Best Drama Anime of 2004

In Elfen Lied, Lucy is a Diclonius, a subspecies marked by horns and invisible telekinetic arms that made her a target of brutal government experiments. When she finally finds a chance to escape, the years of her captivity and suffering have twisted her mind, leading to a bloody slaughter of her captors as she breaks free. During her frantic flight, a severe head injury fractures her psyche, creating a second, childlike personality who is barely able to speak. In this vulnerable state, she is found by Kouta and his cousin Yuka, college students who unknowingly take the injured fugitive in. Their compassion sets off a chain of events that pulls them into a hidden world of government secrets and conspiracy.

The colossal, locomotive Howl's Moving Castle, characterized by its clanking gears and billowing smoke, is the domain of the legendary wizard Howl, renowned for his potent magic and status as a ladies' man. In a tranquil town where such legends are whispered, Sophie Hatter, the modest daughter of a hatmaker, dedicates herself to her family's trade without any desire for a life beyond it. Sophie's routine existence is upended when she faces a perilous predicament and is saved by the mysterious Howl. This interaction angers the spiteful Witch of the Waste, who, driven by jealousy stemming from a previous conflict with Howl, casts a curse upon Sophie, aging her into an elderly woman. To shatter the curse and restore her youth, Sophie sets off on a hazardous quest alongside Howl and his eccentric allies, including a powerful fire demon and a jumping scarecrow, all within the living castle. Their journey takes place against the backdrop of a raging war that threatens to tear their world apart.

Dr. Kenzou Tenma, a gifted neurosurgeon destined to become the hospital director's son-in-law, enjoys a promising career until he faces a harrowing choice: operate on a renowned performer or a dying immigrant laborer. Choosing the laborer leads to the patient's death and ignites a deep ethical struggle within Tenma. Years later, a similar predicament arises when he must choose between saving a young boy named Johan Liebert or the local mayor. Despite losing his status and facing severe professional consequences, Tenma remains steadfast in his decision to save the child. Following the mysterious deaths of the hospital director and two other doctors, Tenma is exonerated and eventually rises to become the director himself. Nine years after that fateful surgery, Tenma's past resurfaces while treating a criminal, revealing that the patient was once the child he saved, Johan Liebert. Overwhelmed by guilt, Tenma embarks on a relentless journey to undo the devastation wrought by the life he chose to preserve.

In Musashino City, panic spreads following a string of assaults by a mysterious figure named Shounen Bat. This attacker zips around on rollerblades, striking victims with a gleaming gold baseball bat. The initial target is Tsukiko Sagi, a famous but withdrawn character designer, who finds herself falsely accused of masterminding the incidents. Her sole ally is Maromi, a talking pink plush toy who staunchly defends Tsukiko's innocence, even as the toy itself becomes a target. Detectives Keiichi Ikari and Mitsuhiro Maniwa are tasked with uncovering the identity of Shounen Bat. As the victim count rises, media coverage fuels public terror while disturbing rumors circulate, tightening the grip of paranoia on both children and adults. Can Ikari and Maniwa unravel the mystery of Shounen Bat before the escalating dread consumes them too?

You think your life is terrible? Sometimes death is far worse. There is no salvation, no peace, and no god waiting to welcome you. Wait—a god? Perhaps you mean that big black sphere in the room with you. Now you are forced into a game, battling green aliens and robotic monsters for a chance to stay alive. When Kei Kurono dies, he ends up trapped in exactly such a game—a trial of his abilities, his morality, and his will to survive. His life no longer belongs to him, and his death is mocked and crushed again and again. What happens if he refuses to obey? God only knows. Consider yourself warned: Gantz is not for the weak of heart, nor is it as straightforward as it appears. Gore, rape, and brutality run rampant, alongside depictions of greed, violence, and every ugliness found in today's society.

Yukio "Koyuki" Tanaka, a bored fourteen-year-old boy, has his ordinary life turned upside down when he rescues a peculiar dog named Beck from a group of tormentors. The dog belongs to Ryuusuke "Ray" Minami, a sixteen-year-old guitarist who used to play in a rock band. When Koyuki later runs into Ray at a diner, Ray invites him to his former band's rehearsal space. There, Ray plays guitar with incredible skill, deeply impressing Koyuki. Captivated by the energy and excitement of rock music, Koyuki decides to learn the guitar and help Ray fulfill his dream of creating the greatest rock band ever. Alongside Ray's younger sister Maho and other new friends, they form the band BECK. The story follows their journey through successes and struggles as they work to become famous across Japan.

In the year 5053, French nobles Viscount Albert de Morcerf and Baron Franz d'Epinay attend the Carnival festivities in the lunar colony of Luna. While Franz is satisfied with the revelry, Albert craves a more profound purpose in his life. His search for meaning shifts dramatically when he captures the attention of the mysterious and charismatic Count of Monte Cristo, a self-made aristocrat, during an opera performance. As the story progresses, Albert develops a friendship with the Count and introduces him to the elite circles of French society. However, the Count's true motives go beyond simple companionship; he is orchestrating a long-awaited vengeance against those who wronged him in the past. "Gankutsuou" explores the intertwined fates of Albert and the Count, and the heavy cost of seeking justice through revenge.

Hiroki Fujisawa and Takuya Shirakawa share an intense fascination with their classmate Sayuri Sawatari and the seemingly endless Ezo Tower that rises above the Tsugaru Strait. Inspired by this unattainable structure, they begin building an aircraft called Bella Ciela from a discarded drone, hoping to one day reach its summit. With Sayuri joining their project, the three make a promise to fly to the tower together. Yet Japan is split into northern and southern regions, and tensions escalate around the tower, which sits on the border between American-controlled southern islands and Soviet-held northern territories. A devastating event occurs when Sayuri vanishes without warning, leaving Hiroki and Takuya grief-stricken and searching for answers. Unbeknownst to them, Sayuri has fallen into a prolonged coma due to a mysterious sleep disorder. When they learn of her condition, Hiroki and Takuya also discover a strange connection between Sayuri’s comatose state and the very tower they had vowed to explore together.

Jun Sakurada has withdrawn from school and spends his days at home, habitually ordering products online with the intent of returning them before the trial period expires. His routine shatters when he discovers a cryptic note asking whether he would wind something. Agreeing without thinking, Jun sets off a chain of unforeseen events. A parcel soon arrives containing a mechanical doll. After winding her, the doll—Shinku, the fifth creation in the Rozen Maiden series—stirs to life, revealing a proud and commanding personality. Shinku explains that she and her sisters are part of a special line crafted by the legendary dollmaker Rozen, and they are locked in a contest called the Alice Game. In this competition, each doll relies on a human partner to help them triumph; the winner transforms into a real girl capable of meeting their creator. As more dolls appear in Jun's home, the situation grows increasingly complicated. An old rival of Shinku's emerges, and the resulting conflicts and battles pull Jun deeper into the dolls' world.

In the fourth season of Initial D, Takumi Fujiwara joins forces with Ryousuke and Keisuke Takahashi to form "Project D." The group has two main purposes: Ryousuke wants to perfect his "High-Speed Street Racing Theory," while Keisuke and Takumi aim to sharpen their driving skills by taking on tough rivals on dangerous mountain roads. Project D plans to compete against street racing teams from multiple prefectures, striving to set the best times on both uphill and downhill runs. To pull in the strongest challengers, Ryousuke creates a website to announce Project D's upcoming races and share the team's results. This fourth entry in the Initial D series follows the members of Project D through their trials and victories as they work to become the top street racing crew beyond Gunma Prefecture.

High school often represents a fresh start, complete with new classes and new friendships—but for Souichiro Nagi and Bob Makihara, it is merely a platform for becoming the most dominant fighters at their school. Unfortunately, Toudou Academy is the worst possible choice for that ambition. Unlike ordinary schools, Toudou Academy was established to revive martial arts in Japan, where subjects like math and science take a backseat. Souichiro’s dream of ruling the martial arts scene at Toudou Academy comes to a halt when he clashes with seniors Masataka Takayanagi and Maya Natsume. These experienced fighters quickly put the brakes on the freshmen’s aggressive march through the school. Yet instead of discouraging them, the setback only fuels their determination to compete. Who are these incredible fighters at Toudou Academy? Is there anyone stronger than Masataka and Maya? And why is Maya’s younger sister so obsessed with Souichiro? The answers to these questions and more can be found in Tenjho Tenge.

Kurono Kei and his former elementary school classmate Kato Masaru have made it through the first two missions sent by the mysterious black sphere known as Gantz. Exploding limbs, fighting to survive until the final seconds, and watching their fellow comrades fall in pools of blood and viscera have become routine for them. They now understand that Gantz can summon them along with any new recruits at any moment for another encounter with aliens. Will Kato's experiences inside the Gantz world give him the same bravery in the real world? With fellow veteran Gantz player Kei Kishimoto currently living at Kurono's place as his "adopted pet," can Kurono resist his growing desire for her breasts? What the hell is Gantz?

During the Cosmic Era 0071, a fight between two mobile suits in a war destroys a neutral country, killing Shinn Asuka's entire family. Furious at the Earth Naturals, Shinn vows revenge and advances through ZAFT's military, eventually piloting the advanced Impulse mobile suit. At the same time, Athrun Zala—a veteran of the previous war now helping diplomat Cagalli Yula Athha—gets caught up in a new struggle between Naturals and Coordinators, the latter being genetically enhanced humans scorned for their superior abilities. As tensions rise and more conflict threatens, Athrun acts as a mentor to the resentful Shinn, trying to steer the young pilot away from his vengeful path toward a more compassionate mindset before his thirst for retribution overwhelms him.

Nanoha Takamachi is an ordinary third-grade student who values her time with family and friends. After rescuing a ferret she saw in a dream the previous night, she discovers the next day that the creature can speak to her telepathically. It reveals itself as Yuuno Scrya, a wizard from another world who accidentally scattered the dangerous 21 Jewel Seeds across Earth. Yuuno asks for Nanoha's help, granting her the magical device Raising Heart and teaching her to use her newfound powers as a mage. As they recover several Jewel Seeds, they cross paths with Fate Testarossa, a more skilled mage whose motives for collecting the Seeds remain unclear. Though Fate is stronger and refuses to explain her reasons, Nanoha notices a hint of sadness in her eyes, though Fate stays silent. Directed by Akiyuki Shinbo, Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha centers on the emotional struggle born from conflicting goals.

Katakura Kippei is a high school playboy through and through. His days are spent flirting with any girl he comes across, and responsibility is the furthest thing from his mind. His life takes an unexpected turn when he returns home one day and is given the full-time task of caring for his 5-year-old cousin. Kippei's aunt Miyako has disappeared, apparently having abandoned her daughter, Yuzuyu. With Kippei's complete lack of responsibility and knowledge about childcare, and Yuzuyu's wounded heart from her mother's disappearance, their time together is headed for a rough journey. Based on the manga by Maki Youko.

During the steam-powered era of Victorian Britain, the Industrial Revolution drives the empire's expansion. James Ray Steam, a young inventor from a distinguished family of innovators, resides in Manchester, where he spends his days laboring in local factories and gathering parts for his creations. One day, he gets a mysterious parcel from his grandfather, who is working with Ray's father in the United States. The parcel holds an odd ball fitted with a valve. Soon after, agents from the O'Hara Foundation storm his home, aiming to confiscate the object. Panicked and bewildered, Ray flees to the home of his grandfather's associate, Robert Stephenson, with his pursuers close behind. As he uncovers the secrets and capabilities of the ball, it becomes clear that multiple factions within the British Empire are competing to gain control of it.

Saeki Koushirou makes a living as a wedding coordinator, yet his personal romantic life is a mess. Coming from a broken home—his parents divorced and he lives with his father—he finds it hard to give himself fully to love. He has a mother and a sister, but they have been out of contact for many years. After his girlfriend breaks up with him, a random meeting with a female high school student unsettles Koushirou's composure and stirs unfamiliar emotions within him. However, he soon discovers that this girl is actually his younger sister, who is now moving in with him and his father. And yet, the emotions growing inside Koushirou refuse to go away.

Since the conflict with the Space Monsters erupted, many generations have come and gone, and few recall its origins—documentation from that time is sparse. Despite the bleak outlook, humanity persists in their struggle, depending on the "Topless," a distinguished corps of space pilots with unique talents allowing them to wield the Buster Machines, humanity’s last line of defense. Nono, a young woman hailing from a distant Martian village, has been captivated by tales of the famed pilot "Nono-Riri." Yearning to break free from her routine existence, she is determined to emulate her idol. Naively oblivious to the impending peril, she is unwavering in pursuit of her ambition. Fate intervenes when Nono meets Lal'C Melk Mark, a solitary Topless pilot, and she resolves to follow Lal'C into the unknown, regardless of the risks involved.

In "Le Portrait de Petit Cossette," Eiri Kurahashi, a Japanese art student working part-time at an antique shop, begins acting strangely, becoming preoccupied and distant from his usual self. His friends suspect a girl might be the reason behind his odd behavior. Their guess proves accurate. Eiri encounters a stunning, doll-like girl imprisoned within an antique Venetian glass that his uncle acquired in France. The girl resides in a peculiar alternate dimension inside the glass but continues to haunt Eiri's thoughts. He begins filling his sketchbook with images of her and becomes deeply enthralled by her mysterious presence. Recognizing her likeness in a painting by the elusive Italian artist Marchello Orlando, he discovers her name: Cossette d'Auvergne. Tragically, she and her entire family were violently killed. One evening, while closing the shop, Eiri hears a voice begging him not to depart. Finally connecting with the girl who has captured his attention, he agrees to a deal without fully comprehending its implications.

At Lillian Girls' Academy, Sachiko Ogasawara carries herself with elegance and poise, yet battles inner turmoil. Her intense dislike of males makes her dread the thought of partnering with a boy in an upcoming school performance, pushing her to consider stepping down from her role. Seeking a solution, she proposes to the Yamayuri Council—the school's student governing body—that she take on a petite sœur, a younger student to guide and mentor. Unexpectedly, first-year student Yumi Fukuzawa turns down Sachiko's offer to become her petite sœur. Senior council member Sei Satou then presents a condition: if Sachiko can persuade Yumi to accept the position, she may withdraw from the play. Despite her typical struggles with forging bonds, Sachiko throws herself wholeheartedly into winning Yumi's approval.

In a world teetering on the edge of annihilation, Kiba and Cheza, together with Tsume, Hige, Toboe, and Blue, race against time to find the true paradise before the earth becomes uninhabitable. Reunited, Cher and Hubb decide to accompany the wolves on their journey, determined to see it through to the end, while Quent, lost and consumed by vengeance, wanders aimlessly across the desolate landscape, driven by his desire for retribution. Lord Darcia the Third sets his plan in motion, targeting Cheza and putting himself in conflict with the wolf pack. Amid the chaos where destruction and fate intersect, the wolves struggle to survive in an increasingly perilous world. Despite the impending end, paradise remains as elusive as ever.

In the peaceful village of Mahoroba, where life flows calmly, the story follows two students from the prestigious Ototachibana Academy: Himeko, who is shy and reserved, and Chikane, who is confident and graceful. Despite their contrasting personalities, their bond remains unbreakable, even against forces that try to separate them. On their shared birthday, an evil power takes over one of their friends, turning them into a threat. At the height of the crisis, the hidden abilities of the moon and sun shrine maidens within Himeko and Chikane awaken, defeating the menace. However, this victory is only the start of many trials, as they face numerous enemies, including those they once considered close allies.

High school student Takeru Takemoto has a part-time job delivering items by motorcycle. While making a delivery, he spots a strange light zoom past him and ends up crashing into a forest. There, he discovers a beautiful girl emerging from a glowing cocoon, who introduces herself as "Hikari." Takeru feels very awkward due to Hikari being naked, but then a weird monster appears and immediately attacks them. Without fully understanding what is happening, both Takeru and Hikari unleash the powers of their alternate selves.

In a remote area of the Japanese archipelago, Tatsumiyajima serves as the primary hub for a group of islands. The inhabitants enjoy calm lives, with youth attending school free from worry. Yet this peace masks a deeper reality. Humanity's survival hangs in the balance, and Tatsumiyajima stands as the final barrier against a strange, unknowable threat. At the heart of this conflict lies the colossal mecha Fafner, a dragon-shaped guardian charged with protecting the last remnants of humanity.

In the war-torn country of Gazth-Sonika, a civil conflict rages on. There, a mercenary known as Madlax operates with near-supernatural abilities. Meanwhile, in the seemingly peaceful land of Nafrece, Margaret Burton leads a quiet, ordinary life. Though their worlds appear vastly different, the two are linked by threads of mystery and a sacred holy book—one also pursued by the shadowy organization Anfan. As Margaret and Madlax follow the course of their fated paths, they draw closer to uncovering the hidden truth, with no assurance that it is a truth they can endure learning.

Black Jack is a doctor who practices without a license, his background shrouded in mystery. Alongside his youthful assistant Pinoko—who harbors a deep affection for him—he handles rare and often strange medical conditions that can be dangerous or entirely unfamiliar. Despite this, he is a brilliant physician capable of saving nearly any patient, provided they can meet his hefty fees. His reputation extends across the globe, particularly among medical and scientific circles. A rational man devoted to empirical evidence, Black Jack remains skeptical until confronted with proof, yet he finds himself repeatedly amazed when emotion and the natural world prove more powerful than the science he has built his life upon.

Ever since their parents passed away a few years ago, Ryo and his sister Akane have been living by themselves. In spite of their tough circumstances, they're managing a fairly content and ordinary life. But soon, everything is about to be turned completely upside down because of a secret government initiative. With Japan facing extremely low birth rates, the government is trying out a program that forces two young people to get married. Ryo wants nothing to do with it, yet he has almost no say in the matter; his new fiancée, Shizuka, arrives at his house late one night accompanied by dozens of government-issued bodyguards, all present to make sure the new couple succeeds. Unlike Ryo, Shizuka is perfectly happy to go along with this program, and enthusiastically starts performing her wifely duties, despite his protests. Between meddlesome friends, pushy bodyguards, and an overly eager new fiancée, Ryo's life has taken an unexpected turn that the young man certainly never saw coming.

In the year 2100, humanity has set up colonies on the Moon, where a groundbreaking energy research project is underway. Amami Kurau, whose father leads this project, accompanies him to the lab on her twelfth birthday to observe the ongoing experiments. A disaster occurs when she is struck by two bursts of light. After the accident, her father realizes that Kurau has changed, now containing two energy beings that grant her extraordinary powers.

Two weeks have gone by since the standoff involving Maiku, Karen, and Miina was finally settled, yet their daily lives have only grown more chaotic. Karen is now completely wrapped up in the brother she only recently learned about, and Miina is just as hungry for his attention, leaving Maiku almost no breathing room to focus on his own work. Looking for an escape, he heads into the forest and sets up a campsite where he can get things done undisturbed. Of course, Morino can't resist stirring the pot. To add some extra excitement, she arranges a field trip straight to Maiku's camp and pushes everyone to soak up the summer and make some lasting memories.

As the spring semester starts at Lillian Girls' Academy, familiar bonds among the students are renewed. Yet for the Yamayuri Council members, this period carries a mix of joy and sorrow. Yoko, Eriko, and Sei are getting ready to leave Lillian, while Sachiko, Rei, and Shimako strive to make their beloved seniors' final days unforgettable. With Sei's departure, the White Roses will lose a vital member, and finding her replacement will prove difficult. Could a new student emerge who captures Shimako's interest enough to become the next Rosa Gigantea en bouton?

At Kamakura Girls' School, the academic year is drawing to a close, and summer is approaching. Ichika Tachibana, a 14-year-old who is both earnest and polite, is excitedly looking forward to a memorable summer vacation with her friends. However, she has no idea that her summer will become far more extraordinary than she ever imagined. During a cleanup of a rarely used school building, Ichika spots the reflection of an unfamiliar girl in a large mirror instead of her own image. Despite her friends dismissing it as a figment of her imagination, she encounters the same girl again later, who emerges from the mirror and returns Ichika's lost cellphone. The girl, Manatsu Kuroki, reveals that the gemstones on Ichika's cell phone charm have transformed, granting her the ability to harness the powers of the 12 Djinn that safeguard the world. "Utakata" follows Ichika as she gains new insights through her interactions with these mystical beings. As they unveil astonishing visions to her, they also stir profound emotions and thoughts within her.

In their unyielding journey westward, the Sanzo Ikkou strives to stop a dangerous demon from being resurrected. As Genjo Sanzo, Cho Hakkai, Sha Gojyo, and Son Goku press onward, internal conflict risks undermining their mission. When they face a powerful pair of enemies from the west, the unity of the group—and therefore the outcome of their crucial task—is challenged.

Mirai, an upgraded Kongou-class Aegis guided missile destroyer, ranks among the most advanced vessels in the Japanese Self Defense Force (SDF). Her crew, relatively inexperienced, is commanded by Captain Umezu Saburo with Executive Officer Kadomatsu Yosuke as second-in-command. During routine training exercises, Mirai is caught in a violent storm that temporarily disrupts their navigation systems. After recovering moments later, the crew is astonished to find themselves transported back in time to June 4, 1942—the Battle of Midway during World War II. They allow history to unfold naturally during this engagement, steering clear of direct involvement and pledging to remain hidden, altering the past as minimally as possible. However, when they encounter the gravely wounded Lieutenant Commander Kusaka Takumi, XO Kadomatsu's instinct to preserve life overrides caution, setting in motion far greater changes to history than he could ever foresee.

In the year 972 AD, Kyoto, the capital of ancient Japan, has become a corrupt and decaying city overrun by selfish samurai and onmyoji who seek only political power. Compounding the problem, the city suffers from famine and widespread disease. Unable to ignore the city's worsening state any longer, the Imperial Court decides to dispatch Minamoto no Raiko, a famous samurai renowned for his archery skills, to retrieve a legendary gem said to possess a mysterious power that can save the world. However, Raiko himself falls ill from the disease. Instead, his youngest sister, Hikaru, secretly sets out on the journey in his place. Along her quest for the legendary gem, Hikaru encounters many people and experiences numerous adventures.

As the conflict between ZAFT's Coordinators and Earth's Naturals draws to a close, the survivors start to rebuild their lives. Some find solace in the arms of those they love, while others isolate themselves, reflecting on their losses and the comrades they've lost forever. This epilogue to the saga of Kira Yamato and Athrun Zala sees the heroes coming to terms with their wartime actions and preparing for the new challenges that lie ahead.

In a world where rising sea levels have reshaped the planet, fifteen-year-old orphan Maia Mizuki has just finished middle school and hopes to join the elite Ocean Agency, a paramilitary force under global government control. The entrance is extremely competitive, accepting only the most intelligent and physically fit candidates, and Maia is determined to succeed. Yet her plans collapse when she fails the exam. Her situation quickly worsens as she loses her home, gets robbed, is kidnapped, and even shot. Rena and Shizuka, members of an unconventional private security group named Nereids—after the Greek sea nymphs—rescue her. With nowhere else to turn, Maia decides to join the Nereids, taking on various jobs from chasing criminals to finding lost pets, which frequently lead to unexpected results. Later, Gloria and Yu also become part of the team. The title's mention of "Daphne" points to a secondary plot that becomes more important halfway through the series and grows increasingly significant for Maia. "Brilliant Blue" describes the largely aquatic world, filled with vast oceans, scattered islands, and floating cities instead of traditional landmasses.

Based on a game by Princess Soft. The protagonist, Junna, has a twin sister named Senna. He is an ordinary student at an elite school. However, in the past, a traffic accident took away his parents and his memories. Junna survived the crash, and although his relatives have looked after him, he has lived only with his sister. Now, in the present... Life with Senna at the same high school is so enjoyable that he can forget his harsh past. Because he has existed in a world where only Senna matters, his experiences in this town—like starting a new life, adapting to new surroundings, and forming new encounters—feel incredibly refreshing. Yet, he begins to remember the memories lost in the accident. Even as he enjoys happy and pleasant days, he is torn between the past, the present, and the future. What is the truth hidden within his memories?

In the desert expanse of the Middle Eastern kingdom of Asran, Japanese photojournalist Makoto Shinjou journeys to the isolated airbase known as Area 88, intending to chronicle the lives of mercenaries who earn their keep by eliminating the nation's foes. Among these hired fighters is Shin Kazama, a Japanese ace pilot who was deceived by his one-time best friend into binding himself to Asran's fighter squadron. As a result, he forfeited his job as an airline pilot and the opportunity to wed his fiancée, Ryoko Tsugumo. Now, Shin faces three options to escape Area 88 and go back to Japan: serve the mercenary unit for three years, accumulate $1.5 million, or flee the base—an act that would mean almost certain death.

Zwei used to live an ordinary life, but everything changed one night when he happened to witness a brutal assassination while walking through the streets. He managed to evade the sniper—a young girl by the name of Ein—yet was soon captured and had all memories of his past erased. His life was spared only on one condition: he must train to become an assassin alongside Ein. Now, Zwei must find a way to break free from this shadowy world and reclaim the life he once had.

Sora Naegino has firmly established herself as the greatest star in Kaleido Stage history, and a new talent begins to shine when Rosetta Passel is chosen to perform a leading role in the upcoming attraction. However, when problems arise during rehearsals, Rosetta starts doubting whether she is capable of handling the part, as well as her own place in Kaleido Stage. At the same time, Fool contends with his own inner demons from the past.

The notion that words can be wielded like weapons in the art of negotiation lies at the heart of the acclaimed manga Yu-go, which ran in Kodansha's Afternoon Magazine for over ten years. Beppu Yuugo is recognized as the world's finest negotiator, relying exclusively on the power of speech. Rather than turning to violence or intimidation, he draws upon extensive knowledge and calm logic, placing his faith in the fundamental humanity of others. This approach has brought him success in countless high-stakes negotiations. The story focuses on two of his most significant cases—one set in Russia and another in Pakistan—where Yuugo confronts his opponents amid the unforgiving conditions of the Pakistani desert and the frozen expanses of Siberia.

Saiki Misaki has possessed the ability to perceive ghosts since childhood. Currently employed at an S&M club, she spends her free time helping spirits move on to the afterlife by making them aware of their own death and the need to depart. This task might be somewhat simpler if she didn't have a history of hardship and solitude... and a lecherous boss.

The first season introduces the five main characters, exploring their backgrounds, histories, and ambitions. Orpherus, Eduard, Camus, Lui, and Naoji are noblemen attending the prestigious Rozenstolz academy, where they belong to the Strahl class—a program designed to train potential candidates for advisory positions in the royal palace of the small European country of Kuchen. Meanwhile, Isaac, an English writer, arrives in Kuchen as a visitor. Still students, the five noblemen find themselves confronting corrupt politicians, secret agents, attempted murder, and ambitious individuals from both within and outside the school, all of whom threaten to disrupt the fragile peace of their country and even plot to assassinate the king.

In the story "Wind: A Breath of Heart," Okano Makoto returns to his childhood town and begins attending school once more, spending ordinary but happy days alongside his sister Hinata, the energetic classmate Tachibana Tsutomu, Tsutomu's longtime friend Shikouin Kasumi, and the rest of their group. One afternoon, Makoto catches the sound of a harmonica playing, and the melody stirs a faded memory, drawing him up to the school rooftop. There, bathed in the twilight, he encounters a girl. She is Narukaze Minamo, smiling at him—the two were close friends as children, but years have passed since they last met. Concealing their true feelings, Makuto and his companions continue their routine school life. The stories of this mysterious town are about to unfold.

Three centuries ago, in the frozen wilderness of Siberia, Jubei Yagyu fought a brutal duel against Kitaretsusai of the Northern Yagyu clan. The battle came at a great price: his daughter Freesia was encased in ice, left in suspended animation. Now, due to modern global warming, Freesia emerges from her frozen prison and transfers to a middle school in Japan as a new student. There she becomes friends with Jiyuu Nanohana. Unbeknownst to Jiyuu, Freesia's true aim is to steal the prized Lovely Eye Patch, which Freesia considers her rightful inheritance.

Hi no Tori is a series of interconnected stories centered around the legendary Phoenix. Its blood is said to grant eternal life to anyone who consumes it, driving many to seek its death. However, the Phoenix always rises again from its own ashes. The tales span both the distant future and the ancient past, where humans continue to conflict with one another, and all fear the inevitability of death. Yet, each story imparts a fundamental truth: life marks the start of an endless, eternal cycle.

In the year 2023 AD, Tokyo's society undergoes transformations due to globalization and the expansion of trade, which also cause the criminal underworld to evolve. Criminals operate more covertly, their organizations grow larger, and public safety steadily deteriorates. Taking the situation seriously, the government decides to implement a groundbreaking system. To deal with these exceptional criminals, an extralegal police force is established. This special crime-fighting unit, known as Warriors, is composed of a select group of elite members.

During their final year of high school, Hiroyuki and Akari, together with their close circle of friends, have matured in both body and spirit. Yet one familiar presence is conspicuously absent: the realistic android Multi. To everyone's astonishment, Multi unexpectedly reappears on the school grounds, but the android is not the same Multi they once knew.

Local folklore holds that if two people witness the diamond dust phenomenon together, they are destined for eternal happiness. "Diamond Daydreams" explores the romantic journeys, friendships, and personal struggles of six young women from Hokkaido. The story examines how the occurrence of diamond dust shapes their fates and fuels their search for fulfillment.

Determined to confess his feelings to the seemingly untouchable Serizawa Kaho during summer break, Makimura Koutarou has his plans disrupted on the eve of his confession by a mysterious girl. This chance meeting catapults him into the future, where he discovers a devastating truth: Kaho-chan is not only his girlfriend but has also perished in a tragic accident. Driven by this revelation, Koutarou returns to his own timeline with a singular mission to alter the future and save the girl he loves.

A series of chibi-style shorts included with the Maria-sama ga Miteru: Haru DVD releases.

Third-year high school student Naoki Kuzumi has been living with his aunt, uncle, and cousin Matsuri ever since he lost his parents in a tragic accident five years ago. He considers his life ordinary, aside from having no memories of his earliest childhood. One sunny day, as he is nodding off on a park bench, a strange girl with red hair named Mikoto suddenly falls onto him from above. Despite being strangers, she claims that he is her younger brother. It turns out that Naoki's time period is a safe haven for people from the future, where a widespread incurable disease is rampant. After discovering that her brother Yuusuke was sent to this safer era, Mikoto set out to find him.

Through the long-range warp known as the "Exodus Project," Worns, Ryer, and the other crew members of "Watchers Nest" manage to escape from Earth. Misaki, who was participating in the final battle against "Ghoul" at that time, is not present there, and before her eyes, the Earth changes and becomes sealed within a time barrier. Ryer and the others search for a way out of this spacetime maze, but the Earth transforms into various forms. Countless "Nows" emerge due to differing time axes. And Misaki, who should have vanished because of the Exodus Project incident, appears even more so. Before Ryer and the others, different versions of Misaki manifest: the Misaki from training school, the Misaki from her childhood days. Are these reflections caused by the conflicts that exist within Misaki? She awakens a second time, and when she finds the answer, that history is now leading in a completely different direction. Will Misaki, Ryer, and the others be able to discover a truly happy ending?!

In a cosmos ruled by an enigmatic figure called the Queen, life flourishes across multiple worlds due to the elemental abilities of her nine Guardians. When the Queen looks for a successor, she selects two candidates, Angelique Limoges and Rosalia de Catargena, and gives them a challenge: to use the Guardians' powers to develop life on a barren planet. Angelique, however, starts at a disadvantage relative to her rival and must strive to build strong bonds with the Guardians to have a chance at winning the contest.

A teenage boy is fondly remembered by several people from their younger days. No matter how old they are now, they all picture him as a teenager. The story weaves together their linked accounts, exploring how this young man—who seems to exist outside the usual flow of time—has left a deep impact on each person's life.

In post-World War II Japan, Professor Shikishima has transformed Shikishima Industries into a leading technology company focused on robot development. But concealed within their achievements is a shadowy wartime secret—one that claimed the life of Professor Kaneda, Shikishima's former mentor. Now Kaneda's son, Shoutarou, stands ready to uncover the truth, and it will alter his life forever.

After rookie producer Mikiko Oguro successfully leads her team to complete the anime Time Journeys, the president of Studio Petit announces that the studio will produce three different series for the upcoming season. Facing the challenge of maintaining her small team, the president decides to bring in an experienced producer to split Mikiko’s workload. However, as this new producer resorts to shortcuts to meet tight deadlines, the team begins to lose heart, wondering if the work they produce will be something they can truly be proud of.

Maetel left behind her mother and her home world, the frozen and doomed La Metal, where survival demands becoming a cyborg. When she is called back, her choices seem limited: follow her mother's example—and with it a robotic mind and the hatred of all humans—or flee and join the human struggle against the machines. Yet she is not without allies and protectors. If she can embrace the friendship of metallic beings who long for peace, and stand against those who believe that being made of flesh and blood is enough to define humanity, she may still find a way to forge her own destiny.

Tokyo Daigaku Monogatari follows Murakami Naoki, the valedictorian of his high school, who falls deeply in love with Mizuno Haruka. When he finally gathers the nerve to ask her out, she surprisingly agrees. Over the course of several months, their bond deepens, but the impending Tokyo University entrance exams threaten to drive them apart should only one of them pass.

Memories Off 3.5 presents two distinct storylines that share some characters. In the first tale, Omoide no Kanata e, Shogo is in a relationship with his current girlfriend, Neo. However, when Kanata, his ex-girlfriend, makes an unexpected reappearance, both Shogo and Neo begin to question their current relationship. The second story, Inori no Todoku Koro, centers on Inori and her boyfriend, Isshu. They had planned to go together to the fireworks festival, a location that holds special meaning as the place where their romance began. But Isshu cannot attend because of work, leaving Inori to go by herself and reflect on the past two years.