The Winter 2025 anime season is upon us, promising a diverse array of new series and returning favorites. This season features everything from action-packed adventures to heartwarming romances, with a notable focus on isekai and fantasy themes. Among the highly anticipated titles, a few stand out, offering unique spins on familiar tropes. Let’s dive into what this season has to offer.
Sequels Take Center Stage
The Winter 2025 season is packed with sequels, demonstrating the continued popularity of established franchises. Several well-loved series are making their return, much to the delight of fans.
Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy Season 2
Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy is back for its second season, premiering on January 8, 2024. The series follows Makoto Misumi, a high school student who is transported to another world by a god, only to be deemed unworthy and cast aside. He then embarks on a journey to build his own community of outcasts. This season promises to continue his adventures as he navigates this new world. The anime is based on the popular light novel series written by Kei Azumi and illustrated by Mitsuaki Matsumoto. The series is directed by Shinji Ishihira.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
Maomao, the curious and resourceful apothecary, returns in The Apothecary Diaries Season 2. This historical drama, filled with intrigue and mystery, is set to continue following Maomao’s adventures as she delves into new poisons and complex relationships within the imperial court. Despite some fluctuation in its rating, the series remains highly anticipated for its engaging weekly mysteries. The series is produced by TOHO Animation Studio and OLM.
Solo Leveling Season 2
Solo Leveling is also returning with a second season, subtitled Arise from the Shadow. This action-packed series continues to be a fan favorite, topping the most anticipated charts. The story follows Sung Jinwoo, who goes from the weakest hunter to one of the strongest in the world as he navigates through dungeons and monsters.
Other Notable Sequels
Other returning series include:
- Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3: The popular isekai series continues its thrilling narrative.
- My Happy Marriage Season 2: This romance anime is highly anticipated for its ongoing story.
- The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, REALLY Love You Season 2: This harem comedy is also making a return.
- Sakamoto Days: An action-comedy series that has garnered significant social media hype before its anime adaptation.
- Shangri-La Frontier Season 2: Continuing the adventures in the immersive VR world.
- Dr. Stone: Science Future: The science-adventure series is back with more inventions and discoveries.
- Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Season 2: Your favorite supernatural team returns in this supernatural series.
- The Unwanted Undead Adventurer Season 2: The story of Rentt Faina, who is seeking to achieve Existential Evolution and rejoin the land of the living, continues.
New Series Making Waves
Alongside the many sequels, several new series are generating buzz. These include a mix of unique concepts and fresh takes on popular genres.
The Red Ranger Becomes an Adventurer in Another World
One of the more intriguing premises of the season is The Red Ranger Becomes an Adventurer in Another World. This series takes a unique approach by featuring a sentai hero who finds himself in a fantasy world. It is a unique take on the popular isekai trope. The series is listed as one of the must-see shows for the season.
Sasaki and Peeps
Sasaki and Peeps follows a middle-aged office worker, Sasaki, who, seeking companionship, adopts an adorable bird named Peeps. However, Peeps turns out to be a powerful mage from another world, leading Sasaki on a magical adventure. This reverse isekai story has garnered attention for its blend of comedy, action, and fantasy themes. The series is produced by Mirai Minato.
The Unwanted Undead Adventurer
The Unwanted Undead Adventurer follows Rentt Faina, a low-ranking adventurer who, after being killed by a dragon, is revived as a skeleton. He sets out to achieve existential evolution and return to the land of the living. This fantasy series with an undead protagonist offers a unique perspective. The anime is directed by Noriaki Akitaya.
The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash
The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash features Ivy, a young girl with no stars, indicating a low rank in her world. She embarks on a journey where she learns to live off the land and tames a weak slime named Sora. The story is about friendship, survival, and the growth of an underdog character. The anime is adapted from the light novel of the same name.
Sentai Daishikkaku (Go! Go! Loser Ranger!) Season 2
Sentai Daishikkaku, also known as Go! Go! Loser Ranger!, is a unique take on the sentai genre, with the first season having aired in Spring 2024 and a second season scheduled for April 2025. The story revolves around a foot soldier from the defeated villainous army who infiltrates the hero organization, the Dragon Keepers. It is directed by Keiichi Satou. The Red Keeper is voiced by Yuuichi Nakamura. The series is known for its subversive take on superhero tropes. The first season ran for 12 episodes.
Where to Watch
Many of these series will be available on popular streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix. Crunchyroll, in particular, is set to stream a large number of Winter 2025 titles, including Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy Season 2, The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, Sasaki and Peeps, and The Unwanted Undead Adventurer.
Conclusion
The Winter 2025 anime season offers a diverse range of titles, from exciting sequels to unique new series. With its strong emphasis on isekai, fantasy, and returning favorites, this season has something for every anime fan. Whether you’re looking for action, romance, mystery, or comedy, the Winter 2025 lineup is sure to deliver. Be sure to check out the first episodes of these new series and see which ones capture your attention.
