Horimiya Kai [9 films]

Horimiya Kai: A Beautiful Mess or a Missed Opportunity?

If you’re a fan of romance anime, chances are you’ve heard of Horimiya, the 2021 adaptation of HERO and Daisuke Hagiwara’s beloved manga. Produced by CloverWorks, the anime quickly became a favorite for its charming blend of slice-of-life, comedy, and heartfelt romance. But when Horimiya Kai—a collection of 9 films—entered the scene, fans were left divided. Some adored the additional content, while others felt it was a chaotic afterthought. So, what’s the real deal? Let’s dive into the highs, lows, and everything in between.

The Good: Why We Fell in Love with Horimiya

First, let’s talk about what made Horimiya special. The story follows Kyouko Hori and Izumi Miyamura, two high school students who couldn’t be more different on the surface. Hori is popular and outgoing, while Miyamura is quiet and reserved. But when they accidentally discover each other’s hidden sides—Hori’s domestic responsibilities and Miyamura’s rebellious tattoos and piercings—their friendship blossoms into something deeper.

The anime’s strength lies in its authenticity. Unlike many romance series that drag out the “will they, won’t they” trope, Horimiya lets Hori and Miyamura’s relationship develop naturally. Their chemistry is electric, and the show doesn’t shy away from showing the awkward, tender, and sometimes messy moments of young love.

Visually, Horimiya is a treat. CloverWorks nailed the animation, with soft color palettes and expressive character designs that bring the manga to life. The soundtrack, especially the opening and ending themes, perfectly complements the show’s tone—whimsical yet grounded.

The Problem: The Adaptation Dilemma

Now, here’s where things get messy. The original Horimiya anime crammed a lot into just 13 episodes, leaving out significant character interactions and subplots from the manga. Fans were disappointed, but the backlash didn’t stop there. Enter Horimiya Kai, a series of 9 films that, instead of fixing the pacing issues, seemed to double down on the randomness.

According to discussions on MyAnimeList and other forums, many viewers felt Horimiya Kai was a missed opportunity. One fan put it bluntly: “If they were gonna make 24 episodes total anyways, they shouldn’t have made them so random. Twelve random episodes, then twelve more random episodes out of order? It made no sense.”

Another common complaint was the lack of chronological coherence. Horimiya Kai jumps between timelines and perspectives, making it confusing for anime-only fans. Some scenes feel like deleted scenes rather than a cohesive narrative. As one Reddit user noted, “It’s like watching a highlight reel of moments you missed, but without the context to make them meaningful.”

The Fan Divide: Love It or Hate It?

Despite the criticism, Horimiya Kai has its defenders. Manga readers, in particular, appreciated the extra content, as it included moments that were skipped in the main series. “Pieces was a gift for manga fans,” one commenter wrote. “It’s not perfect, but it’s nice to see those little interactions finally animated.”

Others argued that Horimiya Kai works best as a companion piece rather than a standalone. “I treated Season 1 as the main story and Kai as bonus content—like Hori reminiscing about high school,” a fan explained. This perspective softens the blow of the disjointed storytelling, turning it into a nostalgic trip rather than a narrative failure.

But for those who wanted a full, well-paced adaptation, Horimiya Kai fell short. “They could’ve just done 24 episodes from the start and followed the manga properly,” lamented another viewer. “Instead, we got a condensed version and then a scrambled version. It’s frustrating.”

Final Verdict: Worth Watching?

So, should you watch Horimiya Kai? Here’s the breakdown:

• If you loved the manga, you’ll probably enjoy Kai for the extra scenes and character moments.
• If you’re an anime-only fan, brace yourself for a non-linear, slice-of-life experience that might leave you scratching your head.
• If you’re here for Hori and Miyamura’s romance, you’ll still find plenty to love—just don’t expect a tightly woven plot.

At its core, Horimiya Kai is a mixed bag. It’s beautiful, heartfelt, and occasionally frustrating. But whether you love it or hate it, one thing’s for sure: Hori and Miyamura’s story remains one of the most genuine romances in anime. And sometimes, that’s enough.

What do you think? Did Horimiya Kai work for you, or did it leave you wanting more? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the discussion going!