Introduction: A Timeless Romance Under the Cherry Blossoms
In the ever-expanding universe of romantic comedy anime, few series manage to strike the perfect balance between lighthearted humor and genuine emotional resonance. Tada Never Falls in Love (Tada-kun wa Koi wo Shinai), a 2018 original anime by Doga Kobo, does exactly that—and more. Directed by Mitsue Yamazaki and animated by the studio behind hits like Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun and Plastic Memories, this 13-episode gem premiered in Spring 2018 to quiet acclaim but has since grown into a cult favorite.
Set against the backdrop of Tokyo’s blooming cherry blossoms, the story follows Mitsuyoshi Tada, a high school student who has never known romantic love, until a fateful encounter with Teresa Wagner, a foreign exchange student with a radiant smile and a hidden royal identity. What begins as a charming slice-of-life comedy gradually unfolds into a deeply moving tale of fleeting moments, personal growth, and the courage to embrace feelings that might slip away like petals in the wind. With its thoughtful blend of comedy, drama, and visual poetry, the series earns its place among the most memorable romance anime of its era.
Plot Summary: Serendipity, Secrets, and Sacrifice
The narrative opens on a picturesque spring day as Mitsuyoshi Tada, an aspiring photographer still mourning the loss of his parents from a decade earlier, captures the fleeting beauty of sakura blossoms through his camera lens. While photographing at a shrine, he literally collides with Teresa Wagner, a cheerful girl who has just arrived in Japan and is momentarily lost without her companion. Their chance meeting sets off a chain of coincidences that feel almost destined, as they cross paths again and again throughout the day.
Teresa, accompanied by her sharp-tongued bodyguard and childhood friend Alexandra Magritte—affectionately called Alec—ends up seeking shelter from a sudden rainstorm at Tada’s family-run coffee shop. The two girls soon enroll in Tada’s high school and join his photography club, instantly injecting new energy into his otherwise routine life. Surrounded by a colorful cast of friends, including the flamboyant Kaoru Ijuuin, the clumsy but earnest Kentarou Yamashita, the stoic Hajime Sugimoto, Tada’s energetic younger cousin Yui, and the club’s laid-back advisor Hinako Hasegawa, the group embarks on typical high school adventures: photo contests, cultural festivals, and even a memorable trip to the hot springs.
As Teresa learns the art of photography under Tada’s patient guidance, their bond deepens. He teaches her to see the world through a viewfinder, freezing moments that would otherwise fade, while she brings warmth and spontaneity into his guarded heart. Their growing connection is portrayed with delicate nuance—shared glances during club activities, quiet conversations over coffee, and laughter amid everyday chaos. Yet beneath the surface lies a devastating secret: Teresa is actually Princess Teresa de Larsenburg, heir to the throne of a small European nation. Her time in Japan is a temporary escape, a brief taste of normalcy before she must return home to fulfill an arranged engagement with her childhood friend, Charles de Loire.
The turning point arrives during a vibrant summer festival, where fireworks illuminate the sky as Tada finally confesses his feelings. Teresa reciprocates, but the revelation of her true identity shatters their fragile happiness. Duty calls her back to her homeland, and the lovers are torn apart in a farewell that echoes the impermanence of the cherry blossoms they once admired together. Tada, haunted by yet another loss, withdrawes into himself, questioning whether opening his heart is worth the inevitable pain.
The supporting characters add rich layers to the central romance. Alec harbors her own unspoken love for Teresa, creating a subtle triangle of unrequited longing. Kaoru’s playful flirtations mask deeper insecurities, while the club’s antics provide comic relief without ever feeling forced. In the final act, Tada finds the strength to chase what matters most. Traveling across the world to Teresa’s kingdom, he stands before her one last time, vowing to wait however long it takes. Teresa, in turn, chooses love over obligation, stepping away from her crown in a moment of quiet defiance. The series closes not with a fairy-tale wedding, but with a promise—an acknowledgment that some connections are worth fighting for, even if they bloom only briefly.
Character Development: Capturing Growth Through Connection
At the heart of the story is Mitsuyoshi Tada, a young man whose emotional walls stem from profound childhood grief. His camera serves as both a shield and a window, allowing him to observe life without fully participating in it. Through his relationship with Teresa, he learns to lower those barriers, embracing vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness. His journey from detached observer to active participant in his own story is portrayed with remarkable subtlety, making his eventual courage all the more impactful.
Teresa Wagner, with her boundless enthusiasm and gentle kindness, acts as the perfect catalyst for change. Far from being a one-dimensional “manic pixie dream girl,” her cheerfulness masks the weight of expectation she carries as royalty. Her growth lies in recognizing her own agency—learning that happiness is not something granted by duty, but something she can choose for herself. The chemistry between Tada and Teresa feels organic, built on mutual respect and shared discovery rather than instant attraction.
The supporting ensemble shines just as brightly. Alec’s tough exterior hides a fiercely loyal heart, and her internal conflict adds tragic depth to the narrative. The photography club members, though initially archetypal, reveal surprising nuance over time—Kaoru’s bravado gives way to genuine care, Yamashita’s clumsiness becomes endearing rather than annoying, and Yui’s boundless energy keeps the group grounded in joy. Even the family cat, Nyanko Big, emerges as a silent scene-stealer, embodying the simple pleasures the characters sometimes overlook.
Visual and Auditory Craftsmanship: A Feast for the Senses
Doga Kobo’s animation is nothing short of stunning. Cherry blossom petals drift with lifelike grace, sunlight filters through leaves in golden hues, and character expressions convey volumes with the slightest shift of an eyebrow. The attention to detail extends to everyday settings—the warm glow of the coffee shop, the bustle of school hallways, the serene stillness of a snowy European palace—creating an immersive world that feels lived-in and authentic.
The soundtrack, composed by Yukari Hashimoto, complements the visuals perfectly. Gentle piano melodies underscore tender moments, while upbeat tracks accompany the group’s comedic escapades. The opening theme, “Love Letter” by Masayoshi Ōishi, captures the wistful excitement of new love, and the ending theme provides a soothing counterpoint that lingers long after the credits roll.
Strengths and Minor Shortcomings
The series excels in pacing, allowing relationships to develop naturally without rushing toward melodrama. Emotional payoffs feel earned, and comedic beats land with precision. The exploration of themes—grief, duty, the beauty of transience—elevates it beyond typical high school romance fare.
That said, some viewers may find the final resolution slightly abrupt, with certain subplots left unresolved. Alec’s feelings, in particular, could have benefited from greater closure. Yet these are minor quibbles in an otherwise tightly woven narrative.
Final Verdict: A Modern Classic Worth Revisiting
Tada Never Falls in Love is a masterclass in romantic storytelling—funny when it needs to be, heartbreaking when it matters, and always sincere. It reminds us that love is not about possession, but about choosing to cherish someone, even when time is short. For anyone seeking a romance that lingers in the heart like a half-remembered dream, this series is essential viewing. Stream it, savor it, and let it remind you why we fall in love with stories in the first place.