Japanese animation has captivated audiences worldwide with its diverse range of themes, from action-packed adventures to comedies. Among all of these heartwarming stories, romantic anime holds a special place for many fans. This story explores all the complexities of friendship, love, and self-discovery. It features relatable characters with distinct backstories and personalities, allowing all the viewers to connect with their struggles on a personal level.
1. My Dress-Up Darling
My Dress-Up Darling is a famous Japanese romance and comedy anime. The story is about Wakana Gojo, who is passionate about crafting Hina dolls, which causes him to hide his interest because of his social trauma. Marin Kitagawa, his classmate, discovers his talents and encourages him to create cosplay costumes. With her support, he steps out of his seclusion and gains confidence. It is a heartwarming and humorous anime you should watch.
2. My Happy Marriage
My Happy Marriage is a standout romance anime by Akumi Agitogi, released in 2023. The story was set in an alternate Meiji Restoration era, which was filled with supernatural elements. Miyo, even though coming from a well-off family, endures a nightmare of life because of her cruel stepsister, stepmother, and biological father. They marry her off to a notorious military figure, Kiyoka. Once the two get to know each other more, there may be a chance for love.
3. Your Lie In April
Your Lie in April is a romantic drama manga written by Naoshi Arakawa. The story is about a child piano prodigy, Kosei Arima, whose life is turned upside down when his mother dies. This results in a mental breakdown, and he is unable to hear the sound of the piano, even though he didn’t lose his hearing. He gets depressed, and two years later, he meets Kaori Miyazono, a violinist whose zeal for life helps him. He falls in love with her without realizing that she has a secret that might tear him apart.
4. Romantic Killer
Romantic Killer is a mixture of romance and harem anime, written by Wataru Momose. Anzu is the protagonist who has no inclination towards boys, as her world only revolves around having chocolate, her cat, and video games. Her life however takes an unexpected turn when a magical entity disturbs her routine, depriving her of her loved pastimes and thrusting her into the role of a reverse harem lead.
5. Horimiya
Horimiya is a romantic Japanese anime directed by Masashi Ishihama, also known as Horimiya-San to Miyamura-kun. It is about a stylish, popular, and bright student, Kyoko Hori, while her crush is Izumi Miyamura, a nerdy boy who is always gloomy. She however turns into an ordinary girl while at home, where she takes care of her younger brother. Izumi is different from how he appears at school, with long hair, ear piercings, and tattoos.
6. Komi Can’t Communicate
Komi Can’t Communicate is a Japanese Managua by Tomohito Oda. It is centered on a high school girl, Shoko Komi, who suffers from social anxiety and struggles to communicate. With the help of Hirohito Taranto, her classmate, she embarked on a mission to make 100 friends and to improve her communication skills. She soon realizes that her feelings are growing deeper for him.
7. Shikimori’s Not Just A Cutie
It is pretty rare that the main couple begins the story where they are already in a relationship, making the anime distinctive from the outset. Shikimori and Izumi are a typical high school lovey-dovey couple who live an everyday life until Izumi falls into trouble. Shikimori becomes a fantastic heroine who makes everyone's heartthrob around her. She has a card side that comes under when it is required.
8. Tomo-Chan Is A Girl
Tomo-chan is a Girl is an amusing romantic drama that is loved and written by Fumita Yanagida. The story is about Tomo Aizawl, a tomboy high schooler in love with Junichiro Kubota, her childhood best friend. He only sees her as a boy and has no feelings toward her. She tries many times to win his heart but fails all the time. The central theme of the drama is romance however it also thrives as a comedy.
9. Fruits Basket
After her mother's death, Tohru Honda lives outside the Sohma estate in a tent. After a typhoon leaves her homeless, she gets taken in by the Sohma household, a family of 13 people which includes her classmate Yuki Sohma and Shigure, his cousin. She soon discovers that 12 members of the family are cursed, and they turn into an animal whenever their emotion gets the best of them. Kyo, the 13th member, turns into a cat. She helps the family break its curse as she approaches Kyo.
10. Maid Sama!
Misaki Ayuzawa is a popular girl at a previously only-boys school, now co-ed. She is trying to make the school a better place for all females and is also popular among all teachers. Takumi Usui, a popular boy, one day sees that she is working part-time at a maid cafe to support her family. He chooses not to reveal this secret, and they start to get close despite being rivals.
