Danjo no Yuujou wa Seiritsu suru? [Season 1 Episode 1]

“Can a Boy-Girl Friendship Survive?” – A Refreshing Start to a Promising Rom-Com

Danjo no Yuujou wa Seiritsu suru? (Iya, Shinai!!), or Can a Boy-Girl Friendship Survive? (No, It Can’t!!), kicks off its first episode with a premise that’s both familiar and oddly refreshing. The story follows Yuu Natsume, a quiet, introverted boy who spends his days crafting flower accessories, and Himari Inuzuka, a bubbly, energetic girl who barges into his life with all the subtlety of a fireworks display. Their dynamic—childhood friends navigating the awkward terrain of adolescence—sets the stage for what could be one of the season’s standout rom-coms.

The Premise: Friendship or Something More?

The episode opens with Yuu struggling to sell his handmade flower accessories at the school festival. Enter Himari, who not only boosts his sales but also injects chaos (and charm) into his otherwise mundane routine. Their interactions are laced with playful teasing, physical closeness (Himari has zero concept of personal space), and an underlying tension that screams, “Are we really just friends?”

Fans have been quick to point out the irony of the title. As one Reddit user put it: “The amount of times they spammed the word ‘friendship’ in this episode could make it into the Guinness Book of World Records.” Yet, beneath the surface, it’s clear that this friendship is anything but platonic—or at least, it won’t stay that way for long.

The Characters: Chemistry That Shines

Himari is the star of the show, and viewers are already divided on her. Some adore her infectious energy, calling her “a gremlin in the best way possible”, while others find her overbearing. One MyAnimeList user joked, “I’d like her more if she knew what personal space was.” Regardless, her chemistry with Yuu is undeniable. Their banter feels natural, and the way she pushes him out of his shell is both endearing and hilarious.

Yuu, on the other hand, is the classic introvert—reserved, thoughtful, and slightly oblivious. Some fans wish he’d show more personality (“I hardly even noticed him,” one comment reads), but others appreciate his grounded demeanor as a counterbalance to Himari’s chaos.

Then there’s Rion, a third-wheel character introduced later in the episode, who adds a layer of romantic tension. Fans are already speculating about a love triangle, with one user predicting: “This is gonna end in a harem, I mean a threesome.”

The Humor and Tone

The comedy is a highlight, blending slapstick (Himari sitting on Yuu’s lap within minutes of meeting him) with witty dialogue. A fan on MyAnimeList noted, “The way Himari moves her whole body to communicate is so full of character—this is so fun to watch.” The show doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s part of its charm.

However, not everyone is sold. Some found the humor “painful to sit through”, while others praised it for being “way funnier than other rom-coms this season.”

The Animation and Music

Produced by J.C. Staff, the animation is smooth, with particular attention to facial expressions and small gestures that bring the characters to life. The soundtrack complements the tone perfectly, especially the upbeat opening theme, which one fan described as “going straight to my playlist.”

Final Thoughts: A Strong Start

Danjo no Yuujou wa Seiritsu suru? Episode 1 delivers a promising mix of humor, heart, and romantic tension. While the premise isn’t groundbreaking, the execution—coupled with the leads’ chemistry—makes it stand out. As one viewer put it: “This was surprisingly good. A lot of recent rom-coms haven’t clicked with me, but this one might just stick.”

If the series can balance its comedic and emotional beats while avoiding clichés (looking at you, School Days comparisons), it could become a fan favorite. For now, though, it’s off to a solid start—and I, for one, can’t wait to see where this “friendship” goes.

Final Rating: 8/10 – A fun, energetic debut with plenty of potential.

What did you think of the first episode? Let me know in the comments!