It’s that time of year again…
Second semester has just begun, bringing with it increasing academic difficulty and looming deadlines — and no end in sight. With so much scholastic pressure, it’s easy to forget how to have fun… or even what that would be like.
Fortunately, I have spent the last year compiling another top-notch selection of Japanese films and shows, the perfect diversion for any burnt-out Enloe student. This list includes nine anime and live-action selections, ranging from 1982 to 2025. No longer confined to Studio Ghibli, I have broadened my horizons and explored a wide variety of captivating stories, from magical realism to mystery to slice-of-life. I hope you enjoy!
If you’d like a whimsical family comedy…
Do you need a plot to have a great movie? If you think so, this Studio Ghibli film will prove you wrong. The episodic narrative of My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999) stays unified under the masterful direction of Isao Takahata, and the distinctive drawing style shifts depending on the mood of the scene, sometimes even becoming fantastical. The five main characters create a loveable family with realistic ups and downs, and if you’re a fan of haikus, you’ll find plenty to like!
If you’ve ever considered starting your own club…
At the end of the day, the twelve episodes of Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! (2020) are just a lot of fun. There’s tension and high stakes, but unlike many other anime, it never gets angsty. The contrasting personalities of the three main characters — Asakusa, a passionate artist, money-hungry Kanamori, and bubbly Mizusaki — lends itself to humor, as well as quite in-depth backstories. The trio starts a club to create anime, but are constantly in danger of being dissolved by the school administration. Plus, the opening sequence is the most unique I’ve ever seen.
If you need to defeat senioritis in style…
For a movie about musicians, Linda Linda Linda (2005) is surprisingly quiet. Three Japanese high school seniors and an exchange student from Korea get ready to perform songs by Blue Hearts, a J-rock band from the 80s and 90s. This film isn’t about excitement or shocking twists; it’s about savoring the end of your childhood and enjoying your time as a high schooler while you still can. The quartet doesn’t become famous or win any awards, but they do have fun together — and maybe, that’s enough.
If you like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Jules Verne…
A Japanese and an Italian studio collaborated to produce Sherlock Hound (1984), with five of the twenty-six episodes being directed by none other than Hayao Miyazaki. Fans of the Sherlock Holmes stories will definitely see the influence of the source material, but there were some artistic liberties taken — to say the least. For one thing, all of the characters are dogs, and for another, there’s a distinctive steampunk flair. And even though Sherlock is in the title, the landlady, Mrs. Hudson, is the real star of the show.
If you enjoy retro school stories…
A collaboration between Hayao Miyazaki and his son Goro, From Up Poppy Hill (2011) is a story about high school students who are forced to confront the past during a tumultuous time. In the background is Yokohama, preparing to host the 1964 Summer Olympics. Meanwhile, the legacy of the Korean War casts a shadow over the friendship between Umi and Shun, who are working together to prevent the school’s clubhouse from being demolished. With humor, mystery, and beautiful animation, this movie is an underrated gem among recent Studio Ghibli films.
If you like bicycles and tiny bookshops…
April Story (1998) depicts the first week of college as you’ve never seen it before. On the one hand, Uzuki Nirino is a rather ordinary girl who experiences rather ordinary things — setting up her student apartment, awkward first-day icebreakers, and exploring the quiet corners of her new city. On the other hand, there are battles between samurai, a fly-fishing club that doesn’t catch any fish, and a surprising number of broken umbrellas. Realistic or not, this is a truly heartfelt portrayal of what it’s like to leave home for the first time.
If you love Lucy Maud Montgomery…
Anne of Green Gables is an undisputed classic, and it’s been adapted for the screen many times. Despite the competition, Anne Shirley (2025) still stands apart. The twenty-four episodes are fast-paced but not rushed, staying surprisingly faithful to both the content and spirit of the first three books in the series. The visuals are also gorgeous, especially the watercolor-esque landscapes, with animation quality practically on par with that of a feature film. Old fans and newcomers alike will enjoy watching Anne’s journey, from her time at Green Gables to Redmond College and beyond.
If you have a sibling…
Mirai (2018) is an anime movie like no other. For starters, the protagonist is Kun, a four-year old boy — definitely on the younger side. Then, there’s a whole lot of time-travel involved (not especially unusual for anime, but there’s still a notable lack of explanation). With this sci-fi bent, you might assume that the stakes would become apocalyptic, but Mirai takes a more original route. It’s a sweeping exploration of heritage, parenthood, and the relationships between siblings, as various vignettes come together into a rich tapestry of the whole family’s story.
If you’re a fan of cellists and talking animals…
Only a little over an hour, Gauche the Cellist (1982) is one of the earlier works of Isao Takahata. Like many Enloe students, Gauche (the cellist) is well-meaning, sleep-deprived, and often running late, and he receives a series of nocturnal visits from the talking animals who live around his isolated hut. While this might sound like something out of a fable, the film doesn’t become moralistic. Instead, it emphasizes the beauty of classical music, pastoral landscapes, and helping neighbors of all kinds.
Whether you opt for an action-packed show or a peaceful drama, I hope that these films bring joy and respite to your days as we persevere through second semester!
