Ikoku Irokoi Romantan

I just want to say that this is probably the third, fourth, or fifth yaoi anime that I have ever seen. And despite the many moments of homosexual gestures and sexual activity. I find the anime itself, to be really interesting and I am not just talking about your basic comedy in an anime, but the actual drama or love story behind the anime itself, I guess this is going to be quite odd or even strange. But, as a straight man I find myself actually growing to love this genre of anime despite what most conformists might think. I almost cried on one of ... the yaoi anime that I watched not that long ago. Because it was such a beautiful love story, that took place during the edo peroid of the tokugawa shogunate. Anime, even yaoi, can grow to touch even the parts of different people.

This is the problem with changing standards: it's evident that Ikoku Irokoi was received better in its hayday than it is now. It's not that this anime is bad, per se; it's more that it reflects the inclinations of the early 00s.

So before you completely dismiss this anime, consider a few things:

1. It seems that not many have focused on Ranmaru's wife despite her serving as a catalyst in this anime. Kaoru, who he wed to for the sake of his family, was physically and verbally abusive, which only gets worse over time. As a result, Ranmaru meets Al, who he immediately becomes attracted ... to.

There's a stark contrast between Kaoru, a highbrow yakuza's daughter who repeatedly shows her disdain for marrying a brutish, old-fashioned man she believes to be beneath her, and Al, a chauvinistic gentleman who's aloof enough to prioritize having a good time. So the anime presents a situation where Ranmaru is faced with two choices: the wife he doesn't love and that doesn't love him back, or the man who seems to fetishize the very traits his wife loathes, and that Ranmaru himself is proud of. It's obvious to see why it's called a "Love Affair".

2. Although there was non-con in the series, it was NOT between Al and Ranmaru. Not only did Ranmaru not stop or want to stop Al's advances (even when he wasn't drunk), but he plainly acknowledged it, his bemusement stemming primarily from cultural differences and his naivety with relationships. I won't go as far as to say that there's enthusiastic consent, but their relationship would better be classified as dubcon at least. That still might be a deal-killer to some.

Al, despite his gracefulness, is kinda scummy, but so is the whole cast. There is no development to be found here; there's only a string of tangentially-related one-night stands that clumsily guides the viewers to the grand finale. You'll be terribly disappointed if you expect anything more than what the title indicates. (Admittedly, there are things here and there to give the feel of 'the heart grows fonder apart', but that feels like a bit of a stretch.)

3. And, finally, keep in mind that this is the same creator of Viewfinder and Crimson Spell, the former of which was briefly animated. If you're expecting a well-rounded, tame, wholesome couple with no problems whatsoever, you won't find it with Yamane's works. Instead, try Given, Cherry Magic, Sasaki to Miyano, or any of the other BL series that are more suited for the times.

With that said, I personally have always enjoyed this (albeit with a few eye-turning caveats), especially as the smut was more daring then than it ever will be now, but I realize my opinion is a sorely unpopular one. Taking the larger audience into consideration, it's very likely that some viewers new to BL or searching for a mainstream-compatible series will not find enjoyment in Ikoku Irokoi, which is why I struggle to recommend it. That said, it doesn't erase the few charms the series does have, between its above-average animation and some lighthearted scenes here and there to soften the mood.

The reason why l gave the story a 4 is because there is no story. OMFG the whole thing is just basically sex. He gets married to a woman he doesn't love but bangs someone else not to mention the fact that he's MARRIED. Also, what was going on with Al???? Wasn't the first time rape? After the whole cruise thing, it is revealed that Al is the captain of the ship. Very convenient isn't it??? He just so happens to be in control of the ship. He waited until the main character (I can't even remember his name anymore) was drunk like wtf?????? Also, ... why was there a random getting lost scene?? Because it so happens that while he was walking down the road he came across Al. How convenient was that? Then proceeded sex again. Again the denial thing about not accepting Al's feelings which causes him to leave. Its like the main character can't do anything except depend on Al like what kind of character is this? Also, l love how his character is like macho since he is the head of the mafia and stuff but he acts the complete opposite. The kidnapping scene was even more of a disappointment. I ended up skipping the whole thing but from what l could tell at the end was that he got saved by Al and then sex! As for the ambiguous ending about staying together or some shit like that. Did he forget he was married???? Isn't this basically cheating???
The art was mediocre and the background just looked like blobs of colour. Not to mention the fact that all the other side characters were there to make Al look good. Infact the only person who had a personality that was somewhat real was probably the main character because Al was creepy as hell and l bet he didn't even like him. He just wants sex so how is that romance?!?!?! Was there even any sound because l don't remember that at all. MY God l hope no one watches this. Only recommended for those who are bored as hell and have nothing to do in their lives.