully easy to follow and pleasing to watch. The animation is incredibly clean and consistent.
It follows the life of Daikichi who decides to take in his deceased grandfather's daughter Rin. He has no experience with kids, and his efforts to make her feel completely at home and loved are incredibly sincere and beautiful. At times it can be serious, but a lot of the times it is quite funny as Daikichi has no idea how to take care of a little kid, and Rin is well... a little kid. Their bond grows and you really start to love the characters. I recommend this to absolutely every one!!!!! :D (show less)

From episode one to episode eleven, I felt the heart warming sensation like no other anime. The first episode causes you realize the depth of the relationship between Rin and Daichi. It tugs at your heart, and makes you feel happy in the end.
Having a bad day? Just watch one or two episode of Usagi Drop and you' ll feel better. The plot is amazing. Minor inconveniences and problems that occur gets turned into a major scene and then into a *breathe* *smile* scene.
If you haven't watched this anime before, I suggest giving the first two episode a try before saying no to this genre because it is truly one of the best of its kind. (show less)