It's Finally Anime! » Princess Lover

10k Hits! Thanks Everyone!

FaS — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:34:33 +0000

Well it’s been about 2 months of serious blogging (on this site) and I’ve reached 10k hits! Finally. It’s about damn time I think. I remember when I first started blogging, and got excited about getting 78 hits a day. Just recently, activity starting spiking and I’m loving it. However, the only thing I wish there were more of were comments. Noowwww don’t get wrong! I LOVEE the people who comment on my posts and PLEEASEEE keep it up. I just wish more people would. Supposedly there’s been a study done and about only 1-10% of your readers actually comment. It can be anywhere in that range. Some sites say if you ask, you’ll get more, but I feel like content should be so engaging, the readers will be compelled to comment themselves. I can’t lie and say I haven’t done that on maybe 3 or 4 posts, but that was it. Though 10k hits is a small stepping stone, I feel it’s a big one for me.

So I just wanted to take this time to sincerely say thank you everyone for giving my site the time of day. Keeping up an anime site (or any site for that matter) is a really hard one & when I think back, I wonder how I kept pumping out story after story even if only 3 people read it a day? Today, I was reminded of that writing about what you care about does in fact pay off. You don’t need thousands of dollars for advertising (though it’d probably help!), all you need are good fellow bloggers along with an open fan-base.

Again, thank you everyone who is reading this for coming to my site and taking time out of YOUR day to read what I have to say or even just look at the fun pictures. Just as important, thank you for the wonderful comments! Keep them going please When I see even 1 comment, especially the reallly long ones, it just gives me a nice warm feeling inside. Thaaaaatttttssss what keeps me going. But at any rate, have a great day and if anyone’s in college at the moment, good luck on finals

P.S. And if you like what you see, be sure to come back

Anime Previews: Summer July 2009

FaS — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:06:50 +0000

Ok, I’ve seen all the search stats and things are definitely ramping up this summer. It seems like a new series is coming out almost everyday >.>…but I’ve a small solution, if you can call it that. “Keeping Up’s A Bit Tough,” is a post series to help everyone (as well as myself) basically keep up with the new series that are out @ the moment. I might not mention all of them, but I should mention damn near almost all of them. Just remember, ongoing episodes well into their 10th episode won’t be covered, but I’m sure you already know about them. Anyways, enjoy!

Aoi Hana

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlR488aQEeU

Genre: School, mild drama, light comedy.

In case you didn’t know, aoi is the color for “blue” in Japan, as well as hana being the noun for “flower.” I’m not quite sure what importance “blue flowers” have in Japanese culture as of yet, but I think in regards to this series, it should be given a chance. Being an adaption from the original manga & shoujo @ that, it looks like this show has a little promise under it’s cover. Here’s a little info from ANN:

In the original manga’s story, Fumi and Akira were close childhood friends until Fumi had to move away. Ten years after losing touch with each other, the two girls meet again as high school freshmen. The two struggle to reconnect after so much has changed, and both deal with the trials and tribulations of high school — sometimes independently and sometimes with each other’s help.

I’ve seen the first episode & the production quality seems spot on. I don’t really subscribe to much shoujo, but as someone who can (or @ least thinks he can) enjoy art, I don’t think it to be wise to judge this show quite yet, even if you don’t like it.

Release Date: Already Out wed 01 jul 26:08

Bakemonogatari

www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9M0xsvSxEQ

Genre: Adventure, brute force magic, comedy, possibly ecchi…? Yeah, definitely

It’s funny because I’ve actually watched about a third of this show on my computer, but when I downloaded it to my iPod from a different source, it wasn’t subbed…but wow, I’ve been really tempted to just watch it raw. I haven’t due to the feeling it might be might be important to understand everything from the beginning. In all my time watching anime, the opening of the actual series (not the beginning credits) is probably one of the most grabbing intros I have EVER seen. It’s witty in an undercover way, a little random, and extremely colorful.

The production value to this show is also the best I’ve seen thus far too. Even eclipsing Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei (ZSZS). Here’s a little info from Wiki:

Bakemonogatari centers on Koyomi Araragi, a third year high school student who is almost human again after briefly becoming a vampire. One day, a classmate named Hitagi Senj?gahara, who infamously never talks to anyone, falls down the stairs into Koyomi’s arms. He discovers that Hitagi weighs next to nothing, in defiance of physics. After being threatened by her, Koyomi offers his help, and introduces her to Meme Oshino, a middle-aged homeless man who helped him stop being a vampire.

The series tends to introduce only one new heroine per chapter, each involved with a different “apparition”. The events of the previous chapters play an important role in the subsequent ones. The series primarily focuses on conversations between characters; it contains a fair number of parodies of other series, as well as Nisio Isin’s trademark wordplay and metahumor.

Release Date: Already Out fri 03 jul 23:00

CANAAN

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZMZbUAXnAc

Genre: Adventure, Mystery & violence(?)

I haven’t watched a single episode of this yet, but…why in the world is it spelled with all capitals? Who knows. I don’t know, I guess it does kind of have that ominous-kind-of sounding name huh? I’m feeling like it might invoke feelings similar to Ghost In a Shell: SAC -- 1st Gig. Here’s a little info from ANN:

The modern-day story centers on a present-day story about a detective, a young man, a virus researcher, a, and a cat mascot character who are brought together in the Tokyo neighborhood of Shibuya by bizarre events with worldwide implications.

Originally, I believe the series was to be named after a Wii visual novel with “428″ in the name, but they eschewed that idea and decided to give it a unique name of its own. I’m glad they did. Judging from the basic premise of the story, it could turn out really well. In addition, this show only has 13 episodes.

Release Date: Already Out sat 04 jul 22:30

Fight Ippatsu! Juuden Chan!!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu6fgy89qjY

Genre: VERY ecchi/moe light-hearted comedy

I could go on & on about this show, but you’ll have to read my other reviews to see what I think. In addition to light-hearted, this show’s definitely heartwarming. I recommend this show to nearly everyone.

Release Date: Already Out thu 25 jun 08:00

GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAznQpr-lVY

Genre: Comedy, just doing nothing kind-of-thing

Again, I haven’t really seen this episode or read the manga as of yet, but it looks like this shows going to be one of those shows where there isn’t really a driving story, but at the same time, you don’t feel like the cast is worthless. I look forward to seeing what it’s about. Not having seen K-on!, I feel this alternative anime show will be much better than what I’ve read.

Release Date: Already Out mon 06 jul 26:14

Kanamemo

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eV5udBrjpY

Genre: Doing nothing comedy

Jeez, going through all this makes me realize how much anime I have to catch up on Anyways, here’s a little info from ANN:

The story centers on Kana Nakamichi, a middle-school girl who had already lost her parents and just recently lost her only remaining relative, her grandmother. As a result, she ends up living and working at a newspaper delivery office. Everyone else living at the office are all charming, self-assertive bish?jo. The manga follows Kana’s daily life in the fast-paced yet joyous environment.

After looking at the description…I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep up, but on the other hand, shows are really shaping up this summer. Anything could happen

Release Date: Already Out tue 07 jul 10:30

Spice and Wolf 2

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Plle67SzqN4

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy/lore, not quite ecchi, but noticeable fanservice

Since I already reviewed the first episode, I won’t get into what I think too much, but in short, this series looks like it might have a couple aces from under its sleeves. I predict a sleeper hit.

Release Date: Already Out thu 09 jul 24:45

Taishou Yakyuu Musume

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYyzPFyukXc

Genre: comedy

Again, I haven’t really gotten a chance to watch this series & I’m not quite sure if I’ll keep up with it, but I’ll definitely give it a try. AnimeNewsNetwork says:

In 1925 (year 14 of the Taisho period), after being told by a baseball player that women should become housewives instead of going to school, two 14-year-old Japanese high school girls named Koume and Akiko decide to start a baseball team in order to prove him wrong. During this time, when even running was considered too vulgar for women, baseball is known as “what the boys do” and they face many difficulties when searching members, getting permission from their parents and when learning about the sport itself.

The novels are set in 1925 when two 14-year-old Japanese high school girls named Koume and Sh?ko decide to start a baseball team in Japan where few baseball teams — male or female — exist at the time. First though, the two girls have no clue where to find nine players, how to use the equipment, and what even the rules are.

Release Date: Already Out thu 02 jul 25:59

Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTjpjnrhSp4

Genre: Apocalyptic Adventure

Along with Shangri-La & Eden of East, this seems to be another film that has to do with the pseudo-realism in our future. I know pseudo-realism is a contradictory word, but I say that because these ideas aren’t real to us now, but could be. I look forward to watching this, and should have a while ago, but when you’re @ home for the summer w/parents who HATE it when you’re on the computer…let’s just say they don’t let you on as much. Anywho, here’s some info from ANN & Wiki:

The series is set in Tokyo after an earthquake measuring a magnitude 8.0 on the Richter scale shakes the city’s foundations and landscape, resulting in the Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge and other noted landmarks falling.^[1]^[2] It will follow siblings Mirai and Y?ki, who were visiting a robot exhibition in Odaiba at the beginning of their summer vacation, as they struggle to reach their mother in their house in Setagaya assisted by a female motorcycle courier named Mari.^[1]^[2] Newscaster Christel Takigawa makes an appearance as herself, reporting on the earthquake and assuming the role of a “navigator” during the series. ^[3]

The series was first announced at the 2009 Tokyo Anime Fair, denoting that it would replace Eden of the East in Fuji TV‘s noitaminA well-rated anime timeblock and would be co-produced by Bones and Kinema Citrus.^[1]^[2] The series’ setting is based upon the prediction that there is 70% or higher chance of an earthquake measuring 7.0 magnitude on the Richter scale hitting Tokyo in the next 30 years, with the series illustrating the consequences of a 8.0 scale earthquake affecting the city.^[1]^[2] Bones stated that it would try to realistically depict the after-effects of such a situation and that it would collect and tabulate research on previous earthquakes and interview individuals who were affected by them.

Release Date: Already Out thu 09 jul 24:45

Umi Monogatari Anata Ga Kureta Koto
(Sea Story)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPLiKYuB9U0

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure & some boobs

I had planned to watch this a long time ago, but I’m sure you know the story by now…I haven’t had the chance. In lieu of a review, for now I’ll just give you some background info from ANN:

The story centers on Marin and Urin, two “pure” sisters who live alongside the fish in the sea, but yearn to be in the world beyond the water and above ground. One day, a beautiful ring falls in the middle of the sea, and Marin and Urin retrieve it. The two decide to leave their waterbound world for the first time to deliver the ring. After an arduous journey, they come across an isolated island where a high school girl named Kanon lives. The encounter between Marin and Kanon — the maiden of the sea and the maiden of the skies — awakens a hidden power as the world is threatened by an enveloping darkness.

Umineko No Naku Koro Ni
(When They Cry)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeI6fiXOtKs

Genre: Mystery & violence(?)

Wow, I can’t believe I forgot about this anime! Highly anticipated by myself, and undoubtedly many others, this show was adopted from a famous pc-game series. I can’t remember if it has/had a manga, but it has a solid following at any rate. Here is a post containing more information.

Release Date: Already Out wed 01 jul 25:30

Kawa no Hikari

No video yet.

Genre: Kid-oriented Adventure

I don’t know if this is the most important thing, but for anyone who knows me, you know I love Azumanga Daioh dearly. So dearly in fact I have every single episode on my iPod. After I get my iPhone, I’ll be sure to permanently embed every episode into the circuits. Anyways, the guy who made the lovely recorder-inspired music of the aforesaid show will be doing it on this one! This definitely excites me….but I really doubt it’s enough to make me watch this Hopefully I’m proven wrong…I suppose we shall see.

Hirano will play a puppy in the anime, which the NHK public broadcaster will air on June 20. The story centers on a family of common rats who lost their home to human construction. The rats go upstream on a river in search of a new peaceful home (ANN).

Release Date: Might be out, but I can’t find it at the moment - sat 20 jun 19:30

Kowarekake no Orgol

www.youtube.com/watch?v=atRud5Rd5S4

Genre: Moe

From what I’m seeing (and mind you, right now I’m only looking for about 20 seconds max), I see a couple contradictions. Of course it’s an anime show, but is it a movie too? Also, I see it’s coming out this summer, but I don’t see a date yet either. I’ll keep looking, but from what I’ve gathered so far, this anime/show/movie’s about a female musician.

Element Hunters

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNmUjFgmQbQ

Genre: Hi-Tech, chemistry, kid-oriented

Japan-Korea co-production of an anime intended to teach kids about the chemical elements. In 2029, various chemical elements begin to disappear, making life much more difficult. Later, a group of kids under 13 is formed to go to the other dimension where it has been determined the elements went, and recover them (Wiki). I’ll just say it now…I’m reallllly skeptical of this show and don’t think I’ll be holding on to it…

Release Date: Already Out sat 04 jul 18:00

Hetalia Axis Powers 2

www.youtube.com/watch?v=84ur_LmPVtg

Genre: Comedy

Based on a web comic series, this show apparently has entered its second iteration. I haven’t seen the first series or the web comic, but from what it looks like, there’s a lot of satire going on. I suppose I’ll have to check it out

Release Date: fri 03 jul 16:00 4 Days from now

Kuruneko

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFYkL7gh3dU

Genre: Comedy

“Based on an extremely popular manga blog about cats…” (HashiHime) Need I say more………jeez…that just pisses me off. Dropped from this day forward.

Release Date: sun 05 jul 08:55

Needless

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocLmKWaK5HE

Genre: Brute Force Powers, ecchi

In 2130, Japan go boom, people go “owwiieee, Charrllieeee, it hurts!!!!” Then some other people go, “hey, we don’t need them because of their super powers.” Yup…that’s basically the story. Action sequences look pretty good, but for some reason, when I saw the artwork…I just thought…run-of-the-mill anime…nothing more. And when I read the name for the first time…I thought the same thing. However, the first episode was really interesting. I just hope I’m wrong.

Release Date: Already Out thu 02 jul 25:30

Princess Lover

www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_VgJxeoJxg

Genre: Definitely a harem h-comedy

Check out my review on the first episode. This show does a great job in regards to the first episode. It was so jam-packed, I thought a 15 minute episode would have sufficed, even including the slow part in the beginning. Definitely a show you’ll want to keep up with even if you hate harem (which I actually do hate).

Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahou
(Properly Learned Modern Magic)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0WD7UuF7YY

Genre: magic, adventure, comedy

So yeahhhhh….when I went to go look this up…I was on the first page results of google for “properly learned modern magic.” Yeah…..I haven’t really said too much about it until now…so I don’t know why it has me in the top listings….mmm, whatever though, not a bad thing Here’s some info from Wiki:

The story revolves around Koyomi Morishita, a clumsy high school freshman girl who is often mistaken for a grade-schooler because of her shortness. Koyomi becomes a disciple of Misa Anehara, a 25-year-old graduate student who happens to be one of the most powerful modern-day magicians.

I suppose I’ll check it out. I’ve always liked the magic anime genre thing, especially the dynamic in the magical harem, Maburaho. I wonder if this will be related in any way?

Release Date: Already Out sat 11 jul 24:00

Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD-MhVgDxiQ

Genre: Satirical & just plain weird comedy

I don’t know why I’ve never heard about this series before, but apparently it’s friggin sweet. In my review/outlook of the first episode, you can see what I think. I won’t say too much, so you’ll just have to read my review for a complete look.

Release Date: Already Out sat 04 jul 24:30

AIKa ZERO

www.youtube.com/watch?v=saTUoq3iWrk

Genre: ecchi action/comedy

So I’ve never heard of this show….or at least I don’t think so…but for some reason it sounds reallllly familiar. Hmmm. Anyways, people are telling me there are a lot of breasts and leg shots. I suppose that has it’s place, but if there’s no story, there’s no point. Yet, from first impressions, it looks pretty popular, so I’ll give it a chance.

Release Date: Not Out Yet tue 25 aug. Ep2 27oct.

Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka Hard Core

Can’t find right now

Genre: harem & ecchi

Yeah, I got really confused covering this at one point. Apparently (like half of anime in general) there were previous series. This one adds the “hardcore” on the end of it, kind of like Full Metal Panic: Fumoffu. An easy mistake, but one that had me going for a good hour. Finally, a buddy of mine straightened me out. He said it was alright so I think I’ll stay tuned and watch a couple episodes and see how it goes. Ohhh, and btw, for you h-game fanatics, this was originally an h-game! A very nice one @ that. At the moment, I’m working on getting it, but I’ve come across some obstacles. Don’t worry, hopefully I’ll get it soon Refer to my post here, which talks about this more in depth, along with another ecchi game.

Release date: Supposedly Out…? Still checking…should be out if not in a couple days. fri 26 jun

Kodomo no Jikan 2

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-099EZMKyw

Genre: ecchi/loli(?) comedy

Wow, it seems a LOT of sequals have been coming out this summer, but I guess it’s no surprise This anime has an uncanny premise: a 9 year-old girl having a crush on her 23 year-old teacher! That’s just crazy…with pedophile written all over it, BUT I’ve been reading that it’s nothing like that. Apparently it’s a relatively tasteful anime with some great comedy. Honestly, I’m interested in seeing how the teacher handles it & what silly/stupid lines this elementary-school girl’s gonna come up with. It has risque written alllll over it, but it seems pretty funny. I’ll definitely give this one a go.

Release Date: Not Out Yet fri 24 jul

Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hsWCqFrVSg

Genre: fighting fantasy adventure

The Goddess Athena and the god Hades have fought against each other repeatedly over the centuries. This story takes place in 18th century Europe, 243 years prior to the original “Saint Seiya.”

Three small children, Tenma, Alone, and Sasha have all shared a very happy childhood together. Tenma, who is aggressive but upstanding, has moved to Sanctuary to become a saint. There he is reunited with Sasha, who learns that she is the reincarnation of Goddess Athena. Alone, who is kind, gentle and loves painting was chosen for the body of her enemy, King Hades. Tenma eventually becomes a saint of Pegasus and engages in a fierce battle with his best friend Alone, the King of Hades. (anidb)

Hirano Aya gets my attention here, in the lead female role. The other voices are fairly starry, too. Director Nabeshima Osamu has been fully occupied with the long-running D. Gray-man. Animation director Iwasa Yuko did D. Gray-man and some episodes of Mushi-shi. Writer Suga Yoshiyuki could be a weak link, however, having done Fighting Beauty Wulong and Kenichi the Mighiest Disciple. (HashiHime)

Release Date: Already Out wed 24 jun

To Love-Ru OVA

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc7IQUiaqkE

Genre: Ecchi Comedy

Yeah, you know the whole, “hey you, you saved my life…I appear out of no where, but you’re gonna be my husband routine?” Yeah…here we go again. In other news, I’m looking AGAIN, and I already see episodes even though it’s not due until another week….okaaaayyyyyy. Weeeirrrd…..actually I’ve been looking at the h-pics & I think I change my mind, I’ll look it up -- very happily look it up

Release Date: I have no damn clue tue 04 aug 25:55

Parting Words

Hey, thanks for looking over the list and in case there were some I’ve missed, I’m sorry, but most likely, I just didn’t feel like covering them. I tried to cover the most important shows I think viewers of this blog would watch. OH, I DID forget Chu-Bra!! the ecchi comedy about a girl who starts a lingerie club. I know it sounds dumb, but I read a couple manga scans & it looks tooooo funny. Anyways, besides that, did you like our little rundown? If so, then vote on our poll & COMMENT!!!!

Aoi Hana
(jp: ???)yuri, comedy-drama, school life
A wonderful shoujo-ai manga by Shimura Takako finds its way to anime, directed by the director of Honey & Clover, and adapted by the writer of Rescue Wings. I’m all over this one.

High-school freshman Akira is surprised when her childhood friend Fumi moves back into the neighborhood. Fumi is tall and shy. Akira is a little live-wire. The manga follows their lives and subtly shows the affection they feel for each other and for various fellow students in the two separate girls’ schools they attend.

Fumi is played by Takabe Ai, who is a 20-year-old actress, TV personality and photo idol with no anime experience. A little awkwardness will suit Fumi’s voice. The three rather inexperienced leads are backed up by a fine supporting cast: Horie Yui, Iguchi Yuka, Toyosaki Aki, Noto Mamiko, Nakahara Mai, Yahagi Sayuri.

This is the third show in Fuji TV’s new “Noise” timeslot on Wednesday nights, aimed at a more mature, mixed-gender audience. Michiko to Hatchin and Ristorante Paradiso was the first two Noise shows.

seiyuus: Gibu Yuuko, Takabe Ai (photo idol, actress), Ishimatsu Chiemi, Horie Yui, Iguchi Yuka, Yahagi Sayuri, Toyosaki Aki, Noto Mamiko, Nakahara Mai.
director: Kasai Kenichi (Honey & Clover, Nodame Cantabile, KimiKiss)
writer: Takayama Fumihiko (Rescue Wings). Shimura Takako (orig).
animation: JC Staff. chara-des: Onchi Masayuki.
music: Haketa Takefumi (Antique Bakery, Vampire Knight). OP Kukikodan, ED Ceui.
trailer. forum. subs: Jade Fansubs, SHiN-gx & Genjo-Subs, Yuurisan-Subs
wed 01 jul 26:08

Bakemonogatari
(jp: ???)

fantasy adventure, supernatural, comedy, fanservice
Shinbou plus plot. Koyomi Araragi, a third year high school student, is almost human again after briefly becoming a vampire. In each chapter of the series, he helps a different heroine, each involved with a different “apparition”. In the first chapter, Saitou Chiwa plays a girl whom our hero discovers weighs almost nothing….

But the show is not totally episodic, since events of the previous chapters play an important role in the subsequent ones. The series focuses on conversations between characters, and contains parodies of other series, as well as Nishio Ishin’s trademark wordplay and metahumor. (anidb)

Seems ideal for Shinbou to do his thing on. And it is appropriate that his original vampire, Saitou Chiwa, returns. Oishi Tatsuya steps into the role of “series director” (i.e., executive assistant to the director, and director of some episodes).

Kamiya Hiroshi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Hanazawa Kana, Horie Yui, Katou Emiri — I look forward to hearing them all.

The character design and drawing look great. Charades and animation supervision are by Watanabe Akio (SoulTaker, Magical Kanan, Akiba-chan)

seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi (Zetsubou sensei), Saitou Chiwa (Hazuki in MoonPhase), Sawashiro Miyuki, Hanazawa Kana, Sakurai Takahiro (Suzaku in Code Geass), Horie Yui, Katou Emiri (Kagami in Lucky Star).
director: Shinbou Akiyuki
writer: Tou Fuyashi (Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou). Nisio Ishin (orig).
animation: Shaft. chara-des: Watanabe Akio (SoulTaker, Magical Kanan, Akiba-chan), VOFAN (orig). animation supervisor: Watanabe Akio.
sound director: Tsuruoka Yota. music: Kousaki Satoru (Haruhi, Lucky Star, Kannagi).
trailer. forum. subs: Sora Subs, ainex, AnimeYoshi?.
fri 03 jul 23:00

Canaan
(jp: CANAAN)

adventure, violence
In the Asian digital world capital, Shanghai, the streets are like a festival every day: angry shouts, lovely voices, and music all merge together in primal chaos. Alone atop a building, a young woman with the lithe movements of a leopardess looks out over it all. Her name is Canaan. She holds a sniper rifle. She pulls the trigger. (official site)

Sawashiro Miyuki as the main star (billed first) means a lot to me. She’s one of the real actresses. Add Sakamoto Maaya as the other star, and I see a lot of possibilties for strong acting by highly professional voices. Oh, and also Tanaka Rie. Oh, yes, plus Tomatsu Haruka. Mamiko Noto as an afterthought. And I forgot Minagawa Junko, who is doing such a great job as Oz in Pandora Hearts. And did I mention the old master, Ohkawa Tohru? They even have one of the top sound directors, Aketagawa Jin.

Writer Okada Mari did true tears (for the same studio, PA Works), Red Garden, Vampire Knight, and many episodes of Simoun. The story is based on a side-story written by the co-founders of Type-Moon for the Wii visual novel called 428.

The director is the only question mark. It’s his first TV series. In 2007, he directed a movie called Sword of the Stranger. Before that, he directed episodes of FMA and RahXephon, among others, after emerging from the ranks of key animators.

But this remains one of the summer shows that most interest me, mainly because of the writer and the cast. The preview makes the drawing, animation and visual direction look pretty good, though.

seiyuus: Sawashiro Miyuki, Sakamoto Maaya, Nanjou Yoshino, Tanaka Rie, Tomatsu Haruka, Hamada Kenji, Minagawa Junko, Noto Mamiko, Ohkawa Tohru.
director: Andou Masahiro (new, dir. Many eps of FMA)
writer: Okada Mari (true tears, many eps of Simoun). Sega and Chunsoft (orig), Nasu Kinoko (scenario draft).
animation: PA Works. chara-des: Sekiguchi Kanami (true tears), Takeuchi Takashi (draft). animation supervisor: Sekiguchi Kanami (Solid State Society, true tears, eps of FMA).
sound director: Aketagawa Jin. music: Nanase Hikaru. OP Faylan, ED Annabel.
trailer. forum. subs: Formula, Mochi Fansubs, Enigma Collective & Atelier-Thryst?. 13eps.
sat 04 jul 22:30

Fight Ippatsu! Juuden-chan!!
(jp: ????????????!!)

ecchi moe comedy
Fukuhara Kaori, who played Tsukasa in Lucky Star, gets her first starring role. Will Kaorin become the last of the four stars of LS to get an award at the Seiyuu Awards?

She is supported by two of my favorite young seiyuus, Takagaki Ayahi and Yahagi Sayuri. Miyazaki Ui, the great Kawasumi Ayako, and Shimizu Ai are involved, too.

The story, from a popular ecchi comedy manga by KissxSis illustrator Ditama Bow, involves special office girls whose secret work is to charge up dejected people, with electricity. Our heroine is new at her job….

Kimura Shinichirou (Karin, Mahoraba) knows how to direct heartwarming moe. However, the trailer is all graphic representations of parts of the female anatomy. Can Kimura-sensei make heartwarming Queen’s-Blade-level ecchi, too?

seiyuus: Fukuhara Kaori, Takagaki Ayahi, Yahagi Sayuri, Miyazaki Ui, Shimizu Ai, Kawasumi Ayako, Takahashi Hiroki.
director: Kimura Shinichirou (Mahoraba, Karin, PiPoPa)
writer: Yamada Yasutomo (Tsuyokiss, Potemayo, PiPoPa). Ditama Bow (creator, KissxSis).
animation: Studio Hibari. chara-des: Watanabe Atsuko (animator).
OP Fukuhara Kaori, Takagaki Ayahi, ED Fukuhara kaori.
trailer. forum. subs: mflatischler subs, Saikyo Fansubs.
thu 25 jun 08:00

GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class
(jp: GA ?????????????)

comedy, slice of life
Anime adaptation of Satoko Kiyuzuki’s slice-of-life manga series GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class. The ongoing GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class manga series premiered in 2004, illustrating the daily lives of five freshman girls in a high school art class. (anidb)

Great cast — Tomatsu Haruka, Sawashiro Miyuki, Nazuka Kaori, Horie Yui, and the return of Tokunaga Ai, who last worked in 2007. But it will all depend on the staff and the original manga. Have we run out of funny 4koma comic strips about girl students yet?

Experienced director Sakurai Hiroaki did the World Masterpiece Theatre version of Les Miserables. Writer Machida Touko did Lucky Star, but also the less successful (in my opinion) Allison and Lillia and Tears to Tiara.

seiyuus: Tomatsu Haruka, Tokunaga Ai, Sawashiro Miyuki, Nazuka Kaori, Horie Yui.
director: Sakurai Hiroaki (Cromartie High School, Les Miserables Shoujo Cosette)
writer: Machida Toukou (Lucky Star, Allison & Lillia, Tears to Tiara). Kiyuzuki Satoko (orig).
animation: AICPLUS+. chara-des: Watanabe Atsuko (Valkyria Chronicles).
trailer. forum. subs: SubsFckingWhere.
mon 06 jul 26:14

Kanamemo
(jp: ????)

yuri moe slice-of-life comedy
Adaptation of Shouko Iwami’s Kanamemo four-panel manga. The story revolves around the daily life of Kana Nakamichi, an orphaned middle-school girl who begins living and working at a newspaper delivery office staffed exclusively by cute young girls. (ann)

Great cast includes Toyosaki Aki (Yui in K-On), Mizuhara Kaoru (Misao in Lucky Star), and a number of big names. The staff is more of a question. Director Takayanagi Shigehito did some Galaxy Angel series and Himesama Goyoujin. Writer Nakase Rika did Fushigiboshi no Futagohime, Rocket Girls, and Junjou Romatica.

“Yuri moe slice-of-life comedy” sounds good to me, so I’ll be there to see how this one gets going.

seiyuus: Toyosaki Aki, Mizuhara Kaoru, Hirohashi Ryou, Endou Aya, Kitamura Eri, Horie Yui, Kugimiya Rie.
director: Takayanagi Shigehito (Galaxy Angel A, S, X; Himesama Goyoujin)
writer: Nakase Rika (Fushigiboshi no Futago Hime, Rocket Girls, Junjou Romatica). Iwami Shouko (orig).
animation: feel. chara-des: Tatsuta Shinichi.
music: Hashimoto Yukari (ToraDora). OP Toyosaki Aki, Mizuhara Kaoru, Kugimiya Rie. ED Horie Yui.
trailer. forum. subs: Chihiro, Saikyo Fansubs.
sun 05 jul 25:30

Sora no Manima ni
(jp: ??????)

comedy, school life, romance?
Saku returns to his old hometown after seven years and is shocked to meet his childhood tormentor, the boisterous Mihoshi. But she remembers them being the best of friends, and sets about inveigling him into her astronomy club. Hilarious and touching manga has a chance to be a good anime.

The seiyuu line-up takes my breath away, with two of my favorite voices: Koshimizu Ami and Hayami Saori. To say nothing of Tomatsu Haruka and Itou Kanae. Wow. Some of the best young voices in anime.

And director Takamatsu Shinji is a solid top hand, having done School Rumble, Gintama, and the underrated Ginban Kaleidoscope. But no lead writer is credited, so I don’t have a handle on how the manga will be adapted. But I will certainly be there to find out.

OP by Sphere (Tomatsu Haruka, Takagaki Ayahi, Toyosaki Aki, Kotobuki Minako).

seiyuus: Maeno Tomoaki, Itou Kanae, Tomatsu Haruka, Koshimizu Ami, Hayami Saori, Takagi Reiko, Majima Junji.
director: Takamatsu Shinji (Gintama, School Rumble, Ginban Kaleidoscope)
writer: Kashiwabara Mami (orig).
animation: Studio Comet. chara-des: Watanabe Hajime (Kaleidostar, School Rumble, Les Miserables). animation supervisor: Watanabe Hajime (Kaleidostar, School Rumble 3).
OP Sphere (Tomatsu Haruka, Takagaki Ayahi, Toyosaki Aki, Kotobuki Minako).
trailer. forum. subs: Chibi, DATS.
tue 07 jul 10:30

Spice and Wolf 2
(jp: ?????II)

fantasy adventure w/ economics and fanservice
I thought Koshimizu Ami’s turn as Horo in the first series was the best seiyuu performance of 2008. She and Fukuyama Jun are back, and Paku Romi joins the cast. Not bad.

The same main staff returns, too, but now the studio is listed as Brains Base, with the previous studio, Imagin, listed only as part of the production committee. The first episode has already appeared, and the look is subtly different form the first series.

The story follows the travels of a mediaeval trader and a wolf-goddess who takes the form of a beautiful teen-aged maiden.

seiyuus: Koshimizu Ami, Fukuyama Jun, Paku Romi, Koyama Rikiya, Watanabe Akeno.
director: Takahashi Takeo
writer: Arakawa Naruhisa. Hasekura Isuna (orig).
animation: Brains Base. chara-des: Kobayashi Toshimitsu (Futakoi Alt), Ayakura Juu (orig).
forum. subs: BSS, Frostii, ASR:Kurou.
thu 09 jul 24:45

Taishou Yakyuu Musume
(jp: ?????)

comedy
Anime adaptation of a light novel series featuring the antics of a group of baseball-playing schoolgirls in 1925. “By the way, what’s baseball?”

Great cast features Itou Kanae (Amu in Shugo Chara) supported by a long list of top names. Director Ikehata Takashi did Genshiken and the hilarious Potemayo.

seiyuus: Itou Kanae (Amu in Shugo Chara), Nakahara Mai, Ueda Kana, Noto Mamiko, Kaida Yuuko, Kitamura Eri, Hirohashi Ryou, Makino Yui, Gotou Saori, Fujimura Ayumi.
director: Ikehata Takashi (Genshiken, Potemayo)
writer: Ikehata Takashi. Kagurazaka Atsushi (orig), Ikehata Atsushi, Amagawa Nobuhiko, Shiraishi Masahiko (script).
animation: JC Staff. chara-des: Kamimoto Kanetoshi, Koike Sadaji (orig), Koutaro (anime draft).
OP Itou Kanae, Nakahara Mai, Ueda Kana, Noto Mamiko.
trailer. forum. subs: Kattehoudai, Saizen.
thu 02 jul 25:59

Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
(jp: ?????????8.0)

sci-fi adventure
A magnitude 8 earthquake (that’s a big one) hits Tokyo. We follow the story of Mirai, a high school freshman, as she lives through the aftermath.

From Bones, with new director Tachibana Masaki at the helm. He did much work on GITS:SAC and on Noir. Competent writer Takahashi Natsuko did Blue Drop, Tales of Agriculture, and 07-Ghost.

The concept makes this one intriguing. That and the involvement of Bones.

seiyuus: Hanamura Satomi (Miki/Windy Tales, Anise Azeat/Galaxy Angel Rune), Kaida Yuuko, Kobayashi Yumiko, Kitamura Eri, Toyosaki Ami, Endou Aya, Takahira Narumi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Nonaka Ai, Inoue Kikuko.
director: Tachibana Masaki
writer: Takahashi Natsuko (Blue Drop, Moyashimon).
animation: Bones/Cinema Citrus. chara-des: Nozaki Atsuko.
music: Ootani Kou (Haibane Renmei, Shana). OP abingdon boys school, ED Tsuji Shion.
trailer. forum. subs: Jade Fansubs?, Frostii.
thu 09 jul 24:45

Umi Monogatari -- Anata ga Itekureta Koto
(jp: ????????????????????)

fantasy adventure w/fanservice
This “transforming magical girl action story” centers on Marin and Urin, two pure sisters who live with the fish in the sea, but yearn to be in the world beyond the water.

One day, a beautiful ring falls into the sea, and Marin and Urin retrieve it. The two decide to leave their waterbound world for the first time to deliver the ring.

On an isolated island, they find a high school girl named Kanon. The encounter between Marin and Kanon — the maiden of the sea and the maiden of the skies — awakens a hidden power, as the world is threatened by an enveloping darkness. (anidb)

Based on a pachinko game, but there is some promise in the mythical story and in a good anime staff. Director Satou Junichi did ARIA, and was the creator and chief director of Princess Tutu. The lead writer is up-and-coming Yamada Yuka, who wrote Tideline Blue and the underrated Neo-Angelique Abyss, as well as working on shows such as Mushishi, Bokura ga Ita, and Hataraki Man. Character designer Iizuka Haruko did Sisters of Wellber and was animation director of Karin.

The three leads are played by interesting seiyuus: Asumi Kana was Yuno in Hidamari Sketch and is very popular with Japanese otaku. Kotobuki Minako plays Tsumugi in K-On. And Horie Yui is Horie Yui. Sawashiro Miyuki and Toyosaki Aki (Yui in K-On) are also here.

seiyuus: Asumi Kana (Yuno in Hidamari), Kotobuki Minako (Tsumugi in K-On), Horie Yui, Sawashiro Miyuki, Toyosaki Aki (Yui in K-On), Majima Junji, Fukui Yukari.
director: Satou Junichi (ARIA)
writer: Yamada Yuka. Tsukiji Toshihiko (draft), Yokotani Masahiro & Yoshida Reiko (script).
animation: ZEXCS. chara-des: Iizuka Haruko.
music: Muramatsu Ken (Kurenai, Sketchbook). OP marble, ED Itou Masumi.
trailer. forum. subs: imuR88, Wasurenai. 12eps.
wed 24 jun 25:29

Umineko no Naku Koro ni
(jp: ?????????)

mystery moe violence
More from the director and writer of Higurashi. Umineko no Naku Koro ni takes place on October 4-5 1986, on a secluded island. The head of a wealthy family lives on and owns the island and is near death. Eight of his family members arrive to discuss how his assets will be divided once he is dead. Also on the island are three family members who live there, five servants, and a doctor. After the eight family members arrive, a typhoon traps them on the island and people start to be mysteriously murdered. (ann)

This show is so highly anticipated that it has already got its own forum on AnimeSuki, three weeks before the first episode airs. Strong cast includes Horie Yui, Inoue Marina, Ohara Sayaka, Kugimiya Rie, and Ono Daisuke (those first two aren’t favorites of mine, but I respect their popularity among the cognoscenti). ED by Jimang of Sound Horizon.

seiyuus: Ono Daisuke, Inoue Marina, Horie Yui, Suzumura Kenichi, Kugimiya Rie, Kobayashi Yuu, Ohara Sayaka, Mugihito, Itou Miki, Koshimizu Ami.
director: Kon Chiaki (Higurashi, Hanasakeru Shounen)
writer: Kawase Toshifumi (Higurashi). 07th Expansion (orig).
animation: Studio DEEN. chara-des: Kikuchi Youko (KgNE, Junjou Romantica).
ED Jimang.
trailer. forum. subs: ainex, WinD.
13eps.
wed 01 jul 25:30

Kawa no Hikari
(jp: ???)

family ecological fantasy adventure
NHK’s adaptation of Hisaki Matsuura’s novel Kawa no Hikari (River’s Light). Environmental awareness story about a family of rats that set off in search of a new home after losing their habitat to human construction. Serialized in the Yomiuri Newspaper since July 2006. (anidb)

Key animator Hirakawa Tetsuo (Crayon Shin-chan, Kannagi, Afro Samurai, XXXholic, etc.) gets his first directing job. With assistance from long-time director Hara Keiichi (Crayon Shin-chan).

Orikasa Fumiko heads a mature and capable cast. She, Kaneda Tomoko, and Yamadera Kouichi are a family of rats. Tanaka Atsuko is a nice cat and Hirano Aya is a friendly dog. The character designer did key animation on Dog of Flanders and Nausicaa. The stills and preview make the animation look like Miyazaki. We’ll see.

seiyuus: Orikasa Fumiko, Kaneda Tomoko, Yamadera Kouichi, Hirano Aya, Tanaka Atsuko.
director: Hirakawa Tetsuo
writer: Yoshioka Takao (Elfen Lied, Sky Girls). Matsuura Hisaki (novels).
animation: Gallop (Hataraki Man, Kaa-san -- Mom’s Life). chara-des: Tannai Tsukasa (key anim Dog of Flanders, Nausicaa).
music: Kurihara Masaki (Petopeto-san, Azumanga Daioh).
trailer. OVA.
sat 20 jun 19:30

Kowarekake no Orgol
(jp: ???????????)

moe
Doujin OVA by POP, the illustrator of Moetan. The moe scores are off the scale for the advance illustrations on the official site and for the trailer.

About a sad musician and a magical little girl. Originally to be released at Comiket in late 2008. Definitely worth a look, if you like moe. This should be a truer version of POP’s work than Moetan was.

More samples of POP’s work here.

director: POP
animation: ElectromagneticWave.
trailer.
OVA. 1/1eps.
summer. date not yet set.

Elementhunters
(jp: ?????????)

sci-fi, education, adventure, kids
Japan-Korea co-production of an anime intended to teach kids about the chemical elements. In 2029, various chemical elements begin to disappear, making life much more difficult. Later, a group of kids under 13 is formed to go to the other dimension where it has been determined the elements went, and recover them.

Some great voices: Kuwashima Houko and Kobayashi Sanae, among others. I hope the script is up to them. Writer Arakawa Naruhisa did Elemental Gelade, Lovege Chu, and the much better Naisho no Tsubomi. Director Okukura Yoshiaki did Antique Bakery and little else. I look forward to hearing the music, which will be by Sahashi Toshihiko, who did the powerful music for Simoun. OP by Ishikawa Chiaki (who also did the Simoun OP).

seiyuus: Motoshiro Yuutarou, Enomoto Atsuko, Kuwashima Houko, Kobayashi Sanae, Sasaki Nozomu, Koyama Rikiya.
director: Okumura Yoshiaki (Antique Bakery) & Hon Honpyo
writer: Arakawa Naruhisa (Elemental Gelade, Lovege Chu, Naisho no Tsubomi). Itou Kazumori (orig).
animation: NHK Enterprises & Hee Won Entertainment. chara-des: Okumura Daigo (orig).
music: Sahashi Toshihiko (Simoun). OP Ishikawa Chiaki.
trailer. subs: Eclipse?.
sat 04 jul 18:00

Hellsing
(jp: HELLSING)

supernatural violence drama
The sixth and final episode of the Hellsing OVA series that has taken so many years to roll out. Directed by the director of Claymore, Tanaka Hiroyuki, and written by Kuroda Yousuke (Phantom, Gundam00, etc.). Continuing to star Nakata Jouji and Orikasa Fumiko. Worth a look.

seiyuus: Nakata Jouji, Orikasa Fumiko, Sakakibara Yoshiko, Hirata Hiroaki, Hayami Shou, Wakamoto Norio, Saiga Mitsuki, Kaida Yuuko.
director: Tanaka Hiroyuki (Claymore)
writer: Kuroda Yousuke (Hayate, Phantom, Gundam00, etc.). Hirano Kouta (manga).
animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Nakamura Ryouji. animation supervisor: Nakamura Ryouji (Great Teacher Onizuka).
sound director: Tsuruoka Yota. music: Matsuo Hayato.
forum. 6/6eps. OVA
24 jul

Hetalia Axis Powers 2
(jp: ???? Axis Powers)

comedy, implied yaoi
Surprise hit based on a popular web manga gets a second season. It has been described as a “cynical gag” story set in Europe in the years between WW1 and WW2 (1915-1939). Bishonen boys play exaggerated caricatures of various nationalities: the Italian character is into pasta and women. The German bishi loves potatoes and sausages. And Japan is an otaku.

Directed by the director of Gravitation and written by the sound director (!) of Aishteruze and Library Wars. Lots of big-name seiyuus. 26x5min episodes. Some people love this show. Give it a look.

seiyuus: Namikawa Daisuke, Takahashi Hiroki, Yasumoto Hiroki, Taniyama Kishou, Kaida Yuki, Konishi Katsuyuki, Kugimiya Rie, Neya Michiko, Paku Romi.
director: Bob Shirohata (Gravitation)
writer: Hiramitsu Takuya (snd dir Aishteruze, Library War, etc.). Himaruya Hidekazu (orig).
animation: Studio Deen. chara-des: Kannan Masaaki. animation supervisor: Matsuda Keiichi.
trailer. forum. subs: gg. 26x5mneps.
fri 03 jul 16:00

Kuruneko
(jp: ????)

family comedy
Based on an extremely popular manga blog about cats. Directed by Akitarou Daichi (Fruits Basket, Bokura ga Ita, Gag Manga Biyori). One seiyuu plays all the roles: Kobayashi Satomi, a well-known TV and film actress.

seiyuus: Kobayashi Satomi.
director: Akitarou Daichi (Fruits Basket, Bokura ga Ita)
writer: Kuruneko-Yamato (manga blog).
animation: Dax, Studio DEEN. animation supervisor: Ooshima Rie.
13?eps.
sun 05 jul 08:55

Needless
(jp: NEEDLESS)

science fiction adventure, gar, moe
Year 2130 — after the third world war, large contaminated areas known as “Blackspots” formed all over Japan. Large Walls were used to quarantine off these “Blackspots.” Among the survivors who had been abandoned inside the Blackspots, labeled as “those who were unneeded,” were possessors of uncanny abilities: fire, wind, brute strength. Others, fearful of their powers, expelled them and named them the “Needless.”

This appears to be gar men and moe girls. I’m afraid it might end up as generic shounen, which is not my thing. The director seems to be more of a comedy director, however (Strawberry Panic and Kamen no Maid Guy) so we could be in for some surprises. The writer did Welcome to the NHK, which seemed a second-rate adaptation to me, and Zettai Karen Children, which I couldn’t bear to watch despite the presence of Hirano Aya.

The cast here, however, is wonderful. Endou Aya, Kitamura Eri, Koyasu Takehito, Makino Yui, Taniyama Kishou, Gotou Saori, Ise Mariya, Itou Kentarou. I think Endou Aya is brilliant in everything she is doing now. Her starring role in Hanasakeru Shounen is one of the best performances of the year, for me. And Koyasu Takehito may be my favorite male seiyuu.

seiyuus: Endou Aya, Kitamura Eri, Koyasu Takehito, Makino Yui, Taniyama Kishou, Gotou Saori, Ise Mariya, Itou Kentarou.
director: Sakoi Masayuki (Strawberry Panic, Kamen no Maid Guy)
writer: Nishizono Satoru (Digimon Adventure, Welcome to the NHK, Zettai Karen Children). Imai Kami (orig).
animation: Madhouse. chara-des: Kato Hiromi (Beck anidir).
OP Granrodeo.
forum. subs: Last Impressions Fansub.
thu 02 jul 25:30

Penelope tete en l’air 2
(jp: ???????? ?2????)

family
From the children’s novels by Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben. Five-minute episodes, Monday-Friday.

writer: Shimada Michiru.
animation: Nippon Animation.
26eps.
wed 29 jun 07:40

Princess Lover
(jp: ?????????)

ecchi comedy
Teppei Arima is a second-year high school student who loses both of his parents in a traffic accident. His grandfather, Isshin Arima, who wields the puppet strings in Japan’s vast economy, takes him in, but demands that Teppei becomes his successor as the head of the Arima Group.

To prepare for his debut into high society, Teppei enrolls in an elite academy for the scions of the rich and powerful, suddenly jumping from ordinary life to life among the beautiful people. (anidb)

One again, some nice voices, but doubts about the staff. I particularly look forward to Yuzuki Ryouka here, following her charming peformance as Yukino in Candy Boy. And I don’t get to hear enough of Toyoguchi Megumi. But with a first-time director and animation director, I don’t know what to expect. And writer Nakamura Makoto did the slow and predictable Telepathy Girl Ran.

But this is the debut production of an ambitous new Osaka studio called GoHands, so they will be going all out to make something good.

seiyuus: Terashima Takuma, Yuzuki Ryouka (Yukino in Candy Boy), Toyoguchi Megumi, Katou Emiri, Matsuoka Yuki, Miyake Kaya, Mizuhara Kaoru, Koyasu Takehito, Shiraishi Minoru, Wakamoto Norio.
director: Kanazawa Hiromitsu (new, eps of Shugo Chara and Macross F)
writer: Nakamura Makoto (Noramimi, Telepathy Girl Ran).
animation: GoHands. chara-des: Suzuki Shingo (new). animation supervisor: Suzuki Shingo (new).
OP Hashimoto Miyuki, ED yozuca.
trailer. forum. subs: Saikyo Fansubs, AQS-Anime?.
sun 05 jul 24:30

Suzu Santarou
(jp: ?3??)

comedy
Series of two-minute episodes starring three bells in a Shinto shrine. Mon, Thu.

animation: Avex x DoCoMo.
24x2mineps.
01 jun

Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahou
(jp: ?????????)

magic adventure comedy
The story revolves around Koyomi Morishta, a clumsy high school freshman who is so sort that she is often mistaken for a grade-schooler. Koyomi becomes a disciple of Misa Anehara, a 25-year-old graduate student who happens to be one of the most powerful modern-day magicians. Based on a light novel series. (ann)

I hope director Kuroda Yasuhiro is in his Kyouran Kazoku Nikki mode, rather than the halting Chokotto Sister mode. I look forward to the work of character designer Koga Makoto, who did Aria and Kyouran Kazoku.

Nonaka Ai and Nabatame Hitomi headline a cast with the ubiquutous Tomatsu Haruka and, fresh from her role as Mugi-chan in K-On, Kotobuki Minako.

seiyuus: Nonaka Ai, Nabatame Hitomi, Tomatsu Haruka, Kotobuki Minako (Tsumugi in K-On), Asanuma Shintarou.
director: Kuroda Yasuhiro (Chocotto Sister, Kyouran Kazoku Nikki)
writer: Kuroda Yasuhiro, Monda Yuuichi.
animation: Nomad. chara-des: Koga Makoto (Aria, Kyouran Kazoku).
music: Hashimoto Yukari (Toradora). OP Asou Natsuko, ED Misato Aki.
trailer. forum. subs: SubsFckingWhere, Chihiro, Eclipse?, Chibi-Formula.
sat 11 jul 24:00

Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei
(jp: ??????????)

comedy
Yet another season of what is now one of the most successful franchises of recent years. The world’s most negative man teaches a class of fairly odd high-school girls. Hilarious, for those who like the style of humor.

After his brush with death in a motorcycle accident near the end of recording Honey & Clover, Kamiya Hiroshi has come back to be one of the top male seiyuus of all, having won the award as best leading man of 2008 for this role and that of Natsume in Natsume Yuujinchou.

seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi, Nonaka Ai, Inoue Marina, Tanii Asuka, Sanada Asami, Kobayashi Yuu, Sawashiro Miyuki, Gotou Yuuko, Shintani Ryouko, Matsuki Miyu.
director: Shinbou Akiyuki
writer: Tou Fuyashi (Zoku Sayonara). Kumeta Kouji (orig).
animation: Shaft. chara-des: Morioka Hideyuki. animation supervisor: Morioka Hideyuki (REC, D.Gray-man, Sayonara, MariaHolic).
forum.
sat 04 jul 24:30

AIKa ZERO
(jp: AIKa ZERO)

ecchi fighting adventure
Bandai Visual describes the project as “the return of the legendary low-angle, sexy action anime in an all-new OVA series.” In this story, set in a future world (mostly submerged under water), the 19-year-old Aika Sumeragi is going to college while training as an agent. (ann)

If this is like previous Aika series, it will be all legs, breasts and guns, with a rather banal plot to hold it all together. But with wonderful voices: Koshimizu Ami, Noto Mamiko, Gotou Yuuko, and Takahashi Mikako, in particular.

The director is new, but the presence of lead writer Kanemaki Kenichi promises something: he was lead writer on Natsume Yuujinchou, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, Jigoku Shoujo, Aoi yori Aoshi, etc.

seiyuus: Koshimizu Ami, Noto Mamiko, Fukuen Misato, Gotou Yuuko, Takahashi Mikako, Shimoda Asami, Ohtsuka Akio.
director: Yamauchi Noriyasu (new, charades/animator)
writer: Kanemaki Kenichi.
animation: Studio Fantasia. chara-des: Yamauchi Noriyasu (Stratos 4, Najica Blitz Tactics). animation supervisor: Yamauchi Noriyasu.
OVA. 1/3eps. forum.
tue 25 aug. Ep2 27oct.

Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka Hard Core
(jp: ????????? ?????)

harem, romance
I guess the first six DVDs must have sold sufficiently well, so they are producing an OVA episode for this watchable but unsatisfactory series.

We ended season one with the hero choosing between his (unrelated by blood) sister (Hirano Aya) and his fiancee (Kugimiya Rie). But the loser was still around….

seiyuus: Hirano Aya, Kugimiya Rie, Hatano Wataru.
director: Motonaga Keitarou
writer: Uezu Makoto.
animation: TNK. chara-des: Hirayama Madoka, Horii Kumi. animation supervisor: Hara Shoji.
forum. subs: Jade Fansubs, SHiN-gx & Genjo-Subs, Yuurisan-Subs.
OVA. 1eps.
fri 26 jun

Cobra The Animation: Time Drive
(jp: COBRA THE ANIMATION ????????????)

fighting, fanservice
Continued revival of an old series featuring macho, muscle and mammaries. This is the second “Cobra the Space Pirate” OVA series. The preview is for last year’s first series. There is also a full TV series planned.

seiyuus: Nozawa Machi, Sakakibara Yoshiko.
director: Maeshima Kenichi (Patalliro Saiyuki)
writer: Suenaga Mitsuyo (Patalliro Saiyuki).
animation: chara-des: Shimizu Keizo (Emily of New Moon, Legend of Basara).
sound director: Miyoshi Keiichirou (Saikano, Ray). music: Ike Yoshihiro (Kamichu, Flag, Telepathy Girl Ran).
trailer.
OVA. 2/2eps.
fri 26 jun

Dogs, Bullets and Carnage
(jp: Dogs, Bullets and Carnage)

guns drama carnage
Sometime in the future, somewhere in Europe, Mihai is a retired assassin who has returned home to settle a vendetta and start a new life as a restaurant owner. Haine was genetically experimented on as a child, which led to him possesing dog-like attributes. Badou is the clumsy chain smoking partner who becomes deranged when denied cigarettes. Naoto was orphaned as a child and has amnesia; she was trained to wield the sword. Their pasts are somehow connected to the secret underground and the organization that controls it. (ann)

The director has no track record, and the writer did Kurogane no Linebarrels. But the show was made “with assistance from” Taniguchi Goro. And the cast is professional: Ohtsuka Akio, Ishida Akira, Itou Shizuka, Ohara Sayaka, Shiraishi Ryouko, et al.

I’ve seen ep1, and it was entertainingly dark, with second-rate animation but much well-placed “bullets and carnage.” Both eps are already in cyberspace.

seiyuus: Ishida Akira, Itou Shizuka, Ohara Sayaka, Shiraishi Ryouko, Ohtsuka Akio.
director: Abe Tatsuya (animator)
writer: Yoshimura Kiyoko (Linebarrels).
animation: david production. chara-des: Kanbe Hiroyuki (mecha designer, animator).
trailer. forum. OVA. 2/2eps.
fri 17 jul

Jungle Emperor
(jp: ???????)

family environmental fantasy adventure
Remake of the 1965 anime Jungle Emperor (aka, Jungle Taitei, Kimba the White Lion), based on the manga by Tezuka Osamu. Celebrates the 50th anniversary of Fuji Television and Tezuka’s 80th birthday.

Directed by Taniguchi Goro (Planetes, Code Geass), and written by Suzuki Osamu, who writes the SMAPxSMAP TV variety show and wrote the live-action version of Lovely Complex.

“The new project will be the first Jungle Emperor story set in the 21st century, although it will still deal with familiar Tezuka themes such as family, friendship, and environmental issues. In this future story, mankind is plagued by the environmental destruction it did little to prevent. The United Nations entrusts a company called Eternal Earth to create ‘Neo Jungle,’ an artificial environment for the wildlife that faces extinction. Within this thriving miniature ecosystem, a young white lion named Leo is born. While the cub lacks bravery at first, he vows to ‘become the Jungle Emperor like my father someday!’ One day, Leo encounters Ken’ichi, the son of the head of Eternal Earth.” (ann)

director: Taniguchi Goro (Planetes, Code Geass)
writer: Suzuki Osamu (SMAPxSMAP TV, Lovely Complex live action). Tezuka Osamu (manga).
animation: Tezuka Productions. chara-des: Amano Yoshtaka.
OVA. summer, date not yet set.

Kodomo no Jikan 2
(jp: ???????)

ecchi comedy
A ten-year-old who lives with her doting elder brother but lusts after her young male teacher? A manga full of ecchi scenes between them? But funny and humane, nonetheless.

The previous OVA episodes and the first series were well animated and well voiced, with Kitamura Eri as Rin and Kadowaki Mai and Shindou Kei as her friends.

First major directorial job for experienced animator Suganuma Eiji (Pumpkin Scissors, Bincho-tan). Watashiya Kaworu’s popular manga is adapted by star anime writer Okada Mari (Mamoru-kun, true tears, Toradora, etc.).

seiyuus: Kitamura Eri, Shindou Kei, Kadowaki Mai, Majima Junji.
director: Suganuma Eiji
writer: Okada Mari (Sketchbook, true tears, Toradora, Vampire Knight). Watashiya Kaoru (manga).
animation: Studio Barcelona. animation supervisor: Ishikawa Masakazu (Gakuen Alice).
music: Nishida Masaru (Karin, Chokotto Sister).
trailer. forum. OVA. 3/3eps.
fri 24 jul

Mahou Sensei Negima! -- Another World
(jp: ?????????????????? ?1?)

fantasy comedy drama
Will cover the Mahou Sekai story arc. Shinbou is back to direct, and mangaka Akamatsu Ken writes this series as he did the previous OVA series. Also back from the previous OVA series is animator/character designer Jitsuhara Noboru.

seiyuus: Satou Rina, Shiratori Yuri, Kimura Madoka, Sasagawa Ayana, Kuwatani Natsuko, Yamakawa Kotomi, Asakura Azumi, Itou Shizuka, Kanda Akemi, Bandou Ai.
director: Akiyuki Shinbou
writer: Akamatsu Ken. Akamatsu Ken (manga).
animation: Shaft. chara-des: Jitsuhara Noboru. animation supervisor: Jitsuhara Noboru.
OP Satou Rina, Akemi Kanda, Nonaka Ai, Kobayashi Yu.
OVA. 1/4eps. forum.
thu 17 sep

Nodame Cantabile OVA
(jp: OAD ?????????)

shoujo/josei comedy
Special OVA included with limited edition of volume 22 of the manga. This probably has the same staff and cast as the Paris-hen series, but I can’t find direct confirmation of that. A second Paris-hen series is due in the fall.

seiyuus: Kawasumi Ayako, Seki Tomokazu.
forum. OVA. 1/1eps.
mon 10 aug

Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas -- Mei? Shinwa
(jp: ????? THE LOST CANVAS ????)

fighting fantasy adventure
The Goddess Athena and the god Hades have fought against each other repeatedly over the centuries. This story takes place in 18th century Europe, 243 years prior to the original “Saint Seiya.”

Three small children, Tenma, Alone, and Sasha have all shared a very happy childhood together. Tenma, who is aggressive but upstanding, has moved to Sanctuary to become a saint. There he is reunited with Sasha, who learns that she is the reincarnation of Goddess Athena. Alone, who is kind, gentle and loves painting was chosen for the body of her enemy, King Hades. Tenma eventually becomes a saint of Pegasus and engages in a fierce battle with his best friend Alone, the King of Hades. (anidb)

Hirano Aya gets my attention here, in the lead female role. The other voices are fairly starry, too. Director Nabeshima Osamu has been fully occupied with the long-running D. Gray-man. Animation director Iwasa Yuko did D. Gray-man and some episodes of Mushi-shi. Writer Suga Yoshiyuki could be a weak link, however, having done Fighting Beauty Wulong and Kenichi the Mighiest Disciple.

seiyuus: Kakihara Tetsuya (Simon in Gurren-Lagann, Fujioka in Minamike), Shimono Hiro (Hiro in ef, Jin in Kannagi), Hirano Aya, Abe Atsushi, Mizuki Nana, Fukuyama Jun, Kobayashi Sanae, Miki Shinichirou, Sakurai Takahiro, Houshi Souichirou.
director: Nabeshima Osamu (D. Gray-man)
writer: Suga Yoshiyuki. Teshirogi Shiori (manga).
animation: Tom’s Entertainment. chara-des: Iwasa Yuko. animation supervisor: Iwasa Yuko.
music: Wada Kaoru.
trailer. forum. OVA. 1/13eps.
wed 24 jun

To Love-Ru OVA
(jp: OVA To LOVE?)

ecchi romantic comedy
Moderately successful ecchi comedy gets an OVA, released with volume 15 of the manga.

A glamorous interstellar princess suddenly shows up naked in a teenage boy’s room and decides he is to be her husband. Directed by the director of Busou Renkin and Rockman.EXE. Written by the lead writer for Blue Dragon, Busou Renkin, and Simoun.

Good cast features Tomatsu Haruka, Watanabe Akeno, and Yahagi Sayuri, as well as Koyasu Takehito. Tomatsu and Yahagi combine for the OP and ED.

oHagi is also involved in the ED for the new Hayate. I guess she has been working on her singing, as well as her voice-acting. A slowly rising star. Three roles this season.

seiyuus: Watanabe Akeno, Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri, Arai Satomi, Koyasu Takehito, Hanazawa Kana, Kawasumi Ayako, Nazuka Kaori, Oura Fuyuka, Yoshino Hiroyuki.
director: Kato Takao (Busou Renkin, Rockman.EXE)
writer: Yamatoya Akatsuki (Blue Dragon, Busou Renkin, Simoun).
animation: Xebec.
sound director: Mima Masafumi. OPED Tomatsu Haruka, Yahagi Sayuri.
forum. OVA. 3/3eps.
tue 04 aug 25:55

Utawarerumono OVA
(jp: OVA ???????)

fantasy adventure
The OVA is based on the popular fantasy adventure game and anime series, but all new staff and studio make this one a crap-shoot. First-time director Katsura Kenichirou did character design on Comic Party Revolution and wrote some of DC Da Capo.

The outstanding cast is back, however: Koyama Rikiya, Yuzuki Ryouka (Yuki-nee in Candy Boy), Sawashiro Miyuki, Ohara Sayaka, Nakahara Mai, Kugimiya Rie, Tanaka Atsuko.

seiyuus: Koyama Rikiya, Yuzuki Ryouka, Sawashiro Miyuki, Ohara Sayaka, Nakahara Mai, Kugimiya Rie, Tanaka Atsuko, Watanabe Akeno.
director: Katsura Kenichirou
writer:
animation: Chaos Project/Aquaplus. chara-des: Katsura Kenichirou.
OP Suara, ED Uehara Rena.
trailer. forum. OVA. 1/3eps.
24 jun

Utsurun Desu
(jp: ??????)

bizarre comedy
An anime adaptation of Sensha Yoshida’s Utsurun Desu “nonsensical” gag comedy comic-strip manga. The manga uses a stable of off-the-wall characters to tell jokes that defy logic. (anidb)

Director Mankyuu is a young filmmaker (just turned 29) who made his name with short flash animations and now has this OVA series.

I have no idea what to expect. A guest seiyuu (comedian Takayama Takenori) says that the lines he was asked to say were all just onomatopoeic sounds that he shouted out. (ann)

seiyuus: Chafurin (Inspector Megure in Detective Conan), Mamiko Noto, Seki Tomokazu, Nakahara Mai, Wakamoto Norio.
director: Mankyuu
writer: Yoshida Sensha (orig).
trailer. OVA. 1/3eps.
fri 21 aug. ep2 18sep, ep3 23oct

Princess Lover Episode 1 Review/Outlook

FaS — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:46:46 +0000

Ok, enter the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Yes, I know it’s not anime, but just bear with me. Imagine the butler, “G,” whuppin everyone’s ass…before breakfast. Wouldn’t that suck? As a matter of fact, no, that’d be pretty fucking sweet. Yeah, that’s what that’d be. Princess Lover basically rekindles those feelings you’ve never gotten a chance to get close to. Well @ least in the first episode.

Initially, the show’s opening starts out really “glitzy,” if you will and follows up with a lighthearted introduction. The main character, Teppei Arima, is a second year student and has never really had to worry about too many things in life. Come to think about it, the beginning of the show gets you acquainted with Teppei pretty well. After his parents dying within the first five minutes of the show, you should feel closer to Teppei already.

Just a little sidenote, this movie is absolutely stunning. The visuals are on par with a Ghost In The Shell, or an important anime movie. With a touch of loli, the action moves at a great pace. I felt like this 24 minute episode was almost 40 minutes to an hour. In all truthfullness, I was starting to wonder when the show was about to end! And when it actually was about to end, the show pulls you back in wanting round 2. But back to the main focus.

While just relaxing on a relatively high cliff overlooking a winding road, a girl in a carriage, drawn by horses races by. Naturally, Teppei exchanges glances with the girl for a brief moment only to see some hoodlums in a convertible chasing after her. It looks like they mean business…and not the good kind. Armed with weapons of all sorts, it’s assumed these guys want to either steal or harm the girl. Torn between trying to save her, or just minding his own business, Teppei makes a quick decision to save her and hops on his bike to be a hero.

Ok, remember the part about the Fresh Prince? Yeah, some ass starts getting whupped right about now. After the butler (known as “Dear”) gets annoyed @ all the damage these guys are doing, he decides to jump into action. For now, we’ll call him “G.” G jumps like 50 feet in the air from the front of the carriage to the convertible trailing them and opens a can of whup ass…not even halfway into the show! While G’s taking care of everything, Teppei tries to help the mysterious girl whose in a carriage which will fall apart @ any moment.

Another sidenote here. You know some shows where you know nothing bad will happen to the main character or anyone else? Well one thing interesting about this episode was that everything wasn’t super jolly. The carriage actually does fall apart and they fall into the forest below. Ok, well I suppose no one dramatically dies, but for a moment, you’re left wondering, “what’s going to happen?” However, when Teppei Arima grabs hold of the girls hand prior to the deft fall, you know everything’s gonna be alright in the end. But I liked how the small bit of uncertainty comes up. Makes things a very believable.

After falling to the forest and grabbing the fainted girl’s boobs for a bit, she wakes up and playfully scolds him. In spite of the boob-grabbing, the girl (I’m sorry, but I forget her name…-_-” I know, I know…terrible – just know she’s a princess) tells Teppei he has her trust. After doing all that heroic stuff, Teppei’s late for his Grandfather’s noble function where the rich hang out. I won’t divulge everything, but in the end, he finds out something else fairly interesting. I’ll leave that up to you

Overall, this mov….wow, I almost said movie. This show is great. I thought it would be a typical, boring, romantic anime or something, but it’s proven to be quite interesting from the first show. Go and check it out!

Production Value: 11/10
Soundtrack: 8/10
Innovation: 3/10
Pacing: 10/10
Mushyness: 1/10
Main Character Traits: Heroic, Adventurous, up for the challenge, though a bit reserved
Overall Score so far: 10/10

Changing Things Up Yet AGAIN! Take A Look

FaS — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:02:05 +0000

Well I’ve been doing all this web updating stuff and it’s been taking a big chunk away from me actually reporting all the stuff I want to. So I’ve decided to keep doing that and tone down the web stuff. After everything’s taken care of, I’ll have everything redirected. As of right now, I own finallyanime.com & finalanimestop.com. I’m leaning towards using the ‘finallyanime’ domain, and for the finalanimestop, maybe have that be a video site or something else, I don’t know quite yet. Anyways, as of right now, I’ve downloaded the most current (yes, even raw) episodes from the many anime streaming sites online & down to my iPod. Tonight, I will review each new series listed in the post, Keeping Up’s A Bit Tough – Part 2. I’ve a lot of work to do, but I look forward to it. I’ve fallen behind on things for a while and I’m really tired of making filler posts. That’s not FaS’s style @ all. I’ll be reviewing/covering the following:

Anime Shows

Umi Monogatari ~Anata ga Ite Kureta Koto~ (24 June)
Aoi Hana (01July) DLD
NEEDLESS (02 July) DLD
Taisho Yakyuu Musume (02 July) DLD
Bakemonogatari (03 July) DLD
CANAAN (04 July)
Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei (04 July)
Element Hunters (04 July)
Princess Lover (05 July) DLD
Kanamemo (05 July)
GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class (06 July)
Akane Iro ni Somaru Saka: Hardcore (already out, forget when)
Faito ippatsu Juuden Chann (Forget When, look @ my previous post) DLD
spice & Wolf II (…also forgot lol, check previous post. All info is on there) DLD
Umineko no Naku Koro ni (When They Cry) (….previous Post)

Games/H:

Cosplay Fetish Academy
Gibo
Others H-Games

Other News:

Of course, other news that pops up, I’ll be getting back to.

Keeping Up's a bit tough sometimes…ah here we are!

FaS — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:44:26 +0000

Ok, I’m almost finished with classes, so I have to be keyed in when certain shows end. Here’s a list of dates shows are coming out in Japan. Of course, as usual, expect fansubs to dominate the web. And me, I will FINALLY be bringing you all some reviews for once! Ok here’s the lineup: Source from Nemui no Sekai

Weiß Survive (05 June)
Umi Monogatari ~Anata ga Ite Kureta Koto~ (24 June)
Fight Ippatsu! Juuden-chan!! (25 June)
Umineko no Naku Koro ni (01July)
Aoi Hana (01July)
NEEDLESS (02 July)
Taisho Yakyuu Musume (02 July)
Bakemonogatari (03 July)
CANAAN (04 July)
Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei (04 July)
Element Hunters (04 July)
Princess Lover (05 July)
Kanamemo (05 July)
GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class (06 July)
Sora no Manimani (07 July)
Spice and Wolf II (08 July)
Tokyo magnitude 8.0 (09 July)
Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahou (11 July)
Hetalia Axis Power season 2 (24 July)

Anime Preview: Early Summer 2009 (ALL info-images in this post from GigaZine)

FaS — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:31:38 +0000

SUMMER 2009 ANIME (ALL info&images in this post from GigaZine)

?TV(Terrestrial, BS, CS) and Webcast
?Weis Survive

Synopsis:
Lost in The World of Card Battle, Takeshi and Michi must win their way through card battles to get back to their own world. More about upcoming releases….

Airing:
TBS: Fri. 5, June 25:25-

?Umimonogatari: Anata ga ite kureta Koto(Sea Story)

Synopsis:
Marin and her sister Ullin live under the sea. One day, a beautiful ring came falling down from the land above. They go out of the sea for the first time to return the ring to its owner. The ring belonged to Kanon, a highschool girl. Recently dumped by her boyfriend, Kanon was on the verge of breaking down. When she meets Marin, the chemical between them ignite their hidden power. Together, they must fight the evil “Sedona” as the “priestess of the sea” and “priestess of the sky”.

Airing:
CBC: Wed. 24 June 25:29-
TBS: Fri. 26 June 26:25-
MBS: Mon. 06 July 26:35-

A “Magical Miko Fantasy” by director Junichi Sato of ARIA series and Sailor Moon. Originated from the characters of popular pachinko machine “Umimonogatari” series.

?Faito Ippatsu! Juden chan!!(Show some spirit! Charger Girl!!)

Synopsis:
“Juden” means battery charge in Japanese. Charger Girls are girls with special ability to charge “spirit” to tired people and get them going. One day a pretty girl named Plug enters the ordinary life of college student Sento Ohmi. Plug is one of the Charger Girls.

Airing:
AT-X: Thu. 25 June 08:00- / Reruns: (Thu)20:00- (Mon)14:00-, 26:00-

Anime adaption of the comedy manga by Bow Ditama currently serialized in Monthly Comic Gum. Bow Ditama started his career by adult mangas with explicit sexual content, focused especially on pissing. He gained popularity among mainstream readers as the illustrator of Mahoromatic serialized in Comic Gum since 1999.

?Ukkari Penelope 2nd Series(Penelope tete en l’air)

Synopsis:
Drawing pictures at her nursery, helping her mom bake, playing in the snow, helping the farm, three-year-old Penelope’s everyday life is full of fun and adventure.

Airing:
NHK-Educational: Weekday morning 07:40- , starts on June 29 (Mon)

2nd season of anime adaption of Ann Gutman and Georg Hallensleben’s Penelope picture books. 26 episodes.

?Umineko no Naku Koro ni

Synopsis:
Once a year, the priviledged Ushiromiyas’ gather on a small, secluded island for the annual family conference. This year, a typhoon traps 8 family members and 10 servants on the island, and shortly after, strange things start to happen and people start dying, reminding them of a legendary witch called Beatrice.

Airing:
Chiba TV: Wed. 01 July 25:30-
TV Aichi: Wed. 01 July 25:58-
KBS Kyoto: Thu. 02 July 25:15- (25:00 for the 5th episode and on)
Teletama: Thu. 02 July 25:30-
tvk: Sat. 04 July 25:30-
SUN-TV: Mon. 06 July 25:40-
AT-X: Sat. 11 July 9:00-, 23:00-

?NEEDLESS

Synopsis:
Japan, 2130, aftermath of WWIII. Polluted area called “BS(Black Spot)” appear throughout the country. BS’s are isolated by walls but people start to inhabit there. Residents of the City write off residents of BS as “Needless”, but some of those “Needless” possess mysterious power.

Airing:
Tokyo MX: Thu. 02 July 25:30-
MBS: Sat. 04 July 26:58-
Teletama: Mon. 06 July 25:30-
tvk: Wed. 08 July 26:15-
Tokai TV: July
AT-X: Tue. 18 August 8:00-, 20:00- / Fri. 14:00-, 26:00-

Based on the ongoing manga “NEEDLESS” by Kami Imai serialized in Ultra Jump.

?Element Hunters

Synopsis:
Massive ground sinkage that occured on mediterranean coast in 2029 was due to the sudden disappearance of oxygen in the earth crust. From there on, elements vanished rapidly; oxygen, carbon, gold, molybdenum, cobalt…..causing forest, field, buildings and lives to cease.
60 years later, “Nega Earth” was discovered to be where the elements went. Only children under 13 with pliable brain tissue can access the “Nega Earth” beyond the border of dimension. Thus, “Element Hunters” organized by children must retrieve the elements to save the world.

Airing:
NHK Educational: Sat. 04 July 18:00-

?Zan – Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei

Despairing for the 3rd time, the new series of “Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei” announced – GIGAZINE

Synopsis:
Cynical and pessimistic to extreme, highschool teacher Nozomu Itoshiki (nicknamed “Zetsubou Sensei” since his name in Chinese character can be read “zetsubou” which means despair in Japanese) can only see the most unfavorable side of things. In the 11th grade class he teaches is the “Little Miss Brightside” Kafuka Fuura and other peculiar specimens. Their absurd schooldays are full of dry humour.

Airing:
tvk: Sat. 04 July 24:30-
Chiba TV: Sun. 05 July 23:30-
Teletama: Sun. 05 July 25:00-
SUN-TV:Mon. 06 July 24:00-
Tokyo MX:Mon. 06 July 25:30-
TV Aichi:Tue. 07 July 25:28-
KBS Kyoto: Wed. 08 July 25:00-
BS11:Fri. 10 July 24:30-

?Princess Lover!

Trailer(Windows Media player)

Synopsis:
At the sudden death of his parents, Teppei Arima is adopted to his billionaire grandfather. Transferred to the prestigious private school Shuho Academy, he gets to know some exquisite young ladies.

Airing:
Chiba TV:Sun. 05 July 24:30-
tvk: Sun. 05 July 25:30-
Chukyo TV: Mon. 06 July 27:15-
Anime One, Animate.TV, Mobile Animate: Tue 07, July-
Tokyo MX: Tue. 07 July 25:30-
SUN-TV: Wed. 08 July 26:10-
Teletama: Fri. 10 July 25:00-

?Kanamemo

Synopsis:
When her grandmother pass away, Kana Nakamachi becomes a complete orphan. Running away from her now empty house, she finds lodging and job as a newspaper carrier.

Airing:
TV Tokyo: Sun. 05 July 25:30-
TVQ Kyushu: Mon. 06 July 26:53-
TV Osaka: Tue. 07 July 26:05-
TV Aichi: Wed. 08 July 25:28-
TV Setouchi: Thu. 09 July 25:58-

?GA Geijutsuka Art Design Class

Synopsis:
Comedy depicting the everyday life of five highshool girls majoring art and design; hard working but absent-minded Kisaragi Yamaguchi, overachiever Miyabi Ohmichi nicknamed “Kyoju (Professor)”, tomboy Tomokane whose firstname is unknown, hyper-active Miki Noda and cool observer Namiko Nozaki with witty remarks.

Airing:
Yomiuri TV: Mon. 06 July 26:14-
FBC: Wed. 08 July 25:35-
Chiba TV: Wed. 08 July 26:30-
Gunma TV: Sat. 11 July 24:00-
tvk: Sat. 11 July 25:00-
Teletama: Mon. 13 July 23:00-
Tochigi TV: Mon. 13 July 25:45-
Gifu Broadcasting System: Tue. 14 July 25:45-
Mie TV: Tue. 14 July 26:50
AT-X: Thu. 23 July 11:00-, 23:00- / Mon. 17:00-, 29:00-

?Sora no Manimani

Synopsis:
A highschool stargazer rom-com. Saku Oyagi moves back to a town where he used to live. Entering highschool, he encounters his childhood archenemy Mihoshi Akeno who coerces him to join the Astronomy Club.

Airing:
Chiba TV: Tue. 07 July 25:00-
TV Aichi: Tue. 07 July 25:58-
Tokyo MX: Tue. 07 July 26:00-
SUN-TV: Tue. 07 July 26:10-
Teletama: Sat. 11 July 25:30-
AT-X: Tue. 07 July 10:30-, 22:30- / Fri. 16:30-, 28:30-

?Yoku Wakaru Gendai Maho(Properly Learned Modern Magic)

Synopsis:
Koyomi Morishita finds a brochure of a magic academy in her closet and decides to give it a go. Unfortunately, the school was closed down but Koyori manages to become apprenticed to Misa Anehara, one of the most powerful sorceresses in the modern world.

Airing:
BS11: Sat. 11 July 24:00-
BANDAICHANNEL(Streaming): Mon. 13 July

?Spice and Wolf II

Sneak Preview of “Spice and Wolf II”, the second anime season of Spice and Wolf starting this July – GIGAZINE

Synopsis:
Pedler Craft Lawrenc and wolf deity Horo are traveling to Horo’s homeland Yoitsu. On their way, they meet a young fish broker Fermi Amati who instantly falls head over heels for Horo.

Airing:
July

?CANAAN

Synopsis:
Canaan was raised as a soldier. She goes to Shanghai in the pursuit of Alfad, the leader of crime syndicate “Snake”. There she reunites with her only friend Maria Osawa. And all hell breaks out.

Airing:
Tokyo MX: Sat. 04 July 22:30-
tvk
Chiba TV
Teletama
Tokai TV
Kansai TV

Note:
Anime adaption of adventure video game 428: Fusasareta Shibuya de for Wii. There are several storylines in the game but the anime is based on the bonus scenario created by Type-Moon.

?TOKYO MAGNITUDE 8.0

Synopsis:
Summer holiday just started and 13-year-old Mirai Onozawa was obliged to take her little brother Yuuki to a robot exhibition. So when an earthquake measuring 8.0 magnitude on the Richter scale strikes Tokyo, they have to find their way from Odaiba to their home in Setagaya with the help of Mari Kusakabe, a motorbike-riding messenger and a single parent who’s worried sick about her 5-year-old daughter.

Airing:
Fuji TV: Thu. 24:45- (July)
Kansai TV: Tue. 25:35- (July)
Tokai TV:Thu. 26:05- (July)
TV Nishinippon: Wed. 26:15- (July)
Saga TV: Wed. 24:35- (July)
Niigata Sogo TV: Thu. 25:55- (July)
Kochi Sun Sun Broadcasting: Wed. 15:30- (July)
TV Nagasaki: Fri. 26:15- (August)
TV Kumamoto: Tue. 26:05- (August)
Sakuranbo TV: Sat. 25:05- (August)
UHB: Sun. 25:40- (September)
Fuji TV TWO: Sat. 24:00- / Wed. 16:00-

?Aoi Hana (Blue Flower)

Synopsis:
“What would you do if I was in love with a girl?”
Fumi and Akira were best friends when they were little, with Akira always looking after the crybaby Fumi, but Fumi’s family moved away ten years ago. Now attending a prestigious all-girls highschool, Akira bumps into Fumi who just moved back to Kamakura. Fumi goes to another all-girls school and starts dating an upperclassman. Akira is supportive and their friendship grow. Gradually, Fumi comes to the fact that Akira was her first crush.

Airing:
Must still look

?Taisho Baseball Girls

Synopsis:
July, Taisho 14 (1925). Koume is a 14-year-old daughter of a Western-style restaurant owner who attends an all-girls academy. One day, out of the blue her best friend Akiko Ogasawara asks her to play baseball. Caught off guard, Koume nods agreement on reflex. But what kind of sport is baseball? What equipments does it need? What are the rules? To start with, how many teammates do they need?

Airing:
July

?Bakemonogatari

Teaser Trailer

Synopsis:
Koyomi Araragi is a highschool senior who is almost human again after briefly becoming a vampire. One day, he accidentally discovers the secret of his classmate Hitagi Senjogahara. Hitagi violently threats him to confidentiality sticking box cutter and stapler in his mouth.

Airing:
Fri. 03 July 23:00-

?Kimba the White Lion

TAF 2009: Osamu Tezuka’s “Kimba the White Lion” to be renewed in summer 2009 – GIGAZINE

Synopsis:
20XX. Artificial jungle project started as an effort to counter the destruction of environment. Animals are forced to leave their jungle home for the artificial “Neo Jungle”. There, Leo(Kimba), the son of Panja the White Lion meets Kenichi, the son of the developer of Neo Jungle.

Airing:
Fuji TV: Summer 2009

?Kuruneko

Synopsis:
Manga author Yamato Kuruneko has a passion for booze, samurai-novels and baseball. He lives with five cats, the “Kuruneko Gang”.

Airing:
July

?Hetalia: Axis Powers 2nd Series

Synopsis:
Comedy starring countries personified as human characters: the carefree, cowardly and lackadaisical Italy: strict and rigid Germany working under a crazy boss: hard-working and serious but awkwardly naive Japan. Set around the period between WWI and WWII.

Airing:
Animate. TV(webcast): Mon. 16:00-
Mobile Animate: Fri. 16:00-

?Movies
?Asylum Session

Synopsis:
Hiyoko is a highschool student willing to proceed to art college. She run away from her home in revolt againt her father clearing off her departed mother’s paintings. On her run, she meets Akira, the leader of the street children at the “Asylum Stadium”. As police seeks to knock down the stadium, residents of the stadium plan “Asylum Session”, a street culture event to protest the act.

Opening Date:
Theatre Umeda: June 6(Sat.)
Theatre Shinjyuku: July
Century Cinema: July

It’s a refined version of “Haruwo”, the one-man made full 3DCG animation by musician Takuto Aoki. The original story, video, musics and so on are produced by Aoki and background arts are done by college students learning CG art. Here’s the link to the trailer shown on Tokyo International Anime Fair 2009.

?Musashi: The Dream of the Last Samurai

Synopsis:

Opening Date:
Theatre Shinjyuku,Theatre Umeda?Gold Gekijyou?6/13(?)

Synopsis:
Follows the life of Musashi Miyamoto, master swordsman of Edo era.

Famous film maker Mamori Oshii depicts Musashi Miyamoto from the new aspect based on “The Book of Five Rings”

?Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance

Synopsis:
14 year old boy Shinji Ikari pilots “Evangelion”, the human shaped weapon and fights the “Angels”, unknown enemies.

Opening Date:
June 27(Sat.)

The second of the “Rebuild of Evangelion” tetralogy. While the 1st followed the synopsis of former series, the story will start to show totally new development from this movie on with an appearance of Asuka whose name has changed, Mari Illustrious Makinami the new character and the makeshift “Unit-05″.

?Summer Wars

Synopsis:
Highschool junior Kenji Koiso spends his summer holiday in countryside of Nagano invited by senior girl Natsuki Shinohara, who is a member of ancient Jinnai clan continuing from Muromachi era. One day, Kenji triggers a catastrophy by accident.

Opening Date:
Aug. 1(Sat.)

?Naruto the Movie – Hurricane Chronicles – The one who inherit the spirit of flame

Synopsis:
Four ninjas of Kumogakure, Iwagakure, Kirigakure and Sunagakure has disappeared. For Konohagakure was not harmed, they are doubted by other countries. To avoid the 4th Ninja War to occur, Konohagakure is ordered by Land of Fire to investigate the matter. But then, it became clear that Kakashi had escaped from Konohagakure village.

Opening Date:
Aug. 1st.

Original comic has been serealized in Weekly Shone Jump for ten years. This movie is the adaption from the second season of TV anime. You can get plastic paper folder with a purchase of advance ticket.

?Karano Kyokai the Movie: Chapter 7 “Murder Speculation(last half)”

Synopsis:
“Shiki, I will not let you go, forever”
Four years after chapter 2 “Murder Speculation(first half)”. The repeated serial killing reminds Mikiya Kurokiri of Shiki’s desire for murdering, the disappearance of “Ori”, and especially the connection between Shiki and the murder of 4 years ago. Just then, Mikiya meets someone whom he used to be close with in highschool.

Opening Date:
Theatre Shinjyuku: In August

Note:
Limited advance tickets with a B2 size poster will be sold at Theatre Shinjyuku from June 20 (Sat.)

?OVA
?OVA Utawarerumono

Synopsis:
Hakuoro and Ultry found an abandoned baby in the town and named him Fumiruiru. While searching for his parents, Ultry takes care of him like his real mother. At last his real parents are found but by the time Ultry’s got so attached to the baby that she tries to run away with him.

Release Date:
Vol.1: June 24(Wed)

“Utawarerumono” which was adapted to TV anime in 2006 is going to become OVA this time. It was originally an adult game by Leaf and became a non-rated game for PS2. Spin-out radio streaming program “Utawarerumono Radio” has gained popularity for funny conversations between Rikiya Koyama and Ryoka Yuzuki.

?Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas- Hades Mythology

Synopsis:
As Tenma is given the Cloth of Pegasus, Pandora appeared in front of Alone again. At last Tenma and Pandora are divided into friends and enemies and Sacred War is to break out.

Relase Date:
Vol.1 June 24(Wed)

OVA adaption of the comic serialized in Weekly Shonen Champion. There will be 13 episodes released.

?Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei

Synopsis:
Rika has been brought to Hinamizawa in another world, where no tragedy occur. Rika found the key to return to the real world in her mother, but then, Hanyu told her that in this world everybody can be happy. Rika has to choose wheter to kill her mother and return to the real world, or to stay in this world.

Relase Date:
Vol.4 Sai Goroshi Hen 3rd.
DVD edition: June 24(Thurs.)
Blu-ray Edition: July 24(Fri.)

It gives the conclusion to Sai Goroshi Hen, depicting Rika in another world since volume 2. From next volume, Hirukowashi Hen, the sidestory-like chapter begin.

OP: Eiko Shimamiya “Super scription of data”
ED?anNina “Gentle Gaze”

?Akane Iro ni Somaru Saka Hardcore

Synopsis:
Yuhi and her friends visit private island owned by Ayanokojis. But by-effect of a sunscreen sampler titillated them and brought about the mess.

Release Date:
June 26(Fri.)

Originally released as PC game by feng. In Oct. 2008 it has become TV anime and now it’s going to be OVA. There will be newly-drawn jacket and CD of “Akane Iro Ni Somaru Saka Radio” in the limited edition.

?AIKa ZERO

Synopsis:
Girls of Saint Aero Academy have somehow disappeared. While more than 30 students have disappeared, some returned losing their memory. Aika, demanded by Karen and Eri, starts investigating undercover as a student. In the academy Aika finds mysterious group of girls “White Knights”

?Koware Kake No Orgel

Synopsis:
A story of Keiichiro, a man with sad past and android Flower, the abandoned.

Relase Date:
2009 Summer.