When I was a small girl, slowly inching my way into the foray of watching anime avidly, a lot of things were popular. There was this new series, Mahou Sensei Negima!?, which had just come out with its first volume, and everyone was excited about it. Curious about the author's other works, I innocently thought to myself "let me check out this anime called Love Hina," and well...Love Hina put me off. If there's one good thing Love Hina did for me, it was introduce me to this anime.

Ai Yori Aoshi saved the romance genre for me in 2008, though it came out in 2002. The main characters, Kaoru Hanabishi and Sakuraba Aoi, have a dynamic that is both heartwarming and dynamic; they grow as people, and they grow as lovers over the entirety of the show. The non-main couple characters are also well fleshed out (I had the biggest little gay crush on Tina Foster), but the spotlight is always on the hidden love between Kaoru and Aoi. This anime is tagged as a harem, but the essence of the show is anything but that; where Love Hina's harem was punctuated by Keitaro's accidental antics and characters falling for him because of his moments of clarity, Ai Yori Aoshi's harem is more of a "everyone realizes they have no chance because he's so in love with Aoi" kind of harem. It's about love found, then lost; and the resilience of two people despite (admittedly sometimes comical) obstacles. It's truly one of the best romances of the 2000's.

Ai Yori Aoshi's visuals have aged decently well (you just gotta get over the early 2000's face, and most everything else is fine), and its background art still manages to stun me even 15 years after its release. It looks really good. Solid visuals combined with a really good opening and ending (Towa no Hana is the opening for both AyA and AyA: Enishi; Enishi's ED is just a later part of the 5 minute song, if memory serves), and a fulfilling romance with a host of other, wonderful characters lands this anime at a solid to-watch for any fan of hetero romance.

Postnote: This also has (or should have, if it doesn't) the ecchi tag for a good reason. Little xx year old me was afraid her mom would kick me off the laptop if she found out I was watching this at some points.

Translated "Bluer than Indigo" (or True Blue Love if you want old school). I remember the theme sung ("Towa no Hana" or Eternal Flower) by Yoko Ishida at Anime Expo roughly 10 years ago.

Kaoru Hanabishi is a law student that wishes to become an independent man. He accidentally meets a beautiful girl wearing a traditional kimono at a train station. She was lost and he offers to help her. The address she gives him is in the same neighborhood that he lives, and he guides her to an empty lot. She was visibly upset, he offers his room so that she can collect herself. Eventually she discovers that he is the one she was looking for and introduces herself as his fiance. Aoi Sakuraba, a childhood friend, came back into his life and begged him to return to his father's zaibatsu (conglomerate).

Is it harem anime? Yes. Is it an ecchi anime? Yes. Does it have comedy? Yes. Is it well written? YES! It is one of those slice of life anime that develops at its own pace.
It is well done and is already a part of my library (both seasons of course).

I am apparently writing this review just before the series becomes available to watch on Crunchyroll. This is one of the most heartwarming, adorable, sweet anime I have ever seen. This anime is labeled as a Harem anime, but despite the main protagonist, Kaoru Hanabishi, having multiple women interested in him, it's clear from the very beginning who he loves. Also, the girls interested in Kaoru don't seem to clash nearly as much as girls in most other Harem anime; there's much more of a camaraderie between them. I don't think this anime has gotten nearly as much attention as it deserves. If you enjoy sweet, heartwarming romance anime, definitely check this one out.

Ai Yori Aoshi is actually one of my favorite animes. I have always loved this art style and have been a big fan of it since N.G.E. BUT! The best part of Ai Yori Aoshi, is the story. It actually fulfills plot points and ties them together like all great stories. Yes, this is a love story and there is no need to be hesitant about it. It's actually a story and less of a love drama. There are several entrancing moments of laughter, anticipation and tear jerking moments. I'm not much for love stories, but I can't help myself when the story is quality and the characters are soo likable.

In a nutshell, give it a watch. Even if you aren't big on romance. Could be that I'm a big softy, but this isn't about me. This is about you watching this and giving it a shot.

This is a low key romance anime that is relaxing to watch.. No big ups and downs. While the arranged marriage angle really doesn’t resonate, the commitment does. Unlike a lot of anime, the Harem aspect, while present, is not a major driver, the main relationship is apparent, eliminating the “I want to win him” to more of “ Just in case, it doesn’t work out, keep me in mind” vibe. It also avoids the usual male lead, I am totally clueless trope, which is nice.

I'm admittedly biased towards this show, as it has a strong nostalgia factor for me. For someone coming into the show fresh, honesty compels me to admit that you may want to subtract a star, as this show is by no means perfect. Even so, 4/5 stars is still well worth watching.

Kaoru and Aoi are a couple of the most likable protagonists you'll meet in a "harem" love comedy like this. I put "harem" in quotes because most of the other girls have either hidden or somewhat understated crushes on Kaoru, and for his part, he mostly reciprocates with a mature, familial sort of affection. For various reasons, Kaoru and Aoi have to keep their romance hidden, and naturally, various contrived situations keep coming up that interfere with their love lives, although it's refreshing that throughout the show we do see their relationship progressing and maturing.

It's a sincere, warm-hearted love story that may not break any new ground, but it's solidly presented with characters you come to really care about. Ultimately, I feel that most people don't care so much about how original a story is, but how well it's told and how interesting the participants are. I don't think most people will have much to complain about with the diverse and fun cast of this show.

I've also heard others describe this as "ecchi", which is true, but it's not overly-so by modern standards. There are a few adult scenes here and there, as this is a romance between two young adults, after all. And while there are some occasional bits of nudity, underwear, or bathing suits, it's not ubiquitous enough to the point of distraction.

For those of you who get to watch this for the first time, I admit I somewhat envy you, as you're in for a real treat. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

This series is a true gem. The story is beautifully simple, and the storytelling style is quietly powerful and achingly beautiful. Each episode is fun and important, but if you are short on time, be sure to watch episodes 1-4 and 21-24, in that order. The two main characters are 19 and 21 (probably). They are perfectly suited to one another but separated by their wealthy families’ cruel best intentions. It sounds like Shakespeare’s famous story, but this re-telling has a clever and surprising turn, and the storytelling is better in this one (!!).
Clue #1: Aoi = Blue, and True Blue heals one’s heart.
Clue #2: Each time you watch this series, it will make you more human.
(Old Brad, 2017.10.17)

Season 1
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Imagine being a college student living alone in a humble apartment when, out of the blue, a beautiful lady walks into your life offering love, loyalty, dedication, devotion, and service of a caliber men can only dream of. We watch the young couple explain their situations and motivations to each other and grow closer, then the writers slam on the brakes and take the show in a completely different direction by turning it into a harem comedy. I was more than a little disappointed by this development, but there is some narrative justification for the change. There's also a bit more of the opening flavor to look forward to near the end of the season, as well as a strong climax and conclusion.

Season 2
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This season is almost entirely more harem comedy and despite being set 2 years in the future, everyone looks exactly the same.

just like the title says the series is very strong in the first season. i have never read the manga so i don't know where it changes if any but the tone of the series changed from a love story to a basic harem story when it was about the endearing love between the main characters. the decision made by the main characters are stupid and you get a sens that they did not know where they were going with the plot it was really disappointing. if it was separate the first get 4 stars and the second 1 or 2 but to be fair i gave three on the strength of the first season.