Iokawa Karada has always felt like a burden on her older brother Hiro, especially once she becomes old enough to realise how much he has given up to look after her. One summer, she prays to the local wishing stone to make her old enough to be independent, and to her surprise, it grants that [...]
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It took me around two days or so to finish download this particular soundtrack from Nipponsei as the seeds weren't that healthy. But nevertheless, it's worth it. I was only a little disappointed that scans of the soundtrack's album were not available with the torrent. I had to look around for the cover for the album so that I could blog (it would hold no meaning at all if I were to blog without an image). I tried searching Google and Wikipedia but I found nothing. In the end, as you can see, I found one over at Amazon and it's in quite a high resolution. Yay.First of all, I have to tell you all how shocked I was when I saw that there were over 40 tracks! 40 tracks in a single album! In that case, they could have release two separate albums, but somewhat, they decided to arrange them all into an album sold at the price of 3000 Yen. 40 tracks in 12 episodes, wow. The composer of the tracks must have been a really hardworking guy. The composer's name is Mitsumune Shinkichi. He has also done the soundtrack of Zero no Tsukaima and Rozen Maiden, according to his page in ANN.Now, back at the soundtracks. The first track, "Kumikyoku [Asatte no Houkou]" is also the the background music of the message you hear from both Karada & Shouko. It started of symphatatically, but then goes on in a lively mood. It slows down to the sounds of a violin and other mixed instrument. The second track is the TV sized version of Hikari no Kisetsu, the OP for the anime. I couldn't help but sing along with the song, lol.As for track 3, I can hear more than one piano performing to the track, going up together, pausing together every now and then. Track 4, "Summer Dream" was one of the most soothing tracks in the soundtrack thanks to its sudden quick piano sounds. Track 5, "Natsumatsuri" makes me think of the happy times when Shouko and Hiro were together. The sixth track, "Negai Ishi", like its name, was played during the moment when Shouko and Karada made a wish and changed bodies besides the wishing rock. Track 7, "Pure", which was played during before going on a commercial break, was the shortest track in the soundtrack. Track 8, "Odekake", has the free and light feeling like those Karada had before turning into an adult. Track 10 is somewhat like track 8 as it also carries the 'carefree' type of message with it. Track 12, "Deai", is a track with some simple sequence in it making it quite nice. Track 13, "Sad Things", was one of the main BGM used in the anime as far as I am concerned and it carries the feeling of being sad. "Wadakamari", track 15, is a slow and peaceful song with a tiny bit of sorrow with the piano tones as if they were getting deeper and deeper. Track 16 is a short soothing song somewhat like track 15. Meanwhile I don't remember hearing track 17 "Konwaku" in the anime, it sounded like a rather 'cheeky' track. I can hear unclear voices in the background of track 18 and it sounded rather solemn, compared to others. Track 19, "Jealousy", was quite soothing nevetheless even with its tense moments. Track 20 makes me feel like tapping my feet, dancing around happily, like those game BGMs. ^__^Track 21 "Odayaka na Hibi" sounded rather easy going and cool. Track 23 "Sabishisa", or lonelyness, is also a BGM used in the anime which I can clearly remember. Track 24 sounded rather 'naughty' and I don't remember the BGM being used in the anime at all. Track 25 was a track which has the feeling of easy going. Track 26, Kazoku no Youni, happens to be a slow, soothing song which can be used as a lullaby, in my opinion (I'm feeling very sleepy as I am writing this). Seriously, I don't think the other tracks are even used in the anime so I'll skip writing about them. I'll jump directly to the piano version of the OP theme, Hikari no Kisetsu. It was played in such a slow pace that if one doesn't listen to it carefully, one wouldn't notice that it was the OP. Meanwhile, track 35 which was also the ED "Sweet Home Song" in Music Box Version, it sounded rather... weird, listenning the song as if they were played through a music box. o_o;Track 41 was the TV version of the ED theme. Quite nice, but I'd go for the full version instead.Last but not least, track 43 "Manazashi" would usually be played during the preview of the upcoming episode. The track was so soothing that I wouldn't mind putting it on loop while listenning to it on my mp3 player, lol...zzz...
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Rating: 9.4/10 Overall Series Rating: 9.7/10 Impressions: So the ending plays out like how I predicted, except for how Shouko doesn’t return home, and instead ends up with Hiro. I still think she should have returned home for that ‘perfect’ round about scenario, since this show is really about a ’summer story’ that is meant to go away [...]
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Wow, the last poll exceeded 200 votes pretty quickly, a lot faster than I expected. However, it is a pretty easy poll, and the clear winners are Death Note, Kanon and Code Geass. Personally my top 5 of last season would be: Negima!?, Code Geass, Kanon, Asatte no Houkou and Soukou no Strain (Death Note [...]
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"The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."That is the exact word to describe what I am going through right now.Anyway, the episode started from where the last episode ended, where Kotomi and Amino had arrived at the Pension Isogai, a bed-and-breakfast pension owned by a middle-aged man who used to be Kotomi's homeroom teacher. Karada was surprised as Isogai-sensei noticed her reaction.As how it would be a coincident I do not know, but in here, they were introduced to Satou-san, the newly hired part-time worker for the pension. Satou-san happened to be no other than Karada. As Tetsu noticed her, he was surprised, and so was Karada. Kotomi, Tetsu and Isogai-sensei having a chat on the veranda.Tetsu and Kotomi settled down in a room and then they got themselves ready to have dinner on the veranda where the oceans are viewable. Kotomi and Isogai-sensei had a chat by the dining table while Isogai-sensei’s wife was teaching Karada how to use the microwave oven to cook a fish which happened to be their main dish that night. Karada took the fish out and served it on the table. Isogai-sensei proudly announced that he was the one who caught the fish they were going to eat. Karada was then invited to have dinner with them. After dinner, Kotomi decided to help out in the pension as she and Tetsu were freeloading off them. Tetsu then revealed that he knew Satou-san, that she was “a friend of his classmate’s brother”. They were all surprised and Kotomi also said that she might have seen her somewhere.Tetsu looking at the map that Isogai-sensei had given him.Karada busy taking down the customers' order.The next morning, Tetsu borrowed a bicycle and went out to look for the Karada he knew along the pensions and lodges by the beach. Meanwhile, Karada and Kotomi were busy doing chores, serving customers while Isogai-sensei’s wife was busy preparing food for the customers. Isogai-sensei was nowhere to be seen. After everything was finished up, they cleaned up the place and Kotomi went to look for Isogai-sensei. He was fishing by the sea. As he noticed Kotomi, he started to tell tales about the ocean.Karada with Tetsu, ackwardly.On the other hand, Karada was resting on a bench by the beach. She started to recall her past when she was here with the others. Tetsu noticed that she was talking to herself and approached her. They had a short conversation, and then Tetsu started to leave her. She followed him. Karada then asked why was Tetsu so worried about “Karada”, and this made Tetsu confessed his feelings for Karada. Karada froze and started to blush. Tetsu then went away in his bicycle, leaving Karada behind.Shouko, leaving her final message to Hiro before leaving the house.Back in Kanouchou, Shouko was packing her things into a luggage. She decided to leave the Iokawa’s. Hiro didn’t stop her. It started to rain heavily. Shouko was soaked wet under the rain as she left.Back at the pension, Isogai-sensei and the others started to get worried about Tetsu that he might be caught under the rain. Karada decided to look for him. Tetsu fell down...On the other hand, Tetsu had fallen down to the ground with his bicycle. He hurt his knee and is unable to get up. This is when Karada arrived and got hold onto him. He fainted. Karada carried him back to the pension. Karada looking after Tetsu.Isogai-sensei’s wife had a look at Tetsu’s wound and treated it. Tetsu’s body temperature was a little high but it wasn’t serious. Karada decided to look after him by his side. As she looked at his face, she couldn’t help blaming herself. This is when Tetsu awakens. He wanted to look for “Karada” but Karada had disallowed him to do it until his fever drops. She comforted him as he fell back asleep, calling Karada “Satou-san”. Karada felt pain in her heart. It was painful for her to hear someone she knew calling her by the wrong name. She hoped that Tetsu could call her by her real name... My comments: In this episode, Karada went through her most painful experience so far. Someone indirectly confessed his feelings to her, but to her, it was a direct shot to her feelings. She was terrified. If she weren't strong enough, she could have given up on everything. But now, she knows that she has anothing thing to cherish: love.
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Once again, it's time for the Remedial Anime Awards, the monthly award of Yamaki’s Anime Blog. As faithful readers of the blog would know, I’ve cancelled the awards for the last month, December 2006, due to the fact that I was having a holiday in Singapore. Now that I have everything back in control, I’m ready to “revive” the awards after a month of hiatus. Other than the awards, I also have a few other things/news/updates to announce.I’ll start with the announcements. Firstly, according to Anime News Network, the anime Shuffle! was licensed by FUNimation; on the other hand, Japanese television had released a remake of Shuffle’s anime, Shuffle! Memories, and subs of the remake are also available on the internet. This means that, there’s no reason for me to continue to write episode summaries for each of the episodes for Shuffle! that I might end up confusing readers. So, I have decided to stop the episode summary writing; I’ll do an overall summary of the anime series. On whether I’ll be picking up Shuffle! Memories, it depends. I have two “brand-new” animes on my hand at the moment and the two are none other than “Honey & Clover” and “He Is My Master”. (/swt) Secondly, you should have noticed that I am lagging behind in the episode review of Negima?!. Rest assured I will not drop reviewing the anime series (for the time being. I might really drop it if I am not able to cope with Asatte no Houkou and Kanon), but I’m dropping the episode summaries writings. I’ll also do an overall review. The winners of this month’s awards are indeed true winners (at least for the best female IMHO), and I believe that no one would totally disagree with my judgements. For the first time ever, I didn’t have much trouble choosing/nominating them. And best of all, I managed to avoid letting a single anime winning all of the awards. Seriously, I’m really proud of myself, lol. XDBest Male: Aiba Kouji (Infinite RYVIUS)He’s acts like a cool guy, but he is a friendly person nevertheless, unlike his younger but stronger brother. A sore loser, he’s a proven opportunistic person and is therefore hated by his brother. He works hard but never obtains the top scores. Plus, he doesn’t know how to make up his mind in his own love business, choosing to please one in the start and then regretting it. Despite all his downside, there are also his upsides. He never lets himself down despite all the criticisms from everyone. He even gets bullied by gangsters due to the fact that he has unlimited point for food & other necessities, but he never gets sad or angry about it. He usually knows what he’s doing, although sometime his ideas might get rejected. Best Female: Kawasumi Mai (Kanon 2006)Kanon 2006 watchers should know why I have chosen her to be this month’s winner. Pwning the episodes after Makoto, she welds her samurai-like sword and brings it along with her no matter where she is going to. She might look cold, quiet and slow-responsive in the outside, but she’s actually quite warm in the inside, having feelings she had always kept to herself. Memories were her burden, and believing that the person who left her would eventually come back was her faith, keeping her strong. Despite having a special power, she had to keep it to herself. A strong girl, she’s easily likeable by anyone who knew her history. Best Non-Human Character:Mai's "demon". Not going to talk much about it to avoid spoilers.Best Villain: Kuze (Kanon 2006)With Mai as the heroine, Kuze the single-named President of the Student Council was the unlucky chosen one to hold the award for the Best Villain. Despite having a cool look with a neat frameless pair of spectacles, once you get to know him, you’ll be sure to hate him a lot. His attitude is what made him a bad guy; or at least his attitude in treating Mai in Kanon. He’s like a politician, or rather he is one as the President of the Student Council. A word from him is like a bark of a dog. A dog’s bite is worse than its bark; but fortunately, he wasn’t able to bite Mai, thanks to her looney friends. Best OP: Roling Star – YUI (Bleach)In here, I would like to state that I do not watch Bleach. It’s just that the people over from music_and_more sharing the single and PV of the song. Being a fan of YUI, I couldn’t ignore it. And indeed, I felt in love with the song the moment I heard it. Then, during the preparation of the bazaar of my school, my group leaders added some Bleach elements into the movie they’re making. This is where I saw the opening video with the song. I couldn’t help but sing along with the subs, thanks to Dattebayo. lol. This is a great song. YUI’s a great singer, for being able to change from slow acoustic songs to this fast beating song. However, it seems that fans were angry that the opening video sucks and it had ruined the song with so much editing. =\Best ED: Kaze no Tadori Tsuku Basho - Ayana (Kanon 2006)I admit I’m a late bloomer in the liking for this song. Before I started watching Kanon, I was expecting some OP and ED like those from Air. But somehow, the songs that came out were lower than my expectations. I started to hate the songs. But as time goes on, I must say that I somehow got attracted to the songs, particularly the ED. The OP still sounded like a lullaby to me and I feel like sleeping whenever I hear it. Anyway, the ‘spark’ which made me choose this song as this month’s winner for best ending theme was the final episode for the Makoto story-arc which I had watched back in December. I was really feeling low because Makoto disappeared. And then suddenly the BGM played the ending theme, and then somewhat, Makoto reappeared. I was shocked. :OBest Scene:This is the place where Karada had told Tetsu about her secret wish back in the first episode of Asatte no Houkou. Until now, she still refuses to tell the truth, because she fears that he wouldn’t believe it (now, she’s an adult). Tetsu remained clueless about Karada’s real identity.Best Quote:“We must part with our past in order to move forward.”The quote was one of Faina Shionzaki’s trademark quotes. You can always hear her repeating it to Kouji, and in the end, even end up with a conflict with Kouji because Kouji had became furious that he couldn’t leave his past behind; which means that he couldn’t accept Faina (the future) because he couldn’t forget about the Aoi (the past).Best Seiyuu: Satoshi HinoHe’s the person behind the obedient faces (or at least if you think that Sakai Yuuji or Saito Hiraga are obedient children). He’s also the person who made the perverted voice in the Hecate-tan episode of Shana. But that’s not the main reason why I awarded him this month’s award. It was his voicing of Iokawa Hiro, the big, big brother of Karada in Asatte no Houkou. Hiro is a strong man, but there’s also his weak part too, and Satoshi had managed to balance them. Hiro’s a chain smoker, but I’m not sure whether Satoshi smokes or not...
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Reviewed this week: Asatte no Houkou 11, Busou Renkin 15-16, Chevalier 13, Corda 7-8, Death Note 14, Deltora 1, Manabi 1, Gargoyle 7, Kanon 16, Nodame 2, ROTK 39, SaiMono 26 …and in manga: Fate/Stay Night 5, Higurashi Oni Sarashi 1, Tsubasa 141, Yotsuba& 43
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I like the reflection Rating: 9.5/10 Every time I watch an episode of Asatte no Houkou, I feel like I fall in love with every aspect over again. I can’t really blame the fansub group for not being The Flash, but it does kind of disconnect my thoughts and emotions from the anime. I [...]
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I’m a little late in watching this, as with many other animes and this backlog is really unpleasant. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this episode, although you could say it is even more drama-ish than usual and maybe a little more emo. But thats to be expected given the nature of this episode. To sum it up, [...]
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I had downloaded the first two episodes of Asatte no Houkou a couple months ago and forgot about it until I found out the anime club needed a 12/13-episode series to fill the slot Sukisho will vacate in a couple weeks. So I watched those initial two I had and found it interesting but found [...]
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