Sundays are for slow mornings, and catching up on the best (and weirdest) that Spring 2025 anime has to offer. Last week brought a delightful mix of emotional depth, comedic chaos, and visual magic, each series continuing to evolve in its own quirky rhythm. Whether it’s the tender melancholy of Shirohiyo, the escalating madness of Witch Watch, or TO BE HERO X grabbing my face and screaming “Pay attention to me!”, this season has no shortage of gems worth highlighting. Plus, Sunday now has a new addition to the lineup.

What I watched this Sunday and my thoughts on the episodes:

I am catching up on the seasonal episodes that are released on Sundays. Next week should be singular weekly releases.

Here are ten of the seasonal anime that are airing on Sundays, and I’m supposed to be watching and reviewing them on Mondays.

Each title below is linked to its respective section, so feel free to jump straight to the one you’re following or most curious about:

1. Koupen-chan (5/5)
2. Lazarus (4/5)
3. Maebashi Witches (4/5)
4. One Piece (4/5)
5. Shirohiyo – Reincarnated as a Neglected Noble: Raising My Baby Brother With Memories From My Past Life (4/5)
6. The Gorilla God’s Go-To Girl (3/5)
7. The Unaware Atelier Meister (3/5)
8. TO BE HERO X (5/5)
9. Witch Watch (4/5)
10. Yandere Dark Elf She Chased Me All the Way From Another World! (4/5)

This lineup will shift as the season progresses. Some shows might drop off, and others could be added as more anime is released in the coming weeks. Each week will be a little different, and to me, that is part of the fun!

The scores you see above reflect my overall impressions of the latest episode I watched for each anime. In the sections that follow, I’ll break down what stood out (for better or worse), from story progression and animation quality to character development and emotional impact.

So let’s dive into this week’s Sunday screenings and see which titles are thriving, surprising, or falling just a little behind.

Koupen-chan

• Episode 3: Cherry Blossom Viewing Like This Too
• Release date: 20 April 2025
• YouTube
• Episode Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
  • Absolute heart-melting

An absolute heart-melter, capturing the simple, gentle joy of going on a little seasonal stroll with Koupen-chan—our endlessly supportive, round, and ever-cheerful penguin friend. There’s something so deeply comforting about watching him waddle along with his sunny yellow satchel, smiling with eyes closed in pure contentment. The soft, pastel-toned watercolour backgrounds paired with delicate lighting make every frame feel like a warm hug or a page from a lovingly illustrated picture book. It’s a quiet, slow-paced episode, but that’s exactly its charm—like a deep breath on a peaceful day. Koupen-chan’s innocent enthusiasm for the world and the changing seasons is contagious, and somehow, just watching him enjoy the little things makes life feel a bit lighter. Honestly, it’s the kawaii soul-soothing moment we all need.

Verdict: A gentle, wholesome gem that wraps you in warmth—visually serene, emotionally uplifting, and as soothing as a soft breeze through spring leaves.

Lazarus

• Episode 3: Long Way From Home
• Release date: 20 April 2025
• Hulu
• Episode Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

The third episode of Lazarus takes its foot off the action pedal but digs deep into character and theme, delivering something unexpectedly grounded amidst the globe-hopping chaos. While the last lead fizzled, this week follows Doug and Axel tracking down Doug’s old mentor, who turns out to be homeless, while Christine and Leland poke around Skinner’s house (and, surprise, find basically nothing). But it’s not about what they find, it’s about what’s simmering underneath. A streetball scene gives Axel a chance to flex (and foul hard). The art direction retains its cinematic roots, combining near-photorealistic urban backdrops with stylised, often haunting character animation, especially in close-ups, where expressions carry significant weight. The mood remains shadowy, stylish, and soaked in dread. Skinner’s grandmother, gentle, baking baklava, only reinforces the idea that the “villain” might be the only one telling the truth. And with a hidden camera in her home and deepfakes circulating of Skinner in homeless encampments, the net is tightening. There’s less punchy action this time, but the intrigue escalates, and character layers start to show. This isn’t a sprint, it’s a slow, deliberate peel into the heart of a broken world. Although I must say, I am mainly watching for Axel’s acrobatic fighting.

Verdict: Tense, thoughtful, and visually sharp, episode 3 trades flash for substance, reminding us that sometimes the scariest thing isn’t the villain, but the systems that created him.

Maebashi Witches

• Episode 3: The Word ‘Lazy,’ Pronounced as ‘Being Yourself’
• Release date: 20 April 2025
• Crunchyroll
• Episode Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

Episode 3 turns the spotlight squarely on Azu, and it’s… complicated. This was her episode to reveal the shadows of her past, former bullying, self-loathing, and how it warped her into the snarky, cold, and frankly difficult person we’ve come to know. It’s hard to root for her when her bitterness still clings so tightly, but there’s a glimmer that she might be trying, even if that effort feels more reluctant than redemptive. Her conflict with Rinko gives the episode emotional weight, especially as Rinko, poised and proud, claps back with truth and confidence that Azu clearly hasn’t found yet. Yuina continues to be the heart of the group, endlessly kind and trying to reach Azu with empathy that most of us would’ve long given up on. While the show teases growth, it doesn’t fully commit. There’s a sense that something deeper was toned down, especially in the back half of the episode, where the themes of identity, self-worth, and societal pressure tiptoe rather than having an impact. Still, it’s brave storytelling for a late-night magical girl series, and visually? Stunning. The contrast between soft, pastel-lit daily scenes and the lush, ethereal glow of the performance space, with its vibrant flower motifs and dreamlike particle effects, is a true feast for the eyes. The 3DCGI dance was decent enough, with a catchy bubble-themed song that held its own. And that scene of Mai quietly observing the team dynamics with her usual unreadable expression? Intriguing setup for what’s next. While Azu may not have redeemed herself yet, the show clearly isn’t finished with her, and honestly, neither are we. Flawed as it is, this episode shows that Maebashi Witches isn’t afraid to ask hard questions, it just needs to dig a little deeper with its answers. Plus, I just found out my feet are smaller than Akagi, Yuina and thus probably Niisato, Azu too.

Verdict: A nuanced, emotionally messy character episode with stunning visuals and a willingness to tread into darker emotional territory, even if it holds back a bit too much at the end.

One Piece: Egghead

• Episode 1126: Looming Despair! Admiral Kizaru’s Depressing Mission
• Release date: 20 April 2025
• Crunchyroll
• Episode Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

Episode 1126 was pure One Piece energy from start to finish, with tension and absurdity balancing beautifully in that uniquely One Piece way. We open with Akainu just grumbling about Kuma while brushing off Celestial Dragons like they’re background noise. Meanwhile, Egghead Island is absolute chaos. Luffy springs back into action with Gear 4: Snake Man, delivering slick, high-speed animation, but Kizaru handles him effortlessly, even redirecting an attack mid-fight to obliterate Vegaforce-01, which is heartbreaking for Lilith and Stella alike. Franky and Bonney try to step up, but Bonney’s Age Skewer gets her punted into the Frontier Dome, and the comedic timing hits hard too: Kizaru’s so far away that Luffy can’t hear his dramatic monologue, and the cartoony Looney Tunes eyeball pop reactions fit in seamlessly with One Piece’s ridiculousness. Then, just when Kizaru reaches the Lapophase, Gear 5 Luffy grabs him with a massive, stretchy hand from across the island like he’s picking up a toy. The animation style is a gorgeous blend of bold linework and dynamic, high-contrast lighting, especially during the Gear 5 scenes, which lean into a zany, exaggerated art direction reminiscent of Wano’s climactic moments. But the emotional beats still hit: the anguish in Kizaru and Vegapunk’s faces as the latter realises his dreams are crushed by an old friend’s hand, oof, it’s heavy. And that final sequence, an illegal cliffhanger, Toei, but I forgive you. Next week’s gonna be fun.

Verdict: An explosive episode blending chaos, comedy, and heartbreak with peak One Piece flair. Visually dynamic and emotionally layered, it’s a ride from start to finish.

Shirohiyo – Reincarnated as a Neglected Noble: Raising My Baby Brother With Memories From My Past Life

• Episode 1: I Got My Memories From My Past Life Back!
• Release date: 20 April 2025
• Crunchyroll
• Episode Score: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)

A gentle, glittery entry into the fantasy-reincarnation genre, full of soft palettes and sparkling whimsy, but with just enough oddness to keep things offbeat. We meet Ageha Kikunoi, a five-year-old noble child reincarnated from a terminally online otaku, now trying to navigate aristocratic life while being completely dismissed by his own family for his weight. The episode has a slow, internal rhythm, most of it follows Ageha reflecting, cooking, sewing, and gradually improving himself despite the mansion’s cold atmosphere. The plot kicks into gear when his voice—yes, he’s prone to dramatic garden singing—awakens Hyakka, a goddess of healing and fertility, who quite literally blooms from a giant peony. Her sudden appearance is both elegant and surreal, and her promise to bless Ageha if he sings for her regularly adds a curious magical contract to the story. Elf tutor Aleksei Romanov seems to represent the “rules” of nobility that Ageha is destined to subvert quietly. Visually, the anime is coated in soft watercolour textures and dreamy lighting, with character designs that lean into a childlike roundness and moe sensibility. There’s sincerity beneath the fluff, and enough narrative intrigue and visual charm to merit sticking around. It’s weird, warm, and very sparkly.

Verdict: A whimsical and sweet premiere with charming visuals and heart, but it still feels like it’s finding its footing tonally and emotionally

• Episode 2: My First Time Meeting My Brother
• Release date: 20 April 2025
• Episode Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

A more emotionally grounded turn, digging deeper into the loneliness and quiet resilience of Ageha as he begins to understand just how unloved he truly is in his new life. The episode continues to be tender in its pacing, with bursts of fantastical charm, like Princess Hyakka bestowing him a magical peach after another musical serenade, but underneath the sparkle lies a steady undercurrent of melancholy. Ageha may retain the memories of his past life, but that doesn’t spare him from the sting of rejection or the slow heartbreak of realising his noble lineage is riddled with cold politics and emotional neglect. Romanov and Rottenmeier, the elf tutor and ever-dutiful maid, continue to be his only real pillars of support, offering magic lessons and emotional guidance. One sweet scene shows Romanov infusing a pouch made by the seamstress Elise with spatial magic, simple but sweet, and shows that magic here is as much about sentiment as it is function. The real drama, however, hits hard with the reveal of Ageha’s strained place in the family: a child born from a political convenience, blamed for things outside his control, and feared for what he might become. There’s even a disturbing moment involving his younger brother Regulus, where Ageha both protects him and foresees a future where Regulus might someday take his life. It’s heavy, and surprisingly layered for a show this sparkly. Some pacing is slow, but emotionally, it lands. With its blend of quiet heartbreak, subtle worldbuilding, and a commitment to telling a story about familial rejection and chosen support systems, this show may be a niche pick. Still, it has far more depth than the surface suggests.

Verdict: A tender and unexpectedly somber episode that deepens the emotional core of the story, showing there’s more to this glittery isekai than meets the eye.

The Gorilla God’s Go-To Girl

• Episode 3: A Gorilla Rhapsody of Sweets at the Royal Capital
• Release date: 20 April 2025
• Crunchyroll
• Episode Score: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)

Episode 3 doesn’t deliver high-stakes action, but it shines in soft, surprisingly tender moments that continue to deepen Sophia’s journey, and let’s be real, it’s basically a date episode wrapped in awkwardness. Sophia, still struggling with the heavy weight of her “gorilla god blessing” and the ridicule she expects it brings, gets an unexpected lifeline in the form of Louis, who not only treats her to a haircut (shoutout to the terrifyingly passionate barber) but reminds her that her blessing is a mark of kindness, not shame. The new bangs might not be a drastic transformation, or one at all. This was a failed execution on the animation front; her fringe was shorter than 90% of the male cast’s fringes. The art direction leans into a shoujo-esque softness—gentle gradients, sparkly highlights, and close-ups that romanticise even the simple act of sharing dessert. Louis continues to radiate accidental heartthrob energy, being painfully sweet and utterly oblivious to how many girls are swooning in his wake. Eddy finally gives us a glimpse into his noble lineage and possibly some busted magic ability that he’s still hiding. The episode’s pace is breezy, with no grand battles, but the emotional progression is rich, and it’s all tied up with that sparkling slice-of-life aesthetic that makes everything feel dreamy and slightly comedic. A dance is on the horizon, and Sophia better get a dress ready, because she’s winning hearts left and right without even trying.

Verdict: A charming, low-stakes episode that leans into its emotional sincerity and character chemistry, even if some animation choices falter.

The Unaware Atelier Meister

• Episode 4: New Friends in a New Atelier
• Release date: 20 April 2025
• Crunchyroll
• Episode Score: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)

Heavily leaning into the fantasy charm and frustrating comedy of errors that the anime seems determined to build its personality around. After being unceremoniously fired despite helping fortify the town, Kurt—eternally overpowered and impossibly kind builds an atelier from scratch in just three days, and of course, it turns out to be less “quaint workshop” and more “opulent mansion.” The catch? He’s so humble and pure-hearted, he doesn’t realise everyone around him is keeping secrets “for his own good,” including magical wards hidden in the walls and emotional affections not-so-subtly smouldering from Princess Liselotte and now possibly Sina. While the girls scheme and fluster around him, Kurt just keeps cooking, cleaning, and being a one-man construction miracle. There’s some solid comedy in his obliviousness and in Danzo’s side-plot revenge, but the central joke of “don’t tell Kurt anything” and him being entirely oblivious is starting to feel a bit worn thin. Sina almost breaks through with some honesty, but even that gets smoothed over. Visually, the series remains the same, with soft, clean lines and bright palettes. Still, the characters carry a goofy, likeable energy, and Kurt’s unwavering goodness is oddly comforting, if occasionally maddening. The atelier may be built, but whether this narrative foundation can keep up is still a bit of a toss-up.

Verdict: A likeable episode with cosy vibes and light humour, but the ongoing communication drama is starting to strain believability.

TO BE HERO X

• Episode 3: The Ever-Standing Hero
• Release date: 20 April 2025
• Crunchyroll
• Episode Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Just seeing the first few seconds of animation, and I instantly knew I was watching TO BE HERO X. This episode delivered another thought-provoking twist on the superhero formula, diving headfirst into image manipulation and the cost of curated heroism. This week shifts the spotlight to Firm Man and Wolf Girl, a pair who initially seem like classic rivals until Wolf Girl’s emotional tactic, releasing twisted fairy tales portraying Firm Man as a villain, reveals a far more personal truth. Her actions expose how heroes like Firm Man can lose themselves beneath public personas crafted by corporate systems and societal expectations. His name, originally a symbol of strength, now doubles as a metaphor for rigidity, an inability to bend, adapt, or connect. Meanwhile, Nice quietly climbs into the hero top ten amid all this chaos, but the cracks in the system are beginning to weigh on him. The art style here is dazzling and highly stylised, balancing glossy 3D realism for emotionally intense scenes with punchy, vivid 2D moments that feel straight out of a graphic novel. The direction is as layered as the themes it tackles, and the use of lighting, facial animation, and colour grading gives every dramatic beat weight. The cliffhanger was good and now I need the next episode. If this episode proved anything, it’s that TO BE HERO X isn’t here just to entertain, it’s here to dissect the myth of the hero, and it’s doing it with jaw-dropping precision.

Verdict: TO BE HERO X continues its genre-defying run with a clever, gut-punch exploration of how image and ideology warp identity, all delivered through stunning animation and powerful narrative beats.

Witch Watch

• Episode 3: FRESH TRANSPARENT FASHIONS FOR SPRING / WITCH’S DELIVERY SERVICE / LOST DOGS AND THE PATTER OF RAIN
• Release date: 20 April 2025
• Crunchyroll
• Episode Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

A nonstop burst of magical misfires, chaotic comedy, and character reveals that keep ramping up the absurdity in the most delightful ways. Nico’s newest “helpful” spell, splitting into four mini versions of herself, backfires hilariously when the clones are just as slow and scatterbrained as the original, leading to a moving-box scene that had me cackling. Her attempts at fashion magic are equally cursed, conjuring see-through-back outfits inspired by front-facing magazine spreads, which results in her desperately crab-walking to preserve her modesty (and failing). Meanwhile, Morihito is as dense as ever, only complimenting her style and suddenly revealing his unexpected knowledge of European fashion history, sir, what? The “unfinished” opening animation is another brilliant touch, where Nico quite literally messes up the storyboard mid-sequence, reflecting both her personality and the show’s tongue-in-cheek playfulness. Visually, the episode swings between soft, slice-of-life pastel tones and high-octane effects when Morihito’s protective instincts flare up; his horned aura, surrounded by ghostly animals, is chef’s kiss levels of cool. We also meet the bird-brained Kanshi Kazamatsuri, Nico’s Tengu protector and new housemate, which only promises more mayhem under one roof. And with an ominous letter from Nico’s mum and a prophecy involving rain and danger, things might take a darker turn, though you’d never guess from how hard this episode leans into chaotic cuteness.

Verdict: Between the magical misfires, ridiculous misunderstandings, and Moi’s deadpan reactions to Nico’s increasing nonsense, this series continues to be a surprise highlight of the season.

Yandere Dark Elf: She Chased Me All the Way From Another World

• Episode 3: Shopping
• Release date: 20 April 2025
• Prime Video
• Episode Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

The romantic chaos only intensifies as Hinata’s bond with Mariabelle deepens, much to Sakura’s growing dismay. Her jealousy was bubbling just beneath the surface. We finally get a glimpse of how Hinata and Mariabelle met back in the other world, and it’s as delightfully dumbfounding as you’d expect, with Hinata’s impulsive heroism and Mariabelle’s flustered tsundere streak on full display (bless the dying breed of tsunderes). From sensual training sessions and magic mishaps to yet another dressing room scene where modesty clearly doesn’t exist in Mariabelle’s vocabulary, the episode walks the fine line between cheeky fanservice and actual character development. Hinata continues to surprise, boldly leaning in for kisses and intimate gestures, even if comedic interruptions ruin the moment every time. Meanwhile, Sakura’s role grows more complicated, acting as both reluctant wingwoman and quietly heartbroken rival. Visually, the anime continues to lean into its ecchi stylings with exaggerated, expressive close-ups, soft glows, and plenty of sparkle filters during the more risqué or romantic scenes. The art direction highlights Mariabelle’s seductive charm and Hinata’s bemused reactions with strong, fluid motion and surprisingly sharp composition. As Mariabelle’s past threatens to catch up to her with the sudden arrival of Cecile and Mei, this episode adds a hint of real tension behind the laughs and lingering stares.

Verdict: It’s messy, steamy, and ridiculous in all the right ways, and somehow, the plot is still inching forward with each blushing look and magic-tinged misunderstanding. This is ecchi with a sprinkle of plot, and makes you question, should this have been bold enough to be erotica?

Final Thoughts on this week’s Sunday releases

This week felt like a big tonal swing, from the emotionally charged introspection of Lazarus and Shirohiyo to the gloriously dumb magical misfires in Witch Watch. TO BE HERO X remains my standout for its visual ambition and biting satire, while Koupen-chan continues to be the wholesome soul-soother I never knew I needed this badly.

We’re starting to see long-term arcs unfold in shows like Yandere Dark Elf and Maebashi Witches, and while some are playing things a bit safe (Unaware Atelier Meister, Gorilla God’s Go-To Girl), there’s still enough charm to keep them afloat for now. Overall, a strong Sunday block, vibrant, varied, and already full of personality by just week two.

Anime I Am Most Looking Forward to Next Week Sunday:

TO BE HERO X. – No contest. Every episode adds another philosophical jab in the ribs of the superhero genre, and the visuals are just bonkers in the best way. After that cliffhanger with Moon and the meta-commentary on hero propaganda? I need to know what happens now.

Any I’m considering binging instead of watching weekly or dropping outright?

I might switch to binge-watching The Unaware Atelier Meister instead of keeping up weekly, it’s cute, but the pacing and comedy structure feel better suited for a sit-down session where I can absorb its charm in chunks. I am also considering Gorilla God’s Go-To Girl. It is teetering. It’s sweet, but it needs a bit more substance or surprise to hold its place in a packed season.

Petals, Peace, and Penguin Wisdom: Spotlight on This Week’s Header Image

For this week’s Sunday Seasonal Anime Catch-Up, I chose a scenery screenshot from Koupen-chan as the visual anchor, and it felt like the perfect emotional and aesthetic match. Not only does this cherry blossom scene embody the peaceful, nurturing energy that Koupen-chan delivers every episode, but it also captures the spirit of Sundays in the seasonal anime landscape, a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect.

The soft watercolour palette and sunlight-kissed branches give off that warm, slow Sunday energy we all crave, especially after a chaotic anime week. Visually, it aligns beautifully with the tone of the post, introspective yet hopeful, gentle yet vibrant, and ties into the mix of episode’s theme of enjoying fleeting seasonal joys. It’s also a little nod to the power of background art in anime: sometimes, it’s not the loudest moment that stays with you, but the quietest frame.

So, how’s your own anime Sunday taking shape this season? Are any shows surprising you or quietly becoming your favourites?

As this week’s Sunday screenings come to a close, I’m left with that gentle feeling you get after finishing a good book or watching the last scene of a comfort show, content, curious, and maybe just a little wistful. There’s a kind of ritual to checking in with these series each week, like tending to a little anime garden, watching which buds are blooming and which might need a bit more sun. Koupen-chan reminded me that even quiet stories can leave a lasting warmth. TO BE HERO X stunned me again with how sharp and visually daring it continues to be. And series like Lazarus and Maebashi Witches gave us tension, nuance, and emotional grit in between the laughs and magic spells.

Not every show hit with the same strength, and I’m okay with that, some narratives need time to ripen. Whether it’s Yandere Dark Elf embracing its chaotic romantic heart, or Shirohiyo slipping deeper into its delicate emotional layers, Sundays are starting to form a surprisingly eclectic and meaningful lineup. There’s beauty in that unpredictability. Every episode is a snapshot, a small seasonal bloom in the bigger garden of Spring 2025, and I’m genuinely excited to see what grows next.

Follow along with Sunday’s anime releases here: