General Impression: Rokuhoudou Yotsuiro Biyori

Synopsis

Set in a popular Japanese-style café named “Rokuhoudou”, this story star four specialists. They consist of tea specialist and café owner Sui, latte artist Gure, sweets specialist Tsubaki and cooking specialist Tokitaka. With warm smiles on their faces, they not only serve delicious meals, but they help their customers with any issue as well.

First Impression

Rather than the characters or story, it’s really the visuals/art of the episode that stood out. From the background to the food designs, all the little details really stood out as a pleasant visual play. Still, while the characters have rather predictable points to them, they do have a nice dynamic to them. What’s more, the character focus of the episode had a nice relatable quality to her. However, the pacing and hit or miss comedy really took away from the episode.

General Impression

Between the lively moments and varied comedy that the series likes to slip in, you can really appreciate when the series takes on its softer moments. From the exploration of the characters’ pasts to how each customer is helped through their issue, there’s just a warmth to the series to enjoy. That and the little mysteries that the main characters give in terms of their backgrounds is a nice touch. Honestly it’s really nice that the series makes sure that each character has their moment and shows a different side to each of them.

The only real downside is the way that it tries to bring a comedy set-up. It’s understandable that comedy is not the easiest thing, and the comedy of the series can be hit or miss. However, for the most part, the comedy and other times the series takes away from its softer tone can get awkward. Mainly in how it shifts the flow of the story and just seems off for the general set-ip of the series.

Conclusion

Overall, the series is an enjoyably warm work with some interesting character work. It can be awkward at times, but the charm of the series helps make up for most of it. Really, if the series toned down its comedy just a tad and emphasized more on it’s emotional and thoughtful moments, it would make for a much more interesting series for this writer. Either way, it’s an enjoyable series involving a lovely cafe and nice characters.

Rating: 7.5/10