The sea is a fundamental element of Japanese culture, frequently depicted in anime. Beach episodes commonly feature in romantic series, injecting moments of awkwardness or helping characters grow closer. Yet, you`ll find seaside escapades in other genres too. For instance, shonen anime often use these episodes for fan service, showcasing characters in swimsuits! Here`s a compilation of some memorable, fun, and vibrant beach episodes from the world of anime.
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
In `Gurren Lagann,` the characters encounter the sea for the very first time and are eager to take a dip. Conveniently, swimsuits are at the ready for this special moment. As their journey towards the enemy`s capital takes them across the ocean, passing up an opportunity for some aquatic fun is simply out of the question.
It`s the perfect time to swim, soak up the sun, and enjoy the refreshing breeze. The younger members taste the salty water, the girls sport adorable swimsuits, while the guys take in the ocean view – and perhaps a little more. Yoko`s surprisingly modest swimsuit compared to her usual attire is a notable point. Expect lots of comedy, beach volleyball, the classic watermelon breaking game, and more. But don`t forget the action – the enemy could appear at any second, even during a moment of perfect relaxation…
Kaichou wa Maid-sama!
The main characters and the staff from the maid cafe head to the sea for a well-deserved break. They are welcomed by the owner of a small beach cafe with hardly any customers. Well, one swim is enough; time to get to work! Could the hardworking maid cafe staff possibly not help out? Donning maid aprons over their swimsuits, they`re ready to attract new clients to the beach cafe! Such an exotic sight is certainly new to the local shore.
Let`s not forget this is primarily a romance anime. Expect plenty of sweet moments between Misaki and Usui, who, as usual, manage to both argue and flirt. This anime actually features two beach episodes, so get ready for a double dose of funny scenes and sports activities.
Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku
Japanese office workers venture to the beach to feel the sand and remember what relaxation is like. They bring a few friends, forming a diverse group ready for a great day. While others play beach volleyball, the main pair opt for swimming practice. Futaba can`t swim, and her colleague Harumi is always happy to lend a hand.
What`s fun without delicious food and fireworks? Don`t worry, it`s all here! You can never have too much rest, and weekends inevitably end, so the characters aim to make the most of their beach time – all in the best traditions of beach episodes!
Blue Exorcist
The academy students head to the beach hoping for a relaxing time, but it`s not quite that simple. A new mission awaits them, alongside working at a squid stand. But the sea is so close, and the weather is perfect… Oh well, they can alternate between relaxing and working! Though even at the beach, demons don`t leave them in peace.
The young exorcists learn about a local monster. According to urban legend, a giant squid lives in the deep sea, unbeatable by anyone. What about their vacation? Duty calls, and the sea can wait. So, if you`re tired of carefree beach games and watermelon smashing, the `Blue Exorcist` beach episode also offers spectacular action scenes. But don`t worry, a cute heroine in a swimsuit is still part of the package.
Miss Kobayashi`s Dragon Maid
Office worker Kobayashi, along with her dragon friends, takes a trip to the beach. However, the main character isn`t thrilled: it`s hot, she might get sunburned, the sand is annoying, and she really doesn`t want to swim. But staying home is also not ideal, so Kobayashi goes to the sea just for company.
On the other hand, the charming girls with dragon horns are absolutely delighted to be at the beach. Looking for exciting experiences, they`re ready to smash a watermelon and race in the water. But these are just children`s games; the real fun begins when Tohru takes her dragon form and decides to give her friends a ride on the waves.
Mashle: Magic and Muscles
The mages from the magic academy, along with the main character Mash, head to the sea. Even though there are problems at school, vacation hasn`t been canceled. The sun is warm, the water is pleasant, and the watermelons are ripe. It`s the perfect time to have fun with friends on the sandy shore.
By the way, they brought a very unusual snack with them. But in the magical world, even a watermelon with octopus tentacles shouldn`t be surprising; you just have to hope you eat it faster than it eats you. Hey, extreme relaxation counts as relaxation too, and it`s definitely not like everyone else`s. Even the magic academy principal came to the beach to relax and heal his wounds. The episode was short, but just as funny as the other installments of this comedy shonen.
Special A
The students of Special Class `A` are relaxing again! Seeing these kids at their desks feels like science fiction. These genius students manage to maintain top scores while sipping tea in their school greenhouse. While they usually find entertainment within the school grounds, this time they`re off to Hawaii on a private jet. Shopping trips, limousine rides, and, of course, the beach await them.
Only one circumstance spoils the fun – a metre-tall little rich demon kid who uses the senior group as he pleases. The students have to fulfill all the child`s whims while still trying to enjoy the sea. Only the main heroine remains cheerful, her innate optimism truly admirable. Like in all beach episodes, you`ll see ball games, chats under an umbrella, and, naturally, heroines in swimsuits.
Black Clover
The wizards of the Black Bull order fly on brooms to see the sea. Asta is so happy he immediately gets lost in fantasies where he proposes to Sister Lily. Unfortunately, even the most beautiful sunset by the sea won`t help him hear the desired `yes, I do`.
Each mage has their own style of fun: someone sculpts sand, someone splashes in the water, and someone runs along the beach, bringing chaos to the carefree lives of other beachgoers. Noelle, meanwhile, is annoyed that Asta is focused on training instead of admiring her in her swimsuit.
Tomo-chan Is a Girl!
The main heroine of this rom-com, Tomo, wants to spend time with her crush and childhood friend Junichiro, but she`s very shy. Two clever friends come to her aid. Together, they go swimsuit shopping with Tomo, and then join her and Junichiro at the beach to keep an eye on everything. Is that really necessary?
What if Junichiro`s attention is drawn to Tomo`s friends instead? Self-doubt and jealousy could spoil the fun, but what can the main character do if her crush only sees her as a buddy? Perhaps an elegant swimsuit can help change that?
Nijiiro Days
Four guys and four girls prepare for a fun time by the sea, unaware that Yukiko intends to play matchmaker. Some are already in relationships, others are just starting to notice each other or waiting for the right moment to confess their feelings.
The lighthearted and fun anime `Nijiiro Days` will give you lots of bright emotions and immerse you in bustling school days, and the beach episode will delight you with everything we love. There`s beach volleyball, sweet heart-to-heart talks under an umbrella, and charming girls in swimsuits. The characters quickly pair up. While some are flirting behind a fan, others are arguing so loudly you can hear them across the beach.