Otaku USA Magazine
Winter Anime Endings That Lift Our Spirits

These winter anime endings always brighten our mood!

If you’re the type to skip anime endings… one, you do you. But two, consider sticking around this season—at least for a few of them! This season is full of anime endings that brighten our mood and lift our spirits, and these three are right at the top of the list. Have a look (and a listen) and see if you agree!

 

Übel Blatt: “Stella”

Übel Blatt isn’t what we’d call a happy series. The dark fantasy epic follows Köinzell, a resurrected hero seeking revenge on his former allies 20 years after his betrayal. As he navigates a world where his old name is cursed and his betrayers are lauded, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of hope to go around. But this show also happens to have one of the season’s sweetest, most uplifting anime endings.

“Stella” is performed by Hina Tachibana, who also voices Köinzell’s elf girl charge known only as Peepi. The song reflects on the nature of hope: looking for shining lights of reassurance even when the world encourages you to do otherwise. As a counterpoint to the show’s grim and gritty vibe, the tune is light and traditional. It’s a surprisingly gentle conclusion to what are usually very rough, weighty episodes.

Übel Blatt is now streaming on Amazon Prime.

 

Honey Lemon Soda: “Wonderful World”

A series with a title like Honey Lemon Soda deserves a bubbly, refreshing ending theme. And as anime endings go, this one’s especially bright and cheery. Japanese boy band &Team performs the song, titled “Wonderful World.” The animation that goes with it is adorable, yes—but it’s also hopeful.

The series follows a quiet student named Uka Ishimori, long mocked for being quiet and unmoving. But when she transfers to a new school and meets Kai and his friend group, everything starts to change. With that in mind, these adorable scenes of dancing and playing take on a new tone. These aren’t just friends having fun. This is Uka embracing her happy new life. It really is a wonderful world!

Honey Lemon Soda is now streaming on Crunchyroll.

 

Medalist: “Atashi no Dress”

Out of all the new anime endings this season, Medalist has possibly the cutest of all. The figure skating anime stars Inori, a fifth grader who dreams of figure skating. But eleven is kind of old to start training if you’re looking to become an Olympic medalist. Fortunately, Inori is both passionate and a quick study. And her coach Tsukasa believes in her, even when her mom gets a bit overprotective.

The show’s ending, “Atashi no Dress,” shows Inori at her brightest and best. The song is performed by Japanese band neguse. and set to adorable animation of Inori and an earthworm hopping, stepping, and jumping. (For those not in the know, Inori finds comfort in the creepy-crawlies.) Even when the show itself is laden with the tension of competition, this ending closes out every episode on a bright note.

Medalist is now streaming on Hulu.

Kara Dennison

Kara Dennison is a writer, editor, and presenter with bylines at Crunchyroll, Sci-Fi Magazine, Sartorial Geek, and many others. Beyond the world of anime, she's a writer for Doctor Who expanded universe series including Iris Wildthyme and the City of the Saved, as well as an editor for the critically-acclaimed Black Archive series.

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