Now that I have finished all the anime for this year, it’s time to focus on some of the notable Yuri pairings of this year. Compared to previous years, this list will be a bit smaller given how late it is, and there are not many yuri-genre shows that aired this year.
As expected, there is no specific order.
Utena and Kiwi – Mahou Shoujo ni Akogarete
Sure, Utena looks up to Azure the most, but we know the real pairing is Utena and Kiwi. Sure, Kiwi initially went against Utena, but after she gave her a nice shock, Kiwi fell in love with Utena. Yes, they even go on a date, along with her desire to take her to a love hotel, which is a running gag. Then again, it’s unsurprising that Utena saves her until she shows her true strength, facing off against Gigant to get what she wants: a night stay at a love hotel. Still, I think they are a cute pairing.
Himari and Yori – Sasayaku You ni Koi o Utau
Perhaps it is the purest of Yuri pairings so far, with not as much conflict. Sure, Himari fell in love at first sight. While Yori loves Himari romantically, Himari loves her music, but it takes a while for Himari to figure out what love means to her so she can fall in love with Himari. Still, there are plenty of cute moments between them. These moments and more make them look like the perfect pairing.
Aki and Shiho – Sasayaku You ni Koi o Utau
The relationship between Shiho and Aki is a bit complicated. Shiho has a fear of falling out with someone after Kyou, a childhood friend who eventually passed away, beat her in terms of violin skills. Shiho was about to give up on music until Kyou’s desire to play guitar. She ultimately joins Aki’s band, thinking she will leave, but enjoys playing music. However, she fears losing to Yori since Aki has a crush on her despite Shiho having a crush on Aki.
Thankfully, it’s nice to see Aki finally realize Shiho’s feelings after Himari worked to bring them back together, which allowed Aki to perform that song and give that monologue. Sure, Aki’s band lost, but at least she is back with Shiho and giving a nice kiss.
Mahiru and Kano – Yoru no Kurage wa Oyogenai
Another cute pairing is that Mahiru helps Kano by being the artist for Jelee. Of course, there are many cute moments when Kano kisses Mahiru on the cheeks and goes to an aquarium with her. Kano even goes so far as to get a motorcycle license to have Mahiru ride with her. Of course, Mahiru is taking on her mother’s offer so Kano can perform and realize the performance she wants to give her fans.
Yumiko and Chika – Seiyuu Radio no Uraomote
Sure, Yumiko and Chika are complete opposites in terms of personalities and interests, as they have to do a radio show together. The funny thing is that saying the opposite attracts people as they eventually help each other when they need help. Of course, there are a lot of lovely moments, and Yumiko has feelings for Chika and vice versa.
Misaki and Live – Mayonaka Punch
This pairing is pretty much a given that Misaki, as a child, saved Live when she wanted to go outside during the daytime. Misaki, when she was a kindergartener, offered Live her blood before she threw Live away after realizing how much it hurt. Of course, Live went into a slumber for 20 years until she saw a woman she was attracted to because of her blood.
Of course, Misaki came to the manor to make videos in a bid, so if Live achieved the goal of 1 million followers, she could have her blood. Of course, Live’s and Misaki’s relationship develops as Live desires to learn how to edit videos. She even puts on an elaborate prank so Misaki will appear in the video. Still, I think they are a fun pairing.
Awayuki and Mashiro – VTuber nanda ga Haishin Kiri Wasuretara Densetsu ni Natteta
Awayuki has quite a bit of a harem. Sure, Soma Alice has a massive obsession with Awayuki, leading her to obsess over her. Sure, many members from the older, current, and newer generations want a piece of Awayuki, but Mashiro comes on top.
After all, there were a lot of cute moments between Awayuki and Mashiro, especially when she came over to Awayuki’s apartment and even slept in the same bed. Mashiro also designed Awayuki and Shuwa, so they are pretty fitting.
Chizuko and Kaju/Berry Blossom – Acro Trip
Like Utena, Chizuko developed a huge crush on Berry Blossom after she fought against the incompetent Chrome. Interestingly, she works with the evil side, maybe against her will. Of course, she did it to see some great fights against Berry Blossom and Chrome. Of course, there are a lot of cute moments with Chizuko gushing over Berry Blossom while smelling her, sleeping in the futon Berry Blossom sleeps in and watching her eat a parfait. It’s a sight to see.
In my opinion, these are the notable pairings for this year. Sure, this list is smaller compared to last year, but hopefully, it will be a bit bigger next year. Also, share your favorite yuri pairings from this year in the comments.
If you want to see the list of yuri pairings from 2023, you can read it here.
@chikorita157 I just noticed that I haven't finished Acro Trip yet!