I remember watching Azumanga Daioh not too far back, and no, not for Chiyo-Chan, despite the fact she is a wonderful central character whose goofy and hi-larious struggles through High-School life as a Grade-Schooler never fail to tickle my funny bone. Tomoyo's struggles as she tries to outdo Chiyo-chan, Yomi's never-ending efforts to get Tomoyo to shut up, Sakaki's cat-love, Osaka's air-headedness and daydreams even all the way down to Yukari's irresponsibility as a teacher.In fact, I loved it so much, despite my lack of a Kinokuniya books membership, I went straight down to Kino and picked up volumes one and two.I have yet to do so, but Azumanga Daioh has a 10/10 ranking forthcoming in my MAL, putting it right up there with Evangelion and Toshokan Sensou. (Which reminds me, TS needs a ranking change to 10/10)Why you ask, Simple!Azumanga Daioh depicts, to me, something that I believe to be what truly makes one's trek through the winding road of education a happy one. What is that you may ask? Carefree School Days.But before I get to that, a few things need be said. For one, Azumanga Daioh to me, was great on so many levels, it fleshed out each and every one of its characters ever so well. From Chiyo-Chan's naivete to Yomi's analytical nature, each and every one of Azumanga Daioh's characters was given a chance to shine and show who they were.Thanks in no part to the above point, I enjoyed my stay at Room 3 thoroughly as I could relate to every single one of the characters as they were so clearly defined.I remember dreaming during English lessons, racing friends during P.E and even throwing a random fact or two here and there when the situation called for it.I loved my carefree school days, discussing who'd get into a relationship with who next or who'd be up for Chairman elections. All over a nice cup of morning coffee.Everytime I think back on it, what're your school days without some carefree fun, even if for a while.Azumanga Daioh wouldn't be half the awesomeness it is now if the characters focused on studies and projects all the time. And it is because of that emphasis on the carefree nature of school that I love my Azumanga Daioh.The premise captures easily because it is something everyone has to go through, and one reason I think anyone walking the winding road of education and hating every day of it needs to take a note of.The anime is more than simple lulz, daydreaming Osaka, ponytails and Pedos. It wants to instill the fact that the road that is education is not one easily trekked, but by taking it one easy, carefree step at a time, the winding road doesn't look so winding anymore. So all hail Miss Yukari, Chiyo-Chan, Tomo, Yomi, Osaka, Sakaki, Kaorin and even you, Miss Kurosawa! Azumanga Daioh FTW.
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