Why a hulking high schooler became an unlikely icon of romantic comedy success

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Takeo Gōda is a giant, muscular student who constantly loses his crushes to his charming best friend. Yet, in the manga My Love Story!!, he finds an unexpected romance that defies expectations. This subversion of shōjo tropes became a massive hit, selling millions of copies and earning major industry awards.

Written by Kazune Kawahara and illustrated by Aruko, My Love Story!! debuted in 2011 as a special before serialization in Bessatsu Margaret. The narrative centers on Takeo, a kind-hearted protagonist whose intimidating appearance often frightens women. His life shifts when he rescues Rinko Yamato from a groper, leading to a genuine connection that ignores his unconventional size. Unlike previous girls who fell for his handsome friend Makoto Sunakawa, Rinko values Takeo's strength and selfless nature, marking a departure from the series' established romantic dynamics.

The franchise expanded rapidly, with an anime adaptation by Madhouse airing in 2015 and a live-action film released the same year. By November 2015, the manga had surpassed 4.5 million copies in circulation. Its cultural impact was recognized through several accolades, including the 37th Kodansha Manga Award in 2013 and the 61st Shogakukan Manga Award in 2016. It also garnered critical acclaim, being named the best series for female readers in the 2013 Kono Manga ga Sugoi! guidebook.

The story concludes with the characters transitioning into college life, having navigated challenges like long-distance hurdles and external romantic rivals. Beyond the core narrative, the series has seen continued interest through additional side stories released as recently as 2024. Its success highlights a shift in genre expectations, proving that a protagonist defined by physical strength and an affable, protective personality could anchor a beloved, long-running romantic comedy.

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