Handa-kun Season 1 Episode 1 Handa-kun and a Girl's Friendship

Handa-kun is a Japanese anime television series that revolves around Sei Handa, a high school boy who thinks that everyone in his school hates him. He is a talented calligrapher but is anxious and socially awkward. The show's first episode titled "Handa-kun and a Girl's Friendship" showcases Handa's perception of his relationships with his classmates.

The episode begins with Handa walking to school, and he is already thinking about how his classmates dislike him. He believes that his success in calligraphy has made his peers envious, and they have been spreading rumors about him. He wants to avoid confrontations, so he tries to make as little contact as possible, even with his friends.

Upon arriving at school, Handa notices that his homeroom teacher is absent, so he decides to use the empty classroom to practice his calligraphy. However, his plan is short-lived when he realizes that he is not alone in the room. A girl named Akane Tsutsui, who is in his class, is also there, and she greets him with a friendly smile.

Handa is taken aback by her warmth, as he thinks that she hates him as much as everyone else. However, Akane tells him that she is a fan of his calligraphy and even asks him to show her some more of his work. Handa declines, saying that he has nothing new to show her. But when Akane persists, he caves in, and they end up spending the morning together.

As the day progresses, Handa starts to notice that his classmates are acting strange around him. He sees them whispering and exchanging glances whenever he passes by. He assumes that they are talking about him and thinks that his encounter with Akane might have caused their change in behavior. However, the reality is far from what he thinks.

Near the end of the day, Handa's friend, Kawafuji, confronts him and asks whether he is aware that the girls in their class think that he is a cool guy. Handa is surprised by this, as he has always thought that his classmates hated him. Kawafuji goes on to explain that Handa's aloofness and excellent calligraphy skills have made him popular among the girls, and they are all vying for his attention.

Handa is shocked by this revelation, and he cannot help but feel foolish for his earlier assumptions. He realizes that his anxiety and social awkwardness have been causing him to misunderstand his relationships with others. He spends the rest of the day contemplating these revelations and even starts to question his behavior.

The episode ends with Handa bumping into Akane on his way home. She invites him over to her house to see her manga collection, and he accepts her offer. As they walk home, Handa starts to open up to Akane and talks about his insecurities. Akane listens to him and assures him that he is not as alone as he thinks he is.

"Handa-kun and a Girl's Friendship" is a heartwarming episode that showcases the power of kindness and understanding. It highlights the importance of communication and how assumptions can often lead to misconceptions. Handa's journey is relatable and is a reminder that we should not let our anxieties dictate our life's narrative.