#Ore Monogatari themes

[mo1kkai]

Some technically difficulties but we are back

[serexvu]

rinko yamato from my love story

[medea10]

My Review of Tokyo Revengers: Tenjiku-hen

Okay, new season, new characters, new gang, same opening theme song…

Wait, what?! I mean, the graphics are different, but still.

HISTORY: Takemichi. Time travel. 2005 is a cunt year. I’m not going over it again. Here’s season one and here’s season two. Read up.

SEASON THREE: Previously on Tokyo Revengers, Takemichi returned to 2006 after a glimpse of the most depressing future yet. But that’s going to have to wait as a gang he has no recollection of just kicked the ever-loving crap out of him, Chifuyu, and most of his bros. This is Tenjiku. This gang has Tokyo Manji outnumbered. Many of their captains are so soulless that they’ll beat you within an inch of your life. And worst of all, Kisaki has joined this group. Seeing as Kisaki would be so defiant as to go to another gang five seconds after being thrown out of a gang for trying to turn it into a bloated monster, it gets Takemichi thinking. What if Kisaki is also coming from the future like Takemichi?

While we have that to ponder, we see the leader of Tenjiku, Izana popping up around Mikey. Turns out there’s more to these two leaders than you would let on. And finally, Takemichi knows another person in Tenjiku. It’s not one of Kisaki’s cronies, it’s actually a childhood friend. His name is Kakucho. Despite him and Takemichi being old buds, Kakucho is going to remain loyal to Izana and Tenjiku. Although, Kakucho does distrust Kisaki. So, there’s that! Takemichi (despite the promise he made last season) returned to the future to see what he could find out about the Tenjiku gang. This ended badly. Oh sure, he got some info from reformed Cocaine Bear from last season Taiju. But Takemichi and Naoto wound up gunned down by Kisaki, Kakucho, and Izana.

Back in 2006, Takemichi tested if his line to the future is cut off. It is. He shook hands with the young Naoto and no-go, future Naoto is dead. Takemichi’s muttering about the future hit the ears of Hina. Okay, so she knows but will pretend she didn’t hear a thing…for now. And then we learn that Izana is actually Mikey’s half-brother. Mikey’s family tree is fucked up. Add to that, Mikey’s (deceased) older brother Shinichiro was the original leader of Black Dragon. He planned to let Mikey be the leader, but of course he started Tokyo Manji. But then we learn Izana was the 8th generation leader of Black Dragon (the prior leader to Taiju). Okay, my head is spinning with everything happening here.

NEW CHARACTERS: Onto the Tenjiku arc characters. There’s really only two notable new characters here. One more thing, Hulu hasn’t dropped any of these episodes in English so I’m only giving Japanese seiyuus here.

Izana Kurokawa is the leader of Tenjiku. This is a person that up to this point Takemichi knew nothing about. This season, he’ll know it all. First of all, he’s revealed to allegedly be Mikey’s half-brother. Second, he was once the leader of the Black Dragon gang (the gang that was started by Shinichiro and was to be given to Mikey.

And then there’s Kakucho! Kakucho was friends with Takemichi back when they were children. But Kakucho went away. I think he went into a group home because his parents died in some sort of accident. I gathered since the anime really didn’t talk much about Kakucho, but the scar on Kakucho’s face tells a big story. While there, he makes a life-long friendship with Izana.

*Izana is played by Nobunaga Shimazaki (known for Haru on Free!, Yuki on Fruits Basket 2019, Yuno on Black Clover, Eugeo on SAO: Alicization, Sengoku on Horimiya, Shinichi on Parasyte, and Sunakawa on Ore Monogatari)

*Kakucho is played by Seiichirou Yamashita (known for Ishikawa on Horimiya, Raiden on 86, Edward on Black Butler, and Clay on Soul Eater NOT)

SHIPPING PART THREE: This does dip into spoilery territory, so I’ll try to mind my words.

Hina! Yes, Takemichi x Hina is still a thing. They’re cute together. She sees him as a personal hero. And I honestly think that Hina’s love for Takemichi grew when she knew what Takemichi has been doing in terms of leaping through time. There is however one person who has been eyeing Hina for a long time. And that’s Kisaki.

Back in season two, we do get a flashback of Kisaki and Hina together when they saw Takemichi do something impulsive yet heroic. I kinda thought that there might have been something there, Kisaki-wise. Who knew I was going to be right? Hina said some kind words to Kisaki about him being so smart that it reached his cold, calculating heart. Kisaki loves Hina and that’s all I can talk about as I want save it for the finale portion. Let’s talk about another ship.

Koko x Inupi. I wasn’t expecting it. I probably should have since our bro Inupi slays in them heels. I’m just a little confused by it. Koko was in love with Inupi’s older sister and Koko’s crusade of earning more and more money was driven because Inupi’s sister was burned in a house fire. But she dies, Koko still strives for more money, and he kisses Inupi because…??? Dead sis, something…Um, let’s talk about another ship.

Emma x Draken is…oh!

YEAH, THIS PART HURT: Emma’s death. Yeah, just going to come out and say it. She dies.

Now, you would think that Emma dying wasn’t going to cause a ripple. Fuck are you huffing? This ripple caused a major tsunami that shook the foundation of Tokyo Manji to its core. First of all, Emma is Mikey’s little sister. He barely got over his older brother’s death. Second, Emma was Draken’s girlfriend. But then Kisaki came in swinging and knocked Emma off…while Takemichi just stood there.

I saw a lot of comments about this part and a lot of anger towards Takemichi. I am actually going to defend him to an extent. Have you ever been in a situation where you had the opportunity to stop something and you were just frozen in your tracks and couldn’t do anything? It happens! I know he can be impulsive sometimes, but coming from personal experience, I can’t hate on him when this fear hits.

I can however fucking hate Kisaki and Izana. Women are supposed to be off-limits. So, this is the plan Kisaki had to warp Mikey. I hate you.

ENDING: Tokyo Manji vs. Tenjiku. This is not going well for Tokyo Manji. Their fight between Tenjiku did not start well and they are very much outnumbered. Smiley and Mitsuya are out of commission for the big fight as they were taken out prior. Mikey and Draken are not going to come to this fight as…fucking Emma died. Mikey’s sister, Draken’s girlfriend! Mikey is wrecked and Draken hates everything. So, it is up to Takemichi, Angry, Chifuyu, Hakkai, Inupi, and…this one guy I can’t remember his name up against over 300 grunts, 4 angry big boss guys, Koko, Kakucho, that dick-head Kisaki, and Izana.

There were some solid hits from Tokyo Manji. Angry went full “Blue Ogre” mode which somehow surpasses his twin brother Smiley’s wrath. And I’m going to admit this. Up until season three, I didn’t know that Smiley had a twin brother. So, color me surprised when I see the blue-haired wonder show up all of a sudden. Back to the fight, Inupi got into Koko’s mind as we got a backstory involving them. All the while, Takemichi pulls his immovable Homer Simpson spirit during the fight. Even Kisaki shooting him in the foot couldn’t stop him. But you have to admit, these boys are outnumbered and not going to win this fight. IN COMES DRAKEN AND MIKEY!

I knew it was going to happen. Didn’t know how or the provocation, but I saw it coming a mile away. The reason was that Hina let it slip out to both boys that Takemichi has been going back and forth from the future to prevent his friends from dying. Mikey vs. Izana actually lasted a lot longer than the October and Christmas massacres with the main bosses. Mikey’s kicks only worked part of the time against Izana. What Mikey doesn’t know is that Izana learned how to fight from his own older brother Shinichiro.

We get some flashbacks of Izana’s youth (as well as Kakucho). Izana gets the surprise of his life to know that he has an older brother. Shinichiro made a big impact on Izana and was happy any time he came to visit. It wasn’t until Izana was going to get the Black Dragon gang passed down to him that everything changed. Shinichiro just happened to mention having a younger brother and that just didn’t sit right with him. Younger Mikey seemed okay with the idea of having another brother. Izana was not thrilled. Add to that, Izana blames Mikey for Shinichiro’s death. Kazutoro strikes again! Izana ends up suffering a pretty big mental breakdown during this showdown. The other Tenjiku members were in an agreement that Tokyo Manji won and to just back off gracefully. No. That’s not happening. Kisaki goes and does a stupid thing that ends with both Kakucho and Izana getting shot.

WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE TAKE THAT GUN FROM KISAKI?!

Oh, now you’re going to be a punk-ass bitch after shooting Izana and Kakucho. Yeah, they’re dying. We get some more flashbacks including an important fact that you can be both shocked and not surprised at the same time. Say it with me now.

IZANA IS NOT RELATED TO MIKEY, EMMA, AND SHINICHIRO!

Emma’s cunt mother said it to Izana when he ran into her. And then Shinichiro admitted the same. Izana and Kakucho hold each other’s hands as they both die on the ground…or so it seems. More soon! Mikey announces the fight is over and that Tokyo Manji won. Kisaki bails with Hanma. Draken and Takemichi trail this asshole. Once Takemichi caught up to Kisaki, that’s when he learns something important.

Kisaki loves Hina. He’s a strategian by heart and had a 10-year plan to rise the ranks of the gang underworld and to make Hina all his. And during this interaction, Takemichi caught a glimpse of a future moment where Kisaki proposed to Hina and she rejected him like one of those rejection scenes from Tomodachi Life. But one thing Takemichi learned this night with Kisaki was that he was not a time traveler. He’s just bent to the point of wanting to warp Mikey and steal Hina from Takemichi or kill her. And then, things took a turn for the worst…for Kisaki.

These are the following three things that are acceptable to say for this scene: *Truck-kun saved the day *Best re-dramatization of Phil Ken Sebben’s death ever *Australian fatigue driving PSA in a nutshell

Okay, I will also accept the phrase, “Ding-dong, the dick is dead”. I am not going to sit here and feel sorry for Kisaki. He was a smarmy bastard in the past and future. And the shit he did in the past should never absolve him. Emma did nothing wrong. Not a fucking thing! Her only crime is that she shared the same blood as Mikey. I’m sick of getting the sad boo-hoo moments for characters who were maggots through and through. You want people to say nice things in your passing, don’t be a dick-bag while you’re alive!

In this aftermath, there were a total of five arrests and three deaths. The arrests were all the top men from Tenjiku. The deaths were Emma, Izana, and Kisaki. Kakucho survived being shot. He’s got a lot to mull over now that his best friend is dead and the gang is pretty much done. It is unknown about Takemichi and the future as we see him talking to Kakucho in the hospital and he hasn’t stopped trembling after witnessing Kisaki be flattened by a truck. So, we don’t know if Kisaki’s death changed the future for the better or if Takemichi can even go back to the future considering what happened to Naoto.

Okay, I loved this season compared to the Christmas Massacre arc. I just wish the season was an episode or two longer just to fulfill my wants of seeing if the future changed for the better or worse. That last future Takemichi was in had Kisaki and Izana in it, so that must mean Naoto is alive again. I’m going to keep with my thoughts and be a good girl who doesn’t look at manga spoilers. For now! I’m sure there’s gonna be more content in the future. The manga is finished with an astounding 279 chapters and the anime is just under 40 episodes currently. I’m sure there’s more to unfold.

Knowing the setup, I’m pretty sure there’s another gang about to pop up or Hanma is gonna avenge Kisaki or some other drama with Koko and Inupi. Again, I don’t know because I didn’t read the manga. But we still need the conclusion of Hina and if she’s past the point of being saved from a grizzly murder. Kisaki is taken care of, that’s good. I still don’t trust Akkun and he’s still around. Every stinkin’ timeline, he’s the one who does the deed. In the meantime, let’s wait a bit for the next installment. Nothing has been announced as of posting this review, but I’ll remain positive.

Once again, because of Disney+’s acquirement, watching the whole season can be troublesome to those who don’t have a multitude of streaming accounts. Season one can still be found on Crunchyroll. Christmas Massacre and Tenjiku arc will be on Hulu.

[myzornaccount]

In my experience a lot of shounen just has themes that are more interesting than shoujo themes. I bet shoujo isn't read/watched by very many men because it's just proportionally less popular

Remember that shoujo and shounen aren't defined by what boys and girls actually like, it's defined by what society says each group should like

It seems like so much of shoujo is just cheesy romance. I don't know any girls irl who are into that stuff. A lot of shounen is about less romantic relationships, which just has a lot more opportunities for complexity

Women are "HALF" the readership of any series that treats its readers as adults with complex minds. You only really see huge differences in demographics when either men make the fandom spaces uncomfortable (smash bros) or when the studio directly targets their concept of either gender's stereotypes and fantasies (naruto/DBZ/softcore-zorn/loser-gets-isekai'd or ouraun/maid sama/softcore-romance/loving-monogamy)

Feels so strange to me that women are being represented as some kind of driving force behind these fandoms when they're just being regular people who like the thing about equally to the men

Think of classic shoujo that have significant male viewership (mob psycho, ore monogatari) why aren't men seen as some kind of carrying force for those fandoms? It really is the same case for these. Targeting one audience, but because it is actually interesting, or has good character interactions, or whatever else, people in general like watching it

[pxgeturner]

GIRL IM SO SORRY IM BACK

ugh no i hope you're ok and i'm wishing you a speedy recovery!! and oooh we love trying to work on the wip work

and i can't remember i'm so sorry but i probably saw you in one of the tag games or recommendations and thought to check you out and liked how pretty the blog was and how nice you are :)) (love the theme btw it's gorgeous)

but i haven't been too bad! just have a lot of assessments that are killing me, i have like three days left before holidays and tell me why i have a mountain of homework for days i won't even be paying attention for?? ☹️

BUT ALSO i'm trying to get into gossip girl (which i'm not sure if you've seen) and all of my friends have been recommending it to me so that is next on my to-do list 😋

have you been watching anything or have any recommendations? - 🪷

i just got back from a sleepover in the mountains, oh how i wish it was longer. i had so much fun!

in relation to my recovery—both my ankles are now swollen bcz i’m not placing my weight properly bcz of my hemiplegia.

ur so real for that homework stuff tho me tew.

gossip girl is so fun i heart chuck bass (he gets cuter after a couple szn n the way he’s burn the city down for his girl is soooo attractive) and i support this decision!

i’ve been rewatching ore monogatari!! (MY (love) story!!) as well as adventure time. both of those shows r so nostalgic i luv them. i also am dabbling in black clover bcz my bosses recommend. big ppl shows are not for me rn if i’m not studying or writing rn i lowkey have the media capacity of a child. i’m also in s2 of yellowjackets (i <3 jackie) but am taking a break bcz i need smth not as dark rn bcz school, but YJ is sosososo good i just needed to take a back seat from gore n dark content.

if u ever need recs pls lmk i consume much media! 🫶🏽

[nakamuso]

Disposal of Books - Cartoons in the genes

In September, I was quite busy with deadlines and distant interviews, so I did a big cleanup to escape from reality. During that time, my work stopped, but I couldn't resist the urge to clean my room anyway.

I decided to take advantage of the opportunity and tackled the bookshelves. There were piles of books piled up around it that I couldn't fit in, so I decided to take the plunge and get rid of them.

Here are the books to be disposed of

Books that I bought as reference materials for interviews Bookstore magazines that I received as samples Comics I haven't read in years Manga that I haven't read in years. In particular, (1) and (2) will accumulate quickly if left unattended. I decided to scan the necessary parts and dispose of the rest. The trouble is with (3).

Even if you decide not to read them anymore, manga still pull your hair back. It's hard to let go of a whole set of comics. Whenever a comic book comes up during cleaning, I end up reading it, which prevents the cleaning from progressing.

The one that caused me to stop cleaning this time was "High School Debut" by Kazune Kawahara.

I don't remember how I started reading it, but I remember that I bought all the volumes seven or eight years ago.

That's how hooked I was. I also wrote an article highlighting Kazune Kawahara's works in the past.

The movie "Ore Monogatari! Why does Kazune Kawahara, the author of the movie "Ore Monogatari!

As you would expect from a hit maker, the books are always interesting no matter how many years have passed or how many times you read them. I love "Aozora Yale", "Ore Monogatari", and "Suteki na Karei". and "The Lovely Boyfriend," but personally, I think "High School Debut" is the best.

Why is that?　I realized that it is because "Itazura na kiss" is embedded in my genes.

The theme song of my heart still is "STEADY" by SPEED.

The setting is similar in that both are romantic comedies about a "bright, energetic, but extremely screwed-up heroine and a cool, handsome guy.

Both Kazune Kawahara and Kaoru Tada are really good at drawing extremely screwed-up heroines, so readers cannot help but root for them. So, in the end, I was unable to sell any of the manga. Of course, I will keep all the copies of "High School Debut" on hand.

Since the number of books is not decreasing and my work is not finished, there was no point in cleaning up at all, but I would like to buy a new bookshelf before the big cleanup at the end of October.

[yandereforelorn]

re: nadeko transmasc headcanon

it’s been a while since I rewatched monogatari but! decided to make a little post about trans nadeko :3

this is almost certainly projecting a little bit, given that I really love nadeko and her arcs, but some of it isn’t! also worth giving the disclaimer that nadeko is somewhat of a deconstruction/play on the shrinking violet and in her first image song literally says she wants to become a yamato nadeshiko for araragi, so there’s almost certainly cultural stuff that I’m going to misunderstand/not catch here, that being said I don’t think any of that necessarily discredits this reading?

(using him pronouns for nadeko after this)

- constantly hiding/not wanting to be seen, wearing baggy clothing so as not to be Perceived. his clothing in renai circulation/mousou express is TBOY SWAG. his coat being referred to as a second skin, both as a reference to the snake theme and because hating and feeling trapped by his Cute Appearance and the expectations it produces, and feeling forced to use it to his advantage/take advantage of people’s expectations of her, to the point that he rejects being a manga artist (the only thing he’s shown to be truly passionate about) because it doesn’t fit his image/is afraid to be genuine

- use of “ore-sama” during his breakdown at classmates after tsukihi cuts his bangs — at first might seem to be because of kuchinawa, but admits afterwards that it was him speaking and he’s just going to blame the serpent. speaking of kuchinawa, considering he is a presence that nadeko at least partially created, is it interesting that he manifests as a deep-voiced snake that points out all of nadeko’s flaws and constantly disagrees with him?

- only seen in non-tboy swag clothing (correct me if wrong?) when getting exorcized during his first arc (against his will), at school, in his bedroom, or when trying to seduce araragi (which he knows won’t amount to anything) (also interesting heteronormativity conversation that could be had with his use of araragi as a deflection for any other romantic attraction?)

- is thrilled to be called terrifying instead of cute when he becomes a snake god

I know there’s littler things that I could catch on a rewatch, but until then! that's all folks!

[doberbutts]

OK so the list is as follows:

Dandadan (plan to watch this with Bestie)

Apothecary Diaries (highly interested)

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (been recommended many times as a Lodoss replacement)

Solo Leveling (seen clips of this and feared it was another SAO but interested in giving it at try)

Dororo (highly interested but fearful of my pain trigger)

Undead Unluck (seen clips and it looks funny but concerned about fanservice)

Onmiyoji (highly interested)

Sugar Plum Fairy Tale (highly interested)

Ooku (somewhat interested)

Witch Hat Atelier

Zenshu

Overlord

Sk8 The Infinity

Violet Evergarden

Kagurabachi

Natsume Yuujinchou

Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun!

Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts

Mashle: Muscle and Magic

Blue Period

Shiki

Ore Monogatari

Dorohedoro

Bakemonogatari

Wokatoi love is hard for an otaku

Moriarty the Patriot

Reject Ranger

Keep your hands off eizouken!

Golden Kamuy

Sarazanmai

Yurikuma

Uncle From Another World

Campsite Cooking in Another World with My Ridiculous Skill

Sakamoto Days

Kill Blue

Guilty Crown

Bocchi the Rock

Toradora

Summertime Rendering

Heike Monogatari

Death Parade

Redline

Overlord

Baccano

Tsuritama

Himawari Sketch

Silver Spoon

Poco's Udon World

Shangri-la Frontier

Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea

50% Off

The Morose Mononokean

Nabari no Ou

Windbreaker

Elusive Samurai

Thunderbolt Fantasy (not anime)

Paranoia Agent (watched it back in the day- big fan of Satoshi Kon here)

Fullmetal Alchemist (watched it, loved it)

Saiyuki (was positively obsessed with this for a long time)

Death Note (loved it until L's death, then hated it)

Loki: Ragnarok (watched in high school and enjoyed)

DNAngel (watched this WAY back in like middle school and was obsessed with the ending theme, which I performed on piano for a music class project)

Petshop of Horrors (watched and enjoyed with a friend in high school, read the manga too)

s-CRY-ed (also watched this and enjoyed way back)

Pretear (despite not loving the magical girl genre I found this to be really fun in high school)

Demon Slayer (currently wrapping this up re: anime and then will be reading the manga, enjoying it immensely)

Samurai Champloo (ate this up when it was new on Adult Swim)

Way of the Househusband (delightful! loved this! the anime is meh but the manga and live drama are great)

Noragami (loved this! both the anime and the manga)

Fruits Basket (watched OG in high school, was obsessed as a teen)

Trigun (watched OG with a friend, mostly meh about it)

Mushishi (already watched and did like this a lot)

Mononoke (also watched this with a friend and liked it a lot)

Kyo Kara Maoh! (pretty sure this series began my BL phase)

Revolutionary Girl Utena (OG TRANS MAN EGG CRACK)

Fate/Stay Night (been recommended multiple times but unsure about interest)

Mob Psycho 100 (uninterested, dislike the art style, though was intrigued due to liking E's Otherwise)

Delicious In Dungeon (uninterested despite the appeal of Senshi)

Gundam (uninterested, I hate mechs)

Lain Serial Experiments (tried it way back and didn't like it)

Hunter x Hunter (uninterested despite liking YYH)

Princess Tutu (uninterested)

Dr Stone (uninterested, hate the art style)

Higurashi (uninterested, will bother my pain trigger based on clips I've seen)

Hey weebs that follow me, I've been out of anime and manga circles for some time and outside of a few titles I'm starting to run low on things to try. If I give examples of what I've liked in the past, can you give suggestions on other things that are out there?

What I've liked over the years seems to be:

Samurai genre (Kenshin, Kurogane, Sword of the Stranger)

Supernatural/Horror-lite (Descendants of Darkness, Noragami, Beyond the Boundary, Inuyasha, Yu Yu Hakusho, xxxHolic, Jujutsu Kaisen, Shaman King, Shounen Omnyouji) (preferred genre I love this shit)

Fun Shounen Things (My Hero Academy, Pokémon, Hikaru no Go)

Cute Shoujo slice of life things (His and Her Circumstances, Free!, Super Gals!, Land of the Blindfolded)

[animebw]

Hi, i just followed, could i ask what animes you like? Any good one you reccomend?

cracks knuckles

OH BOY DO I HAVE RECOMMENDATIONS

Do you like fantasy and adventure? Check out Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, Made in Abyss (CW for some uncomfortable child nudity), Wolf’s Rain, Re:Zero, and Hunter x Hunter.

Like action? I recommend most of those above shows as well, but also Symphogear, Mob Psycho 100, Attack on Titan, Fate/Stay Night (Specifically the ones by studio Ufotable), 86 Eighty-Six, Akudama Drive, My Hero Academia, and Vivy Fluorite Eyes’ Song.

More a fan of pure comedy? Your first picks should be Nichijou, Komi-san Can’t Communicate, The Demon Girl Next Door, and Kaguya-Sama

Do you prefer heavy dramas with lots of feels? Check out March Comes in Like a Lion, Violet Evergarden, The Tale of Princess Kaguya, Vinland Saga, A Silent Voice, Tokyo Magnitude 8.0, Wolf Children, and The Heike Story.

Want to laugh and cry at the same time? Take a look at Angel Beats, Clannad, and basically anything else written by Jun Maeda.

Are you more into romance? Then go for Kimi ni Todoke, Toradora, Chuunibyou, Ore Monogatari, Teasing Master Takagi-san, and Bloom Into You

Or perhaps you enjoy slow-paced, atmospheric storytelling that’s more about setting an atmosphere and exploring themes than telling an ongoing story? If so, I recommend Mushishi and Girls’ Last Tour.

Perhaps you’re a fan of stories grounded in real life, often with a coming-of-age element? Then make sure to put Hibike Euphonium, A Place Further Than the Universe, The Aquatope on White Sand, Yama no Susume, and K-On on your list.

Do you like dark, head-trippy shows that explore complex and challenging themes with brain-bending stories? Take a look at Neon Genesis Evangelion, Flip Flappers, Revolutionary Girl Utena, Madoka Magica, Revue Starlight, Devilman Crybaby, and Wonder Egg Priority (Just don’t watch the last episode. Trust me, it’s for the best.)

Do you like traditional magical girl shows? Then I cannot recommend Cardcaptor Sakura and Little Witch Academia highly enough.

And last, but certainly not least, do you want to see the absolute pinnacle of what anime- and fiction in general- is capable of? Watch Gintama. You will not regret it.

[teigeki-graph]

Sakura Taisen Song Box

Released: April 15, 2009 (digital only)

Available at iTunes

This is like a mashup of 2003′s “Complete Song Box” and 2006′s “Zenkyokushuu,” only with a lot less content: it’s got 120 songs, while the aforementioned collections had 139 and 122, respectively. For the price, though, it’s still a good deal for people who just want a lot of Sakura Taisen songs, not necessarily all of them.

Songs with a “—” instead of a number are songs that were part of the physical collections but that are not included in the digital version

Full track listing under the cut

[Complete Song Box]

Disk 1

1. Geki! Teikoku Kagekidan

2. Sakura

3. Etude

4. Nayamashi Mambo

5. Only Man

6. Tokyo-teki Kyuujitsu

7. Shakunetsu Boogie

8. Yoru no Samba

9. Ai wa Daya

10. Ai Yue ni

11. Hanasaku Otome

12. Kono Yo wa Tanoshi ~Natsu Kouen~

13. Kono Yo wa Tanoshi ~Aki Kouen~

14. Tsubasa

15. Kono Yo wa Tanoshi ~Fuyu Kouen~

16. Cinderella

17. Kono Yo wa Tanoshi ~Haru Kouen~

Disk 2

1. Omatsuri Dansu

2. Watashi no Aozora

3. Geki! Teikoku Kagekidan Kai

4. Yume no Tsudzuki

5. Metro de Ikou

6. Ikiteru Yorokobi

7. Haru ga Kuru

8. Minamikaze Go Go

9. Itoshi no Jean Paul

10. Zettai Unmei no Tango

11. Koi no Hassha All Right

12. Shonen Red Shudaika

13. Miyako no Hana zo

14. Moshimo...

15. Icarus no Hoshi

—Kiseki no Kane

Disk 3

1. Akatsuki no Senshi

2. Kanpan Furafura

3. Dream / Yume no 1 Pound

—Kiseki no Kane ~So special a day~

—Happy Day Happy X’mas

4. Chanbara Boogie

5. Dandy

6. Kibou

7. Kore ga Revue!

8. Geki! Teikoku Kagekidan (Kai II)

9. Yuuyake no Mukou ni

10. Watashi no Natsu

11. Chichin no Pui

12. Kamona Asakusa

13. Hirameki no Uta

14. Subarashiki Butai

15. Shinjirareru Koto

Disk 4

1. Ai wa Towa ni

2. Masquerade

—Ucha! Yorokobi no Uta

—Benitokage no Uta (Kanna no Musou)

3. Tabi no Sora e

—Rikken Braun

4. Harukaze no Koi Uta

—Gekitei!

—Yumemite Iyou

5. Hanagoyomi

—Ima Totsugu Hi ni

—Futari ni Kanpai!

—Furui Piano

—Kagayaki

—Gekitei Ondo

6. Gekijou e Ikou!

7. It’s Showtime!

8. Scandal wa Dame yo

9. Star Kagayaku Hoshi

10. Yukai na Yoru

—Watashi no Okini’iri

—Iza Tachiagare

—Kokoro wa Sabaku no Youni

11. Arabia no Bara

12. Atarashii Ashita e

—Kinema Koushinkyoku

—Jidai no Ressha

—Akai Katyusha

—Center Spot

—Shitamachi Rhapsody

—Hibari no Uta ~Tsubakihime no Yuu yori~

—Stone Monkey

—Tsubasa (TV version)

—Hanafubuki Shiranami Benten

—Ohanabatake

—Yumemiru Kikai

—Kokoro wa Sabaku no Youni (Baragumi version)

-Hanagumi wo Tsubuse!

—Anata no Okini’iri (Kanna no Musou 2)

—Sakura Zensen

—Yume no Tsudzuki (Todoru Hana Kenran Mix)

—Euro Gekitei

—Euro Koi no Hassha All Right!

13. Mihata no Moto ni

14. Hana no Paris

Disk 5

—Erica Ohayou Dance

1. Inori

2. Eroica/ Eiyuu Densetsu

3. 192455631

4. Issho ni Arukou

5. Kokoro no Kasa wa

6. Sentimental na...

7. Kimi Shinobu Uta

8. Kokoro no Okibasho

9. Geki! Teikoku Kagekidan III

10. Mirai (Voyage)

—Mihata no Moto ni (Les Chattes Noires Mix)

—Hana no Paris (Les Chattes Noires Mix)

11. Hanagumi Revue

—Bus wa Yukuyuku Yume Nosete

—Ramune no Uta

—Shiawase na Yume

—Kangaeru Ashi

—Kuchizusamu Uta

—Umi no Utage Hana no Utage

—Kono Shomotsu wa

—Yoru no Kurage

12. Subete wa Umi e —Gekijouban-Kiseki no Kane

—Gekijouban-Subete wa Umi e

—Monogatari no Hajimari

—Utsukushiki Mono-tachi yo

—Kaijin Debeso (Kanna no Musou 3)

—Akawanikun Irasshai

—Boku no Paris Watashi no Paris

—Kuroneko Rumba

—Montparnasse no Yoru

—Koi wa Makafushigi

—Shimakaze

13. Kimi yo Hana yo

—Tsukiyo no Mori e

—Ciseaux no Theme

—Aijou Ippai

—Yozora no Hana

—Sumire Chachacha

—Kore ga Revue! (Full Version/Bonus Track)

—Tsubasa (Tanaka Kouhei Version/Bonus Track)

[Zenkyokushuu]

14. Hana no Youni Yume no Youni

—Ohayou Good Morning

—Nakama-tachi yo

—Koubu

Disk 6

1. Kagayaku, Ginza Street

—Kibou no Hoshi yo

—Sumidagawa

—Neko Odori

—Aku no Hana

—Fusehime Kigen

2. Mirai no Kyoudai-tachi e

—Saboten Mambo

—Dokidoki Audition

—Hoshi yo

—Ragtime Show

—Yumeoibito

—Ai no Hi wo Seine ni Tomose

—Natsu ga Kita

—Waga Na wa Javert

—Itoshiki Hito yo

—Koganemochi wa Kanemochi da

—Koi no Deai

—Waga Kokoro ni Naru Kane

—Nanairo no Niji

—Natsu no Nichikado

—Yoshuu Fukushuu Memo Kaki Benkyou

—Sunset Summer

—Trump no Uramote

—Yuuki Rinrin

—Kodomo no Yume wa

—Kaizoku Kagyou

—Umi no Jo���ou

—Yasei no Otakebi

3. Takarajima ~Yuuki no Hata wo~

4. Namida yo, Au revoir

5. Canariya

—Mihata no Moto ni (Ecole de Paris Version)

6. Romance

—Yodel Musou

—Storyteller

—Lucky Man

—Usotsuki Oomu

—Waratte Shine

—Daidako no Uta

—Nagareru

—Lucky Man

—Akawani Dansu

7. Chattes Noires

8. Misterious

9. Yunhua ~Revue Ouka Ranbu~

—Watashi wa Ima...

—Ginza Koushinkyoku

—Eien no Inochi

—Tenjiku Doko da!?

—Bakabakashiku mo Arigataku mo

—Nageki to Kanashimi

—Mouja no Uta

—Akutoku no Hanabira

10. Shin Saiyuuki ~Inochi ga Meguri Sekai ga Tsunagaru Toki~

11. Samurai Damashii

—Imadoro Boushite Kita yo

—Kanna no Musou ~Radio demo Yaranai Taisou na Koto~

—Ore ni wa Ore no Jingi ga

—Chouju no Momo

—Okane da ze! Everybody

—Mitsukaranai?

—Ushimaou no Daienkai

—Zettaizetsumei

—Inochi Hateru Toki

—

12. Akuma no Youni

13. Koi wa Speed

14. Mihata no Moto ni (Le Nouveau Paris OVA version)

15. Circus

16. Yoru no Kisetsu

Disk 7

1. Modern Boogie

2. Kurayami no Ou

3. Nigatsu no Akai Hana

4. Chijou no Senshi

5. Koko wa Paradise ~Littlelip Theater no Theme~

6. Hana no Revue

—Koi wo Shimashou

—Mi yo Akatsuki ni

—Toki no Nagare ni

—Yume no Naja ni

—Karen na Hana yo, Tsuyoi Hans yo

—Neko no Uta, Inu no Uta

—Bluebird

—Yoru no Rondo, Hikari no Sonata

7. Kibou ~Shin Aoi Tori~ yori

8. Boku no Yume

9. Downtown Heart

10. Bounty Hunter Rika

11. Aru Hi Aozora Miagete

12. Kagayaku Seiza

13. BON-PSY

14. Kiss me sweet

Disk 8

1. The City

2. Over the Rainbow Sunshine

—Modern Gang

—Yokubou no Machi

—OH! Manjuu Tengoku

—Aoki Hono’o

—Koi Uta

—Hana wo Kazarou

—Cafe Tiger

—Modern Boys

—Cafe Tiger

3. Revue ~Shin Aoi Tori~

4. Watashi no Aruku Michi

5. Christmas Paris

6. Tenshi no Hitomi

7. Anato to Naraba ~Around the World~

8. Sono Na wa Rodeo

9. Viva! Harlem

10. Ai no Hana

11. Jungle Revue

12. Try

13. Atashi Naichaimasu [bonus track]

14. Hana Bon-Bori [bonus track]

15. Geki! Tei ~Saishuushou (Finale)~

[averinna]

🌈 Manga with LGBT theme for pride month 🌈

There's a lot of bl and gl out there but they don't always talk about what it is to be lgbt. There's also manga which, without being bl or gl talk about lgbt theme. I also will add the ones where a LGBT characters is a part of the narrative despite the story not revolving exclusively around it.

I decided to add some I didn't see yet but look promising.

Koi Monogataries/Love Stories by Tagura Tohru

Synopsis:  Hasegawa Yuiji accidentally finds out that his classmate, Yoshinaga Yamato, is gay. Eventually, he realizes Yamato's gaze is directed towards an unattainable love. From a study group together Yuiji finds out that Yamato is a "pretty nice guy," and despite his awkwardness, starts wishing for his happiness...

Why I recommend it: It’s the first shounen-ai I’ve read which goes above with the question of homosexuality. A golden friendship is being built between the main character and his classmate Yamato. Homophobia is touched upon realistically instead of making all the male character gay out of nowhere to make any romance easy. For now, there’s not a real romance which started. It’s still ongoing and it’s hard to tell where it will go but it’s worth reading for the character who is on Yamato’s side and those who aren’t.

Some example: 1 2

Shimanami Tasogare/ by Kamatani Yuhki

Synopsis :  After recently moving to Onomichi, Hiroshima, high school student Tasuku Kaname is thrown into despair at the possibility that he may have been outed for being gay. Convinced his life is over, his despair turns into shock when he sees a woman jump out of a window of a nearby house. Tasuku races to the house in a panic only to discover that it's a public meeting lounge owned by the woman he saw before. Tasuku comes face to face with the woman as she walks past him unharmed, but not before she implies that she had been watching him from afar. Confused, Tasuku follows her up to the top of a steep hill where she offers to briefly listen to what's on his mind. Although Tasuku doesn't go into too much detail, he later accepts her invitation to come to the lounge to meet others with similar troubles.

Why I recommend it: There’s multiple sexual orientations represented here such as homosexuality and transsexuality. Homophobia isn’t hidden either, the characters don’t live in a totally safe haven but they have each other to rely on which is heartwarming to see. The diverse love stories will make your heart melt and want to root for the character.

Some example: 1 2

Kono Koi ni Mirai wa nai/There is no future in this love by Morihashi Bingo and Koko Suwaru

Synopsis :  Manase Yuuji, a university student who is rather popular with girls without his knowledge, taciturn and withdrawn type. In fact, he hides a secret wound that will be revealed during the visit of his sister hairdresser-stylist: he does not feel at ease in this body of a man that he's in.

Why it’s recommended: First, you need to know that the set up happens in the 80′s which make the situation of the main character even more dramatic. The manga, particularly the first volume, turn around the trans identity of the main character. It’s not the only subject of the manga since it also talks about forced wedding for example. Not a favourite but a must read still.

Kiryuu-sensei wa Renai ga Wakaranai/Dousei sensei a renai ga wakaranai by Ono Haruka

Synopsis :  32-year-old Futaba Kiryuu is a manga artist that writes for a weekly shounen magazine. Her latest ongoing manga is a romantic comedy, "Bocchi no Ore kara Riaju no Omaera ni Ittoku" (A Loner Like Me's Got a Lot to Say about You Normies out There) or "Bottoku" for short. It is a best-seller and has an anime adaption on the works. But the truth is, she's completely clueless about romance.

The days go on as she continues on working on her manga with her manga assistants, but soon, one of her assistants, Hiro Asakura (she dubs him as "Assassin" because of his cold and intimidating demeanour), and the anime scriptwriter for the "Bottoku" anime, Kitamura Kyosuke (social media dubs him "The Tactician" for his notoriously clever execution in the anime he's worked in) grow an interest in her and eventually make a move on her. How will Futaba fare in this love triangle when her knowledge of romance is next to nothing?

Why is it recommended: Sound like a very silly shojo manga where the heroine learns what love is through an impossible situation right? Well, truth is, the manga talks about aromanticism and asexuality and it’s also the one I relate to the most in the bunch. It’s worth a read even just for how the heroine reacts to typically romantic situation with confusion or the feeling she have to flee. That aside, society’s view on romance is a constant discussion. It’s the only manga about aroace that I’ve ever found and luckily enough it’s very good with it.

Ao no Flag/Blue Flag by Kaito

Synopsis :  The "youth pure love" story begins when three students in their third and final year of high school meet during a time when they are worried about paths for their futures. Waiting for them are sweet, painful, and heartrending days.

Why is it recommended: Sound like your typical slice of life romance with love triangle but once again don’t stop at the synopsis. If it’s there it’s because the two gay characters who is as important as the other, making LGBT theme inherent to the story. It also doesn’t hesitate to talk about other subjects between people such as boy-girl friendship.

Octave by Akiyama Haru

Synopsis :  Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been infatuated with the “other side”; the world of splendor. Yes, I wanted to become one of those glittering stars. And so, my dream has come true. But now…All I want is to be beloved by someone.” When she was young, Yukino Miyashita wanted, more than anything else, to become an idol. However, after accomplishing her dream, the idol group she was part of failed to sell, and she returned to school, facing alienation from her peers. Now, at age 18, Yukino is living alone in Tokyo, half-heartedly trying to start a new life as a talent manager, while not quite able to put her idol days behind her. She meets Setsuko, a songwriter who also once belonged to a failed idol group. The romance, sparked by her encounter with Setsuko, causes Yukino to re-evaluate her own life.

Why is it recommended : This isn’t an idealistic romance : with misogyny and homophobia our characters go through doubts and fear despite their love for each other. Yukino is faced with thoughts you wouldn’t expect in an easy love story leading her to do mistake which humanize her. I read only the two volume for now but it is promising. 

Sorairo Flutter/That Blue Sky Feeling by Okura by Okura and Coma Hashii

Synopsis : When Noshiro transfers to a new school, he meets Sanada, a loner who doesn’t seem to have friends—or want any. The other kids whisper that Sanada keeps to himself because he’s secretly gay. But rather than scare Noshiro away, the rumor only makes him more interested. He sets out on a campaign to win over the surly Sanada, embarking on a surprising friendship.

Why is it recommended : Despite personally struggling with this story, I find that it still a coming of age story that talk about relationships and interaction. The characters being teens, their behavior is appropriate to with how they are both childish while trying to be more mature. Even if it is a past relationship though, there is an age gap in there. (I don't even understand why the author did that because that's kind of pushback a good rating on this story)

Title I didn't read yet but seem promising :

Boy run the riot by Keito Gaku

Synopsis : A transgender teen named Ryo finds an escape from the expectations and anxieties of his daily life in the world of street fashion. This personal, heartfelt, fictional story from a transgender manga creator made waves in Japan and will inspire readers all over the world!

Love me for who I am by Kata Konayama

Synopsis : Mogumo is a cute but lonely non-binary high school student who just wants a few loving friends. As someone who doesn’t identify as a boy or a girl, however, finding people who really understand can be a big challenge. When fellow student Iwaoka Tetsu invites Mogumo to work at an untraditional maid café, Mogumo is hopeful that things are looking up. Will they finally find friends to call their own—or just more misunderstanding?

10th You and I fell for the same person by Inari Yuko

Synopsis : A manga similar to Blue Flag that treat a love triangle more maturely and with more nuance than what we have usually. The two character are actually a boy and a girl falling for their classmate.

[strykingback]

TEAM BLCK Intros and Endings Themes!

Volume 1:

REALxEYEZ- J Takanori Nishikawa

Shiwase No Akira (Whereabouts of Happiness)/ Ore Monogatari ending theme!- LOCAL CONNECT

Volume 2:

Be The One- Beverly and Pandora

Great Escape- Attack on Titan ED 2

Volume 3:

Mukanjyo- Survive Said the Prophet.

Alone With You- Egoist

Volume 4:

Raise Your Flag- Man With A Mission

Goodbye- The Vines

Volume 5:

Strike Back- BACK-ON

Get Ready To Die- Andrew WK

Volume 6:

JUST LIVE MORE- Gaim No Kaze 

Answers- Noubo Uematsu

Volume 7:

DATABASE- Man With a Mission

Perfect Triumph-  WAЯROCK

Volume 8: 

Shadowbringers- FFXIV 

(I Know It’s a Cover, but half of everything has SPOILERS and I dont want anyone who is playing FFXIV to be Spoiled) 

Isabelles Lullaby- (Slight Spoiler for The Promised Neverland cause of the image)

Inspired by @remnantelmm​ posting their opening and ending themes.

[medea10]

My Review of Hokkaido Girls Are Super Adorable

Just a random pick. Roll it!

Tsubasa Shiki has just moved from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo to the northernest and chilliest part of Japan, Hokkaido…well, Kitami City if you want to get technical. His first day there, he meets a young girl waiting at a bus stop and was just amazed at her. Minami Fuyuki has blonde hair, flashy nails, makeup, and has the leg strength to withstand frigid cold temperatures without the need of knee-high socks. They seem to hit it off. As Tsubasa is new to this area, Minami seems to have her priorities all settled in terms of everyday life. So, she has no problem helping out the new guy.

And that’s essentially it for the story! There are Hokkaido girls Tsubasa hangs out with. He hangs out with the extrovert Fuyuki, the gamer Sayuri and the odd-ball senpai Rena.

BETWEEN THE SUB AND THE DUB: I guess I must have slept on the dub for the last couple of months because up until doing the finishing touches on the review, I didn’t know of its existence. Like nearly every other anime that is coming out nowadays it was licensed and dubbed by Crunchyroll. The sub has a lot of recognizable names and all do a great job. Here’s what you might recognize these folks from.

JAPANESE CAST: *Tsubasa is played by Nobunaga Shimazaki (known for Yuki on Fruits Basket 2019, Haru on Free!, Eugeo on SAO: Alicization, Sunakawa on Ore Monogatari, Shinichi on Parasyte, Yuno on Black Clover, and Izana on Tokyo Revengers)

*Minami is played by Ayane Sakura (known for Orla on Pokemon Horizons, Uraraka on My Hero Academia, Gabi on Attack on Titan, Nero on Black Clover, Fiona on Spy x Family, Gasper on High School DxD, and Saki on Girlfriend Girlfriend)

*Sayuri is played by Yumiri Hanamori (known for Nadeshiko on Laid-Back Camp, Hayasaka on Kaguya-sama, Evileye on Overlord, Ryuuji on Blue Period, Asahi on Happy Sugar Life, and Doumeki on Eizouken)

*Rena is played by Reina Ueda (known for Mallow on Pokemon SM, Kisa on Fruits Basket 2019, Kanao on Demon Slayer, Ariel on Mushoku Tensei, Miyo on My Happy Marriage, and Jiro on Tokyo Ghoul)

ENGLISH CAST: *Tsubasa is played by Matt Shipman (known for Floch on Attack on Titan, Cavendish on One Piece, Inasa on My Hero Academia, Sogiita on Railgun, and Chrome on Dr. Stone)

*Minami is played by Mikaela Krantz (known for Momiji on Fruits Basket 2019, Clementine on Overlord, Misaki on Railgun, Ai on Wonder Egg Priority, Doll on Black Butler, and Hyouka on Shimoneta)

*Sayuri is played by Brittany Lauda (known for Riko on Made in Abyss, F.F. on Jojo’s Pt. 6, Satoko on Higurashi Gou, Mai on Nichijou, and Saki on Girlfriend Girlfriend)

*Rena is played by Jill Harris (known for Noelle on Black Clover, Fern on Frieren, Aura on Overlord, Hiiragi on Natsume’s Book of Friends, and Shizuku on Love Live Nijigasaki)

SHIPPING: Hmm…three Hokkaido girls. All of them are attracted to this kid (kinda not really in a love way). Tsubasa’s a shy boy and new to the concept of…well, everything involving the opposite sex. I think I’ve seen this set up before. The only difference here is that Tsubasa has a very strict grandmother that’ll stop any of these clumsy girls falling on him. But you have to admit that Minami, Sayuri, and Rena are at play here. Rena is actually on good terms with Tsubasa’s grandmother and loves all the traditional things Tsubasa is accustomed to. Sayuri and Tsubasa had a lot of great moments together whether gaming or just opening up. And as for Minami, well, she’s first girl.

Honestly, I think that Tsubasa will get with one of these three before Kazuya gets with Chizuru on Rent-A-Girlfriend at this point.

BURRRRRRN!

And my take on the matter, I kinda became a Minami x Tsubasa shipper when Tsubasa played the piano for Minami.

RANDOM NOTE: I can’t be the only person who thinks this.

Agree or disagree? The opening theme sounds a little too similar to Uptown Funk.

In episode 11, you can see the singer of the opening theme playing the song. This experience felt like watching the Love Rollercoaster scene from Beavis and Butt-head Do America. If you know, you know.

ENDING: Kind of a weird time for this to happen, but Tsubasa is now entering his second year of high school. Yeah, we don’t see that until the end of or beginning of a season. Whatever! We are in the spring season, but you wouldn’t know that since Hokkaido is much like the town of South Park. Snow is going to be on the ground regardless of what your calender says. There’s a lot of talk and thinking about the growth of these characters over the past few months. Since Tsubasa transferred, a lot of these characters have changed. Sayuri was able to kinda come out of her shell and do things with classmates she normally wouldn’t do. Rena was able to see the impact of what she does. And Matsuo…

Wait, who’s Matsuo again?

I guess this random guy, Matsuo is part of the crew now. I noticed it subtly when he was featured with the rest of the main cast at the end of the opening theme. I didn’t even realize that he was the guy that made that comment about not getting homemade chocolates from Minami during the Valentine’s episode. Whatever!

One little comment from Tsubasa about wishing to see cherry blossoms in Hokkaido prompted Minami to set up a surprise trip for him several hours from where they live. She wanted to have Tsubasa go out with her for one day and because she has something important to say. A myriad of possibilities pop up in our brains when Minami wants to discuss with Tsubasa. When it comes to this girl, it can be anything. While she is a flirt, we are approaching the season finale and this could be something serious. For now, let’s enjoy these two enjoying the spring weather, good food, music, and all that fun stuff. So, of course Minami is going to drop a bombshell at the end of this particular episode. And give Tsubasa some credit as he thought that Minami was going to reveal personal feelings for him. I’m glad his character isn’t that freakin’ oblivious. Actually, Minami is leaving as she’s going to study abroad. Tsubasa hugs her and next thing you know, they’re both in a hotel room together.

Yeah, they both missed the bus from their current location and Tsubasa’s father (whom we haven’t seen up until these last two episodes) hooks his son up. Being alone in a hotel room with a pretty girl gave Tsubasa quite the vivid images in his mind. Fortunately, nothing came of that as he fell asleep while she was taking a shower and then she left immediately after.

In that aftermath, Tsubasa was quiet and kept himself inside, not even talking to Rena or Sayuri. Well, this is the day that Minami was going to leave. Minami reveals to Sayuri that it was because of people like her, Tsubasa, and Rena that she came to this decision about her future. Tsubasa eventually gets off his ass to go to the airport in one last romantic gesture you’ve seen in God-knows how many romcoms.

And as we all know, Tsubasa would never have the clearance to make it to the boarding area if this is any program after September 11th, 2001. But logic be damned as he came in to see Minami off and give her a hairpin that was left behind. And then she drops a big ol’ bombshell of a facepalm. Minami will only be gone for 2 weeks. The time passed by like that and we’re back to the status quo. The end!

I honestly didn’t know what to expect watching this week-by-week. What I was given was not bad. Yes, there’s going to be some fan-service when you have a character like Minami. Hell, there was an episode where she was talking to Tsubasa on the phone while naked in the bathtub. Girl’s a freak! I guess what I got from this is that we all need a close-knit group of friends that’ll be there to encourage you.

And that Hokkaido girls are super adorable!

Hence the title of the anime.

If you want a short, fluffy high school story, give this a try. Crunchyroll has every episode available.

[yukarisensei]

Top 10 Anime of the Decade (incl. Winter Anime 2020)

Minna-san, akemashiteomedetōgozaimasu (Happy New Year)! It’s been awhile...sorry T^T. Life has been absolutely INSANE since the last time I posted, which was...omg September. OwO I honestly did not watch a lot of anime because real life has been so crazy. BUT that doesn’t mean I didn’t watch ANY anime. 

I was originally just going to post my annual Winter Anime Season post but after watching Joey: The Anime Man’s “The ULTIMATE Top 10 Anime of the Decade List” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqY25glHPxE) I wanted to look back and reflect on some of my favorite anime of the decade and share them with you guys as well. Like Joey I will also include some honorable mentions in the list. Without further ado, here are some of my favorite anime from this decade:

2010

Durarara!!

https://myanimelist.net/anime/6746/Durarara?q=durara

This was one of the first few shows that @perfectlynorm first recommended for me to watch when he and I reconnected back in 2015. I didn’t watch this show back when it first aired, but I really wish I did. The storytelling really stood out to me and I loved how all of the characters’ stories interconnected with each other. The seasons that came out later in 2015-2016 were great as well, but this first season was by far the best. 

Honorable Mentions:

- Kaichou wa Maid-Sama! (still one of the best romance/comedy anime to this day...I NEED A SEASON 2!!!)

- Shugo Chara (technically it aired years before 2010 but it’s one of the first few shows I got into during that year)

- Kimi ni Todoke (a slow burner but it’s still one of the few romance anime I go back to from time to time)

2011

Fate/Zero

https://myanimelist.net/anime/10087/Fate_Zero?q=fate

Again, this is another show that @perfectlynorm recommended back when I really started to become the filthy weeb that I still am. This was also the first show that introduced me to the greatness of ufotable’s animation. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works was amazing, but this show really blew my mind. The animation, the story, and the characters were top tier amongst the shows I watched at the time. This is a show I could recommend to new anime fans. 

Honorable Mentions:

- Uta no Prince-sama: Maji Love 1000% (this show unlocked my love for idol anime, a very memorable part of my teenage years)

- Sekaiichi Hatsukoi (still one of the best Boys Love/Yaoi anime I’ve ever watched...still waiting for the day he officially falls in love with him ugh)

- No.6 (another @perfectlynorm​ recommendation...that ending still hurts T^T)

2012

Kuroko no Basket

https://myanimelist.net/anime/11771/Kuroko_no_Basket?q=kuroko

One of my male high school friends recommended this to me...I wonder if he new that he was cursing me at the time. This show was my introduction to the sports genre in anime. To this day, this show is still one of my favorite sports anime. Yes, looking back on it now parts of this show are extremely unrealistic and is mainly loved by fujoshis, but if I were to introduce any new anime fan to the sports genre, this would be the first show on my recommendation list. 

Honorable Mentions:

- Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic (I started this show for the voice actors, I stayed for the story and characters, 10/10 would watch again)

- Sukitte Ii na yo. (another great romance anime that really builds the relationship between the two main couple...without holding out the kiss until the last episode)

- Kamisama Hajimemashita (loved the anime and the manga...I was sad to see it end and that the anime was rushed, but it’s another romance anime I could watch again)

2013

Attack on Titan

https://myanimelist.net/anime/16498/Shingeki_no_Kyojin?q=attack%20

Oh wow, @perfectlynorm​ recommendation lol. At the time, I would not have watched this on my own free will since I was (still am) weak to blood and gore. However, when I first watched this...I pretty much binged the entire first season within a week. I still remember the thrill and heart-pounding excitement I felt from watching each episode. I still have a lot of episodes to catch up on before the FINAL season (omg) comes out next fall, but I am excited nonetheless.

Honorable Mentions:

- Free! (ugh the fujoshi bait was so real in this show, but I LOVED it)

- Kuroko no Basket 2 (I was soooo hyped when I was watching this show, even while I would wait for each new episode during my Saturday ballet classes)

- Uta no Prince-sama: Maji Love 2000% (imo, the BEST Utapri season)

2014

Free!: Eternal Summer

https://myanimelist.net/anime/22265/Free__Eternal_Summer?q=free

At this time of my life, I just graduated from high school and was about to start the next big chapter of my life: college. This show really spoke to me back then because, like the characters, I was scared and uneasy for what happens after high school. I especially related to Haru’s uncertainty for the future and unwillingness to change. But as I followed his journey throughout the season I eventually felt ready to take the next step towards my future along with him. 

Honorable Mentions:

- Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun (I DIED while watching this show, it provided so many laughs that I would recommend this to anyone)

- Akatsuki no Yona (love, love, love Yona and her harem of strong ikemen...I still feel proud that @lunastories​ absolutely FELL for this show)

- Haikyuu!! (one of the best sports anime EVER...I’m so so sad it’s ending soon)

2015

Kuroko no Basket 3

https://myanimelist.net/anime/24415/Kuroko_no_Basket_3rd_Season?q=kuroko

It was very difficult to choose a favorite anime for this year, but when I thought about what show I felt the most emotions from start to finish, I picked the final season of KnB. I was reading the manga while it was still being serialized so nothing in the show came as a surprise plot-wise, but to watch this show from the very beginning to the very end made me very emotional...until Last Game became a thing (god it still hurts T^T). 

Honorable Mentions:

- Ore Monogatari! (this has to be my FAVORITE romance anime, it broke so many romance anime stereotypes and i could watch it again and again)

- Haikyuu!! 2 (it’s haikyuu, nuff said)

- One Punch Man (still haven’t watched season 2, but omg I LOVED season 1, I still remember how much my friends and I laughed for each episode)

2016

Yuri!!! on Ice

https://myanimelist.net/anime/32995/Yuri_on_Ice?q=yuri

*deep breaths* AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH ok. This show, as embarrassing as it is to admit, MADE 2016 for me. Like so many fujoshis and fudanshis, I ate this show up and awaited week after week for each new episode to air. I know there are so many criticisms about this show, but f**k the haters. For me, and for others, this show changed what anime could do: normalize a same sex couple without fetishizing it. 

Honorable Mentions:

- ERASED (a GREAT mystery anime, that brings a lot of feels and thrills 10/10)

- Boku no Hero Academia (omg loved it, scroll down for more of my thoughts about this show)

- Kiss Him, Not Me! (this is the anime for fujoshis, watch if you are or think you are one, trust me)

2017

Boku no Hero Academia 2

https://myanimelist.net/anime/33486/Boku_no_Hero_Academia_2nd_Season?q=boku%20no

I picked up the first season of this series before the summer 2017 anime season because of all the hype about it, and omg I was so excited for the second season. I eventually got all of my anime friends to watch it and they got so into it that we would do our first group cosplay together for the show at AX a year later. This show really made 2017 for me and I am very happy it is still so loved to this day...now I just need to start season 4 hehehe. 

Honorable Mentions:

- Hitorijime My Hero (one of my fav Boys Love/Yaoi anime cuz the main couple does not bang for every episode and actually TALK lol)

- Tsuki ga Kirei (a romance anime that i think accurately portrays an awkward, but sweet middle school romance)

- Recovery of an MMO Junkie (another fav romance anime, the main couple are absolute cinnamon rolls please please watch it)

2018

Banana Fish

https://myanimelist.net/anime/36649/Banana_Fish?q=ban

The ending of this show still breaks my heart, but this show was a huge part of 2018 for me. At first, the show’s brutal and violent themes startled me and prevented me from watching it when it first aired, but when @perfectlynorm​ convinced @passionateflame​ and I to watch this after AX 2018, I was blessed and cursed at the same time. Ash and Eiji’s strong emotional connection was what warmed and broke my heart at the same time. Rest in peace...my heart.

Honorable Mentions:

- IDOLISH7 (an idol anime that beats UtaPri to death...excited for season 2 in 2020!!!)

- Gakuen Babysitters (not only gives me endless amounts of feels and warm fuzzies, but also reminds me why i love working with kids)

- Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii (THE show for otaku)

2019

Fruits Basket

Although 2019 was probably the year I watched the least amount of anime, Fruits Basket was my favorite anime of the year. It was hard to pick my favorite and to narrow down the honorable mentions, but this anime was my most anticipated show of the year. I had high expectations going into it since the original anime was a huge part of my teen years, and I was definitely not disappointed. I’m so excited for the upcoming second season in 2020!!!

Honorable Mentions:

(Edit: ok I cheated by adding 4 but all of these shows were AWESOME!)

- Dororo (one of the great surprises of 2019, 10/10 would watch again)

- Demon Slayer (jumped on the bandwagon after AX and OMG I’m so glad I did)

- Dr. Stone (SURPRISE another @perfectlynorm​ recommendation...LOVED IT)

- Beastars (...I’m not a furry...but Legosi is best boy)

Here is what I am watching for winter 2020:

Haikyuu!!: To the Top

https://myanimelist.net/anime/38883/Haikyuu__To_the_Top

YES!!! My crow babies are back after a FOUR YEAR hiatus!!!

AND that concludes my top 10 anime of the decade list. I do not think my taste in anime has changed too much over the years, but within this past year I have come to be genuinely and pleasantly surprised over anime that I never would have picked up 10 years ago. So I guess I want to approach anime with a more open mind in 2020. 

I only plan to watch Haikyuu for this winter season because I am going to be busy with student teaching and finishing off my last semester in the teacher credential program at my school. But things might change...

Anyway, thank you so much for reading this MONSTER of a list if you made it to the end. Let me know what you guys think. What were you some of your favorite anime this decade? What was your favorite anime this year? Are you watching any anime this season? I hope 2020 starts off great for all of you! Matane!

[rosebelladonna]

The theme song for the Shoujo AU (or Ladybug in general) is the Ore Monogatari! OP “Say the Answer”

yes!

[lia-nikiforov]

Spring 2019 Anime Anticipation rundown

Whilst I finish writing my monstrous Fall-Winter review, let’s have a quick rundown of the new shows I’m looking forward to for the upcoming spring season.

Sequels: Attack on Titan 3 part 2, One Punch Man 2 (worried about the full staff rehaul though), and Bungo Stray Dogs 3. Nothing much to add in that regard, they’re all pretty high profile.

Must watch

Sarazanmai: I don’t know what’s the deal with MAPPA, ever since Yuri on Ice they’ve been pumping out unique stories one after the other, with great quality and visionary creators with strong points of view. Sayokan, Utsumi Hiroko and now they even got their paws on Ikuhara. I’m so excited to see a new original story from Ikuni, specially to see him for the first time addressing the male experience of which he’s always seemed to have a negative opinion. I’m seriously seriously super hyped about this one, the plot sounds cuckoo bananas and the style is vibrant and exciting. (First impressions of the pre-screening are coming out and everyone seems super hyped!!!)

Fruits Basket: Unlike American anime fans my age, I never watched the original Fruits Basket anime. I did however read the whole manga (and still own it) and I love it to pieces. Knowing how upset Takaya had been with how the first anime turned out, I’d never held hope of getting a readaptation, and I’m so happy and excited that it’s actually happening! I’m really happy that Takaya had this chance of seizing control of her own creation and having it adapted the way she wants to. Can’t wait to see it.

Carole & Tuesday: I guess this section is all about creators whose work I already like, this time at the hands of Shinichiro Watanabe and BONES, my other favorite studio. They also seemed to have gone out of their way to make interesting casting choices, specially the singing voices and I’m really looking forward to that. I also love the stylish production and character designs

Optimistic about:

Kimetsu no Yaiba: Although not as hyped as Neverland, I’ve heard good things about this series and the plot sounds interesting. I do tend to try out most Shonen Jump stuff anyway. I’m worried about ufotable’s involvement though, for all their visual pizzaz, all of their recent productions after Fate/Zero have been lacking in storytelling.

Namu Amida Butsu! Rendai Utena: It has fantasy elements mixed in with some sort of historical setting and I like the character designs. The plot sounds otherwise generic but giving it the additional dimension of making them characters from the Buddhist pantheon could make it interesting and educational. It’s a coin toss

number 24: This one was announced very recently and it looks like a quieter, softer take on rugby compared to All Out! Although I’m not against campy bombastic sports shows (hello I love Yowapeda and All Out), i think the trend of more thoughtful down-to-earth sports anime have given us real gems like KazeTsuyo and of course YOI, so i’m very intrigued by how it’ll turn out. Bonus points for being college-centric.

Curious about

Mix: So this one’s kind of a sequel of a classic and critically acclaimed baseball anime called Touch which I’ve never watched. It’s entirely possible it won’t be possible to watch it without knowledge of the previous series, but I want to give it a shot. Maybe this can be the anime that gets me into baseball, something many before have tried and failed at

Fairy Gone: On one hand the plot sounds like a cool fantasy concept, on the other for some reason it gives me Goblin Slayer vibes. I’ll check the first episode

Kono Oto Tomare!: I wasn’t initially interested in this one but i’ve seen a few blogs I follow showing hype about the series and it’s another music-themed anime -which tend to turn out really bad, with few exceptions. The designs remind me of Ao Haru Ride or Ore Monogatari. I’m also interested in hearing koto music and how much variety there may be for that instrument, as I’ve only ever heard a couple of pieces in my life and am not too familiar with its music

Mayonaka Occult Koumuin: I like anime about youkai and other supernatural beings *shrug*. The designs don’t look super interesting to me so far, but as you can see this list is quite short, so I may have time to check it out.

And that’s it for now, please let me know which shows you’re looking forward to in this upcoming season and if you think maybe i’m missing out on something!