Time to welcome the new season with a spring in our steps! As the flowers bloom and the days grow warmer, a fresh wave of puzzling, heartfelt, and electrifying anime is seamlessly setting the pace for what’s to come this year. With spring releases spanning from April to June, its vibrant mix of shows will surely keep you entertained for months on end.
But searching for shows to watch among an expansive list gets a bit overwhelming at times, doesn’t it? That’s why we’re here! Whether you’re looking for stimulating mysteries or quirky comedies, there’s most definitely something for you to enjoy. To help you get started, we’ve compiled our fresh picks (not including sequels) for must-watch anime this spring.
The Beginning After the End -April 2
Animation Studio: Studio A-Cat
Based on the widely-acclaimed web novel and comic written by TurtleMe, The Beginning After the End has finally graced the small screens. After amassing a global audience through the years, there’s been a lot of excitement surrounding its anime adaptation.
The story starts with the death of King Grey, a ruthless man with everything at his fingertips. His mysterious passing is only the beginning, as he wakes up in a world where magic rules. He still has all of the memories and knowledge from his past; the only catch is that he’s a baby. Now living as Arthur Leywin, he slowly adapts to this once-in-a-lifetime chance to live anew but also finds the fierce dangers that come with it.
Anne Shirley – April 5
Animation Studio: The Answer Studio
You heard it right! We’re returning to our childhood with the latest anime adaptation of Anne of Green Gables, a 1908 children’s novel by L.M. Montgomery. When the original was released, it became a hit worldwide—including Japan—and received its first adaptation in the late ’70s. It’s heartwarming to witness the love for this piece still going strong after almost 50 years.
Cheerful, imaginative, and bright. Anne Shirley is an 11-year-old orphan with an unrelenting optimism despite her less-than-ideal childhood. After living in foster homes all her life, she’s taken to Prince Edward Island and adopted by the Cuthbert family by mistake. However, despite expecting a boy, they decide to keep her. Anne’s story is a timeless coming-of-age tale about found families and self-discovery, where you learn from your mistakes and find wonder in everyday life.
Kowloon Generic Romance – April 5
Animation Studio: Arvo Animation
Sci-fi romance—with a twist? In every season, there are always shows with a distinct mix of genres, and this is one of them. Kowloon Generic Romance comes from the mind of After the Rain creator Jun Mayuzuki.
The series is set in Kowloon Walled City, a densely populated and run-down location that seemingly holds the bittersweet memories of its leads, Kujirai and Kudou. They’re co-workers with a not-so-hidden tension between them, as seen in their playful banter and sometimes awkward encounters. While it starts as a “generic romance,” the show quickly becomes a surprising mystery at the end of its first episode. No spoilers, though—best to watch it for yourself!
Lazarus – April 6
Animation Studio: MAPPA
Brought to us by highly-esteemed director Shinichirō Watanabe, Lazarus is his latest original anime series since Carole & Tuesday in 2019. He’s also known for his other works, including Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, and Kids on the Slope. In addition, John Wick director Chad Stahelski served as the supervisor for its action sequences.
Lazarus takes us to the year 2052 when the entire world is in a state of peace because of a miracle painkiller called “Hapna.” It was invented by Dr. Skinner, who deemed that the drug could cure all forms of sickness with no side effects. However, the calm is tragically shattered when Skinner makes a devastating announcement: the drug turns into a deadly toxin after three years, and only he holds the cure. The series quickly turns into a global manhunt to find the doctor, who has gone into hiding, before humanity dies in 30 days—marking the third year since the drug was first introduced. To set the plan into motion, the government forms an unlikely team of fugitives to track him down in exchange for their lives.
Witch Watch – April 6
Animation Studio: Bibury Animation Studios
A witch x ogre couple? Count us in! Witch Watch is made for lovers of rom-coms and has many magical elements sprinkled in it. This Weekly Shōnen Jump series by Kenta Shinohara became a greatly-anticipated release when its anime announcement dropped.
It tells the daily life shenanigans of Nico, a kind yet clumsy teenage witch, and Moi, her stoic childhood friend who also happens to be an ogre. After Nico finally completes her witch training, she begins living with Moi—an unexpected set-up casually mentioned by his dad over hot bowls of ramen. But it won’t be all fun and games because he was chosen to protect her from an ominous prophecy! With his family being of ogre lineage, they have a deep history with witches as their familiars. Thus, their unique dynamic is set. While Moi quickly settles into his protector role, Nico fights her own demons as she deals with her growing romantic feelings for her friend. From comedic hijinks to classic tropes, this series has them all covered.
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes – April 7
Animation Studio: Bones Film
Plus Ultra! The story of My Hero Academia expands with this official spin-off. The idea first stemmed from Tetsuya Sato, an editor for the series. It then came to life with the help of writer Hideyuki Furuhashi and illustrator Betten Court, while Kohei Horikoshi, MHA’s original author, oversaw the entire process. This prequel sets the story five years before Deku’s story began in the main series, giving us a new perspective of the world we’ve grown to love over the years. It shines the spotlight on the ones who move behind the scenes, the unofficial heroes of this quirk-dominated society yet aren’t given recognition at all—vigilantes.
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes introduces us to Koichi, a 19-year-old boy who can glide, albeit slowly, across any flat surface. While his quirk isn’t flashy or impressive, he mirrors Deku’s warmhearted nature and dreams of becoming a Pro Hero—further highlighted by his All Might-inspired hero outfit. Unfortunately, after being thrust into a dangerous situation, he ultimately ends up as one-third of a group of vigilantes. Though this may not be what he originally wished for, Koichi soon learns that there are things best handled outside of the law. With its comic-esque visuals and fresh take on a familiar world, it’s quickly establishing itself as a worthwhile series with its own identity.
Zatsu Tabi: That’s Journey – April 7
Animation Studio: Makaria
Want to travel to Japan, but you don’t know where to go? Well, Zatsu Tabi: That’s Journey can be your trusted guide. Written and illustrated by Kenta Ishizaka, this cozy travel series follows Chika, an up-and-coming manga artist who recently won a rookie award. However, the pressure from wanting to surpass her debut work leaves her at an impasse. Her editor then suggests that she include her interests in her story. The only problem is—she doesn’t have hobbies.
This growing problem leads her to an impromptu trip across Japan. What started initially as a way to gain inspiration for her manga gradually became a beloved hobby filled with picturesque landscapes and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. If healing vibes are what you need, then this series is your answer!
Apocalypse Hotel – April 9
Animation Studio: CygamesPictures
What’s a world without humans? CyberAgent and CygamesPictures give us an in-depth response through their original anime series, Apocalypse Hotel. With this series not having written source material, there’s much anticipation on how its storyline will progress.
After introducing a deadly virus that caused human extinction, we’re transported to the aftermath of the global pandemic, where nature has dominated the world once again. However, our main story is set in a hotel managed by Yachiyo, its devoted manager android, and her team of robots. Left by themselves for decades, they’re clearly in rough shape with no means for repair or maintenance. But this doesn’t stop them from regularly accomplishing their duties—despite the uncertainty each day brings. The contrast between the mostly lighthearted scenes and the staff’s underlying hopelessness without a customer keeps us on our toes, making us empathize with essentially non-living things. If you enjoy a fun and emotional anime, then look no further!
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Featured Image Credit: ©Hideyuki Furuhashi / Betten Court / Kohei Horikoshi / Shueisha / “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” Production Committee
