A beach episode is a good reason to put down the weapons, forget about hostility, and just relax.
The sea is an integral part of Japanese culture and is often reflected in anime. Beach episodes are often inserted into romantic series to create awkwardness and bring the couple closer together.
However, beach scenes can also be seen in anime of other genres, such as shonen, where a vacation by the water wouldn't be complete without one or two action scenes.
1. Blue Exorcist (2011) – Season 1 Episode 11
The academy students go to the beach to relax, but it's not that easy. The guys have another dangerous mission, as well as jobs at a squid shop.
Young exorcists learn about a local monster – an urban legend says that a giant squid lives in the depths of the sea that no one can cope with. If you're tired of carefree beach games, the episode of Blue Exorcist will give you spectacular action scenes.
2. Tomo-chan Is a Girl! (2023) – Episode 7
Tomo, the main character of the romantic comedy, wants to spend time with her loved one and childhood friend, Junichiro, but she is very shy.
Two friends come to her aid. Together, they choose a swimsuit for Tomo and accompany her and Junichiro to the beach to keep an eye on things. But what if the guy is attracted to Tomo's friends? Self-doubt and jealousy could interfere, but what should Tomo do if Junichiro sees her only as a friend?
3. Black Clover (2017-2021) – Episode 40
The wizards of the Black Bull order fly on brooms to the sea. Overjoyed, Asta immediately plunges into a fantasy in which he proposes to Nun Lily.
Each wizard enjoys themselves in their own way: some sculpt sand, some splash in the water, and some run along the beach, causing chaos in the lives of carefree beachgoers.
Noelle is upset that, instead of admiring her beauty in her swimsuit, Asta is organizing Spartan training on the beach.
4. Gurren Lagann (2007) – Episode 12
In the anime Gurren Lagann, the characters see the sea for the first time and decide to swim in it. Their path to the enemy capital lies right through the sea, so missing the opportunity to have fun in the water would be a crime.
This episode contains many comedic scenes, including a game of beach volleyball and smashing a watermelon. However, the enemy could attack at any moment, so the characters must be ready for action.
5. Mashle: Magic and Muscles (2023-...) – Season 2 Episode 12
The magicians from the Academy, along with the main character, Mash, head to the beach. Despite the problems at school, everyone leaves for vacation on schedule.
Even the director of the Academy came to the beach to relax and heal his wounds. This short episode is just as funny and light-hearted as the rest of this comedy shonen series.