In addition to numerous blockbuster films, many anime titles are set to be released in 2024, yet they haven’t garnered significant attention. Below is a list of some of the anime that might have been overshadowed by other series, but are definitely worth watching.
11. A Sign of Affection
A Sign of Affection is adapted from the manga of the same name by author Suu Morishita, which was first published in Kodansha’s shoujo magazine, Dessert, in 2019.
The story revolves around Yuki Mitose, a girl who is deaf and currently studying at university. Her world remains quiet and isolated until she meets Itsuomi Nagi, a friend of her closest companion. Nagi can speak multiple languages, yet Japanese Sign Language is not one of them. Although they come from two very different worlds, Yuki and Nagi begin to grow closer to each other.
10. Sengoku Youko
Sengoku Youko is set in the tumultuous Sengoku period of Japan (1454 – 1568). The story follows Tama, a Youko, and her brother Jinka as they traverse the world to hunt down various monstrous beings, whether they be human or supernatural. During their journey, they encounter the samurai Shunsuke Hyodo and Shakuyaku, a girl with supernatural powers who previously participated in a scientific experiment.
This manga is penned by Satoshi Murakami, known for his other work, Planet With. The series is animated by White Fox, renowned for their work on Re:Zero, promising a high-quality animation experience.
9. Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
Orb draws inspiration from Nicholaus Copernicus and is set against the backdrop of the 15th-century Polish version of heliocentrism. Rafal, a bright young boy studying astronomy, assists Hubert in researching the movement of the Earth. However, when the authority figures discover their research, they imprison Hubert. Despite the risks, Rafal decides to continue Hubert’s work.
8. Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf
Spice and Wolf is long-standing in the anime community. The remake of this beloved series comes after over 10 years since the first adaptation of the light novel and manga.
Set in a medieval European-inspired world, the story follows Kraft Lawrence, a traveling merchant who aims to establish his own shop one day. One day, he encounters Holo, a girl who embodies the spirit of harvest. However, the locals near their area no longer believe in the existence of gods, as they begin to apply advanced techniques into their harvests, leaving Holo feeling empty and alone. Eventually, Holo decides to join Lawrence on his journey.
7. Go! Go! Loser Ranger
2024 is flooded with numerous new hits for anime fans. Solo Leveling and Dandadan are two standout titles that have become household names in the anime industry.
What if the Power Rangers decided to take a break from their heroic duties? This is the premise of Go! Go! Loser Ranger. When an evil alien organization attempts to conquer Earth, they are thwarted by the Dragon Keepers, a team of heroes. However, after defeating several higher-ranking opponents, the heroes decide to recruit a new group of soldiers to revive the fallen glory of their predecessors.
6. Girls Band Cry
Girls Band Cry follows Nina Iseri, a high school student with dreams of entering the music industry despite her current focus on university preparations. On her first day at a new school, she attends an outdoor concert featuring Yori’s band and becomes enamored with their performance.
Yori, a skilled guitarist with little experience in romance, wishes for Himari to genuinely love her, not just her music. The story explores their developing relationship, particularly through music.
5. Elusive Samurai
Elusive Samurai takes inspiration from historical events and has been released this year. The anime focuses on Tokiyuki Hojo, a descendant of a once-powerful clan in Japan during the 12th century. The Hojo family lost their power to the Ashikaga clan, leading Tokiyuki to become the sole survivor of his family.
In the narrative, a monk, Yorishige Suwa, believes Tokiyuki will become a hero and encourages him to reclaim his family’s honor.
4. Twilight Out of Focus
Twilight Out of Focus does not have a primary storyline but instead features three different narratives. These stories delve into the lives of the characters and their intricate relationships, exploring themes of growth and maturity.
3. Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online
After six years, Sword Art Online Alternative finally returns with a new season. As the title suggests, this series focuses on new characters and presents an alternate version of the Sword Art Online universe.
In this setting, Karen Kohiruimaki takes on the role of a character in the VR game Gun Gale Online, allowing her to create a unique avatar for herself. As she plays, she becomes one of the strongest players in the game. However, outside of the game, she struggles with social anxiety and the challenges of her unusual height.
2. Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn
Fate is a long-running franchise with many story arcs, making viewers cautious about where to start. Fate/strange Fake presents a storyline that does not require prior knowledge of any other Fate series.
It begins in a world similar to Fate/stay night, set against the backdrop of California, and later evolves into a light novel series. In the Fate universe, mages summon Servants to battle in the Holy Grail War. The third Holy Grail War occurs in the 20th century, where a group of mages from California seeks to replicate it, although the initial attempt fails. However, this event attracts the attention of various other Mage organizations and individuals investigating the cause of this failure.
1. Whisper Me a Love Song
Whisper Me a Love Song tells the story of two high school students, Himari Kino and Yori Asanagi. On her first day of school, Himari attends a concert by Yori’s band and becomes enamored with their music.
Yori, inexperienced in love, wants Himari to genuinely love her, not just her music. The story explores their relationship and the evolving feelings they share, particularly through their connection to music.
