Top 10 Anime Recommendations from a True Japanese Otaku!

 Hello! I'm ORAORA!

I'm excited to introduce my top 10 anime picks as a Japanese anime otaku!

(꜆꜄꜆˙꒳˙)꜆꜄꜆oraora

No. 1 Mashle - MASHLE

Synopsis:
"Mashle" is set in a world of magic and follows the story of Mash Burnedead, a boy who has trained his body relentlessly. Instead of relying on magic, he carves his path through sheer muscle power. The story takes place in the "Magic Realm," where everyone is expected to use magic, and magical strength is considered the ultimate value. In this world, those who cannot use magic are deemed inferior and are culled.

Thoughts:
I'm starting with an anime that's currently a hot topic in Japan. The characters are unique, and the humor is strong, making it really entertaining! Also, Creepy Nuts' "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born" is globally popular, so you're likely to have heard it too!

No. 2: The Dangers in My Heart

Synopsis:
Set in Senzoku, Meguro, Tokyo, this romantic comedy tells the love story of Kyotaro Ichikawa, a gloomy, introverted middle school boy with chūnibyō (middle school syndrome), and Anna Yamada, a popular and cheerful beauty. Kyotaro Ichikawa, a second-year middle school student, is obsessed with dark fantasies of murder. He believes that his classmate, Anna Yamada, who is his complete opposite, looks down on him, and he especially wants to kill her.

The reviews are pretty divided on this one, but I got hooked almost immediately! I never thought I’d end up buying all the episodes at first!

Kyotaro, despite being labeled as a "dangerous" character, actually has a lot of redeeming qualities—he’s kind and even pretty cool at times. Anna, on the other hand, is just irresistibly cute, especially as she starts falling for Kyotaro in such a genuine, non-pretentious way. Reading this will make your heart race and give you all the feels!

No. 3 Re ZWRO Starting Life in Another World

Synopsis:
This is a dark fantasy series centered around time loops, set in another world. It features a cast of unique characters, and follows the protagonist, Subaru Natsuki, as he uses his power of "Return by Death" to overcome various challenges.

Thoughts:
This is a series that tends to divide opinions. But I personally love it. I really love it. Though Subaru is not fully aware of his own weaknesses and foolishness, he acknowledges them to some extent, and despite that (or perhaps because of that), he pours all of himself into one person with the single-minded devotion of an imprinted chick. I want to support his journey with all my heart. His unclouded, pure foolishness is endearing. I’m eagerly looking forward to season three.

No. 4 Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?

Synopsis:
This fantasy series takes place primarily in the circular city of Orario and its sprawling underground dungeon. It revolves around the interactions of gods and their followers. The main story follows Bell Cranel, a novice adventurer, as he rescues heroines he meets in Orario and grows into a hero, all while forging bonds with his companions.

Thoughts:
The setting is exceptional. The city surrounding the dungeon's entrance seems to have depths as dark as the dungeon itself, creating an atmosphere of suspense and anticipation about what might happen next. Bell's earnest efforts left a lasting impression on me as I read. Despite being mocked by other adventurers, Bell proves himself through his abilities, and I look forward to seeing more of his journey. Season five is also highly anticipated for this series.

No. 5 Blue Lock

Synopsis:
The series features a special training facility where three hundred soccer players under eighteen are developed using cutting-edge technology. They compete against each other in a rigorous environment, with the aim of becoming the world’s best striker. Only one player will emerge as the top striker after overcoming this survival challenge.

Thoughts:
It's entertaining even if you watch it without thinking too much, so I would recommend it to anyone. The strong message it conveys makes you want to take action after watching; it’s not just "fun to watch." It might serve as a bible for those who are deeply engaged in something and facing stagnation in their progress.

No. 6 SOLO LEVELING

Synopsis:
Hunter Jinwoo Sung, who gained special abilities just before death, follows a quest system visible only to him. By diligently completing daily quests that arrive each day, he levels up repeatedly in a game-like manner. This secret leveling method dramatically changes the fate of Jinwoo, who was once the weakest hunter.

Thoughts:
It's a fascinating world where hunters make a living by navigating dungeons that suddenly appear. The game-like settings and troublesome aspects are a given. The realistic portrayal of how easily people can die adds to its impact. I’m excited to see how much the protagonist will change as the story progresses, considering that the title hints at his unique leveling system being just the beginning. There’s also a game based on this series, so you might want to give it a try!

No. 7 Rurouni Kenshin

Synopsis:
Kenshin Himura, the legendary swordsman feared as "Hitokiri Battousai" during the Bakumatsu era, vows to never kill again after the Meiji Restoration and travels the country as a wandering samurai.

Thoughts:
This historical action series explores Kenshin’s quest for redemption and his search for a new way of life through encounters with Kaoru Kamiya and battles against former adversaries who also survived the turbulent times. The series delves into the conflicts and atonement that only someone of great strength can face, and the legendary swordsman often finds himself entangled in conflicts. With many unique characters appearing, I’m excited to see where the story goes. I’m also looking forward to season two!

No. 8 Baki the Grappler

Synopsis:
Baki Hanma, who won a tournament to determine the strongest fighter, now faces a new challenge as death row inmates from around the world escape from prison to fight him and other martial artists. These prisoners ignore all martial arts rules, using ambushes and weapons without hesitation, leading to intense battles with Baki and his fellow fighters.

Thoughts:
The series is constantly filled with fights and lacks psychological depth, which makes it quite satisfying to watch. Additionally, there’s no complicated backstory, making it easy to follow.

No. 9 HUNTER × HUNTER

Synopsis:
Curious young Gon Freecss decides to become a "Hunter" and leaves his hometown, Whale Island. Hunters are specialists who make a living by exploring all kinds of unknowns in the world, and obtaining a Hunter License requires passing an extremely difficult exam.

Thoughts:
I’ve thought about how challenging life must be for those who are knowledgeable, intelligent, and perceptive. Gon’s struggle and resistance despite the complex circumstances he faces are deeply moving. Overall, the Chimera Ant arc made me cry. This anime is something I've watched multiple times.

No. 10 JOJO

Synopsis:
The story begins with the conflict between Jonathan Joestar, the protagonist of Part 1, and his rival, Dio Brando.

Thoughts:
The series is definitely unique and eccentric. It's personally my favorite anime! If you study Japanese through JOJO, your Japanese will develop a wonderfully distinctive style. I highly recommend it!

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Thank you for reading!