Ten years have passed since Nagomu Irino left his home to pursue his dream that ultimately failed. He finally decides to return after hearing that his father—owner of the Kyoto sweets store Ryokushou—has been hospitalized. Worrying that no one would inherit the shop if his father passes away, Nagomu prepares himself to embrace his family's legacy and the art of making sweets.
Unsurprisingly, Nagomu discovers that his father has already chosen a different successor—a 10-year-old girl named Itsuka Yukihira, who was abandoned at Ryokushou by her father for reasons unknown. While she has since become a part of the family and is now the shop's poster girl, Itsuka still longs to see her father and follows all possible clues that may lead her to him. Sympathizing with Itsuka's situation, Nagomu's mother asks Nagomu to act as Itsuka's father, hoping that Itsuka will open up to him and relieve her pain, even if just a little.
Starting on bad terms, Itsuka and Nagomu gradually learn more about each other, realizing that they are more similar than they had thought. Connected by their mutual love for both Ryokushou and its confections, their relationship as child and father figure begins to make lives around them a little bit sweeter.
[Written by MAL Rewrite]
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Comentários
KIOSHI_17
Deaimon is a really wholesome and easygoing anime. It's probably one of the best Iyashikei's I've seen. (Even tho it's not tagged to be one on MAL). Since it's one of the lesser known but great anime of spring 2022, I thought of making a review on it. Here it goes:- Story: The storyline is pretty simple and easy to understand. Being mainly based around a wagashi store (Japanese sweet shop) called "Ryokushou", story revolves around the members of it. "Nagomu", the shop owner's son who went to Tokyo to follow his career decides to come back and help at the store. He later finds out that theyhave adopted a little girl named "Itsuka" and is asked to be a father figure to her. The plot progresses depending upon the events occurring in Ryokushou store.
Characters:
Characters in Deaimon are very likeable. They are conveyed in a great way. Tho Nagomu and Itsuka are focused more often since they are the main leads. Interactions among them are one of the best things about this anime. They are really fun and wholesome to watch.
Artstyle & Animation:
Artstyle is decent. As for the animation, it's really clean. One thing I'd like to mention is that the way they showed the wagashi making process was really good. It was depicting all the things which are done in making actual sweets in real life. Another good thing was that they also share some factual knowledge about it time to time.
Sound:
All of the OSTs, opening and ending fit so well with everything. The ending is sure one of my favourite. I actually never skipped it. It's calm and soothing to listen.
Pacing:
Nothing to complain about here either. It's well paced and they show a decent amount of content in every episode. Everything shown is easily understandable.
Overall,
It's a great anime. Following the theme of the series, it has a healing effect and calm atmosphere. I watched it every week while it was airing and it was a great experience. Definitely worth a try...
KANLen09
Of all the comfy, slice-of-life shows this season, mangaka Rin Asano's story about a family-found situation, meshed with the delicacies of wagashi a.k.a Japanese confectionery sweets, is the ultimate combination of "comfort within your own home" and the genuine loving kindness of a well-knitted family-oriented relationship that's a charm to watch. And despite this manga being out since 2016, I'm surprised that even a few years onwards until today, this has not received an English translation, and even if you do find one, it's hard to come by. Despite this, Deaimon is really a hidden gem that I felt was and is now still underratedand underappreciated quite a fair bit, for a show that honestly didn't garner the reputation that it truly deserves.
As the title suggests, Deaimon is loosely translated as the Recipe for Happiness (I already liked the metaphor from Day 1), which is exactly what the show is going for, despite it being the kind of understated and lowkey introduction phases that foreshadows to us the audience that this is not gonna be something noteworthy. But you would be a buffoon if you'd thought of this in the most shallowest of notions, because the beholder of Deaimon lies in its simplicity to deliver a solid show that is consistent, predictable-yet-unpredictable, and a Hanasaku Iroha-cum-Barakamon mix of feel-good feeling on top of its many obtuse layers that you might be calling out the predictable angle of this, and I promise you that this won't be the case.
Deaimon: Recipe of Happiness's story rests on the never-ending tradition of a "family-found" story, where this girl by the name of Itsuka Yukihira gets abandoned by her lone father and is left towards the kind elderly folk of Ryokushou to be taken in and taken care of. Itsuka's biological father, whom seemingly from first glance, has undergone a divorce within the Yukihira family (though it's never stated), so much that it tormented the only daughter to question about her parents' origins for years while growing up in Ryokushou. Around the same time, the protagonist Nagomu Irino, who's been on a voyage of his own by running away from home to pursue his dream of becoming a musician in Tokyo, this went on for 10 years until word comes back that Heigo Irino, his father-cum-owner of Ryokushou was hospitalized, and the same word demanded that Nagomu pack his bags to immediately come home and help out in the family's wagashi business, and in the process, be the successor to Ryokushou. This is where the similarity to Spring 2011's Hanasaku Iroha comes about with the same ordeals of certain familial traits (like family legacy, succession and intergenerational bonds) where purpose is the premise's core forefront symbolism, and Summer 2014's Barakamon in the vein where both Nagomu and Itsuka meet that kickstarts the tumultuous relationship and thus begins the succession story of who's going to be the next heir to Ryokushou.
One thing that you must definitely understand to experience all that Deaimon is worth in its greatness, is in characterization, because this is a character-driven story after all. At first, it's a given that both Nagomu and Itsuka will be at loggerheads with one another, simply because their tolerance for each other is grinded only on the surface level. It's with the understanding of how the characters work that slowly intertwines the story plot, and makes the watching experience get better with every baby step in the way. Nagomu may look like a carefree idiot who minds his own business, a wishy-washy absent-minded person whom doesn't know how to make decisions, and someone whom plays to the tune of his own gags, but deep down, he's a mature and caring young adult that's learned the hard way after graduating from college and pursuing his failed musician stint dream in Tokyo for 10 years, earning nothing but a girlfriend (Kanoko Matsukaze) in the process, and then again only to dump her without any word heard for a period this long. In all essence, I felt an inkling that some of us are like Nagomu Irino: someone whom prioritizes his own life, makes decisions without thinking of the consequences, but yet can hold our head high and do things the way that is already glued to our character, and still make it through a dark period of our young adult lives experimenting and settling down when things feel right. And all in all, this is what makes Nagomu Irino likable, such that he has a lot of women in his life (not the harem type), from the elderly folk working in Ryokushou, his direct family, his girlfriend Kanoko, the part-timer Mitsuru Horikawa, and much less the central female MC Itsuka herself becoming her foster father figure in the process, to interact with while going through life's daily struggles and learning the different types of wagashi sweets with their symbolisms. I really like that.
On the basis for Itsuka Yukihara, being abandoned at a tender young age does not bode well, especially for children whom parents think that when they do not get their life together, all they can do is to "spare the rod and spoil the child", creating the nightmarish dreams that Itsuka would never see her real parents again. And in the years since she was raised in Ryokushou, she's learned to have both a mature mindset and a strong, but kind heart to serve those in need, just like a waitress in a restaurant. But don't try to trigger Itsuka, for her sharp tongue can sound nasty at times, and most of those times, it's Nagomu whom gets the bulk of the criticism that slowly with time, becomes one of calmness and understanding. That's not to say that Itsuka still harbours hatred for her parents, which when her mother Shinri eventually manages to locate her in Ryokushou, the nightmares come back like darkness looming within a person's being, and Nagomu has to play his part to ensure that the daughter-parent relationship is amended by hook or crook, but all done with heart to ensure that the prolonged years of hatred doesn't amplify out of spite. It's Nagomu's heart of sincerity that slowly transforms Itsuka's character from being a cold to a heartwarming person that's just like him, under his care. To that effect, I really have to give a shoutout to the total newbie VA Kozue Yuuki, for this is actually her very first character casting gig, and what absurdity to land a main character role from the get-go. How she depicted the 10-year-old Itsuka is nothing short of ingenious, the perfect casting voice for how a 10-year-old kid should sound.
The other characters, well mostly folks and friends of Nagomu and Itsuka, whether be it family or kin, are nice and work around carving both MC's lives in kindness and fervour. It's just a literate wagashi (sweet) feeling all around that touches the warmest depths of the heart to make this a show that absolutely needs no filters nor some wishy-washy, over-the-top drama just to spite the audience. It's just a very good show that displays as its warranted, with the family treatment being centrifugal to the overall enjoyment. Plus, it's a guarantee if you have a very talented series composer like Reiko Yoshida, this woman has done decades worth of scriptwriting and storyboarding, so much so that Deaimon adds to the blimp as a +1 to her versatile CV that's an amazing job well done.
I know I give a lot of flak to Encouragement Films for being a low-budget studio, producing existing projects that have been made by other studios (i.e. Symphogear's premiere season which has been since eclipsed by Satelight, or GochiUsa switching studios every season Date A Live style), shows that don't require lots of production prowess (i.e. Fall 2018's Merc Storia) and that one show which absolutely sucked in all aspects (i.e. Isekai Cheat Magician). But for Deaimon's case, it was different: it felt fresh with the watercolour visuals, the change of seasons and the light-heartedness of the character designs which I think blends well with the overall tone of the series, it's just beautiful to look at. And Deaimon to me, just looks like the studio has finally found its Encouraging stride producing light content (that's been done with Merc Storia), and I pray that it stays that way to make anime "Films" with a light coat of paint.
That in and of itself, trickles down to the OST, which I feel is one of the best low-key compositions of the season, and I say that with heart. For the longest while, I felt like Maaya Sakamoto was just gleaming along doing more anime VA roles than actual song compositions for Anisongs, and it's a stark comparison when you compare her VA role to her actual theme song compositions (which aren't many to begin with). The last song that I liked was Spring 2020's Arte's OP, and that in and of itself, almost seems like an exclusivity deal that she'd only be brought back for her songs in the Spring season because she fits the rhythms well. And this is exactly the case here with her OP "Sumire", which the music style hearkens back to her founding years in the late 90s being a growing Seiyuu to the juggernaut that she is today. The song sounds absolutely beautiful with the inner touches of warmth, that I am constantly always anticipating with eagerness with each passing episode. This song is definitely at the top 5 of my best OPs of the season. ayaho and Junichi Soga's ED sounds good as well, though not as immersive as the OP. But overall, it's really well done for its immersion with the anime in totality.
Deaimon: Recipe for Happiness is a show that's worth a recipe meant to invoke happiness from all of the unstable walks of life from people all around. And while this continues to stay underrated, I hope that we can continue talking about this fine little hidden gem that is truly the magnitude of fun and wholesome, in a way that is uplifting the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" in its AniManga form. It's sweetness in a way that you both can and can't explain, and it's certainly an enjoyable series if you give this show the chance that it deserves.
Marinate1016
Every once in a while we get these slow burn, character driven stories that offer advice and legitimately solid examples of how to pick yourself up after failure. Deaimon does exactly that and really came out of nowhere as the pleasant surprises of the season. At this point in my life, I love anime that end up being thought provoking and allow me to grow along with the characters. I like characters who are relatable, not perfect and organic. This show has all of that as well as some pretty educational cooking information too. I’m not going to lie, as someone who loves romance drama and unfinishedrelationship business plot lines, I absolutely loved Kanoko and Nagomu’s relationship in this. They felt like actual normal people which is so hard to come by in modern anime where it’s usually just fanservice, nosebleeds and rinse and repeat romance tropes. Their relationship wasn’t the main focus of the story, of course. That would be the impact that Itsuka has on Nagomu which is also great, but it was my favourite part. I can really count on one hand how many shows we’ve had in the past few years that felt this real. Yesterday wo utatte comes to mind as one.
The first couple episodes started a little slow and admittedly I was kind of bored, but once the romantic undertones got introduced into the story and the family mochi business began picking up, it really hooked me. I was going to skip this show because quite frankly, a show about desert making on the outside isn’t something I’d be interested in, but I can’t express how wrong I was.
I’m so glad I did take a chance on this, fell in love with these characters and this small intimate setting and had a blast with it. I highly recommend this for any fan of slice of life, people who want characters that feel real and those who are just looking for a genuinely cute and wholesome show to watch. You won’t regret it.
Deaimon gets 8 deserts out of 10.
NOTE: while I focused on the romantic aspects of the story because that’s what most important in a SOL story for ME. This story has something for everyone, people who want fluffy surrogate dad/daughter moments, people who want to see healthy parent child relationships, those who want to learn about Japanese sweets, drama lovers, some genuinely hilarious comedic moments and some lovely art, this has it all. The only reason I can’t give a 9/10 is because I didn’t see enough of Kanoko and Nagumo’s relationship develop in the 12 episodes.
baby_pewe
(THIS REVIEW CONTAINS MINOR SPOILERS) Deaimon, also known as Recipe of Happiness, is a story about finding. Everybody at one point in their lives is looking for something, whether something small or large. Adapted by the Young Ace manga by the same name, this wholesome yet somehow sorrowful anime is about a girl named Itsuka and our protagonist Nagomu, who are both looking for something in their lives. The story is outstanding. The main topic of the story is our heroine, Itsuka looking for her father, who left her at Ryokushou. We are often presented with flashbacks of her dad and their life until he lefther. While looking for her father at the station, that's where she meets our protagonist Nagomu, who has returned after 10 years of being a musician in Tokyo. Nagomu's band broke up, and until now he has been doing side gigs, barely passing by. Many twists could shock you and keep you interested, and although this is a healing and easygoing anime, the story is fantastic.
The sort of episodic nature of the show fits, as we see the people who work and revolve around the shop, with each character getting their episode to shine. The buildups and character growths were handled excellent, and the way the show unravels bit by bit is terrific.
Normally, I think good art is crucial to an anime. Good art catches your eye and it brings the show to life. Deaimon does it exceptionally well, as each background art was made with love, with the style being incredibly unique and beautiful, looking like a pastel painting. The details of the seasons passing by were spectacular and added a lot of flavour to the show. Character designs were decent, some characters looked average but some looked great. The animation didn't flow sometimes, but a lot of times the animation looked beautiful, like the snowing segments. Overall, Deaimon chose a strange but unique art style and executed it very well.
Music and sound are also very important, as they show the mood and how the characters are feeling. Whether it is a comedic scene, a sad scene, or a wholesome scene, Deaimon puts the perfect soundtrack to fit the mood. It never felt out of place or weird. The opening and ending themes were superb, one of my favourites this season. The singer sang it very elegantly and the music compliments her voice. The background noises are what you would expect in an anime, although I loved the sounds when they are making food. The voice acting is like any other anime, however, I think Nagomu's voice acting was great. This was also the first role of Itsuka's VA, and I think she did a great job as her. The side cast voices fit the characters and I never thought that there was an out-of-place voice.
Now, the characters, which I believe is one of the highlighting points for Deaimon. Nagomu is very unique, as he's not your typical adult protagonist. He's a total immature goofball, who likes to have fun whatever the situation. He's selfless and always helps, but sometimes makes things worse. Itsuka is another great character. We don't know much about her and don't see much from her perspective, but she gets amazing character development from a stern child to someone who learns to appreciate what you have. The relationship between Nagomu and Itsuka (while not pulling off an Usagi Drop) was very wholesome and provided a lot of growth throughout the series.
The side characters were all great, as each had its own arc and problems to overcome. There are so many, so I'll list the important ones. Kanoko is the most important side character in my opinion, as she is Nagomu's ex and provided a combination of character development and relationship growth while showing Nagomu's past. Mitsuru wasn't as important but gave tons of moments when showing her crush/admiration for Nagomu. The love triangle between Kanoko and Mitsuru was priceless. At first, Nagomu's parents didn't seem to be happy with their son, as he left them to pursue his dream. However, near the end, we can see they accepted him and stopped being a total jerk to him. Many other characters like Saki didn't play a crucial role but were fleshed out and weren't one-dimensional. Some characters showed up for only about half an episode and rarely showed up again, like Koume and Naruto, who were somehow pretty well written and showed some building around Ryokushou's area.
There was a particular character I had mixed feelings about, and that was Itsuka's father. I feel like his motivations weren't explained and he was too mysterious for us to know more and sympathize with. We got many interesting flashbacks and twists revolving around him, but we never saw a part where he explains his goals. He disappeared out of nowhere and didn't explain what happened. Giving his child away was a pretty dick move too because he could've possibly found Itsuka's mother or taken responsibility for Itsuka. However, I can see he was a well-thought-out character and if we ever get a continuation, I hope we can see his motivations and potential redemption.
I enjoyed this anime a lot, it provided growth and development, a great story and characters, some wholesome, depressing, or hilarious moments, a beautiful art style and sound, and overall well-written. I look forward to any possible future installments to this amazing, heartfelt, softening anime!
Drangerous
Slice of life lovers, welcome! Anime watchers, proceed with caution. I always like to start a review with some background or context. Slice of life is one of my favorite genre in anime. I'm a sucker for a good story and emotional impacts. During every anime season, I mostly watch shows that I will follow weekly or that I believe I will complete. Deaimon was my top pick for spring 2022 and was the show I gave my utmost attention. After its first couple of episodes, I truly believed it would end up being a great or even excellent anime. To put it simply, Deaimon isa rather average series that leaves alot on the table.
One of the major gripes I have with this anime is how much of it is a setup for a story we might or might not ever get a follow-up. This anime ends up having accomplish next to nothing in terms of plot advancement. The only real thread of story we have is teased time and time again. Then, by the end of the 12 episodes, the one thing we expect to happen sooner or later never does. We leave Deaimon knowing there is more to it than a single season. However, that doesn't excuse that this season alone doesn't really stands on its own which make this a rather poor anime.
Another problem I have, Deaimon has alot of ideas that are barely presented or worked upon. While the core of the series is the interpersonal relationship between the cast, most of it is either resolved or put forward in a shallow/straightforward way. Personally, I think a good slice of life needs layers and/or consequences to justify handling mature themes. A concrete example of a poorly explored relationship is Nagomu (the protagonist) and his father. To make the story short, Nagomu was supposed to inherit his family business since birth but along the way he discovered music and left his family to pursue his dream. The anime starts when he comes back to the family business because he received a letter telling him that his father grew ill. Misunderstanding aside (the father had a very minor back injury), Nagomu and his father never really mend their relationship or we don't get moments to see them talk their differences and grow closer again. Instead, like almost every characters, Nagomu's relationship with his father is a comedic plot device to create laughter. I believe it's truly a shame how the main character of the series is always used as a punching bag for comedy while the show also tries to make him have meaningful relationships. The formula of the show is mostly Nagomu helping the person having trouble for the episode in a serious heartfelt way. Then when it's over and done, everyone goes back to laugh at quirky and how much of a klutz Nagomu is. It becomes tiring real fast.
I'll just quickly say that Deaimon has alot of potential if it becomes a multi-season anime and finally delves deeper in its themes. As of right now, it's a shallow, heartwarming and interesting anime. With no payoffs as of yet, Deaimon has a frustratingly abrupt ending and doesn't offer much outside of an okay slice of life show.
Ironaditya
Deaimon is one of those animes which you start watching and don't realise where those precious 23 minutes went by. All of the aspects of this anime can be described by just one word - SWEET. The story is about Itsuka, who is searching for her Father and Nagomu, who has returned to his hometown after 10 years to help out his family, and also takeover their Wagashi shop because of his father's hospitalization - Because of Hemorrhoids 🤣🤣🤣🤣. And the OP - "Sumire" by Sakamoto Maaya and ED - Koko ni Aru Yakusoku were just soooo good that you can't really skip it out. The animationstyle, which looks old compared to other animes is truly fitting for it and sets the tone perfectly.
This anime is really what it claims to be - Recipe for Happiness
DishuSenpai
First Time reviewing so I'll keep this short. 1. I liked the basic premise of the story of Man Nagomu and he's father prodigy Itsuka a 10yr old girl who's father abandoned Her and she works at the sweet shop that Nagomu returns to work after his parents Sent their letter to come and he decides To take shop's responsibility.2. I also loved Nagomu and itsuka Father-
daughter bond that's as the story progres
Slowly for Itsuka Nagomu becomes her
Father like figure and I also liked all
The main supporting cast.
3. One thing which many people disliked it's
Animation specially some light shade in
Character's design which at times feels
Irritating to watch but for it's not my
That big of a deal.
4. Overall if you like to watch this kind of
An anime than "DON'T SKIP THIS" cause its
A good anime that will gives good vibes
And for me it's emotional and Joyous ride
That many animes this genre are failed to
Achieve
JiangHaoyi1979
Deaimon a recipe for happiness....Surly this is one of those Slice of Life anime with a soft touch, so: Story-Good 7: The plot about a young man who comes home after he hears about his father being hospitalize, well not that he has a couple of unsuccessful bouts with his musical career in Tokyo but that the way things has gone with him...So, he comes home with hopes of taking over his family's Ryokushou sweets shop only to find out that an adopted girl he never met will inherit it. Well , not that he feels bad about it but, having an little girl to somedaytake over the family business...it's just that both the girl and the guy's father seems to get along very well and both have the same hardworking and strict personality where just like the guy's father he too gets a lot of flak from the girl cu'z of his easy going attitude. But that's not the point the point here is about how one girl who was abandon finds a new family that has care for her and seemly feels hostility towards a guy that has the same easy going attitude, but unlike the girl's own father the guys tries his best to get closer to the girl, can it be called romance???? Maybe no, cu'z of the age differences and the possibility the guy's Ex girlfriend who might get back with the guy.
Art-Decent 4: Given that there isn't any eye candy around here for them hounds to howl about.
Sound-Decent 4: Nothing to say since I don't give a fuck as to who did who.
Character-Decent 4: Given that the characters here were more like a family there wasn't much about to say about them, cu'z of the fact that the character's here were the ordinary ones.
Enjoyment-Decent 4: It was really enjoyable to an extend, well for the next 7 episode that is, beyond that one would wanna just go to the finale.
Overall- Good 7: It was good , but , at times it can be a chore to just watch it beyond 7 episode , so season 2? Maybe not, a 2 episode OVA to which girl finally found his real father, if it can be done.
busybinging
I'm actually mad that this ended lmao. I hope a Season 2 gets made cos it's actually really really good. It's much slower paced and obviously as a slice of life, nothing much really happens. But with that said, the animation of the Japanese desserts and the relationships within the shop are so fun to watch. Nagomu is the obvious comedic relief here but he isn't just an air-headed guy with nothing to offer, he actually works hard and is very patient with everything going on around him. Itsuka is like a tsundere daughter lmao and I love how cold she is. She's also very responsibleand I like how mature she is cos sometimes she's put into situations where the adults are more immature than her and it's such a laugh.
A must watch when you're feeling all warm and cosy. An 8/10 for me.
uniDJar
Food for the Soul This was such a warm-hearted and comfy anime that I'd like to binge any time. To be honest I was having a bad time and this anime managed to pick me up just after a few episodes. The realistic and rewarding interactions between multiple persons with excellently written character were awesome. If you are in the market for a slice-of-life anime and you aren't in your best condition, I suggest you to have this a go. It worked for me. I especially loved how they managed to bring in music, food, slight romance and the best characters into a single story. The Opening and Ending songsreally boost the charm of this anime.
Definitely in my re-watch list and this is masterpiece for me.
DivinityV12
Deaimon is a decent feel good anime about 2 people who're very different and have different issues being Itsuka with the slightly more serious issue which is helped alot by Nagomu who allows her to see the world and herself in a different life. I found the story to this anime very nicely done as a feel good anime should be as eventhough the characters slowly develops as a person and grows from the family she's around. The confectionary theme is also nice and allows for the characters involved to bounce off eachother from what the different sweets mean from meaning of them and the artof them.
As of right now I'd personally give this anime a 7.5 since it was very good but not so good that it brought much new to the table but it did accomplish that feel good feeling it set out to from the character design and story.
So I'd give this one a watch with in mind that I would say it's a feel good anime which would rank highly among the animes which are feel good ones.
AkiraChinami
There's a concept that comes up in fiction that I have my doubts about: the idea that you can just “rewrite” a memory by doing the exact same thing with a different person or intention. Most often it seems to pop up in romance, where a character thinks that a bad romantic or sexual experience can be “rewritten” to remove the trauma, but there's been a lingering sense in Deaimon that perhaps Itsuka can rewrite her memories and trauma about her father's abandonment with Nagomu – or at least that's how it's felt to Itsuka herself. And maybe that is what Nagomu's parents intended whenthey first presented the idea of Nagomu acting as a father to the girl way back at the series' start; no one in his family is especially good at communicating what they actually mean, so even if that wasn't the point they were making, it would have been easy for someone, like Itsuka, to misunderstand what they were saying.
Even if Itsuka was unaware of the idea, she's been very resistant to Nagomu's advances. There are a lot of reasons why she'd feel such complicated emotions where he's concerned: he's the biological son of the family that took her in, so she may fear that he'll displace her, his parents were hurt by his move to Tokyo, so she's not going to like him because he was “mean” to the people who took her in, his personality may just be one that clashes with her own, all fluff to her prickles. But a piece of her also seems to fear that if she treats Nagomu like a father figure, it'll displace her biological dad in her heart and mind, and that somehow accepting Nagomu in that role means that the father who left her won't ever come back.
Because of her competency and put-together attitude, I feel like not many of the characters have necessarily understood Itsuka as a person. Again, this may not be the case with Nagomu's parents, but they're not champion communicators, so even if the attempt was made, they may not have gotten through. But for all of his faults, Nagomu is able to see through most of Itsuka's defenses. He knows that she's been to the amusement park before and that she's looking for her father the whole time they're there, but he doesn't say anything because the point is to let her work things through as best she can, in her own time. He doesn't make a big deal out of the moment when she grabs his shirt out of fear that she lost him and only steps in when she needs him to, at the very end of the episode when he tells her that just because her father didn't show up today, that doesn't mean that she won't ever see him again. And in the meantime, he's there for her, even if she's not sure she's allowed to accept him as a substitute father figure yet.
I said that her father didn't show up rather than that he didn't come because it looks very much like he did arrive, he just didn't let Itsuka see him. While I'm sure we all have mixed feelings about that and theories of what he was thinking, I think it's worth noting that he looked much less conflicted and more put-together than we've seen him since his (presumptive) high school days. He may have simply wanted to see for himself that Itsuka is doing fine, and while that certainly could be read as selfish since we know that she misses him, he also may believe that leaving her at the confectionery is the best and most stable thing for her at this point. It's hard to say, but the implication I take from it is that he's less of a villain and more a father in over his head trying to do the best thing for his daughter, even if we don't agree with how he goes about it. Sometimes there are no perfect solutions, and this may well be one of them.
If you were hoping for a solid conclusion to Deaimon, well, this isn't one. There are still a lot of threads dangling and questions left unanswered. But Itsuka, Nagomu, and Kanoko all seem to be in better places than they were, with the sense that they're going to keep moving forward. It may be too late for Nagomu's dad to learn not to be a jerk to his son or to understand that not all innovation is a bad thing, but maybe he's more like Itsuka with his social prickles than Nagomu. In any event, this is a comfortable ending if not a final one, and for the kind of show it is, I think that works.
R_2_R
"Deaimon : Recipe for Happiness" follows Itsuka & Nagomu working at Ryokushou, a Wagashi (sweet) shop and as the Anime progresses, you start to see the character relationships, their struggles and their resolutions for said problems, via sweets aka "Wagashi". A quick debunk of the title gives away what the show really is about. *Deai* (出会い) means "new encounter" or "to meet someone new", *mon* (もん), as an abbreviation of *mono* (もの), means "thing", but *Deaimon* (であいもん) means various seasonal food. So in each episode, you meet a new character, or new encounter between already introduced characters which intertwines with different sweets it shows in eachepisode. This Anime shows, while not in-detail the sweet making process in Ryokushou and how these chanced encounters will find a meaning each sweet conveys.
The story is just like any light-hearted Iyasheiki Anime and the character troubles are just as small and relatable too. The show's slow & delicate approach to drama allows it to give a sense of maturity in these moments where they deliver a simple yet effective message.
Opening song *Sumire* by Maaya Sakamoto and Ending song *Koko ni Yaru Yakusoku* by "ayaho × Junichi Soga", both songs fit perfectly well & create the perfect mood to watch the show, and are well arranged with the calm visuals. The art style is really beautiful to look at. If you're in the mood for a slow show to let the daily exhaustion out, then I definitely recommend this.
A calm setting with rural accents, polished art style to beautiful backgrounds & character designs, with a tickling like comedy that just makes you laugh a bit and a cast of characters that have a child-like energy with a slightly mature undertone;
This "Recipe for Happiness", is probably the sweetest Anime of the season.
Jozuwa-_-
Just a pure, wholesome, lovely, family-friendly confection-themed Anime. Frankly, I expected a bit more from the drama aspect of the story, and a bit more fun from the abundant amount of characters. But those were just my expectations and, I can't blame the show for that. Overall, a relaxing and light-hearted Anime to watch. PROS: Lovely Soundtrack. Fun male-protag with good VA. Artistic Visuals. Recommended for everyone. CONS: Side characters and their stories were either lackluster, generic, and/or forgettable. Same thing with running gags which (imo) you only remember when they mention it again on some episodes. STORY: Itsuka's family situation, Nagomu's road to maturity, and these two's development intoa father-daughter dynamic. These things will be the main driving point of the story. It was Itsuka's story that got me intrigued early-on but, but it left me a bit wanting for more as they handled that issue a bit too quickly and easily. But they did leave it open-ended so, I guess I can expect more drama if it gets a second season. Personally, Nagomu's parts were the ones that really hooked me but, that's mostly because of relatability with his character being a middle-aged man searching for passion and all.
The story is also confection-themed but to be honest, as much as I appreciate and love the idea, it never really hit me until I started typing this review. I wish they emphasized that part a bit more. Nevertheless, it was still overall a fairly entertaining light-hearted story.
CHARACTERS:
It's filled with characters but it's definitely not character-driven. Other than Nagomu, no one else really stood out as unique and interesting. Not even Itsuka. Not to say they are bad characters, just that they're mostly generic and average.
Nagomu and his dad's banter were quite fun though. Mitsuru and Kanoko bits too but, they were mostly there to give the show a romance aspect, with the latter being the more relevant one. Still lacked involvement though.
And just to show how lackluster the side characters are: Hiiro, one of the employees of the confection store who had a very quick arc, was seemingly forgotten to be included in the group picture shown during the ED sequence... but they remembered to include Nagomu's childhood friend who was barely on the show.
With all this criticism being said, they may not be much individually but, they managed to give off a family vibe as a whole.
ART & SOUND:
Character Art is just fine, but the scenery and backgrounds were really beautiful in the eyes.
Nagomu's VA was ear-catching with a unique mannerism and accent. Itsuka's and Mitsuru's VAs were good too.
And of course, my favorite part of the Anime and probably the biggest reason I remained 'til the end... the SOUNDTRACK. The OP theme really sets the mood for what your gonna get in this Anime. There's a comedy, yes BUT, this is an Anime mostly about heart-warming stories, and "SUMIRE" by Maaya Sakamoto really works well in setting the mood for that. And while it didn't hit me as hard as the OP did, the ED ("Koko ni Aru Yakusoku" by Ayaho x Junichi Soga) is also very fitting to end every episode with a good vibe, reminding the viewers that this is still a fun, light-hearted Anime.
OVERALL:
I think my review already implies that Nagomu was the MVP of the Anime for me XD Which is true. But I still appreciate this Anime as a whole. Definitely, one I can recommend for some relaxing, light-hearted, family-oriented story viewing. Just don't expect to see much from every character.
They did leave it open-ended for a possible (likely?) 2nd season and if so, there's still that one important character that they have yet to fully introduce which could possibly make things, specially the drama aspect, interesting. We'll see I guess.
Veldie
I think this anime is the hidden gem in spring 2022 anime.Unlike other animes that has released in spring 2022, I didn't expect for this anime to be good.What I thought was just I would just watch like 2 or 3 episodes a day and not binge watch it because I thought it was just like another slice of life anime. I was wrong.The story wasn't like any other slice of life anime where different events happen in every 1 or 2 episodes.This anime had a story which connected all 12 episodes were it is kinda unusual from the rest of the slice of life animesthat I have watched.
MakuG
DEAIMON Deaimon is about Nagomu Irino as he returns to his family's home for the first time in 10 years. Along with his homecoming, his eagerness to takeover the family sweets shop (Ryokushou) is interrupted by Itsuka Yukihira, an abandoned girl that was taken in by the Ryokushou household. Deaimon tells the tale of Itsuka's coming to terms with her parents abandonment as well as Nagomu's maturity and development. STORY - 7/10 Deaimon is a very classic and traditional slice of life story and it clearly has the blueprints for one. The main plot of Itsuka's abandonment and her growth as a young child was very heartwarming, butnothing really seemed special or unique. It had the classic slice of life tropes of sprinkling in a little romance, a new character here and there, and minor conflicts that are resolved in each episode. Overall, the plot just failed to really impress me but still has some nice points just seeing the characters grow together.
ART/SOUND - 8.5/10
The show has gorgeous art and visuals. For a show about a traditional sweets shop, it definitely delivers in elegance and beauty. However, I felt that the animation was not quite up to par to the level of excellence of the art in this show. The animation felt a bit stiff and stale at times amidst the gorgeous sceneries and backdrops. Character designs were also pretty bland and nothing original.
CHARACTERS - 7/10
Again with the characters, nothing just seemed fresh and exciting. The characters are mostly tropes that we have already seen before. However, I still do appreciate their growth and relationships with one another which I think was done quite well.
ENJOYMENT - 6/10
I love slice of life anime. I didn't even have Deaimon on my list of anime to watch this season, but quickly gave it a shot when I heard about it. It was initially interesting enough and the gorgeous visuals, wholesome nature, and calm vibes were enough to get me interested. However, as the season went on it just seemed to be pretty slow and stale. It wasn't one of the shows that I was eagerly excited for each week amidst a stacked Spring 2022 season.
OVERALL - 7/10
Generally, Deaimon is still a solid slice of life show. It is wholesome, heartwarming, and can provide a calming wave you when you need it. It has gorgeous visuals and music, but at the end of the day it just wasn't exciting and unique enough to really leave a lasting and memorable mark for me. A good show, but a bit forgettable and not a must-watch.
Miidas
Nagomu went to Tokyo to chase his dream as a musician, but returns to his family home, Ryokushou (a Japanese sweet shop), when his father is hospitalized. There he finds out they’ve adopted Itsuka, a young girl which is much more serious than the laid-back Nagomu, where he’s asked to act as a father figure to her (don’t worry, it’s a completely wholesome relationship, without any creepy romantic development/undertones). Deaimon follow a semi-episodic structure, where the cast slowly expand, as we introduce and explore different characters each episode, forming a comfy community with Ryokushou/Nagomu as the central location/character. Decent prodcution, with a soothing color palette andsoundtrack, fitting the relaxed atmosphere of the show.
Heads-up:
- The drama is quite slow and mundane, so I can see some people, finding the show to be boring. The comedy isn’t particularly good either, and can clash a bit with the rest of the show.
Favorite aspects:
- Very strong cast of supporting characters, where it feels like we’re a part of the community surrounding Nagomu, each having their own set of troubles to deal with, where the show do a great job humanizing its characters.
- Background art is gorgeous, with a nice painterly filter blending well with the soothing color palette of the show, despite clashing a bit with the character art.
Least favorite aspects:
- Nagomu is ok. He’s not good, not bad, but ok. I’m glad that the show got a strong supporting cast, since otherwise he wouldn’t be enough to keep me engaged.
Overall, I recommend Deaimon if you want a semi-episodic mundane drama, with a strong cast of supporting characters, and a soothing presentation.
m_alhafidz
Deaimon, that is the title of this heartwarming slice of life show. OK, I will rate with several points: 1. Story: this anime is about adult man, named Nagomu who works in his house in Kyoto to help his parents's business selling wagashi or traditional Japan sweets. Along with Itsuka, diligent little girl who works in his house and true heir of this business since Nagomu's dad doesn't trust his own son too much. Despite this, Nagomu serves Itsuka as her own biological father. So the show is mix of culinary and childcare as well. New characters appears episode by episode. 2. Art: Great. You can tell themespecially the snapshot of nature.
3. Characters: quite likable and enjoyable but I think lack of young male characters to balance Nagomu.
4. Sound: Good. Opening song, Ending song really fits the show. OST is calming as well.
Overall: this anime is your typical slice of life show but the topic is not common. Also this is family friendly because it has almost no fanservice. There is a bit of romance but it's not this anime focus on. So if you want to relax, this anime is recommended for you.
IgnitedJesus
Deaimon is something to fill your heart A simple face, hiding a deeper and meaningful story with some elaborate characters and loving relationship dynamics Plot: Nagomu, after leaving home for 10 years, he is returning to his parents' Sweet Shop with the belief that he will be inheriting it upon his father's retirement. Here he learns that his parents' have been taken care of a child who was abandoned by her parents, Itsuka, and his father is planning on passing the sweet store down to her due to her work ethic and love for wagashi. Nagomu's mother explains the situation to him, and requests that he triesto act as a father figure for Itsuka as they grow their relationship, which he agrees to. The series follows this loving family as they work in this sweet shop, and their relationships with the once estranged Nagomu grow.
This series is really food for the soul. It is just a wholesome slice of life, with a loving family dynamic of people who just want the best for Itsuka, and want to make the best wagashi possible.
The confections they make in the shop, look delicious, even by anime standards. The animations are soft and sweet, just like the sweets they make, and the entire series has a loving air to it. While there are comedic aspects clearly in each episode, it does not outshine the actually underlying & sweet message of these relationships that they are trying to deliver. Watching as Nagomu & Itsuka grow closer together as a family, is precious unto itself. When you add Nagomu's relationship with the rest of the workers, his parents, and his ex-girlfriend who reappears, it just overflows with cuteness all around.
For a wholesome slice of life that doesn't task you for watching with grueling drama or intense plot holes, it truly is an enjoyable watch. Simple and clean, just as slice of lifes should be, and I can't wait to see a second season so that we can find out more answers about Itsuka's past and watch this relationship blossom further.
Animation: 7/10
Art: 8/10
Story: 8/10
Characters: 8/10
Voice Acting: 7/10
