I continue to enjoy KoiKimo, aka Koi to Yobu ni wa Kimochi Warui, literally “[This Relationship is] Too Disgusting to be Called Love.” As I wrote in my first post on the show, despite a premise that could turn off some viewers ahead of time, it’s a cute series that’s really well-executed and has kept me tuning in weekly. Let’s look at why this is the best romantic comedy of the season, and what makes a good anime rom-com in general!
KoiKimo is the story of Ryou, a playboy businessman whose life is saved by a high school girl named Ichika. By chance, Ichika’s best friend is his sister Rio, and when Ryou decides he wants to make Ichika accept his love, Rio tries to bring her friend and brother together, despite Ryou being ten years older. Meanwhile, Ichika’s classmate Tamaru and Ryou’s coworker Matsushima try to realize their own romantic dreams, but can’t seem to move forward.
Five Elements that Make a Good Anime Rom-Com
Let’s look at what I consider some important elements of a good romantic comedy story, and why KoiKimo is the best anime rom-com you should be watching this season.
A Rom-Com is Not a Harem
First, I’d say that the rom-com genre has to be separated from a harem story, which is more about a central character who’s surrounded by multiple love interests, and how those characters compete for the main character’s attention. A rom-com must have a more complex structure with more dramatic story elements than a simple harem.
A Rom-Com Has to Have Comedy
It’s right there in the name. If there isn’t a significant comedy element to the story, it’s a romantic drama or something else.
There Must be Story and Character Evolution
A good anime rom-com must, I think, go out of its way to have the characters change and grow over time, and have the core problem the characters are faced with is also evolving, too. KoiKimo fulfills this requirement with flying colors.
There Must Be A Resolution
Stories in which the romantic equilibrium of the characters is “reset” after every episode are terrible. As a boy, I used to read Archie comics, in which pure-hearted Betty and rich tsundere Veronica do battle to win Archie’s heart. Some of the story arcs were quite dramatic and well-done…yet everything was always reset at the end. This eternal lack of proper closure to the stories of characters we were emotionally invested in is one reason many of us were attracted to anime and manga from Japan.
Five Great Anime Rom-Com Series You Should Watch!
Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!
While it caused many Twitter Wars because how dare anime fans like a university student who’s short yet busty, Uzaki-chan wa Asobitai! was a thoughtfully executed romantic comedy about a loud but good-hearted girl who just wants to hang out and do fun things with her senpai. Despite having some sexy fan service moments, the show is principally about the evolution of Uzaki and Sakurai-senpai’s feelings for each other.
Read my post on Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! here.
Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Definitely one of the best anime rom-coms ever made, Kaguya-sama: Love is War tells the story of two star-crossed lovers who can’t be together because neither is willing to take the first step and confess their love for the other. Make sure you watch this gem!
Toradora!
One of my favorite anime series ever. Palmtop tiger forms an alliance with Ryuji to help her win the heart of Kitamura-kun, and Ryuji to become a couple with Minori. It’s such a great series, many fans re-watch it every Christmas.
Oregairu: My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU
A fun anime about a cynical MC and the cute girls he interacts with in high school. Will he choose the bright and cheerful Yui Yuigahama or the somber kuudere Yukino Yukinoshita? I was really happy with the resolution of the series, which ended last year.
Here’s a blog post I wrote on the Oregairu anime for you!
Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!
One of the best offernigs by Kyoto Animation, Love, Chuunibyou and Other Delusions explores the problem of “8th graders disease,” the tendency of students to create internal fantasy worlds as a mechanism for escaping from the stresses of oncoming adulthood. The adorkable love that blossoms between Yuuta and Rikka, and the changes the characters go through during the first season as they put their childish fantasy worlds behind them, is outstanding.
Thanks for reading this post reminding you to watch the KoiKimo anime, and analyzing what makes for a good anime rom-com. What’s your favorite romantic comedy anime? Post it below, or let us know on Twitter!
As usual, our sister company J18 Publishing is working hard to keep you supplied with awesome translated + uncensored hentai doujinshi, and we’ve got two new titles for you this month, both from artist Hyocoro. Enjoy the two AMNERO: Reinforced Human books we’ve got for you. They’re in stock in San Diego now!
