Episode 20 of Card Captor Sakura, “Transfer Student vs. Sakura”, introduces probably the most popular anime-original character in CCS, Li Meiling, voiced by one Yukana Nogami, before she decided to change her listed name to simply Yukana, and voiced notables as Teletha Testarossa (Full Metal Panic), Reinforce Zwei (Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS), and Honoka [...]
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

THAT Wall of the Week: The Vanishment of Haruhi Suzumiya by jaoi55 Thoughts: Have we not all been wondering where Haruhi-sama hath vanished to? WTF Key, give me Haruhi or give me death…or at least more Full Metal Panic. You have to admit, this wall is hawt stuff. Makes me think the Haruhi crew is [...]
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

Code Geass episode 5 reminds me of Full Metal Panic, except with a more sinister undertone and outrageous fashion senses. I quite like the blend of comedy and tragedy that’s playing out, and the fan-baiting that goes on is so honestly blatant that one can’t help but find it oddly charming. Bravo. “Lelouch, am I doing [...]
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

Apparently some people think that it’s immensely retard and a total waste of money to buy a Cospa jackets such as the Full Metal Panic one which I own. However, when it comes to other branded jackets that cost double the price of a Cospa jacket, people think it’s perfectly alright to buy it. Even [...]
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

There was a Kinokuniya 20% sales for members, so I decided to pop by and grab some reading materials. I wanted to get the latest Dragon Magazine, but unfortunately, Kinokuniya doesn’t stock it. The other unfortunate thing is that the latest issue of Dragon Age doesn’t contain a new FMP Sigma chapter, so I decided to [...]
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

So, school has started for a week and there’s the dreaded thing knowing as travel time. I spend almost 2 hours to get to and to return from school, so the best thing to do with that time is to read some manga. I’ve only been seriously learning Japanese for slightly more than half a [...]
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

Today's Updates Eromanga Toshokan vol. 009: Nyuuseihin To Love-Ru Metamo Lala and Haruna announced Griffon presents Maaryan-senpai (school swimsuit uniform ver.) Kotobukiya’s Nekomiya Nono, in color Other Headlines Toranoana's latest mechamusume PVC preorder open Design by Shimada Fumikane, sculpt by Men, release in July at 5,040 yen, size and scale unspecified Event limited Manyuu Chibusa (black costume ver.) announced from Wafuudou Ganguten On sale at WHF Kobe 28 on April 29th and WHF Ariake 18 on May 5th Questioners' limited edition Shiratori Amane (pink ver.) PVC preorder open International availability uncertain Blond version of TC2F T2 ART WORKS figure to be available in exchange for Tora store points She'd look great if they redid the head entirely... Kurushima announces 2007 Rei / Asuka summer-themed cold cast set 1/8 scale, 20 cm tall, 29,400 yen, Katayama Hiroki sculpt, September release Axia's To Heart 2 and Happiness dakimakura covers to be reissued Available internationally via Hobby Search Code Geass to Air on Adult Swim Not sure how I missed this... first episode airs April 26th at 1:30 AM First episode of Penguin-ko Heart streaming at Nico Video Kurogane no Linebarrel TV anime official site grand open First episode to premiere at Anime Expo Sekirei web radio announced Details coming soon Spring 2008 Anime: Booked, but not Stacked Toshokan Sensou Production Studio: Production I.G Genre: military drama, romantic comedy, library Original Concept: Arikawa Hiro's Toshokan Sensou (light novel series) Director: Hamana Takayuki Chief Writer: Kometa Kenji Character Designer: Adabana Sukumo, Nakamura Satoshi Doujin Potential: low, though some female-oriented possible Figure Potential: low If one can get over the bizarrely improbable premise of two government-sponsored paramilitary groups playing "capture the flag book" in the middle of a dense civilian population, Toshokan Sensou comes across as one of the more fun shows of the season. Initial impressions paint it as a cross between Full Metal Panic and Planetes with a bit of Read or Die thrown in, not at all a bad combination; with an immediately accessible feel, sympathetic characters, and a snappy animation design, if things stay on model and the premise is fleshed out into something interesting I'd say we have a very solid show on our hands. Bonus points for the tomboy protagonist, too. Figure Recommendations Toranoana's Colors #1 Garance diorama figure Goodsmile's Saber (fantasy maid ver.) reissue Goodsmile's Rin (fantasy maid ver.) reissue Max Factory's Pec Chanpo (Baek Changpo) Ero news below:
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

Today's Updates Figure Review: Alter’s Franco il Nero (Kuro no Franco) Taki Corp. announces Ikkitousen nurse trio Goodsmile presents To Love-Ru Lala, Kiminozo Mitsuki Spring 2008 Anime: Tower of Power Gonzo has one of the spottier anime track records among of late, but if there's one thing they deserve respect for it's their willingness to risk innovation on the business side. This season they're presenting two of their new shows (Druaga and Blassreiter) viewable online at Crunchyroll, subtitled in English, on a "pay what you think it's worth" basis. Whether this will be an effective solution to the fansub dilemma I don't know, but right now Gonzo seems to be the only one trying to bridge the gap. I just wish Crunchyroll didn't feel quite so much like it was written and coded by a Harvard MBA who majored in marketing to tweens... Druaga no Tou ~ the Aegis of Uruk Production Studio: Gonzo Genre: Fantasy, online RPG Original Concept: Namco's Druaga no Tou Director: Chigira Koichi Chief Writer: Gatoh Shouji Character Designer: Hakua Ugetsu (concept), Takaoka Junichi Doujin Potential: fair to middling Figure Potential: quite decent, based on Bakuten precedent The Full Metal Panic tag team of writer Gatoh Shouji and director Chigira Koichi returns to Gonzo with this anime adaptation of the classic Tower of Druaga franchise. The Hakua Ugetsu designs are what initially caught my eye, but with some decent production values and the team of talent they have assembled I have high hopes that this will be the best Gonzo title since Last Exile. Maybe. Iizuki Tasuku's Queen's Gate Iroha We first brought news that doujin illustrator par excellence Iizuki Tasuku would be producing a Queen's Gate volume featuring Iroha from the Samurai Spirits franchise back in February, and ever since I've been eagerly anticipating the volume's April 18th release. I managed to get ahold of a copy a day early, and I've got to say this is a very nice book indeed. If you're a fan of Iroha, Tasuku, or beautiful crane girls reincarnated as ninja maids to serve and protect their husbands, this is definitely an item worth investigating - J-List has it available right now (don't believe the page, it's actually in stock) if you'd like to support HD with your purchase. The World's First Dorodere Luca from Ar Tonelico 2 spawned a new permutation of the moe archetype: dorodere. HD crack web developer Jetfuel explains: Dorodere: a new term for a character who’s dorodoro on the inside (messed up and disturbed), but deredere on the outside (sweet and affectionate). This term seems to have been coined particularly to describe Luca Truelywaath of GUST / Banpresto’s opus Ar tonelico 2, which I may or may not be currently writing up in my first Heisei Democracy column. Thanks to Hatena blog After Seven for the explanation; asking Luca herself didn’t yield a very satisfying answer... Max Factory's Luca is now on sale! Look for Jetfuel's new moe console game themed HD column soon! Figure Recommendations Max Factory's Ruka (Luca) from Ar Tonelico 2 Orchid Seed's Onna Kenshi Feane (HD Review) Comic Gum's Pearl Black Ryomou Shimei (HD Review) Orchid Seed's Gekkou no Carnevale Anna (HD Review) Miyabiya's Bible Black Takashiro-sensei (Imari Review) U-Art's Mogudan Kanu Unchou Alter's Kuro no Franco (Franco il Nero) (HD Review) Ero news below:
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

Yukana is both an outstanding seiyuu and a controversial personality. Her voice has great range, from Cure White in Precure Max Heart to Dominura in Simoun, and from Mashiro in Mai-Otome to C.C. in Code Geass. Recently, she seems to be centring on roles that are like her: strong, sexy, and mature.She stars this season as the female aspect of a fox god in Wagaya no Oinari-sama. In an interview about the part, she says she plays Kuu very god-like when she is in the shrine, but more active and inquisitive in the house. The show has its heartwarming parts and its slapstick parts, she says, but in the end gives you a warm feeling, like being in a hot bath.2channel keeps talking of "pillow business" (i.e., using sex to get roles). There is no proof of this. Her talent should make it unnecessary, and at least one of the accusations has been shown to have no basis. But one look at her photos and you realize why people might make such accusations: the pheromones seem to leap right through the screen at you. (click photos to enlarge)I first became aware of her as Dominura, the masculine older pilot/priestess in Simoun, who was involved in the upper reaches of the political world, and fell in love with a younger girl.The role she is best known for recently is the mysterious and sexy C.C. in Code Geass. Before that, she starred in Mai-Otome as Mashiro. And her most famous role is probably Tessa Testarossa in Full Metal Panic. But she has become very popular with directors: she had eleven roles last year, and has had five already this year, including being type-cast as a succubus in Tower of Druaga: Aegis of Uruk, which debuts this Friday.Here are some of her roles: Moldiver (Ozora Mirai), Azuki-chan (Azuki-chan), Wedding Peach (Angel Lily), Melty Lancer (Sylvia Nimrod), Cardcaptor Sakura (Li Meilin), Full Metal Panic (Tessa), Futari wa Precure Max Heart (Cure White), Black Cat (Rinslet Walker), My-Otome (Mashiro), Simoun (Dominura), Code Geass (C.C.), Soukou no Strain (Lotti), Mononoke (Kayo), Wagaya no Oinarisama (Kuugen Tenko). You can see a full list on her Anime News Network page. She has also done over 60 games and over 30 drama CDs, according to Japanese Wikipedia. She began her anime career at 18, in her last year of high school, starring in Moldiver in 1993. As a girl, she had apparently been weak and sickly, but there seems to be no evidence of that now. She comes from Chiba, and when she finished high school there, she started studying law at prestigious Keio University in Tokyo -- but dropped out to be a seiyuu. She often seems to have a "cat that swallowed the canary" look, and gives off an air of knowingness.In the later 1990s, she began a singing career that has tailed off in recent years, although she continues to do some live performances, such as one coming up on 22 April in Shibuya (Tokyo). She has even written lyrics for other singers.She and Ikezawa Haruna (Mao Oneechan in KimiKiss) are friends, and have had a radio show together called "Canary Lunar Market" (yukana-haruna market). You can find the current broadcast -- which may be the final broadcast -- from this page. Click the red button under their pictures.But controversy has swirled around her for years. She is apparently not the easiest person to get along with, and in 2000, she was accused of having ruined one sound director's marriage. Some people say that in fact the sound director in question was a bachelor, so who knows what actually happened. She took some months off to go and do English study in the US, then returned and changed her stage name from Nogami Yukana to just Yukana.Then in 2004 she was chosen to play Four Murasame in a new Zeta Gundam movie, and the older seiyuu who had played the role in the '80s (Shimazu Saeko) went ballistic, covering her home page with closely-argued tirades against the sound director who had chosen Yukana.The rumor arose that Yukana had got the role because of a relationship with the sound director. 2channel Gundam fans sided with the previous seiyuu and although their ire was against the sound director, Yukana was tarnished. It turned out that many of the seiyuu in that show were new, and the director just wanted new actors, but maybe was loathe to tell the old ones this directly. Yukana left the public eye for a while. Japanese Wikipedia now talks about the whole situation here.In 2007, she was slated to play Yumiko in Touka Gettan, but withdrew at the last minute in favor of Itou Miki, who had played the role in the hentai foreunner of the show, Moonlight Lady. Her agency, Sigma Seven, said they had double-booked her and apologized, but one wonders if she was trying to avoid another controversy.Yuka-nyan is friends with numerous seiyuus, including Koshimizu Ami, who plays alongside her in Code Geass. The picture above right is of them having tea together last spring.Not that she needs them, but she did attend "pheromone dinners" with other seiyuu (Koshimizu Ami, Shimizu Ai, et al.) where a group of women friends got together to eat a meal including lots of meat. Left is a pic of her (left) and Shimizu Ai taking pictures with their cell-phones at another tea party.Anime News NetworkWikipediaWikipedia Japanmusic home page (Japanese)agency profile page (with voice samples)current 2channel thread (Japanese)
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)

As usual, what looked like a poor season is actually shaping up to have a number of interesting shows. Nothing so far looks like an instant classic, but there are always surprises. And with 49 shows (including OVAs), there could be plenty of surprises.Hirano Aya returns to anime in a big way, starring in two series (Chico, Heiress of the Phantom Thief and Zettai Karen Children) and appearing in two OVAs (a Lupin III OVA and a Fist of the North Star OVA).I'll be watching Wagaya no O-inari-sama to hear 16-year-old Hayami Saori in her first role since bursting onto the scene at 15 with a wonderful performance as Momoka in Touka Gettan. Yukana in the starring role is also a big plus. What a voice.Kaiba, by the maker of Kemonozume, is a love story set in a future dystopia where bodies die and minds are transplanted, but some memories are lost.... Stars the great talent of Kuwashima Houko, Noto Mamiko, and Paku Romi.If you've never seen a yaoi (gay male) show, you might take a look at Junjou Romantica, directed by the director of Higurashi, and with a great cast: Sakurai Takahiro, Itou Kentarou, Kanna Nobutoshi, Kishio Daisuke, Taniyama Kishou.On the yuri (Lesbian) side, there is the series based on the surprise hit romantic comedy ONA Candy Boy, with Nabatame Hitomi. Seven ten-minute episodes broadcast on the Net.Macross Frontier may be the most anticipated series of the season, extending that franchise. Or the most anticipated might be the new season of Code Geass. The first interests me more than the second.Vampire Knight is written by the writer of true tears, gives a female director who did eps of Princess Tutu her first full show, and character design is by the great Nishida Asako (Simoun, Touka Gettan). Horie Yui is surounded by a bevy of bishies: Miyano Mamoru, Kishio Daisuke, Chiba Susumu, Fukuyama Jun, Suwabe Junichirou, Houshi Souichirou, Koyasu Takehito.Real Drive involves a future dystopia and is done by Production IG based on a concept from Shirow Masamune (Ghost in the Shell, Ghost Hound).ToLoveRu is a top-class ecchi comic that should translate well to anime. Great cast includes Watanabe Akeno, Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri, Arai Satomi, Koyasu Takehito, Hanazawa Kana, Kawasumi Ayako, Nazuka Kaori.Kurenai stars Sawashiro Miyuki and is directed by the director of Red Garden and Rozen Traumend. The story involves a 16-year-old bodyguard and a seven-year-old tsundere.In any case, here are the shows, by day of the week. Titles I am going to make a special point of looking at myself are in red. English titles link to Anime News Network entry. Japanese titles link to official sites. Click photos to enlarge.SundayNet Ghost Pipopa ネットゴースト PIPOPA Yuta (Satou Rina) moves to a highly technological city, and when he logs in to his computer is sucked into the world of the Net. He is rescued by three Net Ghosts, Pit, Pot, and Pat, and their adventures together in the two worlds begin.An early Sunday-morning show, but director Kimura Shinichro did Mahoraba and Karin, and writer Yamada Ysutomo did Tsuyokiss and Potemayo. Satou-san (Negi Springfield) is joined by Arai Satomi (Kozue in Mahoraba), Shiraishi Ryoko, and one of my favorite young seiyuus, Yahagi Sayuri (Karin). Studio Hibari. 08:30 apr 06Zettai Karen Children 絶対可憐チルドレン Hirano Aya gets a new starring role, her first since Lucky Star. Mangaka Shiina Takashi says he was thrilled when he heard the producers had chosen her as the lead. The story revolves around three girls with superpowers -- telekinesis, teleportation, and sensitive touch -- and bad attitudes.Aya's compatriots will also be played by excellent seiyuu: Shiraishi Ryoko (Hayate) and 18-year-old Tomatsu Haruka (Corticarte in Polyphonica, Sumi in Moetan). Add to them a male lead played by Nakamura Yuuichi (Tomoya in Clannad) and you have a cast to conjure with.Even more important is the director: he is Kawaguchi Keiichiro, the fast-rising talent behind Getsumen to Heiki Miina and Hayate the Combat Butler. This show takes over in Hayate's Sunday-morning time-slot on TV Tokyo. The manga has been adapted by Nishizono Satoru, who did the same for Welcome to the NHK. Animation by Synergy SP (Hayate, Kirarin, Major). 10:00 apr 06Code Geass R2 コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ R2 The most anticipated show of the spring is one I personally don’t anticipate much at all. I thought the great cast (Fukuyama Jun, Koshimizu Ami, Sakurai Takahiro, Yukana, Orikasa Fumiko, Midorikawa Hikaru, etc.) was wasted on the pointless and confused first series. Animated by Sunrise, with character design by Clamp. Director Taniguchi Goro did Planetes and Infinite Ryvius. 17:00 apr 06Wagaya no O-inari-sama 我が家のお稲荷さま Based on novels about a family that is protected by a beautiful fox goddess. I'll be watching mainly to hear young Hayami Saori again. She was outstanding in her first role as Momoka in Touka Gettan. I'm also eager to hear Yukana in the lead role. Also with Nakamura Yuuichi (Tomoya in Clannad), Mizushima Takahiro (Romeo, Kazuki in KimiKiss), Itou Shizuka, Kano Yui (in her first role since Momoko in Sumomomo), Ono Daisuke, and Mizuhashi Kaori. Lovely character design. Written by Yoshida Reiko (Saiunkoku, RomeoxJuliet, Canvas2). Directed by Iwasaki Yoshiaki (Love Hina, Sky Girls). Animation by ZEXCS. 24:00 apr 06Nabari no Ou 隠の王 Kugimiya Rie and Hino Satoshi (Shana and Yuji) team up again -- but in this case, they both play boys. Saiga Mitsuki, Namikawa Daisuke, and Fujimura Ayumi round out a nice core cast, with help from big names such as Suwabe Junichi, Nakata Jouji, and Okiayu Ryoutarou."Rokujou Miharu (Kugimiya) is a boy who has a hijutsu (hidden technique) living inside of him. This hijutsu is the power of creation. Many ninja clans are seeking it as the one who posesses it becomes the ruler of the ninja world. Rokujou's classmate Kouichi (Hino) started a nindou ('Way of the Ninja') club at school with Kumohira, his English teacher. Both Kouichi and Kumohira are secretly ninjas. They tried to persuade Rokujou to join the ninjutsu club. At first, he was reluctant, but after being attacked by group of ninjas trying to get his hijutsu, he joins. He must become the Ruler of Nabari in order to survive." (ann)Director Sugishima Kunihisa did Speed Grapher. Writer Yokote Michiko did Genshiken, xxxholic, and Princess Tutu. J.C. Staff 13 episodes? 25:30 apr 06SA - Special A S・A ～スペシャル・エー～ Hikari Hanazono (Gotou Yuuko), the main character, has always been second to Kei Takishima (Fukuyama Jun). While Hikari considers Kei a rival and somewhat of a friend, Kei loves Hikari. Everyone knows this, but she is too dense to notice.Their wrestling-loving fathers first introduced them to one another when they were 6 years old. Assuming that she was the best in wrestling, young Hikari challenged Kei to a wrestling match only to be thoroughly defeated. Ever since that fateful incident, Hikari swore to beat Kei in school grades, sports - anything. To do this she has enrolled in the same school as Kei since elementary school. Now she attends Hakusenkan, an ultra elite school, that costs her carpenter father a lot of money. Hikari and Kei are the top two students in the school, with Kei holding firmly to that number one position. (ann)With Yonaga Tsubasa, Takagaki Ayahi, Shimono Hiro, and Nabatame Hiromi. Based on a shoujo manga by Maki Minami serialised in Hana to Yume. Written by Hanada Jukki (Rozen Maiden, sola, H2O). Animation by AIC and Gonzo. OP by Gotou Yuuko.I'll be watching for the stars and Takagaki Ayahi. Director Miyao Yoshikazu is new to directing. After H2O, Hanada Jukki has to earn back his status as a top writer. 25:30 apr 06Neo-Angelique: Abyss ネオアンジェリーク Abyss Endou Aya (Miyuki in Lucky Star) gets her second big role this spring (along with Macross) as the new voice of Angie. Or is it her third? She is also starring in the new Mai-Otome OVA. With the glamorous new character design, she has a chance to make this role count. Another series of the quietly popular girls' reverse-harem supernatural adventure franchise. With Takahashi Hiroki, Hirakawa Daisuke, Irino Miyu, Nakamura Yuuichi, and Ono Daisuke as the surrounding bishies. Animation by Yumeta. 26:00 apr 06Onegai My Melody Kirara おねがいマイメロディ きららっ☆ Onegai My Melody enters its fourth year. Studio Comet. 9:30 apr 06MondayChi's Sweet Home チーズスイートホーム Lead writer Konparu Tomoko did both NANA and Nodame Cantabile. But this isn't them: it's a five-minute kids' show about a cat. Madhouse 06:40 mar 31Ikuze! Gen-san いくぜっ！源さん Nice character design in a GyaO net animation for kids. Stars Yamaguchi Kappei. Written by the writer of Otoboku and DCSS. Director did Crash Hit Bedaman. Nippon Animation 24 eps. 12:00 mar 24Soul Eater ソウルイーター To make their weapons, students in a school for shinigami weapons technicians must collect the souls of 99 bad people and a witch. Director Igarashi Takuya did Ouran HS Host Club. Writer Yamatoya Akatsuki did Simoun, Gintama, and Busou Renkin.The cast includes Miyano Mamoru, Kobayashi Yumiko, Katou Emiri, Koyama Rikiya, Koyasu Takehito, Kuwashima Houko, Nazuka Kaori, and Watanabe Akeno. Animation by Bones. 18:00 apr 07Gag Manga Biyori 3 ギャグマンガ日和３ Directed by Daichi Akitaro, director of Fruits Basket and Bokura ga Ita. With Ueda Yuuji (Morita in Honey & Clover) and Nazuka Kaori. "Gyagu Manga Biyori is hyperactive, random, and nonsensical, revolving around various plots and characters throughout the series. It makes absolutely no sense. The 1st episode is about stickers included in snacks." (ann) Artland. 23:00 mar 17Vampire Knight ヴァンパイア騎士 "Yuki's earliest memory is of a stormy night in winter, when she was attacked by one vampire and then rescued by another. Now, 10 years later, Yuki Cross, the adopted daughter of the headmaster of Cross Academy, has become a guardian of the vampire race, protecting her savior, Kaname, from discovery as he leads a group of vampires at the elite boarding school.But also at her side is Zero Kiryu, a childhood friend who hates the creatures. Is Kaname's infatuation with Yuki the beginning of a forbidden romance, or is it something in her forgotten past that draws him to her? In this world of secrets, nothing is as it seems." (anidb)Outstanding constellation of male seiyuus surrounds Horie Yui: Miyano Mamoru, Kishio Daisuke, Chiba Susumu, Fukuyama Jun, Suwabe Junichirou, Houshi Souichirou, Koyasu Takehito. Director Sayama Kiyoko gets her first full show, having done episodes of Princess Tutu and Blood+. Writer Okada Mari did true tears, Sketchbook, and episodes of Simoun. Outstanding character designer Nishida Asako did Simoun, Touka Gettan, and Fate/Stay Night. Studio DEEN. 25:00 apr 07Monochrome Factor モノクローム・ファクター "Akira Nikaido is a typical slacker high school student who thinks he has a normal life -- until a mysterious man called Shirogane appears and tells him to meet him at the school that night. He is skeptical but goes anyway…and gets attacked by a shadow monster! Shirogane convinces him that the balance between the human world and the shadow world has been distorted, and that Akira must become a shin--a creature of the shadow world--in order to help restore the balance." (anidb)Fine cast includes Ono Daisuke, Suwabe Junichi, Kamiya Hiroshi, Asano Masumi, Saiga Mitsuki, Konishi katsuyuki, Tamura Yukari, and Okiayu Ryoutarou. The director and the writer did Loveless and Zero no Tsukaima. Animated by ACGT. 26:00 apr 08TuesdaySugar Bunnies 2 シュガーバニーズ 第2シリーズ Cute-looking early-morning kids' show featuring cute bunnies and the cute voices of Horie Yui and Ueda Kana. From Sanrio (Hello Kitty). Even the official site doesn’t give info about the staff. Or about the start date. 07:30Uchi no San Shimai うちの3姉妹 Animation of an overwhelmingly popular blog (75 million hits) and book (800,000 copies sold) about rearing three daughters. ACGT . 17:30 apr 08Real Drive ＲＤ 潜脳調査室 "The story takes place in 2061, 50 years after humanity developed the Net Society that depended on information networks, despite their security issues. To improve security, a new network called Metal was developed. People's personal memories were reduced to information and placed online. The result was a virtual explosion of creative freedom as people felt safe enough explore instincts and desires on Metal that they would not otherwise explore in real life. This friction between the Metal's alluring lack of restrictions and rules-bound reality led to trouble and incidents that investigators known as Cyber Divers must handle. Masamichi Haru is one such cyber diver." (anidb)I hardly know what to expect, except for Production IG animation. Veteran seiyuu Mori Katsuji plays the lead, with inexperienced Oki Kanae billed second. But they are followed by a strong list including Takahashi Hiroki, Kawasumi Ayako, Fujiwara Keiji, Watanabe Akeno, and Nonaka Ai. Director Furuhashi Kazuhiro did Bincho-tan and Chevalier D'Eon. The concept is from Shirow Masamune, and writer Fujisaku Junichi did Blood+. Production IG 24:59 apr 08Crystal Blaze クリスタル ブレイズ aka Glass Maiden. An outstanding cast, including Ueda Yuuji in his best role since Morita in Honey & Clover. The (woman) director did Saikano. Guns and sex in a near-future Asian dystopia. With Miki Shinichirou, Arai Satomi, Takahashi Mikako, Kobayashi Yu, Sawashiro Miyuki, Itou Miki, Chiba Saeko (married but still working) and Takahashi Hiroki. Animation by Studio Fantasia. Could be a good one. 25:15 apr 08Himitsu: Top Secret 秘密 -トップ・シークレット- Psychological thriller starring Seki Tomokazu, Namikawa Daisuke, and Nonaka Ai. Don't ask me why, but I have a good feeling about this one.The director of Rocket Girls doesn’t inspire confidence, so that can’t be it. Madhouse. 25:29 apr 08WednesdayLupin III - Green vs Red ルパン三世 GREEN VS RED 40th anniversary Lupin III OVA gives Hirano Aya her second OVA and fourth show of the spring. 1 episode. apr 02Fist of theNorth Star: The Legend of Toki 真救世主伝説 北斗の拳 トキ伝 Abe Hiroshi, Sakamoto Maaya, and Hirano Aya in the latest Hokuto no Ken OVA. Trailer on official site. Animation by Tom's Entertainment OVA ep 1 of 1. mar 26Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's 遊戯王5D's At least 13 new epsiodes of Yu-Gi-Oh! 18:00 apr 02Strait Jacket ストレイト・ジャケット "Leon the Professional meets Blade Runner…but steampunk." In a world where industry and sorcery coexist, people can suddenly turn into Malevolents, the enemies of all mankind, and even a young boy has had to kill someone he loved. A "gun action fantasy." Already licensed for R1 release.From a popular series of novels by Sakaki Ichirou (Scrapped Princess). Director Ushirou Jinji was assistant director of Otoboku. Miki Shinichirou (Kurz Weber) leads the cast, with Shindou Kei, Maeda Ai, and Asano Mayumi. Animation by Feel. OVA 3 of 3. apr 30ThursdayKyou Kara Mao 3 今日からマ王！第3シリーズ Ready for 39 more episodes of a modern boy as king of a medieval race? Directed by the masterful Nishimura Junji (Simoun, true tears). Animation by Studio DEEN. With Sakurai Takahiro, Morikawa Toshiyuki, and Saiga Mitsuki. 39eps. 23:02 apr 03Allison and Lillia アリソンとリリア Intriguing show set in early 20th century fictional world, featuring war, adventure and friendship. Mizuki Nana, Kumai Motoko (Goro in Major), Yamadera Kouichi, and Noto Mamiko. Based on shounen light novels, adapted by Machida Doko (Lucky Star, Kanban Musume). Directed by Nishida Masayori (Mokke, Eyeshield21). Animation by Madhouse. 26 eps. 23:32 mar 03Kaiba カイバ One of the most promising shows of the season. Original series directed by Masaaki Yuasa (Mind Game, Kemonozume), and animated by MADHOUSE. Outstanding cast: Kuwashima Houko, Noto Mamiko, Paku Romi."A sci-fi love story set in a world where digitization of memory made physical death obsolete. A world where memories can be stolen and altered, and replaced in a new human body. Kaiba wakes up in a room wthout knowing who he is. He has a pendant with the photograph of a woman he does not remember. After being attacked all of a sudden, he has to flee to space, meet various people, and rediscover the world. 'Even without my memories, I love you…'"(anidb) 12eps. 24:00 apr 10Library War (Toshokan Sensou) 図書館戦争 "In the year 2019, the explosion of information and misinformation had become a direct threat to society. A new government agency dedicated solely to information management is created. Now, some thirty years later, the government still monitors and controls information, suppressing anything they find undesirable, but standing against their abuses of power are the libraries, with their special agents, 'the book soldiers.'" (anidb)The director of Sisters of Wellber doesn’t attract me, but Production IG does, and so do Inoue Marina, Sawashiro Miyuki, and Ishida Akira. Based on a light novel series by Arikawa Hiro, illustrated by Adabana Sukumo. Production IG (Studio 9). 24:25 apr 10Junjou Romanchika 純情ロマンチカ Good-looking yaoi series from Studio DEEN. Directed by Kon Chiaki, director of Higurashi. With Sakurai Takahiro, Itou Kentarou, Kanna Nobutoshi, Kishio Daisuke, Taniyama Kishou, and Hanada Hikaru (Creed in Ergo Proxy). Studio DEEN. 24 episodes. 25:20 apr 10Macross Frontier マクロス FRONTIER Endou Aya (Miyuki in Lucky Star) gets the lead role in a new Macross series. Written by the lead writer of Mai-HiME and My-Otome. Music by Kanno Yoko. Also with Nakamura Yuuichi, Fukuyama Jun, Kamiya Hiroshi, Kobayashi Sanae, Tanaka Rie, Inoue Kikuko, and Sugita Tomokazu. The cast is up to it, that's for sure. "Love, friendship, and the fate of planets intertwined. An intergalactic Love Story." Animation by Satelight (Macross, Aquarion, Shugo Chara). 25:25 apr 03xxxHOLIC: Tsugi xxxHOLiC◆継 More xxxHOLIC for lovers of the first series. 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. 25:25 apr 03To Love-Ru To LOVEる A glamorous interstellar princess suddenly shows up naked in a teenage boy's room and decides he is to be her husband. She runs him ragged, while befriending the human girl he really loves. The manga makes the most of a hackneyed concept. Let's hope the anime can, too. Directed by the director of Busou Renkin and Rockman.EXE. Written by the lead writer for Blue Dragon, Busou Renkin, and Simoun.Outstanding cast includes Watanabe Akeno, Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri (yes!), Arai Satomi (her third role of the spring), Koyasu Takehito, Hanazawa Kana, Kawasumi Ayako, Nazuka Kaori, Oura Fuyuka, Yoshino Hiroyuki. Animation by Xebec. 26eps. 25:55 apr 03Kure-nai 紅 "16-year-old Shintaro Kurenai is a Mediator. Then one day, he is approached by the daughter of a rich and powerful family asking him to be her bodyguard. This somehow ends up with him living in a run-down tenement with Murasaki Kuhouin, his new 7-year-old apprentice, landlord, self-proclaimed fiance, and all-around tsundere, and several other eccentric ladies." (anidb)Promising show directed by Matsuo Kou, director of Red Garden and Rozen Traumend. Stars Sawashiro Miyuki as the male lead, with Ishige Sawa (the twins in PaniPoni), Sanada Asami and Shintani Ryouko. Animation by Brains Base. From the novels. 26:00 apr 03FridayNaisho no Tsubomi ないしょのつぼみ "Naisho no Tsubomi tells the story of Tsubomi Tachibana, a fifth grader dealing with issues such as her mother's pregnancy, her first period and the strange feelings she has started to get when she has been around boys. Based on a shoujo manga by Yabuuchi Yuu, serialised in Ciao." (anidb)Stars the wonderful tiny voice of big Nazuka Kaori. With a stunning supporting cast: Koshimizu Ami, Kanda Akemi, Kobayashi Sanae, Shiraishi Ryouko, Miyata Kouki, Saiga Mitsuki. Written by the writer of Lovege Chu, Cosmopolitan Prayers, and Elemental Gelade, however…. Studio Kikan OVA, ep 1 of 3. apr 25Amuri in Star Ocean 星の海のアムリ Delayed from December, the first ep of this interesting 3DCG space-loli OVA will be released 23 May. With Makino Yui (Misaki in Welcome to the NHK), Saitou Momoko (Choco in Chokotto Sister) and Aizawa Michiru (Furoe in Simoun) in the lead roles, supported by Mamiko Noto and Kaneda Tomoko. Studio Hibari. ep 1 of 3. may 23Candy Boy Candy☆Boy "Nonchalant talk of the certain twin sisters in daily life." Surprising hit net OVA gets a brief series of seven ten-minute episodes. Yuri tales of twin sisters. With Nabatame Hitomi, Yuzuki Ryoka (Eruruu in Utawarerumono), and Katou Emiri (Kagami in Lucky Star). The original ONA was wonderful -- very romantic and very yuri. AIC. 7x10min. 12:00 may 02Kirarin Revolution 3 きらりん☆レボリューション 第3期 I watched the first thirty or so episodes of season one, and found them a lot more entertaining than the average shoujo wannabe-idol show. But I had no idea the show would become so popular that it kept going to episode 100 (which aired 14 March) and beyond, to season three.Star Kusumi Koharu came straight from Morning Musume. She has a lot more seiyuu experience now than she did in April 2006, when this all began. New director Fujimoto Yoshitaka did Girl's High and KoiKoi7, neither of which bodes well. Writer Tsuchiya Rikei has some depth: she did Major and KimiKiss. Animation by Synergy SP. 18:00 apr 04The Tower of Druaga: the Aegis of Uruk ドルアーガの塔 ～the Aegis of URUK～ Directed by Chigira Koichi (Full Metal Panic, Last Exile). Animated by Gonzo. Orikasa Fumiko stars, with Chihara Minori, Horie Yui, Ishida Akira, Sakurai Takahiro. Features Yukana as a succubus (type-casting). Writer Gatoh Soji created FMP and worked on Suzumiya Haruhi and Lucky Star."In a summer once every five years, demons in the mysterious Tower of Druaga lose their powers due to the magic spell cast by a god named Anu. King Gilgamesh, ruler of the kingdom of Uruk, uses the appearance of demons as an excuse to invade the tower and find out its secrets. As 80 years passed, the Uruk army managed to fight back the demons and build a fortress city and safe haven on the very first floor of Druaga, Metz Kier. Thus begins the story of a warrior named Gil who, finding companions along the way, embarks on a quest for the fabled Blue Crystal Rod, a powerful artifact rumored to be in the highest floor of Druaga. However, other competitors, including the kingdom of Uruk itself, want the treasure." (anidb) Gonzo 25:15 apr 04Golgo13 ゴルゴ13 Little is known about this new show based on an ultra-violent hard-core old-style manga. Something for fans of the genre to look forward to. Animated by The Answer Studio, which did the underrated Flag. 25:23 apr 11Itazura na Kiss イタズラなKiss "It was love at first sight for Aihara Kotoko as top student Irie Naoki delivers a speech on the first day of high school. After 2 years of secret admiration, 'I don't want it' is the rejection she gets when she plucks up enough courage to hand him a love letter. Dejected, Kotoko vows to give him up. By a twist of fate, Kotoko's house collapses; her dad and she put up at a friend's place, who happens to be Naoki's father. And thus, life with Naoki begins and Kotoko's love for Naoki rekindles again. Much laughter ensues when scatterbrain Kotoko makes her countless advances (supported by Naoki's wacky mum) on ice-cold Naoki who hates girls and is a genius at practically everything from studies to sports." (anidb)Animated by the director of Toward the Terra. With Mizuki Nana, Hirakawa Daisuke, and Paku Romi. Promising shoujo. Tom's Entertainment 26eps. 26:25 apr 04Amatsuki あまつき "History isn't Tokidoki's strong subject. He`s even forced to do make-up work at a high-tech history museum to bring up his failing grades. After losing an eye to a virtual reality monster in an Edo-period simulation, he finds himself unable to leave the game. Could it be real? Based on the shoujo manga by Takayama Shinobu." (anidb)Stars the ubiquitous Fukuyama Jun and the glorious Paku Romi. Directed by the director of Chevalier D'Eon. Studio DEEN. I'll watch at least an ep for Paku-san. 26:30 apr 04Bus Gamer Bus Gamer "When three complete strangers, Mishiba Toki, Nakajyo Nobuto and Saitoh Kazuo, are hired by a corporation to compete in the Bus Game, an illegal dog-fight conducted in strict secrecy, they are given the team code of "Team AAA" (Triple Anonymous). This group of three who differ entirely from their living environments to their personalities have to work together effectively, but without mutually wiping out their mistrust of each other or prying into each other's privacy. They only have one point in common - each of them need a large amount of money for their individual circumstances. To get the money, they must play in the game despite their very own lives being at stake." (ann)Star seiyuus Suzumura Kenichi, Suwabe Junichi, and Takahashi Hiroki star in this three-episode series. Based on a cult manga by Minekura Kazuya (Saiyuki). Animation by Anipro. 26:30 mar 14SaturdayBlue Dragon: Seven Dragons of the Heavens BLUE DRAGON 天界の七竜 Quality Saturday-morning kids' adventure show Blue Dragon continues. With Paku Romi, Hazuki Erino, Namikawa Daiusuke and others. Studio Pierrot 09:00 apr 05Kanokon かのこん Intriguing ecchi comedy from Xebec with a number of good seiyuus. Kawasumi Ayako in a leading role is always promising. So are Noto Mamiko and the underused Saitou Chiwa and Itsuki Yui (I love her techno-core band Yousei Teikoku). Add two of my favorite seiyuu personalities, Miyazaki Ui and Kadowaki Mai, as well as the excellent Kondou Takashi, and I will certainly take a peek at this one."On Kouta's first day at a new school, a beautiful second-year female student named Chizuru Minamoto asks him to meet her alone in the music room. When he arrives, she reveals her that she is in fact a fox deity (see also Wagaya no Inari-sama) and from that day on the two hang out together. Nozomu is a first year female student at Kouta's school, she is in fact a wolf deity and in love with Kouta, and a rival of Chizuru for Kouta's affections." (anidb) Xebec 12eps. 10:30 apr 05D.C. II ~Da Capo II~ Second Season D.C.II S.S. ～ダ・カーポII セカンドシーズン～ Continues from the first season, which aired last fall. This time, I expect Takagaki Ayahi (Yume here, Noe in true tears) to play a larger role. With Horie Yui, Chihara Minori, Itou Shizuka, Asakawa Yuu, Yamaguchi Kappei, Kishio Daisuke. Animation by feel. Directed by the director of Utawarerumono and sola. I'll watch it for Aya-hime (Takagaki). Animation by feel. 13 eps. 24:30 apr 05Kyouran Kazoku Nikki 狂乱家族日記 A thousand years after a monster almost destroyed the Earth, human children are identified, one of whom may be its successor. The children are brought together in a single family in hopes that a happy family life in a human family may make them unwilling to destroy humans. Directed by Kuroda Yasuhiro (Guardian Hearts, Chocotto Sister), with Fujimura Ayumi (Ayano in Kaze no Stigma), Hanazawa Kana, Hirohashi Ryou, Tomatsu Haruka, Satou Rina. Animation by Nomad (Rozen Maiden, sola). 25:00 apr 12Kamen no Maid Guy 仮面のメイドガイ "Fujiwara Naeka is a typical 17 year-old high school student. Or so it apears. Shes really one of two surviving heirs of a tycoon and has the right to inherit his fortune when she turns 18 in half a year. Fubuki, a young and beautiful maid, and Kogarashi, a big burly maid guy with a mask, have been assigned to keep Naeka and her brother Kousuke safe from those who would plot their demise and steal the fortune she would inherit." (anidb)With the up-and-coming Iguchi Yuka in what I think is her first lead role. Also starring Toyoguchi Megumi, Sakaguchi Daisuke, Katou Emiri (who won a best new seiyuu award for Kagami in Lucky Star), Mugihito, Fujita Saki, Kanda Akemi, Kobayashi Yu, Kaido Yuko. I'll be watching ep1 for Iguchi-san (Ai in true tears), if nothing else. Animation by Madhouse. 25:35 apr 05Blassreiter Blassreiter Future fiction with motorcycles, highly athletic mecha, and Gonzo. Preview. Directed by Itano Ichirou, who directed Gantz, and written by the writer of Shana and Witchblade. Character designer did Gantz and Ergo Proxy. Mecha by Niθ. Voices by Itou Shizuka, Matsukaze Masaya, Hanazawa Kana, Hiyama Nobuyuki, Miyake Kenta. As long as the preview's resemblance to Dragonaut is only skin deep, this could be good. 24eps. 26:00 apr 05Chiko, Heiress of the Phantom Thief (Nijuu-mensou Musume) 二十面相の娘 One of two series in which Hirano Aya will star this spring. The story revolves around a female thief named Chico, who is the spiritual successor to the Kaijin Nijū-Mensō ("The Fiend with 20 Faces"), a thief character created by famed suspense and detective novelist Ranpo Edogawa, who considered himself the spiritual successor of Edgar Allan Poe. (info from anidb). Directed by the director of Kanban Musume, which is a plus, and Futakoi I, which is a bit of a minus. Adaptation by Tsuchiya Rikei, who did both Major and KimiKiss. Those are both pluses. Animation by Bones. Also with Arai Satomi (Kozue in Mahoraba) and Satou Rina (Negima). 26:05 apr 12
(Read the rest of this entry) (Entry meta)