Gyokô no Nikuko-chan

Based on a novel by Kanako Nishi, Fortune Favors Nikuko-chan (or Nikuko-chan of the Fishing Harbor) is a coming of age story actually about the daughter, Kikuko.

It begins with Kikuko's understanding of her family situation, that her overweight mother ran into some bad misfortunes, resulting in being a low-income single mother. There are some difficult girl group situations at school. There's a boy, with a tic. But more importantly, there's a gentle navigation through these growing pains with some light humor. Such is a normal day, the best kind of days in life.

The end culminates in a climax, affirming the love between mother and daughter, through the thick and thin.

From an animated production standpoint, it is well-made. The direction is nuanced, letting the audience feel what Kikuko is going through. The soundtrack provides a delicate touch. The portrayal of life in the countryside and yakinuku-ya is charming and nostalgic.

If anything, the abrupt ending could have been a bit more poignant. But all in all, a great production by Studio 4°C.