The question "How to raise a boring girlfriend worth watching?" refers directly to the central premise of the popular Japanese anime series, Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend (original title: Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata). The series explores the ambitious endeavor of a high school student to transform a seemingly ordinary classmate into the ultimate heroine for a dating simulation game he is creating.
The Premise: Cultivating a Main Heroine
The story revolves around Tomoya Aki, an ardent otaku and game creator aspiring to produce the best dating simulation game (eroge). His inspiration strikes when he encounters Megumi Katō, an unassuming classmate whose very "ordinariness" makes her a blank canvas for his grand vision. Tomoya believes that by "raising" or developing Megumi's character, he can craft a relatable yet compelling heroine unlike any other.
The "Raising" Process in Saekano
Tomoya's approach to transforming Megumi from a "boring girlfriend" into a captivating heroine involves several strategic steps, blending real-life observation with creative direction:
-
Forming a Creative Dream Team: To bring his game to life, Tomoya recruits two highly talented individuals:
- Eriri Spencer Sawamura: His childhood friend and a gifted doujin artist.
- Utaha Kasumigaoka: A renowned light novel author.
These two, along with Megumi and Tomoya, form the indie game circle "Blessing Software," pooling their talents to create the game.
-
Observation and Inspiration from Reality: Instead of simply inventing a character, Tomoya meticulously observes Megumi's everyday actions, subtle expressions, and understated personality. He aims to capture her unique, quiet charm and translate it into authentic character traits and compelling scenarios for his game's heroine. This focus on realistic nuances is key to making her character feel genuine and develop organically.
-
"Directing" Megumi's Persona: Tomoya often attempts to "direct" Megumi, encouraging her to act in ways he perceives as more "heroine-like" or to respond to situations with specific emotions. Megumi's typically calm and pragmatic reactions to these attempts often provide humorous and insightful moments, highlighting her subtle growth and evolving presence.
-
Emotional Depth and Growth: As the series progresses, the audience witnesses Megumi's gradual transformation. From an initially unremarkable background character, she slowly but surely develops into a pivotal figure, revealing surprising depth and agency. This character development is a core element that makes the series emotionally resonant, drawing viewers into the characters' journeys and allowing them to experience profound feelings. The narrative's ability to evoke such strong emotional responses, particularly in its second season which many describe as a "blast," sets it apart as an exceptional viewing experience within the anime landscape.
-
Exploring Harem Dynamics: Beyond the creative process, the series is also recognized as a top-tier example of the harem genre, skillfully exploring the intricate relationships between Tomoya and the various talented girls around him. The emotional complexities and character interactions contribute significantly to the series' appeal and its ability to deliver an engaging story.
In essence, "raising a boring girlfriend worth watching" within the context of Saekano means taking an ostensibly plain character and, through collaborative creative effort, keen observation, and genuine emotional investment, developing her into a deeply engaging, relatable, and ultimately unforgettable heroine, both within the fictional game and the anime series itself.
