Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Otona e no Kaidan [Season 1 Episode 1]

Kaguya-sama: Love Is War – Stairway to Adulthood (Season 1 Episode 1): A Bittersweet Victory Lap for Fans

Let’s cut straight to the chase: if you’re a die-hard Kaguya-sama fan who’s been following the manga religiously, you’re probably either screaming into a pillow or hugging your screen right now. The long-awaited “Stairway to Adulthood” special—billed as a bridge between the last movie and the upcoming finale film—lands like a confetti cannon stuffed with both joy and frustration. It’s equal parts “YES, THEY FINALLY DID IT” and “Wait… where did all the good stuff go?”

First, the positives, because let’s be real—this is still Kaguya-sama, and even when it’s messy, it’s still got that magic. The episode dives headfirst into the post-confession era of Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane’s relationship, skipping ahead to moments that feel like warm hugs for anyone who’s rooted for them since Season 1. There’s the iconic scene where Miyuki fumbles through a late-night phone call with Kaguya, only to be caught red-handed by his dad (the walls are thin, but their chemistry is thinner—wait, no, thicker? Either way, it’s hilarious). Then there’s Kaguya’s over-the-top “rich people problems” moment: when long-distance gets tough, she doesn’t just send a text—she charters a private jet to surprise him. Cue the memes about “flexing but make it romantic.”

And let’s talk about the supporting cast, because they’re the unsung heroes here. Chika Fujiwara, ever the chaos gremlin, steals the show with a bit where she’s forced to wear a bald wig (yes, you read that right) for Kaguya’s birthday present. Miko Iino’s deadpan reaction to Chika’s “new look” is worth the price of admission alone. Kei Shirogane, Miyuki’s little sister, gets her time to shine too—her accidental foray into streaming (dubbed “Kei Channel”) becomes a viral sensation, complete with wild donations that solve her family’s financial woes. It’s the kind of absurd, heartwarming subplot that makes Kaguya-sama so beloved: it’s funny, but it’s also about people caring for each other in weird, wonderful ways.

The animation, while not as flashy as the last season’s peak moments, still delivers where it counts. The scene where Kaguya and Miyuki finally share a proper kiss? It’s soft, intimate, and feels earned—like a reward for sticking with them through all the mind games and miscommunication. The voice acting is top-tier too: Aoi Koga (Kaguya) and Makoto Furukawa (Miyuki) nail the awkwardness and affection of a new relationship, while Takehito Koyasu (as the narrator) brings his signature flair to every punchline. And let’s not forget the music—Masayuki Suzuki’s theme song is a bop, as always. If you’re an anime-only fan, this episode is pure catnip: it’s funny, it’s sweet, and it gives you exactly what you want to see after the last movie’s cliffhanger.

But here’s the catch: if you’ve read the manga, you’re probably reeling from the cuts. The special skips huge chunks of the story—like, “where’s Ishigami?” levels of huge. Fans are fuming that key arcs, including the “ABC of Love” chapters and Ishigami’s character development, were tossed aside to rush to the “adulthood” bits. One MyAnimeList comment sums it up perfectly: “They skipped the most mature and relatable content from the entire manga. That’s a crime.” Another fan lamented, “I have a single wish: I want studios to adapt mangas without cutting stuff. Is that too much to ask?”

The pacing feels off, too. The episode jumps from one iconic manga moment to the next without much breathing room, like someone flipping through a greatest hits album instead of listening to the whole record. It’s fun, but it’s also jarring—you might find yourself thinking, “Wait, when did they get to that point?” The lack of context for some scenes (like the airport goodbye with the student council) might leave anime-only viewers confused, while manga readers will be left mourning the lost depth.

So, who is this episode for? If you’re here for the feels and don’t mind a little chaos, it’s a must-watch. It’s a love letter to the core of Kaguya-sama: the idea that even the smartest, most stubborn people can find happiness if they stop overthinking and just be with each other. But if you’re a stickler for manga accuracy, you might want to grab a snack and prepare for a rant.

At the end of the day, “Stairway to Adulthood” is a mixed bag—but it’s a mixed bag filled with your favorite candy. It’s messy, it’s rushed, and it leaves a lot of questions unanswered (looking at you, upcoming movie). But it’s also a reminder of why we fell in love with this series in the first place: it’s about people growing up, making mistakes, and finding joy in the chaos.

So, should you watch it? Yes—if only for the jet scene and Chika’s bald wig. Just don’t forget to keep your manga handy for the parts they skipped. And hey, if nothing else, it’s got us hyped for the final movie. Let’s just hope they don’t skip the ending too.

Final Verdict: 7/10. It’s not perfect, but it’s still Kaguya-sama—and that’s enough for now.