My Deer Friend Nokotan is a captivating Japanese manga series, written and illustrated by Oshioshio. Initially serialized in Shōnen Magazine Edge in November 2019, the series found a new home on Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket website after the magazine’s closure in October 2023. In July 2024, an anime adaptation produced by Wit Studio brought the quirky tale to life.
The story revolves around Torako Koshi, a second-year high school student who hides her delinquent past behind a perfect, model-student persona. Her world gets turned upside down when she meets Noko Shikanoko, a new transfer student who is, surprisingly, a Sika deer in human form.
As Torako reluctantly takes on the role of Noko’s guide to human life, she finds herself entangled in the antics of the peculiar Deer Club. As “Koshi-tan,” Torako struggles to keep up her facade while dealing with the club’s bizarre activities, and her unlikely bond with Noko leads to hilarious situations as she juggles school life, her hidden past, and a deer-girl friend.
Episode Review Score
E10: Blame it on the Spring -(Review Score – 2.5/5)
E11: The Pursuer and the Pursued -(Review Score – 3/5)
E12: Farewell Nokotan!? Lone Live the Deer Club! -(Review Score – 3.5/5)
Overall Rating Of Season 1
This anime fits snugly into the slice-of-life and comedy genres, with plenty of relatable, everyday activities paired with quirky, absurd twists. From school competitions to casual hangouts, these events are given a humorous spin—like when Koshi and her friends play a life-sized board game in episode 8, bringing creativity to mundane situations.
The humor in My Deer Friend Nokotan spans various styles, including slapstick, pop culture references, and deer-related jokes, thanks to Nokotan’s antics and random appearances by other deer. Despite the comedy focus, the series also has heartfelt moments, such as Koshi patching up Nokotan’s ripped tracksuit, providing a balance between light-hearted humor and soft, emotional scenes.
However, not all episodes hit the mark. The show’s episodic structure means that some scenarios feel weaker, and certain experimental segments, like episode 6’s sketch format, fall flat. Fans were left wanting more from Nokotan’s big fight scenes, too, which could have been more intense.
The characters, while likable, don’t get as much depth as they could, and some like Anko might not sit well with all viewers due to their uncomfortable quirks. Even the supporting cast, while entertaining, isn’t fully fleshed out.
Visually, My Deer Friend Nokotan makes surprisingly good use of its clunky CGI, especially with the background deers, which add humor to many scenes. While the animation isn’t groundbreaking, Wit Studio’s efforts shine through in the lively character interactions and beautiful settings. The soundtrack, though not remarkable, enhances the experience, with the “Shika” chants standing out as a fan favorite.
Overall, My Deer Friend Nokotan is a quirky comedy anime with some hits and misses. While it may not reach the heights of classics like Nichijou: My Ordinary Life, it has moments that will entertain and charm fans who appreciate its oddball humor and heartwarming moments.
Reviews According to Public
-
When I watched the first episode, this is way too funny but it inspired from any slice-of-life anime like Nichijou, Azumanga Daioh, etc.
The main protagonist is Nokotan, she’s just a silly-looking girl with deer antlers but she has a weird humour towards Toshiko that she calls her “delinquent” and she’s formerly a Yankee, and she decided to hid her identity as a “honourable school student”.
I really love this anime very much because it has a comedic twist but…no Deers harm in that anime!
The opening song is way too addicting, even the verse ” Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan” is repeating and dancing. Although, that song is also too brainrot when it comes to watch this one, and for the ending song, a real-life footage set in Japan is to promote Nara Prefecture, which is a home of wild Deers and how Deer crackers are made.
I give this rating a Deer/10.
-
This show absolutely mind boggling, I couldn’t stop laughing through the first episode alone.
You can tell that the creators had the time of their life making this. It’s full of references and stupidity, and I love it so much for that.
THIS is why animation was created. Creating flabbergasting stories with little to no realism. It’s just so…. FUN! It pure chaos, but the characters have so much charm already.
The animation is bizarre, breaking so many rules of nature, and I’m here for it.
The deer are incredibly out of place 3D models, but it’s very obvious that it’s intentional. They show the viewer not to take the show too seriously, and it’s so nice to be able to not do that once in a while.
Highly recommend. So much fun.
Bookmark our website to stay updated with the latest news, reviews, and in-depth insights into your favorite anime, TV shows, and more. Don’t miss out—save us now for quick access to all the entertainment content you love.
