Anime’s Worst Male Lead in Years Is Finally Here, Here’s Why He Works Despite All The Problems

Yakuza Fiancé introduces one of the most controversial male leads in romance anime history—Kirishima—a character who unexpectedly redefines the red flag trope. In the anime community, discussions often center around green-flag and red-flag characters, with fans debating the qualities that make a romantic lead ideal or problematic. Kirishima takes this debate to new heights, presenting a personality so extreme that other so-called red flag characters seem tame by comparison.

From the outset, Kirishima’s questionable loyalty and morally ambiguous actions position him as one of the most problematic leads in the genre. Yet, it’s precisely this complexity that makes his character compelling. Rather than fitting neatly into conventional romantic hero archetypes, Kirishima challenges them, adding a thrilling unpredictability to the story.

Fall Season Welcomes Another Walking Red Flag

Kirishima’s Suggestion to Yoshino? Sell Her Body

The Fall anime season is filled with promising and competitive series, yet Yakuza Fiancé manages to stand out by introducing characters outside the conventional. Anime often takes great care to ensure that characters don’t stray too far from certain standards, primarily by avoiding overly excessive red flag characteristics. However, Yakuza Fiancé makes a bold choice with Kirishima, embracing his extreme red-flag traits to create something uniquely entertaining.

Through Kirishima, the series demonstrates that excessiveness can be captivating, adding a thrilling edge that pushes romance anime boundaries through an objectively toxic relationship. Yoshino, the female lead, has an instinctive sense of the dangers of associating with Kirishima, yet, as someone from a yakuza family, she doesn’t back down. Instead, she devises a revenge plot to make Kirishima fall for her. The premise of Yakuza Fiancé isn’t heartwarming; it’s bold and daring, appealing to mature audiences who appreciate complexity. Kirishima’s red-flag personality even challenges Yoshino, his supposed heroine, to the point of suggesting she sell her body.

However, after professing his love for her, his behavior starts to soften, revealing glimpses of an affectionate side. This shift hints that a green flag may be within him, adding new intrigue to his character. Yakuza Fiancé stands out because of its unapologetic approach to morally ambiguous characters, contrasting sharply with the typically sanitized male leads in mainstream romance anime. The series uses these red-flag traits not just for shock value but to enrich the drama and engage viewers in a way that tamer storylines rarely achieve. This keeps the viewers hooked: they want to see where Kirishima’s journey leads, whether he’ll soften or remain a thrill-inducing wild card.

Kirishima’s Charming and Protective Nature Will Keep You Hooked

Kirishima’s Smile Is the Most Deceptive of All

Kirishima appears to be the ideal man. With his looks, strength, intelligence, and undeniable charisma, he embodies the type of character one would expect in a romance anime. However, there’s a major catch because his “profession” places him firmly in a morally grey area, instantly raising numerous red flags. As a member of the yakuza, his role may seem intriguing in the anime context, but in reality, it’s far from an ideal career path. Moreover, Kirishima’s treatment of those around him only further highlights that he is anything but a typical romantic lead.

Kirishima shows no mercy, bringing a fresh and daring dynamic to the story that proves pushing past conventional limits keeps viewers engaged. Though his life as a feared yakuza member is intimidating, he becomes surprisingly charming and protective towards Yoshino, the girl he admires. Yoshino may lack a long list of admirers, but her close bond with Shouma, another man in her life, stirs Kirishima’s possessive side. Kirishima’s lack of experience in genuine relationships leaves him oblivious to his emotions, failing to realize that it’s jealousy of Yoshino’s closeness with Shouma that drives his competitive intentions.

From meeting Yoshino to their engagement, Kirishima’s deceptive smile makes it difficult to discern whether his intentions are sincere or part of a secret Yakuza plot. These very characteristics elevate Yakuza Fiancé’s appeal to audiences, as Kirishima’s morally stretched persona fuels a relationship with Yoshino that is as toxic as it is hard to resist. His charm, after all, is a tool as much for misdirection as it is for attraction.

Kirishima Is Not The Perfect Character of Good Morals

The More You Watch, The More Compelling The Story Becomes

Kirishima’s character should not be one of those upheld as a role model. However, it’s this very imperfection that makes him the perfect male lead in Yakuza Fiancé. Defying the conventional type of character, he’s not perfect but still appeals to unconventional preferences, drawing the audience more because he is flawed. His character isn’t meant to be an example of strong morals, making him interesting in a way that many morally upright characters aren’t.

This highlights that it’s not always about liking a character or judging them by their values; rather, it’s about how much they increase fans’ anticipation to watch the series. Kirishima was never established to become a standard for fans to look up to in real life. His character is meant to be perceived in a fictional sense. The toxic relationship between Yoshino and Kirishima adds thrill and complexity to the plot, showing that sometimes flawed, even problematic, relationships bring a level of excitement that is unique to fiction.

Kirishima’s imperfections and the morally ambiguous dynamic between him and Yoshino build a story that stands out. They add suspense and unpredictability, traits that push the audience to think about the story in a way they wouldn’t with more morally sound characters. Yakuza Fiancé is not centered on presenting an ideal world; it’s a fictional journey filled with yakuza with flawed, even toxic, connections. The anime’s departure from the “good guy” role invites viewers to be captivated by something less than perfect, proving that the more they watch, the more they won’t get bored.

Set amid yakuza tensions, this drama follows Yoshino, whose marriage is arranged to Kirishima as a peace offering between rival clans. While Kirishima appears kind, his demeanor conceals a menacing reality, challenging Yoshino’s perception and safety within the intricate world of organized crime.

Character(s)

Yoshino Somei , Kirishima Miyama , Shoma Toriashi , Azami Suo , Renji Somei , Gaku Miyama , Tsubaki Akashigata , Sōta Inamori , Aoi Tachibana , Taketo Hotei

Release Date

October 7, 2024

Seasons

1