Seitokai Yakuindomo (2010)

A unique story unfolds in a world where tradition and boundaries collide. A new age is beginning behind the legendary walls of Ousai Private Academy. Takatoshi Tsuda, a young spirit, embarks on a voyage of unexpected truths as sunshine flows across the campus grounds, casting enigmatic shadows. As we embark on a fantastic trip through the corridors of Ousai Private Academy, the tapestry of life is weaved with strands of mystery, humor, and the desire for self-discovery. Are you intrigued yet?

From July 4th to September 26th, 2010, TV Kanagawa in Japan broadcast the anime television series Seitokai Yakuindomo, also known as "Student Council Staff Members." Studio GoHands produced it. Later, the anime aired on Chiba TV, TV Saitama, Sun TV, KBS, Tokyo MX, TV Aichi, and AT-X.

Each episode of this 13-episode anime ran 24 minutes and was based on a 4-koma manga. It belongs to the comedy genre, and its themes are Gag Humor and School. The anime appealed to the Shounen Demographic, and it was rated R-17+ for its violence and language. Yes, it has both of those unexpected elements mixed in!

Tozen Ujiie wrote and illustrated Seitokai Yakuindomo Manga. From the 19th of May, 2007, until the 20th of June, 2008, the manga was serialized in Kodansha's Magazine Special. The manga was later moved to Kodansha's Weekly Shounen Magazine, remaining there until November 17, 2021. On August 12, 2008, Kodansha's Shounen Magazine KC imprint issued the first Tankobon volume. And finally, on January 17, 2022, the twenty-second and final volume was published.

A sequel was released under the name “Seitokai Yakuindomo OVA,” which ran for eight episodes from the 15th of April 2011 until the 17th of October 2013. This was followed by “Seitokai Yakuindomo*” and “Seitokai Yakuindomo* OVA,” respectively, as Sequels.

The male protagonist, Takatoshi Tsuda, is called out for his unkempt high school uniform on his first day at the once-all-girls Ousai Private Academy by the Student Council President, Shino Amakusa. Shino gives Takatoshi the post of vice president of the Student Council as a token of regret for delaying Takatoshi's excellent performance and because the organization needs a male point of view to accept the arrival of guys at the school.

Despite his displeasure, Takatoshi gets chosen as the most recent addition to the student council despite having yet to enter the school building. But he quickly realizes that the other student council members are unusual.

President Shino, who appears studious and serious but is actually a colossal pervert obsessed with erotica and is constantly making lewd jokes; Secretary Aria Shichijou, who appears to be a typical sheltered rich girl but is just as risque, if not more so, than the president; and finally, Treasurer Suzu Hagimura, who appears normal but has the body of an elementary school student and is extremely self-conscious about it. Surrounded by these colorful personalities, the new vice president is suddenly subjected to an onslaught of sexual humor and craziness.

Is it genuinely possible to construct a comedy that revolves almost entirely around sex gags without it coming across as low-brow and immature? What is the solution? Seitokai Yakuindomo is an answer of sorts. Those who dislike sex jokes or are easily offended would most likely not enjoy this series.

Despite having comedy that would make South Park blush, the sitcom manages to avoid becoming extremely inappropriate. This is due to how the jokes are presented in an innocent, serious manner (as if the characters are ignorant about whether or not what they're saying is improper for the situation, if that makes any sense) and the bright, cheerful visual style.

This series makes no apologies for what it is, namely a platform for a fast-paced series of sexual jokes, and at this point, I consider it a smashing success. The show is wonderfully hysterical, which is all it requires. As a result, I can say little about it on deeper levels. Its only actual issue is that it is just thirteen episodes long, which is standard for most animated series. Still, for Seitokai Yakuindomo, this feels insufficient because it has so many more gags to tell.

Another aspect I appreciate about this show is that each character has excellent characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages that set them apart. While they may not be unique within the realm of Anime, they are different. Each of them can be summed up as having some of the usual generic characteristics typically found in anime girls, and honestly, this didn’t bother me much.

What mattered was how well the characters fit into their roles, and the humor succeeds because of this. Although these characters aren't well fleshed out with a lot of backstory and social problems, they end up being likable regardless, whether it's for the witty banter between them in literally EVERY scene or the sheer perverted-ness of Shino and Aria (especially Aria), it's undoubtedly a must watch. So do not expect deep, complex characters with enlightening growth and development here.

The animation frequently alternates between normal and chibi modes. Usually, I don't enjoy it when an anime has too many Chibi moments, but Seitokai Yakuindomo didn't bother me. Because it fits in so well with the tone of the series, it's all about the proper execution and presentation. Was it because I was viewing this with my thoughts blank? Perhaps, and this isn’t a bad thing. If I were to sum up the Art Style department, it's generally average, with nothing worth highlighting but nothing negative either.

The Opening and Ending themes in the Department of Music stand out. The opening theme is Triple Booking's "Yamato Nadeshiko Education," which features a group of characters from the author's earlier work “Idol no Akahon.” It is voiced by Yōko Hikasa, Satomi Satō, and Sayuri Yahagi, the voices of Shino, Aria, and Suzu, respectively. On the other side, Angela's "Aoi Haru" serves as the closing theme, which is incredibly catchy. Between the 4th of August and the 27th of October 2010, six Blu-ray and DVD collections were released.

The music is appropriate for the series, especially the energetic, rhythmic, chaotic start and twisted ending. Because of the banter and hilarity running amok across the runtime, it's challenging to focus on the background music; however, some decent pieces are in the mix.

So, there was nothing much to say in the OST department; it was just there and fine. Surprisingly enough, the series portrays moral and tranquil moments quite nicely, too. As for the Voice Acting, all the Characters delivered excellent performances well in line with the show's personalities and humorous vibe.

Now, the fundamental nature of the humor is what I alluded to earlier as refreshing. I haven't seen such vile, foul-content toilet humor in an anime since Panty and Stocking. It goes so far with perversion of speech, nasty jokes, and potty humor that it's no longer sensational but rather everyday.

At the end of each episode, I would look back and realize that I had laughed throughout the runtime and had had an entertaining watch. While the show may not have been spectacular, it was definitely funny in my eyes. The randomness and quick pacing of the humor add so much to the show's appeal, and it begins to settle into a swift, smooth pace after a few episodes. So just flow with it!

What is important to note is that this humor will only be for some, so watch around two episodes before deciding whether you will keep watching. Enjoying this specific type of humor is vital to getting entertained by this Anime.

Seitokai Yakuindomo is a school comedy with little or no Story, so do not expect a compelling tale. It primarily focuses on verbal adult humor while avoiding visual adult humor. As with most shows of this genre, it isn’t mind-blowing or beautiful, and you would quickly start noticing little aspects that the show could have done without.

These aren’t Anime-ruining faults, but they are there nonetheless. This show's sheer humorous enjoyment drives me to recommend it, especially as it progresses into the later episodes. You may not walk away amazed at the end of each episode, but you will walk away with a few good laughs. Scratch that; you might as well still be laughing!

On a final note, Seitokai Yakuindomo is a great comedy series that I honestly enjoyed watching. As long as you don't find the perverted subjects unpleasant and don't mind the lack of story, you will be entertained here. On that note, anyone who enjoys a well-written sex comedy should watch it. It's pretty recommended; it’s at least worth a shot.