In my last post, I chose ten (Western) animated series which I felt were the best of 2023. However, of the over 40 reviews I wrote in the past year, 14 of them were anime. Originally I was planning to make this a top 10 list, but I decided that was too limiting, and added entries for five series I didn’t review on PCM (Shy, 16 Bit Sensation: Another Layer, Tearmoon Empire, The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You, and The Apothecary Diaries), as I did not wish to overwhelm myself by writing reviews of every single series that I watched in 2023, as that would be too much. There will be spoilers for each series.
Originally I planned to only list 15 anime series, but later decided to expand it with five others (Power of Hope: PreCure Full Bloom, The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess, Soaring Sky! Pretty Cure, My New Boss is Goofy, and I’m in Love with the Villainess). Although I would put Stardust Telepath on this list, I am still bringing together my thoughts on that series. So, it wouldn’t be right to include it in this list. Also, I wanted the list to be a round number. As a warning, this post will discuss death, near-death experiences, memory loss, murder, poisoning, sexual harassment, bullying, and sex work, among other topics.
20. Power of Hope: PreCure Full Bloom – Streaming on Crunchyroll
Originally, I hadn’t planned to watch this series, a continution of Yes! PreCure 5 and Yes! PreCure 5 GoGo!. Some have been calling this the “adult PreCure” series. It is the only series within Izumi Todo’s Pretty Cure franchise which includes adult magical girls, specifically Nozomi Yumehara (voiced by Yūko Sanpei), Rin Natsuki (voiced by Junko Takeuchi), Urura Kasugano (voiced by Mariya Ise), Komachi Akimoto (voiced by Ai Nagano), and Karen Minazuki (voiced by Ai Maeda). They are joined by Kurumi Mimino (voiced by Eri Sendai), a rabbit-like fairy who has a human form, and two fairies from the Palmier Kingdom (Coco and Natts), a bird-like fairy from the Donut Kingdom (Syrup), a handyman and humanoid bumblebee named Bunbee (voiced by Wataru Takagi), and many others. Each magical girl can transform into a PreCure.
Some fans were disappointed that the magical girls transformed into their younger forms. However, this transformation is purposeful: they can only transform thanks to a sinister time flower, a plant which dictates how long someone lives. This means that every time they transform, they risk causing themselves to be mortally injured or die! Nozomi struggles with this the most: she is pushed to the brink of death to fight the “shadows.”
Like everyone else, she juggles her professional life with that of a hero, although the latter takes precedence. All of them fight against the system. The main villain is Bell (voiced by Yoko Hikasa). She is the town’s guardian angel who traveled from the future to the present. She’s convinced that if she culls the town of “selfish” people, she can stop its destruction by human-induced climate change and abandonment by humans. Later, she’s convinced that this is foolish. Her super-powered shadow later begins destroying the very town she swore to protect!
19. The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess – Streaming on HIDIVE
The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess, also known as Hikikomari Kyūketsu Hime no Monmon, is an adventure fantasy anime based on a Japanese light novel series by Kotei Kobayashi, which Riichu illustrates. The plot of this series is relatively simple: a vampire hermit named Terakomari Gandesblood (voiced by Tomori Kusunoki), or Komari for short, awakens to learn that she is commander of an army, as arranged by her father. However, the fact that she leads a notoriously insubordinate group and that she hates blood has put her in a bad position. Her trusted maid, Villhaze (voiced by Sayumi Suzushiro), helps her to ensure that she can be successful despite her obstacles. But, there’s a lot more going on than that description.
For one, Komari does not actually “hate” blood, but was hypnotized for her own protection. When she sees even a drop of blood, it causes her to go into a rage, allowing her to decimate any foe. She displays this on various occasions against villains and to protect her friends. However, she can’t remember these blood-induced moments and denies that they happened. Unfortunately, this series has a problematic side. The manga was criticized because Villhaze engaged in sexual harassment and cares little about consent. This is also true in the anime adaptation. It is one reason I am extremely ambivalent about this series. There are certainly good points about hiding one’s “true self” from others and presenting a certain version of yourself to others. At the same time, Vill’s sexual harassment (which Komari hates) is cringeworthy and, in some ways, implies that such behavior is permissible (it is not).
18. Ippon Again! – Streaming on HIDIVE
I gave this series one of the lowest ratings, apart from D4DJ, which also has a cumulative total rating of 4.3. Ippon Again! was based on Yu Muroaka’s ongoing manga series and is a judo sports anime produced by Bakken Record. It centers on Michi Sonoda (voiced by Ayasa Itō) who planned to quit judo, but was encouraged by her friend and two others to change her mind, resulting in all three forming a judo club at Aoba Nishi High School. All of this is to the chagrin of Anna Nagumo (voiced by Nene Hieda), who wants Michi to join the fencing club instead. Although I’m not much of a sports person myself, I was drawn in due to the well-animated action sequences, voice acting, and simple story. This series is nothing like any of the other sports anime I’ve watched before.
In many ways, this series is in a league of its own, with some yuri subtext (especially between Michi and Towa), comedic moments, social awkwardness on the part of Towa, and talented voice actors. The series also is authentic in the sense that the writers clearly knew the right lingo about the judo martial arts style. The series is filled with drama, emphasizes how determination and strategy are just as important as personal strength, and unfortunately says that hard work/gumption can lead to success (which is not always true). Regardless of whether people see any moments as problematic or suspicious, it is fair to say that this series has mild fan service. The choreography of this series is strong, fitting with the oft focus on sports matches, some romantic tension, and strong animation in the fight scenes, which offsets weak character development at times.
17. “D4DJ – Streaming on Crunchyroll and YouTube“
D4DJ was an enjoyable series for many reasons. Directed by Seiji Mizushima, this music anime is part of a wide-ranging Japanese music media franchise of the same name. The most recent season (named D4DJ All Mix) aired this year. The first season, aptly named D4DJ First Mix, centers around an idolish DJ unit named Happy Around! at Yoba Academy which plays a mix of J-pop and dubstep. It includes jubilant Rinku Aimoto (voiced by Yuka Nishio), school DJ Maho Akashi (voiced by Maho Akashi), VJ and talented illustrator Muni Ohnaruto (voiced by Haruka Mimura), and wealthy-born piano player Rei Togetsu (voiced by Kanon Shizaki). Music is front and center, informing character actions and dialogue, with the story almost built around the songs. Other musical units completing with Happy Around! each have their own themes.
Although there isn’t anything to write home about, when it comes to the plot, songs played by each band are catchy. Then there’s the Muni-Runku rap battle (as shown above) about their feelings. This series has as much glitz as recent Love Live! anime series. Since this series has a 3D animation style, it took me some time to adapt to it. However, the distinct character personalities, fast pacing, and character journeys, made me more invested in the series. The second season pivots to another DJ group, composed of students at Arisugawa Academy, a well-regarded all-girls Catholic school. Like the first season, with Muni and Rinku especially, there is abundant yuri subtext. Unfortunately, these episodes do not pick up where the first season leaves off and Crunchyroll treats the show’s first and second seasons as separate shows, leading to even more confusion.
16. BanG Dream! It’s MyGo!!!!! – Streaming on Crunchyroll
With a total rating of 4.8, this series, this anime series adapts the band MyGO!!!!! and is the latest adaptation of Bushiroad’s BanG Dream! music media franchise, also known as Bandori, with Koudai Kakimoto as series director. The series centers on a girl named Anon Chihaya (voiced by Rin Tateishi) who returns to Japan and learns that everyone at her new school is in a band. She meets avid rock collector Tomori Takamatsu (voiced by Hina Yomiya), piano player Sakiko “Saki” Togawa (voiced by Kanon Takao), drummer Shiina Taki (voiced by Coco Hayashi) and a student from a prestigious academy, Soyo Nagasaki (voiced by Mika Kohinata). However, Tamori, Soyo, and Taki were former band members, and there is tension between them as a result.
The CGI looks better than previous iterations. There are relatable characters (including autistic-coded Tomori) and yuri subtext (either between Tomori and Taki, Tomori and Anon, or any others). Kaname Rāna (voiced by Hina Aoki) throws a wrench to the mix. She only participates when she feels like it and avoids getting caught up in interpersonal drama. Taki, Tomori, Soyo, Anon, and Rana form a band. Strains and teenage angst split them apart. When Soyo departs, the band breaks up with the revelation she wants the band to crash and fail and the revival of her former band. None of this storyline seems rushed. Each character is relatable without falling into a bad/good binary. Although their band reunites, with everyone realizing they are “lost.” Their tension fades, the series central focus shifts toward Ave Mujica, setting the stage for BanG Dream! Ave Mujica. I wish that pivot hadn’t happened.
15. Soaring Sky: Pretty Cure! – Streaming on Crunchyroll
This magical girl series is the latest in the Pretty Cure franchise apart from Power of Hope: PreCure Full Bloom. Like that series, it is produced by Toei Animation, a studio known for Cutie Honey, Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, Smile PreCure!, and Sailor Moon Crystal. In Soaring Sky: Pretty Cure!, Sora Harewataru (voiced by Arkia Sekine) travels to watch the birthday of Princess Elle. In an effort to escape her captors, she and Elle (voiced by Aoi Koga) end up in Sorashido City, where she meets Mashiro Nijigaoka (voiced by Ai Kakuma). Later on, she comes across Tsubasa Yuunagi (voiced by Ayumu Murase) who can transform into a bird, and a young adult woman named Ageha Hijiri (voiced by Ayaka Nanase). All fight together against the Underg Empire, its plans to kidnap Elle, and learn what it means to be a hero.
Although fights with villains get repetitive, the magical girl transformations are amazing. The characters are relatable. Sora tries to be the best hero possible. Mashiro tries to become an illustrator. Tsubasa, the only male PreCure protagonist in the franchise, attempts to fly. Ageha is an aspiring preschool teacher. She comes from a divorced family, knows that Sora and Mashiro are Pretty Cures, and is the only adult PreCure as a protagonist, to date. Technically those in Power of Hope: PreCure Full Bloom are not adult PreCures as they don’t transform into adult forms. A mysterious woman named Empress Underg (voiced by Takako Honda) leads the villains. She vows to get revenge for Cure Noble “killing” her father 300 years ago. She is assisted by generals, monsters, and cold-hearted Skearhead (voiced by Mitsuru Miyamoto). It is later implied that she became cold-hearted over time.
14. Shy – Streaming on Crunchyroll
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfbwxBKYB-4
I only started this series on a whim and was pleasantly surprised, looking forward to the release of each episode every week. It is unique to have a series be critically analyzed on Anime Feminist in a positive way (sometimes they can be overly critical) and while I won’t say as much as their reviewer, Toni Sun Prickett, there is still a lot to talk about with this series. For one, Teru Momijiyama (voiced by Shino Shimoji), who transforms into a superhero named Shy using Heart-Shift Bracelets, is constantly awkward and embarrassed, hence her hero name, making her very relatable, especially to those who are socially awkward. There is a constant strain between Teru’s shyness around people and her hero self (as Japan’s hero), where she has to be among people.
There is abundant yuri subtext in this series, whether between Teru and her friend Iko Koishikawa (voiced by Nao Tōyama), or vibes between Teru and her hero colleague Pepesha Andreanova (voiced by Mamiko Noto). This connects with Teru’s long-standing empathy for others, allowing her to save her friend Iko from Amarariruku leader Stigma (voiced by Mutsumi Tamura), who tries to take ordinary people’s hearts and change their desires/wishes into reality. Iko and Teru go closer and even go together to the same school. One of the most heart-wrenching recent arcs was when Pepesha (as Spirit), who is a heavy drinker of Russian vodka, faces her mother, Letana Andreanova (voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro), in another form, and is able to share a short moment with her until she disappears. In the process, more about Stigma’s motivations to destroy the world and make a new one are hinted.
13. The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You – Streaming on Crunchyroll
Known as The 100 Girlfriends for short, while some on social media disdain this series as yet another harem anime, I look forward to it every week as much as the reviewer on Anime News Network. I can understand people being critical of this series, as there are surely ways to go even with, as one reviewer put it, “a rise in polyamorous romance in Japanese anime and manga.” However, even that reviewer calls The 100 Girlfriends as a “landmark series” and notes it takes place in modern Japan like Girlfriend, Girlfriend, going against societal expectations. The protagonist, Rentaro, received explicit consent from Hakari and Karane to date them both at the same time, and did the same for every new girlfriend he added to his grouping, later called the “Rentaro Family.”
Surely, this series is bizarre and very entertaining, but its hard to know whether it sensible portrays polyamory or not, but it is undoubtedly better than depictions in Futurama. Its also more outward than polyamory in Young Justice, Steven Universe, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, with the latter two confirmed after the fact by the series creators. However, there are also good depictions in Open Earth, Muted, and Ma Belle, My Beauty to name a few. The 100 Girlfriends shows what it means to have a healthy relationship with multiple people and loving each one of those people equally.
12. My New Boss is Goofy – Streaming on Crunchyroll
This series was another one that I had not intended on watching, but came across on a whim, and don’t regret my decision, one bit. At first, it might seem this is about a goofy boss (Yūsei Shirosaki) who has a new subordinate (Kentarō Momose) who is learning the ropes. There is more at-play. For one, Momose (voiced by Koutaro Nishiyama) dealt with power harassment at his previous job, where he often worked overtime, resulting in mental and physical injury, like trauma. He often has flashbacks to the terrible work environment of his previous company. However, his new boss (voiced by Takahiro Sakurai) is supportive and reassuring.
He even lets Momose live with him, to avoid his abusive former boss, and his new cat Hakoto (voiced by Hiro Shimono), who had a former owner who disliked him. Also brightening the mood are two others who work at the company, including is manager Mitsuo Aoyama (voiced by Tomokazu Sugita) and fellow employee Aigo Kinjō (voiced by Tatsuhisa Suzuki), who also left his former company because of power harassment. In more ways than one, this series is wholesome, making Momose and Kinjo, and others, realize that even if life is terrible, there is always hope it will get better. This series also has serious yaoi vibes, although it does not compare to the slow burn in Sasaki and Miyano between the two protagonists, or the upcoming yaoi comedy entitled Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!, among the many others out there.
11. Yohane the Parhelion: Sunshine in Mirror – Streaming on Crunchyroll
This series was a bit of a shoe-in for this list, considering that it is a spin-off of Love Live! Sunshine!!, and I’m generally a fan of idol anime, although I detest the idol industry. This series re-imagines characters from the aforementioned Love Live! series in a fantasy world, while being directed by Asami Nakatani, written by Toshiya Ono, and having Yumiko Yamamoto as the character designer and Tatsuya Kato as the music composer. Sunrise, a division of Bandai Namco Filmworks, an anime studio which produced animated series within the Love Live! franchise, produced this series.
In this anime, Yohane (voiced by Aika Kobayashi) fails her audition to become a music idol and returns to her hometown. She re-connects with her childhood friend, Hanamaru (voiced by Kanako Takatsuki) and a talking wolf named Lailaps (voiced by Yoko Hikasa), while she tries to become a fortune teller. She meets administrative chief Dia (voiced by Arisa Komiya), Dia’s fairy sister Ruby (voiced by Ai Furithata), Dia’s administrative assistant Kohaku (voiced by Mao Ichimchi), and others. As is typical in this franchise, there are many catchy songs, with the characters transported to fantastical and magical places, while singing. This even comes to play in the series finale, where they sing together to stop an evil force. There is yuri subtext between Yohane and Hanamaru, but also between the so-called mysterious Demon Lord Mari (voiced by Aina Suzuki) and Yohane. Friendship, family, togetherness, and self-worth are key in this series.
10. Otaku Elf – Streaming on HIDIVE
Originally, I hadn’t been planning to watch this series, but when I did, I was not disappointed in the slightest. Otaku Elf, also known as Edomae Erufu, is a fantasy comedy anime based on Akihiko Higuchi’s manga of the same name. This series focuses on a sixteen-year-old named Koito Koganei (voiced by Yuka Ozaki) who becomes a shrine maiden and caretaker of an immortal elf named Eldarie “Elda” Irma Fanomene (voiced by Ami Koshimizu). Koito often attempts to get Elda, an otaku who fears going outside, to enjoy life outside the shrine. The animation style, comedy, endearing characters, and centrality of food drew me in.
What makes this series so interesting is that every episode has a story about Japanese culture, especially from the Edo period. There’s also undeniable yuri subtext in this series, specifically between Koito and Elda, while the anime as a whole centers on the importance of spending time with others above everything else. A related theme is the value taking breaks and not overextending yourself. I enjoyed the slice-of-life nature of this series, the other elves who come to the shrine, Koito’s sister Koyuzu, and another miko (and social influencer) named Komari. Unfortunately, the series implied that gambling was a non-issue and downplayed it, when it could have been more critical. Even so, the series often highlighted the importance of remembrance and preservation.
9. Tearmoon Empire – Streaming on Crunchyroll
This was another anime I watched on a whim. In a sense, it has some sci-fi themes, with the protagonist, Mia Tearmoon (voiced by Sumire Uesaka), getting a second chance which she uses to prevent herself from being killed by a guillotine (as she was in the original timeline). In some ways, this shares similarities with My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!, which is also known as I Reincarnated into an otome game as a Villainess With Only Destruction Flags. Surely, enjoyment of this series may depend on how, as one reviewer put it, how you feel “about the glamorization of royal figures like Marie Antoinette.” On the other hand, I see this series as a redemption story, of sorts, for Mia, as she attempts to do better for the world than in her first life.
On the one hand, Mia comes with a plan to prevent a revolution and her death. Her reasoning is completely self-serving. She makes allies, rather than enemies, wherever she can. She becomes “The Great Sage of the Empire” rather than “The Selfish Princess who Ruined Tearmoon” as charms people along the way. I’m not necessarily a big fan of noble/royal fantasy, but I don’t have as negative of a response to this series as others. The animation and voice acting is excellent, and I don’t see any characters as badly written. On the other hand, this series falls into existing heterosexual patterns, with Mia having romantic feelings for Abel Remno (voiced by Yoshitsugu Matsuoka). There is no yuri subtext or themes in this series at all. Even so, this series is still enjoyable, although not as much as some of the others on this list.
8. The Apothecary Diaries – Streaming on Crunchyroll
Like Tearmoon Empire and Shy, I started it on a whim. This series did not disappoint! The Apothecary Diaries goes beyond exploring ways that women try to survive under a patriarchal system and help others in their own way. Set in a fictional country based on real-life China (in the Ming Era), Maomao (voiced by Aoi Yūki), who is working in a brothel in the red-light district, is kidnapped and sold to the Imperial Palace. Her anonymous actions save the life of the emperor’s children and catch the attention of Jinshi (voiced by Takeo Ōtsuka), an influential eunuch, leading her to become forensic pathologist in the rear palace, using her skills as an apothecary, and a taste-tester and lady-in-waiting for an Emperor’s concubine named Gyokuyō (voiced by Yoko Hikasa). She even puts freckles on her face so she is less attractive.
This series is more critical of the inner workings of royalty than Tearmoon Empire and much more than relatively pro-royalty Disney series like Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, Elena of Avalor, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, and Sofia the First, or even Sailor Moon. More than that, I enjoy this series because of how Maomao uses her skills to solve mysteries for the royal court, often involving poisoning or death, but also related to bullying and allergies. There’s continual romantic tension between Jenshi and Maomao. Obviously, she has no interest in him, but he often teases her, which annoys her to no end. Her own life is a bit of a mystery, but it is implied that she may be the child of one of the former or current concubines.
7. 16Bit Sensation: Another Layer – Streaming on Crunchyroll
You would not think that an anime centering on a time-traveling illustrator named Konoha, from 2023, who works on bishōjo games in the 1990s, traveling thanks to opening classic games, would be a hit! But, it was one of my favorite series from this year. In fact, it is what convinced me to watch the animated adaption of Kanon, an eroge visual novel, a series that goes beyond a male protagonist interacting with cute girls, to characters becoming endearing, and an effective transition between humor and serious content. The series gets very heavy in the last half, due to trauma caused by death, magical disappearance, sickness, and memory alteration, to say the least. Every week I look forward to the newest episode of 16bit Sensation: Another Layer.
Without a doubt, this series has nostalgic elements that only some fans would know, with Konoha (voiced by Aoi Koga) as an effective and energetic guide to these elements, even if she’s annoying at times. This series is effectively a spinoff from the original manga which entirely took place in the 1990s, with Konoha getting a second chance to use her passion and skills, and it has feminist messages. More than anything, it is entertaining, interesting, and a love-letter to the 1990s, without having romantic relationships between the protagonists. Although I’m not sure I would classify this series as “isekai,” it does have unexpected sci-fi elements. This includes the impact of Mamoru, Konoha, and the rest of Alcohol Soft creating an amazing game in December 1999 entitled The Last Waltz, dramatically changing Tokyo’s Akihabara neighborhood, and the world as a whole.
6. Yuri Is My Job! – Streaming on Crunchyroll
This yuri comedic anime is a stand-out series for 2023. Yuri Is My Job!, also known as Schwestern in Liebe! or Watashi no Yuri wa Oshigoto Desu!, is based on Miman’s ongoing manga. Passione and Studio Lings produced this series, while Hijiri Sanpei directed it. The plot of this series pulls you in quickly. A high school girl named Hime Shiraki (voiced by Yui Ogura) who cares about her outward image as sweet and helpful, actively works to hide her self-centered nature. She is guilt-tripped into covering shifts at a yuri-themed cafe (Cafe Liebe) after accidentally injuring the the manager, Mai Koshiba (voiced by Yukari Tamura). At the cafe, waitresses pretend they are students at an all-girls boarding school, each with their own persona. In the process, she’s drawn to another waitress, Mitsuki Yano (voiced by Sumire Uesaka) who appears devoted, but seems to hate her in private.
Each character shows a different level of fakery as waitresses. Sumika Chibana (voiced by Makoto Koichi) is calm and collected as a waitress but a gyaru outside work, Kanoko Mamiya (voiced by Minami Tanaka) is a shy girl and knows Hime’s true personality. As time goes on, Sumika grows closer to Kanoko, despite Kanoko’s unhealthy obsession with Hime. Yano becomes a “sister”/partner of Hime (who is hinted as demisexual). This anime also alludes to Maria Watches Over Us and parodies the Class S genre. This is coupled with appealing animation, drama, and emotional scenes. It is later revealed that Hime and Yano met each other as kids and they work to clear up this misunderstanding. Miscommunication is a major theme: Yano is coded as autistic and Hime tries to get everyone’s approval. The anime itself exploring expectations built into existing social interactions.
5. Skip and Loafer – Streaming on Crunchyroll
This anime is a stand-out romantic comedy and slice-of-life anime, which was written and directed by Kotomi Deai. This series was produced by P.A. Works. This series has a simple storyline, with Mitsumi Iwakura (voiced by Tomoyo Kurosawa) going to a school in Tokyo, with the goal of becoming a rural planner in her hometown. She leaves her friends behind and meets another student, Sōsuke Shima (voiced by Akinori Egoshi), who helps her get to the opening ceremony in time. All of this is part of this coming-of-age story, with a protagonist who is driven, anxious, and endearing, which includes Mitsumi’s trans female guardian, Nao (voiced by Mitsuki Saiga). There’s humor which isn’t based off any tropes or common stereotypes. It is easy to emphasize with the characters.
Each characters is given depth, even among those who appear organized on the surface. For instance, student council treasurer Tokiko Takamine (voiced by Minami Tsuda) is anxious and barely holding it together. Mitsumi and Sōsuke get romantically closer as their friendship strengthens. This anime focuses on the plot, characters, and worldbuilding. There’s casual queerness in this series, either through Nao, or yuri subtext between Yuzuki Murashige (voiced by Maaya Uchida) and Makoto Kurume (voiced by Megumi Han), who are opposites from one another. Mitsumi is sympathetic because she isn’t good at athletics. However, Ririka Saijou (voiced by Minako Kotobuki), an unsympathetic toxic characters, nearly destroys Sosuke and Mitsumi’s burgeoning friendship. In the finale, she departs Sosuke’s life for good.
4. I’m in Love with the Villainess – Streaming on Crunchyroll
Although I’m still collecting my thoughts on this series, I’m in Love with the Villainess, certainly is a stand-out series for 2023. This yuri isekai and romantic comedy anime is directed by Hideaki Ōba, written by Ayumu Hisao, and produced by Platinum Vision. This series has the typical story of an isekai, with Ooshashi Rei (voiced by Yu Serizawa) ding as a result of her office work and finds herself in the life of Rae Taylor, the protagonist of her favorite otome video game. She sets her heart on the game’s antagonist, Claire François (voiced by Karin Nanami), using her game knowledge in hopes of giving Claire a happy ending. At first, she teases Claire, which some called “uncomfortable” and “awkward.” But, those actions are purposeful, as she believes her love is one-sided.
Claire slowly starts to catch feelings for her, especially after Rae admits she is a lesbian and explains why she loves Claire. She seems to lose interest in Prince Thane, a romance supported by Rae, who believed that only Claire’s happiness mattered, not her own. This thinking is smashed into a billion pieces when Princess Manaria, an outward lesbian, enters the scene. She tries to take Claire away from Rae and is successful, at first. Claire is outraged they are both fighting over her, causing Rae to resign as her maid. The series finale ends this arc. After she is defeated at the scales of love, Manaria reveals her true goal: to be with Rae. She only wanted infuriate and get under Rae’s skin. Ultimately, Claire blurts out “Rae belongs to me! You can’t take my things from me!” Hopefully there is a second season!
3. Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear – Streaming on Crunchyroll and Hulu
Some time ago, I first came across Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear, a fantasy comedy with isekai and iyashikei elements. Since then, I’ve watched the dubbed and subbed versions of the series. The second season picks up where the first season leaves, following Yuna (voiced by Maki Kawase), a bored teen reincarnated in a fantasy world. The world’s God gifts her an all-powerful, but comical, bear suit. She adapts to her new life and meets a ten-year-old girl named Fina (voiced by Azumi Waki), who becomes her work partner and sister. She also meets another ten-year-old, Noire “Noa” Foschurose (voiced by Rina Hidaka), who founds a fan club for the bears that Yuna uses to defeat monsters, Fina’s younger sister Shuri (voiced by Miyu Tomita), and granddaughter of Gran Farrengram, Misana “Misa” Farrengram (voiced by Satomi Amano).
Although this series is an isekai, it is unlike any other out there. Its immersive setting, worldbuilding, and characters in calm environments are devoid of romance, music, camping, or mystery. Instead, Yuna only tried to enjoy her life, with help from her friends, her bears Kumakyū and Kumayuru, and her bear powers. There is particularly strong yuri subtext between Yuna and Fina. Often, Yuna is pulled into the world of nobles. After all, her fan club includes princesses Flora, Noa, and Misa. Even the local feudal lord owes her favors. The series also makes clear that judging based on appearance is faulty and that overwork is a negative. In many ways, Yuna is inspirational, as she is extremely loyal to her friends and will do anything to rescue them from harm.
2. The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady – Streaming on Crunchyroll
This yuri isekai, named The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady, also known as MagiRevo for short, centers on a Princess named Anisphia “Anis” Wynn Palettia (voiced by Sayaka Senbongi). She saves Euphyllia “Euphie” (voiced by Manaka Iwami), who was publicly dumped by Prince Algard, Anis’s brother. Anis whisks her away on a magic broom. She applies what she remembers about witches from her previous life in Japan, to this new world, to move it toward social, or industrial, revolution. This series mixes dramatic and slow scenes with bloody battles, and remains engaging, with Algard (voiced by Shogo Sakata) trying to seize power by any means necessary, even if people are killed or hurt along the way.
Unlike other series, MagiRevo depicts monarchies as slow-moving and bureaucratic. This contrasts with the incompetence shown in Disenchantment or the benevolent monarchy in Elena of Avalor. I liked how Anis’s principled nature influences Euphie to see a societal potential for Anis’s inventions. Anis even creates special weapons for Euphie! Even so, Anis can be reckless, going to extreme lengths to ensure she can use a power akin to magic. MagiRevo is woven together nicely. Other than the cuteness of the show, the writers did a good job. Euphie is more practical, attempting to sell magicology, concocted by Anis, to skeptical people. One well-constructed aspects is the internal struggle Anis must confront when faced with the prospect of becoming queen. The final episode ends very powerfully with romantic development between Anis and Euphie, and sets the stage for a possible second season.
1. Birdie Wing: Golf Girls’ Story – Streaming on Crunchyroll
There was no contest to putting this series at the top slot of anime for 2023. I wrote two reviews of the first season in May and July, but the second season blew the first one out of the water. This original (wild) golf anime is directed by Takayuki Inagaki, with Yōsuke Kuroda as the series writer. The first season centered on a spunky teenage girl named Eve (voiced by Kito Akari) from the Nafrece slums who illegally golfs for money and a rich Japanese girl named Aoi Amawashi (voiced by Asami Seto). Both match each other in their skill and determination. Diversity is central to Birdie Wing. Issues like undocumented immigration, corrupt urban renewal, political corruption, and racial injustice brought to the forefront. Yuri subtext abounds, primarily between Eve and Aoi.
The second season picks up where the first one left off, with flaunts rules of the sports genre, mixed with well-placed comedic moments. Birdie Wing goes above and beyond other sports anime, with compelling plot and characters, and physical toll of playing such intense golf hitting both protagonists. I liked how the series seemed to imply that Eve and Aoi were half-sisters, then demolished this idea with an absurdly complex web of relationships. In an intriguing twist, it is revealed that Eve doesn’t remember her past because of amnesia. She is displaced from Japan, thanks to Aoi’s controlling/overprotective mother and works to get herself back so she can face Aoi again. Although the final episodes of the series are strong, it wrapped up too quickly. Even so, there is space a possible third season could expand upon.
Runners-Up
There are a few series which are runners-up to this list. Two of those are Tokyo Mew Mew New and Oshi no Ko. I liked the former much better than latter because it was very environmentally focused. On the negative side, it sent an unclear message about abusive relationships and involved the protagonist torturing one protagonist by almost electrocuting her to death. The latter series involves the protagonist being murdered, their mother (once reincarnated) being murdered, and manipulation. It is also very male-centered, similar to how Spy x Family focuses on Loid Forger while Yor is too often sidelined. At the same time, I enjoyed watching Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions, I’m Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady I Rescued a Crash Course in Naughtiness, I Shall Survive Using Potions!, The Way of the Househusband, Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible, and World Dai Star this year.
Furthermore, I’m unsure about The Dangers in my Heart, felt that The Family Circumstances of the Irregular Witch was mediocre like Alice Gear Aegis Expansion and Kizuna no Allele. Nor have I finished My Happy Marriage and Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury before publication. 2024 promises to be a good year for anime, with the premiere of Whisper Me a Love Song, Pon No Michi, Laid-Back Camp (season 3), the Rinkai! anime, Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night, Metallic Rouge, Love Live! Superstar!! (season 3), and many others. So, I look forward to it immensely.
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