It’s been a heck of a year. Anime studios have released a ton of titles covering almost every genre that exists. However, perhaps the most diverse anime genre in 2017 was drama. To an extent, every series has a bit of drama in it. However, there were a few that brought fictional stories to life. From the romantic to the post-apocalyptic, here’s our selection of the best drama anime of 2017.
Just Because!
Just Because! follows Eita Izumi’s return to his old town as a transfer student for his last semester of high school. The other students at his school dream of attending university or obtaining a job. Meanwhile, Izumi just wants to hold on to his final high school moments.
First and foremost, Just Because! is a visual masterpiece on par with other anime greats. The animation alone is reason enough to watch this drama. It isn’t free of cliches. The small town train station so prevalent in romance and drama series makes an appearance here. However, the animation quality and drawings of the terminals and other structures are superior to the other series on this list, despite the drawbacks of CGI.
Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju Season 2
This season shows audiences the true meaning of rakugo, a storytelling method that needs to be preserved for future generations. This is the mission that ex-convict Yotaro undertakes. After finally achieving the level of shin’uchi and adopting the name of Yurakutei Sukeroku III, Yotaro has other duties to accomplish.
The drama that unfolds in Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is not only about the circumstances of the main characters, but how the story of rakugo performers is narrated. Through this narration, fans slowly learn about Japan’s rich, cultural history and the importance of passing down traditions.
Girls’ Last Tour
This post-apocalyptic drama follows two young girls, Chito and Yuuri, as they rummage around the ruins of civilization on their beloved motorbike. The drama anime series covers many themes, from loss and destruction to have the courage to rebuild. These themes are spotlighted later on in the series when addressing how this “new” world came to be.
Although the show explores several dark themes, it remains optimistic and cheerful. As a result, Girls’ Last Tour successfully balances the desolation of war and the hope of its protagonist. This sense of harmony makes Girls’ Last Tour one of the best drama anime of 2017.
Tsukigakirei
Released this past April, Tsukigakirei tells the story of two complete strangers, Kotarō and Akane, falling in love. However, love is a tricky emotion. Outside circumstances continuously influence and impact it.
The trials and tribulations these two lovebirds face are more realistic than your average romantic drama series. Consequently, audiences could easily connect with the characters’ problems, such as when Kotarō’s fails the entrance exam for Akane’s high school. Overall, Tsukigakirei is a beautifully realistic, depiction of adolescent love.
Onihei
Onihei is a drama-filled, action-packed samurai series. It follows Hasegawa Heizō Nobutame, an officer who uses force to crack down on crime.
Strangely, the series rarely focuses on its main character. Yet it somehow gives audiences just enough information about this ruthless yet compassionate man. On top of that, Onihei features bloodshed on par with the turbulent Edo period. The anime manages to balance violence, drama, humor, and swordsmanship in its 13-episode run. making it one of the best of 2017.
