Calling all 20-somethings! A roundup of nostalgic anime from the 2000s to the 2010s

The Tatami Galaxy

The Tatami Time Machine Blues - Official Trailer (60 seconds)

An anime based on Tomihiko Morimi’s novel, it portrays the chaotic everyday lives of university students in Kyoto.

It weaves in plenty of uniquely student-like bluffing and inner conflict, and with real Kyoto place names popping up, it’s a work that will resonate especially with those who spent their college years in the city.

A major feature is its incorporation of parallel worlds, letting viewers enjoy how the protagonist’s story changes depending on the clubs or organizations he chooses.

It’s also packed with animation-specific charms, from rapid-fire, breathless dialogue to the momentum of its distinctive art style.

Fruits Basket

Ritsuko Okazaki - For Fruits Basket

Based on the manga by Natsuki Takaya, Fruits Basket is a work whose popularity is clear from the fact that it was adapted into an anime in 2001 and then remade in 2019.

The story follows the protagonist Tohru Honda, who ends up living in the home of her classmate Yuki Sohma due to an unexpected turn of events, and gradually learns the secrets of the Sohma family through their daily life.

The unique characters themed around the Chinese zodiac, as well as the way each one confronts their personal struggles, are key points of interest.

Its touching portrayal of family bonds and personal growth resonated with a wide audience and earned broad support.

Detective Conan

[Official] Detective Conan “Roller Coaster Murder Case” | Season 1, Episode 1

Detective Conan is a mystery anime about Shinichi Kudo, a high school detective who is forced into a child’s body by a mysterious organization and solves numerous difficult cases as elementary schooler Conan Edogawa.

Since its debut in 1996, it has been loved by audiences of all ages as a nationally beloved series.

In addition to its authentic mystery elements with intricate tricks, its distinctive characters are a major draw, and the story’s shifts from comedic to serious keep viewers engrossed.

Not only the TV anime but also the feature films attract attention, giving the impression of a franchise whose momentum shows no sign of slowing.

Magic Knight Rayearth

[Episodes 1–3 Pack] Magic Knight Rayearth: “Legendary Magic Knights Activate,” “Presea, Creator of the Silent Forest,” and “The Mysterious Handsome Swordsman, Ferio” (1994)

The anime Magic Knight Rayearth is a fantasy series based on CLAMP’s manga.

It depicts three girls who are summoned to an alternate world called Cephiro and set out on a journey as Magic Knights to save it from crisis.

Set in a realm of swords and sorcery, the story’s appeal lies in how the girls fight and grow.

Another highlight is the beautiful artwork characteristic of CLAMP’s works; the delicate designs further accentuate the worldbuilding.

Along with its theme song, “Yuzurenai Negai” (Unyielding Wish), it’s a title that has surely left its mark on anime history.

Dragon Ball GT

[Official] Dragon Ball GT Episode 1: "Mysterious DB Appears!! Goku Turns Into a Child!?"

Dragon Ball GT, which began airing in 1996, is the sequel to the anime Dragon Ball Z that had been broadcast up to that point.

Since the original manga’s story ends with Dragon Ball Z, people were also interested in what new developments would unfold from there.

The series follows Son Goku, who has been turned back into a child, as he embarks on a space-traveling adventure with his granddaughter Pan and Trunks.

This adventure-centric storyline evokes the early days of the original series.

With encounters with unique characters on various planets, the show offers appeal beyond just the battles.

Nodame Cantabile

Nodame Cantabile Opening

Many people in their 20s today may have watched Nodame Cantabile when they were in elementary school and, because of it, became interested in classical music or even started playing instruments themselves.

Based on Tomoko Ninomiya’s hugely popular manga, the animated series Nodame Cantabile aired on Fuji TV’s Noitamina block from 2007 to 2010 across three seasons, and became a major hit centered on classical music.

It’s also a rare case where both the live-action and the anime adaptations were successful.

Despite its classical music theme, the show is anything but stuffy: from the protagonist Nodame on down, the wonderfully eccentric characters are irresistibly charming, and the series brilliantly lets you learn about classical music while laughing out loud.

It’s enjoyable for all ages, so if you’ve just become interested now, be sure to check it out!

Hell Teacher Nūbē

Hell Teacher Nūbē Official PV Teaser 1

The anime Hell Teacher Nūbē is a horror-comedy set in an elementary school that aired in 1996.

The protagonist, Meisuke Nueno, is a clumsy, easygoing teacher on the surface, but in reality he’s the most powerful psychic, endowed with the power of an oni.

He exorcises the yokai and evil spirits that attack his students using the “Oni Hand” in his left arm.

It’s compelling to see the distinctive characters deepen their bonds through the troubles caused by these yokai and spirits.

The depictions that convey the terror of the supernatural, combined with moments of humor and tears, create a dynamic rhythm in the story that captivated viewers’ hearts.