We Without Wings and the Human Appeal Written by Ou Jakuson

※This is a repost of an article originally published on note on January 2022.

　Tonight’s broadcast of season two of Princess Connect! Re:Dive featured an episode centered on the “Nakayoshi Club,” and it was genuinely excellent. I might like it just as much as episode five of season one. Now then—the writer who handled the original scenario for the Nakayoshi Club is none other than Ou Jakuson, a name revered by us bishoujo-game otaku. This episode, which he personally supervised, fully made use of Ou Jakuson’s signature conversational rhythm. As a fan, I couldn’t help but feel deeply moved.

　If you want to experience his sharp, energetic humor combined with an ability to depict the realistic core of human nature—something rarely seen in bishoujo games—I wholeheartedly recommend playing We Without Wings. The game features multiple protagonists, and among them, the chapter that recreates an Ikebukuro West Gate Park–like atmosphere within the framework of a bishoujo game is especially popular. But this time, I want to talk about one particular chapter—one that definitely isn’t for everyone.

　The protagonist of the first chapter isn’t an “anime-style loner,” but a real one. He’s vaguely avoided by his entire class—not in some outrageously unjust way, but because he’s gloomy, deeply into otaku hobbies, and a full-on online-game addict. The game presents an uncomfortably realistic depiction of how creepy an otaku can be. Scenes like the heroine recoiling and saying, “You really start talking fast when it’s a topic you like, don’t you?” probably deal very real emotional damage to more than a few players.

　The true appeal of Ou Jakuson’s scenarios lies in how he confronts these awkward, clumsy people head-on. A class outcast happens to start interacting with beautiful girls, then grows through trial and error. But this growth isn’t portrayed through convenient, anime-style wish fulfillment—instead, it carefully depicts the effort, darkness, and flaws that come with being socially inept. That’s what it means to genuinely face the reality of being an otaku.

　And from a writer capable of portraying such delicate nuances came a trio of bishoujo heroines—truly wonderful characters.