What is Koi to Yobu ni wa Kimochi Warui?#
Koi to Yobu ni wa Kimochi Warui (also known as Koikimo) is an age-gap romantic comedy that follows the unlikely dynamic between Ryō Amakusa and Ichika Arima. Ryō is a highly eligible, though somewhat impulsive, bachelor who immediately takes an interest in Ichika, an ordinary high school otaku and a close friend of his younger sister, Rio.
The story kicks off with Ryō’s incredibly direct approach—asking for a date and a kiss on the very first day they meet. While most would find this behavior off-putting, and Ichika certainly does, her disgusted reaction only serves to convince Ryō that she is the one for him. If you enjoy romantic comedies with a peculiar power dynamic and humorous tension, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
Is the anime really finished?#
When deciding whether to commit to a series, the biggest question is often whether you’ll be left hanging. In the case of Koi to Yobu ni wa Kimochi Warui, it is important to look at the source material. The original manga has a definitive conclusion, ending in its 8th volume.
Because the anime is an adaptation of this manga, viewers should be aware that anime adaptations do not always cover every single chapter of the source material. To ensure you get the full, satisfying conclusion to Ryō and Ichika’s story, we highly recommend buying the manga to fill in any gaps left by the television series.
Who is this anime for?#
This series is best suited for fans of the romance and comedy genres, specifically those who enjoy the “age-gap” trope. The appeal lies in the contrast between Ryō’s aggressive confidence and Ichika’s reluctant reactions. It is a lighthearted watch that leans into the absurdity of Ryō’s pursuit of a high school girl who initially finds him completely “gross.”
If you’re a fan of the characters and the art style, you might also be interested in picking up some merchandise to celebrate the series.
Recommended Consumption Order#
Depending on how much of the story you want to experience, here are the best ways to approach the franchise. You can refer to the relationship tree on this page to see how the anime and manga connect.
The Release Order#
For those who want to experience the series as it was released to the public:
- Koikimo (Anime): Premiered April 5, 2021.
- Koi to Yobu ni wa Kimochi Warui (Manga): Read this after the anime to see the completed story.
The Completionist Order#
If you want every single piece of content available:
- Koikimo (Anime)
- Koi to Yobu ni wa Kimochi Warui (Manga)
- Stage Play: The manga was adapted into a stage play (announced in February 2024), providing a different medium to experience the story.
The Source-First Order#
For those who prefer the original vision before seeing the animated version:
- Koi to Yobu ni wa Kimochi Warui (Manga): This provides the complete narrative from start to finish.
- Koikimo (Anime): Watch this to see the characters brought to life with voice acting and animation.
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Koi to Yobu ni wa Kimochi Warui • manga •
└─(adaptation)→ Koikimo • anime • 2021-04-05
