❄︎ Last Updated: March 26, 2023 ❄︎
It’s time to take a look at what caught our eye for the Spring 2023 Season!
Seasonal Updates
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Hirogaru Sky! Precure
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Disclaimer: Preview Format!
The following titles featured in this season preview were decided by each of the writers who are participating this season by making a list and ranking then titles them by levels of interest.
- High: Most Anticipated
- Moderate: The Eye-Catchers
- Low: Wild Cards
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 to be featured. 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.
Resources: AniList, A.I.R, ANN, Crunchyroll, FanSub DB, LiveChart, MAL
❀ Most Anticipated ❀
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc
鬼滅の刃 刀鍛冶の里編 | Kimetsu no Yaiba: Katanakaji no Sato-hen
Source: Manga | English Publisher: VIZ
Animation Company: Ufotable
Website: kimetsu.com/anime/katanakajinosatohen/
Premiere: April 9, 2023
Genre: Action Adventure Drama Fantasy Supernatural
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis: Adaptation of the Swordsmith Village Arc.
Note: The first episode will have a runtime of 1 hour, and received an early premiere in cinemas worldwide as part of a special screening alongside the final two episodes of Kimetsu no Yaiba: Yuukaku-hen.
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Eva: Just like every season of this series, I’m never emotionally ready for it. [Puts on life-jacket] I’m ready to be swept into the sea of emotions again!
Shadow: Always excited for a new Demon Slayer season all the while wondering if it’ll make me cry lol. While I’ve heard this arc isn’t as good as the previous one, it’ll still be interesting to get to know the other Hashira more as every Hashira so far has been a rather pleasant surprise character-wise. I would have never expected to like Rengoku and Tengen as much as I do. So hopefully the upcoming Hashira that we’ll be focusing on will also be likeable. Unfortunately, Berry is opting out of covering for this season so I’ll be taking up the reins for this series. Hopefully I can do it justice.
Possible Bloggers: Shadow
Insomniacs After School
君は放課後インソムニア | Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia
Source: Manga | English Publisher: VIZ
Animation Company: LIDENFILMS
Website: kimisomu-anime.com
Premiere: April 11, 2023
Genre: Romance Slice of Life
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis:
Ganta Nakami is a high school student who suffers from insomnia. One day, he meets Isaki Magari, a girl with the same condition. A strange, but special relationship forms as they share a secret and catch up on their sleep in their school’s abandoned observatory…
❀
Eva: I’ve heard really good things about this series so I’m super excited! Looks absolutely breathtaking!
Shadow: The animation in this looks gorgeous. But was it just me or as soon as the white haired kid came out, I was reminded of World Trigger???? The main trio literally had the same aesthetics as the main characters there. Anyways, it does look fairly interesting, but I think I’ll wait and hear the popular consensus before giving it a watch if I end up doing so.
Quietcupcake: This looks visually stunning! And I’m just absolutely in love with the smiles we got to see in the PV. Overall, I don’t really know too much about this series going into it aside from insomniacs forging an unexpected friendship up in the observatory, but it looks very sweet! I’m hoping it’s one of those series that gives you the rollercoaster of school life, but still leaves you feeling happy at the end.
Possible Bloggers: Eva, Quietcupcake
Loving Yamada at LV999!
山田くんとLv999の恋をする | Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru
Source: Manga | English Publisher: Mangamo
Animation Company: MADHOUSE
Website: yamadalv999-anime.com
Premiere: April 2, 2023
Genre: Josei, Comedy, Drama, Romance,
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis:
Recently dumped, Akane is just about to quit the game she used to play with her boyfriend, when she meets Yamada in the same RPG. Yamada in real life turns out to be somewhat of a legend. The only problem is – he is ONLY interested in the game. As Akane’s feelings grow, will Yamada’s focus stay on the game?
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Eva: I’ve read this a couple of years ago up until–I think it was the latest available chapter at the time and absolutely loved it. I’m really excited to see this get adapted, and since my memory is pretty hazy of it now I’ll be going in mostly with a fresh mind again, which is always better hahaha!
Shadow: I have no idea what this is about, but as soon as I saw the main characters my immediate reaction to it was: They are my ship aesthetic with the dark/black haired guy with the lighter colored hair girl. So that makes me curious as to how this will play out so I will probably give it a watch purely for aesthetic shipping reasons lol.
Quietcupcake: Another one I know very little about, but a cute romance between gamers? I’m definitely down to give it a try! It looks like it falls a little bit more on the comedy side, which is always nice to see. I probably won’t cover this one, but I’ll happily tag along for the ride.
Possible Bloggers: Eva
Ranking of Kings: The Treasure Chest of Courage
王様ランキング 勇気の宝箱 | Ousama Ranking: Yuuki no Takarabako
Source: Manga | English Publisher: BookLive (*Digital Only)
Animation Company: Wit Studio
Website: osama-ranking-treasurechest.com
Premiere: April 14, 2023
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis:
Unable to hear, speak, or wield a sword, Prince Bojji doesn’t seem like a typical heir to the throne—and his kingdom agrees. But his fateful encounter with Kage, a shadow on the ground, gives him his first true friend. The two set off on a grand adventure and, together, form a bond that can overcome any obstacle…even being king.
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Eva: I seriously need to get around to watching the first season. OxO;;;; It was on my watch list too!
Shadow: I just recently watched the first season of this and I was in SHAMBLES by the end of it. I heard this was a great series and after watching it for myself, it is pretty dang good. I’m not sure what setting this will take since it is specified as a side story rather than a sequel, so maybe we’ll see certain things that they weren’t able to touch upon in the first season? Either way, I am ready to delve back into this series and see what it has to offer this time.
Quietcupcake: Ahhh! Bojji, I missed you !! I can’t wait to see who else you meet on your adventure and the bonds that you will forge. Based on the PV alone, I have a feeling that I’m going to cry since they are revisiting Kaze and his mom. Ah, actually, just seeing all these characters again in the PV has me all emotional. I can’t wait for this new season !!
Possible Bloggers: Shadow
MASHLE
マッシュル-MASHLE-
Animation Company: A-1 Pictures
Website: https://mashle.pw/
Premiere: April 8, 2023
Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis:
This is a world of magic. This is a world in which magic is casually used by everyone.
In a deep, dark forest in this world of magic, there is a boy who is singlemindedly working out. His name is Mash Burnedead, and he has a secret. He can’t use magic.
All he wanted was to live a quiet life with his family, but people suddenly start trying to kill him one day and he somehow finds himself enrolled in Magic School. There, he sets his sights on becoming a “Divine Visionary,” the elite of the elite.
Will his ripped muscles work against the best and brightest of the wizarding world? The curtain rises on this off-kilter magical fantasy in which the power of being jacked crushes any spell!
❀
Kazanova: The premise of a boy who can’t use magic reminded me a bit of Asta from Black Clover, but Mashle took things to a comically high level like One-Punch Man. The main character, Mash’s deadpan face, emphasize it even more. No way I’m missing this. D
Possible Bloggers: Kazanova
❀ The Eye-Catchers ❀
A Galaxy Next Door
おとなりに銀河 | Otonari ni Ginga
Source: Manga | English Publisher: Kodansha USA
Animation Company: Asahi Production
Website: otonari-anime.com
Premiere: April 9, 2023
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis:
Ever since their father died, Ichirou Kuga has struggled to support his two younger siblings on nothing but a small inheritance and his passion for drawing manga. But it’s becoming harder to keep up with his growing responsibilities and deadlines, especially after his last two assistants quit to follow their dreams.
Just as he’s nearing his breaking point, the beautiful and scarily competent Shiori Goshiki applies to become his new assistant. But there’s something almost otherworldly about Goshiki, and soon Kuga finds his reality turned upside down when she suddenly declares them engaged to marry!
❀
Eva: I am super excited for this, it does almost feel like she might just be an otherworldly individual, so I’m really curious about what prompts the engagement!
Quietcupcake: This looks cute! Just reading the synopsis has me curious enough to check it out. Is she otherworldly? Why are they suddenly engaged? So many questions that I need answers to.
Possible Bloggers: Eva
[Oshi No Ko]
【推しの子】Mother and Children
Animation Company: Doga Kobo
Website: ichigoproduction.com
Premiere: April 12, 2023
Genre: Drama, Mystery Psychological Supernatural
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis:
“In show business, lies are a weapon.”
Gorou is an ob-gyn with a life far removed from the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry—the world of his favorite idol, rising star Ai Hoshino. But when the two are unexpectedly brought together, their fates become intertwined in ways that defy all reason. For the good doctor, it’s time to stan(d) and deliver!
Note: Episode 1【推しの子】Mother and Children was pre-screened in advance in Japanese theaters on March 17, 2023. The regular TV broadcast begins on April 12, 2023. The first episode has an extended runtime of ~90 minutes.
❀
Eva: Well uh, this is definitely something haha. There’s a lot of praise surrounding this one, so I’ve gone out of my way to try and avoid peaking into the manga in advance.
Shadow: I’ve heard a lot of talk about this series and after hearing that it was written by the mangaka of Kaguya-sama, I was immediately intrigued since going off of what Kaguya touches on, this writer goes places and he writes it in way that’s always engaging. So with that in mind, I’m very curious about this series and am willing to see if I can handle the amount of drama I’m sure this series has to offer. Though I do worry about how dark it will end up getting…
Possible Bloggers: Shadow
TONIKAWA: Over The Moon For You S2
トニカクカワイイ | Tonikaku Kawaii S2
Animation Company: Seven Arcs
Website: tonikawa.com
Premiere: April 8, 2023
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life
Trailer: PV 1
Synopsis: The second season of Tonikaku Kawaii.
❀
Shadow: I watched the first season out of pure boredom and it was actually pretty entertaining. I honestly wasn’t expecting much going in and came out fairly impressed. While it doesn’t do anything ground breaking, it’s still just a nice and pleasant watch that often left me chuckling and with the warm fuzzies in my heart. Though it will always amuse me how the MC was literally saved from being isekaied in the first episode lol.
The Reason Why Raeliana Ended Up At the Duke’s Mansion
그녀가 공작저로 가야 했던 사정 | 彼女が公爵邸に行った理由
Source: Novel | English Publisher: Tappytoon | Yenpress
Animation Company: TYPHOON GRAPHICS
Website: koshakutei.com
Premiere: April 10, 2023
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis:
After a mysterious death, Park Eunha enters the world of a novel. She is revived as a minor character, Raeliana McMillan, who is to be poisoned to death by her own betrothed. In order to break up with her dangerous fiancé, she offers a surreptitious deal to the male protagonist of the novel, Noah Wynknight, but winds up romantically with other men that are not part of the plan.
Noah Wynknight of inescapable but suspicious charm; honest Justin Shamal who loves only one person; or Adam Taylor for whom you have a soft spot for no reason whenever you see him. Will Raeliana successfully get out of this crisis and create a new ending for herself? Who will be the one that will join Raeliana in her new ending?
❀
Eva: This title was among some of the first few manhwas (korean webcomics) I’ve read when I first gotten into it, so I’m looking forward to seeing it animated! The only thing I’m worried about is whether it’ll be a good adaption because they’ve sort of been a hit and miss…
Shadow: Honestly, I just saw the two main leads on the cover and my mind just whispered “it’s your shipping aesthetic” and being the clown that I am for it, was like: sure, I’ll give it a try. But as soon as I read that it was another isekai, I’m not too sure anymore. I’ll give it a try due to the fact the main dude is played by Yuuichirou Umehara aka Keito from enstars and see if it will be a good adaptation. But I’ll go in with low expectations since I feel like these kinds of series tend to be 50/50 with how it is handled.
Quietcupcake: I am not immune to reincarnated as a princess type stories,,, especially when there’s high stakes in the new world that one has been re-born into. It’s probably not my biggest priority for the season, but I’ll check it out if people are really enjoying it!
❀ Wild Cards ❀
Skip to Loafer
JP TITLE | スキップとローファー
Source: Manga | English Publisher: SevenSeas
Animation Company: P.A. Works
Website: skip-and-loafer.com
Premiere: April 4, 2023
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis:
Excellent student Iwakura Mitsumi has always dreamt about leaving her small town, going to a prestigious university, and making positive change in the world. But she’s so focused on reaching her goals that she’s not prepared for the very different (and overwhelming) city life that awaits her in a Tokyo high school. Luckily, she makes fast friends with Shima Sousuke, a handsome classmate who’s as laid-back as she is over-prepared. Can this naive country girl make it big in Tokyo with Sousuke by her side?
❀
Eva: I’m a simple person, it’s a romcom, of course I’m watching!
Quietcupcake: Honestly, of all the romcoms that are coming out this season, this one grabbed my attention the most! The art style is charming and I’m looking forward to seeing how Mitsumi gets acquainted with her new surroundings!
Possible Bloggers: Quietcupcake
The Blue Orchestra
青のオーケストラ | Ao no Orchestra
Source: Manga
Animation Company: Nippon Animation
Website: aooke-anime.com
Premiere: April 9, 2023
Genre: Drama, Music
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis:
Hajime Aono was a prodigy violinist until he grew jaded with playing the violin due to personal reasons. Now in his third year of middle school, he struggles to decide his academic path. One day in school, he meets Ritsuko Akine, a hotheaded novice violinist who wants to enroll in a high school with a distinguished orchestra club. When he finds himself getting closer to Ritsuko and being brought back to the world of violinists, time starts moving again for him.
This is the beginning of a youthful drama where sounds and hearts alike resound in harmony.
❀
Eva: I’ve read this one I think it was either last year or a year ago, and I was hooked! I really am really excited to hear the music (because I absolutely love series that revolves around musical instruments), so I’m looking forward to it!
Quietcupcake: Hi. It’s me, the resident band kid. I desperately want this to be good. I need to see justice for my fellow instrumentalists. Honestly, I go back and forth with this anime and whether I’m excited or scared. I’m definitely going in with the excitement of this being an anime focused on orchestra, but aside from that… when it comes to characters and the plot, I really don’t know what to expect. At the very least, I hope they give me the nostalgia I’m looking for.
Possible Bloggers: Quietcupcake
Dr. Stone: New World (S3)
Dr.STONE 第3期
Source: Manga | English Publisher: VIZ | MangaPlus
Animation Company: TMS Entertainment
Website: dr-stone.jp
Premiere: April 6, 2023
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis: The third season of Dr. STONE.
❀
Quietcupcake: Generally, I’ve had a pretty good time while watching Dr. Stone! It’s definitely one of those series that gives me a good laugh and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Plus after the end of season 2 and that scene with Tsukasa (haha, never thought I’d cry over someone talking about Mario mushrooms), I’m ready for them to have a good time on their adventure again! Ryuusei was a nice in-between special, but I’m glad we have a new season to look forward to!
Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts
贄姫と獣の王 | Niehime to Kemono no Ou
Animation Company: J.C. Staff
Website: niehime-anime.com
Premiere: April 20, 2023
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis:
The King of the Beasts and Demons regularly receives female human sacrifices to eat in order to assert the dominance of his people over the human race. However, for the 99th sacrifice, the human girl brought to the capital, Sariphi, intrigues the Beast King. In fact she isn’t afraid of him or any other beast and even accepts her death without begging or crying as she has neither home nor family to return to if she were released. The King finds her intriguing and let her stay at his side as his consort despite being human. This is the story of how Sariphi will become the queen of the demons and beasts.
❀
Eva: I can’t remember the last time I read this– but I know I did, so I’m going check it out and see if it jogs the memory.
Shadow: Ummmmm… I can explain… Actually no, I can’t. Sometimes I just have that urge for a beastman x human girl story… Am I ashamed… yes. Am I still gonna probably, most likely give this a look… also yes. >_>
Jigokuraku
地獄楽 | Hell’s Paradise
Animation Company: MAPPA
Website: jigokuraku.com
Premiere: April 1, 2023
Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery, Supernatural
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis:
The Edo period is nearing its end. Gabimaru, a shinobi formerly known as the strongest in Iwagakure who is now a death row convict, is told that he will be acquitted and set free if he can bring back the Elixir of Life from an island that is rumored to be the Buddhist pure land Sukhavati. In hopes of reuniting with his beloved wife, Gabimaru heads to the island along with the executioner Yamada Asaemon Sagiri. Upon arriving there, they encounter other death row convicts in search of the Elixir of Life… as well as a host of unknown creatures, eerie manmade statues, and the hermits who rule the island. Can Gabimaru find the Elixir of Life on this mysterious island and make it back home alive?
❀
Shadow: I am both curious and terrified. Curious because from the looks of it, it does seem to be a fairly interest premise. But I’m also terrified because some of the visuals freak me out. I probably will give the first episode a looksie and judge whether or not I’ll be able to handle it or not because I am a baby when it comes to horror lol.
Quietcupcake: Oh the visuals on this look really nice. Honestly, I don’t tend to look at series like this, but if the story is as good as the visuals I’d be willing to give it a go!
Kazanova: I was quickly charmed by the beauty of the visual when I first saw the trailer and quickly gave the manga a try. I’m usually not so fond of dark fantasy series and Jigokuraku also has its moments that made me cringe when reading it, but overall it’s still tolerable for me. And so, this is one of the anime that I am going to watch no matter what.
Possible Bloggers: Kazanova
Pokémon Horizons
ポケットモンスター (2023) | Pocket Monsters (2023)
Source: Game
Animation Company: OLM
Website: tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/pocketmonster2023
Premiere: April 14, 2023
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2
Synopsis:
A new dream and adventure set throughout the entire Pokémon world unfolds in a brand new Pokémon-series following a girl named Riko and a boy named Roy.
Note: The first episode will have a runtime of 1 hour.
❀
Eva: The era has come to an end… Sure it’s bittersweet, but I think most if not all of us can agree, it was long overdue for Ash to retire from his immortal days as a 10 years old. So I’m actually very excited to meet the new protagonists and see what the story has to offer! It’s been a longggggg time since I’ve last watched the pokemon anime (something I used to do randomly check in and watch every now and then), so I am looking forward to seeing how the new era of the pokemon series will turn out!
Shadow: I’m glad that they’re finally moving away from Ash and focusing on a new protag because I do think Ash overstayed his welcome. Especially when the series just felt really repetitive after a while. Especially when you compare it to the manga where they cycle through various different protags while still having the old ones show up but older. While I might not end up watching it myself, I am curious as to where they will bring this series and if this new protag can fill in the role that Ash has fulfilled for so long.
Possible Bloggers: Eva
❀ Overall Thoughts ❀
Eva: SPRING IS HERE AND THERE ARE SO MUCH ROMANCES THIS SEASON, LETS GOOOOO~!!! Gosh I couldn’t be happier to see it because this is my bread and butter and I’ve been starving for more! There are a couple of titles I have read, and some that I have not, so I’m really looking forward to both. Series with simplicity tend to be a bit trickier for me to write, so I’ll see which one clicks with me the most of the lot, but among them Loving Yamada at LV999!, Insomniacs After School, A Galaxy Next Door, The Reason Why Raeliana Ended Up At the Duke’s Mansion, Skip to Loafer are among the ones I’m eyeing for pick-ups this season. And yes, if I enjoy it enough and have enough to talk about, maybe I just might be crazy enough to cover Pokemon Horizons— depending on how they plan to go about the episode count per season. Might just leave it at a First Impression though. That said, I don’t think I’ll be picking up more than two titles this season, maybe three if I feel really strongly about it, but two seems to be the safe choice given I’m currently still covering Hirogaru Precure.
Shadow: Overall, I’m not really seeing too much I’m committed to watch, but I’m willing to give some series like Loving Yamada at LV999!, The Reason Why Raeliana Ended Up At the Duke’s Mansion, Niehime to Kemono no Ou and Jigokuraku a try but will most likely cover series like Demon Slayer, Ousama Ranking and/or Oshi no Ko since I’m at least familiar with them to different extents. Not a whole lot for me personally this season, but we’ll see if any other series catches my fancy later down the line.
Quietcupcake: Happy Spring!! There’s a solid listing of shows this season that I’m looking forward to watching! I’ll definitely be watching the two sequels, Ranking of Kings: The Treasure Chest of Courage and Dr. Stone: New World, since I’m already invested in them. Overall, I do see a lot of romance in the line-up and if it’s paired with just slice of life, I typically feel those are harder to write for… or rather, the drama that comes up in them tend to make me more frustrated than I would like to admit. When it comes down to coverage, I’ll probably only pick up 2 of them, but Insomniacs After School, Skip to Loafer, and Ao no Orchestra are the biggest contenders for me. Otherwise, I’ll probably also be watching A Galaxy Next Door, The Reason Why Raeliana Ended Up At the Duke’s Mansion, Loving Yamada at LV999, and Jigokuraku !
Kazanova: There are quite many series I’d follow to watch on weekly basis this spring like Mashle, Kimetsu no Yaiba, Jigokuraku, The Reason Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion, and Niehime to Kemono no Ou. Alas, my working schedule only allows me to cover 2 series. I hope all these anime adaptation from manga (or manhwa in the case of Raeliana) can live up to my expectation.
I’m excited about this season too…but gosh, it feels like the seasons get better when I am IN school full-time and not out, which sucks.
I’m feeling pretty burned out and can’t wait for the semester to be over so the spring 2023 preview is giving me back some of my sanity.
Good preview, as always. I think I will be giving Heavenly Delusion (Tengoku Daimakyō) a try this season. I have been itching for a good sci-fi mystery/adventure series and the trailers for it were very well done, so I hope the anime delivers.