Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!

Yuta Togashi left his middle school years behind with the aim of being ordinary after fully committing to an over-the-top fantasy persona, convinced he had hidden powers. By the time he reaches high school he wants to bury that past, but Rikka Takanashi, who still lives with her own vivid fantasies, recognizes him and treats his old behavior as proof they belong together. The series follows their awkward chemistry, the ways former pretenses resurface, and how a small circle of classmates handle crushes, embarrassment, loyalty, and the blurry line between playacting and genuine feeling, all with a lot of humor.

Released in 2012, the series was created by Jukki Hanada and Torako. The voice cast includes Jun Fukuyama as Yuta and Maaya Uchida as Rikka, among others, and the show quickly found an audience for its mix of comedy and heartfelt moments.

It didn't land major international awards, but the series earned steady fan praise and helped raise the profiles of several young voice actors. Within anime fandom it’s often mentioned in discussions of character-driven comedies about growing up, and its cast received recognition in various community polls and events.

Critics and viewers generally respond positively, reflected in an 8.1/10 average from user voting on aggregation sites. Reviews often point to the balance of slapstick and quieter emotional beats, with recurring themes of identity, adolescent performance, romantic awkwardness, and friendship. The show’s tone shifts between goofy and sincere, which many viewers found relatable rather than melodramatic.

The series broadened awareness of the chunibyo concept beyond niche circles, inspiring fan art, cosplay, and online discussion about teenage affectation and role play. Memorable character designs and recurring gags made certain images and moments instantly recognizable to fans, and the show continues to be cited when people talk about anime that mixes slice of life humor with earnest character growth.