An obvious example that has gone on the rise as a good shounen in the last couple of years is the Fairy Tail series by Mashima Hiro. Although the series focuses on different characters and their strengths and weaknesses, the main point of the story is the idea of growth and love. Although Natsu Dragneel, the protagonist, is not an obvious victim of being shunned by society, he possesses a characteristic that is considered rare — he is a Dragon Slayer. In the world of Magnolia, being a Dragon Slayer is incredible, due to the fact that those who have Dragon Slayer magic are those who are feared greatly. Essentially, this means that people who are classified as having this type of magic are those that were trained directly by powerful dragons, who, from the very start of the story, no longer exist. Natsu’s ultimate goal is to find Igneel, the dragon who raised him, but of course, there are a bunch of obstacles along the way.

One Punch man is a relatively new shounen series and it possesses characteristics and qualities of a conventional shounen anime. Saitama, the protagonist, is a guy who merely wants to save the world with his own powers. He is not the typical underdog that we are used to seeing, but he is an underdog nonetheless. He is someone with pure intent on wanting to save the world, and so he trained his ass off in order to be someone that was worthy of saving people and being a hero. Of course, people that were higher up in the hierarchy did not acknowledge him or his strength merely because of his appearance, and as Saitama seeks to prove himself to the ones who said he wouldn’t succeed, he meets different friends along the way, one of whom is named Genos, a cyborg who looks up to him and recognises his hard work and perseverance. Saitama spent about three years training by himself in order to become infinitely stronger, and one of the defining features about him that most people notice at first glance is the fact that he’s bald, and how he lost his hair is one of the things about him that makes fans love him — he became bald because of all his hard work and training! Although the theme of the anime and series itself is somewhat “serious” in the sense that it’s pretty heavy on the notion of saving the world, the writer of the webcomic-turned-into-anime has taken the liberty to ensure that it is still entertaining as hell! There are bountiful badass fights, and as is usually present in shounen anime, a companion that admires the protagonist greatly. A lot of fans around the internet like to joke around that in a lot of shounen, the power of “nakama” is what drives characters to become stronger and fight harder for justice, or for their honor, or whatever it is that they intend to fight for. However, the notion of believing in your friends and possibly your family is one of the more intricate details of shounen, and the funny part is that it works. Generally, people don’t tend to get tired of the friendship trope, because it’s so common that it would be an outlier if it wasn’t comprised of these components. Having a protagonist with a fatal flaw and try to prove themselves to an audience of people that underestimate them is what shounen is all about — and One Punch Man surely delivers!

This is a realistic scenario of the occurrence of a jishin (earthquake) in Japan. The setting for this story is based on a true hypothesis of what will become of Japan should an earthquake occur in the next few years or so. The series follows the Onozawa siblings - Mirai and her younger brother, Yuuki as they become separated from their parents during the earthquake and have to return home by foot. Along the way, the after effects of the earthquake can be seen with many suffering and struggling to live. The anime itself is a realistic representation of the hardships as well as the psychological effects of experiencing a precarious situation such an earthquake and that is the reason for its popularity - for it reminds us that anime is not just fun and games and that there are life lessons to be imparted as well.

This is a story about how an Honours student, Nishimi Kaoru meets a delinquent, Kawabuchi Sentarou. Both have a passion for playing music. Together with the class president, Mukae Ritsuko, the trio embark on a musical journey into the world of jazz and Kaoru will finally see the world differently as he indulges in jazz music. This is a josei anime which is typically targeted at older women and is also an example of how Noitamina expands their horizon by broadcasting a whole array of anime titles that suits the general populace. The anime itself is well-received and the josei category is often enjoyed by older working women who only have time for television late at night. I would say that this is a smart move by Noitamina in attracting a specific group to its content and then exposing them to other genres that are similar.

The music genre in anime is not that popular, but when there is outstanding title on the market, it leaves a lingering feeling of satisfaction. Nodame is a classic anime and a classic example of what a music anime should be - beautifully presented with a roster of lovable characters. Noda Megumi, an unorthodox pianist who simply do not follow the music sheets meets Shinichi Chiaki a technical pianist upholding the value of perfection and fulfils the heavy demands from the master composers of the past. What happens in the anime is a mismatch of style and personality but as they all say, 'opposites attract' which gives this anime its romance tag. Light hearted and heart warming, it is suited for all age groups and Noitamina made a good choice in picking this title for their programming.

This is a simple story about 3 young males: Yuta, Takumi and Shinobu. They live in a compact house and enjoy the small things in life. Life is well and they are contented but a fourth character is introduced - Hagumi, the talented and innocent girl. She is considered a prodigy and is admired by all. This simple tale is about to turn just a tad bit complicated as a love triangle forms between them. What will happen to their simple life and their simple tale? This is yet another hot favourite amongst anime fans and also a top show of its time. Noitamina does not feature sub-quality titles, and that is the reason for its exponential growth over the years. Honey and Clover is a classic anime and it is meant to be enjoyed just the way it is - a never changing original style that is much beloved.

You don't need an exaggerated presentation of action and super powers to leave viewers in awe. Gin No Saji is a simple tale of a young boy, Hachiken Yugo undergoing his education in agriculture. The story presents a brief overview of what it is like to be a student in the agriculture industry on a daily basis. The story is amazingly simple and down to earth and while it takes a while for the story to pick up, it is well worth the wait. It's simplicity is comparable to that of Barakamon (for those who have watched it) and it is due to this simplicity that allows viewers to inject their personal feels and touches into it which is why it is a beloved favourite amongst many, contributing further to the popularity of Noitamina. Gin No Saji is an anime that is simple but yet leaves you feeling utterly satisfied.

Shiki is a unique blend of the horror genre and the psychological genre. It presents a comprehensive view into the supposed antagonists and their motives which is atypical of a horror anime. It is set in a small village with the villagers slowly turning against each other as they fight for their survival. It is an all out battle between vampires and humans with the vampires having ever-present human traits. The psychological factor comes in when the vampires start questioning the humankind. What defines humankind? By maintaining their sanity and having human traits, does it not qualify them to be humans? Shiki goes beyond the conventional horror setting by introducing a psychological element to it. It gives a fresh new perspective of the horror genre and many are still loyal to the series. This series appeals to a vast age group and Noitamina did good by featuring this series.

"Fast paced action, compelling mysteries and plot twists that leave you in doubt, awe and craving for more". This is a description of the hit series of recent years - Psycho-Pass. In a somewhat dystopian future, the tendency for an individual to commit crime can be measured by the Sibyl System. This calculation is known as the Crime Coefficient and everybody is judged by the omnipotent Sibyl System. No system is perfect however and as the series progresses, the flaws of the system are exposed and the individuals who exploit these loopholes emerge from the shadows to cause anarchy. Psycho-Pass never leaves you bored and each episode makes you yearn for more as truths are unravelled and secrets are exposed. A dark anime by nature, the mystery and suspense it holds is what made it popular and convert viewers into diehard fans. A wise pick by Noitamina if I say so myself.

After the devastating loss of a friend, 5 childhood friends became estranged until they are visited from a ghost from the past. Will this driving force reconcile their friendship, or will it drive them further apart? AnoHana is an alluring tale about friendship, communicating the idea that even the strongest bond forged will not falter through the passage of time. A tearjerker and a masterpiece, it is undoubtedly one of the best original masterpiece of the anime industry. It is through these values that are depicted such that we are able to empathize and pour our own emotions into it which make certain series particularly poignant to us. AnoHana has reached the hearts of many viewers and certainly it does not take a layman to understand the mutual bond and understanding of friendship and that is why this is a good series to include in the Noitamina programme list.

What does it take to raise a child? This moving series will show you the pains and effort that one will take to care for a child. Children after all, represent the innocence of humankind. When we age, we are tainted by the world and we often have bleak outlooks on our lives. Therefore the purity that children possess, reminds us of what we once used to be. While attending his grandfather's funeral, Daikichi realised that his grandfather had an illegitimate daughter. While others cast their eyes down upon her for fear of the obligation and responsibility that she will bring, Daikichi did the unthinkable as a bachelor - he decides to adopt her as his own and is putting his all into raising her. It is no easy feat, for both of them as they proceed through the trials and tribulations of their respective lives. Usagi Drop was adapted from a highly acclaimed manga. The animators did not put forward a shoddy animation and the series remains a popular favourite today even though this is a dated anime. It is a truly moving masterpiece of the current generation of anime being only second to the next masterpiece and the final one for our countdown.

"Music not only transcends the spoken language, it transcends all boundaries of human emotion." Shigatsu is perhaps one of the most beautifully crafted masterpiece of 2015 if not, for the past decade in fact. This anime combines stunning visuals, music that complements the emotions and feel of the show and outstanding character development in one whole package. This anime truly gives meaning to the phrase "music is the universal language of mankind" because more often or not, it is the script which makes you understand the character, but the music is what makes you empathize and feel with them. Piano prodigy Arima Kousei has lost his touch with the piano after his mother died. This was not to be and he was fated to meet the violinist, Kaori Miyazono, whom revitalizes his piano career and brought the brilliance of music back to his world. To him, she is not only his guide and mentor; Kaori is Kousei's whole world. I will note that not only has it made it to the top of this list, but it also topped the charts even till date and I highly, highly recommend it to anyone who has yet to watch it. Noitamina did not cause a gross injustice to the anime world by featuring this anime on their programming block for this anime prove that masterpieces can still be created and classic animes are not a thing of the past. There will always be a new anime to revolutionize the industry again.

Holo is a powerful wolf deity who is celebrated and revered in the small town of Pasloe for blessing the annual harvest. Yet as years go by and the villagers become more self-sufficient, Holo, who stylizes herself as the "Wise Wolf of Yoitsu," has been reduced to a mere folk tale. When a traveling merchant named Kraft Lawrence stops at Pasloe, Holo offers to become his business partner if he eventually takes her to her northern home of Yoitsu. The savvy trader recognizes Holo's unusual ability to evaluate a person's character and accepts her proposition. Now in the possession of both sharp business skills and a charismatic negotiator, Lawrence inches closer to his goal of opening his own shop. However, as Lawrence travels the countryside with Holo in search of economic opportunities, he begins to realize that his aspirations are slowly morphing into something unexpected. Spice and Wolf shares a number of similarities to Utawarerumono. Firstly, both anime feature a human animal hybrid female lead character, as Kuon in Utawarerumono is half cat and half human female. They also both recount the journey of a male and female pair of companions that begin in a rural countryside village and subsequently travel to a major capital in search of work and economic gain. Simliarly to Krafts partial dependence on Holo, Haku needs the assistance of Kuon on many occasions. However eventually Haku’s own set of unique abilities lead to trade and work opportunities for the pair. If the dynamic relationship between Kuon and Haku was your favourite part of Utawarerumono, Spice and Wolf is a great choice for your next anime.

At a time when the balance of nature still held the civilizations of mankind in thrall, young prince Chagum has been accused of being possessed by an evil spirit: the water demon, which once perished at the hands of the emperor 100 years ago. This could possibly mean great misfortune, not only for the Imperial family, but for the entire world as well. Court advisers only see one solution. Chagum must be put to death by his own father's hand. His salvation is in the form of Balsa, a spear woman and mercenary from Kanbal, the kingdom across the mountains. Her skills are legendary, and although reluctant, she is held by a mysterious vow to save eight souls before she dies. Can she fend off an entire empire and make Chagum her eighth soul? Moribito shares the theme of a strong female lead character in the case of Balsa that becomes the guardian and protector to a male character in peril. Utawarerumono and Moribito also shares a historical fantasy setting that has many hints of classical Japanese and oriental aesthetic. Characters in both animes wear traditional clothing aswell as building design and references to onsen (hot bath) and sake (alcohol) culture. Both anime series feature a large and well rounded cast, with few characters lacking in development and sufficient depth. If you enjoyed the historical fantasy of Utawarerumono, then Moribito is the anime for you.

Nakajima Youko is your average somewhat timid high school student. One day, a strange man named Keiki appears before her, swearing allegiance. Before she could properly register what was happening, demon-like creatures attack Youko and her friends, after which they are pulled into a different fantasy world wear modern technology is non existent. Separated from Keiki, Youko and her friends must do whatever they can if they wish to survive in this new world. 12 Kingdoms shares a fantastical world with a basis in east Asian history and mythology. Many of the creatures referenced and customs seen pay tribute to the Chinese and Asian heritage much like the world of Utawarerumono. 12 Kingdoms also features a strong female protagonist in Youko that is capable of battling and protecting her friends both through her courage but also her intelligence much like Kuon. Both 12 Kingdoms and Utawrerumono feature plots that give a detailed depiction of the ruling of a kingdom and the economic effects this has on not only its own populace but on the rest of the world. If you enjoyed the kingdom world building of Utawarerumono then 12 Kingdoms will take you to another world.

Arslan Senki is a revival of a 1990’s OVA series based in a historical fantasy world, loosely drawing from Middle Eastern and Christian/Templar period history. In the prosperous kingdom of Pars lies the Royal Capital of Ecbatana, a city of splendor and wonder, ruled by the undefeated and fearsome King Andragoras. Arslan is the young and curious prince of Pars who, despite his best efforts, doesn't seem to have what it takes to be a proper king like his father. At the age of 14, Arslan goes to his first battle and loses everything as the blood-soaked mist of war gives way to scorching flames, bringing him to face the demise of his once glorious kingdom. However, it is Arslan's destiny to be a ruler, and despite the trials that face him, he must now embark on a journey to reclaim his fallen kingdom. Arslan Senki, much like Utawarerumono features a well developed fantasy world that is grounded in references to real period history, customs and battle. A primary theme throughout Arslan is the focus on the right to rule as a king and what makes an individual worthy of the responsibility. In Utawareurmono, the mythical and seemingly eternal emperor and his interest in Haku will be a running theme throughout the anime’s current arc. It is heavily hinted that he or his closest companions will have a large part to play in the future ruling of the kingdom, much like young Arslan and his multiple antagonists and rivals to the throne. As a main character, Arslan shares a number of similarities to Haku, primarily in his lack of physical ability and his reliance on his companions during battle. Arslan, much like Haku instead relies on his ability to charm and win the hearts of specialists in many different areas. So if you enjoyed the theme of historical kingdoms with a journey to change the ruling status qou, Arlsan will help scratch that itch.

By its eleventh expansion pack, the massively multi-player online role-playing game Elder Tale has become a global success, having a following of millions of players. However, during the release of its twelfth expansion pack: Novasphere Pioneers, thirty thousand Japanese gamers who are all logged on at the time of the update, suddenly find themselves transported inside the game world and donning their in-game avatars. In the midst of the event, a socially awkward gamer called Shiroe along with his friends Naotsugu and Akatsuki decide to team up so that they may face this world which has now become their reality along with the challenges which lie ahead. While initially, Log Horizon seems to have more in common with Sword Art Online than with Utawarerumono, once you pass the initial exposition, the rich fantasy world is something fans of the latter anime will certainly find appealing. Log Horizon features a well crafted and detailed fantasy world that feels like a living, breathing ecosystem of people and fantastical creatures working side by side towards common goals. Log Horizon is not heavily action orientated and instead focuses on the relationships of its characters and in their need to survive economically in this new life much like Kuon and Haku spend their time. Protagonist Shiroe is not a fighter or especially skilled but he does possess a strong intellect that enables him to develop new ideas for the group that benefits them all. This is much like Haku using his ability to learn and study to benefit the group in an economic sense rather than in a physical hero type role. If you enjoyed the focus on world building and daily living to survive from Utawarerumono, then we recommend losing yourself in the virtual world of Log Horizon.

Maoyuu May Yuusha was developed by the same director and animation studio as Spice and Wolf, so there is little surprise it will also appeal to fans of Utawarerumono. After a long and treacherous journey, our Hero finally arrives at the Dark Lady's castle only to find himself being asked for help. The Hero explains how the war that the demons have brought upon the humans have killed thousands and put more in misery. The queen of demons however argues that this war has made the human society band together as one and showed empirical evidence how it has increased population, increased production, boosted economy and improved society overall. Furthermore, she explains to the Hero that ending this war will result in a civil war that will produce more bloodshed than there ever was. The Hero, convinced that the only way to bring peace, relatively speaking, is to join forces with the Dark Lady, agrees to help with her plans! Maoyuu features an intriguing fantasy world mixing the believable with the mystical. The main character Yuusha (Hero) is a human in this fantasy world whereas his female foil and partner is a non-human magical being much like Kuon in Utawarerumono. The emphasis in Maoyuu is not on constant action like many of the anime’s contained in this list, but planning, strategy and daily economic life of its people. The Hero and Dark Lady are unlikely lovers but Maoyuu makes there interaction and romance feel genuine rather than forced in for the excuse of ecchi alone. There are moments of fan service, in particular the camera pays a lot of focus on Dark Ladies breasts, however her character is well developed and rounded enough that this plays into the viewer feeling the same desire as the Hero. This is very similar to Kuons role in Utawarerumono, she is frequently naked as she has a penchant for hot baths, however it never feels overly sexualised. They are both female characters that are comfortable with their sexualities and are more empowered and desirable as a result. If you enjoyed the cross species romance from Utawarerumono then Maoyuu will give you an equally relatable love story.

With her boyish looks and laid back attitude, Riko Kuruhashi is considered the wild, rebel of Fujisaki Girls Academy, but the popularity this brings her doesn’t hold a candle to that of flawless student council president Natsuo Maki. With such different personalities, it would take something pretty big to bring the two together, for example, seeing said president kissing her pillow in the student council room. To ensure her secret is kept from the world, Maki ropes Riko into joining the student council in addition to her newly devised “Love Lab”, where she plans for the two of them to practice everything from holding hands, to doing strange things to pillows. Love Lab has the same silly humour and yuri elements as seen in Yuru Yuri, only with a lot more crazy. Maki has a habit of taking otherwise normal situations, most of which involve drinking tea in the student council office, and making them downright bizarre. Despite the main casts of the shows having fairly different personalities, the two share very similar themes and atmospheres, no doubt helped by their all-female casts and school settings. Love Lab is great if you’re after some laid back fun, but want something a bit more up-beat than the gentler ride of Yuru Yuri.

Welcome to the Rabbit House Café, where there’s delicious coffee, a variety of teas, and cute waitresses. After moving to the café for a homestay, Cocoa quickly takes up her role as new waitress and owner’s daughter Chino’s big sister, though Chino would have something to say about that. Along with Rize, another part-time waitress, and their friends Sharo and Chiya from nearby café’s, follow the girls as they go about their daily business, from serving customers to visiting hot springs. One of the big charm points of both Yuru Yuri and Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka is the moe, round faced character designs and cute clothes to match, making both series very pleasant to watch. Both have a strong focus on silly, slapstick humour along with their comedy duos, in the form of Yui and Kyouko, and Chino and Cocoa. On top of that, although not quite as obsessive as Chinatsu, Sharo’s girlish adoration of Rize is heart-warmingly adorable to watch. With the next series of Gochuumon airing this season, now is the perfect time to give it a shot.

Moving up to high school can be a pretty scary experience, but having some good friends by your side sure makes it a whole lot easier, even if they are particularly skilled at driving you up the wall. After starting high school Yui, Yuzuko and Yukari decide to join the Data Processing Club, which seems to mostly involve googling different animals and poking fun at their teacher, “Mom Sensei”. As with any school girl slice-of-life anime you can expect a lot of hanging around the club room, mind-blowingly silly puns and, much to Yui’s displeasure, a bit of yuri fan service. Both Yuyushiki and Yuru Yuri have us following a seemingly ordinary protagonist, and she tries to deal with the somewhat strange friends that surround her. Yui’s character in Yuyushiki bears a striking resemblance to Yuru Yuri’s, Yui, in terms of personality, being the sensible and mature, but adorable when embarrassed. To add to that Yuzuko and Yukari are like Yuru Yuri’s Kyouko split into two people, one clever, one ditzy, and both lovable yet relentlessly annoying. Despite its much smaller cast, if you enjoyed Yuru Yuri, it’s hard to go wrong with Yuyushiki.

Wanting to have more good memories of high school isn’t unusual, but when Haruka and Yuu decide that sharing a kiss is the best way to do it, things get understandably more complicated. Sakura Trick centers around six high school girls and their relationships, ranging from best friends to something much more intimate. With everything from nosy older sisters to their own confusion getting in the way, the series is filled with an abundance of both hilarious and awkward situations. Sakura Trick is something recommended to those who want a true yuri anime, rather than the light-hearted joking between friends seen in Yuru Yuri. Both share a very silly sense of humour, with much of the show focused on the whimsical daily lives of the cast, and so make for a very relaxing watch. If you want to see what real yuri looks like along with a bit of silly humour, Sakura Trick is definitely worth a watch.

Azumanga Daioh follows the daily lives of a group of high school girls, each with their own quirks, as they proceed to do fairly ordinary high school things. Like all slice-of-life anime though, despite it’s simple premise, Azumanga Daioh brings a lot of laughs, as the girls somehow make the ordinary into the extraordinary on a regular basis. With a varied cast, from grade skipping, child prodigy Chiyo, to tall, dark and unusually quiet cat lover Sakaki, Azumanga has its good share of stories to tell. Despite its lacking in the yuri department, Azumanga Daioh shares a very similar premise to Yuru Yuri, if with slightly more eccentric humour. Both having such a large cast, there’s a variety in the characters and situations which makes every episode feel fresh and each joke as funny as the last. Despite its age, as a purely slice-of-life comedy anime, still really shines so if you went to Yuru Yuri for the laughs the Azumanga is a great pick up.

Hoping that her castanet abilities are up to par, high school freshman Yui Hirasawa, decides to join the school’s light music club, only to find that they were really hoping that she could be their lead guitarist. Thankfully other members Mio, Tsumugi and Ritsu are there to lend a hand as Yui tackles the task of getting her guitar skills up to a reasonable level before the club’s first concert. An inevitable candidate for any slice-of-life related list, despite K-On’s yuri only existing inside Mugi’s head, it’s the show’s laid back, easy going nature that make it and Yuru Yuri feel so alike. The two share a very similar comedy style, with the characters constantly playing off each other, along with the Manzai (straight man & funny man) style used by Yui and Kyouko, and Ritsu and Mio. If you enjoyed Yuru Yuri but somehow managed to avoid watching K-On, now would be a good time to start.