Fall 2004 Anime

Ichigo Kurosaki's mundane high school life is abruptly upended when a Hollow, a soul-devouring spirit, launches an attack on his family. Amidst the chaos, he meets Rukia Kuchiki, a Shinigami who sustains injuries while defending Ichigo's kin. Driven by a desire to protect his loved ones, Ichigo accepts Rukia's powers and transforms into a Shinigami himself. With Rukia incapacitated, Ichigo assumes the perilous duty of purging the Hollows that plague their town. He is soon aided by his friends and classmates—Orihime Inoue, Yasutora Sado, and Uryuu Ishida—who each contribute their own distinct abilities to the fight. As Ichigo and his allies navigate their new roles, striving to balance combat with daily existence, he learns that Hollows represent merely the initial wave of dangers threatening the human world.

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.

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 "School Rumble," the phrase "I love you" has the power to change everything, highlighting the complex world of high school romance. Second-year student Tenma Tsukamoto is determined to confess her feelings to her crush. Meanwhile, the infamous troublemaker Kenji Harima also struggles with expressing his emotions to someone close to him. Within the realm of school activities, friendships, rivalries, and personal pursuits, both characters find that navigating the intricacies of teenage relationships is anything but straightforward, especially when miscommunications complicate matters further. This dynamic romantic comedy captures relatable experiences as Tenma and Kenji each endeavor to win the hearts of their desired individuals.

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.

In the world of Duel Monsters, duelists compete for the highest honor: the title of King of Games. Hoping to join their ranks, easygoing Juudai Yuuki enrolls at Duel Academy, a prestigious school designed to train future champions. But on his first day, his carefree and absentminded nature makes him late for the entrance exam. During this mishap, he meets an old friend who gives him the "Winged Kuriboh" card, which soon becomes his reliable partner. As Juudai begins his journey as a duelist, will unexpected trials and hidden dangers steer his path in ways he never expected? Yu-Gi-Oh! GX follows Juudai's pursuit of his dream to become the King of Games. Through countless strange and extraordinary events, one thing is certain for Juudai and his friends—life at Duel Academy will never be dull.

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.

Sasahara Kanji enters college as a freshman and decides to join a student club where he can reveal his secret passion for manga, anime, and gaming. When he first visits Genshiken, which stands for "Gendai Shikaku Bunka Kenkyuu Kai" (Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture), his unfounded pride gets crushed by the schemes of Madarame, a sophomore member of the club, yet he still refuses to admit he is an otaku. But as he takes part in club activities like visiting dojin (self-published) shops and anime festivals, and spends time with fellow members—Kosaka (a hardcore otaku despite his good looks and extreme quirks), Kosaka's girlfriend Kasuga Saki (who is not really an otaku), Ohno (a cosplayer), and others—his mind opens up, and he decides he will carve his own path into the otaku world. With their support, Sasahara slowly gets accustomed to otaku life within Genshiken.

In a post-apocalyptic Japan, the Great Kanto Desert stretches across a barren landscape of sand and ruins, where survival is a daily struggle. While most merely endure the harsh conditions, a few rise to legendary status through their exploits. One such figure is Sunabouzu, known as the Desert Punk—a masked handyman who accepts any job, no matter how dangerous or morally questionable. His ruthless and cunning methods make him a feared presence across the desert. Yet Junko Asagiri, called the "Vixen of the Desert," discovers that Sunabouzu has a notable weakness: an overwhelming attraction to well-endowed women. As they travel through the Kanto Desert, Sunabouzu meets a strange assortment of individuals, all engaging in violent and perverse behavior in a world already ruined by previous generations. Despite the chaos and moral decay, they appear to take no lessons from the mistakes of those who came before.

On a ferry heading toward Fuuka Academy, new student Mai Tokiha and her frail younger brother, Takumi, rescue a girl who has fallen into the water. Soon after, the ferry is attacked by an enemy that summons a mechanical monster. Despite being injured, Mikoto Minagi defeats the creature using a mystical blade. Mai later discovers that Mikoto is also a student with the powers of a HiME (Highly-Advanced Materializing Equipment). As female HiMEs, they are tasked with defending the academy and the surrounding town from Orphan monsters. Following a series of school events where they clash with these creatures, Mai realizes that she too is a HiME, able to summon a Child—a powerful mechanical being. With her new abilities, Mai joins twelve other HiMEs to protect their school from an unknown menace while also keeping their loved ones safe.

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.

Gorou Honda is a young boy with an intense passion for baseball and a deep admiration for his father, Shigeharu. Driven by the dream of becoming a professional baseball player just like his dad, Gorou's innocent enthusiasm becomes a source of encouragement for Shigeharu, helping him cope with the loss of his wife and his lackluster performance as a member of the Blue Ocean second-string team. Shigeharu's career takes a downturn when an elbow injury forces him to the sidelines, plunging him into a period of deep despair. However, a chance conversation with an old friend prompts him to reconsider his future, leading him to ultimately stay in the game but shift from pitching to batting. This renewed dedication further inspires Gorou to strive for excellence in the Japanese Little League.

In "Gakuen Alice," ten-year-old Mikan Sakura, known for her cheerful and kind nature, shares a strong bond with her intellectual and somewhat distant friend Hotaru Imai. Despite their differences, their friendship remains solid until Hotaru unexpectedly transfers to the renowned Alice Academy, leaving Mikan distressed by rumors of the school's strict treatment of students. Unable to tolerate the separation from her best friend, Mikan decides to run away and join her at the academy. At Alice Academy, Mikan learns it is a special school for individuals with supernatural abilities called Alices, established by the government to nurture and protect these gifted students. Upon discovering she too possesses unique powers, Mikan enrolls and, after overcoming various obstacles, successfully reunites with Hotaru. "Gakuen Alice" is a touching comedy that follows Mikan's journey at the academy with her friends as they explore the mysterious past of Natsume Hyuuga, a fellow student who wields the power to manipulate fire.

In countries like France, England, and Germany, famous breads are celebrated worldwide, while Japan lacks a comparable iconic loaf. Inspired by the joys of bread making from his childhood, Kazuma Azuma embarks on a quest to develop a distinctive national bread for Japan. His journey is enhanced by his uniquely warm hands, which accelerate dough fermentation, enabling him to innovate in baking. Upon joining Pantasia, a distinguished Japanese bakery chain, Azuma encounters fellow gifted bakers and immerses himself in the intense world of competitive baking. Alongside his newfound friends and competitors, he aims to craft an original and exceptional bread that will ignite a baking revolution in Japan.

Every fifty years, the enigmatic Hourai Island appears, regarded by some as a source of eternal youth and by others as an omen of catastrophe. After Inuyasha's group rescues a half-demon child from a monstrous creature, they discover her name is Ai and that she fled from Hourai Island. To their surprise, Ai recognizes Inuyasha and pleads with him to save her friends, who are imprisoned by the Four War Gods—vicious demons with whom Inuyasha has a grim history. When they arrive at Hourai, they find only a few orphans left, destined to be sacrificed to empower the Four War Gods. These children bear a magical seal that binds them. To break it, Inuyasha must defeat the four demons, a task requiring strategic courage and the full support of his companions.

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.

Freelance photographer Kouhei Morioka travels to a German castle to collect evidence of supernatural activity for his friend Hiromi Anzai, who works for an occult magazine. Inside the castle, he encounters Hazuki, a young girl in white attire with cat ears, who shows immediate interest in him and attempts to kiss him. Instead, she reveals her vampire nature by biting him, yet Kouhei remains unaffected. Determined to escape the castle and avoid her overbearing butler Vigo, Hazuki convinces Kouhei to assist her. With help from his exorcist cousin Seiji Midou, they manage to break free. After fleeing, Hazuki travels to Japan in search of her mother. Upon returning home, Kouhei finds Hazuki living in his house and reluctantly accepts her presence. Meanwhile, other vampires pursue the elusive Hazuki. Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase blends gothic and cute elements to tell a captivating and enchanting story where an unusual duo forms a special connection while challenging the norms of an immortal society.

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.

Rushuna is a blonde, strikingly beautiful Senshi (gun expert) who travels across the world with a single goal: to bring peace not through combat, but by disarming people's desire to fight with a smile. Despite her reluctance to engage in battle, circumstances often force her into conflict, where she demonstrates extraordinary gunfighting prowess. Along the way, she meets Yajirou, a sword-wielding mercenary, who accompanies her on her journey.

Ichinomiya Kantarou was born with the ability to see demons, but this gift led to isolation and bullying from those who could not perceive them. He instead formed friendships with the demons, developing a deep fondness for their kind. One day, Kantarou learned of a legendary demon known as the ogre-eating Tengu, said to be the strongest of all. Captivated by tales of its power, Kantarou vowed to find this demon, far mightier than any other, and decided that when he did, he would name him Haruka. From that moment on, Kantarou searched tirelessly for the ogre-eating Tengu without success, earning his living as a folklore writer and a demon-buster. On one particular job, Kantarou finally came across information about a nearby shrine that was supposedly the place where the ogre-eating Tengu had been sealed away.

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.

Set among towering steel pipes, tangled power lines, and flickering neon lights, Kakurenbo takes place in the ruins of a deserted city where children risk everything to play a forbidden game. "Otokoyo" is a clandestine game of hide-and-seek that requires each participant to wear a fox mask, with gameplay beginning only once seven players gather. However, this is not merely a simple game; all who have played have vanished without a trace. While some attribute these disappearances to demons, others dismiss it as mere speculation. The story unfolds as seven new participants join Otokoyo, quickly discovering the harrowing truth behind the game and the fate that awaits those who dare to play.

Futami Nozomu returns to the town where he grew up after his mother passes away and his father moves overseas for work. He intends to start high school and take on a part-time job at a nearby shrine, but soon becomes caught up in a local legend about twin sisters who both loved the same man. The town is especially known for having many pairs of twin girls.

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.

For over five hundred years, sightings of enigmatic white-haired children have been reported across various times and locations in Europe. They always appear to be about eleven years old, yet they behave with a maturity beyond their apparent age, never age, and seem to possess supernatural power. Their goal is to find a specific girl, and the only clue they have is a picture featuring a crescent moon. Now, in the year 2012, an athletic boy named Tohma is about to become entangled in this centuries-old mystery.

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 "Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time – A Tale of the Eight Guardians," Akane Motomiya, along with her friends Tenma and Shimon, is dragged into another world by a demon and fated to become the Dragon God Priestess. The inhabitants explain that Akane is the only one who can stop the demonic forces from taking over their world, while the demons aim to use her powers. Fortunately, Akane is protected by the Hachiyou, eight guardians each with their own unique abilities, who are sworn to defend the Dragon Priestess.

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.

Young swordmaster Cless Alvein and archer Chester Barklight return to their hometown Totus and find it ravaged by the mysterious Black Knight. Seeking world domination, the Black Knight aims to unleash the sealed Demon King Dhaos, an evil force imprisoned by Cless's ancestors and those of cleric Mint Adnade centuries ago. Dhaos's resurrection would spell the end of the world. To prevent this, Cless and Mint journey one hundred years into the past to assemble a powerful team capable of permanently vanquishing the Demon King. Along the way, they join forces with half-elf sorceress Arche Klaine and summoner Klarth F. Lester. United, they battle Dhaos and his minions, striving to protect both past and future generations.

Nao, an eighth-grade student, is one of just two members of the Digital Camera Club, where she also acts as the manager. It remains a puzzle that she photographs nothing but the sky and clouds. One day, she discovers a cat on a rooftop where she usually takes her pictures. This cat has the ability to control the flow of the wind. Startled by the strange creature, Nao loses her balance and tumbles off the rooftop! Miki, the other club member, is also Nao's closest friend. Taiki is the teacher who instructed the cat in manipulating the wind's flow. Ryoko is a girl deeply infatuated with Taiki. Additionally, there is Jun, who assists Nao and Miki in searching for the flying cat. Then there is Yukio, the widow of Taiki's deceased brother. On the edge of this large city, a community of "Wind Handlers" has formed—and a mysterious Wind Festival is on the verge of starting...

Tachikomatic Days appears as a short segment at the conclusion of every episode in Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG, offering a collection of humorous mini-episodes. These brief clips center on the playful exploits of Section 9’s Tachikoma AI tanks, often weaving in narrative elements taken from the primary episodes. Typically, each segment runs for a little over one minute in length.

After wandering for days through the desert, the battle-worn warrior Munsu finds himself lost and on the verge of collapse. His life is unexpectedly spared when Mon-ryon, a young man aspiring to become a secret agent for the fallen nation of Jushin, comes to his aid. Mon-ryon's sole purpose is to rescue his girlfriend Chunhyan, a natural-born fighter currently imprisoned by the wicked Lord Byonand. But suddenly, blood seeps from Mon-ryon's chest—he has been mortally wounded by the Sarinjas, a race of cannibalistic desert goblins. Thinking quickly, Munsu convinces the creatures to let him live by offering up Mon-ryon's fresh corpse for their feast. Though doubtful of the young man's ideals, Munsu takes on the mission Mon-ryon described. Using the powers of Angyo Onshi to summon an army of ghost soldiers, he frees Chunhyan. After paying her respects at her boyfriend's grave, she vows to serve as Munsu's bodyguard, and together they set out to bring justice to those who robbed Jushin of its former greatness.

Jouji Gouda transfers to Hakuryo High and, on his very first day, becomes immediately infatuated with class representative Akane Suzumiya. He boldly proposes to her right away, though Akane finds him incredibly annoying. Despite this, the passionate and straightforward Jouji refuses to back down, doing whatever it takes to show his affection for her.

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 dark century, humanity suffers beneath the tyranny of the Vandel, malevolent devils with the power to command monsters. Those who hunt these fiends are known as Vandel Busters, and the most formidable among them on the continent is the Zenon Squad. A young boy named Beet harbors a dream of one day joining their ranks. But tragedy strikes when, due to Beet's own mistake, the Zenon Squad falls in battle against the devil Beltose. In their final moments, the five dying busters pour their life force into their five legendary weapons, the Saiga, and bequeath them to Beet before passing away. Years later, the young Vandel Buster Beet sets forth on his journey, determined to fulfill the Zenon Squad's legacy and bring an end to the dark century.

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 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.

Chihiro Enomoto is a first-year student who has just arrived at Rikkyoin High School. He lost his parents in a traffic accident when he was ten years old, and has since lived only with his older sister Shinobu. Skilled at cooking and cleaning, he handles all the household chores. On his first day of school, he falls in love at first sight with Tokino, a girl with orange hair, when he meets her in the school library. Another girl, Ritsuko—who wears a big yellow helmet and is Chihiro's childhood friend as well as the student council chair—instantly falls for him after their long-awaited reunion. However, she is not the only one with feelings for him. This story follows a one-year campaign among the candidates for the next student government leaders, who are also selected by lottery (kujibiki), as they compete to obtain the position.

In Viewtiful Joe, Joe is a devoted movie fan with a signature red hairstyle who is struggling with his girlfriend Silvia. Feeling neglected, she wants to spend more time together, so Joe suggests they watch an iconic action film starring his hero, Captain Blue. But their innocent movie date takes a dark turn when Silvia is kidnapped by Jado, the leader of a villainous organization. Determined to save Silvia, Joe enters the bizarre dimension called Movieland. There, Captain Blue gives him a magical device known as the V-Watch, which transforms Joe into the superhero Viewtiful Joe. Armed with this new power, Joe sets out to rescue Silvia and stop Jado's plan for world conquest. From an ordinary Joe to a larger‑than‑life hero, his change is immense, but his determination to save Silvia and the world never wavers—and he does it all in the flashiest way possible.

In "Zoids Fuzors," R.D. works as a delivery boy for Mach Storm, a company recognized for its logistics services and involvement in Zoid battles. His job is part of a broader quest to find the legendary Alpha Zoid, driven by his strong belief in his father's stories. When R.D. first competes in the Coliseum, he faces opponents who can combine their Zoids. It then becomes clear that he has access to a Zoid capable of merging with his Liger Zero. This discovery sets R.D. on a path to uncover the secrets of the Alpha Zoid.

A comet blazes across the sky, casting light upon the world beneath. At that moment, a massive viral power breaches the real world, devastating everything in its path. Netto and Enzan activate cross fusion to combat the threat, but are unexpectedly teleported to a strange location. There, they confront Duo, the one responsible for the attack.

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.

The industrial revolution is just beginning, and feudal Japan has descended into chaos. The ruling Shogun are exploiting their authority to spread fear and control over the downtrodden masses, resorting to beatings, imprisonment, assault, and even murder to preserve their grip on power. The violence has to come to an end. A band of samurai has united, armed with newly crafted weapons and advancing technology, giving them both the determination and the firepower to push back. Ichimatsu is one such warrior. During the day, he keeps his identity hidden while working at a local tavern; in the evenings, he visits the brothels; and under the cover of night, he delivers hard-hitting, gun-wielding justice. He is here to make a difference. He is Samurai Gun.

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

Sequel to the first series.

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.

Riku Tachibana is an ordinary first-year junior high school student who expected to lead a calm, everyday life. However, shortly after starting junior high, he becomes caught in a duel with a mysterious man who calls himself "a Warrior of Earth," and Riku's existence is forever altered. He learns that he is a survivor of the supposedly extinct "Warriors of Heaven." Using a device known as "DRIVE" and calling forth a Shikigami—a "Divine Beast"—named Kogenta to fight alongside him, Riku dedicates his life to combating the Warriors of Earth.

In order to fulfill their dead father's wish, the siblings Kiku Takane and Ryuuji Takane aim for the champion title of the boxing arena. Kiku, as the sister, takes the role of trainer, while her brother Ryuuji devotes himself to his role as the boxer and mastering the Boomerang Hook technique. His battles against numerous rivals have led to Ryuuji's growth and maturity. The junior high boxing tournament has started, and Ryuuji will face his arch-rival, Jun Kenzaki. The battle begins.

**Ryuusei Sentai Musume** One day, seven shooting stars came crashing down to the ground, each tinted with one of seven colors and each concealing a dreadful force. Whoever laid hands on these stars would become a monster born from their own hidden wants, their bodies twisted into nightmare forms. Doctors Mishima and Kishida quietly got their hands on the red, green, and blue stars and subjected them to intensive study. Through painstaking research and work, they eventually designed a particular helm that could suppress and control star's power. The invention was dubbed "Musumeto", a headgear as huge as a motorcycle helmet. Once buckled on, the helmet magically rewired a person's physiology, granting them the world's strongest physique. Moreover, could read every neuron pulse, detonating their inherent abilities and latent quotient without bound. In order to test the Musumet, keep global peace, and defend against the catastrophes the remaining four shooting stars had to bring, the two scientists chartered a covert task force "MUTE" (MET). But a scientist did not live to fulfill his dream. The survivors: their children, Aoi, Midori, and Beni; the two girls had taken their since gone determined took the tide to carry out the final command of their father and were resolved to become Musumet themselves. No matter the change into Musumet; the ensemble never changed, save for masks, gloves, and boots. They had to go to the scene in person every day, sometimes in their sailor uniforms, sometimes in the track uniforms, sometimes their swimsuit, at times even if that meant stripping but they had to accomplish the mission, and they did, beyond doubt. Meanwhile, however, they were immature enough to think of seeing one love or a pretty paradise about her. The important question: Can they keep peace in the world and fulfill a love life?

Following Ichiro Ogami's leave at the conclusion of Sakura Taisen 3, the Paris Flower Defense Force deliberates over the appointment of a new captain. At the same time, an ancient threat reemerges.

To celebrate its fifth anniversary, Netrunner Magazine created an original animated DVD titled "Netrun-mon THE MOVIE #1." Directed by Poyoyon Rock, the filmmaker behind "Popotan," this 30-minute OVA highlights the adorable Netrunner character Nin'i-tan and their companions.

In 2005, Kojiro Shishido's short independent film "sound / phantasma / mirror" took first place at the 10th Annual Student CG Contest. The work displays a deep sensitivity to the delicate balance of light and shadow found in the natural world, paired with a carefully orchestrated soundtrack created by Shishido themselves.

A highly intelligent, somewhat unhinged, and wildly eccentric scientist spends his days laboring in his laboratory, constructing robots designed for various tasks. One robot can grant three wishes, another assists with diary writing, and yet another deliberately misbehaves to prevent its owner from growing bored. Each robot is created for a singular function and is incapable of performing tasks beyond its designated role. Fortunately for humanity, these robots often prove to be far more useful than they initially seem—though not always.

A young man stops by a pet shop on his way home and, after spotting a kappa in the display, impulsively decides to purchase it. He brings the creature home and names him Kaatan. Having no prior experience with kappa ownership, he heavily relies on a book he bought about raising and training them. The book offers several useful tips for developing a smart and well-behaved kappa, and everything seems straightforward in theory. However, putting those methods into practice and actually getting them to work proves far more challenging than the book suggests. Kaatan appears to grasp things at first but often ends up either forgetting what he's learned or simply losing interest in learning at all. Still, this young man possesses a great deal of patience and continues his possibly futile effort to raise Kaatan into a pet he can be proud of.

Four bonus episodes packaged exclusively with the series' DVD release, positioned as episodes 9.5, 10.4, 10.8, and 12.5.

Ayayam is a lovely hamster who has always been outstanding at everything, from schoolwork and athletics to drawing and storytelling during her prodigy years. But one day, she accidentally overhears her friends laughing about a picture book she truly loved and had given to one of them. Heartbroken, she decides she no longer needs friends, locks herself inside the library, and never steps outside again. The God of Books takes pity on her and grants her a Magic Quill, letting her effortlessly draw any picture and write any story she desires. Meanwhile, Hamtaro learns that Laura and her classmates will be performing "Sunflower Taro" as their next school play. Hamtaro and the gang decide they want to try acting too, so they start preparing their own version of "Sunflower Taro". While getting ready for the play, they are suddenly pulled into a strange Picture Book Tower, where Ayayam tells them they will become characters in her new book—an exciting, fresh take on the well-known fairy tale "Sunflower Taro". You can already tell things are off to an interesting start, just as they always are when the Ham-Hams are involved!

Michi and her family have just relocated to the Happiness House, a gigantic tree with various tiny buildings and homes nestled among its branches. While exploring her new room, she discovers an odd nut-like object. Not long after, a peculiar creature called Nanami-chan emerges from it. Michi and Nanami-chan quickly form a close bond. Together, they set off on many adventures, discovering new things every day and getting to know the eccentric residents of the Happiness House.

Episode 43.5, "Distribution," is a comedic special celebrating the 500th episode of Transformers in Japan, a milestone that encompasses various Japanese series, meaning the West remains far from reaching this count. When broadcast in Japan, it aired outside the standard Superlink timeslot and does not follow chronological continuity. The episode depicts the Autobots engaging with a video game training simulator, an activity they logically would not have time for between episodes 42 and 44.