Yuuki Yuuna wa Yuusha de Aru – Churutto! [Season 1 Episodes 1-12]

Yuuki Yuuna wa Yuusha de Aru – Churutto! (Season 1, Episodes 1-12): A Cute but Short-Lived Spin-Off

If you’re a fan of the Yuuki Yuuna wa Yuusha de Aru franchise, you’ve probably heard of Churutto!, the chibi-style spin-off that aired in 2021. This 4-koma short anime, animated by the same studio behind the original series, offers a lighter, fluffier take on the Hero Club’s adventures. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into what fans are saying and whether this bite-sized series is worth your time.

What’s the Deal with Churutto!?

Churutto! is set in the same universe as the main series, specifically in the year 300 of the Era of the Gods. The story revolves around the Sanshu Middle School Hero Club, who are transformed into heroes to protect the world after a crisis strikes the sacred tree. Unlike the original, though, Churutto! leans heavily into comedy and cuteness, with super-deformed (SD) character designs and episodes that barely stretch past a few minutes each.

Fans of the franchise were excited to see their favorite characters return in this new format, but reactions have been mixed. Some adore the lighthearted tone, while others feel it’s too shallow compared to the emotional depth of the main series.

The Good: Cuteness Overload and Fun References

One thing everyone agrees on? The chibi characters are adorable. The SD art style amplifies the charm of Yuuna and her friends, making even mundane activities like eating udon feel like a grand adventure. Speaking of udon, the show’s obsession with it has become a running joke among fans. As one Reddit user pointed out:
“Yuusha udon!!? Lmao… Selling udon should be their new job. And why must it be udon?? Because the story is set in Kagawa Prefecture, where Sanuki udon is famous!”

The references to the franchise’s lore also got fans talking. For those deep into the Yuuki Yuuna universe, Churutto! introduces characters from the mobile game Bouquet of Brilliance, which sparked debates about canon and timelines. One MyAnimeList user asked:
“Where did the Zouzuchou Group come from? Are they from the mobile game? Is the game even canon?”

While the answers weren’t always clear (some fans argued the mobile game is more of a parallel universe), the discussions showed how invested the fandom is in every corner of this world.

The Bad: Too Short, Too Simple

The biggest complaint? The episodes are way too short. At just a few minutes each, Churutto! doesn’t leave much room for storytelling. Some fans felt cheated, like this MyAnimeList commenter:
“Not the greatest spin-off shorts I’ve ever seen, but still better than nothing for us Yuki Yuna fans.”

Others missed the emotional weight of the original series. The main Yuuki Yuuna is known for its balance of slice-of-life moments and intense drama, but Churutto! sticks to pure fluff. If you’re here for deep character development or plot twists, you won’t find much.

The Verdict: A Fun, Fluffy Side Dish

Churutto! isn’t trying to be the next big thing in the Yuuki Yuuna franchise—and that’s okay. It’s a light, silly diversion for fans who just want to see their favorite characters being cute. The short runtime makes it easy to binge, and the humor is genuinely fun (especially if you’re into udon jokes).

But if you’re new to the franchise, this isn’t the place to start. Without the context of the main series, Churutto! might feel like a random collection of chibi skits. As one fan put it:
“This is a good primer for all the girls who show up in the series… but you gotta watch fast!”

So, should you watch it? If you’re a die-hard Yuuki Yuuna fan craving more content, go for it. Just don’t expect anything groundbreaking. And hey, at least you’ll learn a thing or two about udon.

Final Rating: 7/10 – Cute, quick, and full of charm, but don’t expect depth.

What do you think of Churutto!? Did it satisfy your Yuuki Yuuna cravings, or were you left wanting more? Drop your thoughts in the comments!