Kotaro Lives Alone became a hit Netflix anime series after its release in March 2022. The 10-episode anime is based on a manga series by Mami Tsumura about a four-year-old boy named Kotaro Sato who just moved into an apartment all by himself. The boy is able to afford housing and other necessities from an allowance he is given from his mother’s life insurance.
Kotaro is unaware of his mother’s passing since she left him in the care of his father, who lost custody of Kotaro shortly after. Despite a restraining order, Kotaro’s father has been trying to find him ever since he was taken away. After being discovered by his father at a foster home, Kotaro had to move out on his own. While Kotaro is seen to be strikingly independent, he is still a parentless child and soon winds up being the partial responsibility of his neighbors at the apartment complex.
Shin Karino and Isamu Tamaru Both Stepped Up
The anime became quite popular due to its comedic nature while also touching on subjects like abuse, child neglect and familial loss. The oddball cast that joins Kotaro on his adventures warms the hearts of viewers as they do their part to take care of a kid who isn’t their own. Shin Karino lives in the apartment next to Kotaro and quickly monitors the young boy. He is terrified of what could happen to Kotaro and decides it’s his responsibility to accompany Kotaro on his walks to school and his visits to the bathhouse every night. Shin is Kotaro’s first contact with an adult who chooses to care for him without receiving any kind of benefit from it. Even though Kotaro hides his emotions, he soon expects Shin’s presence in his life. By deciding to take a small amount of time out of his day to protect Kotaro and make him feel less alone, Shin helps Kotaro understand what it’s like to rely on someone and for that person to keep their promises.
Another of Kotaro’s neighbors, Isamu Tamaru, is a man with a stereotypical yakuza appearance and is quick to cling to the boy. Unlike most, Kotaro doesn’t judge Isamu for his intimidating look but is instead slightly annoyed by how overbearing the man can be. Viewers learn that Isamu is divorced and unable to speak with his son. This is why he begins to look after Kotaro and is desperate for the boy’s attention. However, even after Isamu is in contact with his son again, he still feels the same way toward Kotaro. Even though Kotaro acts bothered by the attention Isamu gives him, he still appreciates everything that the man does for him and trusts him with things, such as trying to find his four-year-old fashion tastes.
Mizuki Akitomo Had to Leave Him Behind
Mizuki Akitomo lives in the apartment next to Shin. Being so close to Kotaro’s apartment means that Mizuki picks up on a lot of what Kotaro does and is often visited by the child. It isn’t difficult for Mizuki to care about him and immediately fall in love with his peculiar sentence patterns and attitude. Mizuki accompanies Kotaro on some of his adventures with Shin and even invites him over for a sleepover after discovering that Kotaro is having a difficult time sleeping. She wants to make sure that Kotaro is happy and healthy, but she has to make a difficult decision, eventually moving out of the apartment complex after her abusive ex-boyfriend discovers where she lives. Despite the fact that she is leaving Kotaro, he understands why and doesn’t hold it against her.
Even though Kotaro’s neighbors have no particular reason to care for the boy, they all step up to help him. Kotaro, despite having a difficult past with adults, learns to trust others and let down his guard. Thanks to his neighbors, he is able to act like a child and even smile again. By stepping up to help Kotaro, Shin, Isamu, Mizuki and others are able to change not only his life but also their own lives for the better with the new addition of Kotaro.