“Boarding School Juliet” — A Masterpiece of Classic and Pure Love in a Forbidden Romance

Boarding School Juliet is a romantic comedy anime based on the manga by Yousuke Kaneda, which aired in 2018.
Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the series tells the story of two rival dorm leaders from opposing nations who fall in love—yet must keep their relationship a secret from everyone around them.

The charm of this series lies in its thrilling secrecy and emotional contrast: while the two clash fiercely as leaders of rival factions, they share tender, heart-melting moments when alone. With rival students, loyal friends, and mischievous troublemakers constantly stirring things up, the couple’s secret love is always on the brink of exposure.

Through Inuzuka’s unwavering devotion and Persia’s strength and kindness, Boarding School Juliet delivers a perfect balance of comedy, tension, and heartfelt romance.

“This love must remain a secret.”

On an isolated island stands the prestigious Dahlia Academy Boarding School, home to students from two feuding nations: the Nation of Touwa and the Principality of West. Their conflict runs deep, and battles between the dorms are an everyday occurrence.

Amid this rivalry, Romio Inuzuka, leader of the first-year students from Touwa House, harbors a forbidden love for Juliet Persia, leader of the first-year students from West House. Against all odds, he confesses his feelings—and to his surprise, she feels the same.

Thus begins their secret romance, hidden from the entire academy.
No matter what happens—no one can ever find out!

Originally serialized in Bessatsu Shonen Magazine, the series became a breakout hit, later moving to Weekly Shonen Magazine due to overwhelming popularity. The manga has sold over 2.2 million copies across its first eleven volumes.

The anime adaptation was produced by Liden Films, known for Love and Lies and The Heroic Legend of Arslan. Directed by Seiki Takuno (Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches, Love and Lies), with series composition by Takaou Yoshioka (Your Lie in April, The Seven Deadly Sins: Revival of The Commandments), and music by Masaru Yokoyama, the series brings together an all-star creative team.

Let the secret boarding school love story begin!

Set in an elite boarding school divided by two rival nations, Boarding School Juliet tells the story of a boy and a girl whose love must remain a secret. The premise recalls Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, yet the tone here is far from tragedy. Instead, it’s a story filled with warmth, humor, and hope — a tale where love doesn’t destroy but redeems.

At first glance, the anime seems like a standard romantic comedy: energetic boy meets beautiful girl, and secret romance ensues. But as the episodes unfold, the sincerity of its emotions becomes disarmingly powerful. The series doesn’t rely on gimmicks or melodrama; instead, it celebrates honesty, courage, and the beauty of love that dares to exist against all odds.

The story takes place at Dahlia Academy, an isolated school where students from two warring nations — the “Black Dogs” of the Eastern Nation and the “White Cats” of the West — coexist in constant rivalry. Among them, Romio Inuzuka, leader of the Black Dogs, secretly falls in love with Juliet Persia, the proud and graceful leader of the White Cats.

Despite being sworn enemies, Romio confesses his feelings with unflinching honesty. Against all logic, Juliet accepts. From that moment, their secret love begins — fragile, dangerous, but profoundly pure. Juliet’s composure and dignity contrast beautifully with Romio’s hot-blooded sincerity. Their chemistry feels genuine, and their relationship embodies the idea that love, at its core, is a brave act of defiance.

Voiced by the ever-graceful Ai Kayano, Juliet’s emotions — her pride, her gentleness, her quiet vulnerability — are portrayed with breathtaking subtlety. The result is a heroine so alive, so human, that one cannot help but root for her happiness.

While the story centers on Romio and Juliet, the supporting cast adds emotional depth and complexity. Romio’s childhood friend, Hasuki Komai, voiced by Ayane Sakura, represents the quiet strength of unrequited love. Intelligent, reliable, and always by Romio’s side, Hasuki hides her feelings behind her cheerful demeanor, supporting him even when it breaks her heart. Her selflessness brings a quiet maturity that elevates the entire narrative.

Other characters — Princess Charlette, Kochou Wang, and Teria Wang — add color and energy to the world of Dahlia Academy, each reflecting different shades of friendship, rivalry, and affection. Together, they create a vibrant portrait of youth where love and duty constantly collide.

Visually, the series shines. The art design is refined and classical, focusing on expressive faces and gestures rather than flash. Every smile, glance, and blush feels intentional, making the viewer feel the characters’ emotional heartbeat.

Boarding School Juliet takes the bones of Shakespeare’s tragedy and transforms them into a story of growth and redemption. Here, love doesn’t end in sorrow — it sparks change. Through their secret relationship, Romio and Juliet not only challenge their own beliefs but also begin to bridge the divide between their people. Love becomes the catalyst for transformation.

The music supports this beautifully. The opening theme, Love with You by fripSide, bursts with energy and emotion, while the ending theme, Until the World Changes Someday by Riho Iida, gently closes each episode with warmth and reflection.

Though the anime spans only twelve episodes, it leaves a strong impression. It reminds us that love — even when hidden — has the power to move hearts, to heal, and to bring light where once there was only conflict.

Boarding School Juliet is a love story stripped of cynicism. It’s not about spectacle but sincerity — about two people who choose to love despite the world’s disapproval.
Romio’s reckless courage and Juliet’s quiet determination create a romance that feels timeless, like a melody you’ve heard long ago but never forgotten.

In an age where many romances rely on irony or detachment, Boarding School Juliet stands as a refreshing return to the essence of love: honesty, warmth, and the belief that love can indeed change the world.

• Romio Inuzuka — Voiced by Yuuki Ono
• Juliet Persia — Voiced by Ai Kayano
• Hasuki Komai — Voiced by Ayane Sakura
• Airu Inuzuka — Voiced by Daisuke Ono
• Kochou Wang — Voiced by Rina Hidaka
• Teria Wang — Voiced by Yui Ogura
• Chizuru Maru — Voiced by Tomokazu Sugita

• Original Work: Yousuke Kaneda
• Director: Seiki Takuno
• Series Composition: Takao Yoshioka
• Character Design: Yuki Morimoto
• Music: Masaru Yokoyama
• Animation Studio: LIDEN FILMS

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