Contents
Introduction
In a world dominated by the repetitive tropes of harem anime, there emerges a series that not only defies the norm but playfully tosses it out the window. The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really Love You, also known as Hyakkano, exemplifies the notion that sometimes, in order to change a genre, you have to turn it up to eleven. This serialized manga, written by Rikito Nakamura and illustrated by Yukiko Nozawa in Weekly Young Jump, goes beyond typical harem stories. It doesn't just parody the clichés; it amplifies them to nearly absurd proportions, and it's a joy as a result.
The Absurd Premise
Rentarou meets the shrine’s God of Love.
Picture this: Rentarou Aijou, our protagonist, has had his fair share of heartbreaks—a whopping 100 to be exact. Fed up with this tragic fate, he goes to a love shrine and prays—and he finds himself face-to-face with the God of Love and reveals that due to a clerical error, Rentarou will meet 100 soulmates during his time in high school. However, there is a catch: anyone who fails to fall in love with their soulmate will die tragically, losing all luck. Now in a life-or-death situation, Rentarou must manage the difficulties of having 100 girlfriends while ensuring that every one of them falls in love with him.
The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You -Official Trailer 2 -Eng Sub
The series delves into the ludicrous concept and its implications for Rentarou's life. Each contact with a new partner reveals more about their personalities, quirks, and relationship dynamics. Despite juggling 100 relationships, Rentarou treats it with uncompromising sincerity.
While initially humorous, Hyakkano goes beyond parody by providing genuine romance, subtle character development, and an examination of unorthodox relationships. Rentarou must understand each girlfriend while negotiating the hurdles imposed by the God of Love's distinct conditions. How does the good-hearted protagonist deal with being "forced" to keep 100 girlfriends—a circumstance required to prevent their dreadful demise?
Parodying the Harem Trope
Rentarou’s first girlfriends: Karane Inda and Hakari Hanazono.
Hyakkano begins as a humorous parody of the harem genre, slyly mocking the genre's bread and butter: predictable romance routes and character introductions. However, what truly distinguishes Hyakkano is its development into a full-fledged and well-developed romantic show. Bid farewell to the passive, bland protagonists typically found in harem anime; Aijou Rentaro is assertive and respectful, actively pursuing his numerous love interests in a manner that feels both genuine and convincing.
The viral panel from the manga, in which Rentarou compliments his girlfriends (and it’s only about 9 out of 100!).
THAT speech with ENG subs | The 100 girlfriends who really, really, really, really, really love you!
Hyakkano's brilliance comes not only in its sarcastic take on harem tropes, but also in the surprising depth it gives each girlfriend. The character growth transcends the superficial clichés associated with harem characters, with the shy and restrained developing into persons embracing their genuine selves and the academically minded finding joy in spontaneity. Hyakkano demonstrates that a harem may be more than just a collection of romantic interests; it can also serve as a canvas for nuanced storytelling and character development.
Yukiko Nozawa's artistic talent also shines through in Hyakkano, where character designs are not only attractive to the eye but also serve as a monument to diversity. The series finds a careful balance with fan service, providing just enough to keep viewers interested without going overboard. The great attention to detail in character expressions and interactions raises the show's overall visual appeal.
Satirical Comedy Done Right
Rentarou and his girlfriends.
Comedy in anime often walks a fine line between being childish and overused. Hyakkano, on the other hand, navigates this terrain with ease. While clearly satirical, the series ingeniously amplifies standard love interest stereotypes to an audacious 1000%. Each girlfriend symbolizes a well-known archetype, but the writers inject enough subtlety and evolution into their characters to avoid the trap of overused stereotypes. Viewers agree that the show maintains a fun and self-aware tone while avoiding mean-spiritedness. It questions cliches rather than simply repeating them, providing a fresh perspective on the harem genre.
Should you watch Hyakkano?
TVアニメ『君のことが大大大大大好きな100人の彼女』ノンクレジットオープニング ｜ オープニングテーマ「大大大大大好きな君へ♡」
If you're in the mood for a comedic and satirical take on the harem genre, The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You might just be the offbeat anime you didn't know you needed. With a title that could rival a light novel and a seemingly absurd premise, it captivates audiences with its clever satire, character depth, and unexpected charm. If you're open-minded and have a fondness for unconventional romantic comedies with unexpected charm, Hyakkano could be a delightful and amusing addition to your watchlist.
For those who grew up watching harem anime and wondered what would happen if all the girls got happy endings, Hyakkano is the answer you never knew you needed. So, dive into the hilariously absurd world of 100 girlfriends and let the laughter unfold—and you can start doing that by buying the manga straight from Japan only here at ZenPlus!
What do you think?
Will Rentarou be able to meet all his 100 girlfriends before he finishes high school?
Does Rentarou love his girlfriends equally or does he have favorites?
Won’t there be any conflict that may arise from having so many girlfriends?
Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on social media: X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook! We’d love to hear from you!
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You can watch it on Prime Video, Bilibili and Crunchyroll.
About The Writer
Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
