If you finished Koikimo (Koi to Yobu ni wa Kimochi Warui) and found yourself craving more romance anime that push boundaries and explore unconventional relationships, you’re in the right place. The series captivated audiences with its exploration of an age-gap romance between high schooler Ichika and working adult Ryō, handling sensitive themes with surprising nuance and humor.
While the premise might raise eyebrows, the show’s charm lies in its character development and the gradual shift in their dynamic. The anime landscape offers plenty of series that similarly challenge traditional romance tropes, whether through age differences, complicated emotional entanglements, or relationships that society might question.
These 15 recommendations capture that same blend of heart, complexity, and willingness to explore the messier side of falling in love. Each brings its own unique flavor while maintaining the emotional depth that made Koikimo so compelling.
1. After the Rain
After the Rain (Koi wa Ameagari no You ni) centers on Akira Tachibana, a 17-year-old former track star who develops feelings for her 45-year-old manager at a family restaurant. The age gap here is even more pronounced than in Koikimo, but the series handles it with remarkable sensitivity and maturity. Rather than romanticizing the situation, the anime explores how both characters help each other rediscover their passions and move forward in life.
What sets this series apart is its stunning visual storytelling and metaphorical use of rain to represent emotional states. The manager, Masami Kondō, is a divorced father and failed novelist who’s lost his way, while Akira struggles with an injury that ended her running career. Their connection becomes less about romance and more about mutual inspiration and healing.
Pro Tip: Watch for the gorgeous animation during rain scenes—they’re not just aesthetic choices but visual representations of the characters’ emotional journeys.
The series ultimately takes a refreshingly mature route with its conclusion, prioritizing personal growth over romantic fulfillment. If you appreciated how Koikimo balanced humor with genuine character development, After the Rain offers a more contemplative take on similar themes. The manga provides additional closure if you want to explore the story further.
2. My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU
My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU (Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru) might not feature age gaps, but it absolutely nails the “unconventional romance” aspect through its cynical protagonist Hachiman Hikigaya. Forced to join his school’s Service Club, he encounters Yukino Yukinoshita and Yui Yuigahama, leading to a complex emotional triangle that defies typical rom-com formulas.
What makes this series exceptional is its psychological depth and refusal to take the easy route with relationships. Hachiman’s self-sacrificing methods of solving problems create genuine conflicts, and the series doesn’t shy away from showing how his approach damages relationships. The romantic tension builds slowly across three seasons, with characters actually communicating (and miscommunicating) in realistic ways.
The show shares Koikimo‘s willingness to make viewers uncomfortable at times, though through emotional vulnerability rather than age dynamics. According to MyAnimeList, it’s consistently ranked among the best romantic comedy anime for its authentic portrayal of teenage social dynamics. The third season, Climax, delivers one of the most satisfying conclusions in the genre.
3. Domestic Girlfriend
For viewers who want their romance anime with maximum drama and moral complexity, Domestic Girlfriend (Domesutikku na Kanojo) delivers in spades. High schooler Natsuo Fujii becomes romantically involved with his teacher Hina, only to discover that his father is marrying her mother—making Hina and her younger sister Rui his new stepsisters. Yes, it’s as complicated as it sounds.
The series doesn’t hold back on controversial situations, exploring forbidden relationships with a level of intensity that makes Koikimo look tame by comparison. Natsuo finds himself torn between his feelings for Hina and a developing connection with Rui, all while navigating the ethical minefield of their new family situation. The anime adaptation covers only a portion of the manga’s sprawling story, which continues to escalate in drama.
Important Note: This series contains mature themes and situations that may not be suitable for all viewers. It’s definitely aimed at older teens and adults.
While the plot can feel melodramatic at times, Domestic Girlfriend commits fully to its premise and explores the emotional consequences of its characters’ choices. The opening theme by Minami became iconic, and if you’re looking for romance that keeps you guessing, this series certainly delivers. Just be prepared for some wild plot developments.
4. Scum’s Wish
Scum’s Wish (Kuzu no Honkai) presents one of the most brutally honest portrayals of unrequited love and emotional manipulation in anime. High schoolers Hanabi and Mugi appear to be the perfect couple, but they’re actually using each other as substitutes—she loves her childhood friend who became her teacher, while he’s infatuated with the music teacher. Their arrangement to comfort each other while pining for others creates a toxic cycle of emotional dependency.
This series shares Koikimo‘s willingness to explore uncomfortable relationship dynamics, but takes a much darker approach. Every character in Scum’s Wish is flawed and makes questionable decisions, creating a web of interconnected desires and betrayals. The show doesn’t judge its characters but presents their emotional messiness with unflinching honesty.
The visual direction enhances the storytelling, with artistic choices that reflect the characters’ internal struggles. Flowers, particularly camellias, serve as recurring motifs representing the beauty and pain of their situations. If you appreciated the complexity in Koikimo but want something with more psychological depth and less comedy, this series delivers an emotionally intense experience that stays with you long after the final episode.
5. Higehiro: After Being Rejected, I Shaved and Took in a High School Runaway
Higehiro might be the closest match to Koikimo in terms of premise and tone. After being rejected by his workplace crush, 26-year-old Yoshida encounters Sayu, a high school runaway who offers to “pay” for shelter with her body. Instead of taking advantage, Yoshida gives her a place to stay while she works through her problems, creating an unconventional living situation that raises obvious questions.
The series carefully navigates the power imbalance and ethical concerns of their arrangement, with Yoshida consistently maintaining appropriate boundaries despite Sayu’s attempts to initiate a romantic relationship. Like Koikimo, it explores how an age-gap dynamic can evolve into genuine care and respect, though Higehiro takes a more protective, almost parental approach to the relationship.
What makes this work is Yoshida’s character—he’s genuinely trying to help Sayu heal from past trauma rather than pursue her romantically. The show addresses serious issues including exploitation, running away, and emotional abuse with more gravity than Koikimo‘s lighter touch. Supporting characters like Yoshida’s coworker Mishima and his boss Gotō add depth to the story, each representing different approaches to relationships and personal boundaries.
Key Insight: The series sparked significant debate in the anime community about age-gap relationships and appropriate boundaries, similar to discussions around Koikimo.
6. Garden of Words
Makoto Shinkai’s Garden of Words (Kotonoha no Niwa) is a 46-minute film that packs enormous emotional weight into its brief runtime. High school student Takao skips class on rainy mornings to sketch shoe designs in a garden, where he repeatedly encounters Yukari, a mysterious older woman. Their relationship develops through quiet conversations during rain showers, with both finding solace in their meetings.
The age gap and student-teacher dynamic (revealed partway through) echo Koikimo‘s central relationship, but Shinkai approaches it with his signature visual poetry and melancholic tone. Every frame looks like a painting, with rain-soaked Tokyo rendered in breathtaking detail. The film explores loneliness, ambition, and the connections we form with people during transitional periods of our lives.
Unlike longer series, Garden of Words focuses on atmosphere and emotional resonance over plot development. The relationship remains ambiguous and bittersweet, never quite crossing certain lines but acknowledging the genuine feelings between the characters. For fans of Koikimo who appreciate visual storytelling and nuanced romance, this film offers a contemplative alternative that’s perfect for a rainy afternoon.
7. Rent-A-Girlfriend
Rent-A-Girlfriend (Kanojo, Okarishimasu) takes the unconventional romance concept in a completely different direction with its premise about rental dating services. College student Kazuya Kinoshita, fresh from a brutal breakup, rents a girlfriend through an app and meets Chizuru Mizuhara. What starts as a transactional arrangement becomes complicated when their families get involved, forcing them to maintain the charade.
The series shares Koikimo‘s comedic approach to romance while exploring how artificial situations can develop into genuine feelings. Kazuya is notably flawed—insecure, impulsive, and often frustrating—but his character growth across the series (particularly in the manga) shows how relationships can push us to become better versions of ourselves. Chizuru, meanwhile, balances her professional rental girlfriend persona with her real personality and dreams of becoming an actress.
What keeps viewers engaged despite Kazuya’s sometimes cringe-worthy behavior is the supporting cast of rental girlfriends, each bringing their own personality and complications to the story. Ruka’s aggressive pursuit of Kazuya, Sumi’s endearing shyness, and Mami’s mysterious antagonism create a dynamic that goes beyond typical harem anime formulas. The show’s exploration of modern dating, social media, and the masks we wear in relationships feels particularly relevant.
8. Sing “Yesterday” for Me
Sing “Yesterday” for Me (Yesterday wo Utatte) offers a more mature, melancholic take on romance that focuses on characters in their twenties struggling with direction and purpose. Rikuo Uozumi graduated college but works at a convenience store, stuck in a rut until two women enter his life: Haru, an eccentric girl with a pet crow, and Shinako, his college crush who’s dealing with her own emotional baggage.
The series excels at portraying the messy reality of adult relationships where timing, past trauma, and personal growth complicate romantic feelings. Unlike Koikimo‘s age gap, this show focuses on emotional maturity gaps—characters at similar ages but vastly different life stages. Shinako’s inability to move past her first love and Rikuo’s passive approach to life create realistic obstacles that can’t be solved with a simple confession.
The animation style uses muted colors and realistic character designs that emphasize the show’s grounded approach. Haru’s unpredictable energy contrasts sharply with Shinako’s reserved nature, representing different approaches to dealing with pain and uncertainty. For viewers who appreciated Koikimo‘s character development but want something with less comedy and more introspection, this series delivers a thoughtful exploration of how we choose between different types of love.
Pro Tip: The manga provides additional context and a more complete ending if you find the anime’s conclusion too open-ended.
9. Golden Time
Golden Time stands out as a college-set romance anime, a rarity in a genre dominated by high school settings. Law student Tada Banri starts fresh at university after losing his memories in an accident, only to get caught up with the obsessive Kaga Kōko, who’s fixated on her childhood friend. As Banri develops feelings for Kōko and she gradually reciprocates, his lost memories and past self threaten their relationship in supernatural ways.
Created by the same author as Toradora!, this series takes a more mature approach to romance while maintaining emotional intensity. The memory loss element adds psychological complexity, with Banri literally fighting against his past self for control of his life and relationships. Kōko’s character arc from obsessive to genuinely caring partner showcases impressive character development.
What makes Golden Time relevant to Koikimo fans is its willingness to explore uncomfortable relationship dynamics and the idea that love doesn’t always follow a straightforward path. The series addresses mental health, identity, and how past trauma affects present relationships with surprising depth. If you’re looking for similar emotional rollercoasters, the show delivers both heartwarming moments and genuine tension throughout its 24-episode run.
10. Koi to Uso (Love and Lies)
Koi to Uso presents a dystopian twist on romance where the government assigns marriage partners at age 16 to combat declining birth rates. Protagonist Yukari Nejima confesses his love to Misaki Takasaki just before receiving his government-assigned partner notice—only to discover he’s been matched with the beautiful Ririna Sanada. Torn between his true feelings and societal obligation, Yukari navigates an impossible situation.
The series shares Koikimo‘s exploration of relationships that society might frown upon, though through a sci-fi lens rather than age gaps. The government assignment system creates forced proximity and forbidden love simultaneously, leading to complicated emotional entanglements. Ririna’s unexpected reaction to the situation adds another layer of complexity, as she encourages Yukari to pursue Misaki while fulfilling their official partnership.
The love triangle format gets subverted by the system itself, with characters questioning whether assigned compatibility can overcome natural attraction. The anime’s visual style uses vibrant colors and distinctive character designs to create a slightly surreal atmosphere that matches its speculative premise. While the anime ends without full resolution, it raises thought-provoking questions about choice, obligation, and the nature of love that resonate with Koikimo‘s themes of unconventional romance.
11. Bokura ga Ita
Bokura ga Ita (We Were There) takes a more traditional shoujo approach but earns its place on this list through its unflinching portrayal of a relationship’s ups and downs. High schooler Nanami Takahashi falls for the popular but emotionally distant Motoharu Yano, whose past relationship with a deceased girlfriend casts a shadow over their romance. What begins as typical school romance evolves into something far more complex and painful.
The series doesn’t shy away from showing how past trauma, jealousy, and communication failures can damage even the most passionate relationships. Yano’s inability to fully move on from his first love creates genuine conflict that can’t be easily resolved, while Nanami’s persistence and emotional growth drive the narrative forward. The show spans years, following the characters beyond high school and showing how relationships evolve with time and distance.
Unlike Koikimo‘s lighter tone, Bokura ga Ita leans heavily into melodrama and emotional intensity. The animation quality varies, but the character development and willingness to show relationships failing and succeeding based on the characters’ choices makes it compelling. For viewers who want to see the long-term consequences of relationship decisions and how first loves shape our emotional development, this 26-episode series delivers an emotionally exhausting but rewarding experience.
12. Just Because!
Just Because! captures the bittersweet nature of teenage romance during the final semester of high school, when college entrance exams and future plans complicate budding relationships. Transfer student Eita Izumi’s return to his hometown disrupts the existing dynamics among his former friends, particularly affecting Mio Natsume, who’s harbored feelings for him, and Haruto Souma, who’s dealing with his own unrequited love.
The series excels at portraying the realistic awkwardness of teenage interactions and the weight of timing in relationships. Characters miss opportunities, struggle with confessions, and deal with the knowledge that their time together is limited. The show’s use of social media and messaging apps to develop relationships feels authentic and adds a modern touch to classic romance themes.
Key Insight: The series was praised for its realistic animation of everyday movements and its subtle approach to character emotions, avoiding typical anime exaggeration.
What connects this to Koikimo is the exploration of relationships that develop in unconventional circumstances—here, the ticking clock of graduation creates urgency and complication. The animation studio Pine Jam’s attention to small details, like characters’ breathing in cold weather or the way they hold their phones, creates an immersive experience. For fans who appreciated Koikimo‘s character-focused approach but want something more grounded and melancholic, Just Because! offers a thoughtful alternative.
13. White Album 2
White Album 2 (which requires no knowledge of the first White Album) presents one of anime’s most devastating love triangles. High school senior Haruki Kitahara recruits talented guitarist Kazusa Touma and popular idol Setsuna Ogiso to complete his school’s light music club. The three form a close bond through music, but romantic feelings complicate their friendship in ways that lead to heartbreak and betrayal.
The series is renowned for its mature handling of romance and its refusal to provide easy answers or happy endings for everyone. All three main characters are sympathetic and flawed, making genuine mistakes that have lasting consequences. The show explores how passion, timing, and personal sacrifice intersect in relationships, with music serving as both a connection point and a reminder of what’s been lost.
Unlike Koikimo‘s generally optimistic tone, White Album 2 leans into emotional pain and the reality that sometimes there are no good choices in love. The anime adaptation covers only the “Introductory Chapter” of the visual novel, ending at a particularly brutal emotional climax. According to Anime News Network, the series is considered one of the best romance dramas for viewers who can handle emotional devastation. The soundtrack, particularly the titular “White Album” song, enhances the emotional impact of key scenes.
14. O Maidens in Your Savage Season
O Maidens in Your Savage Season (Araburu Kisetsu no Otome-domo yo) takes a refreshingly frank approach to teenage sexuality and romance through the lens of a high school literature club. Five girls navigate their awakening interest in sex and relationships, each dealing with their curiosity and confusion in different ways. The series balances comedy with genuine emotional moments as the characters confront their desires and society’s expectations.
What makes this relevant to Koikimo fans is its willingness to address topics that anime often treats as taboo or purely comedic. The show handles teenage sexuality with surprising maturity, acknowledging that young people have these feelings while also showing the confusion and mistakes that come with exploring them. Each girl’s storyline tackles different aspects of romance and desire, from first love to more complicated attractions.
The character dynamics feel authentic, with the girls supporting each other through embarrassing situations and emotional crises. Kazusa’s relationship with her childhood friend Izumi develops in particularly interesting ways, while Niina’s more aggressive approach to romance creates both comedy and genuine tension. The series comes from Mari Okada, known for emotionally complex narratives, and her touch is evident in how the show balances humor with heartfelt character development.
15. Tsurezure Children
Tsurezure Children offers something completely different from the other recommendations: a short-form anthology series featuring multiple couples at various stages of their relationships. Each 12-minute episode contains several vignettes showing different pairs of students navigating confession, dating, and relationship challenges. The variety means there’s something for everyone, from aggressive tsundere dynamics to shy mutual crushes.
The series connects to Koikimo through its exploration of different relationship types and its comedic approach to romance. Some couples feature age gaps (though within school settings), others deal with personality mismatches, and several navigate the awkwardness of confessing feelings. The short format keeps things moving quickly, and the variety prevents any single relationship dynamic from becoming stale.
What makes Tsurezure Children particularly enjoyable is how it shows relationships at different stages simultaneously. Some couples are just realizing their feelings, others are established but dealing with communication issues, and a few are navigating the physical aspects of dating. The show treats all these stages with humor and heart, never mocking the characters for their inexperience or awkwardness. For viewers who want multiple romance stories with different flavors, this series provides an efficient and entertaining package.
These 15 anime demonstrate that unconventional romance comes in many forms—age gaps, complicated circumstances, forbidden attractions, and relationships that challenge social norms. Whether you’re drawn to Koikimo‘s specific dynamic or simply enjoy romance that takes risks and explores complex emotions, this list offers plenty of options. Each series brings its own perspective on love, desire, and the complications that arise when feelings don’t follow society’s approved script. From the contemplative beauty of Garden of Words to the emotional devastation of White Album 2, there’s a show here for every mood and preference in unconventional romance anime.