Seeking something different from mainstream shows such as Spy x Family Season 2 or Jujutsu Kaisen? Or perhaps you might have already watched several newly popular anime such as Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really Love You and The Apothecary Diaries?
Thankfully, the Fall 2023 season has much more to offer that there may be some shows that flew under your radar. In this recommendation list, we will focus on 5 underappreciated anime gems that you can consider adding to your watchlist.
While these anime might not be everyone’s cup of tea, they all have their unique charms and offer a good change of pace if you are interested in watching something different. For all you know, one of them might just be the perfect show for you.
First on the list, we have…
Butareba – The Story of a Man Who Turned into a Pig –
Is this another generic isekai story? Or perhaps similar to another cursed anime where a guy transforms into a dog?
Thankfully, Butareba is none of the above. The premise of this show is simple – an unattractive otaku dies and reincarnates in another fantasy world in the body of a pig. While he has no special abilities, he can communicate with Jess, a servant from the magical Yesma tribe, and he resolves to accompany her as she journeys to the country’s capital.
This show starts off pretty light-hearted and comedic. However, it gets darker and more serious as the show progresses. The new world is an interesting one, but it is also grisly and dangerous, especially towards its magical inhabitants. The stakes do get increasingly higher for Jess and Pig as they journey towards their destination, and Pig’s comic relief is a much needed respite in the later episodes.
After travelling to another world, we now time travel to…
16bit Sensation: Another Layer
Konoha, a lover of bishoujo games and beautiful girls, finds herself worn out at work in a video game studio. However, a chance encounter with a game shop owner gives her the ability to time travel back to 1992 – the dawning age of bishoujo games! Armed with her skills as an illustrator and limited game industry knowledge, Konoha aspires to create the video game of her dreams with a company called “Alcoholsoft”.
The main charm of this show is its main character – Konoha. She is definitely not an omniscient or omnipotent time-traveller, and she’s frequently stumped by the inconveniences of old technologies. However, her personal drive, bubbly personality and entertaining antics bounces well with the other characters around her.
Konoha’s antics aside, this show also has an intriguing time travel plot. We soon realise that as fascinating as time travel is, there are consequences to Konoha’s actions. Her ability to time travel is also not something she obtained by chance, as there are hidden players trying to gain something through her adventures.
Bishoujo games are the only unique thing about Japan, why not take a look at some awesome ninjas too?
Under Ninja
After World War 2, traditional Japanese ninjas have managed to blend into society and now handle both domestic and international threats. Our 17-year old protagonist, Kurou, is now tasked to infiltrate a high school and uncover an impending plot that can threaten the lives of ninjas and the fabric of society in Japan.
This show feels fresh and unique in every possible way. The worldbuilding is interesting, the dialogue is witty, and the characters feel both real and wonderfully weird. However, the plot is definitely not easily understandable as there are several time skips, but you do feel a sense of satisfaction when you eventually figure it out.
While I personally enjoy this show, I understand that it is not everyone’s cup of tea. This show is definitely not another Naruto spin-off, as the ninjas rely on skill and gadgets to make ends meet. The animation’s unique style can be also feel odd and take some getting used to. That being said, I strongly encourage you to give it a go and watch a few episodes.
Speaking of unorthodox animation styles, why not consider…
KamiErabi GOD.app
Gorou, a loser in high-school, receives a strange notification on his phone to make a wish. While he jokingly makes an impossible wish, it comes true the next day, much to Gorou’s alarm. Soon, Gorou realises that the notification also marks his candidacy for godhood and he now needs to kill off other contestants to become the one and only god.
This show really is a mixed bag. On one hand, the plot is intriguing enough to warrant a mention on this list. However, the CGI animation is not something most people enjoy. Gorou can sometimes be too… kind towards the other contestants, which I find frustrating.
Personally speaking, this show is my equivalent of junk food. It is not bad enough to be outright trash, nor is it good enough to be considered a study in anime. If there’s an anime guilty pleasure this season, this show takes the cake and it is quite enjoyable when not taken seriously.
As we race to the finish line, let’s end with a bang…
Overtake!
Freelance photographer Kouya attends an F4 race at the Fuji International Speedway. He meets high school racer Haruka at the race and despite his lack of F4 knowledge, he is inspired and decides to support Haruka’s racing team – Komaki Motors. As their two worlds intersect, they gradually learn to embrace their respective pasts and move towards the future.
Unlike other heart-pumping, adrenaline filled racing shows, Overtake! is much more laid back and takes a slice-of-life approach to storytelling. This anime focuses more on the reality and struggles of racing, especially when the main characters have limited funds and resources. The characters are also well-written and have depth, as this show takes time to chart their backstories and subsequent growth.
There is nothing negative I can say about Overtake! The characters are excellent, the animation is crisp, and the soundtrack is apt for every scene. Sure, this anime might be slightly slow-paced, but there is lots of heart and warmth hidden in each episode. I highly recommend this show if you just want to watch something that makes you feel good.
There you have it. While these recommendations may not be as famous as other new hits like Undead Unluck and Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions, I believe that they are no less entertaining and enjoyable. Feel free to let me know if you enjoyed any of them, or if there are any other shows that you think deserve more attention.
This article was contributed by Caleb Chai. Follow him on Instagram for more.
