Strictly Anime

We discuss our spoiler-free Fall 2026 anime first impressions. While this Fall season may not have as many heavy-hitters as past years, there’s still lots to talk to about. We share our thoughts on a popular yandere love story, high schoolers being too dramatic, uncs liking cute things, and crude humor in the student council. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delici...

We decide which anime characters would win in a fight. Eight match-ups with characters from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Attack on Titan, and more. Join us as we discuss their powers and abilities, theorize how the fights would go down, and decide which character emerges victorious. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTreat box? Use code STRI...

We’re strictly chatting. For this chat, we discuss the My Hero Academia OVA, questionable decisions by Crunchyroll, Zelda leaks, and Sony going from the “golden child” to the “greatest villain” of video games. Plus, Courtney talks about how freaky Orochimaru is in her Naruto Shippuden update. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTreat box?...

We review the fourth season of Rent-a-Girlfriend. By some miracle, we are still watching this anime. And if you continue to be on this journey with us, we thank you. We discuss everyone saying they’re going to do something but never actually doing it, the lack of the spice, the over-abundance of side conversations, and what the point of this season even was. Japanese title: Kanojo, Okarishimasu Wh...

We review the first season of Nippon Sangoku: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun. An unexpected setting meets a unique animation style, giving us a sleeper hit for this year. We discuss whether or not we like the way this anime looks, how we wish the main character was more of the main character, the excitement that comes along with the strategizing, and how the villain’s ruthlessness under a ch...

We discuss our spoiler-free Summer 2026 anime first impressions. Lots of romance anime, with a few unique shows mixed in. We share our thoughts on a new and surprising KyoAni work, the return of several shows we’ve enjoyed, a not-so-dumpster-fire step-sibling relationship, adults smoking, and cats smoking in the wild card anime of this season. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair i...

We review the first half of Daemons of the Shadow Realm. From the creator of Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood comes a new story with an Edward Elric look-alike. We discuss the difference between daemons and demons, how a lot happens but nothing happens in this first half, and question who the actual villain is of this story. Japanese title: Yomi no Tsugai While you’re listening to this episode, w...

We review the first season of Witch Hat Atelier. This seemingly cozy, fluffy magic anime is surprisingly honest, real, and full of mystery. We discuss the magic system rooted in logic, the witch girls that fit various dere types, the cliffhanger ending, and what the eff is going on with Qifrey. Japanese title: Tongari Boushi no Atelier While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up wit...

We’re strictly chatting. With a lot of topics to cover, we chat about tornadoes, the Pokemon Fossil Museum, announcements from the video game showcases, and FIFA World Cup memes. Plus, Courtney talks about the latest episodes of Naruto Shippuden and what she’s most excited to see in the next arc. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTreat b...

We review the third season of Oshi no Ko. The series finally strikes the delicate balance between showbiz bashing and plot progression this season, especially when there’s all sorts of controversy and scandal and anime scheming abound. We take a look at how these circumstances, intertwined in the ongoing murder mystery, help close the loop on Aqua and Ruby’s true motivations and true selves. Also...

We discuss the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. It’s the ten year anniversary for the award show, but there wasn’t much to celebrate. We share our thoughts on the award show and all the winners, question whether an independent third party should be running things, wonder if anyone will ever take down Anya Forger and One Piece, and bask in the glory of Bakugo’s deserved recognition. While you’re list...

We’re strictly chatting. How dare they. How dare they do that in My Hero Academia: More. How dare they do that with the Pokemon x Target collaboration. How dare they do that to Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake. Also, more Naruto Shippuden. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #Sakuraco box? Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first box...

We discuss our spoiler-free Spring 2026 anime first impressions. We’ve got another promising season for the romance fans, and several unexpected moments from premiere episodes. We discuss how to pronounce “atelier” in Witch Hat Atelier, the trope of gyaru and nerd romances, and what is literally happening in Daemons of the Shadow Realm. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up wi...

We review the second season of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. Anime’s most comforting show continues to impart important life lessons on us. We discuss the romantic moments between Stark and Fern (or as we call them, “Fark”), Frieren’s newest grimoires, and the fight between demons and a guy who says he doesn’t care but he actually does care. Japanese title: Sousou no Frieren While you’re listenin...

We review season 3 of Jujutsu Kaisen: The Culling Game Part 1. MAPPA has evolved this anime into something cinematic and intense, even with curse powers that seem a little silly. But that’s ok, we’re here for it. We discuss movie references, Itadori on trial, Fushiguro’s abs, and the return of Chef Yuta. Japanese title: Jujutsu Kaisen: Shimetsu Kaiyuu - Zenpen While you’re listening to this episod...

We review the second half of Gachiakuta season one. Trash takes a back seat as the focus shifts to shonen battles and expanding the mystery. We discuss Zanka’s weak backstory, major spoilers in the OP, more comedic moments, and unexpected plot twists. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTreat box? Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your fir...

We review the second half of Sakamoto Days season one. With more plot progression than the first half, the second cour is action-packed and full of mystery. We discuss Sakamoto’s connections and his past, throwaway enemies and unnecessary fights, and skinny vs. fat Sakamoto. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTreat box? Use code STRICTLYA...

We’re strictly chatting. It’s been a minute since our last chat, and we have a lot to talk about. We share details on our vacation, Punch the monkey, the return of Yona of the Dawn, and much more. Plus, Courtney shares the latest on her journey through Naruto Shippuden. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTreat box? Use code STRICTLYANIME...

We review the first half of To Your Eternity season 3. After being burned by the previous season, we return to Fushi’s journey with more mixed feelings. We discuss the completely different tone of this season, weird behaviors and decisions from certain characters, and Fushi laying eggs. Japanese title: Fumetsu no Anata e While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious s...

We discuss our spoiler-free Winter 2026 anime first impressions. The new year is coming in strong with great shows, including several solid romance anime. We share our thoughts on the final season of Golden Kamuy, why Hana-Kimi isn’t living up to expectations, whether the title Tamon’s B-Side makes sense to younger generations, and much more. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it...

We review the third season of Spy x Family. We’ve been wanting this anime to give us something substantial to the plot, and did this season deliver? Sort of. We discuss impacts to relationships, Loid’s backstory, Yor’s struggle to find normalcy, and whether the status quo really changed by the end of this season. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack fro...

We review the final season of My Hero Academia. It’s the end of another era in anime as one of the biggest shonen series in recent years comes to an end. We discuss the climactic fight, whether or not the ending was satisfying, and Courtney shares her final thesis on Bakugo. Japanese title: Boku no Hero Academia While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from...

We close out the year with the best and worst of 2025 anime! With all of its highs and lows, this past year was a rollercoaster for the anime community. We reflect on what anime had to offer us in 2025 by sharing our picks for categories like waifu and husbando, animation, story, and many more! While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTreat box...

We share our favorite anime openings and endings from 2025. One of our favorite episodes returns for another year of vibes (which we can’t stop saying this episode). Join us as we share our OP and ED picks, as well as the ones chosen by our patrons and listeners! While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTreat box? Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5...

We review the first season of The Summer Hikaru Died. It’s not often we get a horror anime that’s actually scary, and this one hits the mark while also delivering a great mystery. We discuss the scary moments that got us, the romantic subtext, and the slowly unraveling lore about the town. Japnese title: Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delic...