Kanojo, Okarishimasu 3rd Season

Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 3

Characters

Chizuru Ichinose

MAIN

Kazuya Kinoshita

MAIN

Ruka Sarashina

SUPPORTING

Sayuri Ichinose

SUPPORTING

Katsuhito Ichinose

SUPPORTING

Sumi Sakurasawa

SUPPORTING

Mami Nanami

SUPPORTING

Mini Yaemori

SUPPORTING

Yoshiaki Kibe

SUPPORTING

Shun Kuribayashi

SUPPORTING

Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 3: A Deeper Dive into Love, Dreams, and Complications

By SON HAK, Anime Enthusiast

The romantic comedy anime Rent-a-Girlfriend (Kanojo, Okarishimasu), based on Reiji Miyajima’s hit manga, returned for its highly anticipated third season in Summer 2023, airing from July 8 to September 30. With its signature blend of humor, drama, and tangled relationships, Season 3 took fans on an emotional journey, focusing heavily on Chizuru Mizuhara’s dreams and her evolving bond with Kazuya Kinoshita. Directed by Shinya Une, who took over from Kazuomi Koga, this season delivered a more serious narrative while introducing new characters and challenges. Here’s a comprehensive look at what made Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 3 a standout in the rom-com genre.

A New Chapter in a Messy Love Story

Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 3 picks up where the second season left off, diving into the “Dream Arc” (starting from Chapter 104, Volume 13 of the manga). After Kazuya’s heartfelt promise to help Chizuru fulfill her dream of becoming an actress, the season centers on their ambitious crowdfunding project to produce an independent film for Chizuru’s ailing grandmother, Sayuri, to see her shine on the big screen. This premise shifts the tone from the lighthearted antics of earlier seasons to a more poignant and character-driven narrative, with higher stakes and deeper emotional resonance.

Kazuya Kinoshita, the awkward and often frustrating protagonist, continues to navigate his complicated feelings for Chizuru Mizuhara, his rental girlfriend who doubles as his neighbor and fellow college student. Their fake relationship grows increasingly complex as they work closely on the film project, blurring the lines between professional collaboration and genuine affection. Meanwhile, the other women in Kazuya’s life—Ruka Sarashina, Sumi Sakurasawa, and the manipulative ex-girlfriend Mami Nanami—add layers of tension and drama, ensuring that Kazuya’s romantic entanglements remain as chaotic as ever.

A Shift in Tone and Focus

One of the most notable aspects of Season 3 is its departure from the comedic, harem-heavy focus of the first two seasons. While the series retains its rom-com charm, it leans into a more mature and emotional storyline, particularly through Chizuru’s arc. Her struggles with her grandmother’s declining health and her determination to honor her late grandfather’s words add depth to her character, making her more than just the “perfect” rental girlfriend. The season’s exploration of grief, ambition, and vulnerability gives Chizuru a spotlight that fans have long awaited, solidifying her as the emotional core of the story.

Kazuya, often criticized for his indecisiveness, shows signs of growth in Season 3. His dedication to Chizuru’s dream—spearheading the crowdfunding campaign and rallying others to support the project—marks a step forward from his usual bumbling self. However, his inability to fully confront his feelings for Chizuru keeps the narrative’s romantic progression tantalizingly slow, a point of frustration for some fans. The season ends without a definitive resolution to their relationship, leaving viewers hopeful for closure in the confirmed fourth season, set to premiere in July 2025.

New Faces and Familiar Favorites

Season 3 introduces Mini Yaemori, a bubbly cosplayer and social media influencer who becomes Kazuya and Chizuru’s neighbor. Voiced by Yuu Serizawa, Mini brings a fresh dynamic to the series, acting as a supportive ally rather than another romantic rival. Her blunt personality and enthusiasm for the film project inject energy into the group, and her knowledge of crowdfunding proves invaluable. Unlike Ruka or Mami, Mini has no romantic interest in Kazuya, making her a refreshing addition who pushes the main couple closer together without adding to the harem chaos.

The returning cast delivers stellar performances, with Sora Amamiya shining as Chizuru, capturing her strength and vulnerability. Shun Horie’s portrayal of Kazuya balances his awkwardness with moments of sincerity, while Nao Toyama (Ruka), Rie Takahashi (Sumi), and Aoi Yuki (Mami) add depth to their respective characters. Ruka’s clinginess and Sumi’s quiet support continue to complicate Kazuya’s life, while Mami’s subtle reappearance hints at future trouble, setting up an intriguing cliffhanger for Season 4.

Production Highlights

Under Shinya Une’s direction, Season 3 maintains the vibrant animation quality fans expect from TMS Entertainment. The visuals, crafted by character designer Kanna Hirayama, are a highlight, with vivid colors and expressive character designs that enhance the emotional weight of key scenes. The opening theme, “Renai Miri Film” by Halca, perfectly captures the romantic and cinematic vibe of the season, while Amber’s performs the ending themes “End Roll” and its ballad version, adding a melancholic touch to the story’s heavier moments.

However, the season isn’t without flaws. Some fans and critics noted that the anime trimmed significant portions of the manga (Volumes 13–19), simplifying certain emotional beats and character interactions, particularly for Kazuya and Ruka. The pacing, while improved from Season 2, still feels drawn-out at times, with the lack of romantic resolution frustrating viewers eager for progress in Kazuya and Chizuru’s relationship.

Reception and Impact

Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 3 received generally positive reviews, with praise for its emotional depth, Chizuru’s development, and the introduction of Mini Yaemori. On platforms like Reddit, fans expressed enjoyment over the season’s improved focus on Chizuru’s arc and the crowdfunding project, though some felt the anime undercut Kazuya’s growth compared to the manga. The series’ stunning animation and compelling character moments were widely appreciated, but the slow narrative progression sparked debate among viewers, with some calling the story “forcibly drawn-out.”

The season’s exploration of the rental girlfriend concept continues to resonate, touching on themes of authenticity, connection, and societal expectations in relationships. While not as overtly comedic as its predecessors, Season 3’s shift toward a more serious tone was a bold move that paid off for many fans, even if it didn’t fully resolve the central romance.

Looking Ahead to Season 4

With Season 4 confirmed for July 2025, fans are eager to see how Kazuya and Chizuru’s relationship evolves, especially with Mami’s looming presence and the aftermath of the film project. The upcoming season is expected to adapt further manga chapters, potentially addressing the criticism of slow progression. Special streaming events on ABEMA, featuring voice actors and idols, are planned to build hype, indicating the series’ enduring popularity.

Where to Watch

Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 3 is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, with episodes released weekly during its run. For those catching up, Seasons 1–3 will be streamed on ABEMA starting June 20, 2025, ahead of Season 4’s premiere.

Final Thoughts

Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 3 is a turning point for the series, balancing its rom-com roots with a more heartfelt and ambitious storyline. While it doesn’t fully resolve the central romance, it deepens Chizuru’s character and sets the stage for future developments. With stunning visuals, a memorable soundtrack, and the introduction of Mini Yaemori, the season keeps fans invested in Kazuya’s messy love life. Whether you’re Team Chizuru, Team Ruka, or just here for the chaos, Season 3 delivers enough emotional highs and lows to keep you hooked until the next chapter.

Season 4 is also available in hindi sub on animexsub.in