Kotaro Lives Alone (anime)

Kotaro Lives Alone is a 2022 anime adaptation series directed by Tomoe Makino and produced by Liden Films based on the 2015 manga of the same name. The series would release a 10-episode segment on Netflix worldwide on March 10, 2022. There is also a live-action version that was released in 2021.

Sypnosis
The premise of the series focuses on a 4-year-old, independent boy named Kotaro Sato who lives right next door to his neighbor named Shin Karino, a manga artist.

Why It Rocks

 * 1) The concept of a 4-year-old boy living on his own and being able to fend for himself was executed perfectly to where it builds his character development.
 * 2) The adaptation remains completely faithful to the original manga source material.
 * 3) Kotaro Sato is a very likable and adorable protagonist of the series where his skills of being able to live and his own and face his struggles in a passive mood since he was a victim of child negligence and abuse from his parents.
 * 4) To add more about Kotaro, he is very intelligent for his own age as he can read and allows himself to speak using advanced vocabulary and in a formal chivalry tone.
 * 5) The neighbors who are Shin Karino, Isamu Temaru, Mizuki Akitomo, and Takei Sumire are very likable characters as they do their own to support and protect Kotaro from any mischief that happens to him and also give their own ways of dealing with their own struggles just like Kotaro.
 * 6) *This includes many minor characters that are young children who have also been abandoned by their parents as well.
 * 7) The show deals with and portrays serious topics that not only include child abuse and negligence but also abusive relationships, dealing with divorcees, having no parents, and suffering from certain disorders in a way that was executed in a proper manner.
 * 8) Many emotional and sad moments such as Kotaro playing with the balloons that he imitates as his own family.
 * 9) Amazing voice acting in both English and Japanese dubs respectfully, with Cherami Leigh dominating the voice of Kotaro.
 * 10) Magnificant opening known as "Hoshi no Runaway" by KOCHO and a very heartwarming ending titled "Chiisana Te no Hira" by Kotoringo.
 * 11) Includes many life lessons and morals that properly influence those to be better and prepared for life.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) The animation can look quite outdated, especially in 2022 when it doesn't necessarily do justice to the show.
 * 2) Another problem with the animation is where Kotaro's eyes can give viewers bothering looks.
 * 3) Kotaro's formal talk can be quite annoying at times, including his stubborn personality to where he hides his true feelings.
 * 4) *Though this can be excused since he is only a 4-year-old.
 * 5) Shin Karino can be treated as a butt monkey at times.
 * 6) It can be easily mistaken for a children's anime due to the show's visuals while on the inside, there are many dark situations that can frighten younger audiences.

Reception
Kotaro Lives Alone was met with very positive reviews from critics and audiences alike with a score of 8.3 on MAL and 8.5 on IMDb praising the show for its passive tone and for also dealing with emotional and sensitive topics.