How I Attended an All Guys Mixer [Season 1 Episode 5]

“How I Attended an All-Guy’s Mixer” – Episode 5 Review: A Heartwarming Blend of Chaos and Growth

If you’re looking for an anime that serves up equal parts laughter, awkwardness, and surprisingly deep moments about self-acceptance, How I Attended an All-Guy’s Mixer is the perfect pick. Episode 5, titled “The Unexpected Confession”, continues the hilarious yet oddly touching journey of Tokiwa and his friends as they navigate the bizarre world of mixers where nothing—and no one—is quite what it seems.

The Premise: A Mixer Like No Other

Produced by Ashi Productions and based on the manga by Nana Aokawa, this series follows Tokiwa, a college student who gets roped into an “all-guy’s mixer” by his classmate Suo. The twist? The “guys” are actually cross-dressing women, including Suo herself. What starts as a comedic setup—filled with misunderstandings and over-the-top antics—slowly evolves into a story about identity, attraction, and breaking societal norms.

Episode 5 picks up with Tokiwa and his friends, Asagi and Hagi, still reeling from the absurdity of their situation. The episode balances slapstick humor (like a disastrous game of King’s Game) with quieter, more introspective moments, particularly for Tokiwa as he grapples with his growing feelings for Suo—regardless of how she presents herself.

Fan Reactions: Love, Laughs, and a Few Groans

Scouring forums like MyAnimeList and Reddit, the general consensus is that Episode 5 is where the show starts to shine beyond its initial gimmick. Here’s what fans are saying:

1. “Finally, Some Emotional Depth!”
   Many viewers praised the episode for moving beyond pure comedy. One fan noted:
   “I’m really glad I gave this anime a chance because it’s a lot less stupid than it seems. It’s about accepting others for who they are, not just for pre-established criteria.”

2. “Tokiwa’s Growth is Everything”
   Tokiwa’s internal struggle—whether he’s attracted to Suo as a “guy” or as herself—resonated with audiences. A commenter pointed out:
   “It’s good that Suou herself troubles him, not her appearance. That’s some real character development right there.”

3. “Hagi, Please Shut Up”
   Not everyone was thrilled, though. Hagi’s loud, immature antics continue to divide fans. One frustrated viewer wrote:
   “Hagi is annoying AF. Kohaku is cute, but his whole ‘I wanna see her dress as a guy’ thing is just exhausting.”

4. “The Humor Still Hits”
   Despite the deeper themes, the comedy remains a highlight. A fan gushed:
   “I laughed the whole episode! The show has this special charm—everything’s exaggerated, but there’s a sensitivity that emerges gradually.”

Why Episode 5 Stands Out

What makes this episode special is how it balances its absurd premise with genuine emotional stakes. The mixer setting, which could have been a one-note joke, becomes a backdrop for Tokiwa’s self-discovery. The scene where he admits to himself that he’s drawn to Suo—regardless of gender presentation—is quietly powerful, especially in a genre often dominated by shallow rom-com tropes.

The animation, courtesy of Ashi Productions, keeps things lively, with expressive character designs and fluid comedic timing. The voice acting (especially Suo’s seamless switch between “male” and “female” personas) adds another layer of charm.

Final Verdict: A Surprising Gem

How I Attended an All-Guy’s Mixer could have easily been a forgettable gag anime, but Episode 5 proves it’s much more. It’s a show about the messiness of human connection, wrapped in a package of ridiculous humor and heart.

For fans of Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun or Wotakoi, this is a must-watch. Just be prepared to cringe at Hagi’s antics—and maybe fall in love with Suo along the way.

Rating: 8/10 – A hilarious, heartfelt ride that’s only just getting started.

What did you think of Episode 5? Let’s discuss in the comments!