The appeal and reviews of "More than a couple, less than a lover": An anime depicting the ultimate relationship

"More than a couple, less than lovers": A sweet and bitter "play couple" between a gal and an unpopular guy

The TV anime "More Than a Couple, Less Than a Lover," which aired in the fall of 2022, is based on the manga of the same name by Kanamaru Yuki. The original work was serialized in KADOKAWA's Young Ace and has attracted many fans as a youthful romantic comedy. This anime is produced by studio MOTHER and produced by Seishun Academy. The broadcast period was from October 9 to December 25, 2022, with a total of 12 episodes, and it was available to watch on AT-X, TOKYO MX, and other channels. It was also available on online streaming services such as ABEMA and d Anime Store.

story

The protagonist, Yakuin Jiro, is a dull high school boy. He ends up living with Watanabe Hoshi, a beautiful gal in his class, in a class called "Marriage Training." Jiro and Hoshi have the worst impressions of each other, with Jiro being an "introvert" and Hoshi being an "extrovert." Jiro doesn't like gals like Hoshi, and although he is confused by her exciting lifestyle, he tries not to notice it. However, Hoshi suggests, "Hey, let's seriously play husband and wife," and the two decide to seriously play husband and wife in order to get the right to swap pairs. Gradually, a bittersweet married life begins, and the two come to know each other's charms. How will the relationship between Jiro and Hoshi develop?

character

The appeal of this work lies in its unique characters. The protagonist, Yakuin Jiro, is voiced by Yamashita Seiichiro. He is an otaku who is at the bottom of the class caste system and has not had a girlfriend for 18 years. Jiro's first love and childhood friend, Sakurazaka Shiori, is played by Miyashita Saki. Shiori is a neat and tidy girl who cares about Jiro. Watanabe Hoshi, voiced by Onishi Saori, is a beautiful gal who is at the top of the class caste system. Hoshi deepens her relationship with Jiro by playing a fake couple with him. Tenjin Misakinami, a refreshingly handsome man played by Masuda Toshiki, is the object of Hoshi's feelings. Many other characters also add excitement to the story, such as Jiro's best friend, Kamo Sadaharu, and Hoshi's friends.

staff

Many talented staff members are involved in the production of More than a Couple, Less than a Lover. The general director is Kato Takao, the director is Yamamoto Junichi, and the series composition is Arakawa Toshihisa. The character designs are by Kobayashi Chizuru, the color design is by Nagasawa Akira, and the art direction is Akuzawa Naoko. The director of photography is Takabatake Misato, the editor is Chaen Ichiro, the sound director is Yamaguchi Takayuki, and the music is by Umi Yuri. The music is produced by Lantis, with the opening theme "TRUE FOOL LOVE" sung by Liyuu and the ending themes "Stuck on you" and "Swallows" sung by Nowlu.

episode

Each of the 12 episodes has a unique title, starting with episode 1, "More than cohabitation, less than cohabitation," and concluding with episode 12, "More than, less than love." Each episode depicts the gradual development of Jiro and Hoshi's relationship. Episodes 5, "More than a nosebleed, less than a kiss," and 6, "More than a virgin, less than a virgin," are particularly full of bittersweet scenes that are unique to youth romantic comedies. Episode 9, "More than childhood friends, less than a true love," also focuses on the relationship between Jiro and Shiori, adding depth to the story.

Evaluation and Impressions

"More Than a Couple, Less Than a Lover" has received extremely high praise as a youthful romantic comedy. In particular, the relationship between Jiro and Hoshi, and the portrayal of the diverse characters have been well received by many viewers. The animation, which faithfully reproduces the atmosphere of the original, and the pleasant music also add to the work's appeal. Viewers have commented that "the relationship between Jiro and Hoshi is so real that I can empathize," "the characters are all so good that I want to root for them," and "it reminds me of the bittersweet days of my youth."

Recommended points

Here are some reasons why I recommend this work:

• Realistic youth love comedy : The relationship between Jiro and Hoshi and the surrounding characters are depicted realistically. Enjoy a bittersweet story that will remind you of your youth.
• Characters with a wide range of personalities : Jiro, Hoshi, and other characters all have their own unique personalities, which add to the excitement of the story. In particular, the growth of Jiro and Hoshi and the development of their relationship are highlights.
• Beautiful animation and music : The beautiful animation that faithfully reproduces the atmosphere of the original work and the pleasant music enhance the charm of the work. The opening and ending songs are particularly impressive.
• Easy to watch, 12 episodes in total : With a compact 12 episodes, it is easy to watch. Each episode is 30 minutes long, which is one of its charms.

How to watch

"More Than a Couple, Less Than a Lover" can be viewed on the following broadcasting stations and online streaming services.

• Broadcasting Station
  • AT-X: October 9th to December 25th, 2022, every Sunday from 22:00 to 22:30
  • TOKYO MX: October 10th to December 26th, 2022, every Monday from 0:30 to 1:00
  • Sun TV: October 10, 2022 to December 26, 2022, every Monday from 0:30 to 1:00
  • KBS Kyoto: October 10th to December 26th, 2022, every Monday from 0:45 to 1:15
  • BS11: October 12th to December 28th, 2022, every Wednesday from 0:00 to 0:30
• Online distribution
  • ABEMA: From October 9, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00
  • nikoniko/Niconico Live Broadcast/Niconico Channel: From October 16, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00
  • d Anime Store: Available from October 16, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00
  • GYAO!: Available from October 16, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00
  • Hikari TV: From October 16, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00
  • FOD: From October 16, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00
  • Bandai Channel: From October 16, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00
  • Hulu: Available from October 16, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00
  • TELASA Unlimited Viewing Plan: Available from October 16, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00
  • J:COM On Demand Mega Pack: Available from October 16, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00
  • milplus All-you-can-watch Pack Prime: Available from October 16, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00
  • Animehodai: Available from October 16, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00
  • Amazon: Available from October 16, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00
  • U-NEXT: Available from October 16, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00
  • Rakuten TV: Available from October 16, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00
  • DMM.com: Available from October 16, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00
  • music.jp: Available from October 16, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00
  • Video Market: From October 16, 2022, distributed every Sunday from 23:00
  • HAPPY! Video: Available from October 16, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00
  • Crank-in! Video: Available from October 16, 2022, every Sunday from 23:00

Conclusion

"More Than a Couple, Less Than a Lover" is a very appealing youth romantic comedy. The relationship between Jiro and Hoshi, as well as the portrayal of the unique characters, were well received by many viewers. The animation, which faithfully reproduces the atmosphere of the original, and the pleasant music also add to the appeal of the work. It is a compact work with a total of 12 episodes, making it easy to watch, so please give it a try. It is sure to bring back bittersweet memories of your youth.