How I Attended an All-Guys Mixer [Season 1 Episode 9]

“How I Attended an All-Guys Mixer” – Episode 9 Review: A Summer Festival of Confusion and Charm

By [Your Name]

The Setup: A Mixer Gone Wild

How I Attended an All-Guys Mixer has been one of the most unexpectedly delightful anime of the season. What started as a ridiculous premise—college student Tokiwa being tricked into attending an all-male mixer by his female classmate Suou—has evolved into a surprisingly heartfelt comedy about identity, attraction, and the chaos of young adulthood. Episode 9, titled That Time I Went to A Summer Festival And…, continues the show’s trend of blending absurd humor with moments of genuine sweetness.

Produced by Ashi Productions and based on Nana Aokawa’s manga, the anime premiered on October 5, 2024, and has since carved out a niche for itself among fans of rom-coms with a twist. Episode 9 aired on November 30, 2024, and it’s another solid entry in a series that’s managed to keep its jokes fresh while slowly deepening its characters.

The Plot: Festival Shenanigans

In this episode, Hagi invites Kohaku to a summer festival, setting the stage for a classic anime trope—festival episodes are always a highlight, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The rest of the gang (Suou, Tokiwa, Asagi, and Fuji) decide to tag along, but not as themselves—oh no, they’re still in their cross-dressing disguises. Because, of course, why would they break character now?

The episode leans into the absurdity of the situation: Tokiwa, who’s slowly coming to terms with his feelings for Suou (even when she’s dressed as a guy), spends most of the festival internally panicking. Meanwhile, Kohaku and Hagi’s dynamic takes center stage, with Hagi being his usual loud, over-the-top self, much to the chagrin of some viewers (more on that later).

The highlight? A scene where Tokiwa realizes he’s mostly fallen for the male version of Kohaku, leading to a hilarious yet oddly touching moment of self-reflection. It’s these little beats that keep the show from feeling like a one-note gag.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?

Scouring forums like MyAnimeList, the reactions to Episode 9 are a mixed bag—though mostly positive. Here’s what fans are saying:

• The Good:
• “The festival scene is a bit long, but it’s nice to see Tokiwa’s realization about his feelings. This show keeps surprising me!” (Comment 18)
• “Suou and Tokiwa are adorable. I can’t wait to see how this all ends!” (Comment 24)

• “This remains one of the few shows this season that is consistently entertaining.” (Comment 19)

• The Not-So-Good:

• “Hagi is annoying AF. Kohaku is cute, but his antics are getting old.” (Comment 22)
• “The ‘dressed as a guy for no reason’ bit is wearing thin.” (Comment 25)

It’s clear that while the show’s humor and charm work for most, some viewers are growing tired of the repetitive gags, particularly Hagi’s over-the-top personality. Still, the majority seem to agree that the chemistry between the leads (especially Tokiwa and Suou) makes up for any flaws.

Why It Works (And When It Doesn’t)

What sets How I Attended an All-Guys Mixer apart from other rom-coms is its willingness to embrace absurdity while still treating its characters with respect. Tokiwa’s gradual acceptance of his feelings—regardless of Suou’s appearance—is a refreshing take on romance in anime. The show also excels at balancing slapstick comedy (like the gang’s failed attempts at festival games) with quieter, more introspective moments.

That said, the show’s biggest weakness is its reliance on certain running gags. The cross-dressing premise was hilarious at first, but by Episode 9, some fans are questioning why the characters haven’t just dropped the act already. Hagi’s loud, chaotic energy, while funny in small doses, can also feel exhausting over time.

Final Verdict: A Fun, Flawed Gem

Episode 9 of How I Attended an All-Guys Mixer is a solid continuation of a series that’s equal parts ridiculous and endearing. It doesn’t break new ground, but it doesn’t need to—sometimes, all you want is a lighthearted comedy with a dash of romance and a whole lot of chaos.

If you’re looking for a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still manages to sneak in some heartfelt moments, this one’s worth sticking with. Just be prepared to roll your eyes at Hagi every now and then.

Rating: 7.5/10 – A summer festival of laughs, confusion, and just a little bit of growth.

What did you think of Episode 9? Let me know in the comments!