TsumaSho Has Great Storytelling, Despite Its Ragebait Premise

Tsuma Shougakusei ni Naru (My Wife Becomes an Elementary Student), or simply known as TsumaSho, is one of the most controversial anime series in a while. I mean, just look at the name and you’ll see why. But for the most part, the premise of this series is just there to garner attention and controversy when, in fact, it actually features pretty great storytelling so far.

The idea of the series revolves around a husband and wife, Keisuke and Takae, who fall in love, get married, and have a daughter together. Tragically, though, Takae passes away. 10 years pass, during which both Keisuke and their daughter, Mai, just go through the motions. That is, until Takae shows up alive and well on their doorstep, but now as a reincarnated elementary school student.

It is a quite bizarre premise, to say the least, but an emotional and surprisingly well-done one. The first episode, in particular, immediately grips the viewer with its cold open. It reads almost like a light anime version of Up’s masterpiece opening, showcasing the central couple’s journey through life together.

I immediately felt similarities to Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again, also released in 2024. The only difference is, that series had such a lighthearted and comedic tone that shied away too much from the serious aspects. However, that isn’t the case here at all with TsumaSho. Sure, it has some goofy (and weird) moments throughout, but it dives headfirst into the seriousness of this matter.

We get to see the heartbreak Keisuke goes through, with some solid voice acting accompanying it. This contrasts nicely with the complete 180 his personality has once he realizes his wife is alive again. The elements of grief are explored nicely, even over the course of the first episode and its brief runtime.

But TsumaSho isn’t perfect, and no greater example of that is there in its premise. There is no doubt in my mind Takae comes back as an elementary school student solely for attention. After all, she could just as easily show up on his doorstep as an adult and the story would be fine. The only problem with that is “My Wife Reincarnated as a College Student” certainly doesn’t feel nearly as rage-inducing as if she is in elementary school.

It is a shame, since this one element will likely hold back many people from watching. And, quite frankly, I don’t blame them. I will say the series, thus far, skirts around the creepiness of this idea. Keisuke is mostly respectful of Takae’s (now known as Marika) current stature and age. However, it doesn’t fully get rid of the general ickiness of the matter. There is always a constant underlying feeling of grossness while watching. This is even if nothing inappropriate is actually happening in the series.

If someone doesn’t want to watch this show, even knowing it is pretty good, I completely understand. In fact, I wouldn’t even encourage them to try it anyways. It is just a shame that the mangaka Yayu Murata didn’t have enough confidence in their own talent to let that shine through on its own. Instead, they opted for a controversial angle to capture the community’s attention.

My hope as someone who hasn’t dived into the manga yet is that this is a way for Keisuke to get over his grief and find a way to move on. After all, even the first episode hints at a possible new love interest for him that is, fortunately, an adult this time. I would be happy to see him find a new friendship with his wife while moving on and finding new love with someone else. This would be the best way to continue the story and avoid some possible pitfalls. For now, though, only time will tell.

I sure hope TsumaSho finds its footing soon. This way, it can move away from its controversial premise and focus on what it really has going for it: excellent storytelling and characters.

TsumaSho is available to stream right now on Crunchyroll.