Anime: Dagashi Kashi

Enter the world of the Japanese Dagashi, or those cheap local candies sold in sweets or candy shops. "Dagashi Kashi" is an anime which delves into the unique eccentricities of sweets, candies and other regional pocket delicacies.

Intertwined in this world is Kokonotsu, a simple teenager who dreams of being a manga artist and refuses to take over the family "Dagashiya" or candy store. In comes Hotaru, a busty girl from a wealthy candy magnate family who tries to get the legendary skills of Kokonotsu and his dad into their company. Also pulled into their everyday antics is Saya, a childhood friend of Kokokotsu who holds an almost one sided love relationship with him.

A large part of the series is an informative narrative about certain sweets sold in these candy stores which serves as the "theme" of the circumstance surrounding the episode's story. Its almost like a documentary with a comedic twist.

The production and art style reminds me a lot of the "Shimoneta" series...and the character design of Hotaru is spot on for "Shimoneta's" Ayame.

This is certainly a light comedy series you can get into for casual viewing.