Many have contended that 2022 was one of the best years for anime in recent times, both in terms of new anime and continuing series. But with so manygreat anime releases in the past year, many great shows were bound to go unnoticed and not receive as much love as they deserve.
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With that in mind, here is a list of some of the most underrated anime of 2022 not to miss out on. These hidden gems may be low in popularity but they make up for that with their quality. No matter the genre, there’s a lesser-known 2022 anime on this list for every fan.
7My Master Has No Tail
Mameda, like other shape-shifting tanuki, has the ability to transform into human form and deceive humans. Even though advanced technology has made their tricks ineffective, Mameda is determined to continue the tradition of her forefathers. She changes her appearance to look like a human girl and goes to Osaka to trick people but despite her effort, people see through her disguise. When she discovers a rakugo performance, she becomes fascinated by it, as it is the closest thing to playing tricks.
She meets Bunko Daikokutei, a master of the art who is also a supernatural being, and begs her to teach her how to act like a human. Though Bunko is initially hesitant, she eventually agrees. The anime explores the argument of tradition vs modernity and the impact of progress on the supernatural. It delves into the idea that humans need thesupernatural in their lives, and how as technology advances and magic loses its charm, people turn to fictional stories to recreate that sense of wonder.
6Prima Doll
Prima Dollfollows the lives of autonomous mechanical dolls, known as Automata, who have become without purpose after the war which ended some years ago. Now, they work at a coffee shop, Black Cat Cafe, dressed in elegant kimonos, adjusting to peace and trying to find new purpose.
This anime series delivers an engaging and heartwarming story, with a mix ofslice-of-life elementsand emotional high points. Each episode features scenarios that pull you into the characters' stories and make you understand and feel for their struggles. It is a highly recommended viewing for those seeking a heartwarming and character-driven emotional journey.
5The Little Lies We All Tell
Also known as Four People and Their Respective Lies, this hidden gem is a comedy and supernatural anime with astartling cast of characters. Kashihara Girls' Academy is host to Tsubasa, Sekine, Chiyo, and Rikka, ‘normal girls’ who have secrets they cannot let each other find out about, despite their close friendship. These secrets are related to each of their true identities and they go to great lengths to avoid getting unmasked.
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Based on the manga written and illustrated by Madoka Kashihara, this story was adapted by Studio Flad into eleven episodes of unique comedic delight.
4Healer Girl
Healer Girlis a charming show set in a world wheremusic has the powerto heal the body through a process known as vocal medicine. This world is populated with healers, whose main goal is to use their voices to make other people’s lives better. The main characters Itsushiro Reimi, Morishima Hibiki, and Fujii Kana are voiced by members of the real band Healer Girls, which was established based on the members’ performance on Anison Days.
The show was directed by Yasuhiro Irie, the director of the fan-favorite anime showFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. With only one season of twelve episodes,Healer Girlcaptures the hearts of viewers with its warmth and the incontestable power of music.
3Shine Post
Shine Postfollows TiNgS, a group of aspiring idols with grand aspirations. On the brink of a potential breakup, they seek the “best manager in the world” to help them out of their slump. When the new manager, Naose Hinaki who possesses a unique skill set, takes them under his wing, the members of TiNgS regain their motivation and find themselves shooting for the stars once again.
Shine Postdistinguishes itself fromother idol anime seriesthrough its exceptional development of characters. Each member of the group has a unique and captivating story arc that delves into their motivations and background. With its combination of entertaining performances, well-rounded characters, and emotionally impactful moments, the show is sure to not disappoint viewers.
2The Tatami Time Machine Blues
This spinoff ofThe Tatami Galaxy2010 series follows the same group of characters and is inspired by the plot of the play and filmSummer Time Machine Blues.The story unfolds on a hot summer day when the protagonist’s friend, Ozu, accidentally drowns the only remote control for the air conditioning unit in their apartment.
As they discuss their situation,a time travelerfrom 25 years in the future appears in a time machine. This prompts the protagonist to borrow the time machine in order to retrieve the remote control from the past before it is damaged.
1Golden Kamuy Season 4
Changing studios fromGeno Studio to Brain’s Base for its fourth season, this show continues the story of Sugimoto Saichi and the Ainu girl called Asirpa. After Sugimoto survives the war, he tasks himself with meeting the monetary needs of his dead comrade’s wife. To do this, Sugimoto hunts for gold he mistakenly found out about from a befuddled old man.
When Asirpa saves Sugimoto from a bear with a tattooed chest, they both begin the hunt for gold together, though they do it for very different reasons. This action anime is based on the manga written by Satoru Noda, and also has a live-action film on the way.
