There’s Something Off About This Tomboy Romance Anime

Tomo-chan is a great show about a tomboy and her friends....Wait it's supposed to be a romance?!
Mild spoilers for Tomo-chan Is A Girl up to Episode 5.
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SOCIAL MEDIA
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 Tomo-Chan Is Boring
1:15 Not An Ecchi...
2:30 The Best Girls
7:00 Tomo & Jun's Relationship is Weird
8:45 There is Hope For The Series
RESOURCES
Anime Mentioned:
Tomo-Chan Is A Girl | 2023
My Dress Up Darling | 2022
Ouran High School Host Club | 2006
Maid Sama | 2010
In The Clear Moonlit Dusk (Manga) | 2020 - Present
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PURPOSE
My name is Phoenix and I dive into the world of visual storytelling in anime and sometimes manga on a weekly basis.
#tomochanwaonnanoko #romanceanime
LEGAL INFO
I do not own any of the animated content in this video.
Some links provided may be part of an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means of compensation for referring traffic and business to other companies.

[@TheAnimeTea]

Thoughts on Tomo-Chan is A Girl or any recommendations for similar series? Buy a tea for the channel here: ko-fi.com/theanimetea Or become an Anime Friend here for exclusive perks: www.patreon.com/theanimetea

[@noahgresser2337]

I read the Manga for Tomo-chan back in Highschool while it was releasing, and I would say the main things lost in the adaptation so far are: 1. The change from the 4-koma format makes Jun's feelings even harder to discern because in the manga his reactions to things are the final panel of pages (meant to be dwelled on), but in the anime, they go by in less than a second before it's on to the next scene. 2. The context of how insane Tomo's family Dojo is gets less focus due to it being mainly brought up in shorter ancillary moments that got cut for time, making Tomo & Jun's constant fisticuffs feel weirder. It also makes a bit it less clear that Jun still doesn't see himself as "stronger" than Tomo because "Tomo would beat Jun in any FORMAL martial arts competition; the only reason he wins at the Aizawa dojo is that they aren't training for formal martial arts matches, they're training for Street Fights like in a Yakuza game where you're bare-handed against like ten guys with pipes, knives, and baseball bats. So as soon as you add any sort of rules/strategy, Jun's slight edge in pure physical strength means nothing". An upcoming episode may fix this issue though. 3. While you are right that it is a rather tame series, the manga is slightly more fanservice-y, though mostly the anime just trims back on small things. For example, in the awkward moment when Tomo stays over at Jun's house for the night and their faces get super close after they were playing video games, Jun's hand was also on Tomo's stomach just below her chest in the manga. Additionally, in the manga, both of their mothers (Jun's mom called on the phone after Tomo arrived) are much more overt in expressing their assumption that Tomo & Jun will be doing more than sleep that night. However, the anime also skipped over the entirety of the storyline where the students change over to their summer uniforms and most girls' bras are now visible through the thinner shirts (the storyline's main focus is on Jun getting hot and bothered by Tomo's sports bra). Despite the fact that less skin is shown than in the Beach storyline, it always felt a lot skeevier to me, so I am actually really glad they skipped that one. Overall think I still prefer the manga at the moment, but the back half of the series that will be adapted in the coming weeks is a lot better for developments in the plot and character relationships than the first IMO. And as a result there will be even fewer things that be reasonably cut. So I could actually see the anime elevating those moments. In the first place, it is still wild to me that this got adapted, since the manga finished ages ago, especially considering that they seem to be adapting the entire series all in one go. (Side note: on the Misuzu front, the anime unfortunately skips over the moment in the childhood flashback storyline where kid Misuzu tells kid Tomo that she dislikes kid Jun because she feels like he "Is going to take something of mine", which she says while grabbing onto kid Tomo's sleeve.)

[@magnadramon0068]

I'm going to be honest. I'm a butch bi girl. And just the fact that this show has a tomboy character in it is enough to make me watch it.

[@bilonic111]

I know what you mean, as a afab non-binary person I am drawn to any kind of gender queer representation.

[@notyourmumsfavorite]

Not to mention the *slight* fan service of girls finding another strong girl ,, handsome idk I like it

[@magnadramon0068]

@@notyourmumsfavorite Same.

[@flwzhu]

butch is a lesbian exclusive term. respectfully, DON'T USE IT ???

[@ma.2089]

The show Nagatoro also has their mc as a Tom girl. Personally, I like it better than this show cuz romance actually happens and it becomes quite wholesome. Lots of character development as well. They also compliment each other a lot, he compliments her athleticism and she compliments his art. He actually just sees her skills as beautiful, and there isn’t a weird “oh you’re a Tom boy, so i don’t see you as a ‘woman’” thing. I’d get it if he just wasn’t interested in her even as a woman, but the show sorta seems to imply he doesn’t see/treat her as a woman. Kinda why I dropped this series back in the day. Tho I could be wrong if the development actually becomes substantial. But yeah. It’s nice to see more athletic female characters.

[@kirbyjoe7484]

The thing about Tomo Chan is A Girl is that it is less a romance story and more a self-realization and coming-of-age story. It is the story of Tomo making peace with who she really is. There is a reason their chemistry is so bad at the moment and it's because Tomo is trying to force herself to be something she is not. Quite a bit of the story's nuance has been lost in the adaption since it would be impossible to animate everything that was said and done in the source material, but I think they are still trying to stick all of the story's major character beats although it's been a been clumsy so far.

[@kris1123259]

I could be wrong because I haven't read the manga, but I think (as of episode 7) Jun's deal is that he's been experience a sort of crisis because he's definetly been in love with Tomo since elementary school and he's been dealing with his sexuality since early on (not knowing Tomo was a girl). I think that's why he asked Misuzu out, to see if he was into girls or what. On top of that he has a great deal of admiration for her (the type you feel towards older siblings or parent).

[@someguythatdoesstuff7658]

The man fell in love with Tomo BEFORE he found out she was a girl. My dude thought that he was gay. He is a cultured individual who has my respect

[@ashikyuu]

wow i’m so glad someone else thinks this! after the last beach episode I thought huh I don’t even think they would be that good together lol but it’s been a fun ride so far

[@TheAnimeTea]

I'm behind two episodes but looking forward to see what changes as the series goes on!

[@thatnyalea]

I stumbled across the series and watched the five episodes in one shot. I like the direction things are going so far, even with little romance. There’s like subtle clues showing how Jun feels about Tomo. I think the newest episode (episode 6) gives us a LITTLE bit more of things from June’s perspective, but I can see how overall the romance is lacking. Hopefully it changes :)

[@TheAnimeTea]

Its definitely a fun show to watch and I hope that the romance becomes more prominent as the show progresses!

[@treethief4987]

I actually finished this manga last year so I was pleasantly surprised this anime came out at all.

[@breezyveezy]

I slightly disagree with your point but I totally see where you’re coming from. Honestly, I came to the show for the romance and I’m staying 95% for Carol. Not that I don’t love the entire cast or the story or any of that, because I absolutely do. It’s just that Carol is everything. She’s Anya levels of adorable to me, and literally any moment she’s on screen ends up being the funniest part of the episode. I’d die for Carol 😂

[@rattersworld1016]

I'm glad you think Anya is adorable too.

[@zigzag8392]

It’s the Carol show. She’s so weird and funny. I love her character.

[@mandisaw]

Haven't watched Tomo-chan, but just from this review, I'd say it kind of fits more of the "status quo non-romance" slice-of-life category. Like I'd put it more into a bucket with Ranma 1/2, where the fact that nothing much changes is part of the joke/point, than say Maid-sama, where there's some kind of romantic/dramatic progress (forwards or backwards) every volume. It does come in shoujo form as well, but then it's usually a super slow-burn with *something* else going on besides the romance angle. I'm thinking series like Skip Beat, Yona of the Dawn, or Snow White with the Red Hair, where the romance stays static for lengthy stretches (with sudden "level-ups" every 8-10 vols or so LOL), but there's a bunch of workplace/world drama going on throughout so you're never bored with the story as a whole. Maybe since this is the Tomo-chan writer's first non-H series, they just haven't worked out what the rest of the narrative/appeal is supposed to be when you take the sexy-hijinks out, heh. Hopefully at least the chars are interesting & the situations are fun enough for it to stand without much romance.

[@TheAnimeTea]

I also know that the manga is in 4-koma style and heavily emphasizes comedy over romance so that may be why the romance is so pushed to the background. The anime could change this though so we'll see how it goes!

[@mandisaw]

@@TheAnimeTea Ahh, it's a 4-koma? That makes all the difference - it's like School Rumble then, only with way less absurdity :) Man, that reminds me I never did finish reading/watching that series, folks loved it when I showed it at anime club

[@CompSomAnichi]

@@TheAnimeTea yeah they could tbh! It kinda like Nozaki - where the original is conedy and 4koma but they toned up the romance in the anime

[@KyushaRomCom]

​@@TheAnimeTeawatch oregairu

[@Star-Rose99]

Hey Anime Tea, I thought Misuzu's English voice sounded familiar and found out that the actress also voiced Saki Hanajima in the 2018 version of Fruits Basket.

[@nosuperwoman79]

I think you are totally right about the relationship with Jun not being the strongest aspect and the friendship between the girls being one of the best parts of it. I think that's what I'm enjoying the most as well honestly. Also, love your hair in this vid!

[@jalenamaro]

I actually really love Tomo-chan is a Girl. I normally watch/read shojo and josei so I was initially surprised at the fan service which lead me to discover that it's a seinen. But it didn't bother me so I would say it's barely there or not excessive at all. I think I love it more because the friendship is more important to the story. I do find Jun to be a little lack luster but I figure it's because it's a little earlier in the story and we're starting to see more of him. I hope it continues to be good!

[@melmelon3393]

I feel like some of yall don't realize every relationship is different. Just bc they act like buddies doesnt mean theres no chemistry and that they cant be in a romantic relationship

[@joveegillen6966]

I dropped this show 2 or 3 episodes in. All of the women in the show are sexually objectified and portrayed as cold and manipulative, which makes it hard to watch as a woman.

[@resbibliophilia3892]

Can you suggest an anime that isn't like that bc I have yet to find one.

[@DingoDummy2026]

Unrelated to the subject, but I really like your vids! I listen to them when I'm at work and they're very relaxing

[@TheAnimeTea]

Thanks so much for listening!

[@lewa3910]

Even tho im not interested in another highschool romcom, really cool hearing its not as fanservice reliant, like Akiba Maid War, another anime that looks like it would but really doesn't (and is really funny). Would love a show like it in an adult office setting, like Wotakoi or My Senpai's Annoying.

[@mekhalaiyengar5726]

This was an interesting video! I agree with all the points you made. I was seeing the show talked about a lot and wasn't sure if I wanted to watch it. If I do I guess it would be mainly because of the humorous dynamic between Tomo, Misuzu, and Carol's friendship.

[@ivynewark2525]

All I gotta say Phoenix is your look in this video is chef kiss your hair love, your makeup I’m dying how pretty A.F it is and your the fit 😍.

[@oscarsantos4813]

I dont know I really like the checmestry between the 2main lead, they are almost the same but Jun has Tomo in a pedestal since multiple time he has said how much he would like to be like her, Its also really entertaining how he is the most serious guy when he is with anyone beside Tomo(I dont know I have a lot of things I love about them even tho as you said it doesn't really focus on them). Now in another note, about the author working in doujinshis this is not something new and the vast majority of artist not only in the japanese scene but also on the west start by doing hntai or something similar (I think even rebecca sugar used to do that kind of work before working on steven universe). Artist need to work and this kind of content is well paid so I dont know why so many people have a problem with it.

[@ma.2089]

The only problem comes when they post their explicit content on their “main”. Which Ive once been exposed to. But yeah. Ppl who complain about that sort of content, as if it also says something about the artist, just don’t know how the industry works. I feel like when it comes to media criticism, people should do some research on how the industry functions.

[@noodlerice8778]

Manga artist in Japan are paid terribly for the most part, some of them make lewd content just to be able to afford living necessities. The youtuber Lavendertowns did a good explanation on the topic of how they are over worked in her video “anime tropes I hate”

[@Blah64]

I read the manga. Didn't like it all that much tbh, but it also wasn't terrible, so it was easy to finish reading it since it isn't that long. Being a 4-koma made it pretty simple to read each release quickly even if I didn't actually care.

[@sfdjkdj43589stf]

I haven't watched this yet but it kinda sounds like it'd be better as a yuri between the protag and her stoic friend lol xD

[@TheAnimeTea]

I'm secretly hoping it goes in that direction instead

[@Vivi-Core]

​@@TheAnimeTea same girl same

[@brolow3380]

I agree with you on all of this and I dropped it for that reason I feel tomochan just works better as a 4 Koma manga

[@Jennie-mm5zd]

I read the manga first well before talks of being an adaptation came about. I was so happy when it finally became an anime! It is fair your cretic, the manga is more of short panels, more so comedic than romance but later as the series progresses I do start rooting for them getting together and love their chemistry bits

[@timeforproblems]

i thought tomo-chan was really, really boring. the only character i liked was carol, and i didn't even like her that much. usually with a show i hate i'll at least have a favorite character (such as kurumi from lycoris recoil or miyamura from horimiya), but with this show they're all just so dislikeable that i can't really pick one.

[@lolitaku7229]

Seeing the anime completed, I actually enjoyed the dynamic of the characters. I do think Jun and Tomo work better as friends over lovers, but there's no reason to have one over the other. My husband and I are best friends who happened to fall in love. Your take on Mizuzu was interesting. Tbh I'm happy they didn't take that route because it would have make the series tone a bit heavier/ drama worthy when it's selling point is a lowkey romance high comedy. Probably would work out to be more Love and Lies

[@cyncynshop]

Friendship between the girls is the best

[@magdelineadler4284]

This show has been really fun for me to watch. I'm glad there is no love triangle, I'm sick of those. I like that in the end Tomo being herself if the best she can be. Jun on the other hand needs some time to grow.

[@kathleenhurley3544]

I'm glad I wasn't the only one who though Misuzu has feelings for Tomo! I watched season 1 even though I'm not usually into shojo or romance so maybe that's why it didn't really hit for me, but I felt bad for Tomo having to put up with everyone giving her a hard time. I just hope the series doesn't end with Tomo "learning" to like being girly, because I think a story where Tomo accepts that she's worthy of love just the way she is would be much more satisfying.

[@Yusei5ds0707]

The blonde bimbo is actually the most intelligent female character.

[@Applefablestudio]

Actually as the series goes on, I personally like Jun and Tomo's relationship as it does develop as more eps come. I don't want to be quick to 'cancel Jun' or it may be my bias. BUT a different shonen romcom that I find boring was 'Shikimori isn't just a Cutie', their relationship doesn't feel equal.. and its just a reverse role of the 'damsel guy and his knight gf' but nothing really develops

[@zigzag8392]

I felt similarly about Jun as you… until about episode 7 or 8. He gets background and character development later. Once we figure out why he acts the way he does, and why he doesn’t seem to see Tomo as a romantic interest, I started to root for Jun. start with the Carol jokes, but by the time you finish the series you might like Tomo and Jun’s himbo hijinks.

[@fandanga80]

i totally agree with your points, but to me i see this show as "dumb fun" i guess so as long as the humor hits me while I'm just trying to casual watch it I don't think ill mind its issues :)

[@geekoutwellness9935]

Oh, a new setup and new hair = new anime tea 💜 ☕ WeThankful x #SupportGeekyCreators x #GeekOutWellness

[@doburu4835]

i disagree but, interesting take to say the least.

[@CompSomAnichi]

Honeslty I came into the series more for the comedy than the romance. I get where you’re coming from tbh

[@nightmarishcompositions4536]

The manga is much better and the romance isn’t the main focus, it’s more of a coming of age tale about self-acceptance and finding confidence in her own unique form of femininity for Tomo.

[@nanacookiez]

Read the manga its a great story, the most i'd say is give it some time

[@TheAnimeTea]

I've heard good things about the manga, thanks for the rec!

[@zainmudassir2964]

At least there were some comedy moments

[@rawdasalmataman7908]

I definitely liked tomo 's friend group However I do think Jun is very interesting It is fun thinking about what he actually thinks of tomo and how his mind works About his chemistry with tomo I honestly don't know but I do enjoy their dynamic

[@nasinnarcotics]

I’m so sick of manga/LN authors making tomboyish female characters but giving them a feminine side or an extreme attachment to their womanhood And it’s not because that trope is bad; not only can it be super charming, but it’s good to see characters embrace both positive feminine and masculine attributes. It’s just that I don’t trust the intention. Often it comes off less like the character is that way naturally and more that the author wants to make her seem like “wife material”. Yuck.

[@mdtisthebest6249]

That’s a cynical way of looking at it. :/

[@nasinnarcotics]

@@mdtisthebest6249 I know :(

[@xxsnow_angelxx3953]

Ah the skirt series really made me mad! I dropped it a while after, they don't have a chemistry for more than friends. She's too good for him

[@Gudrqa]

When I saw first episode I knew this anime is not made for first-time fans but rather the manga fans. The first episode didn't flow well and lacked the emphasis that the manga has - the 4 pannels leave you with a thought (even if it's just a punchline) all the time (and even if its just few seconds between clicking next chapter) and anime doesn't have it. And because of it it's super fast paced. I hope new people can enjoy it but I really wish people just read the series instead.

[@birdgiggle]

I really like this anime's webcomic but i was mostly in for the comedy and the Characters than the romance

[@Ashbelfi]

What does it matter about the "chemistry"? You also know anime isn't always going to be by your expectations and lots of it is fanservice nowadays. I see people growing in a simple friendship before absolutely getting all the brain chemicals involved because lots of people are so impulsive and don't know anything simply about getting to know each other and getting closer.

[@xxsnow_angelxx3953]

I read the manga, the slides are shorter. I do like this show as the fan service was bearable.

[@othiym69]

I’m mostly watching the show for Misuzu and Carol at this point, but the relationship between Tomo and Jun reminds mostly just makes me want to reread / rewatch Sasameki Koto (Whispered Words), which has a similar dynamic but with same-sex attraction, as well as everything having to do with gender and teen sexuality dialed up to 11. Even the overbearing dads running dojos who are total pushovers when it comes to their daughter & spouses! (Which is another sorta interesting, but not particularly effectively executed part of Tomo-chan.)

[@thewonderofanime]

While I do want Tomo to get what she wants, I only watch for Misuzu and Carol because they are hilarious. They make the show for me.

[@ragnaxbloodedge]

I see Tomo-chan manga/anime as a gag comedy first than a romance

[@rattersworld1016]

Why are there only 302 likes on this video so far (including mine)?

[@moustik31]

Jun is tall, dark and handsome and I cant judge Tomo-chan bec. at her age, it was enough for me as well. Glad I outgrew that phase.

[@bree5169]

I have to agree with the fact that the romance aspect of this whole series is kinda weak, when I heard it was going to be a new anime I rushed to check out the manga itself and there are def a lot of pros to this series, I love the female friendship, it is honestly top tier, the comedy carries it too yet when looking at the romance part it feels so.... meh in my opinion. There was a lot of dragging for how it ended (not spoiling the ending don't worry!!) and I feel it could have been def done better, but it's not a bad series at all, and it's really good for when you wanna chill and laugh.

[@yasr9011]

I'll be honest, i don't even watch this show as a romance, it's more like a buddy comedy. Which i guess could mean that if they wanted to sell a romance, they failed. It's still however, an enjoyable one. I think the fan service is definitely there, but as someone who sticks to Shoujo and is easily made uncomfortable by such framing, i agree that it wasn't that egregious. Misuzu totally gave Hanajima vibes, so much that i almost wrote her off.

[@thespideyman100]

i liked the manga but couldnt get into the anime :/

[@katarinaclaes96]

I'll have to check out this Anime never seen it. It's kinda hard for Tomboy girls to fall in love with a guy. 🤔

[@milchreis9554]

I was interested in this video, but struggling to understand you. Please fix your mic placement! Your lavalier is picking up your throat, not your mouth. It is way too high up, which is swallowing a lot of your voice and not making you sound clear at all. It is like throat gurgles, if you know what I mean. You should place the mic at chest level, at the top of your sternum. Either wear a top that allows you to still clip it on at the collar at that level, or run the cable down the front of the shirt. Otherwise please use a different mic, even a shotgun attached to the camera would sound clearer. I'm sure your viewers will appreciate it. Edit: I have checked out your other videos. As a sound person, you're killing me! So some more tips... I noticed you clip the mic to one side of you. How comes? You are speaking directly to the camera, not to your right. Should be centred.. If you are clipping it to one side, please point the mic toward your face and not away from it! Your voice does not come from over your shoulder. If it is centred, pointing up at you and you notice its too close ( if you are breathing into the mic) then simply make the mic horizontal, but still pointing toward the center of you, not away from you. If you are investing in the right tools, it's a shame you are not using them correctly and getting the most out of it.

[@TawnyGryn]

This was a skip season ...heard maid-sama might get remake Not sure if want this to be true or not

[@bunny_starss]

i remember i bought the manga thinking it was a story about a trans girl but then i was wrong lol

[@cornkopp2985]

My main problem with most hetero romcom anime/manga is that regardless of who is the pov character it often makes me think "why does this person even like them?" Most boys/men in these sort of series feel very devoid of character, and lack really defined character arcs, except perhaps in relation to beginning to like the girl. But then again Im a massive fiend for yuri so my bias may be showing there (I really hope you make a video about some popular yuri series like bloom into you, I think you'd like them a lot)

[@Ashbelfi]

Simple, because they look decent enough to look over all the emptiness of the characters. It's always been this way in romance anime except for the very rare few.

[@MrGaboPR]

in this show nothing happens.. i never funushed it but the fact I gave off that feeling is enough to stop

[@Hot_Girl_Baking]

I tried watching this anime and I LOVE romance anime, but this was sooo boringgg. I didn’t like any of the characters they all seemed two faced and stupid and i hated their designs honestly the animation is ugly and I couldn’t get through it.

[@gettfoffmynews3315]

I'll tell you what it is, the MC is too damn boyish!!! Whatever people are about to say, save it and take it as it is. I also used to be a tomboy and still am one in some ways, but I'm also wife. I have also had a baby and I'm not as boyish as this main character is... I find myself not being empathetic of the situation at hand. She's just all wrong for her best friend... I honestly would have preferred if she was into her female friend, then it would have some believable storyline. However, I digress.... I love tough female characters, but not this one... 😔