Those who grew up watching 2000s anime will know that they just don’t make shōjo anime like they used to. None of those heart-fluttering, cheesy kabedon moments where we can self-insert in – the shōnen counterpart is where the money’s at these days. But fear not; if you’re in a severe need of a series that can make you swoon, our list of romance anime in 2023 will hit the spot.
It isn’t rare to form bonds and friendship based on shared interests, but what if insomnia is what you have in common?
Ganta and Isaki, 2 high schoolers who have trouble falling asleep, form an unlikely friendship and find peace in napping in their school’s abandoned observatory. To protect their safe space, they revive the defunct astronomy club, and a tender love blossoms between them.
Watch the trailer here:
Video credit: Anime PONY CANYON
Airs: April 2023
Image credit: @otonariniginga
A Galaxy Next Door is a light-hearted romance comedy that follows Ichirō Kuga, a struggling manga artist who has to raise his younger siblings after his father’s passing.
A silver lining comes in the form of Shiori Goshiki, his beautiful and capable new assistant who not only helps with his impending deadlines, but also suddenly declares that they should get married.
Watch the trailer here:
Video credit: KING AMUSEMENT CREATIVE
Airs: 8th April 2023
We’ve all heard of main-character energy. Now, meet Junta, the protagonist of Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible who has major NPC energy despite being the protagonist in a romance anime.
As a wallflower who goes unnoticed by everyone at his school, Kubo blends into the background, so much so that he’s often mistaken as being absent from school – even though he’s right there. The only person who notices him is Kubo, his cute classmate who pays attention to him.
Watch the trailer here:
Video credit: KADOKAWAanime
Episodes: 12
Airs: 10th January 2023
The Dangers In My Heart follows the budding romance between Kyotaro and his popular classmate, Anna. With a mind occupied by dark thoughts, Kyotaro fantasises about murder and spends his time holed up in the school library reading about human anatomy.
By chance, he encounters the charming Anna, who secretly came to the library to binge on snacks. Over time, they form a wholesome bond.
Watch the trailer here:
Video credit: NUMAnimation
Episodes: 12
Airs: April 2023
Image credit: Natalie
As a pastor, Lawrence tends to the church and provides a space where local townsfolk can visit to heed the advice of the Saint. The “Saint” is none other than the titular Cecilia, an earnest young girl who works hard to lend a listening ear to the locals and provide advice.
But there’s just 1 problem – the job takes a toll on Cecilia, which causes her to laze around the church in between visitors. Cared by the overly protective pastor, Cecilia forms a bond with Lawrence, and the mutually supportive relationship gradually develops into something more.
Watch the trailer here:
Video credit: Aniplex
Airs: April 2023
A simple act of kindness can brighten up someone’s day, and even sprout a warm friendship. In The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten, Fujimiya runs into Shiina, his popular neighbour who is adored by many for her beauty and personality. Sitting alone on a swing, Shiina is completely drenched by the rain.
Unable to leave her alone, Fujimiya offers her his umbrella, and he ends up catching a flu after braving the rain. Hoping to repay his kindness, the worried Shiina takes care of Fujiyama, and thus a sweet relationship begins.
Watch the trailer here:
Video credit: TOHO animation
Episodes: 12
Airs: 7th January 2023
Himuro is a cool guy, literally. The titular ice guy possesses a strange power that manifests in frosty snow whenever he feels intense emotions. He carries a torch for Fuyutsuki, his calm and seemingly cold female colleague who is always there to provide a solution to his icy conundrums.
The Ice Guy And His Cool Female Colleague is set in a normal office, and this simple series will no doubt scratch the itch for fans who are also into the slice-of-life genre.
Watch the trailer here:
Video credit: ABC Animation Channel
Episodes: 12
Airs: 4th January 2023
Freshly cheated on and dumped by her boyfriend, Kinoshita is about to quit the game they used to play as a couple. But she’s not about to do so before venting her frustrations to Yamada, a fellow player whom she’d never met in person. To her dismay, Kinoshita’s rant is met with a curt “I’m not interested”.
Kinoshita later bumps into Yamada at a gaming event in real life, where she recognises him by his voice.
My Love Story With Yamada-kun At Lv999 follows the unexpected romance between Kinoshita and the aloof gamer who’s inexperienced in love.
Watch the trailer here:
Video credit: Aniplex
Airs: 1st April 2023
How do you confess your feelings to someone who just doesn’t get the hint?
Despite having a crush on her childhood friend Jun, Tomo has been friendzoned since they were young. As a tomboy with traditionally masculine hobbies and fashion sense, Tomo is treated by the dense Jun as “one of his bros”.
Even when she explicitly reveals her romantic feelings for him, Jun just can’t read the room, and Tomo’s escape from the hellish brozone seems impossible.
Watch the trailer here:
Video credit: Aniplex
Episodes: 13
Airs: 5th January 2023
Image credit: Kadokawa
High schoolers Endō and Kobayashi start playing an otome game and realise that they have the ability to communicate with Prince Siegwald, the game’s main love interest. If the game is played as intended, Lieselotte – Siegwald’s tsundere fiancé and the game’s villainess – will end up dying a tragic death.
To save Lieselotte from her impending demise, Endō and Kobayashi use their mysterious communication power to ensure that she lives happily ever after.
Watch the trailer here:
Video credit: DMM pictures
Episodes: 12
Airs: 6th January 2023
Adrenaline-pumping shōnen series and fantasy isekai anime are a thrill to watch. But sometimes, we just need a dose of romance in our life, be it fiction or not.
For more, check out:
Cover image adapted from: MyDramaList, Natalie, AsianWiki
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