Watch Barakamon

Barakamon is a fun and heartwarming anime series that follows the story of a young man named Seishu Handa, an up and coming calligrapher who gets exiled to a small island after punching a well-known curator in the art world. With his career in ruins, Seishu travels to the Goto Islands in search of inspiration, hoping that living in a rural village will allow him to rediscover his passion for calligraphy.

Upon arriving at the island, Seishu meets a quirky and sometimes annoying cast of characters who are quick to welcome him to their community. Among them is Naru Kotoishi, a spunky and adventurous little girl who becomes Seishu's number one fan-girl. Naru is able to bring Seishu out of his shell and helps him embrace the laid-back lifestyle of island life. Through her and the other inhabitants of the island, Seishu learns to appreciate the beauty of the natural world around him and gains a new perspective on life.

Despite initially feeling out of place, Seishu soon finds himself getting caught up in the daily activities of the island. He becomes involved in everything from fishing expeditions to village festivals and even takes on odd jobs like mending fishing nets and helping with farm work. These experiences draw out the creative energy that had been missing from Seishu's life and allow him to rediscover his love of calligraphy.

Throughout the series, we see Seishu's transformation as he learns the value of personal relationships and the importance of being true to oneself. We see him grow closer to the people of the island, especially Naru, whom he comes to see as a little sister. At the same time, Naru, and the other children on the island, learn from Seishu's experiences and begin to see what it means to be an adult. Through these interactions, we see how Seishu and the island come to form a mutual relationship that is both beneficial and enlightening for both.

The show features a wonderful cast of characters who are all unique and memorable in their own way. From the wise and kind-hearted village elder, to the goofy village chief and his boisterous wife, to the other children of the island, every character has their own personality and backstory. Each episode brings something new to the table, whether it’s a glimpse into the island's customs and traditions, or a glimpse into someone's personal life.

The animation style is a mix of bright colors, warm landscapes, and eye-catching imagery. The show features stunning scenes of the rugged coastline and the rural countryside, as well as the simple beauty of everyday life on the island. The attention to detail in the animation truly brings the setting to life and makes it feel like you are right there on the island with Seishu and his friends.

The voice cast is also top-notch, with notable performances from Daisuke Ono as Seishu Handa, Suzuko Hara as Naru Kotoishi, and Nozomi Furuki as Tama, a shy high schooler who seeks Seishu's mentorship in calligraphy. The performances are genuine and heartfelt, bringing to life the characters and their relationships.

Overall, Barakamon is a fantastic anime series that captures the essence of small-town life and celebrates the importance of personal relationships and creative expression. It's a heartwarming and humorous show that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. Whether you're a fan of slice-of-life anime or just looking for a good laugh and a feel-good story, Barakamon is definitely worth checking out.

Barakamon is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between July 5, 2014 and on FUNimation