Shojo anime and manga are filled with romantic couples and pairings. However, not all couples in these stories are realistic. Sometimes, these couples are shoved together by the narrative. Other times, the two people are in incredibly unhealthy and toxic relationships that would never work in real life.
However, there are couples in shojo that do work. These couplings have well-written characters who understand and respect their partner and their needs. They are also incredibly healthy, which is usually something for the audience to want to strive for. Their relationships are inspiring and incredibly realistic. If these shojo couples existed in real life, they would most certainly make it.
10 Haruhi & Tamaki Balance Each Other Out
Ouran High School Host Club
Haruhi Fujioka and Tamaki Suoh from Ouran High School Host Club are a bit of a silly couple. Where Haruhi is understated, Tamaki is over the top. Their personalities couldn't be more different.
This difference in personality is exactly why they would work in real life. Haruhi's more sensible personality helps balance out Tamaki's eccentricities. In the same way, Tamaki's child-like idealism helps Haruhi take time to have fun. These two are incredibly good and healthy for each other and would definitely stay together in the real world.
9 Kyo & Tohru Have A Good Foundation
Fruits Basket
Kyo Sohma and Tohru Honda have a bond built on mutual respect and love. Their relationship is portrayed incredibly realistically in Fruits Basket, despite the more fantastical elements of the show.
Though Kyo started out as isolated and very rough around the edges, he didn't stay that way. He took time to grow and to be kinder toward Tohru and others. Tohru herself also grew in confidence thanks in no small part to Kyo. They make each other stronger and have a very good foundation. These two would definitely make it in the real world.
8 Haruka & Michiru Are Devoted To One Another
Sailor Moon
Haruka and Michiru from Sailor Moon show great devotion toward each other. As Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune, they are often partnered together, fighting for good and for each other. As one of the few queer couples in media of the time, these two show a very healthy romantic dynamic.
Haruka and Michiru's devotion to one another is admirable and is a trait that would serve them well in the real world. Their dynamic is well-developed, and they treat each other with love and respect. They are both willing to sacrifice for each other and devote themselves wholeheartedly.
7 Sasaki & Miyano Bond Over A Mutual Hobby
Sasaki and Miyano
Sasaki and Miyano tells a very grounded love story about the titular characters, Sasaki and Miyano. Their bond started out simply from sharing BL manga. From that small interaction bloomed a very sweet romance between the two, though it took a while for either of them to realize it.
Sasaki and Miyano's relationship started from a common interest, as most relationships do. They are both very kind and respectful toward each other, and Sasaki is always open to honest communication. Miyano, likewise, is honest about his feelings, even when he's still figuring things out.
6 Ash & Eiji Could Make It Work In Another Life
Banana Fish
Ash and Eiji from Banana Fish did not get to have a happy ending in their story. However, in the real world, it's clear they would have made it. Both men hold respect for each other and have a very special bond.
In another life, with no threats of violence or pain, the two would have been wonderful together. Eiji was always there for Ash, and Ash was devoted to Eiji in a way that was truly admirable. For many fans, it is nice to imagine a world where they don't have to worry about gang wars and government conspiracies.
5 Hirano & Kagiura Were Roommates
Hirano and Kagiura
Hirano and Kagiura from the manga series of the same name started out as roommates and became something more. Their interactions are built on a sense of mutual pining and affection. Their dynamic is very sweet, especially when juxtaposed with Hirano's normally rough persona.
While sometimes the characters get jealous and have miscommunications, their friendship and budding relationship stay mostly healthy. Like many real life-couples, Hirano and Kagiura have to work through some rough patches to make it to the other side. Luckily for them, they both have what it takes.
4 Ichigo & Aoyama Are A Wholesome Couple
Ichigo and Aoyama from Tokyo Mew Mew have a very sweet high school relationship. Ichigo may be a ball of nervousness around Aoyama, but it's clear Aoyama likes her in spite of this. Ichigo is sassy and sweet and opinionated, while Aoyama is gentle and understanding.
While the fantastical magical girl premise of the show might keep them apart, in the real world, they'd have a very sweet and wholesome relationship. The two are incredibly affectionate with one another, and it's clear they care about each other deeply.
3 Yuki & Machi Understand Each Other
Fruits Basket
Yuki and Machi from Fruits Basket understand each other and have formed a bond many people could only dream of. Over the course of the series, their relationship grew naturally from their shared interactions and through getting to know each other.
Both Machi and Yuki have their own traumas they're facing behind the scenes, and though neither says it out loud, both are able to understand and help each other. Together, they make each other better. This dynamic of understanding each other and respecting each other is a very important thing to have in a relationship.
2 Utena & Anthe Came Together Despite The Odds
Revolutionary Girl Utena
Revolutionary Girl Utena is an incredibly surreal series. As such, the two characters, Utena and Anthe, are connected together in very strange ways. Utena's desire to become a prince forces her to take Anthe as a bride, regardless of either of their wants.
However, despite the strange circumstances that brought them together, they do become friends, and later lovers, thanks to their strong bond. Though their meeting doesn't reflect real-life circumstances, their bond certainly does. Despite all the series throws at them, they are a strong couple that would work even in the real world.
1 Mitsuha & Taki Have A Strong Bond
Your Name
Mitsuha and Taki from Your Name may have met under strange circumstances, but the love that developed between them was incredibly real. Despite being divided by time and place, the two were able to form a strong bond after literally living in one another's shoes.
While the catalyst of their relationship may have been due to supernatural forces, it is clear that even without this, the two would have gotten along well. The film even makes a point of this in the final few moments. Even if they don't remember what happened, their love for each other can rekindle.