Episodes: 12

Year: 2005

Status: Complete, Licensed by Ganeon Entertainment

Paradise Kiss Official Site (Japanese)

Rating: Great

Review: Yukari is just another ordinary high-schooler living her life buried in books, exams and getting ready for university. All of this changes one fine day when she is suddenly asked by a group of fashion design students to be a model for their upcoming line of clothes – “Paradise Kiss”. Yukari is reluctant at first but is persuaded to do it after meeting the charming and handsome Koizumi George. Inspired by George’s ambitions to pursue his dreams with a strong will, Yukari begins to define life on her own terms. However, as Yukari’s life is changing, she finds herself inevitably falling in love with the eccentric designer.

Paradise Kiss has the same animation style as Nana, and not to mention the similar “slice of life” perspective. I really liked the character development in this short series as Yukari begins to change her life and in doing so faces trials in other aspects of her life. Although the story mainly revolves around Yukari and George, there is a lot of character development with the other members of Paradise Kiss: Arashi, Miwako and Isabella. Their relationships, their troubles and their outlook on life and dreams also have a part to play in this story. All in all, Paradise Kiss is worth the watch – and the perk is that if you hate long animes, this one is only 12 episodes long! A must-watch if you are a Nana fan!

More stylish anime:

Nana

Honey and Clover