Yumemiru Danshi wa Genjitsushugisha

The Dreaming Boy is a Realist

Characters

Aika Natsukawa

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Wataru Sajou

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Megumi Ootsuki

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Takaaki Sasaki

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Arisa Koga

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Mina Ichinose

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Takurou Yamazaki

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Marika Shinonome-Claudine

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Kei Ashida

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Rena Aizawa

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Kazuki Arimura

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Hiyori Sonoda

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Kaede Sajou

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Renji Hanawa

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Yuu Ichinose

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Hiroto Tabata

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Rin Shinomiya

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Seina Iihoshi

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Kaoruko Isogawa

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Airi Natsukawa

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Fuuka Sasaki

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Aoi Okamoto

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Ayano Mita

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Nonoka Shirai

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Hayato Yuuki

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The Dreaming Boy Is a Realist Season 1: A Refreshingly Grounded Rom-Com with Heart and Humor

The Dreaming Boy Is a Realist (Yumemiru Danshi wa Genjitsushugisha), a 2023 anime adaptation of Okemaru’s light novel, is a romantic comedy that dares to subvert the genre’s well-worn tropes while delivering a heartfelt exploration of self-worth, miscommunication, and the messy realities of young love. Season 1, which aired from July to September 2023, produced by Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ, offers a unique blend of emotional depth and lighthearted humor, making it a standout in the crowded rom-com anime landscape. This review dives into what makes the series special, its strengths and shortcomings, and why it resonates with fans craving something both familiar and fresh.

Plot Overview: A Realist’s Take on Unrequited Love

The story follows Wataru Sajou, a high school student infatuated with his beautiful classmate, Aika Natsukawa. Known for his persistent (and sometimes cringe-worthy) confessions, Wataru is the quintessential lovesick teenager—until a sudden epiphany, sparked by an errant soccer ball, leads him to question his worthiness of Aika. Concluding that he’s not good enough for her, he decides to back off, adopting a more “realistic” approach to life. This shift catches Aika off guard, as she begins to grapple with her own feelings of confusion and loneliness in his absence. What unfolds is a charming, often poignant rom-com centered on two people who can’t quite get their feelings across, each mistakenly believing their love is unrequited.

The premise is deceptively simple, but its execution sets it apart. Unlike many rom-coms that lean on exaggerated misunderstandings or dense protagonists, The Dreaming Boy Is a Realist grounds its narrative in Wataru’s self-awareness and Aika’s slow realization of her own emotions. The series explores the psychological nuances of unrequited love, self-doubt, and personal growth, making it more introspective than the average high school romance.

What Makes It Unique?

1. A Protagonist with Self-Awareness: Wataru’s decision to distance himself from Aika isn’t born of pettiness or plot convenience but a genuine moment of self-reflection. His “realist” mindset—acknowledging his perceived shortcomings—feels refreshingly mature for a high school rom-com lead. This shift allows the series to explore how personal growth can reshape relationships, a theme rarely tackled with such sincerity in the genre.
2. A Tsundere Done Right: Aika Natsukawa is a tsundere, but she’s not a caricature. Her prickly exterior masks genuine vulnerability, and her confusion over Wataru’s sudden distance adds depth to her character. The anime gradually reveals her internal struggle, showing her grappling with feelings she doesn’t fully understand. This nuanced portrayal elevates her beyond the typical “cold girl” archetype.
3. Subtle World-Building Through Relationships: The supporting cast—Wataru’s sharp-tongued sister Kaede, Aika’s friend Kei, and various classmates—adds layers to the story without overshadowing the central romance. Each character feels distinct, with their own quirks and motivations, contributing to the lively atmosphere of Kōetsu High School. For example, Kaede’s blunt advice to Wataru about his “grubby” hair or Kei’s teasing yet supportive dynamic with Aika inject humor and relatability into everyday interactions.
4. A Balance of Humor and Heart: The series excels at blending comedic moments—like Wataru’s awkward blurted sounds or Aika’s flustered reactions—with emotional beats, such as Aika’s unspoken feelings when Wataru collapses from illness. This balance keeps the tone engaging without veering into melodrama or slapstick excess.

Strengths of Season 1

• Emotional Authenticity: The anime captures the awkwardness and vulnerability of teenage romance with remarkable authenticity. Wataru’s decision to step back from Aika isn’t just a plot device; it’s a relatable moment of self-doubt that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt unworthy of their crush. Aika’s gradual realization of Wataru’s importance in her life is equally compelling, especially in scenes where she confronts her conflicting emotions.
• Pacing and Structure: Across its 12 episodes, the series maintains a steady pace, allowing character development to unfold naturally. Key moments, like Aika’s confession of her true feelings in the finale, feel earned rather than rushed, setting the stage for potential future developments.
• Visual and Audio Appeal: Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ deliver solid animation, with expressive character designs by Masaru Koseki that capture the cast’s emotions vividly. The opening theme, “Paraglider” by Kaori Ishihara, is upbeat and catchy, perfectly matching the show’s tone, while the ending theme, “Yume wa Mijikashi Koiseyo Otome” by Akiho Suzumoto, adds a wistful touch.
• Fan Engagement: Fan reviews highlight the show’s ability to hook viewers, even those new to anime. Many praise its relatable characters and emotional depth, with some calling it their “new favorite anime” for its fresh take on the genre. Social media buzz, particularly on platforms like Reddit, shows fans clamoring for a second season to resolve lingering questions.

Areas for Improvement

While The Dreaming Boy Is a Realist shines in many areas, it’s not without flaws:

• Adaptation Gaps: Fans familiar with the light novel note that the anime omits key context and internal monologues, particularly around Wataru and Aika’s motivations. This can make some character actions feel abrupt or underdeveloped, especially in the early episodes.
• Uneven Focus on Side Characters: While the supporting cast is likable, the show sometimes introduces new characters (like additional girls with potential crushes on Wataru) without fully exploring their arcs. This can feel like a distraction from the central romance.
• Anti-Climactic Ending: Some fans found the season’s conclusion satisfying but not definitive, leaving questions about Wataru and Aika’s future. While Aika’s confession is a high point, the lack of clear resolution has fueled demands for a second season.
• Animation Critique: A few reviews point out inconsistent animation quality and “ChatGPT-like” dialogue in certain scenes, which can disrupt immersion. While not a dealbreaker, these moments occasionally undermine the show’s emotional weight.

Reception and Impact

The Dreaming Boy Is a Realist Season 1 has garnered a solid fanbase, with an IMDb rating of 6.6/10 and positive buzz on platforms like MyAnimeList and Reddit. Fans praise its relatable characters and emotional resonance, with many citing it as a refreshing departure from formulaic rom-coms. However, some criticize its slow start and adaptation choices, particularly the omission of light novel details.

The series’ focus on personal growth and mutual misunderstanding has sparked discussions about the nature of rom-coms, with fans noting its deviation from the “last-minute confession” trope. On Reddit, users have debated its pacing and character development, with some appreciating the gradual build-up and others wishing for more pre-epiphany context for Wataru and Aika’s relationship.

Where to Watch and What’s Next?

Season 1 is available on streaming platforms like HiDive, Prime Video, and Spectrum On Demand, with options to buy on Blu-ray. As of July 2025, no official confirmation for a second season has been announced, though fans speculate a Spring 2024 premiere based on the first season’s production timeline. The light novel and manga (serialized from 2021 to 2024) offer additional content for those eager to continue the story, with the manga closely following the anime’s events but including more internal monologues.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Rom-Com Fans with a Taste for Realism

The Dreaming Boy Is a Realist Season 1 is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and introspection that sets itself apart by tackling the insecurities and miscommunications inherent in young love. Wataru and Aika’s evolving dynamic, supported by a vibrant cast and thoughtful storytelling, makes it a compelling watch for both rom-com veterans and newcomers. While it stumbles with some adaptation choices and an inconclusive ending, its emotional authenticity and unique premise make it a standout. Fans of series like My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU or Horimiya will find plenty to love here.

Rating: 8/10
For its refreshing take on the genre and relatable characters, The Dreaming Boy Is a Realist earns high marks. Here’s hoping a second season delivers the resolution fans are craving.