The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses

The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses is a contemporary romantic comedy series produced by the studio GoHands, airing during the Summer 2023 season. The narrative is primarily centered around the daily interactions of two middle school students whose relationship is catalyzed by a recurring, central premise: the constant forgetfulness of the female lead regarding her essential eyewear. The protagonist, Kaede Komura, is introduced as a deeply reserved and shy boy who harbors an intense, yet unspoken, crush on his desk mate, Ai Mie. Mie, characterized by her sweet nature and extreme absentmindedness, frequently arrives at school having forgotten her glasses, rendering her nearly blind in the classroom environment. This predicament forces her to rely heavily on Komura, leading to numerous instances of physical proximity and awkward, yet tender, misunderstandings. The series expertly utilizes Mie's poor eyesight as a catalyst for developing Komura’s character, forcing him to overcome his natural shyness to assist her—whether by guiding her, helping her read the board, or leaning in close to confirm details. This dynamic provides the foundation for the lighthearted humor and deeply felt emotional tension inherent in early adolescent romance. Beyond the comedic setup, the anime subtly explores themes of empathy, personal perception, and the gradual building of intimacy through small, consistent acts of kindness. While maintaining a low-stakes, slice-of-life atmosphere within the school setting, the anime also showcases the unique visual flair of GoHands, employing distinctive camera work and polished animation to elevate the simple premise. The contrast between Komura's earnest introspection and Mie’s endearing, blurry worldview drives the core appeal of this charming adaptation of Koume Fujichika’s original manga.

The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses presents a technically polished and emotionally resonant entry into the romantic comedy genre, offering more than just situational humor. The series excels in its technical execution, particularly due to the unique production style employed by GoHands. The animation is characterized by highly fluid motion, dynamic camera angles, and distinctive color palettes, providing a visually striking experience that often elevates the mundane classroom setting. However, this visual flair occasionally results in pacing choices that feel slightly deliberate or slow, prioritizing aesthetic over rapid narrative progression. Regarding character development, the central dynamic between Kaede Komura and Ai Mie is handled with genuine sensitivity. Komura's internal monologue effectively conveys the anxiety and excitement associated with a first crush, grounding the story in relatable emotional territory. Shion Wakayama (Ai Mie) and Masahiro Itô (Kaede Komura) deliver nuanced voice performances that capture the innocent awkwardness of their characters, enhancing the sincerity of their interactions. While the core comedic premise—Mie forgetting her glasses—is repetitive by design, the narrative leverages this repetition to deepen the emotional connection, rather than relying solely on the gag. The show successfully explores thematic depth by using Mie’s literal lack of vision as a metaphor for Komura’s inability to clearly express his feelings. Overall, the series is a highly competent production, offering a focused and heartfelt portrayal of young love, underpinned by strong visual direction and authentic character voices.