Encouragement of Climb: Next Summit (Season 4)

Aoi, Hinata, Kaede, Kokona, and Honaka are back for another season. This time Aoi is determined to reach the summit of Mount Fuji. But Before she can start her climb, she needs to deal with her end of semester exams. One day while she is minding her own business at school, Aoi is approached by the head of the mountaineering club. She takes Aoi to the clubroom where they have tons of mountain climbing equipment. However, While Aoi isn't interested in joining the club, she is interested in the training they do to get stronger.  Will Aoi be able to reach the top of mount Fuji, or will she be stopped by Altitude sickness again?

Encouragement of Climb Season 4 was really good. Though I am a bit disappointed that the first four episodes were a comprehensive review of the first three seasons. The reason I was disappointed was because I had already watched the first three seasons before starting the fourth. However, seeing as Season 4 is the only season available on Hidive, I would say it's a good thing for those who are watching it for the first time. Encouragement of Climb Season 4 had the same relaxing feel as the other seasons. While there is a beach episode you don't see the characters in swimsuits, so everyone stays modest. For those who do watch the first three seasons before watching the fourth, I would still suggest watching the first four episodes, because the scenes at the beginning are new clips that weren't in the previous seasons. Encouragement of Climb is a great anime, I would definitely recommend it. 

Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You Season 3

Sawako and Shota are finally dating. The relationship progresses smoothly. One day, while Sawako and Shota are walking home together, they hold hands. Just as that happens Sawako's mother sees them and invites Shota to have dinner with their family. While Sawako's mom is excited that she finally has a boyfriend, Sawako's Dad isn't pleased. Though he tries to be welcoming in his own way. After that Shota invites Sawako to meet his family. While it seems like everything has finally been resolved, will things continue to go as smoothly as they are now?

I enjoyed this season of Kimi Ni Todoke a lot more than season 1 & 2. Not only do you get to see Sawako and Shota finally go on dates, but you learn more about Ayane, Chizu, Kento, and Ryu as well. Kurumi didn't even show up, which makes sense since there's no point to her character anymore, since Sawako and Shota are dating. I haven't been emotionally invested in this series for the last two seasons, however, I cried a lot during this season. There are a few bath scenes, but the anime remains mostly wholesome. The language is clean as well. I would definitely suggest giving it a watch if you enjoyed Seasons 1 & 2.

The Demon King's Daughter is Too Kind!!

Doux is the Daughter of Demon King Ahriman. Ahriman was previously focused on world domination, but his advances stopped after he started spending time with Doux. Unfortunately Doux does not possess a single evil desire, in fact she helps whoever she meets whether they be human, Demon, Magical beast, or Angels. Many people see the Demons as enemies. Will Doux be able to change relationships between races as she trains to become the next Demon King?

The Demon KIng's Daughter is Too Kind!! was actually a lot better than I was expecting. It had a similar feel to fluffy paradise and Journey Through Another World: Raising Kids While Adventuring. There is no swearing, and all the characters dress modestly. If you like relaxing fantasy anime with little to no fighting, I would suggest giving it a try. 

When Will Ayumu Make His Move?

Ayumu Tanaka is in the Shogi club with his senpai Urushi Yaotome. He fell for her the first time he saw her. Ayumu then made a promise that he would confess his feelings when he is able to beat her in a game of Shogi. Unfortunately, Ayumu is terrible at Shogi. He studies using books that Urushi has recommended to him, but his progress is slow. Despite this internal promise he has no issues displaying his feelings outwardly. Will Ayumu ever get a chance to confess his love?

When Will Ayumu Make His Move? was actually a really good romance anime. I really enjoyed the laid back feeling it has. Despite them never actually becoming a couple, Ayumu and Urushi actually make a lot of romantic progress. I actually read some of the manga prior to watching it, so I knew what to expect. This was probably part of why I enjoyed it. The anime has almost no fan service in it. It does have a short bath scene at the end of the season though. I would still highly recommend it if you are looking for a new romance anime to watch.

I Have a Crush at Work

Masugu Tateishi and Yui Mitsuya work at the same company. Masugu works in accounting while Yui works in the planning department. On the outside they appear to never agree on anything, but secretly they're actually a couple and are hiding it from everyone else. Watch as Yui and Masugu help each other to grow both in their jobs and in their personal lives. While they try and act like rivals during work, there's still the chance that they could be seen together outside of work. Will they be able to keep their relationship a secret, or will they be caught by their coworkers?

I Have a Crush at Work was the first good romance anime i've seen in awhile. They started out as a couple which was nice, because I didn't have to wonder if they would ever get together. Some romances go multiple seasons without the main characters becoming a couple. So this was refreshing in that regard. There also wasn't any awkwardness. Masugu and Yui are both honest with each other and they communicate well. You do see masugu and Yui in the bath as well as at a hot spring resort. Though I would say the fan service is minimal. I would definitely suggest giving it a watch.

Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota

Oota is constantly confused when he is around Kashiwada, because she always remains expressionless. However, Kashiwada can always tell what Oota is thinking because his face gives it away. So Oota makes it his job to try and get a reaction out of Kashiwada by playing harmless pranks on her. With the help of his friends Tadoko and Sata, Kashiwada and Oota slowly grow closer to one another.

I really enjoyed Inexpressive Kashiwada and Expressive Oota. However, I can understand why some people wouldn't. Oota is far from the most charming main character you'll see in anime. His personality irked me at the beginning of the first episode. But the romantic moments between Kashiwada and Oota made me grow to love the characters and the show more and more with each episode. Kashiwada kind of remind me of Reina Aharen from Aharen-san wa Hakarenai. She helps give the show a calming effect. While there is a beach episode and a pool scene, the anime remains clean and wholesome. I would definitely suggest giving it a try if you like Romance anime.

The Way of the Househusband

Tatsu was once known as The Immortal Dragon. He was a feared member of the Yakuza who would take down entire clans all by himself. However, after meeting his wife, he retired and became a househusband. While his wife is away at work, he cleans the house, makes meals, goes shopping, and helps out the locals in the area.

I gave The Way of the Househusband a try because it was short, but I really enjoyed it. The animation is a little strange at parts, but for the majority of the season it's clean. There is some swearing. The way of the househusband has no fan service, which is good. It kind of felt like a mix between Sakamoto Days and The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting. I would definitely suggest giving it a try.

Puniru is a Kawaii Slime

When Kotaro Kawaii was in elementary school he created a slime by watching others do it on TV. The slime he created came alive, and he named it Puniru. Puniru became obsessed with being cute. Mainly because Kotaro refuses to acknowledge her as being cute. So she decides to do everything in her power to win him over. But will her efforts draw them closer, or pull them apart even more?

Puniru is a Kawaii Slime was better than I thought it would be. It doesn't look great if you don't know anything about it, and the first few episodes aren't super interesting either. But after a few episodes I was actually drawn in to the story. While slimes are typically seen in the fantasy genre. Seeing one in a slice of life type story was actually pretty interesting. Puniru can do all sorts of transformations which are fun to see. Based on what she absorbs it can even affect her personality. If you decide to give it a try, give it a few episodes to see if you like it rather than turning away right at the beginning. 

The Gorilla God’s Go-To Girl

In this world, everyone is chosen by an animal god. Depending on the god who chooses you, your life can be greatly affected. Sophia Riller wanted to get chosen by an animal god that didn't stand out too much like a fish god. However, she was chosen by the gorilla god. Now her combat prowess is second to none. Shortly after receiving her blessing, she is told that the knights want her to participate in the exam to become a junior knight. Sophia made a plan to get disqualified, but greatly underestimated her new powers. Will Sophia be able to live the life she wants?

The Gorilla God's Go-To Girl was actually better than I was expecting. It had a similar feeling as Bogus Skill <<Fruitmaster>>, in the sense that there powers are decided randomly. What it does better is that Sophia is confined to her one power rather than receiving more and more. It kind of has an otome game feel to it in the romance aspect. The anime is wholesome and has clean language. If you enjoy fantasy anime I would suggest giving it a try.

Motto To Love Ru (Season 2)

When Rito and Lala are running late to school, Lala runs so fast that Rito can't keep up. when he tells her to stop, she stops so suddenly that he goes flying. He lands on top of Golden Darkness who promptly punches him all the way back to where he was before. When he lands in front of Lala she mentions that they were standing in the same place they were when he first proposed to her. Later the group goes to a local Hot Springs with Golden Darkness who has people after her. They believe that she has grown weak due to her refusal to kill Rito Yuuki. 

Motto To Love Ru was different from season 1, but still good. Each episode was split into three tiny stories which I thought was a nice change from the regular episodes in season 1. While Nana and Momo aren't in every episode they show up enough for you to grow to like them. There is a lot of fan service but its mainly panty shots, there is a hot spring episode, a pool episode, as well as multiple bath scenes. It feels kind of similar to Rosario+Vampire in that regard. If you don't like the Ecchi genre then you don't have to watch it, but if you enjoyed season 1, then I would suggest giving it a try.

Deaimon: Recipe for Happiness

After hearing that his dad has injured his back, Nagomu Irino moves back home with the intention of taking over the family business. However, after being gone for ten years, he isn't given the warmest welcome. Nagomu's dad tells him that he already has a successor to the Sweets Shop he runs. Nagomu finds out that it's a little girl named Itsuka Yukihira. Itsuka was dropped off at the sweets shop while Nagomu was gone by her father after her mother left the two of them. Itsuka has been working to become the next owner of Rokyuusho which all that hard work makes her see Nagomu as irresponsible despite being the owner's son. Will Itsuka and Nagomu ever get to be on good terms?

Deaimon: Recipe for Happiness was pretty slow. I watched it because I was hoping it would be a fun food anime like Sweetness & Lightning. However, it didn't meet my expectations. What was weird was that Nagomu's mom asks him to be like a father to her. This premise can be pulled off well like in Buddy Daddies and The Yakuza's Guid to Babysitting, but it didn't manage to do that either. The problem is Nagomu tries too hard to fit that roll, that he ends up messing it up. They feel more like a brother and Sister, rather than a father and daughter. The anime is mostly clean. There is a pool scene where you see the characters in swimsuits, but besides that everyone dresses modestly. If you like Slice of Life anime's about food, I would give this one a try. 

Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective

Takao Ameku is the head of the Investigative Pathology Division at Tenikai Hospital. She goes around solving mysteries that are caused by unknown medical problems. She is helped by her assistant Yu Takanashi who she refers to as Kotori. However, due to her inability to read the room and solve everything using logic she is often disliked by members of the hospital staff. But that won't stop her from helping everyone she can, even if she has to be insensitive to do it.

Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective is actually a really fun anime. I enjoyed that all the mysteries revolved around medical illnesses. It kind of felt like Ron Kamonohashi's Forbidden Deductions if he was a doctor instead of a detective. If you enjoy other medical anime's such as Parallel World Pharmacy and Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp, I would suggest giving it a try.

Tomo-chan Is a Girl!

Tomo Aizawa has grown up with her friend Junichiro Kubota. However, as the daughter of a martial arts instructor she is stronger than any girl and can only compete with guys. She also talks and dresses like a boy. Until she started wearing skirts in high school Junichiro was under the impression that Tomo was a boy. So when Tomo confessed her feelings for him, he took it as a reaffirmation of their friendship, rather than a confession to date each other. Will Tomo be able to change Jun's view of her?

Tomo-chan Is a Girl! was actually a lot more enjoyable than I was expecting. I haven't seen a romance where the main character is a Tomboy, so this made the show interesting. Also the childhood friend route doesn't usually work out, but in this anime it did. There is a beach episode in this so you see the characters in swimsuits, but no fan service beyond that really happens. Overall, if you like the romance genre you should definitely give it a try.

The Testament of Sister New Devil BURST (Season 2)

After learning about Zolgia's attack on Mio, Yuki, and Basara, Jin Toujou decides to approach the current Demon Lord, Leohart. After fighting with him and learning about his nature Jin determined that it wasn't Leohart who gave the order. This attack however, brought the Demon Realm on high alert. Meanwhile Basara plans for the upcoming Sports festival by joining the executive committee. However, mixups with supplies cause contention within the committee. After going back to the store and sorting it out, Basara feels a barrier surround him, then suddenly ordinary humans start using magic. Just before it looks like he is going to attack innocent civilians, he is saved by Yuki's little sister Kurumi. Kurumi then informs him that the Hero's at the village didn't think that Yuki would be powerful enough by herself, so they decided to send Kurumi to help.

The Testament of Sister New Devil Season 2 was pretty good. The story moved at a good pace, and the characters were fun. There were some parts where the music was really good as well. There is a lot of fan service similar to season 1. It kind of reminds me of Hybrid x Heart Magias Academy Ataraxia. The language stays clean though. If you watched season 1 and enjoyed it Season 2 might be for you.

Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You

Sawako Kuronuma is often called Sadako because of her frightening appearance. However, rather than wanting to scare people, she really just wants to make friends. She gets her chance when she sees Chizuru Yoshida and Ayane Yano. Rather than running away like everyone else they decide to talk and listen to Sawako. Them along with Shota Kazehaya become Sawako's biggest supporters. Though their support doesn't really show until their class is asked to change seats. Nobody wants to sit next to Sawako because they all believe that they'll be cursed if they do. So Shota takes the initiative by taking the desk next to Sawako while Chizuru and Ayane follow suit by sitting in front and diagonal from her. Though Sawako has started to make friends will this be enough to stop the wild rumors that somehow keep spreading about her?

Kimi Ni Todoke: From Me to You was absolutely amazing. I felt all the emotions. I laughed, I cried, I smiled. Its been a long time since an anime has made me cry more than a single tear. In this case it was when Chizuru gets rejected by the guy she's had a crush on for years. That hit pretty close to home for me. I can honestly say that Kimi Ni Todoke is an amazing romance anime. it doesn't have an inappropriate content such as swearing and fan service. I would suggest giving it a try if you enjoy romance and slice of life anime.

Bananya Around the World (Season 3)

On a blue planet out in space we find a cat residing in a banana known as bananya. While he is in the forest one day a glowing light appears in front of him which transforms into baby sweet. Baby sweet is a small bananya with a star on top of its head. Baby sweet has the ability to teleport around the world. Their first stop is a small island where it is eternally summer. There they meet Eternal Summer Bananya who shows them how to enjoy life on the island. Soon after, a fin appears in the ocean and we meet Shark Bananya who decides to become friends with the three. But just before they can really learn about each other, Baby Sweet and Bananya are teleported to another part of the planet. Where will they go next?

I think this is the season I have enjoyed the most in the Bananya series. It was a cool choice to show Baby Sweet and Bananya travel all over the world. You get to see them in a bunch of fun scenerios because of that. While they were all exciting I think my favorite was the murder mystery episode where Bananya and Baby Sweet teleport onto a train where it appears a certain bananya has died recently. If you enjoyed any of the previous seasons of Bananya I would definitely give this one a try. It doesn't take much time to watch and it is worth every minute. 

Recently, My Sister is Unusual OVA

When Moa finds a college student working at a cafe in town she decides to confess her feelings. However, her brother Shoutarou walks by in the middle of it and jumps to the conclusion that she messed up somehow. When Moa explains that she was going to go to the movies with him Shoutarou teases her about how a college student would never go out with someone like her. But he is proven wrong when she manages to set up the movie date over text. Worried over what will happen on the date, Shoutarou asks Yuuya to hang out with him on Sunday so he can follow his sister around on her date.

Recently, My Sister is Unusual OVA was interesting to watch. It had both the date scene for the first half of the episode as well as a Christmas episode for the second half of the episode. There were multiple panty shots, as well as girls in revealing Santa outfits. There is also a scene of mitsuki in her underwear talking to Hiyori about her plans for Christmas. I watched this because I thought it may continue the story, which it kind of does. But, you don't need to watch it.

SHY

In the mid 21st century war throughout the world ceased to exist, and people with superpowers started to appear. They became known as heroes. Every country on earth has its own personal hero to save them. While war may be gone, there is no shortage of everyday problems that still happen. One day in a amusement park in Japan a rollercoaster malfunctioned and the car was stuck upside down in the air. Thankfully Japan's hero, Shy was there. She helped get every individual out one by one. But right before she could get to the last person the car flew off the rollercoaster. Shy was able to stop the car but ended up wounding the girl that was left, leaving her hospitalized. After this Shy disappeared having lost faith in her ability to do her job. Will she find the strength that she needs to help those around her?

I really enjoyed the first season of Shy. It has a different feel from other anime's that center around the characters having powers such as Charlotte or Darwins Game. It has a fun feeling to it. The characters all dress modestly. There are only a few times where the characters swear. If you enjoy anime where the characters have super powers I would definitely give it a try.

Joshiraku

Marii, Gankyou, Tetora, Kigurumi, and Kukuru all perform Rakugo at the same theater. When they're not performing they spend their time talking about random topics in the theater's dressing room. Some of these things are what shape do you see when you look at the moon, does the color blue make things seem colder, if they become delinquents will it make it so they get married earlier? They also visit various cities in Japan and talk about what those cities are known for.

Joshiraku is not the type of show that's easy to binge. However, that does not mean its a bad show. While I don't usually laugh at comedy anime, I found myself laughing multiple times throughout the season. Something to note as well is that the characters frequently break the fourth wall which can be pretty funny depending on the situation. For example, on one of their trips they decide to visit a place where they can see the building where their anime is being animated. It does have some fan service here and there, such as two bath scenes, a beach scene, a hot springs scene, and multiple times where more skin is exposed than necessary for comedic purposes. I would suggest giving it a try, but I should let you know that you may not find it funny at all depending on your sense of humor.

A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics

After getting chased by assassins, the seventh princess of the Ofim empire jumps into a void which leads to modern day Japan. She lands on top of a poor detective who brings her into his home. After a warm meal he talks about her leaving, which Sara agrees to, but she would have to wipe his memory. Not willing to lose his memories, Sosuke Kaburaya lets Sara stay. Little did Sara know that her attendant Livia had also jumped into the void and had been living life as a homeless person. After failing to become a detective so she could live with Sara, she promises to find a job that pays enough for them to live together. Will Livia actually be able to pull it off with no experience and skills besides swordplay?

A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics is actually a really cute anime. It could even be considered to show to younger audiences, however, it is ruined by the fan service it provides. While it is not every episode, many of the episodes contain inappropriate scenes such as multiple bath scenes, a shower scene, a hot springs scene, a scene of Livia bathing in a Lake, as well as multiple scenes of Livia undressed so that she can make a company she works for can make the perfect toy replica of her. While there is a lot of unnecessary fan service the story and relationships that the characters build are all wholesome. If you are fine with fan service and like slice of life stories that have the same feel as spy family and Mr. Villains Day Off. I would give it a try. But if you don't like the Ecchi genre you can try it but just know there is a fair amount of ecchi scenes despite it not being labeled as an ecchi anime by official sites.