Introduction
Romantic comedies are a staple in the world of anime and light novels. We’ve all seen the same formula a hundred times: a shy, awkward protagonist surrounded by cute girls who are all head-over-heels in love with him, leading to the inevitable question of who will he choose? But what happens when those girls have already lost in the love game, and the protagonist isn't even trying to win them over? Enter Make Heroine ga Oosugiru! (or Too Many Losing Heroines!), the refreshing rom-com that turns these tropes on their heads.
Let’s dive into why Too Many Losing Heroines! is the next must-watch in the romantic comedy genre and why its unexpected twists make it such a standout.
A Story for the Underdogs
Anna Yanami, the first “losing heroine” that Nukumizu encounters.
At the heart of Too Many Losing Heroines! is Kazuhiko Nukumizu, a guy who doesn’t exactly scream "romantic lead." He’s not the dashing, overly confident protagonist you'd expect in a love story, nor does he have any interest in playing that role. In fact, Kazuhiko is an ordinary high school student who prefers reading romance novels over living in one.
But when he crosses paths with Anna Yanami, a girl who’s already given up on her childhood crush, Kazuhiko finds himself in the middle of a very different kind of love story. Anna, who has accepted her fate as a “losing heroine,” becomes his first unexpected companion. Rather than trying to win her over, Kazuhiko becomes a shoulder to cry on—a neutral party in the complicated world of high school romance.
The relationship between Anna and Nukumizu is one of the highlights of the series.
Before he knows it, Kazuhiko befriends more girls in similar predicaments: Lemon Yakishio, an athletic girl pining for someone unattainable, and Chika Komari, a quiet, withdrawn classmate who’s harboring her own unspoken feelings. All these girls have one thing in common: they’ve lost in love, and they’re not sure what to do next.
What makes Too Many Losing Heroines! different from the typical rom-com is that none of these girls are interested in Kazuhiko romantically—at least not at first. This isn’t about falling for the guy who’s always there for them; it’s about healing from rejection and finding new paths forward. It’s a refreshing break from the usual harem setup, where every girl inevitably falls for the protagonist.
The "Losing Heroine" Twist
The three main losing heroines: Anna Yanami, Chika Komari and Lemon Yakishio.
The term “losing heroine” typically refers to the girl who doesn’t get chosen by the main love interest, and in anime and light novels, these characters often fade into the background. But in Too Many Losing Heroines!, the story is all about them. These characters are no longer side notes or plot devices—they’re the heart of the story.
What’s particularly charming about the series is how it handles the emotional fallout of unrequited love. Instead of making these girls bitter or antagonistic, it shows their vulnerable side—the part of them that’s still figuring out how to move on. They’re not simply pining away in the background; they’re growing, changing, and finding new perspectives on love.
Kazuhiko, who has a knack for recognizing these “losing heroines,” unintentionally becomes their confidant and emotional support. Despite his own lack of romantic ambitions, he helps these girls through their heartbreaks and teaches them that losing in love doesn’t mean they’ve lost everything.
Anime Adaptation: A Visual and Emotional Feast
The main cast.
In 2024, Too Many Losing Heroines! was adapted into an anime by A-1 Pictures, and let’s just say, they knocked it out of the park. The studio’s animation work is stunning, with beautifully crafted character designs and a visually rich portrayal of high school life. The anime does a fantastic job of capturing the emotional nuances of the story while also delivering plenty of laughs.
The visual direction is a treat, blending soft, atmospheric lighting with detailed backgrounds to create a sense of warmth and intimacy. The school setting, in particular, feels lived-in and authentic, which adds to the emotional weight of the girls’ stories. There’s a delicate balance between the show’s comedic moments and its more heartfelt scenes, which makes it easy to get invested in these characters.
One of the standout features of the anime is its focus on subtle character animation. Whether it's the flicker of disappointment in Lemon’s eyes or Anna’s slight hesitation when talking about her past, these small moments breathe life into the characters. It’s these little touches that make the anime such a joy to watch—every glance and movement feels intentional, giving depth to even the quietest scenes.
Real Romance Takes Time
One of the most satisfying aspects of Too Many Losing Heroines! is its realistic take on romance. This isn’t a series where the protagonist falls in love at first sight or where love is some grand, dramatic gesture. Instead, it portrays love as something that develops slowly, over time, through shared experiences and emotional support.
The romance in Too Many Losing Heroines! is subtle, but it’s all the more powerful because of it. There are no over-the-top declarations of love, no dramatic love triangles where girls fight for the protagonist’s attention. Instead, the characters’ relationships evolve naturally, with quiet moments of connection and mutual understanding.
Kazuhiko’s bond with Anna, Lemon, and Chika is built on trust and emotional honesty, not romantic tension. And while the series teases the possibility of deeper feelings developing between Kazuhiko and the girls, it never rushes to that conclusion. Instead, it lets the characters breathe, giving them time to heal from their past rejections and figure out what they really want.
Why Too Many Losing Heroines! Is the Rom-Com You Need
In a sea of romance anime that often feels formulaic, Too Many Losing Heroines! stands out for its fresh approach to love and relationships. By focusing on characters who have already “lost” in love, it brings a level of emotional depth that’s rare in the genre. It’s not just about who ends up with whom—it’s about the messy, complicated process of getting over unrequited love and finding a way to move forward.
And let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. We’ve all had that crush who didn’t feel the same way or that moment when we realized that love wasn’t going to work out the way we’d hoped. Too Many Losing Heroines! taps into those feelings in a way that feels genuine and relatable, making it a must-watch for anyone who’s ever been on the losing side of love.
So, if you’re looking for a romantic comedy that’s both heartfelt and hilarious, Too Many Losing Heroines! is the show for you. With its strong character development, beautiful animation, and refreshing take on the rom-com formula, it’s a series that’s sure to win over even the most jaded romance fans.
Too Many Losing Heroines! may be a story about characters who’ve lost in love, but it’s clear that this anime is a big winner. And if you want to see how they overcome being a losing heroine, you can buy more of its official merchandise here at ZenPlus, shipped to you straight from Japan!
Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! | OFFICIAL TRAILER
アニメ「負けヒロインが多すぎる！」オープニング映像【毎週土曜24:30~放送/配信中】
アニメ「負けヒロインが多すぎる！」ノンクレジットED映像【feel my soul】
アニメ「負けヒロインが多すぎる！」ノンクレジットED映像【LOVE 2000】
アニメ「負けヒロインが多すぎる！」ノンクレジットED映像【CRAZY FOR YOU】
What do you think?
Who will end up with Nukumizu in the end?
Will any of the heroines finally be the protagonists of their own love story as we progresss into the series?
Is Too Many Losing Heroines a harem?
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!
ZenPlus is your one-stop shop for all things Japanese. Check out our marketplace for manga volumes, cosplay, figures, and other merch from Too Many Losing Heroines! franchise!
You can watch Too Many Losing Heroines! on Prime Video, Crunchyroll and Bilibili.
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.
