What is it: Classroom of the Elite
Classroom of the Elite, known in Japan as “Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e”, is a series of light novels written by Shougo Kinugasa and illustrated by Shunsaku Tomose. First published in 2015, the work quickly gained popularity, resulting in manga and anime adaptations. The story takes place at the fictional Koudo Ikusei School, an elite institution where students are classified into different classes based on their academic and social skills. The plot revolves around Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, a seemingly ordinary student from Class D, who hides an exceptional intellect and abilities. The series explores themes such as meritocracy, competition and the true nature of the educational elite. The intriguing narrative and complex characters make Classroom of the Elite a captivating work for fans of anime and light novels.
The Koudo Ikusei School is a true microcosm of society, where students are encouraged to compete with each other to move up in class. The school offers cutting-edge infrastructure and an environment that simulates adult life, allowing students to earn points that can be exchanged for goods and services. However, the fierce competition and political intrigues between the classes reveal the true face of the institution. Class D, where Kiyotaka Ayanokouji is placed, is considered the lowest and made up of troublesome students. However, Ayanokouji, with his intelligence and strategic skills, begins to change the dynamics of the class, challenging the status quo and revealing the school's dark secrets.
Kiyotaka Ayanokouji is an enigmatic and complex character whose true nature is gradually revealed throughout the series. Although he appears to be an ordinary and disinterested student, Ayanokouji possesses exceptional intelligence and physical abilities, the result of rigorous training in a secret facility known as the “White Room”. His calculating and cold approach to solving problems and manipulating situations makes him an intriguing protagonist. Ayanokouji avoids drawing attention to himself, preferring to operate behind the scenes and use his classmates as pawns in his strategic game. His relationships with other characters, such as Suzune Horikita and Kikyou Kushida, add layers of complexity to the plot, making Classroom of the Elite a series rich in character development.
Suzune Horikita is another central character in the series, a Class D student who initially appears cold and distant. She is highly intelligent and determined to rise to Class A, believing this will prove her worth. Horikita forms an alliance with Ayanokouji, although she is unaware of her true abilities and intentions. Her relationship with her older brother, Manabu Horikita, who is the student council president, also plays a significant role in her motivation and development. The interaction between Horikita and Ayanokouji is one of the highlights of the series, with both characters learning and evolving through their interactions and the challenges they face.
Kikyou Kushida is a character who, at first glance, appears to be friendly and outgoing, but hides a manipulative and calculating personality. She is popular among the students and uses her “good girl” image to manipulate those around her. Kushida takes a particular interest in Ayanokouji, suspecting her true abilities and intentions. Her rivalry with Suzune Horikita also adds tension to the Class D dynamic. Kushida's complexity as a character and her unpredictable actions add an extra layer of intrigue to the series, keeping viewers and readers constantly aware of her true motivations and plans.
The anime adaptation of Classroom of the Elite, released in 2017, brought the series to an even wider audience. With high-quality animation and an engaging soundtrack, the anime managed to capture the essence of the light novel, although it made some changes to the plot. The anime's reception was positive, with many fans praising the complexity of the characters and the depth of the story. The series continues to be popular, with new volumes of the light novel being released regularly and rumors of a possible second season of the anime. Classroom of the Elite is a brilliant example of how a well-constructed narrative and complex characters can captivate and maintain the audience's interest, becoming a landmark in the anime and light novel genre.
