For aficionados of romance and slice-of-life anime, “Horimiya” likely struck a chord upon its 2021 release. This endearing journey follows Hori Kyouko and Miyamura Izumi as they navigate the complexities of young love while embracing authenticity. With relatable characters and an avoidance of clichés, the series earned praise for its portrayal of ordinary life.

Horimiya: The Missing Pieces – A New Chapter:

Introducing “Horimiya: The Missing Pieces” (stylized as Horimiya -piece-), a continuation of the adored series. However, don’t anticipate a direct sequel to Horimiya’s final episode. Instead, this offering presents manga chapters yet to be animated, seamlessly filling in the narrative gaps. Penned by Hiroki Adachi, also known as HERO, and visually realized by Hagiwara Daisuke, this spin-off is rooted in HERO’s original creation, “Hori-san to Miyamura-kun,” which she both authored and illustrated.

The Group is Back and Livelier than Ever.

The core of the narrative continues to revolve around Hori, the vivacious and popular girl who unleashes a fierce side in the face of challenges, and Miyamura, whose unassuming appearance masks a shy and introspective nature. As their journey unfolds, layers of their personalities are unveiled, revealing hidden intricacies. The stories also delve into the lives of friends like the amiable Shuu, the endearing Tooru, the spirited Yuki, and the mysterious Yanagi. Even the student council members—Sengoku, Sakura, and Remi—share moments that illuminate facets beyond their public personas. How would Shuu react if someone had a crush on him? Does Sengoku have a secret only Remi know? I won’t be delving more into the details and spoil the surprise for you.

Horimiya: The Missing Pieces adapts supplementary tales that enrich character connections and provide viewers with a deeper grasp of their dynamics. It offers a glimpse into content often omitted from anime adaptations. Notably, the first episode highlights Miyamura’s hairstyle transition, serving as a timeline cue for returning viewers. For newcomers, a small adjustment may be needed. The series’ vital information is reintroduced, such as Miyamura’s concealed tattoos and Hori’s unmistakable “freezing” aura in moments of jealousy. These reintroductions allow the show to be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of prior knowledge on the series.

Would I recommend watching Horimiya-pieces-?

Would I recommend it? Without a doubt, particularly to enthusiasts of romcom and slice-of-life genres. However, a strong recommendation comes with a critical suggestion: watching the first season or exploring the source material beforehand is advisable. “Horimiya: The Missing Pieces” embodies the essence of a delightful spin-off rather than a fully-fledged second season. Nevertheless, it preserves its charm and stands as a heartwarming watch for those in pursuit of a lighthearted and gratifying experience. It is indeed hard not to fall in love all over again with this adorable pair and their stories to share.

Where to Watch?

Horimiya and Horimiya: The Missing Pieces are currently streaming on Netflix and Crunchyroll.