Flowers are starting to bloom and every now and then there’s a butterfly fluttering by, spring is around the corner. Time to catch some sunshine, but also time for some new anime series. Whether you’re sitting outside in the sun or inside on your couch, these ten anime recommendations for spring are sure to keep you entertained.
We wish all of you good health and lots of viewing pleasure!
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Estab-Life: Great Escape (エスタブライフ グレイトエスケープ)
Type: Anime
Studio: Polygon Pictures
Genres: Sci-fi
Starts airing: April
Number of episodes: 12
In a dystopian future where the earth’s population has decreased massively, it’s time for artificial intelligence to manage the ecosystem. This creates the possibility for a lot of variable fantasy races to co-exist in the many available factions. From beastfolk to magical beings, they all have their own place in the city to benefit their wellbeing and survival.
Recommended by Natsumi:
I am very interested in the mixed media side of this anime series, from the promotional video I can already tell that the characters are very fun and the action also looks exciting.
Gunjou no Fanfare (群青のファンファーレ)
Type: Anime
Studio: Lay-duce
Genre: Sports
Starts airing: April 2nd
Number of episodes: Unknown
The story follows three 15-year-old boys who go to a prestigious horse racing academy to follow their dreams and become jockeys. It’s ten to twenty times harder to enter the academy compared to most schools because to be accepted the boys have to pass an academic, physical and fitness test first.
Yuu Arimura used to be a member of an idol group that wins fans and fame and after he falls in love with horse racing, he decides on following his heart. Shun Kanami grew up on an island and always yearned to ride with horses. Born in England, has Amane Grace lost the path his parents set for him, but he still follows his dream.
Recommended by Hageshi:
As far as I am aware myself, there are close to no Horse-Racing anime series, which make this a different type of sports anime. This anime attracted me, because I grew up between horses myself as well just love watching Horse Racing sports on television. So combining anime and horses, surely gets my attention!
Magia Record: Mahou Shoujo Madoka☆Magica Gaiden Final Season – Asaki Yume no Akatsuki (マギアレコード 魔法少女まどか☆マギカ外伝 Final SEASON -浅き夢の暁-)
Type: Anime
Studio: Unknown
Genre: Psychological
Starts airing: April 3rd
Number of episodes: 4
The magical girls continue their battle against the Magius and the Uwasa as a powerful witch arrives. Can Iroha, with some of her forgotten memories restored, and her friends find a way to survive as they fight for friendship and their very future? In this third and final season of Magia Record, will the magical girls that arrived in this city really be saved or was their fate decided long ago after a wish was granted…
Recommended by PHX:
Taken from the mobile game of the same name and set in an alternate version of the world from Puella Madoka Magica, this spin-off series threads its story with similarly dark undertones that were present in the original Madoka anime. A tale full of friendship, action and tragedy that will touch the heart. I’d advise watching the first 2 series prior to watching this one if you can.
Tomodachi Game (トモダチゲーム)
Type: Anime
Studio: Okuruto Noboru
Genres: Game, Psychological
Based on the eponymous manga by Mikoto Yamaguchi
Starts airing: April 6th
Number of episodes: Unknown
This story follows Yuuichi Katagiri and his close friends as they collectively gather money so that Yuuichi can join them on their school trip. When they find out that money from the funds has gone missing, Shiho Sawaragi and Makoto Shibe step up to take responsibility for the failure to protect the money when nobody comes forward.
Yuuichi and his friends receive a mysterious letter and meet up at a place where they meet controversial children’s show character Manabu-kun. He tells them they will be playing the friendship game to test the strength of their bond and trust so that Yuuichi can figure out who the actual traitor was in his group of friends.
Recommended by Natsumi:
I really like the suspenseful game theme where it is bound to be full of plot twists and “edge of your seat” content. Since it’s already confirmed you will find out who the traitor is it will be a good closed ending as well.
Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari Season 2 (盾の勇者の成り上がり Season2)
Type: Anime
Studio: Kinema Citrus, DR Movie
Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Starts airing: April 6th
Number of episodes: Unknown
In a world where four heroes are summoned from alternate worlds to defend themselves from waves of monsters, Naofumi is summoned as the shield hero. However, he is unaware that the shield hero is negatively viewed and often discriminated against. Season 1 sees him struggle with this, as he manages to form a party with Raphtalia and Filo by buying them as slaves (although not treating them as such). After dealing with a couple of the waves and challenges by the people of the kingdom discriminating against him, season 2 sees the further trials and tribulations Naofumi must face as he tries to defend a world, whilst he also challenging people’s negative views of him.
Recommended by AlexD:
I remember watching season 1 a year after it came out, admittedly being a bit unsure about it. However, I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed the twists and turns of the series, as it brings something new to the isekai genre. With a darker overall theme, interestingly not in the sense of violence but the drama, with characters that have a lot of depth to them. I’m very excited to see where the plot goes next and how the characters develop further.
Mahoutsukai Reimeiki (魔法使い黎明期)
Type: Anime TV Series
Studio: Tezuka Productions
Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Based on the eponymous light novel series by Kakeru Kobashiri
Starts airing: April 8th
Number of episodes: Unknown
In this magical academy for talented students, a young boy called Seville appears to suffer from amnesia. He lost all memories prior to him joining the academy. This brings up a lot of hardship when he hears that the students have been selected to spread the use of magic in an area where they hold witch hunts. Due to a 5 century-long war between the church and witches, there’s still a grudge between them. How will he manage the dangers without the magic progress that the others have?
Recommended by Natsumi:
This story has had a manga adaptation from a light novel as well. I am very curious to see how well formulated the hardships before mentioned will be portrayed in an anime series. I also feel this story will translate easily to anyone, not just those who have been up to date with it since the light novel.
Spy x Family (SPY×FAMILY)
Type: Anime
Studio: Wit Studio, Cloverworks
Genre: Action, Comedy
Starts airing: April 9th
Number of episodes: Unknown
When Agent Twilight needs to form a family as cover for his current mission, he enlists the help of Yor Briar, an absent-minded office worker, to be his wife, and Anya, an orphan, as their child. However, Yor moonlights as a lethal assassin, and Anya is an esper who through mind reading discovers her ‘parents’ true identities. Whilst the group join together as a family, they still carry out their own agendas, yet discover how family is more than just blood relations.
Recommended by AlexD:
The manga series of Spy x Family has become hugely popular, and as a Shonen Jump fan, it is on my radar. Having not gotten round to reading the series, I’m excited to give it a try through the animation, as the plot has such an interesting set-up to allow both comedic and serious moments. I’m looking forward to seeing how the plot shapes up as it bounces between the two.
Kawaii dake ja Nai Shikimori-san (可愛いだけじゃない式守さん)
Type: Anime
Studio: Doga Kobo
Genres: Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life
Based on the eponymous manga by Keigo Maki
Starts airing: April 10th
Number of Episodes: Unknown
Kawaii dake ja Nai Shikimori-san, or Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie, is about Izumi and his cute, adorable and head over heels in love with his girlfriend, Shikimori. However, every so often his girlfriend isn’t quite so cute anymore, she becomes scary instead. Her concern for Izumi’s wellbeing turns her from adorable to cool and it never fails to amaze him. With her, by his side, his luck has turned, from being unfortunate to a life full of happiness and warmth.
Recommended by Yuki:
Personally, I think this series has everything it needs to be both heart-warming and incredibly funny. Hopefully Shikimori’s switch in attitude will create some funny moments and I wonder how their relationship started and will develop over time. If you also like romance anime, with a funny twist, then this is definitely one you should add to your watchlist.
Summertime Render (サマータイムレンダ)
Type: Anime
Studio: OLM
Genre: Mystery, Supernatural
Starts airing: April 15th
Number of episodes: 25
Following the death of a girl he used to live with when he was growing up, Shinpei Ajiro returns from Tokyo to join others as they mourn her loss. However, he soon begins to believe that the circumstances of her death do not add up, was it really an accident? As the investigations go on, Shinpei and others that are helping him, realise that they are not safe on the island. Can he find a way to honour the last request of his deceased friend and save her sister, and the rest of the islanders, from the darkness that is now lurking in their midst…?
Recommended by PHX:
With various Pokémon anime, Bang Dream! and Adventures of Mini-Goddess (high five if you can remember that one) under their belt, the studio has the pedigree for producing good works. The story seems like it could be quite gripping if they get it right. Expect a lot of shocking discoveries and cliffhangers as the story unfolds. A reunion, a ghost story and a battle of good against evil, something for everyone.
Bubble (バブル)
Type: ONA
Studio: Wit Studio
Genres: Sci-fi, Romance
Starts airing: April 28th
Gravity-defying bubbles have rained down on Tokyo, where two youngsters meet each other in the dangerous gravity bending sea. Uta is a girl who is drawn to Hibiki, a reckless ace who partakes in parkour battles. When she finds him in danger she saves his life, and suddenly discover a sound that only they can hear. Why does their encounter hold such big value, and what will change because of them?
Recommended by Natsumi:
This looks like such a wholesome and bubbly movie with guaranteed warm melancholic feelings. I will have to grab some tissues with this one! The art style is so pleasing to my eyes as well, let us enjoy this movie to our heart’s content.
Which serie(s) are you going to watch?
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