Just Because! Season 1 Episode 1 Episode 01

Just Because! is a slice-of-life anime that explores the lives of several high school students in their final year. In Episode 01, we are introduced to Eita Izumi, the protagonist, who has just returned to his hometown after moving away for several years. As he settles in, he thinks he has left his past behind, but fate has a way of bringing things back full circle.

The episode opens with Eita and his mother on the train to their hometown. Eita is nervous about going back to school after being away for so long, but his mother encourages him to make the most of the experience. When they arrive, Eita is surprised to find that his childhood friend, Haruto Soma, is now attending the same school as him. Haruto is a friendly and outgoing guy, but there's a tension between him and Eita that Eita can't ignore.

Later, Eita is walking around town when he runs into a girl named Mio Natsume. She's a quiet and reserved girl, and Eita immediately recognizes her from his past. They used to be classmates when they were younger, but they haven't seen each other in years. Mio seems surprised to see Eita, and Eita can tell there's something on her mind that she's not sharing.

Back at school, Eita runs into another friend from his past, Ena Komiya. She's outgoing and cheerful, and Eita is happy to see her again. However, the reunion is cut short when Eita and Haruto find themselves locked in a battle over a game of pool. Eita is determined to win, but Haruto seems to be holding back. When Eita finally wins, Haruto reveals that he knew all along that Eita had cheated. The tension between them reaches a boiling point, and Eita storms out of the room.

Later, Eita reflects on what's happened and wonders why he's still holding on to his past. He thinks he's moved past it, but there's clearly still a lot of emotion and unresolved issues that he needs to confront. Meanwhile, Mio is shown sketching in her room, and there's a sense of sadness and longing that pervades the atmosphere.

Overall, Episode 01 sets up the main characters and their relationships with each other. There's a lot of history and unresolved tension that's hinted at, and it's clear that the story will revolve around Eita and his friends as they navigate their final year of high school. The animation and music are both top-notch, and the pacing is slow and deliberate, allowing the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the world of Just Because!.