10 best Doga Kobo anime you can't miss

Doga Kobo anime has emerged as a beloved creation from the studio in recent years and is known for its lively and vivid animation style that perfectly complements light-hearted stories. Founded in 1973, Doga Kobo has adapted popular manga and novels into anime across genres like comedy, romance, and drama.

Some of its most popular shows have featured Doga Kobo's signature colorful art and energetic pacing that keeps viewers engrossed. The studio has a track record of showcasing amusing characters with quirky personalities and putting them in funny situations that anyone can enjoy.

For anime fans looking for entertaining and upbeat series, Doga Kobo's catalog stands out as a great source with many critically and fan-acclaimed hits. Here are 10 of the best Doga Kobo anime that you should watch.

10 best Doga Kobo anime every fan should watch

1) Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun

Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun (Image via Doga Kobo)

Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun is a witty romantic comedy focused on the amusing hijinks between a cheerful high school girl, Sakura Chiyo, and her aloof classmate, Nozaki Umetaro.

After mustering up the courage to confess her feelings, Sakura is bewildered when Nozaki completely misinterprets things and reveals that he is actually a famous shoujo manga artist who goes by the pen name "Yumeno Sakiko." After discovering his secret, Sakura gets quickly roped in to assist him with his manga.

She soon finds herself interacting more with Nozaki and classmates like Mikoto “Mikorin” Mikoshiba, a shy boy who reluctantly serves as Nozaki's manga model. This Doga Kobo anime thrives on situational comedy from everyday school life and friendships.

2) Plastic Memories

Plastic Memories is set in a futuristic world where highly advanced androids called Giftias serve humans, similar to actual people. However, every Giftia has a short nine-year lifespan before their memories and personality fade away forever.

It follows Tsukasa Mizugaki who joins the Terminal Services department of the Sion Artificial Intelligence Corporation, which is responsible for retrieving Giftias nearing their expiration date. He’s paired with Isla, a kind Giftia nearing the end of her nine-year lifespan, and as they retrieve other Giftias, he develops feelings for her.

This Doga Kobo anime has a bittersweet tone as the romance unfolds against the inevitability of Isla’s impending end. As we witness the two struggling to accept her mortality, Plastic Memories tugs at heartstrings despite its limited runtime.

3) Himouto! Umaru-chan

Himouto! Umaru-chan (Image via Doga Kobo)

For a quintessential slice-of-life comedy featuring an eccentric protagonist, look no further than Himouto! Umaru-chan. Umaru Doma is the perfect beautiful, popular high school girl in public.

But when she gets home, she transforms into her indoor persona—a lazy, junk food-obsessed otaku who stays up all night playing games and reading manga. Umaru’s chaotic shifts between perfect student and lazy “himouto” (little sister) create endless laughs for her brother Taihei.

Supporting characters like the obsessive Umaru fan, Kirie Motoba, only amplify the madness. Packed with meta anime references and absurd gags, Himouto! Umaru-chan nails the formula for eccentric, character-based comedy in this masterfully animated Doga Kobo anime.

4) Gabriel DropOut

What happens when an angel and demon enroll in high school on Earth? The heavenly hijinks ensue in Gabriel DropOut, of course. Kind-hearted angel Gabriel White Tenma graduates top of her class but becomes an idle couch potato addicted to online games after arriving on Earth.

Meanwhile, the once-cruel demon Satanichia McDowell struggles to complete her evil deeds while attending school. As Gabriel and Satanichia’s reversed personalities cause mayhem, their classmates like elite demon Vignette and angel Raphiel shine comedically.

The ironic humor spins hilarity from subverting expectations, enhanced by crisp expressive visuals capturing each absurd moment. From divine gaming binges to failed demonic rituals, Gabriel DropOut puts a fun twist on school life comedy with supernatural roomies, another delightful Doga Kobo anime.

5) New Game!

For video game lovers, New Game! captures game development through the eyes of new employee Aoba Suzukaze. Aoba joins the character design team of her favorite game series, navigating tight deadlines and creative differences with quirky co-workers under manager Kou Yagami.

Detailed art heightens the gaming development realism as Aoba and friends brainstorm designs, overcome technical hurdles, and gradually improve their skills through each project.

Despite the professional subject matter, New Game! blends plenty of excitement and youthful spirit into Aoba’s inspiring journey. Any gaming or anime fan will adore this Doga Kobo anime for its passionate creativity and unique workplace story.

6) Sing "Yesterday" for Me

Sing "Yesterday" for Me (Image via Doga Kobo)

Sing "Yesterday" for Me also incorporates romance and emotional growth amidst the drama. Protagonist Rikuo Uozumi struggles with aimlessness and emotional stagnation after college. He gradually navigates complex relationships with his co-worker Shinako Morinome and former classmate Haru Nonaka.

Sensitive and honest like an indie film drama, Sing "Yesterday" gains authenticity from realistic young adult struggles with work, mental health, and relationships. Radiant moments of connection and understanding between the leads provide hope.

For a reflective anime with understated maturity atypical of Doga Kobo anime, Sing "Yesterday" hits graceful dramatic notes.

7) How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift?

How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift? (Image via Doga Kobo)

Back to signature wacky comedy, How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift? adds a fitness focus as high schooler Hibiki. She struggles with her weight and begins a quest to get healthier with the buff personal trainer Machio.

Alongside her new gym friend Akemi, Hibiki enters Machio’s intense training regime while juggling her personal life. Most exercise-themed anime would tackle this story with a somber tone.

Refreshingly, this anime pumps humor and positivity into every ridiculous moment, from Machio’s over-the-top muscle worship to the delightfully bizarre opening sequence song. Those looking for both fitness inspiration and zany entertainment need to enroll in this Doga Kobo anime's strength-building school of comedy.

8) YuruYuri

For a quintessential "cute girls doing cute things" comedy, YuruYuri delivers endless yuri humor with junior high schoolers in the Amusement Club. Childhood friends Akari Akaza, Kyoko Toshino, Yui Funami, Chinatsu Yoshikawa, and more end up stuck in their tiny decrepit clubroom day after day.

There, the close-knit girls chatter about inane topics, make silly attempts at activities like producing doujinshi and constantly poke fun at the meek Akari’s lack of presence. Somehow, this Doga Kobo anime transforms a deliberately mundane premise into visual magic.

Whether hosting a Christmas party in summer or making fantasy cameos in Akari’s delusions, Doga Kobo’s vivid characterizations turn ordinary moments into punchline-filled laughs. For fans who want a feel-good, easy-going ode to the joys of relaxing with friends, YuruYuri is like heaven.

9) My Senpai is Annoying

My Senpai is Annoying (Image via Doga Kobo)

Workplace romantic comedies always offer amusing dynamics, but My Senpai is Annoying turns up the charm by contrasting the serious junior sales rep Futaba Igarashi with her laid-back but skilled senior Harumi Takeda.

Futaba stays constantly peeved by Harumi's relaxed attitude and brash, unwelcome displays of affection in the office. Still, she can't help but admire his work ethic and gradually softens from her rigid professionalism.

The opposites-attract formula shines, with reactions and facial expressions highlighting Futaba’s exasperation. Balancing sweet developing feelings against the collision of polar opposites makes for delightfully awkward episodes. This Doga Kobo anime brings authentic office fun to otherwise familiar romantic beats.

10) Oshi no Ko

Oshi no Ko centers around young twins Aqua and Ruby, who are born to their mother, a beloved pop idol named Ai, after a hidden relationship. Unknown to others, Aqua and Ruby are reincarnations—Aqua as Ai's doctor and devoted fan, Gorou, and Ruby as a former patient who had also adored Ai.

After Gorou’s murder and reincarnation as Aqua, he is determined to protect Ai, but when Ai later dies under mysterious circumstances, a grief-stricken Aqua embarks on a path of revenge to uncover his mother’s killer. Ruby, also aware of her past life, pursues fame, hoping to fulfill Ai’s dreams.

With striking visuals and stylish animation, Oshi no Ko balances glitzy performances with shadowy off-stage schemes. The mysteries and family bonds highlight societal issues in show business. This Doga Kobo anime is not only a visual treat but also a compelling narrative.

Conclusion

Doga Kobo anime has produced many gems spanning comedy, romance, sci-fi, and more. For anime fans, their shows make for easy, entertaining watches with loads of feel-good moments. Significantly, vibrant and enthusiastic art remains a Doga Kobo trademark regardless of the genre.

Series like Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-Kun, Plastic Memories, and more demonstrate their mastery of bringing manga panels to life in a hugely enjoyable way. For viewers who haven’t already, be sure to check out Doga Kobo anime for unique shows that guarantee a good time.