6.6 / 10 (based on 128 reviews)
Kouichi Sanada and Kazuki Aihara’s childhood friend Mao Mizusawa has returned after living in France for a couple of years. Kouichi is surprised to learn that, since her parents are remaining overseas for the time being, his mother has agreed to let Mao stay with them. The three friends help each other deal with the ups and downs of high school romance.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Satoshi Hino, Haruna Ikezawa, Ami Koshimizu, Takahiro Mizushima
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 24 episodes
Shows Most Like Kimikisu: Pyua rûju (2007)
Yahari ore no seishun rabukome wa machigatteiru. (2013)
7.9 / 10 (based on 7494 reviews)
About an antisocial high school student named Hikigaya Hachiman with a distorted view on life and no friends or girlfriend. His life change when he was forced to enter the “Volunteer Service Club” by his teacher.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Cat Thomas, Melissa Molano, Takuya Eguchi, Saori Hayami
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 40 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Go-Toubun no Hanayome (2019)
7.7 / 10 (based on 5633 reviews)
A poor, straight A student is hired to tutor some rich quintuplets. The story is told as a flashback from a future that shows that he ends up getting married to one of them.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Kana Hanazawa, Ayana Taketatsu, Miku Itou
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 24 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Hige o Soru. Soshite Joshikousei o Hirou. (2021)
7.4 / 10 (based on 2873 reviews)
An office worker takes in a runaway school girl. Despite the difference in age and personalities, they form a bond.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Kazuyuki Okitsu, Kana Ichinose, Hisako Kanemoto, Yûsuke Kobayashi
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Nisekoi (2014)
7.2 / 10 (based on 3750 reviews)
The heir to a Yakuza Family is forced to be in a relationship with the daughter of the head of a gangster family to avoid a gang war, much to their chagrin.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Koki Uchiyama, Nao Tôyama, Kana Hanazawa, Yumi Uchiyama
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 36 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
Ao-chan Can’t Study (2019)
6.4 / 10 (based on 775 reviews)
When Ao was in kindergarten, she smiled ear-to-ear as she told her classmates how her father (a bestselling erotic author) chose her name: “A as in apple and O as in orgy!” That day still haunts her ten years later as she studies with a single goal in mind: get into an elite university and achieve independence from her father once and for all. She has no youth to misspend and no time to think about boys – until her classmate, “King Normie” Kijima, approaches her with a shocking confession of love. She tries to lose Kijima, but he just can’t take a hint – and as her mind runs wild with impure thoughts, she realizes her father has totally influenced her.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Azumi Waki, Junta Terashima, Kenjirô Tsuda, Sarah Wiedenheft
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 12.0-minute runtime
Masamune-kun No Revenge (2017)
6.4 / 10 (based on 2678 reviews)
As a child, Masamune Makabe once suffered greatly at the hands of a wealthy and beautiful girl named Aki Adagaki, who nicknamed him “Piggy” due to his chubby appearance. Seeking revenge against his tormentor, Masamune works hard to improve himself and returns as an incredibly handsome, albeit narcissistic, high school student. When he encounters Aki once again, he is prepared to exact vengeance. With the aid of the rich girl’s maid, Yoshino Koiwai, Masamune slowly begins to build his relationship with Aki, intending to break her heart when the time is right. However, as his friendship with Aki begins to grow, Masamune starts to question the objectives of his devious plans, and if bringing them to fruition is what his heart truly desires.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Monica Rial, Natsuki Hanae, Josh Grelle, Caitlin Glass
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo (2012)
7.7 / 10 (based on 4684 reviews)
Sakura Dormitory is a dorm of the high school affiliated with Suimei University of the Arts (often shortened as Suiko), which hosts the strangest, most trouble-making students. After being kicked out of the normal dorm for keeping a stray cat, Sorata Kanda moves into Sakura Dormitory. As he starts to get used to the life in the dorm, Mashiro Shiina, a world famous artist who cannot even take care of her daily life, moves in. Sorata is forced to become Mashiro’s handler. The story is about their daily lives as well as mental growth.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Ai Kayano, Mariko Nakatsu, Natsumi Takamori
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 24 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Trinity Seven: 7-nin no Masho Tsukai (2014)
6.8 / 10 (based on 2514 reviews)
In this “romantic comedy but sometimes serious magical school story,” life as Arata Kasuga knows it is wiped out by a bizarre incident known as “Collapse Phenomenon,” which causes worldwide destruction and takes his cousin Hijiri Kasuga to the next world. To resolve the “Collapse Phenomenon” and bring back Hijiri, Arata enrolls in the Royal Biblia Academy. Waiting in the school are seven beautiful female magic users-The Trinity Seven.
Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Yumi Hara, Ryôka Yuzuki, Aya Uchida, Ayane Sakura
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes
Kimikisu: Pyua rûju, a TV show from 2007, stands out in the crowded field of anime for several reasons. It’s a series that, while perhaps not as widely recognized as some of its contemporaries, has carved out its own niche and maintained a loyal fanbase over the years. This article aims to unpack what makes Kimikisu: Pyua rûju special, from its storytelling and character development to its animation style and cultural impact.
The Premise
At its core, Kimikisu: Pyua rûju is a romantic drama that explores the complexities of teenage relationships. The story revolves around a group of high school students navigating the ups and downs of friendship, love, and heartbreak. What sets it apart from other anime in the genre is its commitment to realism and emotional depth. The characters are not just archetypes; they are fully realized individuals with their own desires, fears, and flaws.
Character Development
One of the show’s strongest points is its character development. Each character undergoes significant growth throughout the series, making their journeys feel both personal and relatable. For instance, the protagonist’s evolution from a shy, uncertain teenager into a more confident and self-assured individual mirrors the real-life experiences of many viewers. This authenticity in character growth is a testament to the show’s writing and its understanding of human nature.
Examples of Growth
- Mao Mizusawa: Mao starts off as a cheerful and outgoing girl, but as the series progresses, we get to see her vulnerabilities and the depth of her feelings for her childhood friend, Kouichi Sanada. Her journey is one of self-discovery and learning to express her true feelings.
- Kouichi Sanada: Kouichi’s growth is centered around his romantic feelings and his understanding of what it means to truly care for someone. His evolution from a passive character to someone who takes action for the sake of his loved ones is compelling.
Storytelling Techniques
The storytelling in Kimikisu: Pyua rûju is both subtle and impactful. The series excels at showing rather than telling, allowing viewers to infer characters’ thoughts and feelings through their actions and interactions. This approach adds a layer of depth to the narrative, encouraging the audience to engage more deeply with the story and its characters.
Subtlety in Storytelling
A great example of this subtlety is how the series handles the theme of unrequited love. Instead of dramatic confessions or confrontations, the show often uses small, quiet moments to convey the pain and longing of its characters. These moments, though understated, are powerful in their emotional impact.
Animation and Art Style
The animation and art style of Kimikisu: Pyua rûju contribute significantly to its overall mood and tone. The character designs are distinctive yet realistic, avoiding the exaggerated features common in many anime. This realism extends to the show’s backgrounds and settings, which are rendered in meticulous detail, creating a believable and immersive world.
Attention to Detail
The series’ attention to detail is evident in its portrayal of the changing seasons, which plays a significant role in the narrative. The transition from the vibrant colors of summer to the muted tones of winter mirrors the characters’ emotional journeys, adding a poetic dimension to the storytelling.
Cultural Impact
While Kimikisu: Pyua rûju may not have achieved the mainstream success of some other anime, its impact on its fans and the genre as a whole is undeniable. The series has developed a devoted following, with many praising its mature approach to romance and relationships. It has also influenced other creators in the genre, inspiring them to explore similar themes of love, friendship, and personal growth in their work.
Fan Engagement
The show’s fans are known for their deep engagement with the series, discussing its themes, characters, and storylines in online forums and social media. This level of engagement speaks to the show’s ability to resonate with its audience on a personal level.
Conclusion
Kimikisu: Pyua rûju is a standout series in the anime genre, offering a nuanced and emotionally rich exploration of teenage life and love. Its strengths lie in its character development, storytelling techniques, and attention to detail, all of which come together to create a memorable and impactful viewing experience. While it may not have the widespread recognition of some of its peers, its legacy as a beloved and influential series is secure. For fans of anime looking for a story that offers both realism and depth, Kimikisu: Pyua rûju is a must-watch.