Hello minna-san! Half a year had passed and thankfully I finished more anime series and movies this period compared to the ones I had last year. That's why before I'll proceed to the next half of this year, I'll recall some anime series and movies that I found memorable. But before I share to you my top picks, let's start first with the ones that made it to my special mentions. They didn't make it to my top ten, yet still, they still left a special mark in me:
Summer Ghost
! [Synopsis]
The Summer Ghost is known as the girl who committed suicide and you can summon her if you lit fireworks at the old airport. However, the Summer Ghost doesn't show herself to anyone, but only to those people who are close to the arms of death. The three of them saw her, and of 'course that definitely meant something. His friends were satisfied when they finally met the known Summer Ghost, but unlike them, Tomoya wanted to know something.
It is said that Summer Ghost knows all the answers to any kind of questions related to death—something he wanted to know more about. With that, he sets out to summon her again, and upon spending several nights with her, he discovers more things not only about dying but also about living.
Aside from its dreamy and lucid visuals, what makes it memorable for me even now is the way it ended. Though it didn't end tragically, it ended in the most possible and realistic manner. Yes, it's nice to see happy endings, but I think those realistic ones leave a more lasting memory on me. So if you're up for a short and visually pleasing movie, then might as well try watching this anime movie.
Sing "Yesterday" for Me
! [Synopsis]
After graduating college, Rikuo Uozumi sees no motivation to pursue a particular career, so instead of looking for a stable job, he works part-time at a convenience store. He was already content with working to make ends meet when something—someone came. His humdrum routine was interrupted when a cheerful yet odd Haru Nonaka made a frequent visit to the convenience store, and to top it up he also discovered that his college friend and crush, Shinako Morinome was back in town.
Its story and how it portrayed mature love was one of the reasons why it's memorable for me. The way they portray flawed and relatable characters was both comforting and as well frustrating. It's like I'm watching a soap opera but in an anime version. I still can remember how annoyed and frustrated I was with my favorite character. Like I want to go in and slap some sense in that guy. It really made me high with emotions, so I guess they really did well in affecting my mood for their plot did well in making me stressed and affected at some point. A nice watch if you want a mature anime with a satisfying end.
The God of High School
! [Synopsis]
God of High School is a tournament for all high school students who were deemed as best fighters. All kinds of fighting styles, weapons, techniques, and means are allowed in this tournament—all of this is to find the greatest among the best. But what's the prize? Well, it could be almost anything that the winner could ask for. Going back to our MC, to add more to his dilemma, he met a lot of unfortunate mishaps along the way, but fortunately, with those mishaps, he met Yoo Mira and Han Daewi, and these two will soon become an important part of his journey.
It is its visuals that I won't forget about this anime. Also some of its characters are hard to forget—for example, Judge Q! I'm still into him and I know that won't fade easily because he really slayed in the visual department. Also, I still can remember how well-choreographed their action scenes were and how they made me giddy with excitement. Most of the characters really emanate huge aura—like they're just effortlessly cool. It's totally a must-watch if you're fond of enjoyable fight scenes and as well cool characters.
Delico's Nursery
! [Synopsis]
Forced to attend to his responsibility as a nobility, Dali decided to juggle both his fatherhood and mission. But he isn't alone in this venture because Gerhard, Henrique and Dino—all from prominent noble families—were also forced to partake in such a venture. Completely foreign to childrearing, these fathers struggled to attend to their children's needs and adding to this difficulty was the increasing aggressiveness of their enemies. With their lives and pride on the line, they continue to uncover the mystery behind the killings—only that the root cause is amidst them—a frail immortal god on which their whole race depends.
The concept of vampires and babies together in one anime is just unique for me—it's like gothic meets cute. It's really unusual but in a good way, so that's why I find it hard to forget since it introduced and made me see how themes that are usually separated from each other get merged. It may have flaws, nevertheless it doesn't overpower the enjoyable aspects that you'll experience while watching it. So if you want to experience an anime with unusual themes together—vampire and childcare, then this anime is a must-watch.
God Eater
! [Synopsis]
Fenrir, an organization dedicated to exterminating Aragami founded God Eaters—a group of special individuals who wield God Arc, a living weapon infused with an Aragami and it's the only weapon that can kill them. One of the users of God Arc is Lenka Utsugi, a new type of user whose God Arc can take the form of both a blade and a gun. Lenka grew up outside the walls of Fenrir, and the years he spent outside were a constant battle with death and dejection. He thought that passing the examination would let him protect the people who needed him, but Fenrir is far from the haven he had imagined, for even inside its walls, there's still danger lurking in.
The tears I've shed for this anime were something I can't forget. I already shared in my review how affected I am with their backstories to the point I cried much—like there's no stopping those tears. It was so tragic that even just remembering those scenes made me feel a slight pinch on my heart. I also remembered how nice the action scenes and how familiar the VAs were. Of 'course like any other anime, it has its own flaws but what matters to me is how I became so affected by it. If it would have a sequel or another season, I would definitely look forward and watch it.
Now that we're done with the special mentions, let's proceed to my top ten anime these past six months, but before we proceed to my top one, let's start first with anime on the lower half:
10. The Colors Within
! [Synopsis]
So it all started with the story of the girl—Totsuko—who feels colors. Ever since then she already has that strange ability, but to avoid the possible discrimination, she hid that ability. However, when Totsuko saw the color of her schoolmate Kimi, she could barely hide her fascination and excitement upon feeling her color. But just when she's getting immersed in Kimi's color, Kimi just stops coming to school, and thus that starts the days of her attempt to find her. Her only lead was that Kimi was said to work now in a library—but which library?
Its soundtrack was something really memorable about this anime because like I've said in my review—the soundtrack of this movie was a blast! From the quirky background instrumentals and jam-worthy songs—it's extremely hard to forget. And also the theremin—this anime really made me love hearing this instrument. I wasn't that familiar with it before, but when I watched this movie, it made me appreciate how it sounds like. Also, this movie kinda reminds me of the most memorable days of my school journey—my high school days in Catholic school. Those days weren't exactly my carefree days, however, I enjoyed most of it. So yeah, their concept takes me back to those nice memories and I'm thankful for that.
9. Natsuyuki Rendezvous
! [Synopsis]
In love with Rokka Shimao, a widowed florist, Ryousuke Hazuki had been frequently buying something from the flower shop to see and interact with her every day. He was contented with those little interactions until one day something winds up in his way, and it's an opportunity to get closer to her. Months passed after, and he decided to work as a part-timer in Rokka's flower shop. But even though he's now closer to her, there's still so little improvement in their relationship. However giving up isn't an option for him so when another opportunity came, he immediately decided that he would start making his move on her only that this time something came up or rather someone—and it was the ghost of her deceased husband!
This one is definitely my favorite romance plot among all the romance anime I've watched. It's like the biggest what if that came true to me because their concept is the ones I just read in novels, I never expected that they would portray this kind of story in anime. Unlike other romances where I have a definite ship, this one made me feel conflicted about who to ship. The end was bittersweet and every episode was like a thriller for me because you can't really anticipate much on what will be the next move of the dead husband. Nevertheless, the whole point of the drama was well spent because it taught me things that I usually don't learn in romance anime, so if you're interested in how a love triangle between a man, a woman and a ghost ends up, then try watching this anime.
8. Samurai Champloo
! [Synopsis]
About to be executed for the crimes that they've done, the Mugen and Jin shared their names. But the night before their execution, Fuu came to their prison cell and offered them something. She asked them to be their bodyguards in exchange for helping them break out. Unfortunately, their plan to break out didn't happen that night, instead, it happened on the day of their execution. Despite their seemingly successful escape, the two were reluctant to join her, but a coin toss changed that. And with that, an unlikely bond was formed and on their journey, they met a lot of people—both new and old acquaintances and foes.
You'll probably think that its action scenes are what makes it memorable, but that wasn't the case for me. The action was nice and so was the soundtrack, but what made it memorable for me was how the characters achieved their improvements. For now, it's most likely the longest anime that I've watched this year, and I like how they're able to gradually unfold the backstories of the characters thus paving the way to their characters' improvements as well. The end also gave me a meaningful takeaways that made this anime more unforgettable for me.
7. Toilet Bound Hanako-kun Season 2
! [Synopsis]
After hearing another rumor from Aoi, Yashiro was once again worried because ever since she became Hanako's assistant, her life has been entangled with various mishaps involving the school mysteries. Not long after worrying, another odd event happened because as soon as Yashiro and her classmates arrived in their classroom, they unexpectedly found it in ruins. To uncover the mystery behind it, Yashiro, Kou, and Hanako once again embark on an adventure to uncover the identity of the mysterious culprit who did it. But little did they know, that it won't be just the culprit's identity that they would discover.
This season's Hanako was something I really look forward to because of the clock keepers. I've been anticipating for them to finally be animated, so I was kinda happy to see them in anime. Also, I'm really glad to see progress in the HanaNene pairing—and I don't know if it's just me—but I feel giddy when I see their interactions. They're just so sweet and cute—they're letting me feel how mostly young love feels. Further, one of the things that makes this season more exciting is that there are a lot of revelations, and even though I already read about them in the manga, I still anticipate how it will be portrayed in anime. And thank goodness, they're adapted well.
6. A Letter To Momo
! [Synopsis]
So the story starts with Momo and her mother moving to Shiojima, a small island where her mother once lived. Apparently, they're moving to that island to start anew after the unexpected death of her father. However, even though she felt that her mother was slowly moving on, she, on the other hand, felt stuck in that tragedy. But her bland days of struggling to fit in were bound to end as one day, she clearly saw the three figures that had been following her and it turned out they were the youkai from the picture book in the attic!
The comedy! Its comedic scenes are definitely unforgettable. Especially that farting scene, I really laughed out loud that time. The youkais were such memorable characters—like each of them was uniquely funny in their own ways. It's a movie that's full of sentiments and laughs, and the plot may be quite heavy and bland at first, but eventually, everything will loosen up with the youkais around! A much-watch if you're interested in a funny take on youkais.
5. Ao no Exorcist: Beyond the Snow
! [Synopsis]
After the incident in Inari City, the Order now realized the biggest threat that humanity would face would be no other than the Illuminati organization. Also, internal turmoil is brewing between the Okumura brothers. With the disappearance of Shura, the brothers were tasked to locate her, however, even though they're together, the rift still became apparent. With all the unsaid feelings and repressed emotions, it would be soon when things would blow out. The coldness will dominate in their hearts, and a new flame will emerge but it won't be warm anymore for it will certainly burn anything that comes in its way.
This season is undeniably the best among the Ao no Exorcist seasons I've watched. Yeah, I'm quite biased because I do love seeing more Shura and Yukio interactions. Also, I was amazed at how they were able to adapt the Shura backstory arc until the pre-time travel arc. Further, I've been waiting for Yukio's POV and how they'll adapt it. The change of studio caused its prior season's art style to somehow look odd but thankfully this season, they managed to improve it really nice. And the end part—they ended it with so much tension and I know I'm not good with those so I'll let it die for now before proceeding to the next season.
4. Mashle: Magic and Muscles
! [Synopsis]
In their world where magic is the foundation, your worth depends on that distinct mark you get. The more the marks, the more valuable the person, but what if you have no mark? Unfortunately, you'll be exterminated to maintain the balance and peace in their magical world. However, inside the deep forest lives Mash Burnedead, an unmarked boy with a deep fondness for iron and creampuffs. His foster father has successfully hidden him for years, but certainly Mash is fated to go somewhere else, a place where a nonmagical person would be less likely to go and it's all because of his greatest love–his creampuffs!
Its absurdity is something I can't forget—especially the divine visionary arc—ahhhhh I couldn't ever forget it because that's where my favorite character was introduced! I don't why I like him/her so much, but I just feel giddy and excited when I see Margarette. Also, that arc made me appreciate Finn's character improvement, and that group exam still leaves rent-free in my mind. Mashle is overall entertaining, but the amount of excitement I felt during the divine visionary arc was purely overwhelming. And how could I forget it's ever catchy opening? Bling-Bang-Bang-Born is undeniably an iconic opening song because it doesn't only reach the ears of Mashle fandom, but other anime fandoms as well.
3. The Garden of Words
! [Synopsis]
It was one rainy morning when Takao Akizuki decided to skip his class to spend time sketching shoe designs under the small house in the beautiful garden. And in that very spot, that's where he met her for the first time. The rainy mornings became frequent, and despite that they even don't know each other's names, they found themselves enjoying each other's presence. The rainy mornings became their comfort and the beautiful garden their rendezvous. Slowly and steadily their once cold interactions became warm, but as soon as the rainy days end they soon find themselves back to where they were before.
I always like hopeless romantic plots and that movie really made me feel how to be hopelessly in love with someone that you know you'll not end up with. It's not exactly a bad heartbreak, but rather it's a nice one and that makes this more memorable. Further, its aesthetics and details are praiseworthy because they're too enthralling to watch. It's like I'm not watching a 2013 movie, but rather a movie that's made in the future. They made sure that every little detail would leave an impact on the viewers, and it was effective on me. I appreciate it so much to the point it lessened my dislike with rainy days—especially mornings.
2. The Witch and the Beast
! [Synopsis]
Forced to work with Ashaf to achieve his/her revenge for the witch that cursed him/her, Guideau mostly does the work that is related to beating. Since he/she is always hot-blooded and reckless, especially when they encounter cases involving witches, Ashaf usually keeps him/her in check. Even though their personalities are completely different, they are somewhat of an oddly balanced pair, with Ashaf being the calm and rational one and Guideau the hot-blooded and reckless one. Together they've been solving cases related to magic—some connected with witches and some not.
This one is really an underrated gem for me because it's surprisingly interesting. Ashaf and Guideau—strike me as a mysterious duo, that's why I wanted to know more of their backstories. Since the story focused more on their pursuit to the witch who cursed her/him, their characters' lore weren't that revealed, and strangely that made their duo unforgettable for me. Also, the end was something that piqued my interest. Its last episode ended in a way that made me anticipate its next season. It totally ended in a promising manner—and I know there's more to its story that's why I'm totally up and looking forward to more Ashaf and Guideau missions—if they'll get adapted in anime.
1. Blood Blockade Battlefront
! [Synopsis]
After the fall and restoration of New York, a new city had risen—a city that's now filled with both humans and creatures from the otherworld, and that city is now known as Hellsalem's Lot. Brimming with monsters, magic and madness, there was never a peaceful day in it. Despite the chaos and unpredictability, this city was now filled with strange things—things that were once called miracles, and that's the reason why Leonardo Watch decided to go into it. He was once a young photographer who was living a normal life, but after unwillingly obtaining the "All-seeing eyes of the gods", everything changed.
It's particularly their settings—the Hellsalem Lot, a place with both humans and otherworld creatures interact, that made this anime fascinating and hard to forget. It's also memorable for me because looking back on the first time I watched it, it was its theme that convinced me to watch it. Season one was particularly the most enjoyable part because its plot is more cohesive and hooking. The way they slowly unraveled the mystery and how they ended it was just something else. Also, the ending song was something I wouldn't forget because it sounded so lighthearted and boppy, and until know I can't still hum its tune! A must-watch if you're interested in the interspecies living with humans concept.
I think I've shared enough for today minna-san! How about you? What are the anime series or movies that became memorable to you these past six months? If you want to share, then feel free to write them in the comments. I hope you enjoyed my little sharing and hope to see you on my next anime sharings and reviews!
Janeee~
The sole picture that was used was edited in Canva, while the GIF used was from the GIF selections here.