Ichigatsu ni wa Christmas [Episode 1]

“Christmas in January” Episode 1: A Snowy Tale of Broken Trust and Unexpected Connections

Let’s cut to the chase—Ichigatsu ni wa Christmas (or Christmas in January if you prefer the English title) isn’t your typical holiday anime. No jolly Santas, no twinkling lights that fix everything. Instead, it’s a 1991 OVA that drops you into a snow-covered world where the cold isn’t just outside—it’s in the characters’ hearts. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick with you, even if it’s not perfect.

First off, let’s get the basics straight. This OVA aired back in November 1991 (yeah, old school) and centers on Mizuki, a girl with a seriously messed-up home life. Her abusive family has turned her into this sharp-edged, trust-issues-ridden person—think tsundere but with way more trauma. She meets Nobumasa, a part-time shoe store worker, and that’s where the story starts. But wait, don’t get it twisted—this isn’t some cutesy romance. The real heart of the episode? Watching Mizuki slowly let her guard down, even if just a little.

Now, let’s talk about the characters because that’s where the show shines (and sometimes stumbles). Mizuki is… a lot. At first, she’s this bratty, closed-off girl who pushes everyone away. One MyAnimeList user straight-up called her a “bitch with an annoying face” (harsh, but I get it). But here’s the thing—by the end, you start to see why she’s like that. Her family has broken her, so when she finally starts to trust Nobumasa? It’s actually kind of sweet. And Nobumasa? He’s the calm to her storm. He’s patient, he listens, and he doesn’t push her. Their interactions feel real, not forced.

But let’s not forget the other characters. Junsho and Seiko—their subplot is cute. They’re the kind of couple you root for, and it’s nice that the show didn’t try to shoehorn a love triangle between Junsho, Seiko, and Mizuki. One fan was super relieved about that: “I liked that Junsho and Seiko did ended up together and it didn’t turn into some JunshoxMizuki thing.” Same, honestly. Love triangles are so overdone.

Now, the animation. Since it’s from 1991, it’s not going to be as flashy as today’s anime. The art style is soft, with muted colors that fit the winter setting. The snow scenes are actually really pretty—they set the mood perfectly. And the voice acting? Chef’s kiss. Megumi Hayashibara voices Mizuki, and let’s just say this role is why Hideaki Anno cast her as Rei in Neon Genesis Evangelion. She nails Mizuki’s mix of anger, vulnerability, and sass. Takehito Koyasu (who you might know as Dio from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure) also does a great job as Nobumasa. Their performances make the characters feel alive.

But here’s the thing—this OVA isn’t for everyone. Some people found it boring. One user said, “Feels this anime was a waste time.” Others hated Mizuki the whole way through. But for me? It’s the little moments that count. Like when Mizuki finally smiles, or when Nobumasa gives her a pair of shoes that fit (symbolism, anyone?). It’s about finding connection in a world that’s cold and cruel.

The themes here are heavy—abuse, isolation, trust. But the show handles them with care. It doesn’t sugarcoat Mizuki’s pain, but it also doesn’t leave you feeling hopeless. By the end, you get the sense that Mizuki is starting to heal. She’s not “fixed,” but she’s on the right path. And that’s more realistic than any fairy-tale ending.

So, should you watch it? If you’re into character-driven stories with real emotion, yes. If you need non-stop action or flashy animation, maybe skip it. But for what it is—an old-school OVA about healing and connection—it’s pretty great. As one fan put it, “Not really great but not bad either.” And honestly? That’s okay. Sometimes the “not bad” shows are the ones that stick with you the most.

In the end, Ichigatsu ni wa Christmas Episode 1 is a quiet gem. It’s a story about finding warmth in the coldest of times, about learning to trust again when the world has hurt you. And hey, if nothing else, it’s worth watching just to see Megumi Hayashibara’s iconic performance. So grab a hot cocoa, curl up under a blanket, and give it a shot. You might be surprised by how much you care about Mizuki by the end.