The Way of the Househusband

The Way of the Househusband is a 2021 Original Net Animation Comedy series from a studio that has created some entertaining series in its long history, J.C. Staff. While fans of the studio may have been anticipating the Netflix exclusive since it was announced at the 2020 Netflix Anime festival, a vast majority of overhyped anime tend to be either abysmal or nothing worthy of receiving so much hype from the very start. However, when it comes to J.C. Staff and their anime creations, they tend to be more of a fan favorite even when they’re terrible. Sometimes watching anime through the eyes of a fan is the worst thing, and sometimes people enjoy watching terrible anime.

“Immortal Tatsu,” the legendary yakuza who single-handedly defeated a rival gang with a lead pipe, is a name known to strike fear in both hardened police officers and even vicious criminals. Soon after his sudden disappearance, he resurfaces with a slight change in profession. Now equipped with an apron, Tatsu has given up violence and is trying to make an honest living as a house husband and support his career wife, Miku.

While adapting to mundane household tasks, Tatsu finds that being a house husband has its very own challenges, from the gruesome battlefield known as supermarket sales to failures in the kitchen. Despite living peacefully, misunderstandings seem to follow him wherever he goes. The Way of the Househusband follows the daily not-so-simple life of the comically series ex-yakuza as he leaves behind his dangerous lifestyle to become a proper stay-home husband. Can Tatsu make such a career change? Will he be able to understand the differences, or will he fall back into his past life?

While on the surface, this episodic anime series is rather simplistic and seems to be relatively accurate to the show when looking inward. However, this anime series has taken such a simple premise and made it hilariously expanded. The story has fitting elements of Slice of Life and equal parts comedy but doesn’t skimp on either. The pacing that comes with an episodic series such as this is great though each episode is roughly under twenty minutes long, so if one is looking for a slow-paced series, this is not for them.

Another excellent aspect of this narrative is that the comedy was better than what some may expect; it is fast yet powerful. The way the series uses common knowledge for housework regardless of gender as a form of comedy is rather interesting. Meanwhile, the entire series is full of simple jokes that quickly turn to a better understanding of the characters and their type of person. Having a series that can show bits and pieces, and sometimes chunks, of a personality and accurately translate that to empathy is intriguing without feeling forced.

However, there are a few problems in this short episodic anime, and some are unavoidable. The most prominent and lowest hanging fruit, the comedy. Comedy is very subjective, and it’s even more illusory when it’s being translated. Some may find the humor within this series mediocre and dull, but others will fall in the middle and be enamored. Regarding this problem, viewers will decide to continue or drop this series pretty quickly since it’s only five episodes long.

Outside of the subjective comedy, the biggest problem is the fast pacing within some of its episodes. While most episodes are quick, and every one of the series episodes are cut into multiple segments, some segments are so fast that if one blinks, they may miss the end card that shows them they’re onto another part of the episode. Another problem some may find about this series is the random cat segments at the beginning of the series. They are spontaneous and resumed but have no point whatsoever with the series. Another aspect that may turn people away is that this series has a perfect mix of slice of life and pseudo-action; think Mr. Mom meets a former gang member. Sometimes the mundane daily lives of people are entertaining for some, and others may find it boring.

The art style of Gokushufudou is rather engaging; it’s in-between Gekiga, Shojo, and even Sein-type anime series. The series is very stylish and crisp while also being very attractive at the same time. The use of colors and realism to create a simple-looking slice of life series isn’t abnormal, but there’s nothing to improve when it looks good. Though when it comes to the other positives to this series art style, there wasn’t any. Unfortunately, this art direction is sad when talking about any anime series, regardless of the studio behind its creation, especially when it comes to low-budgeted series.

Though when it comes to the series animation production, it’s a bit of a toss-up. It’s unclear why there are so many problems with this series because the team behind it has worked on decent anime series and films. For example, Chiaki Kon, the director of the series, has directed countless episodes and anime series but hasn’t been behind anything nameworthy, and that’s going back her entire career.  Susumu Yamakawa, the Series’ Composition, hasn’t worked on anything outside of abysmal series. However, there is a bit positive light, and that’s the opening theme song, “Shufu no Michi” by Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai; it’s simple and a nice touch to the overall series. However, outside of the constantly used stills is a bit too overpowering to say anything positive about this production.

The characters within this series are easy to describe, almost in a complete sentence. The titular character, Tatsu, is a former leader of the yakuza who uses his skills and intensity that he possesses as a crime lord to take over the domestic tasks as a househusband. He’s very intimidating without knowing his demeanor, but he’s kindhearted to the core. His wife, Miku, is very career-focussed and is an anime fan and loves him dearly. Though outside of these primary delicacies, the viewer doesn’t see her much since it’s about the househusband. A few characters are very entertaining throughout the entire series but are either one-and-done or primary generic characters. Overall, the main character is the make or break for the series, and if he is within your realm of likability, then you’ll enjoy him.

This series is very entertaining and highly hilarious upon first viewing, but that comes with a colossal asterisk; this series is not for everyone. This anime is a simple comedy series with a very eccentric character, and if one is not into that, the viewer will not enjoy this anime series. While there were significant problems with the characters, animation production, and the art style, this series can still be fun and enjoyable. Would this win any awards when it comes down to it? No, but this anime series has a fast-paced yet chilled factor that people may find entertaining. Take a chance but don’t expect anything outside of subpar animation.