Rent-A-Girlfriend

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Rent-A-Girlfriend

Rent-A-Girlfriend (Kanojo, Okarishimasu) is a romantic comedy anime based on the manga by Reiji Miyajima. Known for its hilarious misunderstandings, heartfelt drama, and a cast of charming (and often chaotic) characters, the series blends slice-of-life humor with emotional love triangles.

At its core, Rent-A-Girlfriend explores the struggles of love, insecurity, and growth—told through the messy, awkward, and heartfelt journey of Kazuya Kinoshita and his complicated relationships with four very different women.




Rent-A-Girlfriend – Overview

Rent-A-Girlfriend follows Kazuya Kinoshita, a college student left heartbroken after being dumped by his girlfriend. In desperation, he tries a rental girlfriend service, where he meets Chizuru Mizuhara, a beautiful and intelligent woman who seems too perfect to be true.

One white lie leads to another, and soon Kazuya and Chizuru are caught up in a web of fake relationships, nosy families, jealous rivals, and complicated feelings that blur the line between reality and pretense.

It’s a rom-com full of awkward encounters, emotional confessions, and the slow but steady growth of its main characters.


Anime Details

  • Studio: TMS Entertainment

  • Seasons: 4

  • First Air Date: July 11, 2020

  • Original Manga: Written and illustrated by Reiji Miyajima

  • Volumes: 30+ (ongoing)

  • Genre: Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life, Drama

  • Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll, Netflix (select regions)


Story Summary

After being dumped by his girlfriend, Kazuya Kinoshita rents Chizuru Mizuhara to fill the void. At first, it’s all business—but when Kazuya accidentally introduces her to his family as his “real girlfriend,” their fake relationship spirals out of control.

As other rental girlfriends enter Kazuya’s life—each with unique personalities and struggles—the story evolves into a mix of romantic comedy and heartfelt drama about what it means to find real love.


Season Breakdown

Season 1 (2020) – The Beginning of Pretend Love

  • Kazuya meets Chizuru through the rental service.

  • Lies spiral when Kazuya’s family finds out about her.

  • Introduces rival girlfriends: Ruka, Mami, and Sumi.

  • Fake love begins to blur into real emotions.

Season 2 (2022) – Feelings Complicate

  • Ruka openly pursues Kazuya.

  • Mami schemes in the background.

  • Chizuru’s dreams of becoming an actress are explored.

  • Emotional depth builds as Kazuya realizes his true feelings.

Season 3 (2023) – Dreams and Desperation

  • Focuses heavily on Chizuru’s struggles as an actress.

  • Kazuya steps up to support her dreams in meaningful ways.

  • The line between “rental” and “real” grows thinner.

  • More emotional drama than comedic chaos.

Season 4 (2024) – Toward the Truth

  • Kazuya and Chizuru’s relationship reaches a breaking point.

  • Emotional confessions and truths begin to surface.

  • Mami and Ruka stir the pot with their own choices.

  • Sets the stage for the future of Kazuya and Chizuru’s love story.

OVA Episodes

  • Rent-A-Girlfriend OVA (2022)

    • Released with the manga’s 26th volume (limited edition).

    • Features a bonus story centered on Sumi Sakurasawa, highlighting her personality, growth, and adorable interactions with Kazuya.

    • More lighthearted than the main series, but offers fans extra depth into Sumi’s shy and charming character.


Main Characters

Kazuya Kinoshita – An insecure but kind-hearted college student who rents Chizuru after a breakup. Awkward yet well-meaning, he struggles to grow into a man worthy of love.

Chizuru Mizuhara – The perfect rental girlfriend on the outside, but deeply passionate about becoming an actress. Balances her professional image with her real, vulnerable side.

Mami Nanami – Kazuya’s manipulative ex-girlfriend, who stirs trouble and confuses his emotions.

Ruka Sarashina – A bold and determined girl who declares herself Kazuya’s real girlfriend, complicating the love web.

Sumi Sakurasawa – A shy and sweet rental girlfriend who slowly gains confidence through her bond with Kazuya.


Themes and Style

  • Love vs. Illusion – What’s real, what’s fake, and what lies in between.

  • Growth and Insecurity – Kazuya’s slow evolution from cowardly boy to supportive partner.

  • Dreams and Sacrifice – Chizuru’s acting ambitions and the lengths Kazuya goes to help her.

  • Comedy in Chaos – Awkward situations, misunderstandings, and romantic mix-ups drive the humor.


Animation & Visuals

Rent-A-Girlfriend features vibrant character designs and expressive animation, capturing both the comedic exaggerations and heartfelt emotional moments. While not action-heavy, its charm lies in facial expressions, comedic timing, and romantic tension.


Where to Watch

You can stream Rent-A-Girlfriend on:


Popularity and Reception

  • Over 12 million manga copies sold worldwide.

  • A top contender in the rom-com anime genre.

  • Mixed reception: praised for emotional depth and female leads, but often debated for Kazuya’s flawed character.

  • Continues to inspire discussions among fans every season.


Final Thoughts

Rent-A-Girlfriend is a rom-com that balances laughter, drama, and heartfelt romance. While its messy love web and awkward protagonist may frustrate some, the series thrives on its relatability, emotional core, and the slow-burn journey of its characters.

If you enjoy romantic tension, comedic misunderstandings, and stories about personal growth wrapped in love, Rent-A-Girlfriend is a must-watch.

Location: Tokyo, Japan

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