Watch Castle Town Dandelion

Castle Town Dandelion is a charming and heartwarming anime series that premiered in 2015. Produced by FUNimation, and directed by Noriaki Akitaya, it stars an all-star cast of voice actors including Kana Hanazawa, Ryohei Kimura, and Kaori Ishihara. The anime centers around the lively and endearing Sakurada family and their daily lives as they navigate their duties as royalty and as individuals. With its interesting premise, relatable characters, and well-executed animation, Castle Town Dandelion is a must-watch for fans who enjoy slice-of-life comedies.

The story takes place in a city called Sakurada, which is ruled by the King, but in this world, unlike the real one, Japan has a constitutional monarchy instead of a parliamentary one. The King of Sakurada, Souichirou, has nine children, each with their unique abilities, and they are all vying for the throne. With a looming election, each of them must prove their worthiness to rule by showcasing their abilities and making themselves known to the public who will ultimately decide who will become the next king or queen.

However, what makes Castle Town Dandelion stand out is not the political drama, but the family dynamics between the Sakurada siblings. Each character receives enough screen time to establish their personalities and motives. The quirks and relationships between the siblings are endearing and entertaining to watch, and the show's writers make sure to give each sibling their unique story arc to follow. The heart of the series lies in the Sakurada family's everyday shenanigans as they endeavor to live up to their expectations as royals while still dealing with their inherent imperfections.

One of the most charismatic characters in the show is Akane Sakurada, the third oldest of the siblings with the ability to control electricity. She's a spirited and relatable character who forms an inseparable bond with a stray kitten she finds, which then becomes a fixture in the show. Her love for the cat is touching and provides some heartwarming moments throughout the series. Her interactions with other siblings, especially Hikari, the middle child who has the ability to disappear, are amusing to watch.

The series also touches on themes of self-discovery and sibling solidarity, as each of the Sakurada siblings comes to terms with their abilities and how they fit into their family's dynamic. The show cleverly explores its central premise, the election for the next king, without making the voting process the central focus of the series. Instead, the show uses the election as a background event to explore each sibling and their respective stories.

The animation style of Castle Town Dandelion is well done and striking, showcasing the city's stunning landscape and the characters' unique abilities. The coloring is vibrant, giving coherence to the different settings while still highlighting the characters' distinctive personalities. The soundtrack is enjoyable, with themes that highlight the show's lighthearted and comedic moments.

Overall, Castle Town Dandelion is an excellent anime that deserves more attention. Its engaging premise, relatable characters, and well-executed animation make it an enjoyable watch. It offers wholesome entertainment and a chance to disconnect from reality and immerses yourself in a world of endearing and lovable siblings vying for political power. If you're looking for a heartwarming show filled with comedy, light-heartedness, and good-natured humor, this one is definitely worth checking out.

Castle Town Dandelion is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between July 2, 2015 and on FUNimation