A new anime season has begun, even though the world is still in a strange place compared to the start of the last anime season in January. As we all hope for just a little normalcy to return in our lives, I’m happy to report that we’ve got a proper second season of one of the best anime to come along in years, Kaguya-sama: Love is War (Japanse title Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai!, translatable as Kaguya-sama Wants To Make Him Confess His Love First).
Yes, this is a proper new season for one of my favorite series ever. Not a season of 3-minute short episodes featuring chibi versions of the characters. Not a spin-off without any of the characters we actually care about. Not an experimental CGI sequel because the studio wanted to capitalize on the show’s popularity without spending the money for a full series.
The concept is simple: rich girl Kaguya and intelligent-but-of-average-means student body president Shirogane both love each other, but each refuses to be the first one to confess their love to the other, as that would put them at a disadvantage in the relationship going forward. Most episodes include some situation in which Kaguya or Shirogane will be cornered and nearly forced to be the one to admit their love for the other, but at the last minute something happens, allowing the vague non-reationship to continue. Added into the mix are genius characters like pink-haired Chika (who provides guidance to the two main characters), Hayasaka (Kaguya’s maid and spy), and the unmotivated Ishigami-kun.
One source of humor is when Kamishiro or Kaguya are asked to provide love advice to two other students, Tsubasa and Nagisa, a couple who go through various stages in their relationship during the show. This is amusing because both main characters are completely without experience in love, yet must pretend to be worldly and knowledgable in order to keep up appearances. In one scene Tsubasa and Nagisa play a trick on the other characters, acting as if they’d already attained the level of “C.” In Japan, the letters ABC serve as markers for first base, second base, etc. in relationships, with “A” being the first kiss, “B” being petting/touching and “C” representing going all the way. When Tsubasa and Nagisa pretend to have “attained nirvana” together, the reactions of the other characters are predictably entertaining.
Will you be watching Kaguya-sama: Love is War with us? What anime shows will you be watching this season? Tell us in the comments below, or hit us up on Twitter!
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