Anime That Define Growing Up

Key Takeaways

Not every anime needs to be about combat or isekai. There are wholesome shows about growing up.
Some anime perfectly capture the essence of growing up and moving forward.
Shows like FLCL, Assassination Classroom, and Mob Psycho 100 offer unique perspectives on personal growth.

As a seasoned anime enthusiast who has traversed through countless realms of animated storytelling, I must say that these two series – Kotaro Lives Alone and Mob Psycho 100 – have truly struck a chord with me. Each one offers a unique perspective on the journey of growing up, a voyage we all embark upon, regardless of our age or species (well, perhaps not species).

While not all anime need to revolve around fantasy worlds or intense battles, there’s always a demand for something more relatable and authentic. This is where coming-of-age anime excel, offering narratives that depict characters navigating real-life scenarios in nuanced and believable ways.

Among numerous anime series, some truly capture the sense of letting go and progressing, an experience that transcends adolescence and recurs throughout one’s lifetime. In essence, personal growth is a lifelong journey, not limited to teenage years. So, which anime encapsulates this concept of maturation?

1 FLCL (First Season)

Puberty Sucks (And Giant Robots Come Out Of Your Forehead)

Released in 2000 by Gainax
A hard sci-fi story following a middle school boy and a space-faring bounty hunter
Features mecha battles and commentary on growing up

Gainax, famous for producing classics like Neon Genesis Evangelion, produced the influential anime FLCL. This unique series, which combines elements of everyday life and growing up with a futuristic robot-mecha, takes an unusual approach. The story revolves around Naota, a pre-teen boy living with his elderly grandfather, a widowed father, and an absent brother. When the enigmatic Haruko, who rides a Vespa and plays bass, enters their lives, Naota’s ordinary existence is turned upside down. Robots start emerging from Naota’s head.

In the TV series, the statement “Nothing extraordinary occurs around here” is often repeated as Naota grapples with complex emotions towards Haruko, his brother’s former girlfriend, and the mysterious appearance of robots emerging from his head. By the end of the show, Naota’s viewpoint has significantly changed. Despite being narrated from a male standpoint, the tale of maturation strikes a chord with many, and subsequent episodes in the series focus on other young characters, with Haruko serving as the common link.

2 Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

The Journey Is Just Beginning

Released in 2023 by Madhouse
A fantasy story following an Elven mage named Frieren
Features a unique flashback story mechanism where Frieren recalls memories as she experiences new things

In the tale of the enchantress Frieren, the stories of Fern, Himmel, Stark, and other series characters are equally significant. This is because Frieren is an elf, who, as we learn in the narrative, live for exceptionally long periods. As the story unfolds, Frieren gains a deeper understanding of this discrepancy thanks to human companions like Fern and Heiter.

As the audience sees Fern and Stark navigate a first-time romance as young people, they also see Frieren learn how to empathize with others and adjust her more selfish behaviors to keep the people she cares about in her life. On top of all that, the audience gets a wildly cool and fun story about demons, magic, and friends traveling the world together. It’s also a great anime for D&D fans, much like the recent success Dungeon Meshi/Delicious in Dungeon.

3 Assassination Classroom

A Class Of “Losers” Has To Assassinate Their Teacher

Released in 2015 by Lerche
A realistic story with fantastical elements that follows a group of middle school students
Features a healthy combination of mystery, slice of life, action, and whimsy

Initially, Assassination Classroom might seem like a typical shōnen anime, filled with middle school students and an unusual “octopus” teacher who threatens to destroy the world within a year. However, the series soon captivates its audience with its profound emotional depth, distinct personalities, and uplifting theme that emphasizes companionship and the value of life. Additionally, it offers insightful commentary on the Japanese experience of growing up.

In the second season, things take on a deeper, more realistic tone, much like real life as we grow older. We face tougher decisions and our relationships become more intricate, needing increased effort, patience, and empathy. Forgiveness – whether it’s forgiving others or learning to forgive ourselves – becomes crucial. The show also maintains its thrilling and entertaining nature, with exceptional voice performances added to the mix.

4 Kids On The Slope

MAPPA Can Make Non-Action Anime, Too

Released in 2012 by MAPPA
A realistic story that follows a trio of students over three years
Features stunning animation of musical performance on top of the awesome narrative

As a music enthusiast and admirer of Japanese culture, I can confidently say that few shows compare to the captivating charm of “Kids on the Slope.” This series not only encapsulates the essence of jazz but also delves into the unique journey of growing up in Japan. The characters are remarkably distinct, reflecting their individual circumstances and forging bonds through their mutual passion for music.

In a more rural setting, spectacled individual named Kaoru departs from his affluent urban family to reside with his extended relatives. Here, he encounters Sentarō, an orphan of mixed Japanese and American descent who is tasked with caring for his siblings, and Ritsuko, a classmate whose father runs a record store. The narrative spans over three years of their lives, with music serving as the backdrop to their various experiences. The show primarily delves into the relationship between Kaoru and Sentarō, offering insights into male friendships.

5 Neon Genesis Evangelion

It’s A Classic For A Reason

Originally released in 1995 by Gainax
A hard sci-fi story following the NERV group battling otherworldly beings attacking Tokyo
Features mecha battles and a deep story underpinned by philosophical themes

In essence, the popular series Evangelion is not just about giant robot battles in a future Tokyo; it can also be interpreted as a symbolic representation of Japan’s economic crisis and psychological trauma experienced in the 1990s. The majority of characters are under twenty-five years old, except for Gendo Ikari and a few others. Each character experiences unique journeys marked by significant milestones that shape their maturity. Although avoiding spoilers, it’s worth noting that each character experiences setbacks followed by one major triumph, demonstrating their growth and ability to break free from past cycles.

In the series, the struggle of growing up is perhaps most evident in a late scene featuring Misato and Shinji. In a desperate bid to encourage Shinji to take action, Misato takes a risk because she has little left to lose. This includes overcoming his fear of making choices and worrying about the potential outcomes. While opinions vary on which version of the show is superior, the central idea remains: life, even without destructive creatures, can be terrifying due to the dread of being understood by others.

6 Wandering Son

An Anime About Growing Up Trans

Originally released in 2011 by AIC Classic
A realistic story that follows two young people exploring gender identity over the years
Features explorations of gendered experiences in school and interpersonal relationships through the lens of gender

In many anime series, characters may be portrayed as one gender but later revealed to be of another, or characters may switch bodies, implying a play with traditional gender roles. However, it’s not common for anime to delve into the topic of transgender individuals. Wandering Son, created by Takako Shimura, stands out as an exception. This drama/slice-of-life anime follows the lives of Shuichi and Yoshino, two students who struggle to accept their birth-assigned genders. As they share this secret with each other, the narrative unfolds, chronicling their journey towards understanding and accepting their true gender identities.

This anime, titled “Wandering Son,” offers a heartfelt exploration of the journey toward self-discovery for transgender individuals. It steers away from adult or societal perspectives, instead delving into the personal experiences and interpersonal relationships of its characters. Regrettably, the series consists of only twelve episodes.

7 Kino’s Journey — The Beautiful World

An Imaginative Exploration Of The Human Experience

Originally released in 2003 by A.C.G.T. and Genco with the following release in 2017 by Lerche and Egg Firm
A realistic story with fantastical elements that follows a young explorer named Kino and their sentient motorcycle as they explore the world
Features explorations of many concepts such as individuality vs. the collective, freedom vs. tradition, the meaning of life, and more

2003 saw the initial launch of this anime series, while another installment came out in 2017, both adhering to a similar narrative structure: The protagonist, Kino, accompanied by their conversant motorcycle named Hermes, traverse different territories and meet distinct characters and tales. Blending elements of travelogue and everyday life animation, the plot gradually discloses Kino’s background via these chance meetings.

In Kino’s Journey, the series primarily focuses on human nature, particularly their dreams, illusions, and actions to safeguard them. The character Kino serves as a viewer proxy, observing peculiar locales such as a roaming city, a nation of deceivers, and a “land of grown-ups” where kids mature into adults at the tender age of eleven. Although not as directly about maturity as shows like FLCL, Kino’s Journey delves into how life experiences mold individuals – whether they assimilate these experiences, challenge them, or simply ride away on a motorcycle towards uncharted territories.

8 Space Dandy

Growing Up Is About Mitigating Unhappiness, Baby

Originally released in 2014 by Bones
A surreal sci-fi story that follows the crew of alien hunters on the Aloha Oe — Dandy the human(?), Meow the Betelgeusian, and QT the (outdated) robot
Features a main theme that life is about overcoming the fear of choice and to just have fun with it, baby

Space Dandy is often compared to “Cowboy Bebop” as a more surreal and lighthearted version. However, while Cowboy Bebop explores how past traumas shape a person, Space Dandy focuses on the resilience of an individual in the face of adversity. This message might not be immediately apparent in Dandy’s carefree demeanor, Meow’s nonchalant attitude, or QT’s nervous disposition. But at its core, Space Dandy is a story about maturing and making decisions. Although it may be challenging to perceive this deeper meaning beneath their quirky personalities, the series ultimately centers around personal growth and choice-making.

This program explores how individuals navigate through large feelings, other people’s expectations, unreturned affection, and the weight of responsibility when they’re unsure of their actions. What makes it intriguing is that the characters have significant control over their destinies. The main takeaway from Dandy? Keep life lighthearted. It’s about enjoying yourself and making an effort to help both yourself and others as you go along. And, let’s not forget, there are also scenes involving certain body parts and musical journeys.

9 Kotaro Lives Alone

We’re All A Bit Braver With A Toy Sword And A Nice Bath

Originally aired in 2021 with 10 episodes TV Asahi with a following 10-episode arc from Liden Films on Netflix
A realistic story that follows a very young boy named Kotaro who is, for some reason, living alone in a small apartment complex
Features an exploration of loneliness, how to overcome things like the fear of success or failure, and how to adapt to less-than-ideal situations

Similar to the series Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, the story in Kotaro Lives Alone revolves around diverse experiences of maturity. While the young boy Kotaro is the main character, his neighbors play equally significant roles, creating a sense of found family within the heartwarming and bittersweet narrative. This anime blends elements of everyday life with a touch of mystery. The intrigue lies in understanding why this five-year-old child lives alone.

In the story, Kotaro’s closest companion and next-door neighbor is a manga artist named Shin. Another resident in the same neighborhood is divorced and has a strained relationship with their child, while yet another is a hostess who endures abuse. A lawyer named Ayano, who assists Kotaro as revealed throughout the series, is also part of this group. As they progress through the storyline, they all learn and grow together. Despite the challenging circumstances faced by each character, they all strive for personal improvement, making the show uplifting rather than overwhelmingly sad.

10 Mob Psycho 100

We All Hit 100% From Time To Time, Don’t We?

Aired in 2016 from Bones
A realistic story with fantastical elements that follows a young man named Mob with psychic powers
Features an exploration of how power and empathy interact with one another within the framework of growing up

The comic artist famously referred to as “One” is recognized for crafting distinctive manga that challenges traditional notions of superheroes and powerful individuals. While One Punch Man embodies this idea, Mob Psycho 100 explores a different theme – the journey of growing up and learning to control one’s emotions. Interestingly enough, the central character, Mob, possesses the ability to perceive spirits and exert telekinetic forces.

However, the series isn’t just about the development of characters like Mob, Ritsu, and their peers. Dimple, the green spirit, undergoes significant growth throughout the story, making it one of the most intriguing aspects. Interestingly, Reigen, Mob’s mentor, evolves from a selfish con artist into a responsible adult who values self-care and others’ well-being. This series offers a delightful blend of heartwarming moments, unexpected emotional depth, thrilling fight scenes, and richly developed characters that keep viewers engaged.

2024-09-09 01:05