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Fights are an anime staple, especially when considering the many shonen anime series. Fans of all ages love seeing the thrilling battles between two super-powered opponents. However, some of the best battles reach victory without violence. Instead, the characters use logic, cunning, or traps to win the day.

The best anime fights won with no violence are more thoughtfully planned. Since they can’t (or won’t) use their fists, they have to ensure that each move is perfect. One false move and their arguments or schemes could collapse. Plenty of anime characters are beloved for their brute strength, but it’s the ones who strategize who should be more lauded for their cunning.

Kiyotaka Outsmarts Class C To Free Ken in Classroom of the Elite Streaming on Crunchyroll

When Ken Sudou is accused of fighting with students from Class C, he suddenly finds himself face-to-face with the powers that be.

Every year, anime fans expect flashy fights, mind-boggling animation, or rich lore to take the spotlight. But Zenshu? It sneaked in with none of that and still ended up being one of the most gripping anime of 2025.

Natsuko Hirose from Zenshu. | Credit: Mappa

No epic duels like in One Piece or Solo Leveling here. However, it offers something that is even harder to find: an emotional, self-reflective story about creativity, passion, and the struggles of making art.

Zenshu: A surprise standout in 2025’s anime lineup

At first, Zenshu plays out like a fun parody of ’90s anime tropes. Natsuko Hirose, our protagonist, finds herself inexplicably trapped within A Tale of Perishing, the show that shaped her life. The Nine Soldiers, the main characters, are a chaotic but lovable bunch, and Natsuko’s presence shakes things up in unexpected ways.

But as the story unfolds, Zenshu becomes something much deeper.

Mappa is known for having a diverse collection of anime that can be a hit or a miss, depending on the plot. Zenshu is one of Mappa’s most ambitious projects as it celebrates animators but also does that in a very unconventional way.

Luke and Natsuko from Zenshu [Credits: Mappa]

Rather than showcasing the struggles of animators and how they do things, the makers take a more fantastical approach. The protagonist in question gets transported to the world of anime, and that is where her adventure begins.

Zenshu was definitely a wild ride that tried to do many things, but it felt overwhelming at times. Even though it was a messy start, the journey was good, and the conclusion indicates a more hopeful outcome.

Zenshu is a love letter to anime

The overarching theme of Zenshu is essentially as simple as an animator’s love for anime and nothing else. These...

Mappa studios’ Zenshu is one of the most popular isekai anime of Winter 2025 and certainly among the ones with a unique premise. It features the young and prodigious animator, Natsuko Hirose, who is spirited away to the land of her favorite childhood anime film, A Tale of Perishing. There, she is gifted with the magical ability that allows her to use her talents as an animator to create things that will aid her new friends in battle.

Because Natsuko has watched and studied A Tale of Perishing so thoroughly, she has extensive and accurate knowledge of the characters, as well as every major event that will take place. With this knowledge, coupled with the power to bring her illustrations to life, Natsuko can heed her magical pegbar’s words and “draw new fates” to change the course of her favorite story.

Natsuko Hirose Saved Unio’s Life With the Power...

Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron is a debatable Ghibli production. While Miyazaki’s movies have always sported hidden meanings and metaphors, The Boy and the Heron was even more of an enigma to me. But that was only because I was too obsessed with trying to find a connection between the scenes, without trying to figure out their deeper meanings.

In fact, The Boy and the Heron‘s Oscar win was much deserved, no matter how much Ghibli fans try to nominate other Miyazaki movies. And it is because it involved more of Hayao Miyazaki’s self than any of his other works. Through the film, he deals with grief, loss, and acceptance of the present.

Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron is one of his best works The Boy and the Heron deals with grief and loss | Credits: Ghibli

Many viewers might think that...

Zenshu and Solo Leveling are both isekai anime that feature overpowered protagonists but take very different storytelling approaches. Zenshu is a love letter to anime, blending isekai and magical girl elements, while Solo Leveling is a power fantasy adapted from a manhwa. Despite their differences, both anime share a common flaw—they don’t give their supporting cast the attention they deserve.

Solo Leveling focuses almost entirely on Sung Jinwoo, with only a few supporting characters receiving meaningful development. Meanwhile, Zenshu has a much smaller cast, yet only Natsuko Hirose and Luke Braveheart appear consistently. Every other character drifts in and out of the story as needed, leaving them underdeveloped. Despite their differences, both Natsuko and Jinwoo experience rapid growth once they gain a unique ability. In the end, they represent two distinct takes on the same concept.

Qj and Min Byung-Gyu Serve the Same Purpose in Their Anime Both...

During Covid-19, many Japanese communities organized fireworks to cheer people up and strengthen the collective spirit while being isolated. Emiko Hiramatsu, an industry veteran and regular writer for Yoji Yamada, uses this as a premise to tell a heartwarming story about her hometown, Kurashiki.

The Tales of Kurashiki is screening at Osaka Asian Film Festival

After her husband destroys her paintings, Natsuko leaves behind her family and heads for the big city to continue her art. Not only does she leave behind her daughter Beniko and her autistic brother Kyosuke but also an unfinished family portrait. Years later, Beniko aims to be accepted into an Arts college. Obsessed with the unfinished piece of art by her mother, she is determined to submit the once-finished version as an application work. However, her determination is hindered by her alcoholic father and her sense of responsibility for her brother.

The second storyline is...

The main antagonists in Zenshu are the Voids, but they play an odd role in the series. They are a constant threat throughout the anime, but the Voids themselves don't make an impression because the protagonist, Natsuko Hirose chooses to focus instead on the personal conflicts of the Nine Soldiers and on Kametaro Tsuruyama. Despite being overlooked, the Voids are always an active part of the story. Treated more like a force of nature than an enemy army, the Voids don't seem to have much development from A Tale of Perishing, and Natusko hasn't sought out any extra information on them during her time in this new world.

The mystery of the Voids remains, and the full extent of their capabilities remains unknown. The only person who may have answers about the Voids is the Director. With the world rejecting Natsuko's changes and returning to A Tale of Perishing's story,...

In a sudden twist, Zenshu's season finale is raising the stakes for the isekai anime. The original story of A Tale of Perishing is reasserting itself over many of the changes Natsuko Hirose has made. The tone of this series has always flirted with darker elements, but it's usually been a lighthearted anime. Zenshu is divorcing itself from the more common tropes in classic isekai and magical girl anime to embrace a more subversive take. This does work with the fact that A Tale of Perishing appears to be a subversive movie in and of itself. However, while Luke Braveheart's transformation into the Ultimate Void answers some questions and highlights the tragedy of A Tale of Perishing, his fall to the dark side would be a bad decision for the anime at this point.

Zenshu Episode 10, "Chaos" railroads the Nine Soldiers into their original roles. Shots from A Tale of...

The latest episode of the Studio Mappa original anime, Zenshu, has finally revealed the true nature of the Ultimate Void and the real danger Luke Braveheart's trauma poses to the world of A Tale of Perishing. While he has the potential to become its greatest threat, he isn’t the most pressing concern for Natsuko Hirose. Instead, Kametaro Tsuruyama—the mysterious bird that has been stalking her and the film’s director—seems like a far greater danger. As the only other person from the real world to transmigrate, her goals clearly conflict with Natsuko’s, and the pressure she exerts has already led to Qj’s death.

Despite this, the full extent of the director’s abilities remains unclear. She understands far more about her presence in this world, and her transmigration differs from Natsuko’s. More importantly, Kametaro has deeper knowledge of A Tale of Perishing than Natsuko ever could.

While Zenshu isn’t a dark anime, it flirts with dark elements. Natsuko Hirose is isekai’d into a bleak world where everyone is depressed, and the world is ending. So far, she’s been too powerful for the Voids to pose a genuine threat—until now. As the Voids grow stronger, Natsuko finally falters, leading to Qj’s sudden death. Though an important character and key source of exposition, Qj was more of a background figure until recently, making his death even more shocking.

Unlike the fallen Nine Soldiers, whom Natsuko only knew through their graves and Justice’s grief, Qj was someone she worked alongside. They became close just before his death, making the loss deeply personal. Worse, Qj chose to die partly to prove a point to Natsuko—a choice he only had to make because she failed. This moment marks a turning point, forcing Natsuko to...

So, Hayao Miyazaki’s latest movie, The Boy and the Heron, totally swept audiences away all around the globe and even took home the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. But, to be honest, many people also left feeling a little lost or slightly disappointed.

The Boy and the Heron won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. | Credit: Studio Ghibli

The movie is absolutely gorgeous, as some of the best animation from Studio Ghibli ever, and also boasts an amazing voice cast, with Robert Pattinson shining in particular. But in comparison to Miyazaki’s earlier masterworks like The Wind Rises, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away, The Boy and the Heron is a bit harder to get into for some fans.

The Boy and the Heron: A Studio Ghibli film that relies too heavily on context

First and foremost, you can’t help but be amazed at how great The Boy and the Heron is.

Ahead of Zenshu 's tenth episode broadcast next Sunday, the original isekai anime's official X (formerly Twitter) account today unveiled a brand-new visual featuring Natsuko in Luke's arms and a tagline that reads, "It's all your fault." Zenshu Climax Visual Related: Hesitant To Try Isekai? Watch Zenshu Mitsue Yamazaki ( Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle ) directs Zenshu at studio Mappa, with scripts by Kimiko Ueno ( Delicious in Dungeon ), Yoshiteru Tsujino's original character designs adapted for animation by Kayoko Ishikawa ( Sarazanmai ) and music by Yukari Hashimoto ( A Sign of Affection ). Crunchyroll is simulcasting the anime and describes the story: After graduating from high school, Natsuko Hirose starts her career as an animator. Her talent quickly flourishes, and she makes her debut as a director in no time. Her first anime becomes a massive hit, sparking a social phenomenon and earning her recognition as an up-and-coming genius director. Her next project...

Zenshu is a series about making anime, sharing many shonen anime traits without being classified as one. As an original story, it has the flexibility to shape its plot and characters freely. One surprising example is its hot springs episode, which avoids tired tropes and becomes a must-watch. The trip has been slowly built up, as hot springs are something Natsuko Hirose has missed from her old world.

Now that she’s experienced them, she has even fewer reasons to want to return. This episode moves several plot threads forward. The mysterious bird is finally addressed, and Unio finds a reason to let go of his jealousy towards Natsuko. However, Qj and Memmeln get little focus. Meanwhile, Natsuko and Luke Braveheart, despite their burdens, get a rare chance to enjoy life in their ruined world—if only for a moment.

Why Hot Spring and Beach Anime Episodes Are So Common...

The original anime series Zenshu is becoming an interesting exploration of the relationship between fans and the media they consume. It's both an isekai anime and a magical girl series, but the anime's isekai aspects have been neglected recently. While the action is well animated, the Voids are a very ambiguous threat.

In fact, most of the world has been vague so far. While Natusko Hirose has spent a lot of time with the main cast of A Tale of Perishing, she hasn't explored the land at all. Between the lack of world building and the poorly explained battles, this anime hasn't embraced all the positive aspects of the isekai genre.

The Voids in Zenshu Are an Undefined Threat No Enemy Has Been Really Dangerous Yet

This anime doesn't seem to care about the original plot of A Tale of Perishing. This may be because Natusko has changed things so...

Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron (2023) is a deeply personal and semi-autobiographical film. The Studio Ghibli masterpiece blends fantasy with reality, creating an evocative narrative that seemingly draws lots of things from the filmmaker’s own childhood.

Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron has something related to his personal life. | Credits: Studio Ghibli

Among the many striking elements in the story, one subplot stands out as particularly unsettling to many Western audiences: Mahito’s father remarrying his deceased wife’s sister, Natsuko, and quickly impregnating her. While this may appear shocking and even inappropriate to many, such weddings have traditionally been prevalent across many cultures, including Japan.

How does this relate to Hayao Miyazaki’s personal life?

The marriage shown in The Boy and the Heron is known as ‘sororate marriage’ and was historically accepted in many cultures due to several social, financial, and familial reasons. Therefore,...

The isekai genre has a tendency to feel both overwhelming and alienating. Its tremendous popularity means that we get roughly six million new series each season, stories about hapless people being reincarnated in another world and posited to fit some fantastical new destiny. Meanwhile, its typically strict adherence to a particular narrative arc dictates that if one doesn’t find something to latch onto with one series, they might just ignore the genre entirely. But if you’ve ever been curious about isekai, but hesitant (or unable) to find a suitable entry point for yourself, Zenshu might just be your saving grace. Animated by Mappa, with direction by Mitsue Yamazaki and stellar script composition by Kimiko Ueno, Zenshu concerns animator Natsuko Hirose and her journey from the real world (in which she’s a wunderkind in the anime industry) to the world of A Tale of Perishing. Perishing was Natsuko...

Isekai anime lean more towards shonen tropes, with female characters often taking a backseat to the story. However, plenty of isekai anime still feature incredible female characters—both as leads and supporting cast—who play key roles in the plot and themes. Many even have their own interesting arcs and growth.

As isekai has grown in popularity, the genre has expanded into more areas, including romance, where female characters often take center stage. But well-written women aren’t and shouldn't be limited to romance, and many action isekai anime also feature strong female leads. The key is giving these characters enough depth and development to stand out. While many isekai anime have great female characters, some stand out even more for how prominently they are featured.

Related10 Best Female Isekai Anime Protagonists, Ranked

Female-led isekai anime bring fresh perspectives, focusing on personal growth and self-discovery, making them the genre’s most compelling story.

Anime original series aren't very common, and that's just one of the many traits that makes Zenshu stand out this season. Natsuko Hirose is a delightful protagonist who's strong characterization is enough of a hook to capture an audience. Plus, the series is relatable to anyone who's ever loved a piece of media that just wasn't successful. It's the story of what lengths a fan will go to in order to give the characters she loved a happy ending. Natusko is trying to subvert the story she loves for the sake of the characters in it. Even as she freely admits to not understanding the movie fully.

Natsuko already feels like she's friends with these characters because she loves them, but that isn't enough to form a real relationship. Instead, she has to put in the work to get to know them. She also has to save them from all the threats she faces.

In the past few years, the fantasy and isekai genres of the anime world have seen some major developments in the form of series that have gained a lot of traction. Among these series, the one that has gained a cult following is Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, featuring Frieren, a magic elf who helped in the defeat of the Demon King.

Frieren in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End | Credit: Madhouse

While Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is becoming increasingly popular, another anime series has graced the industry with an enticing storyline that is quite unique and thrilling. This series is called Zenshu, which started on January 5, 2025, and although it only has a few episodes under its belt, it has already gained a lot of praise and appreciation from fans.

While the two stories are completely different, the one common element between them is the Elves, who are a part of the central narrative in both series.

Natsuko Hirose, the star of this season's Zenshu , can bring anything to life through the power of animation. And that apparently includes idols! In episode 4, Mappa's original isekai welcomes a very familiar voice in the form of an animated pop star. The blue-haired Ultimate Exister is voiced by none other than Mamoru Miyano! Check out his grand entrance and his original song in this new clip from the series: Related: Voice Actor Mamoru Miyano Shares New Song "Mayu" Lyric Video The insert song, "I am Ultimate Exister," is now available to on various streaming sites. The track will also be included on a bonus soundtrack CD included in the first Blu-ray of Zenshu , which will be released in Japan on March 26. If you can't get enough of Ultimate Exister, check out his character art: Related: Sou Shares Zenshu Anime Ending Song Music Video Mitsue Yamazaki ( Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle...

The Boy and the Heron was one of the most successful 2023 films and yet Hayao Miyazaki’s most convoluted work so far. While it’s still very much a masterpiece in its own right, the audience failed to comprehend the real story and message behind it.

Mahito Maki’s story is complex. As a young boy living in Japan during World War II, he’s bound to have some trauma but we witness it first-hand during the first scene itself. At the beginning of The Boy and the Heron, Mahito runs toward a burning hospital where his mom is and loses her.

Mahito Maki from The Boy and the Heron, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. [Credit: Studio Ghibli]

After losing his mother, his father decides to marry her sister, Natsuko, to give Mahito some semblance of a normal family. She’s even pregnant, and this makes the young boy resent them further.

Japanese male singer Sou has released a music video for his latest digital single song "Tada, Kimi no Mamade" on his official YouTube channel . The lyrical tune is now featured as the ending theme for the winter 2025 TV anime Zenshu . The song was written, composed, and arranged by composer and vocaloid producer Wataru Sena. The music video depicts a mixture of live-action and characters, effectively expressing the real and digital worlds. Sou "Tada, Kimi no Mamade" Music Video Zenshu Creditless Ending Video Sou artist visual Related : Band-maid Shares Zenshu Anime Opening Song Music Video Related: Zenshu TV Anime from Mappa to Stream on Crunchyroll The TV anime Zenshu premiered in Japan on January 5, 2025. Crunchyroll is now streaming the first three episodes for members worldwide excluding Japan. Crunchyroll describes Zenshu as such: After graduating from high school, Natsuko Hirose starts her career as an animator. Her talent quickly flourishes, and...

2025 has kicked off with a plethora of popular anime series that are making big waves in The Land of the Rising Sun. NicoNico, a major Japan-based video service, has unveiled new site data confirming which ten works are attracting the most attention this winter.

Per PR Times, NicoNico's newly-revealed Top 10 Winter anime list is based on the total number of views and hits amassed by each series' posted episodes and live broadcasts. At the moment, the nation's #1 series is Medalist, a sports anime based on the titular manga by "Tsurumai Ikada." In second place is Zenshu, an original work produced by Mappa of Attack on Titan fame. In third and fourth place, respectively, are Momentarily Lily and Sakamoto Days. The latter is based on the bestselling Shonen Jump manga of the same name. The full top 10, listed from most to least popular, can be seen below.

Related Shonen Jump Hit...

The isekai genre of the anime industry has recently received a new addition in the form of the Zenshu anime series, which started on January 5, 2025. The series has only released a couple of episodes as of now, but even then, it has managed to make its presence known. One of the main reasons behind its fame is that it is directed by Mitsue Yamazaki.

Zenshu Anime Series | Credit: Mappa Studio

According to the second episode of the series, Natsuko is transferred to a legendary world based on an anime series she used to watch as a youngster. Ideally, she would have maintained her secret of being an alien to the world, but Zenshu breaks this cliché by making it evidently clear to the characters of the anime series where Natsuko is sent.

Yamazaki is known for working on many prominent series like Attack on Titan and Bleach. His contribution to...

The latest episode of Zenshu , Mappa's original series about an animator transported to the world of her favorite anime, introduces a new character to its once-doomed fantasy land. Can Natsuko and her special powers change this heroine's destiny? Manaka Iwami (Akane Kurokawa in Oshi no Ko ) will voice Destiny Heartwarming, who appears in the latest episode. Destiny is a brave and kindhearted girl who falls in love with Luke Braveheart. In the original story of A Tale of Perishing, Destiny is killed by the Void. What her fate will be with Natsuko now in the battle remains to be seen. Related: Band-maid Shares Zenshu Anime Opening Song Music Video Mitsue Yamazaki ( Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle ) directs Zenshu at studio Mappa, with scripts by Kimiko Ueno ( Delicious in Dungeon ), Yoshiteru Tsujino's original character designs adapted for animation by Kayoko Ishikawa ( Sarazanmai ) and music by Yukari Hashimoto ( A Sign of Affection...

Mappa’s latest anime, Zenshu, has been making waves recently among the anime fanbase. The work has quickly established itself as a standout in the crowded isekai genre. The title itself has the unique meaning of “complete revision” or “redo everything.” It no doubt encapsulates the series’ core theme of reinvention and the efforts that went into making it.

Zenshu Anime Cover | Credits: Crunchyroll

The journey of protagonist Natsuko, who is a teenager who struggles to rewrite a beloved story from her childhood while simultaneously navigating her own internal struggles and encounters with romance.

Her internal conflicts with constant efforts for reinvention and betterment reflect the painstaking process behind Zenshu’s creation. Director Yamazaki and her team undertook this ambitious project that blends not only creativity but also subtle aspects like technical mastery and lingering emotional depth.

Zenshu uses distinct visual styles for dual worlds

Zenshu is unique compared to many other anime,...

Zenshu kicks off the year with a fresh isekai twist, introducing an overpowered protagonist that’s sure to leave fans buzzing. Known for animating hits like Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, and Chainsaw Man, Mappa continues to prove they’re at the top of their game, despite their controversies. While some might think the studio has taken a break from delivering a jaw-dropping series, Zenshu proves otherwise. Once again, Mappa showcases not only a stunning animation but also an overpowered character.

Fans will undoubtedly compare Zenshu's main character to iconic Mappa creations like Jujutsu Kaisen’s Gojo Satoru, whose unmatched skills make him a force to be reckoned with. This bold new series proves that Mappa’s reign is far from over. However, what sets Zenshu apart is its departure from the dark, action-heavy tone that Mappa is best known for. Blending action, fantasy, and a touch of a blooming romance,...

Mappa, the anime studio behind Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan, recently unveiled a new original IP called Zenshu. In a new interview, director Mitsue Yamazaki explained the true meaning of the isekai anime's title and the difficult process of creating a new concept from scratch.

Zenshu is a major creative undertaking for Yamazaki, whose filmography primarily consists of working on manga and novel-inspired anime such as Attack on Titan, Durarara! and Monthly Girls Nozaki-kun, among others. In an interview conducted by Animate Times, Yamazaki briefly describes the story of her latest project, which features a script penned by Kimiko Ueno. "The story is about a genius animator and new director Natsuko Hirose, who is reincarnated into the [fictional] animated film, 'Perishing Story,' which she loved as a child. [This] changes the fate of the characters in the film," she stated.

Related Today Is a Great Day for Attack on Titan...

Japanese hard rock band Band-maid released their new digital single song "Zen" worldwide on January 13 and posted the song's music video on their official YouTube channel . The song is now featured as the opening theme for Mappa's original TV anime Zenshu , and the music video was shot in Mappa's new office, which just moved to Nakano, Tokyo in October. The office itself, where the TV anime Zenshu is being produced, is shown for the first time. Band-maid "Zen" Music Video Zenshu Creditless Opening Video "Zen" digital jacket Related: Zenshu TV Anime from Mappa to Stream on Crunchyroll The TV anime Zenshu premiered in Japan on January 5, 2025. Crunchyroll is now streaming the first two episodes for members worldwide excluding Japan. Crunchyroll describes Zenshu as such: After graduating from high school, Natsuko Hirose starts her career as an animator. Her talent quickly flourishes, and she makes her debut as a director in no time.

Studio Mappa's Zenshu didn't have the best anime pilot episode when it comes to isekai anime. The first episode's pacing was rough, and the character introductions fell flat. While the episode's second half delivered a great animation sequence with Zenshu's protagonist getting her own magical girl transformation sequence, the episode as a whole didn't really deliver what fans have come to expect from Studio Mappa.

The second episode, however, titled "Defending to the Death," took all the first episode's concerns and drew over them. One could say that the first episode was in fact the isekai anime's first draft. Zenshu Episode 2 built on the not-so stable foundation set in the previous episode but did so in a way that proved Studio Mappa knows exactly what it's doing with this anime.

Related Zenshu Episode 1 "First Stroke" Fails to Deliver the Mappa Standard

Studio Mappa’s Zenshu follows Natsuko, a struggling genius animator,...

Quick Links Zenshu Is A Visual Masterpiece In Every Regard One Of Mappa's Best-Looking Anime, By Far Zenshu Is Great To Watch Because Of How Much Fun It Has With The Isekai Genre How Zenshu Makes Isekai Anime Fun Zenshu’s Meta Narrative Is Where The Anime Truly Shines Why Zenshu's Writing Is So Great Zenshu Has All The Makings To Be Mappa’s Next Big Hit Will Zenshu Be The Next Big Thing From Mappa?

Warning: Contains spoilers for Zenshu episode #1.Zenshu is the latest anime from Mappa, the studio behind Jujutsu Kaisen and other major hits from the past decade. After dying from food poisoning, antisocial animator Natsuko Hirose is transported to A Tale of Perishing, the anime that inspired her to become an animator, and while the story is supposed to end in tragedy, Natsuko decides to do what she can to give it a happy ending.

Mappa has produced noteworthy hits like Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, and Chainsaw Man. Now, the studio has done it again with a brand-new original anime, Zenshu. Zenshu premiered as a refreshing twist on the isekai genre, bringing a compelling and unique protagonist to the center stage.

From the first moments of Zenshu’s first episode, it’s clear that the series is bringing forward a fun and visually eye-catching anime. The concept alone sets the stage for a journey filled with a mix of adventure, emotional depth, and brilliant action sequences. As new fans await what comes next, Zenshu is certain to become another of Mappa’s standout anime.

Zenshu Debuts With a Stunning First Episode Zenshu Quickly Catches Viewers’ Attention and Grows More Interesting

In the premiere episode, Zenshu introduces Natsuko Hirose, a rising star in the anime industry, struggling to meet the challenges that come with creating her first rom-com.

Warning: Contains spoilers for Zenshu episode #1.Mappa’s new anime Zenshu is finally out, and it’s already making waves with an incredible Studio Ghibli reference. Zenshu stars Natsuko Hirose, a genius animator who, upon death, was sent into the world of her favorite anime, A Tale of Perishing, and while the anime is supposed to end in tragedy, Natsuko decides to do what she can to give it a happy ending.

As is common with isekai anime, Natsuko gained fantastical powers after entering the world of A Tale of Perishing, and befitting her job as an animator, she has the power to bring her drawings to life. That was used to great effect in episode #1 when Natsuko saved one of the main characters, and rather than a random drawing, Zenshu episode #1 showcased Natsuko’s powers with a clear homage to the Giant Warrior from Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind.

Natsuko is the star of the show, but Luke Braveheart steals the spotlight in the end. Featuring "Tada, Kimi no Mama de" by Sou ( ID: Invaded Op), a creditless version of original anime Zenshu 's ending song sequence is now available to watch below. Zenshu Ending Video Related: Zenshu English Dub Reveals Same-Day Release, Cast & Crew Mitsue Yamazaki ( Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle ) directs Zenshu at studio Mappa, with scripts by Kimiko Ueno ( Delicious in Dungeon ), Yoshiteru Tsujino's original character designs adapted for animation by Kayoko Ishikawa ( Sarazanmai ) and music by Yukari Hashimoto ( A Sign of Affection ). Crunchyroll is simulcasting the anime and describes the story: After graduating from high school, Natsuko Hirose starts her career as an animator. Her talent quickly flourishes, and she makes her debut as a director in no time. Her first anime becomes a massive hit, sparking a social phenomenon and earning her...

When news first broke that Studio Mappa was producing an original anime series about the stressful life of an animator, the irony wasn't lost on anyone. The infamous anime studio hasn't had the best PR ever since Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, which essentially opened the floodgates as more and more animators began speaking out about their stressful experiences. Yet, with their original anime Zenshu, it seemed like Mappa was trying to perhaps turn a new leaf or at least change the conversation.

Zenshu follows Natsuko Hirose who, after graduating from high school, starts her career as an animator and quickly makes her debut as a director. With her first anime being a massive hit, earning her recognition as an up-and-coming genius director, Natsuko struggles with her second project: a feature film about first love. Having never been in love, it's hard for her to understand the concept of first love. As a result,...

Production delays will only be a hurdle in Zenshu 's story, as the original series from studio Mappa joins the list of Winter 2025 anime with a simultaneous English dub release! The first episode streams on Crunchyroll from Sunday, January 5 with the below cast and crew. Zenshu English Dub Cast Natsuko voiced by Madeleine Morris Luke voiced by Ryan Negrón Unio voiced by Luci Christian Memerun voiced by Alexis Tipton Qj voiced by Derick Snow President voiced by C.J. Critt Haruko voiced by Kirsty Johnson Mayor voiced by Christopher Guerrero Baobab voiced by Linda Young Pegbar voiced by Celeste Perez Magical Girl voiced by Brina Palencia Veteran Episode Director voiced by Anthony Bowling Production Assistants voiced by Aaron Campbell, Corey Pettit Employee voiced by Joshua Waters Townsmen voiced by Ben Stegmair, Tony Kaku Townswomen voiced by Natalie Van Sistine, Katelyn Barr, Colleen Clinkenbeard Vendors voiced by John Burgmeier, Jeremy Schwartz...

English actress Florence Pugh has been at the peak of her career for quite some time now. From portraying Amy March in Little Women to playing Jean Tatlock in Oppenheimer, Pugh has gained a lot of love and support from fans and has become one of the greatest actors in Hollywood. However, what many fans don’t know is that Pugh has also dipped her toes into the anime world.

English Actress Florence Pugh | Credit: Instagram@florencepugh

Pugh has played the role of Kiriko, one of the elderly maids who work at Natsuko’s estate in The Boy and The Heron. In fact, The Boy and The Heron is Pugh’s highest-rated movie on Rotten Tomatoes, crossing Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. In a way, The Boy and The Heron became her biggest movie for the year 2023.

The high rating of The Boy and The Heron hints that in many ways,...

2024 is coming to a close, and with it comes the end of another great year for anime. In addition to ongoing titles like One Piece, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, there were plenty of great new titles to watch like Dandadan, Delicious in Dungeon, and Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction, so fans had plenty to choose from when it came to finding anime to watch.

2024 was a great year for anime, and 2025 is already looking to be just as good, if not better. Between the various anime that will be returning with new content and the new shows that have been drumming up hype since they were first announced, 2025 will be a great year for anime with how many high-quality and overall exciting anime are set to premiere starting from January 2025. A few new and returning anime stand out, in particular, and each one will surely...

The Boy and the Heron was a heartfelt 2023 Studio Ghibli film based on Genzaburo Yoshino's 1937 novel by the same name. Much of it felt like a personal message from Hayao Miyazaki to his loved ones, mixed with beautiful scenery and fantastical characters.

However, because of this, much of the movie felt like a disjointed mess with a handful of plot points that made no sense at all. Though critics may have loved the movie, many fans of Studio Ghibli felt unsatisfied with how confusing the movie was. Of all the bizarre events taking place in the movie, these ten made the least sense.

Mahito's Father Moves On Too Quickly Shoichi Has No Respect for His Dead Wife

At the beginning of The Boy and the Heron, Mahito loses his mother Hisako in a hospital fire. Though the event traumatizes Mahito, and he struggles with her loss throughout the movie,...

Crunchyroll revealed its anime lineup for Winter 2025 on Dec 14, 2024. The line-up includes Solo Leveling season 2, Dr. Stone Science Future, The Apothecary Diaries season 2, among others.

Given below is a detailed list of the Winter 2025 line-up, encompassing new releases, returning and continuing series on Crunchyroll:

Jan 1, 2025:

1. Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective (Project No.9)

Dubs include: English and Hindi

Ten’ikai General Hospital’s Supervisory Department of Diagnostic Pathology handles cases other physicians deem too difficult to treat. It’s also where bizarre mysteries surface, from unexplained illnesses to strange murders even the police can’t solve. At the center of it all is Takao Ameku, a brilliant doctor determined to reveal the shocking truth behind these anomalies.

2. Headhunted to Another World: From Salaryman to Big Four! (Geektoys and CompTown)

Dubs include: English

In an alternate fantasy world, the Demon King reigns with a formidable army led by his Four Heavenly Kings.

Studio Mappa has made quite a name for itself in recent years with sensational series like Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and the final season of Attack on Titan. That said, Mappa has an interesting new original anime on the horizon, and it could be the studio's most defining work yet. Not to mention the series is coming to Crunchyroll sooner than fans think.

Crunchyroll recently unveiled a new trailer for Zenshu, Mappa's new original anime releasing this Winter on January 5, 2025. The series was first announced back in March 2024 and follows an aspiring animator named Natsuko Hirose, whose first anime becomes an instant hit. As seen in the latest trailer, Natsuko gains recognition as a genius new director but finds herself struggling with her next project and eventually passes out from exhaustion. When she eventually wakes up, she finds herself in the world of her favorite childhood anime called A Tale of Perishing.

The Zenshu TV anime from Mappa announced that it is set to premiere on January 5, 2025 , following the release of a brand new trailer at Ccxp in Brazil. A new trailer and accompanying key art were unveiled during the Crunchyroll Industry Panel, offering an enticing glimpse of what’s actually to come in the original anime series. As previewed in the trailer, the Japanese rock band Band-maid will perform the opening theme “Zen,” with Sou performing the ending theme “Tada, Kimo no Mama de.” As previously announced , Zenshu will stream on Crunchyroll as it premieres in Japan in January. Zenshu New Trailer, Key Art Mitsue Yamasaki ( Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle ) is on board as director, with Kimiko Ueno ( The Royal Tutor ) providing the scripts and Kayoko Ishikawa ( Sarazanmai ) serving as one of the chief animation directors and adapting Yoshiteru Tsujino's original character designs. Zenshu will feature the music of Yukari Hashimoto.

We have been following Kenichi Ugana‘s career for some years now, with the Japanese having managed a rather impressive feat, by appearing in a number of festivals around the world through the years, despite the fact that his style is distinctly Japanese, and is not involved particularly in co-productions. The rather quirky “The Gesuidouz” is another testament to the fact, as it premiered in Toronto and is now having an extensive festival run.

The Gesuidouz is screening at Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival

Hanako has a dream: her horror-themed punk band The Gesuidouz will perform at Glastonbury Festival. Furthermore, she is utterly convinced that she will die at 27, just like her heroes Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain, and being 26, she is quite intent on making her dream come true the year the story starts. Their manager Takamura, however, has nothing but negative comments about the whole group, which includes guitarist Masao,...

The Zenshu TV anime from Mappa confirmed today the new series will premiere in January 2025 following the release of its second teaser trailer. The new trailer had its world premiere at the Crunchyroll Industry Panel at New York Comic Con 2024. Mitsue Yamasaki ( Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle ) is on board as director, with Kimiko Ueno ( The Royal Tutor ) providing the scripts and Kayoko Ishikawa ( Sarazanmai ) serving as one of the chief animation directors and adapting Yoshiteru Tsujino's original character designs. Zenshu will feature the music of Yukari Hashimoto. The cast includes: Natsuko Hirose voiced by Anna Nagase Luke Braveheart voiced by Kazuki Ura (Yoichi Isagi in Blue Lock ) Unio voiced by Rie Kugimiya (Happy in Fairy Tail ) Memmeln voiced by Minori Suzuki (Rosina in Ascendance of a Bookworm ) Qj voiced by Akio Suyama (Ichiro Ogami in Sakura Wars ) The full main staff list includes: Original Creators: Mitsue Yamasaki...

Studio Ghibli knows how to tell an amazing story as evidenced by their consistent successes with titles such My Neighbor Totoro or Howls Moving Castle, to name a few with many of their tales brimming with emotionally powerful scenes. This makes them prime choices for when viewers need a good cry, as Studio Ghibli steadfastly delivers. The cathartic release of viewing emotional scenes and tear-jerking moments can often help audience members purge their own overwhelming emotions, making Studio Ghiblis films prime watching material for when viewers need to hit that release button but arent sure how to do so.

Many of Studio Ghiblis movies could provide that cleansing sensation, but some provide more dependable emotional resonance than others. From the triumphant return of Kikis flying skills in Kikis Delivery Service to the devastating separation between Arrietty and Sh, these films showcase significant moments guaranteed to tug at the audiences hearts.

Following the news in March of Mappa’s new original anime Zenshu is in production, Crunchyroll is announcing today that the TV anime will stream on the platform when it premieres in the future! Additionally, the world premiere of a new trailer for Zenshu will be shown at the Crunchyroll Industry Panel at New York Comic Con on Friday, October 18 at 6:30 p.m. Et. Zenshu Release Date: To be announced Territories: North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East and Cis Synopsis: After graduating from high school, Natsuko Hirose starts her career as an animator. Her talent quickly flourishes, and she makes her debut as a director in no time. Her first anime becomes a massive hit, sparking a social phenomenon and earning her recognition as an up-and-coming genius director. Her next project is set to be a romantic comedy movie themed around first love!

Kenichi Ugana’s “The Gesuidouz” is a delightful deadpan oddity about a Japanese punk group, whose 26-year-old lead singer Hanako (Natsuko) is convinced she’ll be dead at 27, the same age as Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain. The quartet’s sardonic musical energy translates visually at every turn, with bright, subdued visual affectations that find humor in the morose.

The result is a fluffy, self-assured ode to creativity and finding one’s voice through genre cinema — the group’s songs and albums revolve around Hollywood horror films — with a particular viewer in mind. The film is, on one hand, undoubtedly Japanese in its sensibilities. Natsuko translates Hanako’s despondent mood into reflections and refractions on feeling trapped in her skin; she seldom strays from the character’s icy stillness, though she reveals a stunning sense of warmth on occasion. On the other hand, North American midnight movie fans who frequent...

Your browser does not support the video tag. Quick Links Miyazaki's Metafictional Take on World-Building Reckoning With Reality in The Boy and the Heron Miyazaki Just Wants to Be a Responsible Storyteller Miyazaki is Not Done yet The Boy and the Heron anime explores the themes of grief, family, and responsibilities through a boy's fantastic journey into a parallel world. Miyazaki's metafictional approach to world-building is reflected in the film's dense cosmology. The movie highlights the dangers of creating fantasy without understanding its consequences and the importance of seeking balance in art and real life.

The following contains major spoilers for Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron.

At the core of The Boy and the Heron, anime grandmaster Hayao Miyazaki's 12th feature film, is a stunning image of teetering, Jenga-like blocks that embodies and challenges Miyazaki's world-building career. The movie follows Mahito Maki, a boy adjusting to a...

One of the most vital skills that an animator can hone is a sense for how gravity will bear down on their subjects in realistic and legible ways. A character who weighs nothing can appear stripped of physicality, and as a result, the viewer regards them, consciously or otherwise, as invulnerable.

Miyazaki Hayao, over the past half-century, has conquered gravity. The Japanese artist’s drawings feel like people because they move like people; they’re believable because they’re capable of being hurt. Never is this more apparent than when two of his characters embrace, the total catharsis of human bodies colliding expressed in a tight knot of stumbling feet and clasped arms—that weight, that vulnerability, shared between them. This ability to render subjects with such convincing tactility is only one reason why Miyazaki is possibly our greatest living animator, and his latest, The Boy and the Heron—a fable about,...