Last Updated: 12.28.2020
Man 2020 will be a year to remember, but boy are we glad to leave it behind. And what better way to kick off the year with a lot of fun and promising new titles and beloved sequels to look forward in Winter 2021 Season!
We would also like to than our dear contributors both on Patreon and Ko-Fi!
We truly appreciate your support!
Resources
AniList, A.I.R, ANN, FanSub DB, LiveChart, MAL
PLEASE READ – Preview Format Disclaimer: The following line up in the season preview was decided by each of the writers who are participating this Winter by making a list and ranking then titles them by levels of interest.
- High: Most Anticipated
- Moderate: The Eye-Catchers
- Low: Might Enjoy
- Wild Picks: A Shot in the Dark
Participating writers’ rankings were then tallied and placed within the categories of interest based on the majority of votes or compromised when tied. So you will continue to see a variety of reactions based on the titles which have been selected. At the time same, the writers are not obligated to share their thoughts on the titles they are not interested in/unlikely to watch.
If you wish to see the full list of the preview, you will be able to find it in Live Chart.
High: Most Anticipated
BEASTARS Season 2
BEASTARS 2期
Source: Manga
Animation Company: Orange
Website: https://bst-anime.com/
Premiere: Jan 7, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Drama, Psychological, Slice of Life
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: Second Season of BEASTARS
In a world populated by anthropomorphic animals, herbivores and carnivores coexist with each other. For the adolescents of Cherryton Academy, school life is filled with hope, romance, distrust, and uneasiness.
The main character is Legoshi the wolf, a member of the drama club. Despite his menacing appearance, he has a very gentle heart. Throughout most of his life, he has always been an object of fear and hatred by other animals, and he’s been quite accustomed to that lifestyle. But soon, he finds himself becoming more involved with his fellow classmates who have their own share of insecurities and finds his life in school changing slowly.
~*~
Berry: There’s not much else for me to say other than I’m extremely excited for this season. It’s still amazing how much I ended up loving Beastars and how engaged I was with the story. New season seems like it’s going to be just as exciting as the first and I’m here for it!
Shadow: I haven’t watched the anime, because I’m picky but I have read the manga and man this is such a great series. So anime-onlys are in for a treat for what is to come~
Possible Bloggers: Berry
Dr. Stone: Stone Wars
ドクターストーン STONE WARS
Source: Manga
Animation Company: TMS Entertainment
Website: https://dr-stone.jp/
Premiere: Jan 14, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: The second season of Dr. STONE, which adapts the rest of the 2nd major arc of the series, the “Stone Wars” saga.
~*~
Quietcupcake: Ok, I almost passed on the first season of Dr. Stone when it aired, but my roommate decided to watch it and convinced me to give it a chance. I was impressed with how much I enjoyed it! I joke with my roommates that each of these characters really play into their character tropes and it was a joy watching them! I’ve also been watching a lot of manga readers get super excited for what’s to come in the story, so I’m hyped to finally figure out what’s going to happen!
Possible Bloggers: Quietcupcake
Log Horizon: Entaku Houkai (S3)
ログ・ホライズン 円卓崩壊 | Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table (S3)
Source: Light Novel
Animation Company: Studio DEEN
Website: https://www6.nhk.or.jp/anime/program/detail.html?i=loghorizon3
Premiere: Jan 13, 2021(JST)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: The third season of Log Horizon.
A year after the adventurers were blown into the Elder Tale world, Akiba’s prosperity begins to teeter with the emergence of a new monster (“Genius”), a festering power struggle between the east-west aristocrats, and the growing gap among the adventurers themselves.
Finally, the Round Table, the symbol of their unity, faces a decisive crisis…
~*~
Eva: Frankly I didn’t think we were going to see a third season after the stuff that happened with the author, but gosh I am so happy to see it because I love this series. While it’s not necessarily my highest priority of titles I am looking to cover this season, since there nobody else to pick up this title in Berry’s steed, I would like to try picking it up. But since it’s been so long I definitely need a refresh of Season 1 & 2, so as long as I have the time to watch it through again, I’ll be open to potentially picking this up.
Berry: Log Horizon’s had a…weird ride what with everything that happened with its author. Because of that, I didn’t think we were ever going to get more material and a third season and I basically accepted that sad fact. So the fact that WE ARE getting a third season is so amazing I want to cry. I also want to cry because while I had blogged the second season all the way back in Fall 2014/Winter 2015, I’m going to have to pass on it this time. Sadly the show is clumped together on the same day with all the other shows I’m going to blog and it’ll just be too much for me and kind of a mess. Unless my crazy ass changes my mind or I make it work somehow, I think I’ll just have to forgo it.
It makes me a little extra sad because, fun fact: Log Horizon Season 2 was one of the very first shows I did for the blog when I joined back in Fall 2014 (along with Akatsuki no Yona, Terraformars, and Selector Spread WIXOSS), so it’s a little more special. But it is what it is.
Possible Bloggers: Eva
Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 2nd Season Part 2
Re:ゼロから始める異世界生活 | Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World 2
Source: Light Novel
Animation Company: White Fox
Website: http://re-zero-anime.jp/tv/
Premiere: Jan 6, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Psychological
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: The second cour of the second season of Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu.
~*~
Berry: And here we continue with this crazy arc! The first half gave us lots of cool and interesting revelations, so much so that it was kind of overwhelming so I can’t even imagine what’s going to happen in the second half. Can’t wait to find out!
Shadow: I’ve been waiting for the second half of the season to come back since they left us on that cruel, cruel cliffhanger. I’m both interested and terrified of what will happen next since… Subaru’s life is just suffering in this world. Also, I hope that Emilia can be able to do more since she’s constantly been put on the bus despite being very capable.
Possible Bloggers: Berry
Shingeki no Kyojin: The Final Season
進撃の巨人 The Final Season | Attack on Titan Final Season
Source: Manga
Animation Company: MAPPA
Website: https://shingeki.tv/final/
Premiere: Dec 7, 2020 (JST)
Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: The final season of Shingeki no Kyojin.
It’s been four years since the Scout Regiment reached the shoreline, and the world looks different now. Things are heating up as the fate of the Scout Regiment—and the people of Paradis—are determined at last. However, Eren is missing. Will he reappear before age-old tensions between Marleyans and Eldians result in the war of all wars?
~*~
Berry: Well, the season has already started and it’s already pretty interesting. And hey I binged the entirety of Attack on Titan with Shadow just so I could be ready for this season. And it was one hell of a ride but I’m so glad I caught up because this series is pretty amazing and it blew my mind and broke my heart many times. Oh boy, I sure can’t wait to get my heart broken again I bet? :>
Shadow: Whelp, I’ve already started covering this season if anyone is interested. I felt like it’d just be a complete crime for no one to cover it since the first three seasons have been covered on this blog in the past (even if the 3rd season coverage was never completed). I had a fun time rewatching the series with Berry as it helped me refresh on things that have happened. I’ve read the manga, so I know the big events that happen, but there are a lot of details that I had forgotten so this will be an exciting watch for sure.
Possible Blogger: Shadow
Tropical-Rouge! Precure
トロピカル~ジュ！プリキュア
Source: Original
Animation Company: Toei Animation
Website: www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/tropical-rouge_precure/
Premiere: February 28, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Action, Magic, Fantasy, Shoujo
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: Manatsu Natsuumi is a first-year junior high school student born and raised on a small island. On the day she moves from the island, She meets Lola, a mermaid girl who has come to the earth alone in search of the legendary warrior, PreCure. Lola’s hometown, Grand Ocean, is attacked by a witch who lives in the dark depths of the ocean, and all of their motivational power is taken away. It is said that if the motivational power of humans is also taken away, the world will be in deep trouble. Lola is captured by the witch’s servant, and Manatsu transforms into Cure Summer to save her.
~*~
Eva: It is almost time for me to reset expectations because Healin’ Good Precure had quickly become one of my newest favourites to the extent I am actually sad that it’s ending. When Tropical- Rouge! Precure was first announced, there was a lot of talk about this one being a mermaid theme and for many of us, the first thing that comes to mind is Mermaid Melody. But when I thought about it, I was under the impression if there were going to be any singing at all, it might be more like Symphogear under the sea. Anyways, since they have revealed the character designs I have to say I am pleasantly surprised to see them shift away from the protagonist being a pink precure for an exchange. While the blond hair isn’t anything new, the white outfit is a nice call back to Futari wa Precure, and the center’s design actually looks quite similar to Yes! Precure 5 too! So as per usual, I can guarantee I’ll be doing a first impression for this series!
Berry: So I’ve dipped my toes into Precure and was disappointed with Star Twinkle and ended up dropping that early. However I just love Healin’ Good Precure and I’m pretty excited for this one, though wary like Eva. Looking back on Mermaid Melody it was…a little silly, but it holds a special place in my heart. If we’re getting mermaids with this one I actually wouldn’t mind them singing while transforming/fighting a la Symphogear style and not Mermaid Melody. I think it’d make it more fun! Of course, characters and story are the most important things but the theme they’re going for this time should be amusing.
Possible Bloggers: Eva
Yakusoku no Neverland 2nd Season
約束のネバーランド2 | The Promised Neverland Season 2
Source: Manga
Animation Company: CloverWorks
Website: https://neverland-anime.com/
Premiere: January 7, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: The second season of Yakusoku no Neverland.
~*~
Berry: Same as Beastars, I’m extremely hyped for this one. One of the best mystery/horror shows recently and I can’t wait to see what adventure awaits!
Quietcupcake: I’m so hyped for the second season that I’m almost scared to watch it! I waited until the full first season released before I started watching, so I didn’t get to experience the stress first hand. But I’m hyped and ready to go for this new season!
Possible Bloggers: Berry
Moderate: The Eye-Catchers
2.43: Seiin Koukou Danshi Volley-bu
2.43 清陰高校男子バレー部 | 2.43: Seiin High School Boys Volleyball Team
Source: Novel
Animation Company: David Productions
Website: https://243anime.com/
Premiere: Jan 8, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Slice of Life, Sports
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: High school student Kimichika Haijima moves back to his hometown, Fukui, after causing trouble in the Tokyo Junior High School volleyball club. There, he is reunited with his childhood friend, Yunii Kuroba, who possesses outstanding physical abilities, but is vulnerable under pressure. Haijima, with his overwhelming passion and talent for volleyball, forms an ace combination with Kuroba.
The two enroll at Seiin High School, where they join the volleyball club. Awaiting them are the 163 cm hot-blooded captain Shinichirou Oda, the talented and sharp-tongued vice-captain Misao Aoki and his third-year pair, and second-year students, including Akito Kanno, who is always wearing long sleeves due to his allergy to sunlight.
The newborn team breaks its former shell of weakness and becomes Fukui’s rising star. This is a certain team’s journey to victory, with a series of fascinating rivals standing in their way.
~*~
Eva: Consider there are already an abundance of Baseball and Soccer series flooding the sports genre, I for one am happy and excited to see a new volleyball series be adapted. I understand why people are quick to compare this one to Haikyuu (and I love that series to death too), but let’s all just sit back, see how this one plays out and hope it will become yet another volleyball series we can come to love, so sign me up!
Berry: I feel so bad for this show because it was destined to be compared to Haikyuu, and people are already doing that. I can see why considering how amazing Haikyuu is, but I hope people won’t be too crazy with the comparisons. Anyway, I’m looking forward to this show and I hope it does well. It seems more calm and chill and it looks nice too, and sports anime is always fun~
Shadow: I’m a little interested to see what kind of series this will turn out to be and if it will at least be decently well written. I’ll keep my expectations low, but I’ll be sure to check it out since my friend used this anime to test me to see if I could figure out which VA’s are in this show just by ear lol.
Quietcupcake: Man, this series has some big shoes to fill considering what we’ve all be through with Haikyuu! this past season. But at the same time, since it’s riding the hype wave, it has a chance to stand out and be different. It can give us a whole new take on volleyball. If anything, I kind of hope it will be refreshing to see something new! Plus, the characters’ personalities seem like they can bring some fun, I’m looking forward to meeting them!
Possible Bloggers: Eva, Quietcupcake
Alice in Deadly School
アリスインデッドリースクール
Source: Other
Animation Company: Hoods Entertainment
Website: http://gekidol.com/alicein/
Premiere: January 4, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Supernatural
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: Yuu and Nobu are practicing manzai (a two-person comedy act) act on the roof of the school. At the same time, the school building is overflowing with the presence of non-human “something else.” It is said that if a person dies after being bitten by one of them, it will turn into the same “something else” and attack people. In the chaos of the school, Will Yuu, Nobu, and the other surviving students be able to escape from its evil hands?
~*~
Berry: So basically Gakkou Gurashi (School Live!). I’m not going to lie, I would have preferred a second season to that show because it’s amazing, but I’ll happily watch this one too. Judging by the PV, it looks like this one will be more serious and bloody and without the moe-ness of Gakkou Gurashi, so this should be interesting.
Back Arrow
バック・アロウ
Source: Original
Animation Company: Studio VOLN
Website: https://back-arrow.com/
Premiere: January 9, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Mecha, Sci-Fi
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: Ringarindo is a land surrounded by a wall. The wall covers, protects, cultivates, and nutures this land. The wall is god … it is the foundation of this land of Ringarindo.
One day, a mysterious man named Back Arrow appears in Essha village on the outskirts of Ringarindo. Arrow lost his memories, but says that all he knows is, “I came from beyond the wall.” To restore his memories, Arrow heads out beyond the wall, but is embroiled in a battle with himself as the stakes.
~*~
Eva: So I must admit, while I am looking forward to this series I do consider this to be of a wildcard of a sorts. The first time I watched the PV I wasn’t sure what to think of this series, but the more I looked into it the more I interested I became. I don’t know what is going to become of this series since some of Kazuki Nakashima’s works are sometimes a hit or miss for me, but as always, I’m willing to find out.
Possible Bloggers: Eva
Hataraku Saibou!! Season 2
はたらく細胞!! | Cells at Work!!
Source: Manga
Animation Company: David Production
Website: https://hataraku-saibou.com/
Premiere: January 9, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: The second season of Hataraku Saibou.
~*~
Berry: Cells at Work was an extremely charming and funny show, as well as educational (and accurate!) I’ve always had an interest in the human body and its functions so getting another season of this show is just so lovely. Funny, wholesome, and clever!
Hataraku Saibou Black
はたらく細胞BLACK | Cells at Work! CODE BLACK
Source: Manga
Animation Company: LIDENFILMS
Website: https://saibou-black.com/
Premiere: January 10, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: A newbie Red Blood Cell is one of 37 trillion working to keep this body running. But something’s wrong! Stress hormones keep yelling at him to go faster. The blood vessels are crusted over with cholesterol. Ulcers, fatty liver, trouble (ahem) downstairs … It’s hard for a cell to keep working when every day is a CODE BLACK!
~*~
Berry: The wholesomeness and lighthearted tone of the original is probably one of the main reasons I love it, so Code Black is interesting in that it seems like the complete opposite. I think it’s great that it’ll handle mature topics, but I’m not sure I’ll like it as much if the tone is darker as well. Oh, and the genderbending of the characters doesn’t seem too necessary but whatever. Still, I’ll check this one out too and hope I like it as much as the main story.
Horimiya
ホリミヤ
Source: Manga
Animation Company: Cloverworks
Website: https://horimiya-anime.com/
Premiere: January 10, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: At school, Kyouko Hori is known for being smart, attractive, and popular. On the other hand, her classmate, the boring, gloomy Izumi Miyamura tends to get painted as a “loser fanboy.” But when a liberally pierced and tattooed (not to mention downright gorgeous) Miyamura appears unexpectedly on the doorstep of secretly plain-Jane homebody Hori, these two similarly dissimilar teenagers discover that there are multiple sides to every story…and person!
~*~
Eva: I absolutely loved this manga because Hori and Miyamura (BEST BOY) are such a wholesome pair and are precious! It is such a charming series with endearing characters, so it’s definitely one worth putting on your watch-list this season!
Berry: I remember hearing so much about this manga awhile ago and people seemed to love it. It’s also nice to get a romance show and this one looks pleasant, and the art is pretty nice too.
Shadow: I’ve read a bit of the manga for this series and I have to say it is rather adorable and wholesome. Though it does have its moments of pretty depressing topics. But it just makes it feel very human and I’m glad that it generally strays away from super heavy drama that a lot of romance anime tend to dabble with. I haven’t been keeping up with it lately since the update schedule for the manga was weird, so I’m excited to see how this adaptation fares. As much as I would love to cover this, I’m already handling two shows within the Saturday and Sunday timeline so… unfortunately I will have to pass on coverage for this.
Quietcupcake: It brings me joy to see that this manga is getting a proper anime series rather than more OVAs like the ones from a couple years ago. I’ll admit that it’s been a hot minute since I’ve read the manga, but it was cute and charming so I’m excited to see how the adaption will play out! Ahhhhhhhhhh I’m just really excited to see people discover the series again.
Ura Sekai Picnic
裏世界ピクニック | Otherside Picnic
Source: Novel
Animation Company: LIDENFILMS | Felix Film
Website: https://www.othersidepicnic.com/
Premiere: January 4, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: Her first encounter with Toriko Nishina was on the Otherside after seeing “that thing” and nearly dying. Ever since that day, exhausted university student Sorawo Kamikoshi’s life changed. In this Otherworld, full of mystery, which exists alongside our own, dangerous beings like the Kunekune and Hasshaku-sama that are spoken of in real ghost stories appear. For research, for profit, and to find an important person, Toriko and Sorawo set foot into the abnormal.
~*~
Eva: Gosh I can’t believe almost overlooked this one, but I’m glad I double-checked because the drama in the PV it had me hooked. And for those who are unaware, J-Novel Club has localized the novel, so you can read the first part on their site to see if you want to pick it up.
Quietcupcake: I pretty much echo all of Eva’s thoughts. When I was first checking out what was airing this season I just glanced over the promotional art in favor of some of the other things on this list. But I am so glad that I decided to watch the PV because, dang. That’s a good PV. I don’t really know what to expect from this one, but if the the PV is any indicator I’m down to check out whatever they want to throw at me.
Possible Bloggers: Quietcupcake
SK∞
SK∞ エスケーエイト | SK8 the Infinity
Source: Original
Animation Company: BONES
Website: https://sk8-project.com/
Premiere: January 10, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Sports
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis: Reki, a high school sophomore and skater, is addicted to “S,” a highly secret and dangerous downhill skateboarding race that takes place in an abandoned mine. The skaters are especially wild about the “beefs,” or heated battles that erupt in the races.
Reki takes Langa, a transfer student returning to Japan after studying abroad, to the mine where the races are held. Langa, who has no skateboarding experience, finds himself pulled into the world of “S”…
~*~
Eva: I am always excited to see more variety in the sports genre, and this is no exception. This looks so wild and that makes me super hyped! I am a huge fan of the colorful and flashy character designs so I am excited for the ride!
Berry: That’s funny, this doesn’t seem like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Jokes aside…I’m not sure. Animation looks nice and I always love to check out sports anime of sports that aren’t talked about much, or have much anime for. And skateboarding definitely fits that bill. The character designs are a little silly but that should also make it more entertaining, right?
Possible Bloggers: Eva
Tenchi Souzou Design-bu
天地創造デザイン部 | Heaven’s Design Team Tendebu
Source: Manga
Animation Company: Asahi Production
Website: https://tendebu.jp/
Premiere: January 8, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Slice of Life
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: In Heaven’s Animal Design Department, designers create a variety of new animals daily while contending with the unreasonable requests of their client: God. Funny, interesting, and full of useful information, this series answers questions such as, “Why can’t unicorns exist?”, “What makes an animal taste delicious?”, “What’s the most powerful creature in the ocean?”, and, “Bird versus snake: who would win?” You won’t believe it’s a manga series when you read up on the featured animals in the included encyclopedia entries. Heaven’s Design Team will make your next trip to the zoo or aquarium 100 times more fun!
~*~
Eva: This is probably going to be one of those series I won’t watch right away, but sometime down the line when I decide I want to marathon a bunch of comedies. It looks quirky and fun so I hope it turns out to be great!
Berry: An Animal Design Department in heaven, designing and creating animals? Are you kidding me, this sounds hilarious. The concept is so unique and it sounds like it’ll be a blast. It also sounds a little like it’ll take a bit of an educational approach like Cells at Work, and I’m here for that.
Wave!! Surfing Yappe!!
WAVE!!～サーフィンやっぺ!!～ TV
Source: Other
Animation Company: Asahi Production
Website: https://wave-anime.com/
Premiere: January 12, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Slice of Life, Sports
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: The project’s story is set in the city of Ōarai in Ibaraki prefecture, and centers on Masaki Hinaoka, who befriends transfer student Shō Akitsuki before the summer break, and ends up getting hooked on surfing. Through the sport, Masaki will get to know new friends, and will also drift apart from them in his journey to adulthood.
~*~
Eva: Man this season is a treat for expanding into new sports series! It’s pretty self-explanatory at this point that I will be watching, haha!
Berry: Same reasons as SK Infinity that this caught my interest, it’s a sport we don’t see much of in anime and I’d love to check it out. I hope it makes a splash! Ha…haha… >_>
Possible Bloggers: Eva
Low: Might Enjoy
Go-toubun no Hanayome ∬
五等分の花嫁∬ | The Quintessential Quintuplets Season 2
Source: Manga
Animation Company: Bibury
Website: http://www.tbs.co.jp/anime/5hanayome/
Premiere: January 8, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Harem, Shounen
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: The second season of 5-Toubun no Hanayome.
~*~
Eva: …..Yeahhhhhh, after this series broke my heart I find it hard to be excited for this season. It is a bummer because I think most of us can agree, this season will cover what some of the best if not strongest arcs of the entire series. But that also might just be my bias speaking because my best girl hits the spotlight! I’m not sure if they will be adapting all the way to the end, but if it’s just the two arcs I absolutely love and they don’t alter it, then I might come around to watch it AFTER it finishes airing Because the ending was an absolute train-wreck, and it killed everyone we loved, including the girl who won.
Berry: For reasons I won’t specify, my hype for this series has dwindled quite a bit and that does make me sad. Still, this season has a lot to look forward to and will have lots of great moments so I’m a bit excited. Also I’m glad this anime got a different studio because the animation this time looks so beautiful~
Shadow: Sighhhhhhhh… I have similar feelings towards this series as Eva and Berry. I used to find this series so charming and fun (even pulling Eva and Berry into it so we could all suffer together). I’m both hesitant and curious of what may happen in this season. But I’ll surely still end up watching it.
Idoly Pride
Source: Original
Animation Company: Lerche
Website: https://anime.idolypride.jp/
Premiere: January 10, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Music
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: To become an idol, I shed blood, sweat, and tears. Even so, I push on. I want to shine. I want to earn it. I want to become number one. I want to smile. I want to make my dreams come true. I want to look back at a sea of people. I want to be noticed. I want to find it. I want to overcome obstacles. I have only pride inside my chest.
No one is in the spotlight from the beginning. Everyone is weak. Only those who do not break will reach the highest peak to become an idol. This is the story of idols who face big dreams and harsh reality.
~*~
Quietcupcake: Of the idol anime coming out this season, this one was the one that stood out the most for me. Honestly, I’m mostly going based off of the synopsis and the art, but I’ll definitely check this one out for a little bit!
Skate-Leading☆Stars
スケートリーディング☆スターズ
Source: Original
Animation Company: J.C. Staff
Website: https://skateleadingstars.com/
Premiere: January 10, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Sports
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis: “You will never win against me.”
Figure skater Kensei Maeshima stopped his career when he heard those words from his rival Reo Shinozaki. Some years after, Maeshima, now a high schooler, uses his physical talent for to help other clubs with various activities, while never committing to any one thing. One day, he sees a press conference where Shinozaki announced that he was shifting from single skating to “skate-leading.” After that, he met a boy named Hayato Sasugai, who knew of Maeshima’s single skating career. With the words, “I need you,” Sasugai invites Maeshima to the world of skate-leading, or competitive team-based skating.
Skate-leading is a fictional figure-skating competition, in which each team of five skaters earns points for technical skills (such as unison formation) and artistry (such as composition and entertainment) from an automated camera-based system and nine judges. There are three positions on each team: the lead who is the point-getter with many combination jumps, the wings who are mainly responsible for twist lifts and similar elements, and the guards who perform with such elements as lifts and steps.
~*~
Eva: Finally at last! This was one of the sports series I was looking forward to the most this season after its premiere date (like many others) had to be pushed to Winter 2021. I am so glad to see more figure skating animes because I absolutely LOVEEEEEEE watching the sport, it’s so beautiful! I’m curious how to this is going to turn out, because it sure looks like we have a colorful set of characters to meet.
Berry: The PV kind of makes me more excited for this than before. It has a shounen feel to it and I expect drama as well. I hope the animation for the skating will be pretty, just like Eva I love watching figure skating so I’m looking forward to this.
Shadow: I’m mildly curious because… colorful boys. But I also don’t really see myself watching this week-to-week unless I hear that it’s actually pretty good or something. I may just binge it or may not pick it up. It definitely looks like one of those shows that could go either way. So we’ll see if it does any good and I may end up watching it.
Quietcupcake: I… I want to learn more about red-haired boy. I was so bummed when this anime got pushed out to a later season because I’m genuinely looking forward to it. Honestly, I think it’s going to grab what we love from both idol anime and sports anime and mash them together!
Possible Bloggers: Eva, Quietcupcake
Wild Picks: A Shot in the Dark
Kemono Jihen
怪物事変
Source: Manga
Animation Company: Ajia-Do
Website: https://kemonojihen-anime.com/
Premiere: January 10, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Action, Supernatural, Shounen
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: When a series of animal bodies that rot away after a single night begin appearing in a remote mountain village, Inugami, a detective from Tokyo who specializes in the occult, is called to investigate.
While working the case, he befriends a strange boy who works in the field every day instead of going to school. Shunned by his peers and nicknamed “Dorotabo” after a yokai that lives in the mud, he helps Inugami uncover the truth behind the killings – but supernatural forces are at work, and while Dorotabo is just a nickname, it might not be the only thing about the boy that isn’t human.
~*~
Berry: I’m interested in this one but I’m on the fence. The art style makes it look kid-ish, but I do hear that the material can get rather dark. It seems cool but I’m not too sure what to expect from it. And after being a little let down by Jujutsu Kaisen, “supernatural” and “shounen” together makes me wary so I’ll keep expectations low.
I★CHU
アイ★チュウ HALFWAY THROUGH THE IDOL
Source: Game
Animation Company: Lay-duce
Website: https://etoile-anime.jp/
Premiere: January 6, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Music
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: School begins at Étoile Vio School, where idol-hopeful students known as “I-Chu” will undergo training to become full-fledged idols. However, things are off to a strange start when the new students are given a speech from their bear principal?! The I-Chu work steadily toward their goals and ask, “What is an idol?” Each boy will learn to shine as they struggle to find their answer.
~*~
Eva: This series looks like it might be along the lines of the eccentric type of story, but I’m willing to watch it to find out just what of chaos and insanity we all are going to see unfold in this one. But hey, as long as I find a character I love and the music is good, I’ll probably be watching this.
Berry: I’ve heard about I-chu because of the game unsurprisingly, and I’m surprised it took this long for the game to get an anime. Like the others I’m sort of worried it’ll go into silly and eccentric territory, and I’m getting Ensemble Stars vibes from it…ugh. We’ll see.
Shadow: I vaguely am aware of this series because my friend made me guess the VA’s for the show and… ANYWAYS, I might look to see what is happening in this show, but if it follows the same formula as the very generic idol shows, I’ll probably give it a pass since I’m extremely picky about idol shows. But if it turns out to be just hilarious fun, I’d probably hop on board just for the giggles.
Quietcupcake: I’m curious about this one and I’m a massive sucker for series where characters have to struggle to figure out who they are and what about the sport/being an idol/other item of focus means to them. I’m a little hesitant on this one in case it falls into the generic formula or tries to be more eccentric than it can handle, so I’ll keep an eye on this one and might pick it up if it’s being received well!
Possible Bloggers: Shadow
Jaku-Chara Tomozaki-kun
弱キャラ友崎くん
Source: Light Novel
Animation Company: project No.9
Website: tomozaki-koushiki.com
Premiere: Jan 8, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: Tomozaki is one of the best gamers in Japan, and in his opinion, the game of real life is one of the worst. No clear-cut rules for success, horribly balanced, and nothing makes sense. But then he meets a gamer who’s just as good as him, and she offers to teach him a few exploits…
~*~
Eva: I am a simple person, romantic comedy + gaming = Guaranteed to Watch
Berry: Ahh, gamer love… This sounds super chill and cute. Not sure if it’ll be a fun or kind of slow and boring show, but I’m willing to check it out and see for myself.
Shadow: Taking one look at the synopsis, I was mildly interested to see what kind of series this would turn out to be and I’m always up for a good romantic comedy. But romances are either a hit or miss with me, so hopefully this one will be able to keep my interest with an interesting plot and good characters.
Possible Bloggers: Eva
Wonder Egg Priority
ワンダーエッグ・プライオリティ
Source: Original
Animation Company: CloverWorks
Website: https://wonder-egg-priority.com/
Premiere: Jan 13, 2021 (JST)
Genre: Slice of Life
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3
Synopsis: The anime’s story begins when the protagonist, a 14-year-old girl named Ai Ooto, hears a mysterious voice while walking around town late at night. It gives her an egg, and beckons to her: “If you wish to change the future, you need only choose now. Now, believe in yourself, and smash the egg.”
~*~
Eva: Wow that totally isn’t a terrifying encounter, hahaha! But it looks interesting, and the trailer gives me the impression we are going to be boarding the feels train. One ticket for Wonder Egg Priority express please.
Berry: Just like Cupcake, I’m not entirely sure why I’m so fascinated by this one either. The promotional image caught my eye as well, but why? Was it the weird name? The pretty colors? The protagonist’s perfectly round head? I don’t know! But it’s an original so that’s pretty exciting too. Believe in yourself, and believe in egg.
Quietcupcake: I can’t even explain what draws me to the series. Even before the synopsis came out and all I saw was the promotional image I was just drawn to the series. So, I’ll check it out to see why it called out to me. I guess that’s just the true power of Egg.
Overall Thoughts
Eva: It is sure the season for sequels, but if you’re like me, there is only one sequel that I need to watch so WHELP. But apart from that, there are still so much to look forward to, especially for sports! I am so excited to watch 2.43: Seiin Koukou Danshi Volley-bu, SK∞, Skate-Leading Stars and Wave!! Surfing Yappe! The other ones in my contention for pick ups are Tropical-Rouge Precure, Jaku-Chara Tomozaki-kun, and Back Arrow. But the one up in the air right now is Log Horizon S3 because whether I can even pick it up will ultimately be determined if I have enough time to binge-watch the entire series from the start for refresh (this is something I always do when it’s been 4+ years since the last season aired). I don’t know how many shows I am going to pick up, but which days they are airing and which ones are overlapping each other will be playing a big part in determining what I choose to cover this season.
Berry: This is a pretty great start for 2021. This season is just full of sequels and that’s basically the only things I’m going to blog: The Promised Neverland, Beastars, and Re:zero. And while I can’t blog Log Horizon I’ll absolutely be watching it. But man there’s just so much to look forward to what with all the sequels, the plethora of sports series this time, and lots with such cool concepts. There’s so much to look out for that I hope I kind of can, but I am a bit behind on my Fall shows so it’ll be a little tough haha
Shadow: Overall, this season is just PACKED with sequels and I just find that hilarious. It looks like it’ll be a good mix for everyone and I’ve been eagerly awaiting for the return of Shingeki no Kyojin and Re:zero while also looking forward to some new titles such as Horimiya and 2.43: Seiin Koukou Danshi Volley-bu. There are definitely a few others I’ll keep an eye on to see if they’re good or not like I-Chu, but this is definitely going to be an interesting season. I wish I could take on more titles to blog about, but with Digimon still going, AoT giving me WAY too much to write about and my past arm injury, I have to be careful with my writing amount. But either way, I’m excited to see how good this season will be.
Quietcupcake: Oh man! I feel like this season is a powerhouse in terms of sequels. I’m almost thankful for my backlog or else keeping up with all of those this season would be a challenge for me (But I am excited to completely binge all of them once they finish airing and I finally sit down to watch all of them). As for the sequels I will be watching, I’ll definitely be watching Dr. Stone and The Promised Neverland. As for the sports this season, there seems to be a wide variety! Of the options I think I’m most interested in 2.43: Seiin Koukou Danshi Volley-bu and Skate-Leading Stars. I’ll probably only cover one of them for the blog, but I have some high hopes for the both of them! As for other series, I’m definitely hyped for Horimiya! I know I never fully caught up with the manga, but I do remember enjoying what I read, so I hope it’ll bring even more joy animated! I’m also curious about Wonder Egg Priority. Like I mentioned above, it was one of those series that kept catching my eye, I really don’t know what to expect, but my curiosity is going to get the better of me so I’m definitely going to check it out. And lastly I’m excited to check out Ura Sekai Picnic, the drama in the PV alone has so much potential so it’s worth a shot. Overall, there is quite a lot to check out this season and I’m super excited; from the sequels to the originals I’m almost worried that I won’t be able to catch up with them all!
Small update re. Urasekai Picnic’s English translation – J Novel currently has the LNs on a “catch-up special” for Jan 2021 alone, so if you have a membership with them you can read all 4 novels online.