As Anime Reboots Surge, This 10-Year-Old Classic Gem Deserves a Comeback

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A collage-style image showcasing stills from popular shojo anime Kamisama Kiss, Cardcaptor Skaura Clear Card, and Fruits Basket (2019)

Published Jan 24, 2026, 7:31 PM EST

Casandra Ronning is a staff writer for Screen Rant's anime section. Since mid-2024, she has dedicated herself to expanding her knowledge and experience in the entertainment industry. She is most proud of conducting an exclusive interview with popular voice actor Stephanie Nadolny.
 

Anime reboots and remakes are on the rise, with many beloved classics receiving modern revivals and audiences debating which title deserves to be next. However, despite popularity or lasting impression, some anime are noticeably absent from many of these conversations, including one classic that needs a comeback after its finale ten years ago.

Kamisama Kiss is a supernatural romance that is too often overlooked despite its vibrant world, characters, and storyline. The series stands out in numerous ways, from its heroine to its themes, making it an engaging watch that fans gravitate toward. Given its many strengths, Kamisama Kiss deserves to be part of these discussions and possibly even a comeback.

Kamisama Kiss Set the Standard for Supernatural Romance

Kamisama Kiss key visual of the two main characters together.

Kamisama Kiss centers on Nanami Momozono, a homeless high school girl who unexpectedly becomes a local Land God after a mysterious encounter. With nowhere else to live, she begins managing the shrine along with the two spirit attendants and the sharp-tongued fox-spirit, Tomoe, who reluctantly becomes her familiar and helps her navigate her newfound duties.

The series is best known for its heartwarming yet comedic romance between Nanami and Tomoe, paired with meaningful growth. Nanami starts out as an unsure yet hardworking girl who evolves into a confident and respected deity. Similarly, Tomoe, while initially cold, gradually learns to open his heart to others and confront his own past.

Alongside the main characters, Kamisama Kiss offers a strong supporting cast who receive meaningful arcs of their own, enriching the story and fleshing out the universe. These characters often challenge Nanami and Tomoe in ways that reinforce their growth, creating an emotionally satisfying and rewarding experience.

Kamisama Kiss Never Got A Proper Season Finale

Tomoe picks up Nanami and speaks to her from Kamisama Kiss.

Kamisama Kiss first aired in 2012 and ran for two seasons until March 2015. What followed was an unconventional release structure, including several OVAs covering the manga’s Past Arc and one concluding OVA that adapted the series finale in 2016, titled Kamisama Shiawase ni Naru.

Paired with the fact that other arcs and countless moments that build upon the characters are absent, few could consider it a rewarding end to the beloved series.

While this OVA animated the manga’s ending and offered closure for longtime fans, the decision to split the finale across limited releases made the conclusion feel fragmented and unsatisfying. Paired with the fact that other arcs and countless moments that build upon the characters are absent, few could consider it a rewarding end to the beloved series.

With anime remakes and reboots steadily becoming more popular, it's possible that one day Kamisama Kiss could make a comeback and earn a full-length finale rather than a handful of OVAs. The series is heartfelt, engaging, and full of strengths that set it apart. All the series needs now is a dedicated revival.

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Release Date 2012 - 2016-00-00

Directors Akitaro Daichi, Toshiaki Kanbara, Tomoko Iwasaki, Yasuichiro Yamamoto, Yoshitaka Koyama, Masahiro Mukai, Chika Nagaoka

Writers Michiko Yokote

Franchise(s) Kamisama Kiss

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Yui Horie

    Numa no Himemiko (voice)

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Suzuko Mimori

    Nanami Momozono (voice)

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