Let's Make a Mug Too

Nekus Jun 21, 2021

7

Do you like cute girls? Yes? Good. Do you like pottery? Not really...? uhhh watch this anyway! Story & CharactersJust like your typical CGDCT (Cute Girls Doing Cute Things) this show doesn’t have much of a plot, and relies instead on character interactions and light exploration of the hobby it happens to be centered around, be it Fishing, Camping or in this case, Pottery. The only remarkable difference between how the hobby is handled this time is in how the main character, Himeno, actually has an emotional connection to pottery thanks to her late mother being a relatively famous potter. This leads her to wanting to connect a bit more to her following in her by footsteps, but even more interestingly ends up creating some unique interactions with her Dad. Shockingly enough for the genre the Dad is not only a major character, but also one of the better written ones and plays a key role in the more emotionally charged moments. The remaining of the cast is overall standard, there is nothing wrong with them nor anyone is annoying but if you have seen enough anime you can instantly slot all of them in their defined stereotype and they won’t really shake up any preconceived idea you make of them. Despite that, the minor instances of “drama” between the side characters still shows care and thought with how they interact and never disappoint.  Undoubtedly the best part of this show is the pacing. Even while having 15 minutes episodes they manage to have as much happening as other CGDCT while still keeping the relaxed tone and never feeling rushed. Not a single episode felt rushed or left me feeling like not enough happened. Visuals & SoundWhile the animations themselves are standard and don’t stand out, the show makes incredible use of color, especially with the ceramics they end up making. A special mention also needs to be made for the water animations, which for some reasons were some of the best I have ever seen.  The OST never steals the spotlight but always does an adequate job at matching the feelings in the scenes. And the VAs did an amazing job with every character. ConclusionIf you like Slice of Life this is an obvious pick, but even if you don't usually watch them the shorter run time makes it easier to recommend to everyone. Personally, I'm already looking forward to Season 2 airing this Fall!

TheRogueNob Jun 23, 2021

6

Huh another sol? Probably a skip, but what it's 14 min each 👀 might as well, and now I'm a full blown potter. For real though it's pretty dramatic for no reason but it is kind of funny do pick your poison. Oh also for those who are interested in my live action stuff ( or you just really like watching Japanese girls do stuff) the there's a live action version where I they go around looking at pottery or something I only watched about 5 minutes of one. They correspond with that weeks episode. there's not really much to say it's an okay SOL and if your bored or need a detox from robots and super kids fighting to the death than this could be quick refresh. If you do watch it then I hope you enjoy have a good one

DGFischer Dec 18, 2023

8.2

I find many pieces of anime informative, and I named a section of my listed works under the category of 'Cute Girls Doing Stuff.'  There are two crucial factors in assessing this genre: 1) Are the girls cute? and 2) Is the 'stuff' interesting?  As for the collaterals, let it be known that a man of my age (go ahead and peek; it's up at the top) watches anime in the evening.  This is usually after hard, active routines that affect one ever so much.  Ponder these details as I move on. The main characters of Let's Make a Mug Too are standard issue cute girls.  Himeno is the daughter of a pottery genius mother who died when Himeno was little.  Her picture graces the family altar.  She has moved with her father to Tajimi, her mother's hometown and a center of ceramic arts.  Naoka is the typical supportive BFF who pops into the story when crisis moments loom over Himeno.  The senpai are the movers and shakers in the school's pottery club.  Dedicated potter Toko needs stimulants; Mika is the embodiment of stimulants (and the possible adverse effects).  They learn of Himeno's link to the greatest potter that came to Tajimi High, and encourage her pursuit of the potter's wheel.  The concept of discovering that latent gift and the pursuit of excellence in the competition which pits the best young potters in the prefecture drives HImeno through a series of emotional ups and downs. Seeing that we have bona fide cute girls, question two.  Is the 'stuff' interesting?  Let us say that I did take the snooze, but it is not Himeno, Naoko, Mika, or Toko's fault.  Minami, Yuu, Yuki, and Rina are to blame.  Each episode of Let's Make a Mug Too is divided into a 15-minute animation followed by a 9-minute real life tour of the museums, restaurants, and potter school of Tajimi by the four actresses who supplied the voices to the girls.  It added the making of a plate and then the curry for the dramatic final episode.  If I dropped off, it was always in the real life segment.  I'd say two or three times over the twelve episodes.  Let's call this evidence for the triumph of the 2D girl over the 3D. The city of Tajimi is the inspiration for the animation's spectacular vistas.  The coloration of the translucent ceramic pieces was well mastered.  In fact, the coloration scheme drew mainly from the earth tones along with bright use of standard natural colors.  The music used to introduce and complete the episodes affected the laid back nature of the Gifu Prefecture, beautiful as it is, separated from the mad rush of Tokyo. The story is a charming story as HImeno adjusts to her new surroundings, as her father tries his hand in the restaurant business, and as the world of pottery is explored for all the ways of expression through glaze and kiln. Season one is a good starter for season two.  Himeno has goals to achieve.