The opening video for the anime Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan (My Deer Friend Nokotan) has reached an impressive 11 million views on YouTube. The “opening” video has become the most popular anime opening this summer, creating a huge stir on the Internet.
Comments like, “An anime song with a nostalgic atmosphere from the Heisei era,” “It hooks you and you become addicted like the lyrics say,” or “A divine and addictive introduction that raises the bar with a perfect chorus” flooded social media.
The opening theme song Shikairo Days is performed by the characters from the series: Noko Shikanoko (CV. Megumi Han), Torako Koshi (CV. Saki Fujita), Anko Koshi (CV. Rui Tanabe), and Meme Bashame (CV. Fuka Izumi). On TikTok, a viral video of Kosshi Koshi (Koshitan) dancing to the catchy intro has accumulated over 11 million views and tens of thousands of comments, cementing the song as a new music trend.
The opening video features the four members of the Deer Club dancing adorably to the repeated phrase “Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan”. The animation has a nostalgic feel to Heisei era anime, including chaotic moments with the appearance of real deer, adding a unique and surreal touch.
The story of “Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan” focuses on Torako Koshi, a high school student at Hino Minami Urban School. One day, on her way to school, she feels something cold on her face and looks up to see a girl with deer antlers caught in an electric wire, her nose running.
By helping this strange girl – Noko Shikanoko – a girl with antlers that look like a deer, Torako Koshi's orderly and seemingly perfect life falls apart, starting a chaotic and hilarious encounter story between a former delinquent girl and a mysterious deer girl.