Mairimashita! Iruma-kun
is, without exaggerating, probably in the top three most positive and
genuinely lovely pieces of media I've ever consumed. In a complete spur of
the moment decision, I decided to put on the first episode because I
scrolled past it on Crunchyroll, and something about the art style in the
preview appealed to me. I was wholely unprepared for how much I would fall
in love with this series.
After binging the first season, I read the manga in the span of about a
week. It's very hard for me to stay invested in weekly mangas, because I
forget forget to read new chapters, or sometimes I forget the ongoing plot
as a whole. Not so for Mairuma. I've been reading every chapter since
October 2020 and I am still in love with it as much as I was when I found
myself grinning watching the very first episode. It was smiling even before
the episode began, in fact; about ten seconds into the opening theme song, I
could just tell. This anime was out to give me good vibes, and nothing but
good vibes.
So, what makes Mairuma so special? To me, it's the genuine emphasis on love,
fun, and kindness that the series exudes, seemingly without trying. It's
exceptionally pure and kindhearted. Episode after episode, defensive
measures and horrible expectations that I'd built up over many years of
watching anime simply crumbled away.
Fearing the worst when a demon kidnaps a young boy and gushes over how
"cute" he is, the situation reveals itself for what it is: he's lonely,
never having had children, and wants to adopt a grandson to bring some light
into his life. When the loud, brash rival showed up and I was prepared for
an episode full of hate and spite, he instead praised the main character and
said he couldn't wait to compete with him. Expecting the inevitable
'romance' subplots to be vapid and full of sexual jokes at the expense of
the female characters, I find myself presented with beautiful, developing
friendships that make me cheer for any eventual outcome. This isn't to say
that Mairuma doesn't use many common anime tropes, but its presentation is
so honest and genuine that even the most formulaic jokes and plotlines feel
refreshing.
If I could recommend any series to somebody and have 100% confirmation that
they would commit to it, I would choose Iruma. I'd choose it over JoJo, over
Evangelion, over almost everything that has ever held its own as my
'favorite' anime. I love Mairuma that much. It made a really horrible year
bearable, and even enjoyable. I can't say enough good things about it. We
stan Iruma-kun in this house. We really do. Season 2 is currently airing as
of the time of this writing, so now is as good of a time as any to watch!!!
PLEASE give it a shot, you won't regret it!!