Kakushigoto [Season 1 Episode 5]

Kakushigoto Season 1 Episode 5: A Rollercoaster of Laughs and Heartbreak

If you’ve been following Kakushigoto, you already know it’s not your typical slice-of-life comedy. Episode 5, titled “Everyone Gets Their Turn in the End,” perfectly encapsulates what makes this anime so special—hilarious antics, heartwarming moments, and a lingering sense of dread that keeps you on edge.

The Plot: Judging Manga and Overthinking Boxes

This episode kicks off with Kakushi being roped into judging a newcomer manga contest. His reluctance is palpable—after all, how does a guy who draws risqué comics for a living critique others without exposing his own insecurities? The setup is ripe for comedy, and the show delivers. From Kakushi’s over-the-top reactions to the absurdity of the contest entries, the humor lands perfectly.

But the real highlight? The boxes. Oh, the boxes. A mysterious delivery of cardboard boxes arrives at Kakushi’s home, and his paranoia skyrockets. Is this a ploy to expose his secret career? Is someone messing with him? The way he spirals into panic mode is pure gold, and fans on MyAnimeList couldn’t stop laughing at his antics. One user even joked, “Someone willing to spend shipping money for so many boxes that have only one envelope each… TWICE is definitely bad news lol.”

The Side Characters Steal the Show

While Kakushi and Hime’s dynamic is the heart of the series, the side characters shine in this episode. Tomaruin, Kakushi’s editor, is a walking disaster—adding “lol” to every critique like it’s 2009 Twitter. Fans were torn between finding it infuriating and hilarious. “This dude’s a lost cause,” one Reddit user wrote, “but I can’t help but laugh at his sheer incompetence.”

Then there’s the bathrobe party. Yes, you read that right. A group of grown adults lounging in bathrobes while discussing manga critiques is peak absurdity, and the fandom ate it up. “Bathrobes really are the best,” one fan gushed, proving that sometimes, the simplest gags hit the hardest.

The Wholesome and the Heartbreaking

Amidst the chaos, the episode sneaks in one of the sweetest moments of the series so far: Hime giving Kakushi a handmade gold medal. The sheer pride and joy on his face is enough to melt even the coldest heart. Fans on MyAnimeList couldn’t get enough of it, with one commenter saying, “That gold medal scene is one of the most wholesome moments of this anime and probably of the year.”

But Kakushigoto never lets you get too comfortable. The episode ends with Hime clutching one of the mysterious boxes, recognizing her father’s handwriting. The implication? Those boxes are part of a larger, darker mystery—likely tied to Kakushi’s eventual fate. The fandom collectively lost it. “Everything was so fun, until that ending hit oof,” one user lamented. Another added, “I came here for a good time, not a sad time!”

Theories and Speculations

The ending has sparked a flurry of theories. Some fans believe Kakushi dies when Hime turns 18, given the numbering of the boxes. Others think it’s a red herring, and the show is just messing with us. “Please don’t kill father, I beg you,” one desperate fan pleaded.

What’s clear is that Kakushigoto is masterfully balancing comedy and drama. It lures you in with laughs, then sucker-punches you with emotional depth. As one fan perfectly put it, “How can an anime be so heartwarming yet so heartbreaking at the same time?!”

Final Thoughts

Episode 5 is a testament to why Kakushigoto stands out this season. It’s funny, it’s touching, and it’s got just enough mystery to keep you hooked. Whether you’re here for the chaotic office shenanigans, the adorable father-daughter moments, or the looming tragedy, this episode delivers on all fronts.

Just brace yourself—because if the ending is any indication, the feels train is coming full speed ahead.

Rating: 9/10 – A near-perfect blend of comedy and emotion, with a side of existential dread.

What did you think of the episode? Drop your theories (or cries for mercy) in the comments!