20 Essential Anime to Watch from the Reiwa Era

The Ultimate Anime Ranking from Japan's Reiwa Era

A definitive debate has emerged in Japan, as the portal Otakomu has published a ranking of the best anime from the Reiwa era (2019 onward). Released on January 19, 2026, this list highlights productions deemed "divine" that every anime fan should experience before they die. Here's a look at the top 10 titles:

Top 10 Anime of the Reiwa Era

1. Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer)
   Studio: Ufotable | Released: April 2019
   Follow Tanjiro Kamado, a boy who becomes a demon slayer to save his sister Nezuko. This series has redefined modern animation standards with its stunning battles.

2. Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (The Apothecary Diaries)
   Studio: OLM & TOHO Animation | Released: October 2023
   Maomao, a pragmatic apothecary, is kidnapped and sold to the imperial palace, where she uses her medical skills to solve lethal mysteries.

3. Oshi no Ko
   Studio: Doga Kobo | Released: April 2023
   A doctor is reborn as the child of his favorite idol, Ai Hoshino, leading to a thrilling tale that reveals the darker side of Japan's entertainment industry.

4. Kaguya-sama: Love is War
   Studio: A-1 Pictures | Released: January 2019
   This psychological romantic comedy revolves around two proud geniuses, Kaguya and Miyuki, who are in love but too proud to confess.

5. The Dangers in My Heart (Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu)
   Studio: Shin-Ei Animation | Released: April 2023
   Kyotaro, a boy with dark fantasies, becomes infatuated with the popular Anna Yamada, showcasing a subtle and realistic romance.

6. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
   Studio: Studio Bind | Released: January 2021
   An unemployed man reawakens in a fantasy world as Rudeus Greyrat, vowing to embrace life without regrets.

7. Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury
   Studio: Sunrise | Released: October 2022
   Suletta Mercury arrives at an elite school in a corporate-controlled future, marking the first Gundam series with a female protagonist.

8. The First Slam Dunk
   Studio: Toei Animation | Released: December 2022
   Follow the triumphant return of Hanamichi Sakuragi in a basketball film that utilizes innovative CGI to capture the sport's intensity.

9. Lycoris Recoil
   Studio: A-1 Pictures | Released: July 2022
   Chisato and Takina are secret agents who safeguard Japan's peace while running a café, blending tactical action with charming daily moments.

10. Jujutsu Kaisen
    Studio: MAPPA | Released: October 2020
    Yuji Itadori swallows a cursed finger and shares a body with Sukuna, embroiling him in a world where negative emotions create monsters.

Positions 11 to 20

11. Summer Time Rendering (Suspense/Time Travel)
12. The Quintessential Quintuplets (Romantic Comedy)
13. To Your Eternity (Fantasy/Drama)
14. Ousama Ranking (Adventure/Fantasy)
15. Skip and Loafer (Slice of Life/Romance)
16. Spy x Family (Comedy/Action)
17. Bocchi the Rock! (Comedy/Music)
18. Dungeon Meshi (Fantasy/Gastronomy) - Tie
19. Villainess Level 99 (Isekai/Comedy) - Tie
20. Dandadan (Action/Supernatural)

How many of these essential anime have you watched or which ones would you add or remove?