Kao ni Denai Kashiwada-san to Kao ni Deru Oota-kun [Season 1 Episode 11]

Alright, let’s dive into Episode 11 of Kao ni Denai Kashiwada-san to Kao ni Deru Oota-kun—a show that’s been keeping us hooked with its quirky, opposites-attract vibe. For those who haven’t caught up, this anime, produced by Studio Polon and premiering in October 2025, follows Kashiwada-san, a middle schooler with a permanently blank face, and Oota-kun, her classmate who wears his heart (and every other emotion) on his sleeve. Their dynamic is like oil and water—except somehow, the oil’s starting to warm up to the water, and it’s adorable.

First off, let’s talk about the setup. The episode kicks off with a school festival arc, which, let’s be real, is every slice-of-life anime’s bread and butter. But here’s the thing—this isn’t your average festival episode. Kashiwada, who usually blends into the background like a wallflower at a rave, is roped into helping Oota’s class run a haunted house. Now, imagine Oota, the guy whose face can go from “I just ate a lemon” to “I won the lottery” in 0.2 seconds, trying to scare people. Spoiler: He’s more comedic relief than terrifying. But Kashiwada? Oh, she’s a natural. Her deadpan stare and monotone voice make her the perfect ghost—so much so that even Oota’s friends are low-key scared of her.

Fans online are losing it over this contrast. One MyAnimeList user wrote, “Kashiwada-san’s ‘scary’ face is just her regular face, and that’s the funniest part. Oota’s over-the-top reactions next to her are gold.” Another added, “The haunted house scene had me cackling. Oota tries to be this big bad ghost, but Kashiwada just stands there and people run away. Iconic.”

But it’s not all laughs. The episode takes a sweet turn when Oota notices Kashiwada looking at a booth selling star-shaped lanterns. He teases her about it, but later, when she’s alone, he sneaks back and buys one for her. The moment he hands it to her? Chef’s kiss. Kashiwada doesn’t smile—she never does—but her eyes soften just a tiny bit. Oota, of course, overreacts, yelling, “See? I knew you’d like it!” while his face turns redder than a tomato.

This scene has fans shipping them harder than ever. A Reddit thread titled “Kashiwada x Oota: When Will They Admit It?” is blowing up, with users dissecting every microexpression (or lack thereof) from Kashiwada. “She didn’t reject the lantern! That’s progress!” one user gushed. Another pointed out, “Oota’s so obvious about his crush, but Kashiwada’s subtlety is what makes it work. You can tell she cares, even if she doesn’t show it.”

What’s really clever about this episode is how it uses the festival setting to push their relationship forward without feeling forced. The haunted house lets them interact in a silly, low-pressure way, while the lantern scene adds that tender, “will-they-won’t-they” tension. Studio Polon’s animation shines here too—Oota’s exaggerated facial expressions are a masterclass in comedic timing, and Kashiwada’s minimal movements are surprisingly expressive. You can almost feel her discomfort when Oota’s friends tease her, or her quiet gratitude when he gives her the lantern.

Critics are also praising the writing. A review on Anime News Network noted, “Episode 11 balances humor and heart perfectly. It’s a testament to how well the series understands its characters—Oota’s impulsiveness and Kashiwada’s reserve play off each other like a well-oiled machine.” Another reviewer on Crunchyroll added, “This show doesn’t rely on clichés. Instead, it finds humor in the mundane and sweetness in the unspoken. Kashiwada and Oota’s relationship feels real, even if it’s wrapped in a silly premise.”

Let’s not forget the supporting cast either. Oota’s friends, who initially saw Kashiwada as a weirdo, start to warm up to her after the haunted house incident. One of them even says, “She’s not so bad when she’s not being… well, her.” It’s a small moment, but it shows that Kashiwada is slowly breaking out of her shell, thanks to Oota’s relentless (and sometimes annoying) presence.

Of course, no episode is without its flaws. Some fans felt the subplot with Oota’s rival, a stuck-up classmate who mocks Kashiwada, was a bit predictable. “We’ve seen this ‘mean kid gets put in their place’ trope before,” one user commented. But even then, the payoff—Oota defending Kashiwada by pointing out that her “expressionless” face is what makes her unique—was worth it.

Overall, Episode 11 of Kao ni Denai Kashiwada-san to Kao ni Deru Oota-kun is a standout. It’s funny, heartfelt, and gives us more insight into these two characters we’ve grown to love. Whether you’re here for the comedy, the romance, or just to see Oota make a fool of himself, this episode delivers. And let’s be real—we’re all counting down the days until the next one, just to see if Kashiwada will finally crack a smile.

So, if you haven’t watched it yet, what are you waiting for? Grab some snacks, turn off your brain, and enjoy the chaos that is Kashiwada and Oota’s relationship. And for those already obsessed—let’s keep the ship sailing. Who knows? Maybe by the end of the season, we’ll get that long-awaited confession. (Fingers crossed!)

Kao ni Denai Kashiwada-san to Kao ni Deru Oota-kun Season 1 Episode 11 is streaming now on Crunchyroll and Funimation. Don’t miss out!