I’m thrilled to present the final installment, Part 7, of our rundown on which manga deserve an Anime Adaptation by AnimeJapan 2025. Last time in Part 6, I delved into School & Workplace Slice-of-Life series, but now we’re spotlighting titles that don’t fit neatly into any of the previously covered genres. Filled with music-driven tales, intense psychological battles, and other offbeat stories, these manga prove that originality thrives wherever authors push boundaries.
Curious about the rest of the 47 manga introduced for AnimeJapan 2025? Stay until the end, where I’ve included links to each category, plus a handy MangaDex resource if you’d like to check them out right away!
Spoiler Warning: This article discusses story details from various manga.
IDOL×IDOL STORY!
- Author & Background
Created by Shotaro Tokuno, best known for “NEW GAME!” This is his third serialized work, building on his trademark blend of cute character designs and snappy pacing. - Serialization
Six volumes released, currently ongoing in COMIC FUZ (as of December 2024). - Genre
Idol-themed human drama. - Story in Detail
Miumi Nagisa, a 22-year-old former underground idol and now a college student, believes she’s hit her talent ceiling. During a meet-and-greet with her favorite idol, Ibuki Nanakusa, Miumi’s past idol identity is unexpectedly exposed. Feeling awkward yet inspired by Ibuki—who once left her own group—Miumi decides to rekindle her dream. They soon join “Super Star Ship!” a major audition event in the entertainment world, forging an unlikely partnership as they chase high-stakes ambitions. - Focal Point & Buzz
Fans of “NEW GAME!” admire Tokuno’s skill in depicting the idol industry’s grind alongside the camaraderie forged between performers. Early volumes launched with tie-in promotions, sparking wide anticipation of potential media expansions.
Junket Bank ジャンケットバンク
- Author & Background
Ikko Tanaka, an up-and-coming manga artist recognized for stylistic artwork and gripping psychological game narratives. - Serialization
Eight volumes in progress, serialized in Weekly Young Jump (as of January 2025). - Genre
Gambling meets psychological action. - Story in Detail
Babel Bank, a major financial institution, secretly hosts a high-stakes gambling ring called “Junket,” designed to recover customer debts. New hire Kento Mikami is thrust into a specialized team tasked with using cunning, courage, and sometimes pure luck to recoup massive losses. As he delves deeper into these dangerous matches, he unravels sinister bank secrets that challenge his moral compass. - Focal Point & Buzz
By blending authentic financial themes with gambling showdowns reminiscent of high-octane psychological anime, it captivates fans of mind games. The series includes thorough end-of-volume notes explaining industry jargon, enhancing the immersive experience.
Hanauta Memoir 花唄メモワール
- Author & Background
Kei Ichinose, a mid-career mangaka known for weaving gentle fantasy elements into everyday life, predominantly serialized under Manga Time Kirara Forward. - Serialization
Two volumes to date, ongoing in Manga Time Kirara Forward (as of February 2025). - Genre
Fantasy-tinged slice-of-life centered on music. - Story in Detail
Rin Hanashiro, gifted with the ability to see flower spirits, encounters Shira-tae, a mysterious girl whose mesmerizing singing “flower songs” can soothe and energize nearby blossoms. Inspired by Shira-tae’s unique gift, they begin performing public recitals, only to discover that her voice may hold the key to awakening a legendary “Spirit King.” Balancing whimsical daily life with sporadic magical happenings, the narrative takes readers through a slow but enchanting journey. - Focal Point & Buzz
Its soft art style and floral motifs offer a dreamlike ambiance. Fans especially enjoy the brief action arcs that punctuate the laid-back pacing, making each fantastical reveal all the more riveting.
Girl Meets Rock! – An Ordinary Light Music Club ふつうの軽音部
- Author & Background
Original story by Kuwahari, known for music-focused novels, with manga adaptation by Tetsuo Ideuchi, a seasoned artist who typically tackles shonen themes. - Serialization
Three volumes in circulation, ongoing via Shonen Jump+ (as of February 2025). - Genre
School music and youthful slice-of-life. - Story in Detail
The Light Music Club at a local prefectural high school is average in every sense—no star talents, no fancy equipment. Their main protagonist, Yu Sakaguchi, joins without any grand ambitions, but gradually warms up to the club’s passion for their upcoming cultural festival performance. Step by step, these ordinary teens discover the thrill of making music and forging close-knit friendships. - Focal Point & Buzz
Audiences admire the relatable depiction of learning instruments from scratch, with comedic missteps and genuine moments of progress. The “down-to-earth ensemble cast” approach resonates with many, giving it a steady fan base on Shonen Jump+.
REAL OTAKU LIFE: RAB RAB(リアルアキバボーイズ )の日常描いてみた
- Author & Background
Marron, initially a fan-artist devoted to the real-life dance unit “Real Akiba Boys (RAB).” After garnering attention online, Marron received official approval to serialize comedic vignettes about the group. - Serialization
One volume currently available, ongoing in COMIC Ambre from Live Comics (as of January 2025). - Genre
Lighthearted adaptation of a real dance group’s everyday life. - Story in Detail
Seamlessly blending otaku culture and breakdance, RAB (Real Akiba Boys) stands out in Japan’s dance scene. This manga captures their quirky backstage antics, training regimes, and lively banter—reveling in the collision of hardcore anime fandom and serious dance practice. - Focal Point & Buzz
Actual RAB fans relish the spot-on portrayal of each member’s distinct personality, while new readers find the premise refreshingly offbeat. Collaborative events and exclusive merchandise further stoke enthusiasm.
Observing these eclectic titles—covering everything from idol dreams to financial gambles—reminds me how manga can bend expectations in the best ways possible. Personally, I love seeing these lesser-known gems break free from genre boundaries, offering a vibrant range of storytelling that could thrive with an Anime Adaptation.
Whether you’re seeking music, high-stakes gambles, or comedic chronicles of a real-life dance troupe, you’ll find plenty of reasons to champion these unique Other Themes titles for a future Anime Adaptation.
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