Ganbare Doukichan [Season 1 Episodes 1-12]

Alright, let’s dive into “Ganbare Doukichan” Season 1, episodes 1-12. First off, this is a short ONA series, right? Each episode is only about 10 minutes long, which makes it super easy to binge. The show follows Douki-chan, an office lady who’s secretly crushing on her coworker, Douki-kun. She’s determined to make a move, but things never go as planned—classic rom-com chaos, but with a slice-of-life twist.

From what I gathered, the production company is AtelierPontdarc, and it started airing around September 2021. The art style is cute and simple, which fits the lighthearted vibe. The story is based on a manga by Yomu, so if you’re into the anime, you might want to check that out too.

Now, let’s talk about the fan reactions. Oh man, people have mixed feelings here. Some loved the cute, fluffy moments between Douki-chan and Douki-kun. They thought the interactions were relatable and the humor was on point. One comment even called it a “goated anime” and praised Yomu as a genius. Others, though, were a bit disappointed. A common complaint was the lack of a proper confession or resolution. The ending left a lot open, with Douki-chan and Douki-kun still dancing around their feelings. Some viewers felt the tropes got repetitive—like the kouhai always popping up to interrupt their moments.

The final episode, in particular, sparked a lot of debate. The maid dance performance caught everyone off guard. Some thought it was cringe-worthy and a waste of time, while others found it cute. A few fans were upset that the last episode didn’t focus more on the main couple’s relationship. One commenter even said, “The plot didn’t end up going anywhere and the repeating tropes turned out to be a painful watch by the end.” Ouch.

But it’s not all negative. Many appreciated the show’s charm. The short episodes made it a quick, fun watch, perfect for a break. The characters, especially Douki-chan, were endearing. Her struggles with confessing felt real, and her growth throughout the series was noticeable. Some viewers compared it to other short-form anime like “Tawawa on Monday” or “Miru Tights,” which are known for their cute, slice-of-life moments.

I think what makes “Ganbare Doukichan” stand out is its simplicity. It doesn’t try to be anything grand—it’s just a sweet story about a girl trying to win over her crush. The humor is light, the characters are likable, and the art is easy on the eyes. Sure, the lack of a conclusion is frustrating, but it also leaves room for a second season. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good open ending that keeps you wanting more?

If you’re into romantic comedies with a dash of awkwardness, this show is definitely worth a watch. It’s not going to blow your mind with complex plot twists, but it will make you smile. Just don’t go in expecting a fairy-tale ending—this is more about the journey than the destination.

In the end, “Ganbare Doukichan” is a solid 7/10 for me. It’s cute, it’s funny, and it’s relatable. The short episodes make it easy to binge, and the characters are charming enough to keep you invested. If you’re looking for a light, feel-good anime to pass the time, give this one a shot. And hey, maybe we’ll get a second season where Douki-chan finally musters up the courage to confess! Fingers crossed.

So, what do you think? Are you team Douki-chan or team kouhai? Let me know in the comments—this show’s definitely got people talking! 😊