You know that feeling when you're scrolling through Crunchyroll or HIDIVE and everything feels a bit too... much? Too much fanservice, too much world-ending stakes, too much screaming? I get it. Sometimes you just want to sit down with a cup of coffee and watch something that feels like a warm blanket. That is exactly what Tada-kun wa Koi wo Shinai (Tada Never Falls in Love) is.
It’s an original anime by Doga Kobo. If you know that studio, you know they are the masters of "vibe." They did Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun, which is a masterpiece of comedy. But while Nozaki-kun goes for the gut-punch laughs, Tada-kun aims for the heart. It’s an original project—meaning no manga to spoil the ending—which was a huge deal when it aired back in 2018.
Honestly? I think people slept on it.
The Setup: More Than Just a Cute Foreigner
The premise sounds like a classic trope. Mitsuyoshi Tada, a high school boy who loves photography and works at his family’s coffee shop, meets Teresa Wagner. She’s a transfer student from a fictional European country called Larsenburg. She’s obsessed with a Japanese historical drama called Rainbow Shogun.
It sounds predictable. You’ve seen this before, right? The "mysterious girl with a secret" and the "stoic boy who doesn't do feelings." But the show handles it with such a gentle hand that it never feels cheesy.
Tada is a guy who has basically closed himself off. He lost his parents in a tragic accident, and now he lives with his grandfather and his little sister, Yui. He’s got this cat, Nyanko-big, who is honestly a top-tier anime mascot. Nyanko-big actually has his own internal monologues (voiced by Akio Otsuka, the guy who voices Solid Snake, which is hilarious).
The photography element isn't just a gimmick either. The show uses it to frame how Tada sees the world—static, beautiful, but distant. Then Teresa crashes into his life, and suddenly, he’s forced to look through a different lens.
👉 See also: New Movies in Theatre: What Most People Get Wrong About This Month's Picks
Why the Supporting Cast Carries the Weight
A lot of romance anime fail because the side characters are cardboard. Tada-kun wa Koi wo Shinai doesn't have that problem. You have Kaoru Ijuin, who is Tada’s best friend and a complete flamboyant mess. At first, you think he’s just annoying comic relief. But as the episodes progress, you realize he’s the one who’s been keeping Tada’s head above water for years.
Then there’s Alec. Alexandra Magritte. She’s Teresa’s "assistant" and protector. She’s sharp, protective, and clearly hiding a lot of her own pain. The chemistry between the whole photography club—including the "Pin-senpai" who is obsessed with a gravure idol—creates this sense of a real, lived-in friend group. It’s not just about two people falling in love; it’s about a group of kids finding their place.
The Production Quality (Doga Kobo at its Best)
Let’s talk about the visuals. Since the show is about photography, the art direction had to be on point. And it is. The way the light hits the coffee shop, the cherry blossoms in the park, the rainy streets of Tokyo—it’s gorgeous.
The director, Mitsue Yamazaki, who also directed Nozaki-kun, has a specific knack for timing. She knows exactly when to let a scene breathe. Sometimes, the characters don't say anything for thirty seconds. You just watch them breathe or look at the rain. In an era where every second of media has to be high-octane to keep your attention, this patience is a gift.
The music is another high point. The opening theme, "Otomodachi Film" by Masayoshi Oishi, is an absolute banger. It’s upbeat, jazzy, and makes you want to dance. But then the ending theme, "Love Song" sung by Teresa’s voice actress (Manaka Iwami), is hauntingly beautiful. It perfectly captures that bittersweet feeling of a love that might be impossible.
The "Larsenburg" Problem and Emotional Stakes
Is it realistic? Kinda not. The whole "hidden royalty" thing is a bit of a fairy tale. But the show isn't trying to be a gritty documentary. It’s a modern-day fable.
✨ Don't miss: A Simple Favor Blake Lively: Why Emily Nelson Is Still the Ultimate Screen Mystery
When the story shifts to Larsenburg in the final act, the tone changes. It stops being a slice-of-life comedy and becomes a genuine drama about duty versus desire. Teresa isn't just a girl; she’s a future leader. Tada isn't just a photographer; he’s a guy who finally found something worth capturing that isn't a landscape.
Some critics at the time felt the ending was a bit rushed. I disagree. I think it gave exactly what it promised from episode one. It’s a story about the courage it takes to say "I love you" when you’ve spent your whole life being afraid of losing people.
Key Themes You Might Have Missed
- Grief and Recovery: Tada’s photography is a way to freeze time so he doesn't lose any more memories.
- The Weight of Tradition: Both Tada (the coffee shop) and Teresa (the crown) are bound by what their families left behind.
- Communication: The "Rainbow Shogun" obsession isn't just a joke—it's how Teresa communicates her values of justice and kindness.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Watch
If you’re going to watch Tada-kun wa Koi wo Shinai, don't binge it in one sitting. I know, I know, that sounds counter-intuitive. But this is a "one episode a night" show. Let the atmosphere sink in.
Pay attention to the background art. Notice how the colors change as Tada begins to fall for Teresa. In the beginning, everything is a bit muted, a bit grey. By the middle of the series, the saturation is dialed up. It’s subtle, but it’s there.
Also, watch the Nyanko-big centric episodes. They seem like filler, but they actually provide some of the best insights into Tada’s family life. Plus, a grumpy, overweight cat trying to find love is just good television.
Real Talk: Is it Worth Your Time?
Look, if you want high-stakes action or psychological mind games, this isn't it. But if you want a story that respects its characters and leaves you feeling better than when you started, it’s a must-watch. It’s one of the few anime that actually manages to be "wholesome" without being boring.
🔗 Read more: The A Wrinkle in Time Cast: Why This Massive Star Power Didn't Save the Movie
It handles the romance with a maturity you don't always see in high school settings. There’s no unnecessary drama caused by simple misunderstandings that could be solved with a 10-second conversation. When there is conflict, it’s because of real-world obstacles—like, you know, being royalty.
Essential Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out the OST: Specifically the track "Tada-kun wa Koi wo Shinai" (the main theme). It’s perfect for studying or relaxing.
- Watch "Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun": If you liked the comedy style but wanted more laughs, this is the sister show by the same director and studio.
- Look up the real-life locations: Much of the show is based on real spots in Ginza and the surrounding areas. If you’re ever in Tokyo, you can actually visit the park where Tada and Teresa first met.
- Pay attention to the lens flares: The creators used different types of camera lens flares in the animation to mimic real photography styles—it’s a nerd detail that makes the show feel authentic to the hobby.
Ultimately, the show reminds us that "never falling in love" is a defense mechanism, not a lifestyle. Breaking that shield is terrifying, but as Tada learns, it’s the only way to actually start living. It’s a 12-episode journey that feels complete, satisfying, and deeply human.
Actionable Insights for Your Watchlist:
To truly appreciate the nuances of the series, watch for the "Star-Crossed" motifs hidden in the dialogue. Teresa often quotes the Rainbow Shogun, but those quotes frequently mirror her actual feelings about her duty to Larsenburg versus her feelings for Tada.
If you've already finished the series and are looking for something with a similar "gentle romance" vibe, look into Insomniacs After School or The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague. Both capture that same "low-stress, high-emotion" atmosphere that makes Tada-kun so special.
Lastly, don't skip the post-credits scenes in the final episodes. There are small character beats there that wrap up the side-character arcs—like Pin-senpai and the Class President—which provide a much more satisfying sense of closure for the entire cast, not just the main couple.