CITY THE ANIMATION

CITY THE ANIMATION

Characters

Wako Izumi

MAIN

Midori Nagumo

MAIN

Ayumu Niikura

MAIN

Ryouta Adatara

SUPPORTING

Oni Kamaboko

SUPPORTING

Adatara Hakase

SUPPORTING

Todoroki

SUPPORTING

Umi Adatara

SUPPORTING

Obaba

SUPPORTING

Tsurubishi Makabe

SUPPORTING

Tatsuta Adatara

SUPPORTING

Ii Hito

SUPPORTING

Matsuri Makabe

SUPPORTING

Sora Adatara

SUPPORTING

Tanabe

SUPPORTING

Riko Izumi

SUPPORTING

Adatara no Haha

SUPPORTING

Rindou Obina

SUPPORTING

Tatewaku Makabe

SUPPORTING

Adatara no Chichi

SUPPORTING

Yamato Kurogane

SUPPORTING

Eri Amakazari

SUPPORTING

Kamome Adatara

SUPPORTING

Nobuteru Tekaridake

SUPPORTING

Narrator

BACKGROUND

The Quirky Charm of CITY: The Animation Season 1: A Love Letter to the Absurd and Heartfelt

In the vibrant landscape of 2025’s anime offerings, CITY: The Animation Season 1 stands out as a kaleidoscope of chaos, comedy, and unexpected emotional depth. Adapted from Keiichi Arawi’s manga CITY and brought to life by the masterful hands of Kyoto Animation, this 13-episode series, which premiered on July 6, 2025, is a delightful blend of the mundane and the bizarre. It’s a show that dares to ask: what happens when you mix financial woes, eccentric townsfolk, and a relentless pursuit of “fun” in a city that’s anything but ordinary? The answer is a singularly unique anime that’s as unpredictable as its residents.

A City Like No Other

At its core, CITY: The Animation is about the Mont Blanc Trio—Midori Nagumo, Wako Izumi, and Ayumu Niikura—three university students navigating life in the titular CITY, a place where the line between normalcy and absurdity is gleefully blurred. Midori, a 20-year-old sophomore at Mont Blanc University, is the chaotic heart of the show. Perpetually in debt, dodging her landlady, and scheming for quick cash, Midori’s antics set the tone for the series’ irreverent humor. Whether she’s contemplating petty theft or witnessing a fried noodle being dunked into a stranger’s bag, her life is a whirlwind of questionable decisions and infectious energy.

Wako and Ayumu, her companions, balance her madness with their own quirks. Wako’s pragmatic wit and Ayumu’s wide-eyed innocence provide a grounding contrast, but they’re just as likely to get swept up in the CITY’s bizarre happenings. From Matsuri and Eri’s after-school escapades to Todoroki and Onikamaboko’s futile attempts to craft a joke for “Rakutan-kun,” the show weaves a tapestry of vignettes that capture the unpredictable rhythm of urban life.

What makes CITY unique is its refusal to adhere to a single narrative thread. Unlike its predecessor Nichijou (also by Arawi and Kyoto Animation), which thrived on standalone gags, CITY leans into worldbuilding and character arcs while retaining Arawi’s signature absurdity. The result is a series that feels both episodic and cohesive, with each episode introducing new oddballs—like the enigmatic Dr. Adatara and his doppelgänger Mr. Adatara, both voiced by the versatile Takehito Koyasu—while deepening the emotional stakes of the central trio.

Kyoto Animation’s Visual and Emotional Flair

Directed by Taichi Ishidate, known for Violet Evergarden and Beyond the Boundary, CITY: The Animation is a visual feast. Kyoto Animation’s meticulous attention to detail shines through in every frame, from the vibrant color palette to the lively character animations. The studio’s first non-sequel anime in six years, following the tragic 2019 arson attack, CITY is a testament to their resilience and creativity. Ishidate’s bold, energetic style—honed in Nichijou’s iconic hallway chase scenes—infuses the series with a dynamic balance of precision and whimsy.

The animation is complemented by a stellar soundtrack. Riho Furui’s opening theme, “Hello,” bursts with infectious optimism, while TOMOO’s ending theme, “Lucky,” wraps each episode in a warm, reflective glow. The Piranhans’ quirky compositions enhance the show’s offbeat tone, making even the most mundane moments feel like a celebration.

Character designs by Tamami Tokuyama (Sound! Euphonium) are another highlight, with expressive faces and fluid movements that amplify the comedy. The key visual—a poster housing the cast within the CITY logo—captures the series’ playful spirit, while animated character expressions on the official website add an interactive charm for fans.

A Comedy with Heart

While CITY excels at slapstick and surreal humor—think fried noodles causing existential crises or a theater group’s doomed comedy routines—it’s the undercurrent of emotional resonance that sets it apart. Midori’s financial struggles, though played for laughs, touch on real-world anxieties about adulthood and responsibility. Her reluctance to get a job, fearing it will steal her time for “fun adventures,” resonates with anyone who’s ever felt torn between duty and desire. The show’s quieter moments, like Nagumo reflecting on Niikura’s dreams, hint at deeper aspirations blossoming amid the chaos.

Fans on X have been vocal about the premiere’s impact, with posts praising its “laugh out loud wacky situations” and “peak good vibes.” One user called it “by far one of my favorite premieres from this new anime season,” highlighting Kyoto Animation’s “incredible” production quality. The series’ ability to balance chaotic humor with heartfelt character beats has drawn comparisons to Nichijou, with some calling it “Nichijou College” or an unofficial sequel.

Accessibility and Global Appeal

CITY: The Animation Season 1 is streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, with English subtitles and dubs in multiple languages, making it accessible to a global audience. In Japan, it airs on networks like Tokyo MX, ABC Television, and BS11, with episode 1 debuting on July 6, 2025, at midnight JST. The series’ 13-episode run, spread across three Blu-ray/DVD volumes, ensures a compact yet satisfying journey.

Why CITY Stands Out

In a season crowded with high-profile releases, CITY: The Animation carves its own niche. It’s not just a comedy; it’s a celebration of the messy, vibrant, and unpredictable nature of urban life. Its characters, from the debt-ridden Midori to the noodle-dunking Tsurubishi, feel like neighbors you’d meet in a city that’s equal parts chaotic and endearing. Kyoto Animation’s return to Arawi’s world feels like a homecoming, blending the anarchic spirit of Nichijou with a more mature, arc-driven narrative.

For fans of Arawi’s quirky storytelling or Kyoto Animation’s visual prowess, CITY: The Animation Season 1 is a must-watch. It’s a reminder that even in a world of unpaid rent and absurd mishaps, there’s always room for laughter, love, and a little bit of madness. Welcome to CITY—where something exciting happens every day.

*Stream *CITY: The Animation* Season 1 on Amazon Prime Video, and check out the official website (city-the-animation.com) for character profiles and updates.*