Is Kaguya-sama: Love is War a Great Anime?

Yes, this is a great anime. While I typically do not have a strong affinity for romantic comedies, my decision to give Kaguya-sama: Love is War a chance proved to be beyond rewarding. In fact, it has become one of my favorite anime series.

Main Differences from Traditional Romantic Comedies

One of the key distinctions of Kaguya-sama: Love is War is that it subverts typical romantic comedy tropes. The main characters, Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane, are not striving to confess to each other; instead, their inability to do so is rooted in their pride and their adherence to the ironic principle that "the one who confesses first loses."

Character Development

The character development, particularly that of Kaguya and Ishigami, is nothing short of excellent. I must commend author Akasaka for the depth and complexity he has instilled in these characters. Personally, I have had a wonderful experience following the journey of Kaguya and Ishigami, with each episode adding new layers to their dynamic. In the first half of the anime, I was a fan of Chika Fujiwara, but as the series progressed, my interest shifted more towards Kaguya. The evolution of her character from a stoic, proud noble to a more human and vulnerable individual has been genuinely captivating.

Visual and Musical Elements

In addition to its exceptional character development, Kaguya-sama: Love is War also boasts beautiful animation and an excellent soundtrack. The opening of the second season, Daddy! Daddy! Do!, has become a personal favorite, often finding its way into my playlist.

Character Relationships and Criticism

The development of the relationship between Kaguya and Miyuki is perhaps the show's only serious drawback. For the majority of the first two seasons, and even the bulk of the third season, the progression of their relationship feels stagnant. They are more focused on making each other confess their feelings rather than actually forming a bond. It is also slightly odd to see Kaguya, who is known for her passive-aggressive behavior, take an active role in the relationship by initiating the first kiss and confession.

Cultural Context and Controversies

A point of contention for me revolves around the cultural and ethical implications of the plot, particularly as it relates to the setting of Stanford University. In 2014, Stanford was ranked tenth in the nation in terms of academic prestige, but this ranking belies the university's troubling history of sexual assault and misconduct. For instance, in 2015, a particularly high-profile incident involved Brock Turner, who committed sexual assault against Chanel Miller. This is a sensitive topic, and the choice of Stanford as the setting for a romantic comedy adds a layer of complexity that detracts from the idealized notion of higher education that the series might otherwise promote.

Conclusion

In conclusion, despite its critiques, Kaguya-sama: Love is War is a standout series with a unique protagonist and a captivating story. It has enthralled many viewers with its unconventional romantic dynamic and its exploration of complex character relationships. However, it is important to acknowledge the cultural and ethical issues it presents, especially in the context of higher education.

Thank you for considering my perspective. If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to share in the comments below.