Top 5 Romance Anime of 2018
There were alot of good romance anime in 2018. If your looking for a light hearted romantic comedy anime or a mature rom-com anime, then this was a good year for you.
Here are the top 5 romance anime of 2018:
5. Koi wa Ameagari no You ni (After The Rain)
Genre: Romance, Seinen
Studio: Wit Studio
Season: Spring 2018
Episodes: 12
Introduction
Akira Tachibana, a reserved high school student and former track runner, has not been able to race the same as she used to since she experienced a severe foot injury. And although she is regarded as attractive by her classmates, she is not interested in the boys around school.
While working part-time at the Garden Cafe, Akira begins to develop feelings for the manager—a 45-year-old man named Masami Kondou—despite the large age gap. Kondou shows genuine concern and kindness toward the customers of his restaurant, which, while viewed by others as soft or weak, draws Akira to him. Spending time together at the restaurant, they grow closer, which only strengthens her feelings. Weighed down by these uncertain emotions, Akira finally resolves to confess, but what will be the result?
via MyAnimeList
Thoughts
The premise of After the Rain might turn viewers off from the start. However, the execution was perfect and it was delivered in a mature and thought provoking way. Both Akira and Kondo both have individual obstacles that they overcome throughout the series and through their interactions, they learn alot about themselves and each other.
Conclusion
Koi wa Ameagari no You ni (After The Rain) shows that feelings can be complicated and confusing. It’s not a typical depiction of romantic love. Instead, it shows how profound human relationships can be.
4. Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii (Love is Hard For Otaku)
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Season: Spring 2018
Episodes: 11
Introduction
Having slept through all four of her alarms, the energetic Narumi Momose finds herself running late for her first day of work at a new office. As she races to catch her train, she makes a promise to herself that none of her coworkers will find out about her dark secret: that she is an otaku and a fujoshi. Her plan goes instantly awry, though, when she runs into Hirotaka Nifuji, an old friend from middle school. Although she tries to keep her secret by inviting him out for drinks after work, her cover is blown when he casually asks her whether or not she will be attending the upcoming Summer Comiket. Luckily for her, the only witnesses—Hanako Koyanagi and Tarou Kabakura—are otaku as well.
Later that night, the pair go out for drinks so that they can catch up after all the years apart. After Narumi complains about her previous boyfriend breaking up with her because he refused to date a fujoshi, Hirotaka suggests that she try dating a fellow otaku, specifically himself. He makes a solemn promise to always be there for her, to support her, and to help her farm for rare drops in Monster Hunter. Blown away by the proposal, Narumi agrees immediately. Thus the two otaku start dating, and their adorably awkward romance begins.
via MyAnimeList
Thoughts
Narumi is an outgoing girl with an interest in fujoshi and otome games. Nifuji is an otaku with an interest in video games and does not try to hide the fact that he’s an otaku. Despite their different personalities, they are able to get along very nicely and have good chemistry. The other two couple in the series is Hanako Koanagi and Tarou Kabakura. They constantly argue but underneath it all, they genuinely seem to love each other. What makes this anime stand out is how relatable and realistic it is.
Conclusion
Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii (Love is Hard For Otaku) takes on a refreshing spin on the typical romantic comedy genre as it follows the lives of four otaku adults in their 20’s.
3. Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san
Genre: Romance, Comedy, School, Slice of Life, Shounen
Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
Season: Winter 2018
Episodes: 12
Introduction
Having a friend that knows you inside out should be a good thing, but in Nishikata’s case, the opposite is true.
His classmate Takagi loves to tease him on a daily basis, and she uses her extensive knowledge of his behavior to predict exactly how he will react to her teasing, making it nearly impossible for Nishikata to ever make a successful comeback. Despite this, Nishikata vows to someday give Takagi a taste of her own medicine by making her blush out of embarrassment from his teasing.
via MyAnimeList
Thoughts
What makes this show a good romance is the playful dynamic between Nishikata and Takagi and the subtle tension that builds up. Nishitaka is always thinking of ways to stump and perplex Takagi, either by concocting a complex scheme to use on her or by solving the problems she gives him. It’s a fun cat and mouse game with a nice payoff at the end.
Conclusion
If your looking for a well done light-hearted romantic comedy, then this is the anime you should check out. Definitely top 3.
2. Hi Score Girl
Genre: Comedy, Romance, School, Seinen
Studio: J.C Staff
Season: Summer 2018
Episodes: 12
Introduction
The year is 1991, and arcade video games are the latest craze. Becoming a professional gamer is a far-fetched dream in an industry that has yet to spread its influence. Yet, that is the path sixth-grader Haruo Yaguchi wants to pursue. His aptitude for video games has earned him respect in local arcades and bestowed him with confidence and pride, both of which are shattered when fellow classmate Akira Oono easily defeats him in Street Fighter 2.
Akira is rich, pretty, and smart—as close as can be to a perfect girl. But Haruo had never cared about these things as, despite his multiple shortcomings as a person, his supremacy in video games was, in his mind, undisputed. So, now that someone has appeared who can rival him, part of Haruo cannot help but loathe her. Another part, however, itches for somebody who can compete with him on equal terms, and Akira is more than capable.
via MyAnimeList
Thoughts
This is a romantic anime centered around video games. Akira and Haruo come from two different backgrounds but a love of video games brings them together. One of the most appealing thing about this anime is seeing the bond between Akira and Haruo grow over time as they go through middle and high school.
Conclusion
Hi Score Girl is an anime that brings tons of nostalgia. The relationship between Akira and Harua is innocent and feels very organic over time. It definitely gets an A for originality.
1. Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai
Genre: Comedy, Romance, School, Supernatural
Studio: CloverWorks
Season: Fall 2018
Episodes: 13
Introduction
The rare and inexplicable Puberty Syndrome is thought of as a myth. It is a rare disease which only affects teenagers, and its symptoms are so supernatural that hardly anyone recognizes it as a legitimate occurrence. However, high school student Sakuta Azusagawa knows from personal experience that it is very much real, and happens to be quite prevalent in his school.
Mai Sakurajima is a third-year high school student who gained fame in her youth as a child actress, but recently halted her promising career for reasons unknown to the public. With an air of unapproachability, she is well known throughout the school, but none dare interact with her—that is until Sakuta sees her wandering the library in a bunny girl costume. Despite the getup, no one seems to notice her, and after confronting her, he realizes that she is another victim of Puberty Syndrome. As Sakuta tries to help Mai through her predicament, his actions bring him into contact with more girls afflicted with the elusive disease.
via MyAnimeList
Thoughts
The chemistry between Mai and Sakuta was superb. Their interactions were witty and entertaining. It helps that Sakuta has a backbone and acts like a real person. Bunny Girl Senpai gives off Bakemonogatari (2009) vibes.
Conclusion
The supernatural element of this series was a great backdrop for the issues and challenges Mai and Sakuta had to overcome. Bunny Girl Senpai was the best romance anime of 2018.
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