This is probably one of my favorite more recent rom-com series. Adult cast, who actually *act* like adults, weird complex about everyone finding out about them aside. The way they talk and handle things feels very real, and while this might sound weird to say, seeing an adult couple maintain an active and healthy sex life makes them feel much more realistic than a lot of hyper-chaste or "always almost but never quite having sex" attitudes from some anime couples. Also just a fantastic cast and series overall. The fact that this got region locked and you basically had to find... *alternative* *methods* to watch it in the US killed all the potential this show had.
Xx420EdgeLord69xX2026-01-12 15:04
US anime importers have a subtle but noticeable bias against non-harem/love-triangle single monogamous couple romance anime. Before anyone says 'what about...', yes they do import some. Sometimes if a series is really popular in Japan they'll import it or even dub it. It's not a binary, like they either do none or all; it's more of a gentle but firm pressure against it. If there are 10 action shonen battle anime, they'll probably import all 10 and dub like 8 or them. If there's 10 comedy harem fantasy isekais, they'll probably import and/or dub a similar amount. But if there's 10 overt romance anime with clear cut monogamous couples that actually make progress during the season and act like a healthy functional couple, they'll probably import like 6 and dub 4 of them.
There are always some that US distributors will bring over each season of course, but it's never quite the same ratios and proportions as they do with other genres. Look at a list of anime produced in Japan in a season, then a list of all the anime from that season that was important officially into the US in sub form, and then a sublist of those anime that were then given English dubs, more often than not it's the monogamous romance anime that are dropping by the wayside. The "man it's a shame Crunchy/Hidive/Netflix/etc didn't pick up....." lists tend to have a higher than normal portion of monogamous successful romances in them than other genres. Not sure if they think these just won't be successful in the US, or they aren't as successful in the US because they're picked up more infrequently, but it's a weird little quirk you'll notice if you spend enough time looking for those kind of anime on purpose season to season.
If you haven't noticed it or doubt it, start paying attention to it over the course of a few seasons. You'll notice, it's the Angel Next Doors, the Pseudo Harems, Crush at Works, the My Awkward Senpais, etc that never quite seem to get as much attention from US anime distributors and dubbing houses. Never to the point where they won't import in sub form or dub them *at all*, but over time you'll notice it's just a little bit less than you might think if all genres were treated equally.
ILikeFPS2026-01-12 17:04
> If you haven't noticed it or doubt it, start paying attention to it over the course of a few seasons. You'll notice, it's the Angel Next Doors, the Pseudo Harems, Crush at Works, the My Awkward Senpais, etc that never quite seem to get as much attention from US anime distributors and dubbing houses.
It's weird, because I find those are actually some of the best recent anime...
wterrt2026-01-13 01:51
yup.....definitely some of the best romances lately. I'm glad we're seeing more and more of those instead of all the harem / triangle crap that never goes anywhere because then they'd have to actually pick someone and that ends the story.
bravetailor2026-01-12 20:52
It's because of money, as it always is. They get far less viewers and thus are less profitable for them.
We always forget that just because something is different and quality doesn't mean a lot of people will watch it. The main demo for anime is ages 12-25. The tastes in this sub especially don't always reflect the majority--after all, we barely ever talk about shonen battle anime in here, which is clearly the most popular genre in anime (which is why I read this sub, but in no way do I think I represent the majority of the fanbase) They tend to watch all those "popular" genres you describe, and are far less likely to watch a workplace anime.
HarshTheDev2026-01-13 05:40
Yeah I think he's trying to apply bias and/or malice when it's just good old fashioned capitalism at work.
Stormfly2026-01-13 10:10
Occam's Razor.
90% of the time, the reason for anything is money.
Xx420EdgeLord69xX2026-01-13 13:30
A bias for market reasons is still a bias.
HarshTheDev2026-01-13 13:50
A bias to market and a bias against genre are extremely different things though
nemuri_no_kogoro2026-01-12 15:38
> weird complex about everyone finding out about them aside
Its not weird if you actually live in Japan.
Very normal here to not tell anyone you are dating (work and family esp) until you are telling them "we are engaged".
lordover12342026-01-13 06:21
Japanese people just… don’t tell their family about their SO until marriage? I get it’s a different culture but that seems weird. Is there history behind it?
sithmaster02026-01-13 08:41
Yeah, because they're judgemental as fuck about every little thing about both of you. They'll give you shit up and down and smear it in your face if you're just dating. They'll still do it when you're married, but it'll be behind your back instead of overtly.
TheS3KT2026-01-15 08:25
What's not to get.
ILikeFPS2026-01-12 16:59
To be honest, maybe the hyper-chaste aspect is more realistic than we thought, what with Japan's low birth rates and all...
morron882026-01-12 19:28
By the numbers, everyone's fucking (and cheating. Holy shit is there a lot of cheating), but no one's having kids.
DirCurrFluxCapacitor2026-01-13 02:12
> and cheating. Holy shit is there a lot of cheating
How so?
Stormfly2026-01-13 10:06
Obviously depends on where you live, but it's very infamous that many people don't think that a purely physical relationship (like prostitution) is cheating.
I was in Japan years ago and spent time with some Japanese businessmen that were very friendly and drunk and generous and drunk and they casually mentioned finding prostitutes on their honeymoon.
I also met a Chinese-Japanese guy (related to my friend) who was similarly very generous and friendly and fun but also mentioned using prostitutes and then I learned he had a girlfriend.
Is it "cheating" if the people are okay with it? Not technically... but we can also assume that maybe a non-zero amount of people *do* think it's cheating but their partner doesn't (and likely doesn't tell them) because people are often terrible at communicating relationship boundaries and just assume.
But I also hear there's a lot of typical affairs and other cheating problems where people don't love their partners but won't separate from them.
RobrechtvE2026-01-12 20:56
Keep in mind that the 'low birth rates' thing is mostly a Japanese political hot button issue that various parties. mainly the very socially conservative ones, massively overblow in order to get people to vote for them and their suggested solution.
The main social trend leading to lower birth rates in Japan is lower marriage rates coupled with the fact that Japan is, both legally and socially, incredibly shitty towards unwed mothers, even if the father is in the picture and helping to support the family.
Stormfly2026-01-13 10:07
As someone in Korea (lower birth rate), it's the same that the issue isn't with a lack of relationships, but that people *don't want* children. They're making the choice not to have children for various reasons, among them sexism, financial problems, housing, societal expectations for children, and generally not wanting that sort of responsibility. That's why they get dogs or cats instead.
Yes, there are fewer accidents but the issue is mostly that people aren't finding long-term healthy relationships that are financially secure and so they're unwilling to have children.
It's relatively easy to get short-term stuff if you're looking for that.
Dull-Development78572026-01-12 17:39
It’s honestly such a breath of fresh air. I’m so tired of watching high schoolers spend 24 episodes panic-sweating just to hold hands in the finale. Seeing adults actually communicate and navigate intimacy without the world ending is oddly therapeutic.
Illustrious-Loan12562026-01-12 18:00
Streaming jails are where hype goes to die. It’s tragic because word of mouth can only carry a show so far when there's no legal 'easy access' button for the casual audience. This deserved the *Kaguya-sama* or *Wotakoi* level of exposure.
DueCartographer95392026-01-12 18:25
The hardest part of recommending this show is explaining the ten-step process to actually watch it. 'Alternative methods' shouldn't be a prerequisite for enjoying a top-tier adult romance, but here we are setting sail again.
RoachIsCrying2026-01-12 13:08
this is what I love about this series, they are adults, they have sex, they want to keep their relationship a secret because of work. Everything about this is normal. They are a normal couple who do normal couple things.
Kadmos12026-01-12 13:15
Would have been nice if it got an official simulcast so then I could officially watch it. I know there is the digital ocean of piracy, but I prefer to have an official stream.
Guilty-Tell2026-01-12 16:27
This series is on YouTube tho all you need is a Singapore VPN.
Mister_Enot2026-01-12 14:18
and this NORMALITY make this anime exceptional (because of all bullshit in typical weirdos school anime drama)
Sudden_Green94422026-01-12 17:49
The bar is on the floor for anime couples, but these two somehow managed to clear it by miles just by acting like functional human beings. It’s wild how rare 'competent communication' is as a genre tag.
No_Advertising45752026-01-12 18:07
It feels illegal to watch an anime couple resolve a misunderstanding in under five minutes instead of letting it drag out for an entire arc. I almost didn't know how to react to the lack of unnecessary drama.
Front_Leadership_4352026-01-12 18:38
[removed]
doquan21422026-01-12 21:37
We need Telework Yobanashi as a anime movie!
benpast2026-01-13 00:45
Hahah yea how normal the relationship is the best about this anime, you said it prefectly
shewy922026-01-13 21:28
Also the guy didn't just try to solve her problem or offer advice at first. He just listened and said he'd be there if she needed it.
thisisdropd2026-01-12 13:19
This show has a lightning fast pacing. They confessed in the opening scene and by the end of the first episode they had already fucked. They also did it pretty much every other episode.
One of its charm is in how grounded the cast are. They felt like real people instead of caricatures of tropes. Their actions, words all sound like what you expect from adults.
Another impressive feat is how devoid of ecchi content this show has despite its leads fucking like rabbits.
Nachtwandler_FS2026-01-12 13:39
Apparently, mangaka based a lot of the interactions on her own expirience when she was dating her now husband.
Innocent-Bystander942026-01-12 14:59
“Have sex”
-Shinzo Abe (RIP)
Otherwise_Task78762026-01-12 18:13
God damn! Ill probably give this a watch then, seems pretty unique, most dont even hint at doing the deed.
The_Swag_Titan2026-01-12 23:09
\>This show has a lightning fast pacing.
Maybe that's because they skipped like 38% of the manga.
RGBkano2026-01-12 13:28
One of the best romance anime of the last few years imo. Just two people in love, no bullshit and extremely straight to the point.
TheBusStop122026-01-12 15:12
There's 2 types of romance stories I enjoy the most
The exceptionally exceptional, where the couple finds themselves in exceptional situations and has to overcome trials most couples irl never have to face. These are usually paired with a greater overarching story and fantasy, supernatural or sci fi themes
And the exceptionally normal, where it feels like you're watching an actual normal irl couple doing things real people actually do without relying on dumb tropes and contrivances. This show os a prime example of the latter and I love it for it
Nebresto2026-01-12 20:16
>The exceptionally exceptional, where the couple finds themselves in exceptional situations and has to overcome trials most couples irl never have to face.
Any recs?
TheBusStop122026-01-12 20:42
Rascal doesn't dream of... -series (-a bunny girl senpai, -a dreaming girl, -his sister stepping out, -a knapsack kid, -Santa Claus and releasing this april the final movie -a dear friend)
Spice and Wolf (only seen the remake, new season announced, so it's still ongoing)
Golden Time (complete story)
This Monster Wants to eat my (Yuri, only one season, it only just released so I have hope for a season 2. Deals with suicidal depression and yokai)
The Summer that Hikaru Died (BL, kinda similar to This Monster wants to eat me, but horror instead of depression)
Zenshu (not really a romance, but it plays a big part. It's an Isekai, but different than most as it follows an older Isekai structure more akin to Escaflowne and Spirited Away with a female MC. It's a love letter to older anime)
Banished from the heroes party I decided to live a quiet life in the countryside (the OG kicked out of the heroes party anime, which is nowadays overused. And the one that actually does it well. Romance isn't the main story, but it is really well done
Love After World Domination (knockoff power rangers, love between the red ranger and one of the super villains)
Witch Watch (more of a comedy. No romance yet in the first season, but it's made very clear that romance is the end goal and that it will happen, cuz magic n shit)
Yona of the dawn (actually getting a second season after more than a decade holy shit)
Violet Evergarden (I'm not sure if I can classify it as romance tbh. It's more about grief. I cried)
Kaguya sama Love is War (honorable mention, it's both the exceptionally exceptional and the exceptionally normal. Like an over the top caricature of real romance)
I've heard a lot of good things about Clannad as well. But I haven't dared to watch it in fear it'll break me
Nebresto2026-01-12 20:56
Good list m8, seen most of thems already. Also watch Clannad
[](#mugiwait)
TheBusStop122026-01-12 21:00
Thanks!
One day I will. Not emotionally ready atm
There's a bunch more that sadly only ever got 1 season and are unlikely to ever get any more because apparently anime execs hate completed romance stories (Holding out vain hope for the executioner and her way of life for example)
wterrt2026-01-13 01:56
> Banished from the heroes party I decided to live a quiet life in the countryside (the OG kicked out of the heroes party anime, which is nowadays overused. And the one that actually does it well. Romance isn't the main story, but it is really well done
check out chilling in another world with level 2 cheat powers if you liked this, very similar and honestly I prefer it to banished. the MC is a bit dumb in ep 1 but after that he's just like super relatable, basically does exactly what I'd do in his situation which is nice.
also, duke of death and his maid fits that description of
>The exceptionally exceptional, where the couple finds themselves in exceptional situations and has to overcome trials most couples irl never have to face.
it starts off a bit slow, but the side characters are introduced in s1 and really carry the show imo. there's 3 couples and they all have satisfying endings.
also /u/Nebresto
Nebresto2026-01-13 08:10
Dude of Death has been PTW'd
[](#thebutton)
Roboglenn2026-01-12 13:35
Where this series does a great job at doing working adult romance with characters that actually feel like adults, it also does just as much addresses the whole *working* adult side of the equation as well in a mature way that feels realistic and without being boring. Which in turn can help feed into these two's healthy mature relationship dynamic as seen here with them talking about their problems and being there for each other to listen.
CarbonScythe02026-01-12 13:39
Okay, so I have to watch this as soon as possible! Finally a realistic adult show. (I love a good silly comedy and isekai, but everyone once in a while, you need to switch things up)
greenwood902026-01-12 13:53
In a sea of 'will they, wont they (definitely in the last episode) romances, awkward teen romances where their scared to even hold hands. It was refreshing to have a romance series where they are together from the outset, they are adults who act like adults and have a healthy sex life.
I really liked this show
Dog_in_human_costume2026-01-12 13:56
Nice to see some adult anime
SeaAccomplished17592026-01-12 14:04
For any no life basement dwellers who only like high school harem and underage waifus, this is what real life looks like btw
Innocent-Bystander942026-01-12 15:00
You’re saying this on Reddit. No one’s gonna believe you.
TheSixthNonsense2026-01-12 14:57
It's refreshing to see a non-school setting.
gdhhorn2026-01-12 15:31
Where can I watch this? Searching the Internet says CR, but I’m not seeing it there (US).
Sleeptokencubanfan2026-01-12 16:22
Im in the same boat my friend
Durinthal2026-01-12 17:02
> Searching the Internet says CR
Well don't trust wherever you got that info from, it's never been on Crunchyroll and [isn't legally available anywhere for the US.](https://www.livechart.me/anime/12763/streams)
gdhhorn2026-01-12 17:29
That makes me sad. There’s so few romance anime that have adults as the protagonists.
Illustrious_Arm_7322026-01-12 15:58
Very good anime of an adult relationship, Love it! I would like more of this content
Sleeptokencubanfan2026-01-12 16:21
Guys. Where can I watch this. I’ve asked around in so many groups and no one says anythinyb😭. I looked for it on crunchyroll, prime video, youtube and nothing
Durinthal2026-01-12 17:00
[Depends on where you live](https://www.livechart.me/anime/12763/streams), but it's not legally available anywhere in the US.
[](#elsiesigh)
opal_mirage2026-01-12 17:18
🏴☠️
Nickthenuker2026-01-14 23:17
VPN to SEA and it _is_ on YouTube. Live chat went _wild_ with this scene lol.
Party_Secretary1152026-01-12 16:22
what is the name of this anime please ?
witherACE2026-01-12 16:45
I have a crush at work
Rough-Self-91342026-01-12 18:11
Oh nice, you ever gonna confess to them?
witherACE2026-01-12 18:14
I don't have j*b yet
Rough-Self-91342026-01-12 18:19
Thank you for censoring that, nearly shat myself
Party_Secretary1152026-01-13 09:26
hhaha cant stop lauphing
Party_Secretary1152026-01-13 09:25
hahahhaa
Party_Secretary1152026-01-13 09:25
thanks
Ok-Cod52542026-01-12 17:19
Easily one of the best workplace romance anime and romance anime in general, especially in the last few years.
zool7142026-01-12 17:24
Yeah like some have already commented. This show depicts a really normal couple behaving normally but that in itself is exceptional. While I do enjoy some drama and swooning and male/female gazing, something more grounded is good too
Feeling-Fan44132026-01-12 17:26
This is one of my favourite rom com anime after horimiya
ODST_Parker2026-01-12 18:26
Watching a series about reincarnating in a fantasy world, learning magic, falling in love with a goddess, saving the universe, etc.
"Damn, that's wholesome as hell. Wish it was real."
Watching a series about two completely normal, well-adjusted adults having a good life, healthy relationship, and work balance.
"Damn, that's wholesome as hell. Wish it was real."
Of_Z_2026-01-12 19:45
She came over stressed. Got some dick. Got some head pats. Left mentally clear and happy. 10/10 couple.
Nebresto2026-01-12 20:14
This show is *so* good.
[](#ilovethiskindofshit)
Telesto442026-01-12 20:26
I loved the side couple in this.
Ok_Pear_24342026-01-12 22:27
I really with stuff that took its audience and material seriously was more common. Nice scene.
Shredgeetar2026-01-12 23:20
Looks like a romance anime i may actually enjoy some actual physical intimacy
ChampionshipIll61712026-01-13 03:43
That quiet support between them is everything 🥹 Sometimes that’s all you need
m4nicc4t2026-01-13 03:57
Love this anime, so mature and hits the same notes that the manga did.
ElliotAlderson20242026-01-13 04:53
Illegal site?
Mission_Leg_19462026-01-13 05:26
one of the most favs one this is!
mongopudding-ttv2026-01-13 06:11
i wanna watch this too
Artistic_Weakness_642026-01-13 07:34
whaaaat show?
CelioHogane2026-01-13 09:10
Sex? on my Rom-com?
Even-Marionberry-5742026-01-14 06:01
It was the best rom com anime for me hopefully it gets s3
Commentaires
There are always some that US distributors will bring over each season of course, but it's never quite the same ratios and proportions as they do with other genres. Look at a list of anime produced in Japan in a season, then a list of all the anime from that season that was important officially into the US in sub form, and then a sublist of those anime that were then given English dubs, more often than not it's the monogamous romance anime that are dropping by the wayside. The "man it's a shame Crunchy/Hidive/Netflix/etc didn't pick up....." lists tend to have a higher than normal portion of monogamous successful romances in them than other genres. Not sure if they think these just won't be successful in the US, or they aren't as successful in the US because they're picked up more infrequently, but it's a weird little quirk you'll notice if you spend enough time looking for those kind of anime on purpose season to season.
If you haven't noticed it or doubt it, start paying attention to it over the course of a few seasons. You'll notice, it's the Angel Next Doors, the Pseudo Harems, Crush at Works, the My Awkward Senpais, etc that never quite seem to get as much attention from US anime distributors and dubbing houses. Never to the point where they won't import in sub form or dub them *at all*, but over time you'll notice it's just a little bit less than you might think if all genres were treated equally.
It's weird, because I find those are actually some of the best recent anime...
We always forget that just because something is different and quality doesn't mean a lot of people will watch it. The main demo for anime is ages 12-25. The tastes in this sub especially don't always reflect the majority--after all, we barely ever talk about shonen battle anime in here, which is clearly the most popular genre in anime (which is why I read this sub, but in no way do I think I represent the majority of the fanbase) They tend to watch all those "popular" genres you describe, and are far less likely to watch a workplace anime.
90% of the time, the reason for anything is money.
Its not weird if you actually live in Japan.
Very normal here to not tell anyone you are dating (work and family esp) until you are telling them "we are engaged".
How so?
I was in Japan years ago and spent time with some Japanese businessmen that were very friendly and drunk and generous and drunk and they casually mentioned finding prostitutes on their honeymoon.
I also met a Chinese-Japanese guy (related to my friend) who was similarly very generous and friendly and fun but also mentioned using prostitutes and then I learned he had a girlfriend.
Is it "cheating" if the people are okay with it? Not technically... but we can also assume that maybe a non-zero amount of people *do* think it's cheating but their partner doesn't (and likely doesn't tell them) because people are often terrible at communicating relationship boundaries and just assume.
But I also hear there's a lot of typical affairs and other cheating problems where people don't love their partners but won't separate from them.
The main social trend leading to lower birth rates in Japan is lower marriage rates coupled with the fact that Japan is, both legally and socially, incredibly shitty towards unwed mothers, even if the father is in the picture and helping to support the family.
Yes, there are fewer accidents but the issue is mostly that people aren't finding long-term healthy relationships that are financially secure and so they're unwilling to have children.
It's relatively easy to get short-term stuff if you're looking for that.
One of its charm is in how grounded the cast are. They felt like real people instead of caricatures of tropes. Their actions, words all sound like what you expect from adults.
Another impressive feat is how devoid of ecchi content this show has despite its leads fucking like rabbits.
-Shinzo Abe (RIP)
Maybe that's because they skipped like 38% of the manga.
The exceptionally exceptional, where the couple finds themselves in exceptional situations and has to overcome trials most couples irl never have to face. These are usually paired with a greater overarching story and fantasy, supernatural or sci fi themes
And the exceptionally normal, where it feels like you're watching an actual normal irl couple doing things real people actually do without relying on dumb tropes and contrivances. This show os a prime example of the latter and I love it for it
Any recs?
Spice and Wolf (only seen the remake, new season announced, so it's still ongoing)
Golden Time (complete story)
This Monster Wants to eat my (Yuri, only one season, it only just released so I have hope for a season 2. Deals with suicidal depression and yokai)
The Summer that Hikaru Died (BL, kinda similar to This Monster wants to eat me, but horror instead of depression)
Zenshu (not really a romance, but it plays a big part. It's an Isekai, but different than most as it follows an older Isekai structure more akin to Escaflowne and Spirited Away with a female MC. It's a love letter to older anime)
Banished from the heroes party I decided to live a quiet life in the countryside (the OG kicked out of the heroes party anime, which is nowadays overused. And the one that actually does it well. Romance isn't the main story, but it is really well done
Love After World Domination (knockoff power rangers, love between the red ranger and one of the super villains)
Witch Watch (more of a comedy. No romance yet in the first season, but it's made very clear that romance is the end goal and that it will happen, cuz magic n shit)
Yona of the dawn (actually getting a second season after more than a decade holy shit)
Violet Evergarden (I'm not sure if I can classify it as romance tbh. It's more about grief. I cried)
Kaguya sama Love is War (honorable mention, it's both the exceptionally exceptional and the exceptionally normal. Like an over the top caricature of real romance)
I've heard a lot of good things about Clannad as well. But I haven't dared to watch it in fear it'll break me
[](#mugiwait)
One day I will. Not emotionally ready atm
There's a bunch more that sadly only ever got 1 season and are unlikely to ever get any more because apparently anime execs hate completed romance stories (Holding out vain hope for the executioner and her way of life for example)
check out chilling in another world with level 2 cheat powers if you liked this, very similar and honestly I prefer it to banished. the MC is a bit dumb in ep 1 but after that he's just like super relatable, basically does exactly what I'd do in his situation which is nice.
also, duke of death and his maid fits that description of
>The exceptionally exceptional, where the couple finds themselves in exceptional situations and has to overcome trials most couples irl never have to face.
it starts off a bit slow, but the side characters are introduced in s1 and really carry the show imo. there's 3 couples and they all have satisfying endings.
also /u/Nebresto
[](#thebutton)
I really liked this show
Well don't trust wherever you got that info from, it's never been on Crunchyroll and [isn't legally available anywhere for the US.](https://www.livechart.me/anime/12763/streams)
[](#elsiesigh)
"Damn, that's wholesome as hell. Wish it was real."
Watching a series about two completely normal, well-adjusted adults having a good life, healthy relationship, and work balance.
"Damn, that's wholesome as hell. Wish it was real."
[](#ilovethiskindofshit)