Koi To Yobu Ni Wa Kimochi Warui Manga
Ever stumbled upon a show with a title so strange, it makes you do a double-take? That’s exactly what happened with "Koi to Yobu Ni Wa Kimochi Warui", or as it's sometimes translated, "It's Disgusting to Call This Love." Yep, quite a mouthful!
But don't let the potentially off-putting name scare you away. Beneath the surface lies a surprisingly sweet and genuinely funny rom-com that explores unconventional relationships.
Age Gaps and Awkward Affection
The story centers around Ichika Arima, a high school girl, and Rio Amakusa, a successful (and significantly older) businessman. Their initial meeting is, well, memorable. Rio, being a bit of a womanizer, instantly becomes smitten with Ichika after she saves him from a clumsy fall.
Must Read
He starts showering her with attention, gifts, and rather... intense declarations of love. Ichika, understandably, finds his advances creepy. Hence, the title!
Rio's over-the-top gestures and misinterpretations of Ichika's reactions are a major source of comedy. He's genuinely trying to win her over, but his methods are hilariously misguided.
More Than Just Cringeworthy Comedy
What makes "KoiKimo" (a shortened nickname used by fans) work is that it's not just about the cringe. As the story progresses, you see Rio actually trying to understand Ichika and learn from his mistakes.
He begins to respect her boundaries and support her dreams. Ichika, in turn, sees past Rio's initially off-putting behavior to recognize his genuine kindness and surprisingly vulnerable side.
The show also explores themes of personal growth. Both characters change and mature throughout their interactions. It's not just Rio learning to be less... Rio-ish; Ichika also begins to open up and confront her own insecurities.
The Heartwarming Moments
Despite the awkwardness and cringe-worthy situations, there are plenty of genuinely heartwarming moments. Little gestures of support, shared laughter, and moments of quiet understanding between Ichika and Rio create a unique dynamic.
You find yourself rooting for them, even when you're simultaneously face-palming at their antics.
The supporting characters also add to the charm. Rio's sister, Rio Amakusa, who is Ichika's best friend, provides a much-needed dose of sanity and perspective. She helps to navigate the complicated feelings that both characters have for one another.
Why You Might Actually Enjoy It
"Koi to Yobu Ni Wa Kimochi Warui" is a refreshing take on the rom-com genre because it doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable aspects of relationships. It acknowledges the awkwardness, the misunderstandings, and the potential for things to go completely wrong.
But it also shows that even the most unlikely of pairings can find common ground and build something meaningful. If you're looking for a show that's funny, heartwarming, and a little bit weird, then this might be right up your alley.
So, give it a try! You might be surprised by how much you enjoy this story.
Don't judge a manga by its title, right?
