Shoshimin: How to Become Ordinary follows Kobato Jogoro and Osanai, former prodigies striving to abandon their extraordinary pasts for mundane high school lives.
The series dissects themes of identity, societal expectations, and the paradox of pursuing normalcy. These quotes capture their struggle to suppress brilliance while confronting remnants of their exceptional talents.
The Art of becoming Ordinary
Chapter 1 (The Start)
Kobato Jogoro
Defines their core philosophy: avoiding attention to achieve peace through strict adherence to mediocrity.
Dating is off the table if you wish to Truly Become Ordinary
Chapter 5 (Boundaries)
Kobato & Osanai
Mutual pact to reject romantic entanglements, prioritizing their commitment to blending in.
Did something happen to you in middle school?
Episode 3 (Echoes of the Past)
Classmate
Questions Kobato’s drastic shift from outspoken genius to reserved “ordinary” student.
From a middle school detective to just an ordinary high schooler
Light Novel Volume 1
Kobato Jogoro
Dismisses trauma as motivation, claiming his transition to normalcy was “natural.”
I’ve quit playing the detective
Episode 7 (Broken Promises)
Kobato Jogoro
Rejects his problem-solving instincts to honor his pact with Osanai.
That little punk must be punished for messing with an ordinary person
Episode 6 (The Bicycle Incident)
Kobato Jogoro
Struggles to ignore provocations, revealing cracks in his resolve to stay passive.
He ruined my spring-exclusive strawberry tarts
Episode 6 (The Bicycle Incident)
Kobato Jogoro
Comedic lament about trivial grievances testing his commitment to non-confrontation.
The ultimate test to become ordinary
Chapter 12 (Trials of Normalcy)
Kobato Jogoro
Frames enduring bullying as necessary for proving their dedication to ordinariness.
What do you think is the most important thing to us ordinary people?
Light Novel Volume 2
Kobato Jogoro
Argues contentment with the status quo is key to maintaining invisibility.
Isn’t this the kind of situation you thrive in?
Episode 9 (Temptation)
Osanai
Challenges Kobato’s resolve by invoking his past talent for solving mysteries.
Life becomes easy when you start minding your own business
Episode 4 (The Art of Indifference)
Kobato Jogoro
Justifies isolation as a survival tactic in their quest for normalcy.
Mind of a Lone Wolf
Chapter 11 (Reflections)
Kobato Jogoro
Contrasts his intellectual burnout with Osanai’s suppressed violent tendencies.
Nowadays, she only shows happiness when there’s something sweet
Light Novel Volume 3
Narration
Highlights Osanai’s restrained joy, masking her ruthless past.
She used to relish beating those who wronged her
Light Novel Volume 3
Narration
Exposes Osanai’s former thrill in vengeance, now buried under forced normalcy.
Should we call it quits on becoming ordinary citizens?
Episode 12 (Crossroads)
Osanai
Questions their pact after a crisis reawakens her violent instincts.
We promised we’d be ordinary. Letting things happen is the test
Episode 7 (Broken Promises)
Kobato Jogoro
Reinforces their agreement to endure humiliation without retaliation.
Being content isn’t weakness—it’s discipline
Chapter 8 (The Quiet Life)
Kobato Jogoro
Reframes passivity as strength, defending their choice to avoid ambition.
Ordinary people don’t chase glory… or answers
Episode 5 (The Locked Room)
Osanai
Stops Kobato from solving a mystery, prioritizing their pact over curiosity.
Your silence is louder than your genius ever was
Episode 2 (The New Normal)
Teacher
Critiques Kobato’s unnatural suppression of his intellect.
I’m not running from my past—I’m choosing peace
Light Novel Volume 4
Kobato Jogoro
Denies cowardice, framing ordinariness as intentional self-reinvention.
Even boredom can be meaningful
Chapter 9 (Monotony)
Osanai
Finds unexpected comfort in mundane routines after years of chaos.
The guidance counselor summoned me twice… I must stay calm
Episode 6 (The Bicycle Incident)
Kobato Jogoro
Comically strains to avoid reacting to false accusations.
We’re not hiding—we’re evolving
Light Novel Volume 5
Osanai
Defends their quest as growth, not regression, during a moral dilemma.
Genius is a cage. Ordinary is freedom
Episode 10 (Breaking Point)
Kobato Jogoro
Rejects societal pressure to excel, embracing anonymity as liberation.
If we slip up, we’ll become what we hated
Chapter 15 (The Line)
Osanai
Warns against using their talents, even for good, fearing regression.
Our greatest achievement? Being forgettable
Series Finale (Epilogue)
Narration
Bittersweet triumph as they succeed in erasing their extraordinary legacies.
