Common Sense Media Review
Slapstick rom-com anime about growing up has language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Toradora!
What's the Story?
TORADORA! follows the high school adventures of Ryuji Takasu (voiced by Erik Scott Kimerer) and Taiga Aizawa (voiced by Cassandra Lee Morris), the school's fearsome duo who just want to fit in and find love. When Taiga mistakes Ryuji's bag for someone else's, Ryuji accidentally discovers she has a crush on his friend Yusaku (voiced by Johnny Yong Bosch). To calm an angry Taiga, Ryuji reveals that he actually has a crush on her friend Minori (voiced by Christine Marie Cabanos). The two team up to make their love dreams come true but along the way learn more about themselves, their friends, and their families that may just change everything.
Is It Any Good?
This slapstick school drama packs an emotional punch with relatable teen characters and their internal struggles. On the surface, Toradora!'s plot has a basic premise and episode tropes that come straight from the shojo anime playbook (e.g. swimsuit episode, culture festival drama, danger on the class trip). But as the show goes on, the complexity of the characters' situations shines and viewers can appreciate the character growth. Some of the intended humor around body image, sex, and playful violence between friends feels a little dated. However, the show is still fairly true to the modern teen experience. Overall, the themes around growing up and family history give the show more weight to make it worth the watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about growing up. What external pressures are the characters dealing with? How are they coping with the stress, and is it working? What can you do when you feel overwhelmed or uncertain?
Families can talk about family relationships. How can you support a friend who has lost a parent or who is struggling to connect with a parent? What adults can you turn to for support when dealing with family issues?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 2, 2008
- Cast : Erik Scott Kimerer , Cassandra Lee Morris , Johnny Yong Bosch , Christine Marie Cabanos
- Network : Prime Video
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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