Alternate titles: Futsuu no Joshikousei ga Locodol Yattemita, Normal High School Girls Who Tried to be Local Idols
4-Panel Manga Adaptation by feel.
Simulcast on Crunchyroll

Premise

In an effort to kickstart the local economy, a small town businessman teams up his niece with Mugi from K-ON! to form a “locodol” (local idol) group.

Jel’s verdict: Small Town Charm

I can’t deny this episode was rather endearing with its low stakes ambition and likable characters trying their best. Little bits of characterization like showing how Nanako responsibly handles her class duties go a long way toward making us care. Even Nanako’s Uncle turns out to be an OK dude. I feel like he would have been a total pervert in most anime but instead he’s just comically pragmatic, and that’s a much more interesting and entertaining angle to take.

Of course if you’ve come into Locodol looking for the next (insert your favorite idol series here) you’re going to be sorely disappointed. This is definitely more of a slice of life affair completely devoid of colorful outfits, catchy songs, and elaborate dance numbers – at least for now. I’m kind of torn because on one hand I appreciate the effort to try something different, on the other hand this was kinda boring. As with any Slice of Life series, having no ambition is a double edged sword when it comes to pacing and keeping your audience interested. It’s going to take a lot more character comedy and sweet sentiments to make up for the shows lack of direction, and it’s too early to tell if that’s going to happen.

Life’s verdict: Cheaply Made, but Cute

Nanako is cute and in an idol story having a cute heroine makes a big difference, but the overall pacing and mood feel more like a slice of life than a story of ambition. That said, I guess having a cute heroine in a slice of life is a good thing as well. I liked the atmosphere and I could see myself keeping up with this if it turns out to be a decent slice of life. The first episode was a pleasant surprise as I expected this show to be terrible. The cheap production values and low key nature of Locodol won’t blow anyone away, but the home grown nature of it has a nice feel. Nanako is tricked into becoming an idol and wearing a swimsuit on stage. I expect that will rub some people the wrong way, but after giving it some thought it really wasn’t that scandalous. I probably won’t keep up with this show, but I just might check back in to see how Nanako and friends are doing as this new anime season progresses.