Seiren [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 12]

Seiren: A Mixed Bag of Romance and Missed Potential

If you’re a fan of romance anime, you’ve probably heard of Seiren, the 2017 romantic comedy that tried to capture the magic of its spiritual predecessor, Amagami SS. Directed by Tomoki Kobayashi and produced by Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ, Seiren follows high school student Shouichi Kamita as he navigates university entrance exams and romantic relationships with three different girls—Hikari Tsuneki, Tooru Miyamae, and Kyouko Touno—each given their own four-episode arc.

But does Seiren live up to expectations? Well, according to fans, the answer is… complicated.

The Anthology Format: Hit or Miss?

One of Seiren‘s defining features is its anthology-style storytelling, where each girl gets her own mini-arc. This format isn’t new—Amagami SS did it first—but Seiren’s execution left some fans divided.

• Hikari’s Arc (Episodes 1-4): The series kicks off with Hikari, a seemingly perfect classmate who climbs through Shouichi’s window one summer night. While the premise is fun, many fans felt the arc’s ending was abrupt and unsatisfying. One MyAnimeList user put it bluntly: “The first arc killed the show’s momentum. Hikari deserved better.”

• Tooru’s Arc (Episodes 5-8): The gamer girl route brought some much-needed energy, with Shouichi bonding with Tooru over video games. Fans appreciated the chemistry but criticized the rushed confession and random time skip. “It was cute, but why did they fast-forward 10 years out of nowhere?”

• Kyouko’s Arc (Episodes 9-12): The final arc, focusing on childhood friend Kyouko, was the fan favorite. The rooftop kiss, the emotional buildup, and the sweet timeskip epilogue won over even the harshest critics. “Kyouko and Shouichi felt real. Their relationship was the only one that didn’t feel forced.”

The Characters: Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em?

Shouichi Kamita, our protagonist, was a point of contention. Some found him relatable—a guy just trying to figure out life and love—while others called him “the most boring MC in romance anime history.”

As for the girls:
– Hikari was praised for her quirky personality but criticized for her arc’s weak resolution.
– Tooru won hearts with her gamer charm, though her route felt underdeveloped.
– Kyouko stole the show with her sincerity and adorable moments, making her arc the most satisfying.

Fans also had strong opinions about the side characters, like the Home Ec club members, who provided comic relief but sometimes overstayed their welcome.

The Comparisons to Amagami SS

It’s impossible to talk about Seiren without mentioning Amagami SS, and fans were quick to draw comparisons. Many felt Seiren paled in comparison, with one Reddit user stating: “Amagami had better writing, better chemistry, and a more charismatic MC. Seiren just felt like a watered-down version.”

That said, some defended Seiren as its own thing. “It’s not Amagami, but it’s still fun. The last arc alone makes it worth watching.”

Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

If you’re a die-hard romance fan, Seiren offers enough cute moments to keep you entertained—especially in Kyouko’s arc. But if you’re expecting Amagami levels of greatness, you might be disappointed.

Pros:
– Kyouko’s arc is genuinely heartwarming.
– The anthology format keeps things fresh.
– Some great comedic moments.

Cons:
– Shouichi is a bland protagonist.
– The first two arcs feel rushed.
– Not as memorable as other romance anime.

In the end, Seiren is a mixed bag—flawed but charming, uneven but occasionally brilliant. As one fan perfectly summed it up: “It’s a 7/10. Not amazing, but not terrible either. Just… fine.”

So, if you’re in the mood for a light, episodic romance with a few standout moments, give Seiren a shot. Just don’t expect a masterpiece.

What did you think of Seiren? Did Kyouko’s arc save the series for you, or was it too little too late? Let’s discuss!