Strictly Anime

We review the second part of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. We were worried that the repeated formula in this anime would make the story stale, but purposeful writing and thoughtful messaging is keeping this show fresh. We discuss romance, comedy, and an arc that we just can’t seem to find interesting. Japanese title: Sousou no Frieren Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box:...

We discuss our spoiler-free Winter 2024 anime first impressions. This season feels different from others with late premieres and less major titles. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a promising start to the year. We discuss a story that got us choked up, a show where everything and nothing happens at the same time, and a BL that’s equal parts wholesome and spicy. Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off you...

We review Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead. Despite an odd release schedule, this anime delivered with its comedy, animation, and relatability. We discuss our favorite aspects of the show, and some of the choices we disagree on. One thing we can all agree on, however, is that zombies in anime have never been so much fun. Japanese title: Zom 100: Zombie ni Naru made ni Shitai 100 no Koto Use code S...

We review the second half of Jujutsu Kaisen season two. Nothing could prepare us for the wild ride of never-ending fight scenes, casualties, and emotions that left us wondering what the future holds for JJK. We discuss the most exciting moments, the most confusing moments, and the most disappointing moments. Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/...

We close out the year with the best and worst of 2023 anime! From farming being hype, to witnessing history being made, to girls doing things with dogs they shouldn’t do, we had a lot of memorable moments in anime this year. And now, we’re reflecting on 2023 by sharing our picks for the best and worst protagonist, story, animation, and more. Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat...

We share our favorite anime openings and endings from 2023. It’s the return of this annual episode where we share every OP and ED that stuck with us this year. Plus, we have more patron and listener submissions with some surprising popular picks! Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/strictlyanime Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/4Rnq4GTePP S...

We review The Boy and the Heron (Kimitachi wa Dou Ikiru ka). Miyazaki’s (not) final film is a beautiful story rooted in grief, acceptance, and family. But is it easy to pick out this story amidst a sea of abstract concepts and metaphors? We discuss the misleading title, the weird family dynamics, and the part that made Courtney’s eyes well up with tears to the point where she couldn’t see where sh...

We discuss cursed moments in anime. This beloved medium is chock full of moments that sweep us off our feet or take our breath away - but sometimes, there are things we see that make us feel like we are straying further from kami-sama’s light. We begrudgingly recall some of the most abominable things that anime has thrown our way, from the absolutely tragic to the downright bizarre. Use code STRIC...

We discuss our favorite friendships and rivalries in anime. Anime is filled with amazing power systems, but none are greater than the power of friendship. Whether they’re the best of friends, or rivals with the best love-hate relationships, we’re sharing our favorites and why we cherish them. Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/strictlyanime Jo...

We read bad reviews of anime. There are some people who may dislike an anime, and then there are people who hate an anime so much they need to write a scathing review. We scoured the internet to find some of the most negative (and funny) reviews of shows we’ve watched. We discuss whether their bad reviews hold validity or if they’re just being haters. It’s almost like we’re reviewing their reviews...

We review the first part of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (Sousou no Frieren). This anime isn’t flashy or action-packed, and it instead focuses on thoughtful and meaningful storytelling. And sometimes, that’s all you need. We discuss the themes of relationships and regret, deadpan characters, and how walking and talking has never looked so good. Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first #TokyoT...

We review Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters (Part 2). It truly is the end of an era, and we have witnessed anime history with the conclusion of this incredible show. The journey to review the final season has been long and fulfilling, and we wrap things up with our longest and most in-depth episode where we discuss every bit of AoT’s intricate finale coming full circle. Use code STRICTLYANIME fo...

We review Highschool of the Dead. In celebration of Halloween, we're rewatching the anime that birthed an entire generation of degenerates. From action sequences to ecchi moments, we're discussing it all. We even pay homage to the iconic sniper scene. Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/strictlyanime Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/4Rnq4GT...

We discuss our spoiler-free Fall 2023 anime first impressions. It’s the final stretch for this year’s anime, and we have a sizable watch list to discuss. Does it compare to last year’s Fall season? No, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great shows worth checking out. Join us as we share our initial thoughts on some big titles, some lesser known shows, and even this season’s dumpster fire. Jo...

We review the first half of Jujutsu Kaisen season two. It’s had a bit of an odd release schedule, but this wildly popular anime is back and we finally understand the obsession with zaddy Toji. We discuss why it feels like an eternity since we’ve seen the main trio, why Gojo feels like the main character, and why JJK continues to give us lore fatigue. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/4Rnq4GTePP...

We play anime Would You Rather. We put a weeb spin on this classic game, pressuring each other into choosing between two different scenarios you can only find in anime. There were some we agreed on, and some that made us question the other person’s sanity. Join us and play along! Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/4Rnq4GTePP Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/thestrictlyseries Website:...

We review the third season of Rent-a-Girlfriend (Kanojo, Okarishimasu). Kazuya and the girls are back and this time he’s proving he may not be as useless and pathetic as many people think. But what’s more important for his story with Chizuru: spice or depth? We debate over this question as we try to decide how this season compares to the others. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/4Rnq4GTePP Supp...

We discuss anime that would actually work as live-action adaptations. As anime fans, we've been burned too many times by bad live-action adaptations of our favorite shows. And that is why Courtney hates them. But we're forcing her to find anime that have the potential to be great live-actions as we discuss what it takes to get these right and how they could fail.⁠ Join our Discord: https://discord...

We review the first season of Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World! (Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo!). You guys convinced Karl to finally watch this anime. He laughed at Kazuma’s misery. He cringed at Aqua’s uselessness and Megumin’s weebness. He got uncomfortable with Darkness’s masochism. But what did he really think about this comedy isekai? Join us and find out! Join our Dis...

We discuss anime characters we wish were real. You’re probably saying to yourself, “Calm down, it’s just a drawing,” but there are aspects and characteristics to many anime characters that would give them practicality and usefulness if they were isekai’d to the real world. We share our respective lists on characters that we think would make a difference in the world, would make for great jam sessi...

We guess an anime’s plot through openings and endings (part 2). It's the second round of Strictly Anime's newest game show craze as we analyze and decipher more OPs and EDs from shows unfamiliar to us both. And yes, there are actually EDs this time around. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/4Rnq4GTePP Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/thestrictlyseries Website: https://www.thestrictly...

We guess an anime’s plot through openings and endings. If you've been a weeb long enough, you know that anime OPs and EDs are notorious for spoiling the story. We wanted to put that to the test with the help of our listeners. The game is simple: they sent us OPs and EDs from shows we haven't seen, and we try to guess the plot and probably spoil ourselves along the way.⁠ Join our Discord: https://d...

We review Howl’s Moving Castle (Howl no Ugoku Shiro). It’s our fourth Studio Ghibli outing, and the storytelling in this film moves along as briskly as Howl’s humble abode itself. But is the plot coherent enough to highlight its eclectic cast of characters and address its lofty themes? We break down our thoughts and much more on this merry-go-round of a review. (Which, to no one's surprise, includ...

We discuss moments in anime we’ll never forget. There are some things in anime that are so powerful or so absurd that they're embedded in your brain forever. Most good, some bad, we share the moments in anime, the anime industry, and the anime community that have stuck with us over the years. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/4Rnq4GTePP Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/thestrictlyse...

We review the second half of Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso). You don't need to love music to enjoy this show, and you also don't need to know people exist for them to be obsessed with you. We discuss the anime's portrayal of the power of music, our gripes with annoying characters and misguided emotions, and the beautiful yet emotional ending to the story.⁠ Join our Discord: https://di...