Summer Anime Lineup: Dandadan, Kaiju No. 8 Return Among 6 Must-Watch July Releases!

Summer is here, and alongside a slate of new anime premieres, two highly anticipated series, Dandadan and Kaiju No. 8, are making their return with second seasons. Here are six Japanese anime you absolutely shouldn't miss this month:

Takopi's Original Sin, first two episodes available on Crunchyroll (new episodes every Saturday)

Based on Taizan 5's manga, serialized from 2021 to 2022, this series was highly acclaimed, ranking third in "Kono Manga ga Sugoi!" (for male readers) and nominated for the Manga Taishō. This anime tackles dark themes like school bullying and suicide, with content warnings even at the beginning. However, the character of Takopi is remarkably optimistic and innocent, creating a strong contrast with the anime's dark tone and other characters. Takopi's relentless efforts to bring happiness back to Shizuka, using various gadgets, bear a striking resemblance to Doraemon, especially given the long-standing fan theories about Doraemon's darker interpretations. It's no wonder this anime is being called a dark version of Doraemon.

Cute little alien Takopi lands on Earth. What is his mission? To be taken to our leader? No. To spread happiness throughout the universe!

The first person Takopi meets is depressed fourth grader Shizuka. (Or is it…?) Takopi is determined to do whatever it takes to make Shizuka smile again. But his misguided attempts to help her by using his advanced technology to turn back time only result in mayhem and death.

What is the truth Takopi can’t remember? And what must the pink alien octopus with a heart of gold sacrifice to truly help Shizuka and her friends…?

Dandadan Season 2, first episode available on Netflix and Crunchyroll (new episodes every Thursday)

This anime is based on Yukinobu Tatsu's manga, serialized since 2021, which has received numerous accolades including fourth place in Kono Manga ga Sugoi (Men Version)!, second place in the Next Manga Award, and first place in The Nationwide Bookstore Employees' Recommended Comics, along with a Manga Taishō nomination. The anime is produced by Science SARU, known for Your Color, and first premiered in 2024.

Season 2 picks up immediately after the events of the first season's ending concerning the cursed house. Okarun and Jiji find a hidden room where talismans are plastered everywhere, including the ceiling, walls, and floor. The front door intercom suddenly rings. Expecting Momo, they open the front door, only to find Naki and the Kito family members waiting for them. Meanwhile, Momo is in a pinch, being attacked by the Kito family men at the onsen...

The Summer Hikaru Died, first episode available on Netflix (new episodes every Saturday)

Based on Mokumokuren's manga, serialized since 2021, this series won first place in Kono Manga ga Sugoi (Men Version)! and fifth place in Nationwide Bookstore Employees Recommended Comics, in addition to being nominated for the Manga Taishō. The anime is produced by CygamesPictures, the animation studio behind Blade Runner Black Out 2022.

Yoshiki and Hikaru live in a rural village and have been close friends since they were young. The blazing sun... The constant buzzing of cicadas... Ice cream on the way home... On a perfectly ordinary summer day, as they laugh over trivial things, Yoshiki turns to Hikaru and says: "…You’re not Hikaru, are you?" Six months earlier, Hikaru went missing in the mountains and returned unexpectedly a week later. The new Hikaru looks and sounds just like the original, but something else is stirring within him. "Hikaru is gone... If that’s the case, then..." Yoshiki continues spending his days with the "something” imitating Hikaru, while pretending as if nothing has changed. Meanwhile, strange incidents begin to plague the village. Falling into the unknown "something" — The curtain soon rises on this coming-of-age horror story.

Kaiju No. 8, special episode available on Crunchyroll; Season 2 to premiere on July 19th (new episodes every Saturday)

This anime is based on Naoya Matsumoto's manga, serialized since 2020, which has garnered significant recognition, ranking third in Kono Manga ga Sugoi (Men Version)!, first in the Next Manga Award, and second in Nationwide Bookstore Employees Recommended Comics, as well as being nominated for the Manga Taishō. The anime is produced by Production I.G, known for Heavenly Delusion, and first premiered in 2024.

The already released special episode centers on a day off... After spending so long training, Reno has forgotten what he's supposed to do with free time.

Season 2, premiering later this month, revolves around Kafka Hibino being assigned to the First Division, led by the Defense Force's strongest man, Gen Narumi. He is forced to confront the overwhelming power of "Kaiju No. 8." However, at this time, the threat of "Kaiju No. 9" also quietly approaches. Inherited wills and powers, the birth of new compatible weapons users, and the Defense Force facing its greatest crisis ever!

Gachiakuta, first episode available on Crunchyroll (new episodes every Saturday)

Based on Kei Urana's manga, serialized since 2022, this anime is produced by Studio BONES, known for My Hero Academia.

In a floating city where the rich discard their waste—and people—Rudo is framed for murder and thrown into the Pit, where a hellscape of mutated garbage beasts dwell. To survive, he must wield a new power and join the rogue Cleaners. Rudo doesn’t just aim to battle monsters, but the corrupt who cast him into Hell.

Sakamoto Days Season 1 Part 2, to premiere on Netflix on July 14th (new episodes every Monday)

Based on Yuto Suzuki's manga, serialized since 2020, this series ranked ninth in the Next Manga Award and sixth in Nationwide Bookstore Employees Recommended Comics. The anime is produced by TMS Entertainment, known for Dr. STONE, and first premiered in January of this year.

Legendary ex-hitman, Taro Sakamoto, bands with comrades to face off against the looming threat of assassins to ensure a peaceful life with his beloved family. Sakamoto and company run wild in no-holds-barred, over-the-top battles that have stolen the spotlight and captivated audiences far and wide.

In a world overrun by assassins like the special force “The Order” from the Japanese Association of Assassins (JAA), and a mysterious individual called “X (Slur)” targeting assassins, what is the true meaning of strength for Sakamoto?

Get ready for non-stop assassin action as chaos ensues in the ordinary (and not-so-ordinary) life of Sakamoto and his comrades!

If you are interested in upcoming TV series to be released in Canada, please visit the TV Premiere Schedule page on this website!

Photo: TBS、Dandadan、The Summer Hikaru Died、Kaiju No. 8、© Kei Urana, Hideyoshi Andou and KODANSHA/ “GACHIAKUTA” Production Committee、Netflix

Source: Crunchyroll、Netflix、© Kei Urana, Hideyoshi Andou and KODANSHA/ “GACHIAKUTA” Production Committee