Date A Live II: Kurumi Star Festival [Season 0 Episode 2]

Date A Live II: Kurumi Star Festival – A Tanabata Date That Steals the Show

Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re a fan of Date A Live, you know Tokisaki Kurumi isn’t just another character—she’s the reason half the fandom sticks around. And Kurumi Star Festival? It’s the OVA we didn’t know we needed, a 31-minute love letter to the franchise’s most complex (and most beloved) Spirit. Released in 2014 by Production IMS, this standalone episode drops Shido Itsuka right into the chaos of Tanabata, where Kurumi corners him with a non-negotiable demand: “Go on a date with me. Now.” Fearing the city-leveling disaster that’d follow a refusal, Shido agrees—setting the stage for a night that’s equal parts playful, poignant, and pure Kurumi magic.

First off, let’s talk about what makes this OVA click: it’s all Kurumi. No other Spirits vying for screen time, no world-ending threats (well, not immediate ones). Just Shido and Kurumi navigating festival stalls, goldfish scoops, and the quiet tension of two people who should be enemies but can’t quite stay away from each other. And fans? They’re obsessed. Over on MyAnimeList, comments like “didn’t quite expect this” and “better than the actual series” pop up left and right. One user even joked, “Kurumi is love! Kurumi is life!!”—and honestly, who can blame them? Her 19k+ favorites on MAL speak for themselves; she’s not just “best girl” she’s the heart of the franchise’s side content.

What’s surprising is how human Kurumi feels here. Sure, she’s still the time-bending, eye-patch-wearing Spirit with a dark past, but the festival’s twinkling lights and cotton candy soften her edges. We see her tease Shido about losing at ring toss, giggle at a fireworks display, and even share a quiet moment under the Tanabata bamboo—hints of vulnerability that the main series rarely lets shine. It’s these small, unguarded bits that hit fans “right in the feels,” as one reviewer put it. Another admitted, “I cried after watching this. Now I know why I love Kurumi so much.” For a character who’s usually portrayed as a villain, that’s no small feat.

Let’s be real: the main Date A Live series has its flaws—cheesy dialogue, rushed pacing, the occasional fan-service overload. But Kurumi Star Festival fixes all that by narrowing its focus. Without the pressure to advance the overarching plot, the OVA can breathe. The animation is crisp (Production IMS didn’t skimp on Kurumi’s iconic red eyes or flowing black hair), the soundtrack fits the festive mood, and the banter between Shido and Kurumi feels natural, not forced. As one fan noted, “It was better than the series (especially the second season)—but current score 7.90 is really too much.” Wait, no—actually, it’s not. When you strip away the noise and let Kurumi be Kurumi, the result is something special.

Critics might argue that the OVA is just “fan service for Kurumi stans,” but that’s missing the point. Kurumi Star Festival isn’t about titillation—it’s about depth. We get glimpses of her loneliness, her dry humor, and the way she uses her confidence as a shield. When she says, “Pain is love,” it’s not just a throwaway line; it’s a window into the trauma that defines her. And Shido? For once, he’s not just a harem protagonist—he’s a guy trying to understand the girl behind the mask. Their date isn’t just cute; it’s a dance between two people who are more alike than they’d admit.

The numbers don’t lie, either. Kurumi Star Festival currently ranks #579 on MAL, higher than both seasons of the main series. Why? Because Kurumi’s fans are loyal—and they know quality when they see it. As one user raved, “She’s not only best girl, she’s also the most interesting character story-wise, along with having the coolest design and power. And to be frank, this OVA was just really good.” It’s true: from her time-manipulating abilities to her signature “goki gen yo” catchphrase (which one fan compared to regal “Maria-sama ga Miteru” vibes), Kurumi oozes charisma. Even her voice—polarizing as it may be—adds to her allure. Love it or hate it, you can’t forget it.

By the end of the OVA, when the fireworks fade and Kurumi vanishes into the night, you’re left wanting more. Not more fan service, but more of her—more of the girl who laughs at Shido’s misfortunes, more of the Spirit who’s scared to let anyone get close. It’s a testament to the OVA’s writing that it can make you care about a character who’s killed countless people. As one viewer put it, “Hit me right in the feels.”

In a franchise that’s often criticized for prioritizing quantity over quality, Kurumi Star Festival is a gem. It’s short, sweet, and packed with everything we love about Date A Live—minus the fluff. Whether you’re a die-hard Kurumi stan or just someone who appreciates a good character study, this OVA delivers. So grab some cotton candy, sit back, and let Tokisaki Kurumi steal your heart. After all, as the fans say: Kurumi is love. Kurumi is life. And this OVA? It’s proof.

Final Verdict: 8/10. A must-watch for any Date A Live fan—and a perfect introduction to Kurumi’s world for newcomers. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself replaying that Tanabata kiss scene… repeatedly.

P.S. If you haven’t seen it yet, what are you waiting for? Your date with Kurumi awaits.