Energon’s Watchlist: Let’s Take Care of Something Cute!

It’s time to look at something adorable, learn the meaning of family, and maybe grieve a little. Here’s three slice of life series about taking care of something cute! These series are not harem, are not based around romance, and have been personally watched and enjoy by me.

School Babysitters (Gakuen Babysitters, 13eps)

After losing both parents in a plane crash, Ryuichi and his baby brother, Kotaro, are taken in by the chairwoman of a school whose son and daughter-in-law died in the same crash. However, the boys are allowed to stay on one condition— Ryuichi has to work at the school’s critically understaffed daycare.

I had expected the series to brush over the fact that their parents died— at least past the first episode— but it didn’t, and it handles it in a way that doesn’t dwell on being sad. The series revolves around the daycare and the children, students, and parents involved, all with big personalities and a tendency for shenanigans. Also, the secretary/butler character is really funny with his deadpan delivery, I think he’s such an underrated character. If you’re planning on watching only one show from this list, make it this one.

How to Keep a Mummy (Miira no Kaikata, 12eps)

Sora’s globetrotting father sends him a large package while away in Egypt. Inside is a teeny tiny little mummy. A rather… alive mummy. Initially intending to send it back, Sora finds himself taking care of this new crybaby creature, and makes some new friends along the way.

This is the show I watch between heavy shows— this series is an excellent pallet cleanser. Because half of the characters don’t talk, it’s great at using visuals to convey emotions and reactions (especially with backgrounds), which I find really useful for references for making comics. The story itself is fun and light with a good blend of ordinary with a touch of extraordinary. Lots of fun, bright artwork makes this anime especially enjoyable.

My Roommate is a Cat (Doukyonin wa Hiza, Tokidoki, Atama no Ue; 12eps)

Subaru is a young writer who’s been closed off since his parents died. One day, he finds a stay cat that sparks the inspiration for his next story and ends up taking it home. The series alternates between Subaru’s and the cat’s perspective as the two begin to understand the meaning of family. Now, if only they could understand each other.

Subaru is an almost uncomfortably relatable character— he’s shy, awkward, and easily overstimulated. When he’s writing, he’ll often forget basic needs like eating and sleeping— much to the cat’s chagrin. One thing I like is that Subaru is never really forced into doing something they’re uncomfortable with or told to just ‘deal with it’. A past animal death does occur, but it’s not cruel or gruesome. A humorous, but also emotional series which I definitely recommend watching.