Love Hina#Video games
{{Short description|Japanese manga series by Ken Akamatsu}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| image = Love Hina volume 1.jpg
| caption = First {{Lang|ja-latn|tankōbon}} volume cover, featuring Kitsune and Shinobu (left), Naru (center) and Motoko and Su (right)
| ja_kanji = ラブ ひな
| ja_romaji = Rabu Hina
| genre = {{ubl|Harem|Romantic comedy{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uY8700WJy_gC|title=Understanding Manga and Anime|author-last=Brenner|author-first=Robin E.|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|year=2007|isbn=9780313094484|pages=89, 112|no-pp=y|access-date=2015-12-04|archive-date=2023-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918182810/https://books.google.com/books?id=uY8700WJy_gC|url-status=live}}|Slice of life{{cite web |author1=Paul |title=Love Hina Volume 1 |url=https://animeuknews.net/2004/09/love-hina-volume-1/ |website=Anime UK News |access-date=December 30, 2018 |date=September 14, 2004 |archive-date=December 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230233400/https://animeuknews.net/2004/09/love-hina-volume-1/ |url-status=live}}}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type = manga
| author = Ken Akamatsu
| publisher = Kodansha
| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher|AUS=Madman Entertainment|NA=Kodansha Comics
Tokyopop (former)|SG=Chuang Yi}}
| demographic = Shōnen
| imprint = Shōnen Magazine Comics
| magazine = Weekly Shōnen Magazine
| first = October 21, 1998
| last = October 31, 2001
| volumes = 14
| volume_list = List of Love Hina chapters
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type = tv series
| director = Yoshiaki Iwasaki
| producer = {{ubl|Shinichi Ikeda|Keisuke Iwata|Yukinao Shimoji}}
| writer = Kurō Hazuki
| music = Koichi Korenaga{{cite web |title=町立図書館 - スタッフ |url=http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/lovehina/toshokan/staff_casts/index.html |publisher=TV Tokyo |access-date=August 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180811044157/http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/lovehina/toshokan/staff_casts/index.html |archive-date=2018-08-11}}
| studio = Xebec
| licensee = {{English anime licensee|AUS=Madman Entertainment|NA=Crunchyroll|UK=MVM Films}}
| network = TV Tokyo
| first = April 19, 2000
| last = September 27, 2000
| episodes = 24 + OVA
| episode_list = List of Love Hina episodes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type = ova
| title = Love Hina X'Mas Special: Silent Eve
| director = Yoshiaki Iwasaki
| writer = Kurō Hazuki
| producer = {{ubl|Shinichi Ikeda|Yukinao Shimoji|Fukashi Azuma}}
| music = {{ubl|Koichi Korenaga|Masaki Iwamoto}}
| studio = Xebec
| licensee = {{English anime licensee|AUS=Madman Entertainment|NA=Bandai Entertainment|UK=MVM Films}}
| released = December 25, 2000
| runtime = 44 minutes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type = ova
| title = Love Hina Spring Special: I Wish Your Dream
| director = Yoshiaki Iwasaki
| writer = Kurō Hazuki
| producer = {{ubl|Shinichi Ikeda|Yukinao Shimoji|Fukashi Azuma}}
| music = {{ubl|Koichi Korenaga|Masaki Iwamoto}}
| studio = Xebec
| licensee = {{English anime licensee|AUS=Madman Entertainment|NA=Bandai Entertainment|UK=MVM Films}}
| released = April 1, 2001
| runtime = 45 minutes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type = ova
| title = Love Hina Again
| director = Yoshiaki Iwasaki
| producer = {{ubl|Atsushi Moriyama|Naoki Hiramatsu}}
| writer = Kurō Hazuki
| music = Shinkichi Mitsumune
| studio = Xebec
| licensee = {{English anime licensee|AUS=Madman Entertainment|NA=Discotek Media|UK=MVM Films}}
| first = January 26, 2002
| last = March 27, 2002
| runtime = 30 minutes
| episodes = 3
| episode_list = List of Love Hina episodes#OVAs
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}
{{nihongo|Love Hina|ラブ ひな|Rabu Hina|lead=yes}}
A twenty-four episode anime adaptation of the manga series, produced by Xebec, aired in Japan from April to September 2000. It was followed by a bonus DVD episode, Christmas and Spring television specials, and a three episode original video animation (OVA) entitled Love Hina Again. The anime series, special, and OVA were licensed for release in North America by Bandai Entertainment. In July 2007, the license was acquired by Funimation, who released a boxset of the television series in February 2009. The series is also licensed in Australia by Madman Entertainment and in the United Kingdom by MVM Films.
The series has proved extremely popular around the world, both commercially and critically. In Japan, the manga had 20 million copies in circulation; over 1 million anime DVDs were also sold. The English release of the manga has been reprinted many times. Both anime and manga have received numerous industry awards in Japan and North America, as well as praise from critics.
Plot
{{See also|List of Love Hina characters{{!}}List of Love Hina characters}}
The series takes place in the Kanagawa Prefecture, and centers on Keitarō Urashima and his attempts to fulfill a childhood promise that he made with a girl to enter the University of Tokyo together. However, he has forgotten the name of the girl he made the promise to and hopes to be accepted into the university in order to find her. Having failed the entrance exam twice and with his parents no longer willing to support him, he goes to stay at his grandmother's hotel, only to find out that it has been converted into a female-only apartment (Dormitory). The tenants are about to kick him out when his aunt appears and announces that his grandmother has given him the title to the apartments. Much to their dismay Keitarō becomes the new manager of the family-owned girls' dorm Hinata House and must now balance his new responsibilities in addition to studying for the university entrance exam.
At Hinata House, Keitarō meets Naru Narusegawa, who is also studying to enter the university. Naru ranks first in the whole of Japan on the practice exams, and Keitarō convinces her to help him study. As the two of them grow closer through their studies, and after Keitarō accidentally reads a small section of Naru's diary, he becomes increasingly convinced that Naru may be the girl with whom he made the promise. On the second day of the university exam, Keitarō asks Naru about the promise and is stunned when she tells him he is mistaken. Despite their studying, and Naru's mock exam results, they both fail the exams. The pair then have an argument and independently run off to Kyoto to clear their heads. While on their trip they settle their differences and meet Mutsumi Otohime, who lives in Okinawa and is also studying for the university exams.
After returning from Kyoto, Keitarō and Naru decide to retake the exams. After a while, Mutsumi moves to Tokyo, and the three begin to study together. During this period, Naru becomes convinced that Mutsumi is Keitarō's promised girl, but Mutsumi states that she made a childhood promise with Naru, not Keitarō. During the next round of university exams, Keitarō believes he has failed them once again and runs away before finding out his results. After learning of this, Naru chases after him without checking her exam results either, and they are followed by the rest of the residents of Hinata House who announce that Keitarō and Naru both passed the exams along with Mutsumi. Unfortunately for him, Keitarō has an accident at the University of Tokyo opening ceremony and is unable to attend classes for three months. After recovering from his injuries, Keitarō decides to study overseas with Noriyasu Seta. As Keitarō is about to leave, Naru finally confesses her feelings to him at the airport and decides to wait for him to return.
When Keitarō returns, he and Naru finally begin to express their feelings for each other. After they deal with new obstacles, Grandma Hina returns to Hinata House and reveals Naru is the girl of Keitarō's promise. Three years later, a wedding ceremony (with a new girl, Ema Maeda, presented) is held at Hinata House for Naru and Keitarō as they finally fulfill their childhood promise to each other.
Production
Initial sketches for the series were created between September and December 1997, after the completion of A.I. Love You.{{cite book|title=ラブひな∞|publisher=Kodansha|date=July 17, 2002|page=323|isbn=4-06-334325-1}}{{cite book|title=A.I. Love You Volume.8|publisher=Tokyopop|date=April 12, 2005|page=238|isbn=1-59182-944-5}} Early storyboards with initial character designs were created between December 1997 and January 1998, and further character designs and location sketches followed between January and April 1998.{{cite book|title=ラブひな∞|publisher=Kodansha|date=July 17, 2002|pages=337–346|isbn=4-06-334325-1}}{{cite book|title=ラブひな∞ |publisher=Kodansha|date=July 17, 2002|pages=347–390|isbn=4-06-334325-1}} The last storyboards before serialization were created between April and August 1998.{{cite book|title=ラブひな∞ |publisher=Kodansha|date=July 17, 2002|pages=391–410|isbn=4-06-334325-1}}{{cite book|title=ラブひな∞|publisher=Kodansha|date=July 17, 2002|pages=186–190|isbn=4-06-334325-1}}
Around six months before the start of serialization, character designs were still going through several revisions before being settled upon. Several characters underwent complete redesigns and name changes.{{cite book|last=Akamatsu|first=Ken|author-link=Ken Akamatsu|title=Love Hina, Volume 1|url=https://archive.org/details/lovehinavol60000akam|url-access=registration|publisher=Tokyopop|date=May 7, 2002|page=187|isbn=1-931514-94-1}} At one stage the character Naru was named Midori, and she was supposed to fall through a hole in the floor naked, bump her head on Keitaro and lose her memory. Naru's name was changed many times before the author settled on Naru Narusegawa, and her final design is similar to Saati Namba from A.I. Love You.{{cite book|last=Akamatsu|first=Ken|author-link=Ken Akamatsu|title=Love Hina, Volume 1|url=https://archive.org/details/lovehinavol60000akam|url-access=registration|publisher=Tokyopop|date=May 7, 2002|page=188|isbn=1-931514-94-1}}{{cite book|last=Akamatsu|first=Ken|author-link=Ken Akamatsu|title=A.I. Love You, Volume 1|date=February 3, 2004|page=208|publisher=TokyoPop |isbn=1-59182-615-2}} Mitsune "Kitsune" Konno's money-grubbing nature and her older, jaded, and more mature personality were originally intended to be used for Kaolla Su.{{cite book|last=Akamatsu|first=Ken|author-link=Ken Akamatsu|title=Love Hina, Volume 1|url=https://archive.org/details/lovehinavol60000akam|url-access=registration|publisher=Tokyopop|date=May 7, 2002|page=191|isbn=1-931514-94-1}} Shinobu Maehara's nature was settled on from the beginning of the series, however her physical appearance and age were extensively redesigned as the series concept was shaped. In her early design, Shinobu had a similar appearance to Forty Namba from A.I. Love You.{{cite book|last=Akamatsu|first=Ken|author-link=Ken Akamatsu|title=Love Hina, Volume 1|url=https://archive.org/details/lovehinavol60000akam|url-access=registration|publisher=Tokyopop|date=May 7, 2002|page=193|isbn=1-931514-94-1}}{{cite book|title=ラブひな∞ |publisher=Kodansha|date=July 17, 2002|page=362|isbn=4-06-334325-1}}
Throughout the run of the manga, the series used digital editing processes. After a rough sketch of a page was created, the page layout and basic detail were drawn and scanned into an Apple Macintosh. The major page elements were then shaded or filled with patterns, and elements that were drawn separately were added digitally to the page.{{cite book|title=ラブひな0|publisher=Kodansha|date=July 17, 2000|pages=214–217|isbn=4-06-334314-6}} The manga also used a series of "banked images", which were basic line drawings of locations, such as a characters room. Instead of redrawing a location from scratch every time it was used, these banked images could be used as a base, and extra detail added to them depending on the requirements for the scene.{{cite book|title=ラブひな∞|publisher=Kodansha|date=July 17, 2002|pages=297–301|isbn=4-06-334325-1}}
Both of these techniques lead to characters having white outlines when copied digitally onto the scene.{{cite book|last=Akamatsu|first=Ken|author-link=Ken Akamatsu|title=Love Hina, Volume 14|publisher=Tokyopop|date=September 16, 2003|pages=151–152|isbn=1-59182-120-7}} Parts of Hinata Inn and other locations used were inspired by real life locations and designed from photographs collected during research.{{cite book|title=ラブひな0|publisher=Kodansha|date=July 17, 2000|pages=113–114|isbn=4-06-334314-6}}
Media
=Manga=
{{Main|List of Love Hina chapters{{!}}List of Love Hina chapters}}
Written and illustrated by Ken Akamatsu, Love Hina was serialized in Kodansha's shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Magazine, between October 21, 1998,{{cite tweet|user=KenAkamatsu|author=Akamatsu, Ken|author-link=Ken Akamatsu|number=1648664850158219265|script-title=ja:#赤松健の国会にっき (月・水・金曜に更新中)(107)記念写真 編『ラブひな』は1998年10月21日連載開始。平成11年1月ならまだ一巻発売前ですね。アニメ版『ラブひな』ですが、2000年の本日4月19日に放映されました。毎週水曜22時28分という野心的な時間帯でしたが、アニメ枠としては定着せず。|date=April 19, 2023|access-date=September 18, 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230918171151/https://twitter.com/KenAkamatsu/status/1648664850158219265|archive-date=September 18, 2023|url-status=live}} to October 31, 2001.{{cite web|script-title=ja:週刊少年マガジン 2001年48号|url=http://www.shonenmagazine.com/maga48/index.html|website=shonenmagazine.com|publisher=Kodansha|access-date=September 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011106123327fw_/http://www.shonenmagazine.com/maga48/index.html|archive-date=November 6, 2001|language=ja}} Its chapters were collected in 14 {{Lang|ja-latn|tankōbon}} volumes, released from March 17, 1999,{{cite web|url=http://shop.kodansha.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3126706|script-title=ja:ラブひな(1) 赤松健|language=Japanese|publisher=Kodansha|access-date=September 19, 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713212026/http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3126706|archive-date=July 13, 2012}} to January 17, 2002.{{cite web|url=http://shop.kodansha.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3130703|script-title=ja:ラブひな(14) 赤松健|language=Japanese|publisher=Kodansha|access-date=September 19, 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121219011234/http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3130703|archive-date=December 19, 2012}} The series was later released in a partially colored format known as the "Iro Hina version". The 14 Iro Hina volumes were released between July 2001 and April 2004.{{cite web|url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1297302|script-title=ja:ラブひな 特装版(KCDX)1|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|access-date=June 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805031317/http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1297302|archive-date=August 5, 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1297247|script-title=ja:単行本:ラブひな 特装版(KCDX)14|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|access-date=June 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805035425/http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1297247|archive-date=August 5, 2016|url-status=dead}} A new seven-volume edition was released by Kodansha between June and December 2014.{{cite web|url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1380419|script-title=ja:単行本:ラブひな(講談社漫画文庫)1|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|access-date=June 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805030225/http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1380419|archive-date=August 5, 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1400632|script-title=ja:ラブひな(講談社漫画文庫)7|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|access-date=June 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805032208/http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1400632|archive-date=August 5, 2016|url-status=dead}}
Kodansha published a bilingual English and Japanese edition under the Kodansha Bilingual Comics label. Eight volumes were produced under the bilingual format between October 2000 and July 2001.{{cite web|url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1297236|script-title=ja:単行本:ラブひな バイリンガル版(講談社バイリンガル・コミックス)VOL.1|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|access-date=June 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805033649/http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1297236|archive-date=August 5, 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1297224|script-title=ja:ラブひな バイリンガル版(講談社バイリンガル・コミックス)VOL.8|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|access-date=June 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805032553/http://mediaarts-db.jp/mg/books/1297224|archive-date=August 5, 2016|url-status=dead}} The edition was removed from sale after the series was licensed by Tokyopop.{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-10-14/kodansha-to-cease-exports-of-some-billingual-manga|title=Kodansha to cease exports of Some Billingual Manga|website=Anime News Network|access-date=March 9, 2009|archive-date=2008-05-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514232625/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-10-14/kodansha-to-cease-exports-of-some-billingual-manga|url-status=live}}
The series was licensed for an English-language release in North America and the United Kingdom by Tokyopop, which released the 14 volumes between May 21, 2002, and September 16, 2003.{{Cite web|url=http://www.tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?page=product&productid=1160|title=Love Hina Volume 1|work=Tokyopop.com|access-date=October 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031003043817/http://www.tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?page=product&productid=1160|archive-date=October 3, 2003}}{{Cite web|url=http://tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?page=product&productid=1465|title=Love Hina Volume 14|work=Tokyopop.com|access-date=October 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031003013730/http://tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?page=product&productid=1465|archive-date=October 3, 2003}} The English release was one of Tokyopop's first releases in the "Authentic Manga" lineup of titles using the Japanese right to left reading style. In doing so the artwork remained unchanged from the original.{{cite web|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/1067.html|title=Tokyopop To Publish Manga in Japanese Format|publisher=ICv2|access-date=January 1, 2009|archive-date=May 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514113629/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/1067.html|url-status=live}} The series appeared consistently in Tokyopop's top five selling manga and has been reprinted several times.{{cite web|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/1940.html|title=Love Hina Sales Break Trends|publisher=ICv2|access-date=January 1, 2009|archive-date=November 21, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121161254/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/1940.html|url-status=live}} In August 2009, it was revealed that Tokyopop's license had been left to expire by Kodansha and would not be renewed.{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-08-31/tokyopop-confirms-its-kodansha-manga-licenses-will-end|title=Tokyopop Confirms Its Kodansha Manga Licenses Have Ended|website=Anime News Network|access-date=September 8, 2009|archive-date=2009-09-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903020302/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-08-31/tokyopop-confirms-its-kodansha-manga-licenses-will-end|url-status=live}} Kodansha Comics licensed the series with a new translation.{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-03-30/kodansha-adds-shugo-chara-full-moon-sequel-manga|title=Kodansha Adds Shugo Chara, Full Moon Sequel Manga|publisher=Anime News Network|date=2010-03-29|access-date=2011-03-30|archive-date=2011-12-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111217030416/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-03-30/kodansha-adds-shugo-chara-full-moon-sequel-manga|url-status=live}} This omnibus edition was released as 5 volumes between October 2011 and March 2013.{{cite web|url=http://kodanshacomics.com/volume/love-hina-omnibus-1/|title=Love Hina Omnibus, Volume 1|publisher=Kodansha Comics|access-date=June 6, 2016|archive-date=June 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617102229/http://kodanshacomics.com/volume/love-hina-omnibus-1/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://kodanshacomics.com/volume/love-hina-omnibus-1/|title=Love Hina Omnibus, Volume 5|publisher=Kodansha Comics|access-date=June 6, 2016|archive-date=June 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617102229/http://kodanshacomics.com/volume/love-hina-omnibus-1/|url-status=live}}{{cite book|url=https://kodanshacomics.com/series/love-hina-omnibus/|title=Love Hina Omnibus|publisher=Kodansha Comics|access-date=2018-01-16|archive-date=2018-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117131437/https://kodanshacomics.com/series/love-hina-omnibus/|url-status=live}}
The series is also licensed for an English-language release in Singapore by Chuang Yi and for regional language releases in France and Québec by Pika Édition, in Spain by Glénat, in Brazil by Editora JBC, in Mexico by Grupo Editorial Vid, in Poland by Waneko, in Greece by Compupress, in Germany in German, in Norway by Schibsted Forlag, in Sweden by Bonnier Carlsen and in Denmark by Egmont Manga & Anime.{{cite book|script-title=ja:ラブひな∞|publisher=Kodansha|date=July 17, 2002|page=128|isbn=4-06-334325-1}}{{cite book|script-title=ja:ラブひな∞|publisher=Kodansha|date=July 17, 2002|page=191|isbn=4-06-334325-1}}
The September 1, 2010, issue of Weekly Shōnen Magazine included a six-color-page Love Hina one-shot.{{cite web|title=Love Hina Manga Returns with 1-Shot Story in September|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-08-21/love-hina-manga-returns-with-1-shot-story-in-september|website=Anime News Network|access-date=June 2, 2012|archive-date=2012-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108183107/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-08-21/love-hina-manga-returns-with-1-shot-story-in-september|url-status=live}} A crossover one-shot with Aho Girl was released on August 27, 2014.{{cite web|url= http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-08-12/love-hina-aho-girl-get-crossover-manga-one-shot/.77551|title= Love Hina, Aho Girl Get Crossover Manga One-Shot|date= August 12, 2014|access-date= January 22, 2015|work= Anime News Network|archive-date= January 22, 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150122052003/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-08-12/love-hina-aho-girl-get-crossover-manga-one-shot/.77551|url-status= live}}
=Anime=
{{Main|List of Love Hina episodes{{!}}List of Love Hina episodes}}
Love Hina was adapted into a 24-episode anime television series by Xebec, a division of Production I.G. The series aired on TV Tokyo April 19 through September 27, 2000.{{cite web|url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/an/anime_series/7176|title=作品情報(シリーズ)|publisher=Media Arts DB|access-date=June 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805035636/http://mediaarts-db.jp/an/anime_series/7176|archive-date=August 5, 2016}} The opening theme was Sakura Saku and the closing theme was Kimi Sae Ireba. Both songs were written by Ritsuko Okazaki and performed by Megumi Hayashibara. The two themes were released as a CD single, which debuted on the Oricon charts at Number 7.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000059HU4/|title=サクラサク Single|language=ja|publisher=Amazon.co.jp|access-date=January 2, 2009|archive-date=September 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918182811/https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000059HU4/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/134302/1/|title=林原めぐみ-リリース-Oricon Style-ミュージック|language=ja|publisher=Oricon|access-date=February 1, 2001|archive-date=July 17, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070717182621/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/134302/1/|url-status=live}} A bonus 25th episode was later created and released as a DVD extra.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/love-hina-christmas-movie_article_74832.html|title=Love Hina Christmas Movie|publisher=Mania|first=Chris|last=Beveridge|date=December 12, 2003|access-date=December 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208113712/http://www.mania.com/love-hina-christmas-movie_article_74832.html|archive-date=February 8, 2009}} The series and bonus episode were directed by Yoshiaki Iwasaki, written by Shō Aikawa and featured character designs by Makoto Uno.{{cite book|title=Ani Hina Ver.1|publisher=Kodansha|date=August 4, 2000|pages=107|isbn=4-06-334325-1}}{{cite book|title=Ani Hina Ver.2|publisher=Kodansha|date=November 9, 2000|pages=107|isbn=4-06-334351-0}}
In Japan, the television series was released on nine DVDs by Starchild Records between August 3, 2000, and April 2, 2001.{{Cite web|url=http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/hina/info/index.html|script-title=ja:みんな見てテレビシリーズ|language=ja|publisher=Starchild|access-date=August 30, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020606211130/http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/hina/info/index.html|archive-date=June 6, 2002|title=King Amusement Creative}}{{cite web|url=http://www.starchild.co.jp/e/special/lovehina-again/index.html|title=Starchild animation catalog:Love Hina Again|publisher=Starchild|language=ja|access-date=March 29, 2009|archive-date=April 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420132708/http://www.starchild.co.jp/e/special/lovehina-again/index.html|url-status=live}} Love Hina is credited with being one of the first anime series to be available unofficially as a digitally produced fansub, with multiple groups working on the series.{{citation|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/sub-culture/2000-11-17|title=subCulture – Winter Anime Slump|last=Bertschy|first=Zac|website=Anime News Network|access-date=October 4, 2009|archive-date=2008-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417212600/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/sub-culture/2000-11-17|url-status=live}}{{citation|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2008-03-11/2|title=Page 2 – Interview With The Fansubber|last=Bertschy|first=Zac|website=Anime News Network|access-date=October 4, 2009|archive-date=2009-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090607235946/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2008-03-11/2|url-status=live}} The popularity and widespread availability of the series in this form meant that several potential licensors of the series such as ADV Films had concerns over licensing the series.{{citation|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/answerman/2001-01-28|title=Answerman: III|website=Anime News Network|access-date=October 4, 2009|archive-date=2009-08-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814151442/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/answerman/2001-01-28|url-status=live}} The series was later licensed in North America by Bandai Entertainment, who released six DVDs between February 19 and November 19, 2002.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005UBKC/|title=Love Hina, Volume 1: Moving In (Episodes 1–4)|website=Amazon|date=19 February 2002|access-date=January 6, 2009|archive-date=20 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220000513/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005UBKC|url-status=live}} In July 2007, Funimation Entertainment announced they had acquired the license to the series after Bandai's license had expired. A new boxset of the television series across 4 discs was released by Funimation on February 24, 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-07-01/funimation-to-release-love-hina-jyo-oh-sei-darker-than-black-xxxholic-and-more-tsubasa-negima-ax-2007|title=Funimation to Release Love Hina, Jyo Oh Sei, Darker than Black, XXXHolic, more Tsubasa, more Negima|website=Anime News Network|access-date=January 6, 2009|archive-date=2021-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301035315/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-07-01/funimation-to-release-love-hina-jyo-oh-sei-darker-than-black-xxxholic-and-more-tsubasa-negima-ax-2007|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Love-Hina-Complete-Box-Set/dp/B001M6SHD8|title=Love Hina: Complete Series Box Set|work=Amazon.com|date=24 February 2009|access-date=September 25, 2016|archive-date=25 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925150239/https://www.amazon.com/Love-Hina-Complete-Box-Set/dp/B001M6SHD8|url-status=live}} It was then re-released as part of Funimation's Viridian Collection on July 27, 2010. In the United Kingdom, the series is licensed by MVM Films, who released the series on six DVDs between September 6, 2004, and March 7, 2005, and as a boxset on May 14, 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.mvm-films.com/catalogue_anime/letterl.htm|title=MVM Catalogue: "L"|publisher=MVM Films|access-date=June 10, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305112439/http://www.mvm-films.com/catalogue_anime/letterl.htm|archive-date=March 5, 2010}} In Australia and New Zealand the series is licensed by Madman Entertainment, who also released the series across six DVDs between September 18, 2002, and February 11, 2003. A box set was released on December 3, 2003.{{cite web|url=http://www.madman.com.au/actions/catalogue.do?releaseId=3229&method=view|title=Love Hina Series Collection (Fatpack)|publisher=Madman|access-date=January 6, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024191416/http://www.madman.com.au/actions/catalogue.do?releaseId=3229&method=view|archive-date=October 24, 2008}}
After the television series was completed, a Christmas special, Love Hina Xmas Eve: Silent Night, was produced and shown on December 25, 2000, on TV Tokyo. A DVD was released in Japan on July 4, 2001.{{cite book|title=The Anime Encyclopedia: A Guide to Japanese Animation Since 1917|last1=Clements|first1=Jonathan|author1-link=Jonathan Clements|last2=McCarthy|first2=Helen|author2-link=Helen McCarthy|year=2006|page=377|publisher=Stone Bridge Press |isbn=1-933330-10-4|edition=Revised and Expanded}} It was then released in North America on December 3, 2002, and in the United Kingdom on November 7, 2005.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001BMM90/|title=Love Hina Christmas Movie (2002)|website=Amazon|date=27 April 2004|access-date=January 8, 2009|archive-date=20 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220000515/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001BMM90|url-status=live}} The Spring Special Love Hina Spring Special: I Wish Your Dream was also shown on TV Tokyo on April 2, 2001. The DVD was released in Japan on August 1, 2001, in North American on March 18, 2003, and in the United Kingdom on May 16, 2005.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001BMM9K/|title=Love Hina Spring Movie(2003)|website=Amazon|date=2 March 2004|access-date=January 8, 2009|archive-date=18 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918182812/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001BMM9K/|url-status=live}} Finally, an OVA series called Love Hina Again was released on DVD in Japan in 3 parts between January 26 and March 27, 2002.{{Cite web|url=http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/ova_hina/item/index.html|title=タチャスペシャル:OVAラブひな|publisher=Starchild|language=ja|access-date=August 30, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020212035053/http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/ova_hina/item/index.html|archive-date=February 12, 2002}} A CD single featuring the opening theme "Kirari Takaramono" and the ending theme "Be for Me, Be for You" was released on February 28, 2002. A solo version was used for the first episode, and a duet with Yūji Ueda was used for the third episode.{{cite web|editor=Doi, Hitoshi|editor-link=Hitoshi Doi|url=http://www.usagi.org/doi/seiyuu/cd/yui/kirari-takaramono.html|title=Kirari Takaramono|publisher=Seiyū (voice actor) database|access-date=February 25, 2009|archive-date=July 9, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709011455/http://www.usagi.org/doi/seiyuu/cd/yui/kirari-takaramono.html|url-status=live}}{{cite episode|title=Episode 1 – Keitaro|series=Love Hina Again|number=1|minutes=0:48}}{{cite episode|title=Episode 3 – Naru|series=Love Hina Again|number=1|minutes=0:48}} The North American and United Kingdom releases of Love Hina Again grouped the 3 parts together on one disc and were released on September 2, 2003, and January 7, 2008, respectively.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001BMMCC/|title=Love Hina Again (2003)|website=Amazon|date=2 March 2004|access-date=January 8, 2009|archive-date=20 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220000550/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001BMMCC/|url-status=live}}
After the end of the television series, Love Hina Final Selection was released, containing a summary of the series and "Love Live Hina", a live concert featuring all of the main cast members.{{cite web|editor=Doi, Hitoshi|editor-link=Hitoshi Doi|title=Love Hina Final Selection|url=http://www.usagi.org/doi/seiyuu/video/love-hina-final.html|publisher=Seiyū (voice actor) database|access-date=February 25, 2009|archive-date=November 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108022413/http://www.usagi.org/doi/seiyuu/video/love-hina-final.html|url-status=live}}
The anime was later used as the source for a film comic, Love Hina Anime Comics, which told the anime story in comic form using stills from the show as the comic panels.{{cite web|title=Love Hina Anime Comics (1)|url=http://www.kodanclub.com/cgi-local/comic.cgi?id=001-00028-02-001|publisher=Kodansha|access-date=February 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050113190627/http://www.kodanclub.com/cgi-local/comic.cgi?id=001-00028-02-001|archive-date=January 13, 2005}} The anime Comics series follows the story of the television series, unaired 25th episode, and the Xmas and Spring specials and each volume contains 3 exclusive trading cards.{{cite web|title=Love Hina Anime Comics (09)|url=http://www.kodanclub.com/cgi-local/comic.cgi?id=001-00028-02-009|publisher=Kodansha|access-date=February 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060513055346/http://www.kodanclub.com/cgi-local/comic.cgi?id=001-00028-02-009|archive-date=May 13, 2006}}{{cite web|title=Love Hina Anime Comics(10)|url=http://www.kodanclub.com/cgi-local/comic.cgi?id=001-00028-02-010|publisher=Kodansha|access-date=February 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060513044716/http://www.kodanclub.com/cgi-local/comic.cgi?id=001-00028-02-010|archive-date=May 13, 2006}}{{cite web|title=Love Hina Anime Comics (11)|url=http://www.kodanclub.com/cgi-local/comic.cgi?id=001-00028-02-011|publisher=Kodansha|access-date=February 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212181644/http://www.kodanclub.com/cgi-local/comic.cgi?id=001-00028-02-011|archive-date=February 12, 2008}} The film comics also contain anime production info.{{cite book|title=ラブひな 1 アニメ版 |publisher=Kodansha|date=September 14, 2000|pages=130–140|isbn=4-06-310126-6}}
=Light novels=
Two novels have been written by the anime screenwriters and illustrated by Ken Akamatsu as side stories of the main series. Love Hina: Mystery Guests at Hinata Hotel was written by Shō Aikawa under the pen name "Kurō Hazuki", was published in Japan by Kodansha on May 17, 2001. It was rereleased in a bilingual edition (English and Japanese) in December 2001.{{cite web|url=http://shop.kodansha.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3243427|script-title=ja:ラブひな 混浴厳禁 葉月九ロウ 赤松健 講談社|language=ja|publisher=Kodansha|access-date=January 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050318102132/http://shop.kodansha.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3243427|archive-date=2005-03-18}}{{cite book|title=ラブひな—混浴厳禁 ひなた荘のヒミツ (Kodansha English library) (文庫)|language=ja|id={{ASIN|4770028482|country=jp}}}} The second novel, Love Hina: Secrets at Hinata Hotel was written by Hiroyuki Kawasaki and released in Japan on February 15, 2002, with a bilingual edition released the same month.{{cite web|url=http://shop.kodansha.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3243451|script-title=ja:ラブひな(2) 秘湯解禁 川崎ヒロユキ 赤松健 講談社|language=ja|publisher=Kodansha|access-date=January 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041120172950/http://shop.kodansha.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3243451|archive-date=2004-11-20}}{{cite book|script-title=ja:ラブひな—混浴厳禁-ひなた旅館へようこそ! (講談社英語文庫) (文庫)|language=ja|id={{ASIN|4770029071|country=jp}}}} Tokyopop licensed both novels for an English-language distribution in North America, releasing the first novel under the title Love Hina: The Novel, Volume 1 on April 11, 2006, and the second novel under the title Love Hina: The Novel, Volume 2 on August 8, 2006.{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyopop.com/manga/book_catalog/browse?alphabet=j-l&hide_adult=Y&p=13|title=Browse Book Catalog: L: Love Attack Vol 1 – Love Mode Vol 9|publisher=Tokyopop|access-date=March 8, 2009}}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
=Reference books=
Two reference books for the manga series have been released for fans of the series. Love Hina 0 was released on July 17, 2002, and contains character profiles, interviews and production info as well as other supporting materials for the first seven volumes of the manga.{{cite book|script-title=ja:ラブひな0 (デラックスコミックス) (コミック)|id={{ASIN|4063343146|country=jp}}|language=ja}}{{cite book|title=ラブひな0|publisher=Kodansha|date=July 17, 2000|page=27|isbn=4-06-334314-6}} {{nihongo|Love Hina Mugendai|ラブひな∞}} was released on July 17, 2002, and contains character profiles, a timeline, artwork, interviews and production info. A large section is dedicated to early production sketches and handwritten development notes.{{cite book|script-title=ja:ラブひな (コミック)|id={{ASIN|4063345785|country=jp}}|language=ja}}{{cite book|title=ラブひな0|publisher=Kodansha|date=July 17, 2000|isbn=4-06-334314-6}}
Two reference books have also been released for the anime series. Ani-Hina Ver.1 was released on August 4, 2000, and Ani-Hina Ver.2 was released on November 9, 2000.{{cite web|title=Ani Hina (Ver.1)|url=http://www.kodanclub.com/cgi-local/comic.cgi?id=001-00028-03-001|access-date=February 10, 2009|publisher=Kodansha|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060513044908/http://www.kodanclub.com/cgi-local/comic.cgi?id=001-00028-03-001|archive-date=May 13, 2006}}{{cite web|title=Ani Hina (Ver.2)|url=http://www.kodanclub.com/cgi-local/comic.cgi?id=001-00028-03-002|access-date=February 10, 2009|publisher=Kodansha|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212180307/http://www.kodanclub.com/cgi-local/comic.cgi?id=001-00028-03-002|archive-date=February 12, 2008}} Each book contains character profiles, episode summaries, production sketches and details as well as interviews and information on the voice actors; each covers half of the anime series.
=Video games=
The series has seen several video games released across several platforms. The Game Boy Color received Love Hina Pocket on August 4, 2000, and Love Hina Party on January 26, 2001.{{cite web|url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/gm/syosai.php?id=392104801089&kbn=c12|title=ラブひなポケット|access-date=June 1, 2016|publisher=Media Arts DB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805030427/http://mediaarts-db.jp/gm/syosai.php?id=392104801089&kbn=c12|archive-date=August 5, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/gm/syosai.php?id=392104801174&kbn=c12|title=ラブひなパーティー|access-date=June 1, 2016|publisher=Media Arts DB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805035224/http://mediaarts-db.jp/gm/syosai.php?id=392104801174&kbn=c12|archive-date=August 5, 2016}} The Game Boy Advance received Love Hina Advance on September 7, 2001.{{cite web|url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/gm/syosai.php?id=392114800070&kbn=c12|title=ラブひな アドバンス 祝福の鐘はなるかな|access-date=June 1, 2016|publisher=Media Arts DB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805034752/http://mediaarts-db.jp/gm/syosai.php?id=392114800070&kbn=c12|archive-date=August 5, 2016}} The Sega Dreamcast received Love Hina: Totsuzen no Engeji Happening on September 28, 2000, and Love Hina: Smile Again on March 29, 2001.{{cite web|url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/gm/syosai.php?id=392113200266&kbn=c12|title=ラブひな 突然のエンゲージ・ハプニング|access-date=June 1, 2016|publisher=Media Arts DB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805032008/http://mediaarts-db.jp/gm/syosai.php?id=392113200266&kbn=c12|archive-date=August 5, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/gm/syosai.php?id=392113200367&kbn=c12|title=ラブひな スマイル・アゲイン|access-date=June 1, 2016|publisher=Media Arts DB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805040929/http://mediaarts-db.jp/gm/syosai.php?id=392113200367&kbn=c12|archive-date=August 5, 2016}} The Sony PlayStation received Love Hina 1: Ai wa Kotoba no Naka ni on September 28, 2000, and Love Hina 2: Kotoba wa Konayuki no Yō ni on November 30, 2000.{{cite web|url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/gm/syosai.php?id=392109503204&kbn=c12|title=ラブひな ~愛は言葉の中に~|access-date=June 1, 2016|publisher=Media Arts DB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805032729/http://mediaarts-db.jp/gm/syosai.php?id=392109503204&kbn=c12|archive-date=August 5, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/gm/syosai.php?id=392109503321&kbn=c12|title=ラブひな2 ~言葉は粉雪のように~|access-date=June 1, 2016|publisher=Media Arts DB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805032914/http://mediaarts-db.jp/gm/syosai.php?id=392109503321&kbn=c12|archive-date=August 5, 2016}} The Sony PlayStation 2 received Love Hina: Gojasu Chiratto Happening on May 22, 2003.{{cite web|url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/gm/syosai.php?id=392113901074&kbn=c12|title=ラブひな ご~じゃす ~チラっとハプニング!! ~|access-date=June 1, 2016|publisher=Media Arts DB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805033256/http://mediaarts-db.jp/gm/syosai.php?id=392113901074&kbn=c12|archive-date=August 5, 2016}}
=Soundtracks=
{{Main|List of Love Hina soundtracks{{!}}List of Love Hina soundtracks}}
Prior to the start of the anime, several image songs were recorded by the anime cast members.{{cite AV media notes|title=Love Hina Original Sound File|others=Various artists|year=2000|pages=15–16|publisher=King Records |location=Japan}} Several maxi singles were released featuring some of these image songs as well as drama tracks, also performed by the anime cast. "I Love Hina" was released on April 26, 2000, and followed by Love Hina 1 on June 26, 2000, Love Hina 2 on July 26, 2000, and Love Hina 3 on August 23, 2000. Love Hina 1 came with a box to hold the other singles.{{cite web|url=http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/hina/release/index.html|title=CDリリース湯|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020606212424/http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/hina/release/index.html|archive-date=June 6, 2002|publisher=Starchild|access-date=August 30, 2009}}
There have been several Love Hina soundtracks released. Love Hina Original Sound File was released on September 21, 2000, and contains all of the background music for the series as well as many vocal songs. Love Hina — Winter Special Soundtrack was released on January 24, 2001, and was followed by Love Hina — Spring Special Soundtrack on June 6, 2001. Love Hina Again Soundtrack was released on April 3, 2002. Two collections of vocal songs featuring the female cast members were released: Love Hina – Hinata Girls Song Best was released on March 16, 2001, and Love Hina – Hinata Girls Song Best 2 was released on October 3, 2001. Many of the songs featured on these two albums were written by Ritsuko Okazaki, who released the self cover album Love Hina Okazaki Collection on December 16, 2001.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00005QYE6/|title=ラブひな Okazaki Collection: 岡崎律子, Ritsuko Okazaki, Tomoki Hasegawa, Tomoji Sogawa, Tohru Shigemi, Shinkichi Mitsumune: 音楽|publisher=Amazon.co.jp|access-date=February 2, 2009|archive-date=September 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918182815/https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00005QYE6/|url-status=live}} Two live concerts called Love Live Hina were performed by the Japanese cast members. The Tokyo Bay performance was bundled on DVD with Love Hina Final Selection, and the Osaka Performance was available separately.{{cite web|editor=Doi, Hitoshi|editor-link=Hitoshi Doi|title=Love Live Hina|url=http://www.usagi.org/doi/seiyuu/video/lovelivehina.html|publisher=Seiyū (voice actor) database|access-date=March 7, 2009|archive-date=July 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720023609/http://www.usagi.org/doi/seiyuu/video/lovelivehina.html|url-status=live}}
Reception
The first 11 volumes sold over 6 million copies in Japan by October 2001.{{cite web|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/842.html|title=Love Hina Embraces America|publisher=ICv2|access-date=January 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051121011404/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/842.html|archive-date=November 21, 2005}} By 2022, the manga had over 20 million copies in circulation.{{cite web|script-title=ja:ハーレムものラブコメは進化する 瀬尾公治「女神のカフェテラス」(第132回)|url=https://book.asahi.com/article/14650203|website=Good Life with Books|publisher=The Asahi Shimbun|access-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112001605/https://book.asahi.com/article/14650203|archive-date=January 12, 2023|language=ja|date=June 24, 2022|url-status=live}} Love Hina won the Kodansha Manga Award for best shōnen title in 2001.{{cite web| url=http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/kodansha.php| first=Joel| last=Hahn| title=Kodansha Manga Awards| work=Comic Book Awards Almanac| access-date=August 21, 2007| archive-date=June 30, 2012| archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630033000/http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/kodansha.php| url-status=live}} It was selected as the "Best Manga, USA Release" at both the 2002 and 2004 Anime Expo conventions.{{cite web|url=http://activeanime.com/html/2008/02/04/love-hina-again/|first=Sandra|last=Scholes|title=Love Hina Again DVD Review|publisher=Active Anime|date=January 15, 2008|access-date=September 30, 2008|archive-date=October 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007161926/http://activeanime.com/html/2008/02/04/love-hina-again/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2004/anime-expo/13|first=Christopher|last=Macdonald|title=Anime Expo 2004 awards|website=Anime News Network|date=September 19, 2004|access-date=September 23, 2008|archive-date=August 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828210708/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2004/anime-expo/13|url-status=live}} In 2003, the title was among the top ten graphic novels on Nielsen BookScan's list and one of the first graphic novels to ever appear in the general trade paperback list.{{cite web|last=Spurgeon|first=Tom|date=June 30, 2003|url=http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/resources/longbox/108/|title=The Comics Reporter News: Report from BEA 2003|publisher=Comics Reporter|access-date=June 2, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819154520/http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/resources/longbox/108/|archive-date=August 19, 2011}} The popular culture|pop culture website ICv2 voted Love Hina "Anime Product of the Year" in 2002.{{cite web|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/2187.html|title=2002 Anime Awards, Part 1|publisher=ICv2|access-date=March 7, 2009|archive-date=June 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611085144/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/2187.html|url-status=live}}
The series was well received by critics. Tony Chen, of Anime News Network (ANN), found it to be a funny series, though finding the 16+ rating appropriate due to the number of jokes involving sexual innuendo. He praised the beautiful artwork, feeling the "sexy and cute" female designs were perfect for the series and that Keitarō's design fit his dorky personality. Chen found Naru's regularly catching Keitarō making a mistake and calling him a pervert redundant and annoying.{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/love-hina-gn-1-5|title=Love Hina GN 1-5 – Review|website=Anime News Network|first=Tony|last=Chen|date=September 17, 2002|access-date=January 14, 2008|archive-date=April 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403142356/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/love-hina-gn-1-5|url-status=live}} Eric Luce of Ex.org notes an increased character development over other love comedies, and describes the series as "nothing if not whimsical".{{cite web|url=http://www.ex.org/5.7/35-mangaj_lovehina.html|title=Love Hina|publisher=Ex.org|last=Luce|first=Eric|access-date=October 4, 2009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120802050759/http://www.ex.org/5.7/35-mangaj_lovehina.html|archive-date=August 2, 2012}}
In Japan, the television series DVDs sold over 1 million copies. The release of the second and third DVDs in Japan was only the second time that an anime series had consecutive number 1 chart positions. This would not occur again until over 15 years later with Mr. Osomatsu.{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-05-31/mr-osomatsu-is-1st-tv-anime-in-15-years-with-2-no.1-dvds-in-a-row/.102714|title=Mr. Osomatsu Is 1st TV Anime in 15 Years With 2 #1 DVDs in a Row|date=June 1, 2016|access-date=June 2, 2016|website=Anime News Network|archive-date=June 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602064659/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-05-31/mr-osomatsu-is-1st-tv-anime-in-15-years-with-2-no.1-dvds-in-a-row/.102714|url-status=live}}
ANN's Bamboo Dong praised the anime adaptation for being very intriguing and mixing "drama, romance, and slapstick comedy in a pleasing combination". She found the music "incredibly cute" and felt it was used in a way which contributed to many of the dramatic effects in the anime.{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/love-hina|title=Love Hina — Review|website=Anime News Network|first=Bamboo|last=Dong|access-date=January 14, 2008|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126165328/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/love-hina|url-status=live}} In The Anime Encyclopedia: A Guide to Japanese Animation Since 1917, Jonathan Clements and Helen McCarthy felt the female characters were a "standard rack of female anime archetypes" and that the series as a whole was a "culmination of a decade of geek-centered anime". Kenneth Lee, writing for Ex.org, praised the look and quality of the animation, highlighting the benefits of the digital creation of the adaption over traditional cel animation. Lee recognised elements from other series such as Maison Ikkoku and Kimagure Orange Road, and summarised the series as "simply wonderful".{{cite web|url=http://www.ex.org/5.7/13-animej_lovehina.html|title=Love Hina TV Volume 1: Process 1 DVD|publisher=Ex.org|last=Lee|first=Kenetth|access-date=October 4, 2009|archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20090708135950/http://www.ex.org/5.7/13-animej_lovehina.html|archive-date=July 8, 2009}}
Chris Beveridge, of AnimeOnDVD.com, noted the first anime DVD volume was "really well put together", but also felt the manga did not translate into an anime series particularly well.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/love-hina-vol-1_article_74243.html|title=Love Hina vol. #1|work=Mania Entertainment|publisher=Demand Media|first=Chris|last=Beveridge|date=January 28, 2002|access-date=December 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204233215/http://www.mania.com/love-hina-vol-1_article_74243.html|archive-date=December 4, 2008}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/love-hina-vol-6_article_74684.html|title=Love Hina vol. #6|work=Mania Entertainment|publisher=Demand Media|first=Chris|last=Beveridge|date=November 13, 2002|access-date=December 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905232030/http://www.mania.com/love-hina-vol-6_article_74684.html|archive-date=September 5, 2008}} He praised the Christmas special, noting that it was "several notches above the TV series" but found that while the Spring Special had amusing moments, it was rushed with bad plotting.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/love-hina-spring-special_article_75039.html|title=Love Hina Spring Special|work=Mania Entertainment|publisher=Demand Media|first=Chris|last=Beveridge|date=February 19, 2003|access-date=December 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427004348/http://www.mania.com/love-hina-spring-special_article_75039.html|archive-date=April 27, 2011}}
The Love Hina Again OVA received more mixed reviews, with ANN's Zac Bertschy feeling it reversed part of the plot of the main anime series and never reached the same entertainment level as the television series. The character of Kanako, Keitarō's sister, was heavily criticized for being "one of the most annoying characters ever created even though she would have been better for Keitaro than Naru."{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/love-hina-again/dvd|title=Love Hina Again DVD — Review|website=Anime News Network|first=Zac|last=Bertschy|date=October 30, 2003|access-date=January 14, 2008|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126040733/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/love-hina-again/dvd|url-status=live}} Beveridge praised the fun and comedy as well as the fan service, but also noted that one's enjoyment would depend on whether they still cared for the characters.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/love-hina-again-movie_article_75422.html|title=Love Hina Again Movie|work=Mania Entertainment|publisher=Demand Media|first=Chris|last=Beveridge|date=August 15, 2003|access-date=December 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080721015133/http://www.mania.com/love-hina-again-movie_article_75422.html|archive-date=July 21, 2008}}
References
{{Reflist|2}}
External links
{{wikiquote}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20090803170119/http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/lovehina/ TV Tokyo official website] {{in lang|ja}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20151026091944/https://www.funimation.com/shows/love-hina/home/ Funimation website]
- {{Anime News Network|manga|1564}}
{{Love Hina}}
{{Weekly Shōnen Magazine - 1990–1999}}
{{Kodansha Manga Award - Shōnen}}
{{Yoshiaki Iwasaki}}
{{Xebec}}
{{Xebec films}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Bandai Entertainment anime titles
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Category:Films with screenplays by Shō Aikawa
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Category:Slice of life anime and manga
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