It is the time of the year when all Muslims from all over the world carry out a one-month fasting event, Ramadan of 1444 H. For Muslims, Ramadan is interpreted as holy month where all Muslims have to refrain from their worldly desire from dawn to dusk. During that time, Muslims are forbidden from consuming food and drink, engaging in sexual activity, or all forms of immoral behaviour, which include impure or unkind thoughts. Thus, false words or bad deeds or intentions are as destructive of a fast as eating or drinking (Britannica). Daily activities will obviously change, starting from preparing food at unusual times, getting up early to eat sahur, getting ready at the dinner table for iftar (breaking the fast), and evening tarawih prayer at the mosque.
The Muslims who carry out a series of prayers in the month of Ramadan 1444 H may also be anime fans. Maybe some of you are wondering about what anime to watch during Ramadan this year. Therefore, some KAORI staff have chosen several anime titles which according to each staff are suitable to watch in the month of Ramadan, for various reasons. Here are the options:
Flying Witch
We need relaxing and homey vibes during Ramadan. Thus Flying Witch is a fitting title to spend time with while controlling your emotions. Try to watch Makoto’s life as a young witch that actually not that different from a normal people’s daily life. The only differences are the flying broom (or anything, really, as long as they can be balanced when riding), talking with a black cat, harvesting the Mandrake, and so on. Their cuteness is very comfortable to watch while waiting for iftar. (M. Razif Dwi Kurniawan – The Indonesian Anime Times)
Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan (The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.)
Everyone thought esper abilities would greatly simplify life, but not Kusuo who actually has the abilities. For him, his power is bothersome. This flash comedy from EGG Firm and JC Staff is the perfect hangout companion for you. This anime series also have a second season, ONA, and a movie; which is pretty convenient for a binge watch. (Naufal B.P – KAORI Newsline)
Emiya-san Chi no Kyou no Gohan (Today’s Menu for the Emiya Family)
For me, Emiya-san Chi no Kyou no Gohan is a suitable show while waiting for the iftar. This Fate spin-off has warm and comfy vibes and can inspire you for sahur or iftar menu. Who doesn’t want to try Emiya’s delicious dishes? (Naufal B.P – KAORI Newsline)
There’s fasting, and there’s iftar. This exact moment seems comparable to what happened in this alternative anime from the Fate series, where there are some dinner scenes in their episodes as if the Emiya family doing iftar. You can also try to cook their menus, either Japanese food or Western food, for iftar. If you thought the recipes are not detailed enough, you can read the manga here and it’s free.
Apart from having a culinary theme, there is one thing that makes this anime suitable for watching during Ramadan: because we have to control our urges during Ramadan, it makes sense to stop fighting each other, right? Like the servants in this anime, who stopped fighting over the holy grail to enjoy delicious dishes from Emiya. (M. Razif Dwi Kurniawan – The Indonesian Anime Times)
Cinderella Monogatari
A classic anime that’s adapted from classic literature. There’re some tweaks in the story, of course, but it actually makes the story better. During Ramadan, we have to control our emotions. That’s why we can learn a lot from this version of Cinderella. She’s able to endure all the hardships because she believes that good things will happen. The basic story is pretty much the same, but it’s still a good anime to watch. (Dody Kusumanto – KAORI Newsline)
World Masterpiece Theater
When it comes to Ramadan, it’s good to watch an anime with clear moral values and easy to digest. World Masterpiece Theater isn’t really an anime, but a series of anime adaptations of classic fairy tale stories. Some stories adapted in this anime are Heidi, Peter Pan, and Tom Sawyer. We’re already familiar with those stories, and Nippon animation translated those stories into anime with some changes. World Masterpiece Theater is well-known among those who like to watch classic anime. The series has been broadcasted not only in Japan but also in various other countries, including Indonesia (Dody Kusumanto – KAORI Newsline)
Captain Tsubasa (2018)
When I heard the word anime and fasting, somehow my mind landed on a sports anime series that I watched during my childhood. Captain Tsubasa, which tells a story about a kid who loves to play football, could be a good anime to watch during Ramadan, especially the new adaptation produced by David Production that aired in 2018. It’s just nostalgic. The new adaptation is still able to capture how fun playing football is. Maybe after watching this anime, you’ll be encouraged to play actual football, not just laze around waiting for iftar. (Tanto Dhaneswara – KAORI Newsline)
Cardcaptor Sakura Clear Card
Compared to the old version, the Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card‘s new anime remake showed more cooking and eating scene. Those scenes emphasize the moment of togetherness between the character. With that in mind, Cardcaptor Sakura Clear Card could ignite the feeling of gratefulness that we get during iftar sessions with family or friends (Halimun M. – The Indonesian Anime Times)
Shirobako
Since we’re talking about Ramadan here, I want to recommend an anime that can inspire us to face our hardships: Shirobako. This is an inspirational series. It tells the story of 5 friends who dream to work in the anime industry, only to find out that the anime industry has its own problems.
I felt very inspired after watching this anime because the characters here refuse to give up. Disagreements with creators, animators who run away, messy schedules, there are a lot of problems in the anime industry. Yet, the characters in Shirobako won’t quit. There is a lot we can learn from this anime. Also important for many fasting Muslims: this anime has no fanservice. So, it’s very safe to watch during Ramadan. (Dany Muhammad – The Indonesian Anime Times)
Ranking of Kings
At the first glance, this is a good title to pass the time while fasting. Watching a fairy-tale anime that looks like came out straight from a children’s book, an easy-to-digest show. Then following the adventure of Bojji and Kage meeting new people, and uncovering the truth about the kingdom and his father, Ranking of Kings has more to it than it seems at the first glance. As the story unfolds, you will find how each character is intertwined and resolved every problem they have. Find the meanings of the interactions in their relationship for how we navigate in life to become a better person for ourselves and for others. We might be consuming fiction but the meaning seeps into our life.
You can find more information about Ranking of Kings in our seasonal guide, and since the anime will have a new season this spring, this is a good chance to catch up. Also, you can read the manga here. (Vina Nurziani – The Indonesian Anime Times)
Those are some anime that we recommend to be watched during Ramadan. Do you have any other recommendations? Let us know in the comment section below.
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The Indonesian Anime Times
