Giji Harem [Season 1 Episodes 1-12]

Alright, let’s dive into Giji Harem—the 2024 rom-com that’s been blowing up on MyAnimeList forums, and for good reason. If you’re into sweet, no-nonsense romance with a side of humor, this 12-episode gem might just be your new obsession. Let’s break down why fans are raving (and a few who aren’t).

First off, the basics: Giji Harem (also called Pseudo Harem) is based on Yū Saitō’s manga, adapted by studio Nomad. It follows Eiji Kitahama, a high school sophomore desperate to be popular, and Rin Shibasaki, his charismatic classmate who’s secretly crushing on him. The anime aired in 2024 and wrapped up its first season with 12 episodes, leaving fans both satisfied and craving more (though, spoiler: the manga’s done, so no sequel is likely).

Now, let’s talk about the finale—Episode 12—because that’s where the magic (and the drama) went down. Fans had mixed feelings, but most agreed it stuck the landing. One user summed it up: “What more could you ask for? 12 episodes and a closed ending. In a world of rom-coms where we wait 400 episodes for a handhold, this is a breath of fresh air.” Preach.

The episode starts with Rin facing a classic dilemma: her acting career is taking off, but it might mean leaving Eiji behind. Cue the drama—“I have to choose between my career and love 😭”—but wait, fans called this out as cliché. “Not once were we presented with why this was even a dilemma,” one user sighed. “Why do you have to choose?!” Fair point, but hey, rom-coms thrive on this stuff.

But here’s the kicker: the confession. Oh, the confession. Fans were furious earlier in the season when key romantic moments (like the first kiss) were censored. “A rom-com censoring rom-com things? Smh,” ranted one user. But Episode 12 redeemed it—they finally showed Rin’s confession, and even threw in a kiss! “We got everything coming full circle,” another fan gushed. “A timeskip, confession, and marriage vibes? Damn, this felt conclusive.”

And let’s not forget the wedding scene. Yes, wedding. Fans lost it. “They ended with the wedding—no loose strings, no cliffhangers,” someone cheered. “This is how you wrap up a romance!” Others loved the chemistry between Eiji and Rin: “Their banter, the cue cards, the viral film—they’re a power couple!”

But it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Some fans thought the latter half of the season was weak. “The drama felt stupid,” one critic said. “The manga’s leagues better—at least the confession wasn’t censored there.” Ouch. Others found side characters forgettable: “They were just there to fill numbers… I don’t even remember their names.” Relatable—when the main couple’s this good, who needs sidekicks?

Voice acting was a highlight, though. Saori Hayami (Rin’s VA) killed it. “Her performance made Rin shine,” a fan praised. “She added another great character to her repertoire.” Eiji’s awkward charm also won hearts—his struggle to be popular felt real, even if his methods (like joining the drama club) were cringey.

So, is Giji Harem worth watching? For 20-somethings craving a quick, satisfying romance, absolutely. It’s not perfect—some drama feels forced, and the manga’s purists might grumble—but it’s a fun ride. As one fan put it: “It’s a beautiful and sweet romance from start to finish. No unnecessary drama, just two people falling in love.”

Final verdict? Most fans gave it an 8-9/10. “Best romcom I’ve seen in a while,” declared one. “It’ll be in my top 3.” Even the haters admitted it was a fun watch. So grab your snacks, skip the filler, and dive into this feel-good anime—you won’t regret it.

P.S. If you love it, the manga’s even better (no censorship, more depth). Just sayin’. 😏