Famous Quotes from the Anime Junjou Romantica
Junjou Romantica: Pure Romance is a well-known Boys' Love (BL) anime and manga. For a lot of people, it was the first BL series they ever watched. It helped create many of the character types and stories that are still popular in the genre today.
The series follows three main couples: Junjou Romantica, Junjou Egoist, and Junjou Terrorist. The show is famous for its dialogue. The quotes range from romantic and funny to possessive and dramatic.
But it's good to remember the show is a product of its time. Some of the relationships have big power imbalances and moments that are not consensual. Many of the genre's cliches started with shows like this one.
Quotes from Misaki & Usagi
Misaki and Usagi are the main couple in the series. Their story follows the relationship between Misaki Takahashi, a college student, and Akihiko Usami, a rich and famous author also known as "Usagi." Their story starts when Usagi agrees to be Misaki's tutor.
Misaki soon finds out that Usagi writes BL novels. The main character in these novels is based on Misaki's older brother, who Usagi used to love. This creates a lot of drama and comedy between them.
Their relationship has a big age gap and can be pretty unhealthy. Usagi's way of showing love is often through control and possession. The quotes below show this dynamic, where passion can look a lot like dominance .
Akihiko "Usagi" Usami Quotes
Usagi is a very lonely person who uses his fame and money to isolate himself. He holds on to Misaki tightly because he is afraid of being alone. His words are often controlling and arrogant, but sometimes he shows a softer side.
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"Even if you hate it or whatever, I'll never let go of you. If you run away, I'll probably come after you and lock you up."
- Context: Usagi says this to Misaki when they are fighting or when Misaki tries to leave him.
- Analysis: This line is a direct threat that is framed as romance . It shows Usagi’s fear of losing Misaki, the first person he feels truly connected to. He sees Misaki as his property and will not let him go.
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"To everything that comes near you, I am jealous."
- Context: Usagi says this when Misaki spends time with anyone else, including his friends or brother.
- Analysis: This shows how extreme Usagi's jealousy is. He isn't just jealous of other guys, but of anything that takes Misaki's attention. In the show, this possessiveness is treated as proof of his deep love .
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"It's my first time, so you're not allowed to say anyone else's name."
- Context: He says this to Misaki during one of their first physical encounters.
- Analysis: This line shows two sides of Usagi at once. Saying "it's my first time" makes him seem vulnerable, as he means it's his first time being in love. But then he immediately becomes dominant and possessive again.
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"The only one I want to spoil is you."
- Context: Usagi says this when Misaki complains about him spending so much money on him.
- Analysis: Misaki often feels bad because he depends on Usagi's money. This line is Usagi's way of making the power imbalance feel like a form of affection. He frames it as "spoiling" instead of charity.
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"The moment you challenged me, you had already lost."
- Context: Usagi often says this to anyone he sees as a rival for Misaki's affection.
- Analysis: This quote shows Usagi's total arrogance. He believes Misaki already belongs to him. He doesn't think he needs to fight for him because in his mind, the competition is already over.
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"Because I'll always want you. Whether you fight me or run from me or call me names, I'm always going to come after you, Misaki. Always."
- Context: This is a line he repeats often, usually after a big argument.
- Analysis: This is another line that sounds romantic but is really about control. It ignores Misaki's feelings and boundaries completely. For Usagi, Misaki's attempts to leave are just temporary problems, not a real "no."
Misaki Takahashi Quotes
Misaki starts out denying his feelings for Usagi but slowly comes to accept them. His dialogue is often a mix of frustration , confusion , and real emotion .
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"Why does my heart beat so fast when I'm with him?"
- Context: This is something Misaki thinks to himself a lot, especially early on.
- Analysis: This is a classic line for a character in denial. His body reacts to Usagi before his mind is ready to admit his feelings. It shows his confusion and attraction at the same time.
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"No, pause! I just went into totally stupid girly virgin mode!!"
- Context: Misaki thinks this to himself after having a romantic thought about Usagi.
- Analysis: He gets so embarrassed by his own feelings that he tries to stop himself from thinking about them. He calls them "girly" because he thinks romantic feelings aren't manly. It's his way of hiding his true emotions.
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"The pain... the pleasure... and the shame all drive me crazy."
- Context: An internal thought where Misaki tries to understand his relationship with Usagi.
- Analysis: This is a very self-aware moment for Misaki. He perfectly describes his feelings about Usagi. He feels pain from the fights, pleasure from their intimacy, and shame over his confusion and dependency.
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"I'm not... I'm not a substitute for my brother!"
- Context: Misaki says this to Usagi when he feels most insecure.
- Analysis: This is Misaki's biggest fear . He worries that Usagi is only with him because he couldn't have his brother, Takahiro. Overcoming this insecurity is a big part of his character's journey.
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"It's not that I'm not happy... I'm just... so happy I don't know what to do."
- Context: Misaki's confused way of confessing his feelings, usually after Usagi does something romantic.
- Analysis: He is so overwhelmed by happiness that it comes out as frustration. It's his way of admitting he loves Usagi without having to say it directly. He hides his confession inside a complaint.
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"I... I think I'm in love with Usagi-san."
- Context: This is Misaki's first real confession, usually said to himself or someone else before he can say it to Usagi.
- Analysis: The hesitation is what makes this line powerful. The phrase "I think" shows that it's a quiet, scary realization for him. It's the moment he finally stops denying his feelings.
Quotes from Hiroki & Nowaki
For many fans, Hiroki and Nowaki's story, called Junjo Egoist , is the best part of the series. Their relationship is often seen as the healthiest and least problematic of the three. This couple's story is about the romance between Hiroki Kamijou and Nowaki Kusama .
Hiroki is a grumpy university professor and a childhood friend of Usagi. He starts the story heartbroken over his one-sided love for Usagi. His life changes when he meets Nowaki, a younger and more patient man, while crying in a park.
For Nowaki, it is love at first sight, and he asks Hiroki to be his tutor. Their relationship is built on consent and deals with more normal problems. They struggle with things like bad communication, job stress, and personal insecurities.
Hiroki Kamijou Quotes
Hiroki's dialogue is often dramatic and emotional. He is afraid to be vulnerable and hides his feelings behind anger.
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"Because then you can never forget me."
- Context: Hiroki thinks this during a physical moment with Usagi, who he knows will never love him back.
- Analysis: This line is very selfish, which is why their story is called "Egoist." He knows he can't have Usagi's love, so he settles for being a memory that can't be erased. It shows how low his self-esteem is at this point.
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"Why am I crying...? I'm the one who threw him away."
- Context: Hiroki thinks this after he gets angry and pushes Nowaki away.
- Analysis: This shows how much Hiroki struggles with his own behavior. His actions are the opposite of his feelings. He's upset with himself for his self-destructive habits.
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"Don't just decide things for yourself and leave me behind! Don't you know how I'll feel?"
- Context: Hiroki yells this at Nowaki after finding out he moved to America for six years without telling him.
- Analysis: Hiroki is angry that Nowaki left, but he's more hurt that Nowaki didn't think he would care. It's a rare moment where he admits he needs Nowaki and can be hurt by his absence. It shows his hidden vulnerability.
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"It's not like I'm waiting for you, you idiot! I just... happened to be on my way home."
- Context: A typical line from Hiroki after he was obviously waiting for Nowaki somewhere.
- Analysis: This is the kind of humor their story has. Hiroki's pride is easily broken. It's a clear lie, but it's how he shows he cares without having to admit it, and Nowaki understands.
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"I love you, Nowaki. My one and only."
- Context: A rare and direct confession from Hiroki to Nowaki.
- Analysis: After so much drama and denial, this simple line is very powerful. By using Nowaki's phrase "my one and only," he is finally accepting his own feelings. He is speaking the simple language of love that Nowaki taught him.
Nowaki Kusama Quotes
Nowaki is the steady, calm one in the relationship. He grew up as an orphan, so his main goal is to have a family with Hiroki. His words are simple, patient, and full of love.
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"Hiro-san, you are my one and only."
- Context: Nowaki says this often to reassure Hiroki, especially when Hiroki is feeling insecure.
- Analysis: This simple line is Nowaki's strength. It's clear and direct, unlike Hiroki's dramatic angst. For Nowaki, choosing one person to love is very important, and he makes that choice clear.
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"I want to catch up to Hiro-san."
- Context: This is Nowaki's reason for working hard to become a pediatrician.
- Analysis: Nowaki feels there is a big gap between him and Hiroki in age, education, and social status. He works hard to "catch up" so he can feel like an equal partner. He doesn't want to feel like a kid that Hiroki has to take care of.
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"I fell in love with you at first sight."
- Context: Nowaki explains to Hiroki how he felt when he first saw him crying in the park.
- Analysis: This line shows that Nowaki saw the real, vulnerable Hiroki from the very beginning. Hiroki may be older and more educated, but Nowaki is the one with the emotional wisdom. His kindness is what ultimately wins Hiroki's heart.
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"Please wait for me."
- Context: Nowaki asks this of Hiroki as he works to build a career for himself.
- Analysis: This shows Nowaki's more vulnerable side. He knows he is behind Hiroki in life and asks for his patience. This simple request ends up causing their biggest conflict because of bad communication.
Quotes from Shinobu & Miyagi
The Junjou Terrorist story is about Shinobu Takatsuki, a 17-year-old student, and You Miyagi, his 35-year-old professor. Their relationship is often seen as the most problematic because of the huge age gap. Shinobu is also the younger brother of Miyagi's ex-wife.
Miyagi is a tired and cynical man who is still grieving the death of a past love. Shinobu believes their meeting was "fate" and aggressively pursues Miyagi. He demands that Miyagi "take responsibility" for making him fall in love.
The name "Terrorist" is fitting for Shinobu's pushy behavior. The quotes from their story show a clash between Shinobu's youthful certainty and Miyagi's adult sadness.
Shinobu Takatsuki Quotes
Shinobu's dialogue is a mix of teenage arrogance and surprisingly deep emotional understanding. He uses "fate" as his reason for everything he does.
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"To be loved out of sympathy is more devastating than to be rejected."
- Context: Shinobu says this to Miyagi, afraid that Miyagi is starting to give in out of pity, not love.
- Analysis: This is one of the most famous quotes from the entire series. It's powerful because the youngest, most immature character says something so wise. He wants real love or a real rejection , not pity.
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"It must be fate! There's no other explanation!"
- Context: Shinobu's reason for chasing Miyagi after a few chance encounters.
- Analysis: This is Shinobu's motto. He is used to getting what he wants. When he can't easily have Miyagi, he decides it must be "destiny." He uses this idea to justify his very pushy actions.
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"Are you going to keep running away? Are you going to let your past control you forever?"
- Context: Shinobu confronts Miyagi about his grief over his former teacher.
- Analysis: This is another moment of surprising insight. Shinobu sees that Miyagi is using his past as an excuse to avoid living. He's the only one brave enough to call him out and force him to face his trauma.
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"Age is just a number! My love is stronger than that!"
- Context: Shinobu's response whenever Miyagi brings up their 17-year age gap.
- Analysis: For their story to work, Shinobu has to be the one to insist that their age difference doesn't matter. It's a statement of pure idealism. This youthful refusal to accept adult problems is what eventually attracts the cynical Miyagi.
You Miyagi Quotes
Miyagi's story is about a man slowly being forced to live and love again. His dialogue shows his journey from a sad and bitter person to someone willing to give happiness another shot.
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"I'm 35. I'm too old to be playing these games with a kid."
- Context: Miyagi's constant excuse to push Shinobu away.
- Analysis: Miyagi uses his age as a shield. He's really just afraid of getting hurt again. By calling Shinobu a "kid," he can dismiss his feelings as a simple crush instead of a real love that could threaten his past.
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"He's just a bratty, selfish kid... so why can't I get him out of my head?"
- Context: Miyagi thinks this to himself while looking at a picture of his past love.
- Analysis: This is a turning point for Miyagi. He's still holding on to the past, but his present with Shinobu is breaking through. He still uses insults to describe Shinobu, but his defenses are starting to fail.
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"I pay in love."
- Context: A sarcastic joke Miyagi makes to Shinobu's father about their "relationship."
- Analysis: This line is very ironic. Miyagi says it as a joke, but he feels emotionally empty. He thinks he has no love left to give. Shinobu's pursuit is forcing him to feel again.
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"Dammit... am I really going to fall for a high school boy? This is a new low."
- Context: A funny moment when Miyagi finally realizes he's losing the fight against his feelings.
- Analysis: This is the moment he finally gives in. He still complains about the situation and how wrong it seems. But complaining is the final step before he finally accepts it.
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"It's not... destiny. But... I'm willing to give it a try."
- Context: Miyagi's final answer to Shinobu at the end of their story arc.
- Analysis: This is a perfect end for them. Miyagi rejects Shinobu's idea of "fate." Instead, he makes a conscious choice to try. In a way, this is more romantic because he is choosing to take a risk on happiness.
Why People Love These Quotes
Even with its problems, Junjou Romantica is still loved today because of its memorable dialogue. The quotes are popular for a few key reasons.
First, they are pure romantic fantasy. Usagi’s words offer an idea of a love that is completely focused on one person. This kind of intense, all-consuming passion is a form of escapism for fans.
Second, the show has three different couples with three different kinds of romance. If you don't like the unhealthy parts of Misaki and Usagi's story, you might like the sweeter relationship between Hiroki and Nowaki. Each couple offers a different flavor of love.
Third, these quotes get to the heart of the show's main ideas:
- Love vs. Trauma: Miyagi has to learn to love again after losing someone.
- Love vs. Insecurity: Hiroki and Nowaki deal with their pasts and their differences in status.
- Love vs. Possession: Usagi and Misaki fight over the line between care and control.
- Fate vs. Choice: Shinobu believes in destiny, while Miyagi learns to make a choice.
Finally, these quotes are special for many fans because this was their first BL anime. The lines are dramatic, easy to remember, and full of raw emotion. They capture the heart and are hard to forget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the most famous quote from Junjou Romantica?
Usagi has many of the most controlling lines, like his threat to "lock you up." But the most famous quote is from Shinobu Takatsuki.
"To be loved out of sympathy is more devastating than to be rejected."
This line is powerful because it's a deep truth about dignity and love. It's especially surprising coming from the youngest and most immature character in the show.
Who is the most romantic character in Junjou Romantica based on their quotes?
It depends on what you think "romantic" means, because the show gives two different examples.
- The Passionate Romantic (Akihiko Usami): Usagi is romantic in a very dramatic and intense way. His love is possessive and all-consuming. His quotes show a fantasy of being the absolute center of someone's world.
- The Devoted Romantic (Nowaki Kusama): Nowaki is romantic in a more modern and healthy way. His love is about patience and support, not control. His quotes are about being equals and sticking by someone's side.
Do the quotes differ between the Junjou Romantica anime and manga?
For the most part, the dialogue is the same in both the anime and the manga. The anime follows the manga's story very closely.
The main difference is the context. The anime censored some of the more explicit scenes. The original manga is uncensored, so the physical side of the relationships is shown in more detail.