REVIEW: ‘Komi Can’t Communicate’ Episode 10 – “It’s Just Sports Day. Plus More”

Komi Can’t Communicate Episode 10  is a Japanese Netflix Original anime directed by Ayumu Watanabe and animated by Studio OLM. This slice-of-life comedy anime is an adaptation of the popular manga series written and illustrated by Tomohito Oda. The voice acting cast for the Komi Can’t Communicate consists of  Aoi Koga (Love is War) as Shouko Komi, Gakuto Kajiwara (Fire Force) as Hitohito Tadano, and Rie Murakawa (Re: Zero) as Najimi Osana.

In Episode 10, “It’s Just Sports Day. Plus More,” it is the annual sports day at Komi and Tadano’s school. Komi is unsure how to properly cheer for her classmates, but she gives it her all during each competition. Then, it’s her turn to participate in the final relay race.

Komi Can’t Communicate Episode 10 brings back the stellar animation first seen in the premiere episode. The scenes in this episode, particularly during the sports day portion, recapture the dynamic and grandiose animation that made me fall in love with this series in the first episode. The animation is more fluid and crisp, making it a slight upgrade compared to previous episodes. Although the animation quality doesn’t hold up throughout the rest of the episode, it is understandable because it could be costly. Nonetheless, I was still very pleased to see a glimpse of it come back in this episode.

The timing of the music makes for some very impactful moments in this episode. In my opinion, the most impactful moment in this episode was seeing Komi cheer out loud for Tadano during his race. This moment in the series is especially touching because it shows how far Komi has grown and is taking another step towards overcoming her communication disorder. 

At this point, Komi Can’t Communicate has pretty much solidified its pattern.  And while some might call it predictable, I prefer to call it consistent. In each episode, Komi, either alone or accompanied by her friends, participate in everyday slice-of-life activities with some form of hilarity and/or emotional moments ensuing. Komi Can’t Communicate Episode 10 is no different and does not deviate from this pattern.

For example, this episode of Komi Can’t Communicate introduces yet another slice of life trope, the school sports festival. Along with the festival came the introduction of new characters. For this episode, one of the new characters was the fiery-spirited and competitive second-year, Netsuno. Netsuno was a fun addition to the series, as her character plays into the competitive rival archetype. However, I doubt she will make a reappearance anytime soon as it is most likely she only served a purpose for the school sports festival.

In addition to Netsuno, Komi Can’t Communicate Episode 10 also introduced Onemine. While Netsuno felt like a short-lived appearance, Onemine seems like she might be a reoccurring supportive role in the show moving forward. Unlike most of the other side characters that have appeared on Komi Can’t Communicate so far.

Onemine seems like the least eccentric of the bunch and doesn’t lean too much into any particular archetype or character tropes. I found her interesting because she is one of the few characters who observe the other characters from the same perspective as the audience. Which is exactly what happens in this episode as she observes and takes notice of the obvious yet undeclared feelings that Komi and Tadano have for one another.  I am excited forward to see how Onemine might help the two clueless lovebirds become aware of their mutual feelings in the episodes to come.

Although this episode didn’t deviate much from the pattern, it had a few refreshing moments. One particularly refreshing touch in Komi Can’t Communicate Episode 10 shows the new side of Komi’s characters. In this episode, we saw Komi’s jealous side come out when she saw Onemine and Tadano spending some one-on-one time together. Granted, Onemine later clarifies the confusion and tells Komi she is rooting for her. This moment in the episode further solidifies that this series is moving towards including more romance.

Komi Can’t Communicate Episode 10 is another enjoyable watch and addition to the series. It continues to be a consistent series with an endearing story with great characters. The animation in this episode stepped things up to a spectacular standard that I have not seen since the premiere.

Komi Can’t Communicate streams exclusively on Netflix weekly.