“My First Girlfriend Is a Gal” – A Playful Twist on High School Romance
When it comes to romantic comedy anime, few series lean into their humor and fanservice as boldly as My First Girlfriend Is a Gal (Hajimete no Gal). Released in 2017, the anime is based on the manga by Meguru Ueno and blends over-the-top comedy, awkward teenage romance, and social satire into one colorful package. While it may not reinvent the rom-com genre, it delivers exactly what it promises — a fun, lighthearted ride full of laughs and playful moments.
The Story
The anime follows Junichi Hashiba, a shy and somewhat unpopular high school student who’s desperate to lose his status as a virgin. After being pressured by his friends, Junichi works up the courage to confess to Yukana Yame, the beautiful and fashionable “gal” (a trendy, gyaru-style girl) in his class.
To his surprise, Yukana actually accepts his confession — but not for the reasons he expects. While Junichi assumes her outgoing, flirtatious nature means she’s way out of his league, Yukana shows depth, kindness, and sincerity that slowly change his perception of her.
From there, the series follows the ups and downs of their awkward but genuine relationship, with plenty of comedic misunderstandings, over-the-top fanservice, and hijinks from Junichi’s eccentric group of friends.
The Characters
Junichi Hashiba – The nervous protagonist who often gets himself into embarrassing situations.
Yukana Yame – The confident and stylish gal who becomes Junichi’s girlfriend, showing a sweet side behind her bold appearance.
Ranko Honjo – Yukana’s protective best friend, who doesn’t trust Junichi at first.
Nene Fujinoki – Junichi’s childhood friend, who also harbors feelings for him.
Yui Kashii – A classmate with a hidden “good girl” persona, adding more complications.
The dynamic between Junichi and Yukana is the heart of the show, but the supporting cast adds plenty of energy and comedic tension.
What Makes It Stand Out
My First Girlfriend Is a Gal sets itself apart with:
Bold comedy and fanservice – It doesn’t shy away from ecchi humor and awkward teen fantasies.
Subverting stereotypes – While Yukana looks like the stereotypical “gal,” she proves to be caring and genuine, challenging Junichi’s (and the audience’s) assumptions.
Relatable teenage awkwardness – At its core, it’s about first love, insecurity, and the fumbling nature of high school relationships.
Reception
The anime received mixed reviews. Some viewers enjoyed its unapologetic comedy, lively characters, and playful tone, while others criticized its heavy reliance on fan-service. Still, for fans of romantic comedies with a bit of spice, it found a niche audience and remains a memorable entry in the genre.
Conclusion
My First Girlfriend Is a Gal may not be the most profound romance anime, but it’s undeniably entertaining. Its combination of playful humor, exaggerated situations, and a surprisingly sweet central relationship make it a fun watch for fans of rom-coms who don’t mind a generous helping of fan-service along the way.
