Usagi Drop

 The next on the list of anime's from Noshi to be watched, as we try to get some decent numbers in in the end for this years challenge, Usagi Drop is a slice of life series.

 

Numbering 11 episodes, this series aired all the way back in 2011, so let's go!

 

First things first though, darn it has a catchy opening and a beautiful end theme music!

 

After hearing of the death of his grandfather, Daikichi gathers with his family at his house, learning that in his old age he still conceived a daughter, the now 6 year old Rin.  As his family wants to put her up for adoption, Daikichi decides he will take her into his care instead.  With the help of his cousin Haruko, he registers her for nursery school, though he still keeps her a secret at work.

 

At his parents house, while visiting there with Rin, he learns of a maid named Masoko, who is also listed in Rin's health booklet.  At work he requests a transfer to better combine with his changed personal life situation.  At school, Rin befriends a boy named Kouki, and Daikichi meets his single mother Yukari later on.  He calls Masoko and arranges to meet with her.  She explains she gave Rin up due to her work as an artist being to demanding, and Daikichi gives Rin his surname to prevent possible castigation from classmates.

 

To celebrate her entrance into elementary school, they bring a flagrant olive tree, just like the one planted for his birth, back from his grandfather's place who had put it there for Rin's birth.  Haruko shows up at Daikichi's place, telling him about the issues between her and her husband and family, but after staying over for a few days and venting to her cousin she returns home.  Masoko in the meantime occassionally looks at Rin in secret to make sure she is doing alright.

 

When a typhoon hits, Kouki and his mom stay over for dinner at Daikichi's, but Rin comes down with a serious case of stomach flu, and Yukari helps him to nurse her through.  Yukari herself has come down with a cold though, and Daikichi helps her out by looking after Kouki in return.  On the return from a family gathering, he reflects on his first year with Rin...

 

A very highly enjoyable series for certain, and worth the time to watch!  I can really recommend this series, and it has been one of the better ones I viewed this year so far, so go check it out.