Hana Ichinose seems like a normal high school student in every way – at least, that’s what her classmates think. Though her classmates have no idea, Hana actually enrolled in high school a year late. She must find a way to catch up with her classmates without letting them know how far behind she is. An anime that is more than just “cute girls doing cute things,” Slow Start studies relationships in the form of a support system. Hana is a character we can all relate to, especially for those who have to deal with anxiety.

Hana’s journey is one of small victories over her day-to-day problems, as she makes progress toward overall improvement. With a supporting cast of realistic characters, Slow Start is a wholesome anime with an important story to tell.

Shirase Kobuchizawa has been striving to collect enough money to travel to Antarctica since her mother disappeared. Despite the difficulty of raising money and doubt from everyone on all sides, Shirase will go through with her plans in order to search for her mother. Mari Tamaki has always dreamed of traveling beyond the reaches of the universe, but lacks the confidence to look past her limits. The two girls decide to reach for their dreams together, and with the excitable Hinata Miyake and quiet Yuzuki Shiraishi in tow, the girls embark on their journey to a place further than the universe!