Kowloon Generic Romance [Season 1 Episode 1]

Kowloon Generic Romance – Episode 1: A Mysterious and Mesmerizing Start

When Kowloon Generic Romance dropped its first episode, it didn’t just introduce a story—it dropped us into a world that feels both nostalgic and eerily unfamiliar. Set in the densely packed, retro-futuristic Kowloon Walled City, the anime follows Reiko Kujirai and Hajime Kudou, two coworkers whose lives intertwine in ways that are anything but ordinary. Fans have been buzzing about the premiere, and after watching it, it’s easy to see why.

A Setting That Steals the Show

The Kowloon Walled City is more than just a backdrop—it’s a character in itself. The anime nails the claustrophobic yet vibrant atmosphere of the real-life slum (demolished in 1994), blending Hong Kong’s neon-lit alleys with a sci-fi twist. One fan on MyAnimeList pointed out how the animation captures the city’s grime and charm perfectly: “The coloring gives you the sense that the story is actually taking place somewhere as densely populated and polluted as Kowloon.”

The attention to detail is staggering, from Reiko’s cramped apartment to the bustling food stalls. Another viewer noted how the setting feels “like a love letter to Hong Kong’s past,” and honestly, it’s hard to disagree.

Characters with Depth (and a Dash of Mystery)

Reiko Kujirai is an instant standout—her design is striking, and her personality is layered. Fans have been gushing over her, with one commenter calling her “one of the best girls this season.” Meanwhile, Kudou is more enigmatic. At first glance, he seems like your typical aloof coworker, but there’s something off about him—something that makes you question his motives.

The chemistry between the two is electric, and the anime wastes no time throwing them into intense situations. The kiss scene in the first episode? Yeah, that caught everyone off guard. “A kiss in the first episode?! This surely is not an anime!” one fan joked. But it’s not just shock value—there’s a deeper mystery at play.

The Twist That Changes Everything

The episode’s final moments reveal that Kudou might have a connection to someone who looks just like Reiko. Is it a case of mistaken identity? Amnesia? A sci-fi glitch in the system? Fans are already theorizing, with some comparing it to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind or even Gakkou Gurashi (thanks to its unsettling undertones).

One Reddit user summed it up perfectly: “The realization that the waiter’s ‘girlfriend’ remark was neither teasing nor an assumption hits hard, especially for a first-episode reveal.”

The Adaptation Debate

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, though. The biggest concern among fans is the pacing. The manga has 13 volumes, and the anime is reportedly adapting the entire story in just 13 episodes. Some viewers are worried this will lead to a rushed narrative. “They adapted the whole first volume in one episode?! Slow down!” one fan pleaded.

Still, others remain hopeful. After all, the same author’s previous work, After the Rain, was well-received despite its short runtime. As one optimist put it: “If they cut the fat and focus on the core story, it could still work.”

Final Thoughts

Kowloon Generic Romance Episode 1 is a masterclass in hooking an audience. It blends romance, mystery, and sci-fi seamlessly, all while delivering stunning visuals and a killer soundtrack (shoutout to Wednesday Campanella’s OP).

Is it perfect? No. The pacing might be a red flag for manga readers, but for newcomers, it’s a thrilling ride. As one fan put it: “I went in blind and came out obsessed.”

If you’re looking for something fresh, moody, and packed with intrigue, this is your show. Just don’t be surprised if you spend the next week dissecting every frame for clues.

Rating: 8.5/10 – A strong start with a few question marks, but the potential is undeniable.

What did you think of the episode? Drop your theories below!