Junjou Romantica Season 3

This 12-episode series is the long-awaited third installment of Junjou Romantica. Takahashi Misaki has been living at Usami Akihiko's apartment for three years. He is reminded that his time with his lover will soon come to an end when people start asking him about his future plans. Misaki needs to find a job soon. Usami of course is more than willing to let him stay even after he graduates, but Misaki hasn't made his decision yet.

While lost in thought, Misaki loses a merchandise from his favorite manga series. Toudou Shinnosuke picks it up and asks Misaki if he's also a fan of Ijuuin Kyou's work. The two become instant friends and later went to an autograph signing session to meet the author. Ijuuin recognized Misaki and thanks him for encouraging him when he was down (episode twelve of season two). Ijuuin and Misaki had more encounters after that, making Usami uncomfortable. He chides Misaki for saying "I love you" to Ijuuin too much. It might give Ijuuin ideas.

Usami and Aikawa Eri look on as Ijuuin speaks to Misaki

Misaki and Toudou Shinnosuke on their way to meet Ijuuin

Takatsuki Shinobu and Miyagi You in episode four

Isaka Ryuuichirou and Asahina Kaoru in episode seven

Kamijou Hiroki and Kusama Nowaki in episode 10

My initial reaction was that there seems to be fewer kissing scenes and bed scenes. Misaki and Usami look and act like any ordinary couple now and have the usual concerns. Another thing that I noticed was that Usami is able to control himself much easily when it's about Misaki. He's less forceful and their conversations are normal. There are still some aspects in their relationship that are not explored however (like how Misaki will tell his relatives about his situation).

The dirty humor is consistent with the first two seasons but what I really loved about the third season is that the couples seem to have matured a bit. Their concerns are no longer petty quarrels that can easily be solved by talking. Some of their problems are those which real couples can also relate to.

I was pretty excited when the third season was announced. This series had more to tell. Twelve episodes is too short however especially when I found out that the other pairs only get one episode each. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Junjou Romantica Season One
Junjou Romantica Season Two