It's so difficult to think clearly while watching this episode . . . . I spent so much time laughing. Bwahahahaha!!! It's so hilarious! It's the funniest episode so far. Hahahahaha![ BACCANO ]I SAW CLAIRE!!!!!!!! MY LIFE IS COMPLETE!!! LOLzAH, the DVD cover with Maiza and Czes was also there. I think I saw Cencoroll . . . . Jigoku Shoujo . . . .I don't remember the others.Back to Baccano, looks like the password featured in this episode is "baccano". The staff loves their previous masterpiece. Well, they really should because it's a masterpiece. Hehe.[ DOLLARS ]So this episode has revealed to us some of the actual Dollars members and how they're recruited. I am curious how the leader had chosen his/her members. It's like he/she had picked the right people. The four of them look harmless but they turn out to be capable of surprising things! Haha!Oh my god . . . the part of them rejoicing and singing when they figured out where their friend is . . . . EPIC! Hahahahhahahahah!!!!!!!!! And it is important that Dollars has an "S" in the end. LOLz~[ ERIKA and WALKER ]I had been wondering why they often carry bags . . . I thought they're just otaku stuff . . .who would've thought they'd be carrying torture materials as well . . .Hahhahah!!!GO GO OTAKU CHARACTERS WITH EXPERTISE IN TORTURING!!!! Hahahahahhaa!!!!!!! It was so amusing that they made their victim pick among manga for his method of torturing. Hahahha!The one they caught gave in in spilling information thanks to these two. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THEM!Oh they're so crack. They can relate anything otaku-related on anything in life and in the events that happen to them. They had even spotted a younger brother fairy type. Hahaha!Oh yeah, they were given a message of a "kid breaking a bin". They were horrified on their wrong assumption . . . the kidnapping was true . . .but Walker seemed more horrified that a china bowl was broken instead of a bin. Bwahehehhe . . . I love the joke![ WHY KAZTANO IS SPECIAL ]When Togasu was being depressed over losing Kaztano . . . I felt it was so fake (as in, drama queen fake). And then later it seemed so serious, and he even went to the point that he needs Kaztano greatly (he says he can't live without the guy! WHUTOMG!!!!). The rest took him seriously. SO I thought it was indeed gravely serious. That Kaztano guy might be more than what he seemed.But after learning that the reason why Kaztano is very important to him was because he sells him tickets closest to his goddess . . . . oh my god I laughed so hard. Hahhahahahahah!!!!!!! YES!! TO WORSHIPPERS!!! GETTING CLOSE TICKETS IS SACRED!!! Bwahahahahhahahaha!!!!!!!!And for Kyohei to actually see that seiously as well . .. Hahahahha! With his looks and orderly attitude, he appears to be the most serious and sensible among the four . . . .but seeing him joining the "morning routines" . . . .wahahahhahaha . . . .I don't get why the hell he got called Dotachin though. But we're given a hint that Izaya's the one who started that nickname.[ IZAYA-KUN and SHIZU-CHAN ]This is a comedy episode . . .a comical DRRR!! episode is not complete without scenes of Shizu-chan and Izaya-kun!!!! Hahahahahahhaha!!!!!!!!It was awesome that Izaya lucky missed that huge thing. It was cute that he starts running when he has realized that Shizu-chan found him. It was hilarious when Shizu-chan started chasing the running Izaya-kun. They're like a couple of stooges. Bwahahahahha!!!!!!!!Oh yeah . . . . evil manipulator has said something adorably crack again in this episode: "SUSHI LOVE~ I like fatty tuna"BWAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!Ohmygod . . .the way he said it . .. . ohmygod . . . with his character it's freakin' hilarious . . . . but with that line and voicing and his face . . . .I'd want him for a sushi commercial and I'll eat sushi even if I don't eat sushi and I don't like anything fatty. Bwahahhahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!So Izaya was there for the discount. I think he's already filthy rich . . . . but it's so cute that he's still into sales and discounts. Hahahaha!Anywayz, back to the duo, they have this sort of connection with Selty again. Izaya spots her heading for the wrong direction; while it's Shizuo who tells her that she's going the wrong way and points her to the right direction.[ SHINRA and SELTY ]OH THESE TWO!!!!SELTY'S WATCHING AN ALIEN VIDEO!!!!!!! WAHAHAHAHHA!!!!!!!!!AND OH SHINRA!!!! He has mistaken in handing the grocery list to Selty instead of the plate number. Bwahahahahaah!!!!!!!! Shinra's reaction when he realized it was sooooo cute~And oooo . . . we see Shinra in the bath inside. No . . .I'm not a perverted fan over sexy mad doctors. . .. I'm not . . . .I'm not I say . . . .AND NO THAT'S NOT A DROOL!!!!!!! xD Hahahahhahaha!!!!!!!BUT HE'S SINGING THAT HE'S SPRAKLING NEKID!!!!! BWAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!And hhhmmm . . .. Dotachin knows Shinra, eh? Ah, if I remember correctly they're of the same age. Anywayz, even without knowing that, it gives a hint that Shinra's connected to Dollars. Hehe.[ SIMON and the TRIO ]Though for a comical episode, I find it odd for Kida not to do something exceptionally hilarious . . . but at least he was there. His presence is comedy enough. LOLzAnri is being worried if her friend got kidnapped . . . . then Mikado continues the topic unintentionally (cute that he got scolded by Kida for it~ They weren't talking. It's just the look. IT'S BEST FRIEND SIXTH SENSE!) and Simon even had to make the topic even worse. hahaha!!! I guess the other sushi shop makes him sad so much that he accuses it for selling human sushi??? Poor guy having wild imaginations .. . . hehehe[ HUMAN EXPERIMENTS ]So there's this rumor about humans that won't be noticed to be kidnapped for experiments. It's creepy to think if these things still happen until today. If they want victims, there's so many to choose among the homeless. *remembers a serial murder case episode that is somewhat like that* Frightening . . . .And it appears that this group also has The Head. I've been seeing theories that the head was transferred to the head of Seiji's girlfriend. But since the head is still there, the mystery now for me is why there's a neck cut. Hmmmmm . . . .So anywyaz, the one on the top who's handling such a business is none other than Seiji's sister:[ NAMIE ]SHE HAS FINALLY SHOWN UP!!! HOOOORAYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!Well, I don't like her type of work. But she is this beautiful evil goddess with a creepy obsession on her little brother (It's so obvious with the way she says Seiji's name and on how she spoils him!)She is the evil like Izaya. She's my favorite female character in fact. And yeah, I ship her with my favorite guy in the series. They haven't interacted yet, but they're VERY shippable. They make a crazy couple if ever they'll really be one, but oh those two together are so awesome together. Hahahahah![ NEXT EPISODE ]SHIZU-CHAN'S TURN???? YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!AND WE'LL BE SEEING THOSE TWO IN THEIR HIGH SCHOOL DAYS!!!!!!!!!! YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!AND THEY ARE HAVING AN ACTUAL BATTLE!!!!!!! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YOUNG SHINRA'S ALSO THERE!!!!!!!!! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Waaaaahhh . . . . .I wanna see this soon *_*
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This series really has Baccano!'s magic . . . because even when you think the previous episode you've seen of it is so epic, the next one you see turns out to be even better! I've been avoiding to mention Baccano to show that I still find it genius even if I don't liken it to Baccano! (in other words, it's good as its own. It doesn't need blessings from its predecessor). Ah well, I still think Baccano! is better (DRRR!! unfortunately has to limit itself to the shounen category . . . and to what may appeal the majority. The majority couldn't handle Baccano's epic storytelling. It was TOO BRILLIANT for their brains. *stabbed by those who underestimated Baccano*. Gah, there I go with my Baccano's-lack-of-popularity rants . . . anywayz, now onto the episode![ NEW CITY, NEW LIFE ]One of the ways to start over a new life is when you go to a new city, where no one will know your past, and you introduce the new you. However, it's not that easy to change. And it's still the same you no matter where you go. Mikado's seeing that. He tries to do things differently little by little. Don't worry, Mikado dear, Kida had seen that and he'll be helping you out.[ I'M THERE FOR YOU ]Oh best friends~ Mikado was feeling down about the changing himself thing . . . later, Kida continues to warn Mikado of the troubles he may face but he assures him that there's nothing to worry since he'll be around. Kida's way of cheering Mikadoup . . . it made Mikado touched. Oh Kida, you made me touched too. Hehe~ He's just soooo sweet~[ THE KIDA POSES ]Ah well, aside from the main character's best friend, Kida's other role is being one of the main clowns in the series. LOLz~ I know I've said it before, but Miyano Mamoru is just so perfect in expressing his lines. Hahaha![ EPIC FAIL FLIRTING ]But unlike Tamaki of Ouran, Kida's not very good in seducing women. Lame guy is lame in everything. LOLz~ What's even funnier is that he doesn't see failure in his flirtings . . . but when he does he blames it on Mikado's gloomy expression. Haha![ SHIPPER ]Despite him being a "playboy", he seems to be the type who will support his best friend if Mikado has found a loved one. Heck, his pink chalk illustration already shows that he ships Mikado x Anri, LOLz Funny that he has like completely forgotten that he had though Anri was in love with him in the previous episode. Haha! Shows that he's not serious in so many things~[ MIKADO'S ADORABLE EFFORTS ]Mikado's thoughts presented like a puppet show were so cute~ Haha! I like it that he's no idiot to just stop the fight even though he's not physically strong. His alternative on saving Anri (which is, running away with her), is what he had thought of as the cooler one . .. LOLz~Later he sees Anri being so frightened in watching the fights . . . so he takes her hand and runs away (But Mikado, it was bad for you to leave your best friend. Your best friend had you first on his mind while you had been concerned about Anri. Ah well, Kida wasn't around in the manga . . . ). It's cute that he got tired easily after a little running though. Haha! But I'm glad that he's not a homebody that suddenly got enough energy to run as much as he want. The show is being realistic on Mikado's physical abilities.[ ANRI'S A TYPICAL GIRL? ]About Anri . . . she appears to be the shy type . . . easily gets frightened . . . the victim of bullying and sexual harassers. Yeah, with those traits I could've seen her as someone uninteresting, if not irritating.However, this is a Ryohgo Narita female character. I had thought of Baccano's Eve as someone boring at first impression, but she turned out to be one amazing girl. So I'm not underestimating Anri for now.Besides, I'm already spoiled on what she's capable of. Moreover, it had somehow been hinted that she may not be as ordinary as she seems to be. Like when she ran with Mikado. He's the one who got tired at once while she had more energy to go on. But for being a girl that seems weak and shy, isn't that odd? I really think there's something more about her . . . she's just not showing it yet~[ MYSTERY GIRL ]Anri's so pretty that guys in her class had been thinking of working with her as a class representative just to be able to work with a beauty. This unkown girl is yet another beauty. Anri has mistaken her for someone else though. (Anri, who's Hajima?) She seems to be the same girl with the scar on her neck in episode 1. Her appearance here makes me so confused because I don't think she has that scar in the manga. Perhaps the anime will be changing some of the storyline . . .hmmmm . . .[ SEIJI and HIS LOVE ]Now to Seiji, what he's saying that he finds hell more important than going to school is searching for his love. It didn't take him long though. Oh my god . . . that look when he saw her. And he keeps on referring to her as his love . . . . he's so romantic. For a guy that didn't give much of damn to the world, he's such a lover boy. How romantic . . . kyaaaa~[ BATTLES ]Ah well, this show isn't just for comedy and love stories . . . but for action too~ I love fights that are badass yet they don't take so freakin' loooooooooooong to finish. So when I see a shounen show that has fights that don't last for episodes, I'm so grateful.Shizuo may just be beating up a bunch of weak punks in this episode (shounen shows just love to brag the talented main characters' abilities by beating up a bunch of weak ones) but he had still been so badass and entertaining!And I think though there had been a Shizuo vs Simon part . . . Simon was just in defense mode and wasn't fighting back. We see Simon having injuries in the end while Shizuo's clean. Either that or Shizuo can heal fast. Then hhhmm . . .if that's the case, Shizuo may not be human.[ SUPER HUMANS ]Aside from the black rider, the three most dangerous guys in the series don't seem to be ordinary humans either.We have Simon, who can do acrobat and has incredible strength.Then we have Shizuo, who is a demon (I was laughing when his eyes were flashing like a monster though, haha!) and also has a habit of throwing vending machines and the like when angry.Lastly we have Izaya, who is not only an evil manipulator, but also a fast dude with knife fighting skills.I don't think they're supernatural beings though . . . just extraordinary humans. Hehe.Oh boy there's a lot to tell about this incredible trio that I needed to make a separate post dedicated to them. Haha![ PATHETIC "COOL PEOPLE" WANNABES ]The dangerous trio are involved in the chaos but they're interesting individuals. The series also showed other people that bring trouble to society, and these are the types that you get to see in real life, in all parts of the world. There are punks who pretend to be part of a popular dangerous gang (and certainly, when they face the real deal, they're too helpless), just because they think they're cool. Girls who brag that they're boyfriends of dangerous people think that makes them cool. Ugh . . .they're just attention whores. And seriously, what's so cool about keeping on saying "Yo man" and making poses while touching his own dick? It's disgusting, I wanna spit at him.[ BULLIES ]Aside from the suicide thing, bullying is also very common in Japan. Heck, I believe it's common in all parts of the world. I'm a victim of bullying myself, but not physical bullying though . . .Anyway, bullies are very pathetic. As Izaya says, they're weak. I love it that the show is ridiculing the bully cliche by makign the bullies have this ugly makeup. They think they're doing something cool, when in fact it was something stupid. They think they're wearing something pretty, but it actually makes them fugly. Even though Izaya's been an evil character, he's being used in the series to somewhat satirize the ugly sides of human society in real life. How brilliant~[ OTAKU ]Okay, that it for the ugly types of people in the real world. But for some of the fun types of people in the real world, (particularly the otakus, haha!) we get to see our otaku characters again. Haha! It's funny when Erika and Walker are describing Kyohei as some anime character. Haha![ RUSSIAN SUSHI ]We have been told since episode 1 that Simon's working for his Russian friend that owns a sushi restaurant. And by "sushi restaurant", for me it still means the Japanese style sushi. As in, a foreginer's just cooking the local cuisine of the country he's staying at. But when I've heard that Simon called it Russian sushi, it made me think: There's such a thing as Russian style sushi???? Well, I googled it, and apparently there is. Ahhh . . . it reminds me of how ignorant I am on Japanese cuisine and its foreign varieties. Ah well, I don't eat sushi in the first place anyway (oh don't lecture me on how delicious it is as many of my friends and relatives already have. I really really PICKY on food).[ REFERENCES ]We have three posters of Baccano (they're actually the actual DVD covers). . . then a poster of Cencoroll and two posters of Jigoku Shoujo . . . also a tankoubon of Yozakura Quartet and even a mention of "book signing" by Yozakura Quartet's mangaka: Yasuda Suzuhito. Haha! I don't know if there's more, but I'll feel sad if I missed other Baccano references. Hehe. And ohohohoho, as if I'd miss my number one bishie:HELLO BELOVED!!!! I've been loving you for almost three years already, Firo~[ OTHERS ]Alrighty, on other stuff . . . chatmates are different now??? . . .and hhmm . . looks like Shizuo and the Rider actually know each other! Well, we know she lives with Shinra and had worked for Izaya . . . but I don't see how she could be connected with Shizuo. And we get a glimpse of other characters as well: the teacher and Shizuo's friend (Tom?). Hopefully we get to know them more in future episodes. Lastly, THE TRACKS PLAYED IN THIS EPISODE ARE SO AWESOME!!!! I WANT OST NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW!!!! Hehe . . .Anywayz, It looks like we'll be meeting Shinra next time. Plenty of him in the preview and I hear FukuJun voice. Splendid~
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Before I get stuck with office work which will be hectic from this week to the mid of December; I must post this request first. I had done it for quite long time but I need time to transfer and edit the layout. This is the first time that I really have to use CorelDraw to edit the lyric page.I won't waste your time. So, this is what I can tell you about Sakasama no Chou. The song's tempo is moderate. I don't think it will be hard for you to play. Just carefully 'be alert' of the modulation part (page 3, bar 69). Since it's a rock song, there is no complicated chords that you're going to encounter. So, relax! :D However, for you who's going to sing rather than playing the song, be alert at the bridge (Part D). It really needs your breath and stamina. There are also accents.I'm totally suggesting you to play acoustically for musician if you're looking for a new style. Acoustic guitars with cello may give you a total different feeling. If not, then stick yourself with the original sounds.So, have fun and ENJOY!--------------------DOWNLOADDownload page: hereDirect download: here
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Here are today's "really cool products" that I've picked out for you, out of the 30+ new items we've added to the J-List and JBOX.com sites today. Note that some products may be "not safe for work" but that all links will allow you to redirect yourself either to the J-List or JBOX.com websites. To see all the J-List products, check out J-List or the JBOX.com updated products link. Dengeki Daioh Nov 2009 New issue of Dengeki Daioh ("Electric Shock Great King"), featuring some of the best manga in Japan, from Shakugan no Shana to Yotsubato to Toradora and more. Get a free friggin' Shana towel in this issue! Maria Holic 5 ~ Limited Edition Then, we've got limited stock of the just-released Maria Holic vol. 5, which comes with an awesome limited-edition drama CD. More Moe Moe Encyclopedias Got two new Moe Moe Encyclopedias items for you, which present fascinating information with cute moe art. See the complete guide to Goddesses in history and literature, plus traditional Japanese folk monsters (yokai). Also see the amazing Dragon Encyclopedia restocked. Queen's Blade Artbooks Restocked And we've gotten even more Queen's Blade artbooks. In addition to Mellona, my own favorite Queen's Blade character, enjoy the Egyptian Queen Menace, Fighting Shrine Maiden Tomoe, and Assassin Fang Iruma. Totoro Backpacks Available Again! One product we've loved selling in the past have been these Totoro plush backpacks, which are extremely well made by Sun Arrow, Ghibli's toy licensor with more than 100 years of history. See two sizes of backpack back in stock on the site today. Gantz Figures In Stock Then, those awesome Gantz figures that were so popular as preorders have come in. Both Kei Kurono and Kei Kishimoto are on the site and ready for you to order. OTACOOL Otaku Culture Book In Stock In collaboration with Danny Choo, Kotobukiya has published the Worldwide Otaku Rooms photo collection. Tons of pictures featuring rooms of people that share the same awesome popular culture. In stock now! Hell Girl -- Jigoku Shoujo Costume set More Cosplay fun from Japan for you, with fresh stock of the Hell Girl school uniform, which is a complete set with everything you need. Won't you try wearing this cosplay just once? SHOXX Oct 2009 A new issue of Shoxx is posted, for fans of Japan's amazing "visual-kei" J-ROCK band culture. Each issue is filled with tons of beautiful color pages filled with the current top bands. Crunching USB Mascots: Rocky, Mr. T, Elmo I'm sure you've often thought how cool it'd be to have a USB figure of Mr. T or Rocky Balboa or Elmo, doing endless sit-ups beside your computer. This amazing line of USB figures is in stock now! Hello Kitty YUTANPO & Fluffy Cover Then: an innovative way to keep warm is a yutampo, which is a hot water bottle you can use to heat your bed in the winter. This Hello Kitty hot water bottle is incredibly cute. Awesome Hello Kitty Wrist Watches from Japan Then, we've gotten in stock of some really cute Hello Kitty wristwatches, with a wide range of styles available, from the very kawaii the highly functional. Meiji Meltykiss, Koala no March Great new for fans of Japanese snacks! We've posted the new Meiji Meltykiss for the 2009-2010 chocolate season, and it's going to be delicious. Also see the new March of Koala from Lotte in Maple Milk flavor (yum). Onigiri Flavor Mix for Onigiri, Bento We've got a new flavor of Onigiri Mix, which you mix with steamed white rice to make a delicious new treat. Mentaiko flavor (cod roe) is a delicacy from Kyushu, and we've added several other awesome rice flavorings too, including sushinoko for making sushi and ochazuke. Japanese Food Drops Restocked If you're curious about the taste of shochu, the popular Japanese variation of sake, then you can try it in the form of the traditional Japanese "Food Drops" candies we got in again today. Also restocked: Akihabara-limited Moe Drops candy. Happy Animal Onigiri Bento Box This is a cute pair of bento boxes w/matching chopstick sets that's designed to hold onigiri (rice balls) in its upper section and the rest of your lunch below. Restocked Bento Boxes, Too The Rilakkuma (Relax Bear) bento is back in stock today, for fans of really cute bento culture. Also see the Rilakkuma chopticks, which are made of easy grip plastic and are extremely cute. They come with chopstick rests, too. Fuwa Fuwa Push Style Sandwich Maker Another fun Japanese sandwich maker which removes the crusts and "seals" the sandwich for you, this version makes triangular sandwiches. I'm sure this will be a popular addition to your kitchen. More Fun Egg Shapers for Bento See fresh stock of some popular bento items, including our 3D Boiled Egg Shaper which turns your garden-variety hard-boiled eggs into various cute shapes. Note: do not use with TENGA eggs. Kawaii Bento Accessories Got some more fun bento accessories, too, including the Hello Kitty Onigiri Decorate Set which will turn any bento into a kawaii creations, plus the Bear & Apple Lunch Bottle Set for bringing your favorite condiments with your lunch. Hello Kitty School ZOUKIN Towel This one is hard to explain, but every elementary school student brings one of these sturdy zoukin towels for cleaning their desks after lunchtime. They're so thick and well made that I decided to carry them on J-List. Restocked Studio Ghibli Toys Also, see fresh stock of the Totoro Doll Collection, the super-realistic looking collection of toys featuring all three Totoros and the Cat Bus. Also, the cute Acorn Alarm Clock is back in stock. DX Standing Lucky Cat Mug Cup Another really awesome product from J-List, this is a deluxe "standing Lucky Cat" coffee cup that will bring you good luck even as it delivers coffee or tea to your mouth. It will be a treasure in your family. Kanji Practice for Adult ~ Perfect Version Thanks to personal computers and phones that can send email, many Japanese no longer write as much kanji as they used to, and it's easy even for them to forget. This is a great program to help you maintain your kanji writing skills. Fate/unlimited codes, Evangelion for PSP I've personally been getting into PSP gaming in a big way recently, playing the best anime game ever made until I injure my fingers (really). If you love the PSP's awesome anime games too, see fresh stock of Fate/unlimited codes and Evangelion ~ Battle Orchestra. Tokyo Photobooks, Bilingual Books J-List loves photobooks from Japan, and we're posting the new Back Ground Visual Material showing amazing views of night scenes in Japan. Also, the amazing Tokyo Nobody, plus the bilingual book A Look Into Japan. DRAGON BALL KAI Clear File Like Dragonball? Then check out this sturdy document protector (which the Japanese always call a "clear file"), beautifully printed and ready to hold your important papers. Other Traditional Items from Japan J-List is all about bringing people together with Japan, giving you a way to find new and exciting ways to love this unique country as we do. Cool item from Japan #897: a special sake bottle and cups for couples, restocked today. Amazing 2010 Calendars from Japan J-List has a huge selection of interesting 2010 calendars for you, no matter what aspect of Japan you like, be it anime, the awesomeness of J-POP bands or the austere beauty of tatami rooms. Click here to view all 2010 calendars, or here to see the top 50 calendars right now. Lynette Bishop Figure ~ Strike Witches *Preorder* Which Strike Witches character is your favorite? Lynette, the clumsy and busty girl from the Britannia Federation who fights with a Mk. I Boys Anti-tank Rifle and a Bren light machine gun. Preorder this amazing detailed figure now. Ritsu Tainaka Plush ~ K-ON! *Preorder* The girls from K-On! are so cute, you just want to hug them sometimes. Now you can get the super-cute Ritsu in soft plush form, to go with Mio-chan. Preorder her now! Mio Akiyama, Ritsu Tainaka Mobip Figure *Preorder* Speaking of K-On, have you seen the new Mobip figures, a new line of highly detailed figures which come with tons of extra parts, including all their instruments (!) and alternate faces to make detailed dioramas. Ritsu and Mio are up for preorder. Sabra Magazine Nov 2009 Ah, Sabra, you amazing magazine filled with beautiful women. We'll be sad to see you go, but until then we'll drown our sorrows by looking at the beautiful girls in each issue. Moero Downhill Night Available for Download Moero Downhill Night is a fantastic "H" game of beautiful girls and fast cars. The download is available for immediate purchase, and we've fixed the CG movie link on the site, too. Popular Stress Relief Toys See fresh stock of some really nice "lovely hole" toys, including Memorial, the stress relief toy that glows in the dark, or Girl Friend, with an amazing design and Tomoe from Clannad on the box.
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Here are today's "really cool products" that I've picked out for you, out of the 30+ new items we've added to the J-List and JBOX.com sites today. Note that some products may be "not safe for work" but that all links will allow you to redirect yourself either to the J-List or JBOX.com websites. To see all the J-List products, check out J-List or the JBOX.com updated products link. Sasuke Costume from Naruto (Black & Blue Ver.) Our huge volley of complete and ready-to-wear anime costumes continues, and today we're posting two different versions of the classic Sasuke uniform in several sizes. Sasuke Cosplay Wig ~ Visual-K Wig We've also been stocking some really cool anime wigs, which realistically create the whispy, spikey anime hair for your next cosplay. This wig is great for playing Sasuke from Naruto, but you can use it for many other costumes too, including L from Death Note. Lucky Star (Short Sleeve) High School Costume Then, to go with the newly released Lucky Star Summer Uniform Figma toys, we've got...real uniforms that you can actually wear! Hell Girl -- Jigoku Shoujo Costume set Hell Girl, aka Jigoku Shojo, is about a website that you can access at exactly 12:00 midnight if you have a grudge against someone and damn them to hell forever, Would you like try dying this once? Dengeki G's Magazine Oct 2009 New issue of Dengeki G's, the square-backed anime magazine that's filled with awesomeness if you love anime and bishoujo games. You get a free ToHeart2 figure with the magazine, too. Kanon, Mikuru Costumes Also Restocked We've got restocked anime costumes, too: the elegant school uniform from Kanon, one of the most successful eroge and anime series ever, plus the Mikuru Asahina "Battle Waitress." Fruits Oct 2009 No. 147 Then, browse another excellent issue of FRUiTs, filled with pictures of vibrant young people from Tokyo's hip Harajuku region. Each page features a super full-size photograph of street fashions, and there are no ads! Glitter Kira Kira Over Knee Socks Black These high knee socks have been a smash hit with J-List customers who want to inject a little Zettai Ryoiki style into their lives, and they're back in stock today. We also recommend our famous Japanese socks glue. Studio Ghibli 2010 Schedule Book J-List is honored to have so many Ghibli fans as customers, and we always work hard to bring outstanding products to you. The new 2010 Ghibli Schedule Books are in, and they are to die for, with all original art of Totoro and the Cat Bus, Ponyo, Jiji the Black Cat and the Laputa scenery, with everything you need to stay organized all year long. Traditional Hello Kitty Items As you know, J-List likes to stock wacky traditional Hello Kitty items, and today we're bringing you some great Hello Kitty Onsen Phone Straps, featuring Kitty-chan who has just gotten out of the bath. Also, the 3D Kimono Doll Frame Pictures have been restocked. Display them on a desk or hung on the wall! Kateigaho International Edition vol. 24 Seriously, if you buy just one book or magazine about Japan this year, consider Kateigaho International, the gorgeous glossy quarterly filled with information on Japan's culture and traditions. The Autumn/Winter issue is in stock now. Cure Oct 2009 vol. 73 Coining itself as a "Japanesque Rock and Visual Styling Magazine," Cure is a wonderful trip to a world of underground youth culture with dark themes, rebelliously wild fashion, and a vibrant energy. Queen's Blade Revoltech Figures I just love the Revoltech figures which let you recreate your favorite battle (ecchi or otherwise) between Queen's Blade figures. Pose them anyway you like! Melona and Echidna are restocked today. Revoltech Street Fighter Figures - Zangief, Guile For old school gamerz, the Revoltech Street Fighter series is really awesome, since you can put the figures into any pose and make them fight each other. We restocked Zangief and Guile for you today. Sonic boom! Fun Snacks from Japan First we've got a new treat from FritoLay Japan, Cheetos-style treats which faithfully recreate the ekiben (train station bento) eaten on the Yamagata Shinkansen Line. Then check out Glico Pakitz chocolate inside an ice-cream cone exterior, wow. Meiji Sweets Gum Then, try the new "Sweets Gum" from Meiji, gum that's so delicious, you'll think you're eating dessert of Double Caramel or Strawberry and Vanilla. Uses Glucose-fructose liquid sugar instead of normal sweetener, so the whole pack only contains 48 calories! Gyoza (Tochigi Limited) ~ Japanese Food Drops Watch out, it's time for another awesome traditional Japanese food to be recreated in the form of "Food Drops" candies that remind us of the classic Grave of the Fireflies Sakuma Drops of a bygone era. Try them now! Big Restocking of Totoro Bento J-List carries hundreds of Totoro and bento products, so it's natural that Totoro bento boxes would be a popular item with our customers. Look for fresh stock of all three of our gorgeous Totoro bento boxes, including the deluxe Thermal Bento Box Set. Dream Land Egg Shaper, Bento Food Pencil You can do some amazing things with eggs, which shoppers at J-List will be familiar with. Enjoy fresh stock of the wildly popular device that makes uniquely shaped yolks inside sliced eggs. Hello Kitty Bento Accessories Other fun items to help your "happy bento life" include the Hello Kitty Push-style Onigiri Shaper, Hello Kitty Die-cut Mayonnaise Cups for bento, and Hello Kitty Furikake Cylinder Bento Bottle. SAND de PANDA Sandwich Maker, More See fresh stock of that awesome SAND de PANDA device which removes the crusts and seals the sandwich shut for you, just like the Japanese eat, along with the ultimate carrying case for said sandwich. Also, fresh stock of the Microwave Rice Cooker, geat for college students. Hello Kitty Deco Sticker for DSi, Wii & PSP Make your Nintendo DSi, Wii controller or Sony PSP your own with the new decorations we're posting to the site, including some great Hello Kitty "Deco Stickers" we're posting today. Click to view all the new items. Kanji Practice Flashcards J-List carries hundreds of Japanese to help you learn Japanese, but we often are asked, "Where do I start?" One good place would be the and kanji flashcards from White Rabbit, which we have in stock in San Diego. Studying Japanese With Manga Learning Japanese through manga comics is a great idea. We've gotten in more stock of Japanese in Mangaland and Kanji de Manga, both of which help you learn Japanese visually, which is great fun! All volumes restocked in San Diego today. Factory Graffiti The Japanese often have a strange fascination with factories, commercial buildings and concrete housing structures (including dams). Click to see some of the eeriest and most interesting visions of Japan ever. Chirimen x Lucky Cat SHOUFUKU Strap For fans of our Lucky Cat products, this is a really nice ceramic good luck charm with a message of happiness written on his stomach in Japanese. Attach him to your phone, camera, Nintendo DS and so on. Wooden SAKE Cup Drink to your health with this square Japanese sake cup, just like they used to use in old Edo. Totally cool. Of course you can be boring and use it to organize your stuff, too. Restocked Traditional Items Have you ever seen a Japanese person with dirty ears? No, and the reason is that they have a very good culture of cleaning the ears using mimikaki, the scoop-like cleaners that have been used here for centuries. See restocked ear cleaners but some other Lucky Cat toys. Ruri Hoshino Age 16 Cast Off Figure *Preorder* This is simply amazing: a 1/4 scale figure of Ruri Hoshino from Martain Successor Nadesico, one of the major anime series of the 1990s. Huge size and you can cast off part of her clothes. Puchi Eva R-style 1.5 Sets *Preorder* Two really nice sets of "Puchi" (which means "petite") Evangelion figures from the new Eva 2.0 movie. Features Rei with her vegetarian lunch, Asuka in her revealing new plugsuit, and the enigmatic new Mari. Sebastian & Grelle Figure Set *Preorder* For Black Butler fans, we've posted another set of figures that you will not want to miss. Based on the quality of the Gurren Lagann figures in the same series, these will be great for displaying proudly in your favorite figure displaying place. Colorful 38 Full -- Sayaka Kato Then, another really nice hardcover glossy photobook capturing a lovely Japanese face for all time. This full color book is loaded with great shots of Sayaka Kato, the bikini idol who is just a little ecchi. Bible Black Onna Hole Toys Then, enjoy Bible Black a whole new way with these official stress-relieving onna hole toys, which simulate the real of real skin, with totally different designs for each toy. Various models restocked today, including Kurumi Imari. Cosplay Fetish Academy One of our favorite H-games around here is this new offering, in which you somehow find you and your cute twin cousins transported to an alternate universe in which all the girls wear skimpy costumes -- wow. Features art by the creator of Lightning Warrior Raidy, too. CD-ROM or download available.
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Takagaki Ayahi 高垣彩陽 is 4' 11" of talent and hard work. And over the past two years, she has become one of the better seiyuu actresses around.She brings alive the laconic young killer Ein in Requiem for the Phantom. She made Nina Antalk the emotional centre of Chrome-Shelled Regios. Before that, she helped create an amazing romantic innocent with Noe in true tears.And the role that first got my attention was the mature Otome in Da Capo 2 SS. Especially her powerful emotional expressiveness near the end of the series. Ayahi can be a bit melodramatic, but the emotion works. (click photos to enlarge; mouseover for captions)Her ability is being rewarded with more and more roles. She has nine roles this year, and this fall will star in Sasameki Koto and will have an important role in Sora no Otoshimono.And don't be surprised if she gets a real recording career. She graduated from a music college in Tokyo, with a major in operatic singing (hear her opera voice in the Da Capo 2 interview, below). Sony made her part of their group Sphere, composed of Tomatsu Haruka, Toyosaki Aki, Kotobuki Minako, and Ayahi. I found some of her earlier work rather stiff, but her character song album as Ein from Phantom is excellent.Personal databorn 25 October 1985; 23 years old.150.8cm (4'11")from Tokyoagency: Music Ray'n (Sony)blood type Anickname: Ayahi, Ayahii, Ayahimeshe uses her real surname, not a stage name, because she likes it so much. She says it gives a feeling of fighting (tatakau) and energy (genki-ness, like a kid, a gaki).backgroundcomes from a large familyattended a girls' school from kindergarten through high schoolin kindergarten, wanted to be Sailor MoonLina Inverse's incantations in Slayers made her think that seiyuu could be magicianswhen she was younger she once wrote that her career goal was to be a seiyuu, but she gradually drifted over to a greater interest in musicgraduated from music college in March of 2008becoming a seiyuuher interest in seiyuu work revived after she saw Gundam Seedshe qualified at a series of Music Ray'n auditions in 2005-2006she only took the audition due to a friend's encouragement, and barely made the deadlineshe got her first role a month later, in 2006her first named role was Tsubaki in Ouran HS Host Club (2006)her first starring role was Ruchia in Venus Versus Virus (2007)Video clips of Ayahi's roles:<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IJJzhMlS6hY&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xcfcfcf&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IJJzhMlS6hY&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xcfcfcf&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>rolesshe has a fairly wide acting range, from little kids to romantic teens to gentle weak girls to elder sister types to proper young ladies to boyish girls to serious young womenshe uses her voice well, but it is not particularly distinctivemajor roles: Ruchia (Venus Versus Virus), Jasmine (Deltora Quest), Otome (DC Da Capo 2), Feldt Grace (Gundam00), Noe (true tears), Tsubasa (Kyou no Go no Ni), Nina Antalk (Chrome-Shelled Regios), Ein (Requiem for the Phantom), Aresta Blanket (Charger Girl Juuden-chan), Sumika (Sasameki Koto) skill and talentvery studious, memorizes a script perfectlycarries a notebook and writes down things older cast and staff saymakes and organizes notes about each production and each characterseiyuu usually check a script by whispering through it; she surprises people by speaking it out at full voiceother seiyuu say she really gets into her role, becoming one with itTomatsu Haruka has praised her vocal range, nimble tongue, and pronunciation and breathingHisakawa Aya has said, rather cryptically, that Ayahi is just what a seiyuu should beInterview re Da Capo 2. Watch for her singing a bit of opera around the 6:00 minute mark. The interviewer nearest Ayahi is Sakai Kanako, who starred in REC:<object width="420" height="339"><param name="movie" value="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/xag78d"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed src="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/xag78d" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="339" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object>personalitystaff and seiyuu say she is majime (modest, serious, and polite)she gives coworkers presents and cards, particularly for birthdays and Valentine's Daynatural and direct, approaches problems head-ona bit of an airhead at times; Taniyama Kishou says she should be the Tokyo representative in the World Airhead Championshipsshe herself admits it's a bit true, but apologizes to the real airheadsfriends with Chihara Minorieasily moved to tears, often crying at events and on radio, and especially at anime wrap-up partiesa terrible cook: there are stories about her not being able to peel a boiled egg, and failing at making pancakes; she says she just needs more practicethe pancake story got included as part of Nina's back-story in Regioscarries a large bag and surprises people by pulling all sorts of things out of its jumbled interior familyvery close to her family, always talking about her motherlives with her mother and younger sisterher mother checks everything she writes on her blogher grandmother does her hairet ceterashe is very concerned with the roles she plays; at a live event, she went on and on mentioning the minor roles that were not included in her Wikipedia entry, and described her feelings about shows she had unnamed roles in.she considers it very important to sing a character song in character: for Regios songs, she had pictures of her character and a script set up in the recording booth.she says she is an otaku for her own shows, getting books, figures, etc.fell in love with the Toyama area, where true tears was set and where the show's PA Works studio is located; other seiyuu call her the "ambassador for sightseeing in Nantou" (a city in the Toyama area)on 2channel, there are almost 12,000 posts in her main threads; but there are also several hundred in anti- threads, criticizing her voice and acting ability, as well as her dark skin and supposed common manner. It's true that her dark skin sometimes makes her look like a tanned Japanese "gang girl." So does the fact that she sometimes seems to use a lot of make-up.she likes to wear her hair piled up high on her head, to make herself seem tallerSphere (l-r) Tomatsu Haruka, Kotobuki Minako, Takagaki Ayahi, Toyosaki Aki:music2009.2.15, at Music Ray'n Girls Spring Choco Matsuri, formation of Sphere was announcedat 23, Ayahi is the group's oldest member: Tomatsu Haruka is 19, Kotobuki Minako 18, and Toyosaki Aki 22.singers Ayahi likes: Honda Minako 本田美奈子, KOKIA. She did Honda's signature tune Amazing Grace at the Music Ray'n Girls Autumn Harvest Festival event, and KOKIA does OP1 and ED2 for PhantomKOKIA wrote the music and lyrics for two Gundam00 character songs Ayahi will release October 21Sphere's debut event:<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xmS8QhEnpL0&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xcfcfcf&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xmS8QhEnpL0&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xcfcfcf&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Good TV interview with Sphere:<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/g0l7tu-lOx0&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xcfcfcf&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/g0l7tu-lOx0&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xcfcfcf&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>non-anime workdubbing: three roles, including the female lead in the movie 10,000 BCa role in a stage musicalten radio shows, four of which are continuing (Takahashi Daisuke and Takagaki Ayahi's Nightly Hustle, Web Radio Planet Sphere, Phantom Radio, Canaan radio)roles in eight games (none adult), including leading roles in Da Capo 2 Plus Situation, and Dungeons & Damroles in four radio dramas, including the online voice comic ("vomic") Sugars links:official siteblog Anime News NetworkJapanese Wikipedia video clipsTV show with Shiraishi Ryouko and Nabatame HitomiTV show with Nazuka Kaori and Iguchi Yuka for true tearswith Tomatsu Haruka in a promo for an “audio novel”with Iguchi Yuka in a TV interview re true tearsseiyuu visit Toyama, location of true tearsinterview re her debut in Venus Versus Virusinterview with Sphereinterview re recording Regios EDCast in:2006 Ouran High School Host Club (TV) as Female university student (ep 17); Kamigamo TsubakiPocket Monsters: Diamond & Pearl (TV) as Chinatsu (ep 76)Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori (TV) as Kitazaki (ep 18)2007Deltora Quest (TV) as JasmineGakuen Utopia Manabi Straight! (TV) as Student (ep 10); Sweets Student (ep 3)Venus Versus Virus (TV) as Nahashi RuchiaToward the Terra (TV) as AlteraKenko Zenrakei Suieibu Umisho (TV) as Oyamada Asami; Nanjou Karena (ep 8-13)Baccano! (TV) as Lumiere Sylvie D.C. II: Da Capo II (TV) as Asakura OtomeMokke (TV) as Aida (ep 22)Goshuushou-sama Ninomiya-kun (TV) as Ninomiya Shungo (young)Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (TV) as Feldt GraceRental Magica (TV) as Female Student; Male StudentAyakashi (TV) as Natsuhara (ep 6)2008true tears (TV) as Isurugi NoeAllison & Lillia (TV) as Meg (ep 23)D.C.II S.S. ~Da Capo II Second Season~ (TV) as Asakura OtomeNet Ghost PiPoPa (TV) as Yukiya KarinWagaya no Oinarisama (TV) as Hashimoto Shunta (ep 22)S.A. (TV) as Yamamoto Megumi; Takashima household Maid C (ep 12); Yuki-pon (ep 11)Slayers Revolution (TV) as Girl (ep 13)Battle Spirits: Shounen Toppa Bashin (TV) as SuirenYozakura Quartet (TV) as Tatebayashi MizunaJigoku Shoujo Mitsuganae (TV) as Moriyama Jun (ep 3)Macademi Wasshoi! (TV) as PaltiaKyo no 5 no 2 (TV) as Kawai TsubasaMobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season (TV) as Feldt GraceSkip Beat! (TV) as Miya2009Maria-sama ga Miteru 4th Season (TV) as MiyukiZoku Natsume Yūjin-Chou (TV) as Sui (ep. 2)Chrome Shelled Regios (TV) as Nina AntalkPhantom ~Requiem for the Phantom~ (TV) as EinCharger Girl Ju-den Chan (TV) as Aresta BlanketCANAAN (TV) as NeneZan Sayonara Zetsubō Sensei (TV) as Oora KanakoSora no Manima ni (TV) as Minami SayuriSora no Otoshimono (TV) as Satsukitane MikakoSasameki Koto (TV) as Murasame SumikaKyou no 5 no 2 Takarabako (OVA) as Kawai Tsubasa2010 Hanamaru Kindergarten (TV) as HiiragiStaff in:2008S.A (TV) : Theme Song Performance (OP/ED2)Battle Spirits: Shōnen Toppa Bashin (TV) : Theme Song Performance (ED2)2009Chrome Shelled Regios (TV) : Theme Song Performance (ED)Hatsukoi Limited (TV) : Theme Song Performance (OP - Sphere)Charger Girl Juuden Chan (TV) : Theme Song Performance (OP)Sora no Manima ni (TV) : Theme Song Performance (OP – Sphere)(lists from Anime News Network)Music CDsVenus Versus Virus Character Vocal AlbumDC Da Capo 2 Character Songs v.6true tears Image Album "Tears...For Truth"true tears Character Image Song CD "Another World" (DVD6 extra)S.A. Character mini-AlbumS.A. ED2Kyou no Go no Ni BGM Collection Sound Festival Chrome Shelled Regios: character songs 1 and 2 "Yasashii Uso" (from Chrome-Shelled Regios)Dungeons & Dam Audio Collection"dear-dear Dream" (Battle Spirits Shounen Toppa Bashin)Requiem for the Phantom character maxi single "Inspired by Ein"Canaan Insert Song "China Kibun de High Tension"Gundam00 Voice Actor Single "Inori" and "Justice"Fight Ippatsu Juuden-chan ED "TeCh=NoloGy"Ragnarok Online 7th anniversary song (Sphere) -- "Kaze wo Atsumete" and "Brave My Heart"(list from Neowing and 2channel)upcoming eventsLantis Matsuri (27 Sept) - SphereTokyo Asia Music Market (23 Oct)Ragnarok Online World Championshiup 2009 (1 Nov) - SphereSphere Colorful Concert (10 Jan 2010)(list from 2channel)Ayahi sings (streaming audio) the Regios ED Yasashii Uso, as back-up singer to Chrome Shelled (studio musicians).
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Good day everyone! It seems that a week just flew by and here I am again delivering to you a song for Music Monday: NightmaRe by SNoW. If you are familiar with Jigoku Shoujo and have liked it well enough to watch it’s second season, Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori, then you’re probably familiar with this song. NightmaRe [...]
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There are more new shows this fall than in any season over the past few years. But I'm not sure the quality -- or at least the appeal to my taste -- will be that high. I don't see any shows I expect to be as good as the great shows of this past summer season, such as Aoi Hana and Bakemonogatari. But I'm ready to be surprised. (click pics to enlarge)We'll certainly have a lot of shows to choose from. But a growing number are OVA episodes or pre-released OPs being used to sell a manga volume, or advertise a future series. I'm not sure what the overall trend is in total production or total profit.I'll give complete details of pretty well all the new shows: staff, cast, dates, times, pics, sub groups, and links to more info in English and Japanese, as well as to the shows' AnimeSuki forums, which have more info and discussion. But first, here are some shows I am looking forward to:Sasameki Koto is a yuri school drama. The manga isn't as subtle and deep as Aoi Hana, but the show stars one of my favorite seiyuus: Takagaki Ayahi.Sora no Otoshimono is a shounen fantasy about a guy who gets a buxom, all-powerful angel as his servant. Ecchi comedy is not everyone's cup of tea, but this stars Hayami Saori, the most beautiful voice in anime, as well as Takagaki Ayahi, and is directed by the director of Bamboo Blade and Kigurumikku.Kimi ni Todoke was voted the top shoujo manga of 2008. I enjoy the manga, and I'm eager to see what Production I.G. can do with it. It stars Noto Mamiko -- the second-most beautiful voice in anime.Winter Sonata may have been the most successful Asian romantic TV drama ever. Now we get a chance to see a Korean animated version, voiced by the original actors.White Album now resumes, giving us the second half of the slowly evolving story of an aspiring idol's romantic and professional life. With Mizuki Nana and Hirano Aya.Miracle Train is the most bizarre show of the season: a comedy in which stations on a Tokyo subway line are personified as bishounen. What makes this so attractive is the fact that it will be directed by Kasai Kenichi, who did a masterful job with Aoi Hana.Darker than Black 2 continues the hard-boiled sci-fi mystery/adventure whose first season I enjoyed. Directed by Okamura Tensai (Wolf's Rain), and starring Kiuchi Hidenobu (Ren in NANA).Koishigure is not so much an anime as an actress reading romance stories over illustrations, but the format and the quality of the stories get my attention.Aoi Bungaku gives us another interesting format: four classic modern Japanese novels animated in three episodes each, with top character designers and artists involved.Tegami Bachi is a charming little fantasy about a girl (played by Sawashiro Miyuki) who is a letter-carrier in a mediaevalesque fantasy world.To is a two-episode OVA based on stories from a famous space-fiction manga and directed by the man who produced Appleseed and directed Vexille.Kuuchuu Buranko is the new offering from the makers of Mononoke, and is based on an award-winning novel about visits of neurotics to their even more neurotic therapist.Denpateki na Kanojo hasn't received much attention, but I loved the first ep of this two-episode OVA starring Hirohashi Ryou, about a weird girl, the boy she adores, and a series of murders.I am also looking forward to the one-episode OVA Aki-Sora, although I hesitate to admit to enjoying the almost-hentai manga, which gets closer to incest than even kissxsis.Yamakan's second music video of the season, Black Rock Shooter pilot edition, is also on my list. His Tonari no 801-chan is growing on me.I'm also looking forward to the big, serious China-Japan co-production of a 52-episode version of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.This may not be my season, but it may well be a season for shounen fans. We have the extremely popular shounen comedy adventure manga Fairy Tail being animated, with Hirano Aya in a leading role, along with Kugimiya Rie and Kakihara Tetsuya (Simon in Gurren-Lagann).And Inuyasha gets a new season, with all the original cast returning.The fighting fantasy ero-game 11eyes is also being animated, starring Ono Daisuke and Gotou Mai, directed by the director of Someday's Dreamers 1 and Zegapain, and written by the writer of Hell Girl.Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra is another shounen fantasy, based around fighting librarians who guard books that are people's souls. A fabulous cast stars Paku Romi and includes Sawashiro Miyuki, Tomatsu Haruka, Ishida Akira, Hirohashi Ryou and others.The moe fantasy Index also gets a spin-off, in To Aru Kagaku no Railgun.Clamp returns with the anime Kobato, about a girl who must collect in a bottle the suffering from people's hearts, and who must not fall in love with a particular boy.And last but hopefully not least is the yaoi science fiction fantasy Ai no Kusabi, directed by the director of Pumpkin Scissors, and written by the woman who wrote the original novel.Anyway, here is an alphabetical list of all 57 shows, linked to a full preview of each one:||11eyes       ||Ai no Kusabi       ||AIKa ZERO       ||Aki-Sora       ||Anyamaru Tantei Kiruminzuu       ||Aoi Bungaku       ||Asura Cryin' 2       ||Battle Spirits: Shounen Gekiha Dan       ||Black Rock Shooter pilot edition       ||Cheburashka Arere?       ||Darker than Black: Ryuusei no Gemini       ||Denpateki na Kanojo       ||Fairy Tail       ||Gokyoudai Monogatari       ||Hidamari Sketch x 365       ||Inuyasha: The Final Act       ||Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari       ||Kaidan Restaurant       ||Kämpfer       ||Kanokon ~Manatsu no Daishanikusai~       ||Kemono to Chat       ||Kiddy Girl-And       ||Kimi ni Todoke       ||kissxsis       ||Kobato       ||Koishigure       ||Kuuchuu Buranko       ||Mahoromatic: Tadaima Okaeri       ||Mahou Sensei Negima! "Another World"       ||Miracle Train: Ooedo-sen e Youkoso       ||Natsu no Arashi 2       ||Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza       ||Nyan Koi       ||Queen's Blade: Gyokuza no Tsugumono       ||Romance of the Three Kingdoms       ||Sasameki Koto       ||Seiken no Blacksmith       ||Seitokai no Ichizon       ||Shakugan no Shana S       ||Shin Koihime†Musō: Otome Ryōran Sangokushi Engi       ||Shoujo Fight       ||Shugo Chara Party!       ||Sora no Otoshimono       ||Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra       ||Tegami Bachi       ||Tennis no Ouji-sama OVA Another Story: Kako to Mirai no Message       ||Tentai Senshi Sunred 2       ||To       ||To Aru Kagaku no Railgun       ||To Love-Ru OVA       ||Today in Class 5-2 -- Takarabako       ||ToHeart2 adplus       ||Tonari no 801-chan R       ||Utsurun Desu       ||White Album part 2       ||Winter Sonata       ||Yumeiro Pâtissière       ||Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei - Bangaichi       notes:English and Japanese titles link to more info in their respective languages"forum" links to a show's AnimeSuki forumwhere no real trailer is available, "trailer" links to a streamed episode of a previous series of the same showsubs info from the Who Subs What wikistaff, cast, and other info from MoonPhase, official sites, AniDB, and Anime News Networkepisode numbers uncertain; "2/4eps" means "second of four episodes"times and dates may change, and will be updated in the seasonal anime calendar I will post later this monthanimes listed below in order of date of first release: broadcast, rental, or saleTonari no 801-chan R(jp: となりの801ちゃんR)The fourth volume of Kojima Ajiko's Tonari no 801-chan manga shipped in Japan on September 10 with a "Tonari no 801-chan R" anime short on DVD. The manga follows the personal life of a fujoshi (female boys-love otaku) and her otaku boyfriend. Yutaka Yamamoto (Kannagi) directed the production of the 90-second "opening anime" at Aniplex's A-1 Pictures studio (Kannagi, Ookiku Furikabutte). Info from animeanime.jp via ann (Anime News Network).An excellent OP. Not overwhelmingly exciting, but it has grown on me, and seems like something whose appeal will not fade. A good teaser for the coming anime: the characters look interesting. Excellent animation gives the figures a physical presence.director: Yamamoto Yutakaanimation: A1xOrdet. chara-des: Haruna. animation supervisor: Kadowaki Satoshi.music: Nishimura Masatoshi; Slowcurve. theme: Bagyou no Fujoshi.streamed here or here. forum. OP OVA. 1/1eps.thu 10 sepBattle Spirits: Shounen Gekiha Dan(jp: バトルスピリッツ 少年激覇ダン)shounen fighting fantasySecond kids' shounen series based on the trading card game. Great cast, good director, competent lead writer.seiyuus: Sakurai Takahiro, Honda Youko (Ichika/UtaKata, Mana/sola), Oura Fuyuka (Mizuki/Shikabane, Naruki/Regios), Yukino Satsuki, Kawasumi Ayako, Okamoto Nobuhiko (Yorito/sola, Layfon/Regios), Horanai Ai (Lua/YuGiOh 5Ds), Ono Daisuke.director: Nishimori Akira (PetoPeto-san, Hitohira, Zombie Loan)writer: Tomioka Atsuhiro (Nishi no Yoko Majou, Pumpkin Scissors, Zombie Loan, Inazuma 11).animation: Sunrise. chara-des: Yumoto Yoshinori (Growlanser 4, Strait Jacket, some Shounen Toppa).OP Jam Project, ED Oikawa Mitsuhiro.trailer. 13?eps.sun 13 sep 07:00Koishigure(jp: 恋時雨���吉高由里子と6つの恋���)josei love storiesAn illustrated anthology of short stories read aloud by 21-year-old actress Yoshitaka Yuriko. Based on six love stories and their accompanying illustrations from the Koishigure short story series in Media Factory's Da Vinci magazine. A popular music group is contributing a love song to each story. (ann)Music: Mochida Kaori, Koto Ringo, Oohashi Trio, Maekawa Hiroki, Takasugi Satomi, moumoon.Artists: Kishino Makiko, Suwa Sayaka, Nishi Shuhu, Hiramatsu Kei, sioux, MARYCO.This appears to be less anime than reading to pictures, but I'm still eager to see it.seiyuus: Yoshitaka Yuriko (actress; Vanessa in ep13 of Michiko & Hatchin).director: Kamebuchi Hiroshi (? 亀渕裕 )1/6eps.wed 16 sep 26:08Mahou Sensei Negima "Another World" (jp: 魔法先生ネギま������もうひとつの世界���)comedy with magic and moeYet another Shinbou Negima OVA series begins. The OVAs have been following the manga more closely than the TV series did -- perhaps because the mangaka, Akamatsu Ken, is writing the screenplays.seiyuus: Satou Rina, Kanda Akemi, Horie Yui, Inokuchi Yuka, Inoue Marina, Ishige Sawa, Kobayashi Yu, Noto Mamiko, Saitou Chiwa, etc..director: Shinbou Akiyukiwriter: Akamatsu Ken.animation: Shaft. chara-des: Jitsuhara Noboru. animation supervisor: Jitsuhara Noboru.OP Satou Rina, Kanda Akemi, Nonaka Ai, Noto Mamiko, Kobayashi Yu. ED Satou Rina, Inoue Marina.trailer. forum.OVA. 1/4eps. sold with v27 of manga; ep2 comes w/v28 on 17nov.tue 17 sepUtsurun 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 haven't seen the first episode, and 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. 2/3eps. ep3 23oct.fri 18 sepIsekai no Seikishi Monogatari(jp: 異世界の聖機師物語)fantasy adventureEpisode 7 of the continuing fantasy adventure based on the mediaevalesque fantasy world of Tenchi Muyo.seiyuus: Nakagawa Rie, Satou Takaya, Kuwatani Natsuko, Tsunematsu Ayumi, Yasumoto Hiroki, Yonezawa Madoka, Shimono Hiro, Saitou Momoko, Sonozaki Mie.director: Yoshikawa Koji (DN Angel, Goshuushousama Ninomiyakun)writer: Shirane Hideki (Bottle Fairy, Girl's High).animation: AIC/BeStack. chara-des: Watanabe Hajime (School Rumbles). animation supervisor: Watanabe Hajime (School Rumble 3).music: Tada Akifumi (Tenchi Muyou, Touka Gettan, Skip Beat).trailer. subs: Sora.OVA. 7/13eps.fri 18 sep 04:00 (ep7 preview broadcast)Queen's Blade: Gyokuza no Tsugumono(jp: クイーンズブレイド 玉座を継ぐ者)ecchi fantasy adventureWhat can you say about this terrible but very popular show about large breasts? Oh, yes, there is fantasy and fighting in there, too. And a great cast.One thing you can say is that it is popular enough to get a second season immediately on the heels of the first.seiyuus: Kawasumi Ayako, Noto Mamiko, Hirano Aya, Tanaka Atsuko, Mizuhashi Kaori, Kaida Yuuko, Nabatame Hitomi, Kugimiya Rie, Gotou Yuuko, Itou Kanae.director: Yoshimoto Kinji (Plastic Little, Genshiken2, QB1)writer: Yoshioka Takao (Elfen Lied, ZnT, QB1).animation: chara-des: Rin Shin (WordsWorth, Ikkitousen DD, QB1). animation supervisor: Rin Shin, Noguchi Takayuki (Kamichama Karin, QB1).sound director: Aketagawa Jun. OP ENA. ED Kugimiya Rie, Gotou Yuuko, Itou Kanae.trailer. forum.subs: SFW, PZ. 12?eps.thu 24 sep 08:00Tennis no Ouji-sama OVA Another Story: Kako to Mirai no Message(jp: テニスの王子様　OVA ANOTHER STORY ���過去と未来のメッセージ)sports bishounenThe Prince of Tennis Another Story OVA continues.seiyuus: Minagawa Junko, Okiayu Ryoutarou, Kondou Nakayuki, Tsuda Kenjirou, Kaida Yuuki, Takahashi Hiroki.director: Tada Shunsukewriter: Hirota Mitsutaka; Sakai Fumiyo (? 坂井史世). Konomi Takeshi (mangaka).animation: chara-des: Ishii Akiharu. animation supervisor: Irie Kenji; Ishii Akiharu.OVA. 3-4 of 6eps.fri 25 sepBlack Rock Shooter pilot edition(jp: BLACK★ROCK SHOOTER -PILOT Edition-)music videoNinety-second music video in advance of next spring's full series based on huke's revisioning of a Hatsune Miku-like character with guns. Stills here.With Tonari no 801-chan, this is the second animated music video that Yamamoto Yutaka and his staff will put out this fall. Perhaps Yamakan has created a new form, based on his OP and ED triumphs for Haruhi, Lucky Star, and Kannagi.But this one is not directed by Yamakan himself, who passes the job to Yoshioka Shinobu and retains the title of "supervising editor," as Shinbou sometimes does. Music by suddenly famous amateur ryo, who wrote the Bakemonogatari ED sung by supercell.director: Yoshioka Shinobuwriter: huke (orig).animation: Ordet. chara-des: Matsui Yuusuke.music: ryo.forum. OP OVA. 1/1eps.wed 30 sepAsura Cryin' 2(jp: アスラクライン)shounen mecha supernaturalFrom a light novel series involving mecha, romance, and supernatural science. The first series was a decent show that never quite captured me. But it did capture the attention of enough people that it is getting a second season.Irino Miyu stars, with Tomatsu Haruka, Nonaka Ai, and Tanaka Rie. And there are some good names in the supporting cast: Yahagi Sayuri, Morikubo Showtarou, and the K-On combination of Satou Satomi, Toyosaki Aki, and Hikasa Youko.This is from the company that did Nanoha and Inukami, and is directed by the man who directed StrikerS, Sekirei, and Inukami.seiyuus: Irino Miyu, Tomatsu Haruka, Nonaka Ai, Tanaka Rie, Morikubo Shoutarou, Satou Satomi, Yahagi Sayuri, Toyosaki Aki, Hikasa Youko.director: Kusakawa Keizou (StrikerS, Inukami, Sekirei)writer: Akao Deko (script work on Natsu no Arashi and Zettai Seigi Love Pheromone). Mikumo Gakuto (orig).animation: Seven Arcs. chara-des: Komori Atsushi (Inukami, Bleach).sound director: Aketagawa Jin. music: Tajiri Mitsutaka. OPED angela.subs: AllOfThem, Chihiro, AnimeYoshi?. mecha: Oda Hiroyasu13?eps. trailer. forum.thu 01 oct 09:30Kämpfer(jp: けんぷファー)fighting comedy romanceOne day, a normal high school boy wakes up to find himself transformed into a girl. A stuffed tiger comes to life and tells him to fight as a female psychic fighter "Kämpfer". Having no idea about what's going on, Natsuru is involved in the battles against other female Kämpfer. Kämpfer fight each other with guns, swords, and magic. From a series of light novels.Excellent cast includes Inoue Marina, Horie Yui, Nazuka Kaori, Tamura Yukari, Mizuki Nana, and Mamiko Noto, with the reappearance of Nakajima Megumi (Ranka in Macross F) as a seiyuu, as well as a singer.The staff is a bit more questionable, featuring the director of Chocotto Sister. But he also did Kyouran Kazoku, so there is hope for some decent comedy. The lead writer did Kamen no Maid Guy, and Hajime no Ippo New Challenger, so he has breadth. The original writer also did both Maburaho and Umi Monogatari.seiyuus: Inoue Marina, Horie Yui, Nazuka Kaori, Asumi Kana, Nakajima Megumi, Nomura Michiko, Tamura Yukari, Mizuki Nana, Noto Mamiko.director: Kuroda Yasuhiro (Chocotto Sister, Kyouran Kazoku, Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahou)writer: Fudeyasu Kazuyuki (Kamen no Maid Guy, Hajime no Ippo New Challenger). Tsukiji Toshihiko (creator of Maburaho, Umi Monogatari).animation: Nomad (Rozen Maiden, Yozakura Quartet). chara-des: Senmu (orig), Fujita Mariko (Galaxy Angel, Rosario+Vampire).OP Kuribayashi Megumi, ED Inoue Marina/Nakajima Megumi.subs: Koharubi, SFW. forum. 12?eps.thu 01 oct 25:29Nyan Koi(jp: にゃんこい!)shounen comedy, romanceKousaka Junpei is a second-year high school student who both despises and is allergic to cats. His high school crush, however, is Mizuno Kaede, a girl who adores cats. After a minor accident, he finds he can understand what cats are saying, but if he does not grant 100 wishes from cats, he will turn into a cat himself.Director Kawaguchi Keiichirou (Hayate 1, Zettai Karen, Getsumen) stands a good chance of being able to make something funny out of this set-up. Lead writer Inotsume Shinichi did both Hayate and Ristorante Paradiso.Looks like a normal high-school romantic comedy, but staff and cast make me think there could be something good here.seiyuus: Asanuma Shintarou, Iguchi Yuka, Shiraishi Ryouko, Kobayashi Yuu, Tanaka Atsuko, Fukuyama Jun, Satou Rina, Tomatsu Haruka.director: Kawaguchi Keiichirou (Hayate, Zettai Karen, Getsumen)writer: Inotsume Shinichi (Hayate, Ristorante Paradiso). Fujiwara Sato (mangaka).animation: AIC. chara-des: Morita Kazuaki (Seto no Hanayome, Sunred). animation supervisor: Yamane Masahiro, Sako Yukie.sound director: Iida Satoki (Seto no Hanayome, Sunred, Ayakashi). music: Miwa Manabu, Ookawa Shigenobu (Tayutama). OP Sakakibara Yui, ED Imai Asami.trailer. forum. subs: AnimeHimitsu?, Yuurisan.12?eps.thu 01 oct 25:5911eyes(jp: 11eyes)fantasy adventure ero-game adaptationKakeru lost his sister to suicide and has been living a dull life since then. One day, he is transported into the bizarre world "Red Night" along with his female friend Yuka. In order to survive and escape from Red Night, he and his companions fight against Dark Spirits and Black Nights. (ann)Adaptation of a popular ero-game. Director Shimoda Masami did Someday's Dreamers 1 and Zegapain, as well as the less successful Polyphonica1. Top writer Kanemaki Kenichi did Ai yori Aoshi, PaniPoni Dash, and Jigoku Shoujo.Ono Daisuke and Gotou Mai star. Supporting seiyuus Asakawa Yuu and Morikubo Showtaro were married in 2007 and divorced this year.This kind of anime isn't really my thing. But this particular staff could make something of it.seiyuus: Ono Daisuke (Yukito/Air, Itsuki/Haruhi, Hosaka/Minamike, Jack Bez./Pandora Hearts), Gotou Mai (Mizuki/ef, Mika/Nogizaka Haruka, Mai/Yoakena), Asakawa Yuu (Motoko/Love Hina, Sakaki/AzuDai, Karen Clavius/Yoakena), Rikimaru Noriko (Nori/Rozen Maiden, Komaki/ToHeart2, Mashiro/Tayutama), Ichimura Oma (Ibuki/Happiness), Morikubo Showtaro (Nara/Naruto), Hagiwara Emiko (Mayu/Elfen Lied, Ilfa/ToHeart2), Mizuhashi Kaori (Taeko/Ai yori Aoshi, Yuuno Scrya/Nanoha, Ai/ARIA, Ogiue/Genshiken), Takahashi Chiaki (Mitsuki/KgNE, Takako/Otoboku).director: Shimoda Masami (Someday's Dreamers, Zegapain, Polyphonica1)writer: Kanemaki Kenichi (Ai yori Aoshi, PaniPoni Dash, Jigoku Shoujo, Sayonara Zetsubou, Natsume Yuujinchou).animation: DogaKobo (Ryoko's Case File, Myself;Yourself, Koihime Musou). chara-des: Hara Shoji (Sasami Magical Girl). animation supervisor: Hara Shoji (Sasami, Akasaka).OP Ayane, ED Asriel.trailer. forum. subs: SFW.12?eps.thu 01 oct 26:00To(jp: TO���トゥー���)space adventureAfter producing the first computer-animated Appleseed film and directing Vexille, director Sori Fumihiko is now adapting two stories from Yukinobu Hoshino's 2001 Nights (2001 Ya Monotogari) manga. "Symbiotic Planet" and "Elliptical Orbit" are part of a centuries-long narrative about mankind's voyages into space.The two animated stories will be released simultaneously on DVDs which the distributor (Avex) will begin renting in Japanese video stores on October 2. No other release plans have been officially announced yet.Paku Romi, Fukuyama Jun, Ohtsuka Akio, Hirano Aya. Space fiction and a great cast? I'm there.seiyuus: Ohtsuka Akio, Paku Romi, Fukuyama Jun, Hirano Aya.director: Sori Fumihiko (Appleseed, Vexille)writer: Hoshino Yukinobu (mangaka). CG: Miyazaki Hirokazu.sound design: Kasamatsu Kouji (Hellsing, Appleseed).music: Takahashi Tetsuya (Appleseed).trailer. OVA. 1-2 of 2eps.fri 02 octTatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra(jp: 戦う司書 The Book of Bantorra)shounen fantasyIn the story of the light novels, all the dead people of the world have been turned into "books" stored in the Bantorra library. A boy named Koria has had his memories erased and his chest embedded with a bomb. He is sent to kill Hamyuttsu Meseta, the world's most powerful armed librarian. However, he falls in love at first sight with this beautiful woman, who is in charge of the "books," and he becomes enveloped in the great war over the library. (ann)Top cast inludes Paku Romi, Ogawa Toru, Sawashiro Miyuki, Tomatsu Haruka and more big stars. Top writer Okada Mari did true tears, Vampire Knight, and Toradora. But director Shinohara Toshiya did Gunparade Orchestra and Kuroshitsuji, neither of which did much for me. We'll see how this goes. From Studio David Production, animators of Code Geass R2.Not my genre, but could be good.seiyuus: Paku Romi, Ogawa Toru, Sawashiro Miyuki, Tomatsu Haruka, Nakamura Yuuichi, Ishida Akira, Hirohashi Ryou, Miyake Kenta, Irino Miyu, Kawasumi Ayako.director: Shinohara Toshiya (Gunparade Orchestra, Kuroshitsuji)writer: Okada Mari (true tears, Vampire Knight, Toradora, Canaan, Kodomo no Jikan). Yamagata Ishio (novels).animation: David Production (Code Geass R2). chara-des: Yamada Masaki (Appleseed, Magical Kanan).sound director: Motoyama Satoshi (Haibane Renmei, Bartender, Skip Beat). music: Hirano Yoshihisa (Beyblade, Strawberry Panic, Death Note, Real Drive). OP Ali Project, ED Annabel.trailer. forum. subs: AnimeHimitsu?, Enigma Collective. 13?eps.fri 02 oct 22:00To Aru Kagaku no Railgun(jp: とある科学の超電磁砲���レールガン���)seinen superpower comedySidestory from To Aru Majutsu no Index. The story is set in Academy City, where 80% of the 230,000 citizens are students, and deals with the adventures of level-five psychic Misaka Mikoto.The director of Toradora and the writer of Asatte no Houkou bring us the animation of this popular seinen superpower comedy novel. Same studio as Index -- JC Staff -- but the director and writer are new. The novels were both written by Kamachi Kazuma.Interesting cast, with Toyosaki Aki back as the moe voice of the day. She and the wonderful Arai Satomi back up Abe Atsushi, Satou Rina, and Itou Kanae.seiyuus: Abe Atsushi, Satou Rina, Itou Kanae, Arai Satomi, Toyosaki Aki.director: Nagai Tatsuyuki (Honey Clover 2, Toradora, Idolmaster X)writer: Minakami Seishi (Asatte no Houkou, Birdy2, Shigurui). Kamachi Kazuma (creator).animation: JC Staff. chara-des: Hajimura Kiyotaka, Tanaka Yuichi (Last Exile).sound director: Aketagawa Jin (Ichigo Mashimaro, Aoi Hana, Toradora). music: Iuchi Maiko (Index). OP fripSide, ED Elisa.trailer. forum. subs: Eclipse?. 12?eps.fri 02 oct 25:30White Album part 2(jp: ホワイトアルバム)The second half of the series that aired last winter. We were left with a very inconclusive conclusion. What are Rina and Eiji's real intentions? Will Yuki and Touya really get together?From a game by Aquaplus. The first series developed slowly and unevenly, but had some strong aspects.seiyuus: Hirano Aya, Mizuki Nana, Maeno Tomoaki, Takamoto Megumi, Masu Nozomi, Paku Romi, Tomatsu Haruka, Sakaguchi Daisuke (Keel/Tideline Blue, Sunohara/Clannad), Hayami Shou (Maximilian Jenius/Macross7, Julious/Angelique).director: Yoshimura Akira (new, dir. eps of Planetes, Samurai Champloo, Gundam00, etc.)writer: Satou Hiroaki (dir. Yoshimune).animation: Seven Arcs. chara-des: Yoshinari Kou, Kawata Hisashi.sound director: Shioya Yoku. music: Elements Garden. OP: Mizuki Nana, ED: Suara.trailer. forum. subs: Eclipse?. eps. 14-26.fri 02 oct 25:30Seitokai no Ichizon(jp: 生徒会の一存)comedyA private high school has a student council chosen entirely by popular vote. Ken Sugisaki is the only male on the otherwise all-girl council. Only council members are allowed to enter the "sacred sanctuary" of the council's meeting room. The Council President records the minutes of the meetings, which consist of daily conversations about the students. (adb)A cast largely made up of new or unknown seiyuus is directed by Satou Takuya, who directed Ichigo Mashimaro (a good thing) and Mission-E (not so good). The writer is Hanada Jukki, who did Rozen Maiden and sola. From a series of light novels.seiyuus: Honda Mariko, Saitou Yuka (Lucifer/Umineko), Togashi Misuzu, Horinaka Yuki, Kondo Takashi (Train/Black Cat, Ralph/Strain, Ariabart/Tytania).director: Sato Takuya (Ichigo Mashimaro, Mission-E)writer: Hanada Jukki (Rozen Maiden, sola, Sorakake Girl). Aoi Sekina (creator).animation: Studio Deen. chara-des: Horii Kumi, Inugami Kira (orig).sound director: Iwanami Yoshikazu.forum. subs: Nuke.13eps.fri 02 oct 25:58Inuyasha: The Final Act(jp: 犬夜叉 完結編)adventure, comedy, romanceThis series will cover the story in volumes 36 to 56 of the manga. The first series lasted from 2001-2004, with over 160 episodes. Then there have been specials and movies, the last of which was in 2004. But the show continues to be popular in re-run, and there is plenty of excitement at seeing the old cast and staff return.Aoki Yasunao directs, as he has since about halfway through the first series. And what a cast: Yamaguchi Kappei, Yukino Satsuki, Kuwashima Houko, Yajima Akiko, Yukana, Cho, Noto Mamiko, et al.seiyuus: Yamaguchi Kappei, Yukino Satsuki, Kuwashima Houko, Tsujitani Kouji, Watanabe Kumiko, Yajima Akiko, Yukana, Cho, Noto Mamiko, Morikawa Toshiyuki.director: Aoki Yasunao (Inuyasha 45+, Yakitate Japan)writer: Sumisawa Katsuyuki (Ryu Knight, Gundam Wing, Naruto, Yakitate Japan). Takahashi Rumiko (mangaka).animation: Sunrise. chara-des: Hishinuma Yoshihito. animation supervisor: Hishinuma Yoshihito.sound director: Tsuruoka Yota. music: Wada Kaoru (D. Gray Man, Gilgamesh, Inuyasha, Princess Tutu).forum. 13+?eps.sat 03 octSeiken no Blacksmith(jp: 聖剣の刀鍛冶���ブラックスミス���)shounen fantasy adventureAfter a great war, the devils' power was sealed. Later, a young noblewoman knight, Cecily Campbell, is looking for a blacksmith who can repair the sword she inherited from her father. She comes upon a young blacksmith who despatches a gang of hoodlums with one sweep of his own mysterious sword. And their adventure begins. Based on a boys' light novel series by Isao Miura.Good cast: Fujimura Ayumi (Ayano in Kaze no Stigma), Okamoto Nobuhiko (Layfon in Regios), Toyoguchi Megumi, Toyosaki Aki (Yui in K-On). I'm not so sure about the director (Pokemon, Linebarrels) and the writer (Shuffle, Kanokon). Animation by Manglobe (Ergo Proxy, Michiko to Hatchin).Shounen fans are highly optimistic about this one, but the staff makes me pessimistic. To say nothing of the fact that this isn’t a genre I love. Worth a look, however.seiyuus: Fujimura Ayumi (Ayano/Kaze no Stigma, Kyouka/Kyouran Kazoku), Okamoto Nobuhiko (Yorito/sola, Layfon/Regios), Toyoguchi Megumi (Revy/Black Lagoon, Klan/MacrossF), Toyosaki Aki (Yui/K-On).director: Hidaka Masamitsu (Pokemon, Linebarrels)writer: Suzuki Masashi (Shuffle, Kanokon, Minami-ke Okawari). Miura Isao (novels).animation: Manglobe (Ergo Proxy, Michiko to Hatchin production). chara-des: Runa (orig), Nakai Jun (Tokyo Majin).sound director: Yano Satoshi (recording engineer RahXephon, Blood+, Shangri-la). music: Terashima Tamiya (Glass Mask, Jyuushin Enbu). OP Gotou Mayumi, ED Toyosaki Aki..trailer. subs: Saikyo, Nuke, Kesenai?,Koharubi. forum. 12?eps.sat 03 oct 09:30Shugo Chara Party!(jp: しゅごキャラパーティー���)The third Shugo Chara series will be part anime and part live-action. The show will contain three elements: the continued anime, known as Shugo Chara DokkiDoki; some anime shorts known as Shugo Chara Pucchi Puchi; and some live-action.The live-action will be interesting, as will the fact that the OP will be sung by the Shugo Chara Egg teen idol group, whose final member is being chosen by open audition.seiyuus: Itou Kanae, Katou Nanae, Toyosaki Aki, Takagi Reiko, Miyake Kaya, Nakamura Yuuichi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Mizuki Nana, Chiba Saeko.director: Yasuda Kenjiwriter: Ohnogi Hiroshi. Peach-Pit (orig).animation: Satellite. chara-des: Sai Fumihide.OP Shugo Chara Egg!subs: Crunchyroll?.sat 03 oct 09:30Tegami Bachi(jp: テガミバチ)heartwarming fantasy dramaLittle-known special from late last year gets an anime series. Outstanding cast stars Sawashiro Miyuki, Fujimura Ayumi, Fukuyama Jun, Konishi Katsuyuki, Koshimizu Ami.New director, a writer who did work on Death Note and I"s Pure, animation by Kanbe Mamoru (director of Elfen Lied, I"s Pure, Denpateki na Kanojo) for Studio Pierrot. From a manga.Last year's special can be seen here. I liked the special and am looking forward to this. Music by Kunihiko Ryou (Twelve Kingdoms, Saiunkoku, Emma)seiyuus: Sawashiro Miyuki, Fujimura Ayumi, Fukuyama Jun, Konishi Katsuyuki, Koshimizu Ami, Nagasawa Naomi, Nakai Kazuya, Kishio Daisuke, Suganuma Hisayoshi, Mizuki Nana.director: Iwanaga Akira (new, work on I's Pure, Bleach, Gunslinger Girl)writer: Oishi Testsuya (work on Death Note, I's Pure). Asada Hiroyuki (mangaka).animation: Studio Pierrot. chara-des: Shiba Minako (D. Gray Man, Kuroshitsuji, Phantom). animation supervisor: Kanbe Mamoru (dir. Elfen Lied, I's Pure, Denpateki Kanojo).music: Kunihiko Ryou (Twelve Kingdoms, Saiunkoku, Emma). OP Suga Shikao, ED Himeka.trailer. forum. subs: Last Impressions, Mochi, Kesenai. 13+eps.sat 03 oct 22:55Tentai Senshi Sunred 2(jp: 天体戦士サンレッド)seinen comedyTentai Senshi Sunred is a powerful, battle tested hero of many years. He has sold his super bike, which is seen in the opening credits. Now he smokes a lot, is effectively unemployed, and lives by the grace of his girlfriend, Kayoko Uchida. His arch enemies in the Evil Florsheim Army are still trying to take over the world. Under the direction of their local leader, Vamp, they help members of the community, run a cooking show, assist Kayoko Uchida whenever possible, and try to attack the ever powerful Sunred. A light parody of the Japanese hero general. (ann)Directed by new director Matsumoto Takehiko, under the supervision of original director Kishi Seji (dir. Seto no Hanayome). I've never watched this show, but it has some strong followers, and the comedy may work for you. I'll give it a go myself.seiyuus: Takagi Shun, Nabei Makiko, Louis LIII Yamada.director: Matsumoto Takehiko (new). chfdir: Kishi Seiji (dir. Galaxy Angelune, Seto no Hanayome)writer: Uezu Makoto (Utawarerumono, Seto no Hanayome, School Days, Akasaka).animation: AIC A.S.T.A.. chara-des: Morita Kazuaki (Seto no Hanayome, Sunred).music: Kakijima Shinji (Sunred). OP manzo.trailer. forum. subs: ANBU. 13+eps.sat 03 oct 23:30Yumeiro Pâtissière(jp: 夢色パティシエール)family shoujo cookingEarly Sunday morning show about a girl who wants to be the best pâtissière possible. Young Yuuki Aoi (Murasaki in Kure-nai) gets her second starring role of the fall.Director Suzuki Ko has been around a long time, but has only directed one show previously: a 1997 OVA called Princess Rouge. Writer Yamada Takashi, however, did Onegai My Melody and Marie & Gali.seiyuus: Yuuki Aoi, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Taketatsu Ayana, Hamazoe Shinya, Yonaga Tsubasa.director: Suzuki Kouwriter: Yamada Takashi (Onegai My Melody, Marie & Gali). Matsumoto Natsumi.animation: Pierrot. chara-des: Akiyama Yukiko.sound director: Tanaka Kazuya.forum. 13?eps.sun 04 oct 07:00Sora no Otoshimono(jp: そらのおとしもの)comic ecchi sci-fi romantic fantasyTomoki loves his peaceful life in a country town, but a strange girl often enters his dreams, asking for his help. One night, a buxom angel suddenly falls on him from the sky. She turns out to be an "entertainment purpose angeloid" -- and his peaceful life is done. I've read some of the manga, and it is ecchi comic fantasy, but with some interesting sci-fi ideas, too, and a bit of romance.Director Saitou Hisashi did Bamboo Blade and the little-known but hilarious Kigurumikku.Great cast features Hayami Saori, Takagaki Ayahi, and Hoshi Souichirou. Hayamin's popularity is growing quickly with her performance in the virally popular new DS dating game Love Plus.Takagaki Ayahi's career seems to be catching up with her talent. She co-stars in this show and stars in Sasameki Koto. Her range of voice and acting keeps growing.This show sounds a lot like Sekirei on the surface, but the manga doesn’t feel at all the same.seiyuus: Hoshi Souichirou (Kei/Onegai Teacher, Kaoru/Ai yori Aoshi, Kira/GundamSD), Hayami Saori, Nomizu Iori, Takagaki Ayahi, Mina, Suzuki Tatsuhisa (Tezuka/Library War).director: Saitou Hisashi (Bamboo Blade, Kigurumikku v3)writer: Kakihara Yuuko (Kamichama Karin, Stitch!). Minazuki Suu (manga).animation: AIC A.S.T.A.. chara-des: Watanabe Yoshihiro (Yoakena).OP Yoshida Hitomi.trailer. forum. subs: Nekomimi, Hitode/Genjo, Mochi. 12?eps.sun 04 oct 24:00Kanokon ~Manatsu no Daishanikusai~(jp: かのこん ���真夏の大謝肉祭���)ecchi comedy, romance, supernaturalSummertime. More nudity and over-the-top ecchiness. Director Ootsuki Atsushi hit gold with Kanokon as his first directing job, and now gets this new two-episode OVA series. Maybe not the most artistic anime ever, but championship-caliber fanservice.seiyuus: Kawasumi Ayako, Noto Mamiko, Takeuchi Miyu (Nozomu, Aldra/Queen's Blade), Miyazaki Ui (Kirino/Gift, Suzuho/Macademi), Saitou Chiwa, Seto Saori (many bit parts since 2005), Toyonaga Toshiyuki (Ayumu/Zettai Shounen, Kaname/Umisho).director: Ootsuki Atsushi (Kanokon was his debut)writer: Suzuki Masashi (Shuffle, Gift, Minamike Okawari). Nishino Katsumi (manga).animation: Xebec (Fafner, Major, Pandora Hearts, To LoveRu). chara-des: Koin (orig), Takami Akio (Shaman King, Busou Renkin, Kanokon). animation supervisor: Takami Akio (Shaman King, Busou Renkin).sound director: Nakajima Toshihiko (Kemonozume, Rideback). music: Itou Tsuyoshi. OP Sakakibara Yui, ED Miyazaki Ui.trailer. forum. subs: Ayako?. OVA. 1/2eps. TV preview showing 4oct, 11oct; DVD 25nov, 22dec.sun 04 oct 25:00Natsu no Arashi 2(jp: 夏のあらし���春夏冬中)romantic comedy with time travelAnother quality show from Shinbou Akiyuki, but one whose recent first season never quite reeled me in.Sanpei Yuuko does an excellent job as a shounen. Nazuka Kaori is as ethereal as ever as a German girl.Writer Takayama Katsuhiko adapted both ef shows.Worth a look.seiyuus: Shiraishi Ryouko, Sanpei Yuuko, Omigawa Chiaki, Nazuka Kaori, Nabatami Hitomi, Horie Yui, Nonaka Ai, Sugita Tomokazu, Yasumoto Hiroki.director: Shinbou Akiyukiwriter: Takayama Katsuhiko (both efs, Hantsuki). Kobayashi Jin (mangaka).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Ota Kazuhiro (Negima, PaniPoni).OP Yakushimaru Etsuko.trailer. forum. subs: SFW, Crunchyroll?. 13eps.sun 04 oct 25:30Miracle Train: Ooedo-sen e Youkoso(jp: ミラクル☆トレイン���大江戸線へようこそ���)bishounen comedyAnime adaptation of the Miracle Train multimedia franchise, which portrays stops on Tokyo’s Chuo commuter train line as handsome young men.Now, that sounds just weird, except for all the bishounen. But wait a minute: who's the director? Kasai Kenichi, the director of Nodame Cantabile, Honey & Clover, KimiKiss and Aoi Hana? Are you kidding?After the stunningly simple and subtle direction of Aoi Hana, I can’t wait to see what Kasai can do with this odd setup, clearly made possible by the success of Hetalia Axis Powers.seiyuus: Kenn, Sugita Tomokazu, Okiayu Ryoutarou, Ono Daisuke, Kaji Yuuki, Morita Masakazu.director: Kasai Kenichi (Aoi Hana, KimiKiss, Nodame Cantabile, Honey & Clover)writer: Kato Yoichi (script work TM8, Shangri-la).animation: Yumeta (NeoAngelique, Corda D'Oro, Harukanaru). chara-des: Kai Tomohisa, Tsunaki Aki. animation supervisor: Tsunaki Aki (Harukanaru, Yu-Gi-Oh).sound director: Watanabe Jun (Pumpkin Scissors, KimiAru, Hayate).trailer. forum. 12+eps.sun 04 oct 26:00Shin Koihime†Musō: Otome Ryōran Sangokushi Engi(jp: 真・恋姫†無双 ���乙女繚乱☆三国志演義���)ecchi-yuri historical fantasySurprisingly successful yuri parody of Three Kingdoms gets another series. Director Nakanishi Nobuaki did the hilarious Kashimashi and Sumomomomomo. Writer Go Zappa did the rather poor Chocotto Sister and Myself;Yourself. Together they produced a first season that was entertaining for most of its run and which had some hilarious moments, as well as lots of ecchi-yuri ones.The seiyuu are largely game seiyuu, the same ones who voiced the original ero-game.seiyuus: Gotou Mai (Mai/Yoakena, Mizuki/ef), Kurokawa Nami (Raika/Demonbane, Tamaki/DCSS), Nishizawa Hiroka (Asa/Sora no Iro), Narumi Erika (Kagami/Lamune), Motoi Emi (Naoko/CCS), Kobayashi Maki, Amamiya Yuu (Chiharu/KimiAru).director: Nakanishi Nobuaki (Kashimashi, Sumomomo Momomo, Koihime Musou)writer: Go Zappa (Chocotto Sister, Myself;Yourself; Koihime Musou). BaseSon (original game).animation: DogaKobo. chara-des: Hiratsuka Tomoya (Myself;Yourself), Oshima Miwa (Hit wo Nerae, Love Love, Koihime Musou). animation supervisor: Hiratsuka Tomoya (Myself;Yourself), Oshima Miwa (Love Love; Koihime Musou).trailer. forum. subs: Ayako?, AnimeOne/Menclave? 12?eps.mon 05 oct 11:30. ep1 preview broadcast oct1.Anyamaru Tantei Kiruminzuu(jp: あにゃまる探偵 キルミンずぅ)magical girl comedyIn this "heartwarming comedy," three cute sisters come across a mysterious cosmetics compact in an attic. With it, the girls go from cosplay to a magical transformation into real animals. And start solving mysteries.Stars young Yuuki Aoi, who was Murasaki in Kurenai. Project developed by Kawamori Shoji, the creator of Macross. Directed by Masui Soichi, director of Scrapped Princess. As childish as it appears to be, this show may have something going for it.seiyuus: Yuuki Aoi (Murasaki/Kurenai), Satou Satomi (Ritsu/K-On), Anzai Chika, Tamura Mutsumi (Toppa/Battle Spirits Shounen Toppa), Ikebe Kumiko, Tange Sakura (Sakura/CCS), Nojima Kenji (Haruhiko/Touka Gettan, Masaki/Eve no Jikan), Neya Michiko (Honey/Cutie Honey, Melissa Mao/FMP, Riza Hawkeye/FMA1).director: Masui Soichi (Scrapped Princess, storyboards for Soul Eater, Edo Rocket, Melody Oblivion)writer: Kawamori Shoji (creator; dir. Macrosses, Aquarion, created Basquash). Matsuda Eriko (Itazura na Kiss eps), Yuuki Yousuke.animation: Hal, Satelight, JM. chara-des: Aizawa Sumie (dir. eps of Kemeko).sound director: Gotou Masahiro. 13?eps.mon 05 oct 17:30Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza(jp: 乃木坂春香の秘密 ぴゅあれっつぁ♪)moe comedyIn the first series, our protagonist discovered that school princess Nogizaka Haruka was actually a secret otaku. He kept her secret and they became boy friend and girl friend. Based on a series of light novels.Good cast stars Noto Mamiko. The first series was funny, moe, and slightly ecchi. I spent a lot of time defending it on AnimeSuki. But it didn’t really have enough to it to last a full season, so I'm not sure it has much to give us in a second season.Director Nawa Munenori did Otome wa Boku ni Koi wo Shiteru. The writer who adapted the novels for anime (Tsuyoshi Tamai) did the same for Inukami.seiyuus: Noto Mamiko, Hatano Wataru (Shuuichi/Monochrome), Gotou Mai, Satou Rina, Shimizu Kaori, Ueda Kana, Matsuki Miyu, Nabatame Hitomi, Kugimiya Rie.director: Nawa Munenori (DCSS, Otoboku)writer: Tsuyoshi Tamai (Inukami).animation: Diomedea (formerly Studio Barcelona). chara-des: Ishino Satoshi (Puni Puni Poemi); Shaa (orig).OP Milan Himemiya and Chocolate Rockers. ED N's.trailer. forum. subs: m33w, Aquastar? 12?eps.mon 05 oct 26:14Kobato(jp: こばと)young shoujo romantic adventureClamp arrives again, in full regalia, with writing by Ohkawa Nanase and Yokote Michiko. The director of Chi's Sweet Home gets a chance with human characters.Kobato is a sweet and perky girl, but extremely naïve about the world. She has a mission to fill a mysterious bottle with the suffering from people's hearts so her wish to go a certain place can be granted. However, she must not fall in love with a particular boy she works with and whose heart she must heal….Hanazawa Kana sounds perfect for the lead. Sakamoto Maaya does the OP and Nakajima Megumi the ED.seiyuus: Hanazawa Kana, Inada Tetsu (Kurogane/Tsubasa), Maeno Tomoaki, Orikasa Fumiko, Kuwashima Houko, Nakajima Megumi, Miki Shinichirou, Saitou Chiwa.director: Masuhara Mitsuyuki (Chi's Sweet Home/New Address)writer: Ohkawa Nanase (CCS, Xxxholic). Yokote Michiko (Princess Tutu, Genshiken, Valkyria Chr.).animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Kato Hiromi (Needless, dir. Beck). animation supervisor: Tazaki Satoshi (Rideback).sound director: Mima Masafumi, Nakajima Toshihiko. music: Hama Takeshi. OP Sakamoto Maaya, ED Nakajima Megumi.forum. subs: ACG/The14th, gg?, Generation NeXt, Yuurisan. 24eps.tue 06 oct 20:00Kimi ni Todoke(jp: 君に届け)shoujo romanceKuronuma Sawako’s one wish in life is to make friends. That’s a difficult proposition when everyone who meets her cowers in terror at her dark expression and strange manner. The class nicknames her Sadako (as in The Ring). She admires her classmate Kazehaya-kun, a popular, easygoing and "100% refreshing" guy who is nice to everyone, even her. (ann)Voted best shoujo manga of 2008. Director Kaburaki Hiro gets his first full anime, after having done episodes of NHK. Writer Kanparu Tomoko has a longer resume: she wrote Nodame Cantabile and Genji Sennenki, among many other shows.Noto Mamiko and Namikawa Daisuke play the leads, and are surrounded with a stunning supporting cast including Sanpei Yuuko, Sawashiro Miyuki, Nakamura Yuuichi, and Hirano Aya.I love the manga, and I’ll be right there for the start of this show.seiyuus: Noto Mamiko, Namikawa Daisuke (Rock/Black Lagoon), Sanpei Yuuko (Nakiami/Xam'd), Sawashiro Miyuki, Nakamura Yuuichi (Tomoya/Clannad), Hirano Aya.director: Kaburaki Hiro (Welcome to NHK storyboards and epdir)writer: Kanparu Tomoko (Nodame Cantabile, Genji Sennenki). Shiina Karuho (mangaka).animation: Production IG. chara-des: Shibata Yuka (key animator).sound director: Yamada Tomoaki (Death Note, Real Drive).forum. subs: Frostii?, Formula? 12?eps.tue 06 oct 24:59Today in Class 5-2 -- Takarabako(jp: 今日の5の2 宝箱���仮���)ecchi heartwarming grade-school comedyThe ecchi grade-school comedy gets another OVA. Only occasionally funny, for me, and sometimes a bit too loli-ecchi even for my liberal taste.seiyuus: Kobayashi Yu (Setsuna/Negima, Mriya/MariaHolic), Shimoda Asami (Ameri/Tayutama), Asumi Kana (Yuno/Hidamari, Marin/Umi Monogatari), Akesaka Satomi (Miho/Suzuka, Nanonano/Galaxy Angelune), Honda Youko (Itsuka/Uta-kata), Takagaki Ayahi (Noe/true tears), Mako (Yurie/Kamichu), Yamato Megumi.director: Nagasawa Tsuyoshi (new)writer: Kouno Takamitsu (Lamune, Ayakashi). Sakuraba Koharu (mangaka).animation: Xebec. chara-des: Chikaoka Nao (Minami-ke).sound director: Kameyama Toshiki (Nanoha, Red Garden, MariaHolic). music: Haneoka Kai (Negima, Himawari).trailer. forum. OVA. sold with a special collection of the manga.sun 06 oct 25:30ToHeart2 adplus(jp: ToHeart2 adplus)moe romantic comedyThe second and final episode of another OVA in the perennially just-popular-enough ToHeart franchise. If nothing else, these shows give Ochiai Yurika some work.And I must admit that they can be enjoyable, lame as they may seem. Of course, their main function is to provide a firm foundation for continuing streams of ancillary goods.Director Sakata Junichi is a long-time storyboarder (NANA, Inukami) who directed Kaze no Stigma. This is his first ToHeart show. (Moonphase and jp.Wikipedia say the director is Katou Yasuhisa. My info is from the official site.)seiyuus: Sakurai Hiromi, Yamakawa Kotomi, Hagiwara Emiko, Ochiai Yurika, Itou Shizuka, Honda Chieko, Natsuki Rio, Ono Ryouko, Kogure Ema.director: Sakata Junichi (Kaze no Stigma, storyboards for Nana, Inukami, etc.).writer: Kobayashi Naruo, Kouno Takamitsu, Sakurajima Eki (? 桜島液).animation: Aquaplus/Chaos Project. chara-des: Yanagisawa Masahide, Katsura Keiichirou, Katou Yasuhisa; Mitsumi Miri, Kawata Hisami.. animation supervisor: Yanagisawa Masahide (ToHeart2, Bottle Fairy).trailer. forum. OVA. 2/2eps.wed 07 octCheburashka Arere?(jp: チェブラーシカ あれれ���)kidsBased on the Russian "national character" Cheburashka. From Eduard Uspensky's story about a mysterious creature who gets accidentally transported to Russia in a box of oranges.The second production -- after Princess Lover -- for new studio GoHands.Star Oohashi Nozomi is only ten years old. She made her debut at the age of three starring in a drama. At eight, she sang the title theme to Ghibli's Ponyo.Director Kudou Susumu did the underrated ecchi comedy KimiAru. Writer Shimada Michiru did Shugo Chara and Konnichiwa Anne. Good staff gives this show possibilities.seiyuus: Oohashi Nozomi (ten years old), Tsuchida Hiroshi (Yamazaki/Honey & Clover), Chou (Mine's father/Nodame Cantabile).director: Kudou Susumu (Koisuru Tenshi Angelique, KimiAru)writer: Shimada Michiru (Shugo Chara, Konnichiwa Anne). supervising editor: Nakamura Makoto (lead writer Noramimi, Princess Lover).animation: GoHands (Princess Lover). chara-des: Kishida Takahiro (Lain, Koi Kaze, Baccano).subs: II-Subs? 26x3mineps.wed 07 oct 07:30Sasameki Koto(jp: ささめきこと)yuri school romanceSumika is in love with her friend Ushio, but Ushio only shows interest in cutesy girls, and Sumika is a tall karate star who helps run her family's dojo. She is forced to watch from the sidelines as Ushio falls for girl after girl, none of them her. So far.Takagaki Ayahi as Sumika is a big draw for me. Takamoto Megumi, Katou Emiri, Saitou Chiwa, and 16-year-old Shimizu Ayaka are also in the cast.Director Suganuma Eiji did a good job with Kodomo no Jikan, and writer Kurata Hideyuki wrote ROD the TV and Kannagi.The manga is not at the level of Aoi Hana, but is still funny and touching.seiyuus: Takagaki Ayahi (Noe/true tears, Ein/Phantom), Takamoto Megumi (Chao Rinshen/Negima, Misaki/White Album), Katou Emiri (Kagami/Lucky Star, Mayoi/Bakemonogatari), Shimizu Ayaka (age 16?), Harada Hitomi, Saitou Chiwa, Makiguchi Mayuki.director: Suganuma Eiji (Kodomo no Jikan)writer: Kurata Hideyuki (ROD the TV, Kannagi). Ikeda Takashi (mangaka).animation: AIC. chara-des: Inomata Masami.sound director: Iwanami Yoshikazu (Marimite, Kanamemo). OPED Kiyoura Natsumi.forum. subs: Chihiro. 12?eps.wed 07 oct 26:20Darker than Black: Ryuusei no Gemini(jp: DARKER THAN BLACK -流星の双子(ジェミニ)-)mystery violence science fictionSecond season of Okamura Tensai's dark sci-fi adventure. I enjoyed the first series, and now Hanazawa Kana and Kuwashima Houko join the cast.Hei and Yin are now on the run after betraying the Syndicate in the previous season. After leaving Japan, Hei encounters Suou Pavlichenko (Hanazawa), a 13-year-old Eurasian girl embroiled in the war and politics of various factions vying for power.Meanwhile, Hell's Gate remains standing in Tokyo, after Hei's efforts to stop the Saturn Ring anti-Gate particle weapon from activating. Although Contractors are safe from the danger of having their existences erased, this does not prevent new and old Contractors from abusing their powers.As Misaki Kirihara and her team in the Public Security Bureau deal with increasing numbers of Contractor cases, she also has to keep at bay the Syndicate, which has major positions in the Japanese police and intelligence bureaus around the world. (ann)seiyuus: Kiuchi Hidenobu (Ren/NANA), Hanazawa Kana, Kuwashima Houko, Hori Katsunosuke, Matsukaze Masaya, Miyake Kenta, Saiga Mitsuki, Mizuki Nana (not mentioned on official site).director: Okamura Tensai (Wolf's Rain)writer: Yoshino Hiroyuki (My-Hime, Macross F), Okada Mari (true tears, Canaan). also Onishi Shinsuke (The Third), Suga Shoutarou (scripts GITS:SAC, Eureka 7, etc.).animation: Bones. chara-des: Iwahara Yuji, Komori Takahiro (Angelic Layer, Scrapped Princess). animation supervisor: Komori Takahiro (also RahXephon, Wolf's Rain).sound director: Wakabayashi Kazuhiro (Escaflowne, Princess Mononoke, Eureka 7). music: Ishii Yasunori.trailer. forum. subs: Koharubi, Yoroshi?, Anime-Devils?, FTV?, BSS? 12?eps.thu 08 oct 25:25Gokyoudai Monogatari(jp: ご姉弟物語)comedyFrom the award-winning comic manga (Baka Kyoudai "Idiot Siblings") about twins who are like the mascots of a shopping street in lower Tokyo.Great starring cast of Matsuoka Yuki and Kobayashi Yumiko as the twins, with Ohara Sayaka as the woman who looks after them in the absence of their parents.One season of about 13 weeks. Staff not yet announced. The setup and especially the cast make this intriguing.seiyuus: Matsuoka Yuki, Kobayashi Yumiko, Ohara Sayaka.writer: Adachi Tetsu (mangaka of Baka Kyoudai).one season of about 13 episodes.sat 10 oct 11:20Aoi Bungaku(jp: 青い文学)Anime adaptations of four literary masterpieces: Soseki Natsume's Kokoro (character design by mangaka Obata Takeshi of Death Note), Dazai Osamu's No Longer Human (charades by Obata), Akutagawa Ryunosuke's Hell Screen (charades by Bleach creator Kubo Taito), and Dazai's Run, Melos! (charades by Prince of Tennis mangaka Konomi Takeshi).Good writing is a great foundation. I will definitely be thre to see how they can adapt these classic novels to about three episodes each. No more staff info and no cast info available.12eps.sat 10 oct 25:20Fairy Tail(jp: フェアリーテイル)shounen comic adventureStory follows a teenaged girl named Lucy Heartfilia who aims to join the world's most notorious mage guild, Fairy Tail. During a daring rescue, Lucy encounters Natsu "Salamander" Dragneel, a quirky Fairy Tail member and practitioner of the ancient Dragon Slayer magic. Lucy is eventually welcomed into the Fairy Tail guild as she, Natsu, and other members go on various quests. (ann)Long-running manga could become a long-running anime. Hirano Aya scores her sixth role of the fall, three of them starring. Kugimiya Rie, Kakihara Tetsuya, Nakamura Yuuichi, Ohara Sayaka -- what's not to like? We'll see what the director of Tokyo Majin can do with this shounen comic classic.seiyuus: Kakihara Tetsuya (Simon/Gurren Lagann), Hirano Aya (Haruhi), Kugimiya Rie (Shana), Nakamura Yuuichi (Alto/MacrossF), Ohara Sayaka (Alicia/ARIA).director: Ishihira Shinji (Tokyo Majin)writer: Sogo Masashi (Gantz, Bleach, Snow Queen). Mashima Hiro (mangaka).animation: A-1/Satelight. chara-des: Yamamoto Aoi 山本碧 (key animator).forum. subs: Kubu, Kyuubi, Generation NeXt, I Eat Anime, Koharubi, SFW. 13++?eps.mon 12 oct 19:30Kaidan Restaurant(jp: 怪談レストラン)kids supernatural"School horror" show based on a series of kids' books that has sold seven million copies since 1996.Magic, monsters, and versions of stories of the supernatural from Japan and around the world.series dir: Ikeda Youko (eps. of One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh)writer: Yonemura Shoji (Guin Saga, Stitch, Glass Fleet). chief editor: Matsutani Myoko.animation: Toei. "drawing" by: Takai Yoshikazu and Katou Kumiko.tue 13 oct 19:30Kiddy Girl-And(jp: キディーガーランド)space adventure w/moeGotou Keiji is back, with his wife Kadonosono Megumi doing the character design, and Kimura Hidefumi doing the writing, as they did for Kiddy Grade, Uta-Kata, and Gigantic Formula.The story is set in Star Century year 0379, two centuries after the original Kiddy Grade anime and about five centuries from now. The spirited Ascoeur and serious Q-feuille work for the galactic government known as GTO. The two girls are training to become secret agents. (ann)New seiyuus Uchida Aya and Gouda Aya are backed up by Mizuhashi Kaori, Kiddy Grade seiyuus Hirano Aya and Nagata Ryouko, and names like Fukuyama Jun, Yukana, and Matsuoka Yuki.Animation producer Kaneko Fumio did Sketchbook. OP by Chihara Minori.The stories may or may not end up working for me (Uta-kata came closest, for me), but I will always watch the first couple of eps of any Gotoh Keiji show.seiyuus: Uchida Aya (Chikara/Munto2), Gouda Aya, Mizuhashi Kaori (Ogiue/Genshiken), Takizawa Itsuki, Nagata Ryouko (Éclair), Hirano Aya (Lumiere), Yukana, Matsuoka Yuki, Fukuyama Jun.director: Gotoh Keijiwriter: Kimura Hidefumi, gimik (orig).animation: Satelight. chara-des: Kadonosono Megumi. animation supervisor: Kaneko Fumio (Sketchbook).sound director: Satou Junichi (dir. ARIA). OP Chihara Minori. forum.thu 15 oct 24:40Kuuchuu Buranko(jp: 空中ブランコ)uncategorizable josei/seinen?The team that did Mononoke returns with an anime adaptation of Hideo Okuda’s award-winning 2004 novel. The 17th Noitamina presentation.Features the eccentric psychiatrist Irabu Ichirou and his various patients: the disturbed trapeze artist, the obsessive-compulsive neurologist, the professional baseball player who is incapacitated by nervousness. Their neuroses are matched only by their bewilderment at the therapist's eccentricities.One of the most anticipated shows of the season, for good reason.seiyuus: Paku Romi, Mitsuya Yuji (von Kummel/LoGH), Morikawa Toshiyuki, Sakurai Takahiro, Miki Shinichirou.director: Nakamura Kenji (Ayakashi, Mononoke)writer: Ishikawa Manabu (Mononoke screenplay). Okuda Hideo (orig).animation: Toei. chara-des: Hashimoto Toshifumi. animation supervisor: Hashimoto Toshifumi (Mononoke, Karas).sound director: Nagasaki Yukio (Itazura na Kiss, Dragon Ball Kai). music: Mori Hideharu (Yawara, Ranma).forum. 11eps.thu 15oct 24:45Winter Sonata(jp: 冬のソナタ)shoujo/josei romanceThe huge drama hit gets an anime series. Largely Korean production, with some Japanese input. Most of the original Korean actors do the voices.Get out your handkerchiefs. I know I'll be getting out mine. One of the shows I most look forward to this fall.seiyuus: Bae Yong-joon, Choi Ji-woo.director: Yoon Suk-howriter: Kim Hyon-wan (sp?).animation: G&G Entertainment×JM Animation. chara-des: draft by Nakayama Daisuke (studio realthing, ex-Studio 4 degrees C).sound director: Yu He-jyun (sp?).trailer. forum. subs: Koharubi, Saikyo, Live-Evil. 26eps.sat 17 oct 12:00Hidamari Sketch x 365(jp: ひだまりスケッチ×365)slice-of-life comedyThere's a new series coming, but first, here is a two-episode OVA of another of Shinbou's many successful franchises.seiyuus: Asumi Kana, Mizuhashi Kaori, Gotou Yuuko, Shintani Ryouko, Matsuki Miyu, Kugimiya Rie, Sawashiro Miyuki, Chou, Fukuen Misato.director: Shinbou Akiyuki.writer: Hasegawa Nahoko (Hidamari1). Aoki Ume (mangaka).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Itou Yoshiaki (Hidamari, Gakuen Alice). animation supervisor: Itou Yoshiaki (Hidamari, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei).sound director: Kameyama Toshiuki (MoonPhase, Red Garden, Nanoha Strikers). music: Kikuya Tomoki (Potemayo, Kyouran Kazoku). OP seiyuu, ED marble.trailer. forum. subs: SoonSubs?, WinD?. OVA. 1/2eps. part 1 oct17, part 2 oct24sat 17 oct 24:30Mahoromatic: Tadaima Okaeri(jp: まほろまてぃっく ただいま◇おかえり)ecchi comedy sci-fi romanceAfter a six-year hiatus, here is a two-episode OVA of the automatic maiden, one of Kawasumi Ayako's signature roles.The staff of the OVAs (but not the original series) returns, with the exception of an interesting new writer: Urahata Tatsuhiko, who wrote Monster, Strawberry Panic, and Saki.Mangaka Ditama Bow also did kissxsis.seiyuus: Kawasumi Ayako, Shimizu Ai, Takimoto Fujiko, Kikuchi Yumi, Mizuno Manabi, Sanada Asami, Ogihara Hideki, Kisaichi Atsushi, Koyasu Takehito.director: Saeki Shouji (FLCL, Ugly Beautiful World, He is My Master)writer: Urahata Tatsuhiko (Monster, Strawberry Panic, Saki).animation: Gainax. chara-des: Ditama Bow (manga), Takamura Kazuhiko (Mahoromatic, Ugly Beautiful, dir. Strike Witches). animation supervisor: Takamura Kazuhiko (Mahoromatic, Ugly Beautiful, dir. Strike Witches).sound director: Iwanami Yoshikazu (Marimite, Kanamemo, etc.). music: Masuda Toshio (Naruto, Mushi-shi, Ai yori Aoshi). OP Kawasumi Ayako, ED seiyuus.forum. OVA. 2eps.sat 17 oct 25:00 ep2 oct24Kemono to Chat(jp: けものとチャット)family comicAdaptation of Takayuki Mizushina's Kemono to Chat ("Chatting with Creatures") comic-strip manga.The story centers on high-school freshman Kenomoto Chacha, a girl who can understand the language of cats and speak with them.Brilliant cast stars Sakamoto Maaya, Ueda Kana, and Yahagi Sayuri. This is the director's first anime, but he is apparently well known for 3DCG design.seiyuus: Sakamoto Maaya, Ueda Kana, Yahagi Sayuri.director: Umoto Yuujiwriter: Mizushina Takayuki (creator).animation: Usagi.Ou (founded in April 2008).OVA. 1/1eps.23 octShakugan no Shana S(jp: 灼眼のシャナS)shounen supernatural adventure w/moeThis four-episode OVA will be followed by what is supposed to be one final Shana series. One of the great shounen franchises of the past few years, but I have never liked it much, myself.seiyuus: Kugimiya Rie, Hino Satoshi.director: Watanabe Takashi (Shana)writer: Kobayashi Yasuko (Claymore, Casshern Sins, Shana). Takahashi Yashichirou (novel).animation: JC Staff. chara-des: Itou Noizi (orig; Shana, Haruhi, Nanatsuiro Drops), Otsuka Mai (Shana).sound director: Aketagawa Jin (Genshiken, Ichigo mashimaro, Nodame Cantabile). music: Otani Kou (Haibane Renmei, Pumpkin Scissors, Shana). OPED Kawada Mami.trailer. forum. OVA. 1/4eps.23 octShoujo Fight(jp: 少女ファイト)sports, seinen"The story follows Neri Ooishi, a high school girl who is a talented volleyball player. She once was the captain of an elementary school team that went all the way to the national tournament. However, she spent three years as an alternate at a junior high school renowned for its volleyball program. Now she is in high school with new teammates, and she gets a chance to prove herself again. " (ann)Cast not yet announced, but it is supposed to be the same amazing group that did the drama CD: Mizuki Nana, Noto Mamiko, Watanabe Akeno, Kobayashi Yuu, Yukana, Ohara Sayaka, Yuzuki Ryouka, Kuwashima Houko, Nakamura Yuuichi, Suzumura Kenichi, Namikawa Daisuke, Fukuyama Jun, et al.writer: Nihonbashi Youko (manga and anime).animation: Production IG. OP BLiSTAR.OVA. 1/1eps. sold with v6 of manga.fri 23 octRomance of the Three Kingdoms(jp: 三國演義)historical adventureChina-Japan co-production is already being shown on Chinese TV. I've seen the first two episodes in Chinese, and it is a big, serious production, following the original novel fairly closely.The other end of the scale from Koihime Musou, and shows Liu Bei in a completely different way from Souten Kouro. Seems like the real thing, even though the approach is a bit old-fashioned.animation: Beijing Glorious Animation x Future Planet.trailer. subs: Huzzah?, FTV?. 52eps.octoberTo Love-Ru OVA(jp: OVA ToLOVEる)ecchi science fiction comedyModerately successful ecchi comedy gets yet another OVA. It appears that they will keep releasing them, one per manga volume, for at least two more volumes.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.Outstanding cast features Tomatsu Haruka, Watanabe Akeno, and Yahagi Sayuri, as well as Koyasu Takehito. Tomatsu and Yahagi combine for the OP and ED.seiyuus: Watanabe Akeno, Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri, Arai Satomi, Koyasu Takehito, Hanazawa Kana, Kawasumi Ayako, Nazuka Kaori, Oura Fuyuka.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.trailer. forum.OVA. 4/? eps. comes with v16 of manga. OVA5 w/v17 in feb.wed 04 nov 25:55Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei - Bangaichi(jp: 懺・さよなら絶望先生)Another successful season begets another OVA series for 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.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).trailer. forum. OVA. 1/2eps. comes with v19 of manga.tue 17 novkissxsis(jp: kiss×sis)ecchi comedy with incestDVD comes with volume 5 of the extremely ecchi manga, about a high-school boy whose two (non-blood-related) sisters are constantly trying to get into his pants. Episode one, while not that well made, was as hilariously over the top as the manga. Borderline hentai.seiyuus: Takeuchi Ken, Taketatsu Ayana, Tatsumi Yuiko.director: Nawa Munenoriwriter: Ditama Bow (Mahoromatic, mangaka).animation: feel. chara-des: Shitaya Tomoyuki (Night Wizard). animation supervisor: Shitaya Tomoyuki; Masuda Kuniaki (Kanamemo).sound director: Kikuta Hiromi.trailer. forum. OVA. 2/2eps.fri 20 novAIKa ZERO(jp: AIKa ZERO)ecchi comedySecond episode of "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)This show is all legs, boobs and guns, with a bit of plot to hold it all together. But with wonderful voices: Koshimizu Ami, Noto Mamiko, Gotou Yuuko, and Takahashi Mikako, in particular.Lead writer Kanemaki Kenichi was lead writer on Natsume Yuujinchou, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, Jigoku Shoujo, Ai yori Aoshi, etc.Star Koshimzu Ami gets a chance to sing both the OP and the ED.seiyuus: Koshimizu Ami, Noto Mamiko, Fukuen Misato, Gotou Yuuko, Takahashi Mikako, Shimoda Asami, Ohtsuka Akio.director: Yamauchi Noriyasu (new, charades/animator)writer: Kanemaki Kenichi (Natsume Yuujinchou, Sayonara Zetsubou).animation: Studio Fantasia. chara-des: Yamauchi Noriyasu (Stratos 4, Najica Blitz Tactics). animation supervisor: Yamauchi Noriyasu.OPED Koshimizu Ami. trailer. forum. OVA 2/3eps. ep3 22 dec.tue 27 octDenpateki na Kanojo(jp: 電波的な彼女)mystery violence romanceI loved episode one. Hirohashi Ryou gave one of the best performances of 2009 as the weird girl who suddenly shows up and swears allegiance to the protagonist, just as a series of horrific murders is taking place.Director Kanbe Mamoru did Elfen Lied and I"s Pure. Writer Yoshino Hiroyuki did My-HiME and Macross Frontier.One of several OVAs this fall that are being sold with special editions of manga volumes. Sold with v4 of the Kure-nai manga (from a novel by the same author).seiyuus: Hirohashi Ryou, Hosoya Yoshimasa, Kobayashi Yu, Ueda Kana, Yoshizumi Kozue, Kitamura Eri, Nakahara Mai, Koshimizu Ami, Saiga Mitsuki.director: Kanbe Mamoru (Elfen Lied, I"s Pure)writer: Yoshino Hiroyuki (My-HiME, Macross Frontier). Katayama Kentarou (novel).animation: Brains Base. chara-des: Tanaka Chiyuki (animator), Yamamoto Yamato (orig).sound director: Shimizu Katsunori (Elfen Lied, Kite Liberator).trailer. forum. OVA. 2/2eps.fri 04 decAki-Sora(jp: あきそら)ecchi comedy romance with cross-dressing and incestSora has an older sister Aki and a younger twin sister Nami, They have grown up saying "I love you" to each other. But now that they are older, do they still mean it in the same way? Incest happens.The manga is, uh, stimulating, with relationships and ecchiness to the point of hentai. We'll see how the anime works out. If sex sells, this could be a big success.Kitamura Eri is a great start on the cast. Director Takahashi Takeo did the fir
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Winners: Minori and Nagisa. Group E2-4 Results: 1位　494票　(Kushieda Minori @ Toradora!) 2位　209票　(Miyanaga Teru @ Saki) 3位　138票　(Takara Miyuki @ Lucky☆Star OVA) ========================================================= Group F2-4 Results: 1位　482票　(Furukawa Nagisa (Okazaki Nagisa) @ Clannad ~After Story~) 2位　195票　(Enma Ai @ Jigoku Shoujo Mitsuganae) 3位　147票　(Ayase Yue @ Mahou Sensei Negima! ~Shiroki Tsubasa Ala Alba~) ========================================================= Next Matchups (Groups G & H – Day 01): *my picks: Eva and Saki ========================================================= Saimoe ‘09 Bracket: *Click/Refresh to update[How [...]
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I might not really realize that I've heard his work when I watched Jigoku Shoujo. I must admit that several score really hooked my sensitivity. The weight of the sounds and composition surely made Jigoku Shoujo succeeded as a psychological drama/horror.The second time I heard his works, of course, through Naruto Shippuuden which really took Naruto into a deeper feeling. Takanashi didn't only bring Shippuuden into a mature feeling but also a serious drama.Genji - a PS game - was the third time I 'accidently' found Takanashi. But in that period, I didn't know that he was the composer. However, I already had been impressed with the sound of the scores which gave me the thrill during playing. Ah, I think I must be honest here. I'm not a good player so even a game that quite easy like Genji really took time and shorten my lifespan because I was so stress during playing :D However, again, the music really gave me the impact. I won't feel the game so lively if the score wasn't Takanashi's work, maybe.Other WorksI tried to find out more about Takanashi. I found an interesting data that beside working for anime and games, he was also working for Toho. You know the human sci-fi action story like Gogle V (rrr... sorry that the sample is the classic one)? Well, he worked the music for a kind of entertainment. According to tohokingdom.com, he worked on The Gransazers (2003), The Justirisers (2004), and The Gransazers: Super Battle Memory (2005). According to imdb.com, Takanashi worked on Zeonic Front: Kidou Senshi Gundam 0079 (2001). His other work for video game, as mentioned at game-ost, entitled Guilty Gear (1998, 2005). But maybe, he was well known with Angelique since he was mostly worked in that video game (source: vgmdb.com).Characteristic What I think interesting from Takanashi is that his work has characteristic of deep, dark, and sounded etnical. Both Naruto, Jigoku Shoujo, and Genji has similar taste. It sounds pretty japanese etnic music, it made the story darker, and surely it is all beautiful. In the three works of him, I can mostly hear the japanese traditional instruments like the flute, combining with western orchestra.-----------------------------------------------reading source has been directly linked in the article.picture relied from tohokingdom.comadditional source:Anime News Network: here
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