After rewatching both the anime and reading the manga of The Quintessential Quintuplets, I felt compelled to jot down my thoughts, even though my writing might not be perfect. These feelings stem from my deep love for this masterpiece. (This review is based solely on what Season 2 accomplished.)
Even though this was just a rewatch, the sense of immersion was undeniably captivating. Season 2 was brilliantly adapted, far exceeding the original manga in many aspects. I’ve rarely encountered a romcom harem series that handles storylines, characters, and romantic drama as masterfully as 5-toubun no Hanayome.
The second season continues Uesugi Fuutarou's tutoring journey with the quintuplets, but this time, the story escalates into more intense drama compared to the lighthearted tone of the first season. With all five sisters realizing their feelings for Fuutarou and expressing them in their unique ways, the narrative becomes irresistibly engaging.
Character Development: Flawlessly Executed
The character development in this series is phenomenal. It's hard to dislike any of the characters because each of them shines naturally, thanks to everyday scenarios that feel so relatable. Although Ichika, Nino, and Miku dominate screen time, Yotsuba and Itsuki are not overshadowed.
Here are my impressions of the characters:
Ichika
Her internal struggles were excellently portrayed. I was struck by her line, "I want to stay in this comfortable place forever," while walking with Fuutarou, as well as her selfish attempt to reclaim her jacket from Yotsuba with the words, "I'm cold too." These moments highlight how much Ichika, as the eldest, has sacrificed for her sisters. After receiving encouragement from both Miku and Yotsuba, she finally decides not to yield her current position to anyone, even her sisters, leading to impulsive, love-driven mistakes during the Sister War arc. Despite this, I can’t help but empathize with her. “It was all a lie.” — Ichika’s complexity speaks volumes.
Nino
Nino's transformation is another standout. From a stubborn tsundere who initially despised Fuutarou, she eventually fell for him. Her spontaneous, unfiltered actions driven purely by emotion make her both charming and humorous. One of her standout internal monologues goes something like, "I truly love who he is, even if I don’t accept the role he plays." Nino's boldness makes her irresistible.
Miku (My Favorite)
Miku is an adorable kuudere who starts off as shy and insecure, believing herself to be the least capable among her sisters. She sets personal goals, like scoring the highest on exams or baking perfect bread, as a way to confess her feelings to Fuutarou. She even tries to mold herself into his "ideal girlfriend" (based on his teasing comments). However, Miku eventually realizes these goals were mere excuses to delay her confession due to her lack of confidence. Watching her grow into a more confident version of herself, culminating in her heartfelt confession during the festival arc, was deeply emotional. “I won’t hesitate anymore.” — Miku’s resilience makes her journey uniquely touching.
Yotsuba
Yotsuba is an energetic and selfless girl who always prioritizes her sisters over herself. Beneath her cheerful facade lies a sense of guilt—for failing to keep her promise to Fuutarou and for causing her sisters to transfer schools. She chooses to support her sisters from the shadows, despite harboring feelings for Fuutarou equal to theirs. Ultimately, Yotsuba’s true emotions couldn’t remain hidden forever.
Itsuki
The youngest sister, Itsuki, tries to act mature to fill the void left by their deceased mother. While her romantic feelings for Fuutarou aren't as pronounced, her character retains a subtle charm. Despite being the one who spends the most time at Fuutarou’s house, Itsuki’s growth isn’t as prominent as her sisters’, yet her blend of seriousness and childish antics wins over many fans.
Fuutarou Uesugi
As the protagonist, Fuutarou also shines. I was particularly impressed when he considered quitting his tutoring job after doubting his ability to help the quintuplets. Despite coming from a poor background, he values hard-earned money and refuses to accept handouts. Fuutarou evolves from a studious, emotionless character to someone who truly cherishes his time with the quintuplets. “Meeting and tutoring them is the greatest accomplishment of my life.” — Uesugi Fuutarou.
Animation & Soundtrack
The animation quality of Season 2 is exceptional, far surpassing the first season. Characters are more detailed, and important scenes are meticulously crafted. As the episodes progress, Studio Bibury elevates the visual quality, particularly in the latter arcs.
The soundtrack is equally praiseworthy. The opening theme, Gotoubun no Katachi, is an upbeat track performed by the Nakano quintuplets, perfectly capturing the show’s essence. The ending song, Hatsukoi, is a soulful reflection of the sisters' emotions. Other background tracks, like Stupid Girl, add depth and charm to various scenes.
Final Thoughts
Gotoubun no Hanayome is a rare gem among romcom harems that I thoroughly enjoy revisiting. Its seemingly simple yet profound storyline, captivating narrative, and masterfully crafted characters make it a masterpiece in the genre. What’s truly remarkable is its avoidance of excessive fanservice, instead relying on witty, heartfelt romantic comedy and drama unique to the quintuplets.
Scores:
Plot: 9/10
Animation: 10/10
Character Development: 9/10
Soundtrack: 10/10
Enjoyment: 10/10
Overall: 10/10 — A Masterpiece.
