Source: J.C Staff
When you’ve reached a certain age in your life, you come to realise that the fluffy teenage romances you once enjoyed have now become bittersweetly unrelatable.
Sure, we’ve had our time enjoying stories of highschool sweethearts overcoming typical teenage drama and growing up together, but when you’re in your mid-to-late twenties or beyond, you’re left wanting for a more relatable story. After all, relationships in your teens are leagues different from relationships in your adult years.
If you’re wanting for a more mature take on romance, look no further. We’ve got a few title recommendations that might do the trick!
Nodame Cantabile
Number of seasons: 3
Number of episodes: 47
Nodame Cantabile showcases the slow and steady burn of romance between Shinichi Chiaki, an arrogant and multi-talented musical perfectionist with a terrible phobia of planes, and Megumi Noda, an eccentric pianist who’s known for her notorious messiness. For all intents and purposes, they’re the personification of the age-old ‘opposites attract’ rule. However different they are to each other, their relationship is marked with a desire for development and growth, ultimately building each other up to overcome their fears and pursue their dream careers together.
Nana
Number of episodes: 47
Two 20-year old women both named Nana have a chance encounter when moving to Tokyo, and although they’re leagues different from each other, they find commonalities that nurture a strong friendship. However, the complexities of adulthood-relationships, career paths, and difficult personal decisions force the two Nanas to come to the realisation that sometimes, friendships just don’t last no matter how much they want it to.
The romance in Nana may not fully take center stage, but the show explores the complications of choice, career, and addiction, and how these things can affect a relationship.
My Happy Marriage
Number of seasons: 1, with season 2 coming January 2025!
Number of episodes: 13
My Happy Marriage may have a fantastical, alternate reality historical setting, but the romance that blooms between the two main characters is every bit as realistic as possible. Miyo struggles with the after-effects of her abusive past, living as a shell of herself.
When Miyo is sent to marry a mysterious and socially withdrawn Kiyoka, she believes that she’s truly at the end of her rope. Kiyoka doesn’t have a good reputation when it comes to fiancees – every single one that came to his door couldn’t even last a week!
However, the two grow to deeply care for each other as Miyo’s gentle demeanor melts away at Kiyoka’s defenses, bearing to life a beautiful romance highlighted by a mutual desire to become each other’s support.
Emma: A Victorian Romance
Number of seasons: 2
Number of episodes: 24
Set in Victorian-era England, eponymous main character Emma is a part of the working class as a maid employed to the service of a genteel family. Upon meeting William, the son of a wealthy middle-class merchant family, the two develop romantic feelings for each other.
The story delves into social discrimination, as Emma and William’s relationship is looked down upon in the higher echelons of society. Even though their feelings for each other are incredibly pure and wholesome, the disapproval from those around them is incredibly palpable. Luckily, there are few who express support, making Emma and William’s struggling romance bloom.
Recovery of an MMO Junkie
Number of episodes: 11
A 30-year old successful career woman, Moriko Morioka, is burnt out by the monotony of a taxing corporate job, and so decides to let go of everything to become an elite NEET (not in education, employment, or training) to find a more personally fulfilling life. With her days now spent playing an MMORPG, she meets a fellow player who shows her the ropes of the game, not knowing that this player is someone she’s met before: a handsome 28-year old elite company employee named Yuta Sakurai!
The two bond over the struggles and pressures of adulthood, and the suffocating effects of social anxiety. Along the way, they also discover romantic feelings for each other. Although this anime does dabble more with the comedic aspects of romance, its view into finding a work-life balance is painfully relatable to the working adult.
