Plot Summary

Mitsumi is a super smart high schooler from the country-side of Japan. She is accepted into a prestigious high school in Tokyo and is the top student. She is the pride and joy of her town and she goes to live with her trans Auntie. For her first day she decides to go by herself to school but gets totally lost and ends up being found by Sousuke who is another student who goes to her school. He is very kind to her and while they are very different people they somehow become the best of friends despite him not wanting to really let anyone really know him deeply. (There are some real reasons for this as we learn).

Other girls in her class become a bit jealous of Mitsumi and her close friendship to Sousuke despite Mitsumi being “plain” and Sousuke being “handsome.” While at first glance it would seem to be an unusual pairing, it’s easy to see how the pair develop into something closer, even if Sousuke denies that his feelings towards Mitsumi is anything but close friendship.

Author is Misaki Takamatsu

She has written several manga, but her most famous work has been Skip and Loafer since it has become an anime. Most shoujo (girl) manga that becomes an anime typically only has one season, but Skip and Loafer is about to have a second season which is incredibly exciting! (Fandom, 2025).

What do I like about this show?

It is beautifully animated! The story is a “slice of life” which basically means it shows a small part of every day life. It shows the high school life of these two characters and how it plays out. While it’s not sexual in any way, it’s so incredibly sweet and I think incredibly normal for two 15 year-olds learning about each other and figuring themselves out. Sousuke has some real trust issues. He does not let anyone get close to him. Mitsumi is such a force to be reckoned with. I think it would be so easy to fall in love with her. I love her character so very much and having such a wonderful main character is what very much makes this show incredibly lovable and unforgettable. I used to live in Japan and I lived in the countryside so it is very relatable for me.

My favorite scene in Skip and Loafer!! She thinks he’s like her family dog. I think my heart skipped like 10 beats when I saw this scene. I died.

Critical Evaluation For the Show:

There really is not much to criticize. I wish that it had an English dub for people who would like to hear English voice acting. Sometimes watching shows in the original voices can be difficult if reading subtitles is not easy.

Creative Uses for A Library Program

I think that there should be a “slice of life” manga week or display. Not many people know what that is or what it means and this would be a good way to display this. It can mean many things such as school life, work life, dating life – anything that shows regular, every day people doing every day life things. It’s a wonderful genre!

Speed Round Book Talk

Mitsumi goes to high school in Tokyo while being from the countryside. She becomes friends with the coolest and most aloof boy in school, Sousuke who reminds her of her golden retriever. Together they have the best high school adventures while slowly getting closer and closer despite being total opposites.

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation

The fact that Mitsumi’s Aunt is trans is going to be a challenge. I think it’s such a lovely part of the story, especially because in Japan this is so frowned upon. I love that this is slowly changing in Japan. It makes me incredibly happy.

Reason for Inclusion:

This is a perfect teen mystery story with twists and turns at every opportunity. So far it seems like what the audience “thinks” is happening is not what is actually occurring and everything is not is as it seems. I love that. The cast of characters are charming, especially the other ghosts. They all have their own stories to tell.

I feel like I HAVE to include the opening scene. They are dancing together in it and my heart dies every time I see it. The cuteness is overwhelming and all I want is for them to live the rest of their lives together and die together. Is that too much to ask?!?!?!

Title: Skip and Loafer

Author: Misaki Takamatsu

Genre:

Format:

References:

Fandom. (2025). Misaki Takamatsu. https://skip-and-loafer.fandom.com/wiki/Misaki_Takamatsu

YouTube. (2024). Skip and loafer moments. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-RrLNJFZjM8

YouTube. (2024). Skip and loafer opening. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWoXl2RxdKg