Kanojo, Okarishimasu 4th Season

Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 4

Characters

Chizuru Ichinose

MAIN

Kazuya Kinoshita

MAIN

Sayuri Ichinose

SUPPORTING

Ruka Sarashina

SUPPORTING

Mami Nanami

SUPPORTING

Mini Yaemori

SUPPORTING

Sumi Sakurasawa

SUPPORTING

Shun Kuribayashi

SUPPORTING

Yoshiaki Kibe

SUPPORTING

Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 4: A Deep Dive into the Hawaii Arc’s Emotional Rollercoaster

Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 4, which premiered on July 1, 2025, dives headfirst into the much-anticipated Hawaii Trip Arc, adapting chapters from volume 20 onward of Reiji Miyajima’s manga. This season, animated by TMS Entertainment, spans two cours with approximately 24-25 episodes, making it the longest yet. While the series continues to polarize fans with its blend of heartfelt moments and frustrating character dynamics, Season 4 offers a visually stunning, emotionally complex, and narratively ambitious chapter that pushes the boundaries of the rom-com genre. Here’s an in-depth, spoiler-light review that explores what makes this season unique, its strengths, weaknesses, and why it’s sparking such intense discussion.

A New Setting, A New Stakes: The Hawaii Trip Arc

Season 4 shifts gears by taking Kazuya Kinoshita, Chizuru Mizuhara, and the ensemble cast to a vibrant resort in Hawaii, a setting that breathes fresh life into the series. The tropical backdrop isn’t just eye candy; it’s a catalyst for intense character development and dramatic confrontations. The arc, spanning over 40 manga chapters, explores Kazuya’s ongoing struggle to reconcile his feelings for Chizuru, the rental girlfriend he’s fallen for, while navigating the pressures of maintaining their fake relationship in front of family and friends. The stakes feel higher this time, as secrets unravel and relationships are tested against the backdrop of sunlit beaches and emotional turbulence.

The first episode, Routine and Girlfriend, sets the tone with a flash-forward of Kazuya preparing to confess his feelings, only to pivot back to his mundane, self-doubting reality. This narrative choice hooks viewers by hinting at progress while grounding the story in Kazuya’s familiar insecurities. The Hawaii setting amplifies the tension, forcing characters into close proximity and creating scenarios where facades are harder to maintain.

Visual and Technical Brilliance

Visually, Season 4 is a triumph. TMS Entertainment delivers smooth, expressive animation with a vivid color palette that makes the Hawaiian landscapes pop. The character designs by Kanna Hirayama remain a highlight, with subtle details—like Chizuru’s shift from her polished rental persona to her nerdy Ichinose alter-ego—adding depth to her duality. The opening theme, “Umitsuki” by ClariS, and the ending, “Boku no Vega” by Regal Lily, perfectly capture the season’s blend of wistful longing and upbeat energy. Sound design, led by Hajime Takakukawa, enhances emotional beats, from quiet moments of reflection to chaotic comedic sequences. Fans have praised the technical execution, with some calling it the series’ best-looking season yet.

Character Dynamics: Growth Amid Frustration

At its core, Rent-a-Girlfriend thrives on its characters, and Season 4 doubles down on their complexity. Kazuya remains a divisive protagonist—his incessant overthinking and occasional immaturity continue to frustrate viewers. Yet, this season offers glimpses of self-realization, particularly in moments where he grapples with his role in the fake relationship. Critics argue his progress is slow, but these small steps feel earned, reflecting the messy reality of personal growth.

Chizuru, voiced by Sora Amamiya (with Celeste Perez in the English dub), emerges as the season’s emotional anchor. Her internal conflict—balancing her professional boundaries with genuine feelings—takes center stage, making her more relatable than ever. Supporting characters like Ruka Sarashina and Mini Yaemori add layers to the narrative, with Ruka’s bold energy and Mini’s chaotic influence shaking up the status quo. However, Mami Nanami’s role as the antagonistic ex feels underutilized, with some fans hoping for deeper exploration of her motives.

Strengths: Emotional Depth and Thematic Ambition

Season 4 shines in its willingness to tackle heavier themes. Beyond the rom-com fluff, it explores the ethics of the rental girlfriend industry, questioning the commodification of relationships and the emotional toll on both clients and providers. Chizuru’s arc, in particular, delves into vulnerability and identity, offering moments of raw sincerity that elevate the series beyond its melodramatic roots. The humor, when it lands, is sharp, and the ensemble cast’s interactions create a lively group dynamic that feels authentic.

The pacing, while deliberate, allows for nuanced character moments that reward attentive viewers. The Hawaii Arc’s focus on pivotal turning points—without spoiling specifics—promises to shake up the will-they-won’t-they dynamic that has both captivated and exhausted fans. For those invested in Kazuya and Chizuru’s journey, these moments deliver emotional payoffs that feel long overdue.

Weaknesses: Repetition and Polarizing Protagonist

The series’ biggest hurdle remains its repetitive plot structure. The “back-and-forth” dynamic, as noted by some fans, can feel like a rehash of earlier seasons, with Kazuya’s indecision dragging out conflicts. His behavior—often described as childish or overly obsessive—alienates viewers who crave decisive action. Social media reactions, particularly on platforms like Reddit, highlight this frustration, with comments like “Kazuya crying again” and calls for a “positive spin” to break the cycle. The show’s reliance on melodrama over nuanced resolution can feel exhausting, especially when compared to tighter rom-coms like Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru.

Additionally, the series sidesteps deeper commentary on the rental girlfriend concept. While it hints at moral questions, it rarely commits to critiquing the industry’s implications, leaving some viewers wanting more substance. The extended episode count also risks filler, with early episodes spending too much time on Kazuya’s internal monologues.

Why It’s Divisive Yet Compelling

Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 4 embodies the “love to hate” phenomenon. Its flaws—redundant conflicts, a polarizing protagonist—are offset by its ability to keep viewers hooked through emotional sincerity and visual flair. Social media buzz reflects this paradox: some fans call it “peak” for its dramatic highs, while others decry it as a “cash grab” that prioritizes fan service over storytelling. The series’ financial success, with over 13.5 million manga copies in circulation by April 2025, ensures its longevity, but it also fuels debates about whether it deserves its spot over other anime awaiting adaptations.

The Hawaii Arc’s promise of progress keeps the show compelling. It’s not perfect, but it’s unafraid to lean into its absurdity, making it a guilty pleasure for some and a frustrating slog for others. Posts on X, like Crunchyroll’s highlight of Chizuru’s rare initiative, show fans are still invested in key moments, even if they groan along the way.

Final Thoughts

¹Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 4 is a bold, flawed, and visually spectacular continuation that pushes Kazuya and Chizuru’s story into uncharted territory. Its technical prowess and emotional depth are undeniable, but its repetitive tendencies and divisive protagonist hold it back from greatness. For fans, the Hawaii Arc is a turning point worth watching, available on Crunchyroll starting July 4, 2025. For newcomers, it’s a polarizing ride that demands patience but rewards with moments of genuine heart. Whether you love it or hate it, Season 4 ensures you’ll keep talking about it².