A radio controlled Japanese cartoon character 'Doraemon' flies during the Tokyo Toy Show 2005 hosted by Japan Toy Association on July 21, 2005 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo : Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images )
Anime fans in Japan voted for the animated film or series that they find to be the saddest, and the list includes a mix of serious to generally funny ones. The poll involved 500 participants, and the titles chosen are undoubtedly familiar to anime enthusiasts.
According to the results from the survey conducted by ranking.goo.ne.jp, "Code Geass" is in 10th place and tied in eighth place are "Slam Dunk" and "Your Lie in April." Ranked No. 7 is "Natsume's Book of Friends" and in No. 6 is "Hanasaku Iroha."
Here is the list of Top 5 anime tear-jerkers:
In No. 5 is the science fiction/romance film "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time." It was released in 2006 and is somewhat of a sequel to the novel by Yasutaka Tsutsui, published in 1967. It centers on Makoto Konno, a teenager who gains the power to leap through time. She uses her newfound powers unwisely. Her best friend, Chiaki Mamiya, reveals to her that he is from the future and he had also leapt through time. They eventually separate, with him promising that he will wait for her in the future.
In No. 4 is the romance television series "Kimi ni Todoke." It was adapted from the manga of the same title and was aired from 2009 to 2011. It focuses on Sawako Kuronuma, a teenager who wants to make friends in school but is not accepted because of her looks. Things change, however, when the popular Kazehaya begins talking to her. They fall for each other, but they have to overcome the obstacles that hinder their relationship.
In No. 3 is the drama/tragedy "A Dog of Flanders," adapted from the 1872 novel of the same title, written by English author Marie Louise de la Ramée aka Ouida. It is about an orphan boy named Nello and his dog, Patrasche. One tragedy leads to another, from being falsely accused of setting fire to a rich man's property to his grandfather's death, until he and his dog meet their demise.
In No. 2 is "AnoHana: The Flower We Saw That Day," an anime series that focuses on a group of friends who go their separate ways when one of them gets into a car accident and dies. They try to move on until Meiko appears as a ghost to the group leader Jinta with a request. However, she can't remember what it is. Jinta gathers their friends and they to try to discover what Meiko's wish is. In the process, their feelings of guilt for Meiko's death resurface.
In No. 1 is "Doraemon," the story of the robotic cat Doraemon, who is sent back in time to help a boy named Nobita. Nobita suffers from bullying and poor grades, and Doraemon's solutions to assist his human friend often goes wrong in one way or another.
There are many more tear-jerkers out there, and even the funniest or silliest anime films or series have their tender moments.
