We can all agree that Winter 2024 is jam-packed with amazing anime series across many genres. One of them is the wholesome gyaru anime capturing essence of high school romance, Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!. In case you crave more anime similar to it, here are 10 recommendations you won’t want to miss.
10. OreGairu
High school is often a hotbed of drama, and even if you attempt to steer clear of it, you might find yourself entangled in various relationships, be they romantic or friendships. Our protagonist, the solitary Hikigaya, understands this reality all too well. Armed with a talent for brutal honesty, he reluctantly becomes a part of a highschool service club, leading him into the intricate web of human connections.
Although OreGairu lacks the presence of gyaru girls, it shares a common thread with Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable! in portraying the unfiltered and genuine emotions of teenagers.
09. Toradora!
It’s a common saying that opposites attract, and whether you believe it or not, it holds true in the case of Toradora and Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!. The protagonists couldn’t be more different, yet they manage to love each other for who they truly are.
In Toradora, we follow the story of Taiga, a fiery and petite girl, and Ryuuji, a gentle giant with a misunderstood reputation. Despite their stark differences, they join forces with a common goal: ending up with their respective high school crushes.
08. The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten
The latest recommendation on this list is the overnight sensation that the 2024 school romance, The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten, has become. Cute, cozy, and relatable, this anime has it all. Moreover, it falls into the category of unpopular guy-popular girl anime, a theme that strongly resonates with the fans.
The series centers around Amane, a loner high schooler who enjoys living solo, who bumps into Mahiru, the most popular girl in school known as the “angel,” on a rainy day. He lends her his umbrella, and to his surprise, she offers to repay him by becoming his personal “housekeeper”!
07. Tonikaku Kawaii
There is no anime sweeter and more light-hearted than Tonikaku Kawaii. It’s incredibly easy to recommend for anyone seeking a fast-paced romance story that’s easy to consume and will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy with love, a feeling that’s familiar to fans of Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!
Imagine falling in love and agreeing to marry… on the same day you meet! That’s the starting point of Tonikaku Kawaii, a sweet and silly romantic comedy following Nasa Yuzaki and his future wife Tsukasa.
06. Komi Can’t Communicate
It would be an incomplete list if I didn’t recommend another 2021 high school romance that became as much of a hit as My Dress Up Darling. But don’t worry; Komi Can’t Communicate shares more similarities with Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable! than just belonging to the same genres. Primarily, they utilize the same trope of an average guy and a popular girl falling in love.
The anime is about Shoko Komi, a high schooler who’s super popular and beautiful… but also has extreme social anxiety that makes it impossible for her to even talk! Luckily for her, Tadano, a kind and observant classmate, becomes her first friend willing to help her with her problem.
05. The Dangers in My Heart
Kyotaro is a loner who secretly fantasizes about harming his classmates. He finds himself oddly drawn to Anna, the popular school idol. As he gets to know her quirky side, his dark thoughts start fading and a different feeling awakens within him.
Similar to Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!, The Dangers in My Heart is a romantic anime with wholesome romance and good humour. Furthermore, the personalities of the protagonists are quite similar, so if you enjoyed the former, this one’s perfect for you.
04. More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers.
Is it just me, or have gyaru anime kept coming in the past years? Hopefully, this trend continues as it’s always fun to learn something new about Japanese culture.
High schoolers Jiro and Akari are forced to “fake” being a married couple for a school project. Jiro has a crush on someone else, while Akari is initially annoyed by him. But as they pretend to be lovebirds, things get complicated – they might actually start falling for each other!
Much like Minami, Akari is a stunning gyaru with a comparable personality. The male protagonists share some similarities as they are somewhat unpopular but find themselves in romantic relationships with the more popular female leads.
03. Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie
Picture the everyday school life of a clueless boy who manages to capture the heart of an idol-like girl. A dream? Not for the main characters in Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie and Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!
In this anime, Izumi has terrible luck, constantly tripping and stumbling. Luckily, his super cool and collected girlfriend, Shikimori, is always there to catch him. But don’t underestimate her! When things get tough, Shikimori transforms into a secretly sporty and strong hero, leaving everyone surprised (and Izumi blushing)!
02. Horimiya
Another anime featuring the popular girl-shy boy trope, akin to Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!, is Horimiya.
The anime is a 2021 rom-com about opposites attracting. By day, Kyoko Horimiya is the popular, perfect student, while Izumi Miyamura is the quiet, introverted guy. But secretly, Kyoko takes care of everything in her house and works incredibly hard, while Izumi has piercings and tattoos. When they discover each other’s hidden lives, a sweet and unexpected romance blossoms.
If you enjoy heartwarming romance and plenty of fluffy moments, this one is definitely worth a watch.
01. My Dress-up Darling
Nothing comes closer to the vibe of Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable! than the well-known 2022 gyaru anime My Dress-up Darling. Both stories feature an adorable, outgoing gyaru female lead who finds herself drawn to a typically introverted male main character. Also, get ready for some playful teasing and fanservice moments.
The story centers on Wakana, a high school student passionate about making dolls, and Marin, an energetic gyaru girl. They team up, becoming close friends as Wakana creates outfits for Marin’s cosplay hobby.