A lot of really fun stuff came out or was licensed in 2009, but not eeeeverything. Here are some items that I feel someone needs to pick up the slack on. In some cases, they could/should have been licensed ages ago...I've also mentioned whether I think it's likely that they'll get picked up, and who might license it. I've got ten each for manga and anime. These aren't all-inclusive or even "top" 10 lists, mind, so be sure to include your own license requests in the comments below. Oh, and these are in alphabetical order, by the way.  Manga  GE ~Good Ending GE ~Good Ending. This shounen romance was recommended to me by a friend and I picked up a few copies of Weekly Shonen Magazine and really enjoyed Kei Sasuga's art. The story is neither particularly unique nor completely boring, but it looks like there's a lot to play with in the characters: a shy young man wants to get close to his crush, and a gorgeous classmate makes it her mission to pick him up and help him out. This is a Kodansha title so it could go to Del Rey, or perhaps Kodansha would publish it themselves...then again, it might stay unlicensed. Who knows? LIKELIHOOD: 5/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: Del Rey Manga/ Kodansha.  Gegege no Kitarou Gegege no Kitarou. Credit goes to David Welsh for pointing out that this one is unlicensed, but Kitarou is a classic manga and it's responsible for a lot of Japanese peoples' views on what youkai look and act like-- and that includes uber-popular shows like InuYasha, for example. Having learned some about Shigeru Mizuki's classic manga at the New People Center and from the popularity of its recent movie, I'd really like to get a chance to read the manga myself.  Gurren Lagann Gakuen-hen Gurren Lagann Gakuen-hen. I was impressed that I liked the main Gurren Lagann manga so much, but let's face it: a lot of us are itching for new content, not rehashes of old (even if it's well-done). So how about this version of Gurren Lagann, in which the characters are all Japanese students? It also doubles as a sort of parody of the Shinji Ikari Raising Project (and the Neon Genesis Evangelion episode that inspired it). LIKELIHOOD OF LICENSE: 7/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: Bandai Entertainment.  Hataraki Man Hataraki Man. I hear a lot of debates about Moyoco Anno's works, and having enjoyed a few episodes of the Hataraki Man anime back in the day, I'd really like a chance to see that work first-hand myself-- I'm much more interested in the trials and tribulations of a workaholic female journalist (ahem) than in the cuties of Sugar Sugar Rune or the love life of the young woman in Happy Mania (though I'm sure they're strong works too). LIKELIHOOD OF LICENSE: 4/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: Del Rey Manga/Kodansha.  Hetalia Axis Powers Hetalia Axis Powers . A zany comedy featuring countries personafied, generally with a vaguely World War II aesthetic. With its own cult fandom-within-a-fandom, I can't help but be curious about this manga, whose anime has turned into such a popular item as well. Published by Gentosha in Japan, who I believe has worked mostly with TOKYOPOP (Rozen Maiden, Gravitation). LIKELIHOOD: 9/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: TOKYOPOP.  Suzumiya Haruhi-chan no Yuuutsu (The) Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan. See what I said above about Gurren Lagann: this manga is selling WAY better than the manga based on the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya novel/anime is. Why? Because it's cute, funny, and new material! So let's get this one out here too. It'd probably be a great tie-in with the second season and movie, cough cough...LIKELIHOOD OF LICENSE: 7/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: Yen Press  Ookiku Furikabutte Ookiku Furikabutte (Big Windup). I really enjoyed FUNimation's release of the anime, about a young man who would be pitcher but, while he has perfect control of the ball, has no idea what pitch to pick when and lacks a bit of speed and power...until he meets the catcher of his dreams. I'd really like to read the original manga as well! Yet another Kodansha title, so...LIKELIHOOD OF LICENSE: 6/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: Del Rey Manga/Kodansha  Princess Knight Princess Knight. A perennial entry on these lists, Princess Knight is one of Osamu Tezuka's most well-loved works and one of the hardest to find in English, although Kodansha International did release a bilingual edition in 2001-- out of print and hard to find now. VIZ published a "preview" in the July 2007 Shojo Beat, but since it's owned by Kodansha, competitor to VIZ owners Shogakukan and Shueisha, it's unclear whether VIZ would be given the opportunity to do a full release. Honestly, I'd bank on this on coming out as a Kodansha Comics release someday, but if Kodansha doesn't plan to do that, I hope Vertical gets it.. LIKELIHOOD OF LICENSE: 4/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: Kodansha  Saint Oniisan Saint Oniisan. I've talked ab out this manga before, several times: Jesus and Buddha take a vacation after the turn of the millennium and become roommates in modern Japan for a bit. A surreal but very sweet comedy, for some reason readers assume it's too "risky" to license in the US. I think it's just too hotly contested...LIKELIHOOD OF LICENSE: 9/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: Del Rey Manga/Kodansha, with a possible surprise from Vertical.  Urusei Yatsura Urusei Yatsura. This is another more classic manga: Rumiko Takahashi's first series of length, and in many peoples' opinion her best. (In mine: definitely a favorite.) VIZ released some of it a while back under the title LUM but never finished it, and I know I'm not the only person who would REALLY like to see some more of it come out, or at least reprints of the original English releases-- especially with all the Rumiko Takahashi blitzing of Rinne and InuYasha the Final Act. Technically it is "licensed," however, so we'll say LIKELIHOOD OF RELEASE: 5/10 LIKELY RELEASER: VIZ Media. Honorable Mention: Rose of Versailles. I just ran out of room, honestly, but let's face it, anyone with any interest in shoujo manga probably wants to read Rose of Versailles, or perhaps should. It's a Shueisha title, so LIKELIHOOD OF RELEASE: 2/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: VIZ Media. Anime Aoi Bungaku Series. Look, this retelling of four works of Japanese literature is animated by Madhouse and features some of anime's greatest directors and designers, include Death Note's Takeshi Obata, Bleach's Tite Kubo, and Gunslinger Girl's Morio Asaka, to name only a few. Why wouldn't we want it? That said, it may not be very accessible to the mainstream anime fan, so I'm betting it'll go to one of the studios that aims more niche. LIKELIHOOD OF LICENSE: 5/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: Media Blasters or Nozomi Entertainment.  Bakemonogatari Bakemonogatari. Immensely popular. Brought to you buy Shaft and Akiyuki Shinbo a la Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei and others. And it's based on a NisiOisiN light novel series? Sold. Done. Let's do this. And unlike Zetsubou I don't think it's QUITE as intensive in dialogue and background text and whatnot, so it's probably actually dub-able. Section23 picked up MariaHolic and the last rumor was that Media Blasters might have Zetsubou, so let's see...LIKELIHOOD OF LICENSE: 9/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: Free-for-all. Could be anyone.  Bokurano Bokurano. In the tradition-- if you can call it a tradition --of Ender's Game, Bokurano takes the idea of kids taking on the responsibility of saving the world and takes it to its natural-- and dark, and cruel --conclusion. VIZ is releasing the manga, so now let's get into the anime, which has a somewhat different ending as I understand it. LIKELIHOOD OF LICENSE: 7/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: VIZ, but if they decide not to go for it, FUNimation will take it.  Dragon Ball Kai Dragon Ball Kai. Dragon Ball Z, minus all the filler episodes and minus all the filler junk within episodes? The only mystery is why FUNimation isn't already printing this; it's like solid gold bricks to them. But perhaps they're waiting for the current Dragon Ball Z release first? LIKELIHOOD OF LICENSE: 9/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: FUNimation.  Kaiba Kaiba. I hate to throw around terms like "absurdist" and "surreal" in the same sentence, but both can be used to describe this futuristic take on the human condition and our views of our identities, set in a world where people who can afford to will upload and download memories into the bodies of their choosing. Might do better with the art house crowd than the mainstream anime viewers though...LIKELIHOOD OF LICENSE: 3/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: ...  Minamike Minamike. A cute, goofy comedy about three orphaned sisters makin' it on their own. It's more about their wacky selves than about them being orphans or loving each other, and that's what makes it a great comedy. I'd love to see someone pick this one up, even though I'm sure it's more of a B- or perhaps even C-tier title to anime licensors...LIKELIHOOD OF LICENSE: 6/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: I could see this going to Section23, unless it goes to FUNimation as part of a larger package. If they pass it up, perhaps Media Blasters or Nozomi will run with it.  Revolutionary Girl Utena Revolutionary Girl Utena (TV). FUNimation rescued the license of the movie from Central Park Media, but there have been so many different releases-- and some of them are hard to find and really expensive to boot. How about a nice affordable slimpack for those of us who'd like to (finally) get around to watching? LIKELIHOOD OF LICENSE: 4/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: FUNimation.  Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei. Rumor has it that Media Blasters picked up this title, but we haven't heard any word lately, so I still want it to get picked up. Unfortunately the sheer speed of the dialogue combined with all that stuff in the background means that companies that rely heavily on dubs (FUNimation, VIZ) seem unlikely to expend the effort. LIKELIHOOD OF LICENSE: 8/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: Media Blasters, but Nozomi, Section23, and Bandai are all candidates as well.  Taishou Yakyuu Musume Taishou Yakyuu Musume. This was a title I was really excited about for the summer '09 season, and then I heard absolutely nothing about it. At the time I was in a big baseball phase (thank you San Francisco Giants and Big Windup), plus the music in the trailer was super cool and jazzy. So, how about someone taking this one on? LIKELIHOOD OF LICENSE: 4/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: FUNimation, licensor-of-all, or perhaps Section23, although with this one I can also picture Nozomi snatching it. Valkyria Chronicles. Maybe it's just lingering guilt over never playing more than a couple of hours of the game, but it was so pretty! And I love Marina Inoue! And it's sort of AU historical fiction, which is also awesome. I'm kind of surprised no one's picked this one up yet. LIKELIHOOD OF LICENSE: 7/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: Could go to anyone. HONORABLE MENTION: K-On!. I feel obligated to point out that K-On! is still completely unlicensed, though it's easy to forget considering how many people have watched the show in its entirety (cough, cough). LIKELIHOOD OF LICENSE: 9/10 LIKELY LICENSOR: Bandai did well with Kadokawa's Haruhi property, but Lucky Star didn't sell quite as well, so it could go to BEI, but they could shift to someone else instead. Whew! Hope you guys enjoyed the list, and be sure to share your own license requests in the comments!
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Hataraki Man – Hiroko Matsukata As the anime title implies, Matsukata is a real working man. She is often told that she is rather masculine, because she smokes a lot, puts all of her effort into her work, and when she puts her “switch on”, and really gets down to business, she seems quite manly, this [...]
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The noitaminA anime timeslot began showing on FujiTV in April 2005. It was set up with the intention of expanding late-night anime viewership beyond the typical young male demographic to include girls and women, and young adults. "noitaminA" is "Animation" spelled backwards.By all accounts, noitaminA has been a fair success. In its late Thursday evening timeslot (varying between 11pm and 1am), shows such as Honey & Clover, Nodame Cantabile, and Hataraki Man had audiences that were apparently more balanced between males and females, and ratings have been good to great for almost all shows.One episode of Nodame Cantabile had a rating over 6% of the audience, putting it well within the top ten, which is dominated by "family" (i.e., kids') shows and young-shounen shows.Here is a list of all 17 noitaminA shows, by average TV rating, taken from a post on 2channel. The number at the right is the number of the show in the sequence of noitaminA shows:4.80 Hakaba Kitarou 104.62 Nodame Cantabile Paris 134.56 Moyashimon 94.39 Nodame Cantabile 74.00 Hataraki Man 63.96 Eden of the East 153.56 Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 163.50 ~ayakashi~ 33.50 Jyu Oh Sei 43.48 Mononoke 83.47 Library War 113.45 Antique Bakery 123.32 Genji Monogatari Sennenki 143.20 Honey & Clover 2 53.19 Paradise Kiss 23.04 Honey & Clover 12.66 Trapeze 17Hakaba Kitaro, a well-made cartoon in the style of popular family shows, did best of all. But Nodame Cantabile was a huge hit, too. The somewhat educational Moyashimon ("Tales of Agriculture") did very well, as did the wonderful semi-realistic comedy/drama Hataraki Man.Two of this year's shows, Eden of the East and Tokyo Magnitude 8.0, did pretty well, coming in just under 4% of the audience. That surprises and pleases me, since I loved both shows.The most recent show, Trapeze (Kuchuu Buranko) may be the most unusual and experimental, and so far has the lowest ratings. It seems to be stabilizing its viewership just under the 3% mark.Honey & Clover, the first show in the series, did okay, but not as well as later shows. Maybe it would have done better if it had been shown more recently, after people got used to watching anime in this timeslot. I'm not sure why such a great show sits so low here.For reference, here is a chronological list of noitaminA shows, from Wikipedia, showing dates, number of episodes, and animation studio:1 Honey and Clover April 14, 2005 - September 26, 2005 24 episodes J.C.Staff2 Paradise Kiss October 13, 2005 - December 30, 2005 12eps Madhouse3 Ayakashi January 13, 2006 - March 24, 2006 11 Toei Animation4 Jyu Oh Sei April 13, 2006 - June 22, 2006 11eps Bones5 Honey and Clover II June 29, 2006 - September 14, 2006 12eps J.C.Staff6 Hataraki Man October 12, 2006 - December 21, 2006 11eps Gallop7 Nodame Cantabile January 11, 2007 - June 28, 2007 23eps J.C.Staff8 Mononoke July 12, 2007 - September 09, 2007 12eps Toei Animation9 Moyashimon October 11, 2007 - December 21, 2007 11eps Shirogumi and Telecom Animation Film10 Hakaba Kitarou January 10, 2008 - March 21, 2008 11eps Toei Animation11 Toshokan Sensou April 12, 2008 - June 26, 2008 12eps Production I.G12 Antique Bakery July 3, 2008 - September 18, 2008 12eps Nippon Animation and Shirogumi13 Nodame Cantabile: Paris October 9, 2008 - December 18, 2008 11eps J.C.Staff14 Genji January 15, 2009 - March 26, 2009 11eps TMS Entertainment and Tezuka Productions15 Eden of the East April 9, 2009 - June 18, 2009 11eps Production I.G16 Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 July 9, 2009 - September 17, 2009 11eps Bones, Kinema Citrus17 Trapeze October 2009 - December 2009 11eps Toei AnimationMy own favorites? Honey & Clover, Hataraki Man, Eden, TM8, Genji, and Paradise Kiss. I think the TV drama spoiled me for Nodame Cantabile, lol.
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I’m actually going to go in-depth for once, to reflect the hardworking attitude of a Hataraki Man. Let’s start this off with the OP, I mean, it would seem to me the most fitting thing to do. (NOTE: I really wanted to put up the actual OP, and not just the song, and this was [...]
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I have honestly never heard anything about this show. Not a word ever. Of course, that is probably because it aired in 2006, before I ever followed anime week to week (or realized that it could be done….yea, I’m retarded). That being said, based on the quality of the show, I assume that everyone has [...]
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A while ago I asked my readers for some recommendations and you wonderful people obliged. One of the titles that cropped up more than once was Hataraki Man and since it had been on my to-watch list since forever I tracked down the full series. And marathoned it. Cheers folks. I can see why it’s one [...]
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I was intrigued by Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 because of the Noitamin A timeslot (which has so far also yielded Higashi no Eden, Hataraki Man and Moyashimon) but also because of the promise to portray the events of an earthquake in as realistic a manner as possible. I’m guessing that animation, rather than live-ation, was the [...]
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Last summer, I could find only 30 shows to preview. This summer, there are 36, without even counting movies.And that doesn't include strong continuing shows, such as Requiem for the Phantom, Pandora Hearts, Cross Game, Before Green Gables, Mazinger Z, Guin Saga, Hanasakeru Shounen, Saki -- and new episodes of Suzumiya Haruhi.The new season starts on Wednesday and Thursday of next week, with mermaid fantasy Umi Monogatari and ecchi comedy Fight! Ippatsu Juuden-chan, and then gets going in earnest on the following Wednesday with the gentle yuri drama Aoi Hana and a new mystery from the makers of Higurashi, Umineko no Naku Koro ni -- and more new shows on succeeding days.I'll preview all of the new shows in detail, but first here is a brief list of some that catch my eye:Aoi Hana: Shoujo-ai slice-of-life from an excellent manga, adapted by the writer of Rescue Wings and directed by the director of Honey & Clover.Bakemonogatari: Shinbou plus plot. Shaft's main man tries his hand at supernatural fantasy, leavened with comedy and fanservice.Canaan: PA Works (true tears) gives us their second-ever offering, set in a dystopic future and featuring a girl with a gun. Stars Sawashiro Miyuki and Sakamoto Maaya. Written by the writer of true tears, working from a Wii visual novel.Sora no Manima ni: The director of Gintama and School Rumble animates an entertaining manga about an irrepressible childhood friend. Stars a bevy of outstanding young seiyuus: Koshimizu Ami, Hayami Saori, Tomatsu Haruka, Itou Kanae, Maeno Tomoaki.Spice and Wolf 2: A new series of the supernatural medieval finance romance starring Koshimizu Ami as Horo the wolf goddess and Fukuyama Jun as a wandering trader.Taishou Yakyuu Musume: The director of Genshiken and Potemayo gives us an anime based on a series of comic novels about girls playing baseball in 1925.Tokyo Magnitude 8.0: Bones contributes the story of a girl living through the aftermath of a giant earthquake in Tokyo.Umi Monogatari - Anata ga Itekureta Koto: A fantasy adventure involving a lost ring and the mermaids who find it in the sea and come onto land to return it. Directed by the director of ARIA.Umineko no Naku Koro ni: A highly-awaited new mystery from the team that gave us Higurashi.Kowarekake no Orgol: New heights of moe in a doujin anime from the artist who drew Moetan.So here are all the animes: first an index in alphabetical order (click to go to full info on each show). Then the sections on each show, with shows that seem promising to me first, followed by the rest.|Aoi Hana       |Bakemonogatari       |Canaan       |Fight Ippatsu! Juuden-chan!!       |GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class       |Kanamemo       |Sora no Manima ni       |Spice and Wolf 2       |Taishou Yakyuu Musume       |Tokyo Magnitude 8.0       |Umi Monogatari - Anata ga Itekureta Koto       |Umineko no Naku Koro ni       |Kawa no Hikari       |Kowarekake no Orgol       |Elementhunters       |Hetalia Axis Powers 2       |Kuruneko       |Needless       |Penelope tete en l'air 2       |Princess Lover       |Suzu Santarou       |Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahou       |Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei       |AIKa ZERO       |Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka Hard Core       |Cobra The Animation: Time Drive       |Dogs, Bullets and Carnage       |Hellsing       |Jungle Emperor       |Kodomo no Jikan 2       |Mahou Sensei Negima! - Another World       |Nodame Cantabile OVA       |Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas - Meiō Shinwa       |To Love-Ru OVA       |Utawarerumono OVA       |Utsurun DesuNotes:-- info from official sites, Anime News Network, AnimeSuki forums, Anidb, 2channel, Japanese Wikipedia, etc.-- some info re episode numbers may be unreliable.-- subs info from the Who Subs What wiki, which shows which groups have expressed interest in each show. There is always some winnowing-out when the season starts.-- I will post a weekly broadcast calendar when the season is about to start, including broadcast schedule changes that will probably occur between now and then.-- English titles link to the Anime News Network encyclopedia; Japanese titles link to official sites.-- click images to enlarge.Aoi Hana(jp: 青い花)yuri, comedy-drama, school lifeA wonderful shoujo-ai manga by Shimura Takako finds its way to anime, directed by the director of Honey & Clover, and adapted by the writer of Rescue Wings. I'm all over this one.High-school freshman Akira is surprised when her childhood friend Fumi moves back into the neighborhood. Fumi is tall and shy. Akira is a little live-wire. The manga follows their lives and subtly shows the affection they feel for each other and for various fellow students in the two separate girls' schools they attend.Fumi is played by Takabe Ai, who is a 20-year-old actress, TV personality and photo idol with no anime experience. A little awkwardness will suit Fumi's voice. The three rather inexperienced leads are backed up by a fine supporting cast: Horie Yui, Iguchi Yuka, Toyosaki Aki, Noto Mamiko, Nakahara Mai, Yahagi Sayuri.This is the second show in Fuji TV's new "Noise" timeslot on Wednesday nights, aimed at a more mature, mixed-gender audience. Ristorante Paradiso was the first Noise show.seiyuus: Gibu Yuuko, Takabe Ai (photo idol, actress), Ishimatsu Chiemi, Horie Yui, Iguchi Yuka, Yahagi Sayuri, Toyosaki Aki, Noto Mamiko, Nakahara Mai.director: Kasai Kenichi (Honey & Clover, Nodame Cantabile, KimiKiss)writer: Takayama Fumihiko (Rescue Wings). Shimura Takako (orig).animation: JC Staff. chara-des: Onchi Masayuki.music: Haketa Takefumi (Antique Bakery, Vampire Knight). OP Kukikodan, ED Ceui.trailer. forum. subs: Jade Fansubs, SHiN-gx & Genjo-Subs, Yuurisan-Subswed 01 jul 26:08Bakemonogatari(jp: 化物語)fantasy adventure, supernatural, comedy, fanserviceShinbou plus plot. Koyomi Araragi, a third year high school student, is almost human again after briefly becoming a vampire. In each chapter of the series, he helps a different heroine, each involved with a different "apparition". In the first chapter, Saitou Chiwa plays a girl whom our hero discovers weighs almost nothing....But the show is not totally episodic, since events of the previous chapters play an important role in the subsequent ones. The series focuses on conversations between characters, and contains parodies of other series, as well as Nishio Ishin's trademark wordplay and metahumor. (anidb)Seems ideal for Shinbou to do his thing on. And it is appropriate that his original vampire, Saitou Chiwa, returns. Oishi Tatsuya steps into the role of "series director" (i.e., executive assistant to the director, and director of some episodes).Kamiya Hiroshi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Hanazawa Kana, Horie Yui, Katou Emiri -- I look forward to hearing them all.The character design and drawing look great. Charades and animation supervision are by Watanabe Akio (SoulTaker, Magical Kanan, Akiba-chan)seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi (Zetsubou sensei), Saitou Chiwa (Hazuki in MoonPhase), Sawashiro Miyuki, Hanazawa Kana, Sakurai Takahiro (Suzaku in Code Geass), Horie Yui, Katou Emiri (Kagami in Lucky Star).director: Shinbou Akiyukiwriter: Tou Fuyashi (Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou). Nisio Ishin (orig).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Watanabe Akio (SoulTaker, Magical Kanan, Akiba-chan), VOFAN (orig). animation supervisor: Watanabe Akio.sound director: Tsuruoka Yota. music: Kousaki Satoru (Haruhi, Lucky Star, Kannagi).trailer. forum. subs: Sora Subs, ainex, AnimeYoshi?.fri 03 jul 23:00Canaan(jp: CANAAN)adventure, violenceIn the Asian digital world capital, Shanghai, the streets are like a festival every day: angry shouts, lovely voices, and music all merge together in primal chaos. Alone atop a building, a young woman with the lithe movements of a leopardess looks out over it all. Her name is Canaan. She holds a sniper rifle. She pulls the trigger. (official site)Sawashiro Miyuki as the main star (billed first) means a lot to me. She's one of the real actresses. Add Sakamoto Maaya as the other star, and I see a lot of possibilties for strong acting by highly professional voices. Oh, and also Tanaka Rie. Oh, yes, plus Tomatsu Haruka. Mamiko Noto as an afterthought. And I forgot Minagawa Junko, who is doing such a great job as Oz in Pandora Hearts. And did I mention the old master, Ohkawa Tohru? They even have one of the top sound directors, Aketagawa Jin.Writer Okada Mari did true tears (for the same studio, PA Works), Red Garden, Vampire Knight, and many episodes of Simoun. The story is based on a side-story written by the co-founders of Type-Moon for the Wii visual novel called 428.The director is the only question mark. It's his first TV series. In 2007, he directed a movie called Sword of the Stranger. Before that, he directed episodes of FMA and RahXephon, among others, after emerging from the ranks of key animators.But this remains one of the summer shows that most interest me, mainly because of the writer and the cast. The preview makes the drawing, animation and visual direction look pretty good, though.seiyuus: Sawashiro Miyuki, Sakamoto Maaya, Nanjou Yoshino, Tanaka Rie, Tomatsu Haruka, Hamada Kenji, Minagawa Junko, Noto Mamiko, Ohkawa Tohru.director: Andou Masahiro (new, dir. Many eps of FMA)writer: Okada Mari (true tears, many eps of Simoun). Sega and Chunsoft (orig), Nasu Kinoko (scenario draft).animation: PA Works. chara-des: Sekiguchi Kanami (true tears), Takeuchi Takashi (draft). animation supervisor: Sekiguchi Kanami (Solid State Society, true tears, eps of FMA).sound director: Aketagawa Jin. music: Nanase Hikaru. OP Faylan, ED Annabel.trailer. forum. subs: Formula, Mochi Fansubs, Enigma Collective & Atelier-Thryst?. 13eps.sat 04 jul 22:30Fight Ippatsu! Juuden-chan!!(jp: ファイト一発���充電ちゃん!!)ecchi moe comedyFukuhara Kaori, who played Tsukasa in Lucky Star, gets her first starring role. Will Kaorin become the last of the four stars of LS to get an award at the Seiyuu Awards?She is supported by two of my favorite young seiyuus, Takagaki Ayahi and Yahagi Sayuri. Miyazaki Ui, the great Kawasumi Ayako, and Shimizu Ai are involved, too.The story, from a popular ecchi comedy manga by KissxSis illustrator Ditama Bow, involves special office girls whose secret work is to charge up dejected people, with electricity. Our heroine is new at her job....Kimura Shinichirou (Karin, Mahoraba) knows how to direct heartwarming moe. However, the trailer is all graphic representations of parts of the female anatomy. Can Kimura-sensei make heartwarming Queen's-Blade-level ecchi, too?seiyuus: Fukuhara Kaori, Takagaki Ayahi, Yahagi Sayuri, Miyazaki Ui, Shimizu Ai, Kawasumi Ayako, Takahashi Hiroki.director: Kimura Shinichirou (Mahoraba, Karin, PiPoPa)writer: Yamada Yasutomo (Tsuyokiss, Potemayo, PiPoPa). Ditama Bow (creator, KissxSis).animation: Studio Hibari. chara-des: Watanabe Atsuko (animator).OP Fukuhara Kaori, Takagaki Ayahi, ED Fukuhara kaori.trailer. forum. subs: mflatischler subs, Saikyo Fansubs.thu 25 jun 08:00GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class(jp: GA 芸術科アートデザインクラス)comedy, slice of lifeAnime adaptation of Satoko Kiyuzuki’s slice-of-life manga series GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class. The ongoing GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class manga series premiered in 2004, illustrating the daily lives of five freshman girls in a high school art class. (anidb)Great cast -- Tomatsu Haruka, Sawashiro Miyuki, Nazuka Kaori, Horie Yui, and the return of Tokunaga Ai, who last worked in 2007. But it will all depend on the staff and the original manga. Have we run out of funny 4koma comic strips about girl students yet?Experienced director Sakurai Hiroaki did the World Masterpiece Theatre version of Les Miserables. Writer Machida Touko did Lucky Star, but also the less successful (in my opinion) Allison and Lillia and Tears to Tiara.seiyuus: Tomatsu Haruka, Tokunaga Ai, Sawashiro Miyuki, Nazuka Kaori, Horie Yui.director: Sakurai Hiroaki (Cromartie High School, Les Miserables Shoujo Cosette)writer: Machida Toukou (Lucky Star, Allison & Lillia, Tears to Tiara). Kiyuzuki Satoko (orig).animation: AICPLUS+. chara-des: Watanabe Atsuko (Valkyria Chronicles).trailer. forum. subs: SubsFckingWhere.mon 06 jul 26:14Kanamemo(jp: かなめも)yuri moe slice-of-life comedyAdaptation of Shouko Iwami's Kanamemo four-panel manga. The story revolves around the daily life of Kana Nakamichi, an orphaned middle-school girl who begins living and working at a newspaper delivery office staffed exclusively by cute young girls. (ann)Great cast includes Toyosaki Aki (Yui in K-On), Mizuhara Kaoru (Misao in Lucky Star), and a number of big names. The staff is more of a question. Director Takayanagi Shigehito did some Galaxy Angel series and Himesama Goyoujin. Writer Nakase Rika did Fushigiboshi no Futagohime, Rocket Girls, and Junjou Romatica."Yuri moe slice-of-life comedy" sounds good to me, so I'll be there to see how this one gets going.seiyuus: Toyosaki Aki, Mizuhara Kaoru, Hirohashi Ryou, Endou Aya, Kitamura Eri, Horie Yui, Kugimiya Rie.director: Takayanagi Shigehito (Galaxy Angel A, S, X; Himesama Goyoujin)writer: Nakase Rika (Fushigiboshi no Futago Hime, Rocket Girls, Junjou Romatica). Iwami Shouko (orig).animation: feel. chara-des: Tatsuta Shinichi.music: Hashimoto Yukari (ToraDora). OP Toyosaki Aki, Mizuhara Kaoru, Kugimiya Rie. ED Horie Yui.trailer. forum. subs: Chihiro, Saikyo Fansubs.sun 05 jul 25:30Sora no Manima ni(jp: 宙のまにまに)comedy, school life, romance?Saku returns to his old hometown after seven years and is shocked to meet his childhood tormentor, the boisterous Mihoshi. But she remembers them being the best of friends, and sets about inveigling him into her astronomy club. Hilarious and touching manga has a chance to be a good anime.The seiyuu line-up takes my breath away, with two of my favorite voices: Koshimizu Ami and Hayami Saori. To say nothing of Tomatsu Haruka and Itou Kanae. Wow. Some of the best young voices in anime.And director Takamatsu Shinji is a solid top hand, having done School Rumble, Gintama, and the underrated Ginban Kaleidoscope. But no lead writer is credited, so I don’t have a handle on how the manga will be adapted. But I will certainly be there to find out.OP by Sphere (Tomatsu Haruka, Takagaki Ayahi, Toyosaki Aki, Kotobuki Minako).seiyuus: Maeno Tomoaki, Itou Kanae, Tomatsu Haruka, Koshimizu Ami, Hayami Saori, Takagi Reiko, Majima Junji.director: Takamatsu Shinji (Gintama, School Rumble, Ginban Kaleidoscope)writer: Kashiwabara Mami (orig).animation: Studio Comet. chara-des: Watanabe Hajime (Kaleidostar, School Rumble, Les Miserables). animation supervisor: Watanabe Hajime (Kaleidostar, School Rumble 3).OP Sphere (Tomatsu Haruka, Takagaki Ayahi, Toyosaki Aki, Kotobuki Minako).trailer. forum. subs: Chibi, DATS.tue 07 jul 10:30Spice and Wolf 2(jp: 狼と香辛料II)fantasy adventure w/ economics and fanserviceI thought Koshimizu Ami's turn as Horo in the first series was the best seiyuu performance of 2008. She and Fukuyama Jun are back, and Paku Romi joins the cast. Not bad.The same main staff returns, too, but now the studio is listed as Brains Base, with the previous studio, Imagin, listed only as part of the production committee. The first episode has already appeared, and the look is subtly different form the first series.The story follows the travels of a mediaeval trader and a wolf-goddess who takes the form of a beautiful teen-aged maiden.seiyuus: Koshimizu Ami, Fukuyama Jun, Paku Romi, Koyama Rikiya, Watanabe Akeno.director: Takahashi Takeowriter: Arakawa Naruhisa. Hasekura Isuna (orig).animation: Brains Base. chara-des: Kobayashi Toshimitsu (Futakoi Alt), Ayakura Juu (orig).forum. subs: BSS, Frostii, ASR:Kurou.thu 09 jul 24:45Taishou Yakyuu Musume(jp: 大正野球娘)comedyAnime adaptation of a light novel series featuring the antics of a group of baseball-playing schoolgirls in 1925. "By the way, what's baseball?"Great cast features Itou Kanae (Amu in Shugo Chara) supported by a long list of top names. Director Ikehata Takashi did Genshiken and the hilarious Potemayo.seiyuus: Itou Kanae (Amu in Shugo Chara), Nakahara Mai, Ueda Kana, Noto Mamiko, Kaida Yuuko, Kitamura Eri, Hirohashi Ryou, Makino Yui, Gotou Saori, Fujimura Ayumi.director: Ikehata Takashi (Genshiken, Potemayo)writer: Ikehata Takashi. Kagurazaka Atsushi (orig), Ikehata Atsushi, Amagawa Nobuhiko, Shiraishi Masahiko (script).animation: JC Staff. chara-des: Kamimoto Kanetoshi, Koike Sadaji (orig), Koutaro (anime draft).OP Itou Kanae, Nakahara Mai, Ueda Kana, Noto Mamiko.trailer. forum. subs: Kattehoudai, Saizen.thu 02 jul 25:59Tokyo Magnitude 8.0(jp: 東京マグニチュード8.0)sci-fi adventureA magnitude 8 earthquake (that's a big one) hits Tokyo. We follow the story of Mirai, a high school freshman, as she lives through the aftermath.From Bones, with new director Tachibana Masaki at the helm. He did much work on GITS:SAC and on Noir. Competent writer Takahashi Natsuko did Blue Drop, Tales of Agriculture, and 07-Ghost.The concept makes this one intriguing. That and the involvement of Bones.seiyuus: Hanamura Satomi (Miki/Windy Tales, Anise Azeat/Galaxy Angel Rune), Kaida Yuuko, Kobayashi Yumiko, Kitamura Eri, Toyosaki Ami, Endou Aya, Takahira Narumi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Nonaka Ai, Inoue Kikuko.director: Tachibana Masakiwriter: Takahashi Natsuko (Blue Drop, Moyashimon).animation: Bones/Cinema Citrus. chara-des: Nozaki Atsuko.music: Ootani Kou (Haibane Renmei, Shana). OP abingdon boys school, ED Tsuji Shion.trailer. forum. subs: Jade Fansubs?, Frostii.thu 09 jul 24:45Umi Monogatari - Anata ga Itekureta Koto(jp: うみものがたり���あなたがいてくれたコト���)fantasy adventure w/fanserviceThis "transforming magical girl action story" centers on Marin and Urin, two pure sisters who live with the fish in the sea, but yearn to be in the world beyond the water.One day, a beautiful ring falls into the sea, and Marin and Urin retrieve it. The two decide to leave their waterbound world for the first time to deliver the ring.On an isolated island, they find a high school girl named Kanon. The encounter between Marin and Kanon — the maiden of the sea and the maiden of the skies — awakens a hidden power, as the world is threatened by an enveloping darkness. (anidb)Based on a pachinko game, but there is some promise in the mythical story and in a good anime staff. Director Satou Junichi did ARIA, and was the creator and chief director of Princess Tutu. The lead writer is up-and-coming Yamada Yuka, who wrote Tideline Blue and the underrated Neo-Angelique Abyss, as well as working on shows such as Mushishi, Bokura ga Ita, and Hataraki Man. Character designer Iizuka Haruko did Sisters of Wellber and was animation director of Karin.The three leads are played by interesting seiyuus: Asumi Kana was Yuno in Hidamari Sketch and is very popular with Japanese otaku. Kotobuki Minako plays Tsumugi in K-On. And Horie Yui is Horie Yui. Sawashiro Miyuki and Toyosaki Aki (Yui in K-On) are also here.seiyuus: Asumi Kana (Yuno in Hidamari), Kotobuki Minako (Tsumugi in K-On), Horie Yui, Sawashiro Miyuki, Toyosaki Aki (Yui in K-On), Majima Junji, Fukui Yukari.director: Satou Junichi (ARIA)writer: Yamada Yuka. Tsukiji Toshihiko (draft), Yokotani Masahiro & Yoshida Reiko (script).animation: ZEXCS. chara-des: Iizuka Haruko.music: Muramatsu Ken (Kurenai, Sketchbook). OP marble, ED Itou Masumi.trailer. forum. subs: imuR88, Wasurenai. 12eps.wed 24 jun 25:29Umineko no Naku Koro ni(jp: うみねこのなく頃に)mystery moe violenceMore from the director and writer of Higurashi. Umineko no Naku Koro ni takes place on October 4-5 1986, on a secluded island. The head of a wealthy family lives on and owns the island and is near death. Eight of his family members arrive to discuss how his assets will be divided once he is dead. Also on the island are three family members who live there, five servants, and a doctor. After the eight family members arrive, a typhoon traps them on the island and people start to be mysteriously murdered. (ann)This show is so highly anticipated that it has already got its own forum on AnimeSuki, three weeks before the first episode airs. Strong cast includes Horie Yui, Inoue Marina, Ohara Sayaka, Kugimiya Rie, and Ono Daisuke (those first two aren’t favorites of mine, but I respect their popularity among the cognoscenti). ED by Jimang of Sound Horizon.seiyuus: Ono Daisuke, Inoue Marina, Horie Yui, Suzumura Kenichi, Kugimiya Rie, Kobayashi Yuu, Ohara Sayaka, Mugihito, Itou Miki, Koshimizu Ami.director: Kon Chiaki (Higurashi, Hanasakeru Shounen)writer: Kawase Toshifumi (Higurashi). 07th Expansion (orig).animation: Studio DEEN. chara-des: Kikuchi Youko (KgNE, Junjou Romantica).ED Jimang.trailer. forum. subs: ainex, WinD.13eps.wed 01 jul 25:30Kawa no Hikari(jp: 川の光)family ecological fantasy adventureNHK's adaptation of Hisaki Matsuura’s novel Kawa no Hikari (River’s Light). Environmental awareness story about a family of rats that set off in search of a new home after losing their habitat to human construction. Serialized in the Yomiuri Newspaper since July 2006. (anidb)Key animator Hirakawa Tetsuo (Crayon Shin-chan, Kannagi, Afro Samurai, XXXholic, etc.) gets his first directing job. With assistance from long-time director Hara Keiichi (Crayon Shin-chan).Orikasa Fumiko heads a mature and capable cast. She, Kaneda Tomoko, and Yamadera Kouichi are a family of rats. Tanaka Atsuko is a nice cat and Hirano Aya is a friendly dog. The character designer did key animation on Dog of Flanders and Nausicaa. The stills and preview make the animation look like Miyazaki. We'll see.seiyuus: Orikasa Fumiko, Kaneda Tomoko, Yamadera Kouichi, Hirano Aya, Tanaka Atsuko.director: Hirakawa Tetsuowriter: Yoshioka Takao (Elfen Lied, Sky Girls). Matsuura Hisaki (novels).animation: Gallop (Hataraki Man, Kaa-san - Mom's Life). chara-des: Tannai Tsukasa (key anim Dog of Flanders, Nausicaa).music: Kurihara Masaki (Petopeto-san, Azumanga Daioh).trailer. OVA.sat 20 jun 19:30Kowarekake no Orgol(jp: こわれかけのオルゴール)moeDoujin OVA by POP, the illustrator of Moetan. The moe scores are off the scale for the advance illustrations on the official site and for the trailer.About a sad musician and a magical little girl. Originally to be released at Comiket in late 2008. Definitely worth a look, if you like moe. This should be a truer version of POP's work than Moetan was.More samples of POP's work here.director: POPanimation: ElectromagneticWave.trailer.OVA. 1/1eps.summer. date not yet set.Elementhunters(jp: エレメントハンター)sci-fi, education, adventure, kidsJapan-Korea co-production of an anime intended to teach kids about the chemical elements. In 2029, various chemical elements begin to disappear, making life much more difficult. Later, a group of kids under 13 is formed to go to the other dimension where it has been determined the elements went, and recover them.Some great voices: Kuwashima Houko and Kobayashi Sanae, among others. I hope the script is up to them. Writer Arakawa Naruhisa did Elemental Gelade, Lovege Chu, and the much better Naisho no Tsubomi. Director Okukura Yoshiaki did Antique Bakery and little else. I look forward to hearing the music, which will be by Sahashi Toshihiko, who did the powerful music for Simoun. OP by Ishikawa Chiaki (who also did the Simoun OP).seiyuus: Motoshiro Yuutarou, Enomoto Atsuko, Kuwashima Houko, Kobayashi Sanae, Sasaki Nozomu, Koyama Rikiya.director: Okumura Yoshiaki (Antique Bakery) & Hon Honpyowriter: Arakawa Naruhisa (Elemental Gelade, Lovege Chu, Naisho no Tsubomi). Itou Kazumori (orig).animation: NHK Enterprises & Hee Won Entertainment. chara-des: Okumura Daigo (orig).music: Sahashi Toshihiko (Simoun). OP Ishikawa Chiaki.trailer. subs: Eclipse?.sat 04 jul 18:00Hellsing(jp: HELLSING)supernatural violence dramaThe sixth and final episode of the Hellsing OVA series that has taken so many years to roll out. Directed by the director of Claymore, Tanaka Hiroyuki, and written by Kuroda Yousuke (Phantom, Gundam00, etc.). Continuing to star Nakata Jouji and Orikasa Fumiko. Worth a look.seiyuus: Nakata Jouji, Orikasa Fumiko, Sakakibara Yoshiko, Hirata Hiroaki, Hayami Shou, Wakamoto Norio, Saiga Mitsuki, Kaida Yuuko.director: Tanaka Hiroyuki (Claymore)writer: Kuroda Yousuke (Hayate, Phantom, Gundam00, etc.). Hirano Kouta (manga).animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Nakamura Ryouji. animation supervisor: Nakamura Ryouji (Great Teacher Onizuka).sound director: Tsuruoka Yota. music: Matsuo Hayato.forum. 6/6eps. OVA24 julHetalia Axis Powers 2(jp: ヘタリア Axis Powers)comedy, implied yaoiSurprise hit based on a popular web manga gets a second season. It has been described as a "cynical gag" story set in Europe in the years between WW1 and WW2 (1915-1939). Bishonen boys play exaggerated caricatures of various nationalities: the Italian character is into pasta and women. The German bishi loves potatoes and sausages. And Japan is an otaku.Directed by the director of Gravitation and written by the sound director (!) of Aishteruze and Library Wars. Lots of big-name seiyuus. 26x5min episodes. Some people love this show. Give it a look.seiyuus: Namikawa Daisuke, Takahashi Hiroki, Yasumoto Hiroki, Taniyama Kishou, Kaida Yuki, Konishi Katsuyuki, Kugimiya Rie, Neya Michiko, Paku Romi.director: Bob Shirohata (Gravitation)writer: Hiramitsu Takuya (snd dir Aishteruze, Library War, etc.). Himaruya Hidekazu (orig).animation: Studio Deen. chara-des: Kannan Masaaki. animation supervisor: Matsuda Keiichi.trailer. forum. subs: gg. 26x5mneps.fri 03 jul 16:00Kuruneko(jp: くるねこ)family comedyBased on an extremely popular manga blog about cats. Directed by Akitarou Daichi (Fruits Basket, Bokura ga Ita, Gag Manga Biyori). One seiyuu plays all the roles: Kobayashi Satomi, a well-known TV and film actress.seiyuus: Kobayashi Satomi.director: Akitarou Daichi (Fruits Basket, Bokura ga Ita)writer: Kuruneko-Yamato (manga blog).animation: Dax, Studio DEEN. animation supervisor: Ooshima Rie.13?eps.sun 05 jul 08:55Needless(jp: NEEDLESS)science fiction adventure, gar, moeYear 2130 -- after the third world war, large contaminated areas known as "Blackspots" formed all over Japan. Large Walls were used to quarantine off these "Blackspots." Among the survivors who had been abandoned inside the Blackspots, labeled as "those who were unneeded," were possessors of uncanny abilities: fire, wind, brute strength. Others, fearful of their powers, expelled them and named them the "Needless."This appears to be gar men and moe girls. I'm afraid it might end up as generic shounen, which is not my thing. The director seems to be more of a comedy director, however (Strawberry Panic and Kamen no Maid Guy) so we could be in for some surprises. The writer did Welcome to the NHK, which seemed a second-rate adaptation to me, and Zettai Karen Children, which I couldn’t bear to watch despite the presence of Hirano Aya.The cast here, however, is wonderful. Endou Aya, Kitamura Eri, Koyasu Takehito, Makino Yui, Taniyama Kishou, Gotou Saori, Ise Mariya, Itou Kentarou. I think Endou Aya is brilliant in everything she is doing now. Her starring role in Hanasakeru Shounen is one of the best performances of the year, for me. And Koyasu Takehito may be my favorite male seiyuu.seiyuus: Endou Aya, Kitamura Eri, Koyasu Takehito, Makino Yui, Taniyama Kishou, Gotou Saori, Ise Mariya, Itou Kentarou.director: Sakoi Masayuki (Strawberry Panic, Kamen no Maid Guy)writer: Nishizono Satoru (Digimon Adventure, Welcome to the NHK, Zettai Karen Children). Imai Kami (orig).animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Kato Hiromi (Beck anidir).OP Granrodeo.forum. subs: Last Impressions Fansub.thu 02 jul 25:30Penelope tete en l'air 2(jp: うっかりペネロペ 第2シリーズ)familyFrom the children's novels by Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben. Five-minute episodes, Monday-Friday.writer: Shimada Michiru.animation: Nippon Animation.26eps.wed 29 jun 07:40Princess Lover(jp: プリンセスラバー���)ecchi comedyTeppei Arima is a second-year high school student who loses both of his parents in a traffic accident. His grandfather, Isshin Arima, who wields the puppet strings in Japan's vast economy, takes him in, but demands that Teppei becomes his successor as the head of the Arima Group.To prepare for his debut into high society, Teppei enrolls in an elite academy for the scions of the rich and powerful, suddenly jumping from ordinary life to life among the beautiful people. (anidb)One again, some nice voices, but doubts about the staff. I particularly look forward to Yuzuki Ryouka here, following her charming peformance as Yukino in Candy Boy. And I don't get to hear enough of Toyoguchi Megumi. But with a first-time director and animation director, I don’t know what to expect. And writer Nakamura Makoto did the slow and predictable Telepathy Girl Ran.But this is the debut production of an ambitous new Osaka studio called GoHands, so they will be going all out to make something good.seiyuus: Terashima Takuma, Yuzuki Ryouka (Yukino in Candy Boy), Toyoguchi Megumi, Katou Emiri, Matsuoka Yuki, Miyake Kaya, Mizuhara Kaoru, Koyasu Takehito, Shiraishi Minoru, Wakamoto Norio.director: Kanazawa Hiromitsu (new, eps of Shugo Chara and Macross F)writer: Nakamura Makoto (Noramimi, Telepathy Girl Ran).animation: GoHands. chara-des: Suzuki Shingo (new). animation supervisor: Suzuki Shingo (new).OP Hashimoto Miyuki, ED yozuca.trailer. forum. subs: Saikyo Fansubs, AQS-Anime?.sun 05 jul 24:30Suzu Santarou(jp: 鈴3太郎)comedySeries of two-minute episodes starring three bells in a Shinto shrine. Mon, Thu.animation: Avex x DoCoMo.24x2mineps.01 junYoku Wakaru Gendai Mahou(jp: よくわかる現代魔法)magic adventure comedyThe story revolves around Koyomi Morishta, a clumsy high school freshman who is so sort that she is often mistaken for a grade-schooler. Koyomi becomes a disciple of Misa Anehara, a 25-year-old graduate student who happens to be one of the most powerful modern-day magicians. Based on a light novel series. (ann)I hope director Kuroda Yasuhiro is in his Kyouran Kazoku Nikki mode, rather than the halting Chokotto Sister mode. I look forward to the work of character designer Koga Makoto, who did Aria and Kyouran Kazoku.Nonaka Ai and Nabatame Hitomi headline a cast with the ubiquutous Tomatsu Haruka and, fresh from her role as Mugi-chan in K-On, Kotobuki Minako.seiyuus: Nonaka Ai, Nabatame Hitomi, Tomatsu Haruka, Kotobuki Minako (Tsumugi in K-On), Asanuma Shintarou.director: Kuroda Yasuhiro (Chocotto Sister, Kyouran Kazoku Nikki)writer: Kuroda Yasuhiro, Monda Yuuichi.animation: Nomad. chara-des: Koga Makoto (Aria, Kyouran Kazoku).music: Hashimoto Yukari (Toradora). OP Asou Natsuko, ED Misato Aki.trailer. forum. subs: SubsFckingWhere, Chihiro, Eclipse?, Chibi-Formula.sat 11 jul 24:00Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei(jp: 懺・さよなら絶望先生)comedyYet another season of what is now one of the most successful franchises of recent years. The world's most negative man teaches a class of fairly odd high-school girls. Hilarious, for those who like the style of humor.After his brush with death in a motorcycle accident near the end of recording Honey & Clover, Kamiya Hiroshi has come back to be one of the top male seiyuus of all, having won the award as best leading man of 2008 for this role and that of Natsume in Natsume Yuujinchou.seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi, Nonaka Ai, Inoue Marina, Tanii Asuka, Sanada Asami, Kobayashi Yuu, Sawashiro Miyuki, Gotou Yuuko, Shintani Ryouko, Matsuki Miyu.director: Shinbou Akiyukiwriter: Tou Fuyashi (Zoku Sayonara). Kumeta Kouji (orig).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Morioka Hideyuki. animation supervisor: Morioka Hideyuki (REC, D.Gray-man, Sayonara, MariaHolic).forum.sat 04 jul 24:30AIKa ZERO(jp: AIKa ZERO)ecchi fighting adventureBandai Visual describes the project as "the return of the legendary low-angle, sexy action anime in an all-new OVA series." In this story, set in a future world (mostly submerged under water), the 19-year-old Aika Sumeragi is going to college while training as an agent. (ann)If this is like previous Aika series, it will be all legs, breasts and guns, with a rather banal plot to hold it all together. But with wonderful voices: Koshimizu Ami, Noto Mamiko, Gotou Yuuko, and Takahashi Mikako, in particular.The director is new, but the presence of lead writer Kanemaki Kenichi promises something: he was lead writer on Natsume Yuujinchou, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, Jigoku Shoujo, Aoi yori Aoshi, etc.seiyuus: Koshimizu Ami, Noto Mamiko, Fukuen Misato, Gotou Yuuko, Takahashi Mikako, Shimoda Asami, Ohtsuka Akio.director: Yamauchi Noriyasu (new, charades/animator)writer: Kanemaki Kenichi.animation: Studio Fantasia. chara-des: Yamauchi Noriyasu (Stratos 4, Najica Blitz Tactics). animation supervisor: Yamauchi Noriyasu.OVA. 1/3eps. forum.tue 25 aug. Ep2 27oct.Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka Hard Core(jp: あかね色に染まる坂 ハードコア)harem, romanceI guess the first six DVDs must have sold sufficiently well, so they are producing an OVA episode for this watchable but unsatisfactory series.We ended season one with the hero choosing between his (unrelated by blood) sister (Hirano Aya) and his fiancee (Kugimiya Rie). But the loser was still around….seiyuus: Hirano Aya, Kugimiya Rie, Hatano Wataru.director: Motonaga Keitarouwriter: Uezu Makoto.animation: TNK. chara-des: Hirayama Madoka, Horii Kumi. animation supervisor: Hara Shoji.forum. subs: Jade Fansubs, SHiN-gx & Genjo-Subs, Yuurisan-Subs.OVA. 1eps.fri 26 junCobra The Animation: Time Drive(jp: COBRA THE ANIMATION コブラ　タイム・ドライブ)fighting, fanserviceContinued revival of an old series featuring macho, muscle and mammaries. This is the second "Cobra the Space Pirate" OVA series. The preview is for last year's first series. There is also a full TV series planned.seiyuus: Nozawa Machi, Sakakibara Yoshiko.director: Maeshima Kenichi (Patalliro Saiyuki)writer: Suenaga Mitsuyo (Patalliro Saiyuki).animation: chara-des: Shimizu Keizo (Emily of New Moon, Legend of Basara).sound director: Miyoshi Keiichirou (Saikano, Ray). music: Ike Yoshihiro (Kamichu, Flag, Telepathy Girl Ran).trailer.OVA. 2/2eps.fri 26 junDogs, Bullets and Carnage(jp: Dogs, Bullets and Carnage)guns drama carnageSometime in the future, somewhere in Europe, Mihai is a retired assassin who has returned home to settle a vendetta and start a new life as a restaurant owner. Haine was genetically experimented on as a child, which led to him possesing dog-like attributes. Badou is the clumsy chain smoking partner who becomes deranged when denied cigarettes. Naoto was orphaned as a child and has amnesia; she was trained to wield the sword. Their pasts are somehow connected to the secret underground and the organization that controls it. (ann)The director has no track record, and the writer did Kurogane no Linebarrels. But the show was made "with assistance from" Taniguchi Goro. And the cast is professional: Ohtsuka Akio, Ishida Akira, Itou Shizuka, Ohara Sayaka, Shiraishi Ryouko, et al.I've seen ep1, and it was entertainingly dark, with second-rate animation but much well-placed "bullets and carnage." Both eps are already in cyberspace.seiyuus: Ishida Akira, Itou Shizuka, Ohara Sayaka, Shiraishi Ryouko, Ohtsuka Akio.director: Abe Tatsuya (animator)writer: Yoshimura Kiyoko (Linebarrels).animation: david production. chara-des: Kanbe Hiroyuki (mecha designer, animator).trailer. forum. OVA. 2/2eps.fri 17 julJungle Emperor(jp: ジャングル大帝)family environmental fantasy adventureRemake of the 1965 anime Jungle Emperor (aka, Jungle Taitei, Kimba the White Lion), based on the manga by Tezuka Osamu. Celebrates the 50th anniversary of Fuji Television and Tezuka's 80th birthday.Directed by Taniguchi Goro (Planetes, Code Geass), and written by Suzuki Osamu, who writes the SMAPxSMAP TV variety show and wrote the live-action version of Lovely Complex."The new project will be the first Jungle Emperor story set in the 21st century, although it will still deal with familiar Tezuka themes such as family, friendship, and environmental issues. In this future story, mankind is plagued by the environmental destruction it did little to prevent. The United Nations entrusts a company called Eternal Earth to create 'Neo Jungle,' an artificial environment for the wildlife that faces extinction. Within this thriving miniature ecosystem, a young white lion named Leo is born. While the cub lacks bravery at first, he vows to 'become the Jungle Emperor like my father someday!' One day, Leo encounters Ken'ichi, the son of the head of Eternal Earth." (ann)director: Taniguchi Goro (Planetes, Code Geass)writer: Suzuki Osamu (SMAPxSMAP TV, Lovely Complex live action). Tezuka Osamu (manga).animation: Tezuka Productions. chara-des: Amano Yoshtaka.OVA. summer, date not yet set.Kodomo no Jikan 2(jp: こどものじかん)ecchi comedyA ten-year-old who lives with her doting elder brother but lusts after her young male teacher? A manga full of ecchi scenes between them? But funny and humane, nonetheless.The previous OVA episodes and the first series were well animated and well voiced, with Kitamura Eri as Rin and Kadowaki Mai and Shindou Kei as her friends.First major directorial job for experienced animator Suganuma Eiji (Pumpkin Scissors, Bincho-tan). Watashiya Kaworu's popular manga is adapted by star anime writer Okada Mari (Mamoru-kun, true tears, Toradora, etc.).seiyuus: Kitamura Eri, Shindou Kei, Kadowaki Mai, Majima Junji.director: Suganuma Eijiwriter: Okada Mari (Sketchbook, true tears, Toradora, Vampire Knight). Watashiya Kaoru (manga).animation: Studio Barcelona. animation supervisor: Ishikawa Masakazu (Gakuen Alice).music: Nishida Masaru (Karin, Chokotto Sister).trailer. forum. OVA. 3/3eps.fri 24 julMahou Sensei Negima! - Another World(jp: 魔法先生ネギま������もうひとつの世界��� 第1話)fantasy comedy dramaWill cover the Mahou Sekai story arc. Shinbou is back to direct, and mangaka Akamatsu Ken writes this series as he did the previous OVA series. Also back from the previous OVA series is animator/character designer Jitsuhara Noboru.seiyuus: Satou Rina, Shiratori Yuri, Kimura Madoka, Sasagawa Ayana, Kuwatani Natsuko, Yamakawa Kotomi, Asakura Azumi, Itou Shizuka, Kanda Akemi, Bandou Ai.director: Akiyuki Shinbouwriter: Akamatsu Ken. Akamatsu Ken (manga).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Jitsuhara Noboru. animation supervisor: Jitsuhara Noboru.OP Satou Rina, Akemi Kanda, Nonaka Ai, Kobayashi Yu.OVA. 1/4eps. forum.thu 17 sepNodame Cantabile OVA(jp: OAD のだめカンタービレ)shoujo/josei comedySpecial OVA included with limited edition of volume 22 of the manga. This probably has the same staff and cast as the Paris-hen series, but I can't find direct confirmation of that. A second Paris-hen series is due in the fall.seiyuus: Kawasumi Ayako, Seki Tomokazu.forum. OVA. 1/1eps.mon 10 augSaint Seiya: The Lost Canvas - Meiō Shinwa(jp: 聖闘士星矢 THE LOST CANVAS 冥王神話)fighting fantasy adventureThe Goddess Athena and the god Hades have fought against each other repeatedly over the centuries. This story takes place in 18th century Europe, 243 years prior to the original “Saint Seiya.”Three small children, Tenma, Alone, and Sasha have all shared a very happy childhood together. Tenma, who is aggressive but upstanding, has moved to Sanctuary to become a saint. There he is reunited with Sasha, who learns that she is the reincarnation of Goddess Athena. Alone, who is kind, gentle and loves painting was chosen for the body of her enemy, King Hades. Tenma eventually becomes a saint of Pegasus and engages in a fierce battle with his best friend Alone, the King of Hades. (anidb)Hirano Aya gets my attention here, in the lead female role. The other voices are fairly starry, too. Director Nabeshima Osamu has been fully occupied with the long-running D. Gray-man. Animation director Iwasa Yuko did D. Gray-man and some episodes of Mushi-shi. Writer Suga Yoshiyuki could be a weak link, however, having done Fighting Beauty Wulong and Kenichi the Mighiest Disciple.seiyuus: Kakihara Tetsuya (Simon in Gurren-Lagann, Fujioka in Minamike), Shimono Hiro (Hiro in ef, Jin in Kannagi), Hirano Aya, Abe Atsushi, Mizuki Nana, Fukuyama Jun, Kobayashi Sanae, Miki Shinichirou, Sakurai Takahiro, Houshi Souichirou.director: Nabeshima Osamu (D. Gray-man)writer: Suga Yoshiyuki. Teshirogi Shiori (manga).animation: Tom's Entertainment. chara-des: Iwasa Yuko. animation supervisor: Iwasa Yuko.music: Wada Kaoru.trailer. forum. OVA. 1/13eps.wed 24 junTo Love-Ru OVA(jp: OVA To LOVEる)ecchi romantic comedyModerately successful ecchi comedy gets an OVA, released with volume 15 of the manga.A glamorous interstellar princess suddenly shows up naked in a teenage boy's room and decides he is to be her husband. Directed by the director of Busou Renkin and Rockman.EXE. Written by the lead writer for Blue Dragon, Busou Renkin, and Simoun.Good cast features Tomatsu Haruka, Watanabe Akeno, and Yahagi Sayuri, as well as Koyasu Takehito. Tomatsu and Yahagi combine for the OP and ED.oHagi is also involved in the ED for the new Hayate. I guess she has been working on her singing, as well as her voice-acting. A slowly rising star. Three roles this season.seiyuus: Watanabe Akeno, Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri, Arai Satomi, Koyasu Takehito, Hanazawa Kana, Kawasumi Ayako, Nazuka Kaori, Oura Fuyuka, Yoshino Hiroyuki.director: Kato Takao (Busou Renkin, Rockman.EXE)writer: Yamatoya Akatsuki (Blue Dragon, Busou Renkin, Simoun).animation: Xebec.sound director: Mima Masafumi. OPED Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri.forum. OVA. 3/3eps.tue 04 aug 25:55Utawarerumono OVA(jp: OVA うたわれるもの)fantasy adventureThe OVA is based on the popular fantasy adventure game and anime series, but all new staff and studio make this one a crap-shoot. First-time director Katsura Kenichirou did character design on Comic Party Revolution and wrote some of DC Da Capo.The outstanding cast is back, however: Koyama Rikiya, Yuzuki Ryouka (Yuki-nee in Candy Boy), Sawashiro Miyuki, Ohara Sayaka, Nakahara Mai, Kugimiya Rie, Tanaka Atsuko.seiyuus: Koyama Rikiya, Yuzuki Ryouka, Sawashiro Miyuki, Ohara Sayaka, Nakahara Mai, Kugimiya Rie, Tanaka Atsuko, Watanabe Akeno.director: Katsura Kenichirouwriter:animation: Chaos Project/Aquaplus. chara-des: Katsura Kenichirou.OP Suara, ED Uehara Rena.trailer. forum. OVA. 1/3eps.24 junUtsurun Desu(jp: 伝染るんです)bizarre comedyAn anime adaptation of Sensha Yoshida's Utsurun Desu "nonsensical" gag comedy comic-strip manga. The manga uses a stable of off-the-wall characters to tell jokes that defy logic. (anidb)Director Mankyuu is a young filmmaker (just turned 29) who made his name with short flash animations and now has this OVA series.I have no idea what to expect. A guest seiyuu (comedian Takayama Takenori) says that the lines he was asked to say were all just onomatopoeic sounds that he shouted out. (ann)seiyuus: Chafurin (Inspector Megure in Detective Conan), Mamiko Noto, Seki Tomokazu, Nakahara Mai, Wakamoto Norio.director: Mankyuuwriter: Yoshida Sensha (orig).trailer. OVA. 1/3eps.fri 21 aug. ep2 18sep, ep3 23oct
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Eden of the East - noitaminA, Ur Doing It Right I’ve been thinking about this post by Danny Choo (shudder) lately and this subsequent analysis too. If all that business is tl;dr for you, effectively the gist is that the Japanese public is recognizing the fact that the anime industry is in a state of decline and that poor quality - specifically the proliferation of crap moe and eroge titles - is to blame. I think this is an issue that’s been on a lot of people’s minds lately. Maybe I’ve always taken it for granted, assuming that the majority of anime is not being produced for my demographic (24 years old and female) and being grateful for whatever gem I can dig up each season. I don’t have expectations of finding more than a handful of shows each year that satisfy my particular tastes (although my recent expansion into shounen sports anime has provided me with a bit more fodder, like the brilliant Cross Game and Hajime no Ippo). Like most women my age, I lean toward josei titles that treat love and relationships as well as issues of identity and career through a more mature lens. This doesn’t mean I don’t still enjoy great shows like ToraDora! that happen in a high school setting, but I do prefer watching characters closer to my own age in shows like Nodame, Honey and Clover, Hataraki Man, NANA and now Eden of the East. 4 out of 5 of the above shows aired in Fuji TV’s noitaminA block, which appears to have a mandate of appealing to audiences beyond the Danny Choo’s of this world. Along with Paradise Kiss, Genji and Moyashimon which I’ve been meaning to watch, I was slightly shocked to realize I’ve seen a disproportionate chunk of shows from this timeslot. I guess that means its format is really working. Although I felt Eden of the East, noitaminA’s current offering, was getting off to a bit of a slow start I have to admit by episode 5 that I’m completely hooked. It’s so rare to find a show with quality production vals (really loving the animation and soundtrack) that caters to my demographic and I really appreciate it. This episode had a compelling mixture of political intrigue and career/relationship dramas that I found utterly riveting. I really feel for Saki in her struggle to find a meaningful place for herself despite her unrequited love for her brother-in-law and her youth which puts her at a disadvantage in society. Her personal crises, Akira’s singular situation of arbitrary empowerment and the plight of all the NEETs marginalized by society resonate together in the question: with all odds against them, how can the young adults of Japan negotiate their place in a corrupt and rotting society that disenfranchises them and somehow save their own dieing world? The industry may be in decline, but I’m still grateful that through the decaying heaps of filler anime comes a thought-provoking show like this one.
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I've been eagerly awaiting the first episode of Higashi no Eden, which aired in Japan a few hours ago.It did not disappoint.First, for me, is the godly voice work of Hayami Saori. As in her best singing, she can run a stream of subtle nuances through any line of text. She is a young seiyuu with mature skills. Her voice is still young, though. You can hear the tiny voice of Kou from Wagaya no Oinarisama here. But there is much more meaning and nuance in her performance in this show.Second is godly Production I.G. animation. The backgrounds are really beautifully done, and the animation itself is at a high Production I.G. level. Perhaps they can afford to put more money into this show since it will be coming out in feature-length form in the fall. Hayamin is not the only excellent voice here. Her co-star, Kimura Ryouhei, hits all the right notes of seriousness and insouciance. He and she are already real people for me. And Tamagawa Sakiko (Onashia in Simoun, Fujitsubo in Genji) is perfect as the voice on the phone.Hayamin has been put with these real actors and is so far completely holding her own. She is supposed to be going to college this spring. Doing this show is like higher education in voice-acting for her. The other seiyuu are mainly experienced pros and people with stage experience. storyThe story is quite weird. Morimi Saki (Hayamin) lost her parents in a car accident some years before and has been living with her sister and her husband, who have taken over the family's bakery. She has graduated from college and is taking an overseas trip before she starts working. She came to America to see New York, and to see the White House, which she somehow feels is the center of the world. And to experience a place she has no connection at all with.She wants to toss a coin into the White House fountain, but finds that the fence keeps her too far away. When she tries, two police see her and come over to investigate. At that moment, a naked Japanese young man appears on the other side of the road, brandishing a cellphone and a revolver. The police turn their attention to him, but he disappears as a truck goes by and the police rush off after the truck.It turns out he was just hiding behind a concrete abutment, and he comes over to Saki. She is embarrassed at his nakedness (although she does look directly at his genitals), but in gratitude to him for getting rid of the police, she "loans" him her hat, coat and scarf, and he runs off.She starts trundling her suitcase down the road, on her way to the airport for her flight back to Japan. Then she realizes that her passport and wallet were in the coat pocket. She starts running off ofter Naked Guy, and after tripping over her suitcase (in a brilliant piece of animation), she abandons it to go after her wallet and passport. As the naked guy runs off, he first has to hide from some police, then he realizes he needs pants and asks a random businessman for his, which he is given.A call on the cellphone from Juiz (Tamagawa Sakiko) alerts him that he can find his flat on a map in the phone, which he does. Inside the flat, he finds maps and photos of D.C., a stockpile of weapons and ammunition, and several passports in different names with his photo in them.Meanwhile, Saki has seen him enter the building and she finds the flat and rings the bell. He agrees to give her back her coat, but as she is sitting outside the door, a policewoman comes up and asks her if a photo the policewoman has from a White House security camera is her.Before she can answer, Naked Guy (whom we can now call Takizawa Akira, since that is the passport he chose) comes out of the room (fully clothed). The policewoman has a photo of him, too. To be sure it is him, she asks to see his "johnny." He pulls down his pants, and she lets him go, on the basis that his "johnny" is not the same as the one in the photo. He later tells Saki it was because it was cold when the photo was taken.On the run, he tells Saki it is better if they don't go back to get her suitcase, and he accompanies her to the airport with the intention of flying to Japan with her. At the airport, she asks him what he was doing when they met. He says, "I'm a terrorist." But then he says: "Just kidding."She tells him her name, but he has to get out his passport to show her his. And she discovers that they were apparently born one day apart, 22 years before. They enjoy each other's company, and share some laughs.Saki watches him in the airport and wonders if he is her prince, the one who will spirit her away from the problems of her life. Naaah, she says to herself. Then they see a TV news report of a missile falling on Tokyo. The end. commentsThe rather fantastic events may put some viewers off. I mean, how often does a naked man suddenly appear, brandishing a gun and a cellphone? And how many 22-year-old girls would give him their coat, or agree to abandon their luggage and fly off with him? What random stranger would give a guy his pants? What police officer would ask to see a guy's genitals for identification? (Reminds me of the Bob Dylan line: "He asked me for collateral, and I pulled down my pants.")But this is all part of the bold spirit of this story. There is a fantastic element that makes anything possible. Who scrubbed Naked Guy's memory? Why are missiles falling on Tokyo? A great first episode, but we'll see where they take the story from here.Reaction on 2channel is quite positive. There is, of course, a lot of fascination with the nakedness. One poster called the show "Code Penis - Johnny of the Revolution." Others talked about its appeal to fujoshi (female fans of male-gay manga). The show is in the Noitamina time-slot, which has shown other anime with appeal to women, such as Honey & Clover, Hataraki Man, Nodame Cantabile, Antique Bakery, and Genji Sennenki.Excellent OP by Oasis (!), and ED by School Food Punishment. The animation of the ED is particularly enjoyable.I don't know whether to say this is the best first episode of the season. K-On was great, too, in a totally different way. And I liked a number of other first episodes: Ristorante Paradiso, Phantom, Cross Game, Pandora Hearts, Before Green Gables, Souten Kouro, Hanasakeru Shounen, Saki. I guess I'd say that this and K-On top my list.
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