Love confessions in anime have always been a sight to behold. Some of them are silly, while others are narrative masterpieces that truly make you feel love in the air. These confessions often prove the subtle growth the characters have gone through, making the impact of the confession that much bigger.
From high school love confessions to declarations of love in a life-or-death situation, these confessions will never fail to pull at your heartstrings. However, you will very rarely come across some casual and sudden love drops that have a much bigger impact than may appear on the surface.
There are many spoilers for the anime mentioned ahead.
8
Shigeo Kageyama
From Mob Psycho 100
Shigeo, better known as Mob, is an interesting case because his confession did not quite go as he planned. After having a crush on his childhood friend Tsubomi for many years, the timid Mob finally built up the courage to confess. He was, unfortunately, rejected by her because Tsubomi did not share the same feelings he did.
However, getting rejected does not change the impact of his confession. For an awkward character like Mob, who notoriously fails to read the room, gaining enough courage to put his feelings out there is massive character development. While the confession certainly hurt him to the point of tears, he learned from it and made a significant leap in personal growth.
7
Izumi Miyamura
From Horimiya
When Hori is down from a fever, Miyamura suddenly shows up in her room to look after her. During her sick state, Hori remembers past trauma and breaks down in front of Miyamura. Of course, he comforts her and assures her that he will not leave her side unless she wants him to. Once she gets back into bed, Miyamura casually drops the love bomb on her.
It’s one of the most unique confessions you will come across, especially for a romance anime taking place in a high school. It’s an iconic confession that is a breath of fresh air in a sea of dragged-out last-episode confessions. During the scene, Horimiya provides a perfect combination of comedy and emotion that feels very natural. Plus, Hori and Miyamura are just the perfect couple.
6
Edward Elric
From Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
At the very end of FMAB, Edward very awkwardly confesses to Winry in a classic and iconic scene. While flustering, Ed screams “Equivalent exchange!” and says he will give Winry half of his life and demands she do the same. Instinctively, Winry tells Ed she will give him her entire life instead of half. Of course, moments later she realizes what she has just said and becomes extremely flustered.
It’s certainly awkward and uncomfortable, but most of all, it’s sweet and fun. This relationship has been building up since the very start of the show, with subtle signs and hints being dropped throughout. This confession fits the characters and their personalities well, delivering a satisfying conclusion.
5
Hinata Hyuga
From Naruto Shippuden
Hinata puts her life on the line to protect Naruto from Pain. This episode itself is a masterpiece, recalling moments of Hinata’s character leading up to the confession. Once Hinata jumps into the battle, she explains to Naruto how her life changed because of him. Now, she’s not afraid to die if it means protecting him, because she loves him.
This is one of the most emotional and brutal confessions in anime. The animation, the soundtrack, and the voice acting, all did justice to Hinata’s feelings. Of course, they’re in the middle of a battle, so the only thing Naruto can tell Hinata is to get away from Pain. Naturally, she doesn’t listen and her resolve to die for Naruto if required is beautiful.
4
Sakuta Azusagawa
Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai
You can’t go wrong with a public confession, especially to save the girl you like. Mai is on the verge of disappearing from reality, and it’s up to Sakuta to save her from completely vanishing. Sakuta then runs out into the schoolyard and confesses his feelings for Mai while yelling at the top of his lungs. It’s a beautiful scene, especially knowing the lengths Sakuta has gone through to save Mai from being completely invisible.
While the whole concept of adolescence syndrome can be difficult to grasp, it’s a brilliant way to visualize real problems teenagers go through. Sakuta kick-started his relationship with Mai through this confession. Of course, Sakuta’s voice actor didn’t hold back on the emotion either.
3
Himmel
From Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
This confession isn’t as explicit as the rest, but it’s one of the most well-written and tragic subtle confessions in anime. During a flashback, we see Himmel trying to find Frieren a gift. Unknown to her, Frieren ends up picking a ring that symbolizes eternal love. Of course, Himmel immediately recognizes this and takes the chance to get on one knee, putting the ring on Frieren himself.
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It’s a beautiful, yet sad moment, knowing that Himmel could never truly express his love for Frieren. Himmel staying single until he died of old age also solidifies his love for Frieren. The massive clock tower in the background symbolizing the passage of time is the cherry on top. It’s confessions like these that will make you tear up a little.
2
Rem
From Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World
After going through countless deaths and horrible situations, Subaru is at his absolute lowest. He wants to run away with Rem, but Rem steps in to save him from despair. The entire episode from here is Rem reassuring Subaru and trying to get him back on his feet, with some of the best dialogue delivered beautifully by Rem’s voice actress.
Even though Rem could’ve easily run away with Subaru and started her own life with him, she stays true to Subaru’s character and turns him down. She also confesses her own feelings towards the end, but we all know how that turns out. Despite getting rejected, she stays by Subaru’s side and continues to help him, even at the cost of her life.
1
Miyuki Shirogane
From Kaguya Sama: Love Is War
Miyuki plans the most extravagant confession for Kaguya after he realizes that he has to study abroad. He slowly makes plans for every character to ensure that none of them get in the way. After everything is set, he brilliantly guides Kaguya towards the roof of the school, and with a big bang of balloons, explains to Kaguya that this is how he feels about her.
You normally don’t expect confessions from an anime with “Love is War” in the title. That goes to show you how much character growth Miyuki went through leading up to this moment. Even Kaguya’s reply was shocking, going straight for the kiss and saying “This is how I feel about you.” An amazingly executed moment with the perfect soundtrack; an anime confession doesn’t get any better than this.
