Adapted from Sou Sagara’s Light Novel: The "Hentai" Prince and the Stony Cat.

Introduction

The "Hentai" Prince and the Stony Cat. is a romantic comedy based on Sou Sagara's light novel of the same name. Produced by J.C. Staff, this anime series revolves around the concept of "be careful what you wish for." It follows the story of Yoto Yokodera, a typical teenage boy who struggles to express his true feelings. After discovering a cat statue that grants wishes, Yoto decides to sacrifice his favorite body pillow in exchange for the ability to convey his emotions better. However, things take an unexpected turn when his wish leads to unintended consequences. Alongside Tsukiko Tsutsukakushi, a girl with her own wish, Yoto embarks on a journey to retrieve what they have lost.

Yoto Yokodera's Difficulty Expressing Emotions

Yoto Yokodera is a typical teenage boy who finds it challenging to express his true feelings. This struggle often leads him to get involved in situations he doesn't desire. For example, he joined the track team solely to admire the girls in the swim team. Yoto's inability to communicate openly becomes a central theme in the series.

The Cat Statue and the Wishes

Upon hearing about a cat statue that grants wishes, Yoto decides to give up his beloved body pillow, Barbara, to improve his self-expression. On his way to the statue, he encounters Tsukiko Tsutsukakushi, a girl who wishes to hide her emotions. Both Yoto and Tsukiko successfully make their wishes, but the outcome is not what they expected.

The Consequences of Yoto and Tsukiko's Wishes

Yoto finds himself unable to control his inappropriate thoughts about the girls around him. Conversely, Tsukiko loses the ability to experience emotions. They soon realize that the cat statue not only grants wishes but also takes something undesirable from the wisher and gives it to another person. With this newfound knowledge, Yoto and Tsukiko embark on a quest to regain what they have lost.

The Comedic Elements of the Series

The "Hentai" Prince and the Stony Cat. delivers a delightful blend of comedy and romance. The personality-altering twist adds a humorous dynamic to the interactions between the characters, resulting in a series of entertaining and absurd situations. Scenes such as Yoto behaving like a dog for his classmate or mistaken identities in a love hotel entrance provide a good balance of light-hearted fun.

The Character Development and Relationships

One of the series' strengths lies in its characters' relatability and likability. Tsukiko's deadpan comebacks effectively contrast with Yoto's perverted nature, creating an amusing dynamic. The storyline involving Azusa's reconciliation with her former classmates and the complex relationship between Tsukiko and her sister Tsukushi further enrich the narrative. The show handles the characters' problems in a respectful manner, making them easy to empathize with.

The Flaws in the Overall Story

Despite the strong comedic elements, the series struggles to maintain a cohesive narrative. The main dilemma introduced in the plot is resolved by the fourth episode, giving the false impression that everything has been resolved. However, the story takes unexpected turns by introducing a powerful cat god and presenting more wishes. The continuous changes in the causes and rules of the wishes make the storyline confusing and lacking a clear direction.

Controversial Content and Fan Service

It's worth noting that the series contains some controversial content. The anime carries an "18" rating due to a sexual assault scene in the sixth episode. Although this scene contrasts with the show's overall tone, the series, in general, exhibits relatively low levels of fanservice. It relies more on sexual references and innuendos rather than explicit visuals. However, occasional instances of excessive content detract from the overall enjoyment of the series.

Visual and Audio Aspects

Visually, The "Hentai" Prince and the Stony Cat. showcases appealing animation by J.C. Staff. The character designs are cute and visually engaging, capturing the essence of each character effectively. The soft, moe aesthetics complement the show's comedic and light-hearted tone. The soundtrack, composed by Tomoki Kikuya, enhances the on-screen hijinks and complements the series' genre well. The opening theme, "Fantastic Future" by Yukari Tamura, and the ending theme, "Baby Sweet Berry Love" by Yui Ogura, contribute to the overall enjoyment of the series.

Release and Extras

The series is distributed by MVM, featuring all twelve episodes across two Blu-ray Discs with original Japanese audio and English subtitles. The Japanese voice cast delivers commendable performances, with notable voice actors such as Yuuki Kaiji and Yui Ogura. The release includes additional on-disc content, such as Henneko BBS shorts, clean opening and closing animations, and trailers. However, it's important to note that the second episode of Henneko BBS lacks subtitles, and some retail copies may experience minor technical issues.

Conclusion

The "Hentai" Prince and the Stony Cat. offers an enjoyable harem romantic comedy experience. While the series begins with a promising premise, endearing characters, and well-executed humor, it falls short in maintaining a coherent story. The constant introduction of new elements and changes in the rules of wishes make the narrative confusing. However, the series manages to steer away from excessive fanservice and explicit content, focusing instead on the fundamentals of the genre. With its appealing visuals and a soundtrack that complements the on-screen action, it presents an overall refreshing take on the rom-com genre.

FAQs

1. Is "The "Hentai" Prince and the Stony Cat." appropriate for all audiences?

   The series carries an "18" rating due to a sexual assault scene in one episode. Aside from that, the show exhibits relatively low levels of explicit content. However, it includes sexual references and innuendos throughout.

2. Are there any additional episodes or seasons planned for the series?

   As of now, there are no announced plans for additional episodes or seasons. The anime adaptation covers the entirety of the light novel.

3. Where can I watch "The "Hentai" Prince and the Stony Cat."?

   The series is available on various streaming platforms, 

4. Who are some of the notable voice actors in the series?

   The series features talented voice actors such as Yuuki Kaiji, Yui Ogura, and Kaori Ishihara, who bring life to the characters with their vibrant performances.

5. Is the anime faithful to the original light novel?

   While the anime adaptation captures the essence of the light novel, some changes and adaptations are made to fit the medium. It maintains the core themes and characters but may differ in certain story elements.

These FAQs aim to provide additional information and address common inquiries regarding "The "Hentai" Prince and the Stony Cat."