Please Teacher! (2002) User Reviews

Boy Meets Alien

[PeterGriffinLives · 8/10 · 9 July 2007]

Kei Kusanagi is a 15-year-old student with a secret: he's actually 18. He suffers from a disease that puts him into a state of suspended animation when he's stressed, and once put him out for 3 years (there is some scientific validity to this: it's called cryptobiosis, and while there's no historical record of a human entering this state, Kei is supposed to be the very first case). Kei hides his disease from his friends, for fear of becoming emotionally isolated. One night, while he is meditating at the lake, he sees a disturbance in the water that is actually a cloaked spacecraft landing. Light flickers nearby, and Kei watches as an angelic-looking alien visitor materializes on the shore.

The next day, he discovers that the visitor, Mizuho Kazami, is posing as a teacher at his school, and has also moved in next door to where he lives. Kei is the only person with the knowledge of who Mizuho really is, and she needs to speak to him about that privately, which leads to the two of them being caught in a compromising situation (she teleports them into a school equipment shed, where they are discovered). Kei's uncle, trying to help, suggests that Mizuho and Kei are married. This leads to an actual marriage (since the principal IS going to check out such an outrageous claim). The rest of the series deals with their relationship, the effect that keeping it a secret has on Kei's friendships, and the very real feelings that he and Mizuho begin to develop for each other.

The series isn't perfect. There is a somewhat jarring moment in the first episode where Mizuho goes from competent interstellar explorer to shy new teacher rather abruptly, and there are some awkward lines of dialogue, but these are small flaws in an otherwise well-made, very touching show.

Forget the naysayers; this is a cute and fun series.

[axemblue · 8/10 · 31 May 2006]

With a name like 'Onegai Teacher' ('Please Teacher'), one might expect this to be 1) a hentai show, 2) a harem anime, or 3) both. Fortunately, what we have here is an entertaining little show that avoids the genres which have become the "box office poison" of anime.

Kei Kusanagi is a boy in a small Japanese town (which, in truth, is closely based upon a real-life area near Lake Kizaki in Nagano Prefecture, Japan). He's 18 years old but resembles a 15-year-old due to a disease which causes him to fall into coma-like states called "standstills", one of which lasted 3 years. (Don't ask me about the scientific validity of this; just roll with it.)

A spaceship lands in the nearby lake, and Kei spots a strange pink-haired lady in the area. The next day, the woman (Mizuho Kazami) shows up as a new teacher in Kei's high school and even moves in near his house. While Kei helps her unpack after school, numerous hijinks ensue as both realize they've noticed each other earlier. Mizuho's an alien sent to monitor the progress of Earth, and she goes to great lengths to protect her secret, but after some very complex and embarrassing situations, the two secretly marry each other to keep the truth about their encounters under wraps.

Kei, who until now has led a relatively average and uninteresting life outside of his illness, now finds himself living with a babe-a-licious teacher--and coping with the numerous complications which arise from such a life. One of Kei's classmates has the hots for him, and a manipulative peer takes a keen interest in Kei's social life. His male friends, meanwhile, have the hots for his spouse. Plus, there's Mizuho's mother and little sister to worry about.

What with the endless number of romance anime shows revolving around simple boyfriend-girlfriend scenarios, it's interesting to see one that actually profiles a married couple. Although I felt that some of the sci-fi elements weren't necessary, this 13-episode show held my interest quite a bit, and I recommend it. If you enjoy this show, check out its sequel-spin off, 'Onegai Twins' ('Please Twins'), which is also more grounded in realism than 'Teacher'.

An unpretentious experience.

[GiraffeDoor · 8/10 · 29 February 2024]

While "He is my Master" was the first Japanese Cartoons I actually watched, I think of this as when I finally let myself get into Manga show. As a kid I found it really freaky and off-putting but now I can sort of take it.

I sort of knew about "Please Teacher!" by coming across (no pun intended) certain stills so I thought it was just a Student/Teacher romance thing...maybe with a space ship...

But there is totally a space ship. I stumbled across this again on youtube and I guess that was it.

This is what I like to call a cotton candy and fried chicken kind of show: it is addictive entertainment that stimulates no intellectual part of you but keeps you coming back for the innate appeal of its design, its story, its characters as we go on a story filled with pathos, humor and sex appeal.

This narrative requires you to meet it two-thirds of the way through and you are happy to. Just accept that this disease is like some kind of shameful thing.

I watched the English dub and I am glad I did.

Looking back, I feel nostalgia for this and the time during which I watched it: it was my Friday night go-to and the title sequence and song was like nothing I had ever experienced before.

It's a serial of 12 episodes and THEN a sort of epilogue episode. Lots of Japanese cartoons do this apparently. They call it an OVA.

It's not one the examples I use for the elusive *good* Manga cartoon show but I will always feel affection for it.

I never watched these kind of things before

[lukepic123 · 10/10 · 14 March 2007]

I don't quite know how but while I was surfing the net I came across a random advert for "Please Teacher" first thoughts it was an episode of Pokemon. Well I decided to watch an episode of it and I was surprised and joyed to find out its not yet another kids cartoon. Its something that I never watched before, a Japanise cartoon with a more adult theme and less repetitive. The series was well spaced out over 12 episodes and an extra one which just gives you a nice little extra.

Anyway focusing on the series, its a story revolving around a teenager who falls in love an alien teacher (believe it or not, hence the name). So after you are introduced to the character etc. it begins to unfold in a various variety of events that challenge their relationship and other around them. I was hooked on this from beginning to end and so by the sounds of it so were many others.

In conclusion, I'm no anime nerd and if you never have watched one of these adult themed cartoons I would recommend this one for sure. A great contrast of characters and fun story line. Well don't just take it from me go and watch it and make your judgement on it.

All the best to review readers. Luke.

Please Teacher

[moparornocar8808 · 10/10 · 31 October 2006]

I have watched this series, and I totally agree with the other guy. This is a very powerful and emotional story. I would encourage anyone, anime lovers or not, to at least check this one out. I would really love to see Bandai bring out another season or 20...as long as they are as good as the first...I was quite sad to see the story end, and am also left with a feeling of emptiness, (and I'm a 27yo guy) ha ha. This is a slightly sexually oriented show and is intended for more mature audience, however there a couple scenes were blurred\censored, I don't feel that is necessary, as it is art...hand animated drawings, not real images that these MATURE folks are viewing, I mean, whats the point in drawing it if you are just going to censor it back out? but thats just my opinion...anyway Great Series, A+, ***** Buy it, Watch it, Love it

An Anime Worth Watching

[lordnorton · 26 December 2005]

For someone who has seen the first 150 episodes of Naruto, the first two seasons of Ranma 1/2, about 75 or so episodes of Inuyasha, all 28 episodes of .hack//SIGN, all 26 episodes of His and Her Circumstances, all 6 episodes of FLCL, the first 27 episodes of FullMetal Alchemist,OVA 1 and 2 of Ai No Kusabi, and all 13 episodes of Please Teacher, I am glad to say that this anime has some of the most funniest scene's I've ever seen in... well... in any anime! This anime has love, sorrow, science fiction, fantasy, humor and all the body that makes a good anime. The characters are introduced in interesting ways and each is unique and different. Each character has a role in the story and none of them are plain or ordinary. The characters also grow within and along with the plot of the story which makes this anime one worth watching! I know I'm glad I bought it!

This is the best Anime in the world it stole my heart.

[kevingblife · 10/10 · 24 May 2006]

I loved this anime when i first saw it i got pulled in to the story. kei and Mizuho made me cry a few times, there were part that made me laugh and part where i was crying say Kei you don't have to sacrifice your love for that girl, you love Mizuho. i didn't want the series to end but it did. i got so mad that i emailed bandai entertainment to see if they will bring out a season 2 of Onegai teacher. i was feeling this emptiness in my heart this is a very powerful anime. i can't explain my feelings about this anime but i wish it was real and that i was Kei. i would recommend it to all those anime lovers everywhere even if its your first anime it will love it.

Bad copy of a tired idea

[CrunchyCookie · 2/10 · 29 January 2004]

As a guy who watched all 24 episodes of Love Hina, all 48 episodes of Kimagure Orange Road, and all 96 episodes of Maison Ikkoku (plus some Tenchis) and liked them all, I feel qualified to rate this series as utter crap. Please Teacher takes the lamest and most overused aspects of those shows -- primitive accident-based humor (i.e. tripping and falling on a girl), pointless plot devices, forced drama, slow story development -- and throws it on top of weak characters that give little reason to care.

Main guy Kei is the exact copy of Love Hina's Keitaro in both appearance and attitude (and name), and Mizuho (the teacher) embodies every clichéd frail female anime stereotype. Scenes meant to make us think of love, laughter, jealousy, etc., all miss the mark and fall flat, and even accounting for what might be lost in translation, the writing is pitiful. All of which make this the only anime series that clocks in at a tidy 13 episodes that I didn't have the willpower to finish.

Don't be seduced by the high-quality cover art or the clever website preview. Instead, redirect your rental/purchase money into one of the classics I mentioned.

A Classic Romantic Comedy Anime

[Sabre_Wolf · 10/10 · 18 April 2013]

I was told of this by a friend as was with a few other anime so I ordered the DVD and you know what I didn't regret it one bit not just because of the animation or the wonderfully well drawn characters.

I loved this because it was funny and although Kei and Mizuho's marriage is effectively one of convenience (i.e. protect Mizuho's secret) there was something VERY real between Kei and Mizuho especially as their relationship grows.

Also other characters including Kei's aunt and uncle plus Kei's high school friends and other characters add plenty to this wonderful romantic comedy.

Also I might add this was one anime that actually got adapted into a Manga and not some manga adapted into an anime.

I think of Onegai Teacher/Please Teacher as one of the greatest romantic comedies EVER created! A true classic!

A waste of time

[Unicorn_Blade · 2/10 · 29 April 2006]

After Reading so many enthusiastic reviews I expected something really good. Unfortunately, Onegai teacher happened to be one of the worst series I have ever seen. First of all, the plot is very infantile and sadly unfunny. It gets boring after two or three episodes, as the characters repeat the same sentences all over again. Nothing moves, they just sit and think. Besides, the whole relationship with an alien teacher seems so weird and untrue. There were just a couple of moments when I laughed, as for the rest, I wish I could just forget about it. To compare, Love Hina has much more comedy moments in it, and the synopsis is much better. Onegai teacher could be as well summarized into three episodes, the action is so slow and it leads to nowhere. If you wanna something better, go for "Now and there, here and there", Cowboy Bebop or Witch Hunter Robin. Or even "I, me my, strawberry eggs"...

Outstanding Show about good intentions

[TimothyMcKann · 10/10 · 27 October 2006]

When I first heard about this series from a friend,she told me that it was of her favorite anime. But when I watched the preview of this series on one of my .hack//sign volumes,it was truly amazing. I had to see for myself if it was the best,and it was. But when my Father bought me this series in a box set on my 24th Birthday,it was cool. My favorite characters in this show are:Kei.Mizuho,and Minoru. What this really explains is that life is very hard. We all need to move forward,and try to get through like Kei. Another thing that is cool about the series is the roles of Mizuho,and Minoru. It was cool that Michael McConnohie,and Ruby Marlowe got to play those roles,and they do make a good team. So in closing,if you looking for something to see, see this one. This is a priority one,and will see what I mean.

Excellent anime

[scifi_dude · 11 March 2005]

For all who those wants to believe that there's hope in everyone this is a good movie for you first of all i would like to say that this is an awesome show. I was watching oh my goddess last week and i was really happy that i had watch it then suddenly i went to the net for other recommendation and i found out the that the guy who made oh my goddess was in this one two so i watched it...then wow all i can say is good storytelling and awesome comedy. i would recommended this to anyone who like comedy romance with a touch of fantasy......10/10 excellent ending too....TRY love HINA now that is another story...

so try watching this

Freaking awesome.

[fire_wire91387 · 10/10 · 25 June 2006]

My friend's kind of an anime geek, so he was just browsing an electronics store that's somehow known for carrying some good anime movies and shows. The box set of Please Teacher caught his eye and he bought it on the spot. As soon as he finished going over it, he had me come over to see this show for myself. That is, as of yet, the greatest thing he's done for me. Aside from showing me the box set of the sequel, Please Twins. Pure awesome-ness there.

Now, being with high school friends when you see this kind of stuff, or when you see any stuff for that matter, you can never take anything seriously. All through Teacher and Twins (except for the best parts) we were laughing our asses off at our own jokes. The best parts of the two shows always held our rapt attention, because it is that great.

I've been babbling about my first viewing of this for long enough. Bottom line: seriously great stuff that I can't get out of my head. I wouldn't see it without my friends, but that's just me.

It's Just amazing

[bharatthapa · 9/10 · 18 August 2017]

Although it's a somewhat old Anime, it still rocks. I have never seen anything like this before. The story revolves around a teacher and her student and how their relationship builds up. It'll make you laugh, it'll make you cry and you'll love the characters that you will see in this anime. Anyway I am not going to spoil anything for anybody here, so I highly recommend you to watch/experience it by yourself. It's truly an amazing short series.

Do not watch

[alexandra_fischer90 · 1/10 · 9 September 2013]

I do not know why IMDb marked this as "comedy" - it didn't even make me smile. I would rather describe it as a tragic drama. The fact that the female lead is an alien does not make it sci-fi, because they aren't "alien" in any noticeable way.

The series is extremely slow, it just shows everyday life for a teenage dude in school, and his friends and romances. I cannot believe 12 episodes á 20 minutes could feel like an eternity.

There's whiny teenage girls and illogical dilemmas. I do not recommend anyone above the age of 12 to see it. Oh wait - a bit "too naughty" (but not really) for children. No one should see it, then.

Please Teacher review

[davidwalshe-75106 · 10/10 · 22 January 2017]

This is my first time writing a review, but I felt compelled too for this anime. Please Teacher has become one of my all time favorites, which is saying something. The characters are well drawn and the animation is fluid, the voice actors (both Japanese and English) are ideally cast. The story is well told, and is easy to follow. The story follows Kusanagi Kei who ends up with an alien called Kazami Mizaho for his homeroom teacher, due to some mishaps beyond there control they end up married. As with other anime there is another girl in love with Kei. Please Teacher tells the story of two people from different worlds finding love, and dealing with the ups and downs that come with it. If you are new to anime or are a veteran I can't recommend this enough, at 13 episodes long you can binge watch it in day so give it a go.

This review is after watching Please Teacher in both Japanese with subtitles and the English dub.

Newcomers to Anime/Manga

[papa_sqwat · 20 March 2005]

This is a great anime, especially for unexperienced people to the anime/manga world. The storyline is as such, the main character, Mihuzo Kazami, is an alien sent from the galactic federation to observe earth, but poses as a teacher to blend in. She's half-human, father was an earthling, and super sexy. Kei Kusanagi, a student in the school with strange debilitating illness that renders him in a standstill, discovers her secret and is discovered with her by his principal. His disease causes him to blackout from stress and once was in a coma for 3 years, causing him to be 18 but to look 15 because for some reason his body did not age during his coma. He is the worlds only case, or is he? In order to save his sensei he declares that they are married as a cover up, to his principal, but his friends are the ones that the secret will be most unknown. They actually do marry to save the career of Mihuzo. A series of events take place with Kei and Mihuzo dealing with love, loss, jealousy, and of course, some comedic "suggestive" scenes. A word of advice for those new to anime, don't try watching all 12 episodes at once, it can really mess you up, believe me! But, then again, it truly is awesome.

Really cringy af sci-fi romance anime but it did work!

[Irishchatter · 8/10 · 26 March 2018]

I really thought this anime was a lot weirder then other animes I've seen. The story goes - a alien is in love with her student, marries him and her job is being kept with this secret. This is just because he admitted to the principaL that he was 18 and as a result of him having some sort of a sleeping disorder, he was held back 3 years of school. I mean in reality, if a teacher marries her student, either she loses her job or the student is transfered to another school lol. I was even more shocked that the uncle and aunt were laid back with Kei in marrying his teacher. Man if that was my parents reaction by finding out like that, they would probably kick me out and not wanting to know me anymore lol.

I even hated the little transporter the alien had, I thought he was such a pointless character to add in because when hereself and Kei were trapped in the gym storage room, he literally just didn't bother saving them by transporting them outside. I suppose they would be caught anyways one way or another.

By the very weirdness, it was enjoyable to watch like I definately would recommend this all the way!

I give this a 8/10!

Very, very good Anime

[goblyn_king · 22 July 2004]

I have read a few negative reviews of this show, and I had to say something. This is soapie gold. Now let me qualify that. If you love giant robots, sword fights and a 2D storyline, look elsewhere. If you want to watch young people going through emotional wringers in improbable but interesting story lines, get this anime.

I like anime soaps, and this one is one of my three favourite, one of the others being the follow-on series Onegai Twins. I do not understand why there are so many negative reviews of what is, when it comes down to it, a very fun show. Many people have said it moves too slowly, which I disagree with. Over thirteen episodes it covers a lot of ground, and I would have liked to have seen a lot more. The occasional slowness is simply very good pacing. Some have been critical of the implausible nature of the show, but we are talking about an art form that ignores every law of physics known to science. Others have said it is simply derivative, as if none of their preferred shows are. But bickering about these things is beside the point. Fact is you like it or you don't.

It uses stereotypes, but it does it quite well. It has a solid story that I find touching. The animation is good and the music... well... no worse than other anime. It may not be totally original, but nothing is. It does what it does with an elan that is quite rare.

And I like it. A lot.

Strange but entertaining

[petekrug17 · 27 October 2003]

The story, I guess, takes place in the mid-twenty first century. The teacher, who is probably in her mid-twenties, tells us that her parents met in 2009. The thing is, things don't look like they've advanced much since today.

Anyway, the plot revolves around Kei, a high school student whose body suffers from what he calls stand-stills, where he blacks out without warning when under stress. Once he blacked out and remained in a coma for three years, during which time his body for some strange reason ceased to age, so he is three years younger than he should be. His parents are dead, so he lives with his aunt and uncle.

One day while out at a lake a beautiful woman from another planet is beamed down to earth. Kei thinks it's a dream, but the next day the woman, who calls herself Mizuho, takes over for his class, as his old teacher quit (or so his class is told). Kei soon finds out she really is an alien, and promises to keep it a secret. But then things take a turn for the stranger when, after the two are accidentally locked in an outdoor shed together and are found by the principal, Kei, in order to prevent Mizuho from being fired, tells the principal they are married (because he is 18, after all, or rather he should be). The aunt and uncle decide to make it official, and soon a marriage certificate has been signed, the rings have been exchanged, and the aunt and uncle have moved Kei's things into Mizuho's apartment.

All this happens in just the first four episodes. (No, really, I'm serious.) I've only seen the first DVD so far, so I think I may watch the rest to see how it plays out.

Good but just not great

[Rirath_com · 22 June 2003]

Onegai Teacher is a pretty good anime, but it falls short from being anything more. If you're not expecting a masterpiece, it can be quite entertaining really. There's a good amount of humor and some fun characters to follow. The story is rather weak, but it's good enough.

The relationship between Mizuho and Kei just never seems to click. It never seems to stop being awkward, and that's really ashame. I just can't agree with some of the "choices" made in the series, and I know anyone in that position would not choose the path in this series. It feels stretched with no explanation of why. Mizuho makes even less sense in this fashion. I'm being quite vague, but I don't want to spoil things.

Frankly I think they just tried way too hard. Just when you think things might finally get on track, they're jerked back again and without warning, things take a sharp left turn. It barrows far too much from series like Ah! My Goddess and does a rather poor job at it. Even the name bugs me... Onegai Teacher? Couldn't they at least call it "Onegai Sensei"?

This isn't a series I'd recommend, as hard as that is for me to say about any anime. If you've watched all the other recent animes and you need something new, go for it. Otherwise, skip it. It's not horrible, in fact I had a rather good time watching it. Personally, I believe there's just better animes out there to choose from. Other folks have loved this anime though, so it's all a matter of personal preference.

• Rirath_com

My favorite..

[harrower459 · 3 June 2004]

A heartfelt, heartwarming, heart wrenching, frustrating, sweet love story about two people who are thrust into marriage and learn to love each other and eventually fall head over heals for each other. When Kei a normal high school student, who dreams of finding the girl of his dreams, Kei finds out that his new teacher Kazami Mizohu is an alien from outer space who lands on earth to study humans for the Galaxy Federation. To keep her secret he marries her and from there on its nothing but tests to their love for one another. Over all a wonderful story, with fantastic art and incredible music throughout. if you haven't seen Onegai Teacher I highly recommend it and urge you if you to make it TOP PRIORITY!

I don't know why so many preferred this to Please! Twins...

[xxmedicalmeccanicaxx · 31 January 2005]

Firstly, it should be stated that Please! Twins, is in fact a spin off that came out in 2003, a year after Onegai Teacher was released. However, I thoroughly enjoyed Please! Teacher, as I thought it portrayed, as best as any given anime could, the post-pubescent worries of adolescent life. Additional to this, woven into the storyline was a poignant love story, although somewhat unrealistic, between student and teacher. I recommend this anime to all viewers, giving it a 7 out of 10. The reason I say 7 out of ten is due to the fact that there was some confusing parts, moreover, making it difficult to understand the synopsis. But overall it was very enjoyable! ~Tasukuchan~

A great example of originality.

[zephyrsystemsnet · 29 January 2006]

I have been reading plenty of comments on this anime. Everyone likes to bash it for some reason. In reality...this anime is really cute. I enjoyed the character's personality's as well as the events that unfold around them. It also has a story that is unique to say the least. I am a big fan of romantic comedy anime. This one just happens to be my favorite. It has many elements that prove the good and the bad that comes along with falling in love with someone. Kei Kusanagi finds himself charged with protecting the true identity of his homeroom teacher Mizuho Kazami, who also happens to be an alien. After many misunderstandings the two get married to protect Mizuho's secret. Their love follows many trials as the two slowly start to develop feelings for each other. However, their are forces in the universe that work to tear them apart. They have to try and become mature enough to love each other unconditionally.

This is the very first romantic comedy attempt from a manga author who simply goes by the alias, Please. Onegai Teacher is dramatic, funny, and adorable.

It is truly my favorite anime. Its not about the art, its not about the voicework, its just about the true soul it has. Watch it or read the manga to understand how hard the creator worked on it.

Avoid this at all costs

[stargunner · 17 November 2004]

I don't know how people can enjoy this show and where all the good reviews are coming from, but this show is terrible. Don't get me wrong, I love anime. And I know that one thing that comes hand in hand with anime is strange plot-lines. You learn to love them if the anime is good, because it makes you think and it's interesting. In this case I didn't buy it. Not one bit. An alien comes to Earth and gets busy with a human - so what? I never really understood the point of this series, I was just fine at Onegai Twins. But they had to go and make another one, and unfortunately the masses of anime fans who like anything with the stereotypical busty girls with lucky guys show love it just because that's what it is. For those of you looking for a real meaningful and worthwhile anime, avoid this one at all costs. It's mind-numbing.