Paradise Kiss

Yukari is a typical high-school student who listens to her parents and attends school everyday. As she starts to question her way of life, she encounters a group of fashion design students who has a clothing label known as "Paradise Kiss". The group needs to find a model to showcase their designs in an up-coming fashion show and decides to pick Yukari instead. Initially, Yukari was reluctant to be associated with this seemingly eccentric group, but eventually, she realises that they are really nice people. Furthermore, their passion and enthusiasm to follow their ideals and dreams make Yukari realise that she has not been enjoying her life and this motivated her to pursue her own dreams.

Paradise Kiss (2005) is a Japanese anime series created by Ai Yazawa and produced by Madhouse, adapted from her manga and aired on Fuji TV. Its protagonist is Yukari Hayasaka (voice by Yu Yamada), a dutiful high school student whose life is planned by her parents until she is drawn into a circle of fashion design students running a clothing label called Paradise Kiss. George Koizumi (voiced by Kenji Hamada), Miwako Sakurada (voiced by Marika Matsumoto) and Arashi Nagase (voiced by Shunsuke Mizutani) are the designers who recruit her as a model for an upcoming runway show. Across twelve episodes the engine is simple and emotional: Yukari resists the pull of their eccentric world, then gradually sees in their passion and nerve the courage to chase her own dreams. Each episode moves through fittings, backstage tension, friendships and the first stirrings of romance in a stylized Tokyo of fashion schools and streets. The tone is earnest and warm, with a wistful, youthful idealism. Fans of Nana, Ouran High School Host Club and coming of age slice of life anime will find resonance in its blend of romance, self discovery and creative ambition. Its single season makes it a compact, self contained watch.

Audiences rate the single-season anime positively, appreciating its warm fashion-world romance and coming-of-age story.

• Nanacoming of age romance, slice of life school setting, youthful self discovery
• Gossip Girlfashion world backdrop, youthful romance, creative ambition
• Ouran High School Host Clubteen self discovery, romance and friendship among artistic misfits, anime coming of age tone

Created by

Ai Yazawa

Release Date

2005-10-14

Episode runtime

23 min

Rating

7.7 / 10 (50)

What is Paradise Kiss about?

A reserved high school girl is drawn into a group of eccentric fashion design students and begins to question the life her parents have planned for her.

What is Paradise Kiss like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Paradise Kiss as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Paradise Kiss violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Paradise Kiss.

What did critics think of Paradise Kiss?

Audiences rate the single-season anime positively, appreciating its warm fashion-world romance and coming-of-age story.

Which shows are like Paradise Kiss?

Shows with a similar feel include Nana, Gossip Girl, and Ouran High School Host Club.

How long is Paradise Kiss?

Paradise Kiss: 1 season, 12 episodes.

Is Paradise Kiss still running?

No, Paradise Kiss has ended.