Lycoris Recoil: Friends Are Thieves of Time Hindi Subbed [6/6] Short Movie!! {Complete}

Poster for Lycoris Recoil: Friends are thieves of time.

Lycoris Recoil: Friends are thieves of time.

Aired: 2025-04-16
Status: FINISHED
Ratings: 78/100
Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life
Tags: None
Total Episodes: 6
Duration: 4 min
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Source: ORIGINAL
Format: ONA
Season: SPRING
Release Year: 2025
Season No: 1
Director: Shingo Adachi

Synopsis

A series of shorts showing the daily lives of Chisato, Takina, and others employed in Cafe LycoReco.

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Characters

Character Takina Inoue from Lycoris Recoil: Friends are thieves of time.
Takina Inoue
MAIN
Character Chisato Nishikigi from Lycoris Recoil: Friends are thieves of time.
Chisato Nishikigi
MAIN
Character Erika Janome from Lycoris Recoil: Friends are thieves of time.
Erika Janome
SUPPORTING
Character Kurumi from Lycoris Recoil: Friends are thieves of time.
Kurumi
SUPPORTING
Character Mizuki Nakahara from Lycoris Recoil: Friends are thieves of time.
Mizuki Nakahara
SUPPORTING
Character Mika from Lycoris Recoil: Friends are thieves of time.
Mika
SUPPORTING
Character Fuki Harukawa from Lycoris Recoil: Friends are thieves of time.
Fuki Harukawa
SUPPORTING
Character Sakura Otome from Lycoris Recoil: Friends are thieves of time.
Sakura Otome
SUPPORTING
Character Kusunoki from Lycoris Recoil: Friends are thieves of time.
Kusunoki
SUPPORTING
Next Release:TBA

Lycoris Recoil: Friends Are Thieves of Time – A Charming Return to Café LycoReco

Lycoris Recoil: Friends Are Thieves of Time, a series of six original anime short films, premiered on April 16, 2025, delighting fans of the 2022 hit anime Lycoris Recoil. Released weekly on Aniplex’s official YouTube channel and other streaming platforms, these bite-sized episodes, each lasting 2–3 minutes, offer a heartwarming glimpse into the daily lives of Chisato Nishikigi, Takina Inoue, and their friends at Café LycoReco. Produced by A-1 Pictures and directed by a rotating team of creators, this spin-off captures the charm, humor, and chemistry that made the original series a standout. Here’s a closer look at what makes Friends Are Thieves of Time a must-watch for Lycoris Recoil fans.


The Premise: Everyday Life at Café LycoReco

Set after the events of Lycoris Recoil’s first season, Friends Are Thieves of Time shifts away from the high-stakes action of the original series, focusing instead on the slice-of-life antics of the LycoReco crew. Chisato and Takina, the teenage assassins-turned-café workers, navigate mundane yet hilarious situations alongside their colleagues—Mizuki Nakahara, Kurumi, and mentor Mika. Each episode revolves around a distinct theme, from cherry blossom viewing to creating new menu items, showcasing the characters’ quirks and their unbreakable bonds.

The shorts are designed as a love letter to fans, offering lighthearted moments that highlight the series’ signature blend of humor, heart, and subtle yuri undertones. With no overarching plot, the series thrives on its character-driven storytelling, making it a perfect complement to the action-packed main series.


What Makes It Special

1. Chisato and Takina’s Unmatched Chemistry

The heart of Lycoris Recoil has always been the dynamic between Chisato Nishikigi and Takina Inoue, and Friends Are Thieves of Time doubles down on their infectious chemistry. Chisato, voiced by Chika Anzai, is her usual bubbly, chaotic self—whether she’s distracted by Hawaii travel plans or disarming a robber with effortless flair. Takina, voiced by Shion Wakayama, remains the cool-headed straight woman, often flustered by Chisato’s antics but secretly cherishing their time together.

Fans on Reddit have praised moments like Takina’s grumpy desire to wear Chisato’s clothes in Episode 5 (“Bittersweet First Love”), which hints at deeper feelings, fueling yuri speculation. These shorts excel at capturing the duo’s “buddy cop” vibe, with perfectly timed comedic beats and subtle emotional undertones that keep viewers hooked.

2. Creative Themes and Rotating Directors

Each episode features a different director and storyboard artist, giving the shorts a fresh yet cohesive feel. The themes are delightfully varied:

  • Episode 1: “Take It Easy” (Dir. Takashi Sakuma): Chisato and Takina slack off during a cherry blossom viewing party, overhearing drunken karaoke next door.
  • Episode 2: “Looking After the Café” (Dir. Tsuyoshi Tobita): The duo foils a robber at the café while distracted by their phones, showcasing their professionalism and humor.
  • Episode 3: “A New Menu Item” (Dir. Kota Mori): Chisato’s wild dessert ideas clash with Takina’s practical designs, earning her the nickname “Chisato Zuckerberg.”
  • Episode 4: “Horror” (Dir. Kikuchi Takayuki): A spooky scenario tests the crew’s courage.
  • Episode 5: “Bittersweet First Love” (Dir. Tsuyoshi Tobita): Takina’s wardrobe envy leads to a hilarious misunderstanding.
  • Episode 6: A meta nod to a fictional Lycoris movie, with fans fawning over Takina’s “roleplay.”

This variety keeps the series engaging despite its brevity, with each director infusing their episode with unique flair while staying true to the Lycoris Recoil aesthetic.

3. A Nostalgic Soundtrack

The shorts reuse the iconic ending theme “Hana no Tō” (“Tower of Flower”) by Sayuri, evoking bittersweet nostalgia, especially following the singer’s passing. Fans on Reddit noted tearing up at its inclusion, appreciating the playful fakeouts that keep the mood light. The music, composed by Shūhei Mutsuki, enhances the cozy, familiar atmosphere, making each episode feel like a warm hug.

4. Slice-of-Life Perfection

Unlike the original series’ blend of action and drama, Friends Are Thieves of Time leans fully into slice-of-life storytelling. Fans have lauded the shorts for packing more characterization into three minutes than some full-length anime manage in a season. Whether it’s Mizuki’s drunken complaints, Kurumi’s gaming obsession, or Mika’s quiet wisdom, every character shines. The series also nods to fan-favorite traditions like LycoReco’s game nights, though some wished for episodes dedicated to holidays or the café’s anniversary, as suggested in a But Why Tho? article.


Animation and Production

A-1 Pictures delivers crisp, vibrant animation that matches the quality of the original series. The character designs by Imigimuru remain a highlight, with Chisato’s energetic expressions and Takina’s subtle blushes stealing the show. The shorts’ compact runtime doesn’t detract from the visual polish, with fluid action sequences (like Chisato’s gun disarm in Episode 2) and detailed backgrounds of Café LycoReco. Posts on X praised the “espionage-esque” key visuals, which blend grayscale character art with colorful backdrops.

The production team, led by original story creator Asaura and director Shingo Adachi, ensures the shorts feel authentic to the Lycoris Recoil universe. The rotating staff, including writers like Amane Mori and Yoshikazu Tominaga, adds diversity while maintaining consistency.


Reception and Fan Sentiment

Friends Are Thieves of Time has been warmly received, with fans on Reddit and X expressing joy at reuniting with the LycoReco crew. The shorts racked up over 500,000 views for their promotional PV, reflecting high anticipation. Reddit discussions, garnering thousands of votes, highlight the shorts’ ability to recapture the original series’ magic, with comments like, “I missed these two dorks so much!” However, some fans, as noted on AniDB, found the 2–3-minute runtime “too short” and hoped for a more substantial project.

The series has also fueled speculation about a second season or movie, especially after a vague “new animation project” announcement in 2023. While no details were revealed by the shorts’ finale on May 21, 2025, the official Lycoris Recoil X account teased that a new project is in development, keeping hope alive.


Themes and Appeal

The title Friends Are Thieves of Time reflects the shorts’ core idea: cherishing fleeting moments with loved ones. Each episode celebrates the LycoReco crew’s found family, blending humor and heart in a way that resonates with fans. The subtle yuri hints between Chisato and Takina, like their shared moments in Episode 1 or Takina’s “first love” in Episode 5, have sparked enthusiastic discussions, with some calling it “peak yuri.”

The series also pays homage to the original’s cinephilic roots, with Episode 6’s meta movie reference echoing the main series’ love for film tropes. For newcomers, the shorts are an accessible entry point, though watching the original Lycoris Recoil on Crunchyroll enhances the experience.


Where to Watch and What’s Next

Lycoris Recoil: Friends Are Thieves of Time is available for free on Aniplex’s YouTube channel, with English subtitles, and on platforms like Aniplus Asia and Crunchyroll. All six episodes, released from April 16 to May 21, 2025, are perfect for quick viewing. The original Lycoris Recoil series, manga, and light novel Ordinary Days are available on Crunchyroll and through Yen Press, respectively.

Fans are eagerly awaiting news on the teased animation project, with hopes for a full second season or movie. Posts on Reddit suggest a potential announcement at AnimeJapan 2026, though nothing is confirmed. Until then, these shorts keep the Lycoris Recoil spirit alive.


Final Thoughts

Lycoris Recoil: Friends Are Thieves of Time is a delightful treat for fans, offering a cozy return to the world of Café LycoReco. Its short runtime belies its emotional depth, with Chisato and Takina’s chemistry, vibrant animation, and nostalgic soundtrack making every minute count. While some may crave a meatier continuation, these shorts succeed as a love letter to the series’ characters and fans. As one Reddit user put it, “I could watch a full season of this and never get tired.”

For more on Friends Are Thieves of Time, check out discussions on Reddit or follow the official Lycoris Recoil X account for updates. Grab a coffee, sit back, and enjoy the LycoReco crew’s charming chaos—it’s time well stolen.


Citations: Download all episode now!

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