Asobi Asobase: The Comedy Anime You Can't Miss
If you've been searching for an anime that makes you laugh until your sides hurt, Asobi Asobase – Workshop of Fun is exactly what you need. This wildly unpredictable slice of life comedy anime looks innocent on the surface — cute character designs, a school setting, three girls playing games — but what unfolds is one of the most hilariously unhinged comedies in anime history. Whether you're a seasoned anime fan or just getting started, this is one series you'll want to know about.
What Is Asobi Asobase – Workshop of Fun?
Asobi Asobase (あそびあそばせ), officially subtitled Workshop of Fun, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Naduka Hiramoto. It was serialized in Manga Time Kirara Forward and later adapted into a 12-episode anime television series, which aired in the summer 2018 anime season. The anime was produced by Lerche, the studio also known for Assassination Classroom and Danganronpa: The Animation.
The Story: Three Girls, One Club, Zero Chill
The premise of Asobi Asobase is deceptively simple. Three middle school girls form the Pastime Club — a club dedicated entirely to playing games. That's it. That's the pitch.
But the real magic lies in the characters and how they interact.
Meet the Main Asobi Asobase Characters
The trio at the heart of the Asobi Asobase story couldn't be more different from one another:
- Hanako Honda — The energetic, loud, and deeply mischievous ringleader. Hanako has an explosive personality and almost no filter, which leads to most of the show's chaotic moments. She is arguably one of the funniest characters in any comedy anime to watch.
- Olivia — Despite looking like a foreign exchange student with blonde hair and a Western appearance, Olivia was actually born and raised in Japan. She speaks no English whatsoever, a fact she desperately hides from her classmates. Her character is a brilliant ongoing joke that keeps paying off.
- Kasumi Nomura — The most "normal" of the three, Kasumi is studious and reserved — but she has a hair-trigger temper and a deeply competitive streak that shatters her composed image almost instantly.
Together, these three are the Pastime Club, and their after-school sessions involve everything from simple hand games to elaborate, increasingly absurd challenges. The comedy escalates fast, and the reactions — especially the facial expressions — are what truly set this series apart.
Why Asobi Asobase Stands Out as a Comedy Anime
The Facial Expressions Are a Work of Art
If you've seen screenshots of Asobi Asobase online, you've likely noticed them — grotesquely exaggerated, rage-filled, or utterly deranged faces that appear completely out of nowhere. The contrast between the show's cute art style and its sudden burst into manic character expressions is the core of the comedy, and it's executed brilliantly.
This visual gag technique is rare in the slice of life comedy anime genre, which tends to stay soft and gentle. Asobi Asobase goes in the complete opposite direction.
It Subverts Expectations at Every Turn
The show's opening theme is a serene, classical-sounding piece that makes the series look like a calm and wholesome school-life anime. Then the actual episode begins — and nothing is calm, classical, or wholesome. This bait-and-switch is deliberate and sets the tone perfectly.
Nearly every episode of Asobi Asobase follows a short-sketch format, delivering rapid-fire gags that rarely overstay their welcome. The writing is tight, the timing is precise, and the jokes range from silly wordplay to unexpected absurdist comedy.
A Supporting Cast That Elevates Everything
Beyond the main trio, the Asobi Asobase characters in supporting roles are equally memorable. There's a teacher with bizarre hidden hobbies, club presidents with inexplicable ambitions, and a range of recurring side characters who pop in and out to add to the chaos. No episode feels wasted, and the world feels genuinely populated with weirdos.
Asobi Asobase Anime vs. Manga: Which Should You Choose?
The Asobi Asobase manga by Naduka Hiramoto is the source material and contains more content than the 12-episode anime adaptation. For fans who've finished the anime and want more, the manga is the natural next step — it expands on side characters and includes plenty of additional gags that didn't make it into the animated version.
That said, the anime is the ideal entry point. The voice acting, in particular, is exceptional — especially for Hanako, whose voice actress delivers some of the most committed comedic performances in recent memory. The animation by Lerche also enhances the visual comedy in ways the static manga page simply can't replicate.
For those curious about picking up the manga, Anime-Planet offers a solid overview with community recommendations and similar series suggestions.
Is There an Asobi Asobase English Dub?
Yes — the Asobi Asobase English dub exists and has earned a positive reception among dub fans. The localization manages to capture much of the frenetic energy of the original Japanese performances, which is no small feat given how dependent the comedy is on delivery and timing. For viewers who prefer watching without subtitles, the dub is a worthwhile option.
The series is available for streaming on Funimation and other platforms, making it accessible to international audiences. For the most current streaming availability in your region, JustWatch is a reliable resource for tracking where anime titles can be legally viewed.
Who Should Watch Asobi Asobase?
Asobi Asobase is perfect for viewers who:
- Want one of the best comedy anime to watch without a lengthy episode commitment.
- Enjoy absurdist humor and unexpected punchlines.
- Like character-driven comedies where the personalities do all the heavy lifting.
- Are tired of the typical slow-burn, soft-spoken slice of life formula.
- Want something they can rewatch and still find funny.
It's worth noting that while the show features middle school characters and a school setting, the humor often skews older and more irreverent. It's best suited for teenage viewers and above.
Quick Facts About Asobi Asobase
- Genre: Slice of life, comedy
- Episodes: 12 + 1 OVA
- Studio: Lerche
- Air Date: July – September 2018
- Source: Manga (Manga Time Kirara Forward)
- Author: Naduka Hiramoto
Conclusion
Asobi Asobase – Workshop of Fun is a masterclass in comedy anime done right. It takes a gentle premise, fills it with three brilliantly mismatched characters, and then lets absolute chaos unfold — all within the completely mundane setting of an after-school club. Whether you discover it through the anime or dive into the Asobi Asobase manga, you're in for a genuinely funny, endlessly rewatchable experience. If you haven't added this to your watchlist yet, now is the time.
