6.9 / 10 (based on 872 reviews)
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In the realm of anime, every so often, a series emerges that breaks the mold in a refreshing way. “Rikei ga Koi ni Ochita no de Shoumei shitemita,” also known as “Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It,” is one such series. Released in 2020, it blends romance, comedy, and a surprising amount of real science into its narrative. This anime doesn’t just entertain; it educates, making it a unique addition to any watchlist.
The Premise
At its core, the show follows two science graduate students, Ayame Himuro and Shinya Yukimura, who are also colleagues in the same lab. When Ayame confesses her feelings to Yukimura, what follows is not the typical romantic progression seen in many shows. Instead, both being dedicated scientists, they decide to approach love the same way they would any scientific hypothesis: through experimentation and empirical evidence. The question they seek to answer is not whether they can fall in love, but whether their feelings can be scientifically proven.
The Characters
Ayame Himuro
Ayame is passionate, both about her research and her feelings for Yukimura. Her approach to proving love scientifically is as earnest as it is hilariously over-the-top. She’s a strong female character who’s not afraid to take the lead in both her professional and personal life.
Shinya Yukimura
Yukimura is the epitome of the emotionally oblivious scientist. Brilliant in his field, his approach to Himuro’s confession is to treat it as a fascinating research topic. His dedication to science over social cues provides much of the show’s humor.
Supporting Cast
The duo is surrounded by a cast of equally quirky characters, including a computational scientist who believes in dating simulations as the basis for understanding love, and an older, more experienced researcher who tries to offer guidance, often leading to comedic results.
The Science
What sets this anime apart is its dedication to incorporating real scientific theories and methodologies. From statistical analysis to experimental design, the show dives deep into how researchers approach unknown variables and phenomena. It’s a love letter to the scientific method, with each episode tackling different aspects of their “research” into proving love.
Examples of Experiments
One memorable experiment involves the couple going on a date and measuring their physiological responses to different stimuli, like holding hands or sharing a meal, to quantify their romantic attraction. Another experiment has them trying to calculate the exact moment love first occurred between them, using mathematical models.
The Humor
The humor in “Rikei ga Koi ni Ochita no de Shoumei shitemita” stems from the juxtaposition of the characters’ serious scientific approach to the inherently unquantifiable nature of human emotions. The show does a fantastic job of highlighting the absurdity in trying to apply logic and reason to love, all while maintaining a genuine respect for the scientific process.
Notable Funny Moments
One particularly funny scene is when the characters attempt to create a formula that can predict love, only to end up with a blackboard full of nonsensical equations that somehow still make sense to them. Another moment is when they decide to measure the “warmth” of a hug, leading to a series of awkward and hilarious attempts to quantify something so subjective.
The Romance
Despite its analytical approach, at its heart, the show is a romance. The experiments bring the characters closer, allowing them to explore their feelings in a way that feels true to who they are. The series does an excellent job of balancing its comedic and scientific elements with genuine moments of tenderness and vulnerability.
Growth of the Relationship
As the series progresses, Ayame and Yukimura’s relationship evolves in a believable and heartwarming manner. Their scientific journey becomes a metaphor for their personal journey, with each experiment bringing them closer to understanding not just love, but each other.
The Impact
“Rikei ga Koi ni Ochita no de Shoumei shitemita” has resonated with a wide audience for several reasons. It’s not just a love story; it’s a story about passion—for science, for discovery, and for each other. It challenges the notion that emotions and science are mutually exclusive, presenting a world where both can coexist harmoniously.
Educational Value
Beyond entertainment, the show has educational value. It introduces viewers to scientific concepts and the research process in an accessible and engaging way. It’s a testament to the idea that learning can be fun and that science is everywhere, even in matters of the heart.
Conclusion
“Rikei ga Koi ni Ochita no de Shoumei shitemita” is a standout anime that offers something different. It’s smart, funny, and heartwarming, all while making you think. Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a romance fan, or just someone looking for a good laugh, this show has something to offer. It proves, in its unique way, that love, like science, is about exploration, discovery, and the joy of finding out something new about the world, and perhaps, about yourself.