Kimi ni Todoke Seasons 1 and 2

Cover for season one

The extremely timid Kuronuma Sawako wants to make friends but she is easily misunderstood because of the rumors about her. Nicknamed Sadako (from the Ring), her schoolmates believe she brings bad luck and therefore people avoid her. 

When a lively and popular boy, Kazehaya Shouta started paying attention to her however, Sawako's life gradually changed. One day she worked up the courage to speak to two girls gossiping about her. Her honest nature brought a surprising reaction from Yano Ayane and Yoshida Chizuru. As days pass and as Sawako is slowly coming out of her shell, she gains the admiration of the three. Kazehaya, Ayane and Chizuru help her gain self-confidence and the courage to make friends.

Kazehaya in particular seems to give her special treatment every time. Maybe it isn't impossible for Sawako to become part of the class after all. She looks up to Kazehaya as her model, but gradually she realizes the boy has a special place in her heart. This first installment has 25 episodes.

Cover for season two

The second installment of Kimi ni Todoke has a faster pace and introduces a new character. Miura Kento is Sawako's new seatmate and is also paying special attention to her. Will Sawako finally have the courage to admit that Kazehaya is more than special to her or will her long-held assumptions about herself prevent her from giving a chance at love? Season two has 12 episodes.

From left: Yano Ayane, Kuronuma Sawako and Yoshida Chizuru

Kazehaya Shouta and Sawako with Maru

Sawako with Kazehaya holding Maru

Sawako meets Miura Kento (left)

Rivals Sawako and Kurumizawa Ume

Sawako and Kazehaya

The series is a heartwarming story of friendship, courage and love. The slow pace of Kimi ni Todoke allows for the audience to get to know Sawako more intimately than most female lead characters of this genre. Her struggle to make friends despite her personality makes her a memorable character. She's innocent, honest and sometimes clueless and that is consistent with the overall mood of the series.

Kimi ni Todoke is not marred by typical scenes where the lead male and female characters are forced to spend time together. Such scenes (like Valentine's, school festival, etc.) are introduced in the second season. There are also fewer "accidental" physical contacts (e.g., stolen kisses and such) like you'd expect. I think it was a refreshing take of the shy-girl-meets-popular-guy story because the girl lives up to her character---shy and innocent. The only thing I find unsatisfactory was that Kazehaya seemed to have special regard for Sawako from the very start. Although it can be argued that he was just interested in her specifically and his feelings changed as he had more encounters with Sawako. Love at first sight is still a little too convenient for me.

I enjoyed the story about the three girls and how both Ayane's and Chizuru's stories didn't come off as intrusive to the entire series. I loved the overall mood and animation---it was serene, innocent and beautiful, just like Sawako herself.

Rating (for season one): 8.5 out of 10

Rating (for season two): 8.5 out of 10