{"id":37791,"date":"2020-12-30T19:38:22","date_gmt":"2020-12-30T23:38:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/?p=37791"},"modified":"2020-12-30T19:38:22","modified_gmt":"2020-12-30T23:38:22","slug":"johns-picks-for-2020s-best-tv-anime","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/johns-picks-for-2020s-best-tv-anime\/","title":{"rendered":"John\u2019s Picks for 2020\u2019s Best TV Anime"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic affected Japan\u2019s anime industry as it did everything else in the world, resulting in a potentially contracted spring broadcast season and a number of anime television series delayed or broadcast with significant delays. In fact, after just four episodes, the continued broadcast of Kingdom<\/em> season 3 was delayed for an entire year. So while 2019 premiered roughly 219 anime television and web series, 2020 brought viewers a slightly lessened 198 estimated new broadcasts. Excluding continuing titles, which includes new seasons that continued previous episode numbering, I was lucky to be able to watch introductory episodes of all of the completely new 2020 broadcast anime excepting the super-deformed spin-off mini-series Hulaing Babies☆Puchi<\/em>. In my perspective, 2020 delivered plenty of strong new anime, and a number of unusual titles, but rather few titles of exceptional excellence. My \u201cbest of\u201d list is, of course, subjective. And unlike many other \u201cbest of 2020\u201d lists on the web, mine excludes 2019 titles that premiered or concluded in America this year.<\/p>\n

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Director Masaaki Yuasa rose to prominence among the most hardcore otaku in 1997 due to his short film Noiseman Sound Insect<\/em>. His name recognition expanded considerably in 2004 with the premiere of his first feature film, Mind Game<\/em>. He again ascended to a new plateau of prominence in 2017 with the sequence of Night Is Short, Walk On Girl<\/em>, Lu Over the Wall<\/em>, Devilman Crybaby<\/em>, and Ride Your Wave<\/em>. So anticipation was high for his 2020 original television series Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!<\/em> (Eizouken ni wa Te o Dasu na!<\/em>), and the show didn\u2019t disappoint. A loving homage to the art of anime, \u201cEizouken\u201d distinctly referenced Hayao Miyazaki\u2019s Future Boy Conan<\/em>, Katsuhiro Otomo\u2019s Akira<\/em>, animator Yoshinori Kanada, Mamoru Oshii\u2019s Ghost in the Shell<\/em>, as well as generations of giant robot anime. Arguably more than anime other anime production since the golden age, \u201cEizouken\u201d was clearly an animation staff\u2019s labor of love and an opportunity to express personal aesthetics through animation technique specifically as animators including Yoshinori Kanda, Ichiro Itano, Hiroyuki Okiura, and Toshiyuki Inoue did in the 80s and early 90s. The dynamic trio of protagonists Midori, Sayaka, and Tsubame keep the show bubbly and brisk. Sayaka Kanamori in particular functions well as a subtle cynical tsukkomi to Midori Asakusa\u2019s bok\u00e9 while Tsubame Mizusaki is literally the group\u2019s kanban musume. Despite little actually occurring within the narrative, the show exuberantly espouses its affection and respect for the creative artistry of hand drawn anime. The show\u2019s enthusiasm is both educational and infectious for viewers.<\/p>\n

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Runway de Waratte<\/em> seems to often be overlooked since it\u2019s such a subdued and introspective slice of life drama. Yet those characteristics are precisely what make the show so compelling. Unlike previous fashion industry anime including Gokinjo Monogatari<\/em> and Paradise Kiss<\/em> that focus heavily upon fashion itself, Smile Down the Runway<\/em> is a deeply humanistic show that focuses its emphasis on character development. Predictably, the drama introduces numerous challenges and conflicts that seem highly coincidental and scripted; however, closer inspection reveals that every conflict arises naturally as a result of the rational and believable choices the characters make. The show is populated by characters who feel grounded and real, who make their decisions thoughtfully, and who struggle with real-world obstacles. Moreover, the story doesn\u2019t play favorites, so outcomes aren\u2019t predictable, and even the child prodigies don\u2019t always come out on top. Runway de Waratte<\/em> was a tremendous surprise that felt far more real and sympathetic than one would expect from shows of its ilk.<\/p>\n

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One of the biggest surprises of the year had to have been Studio Pierrot\u2019s explosive Akudama Drive<\/em>. On an immediate and superficial level, the show is everything foreigners assume anime to be, cranked up to eleven: infinitely stylish characters, sultry eroticism, gratuitous bloody violence, a Blade Runner<\/em> inspired aesthetic, mature storytelling including unpredictable major character deaths. The entire production is so deliberately designed to epitomize sophisticated adult animation that it also instantly become impossible to take seriously. The show looks and feels like hyperbolic self-parody. At the same time, its lush production values and sheer sophisticated spectacle are undeniable. However, as this anime take on Suicide Squad<\/em> unfolds, it also reveals a genuine heart. The characters eventually reveal just enough of themselves to become sympathetic. Viewers begin to look beyond the artifice and care about the story development and how honor among thieves is still a sort of respectable morality. And by its end the wild ride is a breathless spectacle that also espouses a satisfying message.<\/p>\n

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Production I.G so rarely disappoints that frequently an I.G pedigree feels like an automatic handicap over other shows. Moriarty the Patriot<\/em> (Yuyoku no Moriarty<\/em>) isn\u2019t flawless, but its strengths amply compensate for its weaknesses. Telling the tale of Sherlock Holmes from antagonist Henry Moriarty\u2019s perspective isn\u2019t a remarkably original narrative, yet its stylistic aplomb elevates the prosaic concept. Complex and deep characterization is almost non-existent; the supporting characters are little more than their roles. The series\u2019 narrative structure also feels sparse and under-developed. The story takes great care to set up a strong foundation, but then it indulges in numerous great shortcuts and lapses. However, the stylish bishounen emphasis on elaborate deception and double-crossing feels like a direct successor to Death Note<\/em>. And the lush, vividly rendered art design is precise and marvelous.<\/p>\n

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Somali and the Forest Spirit<\/em> (Somali to Mori no Kamisama<\/em>) is likewise yet more so an anime of unique strengths that\u2019s compromised by appreciable weaknesses. With a Ghibli-esque art design and a vaguely Ghibli-esque tone, the show is easy to impulsively esteem. This is a lovely looking show but one with more potential than it fulfills. The series introduces many prominent philosophical themes including the irrationality of discrimination, the perception of evil residing within the eye of the beholder, the justification \u2013 if one exists \u2013 for violence, the value of honesty versus compassionate lies, and the just reward for wrongdoing. But the show is much better at introducing these thematic questions than answering them. In most cases the show sets up a scenario but then merely turns the page, leaving the moral quandary unanswered. However, strictly in terms of immersive atmosphere and visual creativity, Somali and the Forest Spirit<\/em> ranks among the best offerings of the year.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll have forthcoming another article discussing my runner-up titles and my picks of the most fascinating, unusual, quirky, and noteworthy premieres of 2020.<\/p>\n

This is my working list of 2020’s TV & web anime premieres.<\/p>\n

100-man no Inochi no Ue ni Ore wa Tatte Iru
\n22\/7
\nA3! Season Autumn & Winter
\nA3! Season Spring & Summer
\nAdachi to Shimamura
\nAkudama Drive
\nAni ni Tsukeru Kusuri wa Nai 4
\nAnime Kapibara-san
\nAnoyo no Subete wa, Obakegumi!
\nAppare-Ranman!
\nArad: Gyakuten no Wa
\nArgonavis from BanG Dream!
\nARP Backstage Pass
\nArte
\nAsatel: Mirai no Mukashibanashi
\nAssault Lily: Bouquet
\nBaki: Dai Raitaisai-hen
\nBakugan Armored Alliance
\nBanG Dream! 3rd Season
\nBanG Dream! Garupa Pico ~Oomori~
\nBattle Spirits: Kakumei no Galette [web anime]
\nBessatsu Olympia Kyklos
\nBeyblade Burst Sparking
\nBNA
\nBoku no Tonari ni Ankoku Hankaishin ga Imasu.
\nBreakers
\nBungo to Alchemist: Shinpan no Haguruma
\nCap Kakumei Bottleman
\nCardfight!! Vanguard Gaiden: If
\nChou Futsuu Toshi Kashiwa Densetsu R
\nD4DJ First Mix
\nDarwin’s Game
\nDeca-Dence
\nDigimon Adventure:
\nDogeza de Tanondemita
\nDokyuu Hentai HxEros
\nDorohedoro
\nDragon Quest: Dai no Daibouken (2020)
\nDragon’s Dogma
\nDuel Masters King
\nDungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru no Darou ka III
\nEizouken ni wa Te wo Dasuna!
\nEnn Enn no Shouboutai: Ni no Shou
\nEternity: Shinya no Nurekoi Channel?
\nFireball Gebaude Baude
\nFruits Basket 2nd Season
\nFugou Keiji: Balance:UNLIMITED
\nFushigi Dagashiya Zenitendou
\nGal to Kyouryuu
\nGal-gaku. ~Sei Girls Square Gakuin~
\nGet Up! Get Live! #GeraGera
\nGhost in the Shell SAC 2045
\nGibiate
\nGleipnir
\nGochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka? Bloom
\nGranblue Fantasy The Animation Season 2: Djeeta-hen special
\nGundam Build Fighters Re:RISE 2nd season
\nGuraburu!
\nHachi-nan tte, Sore wa Nai deshou!
\nHaikyuu!!: To the Top
\nHakushon Daimaou 2020
\nHanyo no Yashahime Sengoku Otogizoushi
\nHatena☆Illusion
\nHealin’ Good♥Precure
\nHeya Camp△
\nHigurashi no Naku Koro ni (2020)
\nHimitsukessha Taka no Tsume: Golden Spell
\nHonzuki no Gekokujou: Shisho ni Naru Tame ni wa Shudan wo Erandeiraremasen 2nd Season
\nHoukago Teibou Nisshi
\nHousekisho Richard-shi no Nazo Kantei
\nHulaing Babies: Aratame Staying Babies
\nHulaing Babies☆Puchi
\nHypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle – Rhyme Anima
\nID:INVADED
\nIDOLiSH7: Second BEAT!
\nIkebukuro West Gate Park
\nInfinite Dendrogram
\nInu to Neko Docchi mo Katteru to Mainichi Tanoshii
\nIsekai Quartet 2
\nIshuzoku Reviewers
\nItai no wa Iya nano de Bougyoryoku ni Kyokufuri Shitai to Omoimasu.
\nIwa Kakeru! Sport Climbing Girls
\nJashin-chan Dropkick’
\nJibaku Shounen Hanako-kun
\nJujutsu Kaisen
\nKaeru no Pickles: Kimochi no Iro
\nKaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai? Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen
\nKaiju Step Wandabada 2nd Season
\nKakushigoto
\nKami no Tou: Tower of God
\nKamisama ni Natta hi
\nKami-tachi ni Hirowareta Otoko
\nKanojo, Okarishimasu
\nKimi to Boku no Saigo no Senjou, Aruiwa Sekai ga Hajimaru Seisen
\nKingdom 3rd Season
\nKing’s Raid: Ishi wo Tsugumono-tachi
\nKitsutsuki Tantei-Dokoro
\nKoi to Producer: EVOL\u00d7LOVE
\nKoisuru Asteroid
\nKomatta Jii-san
\nKotodama Shoujo -Microphone soul spinners-
\nKuma Kuma Kuma Bear
\nKusoge-tte Iuna!
\nKuutei Dragons
\nKyojinzoku no Hanayome
\nKyokou Suiri
\nLALALACOCO
\nLALALACOCO II
\nLapis Re:LiGHTs
\nListeners
\nLove Live! Nijigasaki Gakuen School Idol Doukoukai
\nMaesetsu!
\nMagatsu Wahrheit: Zuerst
\nMagia Record: Mahou Shoujo Madoka?Magica Gaiden
\nMahouka Koukou no Rettousei: Raihousha-hen
\nMajo no Tabitabi
\nMajor 2nd Second Series
\nMajutsushi Orphen Hagure Tabi
\nMaou Gakuin no Futekigousha
\nMaoujou de Oyasumi
\nMashin Eiyuuden Wataru: Nanatama no Ryujinmaru
\nMewkledreamy
\nMogu Mogu Mogyu [Oha Star anime]
\nMonster Musume no Oisha-san
\nMotto! Majime ni Fumajime Kaiketsu Zorori
\nMunou na Nana
\nMurenase! Seton Gakuen
\nMushikago no Cagaster
\nNami yo Kiite Kure
\nNatsunagu!
\nNekopara
\nNihon Chinbotsu 2020
\nNinja Collection
\nNintama Rantarou no Uchuu Daibouken with Cosmic Front Next
\nNoblesse
\nNorimono Man: Mobile Land no Car-kun
\nnumber24
\nObake Zukan
\nOchikobore Fruit Tart
\nOda Cinnamon Nobunaga
\nOne Room Third Season
\nOokami-san wa Taberaretai
\nOoya-san to Boku
\nOre no Yubi de Midarero. Heiten-go no Salon
\nOshi ga Budoukan Ittekuretara Shinu
\nOsomatsu-san 3rd Season
\nOtome Game no Hametsu Flag shika Nai Akuyaku Reijou ni Tensei shite Shimatta\u2026
\nOtona Nya Koi no Shikata ga Wakarane!
\nOverflow
\nPazuDora season 3
\npet
\nPeter Grill to Kenja no Jikan
\nPlunderer
\nPoccolies
\nPocket Monster Sword?Shield: Hakumei no Tsubasa
\nPrincess Connect! Re:Dive
\nRail Romanesque
\nRe:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 2nd Season
\nRebirth
\nRikei ga Koi ni Ochita no de Shoumei Shite Mita.
\nRunway de Waratte
\nSaikyo Kamizmode!
\nSakura Kakumei ~Hana Saku Otome-tachi~ [web anime]
\nSenyoku no Sigrdrifa
\nShachou, Battle no Jikan desu!
\nShadowverse
\nShin Sakura Taisen the Animation
\nShironeko Project: Zero Chronicle
\nShokugeki no Souma: Gou no Sara
\nShow By Rock!! Mashumairesh!!
\nSomali to Mori no Kamisama
\nSore dake ga Neck
\nStrike Witches: Road to Berlin
\nSword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld part 2
\nTaeko no Nichijou 2nd season
\nTaiso Samurai
\nTales of Crestoria: Toga Waga o Shoite Kare wa Tatsu promotional web anime
\nTamayomi
\nThe God of High School
\nToaru Kagaku no Railgun T
\nToji no Miko: Kizamishi Issen no Tomoshibi
\nTomica Kizuna Gattai: Earth Granner
\nTonikaku Kawaii
\nTototsu ni Egypt Kami
\nTsugu Tsugumomo
\nTsukiuta. The Animation 2
\nTV Yarou Nanaana: Kaibutsu Kraken wo Oe!
\nUmayon
\nUtau Soccer Panda Mifanda
\nUzaki-chan wa Asobitai!
\nWatanuki-san Chi to
\nYahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. Kan
\nYatogame-chan Kansatsu Nikki 2 Satsume
\nYesterday wo Utatte
\nYu☆Gi☆Oh: Sevens
\nYuukoku no Moriarty
\nZashiki Warashi no Tatami-chan [web anime]
\nZoids Wild Senki [web anime]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic affected Japan\u2019s anime industry as it did everything else in the world, resulting in a potentially contracted spring broadcast season and a number of anime television series delayed or broadcast with significant delays. In fact, after just four episodes, the continued broadcast of Kingdom season 3 was delayed for an entire […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":37806,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37791","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ask-john"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020.best_.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37791","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37791"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37791\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37810,"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37791\/revisions\/37810"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37806"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37791"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37791"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.animenation.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37791"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}