A lot has happened in the anime industry in the past six months. It has seen several high-profile anime movies and series which have caused quite a stir. But this piece will not cover those. Expect to discover under the radar releases unleashed on the pop culture landscape through anime.
Fruits Basket
Funimation’s Fruits Basket has delivered exactly what they promised. The movie is about Tohru Honda, a strong-willed orphan, who lives alone in a tent following an unfortunate turn of events. She meets a handsome boy from her class, Yuki, who offers to take her home. And that’s how she goes to live with the weird Soma family.
However, this is not your average romance story. Tohru discovers she’s living with a group of characters who change into any of the animals of the Zodiac when they lose control of emotions or the opposite sex embraces them.
Rilakkuma and Kaoru
If you have not seen Rilakkuma and Kaoru, you are missing out big time. It’s a roommate comedy, focused on the day-to-day realities of people living under capitalism. While “normal” people are out there struggling to stay afloat, Rilakkumma is so lazy that he’s given up on the idea of “needing” to do stuff. And that’s what makes this movie hilarious.
Mob Psycho 100 II
When Mob Psycho dropped in 2016, it was an instant hit. The community loved the idea behind the middle grader with psychic powers and an exciting storyline.
The series returned earlier this year with a small twist. Instead of dwelling on the previous plot involving a telepathy club and ghosts, it’s more about drama and battles. The young man also tries to pass his classes and go on a date with his crush. It is the perfect blend of action, thrills, and romance.
Ride Your Wave
Ride Your Wave is a sports anime movie which will leave you uplifted. It features a young woman, Hinako, who falls in love with a firefighter, Minato after he saves her from a fire. The beautiful love story turns tragic quickly after Minato dies. Hinako then discovers that it’s possible to communicate with her lover while surfing.
