Kotarou wa Hitorigurashi

Balancing heavy themes with unexpected humor, this 2022 Liden Films ONA delivers a uniquely emotional viewing experience across its ten episodes. The story centers on a four-year-old boy named Kotarou who lives completely alone in a rundown apartment complex. Based on a manga, the narrative closely follows Shin Karino, a struggling manga artist who discovers the child and becomes entangled in his daily life. Despite tackling distressing subjects like child abuse and neglect, the show maintains a surprisingly uplifting tone, categorizing itself partly as a comedy. It captures the resilience of its young protagonist as he navigates apartment life with startling independence. As the two form a makeshift family, the series highlights the struggles of childcare and the harsh realities of adulthood. Rated at a solid 8.0, it is a touching coming-of-age tale about found family, maturity, and the strange ways people support one another.