Anime is full of memorable love stories. In some series, romance plays a major role in the plot, while in others it becomes something fans grow to appreciate over time. But just like in real life, not every promising first date leads to a lasting relationship.
Some anime couples face heartbreak or misunderstandings, while others develop bonds that grow stronger as the story unfolds. The first date often becomes an important moment in these relationships—it’s when two characters truly start to connect, and sometimes that spark turns into something much deeper.
For some characters, a first date is the moment a long-held wish finally comes true. For others, it’s simply the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best first dates in anime.
Best First Dates in Anime
1. During a Sparring Match, Goku and Chi-Chi Have a Dialogue About Love and the Future (Dragon Ball)
Goku, the main hero of Dragon Ball, has known his future wife Chi-Chi since they were children. Their connection actually began with a childhood promise, when Chi-Chi convinced Goku to go on a “date” with her.
As they grew older, Goku still had a very innocent and limited understanding of what dating really meant. Chi-Chi tried to explain it to him and suggested that they spend time together doing something enjoyable.
However, Goku’s lifelong love for martial arts shaped his idea of fun. Instead of a traditional outing, he ended up fighting Chi-Chi during the preliminary matches of the World Martial Arts Tournament. For Goku, sparring together felt like the perfect way to spend time with someone.
2. Usagi and Mamoru’s Romance Begins with the Elevator (Sailor Moon)
In the Sailor Moon anime, Usagi and Mamoru don’t get along very well when they first meet. Mamoru often teases her whenever they run into each other, especially by calling her the nickname “Meatball Head,” which constantly annoys Usagi.
At the same time, Mamoru is troubled by recurring dreams about a girl he deeply cares about from a past life. These mysterious memories hint that there is more to his story than Usagi initially realizes.
As they spend more time together, Mamoru begins to show a kinder, more understanding side. He even promises to stop calling her by the teasing nickname. One memorable moment occurs when the two become stuck together in an elevator, giving them the chance to talk honestly and see each other in a different light.
Later in the story, the truth about their past lives comes to the surface. Usagi and Mamoru discover that they share a connection from long ago, and this revelation strengthens their bond, adding a deeper meaning to their relationship.
3. Araragi Is Gifted by a Tsundere Girlfriend by Hitagi (Monogatari)
Even though Koyomi Araragi often shows a rather perverted side, he is someone who sincerely tries to help anyone struggling with a problem—whether they are human, a ghost, or even a dangerous vampire. Interestingly, many of the people who end up asking for his help are women.
One of his most memorable encounters is with Hitagi Senjougahara. When they first meet, she reacts harshly to Araragi’s curiosity, threatening him with items like a stapler and a box cutter. However, as he continues to support her and helps her deal with the strange supernatural situation affecting her, Senjougahara slowly begins to trust him.
By the time her problem is resolved, their relationship has changed completely. What begins with suspicion and hostility gradually deepens, with Senjougahara developing feelings for Araragi, and the two eventually becoming a couple.
4. Kirito and Asuna’s Relationship Begins with Cooking Rare Meat (Sword Art Online)
Kirito and Asuna first meet while trapped inside Sword Art Online, where survival depends on clearing the game’s dangerous levels. Early on, the two join forces to fight the first floor’s boss, and this teamwork becomes the starting point of their growing connection.
Later, when Kirito manages to obtain a rare piece of meat in the game, the first person he thinks of is Asuna because of her excellent cooking skills. He approaches her and asks if she can prepare it, and she agrees without hesitation.
That simple dinner becomes an important turning point for them. What begins as a small moment between teammates slowly grows into a deeper bond, eventually turning into a romance that continues even after they return to the real world.
5. Oreki and Chitanda have their first date at a coffee shop, but it’s a shame it’s blocked by genre (Hyouka)
In episode 4 of Hyouka, a café conversation stands out as a great example of how dialogue scenes can be presented in an engaging way. Instead of relying on simple shot-reverse-shot framing, the scene uses a variety of camera angles—such as overhead and high-angle shots—to make the conversation feel visually dynamic.
These creative choices help keep the back-and-forth between the characters interesting, even though the scene is mainly dialogue-driven.
Although Hyouka is not primarily a romance series, some viewers enjoy interpreting certain moments through a romantic lens. Because of their chemistry and interactions, fans often like to imagine a potential relationship between Houtaro Oreki and Eru Chitanda.
6. Takeo and Rinko Stay Together Without Misunderstandings (Ore Monogatari!!)
Ore Monogatari!! (My Love Story!!) It is a romantic comedy centred on the relationship between Takeo Goda and Rinko Yamato.
Takeo is a kind and dependable high school student, but his large and intimidating appearance often causes girls to feel nervous around him. Because of this, many people assume he is older than he actually is. His best friend, on the other hand, is very popular, and Takeo often feels like he fades into the background whenever romance is involved.
Things begin to change when he meets Rinko. Their first interaction starts off awkwardly after a small misunderstanding leaves Rinko feeling frustrated. Takeo believes she might be interested in his best friend and keeps bringing it up, which only adds to the confusion.
Once the situation is finally cleared up, Rinko agrees to go out with him. From that moment on, the two begin a sweet and wholesome relationship, quickly becoming one of the most charming couples in the series.
7. Ken has a crush on Rize, a girl who will change his life forever (Tokyo Ghoul)
At the start of Tokyo Ghoul, Ken Kaneki goes on a date that changes his life forever.
Even though their story takes a dark turn, Ken and Rize share a memorable first outing. From the moment he sees her, Ken is immediately drawn to Rize’s beauty and charm.
Their conversation flows easily, especially because they both enjoy reading. This shared interest helps them bond quickly, and Ken begins to feel excited about where things might go. He is already thinking about asking her out again and imagining what a second date might be like.
However, the evening takes a shocking turn, changing everything. While the date ends in tragedy, it ultimately sets Ken on the path that defines his future. Coming to terms with Rize’s role in his life is not easy for him, and it takes time for Ken to accept how much that encounter shaped his destiny.
8. Mirai and Akihito Spend Time Eating, Fighting, and Getting Bonded (Kyoukai no Kanata)
In Kyoukai no Kanata (Beyond the Boundary), Mirai Kuriyama meets her upperclassman, Akihito Kanbara, under unusual circumstances. Mirai is the last surviving member of a powerful Spirit World Warrior family known for hunting supernatural beings. Akihito, on the other hand, is half-human and half-youmu—the very type of creature her clan is trained to eliminate.
At first, Akihito’s attention toward Mirai comes from his amusing fascination with girls who wear glasses. But as they continue to interact, his curiosity slowly grows into genuine care for her.
Their relationship develops through everyday moments, such as sharing meals and talking about their experiences. These conversations often turn into lighthearted arguments and teasing exchanges, creating a lively and playful bond. Whenever they spend time together, Akihito and Mirai naturally fall into friendly banter, showing how comfortable they’ve become with one another.
9. Hirotaka and Narumi Become Otaku Lovebirds, Making Weebs Envy! (Wotakoi)
In the early part of the series, Hirotaka Nifuji takes the initiative and openly admits his feelings for Narumi Momose. His straightforward and genuine confession encourages Narumi to give the relationship a chance, leading her to start dating someone who shares her otaku interests.
Although they work at the same company, the two keep things professional in the office while maintaining their relaxed and comfortable dynamic as friends outside of work. The story follows how their relationship gradually grows as they deal with everyday adult life, spending time together through simple activities like watching movies and visiting amusement parks.
10. Yuki and Machi Kiss When Sohma’s Zodiac Curse Breaks (Fruits Basket)
As Yuki begins to recognise his growing feelings for Machi, he also feels a strong need to tell her the truth about the Sohma curse. Even though he’s unsure how she might react, he gathers the courage to speak, holding onto the hope that she will accept him. In that moment, Yuki admits that he can picture a future where the two of them are together.
Just when he is about to reveal everything, something unexpected occurs—Machi’s curse suddenly breaks. Instead of hearing the truth about the curse, she embraces him and admits her feelings.
The moment becomes even more touching when Machi shyly asks if she can call him by his first name. Yuki happily agrees, and the scene ends with the two sharing a kiss.
