(12 episodes)
What’s it about ?
The local shopping district is awesome ! Also, a talking chicken.
Characters
Tamako, high school girl and heir to the mochi bakery. Energetic, a bit clumsy and well-liked in the neighbourhood.
Mochizou, her childhood friend and heir to the rival store next door. Very self-conscious about being friend-zoned.
Dera, an obnoxious talking bird who shows out of nowhere and sticks around at Tamako’s household. Supposedly he’s looking for a princess or something, but the mochi are so good he quickly forgets about that mission. Not that he can even fly anymore at this point, anyway.
The cast is rounded up by Tamako’s friends (the carpenter’s daughter, etc.) and the colourful other shop owners. (Wait, is the florist supposed to be trans ?)
Production Values
Very nice, although KyoAni went for the cuteness overload even more than usual.
What did I think of it ?
Well, I wasn’t quite expecting this. Obviously the talking chicken sticks out like a sore thumb, although most characters take this supernatural element in stride after a brief moment of WTF. This is a very cheerful series indeed, with even the neighbour squabbling being in good fun.
I’m not sure the joke really works, though. Sure, it brings a smile, but some of the early transitions are jarring and I’m not sure how this premise can support 11 more episodes. Still, I’m willing to give it the benefit of the doubt and time for it to find its legs.
