What Are Overseas Reactions to Summer 2025 Anime? The Studio Behind SPY×FAMILY Receives High Praise

Among titles showing momentum and closing in on the top ranks, particular attention should be paid to Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus, which has seen an increase in evaluation this week. This series first aired as a TV anime in 2018, followed by three theatrical releases, and the current season’s TV broadcast continues its longstanding popularity.

There is one noteworthy element among these highly rated works: all three series—My Dress-Up Darling, The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity, and Rascal Does Not Dream—are produced by CloverWorks. These three titles are also broadcast back-to-back in Japan (except for certain stations), and their cross-series collaborations have become a talking point.

CloverWorks, an Aniplex subsidiary, has previously worked on hit titles such as PERSONA5 the Animation, Akebi’s Sailor Uniform, and Bocchi the Rock! Known for consistently producing well-received works, CloverWorks’ growing reputation this season is a significant feature of overseas reception.

In addition, CloverWorks is in charge of the upcoming SPY×FAMILY Season 3, set to air in October (co-produced with WIT STUDIO), and high-quality production is expected there as well.

With the continuing rise of The Summer Hikaru Died and the high praise for CloverWorks productions, overseas responses this season are full of points of interest. Whether DANDADAN and The Summer Hikaru Died will further cement their status or if there will be even more shifts in the rankings, it’s clear that developments in the coming weeks are not to be missed.

(C)2024 鴨志田 一/KADOKAWA/青ブタ Project
(C)Yukinobu Tatsu/SHUEISHA,DANDADAN Production Committee
(C)Mokumokuren/KADOKAWA/The Summer Hikaru Died Partners
(C)Shinichi Fukuda/SQUARE ENIX, "My Dress-Up Darling" Committee
(C)三香見サカ・講談社／「薫る花は凛と咲く」製作委員会
(C)2024 依空まつり・藤実なんな/KADOKAWA/セレンディア学園広報部
(C)博／集英社・「明日ちゃんのセーラー服」製作委員会