Higehiro: After Being Rejected, I Shaved and Took in a High School Runaway (2021)
A quietly moving anime drama about a heartbroken salaryman, a runaway teenager, and the unlikely bond that helps them both find their footing again.
Higehiro: After Being Rejected, I Shaved and Took in a High School Runaway - Series Information
- Original Title: ひげを剃る。そして女子高生を拾う。
- First Air Year: 2021
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 24 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: April 5, 2021 (United States - TV-14), April 5, 2021 (Canada - 18+), April 5, 2021 (Australia - M), April 5, 2021 (Brazil - 16), April 5, 2021 (Mexico - C)
- Networks: AT-X
- Alternative Titles: HIGEHIRO: Kucukur Janggut, Siswi SMA Kupungut (ID), 当我刮掉胡子时，会发生什么事。 (CN), Hige Hiro (JP), 수염을 깎다 그리고 여고생을 줍다 (KR), Хіґехіро: Я поголився, а потім привів додому старшокласницю (UA), Higehiro (IT), I Shaved. Then I Brought a High School Girl Home. (US)
- Production Companies: project No.9, APDREAM, AT-X, Bergamo Audio, BS11, THE KLOCKWORX, DREAM SHIFT, Hakuhodo DY Music & Pictures, KADOKAWA, Pony Canyon, Yomiuri Shimbun Company, Toei Video Company
- Production Countries: Japan
Higehiro: After Being Rejected, I Shaved and Took in a High School Runaway - Plot
On his way home from drinking his sorrows away after being rejected by his crush, 26 year old salaryman Yoshida finds a high school girl named Sayu sitting on the side of the road and ends up letting her stay at his place overnight. Not having the heart to put the runaway out on the streets, Yoshida allows her to stay at his place... And so began the awkward, irritable, and slightly heartwarming relationship between a runaway high school girl and a salaryman living together.
Higehiro: After Being Rejected, I Shaved and Took in a High School Runaway - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at the story of Yoshida and Sayu:
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Higehiro: After Being Rejected, I Shaved and Took in a High School Runaway - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Kazuyuki Okitsu
- Kana Ichinose
- Hisako Kanemoto
- Kaori Ishihara
- Yusuke Kobayashi
- Natsumi Kawaida
- Kohsuke Toriumi
- Ryota Osaka
- Ryoka Yuzuki
- Takahiro Ayase
Writers
- Deko Akao
- Yuusuke Kaneko
- Satoru Sugisawa
Executive Producers
- Toyota Todoroki
- Motohiro Oda
- Takumi Morii
Higehiro: After Being Rejected, I Shaved and Took in a High School Runaway - FAQs
Is Higehiro based on a light novel or manga?
Higehiro is adapted from a light novel series written by Shimesaba and illustrated by Kaguyuzu. The original novels were published under KADOKAWA's Dengeki Bunko imprint beginning in 2019, and a manga adaptation also ran alongside the anime, making it one of the more fully realized multimedia seinen projects of its era.
What kind of relationship develops between Yoshida and Sayu?
Their dynamic is deliberately platonic and emotionally layered. Yoshida firmly refuses to exploit Sayu's vulnerability, instead offering her stability and quiet dignity. Over 13 episodes, their cohabitation evolves into a relationship built on mutual respect and gradual healing, with Sayu slowly confronting the trauma that drove her to run away from home.
Where can you stream Higehiro?
Higehiro is available to stream on Crunchyroll, including through the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. Both options offer the full 13-episode first season with subtitles. Availability may vary by region, so checking your local Crunchyroll library is the best way to confirm access.
Is Higehiro worth watching for non-anime fans?
Higehiro stands out even among slice-of-life anime for its emotional restraint and mature storytelling. Rather than leaning into melodrama, it builds tension through quiet conversations and small gestures. Viewers who appreciate character-driven narratives about loneliness and recovery will find it genuinely affecting, regardless of their familiarity with anime.
Who voices the main characters in Higehiro?
Yoshida is voiced by Kazuyuki Okitsu, who brings a grounded, weary warmth to the role. Sayu Ogiwara is voiced by Kana Ichinose, delivering a nuanced performance that balances guarded defensiveness with fragile hope. The supporting cast includes Hisako Kanemoto as Airi Gotō and Kaori Ishihara as Yuzuha Mishima.
Why did Sayu run away from home in Higehiro?
Sayu's reasons for running away are revealed gradually across the series and involve a traumatic incident at her school in Hokkaido. The show handles her backstory with care, avoiding sensationalism while making clear the emotional weight of what she experienced. Her journey toward confronting that past forms the emotional core of the series.
How was Higehiro received by critics and audiences?
Higehiro earned strong praise from anime audiences for its sensitive handling of difficult subject matter and its refusal to romanticize Sayu's situation. Critics highlighted the writing's emotional intelligence and Kana Ichinose's voice performance as particular strengths. It developed a devoted following among fans of thoughtful, character-focused slice-of-life drama.
What anime series are similar to Higehiro?
Fans of Higehiro often enjoy The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten, SING "YESTERDAY" FOR ME, and My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU for their emotionally grounded takes on relationships. Golden Time and Skip and Loafer also share Higehiro's blend of quiet drama, personal growth, and carefully paced romantic tension.
More About Higehiro: After Being Rejected, I Shaved and Took in a High School Runaway
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