Itazura na Kiss

Itazura na Kiss is an anime television series that aired on Chiba TV in 2008. The show is based on a popular shōjo manga written by Tada Kaoru which gained recognition in Japan during the '90s. The manga's untimely end, due to the unexpected passing of the author, left many fans in anticipation. Years later, the story was reincarnated as an anime series, giving the audience a satisfying conclusion the manga could not.

The plot of Itazura na Kiss is centered on the themes of youthful love and perseverance, bundled into a coming-of-age narrative. The protagonist, Kotoko Aihara, is a high school student who is portrayed as cheerfully thick-headed but perseverant. She falls in love with the school's academic frontrunner, Irie Naoki, who's a cool genius with a dismissive attitude. However, their paths take an exciting turn when an unexpected incident leads Kotoko and her father to live under the same roof as the aloof and indifferent Naoki.

Throughout the series, viewers can follow the relationship progress between Kotoko and Naoki, navigating the complexities of love and emotional growth. The characters' contrasting personalities as they interact create a mixture of comedy, drama, heartbreak, and eventual acceptance. Kotoko's unyielding love for Naoki, despite his initial indifference and consistent coldness, creates a compelling story of unwavering devotion, patience, and determination that resonates with many viewers.

The story is not simply about teen romance but follows the characters into adulthood, through college, career choices, and the challenges of personal growth. The linear unfolding of the timeline in Itazura na Kiss is a unique aspect not generally seen in romance anime, adding depth to their character development and the intricacies of their evolving relationship. The series effectively reflects the realism and hardships of life, transforming its story from being a mere high school romance to a much more rounded and mature storyline.

The anime successfully extends the manga by providing a compelling ending while retaining the original charm and humor. The authors brilliantly managed to integrate Tada Kaoru's style into the anime, making it feel like a perfect extension of her work. The storytelling is tender and poignant, capturing moments of everyday life and love that touch the audience's hearts.

In terms of visual representation, Itazura na Kiss employs a vibrant and colorful animation style that's typical of shōjo anime, appealing to its primary demographic of teenage girls. It uses exaggerated facial expressions and comical visual cues to emphasize the mood and feelings of the characters, adding to the overall entertaining and lively tone of the series. However, the animation style does not take anything away from the depth of the storytelling, as the complex emotions and situations are tactfully portrayed.

Music is another remarkable element that gives depth to Itazura na Kiss. The typical bubbly J-Pop opening and ending themes add to the charming feel of the anime and make the viewing experience more enjoyable. The background scores are effective in enhancing the emotional depth of various scenes, leaving a lasting impression on the viewers.

As for the voice acting, each character's voice is peculiar and fits their personalities, infusing them with a sense of realism. This notably enhances the overall storytelling and character connection.

Itazura na Kiss is a romantic comedy shōjo anime that strikes a chord with its viewers by portraying human relationships with sensitivity and correctness. It presents a tale of love and life that's filled with its fair share of laughter, heartaches, disappointments, and triumphs. While the story might seem like a classic tale of unrequited love, the series eventually develops into a sweet and heartwarming journey, making it worth the watch. If you're a sucker for sweet and patient love stories, Itazura na Kiss is certainly an anime series to add to your list.