English Dub Season Review: I’m Living With an Otaku NEET Kunoichi?! Season One

Based on the Japanese web manga series by Yakitomato and Kotatsu, this anime sort of follows Tsukasa Atsumi, an ordinary salaryman whose life is suddenly upended when he is saved from a demon attack by Shizuri Ideura, a kunoichi with unusual habits. She reveals that Tsukasa carries a dangerous trait called “Samurai Blood,” which attracts supernatural demonic threats, known as the “Yoma”.  In return for housing, she pledges to protect him. Off duty, however, Shizuri is less the elegant ninja and more of a laid-back NEET (Basically the Japanese equivalent of a slacker), preferring video games, snacks, and lazy afternoons in a tracksuit over the seriousness of her role.

As Tsukasa and Shizuri spend more time together, their relationship grows beyond a simple arrangement, with Shizuri’s feelings for him becoming clear. A small mishap, like Tsukasa forgetting his lunch, triggers a series of events that bring another kunoichi, Ayame, into their lives, further complicating their quiet existence and adding new layers to the story.

On the technical side, this series adaptation was produced by Quad. It is directed by Hisashi Saitō, with scripts by Takashi Aoshima [ja], character designs by Masahiko Suzuki, and music composed by CMJK. The series’ opening theme song is “Neet In Jam”, performed by Real Akiba Boyz loves Shoko Nakagawa (a group consisting of Nakagawa and the b-boy dance unit Real Akiba Boyz). For the first course, the first ending theme song is “NEETopia”, performed by Hinaki Yano (the Japanese voice of Shizuri). But for the second course, the second ending theme song is “Darashinai Everyday”, performed by the rest of the female Japanese voice cast from the show.

At its core, the series follows Tsukasa Atsumi, a salaryman whose ordinary life is upended when he is rescued from a Yoma/Demon attack by Shizuri Ideura, a kunoichi with unusual habits. She reveals that Tsukasa carries the rare “Samurai Blood,” which makes him a target for Yoma, and declares herself his protector in exchange for lodging. Despite her deadly abilities, Shizuri is more of a NEET than a disciplined warrior, preferring snacks, video games, and tracksuits whenever she’s off duty. This contrast between her skill and her laziness gives the show much of its comedic foundation.

As Tsukasa and Shizuri settle into this strange arrangement, their connection begins to shift beyond the bounds of a simple contract. What begins as a matter of survival gradually develops into something more personal, with comedic misunderstandings and unexpected tenderness shaping their relationship. Supporting characters, including Hina another Kunoichi who’s a supportive friend to Shizuri who just so happens to be in a relationship slightly similar to the two main romantic leads, Ayame with her chaotic energy and masochistic obsessions, Kanna’s bombastic presence despite her short stature, The peeping tom highschool girl neighbor who’s obsessed with romance named Himari, and finally the enigmatic landlord of the Apartment they all share, Saya who all in different ways further complicate the balance of their lives while providing humor, rivalry, and surprising twists along the way.

The storytelling is delivered through a short-form structure, with each episode running around twelve minutes and released in pairs to fill a half-hour slot. This format keeps the pacing brisk, ensuring that jokes don’t overstay their welcome while leaving enough space for character-driven moments. The humor leans heavily into absurdity and self-awareness. By the 2nd half, the series occasionally pulls back to deliver an escalating and suspenseful plot that adds weight to its otherwise lighthearted tone. By the later episodes, the once-random antics tie together more coherently, giving the season a sense of progression.

Visually, the anime thrives on exaggerated expressions, colorful designs, and comedic timing, leaning into its playful absurdity. The action scenes, though not the main focus, are animated with enough flair to remain entertaining, with fast cuts and energetic movement that enhance the battles without overshadowing the comedy. The soundtrack matches this balance, alternating between upbeat, quirky tracks for everyday silliness and slightly more dramatic cues when supernatural elements rise to the forefront. The voice cast also adds considerable charm, delivering performances that highlight both the ridiculous gags and the softer moments of sincerity.

Overall, the series succeeds as a light, offbeat mix of comedy, romance, and supernatural antics. It doesn’t aim for dramatic depth or layered storytelling, but instead embraces its quirky premise with confidence, blending ecchi humor, slapstick absurdity, and flashes of genuine heart. Its short episodes make it easy to binge, and while not every gag will land for every viewer, the chemistry between Tsukasa and Shizuri provides enough charm to carry the show. For those seeking a breezy watch with equal parts silliness and sweetness, this anime delivers exactly what it promises.