Anime Like Pico to Chico

Clutching his Gibson guitar tightly, Mafuyu Satou leaves his dim apartment to start another day of high school. While dozing off on a quiet stairwell in the gymnasium, he stumbles into fellow student Ritsuka Uenoyama, who scolds him for letting his guitar strings rust and snap. Seeing Uenoyama's familiarity with the instrument, Satou begs him to repair it and teach him to play. Uenoyama eventually consents and asks him to join a jam session with his two bandmates: bassist Haruki Nakayama and drummer Akihiko Kaji. Satou's voice is stunningly beautiful, driving Uenoyama to make him the band's lead singer. Though hesitant at first, Satou accepts after an emotional encounter with an old friend. With his new companions' support, Satou must learn to play guitar and also confront the mysterious circumstances that made him its owner.

Hikaru Kusakabe is an easygoing boy who plays in a rock band and lives entirely in the moment. Over the summer, his entire class is required to take part in an upcoming chorus festival. By chance, he comes across his classmate Rihito Sajou—known as a top student with outstanding grades—practicing singing by himself. Sajou struggles to master their class's assigned song, and Kusakabe, amused to see this unfamiliar side of his usually reserved classmate, volunteers to help him get ready for the event. Though their lifestyles and personalities couldn't be more different, they start to draw closer as time goes on. Yet, with the weight of an uncertain future looming, what will become of them and the bond they are forming?

With a mother who is a famous actress, a father who works as a producer, and a brother who is a rockstar, most people would assume Izumi Sena would naturally follow into the entertainment industry. Yet, aside from appearing in a single commercial for a wedding magazine as a child, Izumi has stayed out of the limelight and instead dreams of becoming a manga artist. Ten years later, the magazine decides to produce a special anniversary ad and requests the same child actors from the original shoot. This brings Izumi back together with Ryouma Ichijou, now a well-known actor. To Izumi's surprise, Ryouma has been in love with him ever since their first encounter. Because of Izumi's delicate features and gender-neutral name, Ryouma has always believed Izumi was a girl—and continues to think so. Even after the truth comes out, Ryouma finds he cannot simply let go of his feelings, and Izumi's troubles have only just begun.

High school student Misaki Takahashi comes home to find his older brother being caressed by a stranger. Shocked by this scene, Misaki learns the man is Akihiko Usami, a famous novelist and his brother's closest friend. As the two grow closer, Akihiko becomes Misaki's private tutor. But after Misaki discovers the author's latest boys-love novel, he starts to doubt Akihiko's intentions regarding his friendship with the student's brother. Meanwhile, Hiroki Kamijou, a university professor of classical literature and Akihiko's friend, mourns a failed relationship. On the verge of a mental collapse, he meets student Nowaki Kusama, who seeks his help for an upcoming exam. Despite repeatedly turning Nowaki down, Hiroki eventually agrees to assist. As they grow closer, more truths about the student come to light. Furthermore, wealthy teenager Shinobu Takatsuki learns that his older sister has divorced Hiroki's coworker You Miyagi. He immediately wants to date the same man—who saved Shinobu from a robbery three years prior. However, You does not reciprocate and tries to drive him away. But the educator soon realizes that Shinobu will stop at nothing for their fated romance. Junjou Romantica gathers three love stories, chronicling each couple's romance.

The band "given"—made up of Ritsuka Uenoyama, Mafuyu Satou, Haruki Nakayama, and Akihiko Kaji—has made it to the final round of the Countdown-fes Amateur Contest, where their live performance will be the deciding factor. Despite their excitement, they are concerned about having just one original piece to play. Mafuyu is eager to deepen his understanding of music so he can craft new songs with emotional depth. In this effort, he gets surprising assistance from Ugetsu Murata, Akihiko's on-and-off partner. Ugetsu has been struggling to move on from Akihiko, who is caught between lingering feelings for his past and an uncertain commitment to the future. As the contest approaches, Haruki starts to question his role in the band and the bond he has with Akihiko, which is unusual for him. It is a given that not all connections last forever, but what can be salvaged from the wreckage of a broken heart—or if only regret will remain—is still unclear.

Yoshikazu Miyano's problems begin on a sweltering summer day when Shuumei Sasaki enters his life. Sasaki rescues a classmate of Miyano's from a group of bullies, and afterward, Miyano cannot get rid of his peculiar upperclassman. His quiet respect for Sasaki slowly turns into irritation as the so-called delinquent keeps bothering him. Being called cute nicknames and having his personal space invaded, Miyano questions why Sasaki wants to be near him. The timid and easily embarrassed Miyano has a secret he is ashamed of—he is a "fudanshi," a boy who enjoys boys' love (BL) manga. The last thing he wants is for others to discover this, but he accidentally lets it slip to Sasaki. Curious, the clueless Sasaki asks to borrow a book to read, and Miyano reluctantly agrees. To his surprise, Sasaki likes the BL he is given and requests more, signaling a change in their odd relationship. Though Sasaki seems to have his own motives, his feelings for Miyano grow more complex the longer they are together. Now that they share a common interest, their relationship is set to evolve and deepen.

Prideful literary editor Ritsu Onodera, tired of being envied by coworkers for riding on his father's reputation, quits his job at his father's publishing company and transfers to Marukawa Publishing in order to make a name for himself on his own merit. However, instead of being placed in the literary division, Ritsu ends up as a rookie manga editor in the Emerald editing department, a team that operates under extremely tight schedules to meet deadlines. There, he meets the notoriously demanding editor-in-chief Masamune Takano, a man who is relentless in his pursuit of results. It soon comes to light that Takano is actually Ritsu's first love from high school, and the heartbreak that followed has left Ritsu reluctant to fall in love again. Now reunited after years apart, Takano vows to make Ritsu say he loves him once more. Sekaiichi Hatsukoi follows three interconnected couples within the manga industry, each experiencing the unfolding of a first love.

Shun Hashimoto is an openly gay aspiring novelist living in Okinawa, abandoned by his parents after coming out to them. Mio Chibana is a reserved, orphaned high school student who often spends his time by the sea. One day, they meet on the beach, and Shun is immediately captivated by Mio. The days pass quickly as they gradually grow closer, until Mio suddenly announces he must leave for the mainland. Three years later, a 20-year-old Mio returns to Okinawa to confess his love to Shun. However, Shun's life has changed during those three years. Will he be able to accept Mio's feelings and make such a commitment?

The second part of Junjou Romantica continuing the story.

Masahiro Setagawa is a hopeless teenager frequently used as an errand boy by the bullies in his neighborhood. Defenseless, Masahiro believes no one will ever come to his rescue. However, his life changes dramatically when he encounters Kousuke Ooshiba, a man known as the "Bear Killer" who takes down local gangs. A year later, Masahiro and his former friend, Kensuke Ooshiba, start high school, only to discover that Kousuke is their math teacher. As the three grow closer, Masahiro begins to see Kousuke as his "hero," while Kousuke develops a strong urge to protect Masahiro. But their ordinary lives take a turn when Kensuke's childhood friend, Asaya Hasekura, returns and sees Kensuke as more than just a friend, much to Kensuke's surprise. Can the three boys live a normal high school life, or will forbidden love keep them apart forever?

For five consecutive years, actor Takato Saijou has been crowned "Sexiest Man of the Year." With two decades of experience and a well-earned confidence in his above-average looks, he sees the title as a fitting reflection of his professional achievements. Then newcomer Junta Azumaya—who debuted only three years prior—snatches the award away. Takato's initial shock morphs into jealousy and outright hostility. Even on the set of their shared new drama, Junta seems to have leapfrogged over him, stealing the lead role that Takato would normally occupy and constantly getting under his skin. What makes it worse is the cheerful smile and kind words Junta pairs with every irritating action. This simmering resentment finally boils over when Junta catches Takato in a drunken, vulnerable state. Worried about his public reputation, Takato confronts his junior co-star with angry, harsh words—only for Junta to seize the opportunity. Now Junta holds video footage of the famous actor picking a fight with a fellow cast member, giving him the perfect leverage for blackmail. When Takato asks what price his rival demands for silence, he is stunned to learn that Junta's motivation has nothing to do with career advancement. Instead, Junta's terms can only be met behind closed doors—in the bedroom.

First loves are messy. Ritsu Onodera is having a difficult time adjusting to his new role as a shoujo manga editor at the well-known Marukawa Publishing House. Working beneath the strict and highly skilled Masamune Takano is already a challenge. Yet, Masamune is not only Ritsu's first love from middle school, but he also abruptly announces that he will make Ritsu fall for him once more. Elsewhere in the department, editor Yoshiyuki Katori is secretly involved with the popular manga artist Chiaki Yoshino. The carefree Chiaki remains unaware that his high school friend, Yuu Yanase, harbors feelings for him that go beyond friendship. The stoic yet caring Hatori is not about to give up his love easily. Falling in love for the first time at the age of 30 is certainly troublesome. Another editor, Shouta Kisa, is dating 21-year-old art student Kou Yukina. Despite Yukina's reassurances, Kisa can't stop doubting whether someone like him is truly worthy of his younger, "sparkling" boyfriend.

Haru Kaidou, the eldest son of his family, goes to Canada after hearing that his mother is on the brink of death. As soon as he arrives, he finds out not only that his mother tricked him, but also that he has to take care of his adoptive brother, Ren Kaidou—a withdrawn child who is more at ease around dogs than people. Because Ren is so mistrustful, Haru struggles at first to connect with him, but their relationship gradually develops. Haru makes a vow to Ren: they will live together in Japan once Haru finishes high school. However, a bad accident causes Haru to lose all memory of the summer they shared, including that promise. Five years later, Ren shows up in Tokyo expecting Haru to keep his word; but to Haru, Ren is just a random boy claiming to be his brother.

In the world of Loveless, every person is born with cat ears and a tail, which vanish only if that individual engages in sexual intercourse. As a result, these features have become symbols of virginity and innocence. Combat is exclusively conducted by "fighting pairs" or couples, consisting of a Sacrifice, who absorbs damage, and a Fighter, who launches attacks. Ritsuka Aoyagi is a 12-year-old boy suffering from amnesia for reasons unknown. His brother was recently killed, and as if his life hasn't been difficult enough, on his first day at a new school, he is approached by a stranger named Agatsuma Soubi, who claims to have known his deceased brother. Ritsuka learns that Agatsuma and his brother were once a fighting pair, and that Agatsuma has now inherited Ritsuka in his brother's absence. Together, they seek the truth behind his brother's death and the organization called the "Seven Moons," which may be responsible. Meanwhile, Ritsuka and Agatsuma seem to be growing closer than they ever intended.

Misaki Takahashi and Akihiko "Usagi" Usami have been cohabiting for three years, and their bond has been developing without major issues. But every strong relationship encounters difficulties, and theirs is only starting to face them. A fresh competitor appears, causing Usagi to fret over whether Misaki's affections still lie with him. Meanwhile, Ryuuichirou Isaka has long enjoyed meddling in Misaki and Usagi's romantic affairs, yet his own relationship is far from untroubled. He and his secretary Kaoru Asahina have been together for several years, but Asahina insists on maintaining a clear boundary between work and personal life, which frequently creates turbulence between them. Regarding Nowaki Kusama and Hiroki Kamijou, as their professional lives begin to flourish, they increasingly find themselves with little time together. The dwindling moments they share allow uncertainty and self-doubt to edge into their connection. In contrast, the seventeen-year age difference between Shinobu Takatsuki and You Miyagi has always posed a challenge, yet as they deepen their understanding of one another, their past self-awareness gradually diminishes. The cherished pairs from Junjou Romantica, Junjou Egoist, and Junjou Terrorist return once more, joined by a fresh story: Junjou Mistake!

All Shuichi ever wanted was to follow in the footsteps of his pop idol, Ryuichi Sakuma, and the band Nittle Grasper. Along with his best friend Hiro, Shuichi has formed a band called Bad Luck, and they've even secured a contract with a major record label. But with studio deadlines approaching, Shuichi still hasn't completed the lyrics for any of the songs. He needs inspiration... but lately, it's been in short supply. While Hiro suggests finding a girlfriend, fate has other plans. One night, walking through the park, Shuichi's latest lyrics blow away and land at the feet of a breathtaking stranger. Unfortunately, that mysterious figure is the famous novelist Eiri Yuki, who crushes the young singer by telling him he has "zero talent." Now, Shuichi is so irritated that he finishes his song just so he can track down Yuki and confront him again. But is his motivation truly anger, or has he actually fallen in love?

Takashi Toono didn’t know what to expect when he transferred to Morimori Academy, a private all-boys boarding school deep in the mountains. But it turns out to be just like any other boys’ school, and because he arrived mid-year, he feels like an outsider—until the cheerful and friendly Kyousuke Yaguchi introduces himself. Because the school enforces a mandatory club policy, Toono picks the low-effort “Photography Club,” but the club is not what it appears to be. Known as the “Yarichin Bitch Club,” its members provide sexual services to the academy’s pent-up boys—for no reason other than a genuine love of sex. Worse still, he has a monthly sex quota—and the punishment for failing is severe: the club will forcefully take his virginity. As time runs out, Toono is left mortified and without options. Throughout his ordeal, Toono has Yaguchi by his side, along with Yuu Kashima—another transfer student and club member who shares Toono’s predicament. While the first-years in the club struggle with their sticky situation, the club as a whole must deal with sex, secrets, and even stalkers!

Growing up as an orphan, Yuki Sakurai questions his reason for living and his ability to see a person's painful memories simply by touching them. After receiving anonymous notes telling him to die, Yuki cannot shake the nagging feeling forming inside him. Unbeknownst to him, he is being watched—by both those who want to harm him and those who want to protect him. One foggy night, Yuki's life is saved by a beautiful man with silver eyes and jet black hair—a man he has never met before yet seems familiar. With the arrival of this mysterious stranger, Yuki's forgotten past awakens, and the purpose of his existence appears before him. Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru tells the story of a teenage boy as he discovers who he is and where he comes from—all while making friends, experiencing betrayal, and slowly piecing together the puzzle of his past.

Since the night of given's first live performance, Mafuyu Satou and Ritsuka Uenoyama have enjoyed a smooth relationship. Their mutual passion for music deepens their connection, and each moment together makes them even more inseparable. However, there will be times when they face hardships, with both overwhelmed by their own inner struggles.

After a string of bad luck leaves You Keika down on his fortune, he takes on part-time jobs to escape his impoverished life. Following a strange encounter with a white-haired man in a junkyard, You wakes up to find he has died in a sudden accident and become a spirit. The man he met, Tanmoku Ki, is revealed to be the 13th Youmeshi of the Tanmoki, the most powerful exorcist family in China. Spotting the wandering spirit, he offers You a pact: Tanmoku Ki will protect You from humans, and in exchange, You must become his spirit shadow, guarding him at all times. From that point, the two face countless trials in the spirit world, working to protect those around them from dangerous spirits. Along the way, the pact they made develops into something unexpected—a growing bond between them. Beneath their roles as master and servant, a lingering admiration starts to surface.

When ordinary office worker Kiyoshi Adachi turns 30, he gains the ability to read minds purely from having remained a virgin his whole life. The catch is that he must touch someone physically to hear their thoughts. Adachi thinks this power is useless until he accidentally picks up the thoughts of his colleague Yuuichi Kurosawa. Charming and reliable, Kurosawa is the standout member of Adachi's team at work, earning respect and admiration from everyone in the office. Yet inwardly, Kurosawa nurtures an intense secret crush on the gloomy Adachi—a fact Adachi only discovers through his ability, knowledge he tries to politely set aside. As Kurosawa treats Adachi with kindness and warmth he has never known, Adachi finds it harder and harder to ignore his coworker's genuine feelings.

Second season of Super Lovers.

After a third world war devastated Japan, the organization Vischio seized control of Tokyo and renamed it Toshima. In its back alleys, battle games called Igura take place under Vischio's oversight, where contestants fight and soak in each other's blood to earn the chance to face the tournament's king, Il-re. Igura is not the only fighting tournament around; Bl@ster is a similar but vastly different game because it prohibits killing and the use of weapons. The only way to win is by knocking out the opponent. Akira, a young man cut off from his family, is known as unbeatable at Bl@ster. However, his top position is destroyed when he is accused of murder. Unable to prove his innocence, all hope seems lost... until a mysterious woman named Emma appears and offers him a chance. Now, to regain his freedom, Akira must take part in Igura and ultimately defeat Il-re.

The master craftsman Kuroda creates artificial beings known as Hybrid Child—entities that are neither machines nor dolls, but instead mirror the affection they receive. Though they possess human emotions and self-awareness, they are not truly human and require love to develop. Kotarou Izumi, the young heir of the prestigious Izumi family, faces disapproval when he brings home an abandoned Hybrid Child he discovered in the trash. His family repeatedly attempts to discard Hazuki—the name Kotarou gives the Hybrid Child—whenever he is not watching. Yet, by overcoming these challenges, their love and the bond between them deepen. However, a decade later, a chilling truth becomes clear: a Hybrid Child may not have an eternal lifespan. Hybrid Child presents three short love stories, exploring the connections between the artificial humans and their caretakers.