Ep 1. Barakakodon (Spirited Child)

Barakamon is a popular anime series that follows the story of a young and talented calligrapher, Seishuu Handa. The show's first episode, Barakakodon (Spirited Child), introduces us to Seishuu and his life in Tokyo.

The episode starts with Seishuu exhibiting his latest calligraphy work in an art gallery. However, when a renowned critic calls his work "unoriginal," Seishuu loses his temper and punches him in the face. In the aftermath, Seishuu's father suggests that he take a break from the city and spend some time reflecting on his art in a more relaxed setting.

Seishuu decides to take his father's advice and moves to the small island of Goto in Kyushu, where he will live and work as a community schoolteacher for a year. Upon arriving on the island, Seishuu is welcomed by the locals, who are intrigued by his calligraphy skills and eccentric personality.

Despite feeling out of place in his new surroundings, Seishuu does his best to adapt to his new life. The first day of teaching proves to be a challenge when a young child named Naru Kotoishi disrupts his class, stealing his glasses and leading him on a wild goose chase around the island. Seishuu eventually catches Naru and is shocked to discover that she has been living alone in a hut without any adult supervision.

Seishuu learns that Naru is just one of several children on the island who are raised by their grandparents while their parents work in the city. Despite her mischievous nature, Seishuu is charmed by Naru's enthusiasm and love for life. He finds himself drawn to her carefree spirit and unique personality, despite initially finding her annoying at the start.

As the episode progresses, Seishuu begins to settle into his new surroundings and make new connections with the locals. He is particularly intrigued by a middle-aged man named Hiroshi Kido, who is a talented woodworker and a fan of Seishuu's calligraphy. Seishuu is impressed by the craftsmanship of Hiroshi's work and starts to see similarities between the art forms of calligraphy and woodworking.

The episode ends with Seishuu reflecting on his experience so far on the island and realizing that he has a lot to learn from the people he has met. Although he is initially resistant to the idea of living in such a remote location, he slowly begins to embrace the slow pace of life and the genuine interactions that come with it.

Overall, Barakamon's first episode does an excellent job of setting up the story and introducing the audience to the main characters. It establishes Seishuu's journey of self-discovery and growth, as he learns to appreciate the beauty of small-town life and the people who make it special. With its charming animation, witty humor and relatable characters, Barakamon is undoubtedly a must-watch for all anime lovers.