Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
Shy student Hioki Asahi approaches the upcoming school trip with dread, having been transferred into a new class in his second year of high school and left largely friendless. When a popular clique known as the ‘Four Heavenly Kings’ unexpectedly invites him to join them on the school trip, his social life begins to change, especially since he can’t help but notice that Watarai Tsukasa, the campus heartthrob, only has eyes for Hioki.
Directed by Shindo Takehiro (Punks Triangle), Fujisawa Hirokazu, and Yasumi Goro, the ten episode Japanese series ‘School Trip: Joined A Group I’m Not Close To’ is based on a novel by Kakuregi Uzura tha. From the trailer to the synopsis, the series delivers exactly what it promises: a simple, slow-burn high school romance between two students who struggle to express their feelings, yet find comfort, love, and safety in each other’s presence.
Actor Fujimoto Kodai plays the cute, demure, socially awkward Hioki, while Kan Hideyoshi (Kamen Rider; Sukiyanen Kedo Do Yaro ka) portrays popular student Watarai, who is equally reserved, but famous at school for his looks and great height. Even though it’s been a while since they’ve been classmates, they do not get to interact until they go on a school trip together.
Unbeknownst to Hioki, Watarai suggests to his friends that they invite him to join their group for the school trip. Hotta (Shimizu Kairi), a cheerful student who attended the same middle school as Hioki, takes the initiative to extend the invitation, setting in motion the shy boy’s journey with the school’s popular crowd. It’s evident from the start that Watarai already has a huge crush on Hioki.
‘School Trip: Joined A Group I’m Not Close To’ thus follows Hioki’s high school life, as he grows closer to Watarai’s friend group, alongside a slow-burn romance between the two boys. Fukuda Ayuta and Sakuragi Masaya portray Nakasato and Morisaki, rounding out the “Four Heavenly Kings” with Watarai and Hotta. At first, Hioki suspects the group has included him out of pity, only to slowly recognize that their warmth is sincere and unforced.
This a simple, fluffy series built on familiar genre tropes: miscommunication, jealousy, other girls approaching Hioki in hopes of getting closer to Watarai, and some usual high school drama, but without getting too loud or emo. In that sense, it feels similar to ‘I Can’t Reach You’, except the leads there are already childhood best friends.
Fujimoto Kodai, last seen playing a bully in the coming-of-age drama ‘Smells Like Green Spirit’, shifts gears completely as the bunny-like Hioki. He brings an endearing mix of shyness and intuition to the role, making Watarai’s growing crush feel entirely believable. Kan Hideyoshi, meanwhile, plays the intense Watarai with manga-like charm, without being over the top.
At first, Hioki doesn’t immediately stand out, nor does he register as particularly “cute.” But as the story begins to frame him through Watarai’s eyes, his quiet personality gradually grows on the viewer. Just as Watarai falls deeper in love, Hioki becomes increasingly endearing to the audience as well. He is a kind-hearted, intelligent, reserved, yet deeply considerate student who values the people in his life.
Visually, the school trip arc is bright and engaging, filled with visits to amusement parks, shopping areas, and restaurants that give Hioki and Watarai the chance to connect away from the classroom. Sharing a room and navigating these small, everyday moments together slowly draws them closer. Back at school, the show remains just as engaging, capturing the liveliness of student life through casual conversations, sports and school events.
Meanwhile, the other three boys in the group gently cheer them on, perceptive enough to sense that something beyond friendship is taking shape. The series allows Hioki and Watarai’s relationship to unfold gradually over several months, making their awkward attraction believable. By the time the climactic episode arrives, the romance feels earned, culminating in a cutely satisfying conclusion.
If you enjoy simple, slow-burn High-school romances, definitely check this show out.
Rating: 8 on 10. Watch ‘School Trip’ on TVer.
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