Ep 1. Since I'm Not Popular, I'll Change My Image a Bit

Tomoko Kuroki is a socially awkward girl entering her first year of high school. She spends most of her time alone in her bedroom playing dating sim games and fantasizing about being popular. She regularly talks to herself and has trouble interacting with people outside of her family. Tomoko reminisces about her middle school days where she was ignored by her classmates. She makes it her mission to become popular in high school.

Tomoko tries several attempts to become popular. She changes her image by dying her hair, wearing makeup, and even wearing a skirt instead of her usual pants. She goes to school excited about her new image, however, her efforts fall short. She runs into her former middle school friend, Yuu, who is now in a different class. Tomoko attempts to connect with her but ends up making a fool of herself.

During lunch, Tomoko tries to find a spot to sit but finds every seat is taken. She decides to make her way to the rooftop of the school, where she overhears a group of popular girls talking about their love lives. Tomoko tries to interject herself into the conversation but is quickly shot down and humiliated.

As the school day comes to an end, Tomoko reflects on her failed attempts to become popular. She starts to become jealous of her younger brother's social life, who seems to have no problem making friends. Tomoko eventually makes it back home, where she is greeted by her supportive little brother, Tomoki, and their mother.

Overall, the first episode of WataMote does an excellent job of setting up the series. As the audience, we are introduced to the main character, Tomoko Kuroki, and her social struggles. The episode shows Tomoko's desire to fit in and be like everyone else. However, her attempts to become popular fall short, and we see her continuously be rejected and humiliated. The character development is excellent, and the audience can't help but feel sorry for Tomoko. The episode sets up the tone for the rest of the series, highlighting the comedic but often cringe-worthy social situations Tomoko finds herself in.