Spring 2026 Anime Ratings & Reviews (Mid-Season Part 3)

This is the third installment of the "Spring 2026 Anime Ratings & Reviews (Mid-Season Edition)." So far, I have summarized my current ratings and brief reviews for Spring 2026 anime now that we are past the mid-season point. Following "Mid-Season Part 1" and Mid-Season Part 2, this is "Mid-Season Part 3."

As for the rating method, I have used the same six-level scale as before:
S: Exceptional works
A: Particularly interesting works)
B: Interesting works
C: Average
D: Continuing to watch for now
E: Dropped.
For works within the same rank that I consider to be at the top, I have added a plus sign, such as "A+."

Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE Part 3

[Rating: A+ ⇨ A+]
The development of science and technology is not built on success alone. It inevitably involves countless failures and trial and error. While the success and progress of science have been depicted with good pacing in this series so far, the rocket development arc has shown the repeated trial and error of failing over and over again.

I believe this is a very important depiction for a series themed around science. Rocket development, in particular, is an extremely difficult endeavor even with modern science and technology. Even the space superpower, the United States, built up its technology through many sacrifices and failures.

In Japan, too, rocket development is by no means easy. Both JAXA's H3 rocket and private small-scale rocket development continue to be improved while experiencing launch failures. Rocket development, which requires comprehensive technical capabilities, remains a difficult challenge for modern Japan as well.

That is precisely why it is so significant that this series properly depicts the accumulation of failures in rocket development. It does not conveniently portray only success, but shows that scientific progress lies beyond failure. In that respect, I think it is a very sincerely crafted work.

Witch Hat Atelier

[Rating: A+ ⇨ A]
I previously wrote in my "Spring 2026 Anime Mid-Season Ranking (as of May 18)" that the reason this series is not as highly rated domestically as it is overseas is due to the protagonist Coco's immaturity and recklessness, but I have begun to feel that is not the only reason.

There may be parts of this series that are slightly difficult for Japanese viewers to resonate with in terms of morality. Coco makes various mistakes in the story, but while she is admonished by Qifrey, there are not many scenes where she is scolded. On the other hand, it seems that Agott is always the one tasked with criticizing Coco.

Agott is also a child, and her emotional expression has a certain childishness. However, the person Coco often apologizes to is Agott, not Qifrey. As Olruggio also points out, Qifrey feels a bit too lenient.

Japanese viewers might be sensing a dissonance somewhere, wondering if it is not the role of an adult to properly scold a child. While characters are given various roles in the structure of a story, a work that features an adult character who is trusted by children even when they scold them adds depth to the story.

The original author is Japanese, but to me, the worldview and ethics of this work feel somewhat Western. I feel that this is one of the reasons why it is so highly acclaimed overseas. How do you all feel about it?

Yusha no Kuzu (Scum of the Hero)

[Rating: B ⇨ B]
Even though it is about a hero, it is not a heroic tale, but a unique setting where the hero business is about defeating the Demon King (yakuza) for money. The appeal of this work lies in its grounded realism. Yashiro and the other heroes are fighting more as a job to survive than for justice. That dry sensibility leads to a different kind of fun compared to typical supernatural battle series.

Also, the mentor-student relationship between Yashiro and Jogamine is appealing. Yashiro has a foul mouth and a bad attitude, but he is also caring while training them strictly, and he is full of human qualities that make him more than just scum.

Furthermore, the physical enhancement by E3 has addictive and dangerous side effects, and it is not depicted as a convenient power. I think it is a work that can be enjoyed as a grounded, dark modern fantasy that combines the underworld, drugs, mentor-student relationships, and supernatural action.

Ponkotu Fuuki Iin to Skirt-take ga Futekisetsu na JK no Hanashi (The Story of a Clumsy Disciplinary Committee Member and a High School Girl with an Inappropriate Skirt Length)

[Rating: B+ ⇨ B+]
The appeal of this work is, after all, the cuteness and loveliness of the heroine, Miharu Kohinata (Poem). Although she looks like a gal, she has some surprisingly innocent sides, and her age-appropriate high school girl nature is very charming. Because the surrounding characters, starting with Sakuradamon, are so intense, she often ends up being the straight man, but I think she is a lovely character even including that.

It is basically a slapstick romantic comedy, but in serious scenes, the delicate relationship between Poem and Sakuradaimon, who are aware of each other despite their misunderstandings, is depicted with great care. Also, the fates of the mismatched unrequited love couples, such as Izubuchi and Motoko, and Nadeshiko and Kaoru, are highlights despite the full-throttle gags.

The first half was centered on slapstick drama and progressed at a good tempo, but as the distance between Poem and Sakuradaimon closed, it gradually shifted to a development that makes use of 'pauses.' I don't think the tempo has worsened; rather, I think it is a very good direction that matches the changes in their relationship.

Finally, the blackboard art in the ending is also wonderful. Thank you to everyone in the Sakae Higashi High School Art Club for the lovely drawings.

Yomi no Tsugai

[Rating: A ⇨ B+]
Since I have not read the original work, I have not yet grasped the full picture of the story well enough to express my thoughts clearly at this point. The world-building is still shrouded in mystery, and we are at the stage where what is happening is being revealed little by little.

It seems that those targeting Yuru and Asa are related to the Higashi Village, but their true identities and objectives are not yet clear. To begin with, it is also unknown what the Higashi Village actually is. Yuru and Asa are 'twins who divide night and day' and seem to possess the abilities of 'Seal' and 'Release,' but what those powers specifically mean has not yet come into view.

On the other hand, it has become clear that the Kagemori family is hostile toward the Higashi Village and is fighting to protect Yuru and Asa. Although information about the world of the story is revealed little by little each episode, there are still many unknown parts.

Personally, I am very happy that the brother-sister love between Yuru and Asa has begun to be depicted, as this is a development I was looking forward to. I hope to see more of the bond between the blood-related siblings.

Kujima Utaeba Ie Hororo

[Rating: D ⇨ D]
The more I watch it, the more mysterious this work becomes. It is a story set in a slightly unusual 'what-if' world: 'What if such a creature appeared?'

I am surprised by the tolerance of the Kouda family, who accept Kujima without any sense of discomfort, but I also feel that this work depicts the importance of cross-cultural exchange and diversity. People's reactions to seeing Kujima vary, but I was especially reminded of the good old tolerance of Japan by the reaction when Shin visited his grandparents' house.

If you think about it normally, the reactions of school teachers and classmates might be more natural. That is precisely why I think this work depicts the importance of a tolerant heart that accepts others.

Akane-banashi

[Rating: A ⇨ A]
I've watched up to episode 8, and it's quite interesting. I knew that Rakugo included classical Rakugo and original Rakugo, but this is the first time I've heard of 'adapted Rakugo.'

I think everything Karashi says in episode 8 makes sense. However, classical works have the charm of the language of that era, and I think savoring that is one of their attractions. Just as one of the reasons for studying classics in school is to learn about the culture and customs of the time through literary works, I think classical Rakugo is also a good opportunity to learn about the customs of Edo and Kamigata.

Since I haven't read the original work, this is just pure imagination, but although Karashi might look like an anti-classical Rakugo person at first glance, I feel that he actually studies classical Rakugo very well. Based on that, he probably thinks that simply reciting words that modern audiences don't understand won't lead to laughter, so he is arranging the classics in a modern style.

I think it is precisely because he keeps the charm of the classics while making them accessible to modern audiences that he is able to get such big laughs.

The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen Who Will Become the Source of Tragedy Will Devote Herself for the Sake of the People. Season 2

[Rating: C ⇨ C]
Among the villainess genre, I think this work leans quite heavily toward the standard. Many of the villainess works this season have a strong comedic tone, but this work is centered on serious developments, with the protagonist, Pride, struggling in earnest to avoid a future where she becomes the 'Last Boss Queen.'

It is not just a 'redo of a villainess' story; the charm of this work lies in the fact that Pride herself continues to act for the sake of the people and those around her, even while fearing that she might eventually become the worst queen. Her strength lies not only in her high ability but also in the fact that she does not run away from the responsibility of knowing the future.

While it is a story about avoiding ruin, every time Pride saves someone, the people around her also change little by little. That accumulation is what leads to the warmth of the story. Rather than a flashy reversal, I feel this is a work that rewrites the future through kindness and a sense of responsibility.

That concludes Spring 2026 Anime Ratings & Reviews (Mid-Season Part 3). Next time will be the final part of the mid-season reviews, Spring 2026 Anime Ratings & Reviews (Mid-Season Part 4). I will also post a summary covering 'Part 1' through 'Part 4'. See you then.