Memory Tax: Unpacking the Cruel Mechanics and Brilliant Synergy Driving the Success of Anime Hit 'Engage Kiss'

When it debuted during the highly competitive Summer 2022 lineup, Engage Kiss immediately distinguished itself, not as a conventional adaptation, but as a groundbreaking original anime and the flagship property of the ambitious ‘Project Engage’ multimedia initiative. While A-1 Pictures delivered breathtaking, high-octane action sequences, the series truly captivated viewers by focusing on a dramatically intricate romantic core. At the heart of the narrative is the unconventional love triangle involving the debt-ridden demon hunter, Shu Ogata; his powerful demonic girlfriend, Kisara; and his determined ex-lover, the exorcist nun Sharon Holygrail. Yet, the show's enduring appeal rests less on surface-level spectacle and more on the dark, meticulously crafted trivia and creative talent driving its sophisticated world mechanics.

The Creative Synergy of Maruto and Tsunako

The series' narrative complexity is cemented by its lineage: it was conceived and scripted by Fumiaki Maruto, celebrated for his emotionally dense works, notably Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend. Maruto’s pen infused Engage Kiss with his signature philosophy, affectionately dubbed ‘Maruto-ism,’ which posits that love is inherently complicated, characters are riddled with flaws, and major conflicts often spring from deep moral gray areas rather than simplistic good-versus-evil dynamics. Protagonist Shu Ogata perfectly embodies this cynicism. Unlike typical altruistic heroes, Shu is driven by a potent mix of financial desperation and a thirst for revenge—a refreshing, if morally dubious, motivation that grounds the supernatural chaos of Bayron City in relatable, albeit extreme, socio-economic reality.

Adding another essential layer to this creative synergy is the distinctive visual contribution of Tsunako, renowned for the iconic character designs of the Date A Live franchise. Tsunako’s vibrant, polished aesthetic lends an almost idol-like quality to key figures like Kisara and Sharon. This deliberate visual contrast—the characters’ clean, modern appearance set against the brutal reality of their demon-hunting profession—is a pivotal design choice. The successful marriage of Maruto’s gritty romantic realism and Tsunako’s striking visual flair is a key piece of production trivia that explains the show's immediate impact, presenting an emotionally heavy story in a highly appealing, contemporary package rarely achieved in original anime productions.

The Cost of Power: The Engage Kiss Mechanism

The most compelling and central piece of lore is the mechanism behind Shu’s supernatural strength: the titular ‘Engage Kiss.’ To combat the ‘D-Disasters,’ Kisara, a formidable demon, transfers her power to Shu. However, this transfer comes with a staggering, non-physical cost: the consumption of Shu’s memories. With every kiss, Kisara literally erodes a piece of his past. This isn't just a plot device; it’s the series' central theme. While Shu supposedly marks 'unnecessary' memories for deletion, Kisara often selectively targets memories she perceives as threats to their twisted relationship, particularly those involving Sharon. This cruel mechanic transforms every victory into a personal sacrifice, ensuring that the cost of success is the gradual annihilation of Shu’s identity and past bonds.

Furthermore, the show’s setting, Bayron City, is built on the newly discovered energy source Orgonium. Ironically, this source of the city's vast wealth also serves as the catalyst for the demonic outbreaks it faces—a subtle but sharp commentary on capitalistic prosperity generating its own destruction.

Engage Kiss stands as a powerful demonstration of successful original anime, proving that when the price of both power and love is high enough, the resultant drama is irresistibly compelling.