Download Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend
Introduction
“Saekano: How to Raise a Bored Girl” (Saenai Heroine no Sodatata) is a unique combination of harem, romance and comedy, set against the background of the anime and video industry. Created by Fumiaki Maruto, with illustrations by Kurehito Misaki, the series is known for its dialogue, meta-thoughts, and fun interactions. Originally a light-hearted series, “Saekano” was adapted into an anime that won over fans for its creative writing style and subversion of familiar tropes. In this blog we will look at the story, characters, themes and characteristics of “Saekano” in general.
Story
“Saekano” tells the story of Tomoya Aki, a high school otaku with a love for anime and video games. One day, he accidentally meets a cute girl who inspires him to create his photo book. Determined to make the biggest game ever, Tomoya recruits talented people from his school to join his project, creating a doujin (independent) development circle called “Blessing Software”.
The girl who inspires him is Megumi Kato, a classmate who, despite her beauty, has an ordinary personality. Tomoya decides to make Megumi the hero of his game, with the goal of turning her into a good love story. Along the way, he is joined by Eriri Spencer Sawamura, a childhood friend and talented artist, and Utaha Kasumigaoka, a famous novelist. Together, they face the challenges of the game’s development while navigating their evolving relationship issues.
Main Characters
- Tomoya Aki: The protagonist, Tomoya, is a passionate otaku with dreams of creating a hit visual novel. Despite his obsessive nature, he’s a likable and earnest character who genuinely cares about his friends and their shared project.
- Megumi Kato: The titular “boring girlfriend,” Megumi is the inspiration for Tomoya’s game. Though she initially appears unremarkable, her subtle charm and down-to-earth personality make her a refreshing contrast to typical harem heroines.
- Eriri Spencer Sawamura: A childhood friend of Tomoya, Eriri is a talented illustrator with a tsundere personality. Her complicated feelings for Tomoya and her pride as an artist create tension within the group.
- Utaha Kasumigaoka: A popular and aloof novelist, Utaha is another key member of the team. Her sharp wit and teasing demeanor add a layer of complexity to her relationship with Tomoya.
- Michiru Hyodo: Tomoya’s cousin and a member of a band, Michiru brings a different dynamic to the group, contributing music and adding another layer of romantic tension.
Background Information
- Creator: The series was written by Fumiaki Maruto, known for his work on visual novels. His experience in the industry lends authenticity to the story’s depiction of game development.
- Source Material: “Saekano” began as a light novel series, illustrated by Kurehito Misaki, and was later adapted into both manga and anime formats.
- Release Dates: The light novel was serialized from 2012 to 2017, with the anime adaptation airing its first season in 2015, followed by a second season in 2017 and a feature film in 2019.
- Genre:
- Romantic Comedy: “Saekano” blends romance with humor, creating a series that is both heartwarming and entertaining.
- Harem: While it features the typical elements of a harem series, “Saekano” subverts many of the genre’s clichés.
- Slice of Life: The series also focuses on the daily lives of the characters, particularly their interactions and the process of creating a visual novel.
Theme
- Creativity and Passion: Saekano is about creativity, the passion that drives people to create, and the challenges they face along the way. The series explores teamwork, ego conflicts, and the challenges of pursuing an artistic vision.
- Paraphrase: “Passers” are famous for their harem dialogues, and they made a lot of jokes when they met and hugged each other. The characters know their role in the story, which leads to interesting and self-aware dialogue.
- Relationships and Jealousy: This series explores the challenges of relationships, especially among a group of friends who work together. Jealousy, unrequited love, and balancing personal relationships with professional goals are recurring themes.
- Growth and Self-Discovery: Everyone makes progress in this series, learning more about themselves and each other as they work toward their goals.
Visual and Animation
- Artwork: “Saekano” is a stylish and sophisticated piece of art created by Kurhito Misaki. Detailed illustrations capture the characters’ personalities, from petite Emi to emotional Erie.
- Character Design: Each character’s design reflects their role in the story, with Megumi’s lithe appearance contrasting with Eriri and Utaha’s different looks. Comic books and animation use this contrast to emphasize a character’s strength.
- The Movie: This A-1 Pictures adaptation is known for its high-quality animation, especially the presentation of scenes and comedic moments. The use of bright colors and smooth animation enhances the overall viewing experience.
Sound and Music
- Music: The show’s music represents the opening and closing themes, with background music that complements the lighthearted and emotional moments of the story.
- Voice Acting: The voice actors do an excellent job capturing the personality of each character. Megumi’s quiet and unassuming voice contrasts with the strong voices of Eriri and Yutaha, giving them something deeper to do.
Review
“Saekano-How to Raise a Street Girl” received praise for its clever writing, characterization, and unique harem style. While it also contains romance and comedy, the show is predictable and tends to subvert expectations. Fans will appreciate the balance of comedy and emotional moments, as well as a true display of creativity in the animated commercials and performances.
