The highly anticipated series, Kowloon Generic Romance, debuted its first episode on April 5, 2025. This episode introduced audiences to the central characters, Kudou and Kujirai, who navigate life within the confines of Kowloon’s walled city. While the episode offers glimpses into the intricate dynamics between the two main characters, it also sets the stage for a complex sci-fi narrative waiting to unfold.
Though the initial episode refrains from fully unveiling the science fiction elements, viewers can expect upcoming episodes to explore the quirky anomalies and peculiarities embedded within the Kowloon environment.
Warning: This article contains spoilers for Kowloon Generic Romance episode 1.
Episode Highlights from Kowloon Generic Romance
The story kicks off with a captivating montage that captures Reiko Kujirai’s morning ritual. As she prepares for her workday, viewers see her indulge in refreshing watermelon and cigarettes. However, her day takes a turn when Kudou’s interference causes her to arrive late to work, leaving her with lingering resentment.
In an effort to mend their relationship, Kudou invites Kujirai to lunch. Although her heart is set on exploring a new tropical café, Kudou instead chooses a traditional restaurant, much to Kujirai’s disappointment. During their meal, Kujirai reveals her frustrations about her eyesight, noting the trouble she’s been having with her glasses.
The eye drops that Kujirai mentions are produced by Hebinuma Pharmaceuticals, the same company spearheading the ambitious Generic Terra Project, which aims to upload human memories and consciousness into machines. Kudou expresses concern about the eye drops, advising Kujirai to avoid them and instead opt for simple massages for her eye discomfort.
Remarkably, after a consultation, Kujirai discovers that her eyesight has improved enough to do without her glasses. Kudou admits he preferred her look with glasses but later surprises her with another outing, leading them to a previously unexplored section of Kowloon filled with intriguing shops.
During their culinary adventure, despite Kujirai’s claims of being full, Kudou insists on visiting the Goldfish Teahouse. The friendly attendant expresses joy at their return, although it marks Kujirai’s inaugural visit. A budding romantic tension culminates in episode 1 when Kujirai confronts her feelings for Kudou, leading to a dramatic embrace, which he abruptly misinterprets before pulling away.
As the episode progresses, Kujirai stumbles upon an enigmatic photograph in Kudou’s office drawer. Despite her reservations, curiosity gets the better of her, and she retrieves the image, revealing an unexpected memory of them both caught in playful poses—nothing like her usual demeanor. This discovery only deepens her intrigue, particularly as she has no recollection of the photograph’s capture.
Upon returning to the Goldfish Teahouse, Kujirai interacts with the attendant once more, who discloses that he took the photograph to commemorate her supposed engagement with Kudou. The episode wraps with Kujirai’s visions of a dilapidated Goldfish Teahouse, leaving her and the audience pondering the mysteries that linger.
Final Thoughts
The first episode of Kowloon Generic Romance successfully adapts the initial chapters of the manga, paving the way for fans to dive into the narrative starting from chapter 9. Episode 2 is slated for release on April 12, 2025, promising to unravel more of Kujirai’s lost memories and the impending realities of the Terra Project that haunt Kowloon.