Smart move from Seiichirou to come up with a plan that calls those kidnappers out. I didn’t expect he’d propose the solution to the whole Holy Maiden system. Now I wonder how smoothly it goes with those fanatics around. The King himself doesn’t seem to be opposed to the idea. Also, nice seeing Yua finally realize Seiichirou is the one to be trusted.
Yoi princemaxxing when Kohaku isn’t around to make her blush.
Avoiding Kohaku mission failed. The library scene was cute.
The new prince has a glowing aura.
Kohaku contemplating what dating even means and seeing the world in full colour again once Yoi shows up might just be the end of simple fascination phase for him.
I liked this episode. It made me look forward to more of Kohaku’s backstory, Yoi and Kohaku’s summer festival date and what kind of change the new guy brings to the currently established dynamic between them.
Fake is so much fun to watch. I’m completely smitten with this episode’s direction. Into the list of my favourite episodes of 2026 it goes.
By the end of the season I’ll build new facial muscles because of how funny and cute this show is. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much.
Sein should have been there. He’d visit a tavern for a drink or two and this time probably lament how it should have been him on a date with an older woman instead.
Submitted my nominations. Thank you for your hard work, wjs018!
Hikaru voters, please, consider nominating “Hibi no Kage” for Best Musical Sequence (OP/ED or insert song) category. It was an insert song from Episode 7, performed both by the choir and Hikaru and Yoshiki as a duet later.
Tamon’s yandere side was scary. Scary good.
Finished Dear Brother. These step-siblings didn’t develop romantic feelings for each other? Unheard of! The whole onii-sama thing is more of a tool to progress the story and help Nanako to process her feelings by writing letters to Henmi. There is something poetic in such kind of storytelling.
Modern viewers will find Dear Brother overly dramatic and ridiculously intense, but it’s a good coming-of-age story that explores such themes as bullying, jealousy, self-harm, social hierarchy, friendship, first love, family ties, and more. I did find myself laughing at the drama at times, but it also had some humorous, more subtle moments that made me giggle.
The main heroine, Nanako, is very sweet and kind, but Mariko remains my favourite.
She is so animated, charming and effortlessly funny once she overcomes her obsessive behaviour and finds true friends in Nanako and Tomoko. The always-plotting Miya-sama had such a scary, villainous aura, but at the end of the day she’s still too young and feels too much. She wasn’t irredeemable after all.
I’m glad I was able to appreciate this story to the fullest.
I rewatch lots of anime, but for some reason, I almost exclusively rewatch sentimental favorites and guilty pleasures. If something is undeniably outstanding, like Frieren, I have some sort of aversion to rewatching it. I’m not sure why.
Even this experience is universal, huh? In my case, I think, it’s because I’m subconsciously afraid of not liking it as much so it stops feeling special. I dread the feeling of disappointment.
I spent so much time the first time on edge, afraid that they were going to kill off characters I liked, and this time I knew that everyone who mattered to me was going to survive.
Frieren has an insanely great cast. Almost everyone is likeable. Who are your favourites?
What did she say last episode? I must’ve missed it.
She said that one of the girls was super cute right after entering the entrance ceremony hall. Like, why was it the first thing she noticed in the new environment? Sus.
You missed nothing, basically. I’m just picking up crumbs and putting them in a pile at the moment.
But what if she becomes a bassist?!
Nani?! Well, she did like that song’s bass part, but I think this is where the girl from the OP comes in.
Seeing your parents in a new light is an integral part of growing up. This show does a terrific job at depicting realistic human relationships.
Based on what Emiri said in the last two episodes and her reactions in this one, I’m making a guess that she is a lesbian.
The Bernese Mountain Dog!
I’m so happy with Asa’s club choice. I want to hear her sing.
A third Ouji? The new guy is here for a fake love triangle trope, isn’t he? Oof. I hope it won’t become too frustrating to watch.
A mere three days tantrum made Himmel the Hero tremble with fear. Sasuga Frieren.
Loved how generously this episode was sprinkled with Frieren’s particular type of humour.
The fan service is getting out of hand.
OPs
Fate/strange Fake OP: “PROVANT” by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Jean-Ken Johnny & TAKUMA - looks and sounds vibrant, grand, and fitting to the series. I need more Jean-Ken Johnny in my anime themes.
You and I Are Polar Opposites OP: “Megane wo Hazushite” by noa - a wonderful mix of different visual techniques. Looking forward to see what magic Kyouhei Ishiguro creates next.
Tamon’s B-Side OP: “Sweet Magic” by F/ACE - the song is as cringe as most idol songs are, ngl, but it’s still fun and goes well with the visuals. I like how Utage wakes up at the end and thanks her God for sending her a sweet, sweet, sweet dream or something.
Medalist S2 OP: “Cold Night” by HANA - it has an upbeat, feel-good vibe about it. The dance routine is my favourite part.
Oshi No Ko S3 OP2: “Test Me” by CHANMINA - didn’t expect to ever like an Oshi no Ko theme, but here I am. It’s perfectly sensual and ominous. I haven’t read the source material, but it gives me “Hyakka Ryouran”'s levels of foreshadowing.
Frieren S2 OP: “lulu.” by Mrs. GREEN APPLE - I like the song more than “Yuusha” or “Haru”, but I prefer Haru’s crispier feel. New OP’s filter is bothering me, I’m not particularly fond of this hazy look.
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk OP: “Uruwashi” by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN - it’s not fancy, but both the song and the colour palette make it work.
EDs
Frieren S2 ED: “The Story of Us” by milet - it’s not “Anytime Anywhere”, but still a good song to accompany those majestic pencil drawings.
Trigun Stargaze ED: “Stardust” by FOMARE - baby, the stars shine bright. It’s beautiful. I like it a lot.
Shiboyugi ED: “Inori” by Chiai Fujikawa - I am not watching the show, but this ED is hauntingly beautiful. It’s gorgeous. Immaculate vibes.
I didn’t care for the theme overall but I liked the song: “Make Me Wonder” by Official HIGE DANdism from Darwin Jihen OP and “Yoake no Uta” by jo0ji from JJK The Culling Game ED.
The portrayal of frustration and irritability from noise overstimulation was too real. I feel for Makio. New living conditions are hard for both Makio and Asa, though in completely different ways.
What’s wonderful about Makio is that she recognizes Asa is a child, who needs support, and actually tries to be considerate of her. She isn’t perfect for the job, and she knows it, but not any adult would’ve been able to handle similar situation in such a mature way.
Girl so serious she brought the whole contract with dating conditions. Let’s see how this trial period goes.
My heart wasn’t prepared for all the cuteness. I was smiling the whole time.
The invisible guy sure is good at reading Shizuka’s expressions, but then, again, the thought of “Operation Share a Cup of Tea Take 2” was written all over her face.
I liked that they showed Shizuka turning on the light in her house for Akira.
The “handkerchief” moment was so funny. The detective skills used to the fullest indeed.
Man, you can’t say her first name twice with different intonation all of a sudden. Even my heart was melting. Japanese voice actors doing god’s work, as always.
Shizuka was the first to notice Akira’s good mood based on voice alone. It was not only a great demonstration of how she relies on hearing, but also how she can’t participate in discussions that require vision, like the suit’s colour and how good it looks on Akira.
We got a side couple! Shizuka and Luna are not the only ones who want to know what happened in the mountains.
The cold made Shizuka so greedy she completely forgot about her mother. I don’t blame her in the slightest.
I’m sorry you can’t see this, girl. But don’t worry, you’ll find out sooner or later.
The way he exclaimed “Mother?!” sent me. Ah, such a fun episode.
Instead of the usual pink cloud Utage’s head was exploding in fireworks, because it’s a festival episode. I love how fun and refreshing the gags in this show are.
Despite the festive atmosphere I found this episode rather sad. Seems like our Miss Kinoshita has a low self-esteem and considers herself unlovable, just like Gloomyhara.
Also, back off, Ouri. Your chances are below zero. Shoo. Shoo!
Isn’t the world of BL just wonderful? They come up with so many interesting ideas just to make two guys have sex.