School Days

Rumor has it that a photo on your phone can make the person you care for fall in love with you. Set against a sunlit high school backdrop, the story follows Makoto Itou as he glides through the awkward tremors of adolescence and affection. He forms a bond with Kotonoha Katsura, a girl whose feelings wander as the rumor spreads through friends and classmates. Another classmate, Sekai Saionji, becomes entangled in the mix, complicating loyalties and trust. What begins as simple longing soon pulls characters into choices that blur honesty, desire, and consequences in a world where every action carries a ripple. The tone reminds viewers secrecy can cost more than it gives. Tension lingers beyond the school gates.

Released in 2007 as an animated drama, it draws on a visual novel by 0verflow with Makoto Ue creator. Daisuke Hirakawa voices Makoto Itou, Tae Okajima voices Kotonoha Katsura, Shiho Kawaragi voices Sekai Saionji, and Kei Imoto voices Setsuna Kiyoura.

Among anime fans this 2007 series is remembered for its bold stance on romance and the way it shifts from light-hearted dating textures to darker, more shocking turns. It sparked ongoing debates about consent, manipulation, and the risks of secretive feelings in teen life and sparked fan community discussions.

Critics were divided on its handling of romance and the ethical issues, with some praising its willingness to push boundaries and others criticizing the story for melodrama. Core themes include longing, trust, power dynamics, and the real world consequences of adolescent choices. These themes remain relevant to audiences today.

As for awards, there are no widely documented major nominations or wins for this title. While it drew attention for its provocative storytelling, it did not accumulate notable industry honors, keeping its place in awards histories modest despite its lasting notoriety among fans and critics to this day alike everywhere.