hashihime 橋姫

Better late than never, here, on the eve of the new season, is my almost-usual preview of all the shows.

I'm afraid that the only show I'm really looking forward to that much is Shinbou's next installment in the Monogatari series: Owarimonogatari. Looks like a good version of the type.

But we all have different taste, and there are always some surprises in each season. Here, at any rate, are a few shows that look like possibilities to me:

Owarimonogatari -- Good-looking trailer. If you like Shinbou, you should like this.
Subete ga F ni Naru: The Perfect Insider -- A Noitamina mystery directed by the director of Elfen Lied, written by the writer of tsuritama, and with the talented Kido Ibuki in a serious role, for once.
Concrete Revolutio: Choujin Gensou -- A comedy from the director of FMA2, the writer of FMA1, and Bones. And starring such luminaries as Ishikawa Kaito, Uesaka Sumire, and Miki Shinichirou.
Heavy Object -- The writer of Mai-HiME adapts a manga by the author of Index and Railgun. I get it. Itou Shizuka makes one of her three appearances this season.
Hidan no Aria AA -- The first series didn't thrill me, but this time we have the writer of Air, Kanon and Clannad doing the adaptation. And the great cast includes Yuuki Aoi. Did I tell you how much I like her work?
Kidou Senshi Gundam: Tekketsu no Orphans -- A new Gundam in the aftermath of the Calamity War.
Lance N` Masques -- Two rising young stars -- Ozawa Ari and Yamashita Daiki. The director of Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso. And the writer -- who also wrote the original novels -- did the solid GJ Club. An adventure comedy.
One-Punch Man -- The director of Space Dandy and the writer of episodes of Tiger and Bunny. Add in names like Kaji Yuuki, Yuuki Aoi, Sakurai Takahiro, and Hayami Saori...and buckle your seatbelts.
Ore ga Ojou-sama Gakkou ni "Shomin Sample" Toshite Gets-sareta Ken -- The manga, which involves a high-school boy being kidnapped and installed in a high-class girls' school as an example of the "common people" -- is so silly it's good. The writer of the intelligent Servant x Service may be able to do something with this.
Osomatsu-san -- The overwhelming cast -- Sakurai Takahiro, Nakamura Yuuichi, Kamiya Hiroshi, Fukuyama Jun, Ono Daisuke, Endou Aya, Suzumura Kenichi -- gives the director of Gintama' something to work with in this "high-tension comedy."
Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry -- The worst student in a school for modern knights whose weapons emerge from their souls. Maybe this ecchi battle comedy will be the first Oonuma Shin show I've really liked since ef memories.
Sakurako-san no Ashimoto ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru -- Itou Shizuka stars in a mystery adapted by the writer of Penguin Drum. She is a woman in her twenties, but the girlfriend of a high-school boy with whome she forms a detective team.
Shingeki! Kyojin Chuugakkou -- A ridiculous spin-off from Attack on Titan involving a junior high school attended by both humans and titans. Production I.G?!
Shinmai Maou no Testament Burst -- This is here solely because its new writer is the guy who wrote Kannazuki no Miko and Shattered Angels, two shows that others didn't much like but I did. There was just something about them. Maybe it came from the writer.
Taimadou Gakuen 35 Shiken Shoutai -- Features two interesting young seiyuus: Ueda Reina (Mikan in Actually, I am…) and Anzai Chika (Reina in Euphonium). As well as Ookubo Rumi, Shiraishi Ryouko, and Miki Shinichirou. And the writer, once again, was lead writer on Servant x Service.
Utawarerumono: Itsuwari no Kamen -- A new version from a new studio, with an interesting new director (Motonaga Keitarou) and a new cast. And what a cast, including Fujiwara Keiji, Taneda Risa, Minase Inori, Sakurai Takahiro and Sakura Ayane.
Young Black Jack -- Two old hands bring us the prequel to Tezuka Osamu's classic Black Jack.

Read on for full previews of 46 new shows, in the order they will be broadcast. Or click on a title in the following list to go to a particular show.

● Ame-iro Cocoa: Rainy Color e Youkoso ● Ani Tore EX ● Comet Lucifer ● Concrete Revolutio: Choujin Gensou ● Dance With Devils ● Diabolik Lovers More, Blood ● Fushigi na Somera-chan ● Gakusen Toshi Asterisk ● Garo: Guren no Tsuki ● Gochuumon wa Usagi Desuka?? ● Hacka Doll The Animation ● Haikyuu!! Second Season ● Heavy Object ● Hidan no Aria AA ● High School Star Musical ● JK Meshi! ● K Return of Kings ● Kagewani ● Kamisama Minarai: Himitsu no Cocotama ● Kidou Senshi Gundam: Tekketsu no Orphans ● Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo Returns (2015) ● Komori-san wa Kotowarenai! ● Kowabon ● Lance N` Masques ● Lupin III New Series ● Miss Monochrome The Animation (2015) ● Noragami Aragoto ● One-Punch Man ● Onsen Yousei Hakone-chan ● Ore ga Ojou-sama Gakkou ni "Shomin Sample" Toshite Gets-sareta Ken ● Osomatsu-san ● Owari no Seraph: Nagoya Kessen Hen ● Owarimonogatari ● Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry ● Sakurako-san no Ashimoto ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru ● Shingeki! Kyojin Chuugakkou ● Shinmai Maou no Testament Burst ● Soukyuu no Fafner: Dead Aggressor - Exodus 2 ● Subete ga F ni Naru: The Perfect Insider ● Taimadou Gakuen 35 Shiken Shoutai ● Tantei Team KZ: Jiken Note ● Teekyuu 6 ● Utawarerumono: Itsuwari no Kamen ● Valkyrie Drive: Mermaid ● Young Black Jack ● Yuru Yuri San Hai!

Notes:
-- information from official sites, MoonPhase, AniDB, Anime News Network, Japanese Wikipedia, et al.
-- English titles link to the Anime News Network encyclopedia; Japanese titles link to official sites.
-- times and dates may change. my weekly calendar will come out at the beginning of July with the most recent data.
-- click images to enlarge.

2015 Autumn Anime

(in order of first broadcast)

Diabolik Lovers More, Blood
(jp: Diabolik Lovers More, Blood) jpWiki

masochistic reverse harem
director: Yoshida Risako
writer: Kanasugi Hiroko.
seiyuus: Suegara Rie, Hirakawa Daisuke, Kaji Yuuki, Kondo Takashi, Konishi Katsuyuki, Midorikawa Hikaru, Toriumi Kousuke, Kimura Ryouhei, Kishio Daisuke, Sakurai Takahiro, Suzuki Tatsuhisa.
animation: ZEXCS. OP Kimura Ryouhei and Kishio Daisuke.
started wed 23 sep 24:30

A new band of vampire brothers shows up to drink Yui's blood. The original series was deliciously repulsive.

Director Yoshida Risako was assistant director on the original series. Writer Kanasugi Hiroko did Ore no Nounai Sentakushi. Both are women.

Kamisama Minarai: Himitsu no Cocotama
(jp: かみさまみならいヒミツのここたま) jpWiki

mascot animals, supernatural, young shoujo
director: Nitta Norio (directoral debut)
writer: Tsuchiya Michihiro (Kaikan Phrase, Kirarin Revolution, Cross Game, PriPara). Bandai.
seiyuus: Hondo Kaede, Aikawa Rikako, Yuuzuki Ryouka, Toyosaki Aki, Murase Michito, Kakazu Yumi, Han Megumi.
animation: OLM. OP Erika, ED Melori and the Kokotama Five.
starts thu 01 oct 18:00

"The Gods' Apprentice: Secret Cocotama." Fifth-grader Kokoro has learned from her grandmother that everything has a soul. One day she sees a strange creature born from one of her colored pencils. This is a Cocotama. She and it begin to live together, and she keeps the secret of the Cocotamas.

A new director works with an experienced writer. In the cast are only three names I know, but I loved Yuzuki Ryuka as Yukino in Candy Boy, and Han Megumi is a dependable young pro. Toyosaki Aki is the other familiar name.

Lupin III New Series
(jp: ルパン三世新シリーズ) jpWiki

mystery adventure
director: Yano Yuichiro (Moyashimon Returns, Francesca), chiefdir: Tomonaga Kazuhide
scripts: Takahashi Yuuya (Donten ni Warau lead writer).
seiyuus: Kurita Kanichi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Namikawa Daisuke, Yamadera Kouichi, Kobayashi Kiyoshi, Fujii Yukiyo, Sakuya Shunsuke.
animation: Telecom Animation Film. ED Ishikawa Sayuri.
starts thu 01 oct 25:29

First released in Italy as "Lupin III, the Italian Adventure" (L'avventura Italiana). Lupin becomes involved with an Italian beauty. The story is set in San Marino.

Lance N` Masques
(jp: ランス・アンド・マスクス) jpWiki

moe comedy adventure (w/romance?)
director: Ishiguro Kyouhei (Your Lie in April)
writer: Koyasu Hideaki (GJ Club). Koyasu Hideaki (novel).
seiyuus: Yamashita Daiki, Ozawa Ari, Numakura Manami, Mimori Suzuko, Suwa Ayaka, MAO, Tanaka Aimi, Hanamori Yumiri, Lynn, Taketatsu Ayana, Uchiyama Yumi, Koyama Mami, Ishida Akira.
animation: Studio Gokumi. OP Mimori Suzuko, ED Taketatsu Ayana.
trailer.
starts thu 01 oct 25:46

A member of the last 21st-century knights, the "Knights of the World," finds an orphan girl and begins to watch over her.

Two rising young stars -- Ozawa Ari and Yamashita Daiki -- head an interesting young cast. The director did Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso ("Your Lie in April"). The writer -- who also wrote the original novels -- did the solid GJ Club. There might be something here.

Young Black Jack
(jp: ヤングブラック・ジャック) jpWiki

mystery adventure drama
director: Kase Mitsuko (Saikano, Ristorante Paradiso)
writer: Takahashi Ryousuke (dir. Votoms, Flag).
seiyuus: Umehara Yuuichirou, Yusa Kouji, Suwabe Junichi, Itou Shizuka, Ohtsuka Akio, MAO, Eguchi Takuya, Inoue Norihiro, Matsuoka Yoshitsugu, Oda Hisafumi, Oka Kazuo, Okiayu Ryoutarou, Takeuchi Shunsuke, Tone Kentarou, Touchi Hiroki, Toyoguchi Megumi, Yamamoto Shouta, Yasumoto Hiroki.
animation: Tezuka Productions. OP UMI☆KUUN.
trailer.
starts thu 01 oct 26:16

Young Hazama studies diligently with the surgeon who saved his life when he was injured by a bomb. This is a prequel to Tezuka Osamu's classic series Black Jack, about a brilliant maverick doctor who practices without a license.

Director Kase Mitsuko directed Saikano and Ristorante Paradiso, but has only done storyboards in recent years. She now returns to direct this prequel to a classic anime. Writer Takahashi Ryousuke directed the original Votoms and Flag, but has been less active in recent years. Great names in the cast, including Itou Shizuka in one of her three roles this season. But Black Jack's new seiyuu is a lesser-known voice of 25.

Hacka Doll The Animation
(jp: ハッカドール THE・あにめーしょん) jpWiki

moe comedy?
director: Geso Ikuo (directoral debut)
writer: Maezawa Kanato (? 真衣沢かなと)
seiyuus: Takagi Miyu, Okuno Kaya, Yamashita Nanami.
animation: Creators in Pack Tokyo, Trigger. OPED seiyuus.
trailer.
starts fri 02 oct 23:00

Anime based on Hacka Doll phone app that has anime girls delivering an anime news feed based on a user's interests.

Short anime, part of Ultra Super Anime Time on Friday nights at midnight: three short shows in one half-hour.

Miss Monochrome The Animation 3
(jp: ミス・モノクローム第2期) jpWiki

idol, comedy
director: Iwasaki Yoshiaki (Love Hina, Bottle Fairy, Zero no Tsukaima, Hayate 2)
writer: Fudeyasu Kazuyuki (Kamen no Maid Guy, Milky Holmes, Is the Order Rabbit?).
seiyuus: Horie Yui, Fujiwara Keiji, Inoue Kikuko, Kanda Akemi, Kamiya Hiroshi.
animation: Liden, Sanzigen. trailer.
starts fri 02oct 23:09

Horie Yui returns for a third season as an android idol determined to reach the top. This season, Kamiya Hiroshi joins Fujiwara Keiji, Inoue Kikuko, and Kanda Akemi in the cast. Hocchan created the character and is credited with the original character design. Part of Ultra Super Anime Time.

Director Iwasaki Yoshiaki directed Hocchan's breakthrough role as Naru in Love Hina, in 2000, as well as her first robot role as Multi in To Heart the year before.

Kagewani
(jp: 影鰐) jpWiki

monster mystery
director: Takashima Tomoya (chiefdir:Yamishibai)
writer: scr:Kumamoto Hiromu (script:Yamishibai). Takashima Tomoya.
seiyuus: Sugita Tomokazu, Okiayu Ryoutarou.
animation: Tomovies. OP MSS Project.
starts fri 02 oct 23:17

Mysterious monsters suddenly begin preying on human beings. A scientist works to unravel the truth.

Short anime, part of Ultra Super Anime Time. The third show in the set is the new season of Horie Yui's Miss Monochrome, which hasn't done much for me through two seasons.

Sugita!

Heavy Object
(jp: ヘヴィーオブジェクト) jpWiki

sci-fi fighting
director: Watanabe Takashi (Slayers, Boogiepop Phantom, Shana, Freezing)
writer: Yoshino Hiroyuki (Mai-HiME, Macross Frontier, Magi, World Trigger). Kamachi Kazuma (manga; Railgun/Index mangas).
seiyuus: Ishikawa Kaito, Suzuki Eri, Hanae Natsuki, Itou Shizuka.
animation: JC Staff. OP ALL OFF, ED Kano.
starts fri 02 oct 24:30

Objects are massive and powerful ultimate weapons that only elite pilots can weild. On a snowy battlefield an elite girl pilot, a student training to be an object mechanic, and a girl trainee soldier meet.

Nice cast, but the name that fascinates me here is Itou Shizuka. She was married a while ago, but now seems to have returned to work full time, with three roles this season. Director and writer are experienced top names.The manga is by the authors of Index and Railgun.

Noragami Aragoto
(jp: ノラガミ ARAGOTO) jpWiki

supernatural comedy adventure
director: Tamura Kotarou
writer: Akao Deko. Adachi Toka (manga).
seiyuus: Uchida Maaya, Kamiya Hiroshi, Kaji Yuuki, Toujou Hisako, Takahashi Shinya, Sawashiro Miyuki, Ono Daisuke, Okiayu Ryoutarou, Higashiuchi Mariko, Takahashi Shinya, Toyosaki Aki, Takao Yuki, Satou Kanami, Akesaka Satomi, Nishiyama Koutarou, Ozawa Ari.
animation: Bones. OP The Oral Cigarettes, ED Tia.
starts fri 02 oct 25:05

New season for Noragami, the story of a down-and-out god with no shrine and no followers but an intense desire to rise to glory. The same main staff and cast return.

K Return of Kings
(jp: K RETURN OF KINGS) jpWiki

supernatural action adventure
director: Suzuki Shingo (K, Coppelion), seriesdir: Kanazawa Hiromichi (dir:Seitokai Yakuindomo, Princess Lover)
writer: GoRA. orig: GoRA, Go Hands.
seiyuus: Namikawa Daisuke, Komatsu Mikako, Ono Daisuke, Sawashiro Miyuki, Miyano Mamoru, Nazuka Kaori, Okitsu Kazuyuki, Nakamura Yuuichi, Iizuka Shouzou, Shimono Hiro.
animation: Go Hands. OP Horie Yui, ED CustomiZ.
starts fri 02 oct 25:55

Seven hidden kings (male or female) rule modern Japan. Magic and mystery in the bright light of day. The first series attracted and confused me. Fabulous cast.

Soukyuu no Fafner: Dead Aggressor - Exodus 2
(jp: 蒼穹のファフナー Dead Aggressor EXODUS 2) jpWiki

space war
director: Habara Nobuyoshi, chiefdir:Noto Takashi
writer: Ubukata Tow. Xebec.
seiyuus: Ishii Makoto, Kiyasu Kouhei, Han Megumi, Morita Masakazu, Komatsu Michiko, Sasaki Nozomu, Seto Saorii, Nakamura Yuuichi, Sasaki Rio, Kobayashi Sanae.
animation: Xebec Zwei. OP/ED Angela.
13eps.
starts fri 02 oct 26:25

This is the second half of the sequel series to the movie. The first half aired last winter. I like space opera, but somehow the first series didn't capture me. Written by Ubukata Tow.

Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo Returns (2015)
(jp: 金田一少年の事件簿R[リターンズ] (2015)) jpWiki

mystery adventure
series director: Ikeda Youko
seiyuus: Matsuno Taiki, Nakagawa Akiko, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Komugi Juurouta, Ono Kenichi.
original work: Amagi Seimaru, Sato Fumiya
animation: Toei. OP News, ED Flower. 25 episodes.
starts sat 03 oct 17:30

Kindaichi is a poor student, but the grandson of a famous detective -- and when a mystery appears, he has the knack of solving it.

Gakusen Toshi Asterisk
(jp: 学戦都市アスタリスク) jpWiki

sci-fi action w/pretty girls
director: Setou Kenji, chiefdir: Ono Manabu (Saki, Horizon, Irregular at Magic High School)
writer: Miyazaki Yuu.
seiyuus: Tamaru Atsushi, Touyama Nao, Kakuma Ai, Izawa Shiori, Ozawa Ari, Tamura Mutsumi, Sugita Tomokazu, Akasaki Chinatsu, Uchiyama Yumi, Hoshino Takanori.
animation: A-1 Pictures. OP Nishizawa Shiena, ED Sakamoto Maaya.
starts sat 03 oct 20:30

Several decades after the earth has been hammered by a rain of asteroids, our hero and heroine are students in the Academy City Asterisk. That is the world's largest stage for the battle entertainment Star Wars Festival. The young students do battle.

Setou Kenji (Weiss Survive R, Saki Biyori) directs under the supervision of Ono Manabu (Saki, Horizon, etc.).

Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry
(jp: 落第騎士の英雄譚[キャバルリィ]) jpWiki

ecchi fighting romantic comedy adventure
director: Oonuma Shin, Tamamura Hitoshi
writer: Yasukawa Shougo. Misora Raku.
seiyuus: Oosaka Ryouta, Ishigami Shizuka, Touyama Nao, Asanuma Shintarou, Kobayashi Yuu, Kanemoto Hisako, Higashiuchi Mariko, Aisaka Yuuka, Iguchi Yuka, Kitta Izumi, MAO, Han Megumi, Matsuoka Yoshitsugu, Hosoya Yoshimasa, Arimoto Kinryuu.
animation: Silver Link, Nexus. OP Sakai Mikio, ED Ali Project.
manga.
starts sat 03 oct 23:00

Our hero is the worst student in a school for knights whose weapons are forged from their souls. He accidentally offends the top student -- a princess, who is somehow his new roommate -- and is forced to fight her, the loser to obey the winner forever. The manga is subtler and more interesting than this summary suggests.

Large and interesting cast. Here's hoping this is the first Oonuma Shin show since ef:memories that I have really liked.

Owarimonogatari
(jp: 終物語) jpWiki

supernatural moe romantic adventure comedy
director: Itamura Tomoyuki. chiefdir: Shinbou Akiyuki
writer: Tou Fuyashi, Shinbou Akiyuki. NisiOisin.
seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi, Mizuhashi Kaori, Inoue Marina, Hayami Saori, Yukino Satsuki, Saitou Chiwa, Horie Yui, Sawashiro Miyuki.
animation: Shaft. ED Takigawa Alisa.
trailer.
starts sat 03 oct 24:00

Bakemonogatari is one of my favorite anime of all time. The rest of the -monogatari series were enjoyable, but didn't fascinate me as much. The trailer for this show looks fabulous. Real Shinbou/Shaft. I will definitely be there to see how the show goes.

Director Itamura Tomoyuki, who is working under Shinbou, did Neko- (Black), Second Season, Hana- and Tsuki-.

Utawarerumono: Itsuwari no Kamen
(jp: うたわれるもの偽りの仮面) jpWiki

supernatural moe adventure with violence and animal ears
director: Motonaga Keitarou (School Days, Jormungand)
writer: Kouno Takamitsu (Lamune, Absolute Duo). Aquaplus (game).
seiyuus: Fujiwara Keiji, Taneda Risa, Tone Kentarou, Minase Inori, Kakuma Ai, Hara Yumi, Yamamoto Nozomi, Sakurai Takahiro, Sakura Ayane.
animation: White Fox. OPED Suara.
trailer. 25eps.
starts sat 03 oct 25:00

"Utawarerumono: False Mask." The nameless protagonist (Fujiwara Keiji) awakens to find himself standing in the middle of a vast, snowy plain. He remembers nothing about himself. Suddenly, he is attacked by an insect-like creature.

But he is saved by a beautiful girl (Taneda Risa) with animal ears and a tail. Her name is Kuon. She names him Haku.

Nine years after the first series, a new TV series for this franchise. New cast. New staff. New animation studio. I never got into the first series, but I'll give this new one a go. I love some of the cast members: Fujiwara-san, Taneda-san, Minase-san, Sakurai-san Sakura-san.

Kowabon
(jp: こわぼん) jpWiki

"stylish horror" shorts
director: Taketani Kazuma
writer: Kumamoto Hiromu (Yamishibai scripts).
seiyuus: Amano Natsu, Takaki Yuumi.
animation: ILCA. trailer
starts sat 03 oct 25:42

Rotoscoped. Stars two members of Kyushu idol group LinQ.

The main visual and the trailers have my attention. But then again I'm a fan of rotoscoping.

Shingeki! Kyojin Chuugakkou
(jp: 進撃！巨人中学校) jpWiki

parody
director: Ibata Yoshihide (debut as main director; eps of Horizon, Gargantia, Junketsu Maria)
writer: Gotou Midori (Hozuki no Reitetsu; eps of Genshiken Nidaime). Isayama Hajime, Nakagawa Saki.
seiyuus: Kaji Yuuki, Ishikawa Yui, Inoue Marina, Taniyama Kishou, Shimamura YuuHoshizume Tomohisa, Kobayashi Yuu, Mikami Shiori, Shimono Hiro, Ousaka Ryouta, Hosoya Yoshimasa, Hashizume Tomohisa, Fujita Saki, Kamiya Hiroshi, Ono Daisuke, Paku Romi, Chiba Susumu, Kawada Shinji, Mito Kouzou, Aikawa Natsuki, Kaiden Michiko, Miyake Kenta.
animation: Production I.G. OP Linked Horizon, ED seiyuus.
starts sat 03 oct 25:58

The characters from the original series are junior high-schoolers in a school with both a human and a titan section. Really. Much of the same cast returns, but Production I.G (which assisted on the first series) takes over from Wit Studio. The trailer doesn’t do much for me, but then again the original show wasn't my cup of tea, either. We shall see.

Haikyuu!! Second Season
(jp: ハイキュー!! セカンドシーズン) jpWiki

sports
director: Mitsunaka Susumu
writer: Kishimoto Taku.
seiyuus: Murase Ayumu, Ishikawa Kaito, Hino Satoshi, Irino Miyu, Hayashi Yuu, Hosoya Yoshimasa, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Uchiyama Kouki, Saitou Souma, Masuda Toshiki, Nazuka kaori, Morohoshi Sumire, Kamiya Hiroshi, Tanaka Kazunari, Nakamura Yuuichi, Kaji Yuuki, Tachibana Shinnosuke, Ishii Mark.
animation: Production I.G. OP Spyair, ED Galileo Galilei.
starts sat 03 oct 26:58

Second season of the popular volleyball anime. The first series was the director's first as director.

Kidou Senshi Gundam: Tekketsu no Orphans
(jp: 機動戦士ガンダム鉄血のオルフェンズ) jpWiki

mecha adventure
director: Nagai Tatsuyuki (Railgun, Waiting in Summer)
writer: Okada Mari (True Tears, Black Butler, Blast of Tempest, Nagi no Asukara). Tomino Yoshiyuki, Yatate Hajime.
seiyuus: Kawanishi Kengo, Hosoya Yoshimasa, Hanae Natsuki, Terasaki Yuka, Umehara Yuuichirou, Takumi Yasuaki, Murata Taishi, Amasaki Kouhei, Saitou Souma, Kanemoto Hisako, Sakurai Takahiro, Matsukaze Masaya.
animation: Sunrise. OP Man with a Mission, ED Misia.
starts sun 04 oct 17:00

"Gundam - Iron-Blooded Orphans." Three hundred years after the Earth-Mars "Calamity War," Cordelia sets out for Earth to speak for the independence of the Martian city of Chryse, which is controlled by Earth. Escorting her are two members of a private security company. When a group attacks them, one of the men rebels aganst the company and they all become involved in fighting, using an old nuclear-powers mobile suit from the Calamity War. Top director and writer.

Onsen Yousei Hakone-chan
(jp: 温泉幼精ハコネちゃん) jpWiki

supernatural comedy shorts
director: Yanase Hiroyuki (Himegoto; long-time animation director, storyboarder, ep director)
writer: (sript) Tomonaga Korie, Murakami Momoko.
seiyuus: Ono Saki, Asai Ayaka, Taketatsu Ayana, Yuuki Aoi, MAO, Kuwahara Yuuki, Murata Taishi.
animation: Asahi Production. OP petit milady.
starts sun 04 oct 20:55

A hot spring spirit descends upon a hot spring resort. She is a mature woman, but looks like a little girl. A high school boy stumbles across her and ends up joining her in the attempt to recover her powers.

Yuuki Aoi in the cast? I'll take a good look. The director has only done one other show (Himegoto), but started as an animator in 1988 and has done every job possible. Five-minute shorts.

Ame-iro Cocoa: Rainy Color e Youkoso
(jp: 雨色ココア Rainy colorへようこそ!) jpWiki

reverse harem
director: Koga Kazuomi (debut; eps. Pokemon, Aikatsu, Akame ga Kill)

seiyuus: Yamamoto Kazutomi, Yamaya Yoshitaka, Yamamoto Shouma, Horikawa Ryo, Satou Yuugo, Marue Shunya, Shimono Hiro, Midorikawa Hikaru, Hirakawa Daisuke, Miyano Mamoru, Okui Yuuko, Yamazaki Ryouko, Kuwayama Kotone, Mizuki Hitomi, Horikawa Ryuuko.
animation: EMT Squared. OP Shimono Hiro.
starts sun 04 oct 22:27

Second season for the reverse harem café comedy. Producers used a crowdfunding campaign to enable them to add more bishounen. There will also be a live-action segment with the anime.

Komori-san wa Kotowarenai!
(jp: 小森さんは断れない!) jpWiki

shorts from a comic strip
director: Imaizumi Kenichi (Brynhildr)
writer: Katsuro Yuuka (2eps of Hitman Reborn). Cool Kyoushinja (comic).
seiyuus: Uchida Aya, Naganawa Maria, Ozawa Ari.
animation: Artland. OP Yuuhei Satellite. manga.
starts sun 04 oct 22:27

"Komori-san Can't Say No." Komori is a middle-school student who can't ever say no to helping someone -- and has gained great abilities as a result.

Stars the underappreciated Uchida Aya, with up-and-coming Ozawa Ari in the cast. The director did Brynhildr.

Comet Lucifer
(jp: コメット・ルシファー) jpWiki

science fiction fantasy adventure
director: Kikuchi Yasuhito, Nakayama Atsushi
writer: Nomura Yuuichi.
seiyuus: Oohashi Ayaka, Kobayashi Yuusuke, Takahashi Rie, Minase Inori, Suwa Ayaka, Terashima Takuma.
animation: 8bit. OP fhana, ED Ohashi Ayaka.
starts sun 04 oct 22:30

On the planet Gift, precious crystals called Giftium lie buried in the earth. A young man wanders deep into the ruins of a mine and discovers an underground lake. There, he meets a mysterious girl with blue hair and red eyes….

Little-known staff, interesting young cast.

Concrete Revolutio: Choujin Gensou
(jp: コンクリート・レボルティオ超人幻想) jpWiki

supernatural comedy adventure
director: Mizushima Seiji (Shaman King, FMA2, Gundam00)
writer: Bones, Aikawa Shou (Martian Successor Nadeshico, FMA, Oh Edo Rocket).
seiyuus: Ishikawa Kaito, Uesaka Sumire, Toyosaki Aki, Kanao Tetsuo, Nakamura Eriko, Miki Shinichirou, Suzumura Kenichi, Kawashima Tokuyoshi.
animation: Bones. OP ZAQ.
starts sun 04 oct 23:00

Superheroes flood into Japan. The government establishes a bureau to manage and safegurd them.

Nice cast, capable director, legendary writer. Bones. Worth a look.

One-Punch Man
(jp: ワンパンマン) jpWiki

action parody
director: Natsume Shingo (Space Dandy)
script: Suzuki Tomohiro (6eps of Tiger/Bunny). manga:ONE/Murata Yuusuke.
seiyuus: Furukawa Makoto, Ishikawa Kaito, Kaji Yuuki, Yuuki Aoi, Yamaji Kazuhiro, Tsuda Kenjirou, Takayama Minami, Genda Tesshou, Yasumoto Hiroki, Sakurai Takahiro, Ueda Youji, Namikawa Daisuke, Hino Satoshi, Ueda Yuuji, Toriumi Kousuke, Konishi Katsuyuki, Hatano Wataru, Onosaka Masaya, Miyano Mamoru, Hayami Saori, Nakamura Yuuichi.
animation: Madhouse. OP Jam Project, ED Moriguchi Hiroko.
starts sun 04 oct 25:05

Superhero "One-Punch Man" has trained so hard that his hair has fallen out. But he can overcome any enemy with one punch. However, because he is so strong and can win fights so easily, he is bored and frustrated.

This sort of madcap parody is not usually my thing -- I only lasted two episodes of Space Dandy. But this appears to be a quality operation. And the names in the cast get my attention: Ishikawa Kaito, Kaji Yuuki, Yuuki Aoi, Sakurai Takahiro, Namikawa Daisuke, Miyano Mamoru, Hayami Saori, Nakamura Yuuichi, etc., etc.

High School Star Musical
(jp: ハイスクールスター・ミュージカル) jpWiki

bishounen and music
director: Tada Shunsuke (Bungaku Shoujo, Kuroko no Basket, Prince of Tennis movies)
writer: Harada Sayaka (first time as lead writer).
seiyuus: Hanae Natsuki, Maeno Tomoaki, Ono Kenshou, Hosoya Yoshimasa, Arthur Lounsbery, Morikubo Shoutarou, Hirakawa Daisuke, Okitsu Kazuyuki, Suwabe Junichi, Uchida Yuuma.
animation: C-Station. OP Gero, ED seiyuus.
starts mon 05 oct 24:00

Life and aspiration in a show business academy.

Strong all-male cast. Capable director. New writer.

JK Meshi!
(jp: JKめし!) jpWiki

cooking comedy shorts
director: Mitani Yasunori (? 見谷泰道)

seiyuus: Hara Natsuko, Tokui Sora, Fujita Nao, Satou Rina, Asahina Ryouka, Igarashi Ruriko.
animation: Kyoufu Tomato, Office Nobu.
starts mon 05 oct 25:00

Three high school girls have mastered the art of cooking simple dishes they call JK meshi "high-school girl food." When studying for tests, they get distracted and start cooking JK meshi.

The director is the head of the Kyoufu Tomato (Elegant Tomato) flash animation studio.

Teekyuu 6
(jp: てーきゅう 6期) jpWiki

comic shorts
director: Itagaki Shin
writer: Itagaki Shin. Piyo/Roots (manga).
seiyuus: Hanazawa Kana, Mimori Suzuko, Narumi Kyouko, Watanabe Yui, Ishihara Kaori, Kitamura Eri, Ogura Yui.
animation: Roots/Piyo/Ace Star Entertainment. ED seiyuus.
starts mon 05 oct 25:05

Yet another season of these popular comic shorts. Terrific cast. Good director. Not my thing.

Osomatsu-san
(jp: おそ松さん) jpWiki

"high-tension" gag comedy
director: Fujita Youichi (Gintama')
writer: Matsubara Shuu. Akatsuka Fujio.
seiyuus: Sakurai Takahiro, Nakamura Yuuichi, Kamiya Hiroshi, Fukuyama Jun, Ono Daisuke, Endou Aya, Suzumura Kenichi, Kokuryu Sachi, Ueda Youji, Tobita Nobuo, Saitou Momoko.
animation: Studio Pierrot. OP AŌP.
starts mon 05 oct 25:35

If this show has nothing else, its main cast is so overwhelming that it has to be seen. The Matsuno household has six naughty and mischievous sons -- who are sextuplets. All of them, including the eldest Osomatsu, are in love with the same girl.

The director did Gintama'. Probably a good version of something I don't often enjoy.

Yuru Yuri San Hai!
(jp: ゆるゆりさん☆ハイ!) jpWiki

yuri moe comedy
director: Hata Hiroyuki (Recently My Sister is Unusual)
writer: Hata Hiroyuki, Fukami Makoto (Psycho-pass scripts). Namori (manga).
seiyuus: Mikami Shiori, Ootsubo Yuka, Tsuda Minami, Ookubo Rumi, Fujita Saki, Toyosaki Aki, Katou Emiri, Mimori Suzuko.
animation: TYO Animations. OPED seiyuus.
starts mon 05 oct 26:05

A third season for the popular yuri-esque comedy. The good cast remains the same, but the director, writer, and studio have all changed.

Hidan no Aria AA
(jp: 緋弾のアリアAA) jpWiki

school action love comedydirector: Kawabata Takashi (directoral debut)
writer: Shimo Fumihiko (Air, Kanon, Clannad, Kokoro Connect). Akamatsu Chuugaku (novel).
seiyuus: Sakura Ayane, Kugimiya Rie, Kayano Ai, MAO, Yuuki Aoi, Sarah Emi Bridcutt, Horie Yui, Imamura Ayaka, Minase Inori, Asakura Momo, Hashimoto Chinami, Majima Junji, Takahashi Mikako, Ise Mariya, Ishihara Kaori.
animation: Douga Koubou. OP nano, ED Kugimiya Rie, Sakura Ayane.
starts tue 06 oct 19:00

Sakura Ayane and Kugimiya Rie. Mmm. Kayano Ai, Yuuki Aoi, Minase Inori, Ishihara Kaori. Double mmm. And Horie Yui, as well.

Directoral debut of a long-time Shaft storyboarder/episode diirector. He's paired with the writer of Air, Kanon and Clannad.This could work.

Tantei Team KZ: Jiken Note
(jp: 探偵チームKZ[カッズ] 事件ノート) jpWiki

young-shoujo mystery shorts
director: Ichikawa Kazuya (directoral debut; 3D animator)
writer: Yamada Yuka (Tideline Blue, Bungaku Shoujo), Fudeyasu Kazuyuki (Milky Holmes). Sumitaki Ryou, Fujimoto Hitomi.
seiyuus: Tatsumi Yuiko, Saitou Souma, Terashima Takuma, Nishiyama Koutarou, Ichiki Mitsuhiro.
animation: Signal MD. OP Diana Garnet.
starts tue 06 oct 25:35

Our worry-wart junior-high heroine joins a detective team with four very idiosyncratic boys she meets at cram school. They bicker, but still manage to solve cases.

Stars Tatsumi Yuiko, who was Riko in KissxSis, but graduated to doing numerous co-starring roles. Rising star Saitou Souma is one of the guys. The director is basically a 3D animator. This is his first TV anime.

Dance With Devils
(jp: Dance With Devils) jpWiki

supernatural reverse harem
director: Yoshimura Ai (Teen Romcom Snafu, Aoharu Ride)
writer: Konparu Tomoko (Ashita no Nadja, NANA, Nodame, Aoharu Ride). Iwasaki Daisuke.
seiyuus: Saitou Souma, Kimura Subaru, Hirakawa Daisuke, Kondou Takashi, Hatano Wataru, Akaneya Himika, Suzuki Tatsuhisa, Suzuki Yuuto, Matsuda Risae, Yamamoto Kazutomi.
animation: Brain's Base. OP Hatano Wataru, ED Pentacle★ (seiyuus).
starts wed 07 oct 23:30

Our heroine lives a happy, normal life…until she discovers that some of her bishounen classmates are demons. I wonder how this will compare with Diabolik Lovers.

Capable director, top writer. Saitou Souma is a fast-rising male seiyuu.

Ore ga Ojou-sama Gakkou ni "Shomin Sample" Toshite Gets-sareta Ken
(jp: 俺がお嬢様学校に「庶民サンプル」としてゲッツされた件) jpWiki

romantic comedy with fanservice
director: Jinbou Masato (Fate/Kaleid Zwei, NozoxKimi)
writer: Shimoyama Kento (ServantxService, Anti Magic Academy). Nanatsuki Takafumi (novel).
seiyuus: Tamaru Atsushi, Serizawa Yuu, Tachibana Rika, Kuwahara Yuuki, Morinaga Chitose, Oonishi Saori, Hara Yumi.
animation: Silver Link. OP Idol College, ED Hara Yumi.
starts wed 07 oct 23:30

An ordinary high school boy is kidnapped and installed in an academy for elite young ladies as a sample of the common people. The manga is surprisingly amusing. The rich girls are hilariously ignorant of normal life.

It's a cast of young comparative unknowns, but I'm looking forward to Serizawa Yuu, who was enjoyably over-the-top in Jitsu wa, Watashi…

Fushigi na Somera-chan
(jp: 不思議なソメラちゃん) jpWiki

slice-of-life comic strip shorts
director: Imazaki Itsuki (Ai Mai Mi, Recorder Randsel Mi)
writer: Choboraunyopomi.
seiyuus: Nakaya Sayaka (ex-AKB48), Hondo Kaede, Naganawa Maria, Momokawa Rika.
animation: Seven.
starts wed 07 oct 23:55

Somera-chan is a young lady who has inherited magical powers from her deceased parents. Maybe. The first two chapters of the manga can be seen here (in Japanese).

It's always dangerous to turn idols into seiyuus, but sometimes it can work.Capable director. Five-minute epsiodes.

Sakurako-san no Ashimoto ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru
(jp: 櫻子さんの足下には死体が埋まっている) jpWiki

mystery, romance
director: Katou Makoto (debut; eps. of Inari Konkon, Aldnoah), asst:Bessho Makoto (Shangri-la; boards and eps since 1990s)
writer: Ikami Takayo (Penguin Drum). Oota Shiori (novel).
seiyuus: Itou Shizuka, Enoki Junya, Kakihara tetsuya, Ishida Akira, Imamura Ayaka, Isobe Masako, Takahashi Hiroki.
animation: Troyca. OP True, ED TECHNOBOYS PULCRAFT GREEN-FUND.
starts wed 07 oct 24:30

"Under Sakurako's Feet a Corpse is Buried." A serious high school boy in Hokkaido loves to show off his beautiful older girlfriend. She is in her mid-20s, is from a rich family, and loves "beautiful bones." The two get involved in various incidents regarding bones.

Itou Shizuka as Sakurako gets my attention right away. The director appears to be young -- his first credit is in 2012 -- and is directing his first full show. The writer did Penguin Drum. I have hopes for this show.

Taimadou Gakuen 35 Shiken Shoutai
(jp: 対魔導学園35試験小隊) jpWiki

fighting with comedy and fanservice
director: Kawamura Tomoyuki (Kamigami no Asobi)
writer: Shimoyama Kento (Bleach, ServantxService). Yanagimi Touki (novel).
seiyuus: Hosoya Yoshimasa, Ueda Reina, Ookubo Rumi, Shiraishi Ryouko, Yusa Kouji, Yamada Natsumi, Anzai Chika, Nomizu Iori, Itou Kanae, Miki Shinichirou.
animation: Silver Link. OP Afilia Saga, ED Kanako Itou.
trailer.
starts wed 07 oct 25:05

"Anti-Magic Academy 35th Test Platoon." This is a world where people with magic powers are close to being wiped out. Our hero is a student in an academy that trains inquisitors to find and attack magic users. But he can’t even use a gun, only a sword. One day, a girl who is a top marksman joins his platoon of misfits.....

Features Ueda Reina (Naru in Hanayamata; Mikan in Actually, I am…) and Anzai Chika (Coffin-princess Chaika; Reina in Euphonium). As well as Ookubo Rumi, Shiraishi Ryouko, and Miki Shinichirou. The director is not well known, but the writer was lead writer on Bleach and Servant x Service. A definite maybe.

Subete ga F ni Naru: The Perfect Insider
(jp: すべてがFになる THE PERFECT INSIDER) jpWiki

mystery
director: Kanbe Mamoru (Elfen Lied, Denpateki no Kanojo)
writer: Oono Toshiya (tsuritama, Gatchaman). Mori Hiroshi (novel).
seiyuus: Kase Yasuyuki (Kankurou/Naruto), Tanezaki Atsumi, Kido Ibuki.
animation: A-1 Pictures. OP Kana-Boon, ED Scenario Art. trailer
starts thu 08 oct 24:55

Noitamina. A member of a research lab goes on a vacation held by the lab. The daughter of his mentor joins the group, and the two end up finding a corpse and working together to solve a serial murder case.

Directed by the director of Elfen Lied and the underrated Denpateki no Kanojo. Written by the writer of tsuritama and Gatchaman (those are not necessarily great recommendations, for me).

The real draw for me is Kido Ibuki in a serious role. Maybe this will be the time she gets a role in a good show. She plays a brilliant researcher with a dark past. A TV drama of the story aired in 2014.

Garo: Guren no Tsuki
(jp: 牙狼〈GARO〉 -紅蓮ノ月-) jpWiki

historical adventure with violence
director: Wakabayashi Atsushi (Guin Saga)
writer: Aikawa Shou (Martian Successor Nadesico, FMA, Oh Edo Rocket), Inoue Toshiki. Amemiya Keita.
seiyuus: Seki Tomokazu, Horiuchi Kenyuu, Namikawa Daisuke, Yajima Akiko, Nakayama Masei, Paku Romi, Satou Eriko, Sasaki Sayaka.
animation: Mappa. OP Jam Project, ED Sasaki Sayaka w/Inaribayashi.
starts fri 09 oct 25:23

"Garo, Crimson Moon." This series is set in the Japanese Heian period (around 1000 AD). Cast of top pros includes Seki Tomokazu, Namikawa Daisuke, Paku Romi, and Yajima Akiko. Capable staff.

Shinmai Maou no Testament Burst
(jp: 新妹魔王の契約者 BURST) jpWiki

ecchi supernatural fighting romance
director: Saitou Hisashi
writer: Uetake Sumio. Uesu Tetsuto.
seiyuus: Nakamura Yuuichi, Asai Ayaka, Sarah Emi Bridcutt, Fukuhara Kaori, Nomizu Iori, Sugita Tomokazu, Yoshida Seiko, Asakawa Yuu, Tsuda Kenjirou, Fujiwara Keiji, Okitsu Kazuyuki, Genda Tesshou, Yamamura Hibiku, Inoue Kikuko.
animation: Production IMS. OP Metamorphose, ED Dual Flare.
starts fri 09 oct 25:40

A new season for the moderately successful show about a beautiful young woman who is the daughter of the Demon King and in line for his throne. Our hero loves and protects her from the demons who want to kill her.

The same director returns, but the writer is now Uetake Sumio, who did Kannazuki no Miko and Kyoushiro to Towa no Sora, two shows that I liked quite a bit more than other people did.

Gochuumon wa Usagi Desuka??
(jp: ご注文はうさぎですか??) jpWiki

moemoe comedy
director: Hashimoto Hiroyuki
writer: Fudeyasu Kazuyuki (Princess Resurrection, Hajime no Ippo New Challenger, Milky Holmes, Monster Musume).
seiyuus: Uchida Maaya, Sakura Ayane, Minase Inori, Satou Satomi, Taneda Risa, Hayami Saori, Hayami Shou, Kiyokawa Motomu, Murakawa Rie, Tokui Sora.
animation: Kinema Citrus, White Fox. OP Petit Rabbit's, ED Chimame-tai.
starts sat 10 oct 21:30

Lovely cast returns for a second season (Uchida Maaya, Sakura Ayane, Minase Inori, Satou Satomi, Taneda Risa, Hayami Saori, et al.).

The first series was director Hashimoto Hiroyuki's first show. Now he's back for the second series. Anime writer Fudeyasu Kazuyuki has been very very busy over the past three years.

Owari no Seraph: Nagoya Kessen Hen
(jp: 終わりのセラフ名古屋決戦編) jpWiki

action adventure with vampires
director: Tokudo Daisuke
writer: Seko Hiroshi. Kagami Takaya, Furuya Daisuke (manga).
seiyuus: Ono Kenshou, Irino Miyu, Nakamura Yuuichi, Yamamura Hibiku, Furuki Nozomi, Suzumura Kenichi, Sakurai Takahiro, Ono Daisuke, Tanezaki Atsumi, Suzuki Tatsuhisa.
animation: Wit Studio. OP FripSide, ED Yanagi Nagi.
starts sat 10 oct 22:00

A second season for the popular show in which humans battle back against vampires who have taken over the Earth (or at least Japan).

Valkyrie Drive: Mermaid
(jp: VALKYRIE DRIVE -MERMAID-) jpWiki

yuri fanservice adventure
director: Kaneko Hiraku (Stigmata no Qwaser)
writer: Kuroda Yousuke (Infinite Ryvius, Madlax, Gundam00, Jormungand).
seiyuus: Iguchi Yuka, Izawa Mikako, Seto Asami, Oonishi Saori, Yoshino Yuna, Inoue Kikuko, Asakura Azumi, Harada Hitomi, Kubo Yurika, Tazawa Masumi.
animation: Arms. OP Harada Hiromi, ED Izawa Mikako/Iguchi Yuka.

starts sat 10 oct 23:30

Mamori is a "mermaid" sent to an island where people with superpowers are held in quarantine. When Mamori is attacked, a newly transferred girl named Mirei saves her. The enemy keeps attacking, however. Just when hope is lost, Mirei kisses Mamori, and Mamori turns into a sword which Mirei uses to launch a counterattack.

Capable staff, capable young cast. This show may, just possibly, transcend its limited goals.

Ani Tore EX
(jp: あにトレ！EX) jpWiki

moe exercise shorts
director: Nigorikawa Atsushi (storyboards for 29 Naruto Shippuuden eps)
writer: Ishibashi Daisuke (scripts for Lamune, Battle Spirits, Inazuma Eleven).
seiyuus: Itou Miku (Narumi/Re-kan, Mariko/Million Doll), Waki Azumi, Komaki Miyu, Naganawa Maria, Takao Kanori.
animation: Rising Force. OP RAB (Real Akiba Boys).
starts sun 11 oct 25:11

Five young women who aim to become idols do various exercise routines for your viewing pleasure: push-ups, situps, dance, yoga, stretching, Tai Chi, etc. It is what it is.