After being launched earlier in the month, the site for the new Fairy Tail anime has been updated with new character designer Shinji Takeuchi’s (Gintama) take on Natsu and Lucy.
The anime returns in April. Director Shinji Ishihira and writer Masashi Sogo return, as do voice actors Tetsuya Kakihara, Aya Hirano, Rie Kugimiya, Yūichi Nakamura and Sayaka Ohara.
Previous site visuals included
Manga author @hiro_mashima was also kind enough to tweet several new sketches!
and even this really cool Fairy Tail poster!
So fans, are you excited for the new Fairy Tail anime even more now? Let us know in the comments below!
The ninth volume of Kadokawa’s Type-Moon Ace magazine is announcing on Thursday that the new Fate/stay night 2014 anime animated by ufotable will begin airing on Japanese television this fall. Takahiro Miura (Fate/Zero, The Garden of Sinners episode director) will direct the anime, while Atsushi Ikariya, Tomonori Sudou, and Hisayuki Tabata will be adapting Takashi Takeuchi’s original character designs.
Hikaru Kondo, the founder of ufotable, announced mid last year that the animation studio will be producing a new Fate/stay night anime. Kondo did not specify whether the new anime will be a remake of the first series or cover any specific arcs. Speculation on the new series is tough since the promotional video released does not divulge into many new scenes, but the latter parts of the video shows new footage of Saber and Shirou.
Studio DEEN previously animated the Fate/stay night television anime series in 2006. The studio also produced the Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works film in 2010, which covered The Unlimited Blade Works storyline from Type-Moon’s game franchise.
Sentai Filmworks released both the television anime series and the film in North America. Funimation had released the television series before that in 2009. Tokyopop published 11 volumes of Datto Nishiwaki’s manga version in North America before its North American branch shut down in May 2011.
The studio ufotable previously animated the Fate/Zero prequel television anime series that was based on Gen Urobuchi and Type-Moon’s novel. Aniplex of America released that series in North America on Blu-ray Disc, and the company then reissued the series on DVD and Blu-ray Disc with an English dub.
The popular Free! (Free Iwatobi Swim club) anime had recently ended and is now back for its second season. A poster at the Free! special talk event on Sunday revealed that production is ready to create a second season of the Free! anime, and will be doing so.
The story revolves around Haruka Nanase, a boy who has always loved being immersed in water, and to swim in it. Before graduating from elementary school, he participated in a swimming tournament along with his fellow swimming club members Makoto Tachibana, Nagisa Hazuki, and Rin Matsuoka. After achieving victory some of the team members, including Rin, went their separate way and left.
Time passed, and in the middle of their uneventful high school lives, Rin appears and challenges Haruka to a match, showing Haruka his overwhelming power. Not wanting it to end like this, Haruka, gathers together former friends to create the Iwatobi High School Swimming Club to defeat Rin. The second season was teased at launching in the summer of 2014 by giving fans this image.
How will the second season top the first? Are you excited for this new season? Tell us in the comment section below!
The latest Subaru Forester commercial in Japan features some very unlikely and very large co-stars: “Titans” from hit anime Attack on Titan.
Originally a manga, the Attack on Titan anime is incredibly popular in Japan, spawning a photo meme and collectible merchandise as well as several adult movies. And pornography, we know, is always a true sign something is a hit.
Japanese morning show Zip! showed an early look at the commercial, complete with green screens and actors in insane amounts of make up. The above actress, for example, needed four hours to complete her special effects make up. The result is rather amazing and unsettling, no?
The full commercial debuted last night on Japanese television. The ad seems to be a good indication of what the live-action flick could look like. What do you think?
The immensely popular fantasy action manga Akame Ga Kill has just announced that it will get its own TV anime. The February issue of Square Enix’s Gangan Joker magazine is announcing on Wednesday that a television anime adaptation of Akame Ga KILL! manga is green lit.
The story follows, Akame, a girl who had been previously brainwashed by the Empire to become an assassin. This however all changes when Akame meets a boy named Tatsumi, who promises to stand up to the evil that has been cursed upon her. The evil that is the Empire. This dark action is in its 9th volume, which will ship on January 22nd.
Akame ga KILL! Volume 1
Is this series the years next big hit? Are you excited for this new series? Will it live up to its expectations? Tell us in the comment section below!
One of the things many anime fans have trouble doing is showing that they’re a part of the fandom in public. While there are several of us who are thoroughly unashamed of our (admittedly superior) taste in entertainment, many still struggle with things like reading manga, watching anime on their devices, or wearing anime related gear for fear of being thought of as a creepy, tentacle hentai watching pedophile. No offense to the creepy, tentacle hentai wearing pedophiles out there!
Fortunately for us, shirt designers are beginning to notice this, and one such designer is our friend Shoukochan! It is a part of Shoukochan’s mantra to design clothing anime fans can proudly wear in public – their goal is for us to be able to show our love for it with stylish clothing that isn’t gaudy or overbearing like most anime merchandise out there. They have even provided us with some free shirts!
Must have for Date A Live fans. Kawaii!
It is none other than the cute blue haired spirit Yoshino from the popular show Date A Live! For those who are unfamiliar with the show, it is recommended that you check it out now. For those who are fans however, we’ll gladly remind you that the second season Date A Live II is coming April 2014. So it’s the perfect time to get your hands on this!
This is one of the two shirts we’ve been given to review thus far. After a reasonable waiting period, I got the package in the mail and opened it to find my very own Yoshino tee shirt! The colors are vibrant and beautiful and the shirt’s material is pretty comfortable to wear. Their website comes with a size chart with dimensions to let you know what size would fit you best, so there’s no guessing involved and you won’t end up finding out that their idea of large isn’t the same as your idea of it, thus leaving you high and dry with an unwearable shirt.
This feature in addition to the fact that they ship globally within an understandable period alone makes it worth it. The designs however are certainly tasteful and not too in-your-face to not be worn out in public. I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable in the least wearing this out. Wear a button up shirt over it, leaving it open and it makes for a pretty fashionable outfit!
Biceps sold separately.
You’ll have to build the bod on your own, but the shirt encompasses mine great! I personally prefer to wear fitted shirts, but Shoukochan offers a variety of different sizes for otakus big and small alike. Being relatively a short guy, the “small” size works great for me, but different people have different body types and different heights.
I’ve been complimented on the outfit several times at my university campus already, as it’s a bold move to make for a guy, but thankfully Shoukochan allows me to pull the look off without making an enourmous anime girl face cover the shirt or something of the like. As mentioned before, their purpose is to make shirts that are understated and can still be worn around town without us having to be concious about it all the time. In fact, I wouldn’t even mind making my Facebook display picture a photo of myself in one of these!
This particular shirt can be found here for $45 but luckily for Haruhichan readers, you’ll be given a promotional 10% discount using the following code:
Haruhi10%off
So be sure to get yourself that discount and buy now! Check the site for other cool designs as they update it periodically with more cool content. Keep yourselves tuned in for more shirt reviews and for more photos of the shirts (or me… or me in the shirts) check out my Twitter and Instagram linked below!
The cover of the February issue of the journal Square Enix’s Monthly GFantasy announced on its cover that Kuroshitsuji, Yana Toboso’s manga, will have a new animated adaptation in the future.
The magazine cover does not give details about the release date of this new anime or format (TV anime, OVA, movie, etc..) But the manga, whose publication is still open, has been adapted into two anime series and a series of OVAs by studio A-1 Pictures.
Japanese publisher Fujimi Shobo announced today on January 15th that an anime adaptation of Shoji Gatoh’s latest light novel series Amagi Brilliant Park is in the works! The first volume of the series illustrated by Yuka Nakajima (Listen to Me, Girls. I Am Your Father!) was published from the Fujimi Fantasia Bunko label on February 20th, 2013, two years and six months after the release of the final/12th volume of his long-running series Full Metal Panic!. The second volume was published on August 20, 2013, and the third is scheduled this week on January 18.
The anime is produced by Kyoto Animation (You may know them as KyoAni), the company previously worked on the two TV anime series based on Full Metal Panic! novels, the second series Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu in 2003 and the third series Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid in 2005 (the first series was produced by GONZO).
The story centers around a high school student Seiya Kanie. On a Sunday, a mysterious transfer student who carries a musket gun Isuzu Sento takes him to an old and deserted amusement park Amagi Brilliant Park in Amagi-city, which is located in the western part of Tokyo. He is told that if the park can’t attract 100,000 visitors in the next two weeks, it will be closed immediately. For some reason, Seiya has to save the park as an acting manager.
The support video created by the illustrator of the novel Yuka Nakajima
Ikebukuro, the entertainment district in Toshima, Tokyo, Japan, is the home to several commercial shops, restaurants, department stores and gaming centers.
A great treat for otaku out there are their Japanese arcades which are mostly filled with crane game machines. Take a look at the collectibles they offer at the district.
Cuddle with these cute Kantai collection hugging pillows
Or waste some yen trying to get an Attack on Titan titan dolls and Racing Miku 2011
Strap Hitagi and Nadeko on your bags and such with these Bakemonogatari rubber keychain straps
You can try to catch them all on this I love Eevee Evolutions plushies and mirrors crane game machine
Get all the kawaii treats such as a Rilakkuma USB cup warmers and Japan Amuse Arpakasso square cushions
Or these large Nyanko-sensei cushions
While some machines offer figures of Nyaruko-san from Haiyore! Nyaruko-san W and Miyu from Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya
Whether you wanna spend your whole budget or just stare at all these rare collectibles, these crane machines are indeed a must try! Now tell me what anime merchandise do you have on your country?
Better freaking late than never! Sorry for the late winter preview but I was so burned out with work so I didn’t really have enough time to release this on time (lol what?). Thanks to Sid my co-blogger at Anime Anthology, he supplied all the pictures and data on this winter preview while I provide the notable staff/cast and the additional PVs. Without him I won’t be able to release this. Now on to the preview!
Summary: Aoba Watase, a high school boy living in a city called Maihama, leads a normal life of school, romance, and the swim club. Watase’s life changes when he sees a beautiful girl, Hina Yumihara, at the pool one day and discovers he is initially the only person who can see her. In order to keep his high school’s swimming club open by recruiting more members, Watase hopes to enlist Hinao to appear in a promo video shot by Watase’s close friend, Gengo. Hina agrees, but on the condition that he does something for her in exchange – pilot a mecha for an organization known as Celebrum.
Agreeing to her request, Watase is drawn into a world of fighting giant robots in a game-like world that he must save from Deutera Areas formed by aliens known as Gards-orm that threaten to destroy the earth. However, Watase soon comes to realize that the world that he is living in might not even be real at all and begins to find that everything he is doing is strangely familiar. As he questions the nature of the reality he lives in, Hina must continue to fight in order to protect the lives of those important to him.
Impression: I have always loved mecha anime so yep I’m definitely going to try this out. I’m just a bit wary cause the director behind this is a newbie and his track record so far is not that astounding so I’m not expecting much, I just hope it won’t be another Valverave. Hopefully, the romance in this series would be tackled fully unlike several mecha shows out there.
Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Ren Release Date: January 09, 2014 Animation Production: Kyoto Animation PV
Summary: Due to various events, Yuuta and Rikka are living together. This secret co-habitation is so exciting for the two lovebirds! Or so it should be…
Is having a chuuni girlfriend too high of a hurdle for Yuuta, who never even went out with a normal girl?! Yuuta worries about how to advance his relationship with Rikka. And then everyone else, Nibutani, Kumin, and Dekomori, have powered up by advancing a grade. Furthermore, the cause of his chuunibyou outburst in middle school, the girl who calls herself Sophia Ring Saturn the 7th, Satone Shichimiya appears…
Impression:
I loved the crazy first season so yes I’m so excited to watch this one. Btw what the hell happened toNibutani?!
D-Frag! Release Date: January 07, 2014 Animation Production: Brains Base PV
Summary: Kazama Kenji likes to believe he is something of a delinquent. Moreover, others seem to like to agree that he is. Of course, Kenji’s gang finds their way to a group of four not-so-normal girls—Chitose, Sakura, Minami and Roka—and all at once, whatever reputation he may have is nothing compared to the outrageous behavior of the girls. Shanghaied into joining their club, what will happen to his everyday life from that point on?
Impression: Base from the PV and the summary seems like it’ll be your mediocre harem show so I’m not inclined in watching this one but looking at the VAs whoa…lots of big names there. I guess I’ll try the first ep?
Gin no Saji 2nd Season Release Date: January 10, 2014 Animation Production: A-1 Pictures PV
Summary: Go! Go! 575 adapts the Project 575 games for PlayStation Vita and iOS, which allow anyone to create songs using the traditional Japanese 5-7-5-syllable meter found in haiku and tanka poems.
Impression: Seems like it’s for promotion purpsoses so I’ll pass on this one.
Hamatora The Animation Release Date: January 08, 2014 Animation Production: NAZ PV
Summary: “Minimum” – a special inborn power found in a limited number of human beings, known as “minimum holders.” In Yokohama, the detective team Hamatora, formed by two minimum holders named Nice and Murasaki, comes across information connected to a serial killer being pursued by their old friend Art. It turns out all the victims are minimum holders like them. Unwillingly at first, the two detectives become involved in the investigation.
Impression: I love the animation style and seems like it’s a combination of supernatural and detective story which is not new but definitely interesting. I guess I’ll try a couple of eps.
Hoozuki no Reitetsu Release Date: January 10, 2014 Animation Production: Wit Studio PV
Summary: Hoozuki is the aide to the great king of Hell, King Enma. Calm and super-sadistic, Hoozuki tries to resolve the various problems in Hell, including a rampaging Momotarou and his companions. However, he also likes spending his free time on his hobbies, such as fawning over cute animals and raising “Goldfish Flowers.”
Impression: After the success of Wit studio’s Shingeki no Kyoujin last 2013, will they make another epic anime? I guess we’ll just have to find out. First, I kind of like the animation style of this series cause it resembles those old Japanese paintings (I think it’s kind of appropriate). Seems like it’ll be fun to follow the life of Hoozuki who seems like he’s the one who manages hell, it really intrigues me how these demons POV differ from humans. I just hope the jokes in this series would be relatable to those who are not familiar to Japanese folklore just like myself. I’ll try a couple of eps.
Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha Release Date: Jan 16, 2014 Animation Production: Production IMS PV, PV 2
Summary: Fushimi Inari is a shy, not-so-bright middle school girl living in Kyoto’s Fushimi ward. She has a crush on her classmate Tanbbashi, but cannot express her feelings. One day, as thanks for helping a fox pup, the deity Ukanomitamanokami grants her the ability to change her form.
Impression: Ooooh~ I love the PV and I kind of fancy the romance genre so yep I’m going to watch this. Ah I forgot to note that the music on this one would be definitely awesome cause I love the work of Takeshi Sanoo on the Aria series and Maaya Sakamoto and May’n would sing the ED and OP song so yep definitely a solid OST.
Summary: In this modern magic action story, Takeshi Nanase is an ordinary high school boy who has a somewhat dark past. Due to certain circumstances, he formed a “fake” couple with his childhood friend Kurumi Isoshima, but otherwise, he lives a normal life. However, one day, he comes across a girl named Mui Aiba, in a uniform he has never seen before, collapsed on the school campus. This encounters changes Takeshi’s destiny completely. Mui tells Takeshi that she is a magician, and she apologizes, for she turned Takeshi into a magician, too. What Takeshi once knew as one world is actually two — the world where magicians live and the world where humans live.
Impression: Ah another light novel adaptation by Madhouse hopefully it won’t be as rushed as Kaminai. Well, the summary looks interesting (albeit having a been there done that feel to it), love the action packed PV and seems like the staff looks legit so yep I’ll try a couple of eps.
Maken-Ki! Two Release Date: January 16, 2014 Animation Production: Xebec PV
Summary: Second season of Maken-Ki!
Impression: What?! There’s a season 2 of this?! Pass.
Mikakunin de Shinkoukei Release Date: January 09, 2014 Animation Production: Dogakobo PV, PV2
Summary: The comedy revolves around Kobeni Yonomori, who on her 16th birthday suddenly has a young man with little presence named Hakuya Mitsumine and his younger sister Mashiro appear in front of her. It turns out that Hakuya is her fiancee, and Mashiro is her future sister-in-law. The three (and Konbeni’s older sister Benio) start living together underneath the same roof, and hilarious happenings occur.
Impression: Newbie director and VAs. I smell a mediocre production so it’s a Pass.
Nisekoi Release Date: January 11, 2014 Animation Production: Shaft PV
Summary: As a child, Raku Ichijo made a secret promise with his childhood sweetheart, keeping a pendant as a memento while his love took the key. He dreams of one day meeting his past love, but years later, reality smashes his hopes when Chitoge Kirisaki accidentally knees him in the face…
Though Raku’s a normal high schooler, his family heads the notorious yakuza gang the Shuei-Gumi faction! And he’s dragged into family affairs when he’s forced into a relationship with Chitoge, the daughter of a rival gang’s boss! Despite their constant spats, the two somehow fool everyone with their false relationship. Raku then discovers that Chitoge has a mysterious key from her past, which she can’t remember… Plus, two other girls appear with keys as well—Kosaki Onodera and Marika Tachibana! Caught in the midst of this love maelstrom, even more complications arise for Raku when his class decides on Romeo and Juliet as the class’s play for the school festival. Can the two false lovebirds pull off the impossible and make the play a success
Impression: This is the series that I’m most excited about. Not only is it animated by SHAFT, I’ve read the manga and found it really interesting and hilarious. OH YES SHAFT MAKING A ROMCOM I’M SO F***ING EXCITED!! A guaranteed watch! I just hope Shinbo knows how to direct a Romcom. Oh I almost forgot that Claris would be singing the OP so yep another plus for me.
Nobunaga the Fool Release Date: January 06, 2014 Animation Production: Satelight PV
Summary: The Western Planet and the Eastern Planet. Once upon a time, the two sides were bound by the “Dragon Pulse” spanning the heavens.
The civilization that once had prospered has now turned to a tale of dreams, as the inextinguishable flames of war tear the realm asunder. The two planets remain engulfed in endless battles.
The return of the super technology known as “sacred treasures” could revolutionize the world order, but no one knows of them but one person — a “heretical girl.” A girl from the Western Planet, Jeanne Kaguya d’Arc, saw heavenly visions of the birth of a “Star Messiah” who will save the world. She embarks on a journey to the Eastern Planet with Leonardo da Vinci, “the one who observes the world.” They come across the heretic of the Eastern Planet and “the greatest fool of the day,” Oda Nobunaga.
Impression: Wow that was one amazing PV. Awesome another mecha show and it’s even from Shoji Kawamori! Interesting premise, a possible romance and lots and lots of mecha. Yep definitly going to follow this every week!
Nobunagun Release Date: January 04, 2014 Animation Production: Bridge PV
Summary: Shio Ogura is a Japanese high school student, who is visiting Taiwan on a school trip when she is suddenly attacked by monsters. Agents known as “E-Gene Holders” from the government agency DOGOO also arrive, who wield weapons infused with the spirits of historical figures. Shio is revealed to also be an E-Gene Holder when the soul of Oda Nobunaga awakens after she tries to rescue a friend.
Impression: Unlike the other Nobunaga show this season the PV just failed to impress me and the premise seems very cliche. It’s also from a newbie studio with the staff’s not so amazing track records, this series just doesn’t look that great. I guess I’ll just have to pass on this one.
Noragami Release Date: January 06, 2014 Animation Production: Bones PV
Summary: At the boundary between this realm and another, there live eight million gods, dead spirits who serve the gods, and other assorted spirits who help and meddle in the affairs of humans. A sweet middle school girl named Hiyori Iki has been enduring bullying from her classmates, and she goes to the restroom by herself to cry. Scrawled on the bathroom wall is a phone number and the message, “I solve your troubles.”
After Hiyori calls the number, she encounters a homeless, unemployed figure who proclaims himself a “god.” Crude, unpredictable, and worthless, he does not answer people’s prayers and no one acknowledges him. However, he has one sole power, the ability to cut all who pass between this world and the next
Impression: I’ve read the manga and it’s interesting at first but got boring as the story goes on. Btw the cast are all big names if you check out the full list and with that I’m willing to give this a couple of eps.
No-Rin Release Date: January 11, 2014 Animation Production: Silver Link PV
Summary: When the national idol Kusakabe Yuka suddenly retired from the entertainment business, it shocked the world and it devastated teenager Hata Kosaku. Kosaku was Yuka’s biggest fan and her departure left him depressed. His classmates at the Tamo Agriculture School finally are able to get him to leave his room and attend his class, but to everyone’s amazement, Kusakabe Yuka (her stage name) comes into the class under the name Kinoshita Ringo as a transfer student. Kosaku realizes he has the once in a lifetime opportunity to get to personally know his dream girl and, together with his group of friends, try to find out why she is here and become closer than just classmates.
Impression: That sexy Chiwa Saito voice at the begining was priceless. The PV isn’t that interesting nor the premise but I want to watch this just for the laughs and that amazing seiyuu lineup so I guess I’ll try a couple of eps.
Saikin, Imouto no Yousu ga Chotto Okashiinda ga Release Date: January 31, 2014 Animation Production: Project No. 9 PV
Summary: In the romance comedy, a girl named Mitsuki Kanzaki lives with her step-brother Yuya after her mother remarries. One day, Mitsuki is possessed by the self-proclaimed spirit of a young girl, Hiyori Kotobuki. Hiyori (in Mitsuki’s body) must fall in love with Yuya to move towards the “Gates of Heaven.”
Impression: The premise look fun so I guess I’ll try the first ep.
Saki: Zenkoku-hen Release Date: January 06, 2014 Animation Production: Studio Gokumi PV
Summary: Sequel to the Saki series covering the Inter High School Mahjong Championships.
Impression: Oh yes finally after the nth year they finally animated this arc! I love the first season because of the outrageous mahjong battles and of course the yuri, I really missed this series. The Miyanaga sister’s face off is finally here! Will watch for my daily dose of mahjong and yuri.
Sakura Trick Release Date: January 10, 2014 Animation Production: Studio Deen PV
Summary: The story revolves around Haruka and Yuu, two girls who go to a high school that is slated to be shut down in three years. To share something special between them, they share a kiss, and their relationship deepens from that moment onward.
Impression: Oh yes a yuri comedy this season! You know how I like yuri so yep definitely going to watch this one!
Takatoshi is a new student in a recently gender-integrated high school, and is asked to join the student council as the vice president. Thus begins his days as the only normal boy among 3 female student council officers.
Impression: Unfortunately Iw asn’t able to watch the first season so this one is a pass.
Sekai Seifuku: Bouryaku no Zvezda Release Date: January 12, 2014 Animation Production: A-1 Pictures PV, PV2, PV3
Summary: What does it take to conquer the world?! Every leader of the past has thought of it… but all they have done was to merely dream of its greatness. World domination…nobody has been able to achieve it. Until one little girl by the name of Kate Hoshimiya came along. Kate Hoshimiya will shock the world! How was she able to carry out such a magnificent stunt? So frightful! So glorious! Could this be…the Zvezda Plot?! Let the light of our great Zvezda shine upon this land far and wide!
Impression: Details are scarce in this original series by A-1 Pictures. The staff are not that impressive but it seems like the OST of this one would be one of its strong points. Maaya Sakamoto would sing the OP and Aoi Yuki would sing the ED song also, Tatsuya Katou would be behind the music. This looks like a fun and outrageous series (just by looking at the character design) so I’ll try a couple of episodes.
SoniAni: Super Sonico The Animation Release Date: January 06, 2014 Animation Production: White Fox PV, Pv2
Summary: Super Sonico is an 18-year old college student who plays guitar for the three-girl band Fastest Speed in Space and models for pin-ups. In spite of her busy schedule, she still finds time to her grandmother at her restaurant. One night, her band members Suzu and Fuuri, are late to a concert, forcing her to play alone. The result of that show will have far-reaching consequences for Sonico.
Impression: I like the work of the script writerYousuke Kurodabut a series based from a mascot character, it doesn’t look promising. I guess I’ll have to pass on this one.
Space Dandy Release Date: January 05, 2014 Animation Production: Bones PV, PV2, PV3 (English Dub)
Summary: Space Dandy is a space hunter, someone who is paid to search for new, undiscovered alien species. It’s an industry where the prize goes to the person who finds aliens the fastest. Dandy searches unknown planets for strange beings with his companions, QT the worn-out robot and Meow from Betelgeuse. Meanwhile, they’re being chased by minions of the Gogol Empire, for reasons that are still a mystery.
Impression: Holy! Look at the staff and cast! All seasoned director, script writers and VAs. Sure the PV looked crazy but I love it! It reminds me of Cowboy Bebop with a touch of MIB (Men in Black). This is going to be one crazy ride so count me in!
Strange+ Release Date: January 10, 2014 Animation Production: Seven PV
Summary: Kou is searching for his older brother Takumi, who left home and has gone missing in the city. Worried that he’s in trouble, Kou decides not to go home until he’s found him, only to find him all too easily. Takumi, it turns out, has become head of the Mikuni Detective Agency, and has no intention of going back home. Kou decides that if he can’t make Takumi return, then he’ll join the agency himself.
Impression: Staff isn’t impressive and the premise look so mediocre but we got a well known cast but that’s not enough to make me watch this series. Pass.
Toaru Hikuushi e no Koiuta Release Date: January 06, 2014 Animation Production: TMS Entertainment PV
Summary: This is a tale of a prince who lost everything leaves for a journey with no guarantee of returning to his hometown safely. With hatred and revenge in his mind, he met several people that taught him about friendship…and love.
Impression: Brilliant staff, interesting premise and a solid voice cast. This series looks really interesting. Oh and Aoi Yuki and Ayana Taketatsu’s ‘Petit my Lady’ duo would sing the OP song. Yep I’ll watch this series.
Wake Up, Girls! Release Date: January 11, 2014 Animation Production: Ordet PV
Summary: Green Leaves Entertainment is a tiny production company on the verge of going out of business in Sendai, the biggest city in Japan’s northeastern Tohoku region. The agency once managed the careers of magicians, photo idols, fortune-tellers, and other entertainers, but its last remaining client finally quit. In danger of having zero talent (literally), the president Tange hatches an idea of producing an idol group. On the brash president’s orders, the dissatisfied manager Matsuda heads out to scout raw talent. Matsuda makes a fateful encounter with a certain girl….
Impression: There’s something fascinating with idol series likeLove LiveandThe IDOLM@STER (I enjoyed both shows btw). Having a dream and watching those girls how they achieve those dreams really struck some heart strings in me. Couple it with awesome performances, songs and dance animation, those are the reasons why I totally enjoy idol shows. A new idol show from the same scipt writer as the Idolm@ster, I will definitely watch this one!
Witch Craft Works Release Date: January 05, 2014 Animation Production: J.C. Staff PV
Summary: Takamiya Honoka is a regular student whose only problem seems to be that he sits next to Kagari Ayaka, the school’s #1 beauty. They have never spoken to each other before and any small interaction between them immediately results in her fanclub beating him. Yet when a falling part of the school’s building is about to send him to the afterlife, it’s Kagari that comes to his rescue. Only… she’s dressed as a witch, carrying him in her arms and floating on a broom?! Kagari tells him it is her mission to protect him and that now she can finally protect him openly rather than undercover.
Impression: A Rom-Com by no other than J.C. Staff! The premise is interesting and the staff have good track records so yep this show is looking good already! I’ll defnitely watch this series!
Summary: The story takes place in Tokyo in 2018, where normal humans and those who can use magic coexist. As a result, there are laws against using magic, and a “magic courtroom” exists to preside over lawsuits regarding magic use. In these cases, “Benmashi” or wizard barristers defend those who use magic. The anime follows Cecil, the youngest Benmashi in history, and her associates as they defend clients in these cases.
Impression: Holy S*** that PV sure look so badass! The animation is so fluid and the character design and even the animation style reminds me a lot of Kite which is not surprising because of director-san. I love the concept of magicians having their own lawyers but I don’t know how could ARMS handle a not so ecchi show. Though the staff have ahandled impressive shows before (The likes of Elfen Lied) so I’m giving them my confidence. I so freakin excited to watch this show!
Summary: The story is set in the not-so-distant future. Five “Black Points” suddenly appeared around the world as portals to parallel worlds. Immediately after, strange creatures began their invasion from these portals. These creatures are the inhabitants of five worlds — the same worlds in different timeframes. In order to ensure their own future timeframe survives, each of the five invasion forces battle to wipe the other future timeframes out. The key is one card-shaped device.
Impression: Not particularly fond anime based from a trading card game so I’ll pass on this one.
Shorts
Minna Atsumare! Falcom Gakuen Release Date: January 05, 2014 Animation Production: DAX Production PV
Summary: Characters from various games released by Falcom (e.g. Dragon Slayer, The Legend of Heroes, and Ys series) come together in a crazy academy life in celebration of the game maker’s 30th anniversary.
Impression: Summary even the PV doesn’t look interesting so it’s a Pass.
Pupa Release Date: January 10, 2014 Animation Production: Studio Deen PV
Summary: The “life-and-death sibling” story follows Utsutsu and Yume Hasegawa, a boy and his little sister who find themselves all alone. One day, Yume sees a mysterious red butterfly and her body undergoes a strange metamorphosis—into a creature that eats humans. Utsutsu struggles to find a way to restore his sister.
Impression: Why the hell did one of my most anticipated show thi winter turn out to be an anime short?! Anyway will still watch it ’cause I just love gory series like this. Too bad this one will lack the budget of a full pledge tv series.
Pupipo! Release Date: December 21, 2013 Animation Production: AIC Plus PV
Summary: The story centers around Wakaba Himeji, a fifth-grade girl who can see things others cannot. As a result, she is scared by her surroundings, keeps her distance from others, and lives a lonely life. One day, she meet a mysterious soft, pink creature that cries “Pupipo!” — and her life is changed from that day forward.
Impression: Interesting, this series’ genre is horror, comedy. I wonder how will that work out? Will pass on this one ’cause I’ve already got a LOT on my list.
Toei Robot Girls Z Release Date: January 04, 2014 Animation Production: Toei Animation PV, PV2 (First 4min of the series)
Summary: The story revolves around a new team of “Toei robot girls” named “Team Z” that is made up of three girls based on Toei’s Mazinger Z franchise: Mazinger Z, Great Mazinger, and UFO Robot Grendizer. Usually they perform in activities around Nerima ward in Tokyo to raise the awareness of the promising future energy source “Photon Power” (koushiryoku). However, there are times when “Mechanical Beast” team of girls emerge from the “Subterranean Empire” and attempt to steal the energy. Thus “Team Z” has to battle them to prevent this, though sometimes they just go and beat up the “bad girls” to relieve stress.
Impression: Oh lol the famous robots (The only one I recognize is Mazinger Z) of Toei Animation just became girls, oh Japan you never fail to amaze me. Anyway even though it looked fun with the old school special attack in the PV, I’ll pass on this one.
Tonari no Seki-kun Release Date: January 06, 2014 Animation Production: Shin-Ei Animation PV
Summary: The original manga revolves around a girl named Yokoi who sits next to a boy only known as Seki-kun. During class, Seki-kun continues to not pay attention and instead creates amazing little distractions, such as a detailed golf course with the course’s hole being a dent in his desk, or an entire dramatic war being played out by paper shogi pieces. Yokoi often finds herself getting reluctantly interested in his games, even though they always seem to end up getting HER in trouble with the teacher!
Impression: I didn’t find the PV funny but the summary indicates this will be a fun series. Sorry but I got a lot on my plate already so I’ll pass on this one.
Onee-chan ga Kita Release Date: January 09, 2014 Animation Production: C2C PV
Summary: The story revolves around Tomoya Mizuhara, a 13-year-old boy who suddenly gains a big sister when his father remarries. 17-year-old Ichika is a little strange, and her affection for Tomoya is rather overwhelming, if not scary. On top of things, Ichika’s friend Ruri is the ultimate sadist. Then there is Ichika’s big-breasted quarter-Japanese friend Marina.
Impression: Premise is not interesting so it’s a pass.
Whew we really got a LOT of shows this winter season if I’m not mistaken there’s 35 on the list I’ve listed above. Among the rest, these are the series that have left a huge impression on me base from the summary, PV and staff/cast.
MY TOP 10 WINTER ANIME
10. Toaru Hikuushi e no Koiuta
Noragami
9. Nisekoi
8. Pupa
7. Buddy Complex
6. Witch Craft Works
5. Hoozuki no Reitetsu
4. Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Ren
3. Space Dandy
2. Nobunaga the Fool
1. Wizard Barristers: Benmashi Cecil
I hope this preview would help you choose on what to watch this winter season!
There’s not many things that the Simpsons have not parodied in their 25 seasons since their creation in 1989.
Recently, the Simpsons finally did it. Homer and an episodic Asian drinking friend, get trashed and try to find their way home. Little did they know their drunken stupor would lead them down a very well-made tribute to Hayao Miyazaki’s illustrious movie career.
As they begin their trip down Miyazaki lane, they appear on the streets of Spirited Away. The Spirits even show up to guide them along their way.
The Spirits of Spirited Away
Homer and his friend don’t seem to know exactly… what the funk is going on? If only someone with a creepy mask would show up and help them out a little. What’s that, No Face? You don’t know what’s going on either?
No Face from Spirited Away
Now, if only there was some kind of public transportation to help them get through the streets of Miyazaki-ville even quicker… Have no need to fear, Otto the Catbus (My Neighbor Totoro) is here!
Otto the Catbus (My Neighbor Totoro)
If that wasn’t enough to make you wonder what was in that last shrimp cocktail… Is.. is that Chief Wiggum as a Pig.. and his son Ralph as Ponyo? Talk about trippy!
Chief Wiggum as Pigman(Spirited Away) and Ralph Wiggum as Ponyo(Ponyo)
Man, these streets are rough… hopefully Krusty the clown isn’t yelling at us from his store front. oh wait..
Krusty the Clown as Jigo (Princess Mononoke)
Just when you think it can’t get any weirder, Mr. Smithers is chilling out being a frog, and despite Mayor Quimby’s presence as the River Spirit (Spirited Away) he is still getting the gals.
Mr. Smithers as Aogeru (Spirited Away) and Mayor Quimby as River Spirit (Spirited Away)
CONFIRMED. Homer’s sister-in-laws, Velma and Selma, actually do ride around on brooms!
Selma and Velma as Kiki (Kiki’s Delivery Service)
I know that the ‘eyebrow baby,’ Gerald Samson, is Maggie’s rival. At this point, I think he could take her.
Gerald Samson as Boh The Giant Baby (Spirited Away)
Finally a familar face! Moe Szyslak has an odd turnip shaped head… And some of Bart’s school friends are just beating around the bonsai tree.
Moe as Turnip Head(Howl’s Moving Castle). Database, Martin and Wendell as Kodama (Spirited Away)
If being bullies at school weren’t enough, the Kearney, Jimbo and Dolph trio have now taken to the sky to rain noogies down from the heavens.
Kearney, Jimbo and Dolph as Haku(Spirited Away)
Finally.. got to the Kwik-E-Mart. I wonder if instead of the roof-top garden, does the Kwik-E-Mart have a magical door to the unknown?
Kwik-E-Mart as Howl’s Moving Castle from uh.. Howl’s Moving Castle.
So what do you guys think? Did the Simpsons do Miyazaki justice?
The Simpsons was created in 1987 as a part of the Tracey Ullman Show. Since then they have become the most-watched cartoon family in the United States. It has aired over 540 episodes, spanning over the course of 27 years and 25 seasons. New episodes air on Fox as part of the “Animation Domination” lineup of Sunday cartoons. For more information, please check their website: www.TheSimpsons.com.
If you want to watch the promotional video for it, check it out here or watch it below!
Cospa, one of the biggest cosplay retailer in Japan, just released a list of the most well-sought cosplay costumes for the year 2013.
The huge success of Attack on Titan franchise brought its military cropped jacket on the top list while Kantai collection’s Shimakaze costume was able to jump on the tenth spot even though it was just sold last December.
Here’s the complete list of top cosplay outfits:
1. Attack on Titan’s Cropped Military Jacket
2. Love Live! School Idol Project’s Girl School Uniform
3. Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! School Uniform Set
4. Hatsune Miku Costume Set
5. A Certain Magical Index’s Girl Vest Uniform Set
6. Infinite Stratos’ Girl Uniform Reboot Version
7. Haganai Next’s Girl Military Uniform Set
8. Little Busters!’s Girl Uniform
9. Oreimo’s Kuroneko Costume Set
10. Kantai Collection’s Shimakaze Costume Set
Once again, school uniforms dominated the list; proving they’re the biggest hit to anime fans. But which ones do you have already? It’s never too late to have another cosplay outfit to add to your collection!
Weiß Schwarz have done it again, as Schwarz announces the latest edition to the Schwarz Side. For you who don’t know, Weiß Schwarz (ヴァイスシュヴァルツ Vaisu Shuvarutsu) is a Japanese collectible card game created by Bushiroad. The game is separated into Weiß-side and Schwarz-side. Weiß and Schwarz are German for white and black, respectively.
A rare card of Hachikuji Mayoi, signed by voice actress Emiri Kato.
Trial Deck (Bakemonogatari) Released January 14th, 2014
With a singular Trial Deck, you will receive:
-50 card pre-constructed deck
-Rule sheet, deck manual, play book, and playmat included
If you intend on buying a box of Trial Decks, you will receive a box containing 6 Trial Decks, all with the specifications listed above.
Booster Pack (Bakemonogatari)
Released February 14th, 2014
With the Booster Pack, you will receive:
Product Specifications
-100 types of cards (RR:8/ R:20/ U:28/ C:32/ CX: 12) + 17 parallel (SP: 5/ RRR: 4/ SR: 8)
-8 cards per pack
-20 packs per display
-16 displays per carton
A rare card of Senjyogahara Hitagi, signed by voice actress Chiwa Saito.
-1 PR card out of 5 types will be included in each display as a supplement.
-Exclusive SP Gold Foil/Hot Stamp signed cards from the Japanese voice actors / actresses are inserted randomly in packs.
The list is as follows:
-Chiwa Saito (Hitagi Senjyogahara)
-Emiri Kato (Mayoi Hachikuji)
-Miyuki Sawashiro (Suruga Kanbaru)
-Kana Hanazawa (Nadeko Sengoku)
-Yui Horie (Tsubasa Hanekawa)
A carton supplement will also be for sale, which will contain 8 foldable deckcases per carton. **English and Japanese edition cards may be played together in tournament formats
Never heard of Weiß Schwarz before? Here is a PDF file containing rules and how to play!
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Haven’t seen Bakemonogatari yet? Here is a brief synopsis of what the show is about:
“The story centers on Koyomi Araragi, a third year high school student who has recently survived a vampire attack, and finds himself mixed up with all kinds of apparitions: gods, ghosts, myths, and spirits.”
While it was been nearly seven years since the original Mushishi finished airing, a majority of the original staff has come back to fill their roles once again.
Yuto Nakano once again takes up smoking in the role of Ginko.
Mika Doi returns to lend her voice to the disembodied Narrator that everyone knows and loves.
So, have no fear! If you were a fan of Mushishi back in the day, just think that it had to go on a really long break. Also, due to the episodic nature of the series as a whole, you don’t have to remember everything that happened in the first series to pick up Mushishi: Zoku-Shō when it begins to air.
Mushishi was based on the original manga story(written by Yuki Urushibara) detailing the exploits of Ginko. Ginko travels around to research these “Mushi” creatures, which are beings that are in touch with the essence of life. While in his travels, Ginko also offers support for those displaced by the acts of the mischevivous Mushi.
The original manga was published by Kodansha(JPN) and Del Rey(ENG) and ran for 10 volumes from 1999 to 2008. The manga-adapted anime first season ran from October 22, 2005 to June 28, 2006 for 26 episodes. It was directed by Hiroshi Nagahama with music by Toshio Masuda.
If you’re getting hyped up with the upcoming release of Mushishi: Zoku-Shō please leave us a comment and let us know. Also, don’t forgot you can check out the newly released anime feature right here on Haruhichan! Mushishi Tokubetsu-hen: Hihamukage clicky that link, download and enjoy!
Christmas is over, it’s the new year and the winter season anime is almost here to keep us entertained. Instead of just linking a chart and saying ‘here is the new anime, enjoy’. I decided to mock up a simple visual preview of Winter 2013/2014 TV Series anime. Sit back and enjoy the visual appealing pictures while trying to decide what you will watch for the start of the new year!
I am only supplying the brief descriptions of the shows as well as genres and producers. If you wish to view more information about a certain show. Click the title of the show of your choice, it’ll provide everything you need to know!
“Double Circle” means the community which evolves infinitely by the energy and ICT in the smart community project.
People who live in Kawasaki become a hero, and beat an enemy who steals near from the time-stopped world to the evolving town Kawasaki.
Pupipo!Genres: School, Slice of Life, Supernatural Producers: AIC Plus+
Himeji Wakaba is a 5th year elementary school student, and she has the ability to see things that others can’t. They are mostly frightening evil spirits, and they tend to do bad things to people who are close to her. As a result, Wakaba has no friends and rarely smiles. On a couple of occasions, she brings home stray animals, but her parents won’t let her keep them. However, they’re worried about their sad, creepy daughter, so one day they decide that whatever Wakaba brings home next, they’ll let her keep.
The next thing she brings home is a pink monster called “Pupipo”, but her parents stand by their decision and let her keep it. No one is quite sure what Pupipo is, but it protects Wakaba from the other things she sees. Pupipo also helps Wakaba make friends with an occult-obsessed transfer student and solve problems with bullying. Wakaba’s life is a much better place with her pet pink monster!
The story revolves around a new team of “Toei robot girls” named “Team Z” that is made up of three girls based on Toei’s Mazinger Z franchise: Mazinger Z, Great Mazinger, and UFO Robot Grendizer. Usually they perform in activities around Nerima ward in Tokyo to raise the awareness of the promising future energy source “Photon Power” (koushiryoku). However, there are times when “Mechanical Beast” team of girls emerge from the “Subterranean Empire” and attempt to steal the energy. Thus “Team Z” has to battle them to prevent this, though sometimes they just go and beat up the “bad girls” to relieve stress.
Seitokai Yakuindomo*Genres: Comedy, School, Shounen Producers: Starchild Records
In the romance comedy, a girl named Mitsuki Kanzaki lives with her step-brother Yuuya after her mother remarries. One day, Mitsuki is possessed by the self-proclaimed spirit of a young girl, Hiyori Kotobuki. Hiyori (in Mitsuki’s body) must fall in love with Yuuya to move toward the “Gates of Heaven”.
Future Card BuddyfightGenres: Game Producers: Xebec, Oriental Light and Magic, Bushiroad Inc.
Adaptation of the Future Card Buddyfight card game.
Takamiya Honoka is a regular student whose only problem seems to be that he sits next to Kagari Ayaka, the school’s #1 beauty. They have never spoken to each other before and any small interaction between them immediately results in her fanclub beating him. Yet when a falling part of the school’s building is about to send him to the afterlife, it’s Kagari that comes to his rescue. Only… she’s dressed as a witch, carrying him in her arms and floating on a broom?! Kagari tells him it is her mission to protect him and that now she can finally protect him openly rather than undercover.
Space DandyGenres: Comedy, Sci-Fi, Space Producers: Bones
Space Dandy is a dandy in space! This dreamy adventurer with a to-die-for pompadour travels across the galaxy in search of aliens no one has ever laid eyes on. Each new species he discovers earns him a hefty reward, but this dandy has to be quick on his feet because it’s first come, first served! Accompanied by his sidekicks, a rundown robot named QT and Meow the cat-looking space alien, Dandy bravely explores unknown worlds inhabited by a variety of aliens. Join the best dressed alien hunter in all of space and time as he embarks on an adventure that ends at the edge of the universe!
At the boundary between this realm and another, there live eight million gods, dead spirits who serve the gods, and other assorted spirits who help and meddle in the affairs of humans. A sweet middle school girl named Hiyori Iki has been enduring bullying from her classmates, and she goes to the restroom by herself to cry. Scrawled on the bathroom wall is a phone number and the message, “I solve your troubles.”
After Hiyori calls the number, she encounters a homeless boy wearing a jersey who calls himself a god. The boy, named Yato, is rough, moody, lazy, and never listens to anyone’s wishes, but he had the power to be a god… that no one knew of.
The story will revolve around the friendship and coming-of-age of two boys. It begins with Aoba Watase, a boy who goes to high school in Tokyo and lives a carefree daily life. On the morning of his school’s opening ceremony after summer vacation, he goes to campus as usual, but he has a chance encounter with another boy.
NobunagunGenres: Action, Shounen, Supernatural Producers: Bridge, Earth Star Entertainment
Shio Ogura is a Japanese high school student, who is visiting Taiwan on a school trip when she is suddenly attacked by monsters. Agents known as “E-Gene Holders” from the government agency DOGOO also arrive, who wield weapons infused with the spirits of historical figures. Shio is revealed to also be an E-Gene Holder when the soul of Oda Nobunaga awakens after she tries to rescue a friend.
Characters from various games released by Falcom (e.g. Dragon Slayer, The Legend of Heroes, and Ys series) come together in a school.
Saki: Zenkoku-henGenres: Game, School, Slice of Life Producers: TV Tokyo, Square Enix, Lantis, Pony Canyon, Studio Gokumi, Saki Zenkoku-hen Production Committee
Sequel to the Saki series covering the Inter High School Mahjong Championships. The Combined Training Arc will be also re-animated.
Tonari no Seki-kunGenres: Comedy, School, Seinen Producers: Shin-Ei Animation
The original manga revolves around a girl named Yokoi who sits next to a boy only known as Seki-kun. During class, Seki-kun continues to not pay attention and instead creates amazing little distractions, such as a detailed golf course with the course’s hole being a dent in his desk, or an entire dramatic war being played out by paper shogi pieces. Yokoi often finds herself getting reluctantly interested in his games, even though they always seem to end up getting HER in trouble with the teacher!
This is a tale of a prince who lost everything who leaves for a journey with no guarantee of returning to his hometown safely. With hatred and revenge in his mind, he meets several people that teach him about friendship… and love.
D-Frag!Genres: Comedy, School, Seinen Producers: Media Factory, Brains Base
Kazama Kenji likes to believe he is something of a delinquent. Moreover, others seem to like to agree that he is. Of course, Kenji’s gang finds their way to a group of four not-so-normal girls—Chitose, Sakura, Minami and Roka—and all at once, whatever reputation he may have is nothing compared to the outrageous behavior of the girls. Shanghaied into joining their club, what will happen to his everyday life from that point on?
Hamatora The AnimationGenres: Mystery, Game, Shounen, Super Power Producers: NAZ, DIVE II Entertainment
The story revolves around “Minimum” or “minor miracle”—special hereditary powers discovered only in an extremely limited number of humans. Those who possess such powers are known as “Minimum Holders.”
Youkai WatchGenres: Game Producers: Oriental Light and Magic
Level-5’s adaption of their new upcoming 3DS game.
Due to various events, Yuuta and Rikka are living together. This secret co-habitation is so exciting for the two lovebirds! Or so it should be…
Is having a chuuni girlfriend too high of a hurdle for Yuuta, who never even went out with a normal girl?! Yuuta worries about how to advance his relationship with Rikka. And then everyone else, Nibutani, Kumin, and Dekomori, have powered up by advancing a grade. Furthermore, the cause of his chuunibyou outburst in middle school, the girl who calls herself Sophia Ring Saturn the 7th, Satone Shichimiya appears…
This is the long-awaited second season of the adolescent romantic comedy revolving around chuunibyou that makes you laugh and cry.
Onee-chan ga KitaGenres: Comedy, Slice of Life Producers: Takeshobo, C2C
The story revolves around Tomoya Mizuhara, a 13-year-old boy who suddenly gains a big sister when his father remarries. 17-year-old Ichika is a little strange, and her affection for Tomoya is rather overwhelming, if not scary. On top of things, Ichika’s friend Ruri is the ultimate sadist. Then there is Ichika’s big-breasted quarter-Japanese friend Marina.
The story is set in the not-so-distant future. Five “Black Points” suddenly appeared around the world as portals to parallel worlds. Immediately after, strange creatures began their invasion from these portals. These creatures are the inhabitants of five worlds—the same worlds in different timeframes. In order to ensure their own future timeframe survives, each of the five invasion forces battle to wipe the other future timeframes out. The key is one card-shaped device.
PupaGenres: Fantasy, Horror, Shounen, Psychological Producers: Studio Deen, Earth Star Entertainment, Pupa Production Committee
The “life-and-death sibling” story follows Utsutsu and Yume Hasegawa, a boy and his little sister who find themselves all alone. One day, Yume sees a mysterious red butterfly and her body undergoes a strange metamorphosis—into a creature that eats humans. Utsutsu struggles to find a way to restore his sister.
Mahou SensouGenres: Action, Fantasy, Magic Producers: Media Factory
In this modern magic action story, Takeshi Nanase is an ordinary high school boy who has a somewhat dark past. Due to certain circumstances, he formed a “fake” couple with his childhood friend Kurumi Isoshima, but otherwise, he lives a normal life. However, one day, he comes across a girl named Mui Aiba, in a uniform he has never seen before, collapsed on the school campus. This encounters changes Takeshi’s destiny completely. Mui tells Takeshi that she is a magician, and she apologizes, for she turned Takeshi into a magician, too. What Takeshi once knew as one world is actually two—the world where magicians live and the world where humans live.
Genres: Romance, School, Yuri, Slice of Life Producers: Studio Deen, TBS
The story revolves around Haruka and Yuu, two girls who go to a high school that is slated to be shut down in three years.
To share something special between them, they share a kiss, and their relationship deepens from that moment onward.
Gin no Saji 2nd SeasonGenres: Comedy, School, Shounen, Slice of Life Producers: Aniplex, A-1 Pictures, Fuji TV
Second season of Gin no Saji.
Strange+Genres: Comedy, Shoujo, Slice of Life Producers: Seven, Dream Creation
Kou comes to a slum neighborhood in search of his elder brother Takumi and finds him to have become the head of a private detective firm. Kou is drafted by Takumi to do errands and chores in the detective firm, and they come to meet various interesting people…
Go! Go! 575Genres: Music, Slice of Life Producers: Sega
Go! Go! 575 adapts the Project 575 games for PlayStation Vita and iOS, which allow anyone to create songs using the traditional Japanese 5-7-5-syllable meter found in haiku and tanka poems.
Hoozuki no ReitetsuGenres: Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural Producers: Starchild Records, Wit Studio
The dark comedy revolves around the fierce god aide to the Great King Yama, Hoozuki. Calm and super-sadistic, he tries to resolve problems that often occur in Hell.
Mikakunin de ShinkoukeiGenres: Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life Producers: Doga Kobo, Toho Company, DAX Production, Mikakunin de Shinkoukei Production Committee
Yonomi Kobeni, an ordinary girl, finds out on her 16th birthday that she is betrothed to Mitsumine Hakuya, a boy the same age as her. Hakuya moves in from the countryside and starts living with her, bringing his younger sister who is still a primary school student with him. Also added is his older sister who is already living with Kobeni and is two years older.
The story revolves around these four people and their identities as “couples” and “sisters-in-law.”
NourinGenres: Comedy, Romance, School Producers: Frontier Works, Silver Link
When the national idol Kusakabe Yuka suddenly retired from the entertainment business, it shocked the world and it devastated teenager Hata Kosaku. Kosaku was Yuka’s biggest fan and her departure left him depressed. His classmates at the Tamo Agriculture School finally are able to get him to leave his room and attend his class, but to everyone’s amazement, Kusakabe Yuka (her stage name) comes into the class under the name Kinoshita Ringo as a transfer student. Kosaku realizes he has the once in a lifetime opportunity to get to personally know his dream girl and, together with his group of friends, try to find out why she is here and become closer than just classmates.
Wake Up, Girls!Genres: Music, Slice of Life Producers: Tatsunoko Productions, Ordet
Green Leaves Entertainment is a tiny production company on the verge of going out of business in Sendai, the biggest city in Japan’s northeastern Tohoku region. The agency once managed the careers of magicians, photo idols, fortune-tellers, and other entertainers, but its last remaining client finally quit. In danger of having zero talent (literally), the president Tange hatches an idea of producing an idol group. On the brash president’s orders, the dissatisfied manager Matsuda heads out to scout raw talent. Matsuda makes a fateful encounter with a certain girl…
Raku Ichijou is an average high school student. He also happens to be the sole heir to the head of a Yakuza Family called the Shuei-gumi. Ten years ago, Raku made a promise… a secret promise with a girl he met. They promised one another that they will “get married when they reunite”. Since then, Raku never let go of the pendant the girl gave him.
Then one day, a beautiful girl named Chitoge Kirisaki transfers into Raku’s class. Their chemistry was more than off. There was not a moment where they were not fighting. But by a weird turn of events, Raku and Chitoge agree to become fake lovers. Although his heart is really interested in his classmate Kosaki Onodera, Raku must continue pretending to be Chitoge’s boyfriend.
What does it take to conquer the world?! Every leader of the past has thought of it… but all they have done was to merely dream of its greatness. World domination… nobody has been able to achieve it. Until one little girl by the name of Kate Hoshimiya came along. Kate Hoshimiya will shock the world! How was she able to carry out such a magnificent stunt? So frightful! So glorious! Could this be… the Zvezda Plot?! Let the light of our great Zvezda shine upon this land far and wide!
The story takes place in Tokyo in 2018, where normal humans and those who can use magic coexist. As a result, there are laws against using magic, and a “magic courtroom” exists to preside over lawsuits regarding magic use. In these cases, “Benmashi” or wizard barristers defend those who use magic. The anime follows Cecil, the youngest Benmashi in history, and her associates as they defend clients in these cases.
Fushimi Inari is a shy, not-so-bright middle school girl living in Kyoto’s Fushimi ward. She has a crush on her classmate Tanbabashi, but cannot express her feelings. One day, as thanks for helping a fox pup, the deity Ukanomitama-no-kami grants her the ability to change her form.
New Sailor Moon anime commemorating the 20th anniversary of Sailor Moon.
Quite a decent handful of shows this season. I hope you’ve been able to find a few shows worth picking up. So my question is, what are you going to watch this season?
“Santa Company” and Kenji Studio celebrated Christmas with a bang as its Kickstarter campaign beat its target budget to fund the animation film. The goal was reached 11 days before its campaign period ended and reached 836 backers; gathering a total of $72,270 worth of film fund.
Kenji Itoso, founder of Kenji Studio, spearheaded the project and shared that he has always wanted to produce an animation film about Santa Clauses. A unit director on Satoshi Kon’s unfinished film Dream Machine, Itoso learned under anime industry legends, Hayao Miyazaki and Satoshi Kon. He started his Kickstarter campaign with his thoughts and plans about a Christmas film; stating “Christmas is the best day of the year” but wondered about on how Santa Clauses delivers all those gifts in one night. And that’s when Santa Company came into life.
The story revolves around Santa Company, an international company, working for the safe delivery of Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve. Until a girl named Noel discovers the mysterious company and learns that there’s more about the company than delivering gifts. The company consists of three departments, Santa Department, Reindeer Department and Gift Department, and they assure the safety of residences, training of reindeers and proper production of toys all year round. Noel takes a job as an official tonttu (secretary) to Santa Clause and is off to a great adventure with new-found friends!
With a touch of romance and action, Santa Company tells how ordinary people with no special powers can bring magic to Christmas.
Voices:
Noel – Ayumi Fujimura
Bell – Yuuki Kaji
Mint – Haruka Tomatsu
Thomas – Rie Kugimiya
Pedro – Takahiro Sakurai
The film will be co-directed and co-written by Kenji Itoso and Yumi Kamakura, unit director of Pokemon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life. Santa Company is announced to be completed by Christmas 2014 so get in the spirit of Christmas and support this highly-anticipated film!
New Year, like Thanksgiving and Christmas, is a holiday families go the extra mile to serve fancy and scrumptious meals. But in Japan, a carefully-prepared feast is a tradition. Called osechi, these are traditionally home-made and presented in neatly compartmentalized boxes called juubako.
But thanks to company, Famima, anime-themed osechi are now available at Japanese convenience stores. The Yozakura Quartet osechi includes roast pork with black pepper, skewers of water snails boiled in sugar, candied baby peaches, shrimp and spinach rolls and bamboo shoots.
While in the Steins;Gate set, you can enjoy crab claws, sweet potatoes boiled in lemon juice, boiled lotus root, plum blossom candies and thinly sliced seaweed. Both sets include standard Japanese New Year’s fare — pink and white broiled fish cakes, herring roe pickled in the Matsumae style, dried sardines, black soybeans with gold leaf, stewed shrimp, a ball made of tofu skin, sweet rolled omelets with fish paste, and plump shiitake mushrooms.
Wrapped in a cloth, both sets come with a chopstick pouch and box with respective anime imprints. Dig deeper in your pockets as this New Year gourmet meal costs 12,800 yen or 123$.
This definitely looks great to me, but that’s one meaty price tag! Might look into getting one sometime over a weekend where I have an extra few yen hanging out of my pocket. Look good to you? Let us know what you think by commenting below!
It has been confirmed that the second season will indeed be the Phantom Bullet Arc, which does feature the GGO (Gun Gale Online) game. The game itself is Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online First Person Shooter (FPS for you gamers). The arc itself also features a new main character: Shino (In-Game Name: Sinon). The A-1 Pictures released the first visual for Sword Art Online II which features Shino and Kirito, as they appear in Gun Gale Online (GGO).
A new Sword Art Online television anime, Sword Art Online II, will be launched in 2014. The announcement was made during Tuesday’s premiere of the Sword Art Online: Extra Edition special which was broadcasted on TOKYO MX, BS11 and Nico Nico Douga on december 31, 2013. It was also announced on the franchise’s website. More details will be announced on the site or can be seen here.
Sword Art Online II is scheduled to air this Summer, for more information click HERE.
Not much info about was released but I will be updating this post once more are out. Are you looking forward to Sword Art Online 2? Let us know in the comments!
Last year’s favorite and fourth highest grossing anime in terms of DVD and Blu-Ray sales; Sword Art Online shall be releasing its Extra Edition on the 31st of December for simulcast on Crunchyroll and Daisuke. Less than half an hour later however, we at Haruhichan too shall have it available right here for download!
But what is Sword Art Online Extra Edition? Well, one can tell by watching the official trailer! It is likely to include plenty of fan service, but the story will take place in Alfheim Online, the game played during the second arc of the show and will indeed have a linear plot rather than being a series of unrelated episodes. Fans of the series may find it reminiscent of the mini-arc during the series when Asuna and Kirito were taking a break from their guild. All our favorite characters shall be returning and even J-Pop star Aoi Eir shall be reprising her role by singing the opening theme!
The show will include scenes from both within the game as well as in the real world, so those who had been craving to see more of their favorite characters interact after the Sword Art Online crisis will finally be able to. Being my personal favorite show from 2012, as well as that of many others – this is bound to make for a fun addition to our lists and make for a pleasant new year gift for SAO fans.
Screencap from the promotional video where we discover Leafa’s inability to swim. We can’t wait to see the blonde tsundere back in action!
For those who have yet to begin to the show, it is highly recommended that you do now. It’s never too late! It has gotten plenty of heat in the past due to its popularity, and been referred to as overrated by many, but if one simply takes it for what it is rather than expecting it to live up to hype that has been built up, one is sure to enjoy. Happy new year!
Weekly Shonen Magazine and manga author Hiro Mashima have delivered on the promise of big news, with issue six announcing that the Fairy Tail anime is coming back in April 2014. Director Ishihira assures fans that though some staff members have changed, quality of the anime has increased.
Which translates into “Please look forward to it!”.
The sixth issue of 2014 of Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine is announcing on January 8 that the anime adaptation of Hiro Mashima’s Fairy Tail manga will return in April on Tokyo TV and its related channels.
Director Shinji Ishihira expressed his joy at being able to bring the anime to fans in the spring. He mentioned that while there will be a change in staff for the restart of the anime, they are working to increase the quality of the show as a whole.
Director Shinji Ishihira and writer Masashi Sogo return. As do voice actors Tetsuya Kakihara (Natsu Dragneel), Aya Hirano (Lucy Heartfilia), Rie Kugimiya (Happy), Yūichi Nakamura (Gray Fullbuster) and Oohara Sayaka (Erza Scarlet).
Shinji Takeuchi (Gintama) takes over on character design in the production from A-1 Pictures (Sword Art Online) and Bridge (Mitsudomoe).
If you remember right, Mashima had asked fans earlier this year to wait until he could announce some “good news” since the first television anime adaptation of Fairy Tail ended. Mashima added on Twitter at the time, “It’s actually not over yet. I can’t say more than this, but I hope you watch the rerun starting in April and wait for the day I can announce some good news. Anime is not the end. Don’t stop believing.” The series concluded with a “To Be Continued” title card. Mashima later announced that the television anime project had relaunched.
At least we now have something to look forward to in 2014! What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section below.
Swaps4 Productions and Big Bang Studio are excited to unveil the highly anticipated launch of Melody's Melon Mania, featuring Projekt Melody! This captivating, free-to-play...
Previous site visuals included
and even this really cool Fairy Tail poster!
