Hajimete no Gal

My First Girlfriend is a Gal

Characters

Yukana Yame

MAIN

Junichi Hashiba

MAIN

Shinpei Sakamoto

SUPPORTING

Yui Kashii

SUPPORTING

Ranko Honjou

SUPPORTING

Kokoro Shiina

SUPPORTING

Keigo Ishida

SUPPORTING

Minoru Kobayakawa

SUPPORTING

Shizune Fujinoki

SUPPORTING

Ayumi Uesaka

SUPPORTING

Dai Mitarai

BACKGROUND

Mitarai`s Friend A

BACKGROUND

My First Girlfriend is a Gal Season 1: A Deep Dive into a Polarizing Rom-Com Experiment

My First Girlfriend is a Gal (Hajimete no Gal), a 10-episode anime adaptation of Meguru Ueno’s manga, aired in 2017 and stirred a whirlwind of reactions. Produced by Studio NAZ, this romantic comedy with heavy ecchi and harem elements dives into the awkward, hormone-fueled world of high schooler Junichi Hashiba and his unexpected relationship with the vibrant “gal” Yukana Yame. What sets this series apart isn’t just its bold embrace of risqué humor or its exploration of teenage desire—it’s the way it teeters between crass caricature and surprising moments of emotional clarity, challenging viewers to look beyond its surface-level provocations. This article dissects Season 1’s unique strengths, flaws, and cultural context, offering a fresh perspective on a show that’s often misunderstood.

The Premise: A Risky Bet on Teenage Fantasy

At its core, My First Girlfriend is a Gal follows Junichi Hashiba, a self-proclaimed “loser” and virgin obsessed with shedding that label. Egged on by his equally perverse friends, Junichi confesses to Yukana Yame, a fashionable gyaru whose confident demeanor and bold style make her the object of both desire and stereotype. To his shock, Yukana accepts, sparking a relationship that navigates jealousy, rival love interests, and Junichi’s own insecurities. The show’s hook lies in its unapologetic dive into the messy, often cringe-inducing headspace of a teenage boy, juxtaposed with a female lead who defies easy categorization.

What makes the premise stand out is its willingness to lean into discomfort. Unlike many harem anime that sanitize their protagonists’ flaws, My First Girlfriend is a Gal puts Junichi’s less-than-noble motivations front and center. His initial pursuit of Yukana is driven by a shallow desire to “score,” rooted in the misogynistic assumption that gals are “easy.” The show doesn’t shy away from this ugliness, instead using it as a starting point for Junichi’s growth—a risky narrative choice that pays off unevenly but sets the series apart from its peers.

Character Dynamics: Beyond the Tropes

The heart of Season 1 lies in its characters, who both embody and subvert harem anime archetypes. Junichi is no blank-slate protagonist; he’s a bundle of anxieties, hormones, and self-awareness, voiced with earnest vulnerability by Alejandro Saab in the English dub. His internal monologues—often absurdly exaggerated fantasies—reveal a teenager grappling with societal pressures and his own immaturity. While some viewers find him unrelatable or off-putting, his flaws make his gradual shift toward genuine affection for Yukana feel earned.

Yukana, the titular “gal,” is the show’s strongest asset. Far from the airheaded stereotype often associated with the gyaru subculture, she’s confident, teasing, and emotionally perceptive. Her decision to date Junichi isn’t a plot contrivance but a reflection of her curiosity and openness, challenging the narrative’s initial assumptions about her. Jamie Marchi’s dub performance imbues Yukana with warmth and sass, making her a standout in a genre where female characters can feel interchangeable. Her transformation from a guarded skeptic to a supportive partner mirrors Junichi’s arc, creating a relationship dynamic that feels surprisingly mutual.

The supporting cast—Nene Fujinoki, Ranko Honjō, and Yui Kashī—adds layers to the harem framework. Nene, Junichi’s childhood friend, oscillates between endearing and obsessive, her brief stint as a gal highlighting her struggle for identity. Ranko, Yukana’s fiercely loyal friend, brings a chaotic edge, with her morally questionable actions (including a controversial near-assault scene) sparking debate about the show’s handling of sensitive topics. Yui, the prim class representative with a secret idol persona, offers a critique of performative perfection. While these characters occasionally fall into trope traps, their interactions with Junichi and Yukana explore themes of acceptance, rivalry, and personal growth in ways that elevate the narrative beyond mere fanservice.

Themes and Cultural Context: Decoding the Gyaru

My First Girlfriend is a Gal is deeply rooted in the Japanese gyaru subculture, a fashion movement that rebels against traditional beauty standards with bold makeup, tanned skin, and vibrant clothing. The show uses Yukana and Ranko to explore this subculture, not just as aesthetic flair but as a lens for examining societal judgment. The assumption that gals are “easy” or shallow—voiced explicitly by Junichi’s friends—mirrors real-world stereotypes, and the series subtly critiques this by showcasing Yukana’s depth and agency. This cultural specificity adds a layer of nuance often overlooked by critics who dismiss the show as mere ecchi.

Thematically, Season 1 grapples with the tension between superficial desire and genuine connection. Junichi’s journey from objectifying Yukana to valuing her as a person parallels a broader coming-of-age narrative about learning to see others beyond stereotypes. The show also touches on loyalty and trust, particularly in its final episodes, where a misunderstanding tests Junichi and Yukana’s bond. While the resolution feels rushed, their eventual reconciliation—culminating in a heartfelt amusement park date—strikes an authentic emotional chord rare for the genre.

Strengths: Where the Show Shines

1. Character Development: Junichi’s evolution from a lust-driven teenager to someone capable of love is surprisingly compelling. Yukana’s growth, maintaining her gal identity while softening her defenses, feels equally authentic. Their relationship, though flawed, avoids the one-sided dynamics common in harem anime.
2. Humor and Self-Awareness: The English dub, in particular, leans into the show’s absurdity with sharp, localized dialogue that enhances its comedic edge. Moments like Junichi’s over-the-top fantasies or the exaggerated censorship (think disco balls) poke fun at the genre’s excesses.
3. Animation and Sound: Studio NAZ delivers vibrant visuals that capture the gyaru aesthetic, with Yukana’s strawberry-blonde hair and bold outfits standing out. The opening theme, “Hajimete no Season” by Junjō no Afilia, is catchy and energetic, though the soundtrack as a whole is unremarkable.

Flaws: Where It Stumbles

1. Pacing and Structure: At only 10 episodes, Season 1 feels truncated, rushing key plot points like the final drama arc. The OVA, while fun, reverts to earlier tropes, undermining the main season’s progress. The anime’s divergence from the manga’s storyline also frustrates fans, with some episodes feeling disjointed or filler-heavy.
2. Controversial Moments: The show’s handling of sensitive topics, particularly Ranko’s near-assault on Junichi in Episode 3, is a major point of contention. While intended as dark humor, it risks alienating viewers and feels tonally jarring against the show’s lighter moments.
3. Harem Overload: The introduction of multiple love interests can dilute the focus on Junichi and Yukana’s relationship. Characters like Nene and Yui, while interesting, sometimes feel like plot devices rather than fully realized individuals.

Critical Reception: A Divided Audience

My First Girlfriend is a Gal is a lightning rod for criticism. On one hand, fans on platforms like IMDb and Reddit praise its lighthearted rom-com vibes and Junichi’s loyalty, with some calling it a refreshing take on the genre (IMDb user reviews note its “life lessons” despite ecchi elements). The English dub, in particular, is lauded for its comedic flair, with one Reddit user calling it a “masterpiece dub” reminiscent of Ghost Stories. On the other hand, critics like Anime Feminist lambast its objectifying gaze and weak storytelling, labeling it “repugnant” for its fetishistic framing of female characters. A review on Comic Bastards notes its inconsistent quality, describing it as a “strange little show” with wasted potential.

This polarization stems from the show’s refusal to fully commit to either crass comedy or heartfelt romance. It wants to be both a raunchy ecchi fest and a sincere coming-of-age tale, and while it occasionally balances these tones, the seams often show. Yet, this ambition to straddle both worlds is what makes it intriguing—a flawed experiment that dares to be more than its tropes.

Why It Stands Out

What sets My First Girlfriend is a Gal apart is its refusal to play it safe. It could have been another forgettable harem anime, but its willingness to confront uncomfortable truths—about teenage desire, societal stereotypes, and the messiness of first love—gives it a unique edge. The show’s exploration of the gyaru subculture, while not exhaustive, adds cultural depth, and its focus on mutual growth in Junichi and Yukana’s relationship feels refreshingly grounded. Even its missteps, like the controversial Ranko scene, spark discussion about how anime handles sensitive topics, making it a case study in the genre’s boundaries.

Final Verdict: A Flawed but Fascinating Rom-Com

My First Girlfriend is a Gal Season 1 is a polarizing gem—equal parts crass, heartfelt, and ambitious. It’s not for everyone; its heavy ecchi elements and occasional tonal misfires will turn off viewers seeking polish or restraint. But for those willing to embrace its messiness, it offers a surprisingly nuanced take on teenage relationships, wrapped in a package of bold humor and vibrant characters. With an 8/10 for its daring approach and character work, it’s a show that invites you to laugh, cringe, and maybe even reflect—just don’t expect it to hold your hand.

If you’re curious about a rom-com that takes risks and aren’t scared off by some rough edges, give it a shot. Just maybe skip it if you’re not ready for Junichi’s inner monologue to get very loud.