Summary The chapter begins by showing the deadly lightning in the skies. Those thunder clouds were created by Sasuke when he shot his fire attacks at the skies. Sasuke then told Itachi that this attack’s power source was from heaven itself, and all he had to do is to guide it straight through his skull. Sasuke named [...]
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It’s obvious as the title says, next week will finally be the conclusion for the Uchiha battle, or won’t it? Predictions: I looked up Wikipedia and checked out what Susano meant but the closest I could find was ‘Susanoo‘ so I’m guessing it’s the same thing. It probably is because Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi is also [...]
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The second Tsukuyomi ending animation is beautiful. I need to get to re-watching that series… … but I’m too busy watching trash.
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Went out to the CD/Game Exchange today to trade in some stuff. Four shitty Weezer CDs (from when I used to listen to shitty music), an Invader Zim DVD (Jhonen Vasquez is for silly teenagers) and Tsukuyomi -Moon Phase- volume 2 (I had two of them.) I felt a bit ripped since all I got [...]
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On the brink of a new season, here is a look at the new shows, concentrating on staff and cast. The shows I'm looking forward to? As usual, it's hard to tell which shows will work for me, but I'm looking at Code E, Doujin Work, Kenko Zenrakei Suieibu Umisho, Moetan, Mononoke, Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei, Tetsuko no Tabi, and Zombie Loan, for various reasons.Zetsubo Sensei is by Shinbou Akiyuki, who directed PaniPoni Dash and Negima!? The director of Kenko Zenrakei, Soutome Kouichirou, was involved in directing Bokura ga Ita and did episodes of Mushishi. I hope Nishimori Akira, who directed Hitohira and PetoPeto-san, will infuse the rather different Zombie Loan with his trademark emotional delicacy. Code E has the participation of some staff people from Simoun.Titles of shows of special interest to me are in red. Click pictures to enlarge.Baccano! バッ カーノ！ A large cast of alchemists, Mafia, lunatics, immortals and terrorists seeks a long-lost elixir of immortality in 1930s America. Based on a popular light novel. By the director of Jigoku Shoujo (Omori Takahiko) and the writer of Koi Kaze (Takagi Noboru). Starring Yoshino Hiroyuki (Zed in Kiba), Aoki Sayaka (Sia in Shuffle), with Kobayashi Sanae, Kobayashi Yuu, Gotou Saori, Itou Miki and 0thers. Preview. Brains Base. Starts jul26, thu 24:30.Code E. A transfer student has an uncontrolled ability to disrupt electrical equipment. A boy in her class wants to study her, and a relationship develops. But outside forces are also interested... Director Toshiyuki Kato did Full Moon wo Sagashite and some episodes of Simoun. The director of Simoun, Nishimura Junji, directs some eps of this. The Simoun connections definitely get my attention. I'll be watching episode one.This appears to be the first named role for the star, Hashimoto Mai. She has a blog, with pictures. Nazuka Kaori (Yun in Simoun) and Halko Momoi are also in the cast. Studio DEEN. 12 episodes. Starts jul03, tue 26:43.Devil May Cry. Based on a PS2 game, with a cool lead and lots of fighting. Not my thing. With Morikawa Toshiyuki (Takumi in NANA, Chan in Black Lagoon), Tanaka Atsuko (Kusanagi Motoko in GITS), Orikasa Fumiko, Fukuen Misato (Eve in Black Cat), Ohtsuka Akio (Black Jack). Directed by Itagaki Shin (Black Cat). The first ep was quite bloody. Madhouse. 12 episodes. Started jun14, thu 23:00.Doujin Work ドージンワーク. Based on a 4-koma comic by the well-known doujin mangaka Hiroyuki. The story follows a girl who is a newcomer to the doujin (independent comic) scene.Director Yatani Kenichi did the funny and workmanlike Renkin 3-kyuu Magical? Pokahn. Stars Asano Masumi (Manatsu in Uta~Kata, Mariya in Otome wa Boku ni Koi Shiteru) and Saitou Momoko (Choco in Chokotto Sister, Solty in Solty Rei). I'll be giving this one a shot. Animation by REMIC (Renkin 3-kyuu Magical? Pokahn). Starts jul03, tue 25:30.Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai ひぐらしのなく頃に解. Second series of the mysterious, bloody, and well produced anime. More stories from the dangerous world of Oyashiro-sama. Houshi Souichirou, Nakahara Mai, Tamura Yukari, Horie Yui, Kanai Mika (Misato in NANA). Directed by Kon Chiaki, with the same staff as Higurashi 1. Studio Deen. Starts jul06, fri 26:30.Kenko Zenrakei Suieibu Umisho ケンコー全裸系水泳部 ウミショー. Okimura Kaname joins his school's swimming club in order to learn how to swim. The club is filled with weirdos, but a sunny, happy-go-lucky girl named Ninagawa Amuro , a transfer-student from Okinawa, joins up. Her extraordinary underwater speed and unorthodox swimming style -- and the fact that she likes to swim nude -- rocks the club. She reminds Okimura of a mermaid-like creature he saw once in his early childhood... Based on a shounen manga by Hattori Mitsuru.Directed by Soutome Kouichirou, who was the general director of Bokura ga Ita and directed some eps of Mushishi. This one intrigues me. Add the facts that the lead writer, Ikeda Mamiko, wrote Emma2, and that animation is by Artland and the animator of Now and Then, Here and There, and this could be a sleeper. Starts jul03, tue 26:00.Moetan もえたん. Who would ever have expected the Moetan books -- bizarre Engrish-language textbooks using loli-moe characters -- ever to be animated? But add the director of Hayate and Getsumen to Heiki Mina, and seiyuu Tamura Yukari, Kaori Nazuka and Ueda Yuuji (Morita in Honey & Clover) and this could be interesting. Animation by Actus. Starts jul08, sun 25:30.Mononoke モノノ怪. Noitamina show for the summer, a sequel to the Bakaneko chapters of Japanese traditional horror animation Ayakashi Ayashi.The staff -- including director Nakamura Kenji and animator Hashimoto Takashi -- is a carry-over from the beautifully animated Bakaneko, which tells of a medicine seller who kills monsters after first discovering the tragedies that gave rise to them. Scriptwriter Chiaki J. Konaka is also involved. He was the lead writer on Lain, Air Gear, and Texhnolyze, and did several episodes each of Rahxephon and Princess Tutu. The only cast member so far announced is Sakurai Takahiro (Suzaku in Code Geass). Toei. 12 episodes. Starts jul12, thu 24:45.Mushiuta ムシウタ. These mushi are insect-like creatures that eat people's dreams, sometimes giving their host great powers, but eventually killing the host when all his or her dreams are consumed. Our protagonists are mushi hosts, mushi investigators, or just people who love someone who is host of a mushi.With Hanazawa Kana (Ryouko in Zegapain), Nabatame Hitomi (Arcueid in Tsukihime), Asanuma Shintarou (Kyo in Zegapain), Takagi Reiko (Hino in Corda d'Oro). Written by Yoshida Reiko (Marimite, KGnE, RomeoxJuliet, etc.). Music by Fujita Junpei of Elements Garden. Previews. Beat Frog. 12 episodes. Starts jul05, thu 24:00.Nanatsuiro Drops ななついろ★ドロップス. Super-cute show about Haru, a shy and clumsy boy who accidentally drinks a potion that turns him into a little stuffed sheep at night. A moe magical girl comes to his aid as he seeks the magic potion that will keep him human. With character designs by Noizi Itou (Shana, Haruhi), written by the writer of Emily of New Moon, Shimada Michiru, and directed by the director of Final Approach, Yamamoto Takashi.Starring the young seiyuu who played Jun in Happiness, Yuimoto Michiru, and Nojima Hirofumi, who is Shuga in Seirei no Moribito. The incredible cuteness of it all may or may not be enough. Studio Barcelona. Starts jul02, mon 25:40.Potemayo ぽてまよ. The magical little creature Potemayo, with her black nekomimi (cat ears) appears from protagonist Moriyama Sunao's refrigerator one day. She becomes a favorite of all the kids at school. Then her rival creature Guchuko emerges from the fridge... Interesting cast, including Hanamura Kana (Ryouko in Zegapain), Tsuji Ayumi (Rose in Red Garden), Kitamura Eri (Makoto in Touka Gettan), Kawasumi Ayako, Kugimiya Rie, and Inoue Kikuko. But the director, Ikehata Takashi did Daphne in the Brilliant Blue and Tsuyokiss, so I'm worried. JC Staff. Starts jul06, fri 25:30.Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei さよなら絶望先生. It appears that prime-time anime Negima!? -- which was an artistic success but a commercial disaster -- has not blighted Shinbou Akiyuki's career. Here he is again with a late-night anime about a teacher.Hiroshi Kamiya (Takemoto in Honey & Clover) stars as a multi-level marketer who gets into some kind of danger and flees to southern Japan, where he is mistaken for a teacher in a girls' school. The plot involves his class of weird girls foiling his repeated attempts at suicide.I think Shinbou (who also did Tsukuyomi Moon Phase and PaniPoni Dash and oversaw Hidamari Sketch) is a great director, especially visually, so I'll be watching. Outstanding cast includes Kobayashi Yuu (Setsuna in Negima), Sawashiro Miyuki, Gotou Yuuko, Shintani Ryouko, Matsuki Miyu (the last three all from Hidamari Sketch), and Sanada Asami (Di Gi Charat). Animation by SHAFT. Starts jul07, sat 24:30.School Days スクールデイズ. Based on an animated game that is infamous for its violence. A girl (Sekai) helps a boy (Makoto) get closer to her beautiful friend (Kotonoha). When Makoto finally gets a date with Kotonoha, the compensation Sekai demands is…a kiss.An interesting love-triangle-with-violence premise, but the director and writer did the horrible Amenaideyo and Lovedol, so I'm not hopeful. Animation by TNK. 13 episodes. Starts jul03, fri 26:15.Shigurui シグルイ. Based on a seinen manga by Yamaguchi Takayuki. "An exceptional manga artist decides to tackle the forbidden work by the last giant figure in samurai literature, only to give birth to a colossal period drama filled with unspeakable tragedy and cruelty!" (anidb.info)The director of Texhnolyze (Hamasaki Hirotsugu) and the writer of Asatte no Houkou and co-writer of Paprika (Minakami Seishi) do the anime adaptation, working with Madhouse. This could be good, if you can stand the gore. With Namikawa Daisuke (Rock in Black Lagoon), Kuwashima Houko, Sasahara Emi (Sailor Jupiter, Karin's mother in Karin), Sasaki Nozomu (Yuusuke in Yu Yu Hakusho). Preview episode jul01. Madhouse. 12 episodes. Starts jul19, thu 23:30.Sky Girls スカイガール. Moe young girls in skin-tight suits are integrated with their own individual mecha frames to defend the Earth. The one-episode OVA went nowhere, and now we have 26 episodes? Very moe, but I have my doubts.It has a good director (Iwasaki Yoshiaki: Love Hina, Gokujou Seitokai) and writer (Yoshioka Takao: DearS, Elfen Lied), however, and an outstanding cast: Kawasumi Ayako, Gotou Saori (a strong up-and-coming talent), Itou Shizuka, Tsuji Ayumi (Rose in Red Garden), Fujiwara Keiji, Horie Yui, Shiraishi Ryouko, Taniyama Kishou. And music by Mitsumune Shinkichi, who did Asatte no Houkou and Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora. So there is hope. Preview. JCStaff. 26 episodes. Starts jul05, thu 25:28.Tetsuko no Tabi 鉄子の旅. Non-fiction account of editor, mangaka and train otaku travelling Japanese train lines in he 1980s. 4-koma comic is bizarre, low-key, and amusing. Old-school director Nagaoka Akinori did eps of Rose of Versailles and Record of Lodoss War.Cast includes Tomosaka Akira (Kate in Red Garden) and Hiyama Nobuyuki (Madarame in Genshiken). OPED and some music by SUPER BELL ''Z, which specializes in using samples of rail station sounds. Preview. Group TAC (Hantsuki, Futatsu no Spica). 13 episodes. Starts jun24, sun 10:00.Tokyo Majin Gakuen 2 東京魔人學園剣風帖 龍龍 第弐幕. If you liked the first series, you'll probably like the second: shounen supernatural horror, with good animation, good voice actors, lots of fighting and a school setting in a dark world. I tried the first series, but couldn’t get into it. BeStack/AIC. Starts jul27, fri 23:00.Wangan Midnight 湾岸MIDNIGHT. Animation of a popular manga about street racing, which has now reached 36 volumes. The protagonist buys a Nissan S30 Fairlady Z which is about to be scrapped and discovers it is the legendary "Devil Z," a car that was the fastest ever, but ended up killing its owner, because it was so hard to control. This is the story of the protagonist's struggles to restore and tame the Devil Z.Directed by Tominaga Tsuneo (Wind: a Breath of Heart) and adapted by Kishima Nobuaki (Eyeshield 21, Katekyo Hitman Reborn). With film actor Oguri Shun, Miki Shinichirou (Kurz Weber in FMP) and Suhou Reiko (Kousaka Yuri in NANA). Not my thing, but fans are enjoying the early episodes, although the animation by ACGT is reportedly a bit sub-par. Started jun09, sat 21:00.Zero no Tsukaima: Futatsuki no Kishi ゼロの使い魔 ～双月の騎士～. New director and chief writer for this second season of Zero no Tsuakima, so it's hard to know what to expect -- except for more of the same from the mistress of tsundere, Kugimiya Rie. Director Kou Yuu and writer Kawahara Yuji did Loveless, so there may be more subtlety involved this time. We can only hope.Also with Satoshi Hino, Horie Yui, Kawasumi Ayako, Takahashi Mikako, Inokuchi Yuka, Sakurai Takahiro, Inoue Kikuko, et al. Music by Mitsumune Shinkichi, who did Utena, Rozen Maiden, Asatte no Houkou, etc., and is also doing a second show in the new season: Sky Girls. JCStaff. 12 episodes. Starts jul08, sun 24:30.Zombie-Loan ゾンビローン. "When a human is marked to die, a faint gray line that is invisible to most appears around their neck. As time passes, that ring becomes darker and darker, until it is eventually black, and that person dies. Kita Michiru has an unusual gift, she possesses 'Shinigami eyes,' which allow her to see these rings. When Michiru notices that two of the boys in her Class, Akatsuki Chika and Tachibana Shito not only have rings, but that they're jet black, they reveal to her that the were supposed to die in a tragic accident six months ago. With the help of the Zombie Loan loan office, they were given a second chance at life, should they be able to pay for their debt by doing the work of Shinigami and killing malicious zombies. They petition Michiru to assist them in their efforts, and she finds her everyday life changing dramatically." (ANN)Directed by the director of PetoPeto-san and Hitohira, Nishimori Akira, and adapted by the writer of Pumpkin Scissors and Trinity Blood, Tomioka Atsuhiro. With an excellent cast: Kuwashima Houko, Sakurai Takahiro, Suzumura Kenichi, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Saitou Chiwa, Suwabe Junichi, Ueda Kana, Gotou Saori. This is one of my picks to click, based on staff and cast alone, even though it isn’t in a genre I normally like. Based on the manga by PEACH-PIT. Animation by Xebec M2. Starts jul03, tue 26:40.One of the season's more anticipated shows, the loli classic Kodomo no Jikan, has no firm air dates yet, and the main Japanese source, Moon Phase, just has it slated for some time in 2007. The website of the animation studio, Studio Barcelona, makes no mention of it, but emphasizes the new series of Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan, which is due to start 24 August.There are some other interesting OVAs due out this summer: Ghibli's Iblard Jikan on 4 July; the fantasy slice-of-life Miyori no Mori, directed by the art director of Princess Mononoke, Grave of the Fireflies and Fantastic Children, who also did background art for Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo, Spirited Away, and Castle in the Sky (24 August); and an ARIA OVA called Arietta (starts 21 Sept.) And the second season of Moonlight Mile starts in September.There are a number of animated films coming out: Buzzer Beater, Studio 4°C's Genius Party, Gonzo's Kappa no Coo to Natsuyasumi, Madhouse's Piano no Mori (all July); Naruto Shippuden (August); Rebuild of Evangelion, Kiddy Grade: Truth Dawn, and the Clannad movie (all September).Read more about individual shows in the forums on AnimeSuki, especially the Unaired forum.
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Ten favorite female seiyuu? I have too many favorites, but here are ten whose presence alone will make me eager to watch a series. They are not necessarily the best seiyuus, although most of them are among the best. Nor are they the most famous seiyuus, although some of them are that. There are even a couple of newcomers here whom no-one else would rank this high; but I just love the sound of their voices. In fact, what draws me to a seiyuu can be either just pure sound or acting. Or both, as with the first two names:1. Kuwashima Houko -- Her voice is so flexible and expressive, and communicates something I can only call "goodness." As a comparative newcomer to anime, I discovered her as Shuurei in Saiunkoku Monogatari. Most people know her as Rose Tomas in Fullmetal Alchemist, but she was also Kagura in Azumanga Daioh and is amazing as Claire in the current Claymore, playing opposite the next name on the list...2. Paku Romi -- She blew me away as rocker Nana in NANA. Just watch it. True acting power. Is this the same person who was Loran Cehak in Turn A Gundam? It is certainly the same person who is Teresa in Claymore. And she is most famous for her role as Edward Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist. The fact that her ancestry is Koean -- although her family has lived in Japan for a couple of generations -- just makes the package more interesting.3. Kawasumi Ayako -- There is nothing she can't do. Her most recent role, as Nono in Hitohira, shows how finely she can pitch her performances. But the role that made me fall in love with her was Lafiel in Crest of Stars. Or was it Kurau in Kurau Phantom Memory. Or was it Aoi in Ai yori Aoshi? Or was it...? Lol.4. Hirano Aya -- She wasn't anything special until Haruhi in Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu, and she would never have made this list until her amazing, deeply emotional performance as Layla in NANA. Even now, I am putting her here as much from anticipation as past performance. But her work as Sanae in Sumo mo Momo mo and Mei in Manabi Straight, and her totally unexpected comic excess in Lucky Star, confirm her great ability. And she is only 19. She is not a smooth pro, but she brings something special to each role. And the fact that you can follow events in her life daily in her blog makes her even more interesting.5. Yahagi Sayuri -- Her liquid, mobile voice was a revelation as soon as I heard it in her debut as Karin in Karin, when she was 19. She then went through a kind of seiyuu internship, playing Gretel in Otogijushi Akazukin, alongside the likes of Tamura Yukari, Sawashiro Miyuki, and Kugimiya Rie, learning the finer points of her trade and moderating her uniquenes. Then she was given a chance to let herself go again and showed just how moe she could go, as Kuu in Kyoushirou to Towa no Sora. And now she has settled in as one of the voices that show up again and again in secondary roles: as a classmate in sola, as the ten-year-old genius engineer in Gigantic Formula. She has the skill to become the next Kawasumi Ayako.6. Koshimizu Ami -- Tenko in Kamisama Kazoku made me sit up and take notice. And she makes the minor role of Sae in sola so strong that some people hate her, lol. She won a best supporting voice award last year for Karen in Code Geass. Her range is marvellous. Amisuke and Hirano Aya are the next big things. Not coincidentally, they both have great photo blogs.7. Orikasa Fumiko -- From the moving role of Chise in Saikano to the hilarious one of Miu in Ichigo Mashimaro. Add Rukia in Bleach and Shirley in Code Geass? 'Nuff said.8. Sasaki Nozomi -- She has only had two roles, but I love her unique voice so much I yearn to hear it again. She debuted as Nana-chan in Bokura ga Ita, and her voice there may have been the most moe I have ever heard. It is even more exciting that she was an office worker in her early twenties who got her break by attending a seiyuu workshop in Kobe and just wowing the director of BgI, who was conducting the workshop. Now she has quit her day job and thrown herself into the maelstrom of seiyuu life. She was almost completely untrained when she made her debut, but she had been an amateur actress and was able to project emotion. Now I eagerly await her appearance as Patty Martin in Lucky Star.9. Yukana -- I first heard her as the forceful Dominura whom Noto Mamiko gradually softened in Simoun, but a lot of people discovered her as Mashiro in Mai Otome or as the mysterious alien C.C. in Code Geass. She has the most sensual voice of any seiyuu I know, and people say she gives off a lot of pheromones in real life, as well.10. Takahashi Rieko -- She has done so few roles that it is a little crazy to put here here. In fact, you could say she has done the same role twice: it was called Neviril in Simoun, and Deanna Soriel in Turn A Gundam. But I simply adore the combination of grandeur and humanity she can convey. She is more a stage actress than a seiyuu, but it is so good to have her grace us with her presence from time to time.There are so many great voice actresses who could be ranked higher than some of the names on my list, but who just don't entrance me like the ten above, at least on this particular day: Toyoguchi Megumi (Honoka in The Third, for example), Tanaka Rie (who was triumphant as Hiro in Hataraki Man), Chiba Saeko (Dokuro-chan, Chika in Ichigo Mashimaro), Nabatame Hitomi (Nobue-oneesan in Ichigo Mashimaro, for example), Kawakami Tomoko (Utena in Revolutionary Girl Utena, Misuzu in AIR), Itou Shizuka (Shouko in Asatte no Houkou, Rei in Maria-sama ga Miteru), Tamura Yukari (I don't get Nanoha, but I loved her as Tomari in Kashimashi), Kobayashi Sanae (Maya in Glass Mask, Eleanor Campbell in Emma), Sawashiro Miyuki (Shinku in Rozen Maiden), Yukino Satsuki (Ai in Planetes), Sakamoto Maaya (Haruhi in Ouran HS Host Club).Here are some more favorites of mine, but whom I can't rank with those top talents in the industry: Saitou Chiwa (Hazuki in Tsukuyomi Moon Phase), Asano Masumi (Manatsu in Uta~Kata), Noto Mamiko (how about Matsuri in sola?), Takahashi Mikako (Ayu in Honey & Clover), Gotou Yuuko (Nanami in Lamune), Nazuka Kaori (Yun in Simoun), Makino Yui (Misaki in Welcome the the NHK), Mitsuhashi Kanako (Miki in Zettai Shounen). Itou Miki (Sachiko in Maria-sama ga Miteru), Matsuki Miyu (Yoshinoya-sensei in Hidamari Sketch), Matsuoka Yuki (Setsuna in Kyoushirou to Towa no Sora).Horie Yui is extremely professional and has a lovely voice, but she has never really reached me. As someone who doesn't get tsundere, perhaps I judge Kugimiya Rie unfairly, but her voice just doesn't move me, either.Thanks to Kurogane and Riuva for giving me the idea to do this post, and to Kaioshin for starting a similar thread on AnimeSuki.
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Subs are out?! Finally, after like two years, the subs for episode 26 of Tsukuyomi Moon Phase finally come out. And I thought the wait for StrikerS subs was long. In that time I could of bought the R1 DVD for the episode, but I’m a cheapskate who likes waiting for boxsets. This was great to [...]
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Following in the wake of one of the most delayed eroge titles in history I hesitate to give any credence to "this summer" as a release date, but there you have it, straight from the horse's mouth: Muv Luv Altered Fable is the name, and fan discing is the game. Despite the undeniable hotness of Mitsurugi Meiya, Kouzuki Yuuko, Tsukuyomi Mana and the Muv Luv semi-transparent plug suit design, I can't work up much interest in a title reportedly overburdened by drama and the "everybody dies" syndrome. Perhaps the fan disc will remedy these flaws. (no more)
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I have just finished Tsukuyomi ~ Moon Phase and while the series didn’t quite jump onto my top 20 list, it was made memorable by a very VERY lolicious Hazuki and a very characterisitic soundtrack. Since any expression of love for Hazuki’s moe-loliciousness may hurt my reputation as a defender of all things pure/honourable, I’m [...]
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I'm not as high on this season as fans of shounen shows and mecha are, but I'm sure there will be some pleasant surprises. There always are. However, I don't see anything like the three masterpieces that debuted a year ago: Suzumiya Haruhi, NANA, and Simoun. Then again, I didn't see them coming, either.Since everyone likes different kinds of shows, I'll just go through the week, starting with Monday, talking about each show, and you can draw your own conclusions. Titles link to more information. Titles of the shows I myself am most anticipating are violet. Click pictures to enlarge.This is the season of "Ohagi": rising seiyuu star Yahagi Sayuri is in four new anime this season. Having proven herself in Karin, Otogijushi Akazukin, and Kyoushirou to Towa no Sora, she will now be in Gigantic Formula, sola, Hayate, and Over Drive, all at the same time.I'm also eager to hear more of comparative newcomer Fujimura Ayumi, who played Karada in Asatte no Houkou and is in two of the new shows: Kaze no Stigma, in which she stars, and Touka Gettan. And the incredible voice of Sasaki Nozomi (Nana-chan in Bokura ga Ita), who was discovered last year during a seiyuu workshop in Kobe, returns in a supporting role in Lucky Star, which stars Hirano Aya.El Cazador. A girl named Elis is suspected of murder and on the run from the Hunters. A woman bounty hunter offers her help in escaping and in finding out the truth about her past. Nice cast, including Shimizu Ai, Itou Shizuka, Hisakawa Aya and rising male star Miyano Mamoru (Light in Death Note). Music by Kajiura Yuki. Questionable director, unless you like the .hack shows. Bee Train animation. (mon 25:30, starts apr02)Touka Gettan. This is the anime that most intrigues me this season. A fantasy romance from Studio Deen, written by the writer of YKK and Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito and director of Zettai Shounen (Mochizuki Tomomi), and directed by the director of Yamibou and Strawberry Eggs (Yamaguchi Yuji). Animated by Nishida Asako of Simoun, F/SN and Yamibou. And with the sound director of those three shows, veteran seiyuu Tsujitani Kouji, there to work with the cast.Stars two new seiyuu, but also has Yukana (Dominura in Simoun, CC in Code Geass, Lottie in Soukou no Strain), Kitamura Eri (Saya in Blood+, Tatiana in Chevalier), Kobayashi Yu (Setsuna in Negima), Fujimura Ayumi (Karada in Asatte no Houkou), and Nojima Kenji in the cast. Like Yamibou, it is an adaptation of an adult PC game by Carnelian. And like Yamibou, it will likely have some yuri elements. (mon 25:30 apr02)Idolmaster Xenoglossia. One of the most anticipated shows of the season, a mixture of mecha and moe. After the moon is destroyed, only moe young maidens qualify to pilot the mecha that protect Earth from its fragments. The mecha-fication of an idol game (!?). Great cast includes Horie Yui and Tamura Yukari, as well as Koshimizu Ami, Nakahara Mai, Noto Mamiko, Yukana and Takahashi Mikako. Director Nagai Tatsuyuki did Honey & Clover 2. Lead writer Hanada Jukki did Rozen Maiden and Kashimashi. Animation by Sunrise. (mon 26:30 apr02)Kiss Dum - Engage Planet. AD 2031. Grotesque beings attack humanity, which is defended only by brave young pilots. Will we survive? What is the secret of the "Book of Death" discovered by a scientist? Classic mecha SF plot. Director Nagaoka Yasuchika (Crest of Stars) was said on a staff blog to be way behind schedule, and then to have left the project. Then he returned as "chief director," with Sato Eiichi (Slayers Next) as "director." Hard to say what's going on, or whether the upset will be good for the show or bad. Mizuki Nana and Ono Daisuke in the cast give it a chance. Satelight. (tue 25:00 apr03)CLAYMORE. Kuwashima Houko and Paku Romi. Wow. From a tough, atmospheric manga set in a world where humans coexist with demons called Yoma. Yoma feed on humans, hiding themselves in human society until they strike. Warriors called Claymores protect humans, infusing themselves with demon flesh and blood to become powerful half-human hybrids, with silver demon-seeing eyes. Beautiful Claymore warrior Claire struggles to retain her humanity. Animation by Madhouse. (tue 25:26 apr03)Over Drive. Sports anime based on a manga about cycling. Directed by the director of Busou Renkin, written by the writer of Kaikan Phrase. With two newish stars and a fine supporting cast of Nojima Kenji, Taniyama Kishou, Nazuka Kaori, Yahagi Sayuri, and Okiayu Ryotarou. A potential sleeper. Animation by Xebec. (tue 25:30 apr03)Oh! Rocket. Based on a stage play by Nakashima Kazuki, a playwright who specializes in spectacular period pieces. In in the 1840s, a bomb disposal expert and his young friend are approached by a mysterious girl asking them to make an illegal firework that will shoot high into the sky and "awaken" the populace. With Soumi Yoko (Marciano in Coyote Ragtime), Yamadera Kouichi (Spike Spiegel in Cowboy Bebop), Paku Romi and Kugimiya Rie. Director Mizushima Seiji and writer Aikawa Shou did Fullmetal Alchemist together. This looks very different from that, but definitely has possibilities. Animated by Madhouse. (tue 26:00 apr04)Shining Tears. Animation of a fantasy role-playing game with character designs by Tony Taka. Great cast includes Mizuki Nana, Kuwashima Houko, Kawasumi Ayako, Horie Yui, Okiayu Ryoutarou and Houshi Souichirou. Studio Deen. I'll watch an episode or two for the sake of the cast and see what's going on. (tue 26:10 apr03)Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS. A new series of the very successful magical girl show which I for some reason find unwatchable. Set ten years after the end of the last series, with the entire crew now working in the Time-Space Adminstration Bureau. What a great cast: Tamura Yukari, Mizuki Nana, Ueda Kana, Saitou Chiwa, Nakahara Mai, Inoue Marina, Takahashi Mikako, Shimizu Kaori, Yukana. OP by Mizuki Nana, ED by Tamura Yukari. Animation by Seven Arcs (Inukami). (tue 26:30 apr03)Sisters of Wellber. Promising adventure drama. Victim of a forced engagement to the prince of an enemy country, princess Rita stabs her fiance and flees toward a neutral country. Tina the thief becomes her protector. Director and writer did Prince of Tennis (Hamana Takayuki and Maekawa Jun). Animation by Trans Arts (Prince of Tennis), with support from Production I.G. The wonderful Takahashi Mikako as the princess, and Takeuchi Junko (Naruto) as the protectress. Namikawa Daisuke and Sugita Tomokazu also in the cast. (tue 26:00 apr03)Saint Beast: Kouin Jojishi Tenshi Tan. Female director Shimazaki Nanako directs a cast of popular male seiyuus in a new series of this shounen-ai fantasy: Yoshino Hiroyuki (Yuuji in Tona-Gura), Miyata Kouki (Isami in Noein), Sakurai Takahiro (Suzaku in Code Geass), Fukuyama Jun (Lelouch), Sugita Tomokazu (Kyon in Haruhi), Midorikawa Hikaru (Seiran in Saiunkoku), Ishida Akira (Athrun Zala in GSD), Morikawa Toshiyuki (Ernst in the Angelique shows). Animation by Tokyo Kids. (tue 26:58 apr03)Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica. Human beings rely on the miracles of fairies, while fairies that have materialized in this world survive on the music played by humans. A great young musician in a romance with a powerful female spirit.Top sound director Aketagawa Jin did Ichigo Mashimaro, Honey & Clover, etc., and can get great performances from his seiyuu. Excellent cast includes Kawasumi Ayako, Mizuki Nana, and Satou Rina. Kamiya Hiroshi (Takemoto in H&C) returns to a leading role after his serious motorcycle accident. This is the first full production project for the animation producer, Ginga-ya, which assisted on Shinigami no Ballad and Zettai Shounen. OP by eufonius. (tue 28:15 apr03)Hitohira. The staff that did PetoPeto-san animates another cute manga. A new girl in school sometimes gets so nervous she can’t speak, yet she is recruited into the drama club. The promo video made this look sweet and emotional, like PetoPeto-san. Director Nishimori Akira, writer Sasano Megumi, and animation producer Motohashi Hideyuki all worked on that show. The cast includes Kawasumi Ayako, Narita Ken (Lin in Ghost Hunt), Kishio Daisuke (Yunoki in Corda D'Oro), Hikami Kyoko (Rabi~en~Rose in Di Gi Charat) and Yukino Satsuki (Ai in Planetes). This one gets a head start on the other shows, opening on 28 August. Animation by Xebec M. (wed 11:00 mar28)Nagasarete Airantou. A boy is shipwrecked on a desert island inhabited only by beautiful girls desperate for a man. Need I say more? This could set a new standard in harem comedy. Great cast includes Horie Yui, Takahashi Mikako, Chiba Saeko, Itou Shizuka, and Shiraishi Ryouko. Intriguing writers involved in Emma, Fruits Basket, NANA, etc. New director. Animation by Feel (Otome wa Boku ni Koi Shiteru). (wed 25:20 apr04)Kotetsujin Jeeg. Classic hard-core giant robot action. Takes place 50 years after the original Jeeg, with a new cast. The previously defeated "Haniwa" evil robots re-emerge, and Kotetsushin Jeeg is manned to fight again. Ono Daisuke, Ueda Kana, Susumu. Directed and animated by the Shin Getter Robo team of Jun (Innocent Venus) and Kikuchi Akira. OP by JAM Project. (thu 23:30 apr05)Darker than Black- Kuro no Keiyakusha. Action thriller set in Tokyo involving spies with supernatural powers and violent supernatural bad guys. Bones production. Yoko Kanno music. Creator/director Okamura Tensai (Wolf's Rain). Cast of experienced pros, with Ikeda Masaru (Ren in NANA) and Fukuen Misato (Liz in Red Garden), and Mizuki Nana in a supporting role. OP by abingdon boys school. Definitely worth a look. (thu 25:25 apr05)Ookiku Furikabutte. The director of Genshiken and XXXHolic, Mizushima Tsutomu, animates a manga about kids playing baseball. Written by Kuroda Yousuke, who wrote Gokujo Seitokai and Infinite Ryvius. Animation by Yoshida Takahiko (Honey & Clover, Welcome to the NHK). The magazine (Afternoon) that serializes the comic also did Gankutsuou, Yume Tsukai, Genshiken, YKK, and AMG. Could be a sleeper. Animation by A-1 (Aniplex). (thu 25:25 apr12)Kaze no Stigma. Could be good. Based on a fantasy novel by Yamato Takahiro. Ono Daisuke (Yukito in Air) is a member of the fire-controlling clan who is banished for his inability to control fire. He returns to as a wind-master and immediately becomes a suspect in a murder in his clan.Great-looking cast: Fujimura Ayumi (Karada in Asatte), Itou Shizuka (Shouko), Morinaga Rika (Mamiina in Simoun), Makino Yui (best new seiyuu nominee as Misaki in NHK), Inokuchi Yuka (Anju in Karin). Director Sakata Junichi did Comic Party Revolution and storyboards for many shows, including CCS and FMP. Writer Sekijima Mayori did Tsukuyomi and Angel Sanctuary. Gonzo. (thu 25:30 apr05) Princess Resurrection. Schoolboy Hiro dies in a car accident, but is resurrected by the princess of darkness, who feeds him her precious blood, which is an elixir of immortality. The director last did Strawberry Panic. Animation director/character designer Kuroda Kazuya did Vandread and Chrono Crusade. Kawasumi Ayako, Noto Mamiko, Shimizu Ai, Morinaga Rika, Oura Fuyuka. From a manga. Animation by Madhouse. (thu 25:55 apr12)Koutetsu Sangokushi. This may be the first anime I watch for its male cast: Miyano Mamoru (Light in Death Note), Koyasu Takehito (Sakujun in Saiunkoku) and Suwabe Junichirou (Ren in Karin). Add Nabatame Hitomi and there you go. Set in an alternate version of Three Kingdoms China, with a magic jade added. Written by Takahashi Natsuko (Gakuen Heaven, involved in Gankutsuou). Character design by Tsukamoto Chiyomi (Chevalier). Animation by Picture Magic (Kagihime, Lamune, and the notoriously poorly animated Soul Link). (thu 26:15 apr05)Kishin Taisen Gigantic Formula. Gotoh Keiji (Uta~Kata, Kiddy Grade) goes mecha. About a dozen famous mecha designers have contributed mecha, including Kawamori Shoji andIzubuchi Yutaka. And Yahagi Sayuri gets another prominent role, beside Satou Rina (Negi in Negima). Definitely worth a look. (thu 26:28 apr05)Keitai Shoujo. An unusual little romance show based on a cellphone game, with an amazing cast. Five four-minute episodes will be streamed online for PC and cellphone. Yahoo! is asking the public to choose which direction the plot should go. Koshimizu Ami, Ishida Akira, Ueda Kana, Nazuka Kaori, Takahashi Mikako, Satou Rina, Suzuki Chihiro. The director and animator did Happy Seven, but the animator also did the Gargoyle of the Yoshinagas. Starts in mid-March. Studio Hibari. (fri 12:00 mar17)Kamichama Karin. Very, very cute. Orphaned 12-year-old girl whose dead mother's pink ring gives her god-like powers. She gradually finds other people who have similar rings that give them their own god-like powers. Directed by Anno Takashi (YKK, Maison Ikkoku), written by Kakihara Yuuko (Otogijushi Akazukin) from popular manga by Koge Donbo (Di Gi Charat, Pita Ten). Add Nakahara Mai and Sawashiro Miyuki and we may really have something. Satelight animation. OP by Ali Project. (fri 17:30 apr06)Emily of New Moon. From the novels by Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables. Also involves a girl sent to the country to live with relatives, but Emily is apparently a harder case than Anne. Emily is played by Kawakami Tomoko, who was Utena, Misuzu in Air, Soi Fong in Bleach, etc. NHK Saturday morning can make good things happen, so I'll take a look. Animation by TMS. (sat 07:25 apr07)Seirei no Moribito. From a novel by Uehashi Nahoko, set in a fantasy land reminiscent of old Korea. A prince is chosen to bear a fairy's egg. His father wants to kill him, but his mother hires a woman guard. Star Adachi Naoto is 13. VAs are a mix of unknowns and older pros. VA Tsujitani Kouji (who played the Irresponsible Captain Tylor) was sound director of Simoun. Director Kamiyama Kenji did GITS:SAC. Animation by Production I.G. (GITS:SAC, Chevalier, etc.) Great-looking backgrounds. A typical NHK cast of old pros. This has possibilities, with echoes of Saiunkoku and Changeum, and something more. (sat 08:06 apr07)Saiunkoku Monogatari new series. Second season of a great fantasy adventure/romance, set in an analogue of old China. Kuwashima Houko is amazing as Shuurei, the brilliant, kind, moral - and human - girl who becomes an official. Yoshida Reiko's adaptation of a successful series of novels. I watched the first 39 episodes, and I'm ready for more. I hope for the return of Shuurei's one weakness: Sa Sakujun. Animation by Madhouse. (sat apr07)Blue Dragon. Takes over Otogijushi Akazukin's Saturday morning 9 am time-slot on TV Tokyo. Director Matsushita Yukihiro did Marimite. Writer Yamatoya Akatsuki did Gintama and helped with Simoun. Namikawa Daisuke, Hazuki Erino, and Paku Romi in the cast. Worth a look. Maybe it will be a kids' show for adults, as Akazukin was. Studio Pierrot. (sat 09:00 apr07)Lovely Complex. Highly popular shoujo manga about a tall girl and a short boy who are a bickering comic pair, but may become a romantic couple. Unknown seiyuus and kid-oriented director (One Piece, Sailor Moon S) give me pause, but one of the writers was lead on Hana yori Dango, and worked on Marmalade Boy, Gokinjo Monogatari and Ashita no Nadja. I will be there for at least the first couple of eps. Toei. (sat 17:30 apr07)To Terra... Light-years from Earth, where everyone's life is controlled by the great master computer, if you are a telepath, you are doomed. Telepaths have been hiding for centuries, and Terra (Earth) may be their last sanctuary. Saiga Mitsuki, Sugita Tomokazu, Koyasu Takehito (yes!), Kobayashi Sanae, Inoue Marina and Namikawa Daisuke make an outstanding cast. Let's see what director Yamasaki Osamu (Gallery Fake 13-on) can do with them and a classic SF plot. The art on the home page looks good, and some of the writers were involved in shows like Ergo Proxy, Eureka 7, and Noein, so there is promise here. Remake of an older film. Animation by Minamimachi Bugyousho (Gallery Fake, episodes of Mushishi). (sat 18:00 apr07)Emma - A Victorian Romance, Second Act. Second season of the excellent period romance. Animation studio has changed from Studio Pierrot to Asia-Do, but the staff remains largely the same. Touma Yumi (Mel in Angelique, Urd in Ah My Goddess) continues as Emma, and there are other great voices, too: Kobayashi Sanae (Maya in Glass Mask), Ohara Sayaka, Mizuhashi Kaori, Inoue Kikuko, Ueda Yuuji (Morita in H&C). Directed by Kobayashi Tsuneo (Twelve Kingdoms). Music by Ryo Kunihiko (Twelve Kingdoms, Saiunkoku). (sat 25:30 apr07)Skull Man. Mass murders and catastrophes all over Japan are committed by a masked/caped psychic madman, called the Skull Man, and his shape-shifting sidekick. The calamities are investigated by a detective agency and the son of a yakuza. Directed by the director of Vandread, Mori Takeshi, written by the auteur of Rahxephon, Izubuchi Yutaka. Not my style, but could be good for those who like this sort of thing. Preview episode 21 Apr. Bones. (sat late night apr28)Tengen Toppa Gurren-Lagann. Mecha comedy with great animation and a nice cast (Asumi Kana, Ueda Kana, Inoue Marina, Konishi Kaysuyuki, Taniyama Kishou, Itou Shizuka, Satou Rina). But a kiddyish shounen look that doesn’t appeal to me personally. Set in the future, in an underground world where a boy is suddenly confronted by a mecha and a girl from the upper world no-one was sure existed. Shows Sundays at 8:30 am. Gainax. (sun 08:30 apr01)Gegege no Kitaro. A cast of veterans, including Takayama Minami (Detective Conan), revive a classic kids' show. Animation by Toei. (sun 09:00 apr01)Hayate the Combat Butler. From a popular comedy manga. Hayate Ayasaki's parents sell him to the yakuza to pay off their debts. Escaping, he finds a rich girl called Nagi wandering in a park at night. He decides to kidnap her for ransom, but she thinks he's confessing love. She pays off Hayate's debt in return for him being her butler until he earns the money back -- which will take decades. She's a very dere tsundere, and he becomes her "combat butler." The trailer makes this look like a good-hearted show.Great cast includes Shiraishi Ryouko (as Hayate), Kugimiya Rie (as Nagi), Tanaka Rie (as the maid), Itou Shizuka, Matsuki Miyu, Ueda Kana, Nabatame Hitomi, Takahashi Mikako and my current favorite, Ohagi (Yahagi Sayuri). New director Kawaguchi Keiichirou is demonstrating his talent with Getsumen to Heiki Miina. OP by KOTOKO. Animation: Synergy SP (Kirarin Revolution). (sun 10:00 apr01)Lucky Star. Cuteness so thick you could spread it on toast. SaiMoe here we come. From a smart 4-koma comic strip that has a bit of Hidamari Sketch and a bit of Ichigo Mashimaro. Kyoto Animation's first venture into this kind of show. Director Yamamoto Hiroshi was series director of Suzumiya Haruhi. Lead writer Machida Doko wrote Muteki Kanban Musume.This is Hirano Aya's only new spring show. The all-star drama CD cast was replaced by Aya (Suzumiya Haruhi), Chihara Minori (Yuki) and a lot of unknowns. For me, this is a must-see: because of KyoAni and Aya, because the manga is funny, and also for the incredible voice of Sasaki Nozomi (Nana-chan in Bokura ga Ita). (sun 24:00 apr08)Heroic Age. Mecha SF adventure. Humanity, the "Iron Race," is the last of the sentient races to enter space. Aeons later, it is threatened with extinction by the Silver Race. In order to save her people, the queen sets out toward a far-off galaxy, following the prophecies. She meets a boy called Eiji.... Good cast includes Yazaki Hiroshi, Kugimiya Rie, Tamura Yukari, Arai Satomi and Kondou Takashi. Writer Ubukata Tow (Fafner, Chevalier d'Eon, Mardock Scramble) is a larger-than-life character who can create real SF. Animation director Hirai Hisashi did the designs for Gundam Seed, Fafner and Infinite Ryvius. We can hope. I will give this one a chance, especially since it has conscious references to the ancient Greek heroic age. Animation by Xebec. (sun 25:30 apr01)Bokurano. One of the most anticipated shows of the season, from an extremely popular manga. During summer vacation, a group of 15 children discover a mysterious man living in a seashore cave. The man says he is a game developer creating a video game in which 15 giant robots defend Earth from alien invaders. He asks the kids to test the game for him. They soon begin to find the game horribly real, especially after one of them dies following their first victory. And they have no idea how to leave the "game." Mecha adviser: Suzuki Tsutomu (Zone of the Enders). Gonzo. OP by Ishikawa Chiaki, who did the great OP for Simoun. (sun 25:30 apr08)sola. An original story by the writer of Kanon, adapted by the screenwriter for Rozen Maiden, directed by the director of Utawarerumono, with original character designs by the designer of Da Capo adapted by the designer for ARIA, and starring an amazing cast including Nakahara Mai, Noto Mamiko, Koshimizu Ami, Fujiwara Keiji, Kaneda Tomoko, and Yahagi Sayuri. Genki classmate whose imouto is in hospital, onee-san figure, mysterious girl in a church, goth loli: they're all there. Let's see what the staff and cast can do with them. Animation by Nomad. (sun 25:30 apr08)Seto no Hanayome. Mermaid saves boy's life and must marry him because he has seen her true form. But her father, the underwater mob boss, is not pleased and tries to do away with him, while he and his parents try to keep it a secret that his bride is a mermaid. From a popular manga. Great chance for Momoi Halko to show her talent as the "Bride of the Inland Sea." From the director of Magikano, with good-looking animation from Gonzo. The writer did Utawarerumono, which is good, but also Amenaideyo and Lovedol, which is bad. (sun 26:00 apr02)And there are some good shows continuing: Nodame Cantabile, Les Miserables, Death Note, Rocket Girls, and the recently started Moonlight Mile.Information for this post came from Moon Phase, AniDB.net, Anime News Network, Japanese Wikipedia, anime official sites, the AnimeSuki forums, and Shoboi Calendar. Anime titles link to their pages in the Anime News Network encyclopedia.
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