Ep 1. The Door to My Dreams

Love Stage is a TV anime series that is based on a yaoi manga of the same name, written by Eiki Eiki and illustrated by Taishi Zaou. The series follows the journey of a young man named Izumi Sena, who is a college student and a huge otaku. Izumi has a strong passion for both manga and anime, and he dreams of becoming a successful manga author. However, Izumi’s life takes a different turn when he gets caught up in the world of show business.

The first episode of Love Stage, titled “The Door to My Dreams,” begins with an introduction to Izumi Sena, a college student who is known for his love of anime and manga. Izumi's family is in the entertainment industry, and his parents are both famous actors. However, despite coming from a family of performers, Izumi has no interest in following in his parents' footsteps and becoming an actor.

One day, Izumi's older brother, Shogo, who is a popular singer, invites him to attend an audition for a commercial shoot. Izumi initially declines the offer, but Shogo convinces him to come along as moral support. At the audition, Izumi catches the eye of Ryouma Ichijou, a famous actor who is auditioning for the same commercial. Ryouma mistakes Izumi for a girl due to his feminine appearance, and Izumi plays along with the misunderstanding to get out of the awkward situation.

Despite the initial misunderstanding, Ryouma cannot get Izumi out of his mind and becomes determined to meet him again. Meanwhile, Izumi is also intrigued by Ryouma and his interest in him. The first episode sets up the premise for the series, introducing the main characters and their interests.

One of the strengths of Love Stage, as evident from the first episode, is the dynamic between Izumi and Ryouma. The two characters have a natural chemistry that is both intriguing and entertaining to watch. Izumi's initial reluctance to become an actor adds an interesting layer to the story, as his journey towards becoming an actor is one of self-discovery.

The animation is another standout aspect of the show. The character designs are appealing, and the backgrounds are detailed and vivid, giving the show a vibrant and lively feel. The music also adds to the overall atmosphere of the series, with the opening theme song being catchy and upbeat.

Overall, the first episode of Love Stage sets up an interesting premise that is sure to captivate fans of the yaoi genre. The characters are well-developed, and the animation and music are top-notch. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers wanting to know more about the budding relationship between Izumi and Ryouma. Love Stage is a promising anime series that is definitely worth checking out.