Debu to Love to Ayamachi to! Season 1: Body Positivity with a Murder Mystery Twist

Let’s be real—most anime rom-coms follow the same tired formula: a shy, conventionally attractive protagonist stumbles into love with a perfect-looking love interest. But Debu to Love to Ayamachi to! (let’s call it DebuLove for short) isn’t here to play by the rules. This Fall 2025 series throws a curveball with Yumeko Koda, a plus-sized 24-year-old office worker whose life flips upside down after a near-death accident leaves her with amnesia—and a personality glow-up that’s equal parts chaotic and inspiring.

First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the room (pun totally intended): Yumeko’s design. Unlike the “plus-sized” characters we usually see (looking at you, anime that just adds a tiny bit of curve), Yumeko is unapologetically big. And that’s the point. Before her accident, she’s drowning in self-loathing—her phone is full of food photos instead of selfies, she avoids eye contact with coworkers, and her inner monologue is a nonstop loop of “I’m too fat to be loved.” But after hitting her head? Poof—she’s a confident queen who struts into the office like she owns the place, declares her love for fried chicken, and doesn’t care if her boss side-eyes her.

Fans are split on this transformation, and honestly? That’s what makes it interesting. Some viewers call her “annoying” for being so over-the-top (“Her positivity was fun at first, but by the end of Episode 1, it was cringe,” one MyAnimeList user rants). Others see her as a breath of fresh air. “It’s so refreshing to see a fat character who’s not miserable,” another fan gushes. “Society acts like people our size should be sad, but she’s radiant—inner beauty actually shining through!”

But here’s where things get wild: DebuLove isn’t just a rom-com. It’s a murder mystery too. The first episode ends with a bombshell: Yumeko didn’t just fall—someone pushed her. Cue the office drama! Her toxic coworkers are all suspects: there’s the snarky pink-haired Tamai, who side-eyes Yumeko like she’s a bug; the creepy manager who seems way too surprised she survived; and even the “nice guy” Keisuke, who Yumeko has a crush on. Fans are already spiraling: “I came for the office romance, but now I’m obsessed with figuring out who tried to kill her,” one user admits. Another adds, “The tonal whiplash is insane—one minute I’m laughing at her stealing office snacks, the next I’m side-eyeing everyone like they’re a villain.”

Let’s address the critiques, though. Some viewers think the show’s humor crosses a line. A few pointed out “cow noises” in background scenes when Yumeko eats, which feels cheap. Others are frustrated by the “amnesia as a fix” trope: “Why does she need to forget her past to be confident?” one fan asks. “Can’t we have a fat character who’s happy without a traumatic event?” Fair. But let’s cut it some slack—this is a shoujo rom-com, not a documentary. The amnesia is a plot device to shake things up, and it works.

The production value is solid, too. The art style is bright and colorful, with Yumeko’s bold outfits (think neon sweaters and chunky sneakers) popping against the drab office setting. The opening theme is a bubbly J-pop bop that matches her new vibe, while the ending is a moody piano track that hints at the mystery—total tonal whiplash, but in the best way.

Now, the romance. Yumeko’s crush on Keisuke is cute, but let’s hope it’s not the only relationship that matters. Fans are already shipping her with the park stranger who shares her love for fried chicken (“He’s the only one who doesn’t judge her for eating!”) or even her grumpy coworker Tamai (enemies-to-lovers, anyone?). The show’s strength is that it’s not just about finding a boyfriend—it’s about Yumeko finding herself. As one manga reader (yes, this is adapted from Mamakari’s series) puts it: “The whole point is to love yourself for who you are, not change for others. That’s why it’s so special.”

Of course, DebuLove isn’t perfect. The workplace toxicity is a bit over-the-top (does every coworker have to be a bully?), and the mystery subplot feels a little forced at first. But let’s be honest—for a show aimed at teens and young adults, it’s doing something right. It’s sparking conversations about body image, self-acceptance, and whether “fat” has to equal “unhappy.”

Take it from a fan who’s been there: “As someone who’s struggled with body dysmorphia, seeing Yumeko be unapologetically herself made me cry,” one user writes. “She’s not ‘fixed’—she’s just… happy. And that’s enough.”

So, is DebuLove worth watching? If you’re tired of generic rom-coms and want something that’s equal parts funny, heartfelt, and slightly chaotic—yes. It’s not for everyone (some viewers will hate the humor, others will roll their eyes at the mystery), but it’s bold. It’s a show that says, “Hey, fat girls can be the hero too—even if they’re solving a murder while eating taiyaki.”

Final verdict? Give it three episodes. You’ll either love Yumeko’s chaotic energy or hate it, but you won’t forget her. And let’s be real—we need more shows like this: ones that don’t shrink their characters to fit the mold.

Debu to Love to Ayamachi to! Season 1 is streaming now, with new episodes every Monday. Just don’t watch it on an empty stomach—Yumeko’s fried chicken obsession is contagious.

Rating: 7/10 — Chaotic, charming, and unapologetically fat.

P.S. If you figure out who pushed Yumeko, slide into the comments. We’re all dying to know.