Lamune (or Ramune if you’re going by the katakana) follows the non-adventures of Kenji and Nanami. By way of a flashback sequence, we learn that Kenji and Nanami are childhood friends. While they’re merely platonic at the beginning of the anime, (Kenji gets mad when Nanami is referred to as "the wife") I’d have to assume that their relationship will develop as the series progresses. For the first episode, we get to see the two interact for a day. Nothing really eventful happens; we just get a feel of what their relationship is like. The most interesting thing that happens is the premature harvesting of a "Nanami Special." I like how she writes "nanami supesharu – tabecha dame!!" (Nanami special – no eating!!)
If I had to categorize this anime, I’d say it’s a slice-of-life/harem variety. The opening credits feature a bunch of girls, not to mention that this series is based off of a love-sim game. This series really isn’t that ecchi, though. I’d also say this show is only semi-harem because it’s pretty obvious who Kenji is going to stick with. The anime plays off of the cuteness of Nanami and the other girls more than anything else. Nanami is constantly needing saving, and Kenji is constantly mean (in a cute way) to her.
Speaking of cute, the cuteness levels of this show are pretty high. I really like Nanami’s kawaii fish hairpin. Although all of the characters can be sort of generic looking, a lot of attention is put into the details of making them cute. I mean, c’mon, even Nanami’s mom is cute! The animation isn’t awesome by any means, but it’s good enough.
As far as the music goes, the OP works well enough, though I just watched the show a few minutes ago and I can’t remember how it goes. The ED pretty annoying, and laced with engrish. There’s nothing too outstanding that would make me buy the OST.
Overall, Lamune is a pretty average anime. It doesn’t have that much going for it besides the cuteness of its characters. I honestly found this first episode to be fairly boring. Hopefully, there will be some more girls in the coming episodes to stir up Kenji and Nanami’s relationship. If that happens, it would be enough for me to keep watching this anime. Otherwise, it’d probably be more interesting to stare at a bottle of ramune.
