REVIEW: ‘Tomo-Chan Is A Girl!’ Episode 2 — “Tomo’s Skirt”

CONTENT WARNING: Tomo-Chan is a Girl Episode 2 deals with sexual assault

In Tomo-chan Is A Girl! Episode 2, following an unfortunate incident with a groper on their way home from school, Junichiro tells Tomo that skirts do not suit her and suggests she stop wearing them. Enraged, Tomo punches Junichiro and gives him the cold shoulder for a day. Later, Misuzu tells Tomo how she can use her skirt to help make Junichiro see her as a girl. Meanwhile, the British classmate and school idol, Carol, challenges Tomo over a misunderstanding.

Tomo-Chan Is A Girl is a youthful romantic comedy produced by Lay-duce, directed by Hitoshi Namba and Noriko Hashimoto, with Megumi Shimizu as head writer and character designer by Shiori Hiraiwa. Masaru Yokoyama does music composition. The voice cast consists of Rie Takahashi as Tomo Aizawa, Kaito Ishikawa as Junichiro Kubota, Rina Hidaka as Misuzu Gundo, and Sally Amaki as Carol Olston.

The subject of sexual assault is briefly touched on in the first few moments of Episode 2. I applaud the writers and director for handling the seriousness of the issue while not treating it as a joke, especially when unwanted touching and groping is a big problem in Japan.

This incident is a prime example of how Tomo-Chan Is A Girl! continues to be a breath of fresh air for romance anime. I have seen plenty of other anime mention groping and sexual assault, and I am sad to say not all of them treat the subject with the same level of seriousness as it deserves. I am glad to see a show like Tomo-Chan takes a step in the right direction and mentions topics such as this.

Additionally, it was essential to show that even a strong girl like Tomo could be a groping victim. Although Tomo is more than capable of defending herself, she still finds that societal norms restrain her. For example, Tomo is more concerned about making a scene on the bus and is embarrassed for anyone to know she is being groped. So instead of making a scene, Tomo chooses to endure the treatment instead of beating up the molester. A situation that many others may find relatable.

Episode 2 introduced Carol Olston, voiced by Sally Amaki, to the cast of characters. At first glance, Carol comes off as a spoiled airhead who is oblivious to how the world works outside her wealthy bubble. Carol also makes blunt remarks and pushes her boundaries with everyone. However, it is later revealed that there is more to Carol than just being wealthy and flighty. 

Carol’s behavior results from being teased and ostracized by other girls when she was younger. However, she is regarded as an idol by the boys at school for her beauty and being a foreigner. Carol is very lonely and wants to be friends with other girls. Something both she and Tomo have in common. Which made the moment where they became friends even more touching. 

So far, I like Carol as a character. She has a few more layers to her than what can be perceived from a first impression. I look forward to seeing if the show goes deeper into her character. Additionally, she will be another great asset and friend to help Tomo make Junichiro see and treat her as a girl. Sally Amaki’s voice acting as Carol Olston is extremely impressive. In contrast to her fellow voice castmates Sally Amaki is the voice of Carol in both the English and Japanese dubs due to her fluency in both languages. Amaki does a stunning job of manipulating her voice to fit the character’s personality in both languages.

Lastly, Tomo-Chan Is A Girl! Episode 2 provides more insight into Junichiro’s feelings toward Tomo. So far, Junichiro comes off as the oblivious love interest who does not see Tomo as a girl. However, Episode 2 shows that, on some level, Junichiro does recognize Tomo as a girl. Following the groping incident on the bus, Junichiro becomes overprotective of Tomo. Later, Junichiro can barely look her in the eye when she decides to wear her skirt without her shorts underneath. This situation shows that Junichiro recognizes Tomo as a girl in certain conditions.

Tomo-Chan Is A Girl! is a breath of fresh air for romance anime this season. Episode 2 handled the subject of sexual assault perfectly by giving the moment the seriousness and respect it deserved. Adding Carol to the cast of characters suggests that Tomo has gained another friend and ally. This episode offers a peek into Junichiro’s feelings towards Tomo and shows he may not be completely oblivious. 

Tomo-chan Is A Girl Episode 2 streams weekly on Crunchyroll.