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Slow Start Anime Streams Main Character Introduction Videos with English Subtitles

The official YouTube channel for Aniplex of America began streaming on Wednesday the English-subtitled versions of the four main characters' introduction videos for the television anime of Yuiko Tokumi's Slow Start manga. The show's official website had streamed the videos without subtitles last September.

The first video introduces Hana Ichinose, a kind-hearted and gullible girl who lives on her own in Temari Heights.

The second video highlights Hamate Momoji, an energetic and friendly otaku and avid bishoujo gamer.

The third video introduces Eiko Tokura, a popular girl with excellent communications skills.

The fourth video highlights Kamori Sengoku, a small and shy girl who loves to eat and is unable to speak articulately around others.

The anime will premiere on Saturday in Japan on Tokyo MX, Tochigi TV, Gunma TV, and BS11 at 12:30 a.m. (effectively on January 7) before later airing on Kansai TV and TV Aichi.

Aniplex of America is streaming the anime on Crunchyroll starting on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. EST.

The main cast includes:

• Reina Kondo as Hana Ichinose
• Ayasa Itō as Tamate Momochi
• Tomomi Mineuchi as Eiko Tokura
• Maria Naganawa as Kamuri Sengoku

Hiroyuki Hashimoto (Is the order a rabbit?, Magical Girl Raising Project) is directing the anime at A-1 Pictures. Mio Inoue (Is the order a rabbit? episode scripts, Eiga Precure All Stars: Haru no Carnival) is in charge of series composition. Masato Yasuno (Flying Witch) is designing the characters for animation.

The story centers around 16-year-old Hana Ichinose, who unbeknownst to her classmates, was a year late in enrolling into high school. Although it may not seem like a big deal, it is a big deal to her. She wants to catch up with everyone else someday.

Tokumi launched the manga in Houbunsha's Manga Time Kirara magazine in 2013, and Houbunsha published the fourth compiled book volume last June. The company will publish the fifth volume on January 26.