Strictly Anime

We discuss our favorite supporting characters in anime. These are the characters that sometimes don’t get the recognition they deserve, despite contributing to how the main characters develop and helping to shape the course of a story. We’re honoring the real ones, and sharing our favorites and the impact they left on us and their respective anime. Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first #Tok...

We review the first part of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The time has come for us to become true weebs, to learn why this anime has held the top spot on MAL, and to finally understand what happened to Nina Tucker. Join us as we experience FMAB for the very first time! Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/strictlyanime Join our Discord: http...

We discuss the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. It's time to roll out the red (or orange?) carpet as we celebrate "anime's biggest night of the year." But just how jubilant do we feel about the handling of the event itself, or the choice of recipients for these accolades? Join us as we compare our picks against the night's big winners, whilst celebrating our own milestone with the 4-year a...

Returning to the podcast is Brian from TV and Movie Trivia Podcast to discuss Steins;Gate! It’s about time we watched this highly rated anime, but nothing could prepare us for gel bananas, chuunibyous, and Mayuri’s “tutturus.” Luckily Brian is here to help us make sense of things, including wrapping our heads around time travel and the way it unfolds in the story. Check out TV and Movie Trivia Pod...

It’s the premiere of a new type of discussion episode! In this recurring series, we’re strictly chatting and no topic is off limits. We chat about anything and everything, including anime that we’re watching (but not planning to review), figures and merch, sports, and Courtney’s first time watching Naruto. Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/st...

We play Marry, Bang, Kill with anime characters. It’s the first time we’re playing this game in a long time (and playing it sober). The pressure is on as we force ourselves to choose between three anime characters, deciding which we would destroy, which we would sleep with, and which we would commit to for life. Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat....

We review Tokyo Revengers: Tenjiku Arc (S3). Despite flying under the radar much like its predecessor, this season of Tokyo Revengers revved us up in driving Takemichi’s story to what felt like its conclusion, when it turns out there are still events left to be unfolded and questions left to be answered. We weave through the highs and lows of the Kanto Incident while continuing to suspend the disb...

We review the second season of Spy x Family. It’s more of the same this season, until it’s not when the Forger’s take a luxury cruise vacation. We discuss Yuri’s comedic timing, Loid feeling more like a family man, and Yor finally getting her chance to shine. Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/strictlyanime Join our Discord: https://discord.gg...

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...