Anime, as a medium, offers a wide range of different shows and different flavors that appeal to different audiences. Let’s take a look at Josei anime, which is not exactly a genre, and what it encompasses.
First of all, Josei means ‘woman,’ ‘womanhood,’ or ‘something feminine’ in general. As we apply that to anime, we see that Josei anime is nothing more than an evolution of Shoujo anime.
In many ways, the former caters to a more mature female demographic, girls in their late teens approaching the end of high school or even college, while the latter is intended for younger girls.
Josei, in contrast to Shoujo, takes a more grounded approach to a lot of topics, allowing for a more realistic portrayal of adult themes and topics that adults are interested in or can help them better understand their future.
In light of that, here are 30 of the best Josei anime series. Enjoy!
1. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu
Yotarou is a former yakuza member recently released from prison with one goal in mind: Rather than go back to the life of crime, the young man wishes to become a rakugo performer. After witnessing Yakumo Yuurakutei’s performance during his incarceration, he sets out to meet the man who changed his life.
When Yakumo hears Yotarou’s desperate appeal for mentorship, he has no choice but to accept his very first apprentice.
Yotarou eagerly begins his training and meets Konatsu, a young woman who has been in Yakumo’s care since the death of her beloved father, other rakugo performer Sukeroku Yuurakutei.
Although she studies under contrasting methods, Yotarou finds herself drawn to Sukeroku’s style of rakugo through her hidden passion. Yakumo recalls his promise to his greatest rival when he saw this, and old memories and feelings flood back to him.
Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu depicts the art of rakugo, the relationships it creates, and the lives and hearts of those who are committed to keeping this unique form of storytelling alive.
There’s such an atomic integration of setting, subject matter, and characters that the ride is consistently smooth. It is well-paced because everything is well focused and progressed with a clear direction, leaving no room for wasted effort or filler messes. Together, these elements, coupled with the tact and grace with which they are implemented, make this show worthy of its title.
2. Chihayafuru
The strong-willed and tomboyish Chihaya Ayase grows up in the shadow of her elder sister. Despite having no dreams of her own, she is content with her lot in life until she meets Arata Wataya. She meets a quiet transfer student in her elementary school who introduces her to competitive karuta, a card game based on the classic Japanese anthology Hundred Poets.
Having the chance to become the best in Japan and attracted to Arata’s passion, Chihaya is captivated by the world of karuta. She joins the Shiranami Society with the prodigy Arata and her haughty but hard-working friend Taichi Mashima. After spending idyllic childhood days playing together, the trio splits up due to circumstances.
Chihaya, now in high school, has become a karuta freak. Aiming to win the national championship at Omi Jingu, she aims to establish the Mizusawa Municipal High Competitive Karuta Club. As she reunites with Taichi, Chihaya’s dream of establishing a karuta team is only one step away from becoming a reality: she must find members who share her passion for the game.
Card games are only a small part of what this show offers. In the eyes of Chihaya, the protagonist of the series, karuta, is also about creating a dream for herself and also about the bond that she formed with Arata and Taichi when she was 12.
Romance is part of the story, but more so than any romantic moments, the story is focused on the love of friendship and the game itself.
A show like Chihayafuru is primarily characterized by character-driven plots, which can in its own way produce heart-wrenching entertainment.
3. Usagi Drop
Daikichi Kawachi, a 30-year-old bachelor, works a respectable job but otherwise wanders aimlessly through life. He pays his respects at the family home when his grandfather passes away suddenly. When he arrives at the house, he meets a mysterious young girl named Rin who, to Daikichi’s utter surprise, is his grandfather’s illegitimate child.
A withdrawn and unapproachable girl, she is deemed an embarrassment to the family and ostracized by her father’s relatives after he dies. Daikichi, upset at their cold treatment of Rin, offers to look after her despite being a young, single man with no prior experience in childcare.
Usagi Drop is about Daikichi’s journey through fatherhood and how he raises Rin with his gentle and affectionate nature. It also explores the warmth and interdependence that constitute a happy, close-knit family.
There’s a surprising lack of over-the-top melodrama that can often be expected in these kinds of shows. Although certain problems Daikichi faces are specific to Japanese society. The story progresses at a measured pace, and the plot takes a mature approach to parenting than one might initially expect.
Kawachi Daikichi is, without a doubt, the most interesting character in Usagi Drop. This can be partly explained by the fact that most of the story is told from his point of view, but he’s also one of the most well-defined male leads in anime to date.
4. Sakamichi no Apollon
Kaoru Nishimi, an accomplished classical pianist and top student, has just arrived in Kyushu for his first year of high school. Since he has moved from place to place since he was a child, he has given up all hope of ever fitting in, preparing himself for another lonely, meaningless year. Until he meets the notorious delinquent Sentarou Kawabuchi.
Sentarou’s immeasurable love of jazz inspires Kaoru to learn more about the genre, and as a result, he slowly begins to break out of his shell, making his very first friend.
In the basement of Ritsuko Mukae’s family record shop, Kaoru begins playing the piano at after-school jazz sessions. After he discovers the joy of using his musical talents to bring enjoyment to others and to himself, Kaoru’s summer might just turn into one that he will never forget.
The heartwarming story of friendship, music, and love that follows three unique individuals brought together by their love of jazz is Sakamichi no Apollon.
A major element of the series is friendship, which is not only an aspect of the anime but in real life as well. Kaoru, Sentaro, and Ritsuko form a bond over music and their love of it.
We notice that the characters’ personal lives are presented in a realistic way. Whether tragic, sad, or cheerful, we see how the main characters’ histories are relatable to most of us. They all have backgrounds that bring the overall realism into the 1960s and even into the 21st century.
5. Nodame Cantabile
Shinichi Chiaki is a first-class musician who dreams of playing among the elites in Europe. As a member of a distinguished family, he is an infamous perfectionist. Not only does he criticize himself, but others as well. Shinichi is only holding himself back from leaving for Europe because of his fear of flying. This has forced him to remain in Japan.
Shinichi meets Megumi Noda or, as she refers to herself, Nodame, during his fourth year at Japan’s top music university. In appearance, she appears to be an unkempt girl without a direction in life.
Shinichi, however, is amazed when he hears Nodame play the piano for the first time. However, Shinichi is dismayed to learn that Nodame is his neighbor, and even worse, she falls in love with him.
In contrast to many other romantic comedy anime, the action in Nodame Cantabile takes place in a college instead of a high school, and the difference between the characters’ mentality and personality and the way the story and plot are handled is quite obvious.
In watching the series, it becomes clear that the characters are no longer children, and even though they are still in college, their attitudes to life, the world, and others are dissimilar to the ones encountered in the hordes of high school romantic comedies.
This series stands out from other romantic comedies because of the way the characters are used. In addition to the two leads, there is considerable development among the supporting characters throughout the show as they strive to become better musicians.
6. Kuragehime
Tsukimi Kurashita has been fascinated with jellyfish since her late mother took her to an aquarium when she was very young. She compares their flowing tentacles to a princess’s white dress. As a social outcast, 19-year-old Tsukimi lives with five other unemployed otaku women, dreaming of becoming an illustrator.
An unexpected encounter with a beautiful woman changes her life forever when she saves a jellyfish at a local pet store. Afterward, the stranger began visiting the girls’ building regularly, being confident, fashionable, and the complete opposite of Tsukimi and her roommates.
Although she appears shallow at first glance, this hipster hides some secrets of her own, starting with the fact that “she” is actually a male college student named Kuranosuke Koibuchi!
Princess Jellyfish’s shining jewel is undoubtedly its characters! They all have unique personalities and characteristics. Character interaction contributes greatly to the plot of the series, and it is masterfully handled. As the series progresses, the characters’ awkwardness is outweighed by their believability. Not only does this add charm to the story, but viewers can easily understand and recognize them.
There is a nice pace to every episode. By the time it ends, you may have thought it went by too fast because they keep you so engrossed in what they’re doing. Kuragehime is lighthearted but clearly has depth, if only for the character interaction. You won’t be disappointed.
7. Hachimitsu to Clover
An arts college sophomore, Yuuta Takemoto, lives with two seniors — the eccentric Shinobu Morita, an absentee student who keeps failing to graduate, and the sane Takumi Mayama, who looks out for Takemoto.
One fine spring day, Takemoto had not given much thought to his future until he met Hagumi Hanamoto and instantly fell in love. Hagumi, a gifted artist, enrolls at Takemoto’s university and quickly becomes friends with Ayumi Yamada, an aspiring pottery student. Being well acquainted with each of the three flatmates, Ayumi is secretly infatuated with one of them.
The poignant story of youth, love, self-discovery, and soul searching in Hachimitsu to Clover is intricately woven through the relationships between five dear friends.
Anime can become more than just animated entertainment for those of us who watch it. There are times when we connect on an emotional level with a character or characters in a show.
The story may seem less like a fantasy and more like a reflection on society or our own lives. Those are the shows we remember. We will laugh, we will cry, and sometimes we will learn something new about ourselves through them. Hachimitsu to Clover is one of those animes.
A universally acknowledged aspect of this series is that the characters definitely make the show. The characters are what help carry this anime, like many slice-of-life series, and all five of them do so brilliantly.
8. Shirokuma Cafe
Shirokuma Cafe, owned by the charismatic polar bear Shirokuma, is a popular spot for animals and humans alike looking to relax after a hard day of work. It doesn’t matter if it’s a cold beverage or the latest menu item; Shirokuma enjoys serving his customers, engaging them in conversation in the process.
In addition to the sarcastic Penguin and the clumsy Panda, they are joined by Grizzly, a bar owner, and Sasako, a cafe employee, to form an odd trio.
Shirokuma Cafe is always full of surprises, like unrequited love, outdoor camping trips, karaoke sessions, and even the secret to brewing delicious coffee.
It does not attempt to be anything other than a slice-of-life comedy anime. And it does so in a very appealing way. Shirokuma Cafe doesn’t have an incredible plot, and honestly, it’s not about the plot or the ‘development’–it’s about the characters, how they interact with one another, and the humor it presents.
Even though much of the humor comes from running jokes or puns, each character has a distinctive personality and a terrible sense of logic that makes them absolutely adorable.
Polar Bear, Penguin, Panda, and Sasako, the central quartet of the show, have superb chemistry and play off each other brilliantly. There are also several notable side characters whose episodes are well done.
9. Paradise Kiss
A strange-looking guy starts looking at Yukari Hayasaka’s body intently as she walks home from school. He has blonde spiked hair, a spiked choker, and many piercings on his face and ears. When she runs away from him, she bumps into a tall, beautiful woman with purple hair and a flower pattern around her eye.
When Yukari is in shock, she faints and wakes up later in a strange place called Atelier. This group of strangers turns out to be fashion designers who attend the most prestigious art school in Japan, Yazawa Art Academy. They want Yukari to model for their brand in the upcoming show at Yazawa Academy.
Yukari declines their offer and leaves the Atelier but leaves her school ID behind. Later, George Koizumi, the head designer, sees it and immediately knows she would make the perfect model and will not stop until he gets what he wants, and that is her.
It was the first time Yukari had thought of a job as frivolous as modeling, but how would she cope living among these eccentric designers? Would she be able to maintain her balance among them?
The setting, characters, and personalities make it unique despite being a typical love story. There is a realistic tone to the drama.
It is also possible to believe in the characters. After all the characters have finished their introductions, you will notice one thing right away. They are all so carefree and believable.
10. Hakuouki
Chizuru Yukimura, a young woman in 1864 Japan, is searching for her missing father, Koudou, a doctor by profession whose work often takes him far from home. Chizuru goes to Kyoto disguised as a man to look for him after she hasn’t heard from him for months.
As she attracts attention from ronin, she tries to hide and ends up witnessing a horrific sight: a ronin being brutally murdered by crazed white-haired men. Shinsengumi members arrive to dispatch the creatures in an unexpected turn of events.
Chizuru’s safety wasn’t to last. The men tied her up and took her back to their headquarters, uncertain whether to let her live or silence her permanently.
After revealing her father’s name, the Shinsengumi decide to keep her safe, as they have also been searching for him. However, Koudou is more connected to the Shinsengumi than they tell Chizuru, and she soon becomes entangled in a struggle between the Shinsengumi and their enemies, as well as political tension in Kyoto.
A good thing in this anime is that romance is not the most important thing to the story. There are no annoying cliche moments of being unable to decide which male interest she should choose.
Hakuouki is ultimately about the overthrow of the Shogunate and the people affected by it. In an era when samurai and ronin are dying breeds, the anime explores their relationships, their characters, and how far they are willing to go to survive.
11. Gokusen
Kumiko Yamaguchi is smart, enthusiastic, and eager to begin her dream job at Shirokin Academy as a math teacher. As Kumiko begins her first day at a high school full of atrocious students and docile teachers, she realizes that the school is a cesspool of delinquent boys with no intention of improving themselves.
Despite her dorky exterior, Kumiko is actually the acting leader of a powerful yakuza clan, and she’s got the skills to prove it. Kumiko can overpower even the strongest of gangsters in seconds, but she must keep her incredible power and criminal influence a secret in order to stay on the job.
The vice-principal is always trying to get her fired, and Shin Sawada, the delinquent class leader, suspects she is stronger than she lets on, so Kumiko faces a challenging teaching career.
There’s a heroine who works hard to overcome obstacles, and there’s a tsundere male who’s cool and excels at everything. For comic relief, there are dorky side characters, the somewhat contrived villains, and school festivals. Nothing special so far.
Nevertheless, Gokusen gives it such a hilarious twist that if you are an anime watcher who knows cliches inside and out, few things could be more refreshing. Additionally, the comedy in this anime is golden; the jokes on femininity are crass without being offensive, and the characters are caricatures without becoming monotonous.
Because it’s got that level of maturity and depth that allows you to appreciate both the comedy and the drama at the same time, it’s one of those animes that you can watch over and over again.
12. Otona Joshi no Anime Time
A series of animations based on a set of four short stories that peer into the lives of Japanese women.
Kawamo wo Suberu Kaze
Noriko, a 33-year-old Kanazawa native, had long ago decided she did not want to live an ordinary provincial life. So, she went to college in Tokyo, worked for herself, married a man at a trading firm, and had a child.
Her husband and four-year-old son have recently returned from five years abroad. Since coming home, she has felt a great deal of emptiness in her heart. Furthermore, there is a person who shares a big secret with Noriko.
Yuuge
During her late 20s, Mimi, a young woman, leaves her family to live with a young man.
Jinsei Best 10
As Hatoko approaches her 40th birthday, she reunites with the person with whom she first kissed two decades ago in middle school.
Dokoka Dewanai Koko
A 43-year-old housewife gains insight into a complicated relationship between a mother and a daughter.
It’s not a series full of bliss but rather a raw, unpolished look at what life really is and can be. Many will find the series extremely touching and heartfelt. However, others may find it dull and uninteresting. There is a deliberate intention to target a mature audience with this series.
A series that will make you look over your shoulder, wondering if you made the right decision. One that makes you fear aging. It’s a series that makes you want to tell your mother how much you love her.
13. Ristorante Paradiso
Nicoletta’s mother, Olga, ran away from her when she was a child and remarried in Rome. The girl travels to Rome 15 years later as a young woman and intends to ruin her mother’s life. Nicoletta tracks Olga down to a restaurant called Casetta dell’Orso, but as soon as she walks through its door, everything changes.
The place is staffed entirely by mature gentlemen wearing spectacles, and like their customers, she feels powerless in the face of their wise smiles and warm voices. She is drawn into the sweet romance of everyday Italian life before she realizes it, and her plans for vengeance begin to fade.
The anime follows each cast member as they are brought into the spotlight and get their own individual stories about how they came to work there and other interesting tidbits. There are a lot of unique twists to every character’s story in this respect, so most shouldn’t mind it remaining linear.
As it is more of a slow-paced, earthy story, the plot of this anime is very realistic. This show is full of drama, from relationships to complicated family issues to mixed feelings between characters. The whole story is very well woven together to make a very compelling and deep story.
Although Nicolette is the main character, her interactions with the other characters are well-balanced, so the viewer will never be left with a big black question mark about whom they are watching.
14. Natsuyuki Rendezvous
Rokka Shimao, the shop’s owner, has stolen the heart of young Ryousuke Hazuki, who regularly visits the local floral shop to see her. Trying to get closer to her, he decides to get a part-time job in the shop, but before he can do anything, he comes up against a major obstacle: a ghost who claims to be Rokka’s husband.
Since his passing three years ago, Atsushi Shimao has quietly watched over his widow. The first person to notice him is Hazuki, and the two soon find themselves at odds: Shimao is jealous and tries to possess Hazuki’s body, while Hazuki wishes for the ghost to fade away, allowing Rokka to move on from the past and to be with him forever.
The relationship between a troubled woman, an unrelenting ghost, and a stubborn man in love becomes more unusual as both men refuse to give up on their desires.
However, despite the supernatural theme added in, this series is lighthearted and focuses on love in a more realistic and naturalistic way. Natsuyuki Rendezvous is a josei anime featuring expressive and naturalistic artwork, like the plants at the flower shop.
Ultimately, it is important to look in the mirror and cherish every day we live. Losing a loved one is never easy, more so when the person you once knew still remains beside you but seems so far away.
15. Petshop of Horrors
Chinesetown’s Count D sells hard-to-find and rare pets to people looking for something special, but with each sale comes a contract. All is well if the rules of the contract are followed, but if someone breaks the rules, the pet shop cannot be held responsible for any unfortunate outcomes.
Leon Orcot, a homicide detective, claims he has linked a number of odd and unexplained deaths to Count D’s pet shop, and he is determined to find out why.
Each episode has a different storyline; they may be short but are profound and always giving a message at the end. It’s a dark and full of mystery anime, but the stories provide a positive impact.
The characters are very important in this series and not just the reoccurring characters like Count D and Leon, but also the characters who are the focuses of individual episodes. Count D’s special customers are always there for karmic reasons, and his rules offer them a last chance at redemption.
Figuring out why they merit karmic retribution is one of the interesting facets, and it’s never something overly simplistic. Which results in having to spend some time getting to know that character. Some of the episodes do it better than others, but all of them do it fairly well. The characters of Count D and Leon are well developed as well.
This is an anime that has a great atmosphere, compelling characters, and interesting storylines.
16. 07-Ghost
The Military Academy within the Barsburg Empire is known for training elite soldiers for victory. Zaiphon is an ability that students of the academy can use to fight, but the types of Zaiphon available depends on the nature of the soldier.
One of the most promising soldiers produced at the academy is Teito Klein. While ridiculed by everyone for being a sklave, which is German for slave, and having no memories of his past, he becomes friends with another student named Mikage. Teito discovers a dark secret related to his past while preparing for his final exam. Teito is locked up after failing to assassinate Ayanami, a high-ranking official who killed his father.
With only Teito’s best interests in mind, Mikage helps him escape. The 7th District Church is where Teito ends up, where he is given refuge by the bishops. Here, Teito attempts to escape Ayanami and the Military, so he can rediscover his memories and discover why he is the one that can change the fate of the world.
The story about friendship and revenge had its fair share of comedy and touchy moments. Except for the characters, the entire story is a metaphor: the main theme is the battle between light and darkness. It’s supposed to be a small mystery- and as you progress, the pieces fit seamlessly together.
In this anime, you are like a student of philosophy or a teacher of good things- the metaphors used are so bluntly expressed that you can sense what the main character is going through.
17. Hatenkou Yuugi
“See the world”
Rahzel, the daughter of a wealthy family, is kicked out of her house with these words. Along the way, Heat and Alzeid, two men with very different personalities and very similar journeys, meet her. Rahzel is a smart, stubborn, and confident girl who uses her magic and mind to help those she meets on her quest to discover the world.
Rahzel, the main character, is amazing. She has a great back story, is interesting, kicks butt, and is everything you would want her to be. As opposed to most anime girls with similar personalities, her character shines in the series with a real sense of confidence, as well as keeping her flaws and frailties.
The characters have unique personalities, and their reactions to things are always amusing and surprising.
In the anime, the plot moves at a good pace, not too fast or too slow. There are many good stories in every episode, and the plot is really involving.
Hatenkou Yuugi is an extraordinary anime about a girl making friends and going on a trip without a destination or purpose other than to travel the world. It grabs you in within the first five minutes with its amazing costumes, storyline, art, characters but most of all, its emotion.
18. Karneval
A young boy named Nai becomes enamored with a beautiful woman when he is in search of his precious friend, whose looks are matched only by her taste for human flesh. Meanwhile, the clever thief Gareki is robbing her luxurious house. Gareki agrees to help Nai escape after causing a distraction, but they are discovered when the woman returns. Her ghoulish transformation causes the boys to flee.
“Circus,” a government defense agency that handles crimes too tough for the police to handle, finds Nai and Gareki on the run. The agency also protects civilians from “varuga” – terrible monsters that eat humans for sustenance. With the hope that it will lead him to his missing friend, Nai joins Circus with Gareki. Along their perilous journey, they encounter dangerous varuga and uncover the secrets of a mysterious organization known as Kafka.
The art may initially appeal to you and make you want to watch the show. The show is bright, colorful, and overall beautiful. Quite enticing, and the first thing you notice is how beautifully drawn and animated it is. The main characters seem like they’d be the basic definitions of tsundere and yandere, but there’s so much more to them.
This anime sucks you in, and you find yourself addicted. It is worth watching. If you like pretty animation, profound characters, a bit of supernatural, along with good humor, you’re going to love Karneval.
19. Makai Ouji: Devils and Realist
William Twining is the protagonist of the anime. He is the smartest student in school and has a great lineage to be proud of. Because of that, when he learned that his uncle bankrupted the family fortune and has now gone into hiding, it was shocking. In a desperate attempt to pay his next tuition, he decided to find something of value in his manor. There was nothing there but a basement with some magic circles written on the floor.
William shrugs it off as a demon circle. The occult and demons don’t interest him. Everything can be explained with simple logic. Even when he was suddenly confronted by a demon, he maintained his stance. The demon asks for one thing from him: to be elected interim ruler of Hell. William is the descendant of Solomon, a man who made a pact with 72 demons and was a close friend to the ruler of Hell.
He was given the task to choose the new ruler. He is not around; William is. Now a lot of people that want to rule Hell have their eyes on the boy. He would be concerned, except he is a realist, and he doesn’t believe that demons exist. Luckily, a horde of them is out to convince him otherwise.
The characters are all specially created for a large purpose of the series. They are all different and creative. There’s also a character that meets every mood, from being stuck up, to jocular, to stubborn, to jovial. The characters really fulfill in elaborating the plot, and they tend to attach to the viewers, leading up to sentimental feelings.
20. Servamp
According to Mahiru Shirota, the best thing is to keep things simple and avoid troublesome things at all costs. The 15-year-old finds it troubling to do nothing and end up regretting it later. Because of this, he picked up a stray cat on his way home from school. A chance encounter with a cat he affectionately calls Kuro triggers an extraordinary change in his life.
Mahiru returns home one day to meet a mysterious young man he has never met before. Mahiru’s subsequent panic results in the uninvited guest being exposed to sunlight and then transforming into Kuro! Kuro promises to leave once night falls when he reveals he is just a lazy vampire.
As a result, Mahiru becomes entangled in a life-threatening battle with supernatural servants and bloodthirsty monsters after making an accidental contract with a freeloader.
The characters in the anime are the main part it is so interesting. Kuro’s lazy personality really helps lighten the anime and make it easier for the watcher to consume. The story in general about vampires isn’t realistic, but the MC displays realistic human emotion, which helps the person watching relate a little. The supporting characters make me feel like they are really needed to bring the story up as they did their job well.
This anime will lead you on with the plot development and suspense. This anime isn’t focused on a tragedy or a romance anime, but it still makes you shed tears.
21. Akkun to Kanojo
Atsuhiro “Akkun” Kagari has managed to land the girl of his dreams: the sweet and loveable Non Katagiri. In everyday life, his embarrassment over-affectionate acts, from compliments to kisses, causes him to act harsh and downright mean to Katagiri.
Despite this, Akkun is still very much a boy in love, and he shows his admiration for Katagiri in his own way. By following her to take her picture and listen to her conversations, he ends up stalking his own girlfriend.
Luckily, Katagiri finds Akkun’s actions adorable and knows that his insults aren’t meant to be taken seriously. Even though their friend, Masago Matsuo, finds their dynamic odd, Katagiri loves her sweet tyrant for who he is.
The short, brisk, and fun show Akkun to Kanojo is sure to please anyone looking for a good romance. Characters’ connections deepen and improve over the course of the story, showing the world is not just a static joke that goes on for too long. This short focuses on both story and character.
It’s one of those anime shows where you can just relax and enjoy the romance without worrying about the plot turning into something you don’t like. As a short-form anime, Akkun to Kanojo has layers that never become shallow.
As satire, it mocks the overused tsundere stereotype; as an anime, it is a rom-com with a twist, and as a comedy, it both churns our stomachs and melts our hearts.
22. Loveless
Each person in the world of Loveless is born with cat ears and a tail, which disappear after sexual activity. As a result, they symbolize virginity and innocence. Further, fighting can only be performed in pairs or couples, with one taking on the role of the Sacrifice and the other the role of the Fighter. While the first receives damage, the second attacks.
A 12-year-old boy named Ritsuka Aoyagi suffers from amnesia for some unknown reason. Recently, his brother was killed, and on his first day at the new school, a strange man named Agatsuma Soubi claims he knew his brother.
Ritsuka discovers that Agatsuma and his brother used to fight, and Agatsuma inherited Ritsuga after his brother died. Together, they look for the truth behind his brother’s death and the organization called “Seven Moons,” which may have been responsible. As a result, Ritsuka and Agatsuma seem to be becoming closer than they ever intended.
There is a lot of depth to the characters, and are very complex. Ritsuka is the one searching for the meaning of his existence and for the meaning of life in general, feeling lost in a world he doesn’t understand, and that doesn’t understand him. Despite being the one with the answer, Soubi cannot give it to Ritsuka.
It’s a unique, enjoyable blend of drama, love, philosophical questions, mystery, and supernatural elements. The words are well-chosen and always make you wonder about the truth and how far you will have to go to find it.
23. Super Seisyun Brothers
There are two groups of siblings in the story, the Saitou siblings and the Shinmoto siblings. Both the older sisters and the younger brothers are best friends, but everyone has a good relationship with each other.
The characters feel very real, characters that have personalities that can exist in real life. The Saitou siblings are both quiet but very passionate about certain things, and the Shinmoto siblings are loud and competitive, both very realistic personalities. As a result, the characters are very relatable.
You can’t help but enjoy the personalities of each of the characters. They’re also very relatable, which is one of this anime’s shining points. The characters are beautifully drawn. Everything is so vibrant and beautiful.
The characters are more important in this story because they concentrate on their development more than the story itself. Each character has a motivation and feelings towards each other that you learn about.
If you’re looking for a very light romance-comedy, this one may be for you. It is only 4 minutes long per episode, so don’t expect much of a storyline. It barely ventures out past their interactions with one another in their houses. But it’s still cute in a simple romance-comedy type of way.
Despite being short and simple, the series is done very well. With silly stories and humorous moments that are realistic, the entire series is aimed at making an impression. There is something very cute about this show that can replace any negative emotion with a smile.
24. Code: Realize – Sousei no Himegimi
In her hazy memories, Cardia Beckford remembers her father Isaac and her home where she lived alone, feared by the locals, for she carried a deadly substance in her body. The ever-beating heart, also known as Horologium, is embedded within her chest by her father and possesses the potential to produce unlimited energy. At the same time, it also destroys everything it touches.
The Horologium is sought by many in London, including the terrorist group Twilight, with which Isaac is said to have ties. For the purpose of obtaining the Horologium’s power, the British military forces Cardia to leave her home as a prisoner.
Arsène Lupin, the gentleman thief, whisks her away on the road, saying he will steal her heart. Cardia embarks on a journey alongside Lupin and his companions to discover Isaac’s connection to Twilight, her lost memories, and the Horologium within her chest.
You can think of Realize as a new recipe for creating a topping for pizza. Bringing a fresh idea makes this anime unique. Realize is a series that, while starting slow, starts to get more interesting as the series progresses.
Cardia Beckford shines as a heroine when it comes to character. She is able to break the sacred rules of a useless heroine. As opposed to acting like a ‘damsel in distress,’ she can be of help to the rest of the team. While the rest of the bishounens are cookie-cutter, they are somehow related to Cardia’s past, and some of them have their own past as well.
25. Boku no Tonari ni Ankoku Hakaishin ga Imasu
Miguel, the God of Destruction, was once sealed inside the knight who ruled over light and dark, Sturmhurt. The knight was accompanied by Gestöber in countless battles. Eventually, destiny causes them to reincarnate as Kabuto Hanadori and Seri Koyuki, two classmates.
It would be a joyous reunion if not for the fact that these fantasized heroes are the product of Kabuto’s delusions. As the fictional “Gestöber,” Seri often finds himself in embarrassing situations due to Kabuto’s outlandish antics. Seri’s social life is gradually destroyed when his classmate Utsugi Tsukimiya joins the fray with his absurdly accurate mind-reading abilities.
Even though Seri tries hard to stay away from them, he can’t escape the chaos coming his way with Kabuto’s chuunibyou and Utsugi’s unpredictable behavior.
As ridiculous as the characters are in the anime, you can’t help but laugh at them. It is a very traditional comedy anime that focuses on punchlines as its main way of presenting jokes yet somehow manages to avoid being repetitive.
Apart from all the ridiculous antics and comedy, the characters make shows like this so endearing. And, this anime has great character development between the characters, which makes you love it more. Likewise, Hanadori and Tsukimiya are so absurdly funny together. Moreover, the show keeps adding more and more interesting/ridiculously funny characters.
26. Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan
Penguin Chitose-chan lives in Kyoto. Her favorite activity is interacting with people and eating delicious food while curiously walking around Kyoto streets. From a penguin’s perspective, the story describes popular Kyoto places such as Kiyomizu Temple, Ginkaku Temple, and Gion. This is a short story about a nostalgic penguin who soothes the heart as well as cures it.
Although it only looks cute at the first glance, there are episodes when you can actually learn something about Kyoto or Kyoto history. There are also statues, gods, and traditional Kyoto food introduced in a simple but interesting way, so everyone can enjoy it.
Despite being incredibly cute, Chitose-chan is also incredibly expressive. Chitose-chan’s companions, such as humans she meets, and the background of the show all match the show’s overall aesthetic. While they are not as cute as Chitose-chan, they do leave a soothing impression on the mind after a hard day.
The art is beautiful, very pleasing to the eyes, and Chitose-chan looks exactly like a pet you would like to see for yourself. Even though the stories are simple, the overall enjoyment is high mainly due to the the cuteness of the main heroine. Chitose-chan is probably one of the cutest and most endearing animated animals you’ll ever meet.
Give Chitose-chan a try if you are looking for a cute series with a lovable animal.
27. Nil Admirari no Tenbin
Taishou lasted not just 15 years but lasted another 25 years. As a way to protect her dying family, a girl decides to marry a stranger who she doesn’t even know. Prior to the wedding, the girl’s younger brother mysteriously committed suicide by self-immolation and was found holding an old book in his hands.
The Imperial Library Intelligence Asset Management Bureau, or Fukurou, appeared before the bewildered young girl. It stated that “Maremono” are books that greatly affect their readers.
Additionally, since the incident involving the girl’s younger brother, she has unwittingly acquired the ability to see “Auras,” which are the sentiments of the Maremono that manifest as bright lights and are invisible to humans.
As if fate was trying to drag the girl into its flames. The girl decides to venture outside her birdcage despite being apprehensive. Love, hate, scorn, envy, and compassion drive her decision. The girl faced the darkness of betrayal that had already begun to ensnare the imperial capital. After being tormented by and swayed by that darkness for so long, will the young girl finally find the truth?
The anime’s story is very interesting. The mysterious vibe, in the beginning, grabs your attention from the very beginning. And, this anime, unlike other shorter animes, really includes various details and plot twists in each episode, even though it is so short.
The character designs are unique and distinct, and overall the characters are very enjoyable.
28. Norn9: Norn+Nonet
In a futuristic era, “The World” brings peace. No one knows where it is, but it has watched over Earth for so long that war is merely a fable. The airship Norn’s job is to deliver nine ability users to The World.
Norn leaves after collecting the last person. Three women and eight men are onboard, including Koharu, who has finally escaped her loneliness and detests her destructive powers; Mikoto Kuga, born into a noble family, who protects the Norn and its passengers; and Nanami Shiranui, whose ability only causes pain, and she wishes to die for her past sin. When passengers realize there are too many people on board, they develop suspicions.
As they try to figure out who has sneaked aboard, an unknown assailant attempts to stop the Norn’s progress at all costs. This chaos raises questions: Why were they granted powers, and what must they do once they reach The World?
The characters all have unique personalities, different personalities, and stories that go well with the story, and that is something that fairs really well in this anime. There aren’t any characters that you mind end up disliking by the time you finish watching this anime.
The characters are the most important part, considering that they make up the story; without them, this anime wouldn’t be as amazing. A really enjoyable aspect of the series is the seamless way the episodes are interwoven.
29. Massugu ni Ikou
As a child, you should have dreamed of a talking dog. In case you’ve forgotten about it, this is a reminder. Dogs can talk, but ordinary people cannot hear their voices.
Mametaro, a crossbreed dog who is adventurous, is the main character. The dog is very loyal to his owner, Iku-chan, and to his girlfriend Hanako-chan. He just cannot stand the friend of Iku-chan, Akiyoshi.
It is finally spring in this story, which will be told from Mametaro’s point of view. To little Mametaro and his friends, the school and the riverbank, which are actually ordinary neighborhoods, seem like a mysterious world that stretches infinitely.
While the series has some sort of loose plot, it mainly focuses on the escapades of the protagonist, a mixed-breed dog named Mametarou, and his friends.
It follows a pretty standard routine: Mame and friends find something fascinating, they have to figure out how to resolve a problem, often with the assistance of a human friend, and then they learn a lesson.
The characters’ roles are pretty simple: provide cute and lighthearted entertainment. Even though most of the characters are just archetypes applied to dogs, Mame is an endearing protagonist; Hanako and her love of melon pan are delightful, and you will find yourself genuinely wanting to know more about them and their friends!
30. Hanayaka Nari, Waga Ichizoku: Kinetograph
Haru Asagi is sent to work as a maid in early 20th-century Japan to support her struggling family during the Taishou period. One of Japan’s top magnates and his six sons constitute the Miyanomori family, which she serves, and power and money have brought out the cruelest within them.
In the event that the head of the family retires, the six Miyanomori brothers vie for his position. As the oldest and youngest brothers are separated by 18 years of experience, frustration and competition are rife.
So, Haru must deal with each of the vastly different siblings and discover the depths of their true selves. All the while, a greater conflict lies in wait with the potential to destroy everything their father has built for them.
Hanayaka Nari, Waga Ichizoku: Kinetograph is a 2-episode OVA based on an Otome game. Aside from the reverse harem genre, it is blended with historical aspects considering the setting and how the characters dress up as men of the medieval era. At first sight, the OVA looks boring, but as you seriously start watching the anime, you view the series as something unique.
What makes the anime distinctive among others of the same genre is that it is not actually loaded with typical fanservice where the heroine is being supported by the male characters throughout the series because this time, it is about how she develops herself in her own way to overcome her weakness