Hitoribocchi no Marumaruseikatsu

Bocchi Hitori is a painfully shy middle school girl who has only ever managed to keep one friend from elementary school. When that friend says they will be in a different class, Bocchi panics and promises she'll befriend everyone in her new class by graduation, or else they'll stop being friends. The show follows her awkward, often hilarious attempts to talk to classmates, where simple things like making eye contact or speaking up become towering obstacles. Each plan she hatches tends to backfire in a uniquely cringeworthy way, but episodes keep returning to Bocchi's earnest effort and slow personal growth without giving away how the pledge turns out.

Released in 2019, the TV anime adapts the original work by Katsuwo, with series composition by Jukki Hanada. The cast includes Chisaki Morishita as Bocchi, Minami Tanaka, Akari Kito and Yuuko Kurose, who bring distinct voices to the ensemble.

While it wasn't a mainstream cultural phenomenon, the series found a lively niche online, inspiring plenty of fan art, cosplay and short-form memes. Bocchi's exaggerated social flusters and signature expressions made her an easily shareable character, and clips and jokes from the show circulated widely among anime communities.

Critics and viewers have generally reacted positively, reflected in a strong user score around 8.4 out of 10. Reviewers tended to praise the show's balance of broad, physical comedy with quieter moments showing social anxiety in a sympathetic way. The themes center on friendship, awkwardness, and learning through repeated, small failures rather than dramatic breakthroughs, making it relatable for viewers who remember how hard making friends can feel.

The series didn't collect major industry awards, but it won over a solid fanbase and earned shoutouts in seasonal roundups. Its voice cast and comedic timing are often highlighted in recommendations, and it remains a go-to pick for viewers seeking a lighthearted slice of school life that treats social anxiety with warmth and humor.