Hey everyone! There are countless Japanese anime out there. As a Japanese writer, I’d like to introduce you to some of the best and coolest ones. I’ve selected shows that even beginners who haven’t watched much anime can enjoy. Be sure to check them out!
The rating scores are based on whether the anime is easy to watch for beginners and if the series is interesting.
| Title | Rating | |
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Clannad/ Clannad After Story |
9.4/10 |
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Violet Evergarden | 9.1/10 |
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Attack on Titan | 9.2/10 |
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Lycoris Recoil | 8.8/10 |
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Fate/Zero | 8.7/10 |
 |
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End | 8.4/10 |
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Fullmetal Alchemist | 8.5/10 |
 |
Assassination Classroom | 8.1/10 |
 |
The Devil is a Part-Timer! | 8.0/10 |
 |
Angel Beats! | 8.1/10 |
 |
Jujutsu Kaisen | 8.2/10 |
 |
Death Note | 8.7/10 |
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Haikyuu!! | 8.6/10 |
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Mobile Suit Gundam SEED | 8.1/10 |
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Steins;Gate | 9.0/10 |
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Hyouka | 8.8/10 |
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Girls und Panzer | 8.0/10 |
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Demon Slayer | 8.6/10 |
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My Hero Academia | 8.1/10 |
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Sword Art Online | 8.3/10 |
1.Clannad/Clannad After Story
Production Company: Kyoto Animation
Genre: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life, Supernatural
Rating: 9.4/10
Synopsis: “Clannad” follows the story of Tomoya Okazaki, a high school delinquent who finds life dull and believes he’ll never amount to anything. One day, he meets a strange girl named Nagisa Furukawa who, due to illness, is repeating her senior year. Despite her frailty, she is determined to revive the school’s drama club. Tomoya agrees to help her, and through this, he begins to form deep connections with Nagisa and other classmates, discovering the importance of family, friendship, and community.
Review: In Japan, “Clannad” is often referred to as “life.” It is believed to beautifully depict the joys and sorrows of everyday life. Some people might find the distinctive art style unappealing, but the overwhelming emotions conveyed in this work can overshadow any such reservations. You cannot truly discuss anime without having seen “Clannad.”
2.Violet Evergarden
Production Company: Kyoto Animation
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Slice of Life
Rating: 9.1/10
Synopsis: “Violet Evergarden” follows the journey of Violet, a former child soldier who was raised solely for the purpose of combat. After the war ends, she is left with a pair of mechanical arms and a haunting sense of loss. To understand the last words of her beloved Major Gilbert, “I love you,” Violet becomes an Auto Memory Doll, a ghostwriter who transcribes people’s thoughts and feelings into letters. Through her work, Violet learns about human emotions and begins to heal from her own emotional scars.
Review:The visuals are incredibly beautiful, which immediately draws you in. In an era where social media has become widespread and few people write letters, watching this anime reminded me of the beauty of letter writing. It is a work that makes you want to write a letter to someone after watching it.
3.Attack on Titan
Production Company: Wit Studio (Seasons 1-3), MAPPA (Season 4)
Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic
Rating: 9.2/10
Synopsis: “Attack on Titan” is set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction, living within enormous walled cities to protect themselves from Titans—giant humanoid creatures that devour humans seemingly without reason. The story follows Eren Yeager, his adoptive sister Mikasa Ackerman, and their friend Armin Arlert, whose lives are changed forever when a Colossal Titan breaches the wall of their hometown. Vowing to eradicate the Titans, Eren joins the Survey Corps, a military unit tasked with fighting the Titans beyond the walls. As they uncover more about the Titans and their origins, they realize the true horror and secrets of their world.
Review:When I first watched the first episode, I was incredibly shocked. I felt it was a bold challenge from Japanese anime. Although the content includes grotesque expressions, the beautiful visuals, music, and script are all excellently crafted. “Dedicate your hearts!”
4.Lycoris Recoil
Production Company: A-1 Pictures
Genre: Action, Drama
Rating: 8.8/10
Synopsis: “Lycoris Recoil” is an original Japanese anime series that follows a secret government organization called DA (Direct Attack) and its young female operatives known as “Lycoris.” These girls are responsible for maintaining peace and carrying out covert missions across Japan. The story centers on Takina Inoue, a disciplined and serious former elite agent, and Chisato Nishikigi, a bright and carefree girl. Together, they tackle various challenges and missions, developing a strong bond and experiencing personal growth. The series delves into themes of friendship, conflict, and the complexities of their covert operations.
5.Fate/Zero
Production Company: ufotable
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural
Rating: 8.7/10
Synopsis: “Fate/Zero” is a Japanese anime series that serves as a prequel to “Fate/stay night.” The story is set in a world where powerful mages summon legendary heroes from history and mythology to compete in the Holy Grail War, a battle royale for the omnipotent Holy Grail, which grants any wish to its victor. The series focuses on the Fourth Holy Grail War, following Kiritsugu Emiya, a ruthless mage known as the “Magus Killer,” who summons Saber, the spirit of King Arthur. As the war progresses, Kiritsugu and Saber, along with other masters and their servants, face intense battles and moral dilemmas, uncovering dark secrets and facing their own inner conflicts in the pursuit of their ultimate goals.
6.Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Production Company: Studio Gokumi
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Drama
Rating: 8.4/10
Synopsis: “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” is a fantasy anime series based on the manga of the same name. The story follows Frieren, an immortal witch who embarks on a journey with a group of adventurers. Despite her immortality, Frieren watches her companions age and pass away, leading her to contemplate the transient nature of life and the bonds formed along the way. As they face various challenges and encounters on their journey, Frieren learns about the importance of cherishing moments and connections, even in the face of inevitable farewells.
7.Fullmetal Alchemist
Production Company: BONES
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Drama
Rating: 8.5/10
Synopsis: “Fullmetal Alchemist” follows the journey of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who practice the forbidden art of alchemy. In a tragic accident during their childhood, Edward loses his arm and leg, and Alphonse loses his entire body. In a desperate attempt to bring Alphonse back, Edward sacrifices his arm to bind Alphonse’s soul to a suit of armor. Determined to restore their bodies, the brothers embark on a quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary artifact that is said to amplify alchemical powers. Along the way, they encounter political intrigue, dark secrets, and powerful enemies, while also confronting the moral implications of their actions.
8.Assassination Classroom
Production Company: Lerche
Genre: Action, Comedy, Supernatural
Rating: 8.1/10
Synopsis: “Assassination Classroom” revolves around Class 3-E of Kunugigaoka Junior High School, a group of students tasked with assassinating their alien teacher, Koro-sensei, before he destroys the Earth. Koro-sensei is a powerful creature who has already decimated half of the moon and threatens to do the same to Earth within a year. Despite his formidable abilities, he agrees to teach the students, offering them a chance to improve their academic and assassination skills. As the students engage in various comedic and often absurd attempts to kill their teacher, they also learn valuable life lessons and form deep bonds with each other. The series explores themes of friendship, redemption, and the importance of second chances.
9.The Devil is a Part-Timer!
Production Company: White Fox
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural, Slice of Life
Rating: 8.0/10
Synopsis: “The Devil is a Part-Timer!” begins in the parallel world of Ente Isla, where the Demon Lord Satan is defeated by the Hero Emilia. To escape, Satan and his loyal general Alsiel flee through a dimensional portal that transports them to modern-day Tokyo, a world without magic. Struggling to survive in this new environment, Satan, now known as Sadao Maou, takes a part-time job at a fast food restaurant called MgRonald’s. As he adjusts to human society, dealing with everyday challenges such as paying rent and buying groceries, he encounters Emilia, who has also arrived in Tokyo and is determined to monitor his actions. The anime humorously portrays the clash between their epic pasts and their current mundane lives, blending fantasy elements with the daily struggles of living in the modern world.
10.Angel Beats!
Production Company: P.A. Works
Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Supernatural
Rating: 8.1/10
Synopsis: “Angel Beats!” is set in the afterlife, where a group of deceased students find themselves in a high school environment, tasked with overcoming their regrets and moving on. The story follows Yuzuru Otonashi, who wakes up in this strange afterlife with no memories of his past. He meets Yuri Nakamura, the leader of the Afterlife Battlefront (Shinda Sekai Sensen), a group of students who rebel against a mysterious girl named Angel, whom they believe is responsible for their suffering. As Otonashi becomes involved in the group’s activities, he learns more about his fellow students’ pasts and their struggles. The series combines action, comedy, and drama to explore themes of life, death, and acceptance, leading to emotional and thought-provoking moments as the characters come to terms with their fates.
11.Jujutsu Kaisen
Production Company: MAPPA
Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Supernatural
Rating: 8.2/10
Synopsis: “Jujutsu Kaisen” follows the story of Yuji Itadori, a high school student with extraordinary physical abilities. When Yuji’s grandfather passes away, he inherits a powerful cursed object known as a “Sukuna Finger.” Unbeknownst to him, this object attracts curses, malevolent spirits that feed on negative energy. In an attempt to protect his friends from a curse, Yuji swallows the Sukuna Finger, thus becoming the vessel for the infamous Cursed Spirit, Ryomen Sukuna. As a result, he is drawn into the world of jujutsu sorcery, where shamans exorcise curses using special techniques. To control Sukuna’s power and save others from curses, Yuji enrolls in Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical College, where he trains to become a jujutsu sorcerer. Alongside his classmates, including the enigmatic Megumi Fushiguro and the eccentric Nobara Kugisaki, Yuji battles curses and uncovers dark secrets within the jujutsu world. The series features intense action sequences, complex characters, and a gripping narrative, making it a standout in the supernatural action genre.
12.Death Note
Production Company: Madhouse
Genre: Psychological thriller, Mystery, Supernatural
Rating: 8.7/10
Synopsis: “Death Note” follows the story of Light Yagami, a highly intelligent high school student who discovers a mysterious notebook called the “Death Note.” The notebook grants its user the ability to kill anyone whose name and face they know, simply by writing the person’s name in the notebook while picturing their face. Intrigued by the power to dispense justice, Light decides to use the Death Note to rid the world of criminals and create a utopian society under his rule as the self-proclaimed god, “Kira.” However, his actions draw the attention of law enforcement agencies worldwide, including the enigmatic detective known only as “L.” Thus begins a high-stakes game of cat and mouse between Light and L, as they engage in a battle of wits to uncover each other’s identities and outmaneuver one another. As the series progresses, Light’s descent into darkness and the moral implications of his actions are explored, leading to a thrilling and thought-provoking narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
13.Haikyuu!!
Production Company: Production I.G
Genre: Sports, Comedy, Drama
Rating: 8.6/10
Synopsis: “Haikyuu!!” follows the journey of Shoyo Hinata, a passionate and determined high school student with a dream of becoming a great volleyball player despite his short stature. Inspired by a legendary player known as the “Little Giant,” Hinata joins the volleyball team at Karasuno High School. However, upon joining the team, Hinata discovers that his rival, Tobio Kageyama, also known as the “King of the Court,” is now his teammate. Despite their initial rivalry, Hinata and Kageyama learn to work together and form a powerful duo on the court, combining their unique skills to overcome formidable opponents.
The series chronicles Karasuno High School’s journey as they compete in various volleyball tournaments, striving to reach the national championships. Along the way, they face fierce rivals, undergo intense training, and form deep bonds of friendship. “Haikyuu!!” is praised for its compelling characters, dynamic volleyball matches, and emotional storytelling, making it a standout in the sports anime genre.
14.Mobile Suit Gundam SEED
Production Company: Sunrise
Genre: Mecha, Action, Science Fiction
Rating: 8.1/10
Synopsis: “Gundam SEED” is set in a future where humanity has colonized space and is divided into two opposing factions: the Earth Alliance and the space colonies known as ZAFT (Zodiac Alliance of Freedom Treaty). The story follows Kira Yamato, a young Coordinator living on the neutral space colony of Heliopolis. When ZAFT forces attack Heliopolis in search of advanced mobile suits known as Gundams, Kira finds himself drawn into the conflict. He becomes the pilot of the Strike Gundam, a powerful mobile suit designed to defend the Earth Alliance.
As the war escalates, Kira must confront his own identity as a Coordinator, genetically enhanced humans feared and persecuted by Naturals, and grapple with the morality of war. Alongside his friends and allies, including the mysterious Lacus Clyne and the crew of the Archangel, Kira fights to bring an end to the conflict and create a better future for both Naturals and Coordinators. “Gundam SEED” explores themes of war, prejudice, and the consequences of genetic manipulation, while also delivering intense mecha battles and complex character development.
15.Steins;Gate
Production Company: White Fox
Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller, Drama
Rating: 9.0/10
Synopsis: “Steins;Gate” follows the story of Rintarou Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist who runs the “Future Gadget Laboratory” above a small electronics store in Akihabara, Tokyo. Alongside his friends Mayuri Shiina and Itaru “Daru” Hashida, Okabe spends his days conducting bizarre experiments and discussing conspiracy theories.
However, their lives take a dramatic turn when Okabe discovers a way to send text messages to the past using a modified microwave oven, leading to the development of a time machine. As Okabe and his friends delve deeper into the mysteries of time travel, they inadvertently attract the attention of a shadowy organization known as “SERN,” which seeks to control time travel for its own nefarious purposes.
Caught in a web of conspiracies and paradoxes, Okabe must navigate the complexities of time travel to prevent a series of tragic events from occurring, all while facing the consequences of altering the past. “Steins;Gate” is praised for its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking exploration of themes such as fate, sacrifice, and the nature of reality.
16.Hyouka
Production Company: Kyoto Animation
Genre: Mystery, Slice of Life, Drama
Rating: 8.8/10
Synopsis: “Hyouka” follows the story of Oreki Houtarou, a high school student who prefers to live a life of minimal energy expenditure, avoiding unnecessary activities and interactions. However, his mundane existence is disrupted when he joins the Classic Literature Club at the behest of his older sister.
Alongside the energetic and curious Chitanda Eru, the knowledgeable Satoshi Fukube, and the artistic Mayaka Ibara, Oreki finds himself drawn into a series of intriguing mysteries and puzzles that lie dormant within their school and community. Despite his initial reluctance, Oreki’s keen intellect and deductive skills prove invaluable in unraveling the secrets and enigmas surrounding them.
As the group tackles various mysteries, they also navigate the complexities of friendship, personal growth, and self-discovery. Through their adventures, Oreki learns to appreciate the beauty and excitement that can be found in the ordinary, leading to profound moments of introspection and understanding. “Hyouka” is celebrated for its beautifully crafted visuals, subtle character development, and engaging storytelling, making it a standout in the mystery genre.
17.Girls und Panzer
Production Company: Actas
Genre: Action, Comedy, Military, Slice of Life
Rating: 8.0/10
Synopsis: “Girls und Panzer” is set in a world where tank warfare is a traditional martial art practiced by high school girls. The story follows Miho Nishizumi, a transfer student at Ooarai Girls High School who comes from a prestigious family with a long history of tankery. However, Miho harbors a traumatic past related to tankery and initially decides to avoid the school’s tankery program.
Despite her intentions, Miho is drawn back into the world of tankery when she joins the school’s tankery team after meeting new friends who are passionate about the sport. Together, they form an unlikely team and embark on a journey to compete in tankery tournaments, facing off against rival schools with their unique tankery styles and strategies.
As the team trains and competes, they form deep bonds of friendship and camaraderie, overcoming challenges and obstacles along the way. Through their experiences in tankery, Miho and her teammates learn valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of believing in oneself. “Girls und Panzer” is celebrated for its thrilling tank battles, endearing characters, and lighthearted humor, offering a unique and entertaining take on both the sports and military genres.
18.Demon Slayer
Production Company: ufotable
Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Supernatural
Rating: 8.6/10
Synopsis: In “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,” the story revolves around Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy living in rural Japan during the Taisho era. Tanjiro’s peaceful life is shattered when his family is slaughtered by demons, with only his younger sister, Nezuko, surviving, albeit as a demon herself.
Determined to turn Nezuko back into a human and avenge his family, Tanjiro embarks on a perilous journey to become a demon slayer. Along the way, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, including the enigmatic swordsman Zenitsu Agatsuma and the hot-headed Inosuke Hashibira, both of whom become his allies in the fight against demons.
As Tanjiro trains and hones his skills as a demon slayer, he faces increasingly powerful demons and uncovers the dark secrets of the demon-slaying organization. With the help of his comrades and his unwavering resolve, Tanjiro seeks to eradicate the demons responsible for his family’s tragedy and protect humanity from their malevolent influence.
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” is praised for its stunning animation, captivating storyline, and well-developed characters, making it one of the most popular and critically acclaimed anime of recent years.
19.My Hero Academia
Production Company: Bones
Genre: Action, Adventure, Superhero
Rating: 8.1/10
Synopsis: “My Hero Academia” is set in a world where nearly everyone possesses superpowers known as “Quirks.” The story follows Izuku Midoriya, a Quirkless boy who dreams of becoming a hero like his idol, All Might, the Symbol of Peace. Despite lacking powers, Izuku is determined to enroll in U.A. High School, the prestigious academy for aspiring heroes.
Through a chance encounter with All Might, Izuku inherits the legendary hero’s Quirk, “One For All,” and gains the opportunity to fulfill his dream. Alongside his classmates, including the fiery-tempered Katsuki Bakugo and the talented Ochaco Uraraka, Izuku trains to become a hero and faces various challenges, including villain attacks and intense competitions.
As Izuku navigates the trials and tribulations of hero training, he discovers the true meaning of heroism and forms deep bonds with his fellow students. “My Hero Academia” is celebrated for its dynamic characters, intense action scenes, and themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery, making it a beloved series among fans worldwide.
20.Sword Art Online
Production Company: A-1 Pictures
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
Rating: 8.3/10
Synopsis: “Sword Art Online” is set in a virtual reality MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) world where players immerse themselves using special headsets called NerveGear. The story follows protagonist Kirito and thousands of other players who become trapped inside the game by its creator, Akihiko Kayaba.
To escape the virtual world, players must clear all 100 levels of the game’s deadly dungeons. Failure to do so results in real-world death. Kirito, a skilled gamer, teams up with other players, including his eventual love interest Asuna, to conquer the game and free themselves from their virtual prison.
As they journey through various virtual worlds and face numerous challenges, Kirito and his companions must confront powerful adversaries, unravel mysteries surrounding the game, and ultimately fight for their survival. “Sword Art Online” explores themes of friendship, love, and the boundaries between virtual and real-life experiences, captivating audiences with its thrilling action and heartfelt storytelling.
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I listed anime here that are relatively visually beautiful and easy to watch for beginners, with interesting scripts as the main focus. There are many more works I’d like to introduce, but I’ll save those for next time! Please look forward to it!
Best anime:Must-watch recommended anime(Most Popular Anime in Japan)