Have you ever wondered what you would do if you were a genius who could invent anything but couldn't communicate love? 『上野さんは不器用』 (Ueno-san wa Bukiyou) or "Ueno-san is Clumsy" is a short romantic comedy anime that answers this question with mischief and cuteness. In this article, our editorial team will introduce you to a series that hides sincerity under creative science gags.
Story Summary (No Spoilers for the Ending)
The story of Ueno, the middle school science club president who is a genius at inventing but hopeless at love. She has a crush on Tanaka, a quiet and reserved club member. Ueno tries to confess her love through strange inventions, such as a drink that makes the drinker tell the truth, a matchmaking robot, or even a vehicle controlled by psychic powers, but every time it ends in comedic failure. Meanwhile, Tanaka seems to be aware but responds with indifference or misunderstanding, making the situation even more chaotic. The series runs only 12 minutes per episode but is full of gags and cute moments that make you smile.
Performance and Characters
Although it is a voice-only anime, the voice acting is outstanding. Yu Serizawa as Ueno conveys determination and shyness adorably, while Aimi Tanaka as Tanaka (male friend) gives a flat but humorous voice that makes the character interesting. Miku Ito as Yomogi Tanaka (another female friend) adds color with her innocence and comedic gags. Every character shows clear development in a short time. Viewers will see Ueno's vulnerable side hidden under her extreme efforts and Tanaka's kindness in dealing with her craziness.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
The series is directed by Yoshiyuki Shirahata and produced by studio Lesprit. Although not a major studio, it does a decent job. The visuals are cute and bright, with comfortable colors, focusing on clear facial expressions, especially when Ueno makes mistakes—her face instantly turns into a funny cartoon. The background music has a lively rhythm that fits the romantic comedy atmosphere, and the opening song "Ichaicha Suru to Kimi wa Warau" by Yu Serizawa is catchy. While the overall quality may not be spectacular, it is enough to make viewing enjoyable and not boring.
Editorial Analysis
What makes Ueno-san wa Bukiyou interesting is its unique take on love: instead of a typical shy girl, we see a protagonist who is a genius but socially clumsy—a concept that reflects the modern generation excelling in one area but lacking in another. The series also satirizes science and technology in daily life through inventions that are both advanced and absurd. However, with only 12 minutes per episode, the story sometimes progresses too quickly, and some gags may feel repetitive to some. But if you like short, easy-to-watch anime without overthinking, this one fits the bill.
Verdict
Overall, <strong>Ueno-san wa Bukiyou</strong> is a romantic comedy anime that is fun, light-hearted, and heartwarming. It is perfect for those who want to relax their minds after school or work. Although not a masterpiece, it is worth the time spent. If you like science-themed love stories with humor, this is the answer.
👍 Pros
- +Creative and unique science gags
- +Cute and charming characters, especially the main couple
- +Short episodes, easy to watch, suitable for free time
- +Good voice acting that clearly conveys emotions
👎 Cons
- −Content may feel repetitive for some
- −Animation not very smooth in some scenes
- −Romance is not intense, may not appeal to drama fans
Top Cast
FAQ
It has 12 episodes, each about 12 minutes long.
It ends with an open ending, but it's cute and satisfying to some extent.
Suitable for all ages, as the content is light-hearted comedy with no inappropriate scenes.
Yes, the manga is written by tugikago and serialized in Young Gangan magazine.
