Wotakoi Anime Review : Love Is Hard for Otaku (Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii)

Introduction to Wotakoi Anime

Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku, or Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii, is an anime that embraces the quirks of otaku life with a refreshing twist on the romance genre. This anime can be put in the hybrid genre category of “young adult + slice of life + romance”. This series was written and illustrated by Fujita.

Based on the manga of the same name, the series was brought to life by A-1 Pictures, under the guidance of notable producers including Aniplex and Fuji Television. Airing from April 13th to June 22nd, 2018, this 11-episode series was directed by Yoshimasa Hiraike, who also handled the series composition. With Takahiro Yasuda’s character designs and Akimitsu Honma’s music, Wotakoi offers a vibrant and relatable experience, especially for those who see themselves in its otaku-themed workplace setting.

Wotakoi Anime Review: Characters and Storyline

Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku kicks off with Narumi Momose’s first day at her new job, and let’s be honest—she’s on a mission. But this isn’t your typical “impress the boss” mission. No, Narumi’s got something far more critical at stake: concealing her identity as a filthy fujoshi from her new coworkers. And I mean the worst kind of fujoshi—the kind who ships guys together after they exchange a single word, and whose hard drive is a treasure trove of Yaoi smut. To be honest, I’m a BL maniac too. Narumi is a hardcore fujoshi and amateur mangaka, she’s a fixture at conventions, selling her own original works.

She’s determined to keep her dark secret hidden because, let’s face it, who would want to date an otaku? Especially one as perverted as her? But, in true slice-of-life fashion, her plans go sideways faster than you can say “Yaoi,” when her boss stumbles upon her secret. Cue the panic.

Enter Hirotaka Nifuji, a childhood friend and fellow otaku (who turns out to be employed in the very same company), who’s every bit as geeky as she is—just in a different way. While Narumi is busy hiding her love for boys’ love, Hirotaka’s passion lies in video games, and he couldn’t care less what anyone thinks about it.

After office hours, the two childhood friends decide to catch up over some drinks. When Narumi starts lamenting her disastrous dating life, Hirotaka swoops in with an offer that only a true nerd could appreciate: they should date each other.

He even sweetens the deal with some geeky perks—like helping her with video games and standing guard at her booth during conventions. They seal the deal with a handshake, because, let’s be real, nothing says “romantic relationship” like a business-like handshake between two socially awkward otakus.

Alongside Narumi and Hirotaka’s blossoming romance, Wotakoi also delves into the playful banter and budding affection between Hanako Koyanagi, a passionate cosplayer and fellow fujoshi (and Narumi’s senpai at work,) and Tarou Kabakura, a “cute girl” manga enthusiast with a penchant for keeping a cool exterior (and is Hirotaka’s senpai at work). Both couples offer unique perspectives on the complexities of adult relationships.

But don’t be fooled—this isn’t your typical office romance filled with drama and misunderstandings. Instead, Wotakoi shines in its exploration of the everyday adventures and interactions of these characters, making the mundane feel endearing.

The two otaku couples’ relationship dynamics are as endearing as it is unconventional. They may work in the same office and maintain a professional facade, but beneath it all, they’re just two nerds trying to navigate the awkwardness of adult relationships. The show takes us along on their journey, from casual workday interactions to dates at amusement parks and late-night gaming sessions.

What makes Wotakoi stand out is how it normalizes otaku culture within the context of adult life. It’s not just about the romance; it’s about how these characters, with all their quirks and obsessions, fit into the real world. Whether they’re debating the merits of the latest game release or navigating the awkwardness of an office party, their nerdiness is front and centre, and that’s what makes the show so relatable—and so much fun to watch.

Also Read: A Sign of Affection (Yubisaki to Renren) Anime Review

Why is Wotakoi the best romance anime for otaku

What makes Wotakoi stand out is its ability to depict the daily lives of otaku in a way that feels both genuine and refreshing. The anime’s slower pace allows for moments of humour and warmth, making it easy to watch and even easier to love. However, the series’ short runtime of 11 episodes and the occasional cliffhanger might leave you craving more—just a perfect excuse to dive into the manga!

The small, tight-knit cast of characters is another highlight. Each character gets a moment to shine, whether it’s through their interactions, quirky hobbies, or the light-hearted banter that fills their conversations. The show doesn’t rely on drama or miscommunication to drive the plot. Instead, it focuses on the small, everyday moments that define the characters’ relationships, making it a light-hearted rom-com that feels surprisingly real. And yes, this show skips the fan service, focusing instead on witty dialogues and sharp humour that feels true to life. The absence of unnecessary distractions allows the character dynamics to take centre stage, creating a genuinely entertaining experience.

One of the best parts? The characters don’t beat around the bush. They’re honest, direct, and refreshingly straightforward—a rarity in the romance genre. The comedy, especially after the first couple of episodes, hits all the right notes, with gamer memes and references that will resonate with 90s kids (and the main characters, of course). Plus, did I mention they kiss in the third episode? The pacing of their relationship is just one of the reasons why this show is so satisfying to watch.

Wotakoi Anime Review: Voice Acting

The voice acting in Wotakoi is top-notch, with a cast that brings each character to life with energy and nuance. Tomokazu Sugita (also voices Sakata Gintoki from Gintama) voices Tarou Kabakura, Hirotaka’s friend and manga enthusiast, while Miyuki Sawashiro lends her voice to Hanako Koyanagi, Narumi’s BL-loving co-worker and cosplayer.

The veteran voice actors do a fantastic job, but special mention must go to Arisa Date, who voices Narumi Momose. Her performance is nothing short of brilliant, injecting every line with humour, emotion, and an infectious energy that makes Narumi one of the most memorable characters in the series.

Wotakoi Anime Review: References to Other Anime/Games

Given its focus on otaku culture, Wotakoi is packed with references to other anime and games, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for fans.

Whether it’s a nod to Neon Genesis Evangelion or playful homages to classics like Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball, these references are woven seamlessly into the story, enriching the viewing experience for those in the know. Modern-day touches like Pokémon Go and references to popular video games like Monster Hunter and Mario Kart further ground the series in contemporary otaku culture, making it both relatable and fun.

Also Read: Gintama Anime Review: The Most Relatable Anime On Adulting

Is Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku worth watching?

I personally absolutely loved it because of the highly relatable depiction of BL fans (like I said, I am a BL maniac too). Before seeing this anime, I thought I was the only one!!

If you’re on the hunt for something laid-back, cute, and funny (with a healthy dose of relatability), Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku should definitely be on your watchlist. It’s a breath of fresh air in the romance and slice-of-life genres, offering a more realistic take on love between working adults. Whether you’re an otaku yourself or just enjoy a good rom-com, this series delivers in a way that’s both satisfying and true to life.