Senpai is an Otokonoko Ep. 4 “I Realized Something” is quite the fascinating episode. On one hand, it’s definitely a relief from the intense drama of the previous episode. On the other hand, this episode also has its own drama and mystery to it. Specifically: in regards to Saki Aoi and her rather unusual and troubling behavior in this episode.

Senpai is an Otokonoko Ep. 4 “I Realized Something”: Details

Senpai is an Otokonoko NA key visual.
Saki may not be as happy and cheerful as she presents herself.

Senpai is an Otokonoko Ep. 4 “I Realized Something” is the fourth episode (you can read my reviews of Ep. 1, Ep. 2, and Ep. 3 here) of this LGBTQ+ romantic comedy anime series. Said anime is the anime adaptation of the manga of the same name by Pom. Project No.9 (Didn’t I Say to Make My Abilities Average in the Next Life?!, Love After World Domination) is the animation studio behind this anime. Crunchyroll is the company licensing this anime in NA region.

Production Cast

Keisuke Gouda is the director behind Senpai is an Otokonoko Ep. 4 “I Realized Something”, with Yoriko Tomita as the writer, Keiichi Ishikura as the storyboarder, and the team of Shōto Shinkai, Eri Ogawa, Susumu Watanabe, and Yuta Masaki all collectively claiming credit as the chief animation director. As for Senpai is an Otokonoko as a whole, Shinsuke Yanagi is the director behind the anime. Yoriko Tomita is the writer behind the same, with Yukari Hashimoto as the composer for the music you hear in that anime.

Speaking of music: the opening theme song is “Wagamama” (我がまま, “Selfishness”) by Kujira. Meanwhile, “Are ga Koi Datta no kana” (あれが恋だったのかな, “I Wonder If That Was Love”) by Kujira feat. Nishina is the ending theme song.

Voice Cast

Senpai is an Otokonoko Ep. 4 “I Realized Something” features the voices of Shūichirō Umeda as Makoto Hanaoka, Akira Sekine as Saki Aoi, and Yuma Uchida as Ryuji Taiga. The other notable voice role in this episode is Kaori Maeda as Konatsu Taiga.

When and Where to Watch

Senpai is an Otokonoko Ep. 4 “I Realized Something” made its airing and streaming debut (read: simulcast) on July 25, 2024. You can watch this episode only on Crunchyroll. In fact, you can watch the anime as a whole only on Crunchyroll due to it being an exclusive there.

Senpai is an Otokonoko Ep. 4 “I Realized Something”: Synopsis

First it’s Makoto’s storyline, and now we get to see what’s up with Saki.

Alas, Senpai is an Otokonoko is an ongoing anime series. In fact, Senpai is an Otokonoko Ep. 4 “I Realized Something” only just premiered today as of this writing. Thus, I will present to you Crunchyroll’s official synopsis for this episode instead of a spoiler-filled plot summary. You can read that synopsis below:

Makoto and Saki have grown closer and Makoto has become friendly with students from their class as well, which makes Ryuji’s heart uneasy. One day, on the way home from the aquarium with them, Ryuji notices something.

Senpai is an Otokonoko Ep. 4 “I Realized Something”: The Good

Senpai is an Otokonoko Ep. 4 "I Realized Something" screenshot showing Makoto arriving at the aquarium in their new dress.
Makoto going to the aquarium in style there.

As with the previous episodes, it’s the story of Senpai is an Otokonoko Ep. 4 “I Realized Something” that has my undivided attention. Mostly because Pom has written a wonderful cooldown story here after the drama of Ep. 3. It’s just a nice, fun trip to the aquarium for the most part, followed by a nice study party to Ryuji’s place afterwards. And yet, there’s a curious undercurrent of tension here. All coming from Saki. We don’t quite know what’s up with her yet. All that’s revealed so far is that her outwardly happy and cheerful attitude may actually be just a front. The why is a bit of a spoiler, so all I’ll say is: it looks painful. Emotionally speaking, that is.

The other reason why this episode is so good comes down to the animation. As you can see above, Project No.9 is committed to a pretty high level of animation quality for this anime. The detail makes this episode in particular look gorgeous, especially when Makoto, Saki, and Ryuji are all at that aquarium. Seeing well-animated fish and other sea life is always a treat. Oh, and you know what’s also a treat in this episode? The well-animated food. This is not a food-centric anime, so seeing that deliciously animated food is a true treat for me.

Senpai is an Otokonoko Ep. 4 “I Realized Something”: The Bad

Senpai is an Otokonoko Ep. 4 "I Realized Something" screenshot showing Makoto being pulled along by Ryuji.
What’s bad here is Makoto having to hide from their neighbors to avoid being recognized.

Alas, there is not a single bit of action in Senpai is an Otokonoko Ep. 4 “I Realized Something”. The closest you’re going to get is the scene aboe with Ryuji tugging Makoto after him to avoid being recognized by neighbors. To be fair, this whole anime is not an action-heavy one in the slightest. If you want that, then you might want to check out Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Solo Leveling, Kaiju No. 8, and/or The Elusive Samurai.