Mattaku Saikin no Tantei to Kitara

Nagumo Keiichirou was already a genius detective back in high school, able to solve any case, no matter how complex. However, twenty years have passed. Now, at 35 years old, with aching hips and back problems, he runs a struggling detective agency that rarely gets any clients. He no longer has the fame or energy of his youth, and paying rent or buying food has become a real challenge.

One day, a cheerful high school girl named Nakanishi Mashiro shows up at his office. With persistence, she asks him to become her mentor. Although Keiichirou initially refuses, after Mashiro helps him solve a case, he reluctantly agrees to hire her.

Do I recommend it after the first episode? Yes – the main heroine absolutely stole the show in the first episode. I only added this series to my watchlist just to check it out, not really expecting much from it. For now, it stays on my list, though I hope it doesn’t become repetitive too quickly. There’s a lot of potential in the characters, but from experience, I know that series like this require considerable talent to keep me interested through all the episodes.

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Kanojo, Okarishimasu

Kinoshita Kazuya gets dumped by his girlfriend. Unable to accept this, he falls into despair and comes across a website offering rental girlfriend services for a modest 5000 yen per hour. In an act of desperation, he decides to try it out, and the very next day he meets the beautiful and charming Mizuhara Chizuru. However, he quickly realises that it’s all just an act, and in her eyes, he’s nothing more than another client. Frustrated, he leaves a negative review visible to other customers. The following day, during a visit to the aquarium, he decides to tell her exactly what he thinks about all of this – revealing Chizuru’s true personality. Moments later, Kazuya receives a call informing him that his grandmother has been hospitalised. Since his time with Chizuru isn’t over yet, he takes her along and introduces her to his family. Ironically, Chizuru’s grandmother happens to be in the same hospital…

Season 4

Do I recommend it after the first episode? Yes – basically nothing has changed compared to previous seasons, so I’ll just mention that the events of the first episode continue directly from season three.

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Busu Ni Hanataba wo

Tabata Hana, a first-year high school student, considers herself ugly. Her small eyes and awkward body bear no resemblance to the beautiful flower her name implies. She knows that cute things and shoujo manga-like romance aren’t meant for her, but every morning she still allows herself a moment to daydream as she tends to the school’s flowerbeds, whose beauty contrasts so strongly with her own appearance.

Every day, she comes to school early to replace the flowers in the classroom vase. She gets so absorbed in this task that she doesn’t notice when petals and stems remain tangled in her hair. That’s when Ueno Yousuke, who had been wondering for some time who took care of the class vase every day, notices her. Embarrassed, Tabata Hana runs away, but from that day on, Yousuke begins trying to talk to her.

Do I recommend it after the first episode? Not quite – it wasn’t an exceptionally bad or weak start, but after the first episode, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to enjoy the characters and, above all, the directing style. For now, I’m approaching this title with caution. Visually, it looks aesthetic and is simply pleasant to the eye. As you might expect, Hayami Saori did an exemplary job in the lead role.

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Watari-kun no xx ga Houkai Sunzen

Two years ago, Watari Naoto lost his parents and became the sole guardian of his younger sister, Watari Suzushiro, whom he affectionately calls Suzu. Since then, his life has revolved entirely around her. He doesn’t join any clubs or spend time with classmates, which has earned him the nickname siscon at his new school. But Naoto doesn’t care – as long as Suzu is safe and happy, it doesn’t matter what others say.

His peaceful days come to an end with the arrival of Tachibana Satsuki, a girl who was part of his painful past. Her appearance triggers traumatic memories, and with it, secrets Naoto never knew about begin to surface. Armed with a garden hoe, this girl will stop at nothing to reclaim what she believes once belonged only to her.

Do I recommend it after the first episode? Yes – as expected, I liked the series right from the first episode. I hope it maintains this level in the coming episodes. The visual quality is also very high. All that’s left is to wait for the next episodes.

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Yofukashi no Uta

Yamori Kou seems like an ordinary teenager at first glance. He does relatively well in school and is friendly with his classmates. However, one day he decides to quit school after a girl from his class confesses her love to him. He develops insomnia as a result of having no outlet for his energy during the day. During his solitary nighttime walks, he feels a bit better, though he realises that his inability to sleep is quite a serious problem.

On one of these walks, Kou encounters a strange girl. She introduces herself as Nanakusa Nazuna and diagnoses the cause of his insomnia: despite changing his lifestyle, he’s still holding himself back from experiencing true freedom. She tells him he won’t be able to sleep until he’s satisfied with how he spends his days. When it seems like she has solved his current issues, Nazuna invites him to her apartment so he can sleep peacefully. Unaware that Kou is only pretending to sleep, she leans over him and bites his neck, drinking his blood.

Do I recommend it after the first episode? Yes – I basically got everything I loved from the first season. Visually, it also looks beautiful. Those close-ups of faces and the amount of detail are truly a treat for the eyes. However, the opening and ending are probably the worst songs I’ve ever heard in an anime. I rarely skip OPs or EDs, but in this case, I can’t stand even five seconds of that mumbling.

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Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku

Chidori High School and its neighbouring Kikyo Academy are two completely different worlds. The former is a public boys’ high school, often filled with rowdy delinquents from poorer families, while the latter is an elite girls’ academy known for its immaculate reputation and strict rules, attended by girls from wealthy homes. For years, there has been fierce rivalry and deep animosity between the two schools.

Tsumugi Rintarou is sixteen, with a scary-looking face and a reputation as someone best avoided. But he doesn’t mind – he has a close group of friends and feels no need to draw attention to himself. However, he has a secret. After school, he helps out at his family’s café and cake shop. One day, he notices a customer who hurriedly runs off before he can talk to her. The next day, the girl returns and introduces herself as Waguri Kaoruko, telling him she didn’t run away because of his appearance and that she believes in his kind heart. Although Kaoruko’s bright personality initially overwhelms Rintarou, he gradually begins to look forward to seeing her.

Do I recommend it after the first episode? Yes – an absolutely fantastic start. CloverWorks once again shows that they can create beautiful series. Beyond the truly gorgeous visuals, the directing is also of an exceptionally high level. The main heroine is incredibly sweet. Inoue Honoka does an absolutely brilliant job in her role. I didn’t expect this title to charm me as much as it did. I’m looking forward to the next episodes with great anticipation!

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Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru S2

Ever since he was little, Gojou Wakana has been fascinated by the art of making hina – traditional Japanese dolls. He inherited this passion from his grandfather, who taught him the craft. Unfortunately, it required complete dedication, so by the time he entered high school, he had no friends. There are several girls in his class, and among them, the beautiful Kitagawa Marin stands out, surrounded by everyone else. Wakana viewed people like her as beings from another planet – at least until fate brought them together.

One day, the sewing machine at his house breaks down due to old age. Wakana decides to use the sewing equipment in the school’s sewing club to finish the latest outfit he has been working on. At that moment, Marin opens the door, notices what he’s working on, and is amazed by his unique hobby. When she learns that Wakana knows how to sew clothes, she asks him for a favour – to make a costume of her favourite anime character, as she loves cosplay but is limited by her lack of sewing skills…

Season 2

Do I recommend it after the first episode? Yes – it’s a direct continuation of the first season. CloverWorks is really delivering in this season. Another beautifully animated series. The first episode of the first season featured a lot of very well-executed fanservice. Everything else is exactly what I loved about season one. I can’t wait for the next episodes.

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Seishun Buta Yarou wa Santa Claus no Yume wo Minai

Since meeting Sakurajima Mai, Azusagawa Sakuta has continuously experienced supernatural phenomena known as “Adolescence Syndrome.” After everything that happened with Mai, who inexplicably became invisible to others, and with his sister Kaede, it is now time to resolve the final issue – the double existence of Makinohara Shouko.

Season 2

Do I recommend it after the first episode? Yes – it’s a direct continuation of the movie Seishun Buta Yarou wa Randoseru Girl no Yume wo Minai. It’s worth mentioning that after the first season, three movies were released. They need to be watched before this season, as they are crucial for the story. This is yet another CloverWorks series I’m watching this season. Unfortunately, it’s a bit noticeable that this one was treated with slightly less care compared to the two series I described above, though the previous season and movies looked fairly similar. The content remains consistently interesting, however. I’m looking forward to the next episodes with anticipation.

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Game Center Shoujo to Ibunka Kouryuu

Kusakabe Renji spends Valentine’s Day working, overseeing the machines at the arcade, when his attention is caught by a small, stubborn foreign girl. For hours, she has been struggling with the claw machine, trying to win a plush koala without success. After finishing his shift, Renji walks over, puts in a single coin, and manages to get the plushie on his first try, handing it to the stunned Lily Baker, who only speaks English. His unexpected act of kindness leaves her completely flustered, and Renji, embarrassed, blurts out the first thing that comes to mind: “It’s a Valentine’s Day gift.”

For Lily, raised with the English tradition of Valentine’s Day confessions, these words sound like a subtle declaration of love. The next day, she gives him a gift along with a note saying, “Be my valentine!” Thus begins their sweet relationship, sparked by one innocent misunderstanding.

Do I recommend it after the first episode? Yes – an absolutely adorable start. I didn’t expect it to be this good. It’s an interesting idea for a series – misunderstandings caused by language and cultural barriers. I’m looking forward to the next episodes and hope it doesn’t become repetitive.

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Ruri no Houseki

Tanigawa Ruri loves anything shiny. She often visits jewelry shops and admires the minerals used in accessories. However, since she is still a high school student, her budget is quite limited. Hoping to find some crystals for herself, she heads to the mountains, where she meets Arato Nagi, a college student majoring in mineralogy. From that moment on, they begin going on mineral-collecting trips together. Sometimes they walk mountain trails searching for crystals, other times they wade into rivers, and on other days Nagi shows Ruri minerals from her collection that Ruri has never seen before.

Do I recommend it after the first episode? Yes – Studio Bind turns anything they touch into a gem. The visuals are top-tier. The level of detail and the quality of the animation are stunning. It may not be at Mushoku Tensei level, but it still looks absolutely beautiful. It’s also clear that the author of the source material (the manga) has solid knowledge about minerals. Even though mineralogy doesn’t really interest me, the anime itself and the way everything is presented made watching the first episode a genuinely enjoyable experience.

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City The Animation

Nagumo Midori is a college student who knows how to enjoy life… though her wallet definitely doesn’t reflect that. Drowning in debt and with her landlady constantly on her back about unpaid rent, life isn’t easy for Midori. Even her best friend refused to lend her money, having already seen through all her tricks. Maybe a bit of petty theft would solve her problems? Or bullying someone weaker? Unfortunately, neither is a long-term solution. That leaves getting a job… but who wants to work when there’s so much happening in the big city?

Because this isn’t an ordinary city. Daily life here is full of unpredictable adventures, laughter, warmth, and emotions. The people, though seemingly ordinary, give this place its unique character, where each day can bring something exciting.

Do I recommend it after the first episode? Yes – if you thought Nichijou was completely random, this is even more random. City is not only a manga by the same author (Arawi Keiichi), but the animation was once again handled by Kyoto Animation. Absurdity chases absurdity; each mini-story seems random at first, but often influences the others. There’s no denying – it’s a very creative series, and Kyoto Animation’s style (similar to Nichijou) elevates that creativity even further. Technically, it’s flawless. Personally, though, the sheer level of absurdity is a bit too much for me. That said, I still enjoyed watching the first episode – I’m just not sure if I won’t get a bit tired of it after a few more episodes.

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Grand Blue Season 2

Kitahara Iori begins his college life by moving to the seaside town of Izu, where he lives above his uncle’s diving shop, Grand Blue. He dreams of an ideal start to adulthood, full of adventure, love, and youthful fulfillment. However, his vision of college life quickly crumbles. Instead of a peaceful life, he finds himself confronted by a group of muscular students from the local Diving Club, who spend more time drinking, partying, and stripping naked than actually diving. Despite his best efforts to stay away from their eccentric antics, Iori is soon dragged into their endless alcohol-fueled escapades. And when his cousin, Kotegawa Chisa, walks into Grand Blue and catches him in the middle of this embarrassing scene, she makes no effort to hide her disdain.

Season 2

Do I recommend it after the first episode? Yes – the first episode turned out to be much better than I remembered from season one. Maybe partly because it focused heavily on my favourite heroine. Nonetheless, I’m definitely looking forward to the next episodes.

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Kakkou no Iinazuke Season 2

Sixteen-year-old Umino Nagi, an exceptionally talented second-year student at Megurogawa High School, learns that he was accidentally switched at birth. On his way to a dinner where he’s supposed to meet his biological parents for the first time, he randomly runs into the lively and outspoken Amano Erika, who is determined to make Nagi her fake boyfriend—because she never wants to get married.

However, when Nagi finally arrives at the dinner, he learns that his parents have decided to solve the switch-at-birth situation by having him marry the daughter raised by his biological parents… who turns out to be none other than Erika!

Season 2

Do I recommend it after the first episode? Yes – I got exactly what I expected based on season one. A new character joins the lineup of heroines, so the rivalry for the main character’s heart will likely heat up even more. I’m really glad this series got a continuation.

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Mikadono Sanshimai wa Angai, Choroi.

Ayase Yuu has never lived up to his mother’s legacy—a legendary actress whose talent and charisma captivated the entire country. After her death, people expected him to follow in her footsteps, but Yuu turned out to be an entirely average boy, with no remarkable abilities. After transferring to Saika Academy, a prestigious school known for nurturing exceptional talent, he is quickly dismissed as insignificant. That sentiment is echoed by three of the school’s most outstanding students: Miwa, a shougi master; Niko, a martial arts specialist; and Kazuki, a rising star in the world of acting.

According to his late mother’s final wish—that her son might one day find a true family, something she herself was never able to give him—Yuu ends up under the care of her old friend. However, to his surprise, that friend turns out to be the father of the very same three extraordinary Mikadono sisters he met on his first day at school.

At first, the girls, preoccupied with their talents and ambitions, have no intention of forming a close bond with him. But little by little, Yuu begins to fill the emptiness in their home. Through his honesty and kindness, he gradually finds a place in their hearts. Though he may not possess any special skill, Yuu becomes the one person capable of bringing these three brilliant individuals together—and teaching them what it means to be a family again.

Do I recommend it after the first episode? Yes – a fairly pleasant start. Though for now, of the three girls introduced in the first episode, only Niko really caught my interest. Visually, it’s decent, although I know P.A. Works is capable of much more.

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Futari Solo Camp

Kinokura Gen, a 34-year-old loner, finds peace in the quiet and solitude of solo camping, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city and other people. His solo trips into nature have become a routine—until the day he crosses paths with Kusano Shizuku. A young woman completely inexperienced in camping, Shizuku dreams of solo camping herself, but she lacks the gear, the knowledge, and the skills. Gen, irritated by her presence, tries to convince her to go back home so he can enjoy his peaceful escape. But Shizuku refuses to give up. Stubborn and determined, she decides to tag along on his trips until she’s ready to face nature on her own.

Do I recommend it after the first episode? Yes – fantastic start. There’s no denying the main heroine brings a huge burst of energy to the show. The visual presentation is also high quality. The character designs are very detailed, and the backgrounds are a real treat for the eyes. All in all, it delivered exactly what I expected going in. With a full 24-episode run, I’ll definitely be sticking with it to the end.

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Bad Girl

Yuutani Yuu, a first-year student at the private Fujigasaki High School, has a sharp glare, big piercings, and flashy two-tone hair – she looks like a proper yankee, but the truth is far from it. Deep down, she’s a kind and well-behaved girl whose mind is occupied by just one person: the head of the disciplinary committee, Mizutori Atori. To get Atori’s attention, Yuu gives up being an honor student and decides to become a “bad girl.”

The problem is, her attempts at misbehaving are as clumsy as they are adorable. To make matters worse, she’s being watched by her childhood friend, Suzukaze Suzu, who seems more than a little jealous.

Do I recommend it after the first episode? Yes – a very funny adaptation of a four-panel manga with yuri undertones. You can definitely feel the yonkoma origin, as each episode is structured around a few clearly distinct chapters, though the story still maintains a continuous flow. Most importantly for this type of series—the characters are instantly likable from the very first minutes.

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It’s similar to the year-end recaps, namely – I recommend what I consider awesome in my opinion. Below is a list of my favorite songs from the openings and endings (all of them I consider noteworthy, but the ones I particularly love are marked in bold, while the ones I consider as even more outstanding are marked in green, bold font). The scheme is clear, but I will clarify it:
Artist – Title (Artist in romaji – Title in romaji) | Anime Title