Anime Questions, Recommendations, and Discussion

Anime Questions, Recommendations, and Discussion - January 07 2026

This is a daily megathread for general chatter about anime. Have questions or need recommendations? Here to show off your merch? Want to talk about what you just watched.

[This is the place!](https://preview.redd.it/md5af5jixwbg1.png?width=1964&format=png&auto=webp&s=4b962fc49b120e7de1af7b4fbfee4fbb374f2b26)

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Voir le contenu lié

Commentaires

mr__dufresne2026-01-07 12:53

"KOCHIKAME" IS RECEIVING A NEW ANIME PROJECT FOR 50TH ANNIVERSARY!
Studio: Gallop (same as the previous anime)

mr_beanoz2026-01-07 12:53

Isn't this announcement from weeks ago at Jump Festa?

mr__dufresne2026-01-07 12:56

I got it yesterday from Weeb central

oedipusrex3762026-01-07 13:01

It’s Shiboyugi day. It’s one of the few shows where the [PV](https://youtu.be/9qGxpihfOgg?si=zXjrvr6ZFbktTUxM) already sold me on the direction and visuals. The OP also feels pretty [unconventional](https://youtu.be/VugBZB4gNGk?si=6wnWEyXaKI4jmGvX).

Tomorrow_Big2026-01-07 13:12

I'm excited for it because I've yet to watch a show with Rena Motomura that's been a letdown. Hoping the trend continues.

oedipusrex3762026-01-07 13:29

>Rena Motomura

Hoho, spotted another fan. It's really fun to support a rising VA.

wloff2026-01-07 13:13

I feel like I'm going to either really love or really hate that show for some reason. I'm not even sure why, but I have a weird feeling of uneasiness.

[](#scaredmio)

oedipusrex3762026-01-07 13:26

From the MAL summary, Shiboyugi looks like another death game, probably in the same vein as last season’s Gnosis, which didn’t land for a lot of people either.

awesomenessofme12026-01-07 14:31

I would only classify Gnosia as a death game in the sense that it contains the concept of death and games. It doesn't really seem like it fits the concept as generally used. In any case, my experience with death game anime is actually quite limited, and the only thing that got me off the fence in terms of watching this one is the cast list.

Wanderingjoke2026-01-07 15:09

Knowing nothing about it other than the synopsis I read last month, I want to see it not played straight. The sillier the MC is, the better. Like "snacking on a sandwich while the walls with spikes slowly close in" silly.

BaytaCosmico2026-01-07 14:31

Days With My Stepsister director plus source sounds very interesting. That's all I needed to know. Have high hopes for this one.

oedipusrex3762026-01-07 15:10

>Days With My Stepsister director

Oh, didn’t know that. I like what I’m hearing.

IXajll2026-01-07 15:56

Reading comments like this makes me think that some aqradt regulars either aren’t as regularly on the daily threads as I assumed or that they just skip past the comments on principle when they see my username, cause I mentioned this fact in like 3-5 separate instances over the last couple months when talking about the show here, lol.

oedipusrex3762026-01-07 16:10

Or it could be that people only took interest in the show until recently and missed any discussion prior to that. I see this happen a lot with shows that are still far from their airing season.

BarbaricGamers2026-01-07 16:19

I'm yearning so hard for a proper good death game Anime.

Salty1452026-01-07 13:11

Using Magical Girls shows to cope with sleep deprivation and work exhaustion is maybe not the healthiest thing in the world.

I’d be better off becoming an alcoholic.

flamethrower22026-01-07 15:44

That's a work idea: Sleep-deprived magical girls, or maybe overworked ones.

We had Magilumiere (office worker magical girls), but overwork didn't come up, I don't think.

qwertyqwerty45672026-01-07 13:24

only a single day until the return of the most anticipated action show of the season

[](#mugiwait)

michhoffman2026-01-07 14:36

I watched my first seasonal of Winter 2026 yesterday in Journal with Witch and really enjoyed it. It has the exact type of show don't tell melancholic tone that I tend to enjoy and is very creative with how it expresses it.

This season feels like one where there could be a lot of must watch shows, but right now I'm just planning on filling up the rest of my watch list with some sequels: Frieren, Trigun, Medalist and JoJo (when it comes out). But I'll gladly take on another new show or two if they are as good as Journal with Witch.

KendotsX2026-01-07 14:56

Yeah, I've got enough sequels to keep me busy. The only new shows I'm watching so far are Fake Fate and Ikoku Nikki (a manga I like getting great adaptation + Sawashiro as the main character? I couldn't ask for more).

Durinthal2026-01-07 15:07

> This is the place!

Ah yes, sexual assault dog.

[](#terror)

Zeallfnonex2026-01-07 17:32

I... what...? Do I even want to know?

TheBigIdiotSalami2026-01-07 15:20

Sentenced to Be a Hero would have made a really great movie release if they padded out the run time about 30 minutes longer with character work. Kinda a shame that this is not being seen in theaters. It's kinda the perfect blockbuster. And that's only episode 1.

flamethrower22026-01-07 15:42

I thought the same, almost movie length.

anti-valentine2026-01-07 17:09

Honestly yeah. I won't be too mad if the season ends up being a flop and the animation goes downhill cuz I can just go back and watch the hour long first episode again lol but im secretly hoping the quality stays top tier

letmewriteyouup2026-01-07 17:34

Chinese animators have some magic in their hands nowadays, honestly.

(Yes, the studio is Japanese but if you look at the end credits the animation looks to be credited to a lot of Chinese staff)

blade2762026-01-07 16:00

are there any jp va who transitioned into full on singer? a lot of them can sing pretty well.

Puddo2026-01-07 16:04

Looking at some 2026 anime and making a [hype list](https://i.imgur.com/FzlmchS.png) that in no way will ever turn into a list of disappointments. Didn’t do one last year, but the [2024 one](https://i.imgur.com/SdXgCEN.png) had some rough ones with Lazarus, Moonrise and Metallic Rouge. And yeah 2 of those are 2025, but probably no date known at that time. Kinda funny to see I was hyped for DDDD and Orb and still haven’t watched either. Should actually pick them up soon(™). Anyway, I hope this year I'll do better:

* A Witch's Life in Mongol: immediately jumped to the top after the recent [PV](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqB39GOkuSI). Absolutely stunning stuff. Ow and Naoko Yamada

* Hinagiku no Jinsei: still know almost nothing about it, but it’s a new Yuasa movie and that’s all I need to know.

* Sayonara Lara: been hyped ever since the [concept trailer](www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJSna-vMATY). Love everything about its aesthetic. Also it’s an original and that will always get bonus hype points from me, no matter how big the graveyard of disappointments is.

* Witch Hat Atelier: been on the hype list for years and it’s finally happening. Surely all my friends who have been praising it didn’t lie. Also I’ve faith in Watanabe.

* Killtube: [wild pilot film with bunch of artstyles?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vuy6rEKE3jA). Yeah I’m in.

* L'étoile de Paris en fleur: was a bit disappointed that the artstyle didn’t follow the first visual, but you can see with everything it’s directed by a veteran with Gorou Taniguchi (Code Geass, Planetes). Also Yuuji Kaneko (Look Back, Ranking of Kings, Heavenly Delusions, Kill la Kill) art direction. Overall gives me some WMT vibes and I’ve wished we would have more modern versions of those (I say while only having watched them as a child a long time ago)

* A New Dawn: Yoshitoshi Shinomiya directorial debut hype

* Hina: it’s more Kenji Iwaisawa (100 meters, On-gaku)

* We are aliens: small indie team made movie with a [great atmosphere](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wthJ_uLuPE)? Yeah, I'll be there.

* Journal with Witch: already started so a bit cheating I guess, but it’s a josei drama. We don’t get those often so we got to cherish them.

* Bread Thief: Popular children’s book so not expecting to be the main demographic. But really like its [style](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJK1WOTz8G8) so I’m still expecting a cute watch.

* FOXING: Part of Toei’s new project for in-house original anime with a focus on emerging talent so that’s exciting. With Takeru Shinozuka directing they've immediately picked an interesting name with works like [this Zutomayo MV](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQPgM-9LatM) or their short film [The Filmament](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_NoEFwkXuM).

* Cosmic Princess Kagua: The [character animation/faces](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAXwdY3ei7c) immediately gives these characters tons of personality. Also Shingo Yamashita directorial debut hype.

* All You Need is Kill: I get that it’s not working for many, but I’m not like the other girls. But nah I’ve no attachment to the source material so it not being faithful is whatever to me personally and I like when Studio 4C just does Studio 4C things.

* Sekiro: No Defeat: to stay with the controversial perhaps. The reception for Sekiro was a bit disappointing with all the AI accusations and general ‘looks ass’. While I'm excited that Kenichi Kutsuna is finally directing a full anime. His openings for Fire Hunter and Magical Destroyers are absolutely stunning and I’ve been waiting for this.

* Awajima Hyakkei: still have to watch Wandering Son and finish Blue Flowers but Takako Shimura her works seem well liked enough. Remember quite liking the soft feel of Blue Flowers and you also see that [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRuvRsdvM8k). Also a good director fit for that aesthetic with Morio Asaka (Chihayafuru, Cardcaptor Sakura, Nana, My Love Story!!).

* GROTESQQQUE: not a lot of information but 3 original animations by Cloverworks. Since they’re probably short films I’m kinda obligated to watch it. And hey it looks kinda [wild](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU6X4XxIDCA0).

* Daemons of the Shadow Realm: I’m not the biggest action fan, but it’s a Hiromu Arakawa story and like many her FMA got me into anime. Besides its Bones with a veteran director Masahiro Andou (Sword of the Stranger, Snow White, Canaan, Hanasaku) who has proven he knows how to do action so it's bound to be a high quality adaptation.

* Akane-banashi: I still have faith in Watanabe. Also surely my friends haven’t been lying.

* Ghost in the Shell: It’s GITS. It’s Science Saru.

* Sparks of Tomorrow: it’s Kyoani

* Agents of the Four Seasons: Dance of Spring: It’s Wit.

* Rillakuma: It’s Yoshimi Itazu

* Kujima: Looks like some absurdist slice of life comedy so I’m in. Though I can also easily see this turn meh.

* Snowball Earth: the one I’m expecting the least off, but got the fill the grid. Wanted to put Unmei no Makimodoshi since it’s the long awaited return of Rie Matsumoto but that one has no release date yet. But Snowball Earth. It’s mostly for the technical side. [Looks like](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABeeKghL2AM) an impressive mix of 2D/3D for a series (from a place that’s not Orange).

_Ridley2026-01-07 16:17

Well, I've got my first drop of the season with the Darwin Incident. The art style was already a turn off, because I just don't care for that particular strain of seinen art, but the story kinda ticked me off. If it was set in Japan, it would've been different, but setting it in the US and making up a violent left wing terrorist movement at a time when I have neighbors too afraid to go grocery shopping because of the right wing extremism we have a real problem with is just a non-starter for me. Make your philosophical point in a context you actually understand, please and thank you.

IXajll2026-01-07 17:02

Dropping the show is fine, and I completely understand being angry about the current „political climate“ (to keep it civil) in the US, but so far the show basically „only“ introduced a fictional violent/terrorist PETA-adjacent group, but one which is not particularly left or right wing to me, like I‘m pretty sure there are plenty of animal lovers in the maga camp as well. Personally I didn’t get the impression at all that the author was making this about the left vs. right, as in framing left wing organisations as the baddies while trying to erase or make light of what the right is doing this last year (ice and all), which you seem to be implying, especially since the manga already started back in 2020, way before Trump‘s 2nd term. So saying stuff like:

> make your philosophical point in a context you actually understand, please and thank you.

mainly sounds like unfairly shitting on the author for political reasons which are completely out of their control.

_Ridley2026-01-07 17:27

> a fictional violent/terrorist PETA-adjacent group, but one which is not particularly left or right wing to me

Animal rights is a movement to expand the rights of animals. It's a progressive movement towards a new idea, not a conservative defense of an existing one, or a reactionary call to return to an old one. It's therefore a left wing movement.
> the manga already started back in 2020, way before Trump‘s 2nd term

This is going to sound kinda wild, I know, but right wing violence has been a problem in the US for many years, predating the current president's administrations by decades. This would've been as tone deaf in 2020 - when we had nationwide protests against police brutality - as it is now.

> sounds like unfairly shitting on the author for politic reasons which are completely out of their control

I'm saying that, even with American politics being as inescapable as they are, unless you live here or are some kind of outside expert, you're just not going to have a deep enough understanding of the political reality here to use it for a philosophical exercise.

Also, I don't owe the author anything. He's made a decision to set it in the US and ask me to imagine a world where vegans are the biggest threats to the safety of New Yorkers. That'd be a tough enough sell from an American writer who knew what he was doing.

IXajll2026-01-07 17:59

I can’t really argue with any of that, especially as a non-american who obviously has no first-hand experience with these issues. But it still feels like you are holding the series/author to unfairly and near unrealistically high standards by essentially saying that if they don’t get all the political intricacies and fine details exactly right, it’s automatically a failed product and they shouldn‘t bother. With that mindset they would be basically confined to works set within JP because if you want to look at it that strictly, they get a bunch of historical and cultural stuff from shows set for instance in europe or with european influences wrong as well. Personally, I prefer authors experimenting with their settings like in this case, even if they are not 100% real life conforming/accurate. For this show, it luckily doesn‘t bother me at all, though I guess that’s easy to say for someone who’s fortunately far removed from US political issues.

_Ridley2026-01-07 18:20

I mean, why set it in the US? If it's not a thoughtless, random decision, the setting has something to do with the message. So, why create a violent animal rights movement of murderous vegan men in a country whose national identity is tied to hamburgers and where the animal rights movement is largely female dominated? What are you trying to say?

ComfortablyRotten2026-01-07 18:02

I'm keeping it for one more episode but yeah, I don't have much faith in it. On the side of "bigoted, judges on the appearance" you got petty bullies who aren't even violent, on the side of "animals deserve rights too" you got actual terrorists that the story so far seems to treat like the villains

[not a great look](#foldedarms)

[Darwin]>!I found the character called Charlie talking about how he'd shoot people for self-defense at least pretty funny though!<

Looking_Light332026-01-07 16:38

So, a few days ago, I started rewatching an anime I haven't watched in years. It's called Shigofumi: Letters From The Departed. I remember liking this show back in high school and I wanted to give it a rewatch to see how it's held up. I forgot how really depressing the first couple of episodes were, especially the ending of episode 2. I'm definitely going to keep watching.

Ham_PhD2026-01-07 16:43

I don't know this dog.

I don't like this dog.

ZaphodBeebblebrox2026-01-07 16:49

How the fuck did we end up with _Kennel Tokorozawa_ as the place? [](/u/animayor)

Zeallfnonex2026-01-07 17:11

Time to find out which of your fellow mods is responsible for this month's place [](#modabuse)

aniMayor2026-01-07 17:30

Something something poetic cinema something

Ok-Froyo-99512026-01-07 17:03

Hello! I'm new to anime. I watched Pokemon few years back but nothing more than that after Ash left the anime. I've just watched AOT & Vinland Saga, they were amazing. Any other similar ones?

Ok-Froyo-99512026-01-07 17:13

Oh btw I've been recommended these ones so far, I just don't know which one to choose

☐ **Ranking of Kings**

☐ **Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End**

☐ **Mushishi**

☐ **Fruits Basket**

☐ **Mob Psycho 100**

☐ **Dororo**

☐ **Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood**

☐ **Haikyuu!!**

☐ **Fighting Spirit (Hajime No Ippo)**

☐ **Spy x Family**

☐ **Pokémon Horizons**

☐ **Trigun**

☐ **Erased**

☐ **Hunter x Hunter**

☐ **One Punch Man**

☐ **Death Note**

☐ **Jujutsu Kaisen**

☐ **That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime**

☐ **One Piece**

☐ **My Hero Academia**

☐ **Demon Slayer**

letmewriteyouup2026-01-07 17:32

All of those are good, they're just different matches for mood and genre preference.

Based on your mentioned watch history I'll recommend starting with **Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood**.

Ok-Froyo-99512026-01-07 17:56

Thank you, will check it out

anti-valentine2026-01-07 17:11

Im watching Sentenced to be a Hero (peak so far omg) and Isekai Office Worker because I love BL hell yeah (I feel like I've been waiting an eternity for it to air after reading the Manga and light novels lol)

_Ridley2026-01-07 17:29

Living your best life, as god intended.

Abysswatcherbel2026-01-07 17:32

MAPPA and Twin Engine are going out of their way to promote Jigo now it has an actual proper production

IXajll2026-01-07 18:25

Yea, feels reassuring a bit, but I‘m still a bit scared about the pacing since 1 cour forces them to cram the rest of the manga quite a bit and then not even going for 13 eps but for only 12 instead kinda makes it worse and even more questionable. Really hope they know what they‘re doing in that regard.

oedipusrex3762026-01-07 17:55

And just like that, I’ve decided on my AoTS. This show exceeded my expectations. Everyone should check out Shiboyugi. If Anitubers don't glaze this show, and instead do the predictable thing of glazing 4-5 mainstream shows, I’m going to riot /s

\[Spoiler related to meta\] >!This show also works on a meta-level, Revue Starlight style. The "audience" mentioned in the show ([scene 1](https://imgur.com/a/meta-FOfciKF), [scene 2](https://imgur.com/a/meta-OYgyCvM)) is ourselves, the viewers.!<

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-07 18:08

I feel like shilling for it and I haven't even checked out the episode yet. (About to!)

[](#flustered)

>If Anitubers don't glaze this show, and instead do the predictable thing of glazing 4-5 mainstream shows

They usually do the top mainstream shows + 1 """hidden gem""" so there's a chance!

theangryeditor2026-01-07 18:15

Synopsis makes me think of Akuma no Riddle. Guess I'll check it out

[](#harukathink)

oedipusrex3762026-01-07 18:23

It's really the best way to do it. Watch it blind.

qwertyqwerty45672026-01-07 18:10

seems like midnight heart tune has a lot of readers a bit disappointed.

[](#thoughtful)

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-07 18:11

Strange **place** we got today!

Synopsis

>Pet shop owner's daughter Chika Tokorozawa spends every waking hour with her dog, Rin Tin Tin, who repays her love by watching over her while she sleeps.

Oh that's pretty cute!

>tag: ecchi

[](#spooked)

qwertyqwerty45672026-01-07 18:22

surely it cant be worse than magical girl defeat trial

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-07 18:23

Wow, that sounds awful.

*added to ptr*

ZaphodBeebblebrox2026-01-07 18:29

Yeah, this is a time...........

I somehow found myself as part of a groupwatch of it.

Though arguably the worst part is the live action segment afterwards.

cppn022026-01-07 18:13

Random thought I had while watching today's episode but do young folks even unterstand the title '*Tamon's B-side*'? I imagine the average person under 30 doesn't even know what a b-side is.

Zeallfnonex2026-01-07 18:20

Exactly 30 but never seen this phrase before: I assume it means A-side as the public-facing side that everyone sees, and B-side as the private side that only friends, family, etc., see.

_Ridley2026-01-07 18:22

Yes, but do you know what it's referring to? Like where the phrase comes from?

Zeallfnonex2026-01-07 18:25

Not a clue as to the etymology, I assume it's something idol-related or maybe celebrity-related but I'm really not in that scene at all so...

ZaphodBeebblebrox2026-01-07 18:28

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-side_and_B-side

Shimmering-Sky2026-01-07 18:23

> I imagine the average person under 30 doesn't even know what a b-side is.

I'll take this as a compliment for not being average I guess?

cppn022026-01-07 18:30

You knowing that now makes me wonder if there is a show about mecha pop star where you learned it from.

[](#rengethink)

ComfortablyRotten2026-01-07 18:25

U30 and I get it [](#tomboyshades "I think")

Highlander02082026-01-07 18:19

It's been 15 years since Puella Magi Madoka Magica first aired...

BaytaCosmico2026-01-07 19:09

It's only been 2 episodes but Tamon-kun just might be the best shoujo adaptation I've seen yet. Yamada lvl 999 is the only other one that can compare, but this seems better so far.

What are the best shoujo adaptations you've all seen? I'm always in the market for more.

PsychoGeek2026-01-07 19:38

Cardcaptor Sakura is an all-time great production for me. Dear Brother and Karekano are both generally very good. RoV and Ouran are supposed to be great by reputation but I haven't watched either.

BaytaCosmico2026-01-07 19:48

Cardcaptor has been on my list for some time. I love those two boys and their scenes which keep getting shared around. Ouran is also in my list. KaraKano is great but I still need to finish it.

Haven't heard of Dear Brother before, will look it up.

What's RoV though? Rose of Versailles? I thought the anime was considered not the best adaptation even though the manga is supposedly an all-time great.

Sporadia_2026-01-07 22:16

I was just in the Rose of Versailles rewatch and it's a very good show.

VoidEmbracedWitch2026-01-07 19:59

Whisper of the Heart has maybe a slightly unfair advantage over all other shoujo adaptations from a production perspective.

I also think Cardcaptor Sakura, Ouran and Karekano (even if it fell apart at the end) are phenomenal shoujo adaptations.

BaytaCosmico2026-01-07 20:06

> Whisper of the Heart

Had no idea Miyazaki adapted a shoujo. Definitely need to watch this.

> Cardcaptor Sakura, Ouran and Karekano

The first two are on my watchlist. And I need to finish KareKano - loved it but had to pause for some reason and very bad of me to not get back to it given how much I loved it.

VoidEmbracedWitch2026-01-07 20:10

> Had no idea Miyazaki adapted a shoujo.

That was Kondou, not Miyazaki.

BaytaCosmico2026-01-07 20:16

Ah ok. Still, Ghibli treatment for a shoujo makes me very happy.

Backoftheac2026-01-07 20:38

[Well, technically Miyazaki did direct a Shoujo manga adaptation if you count an obscure 1972 short pilot episode that never got funding to become a full-fledged series lol.](https://myanimelist.net/anime/15021/Yuki_no_Taiyou_Pilot) The author of that Shoujo manga is now probably most famous for having co-created 'Ashita no Joe'.

This has nothing to do with your question though. I just recently found out about it and watched it through Mubi so I thought it might be a fun fact worth sharing.

Whisper of the Heart is my favorite movie of all time though so I definitely highly recommend it whenever you get the chance! It's such a sweet film!

DeadCaveman2026-01-07 20:21

My top three would probably be **Fruits Basket** (one of my favorite shows overall), **Natsume's Book of Friends**, and **Kimi ni Todoke**. I also want to shout out **Sailor Moon**, which I've been having a lot of fun watching through, and **Banana Fish**. I've heard really great things about **Nana**, but haven't seen it yet myself.

**Revolutionary Girl Utena** I believe doesn't technically qualify as a "shoujo adaptation," but it's very category-adjacent so I'll include it as an honorable mention. It would probably be my second favorite after Fruits Basket.

BaytaCosmico2026-01-07 20:28

Oh yes, how could I forget Fruba! That's near the top of my all time favourites too.

Kimi ni Todoke - I've watched the latest season and some of the earlier ones (I read the manga for that annoying arc in between).

The rest I've heard of but haven't actually watched. Should try and get to them one of these days.

Ocixo2026-01-07 21:06

Nana made me feel a lot of things. It’s an amazing recommendation for young adults who are still trying to figure out life for themselves.

> Fruits Basket

[](#fistbump)

Heda-of-Aincrad2026-01-07 20:28

Yona of the Dawn!

ladyXshuki2026-01-07 20:00

Hii i was wondering if anyone could help me get this anime name ( [https://i.postimg.cc/3RxGqGYv/Screenshot-2026-01-07-20-56-13.png](https://i.postimg.cc/3RxGqGYv/Screenshot-2026-01-07-20-56-13.png) ) or character name. Thanks in advance !

DrJWilson2026-01-07 20:11

Naomi from Death Note

mr_beanoz2026-01-07 20:13

So the no credit opening and ending videos for "*A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation*" have been released, but it's blocked in Asian countries other than Japan, lol

I wonder what kind of deal is Aniplus having for this show.

IXajll2026-01-07 20:24

Holy shit, **Shiboyugi** really was fucking phenomenal, easily the best death game type anime I‘ve ever seen. And this confirms that Gimai Seikatsu definitely wasn’t a fluke, Souta Ueno is a genius, loving his style. The execution of this was simply magical, the visuals, the music, the sound design, the sheer fucking tension, immaculate vibes, all perfectly crafted. This is seriously giving Ikoku Nikki tough competition this season. Was expecting to like this show, but it turned out way better than I hoped. Half the shows this season haven‘t even started and I‘m already having a better time than in Fall, Winter be built different.

Also, probably the most Shaft-like show that’s not actually made by Shaft, lol.

GondolaMedia2026-01-07 22:30

I think it speaks volume that after I finished the premiere and hopped to the episode discussion and my first thought was "Wait that was 47 minutes?!".

I didn't even realize that it was double the runtime.

BaytaCosmico2026-01-07 20:24

It's really late and I really need to get to bed but I also really want to watch Shiboyugi. Want to watch it when I'm not so tired though. I'm trying to stay away from spoilers but I'm sensing a lot of hype and the fomo is real.

Capable-Towel-63022026-01-07 20:38

Shiboyugi is getting a lot of praise, and Gimai Seikatsu director should be enough for recommendation, but it has two things I usually have negative interest in: maid outfits and death games. Probably will still watch at least the first episode, even considering it's double length.

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-07 20:41

Sorry to all other anime and all other girls from Winter 2026; You simply can't compete.

[Anime of the season](https://myanimelist.net/anime/59711/)

[Best girl of the season](https://myanimelist.net/character/252839/Yuuki_Sorimachi)

And I rarely say that lightly (unless I'm meme'ing about some ecchi filth being AOTY), but I honestly don't see what could top it for me.

Mayyyyyyyyyyyyyybe Oshi No Ko, and Ruby/Akane if they meet my extremely high expectations... But the new entries? They'll have to compete for the silver medal.

You know how they say "This series was written just for me"? Well, this is the one for me!

So thank you, Yuushi Ukai, for this slightly delayed Christmas gift.

---

**WE FINALLY HAVE A GOOD 'HIGH STAKES GAME' ANIME!!!**

[](#awe)

(120th time's the charm!)

oedipusrex3762026-01-07 20:57

Shiboyugi was an experience. I don’t really have anything to dissect and I can only say “watch it yourself.” It’s weird, because it nails suspense like a suspense flick, but it’s hard to put that feeling into words. Just immaculate execution across the board, from direction to sound design to voice acting.

Komarist2026-01-07 20:58

> Best girl of the season

[I claimed her weeks ago.](https://old.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1pmak47/anime_questions_recommendations_and_discussion/nu2t89g/?context=2)

[](#surefam)

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-07 21:26

Fight you for her

[](#punch)

(Oh god I was wrong to doubt her hah)

Ocixo2026-01-07 21:00

It’s a good anime, but I *really* dislike that there’s so many shots of the characters with a minimalistic design (read: no face).

At some point it becomes less of a stylistic choice, and more a means of saving costs.

IXajll2026-01-07 21:09

> At some point it becomes less of a stylistic choice, and more a means of saving costs.

Fair, but it's still far off from becoming that imo. It's currently in that sweet spot of becoming part of the show's identity, right in the middle between too little usage which would make it more like a tacked on gimmick and too much usage which would make it this cost saving cheap out that you mentioned.

Ocixo2026-01-07 21:11

I did feel they used this style way too much in the opening minutes of the show. Do think it became a little less towards the end of the episode…?

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-07 21:22

> At some point it becomes less of a stylistic choice, and more a means of saving costs.

I think with the scenes that are all cloudy and twirly and stuff, it's a 'vibe' thing...

If not, well I didn't think much of it! (Though it made me a little wary at first, with the average high stakes game anime track record!)

zairaner2026-01-07 21:26

As I told you (at this point feels like a year ago or so), this is going to be my first death game anime, so it is going to be good!

Just didn't expect *this* good

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-07 21:41

> this is going to be my first death game anime, so it is going to be good!

This feels like cheating; I had to suffer through SO many of them to find one this good hah.

zairaner2026-01-07 22:54

I'm nothing but a cheater!

Sporadia_2026-01-07 22:06

> WE FINALLY HAVE A GOOD 'HIGH STAKES GAME' ANIME!!!

Cries in Mirai Nikki.

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-07 22:21

*Anime from 15 years ago*

Time for the bed, Gramps!

[Mirai Nikki]>!I love Yuno with all my heart, but I'm not sure I would call Mirai Nikki THAT good hah. It has great moments, but also... Quite a few long/silly arcs. And I think Yuki is garbage hah!<

Sporadia_2026-01-07 22:29

>Anime from 15 years ago

[](#luckytehe)

That is a good point.

Quiddity1312026-01-07 23:25

Good sign as I put this on my 2026 PTW list...

zairaner2026-01-07 20:45

Yep shiboyugi easily had the strongest premiere so far.

The god of the kuudere's is now a director.

Ocixo2026-01-07 21:18

Extended premieres (incl. double episodes) are nice, but it’s getting a bit out of hand this season.

I’ve already watched 5 of them, which has thrown my entire evening schedule out sync for the last few days.

Komarist2026-01-07 21:32

Could've had [Medalist, Torture Princess, Frieren, and OnK](https://i.redd.it/539cj1lvykag1.jpeg) start 1-3 weeks earlier. Instead, got a handful of extended premieres to sift through new entries before sequels start.

flamethrower22026-01-07 23:04

What is the unseen force that pushes shows to premiere (i.e., air their first episode) during start-of-season windows?

You saw indie games dodging Silksong late last year. This phenomenon is the opposite: everybody working to release at the **same** time.

cppn022026-01-07 23:08

> the unseen force

Japanese TV scheduling

Ebirah2026-01-07 23:10

Everybody is looking for new stuff to pick up at this particular moment, and if your show isn't there it might get passed over?

But yes, it could easily be lost in the crowd this way too.

Wanderingjoke2026-01-07 21:56

Oh, no. I'm behind enough as it is.

Certain shows really benefit from extended premieres. Any of these here, or do they just seem arbitrary?

Ocixo2026-01-07 22:02

The extended premieres of Sentenced To Be a Hero and Shiboyugi did have their episodes end on a much better note, but I don’t believe it to have been absolutely necessary for Hana-Kimi, Kunon The Sorcerer or Demon King’s Daughter is Too Kind.

IXajll2026-01-07 22:47

To be fair, those last three were double episode releases because of streaming deals afaik, and not because it was the creators' vision to start of with 2 eps.

oedipusrex3762026-01-08 01:49

I heard Champignon Witch is also getting a double-episode premiere.

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-08 07:12

> it’s getting a bit out of hand this season.

Yeah..

I was planning NOT to fall behind on stuff this season, but no way it's happening now.

(Then again, for most of them, I'm gonna watch the first episode then ship them into Dropland)

Salty1452026-01-07 21:24

I think the scale of OP is starting to get to me.

If I watch 12 episodes a day, it’s still gonna take me until April to get it done. Best to hunker down for the long haul. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and April-May would still be an upgrade to the October that my minimum pace of 4 Ep/ day gets me to.

Alt22212026-01-07 22:03

i think ill watch one episode a month and turn it into a lifelong project.

VoidEmbracedWitch2026-01-07 22:40

Easier to not think "when do I catch up?", which just leads to getting overwhelmed by the sheer amount of OP there is, and instead take it one arc at a time. I'm in no rush to get even close to up to date. I'll just move to the next island (in my case Punk Hazard) whenever I have the time and motivation to do so.

Donnie-G2026-01-08 04:58

Sometimes I describe long running anime like One Piece, Naruto, Bleach etc. as lifestyle choices rather than just 'watching a show'. Since the damn thing is going to be with you for many many years. Though a lot of bigger shonen titles have ended as of late.

But unless you're really into discussing the latest episodes/chapters on a weekly basis - as long as you are watching faster than the release schedule - you will eventually catch up. While I can do 12 eps of a show a day, everyday for a long time is a bit too much.... not to mention I can't do 12 eps on a work day.

Just take your time. But if you want to catch up it's going to need to be more than 1 episode a week.

Salty1452026-01-08 05:01

Technically since it is on hiatus until April, and is committed to only releasing ~26 episodes a year, you could theoretically catch up to *One Piece* watching one episode a week, though I would not advise it as it would take decades.

alotmorealots2026-01-08 07:03

> If I watch 12 episodes a day, it’s still gonna take me until April to get it done.

Sounds too much like work, and really unenjoyable work to me. Having seen two episodes and a few sakuga spectacles from recentish episodes, that's enough for me for the moment unless I get particularly bored lol

cppn022026-01-07 21:38

So much for watching Dive in Wonderland at the cinema next week. Looks like here in my city there won't be any sub showing.

[](#sadholo)

IXajll2026-01-07 22:45

It's not even at the cinemas near me at all.

[](#torrentialdownpour)

vancevon2026-01-07 21:52

hanakimi currently leading the race both for anime of the year and worst anime of the year

zairaner2026-01-07 21:54

Explain?

vancevon2026-01-07 21:55

[full list of seasonal anime that i am currently watching](https://myanimelist.net/animelist/vancevon?aired_from_year=2026&aired_from_month=1&aired_from_day=1)

zairaner2026-01-07 22:01

Truly leading the pack

awesomenessofme12026-01-07 22:15

Seems a bit silly that OceanVeil is fine with proudly announcing they're streaming (actual or borderline) hentai but draws the line at the word "virginity".

cppn022026-01-07 22:16

Watching the Daily Grind show because I'm always down for some found family feel good story but episode 1 certainly is raising some flags...

zairaner2026-01-07 22:36

That was fast...

IXajll2026-01-07 22:41

This will either stay wholesome chill or turn giga trash within the next episode or two, there's literally no in-between in this case lol.

mekerpan2026-01-07 23:44

Too bad for that. I hope that sort of evaporates....

awesomenessofme12026-01-07 22:18

I see several comments on this thread talking positively about the director of Shiboyugi because they also did Days With My Stepsister. Now, I never watched that because a) incest and b) no dub, but everything I heard about it, both from people praising and criticizing it, talks about how slow and contemplative it is, which seems like the exact opposite of a death game action thriller. I dunno, I guess it's not inaccurate in this case, but it seems weird to have elevated expectations of someone just because they did a good job in a completely different situation.

zairaner2026-01-07 22:37

That is also the great thing about shiboyugi!

flamethrower22026-01-07 23:00

Is it incest if it's not blood siblings?

Yuki from Alya is Masachika's actual sister. She loves him way too much for a sister. Also likes tormenting him for some rom com fun.

Then in Magic Maker, magic is powered by love. In MC's case, it's his love for his actual sister.

awesomenessofme12026-01-07 23:04

It's close enough for me to never want to watch it. That's an irrelevant consideration here anyway; like I said, it's not dubbed. There's no difference between having one or two dealbreakers.

Yuki is just a troll, but the incest jokes are still the worst part of that series despite me enjoying it overall. I never checked out Magic Maker because it sounded like dogshit, but learning about the incest or incest-adjacent aspects definitely reinforced that decision.

neighmeansno2026-01-07 23:51

It's exactly what would make me optimistic about any show, honestly. Any series benefits from being slower and more contemplative to me.

Sporadia_2026-01-07 22:18

Priorche is pronounced Priorsh, right? It's not just me?

Durinthal2026-01-07 22:24

Pre-Orc, the magical girl show for stereotypical fantasy setting fans everywhere.

[](#comehere)

Retromorpher2026-01-08 01:41

Ao Oreku Precure! -

Featuring:

Cure Club

Cure Boned Meat

Cure Fangs

and mid-season addition Cure Potion

theangryeditor2026-01-07 22:27

Prior Ché

Sporadia_2026-01-07 22:30

Porsche

theangryeditor2026-01-07 22:36

Sporcle

cppn022026-01-07 22:29

Brioche?

Sporadia_2026-01-07 22:31

Exactly!

theangryeditor2026-01-07 22:19

Not immediately hooked on Arne but I'll stick around for now and see how the coming episodes go.

[](#bigthink)

Ham_PhD2026-01-07 22:34

Can you guys stop gushing shows that I wasn't planning on watching. I'm trying to do this "only a couple seasonals" thing.

IXajll2026-01-07 22:38

[](#pointandlaugh)

theangryeditor2026-01-07 22:38

Give it a few weeks. If people are still talking about it then it's worth checking out.

[](#mugiwait)

IXajll2026-01-07 22:58

Wait, is this actually the way? I usually only shill new shows at the start and if they stay good until like halfway through the season I usually try to not bring it up again since I feel like that would get people annoyed. But what you're saying is if you just stupidly keep glazing each week that actually works in your favor?

theangryeditor2026-01-07 23:32

First episode hype is basically meaningless. Now if there's good word of mouth 6 episodes in then there's something of interest.

[](#hikariactually)

alotmorealots2026-01-08 07:00

The subconscious collective memory of the LycoReco phenomena lingers, with its karma rising every episode for five episodes straight lingers! First episode hype was what pulled a lot of people here in!

zairaner2026-01-07 22:41

Sorry but break season was last season. No mercy now!

mr_beanoz2026-01-07 22:49

The problem is I don't know what do you wanna watch...

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-08 07:08

> I'm trying to do this "only a couple seasonals" thing.

I'm trying to do that every season.

Hasn't worked so far but I keep trying.

[](#yuishrug)

zairaner2026-01-07 22:40

Tamon is still really fun. Anybody who likes romcoms should give this a try period.

mekerpan2026-01-07 23:41

Indeed.

Shimmering-Sky2026-01-07 22:44

Me: Alright, I finally finished all the wallpapers for the Hell's Paradise rewatch, I can go have fun checking out Iruma-kun's dub in preparation for *that* rewatch now!

Iruma-kun's dub: Oh btw, Alice is voiced by Billy Kametz.

Me: ...and just like that, I am no longer having fun. [](#trynottocry)

He's not the only dead voice actor that I get immensely sad about whenever I hear pop up in an older series, but I've gone a lot longer since the last time I heard him in something compared to, say, Keiji Fujiwara, so that immediately hit me like a Truck-kun to the gut. I also didn't look up the English cast beforehand, so I wasn't mentally prepared to hear him in this... [](#shatteredsaten)

_Ridley2026-01-07 22:50

I refuse to watch something combining maid uniforms, death games, and a double length premiere, so everyone has to stop hyping up Shiboyugi. That's not on my schedule!

theangryeditor2026-01-07 22:52

You should watch Shiboyugi but only if everyone who's hyping it watches Beancounter in exchange

[](#hikariactually)

_Ridley2026-01-07 23:24

I like how your mind works.

[](#nichijouthumbs)

IXajll2026-01-07 23:01

Instructions unclear, hyping up shall continue.

[](#slowgrin)

_Ridley2026-01-07 23:26

[](#angrypout)

vancevon2026-01-07 23:27

i feel like "this show would have been so good if not for the maid uniforms" or a similar take would be great for engagement

PsychoGeek2026-01-07 23:34

I'm not too into maid uniforms either, thankfully it upgrades to bunny girl costumes next

_Ridley2026-01-08 00:08

I feel like I'm taking Amethyst's position as the thread pincushion.

vancevon2026-01-08 00:20

*somebody* has to provide the good takes the people don't want to hear

TheBlessedBoy992026-01-08 04:42

Hey, you'll get [LN Spoilers] >!bunny girl!< costumes in the next game instead of maid costumes. So one of your complaints will be crossed off (ignore that it will be replaced with something worse).

Mitsuyan_2026-01-07 23:01

The physical release of *Love Live Superstar S3* has just been announced in the UK. Late February.

14 months and 4 days between the final episode airing and UK release. For comparison:

* Frieren Part 1 - 13 months 5 days
* Frieren Part 2 - 21 months 28 days
* Kusuriya Part 1 - 14 months
* Kusuriya Part 2 - 12 months 28 days

I was under the impression that 14 months was fast (and to be fair, it is, without going into how long some take) but it's interesting to see just how it stacks up against the big hitters. Or maybe it's just Frieren Part 2 that's the slow one. Are there any other examples of physical media taking ages to come out after release, as usually I just buy from the cheap section when they go on sale.

IXajll2026-01-07 23:16

> Are there any other examples of physical media taking ages to come out after release, as usually I just buy from the cheap section when they go on sale.

Those 12-21 months are actually extremely fast, comparatively. Recent stuff that comes to mind that took significantly longer to get a disc release (UK as well in these cases)

* Yorimoi - over 6 years
* Sakurako - almost 9 years
* Black Bullet - over 10 years
* Aku no Hana - about 11 years

OmegaVirgin942026-01-08 00:36

Probably doesn't count since there is no current release date, but I've been waiting for a Mushishi Zoku Shou US bluray for close to 12 years now.

Infodump_Ibis2026-01-08 00:45

Himouto! Umaru-chan R is a famously long one. Finished December 2017, US Sentai release was January 2023, UK MVM release was September 2024.

Where it gets bizarre is the original Himouto! Umaru-chan ~~never got a UK retail release~~ doesn't have anything in print (and [BBFC ratings database only lists season 2](https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/himouto-umaru-chan-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdiynjey) which is Himouto! Umaru-chan R). Edit: I'm not sure now as apparently Animatsu released it (a breakaway of Manga Entertainment that also got absorbed back into them) and I'm really confused why the BBFC ratings went missing.

awesomenessofme12026-01-07 23:07

Well, out of the 5 anime I had in the "maybe, let's wait and see" category, Darwin Incident and Adventurer's Daily Grind have moved firmly into the "no" column, Shiboyugi is a strong "yes", and I still need to wait until Saturday for Dead Account and Misanthrope. That's a little more complicated since I'm only willing to add one more on that day, but we'll see.

Abysswatcherbel2026-01-07 23:49

Shiboyugi best anime of the season so far, I accidentally posted my review on discord thinking it was here, was still processin! So will just copy and paste here for the rest

One of the best directed eps for this type of genre, by far, don't remember the last time, if ever, i felt tension watching Anime

Pretentious sometimes, but really good. Have no idea where this is going though

Please, Shiboyugi name doesn't sit well with me, so i look forward to the official AQRADT name

Also, I agree with the other maid comments, it would be better with witch aesthetics (big hats included for the ones allowed)

Komarist2026-01-08 00:28

> better with witch aesthetics (big hats included for the ones allowed)

[Man of culture](https://i.imgur.com/84dwJed.png)

Abysswatcherbel2026-01-08 00:50

[](#seasonalpls)

IXajll2026-01-08 00:29

> Pretentious

[](#badtaste)

Wanderingjoke2026-01-08 05:11

>look forward to the official AQRADT name

Just based on the title and comments here so far... "Death Maid"?

AmethystItalian2026-01-08 00:04

Seeing all the hype for [Shiboyugi](https://myanimelist.net/anime/59711/) and me having an empty Wednesday makes me want to try...but too many waring signs that I won't like it.

I'll keep an eye on your thoughts here and see if I pick up later though!

[](#mugiwait)

Komarist2026-01-08 00:27

[Shiboyugi a must watch!](https://old.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1psvwf6/anime_questions_recommendations_and_discussion/nvg83fe/?context=3)

[](#hikariactually "Arigatou RemindMeBot")

IXajll2026-01-08 00:28

Yea, to be honest I don’t think you would like it much at all, unfortunately.

AmethystItalian2026-01-08 00:30

I need less shows to watch so works out!

BarbaricGamers2026-01-08 00:48

If I'm remembering correctly with how you disliked the direction choices in stepsister, you definitely won't like this.

Abysswatcherbel2026-01-08 00:50

i also pretty much disliked stepsister, but i liked it here, it fits way better this type of show

AmethystItalian2026-01-08 00:53

Does sound like a more fitting show

NormalGrinn2026-01-08 01:42

Honestly episode 1 works pretty well as a thing on its own, so even if you don’t like it further I def think it’s worth a shot, vibes are on point.

soulreaverdan2026-01-08 00:40

Just need a yes or no from source material readers, but I started watching Sentenced to be a Hero and I’m actually digging it way more than I thought. Does it keep the same sort of dark tone? I’d prefer it keep that and not just become Xylo and co’s whacky adventures ya know?

collapsedblock62026-01-08 01:48

[Time again](https://imgur.com/02z8B05), seasonals, must be watched:

* Mayonaka Heart - This is kinda unhinged? So this absolute loser guy who goons over some radio girl and decides to become a creeplord audiophile stalking all the girls in Japan to track down the voice of his crush ([which]>!he confessed to which is so fucking stupid!<, what a loser lmao). But he happens to be rich and a finance bro so he has the actual means to achieve this + having a ginormous ego and decides he will use these means to convert all of these hot girls into stars. His dialogue also ranges from either hilariously unhinged to the really cringe.

[Then it ends with]>!the radio girl logging in for first time in years to tell him 'You got me but I won't reveal who I am, lmao fuck you'!<. Also two of the girls are illiterate or something.

That was funnier than expected and tbh, that ending did hook me a bit. Consider me mildly intrigued.

* Darwin Jihen - I can’t get over this design, the eyes are kinda terrifying. That aside, not really interested in either the Greenpeace/PETA terrorism side or the rac-, uh, specism(?) in school.

* Demon King’s daughter - Fantasy about this cute daughteru being…a cute daughteru. But she is a demon so she has to be evil, but she is just too cute and pure. A bit too simple, tries too much to just go for cute aww moments than being more funny. Also, double ep premiere for this, really?

* Cute Girl in Hero’s Party - This was p much a funny romantic scene surrounded by 19 minutes of isekai slop. Will I take the bait? *Checks tuesdays schedule* Fuck.

* Jack of all trades - Uhhhhhh, its the guy in the title!

_Ridley2026-01-08 02:56

I notice a certain lack of bean counting here.

collapsedblock62026-01-08 03:41

With my missed week I got my plate full and got some including that on line lol.

At least I got the boys vacation agency anime tonight.

Emergency-Boat2026-01-08 03:52

For Mayonaka, all I can say is that MC is the exact opposite of a loser, so stick with it a bit longer. He's a bit of a mix of Chiaki & the prez/love master from Tsurudure children.
Although some of his dialogue does seem extra cringe compared to the manga and the pacing was somewhat off.

collapsedblock62026-01-08 03:59

> all I can say is that MC is the exact opposite of a loser,

Bro confessed to someone he never met and stalked every school in Tokyo to identify a girl by voice. I called him a loser but its mostly in a fun way, I dig him being unhinged. But some dialogue doesn't hit as well. Overall, the fact that he isn't an active detriment is a plus for a harem in my books.

Emergency-Boat2026-01-08 23:11

>the fact that he isn't an active detriment is a plus for a harem in my books.

You definitely don't need to worry about that, he's a bit cringy at the start but imo he's what all harem protagonists should aspire to be. It'll be more clear once he gets some longer interactions/characterization.

BaytaCosmico2026-01-08 02:54

I'm trying to add start and end dates to my MAL entires so next year's wrapped doesn't end up including things I watched way back. For most things I'm just putting random dates that are somewhat in the ballpark but realised there's one anime I could actually look up exact date for. Weathering With You. It actually got a theatre release here and I reviewed it for work. Hah.

Reminds me I still need to watch Suzume. Wasn't super enthused for it at the time it released (primarily because I was a bit let down by Weathering) and missed it in theatres. Heard good things about it though so should get to it.

mr_beanoz2026-01-08 03:36

There's this short about the Ken-Oh grunts from Fist of the North Star, but it's unfortunately not licensed anywhere outside Japan...

AdUnfair5582026-01-08 05:04

I don't know why I torture myself to finish shows I start. If a show isn't interesting to me I should just drop it and move on. I think after I finish these last few shows I will now be a lot more selective about the shows I watch. I have been watching anime since 1997 and never really dropped a show. Going into 2026 I want to start dropping shows I don't have a huge interest in.

alotmorealots2026-01-08 06:53

I'm a big advocate of just pausing shows that aren't hitting, rather than making some sort of decision about continuing, dropping or what not. Sometimes just having to even think about those things subtracts a little from the fun of anime (or anything else) viewing, and pausing stuff is so neutral that it has no mental/emotional overhead.

Works very well for me too, as I definitely do pick up shows again down the track when I'm in the mood for something in particular, and saves me from having to track down a new series.

AdUnfair5582026-01-08 07:04

Yeah, that's an interesting take as well. I haven't been watching anime consistently for years. So I'm trying to clean house, and then start fresh. See where things go from there. But I think my main problem was I was watching a lot of shows that visually looked interesting. Maybe the characters or whatever. But the show itself turned out to be not very interesting. So, those kinds of situations I want to avoid going forward.

If a show isn't working for me I just don't want to continue with it.

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-08 07:01

> I will now be a lot more selective about the shows I watch

I think it's fine to check out everything, but yes, it's good to be selective about the shows you complete!

I've always thought that way, why watch 20 episodes of something you don't really enjoy when you could spend that time on 20 other episodes of something better.

_Ridley2026-01-08 05:32

Had some time left tonight, so I decided to watch Shiboyugi, and it's very nicely directed, but it can't make me enjoy a death game story. My schedule is safe.

Capable-Towel-63022026-01-08 06:24

Must agree, well directed but ultimately not interesting for me.

wloff2026-01-08 09:42

I'm with you, I think. Visually beautiful, but just not my thing right now. I might get back to it if I'm ever in the right headspace for it.

Time to start some comfy, happy romance instead, I think.

flatpetey2026-01-08 06:59

Fell really behind last season so just starting to finish up shows.

It was a real shame I didn’t keep up with **Wild Last Boss**. The world building is actually really impressive.

Kakuriyo has been a bit more difficult. The change and decline in art style and making the ogre MC look younger kind of hurt it. And it just doesn’t quite have the charm of S01. I’ll finish it up soon though.

Impressive_Deer_47062026-01-08 08:13

Our love story is so disappointing. A girl taking months and months to even think of having sex with you is a bad sign. I prefer it when anime’s pretend sex doesn’t exist than this crap.

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-08 08:16

Have Isekai writers finally realized that it doesn't really change anything to show 30 seconds of the 'before' life (that will never be brought up ever again)?

Second Isekai this season that doesn't even have the before/the death scene! (unless they're keeping it for the second episode).

[](#bigthink)

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-08 08:17

(Maybe Truck-kun is busy)

alotmorealots2026-01-08 11:50

(Until Narou moves on, Truck-kun's workload is enough for them to want to be meta-isekai-ed! There's so many average Japanese citizens to hit that non-WN never hear about!)

MakeMeCry_C2026-01-11 11:36

To your first question the answer is mostly no.
To your second question, suprisingly i found one ( there may be more but im not too fond of the genre) it is, There Was a Cute Girl in the Hero's Party, So I Tried Confessing to Her.

MakeMeCry_C2026-01-11 11:36

It has had only on episode till now.