Ep 4. Episode 4

After three episodes of tackling his every day mundane routine and occasionally getting lost in his own thoughts, Kotaro Lives Alone season 1 episode 4 sees slight changes and a new character introduced to the series. This week, Kotaro comes across a stray cat and decides to take it in as his pet. While he tries his best to accommodate his new furry roommate in his minimalistic apartment, the cat appears to be more of a chaotic addition than a calming presence.

Kotaro, who always relished his alone time, realizes that being by himself is not as fun when he has someone else to take care of. The episode does a great job of showcasing the struggles of owning a pet, highlighting that caring for an animal takes effort, time, and patience - all traits that Kotaro feels he's lacking. The banter between Kotaro and the cat is comedic, to say the least. The cat, acting like a feline with a personality of its own, takes over and wrecks havoc in Kotaro's tidy apartment.

The episode also delves deeper into Kotaro's character, as we see more of his interactions with the outside world, which involves getting new clothes by going to the clothing store for the first time in a while. In the process, he gets lost in its vast size and feels overwhelmed with the options available to him. He tries on his clothes fittingly in the store but visualizes how they would look on him in different scenarios, indicating that despite his introverted lifestyle, he is in search of new experiences.

There is also a more emotional side to the episode, where Kotaro wonders if it's selfish of him to own the cat when he might not be the best caretaker or if he is capable of giving it the life it deserves. This brings up questions of responsibility and how one must consider the impact their actions have on others. It is a beautiful moment that shows the character development of Kotaro as he learns to take responsibility for himself and his pet.

Overall, Kotaro Lives Alone season 1 episode 4 is a charming and heartwarming episode that will make you laugh and tug at your heartstrings, all at the same time. The episode's narrative and pacing felt natural, and the introduction of the cat as a new character added a much-needed change from the monotony of Kotaro's daily routine. Viewers who appreciate slice-of-life anime will find themselves enamored with the series; it is a unique blend of humor, heart, and solitude that is relatable and endearing.