Pon no Michi [Season 1 Episode 1 to 12 + OVA]

Pon no Michi: A Wholesome Dive into Mahjong and Friendship

When Pon no Michi (or The Way of Pon) first aired in January 2024, it didn’t exactly scream “blockbuster.” But by the time the season wrapped up in March, it had carved out a cozy little niche for itself among fans of laid-back, character-driven anime. Produced by OLM (the studio behind Pokémon and Odd Taxi), this series follows Nashiko Jippensha, a loud, energetic high school girl who gets kicked out of her house—only to find solace in her dad’s abandoned mahjong parlor. Alongside her friends, Nashiko turns the place into a hangout spot, and what unfolds is a charming, low-stakes adventure about friendship, mahjong, and the simple joys of being young.

First Impressions: Cute, Comfy, and Surprisingly Educational

The first episode set the tone for the entire series: lighthearted, funny, and unapologetically wholesome. Fans immediately latched onto the chemistry between the main girls—Nashiko, Pai, Izumi, and Riche—each bringing their own quirks to the table. One Reddit user summed it up perfectly: “It’s not Saki, but it’s still pretty enjoyable.”

For those unfamiliar with mahjong (which, let’s be honest, is most of us), the show doesn’t throw you into the deep end. Instead, it eases you in with basic explanations, making it accessible even if you’ve never touched a tile in your life. As one MyAnimeList commenter put it: “I don’t know jack about mahjong, but I got the basic gist, and the fact they use a fancy table lol.”

The humor is another highlight. From Nashiko’s over-the-top reactions to the talking bird (yes, there’s a talking bird), the show leans into absurdity without losing its warmth. One fan joked, “The bird’s entrance was hilarious to me. No idea what was happening in the second half, but still found it funny.”

The Appeal: No Drama, Just Vibes

What makes Pon no Michi stand out is its refusal to dive into heavy drama or romance. It’s pure slice-of-life, focusing on the girls’ everyday shenanigans—whether they’re playing mahjong, goofing around, or just hanging out. This approach resonated with fans who were tired of over-the-top stakes. “It’s settling for a cherry and easy tone,” noted one viewer. “Nothing serious yet, but very relaxing.”

The character designs, courtesy of Haruba Negi (known for The Quintessential Quintuplets), also drew praise. Nashiko’s orange hair and expressive face reminded some of Yotsuba from Yotsuba&!, while others appreciated the distinct personalities of the cast. “Chonpo is adorable,” gushed one fan, referring to the aforementioned bird.

The Mahjong Factor: Love It or Hate It

Of course, the mahjong theme was divisive. Some viewers were excited to learn about the game, while others admitted they were just there for the cute girls. “I have no interest in mahjong, so I don’t know why I picked it up,” confessed one MyAnimeList user. “But it’s pretty cute so far, so I might as well keep watching.”

The references to other mahjong anime like Saki and Akagi were a nice touch for fans of the genre. One eagle-eyed viewer pointed out: “The mahjong scenes were packed with references—Akagi, Legend of Koizumi, Tetsuya… it was kind of overwhelming.”

That said, not everyone was sold. Some found the mahjong explanations too basic, while others felt the show relied too much on parody. “Wish they would tone it down with the references,” sighed one Redditor. “Seen too many Kaiji nods in anime lately.”

Final Thoughts: A Comfort Watch with Heart

By the time the season wrapped up, Pon no Michi had won over a dedicated fanbase. It wasn’t groundbreaking, but it didn’t need to be. As one viewer put it: “This is the kind of show you watch when you just want to relax and smile.”

The OVA, released shortly after the finale, was the cherry on top—giving fans one last dose of the girls’ antics. Whether you’re into mahjong or just looking for a feel-good anime, Pon no Michi delivers. It’s not about winning or losing; it’s about the fun you have along the way.

And hey, if nothing else, you’ll walk away knowing what a “pon” is. Probably.