Image is courtesy of MiyuriInternational Saimoe League Nominations results were announced about a week ago, but the statistics were revealed only some two days ago. 86 characters, plus the automatic entries based on previous results, advance to the next phase, the preliminary period.Nomination Results: (The number is total number of received votes)1 Akiyama Mio K-ON! 4172 Senjōgahara Hitagi Bakemonogatari 3283 Shiina Mafuyu Seitokai no Ichizon 3014 Sakurano Kurimu Seitokai no Ichizon 2235 Sengoku Nadeko Bakemonogatari 1986 Kuronuma Sawako Kimi ni Todoke 1727 Shiina Minatsu Seitokai no Ichizon 1628 Akaba Chizuru Seitokai no Ichizon 1619 Saten Ruiko To Aru Kagaku no Railgun 16010 Shirai Kuroko To Aru Majutsu no Index 15611 Hanato Kobato Kobato. 14812 Beatrice Umineko no Naku Koro ni 14813 Ikaros Sora no Otoshimono 13814 Alice Pandora Hearts 12015 Kotobuki Tsumugi K-ON! 11316 Uiharu Kazari To Aru Kagaku no Railgun 11117 Sangō Shizuku Kämpfer 10818 Tainaka Ritsu K-ON! 10819 Nymph Sora no Otoshimono 10420 Hoshina Utau Shugo Chara! 10321 Ushiromiya Ange Umineko no Naku Koro ni 10122 Miyanaga Saki Saki 10023 Nogizaka Haruka Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu 9824 Ushiromiya Maria Umineko no Naku Koro ni 9825 Suō Pavlichenko Darker than Black 9426 Yin Darker than Black 9227 Takei Hisa Saki 9028 Ryōgi Shiki Kara no Kyōkai 8529 Kamio Misuzu AIR 7830 Bernkastel Umineko no Naku Koro ni 7831 Yagami Hayate Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha 7732 Mizuno Kaede Nyan Koi! 7633 Index Librorum Prohibitorum To Aru Majutsu no Index 7334 Amamiya Yūko ef - a tale of memories 7235 Minami Kana Minami-ke 7136 Mizunashi Akari ARIA 7037 Hachikuji Mayoi Bakemonogatari 7038 Isayama Yomi Ga-rei Zero 6739 Kirishima Kotone Nyan Koi! 6440 Ranka Lee Macross Frontier 6341 Kirishima Akari Nyan Koi! 5742 Kusakabe Misuzu 11eyes 5643 Winry Rockbell Fullmetal Alchemist 5344 Felli Loss Chrome Shelled Regios 5245 Senō Natsuru Kämpfer 5246 Sōryū Asuka Langley Neon Genesis Evangelion 5247 Shindō Chihiro ef - a tale of memories 5148 Sonozaki Shion Higurashi no Naku Koro ni 5149 Nagi Kannagi 5150 Tsuruya Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu 5151 Enma Ai Jigoku Shōjo 5052 Nishizawa Ayumu Hayate no Gotoku! 4953 Shihō Matsuri sola 4954 Oshino Shinobu Bakemonogatari 4755 Aizawa Sakuya Hayate no Gotoku! 4656 Segawa Izumi Hayate no Gotoku! 4657 Minase Nayuki Kanon 4658 Ayanami Rei Neon Genesis Evangelion 4659 Isurugi Noe true tears 4660 Sheryl Nome Macross Frontier 4561 Alice Caroll ARIA 4462 Evangeline A.K. McDowell Mahō Sensei Negima! 4463 Hanekawa Tsubasa Bakemonogatari 4364 Sakurazaki Setsuna Mahō Sensei Negima! 4265 Shirayuki Mizore Rosario + Vampire 4166 Mishima Akane Kämpfer 3967 Yoko Littner Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann 3968 Chii Chobits 3869 Lisa Seiken no Blacksmith 3870 Lambdadelta Umineko no Naku Koro ni 3871 Fujibayashi Ryō CLANNAD 3572 Yuno Hidamari Sketch 3573 Teletha Testarossa Full Metal Panic! 3474 Misaka Shiori Kanon 3475 Sawatari Makoto Kanon 3476 Akashiya Moka Rosario + Vampire 3477 Tsukamoto Yakumo School Rumble 3478 Yūki Mikan To Love-Ru 3479 Chiba Kirino BAMBOO BLADE 3280 Miyamura Miyako ef - a tale of memories 3281 Daidōji Tomoyo Cardcaptor Sakura 3282 Katagiri Yūhi Akane-iro ni Somaru no Saka 3183 Niche Letter Bee 3184 Hinaichigo Rozen Maiden 3185 Sawachika Eri School Rumble 3186 Kotegawa Yui To Love-Ru 3116 characters are already eligible contestants for the regular season period. 34 characters from the preliminaries will join them.16 contestants:Aisaka Taiga(Toradora!) Asahina Mikuru(Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu) Fate Testarossa(Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha) Fujibayashi Kyō(CLANNAD) Fukuji Mihoko(Saki) Haramura Nodoka(Saki)Hiiragi Kagami(Lucky ☆ Star) Hirasawa Yui(K-ON!) Katsura Hinagiku(Hayate no Gotoku!) Nagato Yuki(Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu) Nakano Azusa(K-ON!) Okazaki Ushio(CLANNAD)Sakagami Tomoyo(CLANNAD) Shana (Shakugan no Shana) Suzumiya Haruhi(Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu) Tōsaka Rin(Fate/stay night)
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It’s been such a long time since I’ve been this hyped-up over anime opening songs. Previously, I was hooked on eufonius’ Megumeru ~cuckool mix 2007~, and had always then been looking forward to their next release, which was the opening song for True Tears, titled Reflectia. Right now, the song which keeps repeating itself on my [...]
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It’s been such a long time since I’ve been this hyped-up over anime opening songs. Previously, I was hooked on eufonius’ Megumeru ~cuckool mix 2007~, and had always then been looking forward to their next release, which was the opening song for True Tears, titled Reflectia. Right now, the song which keeps repeating itself on my [...]
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I mouthed out some nonsense about True Tears, but in reality I was just cheering for joy. I don’t understand why people don’t grasp that the typical anime otaku who would buy True Tears in the first place won’t stand for a DVD unless it’s dirt cheap (ie., a throwaway purchase). That is, once they’ve [...]
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True Tears fans rejoice as it is now officially confirmed that the Blu-ray set will get an extra new epilogue ending to the series. The news came as it was able to hit 2000 minimum orders for this to proceed. More details after the break ;)
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Still remember that announce in early November last year regarding a special 3-minutes epilogue for the Blu-Ray version of True Tears? It looks like it’s finally confirmed and will be coming with all Blu-Ray discs when it’s released! As many would have known by now, there was a “special” promotion of some sorts sometime during November [...] Related posts:True Tears Blu-Ray Disc Planned Include 3-Min Epilogue Black Rock Shooter Anime Adaptation Confirmed?! Super Street Fighter 4 Confirmed, 8 New Fighters
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The official website for the true tears anime series has confirmed on Monday that 2,000 Blu-ray Box pre-orders had been received — the minimum needed to give the planned Blu-ray conversion project the official go-ahead. The box will add about three minutes of new, unaired anime footage as an epilogue. The epilogue will depict the [...]
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Let’s see…Jun Maeda; Ga-na;  the studios that did True tears and honey and clover; singing; guns; 1000hits combo; blood; really nice music with violin and piano; Lia singing the opening song…hmm…yeah, I think we got enough stuff here for an epic series, people.
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Medium: TV Anime Number of episodes: 13 Genres: Humor, Romance Director: Yutaka Yamamoto Studio: A-1 Pictures Version reviewed: Anime News Network video stream (also available in Bandai Ent. box set) Release date: October 4 thru December 27, 2008 (JPN), July 16, 2009 (NA) Rated: Unrated (appropriate for 13+) To be entirely honest, I was not the least bit excited about watching Kannagi. It was one of three choices provided to me through the Reverse Thieves' "Anime Secret Santa" project, the other two being Air and True Tears, but seeing as I am generally not a fan of the "moé" subculture of anime fandom, I was not expecting to enjoy this series. And would you look at that! I didn't. The plot, laid out by Hideyuki Kurata (Now and Then, Here and There, Read or Die) follows our mostly cookie-cutter protagonist Jin Mikuriya, who is living alone while his parents are away on a business trip. On the day that he completes his wooden carving of a local goddess, the statue breaks apart, revealing a teenage girl inside! The petulant girl explains that she is Nagi, the goddess that Jin was carving a likeness of. Naturally, she ends up staying with Jin, pretending to be his "long lost sister" to explain it to friends. (Can you count the clichés?) As the story drags on, the cast is filled out with Jin's art club friends (the otaku Akiba and the shy, tall Daitetsu), childhood friend Tsugumi (who has a crush on Jin), and Nagi's goddess sister "Zange-chan" (who – surprise surprise! – also likes Jin). So how about the conflict? What drives these characters to do what they do, and keeps the viewer interested enough to move from episode to episode? Well, nothing! The first few episodes feature Nagi and Jin trying to capture and destroy "impurities," evil spirits (or something like that) in the shape of black insects. What are the impurities and why does Nagi need to destroy them? It's not really explained, but the show sure does make a big deal about these things at the beginning. Later the show focuses on Nagi and Zange trying to outdo each other at being teenage idols. The reason for that conflict is weak as well, with the only explanation being that the two need to gain followers to increase their powers as goddesses. Curiously, though, their "powers" never seem to manifest into anything remotely useful. This arc in particular highlights the show's obsession with the otaku subculture, especially its uncomfortable tendency to pander to its audience at every single turn with teen idols, magical girls, and maid cafés. The middle of Kannagi forgets about BOTH of these conflicts and lapses into pure comedy, with a few episodes about Nagi locking herself in a closet, a karaoke trip, and other silliness. Here the show really shines, as it takes its very simple, one-dimensional cast and uses their comedic strengths – much like 2006's enjoyable The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya – to pull off some surprisingly funny scenes. Finally, it all comes back to a dramatic trio of episodes at the end that seems like a half-hearted attempt to transform the characters of the previous ten episodes into real human beings that the audience should care about. However, when Kannagi's excuse for character introduction is a girl listing off the archetypes that each character fits into, it's only natural that an attempt at real development meets with some massive cognitive dissonance. A few moments in the final episode or two might provoke some real emotion, but mostly you will just want to punch Jin for turning into Shinji Ikari at the last moment. The biggest central conflict that Kannagi has going for it is the romantic relationship developing between Jin and Nagi, but it falls flat in this as well. Unlike Haruhi Suzumiya (also directed by Yutaka Yamamoto), which had a similarly subdued romantic conflict between a deadpan guy and an impatient, immature girl, Kannagi doesn't have a romantic payoff (the kiss scene in Haruhi). Admittedly this is because Kannagi is based on a manga that has not finished, and the show was intended to have a second season, so it is hard to fault the folks at A-1 Pictures for the weakness in the narrative. However, it undoubtedly weakens the first (and only) season as a stand-alone show. With all of this negative talk, you might think that I hated everything about Kannagi, but that is certainly not the case. The animation, for one, is beautiful, and it is clear that animating the character's movements – Nagi's in particular – got a lot of focus from the team. The show might not look as beautiful as Haruhi, which was particularly noticeable for its stellar animation, but it's one of the closest things you can find out there in terms of both animation and art direction. Oddly enough, the background music at the beginning is impressive, using a lot of interesting electronic instrumentation rarely found in anime background music, but later episodes cut back on the use of Satoru Kousaki's fascinating, emotive music in favor of uninspired instrumental versions of the opening and ending themes. Despite its technical high points, when it comes down to it Kannagi is a waste of time. The show features characters defined only by the archetypes they fit into, but instead of consistently using this potential weakness to the show's comedic benefit, Kurata spends an inordinate amount of time on poorly executed drama and an unsatisfying romantic plot. Still, the most pressing issue that I have with Kannagi is that it simply has nothing to say. At the end of the experience, I was left with only a feeling of, "well yes, that happened." A goddess moved in with a boy, they did some silly stuff that sometimes made me laugh, and they both sort of like each other. Behind all of the big-eyed teenage girls and the half-baked attempts at romantic comedy, Kannagi has no substance, and that is ultimately its greatest failure. weak.
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This is the first season to make me really believe the cries of woe that have been coming from the anime industry for years. My list has only 17 new shows coming out in the first three months of next year. That compares with 36 shows in the same period this year.But there are some promising and/or eagerly awaited shows among them:Baka to Test to Shokanjuu is a school comedy based on a top-rated light novel, and it is directed by Oonuma Shin, who directed the two ef shows for Shaft. Because of him, this is at the top of my list.Dhurara is by the staff that made the underrated Baccano, and is based on a novel by the same author as that show. Dance in the Vampire Bund is Shinbou Akiyuki's next big thing after Bakemonogatari. It is based on a popular manga in which the loli-looking queen of the vampires pays off Japan's national debt in return for an urban island off Tokyo where her people can live.So Ra No Wo To is by the director of Elfen Lied and the writer of Macross Frontier, but appears to be more like ARIA in a Strike Witches setting, and with K-On character design.Nodame Cantabile: Finale ends that great series under the direction of Kon Chiaki, who directed Higurashi and the somewhat disappointing Nodame Paris. But it is written by the well-known playwright and novelist who wrote Gurren-Lagann.Katanagatari is the second of NisiOisiN's novels to be animated, after Bakemonogatari, and is therefore highly anticipated -- but it is done by the same staff that made School Days and Amenaideyo, so I personally have low expectations. Except for the wonderful art and character design you see above.Ookami Kakushi is a new seinen horror thriller from a game by Ryuukishi07, who created Higurashi.And starting in March, fans will have a new Gundam OVA series, Gundam Unicorn, with an interesting new/old look and written and directed by the men who made Chevalier D'Eon.And there are other shows that will appeal to various audiences. The following alphabetical list links to fuller descriptions of each show. The full descriptions are in order of first broadcast. For the first time this year I have included links to online scanlations of mangas. Also included are links to video previews of most shows, along with detailed staff and cast info, a story synopsis, and an image.// Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu     // Chuu Bra!!     // Dance In The Vampire Bund     // Dhurarara!!     // Hanamaru Youchien     // Haruka Naru Toki no Naka de 3: Owari Naki Unmei     // Hidamari Sketch X Hoshimittsu     // Kaitou Reinya     // Katanagatari     // Ladies versus Butlers!     // Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn     // Nodame Cantabile: Finale     // Omamori Himari     // Ookami Kakushi     // Seikon no Qwaser     // Sex Pistols     // So Ra No Wo ToNOTES:-- dates and times may change, and will be updated in my anime calendar, which should come out around the end of the year-- 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 siteHaruka Naru Toki no Naka de 3: Owari Naki Unmei(jp: 遙かなる時空の中で3 終わりなき運命)reverse harem historical adventure fantasyAnother OVA based on the popular reverse-harem girls' adventure game set about a thousand years ago in Japan. Our heroine is a modern girl thrown back in time and involved in fighting leading up to the great civil war battle of Dan no Ura. But the situation is complicated by the presence of a friend from the present on the other side of the battle.Stars Kawakami Tomoko (Utena, Misuzu in AIR, Amber in Darker than Black, etc.), with a harem including Miki Shinichirou, Seki Tomokazu, etc.TV special airs 26 Dec.seiyuus: Kawakami Tomoko, Miki Shinichirou, Seki Tomokazu, Takahashi Naozumi, Miyata Kouki, Nakahara Shigeru, Inoue Kazuhiko, Hoshi Souichirou, Ishida Akira, Kuwashima Houko.director: Kimiya Shigeru (Hand Maid May OVA); chief dir Tsunaki Aki (Harukanaru)writer: Takamura Kouji (new).animation: Yumeta (NeoAngelique, Miracle Train). chara-des: Tsunaki Aki (Harukanaru, Miracle Train); orig Mizuno Touko (manga). art: Shibata Chikako (Rozen Maiden, Honey Clover, NeoAngelique).music: Hirano Yoshihisa (Beyblade, Death Note, Bantorra).manga.sun 03 jan 25:00 (DVD 24mar)Chuu Bra!!(jp: ちゅーぶら!!)seinen ecchi pantsuEducational show (lol) about a junior high school girl who has strong principles regarding underwear. In order to educate other students, she starts the "Underwear Club" at her school.Good cast stars Chihara Minori (Yuki in Haruhi), Yahagi Sayuri (Izumi in Hayate), Kotobuki Minako and Hikasa Youko (Tsumugi and Mio in K-On). The stars sing the OP and ED.Strange staff group for a show of this kind: the director of Gakuen Heaven and the writer of Saiunkoku and RomeoxJuliet.seiyuus: Chihara Minori, Kotobuki Minako (Tsumugi/K-On), Yahagi Sayuri, Hikasa Youko (Mio/K-On).director: Hiiro Yukina (Gakuen Heaven, Shikabane eps)writer: Yoshida Reiko (Marimite, K-On). Nakata Yumi (manga).animation: ZEXCS. chara-des: Yatsu Miyako (Idaten Jump).OPED seiyuus.manga. subs: Hatsuyuki?.mon 04 jan 23:30So Ra No Wo To(jp: ソ・ラ・ノ・ヲ・ト)moe slice-of-lifeSet in a "near distant"future in a land that, after years of war, has settled into decline. Kanata Kumika is a 15-year-old girl who fulfills her dream of enlisting in the army and joins a unit of five girls who protect a fortress that looms over a little village. The girls play music that reverberates across the skies over towns without people and seas without fish. Setting reportedly modelled on the Spanish city of Cuenca and the nearby Alarcón Fortress. (anidb)First in the "Anime no Chikara" series, produced by Aniplex and aired on TV Tokyo, supposedly to televise inventive new series.Director Kanbe Mamoru did Elfen Lied and Denpateki na Kanojo. Writer Yoshino Hiroyuki did Mai-Hime and -Otome, Macross Frontier and Denpateki na Kanojo, as well as this season's Dance in the Vampire Bund.Stars model/actress Aikawa Juri (also known as Kanemoto Hisako). Young Yuuki Aoi gets a second winter show (along with Vampire Bund). Kitamura Eri, Kobayashi Yuu, and Endou Aya also appear.Original character design by Mel Kishida has been simplified to look like K-On, and the situation is reminiscent of Strike Witches, but I don’t think this is like either of them. Has a chance to be quite good: may be more ARIA than K-On. OP and ED written by Kajiura Yuki, and performed by Kalafina (OP) and Tomatsu Haruka.seiyuus: Aikawa Juri (aka Kanemoto Hisako, actress/model), Kobayashi Yuu, Kitamura Eri, Yuuki Aoi, Endou Aya, Fukuen Misato, Ishizuka Unshou, Yasokawa Mayuno.director: Kanbe Mamoru (Elfen Lied, I"s Pure, Denpateki na Kanojo)writer: Yoshino Hiroyuki (Mai-HiME, Mai-Otome, Macross F, Denpateki na Kanojo). Paradores (orig).animation: A-1 Pictures (Kannagi, Birdy Decode, Fairy Tail). chara-des: Akai Toshifumi; Mel Kishida. art: Kai Masatoshi; Aoki Tomoyuki.music: Ooshima Michiru (Xamdo, FMA1). OP Kalafina, ED Tomatsu Haruka (both written by Kajiura Yuki).trailer. subs: pwq, Yuurisan-Subs & m.3.3.w, Chihiro, Hatsuyuki.13eps.mon 04 jan 25:30Seikon no Qwaser(jp: 聖痕のクェイサー)ecchi shounen action adventureAt St. Mihailov Academy, a Japanese Eastern Orthodox school, two students encounter many hardships until they find a mysterious silver-haired boy. The boy is a "quasar," a powerful being who derives power from sucking women's breast milk. Thus begins a shounen action adventure story involving lots of oppai fanservice and bloody violence.Stars the capable voice of Sanpei Yuuko (Nakiami in Xam'd, Renton in Eureka Seven, Hajime in Natsu no Arashi). Also features two of the K-On girls: Toyosaki Aki and Hikasa Youko, as well as two more seiyuu/singers: Hirano Aya and Chihara Minori. And two top seiyuu actresses: Kawasumi Ayako and Takagaki Ayahi. The creepy voice of Chiba Susumu (Scythe in Phantom) and the deep bell of Ookawa Tooru round out a stellar cast.Writer Uezu Makoto (School Days) is one of my least favorites, however. Director Hiraku Kaneko is doing her first show.seiyuus: Sanpei Yuuko, Fujimura Ayumi, Toyosaki Aki, Chihara Minori, Hirano Aya, Hikasa Youko (Mio/K-On), Kawasumi Ayako, Takagaki Ayahi, Chiba Susumu (Scythe/Phantom), Ookawa Tooru.director: Kaneko Hirakuwriter: Uezu Makoto. Yoshino Hiroyuki (manga story).animation: Taki (Godannar, Sonic the Hedgehog movie). chara-des: Uno Makoto; Satou Kenetsu (manga art). animation supervisor: Iijima Hiroya, Sugimoto isao.OP Faylan, ED seiyuus.trailer. manga. subs: Yuurisan-Subs.24eps.mon 04 jan 25:30Ladies versus Butlers!(jp: れでぃ×ばと!)seinen maids romantic comedyThe director of Kanokon and the writer of Strike Witches and Nogizaka Haruka team up for ecchi shenanigans in a high school that trains butlers and maids.Outstanding cast includes Kawasumi Ayako, Nakahara Mai, Koshimizu Ami, Kugimiya Rie, Gotou Mai, and 15-year-old Hidaka Rina (Last Order in Index).First episode preview 29 Dec.seiyuus: Okitsu Kazuyuki (Izmal/Hanasakeru), Kawasumi Ayako, Nakahara Mai, Koshimizu Ami, Kugimiya Rie, Gotou Mai, Hidaka Rina (age15, Last Order/Index, Anne/Konnichiwa), Itou Mariya, Sakuma Kumi.director: Ootsuki Atsushi (Kanokon)writer: Tamai Tsuyoshi (Strike Witches, Nogizaka Haruka).animation: Xebec (Kanokon, Phantom, The Third). chara-des: Takami Akio (Busou Renkin, Kanokon); Munyuu (manga).trailer.tue 05 jan OP seiyuus, ED Nakahara MaiOmamori Himari(jp: おまもりひまり)catgirl romantic comedyOur hero is an orphan living alone, cared for by his childhood friend next door. All he has from any relative is a mamori (good luck charm) left him by his grandparents, but that loses its potency on his 16th birthday. But on that day, a mysterious cat-girl samurai shows up to protect him. Unfortunately, he is allergic to cats.From a popular bishoujo manga. There are complaints from fans about the character design, which is by the person who did charades for Akane Maniax and directed animation for Ranma 1/2. The director and writer seem an odd couple: one directed Strait Jacket, the other wrote Otoboku.Stars the outstanding Koshimizu Ami and Hirakawa Daisuke, with Nomizu Iori (Nymph in Sora no Otoshimono) and Shindou Kei (Kuro in Kodomo no Jikan).seiyuus: Koshimizu Ami, Hirakawa Daisuke, Nomizu Iori (Nymph/SoraOto), Shindou Kei (Kuro/KnJ), Okame Asuka (Meishen/Regios), Neya Michiko.director: Ushiro Shinji (Strait Jacket)writer: Hasegawa Katsumi (Final Approach, Otoboku, DC2SS), Matra Milan (manga).animation: ZEXCS. chara-des: Isono Satoshi (Ranma anidir, Akane Maniax).OP Sakamoto Aya & Kawada Ruka.trailer. manga. subs: ExSSubs, Mochi Fansubs.wed 06 jan 25:30Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu(jp: バカとテストと召喚獣)shounen comedy school romance fantasyBased on the top-rated novel of the year and directed by Oonuma Shin, who directed the excellent ef animes. Not only that, but the writer wrote the ef animes, Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora, and Natsu no Arashi.This one is definitely on my list.The novel is said to be hilarious. It is set in a school that strictly stratifies students, and the comforts of their classrooms, by test scores. The lowest ranked class uses every means to battle the higher ranked classes. Our hero has the lowest marks in the school. The heroine is a smart girl who missed exams due to illness and was ruthlessly relegated to the bottom class.Talented cast includes Shimono Hiro (Jin in Kannagi), Harada Hitomi (Tomoe in Sasameki Koto), Mizuhashi Kaori (Ogiue in Genshiken), Katou Emiri, Miyata Kouki (Arthur in Emma), Nanjou Yoshino (Koko in DC2, and the new singer in fripSide), and Taketatsu Ayana (Azusa in K-On).seiyuus: Shimono Hiro (Hiro/ef, Jin/Kannagi), Harada Hitomi (Tomoe/Sasameki Koto), Mizuhashi Kaori (Ogiue/Genshiken, Miyako/Hidamari), Suzuki Tatsuhisa (Tezuka/Library War, Sugata/SoraOto), Katou Emiri, Miyata Kouki (Arthur/Emma), Taketatsu Ayana (Azusa/K-On, Vanilla/Yumeiro Patissiere, Ako/kissxsis), Terashima Takuma (Teppei/Princess Lover), Nanjou Yoshino (Koko/DC2, Maria/Canaan, fripSide singer).director: Oonuma Shin (ef)writer: Takayama Katsuhiko (Hantsuki, ef, Natsu no Arashi). Inoue Kenji (novels).animation: Silver Link (Tayutama). chara-des: Oshima Miwa (Love Love, Saiunkoku, Koihime Musou); Haga Yui (orig). animation supervisor: Oshima Miwa (Love Love, Koihime Musou). art: Azuma Kohji (Mushiuta, Natsu no Arashi).OP Aso Natsuki, ED milktub.trailer. manga. subs: Mochi Fansubs, KazenoKoe-Fansubs & Keishou-Subs.wed 06 jan 26:20Dance In The Vampire Bund(jp: ダンスインザヴァンパイアバンド)vampire action violence fanserviceMina Tepes, Queen of the Vampires, pays off Japan's national debt in return for an urban island off Tokyo where her people can live. Akira, a werewolf teen, comes to her service, having been raised from birth to be her bodyguard. In the manga, Mina usually appears to be a loli, but sometimes appears as a beautiful -- and often naked -- young adult woman. As Mina and Akira get to know each other, they must defend themselves and the island from attacks from within and outside.Shinbou Akiyuki gets another title he can really sink his teeth into. Young Yuuki Aoi (age 17, Murasaki in Kurenai) takes the lead, supported by Nakamura Yuuichi (Alto in MacrossF) and Saitou Chiwa -- who was Shinbou's first vampire, in Tsukuyomi Moon Phase.Adapted by the writer who did Mai-HiME, MacrossF, and Denpateki na Kanojo.This should be good.seiyuus: Yuuki Aoi, Nakamura Yuuichi, Saitou Chiwa, Kaida Yuuko, Itou Shizuka.director: Shinbou Akiyuki; series dir Sonoda Masahiro (eps/boards NHK, Gendai Mahou)writer: Yoshino Hiroyuki (Mai-HiME, MacrossF, Denpateki). Tamaki Nozomu (orig).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Konno Naoyuki (Kikaider, 009-1). animation supervisor: Konno Naoyuki (009-1, Shina Dark promo). art: Azuma Kohji (Mushiuta, Natsu no Arashi).music: Dobashi Akio (Wellber, Yozakura). OP Nakano Aiko, ED hibiku.trailer. manga. subs: Kesenai Subtitles?, Yuurisan-Subs, gg, Hatsuyuki.thu 07 jan 09:00Dhurarara!!(jp: デュラララ!!)seinen comedy dramaFrom light novels by the author of Baccano. Produced by many of the same people who made Baccano, including director Omori Takahiro and writer Takagi Noboru (who also did Koi Kaze).Set in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, with an amazing ensemble cast including Miyano Mamoru, Hanazawa Kana, Kamiya Hiroshi, Ono Daisuke, Fukuyama Jun, Nakamura Yuuichi, Kaji Yuuki, Takagaki Ayahi, Kobayashi Sanae and Toyonaga Toshiyuki (Ayumu in Zettai Shounen) playing roles such as street thugs, high school students, a female radio host, an underworld doctor, a young information vendor, and a headless Irish fairy.This show has my full attention.seiyuus: Toyonaga Toshiyuki (Ayumu/Zettai Shounen), Miyano Mamoru, Hanazawa Kana, Kamiya Hiroshi, Ono Daisuke, Fukuyama Jun, Nakamura Yuuichi, Kaji Yuuki, Takagaki Ayahi, Kobayashi Sanae.director: Omori Takahiro (Baccano, Natsume Yuujinchou)writer: Takagi Noboru (Koi Kaze, Baccano); Narita Ryohgo (novels).animation: Brains Base. chara-des: Kishida Takahiro (Koi Kaze, Noein, Baccano);orig Yasuda Suzuhito (Kamisama Kazoku, Yozakura Quartet). animation supervisor: Takada Akira (new, keyanim GITS:SAC, Samurai Champloo). art: Itou Akira (Elfen Lied, Baccano, Denpateki Kanojo).music: Yoshimori Makoto (Koi Kaze, Baccano, Natsume Yuujinchou).trailer. manga. subs: Moetaku-Fansubs?, gg.thu 07 jan 25:25Hidamari Sketch X Hoshimittsu(jp: ひだまりスケッチ×☆☆☆(ほしみっつ))moe slice-of-life comedyA new series of yet another of Shinbou Akiyuki's successful franchises. Two new girls are introduced: Nori and Nazuna. Nori in particular seems to be arousing some excitement on 2channel.seiyuus: Asumi Kana, Mizuhashi Kaori, Gotou Yuuko, Shintani Ryouko, Matsuki Miyu, Kugimiya Rie, Sawashiro Miyuki, Chou, Fukuen Misato.director: Shinbou Akiyukiwriter: Hasegawa Nahoko (Hidamari1); Yoguchi Natsue (eps of Hidamari). Aoki Ume (mangaka).animation: Shaft. chara-des: Itou Yoshiaki (Hidamari, Gakuen Alice). animation supervisor: Itou Yoshiaki (Hidamari, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei).music: Kikuya Tomoki (Potemayo, Kyouran Kazoku). OP seiyuus, ED marble.manga. subs: Yuurisan-Subs?.thu 07 jan 25:29Ookami Kakushi(jp: おおかみかくし)seinen horror thrillerSixteen-year-old Kuzumi Hiroshi moves to a town in the mountains. A river divides the town into new and old districts. Class rep Kushinada Nemura gives him a word of advice: “Stay away from the old streets." Set in 1983 -- and centuries before.Based on a PSP mystery adventure game from a concept by Ryuukishi07, who wrote the Higurashi game, and with designs by Peach-Pit.Director Takamoto Nobuhiro did Rakugo Tennyo and Tokimeki Memorial. Lead writer Machida Touko did Muteki Kanban Musume and Lucky Star. She is working from Ryuukishi07's original work this time, though.OP and ED written by Kajiura Yuki and performed by Fiction Junction and by Nanri Yuka.seiyuus: Kobayashi Yuu, Fujita Saki, Katou Emiri, Ise Mariya, Gotou Yuuko, Fuchigami Mai.director: Takamoto Nobuhiro (Rakugo Tennyo Oyui, Tokimeki Memorial, 07-Ghost)writer: Machida Touko (Muteki Kanban Musume, Lucky Star, Tears to Tiara). Ryuukishi07 (orig., Higurashi creator), Konami.animation: AIC. chara-des: Watanabe Atsuko (Valkyria, Charger Girl, GA); orig Peach Pit. animation supervisor: Watanabe Atsuko (Valkyria, Charger Girl).OP Fiction Junction, ED Nanri Yuka (both written by Kajiura Yuki).subs: Formula, Hatsuyuki.thu 07 jan 25:29Kaitou Reinya(jp: 怪盗レーニャ)kids adventure comedyMorning Musume memberTanaka Reina stars, and was the inspiration for this show and for the comic strip on which it is based. Reinya is a convenience store's kanban musume ("signboard girl") by day, and a whimsical thief by night.The story follows her adventures, chased by bumbling cops: a handsome detective and a cool inspector. Joining Reinya on her escapades is her trusty mouse assistant, Chuutarou.seiyuus: Tanaka Reina (Kirara/Onegai My Melody, MoMusu), Youki Sou, Noto Arisa (Hello! Project), Misawa Sachika, Wakabayashi Naomi.director: Iwami Hideaki (key animator Top wo Nerae, Eva); Something Yoshimatsu (chief dir)writer: Kanemaki Kenichi (Ai yori Aoshi, PaniPoni Dash, Natsume Yuujinchou, 11eyes). Up-Front Style (draft).animation: Stingray. chara-des: Mr. A (draft).12eps.sat 09 jan 24:50Hanamaru Youchien(jp: はなまる幼稚園)seinen slice-of-lifeSlice-of-life comedy featuring kids and teachers in a kindergarten. Nothing ecchi, just cute with a bit of serious.I'm not sure what the director of Gundam00 and FMA1 is doing here. The contrast is intriguing.I'll watch anything starring Takagaki Ayahi (Noe in true tears, Sumi-chan in Sasameki Koto). Also stars Shindou Kei (Kuro in Kodomo no Jikan), and MAKO (Yurie in Kamichu!).seiyuus: Shindou Kei (Kuro/Kodomo no Jikan), Takagaki Ayahi (Sumi-chan/Sasameki), MAKO (Yurie/Kamichu), Hino Satoshi, Hirota Shimu, Ise Mariya, Mizuhara Kaoru, Honna Youko, Saitou Chiwa, Konishi Katsuyuki.director: Mizushima Seiji (Gundam00, FMA1)writer: Oguro Yuichirou (Zoku/Goku Sayonara Zetsubou). Yuto (manga).animation: Gainax. chara-des: Otsuka Mai (Shakugan no Shana). art: Matsumoto Hiroki.trailer. manga. subs: pwq.sun 10 jan 25:30Nodame Cantabile: Finale(jp: のだめカンタービレ フィナーレ)shoujo/josei music romanceThe conclusion of the popular anime, the first season of which had the highest late-night anime ratings of the past ten years.Kon Chiaki, who directed the second series, returns. But there is a new writer: playwright and novelist Nakashima Kazuki, who wrote Gurren-Lagann. Those of us who were a bit disappointed by Nodame Paris can possibly derive some hope from that.seiyuus: Kawasumi Ayako, Seki Tomokazu.director: Kon Chiaki (Higurashi, Nodame Paris, Hanasakeru Shounen)writer: Nakashima Kazuki (playwright, novelist). Ninomiya Tomoko (manga).animation: JC Staff. chara-des: Shimamura Shuuichi.OP Sakai Yuu.manga. subs: Frostii, BSS?.thu 14 jan 24:45Katanagatari(jp: 刀語)samurai adventure comedyThe second NisiOisiN novel to be animated, following Bakemonogatari. But that was done by one of the best staff groups around: Shinbou and Shaft. This is done by what I consider one of the worst: the director and writer who did Amenaideyo and School Days.The story involves a young man who is the master of a "swordless" sword technique. He and his sister live alone on an island. He is sent on a quest to gather the twelve best swords made by a great swordsmith.The previews are gorgeous. A screening of the first episode got high praise for the animation -- which is directed by someone new to the staff group -- but there were rumblings of discontent from fans over lines that were changed from the novel.Lead seiyuu Hosoyo Yoshimasa did a fine job as Juuzawa Juu in Denpateki na Kanojo, and he is backed up by some top names: Tamura Yukari, Nakahara Mai, Ookawa Tooru.Twelve one-hour episodes broadcast monthly. First ep 25 Jan, second 8 Feb, third 8 Mar. I am apprehensive, but ready to be amazed.seiyuus: Hosoyo Yoshimasa (Juuzawa Juu in Denpateki), Tamura Yukari, Nakahara Mai, Ookawa Tooru.director: Motonaga Keitarou (Yumeria, Amenaideyo, School Days, Akasaka)writer: Makoto Uezu (Yumeria, Amenaideyo, School Days, Akasaka). Nishio Ishin (orig; Bakemonogatari).animation: White Fox. chara-des: Kawada Tsuyoshi (Best Student Council), Take (orig). animation supervisor: Kawada Tsuyoshi (HoneyClover2). art: Kudou Tadashi (Mizuiro 2003).music: Iwasaki Taku (Getbackers, Gurren-Lagann).trailer. subs: Moetaku-Fansubs? Gg?.OVA. 12x1hr eps.mon 25 janMobile Suit Gundam Unicorn(jp: 機動戦士ガンダムUC)shounen mecha adventureThe new Gundam OVA adopts the new fashion of six one-hour episodes. Theatrical and Playstation previews of episode one will be released on 20 feb.Interesting new/old-style look. Appropriate music. Promising new cast. Expectations run high among Gundam fans.Director Furuhashi Kazuhiro did Real Drive, Chevalier D'Eon and Rurouni Kenshin. Writer Muto Yasuyuki did Persona, Basara, and Chevalier D'Eon.Uchiyama Kouki was Soul Eater. Fujimura Ayumi is Niche in Letter Bee and Cecily in Blacksmith. Kaida Yuuko was Mari in Tokyo Magnitude 8. Shimono Hiro was Jin in Kannagi.seiyuus: Uchiyama Kouki (Soul Eater), Fujimura Ayumi (Cecily/Blacksmith), Shimono Hiro (Jin/Kannagi), Namikawa Daisuke (Kazehaya/Kimi ni Todoke, Benawi/Utawarerumono, Rock/Black Lagoon), Toyoguchi Megumi, Kaida Yuuko, Ikeda Shuuichi, Kakihara Tetsuya, Tezuka Hideaki.director: Furuhashi Kazuhiro (Real Drive, Chevalier D'Eon, Rurouni Kenshin)writer: Muto Yasuyuki (Persona, Basara, Chevalier D'Eon). Fukui Harutoshi.animation: Sunrise. chara-des: Takahashi Kumiko (Tokyo Babylon, CCS, Ouran). art: Ikeda Shigemi (Planetes, Gantz, various Gundams). mecha: Ishigaki Gunya, Katoki Hajime.music: Sawano Hiroyuki (Yoakena, Gigantic Formula, Sengoku Basara).trailer.OVA. 6x50mineps.12 marSex Pistols(jp: Sex Pistols)yaoi sci-fi romanceAdaptation of a yaoi manga series. In the 2003 sci-fi manga, a teenage boy discovers he is one of a select group of humans who evolved from animals other than apes -- animals such as leopards and bears. Cat ears, romance, and physical relationships ensue.Staff list not yet published. Ep2 25jun. Preview and manga both NSFW.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).trailer. manga.OVA. 1/2eps.26 mar
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