Following on from my last anime musing piece I wrote before, I thought I’d pull together some small thoughts I had on a collection of Anime I watched in 2020.

Why 2020? In some ways, I’ve been on a semi hiatus and haven’t watched a lot of anime in a long time. Sure, there are a core few I watch, but I haven’t kept up with seasonal anime but have book-marked them to pick up at some point.

Here’s my small thoughts on 5 anime I recall watching in 2020:

Tate no Yūsha no Nariagari (The Rising of the Shield Hero)

The Isekai genre has grown a lot in recent years. I was looking for something a little more serious rather than comical and came across Tate no Yūsha no Nariagari (The Rising of the Shield Hero). I wasn't aware of the controversy surrounding in the past it, but really enjoyed it.

The plot was really interesting for me and the serious tone to things helped me enjoyed it more. The development of the characters was great too and how they changed and evolved over the series. For me how certain actions affected things around the Hero's was great to see too.

I also loved how Raphtalia was towards Naofumi. I really ship these two together. They both really care about each other. And Raphtalia really supported Naofumi when he really needed it. She was definitely the best girl! I'm so glad this anime got a season 2 & 3! And the new season is out soon.

 

Kanojo ga Flag o Oraretara (If Her Flag Breaks)

I don't know how to feel about Kanojo ga Flag o Oraretara (If Her Flag Breaks).

I went into it thinking it was a slice of life, comedy, harem anime.

What I got was something slightly different, with the Matrix and Inception included. I’d say it pretty interesting and unique, without giving away any spoilers; I say it’s worth taking a look at especially if you want your expectations to be turned on its head.

Toradora!

I’m sure this deserves a bigger write-up, and somewhere down the line I will probably get around to doing that. But for now I’ll jot down my thoughts here.

I didn't know how to feel going into Toradora! At first, I felt a bit apprehensive at watching the show as I wasn’t a fan of how Ryuuji was being treated nor how much of Tsundere Taiga was, but I stuck in there and the show really grew on me and I grew to love the characters.

The character development was amazing, especially towards the end with Taiga. I also liked Ami and how she developed, too. The romantic aspects are quite believable too.

I really wish there was a second season, after story ova kinda thing, but sadly there isn't.

I'd have to say the best girl for me was Taiga Aisaka. She went through a lot. And she went from being annoying to someone really loveable to me by the end.

I'll have to visit the expanded media in the future, including the visual novel.

Ano Natsu de Matteru (Waiting in the Summer)

Ano Natsu de Matteru (Waiting in the Summer) was another one I feel like it deserves a bigger write-up.

I found it to be a great anime. I really enjoyed the plot to it.

It felt quite nostalgic to me with the snapshot of adventures in the summer in the yester-year. Summer love, romance and heartache.

The romance felt very real and took time to develop, much like in reality.

I must be very sentimental and soft-hearted as the story left me in tears. I will say though, Ichika Takatsuki is definitely the best girl! Not only that, but I wished this show had got more episodes or at least a few more OVA's. I'll be picking up the manga to relive the summer.

Kokoro Connect/ Michi Random OVA

In 2020 after 8 years, I rewatched Kokoro Connect and the OVA Michi Random. It was an anime that left a lasting impression on me till this day, and from time to time I'd think about it. It's had the right mix of slice of life, the supernatural, comedy but at times made you think.

It was surprisingly psychological and made you think a lot, especially after the things they went through. Character development was great. It's kinda a shame it never had a second season. I've always wondered how it ended. I'll definitely pick up the LN to finish the story.

I also loved the romance in this.

Inaba Himeko was the best girl, and she actually got who she wanted in the end. It made me really happy. She was probably one of the ones that made me like this personality type.

After-thoughts

It's a small round up, but I’ll probably continue my small thought’s series again soon, so stay tuned.