Review of Medaka Kuroiwa is Impervious to My Charms

Admittedly, Medaka Kuroiwa is Impervious to My Charms brings a unique twist to the rom-com genre. However, that twist quickly loses its appeal and feels like it’s thrown into the garbage, left to the curbside. The premise centers on Medaka, a monk who perpetually resists the advances of Mona, staying true to his monastic nature. Unfortunately, this resistance is where the concept stalls—there’s no depth to his character beyond constantly pushing Mona away. The show fails to explore how Medaka became a monk or what being a monk even entails, making the central twist repetitive and shallow. In contrast, Mona has a bit more substance. She’sportrayed as a slightly narcissistic girl obsessed with how others perceive her personality, which adds some flavor to her role. Still, the anime leans heavily on fanservice, seemingly as a crutch to compensate for lackluster writing.

Despite my initial urge to dislike it, I found I could switch off my brain—like a monk—and push through. The supporting cast doesn’t help much, with most characters being forgettable. The exceptions are Asahi and Tomo, who manage to prop up the plot somewhat. Without them, the show would be an even bigger mess than it already is.

On a positive note, the character designs stand out as a highlight. They’re unique and visually appealing, especially Mona’s vibrant look, which perfectly matches her personality. While Medaka Kuroiwa is Impervious to My Charms isn’t unwatchable, it’s ultimately forgettable—a cute, fleeting distraction from reality at best.