Winners: Yuuki and Kurimu. Group C-1 Results: 1位　348票　Yuuki Kataoka @ Saki 2位　299票　Ayumu Nishizawa @ Hayate no Gotoku!! 3位　75票　Haruka Nogizaka @ Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza 4位　37票　Kaname Asagiri @ Ookami Kakushi *** Group D-1 Results: 1位　288票　Kurimu Sakurano @ Seitokai no Ichizon 2位　273票　Misaki Ayuzawa @ Kaichou wa Maid-sama! 3位　110票　Kochou Kikusaka @ Taishou Yakyuu Musume. 4位　44票　Asuna Kagurazaka @ [...]
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Winners: Yachiyo and Ryou Group A-2 Results: 1位　276票　Yachiyo Todoroki @ WORKING!! 2位　254票　Hiiragi @ Hanamaru Kindergarten 3位　129票　Maria Ushiromiya @ Umineko no Naku Koro ni 4位　36票　Kyouko Shirafuji @ WORKING!! *** Group B-1 Results: 1位　220票　Ryou Fujibayashi @ Clannad ~After Story~ Mou Hitotsu no Sekai 2位　162票　Mika Nogizaka @ Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza♪ 3位　155票　Kanon Hatori @ Anyamal Tantei Kiruminzoo [...]
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Like many other shows with disappointing sequels, K-On is yet again another show which has had its reputation tarnished by either content-hungry fans or the company’s attempts to make the series its cash cow. As with other series which have had their qualities lowered in their respective sequels, such as Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu , [...]
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I started reading the Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu light novel as if you didn’t get that from the title. I’d have to say that it pretty much plays out the same way as in the anime, but I think it’s pretty interesting to just be able to read some of Yuuto’s thoughts and just get [...]
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I would have thought having show about a Nekomimi would be good. The problem is the glass is quarter full… Although the show may not be as fanservice laden as Kampfer or the first or last episode of Nogizaka Haruka Second Season… I was proven wrong. It did have potential of being a better than [...]
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Mizuki Nana is by far 2channel's favorite seiyuu -- or at least the one they want to talk about most these days. 2channel is the vast Japanese message board whose anime threads are a hotbed of Japanese otaku. (mouseover images for captions)Surpisingly, the second-most-talked-about seiyuu is the beautiful Chihara Minori. This is a clear indication that singing is of tremendous interest, since those two are probably currently the two most popular singer-seiyuus. Nana-chan is definitely the most popular, especially since her appearance on a top mainstream Japanese music show.Tamura Yukari, the long-time idol seiyuu who made her name as Nanoha and is now starring in the ecchi comedy B-gata H-kei, comes next. She is also a singer.And then we have Hirano Aya, whose role as Suzumiya Haruhi propelled her to the top, and whose beauty and visibility may be helping to keep her there -- along with her own singing. She is also by far the most hated seiyuu on 2channel, with almost half as many threads of posts against her as normal threads. Each 2channel thread represents a thousand posts.Then we get to a couple of seiyuus who don't do as much singing, but both of whom do moe roles: Asumi Kana, who plays Yuno in Hidamari Sketch and Poplar in Working; and Iguchi Yuka, who plays Index in To Aru Majutsu no Index and is one of the stars of the new ecchi comedy Mayoi Neko Overrun.Here is a list of the top 50 threads on the seiyuu board at 2channel, by number of posts per day. This list -- especially the bottom half of it -- will shift over time, as different seiyuus gain and lose prominence. But this is where we are today.The first of the two middle columns is number of posts per day in a thread. The next is the total number of thousand-post threads that have accumulated over time. To help identify the seiyuus, I give a role, new or old, that each is associated with. 1 Mizuki Nana 216 571 singer, Fate in Nanoha 2 Mizuki Nana 168 570 3 Chihara Minori 96 184 singer, star in Chu-bra 4 Tamura Yukari 96 567 Nanoha 5 Hirano Aya 72 188 Suzumiya Haruhi 6 Asumi Kana 72 81 Yuno in Hidamari 7 Iguchi Yuka 72 16 Index 8 Horie Yui 57 371 Hanekawa in Bakemonogatari 9 Sakamoto Maaya 50 145 Nino in Arakawa 10 Nakamura Eriko 50 73 Idolmaster games 11 Tomatsu Haruka 45 31 Nagi in Kannagi 12 Matsuoka Daisuke 44 2 extras 13 anti-Hirano Aya 42 71 14 Nakajima Megumi 42 39 Ranka in Macross F 15 Hikasa Youko 40 30 Mio in K-On 16 Hanazawa Kana 38 31 Kobato 17 Sakurai Harumi 38 31 Yuri in Angel Beats 18 Hasegawa Yurina 33 271 plaintive blog; formerly Ochiai Yurika 19 Shimoda Asami 30 41 Idolmaster games 20 Imai Asami 28 92 Idolmaster games 21 Satou Satomi 28 16 Ritsu in K-On 22 Harada Hitomi 28 8 Himeji in Baka to Test 23 Mizuhara Kaoru 28 32 Misao in Lucky Star 24 Katou Emiri 27 37 Hideyoshi in Baka to Test 25 anti-Nakajima Megumi 27 51 26 Kitamura Eri 26 38 Rin in Kodomo no Jikan; artist/otaku 27 Mizuhashi Kaori 26 63 Miyako in Hidamari 28 Itou Kanae 26 15 Ruiko in Railgun 29 anti-Mizuki Nana 25 24 30 Nemakura Manami 25 9 Idolmaster games 31 Taketatsu Ayana 24 12 Azu-nyan in K-On 32 Gotou Yuuko 22 82 Hiro in Hidamari 33 Kotobuki Minako 21 9 Tsumugi in K-On 34 Satou Rina 19 30 Negi in Negima 35 Takahashi Chiaki 19 65 teacher in Dai Maou 36 Asano Masumi 18 147 Hakufui in ikkitousen; radio host 37 Gibu Yuuko 17 8 Akira in Aoi Hana; TV personality 38 Imai Asami (anti-) 17 5 39 Yahagi Sayuri 17 12 Haruna in To LoveRu 40 Hayashibara Megumi 17 82 Ayanami Rei 41 Onosaka Masaya 17 34 Momoshiro in Prince of Tennis 42 Tange Sakura 16 36 Cardcaptor Sakura 43 Sanpei Yuuko 16 25 Cure Dream in Precure 5 44 Itou Shizuka 16 57 Hinagiku in Hayate 45 Yuuki Aoi 15 4 Mina in Vampire Bund, Yutori-chan 46 Koshimizu Ami 15 60 Kallen in Code Geass 47 Yuzuki Ryouka 15 77 Yukino in Candy Boy 48 Noto Mamiko 15 60 Nogizaka Haruka 49 Kamiya Hiroshi 15 40 Izaya in Durarara 50 Kobayashi Yuu 15 35 Rio in Sora no Woto You can see that Nana-chan has both the top two threads, and almost four times the posts per day of the next seiyuu in the list. Now that is popularity. This is clearly due to her singing and her personality, since even some of her admirers do not rate her seiyuu work especially highly -- competent as it is.Long-time top names like Tamura Yukari and Horie Yui remain near the top of the list, and older stars like Hayashibara Megumi and Tange Sakura retain their popularity.But it also interesting to see new names rise: the cast members of popular moe anime such as K-On and Hidamari Sketch. And new voices like those of Katou Emiri and the even newer Harada Hiromi, both of whom are in Baka to Test.Once we get past the singer-seiyuus, 2channel is clearly focused on moe.There are names there that seem unknown or little-known to me: the cast members of the Idolmaster games.There are not many male seiyuu in the current list. My own current favorite voices are dotted here and there within the top 50 and outside it: Hirano Aya (5), Sakamoto Maaya (9), Hanazawa Kana (16), Katou Emiri (24), Yahagi Sayuri (39), Sanpei Yuuko (43), Yuuki Aoi (45), Koshimizu Ami (46), Kamiya Hiroshi (49), Kobayashi Yuu (50), Sawashiro Miyuki (61), Takagaki Ayahi (62), Hayami Saori (70), Saitou Chiwa (71)....
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Voice actress Yuuki Aoi 悠木碧 just turned 18 last Saturday. But she is a show business veteran: she was in her first TV drama at the age of five, and has acted in ten TV shows, three films, and 21 animes. (mouseover images for captions; click to enlarge)Her seiyuu career began when she was eleven, in 2003, with the role of Sakura in Kino no Tabi. The next year, she had a role in Aishiteruze Baby (as Marika). And then between 2005 and 2007 she played Yumeno Koto in the popular Onegai My Melody.But it was in 2008 that Ao-chan really gained fame and critical acclaim, for her performance as bold nine-year-old Murasaki in Kurenai. That was also the first role in which she used the name Yuuki Aoi. Up to then, she had been known as Yabusaki Aoi.In 2009, producers fell in love with her sharp diction and acting range, and she burst out with ten roles. In early 2010, she had major roles in four anime at the same time: as Mina Tepes in Dance in the Vampire Bund; as Ichigo in Yumeiro Pâtissière; as Riko in Anyamaru Tantei Kiruminzuu; and as Noel in Sora no Woto.That means one imperious vampire queen (Mina); one genki little aspiring pastry-maker (Ichigo); one busy-body girl detective (Riko); and one low-voiced Nagato Yuki clone (Noel). Her range just keeps expanding.Read further for more info, photos, and video clips.Current showsThis spring she is playing sweet, selfish, and incompetent part-time office worker Yutori-chan in the two-minute Web animation series of the same name. And she is a security android in the shape of a teenage girl in the new show Ichiban Ushiro no Dai Maou.But you can also still hear her as Ichigo in Yumeiro Pâtissière and as Riko in Kiruminzuu, since both those shows are continuing into the spring. She is already slated for a fairly juicy role in the vampire mystery Shiki, which begins in July. And she will also reprise her role as Murasaki in a Kurenai OVA that comes out then.Ao-chan through the yearsHere are some photos of her over the years. First, as a precocious ten-year-old on the TV show Appare Sanma Dai Sensei. There is video from the show later in this post:Next, as a twelve-year-old actress/seiyuu:Here are a couple of shots of Aoi at 15-16, when she was playing Murasaki in Kurenai. First, at an interview for Hobby Channel's Seiyuu Police:Then, at an event with Shintani Ryouko,whom she describes in her blog this week as a "lovely lady":And here she is last fall and winter, at 17. First with her co-stars from Kiruminzuu; (l-r) Ikebe Kumiko, Anzai Chika, Satou Satomi, Ao-chan, Tamura Mutsumi:Next with Saitou Chiwa, her co-host on Radio in the Vampire Bund:And finally from a February 2010 Sora no Woto feature on TV Tokyo's Ani-song Plus:Her voiceShe has a highly skilled voice: strong, flexible, varied, and controlled. Although the natural quality of her voice is not particularly pleasing, she has the ability to do just about anything with it.As Ichigo in Yumeiro Pâtissière, her voice bounces and jumps as a genki young shoujo's voice should.I was particularly impressed with her as Mina in Vampire Bund. I didn't think such a young seiyuu was the right choice for the role -- and she did have to stretch at times to be the centuries-old vampire queen commanding her subjects from the body of a young human girl. But when she hit the right notes, she hit them solidly. And in one scene, she gives us a bit of a tour de force, imitating the hero's intonation perfectly.She shows in episode 11 of Sora no Woto that she can do a blood-curdling scream:<object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.mydatanest.com/files/hashihime/18661_sln1v/player.swf" id="audioplayer1" height="24" width="290"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.mydatanest.com/files/hashihime/18661_sln1v/player.swf"><param name="FlashVars" value="playerID=audioplayer1&amp;soundFile=http://www.mdn.fm/files/79923_3otlo/yuuki_sorawoto_scream.mp3"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="menu" value="false"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></object>Then in episode 12, she uses her character's soft voice, and her own vocal control, to give us some strong emotion:<object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.mydatanest.com/files/hashihime/18661_sln1v/player.swf" id="audioplayer1" height="24" width="290"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.mydatanest.com/files/hashihime/18661_sln1v/player.swf"><param name="FlashVars" value="playerID=audioplayer1&amp;soundFile=http://www.mdn.fm/files/79922_nltyd/yuuki_soranowoto_quietemotion.mp3"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="menu" value="false"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></object>In a previous blog post, I mentioned that a Japanese fan had clipped out her sponsors' message at the beginning of Yumeiro and was using it as his alarm-clock sound. Ao-chan's voice is so dynamic that it would work:<object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.mydatanest.com/files/hashihime/18661_sln1v/player.swf" id="audioplayer1" height="24" width="290"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.mydatanest.com/files/hashihime/18661_sln1v/player.swf"><param name="FlashVars" value="playerID=audioplayer1&amp;soundFile=http://www.mydatanest.com/files/hashihime/69969_9ua18/yumepatalarmfull.mp3"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="menu" value="false"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></object>She is getting better and better at the ancillary aspects of being a seiyuu, becoming a more vivid radio personality between the Vampire Bund and Yutori-chan radio shows. She is just relaxed enough to be playful, and makes humorous use of her vocal athleticism.And she is coming up with some interesting things to say. Asked at last weekend's Tokyo Anime Fair what she wanted to grow up to be when she was a kid, she said her mother told her to choose something she liked, so she used to say she wanted to be konnyaku. (Konnyaku is a kind of rubbery jelly used in some Japanese dishes. The comment comes from j1m0ne's report on TAF)Anime rolesHere is a video compilation of Ao-chan's main anime roles:<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/10drC9Inl58&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/10drC9Inl58&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>And here are images of most of her roles. Mouseover images for captions: There is a full list of her roles at the end of this post.College and workYuuki-san is smart, chatty, and short (148cm, 4ft 10¼in). She has just graduated from high school, and learned in February that after some hard studying she had been accepted into her first-choice university (she didn't say which one it was). To her, that meant that starting this April (the beginning of the school year in Japan) she would be able to continue her career under less pressure than when she had to be going to high school and cram school and doing all her seiyuu work at the same time.In recent blog posts she speaks of enjoying playing the PSP game God Eater, and says how much she loves games, anime, and manga. She says she feels blessed to be able to work in a field she loves. She says it means that she could get through her graduation events without crying.At this point, she just wants to "keep running," doing all she can as a seiyuu, and getting better. She says she feels "out of breath" as one 13-week season ends and another starts but it's an exhilarating feeling, too. In her blog last fall, when the first episode of Yumeiro Pâtissière was airing, she thanked people for their messages of support, but said she thought she could do better, and was doing a bit better in each episode they had pre-recorded. (mouseover photos for captions) A few facts- height: 148cm (4ft 10¼in)- born 1992.03.27 (she just turned 18)- born in Chiba, near Tokyo; an only child- stage name Yuuki Aoi 悠木 碧- former stage name (until 2006) Yabusaki Aoi 八武崎 碧. This may or may not be her real name.- calls herself "Yuuki," but is called "Ao-chan" by most other people.- began in show business at the age of 4- was in TV dramas from the age of 5- was a live TV show regular in fourth grade, seeming to be a clever and self-possessed little show-off. Her voice was sharp and accurate even then: you can hear her playing with pronunciation in the video clip below.- she got interested in becoming a seiyuu when she happened to get one role in fifth grade.- was with Central Children's Theatre until 2006, then with the Breath agency for a year, before joining her current agency, Pro-Fit.- she is so short that when they were in the studio recording Akikan, she had her own short microphone-stand- she is well prepared and has her script carefully marked up when she goes into a recording session- she admires and wants to emulate Sawashiro Miyuki, with whom she has worked often: Onegai My Melody, Kurenai, Sora no Manima ni, Jewelpet, Durarara- she was a big fan of Sailor Moon, especially of the tall Sailor Jupiter- she likes the strawberry-patterned headphones she got at the too-cute Japanese shop Swimmer- she calls herself a bit of a hikikomori, liking to stay at home reading manga and playing games when she isn't working- she was more interested in arts than science at school, but did learn some computer programming- she was in the Art Club at school and loves to draw. Here are some of her drawings (mouseover for captions): Child TV PersonalityHere are some clips of Ao-chan aged about ten, as a fourth-grader, in the TV show Appare Sanma Daisensei:<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/V6ZYeANnJNs&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/V6ZYeANnJNs&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Around 4:33-4:37 she says: "Suzumasa-sensei, why do men like women with��� big breasts?" Japanese TV is a bit different.Interview re KurenaiHere is the 15-year-old Ao-chan being interviewed by Yamamoto Maria about her role as Murasaki in Kurenai:<object id="veohFlashPlayer" name="veohFlashPlayer" height="341" width="410"><param name="movie" value="http://www.veoh.com/static/swf/webplayer/WebPlayer.swf?version=AFrontend.5.4.9.1006&amp;permalinkId=v8293065TSFzGhpB&amp;player=videodetailsembedded&amp;videoAutoPlay=0&amp;id=anonymous"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.veoh.com/static/swf/webplayer/WebPlayer.swf?version=AFrontend.5.4.9.1006&amp;permalinkId=v8293065TSFzGhpB&amp;player=videodetailsembedded&amp;videoAutoPlay=0&amp;id=anonymous" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" id="veohFlashPlayerEmbed" name="veohFlashPlayerEmbed" height="341" width="410"></embed></object>She says that her mother took her to auditions for TV commercials when she was little, after she saw her performing for herself in front of a mirror.Kiruminzuu zoo visitHere is a publicity video for the anime Animal Detectives Kiruminzoo, showing a visit to Ueno Zoo by Yuuki and her co-stars Satou Satomi, Anzai Chika, Tamura Mutsumi, and Ikebe Kumiko, along with director Kawamura Shouji (who also directed Macross Frontier):<embed src="http://player.youku.com/player.php/sid/XMTQ0MjE1NTQ4/v.swf" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="400" width="480"></embed>Yuuki is the short one with the striped stockings and flouncy aqua skirt. She often seems to wear striped stockings....Kiruminzuu commentHere are Yuuki and Satou Satomi cosplaying their roles in Kiruminzuu for a publicity video:<object height="339" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/xckzzt"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/xckzzt" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="339" width="420"></embed></object>Vampire Bund FeatureHere are Yuuki, Saitou Chiwa, and Nakamura Yuuichi, the stars of Dance in the Vampire Bund, introducing the show in a brief TV feature:<embed src="http://player.youku.com/player.php/sid/XMTU2OTA0NTQ0/v.swf" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="400" width="480"></embed>Cast photosHere are some photos of Yuuki with cast members of her various shows: (mouseover for captions; click to enlarge) Yuuki Aoi's work:TV Drama* Eve (1997)* Stalker, Sasou Onna (1997)* Ryakudatsu Ai (1998)* Seijuu Sentai Gingaman (1998)* Hyakujuu Sentai Gao Ranger (2001)* Tenshi no Utagoe (2002)* Hamidashi Keiji Jounetsu Kei (2002)* Kamen Rider 555 (2003)* The Doctor (2003)* Yue Miru Budou (2005)TV Variety* Appare Sanma Dai SenseiFilm* Madara no Shoujo (2005)* Mamushi no Kyoudai (2007)* Jun Kissa Isobe (2008)TV Anime2003* Kino no Tabi (Sakura)2004* Aishiteruze Baby (Marika)2005* Onegai My Melody (Yumeno Koto)2006* Onegai My Melody Kurukuru Shuffle (Yumeno Koto)2007* Onegai My Melody Sukkiri ep10 (Yumeno Koto)2008* Kurenai (Kuhouin Murasaki)* Shikabane Hime Aka (Too'oka Akira)2009* Akikan (Budoko)* Jigoku Shoujo ep18 (Hamano Chiriko)* Shikabane Hime Kuro (Too'oka Akira)* Jewelpet (Ameri)* Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica Crimson S (Iaritikku Shin Goruotto)* Sora no Manima ni (Maibara)* Fight Ippatsu! Juuden-chan ep4 (girl student D)* Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu Purezza (Hatsue Hikari)* Animal Tantei Kiruminoo (Mikogami Riko)* Yumeiro Pâtissière (Amano Ichigo)2010* Sora no Woto (Noel Kannagi, Shuko)* Dance in the Vampire Bund (Mina Tepes)* Durarara (Kishitani Shinra - young)* Ichiban Ushiro no Dai Maou (Korone)* Shiki (Sunako)* Kurenai OVA (Murasaki)ONA* Yutori-chan (Yutori-chan)OVA* Akikan (Budoko)Game* Sora no Oto - Otome no Quintet (Noel)Radio* Radio in the Vampire Bund - Mina & Yuki's After-School Chairman's Office (with Saitou Chiwa)* Yutori Channel ~Rajio mo Iratto Shinaide ne~ (with Hanazawa Kana)* Ichiban Ushiro no Mugendai Radi-ou (with Toyosaki Aki and Hikasa Youko)Drama CDs* Kurenai (Murasaki)* Akikan (Budoko)* Dance in the Vampire Bund (Mina Tepes)* Yumeiro Pâtissière Kirakira Music (plays Ichigo in the mini-drama)TV commercials* Daikyou (Lion's Mansion)* Nissan (Nissan Serena Star)* Ezaki Glico (Glico) (voiceover)other* Studio Hatsu (Yomiuri Shinbun TV interview 2009.12.13)* Ani-song Plus (TV Tokyo 2010.02-3, announcer, guest)linksAnime News NetworkAnime News Network (Yabusaki Aoi)Wikipedia (Japanese)agency siteofficial site (Aoi Town)blogold blog (Aoi Logic)Yabusaki Aoi fansite (AOI Dictionary)Yuuki Aoi on Sawashiro MiyukiYuuki Aoi on Vampire BundA few more pics from over the past three years:
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Last season made me think the anime industry really had collapsed. There were only 19 new shows, compared to almost double that the January before.But spring has sprung and there are 49 anime on the list this season, right up with the 48 last spring and the 49 the spring before.And there are quite a few promising shows in this season's offerings. Here are some of my highlights, followed by a full list with complete details, including staff, cast, an outline of the story, a pic, a few comments, and links to trailers, manga scanlations, and AnimeSuki forums. (click images to enlarge)Highlights:Arakawa Under the Bridge -- The new offering from Shaft director Shinbou Akiyuki is at the top of many lists (image top right). The story seems right up his alley: a proud, high-achieving, somewhat silly young man, in line to become head of a big company, has a principle of never being in debt to anyone. When a young homeless woman who thinks she is a Venusian saves his life, in repayment he winds up becoming her boyfriend and living with her under a bridge in Tokyo, surrounded by weirdos.Angel Beats! -- Game-makers Key/Visual Arts and their writer Maeda Jun (who created Air, Kanon, and Clannad) turn from Kyoto Animation to P.A. Works (true tears, Canaan) to make their latest supernatural weeper. The dead -- who look a lot like the living -- do battle with angels in a school beyond death.Working!! -- We have already seen a preview episode of this show about part-time workers in a Hokkaido family restaurant. The absurd humor had me laughing out loud. Fukuyama Jun at his best, with Asumi Kana at hers.Kaichou wa Maid-sama! -- A highly enjoyable shoujo manga comes to anime. The tough, strait-laced student council president has a secret: she works in a maid cafe after school to support her family. What will happen when the most popular guy in school finds out? The writer of Chrome-Shelled Regios and Hanasakeru Seishounen. The director of Di Gi Charat and Les Miserables. J.C. Staff.Sarai-ya Goyou -- Mochizuki Tomomi (YKK, Zettai Shounen, wrote Touka Gettan) writes and directs this show. That's enough for me. The story of a weak samurai who finds himself unwittingly joining a band of thieves. In the noitaminA timeslot, Thursday nights.Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei -- noitaminA expands to an hour this season, with these tales of student life at Kyoto University. Directed by Yuasa Masaaki (Kaiba, Kemonozume), so expect the unusual.Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan -- In the 1860s, a girl joins bishounen Shinsengumi rebels in search of her father, a doctor who is somehow involved with the appearance of blood-sucking monsters in Edo. Kuwashima Houko and Miki Shinichirou star in this adaptation of a game for girls from Otomate.Senkou no Night Raid -- A Japanese spy organization infiltrates Shanghai in the early 1930s. The director of Persona Trinity Soul and the writer of The Third. Stars Namikawa Daisuke and Yoshino Hiroyuki. The second offering in the Anime no Chikara series, following Sora no Woto.Rainbow - Nisha Rokubou no Shichijin -- A gritty tale of the lives of boys who shared a cell-block in a Tokyo Reformatory in the 1950s, telling what happened to them then and afterwards. The director of Kiba, the writer of Kaiji. Film actor Oguri Shun, Paku Romi, Fujiwara Keiji, et al.Yutori-chan -- Yuuki Aoi stars as a sweet but lazy and incompetent high-school girl working part-time in a company. Working with her is college student Hanazawa Kana. The first four 2-minute episodes were funny and touching.K-On!! -- The second season of this monster hit is certainly at the top of many people's lists. But my own interest in season one petered out about halfway through, even though I like other moe slice-of-life shows.Giant Killing -- A soccer anime! The manga starts well, telling the story of a coach who returns from England to Japan to help his old club defeat the best elevens in the country. The psychology and tactics are interesting. Stars the masterful Seki Tomokazu.Romance of the Three Kingdoms -- A straight interpretation (at last!) of the classic Chinese historical novel. A China-Japan co-production shown on Chinese TV last year and now dubbed into Japanese. 52 episodes. What I've seen of the Chinese version was quick but strong.Heroman -- Bones animates a story by Stan Lee (creator of Spiderman) about a boy on the US West Coast who discovers a toy robot that becomes the invincible Heroman. The trailer looks excellent.Uragiri wa Boku no Namae o Shitteiru -- A yaoi series from the director of Tsukihime and the writer of Blue Drop and Tokyo Magnitude 8. The story of an orphan boy with unusual powers. A man claiming to be his long-lost elder brother suddenly appears. Stars a bevy of great seiyuus including Houshi Souichirou, Sakurai Takahiro, Inoue Marina, Fukuyama Jun, Ono Daisuke, Miyano Mamoru, Kamiya Hiroshi, etc., etc. Two promising-looking (and more graphic) yaoi OVAs are also slated to go this spring: Sex Pistols and Ai no Kusabi.Black Rock Shooter -- The first anime from fired KyoAni director Yamamoto Yutaka's company ordet. The OP animation came out late last year.Winter Sonata (Japanese voices) -- Moving melodrama based on the smash hit Korean TV drama. The Korean anime is nearing its climax. A Japanese-dubbed version is supposed to start in April.This is only a short partial list of my highlights. Other shows may appeal to you more: the new season of Hetalia Axis Powers. A full series of KissxSis. Or B-gata H-kei, a comedy about a high-school girl who dreams of a hundred sexual encounters. A new show from the director of Shakugan no Shana, Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou. New seasons of baseball animes Major and Big Windup (Ookiku Furikabutte).Or one or both of the new series of shows featuring women as the heroes of the Three Kingdoms: Ikkitousen and Koihime Musou. Or the SD Gundam Sangokuden series featuring Gundams in the same roles. And there are kids' shows that might have some adult appeal: Hana Kappa, The Animal Conference on the Environment, Ketsu-inu, or the new season of Marie and Gali.Link to previews of individual shows from the following alphabetical list. Or read through all the previews listed further below in chronological order:● Ai no Kusabi     ● Angel Beats!     ● Arakawa Under the Bridge     ● Armored Trooper Votoms: Phantom Arc     ● Ashiaraiyashiki no Juunin-tachi     ● B Gata H Kei     ● Black Rock Shooter     ● D.C. ~Da Capo~ Ekusute     ● Giant Killing     ● Haiyoru! Nyaru-Ani     ● Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan     ● Hana Kappa     ● Heroman     ● Hetalia Axis Powers 3     ● Hime Chen! Otogi Chikku Idol Lilpri     ● Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou     ● Ikkitousen: Xtreme Xecutor     ● Jewelpet 2 --Tinkle     ● Kaichou wa Maid-sama!     ● Ketsu-inu     ● KissXSis (2010)     ● kissxsis OVA episode 3     ● K-On!!     ● Mahou Sensei Negima! - Another World     ● Major 6     ● Marie & Gali 2.0     ● Mayoi Neko Overrun!     ● Metal Fight Beyblade ~Baku~     ● Ookiku Furikabutte 2     ● Rainbow -- Nisha Rokubou no Shichijin     ● Ring ni Kakero 1: Shadow     ● Romance of the Three Kingdoms     ● Sarai-ya Goyou     ● SD Gundam Sangokuden Brave Battle Warriors     ● Senkou no Night Raid     ● Sex Pistols     ● Shin Koihime†Musō: Otome Tairan     ● Shoka     ● Tales of Symphonia the Animation: Tethe'alla-hen     ● The Animal Conference on the Environment     ● To Love-Ru OVA     ● Tono to Issho     ● Uragiri wa Boku no Namae o Shitteiru     ● Utawarerumono OVA episode 3     ● Winter Sonata (Japanese voices)     ● Working!!     ● xxxHOLIC - Rou     ● Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei     ● Yutori-chanNOTES:-- dates and times may change, and will be updated in my anime calendar, which should come out around the end of March-- information from official sites, MoonPhase, AniDB, Anime News Network, Japanese Wikipedia, Who Subs What, et al.-- English titles link to an anime's Anime News Network page, Japanese titles to its official siteFull previews:Yutori-chan(jp: ゆとりちゃん)comedyStreamed two-minute episodes. Yutori-chan (Yuuki Aoi) is a sweet, selfish high school girl doing part-time work in an office. Her main co-worker (Hanazawa Kana), also part-time, is a student at a top university. Directed by Kawaguchi Keiichirou (Hayate)The first four episodes were previewed in December and are amusing and touching. Worth taking a look at, especially for the nice work of the leads. Yuuki-san in particular shows her talent. The two seiyuus are also fairly exciting on the radio show, which you can find from the show's official site.seiyuus: Yuuki Aoi, Hanazawa Kana, Watanabe Akeno.director: Kawaguchi Keiichirou (Getsumen, Hayate, Nyan Koi)writer: Asakawa Miya (Mars Daybreak, Noein eps, Shounen Onmyouji). Tanaka Yutori (creator).animation: Actas (assisted on Chrome-Shelled Regios). chara-des: Nishio Kouhaku (ToHeart2, Moetan); POP (orig; Moetan). animation supervisor: Nishio Kouhaku (ToHeart2, Moetan).music: Kasamatsu Miki (Aishiteruze). OP seiyuus.trailer. subs: Yuurisan. ONA. forum.begins tue 16 marHaiyoru! Nyaru-Ani(jp: 這いよる���ニャルアニ)crazy comedyBased on a a set of "high-tension, chaotic comedy" light novels. The story centers around Nyarlathotep, a formless Cthulhu deity who can take the shape of anyone it wishes, but particularly the shape of a seemingly ordinary silver-haired girl, "Nyaruko." Yasaka Mahiro is a normal high school student who is saved by Nyaruko when he is being chased by aliens one night. (ANN) Ctulhu was created by great horror/fantasy writer H.P. Lovecraft.Little-known company (DLE) and director. Character design by the person who did the same for Kanokon. Three good seiyuus: Asumi Kana, Kitamura Eri, and Matsuki Miyu.Flash-animated. Comes with boxed set of v4 of the comic. Simple Flash animation of totally off-the-wall humor.seiyuus: Asumi Kana, Kitamura Eri, Matsuki Miyu.director: Tani Azuma ���DLE���writer: Aisora Manta (novel).animation: DLE (Eagle Talon). chara-des: Koin (orig.; Kanokon original charades.).music: Sudou Yuuki ���DLE���. OP Asumi Kana.trailer. OVA. 1eps.17 marThe Animal Conference on the Environment (Doubutsu Kankyou Kaigi)(jp: 動物かんきょう会議)kids educationalEcological education anime, featuring situations that teach a group animals about the world.But there may more to this: the director is Nishimura Junji (Simoun), and the cast includes such names as Yoshino Hiroyuki, Kamiya Hiroshi, and Takahashi Rieko. This is also the first reappearance since his excellent work in Simoun and Touka Gettan of seiyuu Tsujitani Kouji as a sound director.seiyuus: Yoshino Hiroyuki, Chou, Kusao Takeshi, Tachiki Fumihiko, Hidaka Noriko, Kamiya Hiroshi, Takahashi Rieko, Takahashi Hiroki.director: Nishimura Junji (Simoun)writer: Iuchi Masanori.animation: Studio Deen. chara-des: Saitou Tetsuhito (Bincho-tan, Code-E). art: Higashi Junichi (Ai yori Aoshi, Rahxephon, Regios).20eps.sat 20 mar 16:30Ashiaraiyashiki no Juunin-tachi(jp: 足洗邸の住人たち)supernatural fighting fantasy comedyOVA comes with v10 of manga. A 'battle fantasy' story involving humans, mythical creatures and demons living together in an apartment called Ashiaraiyashiki. The manga has been running in Monthly Comic Gum for over eight years. The title translates as "Residents of Foot-wash Manor."Inexperienced director. Old-school animator. Second-rank cast (except for Kitamura Eri in a supporting role). But Fukuhara Kaori and Hikasa Youko can both be good, and so can Madono Mitsuaki. We shall see.seiyuus: Madono Mitsuaki, Hikasa Youko, Fukuhara Kaori, Horie Kazuma, Kitamura Eri.director: Ibata Yoshihidewriter: Minagi Tokuichi (manga).animation: Studio NOA (some assisting). animation supervisor: Arai Yutaka (LoGH OVA, Huckleberry Finn Monogatari).OVA. 1/1eps.thu 25 marTales of Symphonia the Animation: Tethe'alla-hen 2(jp: テイルズ オブ シンフォニア THE ANIMATION テセアラ編 第2巻)fantasy adventureBased on the Game Cube and Play Station game, "Tales of Symphonia". Two worlds exist, each unaware of the other. In order for one world to flourish, the other has to perish. On the dying world, a Chosen one is sent on a journey to restore that world's mana by awakening the Spirits and becoming an angel. Colette Brunel, the Chosen of Sylvarant, sets out on her journey accompanied by her best friends Lloyd Irving and Genis Sage. As they travel further they meet more friends and even more enemies, and learn more and more about the truth behind World Regeneration. (ANN)Mizuki Nana does the OP (see preview) and she and Konishi Katsuyuki head the cast., which also includes able voices such as Touma Yumi, Tachiki Fumihiko, Kuwashima Houko, and Ohtsuka Akio. Written by the writer of Manabi Straight. Episode 2 May 26. Eps 3 and 4 summer and fall. This show is apparently more popular outside Japan than at home.seiyuus: Konishi Katsuyuki, Mizuki Nana, Orikasa Ai, Touma Yumi, Tachiki Fumihiko, Onosaka Masaya, Okamura Akemi, Kuwashima Houko, Ohtsuka Akio.director: Sotozaki Haruowriter: Kingetsu Ryunosuke (Futakoi Alternative, Manabi Straight).animation: ufotable. chara-des: Fujishima Kousuke (orig; Sakura Wars), Matsushima Akira (Marimite).OP Mizuki Nana, ED Shikata Akio.trailer. subs: Formula. OVA. 1/4eps. forum.thu 25 marTono to Issho(jp: 殿といっしょ)seinen historical comedyAdaptation of a 4-panel comic strip. The comic parodies the exploits of generals during Japan's violent Sengoku (Warring States) period.Young director Mankyuu (Utsurun Desu) works with a nice cast including up-and-coming Suzuki Tatsuhisa, this year's Seiyuu Award winner Ono Daisuke, Sugita Tomokazu, Noto Mamiko, Kobayashi Yuu, Kuroda Takaya and multitalented singer GACKT.seiyuus: Suzuki Tatsuhisa, Ono Daisuke, Sugita Tomokazu, Noto Mamiko, Tachibana Shinnoisuke, Hirakawa Daisuke, Kobayashi Yuu, Itou Asuka, Kuroda Takaya, GACKT.director: Mankyuu (Utsurun Desu)writer: Mankyuu. Ooba Kai (orig).animation: Gathering.trailer. OVA. forum.thu 25 marArmored Trooper Votoms: Phantom Arc(jp: 装甲騎兵ボトムズ 幻影篇 I)mecha combatNew OVA series of "Armored Trooper Votoms," following last year's Pailsen Files. This six-episode series may mark the end of director/creator Takahashi Ryousuke's "life work." Mecha design by Okawara Kunio, whose credits include many Gundam shows. Described as a "real robot anime.""As seen in the promo video, the first OVA seems to take place at the time of Vanilla's and Coconna's 25th wedding anniversary. They plan to go on a trip to revisit Uoodo, Kummen, Sunsa and Quent, which triggers memories of Chirico Cuvie. They meet up with Gotho (how old is he at this point?!) at some point and begin searching for Chirico. A younger man with the same hair color and dour expression that Chirico had is also shown in the promo as Vanilla's and Coconna's daughter wonders about "that person" -- Chirico." (the.Merines on AnimeSuki)seiyuus: Chiba Shigeru, Kawanami Youko, Tomita Kousei.director: Takahashi Ryousuke (Hi no Tori)writer: Gobu Toshi. Takahashi Ryousuke (orig).animation: Sunrise. chara-des: Shioyama Norio; mecha: Okawara Kunio (Gundams). animation supervisor: Takeuchi Kazuyoshi (Votoms Pailsen). art: Nomura Masanobu (Votoms Pailsen, First Squad).trailer. subs: Shinsen-Subs & Formula?. OVA. 1/6eps. forum.fri 26 marSex Pistols(jp: Sex Pistols)yaoi sci-fi fantasy romanceAdaptation of a yaoi manga series. In the 2003 manga, a teenage boy discovers he is one of a select group of humans who evolved from animals other than apes -- leopards or bears, for example. Cat ears, romance, and physical relationships ensue.This may be near-hentai yaoi, but the cast is well-known and using their own names. Definitely worth a look. Ep2 25jun.seiyuus: Hatano Wataru (Yuuto/Nogizaka Haruka), Sugita Tomokazu (Kyon/Haruhi), Shimono Hiro (Hiro/ef), Kawahara Yoshihisa (Yasu/NANA), Nojima Hirofumi (Shuga/Moribito, Scarecrowman), Yusa Kouji (Vincent Law/Ergo Proxy).director: 日向 (Hinata?); Yagami Kouichi (asst dir)writer: Kotobuki Tarako (manga).animation: Twilight Town. chara-des: 日向. art: Yoshizawa Kazue.music: Kouichirou Takahashi. OPED Yuuta (from LAZ).trailer (NSFW). manga. OVA. 1/2eps. forum.fri 26 marIkkitousen: Xtreme Xecutor(jp: 一騎当千 XTREME XECUTOR)ecchi fighting fantasyA fourth Ikkitousen series shows the staying power of the franchise.Academy clan wars escalate. Time to unleash the true powers of all the fighters. A new enemy appears, but Hakufu doesn't notice the true and mighty enemies lurking in the shadows, ready to assault what she treasures the most. The fight no longer involves the academies only but the whole world. (ANN)The cast is outstanding: Asano Masumi, Kaida Yuuko, Hino Satoshi, Nabatame Hitomi, Horie Yui, Endou Aya and others.It is interesting to see this show and Koihime Musou, another Three Kingdoms-based show featuring female characters, begin to combine their publicity with shared events and seiyuus appearing on each others' radio shows, under the auspices of Media Factory.seiyuus: Asano Masumi, Kaida Yuuko, Hino Satoshi, Shindou Kei, Nabatame Hitomi, Chihara Minori, Kadowaki Mai, Asakawa Yuu, Horie Yui, Endou Aya.director: Ohata Kouichi (Ikkitousen DD, GG; You're Under Arrest Full Throttle)writer: Ohata Kouichi (Sugar Rune wri/prod). Shiozaki Yuji (orig).animation: TNK (Kyoushirou, School Days). chara-des: Rinshin (I"s Pure, Ikki GG); Gotou Junji (School Days). animation supervisor: Gotou Junji (School Days). art: Kouno Jirou (Hi no Tori, Bakumatsu Kikan., Genji, Cobra).music: Takanashi Yasuharu (Gantz, Mononoke, Jigoku Shoujos).trailer. subs: Ryuumaru, Yuurisan-Subs?. forum.fri 26 mar 10:00Hetalia Axis Powers 3(jp: ヘタリア Axis Powers 第3期)moe bishounen comedyWhat started as a minor show in an unusual format (five-minute episodes) has become a smash hit now entering its third series.Not my cup of tea, but hilarious to many. National stereotypes played out by a bevy of moe bishounen. A fujoshi delicacy.seiyuus: Namikawa Daisuke, Takahashi Hiroki, Yasumoto Hiroki, Konishi Katsuyuki, Kaida Yuki.director: Bob Shirohatawriter: Hiramitsu Takuya. Himaruya Hidekaz (manga).animation: Studio DEEN. chara-des: Kannan Masaaki. animation supervisor: Matsuda Keiichi.trailer. manga. forum.fri 26 mar 13:00Shoka(jp: 書家)historical fantasy adventure Production IG animates an original script that was an Animax Award winner in 2008.An action drama set during the Tokugawa shogunate in Edo, where hidden forces are trying to undermine the shogun's power. Shirou Sumiya, the head of the "Drawing-Immortals" school, is summoned to Edo. With the extraordinary power of his secret drawing techniques, he and his giant drawn creatures become part of the conflict.director: Yamada Makoto (key anim)writer: Saidou Kenji (orig).animation: Production IG. chara-des: Kojima Hirokazu (key anim). art: Itou Hiroshi.music: Kawai Kenji (Maison Ikkoku, Gundam00, Eden of the East).TV special. 1/1eps.sat 27 mar 20:00Hana Kappa(jp: はなかっぱ)children's fantasy comedyHanakappa is a little kappa (river monster) with a flower (hana) growing from his head. He lives in a village with his family.Apparently for kids, but with a starry cast including Kiuchi Hidenobu, Yamaguchi Kappei, MAKO, Shishido Rumi, Ueda Kana, et al. Written by the director/writer of the amusing and somewhat adult Gokyoudai Monogatari. And with OP by My Little Lover and ED by new low-teen idol group Tokyo Girls' Style.seiyuus: Nakagawa Rie (Ferro/Gunslinger, Nue/Tayutama), Kiuchi Hidenobu, Ozaki Megumi, Yamaguchi Kappei, MAKO, Ogata Kenichi, Horikoshi Mami, Takagi Wataru, Shishido Rumi, Kurita Erina, Kikuchi Kokoro, Ueda Kana, Yanagihara Tetsuya, Mitani Shouko, Haranai Ai, Hashimoto Mai.director: Nonaka Kazumi (Happy Happy Clover, Mameushi-kun)writer: Yasumi Tetsuo (Gokyoudai Monogatari dir and script). Akiyama Tadashi (manga).animation: Group TAC. chara-des: Hayashi Kazuya, Akiyama Tadashi (orig). animation supervisor: Koyama Shin. art: Matsumiya Yumi.music: Kasamatsu Miki. OP My Little Lover, ED Tokyo Girls' Style.mon 29 mar 07:15Marie & Gali 2.0(jp: マリー���ガリー.2.0)family educationalA second season for the visually interesting five-minute "science" anime. The cast includes old-time pros such as the seiyuus who played Doremi in Ojamajou Doremi and Kitarou in Gegege no Kitarou.The writer who adapted the original idea is Yamada Takashi, who wrote Doremi and Yumeiro Patissiere. No director is named in the staff list, but Okada Shousuke is named as "responsible for production," as he was for several Digimon shows.seiyuus: Chiba Chiemi (Doremi, Nanaka 6/17), Cho (headmaster/Hidamari), Nozawa Masako (Kitarou/Gegege no Kitarou, Son Goku/Dragonball), Sakata Tomoyasu (actor/seiyuu), Kosugi Shurouta (Lance/Tekkaman Blade, Hartmann/Princess Lover).director: Okada Shousuke ("responsible for production"; Digimon Savers)writer: Yamada Takashi (Ojamajo Doremi, Yumeiro Patissiere). Todo Izumi (orig).animation: Toei. chara-des: Umakoshi Yoshihiko (Gokinjo Monogatari, Casshern Sins). art: Masuda Ryuutarou (art design).music: Yoshino Yuuji. OP Swing Mates K.trailer.tue 30 mar 19:25Ketsu-inu(jp: ケツ犬)family comedyBizarre comic manga gets a 13x2.5-minute episode Flash-animated series. The main figure is a dog whose face looks like buttocks. The title translates "Bum Dog."Stars Sugita Tomokazu, comic Ikki, and comic duo Tokyo Tights.Directed and written by Kasugamori Haruki, who did Eagle Talon.seiyuus: Sugita Tomokazu, Tsubuyaki Shirou (comic, Slap-up Party/Wellie), Ikki (Tokyo Tights), Shimizu Satoshi (Tokyo Tights).director: Kasugamori Haruki (Eagle Talon)writer: Lifestyle Tsunoda (creator).animation: Toei.music: 1869-iwarock-.13 x 2.5 min. eps.thu 01 aprShin Koihime†Musou: Otome Tairan(jp: 真・恋姫†無双 ���乙女大乱���)ecchi-yuri historical fantasySurprisingly successful yuri parody of Three Kingdoms gets yet another series. Director Nakanishi Nobuaki did good jobs with 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. I haven’t seen any of the second season, but evidently it was successful enough to spawn a third.The seiyuu are largely game seiyuu, the same ones who voiced the original ero-games. If you're interested in the Three Kingdoms, make a point of checking out the serious 52-episode Chinese version that will also start this season on Japanese TV.Preview airing 26 Mar.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).OP Okui Masami, ED seiyuus.trailer. forum.thu 01 apr 09:00Heroman(jp: HEROMAN)robot fantasy adventureBones tries its hand at animating a Stan Lee comic. A young boy on the US west coast finds a toy robot that becomes Heroman, a giant robot the boy pilots against evil.Lee created Spiderman and X-Men. Bones animated FMA, Soul Eater, etc.The trailer looks good. The writer did Simoun and Gintama. This could be a sleeper.seiyuus: Komatsu Mikako (actress/model), Kimura Ryouhei (Akira/Eden of the East), Obata Mayu (dubs, narrates, age 18), Chou (Headmaster/Hidamari, Galileo/Marie & Gali), Shindou Naomi (Cagalli Yula Athha/Gundam Seed), Yasumura Makoto (Matsumaru/REC), Suyama Akio (Hima/Wolf's Rain), Ishizuka Unshou (Jet Black/Cowboy Bebop, Klaus/Sora no Oto).director: Nanba Hitoshi (Anpanman movie)writer: Yamatoya Akatsuki (Ginban Kaleidoscope, Simoun, Gintama, Soul Eater). Stan Lee (creator); Oota Tamon (manga).animation: Bones. chara-des: Koyama Shigeto. animation supervisor: Kawamoto Toshiro (Gundam 0080, Wolf's Rain) ; Tomioka Takashi. art: Kondou Yumiko (Mnemosyne).OP Tetsuya, ED Flow.trailer. subs: Disney? forum.thu 01 apr 18:00B Gata H Kei(jp: B型H系)ecchi comedyEntering high school, a cute girl has fantasies of a hundred sexual encounters. But in her self-consciousness and inexperience she finds herself pursuing one lonely boy.The director of Keroro Sougun and Welcome to the NHK. The writer of NHK and Needless.I'm not sure what to think of this one. The first few pages of the manga didn’t do much for me, but some people have read and like it. A next level of ecchi humor, but not likely as graphic as Kanokon or KissxSis.Starring Tamura Yukari and Abe Atsushi, with Horie Yui, Noto Mamiko, Hanazawa Kana, Kobayashi Yuu, Gibu Yuuko, and Shishido Rumi. Whatever it is, it will certainly be professional. Music by Elelments Garden.seiyuus: Tamura Yukari, Abe Atsushi, Horie Yui, Noto Mamiko, Hanazawa Kana, Kobayashi Yuu, Shishido Rumi, Shimoda Asami, Gibu Yuuko, Iwasaki Ai.director: Yamamoto Yusuke (Keroro Sougun, Welcome to the NHK)writer: Nishizono Satoru (NHK, Needless, Naruto Shippuuden). Sanri Youko (manga).animation: Hal Film Maker. chara-des: Yahiro Yuuko (key animator). animation supervisor: Yahiro Yuuko. art: Miki Michiyo (Kamisama Kazoku).music: Elements Garden. OP Tamura Yukari.manga. subs: Doki, Ryuumaru. forum.thu 01 apr 25:00Ookiku Furikabutte 2(jp: おおきく振りかぶって セカンドシーズン)shounen sportsSecond season of the popular baseball anime. Widely admired, although I myself loathed the main character so much that I couldn’t get more than a few episodes into the first season.Good cast. Good writer (Kuroda Yousuke, who did Infinite Ryvius and Requiem for the Phantom, as well as Ookiku 1). Animation for A-1 Pictures by Takata Akira, who did both Haibane Renmei and Ookiku 1. This show is also known as Big Windup, which is what the title means.seiyuus: Yonaga Tsubasa, Nakamura Yuuichi, Taniyama Kishou, Shimono Hiro, Satou Yuudai (Hiroki/ChuuBra), Suzuki Chihiro, Yasumura Makoto, Fukuyama Jun, Kimura Ryouhei, Fukuen Misato.director: Mizushima Tsutomu (Crayon Shin-chan movies, Dokuro-chan, Ookiku 1, xxxHolic, Kemeko)writer: Kuroda Yousuke (Infinite Ryvius, Ookiku 1, Requiem for the Phantom). Higuchi Asa (manga).animation: A-1 Pictures (FMA1, Kannagi, Sora no Oto). chara-des: Yoshida Takahiko (Ookiku 1 chdes and anidir). animation supervisor: Takata Akira (Haibane Renmei, Ookiku1, Natsume Yuujinchou); Taniguchi Junichirou (eps, Ookiku 1 action).music: Hamaguchi Shiroh (OnePiece, Kiddy Grade, Jewelpet). OP Galileo Galilei, ED CureaL.trailer. manga. subs: Naisu-Pichi. forum.thu 01 apr 25:25Kaichou wa Maid-sama!(jp: 会長はメイド様���)shoujo romantic comedyRomantic comedy centred on student council head Ayuzawa Misaki, who despises the slovenly boys at her school, which was once an all-boys school. She is loathed by the boys and admired by the girls and the staff. However, Misaki's handsomest classmate just discovered her secret — that she works after school at a maid café to support her family.This is one of my picks of the season: a shoujo romantic comedy directed by the director of Les Miserables and Di Gi Charat, written by the writer of Umishou and Hanasakeru Seishounen, and based on a good original manga. Animated by the dependable J.C. Staff.Stars rising seiyuu Fujimura Ayumi (Mafuyu in Qwesar) and Okamoto Nobuhiko (Layfon in Regios), with some great voices behind them: Toyosaki Aki, Ueda Kana, Asumi Kana, Ise Mariya, Hanazawa Kana.seiyuus: Fujimura Ayumi, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Igarashi Hiromi, Toyosaki Aki, Asumi Kana, Ueda Kana, Ise Mariya, Hanazawa Kana.director: Sakurai Hiroaki (Di Gi Charat, Les Miserables, GA Geijutsuka)writer: Ikeda Mamiko (Emma2, Umishou, Regios, Hanasakeru Seishounen). Fujiwara Hiro (manga).animation: J.C. Staff. chara-des: Imoto Yuki.trailer. manga. subs: Kaze no Koe Fansubs, Generation NeXt, Chihiro?, Hatsuyuki, Eclipse?. forum.thu 01 apr 25:55Ring ni Kakero 1: Shadow(jp: リングにかけろ1 影道編)shounen sports adventureAfter defeating Black Shaft's Team America, the Golden Japan Jr. team returns to training for the World Tournament that will be held in Tokyo. But during training, the Shadow Clan, which uses boxing as an assasination technique, kidnaps Kiku in order to lure Ryuji and the others into a fight to see who are truly the better representatives of Japan's junior boxers. (ANN)Series director Komura Toshiaki has done Precure 5 as well as the previous Ring ni Kakero 1 series. Writer Kuroda Yousuke is a writing star, having done Infinite Ryvius, Ookiku Furikabutte, Gundam00, and Requiem for the Phantom, as well as the previous Ring ni Kakero 1 series.Morita Masakazu and Tanaka Rie star, ably supported by names like Okiayu Ryoutarou, Kamiya Hiroshi, and Midorikawa Hikaru.seiyuus: Morita Masakazu, Tanaka Rie, Okiayu Ryoutarou, Kusao Takeshi, Ishikawa Hideo, Kamiya Hiroshi, Sakurai Takahiro, Kuroda Takaya, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Midorikawa Hikaru.director: Komura Toshiaki (series dir; Ring ni Kakero 1, Precure 5)writer: Kuroda Yousuke (Infinite Ryvius, Big Windup, Requiem for the Phantom). Kurumada Masami (orig; Saint Seiya).animation: Toei. chara-des: Araki Shingo (Rose of Versailles, Saint Seiya, YuGiOh); Himeno Michi (Rose, Seiya, Ring); Inoue Eisaku (Interlude; anidir here). animation supervisor: Inoue Eisaku (OnePiece, Seiya). art: Kurahashi Takashi (Mononoke).music: Ueda Susumu (Re Cutie Honey, Ring ni Kakero).fri 02 aprTo Love-Ru OVA(jp: OVA ToLOVEる)ecchi science fiction comedyFinal episode of the OVA series for this fairly popular ecchi comedy.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. Comes with special edition of v18 of manga.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.OPED Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri.trailer. OVA. 6/6?eps. forum.fri 02 aprIchiban Ushiro no Daimaou(jp: いちばんうしろの大魔王)ecchi seinen fantasyThe story of "love, magic, and battles" revolves around Akuto Sai, a boy who aims to become part of his country's highest order of magicians and contribute to society as one of its clergy. But on the day he is admitted into the Constan Magical Academy, his aptitude test predicts his future occupation as "Devil King." Thus begins a difficult school life: resented by his studious female class head, desired by a girl with mysterious powers, and guarded by a beautiful female android (played by Yuuki Aoi). (ANN)The preview shows a lot of pantsu and dissolving clothing. Directed by the director of Shakugan no Shana. Written by the writer of Elfen Lied…and Queen's Blade. From a novel.Fascinating cast includes underrated veterans like Kondou Takashi and Hirohashi Ryou, as well as up-and-coming stars like Yuuki Aoi and Hikasa Youko. Add Itou Shizuka and Yonaga Tsubasa and you've got a cast that bears watching. Here's hoping there's more to the story than it appears.seiyuus: Kondou Takashi, Toyosaki Aki, Hikasa Youko, Yuuki Aoi, Yonaga Tsubasa, Itou Shizuka, Hirohashi Ryou, Takahashi Chiaki.director: Watanabe Takashi (Slayers, Shakugan no Shana)writer: Yoshioka Takao (DearS, Elfen Lied, Sky Girls, Queen's Blade). Mizuki Shoutarou (novel).animation: Artland. chara-des: Itou Souichi (orig), Ozeki Miyabi (Happiness), Kobayashi Toshimitsu (Futakoi Alt., Spice Wolf 2). animation supervisor: Ozeki Miyabi (Happiness), Kobayashi Toshimitsu (Spice Wolf 2, Fate/SN movie). art: Kawaai Shinji (Doraemon movies, Slayers Revolution).OP Sphere, ED Aso Natsuko.trailer. subs: Doki. forum.fri 02 apr 25:30Angel Beats!(jp: エンジェル ビーツ!)seinen romantic fighting fantasyVisual Arts/Key turn from KyoAni to PAWorks (true tears, Canaan) to make their next show. Written by Maeda Jun (AIR, Clannad, Kanon). Expect heart-rending emotional loss in the realms of life and death. Director Kishi Seiji has done comedy (Galaxy Angelune, Seto no Hanayome), but also directed Ragnarok.Supernatural school adventure set in an eerily normal-looking world after death, where the newly dead battle angels. The previews have some fairly starry battle scenes.Great names in the cast: Kamiya Hiroshi, Hanazawa Kana, Sawashiro Miyuki, Kimura Ryouhei, Kitamura Eri, Makino Yui, Katou Emiri, Kobayashi Yumiko, Asumi Kana. OP by Lia. Definitely worth a look.seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi, Sakurai Harumi, Hanazawa Kana, Kitamura Eri, Sawashiro Miyuki, Kimura Ryouhei, Makino Yui, Katou Emiri, Kobayashi Yumiko, Asumi Kana.director: Kishi Seiji (Ragnarok, Galaxy Angelune, Seto no Hanayome)writer: Maeda Jun (orig and adapt; AIR, Clannad and Kanon games).animation: PAWorks. chara-des: Hirata Katsuzo (Hand Maid May, Cosplay Complex); Na-Ga (orig., Key designer). animation supervisor: Hirata Katsuzo (Magical? Pokahn, five eps of Gurren Lagann).OP Lia, ED Tada Aoi.trailer 6. trailer 8. subs: I Eat Anime, Ryuumaru, Chihiro, Static-Subs, Mazui. 13eps. forum.fri 02 apr 26:00Jewelpet 2 --Tinkle(jp: ジュエルペット 新シリーズ)kids magic shoujo cute animalsThis marketing tie-in magical stuffed-animal show must have helped sell a lot of toys and games for Sanrio and Sega, since even with fairly poor TV ratings, the show is about to start a second 52-week season.A new director and new writer take over. Sasaki Nanako, who had no previous experience as a director, is replaced by Yamamoto Takashi, who did Final Approach and Nanatsuiro Drops. Writer Maekawa Jun (Wellber, Fresh Precure) is replaced by Shimada Michiru (Emily of New Moon, Shugo Chara). These look like changes for the better, especially on the writing side.Takamori Natsumi plays a new central heroine, and up-and-coming seiyuu Taketatsu Ayana joins the cast.seiyuus: Takamori Natsumi, Saitou Ayaka, Sawashirou Miyuki, Taketatsu Ayana, Hirano Aya, Shimizu Ai, Kataoka Azusa, Sasaki Nozomi, Fukuyama Jun.director: Yamamoto Takashi (Final Approach, Nanatsuiro Drops)writer: Shimada Michiru (Koi Suru Tenshi Angelique, Emily of New Moon, Nanatsuiro Drops, Shugo Chara, Before Green Gables).animation: Studio Comet. chara-des: Ibe Yukiko; Miyakawa Tomoko.trailer. forum.sat 03 apr 09:30SD Gundam Sangokuden Brave Battle Warriors(jp: SDガンダム三国伝 Brave Battle Warriors)robot fighting fantasyThe Romance of the Three Kingdoms with the heroes reimagined as gundams.Writer Urahata Tatsuhiko did Monster, Strawberry Panic, and Saki. Directed by the team of Mori Kunihiro (Shounen Onmyouji) and Suzuki Kenichi (Gundam Evolve).Starring Kaji Yuki as SD Gundam Liu Bei (Ryuu Bi).seiyuus: Kaji Yuuki, Yasumoto Hiroki, Katou Masayuki.director: Mori Kunihiro (Shounen Onmyouji), Suzuki Kenichi (Gundam Evolve)writer: Urahata Tatsuhiko (Monster, Strawberry Panic, Saki). Yatate Hajime (pseudonym for staff), Tomino Yoshiyuki (franchise creator).animation: Sunrise (planning).sat 03 apr 10:15Major 6(jp: メジャー 第6シリーズ)sports shounenPeople thought season five was the end, but no! Here comes another season of the highly successful baseball anime about a boy aspiring to follow in his father's footsteps and pitch in the major leagues. He got there at the end of season five. Now what?seiyuus: Morikubo Showtaro, Namikawa Daisuke, Ochiai Kouji, Morita Masakazu, Sasamoto Yuuko, Sakuya Shunsuke, Noda Junko.director: Fukushima Toshinori (Major 3-5)writer: Tsuchiya Michihiro (Kaikan Phrase, Major, Chiko, Cross Game). Mitsuda Takuya (orig).animation: Synergy SP.music: Nakagawa Koutarou (Planetes, Major 4-5, Cross Game).trailer. manga. subs: MinorJa Nai. 25eps. forum.sat 03 apr 18:00Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan(jp: 薄桜鬼)supernatural historical adventure Set in the early 1860s. Chizuru is the daughter of a Dutch-trained Japanese doctor who vanishes during a trip to Kyoto. Searching for him, she is attacked by a monster, but saved by members of the Shinsengumi rebels. Because she learns part of their secret, she is held by them and meets more and more of these mysterious men, who end up helping her search for her father and her true past.Directed for Studio Deen by Yamasaki Osamu (Toward the Terra, Itazura na Kiss). The first venture into anime of Otomate, the games-for-girls company. The 2008 PSP game is coming out this year on DS and PS3.Great cast includes Kuwashima Houko, Miki Shinichirou, Morikubo Showtaro, Toriumi Kousuke, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Usa Kouji, Ohkawa Tohru, et al.seiyuus: Kuwashima Houko, Miki Shinichirou, Morikubo Showtaro, Toriumi Kousuke, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Usa Kouji, Ohkawa Tohru.director: Yamasaki Osamu (Toward the Terra, Itazura na Kiss)writer: Otomate (original story).animation: Studio DEEN. chara-des: Nakajima Atsuko (Ranma, You're Under Arrest, Trinity Blood); Kazuki Yoko (orig).OP Yoshioka Aika, ED mao.subs: Kesenai. forum.sat 03 apr 24:30Metal Fight Beyblade ~Baku~(jp: メタルファイト ベイブレード)kids shounen comedy adventureSuccessful Sunday morning kids' comedy adventure show rolls over into a new season. No end in sight. The show is based on competitions involving fighting tops, which are sold in real life by Hasbro.Kanada Aki, Hino Satoshi, Katou Emiri, Shindou Kei, Koyasu Takehito.Director Sugishima Kunihisa directed Yu-Gi-Oh, so he knows eactly what to do with a show like this. Writer Hasegawa Kutsumi did Macademi Wasshoi!seiyuus: Hino Satoshi, Katou Emiri, Koyasu Takehito, Shindou Kei, Miyake Kenta, Kanada Aki.director: Sugishima Kunihisa (Yu-Gi-Oh!, Speed Grapher, Nabari no Ou)writer: Hasegawa Katsumi (Blue Gender, Final Approach, DCSS, Macademi Wasshoi!).chara-des: Nagamori Yoshihiro (Kirarin Revolution, Nijuumensou no Musume anidir).music: Neil Perfitt. OP Yu + Ki.trailer. subs: ZeroPositive & Yuurisan ?sun 04 apr 08:30Hime Chen! Otogi Chikku Idol Lilpri(jp: ひめチェン���おとぎちっくアイドル リルぷりっ)kids shoujo idolFrom a Sega arcade card game. Involves three girls who can change into idol princesses.OP S/mileage.sun 04 apr 09:00Giant Killing(jp: GIANT KILLING)seinen sports futbolThe first Association Football (i.e., soccer) anime I've seen. From a top-ten manga. Adapted by Kawase Toshifumi, the writer of Higurashi and Umineko. Directed by Kou Yuu, the director of Loveless.East Tokyo United is struggling in Japan's top division. The club is nearing the bottom of the table. Team morale is low, and fans are deserting.But in comes a new coach, a former star player who previously abandoned the club to coach in England. He wants to prove to his club and its fans that they can win against the top clubs in the nation.With a nice professional cast including Seki Tomokazu, Okiayu Ryoutarou, Mizushima Takahiro (Rollo in Code Geass), Ono Daisuke, and Asano Masami.Check out the manga. It's good. But there are rumors of conflict between the mangaka and the anime staff, so we shall see what we shall see.seiyuus: Seki Tomokazu, Mizushima Takahiro (Romeo, Rollo), Okiayu Ryoutarou, Ono Daisuke, Kawashima Tokuyoshi, Asano Masami.director: Kou Yuu (Chrono Crusade, Loveless, Zero no Tsukaima 2-3)writer: Kawase Toshifumi (Higurashi, Umineko). Tsujitomo (manga); Tsunamoto Masaya (concept).animation: Studio DEEN. chara-des: Kumatani Tetsuya. animation supervisor: Urasaki Nobumitsu (aniprod.; Umineko). art: Higashi Junichi (City Hunter, Cowboy Bebop, Sekirei).music: Mori Hideharu. OP The Cherry Cokes, ED G.P.S..manga. subs: Saizen, ray=out? 26eps. forum.sun 04 apr 09:25Romance of the Three Kingdoms(jp: 最強武将伝・三国演義)historical adventureChina-Japan co-production has already been shown on Chinese TV. It is a straight, faithful and quite good adaptation of the source, moving quickly through a full telling of the story. But there is an unnerving absence of blood, even in the wildest battles.The Japanese version was slated to come out last fall, but that never happened, and now it is going to be a Sunday morning show on TV Tokyo.seiyuus: Funakoshi Eiichirou, Ishii Masanori, Toda Naho, Tsurumi Shingo, Kaga Takeshi.animation: Beijing Glorious Animation x Future Planet.trailer. 52eps.sun 04 apr 09:30Working!!(jp: Working!!)moe absurd comedyThe comic strip is hilarious: set in a family restaurant in Hokkaido, with part-time teenage workers and a lazy 28-year-old manageress. Fukuyama Jun, Asumi Kana, the tiny voice of Fujita Saki, Watanabe Kumiko (who plays the lead in Keroro Gunso), Ono Daisuke, Kamiya Hiroshi…the list of good seiyuus goes on and on.The only question is the director/writer, Hiraike Yoshimasa. He did a decent job directing both Solty Rei and Sketchbook, but is he a writer who can adapt this four-panel comic well? We shall see. This could be a sleeper hit, if he can.The first episode is out as a preview. I loved it; some others hated it. Absurd humor with moe and slapstick added. The seiyuus are excellent. Fukuyama Jun at his best.seiyuus: Fukuyama Jun, Asumi Kana, Fujita Saki, Watanabe Kumiko (Keroro Gunsou), Ono Daisuke, Kamiya Hiroshi, Shiraishi Ryouko, Hikasa Youko, Itou Shizuka, Saitou Momoko.director: Hiraike Yoshimasa (Solty Rei, Sketchbook)writer: Hiraike Yoshimasa. Takatsu Karino (manga).animation: A-1 Pictures. chara-des: Adachi Shingo (Rockman.exe Beast+). animation supervisor: Adachi Shingo (Megaman Star Force). art: Tajiri Kenichi (Princess Tutu, Sketchbook, ARIA).music: MONACA, Inc.. OP Asumi Kana, Fujita Saki, Kitamura Eri. ED Fukuyama Jun, Ono Daisuke, Kamiya Hiroshi.trailer. manga. subs: Chihiro, Himatsubushi, SHiN-gx, Yuurisan/m.3.3.w. forum.sun 04 apr 23:00Arakawa Under the Bridge(jp: 荒川アンダー ザ ブリッジ)seinen romantic comedyA young man who is heir to a large company follows his family's policy of not being in debt to anyone. But he is rescued by a beautiful homeless girl who lives under a bridge over the Arakawa River, and believes she is a Venusian. Not wanting to be in debt to her, he ends up agreeing to become her boyfriend and live with her under the bridge, among the weirdos.Shinbou strikes again. Stars the fascinating combination of Kamiya Hiroshi and Sakamoto Maaya. They are supported by a bevy of voice stars: Sugita Tomokazu, Koyasu Takehito, Fujiwara Keiji, Saitou Chiwa, Sawashiro Miyuki, Sanpei Yuuko, Koyama Rikiya, Tanaka Rie, et al.Lead writer Akao Deko wrote Natsu no Arashi 2. She had a career as a singer in the 1990s, as Mieno Hitomi.seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi, Sakamoto Maaya, Sugita Tomokazu, Koyasu Takehito, Fujiwara Keiji, Saitou Chiwa, Sawashiro Miyuki, Omigawa Chiaki (Maka/Soul Eater, Jun/Natsu no Arashi), Shintani Ryouko, Sanpei Yuuko, Koyama Rikiya, Chou, Tanaka Rie.director: Shinbou Akiyuki; series dir Miyamoto Yukihirowriter: Akao Deko (singer Mieno Hitomi; wrote Natsu no Arashi2). Nakamura Hikaru (manga).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Sugiyama Nobuhiro (ef). animation supervisor: Sugiyama Nobuhiro (ef assistant). art: Azuma Kohji.music: Yokoyama Masaru (KimiKiss, Queen's Blade 2). OP Etsuko Yakushimaru, ED Suneohair.trailer. manga. subs: Kesenai, Formula, Yuurisan? forum.sun 04 apr 25:35KissXSis (2010)(jp: キス×シス (2010))ecchi harem incest comedyThe popularity of the extremely ecchi and quite well-made OVA series has spawned a full TV series.Keita, a third-year junior-high student, is studying for his high school entrance exams. His slightly older twin unrelated stepsisters, Ako and Riko, love him and lust after him and compete for his affection. After initial resistance, Keita begins to become attracted to them, and much ensues.Director Nawa Munenori did Otoboku and Nogizaka Haruka. Manga-writer Ditama Bow did Mahoromatic and Juuden-chan. Anime-writer Hasegawa Katsumi did Final Approach and Otoboku. You get the picture.Listen for Taketatsu Ayana, who plays Ako, and is Azusa in K-On.seiyuus: Taketatsu Ayana (Azusa/K-On), Tatsumi Yuiko, Takeuchi Ken, Nagata Yoriko, Imai Asami, Okame Asuka.director: Nawa Munenori (Otoboku, Nogizaka Haruka)writer: Ditama Bow (manga; also Mahoromatic, Fight Ippatsu Juuden-chan). Hasegawa Katsumi (Final Approach, Otoboku).animation: Feel (DaCapo2, Futakoi Alternative, Otoboku). chara-des: Shitaya Tomoyuki (Night Wizard, Hatsukoi Limited; Railgun chief anidir). animation supervisor: Suzuki Gou (Kanamemo); Tatsuta Shinichi (Kanamemo). art: Kosakabe Naoko.music: Ueki Mizuki. OP Taketatsu Ayana/Tatsumi Yuiko, ED Ogura Yui + Ishihara Kaori.subs: Ayako, Doki, Ryuumaru, Hatsuyuki. 13 eps. forum.mon 05 apr 23:30Senkou no Night Raid(jp: 閃光のナイトレイド)historical action dramaSet in Shanghai in 1931. The story involves a secret Japanese spy organization preparing for Japan's invasion of China. The second offering in the new Anime no Chikara time slot, following Sora no Woto.The director of Persona Trinity Soul and the writer of The Third and Innocent Venus. I liked The Third a lot.I'm a bit worried about how this Japanese staff will portray the situation in China. But I'm eager to find out and enjoy the show if I can.The presence of Namikawa Daisuke and Yoshino Hiroyuki make me think this show, despite some violence, will have a gentle side.Canadian (quebecoise) singer Himeka gets another ED. Music by well-known violinist/composer Hakase Tarou (Space Symphony Maetel; many TV themes; accompanies Celine Dion on To Love You More).seiyuus: Namikawa Daisuke, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Hoshino Takanori, Ikuta Yoshiko.director: Matsumoto Jun (Persona Trinity Soul)writer: Onishi Shinsuke (The Third, Innocent Venus).animation: A-1 Pictures. chara-des: Sasaki Keigo (anidir eps of Basara) ; Kamijyou Akamine (mangaka Samurai Deeper Kyo). art: Kanehira Kazushige (art setting; Noein, Ryoko, FMA2).music: Hakase Tarou (Space Symphony Maetel; huge musical figure in Japan). OP Mucc, ED Himeka.trailer. subs: Kaze no Koe, Phuzy. forum.mon 05 apr 25:30Mayoi Neko Overrun!(jp: 迷い猫オーバーラン���)seinen haremThe protagonist is a boy who lives with his older unrelated sister. She manages a run-down patisserie called Stray Cats. One day, she picks up a mysterious beautiful girl off the streets. (Anidb)The preview shows some nice backgrounds, and the cast looks good, from stars Itou Kanae, Iguchi Yuka, Taketatsu Ayana, and Okamoto Nobuhiko to a supporting cast including Hocchan and Yukarin, as well as Satou Rina, Arai Satomi, and Yoshino Hiroyuki.No main director. Novelist Matsu Tomohiro is the lead writer.seiyuus: Itou Kanae, Iguchi Yuka, Taketatsu Ayana, Satou Satomi, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Horie Yui, Tamura Yukari, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Majima Junji, Satou Rina, Arai Satomi.writer: Matsu Tomohiro (novel, lead writer). Kimura Noboru (work on Phantom, DokiDoki School Hours, Amenaideyo, etc.).animation: AIC (Pumpkin Scissors, Sasameki Koto). chara-des: Peco (orig), Nakamoto Naoko (Shrine of Morning Mist).OPED Itou Kanae, Iguchi Yuka, Taketatsu Ayana..trailer. subs: Doki, Nekomimi. 12eps. forum.tue 06 apr 23:00Rainbow -- Nisha Rokubou no Shichijin(jp: RAINBOW 二舎六房の七人)seinen drama"The seven in block 2, room 6." From an acclaimed manga about six junior delinquents and their mentor at the Shounan Special Reform School, near Tokyo, in 1955.The story follows the boys' lives during their time in the school andin the years after they get out. The manga won the Shogakukan Manga Award in 2006 and has sold over 30 million copies through its first 21 volumes.Koujina Hiroshi (Kiba, Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro) directs for Madhouse. Takayashiki Hideo (Akagi, Kaiji, Maison Ikkoku) is lead writer, and Kikuchi Ai (animation director on Kiba, Nougami Neuro) does character design.Actor Oguri Shun (Gokusen, Hana Yori Dango [2005], Crows Zero, FMA Shamballa movie) will voice his first starring role in a TV anime series. Film and TV actress Kanjiya Shihori co-stars. With Koyama Rikiya, Fujiwara Keiji, Paku Romi, Kuroda Takaya, Hayashibara Megumi and others. Could be the real deal.seiyuus: Oguri Shun (TV/film actor), Kanjiya Shihori (TV/film actress), Koyama Rikiya, Waki Tomohiro, Fujiwara Keiji, Paku Romi, Kuroda Takaya, Hasome Tatsuya (TV/film/anime), Hashi Takaya, Hayashibara Megumi.director: Koujina Hiroshi (Grenadier, Kiba)writer: Takayashiki Hideo (Maison Ikkoku, Akagi, Kaiji, One Outs, Rideback). George Abe (manga story), Kakizaki Masasumi (manga art).animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Kikuchi Ai (Kiba anidir). animation supervisor: Kikuchi Ai (Kiba), (Grenadier, Nougami Neuro). art: Shimiu Tomoyuki (Top Secret, NANA, Aoi Bungaku 1-4).manga. subs: Saizen. forum.tue 06 apr 24:59K-On!!(jp: けいおん������)moe slice-of-life comedyA second series of the smash-hit moe slice-of-life comedy. The same cast and staff return.Since the first season aired last spring, many of the five lead seiyuus have had plenty of new work. Toyosaki Aki, in particular, has become a moe star, with leading roles in Kanamemo, Railgun, and Seikon no Qwesar, and a "best new seiyuu" award.But Kotobuki Minako (Umi Monogatari), Taketatsu Ayana (Yumeiro Patissiere, Baka to Test), Satou Satomi (Kiruminzuu), and Hikasa Youko (Chu-bra, Seikon no Qwesar) have also had their careers energized. Reminds me of what Suzumiya Haruhi did for its cast.I lost interest in the original series about halfway through, but it certainly hit the right notes for a huge number of fans.seiyuus: Toyosaki Aki, Hikasa Youko, Satou Satomi, Kotobuki Minako, Taketatsu Ayana, Sanada Asami, Yonezawa Madoka, Fujitou Chika.director: Yamada Naokowriter: Yoshida Reiko. kakifly (manga).animation: Kyoto Animation. chara-des: Horiguchi Yukiko. art: Tamura Seiki.OPED seiyuus.trailer. manga. subs: Frostii, Chihiro, CoalGuys. 13?eps. forum.tue 06 apr 25:25Uragiri wa Boku no Namae o Shitteiru(jp: 裏切りは僕の名前を知っている)bishounen yaoi fantasyThe title means: "Betrayal Knows My Name."Sakurai Yuki is a mysterious boy with a mysterious ability. He was found in the bushes as a baby and adopted by his current family. Because of this, Yuki strives for independence. The last thing he wants is to be a burden to anybody. Furthermore, when he touches others, he can feel their emotions. Unable to control his ability, he often makes insensitive blunders. With death threats and his abilities increasing, what will happen when a man claiming to be his older brother appears? (manga description from mangafox)"Uraboku" features an absolutely amazing cast of male seiyuus -- Houshi Souichirou, Sakurai Takahiro, Fukuyama Jun, Ono Daisuke, Miyano Mamoru, Kamiya Hiroshi, Hino Satoshi, Miki Shinichirou, Koyasu Takehito, Ishida Akira -- with some pretty darn good female seiyuus thrown in: Inoue Marina, Yahagi Sayuri, Yukana.Director Sakurabi Katsushi did Tsukihime and Asatte no Houkou. Writer Takahashi Natsuko did Gakuen Heaven, Blue Drop, and Tokyo Magnitude 8.The manga runs in Asuka monthly, which has published manga such as Neo Angelique Abyss, Trinity Blood, Saiunkoku Monogatari, Shounen Onmyouji, and Kyo Kara Maoh. The yaoi aspects are real, but apparently more implied than up-front.Story, cast, and staff will have me right there for this one.seiyuus: Houshi Souichirou, Sakurai Takahiro, Inoue Marina, Fukuyama Jun, Ono Daisuke, Miyano Mamoru, Kamiya Hiroshi, Hino Satoshi, Miki Shinichirou, Narita Ken, Yahagi Sayuri, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Yukana, Koyasu Takehito, Ishida Akira.director: Sakurabi Katsushi (Tsukihime, Asatte no Houkou)writer: Takahashi Natsuko (Gakuen Heaven, Blue Drop, Tokyo Magnitude 8). Odagiri Hotaru (manga).animation: JCStaff. chara-des: Matsuura Mai (key animator), Nakayama Yumi. animation supervisor: Nakayama Yumi (Ai yori Aoshi, Karin). art: Kakoi Hirotsugu (07Ghost, Hatsukoi Limited).music: Kaida Shougo.manga. subs: Yuurisan. forum.sun 11 apr 24:00Sarai-ya Goyou(jp: さらい屋五葉)seinen samurai comedy/dramaAkitsu Masanosuke is a timid ronin on his way to Edo from the countryside when he accidentally encounters a playboy named Yaichi, who asks him to be his bodyguard. But it turns out that Yaichi is actually the leader of a group of bandits called the "Five Leaves," and he's hoping that Masanosuke will join them. Masanosuke is reluctant to help them, but as he grows closer to his eccentric new companions, he learns to relate to them and grow as a person in the process. (ANN)The second weekly anime in an expanded noitaminA timeslot this season, along with Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei.I'm a big fan of director/writer Mochizuki Tomomi (YKK, Zettai Shounen, wrote Touka Gettan and storyboarded Yami to Boushi to Hon). He once again works with a solid cast: Namikawa Daisuke, Sakurai Takahiro, Oura Fuyuka, Uchida Yuya (Nijuumensou), and Takatsuka Masaya (Blue Dragon).seiyuus: Namikawa Daisuke, Sakurai Takahiro, Oura Fuyuka, Takatsuka Masaya (Blue Dragon), Uchida Yuya.director: Mochizuki Tomomi (YYK, Zettai Shounen, Touka Gettan)writer: Mochizuki Tomomi (YYK, Touka Gettan). Ono Natsume (manga).animation: Manglobe. chara-des: Nakazawa Kazuto (Starship Girl, Ashita no Najda, Samurai Champloo). animation supervisor: Yamashita Yoshimitsu (Madlax, Bleach, Requiem for Phantom). art: Watanabe Michie (Nagasareta Airandou, Sacred Blacksmith).music: Kondou Yukio (Elfen Lied, I"s Pure); Konishi Kayo (Elfen Lied, I"s Pure). OP immi, ED Rake.trailer. subs: Yuurisan? 12 eps. forum.thu 15 apr 25:15Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei(jp: 四畳半神話大系)seinen comedy dramaKyoto University reminiscences. "Collected Myths of a Four-and-a-Half-Mat Room."Yuasa Makaaki (Kaiba, Kemonozume) tries his unique style on a new kind of story. The undependable Ueda Makoto (School Days, Katanagatari) adapts the novel.Sakamoto Maaya heads a fine cast. OP by Asian Kung-fu Generation.One of two noitaminA shows this season, along with Sarai-ya Goyou, which airs immediately after it on Thursday nights.seiyuus: Sakamoto Maaya, Asanuma Shintarou, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Suwabe Junichi, Fujiwara Keiji, Kaida Yuuko.director: Yuasa Masaaki (Kemonozume, Kaiba)writer: Ueda Makoto. Morimi Tomihiko (novel).animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Nakamura Yuusuke (orig).OP Asian Kung-fu Generation, ED Junji Ishiwatari & Yoshinori Sunahara + Etsuko Yakushimaru.trailer. subs: Frostii. 11eps. forum.thu 22 apr 24:45xxxHOLIC - Rou(jp: xxxHOLiC・籠)fantasy magic seinenMore xxxHOLIC for lovers of the previous series and OVAs. Ohara Sayaka and Fukuyama Jun are a great start for the cast. CLAMP and Production IG. Director Mizushima Tsutomu also did Kujibiki Unbalance, Ookiku Furikabutte, and Dai Mahou Touge.Issued with a special edition of volume 17 of the manga. ED by the wonderful Suga Shikao.seiyuus: Ohara Sayaka, Fukuyama Jun, Nakai Kazuya, Itou Shizuka, Kikuchi Mika.director: Mizushima Tsutomu (Kujibiki, Ookiku, Dai Mahou Touge)writer: Ohkawa Nanase (CCS).animation: Production IG. chara-des: Kise Kazuchika (GITS movies, Evangelion 1.0).ED Suga Shikao.trailer. manga. OVA. 1eps.fri 23 aprWinter Sonata (Japanese voices)(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 did the voices for the Korean version.Get out your handkerchiefs. Mine has had a good workout through 18 episodes of the Korean version (Japanese subbed). Although I can't claim this is a great anime. It's all in the story.The final scene will be live-action. Thirty Japanese fans (all middle-aged women) were injured when a platform collapsed after they had watched the filming, at a Korean resort.No firm date yet announced for the Japanese-dubbed version to start. Just "April 2010."director: Yoon Suk-howriter: Kim Hyon-wan.animation: G&G Entertainment×JM Animation. chara-des: Nakayama Daisuke (draft; studio realthing, ex-Studio 4°C).trailer. 26eps. forum.aprilMahou Sensei Negima! - Another World(jp: 魔法先生ネギま������もうひとつの世界��� 第���話)magic moe comedyThird episode of a four-episode OVA covering the Mahou Sekai story arc. Shinbou is back to direct, and mangaka Akamatsu Ken writes this series as he did the previous OVA series. Also back from the previous OVA series is animator/character designer Jitsuhara Noboru.seiyuus: Satou Rina, Shiratori Yuri, Kimura Madoka, Sasagawa Ayana, Kuwatani Natsuko, Yamakawa Kotomi, Asakura Azumi, Itou Shizuka, Kanda Akemi, Bandou Ai.director: Akiyuki Shinbouwriter: Akamatsu Ken. Akamatsu Ken (manga).animation: Studio Pastorale, Shaft. chara-des: Jitsuhara Noboru. animation supervisor: Jitsuhara Noboru.OP Satou Rina, Akemi Kanda, Nonaka Ai, Kobayashi Yu,.manga. OVA. 3/4eps. forum.mon 17 maykissxsis OVA episode 3(jp: kiss×sis 第3話)ecchi harem incest comedyDVD comes with volume 6 of the extremely ecchi manga, about a high-school boy whose two older sisters are constantly trying to get into his pants. A full TV series begins in April.This episode is called ep3, but is actually the fourth in the series, since there was an episode zero.seiyuus: Takeuchi Ken, Taketatsu Ayana, Tatsumi Yuiko.director: Nawa Munenoriwriter: Ditama Bow (Mahoromatic, mangaka).animation: feel. chara-des: Shitaya Tomoyuki (Night Wizard), Masuda, Kuniaki. animation supervisor: Masuda, Kuniaki (Kanamemo). art: Kosakabe Naoko (Mahoromatic, Nyan Koi).OP Takahashi Nana, ED Tatsumi Yuiko.subs: Ayako. OVA. 4/4eps. forum.fri 04 junUtawarerumono OVA episode 3(jp: OVA うたわれるもの 第3巻)seinen fantasy adventureThe OVA is based on the popular fantasy adventure game and anime series, but with all new staff and studio. First-time director Katsura Kenichirou did character design on Comic Party Revolution and wrote some of DC Da Capo.The outstanding cast is back, however: Koyama Rikiya, Yuzuki Ryouka (Yuki-nee in Candy Boy), Sawashiro Miyuki, Ohara Sayaka, Nakahara Mai, Kugimiya Rie, Tanaka Atsuko.Fans of the TV series are divided on the OVA. Many feel there is a bit too much fanservice. Some feel the characters' personalities have changed.seiyuus: Koyama Rikiya, Yuzuki Ryouka, Sawashiro Miyuki, Ohara Sayaka, Nakahara Mai, Kugimiya Rie, Tanaka Atsuko, Watanabe Akeno.director: Katsura Kenichirouwriter: Kouno Takamitsu.animation: Chaos Project/Aquaplus. chara-des: Katsura Kenichirou, Amazuyu Tatsuki (orig).OP Suara, ED Uehara Rena.trailer. OVA. 3/3eps. forum.wed 23 junAi no Kusabi(jp: 間の楔)yaoi erotica romanceIntriguing 13-episode OVA remake of the 1990s yaoi sci-fi OVA, from a famous series of yaoi novels. "Heavy story, action, and a twisted relationship," to quote "cheesie"on AnimeSuki. Even if you don’t normally like yaoi, it sounds as if this is a show to check out.On planet Amoi, a great computerized city is ruled by supercomputer Jupiter. The populace is almost entirely male and status is based on hair color: silvers and blondes are the elite, and black-hairs are the dregs of society, often known as "mongrels".Blondes keep young boys as "pets" for a few years, especially for performing sexual acts for the Blondes' voyeuristic pleasure. Blondes aren't suppose to keep pets for long or interact sexually with them, but one blonde named Iason Mink has kept a pet named Rikki for years and is rumored to sleep with him.Iason refuses to let go of Rikki, even with Jupiter's disapproval. Rikki fights with his emotions and society's problems, unable to decide what to do about his old friend/lover Gai (Guy) and their gang. Iason is obsessed with keeping Rikki, and Rikki doesn't know what to do: fight against him or surrender to him. (ANN)Director Akiyama Katsuhito did Pumpkin Scissors and Inazuma Eleven. Yoshihara Reiko does the anime adaptation of her own novel. Conceptual art by one of the designers of Appleseed and Blue Drop. The preview looks great.No date yet, just "spring 2010" -- and that used to be "fall 2009."An event scheduled for 22 March was cancelled a couple of weeks from the date. Looks bad.seiyuus: Itou Kentarou, Ohkawa Tooru, Miki Shinichirou, Toriumi Kousuke (Raven/Pandora).director: Akiyama Katsuhito (Pumpkin Scissors, Inazuma 11)writer: Yoshihara Rieko (orig. novelist and lead writer).animation: AIC. chara-des: Onda Naoyuki (LoGH, Ergo Proxy).trailer. OVA. 1/13eps. forum.conceptual art: Takeuchi Atsushi (I.G. - Appleseed, Blue Drop)Black Rock Shooter(jp: BLACK★ROCK SHOOTER)The first independent animation project by Yamamoto Yutaka's ordet studio.But this is not directed by Yamakan himself, who passes the job to fellow-KyoAni refugee Yoshioka Shinobu and retains the title of "supervising editor," as Shinbou sometimes does.Music by suddenly famous amateur ryo, who wrote the Bakemonogatari ED, and performed in it as part of supercell.No date yet, just "spring 2010." Further announcements scheduled for 24 March.director: Yoshioka Shinobu (eps of Haruhi, Kanon, Lucky Star, Kannagi)writer: huke (orig).animation: Ordet. chara-des: Matsui Yuusuke.music: ryo.trailer. OVA. forum.supervising editor: Yamamoto YutakaD.C. ~Da Capo~ Ekusute(jp: D.C.���ダ・カーポ��� エクステ)magic romance haremThe fifth Da Capo anime series. Rumor has it that it will be a magical girl anime featuring Sakura, but there is no official info yet. That makes it seem less and less likely it will start this spring, as proposed.writer: CIRCUS (orig.).animation: chara-des: Fujioka Maki.subs: SGKK Fansubs and RocketGang?, Doki. forum.
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Hosts: Evan "Vampt Vo" Minto, Mitchell "MitchyD" Dyer, "Knuckles Dawson" Topic: What'cha Been Doing? This just might be the silliest, most off-topic episode of the Ani-Gamers Podcast, as Mitchy and I discuss anime and video games (mostly the latter) with gaming journalist Knuckles Dawson. Just when you thought our discussion of the dubs for Dragonball Z and presence of robot dragons in Escaflowne couldn't get any more sidetracked, we include gems like an in-depth analysis of our favorite flavors of egg nog. So listen away ... at your own risk. It's also worth noting that, this time, I attempted to bleep out Mitchy's uses of the F-bomb, though I just gave up when it came to censoring "shit." Hopefully this will keep Apple secret agents from busting down my doors and arresting me for not putting an Explicit tag on our podcast. (P.S. The picture on the right is a Photoshop of Mitchy, made by some jerks on a forum who think that he is the worst video game journalist on the face of the planet. The maturity of their critique is easily apparent.) Show notes and links after the break. DIRECT DOWNLOAD - RSS Feed - iTunes - Send us Feedback! - More episodes <object align="middle" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=7,0,0,0" height="30" id="pcpp" width="170"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain"><param name="movie" value="http://www.podcastpickle.com/media/podPlayer/pcppSmall.swf?URI=http://anigamers.podbean.com/mf/web/kpb6m/AGP027-Sucks_OrIsSpectacular_.mp3&amp;instantLoad=0"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><embed adblockframename="adblock-frame-n25" adblockframedobject2="true" adblockframedobject="true" src="http://www.podcastpickle.com/media/podPlayer/pcppSmall.swf?URI=http://anigamers.podbean.com/mf/web/kpb6m/AGP027-Sucks_OrIsSpectacular_.mp3&amp;instantLoad=0" quality="high" bgcolor="#f0fafc" name="pcpp" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="30" width="170"></embed></object> (Runtime: 48 minutes) [00:00] Intro: Why can't we just do a clap like normal people? [00:26] Opening Song: "Opening Theme" by Tsuneo Imahori (Trigun OP) [00:44] Barad-dur in "eye-definition." We personally apologize for this terrible pun. Also it was Knuckles' fault. [02:04] Evan talks about Tezuka month, forgetting to mention that he's speaking from the perspective of a week and a half ago. Whoops. [03:00] Knuckles discusses his limited experience with anime, which includes Noboru Ishiguro's 1980 Astro Boy remake (the color one), some Dragonball manga, the Dragonball Z anime, Escaflowne, and Appleseed. [09:47] Evan is watching Zeta Gundam. Knuckles cites some limited Gundam experience, which probably means he's talking about Wing. [12:45] Evan is watching Code Geass, but Knuckles and Mitchy are too busy chatting on Skype text chat to pay any attention to him. At around 14:00, Knuckles brings up "Over 9000" and the Dragon Box release from FUNimation. [20:43] Evan is watching Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu, which he hates very much. [21:34] Mitchy is playing Battlefield: Bad Company 2. [35:42] Knuckles is going back to get the multiplayer achievemnts for Lord of the Rings: Conquest. [36:28] Knuckles is also playing the Bioshock 2 multiplayer. Most important fact: "Capture the Sister" mode. [41:48] Knuckles is going back to play Beautiful Katamari. Meanwhile, Evan has Super Star Wars and Super Empire Strikes Back on SNES lying around, and he's hoping to get down to playing them soon. [43:57] Knuckles is playing Borderlands. [46:22] In trying to talk about Heavy Rain, Mitchy ends up describing the "ApocalyPS3" that screwed up a bunch of people's PS3 data on March 1. [49:17] Heavy Rain is kind of like Egg Nog. We talk about this for two minutes or so. Professionalism! [50:53] Finally, Evan finished Mass Effect and is looking forward to playing Mass Effect 2. (He ended up buying it not long after this episode [51:25] Outro time. Check out AchievementHunter.com, read Mitchy's Battlefield: Bad Company 2 review on GamePro, and follow us on Twitter (Mitchy, Evan, Knuckles, Ani-Gamers). [48:03] Ending Song: "WORLD END Instrumental" by FLOW (Code Geass R2 2nd OP) Post a Comment!
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Nogizaka's manga and anime hobbie is still protected by her dear friend Yuuto, now the problem begans when Yuuto's other female friend start to feel affection and attraction towards him so the feelings war is starting among the friends circle while Yuuto tries to make Haruka happy making what she likes the most, drawing manga or watching anime and attend to special anime events and so.Well, second season of Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu, now entitled Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza. What to say as opposed to its prequel? Well, like the first, I found this enjoyable, but not memorable compared to some. As a side note, why do all sequels of this type of genre end up with more fanservice? Anyways, not that I didn't really welcome it, but meh.Anyways, new characters are introduced and the whole Shiina x Yuuto pairing end up being a bit more develop. I do stress the word, bit, though. The new maid, Alice, doesn't really get much development and we don't really know much aside from her freakish strength. Haruka, still her naive self, ends up being a bit more bold. Once again, I do stress the word bit. Yuuto, on the other hand, is the more bold as compared to his prequel version. Mostly starting anything that can further his relationship with the cute otaku, but as usual, ends up being interrupted by Kami knows what. Nobunaga apparently knows about Yuuto and Haruka's outings, but is not develop. Seriously, that would have been nice since it can actually develop on the whole 'himitsu' part of the title.Speaking of title, I swear, the whole secret does not stay secret since their isn't really anything that jeopardizes the whole secret! Her parents know of it, they is no more of the whole 'my life is over if they find out I am an otaku', and even if someone did find out, it seems that they won't even develop on it. I mean, Nobunaga is quite an example, since I think he knows about her secret. Anyways, they could have done so much better if they concentrated on the whole secret thing, or at least put in a bit more effort in it.Continuing on, this season, we get the usual hot spring episode and the good old Christmas and Happy New Years to booth. Furthermore, Mika ends up wanting Yuuto too. Surprise, surprise? Well, not really. Can't really say much more except comment on the fact that the titles are rather damn misleading and so many scenes where the maids, Mika and Gentou ends up listening on is quite misleading. Seriously, what would you think if you heard a girl on the other side saying 'It's my first time' and later moans or does some weird sound? Your guess is as good as mine. Do enjoy the gallery below! And like again, if you want some fanservice and go ahead and watch it, the relationship development is pretty decent paced, but I think it should be more detailed... among other things...View the Rest
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