Sorry Demon Slayer, But 2025’s Best Anime Is This Comedy Series

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In 2025, the world of anime has been particularly vibrant, showcasing an impressive array of releases that ranged from “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1″ to “Solo Leveling Season 2,” not forgetting the second seasons of “The Apothecary Diaries” and “Dandadan.” Newcomers like “Sakamoto Days,” “Gachiakuta,” and “Takopi’s Original Sin” also made their debuts, among others. This year has seen both anticipated successes and unexpected surprises. However, what truly stands out is that a particular anime comedy seems to have been undervalued in terms of recognition it deserves.

Moving beyond the excitement surrounding 2025’s blockbuster releases, Kyoto Animation unveiled “City: The Animated Series” in July. Unlike the intense dramas of recent shows such as “Solo Leveling” and “Infinity Castle,” this series offers a refreshing change with lighter themes that are perfect for viewers looking for something enjoyable and uplifting.

Everything You Need to Know About Kyoto Animation’s New Gem, City the Animation

Over the course of 13 episodes, the animated series “City” offers a humorous twist on unusual predicaments and the comical aspects of everyday life. Keiichi Arawi’s manga “CITY” debuted in September 2016 and concluded in February 2021, with its final volume, the 13th compiled book, released in April 2021.

The ongoing anime titled “City the Animation” is inspired by Arawi’s manga “CITY“, focusing on the lives of three main female characters collectively known as the Mont Blanc Trio: Midori Nagumo, Ayumu Niikura, and Wako Izumi. This project marks a significant step for the studio, being their first non-sequel production in six years. Some may remember that Kyoto Animation previously adapted Arawi’s “Nichijou” anime. Due to numerous shared elements between “Nichijou” and “CITY“, such as quirky characters and absurd scenarios, many consider the latter as a spiritual sequel, but on a much grander scale.

City Animation is helmed by Taichi Ishidate, who is famously recognized for Violet Evergarden and Beyond the Boundary. It was first announced during Kyoto Animation’s special livestream in September 2024, revealing their lineup for 2025. The series, City Animation, started airing on July 6, 2025, with fresh episodes released weekly. On August 25, 2025, Episode 8 of the series was premiered.

The Characters That Bring City the Animation To Life

The inhabitants of the town called City are a unique group, each exhibiting peculiar characteristics distinctly their own. At the core of the animated series “City“, we find three female protagonists: Midori Nagumo, voiced by Mikako Komatsu; Ayumu Niikura, brought to life by Aki Toyosaki; and Wako Izumi, voiced by Yui Ishikawa. The series also highlights Chef Tsurubishi Makabe, the owner of Makabe’s Western bistro, and his family who often find themselves in peculiar predicaments. The Makabe family consists of Mrs. Makabe, an eccentric archaeologist, Tsurubishi’s daughter Matsuri, considered the most “ordinary” member among them, and his son Tetewaku. Additionally, the series includes supporting characters such as Makabe’s grandmother, Obaba, who is Chef Makabe’s mother-in-law.

In the heart of the bustling metropolis filled with love, laughter, and excitement, the main three characters often find themselves causing trouble as they pursue their aspirations and enjoy life. This new installment by Arawi significantly enhances the world-building aspect, offering more opportunities to explore and develop each character’s individual storyline.

What Makes City the Animation So Special

City Animation boasts bright colors and catchy tunes, filled with heartwarming scenes that continue to delight viewers. With each new installment, the storyline becomes even more captivating as it improves in both storytelling and animation quality. This anime harkens back to the charm of Nichijou while also setting its own unique tone. It’s memorable and has received accolades for every episode, with episode 5 being a standout favorite among fans.

The animated series titled “City” showcases an engaging cast, unique themes, and portrays the intricate web of connections in urban life. Initially, multiple storylines may seem scattered, but as the main and secondary characters engage, they form a cohesive narrative. Daily, the city and its denizens face new obstacles, yet their resilience ensures they overcome them. The animation boasts clarity and precision, enhancing each scene and character. Kyoto Animation masterfully executes Arawi’s vision with grace, accentuating it through vivid colors.

The Mont Blanc Trio is not to be missed; it’s a comedy that takes things to extremes and is definitely worth savoring. The simple animation style of “City the Animation” resonates with viewers who appreciate a blend of outrageous humor and emotional depth. Kudos to both the series’ writer and studio for effectively capturing the spirit of “Nichijou”, while still providing a unique experience through intricate world-building and character development. Although “Nichijou” and “City the Animation” share a similar atmosphere, the latter’s distinct characters, settings, and narrative make it worth watching.

In this version, I tried to maintain the original meaning while making it more natural and easier to read for an average audience.

In the summer of 2025, the animated series “City” – a show that offers a charming slice of everyday life – is now streaming on Amazon Prime. Though it doesn’t break new ground in terms of innovation, it stands out as one of the year’s best due to its unique ability to make ordinary moments feel unexpected and extraordinary.

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2025-08-31 04:34