Strictly Anime

We review the first half of Gachiakuta season one. This is an anime about trash that isn’t trash, and it’s a wild ride filled with over-the-top facial expressions. We discuss the comedic moments, the teenage angst, and the concept of “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTreat box? Use code STRICT...

We review the second season of Kaiju No. 8. The beloved millennial Kafka is back, and this time he’s gearing up for the big fight. We discuss similarities to other anime, the OVA, good anime dads, and the cliffhanger ending to the season. Japanese title: Kaijuu 8-gou While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTreat box? Use code STRICTLYANIME for...

We review The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity. The only thing sweeter than this wholesome and fluffy romance are the cakes Kaoruko loves to eat. We discuss the anime’s title, the drama being overdramatic at times, and the surprising pace at which this romance is unfolding. Japanese title: Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snac...

We review Chainsaw Man the Movie: Reze Arc. Anime continues to dominate at the box office with the next installment of this beloved series, which surprisingly does well in tugging at our (chainsaw) heartstrings. We discuss the significance of this arc’s release in movie format, the nuanced layers of its love story, and the futility of trying to find a Pochita popcorn bucket. Japanese title: Chains...

We discuss our spoiler-free Fall 2025 anime first impressions. There seems to be a gap between the good stuff and the mid stuff this season. We share our initial thoughts on a bunch of bad romances, an anime that might capture the magic of Christmas, and the end of an era with the final season of My Hero Academia. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack fr...

We’re strictly chatting. We discuss JoJo news, MLB news, video game news, and more. Plus, Courtney finally made it to Naruto Shippuden and shares her initial reactions. 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 first box : https://team.tokyotreat.com/strictlyanime Join our Discord: https://discor...

We review the second season of My Dress-Up Darling. After a long wait, our waifu Marin is back with a new set of cosplays and cosplay friends. But where’s the romance, the conflict, or even the ecchi? We discuss all the things this season is missing, how it compares to the first season, and all the relatable moments that we appreciated. Japanese title: Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru While you’re...

We review the second season of Dandadan. Just when you thought you’ve seen it all, this anime continues to push the boundaries and give us the absurd moments we love. We discuss new characters being introduced, random things happening in the background, and some of the funniest parts of this season. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTrea...

We review Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Infinity Castle (Part 1: Akaza Returns). The first act of this highly anticipated movie trilogy has finally arrived in all its cinematic glory, wasting no time in keeping us at the edge of our seats (and setting box office records as well). We analyze the highs and lows of the film’s character moments, pacing, production quality, and even promoti...

We discuss second seasons of anime that were better than the first. Technically it’s subsequent seasons, but that doesn’t sound as good as a title. Join us as we share which anime we feel significantly improved as the show went on. 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 first box : https://tea...

We pick theme songs for anime characters. Many characters already have a theme song from their anime’s soundtrack - but what if their song was a mainstream music hit instead? We share the pop songs we chose for anime characters that fit their personality, their story, or even their job. Companion playlist on Spotify: If Anime Characters Had Theme Songs While you’re listening to this episode, why n...

We discuss why we love being weebs. Like a love letter to anime and weebdom, we share how being part of this community brings us so much happiness. Plus, we asked our patrons and listeners to share why they love being weebs. 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 first box : https://team.tokyo...

We share the supporting characters that deserve their own anime. When they’re more interesting and memorable than the main character, why wouldn’t we want to see more of them? We share the supporting characters we feel deserve more screen time, showing us what happened in their backstory and what they’ll do next. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack fro...

We’re strictly chatting. We have a bunch of anime topics to cover, including the Delta Airlines partnership with Crunchyroll, Demon Slayer events at baseball games, and whether smooth brain anime is a problem. Plus, Courtney finally finished Naruto. 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 first...

We share moments in anime that hit different as parents. Having kids changes your perspective on a lot of things, anime included. We discuss characters we relate with, situations we can’t imagine experiencing, and moments that we see in a very different way. 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 y...

We review Takopi’s Original Sin. It’s rare when an anime accomplishes so much with so little time, giving us excellent pacing, moving storytelling, and conflicting characters. But this show manages to do all that and more. We share our thoughts on all this plus deep dive into the what we took away from the story. Japanese title: Takopii no Genzai While you’re listening to this episode, why not pai...

We discuss our spoiler-free Summer 2025 anime first impressions. This may be the most stacked season of anime in recent years, and it’s got us excited and overwhelmed. Join us as we share our initial thoughts on a promising horror anime, a character wearing roller blades for some reason, an anime about a lot of cats, and many more. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a...

We review Lazarus. When Shinichiro Watanabe creates a new anime, we pay attention. However, no matter how much attention was paid, we still couldn’t understand how half the things in this anime tied together. Join us as we try to navigate confusing decisions, shallow storytelling, and lots of plot holes. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #Toky...

We share our favorite Americans in anime. In honor of our country’s Independence Day, we’re bringing together our patriotism and our passion. We share the characters that remind us to be the American the Japanese think you are. 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 first box : https://team.to...

We share our favorite Japanese voice actors. After watching subbed anime as long as we have, we’ve come to love and appreciate not only the performances, but the VAs themselves. We share which voice actors we love most, as well as our thoughts on the seiyuu industry that goes beyond voice roles. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTreat bo...

We’re strictly chatting. It’s been a busy start to the summer with an anime convention and a celebration for the new pope. We also talk about a handful of anime like Witch Watch, Delicious in Dungeon, Courtney’s Naruto update, and more! 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 first box : https:...

We share our favorite art styles in anime. This may come as a bit of a shock, but anime is a form of art, and one that comes in many different expressions. We each compile a list of the visual aesthetics in anime that really draw us in - as well as critique the ones that left a bad impression. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTreat box?...

We discuss the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. In its ninth year, does this award show improve upon past issues and inspire enough confidence from the anime community to believe that it isn’t rigged? Sort of. We share our impressions on the actual ceremony and discuss each winner, including the highly debated winner for Anime of the Year. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up w...

We review the second season of Link Click. With the main plot in full force, this show continues to deliver on emotional moments, plot twists, and cliffhangers. We discuss all the things that confused us and left us with questions, as well as all the things that surprised us and made us excited for the next season. Chinese title: Shiguang Dailiren While you’re listening to this episode, why not pa...

We discuss iconic quotes in anime. You know you’ve become an anime fan when you recognize certain lines of dialogue, even if you’ve never seen the show. We share some of the most iconic, most memorable, and most memed quotes from some of the most popular anime. 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 of...