Say "I Love You." (2012)
A quietly powerful romance anime about a girl who stopped trusting people — and the boy who refused to give up on her.
Say "I Love You." - Series Information
- Original Title: 好きっていいなよ。
- First Air Year: 2012
- Last Air Year: 2012
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (24 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 7, 2012 (United States - TV-14), October 7, 2012 (Canada - 14+), October 7, 2012 (Australia - PG), October 7, 2012 (Brazil - 10), October 7, 2012 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: Tokyo MX, tvk, BS11, AT-X
- Alternative Titles: 只要你说你爱我 (CN), Suki-tte Ii na yo (JP), Say, I Love You (DE), Say "I love you." (US)
- Production Companies: ZEXCS
- Production Countries: Japan
Say "I Love You." - Plot
To trust is to set yourself up for failure. That's the lesson Mei Tachibana learned when her heart was broken. She found a solution: never make any more friends. It's not as easy as it sounds, but it works for Mei. At least it did until handsome and charming Yamato Kurosawa showed up to complicate everything. Mei's not looking for a white knight. So why did he have to kiss her and ruin everything? Between heartbeats and behind trembling lips the specter of betrayals past, future, and present haunt them both in Say "I Love You"!
Say "I Love You." - Trailer
See the world of Mei and Yamato come to life in the official trailer:
Where to Watch Say "I Love You."
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Say "I Love You." - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Ai Kayano
- Takahiro Sakurai
- Nobunaga Shimazaki
- Minako Kotobuki
- Yumi Uchiyama
- Tomoaki Maeno
- Risa Taneda
Writers
- Takuya Sato
- Yuniko Ayana
- Michiko Yokote
- Natsuko Takahashi
Say "I Love You." - FAQs
Is Say "I Love You." based on a manga?
Yes, the series is a faithful adaptation of Kanae Hazuki's manga of the same name, originally serialized in Dessert magazine. The manga ran from 2008 to 2017 and spans 18 volumes, exploring Mei and Yamato's relationship in considerably more depth than the 13-episode anime adaptation.
What makes Say "I Love You." stand out among romance anime?
Unlike many shoujo series that keep couples apart for dramatic tension, Say "I Love You." lets Mei and Yamato enter a relationship relatively early, then focuses on the emotional challenges of actually being together — trust, jealousy, insecurity, and past wounds — giving it a grounded, mature feel rare in the genre.
Who voices Mei Tachibana and Yamato Kurosawa?
Mei Tachibana is voiced by Ai Kayano, known for her expressive, understated performances, while Yamato Kurosawa is brought to life by Takahiro Sakurai, one of anime's most recognizable voices. Their chemistry anchors the series and gives the central romance its emotional weight.
Where can I watch Say "I Love You."?
Streaming availability for Say "I Love You." varies by region. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your area, including any subscription streaming, rental, or purchase platforms currently carrying the series.
How many episodes does Say "I Love You." have?
The main series consists of 13 episodes, each running approximately 24 minutes. There is also a Season 0 collection of 11 special episodes. The main season aired from October to December 2012 on Tokyo MX and several other Japanese networks.
How was Say "I Love You." received by critics and audiences?
The series earned warm praise from romance anime fans for its emotional honesty and realistic portrayal of teenage relationships. Critics appreciated its willingness to address themes like social anxiety, bullying, and self-worth, though some noted the adaptation's pacing left parts of the manga unexplored.
Is Say "I Love You." suitable for younger viewers?
The series carries a TV-14 rating in the United States, reflecting some mature romantic themes and emotional content. It deals with topics like past trauma, jealousy, and physical intimacy in a tasteful but frank way, making it best suited for teenagers and older viewers.
What anime are similar to Say "I Love You."?
Fans of Say "I Love You." often enjoy Blue Spring Ride (2014), A Condition Called Love (2024), and The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity (2025) for their emotionally rich high school romances. Bokura ga ita (2006) and Lovely★Complex (2007) are also beloved picks in the same heartfelt shoujo tradition.
More About Say "I Love You."
Explore further details about the series on these authoritative resources: