Life is a horrible video game. There are no instructions, everyone has predetermined strengths and weaknesses, social hierarchies are inevitable, and those at the bottom of it are doomed to remain marginalized. At least, this is the philosophy that Fumiya Tomozaki has always had, the protagonist of the highly anticipated anime adaptation of the Jaku-chara Tomozaki-kun light novels . And since he is the best “Atafami” player (who is basically a Super Smash Bros ) in all of Japan, arguably, there is no one better to make this kind of comparison.
Or this is until he meets his perfect heroine, Aoi Hinami, who is number one in academia, sports, beauty and popularity, and who also happens to be the second best "Atafami" player in all of Japan. When the two meet (they are currently only identified by their username) they agree to meet in person after a game. However, Hinami is more than disappointed with the reality of the person she respected so much. Like Tomozaki, Hinami sees life through the lens of a video game, but, unlike Tomozaki, she believes that a great game rewards honest effort and that no goal is impossible. The clash of philosophies leads Hinami to become her life coach, as Tomozaki's gray outlook on the world becomes increasingly colorful.
Now, it should be remembered that almost in late 2019 an anime adaptation of these light novels, Jaku-chara Tomozaki-kun, was announced, with the cast of voices and the production team revealed in March of this year. The series is being directed by Shinsuke Yanagi ( Netoge no Yome wa Onnanoko ja Nai to Omotta? ) With character designs by Akane Yano ( 3-gatsu no Lion ). And yet a release date has not been revealed.
The novels have, in fact, been a huge success in Japan, earning a spot on the Kono Light Novel ga Sugou! from the years 2018, 2019 and 2020. Readers love the variety of characters with different personalities and designs, and the sincere idea that it is never too late to change a lifestyle is something that, by itself, already sells. Although the story is told from Tomozaki's point of view, each character has their own unique struggles and stories that unfold alongside those of the protagonist, leading to times when they grow up both as individuals and as a group.
With a story that balances comedy and drama and frequently shows hints of romance, fans of series like Oregairu or Toradora! They will be more than pleased to read the Jaku-chara Tomozaki-kun novels, or simply wait patiently for the anime premiere.
