What Anime Taught Me About Love

Watching television is such a nice way to pass the time. And sometimes, the child in you calls for beautiful animated stories.

I give in to that calling a lot of times, not knowing that these programmes are filled with life lessons that we don’t expect to hear, but need to think about.

It’s strange how lessons are hidden in anime. It was actually on a cold Saturday evening that I decided to do a bit of exploring in search of a love story that was going to make me believe in love again. (Trust me, we all need a reminder sometimes). During this search, I stumbled upon a few incredible stories which each had something to teach me about love and I’m going to share them with you. I didn’t necessarily watch these shows in one go, but I discovered a list and they were there. So here it is:

A school girl and boy make friends from a very young age. They grow closer and closer every day, leading them to become each other’s first love. Told through the words of the boy who has grown into a man, he discusses the trials and tribulations of the relationship, especially after they are forced to separate because the girl has to move to another city so they communicate via letters.

The beautiful thing about love is that it can stand the test of time. It’s one of the pleasures in life that offers more happiness than you can think of. But sometimes you can get distracted and as you drift further and further apart, you’re forced to live a life that doesn’t quite feel complete.

I learnt that there’s really nothing like a first love and if you’re going to pursue it, do it with your all.

A young milliner feels that she’s not pretty enough, unlike her older sisters who are more vibrant than her. When she attends a festival, she stumbles upon a magician named Howl. He rescues her from creepy demon creatures. When she goes home, she’s confronted by an evil witch in her store and she is cursed to be a 90-year-old woman.

Journeying to find a way to break the curse, fate brings her upon Howl again and she finds herself taking care of him. But as she does, she falls for him at the same time, and so does he with her. Because of the war, he has to sacrifice much of himself to protect her and his friends too.

This beautiful movie shows that you don’t have to give the world to someone to show you care. Sometimes it’s in the simple acts you do that strengthen love. Also, love is a powerful driving force. Don’t neglect it.

‘Hotarubi no Mori e’

This is one of the most touching movies I have ever watched! In this short tale, a spirit finds a young girl crying in the forest. Although he watches over her, he is not allowed to touch humans otherwise he’ll disappear. However, she has to leave to go home, but returns every summer. And every time she comes back, she rushes to find him and they enjoy each other’s company. For years, this goes on and each time, they get closer. One day, he invites her to a spirit festival, their first date, but things don’t go as planned.

I was taught that once you have love, take advantage of it. Enjoy it. Because when it disappears, you’ll never be the same again.

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