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Episode 1
“My Tiny Senpai” is the English localized title of “Uchi no Kaisha no Chiisai Senpai no Hanashi”. The story revolves around an office worker named Shinozaki who develops a crush on his “Tiny Senpai”, Shiori Katase. Katase takes care of and coddles Shinozaki at work, leading him to hope that her actions are based on genuine feelings rather than mere duty. The episode showcases various interactions between the two, from Katase meowing at a cat to Shinozaki daydreaming about her.
The episode also introduces other characters, including Chihiro Akina, the company manager, and Chinatsu Hayakawa, Shinozaki’s childhood friend. We questioned whether it will evolve into a love story or remain a slice-of-life narrative centered around the two main characters.
Episode 2
Episode 2 of “My Tiny Senpai” delves deeper into the dynamics between Shinozaki and Shiori. The episode begins with their boss, Akina, catching them in an awkward situation when Shiori drops a pen under Shinozaki’s desk. This incident sparks Akina’s interest in pairing them up, leading him to send them on a mission to scout a new food place for company dinners.
As they dine, Akina and Shinozaki’s childhood friend, Hayakawa, secretly observe them. The episode showcases various interactions, including Shinozaki sharing an umbrella with Shiori during an unexpected rain and Shiori visiting a sick Shinozaki at his apartment. By the end, Shinozaki, grateful for Shiori’s care, decides to gift her an apron, hinting at their growing closeness. The reviewer appreciated this episode more than the first, noting a clearer chronological progression and the introduction of more characters.
Episode 3
Episode 3 of “My Tiny Senpai” introduces a new character from another department who interacts with Shinozaki and Shiori. The episode showcases Shinozaki and Shiori’s growing bond, with Shinozaki winning plushies from a UFO catcher for Shiori, and the two naming them after themselves.
The episode also shows their work life, with Shinozaki, Shiori, and Hayakawa assisting their colleague Aiko in designing a Meowtaro dating simulator. Aiko’s request for romantic anecdotes leads to Hayakawa sharing a story about their boss Akina. The episode concludes with Shiori playfully interacting with the plushies at home, visualizing them as the real Shinozaki and herself. The reviewer found the episode endearing but felt that the pacing was slow, even for a slice-of-life series.
Episode 4
Episode 4 of “My Tiny Senpai” takes a delightful turn, focusing on both Hayakawa and Akina as well as Shiori and Shinozaki. The episode kicks off with Hayakawa attending a cosplay event, where she unexpectedly encounters her boss, Akina. Their interaction hints at a budding romantic subplot, especially when Akina invites Hayakawa for dinner, only to reveal he wishes to attend the cosplay event with her as her photographer.
Meanwhile, Shiori tries to infuse some festive spirit into the office with Halloween celebrations, making Shinozaki participate in “Trick or Treat” for candy. The episode also features a humorous moment where Shiori gets tipsy after consuming a chocolate with alcohol and affectionately interacts with Hayakawa. The climax of the episode revolves around Akina subtly probing Shiori about her feelings for Shinozaki, leaving her flustered.
Episode 5
As Christmas approaches in Episode 5 of “My Tiny Senpai”, the festive spirit is evident in the office. The episode begins with casual office banter and Akina playfully inquiring if Hayakawa would dress up as Santa. The narrative then shifts to Shinozaki and Shiori, who, after a client meeting, spot bear and rabbit pajama sets in a store window, reminiscent of those from Episode 3. Their mutual admiration for the pajamas is interrupted when they’re mistaken for a couple by a woman with a microphone.
Under her persuasion, they playfully act as a couple for the camera, with a teasing almost-kiss moment between them. The episode’s climax is set during a Christmas party, where Shinozaki and Shiori exchange the same pajamas as gifts. Their intimate moment is humorously interrupted by Akina and Hayakawa, who are caught spying on them. The episode ends with both pairs exchanging contact information.
Episode 6
Episode 6 of “My Tiny Senpai” begins with Shinozaki experiencing a series of peculiar dreams about Shiori, including one where she appears as Santa Claus in a form-fitting suit. In reality, the relationship between Hayakawa and Akina seems to be progressing quickly. Hayakawa, who is revealed to be a BL manga artist, enlists Akina’s help to finish a manga for a competition. However, she unintentionally gives him a risqué scene to illustrate. At a doujinshi event, a fan mistakes Akina for Hayakawa’s boyfriend, a misconception Akina doesn’t correct due to the nuances of the Japanese language.
Meanwhile, Shinozaki and Shiori’s bond deepens as they chat over the phone and celebrate the New Year at a shrine. The episode introduces Yutaka Shinozaki, Shinozaki’s observant older sister, who quickly deduces his feelings for Shiori. The episode concludes with Yutaka meeting Shiori and becoming enamored with the idea of her as a potential sister-in-law.
Episode 7
The episode picks up shortly after the previous one, with Shiori and Shinozaki attending a New Year’s celebration. They come across a lost child, and Shiori, with her characteristic warmth, comforts the crying girl. Meanwhile, Hayakawa, Yutaka (Shinozaki’s sister), and Akina stealthily observe the duo. At work, Shiori mistakenly believes she has grown taller, leading to a comedic exchange with Shinozaki. The episode also touches upon office politics, with Shiori becoming protective of Shinozaki when a coworker from another department assigns him extra work.
Hayakawa ends up taking on the task, leading to a heartwarming interaction with Akina. The highlight of the episode revolves around Hayakawa and Akina’s budding relationship. Their dinner outing reveals subtle hints of Hayakawa’s feelings for Akina, and the two share a series of endearing moments. The episode concludes with Yutaka playfully texting Shiori from Shinozaki’s phone, leading to a flustered response from Shiori.
Episode 8
In the “Hot Springs” episode of “My Tiny Senpai,” Hayakawa expresses her desire for a break from work. To this, Shinozaki reminds her of the recent New Year’s break. However, Hayakawa argues that after visiting relatives, the break feels short-lived. She then persuades Shiori and Shinozaki to join her for a trip to a Hot Spring. Akina also accompanies them. At the spring, Hayakawa and Shiori indulge in playful antics, with Shiori trying to pet the local cats without success.
The episode also shows that the hot spring has a pool for some reason, but Shiori’s self-consciousness about her swimsuit, especially in front of Shinozaki. A predictable fanservice scene ensues when Shinozaki accidentally unhooks Shiori’s bikini top. The episode concludes with a drunk Shiori causing trouble for Shinozaki.
Episode 9
Episode 9 of “My Tiny Senpai” starts with a comedic yet tense situation where Shinozaki and Shiori are trapped inside a locker to avoid being seen by a couple sharing intimate moments in the basement. This predicament arises when they are searching for an item among old merchandise. The close proximity inside the locker leads to several risqué moments between them. The episode focuses into the aftermath of their unintentional closeness, with both characters reflecting on their feelings.
The next day, their changed behavior is evident, and Akina speculates about a potential romance between them. Shinozaki later attempts to discuss the situation with Shiori, but she, fearing the complications of a workplace relationship, shuts down the possibility of romance. The episode ends humorously, highlighting Shinozaki’s shocked reaction.
Episode 10
Episode 10 of “My Tiny Senpai” begins with an unexpected isekai-themed RPG game featuring the series’ characters, which the reviewer found cringeworthy and out of place. After this intro, the episode shifts to an office setting where an annual competition for newbies is announced. The prize is a trip to a luxury resort, which excites Shinozaki, particularly at the thought of going with Shiori. The episode introduces Kurusu, a competitor against Shinozaki. Kurusu’s manager, Akina’s rival, is determined to win, and if Kurusu succeeds, Akina will be transferred to her department.
The episode later shifts to a heartwarming scene where Shinozaki, Hayakawa, Akina, and Shiori visit an elementary school. Shinozaki mentors a young boy about kindness, leading to a positive change in the boy’s behavior. The episode concludes with Shiori pondering Shinozaki’s affections, wondering if they go beyond friendship. The reviewer criticized the episode for its lack of plot and romance development, hoping for improvement in subsequent episodes.
Episode 11
Episode 11 of “My Tiny Senpai” starts with a light-hearted scene where Shinozaki discovers Shiori singing to herself while preparing cup noodles late at the office. Instead of being embarrassed, she invites him to join her. The episode also highlights the stress of an upcoming competition. While Shinozaki is anxious, Kurusu faces her own challenges, especially when asked to add an illustration to her work, revealing her inability to draw. Shiori comforts Kurusu, and they bond over their shared love for Meowtaro.
Kurusu eventually opens up to her boss about her limitations, leading to a touching moment of understanding. The episode’s climax revolves around the competition results, with a comedic twist involving Shinozaki (or so it seems) in a Meowtaro suit, which turns out to be Akina. The competition’s outcome surprises everyone as neither Shinozaki nor Kurusu win, but instead, Shinozaki’s coworker takes the title.
Episode 12
The final episode of “My Tiny Senpai” kicks off with Shiori and Shinozaki taking a nighttime stroll. A playful misunderstanding arises when Shiori asks Shinozaki if he’s up for “something naughty,” which turns out to be just a craving for late-night ramen. Their embarrassment peaks when they overhear a couple associating late-night ramen cravings with a high libido. Back at the office, a female coworker introduces a Dating Simulator prototype featuring Meowtaro. Kurusu, however, doesn’t appreciate this portrayal.
The game eerily mirrors a past interaction between Shinozaki and Shiori, causing them to reflect on their relationship. Later, Shinozaki expresses concerns about their dynamic remaining strictly professional, but Shiori hints at the possibility of change. Despite this, their relationship remains largely unchanged. The episode concludes with the two visiting an amusement park, capturing a memorable photo together.
Our reviewer expressed frustration over the lack of significant relationship development throughout the season, rating the show 4/10.
