Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota

Kashiwada-san is famous at school for keeping her face perfectly unreadable, while her classmate Oota-kun is the exact opposite, wearing every emotion on his sleeve. He hatches extravagant plans and theatrical surprise attempts to crack her calm, but she mostly stays unflappable, letting only tiny reactions slip out. As his dramatic gestures routinely misfire, a rhythm develops where failed comedy and secret smiles quietly change the way they relate. The show leans into everyday moments and awkward timing, showing how a stubborn poker face and an expressive heart can slowly close the distance between two shy people without big revelations or dramatic turns.

Premiered in 2025, the series was created by Michiko Yokote and Fuyu Azuma. It’s an original animated comedy, with Akane Fujita voicing Kashiwada-san and Kyouhei Natsume as Oota-kun, showcasing compact episodes focused on character beats.

As of its release there aren’t major awards attached to the show, but it has attracted attention from niche anime blogs and fan communities. Early praise centers on its voice performances and tight episode structure, which could lead to festival or seasonal recognition later.

The visual joke of an almost motionless lead paired with an overly animated partner has translated well online. Short clips of Kashiwada’s tiny reactions and Oota’s exaggerated expressions have been shared on social platforms, inspiring fan art and playful memes that highlight the series’ comedic contrast.

Critical and audience response leans positive, reflected in an 8.0/10 user score from early voters. Reviewers and fans often point to its gentle romantic thrust, comic timing, and focus on nonverbal communication. Themes include learning to read small gestures, how affection can grow through routine interactions, and the humor found in mismatched personalities learning to sync.