ANIME RECCOMENDATION FOR BEGINNERS

Stepping into the World of Anime

Anime, a Japanese style of animation, has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique storytelling, vibrant visuals, and diverse genres. If you're new to anime, it can be overwhelming to navigate the vast array of titles available. To help you embark on this exciting journey, here are some beginner-friendly anime recommendations:

1. BLEACH

"Bleach" is a popular anime and manga series created by Tite Kubo. The story follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager with the ability to see ghosts. His life changes dramatically when he accidentally acquires the powers of a Soul Reaper, a death deity responsible for guiding souls to the afterlife and combating evil spirits known as Hollows.

Initially, Ichigo must navigate his new role while balancing his ordinary life. As the series progresses, he learns more about the Soul Society, a mystical realm where Soul Reapers reside, and becomes entangled in conflicts involving powerful enemies and ancient rivalries. Along the way, he forms alliances with other Soul Reapers and discovers deeper mysteries about his own heritage and the nature of his powers.

The series blends action, supernatural elements, and complex character relationships, exploring themes of duty, identity, and the struggle between good and evil.

1. NARUTO

"Naruto," created by Masashi Kishimoto, is a popular anime and manga series that follows the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with a dream of becoming the strongest and most respected ninja, known as the Hokage, of his village, Konohagakure. Naruto is an orphan who grows up shunned by his peers due to the demon fox, Kurama, sealed within him. Despite this, he is determined to prove his worth and earn the villagers' acceptance.

The series explores Naruto's adventures and challenges as he trains, forms bonds with his teammates Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, and faces a range of adversaries. As he grows stronger, Naruto uncovers the hidden truths about his past, the origins of the demon fox, and the complex history of his world. The story delves into themes of friendship, perseverance, and the pursuit of one's dreams, set against a backdrop of epic battles and intricate political intrigue within the ninja world.

1. jujitsu kaisen

"Jujutsu Kaisen," created by Gege Akutami, is a popular anime and manga series that centers on Yuji Itadori, a high school student who inadvertently becomes involved in the world of jujutsu sorcery. When Yuji consumes a cursed object—a rotting finger of a powerful Curse named Ryomen Sukuna—he becomes the host of Sukuna, a fearsome and malevolent spirit.

To save his own life and protect others, Yuji joins Tokyo Jujutsu High, a school that trains students to combat Curses, malevolent supernatural entities born from human negative emotions. Under the guidance of his mentor, Satoru Gojo, and alongside fellow students like Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki, Yuji learns to harness his newfound abilities and confront increasingly dangerous Curses.

The series combines intense action, dark themes, and a rich supernatural lore, exploring concepts of power, destiny, and the nature of good and evil.

1. • MY HERO ACADEMIA*

"My Hero Academia," created by Kohei Horikoshi, is an anime and manga series set in a world where nearly everyone possesses superpowers known as "Quirks." The story follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without a Quirk but who still dreams of becoming a hero like his idol, All Might, the world's greatest hero.

After a fateful encounter with All Might, who reveals that his Quirk can be passed on, Midoriya inherits it and gains the ability to enroll in U.A. High School, a prestigious academy for aspiring heroes. The series chronicles Midoriya's journey through the rigorous training and hero courses at U.A., his growth as a hero, and his struggles against villains and threats to society.

Alongside his classmates, including his rival Katsuki Bakugo and friends Ochaco Uraraka and Shoto Todoroki, Midoriya faces challenges that test his skills, resolve, and moral beliefs. The series blends action, personal growth, and themes of heroism, perseverance, and the complexity of human nature.

1. DRAGON BALL SUPER

"My Hero Academia," created by Kohei Horikoshi, is an anime and manga series set in a world where nearly everyone possesses superpowers known as "Quirks." The story follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without a Quirk but who still dreams of becoming a hero like his idol, All Might, the world's greatest hero.

After a fateful encounter with All Might, who reveals that his Quirk can be passed on, Midoriya inherits it and gains the ability to enroll in U.A. High School, a prestigious academy for aspiring heroes. The series chronicles Midoriya's journey through the rigorous training and hero courses at U.A., his growth as a hero, and his struggles against villains and threats to society.

Alongside his classmates, including his rival Katsuki Bakugo and friends Ochaco Uraraka and Shoto Todoroki, Midoriya faces challenges that test his skills, resolve, and moral beliefs. The series blends action, personal growth, and themes of heroism, perseverance, and the complexity of human nature.

1. DEMON SLAYER

"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" is an anime series set in Taisho-era Japan, where demons pose a grave threat to humanity. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by demons, and his younger sister Nezuko is turned into one. Despite her transformation, Nezuko retains her human emotions and fights alongside Tanjiro.

Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps, an organization dedicated to exterminating demons and protecting humanity. Throughout the series, he encounters various allies and enemies, learns powerful techniques, and uncovers the dark history of demons and their origins. The anime is known for its stunning animation, intense action scenes, and emotional depth.

1. ATTACK ON TITAN

"Attack on Titan" is set in a world where humanity lives within enormous walled cities to protect themselves from giant humanoid creatures known as Titans, who devour humans. The story begins with Eren Yeager, his adopted sister Mikasa Ackerman, and their friend Armin Arlert witnessing the destruction of their home and the death of Eren's mother when a massive Titan breaches the outer wall.

Fueled by revenge and a desire to protect humanity, Eren, Mikasa, and Armin join the military's Scout Regiment to fight Titans and uncover the truth behind their existence. As they delve deeper into the mysteries of the Titans and the walls, they discover shocking secrets about their world, including the true nature of the Titans, the origins of their own people, and the complex political and social dynamics at play.

The series is renowned for its intense action, complex characters, and intricate plot twists, exploring themes of freedom, survival, and the nature of humanity.

1. DEATH NOTE

"Death Note" centers on Light Yagami, a highly intelligent high school student who discovers a mysterious notebook that grants him the power to kill anyone by writing their name in it while picturing their face. With the goal of creating a utopia free of crime, Light adopts the alias "Kira" and starts using the Death Note to eliminate criminals.

His actions attract the attention of law enforcement and an enigmatic and brilliant detective known only as "L," who is determined to capture Kira and bring him to justice. As Light and L engage in a high-stakes psychological battle of wits, the series explores themes of morality, justice, and the corrupting influence of power. The tension and complexity escalate as both characters employ elaborate strategies to outmaneuver each other.

1. Full metal alchemist: BrotherHood

"Fullmetal Alchemist" follows the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy in a failed attempt to resurrect their deceased mother. The disastrous ritual results in Edward losing his left leg and Alphonse losing his entire body, with his soul bound to a suit of armor. Edward sacrifices his right arm to restore Alphonse's soul to the armor.

Determined to restore their bodies, the brothers become State Alchemists and embark on a quest to find the Philosopher's Stone, a powerful artifact that is rumored to bypass the fundamental law of alchemy, which states that nothing can be gained without equivalent exchange. Along the way, they uncover a vast conspiracy involving the stone, the government, and a series of dark secrets that challenge their understanding of alchemy and humanity. The series explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the consequences of seeking power.

1. the time i got reincarnated as a slime

In "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime," Satoru Mikami, a middle-aged salaryman, is reincarnated into a fantasy world as a slime after being killed in a random act of violence. Despite his new, seemingly weak form, he discovers he has powerful abilities, including the ability to absorb and mimic the powers of other creatures.

As a slime, he names himself Rimuru Tempest and begins his journey by forming a peaceful and thriving monster community. Rimuru's charisma and strategic mind attract various allies, including other monsters and humans. As he builds his new world, he contends with external threats and navigates complex political dynamics, all while striving to create a harmonious society where everyone can live freely and happily. The series combines elements of adventure, fantasy, and character development with a focus on Rimuru's growth and the relationships he builds.

1. HELL'S PARADISE

Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku is a dark fantasy manga series by Yuji Kaku. The story is set during the Edo period and follows Gabimaru, a skilled ninja who is sentenced to death but survives multiple execution attempts due to his superhuman abilities. Gabimaru wants to die because he's lost his will to live, but he discovers that deep down, he wants to reunite with his wife, the one person who gave him a sense of peace.

Given a chance at redemption, Gabimaru is sent on a mission to a mysterious island, said to be a paradise that holds the Elixir of Immortality. However, the island is filled with deadly creatures and dangers. Gabimaru is accompanied by a group of criminals and executioners, each with their own motivations. As they venture deeper into the island, they face monstrous enemies and uncover the island's dark secrets.

The series blends action, horror, and philosophical themes, exploring life, death, and the human will to survive. It features intense battles, complex characters, and a narrative that delves into the darker aspects of human nature.

1. JOBLESS REINCARNATION

Jobless Reincarnation: I Will Seriously Try If I Go to Another World (also known as Mushoku Tensei) is a popular isekai (another world) anime and light novel series written by Rifujin na Magonote. The story follows a 34-year-old unemployed and socially withdrawn man who dies in an accident and is reincarnated in a fantasy world with all his memories intact.

In this new world, he is reborn as Rudeus Greyrat, the son of a swordsman and a healer. Determined to make the most of his second chance at life, Rudeus takes his new life seriously, applying the knowledge from his previous life to become a talented mage from a young age. As he grows up, he makes friends, overcomes challenges, and embarks on adventures, all while trying to live without regrets.

The series explores themes of redemption, personal growth, and the consequences of past actions. Despite some darker moments, Jobless Reincarnation is also known for its rich world-building, character development, and blend of humor and drama. Rudeus's journey is filled with self-discovery, relationships, and the pursuit of a meaningful life in a world full of magic and danger.

1. TOKYO GHOUL

Tokyo Ghoul is a dark fantasy and horror manga series by Sui Ishida. The story is set in an alternate reality where flesh-eating ghouls live secretly among humans in Tokyo. Ghouls look like regular people but have superhuman strength, regenerative abilities, and a need to consume human flesh to survive.

The story follows Ken Kaneki, a shy and bookish college student who lives a normal life until he goes on a date with a girl named Rize Kamishiro, who turns out to be a ghoul. After a near-fatal attack by Rize, Kaneki is saved through an organ transplant from her, unknowingly becoming a half-ghoul himself. Struggling with his new identity, Kaneki must learn to live as both human and ghoul, battling his inner demons and external threats from both sides.

As Kaneki adapts to his new life, he gets involved with other ghouls at the Anteiku coffee shop, a place that provides a safe haven for ghouls who don't want to harm humans. However, the tension between humans and ghouls escalates as various ghoul organizations and government agencies, such as the Commission of Counter Ghoul (CCG), clash in violent confrontations.

The series delves into themes of identity, humanity, morality, and the struggle to survive in a cruel world. It features intense action, psychological depth, and a dark atmosphere, with Kaneki's journey becoming increasingly tragic as he grapples with his dual nature and the consequences of his choices.

1. MASHLE

Mashle: Magic and Muscles is a comedy-action manga series by Hajime Komoto. The story is set in a world where magic is everything—people use magic for daily life, social status is determined by magical ability, and those who can't use magic are considered worthless.

The protagonist, Mash Burnedead, is a young man who was born without any magical powers in this magic-dominated world. However, to make up for his lack of magic, he has trained his body to an incredible extent, becoming extraordinarily strong and physically capable. His muscles are so powerful that he can perform feats that seem like magic, even though he doesn't possess any magical abilities.

To live a peaceful life with his adoptive father, Mash must attend Easton Magic Academy, a prestigious school for magic users, and rise to the top. Despite having no magic, Mash uses his incredible physical strength to overcome challenges, defeat powerful magic users, and navigate the academy's dangerous and competitive environment. Along the way, he makes friends and enemies, all while maintaining a deadpan, serious demeanor that adds to the comedic tone of the series.

Mashle blends humor with action, parodying typical magic school tropes while delivering over-the-top battles and absurd situations. The series emphasizes themes of determination, breaking societal norms, and the idea that strength comes in different forms—whether through magic or muscle.

1. code geass

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is a mecha anime series that blends political intrigue, war, and supernatural elements. Set in an alternate reality, the world is divided into three superpowers: the Holy Britannian Empire, the Chinese Federation, and the European Union. The story takes place primarily in Area 11, formerly Japan, which was conquered by Britannia and its citizens reduced to second-class "Elevens."

The protagonist, Lelouch vi Britannia, is a former prince of Britannia living in exile under the alias Lelouch Lamperouge. He harbors a deep hatred for the Britannian Empire, especially after his mother's assassination and his sister Nunnally being left blind and paralyzed. One day, Lelouch stumbles upon a mysterious girl named C.C., who grants him the power of Geass—a supernatural ability that allows him to command anyone to obey his orders without question.

With this new power, Lelouch takes on the identity of "Zero," a masked vigilante, and leads a rebellion against Britannia. His goal is to overthrow the empire and create a world where his sister can live peacefully. However, as he delves deeper into his quest for revenge, Lelouch faces numerous moral dilemmas, betrayals, and the consequences of his actions.

The series is known for its complex characters, strategic battles, and political intrigue. It explores themes of power, justice, sacrifice, and the cost of achieving one's goals. Lelouch's journey is marked by his transformation from a vengeful prince to a revolutionary leader, all while grappling with the ethical implications of his choices and the impact they have on those around him.

Tips for New Anime Watchers:

Start with shorter episodes: Many anime series have 12- to 24-episode seasons, which are easier to commit to than longer series.

Don't be afraid to skip: If you're not enjoying an anime, it's okay to move on to something else.

Read reviews and recommendations: Online communities and forums can be great resources for finding new anime to watch.

Watch with subtitles: Subtitles can help you improve your Japanese language skills and appreciate the nuances of the original dialogue.

With so many amazing anime titles to choose from, there's something for everyone. So grab some snacks, get comfortable, and dive into this exciting world of animation!