Kamisama Kiss Season 1: A Shoujo Gem That Stole Hearts (and Maybe Some Fox Tails)

Let’s cut to the chase: Kamisama Kiss (or Kamisama Hajimemashita if you’re feeling fancy) isn’t just another shoujo anime. It’s that cozy, laugh-out-loud, “why is my heart doing backflips?” show that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Produced by TMS Entertainment and directed by Akitaro Daichi, this 13-episode series hit screens in October 2012—and let’s just say fans ate it up.

First off, the setup is pure chaos in the best way. Nanami Momozono, our relatable protagonist, goes from homeless teen to local deity overnight when a random guy (who’s definitely not human) kisses her forehead and dumps a shrine on her. Cue Tomoe, the grumpy fox familiar who’s low-key a badass and high-key done with everyone’s nonsense. Fans on MyAnimeList couldn’t get enough of their banter—one user even called Tomoe a “badass/independent version of Soushi from Inu x Boku SS,” and honestly? Spot-on.

The comedy here is chef’s kiss. Tomoe’s deadpan reactions to Nanami’s human chaos? Chef’s kiss. Nanami accidentally hearing villagers’ prayers (and panicking about it)? Chef’s kiss. Even the action scenes feel like they’re winking at you—like, yeah, we know this is ridiculous, but let’s have fun with it. One fan admitted, “I couldn’t take the action scenes serious though but overall, it was funny.” Same, friend. Same.

Now, let’s talk about the feels. The forehead kiss in the first episode? Instant swoon. Fans went wild for that moment—“Cute series so far with that kiss on the forehead in the beginning,” gushed one viewer. And Tomoe? Oh, Tomoe. He’s the classic “tsundere with a soft side,” and fans ate up every second of his grumpy-yet-protective vibe. “Ya, don’t fuck with Tomoe,” warned another commenter, and honestly? We’d listen.

Of course, no anime is perfect. Some fans griped about the pacing (“felt rushed,” “skipped some manga details”) and the animation (“corners were cut,” “art could be better”). But here’s the thing: the heart of the show shines through. As one user put it, “The manga will always be better, but the story is intact for the episode.” And let’s be real—when you’re too busy laughing at Nanami’s mishaps or blushing at Tomoe’s subtle softness, a little rushed pacing doesn’t even matter.

The voice acting? Chef’s kiss (again). Tachibana Shinnosuke nails Tomoe’s snarky yet smooth tone, and Nanami’s VA? She’s so cute, you’ll want to adopt her. Even the side characters—like Mizuki, the adorable snake familiar fans were begging to see—steal the show. “Mizuki needs to hurry and appear because he is adorable,” one fan pleaded. Trust us, he’s worth the wait.

And let’s not forget the music! The OP and ED are catchy as hell—even if some fans thought the OP was “plain,” it’s the kind of song that gets stuck in your head for days. Plus, the way the ending theme reworks the opening? Clever move, TMS.

At its core, Kamisama Kiss is about finding home in the most unexpected places. Nanami goes from having nothing to being a deity with a fox familiar who’d burn the world for her (okay, maybe not burn, but he’d definitely glare at it). It’s sweet, it’s funny, and it’s got that “warm hug” energy we all need sometimes.

So, should you watch it? Duh. Whether you’re a shoujo fan or just need a pick-me-up, Kamisama Kiss Season 1 delivers. As one fan summed it up: “This was way more entertaining than my pride allows me to admit.” Same. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to rewatch that forehead kiss scene. Again.

Final Verdict: 4.5/5 fox tails. (Minus 0.5 for skipping the sasamochi scene—we see you, TMS.)

P.S. If you love this, the manga is even better. Just saying. 😉