The highly anticipated first season of “CITY The Animation” officially wrapped up on Monday, September 29, 2025, with its 13th and final episode airing at 0:00 JST. The Kyoto Animation series, lauded for its unique blend of surreal comedy and heartfelt slice-of-life storytelling, concluded with an emotional send-off that resonated deeply with viewers.
A Bittersweet Farewell in “CITY”
The finale, particularly the storyline involving characters Matsuri and Ecchan, delivered a powerful emotional punch, described by some as a “gutpunch.” Their goodbye was highlighted as a perfect culmination of the show’s underlying themes, beautifully encapsulating the significance of meaningful relationships amidst life’s unpredictable moments. The episode was praised for “perfectly bookend[ing] the biggest emotional arc of the show and crystalliz[ing] the entire thesis of the show spectacularly.” The narrative focused on the shared experiences of friendship, emphasizing that meaningful connections involve both joy and hardship.
Kyoto Animation’s Return to Original Storytelling
“CITY The Animation” marks a significant milestone for Kyoto Animation, being the studio’s first non-sequel anime in six years. Directed by Tachi Ishidate, known for his work on “Violet Evergarden,” the series brought to life Keiichi Arawi’s manga with the studio’s signature high-quality animation and expressive character designs. The anime’s production values were widely praised, with its animation consistently noted as a standout feature.
Fan Reactions and Dubbing Discussions
Following the finale’s broadcast, discussions quickly emerged among fans, particularly concerning the English dub. While the overall dub received positive feedback for being a “fun time,” some viewers expressed disappointment regarding certain segments of the final episode where dialogue within a song medley was not dubbed, leading to questions about the production choices. Despite these minor criticisms, the overwhelming sentiment was one of appreciation for the series’ unique charm and emotional depth.
An “Unpredictable Ordinary Life” in Review
“CITY The Animation” premiered in July 2025, captivating audiences with its portrayal of college student Midori Nagumo and her not-quite-ordinary life in a city brimming with eccentric individuals. The series, adapted from Keiichi Arawi’s manga, explored themes of growing up, friendship, and finding joy in the everyday absurdities of life. From the comedic misadventures of the Mont Blanc Trio (Midori Nagumo, Wako Izumi, and Ayumu Niikura) to the ongoing drama surrounding the fictional “Mr. Bummer” manga, the show delivered a continuous stream of “laughter, love and emotional moments.”
The series garnered positive reviews throughout its run, with its episodic storytelling and ability to animate multiple concurrent storylines within a single frame being lauded as “a visual flex.” The opening theme “Hello” by Riho Furui and the ending theme “Lucky” by TOMOO also contributed to the anime’s distinctive atmosphere. With its successful first season now concluded, “CITY The Animation” has left a significant mark on the summer 2025 anime lineup, solidifying its place as a memorable and emotionally resonant comedy.
