20 Anime That Aired a Same-Sex Kiss Before 2005

Anime has a rich history of portraying different kinds of relationships, and it often showed same-sex intimacy earlier than Western cartoons. Starting in the 1980s and 1990s, anime series and original animated videos began including more obvious romantic moments between characters of the same sex. These moments varied, ranging from plot twists and chance meetings to heartfelt displays of affection. Here’s a list of twenty anime productions that featured a same-sex kiss before 2005.

‘Fight!! Iczer-One’ (1985)

This sci-fi anime short series centers on the close connection between Iczer-1, an alien android, and a girl named Nagisa. Together, they pilot a giant robot called Iczer-Robo to protect Earth from terrifying, Lovecraftian invaders. A key moment occurs when Iczer-1 kisses Nagisa, linking their minds and unlocking their full potential. This scene is frequently remembered as one of the first instances of romantic themes between girls in action anime.

‘Dirty Pair: Project Eden’ (1987)

The ‘Dirty Pair’ series centers around Kei and Yuri, two agents who travel the galaxy solving crimes and getting into trouble. In the opening scene of one film, they share a quick kiss, which many fans interpreted as confirmation of a romantic connection hinted at throughout the series. The film is still beloved today for its impressive animation and its distinctive 1980s style.

‘Kaze to Ki no Uta Sanctus: Sei Naru Kana’ (1987)

This animated series is based on a classic manga and tells the heartbreaking love story of Serge and Gilbert, two students at a French boarding school in the late 1800s. It deals with difficult topics like abuse and obsession, and was notable for its intimate portrayal of the relationship between the two main characters. Even today, it’s considered an important work in the history of boys’ love anime because of its serious and dramatic approach.

‘Zetsuai 1989’ (1992)

Okay, so this anime is… intense. It’s about a really famous rock star, Takuto, who becomes totally obsessed with a soccer player, Koji, after they meet. Honestly, it’s a bit of a rollercoaster – super emotional and dramatic. Takuto really goes after Koji, and it’s known for being a pretty controversial story because of how aggressively he pursues him. It doesn’t shy away from showing just how strong – both physically and emotionally – their connection is. It’s definitely not a light watch!

‘Ai no Kusabi’ (1992)

This anime series is set in a future society divided by hair color, where people are ranked into different classes. It follows Riki, a young man from the poor districts, and Iason, a member of the ruling elite, who becomes his caretaker. The story delves into the complicated relationship between them, examining themes of power, consent, and love. It’s known for its mature content and is considered a landmark work in the boys’ love genre.

‘Sailor Moon R: The Movie – The Promise of the Rose’ (1993)

The first ‘Sailor Moon’ movie features a villain named Fiore with a shared past and romantic feelings for Mamoru Chiba. She returns to Earth hoping to reconnect with him, but her obsessive love creates the central conflict. In a key scene, Fiore kisses Mamoru, transferring her life energy to him – a moment that echoes the loving connection between Mamoru and Usagi.

‘Blue Seed’ (1994)

This action-packed anime blends Japanese folklore with contemporary monster hunting. A key moment involves Kome Sawaguchi kissing the main character, Momiji Fujimiya, not as a romantic gesture, but to share life energy and save Momiji’s life. Despite the magical setting, this scene is notable for depicting a clear, on-screen kiss between two female characters in a widely-released anime series.

‘Kizuna’ (1994)

This anime OVA centers on the intense relationship between Ranmaru, the heir to a yakuza family, and his lover, Enjouji. It’s a blend of crime drama and romance, following the couple as they face danger and challenges to their bond. Known for its passionate and intimate moments, the story portrays a well-established and loving partnership. The anime is based on a popular manga from the 90s that was influential in shaping the boys’ love genre.

‘El-Hazard: The Magnificent World’ (1995)

This fantasy story follows Makoto and his friends after they’re suddenly transported to another world. A central figure is Princess Fatora, who is attracted to women and isn’t shy about it. She quickly kisses Alielle, who then becomes completely devoted to her. Throughout the story, Fatora playfully and persistently pursues romantic interests in other women, providing a humorous running joke.

‘Miyuki-chan in Wonderland’ (1995)

This short animated series, created by CLAMP, tells the story of Miyuki, a girl who finds herself traveling through bizarre and dreamlike worlds. In each new place, she’s met with immediate romantic attention from the women she encounters. The series is a funny and unconventional take on ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ with a focus on relationships between women, as Miyuki desperately tries to return home while being chased and kissed by her admirers.

‘Revolutionary Girl Utena’ (1997)

This artful series reimagines classic fairy tales through the story of Utena Tenjou and Anthy Himemiya, known as the Rose Bride. While the original TV show hints at a deep connection between them through symbolism, the 1999 film, ‘Adolescence of Utena,’ shows them sharing a beautiful and powerful kiss. Their relationship is central to the story and questions traditional ideas about love and relationships. This kiss in the movie clearly establishes the romantic feelings between them.

‘Strange Love’ (1997)

This brief TV series centers on the blossoming relationship between two high school girls, Chizuru and Azumi. While Chizuru first tries to control Azumi, she eventually falls in love with her. The show features their romance and includes several kiss scenes. It’s notable as one of the first depictions of a lesbian relationship in a school setting that doesn’t rely on fantasy elements.

‘Devil Lady’ (1998)

I’m completely captivated by this ‘Devilman’ series – it’s so much more intense and realistic than other entries! It follows Jun Fudo, and watching her fight these terrifying monsters while struggling with her own demonic transformation is just incredible. What really got to me, though, was her connection with Kazumi. Kazumi clearly adored Jun, and their relationship felt so tender and heartbreaking, especially with those intimate moments they shared. It’s a really powerful story, and I think it uses their bond to ask some really interesting questions about what it means to be human, and what defines a monster.

‘Fake’ (1996)

This animated short features detectives Dee Laytner and Ryo Maclean, partners in the San Francisco Police Department, as they solve cases together. Dee has strong feelings for Ryo and often flirts with him while they’re working. The story blends action, mystery, and a blossoming romance, ultimately leading to a heartfelt kiss that resolves the tension built up throughout the series.

‘Steel Angel Kurumi’ (1999)

Okay, so this anime is a fun sci-fi ride with a really unique twist! It’s all about these androids called Steel Angels, and the way they ‘turn on’ is… through a kiss! The main guy, Nakahito, accidentally activates one named Kurumi, but then things get interesting. Another Steel Angel, Saki, is activated by another girl – which basically opens the door for same-sex relationships in the show. It’s not just a gimmick either; this activation mechanic really drives the whole dynamic between the androids, creating some cool relationships and rivalries. It’s definitely a key part of what makes the series tick!

‘Gravitation’ (2000)

‘Gravitation’ is a romantic series about a vibrant singer named Shuichi Shindou and his complicated relationship with a novelist, Eiri Yuki. The show explores their personal battles with fame and past hurts, as well as their dedication to each other. It’s known for featuring several intimate moments between the two main characters as they experience the ups and downs of the entertainment world, and it’s considered a key show that introduced many international viewers to the boys’ love genre.

‘Descendants of Darkness’ (2000)

This gothic fantasy series follows detectives who investigate cases involving the undead while working for the Ministry of Hades. The main character, Tsuzuki Asato, becomes the target of Dr. Muraki, a villain who develops a dangerous obsession with him. Muraki repeatedly violates Tsuzuki’s boundaries, even forcing a kiss on him as a way to assert power. The story combines dark fantasy with the unsettling tension of this unwanted and forceful romantic attention.

‘Yamibo – Darkness, the Hat, and the Travelers of the Books’ (2003)

This story centers on Hazuki, who journeys through different worlds found within books, searching for her lost sister and girlfriend, Hatsumi. Hazuki is deeply in love with Hatsumi and consistently turns down other potential partners. The series includes romantic moments between the two women and examines different types of lesbian relationships as they travel. It’s notable for portraying Hazuki’s dedication with sincerity and emotional depth.

‘Destiny of the Shrine Maiden’ (2004)

Himeko and Chikane are reborn as priestesses originally meant to battle a powerful evil called Orochi. Chikane secretly loves Himeko deeply, and this hidden affection creates a lot of the story’s drama. The series is well-known for its emotionally powerful storytelling, including a particularly memorable and sad kiss between the two characters. It’s considered a hugely important work in the yuri genre because it uniquely blends giant robot action with a tragic love story.

‘Kyo Kara Maoh!’ (2004)

Yuuri Shibuya, a high school student, suddenly finds himself in a fantasy world and unexpectedly becomes the Demon King. Soon after arriving, a cultural misunderstanding leads him to accidentally propose to Wolfram von Bielefeld, a nobleman – in this world, a slap is considered a proposal! Wolfram accepts the engagement seriously, and their betrothal is sealed with a kiss. Throughout the series, their relationship provides both humorous moments and opportunities for both characters to develop and grow.

2025-12-31 17:17