June 19th is “Romance Day”.
This commemorative day is based on a pun, “Ro (6) mantic (1) kku (9),” and was proposed as an opportunity for significant others to spend special time together.
Romance anime, depicting heartwarming episodes, is one of the most popular genres. The forms these stories take are incredibly varied: sometimes characters can’t be honest with each other, unexpected developments occur from a terrible first impression, or hearts race during skirmishes with romantic rivals. Among this wide array of love stories, which titles do Anime! Anime! readers recommend the most?
To find out, Anime! Anime! conducted a reader survey titled “What is your favorite ‘Romance’ anime?” for the second consecutive year. We received responses from 297 people during the survey period from June 4th to June 11th.
The gender ratio was approximately 55 percent male and 45 percent female, nearly equal. By age group, those 19 and under accounted for about 45 percent, and those in their 40s were about 30 percent.
■Sweet and Sour… School Rom-Coms Take the Top Spots
1st Place
1st place is 『Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu』. With about 8 percent support, it moved up from 2nd place last year.
『BokuYaba』 is a love comedy where the gloomy middle schooler Ichikawa Kyoutarou and his popular classmate Yamada Anna are drawn to each other by chance.
“Yamada, who is beautiful enough to be a reader model and has a cheerful personality, is funny for secretly eating snacks in the library. I also like how Ichikawa, who fell in love with her, gradually changes his introverted personality,” and “Their initial unawareness of romantic feelings feels very middle school and makes the innocent romance enjoyable. Yamada’s occasional mature side also makes your heart skip a beat,” and “Their classmates who watch over their relationship are also charming. My heart warmed seeing them support each other and become able to honestly face their feelings.” Many voices cheered on their budding romance.
With a movie production decided, the title ranked high amidst growing excitement.
2nd Place
2nd place is 『Otonari no Tenshi-sama ni Itsunomanika Dame Ningen ni Sareteita Ken』. With about 6 percent support, it moved up from a tie for 6th place last year.
『Otonari no Tenshi-sama』 is a love comedy depicting the interaction between Fujimiya Amane, a slovenly high schooler living alone, and Shiina Mahiru, his classmate who lives next door. Comments like “A classic situation where an inconspicuous boy at school and the angelic heroine who is talented and beautiful turn out to be neighbors! My cheeks couldn’t stop smiling at the back-and-forth between the two who seem like they’re about to start dating but haven’t yet. It’s also nice that there are no romantic rivals, so you can enjoy it without worry,” and “The mutually unrequited love atmosphere is unbearable, making you want to yell ‘Just date already!'” show that the sweet and sour interactions, tinged with awkwardness, are popular.
A title with TV anime Season 2 in production has entered the top ranks.
3rd Place
3rd place is 『Sono Bisuku Dooru wa Koi wo Suru』. With about 6 percent support, it moved up one spot from 4th place last year.
『Kisekoi』 is a love comedy where Gojou Wakana, a high schooler aiming to become a hina doll craftsman, and Kitagawa Marin, his classmate who loves cosplay, deepen their bond through their hobbies. Comments included: “Of course, the interactions between the naive two are charming, but being able to enjoy Marin-chan’s various cosplay looks is also a highlight,” and “Marin-chan, who has a deep love for characters, and Gojou-kun, who works all night on costumes, are both pure and dazzling!” and “The original manga has concluded, but as someone who watches the anime, I’m curious about the future of their romance.” This title is popular for its excellent combination of cosplay and romance.
This popular work will begin broadcasting its TV anime Season 2 in July.
■Introducing Other Comments!
For 『Go-toubun no Hanayome』, comments included: “The unique setting with quintuplet heroines is brilliant. The story starts with a wedding, and it includes the mystery of which of the five sisters he marries. The fact that a sequel was made even after the main story concluded with a movie is proof of its popularity!”
For 『Ao no Hako』, comments included: “It’s a love story packed with the sweetness and sourness of youth. You’re sure to sympathize with the delicately depicted emotions like earnest romantic feelings and jealousy. The sports elements depicted through club activities are also a highlight.”
For 『Shinigami Bouchan to Kuro Maid』, comments included: “The Young Master cursed to kill anyone he touches, and Alice, the maid who tempts her master. The story depicts their distance gradually shrinking over three seasons, concluding with a wedding in the final episode. It’s a masterpiece that can be called a model for romantic comedies!”
For 『Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru』, comments included: “Seeing Yamada, a gamer who wasn’t interested in romance, become attracted to the protagonist Akane is heartwarming. Even though his cool personality doesn’t change, expressing his feelings directly was exciting.” Votes were cast for various titles.
In the 2025 ranking, romance anime with new developments such as sequels and movies stood out. Many works are set in schools, suggesting that familiar settings contribute to their relatability.
The top 20 on the next page are also a must-see!
■Ranking Top 10
[What is your favorite “Romance” anime? 2025 Edition]
1st 『Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu』
2nd 『Otonari no Tenshi-sama ni Itsunomanika Dame Ningen ni Sareteita Ken』
3rd 『Sono Bisuku Dooru wa Koi wo Suru』
4th 『Toradora!』
5th 『Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san』
6th 『Kubo-san wa Boku wo Yurusanai』
6th 『Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru』
8th 『Ao no Hako』
9th 『Shinigami Bouchan to Kuro Maid』
9th 『Meitantei Konan』
9th 『Horimiya』
9th 『One Room, Hiatari Futsuu, Tenshi-tsuki.』
（Survey period: June 4, 2025 – June 11, 2025）
