Kodomo no Jikan (TV)

Later edit. Read the manga, it's 10/10. The anime doesn't do it justice
--------
If you don't know if you should watch this, I'll tell you the truth about this show. Or better said, these types of shows, as this isn't the only one.

Kodomo no Jikan is part of the types of shows I like to call "with a mask", or "plot gatekeepers". They start with a few episodes in which they throw controversial or taboo things in your face. They give you this false image, and if you crack, you stop watching and start complaining about a plot you don't even fully know.

After the ... "tourists" are gone, the show changes course and hits you with the real story which tries to be as heartbreaking and emotional as possible. The controversial things it threw in your face in the first episodes are just the end result. A coping mechanism characters cling to, to save them from their broken life.

Watch this show if you like this type of plot. If you dislike controversy or taboo, don't force yourself to watch it, it's not for you. Even if you finish it, you wouldn't get the story, as you have different life values incompatible with what the story tries to tell you.

Damnnnn... this anime is stressing me out! It feels like an emotional roller coaster in some ways. The character design is decent, not bad. The ending music is catchy I love it. Voice acting is good as well especially Mimi's voice actress. However, if you live in western side of the world I couldn't recommend this anime to you. It tries to portray a situation where grown-ups don't understand kids, using Aoki's mistake as an example. That being said, I actually learned something from this show. Despite the stress, I really enjoyed the show. While a third season seems unlikely.

Character Design: 8/10
Voice Acting: 7.5/10
Music: 8/10
Story: ... 6/10

I wish I could say I never watched this. There were moments I awkwardly chuckled when the show was almost funny or so painfully depraved that I had to laugh.

A person I was interested in wanted to share their favorite anime with me and I wish I just said no to this one. What an uncomfortable experience. I can't think of who the target audience for this would be other than people who like shock factor content or are into underage anime characters.

If you're into shock humor or hypersexualized underage characters I think you could find this anime enjoyable. Y'all are suspicious but you do ... you I guess.