Slow Start

Slow Start is a TV anime produced by CloverWorks, adapted from the manga by Yukiko Atsumi. The series follows Hana Ichinose, a girl who enters high school a year later than her peers, as she navigates new friendships with the lively Tamate Momochi, the petite Kamuri Sengoku, and the stylish Eiko Tokura. Directed by Hiroyuki Hashimoto with series composition by Mio Inoue, this slice-of-life comedy blends heartfelt moments with lighthearted humor. If you're looking for a charming, easygoing anime that celebrates everyday connections and the courage it takes to start fresh, Slow Start delivers warmth and smiles in every episode.

Set in an ordinary high school, this slice-of-life story follows Hana Ichinose, a 17-year-old girl navigating the everyday rhythms of campus life. On the surface, she looks just like any other student — but she carries a quiet secret that none of her classmates are aware of. Due to circumstances in her past, Hana enrolled in high school a full year later than her peers, and that gap weighs more heavily on her heart than anyone around her might imagine. While it may seem like a trivial matter to outsiders, to Hana it represents something deeply personal — a distance she longs to close. As she immerses herself in school life and builds connections with the people around her, she quietly holds onto a wish: to one day truly stand shoulder to shoulder with everyone else. This is a heartfelt coming-of-age tale about belonging, self-discovery, and the quiet struggles hidden beneath an ordinary smile.