Kuroiwa Medaka ni Watashi no Kawaii ga Tsuujinai

Medaka Kuroiwa is Impervious to My Charms

Characters

Mona Kawai

MAIN

Medaka Kuroiwa

MAIN

Tomo Nanba

MAIN

Asahi Shounan

MAIN

Tsubomi Haruno

SUPPORTING

Minami Shirahama

SUPPORTING

Yuzuru Kido

SUPPORTING

Shou Kobayakawa

SUPPORTING

Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms: Season 1 – A Charming Rom-Com with a Twist

Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms (Japanese: Kuroiwa Medaka ni Watashi no Kawaii ga Tsūjinai), a romantic comedy anime adapted from Ran Kuze’s manga, premiered on January 6, 2025, as part of the Winter 2025 anime lineup. Produced by SynergySP, the 12-episode first season concluded on March 24, 2025, leaving fans delighted with its blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and a refreshing take on the rom-com genre. With a second season already announced, let’s dive into what made Season 1 a standout.

Plot Overview: A Battle of Wills

The story centers on Mona Kawai, a charismatic and self-assured high school girl who revels in her status as the school’s “queen bee.” With her radiant charm, Mona effortlessly wins the hearts of everyone—except Medaka Kuroiwa, a stoic transfer student who seems immune to her allure. Determined to maintain her reputation, Mona embarks on a mission to make Medaka fall for her, employing every trick in her playbook, from cute gestures to bold, risqué moves. Unbeknownst to her, Medaka’s resistance stems from his training as a monk at his family’s temple, where he’s been taught to avoid romantic entanglements.

As Mona’s attempts escalate, the dynamic between the two shifts. Medaka struggles to maintain his composure, revealing his own internal conflict, while Mona, despite her initial motives, begins to develop genuine feelings for him. The season explores their evolving relationship, peppered with comedic misunderstandings, romantic tension, and the introduction of supporting characters who add layers to the narrative.

Characters: A Colorful Cast

• Mona Kawai (voiced by Yu Serizawa): The vibrant protagonist, Mona is a confident second-year student from Osaka who thrives on attention. Her relentless pursuit of Medaka’s affection drives the plot, with her Kansai dialect slipping out when flustered, adding to her charm.
• Medaka Kuroiwa (voiced by Ryota Iwasaki): A second-year student and monk-in-training, Medaka’s stoic demeanor hides his internal struggle to resist Mona’s advances due to his religious vows. His subtle reactions and rare moments of vulnerability make him a compelling foil to Mona.
• Supporting Cast: Characters like Asahi Shonan (voiced by Kana Hanazawa), a first-year basketball star with a crush on Medaka, and Tsubomi Haruno, Mona’s admirer who pushes her toward Medaka, add depth and rivalry to the story. Other characters, such as Mona’s childhood friend Tomo Namba, introduce additional romantic tension.

Production and Style

Directed by Yoshiaki Okumura (The Fruit of Evolution), with scripts by Kazuyuki Fudeyasu (Shangri-La Frontier), character designs by Mayumi Watanabe (Too Cute Crisis), and music by Akiyuki Tateyama (Laid-Back Camp), Season 1 delivers a visually appealing and well-paced adaptation. The animation, while not groundbreaking, complements the manga’s expressive art style, with vibrant colors and exaggerated expressions amplifying the comedic moments. The opening theme, “Ame Tokimeki Koimoyo” by AyaFubMi, captures the playful tone, while the voice acting, particularly Serizawa’s energetic performance as Mona, brings the characters to life.

However, the show’s reliance on fan service, including provocative camera angles and Mona’s bold seduction attempts, drew mixed reactions. Some viewers found it excessive, arguing it overshadowed the romance, while others appreciated the self-aware humor.

Reception and Themes

Season 1 was praised for its lighthearted take on the rom-com formula, drawing comparisons to Rent-A-Girlfriend and Quintessential Quintuplets with a dash of Kaguya-sama’s battle-of-wits vibe. The interplay between Mona’s relentless charm and Medaka’s restraint created a dynamic that kept viewers engaged, with each episode showing subtle progression in their relationship—a rarity for rom-coms that often stall romantically.

The season explores themes of self-discovery and vulnerability. Mona’s journey from seeking validation to grappling with genuine feelings challenges her “queen bee” persona, while Medaka’s struggle to balance his monk training with his emotions adds depth to his character. Critics noted that while the premise is familiar, the monk-training twist and Mona’s gradual humbling offer a fresh perspective. However, some fans expressed disappointment with Medaka’s reserved personality and the introduction of additional love rivals, which some felt slowed the main romance.

Streaming and Availability

The anime aired on Japanese networks like TV Tokyo and was available for international audiences on Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, with an English dub also offered. The 12-episode run maintained a consistent Tuesday release schedule, with no reported delays.

Looking Ahead

The announcement of a second season, confirmed via the anime’s official X account on March 25, 2025, has fans eager for more. While no release date was specified, the promise of continued adventures between Mona and Medaka, along with the growing ensemble of rivals, ensures the story will delve deeper into their romance and personal growth.

Final Thoughts

Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms Season 1 is a delightful rom-com that balances humor, heart, and a touch of absurdity. While its fan service and predictable tropes may not resonate with everyone, the chemistry between Mona and Medaka, coupled with a charming cast and steady pacing, makes it a worthy addition to the Winter 2025 lineup. For fans of lighthearted romance with a unique twist, this series is a fun, heartwarming ride that leaves you rooting for both the queen bee and the monk-in-training. Catch it on Crunchyroll and get ready for more in Season 2