Maiden Japan

Highlight special.

Recap special.

A movie recapping the events of the Xabungle TV series.

Koko, a young girl who never removes the penguin coat given to her by her late father, clings to the belief that she can fly, just as he once told her. Her classmates often ridicule her for this dream. One night, while following an odd cat, Koko tumbles into the realm of goblins. In this enchanted land, an ancient enemy is amassing an army, threatening its safety. Can Koko come to the aid of her new companions?

These DVD short specials bring together characters from the main CLAMP School Detectives series along with those from Gakuen Tokukei Duklyon and 20 Mensou ni Onegai!!, all presented in a chibi-comedy style.

On August 10, 2002, Mount Fuji erupts, and a series of massive earthquakes and tsunamis devastate Japan, throwing the nation into crisis. Another major earthquake on August 15 splits the country in two. While Japanese refugees are taken in by various nations, the Japanese government accepts aid from China and the United States, leading to China governing the north and the USA governing the south. Fifteen years later, Japanese refugees living in Taiwan and Taiwanese citizens are clashing over job competition and the stagnant conditions of the refugees. Genichiro Ryu, a survivor of the catastrophe who was raised in Taiwan by adoptive parents, becomes involved in the conflict between the Taiwanese and Japanese, hoping the two sides can find a way to coexist.

Aki Tesno resides in a destitute village situated at the base of a valley. One day, a man from an affluent uptown city requests Aki to save a girl who has been abducted.

In "Mobile Police Patlabor Minimum," the three episodes are not connected by a single plotline but instead offer a comedic parody of the Patlabor series and mecha anime in general. The first episode examines the Ingram's arsenal, explaining its design philosophy and development process. The second episode focuses on the upkeep and assembly of the Ingram 98 AV used by SVU2 while also gently mocking the franchise's commercial side, such as merchandise. The third episode uniquely delves into a minor detail from the original series, specifically addressing how SVU2 is funded.

In "Mousou Kagaku Series: Wandaba Style," thirteen-year-old genius Tsukumo Susumu knows everything there is to know about aerodynamics and dreams of flying to the moon without any standard rocket fuel. To make this happen, he launches an ambitious project combining his deep understanding of physics, science, and creative imagination. The key players in his plan are the members of the struggling idol group Mix JUICE—Himawari, Yuri, Ayame, and Sakura. Together, they develop bizarre and inventive concepts, all leading toward the goal of holding the world's first-ever concert on the moon. Can the girls of Mix JUICE overcome their obstacles and actually reach the lunar surface?

Set after the main storyline of the original Votoms series but before its epilogue, the one-shot OVA "Armored Trooper Votoms: Big Battle" follows Chirico and his former comrades as they are pulled into a final gladiatorial clash. The Gilgamesh and Balarant factions continue advancing their PS programs, pitting the group against an elite PS unit and a massive land battleship.

Human Crossing explores the intricacies of human relationships and the unpredictable paths life can take. It portrays everyday people as they cross paths in various unforeseen ways, much like pedestrians randomly meeting at an intersection without any clear direction. The series offers an unfiltered look at ordinary individuals in contemporary Japan, highlighting both the appealing and less admirable sides of their lives. It covers the story of a boxer whose past troubles catch up with him due to his estranged mother in "The Wound," a dedicated lawyer who fights for a struggling young mother in "The 25th Hour," a committed businessman who discovers the importance of true life values in "A Promise," and an independent woman who reconnects with her unreliable father in "Direction." Human Crossing consists of short stories focused on hope, illustrating the small victories that can be achieved amidst life's difficulties.

Set in between the Uoodo and Kummen arcs of the original television series, the 1985 OVA Armored Trooper Votoms: The Last Red Shoulder fills in a major narrative gap. While the series touched on the Red Shoulders unit, it never fully explored Chirico's time there or the individuals he encountered. This OVA offers a thorough look into those events.

After armored trooper pilot Chirico Cuvie receives orders for a transfer to Planet Odon, he and the other new recruits are placed into a simulated battle meant to evaluate their skills. In reality, this so-called simulation is a deadly trial designed to weed out those lacking the necessary abilities. Despite fighting while wounded, Chirico manages to survive alongside only three others. It quickly becomes clear that this is not the first time he has beaten overwhelming odds, and Colonel Peruzen intends to take advantage of this. Yet the question remains: is Chirico truly immortal?

While exploring space in search of knowledge, humanity uncovers three enormous trucks and a massive spacecraft from an extinct alien civilization on the planet Solo. During the excavation, the humanoid Buff Clan, another extraterrestrial race, arrives on Solo. Despite orders forbidding it, Karala Ajiba—daughter of the Buff Clan's military leader—descends to the planet. In pursuit of her, the Buff Clan attacks the Earth settlement, destroying it in an attempt to reclaim Karala. With no other recourse, Earth residents Cosmo Yuuki, Kasha Imhof, and Bes Jordan board the trucks, which combine to form the mighty giant robot known as the Ideon. Using the Ideon, they fight back against their assailants. The surviving humans flee aboard the Solo Ship, relentlessly chased by the Buff Clan, who seek to obtain the Ideon and its mysterious power source.

A year after the events of the OVA, Kabuki-cho has been left in ruins from the war, leading the owner to shut down the lingerie bar "Pallion" and reopen it as "New Papillion" in Akihabara. Tsubomi, along with her friends Anne and Shizuku, have had their memories erased by the chaos and are beginning fresh in Akihabara. The Susano—extraterrestrial beings bent on invading Earth—return once more. They transform a UMA (Unidentified Mysterious Animal) into a monstrous creature and dispatch it to attack Akihabara. With the help of Rama the cat, Tsubomi and her friends regain their memories and rise to action as the Lingerie Soldiers to fight the beast.

This DVD special features four episodes: "Rhapsody of July" (Episode 2.5), "If it becomes September" (Episode 3.5), "Bitch Actress dropped into Hell" (Episode 5.5), and "History is Made Through Women" (Episode 9.5).

Part of the Armored Trooter Votoms anime series, this OVA utilizes cutting-edge 3D CG animation. Produced by the same original team, it tells a new story that revolves around the conclusion of the century-long war.

On the planet Zora, society is split into two groups: the technologically superior Innocent, who reside in protected dome cities, and the Civilians, who endure the harsh desert to survive. By Innocent law, any Civilian accused of a crime may go free if they evade capture for three days. Driven by a thirst for revenge against Timp Sharon—the one who killed his parents—Civilian Jiron Amos sets out to steal the powerful mecha Xabungle from the trader Carrying Cargo. To accomplish this, Jiron joins forces with a gang of outlaws called the Sandrats and kidnaps Cargo's daughter, Elchi, who gradually comes to support his mission. As Jiron chases his personal vendetta, his actions spark a wider conflict, culminating in a Civilian rebellion against the Innocent's oppressive rule.

Tenzin moves to the Tibetan grasslands to live with his father following his mother's death. At first, adapting to this new environment is difficult, but his perspective shifts when he witnesses a fight between the local Tibetan guard dogs and a mysterious golden-haired dog that is not part of their group.

This is a special recap of the anime Tokyo Magnitude 8.0, broadcast to celebrate the series receiving the Excellence Prize at the 13th Japan Media Arts Festival. Two versions of this recap exist. The first is a 65-minute television special that aired on Fuji TV on December 12, 2009. The second is a 95-minute film released in three theaters on January 17, 2010, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Great Hanshin earthquake.

The story of "Glass no Kamen" follows Kitajima Maya, a talented 13-year-old actress taken under the wing of the mysterious star Tsukikage. Through her journey, Maya grows, faces intense training, surmounts obstacles, and ultimately rises to become the top actress of her era by around age twenty. A major element is her fierce competition with Himekawa Ayumi, the glamorous daughter of famous film actors, as both pursue the coveted title role of the "Crimson Goddess." Another significant plotline involves Maya’s connection with Hayami Masumi, a handsome and cruel entertainment tycoon who harbors a secret love for her. Yet their developing romance is hindered by misunderstandings and unfortunate timing.

In the year 2031, humanity is living in peace when mysterious lifeforms dubbed Hardians suddenly emerge. They begin to multiply rapidly and launch attacks on human populations. To combat this threat, humankind establishes the N.I.D.F., an organization tasked with investigating the Hardians and defending the planet. Pilot Aiba Shu finds himself drawn into the struggle against these alien creatures. Meanwhile, top scientist Rurika Yuno studies the Hardians and comes across whispers of the "Book of a Dead Man." What secrets does that ancient text hold, and how might it connect to the Hardian menace? Thus begins humanity's desperate battle for survival.

The offbeat ninja adventures of Himawari proceed in "Himawari Too!!" This sequel examines the funny and strange exploits of Himawari, Hayato, and their ninja classmates. The second season also reveals the backstories of Himawari and Hayato. Might hidden truths be uncovered? Will Himawari finally learn about her past and the mysterious ninja who saved her as a child?

In the follow-up to Mobile Police Patlabor, Special Vehicles Division 2 once more deploys their Ingram Patrol Labor (Patlabor) mecha to fight crime throughout Tokyo. Under the command of Captain Goto, the eclectic crew handles everything from standard police duties to eerie supernatural incidents, while also dealing with their own personal dilemmas.

Pushed to the far reaches of the galaxy, the crew of the Solo Ship faces an almost certain destruction. With Earth already lost and the Buff Clan's unyielding assaults drawing ever nearer, the Ideon stands as humanity's final lifeline. Under the crushing pressure of their last stand, Captain Bes Jordan and pilot Cosmo Yuuki struggle against time to secure their remaining hope for survival, while the despair of their loved ones intensifies. Using whatever weapons they have left, the crew endures the brutal void of space, ultimately arriving at a critical clash with Harulu Ajiba, who desperately seeks to restore the honor she has lost in her father's eyes.

In this follow-up to Shirow's acclaimed series, Al, Leona, and their dependable tank, Bonaparte, continue their battle against crime in New Port City, aided by the other members of the Tank Police. A new danger emerges as a string of high-tech terrorist attacks utilize state-of-the-art weaponry. Outgunned and outnumbered, the Tank Police confront a daunting obstacle. Yet, Al and Leona stay determined in their quest to uncover the perpetrators behind the strikes. Amidst fierce explosions and high-speed pursuits, Leona frequently inflicts more destruction than the criminals she chases.

In a world where magic is the foundation of all existence, ancient kingdoms rose and fell due to their conflicts over spirit-controlled magical forces. Today, only remnants of those once-great civilizations remain, with their ruins scattered across the land. Adventurers venture into these forgotten sites seeking leftover magic and hidden treasures. Fam and Ihrie are among these daring explorers, on a quest to discover the fabled "Ultimate Power," a magic rumored to grant any wish. However, they are not alone; many other treasure hunters, driven by greed, are also in pursuit. While physical and mental strength are essential, the unique bond between an unconventional team may prove to be the key.

In Patlabor Movie 3: WXIII, detectives Kusumi and Hata look into a sharp increase in Labor incidents near Tokyo Bay, uncovering a government conspiracy centered on a biological weapon called WXIII—Wasted Thirteen. The investigation also reveals a personal connection tied to Hata. To stop the danger, they are forced to work with the military and direct WXIII into a confrontation with the Labors of Special Vehicle Division 2.

This double feature presents Gunbuster and Die Buster (also known as Gunbuster 2) combined into a single theatrical release split into two parts, with a musical intermission between them. The first half, Gunbuster the Movie, compresses the original six-episode OVA into a 95-minute film, featuring a new 5.1 audio remix and a redub performed by the original Japanese voice cast. The second half, Die Buster the Movie, blends large portions of the second OVA series with a few altered or newly animated scenes, offering a condensed version of Nono's story.

If you have sufficient money, you can purchase nearly anything. So why wait for an organ donor when you need one? Brought up to be a source of transplantable body parts, Ray had already lost both eyes before the maverick surgeon Black Jack saved her. Now, a decade later, she has become a surgeon in her own right. Thanks to the special artificial eyes she received as replacements, she is known for performing incredible medical procedures that no one else would dare attempt. Yet, known only to a handful, her surgical work is merely one aspect of a larger quest: to uncover the fate of the other children she grew up with, and to locate the individuals who stole the eyes she was born with, ensuring they face justice.

The CLAMP School, offering a seamless education from kindergarten through postgraduate studies, was established by the Imonoyama family, the most powerful business conglomerate in Japan. Entirely financed by its own vast resources, the institution was designed as a sanctuary for the young men and women destined to shape the future. Admission is open to any gifted student, regardless of family background or financial means, and the school boasts a remarkable number of exceptionally talented pupils. It is also well-known for hosting an unusually high proportion of party enthusiasts. Even the brilliant minds of CLAMP School cannot keep the campus free of crime and enigmas. Or can they? Follow Nokoru, Suoh, and Akira, the young detectives who crack every case, as they save the day—and even the occasional damsel in distress!

In Rags Town—a Japanese location where discarded objects and people fleeing their pasts are left behind—the detective agency S&A Detectives operates under strict rules: no investigating personal histories and no forming close relationships. The story centers on Ayamana, an unconventional pair of detective apprentices, whose journey begins when Manami impulsively takes on a case, sparking a series of upheavals. As they work the case, they discover a woman with an abnormally high body temperature, being pursued by a group of armed women. They name her Sara and seek to uncover the mystery around her. At the same time, a rash of bizarre incidents occurs in which teenage girls in the town suddenly ignite and turn into glass. Even though the government tries to suppress these events, the detectives, along with an intrusive reporter and the local police, are determined to reveal the truth behind what is happening.

The conflict started in 1945 as the Pacific War was ending, when extraterrestrial entities appeared on Earth, compelling humanity to join forces against this unexpected danger. More than five decades later, the struggle continues, taking many lives. Japan's armed forces depend on the youthful soldiers of Unit 5121, including Atsushi Hayami and their comrades, who bravely fight using HWT humanoid battle machines and the powerful PBE bombs.

On her fifteenth birthday, Filiel is given a necklace by her resolute astronomer father, a treasured keepsake. Her previously ordinary and uneventful life abruptly shifts into one brimming with enigma and schemes. This change signals the start of numerous exhilarating adventures.

In a distant future, humanity ventures into space and uncovers remnants of ancient alien civilizations. On the planet Solo, these discoveries lead to an unexpected encounter with a living alien race called the Buff Clan. When Karala Ajiba, the child of a Buff military commander, arrives on Solo, her clan launches a fierce attack on the human colony to retrieve her. In response, Cosmo Yuki, Kasha Imhof, and Bes Jordan pilot three vehicles that combine into the towering humanoid mecha known as Ideon. After the destruction of the Solo colony, the survivors escape aboard the recently discovered Solo Ship, searching for safety and tranquility. Yet the relentless Buff Clan refuses to cease their pursuit.

Freelance journalist Sybel is overjoyed at scoring an exclusive story after stumbling across the wreckage of a military plane that crashed. She has no idea that the aircraft was transporting two prototype android killers, built to assassinate a specific target. With the military trying to cover up the accident, Sybel has to find and shield the person marked for death, all while exposing the military’s lies before time runs out.

Hinako is delighted to have another real-world viewer watching and decides to enjoy some quality time with them, despite how late it is. Taking the chance, she invites the viewer to come to bed with her. As the evening goes on, Hinako provides her viewer with an exclusive and close-up look at her different sleeping habits.

After graduating from middle school, Konomi Yuzuhara enrolls at the same high school as her childhood friend Takaaki Kono. When the new school year starts, they encounter another childhood friend, Tamaki Kosaka, along with many fresh faces. Without realizing it, the group's meetings with one another will soon spark a series of memorable adventures.

Naoto Ooizumi secretly writes the CosPrayers TV show, a fact known only to the show's producer, Mitsuki Ikuta. He harbors feelings for Natsumi Yagami, one of the actresses on the show. As the series progresses, their relationship develops, encountering many comedic and unexpected twists and turns along the way.

This upcoming series once again centers on Corticarte, and it connects to Ichiro Sakaki and Noboru Kannatsuki's Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica crimson S light novel adaptation, which takes place during the Academy years of the storyline.

Himawari Hinata has just started attending Shinobi Gakuen, driven by her dream of becoming the greatest kunoichi possible. Her motivation comes from a ninja who saved her when she was young. On her first day at the school, she meets Hayato Madenokoji, another newcomer who turns out to be a teacher. Hayato has no ninja skills or traits whatsoever; he is teaching the students about ordinary daily life as a way to repay a debt. Interestingly, Himawari notices that Hayato bears the same mark on his neck as the ninja who once rescued her.

Hiroko Matsukata is employed at a magazine publishing company, fully committed to her career. Known as a no-nonsense, direct professional, she can readily switch into what she calls "Hataraki man" (working man) mode when needed. Despite her professional success, Hiroko faces difficulties in her private life. While devoted to her job, she is also ready to leave work early for a date. Yet her boyfriend is similarly consumed by his own work, creating tension in their relationship.

After a century-long interstellar war that devastated nearly 200 star systems, a fragile peace has settled across the Astragius Galaxy. Chirico Cuvie, a soldier operating powered armor in special forces, is abruptly reassigned to a secret and illegal mission to steal military secrets from their own allies, forcing him to flee from his own military. His loyalty now in doubt, Chirico is abandoned in space by his conspiratorial superiors to secure their escape. By chance, he survives and becomes a fugitive hunted by both the conspirators and military intelligence. Haunted by visions of a captivating and enigmatic woman—his mission's target and the only clue to uncovering the sinister conspiracy—he is determined to expose the truth. However, those behind the plot will stop at nothing to conceal their motives.

When she was young, Kamizaka Haruhi was saved by a mage, which ignited her passion to follow that path. She goes to a unique school where magic and normal classes are kept separate. Haruhi, along with her rival and closest friend Hiiragi Anri, delves into her magical studies while also searching for the boy who rescued her years ago, planning to give him a Valentine's Day chocolate.

The story follows Shirase, a freelance programmer with extraordinary hacking abilities who refuses monetary payment for his work. Instead, he asks for unusual forms of compensation that suit his particular preferences. Despite his aloof demeanor, the jobs he takes on are far from ordinary. When the malicious King of America wreaks havoc across the internet, Shirase stays constantly occupied, and each new mission brings a diverse group of characters into his world.

In "Kanamemo," middle school student Kana Nakamachi faces a major upheaval after her grandmother's passing leaves her without a home. With no one willing to take her in due to her age, Kana discovers the Fuhshin Gazette, a local newspaper delivery service that offers her accommodation in exchange for work. The cozy shop is managed by a unique bunch: the sweet-tooth Yume Kitaoka and her partner Yuuki Minami; the thrifty Hinata Azuma; the drinker Haruka Nishida; and the wise beyond her years Saki Amano. Despite the welcoming environment, Kana must deal with lengthy shifts, guard dogs protecting mailboxes, and perplexing delivery paths. She also finds herself in a mild competition with Mika Kujiin, a rival from another delivery service. With these challenges, Kana’s days are filled with unexpected adventures!

Upon returning from a two-year culinary program in Paris, Ichigo Amano discovers that Team Ichigo has disbanded, as the Sweets Princes have each gone their separate ways to pursue their own dreams. Now in her first year of high school, Ichigo is given a new project by Henri Lucas, who assembles a team consisting of herself, Makoto Kashino, and new members Lemon Yamagishi and Johnny McBeal, forming a fresh version of Team Ichigo. As they work together, Ichigo and Makoto grow closer, but Johnny’s romantic feelings for Ichigo and Miya Koshiro’s persistent attempts to win over Makoto create complications that make the path to romance less straightforward. Despite these challenges, Ichigo’s experiences at St. Marie Academy bring her closer to her dream of opening her own pâtisserie, though she realizes that achieving this goal will require more than just exceptional pastry-making skills.

Evil Shinma—shape-shifting monsters and vampires—roam the Earth, seeking to spread their darkness among humanity. Miyu, a royal princess from the realm of darkness, is the Chosen One, the sole being fated to banish these Evil Shinma from the world. She possesses the power to grant humans eternal happiness, yet remains trapped between two worlds, doomed to perpetual solitude and inner turmoil. Her only companion is Larva, once an evil Shinma himself, now her loyal guardian. Together, they traverse a dark odyssey through the frailty of the human heart and the sorrowful loss of innocence. Cut off from humanity by the burden of knowing what she truly is, Miyu endures an endless quest as both hunter and hunted, forever standing at the edge of darkness.

With technological advancements, humanity has developed versatile robots called Labors to assist with everyday tasks. Unfortunately, some individuals use these machines for illegal activities, leading police departments worldwide to employ specialized "Patrol Labors," or Patlabors, to combat Labor-related crimes. New recruit Noa Izumi becomes part of a dedicated Patlabor unit, operating her own mech named Alphonse. Working alongside her peers, Izumi aims to safeguard society against those who misuse this formidable technology. As she settles into her role, she navigates the challenges of balancing her personal and professional life while forming friendships with aloof colleague Asuma Shinohara, fellow pilot Isao Oota, and others in her brigade. Together, they confront conspiracies, internal conflicts, and even supernatural perils.

Three years after the Babylon Project scandal concluded, the members of Kiichi Gotou's Patlabor unit have gone their separate ways. Gotou continues serving with the Patlabor team, alongside Shinobu Nagumo, who is both his colleague and romantic interest. A terrorist group, exploiting the public's distrust of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, emerges from within the military and launches a series of attacks that plunge Japan into widespread chaos and civil unrest. Nagumo discovers that the mastermind behind these acts is Yukihito Tsuge, her former mentor and ex-lover. Gotou reassembles his original Patlabor team, led by pilot Noa Izumi, to apprehend Tsuge. As they pursue their mission, Nagumo must confront her complicated past ties to help restore peace to Japan.

In a future where advanced robotics has created heavy robots known as labors, used in fields such as construction, firefighting, and military tasks, there remains a danger that these powerful machines can fall into criminal hands. To counter this threat, police forces deploy their own specially trained patrol labor units, or patlabors. The story focuses on the Second Special Vehicles Division, a varied team of patlabor officers committed to maintaining order while balancing their demanding duties with their personal lives.

Momo, dressed in white, carries a scythe that is both sharp and dull. A winged black cat named Daniel stays by her side. Her duty is to carry human souls, which gives her the name "Death God" or "Shinigami." When this pale Shinigami touches human hearts, the world becomes full of kindness and sorrow.

On the world of Earthdash, the gleaming lunar metropolis Mooneyes casts a spell over those living on the surface below. Dan JD, a boy from the community of Rollingtown, gets pulled into the thrilling world of Bigfoot Basketball, a high-intensity sport where competitors wage war using massive Bigfoot machines.

Shirotsugh "Shiro" Lhadatt is a cadet in the Royal Space Force (RSF) of the Kingdom of Honneamise, despite never having left his home planet—something no one has ever achieved. The RSF is seen as a failure by its citizens and a government more focused on war with a neighboring nation than on advancing science. After attending a memorial for a fellow cadet, Shiro wanders the city at night and meets Riquinni Nonderaiko, a passionate young person enthusiastic about space exploration. Their interactions deepen, and Riquinni's motivation inspires Shiro to volunteer as a pilot for an upcoming rocket mission that could make him Honneamise's first astronaut. Soon after, Shiro and the RSF join forces with a dedicated group of experienced scientists and engineers eager to revive the nation's struggling space program. However, their efforts catch the government's attention, revealing possible hidden motives for the RSF. Despite major obstacles, this determined group persists, believing the cosmos may hold humanity's ultimate chance for redemption.

In the ambitious Babylon Project, Tokyo undergoes a major urban transformation with the aid of Labors—specialized robots used for construction. These machines are essential to the rapid development of artificial islands in Tokyo Bay. When the key figure behind this project is found dead under suspicious circumstances that appear to be suicide, Captain Kiichi Gotou and his Patlabor team are assigned to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, a series of Labor malfunctions and a corrupted AI system endanger the lives of Tokyo's residents. Young pilot Noa Izumi, together with her Patlabor named Alphonse, works under Gotou's leadership to stop a potentially apocalyptic scheme aimed at destroying both the city and the country.

Thirteen-year-old Hajime Yasaka moves to the countryside of Japan to live with his grandfather. On his way there, he stumbles into a café called Ark and is immediately smitten by a charming waitress, Sayoko "Arashi" Arashiyama. At first, Arashi barely notices him, but when she takes his hand, she feels a special connection between them. In truth, Arashi is no ordinary girl—she is the spirit of a young woman who died during World War II. Through physical contact with someone compatible, she can travel through time. Overjoyed to find someone who can unlock her powers, Arashi asks Hajime to help her rescue people caught in the war's destruction that led to her own death. Enchanted by Arashi, Hajime agrees without hesitation. As they explore her past, they learn that Arashi is not the only one who can travel through time.

High school student Akira Nikaido is an ordinary slacker living a typical life until he encounters the enigmatic Shirogane, who appears out of nowhere and declares that the two share a destined connection. Akira is shocked and dismisses the claim entirely. When his friend Aya realizes she left something at school one night, she asks Akira to accompany her to retrieve it. He agrees, but while there, he is attacked by a shadow monster. Shirogane persuades him that the balance between the human world and the shadow world has been thrown off, and Akira must become a "shin"—a being from the shadow realm—to help restore equilibrium. The anime includes shonen-ai elements that are entirely absent from the manga.

Following the first season, Tomoharu is now faced with a dilemma: if he doesn't form a contract with an "akuma", he risks losing his dear friend Takatsuki. However, doing so would compromise his own existence as it would result in him and his ghost friend Misao becoming an Asura Cryin'—mankind's biggest threat, according to their school's presidents. To make the decision even harder, Tomoharu and Misao have recovered some of their past memories—memories of a world that they didn't even know existed.

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 Yume-iro Pâtissière, Ichigo Amano is a clumsy girl with an overwhelming passion for cakes. Her life changes when she meets Henri Lucas, a famous patissier who discovers her hidden but remarkable talent for tasting desserts. Recognizing her potential, Henri enrolls her at St. Marie Academy, an elite school specializing in pastry arts. Despite Ichigo's lack of experience and skill, she is placed in the top-tier class due to Henri's recommendation, joining the "Sweets Princes." These princes are renowned throughout the academy for their magical confections, and include Sennosuke Andou, skilled in traditional Japanese sweets; Satsuki Hanabusa, adept at candied flowers; and Makoto Kashino, a master chocolatier. As Ichigo navigates this competitive environment, she and the Sweets Princes, each guided by their own "Sweets Spirit" fairies, work toward their individual goals in the world of desserts.

Tomoharu Natsume lives an ordinary life as a high school student, except for the fact that he is constantly accompanied by the ghost of his deceased best friend, Misao. After moving into his late brother's house, Tomoharu expects a normal routine. However, his life is turned upside down when he suddenly receives a mysterious locked briefcase with no explanation. Planning to set it aside, he soon finds his home invaded by multiple groups all competing to take the briefcase. Despite the uncertainty surrounding it, Tomoharu and Misao attempt to escape with the briefcase. Determined to solve the mystery, Tomoharu sets out on a journey to uncover the briefcase's secrets, its connection to Misao, and the reason behind its potential to change the world.

In the near future, augmented reality has become an everyday part of life. Middle schooler Yuuko "Yasako" Okonogi and her family move to Daikoku City, ignoring rumors of strange disappearances. There, her grandmother, known as "Mega-baa," runs Megasia, a shop that sells illegal devices for accessing hidden areas of the virtual world. Mega-baa also leads an informal detective group called "Coil," made up of young people who investigate corruption in the digital realm. Yasako joins this group when Fumie Hashimoto, a cheerful member of Coil, helps rescue her cyberdog Densuke, who gets trapped in virtual space while chasing a mysterious virus. Another key figure in the investigation is Yuuko Amasawa, a sarcastic hacker nicknamed Isako. As Coil digs deeper into the mystery of these viruses and the underlying corruption, the stakes grow higher. Can they uncover the truth, and what will they have to sacrifice along the way?

In the quiet town of Sakuranomori, a close circle of childhood friends must come to terms with the painful separation when one of them, Sana Hidaka, moves away to the bustling city of Tokyo because of his parents' work. Sana says goodbye to his dear friends: the gentle Aoi Oribe, the energetic Wakatsuki twins Shuri and Shuusuke, and the bright Nanaka Yatsushiro. Even with the sadness, he holds onto hope that distance won't weaken their strong ties and the memories they share. When Sana returns five years later at the age of sixteen, he wants to reconnect with his past and pick up where he left off. But he soon discovers that while the town looks largely unchanged, the friends he once knew have changed in surprising ways. Mysterious and dark secrets now hang over Sakuranomori, and each of his friends carries personal troubles and hidden truths that could shatter the bonds they once treasured.

The story revolves around five young women who practice rakugo, a classic form of storytelling, and chronicles the strange events that occur in their daily lives. Their conversations are filled with humor and satire, touching on everything from ordinary aspects of daily existence to larger subjects like politics and manga. Each character brings a distinct perspective, leading to dialogues that consistently take surprising turns. The performers each possess a unique personality: the enthusiastic but immature Marii Buratei; the seemingly innocent Kigurumi Haroukitei; the naturally lucky and easygoing Tetora Bouhatei; the composed yet fierce Gankyou Kuurubiyuutei; and the gloomy and unpredictable Kukuru Anrakutei. Accompanying these girls is their mysterious masked friend. Together, they share their observations with the audience, whether backstage at the rakugo theater or at famous spots around Tokyo.

In Tokyo Magnitude 8.0, middle school student Mirai Onozawa, frustrated with her everyday life, wishes for everything to be destroyed. That wish takes a dark turn when a massive magnitude 8.0 earthquake strikes. During summer break, Mirai reluctantly goes with her younger brother Yuuki to an Odaiba exhibition featuring robots, which he is excited about. As they explore the venue, a catastrophic earthquake hits the Kanto region, leaving the siblings stranded in the chaos. Among the ruins, they meet Mari Kusakabe, a single mother and motorcycle enthusiast, who offers to help them. Together, their goal is to make their way through the devastated city and reunite with their families.

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.

A group of nine students meets at their high school after dark to say goodbye to a friend. Following a common tradition among high schoolers, they carry out a ritual meant to keep their friendship eternal, using tiny paper charms crafted to look like dolls. Unbeknownst to them, these charms are linked to Heavenly Host Academy, an elementary school that was demolished long ago following a string of horrific murders. That school lies beneath the very ground on which their own Kisaragi Academy was built. Now imprisoned in a parallel world alongside the angry spirits of the past, the students must cooperate to find a way out—or become eternal members of the accursed ghostly populace. Offering a banquet for enthusiasts of mystery, gore, and horror, Corpse Party: Tortured Souls - Bougyakusareta Tamashii no Jukyou presents a sobering examination of redemption, sacrifice, and the way the past perpetually lurks just behind us, occasionally uncomfortably near.