My Personal Picks for Spring 2025 Anime (from a Japanese Perspective)

This is my “anime ranking” for spring—something I’d like to make a tradition every season! Of course, these are just my personal opinions, so please forgive me if you find yourself thinking, “Wait, what? No way!” 😂

1st Place: Apocalypse Hotel

If the key visual even slightly caught your eye, I want to shout: just try watching the first episode!
More than anything, the main character Yachiyo’s way of living—so positive it’s almost too positive—gave me energy every single week. If I had a friend like her, I’m sure every day would be a blast. Her brilliance never faded, right up to the very last episode!

2nd Place: The Apothecary Diaries

Once again, the visuals this season were top-notch! The adaptation was so well done that even fans of the original story could be satisfied, and the last episode was absolutely beautiful.
Since the original story is still ongoing, I’m hoping for more anime adaptations in the future. This is a show I’d recommend watching with family or friends. Sometimes you’ll want to shout, “Seriously?!” at the screen, but that’s all part of the fun!

3rd Place: Black Butler

It always feels like it’s about to end, but it never does—and yet, each season wraps up its story neatly, so there’s no lingering frustration. I really enjoyed the mystery elements again this season.
The relationship between Ciel and Sebastian is truly one of a kind. And this season, Rie Kugimiya did a perfect job as the Emerald Witch!

4th Place: The Brilliant Healer's New Life in the Shadows

Honestly, I was starting to get tired of all the harem tropes in the first half, but the story took a dramatic turn in the second half and became much more interesting! The new school setting and the main character’s commitment to his own beliefs were super cool.

5th Place: Witch Watch

Packed with Shonen Jump references, this is a rare anime that made me laugh every single episode.
I love this kind of gag- and parody-heavy style, but it’s become so rare lately—maybe because of all the compliance rules? That just makes me appreciate Witch Watch even more. If you like that kind of humor, I’m sure you’ll love it!

Bonus: Neko ni Tensei Shita Oji-san

This one’s a short anime where pretty much all the characters are old men "Oji-san"—who is this even for? 🤣 Each episode is only about a minute, but the main character Pun-chan is just adorable! And somehow, even the old men start looking cute after a while. Highly recommended as a quick pick-me-up after a long day.

If any of these sound interesting, definitely check them out! 😄