Back to kaori_miyama's Profile kaori_miyama's Profile 64p

Rom-com anime live or die by their central gimmick, and Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms starts off with a solid one. Mona Kawai is the queen of her high school—worshipped by everyone for her beauty and charm—until one guy, Medaka Kuroiwa, doesn’t react to her at all. Instead of ignoring it, Mona becomes obsessed with making him fall for her, which leads to a bunch of comedic situations.

At first, this setup is genuinely entertaining. Watching Mona, who’s used to effortless iration, struggle with rejection is funny, and Medaka’s deadpan reactions make for a great contrast. But as the episodes roll on, the same ... joke keeps playing out with little variation. Medaka stays stoic, Mona keeps escalating her attempts, and the whole thing starts feeling like a loop.

The initial humor comes from Mona’s growing frustration—she genuinely doesn’t understand why Medaka isn’t falling for her. The exaggerated lengths she goes to in order to get his attention are amusing... for a while. But the issue is, the show doesn’t do much to evolve beyond this. It’s the same dynamic over and over:

Mona tries something ridiculous to seduce Medaka.

Medaka gives her a neutral, sometimes completely oblivious, response.

Mona flails around in frustration, claiming she doesn’t actually care.

Rinse and repeat.

It’s not that the concept itself is bad—it’s just stretched too thin. Something like Kaguya-sama: Love is War worked because the dynamic between Kaguya and Shirogane kept shifting, and there was actual character development. But here, Medaka barely reacts, and Mona keeps doing the same thing. It’s hard to stay engaged when you know exactly how each interaction is going to end.

Mona is an interesting character at first. Her over-the-top self-confidence is amusing because it gets shattered every time Medaka ignores her. But the problem is that she doesn’t grow much as a character. Her entire personality revolves around wanting to be ired, and after a while, it starts feeling more shallow than funny.

That’s not to say she’s entirely unlikable—there are moments where her more genuine side peeks through, and you can tell she’s developing real feelings for Medaka. But her narcissism is so exaggerated that it makes it hard to root for her at times. A little self-confidence is great, but Mona is so obsessed with her own charm that it becomes off-putting.

The first few episodes definitely lean into fan service—there are plenty of suggestive shots and moments meant to show off Mona’s "charms." But after the first three episodes, it gets toned down significantly. While some fans might appreciate this restraint, others might feel like the show starts to lose some of its appeal along with it.

Personally, I don’t think the fan service was necessary in the first place. The concept of the show is already funny enough on its own without needing to rely on those elements. But it does feel a little weird that it starts off strong with it, then backs off almost completely—almost like the series wasn’t sure what direction it wanted to take.

If the show gave Mona more depth, maybe by exploring why she craves attention so much, she could have been a more compelling character. But as it stands, she’s mostly just a one-note joke.

Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms starts off with an entertaining concept, but it quickly becomes predictable. If you’re in the mood for a light rom-com with simple humor, it’s worth checking out. But if you’re looking for a romance anime with deeper character growth or a more varied plot, you might get bored fast. The show had potential, but it needed more variety in its comedy and character dynamics to really shine. Would I watch a second season? Probably not, unless they shake things up.

A Refreshing Workplace Romance

Workplace romances in anime are rare, and even when they appear, they often lean into unrealistic tropes. I Have a Crush at Work takes a different approach—one that embraces realism while still delivering the charm of a classic rom-com.

The story follows Yui Mitsuya, a competent yet somewhat reserved office worker, and Masugu Tateishi, her diligent coworker. Their workplace romance begins in secret, which leads to both comedic and heartfelt situations. The show does an excellent job of portraying the nuances of dating in a professional environment, from stolen glances at meetings to the fear of getting caught by nosy colleagues.

While the ... premise itself isn’t groundbreaking, I Have a Crush at Work excels in its execution. The chemistry between Yui and Masugu feels genuine, and their relationship doesn’t rely on excessive misunderstandings or forced drama. Instead, the tension comes from real-world issues: workplace professionalism, personal boundaries, and navigating love while maintaining a career.

I personally enjoyed how their relationship develops naturally instead of being rushed. Many romance anime struggle with pacing, either dragging things out too long or pushing relationships forward unnaturally fast. Here, it’s a smooth progression, making the romance feel organic and believable.

One of the standout aspects of this anime is how maturely it handles romance. Unlike the usual high school rom-coms where misunderstandings drag on for episodes, Yui and Masugu actually communicate. When issues arise, they talk it out rather than sulking in silence for half the season.

Also, the professional setting adds an extra layer of realism. Unlike Wotakoi, which focused on office workers who were also otaku, I Have a Crush at Work keeps things grounded, showing real concerns like power dynamics, workplace gossip, and career implications. It doesn’t overly dramatize these aspects but acknowledges them enough to feel authentic.

Studio Blade did a solid job with the animation. It’s not flashy like Jujutsu Kaisen or Solo Leveling, but it doesn’t need to be. The art style is crisp, and character expressions are well done, which is crucial for a romance anime where subtle facial movements matter. The color palette is warm and inviting, matching the relaxed yet emotionally engaging atmosphere of the series.

The voice acting deserves praise too—both main leads deliver performances that enhance their characters’ personalities. Yui’s slightly awkward but sincere tone and Masugu’s calm, composed manner make them feel real rather than over-the-top anime archetypes. The background music complements the show well, with soft piano pieces during emotional moments and lighthearted tunes for comedic scenes. While the animation won’t blow you away, it serves the story well. The subtlety in character expressions adds depth, and the voice actors elevate the dialogue.

🔹 Pros: realistic romance, strong character chemistry, great pacing, mature and relatable themes.
🔹 Cons: Lacks high-intensity drama (which might not appeal to everyone); art style is good but not standout.

Romance anime often struggle to evolve beyond high school settings, but I Have a Crush at Work proves that adult relationships can be just as interesting—if not more so.

If you’re tired of rom-coms where everything feels exaggerated, this anime is a solid pick. It’s a refreshing change from the usual high school settings and presents romance in a way that feels closer to real life.

8/10

​Shoshimin: How to Become Ordinary is a 2024 mystery anime series based on the works of Honobu Yonezawa, renowned for Hyouka. The series follows high school students Kobato Jogoro and Yuki Osanai, who, despite their desire for ordinary lives, find themselves entangled in everyday mysteries.

Story & Pacing

The narrative delves into seemingly trivial daily events, such as the theft of a pochette or the mishap of a strawberry tart, and presents them with the gravity of classic whodunits. While this approach offers a fresh perspective on mundane occurrences, some viewers may find the pacing sluggish, as the series often focuses on minor incidents.

Characters

Kobato Jogoro: A high ... school student aiming for an ordinary existence. Despite his intelligence and problem-solving skills, his character lacks depth, making it challenging for viewers to connect with him.

Yuki Osanai: More intriguing than Kobato, Yuki is portrayed as wise and cunning, with a notable fondness for sweets. Her actions, especially in the latter half of the season, showcase her complexity and add layers to her character.

The ing cast, including characters like Kengo, receive minimal development, rendering them less memorable.

Produced by Lapin Track Studios, the series boasts beautiful landscapes and detailed character designs. Innovative animation techniques, such as altering background elements to reflect characters' emotions, enhance the storytelling experience. The soundtrack is adequate, complementing the series' tone without being particularly standout.

Pros:

Innovative portrayal of everyday mysteries.​

High-quality animation and visual storytelling.​

Cons:

Slow pacing may deter some viewers.​

Limited character development, especially among the ing cast.​

Shoshimin: How to Become Ordinary offers a unique take on the mystery genre by elevating mundane events. However, its slow pacing and underdeveloped characters may not appeal to everyone. Fans of Yonezawa's work or those seeking a different approach to mysteries might find it worth exploring.

"Blue Box" was one of the most anticipated romance anime of 2024. With its Shonen Jump background and an already established fanbase, many expected it to be a unique mix of sports and romance. However, instead of being a balanced cocktail of both genres, the anime leans heavily on the romance aspect, with sports serving as more of a background theme. Despite this, Blue Box stands out due to its mature storytelling, well-developed characters, and an engaging love triangle that keeps viewers emotionally invested.

The story follows Taiki Inomata, a hardworking and ambitious member of the bton club who dreams of becoming an athlete on ... the national level. However, unlike other sports anime protagonists who are already talented prodigies, Taiki is far from his goal. He is still struggling, still growing, and his journey is one of perseverance rather than natural genius

The love triangle is the heart of the anime’s first season. Unlike typical romance anime where misunderstandings and indecisiveness drag things out, Blue Box takes a more realistic and mature approach. Taiki isn’t an oblivious protagonist—he knows who he loves and when the time comes, he clearly communicates his feelings, ultimately turning down one of the two girls in Episode 24. This resolution marks a shift in the story, leading many manga readers to joke that the “real Blue Box” starts now, as the focus on sports is expected to increase from this point forward.

One of the strongest aspects of Blue Box is its character writing. The main trio of Taiki, Chinatsu, and Hina all feel like real people rather than typical anime archetypes. Taiki’s determination and hard work make him a compelling protagonist, especially since he isn’t overpowered or naturally gifted like many other anime protagonists. Chinatsu and Hina each have their own goals, struggles, and personal growth, making them feel independent rather than just existing for the sake of romance.

Even the side characters are well-written and contribute meaningfully to the story. While the anime has some typical anime quirks, it remains more grounded and mature than most other romance anime, making it stand out in the genre.

For those expecting a sports-focused anime, Blue Box might be a bit disappointing. While sports play a role in the story, they mainly serve as a backdrop for the characters’ emotional struggles and personal growth. The first season primarily focuses on the love triangle arc, so the sports aspect is not the main attraction. However, with the love triangle resolved, as a fan, I am hopeful that future seasons will bring more emphasis on the competitive side of bton and other sports.

Blue Box is a refreshing take on romance anime, blending sports themes with a mature and emotionally engaging love story. The well-developed characters, realistic romance, and satisfying character growth make it stand out in the genre. While it may not fully satisfy those looking for a true sports-romance hybrid, it offers a strong and compelling romance story that goes beyond the usual tropes.

Pros:
✔ Well-written characters with meaningful development
✔ Mature and realistic love triangle resolution
✔ Strong emotional depth in relationships
✔ Great mix of romance and sports elements (even if romance is dominant)

Cons:
✖ Sports aspect is more of a background theme than a main focus
✖ Some viewers might find the pacing slow

8/10

A must-watch for romance fans, but sports fans might need to wait for future seasons to see if it expands into a true sports-drama mix.

I'm Getting Married to a Girl I Hate in My Class is a romantic comedy anime produced by Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ, directed by Hiroyuki Oshima, with scripts by Tatsuya Takahashi and character designs by Nanako Tatsu. The series premiered on January 3, 2025, and follows Saito Houjo, a high school student forced into an arranged marriage with his classmate and sworn enemy, Akane Sakuramori. The two despise each other, but their unexpected union—orchestrated by their meddling grandparents—sets the stage for a tumultuous yet heartwarming journey of rivalry, forced proximity, and eventual affection. Streaming on Crunchyroll internationally, the anime adapts a light novel series that ... concluded in January 2025 with ten volumes, alongside a manga serialized since May 2021.

The story begins with Saito Houjo, a pragmatic and somewhat neurotic high schooler poised to inherit his grandfather’s corporation, discovering that his inheritance hinges on marrying Akane Sakuramori, a popular and beautiful classmate he loathes. Akane, a tsundere with a sharp tongue and a competitive streak, equally despises Saito, making their forced marriage a recipe for chaos. Their grandparents, reunited after years apart, impose this arrangement to secure family ties and rectify past regrets, thrusting the teenagers into a shared home and a secret they must hide from their classmates.
Initially, Saito and Akane’s interactions are marked by petty arguments and mutual disdain, amplified by their stark personality differences—Saito’s reserved nature clashes with Akane’s fiery demeanor. However, as they navigate their new life together, moments of vulnerability and cooperation emerge, peeling back layers of misunderstanding. Complicating matters are ing characters like Himari Ishikura (Akane’s childhood friend and a rival for Saito’s attention), Shisei Houjo (Saito’s clingy cousin), and Maho Sakuramori (Akane’s mischievous younger sister), who stir jealousy and deepen the central couple’s evolving dynamic. The narrative hinges on the classic "enemies-to-lovers" trope, blending slapstick humor with quiet, introspective beats as Saito and Akane question their feelings.

Saito is the straight man of the duo—practical, slightly awkward, and burdened by familial expectations. His initial disdain for Akane stems from her constant antagonism, but his understated kindness and reliability shine through as the series progresses. Critics note that Saito lacks a strong defining trait beyond his rivalry with Akane, making him a functional but unremarkable protagonist. Shogo Sakata’s performance adds a dry wit that elevates Saito’s quieter moments.

Akane is the fiery heart of the show—a tsundere archetype with a model-like appearance and a hidden dream (later revealed as aspiring to become a doctor, inspired by her sister’s childhood illness). Her hostility toward Saito masks an iration for his intelligence, a nuance Hinaki Yano’s expressive delivery captures well. Akane’s growth from abrasive rival to reluctant partner is the anime’s emotional core, though her exaggerated outbursts occasionally feel repetitive.

A cheerful gyaru and Akane’s best friend, Himari harbors a longstanding crush on Saito, igniting a love triangle that tests her friendship with Akane. Her kind yet assertive personality, paired with Suzushiro’s vibrant voicing, makes her a fan favorite, though her role as a romantic obstacle risks overshadowing her own development.

Saito’s younger cousin brings chaotic energy with her playful obsession with him. Her antics—sitting on his lap, singing his praises—add comedic absurdity, but her over-the-top attachment can feel grating. Nene Hieda’s bubbly performance suits the role perfectly.

Akane’s sickly-turned-scheming little sister pretends to pursue Saito to stalk her sibling, injecting a quirky subplot. Her late introduction (around Episode 4) spices up the dynamic, though her motivations remain underdeveloped by mid-season.

Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ deliver a visually competent adaptation, though it rarely pushes boundaries. The animation is clean and colorful, with expressive character designs by Nanako Tatsu that faithfully translate Nanami Narumi’s light novel illustrations. Backgrounds, like the couple’s shared home, are detailed enough to ground the story, but action scenes (mostly comedic scuffles) lack fluidity. The standout is the character animation—Akane’s flustered expressions and Saito’s subtle shifts from irritation to warmth are highlights.
The soundtrack, composed by Arisa Okehazama, complements the tone with light, playful melodies. The opening theme, "Koibito Ijō, Suki Miman" by =Love, is a catchy earworm that encapsulates the "more than lovers, less than love" tension, while the ending, "Suki Kirai mo Oikoshite" by the voice actresses, offers a softer, reflective contrast. Sound direction enhances comedic timing, though it occasionally overrelies on exaggerated effects.

Saito and Akane’s banter is the show’s beating heart. Their one-bed sleepover in Episode 1 and later domestic squabbles (e.g., cooking mishaps in Episode 3) blend humor and tenderness effectively. The 12-episode series keeps the story tight, avoiding the filler that plagues longer rom-coms. By Episode 6, subtle romantic hints—like Akane’s jealousy over Himari—signal progress without rushing the payoff. The comedy lands consistently, from Maho’s stalking antics to Saito’s deadpan reactions to his bizarre situation.

The forced marriage setup feels contrived, even for a romance. The grandparents’ logic—tying their reconciliation to their grandkids’ lives—strains credulity and may alienate viewers seeking realism. Aito’s blandness and the underuse of side characters (e.g., Himari’s arc feels repetitive) limit emotional stakes. Akane carries much of the narrative weight, which imbalances the duo. Fans of the genre will spot every twist—rivalry softens, jealousy flares, love blooms—miles away, reducing tension.

I’m Getting Married to a Girl I Hate in My Class is a delightful, if flawed, addition to the rom-com canon. It thrives on Saito and Akane’s evolving bond, bolstered by solid production and a knack for lighthearted chaos. While it won’t redefine the genre—its predictability and uneven cast hold it back—it’s a cozy watch for fans craving classic tropes with a modern sheen.

Recommended for: Rom-com enthusiasts, tsundere fans, and anyone who enjoys a good bicker-to-blush arc.

Masterful Storytelling Without Anime Tropes


When I first heard that Orb, a highly acclaimed seinen manga, was being adapted by Studio Madhouse, I was thrilled. Madhouse has a strong track record of delivering high-quality adaptations, rarely failing to meet expectations. However, my excitement was met with some concern when I saw the stacked anime lineup for Fall 2024 and Winter 2025—with major titles like Dan DA Dan, Re:Zero Season 3, Sakamoto Days, Blue Box, and the continuation of Bleach. I feared that Orb, despite its brilliance, would fly under the radar. And while it may not have been completely overlooked, it remains underrated compared to these ... mainstream hits.

One of Orb's greatest strengths is how mature and grounded its storytelling is, reminiscent of Vinland Saga and Berserk. The writing doesn’t feel like a typical anime—it avoids forced comedy, unnecessary drama, and cheap fanservice. Instead, it delivers an intellectually engaging and emotionally gripping narrative that feels more akin to a historical novel or a high-quality Western drama than a conventional anime.

The world of Orb is richly developed, with realistic conflicts, morally gray characters, and deep philosophical themes. Rather than spoon-feeding the audience, it trusts viewers to pick up on nuances, making for an engaging and immersive experience. The character writing in Orb is pure gold. Every character has their own motivations, ideologies, and personal struggles, making them feel like real people rather than archetypes.

The conclusion of Orb may not satisfy every viewer, but that’s precisely what makes it brilliant. Unlike most anime, which wrap up neatly with traditional resolutions, Orb chooses an unconventional, realistic ending that stays true to its themes. It reflects the harshness of reality, leaving a lasting impact rather than a typical "happily ever after."

Some might find it unsatisfying, but in a way, that only reinforces how unique Orb is. The story never compromises its integrity, delivering an ending that is thought-provoking rather than emotionally convenient.

Orb is an underrated masterpiece, offering some of the best character writing, plot twists, and thematic depth in modern anime. While it may not have gained the same mainstream popularity as other big titles in Fall 2024/Winter 2025, it stands as a shining example of what seinen anime can achieve when done right. If you appreciate deep, mature storytelling in the vein of Vinland Saga or Berserk, this is an anime you cannot afford to miss.