In Japan, there have been real-life cases where men used the excuse of “itazura” to justify stalking, breaking into a neighbor’s apartment, or assault. In 2018, a man in Saitama was arrested for repeatedly entering a female neighbor’s room through a shared attic—he told police, “I was just playing a prank.”
So, what makes "Otonari no Musume ni Itazura" so endearing to audiences? Here are a few reasons: otonari no musume ni itazura
Similar to Teasing Master Takagi-san , the "itazura" is a way for characters to hide their true feelings. A prank is an excuse to touch, talk to, or observe the other person without admitting they have a crush. In Japan, there have been real-life cases where
(Mischievous Kiss), or refers to general mischief, such as itazura-denwa (prank calls). A prank is an excuse to touch, talk
The "itazura" (mischief or pranking) element often highlights the difference between how a girl acts in public versus how she acts with the protagonist.
In "shonen" or "seinen" rom-coms, itazura usually manifests as playful banter. It’s the "push and pull" of a developing relationship. Think of a protagonist who teases his neighbor to hide his true feelings, or a heroine who plays mild pranks to get the protagonist's attention.