Sawaranaide Kotesashi-kun Episodes & Release Dates
The manga series by Takuya Shinjō, titled in English as Hands Off: Sawaranaide Kotesashi-kun, is now getting an anime adaptation available in an uncensored version for international viewers. The story follows Koyo Kotesashi, a first-year high school student with a remarkable knack for massage therapy. Hoping to secure a medical scholarship, Koyo takes on the job of dorm manager at Seiwa University High School, looking after a group of talented female athletes both physically and mentally while doing his best to stay out of trouble.
The anime airs in Japan with a censored broadcast on Tokyo MX and BS11, while the streaming service AnimeFesta carries multiple versions domestically. Internationally, Crunchyroll is streaming across North America, Central America, South America, most of Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, CIS, and India, with new episodes dropping on Sundays at 9:35 a.m. PT and 12:35 p.m. ET. OceanVeil is also streaming the uncensored version with English subtitles.
The season runs for at least 12 episodes. Here is the full schedule:
- Episode 1 – October 5
- Episode 2 – October 12
- Episode 3 – October 19
- Episode 4 – October 26
- Episode 5 – November 2
- Episode 6 – November 9
- Episode 7 – November 16
- Episode 8 – November 23
- Episode 9 – November 30
- Episode 10 – December 7
- Episode 11 – December 14
- Episode 12 – December 21
The main cast features Rikuya Yasuda as Koyo Kotesashi, Hina Suguta as Aroma Kusunoki, Yu Serizawa as Aoba Kitahara, Saya Aizawa as Izumi Sumiyoshi, Manatsu Murakami as Chiyo Sayamagaoka, and Ruriko Aoki as Miyuki Hongo. The opening theme is U.K.U by UtaGe!, and the ending theme is Jojo High Tension by Palette Parade.
Hisashi Saito is directing at the studio Quad, with Hagane Shirakigo writing the scripts and Ryusuke Tsukamoto handling character design. Chihiro Endo is composing the music, and Deregula is listed as producer.
My take: The setup of a massage prodigy trying to keep things professional while surrounded by athletes has a kind of understated charm, and there is a genuine warmth underneath the cheeky premise. If you enjoy lighthearted school comedies with a bit of fan service, this one is worth a look.
