Welcome to Anime Rants one and all. This list of my 7 favorite anime from 2009 does not include movies, specials, ONAs, or shows that continued from a previous year. It only includes TV anime series aired between January and December 2009. Entries are ordered in terms of personal enjoyment from least to greatest. For each of the 7 picks, I’ll say a little bit about the anime, and then something I like or love about it. Let’s Rant!

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7. Higashi no Eden (Eden of the East)

A bizarre mystery-thriller anime of 11 episodes, Higashi no Eden aired in spring 2009. It was animated by Production I.G. On her trip to Japan, where there were recent terrorist attacks, Saki meets a strange young man with no memories. All he has is a phone that with an interactive AI in it, following his orders and affording him money. Who is this man, and is he connected to the strange things happening in Japan?

I liked the funny parts in this show and I thought it did a good job with being exciting and suspenseful, though I still don’t really “get” anything, even by the end. Higashi no Eden is included here on my list only because so many viewers and critics praise it. As for me, I have trouble recognizing anything truly interesting or special about it. My enjoyment level was still about 7/10, however, so at least it entertained me.

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6. K-on!

KyoAni produced this cute slice-of-life series with 13 episodes. The anime follows the ordinary interactions and meetings of the girls in the Light Music Club. Those girls are Yui (guitar), Mio (base), Mugi (keyboard), and Ritsu (drums).

K-on is famous for being among the first all-girls slice-of-life anime that succeeded, became well-known, and is loved by a large, diverse fan-base. Like any other fan, I enjoyed seeing “cute girls do cute things.” Ritsu was my favorite girl, and my enjoyment level was 7/10.

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5. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2009)

This is the continuation to the first half of Haruhi Suzumiya that aired in 2006. The 14 episodes were aired in spring and made by Kyoto Animation. More supernatural misadventures unfold for Kyon and company, as do the obnoxious exploits of Haruhi, the ever-bold and energetic main girl. “The Endless Eight” also takes place in this season.

I am a passionate fan of Haruhi Suzumiya — not just the show but also the girl herself, despite a widespread (and yes, justified) dislike for her character. I can’t really elaborate here, but perhaps I’ll explain in a future post. 8/10 is where I’d place my enjoyment level.

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4. Aoi Bungaku (Evergreen Literature)

The 12 episodes of Aoi Bungaku were animated by studio Madhouse and aired in Fall 2009. This show portrays a handful of fascinating stories (six, I think) taken from classical Japanese literature. It’s a thought-provoking, creative, and education anime that I highly recommend. I enjoyed all the stories, and I’m not sure which is my favorite. In terms of personal enjoyment, Aoi Bungaku deserves an 8/10.

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3. Aoi Hana (Sweet Blue Flowers)

Made by J.C. Staff, the 11-episode shoujai series, Aoi Hana, aired in spring 2009. Main character Fumi (glasses girl) is a lesbian crushing on her cool female senpai at school. At the same time, Fumi is reunited with her childhood friend, Akira (pigtails girl).

Aoi Hana has immense value as a shoujo ai that never uses fan-service and is more realistic than usual in exploring the dynamics and difficulties the of the girls in their relationships. There’s also a bisexual character I like. My enjoyment level for this series is a 9/10.

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2. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

Studios Bones and Kinema Citrus collaborated to make this 11-episode anime that aired in summer 2009. Mirai and her little brother Yuuki are visiting a museum on their own, when a magnitude 8 earthquake strikes Tokyo. How will the children survive?

I love watching the three main characters as they adapt to dangerous situations, form loving bonds, and grow as individuals. I’m also impressed by how Tokyo Magnitude always hits me so hard in the feels each time I watch it. It scores a 9/10 enjoyment level.

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1. Phantom: Requiem for The Phantom

Aired in spring 2009 and animated by Bee Train, Phantom is an excellent dark anime with 26 episodes. A young tourist comes to Japan, is kidnapped, and wakes up without any clear memories. The criminal organization Inferno forces the young man to train as an assassin and renames him Zwei. It’s a grim world that he must now live in.

I relished the story themes and messages, which are predominantly grim and sobering. In addition, I loved the main characters and found it easy to understand and like the majority of the supporting cast. The female characters Ein and Cal were particularly interesting to me. I’d say my enjoyment of Phantom is at 9/10 bordering on 10/10.

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Thanks a ton for stopping by to take a look at my post. It means a lot to me! It really helps me to know that you all are out there. And that’s it for now– sayonara!

PATREON