My personal AOTY was Oshi no Ko. There is a lot going on in that show, even just tonally between drama, suspense, and humor; but it balances everything so well, and it has some really well-written, complex women characters, which was awesome to see.
spoiler
Aqua is kind of an incel, but I think the parallels drawn between him and Ai’s stalker are intentional, or at least that’s the impression that I get after S1. Even so, his strange and convoluted relationship to Ai makes for a really interesting psychological dilemma, and he is a very interesting protagonist. While some of his actions are well-intentioned, he is also capable of some pretty abhorrent stuff. I hope to see something of a redemption arc for him, but wherever it goes, I think it will be a fun watch.
Beyond some excellent characterization and great writing, the music is amazing, the art direction and animation are gorgeous, and the overarching mystery and supernatural twist make it extremely compelling.
Season 2 is one of my most anticipated upcoming anime.
Yamada’s First Time. lol I don’t like ecchi, but I got into romance anime last summer and this one was just so funny, sex positive, and oddly sweet at times. It’s def kinda ecchi though.