[From 2010 onward] A roundup of anime that teenagers feel nostalgic about

Pokémon X and Y

Yusuke 'V'

The Pokémon series is beloved by people of all ages.

Given its worldwide popularity, it might be harder to find someone who’s never seen it.

For teens, the Pokémon anime that brings back memories is probably Pokémon the Series: XY.

Ash, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie embark on a grand adventure through the Kalos region! This is also the series where popular Pokémon like Sylveon and Goodra made their debut.

And Greninja’s moments were absolutely epic!

Go for it! Lululolo

[Trailer] Go! Go! Lulu Lolo [Season 2]

It’s the heartwarming NHK anime “Ganbare! Lulu Lolo,” featuring twin bear characters.

Based on the picture book series “The Bears’ School,” it’s a work known for its charming, adorable world.

It’s a short, stand-alone episode series where the protagonists, Lulu and Lolo, go through various experiences, and honestly, watching it just naturally brings a smile to your face.

That theme song you find yourself humming out of the blue was ridiculously cute, too.

I bet some of you still have Lulu and Lolo plushies, don’t you?

Yo-kai Watch

[Yo-kai Watch Anime] Fully Released!! The Legendary Episode 1

It was a nationwide craze across Japan! Countless people got hooked on the Yo-kai Watch anime series.

It originally began as a manga in 2012, the game was released the following year, and the anime started airing in 2014.

In fact, it was the anime—especially the hit ending theme, “Yo-kai Exercise No.

1”—that really sent its recognition and popularity skyrocketing.

Don’t the wildly distinctive yokai, led by Whisper and Jibanyan, bring back memories? It’s a long-running franchise that’s still popular with kids today!

Careless Penelope

[Official] Penelope by Accident Episode 1: “Putting on Clothes by Myself”

The picture book Penelope, created by husband-and-wife duo Georg Hallensleben and Anne Gutman, was adapted into the animated series Ukkari Penelope (Careless Penelope).

It first aired on NHK Educational TV in November 2006 and has been rebroadcast many times since, making it well-known across generations.

The heartwarming art style, characters, music, and stories are truly wonderful.

There’s an official YouTube channel, so if you’re feeling like revisiting it, check it out!

Smile Precure!

[Official] Smile Precure! Episode 1: "Birth! A Beaming Smile, Cure Happy!!"

Kids and adults alike love the Sunday Morning Anime Time! It’s that time slot when anime and tokusatsu air back-to-back—many of us remember getting excited for it.

Speaking of Sunday morning staples, there’s the Pretty Cure series.

For many in their teens, the especially nostalgic one is Smile Precure! Centered on Cure Happy, aka Miyuki Hoshizora, this series has five Precures shining under the theme of “smiles.” These days, some older anime are available on YouTube, so why not take advantage of that?

Aikatsu!

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There are so many anime with idols as the theme, aren’t there? What comes to your mind? If you’re in your teens, you might have memories of being really into Aikatsu! The Aikatsu! series also had a card-based arcade game.

The story follows best friends Ichigo Hoshimiya and Aoi Kiriya as they enroll in Starlight Academy, an idol training school, where they meet Ran Shibuki, form a unit, and aim to become top idols.

There were so many characters—who was your favorite?

Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live

Prizmmy☆ “Boy Meets Girl” MV

The arcade game Pretty Rhythm, launched in 2011, captured the hearts of girls with its sparkling world centered on figure skating, fashion, and idols.

Among its entries, the third installment of the anime series, Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live, aired starting in 2013.

The story revolves around the protagonist, Naru Ayase, who can see colors when she listens to music.

The series became popular for its dazzling live performance scenes and its deeply human, emotionally engaging storytelling that even adults found captivating.