“Pseudo Harem” Review | A Pure Love Comedy Disguised as a Harem, Highlighting Saori Hayami’s Voice Acting Range

Pseudo Harem is a romantic comedy manga by Yu Saito that is set to receive an anime adaptation in 2025. The story takes place in a high school drama club.

What makes this series so charming is its unique premise: a single heroine plays multiple roles, creating a “pseudo harem” all by herself. By making full use of the drama club setting, the story unfolds with sweet, comedic interactions between a tsundere underclassman and her dense upperclassman who remains oblivious to her true feelings.

One heroine. But… a harem?!

Eiji Kitahama, a drama club senior who secretly dreams of living out a harem-like scenario straight out of a manga, finds himself at the center of a curious relationship with his junior, Rin Nakakura.

Whenever Rin is around the senior she secretly loves, she can’t help but slip into different “characters.” A cheeky little devil, a clingy sweetheart, a cool beauty, a gentle lady—her repertoire grows and grows, but so do her uncontrollable feelings for him.

Will Rin ever be able to drop the act and confess her feelings to the somewhat goofy, completely oblivious Eiji?

At first glance, Pseudo Harem may sound like just another harem anime. But beneath its title lies a unique story of pure romance. The series centers on the relationship between Eiji Kitahama, a drama club senior, and Rin Nakakura, a first-year who playfully acts out various archetypes—cool beauty, tsundere, spoiled girl, and more—turning their daily interactions into what feels like a “pseudo-harem.”

The true highlight, however, is Saori Hayami’s impressive vocal range as she breathes life into Rin’s multiple “characters.” It’s a rare chance to enjoy her versatility beyond the similar roles she is often cast in.

Rin’s ability to switch between multiple personalities is both comedic and endearing. While her playful character acts bring humor, the moments where she reveals her genuine feelings are especially moving.

For instance, when she tearfully says, “She’s not here today,” or insists “I’ll choose this as Rin,” we glimpse her true emotions beyond the playful façade.
This contrast between role-play and authenticity is what makes Rin such a captivating heroine.

Unlike the typical flustered and overly perverted male leads often found in romantic comedies, Eiji is portrayed as a grounded, likable character. While somewhat dense, he remains considerate and sincere, making him a refreshing male lead.

Eiji’s natural “high school boy energy” adds realism, while his genuine commitment to Rin—even as he occasionally misinterprets her advances—solidifies his image as a kind, dependable senior.
The story even extends into his college years, offering a rare portrayal of a long-term, evolving relationship.

With no rival characters or fanservice-heavy scenes, Pseudo Harem differs from typical harem series. Instead, it feels more akin to Teasing Master Takagi-san—lighthearted, sweet, and focused on the growth of a single relationship.

Still, some may find it lacking in dramatic peaks or narrative variety. Yet, key moments stand out: Rin being scouted by a talent agency, her struggle between dreams and love, and finally, the heartfelt proposal scene as adults.
Eiji’s line—“Next, it’s my turn”—perfectly encapsulates his resolve to support Rin, turning the pseudo into something truly real.

Pseudo Harem may carry the word “harem” in its title, but in truth it’s a story about one girl’s wholehearted love. Watching Rin playfully embody countless characters while still revealing her own sincere feelings creates both laughter and tenderness.

With Saori Hayami’s outstanding performance at its core, this is a series that not only appeals to rom-com fans but also to viewers who usually shy away from harem anime.

• Rin Nakakura / CV: Saori Hayami
• Eiji Kitahama / CV: Nobuhiko Okamoto
• Ayaka Nakakura / CV: Mai Narumi
• Motokuni Nakayama / CV: Junichi Suwabe
• Tsuguto Iwata / CV: Koji Yusa
• Megu / CV: Maria Abo
• Kiri Shirasawa / CV: Minako Sato

• Original Creator / Yu Saito
• Director / Toshinobu Kikuchi
• Series Composition / Yuko Kakihara
• Character Design / Yoshihisa Sato
• Music / Go Watanabe
• Animation Production / Nomad

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