Tag: sakura

Circus

Circus

Games
Circus Team
Aries
Final Examination Kujira
Gadeem & Juteem

Northern Team
Da Capo
Infantaria
Suika
[Da Capo II->dc2]
AR: Forgotten Summer

Fetish Team
Homemaid
Sukumizu
Sukumizu 2

Metal Team
Mai-HiME

Joint Projects
Sakura
Suika O-157
true tears

Sanctuary
Da Capo Girls Symphony

Anime
[Da Capo->]
[Da Capo Second Season->]
Da Capo II
Da Capo II Second Season
[Da Capo if->dcif]
Suika (H)

Generic Disclaimer: Of course I wouldn’t know how the bishoujo games industry truly works, so some info below may be wrong or misinterpreted. This feature is from an outsider’s point of view, namely, my point of view.

Continue reading Circus

summer of the others

This is the ‘others’ group of anime that I’m gonna watch this season.

This and the [loli->summer-of-loli] group constitutes 8 animes in total, double my limit. I told myself I shouldn’t be over this limit. I’m going on overload.

Da Capo Second Season
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One of the biggest bishoujo game based anime just got even bigger! Double the girls, double the service, double the fun! The D.C.P.S. crew is here! For anti-Nemu and anti-Sakura fans this is also a treat, they’re not appearing (yet), and new main character Aisha is as adorable as… well… any other girl who says “goshujin-sama”. Kotori takes the limelight, and my favorite girl Mako remains a sideline (boo).

Full Metal Panic: The Second Raid
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It’s darn good. The animation masters Kyoto Animation is at it once again, in what could be equated as FMP1 + Fumoffu = FMP:TSR. It has the mecha goodness of the first series, and seemingly also the hyper comedy of Fumoffu! Could anyone ask for more?

Shuffle!
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Humans, gods, and demons live in harmony. This dorky guy gets a “taste” of all of them. A god family and a demon family suddenly live beside you, and within each is a girl whom you should pick from to be a wife! How more lucky can a dorky guy get? Follow his antics and see his choices in bishoujo game based freak show Shuffle!

Suzuka
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Suzuka is cool. She’s great at high jumps. Suddenly this dorky guy would live beside her apartment, and will affect her life. Is it for the better? Or for worse? It’s a new take on the cliched harem genre. It seems kinda different, so I’ll take it. Besides, Suzuka is cool. Did I mention that Suzuka is cool?

D.C. Onsen

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Do you miss Nemu and Sakura already?

D.C. Onsen is a separate fandisk bishoujo game, where the story seems to be about Suginami inviting Junichi and some girls for some onsen “fun”. This is really a rather short game, and no save/load are possible.

I think you could insert this sidestory around the early stages of the first season. In this game, Nemu doesn’t know about Moe yet. Moe is Mako’s elder sister. Also, the Nemu vs. Sakura fights are still comic and petty, unlike the dramatic stuff of the later episodes.

Well, what else can I say? All the stuff here are typical “onsen” stuff. You know, the baths, the eating, etc. Nemu and Sakura vying for Junichi’s attention especially at dinner time. Some rowdy stuff happen like the rock-paper-scissors strip game between Junichi and Nemu. Ooh…

What I like most (of course) is the Mako part. She gets surprised when she’s been seen window-shopping over those souvenirs. Junichi bought her one, which made her blush a bit. YAY!

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This is a [Summer of Bishoujo->] feature

D.C. ~Da Capo~

D.C. ~Da Capo~

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Back in its time, Da Capo was one of those animes that probably instigated the new wave, a sudden outburst of the popularity of bishoujo games being converted into anime. The game was made by a company named [Circus->], and I can only imagine how big the Da Capo franchise is to them. With already 7 games (maybe more) composed of rehashes, fandisks, after stories and console versions, Da Capo is huge on the games front. Not to mention all those singles, drama cds, and manga serializations. Da Capo is as big as any [Dengeki G’s->] series such as [Futakoi->].

The anime is equally big. This is the very first bishoujo game based anime series that ever had a full season run of 26 episodes. And with 26 more on the way on its second season this summer 2005, it will very well be the biggest bishoujo game based anime franchise in history. Well that’s saying much, but how does it fair really?

Da Capo is not too bad, but it had its share of little faults here and there. For the first 7 episodes, the main episode is actually short in length, in favor of having a music video of a girl’s seiyuu after each episode. Those music videos were average, some horrible, but nonetheless a part of the Da Capo fandom. I have no complaints here, some seiyuu were [popular->horie-yui] and cute anyway. Many other episodes have a side story part focusing on a character or number of characters, which eats up the main episode’s time as well. While some of those side stories are interesting, others are just annoying. The recurrent figure in these side stories is a certain mysterious cat guy, but it never adds any coherence to the side stories nor does it add up to the main Da Capo story at all. Furthermore, there are two recap episodes in this anime. So much for 26 episodes you think?

Well, the latter half is where this series shines. The tone slowly changes from filler-comedy to pure classic drama involving the magic of the sakura tree. The characters in Da Capo actually live in a town where a mysterious power exists within the cherry blossoms. Because of this, our characters actually have some sort of magical affinity as a result. For example, one of the girls can actually read people’s minds, while another girl is actually a cat transformed in human form. These unique but weird traits haunt them somehow throughout this series, and is where the dramatic parts explode into. I tell you, the drama here is powerful, and that is definitely a treat.

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And my favorite girl? Mako! She rocks!

Of course, getting the good stuff like this requires you to go through 15 or so episodes of comedic and mindless filler, but the result will not leave you disappointed. Try out Da Capo. You may be disappointed with some parts, but in general I hope you will like it eventually. Besides, the second season is up for you to anticipate as well.

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This is a [Summer of Bishoujo->] feature

Comic Party Revolution

Comic Party Revolution

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After [To Heart->], bishoujo game company [Leaf/Aquaplus->leaf-aquaplus] made [Comic Party->]. It was a moderate success, and for good reason. It is about a generally positive outlook on the realities of Japanese otaku culture, through a bishoujo game, and the main focus of course is doujinshi.

As some of you know, doujinshi is basically “fan comics” made by fans for fans. They are usually of the ero nature, and is visibly seen whenever there are anime and comic conventions. They also usually parody or purposely base their material on existing popular anime, manga, or game series. The Comic Party game and anime series highlights a group of individuals who are into these kinds of stuff, as well as give a viewpoint on how outsiders think about them.

The first Comic Party anime was a simple story about this guy named Kazuki and his entry into the world of doujinshi. Part of it is because he likes drawing, the other part is because of his friend Taishi’s plans for world domination. The bishoujos of the game are featured somehow, but the anime is mostly Kazuki’s viewpoint and story. Dunno if this had gone well with Comic Party fans, although I liked it quite a bit.

Now, can you believe that Comic Party Revolution was originally a 2-episode OVA? For some reason (maybe sales went well, or maybe fans crave for more), Comic Party Revolution had gone extended to 3 episodes… and then 4… and then now an entire 13-episode TV series run! Isn’t that amazing? Whether fan approval or sales made Aquaplus deliver a half-season worth of Comic Party, it’s all good for me! Why?

First, the animation is great! All the girls look beautiful and are consistently animated. Very, very unlike the horrible variety of [To Heart ~Forget my Memories~->to-heart-remember-my-memories]. Also, because of its doujinshi nature, there are bound to be parodies and spoofs right? Comic Party Revolution has LOTS of them! Everything from basic doujinshi and cosplaying to even entire episodes devoted to parodying numerous anime, manga, games, and other Japanese culture stuff! Wanna see a [Cardcaptor Sakura->cardmaster-peach] parody? Wanna see To Heart 2’s [Konomi Yuzuhara->konomi-cameo] before the anime comes? How about an entire episode dedicated to baseball and [tennis->princess-of-tennis] TV parodies? Want a direct reference to Gundam [SEED->seed-mode] again? Or maybe delve into [action->metal-gear-aya] and horror? Everything gets [mixed up->cardmaster-peach-vs-princess-of-tennis]! What’s more, each character gets her own time to shine! There are entire sequences or episodes dedicated to an specific character, so fans of each girl would definitely be delighted. Comic Party Revolution may not be too story based as opposed to the first series, but it’s definitely a “very entertaining show”. That’s what matters most.

This anime has one of the most stylish opening sequences I have seen from this genre. Also, the OP/ED songs are so great I have been anticipating them since over two years ago! (it only did get released during the 2005 TV series). The music may be forgettable but it complements each scene just right.

If you crave for a funnier, more colorful and slightly more positive version of [Genshiken->], Comic Party Revolution is the anime for you. Don’t forget to get the original Comic Party anime too, and try to play the game if you can. I can say that this is my personal favorite out of all the current series ending this season. Everything in this series has gone just right, I’m really, really satisfied with what Aquaplus has done this time (a better To Heart and more Comic Party please!!!). Oh, did I see a “To Be Continued?” sign at the end? I HOPE SO! I hope you watch and enjoy it, too.

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This is a [Summer of Bishoujo->] feature

CLAMP Crossover Tracker

Before the Tsubasa Chronicle episodes become too many for me to handle, I better start this now.

The thing I like about CLAMP works is that somehow, each of their series can be connected to each other! Be it cameos of other characters, themes and places that are similar, and even pseudo-sequels and other worlds, they present some sort of CLAMP universe. I call them CLAMP Crossovers.

So far, Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle seems to be the ultimate in all crossovers, because almost all of CLAMP’s works are being represented in the series, in one way or another. This is an attempt to track down all the crossovers of the Tsubasa Chronicle anime.

Tsubasa Chronicle is an adventure anime where our heroes travel through alternate worlds. With the worlds being alternate, there is possibility of characters doubling their roles. A character in one world may also appear in another world. It is said that though the character’s soul is the same, he/she may be be living different lives in each world. With that kind of setup in Tsubasa, it seems that the possibility of all CLAMP series being all connected is rapidly coming true.

This is gonna be an ongoing project, and I admit that I only know a few of the series by CLAMP. Just because Cardcaptor Sakura is my eternal favorite anime, I became interested to see the rest, but not all of course. Anyway, please do post a comment and inform me if you find some other crossovers that I haven’t mentioned or known.

The crossovers represent the Tsubasa Chronicle anime only.

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Clow Country (episode 1)
The first world in Tsubasa.

Characters:
Shaoran (Cardcaptor Sakura)
Sakura (Cardcaptor Sakura)
Fujitaka (Cardcaptor Sakura) – In Tsubasa Chronicle, he is Shaoran’s father. In CCS, he is Sakura’s father.
Touya (Cardcaptor Sakura)
Yukito (Cardcaptor Sakura)
Clow Reed (Cardcaptor Sakura) – In Tsubasa Chronicle, he is Sakura’s father.

Themes:
– The name Clow is from Clow Reed of Cardcaptor Sakura.

Ancient Japan (episode 1)
The world in Tsubasa where Tomoyo and Kurogane came from.

Characters:
Tomoyo (Card Captor Sakura)

Themes:

Celes (episode 1)
The world in Tsubasa where Chii and Fai came from.

Characters:
Chii (Chobits)

Themes:

Modern Japan (episode 1-2)
The world in Tsubasa where the dimensional witch Yuuko is located.

Characters:
Yuuko (XXXHolic)
Kimihiro (XXXHolic)
Mokona (Magic Knight Rayearth)

Themes:
– If it’s the same Yuuko in XXXHolic, there is possibility that this is the XXXHolic world.

Hanshin (episode 2-6)
The first world where the group travelled.

Characters:
Sorata (X)
Arashi (X)
Miyuki-chan (Miyuki-chan in Wonderland) – In the TRC manga, Miyuki-chan seems to always appear in every world. I only saw her here so far though.
Shougo (X Movie)
Masayoshi (CLAMP School Detectives)
Touya (Cardcaptor Sakura)
Yukito (Cardcaptor Sakura)
Primera (Magic Knight Rayearth)

Themes:
– Hanshin seems reminiscent of the world of [Chobits->tsubasachobits-inn], and in effect Angelic Layer, but no direct crossover has been established.
– Hanshin’s Kudan system gave Shaoran a fire element, represented by Rayearth from Magic Knight Rayearth. I am not sure if Shougo and Primera’s Kudan is indeed from MKR as well.

Koryo (episode 7-11)
The second world where the group travelled.

Characters:
Chun Hyang (The Legend of Chun Hyang)
Sorata (X)
Arashi (X)
Nokoru (CLAMP School Detectives)
Suoh (CLAMP School Detectives)
Akira (CLAMP School Detectives)

Themes:
– The story in this world seems similar to The Legend of Chun Hyang.

Unknown Lake Country (episode 12)
The third world where they travelled. Nothing much was seen here.

Characters:

Themes:

July Anime Season (Summer 2005)

This month, many of the series I’m watching will end. That gives me the right to add more new anime series to watch this July right? Wrong.

I’m lessening my load on watching anime, due to this thing called board exams, my road to go professional on my college diploma thingie. Hopefully, the fun should never stop in this blog (well at least for the summer season), because I’m gonna watch some anime this summer season.

Though I’m trying to lessen my watching load, the list looks so great, I’m having a hard time choosing what to watch.

It’s summer over there in Japan but actually it’s rainy season over here, so to avoid confusion (just my own confusion) I’ll call this the July Anime Season. Here are some of the series that interest me so far:

Da Capo Second Season – One of my favorite bishoujo game series has yet another anime! This time, I think it will be based on a manga serialization. A new character will be introduced, along with Nemu, Sakura and Kotori. I’m wanting another 26-episoder, but I think this will run for only 13.

Full Metal Panic: The Second Raid – Well, I watched both FMP series but I’m still thinking if I’ll follow it immediately. For one, this should be another great FMP because Kyoto Animation is gonna do it, so expect eye candy. On the other hand, this looks like your regular mecha action rather than the extreme Fumoffu comedy which I liked very much.

GUN x SWORD – I always skip action. I prefer to watch them in batches and marathons.

Ichigo Mashimaro – Been hearing good things about this from blogs and forums, so I’ll give this one a try. The girls are cute, in a unique way.

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Just watched a prologue video. Looks like a slice-of-life comedy about the girls’ normal and weird personalities, kinda like Azumanga Daioh. This is exciting. Plus, it has a stellar seiyuu cast for the 5 girls. I’m hyped now! Better read the manga!

Kamichu! ~Kamisama wa Chuugakusei~ – Looks nice.

Kidou Shinsengumi Moeyo Ken – This looks like harem and samurais.

Okusama wa Mahou Shoujo – Okay, so your wife is a magical girl. Big deal. Many anime guys have magical girls as wives or lovers. I wonder what will make me want to watch this.

Petopeto-san – Wow! The artwork looks extremely moe~! Some kind of welcome surprise this is, coz I’ve never heard of it.

SHUFFLE! – Oh, it’s this bishoujo game based series I was talking about a [while back->shuffle]. See my reactions over there.

Suzuka – Never heard of this before but some are saying that Suzuka is an excellent manga series.

DELIBERATION

Absolute Watch
Da Capo Second Season

Watch
Petopeto-san
Ichigo Mashimaro
SHUFFLE!

Watch Later
Full Metal Panic: The Second Raid
GUN x SWORD
Suzuka

Watch Maybe
Kamichu! ~Kamisama wa Chuugakusei~
Kidou Shinsengumi Moeyo Ken
Okusama wa Mahou Shoujo

Horie Yui

Well, she’s just one of the few seiyuu I find beautiful, on certain angles and levels of make-up though. It’s undeniable that she is one of the cutest and most popular faces in the industry, and she has that extremely distinct voice that is instantly recognizable. I have already seen a LOT of anime with her voice on it. I like her songs too.


These are some shots from a certain School Rumble Live Concert. She sang Scramble and Feel My Feeling in these two shots, along with other songs. Well, she’s cute here with the gothloli outfits and all, but she didn’t sing well in Scramble. Having her jump around and dancing made her voice a bit skippy at times, but I enjoyed the live rendition of Scramble. In Feel My Feeling, I feel like her voice is a bit off at some notes.


This is from the same School Rumble live, singing School Rumble 4Ever, along with 3 other female seiyuu. I enjoyed this performance! She has a nice outfit here too. The musical notes in her dress… liked it.

Apparently some groups are kind enough to share many anime/jpop promotion video goodies to the public, I’m thankful to them. Please support them as much as you can.

More PVs meant more Yui Horie for me, so here’s some more!


This is a music video called Sakura. Apparently it’s from her first solo album, which is virtually unknown to me surprisingly. Seeing that in that album there is another version of Yakusoku (my all-time favorite Love Hina song), I feel deprived of information. Sakura as a music video… isn’t too good by jpop standards, but oh well, it isn’t aimed at mainstream anyway.


Okiniiri no Jitensha looks like a very refined PV. On the flip side though, dunno why, but I didn’t like her in this one.


All My Life, the OP for Mao-chan, is a simple PV. If you ask me it’s trying to be jpop mainstream but as always anime-related stuff rarely succeed when they do that.


Do I have weird taste? Just tell me. This is Kirari Takaramono, the Love Hina Again OP. And… I liked it. I just like those scenes where she sings in an 80’s microphone and dances around (it’s much like the School Rumble PV). This kind of fun, hectic, and wicked energy is just what anime PVs should be.


Here’s a promotion video for Sister Princess, she sings Love Destiny here. Not bad a music video, not too good either.


She’s in a live concert here, singing again Love Destiny… wearing some sort of school uniform. Kinda in-fashion for that otaku crowd, they like her a lot apparently.


In the Fruits Basket DVDs, she has some sort of omake interview show, where she’s the host and she interviews the three main male seiyuu of Fruits Basket. These are kinda interesting segments.


This is an Ultra Maniac making-of interview. On the left is Kanda Akemi, a bit of a newcomer seiyuu back then.


Another PV, this time from the anime Da Capo. In the anime she plays Shirakawa Kotori, one of my favorite bishoujo game characters. It would have been interesting if she had a PV for Soyokaze no Harmony (a very beautiful song), but this (Pureness) is kinda a consolation.


And another PV, this time from School Rumble. The song is Scramble, a joint with a certain ska group named Unbalance. I have to admit that this is one of the best anime PVs I’ve seen so far because of its style, plus the catchiness of the song itself.

Record times

To show an example of how amazingly… slow… Tsubasa… Chronicle… is… I have compiled some of the longest, most drawn out scenes in the anime so far. I will try to update this whenever a new episode appears, so check it out every week.

I divided it into two types. The first one is Single, where there is a single shot/angle that only pans through the screen without changing. The second one is Multiple, where there are multiple shots in multiple angles, but the action or the characters remain at a standstill. Please take note that the timed numbers are not necessarily exact, so please tell me if it is actually radically slower or longer than the posted time.

Update: Up to episode 9 covered.

Single
Episode 1 – Meeting with Youko – 15 seconds

Episode 2 – First encounter with Shougo – 17 seconds

Episode 3 – Kurogane’s strike-a-pose with new sword – 13 seconds

Episode 5 – Before Shougo and Syaoran’s fight – 22 seconds

Episode 6 – Travelling to another world – 15 seconds

Episode 7 – Staring at a castle – 11 seconds

Episode 9 – Staring at a castle – 10 seconds

Episode 9 – Syaoran and big guy face off – 15 seconds

Multiple
Episode 3 – Sakura staring at Syaoran – 35 seconds

Episode 4 – Sakura is flying – 48 seconds

Episode 6 – Syaoran waits for Sakura to wake up – 20 seconds

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