Synopsis
Four 19-year old women – Fubuki, Rin, Mafuyu, and Nayuta – are trying to become comedians, diligently honing their routines while working part-time jobs. With the philosophy that “laughter makes people happy, and if everyone is happy, I’m happy,” they aim to take the stage at the renowned Nanba Grand Kagetsu Hall. For now, they settle for working their way up from the bottom doing shows in Shibuya. (from ANN)
Commentary
Razif Kurniawan – The Indonesian Anime Times
I had been having the impression that this original anime would be a comeback of Lucky Star, since all the news I see about it tells about Kagami Yoshimizu (the creator of Lucky Star)’s involvement in original character design. I expect the story to be funny and laughable, even more after the trailer shows that the series revolve around manzai, or Japanese double-act comedy.
However, it turns out that Maesetsu focuses more on its lead characters’ dream to become a comedian. It does not mean that the story is full of drama, but somehow, Maesetsu isn’t really gag-heavy like Lucky Star. Even seeing the manzai scenes in the anime doesn’t make me laugh, but it is perhaps because of cultural difference, since I also mostly can’t laugh at American stand up comedy shows.
However, most of Maesetsu‘s early episode is actually filled with a heartwarming story about how the main characters try their best to be a comedian. Rather than comedy, Maesetsu feels more like a slice of life story, and it is still a good show to watch in that regard. However, if you’re not familiar with Japanese comedy, or you’re like me who expect something like Lucky Star revival, you should adjust your expectations.
Facts and Figures
| Alternative Title | まえせつ！ |
| Source Material | Original work |
| Casts | Aguri Ōnishi as Fubuki Kitakaze Hiromi Igarashi as Rin Araya Naomi Ōzora as Mafuyu Kogarashi Asuka Aida as Eru Kusaba Ayaka Shimizu as Arashi Waraino Nozomi Furuki as Kanae Kanari Sakura Nakamura as Nayuta Asōgi Yūki Takada as Manatsu Kogarashi |
| Director | Yuu Nobuta (High School Fleet) |
| Scenario | Touko Machida (Geijutsuka Art Class) |
| Character Design | Kagami Yoshimizu (Lucky Star), Katsuzo Hirata (Angel Beats) |
| Music | monaca, Satoru Kousaki |
| Opening song | “Pippippi Happy” by Hiromi Igarashi, Sakura Nakamura, Naomi Ōzora, Aguri Ōnishi |
| Ending song | “Ikagawashii Viking” by Hiromi Igarashi, Sakura Nakamura, Naomi Ōzora, Aguri Ōnishi |
| Studio | AXsiZ, Studio Gokumi |
| Official sites | https://maesetsu.jp/ |
| @maesetsu_anime | |
| Broadcast date | 11 October 2020 (1430 GMT/2130 WIT/2330 JST) |
Screenshots and Trailer
The Indonesian Anime Times
