Watch HoriMiya

HoriMiya is a romantic-comedy anime television series that premiered on Tokyo MX on January 9, 2021. The show is based on the manga of the same name by HERO and Daisuke Hagiwara. The anime adaptation was directed by Masashi Ishihama, written by Takao Yoshioka, and produced by CloverWorks.

The story revolves around Kyouko Hori and Izumi Miyamura, two high school students who are initially portrayed as opposites. Hori is a popular girl in school who excels in academics and takes care of her younger brother and household chores. Miyamura, on the other hand, has a punk look with long hair and piercings, but hides his true self as a shy and reserved person when he's not with his few close friends.

One day, Hori discovers a side of Miyamura that she never knew about when she sees him without his glasses and piercings. This triggers a series of events that brings the two together and leads to the development of an unexpected friendship. As they start to spend more time together outside of school, they gradually discover each other's true personalities, similarities, and differences.

The show's plot revolves around the evolving relationship between Hori and Miyamura, as well as their interactions with their friends, classmates, and families. The anime portrays a mix of lighthearted humor, heartwarming moments, and realistic portrayals of teenage life, including issues such as identity, friendship, romance, and family.

The anime features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own quirks and personalities. Hori's best friends, Yuki and Sota, provide comic relief and emotional support to her, while Miyamura's friends, Toru and Kakeru, are more reserved but loyal. The show also introduces other characters, such as Hori's brother, Ace, and their parents, as well as Miyamura's adoptive sister, who add depth and complexity to the story.

The animation style of HoriMiya is colorful, vibrant, and visually appealing. It blends traditional 2D animation with occasional 3D elements, such as backgrounds and special effects, to create a dynamic and immersive world. The show's soundtrack, composed by Masaru Yokoyama, features a mix of upbeat and melancholic tracks that complement the mood and tone of each episode.

HoriMiya also explores themes related to gender roles, expectations, and stereotypes. The show challenges the traditional image of a popular girl as shallow, self-centered, and superficial, and portrays Hori as a compassionate, independent, and responsible person who struggles to balance her personal and social life. Similarly, Miyamura's appearance and demeanor defy the stereotypes of a delinquent or outcast, and reveal a kind, sensitive, and artistic soul.

Overall, HoriMiya delivers an engaging, heartwarming, and relatable story that captures the joys and struggles of adolescence and the complexities of human relationships. The show's blend of humor, drama, and romance, combined with its diverse and likable characters and stunning animation, make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

HoriMiya is a series that ran for 2 seasons (27 episodes) between January 9, 2021 and on Tokyo MX