The sweeter the romance, the more I want it. Rascal does not dream of bunny girl senpai is everything this hopeless romantic could hope for and then some. It’s got cute character design, a sugar sweet plot, and a beautiful OST. I must admit I only started watching the anime due to an image I found on my twitter feed, but after watching it i’m happy I saw the image.

This is an unusual story that takes place in a town of bright skies and glistening seas, where MC, Sakuta encounters various intriguing girls. The girls all seem to be experiencing something called “puberty syndrome.”

Puberty syndrome – abnormal experiences rumored on the internet to be caused by sensitivity and instability during adolescence. In actuality it’s a supernatural representation for the anxiety, and stresses teenagers feel from the expectations and pressures placed upon them.

No one else can see this enchanting girl

For instance, Sakuta meets a wild bunny girl in the library. She turns out to be an actress on hiatus named Mai Sakurajima, who is also his senior at the school. For some reason, no one else can see this enchanting girl. How did she become invisible…? As Sakuta searches for answers to help Mai, they spend more time together, and he eventually learns of her hidden feelings…

The first 3 episodes focus on their relationship in a well paced tasteful way. The use of fanservice in the traditional sense is almost nonexistent, yet the show manages to convey the effects of romance, minor attraction, and even lust. It’s surprising how well this is all done, from Mai taking a shower while Sakuta makes a call in the other room, to her caressing his hair while he sleeps. The sweetness present in each 25 minute episode is everything a romantic could want or need.

Similar to The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

Similar to The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya the main character lacks much visible display of emotion. He’s almost always calm, collected, and meticulous in the words he uses e.g. Episode 4 (timecode: 5:00). Almost like a romantic savant he sauvely approaches each engagement with seemingly little effort, but with purposeful intent. This seems to be a persona he uses when around other characters since he drops his guard when at home and shows off a more smittend relaxed side of himself. Similar to the aforementioned Haruhi, Mai is 100% Tsundere for Sakuta, and it. Is. glorious… Since she is older than Sakuta, she tries act mature, but gets shy and blushes every time he teases her. The two have wonderful chemistry to the point that you’ll find it difficult to not aww with each show of affection between them.

The upbeat voices of The Peggies really puts you in a good mood

Each episode of this splendid piece of romantic art begins with the wonderful sound of “Kimi no Sei” by the peggies. Now I don’t usually add anime OSTs to my personal playlists, but this one totally deserves a spot at the beginning of my next one. The upbeat voices of The Peggies really put you into a mood for each sugar sweet entanglement, and the intro video complements them perfectly. Starting with our MC breaking into a sprint as the beat increases then shifting to his nonchalant face with hair blowing in the wind then a set of images of multiple characters then returning to him sprinting to the increasing intensity of the song is simply brilliant.

After the intro the episodes begin solemnly with a slow incremental build then subside closer to the end. Each episode ends with the somber song “Fukashigi no Carte” by Mai Sakurajima, setting the tone for the excitement the next one has to offer. The Ending OST even changes depending on which girl Sakuta is helping at that moment.

13 Episodes of Bliss

During the series Sakuta meets and attempts to help numerous girls while trying to woo Mai. His relationships with each of the minor characters is well fleshed out thanks to intelligent writing and stellar voice acting. There’s only one moment in 1 episode among 13 that I found to be distasteful, and even then it was a setup for something finner to come. Mind you the series not only sounds good, but looks magnificent too. Some creative liberties have been taken when compared to the manga by
Hajime Kamoshida, however it all fits well. Dare I say it’s better?

Final Verdict

The metaphor of puberty syndrome perfectly encapsulates the feelings teenagers feel while at that stage in their lives. The pressures of wanting to be accepted by others, or the crushing feelings of love. This anime captures the essence of such things and adds a supernatural twist to them all the while taking you on a wonderful romantic adventure. Watching Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai rekindles the romantic flames within, making it the perfect anime for couples and hopeless romantics alike. With a stunning artstyle, solid voice acting and a mind-blowingly beautiful OST, what’s there not to like.

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai can be found on Crunchyroll.