Nisekoi season one holds a genuinely special place for me, and revisiting it recently only strengthened my appreciation for what it does so well. I originally watched the series back in 2019, and at the time it left a lasting impression through its charm, visuals, and emotional pull. Coming back to it now after rediscovering the show felt almost like opening a time capsule. The experience was familiar yet fresh, and it reminded me why Nisekoi stood out so strongly among other romance anime.
One of the first things that still immediately grabs me is the art style and overall aesthetics. Nisekoi has a visually striking identity that feels both playful and polished. The colour palette is vibrant without being overwhelming, and the animation style allows characters to feel expressive in a way that perfectly suits both comedy and romance. The character designs are especially strong, with each one having a distinct look and personality that translates clearly on screen. Even without dialogue, their expressions and body language communicate a lot. It is the kind of visual storytelling that makes scenes memorable long after they end.
The story itself is structured in a way that balances absurdity with emotional sincerity. While the premise is intentionally over the top, it is handled with enough care that the relationships feel meaningful rather than shallow. The fake relationship setup becomes a framework for character growth, misunderstandings, and emotional tension rather than just a surface level gag. What really elevates this is how the narrative allows moments to breathe. Comedy never fully overshadows the quieter, more introspective scenes, and those emotional moments are what give the show its lasting impact.
One of the most inspired narrative elements in Nisekoi is the locket. The idea of a locket as a central emotional and narrative anchor is incredibly effective. It serves as a physical representation of memory, promise, and unresolved feelings, tying the past and present together in a way that feels natural rather than forced. Lockets have long been used in storytelling across different forms of media as symbols of love, nostalgia, and mystery, and Nisekoi uses this idea thoughtfully. Much like in other romance driven stories where a small personal object carries emotional weight, the locket in Nisekoi becomes more than just an item. It is a focal point that drives the plot forward and keeps the emotional stakes grounded, reminding both the characters and the audience that there is something deeper beneath the chaos.
Another aspect I appreciate more on rewatch is the way the cast is handled. Unlike many romance anime that constantly introduce new characters who exist purely to fill space or add temporary drama, Nisekoi is far more deliberate. Majority of the characters feel like they have a defined role within the story, contributing meaningfully to the dynamics rather than simply occupying screen time. There is very little sense of characters being present just to clutter the narrative or dilute the emotional focus. Instead, the ensemble cast enhances the story, creating variety without sacrificing coherence.
Rewatching the series now allowed me to catch smaller details that I overlooked the first time. Subtle character interactions, visual jokes in the background, and recurring emotional themes stand out far more when viewed with a more reflective mindset. There is a comforting rhythm to Nisekoi that makes returning to it feel warm and nostalgic rather than repetitive.
Overall, Nisekoi season one succeeds through strong visual identity, thoughtful storytelling, and an emotional core that is surprisingly sincere. It knows exactly what kind of story it wants to tell and embraces it fully. Revisiting it reminded me why it stuck with me all those years ago, and it has left me genuinely excited to continue the journey through the manga. If the anime is anything to go by, I am really looking forward to seeing how the story and its characters continue to unfold beyond the screen.
Made by me <3
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