Moyashimon [Season 1 Episodes 1-11 + 4 Specials]

Alright, let’s dive into Moyashimon Season 1! First off, this anime is a total hidden gem. It’s produced by Shirogumi Inc. and Telecom Animation Film Co., Ltd., and it originally aired back in 2007. The main character, Tadayasu Sawaki, is a freshman at an agricultural university, and here’s the twist—he can see and talk to microorganisms! Yeah, you heard that right. Bacteria, yeast, mold—they all have little cute faces and voices, and they’re always chatting him up. It’s like Pokémon but with microbes, and honestly, way more educational (but don’t tell the Pokémon fans I said that).

The show’s a mix of comedy, science, and slice-of-life. Each episode dives into different agricultural topics, from making sake to fermenting vegetables. The microbes explain the science in super simple terms, so even if you’re not a biology whiz, you’ll get it. For example, when they’re making miso, the koji mold (a tiny, fuzzy character) will be like, “Hey, I break down the starch into sugar!” and then the yeast chimes in, “And I turn that sugar into alcohol!” It’s weirdly engaging. You’ll find yourself learning stuff without even realizing it—like why your bread rises or how cheese gets its flavor. Parents would probably love this as an “educational” show, but let’s be real, it’s just fun.

Now, the characters are a big part of what makes this show work. Tadayasu is this laid-back guy who’s just trying to get through college, but his ability keeps getting him into weird situations. His best friend, Kei Yuuki, is the more practical one—always rolling his eyes at Tadayasu’s microbe conversations but secretly curious. Then there’s Professor Itsuki Ogura, who’s obsessed with fermentation and has this wild, unkempt hair that looks like it’s been fermented itself. He’s the kind of teacher who’d bring a jar of pickles to class and make everyone taste it. The supporting cast is equally quirky: there’s a senior student who’s a sake expert, a girl who’s into organic farming, and even a group of microbes that act like a tiny gang.

The animation style is unique. The microbes are drawn in this cute, chibi style, which contrasts with the more realistic human characters. The backgrounds are detailed, especially the university’s labs and fields. It’s not the flashiest anime out there, but it has a charm that grows on you. The voice acting is spot-on too—each microbe has a distinct voice, from the high-pitched yeast to the gruff bacteria. You’ll find yourself laughing at their banter, like when the lactic acid bacteria start arguing over who’s better at making yogurt.

Now, let’s talk about the fan reactions. From what I’ve seen on forums, people love how the show balances humor and education. One user said, “I never thought I’d care about microbes, but now I want a pet yeast.” Another mentioned, “This show made me appreciate the food I eat more. Every time I eat cheese, I think of the little mold guys working hard.” Some fans did note that the pacing can be slow at times—since each episode focuses on a specific topic, it’s not a fast-paced action series. But honestly, that’s part of its charm. It’s like a cozy blanket: you can put it on, relax, and learn something new without feeling rushed.

The specials are worth checking out too. They’re shorter episodes that dive into more niche topics, like making natto (fermented soybeans) or the science of composting. The natto special is hilarious because the microbes are all grossed out by the sticky texture, but Tadayasu’s like, “No, it’s good for you!” It’s a nice addition to the main series, giving more depth to the characters and the science.

Critics might say the show is too niche, but that’s exactly why it’s great. It doesn’t try to appeal to everyone—it’s for people who like weird, smart comedies. If you’re into shows like “Cells at Work!” (which is also about tiny characters in the body), you’ll probably love this. It’s like a cousin to that series but with a focus on agriculture instead of the immune system.

One thing to note: the show does have some mature humor. Professor Ogura is always drinking sake and making jokes about fermentation, and there’s a running gag about his “fermented” breath. But it’s nothing too bad—definitely PG-13. The target audience is probably late teens to young adults, but honestly, anyone who likes quirky comedies will enjoy it. My little sister (who’s 16) watched an episode with me and ended up binging the whole season. She even started asking questions about how our fridge’s mold grows. Oops, maybe I should’ve warned her about that part.

The music is catchy too. The opening theme is this upbeat, folksy tune with lyrics about “microbes all around us,” and the ending is a slower, more nostalgic song. You’ll find yourself humming the opening theme while you’re making toast (and then looking at the yeast in the bread like, “Hey, how’s it going?”).

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the show’s age. It came out in 2007, so the animation might feel a bit dated compared to newer shows. But honestly, it doesn’t matter. The writing and characters are so strong that you won’t even notice. It’s like watching a classic movie—timeless in its own way. Plus, the science is still accurate (I checked—fermentation hasn’t changed that much in 17 years).

In conclusion, Moyashimon Season 1 is a must-watch for anyone who likes unique, funny, and educational anime. It’s not for everyone—if you’re into action-packed shonen or dramatic romances, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you want something that’ll make you laugh, teach you something, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for microbes, give it a shot. You’ll never look at a loaf of bread the same way again. And who knows? You might even start a fermentation project of your own. Just don’t blame me if your kitchen ends up covered in mold. Happy watching! 🍶🧀🍞