The build-up and tension leading up to that special moment when someone says “I love you” is simply incredible. While every confession of love in anime has its moment, there are some that go straight to the heart.

10. Mochizo for Tamako (Tamako Market)

Mochizo and Tamako grew up side by side at Tamako Market, and eventually, their friendship turned into love. The childhood friends had a hot and cold relationship, but they never realized that they took each other's company for granted. When Mochizo is accepted into a university in Tokyo, he realizes that it is time to confess the love he has harbored for so long.

Although Mochizo blurted out “I love you,” his confession was affirmative and absolute, and it caught Tamako off guard. He knew he had to say it and prepare for the consequences, which was disappointing at the time, but thankfully, Tamako came to her senses and realized that she couldn’t live without Mochizo either.

9. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Edward and Winry were childhood friends who had the best relationship. Their goal is to support each other until the right time comes. Their bond is so deep that they never need words or grand gestures to understand each other's feelings.

Even when the time finally comes for Edward to confess his love, he takes a practical approach and proposes to Winry with the prospect of both of them giving equal parts of their lives to each other. Of course, Winry is overjoyed and gives Edward a fitting response. Her confession highlights the importance of strong communication between two souls and love that goes far beyond that.

8. Zen to Shirayuki (Akagami no Shirayukihime)

Prince Zen was in love with Shirayuki the moment he laid eyes on her. However, circumstances never allowed him to nurture the romance. Still, whenever he had the opportunity, Zen made sure to let Shirayuki know that he was interested in her. Finally, after an intense battle, he got the opportunity to confess his love under the starry sky of a palace.

The mesmerizing scene lives rent-free in the hearts of the audience as Zen seals the deal with a kiss and even sweeps Shirayuki off her feet. He carries her up to a tower where the couple gazes upon the endless possibilities of their future.

7. Marin to Gojo (Sono Bisque Doll wa koi wo Suru)

Marin Kitagawa meets the introverted Gojo when she discovers his incredible sewing skills in Sono Bisque Doll. Not having any, Marin figured it would be helpful for Gojo to make her dresses. However, during the time they spent together, as a result of a mutual agreement, Marin slowly realized that Gojo is the guy she can trust.

They shared the sweetest moment, like when Marin calls Gojo to ask him to talk to her until she falls asleep. During the conversation, Gojo falls asleep just as Marin says the three magic words to him. Even though she didn't get an immediate response, it was the perfect moment for her and her fans.

6. Akane to Yamada (Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru)

Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru took a different approach to the age-gap romance cliché and gave the audience a heartfelt romantic story. Unable to reciprocate others' feelings, Yamada is far from the boyfriend type. However, that hasn't stopped Akane from developing feelings for him. The only thing standing in the way of their relationship is a full-blown confession.

Yamada must have realized at some point that Akane wanted to be more than friends. That's why when she finally worked up the courage to confess and was ready to be rejected, Yamada reciprocated her feelings with the sweetest romance of the year. Her response alone makes Akane's confession one of the best romance moments of 2023.

5. Futaba to Kou (Ao Haru Ride)

Kou and Futaba were childhood friends, but Kou moved away after his mother's death. He meets Futaba again at his new school, but Kou is fairly recognizable. Not only has he become incredibly handsome, but he has also become cold to everyone else, even Futaba. However, before Futaba knows it, she has fallen in love with Kou, but her walls have come between her young love.

Luckily, Futaba manages to break through Kou's defenses as she pushes him to the ground, frustrated and afraid of losing him to the pain. She makes him realize that he is not alone and that if he wants to cry, she will be by his side. Futaba never gets to say the exact words, but her feelings reach Kou.

4. Miyamura to Hori (Horimiya)

Horimiya is a cult classic and an absolute gem when it comes to high school romantic comedies. Its portrayal of teenage relationships is excellent and shows a mature side of young love. Hori and Miyamura established an unspoken connection, which inevitably led to romance.

Even though he was shy, Miyamura came forward when the time came and confessed to Hori in a very unusual way. His confession was casual and clear, which shows how convinced he was. When Hori fell ill, Miyamura came to her aid, and while nursing her back to health, he felt the need to tell her that he loved her and that he wasn't going anywhere.

3. Sakuta to Mai (Bunny Girl Senpai)

Instead of writing letters or wasting time confessing at a school festival, Sakuta gives every shojo anime boy a chance to earn money by confessing out loud to the entire school. Mai is cursed with a strange condition where everyone forgets about her and she becomes invisible to them. Sakuta is the only one who can see her.

However, on the verge of almost forgetting her, Sakuta decides to shout his love for Mai in front of the entire school with such desperation that it makes everyone remember Mai. Sakuta's dramatic expression of love is one of the best anime confessions of all time.

2. Shirogane to Kaguya (Kaguya-sama: Love is War)

Miyuki and Kaguya's relationship is complex in Kaguya-sama: Love is War. They both like each other, but their rivalry is so strong that neither of them can confess first. So, they engage in an intense battle to see who can get a confession out of the other first. This meant that everything would have to be grand when the moment finally arrived.

As expected, the lovebirds were frustrated with the game and didn't want to miss out on their chance at romance. But it was Miyuki who beat Kaguya and made an almost cinematic grand gesture. He filled the sky with heart-shaped balloons as he confessed to Kaguya how much he had loved her from the beginning. Kaguya returned his love with a long-awaited kiss, and their rivalry finally ended.

1. Kyo to Tohru (Fruits Basket)

Kyo's confession isn't just another expression of love in Fruits Basket, but it highlights something much more significant. At first, Kyo decides to keep his distance from Tohru because of her curse, but he realizes that his love for her is too deep for him to give her up.

He runs after her when Tohru is discharged from the hospital and instantly leans in to kiss her, despite knowing he will turn into a cat. Fortunately, when Kyo finally finds the courage to let someone love him, the curse is broken almost instantly. Kyo and Tohru's story has had its ups and downs, but their confession meant they could finally put their painful past behind them.