Best Romance Anime of 2016

In ReLIFE, 27-year-old Arata Kaizaki is viewed by others as a failure after hopping between numerous jobs since leaving his first position. His circumstances shift abruptly upon meeting Ryou Yoake from the ReLife Research Institute, who presents him with a peculiar pill that guarantees a fresh beginning. Eagerly accepting the offer, Arata awakens to discover his body has reverted to that of a 17-year-old. He is informed that he has been selected for a special experiment, mandating his enrollment as a transfer student at a high school for one year. Convinced his adult perspective will provide an advantage, Arata soon realizes otherwise; on his very first day, he struggles with examinations, physical fitness tests, and updated school regulations he has forgotten. Compounding his frustration, Ryou is tasked with monitoring his progress, creating a source of constant irritation. ReLIFE centers on Arata's struggle to manage this chaotic new existence and steer clear of past errors, all while developing a deeper understanding of his classmates.

In her second year of high school, Naho Takamiya starts the day in a panic after oversleeping. She stumbles upon a peculiar letter addressed to her, allegedly written by her future self at age 26. Although initially skeptical, Naho's doubts vanish as the letter's forecasts begin to materialize. The correspondence reveals a future steeped in regret, urging her younger self to amend past errors. It specifically warns Naho to take care of the new transfer student, Kakeru Naruse, a figure notably missing from her future. Guided by these instructions, Naho endeavors to protect Kakeru, hoping to prevent the recurrence of her future sorrows.

Katsuhira Agata is a quiet, withdrawn high school student who has nearly lost his ability to feel pain, making him an easy target for bullies who exploit his indifferent nature to extort money. His classmate Chidori Takashiro is one of the few who remembers what Katsuhira was like before he became emotionally numb. One day, Katsuhira, Chidori, and four other teenagers are kidnapped and forced into the Kizuna System as "Kiznaivers." This system connects them through shared pain, meaning any injury inflicted on one member is felt equally by all the others. They are unwilling participants in a flawed experiment designed to bring about global peace, and their survival depends on revealing their true selves to one another, or else they will face consequences far worse than the collapse of the Kizuna System itself.

After being crushed to discover his in-game wife was actually a middle-aged man, the naive otaku Hideki "Rusian" Nishimura swears never to trust female players again. Eventually, Rusian joins a new guild with three other members, one of whom controls a female character named Ako. Even though Ako expresses romantic feelings and proposes marriage, Rusian stays suspicious that she is a man in disguise, yet he accepts the proposal because her avatar is so appealing. Matters become more tangled when the guild schedules an offline meetup, which reveals that Ako is not only a real woman but also a classmate of Rusian's at school.

In the alternate realm of Magano, malevolent contaminants called Kegare spread unchecked, necessitating the intervention of exorcists to purify the land. Benio Adashino, a celebrated exorcist, is summoned to Tokyo by the Exorcist Union. During her journey, she unexpectedly encounters Rokuro Enmadou, a young exorcist burdened by a troubled history. Despite the persistent threats of Magano, chaos erupts when a Kegare abducts several children. Benio immediately rushes to their rescue, inadvertently pulling Rokuro into the fray. As defeat nears, Rokuro intervenes, displaying abilities that match Benio's own. Sousei no Onmyouji chronicles the adventures of these two extraordinary exorcists, destined to become the "Twin Star Exorcists." Prophecy foretells they will be the parents of the Miko, the reincarnation of Abe no Seimei, who will eventually cleanse the world of all impurities.

Kae Serinuma is a gentle second-year high schooler and a dedicated otaku with a secret love for BL, or Boy's Love, often daydreaming about her male classmates falling for one another. Despite her kind heart, she is known for being noticeably overweight. After her favorite anime character dies, Kae falls into a deep depression, skipping meals and isolating herself for a week. When she finally returns, she has shed the weight and transformed into a strikingly beautiful girl. This dramatic change draws the attention of four boys from her school who immediately begin competing for her affection. While they pursue her eagerly, Kae's true desire is for them to fall in love with each other. The story follows her efforts to navigate this chaotic situation with her four admirers, all of whom are captivated by her unique, BL-obsessed nature.

In the second season of The Asterisk War, Ayato Amagiri and Julis-Alexia von Riessfeld move forward in the Phoenix Festa following an intense battle against Irene and Priscilla Urzaiz. Their progress becomes complicated when it is revealed that Ayato's powers remain sealed, a detail now exposed to their opponents. Facing this major disadvantage, the two must develop new tactics to stay in the competition. As the obstacles become more severe, they confront increasingly powerful enemies.

In "Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle," Lux, the former prince of the fallen Arcadia Empire, accidentally wanders into a girls' dormitory bath and encounters the newly crowned Princess Lisesharte. Angered by this intrusion, she challenges Lux to a Drag-Ride duel. Drag-Rides are ancient mechanical relics excavated from ruins across the world. Although Lux is renowned as the most powerful Drag-Knight, he is now mocked as the "undefeated weakest" because he refuses to harm his opponents. After their battle, Lux is compelled to enroll in an all-female academy that trains future royal Drag-Knights.

In Hundred, humanity is under assault from the alien entity called the Savage, with the Hundred being the only technology capable of effectively fighting back. Hayato Kisaragi, who survived an encounter with the Savage, has the highest compatibility with this weaponry. As a result, he is enrolled at Little Garden, a prestigious military academy located on a battleship, where he undergoes intense training to improve his skills. During his demanding schedule, Hayato draws the attention of several female classmates and gets involved in various incidents as he battles the Savage, which have taken over Earth and threaten global security.

In "Snow White with the Red Hair 2," Shirayuki and Zen Wistalia have openly acknowledged their feelings for each other, and life at the royal palace of Clarines resumes its regular pace. Shirayuki trains as an apprentice court herbalist, and Zen continues his responsibilities with the support of his trusted assistants. This tranquility is disrupted when Crown Prince Izana, Zen’s elder sibling, receives an invitation from Raji Shenazard, the prince of Tanbarun. Shirayuki is tasked with traveling to Tanbarun for a week to rebuild a relationship with the formerly haughty and imperious Raji, who had previously attempted to make her his concubine. As Shirayuki embarks on this mission, she anticipates new challenges, particularly from a mysterious boy named Kazuki, a stranger who now seems to be targeting her.

In "This Art Club Has a Problem!," Mizuki Usami is fully committed to her school's art club, but she discovers she is the only one who truly participates. The club president is always asleep during meetings, while Collette has stopped attending any club activities altogether. Subaru Uchimaki has the ability to win awards but spends his time drawing his ideal 2D wife instead. As Usami tries to organize regular art club activities, her efforts are constantly blocked by her uncooperative club members and her developing feelings for Subaru.

Hida Kizuna wields the HHG (Heart Hybrid Gear) ability, yet his power is too weak to make him stand out. His older sister urges him to transfer to a strategic defense school where students, many of whom are large-breasted girls, utilize their HHG abilities to battle invaders from another world while clad in extremely skimpy pilot outfits. Although Kizuna's combat skills fall short, his sister devises an alternative strategy: having the girls engage in erotic experiences with him to replenish their energy and boost their power. Consequently, his new school life promises to be filled with embarrassment!

This OVA adapts a story from volume 10.5 centered on Iroha Isshiki. After accepting a weekend invitation, Hachiman Hikigaya joins Iroha Isshiki on a tour of Chiba Prefecture to gather ideas for what would make an ideal date with Hayato Hayama. Without any set itinerary, the two wander from place to place, seemingly enjoying each other's company. Through these honest and straightforward interactions, the concept of what it truly means to be genuine continues to occupy Hachiman's thoughts, influencing his perspective on the future of the Volunteer Service Club and its members. This OVA is bundled with the limited edition of the Yahari Game demo Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru. Zoku PlayStation Vita game from 5pb.

At Sakuragaoka High School, love begins to blossom. Natsuki Enomoto gathers the courage to confess to her childhood friend, Yuu Setoguchi, but in her nervousness, she brushes it off as just a "practice" confession. Misreading her true intentions and wrestling with his own feelings, Yuu agrees to help Natsuki find love. As Natsuki deals with the aftermath of her indirect confession, Koyuki Ayase, another classmate, struggles with his own feelings for her. Though shy, Koyuki is determined to win Natsuki's heart. In "I've Always Liked You," Natsuki dreams of the day when she can honestly confess her feelings to Yuu. Amidst this, close friends get tangled in their own intricate web of unreturned love and hidden emotions.

Nijiiro Days chronicles the vibrant lives and romantic entanglements of four high school boys: Natsuki Hashiba, a dreamer plagued by delusions of love; Tomoya Matsunaga, a narcissistic playboy juggling multiple girlfriends; Keiichi Katakura, a kinky sadist who always carries a whip; and Tsuyoshi Naoe, an otaku dating a cosplaying girlfriend. After his girlfriend unceremoniously dumps him on Christmas Eve, Natsuki breaks down in tears on the street until a girl in a Santa Claus suit offers him tissues. He instantly falls for this mysterious girl, Anna Kobayakawa, who fortunately attends his school. While Natsuki's pursuit of Anna should have been simple, his nosy friends constantly meddle in his relationship as they strive to succeed in their own romantic endeavors.

In the modern, verdant city of Kazamatsuri, famous for its lush scenery and deep Japanese traditions, lives Kotarou Tennouji, a high school student who stands out from the crowd. Proud and curious, he constantly seeks amusement, often bothering his self-proclaimed delinquent friend Haruhiko and nursing a crush on the eccentric Kotori. With a unique ability to permanently modify parts of his own body to enhance strength or agility, Kotarou is naturally attracted to the supernatural. He meets Akane Senri, the lone member and president of the Occult Research Club, known as the "Witch," which prompts the club's revival. Together with Kotori, he recruits four others: the clumsy transfer student Chihaya, the strict class representative Lucia, and the quiet Shizuru. As Kotarou investigates the hidden secrets of each club member through their shared experiences, he confronts a fate that may be only his to rewrite.

The second season of Okusama ga Seitokaichou! picks up where the first left off. Izumi Hayato originally ran for student council president, but a beautiful girl won the election by promising to liberalize love and tossing condoms into the crowd, leaving him as vice president. During the first student council meeting, the newly-elected president invites herself to Izumi's house. There, she promptly declares that she will become Izumi's wife, thanks to an agreement their parents made—facilitated by alcohol—when they were both only three years old.

In "Orange: Mirai," twenty-six-year-old Hiroto Suwa, his wife Naho, and their former high school classmates Takako Chino, Azusa Murasaka, and Saku Hagita gather at the peak of Mt. Koubou to admire the cherry blossoms. While reflecting on their friend Kakeru Naruse, who died ten years earlier, they continue to mourn his loss. The group then visits Kakeru's old home, where his grandmother reveals the truth behind his death. Feeling regret, Suwa and the others write letters to their sixteen-year-old selves, seeking a sense of closure. Armed with the knowledge from his future self's letter, young Suwa gains an opportunity to alter the past. How will he use this insight, and what repercussions will arise from his actions in this changed timeline?

In "The Moment You Fall in Love," after practicing confessions with Yuu Setoguchi, Natsuki Enomoto's younger sibling Kotarou and Yuu's sister Hina find it difficult to express their developing romantic feelings. Though Hina's first meeting with upperclassman Koyuki Ayase in middle school was awkward, she is drawn in by his gentle demeanor. Initially puzzled by these new emotions, she eventually understands that she has fallen in love. Inspired by her admiration for both her brother Yuu and Koyuki, Hina decides to attend Sakuragaoka High School. However, the intricacies of love begin to affect her friendships and relationships. With her lively yet thoughtful personality, Hina strives to confess her feelings to the kind-hearted Koyuki. Meanwhile, Kotarou, unaware of his own growing affection for her, focuses on ensuring Hina's happiness. "The Moment You Fall in Love" depicts the high school experiences of Hina, Kotarou, and Koyuki as they face the challenges and joys of young love, forming new bonds while risking the disruption of existing ones.

In "First Love Monster," Kaho Nikaidou starts her freshman year as a member of a wealthy family. Because of her background, everyone around her has always treated her cautiously, never wanting to cause trouble. Wanting to experience honest relationships without her family's influence, Kaho decides to live in a dormitory when the new school term begins. Shortly after arriving, Kaho almost gets hit in the street, but a tall, handsome stranger pulls her to safety. Intrigued, she asks for his name, but he simply calls her weird and walks away. His blunt attitude fascinates her, and she finds herself falling for the mysterious boy. When they meet again, Kaho learns his name is Kanade Takahashi and immediately confesses her feelings. He agrees to be her boyfriend but warns her that she might change her mind once she learns his secret. The truth shocks Kaho: Kanade is actually a fifth grader. Though she initially plans to break up over this, Kaho gradually grows closer to Kanade, charmed by his pure and warm personality. "First Love Monster" follows Kaho as she experiences her first romance with Kanade, her young but endearing partner.

During a standard medical checkup, Miia, Centorea, and Mero find they have put on some extra weight thanks to Kimihito Kurusu's tasty home-cooked meals. Polt comes to their aid by letting them use her brand-new swimming pool and fitness center ahead of its grand opening. But what begins as a workout quickly turns into a display of their fierce rivalry. Meanwhile, Rachnera Arachnera gets a letter from her previous host family, who want to make amends for the events that led to her transfer. The family's aim is more than an apology; they hope to have Rachnera come back. When Ren Kunanzuki, the family's daughter, shows up unannounced at Kimihito's home, the group must persuade her to let Rachnera stay where she is.

In Momokuri, second-year student Yuki Kurihara secretly takes over a hundred photos of her crush, first-year student Shinya "Momo" Momotsuki, and shadows him for months before finally gathering the courage to confess. Though surprised, the shy Momo agrees to date her, unaware of her unsettling habits, like covertly snapping pictures of him, digging into his personal life, hoarding his used straws, and regularly spying on him. Yuki's sensible friend Norika Mizuyama has taken note of these worrying tendencies. Meanwhile, Momo, still nervous and inexperienced with romance, sometimes ends up in awkward situations but is determined to make Yuki happy. The story follows the couple as they cautiously navigate their budding relationship and the hurdles they encounter together.

Working as a public servant in his dream job, Raku Ichijou comes home every day to his devoted wife, escaping the stresses of work. With daily home-cooked meals and endless love from his wife, Ichijou feels incredibly content, though this idyllic life might not be all it seems. The peace of Boyari City is still at risk because of Dr. Maiko's actions. The Magical Princess, who governs the Land of Magic, instructs Magical Patissiere Kosaki, Magical Police Marika, and Magical Gorilla Chitoge to put an end to Dr. Maiko’s threats once and for all. To prevent history from repeating itself, they need to devise a completely new strategy to overcome the unpredictable antagonist.

Chika Homura begins high school with the ambition of coming across as cute and feminine. Though she is skilled at volleyball, she decides to join the overlooked Wind Instrument Club, choosing the flute because she believes it represents the height of femininity. There she meets her childhood friend Haruta Kamijou, whose indifferent reaction to her attempts at being adorable only strengthens her resolve. Chika develops a crush on their band instructor Shinjirou Kusakabe, which annoys Haruta. As Chika deals with her growing feelings and personal development, strange mysteries start to appear among her fellow students. To get to the bottom of these puzzles, the club members must cooperate, all while working to recruit new members to improve their odds in future music contests.

In a future where "The World"—a mysterious location whose whereabouts are unknown—maintains global peace, making war a thing of the past, the airship Norn is assigned to carry nine people with special powers to this hidden place. Boarding the ship are eight men and three women. Koharu, who has moved past her loneliness and resents her potentially destructive abilities, works with Mikoto Kuga, a noble who uses her barrier skills to protect the Norn and its passengers. Also present is Nanami Shiranui, whose power causes her personal suffering and drives her desire to end her life as atonement for past deeds. As the journey unfolds, tensions grow among the passengers due to an unexpected rise in the ship's headcount. Their search for the stowaways is disrupted by a hostile attack aimed at stopping the Norn's progress at all costs. Amid this chaos, the passengers ponder the reasons behind their given abilities and their ultimate purpose upon reaching The World.

A preview in Jump SQ's September issue revealed that the fifteenth volume of To LOVE-Ru Darkness will include a new OVA, scheduled for release on January 4. The OVA consists of two episodes, each with a total runtime of 25 minutes. The first episode, "Ghost Story Kowai no wa Ikaga," is based on a side story from volume nine. The second episode, "Clinic Sunao ni Narenakute," adapts chapter 38.

This OAD adapts three chapters from the original manga. The first segment covers chapter 41, depicting Shirayuki and Zen enjoying a date in the castle town. Additionally, the anime features a special chapter from volume seven that explores Prince Raji's childhood, alongside a special chapter from volume eleven detailing the initial meeting of Zen, Mitsuhide, and Kiki.

Macross Delta takes place in the year 2067, eight years after the events of the previous Macross television series, Macross Frontier. The narrative centers on Walküre, a group of gifted idols, and the Delta Squadron, a unit of seasoned Valkyrie pilots, as they combat the Var Syndrome—a mysterious affliction spreading across the galaxy. Additionally, they contend with the enigmatic Aerial Knights Valkyrie fighter squadron from the Kingdom of Wind.

In "Accel World: Infinite∞Burst," after the confrontation with Burst Linker Dusk Taker, Kuroyukihime considers how she originally introduced Haruyuki Arita to Brain Burst—a system that accelerates mental functions, making time appear to stop. Since then, Haruyuki has gained recognition among other Burst Linkers and has aided Kuroyukihime in her endeavor to achieve the game's highest level. During a territorial battle with their legion, Nega Nebulus, Haruyuki and his group are ejected from the program by a violent storm inside the game. Security cameras across Tokyo begin to malfunction, a phenomenon Kuroyukihime links to the Brain Burst anomaly. Determined to restore order, Nega Nebulus must join forces with the remaining legions to investigate the source of the disruption and bring back the acceleration feature.

In "Kamisama Hajimemashita: Kamisama, Shiawase ni Naru," Nanami Momozono, the deity of Mikage Shrine, and her fox companion, Tomoe, confront a serious trial presented by the deity Ookuninushi. If Tomoe's desire to become human is granted, he will have to endure life as a mortal, while Nanami will likewise return to human form. As they look back on their past experiences and consider what lies ahead, Nanami struggles with planning their new life, especially as her high school graduation draws near. Regardless of which direction they choose, the connection between Tomoe and Nanami remains unbreakable.

Habahiro Hige is an ordinary office worker with an intense love for Tabekko Marshmallows. His daily routine is frequently interrupted by his 24-year-old coworker, Iori Wakabayashi, who delights in tormenting him and exploiting his marshmallow obsession. She provokes him by eating the candies in front of him, buying his favorite kinds from convenience stores, and embarrassing him before their supervisor. Despite her friends' confusion about her interest in him, Iori is drawn to Habahiro's plump, marshmallow-like physique and is determined to win his affection. Secretly, Iori aims to lure him into a romantic connection, believing that appealing to his taste buds is key to capturing his heart. With a bag of sweets in hand, she persistently pursues him, hoping he will eventually see beyond her games. The story unfolds as it questions whether Habahiro will realize that their playful interactions could develop into something more.

In "Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal Season III," Usagi Tsukino struggles to balance her everyday life with her role as Sailor Moon, the defender of love and justice. Alongside her fellow Sailor Guardians and her boyfriend, Mamoru Chiba, she investigates a series of incidents at Mugen Academy, where students are being transformed into monsters. Their search brings them face to face with three intriguing figures: Haruka Tenou, a glamorous racecar driver; Michiru Kaiou, a talented violinist; and Hotaru Tomoe, a delicate and enigmatic girl. As more dangers arise, the Sailor Guardians encounter two additional planetary guardians whose motives remain uncertain. Despite their questionable loyalty to Usagi and her team, they must unite to battle a common enemy—a malevolent entity known as Pharaoh 90.

In a world where artistic expression manifests as magic, individuals who can stir deep feelings through their Magic Arts are known as Artistas, typically working in entertainment. Hoshinomori Private Magical Arts High School cultivates such talents, and a mysterious new transfer student named Kohana Aigasaki arrives. She is placed on the organizing committee for the annual Hoshinomori Summer Festa cultural event, where she navigates a romantic high school life alongside six male students who aspire to become performers. Each boy specializes in a unique Art, all striving to make Hoshi Fes a triumph. They also compete for the prestigious titles of Artista Prince and Princess, awarded to one couple each year.

In the OVA "My Wife is the Student Council President," Ui Wakana, the student council president, launches a campaign urging students to hold hands. While putting up promotional posters, her husband and vice president, Hayato Izumi, hurts his hand trying to catch her from falling. Guilt-ridden and seeking to make amends, Ui offers to help Izumi with bathing, even as he insists he can handle it himself.

Following the third season's conclusion, the narrative focuses on the battle to win a performing spot at the Triple S international sports event's opening ceremony. The HE★VENS idol group from Raging Entertainment stirs up the existing conflict between QUARTET NIGHT and ST☆RISH, creating major upheaval. After QUARTET NIGHT proposes a different approach, the three groups move into a new stage, but HE★VENS stays determined to seek vengeance against its competitors.

In the transitional period between childhood and adulthood, twelve-year-old Hanabi Ayase and Aoi Yui face changes that shape their lives. Ayase, having been teased by boys in her class, views the opposite sex unfavorably. However, this perspective starts to evolve when she works on a school project with the kind-hearted Takao Yuuto and they share their first kiss unexpectedly on the rooftop. Witnessing her best friend's budding romance, Aoi desires to experience love herself. She finds herself drawn to the passionate Kazuma Hiyama, who stands up for her after a classmate spreads rumors following her rejection. "12-sai.: Chicchana Mune no Tokimeki" chronicles the experiences of these four individuals during their adolescent journey. As they navigate growing up, the story captures the purity and excitement of their first love.

Picture drama included on the IS: Infinite Stratos 2 Blu-ray BOX.

These short anime specials, titled "Kujou-san no Do-S Soudanshitsu Anime-ban," were released as bonus content alongside the Blu-ray and DVD editions of Ore ga Ojousama Gakkou ni "Shomin Sample" Toshite Gets♥Sareta Ken.

This picture drama special, bundled with the BD/DVD release of the primary film, focuses on the relationship between Sena and Midori.

In the ongoing conflict between the rational Blue World and the instinct-driven Red World, the Nightfly O'Note, creatures originating from the Red World, relentlessly assault the Blue World. Akira Asagi, a 17-year-old researcher from the Blue World, is chosen to lead the defense at Ryuukyuu LAG, a fortress situated on the islands of Ishigaki and Iriomote. At Ryuukyuu LAG, Akira encounters the sixth combat unit "IS," formed four years after the previous unit was completely wiped out in a fierce battle. She must now command these six warriors, known as the Scared Rider Xechs, in their fight against the forces of the Red World while also fostering cohesion within her team.

In "12-sai.: Chicchana Mune no Tokimeki 2nd Season," the narrative follows Hanabi, a sixth-grade student as she moves through the shift from childhood to adolescence. She deals with situations like accidentally seeing her homeroom teacher kiss someone and feeling uneasy about maturing physically ahead of her peers. The series portrays the simple concerns and emerging romantic feelings of a young 12-year-old girl.

Shintarou Kisaragi, a NEET, has spent two years holed up in his room, keeping to his usual habits until a year earlier when he got a strange anonymous email that brought a digital girl named Ene into his life. She shows up on his computer monitor and starts messing with his system, eventually forcing Shintarou to step outside for the first time in two years.

Habahiro Hige wakes up at his desk and finds he has turned into a baby. Making the situation even stranger, Iori Wakabayashi shows up wearing a school uniform and does not recognize him as the infant. When she picks him up and cradles him, Hige realizes that not only does he have a baby's body, but his mind has also become that of a baby.

Part two of the third season of Huyao Xiao Hongniang.

In "Buddy Go!", dance is how Ai Shizukuishi expresses herself most freely, enabling her to show her emotions openly. She posts videos of her performances on Smile Douga under the alias "Ai," frequently cross-dressing in them. Though she gains considerable fame, Ai keeps her focus on her true objective: surpassing her idol, the "dance prince" Hayate. Her impressive dancing eventually gets Hayate's attention, but he does not realize Ai is a girl. After they both take part in the same audition, they are teamed up in an idol group called Buddyz and enter an all-male dance competition. As the rivalry between Ai and Hayate grows more intense, Hayate starts to develop romantic feelings for Ai's feminine side, adding further complexity to their dynamic.

Mei Ayazuki's time-traveling journey carries on in the follow-up to Meiji Tokyo Renka: Yumihari no Serenade, as she further develops her romantic bonds with various historical individuals.

In 2016 at AnimeJapan, animation studio Sunrise announced that the 2006 mecha anime Zegapain was being remastered into a film titled Zegapain ADP. The movie will feature additional scenes that were not included in the original TV series.

Studio Ghibli created an animated version of the classic Japanese artwork Choujuu-Jinbutsu-Giga Emaki, often called Choujuu Giga, for a Marubeni Power commercial. The advertisement, titled "Encounter," is designed to advertise Plan G, a new electricity offering from Marubeni Power as Japan's energy market undergoes liberalization. Plan G draws on both "Ghibli" and "green" to highlight its dedication to environmental responsibility. The plan promises to support the national trust for "Totoro's Forest," provide electricity to the Ghibli Museum, and promote multiple conservation initiatives.

The story "Kaze no You ni" follows Sanpei, a young beekeeper whose family was lost in a tragic event. He finds comfort after meeting Chiyo, who had been stung by a bee, and the two begin a new life together in her village. Sanpei soon sets to work reviving the abandoned fields, restoring them to life until he unexpectedly disappears. Now, among the blooming flower fields, Chiyo stays hopeful, patiently waiting for Sanpei to come back.