Hyouka: The Mystery of Being Average

[@atvo3485]

I’m genuinely glad that there still is someone making a video essay about Hyouka in 2024, a rare one with the more common perspective about this show as well. You see, Hyouka is the type of show that most anime watchers stop at appreciating its masterclass production value and write it off otherwise, while loyal fans stick up to its core values and place it amongst the best from Kyoto Animation or the industry as a whole. I’m of the latter type and more so, almost every anime I’ve watched in the last couple years were from KyoAni, having been enchanted by their soul and heart. Thus I can see myself as personally biased in my take on the show and develop slight disagreements with yours, however I see where you’re coming from with the criticism of this show having no plot nor a narrative throughout its length, what’s the purpose of watching all the way to the end, after all? The review breaks away from the usual praises and complex essays I’m so used to with the Hyouka fandom, and produces a solid argument for those who don’t love this show as much and often undermine it with baseless words, hence I call it rare. And I must admit, your take on the show is more representative of the anime community as a whole, however it still is baffling why some people love this boring, low stake mystery show with no plot so much from this point of view. At its core, Hyouka is never meant to have a plot, the Classics Club that it surrounds has no goals but to publish an annual anthology, each one of its members has no valid reason to join it. The name itself serves little more than as the title of the first big mystery of the series, because it’s only (Chitanda) Eru’s personal problem, not something so crucial to the existence of the club or the life of its members. Hyouka, then, upon the unveiling of the meaning behind its name in episode 5 as merely a pun, has already established itself as an idyllic work based around the mundane life of four completely normal high school students. It’s unfair in my opinion to fault the show for not having the plot when it sets itself apart by not doing so, and be immensely successful at it. With that said, this show is nowhere close to being a show about nothing, there’s a reward for watching all 22 episodes - not (Oreki) Houtarou’s unrealized confession to Eru, nor the beautiful scenery, but the characterization leading up to that point. Hyouka, much like other KyoAni shows about nothing, is a character-driven slice of life of normal humans going through high school in their own ways, it’s their characters are humans that make then enjoyable and their developments that make the conclusions worthwhile. A more popular illustration for this would be K-ON!, those who have sat all the way witnessing the girls doing all kinds of silly stuff will never say that the ending is unemotional, or that Tenshi ni Furetayo! isn’t a sad song. It’s boring to just be a witness in others’ lives certainly, but for those who are enchanted by KyoAni slice of life, it’s an escape from reality while being constantly reminded of it. Some of their shows like Hibike! Euphonium are even tougher pills to swallow for that realism plus drama, and even that show which centers around a band trying to win gold at national competition, still is a character-driven slice of life at its core. It still tries to break away from the tropes by making the protagonist lose her ultimate personal goal, but that difference makes it stand out with a great message behind. To add an example of this show’s exceptional attention to its characters and how it leverages this specialty, we can look at the background stuff during the school festival arc. The arc is heavily but discreetly centered on the motivation behind its main mystery - that Tanabe is riddled with inferiority complex and has his expectations unfulfilled. The interesting part is that this message of the untalented getting thrashed by the talented is replicated 3 more times: Satoshi vs. Houtarou, Kouchi vs. Anju, and Mayaka vs. Kouchi. One problem with 4 different perspectives, all intricately linked together in the background, makes for such empathy with the viewers that few anime are able to achieve. It’s something easily missed amist the chaotic atmosphere, much like ourselves in real life. Hyouka is unique in the same way that other KyoAni shows are - that it makes the average life special by embracing its averageness, but it's because of this direction that excludes it from the average anime. It’s reflective of our lives yet comfy to watch, its low stakes nature never fills the air with unnecessary tension, it’s the perfect escapism for those who seek to understand its characters. The show is loaded with characterizations and metaphors that come with them, befitting of the Classics Club theme and allow it to have a surprisingly high rewatch value. I lack the vocabulary to further elaborate at this point, so I recommend checking out Under The Scope’s review of this show, which strictly follows this point of view. He encapsulated it very perfectly: “The show’s mystery lies in its character interaction.” I highly recommend reading the novels, I assure that it has pretty much the same substance as the anime except that it’s told from Houtarou’s first perspective so that we see much more of him personally. The story goes for two more volumes from the anime and the more we read, the more we understand the characters. Shoushimin is also worth a read/watch, I wouldn’t say I enjoy the anime as much as Hyouka, but it’s certainly filled with more substance and stakes, making the conclusions of arcs a bit more rewarding in my opinion.

[@Lurichans]

You brought up certain things I hadn’t thought about, and, honestly, this is such an insightful comment! I don’t watch a lot of anime like Hyouka and the mystery genre isn’t something I often dabble in, so I’m sure I missed a couple things. Lol. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and in such an intellectual manner! I love when people let me know what is/isn’t working, especially if there’s a source material, like Hyouka! This wins the award for longest comment on any of my videos to-date! 🥇

[@atvo3485]

Thanks for the award! Hyouka may not be a good mystery or romance show but it's a slice of life masterclass. I think it's one of the best anime shows to yap about since there's so many hidden stuff and ways to interpret them. I hope you will give it a rewatch someday to see it in all of its glory!

[@Ben-vg6ox]

nowadays episodic formats has been forgotten... most things are serialised nowadays

[@Lurichans]

People forget about the simplicity of episodic formats these days, but I think, in some ways, it’s kind of making a comeback! Times used to be simpler, but a good story will always attract attention. :)

[@shira_yone]

I don't think Hyouka is the best anime to recommend, but it is my no.1 favorite anime. The overarching story is about Oreki leaving behind the grey, iconic energy reserved lifestyle, into a rose-colored life/perspective with the push of Chitanda; it's a down-to-earth introspective personal story that I think is even more valuable in this day and age full of apathy or nihilism. Things doesn't always have to be bombastic nor dramatic to excite, there are many moments (especially in these chaotic times) where the seemingly mundane is precious, something that could bring joy. It truly is a _slice_ of _life_ anime, and where most fill in the blanks with overwhelming cuteness, gag comedy, or muh deep philosophical question about existence itself, Hyouka is restrained in it's approach to show that life is inherently interesting and you don't need to go through insane length to find it to be; I don't think this is a negative as you concluded, it just means Hyouka won't be many people's cup of tea (even when it airs, it mostly got lukewarm reception). With that out of the way, the setup, framing, and foreshadowing is immaculate, Hyouka often rewards people who are paying attention and it can be a fun experience of it's own. Another youtuber "Replay Value" have a series of dissections for most Hyouka episodes and it's somewhat mindblowing how much details KyoAni put into every frame. Rewatching the anime often reveals many things you didn't notice before, I just love this anime. Somewhat off-topic but if you're looking for a series that essentially have a similar format and vibe to Hyouka (though more fantastical), check out _Natsume Yuujinchou/Natsume's Book of Friends._ It's also another mostly episodic slice of life series where the main character solve mundane issues or do other mundane things with (most of the time) quirky set of characters.

[@Lurichans]

Great analysis! Like you said, the great thing about Hyouka is how it frames the everyday motions of life and keeps it simple; there is no overarching conflict or existential threat that the main characters have to overcome. Hyouka is purely about the mystery of the mundane and little things we wouldn’t normally think of, and I love that! It’s simple and really easy to follow in most instances! I’ve heard of Natsume’s Book of Friends, so I might have to check that out! Thanks for such a great comment!

[@celestinaursa4565]

hyouka is one of the most beautiful animes I have seen

[@Lurichans]

It really shines in some of the most cinematic moments! It’s the one thing I remembered about Hyouka the most!

[@celestinaursa4565]

@@Lurichans Kyoto animation goat

[@yeskawa]

One of my personal favorites ❤

[@MarioBusters]

Appreciate this video, such an amazing anime with how realistic it feels at times, I agree with the main plot issues, keep up the good work!

[@Lurichans]

Thanks! I remember watching this anime what feels like forever ago and remembered it felt kind of jumpy to me, but that’s just bc there isn’t exactly a main plot. Even so, it’s still a great anime and well worth the watch!

[@aysu-buesraguenes6699]

Damn this review is so underrated. Well done though. I just finished watching Hyouka and it has become my favourite anime. Too bad there is no season 2 (yet).

[@Lurichans]

Glad you enjoyed! Hyouka is a great anime and one I think anyone can enjoy if they really want! Maybe they’ll choose to adapt more of the source material someday!

[@TapaniLastellar]

The title instantly reminded me of this season's Shoushimin: How to Become Ordinary, also made by the creator of Hyouka ☺

[@Lurichans]

Really?? I might have to watch that one! Tho, it’ll be a while before I pick something like Hyouka up again 😂

[@TapaniLastellar]

@@Lurichans yep I didn't expect it to be from the same creator! The opening song's a banger too! By Eve I get ya, Hyouka is its own beast

[@KitEmbers]

I’ve been waiting for this 😂

[@Lurichans]

So you can watch the anime? 😂 It’s not bad! Last video chapter has spoilers tho.

[@afrinchowdhury204]

hyouka is really interesting to me,the animation being 12 years old is really gold an the story is also not very complicted yet good this one may not be very active like COE but it is beautiful

[@Lurichans]

It certainly has its quirks! I think Hyouka is one of those anime that everyone holds in high regard because it’s just so unique!

[@wfmstigers]

10/10 video. Would watch again

[@Lurichans]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@YG7.0]

Don't you guys think we should do something to bring this anime back . Its been decade . It would be great to have a second season .

[@MusashiMiyamoto_quotes]

So this is where that famous image is from

[@Lurichans]

Yep! Hyouka!

[@zaidelbasmi6685]

still waiting for volume 7 of the novel

[@KukuMomsHouse]

A W video bro, you should read vol 5 of novel, it's great, and "How to become ordinary" is looking great you should watch it.

[@kekman2115]

btw, SHOSHIMIN: How To Become Ordinary is by the same author as hyouka

[@Lurichans]

Thank you! I’ll check out Vol. 5 when I get a chance! I’ve also heard about How to Become Ordinary so I’ll have to check that out too!

[@braveandhansome]

Best slice of life

[@Lurichans]

It was a good one, arguably one of the best! I think a lot of people forget that Slice of Life anime don’t have to follow the same generic lovey-dovey story. Hyouka did a great job at breaking that mould!

[@bob13559]

Do you guys know anything about the current situation of hyouka light novel/manga/anime and its future? I need to know because its peak.

[@Lurichans]

As of this summer, there haven’t been any updates on a possible season 2 and I believe the original source material the anime came from has also concluded. Of course, crazier things have happened and a season 2 could very well happen some day! We’ll just have to wait and see!

[@bob13559]

@@Lurichans well i just checked and the manga Release a New chapter like three weeks ago. Is the manga and the light novel something different? As i understood it the light novel is like a book, and the manga is like with drawings. So does the manga base of the light novel? And are they Made by the same Person this honobu yazunawa or smth like that? Iam so confused.

[@Lurichans]

What do you guys think about this anime? I really do enjoy a good mystery, but I think if the anime had split itself into 2, ongoing mysteries, vs the number of mini mysteries, it could have been even better. That being said, I’ve not read the novels, so I can’t really attest to what may/may not have adapted. 🤔

[@Lurichans]

Also, thanks for being so patient while I got this video together! I know 6 weeks is quite a wait, but I promise I didn’t forget about you all! Back on the road to 1k!

[@zachhecita]

Hyouka is one of my favorite anime, but I agree that having an ongoing mystery with higher stakes would really elevate the series. That being said, once you accept Hyouka for what it is - what I call a "mundane mystery" - you'll enjoy the series more. I really love that mundane aspect, as it makes Oreki's thought process relatively simply to follow. In that respect, it helped sharpen my own critical thinking skills, as it made inductive reasoning more accessible than, say, more bombastic mystery shows.

[@Aurora-bv1ys]

My favourite Anime of all time

[@Grapelordz]

I can agree with that. Thinking back to it, the only mystery arc that still stands out to me is the school festival. If it instead had bigger mysteries, they would probably stand more. Though you’d need some balance as I feel some may find the mysteries too drawn out and may get bored as a result.