My Teen Romantic Comedy Yahari Yahari Koi wa Machigatteiru—or Bokuyaba for short—stands out as one of the best romance tales I’ve ever watched (and read).
After A-1 Pictures’ adaptation of Kaguya-sama: Love is War, it seemed like the “gold standard” for romantic comedies would be a rare sight on screen for a while. Yet, the story of this girl and boy somehow carries an irresistible charm.
It’s not drawn-out or bogged down by over-the-top drama. Their tale resonates deeply with viewers, capturing the feeling of a boy falling for a girl “out of his league.” But beneath the surface, it’s a story about young people striving for what they desire, embarking on journeys of self-discovery to learn to love themselves more.
The two share dreams and interests, walking through life together without one dragging the other down for their own sake. Kyoutarou finally musters the courage to confess, but the girl he loves is someone who always gives her all—mature, responsible, and dedicated to her work. She’s a beacon of light, inspiring him to change himself and become more honest with his feelings. As for Yamada, she appears “older” than her years, but deep down, she’s still a clumsy, sensitive girl forced to shoulder responsibility too soon—a time when she should be carefree and playful. There are moments when Yamada nearly crumbles under the weight of that “responsibility,” breaking down in tears, but thankfully, Kyo is there to comfort and encourage her.
They arrive in each other’s lives at just the right moment, stepping forward hand in hand. Season 2 closes with their feelings mutually returned, tears of joy flowing—a perfectly satisfying conclusion built naturally and sensibly across its heartfelt developments. Here’s hoping Season 3 isn’t too far off. In the meantime, I’ll keep diving into the manga! 🥰
