The debut of *Yakuza Fiancé*, Episode 1, premiered on October 7, 2024, bringing a fresh wave of crime romance dramas to the screen for the year. This anime is currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll for international audiences. In its inaugural episode, viewers witness the initial encounter between Yoshino and Kirishima, unveiling his aggressive tendencies.
Based on the manga, the adaptation maintains a rhythm of covering two chapters per episode. The first episode precisely matches the content of the first two manga chapters, allowing those who wish to delve deeper into the storyline to begin from chapter three without missing any key scenes.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the *Yakuza Fiancé* series.
Highlights from *Yakuza Fiancé* Episode 1
Reluctantly, Yoshino agrees to a meeting at the Miyama residence in Tokyo. She finds Kirishima’s courtesy and attentiveness rather surprising, though his overly familiar demeanor does leave her feeling uneasy. While exploring the house, Kirishima attempts to win her over, piquing her interest in his seemingly gentle personality. Yet, her perception takes a sharp turn when, days later, she sees him returning home drenched in blood, sparking doubts about his true self.
As Yoshino begins to settle into her new life in Tokyo and starts school, gossip about her budding relationship with Kirishima spreads. Although she feels anxious about the public’s scrutiny, she can’t ignore his popularity and seeming disregard for their judgement. However, a violent confrontation with a group of men reveals Kirishima’s darker side, leaving Yoshino rattled by both his brutal behavior and the tattoos that signify his deep yakuza connections.
Following this incident, Kirishima’s demeanor turns icy as he suggests Yoshino either use her body for money or leave Tokyo if she lacks value to him. Stung yet resolute, she vanishes for two weeks, only to return with a significant sum of money, explaining that she sold her kidney for four million yen.
Determined to remain in Tokyo and to take a stand, Yoshino’s resolve astonishes Kirishima. In a moment that revolts Yoshino, he declares his love for her and pleads with her to destroy him. The episode concludes with Gaku Miyama, Kirishima’s father, subtly hinting at the escalating tensions between their families.
Review of *Yakuza Fiancé* Episode 1
Produced by Studio Deen, *Yakuza Fiancé* episode 1 stands out as a rare Yakuza-themed romance anime to emerge in recent times, reminiscent of *Nisekoi*, which debuted in 2015. The episode adheres closely to the first two chapters of the manga, ensuring that no pivotal moment is overlooked.
The characters’ portrayals, from their behaviors to vocal performances, genuinely reflect the essence of the manga’s originals. While Studio Deen has faced criticism for its adaptations of series like *Re:Monster* and later seasons of *Seven Deadly Sins*, the production quality in *Yakuza Fiancé* episode 1 is commendable.
The animation quality and directorial work are robust, offering a visually captivating experience. The blend of romance intertwined with the backdrop of crime presents a uniquely engaging narrative, exploring darker themes that enrich the conventional romance genre.
While *Yakuza Fiancé* is still carving its niche among wider audiences, its parallels to *Nisekoi* and the complexity of its characters signal potential for this series to become a highlight of the Fall 2024 anime season.
Final Thoughts
Episode 2 of *Yakuza Fiancé* is set to release on October 14, 2024, and will be accessible for viewing as part of Crunchyroll’s Fall 2024 lineup. Viewers can look forward to an exploration of Yoshino and Kirishima’s evolving relationship as they confront their real identities.
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