Hey everyone! Let’s talk about Japanese animation. Last year, I finally got a broadband connection and went on a downloading spree. Now I’ve got over 30 complete series (including OVAs and movies). Here’s my list:
12 Kingdoms (Juuni Kokuki)
Azumanga Daioh
Beck
Berserk
Da Capo Season 1
Daa! Daa! Daa!
Devilman
Dragon Drive
Fullmetal Alchemist
Full Metal Panic
G Gundam
Gankutsuou
Gundam 08th MS Team
Gundam 0080
Gundam 0083
Gundam: Char’s Counterattack
Gundam Seed
Gundam Z
Gundam ZZ
Gunparade March
Last Exile
Macross 7
Macross SDF
Macross Plus
Mezzo DSA
Onegai Teacher
Ragnarok the Animation
Robot Carnival
RahXephon
Shadow Skill
Soukyuu no Fafner
Space Adventure Cobra
Star Ocean EX
Tenjou Tenge
Trigun
And many more! I’d love to see your lists and have a discussion about favorites, hidden gems, or anything anime-related. What are you watching right now?
Dude, you absolutely have to add Baki the Grappler to your list! It’s about a 13-year-old kid named Baki who wants to become the world’s greatest fighter. The anime features a ton of different martial arts—jujitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, pro wrestling, karate, you name it. What cracks me up is how they use real-life fighters as inspiration. There’s this one guy based on Rickson Gracie from Brazil, a legendary jujitsu master with over 400 fights and no losses. The Japanese version with subtitles has more seasons, so if you’re okay with subs, definitely check it out. Highly recommend!
It’s surprising to see a fan of heavy series like Fullmetal Alchemist, Gundam, and Macross who also loves Azumanga Daioh. I get it, though—those epic series are classics, but sometimes they’re just too serious for me. I watch anime mainly for entertainment, and long-running epics can be exhausting. Azumanga Daioh, on the other hand, is short and super relaxing. It reminds me of my high school days.
If you like Azumanga Daioh, you should try Kamichu! It’s currently airing on Asahi TV. The story is about a middle school girl who becomes a goddess overnight and goes on all kinds of fun adventures. The art is stunning, and the city of Onomichi where it’s set is charming. It’s the perfect feel-good watch.
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