Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Since its debut,My Dress Up Darlingquickly became a hit in the anime world with its heartfelt portrayal of cosplay, friendship, and blossoming romance between its two leads. Marin Kitagawa and Wakana Gojo’s growing relationship, grounded in their shared passion for artistry and craftsmanship, has captivated fans for its refreshing take on young love and self-expression.
However, many early viewers and readers dismissedMy Dress Up Darlingassuming the series was little more than a typical romantic comedy with a lot of focus on fanservice. Even the anime director, Keisuke Shinohara is no exception to this. The misconceptions surrounding the series’ theme could have almost ruined the anime adaptation of this popular manga.
Keisuke Shinohara’s Early Impression ofMy Dress-Up Darling
Many viewers often labelMy Dress Up Darlingas a superficial romantic comedy targeted towards a male audience. The assumption is based on Marin’s character design and her enthusiastic cosplaying, which involves dressing up in sometimes revealing outfits. These elements were emphasized in early trailers and marketing purposes, which gave rise to the misconception that the show was just fanservice-heavy and lacking in emotional depth.
Even Keisuke Shinohara has admitted that he had a similar perception towards the manga initially. In an interview withFebriin 2022, Shinohara revealed that he thoughtMy Dress Up Darlingto be a typical romance manga featuring a male gaze, stating,
Honestly when I first started reading it, I thought it was just eye-candy for guys.
There is indeed some truth to this misconception. Marin’s bold personality, often seenin provocative cosplay, did attract attention from fans who appreciated the fanservice elements.
My Dress-Up Darling Could Not Escape the Same Controversy that Haunted Robert Downey Jr. in Tropic Thunder
However, these elements were only a small part of a much deeper storytelling. Marin’s cosplay isn’t just for show — it’s a representation of her identity and passion, displaying her love for fandom culture and her desire to express herself in creative ways.
Keisuke Shinohara Realization ofMy Dress-Up Darling‘s Depth
Despite finding the series somewhat shallow at first glance, Shinohara’s mind changed when he continued reading the story. He realizedthere’s more toMy Dress UpDarlingthan simply being a cliché romantic story targeted towards men. He acknowledged that the series could have easily fallen into this trap of being seen as superficial, had he not recognized the heart behind the story.
As I continued to read the story, I saw how earnestly Marin and Wakana approached cosplay, and I realized the appeal of the dramatic aspects, like how the two grew as characters. In volume two, there’s a scene where Wakana is crying as he makes a costume. I remember empathizing with him a lot, as at the time the work was really overwhelming, and it felt like we had synced up.
He emphasized that the characters’ awkwardness and sincerity in navigating their emotions are what makeMy Dress Up Darlinga truly heartfelt series. One of the key moments that struck Shinohara when reading the manga was how the story shifted from Wakana’s perspective to include Marin’s inner thoughts once she realized her feelings for him.
This dual perspective gave the story its emotional depth and made it stand out in a genre often dominated by the male protagonist’s point of view. Moreover, one of the central themes ofMy Dress Up Darlingis cosplay as a form of self-expression. Wakana’s craftsmanship, traditionally focused on hina dolls, finds new life in Marin’s cosplay projects. Through their collaboration, both characters learn more about themselves and each other.
“Protagonist that isn’t there just to be with the girl”: My Dress-Up Darling’s Fan Service Overshadows a Major Element of Why the Series is So Good
Had the anime leaned into the perception that it was simply fanservice, it would have alienated a large portion of its potential audience. DirectorKeisuke Shinohara’s understanding of the manga’s deeper themes saved the adaptation from being a superficial romance. Shinohara made sure that the series revolved around the mutually admiring and respectful relationship between Wakana and Marin, rather than emphasizing the more lewd parts of cosplay.
My Dress-Up Darlingis currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :931
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
