Ask John: What are Some of Anime’s Most Interesting Platonic Relationships?

Question:
My interest was piqued as of late by platonic character relationships in Japanese animation, and I’m curious if you could dissect a few productive, hallmark, intriguing, or even deceptive examples. Some qualification is necessary: very strong character relationships (usually different genders, though this isn’t always the case), neither romantic or sexual (“…without physical desire”; Collins English Dictionary), which are still intensely devotional. In effect, a relationship that is seriously thoughtful, if not obligatory in admiration where romance might exist, but logically does not/cannot.

Answer:
The concept of the intimately devoted interpersonal relationship that excludes romance is an intriguing one because it’s dramatic and adds nuance and narrative complexity without being cliche. The 1980s Hong Kong action films of John Woo, Tsui Hark, Johnny To, and other directors depicted this concept in the form of the chivalric bond between men. Japanese anime doesn’t have such a central and identifiable exhibition; the concept is more diversely rendered in anime. Identifying some of the most unique and interesting platonic relationships in anime requires precisely establishing criteria for inclusion and exclusion. The relationship between Ah! My Goddess’ Keichi and Belldandy, for example, doesn’t count because it’s a sexless romance, not a platonic friendship. Nami has known Lufy the longest among the primary One Piece cast; she’s passionately loyal to him, and he has waged his life on her behalf on numerous occasions. But the relationship between Nami and Lufy still can’t be strictly considered an interesting platonic one because Lufy has a preadolescent mind. His relationship with Nami doesn’t consciously exclude romance. Lufy just never conceives of romance at all. The most intriguing platonic relationship is one in which romance would naturally occur but doesn’t. For that same reason, the long and very close relationship between Galaxy Express 999’s Maetal and Tetsuro doesn’t count because Maetel is more of a mother figure to Tetsuro than a lover.

However, I am reminded of Captain Harlock and Mime. The two are constantly together. Harlock has an unspoken implicit trust in Mime, and Mime is completely devoted to Harlock and serves as a sort of sounding board for his ethics. Despite having a relationship deeper and more intense than words, the romantic relationship tha seems natural to develop between the two never does. They support each other emotionally and morally, but they don’t love each other in the common romantic sense. This relationship substantiates the thematic depth of the series. Harlock is the eternal loner; the solitary captain married to his principles and supported by a respectful crew willing to follow him literally to the ends of the universe.

Female sports coaches aren’t entirely unusual in anime. See Innachu Ping Pong Club and Okiku Furikabutte for example. But the 1992 Nozomi Witches OVA series is unique in the respect that it depicts a female coach who manages a single athlete, not a team. Nozomi is entirely obsessed with the idea of developing Ryotaro into a champion boxer. Despite the situation being optimal for a romance to develop, one doesn’t because Nozomi sees Ryotaro strictly as embodied potential, and Ryotaro sees Nozomi as a mysterious natural force. The two compliment each other and work well together, but thoughts of romance never seem to occur to either of them. The effect is an interesting dramatic narrative that simultaneously adheres to and opposes convention.

Especially the original 2004 Pretty Cure television series, before it introduced a third wheel, er, protagonist, in its second season, has been widely recognized as including clear hints that the devoted friendship between girls Nagisa and Honoka may have underlying romantic affection that neither girl is consciously aware of. That suggestion made the series especially intriguing for viewers because it provided explanation for why the two girls’ relationship was able to deepen and strengthen to an emotional commitment exceptional between anime characters. Episode 42 is especially well known for illustrating a connection between the two girls that seems even more passionate and devoted than ordinary love. Particularly in episode 42, Nagisa and Honoka seem like they literally cannot live without each other; they seem like two halves of a single whole although their relationship isn’t evidently romantic. These two girls simply feel more concern and loyalty to each other than they feel even for themselves.

The relationship between Balsa and Tanda in Seirei no Moribito is fascinating because it’s handled in such a realistic and adult manner. Tanda is attracted to Balsa, and Balsa may have some romantic inclination toward Tanda, but they both know that a relationship between the two of them, at that time in their lives, wouldn’t work out. So Tanda subverts his attraction, and Balsa strictly avoids taking advantage of it. Through an unspoken but mutually recognized agreement, they remain trusted friends and nothing more. That degree of adult maturity characterizes the entire anime series and makes it very unique and interesting to watch.

The relationship between Kazuki Fuse and Kei Amemiya in the 1999 Jin-Roh movie is a narratively complex and fascinating one because it’s a relationship in which falling in love itself is the conflict. There’s always some degree of uncertainty about the authenticity of Amemiya’s affections. Right up to the film’s last moments there’s uncertainty about whether or not Fuse will acquiesce to love. Throughout the movie there’s a constant uncertainty if the couple’s actions are motivated by affection, duty, or selfishness. Does Fuse protect Amemiya because he loves her, because it’s his job, or because doing so makes him feel like he’s exhibiting human compassion? Does Amemiya stay with Fuse because she loves him, because she’s trying to manipulate him, or because see sees him as her means of escape? The nuanced complexity of this relationship and all the factors that affect it make it especially interesting and compelling.

A few platonic relationships are intriguing because of uncertainty that they are actually platonic. The Suzumiya Haruhi anime implies that Haruhi might have some subconscious attraction toward Kyon, and the first anime series suggests that Kyon may not be quite as disinterested in Haruhi has he claims. That tentative uncertainty keeps viewers intrigued. Similarly, City Hunter’s Ryo Saeba is overtly a partner and big brother figure for Kaori Makimura, but the relationship is always intriguing because there’s always a smouldering potential that their relationship could develop into mutual love. The possibility is an ever present cliffhanger that keeps viewers guessing.

Romance anime are common, and numerous romantic anime are very good. But certain anime, like those mentioned above, are uniquely fascinating because they depict relationships that are just as passionate without relying on the convention of love. In fact, many of these platonic relationships are more devoted, more unbreakable, than romantic relationships that are vulnerable to time and circumstance. Some of these relationships are ultimate, unshakable ones, and their depth and commitment make them gratifying to watch. Others mentioned are interesting because of their unpredictable complexity. Their uncertainty keeps viewers in suspense, and keeps the anime compelling. Exceptionally strong platonic relationships are interesting to behold because they suggest a permanence and indomitable strength that viewers find interesting, satisfying, and rewarding.