Strictly Anime

We review the first season of Nippon Sangoku: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun. An unexpected setting meets a unique animation style, giving us a sleeper hit for this year. We discuss whether or not we like the way this anime looks, how we wish the main character was more of the main character, the excitement that comes along with the strategizing, and and how the villain’s ruthlessness under a cheery facade makes us absolutely love to hate him. Japanese title: Nippon Sangoku While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTreat box? Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/strictlyanime Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/4Rnq4GTePP Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/thestrictlyseries Website: https://www.thestrictlyseries.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrictlyseries X (Twitter): https://x.com/strictlyseries Part of The Strictly Series of podcasts

We discuss our spoiler-free Summer 2026 anime first impressions. Lots of romance anime, with a few unique shows mixed in. We share our thoughts on a new and surprising KyoAni work, the return of several shows we’ve enjoyed, a not-so-dumpster-fire step-sibling relationship, adults smoking, and cats smoking in the wild card anime of this season. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTreat box? Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/strictlyanime Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/4Rnq4GTePP Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/thestrictlyseries Website: https://www.thestrictlyseries.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrictlyseries X (Twitter): https://x.com/strictlyseries Part of The Strictly Series of podcasts

We review the first half of Daemons of the Shadow Realm. From the creator of Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood comes a new story with an Edward Elric look-alike. We discuss the difference between daemons and demons, how a lot happens but nothing happens in this first half, and question who the actual villain is of this story. Japanese title: Yomi no Tsugai While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTreat box? Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/strictlyanime Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/4Rnq4GTePP Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/thestrictlyseries Website: https://www.thestrictlyseries.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrictlyseries X (Twitter): https://x.com/strictlyseries Part of The Strictly Series of podcasts

We review the first season of Witch Hat Atelier. This seemingly cozy, fluffy magic anime is surprisingly honest, real, and full of mystery. We discuss the magic system rooted in logic, the witch girls that fit various dere types, the cliffhanger ending, and what the eff is going on with Qifrey. Japanese title: Tongari Boushi no Atelier While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTreat box? Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/strictlyanime Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/4Rnq4GTePP Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/thestrictlyseries Website: https://www.thestrictlyseries.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrictlyseries X (Twitter): https://x.com/strictlyseries Part of The Strictly Series of podcasts

We’re strictly chatting. With a lot of topics to cover, we chat about tornadoes, the Pokemon Fossil Museum, announcements from the video game showcases, and FIFA World Cup memes. Plus, Courtney talks about the latest episodes of Naruto Shippuden and what she’s most excited to see in the next arc. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTreat box? Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/strictlyanime Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/4Rnq4GTePP Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/thestrictlyseries Website: https://www.thestrictlyseries.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrictlyseries X (Twitter): https://x.com/strictlyseries Part of The Strictly Series of podcasts

We review the third season of Oshi no Ko. The series finally strikes the delicate balance between showbiz bashing and plot progression this season, especially when there’s all sorts of controversy and scandal and anime scheming abound. We take a look at how these circumstances, intertwined in the ongoing murder mystery, help close the loop on Aqua and Ruby’s true motivations and true selves. Also we start seeing stars in our eyes trying to figure out the stars in their eyes. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTreat box? Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/strictlyanime Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/4Rnq4GTePP Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/thestrictlyseries Website: https://www.thestrictlyseries.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrictlyseries X (Twitter): https://x.com/strictlyseries Part of The Strictly Series of podcasts

We discuss the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. It’s the ten year anniversary for the award show, but there wasn’t much to celebrate. We share our thoughts on the award show and all the winners, question whether an independent third party should be running things, wonder if anyone will ever take down Anya Forger and One Piece, and bask in the glory of Bakugo’s deserved recognition. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #TokyoTreat box? Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/strictlyanime Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/4Rnq4GTePP Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/thestrictlyseries Website: https://www.thestrictlyseries.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrictlyseries X (Twitter): https://x.com/strictlyseries Part of The Strictly Series of podcasts

We’re strictly chatting. How dare they. How dare they do that in My Hero Academia: More. How dare they do that with the Pokemon x Target collaboration. How dare they do that to Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake. Also, more Naruto Shippuden. While you’re listening to this episode, why not pair it up with a delicious snack from a #Sakuraco box? Use code STRICTLYANIME for $5 off your first box: https://team.sakura.co/strictlyanime Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/4Rnq4GTePP Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/thestrictlyseries Website: https://www.thestrictlyseries.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrictlyseries X (Twitter): https://x.com/strictlyseries Part of The Strictly Series of podcasts