Is Kowloon Generic Romance worth watching?

Kowloon Generic Romance for the first few episodes might feel like a simple, slow-burning romance anime set in a fictional city in Hong Kong known as Kowloon City. This anime has been adapted from Jun Mayuzuki’s manga (Kowloon Generic Romance).

In a world where fantasy and fast-paced anime are in abundance, this series is just as valuable: a slow-burning, beautifully constructed romantic mystery set against a nostalgic backdrop. Because it is not mainstream, fans often ask if it is actually worth their time. Yes, Kowloon Generic Romance is worth watching.

The series is about Reiko Kujirai and her colleague Kudou Hajime, and their life as employees at a real estate agency in Kowloon. They share lunch together, dealing with clients and going about their daily lives. Although it is soon revealed that there is something off about everything. They have created mystery by having characters that do not have any memory of their past, and the city itself does not feel like it is real.

For fans who are unaware of this fact, Kowloon was a real place in Hong Kong, demolished in the 1990s. Jun Mayuzuki has done an incredible job in portraying the city and the feeling of living in the city through this series. There’s a warmth to the grime. The author has not forgotten to include cluttered alleyways, neon signs, rooftop gardens, and tiny eateries, making the world feel alive and lived-in.

Interestingly, one of the themes of Kowloon Generic Romance is nostalgia. The show is steeped in longing for a past that never truly existed—or that exists only imperfectly in memory. It asks whether it’s possible to return to something you’ve lost, and whether that longing itself is meaningful.

Although it has a potential drawback because the genre does not cater to every type of audience. If someone enjoys fast-paced plots with constant action, this series may not be for such viewers. Also, those who seek answers immediately might not enjoy it, because even though the manga is nearing its end, it still has a lot of secrets to uncover. And the same can be said for the anime.

What redeems this series is the visually stunning animation. The color palette shifts with the emotional tone; it is warm and golden during tender moments, cool and blue during moments of loneliness or mystery.

Furthermore, the animation studio has done a phenomenal job in attention to detail. They have not forgotten to animate small elements like cluttered storefronts, rusty staircases, and every flickering neon sign. The hard work put into animating Kowloon Generic Romance is reflected in its detail and appreciated by fans.

Finally, the soundtrack complements the visuals beautifully. Soft, jazzy tracks underscore everyday scenes, while ambient, eerie music heightens moments of uncertainty. Simply put, Kowloon Generic Romance will stir feelings of nostalgia and leave a lasting impression if given a chance.

About the characters in Kowloon Generic Romance

Reiko Kujirai is the protagonist of the show. Her character is of a clumsy woman with a warm aura. She is very caring about others. Furthermore, Reiko has a crush on her co-worker, Kudou Hajime. But there is a visible sadness around her life as she has no idea about her past, and struggles with wanting more information about it.

Meanwhile, Kudou Hajime is the main lead. He is the classic tough guy, but he cares for others. At first, he comes across as careful and distant, though he cares deeply about Reiko.

Their relationship in this anime is growing slowly, although it feels natural. Everyone around them, like friends, co-workers, and citizens of Kowloon Walled City, feels like real people who have individual lifestyles outside the main story.

Lastly, characters in this series stand out because of how they portray emotional realism. They hesitate, and there are misunderstandings, just like the real world. This authenticity makes every small moment between Reiko and Kudou feel meaningful.

Trending

To sum it up, Kowloon Generic Romance is definitely worth watching. It is a hidden gem of a series for fans who love an emotional story that has a combination of subtle mystery and slow-burning romance. Especially for fans of anime like Arakawa Under the Bridge, Serial Experiments Lain, or March Comes in Like a Lion, this series will surely resonate deeply. And in today’s fast-paced world, a story that asks you to slow down and feel might just be exactly what you need.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback