Spring not only marks the arrival of cherry blossoms in Japan, but also the beginning of a brand new season in the world of anime. From the highly anticipated return of a long-running series to anime originals, here are some new anime series that are airing in Spring 2021 for your viewing pleasure.
Image credit: Goodbye Cramer Official Site
Written by Naoshi Arakawa, the author behind Your Lie In April, Farewell, My Dear Cramer is a homage to women’s football in Japan. The anime adaptation follows a group of high school girls who are passionate about soccer.
Upon graduating from middle school, Sumire is approached by her rival, Midori, to join her in Warabi Seinan High School’s soccer team. This comes as a surprise to Sumire, as Warabi Seinan is not exactly a powerhouse when it comes to the sport.
Image adapted from: Toho Movie Channel
Led by a former national team coach, as well as Midori, who ranks 3rd nationally, Sumire and her new team meet and compete with strong opponents. Though the series centres on soccer, you don’t have to know specific rules or jargon to appreciate the girls’ determination to excel in a sport they love.
Genre: Drama, Sports, School life
Release date: 4th April 2021
Available on: Crunchyroll
Image credit: @GODZILLA_SP
The iconic kaiju gets an animated revamp in the form of a brand new anime series, Godzilla Singular Point. Long-time fans of Godzilla can expect a riveting, action-packed anime series that’s set in a brand new world.
Image credit: @myanimelist
The year is 2030. Mei Kamino, a graduate student who studies mythical creatures, as well as Yun Arikawa, a genius engineer who is examining an abandoned Western-style building, hear a mysterious song.
Connected by the song, the 2 geniuses in their respective fields are brought together. Though unwittingly dragged into dealing with the threat of Godzilla, they resolve to tide mankind over this unprecedented crisis.
Genre: Action
Release date: 25th March 2021
Available on: Netflix
Image credit: @nagatoro_tv
They say love comes in many different forms. In the case of Nagatoro, her love for her unnamed senpai is expressed through endless teasing, as she can’t find any other way to show her feelings.
Shy and meek, the socially awkward senpai is initially oblivious to Nagatoro’s playful taunts. But as the series progresses, he gradually becomes accustomed to social interactions and picks up on Nagatoro’s romantic cues.
Image adapted from: King Amusement Creative Official Channel
Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro is a romantic comedy anime series about the budding relationship between a timid, introverted senpai and a sadistic but harmless high school girl.
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Slice of life
Release date: April 2021
Available on: Crunchyroll
Image credit: @AIR_News01
Written by Yoshitoki Ōima, the author of A Silent Voice, To Your Eternity is the highly anticipated anime adaptation of the manga series with the same title.
Image credit: @nep_fumetsu
The story follows an immortal orb who can morph and transform into various objects. Starting from a simple rock, the orb slowly observes, adapts, and eventually takes on the appearance of a human boy. He sets out on an adventure, meeting people from all walks of life and visiting different places.
If you’re into unique world building, engaging storytelling, and fleshed-out character development, definitely give this upcoming series a watch.
Genre: Adventure, Supernatural, Shōnen
Release date: 12th April 2021
Available on: Crunchyroll
Image credit: @bakuten_pr
In the last summer of his junior high school life, Shoutarou Futaba stumbled upon the world of men’s rhythmic gymnastics. Enamoured and intrigued, Shoutarou is determined to learn more about the sport and make the best out of his high school years.
Image credit: @bakuten_pr
In order to join a rhythmic gymnastic club, he enrols in Ao High School. There, he becomes teammates with Yoshiya Misato, a legendary gymnast, as well as a group of upperclassmen, each with their own quirky personality and story to tell. Bakuten!! is a riveting and refreshing series about a men’s rhythmic gymnastics team that will appeal to fans of Free! and Yuri!!! On Ice.
Genre: Sports
Release date: 9th April 2021
Available on: Crunchyroll
Image credit: @fruba_PR
Fruits Basket is a popular shōjo manga that was serialised from 1998 to 2006. Though it’s been more than 15 years since its original run in print, the story is still loved by many. It even had a reboot version back in April 2019. Now, the revamped version is on its final season, picking up on where it left off in the previous season.
Image adapted from: avex pictures
In the final episode of season 2, it was revealed that the curse of Kureno Sohma has already been broken. Additionally, the biggest plot twist regarding the true gender of Akito Sohma was revealed, leaving the story on a cliffhanger.
The upcoming season will address why Akito clings on to the zodiac bond and binds the family members with fear, giving some insight into her past and feelings.
Genre: Slice of life, Supernatural, Romance, Shōjo
Release date: April 2021
Available on: Crunchyroll
Image credit: @aniverse_brs
Set in the fictional 64th year of the Meiji era, Jouran: The Princess Of Snow And Blood tells the story of an alternate history of Japan. In this anime, the Tokugawa shogunate never came to an official end – unlike in the real world. Instead, the supposed last shōgun of Japan, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, continues to wield absolute power.
Image credit: Joran Official Site
The story follows Kuchinawa and Nue, 2 political organisations that have drastically different goals. Kuchinawa aims to stage a coup d’etat and overthrow the administration, while Nue, which is affiliated with the government, is sent to quash the rising dissent.
History buffs who are planning to add this to their to-watch list, be warned – though the series has a historical setting, it takes creative liberties with historical timelines and events.
Genre: Historical, Supernatural, Action
Release date: 7th April 2021
Available on: Hulu
Image credit: Yahoo Japan
Being a taxi driver is pretty exciting – you get to meet all sorts of people and listen to different stories every day. From a nurse who is harbouring a secret to struggling comedians, middle-aged taxi driver Kotokawa hears the strangest tales from the strangest passengers.
Image adapted from: Odd Taxi Official
The reticent protagonist is content with leading a mediocre life, just chauffeuring passengers around. But one day, his passengers’ conversation eventually leads him to a girl who went missing. Odd Taxi is an intriguing mystery anime that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Genre: Mystery
Release date: 6th April 2021
Available on: Crunchyroll
Image credit: My Hero Academia Official Site
After almost a year since its last season, Boku no Hero Academia is back with season 5. The new season will cover the Joint Training Arc from the manga, focusing on how the heroes in Class 1-A and 1-B train themselves in a combined class. Competing in small teams, the aspiring professional heroes will engage in a fierce battle of pride and might.
Image credit: My Hero Academia Official Site
Fans who were left on tenterhooks thanks to last season’s post-credit scene, where Midoriya sees all previous One For All users in his mysterious dream, can anticipate some answers in the upcoming season.
Genre: Action, Shōnen, Super power, Comedy
Release date: 27th March 2021
Available on: Crunchyroll
Image credit: @mashironooto
Consumed by grief due to the passing his beloved grandfather, who was a legendary shamisen (三味線; traditional Japanese lute with 3 strings) player, Setsu withdraws from life and moves from Aomori to Tokyo.
His days, which were once filled with his grandfather’s melodious shamisen music, are now dull and silent, and Setsu gets through life aimlessly. However, that changes when members of his high school’s shamisen club invite him to join the team.
Image credit: Mashiro no Oto Official
With the help of his mother and new-found friends, Setsu is encouraged to pick up the traditional instrument again and find his own sound. Mashiro no Oto is a music anime about the shamisen and Setsu’s personal journey of healing.
Genre: Music, School, Drama
Release date: 2nd April 2021
Available on: Crunchyroll
Image credit: MyAnimeList
A mid-life career switch is never easy – it’s even tougher for Tatsu, an infamous ex-yakuza who used to terrorise both enemies and subordinates alike. Now, he has washed his hands off of the underground trade, focusing instead on preparing nutritious bentō (boxed lunches) for his working wife, Miku.
Image adapted from: Netflix Japan
Despite his efforts to live an honest life and become the perfect househusband, Tatsu’s past keeps creeping back into his life. The Way Of The Househusband is a hilarious slice of life anime series about the titular stay-at-home husband who’s trying to adapt to his new role at home.
Genre: Slice of life, Comedy
Release date: 8th April 2021
Available on: Netflix
Image credit: MyAnimeList
Fans of the original series need to wait no longer as Shaman King is officially back with a reboot after almost 20 years, complete with new visuals and upgraded animation.
Image adapted from: King Amusement Creative Official Channel
Every 500 years, a reputable competition called the “Shaman Fight” is held in order to crown the next Shaman King. Shamans – individuals who can communicate with gods and spirits – gather at said tournament and compete to earn the ultimate title. The reboot of Shaman King follows Yoh Asakura’s journey as he strives to become the strongest shaman in the world.
Genre: Action, Shōnen, Supernatural, Adventure
Release date: April 2021
Available on: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Image credit: @zombielandsaga
Being good at singing and dancing is the basic criteria for becoming an idol. In Zombieland Saga Revenge, however, there’s one more prerequisite in order to enter the entertainment industry: death. Brought together by producer Kotaro Tatsumi, idol group Franchouchou comprises a crew of zombies.
Image adapted from: avex pictures
Resuscitated and brought back to life, the zombie members were popular idols from different eras. They are tasked to work as a local idol group to promote and revitalise Saga Prefecture.
The 1st season wrapped up with a successful concert, and season 2 will follow the idol group members as they continue their idol activities in a new era.
Genre: Supernatural, Comedy, Music
Release date: 9th April 2021
Available on: Crunchyroll
The Spring 2021 season sees a slew of new anime lined up, so be sure to keep an eye out and tune in. Which anime series are you most looking forward to?
For more anime series, dramas, and films, check out:
Cover image adapted from: @AIR_News01, Yahoo Japan, and @bakuten_pr
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