Anime Spring 2008 Review: Itazura Na Kiss

It's Spring time again, do you know what that indicates?

For anime enthusiasts it indicates the beginning of numerous interesting seasonal anime. Presently, we are going to take a glimpse at Itazure Na Kiss, to inspect if it's even worth paying attention to.

At first sight, Itazura Na Kiss seems to be an anime of the romance genre. Before we get began, please remember that this is a review of only the first episode, to observe if the anime possesses some potential. I do my best not to incorporate anything that may ruin you're viewing enjoyment, although be cautious.

First I would like to mention that TMS Entertainment is the animation producer for Itazure Na Kiss. Moreover, the anime is not currently airing in the United States, take note that I am watching a fan sub, as I comprehend little to no Japanese.

Itazura Na Kiss begins off with the main female character(Aihara Kotoko)having a short daydream about getting married to Irie Naoki(The lead male character). Next we break to an opening, which to be blunt is not that impressive.

For those of you wondering, the opening theme is "Kimi, Meguru, Boku" by Motohiro Hata. After the opening it seems that we are hurled into Aihara's guy troubles, she tries to hand a love letter to the man of her dreams, Irie Naoki, however he refuses to take the letter.

Surely, for Aihara this is a very big deal, it was love at first sight for her. While you witness the flash back you start to wonder if Irie Naoki even acknowledges her, he seems to be somewhat of a class achiever.

Aihara's a pretty cute girl, with friends that do their best to cheer her up, except for a male called "Kin-chan", he essentially delivers comic relief. After school is over Aihara along with friends are walking together when they see Irie Naoki. Much to Aihara's dislike Kin-chan calls Irie Naoki out.

Irie turns around and responses with a bitter look and exclaims "I do not like stupid girls", of course this stuns everyone, and he continues walking. Later in the episode, Airhara's bad luck seems to follow her, and her new house collapses following a level-2 earthquake.

Funny thing is, a friend of Aihara's father offers to let the two freeload at his residence for a while, guess who also lives at this house? You guessed right, Irie Naoki, by rare chance is the mans son.

I will not go about detailing the rest of the episode, although now comes the question, will I continue to watch Itazura Na Kiss? While I think it's a cute anime, I likely will not continue watching this during its duration.

It reminds me somewhat of the Peach series, at least the character designs do. As I said earlier, Itazure Na Kiss is a very cute anime, however seems geared more towards females. I find it hard to compare it to anime like Kanon or Clannad nevertheless.

For those of you wondering, the ending theme is "Kataomoi Fighter" by GO!GO!7188 according to Anime News Network. Wondering if the voice cast is any good? I thought they were actually pretty excellent, if Itazura Na Kiss is released in America I hope the dubs are good.

Nevertheless, I still have to recommend Itazura Na Kiss to those of you out there that have a thing for anime of the romantic comedy genre that revolves around a female character confronting multiple obstacles.