Horimiya [Season 1]

Alright, let’s dive into Horimiya Season 1—the 2021 anime that took high school romance and turned it into a rollercoaster of feels, memes, and so many opinions. Produced by CloverWorks and airing from January to April 2021, this 13-episode series follows Kyouko Hori and Izumi Miyamura, two classmates who seem like total opposites… until they don’t.

On paper, Hori’s the “perfect” girl: smart, popular, and always put-together. Miyamura? He’s the quiet, hoodie-clad kid who keeps to himself—so much so that most people don’t even notice him. But here’s the twist: outside of school, Hori’s a laid-back, messy homebody taking care of her little brother, while Miyamura’s got tattoos, piercings, and a personality that’s way more fun than his classroom vibe. Their accidental meeting (thanks to a lost phone charger, of all things) peels back those layers, and suddenly, they’re not just classmates—they’re friends… and then some.

Now, let’s talk about the drama—and I don’t mean the on-screen kind. Fans on MyAnimeList have opinions about how the anime adapted the manga. A big one? The pacing. Some viewers felt like the 13 episodes rushed through the story, skipping key moments with side characters. “They ripped apart almost all interactions with secondary characters,” one fan ranted, pointing out that the anime focused so hard on Hori and Miyamura that it left other relationships (like Yuki and Tooru’s) feeling underdeveloped.

Then there’s the whole “Pieces” thing. After Season 1 ended, CloverWorks dropped Horimiya: The Missing Pieces—a sequel that’s basically a bunch of random, out-of-order scenes from the manga. For anime-only fans, this was confusing. “If I watch Pieces alone, does the story make sense?” someone asked, and the answer was a resounding “No.” Another fan summed it up: “It’s just random funny moments with no chronological order. So lost.”

But wait—let’s not throw shade too hard. The core of Horimiya is still there: the sweet, awkward moments between Hori and Miyamura that make your heart go “aww.” Like when Miyamura finally shows up to Hori’s house with his piercings and tattoos, and she’s just like, “Cool, want snacks?” Or when they bicker over homework but end up laughing about it. These small, genuine interactions are why so many people fell in love with the series in the first place.

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes (yes, even anime gets RT scores) praised the show for its “refreshing take on high school romance” and “likable characters.” The animation? Bright, colorful, and full of life—CloverWorks nailed the cozy, slice-of-life vibe that makes Horimiya feel like a warm hug. And let’s be real: the opening theme song (“Iro Kousui” by Yoh Kamiyama) is catchy—you’ll be humming it for days.

But here’s the thing: Horimiya isn’t perfect. The rushed pacing and random sequel left some fans frustrated. “If they were gonna make 24 episodes total, they shouldn’t have made them so random,” one user complained. Another added, “It’s very unfortunate—12 random episodes then 12 more out of order made no sense.” Even manga readers felt like the anime skipped too much, turning what could’ve been a 9/10 into a 7/10.

So, who is Horimiya for? If you’re into sweet, low-stakes romance with a side of “people are more than their stereotypes,” this is your jam. It’s not about big, dramatic plot twists—it’s about two kids learning to be themselves around each other. And hey, even with its flaws, it’s hard not to root for Hori and Miyamura. Their relationship feels real—messy, awkward, and full of those little moments that make love feel worth it.

In the end, Horimiya Season 1 is like that one friend who’s fun to hang out with but forgets to text you back. It’s got charm, heart, and some great moments—but it could’ve been better. If you’re new to the series, start with Season 1, then maybe check out the manga if you want the full story. And if you’re a die-hard fan? Well, you’re probably already debating the “Pieces” timeline on Twitter.

Either way, Horimiya is a reminder that sometimes, the best relationships start with a little chaos—and a lost phone charger. And honestly? That’s the kind of energy we need more of in anime.

So grab your hoodie, your favorite snack, and give Horimiya a watch. Just don’t be surprised if you end up scrolling through MyAnimeList forums afterward, arguing about whether the sequel was a genius move or a hot mess. Spoiler: It’s probably both.

—

P.S. If you’re an anime-only fan confused by Pieces? You’re not alone. Just go with the flow—those random scenes are still pretty funny.