Sakuta Azusagawa is not having the best year of his school life. Shunned by most of his peers because of an incident, he lives his life just sort of existing. Everything changes when he sees a girl in a bunny costume. She happens to be a famous actress named Mai Sakurajima. Sakuta can see her, but it seems no one else can. So begins Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, an anime that has some surprisingly deep themes running through it.
The World Without You
Sakuta might know what is causing people to not see Mai. There is a story, almost an urban legend, about something called Adolescence Syndrome. While it might be a sort of super power, Mia is having nothing but problems dealing with it. More and more areas have appeared where she can not be seen. Sakuta also believes that it is affecting his sister. She was facing online bullying and injuries were appearing on her body. Sakuta resolves to help Mia, while also facing his growing feelings for her.
It seems that someone has been reading up on some pretty lofty ideas. Everything from Schrödinger’s cat to Laplace’s demon was discussed in the first few episodes. It seems that Sakuta and his family and friends are caught in a very strange place. Two separate identities walking around as well as a time loop occur. For the most part Sakuta just tries to deal with it.
This World You Chose
If there is an underlying theme to the series, it is how society changes how we see ourselfs. Sakuta knows that the incident that has made him social outcast did not happen the way most people think. He chooses not to confront the rumors. Mia wanted to be a regular girl for awhile and suddenly no one can see her. It is about perception and what we do to change or accept it.
This show has a lot going for it. The major plot line gets resolved pretty quickly, but there is always something else just around the corner. Head on over to Hula or Crunchyroll to get in on this series. Be warned that you must have your brain on in order to understand it.