For me, it is the fact that they don’t follow typical western novel themes and tropes that appeals to me.
This is somewhat due to the JP cultural background of Lightnovel authors, so they would inherently have a different perspective.
I like reading Murakami too but it’s a much heavier read. Light novels are a bit like junk food. It’s not very nutritious but sure is addictive.
Decided to watch this after being curious about the Shikairo OP hype, without any expectations. I LOLed over the jokes, but one thing which the show got right is:
Deers are the yakuza of the animal world.
If you’ve ever been to Nara Deer Park in Japan you’ve come across the pushcarts selling senbei (biscuits) and the unsuspecting tourists who buys a bunch and approach the deers hoping to get cute photos of themselves feeding deer.
Unfortunately most of them (tourists) will be traumatized when a whole gang of persistent deer trail you all over the park and rush at you trying to chomp on your hands holding the senbei. As you desperately try to run away they’ll herd you towards the minefield of deer pellets, making you do the monkey dance to avoid stepping on deer droppings and flailing to push away eager snouts feeling you up all over.
So, beware of deer. Don’t get sucked into the Shika-bou. You have been warned.