Rikei ga Koi ni Ochita no de Shoumei shitemita.

Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It

Characters

Ayame Himuro

MAIN

Ena Ibarada

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Kotonoha Kanade

MAIN

Kosuke Inukai

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Shinya Yukimura

MAIN

Yuuichi

SUPPORTING

Naoya Shikijou

SUPPORTING

Rikekuma

SUPPORTING

Ikeda Kyouju

SUPPORTING

Arika Yamamoto

SUPPORTING

Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It: A Delightful Blend of Romance and Science in Season 1

Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It (Rikei ga Koi ni Ochita no de Shōmei Shite Mita) is a Japanese romantic comedy anime that premiered on January 10, 2020, and quickly captured the hearts of fans with its unique premise and charming execution. Based on the manga by Alifred Yamamoto, the series, produced by Zero-G, spans 12 episodes in its first season and offers a refreshing take on the rom-com genre by blending scientific rigor with the messy, unpredictable nature of love. Directed by Tooru Kitahata, Season 1 is a delightful exploration of romance through the lens of two socially awkward scientists, making it both hilarious and heartwarming.

Plot Overview

Set at Saitama University, the story follows two brilliant graduate students, Ayame Himuro and Shinya Yukimura, who are as passionate about science as they are clueless about love. The season kicks off when Himuro boldly confesses her feelings to Yukimura, sparking an unexpected debate: can love, an emotion so abstract and subjective, be quantified and proven scientifically? As researchers, they refuse to accept anything without evidence, so they embark on a series of experiments to test whether their feelings align with the “standard conditions of love.” From measuring heart rates to analyzing oxytocin levels, their quest to define love is both absurdly logical and deeply endearing.

Their experiments drag in their lab mates, including the earnest underclassman Kanade Kotonoha, the eccentric gamer Kosuke Inukai, and the mischievous senior Ena Ibarada. The group’s interactions add layers of humor and chaos, while a science-explaining bear (a quirky fourth-wall-breaking addition) occasionally pops up to break down statistical concepts for the audience. The season follows their misadventures through lab experiments, a beach training camp in Okinawa, and research presentations, all while Himuro and Yukimura grapple with their growing feelings.

Characters: A Lovable Cast of Nerds

The strength of Season 1 lies in its well-crafted characters, each bringing a unique flavor to the story:

• Ayame Himuro (voiced by Sora Amamiya in Japanese, Erika Harlacher in English): A bold yet shy scientist with long purple hair, Himuro is the catalyst for the story’s romantic premise. Her ponytail sways like a dog’s tail when she’s happy, a visual gag that amplifies her charm. While she’s confident in her scientific pursuits, her inexperience with romance makes her adorably awkward.
• Shinya Yukimura (voiced by Yuma Uchida in Japanese, Billy Kametz in English): Yukimura is the epitome of a kuudere—cool, logical, and often oblivious to romantic cues. His insistence on scientific proof for love drives much of the humor, but his subtle moments of vulnerability reveal his growing affection for Himuro.
• Kanade Kotonoha: A fourth-year undergraduate, Kanade acts as the group’s straight man, often roped into Himuro and Yukimura’s experiments as a “control.” Her grounded perspective and backstory about finding her passion for science add depth to her role.
• Kosuke Inukai and Ena Ibarada: This duo provides comic relief with their playful banter and quirky personalities. Kosuke’s obsession with his 2D waifu, Aika, and Ena’s teasing nature hint at a budding side romance that keeps viewers intrigued.

The supporting cast, including the mature couple Chris Floret and Suiu Fujiwara (introduced briefly in Season 1), contrasts with Himuro and Yukimura’s inexperience, setting up intriguing dynamics for future exploration.

Themes and Style

At its core, Science Fell in Love tackles the tension between logic and emotion. The show cleverly uses scientific methods—hypothesis testing, control groups, and data analysis—to explore the irrationality of love, highlighting how even the most analytical minds struggle with feelings. Episodes often revolve around specific experiments, like measuring heart rates during close physical contact or reenacting romantic manga scenes, which lead to both comedic mishaps and genuine moments of connection.

The animation, handled by Zero-G, is vibrant and expressive, with character designs that emphasize each scientist’s personality. Himuro’s swaying ponytail and Yukimura’s deadpan expressions are visual highlights, while the show’s bright color palette complements its lighthearted tone. The opening theme, “PARADOX” by Sora Amamiya, is catchy and sets the mood for the blend of science and romance, while the ending theme, “Turing Love” by Akari Nanawo, is a fun rap that captures the show’s quirky energy.

The inclusion of the science bear, which explains concepts like statistical significance and correlation, is a standout feature. These segments are both educational and entertaining, making the show accessible to viewers unfamiliar with scientific jargon while adding a layer of authenticity for science enthusiasts.

Reception and Impact

Season 1 was well-received for its fresh premise and charming execution. Fans on platforms like IMDb and Reddit praised its balance of humor, romance, and education, with episode ratings averaging around 8.3 to 8.9 out of 10. Reviewers noted that the show’s strength lies in its ability to make the characters’ awkwardness relatable and heartwarming, avoiding the cringe that often plagues rom-coms. The scientific angle, while not deeply technical, was appreciated for introducing basic concepts in an engaging way, with some fans calling it a “must-watch” for romance-comedy lovers.

However, some critiques pointed out that the show’s premise can feel repetitive at times, and Yukimura’s overly cold demeanor occasionally frustrates viewers who want faster romantic progress. Despite this, the season ends on a satisfying note, offering closure while leaving room for further exploration, which was confirmed with the announcement of Season 2 on October 17, 2020.

Why Season 1 Stands Out

Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It Season 1 succeeds because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It leans into the absurdity of applying the scientific method to love while grounding the story in relatable emotions. The chemistry between Himuro and Yukimura is palpable, and their earnest attempts to quantify their feelings make every small romantic milestone—like a head pat or a shared glance—feel earned and significant. The supporting cast adds depth and humor, ensuring the show never feels one-note.

For fans of romance anime, the series offers a fresh alternative to typical high school rom-coms, with its university setting and mature (yet clueless) protagonists. Its blend of science and comedy also makes it appealing to viewers who enjoy shows like Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku or Kaguya-sama: Love is War, though it carves its own niche with its analytical approach.

Where to Watch

Season 1 is available on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, and HiAnime, with both subbed and dubbed options. The English dub, featuring talented voice actors like Billy Kametz and Erika Harlacher, is well-regarded for capturing the characters’ nuances. The Blu-ray Collector’s Edition, released on March 18, 2024, includes all 12 episodes, art cards, a poster, and a 20-page booklet with artwork and an article about the show.

Final Thoughts

Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It Season 1 is a charming, laugh-out-loud rom-com that proves love doesn’t need a formula to feel real. Its clever premise, likable characters, and blend of science and romance make it a standout in the genre. Whether you’re a science nerd or just a hopeless romantic, this series offers a delightful escape into a world where love is both a hypothesis and a heartfelt truth. With Season 2 already released and the manga ongoing (18 volumes as of February 2025), there’s plenty more to explore for fans eager to see where Himuro and Yukimura’s experiments lead next.

If you’re looking for a fun, educational, and heartwarming anime, Science Fell in Love Season 1 is well worth the watch. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself overanalyzing your own heart rate afterward.