"Love Flops" review: A love story and characters that surpass expectations

Love Flops - Ren Ai Flops - Reviews and Recommendations

Overview

"Love Flops" is a TV anime series that aired from October 12 to December 28, 2022, and was produced as an original anime work. It consists of 12 episodes, each of which lasts 30 minutes. It was produced by Passione and directed by Nobuyoshi Nagayama. This work is a youth love story about an ordinary high school boy, Asa Kashiwagi, who grows through his encounters and romance with five unique girls.

■ Story

Kashiwagi Asa is an ordinary high school boy. He lives his life without questioning anything, but one day, he sees a strange fortune-telling on TV, which leads to him getting into trouble one after another. In the midst of this, he has a terrible encounter with five girls. They appear at the same school as Asa as transfer students and new teachers, and completely change Asa's life.

Although he is hesitant at first, Asa deepens his relationship with the five girls as he spends time with them. Then, after receiving a love letter after school, he meets a mysterious person waiting for him under the cherry blossom tree. This is the beginning of Asa's youthful love story.

In the second half of the story, Asa's relationship with the five girls deepens and they begin living together. However, despite being at the mercy of their eccentric behavior and mysterious events, Asa connects with them. Then, one summer day, the four girls suddenly disappear, and Asa, though confused, spends the time with Aiko. Ultimately, the whereabouts of the five girls and their connection to Asa are revealed in a moving conclusion.

■ Characters

The main character, Kashiwagi Asa, was born on October 8th, is a Libra, and his blood type is O. He is an ordinary high school boy whose hobbies are soccer and bananas. His ordinary life changes drastically when he meets five girls.

Izumizawa Aki was born on October 1st, is a Libra, and has blood type AB. She is a bright and lively girl whose hobby is making accessories and who loves strawberry daifuku. She is good at all kinds of housework and is the one who brings everyone together.

Amelia Irving was born on March 26th, is an Aries, and has type B blood. She is an exchange student from the United States whose hobbies are reading and math, and she likes pudding and pancakes. She is innocent, but also clumsy and selfish.

Irina Ilyukhina was born on August 30th, is a Virgo, and has type A blood. She is an international student from Bulgaria whose hobbies are baking sweets and embroidery, and she loves palatinki. Although she has a shy and quiet personality, she is also someone you can trust in the morning.

Bai Menghua was born on November 11th, is a Scorpio, and has type O blood. She is a new teacher from China who enjoys Tai Chi and yoga, and loves alcohol and lychees. She has a gentle personality and is like an older sister to her students.

Karin Ister was born on February 13th, is an Aquarius, and has type B blood. She is an international student from Germany whose hobbies are shopping and social media, and she loves chocolate and pretzels. Although she can be a bit self-conscious, she has a cheerful personality and is well-liked by those around her.

Yoshio Ijuin was born on April 1st, is an Aries, and has blood type AB. His hobbies are gaming and gathering information, and he calls himself the "morning best friend" who likes snacks. He's a harmless guy who is a bit of a joker and will teach you anything you don't understand.

Ai Izawa was born on September 24th, is a Libra, and has AB blood type. She is a childhood friend of Asa, whose hobbies are general housework and bananas. She is a bright and lively girl who is liked by everyone, but she suddenly lost her life to an illness two years ago.

■Cast

The cast features a number of impressive voice actors, including Osaka Ryota as Kashiwagi Asa, Ito Miku as Izumizawa Aki and Izawa Ai, Taketatsu Ayana as Amelia Irving, Takahashi Rie as Irina Ilyukhina, Kanemoto Hisako as Bai Menghua, Takanashi Marika as Karin Ister, and Fukuyama Jun as Ijuin Yoshio.

■ Staff

The original work is by Love Flops Project, the director is Nagayama Nobuyoshi, the assistant directors are Yui Midori and Asari Fujiaki, the series composition and scriptwriter is Yasumoto Satoru, the character design and chief animation director is Ueda Kazuyuki, the color design is Suzuki Sakie, the art setting is Tsunagu Eiko, the art director is Kusanagi, the director of photography is Hayashi Koji, 3D is by Yamada Taro (Creep), the editors are Tan Ayako and Niinuma Nami, the sound director is Hirasawa Hisayoshi, the sound effects are by Inomata Yasushi, the sound production is by Magic Capsule, the music is by Suehiro Kenichiro, the animation production is by Passione, and the production is by the Love Flops Production Committee.

■Broadcast information

"Love Flops" aired from October 12 to December 28, 2022. It was broadcast on AT-X, TOKYO MX, BS11, KBS Kyoto, Sun TV, TV Aichi, and other stations, and was streamed online on Hikari TV, ABEMA, Nico Nico Douga, d Anime Store, GYAO!, FOD, Bandai Channel, Hulu, TELASA, J:COM On Demand, milplus, Animehodai, Amazon, U-NEXT, Rakuten TV, DMM.com, music.jp, Video Market, HAPPY! Video, and Crank-in! Video.

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme is "Love? Reason why!!", written and composed by Q-MHz, arranged by Kishida Yuuki and Q-MHz, and sung by Suzuki Konomi. The ending theme is "Flop Around", written, composed and arranged by Suzuki Hiroaki, and sung by Izumizawa Manami (Ito Miku), Amelia Irving (Taketatsu Ayana), Irina Ilyukhina (Takahashi Rie), Shirayuka (Kanemoto Hisako), and Karin Ister (Takano Marika). The other ending theme, "lost in the white", was written by quiko, composed and arranged by Ishikura Takayuki, and sung by Izawa Ai (Ito Miku). The insert song "With You" was written, composed and arranged by Shinozaki Ayato and Tachibana Ryosuke, and sung by Izawa Ai (Ito Miku).

■Subtitle

The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

• Episode 1: Don't be so brave, you're so bad (2022/10/12)
• Episode 2: I think everyone has different hobbies and sexual preferences (2022/10/19)
• Episode 3: No! Not in that place, not like that (2022/10/26)
• Episode 4: It's amazing! It's huge! (2022/11/02)
• Episode 5: She's a hot woman who makes my body tremble (2022/11/09)
• Episode 6: I don't have any balls...!! My dick... too... (2022/11/16)
• Episode 7: You won't be charged an extension fee (2022/11/23)
• Episode 8: People don't like you if you're too early, but they don't like you if you're too late either (2022/11/30)
• Episode 9: Mommy invites me to play baby (2022/12/07)
• Episode 10: Raw Rubber is Dangerous After All (2022/12/14)
• Episode 11: I'm glad I met you (2022/12/21)
• Episode 12: At least wear some pants (2022/12/28)

■Review

"Love Flops" is a fascinating youth love story. It depicts the protagonist, Asa Kashiwagi, growing up through his encounters and romance with five unique girls. Each character's background and personality are carefully drawn, and the story unfolds in a way that draws the viewer in.

In particular, the process of Asa's relationship with the five girls gradually deepening is heartwarming to watch. Asa's growth as she lives with the girls and is tossed about by mysterious events gives us a sense of the pain and joy of youth. The touching conclusion in the final episode is sure to leave a strong impression on viewers.

The character designs and animation are also of very high quality, and each character's personality is well expressed. In particular, the designs of the five girls reflect their nationalities and personalities, making for a visual treat. Music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, and the opening and ending songs resonate with the viewers.

However, some viewers may find the film repulsive due to some scenes and expressions that are rather extreme. However, it can be said that the film depicts a realistic side of youth, including those scenes. Overall, "Love Flops" is a must-watch for viewers who want to enjoy a youthful love story.

■Recommendation

"Love Flops" is highly recommended for viewers who want to enjoy a youthful love story. In particular, it is a must-watch for those who like works that depict romance and growth with unique characters. The animation and music are also of high quality, making it a visually and aurally enjoyable experience.

Furthermore, the mysterious events that unfold in the latter half of the story and the moving ending will leave a strong impression on viewers. If you want to feel the pain and joy of youth, or if you like works that depict growth through love, then I highly recommend "Love Flops."