Summary
Hitori Gotoh’s selection in aCrunchyrollpoll for the most “comforting character” continues to proveBocchi the Rock’sinfluence long after its broadcast finished. Despite only providing one cour in Fall 2023, the show is hard to forget after viewing, in no small part thanks to its leading lady. With these polls showing how much fans resonate with the eponymous Bocchi, it is unlikely the brief show will be consigned to history any time soon.
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month,Crunchyroll put out a pollaskingwhat characters viewers “connect with most"and made them feel “safe and seen”. While there was a wide variety, Bocchi’s awkward and anxious persona continues to strike a chord with fans, whether seriously or in jest.
After jumping onto the scene only half a year ago, it seems clear thatBocchi the Rockis one-of-a-kind in the anime space, with Hitori herself likely to go on to become a modern icon.
Bocchi the Rock Proves To Be Unforgettable
Strong Visuals And Memorable Scripts Make Hitori Easy to Sympathize With
The top 10 ranks for most comforting characters provided plenty of new and old faces, including Naruto Uzumaki,Anya fromSpy X Family,and the long-lived Frieren. In the end, however, Hitori Gotoh was the character that took the top spot. In terms of being identified with while also engendering a protective instinct, she certainly can’t be beaten. It seems that while many anime fans could appreciate the comfort of watching a charismatic and powerful character glide through trouble, it was more important to see this nervous wreck of a guitarist voice everyday problems, and, more importantly, deal with them.
While Bocchi isn’t the first walking disaster of a protagonist, with similar ones seen in shows likeNo Matter How I Look at It, It’s You Guys' Fault I’m Not Popular!andHitoribocchi no Marumaru Seikatsu,Bocchi the Rockis far easier to remember, and not only just because of the catchier title. Thanks to the unique art direction that perfectly expresses its lead character’s fits of panic with visual metaphors, as well as internal monologs that strike truer to home than those from similar shows,fans have come to identify with Hitori more strongly than other overly self-conscious comedy leads.
Poll Proves Bocchi Won’t Be Forgotten Anytime Soon
The anime has had the uncanny luck of having such an unforgettable and lovable lead character, to the point that fans can easily recall her after half a year. It’s quite a feat, for a slice-of-life comedy that shares space with long-runningshonenanime, upcoming long-awaited adaptations likeSakamoto Days,and countless other shows. While the only follow-up announced forBocchi the Rockso far are two movie compilations, the Crunchyroll poll nonetheless proves the outsize effect Hitori has on the anime community, given how effortlessly she beats out countless series icons on the strength of being “just like me”.
Bocchi the Rock!
Cast
Bocchi the Rock! follows Hitori “Bocchi” Gotou, a shy high school student with social anxiety who dreams of becoming a rock musician. Despite her introverted nature, Bocchi joins a band called Kessoku Band and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and friendship. Set against the backdrop of a lively music scene, the series explores themes of personal growth, teamwork, and the power of music to connect people.
