Anime frequently explores fantastical worlds, with the storyline typically revolving around a group of teenagers who must battle against evil forces. Although it can be captivating to immerse oneself in these fictional universes, there are times when we crave a series set in a more ordinary environment, where the protagonist is an adult with grown-up obligations.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the stress of work and love, look no further than office romance anime. These shows offer a refreshing break from the daily grind and explore the challenges of balancing work and relationships. Need some recommendations? We’ve got you covered with our top 10 list of the best office romantic comedies to brighten up your day.
Working!!
Although not a traditional office romance, this accurately describes the premise of Working. It centers around Popura Taneshima’s recruitment of Souta Takanashi to work at her family’s restaurant.
The story follows an eclectic group working together in their daily lives, resulting in a slow-paced development of romance. However, Inami has a unique condition and Souta is unaware of love, causing them to take an extended period to confess their emotions.
9. The Great Passage
The Great Passage may not be widely recognized as an office romance anime, but its romantic elements are present throughout the series. While the main focus is on Mitsuya Majime’s journey working on the new dictionary, the romance is subtly woven into the story. Majime is recruited into the dictionary department and begins to develop a relationship with a co-worker as they work together on The Great Passage.
The protagonist is smitten with his landlord’s daughter but struggles to express his feelings. Meanwhile, his colleague Nishioka is also engaged in a clandestine romance with a co-worker. Despite their personal relationship struggles, the employees at the office remain dedicated and focused on their work.
Servant X Service
The office romance takes place within the confines of a government office. It follows the story of Lucy, an employee in the bureaucratic setting. Secretly, she holds a deep resentment towards the civil servant responsible for approving the lengthy name on her birth certificate.
Despite Lucy’s initial expectations, being a public servant proves to be more challenging than she had anticipated. Her co-workers, especially Yutaka, take her on a thrilling journey. As the main characters, Yutaka and Lucy share a sweet chemistry as their love story unfolds. However, the conclusion of their romance is left open-ended, with Lucy finally being honest about her true feelings.
7 – Ganbare Douki-Chan
Ganbare Douki Chan is a heartwarming romantic comedy that follows Douki-Chan’s pursuit of her workplace crush, Douki-Kun. However, Douki Chan faces a challenge as she must compete with her female colleagues who also appear to be interested in Douki Kun.
The anime is highly recommended for individuals who enjoy endearing and heart-fluttering moments. With only 12 episodes of short duration, it can easily be completed in a single day.
After the Rain
This unconventional age-gap romance beautifully captures the essence of love with its realistic portrayal. Akira Tachibana, a high school student, finds herself falling for her middle-aged manager at her part-time job.
Despite not following the standard office rom-com formula with a predictable happy ending, this series is a deeply emotional journey where feelings drive the story. Every aspect of love, including the development of new emotions and the process of moving on, is portrayed beautifully.
5. My Tiny Senpai
Takuma Shinozaki’s daily routine revolves around his workplace and his lovely but petite Senpai, Shiori Katase. Shiori, who is Takuma’s supportive mentor, enjoys pampering him and is unaware of his deepening emotions.
This anime perfectly blends slice of life elements with a charming romantic comedy. Both the main characters and the secondary characters are endearing. If you’re looking for a pleasant weekend viewing experience, this anime is a must-watch.
Cherry Magic: The Power of Thirty Years of Virginity
Cherry Magic puts a humorous yet captivating spin on the typical workplace romance. After 30 years without a romantic relationship, Kiyoshi Adachi suddenly gains the power to hear others’ thoughts. Through this newfound ability, he discovers that his colleague, Yuichi Kurosawa, has feelings for him.
Kurosawa and Adachi’s love story is the focal point of this series, providing a delightful viewing experience. Their chemistry is simply amazing, and their adorable moments will leave you filled with joy.
3. My Senpai is Annoying
Despite their similarities, My Senpai is Annoying and My Tiny Senpai have distinct differences. In the former, Futaba Igarashi, a short woman, is constantly annoyed by her senior colleague Harumi Takeda. However, little does anyone know that she secretly harbors feelings for him.
Despite the absence of any romantic development, the dynamics between Futaba and Harumi remain enjoyable to watch. In contrast, the side couple experiences significant progression and their subplot is equally entertaining.
2. Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku
Wotakoi is a dream come true for any otaku looking for a romance. The story centers around two childhood friends who are reunited in the same office after a long separation. Their shared love for otaku culture brings them closer together and they eventually become a couple.
The anime effectively portrays the delicate balance between work and hobbies in adult life. While Narumi and Hirotaka’s awkward romance is charming, the chemistry between the secondary couple often steals the spotlight.
1. A Day in the Life of an Ice Sculptor
Despite suffering from a strange problem that causes him to bring blizzards around him, Himuro, the male lead of the 2023 romance anime that stole all the hearts with its ‘fuwa-fuwa’ moments, is not deterred in his new job by his condition. In fact, it is there that he falls head over heels for his new co-worker.
The pacing of their romantic subplot is well-balanced, building up steadily but with significant meaning. The animation and soundtrack complement each other perfectly, resulting in a truly calming viewing experience.
Therefore, these are the best 10 workplace romantic comedies to jumpstart your laid-back weekend and discover love. Do you have any additional suggestions to add? We eagerly await your comments.
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