Kiss Him, Not Me

Kiss Him, Not Me, known in Japan as Watashi ga Motete Dousunda, is a distinctive romantic comedy anime series crafted by Brain’s Base, drawing its narrative from Junko’s acclaimed manga. Premiering in October 2016, the series quickly distinguished itself through its innovative fusion of classic shojo romance tropes with a refreshing, meta-commentary on contemporary fandom culture. The central figure of the story is Kae Serinuma, an ordinary high school student whose secret life revolves around her identity as a devoted fujoshi—an avid admirer of boys’ love (BL) narratives. Kae's daily existence is primarily occupied by her imaginative pairings of the attractive male classmates around her, envisioning them in various romantic entanglements, a habit that elicits varied reactions from amusement to mild exasperation among her peers. A pivotal event shakes Kae’s world: the unexpected demise of her beloved anime character. This tragedy plunges her into a profound state of depression and self-imposed isolation. Upon emerging from this period, Kae undergoes a remarkable physical transformation, shedding a significant amount of weight to reveal a conventionally attractive appearance. This sudden change catapults her into an unforeseen spotlight, making her the object of affection for several prominent male classmates. Among her new admirers are Yusuke Igarashi, a popular and sometimes sharp-tongued student; Nozomu Nanashima, often referred to as Nana, known for his snarky charm; Hayato Shinomiya, a dignified yet reserved underclassman; and Asuma Mutsumi, an easygoing and kind senior. However, contrary to typical harem narratives, Kae’s newfound popularity does not ignite a desire for personal romance. Instead, her deepest wish remains to see her suitors form romantic bonds with each other, creating a unique comedic dynamic and internal conflict. Set against the familiar backdrop of a Japanese high school, the anime skillfully navigates themes of fandom, self-perception, and the often-performative aspects of high school romance through a series of increasingly humorous and genuinely touching scenarios. Kae’s journey involves balancing her new social standing with her fervent attempts to keep her otaku passions concealed. The series' strength lies in its affectionate yet incisive parody of the reverse harem genre and its authentic portrayal of fujoshi culture, a demographic seldom given a central voice in mainstream anime. It masterfully blends slapstick comedy with moments of heartfelt emotional exploration, particularly highlighted by the introduction of Mitsuboshi Takeru, a childhood friend who further complicates the intricate web of relationships.

Kiss Him, Not Me establishes itself as a notably self-aware and insightful romantic comedy within the shojo landscape, offering a refreshing departure from conventional harem narratives through its incisive humor and a protagonist with a truly unique perspective. Kae Serinuma, as the central fujoshi, embodies an unconventional heroine whose intense preoccupation with "shipping" her male classmates provides both significant comedic moments and a candid glimpse into the intricacies of modern fandom. The animation, handled by Brain’s Base, competently translates Junko’s distinctive manga art style, presenting expressive character designs and fluid comedic timing that effectively convey the series’ lighthearted tone. While not pushing visual boundaries, the animation is consistently clean and serves the narrative well. The narrative's core premise, revolving around Kae's dramatic physical transformation and the subsequent attention from multiple male suitors, initially appears to tread familiar ground. However, the series ingeniously subverts these expectations by allowing Kae to remain steadfastly devoted to her fujoshi aspirations rather than pursuing traditional romantic arcs. This choice is crucial for its distinctiveness. The four primary male characters—Yusuke Igarashi, Nozomu Nanashima, Hayato Shinomiya, and Asuma Mutsumi—are each thoughtfully developed with distinct personalities, ranging from Shinomiya's reserved demeanor to Mutsumi's affable nature. Their dynamic interactions with Kae, and crucially, with each other, are the driving force behind the show's humor and emotional resonance. The voice acting ensemble delivers strong performances, effectively capturing the nuanced personalities and comedic timing required for the diverse cast. The story pacing is generally well-managed, with each episode introducing new comedic situations and character interactions that build upon the central premise without feeling rushed or drawn out, although some fujoshi-centric jokes might occasionally feel repetitive for viewers unfamiliar with the subculture. Thematically, the series delves into pertinent issues such as self-acceptance, the societal pressures related to physical appearance, and the complex boundaries between platonic camaraderie and romantic expectations. It skillfully parodies reverse harem tropes while simultaneously providing a rare, authentic portrayal of the passions and internal conflicts faced by otaku girls, resonating particularly with viewers who identify with Kae’s struggle to reconcile her public image with her private obsessions. Although the anime adaptation provides a satisfying conclusion, it only explores a segment of the manga's broader narrative, which further elaborates on Kae’s evolving relationships and personal growth. Overall, Kiss Him, Not Me is a perceptively witty, visually engaging, and surprisingly heartfelt series that rewards its audience with a compelling mix of comedy, romance, and meta-commentary, solidifying its position as a notable entry in both the shojo and reverse harem anime genres.