The new year is almost upon us, and it’s already stacked for us anime fans. Just a few months ago, new seasons were announced for fan favorites like Kaiju No. 8, Spy x Family, and Oshi no Ko. Now we’re gearing up for the first batch of 2025 releases. From more renewals to exciting adaptations, read on to find out what anime series to keep on your radar this upcoming year.
The Apothecary Diaries – Season 2
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Based on the novels by Natsu Hyūga, The Apothecary Diaries tells the story of a young apothecary who gets kidnapped and sold to work at the Imperial Palace. While working as a lowly servant, Maomao demonstrates great skills of deduction, gaining the interest of the head eunuch of the Inner Palace, Jinshi. Though she’d rather stay out of trouble, Maomao’s intelligence and love for poison-testing make her an asset to the eunuch as he investigates a string of crimes happening around the royal court.
My Happy Marriage – Season 2
Release Date: January 2025
In this Cinderella story, soft-spoken Miyo Saimori is mistreated by her family. The Saimoris are known for their supernatural abilities, while Miyo has never shown signs of having any of her own. When she comes of age, her father decides to marry her off to rumored tyrant, Kiyoka Kudou of the noble Kudou clan. The commander has had numerous failed engagements already, leading to his cruel reputation. Resigned to her grim fate, Miyo dutifully accepts her role as his fiancée, only to learn that the rumors are far from true.
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun – Season 2
Release Date: January 12, 2025
Desperate to have her crush reciprocate her love, Nene Yashiro summons the ghost of Hanako-san, one of the Seven Mysteries of Kamome Academy. Rumor has it that, if successfully summoned, she will grant you a wish. However, Nene discovers that Hanako is actually a mischievous male ghost who’s the head of the other six mysteries. Not only that, but someone’s corrupting his supernatural peers. Now Hanako-kun, Nene, and her exorcist underclassman, Kou Minamoto, must team up to protect the peaceful coexistence of the living and the dead.
Witch Watch
Release Date: April 2025
Kenta Shinohara’s Witch Watch gets its own anime adaptation in April! A fantasy gag comedy that follows the misadventures of witch-in-training Nico Wakatsuki and her ogre familiar Morihito “Moi” Otogi. As a foretold doomsday hangs over Nico’s head, the childhood friends must live under the same roof to prepare for this impending danger. While Morihito is serious about his duties as the witch’s familiar, Nico’s hoping they can also make progress of the romantic kind.
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity
Release Date: TBA
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity is the Romeo and Juliet coming-of-age romance fans have been waiting to see on screen. It centers two rival schools: the all-boys academy Chidori High and Kikyo Girls’ High. Chidori alumni Rintaro is a gentleman with a hard exterior and the son of bakery owners. Kaoruko, from the prestigious Kikyo High, frequents the patisserie shop after taking an interest in Rintaro. The pair form an instant connection before realizing the other’s identity. Thus, they navigate their growing friendship while tensions among their peers drag on.
Witch Hat Atelier
Release Date: TBA
Coco has one dream: to be a magic-wielding witch. That dream seems out of reach until she meets Professor Quifrey. When she secretly sees him perform magic, she decides to imitate his ritual, coming upon an exciting discovery and instigating a disaster. Coco quickly learns that her actions have consequences; becoming a witch suddenly turns into a means-to-an-end. Based on the award-winning manga, Witch Hat Atelier is a stunning, dark fantasy that’s bound to be an anime of its season.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End – Season 2
Release Date: TBA
Elven mage Frieren has never truly connected with her human peers. Her species far outlives theirs; even after traveling with a group of them on a decade-long hero’s mission, it seemed pointless to. But when her friends start dying out with age and time, those ten years seem precious in hindsight. With this newfound perspective and new friends, Frieren sets out to retrace her past heroic journey. And this time, she’s taking it all in. With higher stakes at hand, everybody’s favorite mage continues her adventure in season two of this beautiful series.
Wandance
Release Date: TBA
Meet Kaboku Kotani, a high schooler with a stutter who’d rather keep a low profile. That is until he meets Hikari Wanda, a talented dancer at his school. Intrigued by Hikari, he starts tagging along with her to her daily practice and unlocks an unexpected passion. His plans to keep a low profile go out the window when he joins the dance team. With a new outlet to express himself, a new world opens up for the timid Kaboku.
That’s it for our list for now! What’s on your 2025 anime watchlist? Make sure to add these releases and keep your eyes peeled for more!
Want more anime content? Read our trivia piece on The Rooted Cultural Growth of Anime in Latin America.
Check out the source manga for these upcoming adaptations on our Illustrious Comics, Manga, and Graphic Novels shelf on Bookshop.org.
