5 Best Anime I've Watched In 2023
For those who have been following me for a while, you know that my taste is quite specific. I generally avoid mainstream anime like the plague, this includes series like One Piece, Naruto, DBZ, Bleach etc… I’m simply not interested and also usually the target age range is simply not for me. The reality is I’m forty-one this year so things that may appeal to teenagers are not my cup of tea. Today I will briefly talk about the 5 best series I watched in 2023. Actually there’s already a video version of this so feel free to jump to the bottom and check it out.
5. Tokyo Godfathers
Tokyo Godfathers is a Japanese animated film directed by Satoshi Kon. The story is set during Christmas in Tokyo and follows three homeless individuals: Gin, a middle-aged alcoholic; Hana, a former drag queen; and Miyuki, a teenage runaway. While searching through garbage, they find an abandoned baby girl. They decide to find the baby's parents and embark on an adventure through the city. Along the way, they confront their own pasts and find new hope and redemption. The film blends comedy, drama, and action, and explores themes of family, love, and forgiveness.
My Rating: 9/10
4. White Album 1
White Album 1, revolves around the life of Touya Fujii, a university student dating Yuki Morikawa, a rising idol singer. As Yuki's career takes off, the couple struggles to maintain their relationship amid the pressures of fame, jealousy, and misunderstandings. Touya's life becomes more complicated as he interacts with various women connected to Yuki's career, leading to emotional entanglements and strained relationships. The series explores themes of love, ambition, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives. By the way, White Album 2 is far superior but this is also decent.
My Rating 8/10
3. Black Lagoon
Black Lagoon is a Japanese anime and manga series that follows the adventures of Rokuro "Rock" Okajima, a Japanese businessman who gets kidnapped by the Lagoon Company, a group of pirate mercenaries. After realizing he has been abandoned by his employer, Rock joins the Lagoon Company, which includes the fearless leader Dutch, the deadly gunwoman Revy, and the tech-savvy Benny. Operating in the lawless waters of Southeast Asia, the group takes on various dangerous missions involving smuggling, assassination, and combat against other criminal organizations. The series is known for its intense action, dark humor, and exploration of moral ambiguity in a world dominated by crime and corruption.
My Rating: 9/10
2. Horimiya
Needless to say, for me 2023 was the year of romance. Horimiya is a Japanese manga and anime series that focuses on the unlikely relationship between two high school students, Kyouko Hori and Izumi Miyamura. Hori appears to be a popular and bright girl at school, but at home, she's a domestic and caring older sister. Miyamura, on the other hand, is perceived as a gloomy and introverted guy at school, but outside of it, he has a completely different look, with piercings and tattoos. When Hori and Miyamura discover each other's hidden sides, they grow closer and start to develop a deep and genuine relationship. The series explores themes of identity, friendship, and romance, highlighting the importance of accepting and loving others for who they truly are. I thought this was the best romance until…
My Rating: 9/10
1. The Dangers In My Heart
The Dangers in My Heart (Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu) is a Japanese manga and anime series that follows the story of Kyoutarou Ichikawa, a high school student with a vivid imagination and dark thoughts. He is fascinated by the idea of committing murder and has an intense curiosity about the macabre. His primary target is Anna Yamada, a popular and seemingly perfect classmate. However, as he gets to know her, Ichikawa discovers that Yamada is actually quite quirky and kind-hearted. Their interactions lead to an unexpected and heartwarming friendship, and Ichikawa begins to understand and confront his own emotions. The series combines dark humor with moments of genuine warmth, exploring themes of personal growth, acceptance, and the complexity of human relationships. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry but most importantly you will be a better human being.
My Rating: A BIG FAT 10/10
And finally if you want the video version, you can find it below. Feel free to share!