The first episode of "Lovely Complex" introduces us to Risa Koizumi, a 16-year-old high school student who is 158cm tall, which is considerably taller than the average Japanese female. Risa has always been self-conscious about her height, feeling like she doesn't quite fit in with her peers. She is often stared at and made fun of by her classmates, which has led to her developing a bit of a complex about her height.
Instead of disaster, this separation highlights their natural chemistry. They share an identical, hyperactive sense of humor. They function seamlessly as a unit, proving they are completely compatible, even if they refuse to admit it. ⚡ Why the Comedy and Chemistry Work The Power of Kansai-ben
The plot of the first episode centers on their desperate quest to find romance before the school year progresses. Risa has a crush on a tall boy from another class, while Otani is interested in a cute, petite girl. In a classic "enemy of my enemy is my friend" move, the two form a shaky alliance to help each other secure their respective crushes. Lovely Complex Episode 1
Look at the , especially the iconic opening themes by Kanjani8.
Directors constantly place Risa and Otani side-by-side in wide shots. This forces the viewer to confront the height gap, turning their physical contrast into a running visual punchline. 🏆 The Verdict: A Masterclass in First Episodes The first episode of "Lovely Complex" introduces us
As Risa and Atsushi continue to cross paths, they develop an unlikely friendship. Atsushi is fascinated by Risa's height and encourages her to join the school's basketball team, where her height could be an asset. Risa, on the other hand, is hesitant to get involved with the team, fearing that she'll be ridiculed and ostracized by her teammates.
"The Height of Love! (Upperclassman Atsushi-kun's Big Brother is My Type!?)" The title already sets up the show’s signature: exaggerated comedy + romance + the height gag. ⚡ Why the Comedy and Chemistry Work The
The episode starts in media res with Risa imagining a dreamy romantic moment with her crush, .
Episode 1 wastes no time establishing the physical and emotional realities of being "abnormal" in a society that values conformity. We open on Koizumi waking up to her mother shouting about a growth spurt. Meanwhile, Otani is trying to reach a book on a high shelf at school, failing miserably until Koizumi casually grabs it for him. From the first five minutes, the show establishes a "boke and tsukkomi" (funny man and straight man) dynamic that feels organic rather than forced.
The premise of Lovely Complex is deceptively simple, yet ground-breaking for its era. Risa Koizumi is a 17-year-old high school girl standing at 172 cm (roughly 5’8”). Atsushi Otani is a 17-year-old high school boy standing at 156 cm (roughly 5’1”). On paper, they are a statistical anomaly. In reality, they are a comedy duo trapped inside a romance manga.