Best Anime Kisses

Summary

• Unforgettable anime kisses like Ritsuka & Mafuyu’s start beautiful relationships.
• Tamahome & Miaka’s confession and kiss in a bleak situation is heartwarming.
• Mei & Yamato’s tense first kiss leads to a sweet and romantic relationship.

The greatest romance anime shows and movies have everything from well-crafted characters to thrilling and emotional stories, as well as the most romantic kisses in anime. These iconic anime kisses are some of the most beloved anime moments of all time that fans have been waiting for a long time, in some cases even for many years.

Anime fans can go on epic adventures while getting fully immersed in some of the most beautiful anime romance stories and even enjoy some of the most thrilling forbidden love romances in anime that make viewers’ hearts beat faster. However, what made these kisses truly unforgettable and soul-stirring is that these characters didn’t only express their affection towards each other but also confessed their unconditional love and acceptance of each other.

Updated December 26, 2024, by C.M Edwards: Romance anime is a heartfelt series that warms hearts and jerks the tears out of anime fans all over the world. When a budding love begins to bloom between unsuspecting counterparts or when childhood friends realize there’s something more, the love story that unfolds is euphoric. The back and forth, the dating phase, and finally, the first kiss is the icing on the cake and the hope of every romance anime fan. There have been quite a few anime kisses that raise the standard and define romance; some have stood the test of time, and others are new kids on the block. Here are more of the most romantic kisses in anime.

1

Taiga Aisaka And Ryuji Takasu – Toradora!

A Long Road Traveled To A Perfect End

Toradora! is a classic romance and slice-of-life anime with a dedicated fanbase that is among the most outstanding of all time. Taiga and Ryuji couldn’t be more opposites, but after a slew of hijinks and chance encounters, they become friends, best friends, and then more.

While Taiga’s tsundere attitude and Ryuji’s passive perosna drove fans up a wall, eventually both characters saw each other for what they truly were, something special. Finally, after everything is out in the open, in the final episode of the series, Taiga and Ryuji share their first kiss and start the beginning of their journey together. This climax, after the ups and downs of the show, makes it a phenomenal period in a comical “opposites attract” story.

2

Nana Osaki And Ren Honjo – NANA

Palpable Emotions Pouring Out Of The Screen

The roller coaster ride that was Nana O and Ren was one of the foundations that kept fans of NANA drooling for more. With every glimpse into their rocky past and unfortunate separation, the love that they still shared for one another in the present day was well-defined and beautifully portrayed with not only compassion but sorrow and conflict. The bittersweet romance came to a head when, after many years apart, Nana O and Ren finally saw each other again in person and years of avoided emotional weight pushed them together into their first kiss in years. The pure heartache on both their faces about how much one needed the other added so much emotion to the scene that fans no doubt were warm to the touch.

3

Gin And Hotaru Takegawa – Hotarubi no mori e

A Devastatingly Beautiful Tragedy

• Studio: Brain’s Base
• Release Date: 2011
• Streaming On: Apple TV

Hotarubi no mori e is a somber and heartbreaking animated film about a young girl named Hotaru who becomes lost in the woods but is saved after befriending Gin, a spirit in the form of a young boy wearing a kitsune mask. The two bond, and Gin leads Hotaru out of the forest waring her not to return. But years later, Hotaru does just that, infatuated with the boy who can’t be touched due to a curse that will force him to disappear.

When the two meet again, their friendship rekindles and they become close. Hotaru spends the entire summer with Gin and, as love blossoms, tragedy erupts and their first kiss also becomes their last. Hotarubi no mori e is a spectacular film that every anime fan should watch at least once.

4

Ritsuka Uenoyama And Mafuyu Sato

This Kiss Was The Start Of A Loving Relationship

This kiss may not have had the most romantic setting or situation, but there’s no doubt that this was the start of a beautiful relationship. After a mindblowing performance and singing for the first time, Mafuyu was definitely feeling emotional afterward. Ritsuka pulled him backstage to recover and kissed him there. It was unexpected, but not unwelcome.

After this, Mafuyu’s mental state started improving and he was finally able to take the first steps to move on from Yuki’s (his ex) death. They still have some growing up to do, but they are working to improve themselves. Ritsuka has learned to become more patient and Mafuyu has gotten better at expressing himself.

5

Tamahome And Miaka Yuki (Fushigi Yugi)

Both Confess Their Love For Each Other And Kiss In A Bleak Situation

• Studio: Pierrot
• Release Year: 1995
• Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Adventure
• Number of Episodes: 52
• My AnimeList Score: 7.61

This couple has shared many kisses throughout the series, but nothing can top their first kiss. After going back into the book, Miaka leaves to rescue her best friend, Yui, and Tamahome manages to get into the palace they’re in. When they have a moment alone, Tamahome confesses that he loves her and they kiss. Miaka also confesses her love for him and tells him she came back to the book for him.

Despite only knowing each other for a relatively short time, it was obvious from the start that there was something special between them. It took a long time before they could get their happily ever after, but it was worth all the pain.

6

Mei Tachibana And Yamato Kurosawa

A Tense Relationship Turns Into A Sweet Relationship

Mei started off as quiet and gloomy and avoided people like the plague. However, Yamato came into her life and showed her that not everyone is as bad as she thinks. Though she swore she would never call him after he gave her his number, Mei calls him when she needs help. After realizing she’s being stalked, she calls him and he immediately rushes to her location. To ward him off, Yamato kisses her so the stalker leaves.

After realizing it’s Mei’s first kiss, Yamato apologizes to her and the hearts of fans swooned. They weren’t a couple when it happened, but it was still a romantic sight. And this was a step forward to them becoming a couple later on.

7

Zen Wistaria And Shirayuki (Snow White With The Red Hair)

Two Friends’ Respect Evolves Into Love

• Studio: Bones
• Release Year: 2015
• Genre: Romance, Drama, Fantasy
• Number of Episodes: 12
• My AnimeList Score: 7.76

Zen and Shirayaki begin a friendship after they run into each other while Zen is leaving the castle and accidentally injures his arm. After she heals him, the two of them spend a lot of time together. They encourage each other and come to respect one another. Zen realizes he’s in love with her first and kisses her on impulse, but apologizes for doing so and promises to ask for consent next time.

This leads to Shirayuki realizing her feelings have turned into love and confesses to him, but expresses her doubts about being with him. Since he’s a prince and she’s a commoner, very few would approve of their relationship. But Zen reassures her that he wants her by his side and they officially become a couple after their second kiss.

8

Atsushi Otani And Risa Koizumi (Lovely Complex)

A Pact To Help With Different Crushes Leads To Them Falling For Each Other

Risa and Atsushi are two people who are surprisingly similar in some ways. Both are strong and can be loud, but both of them are very kind to those around them. Surprisingly, the two of them were known to greatly dislike each other and always bickering whenever they were paired up for class assignments. Despite this, the two of them agree to help one another win their crushes, but sadly they fail in this when they realize their crushes like each other.

After that, the two of them become friends and hang out, and Risa falls in love with Atsushi. He rejects her at first but comes to realize that he does love her. To show that he’s serious, he kisses her and says that he would never do that if he wasn’t serious.

9

Yusuke Urameshi And Keiko Yukimura

They Didn’t Have Much Time Together, But Made The Moments Count

From episode one, fans knew it was only a matter of time before Yusuke and Keiko became a couple. They’ve been friends since childhood and have remained close since then. Keiko is the classic good girl who gets great grades and is very popular among students, while Yusuke is a delinquent who slacks in school but has a heart of gold. After Yusuke’s death, Keiko was heartbroken and fans saw that their relationship was special to both of them.

Their first kiss was pretty romantic even though it wasn’t in a romantic setting, since Keiko had to rush to save Yusuke. Yet, it still had a lot of emotion behind it. Their second kiss was a little more romantic since they’d been apart for three years. They might not get a lot of romantic moments in the show, but there’s no doubt that Keiko and Yusuke love each other very much.

10

Takeo Goda And Rinko Yamato

Their Kisses Sealed The Deal On Their Relationship

Takeo has never had luck when it comes to love, but all that changes when he meets Rinko. Being complete visual opposites, one would think Rinko would find Takeo intimidating, but she doesn’t. It was love at first sight for both of them, but it wasn’t going to be an easy road ahead. Between Takeo’s insecurities and Rinko defending their relationship to her friends, it was tough for both of them, but they persevered.

After 18 episodes, the two of them finally kiss on Takeo’s birthday. Rinko worked up the courage and kissed him while his eyes were closed and making his birthday wish. Takeo didn’t realize it at first, but quickly rushed to see Rinko after she left, and they shared their second kiss.

11

Gene Starwind And Melfina

A Bumpy Road, But Worth The Wait

It took some time, but it was clear that Gene and Melfina had some special between them. But they had to resolve some issues before even thinking about a relationship. Melfina wanted to learn more about herself and find out why she existed. Gene wanted to find out more information about the Galactic Leyline and constantly fighting off space pirates who want Melfina.

Once they reach the Leyline, Melfina is taken away and Gene dies in his fight against Hazanko but is revived in the heart of the Leyline. Melfina, being a part of the Leyline, offers to grant Gene any wish he wants, but Gene says he just wants to be with her and they share their first kiss. It was worth the wait and fans felt their love for each other when it finally happened.

12

Kirito And Asuna

A Power Couple Is Born

If there’s one thing that’s remained consistent in Sword Art Online, it’s the strength of Kirito and Asuna’s relationship. The two of them started as partners and fought together in the game. It’s clear that there’s something between the two of them, but they were focused on advancing further in the game to find a way out. They made a great pair and many people in the game knew about them.

Their first kiss happened after their guildmate, Kuradeel, betrayed and tried to kill them. Fans rejoiced, and a power couple was born. Their relationship moves quickly after this, but they have remained strong and loyal to each other since then.

13

Holo And Lawrence

A Slow-Burn Romance Creates The Perfect Buildup

Spice and Wolf II is a great choice for anime fans who enjoy fantasy and supernatural anime series with a sweet love story. Holo and Lawrence’s kiss was special for many reasons, and it is one that’s still debated by fans. What made Holo and Lawrence’s romance story special is that their love was based on trust and companionship that they worked on together for a long time.

While their love wasn’t a whirlwind one it was still exciting for fans to see these two characters finally kiss and further deepen the bond between them. Thanks to the show’s charming medieval setting and the slow-burn romance between the two main characters this moment immediately became one of anime’s most romantic and touching kiss scenes of all time.

14

Sailor Moon And Tuxedo Mask

Sailor Moon Makes Time To Show Her Love While Fighting Evil

The first kiss between Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask is still the most romantic and memorable kissing scene in Sailor Moon‘s history. While this beloved magical girl anime series features some of the most unique and self-reliant female characters, romance also always plays an important part in the girls’ lives.

Naturally, the budding romance between Usagi and the Tuxedo Mask was the one fans were the most excited about. Their first kiss was actually initiated by Usagi herself who was trying to profess her love while also protecting innocents as well as Tuxedo Mask from powerful evil forces, which made their first kiss even more special.

15

Kagome Higurashi And Inuyasha

This Kiss Tided Fans Over Until The End

Inuyasha is one of the best manga by Rumiko Takahashi with a magical romance story that stole anime fans’ hearts all over the world. Kagome and Inuyasha’s love story was unique for many reasons since the two started as friends and fell in love with each other thanks to the countless adventures they went on together.

Theirs was another slow-burn romance story and the creators kept fans waiting for a long time. However, Inuyasha and Kaagome’s kiss ended up becoming one of the most magical kissing scenes in anime that was both emotional and visually special.

16

Kaguya Shinomiya And Miyuki Shirogane

A Long-Awaited Kiss Was Worth It

Kaguya-sama: Love is War is one of the most successful new romance anime shows of recent years, thanks to the uniquely hilarious and deeply touching romance story between Kaguya and Miyuki. Even though it’s a comedy anime, it still featured one of the most special and romantic kisses in anime history.

While fans had to wait for this scene for many years, it was well worth the wait. The creators surprised fans with an epic episode that was building up to the long-awaited confession and kiss scene between Kaguya and Miyuki.

17

Yuji And Shana

A Heart-Warming And Visual Masterpiece For Fans

The iconic kiss between Yuji and Shana is one of the most visually beautiful and romantic kisses in anime. It’s one of the most well-crafted action anime kisses during which the two lovebirds are soaring through the sky thanks to Shana’s stunning wings.

However, what makes the kiss special is not only the visuals but because of the deep love they feel towards each other that helps them overcome all difficulties. Shakugan no Shana is one of the most interesting action anime shows about a young school boy Yuji who one day meets a powerful sword-wielding girl who fights monsters.

18

Naruto Uzumaki And Hinata Hyuga

A Kiss That Was A Long Time Coming

Naruto is one of the most powerful iconic kitsune in anime of all time who had to live through plenty of heartbreaking moments. That’s why the ending of his story was so satisfying for all fans. Naruto didn’t only get the girl but also the loving and peaceful family life he always wanted.

His romantic kiss with Hinata surrounded by their kids and a beautiful snow-covered landscape was the perfect ending to his motivational and challenging story. Naruto is one of the most iconic action-adventure anime of all time. Its story follows the young ninja, called Naruto who embarks on some of the most unforgettable adventures to earn the respect of his peers and eventually become the Hokage of his beloved village.

19

Taiga Aisaka And Ryuuji Takasu

From An Awkward Meeting Came A Loving Relationship

Taiga and Ryuuji’s kiss in Toradora is one of the cutest and most romantic anime kisses of all time. They kiss after they decide that they shouldn’t elope but instead take the hard road, stand together as equals, and celebrate their love and happiness together with their loved ones once everyone gets on board with their marriage.

Ryuuji and Taiga’s kiss is one of the most iconic kisses in anime that proves true love isn’t always easy, but it’s worth fighting for. Toradora is one of the funniest slice-of-life anime shows and one of the best J.C. Staff anime ever. The story follows the hilarious friendship between Ryuji and Taiga that eventually transforms into romantic love.

20

Takumi Usui And Misaki Ayuzawa

Hilarious, Awkward Moments Lead Up To A Romantic Kiss

Even though Takumi and Ayuzawa had plenty of awkward and hilarious moments their kiss was truly romantic. It’s the moment when finally Ayuzawa and Takumi confess their love for each other and share one of the most epic anime kisses of all time. It’s a simple but wholesome scene with one of the cutest anime love confessions and actual fireworks.

Maid Sama! is one of the best comedy romance anime with one of the cutest iconic anime maids and a charming story. It’s about a young high school girl named Ayuzawa who is the student council president at her school but secretly works at a Maid Cafe. However, one day her secret gets discovered by one of her schoolmates, Usui Takumi.