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Gintama and Sakamoto Days are character driven stories with similar vibes. In both series, the protagonists leave their dark past for a brighter and peaceful life. Their supporting casts feel diverse and have depth too. Although these two stories are action comedies, they also contain drama. But both seem to have figured out how to balance its moments of humor and severity. It's funny how Sugita Tomokazu voices the main character Gintoki in Gintama and Sakamoto in Sakamoto Days.

What's special about Cowboy Bebop and Saraiya Goyou are its characters and how their complicated relationships are explored. In both series, the main casts are strangers with muddied backgrounds who find each other and form a team. There's a sense of loneliness among them. Their relationships with each other also feel odd. Sometimes they act like friends, other times like family. Yet, it'd be more proper to describe their bonds as camaraderie. What makes these stories' characters so interesting though are their mysterious pasts. Both Cowboy Bebop and Saraiya Goyou go on to uncover who their characters are. But who they really are, are just people who feel broken inside. A story feels relatable when it makes its characters feel human.

Humans are complex and these stories attempt to understand them. Mushishi explores the world, the relationship between humans and nature, and the meaning of life. In contrast, Sousou no Frieren delves into character growth, friendships and regret, death and the value of life. While both Ginko and Frieren learn more about people during their travels, they begin learning more about themselves on the way. If you're looking to go on a journey, then these stories will take you along. They'll put you at ease and give you a moment to heal while their music soothes your soul. They'll remind you to enjoy the ride. It's not the destination, it's the journey.

The two sport stories are similar in plot, where the main character finds a passion and dedicates himself to change. Additionally, the main characters in each story are inspired to take up their respective sports by a girl at first, but begin to truly love what they do near the end. Ironically, the top rival is named Hyoudou in both anime.