With Valentine's Day 2022 fast approaching, the season of love is just around the corner. Anime and manga fans know there are plenty of series with a sprinkle of romance here and there, regardless of the story's primary genre.
Those looking for a series where love is front and center, however, are in luck. Here's a list of anime guaranteed to warm even the chilliest hearts this Valentine's Day.
Taisho Otome Fairy Tale
In Taisho Otome Fairy Tale, Shima Tamahiko is left disabled after a car accident, and his family forces him into exile. Tamahiko's disability, combined with his family seeing him as useless, leads him to live a life of pessimism and solitude. But when Tachibana Yuzuki appears one day claiming she's his new bride, Tamahiko's morose mentality doesn't stand a chance.
Yuzu's sweet, caring nature and unconditional love for the people in her life slowly begins to heal Tamahiko's heart. He starts to realize he's capable of love, be it toward Yuzu, his family and even himself. Saccharine in all the best ways, Taisho Otome Fairy Tale provides as much of a warm, healing embrace to the audience as Yuzu's love does to Tamahiko.
All 12 episodes of Taisho Otome Fairy Tale are available to stream on Funimation.
Stranger By the Shore
Mio Chibana, a high school student dealing with the loss of his mother, finds camaraderie in Shun Hashimoto, who happens to be gay. They're working to untangle their queer identities and feelings for each other when Mio suddenly reveals he's moving to the city. Three years later he returns, with a confession in tow. Will they be able to pick up where they left off, or are Mio's reciprocated feelings too little too late?
Stranger By the Shore is a poignant exploration of accepting one's queer identity, especially when faced with rejection from loved ones. Queer representation across media is growing -- albeit slowly -- and this film joins the ranks of anime that don't villainize queerness, nor depict it through stereotypical caricature. Queer or not, romance fans will appreciate this nuanced portrayal of queer love and empathy.
Stranger By the Shore is available to stream now on Funimation.
Kamisama Kiss
Unhoused and with no money to spare, Kamisama Kiss protagonist Nanami is a high schooler out of luck. That is, until she receives an offer to live in an abandoned shrine at no cost. She happily agrees, but with her new role comes a new responsibility: she's now the shrine's new god.
Tomoe, the shrine's fox yokai familiar, is initially hesitant to accept Nanami as the new land god. Over the course of the series, Tomoe's pessimism transforms into acceptance, but can their relationship as god and familiar last once romance starts to bloom? Kamisama Kiss is a charming rom-com take on a story of forbidden love that's sure to delight.
All 12 episodes of Kamisama Kiss are available to stream on Funimation.
Kakuriyo - Bed and Breakfast for Spirits
Fans who enjoyed Kamisama Kiss should also check out Kakuriyo - Bed and Breakfast for Spirits. It has a similar premise, with high schooler Aoi agreeing to work in a bed and breakfast to pay off her grandfather's debts. The business is, of course, far from ordinary, as it exclusively serves ayakashi, the denizens of the Hidden Realm. Technically Aoi could settle the debt by marrying the inn's master, Odanna, but she chooses instead to work off the debt by cooking.
Her dedication and culinary skill greatly affects the ayakashi, surrounding the once-lonely adolescent with friends who care deeply for her -- and a potential suitor. Kakuriyo achieves a delectable balance of lighthearted levity against the tearful moments of wistfulness that come from eating a home-made meal crafted with love.
All 26 episodes of Kakuriyo are available to stream on Crunchyroll and Funimation.
Weathering With You
Rounding out this Valentine's list is the moving film Weathering With You. Written and directed by Makoto Shinkai of Your Name fame, audiences should be prepared with tissues on hand. Hodaka Morishima is a teenage runaway struggling to get on his feet in Tokyo. One night in a McDonalds, an employee takes pity on Hodaka by giving him a free meal. That employee was Hina Amano, and this first encounter entwines their fate.
Hina and her younger brother are in a similarly difficult financial position, so she and Hodaka decide to monetize her miraculous, weather-controlling powers. Their newfound freedom is sadly short-lived once Hodaka's past catches up to him, and they discover Hina's powers are shortening her life. Against all odds, Hodaka's unwavering love for Hina is what saves her life. The consequences of their actions aren't excluded or minimized, but this realistic portrayal of accountability never undermines the strength of their love.
Weathering With You is available to stream on HBO Max.
