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Netflix’s anime adaptation Sakamoto Days has shattered records, becoming the platform’s most-watched anime premiere since it began reporting weekly viewing numbers.

The adaptation of the Yuto Suzuki’s action manga brought in 8.6 million views in its debut week, ranking as the #2 non-English TV show, just behind Squid Game Season 2, and #4 overall across all categories.

Image via Tudum

Sakamoto Days‘ premiere outperforms the previous record-holder, Baki Hanma Season 2, which peaked at 6.0 million views during its release.

The series also outperformed recent non-exclusive anime titles on Netflix, such as Dandadan (4.3M views) and Dragon Ball Daima (3.2M views). However, these titles gained the majority of their viewership on Crunchyroll, the preferred platform for anime streaming in most regions.

Here’s a list of the top anime premieres on Netflix:

Baki Hanma Season 2: 6.M views Dandadan: 4.3M views (non-exclusive) Record of Ragnarok Season 2: 3.M views Demon Slayer:...

Over the years, Japanese animation has created a wide range of romantic stories, from funny and light-hearted to deep and emotional. A prime example of a shojo anime struck by the “no second season” curse is Studio Bones’ adaptation of Bisco Hatori’s Ouran High School Host Club.

Ouran High School Host Club | Credits: Studio Bones

Some romance anime are heart-wrenching dramas filled with tears and angst, while others are lighthearted rom-coms that remind fans that love can be fun. Ouran High School Host Club is an anime and manga that stands out with its unique and humorous take on high school life and social relationships.

Ouran High School Host Club holds a prominent place in the shojo genre and is credited with popularizing a classic trope that has become a staple in modern shojo anime, offering fans a consistently enjoyable element to look forward to.

How Ouran High School Host Club...

Over the years, Japanese animation has produced a wide range of romantic stories, from light-hearted comedies to deep dramas. Yet, Fruits Basket remains a shojo masterpiece that has left no viewer disappointed.

Fruits Basket is indeed romantic and heartwarming, containing one of the cutest anime couples ever, Kyo and Tohru. The anime’s tragic yet uplifting narrative has resonated with generations of fans and embodies much of what audiences expect from the shojo genre.

The Sohma family in a still from the series | Credit: Tms Entertainment

The Fruits Basket character lineup is filled with unique, relatable, and lovable characters, each with rich backstories and significant personal growth. However, some characters, like Hiro, struggle to gain the same affection due to their frustrating personality traits, making them unlikable.

Exploring the most controversial and unlikable character in Fruits Basket

Fruits Basket portrays romantic relationships very well, encompassing all the emotions and experiences...

Fruits Basket is one of the most successful romance and drama reboots of the decade. Its faithful adaptation captivated audiences, offering a refreshed take on the beloved series. The unique plot introduces members of the Sohma family cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex. While the series explores themes of acceptance, regret, friendship, and family, its romantic plot intrigued audiences, especially the dynamic between Tohru and Yuki.

Initially, their relationship followed familiar romantic tropes, drawing viewers who expected it to develop into something deeper. However, as the story progressed, this relationship shifted, subverting all of the fans' expectations. Despite its impressive and emotional storytelling, fans must acknowledge that Fruits Basket’s romance—particularly how Tohru and Yuki’s relationship was featured—relied on clichés and failed to deliver the glimpse of hope that the audiences anticipated.

Yuki and Tohru’s Early Chemistry...

Chihiro Yuziki's shojo manga series With You, Our Love Will Make It Through (known as Kimi to Koete Koi ni Naru in Japan) will receive a TV anime adaptation in fall of 2025. The anime's official website opened today, releasing a teaser visual. Teaser visual Chihiro Yuziki's original manga series has serialized on Shueisha's Manga Mee manga service since May 2019. The series has a total circulation of 1.2 million copies (as of Dec 2024) and a total of 53 million PVs (as of Dec 2024) on Manga Mee. Currently, seven tankobon volumes have been released in Japan, with the latest volume 8 scheduled for release on 23 January 2025. Yen Press, which has licensed the manga's English edition , describes the synopsis: When high schooler Mari, bumps into a fellow tardy student, she’s surprised to find out he’s a beastfolk who’s to attend her school! After all, it's not rare for beastfolk to coexist alongside humans,...

There are a ton of romance animes out there for anyone to watch. Some aren't great, relying on overused anime tropes to tell their stories in a way that isn't too relatable to a general audience. Others, however, do their jobs perfectly. These realistic romance animes have relatable characters, understandable motives, and plenty of solid moments anyone watching can feel companionship with.

Tsuki ga Kirei is one of those animes. It's one of the best romance series for an anime-lover who is looking for something a little more grounded. It's a simple, relatable story about Akane Mizuno and her love interest, Kotarō Azumi, as they navigate their final year of middle school, learn more about themselves and one another, and fall in love. It stands out from other romance anime series because of how well it portrays the nerves surrounding one's first relationship. Everyone wants to fall in love and get into a great relationship,...

In a recent interview with Comic Natalie, voice actor Tomikazu Sugita opened up about his initial hesitation to take on the lead role of Sakamoto in Sakamoto Days anime.

His reason? A sense of déjà vu tied to his past work.

Sugita admitted that while he was aware of the manga’s buzz as a rising Weekly Shonen Jump hit, he was hesitant to take on the role due to similarities with a character he had played before.

“I had already played a protagonist in a similar position in a Jump anime before, so I had that in mind, and it felt a bit like déjà vu.“

When the audition opportunity arose, he initially focused on another character, Kashima. However, his agency strongly encouraged him to also consider Sakamoto.

“When I received the audition information for Sakamoto Days, I showed the character materials for a character named Kashima to my agency staff,...

The official X account of Netflix Anime unveiled a brand new trailer and cast for Sakamoto Days English dub ahead of its premiere on the platform on Jan 11, 2024.

Sakamoto Days English dub cast includes:

Matthew Mercer as Taro Sakamoto Dallas Liu as Shin Asakura Rosie Okumura as Aoi Sakamoto Rosalie Chiang as Lu Shaotang Lexi Cabrera as Obiguro Xolo Maridueña as Heisuke SungWon Cho as Boiled Du-Shaunt “Fik-Shun” Stegall as Son Hee Toru Uchikado as Bacho Aleks Le as Nagumo

Sakamoto Days is scheduled to be released in two parts on the platform, with the first part, consisting of 11 episodes, releasing on Jan 11, 2025. A new episode will air each week.

The second part will start airing in July 2025.

Tomokazu Sugita, who is known for portraying Gintoki Sakata, is voicing the titular character Taro Sakamoto.

Other cast members include:

Nobunaga Shimazaki as Shin Asakura Ayane Sakura as Lu Shaotang Nao Toyama...

Sakamoto Days isn’t a run-of-the-mill hitman series in any case. With peak action scenes and character development, it outclasses most shonen anime in more ways than one.

It stands as one of the most awaited anime adaptations of 2025. And while the trailer garnered a mixed bag of reviews, fans may have been wrong to throw brickbats for this very reason.

Taro Sakamoto in a still from the anime | Credit: Tms Entertainment

While the first trailer seemed underwhelming to most readers, the final teaser had fans eating their words. It is the constant seesaw of expectations that leaves readers on the fence regarding the animated adaption.

But most of all, Tms may have exposed itself to a risk regarding its recent move. This may prove detrimental to the series in the long run, especially with its viewership and reception.

Sakamoto Days’ trailer had critics eating their words

Sakamoto Days is...

When anime fans think about iconic series from the mid-2000s, Ouran High School Host Club inevitably comes to mind. Adapted on Bisco Hatori’s manga, this delightful reverse harem anime won over fans with its quirky characters, witty humor, and realistic exploration of gender norms and social expectations. However, despite its undeniable cultural impact and huge fanbase, the series has been left in a frustrating state of limbo.

The vibrant casts of Ouran High School Host Club | Credit: Studio Bones

While beloved series like Ranma ½ and Fruits Basket have received modern updates; breathing new life into their stories, fans of Ouran High School Host Club are left wondering: why not Ouran? The frustration is palpable across social media platforms, where longtime enthusiasts and new fans alike are rallying for the remake this iconic series deserves.

Ouran High School Host Club and its legacy in the anime world

After its 2006 premiere,...

The debate between modern and classic romance anime has been ongoing for decades. While classic anime offers a nostalgic hit, modern anime offers better animation and a less problematic plot. However, series like Nana, Fruits Basket, and Ouran High School Host Club can never be replaced by modern anime, and there’s a good reason for it.

From the lack of originality to less development in the series, the problems that modern anime face are endless. While some series manage to shine, others fall into the black hole of cliched plots and characters.

Modern anime lacks the originality of classic romance series Nana | Credits: Studio Madhouse

Since classic anime came first, there was way more scope for exploration. They had the edge of being the trendsetters during their time, something that classic series took full advantage of. While modern anime can offer better visuals and animation, the plot can feel cliched at times.

Tokyo Ghoul is one of the most iconic dark fantasy anime of its time, but it’s been clouded by the missteps of its adaptation. Fans of Sui Ishida’s manga have been left disappointed over how the anime failed to capture the brilliance of the story that made the series grow as large as it did. Due to multiple deviations and anime-only plotlines, Tokyo Ghoul didn’t have a chance to show off its true potential.

But, as in many cases, when official material fails, fans are quick to step in and imagine what could be. Recently, a stunning fan-made poster offered a glimpse into what a faithful remake could look like. The poster garnered attention online and left fans imagining the promise a remake could hold for the series. A faithful adaptation could bring Tokyo Ghoul back into the spotlight and give it the full recognition it deserves.

Throughout the years, reboots have brought back classic anime, but Ranma ½ has redefined the process, proving why it’s one of the best blueprints for remakes. Many reboots attempt to balance nostalgia and fresh appeal, often landing as either a hit or a miss. Ranma ½ has secured its spot as a success by delivering not only entertainment but also valuable lessons for future anime reboots.

Classic gems are a nostalgic treat that modern fans should explore. Yet, their lengthy episodes and dated animation often deter viewers from fully committing. Fortunately, reboots like Fruits Basket, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Rurouni Kenshin, and Hunter x Hunter have shown these classics can still compete with modern anime. But none of them have captured the lasting magic and lessons of Ranma ½.

Keep the Quirky Character Dynamics Ranma 1/2's Reboot Showed that Characters Should Stay the Way They Are

The heart of...

Romantic comedies have long been a beloved genre in anime, and among them, one particularly struck a chord with the audiences: Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku. Fujita’s delightful tale of nerdy office workers navigating their professional and romantic lives resonated with fans worldwide when the anime adaptation aired in 2018.

Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku | Credit: A-1 Pictures

Now, six years later, Wotakoi is making headlines again. To celebrate the manga’s 10th anniversary, Fujita is creating an entirely new manga of this series that will be showcased during the Wotakoi Art Exhibition in March 2025 in Tokyo. Is this a sign that the second season of this beloved series is in the process? While exciting, this sounds too good to be true.

The magic of Wotakoi: Why fans still cling to the idea of a second season?

Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku stood out in the...

The age of battles is upon us, and one Roboco is making their dreams come true! At the Me & Roboco special stage at Jump Festa 2025 today, the series announced that One Piece ’s Luffy will inspire a new character for the upcoming Me & Roboco anime film. Mayumi Tanaka, Luffy’s voice actor, will also take the reigns to voice this Roboco version. Tanaka joined the stage event dressed as a farmer with a proper straw hat. Can’t think of a reason why! Me & Roboco Anime Film Mayumi Tanaka Announcement Related: Me & Roboco Anime FIlm Unveils New Trailer, Teaser Visual Akitaro Daichi ( Fruits Basket ) continues to direct the Me & Roboco film at Studio Gallop. The film is set to release in Japan on April 18, 2025. Daichi also directed the 2022 TV anime series, alongside scripts by Sayuri Oba, character designs by Yuko Ebara and music by Jun Abe and Seiji Muto. Crunchyroll...

With thousands of anime to choose from, it’s no wonder that many series have been forgotten despite past popularity or widespread acclaim from viewers. Some anime became sidelined due to incomplete manga, while others failed to catch the attention of fans quickly enough, resulting in the cancelation of new seasons. Even so, works like Fruits Basket and Kimi no Todoke, which made returns after years without continuation, give fans hope for the future.

With the rise of reboots and the growing popularity of anime, there is a possibility that classics and fan favorites may make a comeback on screen. Reboots can provide updated animation, more faithful adaptations, or a chance to give closure to a favorite series. They offer an opportunity for both old and new fans to rediscover forgotten gems, and many of these series deserve a reboot Asap.

Yona of the Dawn With the Manga Approaching Its End,...

The world of anime and manga has just lost yet another shining star, who contributed to shaping one of the most beloved genres of this industry: Shojo. Iconic titles such as Fruits Basket, Kamisama Hajimemashita (aka Kami-sama Kiss), and many more have always continued to attract the attention of global audiences and have become a hallmark in the anime/manga industry itself. The unique romance, drama, and fantasy of these stories have captured the hearts of audiences for years now.

A still from Kamisama Hajimemashita | Credits: Tms Entertainment

However, in a sad reality, the pioneer of the genre, Macoto Takahashi, has recently left us, at the ripe age of 90, leaving behind his legacy that will continue to inspire generations and entertain. Fans are celebrating his extraordinary life and contributions, as they take time to admire the lasting impression that he brought to the world of Shojo manga.

Macoto Takahashi bids...

Fruits Basket is one of the most popular slice-of-life romance franchises, ranking as one of the top-selling manga worldwide. The story follows an adorable love triangle between chipper protagonist, Tohru, moody Kyo, and shy Yuki. After the Sohmas take Tohru in when they discover she is homeless after a family tragedy, she meets the Sohmas one by one, becoming acquainted with their unique personalities and personal struggles, while attempting to bring peace to the family by removing their curse that turns them into animals when they hug the opposite gender.

Apart from being an entertaining, emotional story, Fruits Basket has many life lessons fans can learn from. Tohru is an incredibly positive influence, approaching every situation with a desire to spark joy and soothe hurt feelings, which reminds viewers of the importance of an upbeat outlook and genuine care for others. The series takes a few dark turns, covering topics like abuse,...

10 Anime Shows That Desperately Need A Reboot - Main Image

As times change, some anime from earlier generations could reach a broader audience with a reboot. Many have great concepts, but their outdated art and animation may not appeal to modern viewers.

Then, there are those that didn’t get a faithful adaptation or left fans hanging with abrupt endings. Fruits Basket and Shaman King, for example, both had original versions reimagined and received massive acclaim afterward.

There are many more classic anime titles that could use an overhaul, so here are 10 of them.

Record of Lodoss War

Considered the grandfather of fantasy anime, Record of Lodoss War tells the story of medieval knights, dwarves, and elves battling the forces of evil. The most notable thing about it is that the story is a retelling of the creator’s own Dungeons and Dragons campaign, with some original lore added in.

With the revival of series like Fruits Basket and From Me To You, many fans are wondering about the possibility of other favorites returning as well. Recently, Hiro Fujiwara announced on an X post that Maid Sama! is officially gaining a new chapter. Fans can look forward to seeing it in the March issue of Laladx in 2025.

There are many beloved shojo series that came from the 2000s and now provide a sense of nostalgia for long-time fans. These series have provided unforgettable characters and a roller coaster of emotions that kept fans hooked for years. While many of these shojo series became classics and took their place in the shojo hall of fame, there are some that make comebacks that are bigger than ever.

Hiro Fujiwara Celebrates 20 Years With Special Edition Of Maid Sama! The Return Of Maid Sama! Is A Thrilling Announcement For Fans ã€æ–°ä½œãŠçŸ...

Netflix started streaming a new trailer for Sakamoto Days on Nov 4, 2024, featuring the opening theme song Run Sakamoto Run by Vaundy.

The new trailer will be welcome news for fans who have been waiting to catch a glimpse of how the anime will shape up.

Sakamoto Days anime is scheduled to release in two parts on the platform, with the first part, consisting of 11 episodes, releasing on Jan 11, 2025. A new episode will air each week.

The second part will start airing in July 2025.

Check out the new trailer below:

Checkout the stills from the trailer below:

Tomokazu Sugita, who is known for portraying Gintoki Sakata, will voice the titular character Taro Sakamoto.

Other cast members include:

Nobunaga Shimazaki as Shin Asakura Ayane Sakura as Lu Shaotang Nao Toyama as Aoi Sakamoto Hina Kino as Hana Sakamoto Ryota Suzuki as Heisuke Mashimo Miyari Nemoto as Piisuke

Tms Entertainment, the studio behind Detective Conan,...

Anime reboots have become a growing trend that gives life to classic and beloved series. From Fruits Basket to the arrival of Kimi ni Todoke, these shows have set a precedent for returning to anime that has resonated deeply with fans. The success of these reboots isnt just about nostalgia but rather about giving older, adored series a chance to fully explore their source material and storylines with modern animation techniques.

Yet, despite the resurgence of other anime, one fan-favorite shojo anime is noticeably (and tragically) absent from the reboot roster. Ouran High School Host Club has long since been a cultural phenomenon that captured viewers hearts with its humor, heartfelt scenes, and clever, ahead-of-its-time satire of gender roles. While the 2006 anime adaption is still widely popular, it only scratches the surface of the mangas full potential, leaving Ouran as a prime candidate for a reboot worthy of its timeless excellence.

Back in the day, it was pretty common for a manga and its anime adaptation to air at the same time. Sometimes, it would even mean that the anime made many original decisions due to the lack of available chapters. Black Butler, Fruits Basket, Soul Eater, and Fullmetal Alchemist are some popular examples of this phenomenon.

While most of these series originally changed many things from the manga, Fullmetal Alchemist is the only one to bring two different experiences to life, and somehow both make sense in their own way.

Edward and Alphonse in Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) | Credits: Studio Bones

While some fans prefer Fullmetal Alchemist, others wouldn’t think twice before crowning Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood as their absolute favorite. Both series have found dedicated fanbases and the ‘which one’s better’ debate has been ongoing since forever. However, when one looks at the fan discussions, it becomes clear that fans...

Shojo manga and anime offerings boast many strong series that are good for the soul, and with Colette Decides to Die, even the souls of the Underworld can benefit from the genre's healing influence. Hailing from the storied Hakusensha magazine Hana to Yume, home to Yona of the Dawn, Fruits Basket, and Kamisama Kiss, Colette Decides to Die follows a romantic fantasy twist with a Greek mythological twist. Despite the series debuting in 2013, it's finally getting an English print release thanks to Viz Media, with volume #1 holding a mighty 402 pages of Alto Yukimura's Greek myth romance manga.

Hana to Yume's manga series tend to receive wildly successful anime adaptations, with many of its iconic series often gracing best romance anime lists before mentioning its series' uplifting explorations of human connection. Even though many of these cases involve non-humans in the mixture, such as deities, the principle remains the same. Colette...

When it comes to shojo romance anime, old classics like Fruits Basket and Kimi no Todoke are usually the first to come to mind, and while these series no doubt deserve the love they receive, one particularly underrated series often flies under the radar. Kamisama Kiss by Julietta Suzuki is arguably one of the best shojo romance anime of all time, but there's one thing holding it back from being as big as others in the genre.

Despite having aired twelve years ago, Kamisama Kiss remains one of the most unique shojo romance anime of its kind. Though the story makes use of many typical clichs, its saccharine and spunky protagonist, heart-fluttering supernatural romance, and simple yet heartfelt underlying story easily win viewers over. However, the anime's incomplete adaptation and highly condensed ending arguably hold the series back from being one of the greats, while the manga's inaccessibility highlights a...

Blue Box is a new anime that gives more than what the audience had anticipated. From back-to-back history and romance series released in the previous seasons, the Fall anime season is introducing love through sports. Netflix's newest romance anime, Blue Box, provides a coming-of-age story that uniquely conveys the awkward stage of high school romance through the lens of two passionate athletes, making it stand out from the rest of this season.

This romance and sports anime is based on Kouji Miuras hit manga Ao no Hako (Blue Box). The series has been serialized since April 2021 in Weekly Shonen Jump, highlighting its great influence on manga readers, which proves that its heartfelt story is worthwhile. However, it is not only the story itself that makes this series worth all the time and effort.

Blue Box Anime Uses Its Sports Genre as a Core Strength Both Protagonists are Motivated Athletes...

If you see shojo fans with a sparkle in their eyes, they have probably come across something related to Kaichou wa Maid Sama! Such is the impact of Maid Sama! anime; it is among the classic romance anime that enjoy massive popularity among fans.

Over the years, the discourse surrounding the anime has changed quite a lot. Yet one thing remains constant, the never-ending need for a second season. A sequel would not only give us a proper conclusion to the story but can also benefit the plot by fixing some evident flaws.

Usui and Misaki | Credits: Studio J.C. Staff

With 26 episodes, the first season of Maid Sama! anime ended in 2010. Since then, there have been no updates regarding a potential season 2. There’s plenty of material left in the manga that needs to be adapted. But that’s not the only reason why Maid Sama! deserve a second season.

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Iconic anime director Shinichir Watanabe is back with a new look at the future in Lazarus. After making his debut with Macross Plus, Watanabe found his biggest breakout hit in the original Cowboy Bebop anime, serving as the creative lead and director of the beloved space western anime and its theatrical movie. He would go on to find success with the likes of Samurai Champloo, the anime adaptation of Kids on the Slope and Carole & Tuesday on Netflix, among others.

With Lazarus, Watanabe finds himself returning to the sci-fi genre and setting the story in 2052, in which a utopian-like society has been formed. During this period, a scientist designs a miracle drug, only to later reveal in 2055 that the drug has just a three-year half-life, leaving those who took the drug, which proves to be the majority of society, with little time to live.

Since Fruits Basket is a romance anime, it is no surprise that many happy couples were formed by the story's conclusion. From perhaps the most popular pairing, Tohru and Kyo, to the adorable Hatori and Mayu, there are so many different romantic Fruits Basket duos that got together. However, for every canon couple that found joy, there is a non-canon pairing fans pined for but never received.

Some Fruits Basket fan ships seemed destined to fall in love, but never made it work out or were never officially confirmed. Many of the most adored potential couples could never become official, since one or more of the partners is canonically dating or married to someone else. But, fans can still dream, and some of these alternative ships would have been wonderful to witness.

Motoko and Yuki Perhaps an Unlikely Pairing, Yuki and Motoko Could Be a Case of Opposites Attracting

Motoko...

Over the years, Japanese animation has created a wide range of romantic stories, from funny and light-hearted to deep and emotional. Some romance anime are heart-wrenching dramas filled with tears and angst, while others are lighthearted rom-coms that remind fans that love can be fun. Fruits Basket is indeed romantic and heartwarming, containing one of the cutest anime couples ever, Kyo and Tohru.

The Sohma family in a still from the series | Credit: Tms Entertainment

Fruits Basket‘s tragic yet uplifting narrative has resonated with generations of fans and embodies much of what audiences expect from the shojo genre. Owing to its immense success in both anime and manga industry, Natsuki Takaya has made a name for herself globally. While the series has certainly established a prominent reputation in the shojo genre, fans might be surprised to learn that Takaya nearly abandoned it altogether.

What Almost Led Natsuki Takaya to...

Capturing the hearts of countless fans around the world, Natsuki Takaya became a renowned name after her work, Fruits Basket, became a massive hit that deeply narrates the human journey that each of her characters undergoes. The anime is the perfect title if you are looking forward to watching something whimsical yet so serious that will keep you on the edge of your seats.

Poster for Fruits Basket. Credits: Tms

The show was quite popular in the Otaku community all the way back in 2001, which returned with grace when, in 2019, the remake of the fan favorite anime was announced. Takaya-Sensei had a big demand for the remake because she was not fond of the original series.

Hence, when the idea of the remake of the 2001 was pitched to the manga artist, she did not hesitate to bring forth her demands. As a result, the show has become an evergreen...

Fruits Basket is one of the most popular and celebrated shoujo series of all time. From friendship to love, the series outlines relationships through its intricate storytelling. As a bestselling shojo manga, it focuses on the dynamic between the two leads. Interestingly though, it is far-fetched from the cliches associated with love.

The Sohma family in a still from the series | Credit: Tms Entertainment

While most readers and viewers associate the series with romance and love, it’s more than that. Moreover, it is anything but a conventional romance anime.

This holds especially true with the spectrum of relationships explored in the series. Its diversion from archetypal romance portrayals sets it apart from other shojo series. In most aspects, the series reigns supreme over other shojo series.

Fruits Basket is a blend of platonic and romantic love

Written by Natsuki Takaya, Fruits Basket is one of the popular and celebrated shojos series.

Lazarus , the upcoming original anime directed by Shinichiro Watanabe ( Cowboy Bebop ), will begin broadcasting and streaming in 2025. The news was announced during a panel discussion at New York Comic-Con 2024 today. In the United States, the 13-episode series will air on Adult Swim's Toonami block. A visual depicting the protagonist Axel flying around the city and an action trailer featuring him were also released. "Lazarus" Axel Action Trailer The announced eight main voice cast members include: Axel voiced by Mamoru Miyano (Light Yagami in Death Note ) Doug voiced by Makoto Furukawa (Saitama in One-Punch Man ) Christin voiced by Maaya Uchida (Catarina Claes in My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! ) Leland voiced by Yuma Uchida (Megumi Fushiguro in Jujutsu Kaisen ) Eleina voiced by Manaka Iwami (Tohru Honda in Fruits Basket ) Hersch voiced by Megumi Hayashibara (Rei Ayanami in Neon Genesis Evangelion ) Abel by Akio Otsuka (Batou...

The official X account of Sakamoto Days anime unveiled three new cast members who will voice the characters Nagumo, Shishiba, and Osaragi on Oct 16, 2024.

Checkout the newly announced voice cast and their character PVs below:

Natsuki Hanae as Nagumo

Comment:

“Hello! This is Nobunaga Shimazaki, the voice of Shin!

I’m super happy that my buddy Hanae-kun will be playing the role of Nagumo!

Nagumo seems hard to figure out, laid-back and mysterious, but he’s also bright and mischievous.

I’m really looking forward to seeing how Hanae will bring his unique style to this fun role!

I’m counting on you, superstar voice actor!!!

That’s all from me, Nobunaga Shimazaki… or rather, this was written by Natsuki Hanae, the voice of Nagumo, in disguise (evil smile).“

Character Pv:

Hayami Saori as Osaragi

Comment:

“From the moment I read the original work for the audition, I was drawn...

Crunchyroll is set to kick off 2025 with a major treat for reverse harem romance fans with the release of Anyway, I'm Falling in Love With You. Slated for a January premiere, this highly anticipated series promises to deliver heartwarming romance and plenty of character relationships that will tug at heartstrings. Reverse harem anime may not dominate the romance anime genres, but its rising popularity is undeniable, especially among female audiences seeking a fresh twist on traditional romance stories. This show could be the next must-watch series in the reverse harem subgenre.

With its recently released trailer, Anyway, I'm Falling in Love With You is already looking amazing. From its pastel-colored art style to the charming characters, this is an eagerly anticipated anime. For both long-time reverse harem fans or people just curious about the genre, this romance anime is sure to be a must-watch, with its love, comedy, and heartfelt moments.

One of Fruits Basket's best aspects is its exceptional character development. While the fast-paced plot involving the Zodiac Curse that turns humans into animals is interesting, the story is driven by its relatable and fascinating characters even more. The Sohmas themselves are especially intriguing, as the Zodiac Curse affects each of the family members and drives their behavior.

It is all too easy to become attached to the series' dynamic characters, cheering for their successes and lamenting their losses. From the kindhearted, warm Tohru Honda to the fiery, impassioned Kyo Sohma, Fruits Basket contains seemingly every possible archetype. These varied Fruits Basket personalities are all so unique and lovable that they keep viewers coming back time and again for multiple rewatches.

Hatsuharu Sohma May Have a Temper, but He Is One of the Most Loving Characters Hatsuharu Is the Ox Zodiac

Hatsuharu, the mighty Ox Zodiac, is an emotional character...

Im a big fan of the romance anime genre. I have watched so many different series that fall under this category, and I'm always eager to discover something new, but there is one series I admittedly have a soft spot for and have continued to revisit time and time again. Among these stories, Fruits Basket stands out to me as unique and even after watching so many other romance animes, I've yet to find something that quite replicates its magic.

Fruits Basket is indeed romantic and heartwarming, containing one of the cutest anime couples ever, Kyo and Tohru. Their story is beautiful, meaningful, and relatable, and it showcases two broken, grieving people learning to love themselves and each other in spite of the difficulties life throws their way.

I truly can't get enough of the adorable interactions between Tohru and Kyo and the other couples in Fruits Basket, from Hatsuharu...

Fruits Basket is often named the best shojo series of all time, dominating the romance anime genre with ease. With a compelling, heartwarming story about relationships, loss, and love in spite of it all, the franchise is so relatable and enjoyable on many different levels. The story line encompasses all types of bonds; romantic, platonic, familial, and everything in between. But, one Fruits Basket relationship stands above the rest, enrapturing fans and keeping them coming back to the series years later to see how it all began.

Fruits Basket truly struck gold with its portrayal of Kyo Sohma and Tohru Honda and their unbreakable and heartwarming bond. When the pair first met, they seemed an unlikely pairing. Kyo was hardened to the world due to his traumatic past and unwilling to consider opening up to anyone, much less an unfamiliar girl who appeared in his life so suddenly after the Sohma family took her in.

After a long wait, the anime adaptation of Junji Ito’s classic manga Uzumaki is set to premiere on September 28th, 2024. It’s one of my most anticipated anime productions of the year. Not just because the source material is so good, but because of the respect in which I hold series director Hiroshi Nagahama. Yet it has been five years since Uzumaki was first announced in 2019. What kind of series would this be, I thought, if the production staff had such a tough time making just four episodes? We finally have our answer. In a recent interview with Vulture , influential producer Jason DeMarco divulged previously unknown details from the making of the Uzumaki anime. “Nagahama’s idea was to use motion capture and build everything in CG, then redraw all of it,” he said, “which he felt would give the animators the ability to tackle Ito-sensei’s line work…...

Warning: Spoilers for Fruits Basket (2019) and Fruits Basket (2001)The slice-of-life shjo anime, Fruits Basket (2019), written by pen name Takaya Natsuki and animated by Tms Entertainment Co., Ltd., is a reboot of the existing Fruits Basket (2001) anime. The modernized animation is a fresh appeal for viewer curiosity, and the return of select English cast members reels in nostalgia for fans of the 2001 dubbed version.

With the ending of Fruits Basket (2019) expanding the story toward the rest of the Sma family's individual paths and stating Sma Ky and Honda Tru's relationship, the difference between the two anime is broad. Fruits Basket's (2001) ending changes Sma Akito's sex and Tru's response to Ky's true form. Despite adapting only seven volumes of the manga and having an original ending, it is responsible for many current fans of the series. However, the reboot of Fruits Basket adapts all twenty-three of its volumes. Viewers...

As part of Geeked Week 2024, Netflix released a new announcement video for the highly anticipated anime Sakamoto Days on Sep 19, 2024.

However, the latest video has left fans underwhelmed as it doesn’t feature any new footage. Instead, it simply reuses content from the first teaser, which was initially released on July 31, 2024.

With only three months remaining until the anime’s scheduled release, fans had hoped to see more updated visuals or story details in this new clip.

The lack of fresh content has sparked disappointment, with many taking to social media to express their frustrations.

The absence of new footage has also sowed seeds of doubt about possible production delays or issues.

However, Sakamoto Days is a part of Jump Festa 2025’s Blue Stage. So, hopeful fans can look forward to seeing new information released during the event. There is nothing stopping the studio and production staff from releasing new...

Junji Ito is a celebrated name in the horror manga genre. His magnum opus Uzumaki is scheduled to premiere in September 2024. From body horror to the never-ending spirals, this is one of the notable works by the author. This is also one of the most anticipated series showcasing his works. However, there remained an issue still.

The infamous spiral scene from Uzumaki manga | Credit: Shogakukan

While the series is all set for its premiere, the directors faced a gargantuan obstacle. The challenge pertained to the production of the anime in alignment with the author’s design as they revealed in an interview.

Uzumaki anime entailed production issues in alignment with the author’s illustration style.

Uzumaki is one of the most notable works by the horror manga artist Junji Ito along with Tomie. The story is set in Kurozu Cho, a town that is plagued with spirals. While it doesn’t seem menacing at first,...

At first glance, Fruits Basket will seem like the most stereotypical Shoujo manga in existence. An unfortunate orphan girl gets invited by her dashing classmate to live in his house and soon discovers a secret hiding in their family. Of course, she vows never to speak it to a soul and gets into a series of trouble. Can it get any more Shoujo than this?

Still, the series, with its diverse range of characters, unexpected twists, and a famous love triangle, has achieved worldwide fame. In fact, after the superb response from its 2001 anime, it was renewed for another 26-episode series in 2019.

Fruits Basket Manga Sold Over 30 Million Copies in 2018 Fruits Basket 2019 Poster | Credits: Tms Entertainment

Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya first debuted in the Hana to Yume magazine in 1998 and was serialized till 2006. To date, the manga has been one of the best-selling Shoujo series. By the time the...

From Attack on Titan to Black Butler most anime have maintained their consistency through the sequels. Although some series get their sequels and adaptations, this is subject to change. Some take years and even decades to make their comeback. However, the possibility of this one such series’ sequel seems like a long haul.

Sebastian Michaelis in a still from the series | Credit: A-1 Pictures

Ouran High School Host Club was all the rage back in 2006 when it first premiered. From its representation of the queer community to its parodying of the Shojo genre, it marked its niche through its storytelling. However, it’s been almost 18 years that there is no possible sign of its second season as most fans wait in anticipation.

Black Butler’s sequel has Ouran High School Host Club Fans waiting in anticipation.

Black Butler is a dark fantasy shonen manga written by Yana Toboso. From its...

Anime, in my eyes, will always be a great connector. When you meet someone you look up to, find a creator you vibe with, or even a stranger, as an anime fan there is this giddy feeling you get when you realize that person also loves anime. It’s even better when you share the same favorite series. When the Instagram algorithm first showed me Lorena Abreu, known as Lorenaparkour online, it was her Dominican Dora videos teaching viewers how to speak Dominican Spanish (I listen to a lot of DemBow in my free time). I was instantly hooked. Looking for more slang videos, I discovered Lorena who is a talented stunt performer and loves anime. Often incorporating her stunt skills and incredible strength into cosplay, seeing Lorena’s flips, flags , and immaculate dance moves while dressed as Inosuke from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba , Rebecca from Cyberpunk Edgerunners , or...

Not only is Fruits Basket one of the best-selling shojo manga series of all time, it is profound as proven by its best quotes. The story follows Tohru Honda, an orphaned teenage girl who lives with three members of the mysterious Soma family: Yuki, Kyo, and Shigure. When she arrived at her new home, she realized she received a lot more than she bargained for, as new secrets about the family members came to light every day.

As they journey through life together, the characters express countless thought-provoking insights on topics like love, friendship, and the meaning of life. Fruits Basket is a romance anime at its core, sharing a beautiful tale of true, unwavering love and acceptance. Its heartfelt plot allows the story to communicate so many valuable lessons to its viewers, unraveling the complexities of life in a gorgeously animated and heartwarming format.

"Just as All Good Things,...

Yuki never loved Tohru romantically, ending the love triangle happily for everyone. Kyo and Tohru ended up together, while Yuki found love with Machi. Fruits Basket avoided hurt feelings by having every character find their perfect match.

Fruits Basket has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, becoming one of the most popular shojo manga series in the world. The 2019 anime adaptation only further sparked fans' interest in the franchise by delivering a faithful and emotion-filled adaptation of the manga's story. Fruits Basket integrates a lot of popular romance tropes into the story, including one that is arguably the most well-known of all.

One of the biggest plot points of Fruits Basket is the love triangle between Tohru, Kyo, and Yuki. The love triangle is a common trope in romance anime. However, Fruits Basket executes it differently than some other series.

Rather than have two characters vying for the same love interest,...

Warning: Sensitive topics are discussed below.

Anime like Death Parade, Bocchi the Rock, & A Silent Voice explore mental health themes with depth and sensitivity. Fruits Basket, Neon Genesis Evangelion, & Banana Fish delve into complex issues like trauma, depression, & Ptsd effectively. Series like March Comes in Like a Lion, Perfect Blue, & Welcome to the N.H.K. provide realistic portrayals of loneliness, madness & social anxiety.

Mental health issues are a nuanced subject that can be hard to address and portray accurately, especially in anime. Previously stigmatized, particular matters may have been glossed over in mainstream media. With changing times and increased acceptance and conversation surrounding mental health, anime has also become an art form that includes meaningful dialogue around mind-wellness or specifically highlights characters with lived experiences.

Whether it is to raise awareness or to speak to viewers who can relate, these series explore the depth, struggle, sensitivities, and sentiments around depression,...

Anime characters break the fourth wall for comedic effect, interacting with the audience and commenting on their world. Gintama stands out for its numerous fourth wall breaks, adding humor by criticizing production and referencing anime tropes. Fourth wall breaks are also seen in other anime like Fruits Basket, Pokemon, and Haruhi Suzumiya, adding humor and breaking reality.

While the genre is often known for its absurd premises and over-the-top deliveries, many anime go above and beyond that by breaking the fourth wall in the best ways. A concept with roots in theater, the fourth wall is what separates fictional characters from the real-life audience; the latter is aware of it while the former is generally not. Breaking the fourth wall is when the characters in a story become aware of their status as such, commenting on their world or the fact that theyre being watched.

Sometimes, characters will even try to interact with the audience,...

Fruits Basket The Final, the latest stage play adaptation of Natsuki Takaya’s Fruits Basket, unveiled six new visuals showcasing the cast members in their character costumes on Aug 22, 2024.

This latest release completes the set of visuals for all 16 actors involved in the production.

Checkout the newly revealed character visuals below:

Marina Horiuchi as Machi Kuragi Yuna Sekine as Kagura Sohma Elena Kamata as Kisa Sohma Airi Yoshiharu as Hiro Sohma Nene Shida as Isuzu Sohma Yuto Hiroi as Kakeru Manabe

In addition to the character visuals, it was also revealed that the ticket pre-sale for the stage play has officially started on Aug 22, 2024.

Previously revealed character visuals can be viewed below:

Ayano-Christie Yoshida as Tohru Honda Naoya Kitagawa as Yuki Sohma Shohei Hashimoto as Kyo Sohma Yuya Asato as Shigure Sohma Shogo Tamura as Hatsuharu Sohma Ruito Koga as Momiji Sohma Chisato Minami as Arisa Uotani Yukari Nakamura as...