Seiren [Season 1 Episode 1 to 12]

Seiren: A Rollercoaster of Romance and Mixed Reactions

Seiren, the 2017 romantic comedy anime directed by Tomoki Kobayashi and produced by Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ, is a show that divides its audience. Structured as an anthology, it follows high school student Shouichi Kamita through three distinct romantic arcs, each focusing on a different heroine. While some viewers praise its sincerity and gradual improvement, others criticize its uneven pacing and lackluster character development. After diving into fan discussions, it’s clear that Seiren is a show that thrives on personal preference—some love it, some tolerate it, and others just don’t get the hype.

The Anthology Format: Hit or Miss?

One of the most talked-about aspects of Seiren is its anthology-style storytelling. Every four episodes, the narrative shifts to a new romantic scenario, resetting the relationship dynamics. Fans of Amagami SS (a spiritual predecessor) might find this familiar, but Seiren doesn’t always hit the same highs.

• Tsuneki Hikari’s Arc (Episodes 1-4):
  The first arc, focusing on the gamer girl Tsuneki, is widely regarded as the weakest. Many fans felt the ending was abrupt and unsatisfying. One MyAnimeList user put it bluntly: “Hikari’s arc had a terrible ending, and nothing leading up to it suggested any romantic chemistry.” Others, however, appreciated Tsuneki’s quirky personality, even if the payoff fell flat.

• Tooru Miyamae’s Arc (Episodes 5-8):
  The second arc, centered on the gaming club president Tooru, received mixed reactions. Some enjoyed the playful banter and shared hobby dynamic, but others criticized the sudden time skip and lack of emotional depth. A Reddit comment summed it up: “Tooru’s arc started strong but fizzled out with a rushed confession and a ‘10 years later’ scene that felt unearned.”

• Kyouko Touno’s Arc (Episodes 9-12):
  The final arc, featuring childhood friend Kyouko, is where Seiren finally finds its footing. Fans overwhelmingly agree that this was the strongest part of the series. The chemistry between Kyouko and Shouichi felt natural, and the rooftop kiss scene was a standout moment. One fan gushed, “Kyouko’s arc was sincere, sweet, and the perfect way to end the series. That kiss? Chef’s kiss.”

The Characters: Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em

Shouichi Kamita, the protagonist, is a point of contention. Some viewers find him relatable—a regular guy navigating love and exams—while others see him as bland. A particularly scathing review called him “the most useless, flat, and insignificant MC in romance anime history.” Ouch.

As for the heroines:
– Tsuneki Hikari is adored for her gamer-girl charm but let down by her arc’s writing.
– Tooru Miyamae is fun but underdeveloped.
– Kyouko Touno steals the show with her innocence and genuine connection with Shouichi.

The Verdict: Is Seiren Worth Watching?

If you’re a fan of romance anthologies, Seiren offers a decent, if uneven, experience. It starts shaky but improves with each arc, culminating in a satisfying finale. The show’s biggest flaw is its inconsistency—some arcs feel rushed, while others shine.

Final Thoughts from Fans:
– “Seiren isn’t perfect, but Kyouko’s arc makes it worth the watch.”
– “If you skip the first four episodes, you’ll have a much better time.”
– “Not as good as Amagami SS, but still a cute ride.”

Would I recommend it? If you’re in the mood for lighthearted romance with a mix of hits and misses, give Seiren a shot. Just don’t expect a masterpiece.

Rating: 7/10 (Saved by Kyouko’s arc and a heartfelt ending.)

What did you think of Seiren? Did you have a favorite arc, or did the show leave you wanting more? Let’s discuss in the comments!