It can be cathartic for anime fans to watch a show’s couple be successful in their romance. The effect might be heightened if the romance is not just successful, but also incredibly beneficial for both parties involved. This is a difficult task for the josei demographic. A large amount of the shows take very challenging stances with their relationships.
Often, the couples in josei anime are not compatible or do not reciprocate feelings for each other. It is complicated, messy, but incredibly relatable. There are special cases within the demographic that show it is possible to have a healthy couple. Even when the circumstances are difficult, some relationships are strong enough to persevere and thrive.
10 Yotarou And Konatsu Make It Work Despite Differences (Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu)
Konatsu and Yotarou did not start off with a picturesque relationship. Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu kicks off with a clueless and enthusiastic ex-Yakuza pursuing Rakugo. In the process, Yotarou meets Konatsu. However, she is carrying incredible baggage and trauma due her parents deaths and her relationship with Yakumo.
It takes a few years, but the two become close enough to start a relationship. Yotarou’s optimistic and dense personality is stubborn enough to pull Konatsu out of the pain she is trapped in. Together, they overcome their hangups and build a future together.
9 Hazuki And Rokka Overcome Grief Together (Natsuyuki Rendezvous)
If the supernatural elements of Natsuyuki Rendezvous were removed, it would be evident to viewers how much Hazuki and Rokka make sense. They grow to really like each other. Hazuki wants to help Rokka heal from her husband’s death, while Rokka gradually allows herself to love again. Their relationship is somewhat generic on its own, but it is still very wholesome.
The only thing holding them back is the premise of the show. The supernatural elements constantly complicate what would otherwise be a straightforward relationship. Most of the hurdles come from having Rokka’s late-husband interfering.
8 The Illicit But Necessary Romance Between Mimi And Kou (Otona Joshi No Anime Time)
The events leading up to Mimi and Kou’s relationship are not exactly ethical. Mimi is a married woman who is avoiding her loveless marriage. Kou takes her in after she makes a move on him, but the moments in the story do not tell the full picture. For most of her life, Mimi has led a directionless existence where she followed other’s orders, including her arranged marriage.
Falling in love with Kou is the only choice she makes so far in her adult life. She loves him despite his occupation as a garbage collector. While their relationship is just taking shape, it is clear to Otona Joshi no Anime Time viewers that they both need each other.
7 Miki And Mine Are Both Gifted Concert Violinists Who Get Along With Each Other (Nodame Cantabile)
Mine has a flare for the dramatic, and Miki is a violin prodigy who is classically trained. It is a miracle that the two fell for each other. Despite the differences in their play styles, upbringings, and status, the two find harmony with each other.
It is even more impressive that their relationship lasts until the end of Nodame Cantabile, given that Miki goes abroad for concert experience. All things considered, their relationship is incredibly and surprisingly stable.
6 Claudio And Nicoletta Provide Each Other With Enough Security To Open Up (Ristorante Paradiso)
Strictly speaking, Claudio and Nicoletta are not a romantic couple. Nicoletta has a crush on Claudio, but it does not develop romantically. Instead, the two of them become outlets for each other’s vulnerabilities. Nicoletta struggles with being near her mother as it heightens the abandonment she felt when her mother left her.
Claudio is still emotionally bound to his ex-wife, even when it is clear that things are over. Ristorante Paradiso gives these two a chance to let go of the hurt that chains them. Claudio provides the maturity and calm that Nicoletta lacks, while her youthful energy and sincerity makes Claudio see that his life’s story is not finished yet. Their time together in the idyllic city of Rome is a treat to see.
5 Noda And Chiaki Have A Rollercoaster Romance That Pushes Them To Greatness (Nodame Cantabile)
Noda and Chiaki form one of josei’s most iconic couples. Throughout Nodame Cantabile, it is not always wholesome between the two. Chiaki is overly serious, judgemental, and callous. Noda is eccentric, loud, and difficult to direct. These factors make it hard for the two to get along.
However, they manage to develop a life-partnership. Their combined talents allow them to travel to Paris to become premier artists. The best part is that their relationship is strongest when playing next to each other. Performing with Chiaki is one of the easiest ways to motivate Noda to become the star pianist she is.
4 Furio And Angela Represent Devoted Aging Couples (Ristorante Paradiso)
This couple is the most enviable across all of Ristorante Paradiso. It’s a 20-year-long relationship that is still proving to be just as loving and glamorous as ever. Furio is a cooking prodigy and Angela is the heiress to a hotel in Rome. From their youthful 30s until their graceful 50s, their relationship has remained steadfast.
The best part is that they are both such sweet people. Empathetic, mild-mannered, direct, and respectable, the duo improve the lives of whoever is around them. In a show full of nostalgic regret, Furio and Angela are the only ones who have a fully functioning and active romance.
3 George And Isabella Accept Each Other Unconditionally (Paradise Kiss)
George and Isabella represent the only healthy relationship within Paradise Kiss. Notoriously, George is a jerk towards everyone around him, including his own girlfriend, but not Isabella. He is earnestly and seriously nice to her. Even as children, he accepts Isabella as a girl. He designs his first dress and hat for her.
This unrelenting acceptance is reciprocated by Isabella. She follows George’s lead and supports his dream. Her heart stays with him, even if they are not romantically involved. When the anime ends and George leaves, only Isabella is by his side, willing to aid his career.
2 Haruka Inokuma And Her Husband Demonstrate Support Amidst Ambition (Chihayafuru)
One of the most compelling side narratives in the later seasons of Chihayafuru is Haruka’s rise to reclaim the throne. As the former Karuta Queen, being able to stand atop of the professional world once again means a lot to her. Some say she could have won more than 4 consecutive titles had she not taken her maternity leaves.
This frustrates her as someone who does not believe that motherhood and personal success have to be separate. Her family helps her overcome her difficulties – her kids are a source of joy, while her husband dotes on her. He devotes himself to his family to give his wife more flexibility to pursue her greatness.
1 Yuuri And Victor Dazzle On The Ice (Yuri!!! On Ice)
An underdog story laced with one of the most refreshing romances within the josei demographic, Yuri!!! on Ice has a lot to offer. At its heart lies Yuuri and Victor – the best male figure skater, jaded and sick of his success, personally coaches an undervalued talent.
What could have been seen as a retreat or a vanity project becomes a gripping and personal romance between two men. Yuuri wants to prove that he is a skater worth Victor’s coaching. Their time together brings the best out in both of them. Their romance is the catalyst that makes both parties evolve. Also, they are undeniably cute together.
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