In ‘Tomo-chan Is a Girl,’ although initially, both of them were reluctant to acknowledge their feelings for each other, it appears that love ultimately found its way, despite the challenges they faced in their romantic journey.
In the first episode of the anime, Tomo expresses her feelings for Junichiriou while they are on their way home. However, Junichirou rejected her confession, as he only thought of her as a close friend and sometimes even as a sibling. Despite this rejection, Tomo refused to give up and continued to hold feelings for Junichirou in secret, even though it was a painful experience for her.
As for Junichirou, his treatment of Tomo was different from what one might imagine, considering the common expectation that childhood friends should develop romantic feelings for each other at some point. However, in their case, things were both similar and different. To understand Junichirou’s peculiar treatment of Tomo, we need to look back at their shared childhood memories.
In episode 7 of the anime, Junichirou recalls his past and how he used to live in Tokyo before moving to the province for some unknown reason. His first encounter with Tomo was quite tumultuous. Tomo borrowed Junichirou’s gaming device, which ended up getting broken. Making Junichirou punch Tomo was the first indication that he didn’t perceive her as a girl in the first place. After Mr. Goro and Tomo apologized to Junichirou for the incident involving his gaming device, the two have built a strong friendship ever since.
Due to his upbringing in Tokyo City, Junichirou lacked the same level of energy and stamina as those who lived in the province. Whenever he and Tomo hung out to play, Junichirou would quickly run out of breath due to the intense activities they engaged in. In comparison, Tomo possessed far greater strength and capabilities, creating a significant difference between the two. As a result, the second reason why Junichiro mistakes Tomo for a boy.
Given Tomo’s short hair, voice, and boyish clothing, it’s understandable that Junichiro initially assumed she was a boy. However, his perception of Tomo changed once they reached high school, as the dress code required girls to wear skirts and boys to wear pants. When Tomo, who was actually a girl, wore a skirt, Junichirou mocked her, suggesting that wearing such clothes was going too far. It was only when he realized that Tomo was, in fact, a girl that he was taken aback. Same as for Tomo, it was her first time realizing that Junichirou doesn’t see her as a girl.
As Junichirou and Tomo matured, their relationship evolved and Junichirou’s attitude towards her changed, ultimately leading to the heartwarming story of ‘Tomo-chan is a girl.’ Their love story showcases the power of friendship and the gradual development of tender feelings between two people. Their friends played a pivotal role in nurturing this connection, providing the couple with ample opportunities to bond and learn about each other’s personalities, interests, and values. Through a series of well-planned group activities and gatherings, their friends fostered an environment in which Junjichirou and Tomo could naturally gravitate towards one another, their affection intensifying with each shared experience.
These shared moments allowed them to discover the depth of their personality, ultimately learning and understanding one another, which made them even closer together. It wasn’t until episode 12 that the true nature of their feelings became apparent, as Junichirou finally confessed his love for Tomo.
Read more: Why Is ‘Tomo-Chan Is a Girl’ Such a Refreshing Take on the Romance Genre?
Is ‘Tomo-chan Is a Girl’ Accurate to the Manga?
Nope! While ‘Tomo-Chan Is a Girl’ is an adaptation of its manga counterpart, it falls short of accurately capturing the full essence of the original work. Devoted fans of the manga are likely to notice a significant discrepancy between the two versions, particularly in terms of the detailed content that has endeared the manga to its loyal followers.
‘Tomo-Chan Is a Girl‘ is an excellent manga series created by Fumita Yanagida, which began in April 2015 and ended in July 2019, spanning 953 chapters across eight volumes. Seven Seas Entertainment obtained the license for an English release in 2018, with all English volumes published by the end of 2020. In 2023, the series was adapted into an anime by Lay-duce, which aired on January 5 of 2023, and is still ongoing in the same year.
As per the information available on The Movie Database, the animated adaptation of ‘Tomo-Chan Is a Girl’ is anticipated to span a total of 25 episodes. While the series is still in progress, fans can look forward to more endearing scenes as the plot unfolds. However, with the manga boasting an impressive 953 chapters, we recommend reading it to fully experience the story.
In case you’re wondering why some anime adaptations differ from the manga, there are multiple reasons for this:
- The Distinct Nature of Manga and Anime Industries
The manga and anime industries are different and have different requirements. Manga is a written and illustrated medium, whereas anime involves animation, voice acting, and music. As a result, some changes are necessary to adapt a manga into an anime format, which can result in differences in the storyline or character development.
- Budget Constraints and Production Schedules in Anime Adaptations
Budget constraints and production schedules can also affect the accuracy of an anime adaptation. Animating every scene or panel in the manga can be costly, so some adaptations may choose to skip certain parts or make changes to save on production costs. In addition, anime series typically have a set number of episodes to air, which can lead to the omission of some storylines or changes in character development.
- Audience Demand Shaping Anime Adaptations
Audience demand influences the anime industry, potentially impacting the adaptation of a manga. Some anime adaptations may change certain elements to cater to the target audience or make the series more appealing to a wider range of viewers.
Will ‘Tomo-chan Is a Girl’ Have a Season 2?
It is not unusual for anime series to have new seasons announced prior to the conclusion of the ongoing one, with the time frame for preparing a new season ranging from weeks to months or even years.
Nevertheless, in the context of ‘Tomo-Chan Is a Girl,’ the success of the first season has sparked curiosity among fans regarding the prospects of a second season. In order to evaluate the likelihood of a subsequent season, anime adaptations typically take into account factors such as:
- Source Material Availability
One crucial factor in determining the possibility of a second season is the availability of source material. The manga version of ‘Tomo-Chan Is a Girl’ consists of 953 chapters, providing a wealth of content for potential adaptation. Given that the first season is expected to have 25 episodes, there remains a significant amount of unexplored material that could be used for a second season. This factor, therefore, supports the possibility of continuing the series.
- Audience Popularity
Another key determinant in the renewal of an anime series is its popularity among viewers. ‘Tomo-Chan Is a Girl’ has garnered considerable praise for its engaging storyline and unique characters, leading to a growing fan base. The series’ popularity is reflected in strong viewership numbers and active online discussions, which indicate that there is a market for additional content. Positive audience reception, coupled with the popularity of the series, bolsters the chances of a second season.
- Market Demand and Production Considerations
Finally, the decision to produce a second season of an anime series depends on market demand and production constraints. The anime industry is highly competitive, with numerous shows vying for attention and resources. For ‘Tomo-Chan Is a Girl’ to secure a second season, it must demonstrate its ability to generate revenue and retain its audience. Additionally, production companies must weigh the costs and benefits of investing in a new season against other potential projects. While the series has enjoyed success thus far, the decision to produce a second season will depend on a careful analysis of the market and available resources.
Overall, while there is a possibility that ‘Tomo-Chan Is a Girl’ might be renewed for a second season, it is essential to take this with a grain of salt. The first season of the anime adaptation is still ongoing, and its completion will likely influence the decision-making process for a potential continuation. Until then, fans can enjoy the unfolding story and remain hopeful for the future of this beloved series.
Read more: Tomo-Chan Is a Girl: Height, Age, Birthday, MBTI, and more!
