Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki [Episode 1]

In the Clear Moonlit Dusk: A Refreshing Twist on the “Prince” Trope

Let’s cut to the chase: Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki (or In the Clear Moonlit Dusk for those who prefer English titles) Episode 1 isn’t here to reinvent the wheel—but it doesn’t need to. What it does do is take a familiar shojo setup and inject it with enough charm and self-awareness to make it feel fresh, especially for anyone who’s ever rolled their eyes at the “perfect prince” cliché.

The episode opens with Yoi Takiguchi, our protagonist, walking through a convenience store like she owns the place. With her sharp jawline, deep voice, and confident stride, it’s no wonder everyone calls her “Prince.” But here’s the kicker: Yoi is a girl. And she’s not just “pretending” to be a guy—she’s embraced the nickname, even if it means most people don’t realize her true gender. That’s the first thing that stands out about this series: Yoi isn’t a damsel in distress waiting for a prince to save her. She’s the prince.

Then comes Ichimura, the other “prince” of the story. When Yoi gets cornered by a drunk guy at the store, Ichimura steps in—not with a dramatic speech or a fistfight, but with a calm, almost amused line: “Is this guy bothering you?” It’s a small moment, but it sets the tone for their dynamic. Unlike the typical shojo lead who’s either overly aggressive or annoyingly perfect, Ichimura is… chill. He doesn’t immediately fall for Yoi’s “prince” act; instead, he sees her. As one fan on MyAnimeList put it, “He’s like the moon reflection off the water”—soft, steady, and unafraid to look beyond the surface.

The chemistry between Yoi and Ichimura is where the episode really shines. Their banter feels natural, not forced. When Ichimura calls Yoi “beautiful” (not “handsome,” mind you), it’s not a cheesy pickup line—it’s a genuine compliment that catches her off guard. And Yoi’s reaction? She doesn’t blush and stammer. She smirks. “You’re not bad yourself,” she replies. It’s this back-and-forth that makes their interactions so fun to watch. As another viewer noted, “The love seems so raw already.” There’s no grand declaration of love (yet), just two people who are intrigued by each other and aren’t afraid to show it.

Visually, the episode is a treat. The art style is clean and vibrant, with soft pastels that give it a dreamy, moonlit feel—fitting for a series with “clear moonlit dusk” in the title. The character designs are also on point: Yoi’s sharp features and Ichimura’s gentle smile play perfectly into their “prince” personas without being over-the-top. Even the background details, like the convenience store’s neon lights or the cherry blossoms falling in the park, add to the cozy, romantic atmosphere.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the “prince” trope. We’ve all seen it before—the popular, perfect guy who sweeps the protagonist off her feet. But Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki flips that script by making Yoi the prince. She’s the one who’s confident, the one who commands attention, the one who’s used to being admired. Ichimura, on the other hand, is more of a “prince charming” in the classic sense—kind, thoughtful, and a little mysterious. But what makes this pairing work is that neither character is defined by their title. Yoi isn’t just a “prince”; she’s a girl who’s comfortable in her own skin, even if it means confusing a few people. Ichimura isn’t just a “prince”; he’s a guy who’s looking for something real, not just a pretty face.

Of course, no episode is perfect. Some viewers might find the setup a bit predictable—girl meets boy, they have a cute moment, and the stage is set for a romance. But as one fan wisely said, “If you hated this episode, just watch/read something else.” Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki isn’t trying to be edgy or groundbreaking. It’s trying to be a fun, heartwarming story about two people who see each other for who they really are. And in a world where so many shojo series rely on drama and misunderstandings, that’s a breath of fresh air.

Another highlight of the episode is Yoi’s dad. When Ichimura walks Yoi home, her dad greets them with a grin and a plate of curry. “You must be the ‘other prince’ I’ve heard about,” he says, winking. It’s a small scene, but it adds a layer of warmth to the story. Yoi’s dad isn’t a strict, overprotective parent—he’s a cool, supportive guy who’s clearly proud of his daughter. As one commenter put it, “I really like her dad, he’s cool, friendly, got good genes, and makes a good wingman lol.”

By the end of the episode, Yoi and Ichimura are standing under a streetlamp, the moon shining down on them. Ichimura leans in and says, “I want to get to know the real you.” It’s a simple line, but it’s loaded with meaning. For Yoi, who’s spent her whole life being seen as a “prince,” this is the first time someone has asked to see her—not the persona, but the girl underneath. And for Ichimura, who’s used to being the center of attention, this is a chance to connect with someone who doesn’t treat him like a celebrity.

So, is Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki Episode 1 worth watching? Absolutely. It’s not the most original series out there, but it’s well-executed, charming, and full of heart. Whether you’re a die-hard shojo fan or just looking for something light and fun to watch, this episode has something for everyone. As one viewer summed it up, “I LOVE ITTT UGHH, the love seems so raw already. I want moreeeee omgg.”

In a world where so many anime series are either too dark or too over-the-top, In the Clear Moonlit Dusk is a reminder that sometimes, the best stories are the ones that keep it simple. It’s a story about two “princes” who find each other in the most unexpected way—and honestly, what’s more romantic than that?

If you’re looking for a series that will make you smile, roll your eyes (in a good way), and maybe even swoon a little, give Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki Episode 1 a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Final Verdict: 8/10. A refreshing take on the shojo genre with likable characters, great chemistry, and enough charm to keep you coming back for more.

P.S. If you loved this episode, you’re not alone—over 100k fans are following the series on Instagram, and there’s even a Discord server for updates and recommendations. Join the hype!