First Episode Impression: "Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan"

Synopsis

In the city of Kyoto, there lives a penguin named Chitose-san. Her favorite thing to do is to walk around the Kyoto streets and along the way she gets in touch with people and is fed delicious food. Throughout the series and through the perspective of this little penguin, different places in Kyoto including Kiyomizu Temple, Ginkaku Temple, and Gion.

The Good

This is pure and utter cuteness, there’s no other way to go about it. This is a story that features a little penguin wandering the streets of Kyoto and simply delighting people. From the way she’s designed to little sounds she makes. It’s a simple tale with an endearing character that will make you smile. Other than the concept and the character, the general tone and art of the episode are just plain delightful. It’s got a softness to it that makes for an enjoyable visual.

The Bad

Being as short as it is, there isn’t much to pick from the episode. However, at the same time, it feels like the episode didn’t give as much as it could have. Other than this, it also feels like it could have worked on its transition better. Given the softness and the simplicity it presents, it’s really the little things that stand out as possible flaws for the episode. At most, it may as well be nitpicking on what could be improved in future episodes.

Conclusion

Soft would be the best way to describe the impression that the episode left. It was short, it was simple but it had a whole lot of charm to it. Whether it be Chitose’s interactions with people or the way she has these cute little noises, the episode will leave you smiling. As a first episode and introduction to the series, it does well in leaving the viewer with the smile. Being as short as it is though, there is not flaws but little things that could have been done better such as the transitions. Overall, it’s clearly the kind of work that is meant to be enjoyed as something simple and cute. And personally, that is one of the best kind of series to have.

Rating: 8/10