Skip and Loafer

The story was inspired by author Misaki Takamatsu’s own experiences and memories from her mother's hometown in Suzu City, Ishikawa Prefecture.

The fictional Ikajima Town is based on Takajima in Suzu, reflecting the beauty and atmosphere of rural Japan.

Takamatsu wanted to portray both the excitement and awkwardness of being a teenager starting a new life in an unfamiliar place.

The story is set in two main locations: the peaceful and remote Ikajima Town in Ishikawa, and the bustling streets of Tokyo.

Mitsumi Iwakura’s new school, Tsubame West High, is loosely modeled after Tokyo Metropolitan West High School.

The series depicts city life and country roots, mixing traditional values and modern challenges.

Mitsumi Iwakura is a brilliant, awkward girl from rural Japan who heads to Tokyo to attend the elite Tsubame West High School.

She plans everything meticulously: top university, graduation at the head of her class, then becoming a government official to solve her hometown’s depopulation.

But her first day is a disaster – she gets lost and overwhelmed by crowds.

Enter Sōsuke Shima, a tall, charming classmate with a hidden past as a child actor.

Together, Mitsumi and Sōsuke navigate high school life, slowly forming bonds with classmates like:

• Mika Egashira, a calculating but insecure girl who warms up to Mitsumi.
• Yuzuki Murashige, a beautiful returnee who wants to escape her old reputation.
• Makoto Kurume, a shy, literary soul, and
• Kento Yamada, the energetic class clown seeking love.

They all struggle with insecurities but find comfort and authenticity in each other's company.

As Mitsumi grows, she becomes Student Council President, realizing the power of empathy and sincerity, while discovering feelings for Sōsuke. Sōsuke, haunted by his past in entertainment and a complicated family, finds healing and self-worth through Mitsumi’s friendship.

• "Ikajima Town": The fictional countryside town, inspired by real locations in Suzu, Ishikawa.
• "Tsubame West High School": The Tokyo high school Mitsumi attends.
• "T University": The stand-in for the prestigious University of Tokyo.
• "Student Council": A significant hub for Mitsumi and friends to connect and grow as leaders.

Manga

Created by Misaki Takamatsu, serialized since 2018 in Monthly Afternoon (Kodansha).

As of December 2024, there are 11 volumes.

TV Anime

The anime adaptation produced by P.A.WORKS aired its first season from April to June 2023, spanning 12 episodes.

A second season is confirmed for future release.

Streaming is available on multiple platforms, including DMM TV, Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.

Blu-ray

The first season is available in two Blu-ray volumes featuring all 12 episodes.

Collaborations

There have been notable collaborations with Karaoke no Tetsujin and Sofmap, featuring themed menus and merchandise.

Sales from certain collaborations have supported disaster relief in Ishikawa.

P.A.WORKS brought the story to animation with remarkable attention to the series' gentle atmosphere and heartfelt moments.

Director Kotomi Deai also handled series composition, with character designs by Manami Umeshita and music by Takatsugu Wakabayashi.

The anime’s production involved companies like DMM.com, Kodansha, Crunchyroll, NetEase Games, Kansai TV, BS Asahi, and A-Sketch.

Opening Theme: "Mellow" by Kenshi Yonezu

Ending Theme: "Hanauta to Mawarimichi" ("Humming and Detours") by Rikako Aida

Both capture the story’s lighthearted and reflective essence.

• 3rd place in the 2020 Manga Taisho Awards.
• Winner of the 47th Kodansha Manga Award in the General category (2023).
• First-ever Japanese anime to win "Overseas Anime Award" at the 20th China Animation & Comic Golden Dragon Award.
• Nominated for Best Romance and Best Slice-of-Life at the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
• Ranked 1st in the Filmarks Anime Awards 2023.

Skip and Loafer stands out for its empathetic portrayal of youth, sincere friendships, LGBTQ+ inclusivity (with Mitsumi’s transgender aunt Nao-chan), and realistic emotional struggles.

The series enjoys a passionate fanbase worldwide.

It also contributed to real-life disaster recovery, as sales and special "Noto Earthquake Support Editions" raised charity funds for earthquake-hit Ishikawa.

The manga and anime inspire viewers to embrace their own awkwardness and cherish connections, earning glowing reviews for both warmth and depth.

• Many locations in the anime are based on real places in Ishikawa and Tokyo, attracting fans for pilgrimage visits.
• Mitsumi’s honest, forward-looking attitude is seen as an aspirational model for young people.
• The story encourages readers to pursue their dreams and connect openly with others, regardless of their background or struggles.