To LOVE-Ru

To Love Ru (stylized as To LOVE-Ru) is a popular Japanese romantic comedy and science fiction manga and anime series. It is widely recognized for its heavy use of provocative fan service and slapstick humor. The story follows Rito Yuuki, a shy high school student who is hopelessly in love with his classmate, Haruna Sairenji. His life takes a chaotic turn when a beautiful, naked alien princess named Lala Satalin Deviluke suddenly teleports into his bathtub while she is running away from home. Through a misunderstanding, Rito becomes accidentally engaged to Lala, making him the future heir to the throne of the planet Deviluke.

Core Premise

The core premise of To Love Ru follows the chaotic life of Rito Yuuki, a shy high schooler whose world is turned upside down when an alien princess named Lala Satalin Deviluke teleports into his bathtub. Through a cultural misunderstanding of intergalactic etiquette, the two become officially engaged under Devilukean law.

As the heir to the galaxy's most powerful empire, Lala is pursued by various alien suitors and assassins. Rito is often forced to prove his worthiness to Lala’s father, King Gid, who threatens to destroy Earth if Rito fails to protect her or meet his expectations. 

While Rito is technically engaged to Lala, he remains deeply in love with his classmate, Haruna Sairenji. This conflict leads to the "Harem Plan" introduced in the sequel series, To Love Ru Darkness, where Lala's sister Momo attempts to convince Rito to become king so he can legally marry all the girls he loves.

Much of the daily trouble stems from Lala’s well-intentioned but highly unstable inventions, which often malfunction in ways that lead to fanservice-heavy accidents.

Key Themes

While To Love Ru is widely known for its high-intensity fan service, the series explores several earnest core themes, particularly as it transitions into its second half, To Love Ru Darkness. The series is often noted for a significant tonal shift. While the first season is largely episodic slapstick, later installments like Darkness introduce a more cohesive, deeper plot focused on complex character development and serious conflicts.

• Honesty and Empathy in Relationships: At its heart, the series focuses on the need for empathy and genuine kindness. The protagonist, Rito Yuuki, is often praised by other characters for his sincere consideration of others, treating even plants with respect and care.

• The Struggle of Adolescence: The story captures the difficulty of navigating romantic feelings and decision-making during high school. Rito’s indecisiveness is not just a trope but a portrayal of the genuine pain and confusion that comes with growing up and fearing the loss of existing friendships.

• Friendship and Loyalty: Strong bonds of friendship are central, particularly the relationship between Lala and Haruna. Their mutual love for Rito leads to a major plot point: the "Harem Plan," which is framed as a way to maintain their friendship without anyone getting hurt.

• Personal Growth and Identity: Characters often face the pains of "becoming someone different". For instance, Golden Darkness (Yami) transitions from a lonely assassin to someone building a family-like bond with Rito and his sister, Mikan. Similarly, characters like Run and Ren explore the psychological aspects of identity and maturity.

• Intergalactic Unity and Responsibility: Beneath the slapstick comedy is a backdrop of galactic politics. Lala’s father, the ruler of the universe, sought galactic unity and peace, a responsibility that Rito inadvertently shares as Lala’s fiancé. 

Characters

The characters of To Love Ru consist of a diverse mix of human students from Sainan High and various alien races, primarily from the planet Deviluke. The series centers on the chaotic life of Rito Yuki after he accidentally becomes engaged to the alien princess Lala Satalin Deviluke.

Main Characters

Rito Yuki: A shy high school student who is the target of numerous "accidental pervert" moments. He is initially in love with Haruna but becomes the center of a growing harem.

Lala Satalin Deviluke: The first princess of Deviluke and a genius inventor. She is energetic, optimistic, and deeply in love with Rito.

Haruna Sairenji: Rito’s classmate and his long-time crush. She is kind and gentle but struggles to express her feelings due to her friendship with Lala.

Momo Belia Deviluke: Lala’s youngest sister and the mastermind behind the "Harem Plan" in the sequel, To Love Ru Darkness. She is manipulative and highly affectionate toward Rito.

Golden Darkness (Yami): An elite alien assassin originally sent to kill Rito. She eventually settles on Earth and becomes a close friend to the group.

Supporting/Secondary Characters

Nana Astar Deviluke: Lala's other younger sister and Momo's twin. She has a short temper and the ability to communicate with animals.

Yui Kotegawa: A member of the public morals committee who is strictly against "indecency" but secretly harbors feelings for Rito.

Mikan Yuki: Rito’s younger sister who is remarkably mature for her age and handles most of the household chores.

Run & Ren Elsie Jewelria: A gender-shifting alien duo. Run (the female form) is a famous idol in love with Rito, while Ren (the male form) is Lala’s childhood friend.

Mea Kurosaki: Introduced in Darkness, she is a living weapon and Yami’s "little sister".

Saki Tenjouin: The self-proclaimed "queen bee" of the school who often sees Lala as a rival. 

Other Characters

Zastin: The commander of the Devilukean Royal Guard and Lala's bodyguard, who often gets into comedic mishaps.

Gid Lucione Deviluke: Lala's father and the King of the Milky Way. Despite his immense power, he often appears in a child-like form.

Dr. Ryoko Mikado: An alien doctor who runs the school’s infirmary and provides guidance (and medical research) on the girls' various conditions.

Celine: A plant alien that Lala brought to Earth, who eventually takes on a human-like toddler form.