What is it: Classroom of the Elite
Classroom of the Elite, known in Japan as "Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e," is a light novel series 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 High School, an elite institution where students are sorted into different classes based on their academic and social skills. The plot revolves around Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, a seemingly ordinary student in Class D who hides an exceptional intellect and abilities. The series explores themes of 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 anime and light novel fans.
Koudo Ikusei High School is a true microcosm of society, where students are encouraged to compete with one another to move up the ranks. The school offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and an environment that simulates adult life, allowing students to earn points that can be exchanged for goods and services. However, fierce competition and political intrigue between classes reveal the institution's true colors. Class D, where Kiyotaka Ayanokouji is placed, is considered the lowest and comprised of problem students. However, Ayanokouji, with his intelligence and strategic skills, begins to change the class dynamic, 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, uninterested 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 problem-solving 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, though she is unaware of his 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 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 has a particular interest in Ayanokouji, suspicious of his true abilities and intentions. Her rivalry with Suzune Horikita also adds tension to the dynamic of Class D. Kushida's complexity as a character and her unpredictable actions add an extra layer of intrigue to the series, keeping viewers and readers constantly on the lookout for 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 a captivating soundtrack, the anime captured the essence of the light novel, despite making some plot changes. 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 sustain audiences' interest, becoming a landmark in the anime and light novel genre.
