Date A Live

Thirty years after a catastrophic "spacequake" reshaped Eurasia, occasional smaller quakes keep startling the world and hint at something more than natural disaster. Shido Itsuka is a regular high schooler until he finds a strange girl at one quake site and discovers she is a Spirit, a powerful being whose arrival triggers those destructive events. Recruited by a secret team, Shido learns he has an unusual ability to seal a Spirit's power, but there is a condition: he has to make the Spirit fall in love with him and then kiss her. The setup mixes high-stakes action with awkward romance, as Shido balances school life, military oversight, and the complications of caring for beings who are both dangerous and vulnerable.

First broadcast in 2013, the anime adapts Koushi Tachibana's light novels and lists Fumihiko Shimo among the series staff, reflecting its roots in written source material and scripted adaptation.

Within anime fandom the series has been notable for blending harem comedy with science fiction action, inspiring fan art, cosplay, and lively online debate about its romcom mechanics. Certain character introductions and set pieces have become recurring references among fans, and the show often appears in discussions about romantic comedy tropes in anime.

Critics and viewers generally reacted positively, reflected in a solid user rating, praising the show for its mix of humor, action, and emotional moments. Themes revolve around consent, empathy, and how to treat someone with dangerous power as a person, not a problem. The tone flips between slapstick and serious conflict, and the central premise raises questions about responsibility and the ethics of controlling others.

The series did not dominate mainstream awards circuits, but it has maintained steady popularity within its niche, earning a dedicated fanbase and repeated mention in fan polls and anime community roundups. Its voice cast, especially the leads, is often highlighted as a strength.