Kodocha

At the center is Sana Kurata, a girl who seems to have it all: a famous mother who writes award-winning comedy and a life in the public eye as the star of a sunny family show, all while she’s barely out of elementary school. When a new fifth grade student named Akito Hayama arrives, the classroom turns into a wild tangle of pranks, noise, and power plays. Sana, backed by her loyal fixer Rei Sagami, tries to reclaim control of the class and restore order. As she digs into Akito's world, she learns that he may be more complicated than he appears and perhaps dangerous, too.

Released in 1996, this anime adaptation of Miho Obana's Kodomo no Omocha was directed by Akitaro Daichi, Iku Suzuki, and Hiroaki Sakurai. Obana herself helped shape the story and characters.

Kodocha stands out for weaving humor and heart into a schoolroom saga, pairing Sana's glamorous family life with the rough and tumble of classroom politics. The show helped popularize the sharp yet vulnerable girl archetype and remains a touchstone for fans of late 90s anime.

Critics noted its brisk storytelling and balance of light comedy with emotional moments. Themes include fame and family, the dynamics of school life, and the quirky bond between Sana and Rei as they navigate authority, loyalty, and the messy path to growing up.