Sakura Society | An Anime Appreciation Podcast

86 | Manga Monday

Welcome to Manga Monday! This week we're diving into 86, Asato Asato and Shirabi's devastating military sci-fi masterpiece about the Republic of San Magnolia, a nation that claims it fights its war with "zero casualties" using unmanned mechs. The lie? Those mechs are piloted by the 86, people stripped of their humanity and sent to die in machines while the privileged sit safe behind walls. At the center is Shinei Nouzen, the "Undertaker" squadron leader who's seen too many comrades fall, and Vladilena Milizé, the Handler who refuses to see the 86 as disposable. It's about the cost of war, the weight of survival, and what it means to truly see someone as human. This one doesn't just hit, it devastates.Please be sure to rate, review, like and subscribe to MTH as well as all the other podcasts you consume, it takes no time, costs you no money and means the world to us podcasters and content creators. Sadly the algorithm only accepts 5-Star reviews...Keep up to date with Brendan here or find him on Bluesky | Instagram | TikTok | TwitterJoin our Discord full of likeminded anime and culture fans hereUpgrade your wardrobe via our merch storeSubscribe to our Spotify playlistPlease support our fantastic sponsors:Audio-Technica, the best in audio equipmentIced-Tea Aesthetics, the best in anime streetwear (use code sakurasociety5 at checkout to save $5 on your order)Dash Water, the best in sparkling waterJapan Crate, the best in Japanese inspired snacks and nik naks (use code ATEBIT15 at checkout to save 15% + get free shipping)

Your 70 Second Anime News Update | February 1st 2026

Big anime announcements. Bigger reactions.This week’s episode of In Bloom is STACKED with anime news and updates on Ghost in the Shell, Sparks of Tomorrow, Netflix x TOHO, $38b in piracy, Sakamoto Days and Takopi’s Original Sin.Please be sure to rate, review, like and subscribe to MTH as well as all the other podcasts you consume, it takes no time, costs you no money and means the world to us podcasters and content creators. Sadly the algorithm only accepts 5-Star reviews...Keep up to date with Brendan here or find him on Bluesky | Instagram | TikTok | TwitterJoin our Discord full of likeminded anime and culture fans hereUpgrade your wardrobe via our merch storeSubscribe to our Spotify playlistPlease support our fantastic sponsors:Audio-Technica, the best in audio equipmentIced-Tea Aesthetics, the best in anime streetwear (use code sakurasociety5 at checkout to save $5 on your order)Dash Water, the best in sparkling waterJapan Crate, the best in Japanese inspired snacks and nik naks (use code ATEBIT15 at checkout to save 15% + get free shipping)

Yotaka Futatabi | Manga Monday

Welcome to Manga Monday! This week we're diving into Yotaka Futatabi (Nighthawk Returns), Fuyuki Izumida's gritty action-comedy about Aoi Yotaka—a legendary assassin who took out 40 people in one night, then ghosted the underworld for eight years. Now she's 33, broke, alcoholic, chain-smoking, and blowing her last yen on gacha games. Peak NEET energy. But when eviction looms and an old colleague offers one more job, the Nighthawk has to ask herself: can washed-up killers make comebacks? It's retired assassin chaos meets midlife crisis, and it hits different.Please be sure to rate, review, like and subscribe to MTH as well as all the other podcasts you consume, it takes no time, costs you no money and means the world to us podcasters and content creators. Sadly the algorithm only accepts 5-Star reviews...Keep up to date with Brendan here or find him on Bluesky | Instagram | TikTok | TwitterJoin our Discord full of likeminded anime and culture fans hereUpgrade your wardrobe via our merch storeSubscribe to our Spotify playlistPlease support our fantastic sponsors:Audio-Technica, the best in audio equipmentIced-Tea Aesthetics, the best in anime streetwear (use code sakurasociety5 at checkout to save $5 on your order)Dash Water, the best in sparkling waterJapan Crate, the best in Japanese inspired snacks and nik naks (use code ATEBIT15 at checkout to save 15% + get free shipping)

Oshi no Ko

The Spotlight Demands BloodJoining Brendan in the studio is upcoming VTuber Oni.What happens when a rural doctor is reborn as the secret child of Japan's brightest idol—only to watch her murdered at his doorstep? Oshi no Ko delivers a devastating blend of showbiz thriller and revenge tragedy, where the glittering world of entertainment hides exploitation, obsession, and deadly secrets. Join us as we unpack this genre-defying story of reincarnation, twin siblings navigating the industry that destroyed their mother, and the question that haunts every episode—how far would you go to uncover the truth behind a perfect smile?In this episode (FULL SPOILERS): Going In Blind | Story & World-Building | Characters & Chemistry | Standout Moments | Animation, Sound & Style | The VerdictFrom first impressions to final verdict, we discuss the world-building, debate which characters land (and which fall flat), highlight the best moments, and evaluate the animation and soundtrack. At Sakura Society, we cut through the hype to help you decide what's actually worth your time.Please be sure to rate, review, like and subscribe to MTH as well as all the other podcasts you consume, it takes no time, costs you no money and means the world to us podcasters and content creators. Sadly the algorithm only accepts 5-Star reviews...Keep up to date with Brendan here or find him on Bluesky | Instagram | TikTok | TwitterJoin our Discord full of likeminded anime and culture fans hereUpgrade your wardrobe via our merch storeSubscribe to our Spotify playlistPlease support our fantastic sponsors:Audio-Technica, the best in audio equipmentIced-Tea Aesthetics, the best in anime streetwear (use code sakurasociety5 at checkout to save $5 on your order)Dash Water, the best in sparkling waterJapan Crate, the best in Japanese inspired snacks and nik naks (use code ATEBIT15 at checkout to save 15% + get free shipping)

Gokurakugai | Manga Monday

Welcome to Manga Monday! This week we're diving into Gokurakugai, Yuto Sano's morally murky supernatural thriller about the ultimate odd couple: Alma, a perpetually hungry teen with demon blood, and Tao, his soft-spoken but trigger-happy partner. They run a "troubleshooter agency" hunting magas—humans-turned-demons—but here's the kicker: when your targets were once human, where's the line between justice and murder? Armed with weapons forged from Alma's own blood, our duo navigates a world where monsters and victims look suspiciously alike. It's demon-slaying with a conscience, and it hits different.Please be sure to rate, review, like and subscribe to MTH as well as all the other podcasts you consume, it takes no time, costs you no money and means the world to us podcasters and content creators. Sadly the algorithm only accepts 5-Star reviews...Keep up to date with Brendan here or find him on Bluesky | Instagram | TikTok | TwitterJoin our Discord full of likeminded anime and culture fans hereUpgrade your wardrobe via our merch storeSubscribe to our Spotify playlistPlease support our fantastic sponsors:Audio-Technica, the best in audio equipmentIced-Tea Aesthetics, the best in anime streetwear (use code sakurasociety5 at checkout to save $5 on your order)Dash Water, the best in sparkling waterJapan Crate, the best in Japanese inspired snacks and nik naks (use code ATEBIT15 at checkout to save 15% + get free shipping)