Hello.

This time, the theme is must-watch anime recommendations, with a look at some anime you might enjoy watching while playing games.

In MapleStory, watching videos or listening to something while playing is common practice, especially when grinding, and I remember seeking out everything from videos to podcasts back when I spent so much time running The Seed.

When it comes to anime, my viewing habits are fairly narrow: I tend to seek out only what catches my interest, and I prefer reading manga to watching adaptations, so there are only a few titles I know well. Even so, I’ve picked out 2 comedy series that I think are well worth making time for if you haven’t seen them.

Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto - Author: Nami Sano - Ages 15 and up

[Official Manga Description]

Sakamoto arrives at school in style, avoids being late with flair, and brings sophistication even to lunchtime… Every move he makes has an “edge” that sets the girls’ hearts racing. The school delinquents cannot stand him and try to make his life difficult, only to find themselves won over by his “coolness” before they know it…

This comedy manga made waves in the first half of 2013, becoming a talking point among manga readers in both Japan and Korea. A school-life comedy centered on the impossibly cool and absurdly eccentric Sakamoto, it draws much of its appeal from the unexpected contrast between its serious art style and its comedy.

[Rating]

[Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto] aired in 2016 and is based on the manga of the same name.

The story follows Sakamoto, a mysterious figure who is perfect in every way, and many of its memorable scenes have circulated widely online as images and clips. Those were what first caught my interest and led me to watch it. The protagonist’s scenes are particularly entertaining, and although the premise naturally makes it difficult for anyone else to take the spotlight, I appreciated how the supporting characters still had worthwhile parts to play.

The original manga tells a compact but satisfying story in 4 volumes, and the anime neatly covers it through to the conclusion in 12 episodes, making for a rewarding watch. There is also an additional episode 13, which serves as something of an epilogue.

This was apparently only the author’s second work, so it was effectively her debut. It is impressive that each volume reportedly sold hundreds of thousands of copies simply through word of mouth about how entertaining it was.

The manga she serialized after finishing this one was also reportedly well received enough to earn an anime adaptation, but sadly, she passed away from cancer in her mid-30s. Her death at such a young age was a deeply unfortunate loss in many ways.

Hinamatsuri - Author: Masao Ohtake - Ages 15 and up

[Official Manga Description]

A yakuza and a psychic girl navigate a dangerous life in the city.

A strange, cone-shaped object lands in the home of Nitta, a promising member of the Ashikawa yakuza organization. Out steps Hina, an expressionless girl with telekinetic powers.

When Nitta tries to evict his uninvited guest, Hina uses her telekinesis to overpower him and moves in, repaying his hospitality in her own way as their life together begins—with Nitta’s life at risk.

[Rating]

Hinamatsuri aired in 2018 and is based on the manga of the same name.

Although the series stars a yakuza and a psychic and makes use of both elements, what stands out is how much time it spends exploring the everyday, human sides of its large and varied cast. The comedy is genuinely funny, while the likable characters bring warmth and emotional moments that never feel forced, making this an easy anime to settle into and enjoy.

The anime has just 12 episodes, whereas the original manga ran from 2010 to 2020, concluding with 19 volumes. I personally prefer the manga for its greater share of raw, abrasive material and storylines. It also wraps up with a solid ending, so you can comfortably give it a read without worrying about an unsatisfying conclusion.

J, a solitary assassin known in the underworld as “Untouchable,” and
Megumi, a lonely girl who feels she belongs neither at home nor at school.
When they meet, an unpredictable life swap begins: assassin ⇔ elementary school student.

The author is also serializing a follow-up work that is well worth reading, with an anime adaptation reportedly confirmed. If you enjoyed Hinamatsuri, I think you’ll find this series worth your time as well.

Thank you for reading.