http://www.animenano.com/ An anime blog aggregator and community. en-us This is a 3.45x show. There will be more like this. See here for more background on this kind of posting series. In the future, these posts will only have one line, describing one aspect of the show: how quickly I had to watch the show for it to not hurt me with its crapitude. Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:13:39 -0000 http://not.dotq.org/2008/10/29/what-i-marathoned-because-i-had-too-little-intelligence-1-oku-sama-wa-joshikousei It’s all sorts of wrong, yet all sorts of WIN and AWESOME. Sanae not only in full seifuku, but glasses too. It’s like 2 scoops of ice cream or getting extra change from a vending machine. All sorts of wrong in the moral sense of things… But then tossing in some Sanae cosplay (albeit very short) was [...] Sat, 11 Oct 2008 08:25:25 -0000 http://scottd.wordpress.com/2008/10/11/joshikousei-sanae-san/ My head imploded. Thank god they didn’t include joshikousei twintail meganekko Sanae in it. I would’ve shat bricks as well. ©2008 Kurogane's Anime Blog. All Rights Reserved.. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:19:38 -0000 http://kurogane.animeblogger.net/2008/10/10/fabulous-sunohara-is-fabulous/ With just over two weeks to go until the new season starts, it's time to think about what's coming. Tastes differ, but the shows I myself am most looking forward to are:the mysterious moe romances ef - a tale of melodies and Clannad - After Story the absurd comedy Hyakko (with Orikasa Fumiko and Hirano Aya) the bishoujo comedy Kannagi (directed by Yamakan, the original director of Lucky Star) the shoujo romantic comedy-dramas Nodame Cantabile Paris Chapter and Skip Beat! the space opera Tytania (directed by the director of Legend of the Galactic Heroes) Vampire Knight - Guilty, which I guess is romantic shoujo horror.However, many other shows look interesting, too: shounen romantic monster-fighting in Ga-rei Zero and Yozakura Quartet; a well-animated female buddy show set in Brazil in Michiko to Hatchin; shounen supernatural mystery in both Kurozuka (directed by the director of Death Note) and Chaos:HEAd (adapted by the writer of Death Note); two real mecha shows in Gundam00 II and Kurogane no Linebarrels; and others. And there are sure to be surprises.Click to go to a preview of each show:Series: |Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka |Casshern Sins |Chaos;HEAd |Clannad After Story |ef - a tale of melodies |Ga-rei Zero |Hakushaku to Yousei |Hokuto no Ken Raoh Gaiden Ten no Haoh |Hyakko |Jigoku Shoujo Mitsuganae |Junjou Romantika 2 |Kannagi |Kemeko Deluxe |Kidou Senshi Gundam 00 2nd Season |Kurogane no Linebarrels |Kuroshitsuji |Kurozuka |Macademi Wasshoi! |Michiko to Hatchin |Mouryou no Hako (Box of Goblins) |Nodame Cantabile Paris Chapter |Noramimi 2 |One Outs |Rosario to Vampire 2 |Shikabane Hime Aka |Shugo Chara! 2 |Skip Beat! |Tales of the Abyss |To Aru Majutsu no Index |Today in Class 5-2 |Toradora |Tytania |Vampire Knight: Guilty |Yozakura QuartetOVAs: |Goku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei |Gunslinger Girl ���IL TEATRINO��� OVA |Ikoku Irokoi Romantan |Initial D Extra Stage 2 |Kamen no Maid Guy OVA |kissxsis |Mahou Sensei Negima! ~Shiroki Tsubasa Ala Alba~ |Seto no Hanayome OVA |Shoujo Sect ~Innocent Lovers~ |Switch |Zettai Shougeki ~Platonic Heart~ Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka(jp: あかね色に染まる坂, "A Hillside Dyed Red")In order to protect cute new transfer student Yuuhi Katagiri (Kugimiya Rie), Junichi Nagase is forced to kiss her. She screams, not understanding what is going on, and not knowing that her father has arranged for her to marry him. She doesn’t like him, and his little sister (Hirano Aya) wants her gone. Will they eventually get together?The cast is great -- and the role is apparently perfect for Kugimiya-san to become even more of a tsundere -- but I am worried by the fact that this is being made by the director and writer of that very awkward show School Days. That they did Amenaideyo before that make me even more worried. From an ero-game.seiyuus: Hatano Wataru, Kugimiya Rie, Hirano Aya, Inoue Marina, Katou Emiri, Hirohashi Ryou, Tanaka Rie, Hazuki Erino, Fujiwara Keiji, Koyama Rikiya.director: Motonaga Keitaro (Yumeria, Amenaideyo, School Days)writer: Uezu Makoto (Yumeria, Utawarerumono, School Days).animation: TNK.trailer. forum. subs: Oni-Anime?, Mayu-subs?.thu 02 oct 25:00Casshern Sins(jp: キャシャーン SINS)Casshern is about a cyborg who rises against the robotic armies that have subjugated all of humanity. (ann)Madhouse is doing a total of five shows this season. This one is directed by the director of some Dragonball movies and Xenosaga, which doesn’t seem promising, but written by the writer of Shakugan no Shana, Witchblade, and Claymore. And that does seem promising.A veteran cast includes Furuya Tohru, Chou, and Yajima Akiko. Remake of an older anime.seiyuus: Furuya Tohru, Minaguchi Yuuko, Chou, Yajima Akiko.director: Yamauchi Shigeyasu (Dragonball movies, Xenosaga)writer: Kobayashi Yasuko (Shana, Witchblade, Claymore).animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Umakoshi Yoshihiko (Zipang, Mushishi).OP: Color Bottle.trailer. forum. subs: Shinsen-subs.wed 01 oct 25:30Chaos;HEAd(jp: カオスヘッド)Takumi is a high school student who is withdrawn and not interested in anything outside the 2D world. Serial murders have his town in an uproar. One day, when he is chatting on the internet, a man suddenly contacts him and gives him a URL. He finds a blog image at the site that suggests the next murder…which then really happens. (ann)Shounen supernatural mystery adventure from Madhouse, directed by the director of the excellent family show Otogijushi Akazukin, and adapted by the writer who adapted Death Note. Starring KitaEri and Yoshino Hiroyuki, backed by a great supporting cast. From an interactive novel.seiyuus: Kitamura Eri, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Miyazaki Ui, Nabatame Hitomi, Sakakibara Yui, Takahashi Chiaki, Tsuji Ayumi.director: Ishiyama Takaaki (Otogijushi Akazukin, Viewtiful Joe)writer: Inoue Toshiki (Galaxy Angel, Death Note).animation: Madhouse.trailer. forum. subs: Anomaly-Subs?, Menclave, Mayu-subs?, Chihiro.wed 01 oct 25:30Clannad - After Story(jp: CLANNAD ���AFTER STORY���)More KyoAni/Key goodness. They set the standard for smooth, detailed animation and touching supernatural moe. Events in After Story take place immediately after Tomoya graduates from high school. He declares his love to Nagisa, and their relationship becomes very close. But Nagisa is hiding a secret from Tomoya and the truth of it will change their lives forever. (anidb)seiyuus: Nakahara Mai, Nakamura Yuuichi, Hirohashi Ryou, Kanda Akemi, Kuwashima Houko, Nonaka Ai, Noto Mamiko, Sakaguchi Daisuke, Okiayu Ryoutarou, Inoue Kikuko.director: Ishihara Tatsuyawriter: Shimo Fumihiko.animation: Kyoto Animation. chara-des: Hinoue Itaru.OPED: Lia.trailer. forum. subs: AQS & Sprocket-Hole & TWH, Static Subs & Eclipse?.thu 02 oct 25:59ef - a tale of melodies(jp: ef - a tale of melodies)One of the shows I most look forward to. A romantic fantasy drama with great music and great background art. Prequel to last fall's outstanding ef-a tale of memories. As with that show, the seiyuus are direct from minori's ero-game. Only Gotou Mai's name is familiar to me.But the main man is director Oonuma Shin, working under Shinbo Akiyuki. Writer Takayama Katsuhiko did KgNE and Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora, as well as ef-a tale of memories. Music, as before, is largely by Tenmon, who does music for Shinkai Makoto's animes. Character designer Sugiyama Nobuhiro also acts as animation supervisor.seiyuus: Nakajima Yumiko, Toochika Kouichi, Gotou Mai.director: Oonuma Shinwriter: Takayama Katsuhiko (KgNE, Hantsuki, ef memories).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Sugiyama Nobuhiro (ef memories). animation supervisor: Sugiyama Nobuhiro.music: Tenmon.trailer. forum. subs: Chihiro, Menclave?, AQS?.mon 06 oct 26:15Ga-rei Zero(jp: 喰霊 -零-)High-school freshman Nimura Kensuke has the ability to see ghosts, and his life changes when he meets Kagura, a girl with the power to summon a "Ga-Rei" ("eating spirit") called Byakuei. The two work together to find evil spirits and devour them with the Ga-Rei. (ann) From a manga.Writer Takayama Katsuhiko adapted both Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora and ef-a tale of memories, so he is the number one draw to this show for me. Kitamura Eri plays the lead, and I look forward to that, too. From a manga.seiyuus: Kitamura Eri, Maeno Tomoaki, Fukuen Misato, Kakihara Tetsuya.director: Aoki Ei (Girls Bravo, Kara no Kyoukai ep1)writer: Takayama Katsuhiko (Hantsuki, ef memories).animation: AIC Spirits. chara-des: Horiuchi Osamu (FMP, Hayate). animation supervisor: Horiuchi Osamu (FMP).sound director: Tsuruoka Yota.subs: sMi-Fansubs?.sun 05 oct 24:00Hakushaku to Yousei(jp: 伯爵と妖精, "The Count and the Fairy")The story is set in 19th century England and centres on a "fairy doctor" named Lydia. Her life takes a 180-degree turn when she meets a legendary blue knight count named Edgar and his crew. He hires her as an adviser during his quest to obtain a treasured sword that was supposed to be handed down to him by his family. (ANN)Mizuki Nana surrounded by bishounen. The director did a good job with the amusing Umisho, and worked on a great Artland title, Bokura ga Ita.seiyuus: Midorikawa Hikaru, Mizuki Nana, Sugita Tomokazu, Kamiya Hiroshi, Koyasu Takehito, Yuuki Hiro.director: Soutome Kouichirou (Umisho, work on Bokura ga Ita, Mushishi)writer: Tani Mizue (novel). Nagao Noriko.animation: Artland. animation supervisor: Fujii Maki.sound director: Tanaka Kazuya. ED: Midorikawa Hikaru.trailer. forum. subs: DATS.sun 28 sept 25:15Hokuto no Ken Raoh Gaiden Ten no Haoh(jp: 北斗の拳 ラオウ外伝 天の覇王, "Fist of the North Star, Raoh's Story: King of Heaven")Unlike most of the previous Fist of the North Star animes, this story focuses not on the protagonist Kenshiro, but on the early life of his oldest brother and frequent enemy, Raoh. (ann)The attractions here are writer Ohnogi Hiroshi (Noein, Aquarion, Birdy), who did the adaptation from the manga, and a cast including Nakahara Mai and Suwabe Junichi, with top sound director Aketagawa Jin directing them.seiyuus: Ukaji Takashi, Nakahara Mai, Kimura Akiko, Touchi Hiroki, Suwabe Junichi.director: Abe Masashi (Blue Gender, Magical Kanan)writer: Ohnogi Hiroshi (Aquarion, Noein, Kekkaishi, Birdy Decode).animation: Satelight.sound director: Aketagawa Jin (Ichigo mashimaro, sola, Shana, Bokurano, etc.).trailer. subs: Moetaku-Fansubs?.fri 03 oct 22:30Hyakko(jp: ヒャッコ)A funny manga and an excellent cast, with a director and writer who don't have enough of a track record to be predictable. The comic involves four girls, each amusingly loopy in her own way. Director Fukuda Michio did storyboards for everything from Ayakashi Ayashi to PaniPoni Dash. Writer Tomizawa Yoshihiko created Onmyou Taisenki and did the script for Starship Operators.Hirano Aya certainly gets my attention, but so do Orikasa Fumiko, Kuwashima Houko, and Neya Michiko (Riza Hawkeye in FMA). These people could create great characters together. And this show marks a kind of return to the limelight for seiyuu Ochiai Yurika, who is most famous so far for ToHeart2, some nude photo sessions she did as a teen, a heartbreaking personal blog updated several times a day, and an enormous number of posts about her on 2channel.seiyuus: Orikasa Fumiko, Neya Michiko, Ochiai Yurika, Hirano Aya, Kuwashima Houko, Horie Yui, Kaida Yuko.director: Fukuda Michio (storyboard specialist)writer: Tomizawa Yoshihiko (Onmyou Taisenki creator).animation: Nippon Animation.trailer. forum. subs: Strike-Subs?.wed 01 oct 26:35Jigoku Shoujo Mitsuganae(jp: 地獄少女三鼎, Hell Girl: Third Vessel)The third season of Jigoku Shoujo. At the end of last season Enma Ai became separated from her subordinates. What will happen to Ichimoku Ren, Hone-Onna, and Wanyuudou now? This new season promises to have a newly powered-up Enma Ai and a number of "reunions"…. (official site)The original cast headed by Noto Mamiko is joined by a famous seiyuu whom we have not heard much from recently: Shiina Hekiru. The creator of the show, Watanabe Hiroshi, takes over as director for this third series.seiyuus: Noto Mamiko, Honda Takako, Matsukaze Masaya, Shiina Hekiru, Sakai Kanako.director: Watanabe Hiroshiwriter: Kanemaki Ken.animation: Studio Deen.forum. subs: Shinsen-subs.sat 04 oct 17:00Junjou Romantika 2(jp: 純情ロマンチカ���, "Pure Heart Romantica")A second season of the popular yaoi show brings back the same staff and cast.seiyuus: Sakurai Takahiro, Itou Kentarou, Canna Nobutoshi, Kishio Daisuke, Inoue Kazuhiko, Taniyama Kishou, Hanada Hikaru.director: Kon Chiaki (Higurashi)writer: Nakase Rika (Rocket Girls, Fushigiboshi Futagohime, Junjou1). Nakamura Shungiku (mangaka).animation: Studio Deen.OP: pigstar, ED: Script.forum. subs: aarinfantasy?.sat 11 oct 25:00Kannagi(jp: かんなぎ)A sacred tree has been cut down, and Jin decides to use a piece of it to carve a statue for his middle-school project. But it transforms into a very cute girl. She is Nagi, a Shinto spirit, the guardian of the village. Having no place to live now that her tree is gone, she moves in with Jin. But she has a rival in a little sister guardian deity, who lives in a shrine across the river. Zenga-chan has woken up too and decides to become teen idol of the village, much to Nagi's dismay. (anidb)This show marks the return of Yamakan -- director Yamamoto Yutaka. He was an important force behind the Suzumiya Haruhi anime but was fired by Kyoto Animation after four episodes of directing Lucky Star. I think he may be a comic genius -- he did the SHnY ED and the Lucky Star ED, as well as episode 00 and the concert episode of SHnY -- so I am right there for this show. Especially since the manga is funny and the cast includes Sawashiro Miyuki, Hanazawa Kana and Nakahara Mai.seiyuus: Tomatsu Haruka, Shimono Hiro, Sawashiro Miyuki, Hanazawa Kana, Kakihara Tetsuya, Nakahara Mai.director: Yamamoto Yutakawriter: Kurata Hideyuki (Now&Then, Here&There; Kamichu).animation: A1 Pictures.OP: Tomatsu Haruka.trailer. forum. subs: Moetaku-Fansubs, Genjo-Subs?, Kirei-no-Tsubasa, Ayako.fri 03 oct 25:15Kemeko Deluxe(jp: ケメコデラックス���)High-school student Sanpeita dreams he is engaged to a beautiful girl. Then one morning, a strange homely girl suddenly breaks through a wall in his bedroom to tell him that she is his bride and that her name is Kemeko. Sanpeita fleees his house and goes to school, but Kemeko follows. And things get stranger when Sanpeita is targeted by something that looks like a rice cooker on the school's rooftop. As Sanpeita and his childhood friend Izumi are being attacked, strange little Kemeko intervenes to save them both. Sanpeita is surprised to learn that Kemeko is really a girl-style powered-combat-suit and that the pilot is a cute girl. A heavily armed and violent cute girl. From a manga.Great cast stars Kitamura Eri as Sanpeita and the underappreciated Saitou Chiwa as Kemeko.Director Mizushima Tsutomu did Genshiken, xxxHolic, and Kujibiki Unbalance. Writer Narita Yoshimi is best known for doing all the Precure shows, which I don't find a big recommendation. I fear the cast may be more interesting than the show, but the trailer has something to it.seiyuus: Kitamura Eri, Saitou Chiwa, Tomatsu Haruka, Kugimiya Rie, Takahashi Mikako, Shiraishi Ryouko.director: Mizushima Tsutomu (Genshiken, xxxHolic, Kujibiki Unbalance)writer: Narita Yoshimi (Precure, Hakaba Kitarou).animation: Hal Film Maker. chara-des: Sugimoto Isao (Sketchbook, Moonlight Mile).sound director: Iwanami Yoshikazu (Marimite, Kara no Kyoukai).trailer. forum.sat 04 oct 26:00Kidou Senshi Gundam 00 2nd Season(jp: 機動戦士ガンダムOO 第2シーズン, "Mobile Warrior Gundam 00")My interest in contemporary Gundam shows is limited, but this is certainly a great cast, with top singers for the OP and ED.seiyuus: Miyano Mamoru, Kamiya Hiroshi, Miki Shinichirou, Irino Miyu, Nakamura Yuuichi, Paku Romi, Takagaki Ayahi, Honna Youko.director: Mizushima Seijiwriter: Kuroda Yousuke.animation: Sunrise.OP: UVERworld, ED: Ishikawa Chiaki.forum. subs: Nyoro~n Fansubs, Mendoi & Conclave, Shinsen-subs.sun 05 oct 17:00Kurogane no Linebarrels(jp: 鉄のラインバレル, "Iron Linebarrels")An artificial satellite falls to Earth in 2013, seriously injuring Hayase Kouichi. He awakens six months later with strange powers. Three years later, a giant robot called Linebarrel appears and Kouichi joins him to fight for Juda, the largest medical equipment supplier in the world. (annb)Directed by Hidaka Masamitsu, an old hand who did Pokemon and little else of note. The writer who adapted the manga, Yoshimura Kiyoko, did a lot of work on the Gravion shows, Trinity Blood, and Nabari no Ou. This appears to be full-strength mecha with a great cast and competent staff.seiyuus: Noto Mamiko, Kakihara Tetsuya, Fukuyama Jun, Nakamura Yuuichi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Ueda Kana, Kugimiya Rie, Hirano Aya, Nakata Jouji, Saitou Chiwa.director: Hidaka Masamitsu (Pokemon)writer: Yoshimura Kiyoko (Chocolate Underground, Gravion).animation: Gonzo. chara-des: Hirai Hisashi, Suzuki Tsutomu (mecha, ZOE). animation supervisor: Hirai Hisashi (Gundam Seed).sound director: Mima Masafumi. ED: Sakamoto Maaya.trailer. forum. subs: GONZO?, Toki-Fansubs.fri 03 oct 26:25Kuroshitsuji(jp: 黒執事, "Butler Black")Butler Sebastian Michaels has perfect knowledge, manners, talent with materials, martial arts, etc., but is also able to serve a 12-year-old master. Based on a shounen manga set in 19th century England. (ann)This show has a chance to be good, mixing comedy and darkness. Writer Okada Mari did true tears and many episodes of Simoun. Director Shinohara Toshiya did Gunparade Orchestra and four Inuyasha movies, as well as doing storyboards and/or episode direction for Higurashi, Gurren Lagann, Crest of Stars, Oniisama-e, etc. Stars Sakamoto Maaya and Ono Daisuke -- who gets the plum role of the butler -- and has a very strong supporting cast.seiyuus: Sakamoto Maaya, Ono Daisuke, Kaji Yuuki, Katou Emiri, Tamura Yukari, Paku Romi, Suwabe Junichi, Fujiwara Keiji.director: Shinohara Toshiyawriter: Okada Mari.animation: A-1 Pictures.OP: SID (debut single).trailer. forum. subs: DATS?, Diffusion.thu 02 oct 25:25Kurozuka(jp: 黒塚 -KUROZUKA-)A story of obsessive love and constant pursuit over a thousand years. Yoshitsune escapes from a brother who has just ascended the throne, He comes across a house in the middle of a desolate mountain. The young woman who lives alone there seems to have a dark and ominous past. Most of the story takes place a few centuries into the future, where Kuro is left without memories. He seeks answers to who he is, why he is unable to die, and who the women is that he is so fascinated by. (Baka-Updates)Director Araki Tetsurou did Death Note. The main cast is outstanding: Miyano Mamoru, Paku Romi, and Nakata Jouji.seiyuus: Miyano Mamoru, Paku Romi, Nakata Jouji.director: Araki Tetsurou (Death Note)writer: Araki Tetsurou. Yumemakura Baku (mangaka).animation: Madhouse.ED: Shigi.subs: Ureshii, sMi-Fansubs?.12eps.tue 07 oct 22:00Macademi Wasshoi!(jp: まかでみWAっしょい���, "Magicademy Wasshoi")Takuto Hasegawa attends a magic academy that is not marked on any map. During a summoning spell exam, he accidentally creates a girl named Tanarot, who happens to hold enough magical power to destroy his country. Fortunately Tanarot professes undying loyalty to her creator.(ann)Anything starring Koshimizu Ami gets my attention. This appears to be a pantsu-flash magic school comedy. Ise Mariya (Touka in Touka Gettan), Miyazaki Ui and Fukui Yukari are also in the cast, which sings the OP and will doubtless do character CDs.Director Kanasaki Takaomi did School Rumble Nigakki but is mainly a storyboard specialist. Writer Hasegawa Katsumi did Blue Gender, Otoboku and other shows. Hard to know how this one will turn out, but I will be there to hear Amisuke and Ui-ui.seiyuus: Koshimizu Ami, Ise Mariya, Miyazaki Ui, Fukui Yukari.director: Kanasaki Takaomi (School Rumble 2, many storyboards, etc.)writer: Hasegawa Katsumi (Blue Gender, Otoboku, etc.). Sakaki Ichiro (mangaka, Scrapped Princess).animation: ZEXCS.OP:seiyuus, ED:Murata Ayumi.trailer. forum.sun 05 oct 24:30Michiko to Hatchin(jp: ねぎぼうずのあさたろう, "Michiko and Hatchin")Michiko is a free-willed "sexy diva" who destroys a supposedly inescapable fortress, while Hatchin is a girl fleeing her strict foster parents. The two join forces on an improbable escape to freedom. (ann) Set in Brazil.The cast are basically film and TV actors, although most of them have done some anime. Michiko is played by Maki Youko, who is in the movie Yureru and was in the drama Watashitachi no Kyoukacho. Hatchin is played by Ohgo Suzuka, who has also done numerous films and dramas, but was Sexy Voice in the anime Sexy Voice and Robo.Director Yamamoto Sayo is doing her first full show, but did storyboards and episodes for other manglobe hits, Samurai Champloo and Kemonozume. Writer Ujita Takashi is a screenwriter. This one could fly or fail, but I'm hoping for something special.seiyuus: Maki Youko, Ohgo Suzuka, Kohinata Shie, Sakai Maki, Tsuda Kanji.director: Yamamoto Sayo (new, storyboards and episodes of Samurai Champloo and Kemonozume)writer: Ujita Takashi (film director and scriptwriter).animation: manglobe.trailer. forum. subs: sMi-Fansubs?.wed 15 oct 26:08Mouryou no Hako (Box of Goblins)(jp: 魍魎の匣)The story follows a series of bizarre murders of schoolgirls who have been dismembered and stuffed into boxes. The private investigator hired by a missing daughters mother joins forces with an antique book seller and others to unravel the murder spree.(ann)Director Nakamura Ryousuke and lead writer Murai Sadayuki are both on their first assignments in those roles. But top character designer Nishida Asako did the adaptation of Clamp's original manga designs. An outstanding cast includes Morikawa Toshiyuki, Kiuchi Hidenobu (Ren in NANA, Hei in Darker than Black) and Hisakawa Aya.seiyuus: Hirata Hiroaki, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Kiuchi Hidenobu, Namikawa Daisuke, Takahashi Mikako, Tomatsu Haruka, Hisakawa Aya, Honda Youko, Furuya Tohru.director: Nakamura Ryousuke (new, eps of NANA and Death Note)writer: Murai Sadayuki (new, scripts for Fancy Lala, Zegapain, etc.).animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Nishida Asako (Clamp origs.).OPED: Nightmare.forum.tue 07 oct 25:29Nodame Cantabile Paris Chapter(jp: のだめカンタービレ 巴里編)Nodame and Chiaki in Europe. The smash hit Noitamina show returns. This hilarious shoujo anime about romance in the classical music world had among the highest late-night TV ratings in recent memory.But this sequel has a very different staff from the original. It is directed by Kon Chiaki (Higurashi, Junjou Romantika), rather than Kasai Kenichi (Honey&Clover2, KimiKiss Pure Rouge). Enokido Youji is lead writer, as he was on Revolutionary Girl Utena and Ouran HS Host Club. Konparu Tomoko did that job on the first series. I don’t see any falling off in quality, but there may be some changes.And Kawasumi Ayako and Seki Tomokazu play their lead roles among a new set of characters, including the voices of Itou Shizuka, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Ohara Sayaka, and Morikawa Toshiyuki.seiyuus: Kawasumi Ayako, Seki Tomokazu, Itou Shizuka, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Ohara Sayaka, Matsukaze Masaya.director: Kon Chiaki (Higurashi, Junjou Romantika)writer: Ninomiya Tomoko (mangaka).animation: JC Staff.trailer. forum. subs: Osu!, Froth-Bite, C1 Anime.thu 09 oct 24:45Noramimi 2(jp: のらみみ2)Seems like a kids' show, but actually has some emotional depth. Popular enough for a second season.seiyuus: Katou Nanae, Kitamura Eri, Nakao Eri, Shiraishi Minoru.director: Koyama Yoshitakawriter: Nakamura Makoto (Telepathy Girl Ran).animation:forum.wed 01 oct 25:29One Outs(jp: ワンナウツ)A new baseball-themed anime from Madhouse and the director and writer of Kaiji. From a highly popular manga published in Business Jump. Expect something a bit different.seiyuus: Hagiwara Masato (Kaiji).director: Sato Yuzo (Kiba, Kaiji)writer: Takayashiki Hideo (Kaiji, Maison Ikkoku, Okusama wa Joshi Kousei). Kaitani Shinobu (mangaka).animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Umehara Takahiro (Akagi, Beyblade).subs: NEET?.tue 07 oct 24:59Rosario to Vampire 2(jp: ロザリオとバンパイア CAPU2, "Rosary and Vampire 2")If you liked the first series, I guess you will like the second. I personally didn’t find it either funny or titillating. Outstanding cast and decent staff. With Nana-chan doing the OP and ED.seiyuus: Mizuki Nana, Kishio Daisuke, Fukuen Misato, Koyama Kimiko, Kugimiya Rie, Saitou Chiwa, Chiba Saeko, Inoue Kikuko, Seki Tomokazu, Koyasu Takehito.director: Inagaki Takayuki (Sunabozu, Marginal Prince, Koharu Biyori)writer: Yamaguchi Hiroshi (Sunabozu, Comic Party, ToHeart2).animation: Gonzo.OPED: Mizuki Nana.trailer. forum. subs: Generation NeXt [GX_ST], m33w?, Kesenai&AEN.wed 01 oct 26:25Shikabane Hime Aka(jp: 屍姫 赫, "Corpse Princess Aka")The title "Corpse Princess" belongs to Makina Hoshimura, an undead girl who seeks to hunt down 108 corpses in order to go to heaven. (ann)Another anime it is very hard to predict. Writer Aikawa Shou is a top hand, having been series story editor for Fullmetal Alchemist and having written Oh! Edo Rocket and maybe even Simoun (under a pseudonym). The extremely gory manga has apparently been toned down for TV. Director Murata Masahiko did Gilgamesh and Night Head Genesis.The lead seiyuu are Akiyama Nana, a young actress, model, and singer; and Nakamura Chise, an actress and gravure idol. It will be interesting to hear how actresses not trained as seiyuu do. It worked for the two main guys in Bokura ga Ita. OP by angela.seiyuus: Akiyama Nana, Nakamura Chise.director: Murata Masahiko (Gilgamesh, Night Head Genesis)writer: Aikawa Shou (FMA, Tenpou Ibun Ayakashi Ayashi, Edo Rocket).animation: Gainax/feel.OP: angelatrailer. forum. subs: Anomaly-Subs?, sMi-Fansubs?.thu 02 oct 10:30Shugo Chara! 2(jp: しゅごキャラ���)The hit Saturday morning shoujo/magical girl show keeps on rolling.Directed by Yasuda Kenji, who directed several episodes of Noein. Written by Shimada Michiru, who did the adaptations of Emily of New Moon and Nanatsuiro Drops. OP/ED by Buono!, which is made up of members of the mid-teen idol groups Berryz Koubou and °C-ute.seiyuus: Itou Kanae (debut), Asumi Kana (Yuno/Hidamari), Kato Nanae (Princess Tutu), Toyosaki Aki (Amuro/Umisho), Sawashiro Miyuki, Nakamura Yuuichi, Takagi Reiko, Yahagi Sayuri, Mizuki Nana.director: Yasuda Kenji (Noein eps)writer: Shimada Michiru (Emily of New Moon, Nanatsuiro Drops). Peach-Pit (manga).animation: Peach Pit.OPED: Buono! (membs of Berryz + °C-ute).forum.sat 04 oct 09:30Skip Beat!(jp: スキップ・ビート���)One of my favorite shoujo manga, involving romance, comedy, and the progress of a young idol/actress. Director Sayama Kiyoko is also doing Vampire Knight. Writer Sekijima Mayori did Tsukuyomi Moon Phase, Zegapain, and Kaze no Stigma.Inoue Marina, Konishi Katsuyuki, and Miyano Mamoru make a highly promising main cast.seiyuus: Inoue Marina, Konishi Katsuyuki, Miyano Mamoru.director: Sayama Kiyoko (Angel Sanctuary, Vampire Knight)writer: Sekijima Mayori (MoonPhase, Zegapain, Kaze no Stigma).animation: Hal Film Maker.OP: the generous, ED: 2BACKKA.forum. subs: Ureshii-Yoroshiku.sun 05 oct 26:00Tales of the Abyss(jp: テイルズ オブ ジ アビス)Luke von Fabre, the son of Duke Fabre of the Kimlasca Kingdom, is 17 years old. He is the Light of the Sacred Flame, destined to bring prosperity to Kimlasca. But since being kidnapped seven years ago by the Malkuth empire, he has been kept confined to the Fabre family mansion. The shock of the kidnapping erased all of Luke's memories prior to the event. But one fateful day, a mysterious woman breaks into the mansion and sets off a chain of events that will change the world forever… Based on the video game of the same name. (anidb)Not my thing, but the trailer is being well received. Made by the director of Kekkaishi, so if you liked that, you might like this. Kodama Kenji is an old-time director who did City Hunter and Conan shows. Writer Omode Akemi did Meine Liebe, Kyou Kara Mao, and Princess Princess. Great cast stars Yukana, along with Suzuki Chihiro, Koyasu Takehito, Momoi Halko, Neya Michiko, and Nakata Jouji. Sound director Kimura Eriko did Kekkaishi and Ghibli's Ponyo on a Cliff.seiyuus: Suzuki Chihiro, Yukana, Koyasu Takehito, Momoi Halko, Neya Michiko, Nakata Jouji.director: Kodama Kenji (City Hunter, Case Closed, Detective Conan OVAs, Kekkaishi)writer: Omode Akemi (Meine Liebe, Kyou Kara Maoh, Princess Princess).animation: Sunrise.sound director: Kimura Eriko (Kekkaishi, Ponyo on a Cliff). OP: Bump of Chickentrailer. forum. subs: Yuurisan-Subs, Shinsen-Subs.26eps.fri 03 oct 21:00To Aru Majutsu no Index(jp: とある魔術の禁書目録, "Forbidden Books of Magic")Set in a city of scientifically advanced superhuman students, but in a world where magic is also real. Toma Kamijo's right hand, the Imagine Breaker, will negate all magic, psychic, or divine powers, but not his own bad luck. One day he finds a young girl hanging on his balcony railing. She turns out to be a nun from the Church of England, and her mind has been implanted with the Index Librorum Prohibitorum - all the magical texts the Church has removed from circulation. (anidb)Director Nishikiori Hiroshi did Azumanga Daioh, Melody of Oblivion, and Jyu Oh Sei. Writer Akaboshi Masanao did Ikkitousen Great Guardians. I don’t have a clue what to expect. Stars wonderful young seiyuu Iguchi Yuka, and Satou Rina (Negi Springfield). From the manga.seiyuus: Iguchi Yuka, Satou Rina, Abe Atsushi.director: Nishikiori Hiroshi (AzuDai, Melody of Oblivion, Jyu Oh Sei, Ayakashi Ayashi)writer: Akaboshi Masanao (Strain, Ikkitousen Great Guardians).animation: JC Staff.music: I've. OP: Kawada Mami, ED: Iku.trailer. forum. subs: DATS?, sMi-Fansubs?.sat 04 oct 25:35Today in Class 5-2(jp: 今日の5の2)The OVA's starry cast is gone, but Kobayashi Yu, Asumi Kana, and especially Takagaki Ayahi are of interest. The staff is gone, too, replaced by newcomer director Nagasawa Tsuyoshi and writer Kouno Takamitsu (Lamune, Ayakashi). Will they preserve the outrageous grade-school ecchi comedy of the OVA? Will they improve on it?seiyuus: Kobayashi Yu, Shimoda Asami, Asumi Kana, Akesaka Satomi, Honda Youko, Takagaki Ayahi.director: Nagasawa Tsuyoshi (new)writer: Kouno Takamitsu (Lamune, Ayakashi).animation: Xebec.forum. subs: Moetaku-Fansubs, Anomaly-Subs?.sun 05 oct 25:30Toradora(jp: とらドラ���)Despite Ryuuji Takasu's gentle personality, his eyes make him look like an intimidating delinquent so he is utterly hopeless about his chances of getting a girlfriend, and does not have many close friends either. After being greeted by his hung-over mother in the morning, Ryuuji goes to school and is happy to find that he gets to be in the same class as his best friend Yuusaku and crush Minori. However, it is then that he unexpectedly knocks into "the school's most dangerous animal" — Taiga Aisaka — who just happens to also be in his class, and is a good friend of Minori. (ann)Director Nagai Tatsuyuki did Honey & Clover 2 (a plus) and Idolmaster Xenoglossia (a minus). Writer Okada Mari did true tears and Vampire Knight (two pluses). Kugimiya Rie, Horie Yui, and Kitamura Eri give the show some star power. From the novels.seiyuus: Kugimiya Rie, Majima Junji (Kannazuki/Souma, KnJ/Aoki-sensei)), Horie Yui, Kitamura Eri, Mojima Hirofumi (Nanatsuiro/Tsuwabuki).director: Nagai Tatsuyuki (H&C2, Idolmaster Xenog)writer: Okada Mari (true tears, Vampire Knight, Kodomo no Jikan).animation: JC Staff.OP: seiyuus.trailer. forum. subs: Mayu-subs?.wed 01 oct 25:20Tytania(jp: タイタニア)Perhaps the most anticipated show of the fall, "The capital of the empire of Euria is attacked by the empire of Tytania, a much more powerful enemy, which controls a large part of the galaxy. The story follows a soldier who flees the Tytanian empire and seeks refuge with a rebel force that has risen up since the battle."(ann)Directed by Ishiguro Noboru, who directed Legend of the Galactic Heroes and was chief director of SDF Macross. Written by Tanaka Yoshiki, who wrote later stories in the LoGH series, as well as Ryoko's Case File. Mechanical design by Miyatake Kazutaka, who did almost all the Macross shows, and by Itou Koji, who did FMP and GSD. Great cast, intriguing staff, and an apparent return to good old space opera.seiyuus: Kishio Daisuke, Konishi Katsuyuki, Kondo Takashi, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Nazuka Kaori, Miyake Kenta.director: Ishiguro Noboru (LoGH; SDF Macross chief dir)writer: Tanaka Yoshiki (novelist; LoGH late stories, Ryoko's Case File).animation: Artland (Bokura ga Ita, Mushishi, LoGH OAV). chara-des: Sugimitsu Noboru, Mikimoto Haruhiko.sound director: Aketagawa Susumu.trailer. forum.thu oct 23:32Vampire Knight: Guilty(jp: ヴァンパイア騎士 Guilty)Yuuki wants to know more about her true family and her forgotten past. The secret will be revealed. Yuki, Kaname and Zero will see the beginning of a new mystery and a forbidden love. (ann)If you enjoyed the first series at all, you'll love the second. I've read the blood- and lust-drenched shoujo manga and I was shocked (in a good way) by the part to be covered in the anime. Yes, there is angst. Yes there is fighting. Yes, there is romance. Yes, there is a lot more secret lust and open blood. Great cast. Directed by woman director Sayama Kiyoko, and adapted by Okada Mari (true tears) from the manga.I won’t miss this one.seiyuus: Horie Yui, Kishio Daisuke, Miyano Mamoru, Suwabe Junichi, Hoshi Souichirou, Fukuyama Jun, Chiba Susumu.director: Sayama Kiyoko (Vampire Knight, Skip Beat)writer: Okada Mari (true tears, Sketchbook, eps. of Simoun).animation: Studio Deen. chara-des: Nishida Asako.trailer. subbed trailer. forum. subs: Osu!, Shoku-dan, Mishicorp?, Yuurisan-Subs.mon 06 oct 25:00Yozakura Quartet(jp: 夜桜四重奏 ���ヨザカルテット���, "Cherry-blossom Night Quartet")The story revolves around a quartet of teenaged heroes: a super-strong girl named Hime, a mind reader named Ao, a conjurer named Kotoha and an ordinary, powerless boy named Akina. The three girls and Akina protect the city of Sakurashin from supernatural threats. (ANN)Good staff and cast make this a promising anime. Kou Matso directed Rozen Maiden and Kurenai. Hanada Jukki wrote Rozen Maiden and sola. Younger seiyuu Fukuen Misato and Fujita Saki are coming into their own, and Sawashiro Miyuki and Ono Daisuke are top pros. Tomatsu Haruka is a newcomer zooming to the top. And Tsuruoka Yota is one of the best sound directors around. Add an OP by Savage Genius and and ED by Round Table and this is a show to watch for.seiyuus: Fukuen Misato, Fujita Saki, Kaji Yuuki, Sawashiro Miyuki, Ono Daisuke, Tomatsu Haruka, Seki Tomokazu.director: Kou Matsuo (Rozen Maiden, Red Garden, Kurenai)writer: Hanada Jukki (Rozen Maiden, sola). Yasuda Suzuhito (manga).animation:sound director: Tsuruoka Yota. OP:Savage Genius, ED:Round Table.forum. subs: Anomaly-Subs?, DATS?.1seasoneps.thu 02 oct 25;29Goku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei(jp: 獄・さよなら絶望先生 上)Two series and now a three-episode OVA. Despair goes rolling on. Shinbo's flagship series. Episode 2 comes out 10dec and ep3 on 2feb.seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi, Koyasu Takehito, Sugita Tomokazu.director: Shinbo Akiyukiwriter: Oguro Yuichirou.animation: Shaft. chara-des: Morioka Hideyuki. animation supervisor: Morioka Hideyuki.forum.OVA. 1/3eps.fri 17 octGunslinger Girl ���IL TEATRINO��� OVA(jp: GUNSLINGER GIRL ���IL TEATRINO��� OVA)Staff and voices have not yet been announced, but I have filled them in on the basis of the Teatrino series. Story is from the first two chapters of volume 6 of the manga.seiyuus: Akutsu Kana, Hanazawa Kana, Enomoto Atsuko, Shiono Anri.director: Mano Rei (Ghost Hunt)writer: Aida Yu (mangaka and anime screenplay)).animation:music: Otani Kou (Haibane Renmei, Shana).forum.OVA.fri 24 octIkoku Irokoi Romantan(jp: 異国色恋浪漫譚, "Romantic Tale of a Love Affair in a Foreign Country")The young leader of the Oomi group, Ranmaru, is forced to marry Kaoru, the daughter of the head of another group. The couple go to Italy, and have their wedding on a ship. However, neither of them actually likes the marriage, and Ranmaru is kicked out by his new wife Kaoru on their first night. Al (Alberto), an Italian man on the ship, takes an interest in Ranmaru, and the story revolves around the romance between the two men, Ranmaru and Al. (ann)The director did episodes of Saiunkoku. In this yaoi show, he works with a fine male cast and Kawakami Tomoko. The first episode was released last December.seiyuus: Itou Kentarou, Suwabe Junichi, Kawakami Tomoko, Okiayu Ryoutarou.director: Ohtani Hajimewriter: Yamane Ayano (mangaka).animation: Anik.OVA. 2/2eps.fri 24 octInitial D Extra Stage 2(jp: 頭文字D Extra Stage2 旅立ちのグリーン)Cast and details not yet available. This is the pay-per-view pre-release of a DVD OVA.seiyuus: .director: Tominaga Tsuneowriter: Kishima Nobuaki.animation: ACGT. chara-des: Tanaka Minoru.sound director: Mima Masafumi. OPED: m.o.v.e..forum.OVA.03 03 octKamen no Maid Guy OVA(jp: 仮面のメイドガイ OVA, "Masked Maid Guy OVA")DVD issued with volume 9 of the manga. This series lost me at episode one, but its partisans say it is is excellent, really hilarious. Perhaps I’ll have to go back and see. The director did Strawberry Panic and Princess Resurrection.seiyuus: Iguchi Yuka, Koyama Rikiya, Toyoguchi Megumi, Sakaguchi Daisuke, Mugihito.director: Sakoi Masayukiwriter: Fudeyasu Kazuyuki. Akai Maruboro (mangaka).animation:forum.OVA. 1/1eps.mon 22 deckissxsis(jp: kiss×sis)Keita is living many junior high school boys' dream. He has two older step twin sisters who compete for his romantic love in so many ecchi ways: good morning kisses and panty flashing. Their parents openly support the sisters' feelings and advances because they are step-siblings and are not related by blood, in fact they even have a bet going as to which sister Keita will accept. Now, if only the sisters were not so popular, because they have asked their little brother to attend their high school where there are certain to be problems.(anidb)DVD comes with volume 3 of the extremely ecchi manga. Staff and cast not yet announced.writer: Ditama Bow (Mahoromatic, mangaka).animation: feel.forum.OVA. 1/1eps.mon 22 decMahou Sensei Negima! ~Shiroki Tsubasa Ala Alba~(jp: 魔法先生ネギま������白き翼 ALA ALBA���, "Magic Teacher Negima - White Wings Ala Alba")Covers chapters 178-80 of the manga. Mangaka Akamatsu Ken himself is the lead writer on the OVA project. But of course Shinbo is in command.seiyuus: Satou Rina, Kanda Akemi, Noto Mamiko, Matsuoka Yuki, Kobayashi Yu, Horie Yui, Inokuchi Yuka, Inoue Marina, Ishige Sawa, Kuwatani Natsuko.director: Shinbo Akiyukiwriter: Akamatsu Ken (mangaka and lead writer).animation: Shaft.forum.OVA. 2/3eps.mon 17 novSeto no Hanayome OVA(jp: 瀬戸の花嫁 OVA 仁, "Bride of the Inland Sea OVA")Some people think of this as the funniest recent anime. I couldn't get into it, but if it matches your sense of humor, you are in for some fun.seiyuus: Momoi Halko, Mizushima Takahiro, Kitamura Eri, Kaneda Tomoko, Morinaga Rika.director: Kishi Seiji (Ragnarokr, Galaxy Angel Rune)writer: Kimura Tahiko (mangaka). Uezu Makoto (School Days, Amenaideyo).animation:OP: Sun&Lunar, ED: Dekabancho.trailer. forum.OVA. 1/2eps.fri 28 novShoujo Sect ~Innocent Lovers~(jp: 少女セクト ���Innocent Lovers���)Hentai yuri anime that is higher quality than most hentai shows. It is "censored," but still far more explicit than normal anime. A charming predator inveigles girls into situations they did not expect, but perhaps come to enjoy. Strawberry Panic on steroids. Ep2 comes out 25 September.seiyuus: "HokutoMinami" (hitomi), "Yuzuki Kaname" (Kawaragi Shiho), Houjou Asuka, "Kaibara Erena" (Hyousei), Matsuda Risa, Miyashita Ai, Toono Soyogi, Yamazaki Kaede.director: Aoki Ryuusei (pronunciation? 碧岐龍成)writer: Kurogane Kenn (mangaka). Ishida Mayumi (Gilgamesh eps, 009-1 ep).animation: Amarcord, Milky.trailer.OVA. 3/3eps.25 novSwitch(jp: Switch)Two newbies at Japan's Narcotic Control Department, Hal and Kai, struggle against drug dealers, gangs, murderers, psychopaths, mysterious organizations, and mad people in general. The gentle and caring Kai, who has problems of his own, has the tendency to turn into a lethal killing machine in certain scenarios, like flipping a "switch." As the two do their job, answers to what is behind Kai's strange behavior are revealed. (ann)Good cast. Good writer. Unknown director. Writer Takahashi Natsuko did Blue Drop, Gakuen Heaven, and Moyashimon, among many other things. Director Odaira Naoki (pronunciation? 大平直樹) is new to directing a full show, having done episodes of Kotetsujin Jeeg and Rental Magica. But the cast of Fukuyama Jun, Sakurai Takahiro, Suwabe Junichi, and Sugita Tomokazu could carry this show a fair way. From a manga.seiyuus: Fukuyama Jun, Sakurai Takahiro, Nakai Kazuka, Suwabe Junichi, Ryohei, Sugita Tomokazu.director: Odaira Naoki (大平直樹) (new)writer: Takahashi Natsuko (Blue Drop, Gakuen Heaven, Moyashimon).animation: ACTAS (Tactical Roar, Moetan). chara-des: Itou Takeshi (Tactical Roar).OPED: Miranosand.forum.OVA. 1/2eps.fri 17 octZettai Shougeki ~Platonic Heart~(jp: 絶対衝激���プラトニックハート���, "Absolute Impact - Platonic Heart")The story centers on the Platonic Heart, a jewel that — according to an old urban legend — can grant any wish. Only a chosen few are allowed to compete in the hunt for the Platonic Heart, and high school junior Aya Iseshima is one of 11 girls and women who are taking part. (anidb)Fantastic cast includes Nazuka Kaori, Nonaka Ai, and Koshimizu Ami, among others. But the director and writer did Girl's High, which was a poor adaptation of a funny manga. Nice-looking character design, however, by Miyata Naomi, who did the animation for I"s Pure.seiyuus: Nazuka Kaori, Akesaka Satomi, Kanda Akemi, Nonaka Ai, Kaida Yuko, Koshimizu Ami, Shintani Ryouko, Kawaragi Shiho, Miyazaki Ui, Ueda Kana.director: Fujimoto Yoshitaka (Koikoi7, Girl's High)writer: Shirane Hideki (Bottle Fairy, Girl's High).animation: Studio Kikan (Naisho no Tsubomi). chara-des: Miyata Naomi (Slayers shows), Happoubi Jin (games). animation supervisor: Miyata Naomi (I"s Pure).OP: Little Non.trailer.OVA. 1/5eps.wed 29 oct (future episodes: 2-27Nov, 3-20dec, 4-28jan, 5-25feb)notes:-- info from Anime News Network, Moonphase, AniDB, and official sites.-- sub-group info from the Who Subs What wiki, where groups post their intention to do a show (as of 12 September)-- titles linked to Anime News Network encyclopedia page, Japanese titles to official sites-- some broadcast dates and times may change before the season starts; I will post a more accurate schedule as the season begins Sat, 13 Sep 2008 22:37:34 -0000 http://hashihime.blogspot.com/2008/09/46-new-fall-anime-full-previews-story.html 「お稲荷さま。女子高生になる」 (Oinari-sama. Joshikousei ni Naru) "Oinari-sama. Becomes a Female High School Student" Episode at a Glance: Dressed as a student, Kuugen attends the culture festival at Noboru's school and finds everything there extremely entertaining. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:18:10 -0000 http://randomc.animeblogger.net/2008/07/02/wagaya-no-oinari-sama-13/ We take a look today at the batch of eroge made newly available for purchase via download over the weekend of June 6th. The eight games present a decent range of titles, from brand new budget price releases (a great week for chikan fans, of both male and female varieties) to reissues of older classics, including Mink's erotic mystery Tokineiro and 13cm's sexfest Hatsujou Joshikousei (perhaps not a classic, but close enough). Read on for the full list: Sat, 07 Jun 2008 01:46:06 -0000 http://heiseidemocracy.com/2008/06/07/june-6th-eroge-download-release-lineup/ I was thinking of doing a panty shot counter for Rosario + Vampire like I did for the first episode of Joshikousei back at the start of the spring 2006 season, but it looks like someone already did the work for me! (If you need a login, you can try one of the many at Bugmenot) 【ニコニコ動画】ロザリオとヴァンパイア赤夜萌香パンチラ集 In [...] Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:45:06 -0000 http://www.minaidehazukashii.com/?p=473 I liked Gosyusho-sama Ninomiya-kun. Call me crazy, but given what was presented, the show could have been a lot worse… A LOT worse. Remember Ichigo 100% and Okusama wa Joshikousei? Yeah, those were bad (See “Crap” and “Garbage”). Wed, 02 Jan 2008 21:13:34 -0000 http://scottd.wordpress.com/2008/01/02/gosyusho-sama-ninomiya-kun-final-thoughts/ The seiyuu industry churns out so much new talent each year that it's hard to keep up. Shake a tree and a new seiyuu falls out. Every new anime season turns up some unfamiliar names and I'm always scratching my head and thinking 'Who on earth is that?'When I first started watching anime people like Noto Mamiko, Ueda Kana and Shimizu Ai were still relative unknowns ; and it's been quite a ride watching them progress from voicing support characters to regularly headlining anime series. Likewise it's been cool to see some like Nazuka Kaori, Shimizu Kaori, Koshimizu Ami, Hirano Aya & Irino Miyu grow up from awkward-looking teenagers to 'proper seiyuu' ^_^It doesn't always turn out that way though - there've been some seiyuu I thought might go on to bigger things but never really did; Yoshida Sayuri, Asano Ruri, Katou Nanae, Tasaka Hideki & Hoshino Takanori have sort of fallen in between the cracks and haven't quite had the sort of impact I initially thought they would.Anyway, here's a list of 10 seiyuu I think (or blindly hope) that in five years' time will have achieved success of Noto Mamiko proportions ^_^ The brick wall I faced doing this post was finding half-decent pictures of the seiyuu since most of them haven't been around for too long. And the list appears to heavily favour the girls... where have all the talented young guys gone? ^^;; Note: I deliberately left out Kitamura Eri & Inoue Marina, cos I don't want to sound like a broken record talking about them all the time...1. Yonaga TsubasaOne of Ken Production's biggest young hopes - Yonaga is one of the most recent graduates from their seiyuu academy School Duo (also attended by other KenPro heavyweights like Nabatame Hitomi & Itou Shizuka). Already he's landed two lead roles (Ren in Ookiku Furikabutte & Shingo in Gigantic Formula), something many of his seniors (Kakehashi Atsushi, Mogami Tsuguo etc) haven't quite managed to do. It probably helps that Yonaga's voice is pitched pretty high (to me, he sounds a lot like Sakaguchi Daisuke) & hence he's able to voice young male characters. Actually if you listen to the voice sample on his agency profile you'll find he's got reasonable range. Looking forward to hearing more of him in the future.2. Tomatsu HarukaHer debut performance as Corti in Polyphonica left a good impression on me even if the show itself didn't. A mere 17-years old and still in school, Tomatsu commutes to Tokyo from her Nagoya home every week for seiyuu work. Haruka-chan is............SUPER HYPER GENKI. Just listen to Polytalk (Kari), the mini shows she hosts on the Polyphonica website - she's like an Energizer bunny ^^; Tomatsu may be young but she manages to hold her own against all her experienced costars, her chats with Konishi Katsuyuki and Satou Rina were pretty fun. She also had a small role in Bokurano as Daichi's sister Futaba, and do look out for her next major role in Moetan as Ink's classmate Sumi (she also sings the opening theme with Nazuka Kaori & Tamura Yukari). I have high hopes for Haruka ^_^3. Hasegawa ShizukaTechnically not a newcomer; like Hirano Aya (they're both signed to the same agency Space Craft, which also has Chiba Saeko & Nanri Yuuka on its books) the 18-year old Hasegawa made her anime debut in Tenshi no Shippo back in 2001 when she was just 13, but she's been a child model since.... she was born ^^; Since she was 2 months old in fact (she mentioned this on Takahashi Mikako's radio show, who called her Dai-senpai) though she only signed up to Space Craft when she was three. Mainly voices young girls - Ruru in the Futakoi series, Tomohane in Inukami!, and currently Yukino in Airantou & soon to be in Lucky Star as Konata's cousin Yutaka. Shizuka likes eating bananas with mayonnaise on top, she's said that a few times on various radio shows now ^^; Plus she has the most infectious/irritating laugh, depending on how you look at it.4. Kakihara TetsuyaHe's maybe less of a newcomer now after all the publicity he got on the back of his surprise win in the inaugural Seiyuu Awards, but Kakihara only made his debut in 2005 as Bright in Futagohime. Born in Germany, the 24-year old is a graduate of Amusement Media's seiyuu training school (classmates include Kadowaki Mai & Hatano Wataru) and is now signed to 81 Produce, one of the bigger seiyuu agencies around. His voice is like Yonaga's, a bit higher than most male seiyuu but he can do serious characters like Mercutio in Romeo X Juliet in addition to the screaming shonen types (Simon in Gurren Lagann), plus the 5 inanimate objects he voices in Nanoha StrikerS (some in German). Kakihara's stock has certainly risen since the Best Newcomer award, and he's got a role in GONZO's autumn anime Dragonaut a.k.a. The S.O.S-dan reunion ^^;; And he appeals to the female fans too ^_^5. Fujita SakiTo me she really is a carbon copy of Tamura Yukari both in looks and sound. But I do like Sakki, her blog's part of my daily to-read list and I listen to her weekly radio show/podcast (when I remember). Mentioned in the KitaEri profile that she got a special prize in the V&S AUDITION; after which she enrolled in Nichinare (ARTSVISION's seiyuu training school), graduating in March this year. Sakki had a small role in Yoshinaga-san'chi no Gargoyle as Momo and then got her first major role in Tsuyokiss as Kanisawa Kinu, followed by the imouto-type Yayoi Mina in Tokimeki Memorial and the complete weirdo Momo-chan in Manabi Straight. She hasn't got anything on at the moment apart from that radio show... though she did go to Disneyland with Inoue Marina earlier this month ^^;6. Goto MaiI'm not sure of how versatile Goto is - the sample on her agency profile doesn't really show much range but her voice has got that sweet and soothing feel to it; reminds me a lot of Satou Rina (someone whose voice I could listen to all day long). She could find her niche playing moe characters in visual novel to anime conversions ^^; Her current credits list reads: Asagiri Mai (Tatsuya's sister) in Yoake Mae etc etc and Kohinata Sumomo in Happiness! And up next are roles in Nanatsuiro Drops and ef - a tale of memories which are both anime adaptations of games as well.... guess she's already being stereotyped.7. Fujimura AyumiClockwise from Top Left: Suara, Yuumao, Ito Shizuka & Fujimura AyumiAnother one of Ken Production's bright young stars. Ayu first got in the spotlight with her role as the mighty morphing Iokawa Karada in Asatte no Houkou, though she did have a supporting part in Nishi no Yoki Majo prior to that. Being a first-timer on Asatte, Fujimura mentioned on the radio show how she constantly fluffed her lines (up to 50 retakes once) & was generally a nervous wreck ^^; As Karada she did get to show off her ability to voice both little girls and teenagers and I thought she did a good job on the radio show and singing the character songs as well. Since then Ayu's had a lead role in Bartender, and is now in Touka Gettan as the maid Nene and in Kaze no Stigma as the tsundere joshikosei (with flaming pink hair) Kannagi Ayano.8. Okamoto NobuhikoOkamoto (front, centre) with the rest of the cast of solaFunnily enough, the three guys on my list possess similar sort of voices, squeaky high. Maybe there's a shortage of such male seiyuu, which is probably why the young male characters often end up being voiced by females. Okamoto's debut was in the rather underrated Ghost Hunt as John Brown, the gaijin priest with a funny Kansai accent but he's probably gained a bit more attention as the lead character Yorito in sola. Okamoto will be in Potemayo this summer voicing Natsu Yasumi (which translates to Summer Vacation), who earns my vote for second stupidest character name of the season (after Osana Najimi a.k.a. Childhood Friend from Doujin Work).9. Asumi KanaThe cute-as-a-button 24-year old Fukuokan wormed her way into many hearts with her performance as the similarly cute Yuno in Hidamari Sketch. Signed to Voice & Heart, the same agency as Inoue Marina; Asumi can currently be heard in Gainax's Gurren Lagann as Kiyal (one of Kittan's 3 sisters) and in Bokurano as Kana, the obnoxious Jun's little sister. At the moment, she's also co-hosting Busou Shinki RADIO RONDO with Kitamura Eri (she voices the MMS Angel Type Arnval in the game) and the Hidamari Sketch radio show just finished not long ago. Her blog is updated pretty regularly too.10. Endo AyaI guess her voicing meganekko Takara Miyuki in Lucky Star has gained her a few more fans, but Endo has been under the radar for a while now. First heard her in Okusama wa Joshikousei (for some reason, I quite liked the manga but the anime was a bit of a turn-off) as one of Asami's best friends, then forgot about her until she popped up in Inukami! as Imari (one of the twins). Endo was also on the 'infamous' Oshikari and Kokuhaku CDs and actually formed a unit called Plume with two of the other seiyuus on it, Kawaragi Shiho and Mizuno Manabi - they have a radio show and a blog. She's currently voicing major roles in two spring anime, Noa in the it's-so-bad-it's-good KissDum & of course, Lucky Star. Hopefully she'll get more roles after this....There are a few others worth keeping an eye on; the bubbly Katou Emiri (Kagami in Lucky Star), Hashimoto Mai who sounds really cute, and Nakao Eri (Escartin in Getsumen to heiki Mina) who is bizarre but fun, plus she possesses a deep, scratchy voice rarely heard amongst female seiyuu. Also Kano Yui, Takagaki Ayahi, Sasaki Nozomi, Hatano Wataru, Terashima Takuo, Akesaka Satomi, & some others who in my mind have been around for a long while but are actually pretty new (Yahagi Sayuri, Mizusawa Fumie, Tsuji Ayumi, Kawamoto Naru etc). Sun, 24 Jun 2007 13:39:39 -0000 http://atemonai.blogspot.com/2007/06/next-big-thing-ten-young-seiyuu-to-look.html I remember watching the first episode of Joshikosei GIRLS HIGH and thinking it was totally lame. But also thinking it was kind of funny. I never continued watching the anime, but I did get a crapload of the manga to review! Thu, 07 Jun 2007 18:31:00 -0000 http://www.basugasubakuhatsu.com/blog/2007/06/07/high-school-girls-vol-1-manga-review/