Nanako Usami, a high school girl living in the small rural city of Nagarekawa, is asked by her uncle, who works at city hall, to take part in a stage show at the local zoo to help promote the town. There, she meets her senpai from high school, Yukari Kohinata, who is also scheduled to perform. With Yukari's advice, Nanako successfully completes the show. This experience leads them to form the "Nagarekawa Girls," a local idol duo created to promote Nagarekawa.
(Source: Wikipedia, translated)
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Comentários
SkyNoHoshi
One time, my friend who also watches this anime told me that it isn't an idol anime, thus I can't compare it to Love Live, etc. But hey, the idol theme still sticks, so you can't judge me. When I first heard about this anime, I thought of myself 'hey, is this going to be another 'great' idol anime'? Well, let's see how it goes, shall we? Locodol revolves a group of fellow girls: two of them, Nanako and Yukari, as 'locodols' or local idols, under the name of 'Nagarekawa Girls', and two manning a mascot character, Yui and Mirai. This basic story starts with Nanako given a'locodol' job by her uncle, who works in the city council. She met Yukari before they were to perform for the first time together. Afterwards, it continues with the lives of the pair, meeting more new characters and experiencing some wacky moments. The story isn't very special at all, since it is a typical story device to have someone or a group to have progress along the story. Hence, the English title 'Ordinary High-School Girls Tried Being Locodols'.
The story doesn't show any idol industry shenanigans, which is good, because I love a relaxed story that doesn't involve any butchering of idols.
Now, I never heard of a locodol before, which is something unique about the story. Apparently, there are also other locodols around too, from different cities. They help to promote their own cities and also to bring the spirit to the residents. I think that the idea is interesting, although I like to see more of locodol action.
The story ends with a very sweet conclusion that leaves no gaping holes behind.
The characters have different personalities which I find quite similar to other characters. Nanako is quite a pessimist, with a lot of worrying that burdens her down. Yukari seems like a perfect person, but she can be clumsy sometimes. Yui is a typical small character yet so strong she can do interesting acts in her heavy mascot costume. Mirai is a shy person but is still sociable.
Throughout the story, both Nanako and Yukari learn more about themselves and they have nice development. They meet more new people who then support them in their own future events. Eventually, the whole town adores these locodols.
Nevertheless, all the characters are very cute, especially Nanako's 'nanyako' stuttering.
The art is pretty nice. The scenery looks gorgeous and I love the colour choice. It felt a bit like it was painted in many scenes, which give a nice touch. The character designs are cute and the facial expressions can exaggerate for comic relief, hence very cute too. There are some chibi designs which I think are cute too.
Most of the time, the atmosphere where the locodols perform are quite lively. It may not be a very big concert but more of a small-scale concert for the residents. The costumes they wear are great and the dancing animations are smooth and cool.
Despite not having a lot of songs, the quality is good. The opening and ending songs, both sang by the Nagarekawa Girls, have a certain relation to the anime and they have a good singing voice. They may not be as famous as other awesome anisongs, but it has its own standards. The background music is nice and cheery. The voice acting is great too, as they express their emotions well. There are some recognisable voice actors, especially from Yukari and Mirai, and a few supporting characters and other locodols.
I admit it that I enjoy this anime despite a simple story. It may not be a famous anime, but it still is a great one to enjoy.
A quick look at MyAnimeList's anime recommendations from this anime, I see other idol anime like Love Live, Wake Up Girls and Idolmaster. Honestly, this anime stands differently from others. These other anime have a group, while this anime has a pair. There may be following a similar route towards progress, but they encounter different experiences. So, if you are one of those guys who can't remember all the group members in a particular group, I think this anime shall be your first.
If there's a second season, dig me in!
w7n
First review on MAL (although I have several anime review blog entries). Note: The score is adjusted to MAL scales by adding 1pt to the original score. First of all, this is not the usual idol anime you watch. It's not like shows like Love Live, the The iDOLM@STER etc. Instead surprisingly, the 'Futsuu'(Plain) in the title is what makes this show avoid your stereotypical idol anime. But on the other hand, it also means that this anime is more close to your usual slice-of-life anime. The most important feature of this anime is that in many ways, it is not 'idealized'. It depicts the plain-looking work of Locodolsand how they slowly turn into someone suitable for the job, instead of *cough* turning into a lead guitarist from scratch in one year *cough*.
So let's take a look at the 'not idealized' and 'idealized' aspects:
-NOT IDEALIZED-
>The life as a Locodol, i.e. the main plot. It is more close to real life, but it often becomes too plain and without comedic gags to support. You can't just simply take everyday life onto the screen and make that into an anime.
>Nanako doesn't look as if she can become a Locodol from the start. (Regardless of how it turns out)
>The mascot: it is just a normal mascot which reminds me of the Blue Badger from the Ace Attorney games. Surprisingly, the mascot turns out very good.
>Most songs. Well yeah, usual idol songs are too stereotypical, but here in Locodol, besides the last song they performs(sadly, it sounds like your usual idol track), all we have are some school anthem like songs and the ... mascot-promotion song. This show suffers from a lack of good songs. Explainable since their songs are about promoting things about the town, but poor in sound department nonetheless.
>The town's budget. Kind of realistic, but. In some cases it is rather the producer of the anime who is low on budget.
-IDEALIZED-
>The recognition the Locodols get. Especially: I'm not going to spoil the anime, but in one specific scene, what the Locodols did would be considered 'lame tactics' in real life.
>In one case the Locodols took a job not suitable for usual high school students yet they completed the quest. Common in other anime, though.
-OTHER ASPECTS-
>Fanservice: Usually, when there is fanservice, it's not done very well. For example, Ep01 is rather misleading as it would probably make viewers believe that this show is totally about swimsuit fanservice.
>The comedy: ...Not that good. The stalker thing was meh: what did I say just now... 'lame tactics'?
>The infamous cliche 'I have been happy because you guys/girls are by my side': Still a bit cliched in this show, but overall natural and heartwarming. You would probably not feel that it's cliched.
>The yuri vibe: The problem with the yuri vibe is that it's one of the highlights of the show, so if you don't like yuri you'll find the show less enjoyable.
So how to sum it up?
This show tries to stand out from your usual idol anime, but to avoid bordering on a normal slice of life it tries to support itself with massive yuri vibes.
Overall the show is heartwarming, but still a bit cliched among 'cute girls engaging in activities' slice of life anime. Plus, especially in the earlier episodes, it fails to give us some entertainment value, and it still can't avoid several problems normal slice of life anime usually have.
Recommended for:
>People who are tired of usual idol anime(I'm not a huge fan but far from being sick of the genre)
>People who like some heartwarming story about girls engaging in activities
>People who like light-hearted yuri.
Story: 6
Art: 6
Sound: 4
Character: 7
Enjoyment: 7
Overall: 6
(Stats: Suspicious Ups=0, Downs=0 as of 22 Apr 2015. Calculated with statistical hypothesis)
_lynxy_
Nagarekawa: a quiet, peaceful country town in Japan, where there aren't any tourist attractions to attract tourist for such amusement parks but they do have public swimming pools! So the Nagarekawa City Hall decided to promote their city, by introducing Kohinata Yukari and Usami Nanyako. Thus the Nagarekawa girls was born with 2 more girls joining them. Their aim? Promote Nagarekawa City! The story for the series is nothing much interesting but 4 main girls being the locodols trying to promote Nagarekawa via National TV or entering contest in order to be featured in the Television. They do have fanservice but not that much, whati also expect that constant comedy and the good moments has done this perfectly. So i might as well give 7 out of 10
The animation throughout the series is fluid, not lag or weird animation or akward animation, the background image is not too saturated, the character designs were pretty nice and appealing. Once again, Studio Feel is in charge for this since i can see the hair gradients of the characters. Rate 8/10
The sound were pretty appealing not to loud, childish or boring. The OP and the ED is fine, the voice actors for this series is decent, not too bad. 7/10
Most characters i like would be Usami Nanako with her mess up lines for such her name and also her air-headness. 7/10
Overall there is nothing much spectacular about the series but I do enjoy watching it. What i assume that this may ended up as a casual experience filled with characters and interactions that make your lips twitch into a smile almost against your will. Also it's quite relaxing and calm. With that i give 8/10
Overall 8/10
-looking forward for the new OVAs
johnbradshaw
Well i came to see this anime with an expectation of an idol anime. By the way, i find idol anime kinda interesting, i mean i admire their over-the-top passion for the business right ? I think if you love your job, that's good always. But Locodol is not a typical idol anime. Its more like a lovely, fun slice of life series when two girls meet by fate (lol), they then decide to be the featuring faces to promote their province. And then the everyday working life begins. The characters are cute, the op, ed and the soundtrack are amazing. Definitely worth the watch. I thinkthis is one of the most underrated anime of the season for sure.
MissOtaku1997
This anime is one of those anime that I watch after seeing something really sad or feelsy. It's short, it's bright, and it's a lot of fun. The story is basically about Nanko Usami, an average high school girl, whose uncle signs her up to be a Locodol, or Local Idol, with an upperclassman, Yukari Kohinata. It's basically the duo trying to be the Locodol's while making their small town of Nagarekawa known everywhere. The characters are all a lot of fun. Nanako is funny, Yukari is a sweet heart, and the girls in the costumed mascot Ogokoro-kun, Yui and Mirai, are a lotof fun as well, even if they show up towards the end.
Locdol is just a feel good anime. You want to see the duo become successful and win the Locodol competition in the end of the series. And there really isn't an antagonist. It's just gals being pals.
If you want something light hearted to fill the void of a sad anime or show, this is definitely a good way.
DarknessReality
Absolutely wholesome. That's the best way to describe Locodol. The series has a major appeal of focusing on slowly rising local idols that other idol series such as Love Live cant replicate. The setting of Nagarekawa Girls just wanting to help out their local town is so wholesome and its nice that there isn't any major stakes like in Love Live such as their group being shut down. Since there's no stakes its a great anime to watch if you just want to sit back and enjoy some wholesome anime. The series also goes at a nice steady pace introducing characters throughout the series as to notbombard you with information right off the bat.
The interactions between the Locodols and the local town people is sooo wholesome and good it makes every episode super enjoyable to watch always leaving a smile on my face. The series main focus is showing these girls interacting with the locals and just generally getting along with everyone. Its less conventional than other idol anime in the fact that it doesn't focus on the music and most of the music is kind of like town folk songs but that just further adds to the local feel and appeal of the series.
To sum it up Locodol is cute girls doing wholesome things. Its more along the lines of Skip Beat than Love Live as the girls do odd jobs like reporting as well as their idol work which really adds to the theme of local idols instead of being away from the audience it focuses on them.
The characters are absolutely lovable with Nanako being my personal favourite as her reactions to situations and news she receives is absolutely hilarious as she doesn't act like stereotypically as in most anime which gives the series further uniqueness. The interactions between the characters is also very enjoyable to watch alongside the yuri undertone that Yukari brings with her passes at Nanako.
The music for the most part as said previously is basically town folks songs unlike other idol anime however towards the end of the series it brings in some of the best and wholesome music I've heard to date further adding to the wholesomeness of the fact that they just want to support their local town.
Overall Locodol is a wholesome series that really deserves more attention and I highly recommend it to anyone who either wants a nice anime to enjoy or is a yuri fan as there is a fair bit of yuri subtext throughout.
9/10 will definitely re-watch In the near future.
mcvain77
Futsuu no Joshikousei ga [Locodol] Yattemita is a bit different from all the other idol anime you see out there, in a good way. STORY Two girls form up a locodol (local idol) group to support their hometown. Nothing big goes on in the show. Small surprises and conflicts pop up but they are neither unexpected nor good, and they get resolved literally in minutes. (Nervous main character solved by a hug. Conflicting concert schedules solved by just... the characters going "But we want to do both the concerts!" and everything goes well, etc.) ART For me the art style was one of the main reasons why the showfelt so comfortable and relaxing. Characters look normal and somewhat attractive. Some might call it generic, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The art really fit the characters' personality and the peaceful mood of the show.
SOUND
Since this is technically an idol anime I was looking forward to all the music they put in it. Don't expect entire albums of different-styled songs like the case with Love Live or Idolmaster, but the few tracks that do play are worth listening to. Background music was nothing too special or impressive, but at least it doesn't disrupt the show. I'm not an expert at listening out for voice acting quality but I felt it was pretty good.
CHARACTER
Nanako's such a humble and honest character who is designed such that the viewer would naturally root for her, when she's nervous or lost, and it doesn't feel forced. That in itself is more than enough for this simple show. In 12 episodes they managed to squeeze in some very simple character development for each of the characters that honestly can't be called very deep or meticulous. Really simple stuff, like getting over nervousness. (I'm not saying overcoming nervousness in real life is simple stuff. I'm saying overcoming nervousness was portrayed as a very simple process in this anime.) No over-sexualization either, which contributes to the special comfortable feeling of this show. (Unless you are only at peace when you watch fanservice and anime tiddies...)
ENJOYMENT
This show was one of those shows which you can watch when you're tired of serious stuff (either in real life or in other shows) and try to get rid of a bit of that stress. A lot of encouraging dialogue and interactions. Finally, no more cliche rainy rooftop arguments or crying characters that are the result of forced conflict and drama that I'd rather not have unless it's a really important part of the story. A show doesn't need seriousness, and seriousness doesn't necessitate fighting and crying. This anime also has its dose of seriousness that is more relatable and honest, like that other group of really popular locodols who were afraid that they were neglecting their hometown in search of mass media popularity. Like Nanako's real yet comedic fear that the lyrics that she came up with might suck ass. But it isn't melodramatic, it isn't forced, and it's so comfortable and natural with the mood of the show that the entire 12 episodes is a smooth, relaxing experience.
xgunawan
Idol is a war. Oh wait, it's a wrong series, lol. But, it's still a same theme as that series as this one is an idol series. Futsuu no Joshikousei ga [Locodol] Yatte Mita, abbreviated Locodol is a series which tells us how the normal school girls can become an idol. Though idol, they re just a local one, so how shine are they in their own locals and their own self? A story which tells us a normal school girls who somehow become an idol is one of the cliche story of most series we have today, so it's not really a promising premise. But,as the series went, it has proved its existence as it's not your everyday normal idol series. Unlike WUG or iM@S who are using the talent agency as their promotor, Locodol used the local government as their only supporter. As its own purpose is to promote their own local specialties, they shouldn't have many fanbase as the one from talent agency as their work itself not promoting the idol. But, once again it has proved their own strong point as the local idol. The pace they show to us isn't that fast, but sometimes a little slow and made their story a little boring sometimes. But, it has a good pace in last half though.
The character in this series is focused on a pair of our idol and a pair of our clown (or mascot wearer, or whatever terms you like. I'll use this one). There are also another character, such as manager, rival idol, etc. The character itself isn't that variance. Almost all of them start with a timid character, then developed into a great idol (and clown), which is a little monotone. Though, in some later episode, they show their own character. Overall, it's a so-so.
The art itself is quite bold, but good at the first episodes. Though its quality is dropped at mids, then show a quite good quality again. The one I should appreciate is the scenery background. Though it's not the best, it's quite nice to see a good scenery in a village. For the character design, I like it. It's your everyday design, but nicely done.
As an idol, it's a let down to see their songs can be qualified as few. Without OP and ED, the songs total is three, "Ah~ Nagarekawa!", "Uogokoro-kun Song", and "Nagarekawa Girls Song". The first two song can be considered as a lame song for idol, but it's quite matched with the local theme which make it good. The song is really easy to remember and maybe after you watch several time they"re singing it (yup, "Uogokoro-kun song" is the most played song in this series after OP and ED) you'll sing along with them as I was. "Nagarekawa Girls Song" is quite an idol song, it's quite attractive and have a same charm as OP and ED songs. It's well made, though it's still a few for idol series.
I really enjoyed this series. Though I didn't particularly wait for this series in each week, I really enjoyed this series as I watched them. But sometimes, I found it quite a boring to hear the same song after a while.
The local idol series has come to the end. As its enjoyment surpassed my expectation, it's a good idol series. A good one, but not a great, or the best. For you who wants an enjoyment over the story, I would recommend this idol series to you.
DanevsAnime
A wonderful story following Nanako and Yukari, two ordinary high school girls, through their time as local idols. The day to day activities of what it means to be a Locodol, as well as the effect it has on family and school life, are portrayed incredibly well in the series. The story avoids unrealistic outcomes or tasks for a brand new idol duo, and very successfully makes events and themes work for both a slice of life of ordinary girls as well as an idol anime. The art of the show is a little lacking, though that is not to say it is bad. The artstyle is fairly standard; the only real exception being the wide shots of scenery.
The sound is another area that was disappointing, though only for a specific reason. The actual songs that we hear the girls sing in the show are lackluster. The final song of the series is definitely the exception, but in general we hear the same songs through the entirety of the show and the songs aren't particularly catchy or memorable.
The characters in the show are definitely a highlight. Nanako is incredibly believable as a real person who could really exist, and the same goes to Yukari to a limited extent. Nanako isn't exceptional, but also doesn't feel inept to the point of it being annoying. She is a very relate-able every-man. Yukari is similar: she is shown to come from a wealthy upbringing and is very well mannered, but still comes across as someone who could have gone to the viewers school.
Overall this anime was very enjoyable, and will definitely be one that I plan on watching again. It is a definite pick-me up of a show.
felixlovesanime
Locodol is a pleasant anime. It feels like a breeze of morning air and just like actual morning breeze itself, it passes too easily. The premise is a bit refreshing compared to most Idol girls out there. Nakaregawa Girls is an idol unit commissioned by the local government of Nakaregawa for the purpose of which to promote the best offerings of the locals. Simply put, these girls must attract the masses without the glitz and the sparkles nationwide idols usually have. The twist here, however, is that what ultimately drives Nakaregawa Girls is not the love for singing or chasing girlhood dreams, but simply showing thewhole world what Nakaregawa is made of. With such setting, it truly is a delight watching a heroine that is clumsy by nature but never losing her wit once the situation demands it (after all, local idols require mastering the skills of hustling instead of singing and dancing). Moreover, the audience can actually envision such scenario to occur in real life. When Nakaregawa Girls is tasked to report termite extermination, you bet that it is a realistically embarrassing yet hilarious gig, indeed.
That being said, there is always this lingering feeling that something is missing from this anime. Locodol is funny but not hilarious, cute but not adorable, admirable but not inspiring. Lack of commitment in the execution makes Locodol barely pass the passing grade. Last but not least, by the end of the series, the audience does not necessarily feel the urge to look up 'Nakaregawa' on the net-- an urge that had proven to be no issue for local-oriented anime such as Sakura Quest or (if we can point out the most obvious example) Kimi No Na Wa.
Just like Nakaragewa Girls, at least this anime does its job. The quality of the job, though, is another story.
#felixlovesanime
Stoorainclaire
this is hidden gem! I repeat this is hidden gem! before I continue I want to tell to the one who read this that this is not normal review... I'm using this section to let out all of my feeling after watching this anime. so please be aware that there might be spoiler from this. since i'm not really into moe stuff, it's safe to say that Idol genre is not one of my favorite genre. from what I see, Locodol is really different from any general idol anime out there. one thing for sure what I like from this anime is they not focusingon singer itself. this is main reason why I like about this anime...
what I like
- Not focusing on singing, so there is no singing in every episode like any other idol anime
- Comedy is good, and I really like it
- less drama or should I say no drama?
- the character is good, no complicated background or past traumatic story
-
what I don't like?
- no season 2
just to add, one of my least genre is Yuri. but for the first time in my life i really don't mind if it is happening on this anime. I actually don't if it is good or bad things. but for some reason I'm happy if that really happen...sigh
*might be change in the future
