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As a work exploring struggles with communication and the social ostracization that results from this, Shino Can't Say Her Name is certainly enticing. Kayo and Shino are an excellently written match for each other, and it was both heartwarming and heart-wrenching to see their relationship develop. Shino's struggles are realistic—at times she makes considerable progress in both her ability to speak and her relationship with Kayo, and at other times they are too much and there are serious setbacks. In short, it's a relatable story.

Unfortunately, Oshimi doesn't stick the landing. Kikuchi—the male, tertiary character, is mostly a drag to the story, butting into the two ... girls' relationship without adding much. Partially serving as a cheerleader and partially serving as a sort of enemies-to-friends archetype, his role is better served by Kayo. The ending is perplexing as well. Shino accepts her disability, and while there is merit to this perspective, it's undermined by the fact that her disability is something that was being improved during her time with Kayo. It's also strange that in the epilogue, it's implied Shino didn't marry Kayo despite their chemistry and her formative role in Shino's life.