Best Romance Anime of 2010

Serving as the first female student council president comes with its challenges, especially at a school that recently switched from an all-boys institution to a co-educational one. Earning the nickname "Demon President" from the male students due to her strict disciplinary style, Misaki Ayuzawa readily uses her Aikido skills to discipline unruly boys and protect the female students at Seika High School. However, even the seemingly perfect Ayuzawa has an embarrassing secret: she works part-time as a maid at a maid café to help her struggling family pay the bills. She has managed to keep this job hidden from her classmates and maintain her flawless image as an outstanding student—until the day Takumi Usui, the most popular boy in school, walks into the maid café. He could destroy her reputation by revealing her secret... or he could twist the student council president around his little finger and use her secret as an opportunity to get closer to her.

At Fumizuki Academy, students are assigned to classes based on their first-year exam results, with top scorers in A class and the lowest in F class, an area notorious for its dilapidated facilities and lack of supplies. Akihisa Yoshii, who is actually quite capable academically, ends up in F class alongside his friend Yuuji Sakamoto and the unexpectedly low-scoring genius Mizuki Himeji. Unwilling to accept their low status, the F class students, spearheaded by Yuuji, challenge the higher-ranked classes using the school's unique Examination Summon Battle system. This system allows students to summon creatures whose strength depends directly on their test scores. Can F class defy expectations and climb to the top, or will they remain at the bottom as everyone predicts?

In The World God Only Knows, Keima Katsuragi, hailed as the "God of Conquest" within the sphere of dating sim games, thrives in a virtual landscape where charming any girl is merely another challenge to overcome. In the real world, however, Keima remains a dedicated otaku who prefers the predictable, controlled atmosphere of galge games. His excessive confidence prompts him to accept a mysterious wager designed to prove his mastery of dating simulations, only to discover that this agreement binds him to Elucia "Elsie" de Lute Ima, a mischievous demon dispatched from hell to capture rogue spirits that have slipped into the human realm. Keima soon learns that the sole method for capturing these spirits is to win the unpredictable hearts of real, living women. Compelled by a lethal collar enforced by Elsie, Keima must confront his greatest fear—actual relationships—and apply his formidable skills to woo various girls, subjecting his legendary reputation to its ultimate trial.

As a child, Moritaka Mashiro aspired to become a mangaká like his uncle Tarou Kawaguchi, a creator of famous gag manga. However, a tragedy forced Moritaka to abandon this dream, leading him to focus on his studies in middle school with the goal of securing a stable career as a salaryman. During high school, his classmate Akito Takagi, a top student aspiring to be a writer, discovers the intricate drawings in Moritaka's notebook. Recognizing his potential, Akito convinces him to form a partnership and create manga together. Motivated by the possibility that his crush, Miho Azuki, might one day voice a character in their creation, Moritaka agrees. The duo embarks on their journey as mangaká under the pen name Muto Ashirogi, striving to reach the pinnacle of the Japanese manga industry.

After the death of their mother, Keita Suminoe's father remarries, introducing twin sisters Ako and Riko into the family. The twins swiftly form an intense, yet forbidden, bond with their new brother, igniting a rivalry to capture Keita's heart. As middle school draws to a close, Keita dedicates himself to his studies with the goal of attending high school alongside Ako and Riko. However, he grapples with his own conflicted emotions, torn between resisting or yielding to their romantic overtures. To make things more complicated, Keita finds himself entangled in other unwanted attractions, putting him at risk amidst these various temptations.

Amidst the flourishing martial arts of Japan's Edo period, Shichika Yasuri masters the unique Kyotouryuu style, a discipline that transforms the practitioner's own body into a weapon. He resides in seclusion with his sister, Nanami, enjoying a peaceful life until Togame, a resolute strategist, arrives to recruit him. Her mission is to collect the twelve legendary Deviant Blades for the shogunate. Motivated more by fascination with Togame than by political ambition, Shichika agrees to join her quest. Their journey leads them against powerful swordsmen guarding the blades and various adversaries intent on halting their progress. To overcome these formidable challenges, Shichika and Togame must work together as they traverse a perilous and unpredictable path.

Akuto Sai joins Constant Magic Academy hoping to improve the world and forms a bond with Junko Hattori, who comes from a prestigious ninja lineage. While they strive to create a better tomorrow, Akuto's presence activates a prophecy branding him as the Demon King. As rumors circulate, the school's atmosphere becomes hostile, causing Junko's trust in him to waver. Although Akuto tries to deny this cursed fate, his efforts only reinforce his reputation as a villain. Complicating matters further is a harem of fascinating girls with conflicting agendas, some seeking to punish him while others display true affection. Leveraging his expanding abilities, Akuto battles his misfortune to demonstrate that his predetermined destiny can be altered.

Beside Shimogamo Shrine during an autumn twilight, a third-year university student meets a deity with an eggplant-shaped head at a secluded ramen shop. This divine figure, rumored to oversee marriages, triggers the student to recall his first two years of college, which were marked by pointless efforts to interfere with campus romances, largely driven by the influence of his strange companion, Ozu, whose behavior appears designed to torment him. Determined to maximize his final year, the student attempts to court Akashi, a shy but gentle junior, only to be consumed by deep regret over his past choices. After this realization, he is sent back to the start of his university life, granted a fresh opportunity to mold his destiny. Featuring stunning visuals and profound psychological layers, The Tatami Galaxy follows a young man's bizarre journey in search of friendship, love, and the vibrant college experience he had always dreamed of.

Due to his fondness for cute and small things, Souta Takanashi cannot resist Popura Taneshima's invitation to join her at Wagnaria, a family restaurant in Hokkaido. He especially enjoys caring for the mature but youthful-looking Popura, which only heightens her anxiety about looking so young. As he gets to know his coworkers, Takanashi learns to stay alert. The group includes the sword-carrying floor chief Yachiyo Todoroki, the formidable head chef Jun Satou, the cunning and slightly sadistic sous chef Hiroomi Souma, the stubbornly idle manager Kyouko Shirafuji, and the waitress Mahiru Inami, who has a severe fear of men. With its unique cast, Working!! is a notable workplace comedy that depicts the lively events at Wagnaria. Through the interactions of Takanashi and his colorful colleagues, the show is filled with endless jokes, pranks, and laughter.

Yamada, whose first name is not given, is a fifteen-year-old girl who has just started attending Takizawa High School. She is widely considered to be exceptionally beautiful, but she has one issue with her own body: she thinks her vagina looks strange and feels very self-conscious about it. When she entered high school, her goal was to have casual sex with one hundred men. However, the problem is that she believes an experienced partner will mock her either for the appearance of her vagina or simply because she is a virgin. She finds a solution in Kosuda Takashi, a fellow virgin, whom she thinks will help her ease into the process of moving on to more experienced partners. There is only one small problem: Yamada knows nothing about sex or the ancient art of seduction, meaning her quest to win over Kosuda will be a difficult one.

Two years after being stood up on Christmas Eve, Junichi Tachibana remains haunted by the experience but finds himself presented with a chance to pursue romance again. He meets several intriguing girls: Haruka Morishima, a popular senior who loves cute items; Kaoru Tanamachi, his childhood friend who hides her true feelings for him; Sae Nakata, a shy newcomer who is uncomfortable around boys; Ai Nanasaki, a swimmer who initially seems unapproachable; Rihoko Sakurai, another childhood friend with a fondness for sweets; and Tsukasa Ayatsuji, the perfect student council president who has a hidden side. As Christmas Eve approaches, Junichi aims to spend the special day with the girl he truly cares for.

Kou Ichinomiya, the wealthy son of a successful businessman, lives by a strict rule: he never wants to be indebted to anyone. His life changes abruptly when a group of mischievous kids knocks him off Arakawa Bridge into the river. A mysterious stranger pulls him out, leaving him in the stranger’s debt. Determined to repay the favor, Kou tries to fulfill his obligation but ends up in an even worse situation. The rescuer is Nino, a stoic girl in a tracksuit who is homeless and lives in a makeshift shelter beneath the bridge. She has one desire: to experience what love feels like. When she asks Kou to become her boyfriend, he reluctantly agrees, abandoning his luxurious life to start over with Nino under the bridge.

In Rito Yuuki’s world, calm is hard to come by, as he repeatedly finds himself in awkward situations with the girls around him. Though he remains devoted to his childhood friend Haruna, his feelings for Lala—an alien princess who came to Earth to marry him—grow more complicated. Things escalate when Lala’s younger twin sisters, Momo and Nana, arrive on Earth to meet their future brother-in-law and soon move in with Rito. Adding to the chaos, Yami, a living weapon, also begins pursuing him relentlessly. Caught between mixed emotions, the fallout from his reputation as a pervert, and the threats posed by an assassin, Rito’s daily life stays anything but peaceful.

Sakurai Tomoki has grown accustomed to his daily life alongside the two angeloids, Ikaros and Nymph, and is having a great time. Still, he keeps experiencing strange dreams and asks all his friends to help him figure out what is causing them. Nymph creates a device that allows humans—but not angeloids—to enter other people's dreams. The gadget initially malfunctions, but eventually they manage to reach what should have been Tomoki's dream, only to find that something is seriously off about it. Later, a meteor crashes down from the sky at the spot beneath the large cherry blossom tree where Tomoki first discovered Ikaros. A blonde angeloid with a very large figure and a massive sword steps out of the meteor and begins looking for Tomoki!

In "Okami-San and Her Seven Companions," Ryouko Ookami, a tough and tomboyish boxer, serves as the enforcer for the Otogi Bank, a unique high school club that functions like a real financial institution where students can request favors with the promise of future repayment. Sixteen-year-old Ryoushi Morino, who is notably different from the typical Otogi Bank members due to his timid nature, unexpectedly joins the club after a failed confession to Ryouko. The series follows the everyday adventures of the Otogi Bank members as they take on various tasks, ranging from mundane to dangerous. Despite their diverse missions, Ryoushi's sole goal remains winning Ryouko's affection, which she questions given his inability to stand up to others, let alone participate in a fight.

The second stage of the Sekirei Plan has begun, with Shintou Teito sealed off to trap all Sekirei and their Ashikabi inside. Minato Sahashi and his Sekirei companions must get ready for new obstacles as the competition's rules change. Not every team will take part, as some Ashikabi decide to pull out rather than endanger their beloved Sekirei. In the middle of this chaos, Minato may uncover a deeper bond with someone close to him, while dangers lurk everywhere. Rumors circulate that even the "Single Numbers," the most powerful Sekirei, have joined the battle. For the "Game Master" Minaka Hiroto, events are unfolding just as he intended.

In the city where Yuuto Amakawa lives, his life is fairly ordinary aside from his cat allergies and attending school with his neighbor, Rinko. However, everything takes a dramatic turn on his 16th birthday when an Ayakashi, a supernatural creature, attacks him due to his ancestors' misdeeds. Himari, a secretive swordswoman with cat ears, saves him and reveals that Yuuto is destined to carry on his family's legacy as a demon hunter. With the protective charm that shielded him from the supernatural now failing, Himari must become his guardian. "Omamori Himari" chronicles Yuuto's journey as he faces numerous supernatural threats and deals with a growing group of women who come into his life, each with their own sinister motives. Will Yuuto embrace this new and exciting existence, or will the sins of his ancestors haunt him?

In "Dance in the Vampire Bund," Mina Tepes, the ruler of the vampires, publicly announces the existence of vampires on live television and proposes establishing a sanctuary in Japan called the Vampire Bund. Using her family's immense wealth, she settles the country's debts and secures the rights to build a haven for vampires. However, her declaration sparks opposition from humans who doubt her intentions for peace. Akira Kaburagi, a skeptic of vampires, feels uneasy when discussions about them arise, though he cannot explain why. Living a carefree life since suffering a head injury a year prior, Akira's world changes when he meets Mina, who awakens his buried memories and compels him to protect her without knowing the reasons. Unbeknownst to Akira, he holds an extraordinary secret: he is a werewolf, destined from birth to safeguard the vampire queen at the cost of his own existence. As Mina and Akira navigate the dangerous environment of the Vampire Bund, they uncover the deep nature of their bond.

Hino Akiharu lost his parents as a child and was taken in by his uncle's household. Wanting to avoid being a burden on that family, he chose to enroll in Hakureiryou high school, a tuition-free boarding school, working as a butler. But his rough, delinquent-like appearance scares off the female students, who form the majority of the campus. Struggling to fit in with his classmates, Akiharu crosses paths with Saikyou Tomomi, the girl he had a crush on during childhood.

In Okinawa, high schooler Kio Kakazu is living a normal life until he faints at his grandfather's memorial when he encounters Eris, a strange girl sporting cat ears. After waking up, Kio finds Eris mostly undressed next to him. She explains that she is an envoy from the planet Catia, sent to collect data on Earth and help build ties between their civilizations. Having been treated so warmly, Eris decides to move in with Kio's family. Their peaceful days are disrupted when agents from several secret organizations, among them Kio's childhood friend Manami Kinjou, try to capture Eris. Determined that Eris will leave Earth with a favorable opinion of humans, Kio promises to protect her and prove to everyone that she poses no danger.

In the beautiful and prosperous land of Great Japan, a grave danger threatens the nation. Protecting it are the mysterious guardians called Master Samurai. Young samurai Muneakira Yagyuu is summoned by the student council to attend Buou Academic School, an institution run by the Tokugawa Shogunate that trains the children of warriors to govern the country. The school is led by student council president Yoshihiko Tokugawa and his sister Sen, Muneakira's childhood friend. When Muneakira arrives at the academy, a violent fight erupts. In the midst of the chaos, a strange white light fills the sky, and an unusual girl named Juubei Yagyuu appears. She unexpectedly kisses Muneakira, awakening a hidden power that protects them both. The mystery of Juubei's true identity and origins remains unknown. As Muneakira becomes entangled in the fate of the nation and a looming catastrophe that could devastate Great Japan, he must uncover the secrets of the Master Samurai and the power unleashed by Juubei's kiss to defend his homeland.

Along the scenic banks of the Arakawa River, life continues to be as chaotic as ever. Kou Ichinomiya, also called "Recruit," has grown accustomed to managing the daily antics of his eccentric neighbors. But this already strange setting is about to become even more unpredictable with the arrival of two peculiar newcomers: Amazoness, a tall and muscular woman accompanied by her Tengu followers, and Captain, who declares himself the commander of Earth's defense against invaders from Venus. Amidst the growing turmoil, Recruit slowly uncovers more about Nino and the experiences that shaped her past.

In "Eden of the East the Movie II: Paradise Lost," Akira Takizawa, a member of the twelve Seleção tasked with saving the country to win the game, chooses to become the "King of Japan." After returning from the United States, the other Seleção members pursue their own goals, competing for dominance. Though viewed as possible terrorists, Saki Morimi and the rest of the "Eden of the East" team keep aiding Takizawa in achieving his aim and uncovering the mysteries of his past, as the final confrontation among the Seleção draws near.

Takumi Tsuzuki attends Umenomori Private Academy on a scholarship, maintaining a close bond with his childhood friend Fumino Serizawa, who is known for her contradictory behavior. He often evades Chise Umenomori, the chairman's spoiled granddaughter, who drags him into her bizarre activities. After school, Takumi helps out at the "Stray Cats" pastry shop run by his adoptive older sister Otome Tsuzuki until bedtime. That describes his usual routine. The story opens on another ordinary day for Takumi, but things take a turn when Otome leaves the shop to help someone. Fumino, worried about being late, wakes him up for their customary walk to school, accidentally exposing her blue-and-white striped underwear in the process—an odd way to start the morning. When Otome returns, she brings Nozomi Kiriya, a girl with catlike features and mannerisms. Nozomi is a runaway whom Otome has decided to take in. As Takumi tries to figure out Nozomi's identity and why she fled, his formerly uneventful life becomes a chaotic series of surprises.

In "Nodame Cantabile Finale," Shinichi Chiaki continues to solidify his position as the principal conductor of the revitalized Roux-Marlet Orchestra, while Megumi "Nodame" Noda makes significant progress as a pianist at the Conservatoire de Paris. However, their successes create friction between them as Nodame feels overshadowed by Chiaki's growing fame and his close association with renowned piano prodigy Rui Son. Ignoring the advice of her teacher Professor Charles Auclair, Nodame decides to enter another piano competition to launch her solo career. Meanwhile, those close to Chiaki and Nodame face personal milestones. Rui begins to doubt herself after hearing Nodame perform and being rejected for lessons by Auclair; Maestro Franz von Stresemann confronts his aging; pianists Yunlong Li and Tatiana Vishneva intensify their preparations for a major competition, while Tatiana also deals with her growing feelings for oboist Yasunori Kuroki. As Chiaki, Nodame, and their companions navigate their separate paths, they must remain true to their own ambitions and remember the beginnings of their shared journey.

Second Lieutenant Kei Agemaki, born to a distinguished general, has long concealed his deep-seated terror of supernatural entities. This fear is put to the test when he and two fellow officers are reassigned to the Ministry of Spirit Affairs, where they must coexist and work alongside youkai. As Kei confronts his greatest fears directly, he relies on the fox spirit Kushimatsu to manage his new duties with the youkai maidens Zakuro, Susukihotaru, Hoozuki, and Bonbori, handling paranormal matters. Set in an alternate period of Japan's westernization, Otome Youkai Zakuro explores the tensions and alliances that emerge when Eastern and Western cultures clash, native and foreign worlds intersect, and women and men interact. The unlikely partnership between the youkai maidens and human officers strives to function effectively in a rapidly changing society.

The story of Fortune Arterial centers on protagonist Kohei Hasekura, who transfers to a prestigious public institution offering a combined six-year junior and senior high school curriculum modeled after British educational traditions. This school is located on Tamatsu Island, an island situated off the coast of mainland Japan and accessible solely via boat. Shortly after his arrival, Kohei learns that Erika Sendo, a girl in the classroom next to his, is actually a vampire.

Off the southern coast of Japan sits a lush green island known as Southern Cross Isle. One night, a boy named Takuto Tsunashi washes ashore there, having swum alone from the mainland with nothing to his name. He then enrolls in the senior high division of the island's school, Southern Cross High School. With his bright and outgoing personality, he quickly connects with many of the students, forming close bonds with people such as Wako Agemaki and Sugata Shindou. But the school holds a deep secret: buried beneath the ground are sleeping giants called "Cybodies." There are about twenty of these giants, and they are only one part of the many secrets the islanders keep. The hidden activities of the mysterious organization known as Glittering Crux. The songs of the shrine maidens. And soon, Takuto himself will come to carry a great secret of his own... This southern island, surrounded by blue seas and blue skies, is the stage where a "Eulogy of Youth" filled with love, dreams, and friendship is about to begin.

After being away from school for a year due to an accident, the timid and petite fifteen-year-old Hiyori Nishiyama attempts to reintroduce herself to her classmates. Her introduction is interrupted when the lanky and lively Yuushin Hirose dashes into the room. The stark contrast in their heights and temperaments draws unwanted attention to Hiyori, making her uneasy. Although Hiyori initially views Yuushin negatively, she becomes captivated by his exuberant nature. As they begin to see past their differences, their friendship develops, helping Hiyori gain confidence and become more outgoing.

In a world where magic is seen as mere entertainment, Kaito Kuroba, the son of famed magician Touichi Kuroba, excels at trickery and illusions. Known for his flashy stunts and mischief, Kaito's life changes when he finds a hidden room in his house, revealing the white dove outfit of the legendary Phantom Thief Kid. This discovery rekindles his quest to solve the mystery of his father's sudden death eight years earlier. Seeking the Pandora Gem, a jewel said to grant immortality, Kaito takes on the Kid persona. But the same group responsible for his father's death also pursues the gem. Magic Kaito follows Kaito as he brings back the identity of Kaitou Kid, the elusive night thief. Using decoys, disguises, and his signature card gun, Kaito sets out to reclaim the world's most valuable jewels while uncovering the truth behind his father's fate and the legendary Pandora Gem.

In the film "Bungaku Shoujo," Konoha Inoue seems to be an ordinary high school sophomore, his life unremarkable except for a mysterious incident two years prior that concealed his past as a well-known female romance novelist. Following that event, he vowed never to write again. However, his commitment is put to the test when he is forced to join the literary club by its president, the enigmatic third-year student Amano Tookyomi, who is known for her peculiar habit of devouring literature. As part of his club responsibilities, Konoha must write a daily snack for her.

Violinist Kiyora Miki travels with pianist Shinichi Chiaki, Megumi "Nodame" Noda, and their companions to meet the celebrated conductor Franz von Stresemann in Vienna. Upon arriving, they find that von Stresemann has already returned to Japan. Despite this, the group enjoys exploring the historic city. During their visit, Kiyora mentions she hasn't seen her boyfriend, Ryuutarou Mine, in a year due to her intense preparation for a competition in Paris. Chiaki and Nodame promise to support her at the finals, but their plans to travel to Paris are suddenly disrupted by an unexpected visitor.

In "Today We Start Our Love," Tsubaki Hibino is a gentle, caring, and conventional girl who holds the top academic rank in her class. She follows her parents' expectations and enjoys giving her classmates stylish and cute hairstyles, even though she herself prefers simple braids. At her high school entrance ceremony, Tsubaki is shocked to discover that the top student delivering the opening speech is a rude boy—completely different from her. This troublemaker turns out to be her new classmate, Kyouta Tsubaki. Kyouta teases Tsubaki about how similar their surnames are. While they compete academically, their personalities clash entirely. Though they seem mismatched, fate may have other plans for their relationship.

In the OVA "Nodame Cantabile Finale," the exact nature of Shinichi Chiaki's bond with the impulsive pianist Megumi "Nodame" Noda stays ambiguous, although many—including Nodame herself—consider it romantic. Nodame has often voiced her love for Chiaki. But after a small quarrel over soy sauce, she abruptly consents to a date with the talented French piano prodigy Lucas Beaudry, provoking the first genuine pangs of jealousy in the celebrated conductor Chiaki.

Episodes which depict the background stories of "Bungaku Shoujo" Movie's main heroines.

In "Megane na Kanojo," spectacles serve a purpose beyond improved eyesight for four young women. For some, they embody self-assurance, as seen in a teenage girl who wears hers with pride. Others employ them as a cover—for instance, a famous idol hides behind glasses to blend in as an ordinary person. Meanwhile, a misshapen frame draws two people closer together. Ultimately, an excellent pair of glasses does more than sharpen vision; it can also open one's heart.

In a world 500 years from now, Shinichi Kakimoto is on a school excursion to Nara, the ancient Japanese capital now ruled by an artificial intelligence embodying Himiko, the nation's earliest recorded monarch. While exploring the city and avoiding the hungry deer, Shinichi loses sight of his classmates and meets Toto, an odd girl who says she has never left the area. As they wander the city together, the two form a connection, but their budding relationship is put in danger when hostile hunters begin chasing Toto.

This OVA is a bonus feature included with the PSP game Da Capo: D.C. I & II P.S.P., presenting animated sequences where the four main heroines—Nemu, Kotori, Yume, and Otome—confess their feelings to the protagonist.

Picture dramas included with the first and third limited edition DVD volumes.

Manaka Komaki harbors hidden feelings for her classmate Takaaki Kono but is too shy to talk to boys normally. After Takaaki lends her a hand in the library, the two begin studying together and eventually start addressing each other by their first names. One day, as Manaka calls out to Takaaki near the library, her friend Yuji Kosaka overhears and tells the whole class about their closeness, which unexpectedly causes a commotion among the girls who have their eyes on Takaaki.

A special picture drama that was included with the Blu-Ray Box Set of Seto no Hanayome. The initial segment features comedic sketches with the characters depicted in a simple chibi art style. This is followed by a brief recap, after which the main picture drama storyline begins.

The continuation of Gokujou!! Mecha Mote Iinchou with a new title. Episode numbers continue from 51.

Kouki Tange directed this music video for Monkey Majik's track "Aishiteru," which shares its name with the band's album. Produced by YELLOW BRAIN, it mixes live-action footage with animated sequences.

"Damen's Walker" is a collection of short stories revolving around women's experiences with imperfect men, such as con artists and deceivers. The word "Damen" merges "Dame" (meaning failure) with "Men," emphasizing the core theme of the tales.