Anime often explores the unexpected juxtaposition of contrasting elements, and The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting (Kumichou Musume to Sewagakari) dives headfirst into this trope. Drawing comparisons to other anime featuring unlikely family dynamics like Gokushufudou, Hinamatsuri, and Spy x Family, this series attempts to blend the dangerous world of the yakuza with the heartwarming innocence of childcare. But does The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting offer a fresh take, or does it simply tread familiar ground?
The premise is straightforward: Toru Kirishima, the fearsome “Demon” of the Sakuragi Family, known for his violent efficiency, is suddenly tasked with babysitting his boss’s seven-year-old daughter, Yaeka. This abrupt shift from yakuza enforcer to caretaker forms the core of the narrative. While the concept promises a charming and potentially comedic contrast, the anime positions itself as a guide, showcasing how a yakuza member can navigate daily life and societal expectations while secretly balancing their underworld identity with domestic duties.
However, while The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting delivers on its promise of wholesome family moments, it struggles to rise above being merely “fine.” The dynamic between Kirishima and Yaeka is undeniably sweet, fostering a father-daughter bond that provides the emotional core of the series. Their interactions are the highlight, offering glimpses of genuine warmth amidst the backdrop of yakuza dealings. Yet, the series often falls into a repetitive cycle, echoing the same themes and scenarios without significant progression or depth. This “nothing happens” feeling permeates the narrative, hindering its potential to be truly captivating.
Despite the somewhat stagnant plot, the supporting characters add some much-needed flavor. Kei Sugihara, Kirishima’s goofy and loyal right-hand man, provides comedic relief and contrasting interactions with both Kirishima and Yaeka. His presence injects levity and highlights the different facets of Kirishima’s personality. Even rival yakuza members, such as the initially obnoxious Yuri Mashiro, and close friends like Aoi Tochiro, contribute to Kirishima’s evolving life, reminding viewers of his past and the world he inhabits outside of babysitting. These characters prevent the show from becoming entirely saccharine and offer brief moments of intrigue.
Production-wise, the collaboration between studios feel. and Gaina ensures a consistent visual quality throughout the series. The animation is competent, fitting the lighthearted tone, and the overall aesthetic is pleasant. Similarly, the soundtrack is described as “fine and OK,” providing uplifting background music that complements the familial themes. However, like the plot, the music lacks memorability and fails to leave a lasting impression once the episode ends.
The anime seems to embrace repetition as a narrative device, perhaps aiming to mirror the cyclical nature of daily life and the gradual development of understanding within relationships. While there’s a philosophical argument to be made for this approach – as Gertrude Stein’s quote suggests, “Repeating is the whole of living, and by repeating comes understanding” – the execution in The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting leans more towards Rose Wilder Lane’s observation: “Constant repetition dulls receptivity.” The series, in its attempt to showcase wholesome repetition, unfortunately, risks becoming monotonous.
Ultimately, The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting occupies a space of comfortable mediocrity. While it shares thematic similarities with heartwarming found-family anime like Deaimon, it lacks a unique element to distinguish itself within the genre. It delivers a decent viewing experience, providing gentle humor and sweet character interactions. However, it refrains from taking risks or exploring deeper themes, resulting in a show that is ultimately just “fine.” Whether that’s enough will depend on individual viewer preferences, but for those seeking something truly memorable or innovative, The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting might leave them wanting more. It’s a perfectly acceptable time-waster, but don’t expect it to revolutionize the slice-of-life genre.
