7 / 10 (based on 72 reviews)
Mankai Company is a far cry from its glory days as an all-male theater. With only one member left and debt collectors at the door, it’s no wonder Izumi Tachibana finds herself in over her head when she boldly confronts the yakuza’s loan sharks, promising to bring her father’s theater back into the spotlight. She might be able to recruit enough talent, but she’ll need to do her best to see her actors bloom into their potential.
Genre: Animation, Music
Main Cast: Monica Rial, Ian Sinclair, Nazeeh Tarsha, Josh Grelle
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 24 episodes
Shows Most Like A3! Season Spring & Summer (2020)
Re-Main (2021)
7.2 / 10 (based on 408 reviews)
The story centers on Minato Kiyoumizu, a boy who quit playing water polo after an incident during the winter of his third year of junior high school. After entering high school, he makes a promise and decides to try water polo again and join the school’s team with his friends. However, the new team will run into problems along the way…
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Sport
Main Cast: Alicyn Packard, David Matranga, Caleb Yen, Brianna Roberts
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes
Free! (2013)
7.4 / 10 (based on 3308 reviews)
Free! revolves around members of a high school boy’s swimming team. Four boys-Haruka, Makoto, Nagisa and Rin-all participated in a swimming tournament shortly before graduating elementary school and later parted ways. Years later, they reunite when Rin challenges Haruka to a race and wins. Nagisa decides to get Haruka and Makoto back swimming together and add a new recruit named Rei to form the Iwatobi High School Swimming Club.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Sport
Main Cast: Jamie Marchi, Johnny Yong Bosch, Akeno Watanabe, Nobunaga Shimazaki
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 42 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Ikebukuro West Gate Park (2020)
6.5 / 10 (based on 217 reviews)
Crime-ridden Ikebukuro is a haven for violent gangs, the Yakuza, and home to Makoto Majima. To protect his friends, this charismatic troubleshooter mediates disputes among the warring factions-even fixing problems the police can’t. But when a rising tide of violence results in Makoto losing a loved one, can he ride out the storm, or will he drown in all the spilled blood that floods his streets?
Genre: Animation, Drama, Mystery, Romance
Main Cast: Griffin Puatu, Howard Wang, Daman Mills, Brent Mukai
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes
The Case Files of Jeweler Richard (2020)
6.8 / 10 (based on 198 reviews)
The novel follows Richard Ranashinha Dvorpian, a handsome British jewelry appraiser, and Seigi Nakata, a bright and upright Japanese college student. The duo solves various jewel-related cases by unraveling the hidden .
Genre: Animation, Mystery
Main Cast: Kana Hanazawa, Takahiro Sakurai, Yuma Uchida
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Given (2019)
8.3 / 10 (based on 3940 reviews)
The life and loves of the rock band Given, and the romantic relationships that develops between its members.
Genre: Animation, Drama, Music, Romance
Main Cast: Takuya Eguchi, Yuma Uchida, Shogo Yano, Masatomo Nakazawa
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 11 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
SK8 the Infinity (2021)
8 / 10 (based on 3832 reviews)
Reki, a high school sophomore and skater, is addicted to “S,” a highly secret and dangerous downhill skateboarding race that takes place in an abandoned mine. The skaters are especially wild about the “beefs,” or heated battles that erupt in the races. Reki takes Langa, a transfer student returning to Japan after studying abroad, to the mine where the races are held. Langa, who has no skateboarding experience, finds himself pulled into the world of “S”.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Sport
Main Cast: Kimmie Britt, Ciarán Strange, Zeno Robinson, Brianna Roberts
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes
The Millionaire Detective: Balance – Unlimited (2020)
7.3 / 10 (based on 1974 reviews)
A rich but eccentric detective and a middle-class cop team up to solve cases in Tokyo.
Genre: Animation, Crime, Drama
Main Cast: Mamoru Miyano, Yûsuke Ohnuki, Maaya Sakamoto, Kazuyuki Okitsu
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 11 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Vanitas no Carte (2021)
7.6 / 10 (based on 2056 reviews)
A human wields a magic book that can cure vampires of their bloodlust, and sets out to find vampires to cure with the book.
Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Natsuki Hanae, Kaito Ishikawa, Ai Kayano, Inori Minase
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 13 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Munou na Nana (2020)
7 / 10 (based on 1025 reviews)
A group of super-powered children are gathered to prepare for defending humanity. One of them has no powers, but is in fact the emissary of a grand mystery.
Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Rumi Okubo, Yûichi Nakamura, Stephen Fu, Michelle Marie
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
A3! Season Spring & Summer, which premiered in 2020, is a unique blend of drama, comedy, and slice-of-life genres, focusing on the world of theater. This show, based on a popular Japanese mobile game, takes its audience behind the curtains to reveal the highs and lows of stage actors and the productions they pour their hearts into. Let’s break down what makes this series stand out, its characters, and why it’s worth your time.
The Premise
At the heart of A3! Season Spring & Summer is the Mankai Company, a once-renowned theater troupe on the brink of closure due to financial struggles and a lack of manpower. Enter Izumi Tachibana, the daughter of a famous actress, who receives a letter requesting her to take over as the new director. Upon arrival, she finds the theater in disrepair and the company’s future hanging by a thread. The series follows her journey to recruit actors for the Spring and Summer troupes, with the goal of restoring the Mankai Company to its former glory.
Characters: The Backbone of the Series
One of the show’s strongest points is its diverse cast of characters, each with distinct personalities, backgrounds, and reasons for joining the theater. From the passionate and energetic Sakuya Sakuma to the mysterious and aloof Tsumugi Tsukioka, the series does an excellent job of developing its characters beyond mere archetypes. Their interactions, growth, and the challenges they face both individually and as a team form the core of the narrative.
The Spring Troupe
The Spring Troupe is the first to be assembled by Izumi. It’s characterized by its members’ vibrant energy and youthful enthusiasm. Sakuya, the lead, embodies the troupe’s spirit with his unwavering optimism and dedication. Alongside him are Masumi, a stoic yet deeply passionate actor; Tsuzuru, a talented playwright with a dream; Itaru, a laid-back gamer with unexpected depth; and Citron, an amiable foreigner with a mysterious past. Their journey from a group of misfits to a cohesive unit is both inspiring and heartwarming.
The Summer Troupe
The Summer Troupe brings a different flavor to the series, with a focus on comedy and lighthearted performances. Its members include Tenma, a perfectionist with a competitive streak; Yuki, a cool-headed and pragmatic actor; Muku, a shy boy with a love for fairy tales; Misumi, who has an obsession with triangles; and Kazunari, a vibrant and creative soul. Their dynamic is less about overcoming personal demons and more about finding where they fit within the group and the theater world.
The Art of Theater
What sets A3! Season Spring & Summer apart from other slice-of-life anime is its focus on the art of theater. The series delves into the process of putting on a production, from casting to rehearsals, set design, and the final performance. It portrays the theater not just as a backdrop for character development, but as a character in its own right, with its traditions, challenges, and the magic it brings to both the actors and the audience.
The show also explores themes relevant to anyone who’s ever pursued a creative endeavor. It talks about the importance of passion, teamwork, facing one’s fears, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams despite obstacles. These themes are universal, making the series relatable to a wide audience.
Why Watch A3! Season Spring & Summer?
So, why should you add A3! Season Spring & Summer to your watchlist? Here are a few compelling reasons:
- Character Development: Watching the characters grow, not just as actors but as individuals, is a rewarding experience. Their backstories, struggles, and triumphs add depth to the narrative.
- The Theater Setting: The series offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of theater, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the performing arts.
- The Music and Performances: As expected from a show about theater, the music and performances are top-notch, capturing the essence of what makes live performances so captivating.
- The Art and Animation: The vibrant art style and fluid animation bring the characters and their performances to life, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
- Relatable Themes: The themes of passion, perseverance, and teamwork are universal, making the series relatable and inspiring.
Conclusion
A3! Season Spring & Summer is more than just an anime about theater; it’s a story about dreams, friendship, and the lengths we go to achieve our goals. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of the performing arts. Whether you’re a theater enthusiast or simply looking for a series with depth, character development, and heart, A3! Season Spring & Summer is worth your time. So, if you’re in the mood for something that combines drama, comedy, and slice-of-life elements with a unique setting, give this series a chance. It might just surprise you with its charm and depth.