Dec 28, 2024 6:11 PM
Fav Couples/OTPs
Anime Relations:
Full Moon wo Sagashite, Cardcaptor Sakura, Marmalade Boy, Howl no Ugoku Shiro, Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch, Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon S, Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch Pure, Wish, Clannad: After Story, Kobato., Kamisama Hajimemashita
Personally, I love when relationships are built around overcoming obstacles AND what I absolutely LOVE THE MOST in an anime couple is the idea of love transcending traditional boundaries, including gender norms, life and death, or class differences.
Here are some of my favorite couples to watch and cheer for.
If your favorite is on the list, comment below, and let's chat and gush about them. Oh, and spoilers ahead.
For those who grew up watching magical girl and shoujo anime in the 2000s, pairing them with a good Cascada playlist feels almost second nature. Whether you were singing "Everytime We Touch" or dreaming of a sweeping love story
through "Truly Madly Deeply", shows like Mermaid Melody captured that dreamy, cliche romance we couldn’t get enough of.
In Japanese culture, the concept of forbidden love often takes center stage, adding an air of bittersweet excitement to these stories. Luchia and Kaito’s relationship embodies this perfectly. As a mermaid princess, Luchia is forbidden to reveal her true identity or risk being turned into bubbles—a fate that looms over her every interaction with Kaito. Yet, she holds onto the hope that he’ll recognize her for who she truly is.
The first season plays out like a classic love comedy, with Luchia’s unrequited love slowly blossoming. By the second season, their bond is tested.
For some, their story may be a nostalgic reminder of simpler times; for others, it’s a timeless example of love transcending worlds. Either way, anime fans and shippers alike can appreciate Luchia and Kaito’s love story. It's the kind of romance that shaped our imaginations, setting the bar for everything magical and heartfelt we’d come to adore in shoujo anime.
Kobato's story, a girl with no memory or past who suddenly appears in the human world with a divine mission to heal broken hearts, is a journey full of kindness, purity, and emotion. When the Yomogi daycare closes, Kobato faces her final challenge: completing her mission and confessing her love to Fujimoto. But her time on Earth, limited to just one year or four seasons, has come to an end, and her mission is complete. The celestial envoy calls Kobato back, and she disappears into Fujimoto's arms, who finally realizes he loves her.
The scene where Kobato fades away is heartbreaking yet comforting, as it marks the end of a journey that was not just about completing a mission, but about the impact that one person's purity and kindness can have on the lives of others. Even though Kobato physically disappears, her impact is profound.
What makes this ending even more painful is that no one remembers Kobato after her departure, not even Fujimoto, although he feels a strange emptiness. Only Ioryogi, her loyal companion, and Kohaku, a celestial being who takes human form, know Kobato's true nature. Kohaku finally reveals to Fujimoto what happened, and the truth about Kobato's life begins to be understood.
But the true beauty of Kobato's ending lies in the mystery that remains. How does Kobato return? What happened during the years that passed? How did she find Fujimoto again? These questions linger, but the reunion between them, subtle and emotionally charged, is one of the most touching moments in the series. The story never succumbs to the temptation of exaggerated romance, and it’s exactly this subtlety that makes everything even more impactful.
The ending is open-ended, yes, and Kobato and Fujimoto's reunion symbolizes a message of love and perseverance that transcends time and space. What remains is the feeling that, even with their separation, their bond continues.
When I first saw Sakura and Syaoran on screen, I was just a kid myself, and seeing their awkward interactions and gradual friendship hit so close to home. Syaoran starts off as the ultimate tsundere.
What makes their relationship so special is how it grows naturally. There’s no rush, no dramatic proclamations—'cause it's just two kids. Remember when Syaoran realized he liked Sakura? That moment when his face turned red, and he couldn’t even look at her? It was such a cute depiction of childish love—awkward.
I think that’s why their story resonated with so many of us. It’s the kind of love you dream about when you’re little—the kind that feels magical simply because it’s new and exciting.
Their relationship also taught me love doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Sakura and Syaoran showed their love through support, and just being there for each other.
Nanami’s life is a mess. Her dad’s in insane debt, and they lose everything, leaving her homeless and struggling. She ends up helping a man who’s being harassed by a dog, and, in return, he offers her his home. Only, surprise! His “home” is actually a rundown shrine, and things quickly go from awkward to... well, even more awkward when Nanami finds out the man is actually a land god named Mikage.
Things get even crazier when Nanami accidentally becomes the new land god of the shrine, and that’s when she meets Tomoe, the fox familiar with a major attitude problem. At first, he sees her as a weak human and refuses to serve her. But because Nanami’s stubborn and determined, she ends up sealing a contract with him, and suddenly, they’re stuck together in this chaotic journey.
Now, let’s talk about why Nanami and Tomoe are one of the couples I love. First off, they start off as so mismatched—Tomoe’s all brooding and prideful, while Nanami’s just trying her best to figure out how to be a god. But as the story goes on, you start to see that Nanami’s kindness and Tomoe’s deep-rooted sense of responsibility come together in such a way that works.
But the best part? The slow burn of their romance (that is even better in the manga). It’s not about love at first sight or insta-love. No, this is about the past, the present and the future. Nothing is meaningless, and everything happens for a reason.
There’s something bittersweet about love stories that linger beyond life itself. When I think about Full Moon wo Sagashite, the first thing that comes to mind is Mitsuki and Eichi—two souls connected by a bond so pure and enduring that it defies even death. Their story is the kind that makes your chest ache, but in the most beautiful way possible.
Their time together wasn’t just sweet; it was transformative. When Eichi told Mitsuki he loved her before leaving for America, it was a moment filled with hope—a promise that their connection would endure even across oceans.
But life, as we know, can be cruel. Eichi’s death in an accident was a devastating blow, not just for Mitsuki but for everyone who has ever rooted for love to prevail. And yet, their story didn’t end there.
Eichi’s presence in Mitsuki’s life never truly faded. In the manga, from up in the heavens, he watches over her, silently cheering her on as she transforms into Full Moon, the pop star he always believed she could become. There’s this hauntingly beautiful idea that even though they’re worlds apart, Eichi is still with Mitsuki, inspiring her to follow her dreams and live fully.
The shojo bubbles might not literally surround their story, but the essence of their connection—pure, tender, and tragically unfulfilled—captures that same magic. Every time Mitsuki sings, it feels like she’s reaching out to Eichi, sending her voice up to the stars where he waits for her. It’s not just about romance; it’s about how love can give you the strength to carry on.
Marmalade Boy follows the life of Miki Koishikawa, an ordinary girl whose world is turned upside down when her parents announce a rather unconventional decision: they’re swapping partners with another couple. To make things even more complicated, the other couple has a teenage son, Yuu Matsuura, who moves in with them.
At first, Miki finds Yuu aloof and irritating, but as they navigate the chaos of their blended family life, her feelings for him deepen. Yuu, too, begins to develop feelings for Miki, but their budding romance is challenged by misunderstandings, jealousy, and the complications of their unique family situation. The two must face not only external pressures but also the vulnerability and uncertainty of young love.
Ultimately, Marmalade Boy is more than just a story about two teenagers falling for each other. It’s about the complexities of family, the courage it takes to follow your heart, and the strength needed to overcome the obstacles in love. Miki and Yuu’s journey reminds us that even amidst chaos, love can flourish—and that sometimes, the most unexpected beginnings lead to beautiful relationships.
In the '90s, gender roles in anime often reflected societal norms, but some shoujo series dared to challenge these conventions. Among them is Sailor Uranus (Haruka Tenou) and Sailor Neptune (Michiru Kaioh) from Sailor Moon. Their relationship stood out and redefined traditional ideas of gender and romance.
Haruka was a "prince" —bold, charismatic, and effortlessly charming. Her androgynous appearance and confident demeanor blurred the lines between masculine and feminine traits, making her a standout character who subverted expectations of what a female could or should be. Meanwhile, Michiru was her perfect counterpart: feminine and artistic.
What made their relationship truly revolutionary was defying the constraints of traditional anime romances of the time, which made them as one of the most meaningful portrayals of LGBTQ+ love in anime.
Nagisa Furukawa and Tomoya Okazaki’s love starts quietly, with awkward yet heartwarming moments in high school. But After Story takes their relationship to uncharted emotional depths. From marriage to building a life together, their story showcases the raw beauty of love as a foundation for overcoming life's challenges.
The show’s ability to capture small, heartfelt moments—the warmth of shared meals, Tomoya’s unwavering support for Nagisa’s dreams, and Nagisa’s boundless kindness—makes their love feel authentic and deeply relatable. Fans will remember those peaceful scenes of the couple walking under the cherry blossoms or laughing in their modest home, as vividly as they recall the heartbreak that follows.
What makes their love even more poignant is how Tomoya’s character transforms through their relationship. Once a cynical young man, Tomoya grows into a devoted husband and father, all because of Nagisa’s unwavering belief in him. And when tragedy strikes, his journey to rediscover hope and love is both devastating and uplifting.
There's something inherently magical about watching two people discover love in the most unexpected circumstances. Studio Ghibli’s Howl’s Moving Castle, based on the novel by Diana Wynne Jones, gives us the brash and mysterious wizard Howl, and the resilient Sophie, cursed to live as an elderly woman.
What makes their love story so heart-pounding is how it unfolds quietly amidst the chaos of magic, war, and self-discovery. Instead of dramatic confessions or over-the-top gestures, their feelings grow through small, meaningful moments. Howl protects Sophie not because she’s helpless but because he admires her strength. Sophie, in turn, sees through Howl’s vanity to his vulnerable heart, offering him a love that’s genuine and selfless.
Sophie’s quiet resilience paired with Howl’s chaotic charm is a perfect balance. Their relationship reminds us that love is about growth, about finding someone who helps you become the best version of yourself, even with the most stubborn curses.
An angel, Kohaku, is a supernatural being who becomes deeply involved in a mortal’s life.
Wish doesn’t follow the traditional path of romance manga. Instead, it offers something deeper and more enduring. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say their love defies every boundary, proving that even the barriers of life and death—or heaven and earth—can’t truly separate two souls destined for each other.
For me, Kohaku and Shuuichirou represent the idea that love is about connection, not labels. It’s about seeing someone for who they truly are at their core and cherishing them without conditions or expectations. Their story is bittersweet, yes, but it’s also a beautiful reminder that love, in its truest form, is eternal.
Here are some of my favorite couples to watch and cheer for.
If your favorite is on the list, comment below, and let's chat and gush about them. Oh, and spoilers ahead.
Luchia and Kaito (Mermaid Melody 2003-2004)
For those who grew up watching magical girl and shoujo anime in the 2000s, pairing them with a good Cascada playlist feels almost second nature. Whether you were singing "Everytime We Touch" or dreaming of a sweeping love story
through "Truly Madly Deeply", shows like Mermaid Melody captured that dreamy, cliche romance we couldn’t get enough of.
In Japanese culture, the concept of forbidden love often takes center stage, adding an air of bittersweet excitement to these stories. Luchia and Kaito’s relationship embodies this perfectly. As a mermaid princess, Luchia is forbidden to reveal her true identity or risk being turned into bubbles—a fate that looms over her every interaction with Kaito. Yet, she holds onto the hope that he’ll recognize her for who she truly is.
The first season plays out like a classic love comedy, with Luchia’s unrequited love slowly blossoming. By the second season, their bond is tested.
For some, their story may be a nostalgic reminder of simpler times; for others, it’s a timeless example of love transcending worlds. Either way, anime fans and shippers alike can appreciate Luchia and Kaito’s love story. It's the kind of romance that shaped our imaginations, setting the bar for everything magical and heartfelt we’d come to adore in shoujo anime.
Kobato and Fujimoto (Kobato 2009-2010)
Kobato's story, a girl with no memory or past who suddenly appears in the human world with a divine mission to heal broken hearts, is a journey full of kindness, purity, and emotion. When the Yomogi daycare closes, Kobato faces her final challenge: completing her mission and confessing her love to Fujimoto. But her time on Earth, limited to just one year or four seasons, has come to an end, and her mission is complete. The celestial envoy calls Kobato back, and she disappears into Fujimoto's arms, who finally realizes he loves her.
The scene where Kobato fades away is heartbreaking yet comforting, as it marks the end of a journey that was not just about completing a mission, but about the impact that one person's purity and kindness can have on the lives of others. Even though Kobato physically disappears, her impact is profound.
What makes this ending even more painful is that no one remembers Kobato after her departure, not even Fujimoto, although he feels a strange emptiness. Only Ioryogi, her loyal companion, and Kohaku, a celestial being who takes human form, know Kobato's true nature. Kohaku finally reveals to Fujimoto what happened, and the truth about Kobato's life begins to be understood.
But the true beauty of Kobato's ending lies in the mystery that remains. How does Kobato return? What happened during the years that passed? How did she find Fujimoto again? These questions linger, but the reunion between them, subtle and emotionally charged, is one of the most touching moments in the series. The story never succumbs to the temptation of exaggerated romance, and it’s exactly this subtlety that makes everything even more impactful.
The ending is open-ended, yes, and Kobato and Fujimoto's reunion symbolizes a message of love and perseverance that transcends time and space. What remains is the feeling that, even with their separation, their bond continues.
Sakura and Syaoran (Cardcaptor Sakura 1998-2000)
When I first saw Sakura and Syaoran on screen, I was just a kid myself, and seeing their awkward interactions and gradual friendship hit so close to home. Syaoran starts off as the ultimate tsundere.
What makes their relationship so special is how it grows naturally. There’s no rush, no dramatic proclamations—'cause it's just two kids. Remember when Syaoran realized he liked Sakura? That moment when his face turned red, and he couldn’t even look at her? It was such a cute depiction of childish love—awkward.
I think that’s why their story resonated with so many of us. It’s the kind of love you dream about when you’re little—the kind that feels magical simply because it’s new and exciting.
Their relationship also taught me love doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Sakura and Syaoran showed their love through support, and just being there for each other.
Nanami and Tomoe (Kamisama Hajimemashita 2008-2016)
Nanami’s life is a mess. Her dad’s in insane debt, and they lose everything, leaving her homeless and struggling. She ends up helping a man who’s being harassed by a dog, and, in return, he offers her his home. Only, surprise! His “home” is actually a rundown shrine, and things quickly go from awkward to... well, even more awkward when Nanami finds out the man is actually a land god named Mikage.
Things get even crazier when Nanami accidentally becomes the new land god of the shrine, and that’s when she meets Tomoe, the fox familiar with a major attitude problem. At first, he sees her as a weak human and refuses to serve her. But because Nanami’s stubborn and determined, she ends up sealing a contract with him, and suddenly, they’re stuck together in this chaotic journey.
Now, let’s talk about why Nanami and Tomoe are one of the couples I love. First off, they start off as so mismatched—Tomoe’s all brooding and prideful, while Nanami’s just trying her best to figure out how to be a god. But as the story goes on, you start to see that Nanami’s kindness and Tomoe’s deep-rooted sense of responsibility come together in such a way that works.
But the best part? The slow burn of their romance (that is even better in the manga). It’s not about love at first sight or insta-love. No, this is about the past, the present and the future. Nothing is meaningless, and everything happens for a reason.
Mitsuki and Eichi (Full Moon wo Sagashite 2002-2003)
There’s something bittersweet about love stories that linger beyond life itself. When I think about Full Moon wo Sagashite, the first thing that comes to mind is Mitsuki and Eichi—two souls connected by a bond so pure and enduring that it defies even death. Their story is the kind that makes your chest ache, but in the most beautiful way possible.
Their time together wasn’t just sweet; it was transformative. When Eichi told Mitsuki he loved her before leaving for America, it was a moment filled with hope—a promise that their connection would endure even across oceans.
But life, as we know, can be cruel. Eichi’s death in an accident was a devastating blow, not just for Mitsuki but for everyone who has ever rooted for love to prevail. And yet, their story didn’t end there.
Eichi’s presence in Mitsuki’s life never truly faded. In the manga, from up in the heavens, he watches over her, silently cheering her on as she transforms into Full Moon, the pop star he always believed she could become. There’s this hauntingly beautiful idea that even though they’re worlds apart, Eichi is still with Mitsuki, inspiring her to follow her dreams and live fully.
The shojo bubbles might not literally surround their story, but the essence of their connection—pure, tender, and tragically unfulfilled—captures that same magic. Every time Mitsuki sings, it feels like she’s reaching out to Eichi, sending her voice up to the stars where he waits for her. It’s not just about romance; it’s about how love can give you the strength to carry on.
Miki and Yuu (Marmalade Boy 1994-1995)
Marmalade Boy follows the life of Miki Koishikawa, an ordinary girl whose world is turned upside down when her parents announce a rather unconventional decision: they’re swapping partners with another couple. To make things even more complicated, the other couple has a teenage son, Yuu Matsuura, who moves in with them.
At first, Miki finds Yuu aloof and irritating, but as they navigate the chaos of their blended family life, her feelings for him deepen. Yuu, too, begins to develop feelings for Miki, but their budding romance is challenged by misunderstandings, jealousy, and the complications of their unique family situation. The two must face not only external pressures but also the vulnerability and uncertainty of young love.
Ultimately, Marmalade Boy is more than just a story about two teenagers falling for each other. It’s about the complexities of family, the courage it takes to follow your heart, and the strength needed to overcome the obstacles in love. Miki and Yuu’s journey reminds us that even amidst chaos, love can flourish—and that sometimes, the most unexpected beginnings lead to beautiful relationships.
Haruka and Michiru (Sailor Moon S 1994-1995)
In the '90s, gender roles in anime often reflected societal norms, but some shoujo series dared to challenge these conventions. Among them is Sailor Uranus (Haruka Tenou) and Sailor Neptune (Michiru Kaioh) from Sailor Moon. Their relationship stood out and redefined traditional ideas of gender and romance.
Haruka was a "prince" —bold, charismatic, and effortlessly charming. Her androgynous appearance and confident demeanor blurred the lines between masculine and feminine traits, making her a standout character who subverted expectations of what a female could or should be. Meanwhile, Michiru was her perfect counterpart: feminine and artistic.
What made their relationship truly revolutionary was defying the constraints of traditional anime romances of the time, which made them as one of the most meaningful portrayals of LGBTQ+ love in anime.
Nagisa and Tomoya (Clannad: After Story 2008-2009)
Nagisa Furukawa and Tomoya Okazaki’s love starts quietly, with awkward yet heartwarming moments in high school. But After Story takes their relationship to uncharted emotional depths. From marriage to building a life together, their story showcases the raw beauty of love as a foundation for overcoming life's challenges.
The show’s ability to capture small, heartfelt moments—the warmth of shared meals, Tomoya’s unwavering support for Nagisa’s dreams, and Nagisa’s boundless kindness—makes their love feel authentic and deeply relatable. Fans will remember those peaceful scenes of the couple walking under the cherry blossoms or laughing in their modest home, as vividly as they recall the heartbreak that follows.
What makes their love even more poignant is how Tomoya’s character transforms through their relationship. Once a cynical young man, Tomoya grows into a devoted husband and father, all because of Nagisa’s unwavering belief in him. And when tragedy strikes, his journey to rediscover hope and love is both devastating and uplifting.
Sophie and Howl (Howl’s Moving Castle 2004)
There's something inherently magical about watching two people discover love in the most unexpected circumstances. Studio Ghibli’s Howl’s Moving Castle, based on the novel by Diana Wynne Jones, gives us the brash and mysterious wizard Howl, and the resilient Sophie, cursed to live as an elderly woman.
What makes their love story so heart-pounding is how it unfolds quietly amidst the chaos of magic, war, and self-discovery. Instead of dramatic confessions or over-the-top gestures, their feelings grow through small, meaningful moments. Howl protects Sophie not because she’s helpless but because he admires her strength. Sophie, in turn, sees through Howl’s vanity to his vulnerable heart, offering him a love that’s genuine and selfless.
Sophie’s quiet resilience paired with Howl’s chaotic charm is a perfect balance. Their relationship reminds us that love is about growth, about finding someone who helps you become the best version of yourself, even with the most stubborn curses.
Kohaku and Shuuichirou (Wish 1995-1998)
An angel, Kohaku, is a supernatural being who becomes deeply involved in a mortal’s life.
Wish doesn’t follow the traditional path of romance manga. Instead, it offers something deeper and more enduring. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say their love defies every boundary, proving that even the barriers of life and death—or heaven and earth—can’t truly separate two souls destined for each other.
For me, Kohaku and Shuuichirou represent the idea that love is about connection, not labels. It’s about seeing someone for who they truly are at their core and cherishing them without conditions or expectations. Their story is bittersweet, yes, but it’s also a beautiful reminder that love, in its truest form, is eternal.
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| Dec 28, 2024 6:11 PM |
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