Kiss Him, Not Me: A Deep Dive into the Popular Anime and Manga Series
Kiss Him, Not Me, known in Japan as Watashi ga Motete Dousunda (私がモテてどうすんだ), is a popular romantic comedy anime and manga series that has garnered a significant following worldwide. Created by Junko, the story revolves around Kae Serinuma, a high school student and avid otaku who is obsessed with yaoi (boy-love) pairings. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she loses a significant amount of weight after a traumatic event, transforming from an overweight girl to a beautiful young woman. Suddenly, she finds herself the object of affection for several boys in her school, much to her bewilderment and initial disinterest.
The Premise: From Otaku to Object of Desire
The core of Kiss Him, Not Me lies in its unique premise. Kae Serinuma's transformation and the subsequent attention she receives form the backbone of the narrative. Initially, Kae is far more interested in imagining romantic relationships between the male characters around her than engaging in any romantic pursuit herself. Her passion for yaoi often leads to humorous and awkward situations as she tries to navigate her newfound popularity.
The series cleverly explores themes of physical appearance, self-esteem, and the often-superficial nature of attraction. The boys who are interested in Kae - Yusuke Igarashi, Hayato Shinomiya, Asuma Mutsumi, and Kazuma Mutsumi - each have distinct personalities and reasons for their attraction. The show examines whether their feelings are genuine or simply a result of her changed appearance.
The Main Characters: A Diverse Cast of Personalities
The characters in Kiss Him, Not Me are well-developed and relatable, contributing significantly to the series' appeal:
- Kae Serinuma: The protagonist, a passionate otaku whose love for yaoi often overshadows her own romantic interests. Her transformation forces her to confront the realities of attraction and her own self-perception.
- Yusuke Igarashi: A popular and athletic student who initially seems like the typical "prince" character. He is kind and considerate but struggles to understand Kae's interests.
- Hayato Shinomiya: A shy and introverted student who initially had a crush on Kae even before her weight loss. He is often flustered by her presence and struggles to express his feelings.
- Asuma Mutsumi: A calm and gentle upperclassman who is also Kae's closest friend. He is the most mature and understanding of the boys and has known Kae for a long time.
- Kazuma Mutsumi: Asuma's younger brother, who is introduced later in the series. He is also attracted to Kae and adds another layer of complexity to the romantic dynamics.
- Shima Nishina: An artistic and talented girl who becomes Kae's close friend. She initially has a crush on Kae and is open about her feelings.
The interactions between these characters drive the plot forward, creating a mix of comedic moments, heartfelt confessions, and awkward misunderstandings. The series also explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and the importance of being true to oneself.
Anime Adaptation: Bringing the Manga to Life
The Kiss Him, Not Me manga was adapted into a 12-episode anime series by Brain's Base, which aired from October to December 2016. The anime adaptation faithfully captures the humor and charm of the original manga, with vibrant animation and expressive character designs. The voice acting is also commendable, bringing the characters to life with distinct personalities and emotions.
The anime covers a significant portion of the manga's storyline, focusing on Kae's initial transformation and her interactions with the boys who are vying for her attention. It also delves into her passion for yaoi and her struggles to reconcile her otaku interests with her newfound popularity. While the anime does not cover the entire manga series, it provides a satisfying conclusion to the main storyline.
Themes and Reception: Exploring Superficiality and Self-Acceptance
Kiss Him, Not Me explores several important themes, including the superficiality of attraction, the importance of self-acceptance, and the challenges of navigating romantic relationships. The series challenges the idea that physical appearance is the most important factor in determining attraction, highlighting the importance of personality, shared interests, and genuine connection.
The series has received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its humor, character development, and exploration of relevant themes. Others have criticized its reliance on tropes and its portrayal of otaku culture. However, Kiss Him, Not Me has resonated with a large audience, particularly young adults who can relate to Kae's struggles with self-esteem and her journey of self-discovery.
The series' popularity has also sparked discussions about body image and the pressures that young people face to conform to societal standards of beauty. Kiss Him, Not Me encourages viewers to embrace their individuality and to focus on what makes them unique, rather than trying to fit into a predetermined mold.
Beyond the Anime: Manga, OVAs, and More
Beyond the anime adaptation, Kiss Him, Not Me has also spawned several other related media, including:
- Manga: The original manga series by Junko, which provides a more complete and detailed exploration of the story and characters.
- OVAs: Two original video animations (OVAs) that were released alongside limited editions of the manga. These OVAs provide additional content and explore different aspects of the characters' lives.
- Drama CD: A drama CD featuring the voice actors from the anime, which provides a different way to experience the story and characters.
The ongoing popularity of Kiss Him, Not Me is a testament to its engaging storyline, relatable characters, and its exploration of important themes. Whether you are a fan of romantic comedies, anime, or manga, Kiss Him, Not Me offers a unique and entertaining experience that is sure to leave you smiling.
In conclusion, Kiss Him, Not Me is a charming and thought-provoking series that cleverly combines humor, romance, and social commentary. Kae Serinuma's journey from otaku to object of desire is both entertaining and insightful, offering viewers a fresh perspective on attraction, self-acceptance, and the importance of being true to oneself.
