In the majestic world of Yuu Watase's Fushigi Yuugi, romance is quite a popular topic. From the basics of love between the series' leads to the more complicated pairings throughout this multi-arc story, nothing is off-limits here. And considering that this franchise features some of the most beautiful of 90s anime individuals, it makes sense how many of them get together in a multitude of ways.
Now, with the 25th anniversary coming up, its time to celebrate this show in the loveliest of ways. Counting down to the cream of the crop (and avoiding the more awkward and brief couples), here's a look at the most famous of romantic pairings within Fushigi Yuugi, ranked for your fan-adoring pleasure!
10 Suboshi x Amiboshi
Oh, so you didn't think Fushigi Yuugi had a Game of Thrones-style sibling love? Guess again. Though it was never fully in-canon, there were quite a few winks towards the audience about the real "bond" between twins Suboshi and Amiboshi. Maybe it was their connection due to their magical abilities or their extreme closeness, but there was enough evidence to create one of the more devoted pairing fandoms within the franchise's history.
9 Nakago x Soi
From the outside, Nakago appears to as calculated an antagonist as they come. But when it comes to his involvement with Soi, Nakago's cruel mannerisms seem to melt away slowly. Having saved her at a young age, Soi is a devoted follower of this Seiryuu warrior, matching Nakago's tactical and intellectual ways.
They're the only people that understand one another, and their bond is so strong, it even passes through the realms of the afterlife.
8 Suboshi x Yui
When you talk about loyalty within the story of Fushigi Yuugi, perhaps the critical example of it is the relationship between Suboshi and Yui. Though known for his cruel ways, Suboshi would do anything and everything for the Priestess of Seiryuu. And by that, we mean Suboshi would go full Anakin Skywalker levels of revenge, especially to anyone related to Miaka. A bit creepy? Extremely. But hey, if you find that level of "affection" admirable in your anime boys, have fun.
7 Mitsukake x Shoka
Tall, calm, and stable, Mitsukake's is a man of few words. But there's one beauty who took his heart in a new direction and left a scar that (as cheesy as it sounds) has not so quickly healed. Shoka was that true love.
Though the details of their relationship aren't fully explored in the anime as much as they are in the light novels, the sad conclusion to their romance (Shoka's death from a high fever) is an event Mitsukake, nor the fandom will never forget.
6 Tetsuya x Yui
Sometimes love is born from the oddest of circumstance, like in the case of Tetsuya and Yui. He was the BFF to Miaka's brother, while she is teenage girl who also happens to be a priestess within a book. But it was while she was trapped within those fictional pages that Tetsuya developed feelings for him - proclaiming them once she returned to the real world. For being the only "basic" pair in the series, these two have an undeniable chemistry that fans loved. And considering the kind of trauma Yui went through while on her journey, this is the kind of genuine, down-to-earth affection she always deserved.
5 Nakago x Tamahome
Perhaps they aren't the most "traditionally romantic" of the pairs on this list, but it is hard to deny the delicious ridiculousness of Nakago and Tamahome. Both are the somewhat leaders of their band of godly warriors, they each want what is best for their respective priestesses, and they'll do whatever it takes to come out the victor against one other.
But it is the devotion within their rivalry for dominance over the other that is the spark in this pair - and with Nakago's weird flirtations in battle, it makes the tensions between these two even more enticing to watch.
4 Yui x Tamahome
Jealousy is a cruel mistress, especially when it creates a desire for affection. And when Yui started developing feelings for her BFF Miaka's true love, Tamahome, we knew it wasn't going to end well. But sometimes the most captivating of relationships within Fushigi Yuugi come from those "car crash" like scenarios - and seeing that Yui and Tamahome's romance was doomed from the start, it's hard not to turn away nor feel its dramatic repercussions. Still, we've all been in Yui's shoes - well, except for fabricating said love with a magic spell. That's just all sorts of wrong, y'all.
3 Nuriko x Hotohori
Sometimes your closest friend is also your most significant crush - and that's undoubtedly the fitting description for Nuriko and Hotohori. These beauties had instant chemistry when they met, making it seem like all their romantic boxes were checked during their initial meet-cute.
Well, except for Nuriko not being a woman, that is. Still, the flames of love within Nuriko's heart towards Hotohori would never burn out, making his unrequited love one of the most captivating elements within the tales of the Suzaku Seven.
2 Hotohori x Miaka
Right from the start of the show, it was quite clear that Hotohori had a thing for the Priestess of Suzaku. And with his long locks, handsome features, and royalty, how could she ever resist him? But Miaka's love was elsewhere, and it wasn't until she was at her lowest (and Tamahome was under an evil spell) that Hotohori displayed his true feelings for her. Of course, Miaka's heart would never be his, but there's no denying the brief passion between these two (and the fights that came from it) were among the most heartrending moments in the franchise.
1 Tamahome x Miaka
When it comes to famous anime couples, none of them get more cheesy and emotional than Tamahome and Miaka. Their romance is one for the ages - spanning multiple dramatic plot points, memory-loses, reincarnations - the list of insanity goes on and on. But no matter what the cost, these two are determined to keep their love alive. And regardless of how many times we've seen them at their most romantically ridiculous, fans still cheer for their happy ending and will do so for decades to come.