#aoi bungaku series

[bamtorin]

Aoi Bungaku Series

Mindblown by the first ep. I was looking for sumthing to do with literature or sum anime where the protagonist is a writer. But sumhow this showed up that has nothing to do with either. But damn is it tragic. They fuck, kill, die all in the first ep 😐 right up my alley

Pretty intimate yet beautiful moment him coming back and the scenes that follow

Tho it wasn't flagged as nsfw, it added more to the story

[movedtoeskew]

track: 文学少年の憂鬱 [Depression of the Young Literati] vocals: Hatsune Miku lyrics & composer: Hoehoe-P animation: Osare-P original upload: 2010

[misskamelie]

Assigned reading (putting together a list of books to read in order to understand one piece of work)

[kneamet]

kinda off topic, but do you watch anime? if yes, which ones? any favorite yandere characters? any of them similar to the characters you write?

oh, actually i love such questions so much and i was definitely waiting for something like this! ive watched quite a lot of anime but i can single out only a few of my favorites - the Initial D, Junji Itô: Korekushon, Aoi Bungaku Series, Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge, Beastars, Tokyo Godfathers, Psycho-Pass, and, the most favorite - Steins;Gate and Cowboy Bebop.

hmm, i dont have a favorite yandere character... or i cant remember anything. but three characters pushed me to start writing yandere: Misa Aman, Mika Harima and Utsutsu Hasegawa. well, and in general, i would really like to write something about Okabe Rintaro, Spike Spiegel or Yagami Light ^^

[kaedeakeshisworld]

Media Content I consumed/devour

Last update on Saturday October 22 2022

Anime I have already watched:

to be organised later kind of mind dumping !

/!\ Some of these do contain triggering topics please proceed with caution( bc I did not mention for every single one what it is about and the genre. In the near future I might or not I'll see...)

You will also find in-between parentheses my opinion about anime as well as me exposing myself, if it's mature bl(boys love) or not and some trigger warning too labelled like this /!\ + the content it deals with.

This list is under constant construction so do not expect it to ever be complete simply because it won't!!

91 days( All of it-spoiler: this anime is pain layered), 2.43: Seiin Koukou Danshi Volley-bu, 25-sai no Joshikousei(more of hentai I should say), 6 Lovers, Ikoku Irokoi Romantan, Houkago no Shoukuinshitsu, Actors: Songs Connection, Ahiru no sora(spoiler if you're a sore loser don't watch this at all), Ai no Monogatari, Ai no Kusabi(not suitable for everyone- spoiler rundown: people are in this sort of futuristic world and some are used as sex slaves again not for everyone bc here they literally own people), Aoi Bungaku Series, Akame ga Kill, All Out, Angel Densetsu, Antique Bakery, Africa no Salaryman,

Babylon(I still do not understand what happened in it- I'm reading the manga), Banana Fish, Baki the Grappler, Baki( all of it), Bartender, Be Boy Kidnapin' Idol, Bem, Bio Hunter(got me into monsterfucking oh yeah this one right here), Black Jack, Black Lagoon(Women had me like 🫡 yes ma'am anything you desire!! not me exposing myself like at all, Bleach(stopped at episode 300 sum bc seeing Ichigo in pain is not my thing at all, but read the whole manga. The Men in here: got me confused, lost, flabbergasted, triggered a third existential crisis and surprisingly I said I don't like men, I don't bat an eye in their presence but guess what honey out of all these one got me. That man is Kyoraku san plus he's a cancer like what this can't be a coincidence at all. Ahh, je m'emporte à nouveau. Like I said, he's so fine if I am trying to become a parent in this lifetime only he could provide me with them period I said what I said. Pleath!!! What you've read up until now was just a sliver of someone that is going to get their period. I wish you a lovely day, morning, afternoon, night wherever it is that you are currently at 😊), Blood, Blood-c(all), Blood +, Bronze Koji Nanjo Cathexis, Bronze: Zetsuai since 1989, Boku no Sexual Harassment(I feel like this anime right here needs another name than this one bc let me tell you it's way more than what the title entails...), Bungo Stray Dogs (All),

Captain Tubasa, Cardcaptor Sakura, Castlevania(Three main characters are sooo good looking and do I have to highlight the Adrian Tepes and his ethereal beauty like... sir you don't even need to do me like that 🥲 had me questioning my whole existence as someone that has never once in my life fancied men. Should I or shouldn't I? The question remains unanswered.), Close the Last Door, Crayon shin-chan(This kid is so vile Oh my goodness, if you are well acquainted with Japanese customs in terms of politeness you already know what I mean 🙃), Crows

Dakaretai Otoko Ichi ni Odosarete Imasu( anime+movie), Days, Death Note, Demon City Shinjuku, Demon Slayer, Devilman, Devilman Crybaby, Devil's Line, Doraemon, Doukyussei, Dragon Ball Z, Drifters(Men: their attitude, resolve, conviction and goals plus how they look!!!!??? Got me like 🫣 Honourable mention for Oda Nobunaga and his crazy obsession about powder long haired men own my soul 🫠🫡😩), Dumbbell Nan Kilo Moteru, Durarara,

Enen no Shouboutai(Daddy Leo what's up Debby Ryan hair tuck behind ear and run. But on a serious note why most men here are hot as hell, give me a damn break will you!!),

Fist of the North Star, Finder no Hyouteki (/!\ rape, drugs specifically aphrodisiacs, Chinese and Japanese Yakuza) Fudanshi Kokou Seikatsu, Fugou Keiji; Balance Unlimited, Fujimi Orchestra, Fuyu no Semi (Mature Bl- spoiler: I cried for this one too, such a beautiful love story with a tragic ending!), Free, Fullmetal Alchemist

Gakuen Babysitters, Gansta, Gibiate, Ghost Talker's Dream, Given(Bl), Gokushufudou, Great Pretender(1-2), Gunslinger girl

Haru wo Daiteita, Haikyuu, Hamatora, Re- Hamatora, Handa-kun, Hellsing(/!\ Necrophilia, Paedophilia by religious entity, the main character has suffered so much that it hurts my soul yet he's so badass) , Hey, Class President, Himouto! Umaru-chan, Hinamatsuri, Hinomaru Sumo, Hitorijime My Hero(Bl), Horimiya, Howl's Moving Castle, Hunter x Hunter, Hybrid Child(Mature Bl with censorship), Hyperventilation(Mature Bl with censorship),

Inuyashiki: Last Hero,

K-on, Kabukichou Sherlock, Kachou no Koi, Kengan Ashura( 1-2. The Fang is that black bodysuit, standing in the middle of that arena, with his hair down, Adonis physique had me drooling in front of my screen like no other man could, drenched sweat in blood unlocked a blood kink in me! I was 😯 and he was there all proud ✨ ), Keroro Gunsou(Soo funny I cannot stress this enough. My favourite one is Tama Tama, so adorable!!), Kirepapa, Kizuna, Kite, Koisuru Boukun, Kyojinzoku no Hanayome(Bl), Kuiba: Shu Tu, Kuroko no Basuke, Koneko no Chii: Ponponra Daibouken, Kumichou Musume to Sewagakari( Kirishima is my kind of man- Alexa play it's raining men 😉),

La Maison en Petit Cubes, Legend of Duo, Love Stage, Loveless,

Jieyao, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure's( 1-6: Kakyoin Noriaki is one of the several perfect husbands I have like his style, manners, politeness and his life story: I just want to hug him so bad ), Juni Taisen: Zodiac War, Jujutsu Kaisen(the movie + the anime- Nanami-san and Chousou are hubby material no cap, I do not need to back this up), Junjou Romantica,

Maiden Rose(This Mature Bl is paired up with violence just so you know also I should say there is somewhat of a power dynamic in there-people that watched it know what I'm on), Maison Ikkoku, Mangirl, Meikyuu Black Company, Michiko to Hatchin, Minegishi-san wa Oostu-kin ni Tabesasetai Mini Anime, Mindiao Ju Yi Wen Lu( I forgot the name of the white long haired dude- me and my Amazing memory an immaculate duo- but he's so damn fine Daddy what's good, let me know when you're free? Horny hours got me captive💀 ), Midori(if you are not acquainted with the mangaka's influences in his works, I suggest you do not check this. It tends to disgust people), Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid, My Hero Academia (1-5), Monster, Mushi-shi, Music up- Reborn, Mugen no Junin,

Nanatsu no Taizai, Neon Genesis Evangelion(spoiler: this one is beautiful but the ending is going to make you depressed that is if you aren't already), Ninja Hattori-kun, Ninja Scroll, Noblesse(Men in this anime are ✨scrumptious✨ I have a soft spot for Frankenstein and M21 👀🫦),

Ojamajo Doremi, Okane ga nai(Mature Bl- it deals with let me see if remember this one though... I do well, it's about this main character : thé epitome of european beauty standard blonde hair blue eyed you get what I am saying. This is fairly rare in the setting of the anime keyword here rare so summed of this beautiful character whose name I no longer have in mind is sold at an action yes you read that right! The man that bought him is... a pervert and human trafficking not suitable for everyone so beware), Orange(about suicide so pleath proceed with caution. I was such an emotional mess (yes I cried watching each episode because I dealt with this topic myself) , Orenchi no Furo Jijou

Papa Datte Shitai(Bl), Papa to Kiss in the Dark, Persona 5, Pokemon

Queen's Blade( anyone that is fond of oppai this is is might be your Tengoku- I'm not going to lie it was for me 😏)

Sakamoto desu ga, Slam Dunk, Saiki Kusuo no Psi Nan, Shakunetsu Kabaddi, Shingeki no Kyojin, Sekaiichi Hatsukoi(Bl), Saezeru Tori wa Habatakanai(BL-all), Samurai Champloo, Sex Pistols(Bl), Super Lovers(Bl), Sword Art Online, Shigurui: Death Frenzy, Super Crooks, Sk8 the Infinity, Supernatural,

Tenkuu Shinpan, Thermae Romae, Thermae Romae Novae, Tight Rope (Bl), Tokyo Ghoul, Tokyo Revengers, Trigun, Twilight of the Dark Master,

Urotsukidōji: The legend of the Overfiend(this is better labelled as hentai by the way, again not suitable for everyone...)

Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, Vassalord, Vanitas no Carte

Wicked City(Maki is such a beautiful woman Oh my goodness don't mind me simping), Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashi,

Yamishibai( 1-6), Yarichin Bitch-Bu(Hella graphic Bl), Yebisu Celebrities (Mature Bl), Yes ka No Ka Hanbun Ka, Young Black Jack, Yowamushi Pedal (all of it)

Yu-Gi-Oh!, Yuri on Ice, Yuukoku no Moriarty,

Zetsuai 1989( This is exactly what made me fall in love with anything that revolves around the Yansen world- it is a mature bl anime with tad censorship so watch at your own risk!!)

Cartoons I already watched

Power Puff Girls, Samurai Jack, Scooby Doo, Tom & Jerry, Dexter's Lab, Code Lyoko, Codename: Kids next door, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Ed Edd and Eddy and Johnny Bravo.

Cartoons I occasionnaly watch

We Bare Bears, The Amazing World of Gumball, Oggy and the cockroaches.

Series I watched

Everybody hates Chris, True Blood,

Live Action

Tokyo Ghoul, Bleach, Mugen no Junin,

Manga

My fave genre of manga is horror so Warau Kyuuketsuki by Maruo Suehiro is a must imo

Manhua

Manhwa

Book/Poetry authors

Mary Shelley, Henry James, Marquis de Sade, Edgar Allan Poe, Ernest Hemingway, Charlotte Brontë, Samuel Beckett, Maupassant, Christiane Rochefort, Honoré de Balzac, André Malraux, François Mauriac, Shakespeare, André Gide, Sophocles, Émile Zola, Jean Rhys, China Miéville, George Orwell, André Brink, Webster, Fitzgerald, Defoe, Tennessee Williams, Michael Ondaatje, Ngūgī wa Thiong'o, Kate Grenville, Osamu Dazai, Edogawa Ranpo, R.H. Sin, Rupi Kaur, Rumi,

List will come soon

Music

Current taste

A lot of Classic music, Pearl Center, The Japanese House, Super Beaver, Green Tea Peng, Denai Moore, Macroblank, Pop Smoke, Bad Hop, St. Vincent, Majid Jordan, Hump Back, Giveon, Back Number, Ten's Unique, Hideyoshi, Jay Park, Beach House, Teru, Tony Fika, Mitsume, Beach Bunny, Mono no Aware, Lijemea, Sho Time, Plaza, Grapevine, Tricot, Ze Espanhol, No Buses, Histujibungaku, Soul Media, Kaneko Ayano, Mc Tranka Fulha, Ichiko Aoba, Ferro Gaita, Yzerr, Deb Never, Kana-Boon, Hiroshi Suzuki, Mega Shinnosuke, Morena Santana, Avu-chan, Mol-74, Cody Lee, Tony di Frank, Taeko Ohnuki, Peach Pit, Goldlink, Indigo La End, Tota Lopi, Never Young Beach, Toe, Lücy, Tempalay, Denzel Curry, Willy Semedo, Brockhampton, Miyachi(I got Kansai Life on repeat 😊), The 1975, Boy Pablo, Ryo Kawasaki, Hiromasa Suzuki, Kiyoshi Sugimoto, Indigo Jam Unit, Jiro Inagaki, Agatha, Hidehiko Matsumoto Quintet, Tadao Hayashi Harp Trio, Polkadotstingray, All That Jazz, Elisa, Hatena, Number Girl, Kotringo, Jin Dogg, Mamerico, Miyako Hasegawa, Does, Tiji Jojo, Casiopeia, Keytalk, Passepied, Spicysol, Temporex, Thee Michelle Gun Elephant, Annabel, Goose House, Civilian, Theatre Brook, Rookiez is Punk'd, Howl be Quiet, Humbreaders, Vicke Blanka, Shirō Sagisu, Kenshi Yonezu, Meiko Nakahara, Galileo Galilei, Kenichi Kurosawa,

Showmore, Zeca di Nha Reinalda, Bulimundo, Tendre, Sirup, Djoje, Bôa, YeYe, Lucky Tapes, Mondo Grosso, Kinoko Teikoku, Official Higedandism, Fujii Kaze, Amazarashi, W.o.d., King Knu, Chilli Beans, Scarlxrd, The Pillows, Omoinotake, Kali Uchis, Shishamo, Asian Kung Fu Generation, Tomoko Aran, Haruka Nakamura, Helsinki Lambda Club, Fleetwood Mac- Witchy vibes, Macaroni Enpitsu, Yasuha, Miki Matsubara, Anri, Junko Yagami, 1986 Omega Tribe, Mariya Takeuchi, Tatsuro Yamashita, Junko Ohashi, Takako Mamiya, Jorge Neto, Mai Yamane, Eve, Radwimps, Jun Togawa,

Used to Listen to

Red Hot Chili Peppers, Linkin Park, Beadoobee, The Police, Tears for Years, Evanescence, Travis Scott, The Doors, Brent Faiyaz, Metallica, Sade, Dido, Bruce Springsteen, Playboy Carti, Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Aerosmith, Drake, Bees Gees, Eminem, The Ruling Stones, Tupac, The Beatles, Bad Bunny, Led Zeppelin, The Weeknd, Black Sabbath, Rihanna, Queen Eagles, Sza, AC/DC, Men I Trust , The Stooges, Adele, Journey, Current Joys, King Crimson, Ariana Grande, Ramones, Billie Eilish, Blondie, The Clash, Bon Jovi, Guns ‘N Roses, The Cure , U2, Depeche Mode, Motley Crüe, Def Leppard, R.E.M, Surf Curse, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Radiohead, Greenday, Weezer , Foo Fighters, Blink 182, Rage Against the Machine, Jane’s Addiction, Sonic Youth, The Cranberries , Blur, The Verve, Pixies, TLC, Spice Girls, Tom Odell, Lewis Capaldi, London Grammar, Tyler the Creator, Kanye West,

Anime I currently watch:

Ultraviolet, Argento Soma, Bayonetta, The Skull Man, Vatican Miracle Examiner, Kokkoku, Akiba Maid Bar, K, Kachou Ouji: The Legend of Black Heaven, Gintama and Wild Adapter.

[radishleaf]

the other short series in aoi bungaku i really liked, kokoro, are eps 7-8, but that one definitely requires tw for blood and suicide. it's def a tragedy. it also has a nice little piano theme that a lot of peeps cover on yt, but the original is great:

[someawesomeamvs]

Warning: Violence, spoilers, potentially disturbing imagery, flashing lights

Title: The Harbinger

Editor: JazzsVids

Studio: Soul's Team

Song: The Harbinger of Doom

Artist: Fiddlesticks

Anime: Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (film), Death And The Winemaker (Le Vigneron et la Mort) by Victor Jaquier, Chainsaw Man, Mushishi, Usted Señalemelo - Mañana, 100 Years - Armenian Genocide, 飴と鎖 [ショートPV＋α], Living in a world without magic MV, Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu OP, Hakkenden: Touhou Hakken Ibun, The Daily Life of the Immortal King, Hataraku Maou-sama, Waiting for Rain - 美波 (Minami) MV, Go! Go! Loser Ranger PV, Aoi Bungaku Series, Beyond the Boundary

Category: Horror

[anime-of-the-day]

Anime of the day: Aoi Bungaku Series

Alt title: Blue Literature

Released: 2009

This is a collection of four different stories. Each comes from a renowned Japanese classic. They range from narcotics using high schoolers to tyrannical leaders to the bonds of friendships and the punishments of criminals. While they are all twisted tales, they also have valuable lessons to impart, but it is not quite built for the faint of heart.

[mundancheemudomo]

Favorites Animes

(English is not my first language)

#6 Carole & Tuesday

Despite some scriptwriting facilities and a few clichés, the story is really beautiful to follow. The whole series is an ode to music, whatever its genre and time.

#5 Angel Beats!

Even though at times the switch from humor to drama (and vice versa) is abrupt, this is a very moving anime in every sense of the word. The opening is AWESONE.

#4 Aoi bungaku series

Warning ! This anime is for an informed audience! The six stories adapt classics from Japanese literature. I particularly like "Run, Melos!" and "The Spider's Thread". Each episode is brilliant in its remarks and its production.

#3 Excel Saga

Crazy, insane, mad, and so many words like that to describe this kind of iperactive baby! Very funny and dynamic, with a cult soundtrack !

#2 Code geass: Lelouch of the rebellion

The story is gripping from start to finish, thanks to the suspense and its universe full of mysteries. The main characters are charismatic, and the fights are epic. It is an anime that struck me as much as it moved me.

#1 Cowboy Bebop

I find almost no fault with it, apart from some rather poor character development, especially for Jet Black, as well as some stories that seem much less interesting compared to others. But the rest is so amazing, the characters, the story, the humor, the drama, the music, the drama, the animation, the drama, the universe, the drama, the opening, the drama and more drama. I can't watch and rewatch without even crying at the end. If only for the gorgeous conclusion and the music that goes with it, the anime is worth watching.

[anigst]

Aoi Bungaku - ep 02.

[mawaru]

no longer human - chapter 3: society

[captain-no-escape]

Аниме про японскую культуру (ч.1 - литература)

1.  Классические истории | Aoi Bungaku Series

Сериал включает в себя шесть аниме-адаптаций произведений современных классиков японской литературы: «Исповедь "неполноценного" человека» и «Беги, Мелос!» Осаму Дадзая, «Сердце» Сосэки Нацумэ, «Муки ада» и «Паутинка» Рюноскэ Акутагавы и «Под сенью цветущих вишен» Анго Сакагути.

2. Литераторы и алхимики: Шестерни судей / Bungou to Alchemist: Shinpan no Haguruma

Адаптация игры, где каждый парень - воплощение японского классика. Помимо всего, в сюжете то и дело упоминается классика японской литературы, их сюжеты и пр. Рекомендуется ради пополнения списка запланированной литературы :)

3.  Human Lost: Исповедь неполноценного человека

Адаптация известного одноимённого романа Осаму Дадзая. Впрочем, не стоит полагаться на неё полностью - в этом аниме сильно изменили сеттинг, однако ознакомиться всё же рекомендуется. 

4.  Детективное агентство «Дятел» / Kitsutsuki Tanteidokoro

По своей структуре похож на Bungou to Alchemist, но в этот раз вместо магии и фэнтези у нас детектив с небольшой примесью комедии. 

5.  Ночь на Галактической железной дороге / Ginga Tetsudou no Yoru

В этот раз - адаптация детской одноимённой книги писателя Кэндзи Миядзавы. Одно из самых популярных его творений, пусть оно и рассчитано на детей школьного и дошкольного возраста, его несколько не очевидная мораль пригодится в жизни и взрослым. К слову, эту книгу изучают японские школьники на уроках литературы. 

По книгам этого писателя было снято ещё несколько аниме, потому, если вам понравилась эта полнометражка, рекомендуется ознакомиться с остальными адаптациями его творений. 

[lovegackt]

I couldn’t help but think of “Shingeki no Kyojin”/”Attack on Titan” :D

The screenshot is from Episode 12 of the anime “ Aoi Bungaku Series”.

[teababe27]

Notes From the 2019 Myanimelist.net Challenges - Part 1: Anime

Health problems have laid me up a little, but now I’m finally posting this.

As you can tell by the title, this is a post in the vein of last year’s notes about the Myanimelist.net Anime Watching and Manga Reading Challenges. While I didn’t complete everything by the deadline, I had some fun with it and saw/read some good things, some okay things, some things I’ve been meaning to watch anyway, and some things I probably wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for this challenge.

This post will deal with the anime side. Part 2, dealing with the manga side, will come soon.

I will mention some notables/honorable mentions and then some of my favorite things I watched for this challenge.

Let’s do this.

Honorable Mentions/Other Notables: Millennium Actress - completed for the task “Watch an award-winning anime”

Two filmmakers interview Chiyoko, a retired, reclusive actress from long ago. She brings the two filmmakers through her memories.

As far as I’m concerned, anything Satoshi Kon does is great. A movie with an interesting concept and an interesting art style. I teared up a little at the end, ngl.

RIP Satoshi Kon.

My Neighbor Totoro - completed for the task “Watch an original anime”

Two little girls move to a house in the countryside with their father. While at the house, they discover forest spirits and go on adventures with them.

As expected from Studio Ghibli, the art is gorgeous. The story was fun. I’m ashamed to admit I haven’t seen this until now.

While not my favorite Miyazaki movie, this was still beautiful and also fucking adorable.

It was also pretty cool to hear the Fanning sisters in early roles.

Problem Children Are Coming From Another World, Aren’t They? - completed for the task “Watch an anime in which your favorite character’s voice actor participated”

Three kids, each with a different special ability, are whisked away to a world called Little Garden. They are called upon by Kurousagi (Black Rabbit in the English dub) to win “Gift Games” and help the community regain its former glory and resources after a demon took them away.

I’d put this under the group of “Things i probably wouldn’t have watched if not for this challenge”.

I’m not normally into isekai anime (I feel it’s been way overdone lately), but I had fun with this. I honestly didn’t like a couple of the characters at first, but then I realized it was kinda the point. They did get better, though.

Automatic props for having Josh Grelle in there voicing one of the titular problem children.

I had fun with this one overall.

Aoi Bungaku Series - completed for the task “Watch an anime with more than 16 minutes in total and tagged as Mystery, Psychological, and/or Thriller”

An anthology adapting several classic Japanese books and stories.

This anime was different than a lot of what I have watched before. Bleak as hell a lot of the time (especially in the first story), but I found this anime interesting. I might try and read the books that these stories were based on.

The Irresponsible Captain Tylor - completed for the task “Watch an anime suggested by Myanimelist or Anime+”

Justy Ueki Tylor is a bit of a lazy bum. He signs up to join the space military because he wants to live a relatively easy life and get a good pension when he retires. Through sheer charisma and dumb luck, he helps diffuse a hostage situation, leading him to be promoted to Captain of a ship with a bad reputation. An evil space empire and higher-ups looking to get rid of Tylor are also involved.

I found this show funny, but I also feel like this is one you need to be in the mood for. That being said, this was a fun watch.

A lot of zany hijinks and watching Tylor get by through sheer luck and charisma. Gave me some mixed feelings at times.

I have a weakness for things that came out in the 90s, as I grew up with that animation style and shows from that time period. As such, it was very cool to hear voice actors from my childhood, like Rachel Lillis and Lisa Ortiz, in this anime. (I was internally going “OMG it’s Misty!!” every time Yuriko talked.)

Favorites from the Challenge:

Hanayamata - completed for the task “Watch an anime that began airing between 2010 and 2015″

An ordinary student, Naru, wants nothing more than to be pretty and dazzling like in her fairy tale books. One day, she meets a mysterious girl, Hana, who dances with her one night. Hana turns out to be an American transfer student who ends up transferring into Naru’s class. Hana then introduces Naru to Yosakoi dancing and forms the Yosakoi club.

I thought this was a cute and fun slice-of-life anime. Premise can be a bit iffy if you really think about it, but I had fun with this show. I love how everyone slowly opened up with each other and was able to make their club work.

Also, I couldn’t help but have this thought: I feel like the first couple episodes had so much lesbian subtext that I had to check if this anime was made by KyoAni (it wasn’t, it’s made by Madhouse).

Tatami Galaxy - completed for the task “Watch a Noitamina anime”

A third-year college student runs into a mysterious guy at a ramen shop. The student reflects on his past 2 years at college, mostly spent with his friend Ozu trying to break up happy couples. The student wonders if he’s wasted his life and resolves to do better. Then a time loop starts happening and more chances arrive.

*clasps hands like Gendo Ikari*

We meet again, Masaki Yuasa.

No better time than this challenge to work through more of Masaki Yuasa’s filmography, especially after watching the decent Mind Game and the excellent Kaiba for last year’s challenge.

While watching this anime, I felt myself going back and forth on whether or not I really liked this anime. Whether it was overrated or underrated. Whether it was a good idea on what the Endless 8 could have been or something that kept going unnecessarily long because the Student couldn’t see what was in front of his face. Whether it was style over substance.

The answer?

Yes.

I honestly liked it, but I do understand the criticism. I feel like the confusion about my feelings can be a good thing and this anime still had some great points and made me think.

I also thought the art style and soundtrack were great, as usual from Masaki Yuasa.

One Outs - completed for the task “Watch an active staff member’s favorite anime with 10 episodes or more”

A struggling baseball team recruits Tokuchi Towa, a pitcher who is more of a gambler than anything. Kojima, the team’s veteran player, hopes that Tokuchi will lead them to the championship. Corrupt ownership and unethical opponents also add problems.

Tokuchi was a great character. He’s a genius, but also a huge troll. His method is basically trying to psychologically get to the other players and go from there. I liked seeing him work through situations and outsmart people. This was one of the few anime from the challenge where I could watch several episodes in one sitting and not even realize it.

Basically, this was a take on sports anime I didn’t know I needed.

Aggressive Retsuko (aka Aggretsuko) - Season 1 completed for the task “Watch an ONA,” Season 2 completed for the task “Watch an anime with more than 16 minutes in total and a popularity lower than #700″

Retsuko, a red panda, is an average office worker. Unfortunately, she hates her job. She is harassed by her boss and given unreasonable amounts of work. To relieve the stress from her life, she secretly goes to karaoke and sings death metal to scream everything out.

I love this. I love Retsuko. I love the little songs sprinkled in. I love Retsuko’s relationships with several of her office-mates.

I feel like I can relate so hard. Not necessarily with the heavy work load, but just the general stresses of life in your 20s. Being stuck in a job that isn’t the best, and also liking metal.

I had a ton of fun with this show. Season 1 was slightly better than Season 2, but I loved this show all the same.

Girls’ Last Tour - completed for the task “Watch an anime that finished airing with more than 10 episodes and has a synopsis by MAL Rewrite”

In a post-apocalyptic, war-torn landscape, two girls, Chito and Yuri, travel the world for answers, with only their motorbike/tank, their supplies, and each other.

This, by far, wins Best of the Challenge this year.

This anime gave me a mix of emotions that I don’t know if I’ve ever felt before. A strange mix of existential dread and sadness and going “aww” at the slice-of-life adventures the two girls have. It made me laugh, made me cry, and made me think.

Watch this one, please.

[bishonenlover]

[bixiaoshi]

really wanna read no longer human by osamu dazai