Anime Lovers

Winter 2025 anime season is almost upon us and with it, a slate of new titles that will undoubtedly set the mood for the year to come. Some are highly-anticipated sequels but some are new, known mainly to manga and light novel fans. So, what are the most promising anime titles to look out for in the Winter of 2025? Let’s start with the new ones!

Sakamoto Days

Sakamoto Days manga has quite a following and the anime is already looking good. The trailers we got so far were a perfect introduction to Sakamoto’s life and just the right mix of fun and intriguing. The anime will stream on Netflix and it has managed to avoid the infamous jail. TMS Entertainment as a studio is quite promising and when you take the staff and cast into account, Sakamoto Days is definitely shaping up to the one the best Winter 2025 anime.

Honey Lemon Soda

At first sight, Honey Lemon Soda doesn’t stand out too much. But upon closer look, it gives off an aura that promises something special, especially for those who enjoy romance. The plot follows Uka, a high schooler who hides her emotions until she meets a boy who reminds her of honey lemon soda. This adaptation will definitely not bring a lot of action and will focus on the character drama and overcoming difficulties. If previous years are anything to judge by, then Honey Lemon Soda will be well-received. J.C.Staff is animating the adaptation, which will stream on Crunchyroll.

Bad leaf

It is somewhat rare for a finished, older manga to get an adaptation these days but Bad leaf managed just that. As the manga originally ran from 2003 to 2019, this anime is promising the 2000s fantasy spirit and I’m all for it. Staple Entertainment and SATELIGHT are joining forces on the Bad leaf anime. It will be streaming on Amazon Prime.

Zenshu

MAPPA’s upcoming anime will focus on an interesting topic, one very close to the followers of the studio: working in the animation industry in Japan. Zenshu is an anime original that follows Natsuko Hirose, a young animator who quickly becomes a celebrated director. However, when she finds herself directing a romantic comedy movie project, Natsuko realizes that she struggles with the concept of love, having never experienced it. Mitsue Yamazaki and Kimiko Ueno are credited as the creators of Zenshu. Yamazaki, who previously directed Monthly Girls` Nozaki-kun adaptation, is also directing Zenshuso I have to admit I have somewhat high expectations.

Medalist

It feels like ENGI’s Medalist adaptation has been in the works for quite some time so it’s good to be so close to the premiere. Medalist is a sports story and it follows two ice skaters as they face the biggest challenge in their lives. Will it fill up the void created by Yuri on Ice cancelation? I don’t know, but it looks promising enough to deliver an impactful story on its own.

Tasokare Hotel

Tasokare Hotel is a mystery anime based on a game. The hotel itself is a resting place between the afterlife and the living world, and we’ll follow Neko Tsukahara as she tries to regain her memories and potentially help other customers. The premise itself reminds me of Death Parade and it’s been quite a while since we had a mystery story like this so I’m willing to give it a go. Studio PRA is animating the series.

From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!

The (very long) title describes the plot of From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated! anime adaptation and, frankly, it sounds absolutely ridiculous in a good way. This premise sounds fun and like something you need to watch after a long and exhausting day. Sentai Filmworks licensed the series in the US (HIDIVE is their streaming platform). SEA anime fans will be able to watch it on Muse channels. Ajia-do is animating the series, which is just another reason to check it out.

The Daily Life of a Middle-Aged Online Shopper in Another World

Another title that basically explains the whole plot. And another one that is quite silly but sounds promising for those tiring days. The protagonist, Ken’ichi, overpowers the world he reincarnates into by using an online shopping site to get everything he needs. East Fish Studio is animating the adaptation of a light novel by Hifumi Asakura.

Anime Sequels of Winter 2025

In addition to the promising new titles, quite a few anime shows are returning with sequels. Some of them are veterans and have been around for quite some time, but some are fairly new, having only premiered in 2024. Here they are:

• Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise from the Shadow
• The Apothecary Diaries 2nd Season
• My Happy Marriage 2nd Season
• Dr. Stone: Science Future
• Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun 2nd Season
• The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You Season 2
• Re:ZERO: Starting Life in Another World Season 3: Part II
• Unnamed Memory Act.2
• Blue Exorcist: The Blue Night Saga
• Ishura 2nd Season
• Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc Season 2
• Cardfight!! Vanguard: Divinez Deluxe-hen
• UniteUp! -Uni:Birth-
• BanG Dream! Ave Mujica
• Witchy Pretty Cure!! Mirai Days

And that sums up the best, or at least the most promising (in my opinion), of the Winter 2025 anime season. I’m sure we’ll get some surprises along the way as the season is looking interesting.

Featured image:
©TSURUMAIKADA, KODANSHA / Medalist Production Committee
© Yuto Suzuki, SHUEISHA / SAKAMOTO DAYS Production Committee
©Michiro Ueyama, Shonen Gahosha, From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad's Been Reincarnated! Production Committee, MBS