Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend

Synopsis

Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend, originally titled 冴えない彼女の育てかた, is a romantic comedy anime that revolves around otaku culture and the complexities of creating a visual novel. The story follows Tomoya Aki, a high school student and aspiring game developer, who is inspired by a chance encounter with a beautiful girl, Eriri Spencer Sawamura, when he aims to create a dating simulation game. To realize his dream, he recruits his childhood friend, Utaha Kasumigaoka, and the ordinary girl, Megumi Kato, whom he initially finds boring yet later discovers possesses unique qualities. Throughout the series, Tomoya navigates humorous and heartwarming challenges in his quest to bring his game and relationships to life, while reflecting on the themes of creativity, friendship, and love. Enhanced by clever writing and charming character dynamics, the show offers a meta-commentary on the anime and video game industries, making it a delightful watch for fans both familiar and new to the genre.

Cast

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  Yoshitsugu Matsuoka

  Aki Tomoya (voice)

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  Kiyono Yasuno

  Megumi Kato (voice)

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  Saori Onishi

  Eriri Spencer Sawamura (voice)

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  Ai Kayano

  Utaha Kasumigaoka (voice)

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  Sayuri Yahagi

  Michiru Hyoudou (voice)

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  Chinatsu Akasaki

  Izumi Hashima (voice)

Reviews

Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend received a mixed to positive reception from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, it holds a rating of 6.9/10, indicating a decent approval from fans of the genre. Critics praise the show for its sharp wit and character development, highlighting how it successfully blends romantic and comedic elements. The Anime News Network noted, "Saekano cleverly intertwines its meta-commentary on game development with relatable high school antics," while also calling attention to its vibrant animation and expressive character designs. As for its shortcomings, some reviews cite pacing issues in the second half of the series, which detracted from the overall narrative flow. Metacritic users echoed similar sentiments, stating that while the first half shines with well-crafted jokes and character interactions, it sometimes struggles to maintain momentum. Still, many viewers appreciate the series for its relatable themes and unique take on the harem genre: one user commented, "It's a refreshing break from typical harem tropes, making it worth the watch despite its flaws." Overall, Saekano appeals particularly to anime lovers who enjoy self-referential humor and deeper character studies.