Endou Aya (age 33) is the newest name in the recent cascade of marriages of well-known seiyuus. Nazuka Kaori, Shiraishi Ryouko, Itou Shizuka, Tanaka Rie, Saitou Chiwa, and now Aya.

In her blog today, she says she is closing her blog, continuing in four animes, continuing to dub Becca in Californication, doing various games, not dyeing her hair, not cutting her hair, and has gotten married.

That's all she says: no details whatsoever, except that she will continue her work.

She came to fame as Miyuki in Lucky Star and Sheryl Nome in Macross Frontier. My own favorite role of hers was as Kajika in Hanasakeru Seishounen. I consider her not just a very good seiyuu, but arguably the most beautiful seiyuu of all:

 


Some images: click to enlarge.

The anime industry seems to have recovered from its doldrums. A lot of shows are being produced, anyway: I have 47 series in this round-up. I'll list a few of special interest and then go through them all in detail.

• pupa – Gore and horror from great director Mochizuki Tomomi (House of Five Leaves, YKK) and starring young Kido Ibuki as the girl who turns into a monster.
• White Album 2– A new story with a new cast done by a new crew at a new studio. The trailer gives a good feeling: of romance, sadness, and pain.
• Golden Time– The director of Higurashi and the writer of Clannad adapt a comedy-romance novel by the author of Toradora. That’s enough for me.
• Kyoukai no Kanata– This is Kyoto Animation’s offering this season, a supernatural action romance written by Hanada Jukki and directed by a new KyoAni director, just risen from the ranks. Stars up-and-coming seiyuu Taneda Risa.
• Diabolik Lovers– A deliciously perverse reverse harem in which our heroine lives with six bishounen vampire brothers whose lust for her blood cannot be controlled.
• Kill La Kill– A new science fiction comedy-drama from the makers of Gurren-Lagann. One of the most hyped shows of the season.
• Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio: Ars Nova– Speaking of hyped, Kishi Seiji and Uezu Makoto, who directed and wrote Humanity Has Declined and Danganronpa, are back together for this science-fiction adventure set in a world where alien invasion by the "Fleet of Fog" has denied humans the air and sea.
• Coppelion – Hanazawa Kana and Tomatsu Haruka star in a post-apocalyptic adventure from GoHands (Mardock Scramble).
• Galilei Donna– As a new ice age approaches, three girls who are descendants of Galileo are targeted by a mysterious organization. Great cast includes Hidaka Rina, Ookubo Rumi, Inoue Marina, Kamiya Hiroshi, Koyama Rikiya…and Kuwashima Houko
• Dia no Ace– Baseball anime from Madhouse and Production IG.
• Nagi no Asukara– Hanazawa Kana and Kayano Ai in a supernatural romantic comedy about underwater humans coming to school on land.
• Non Non Biyori– Slice-of-life starring Koiwai Kotori (Iwai in Crime Edge), directed by the director of Kokoro Connect, and written by Yoshida Reiko.
• Tokyo Ravens– I just have a feeling about this one. Another “supernatural action comedy,” starring Hanazawa Kana and Ishikawa Kaito (Ledo in Gargantia).
• Yowamushi Pedal – A cycling anime from the director of D.Gray-man and the writer of Marimite, D.Gray-man and K-On.

I had a lot of trouble whittling that list down to 14 shows. There are lots more potential highlights in the full list of 47. Click on titles in the alphabetical list below to go to the full previews, which are laid out in chronological order of first broadcast.



● Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio: Ars Nova     ● BlazBue Alter Memory     ● Coppelion     ● Dia no Ace     ● Diabolik Lovers     ● Freezing Vibration     ● Gaist Crusher     ● Galilei Donna     ● Gingitsune     ● Golden Time     ● Gundam Build Fighters     ● Hajime no Ippo - Rising     ● IS: Infinite Stratos 2     ● Kakumeiki Valvrave 2     ● Kill La Kill     ● Koroshiya-san     ● Kuroko no Basuke 2     ● Kyoukai no Kanata     ● Kyousougiga (2013)     ● Little Busters! Refrain     ● Log Horizon     ● Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai     ● Magi: The Kingdom of Magic (2013)     ● Meganebu!     ● Miss Monochrome     ● Nagi no Asukara     ● Non Non Biyori     ● Ore no Nounai Sentakushi ga, Gakuen Lovecome o Zenryoku de Jama Shiteiru     ● Oshiri Kajiri Mushi 2     ● Outbreak Company     ● Phi Brain: Kami no Puzzle (2013)     ● Pocket Monsters XY     ● pupa     ● Saikyou Ginga Ultimate Zero: Battle Spirits     ● Samurai Flamenco     ● Seiyuu Sentai Voicetorm 7     ● Sekai de Ichiban Tsuyoku Naritai!     ● Strike the Blood     ● Super Seishun Brothers     ● Teekyu 3     ● Tesagure! Bukatsumono     ● Tokyo Ravens     ● Walkure Romanze     ● White Album 2     ● Yowamushi Pedal     ● Yozakura Quartet: Hana no Uta     ● Yuusha ni Narenakatta Ore wa Shibushibu Shuushoku o Ketsui Shimashita     


Notes:
-- information from official sites, MoonPhase, AniDB, Anime News Network, Japanese Wikipedia, et al.
-- English titles link to the Anime News Network encyclopedia; Japanese titles link to official sites. "forum" links to AnimeSuki forum threads.
-- click images to enlarge. 
 


Autumn 2013 TV Anime Series
(in chronological order by date/time of first broadcast)



Super Seishun Brothers
  (jp: Super Seisyun Brothers -超青春姉弟s-)   jpWiki

comic-strip comedy, shoujo/josei
director: Takata Masahiro
writer: Konparu Tomoko (Daa!Daa!Daa!, Ashita no Nadja, NANA, Nodame Cantabile, KamiNai). Shinmoto Shin (comic).
seiyuus: Yamamoto Nozomi (Ogiue/GenshikenSS), Oosaka Ryouta (Eita/OreShura), Kayano Ai, Ishikawa Kaito (Ledo/Gargantia), Inoue Gou.
animation: AIC Plus+.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts fri 13 sep 25:53

A funny and good-looking little seven-minute show. The comic misadventures of two pairs of siblings: older sisters who are best friends and younger brothers who are best friends. One of the older sisters is in college, the other a freeter. The brothers are both in high school.

Yamamoto Nozomi (Ogiue in Genshiken SS) and Kayano Ai are the girls. Oosaka Ryouta (Eita in OreShura) and Ishikawa Kaito (Ledo in Gargantia) are the boys. Director Takata Masahiro did a number of storyboards for Petit Idolm@ster, but appears to have been more a production guy than anything, up to now. Writer Konparu Tomoko is one of the most expert and experienced of all anime writers.

This is from a web comic. The "manga" link is to the online Japanese comic.


Diabolik Lovers
  (jp: Diabolik Lovers)   jpWiki

reverse harem
director: Tagashira Shinobu
writer: Nagatsu Haruko. Otomate (game).
seiyuus: Suegara Rie, Midorikawa Hikaru, Kaji Yuuki, Hirakawa Daisuke, Konishi Katsuyuki, Toriumi Kousuke, Kondou Takashi.
animation: Zexcs. OP Midorikawa Hikaru & Toriumi Kousuke.
trailer. forum.
starts mon 16 sep 23:30

Yui transfers to a new school, but the house her father sends her to live in is inhabited by six sadistic bishounen vampire brothers. The first episode turned many people off, since the bishounen all seem to be heartless predators intent on drinking the heroine's blood, with nothing to stop them doing it. But I myself enjoyed that helpless sensation -- as a fantasy, at least. Things were even more intense in the second ep. I'll be watching this for a while.

Directed by first-time director Tagashira Shinobu. She did character designs for DC Da Capo and Zombie Desu ka. Adapted from an Otomate otome game by Nagatsu Haruko (Precure Splash Star, Mokke). Newcomer Suegara Rie is effective as the heroine, surrounded by a harem composed of some excellent male seiyuu.


Saikyou Ginga Ultimate Zero: Battle Spirits
  (jp: 最強銀河 究極[アルティメット]ゼロ~バトルスピリッツ~)   jpWiki

kids shounen adventure
director: Watanabe Masaki (Battle Spirits Heroes+)
writer: Tomioka Atsuhiro (Prince of Tennis, Pumpkin Scissors, Inazuma Eleven, Battle Spirits Brave+).
seiyuus: Nakamura Yuuichi, Suwabe Junichi, Ise Mariya, Iguchi Yuka, Kugimiya Rie, Fukuyama Jun, Shiraishi Ryouko, Horie Yui, Miyano Mamoru, Nomura Kenji, Shimono Hiro.
animation: Sunrise.
trailer.
starts sun 22 sep 07:00

Kids shows like this often have powerful casts of top seiyuus. Perhaps it's because they have more viewers and can generate the money to pay for them.

Battle Spirits rolls on, with a new series for its 7 am Sunday time-slot.


Oshiri Kajiri Mushi 2
  (jp: おしりかじり虫 第2シリーズ)   jpWiki

kids' comedy
director: Kozutsumi Pon, Kojima Masayuki
writer: Pierre Sugiura. Uruma Delvi (orig plan).
seiyuus: Kaneda Tomoko, Saitou Kimiko, Tokuyama Yasuhiko, Han Megumi, Ise Mariya, Suzuki Takuma, Hamazoe Shinya, Uchida Naoya, Sakuma Rei, Toda Megumi, Namikawa Daisuke, Futamata Issei.
animation: Kinema Citrus.
trailer.
starts mon 30 sep 18:25

Second season for the "Bottom-Biting Bug." It's one of those comedies aimed at kids that carries along some adults, too. The protagonist is a ten-year-old "bottom-biting bug." The official site says that a bug like him can make bent people stand straight, depressed people laugh, and people without self-confidence act bravely.

The first episode of the new season involves the bug going to the public baths with his father and grandfather. Solid cast is headed by the super-high voice of Kaneda Tomoko. Directed by the director of Monster and the director of Rita et Matchin. Five-minute episodes.


pupa
  (jp: pupa)   jpWiki

shounen horror
director: Mochizuki Tomomi
writer: Mogi Sayaka (manga).
seiyuus: Kido Ibuki (Akiko/OniAi, Kasumi/GJ-bu), Shimazaki Nobunaga (Taichi/TariTari, Haruka/Free), Yusa Kouji, Narumi Kyouko.
animation: Studio Deen.
trailer. manga. forum.
starting date unknown

Utsutsu and his little sister Yume live alone, having escaped from their abusive father. One day, Yume sees a mysterious red butterfly and her body metamorphoses into a creature that eats humans. Utsutsu struggles to find a way to restore his sister's humanity.

Shimazaki Nobunaga and young Kido Ibuki star, but the real hook for me is the director: Mochizuki Tomomi, who directed YKK, Zettai Shounen, and House of Five Leaves (the best show of 2010). I will watch anything he does. He was also lead writer for the remarkably constructed Touka Gettan.

This is where the good part of Studio Deen will be working this fall. The only problem here is that no date has been publicized for the broadcasts: just "autumn 2013." So we can't yet be sure this show will actually air this season.


Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai
  (jp: 機巧少女は傷つかない)   jpWiki

action fantasy magic romantic comedy w/fanservice
director: Yoshimoto Kinji (Plastic Little, Ikkitousen DD)
writer: Kakihara Yuuko (Fairy Musketeers, Persona 4, Ebiten). Kaitou Reiji (novel).
seiyuus: Shimono Hiro, Harada Hitomi (Himeji/Baka to Test), Takamoto Megumi, Asumi Kana, Kayano Ai, Yukana, Itou Shizuka, Ogura Yui, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Nakata Jouji.
animation: Lerche. OP Harada Hitomi, ED Harada, Kayano Ai, Ogura Yui.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts mon oct 20:30

Science and magic combine to create humanoid weapons with intelligence and personality. Raishin (Shimono Hiro) and the cute teen girl Yaya, who is actually his "machine doll," enter the Royal Academy with the expectation of success. But although his fighting skills and determination are great, Raishin's exam results are poor. He has to compete with the deadliest of classmates if he wants to rise through the academy and become king.

Shimono Hiro may not be my favorite, but Harada Hitomi was very strong as Himeji in Baka to Test. We will also hear Kayano Ai, Asumi Kana, Yukana, Itou Shizuka, Ogura Yui, Okamoto Nobuhiko and Nakata Jouji. Not bad. The director did Plastic Little and Ikkitousen DD. The writer did Fairy Musketeers and Ebiten, two very different shows I liked a lot. This is a definite "maybe."


Miss Monochrome
  (jp: ミス・モノクローム)   jpWiki

comedy idol shorts
director: Iwasaki Yoshiaki (Love Hina, Familiar of Zero)
writer: Fudeyasu Kazuyuki (Kamen no Maid Guy, Milky Holmes, Ben-tou, OniAi).
seiyuus: Horie Yui, Inoue Kikuko, Kanda Akemi, Fujiwara Keiji.

starts tue 01 oct 25:35

"Miss Monochrome" (Horie Yui) is working hard to become a super idol. The character is featured in 3DCG holographic concerts.

I'm not sure what the animation here will be like. The staff is capable: the director of Zero no Tsukaima and the writer of Ben-tou. Five-minute episodes. Could be watchable, for the music at least.


Gaist Crusher
  (jp: ガイストクラッシャー)   jpWiki

kids shounen action
director: Takamoto Nobuhiro (Wandaba Style, 07-Ghost)
writer: Nishizono Satoru (NHK, Naruto Shippuuden, B-gata H-kei). Capcom (game).
seiyuus: Yanagihara Tetsuya (comic), Murase Michiyo (stage actress), Konishi Katsuyuki, Mimura Yuuna (TV actress), Suzumura Kenichi, Tone Kentarou, Futamata issei, Takagaki Ayahi, Baron Yamazaki, Iguchi Yuuichi.
animation: Studio Pierrot. OP Kitadani Hiroshi.

starts wed 02 oct 18:00

Shounen action aimed at young kids. Tie-in with 3DS game, etc. Stars an interesting mixture of a comic, some actors, and seiyuus. The director did Wandaba Style. The writer does Naruto Shippuuden.


Coppelion
  (jp: Coppelion)   jpWiki

seinen sci-fi post-apocalyptic dystopia
director: Suzuki Shingo (K)
writer: Nakamura Makoto. Inoue Tomonori (manga).
seiyuus: Hanazawa Kana, Tomatsu Haruka, Akesaka Satomi, Satou Tomohiro, Naka Hiroshi, Tanaka Masahiro, Noto Mamiko, Nakamura Koutarou, Suzumura Kenichi, Koyama Rikiya, Chafuurin, Horie Yui, Sakamoto Maaya.
animation: GoHands. OPED angela.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts wed 02 oct 21:00

It is 2036. Radiation from a nuclear accident has made Tokyo a no-go zone. Three high school girls have been genetically engineered from birth to be immune to the effects of radiation. As the special forces unit Coppelion, they are sent into the dead city….

GoHands (K, Mardock Scramble) brings us this post-apocalyptic adventure starring Hanazawa Kana, Tomatsu Haruka, and Akesaka Satomi. Director Suzuki Shingo did K. Writer Nakamura Makoto did Princess Lover and Seitokai Yakuindomo. GoHands does excellent animation, but these core staff members don’t inspire confidence. We shall see.


Kyoukai no Kanata
  (jp: 境界の彼方)   jpWiki

contemporary supernatural action fantasy romance
director: Ishidate Taichi (eps. of Haruhi, Clannad, K-On)
writer: Hanada Jukki (Rozen Maiden, Steins;Gate, Chuunibyou). Torii Nagomu (novel).
seiyuus: Taneda Risa, KENN, Chihara Minori, Suzuki Tatsuhisa, Yamaoka Yuri, Shindou Naomi, Watanabe Akeno, Toyota Moe, Matsukaze Masaya, Kawasumi Ayako.
animation: Kyoto Animation. OPED Chihara Minori.
trailer. forum.
starts wed 02 oct 24:30

KyoAni's offering for the fall is a supernatural fantasy adventure involving a boy who is half supernatural creature and half human, and has the ability to heal quickly from any wound; and a sad girl who has been expelled from the supernatural world because of her ability to manipulate blood. He stops her when she is apparently about to jump off a building. From that moment on, strange things begin to happen.

Directed by long-time KyoAni animator and episode director Ishidate Taichi, who is directing his first show. Working with him as lead writer is top writer Hanada Jukki (Rozen Maiden, Steins;Gate, Chuunibyou). Stars Taneda Risa (Saki in Shinsekai yori) who is one of my favorite young seiyuus, and Kenn (Jil in Druaga, Hibito in Space Brothers). This show also gives us one of our infrequent recent opportunities to hear the great Kawasumi Ayako (Lafiel in Crest of Stars, Kurau, Nodame).

I'm no fan of monster anime, but the PV grabbed my attention right away. One of the most promising shows of the season.


Kyousougiga (2013)
  (jp: 京騒戯画 (2013))   jpWiki

supernatural fantasy
director: Matsumoto Rie
writer: Toei staff, Matsumoto Rie. Toei staff.
seiyuus: Kugimiya Rie, Hidaka Noriko, Takemoto Eiji, Yao Kazuki, Ishida Akira, Hisakawa Aya, Nakahara Shigeru, Suzumura Kenichi, Saitou Chiwa, Shiraishi Ryouko.
animation: Toei.
trailer. manga. 10eps. forum.
starts wed 02 oct 25:30

Rie Matsumoto gets to turn her OVA into a full TV series (of ten episodes). Stars Kugimiya Rie and features such excellent seiyuu as Hidaka Noriko, Hisakawa Aya, Suzumura Kenichi and Saitou Chiwa.

Behind the normal Kyoto is a magical Kyoto where youkai (supernatural creatures, "monsters") and humans live together in peace, and no-one ever dies. One day, Koto and her little brothers wander in from another dimension and upset the shadow city's tranquility.

The trailer suggests this will be a feast for the eyes, at the very least.


Nagi no Asukara
  (jp: 凪のあすから)   jpWiki

romantic supernatural school comedy
director: Shinohara Toshiya (Black Butler, Bantorra)
writer: Okada Mari (true tears, Black Butler, Sakurasou).
seiyuus: Hanazawa Kana, Hanae Natsuki, Kayano Ai, Ousaka Ryouta, Ishikawa Kaito, Komatsu Mikako, Ishihara Kaori, Endou Aya, Hayami Saori, Inoue Kikuko, Nakamura Yuuichi, Ookawa Tooru, Shingaki Tarusuke.
animation: PA Works. OP ray, ED Yanagi Nagi.
trailer. manga.
starts thu 03 oct 22:00

Two Japanese towns, one on land and one beneath the sea, the latter inhabited by people who have always lived underwater. The school in the underwater town closes, and undersea kids are forced to attend the school on land. The two groups have difficulties with each other, but are learning to get along -- some may even develop romantic feelings for each other.

Director Shinohara Toshiya did Black Butler and Book of Bantorra. Writer Okada Mari has done many, many shows in recent years: true tears, Sketchbook, Black Butler, Zakuro, Bantorra, Hanasaku Iroha, Sakurasou, etc., etc. Original character design by Buriki (Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko, Haganai). Strong cast, and the resources of PA Works. One of the most anticipated shows of the season.


Outbreak Company
  (jp: アウトブレイク・カンパニー)   jpWiki

fantasy adventure with fanservice and elves
director: Oikawa Kei (Minamike Okaeri)
writer: Arakawa Naruhisa (Rizelmine, H ga Dekinai, Kingdom). Sakaki Ichirou (novel; Scrapped Princess, Polyphonica).
seiyuus: Hanae Natsuki (Kiri in Crime Edge), Mimori Suzuko, Fuchigami Mai (Maekawa-san in Denpa Onna), Uesaka Sumire, Uchida Maaya, Fujiwara Keiji, Miki Shinichirou, Ichijou Kazuya.
animation: Feel.
trailer. forum.
starts thu 03 oct 25:28

Staff and cast make this fantasy adventure comedy seem to have possibilities. The director did Minamike Okaeri. The writer has done eveything from Rizelmine through Dakara Boku wa H ga Dekinai to Kingdom.

And the cast is a treasure trove of good young idol seiyuus: Mimori Suzuko, Uesaka Sumire, Uchida Maaya, and Fuchigami Mai (Maekawa-san in Denpa Onna). Lead guy Hanae Natsuki is a good young seiyuu who, based on the trailer, may be doing too much of a whiny Kaji Yuuki imitation here. But behind him are the voices of Fujiwara Keiji and Miki Shinichirou.

Protagonist Shinichi is an otaku with vast expertise on moe. No surprise, since his father is a light novelist and his mother a game artist. The Japanese government sends Shinichi as an evangelist of moe to the Holy Eldant Empire, a parallel world entered through a thick forest of trees on Mount Fuji. In this fantasy world of dragons and elves, he becomes friends with with the half-elf maid girl Myuseru and the beautiful young empress Petoraru, and deals with threats of war between various factions.


IS: Infinite Stratos 2
  (jp: IS インフィニット・ストラトス  2)   jpWiki

seinen harem fanservice romance mecha action
director: Kikuchi Yasuhito (JoJo 1993, Busou Shinki, IS1)
writer: Shimo Fumihiko (FMP, Clannad). Mayuzuru Izuru (novel).
seiyuus: Uchiyama Kouki, Hikasa Youko, Yukana, Hanazawa Kana, Shimoda Asami, Inoue Marina, Saitou Chiwa, Mimori Suzuko.
animation: 8bit. OP Kuribayashi Minami, ED Hikasa Youko.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts thu 03 oct 25:58

A second season for the popular 2011 mecha action school romance. Only women can pilot the powered exoskeletons Inifinite Stratos. But suddenly Orimura Ichika appears, a boy who can pilot them, too. Together, the boy and the girls defend Earth from invaders. And the girls provide the audience with fanservice at the same time.

Lots of good seiyuus, and the same main staff that gave us the first series.


Kill La Kill
  (jp: キルラキル)   jpWiki

mecha sci-fi w/fanservice and comedy
director: Imaishi Hiroyuki (Gurren Lagann, Panty+Stocking)
writer: Nakashima Kazuki (Gurren-Lagann, Nodame Finale).
seiyuus: Yuzuki Ryouka, Koshimizu Ami, Suzaki Aya, Miki Shinichirou, Hiyama Nobuyuki, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Inada Tetsu, Shintani Mayumi, Seki Toshihiko.
animation: Trigger. OP Aoi Eir, ED.
trailer. ~24eps. forum.
starts thu 03 oct 26:05

A new science fiction comedy-drama from the makers of Gurren Lagann. Former Gainax director Imaishi Hiroyuki did Gurren Lagann and Panty+Stocking, and his colorful, frenetic style is evident in the trailer.

Powerful cast stars Koshimizu Ami and Yuzuki Ryouka. Suzaki Aya has had 15 roles already this year, including Tamako in Tamako Market. Miki Shinichirou is one of my favorite male voices.

I was not the world's greatest fan of G-L, or of Panty+Stocking. I prefer Shinbou's visual madness to Imaishi's. But there is little doubt this will be a good and popular show.

Student council president Satsuki Kiryuuin (Yuzuki Ryouka) rules by force. Wielding a giant scissor-sword, transfer student Ryuuko Matoi (Koshimizu Ami) brings upheaval to the school. She is searching for the mysterious figure who caused her father's death. Confronting her are the student council's "four divine kings." Fortunately, Ryuuko is aided by a talking sailor uniform who tells her, "Wear me. When I am worn by you, this power will become manifest." (ANN)


Golden Time
  (jp: ゴールデンタイム)   jpWiki

romantic comedy-drama
director: Kon Chiaki (Higurashi, Zakuro)
writer: Shimo Fumihiko (Clannad, Kokoro Connect). Takemiya Yuyuko (novel; Toradora).
seiyuus: Horie Yui, Furukawa Makoto, Ishikawa Kaito (Ledo in Gargantia, Mantasu in RDG), Kayano Ai, Satou Satomi, Kido Ibuki, Hikami Takahiro.
animation: JC Staff. OPED Horie Yui.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts 26:35 03 oct thu

Kon Chiaki (Higurashi, Zakuro) directs, and Shimo Fumihiko (Clannad) adapts a novel by the author of Toradora. I'm in.

Tada Banri has gained admittance to a private law school in Tokyo. He gets lost on the way to the orientation and meets Mitsuo, also a new law student, with whom he hits it off immediately. But on their way to the orientation, a beautiful girl shows up and smacks them both across the face with a bouquet of roses. She is Mitsuo's childhood friend, whom he promised to marry when they were young. Beautiful as she is, he has been trying to escape her stalking for years. But Banri comes to feel sorry for her, as her glamorous aura isolates her from other students, and they begin to grow close.

Stars Horie Yui, who also does the OP and ED, with young seiyuus Furukawa Makoto and Ishikawa Kaito (Ledo in Gargantia, Manatsu in RDG). But I'm more interested in three names farther down the seiyuu list: Kayano Ai, Satou Satomi (Eru in Hyouka) and the 15-year-old with the great pipes, Kido Ibuki (who also stars in pupa).


Freezing Vibration
  (jp: フリージング ヴァイブレーション)   jpWiki

ecchi seinen action
director: Watanabe Takashi (Slayers, Shakugan no Shana)
writer: Akahoshi Masanao (Strain, Index). Lim Dal-Young, Kim Gwan-Hyeon (manga).
seiyuus: Ichiki Mitsuhiro (Yuuki in Marimite), Noto Mamiko, Kugimiya Rie, Inoue Marina, Kaida Yuuko, Hanazawa Kana.
animation: ACGT.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts fri 04 oct 21:30

A second season for Satellizer L. Bridget and company. Among the many shows that are basically pantsu and oppai with fighting, this is one I found myself able to watch most of.

The director did Shakugan no Shana. The writer, who adapts this from a Korean manhwa, did Index. Solid experienced cast includes Noto Mamiko, Kugimiya Rie, Inoue Marina, Kaida Yuuko, HanaKana.


Strike the Blood
  (jp: ストライク・ザ・ブラッド)   jpWiki

school action supernatural ecchi romance fantasy
director: Yamamoto Hideo (Prince of Tennis 2), Sano Takao (chief dir; Chitose Get You)
writer: Yoshino Hiroyuki (Mai-HiME, Accel World, Magi). Mikumo Gakuto (novel).
seiyuus: Hosoya Yoshimasa (Nezumi/No6, Shintarou/Kids on the Slope, Haruto/Kimi no Iru Machi), Taneda Risa (Saki/Shinsekai yori, Asami/Sukitte ii), Seto Asami (Yoshino/Hourou Musuko, Ran/Rinne no Lagrange, Chihaya/Chihayafuru), Hidaka Rina (Kaede/Tiger Bunny, Ririchiyo/InuBokuSS), Kanemoto Hisako, Ousaka Ryouta, Ishihara Kaori, Miyake Kenta, Iguchi Yuka.
animation: Silver Link.
trailer. manga. ~26eps. forum.
starts fri 04 oct 23:30

On an island in Tokyo Harbour where demons are allowed to exist, a young girl magician is set the task of spying on and then eliminating the legendary strongest vampire, whose powers present a danger to all of Japan. The legendary vampire turns out not to be the kind of person you would expect.

A director who has done a Prince of Tennis series. The writer who did Mai-HiME and Accel World. Nice animation by Silver Link. Terrific young cast. I am particularly eager to hear Taneda Risa, who has impressed me so far in her young career, especially as Saki in From the New World. She is also starring in Kyoukai no Kanata. This show might turn out to be nothing, but it has possibilities.


Yuusha ni Narenakatta Ore wa Shibushibu Shuushoku o Ketsui Shimashita
  (jp: 勇者になれなかった俺はしぶしぶ就職を決意しました)   jpWiki

comedy with fanservice
director: Yoshimoto Kinji
writer: Suzuki Masashi. Sakyou Jun (novel).
seiyuus: Koumoto Keisuke, Tadokoro Azusa (Aoi/Aikatsu!), Shimagata Maina, Kawahara Yoshihisa, Sowa Madoka, Takaragi Kumi, Nitta Emi, Yamada Natsumi, Iwasaki Kanae.
animation: Asread. OP ZAQ, ED Sphere.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts fri 04 oct 25:30

Raul could not become a Hero because the demon lord was defeated just before his Hero exams took place. His dreams dashed, he now works at a magic shop in the royal capital. One day, a young job-seeker shows up -- who turns out to be the daughter of the demon lord….

A cast full of young unknowns, except for Nitta Emi and 19-year-old Tadokoro Azusa (who plays the demon king's daughter). Tadokoro-san won the seiyuu contest Kido Ibuki was a runner-up in and has become very popular on 2channel.

Director Yoshimoto Kinji did the ecchi classic Plastic Little in the 90s, and has done three Queen's Blade shows more recently. Writer Suzuki Masashi did Shuffle, Kanokon, and Sacred Blacksmith. The manga is funny and cute, but I'm not sure I trust these guys to produce the anime. The OP and ED are by big names, though (ZAQ and Sphere), so it appears that some resources are being put into this show.


Log Horizon
  (jp: ログ・ホライズン)   jpWiki

fantasy game adventure comedy
director: Ishihara Shinji (Tokyo Majin, Fairy Tail)
writer: Nemoto Toshizou (Tokyo Majin, Book of Bantorra, Inu x Boku). Touno Mamare (novel).
seiyuus: Katou Emiri, Maeno Tomoaki, Nakata Jouji, Terashima Takuma, Matsui Eriko, Tamura Nao, Kakihara Tetsuya, Yamashita Daiki.
animation: Satelight.
trailer. 25eps. forum.
starts sat 05 oct 17:30

Thirty thousand Japanese gamers are suddenly trapped inside a sword and sorcery online game world. In order to survive, Shiroe (Terashima Takuma) combines with his old friend Naotsugu (Maeno Tomoaki) and the beautiful female assassin Akatsuki (Katou Emiri).

The trailer makes this seem like a somewhat more comic take on the situation than Sword Art Online. Director Ishihara Shinji did Fairy Tail. Writer Nemoto Toshizou did Book of Bantorra.


Little Busters! Refrain
  (jp: リトルバスターズ! Refrain)   jpWiki

seinen comedy romance tragedy
director: Yamakawa Yoshiki (Hatsukoi Limited, Kill Me Baby, Little Busters 1)
writer: Shimada Michiru (Angelique 2006-7, Shugo Chara, Emily of New Moon, Jewelpet Tinkle). Visual Art's/Key (game).
seiyuus: Horie Yui, Tamiyasu Tomoe, Midorikawa Hikaru, Kanna Nobutoshi, Oda Yuusei, Yanase Natsumi, Tanaka Ryouko, Suzuki Keiko, Wakabayashi Naomi, Kawaragi Shiho.
animation: JC Staff.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sat 05 oct 20:30

The same staff brings us a new season or two of Little Busters. I found the last series awkward and slow, but with occasional darts of deep emotion.

Director Yamakawa Yoshiki did Hatsukoi Limited and Kill Me Baby, as well as the first series. Writer Shimada Michiru has done a good job with various shows for young teen girls.


White Album 2
  (jp: White Album 2)   jpWiki

romantic drama from an ero-game
director: Andou Masaomi (Total Eclipse), Numata Seiya (chiefdir)
writer: Maruto Fumiaki. Leaf/Aquaplus.
seiyuus: Mizushima Takahairo, Yonezawa Madoka, Nabatame Hitomi, Terashima Takuma, Nakagami Ikumi, Sugiyama Noriaki, Kaji Yuuki, Natsuki Rio.
animation: Satelight. OP/ED Uehara Rena.
trailer. forum.
starts sat 05 oct 25:30

It's a month until the school festival. Haruki is alone, the last member of a dying music club, playing his guitar. Then he hears the sound of a piano. And then a light, clear voice rises. Six months begin that will pass like a dream....

This is from the second White Album ero-game, and involves a new set of characters living ten years later. New director. New anime writer (the game writer this time). New studio (Satelight instead of Seven Arcs). I found the first White Album strong but muddy. The trailer and the official site both give me a good feeling about this new series. The presence of Nabatame Hitomi is a plus.


Hajime no Ippo - Rising
  (jp: はじめの一歩 Rising)   jpWiki

shounen sports
director: Shishido Jun (Hajime New Challenger)
writer: Fudeyasu Kazuyuki (Hajime New Challenger, Milky Holmes). Morikawa Jouji (manga).
seiyuus: Koyama Rikiya, Namikawa Daisuke, Fujiwara Keiji, Kiyasu Kohei, Takagi Wataru.
animation: Madhouse, MAPPA.
trailer. manga. 25eps. forum.
starts sat 05 oct 25:35

The third series of the boxing anime Hajime no Ippo. Some great voices: Koyama Rikiya, Namikawa Daisuke, Fujiwara Keiji.






Kuroko no Basuke 2
  (jp: 黒子のバスケ 2)   jpWiki

shounen sporrts
director: Tada Shunsuke
writer: Takagi Noboru. Fujimaki Tadatoshi (manga).
seiyuus: Ono Kenshou, Ono Yuuki, Kimura Ryouhei, Hoshi Souichirou, Saitou Chiwa, Ono Daisuke, Hosoya Yoshimasa, Suzuki Tatsuhisa, Nojima Hirofumi, Hamada Kenji, Suwabe Junichi, Eguchi Takuya, Nakai Kazuya, Inoue Go, Orikasa Fumiko.
animation: Production IG. OP Granrodeo, ED Oldcodex.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sat 05 oct 25:58

Second season of the popular basketball anime. Director Tada Shunsuke did the previous series, as well as various Bungaku Shoujo and Prince of Tennis shows. Writer Takagi Noboru did Koi Kaze, Durarara, and Sankarea. Good cast. Promising for those who liked the first season, or who like sports anime in general.


Seiyuu Sentai Voicetorm 7
  (jp: 声優戦隊ボイストーム7)   jpWiki

camp comedy
seiyuus: Kakihara Tetsuya, Miyata Kouki, Miki Shinichirou, Sakurai Takahiro, Katou Emiri, Hatano Wataru, Akasaki Chinatsu, Seki Toshihiko, Chiba Shigeru, Eguchi Takuya.

trailer. 12x5min eps.
starts sat 05 oct 26:05

This is a "motion comic" produced by seiyuu agency 81Produce to showcase their seiyuus. And it's quite a list, especially of male seiyuus. Miki Shinichirou and Sakurai Takahiro are a good start.

A group of tokusatsu-like seiyuu warriors use their voices to protect Japan and its otaku from the forces threatening moe. The simple production process means that no director is named.


Tesagure! Bukatsumono
  (jp: てさぐれ! 部活もの)   jpWiki

CG comedy anime
director: Ishidate Koutarou (gdgd Fairies writer, Straight Title Robot Anime)
writer: Ishidate Koutarou.
seiyuus: Akesaka Satomi, Nishi Asuka, Ogino Karin, Oohashi Ayaka, Ueda Reina.
animation:
forum.
starts sat 05 oct 26:20

Fifteen-minute episodes about extracurricular activities. Created by members of the same staff that did gdgd Fairies and Straight Title Robot Anime.






Dia no Ace
  (jp: ダイヤのA[エース])   jpWiki

shounen sports
director: Masuhara Mitsuyuki (Chii's Sweet Home, Kobato, Polar Bear Café)
writer: Konuta Kenji (Library War, Blood Lad). Terajima Yuuji (manga).
seiyuus: Ousaka Ryouta, Shimazaki Nobunaga, Sakurai Takahiro, Hanae Natsuki, Hosoya Yoshimasa, Asanuma Shintarou, Ono Yuuki, Namikawa Daisuke, Morita Masakazu, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Shimono Hiro, Hatano Wataru, Matsuoka Yoshitsugu, Hiyama Nobuyuki, Uchiyama Yumi, Touchi Hiroki.
animation: Madhouse, Production IG. OP Tom-H@ck w/Oonishi Masayoshi, ED Hikasa Youko.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sun 06 oct 08:30

Eijun pitches for a country school. He gets one chance to play with an outstanding catcher, and that makes him decide to leave his school to go play for the catcher's big urban school.

Anything from Madhouse or Production IG deserves attention, and this show is by both of them together. The director (Polar Bear Café) and the writer (Library War) have some good credits. But time will tell. Top cast stars Ousaka Ryouta, Shimazaki Nobunaga, and Sakurai Takahiro. Hikasa Youko is not listed in the cast, but sings the ED. The OP is by Toyosaki Aki's friend Tom H@ck.


Magi: The Kingdom of Magic (2013)
  (jp: マギ (2013))   jpWiki

shounen magic adventure
director: Yasunari Koji (Read or Die, Magi)
writer: Yoshino Hiroyuki (My- HiME, Macross Frontier, Accel World, Railgun S, Guilty Crown). Ootaka Shinobu (Sumomomo Momomo, Magi mangas).
seiyuus: Ishihara Kaori, Kaji Yuuki, Tomatsu Haruka, Ono Daisuke, Sakurai Takahiro, Hosoya Yoshimasa, Morikubo Shoutarou, Horie Yui, Matsuoka Yoshitsugu, Ousaka Ryouta, Inoue Kikuko, Chou, Sakamoto Maaya, Miyano Mamoru, Taniyama Kishou, Takagaki Ayahi, Asumi Kana, Mizuki Nana, Ono Kensho, Hanazawa Kana, Nakamura Yuuichi, Hino Satoshi, Kakihara Tetsuya, Kimura Ryouhei.
animation: A-1 Pictures. OP SID, ED Aqua Timez.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sun 06 oct 17:00

A good show gets a second series. Director Yasunari Koji did Read or Die, ROD the TV, and the first Magi series. Workmanlike writer Yoshino Hiroyuki did My- HiME, Macross Frontier, Accel World, Railgun S, Guilty Crown, and the first series.

I'm not a huge fan of the staff, but the cast is something else again. Magi gave Ishihara Kaori a chance to show she could do a young boy's voice. She had already made her mark as a lead in Rinne no Lagrange. She is now one of my favorite voices, despite coming to the profession as an idol. And just cast an eye over the cast list: a huge complement of excellent seiyuus. Eps 1-2 preview 22 Sept.


Phi Brain: Kami no Puzzle (2013)
  (jp: ファイ・ブレイン 神のパズル (2013))   jpWiki

shounen adventure puzzles
director: Endou Hirotaka (co-director, series 2)
writer: Satou Junichi (ARIA, Tamayura, dir. series 1), Sekijima Mayori (MoonPhase, Pandora Hearts, all prev. series). "Yatate Hajime" (Sunrise staff).
seiyuus: Asanuma Shintarou, Shimizu Kaori, Fukuyama Jun, Miyata Kouki, Yukino Satsuki, Chihara Minori, Nakata Jouji, Ishida Akira, Fujiwara Keiji, Sakurai Takahiro, Miyano Mamoru, Kamiya Hiroshi, Sugita Tomokazu, Saitou Momoko, Koyasu Takehito.
animation: Sunrise. OP neko, ED seiyuus.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sun 06 oct 17:30

Third series for Phi Brain. Satou Junichi directed the first, co-directed the second with Endou Hirokata, and Endou directs this third series. Sekijima Mayori (Saber Marionette J, MoonPhase, Pandora Hearts) has written all three series.

Fabulous cast includes older stars like Shimizu Kaori and Yukino Satsuki, and the great Koyasu Takehito appears. I never did get into the first series, but a lot of people did. Worth a try if you like puzzles.


Sekai de Ichiban Tsuyoku Naritai!
  (jp: 世界でいちばん強くなりたい!)   jpWiki

boing sports comedy
director: Kujo Rion (Asu no Yoichi, Mayoi Neko Overrun)
writer: Hyodo Kazuho (Tactical Roar, Hayate!! scripts, Gundam AGE scripts).
seiyuus: Taketatsu Ayana, Asumi Kana, Narumi Kyouko, Tomatsu Haruka, Kanemoto Hisako, Hanazawa Kana, Mimori Suzuko, Uesaka Sumire, Satou Rina, Ootsubo Yuka, Itou Mikoi, Amamiya Sora, Kitamura Eri, Tokui Sora, Takahashi Chiaki.
animation: Arms.
trailer. forum.
starts sun 06 oct 20:30

Sakura, the lead vocalist of a famous idol group, suddenly decides to become a professional wrestler.

A comic director (Asu no Yoichi, Mayoi Neko) teams with a young but experienced scriptwriter. They get to direct a cast full of glamorous voices.

I wouldn’t expect high art here, just sexy comedy.


Teekyu 3
  (jp: てーきゅう 3)   jpWiki

comic-strip comedy
director: Itagaki Shin (Basquash, Ben-tou, Teekyuu)
writer: Itagaki Shin.
seiyuus: Mimori Suzuko, Watanabe Yui, Narumi Kyouko, Hanazawa Kana, Ishihara Kaori, Ogura Yui.
animation: MAPPA.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sun 06 oct 22:27

Four girls are their school's tennis club -- but they hardly ever play any tennis. Funny three-minute episodes directed by Itagaki Shin (Ben-tou).

This third series follows right on the heels of the second series. Manga link is to the Japanese online manga.


Meganebu!
  (jp: メガネブ!)   jpWiki

comedy with yaoi undertones
director: Yamamoto Soubi (This Boy Can Fight Aliens, This Boy Caught a Merman)
writer: Akao Deko (Arakawa Under the Bridge, Astalotte's Toy, Mysterious Girlfriend X).
seiyuus: Akabane Kenji, Miyata Kouki, Tamura Atsushi, Suwabe Junichi, Kimura Ryouhei.
animation: Studio Deen. OP MUCC, ED Sakou Tomohisa.
trailer. forum.
starts sun 06 oct 23:30

Souma Akira loves glasses and creates a "Glasses Club," forcing all his glasses-wearing friends to join. The trailers give off a "Free"-like yaoi air.

Director Yamamoto Soubi hasn’t done much. Writer Akao Deko has done quite a bit of good stuff: Arakawa, Astalotte, Mysterious Girlfriend X. I'm hoping this is the good Studio Deen, but I'm not sure. Most of the studio's top talent will probably be working on pupa. I look forward to Suwabe Junichi and Kimura Ryouhei, anyway.


Yozakura Quartet: Hana no Uta
  (jp: 夜桜四重奏 ~ハナノウタ~)   jpWiki

supernatural shounen monster-fighting
director: Ryouchimo (Yozakura Hoshi no Umi)
writer: Ishikawa Manabu (Kuuchuu Buranko). Yasuda Suzuhito (manga).
seiyuus: Fukuen Misato, Kaji Yuuki, Fujita Saki, Sawashiro Miyuki, Ono Daisuke, Tomatsu Haruka, Mizuhara Kaoru, Tanaka Rie, Kase Yasuyuki.
animation: Tatsunoko. OP UNISON SQUARE GARDEN, ED phatmans after school.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sun 06 oct 23:30

This is an alternate retelling of the first Yozakura series. New director and writer...and new animation studio (Tatsunoko instead of Nomad). The new director has directed nothing but Yozakura OVAs. The new writer, however, did Kuuchuu Buranko (Trapeze). The cast remains subtantially the same as in the other series and the OVAs.

Sakurashin is a town where supernatural beings (youkai) can coexist peacefully with humans. The city was built around seven huge cherry blossom trees (Yozakura = "evening cherry-blossoms") that connect the human and youkai worlds. About half of the population is youkais who have migrated from the other world. Four young but powerful individuals are chosen to protect the town and the gate: a super-strong girl named Hime, a mind reader named Ao, a conjurer named Kotoha, and an ordinary boy named Akina. The three girls and Akina protect the city from supernatural threats.


Walkure Romanze
  (jp: ワルキューレロマンツェ)   jpWiki

ecchi romantic comedy
director: Yamamoto Yuusuke (Keroro Gunsou, Aquarion Evol)
writer: Fudeyasu Kazuyuki (Kamen no Maid Guy, Ben-tou, OniAi). Ricotta (game).
seiyuus: Mizusawa Kei, Shimizu Ai, Taguchi Hiroko, Yamashita Seiichirou, Nakamura Eriko.
animation: 8bit. OP Hashimoto Miyuki, ED Aso Natsuko.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sun 06 oct 24:30

From an erogame by Ricotta (makers of Princess Lover). Takahiro studies at an academy that has jousting as its main sport. His childhood friend Mio is enrolled in the competition, despite never even having ridden a horse before. Takahiro becomes her coach.

The seiyuu from the erogame play the same roles in the anime, under different names. Taguchi Hiroko is an excellent voice actress, in my opinion. She was Suzuna in Moonlight Lady, Miyako in ef memories, and Sora in Yosuga no Sora. Directed by professional director Yamamoto Yuusuke (Keroro Gunsou). Written by comic writer Fudeyasu Kazuyuki (Ben-tou, OniAi). The trailer looks workmanlike but unexciting. We shall see.


Gingitsune
  (jp: ぎんぎつね)   jpWiki

seinen supernatural slice-of-life
director: Misawa Shin (Fire Emblem, Capeta)
writer: Yamaguchi Hiroshi (Desert Punk, ToHeart2, Rosario+Vampire). Ochiai Sayori (manga).
seiyuus: Kanemoto Hisako, Miki Shinichirou, Seki Toshihiko, Ono Kenshou, Fujimura Ayumi, Koshimizu Ami, Akasaki Chinatsu, Seki Tomokazu, Sugita Tomokazu, Nojima Hirofumi.
animation: Diomedea. OP fhána, ED SCREEN mode.
trailer.
starts sun 06 oct 25:05

Makoto lives with her father, the head priest of an old harvest shrine. But only she can see the fox spirit and other gods who live there with them.

I like Kanemoto Hisako's work, and I love Miki Shinichirou's. Other names to admire: Koshimizu Ami, Seki Tomokazu, Sugita Tomokazu.

Director Misawa Shin did most of his work in the last century, but also did Capeta. Writer Yamaguchi Hiroshi did Rosario+Vampire, unfortunately. The look is nice. The story works. There are some good voices. But the staff seems questionable.


Gundam Build Fighters
  (jp: ガンダムビルドファイターズ)   jpWiki

shounen kids adventure
director: Nagasaki Kenji (Gundam00)
writer: Kuroda Yousuke (PuniPuni Poemi, Jormingand, Gundam00).
seiyuus: Komatsu Mikako, Kokuryuu Sachi, Mitsuishi Kotono, Ishikawa Yui, Nakamura Yuuichi, Fujii Minami, Satou Takuya.
animation: Sunrise.
trailer. forum.
starts mon 07 oct 18:00

A young-shounen Gundam show, made by the same director and writer who made Gundam00. Stars Komatsu Mikako (Marika in Space Pirates, Neko in K).

In the near future, GunPla Battles -- competitions that pit Gundam plastic models against each other -- have become popular worldwide. Iori Sei, a first-year middle-school student and the only son of a model-shop owner, is talented at building GunPla, but inexperienced in the GunPla Battles. He encounters a mysterious boy named Reiji, who happens to be an accomplished Gundam Fighter. Together, they strive toward the GunPla Battle world championships. (ANN)


Yowamushi Pedal
  (jp: 弱虫ペダル)   jpWiki

shounen sports comedy/drama
director: Nabeshima Osamu (D.Gray-Man)
writer: Yoshida Reiko (Marimite, K-On). Watanabe Wataru (manga).
seiyuus: Yamashita Daiki, Toriumi Kousuke, Fukushima Jun, Yasumoto Hiroki, Morikubo Showtaro, Itou Kentarou,Kishio Daisuke, Matsuoka Yoshitsugu, Suwabe Junichi, Suwa Ayaka, Han Megumi, Maeno Tomoaki, Yonaga Tsubasa, Kakihara Tetsuya, Hino Satoshi, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Abe Atsushi.
animation: TMS Entertainment. OP ROOKiEZ is PUNK'D, ED UNDER GRAPH.
trailer. manga. ~39eps. forum.
starts mon 07 oct 25:35

High-school freshman Onoda rides a heavy old women's bike to do errands. One day, a road-racing cyclist in his school notices how strong he is on the bike and approaches him to join the cycling club. But Onoda is an otaku and wants to join the anime club. The anime club, however, has been disbanded, so….

Good staff includes director Nabeshima Osamu (D. Gray-man) and writer Yoshida Reiko (Marimite, K-On). Names that jump out at me from the cast include Toriumi Kousuke and Suwabe Junichi. Lead Yamashita Daiki sounds a bit too wimpy Kaji Yuuki in the trailer, but I guess he is supposed to be wimpy (yowamushi="weakling" or "wimp").


Non Non Biyori
  (jp: のんのんびより)   jpWiki

seinen slice of life comedy w/possible yuri undertones
director: Kawamo Shinya (Kokoro Connect)
writer: Yoshida Reiko (Scrapped Princess, Marimite, Girls und Panzer). Atto (manga).
seiyuus: Koiwai Kotori, Murakawa Rie, Sakura Ayane, Asumi Kana.
animation: Silver Link. OP nano.RIPE, ED seiyuus.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts mon 07 oct 26:05

Hotaru moves from Tokyo to the countryside with her parents. Her entire school now is one class: a multi-age group of four girls and one boy.

Director Kawamo Shinya did Kokoro Connect. Writer Yoshida Reiko did Marimite and K-On, among many other shows. Studio: Silver Link (Baka to Test, Dusk Maiden Amnesia, Kokoro Connect).

Koiwai Kotori (Iwai in Crime Edge) gets another big role, along with Murakawa Rie (Aoi in Vividred), who plays Hotaru. They are backed up by young star Sakura Ayane and older star Asumi Kana.


Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio: Ars Nova
  (jp: 蒼き鋼のアルペジオ -アルス・ノヴァ-)   jpWiki

seinen sci-fi action
director: Kishi Seiji
writer: Uezu Makoto. Ark Performance (manga).
seiyuus: Okitsu Kazuyuki, Fuchigami Mai, Matsumoto Shinobu, Miyashita Eiji, Tsuda Minami, Touyama Nao, Numakura Manami, Yamamura Hibiku, Uchiyama Yumi, Yukana, MAKO, Fujita Saki, Hidaka Rina, Yamamoto Nozomi, Hara Sayuri.
animation: Sanzigen. OP nano, ED Trident.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts mon 07 oct 26:55

"Blue Steel Arpeggio." Global warming has caused sea-level to rise, drowing much of the Earth's land. Suddenly, a fleet of unmanned ships, known as the Fleet of Fog, appears all over the world. Although the fleet has the appearance of WW2-era ships, its advanced weapons are irresistible. Mankind is blocked from travelling either oceans or sky.

Seventeen years later, Chihaya Gunzou and his friends are aboard the I-401, a former enemy submarine. The ship's "mental model," Iona, is now working with them to deliver plans for a powerful weapon to America, where the weapon can be manufactured.

Director Kishi Seiji and writer Uezu Makoto did Sunred, Humanity has Declined, and the summer's big hit Danganropa. To me, their work always seem clumsy, but they obviously have something going for them. This show provides the opportunity to choreograph "epic tactical naval battles." (quoting Tenzen12 on AnimeSuki)


Tokyo Ravens
  (jp: 東京レイヴンズ)   jpWiki

supernatural action romantic comedy
director: Kanasaki Takaomi (Zombie Desu ka)
writer: Kurata Hideyuki (Now Then Here There, OreImo). Azano Kouhei (novel).
seiyuus: Ishikawa Kaito, Hanazawa Kana, Kimura Ryouhei, Sakura Ayane, Kanemoto Hisako, Toyosaki Aki, Kitamura Eri, Shimono Hiro, Yusa Kouji.
animation: 8bit (former Satelight studio 1).
trailer. manga. forum.
starts tue 08 oct 24:30

Tsuchimikado Harutora was born into a prestigious family of sorcerers, but can't see spirit energy. He has been enjoying a peaceful daily life with his friends at a minor school. But one day, his childhood friend Tsuchimikado Natsume, heir to the head family, suddenly appears. What changes will her presence cause in his life?

Good-looking trailer, with magic, action, and moe. Nice cast headed by young star Ishikawa Kaito (Red in Gargantia) and superstar Hanazawa Kana. Directed by the director of Zombie Desu ka? And written by the writer of OreImo and other shows.


BlazBue Alter Memory
  (jp: BLAZBLUE ALTER MEMORY)   jpWiki

fighting action
director: Tachibana Hideki (H2O, Dragon Crisis), Mizushima Seiji (assistance; dir. Oh Edo Rocket, FMA)
writer: Akao Deko (Arakawa, Astalotte, Nazo no Kanojo X).
seiyuus: Kakihara Tetsuya (Simon/Gurren Lagaan), Kondou Kanako, Sugita Tomokazu, Nakamura Yuuichi, Nomura Kenji, Matsuura Chie, Takahashi Chiaki, Isomura Tomomi, Ueda Kana, Saitou Chiwa.
animation: Hoods Entertainment, TeamKG. OP Faylan, ED Yuki Aira.
trailer. forum.
starts tue 08 oct 25:30

It is AD 2199. After the end of a rebellion, one great rebel is left -- Ragna. A huge bounty is put on his head -- and the chase is on. Based on the popular BlazBlue fighting games from Arc System Works, particularly Calamity Trigger and Continuum Shift.

A fairly pedestrian director (Tachibana Hideki/Dragon Crisis) is assisted by a good director (Mizushima Seiji/FMA). Written by Akao Deko (Mysterious Girlfriend X). OP by Faylan, who doesn't do much for me, but is a good singer. ED by Yuki Aira.

Stars Kakihara Tetsuya, with other big names including Sugita, Nakamura Yuuichi, Ueda Kana, and Chiwa. And Isomura Tomomi as "squirrel girl."


Ore no Nounai Sentakushi ga, Gakuen Lovecome o Zenryoku de Jama Shiteiru
  (jp: 俺の脳内選択肢が, 学園ラブコメを全力で邪魔している)   jpWiki

ecchi school love comedy
director: Inagaki Takayuki (Marginal Prince, Total Eclipse, Jewelpet Sunshine)
writer: Kanasugi Hiroko (debut as lead writer). Kasukabe Takeru (novel).
seiyuus: Sadohara Kaori, Toyonaga Toshiyuki, Kondou Yuki, Tsuji Ayumi, Yajima Akiko, Oozora Naomi, Igarashi Hiromi, Matsuzaka Rei, Misato.
animation: Diomedea. OP Afilia Saga, ED Two-Formula.
trailer. forum.
starts wed 09 oct 25:00

"The choices in my head totally interfere with my school love comedy." From a light novel. Kaede is a high school boy with an irresistible compulsion to choose and follow one of two orders which pop up in his mind from time to time. In other words, his life is like a dating sim. One day, another choice pops up. "1. A bishoujo is falling on you. 2. You fall in drag." When he chooses option 1, a blond girl named Chocolat falls on him.

An interesting cast headed by lesser-known names, but backed up by a couple of well-known stars: Yajima Akiko and Igarashi Hiromi. I have my doubts about the lesser names, but Yajima Akiko (Crayon Shin-chan) is one of the very best. The director and writer give us little to go on. This sounds like a sausage from the moe comedy sausage factory, but we shall see.


Galilei Donna
  (jp: ガリレイドンナ)   jpWiki

noitaminA battle action adventure
director: Umetsu Yasuomi (Kite Liberator)
writer: Kurata Hideyuki (Kannagi, OreImo, World God Only Knows), Machida Touko (Lucky Star, Idolm@ster, Karneval).
seiyuus: Hidaka Rina, Ookubo Rumi, Shindou Kei, Inoue Marina, Kusunoki Taiten, Kamiya Hiroshi, Koyama Rikiya, Kuwashima Houko.
animation: A-1 Pictures. OP Negoto, ED earthmind.
trailer. forum.
starts thu 10 oct 24:50

In 2016 AD, global warming has been replaced by the beginning of a new ice age. Three girls who are decendants of Galileo are suddenly attacked by a mysterious organization and must overcome their differences to fight back.

Excellent character design and animation in the trailer. Interesting young stars Hidaka Rina and Ookubo Rumi head the cast, with big names behind them (Inoue Marina, Kamiya Hiroshi, Koyama Rikiya…and Kuwashima Houko). This is director Umetsu Yasuomi's firsst show since Kite Liberator. No lead writer named, but Kurata Hideyuki and Machida Touko head the list of scriptwriters. Could be good.


Koroshiya-san
  (jp: 殺し屋さん)   jpWiki

comic strip comedy
director: Ikegaya Ai
writer: Ichijo Masahide.
seiyuus: Sakurai Takahiro, Kanada Aki, Fujita Saki, Ookawa Tooru, Fujiwara Kiji.
animation: OperaHouse. OP Mix Speaker's, Inc..
trailer.
starts thu 10 oct 25:00

He himself and everyone else thinks of "the Hired Gun" as the top assassin in Japan. But he is forced to expand his repertoire to many services, from summer homework to houekeeping.

Flash animation based on a comic strip. Stars Sakurai Takahiro, with Fujita Saki and the great voices of Ookawa Tooru (as a detective) and Fujiwara Keiji (as a police dog). Written and directed by Ikegaya Ai, based on a four-panel comic. Her only previous credit is for a flash anime called Beelzebub ("Run, Detective Bell-san"), but she has some short works on her website. 


Samurai Flamenco
  (jp: サムライフラメンコ)   jpWiki

noitaminA comic madness
director: Oomori Takahiro (Koi Kaze, Hell Girl, Durarara)
writer: Kurata Hideyuki (Now Then Here There, Kannagi, OreImo).
seiyuus: Masuda Toshiki, Sugita Tomokazu, Tomatsu Haruka, M.A.O., Yamazaki Erii, Kosugi Juurouta, Ookawa Tooru, Nakamura Chie, Mikami Satoshi.
animation: Manglobe. OP Spyair, ED seiyuus.
trailer. forum.
starts thu 10 oct 25:15

The madcap adventures of an ikemen "self-styled hero" in a red jump-suit and a young detective he comes to know.

By the director of Durarara and the writer of OreImo (!). Interesting cast stars a young seiyuu (Masuda Toshiki, who is Ryouga in Yu-Gi-Oh Zexal), and a comic superstar (Sugita Tomokazu). Hard to know what this one will be like except by watching it. Could be the good noitaminA.


Kakumeiki Valvrave 2
  (jp: 革命機ヴァルヴレイヴ 2)   jpWiki

mecha action science fiction with some romance
director: Matsuo Kou (Dead Girls, Kurenai, Natsuyuki Rendezvous)
writer: Okouchi Ichirou (Azumanga Daioh, Code Geass, Planetes).
seiyuus: Kimura Ryouhei, Ousaka Ryouta, Seto Asami, Tomatsu Haruka, Ono Yuuki, Nakamura Yuuichi, Yuuki Aoi, Fukuen Misato, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Namikawa Daisuke, Kotobuki Minako, Hatano Wataru, Horie Yui, Fukuyama Jun, Mizuki Nana, Miyano Mamoru, Hosoya Yoshimasa, Kaji Yuuki, Ono Daisuke, Toyosaki Aki, Kayano Ai, Yonaga Tsubasa.
animation: Sunrise. OP Mizuki Nana x TM Revolution, ED Elisa.
trailer. forum.
starts thu 10 oct 25:35

A second season for the popular mecha show from spring of this year. The revolution, and the secrets, continue.

Great cast full of young stars, from Ousaka Ryouta and Kimura Ryouhei through Seto Asami and Tomatsu Haruka, to Yuuki Aoi and Kayano Ai -- and many more. Director Matsuo Kou did Dead Girls, Kurenai, and Natsuyuki Rendezvous. Writer Okouchi Ichirou did Azumanga Daioh, Code Geass, and Planetes.

The first season didn’t capture me -- I am not really a mecha fan -- but the ingredients are here for a good show. I will try to ride out the fighting to get to the human relationships.


Pocket Monsters XY
  (jp: ポケットモンスターXY)   jpWiki

kids shounen adventure
director: Yajima Tetsuo, Yuyama Kunihiko (gen. dir.)
writer: Tomioka Atsuhiro (Pokemon Diamond, B&W, Pumpkin Scissors, Inazuma 11).
seiyuus: Matsumoto Rika, Ootani Ikue, Makiguchi Mayuki, Kaji Yuuki, Ise Mariya, Hayashibara Megumi, Miki Shinichirou, Inuyama Inuko, Ueda Yuuji, Ishizuka Unshou.
animation: Oriental Light + Magic. OP Yusuke, ED J☆Dee’Z.
trailer.
starts thu 17 oct 19:00

Yet another probably year-long series for this perennial top-ten anime. Long-time Pokemon franchise director Yuyama Kunihiko recedes to the position of "general" director, and episode director Yajima Tetsuo takes over as director. The same lead writer continues from Diamond+Pearl and Black+White.

For this new series, Iris (Yuuki Aoi) and Denton (Miyano Mamoru) are out of the picture, and Citron (Kaji Yuuki), Yurika (Ise Mariya), and Serena (Makiguchi Mayuki) move in. I'm hoping this means I will begin to see more of Ao-chan in other shows. This is hardly my cup of tea, but the great franchise rolls on.

Here we go again. The new anime season gets rolling in earnest this week, with more and more new shows popping up as the week goes on. Click here or on the image for a calendar-style schedule.


There are other schedules available from other websites. There are links to some of them at the bottom of my schedule page.

There are rumours that she went to an arts college or university during her years out of show business, and that she can draw well -- though I haven't seen examples yet. 

Commenters on 2channel find her slight stoop cute and love the look of her legs, such as in this pic with Yamaoka Yuri, who is also in Kyoukai no Kanata:





Note the huge earlobes, which are supposed to be associated with good fortune and long life. She looks simple and pleasant in most shots, but can also be posed to look more sophisticated:




Tane-chan is not just a voice actress. She is also a good singer. That came through loud and clear in the first ED to From the New World, "Wareta Ringo":



She is also part of the seiyuu group Rhodanthe, which did the OP for Kin-iro Mosaic, "Jumping!!":



I want to hear more of her singing, as well as see her in more roles. Three in one season is a good start. Comments on Japanese sites remark on her broad range, and call her a seiyuu who got where she is based on her own ability. Since she is an "own ability" seiyuu who is not starting at a young age, people are comparing her with Kayano Ai. 

Some comments suggest that since her voice is not strongly individual, she will end up as a useful cast member with many roles, rather than as a star. We shall see. I would not be at all surprised to see her doing a lot of TV/film dubbing, like a Kaida Yuuko.

She is cute and present in this Kin-iro Mosaic promo, with Nishi Asuka, Tanaka Manami, Touyama Nao, and Uchiyama Yumi. Tane-chan appears at around the 40-second mark, wearing a pink hairclip:





Links
agency page (with voice samples)
Anime News Network
Wikipedia
Japanese Wikipedia
Osawa clients tend not to have blogs or twitter accounts. There is an @TanedaRisa twitter account, but it is protected, and in any case may not really be hers.

Here is a full list of her work, mainly based on information in Japanese Wikipedia:








Kyoukai no Kanata Fuyukai Radio Onsen 2013.10 - 

Here are links to character/seiyuu pages for nine new shows, showing pics of the main characters and their seiyuus, and giving a bit of info about each seiyuu.

White Album 2 -- This new story seems a cut above the first White Album anime. So far, this is developing as an excellent sad romance. Stars the seiyuus who did the ero-game.

Kyoukai no Kanata -- The same outstanding KyoAni animation we are used to, telling the story of a bespectacled moe demon girl who uses her blood to fight evil demons and attack her potential friends. Hyouka crossed with Madoka Magica, with a hint of Sing Yesterday added. Taneda Risa in the most important of her three strong roles this season.

Golden Time -- Our hero seems to be falling for the monomaniacal beauty who has been fixated on one guy for a decade. A college romantic comedy. Horie Yui is perfect as the beauty.


Nagi no Asu kara -- Moemoe underwater girl is falling for the land guy, but her rough-edged underwater childhood friend is both jealous and deeply prejudiced. Hanazawa Kana may still be the moe-est seiyuu of all.

Galilei Donna --  Three sisters who are descendants of Galileo escape attempts to kidnap them in a world resembling a steampunk 19th century Italy. Hidaka Rina stars. Kamiya Hiroshi makes a great piratical kidnapper. Kuwashima Houko and Koyama Rikiya play the girls' parents.

Diabolik Lovers -- An innocent girl is trapped living with six hungry bishounen vampires who take turns sucking her blood, and perhaps doing even more to her. I've never seen anything like this. It's helping me discover my inner masochist. Six top male voice-actors surround an unknown female seiyuu.

Kill la Kill -- The most admired show of the season, mainly for great animation and crazy humour. I personally would like more human emotional depth, but the fireworks are terrific. Stars Koshimizu Ami, Yuzuki Ryouka, Miki Shinichirou, and others.

Strike the Blood-- An ordinary high school boy becomes the most powerful vampire in the world, but the teenage girl vampire hunter sent to watch him seems to be deciding he is not so dangerous after all. Taneda Risa strikes again.

Outbreak Company -- The Japanese government sends an otaku to a parallel fantasy world to sell them on anime, manga, and games. Mimori Suzuko is moe to the max as his half-elf maid. Reminds me of Astalotte no Omocha.

White Album 2

We're at least three episodes into most shows this fall season. Here are some comments about shows I'm watching (and not watching) right now. I'm not ranking them in order of "quality," but according to how much I am enjoying them.

My preferences differ enough from other people's that I'm not sure this will be much of a viewing guide, but I hope you enjoy reading.

My most anticipated show hasn't even started yet: pupa. This will be a horror tale directed by outstanding director/writer Mochizuki Tomomi and starring big-voiced 15-year-old Kido Ibuki. I check its niconico page every day. The PV there has already revealed an entirely new voice from Kido-san.

Favorite shows:

White Album 2 -- This is my top show of the season so far. It's a romance based on an ero-game, but has the emotional nuance of good shoujo. One of the two girls involved in a developing romantic triangle is played with delicacy and strength by 37-year-old Nabatame Hitomi, using her deepest voice. The "lazy and violent" Touma Kazusa is a multi-talented musician, but she can't help comparing herself to her mother, an internationally known concert pianist. She comes up short in the comparison, so she thinks she is a nobody, and she has ended up just not caring about much at all. The other girl, Ogiso Setsuna (Yonezawa Madoka), is the school idol, beautiful and sweet, and a good singer as well.

Our hero Haruki wants them to perform with the Light Music Club at school, and his personal determination and fairness convince them to join. The relationships among them develop from there. The story is told lightly and allusively, without needless hand-holding.

Golden Time

Golden Time -- Coming up fast is another romance (you see what I like), from a novel written by the author of Toradora. The show started with a premise that seemed almost comic to me: a beautiful girl (Horie Yui) has been fixated since childhood on a particular guy, refusing to comprehend repeated rejections over the years. Now she has followed him to the same university, against his wishes. Our hero, who has become the guy's friend, gradually helps her realize that she has been foolish to force herself on him -- and falls in love with her himself.

The hero, we learn, lost his memory in an accident a couple of years before. So at the same time as the girl is losing her long-held self-image as the other guy's future wife, our hero is trying to find the past he has lost. I know many people simply turn off when amnesia is mentioned. For me, it is a fascinating trope that in this case helps us think about the nature of personality. The hero says he wants to find his past self -- but he also doesn't want to lose the self he has become since his accident.

Diabolik Lovers -- I may be the only person who admits to enjoying this unique show so much.  It's not a high-class anime. It's a strange and vicious kind of reverse harem, in which our heroine is imprisoned in a house with six bishounen vampire brothers, who each get their turn pushing her down, sinking their fangs into her to suck her blood, and perhaps doing even more to her off-camera. The extreme events and emotional impact are what count here, not the quality of the narrative.

Only after Fifty Shades of Grey could a show like this appear. It releases the viewer's inner masochist. Suegara Rie does a good, if minimal, job in her seiyuu debut, surrounded by six top male voices. It appears (of course) that there is something special about our heroine, and in the upcoming episode 7, the worm may turn. Episodes are only 15 minutes long.

Monogatari Second Season -- Two more favorites are shows continuing from previous seasons. First is Shinbou Akiyuki's magnum opus. I can understand it if some people object to the clearly lolicon content in the show. But Shinbou, for me, is the master of visual and dramatic rhythms. His best shows are like symphonies of music, script, colour, angles, cuts. The recent recap episodes, summarizing the story of the Bake/Neko/Kizu-monogatari shows, have been masterful works of art in themselves. And funny as ever.

Kingdom 2 -- And finally there is the amazing shounen historical drama Kingdom. Some of the animation is awful. The script is often shouted or declaimed rather than spoken. But this is a vivid and thrilling show, describing some of the complex strategies and shifting battles that eventually brought the First Emperor of China to power in the third century BC. It does so by following a hot-blooded and ignorant young peasant slave who rises by his own fighting spirit to become a general.

From here on, things become less clear to me. But I am watching and enjoying these shows:

Kyoukai no Kanata

Kyoukai no Kanata --  I really want to love this show, but it has been muddy and confused. The animation is Kyoto Animation in full flight, and I like the weird demon girl (played by Taneda Risa) who is the last of her family, a family whose ability to wield their blood as a weapon has made them despised outcasts. However, fights don't do much for me, and in any case, aficionados of fighting say the fights here are not well choreographed. The fact that our half-human, half-demon hero likes the girl because she looks good in glasses seems silly to me, and undercuts the force of the rest of the plot. But the frumpy, insecure, standoffish, irrational, violent and yet moe and somewhat pretty heroine still fascinates me. Fortunately, an engaging episode five suggests that the show may be starting to become more lovable.

Nagi no Asu kara -- PA Works may have come up with its most artistically successful romance since true tears. This is a West Side Story fantasy involving kids who live (and breathe) underwater and kids who live on land. There is enough going on here that we have been able to argue at great length on AnimeSuki over whether the prejudiced guy from underwater is a chauvinist creep (I think he has been, up to now) or the weepy girl he likes and bosses around is a silly nonentity (I think she has strength that gives new life to the character-type she embodies). The physics-defying underwater world is one of the stars of the show.

Kyousougiga 2013 -- It took a second watch-through of the first three episodes for me to get this show. The complex plot involves a sorcerer priest whose drawings come to life. He creates himself a family and then has to flee with them from our Kyoto to a looking-glass Kyoto he creates. He and his wife have to return to the real Kyoto, leaving their three children in charge of the mirror world. His created "eldest son" yearns to return to the real Kyoto, at least for a visit. The flat animation is lovely, and the rhythms of the show are aesthetically satisfying. Kugimiya Rie is brilliant as the main character Koto, a violent little shounen heroine whom I really don't like much, but who commands the screen.

Non Non Biyori -- This is yet another sentimental slice-of-life comedy featuring a group of young girls, but it's one that I find particularly entertaining. The countryside scenery is lovely. The gentle humour works. And the director knows how to use silences to let scenes, events, emotions sink in. Koiwai Kotori (Iwai in Crime Edge) uses an exaggerated kiddy voice, one that put me off at first, but makes it work beautifully. From Silver Link, top anime writer Yoshida Reiko, and the director of Kokoro Connect.

Gingitsune -- The voices of Kanemoto Hisako (Squid Girl) and the great Miki Shinichirou weave a moving little world involving a shrine girl who can see spirits and the fox spirit who is the messenger of her shrine. It is almost a love story. At least, it is a story of love between friends. People compare it to Natsume Yuujinchou. It doesn't have the clear form and high ambition that show did, but I am enjoying it more.

Tokyo Ravens --I'm not really a fan of onmyouji anime, anime centred on traditional Japanese exorcist/sorcerers. And I am no fan at all of anime centred on fighting. Nevertheless, this show has captured me.  Hanazawa Kana has rediscovered her original super-moe voice to play a sorceress, but mutates it easily into a voice of command, with which she commands the hero, her bold but rather dense cousin. If only she did not sometimes sink from commanding strength to being a scared maiden in distress. Outstanding OP sung by Kurosaki Maon. Good ED by Nanjou Yoshino, singing on her own, not as half of fripSide.

Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai -- This is a magic+fighting anime starring a pretty moe fighting android and her young master, who is seeking revenge for the murder of his family. Harada Hitomi (Nori in Hidamari Sketch shows) is moe and funny as the "doll." Shimono Hiro is smart and strong as her master. Takamoto Megumi (Ushio in Sasameki Koto) gives us a classic tsundere, beginning and ending sharply tsuntsun, but deredere to the point of speechlessness in between. Nakata Jouji as a wise dragon, the tsundere's familiar, is another attraction here. The show uses a lot of 3DCG, even for the figures. It works well for me, but not for some other people.

Outbreak Company -- A young hikikomori otaku is sent to a parallel fantasy world by the Japanese government, to spread the gospel of anime, manga, and games. Pure silliness, and pure fun. Mimori Suzuko (Sherlock in Milky Holmes) is terrific as the otaku's elfen maid. And she does a wonderful job singing the OP. There are also a proud loli queen, a buxom dog-girl, a gallant knight with a weakness for boys.... You get the picture. Adapted from a novel by the author of Scrapped Princess and Polyphonica.

Strike the Blood -- Hosoya Yoshimasa (Nezumi in No.6) is a young man who finds that he has somehow been transformed into the most powerful vampire in the world. Taneda Risa (Saki in From the New World) is a young "sword shaman" sent to contain him, but who comes to be his ally and perhaps even his girlfriend.  The show seems aimed at a younger audience, but I still find the characters involving. Taneda Risa is a voice to watch for.

Ace of Diamond -- I only just started watching this, and it reminds me of Kingdom. The hot-blooded but rather stupid hero blasts his way forward by force of will -- and with the help of others. Episodes rush ahead without dragging at all. Nice work by Ousaka Ryouta as the hero, and Sakurai Takahiro brings his silky-smooth power to the catcher who helps him reach the top. Up to now, the only sports anime I've really loved was Giant Killing. We'll see how this one goes.

Now we get to shows that I am on the cusp of dropping:  

Galilei Donna

Galilei Donna -- I enjoyed the first episode, but things seem to have stagnated from there. In a steampunk version of Italy, three sisters who are descendants of Galileo are chased by unknown forces seeking a treasure they are unaware they possess. The presence of Kuwashima Houko and Koyama Rikiya as their parents was a big plus, but we haven't seen much of them since episode one. However, Kamiya Hiroshi did a star turn as a pirate who is one of the girls' pursuers, and seems likely to return.

Super Seishun Brothers -- This is a little four-minute bonbon featuring the ironic interactions of two pairs of siblings: elder sisters who are best friends, and younger brothers who are best friends, too. Consistently mildly amusing, and pleasantly restrained.

Koroshiya-san -- Three-minute comedy about an over-thinking neat-freak professional murderer who lives with his parents. Puts a smile on my face every time. Perhaps I won't drop this one.

Ore no Nounai Sentakushi ga, Gakuen Lovecome o Zenryoku de Jama Shiteiru -- God keeps putting embarrassing choices in the mind of our hero, one of which he always has to choose. They involve things like asking girls to either show him their panties -- or to take them off and give them to him to wear. "Choose one!" Especially with its rough animation, there is no way this can be entertaining. But it is. Toyonaga Toshiyuki (Ayumu in Zettai Shounen) as the hero may be one reason.

Here are three shows that have wide acclaim, but that I just don't enjoy:

Kill La Kill

Kill La Kill -- This highly anticipated show has a brilliant surface, but seems about a millimeter deep. Constant well-choregraphed battles excite fans of fighting, of which I am not one. Too noisy, with no actual human beings in sight.

Samurai Flamenco -- A young man is determined to be a superhero. He dresses in the spandex outfit and goes around unsuccessfully trying to stop people jaywalking and littering. Nice idea, I guess, but the homoerotic undercurrent is about the only thing of interest for me here. Maybe it's my antipathy to tokusatsu that turns me off. Good performance by young seiyuu Masuda Toshiki as the lead.

Coppelion -- Ugly look and boring stories. Schoolgirls (in uniform) bred to be radiation-resistant go into a post-nuclear Tokyo to rescue survivors. Good seiyuus (Hanazawa Kana, Tomatsu Haruka) do a poor job. Your mileage may vary.

Little Busters! Refrain -- I found the first series so unbearably slow that I haven't even sampled this one. Full and careful development is one thing. Long periods of stiff voice-acting during which nothing of any interest happens is another. The eventual sentimental payoff is not worth the aggravation, for me. This show annoys me so much because I once had high hopes for it. Again, you may find you disagree.

Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio - Ars Nova

This is a big season for shounen adventure anime of various kinds. It's a genre I don't usually enjoy, so I haven't watched all of them. Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio - Ars Nova (which I'm told is seinen) has an interesting premise and some flashy animation, to say nothing of pretty moe AIs running warships. The first couple of episodes set things up for a continuing series of tense battles. Nothing against this show, but no thanks.
 
Having read praise of Yozakura Quartet, I wondered why I never got into it the first time around. Watching two episodes of the new series showed me why: it gave a by-the-numbers impression that just didn't reach me. I wasn't sure the characters had any real feelings. BlazBlue was similar, with more fighting. Log Horizon just felt clumsy and uninteresting. My own juvenile fantasies run to other areas, I guess.

The first episode of Walkure Romanze made it look like a total disaster to me, another stiff and unbelievable fantasy. I haven't even given a chance to Gaist Crusher,to the women's wrestling anime Sekai de Ichiban Tsuyoku Naritai!, or to Yuusha ni Narenakatta Ore wa Shibushibu Shuushoku o Ketsui Shimashita. 

I've watched three episodes of Yowamushi Pedal without really getting involved. Of sports anime this season Ace of Diamond works a lot better for me.
 
Freezing: Vibration is the second series of a boobs-and-fighting half-romance that I enjoyed for a few episodes the first time around. I think it's actually a pretty good show, in its ugly way. But once again, no thanks.

Magi 2 is probably good, as was its first series. But I found myself losing interest in the shounen fantasy, despite the excellent work of seiyuus including Ishihara Kaori and Tomatsu Haruka. For me, there wasn't enough "there" there, to paraphrase Gertrude Stein.

Despite the many shows I apparently don't like, this is a good season for me. No masterpieces, unless White Album or pupa comes through, but lots of enjoyable shows.

For a different selection of this season's shows, check out the post on Lost in Americathat inspired me to try this kind of review. There's now another season review post up at Behind the Nihon Review. Those two sites are much more "serious" about anime than I think I am, and both like shounen shows far more than I do. But you can just about tell that we are all watching the same things...through different fun-house mirrors.

Here's a quick tabulation of the current number of posts for each new show on the Japanese message board 2channel

Kill La Kill and Non Non Biyori are the most posted-about shows, with Kyoukai no Kanata and Blue Steel Arpeggio not far behind. (There is a higher than usual number of negative posts in the Kyoukai threads.)

Log Horizon and White Album 2 (an odd couple) are the next group, followed by Nagi no Asukara and Strike the Blood.

At the other end of the scale are Yozakura Quartet, Diamond no Ace, and Gingitsune. The latter two are among my own favorites, lol.

Here is the full list, showing number of thousand-post threads:

Kill la Kill	35
Non Non Biyori	33
Kyoukai no Kanata	29
Blue Steel Arpeggio	24
Log Horizon	18
White Album 2	18
Nagi no Asukara	16
Strike the Blood	16
Tokyo Ravens	13
Walkure Romanze	12
Golden Time	11
Kyousougiga	11
Galilei Donna	10
Yowamushi Pedal	10
Outbreak Company	9
Sekai de Ichiban Tsuyoku	9
Coppelion	8
Machine Doll	8
Meganebu	8
Nounai Sentakushi	8
Samurai Flamenco	8
Gingitsune	7
Diamond no Ace	6
Yozakura Quartet	5

The numbers represent thousand-post threads. Yozakura, for example, is on its fifth thread, so there have been 4000+ posts about it.

If I've missed a show or two, please let me know. I know the list is missing popular shows such as Valvrave and MonogatariSS, but the threads for those shows continue from previous seasons, so I can't identify threads specifically for the current season.

Amazing news breaks this afternoon that Yuuki Aoi and Taketatsu Ayana are forming a new singing duo called "petit milady," or "puchi mire" for short.


The name means "little milady" in French/English, and is pretty appropriate for the pair: Ao--chan (left) is 4'9" (145cm) all, and Ayachi is 4'11" (151cm).

The announcement was apparently made on a big video screen in Akihabara. A movie announced: "The birth of a new unit with two seiyuus no-one would ever have imagined."




In the video, Ayachi says she was nervous when they told her she was going to form a new singing duo with someone. But when she heard it was Ao-chan, she became completely at ease.

Their first single will be a new Yu-Gi-Oh Zexal II OP, to debut on the April 14 broadcast. No indication that either of them will do voice roles there, but it remains possible.

Ao-chan is just about to turn 21. Ayanyan is 23. Ao-chan is with the Pro-Fit seiyuu agency and her albums have come out on Flying Dog records (Japan Victor). Ayachi is with Pro-Fit's acting agency Assemble Heart, to which she moved from the big I"m Enterprise agency last April. Her music has come out on Pony Canyon. This new single will come out on Universal Music's anime label Zero-A.

Ao-chan is a natural seiyuu with tremendous vocal power and invention (sometimes too much invention). She never went to seiyuu school, having started as a child TV performer and actress. Ayachi went to a big seiyuu school and, while not really a great seiyuu, has a knack for creating popular characters. She started in 2005 as one of the lustful sisters in KissxSis and her top roles are Azunyan in K-On and Kirino in OreImo (of which a new series starts in April).

Why are they getting (being put) together? Perhaps it's just the normal constant movement of the Japanese entertainment industry. Perhaps it's because neither one of them is good enough, or popular enough, on their own to sustain a recording career. I myself think that with the right music and production (e.g., her songs by DEKO*27) Ao-chan is terrific, but others may well not agree.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to this.

EDIT: I found a pic of the big screen, which ad apparently been teasing viewers in Akihabara before the announcement was made:


The words are: "A new unit (i.e., singing group) is born."

This is the season of science fiction. There are seven shows with something sci-fi about them, from a remake of the Space Battleship Yamato series to three mecha shows to a kids' show and a harem romance.

But in this well-populated spring season, we have other genres, too: action fantasy, ecchi comedy, psychological drama, reverse harem....

Here are brief descriptions of 20 shows of interest, followed by full details on all 42 shows:

• Aku no Hana– Psychological drama involving a guy who steals a girl’s gym uniform. Another girl sees him do it, and uses that to control him. By the director of Mushishi.
• Arata Kangatari – Time travel, body transference, and a bit of skin, from a shounen manga adapted by the director of Shugo Chara and the writer of Pandora Hearts, and starring the voice of Kirito in SAO.
• Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge– Mystery romance about a girl whose hair no scissors can cut, and the boy whose scissors cut it.
• Date a Live– Science fiction with romance and comedy, starring Inoue Marina and directed by Motonaga Keitarou (Jormungand, Tayutama, School Days).
• Devil Survivor 2 The Animation– Action fantasy from an RPG, but with an overwhelming cast: Kamiya Hiroshi, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Suwabe Junichi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Iguchi Yuka, Koshimizu Ami, Asumi Kana, etc., etc.
• Ginga Kikoutai Majestic Prince– Motonaga Keitarou and Yoshida Reiko (Marimite, K-On) give us a sci-fi adventure comedy in which genetically altered teens save the human race.
• Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko– Ecchi romantic comedy starring Ogura Yui, Kaji Yuuki, Ishihara Kaori, Tamura Yukari.
• Hyakka Ryouran: Samurai Bride– Another round of the odd supernatural/samurai action breast comedy starring Yuuki Aoi, Kugimiya Rie, Kobayashi Yuu, Kotobuki Minako.
• Karneval (2013)– The director of Kodomo no Jikan and the writer of Amnesia try to guide seiyuus such as Kamiya Hiroshi, Satou Satomi, and Ono Daisuke through an adaptation of a  josei fantasy manga.
• Namiuchigiwa no Muromi-san– Crazy comedy with drunken mermaid Tamura Yukari. Directed by the director of the good recent OVA Aruvu Rezuru, adapted by the writer of Ben-tou.
• Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai – A new season of the tremendously popular ecchi comedy with proud blonde imouto Taketatsu Ayanaand sarcastic cat girl Hanazawa Kana.
• Photo Kano– A dating-sim-based harem romance like KimiKiss and AmagamiSS. A boy with a camera takes photographs of various girls....
• RDG: Red Data Girl– PA Works (True Tears, Hanasaku Iroha) animates a best-selling fantasy novel to celebrate Kadokawa Bunko’s 65^th anniversary. Stars Hayami Saori in one of her three leading roles this season.
• Shingeki no Kyojin– Science fiction horror from the director of Death Note and the writer of the new JoJo. Stars Inoue Marina.
• Space Battleship Yamato 2199– This remake of the classic sci-fi series was in theatres last year; BDs have come out for some of it; and a series hits television in April. Episode one looked good to me.
• Suisei no Gargantia– Mecha pilot space/time-warps to a backward planet he cannot get off. Written by Urobuchi Gen. With the tiny perfect voices of both Kanemoto Hisako and Kayano Ai.
• To Aru Kagaku no Railgun S– Ah, Biri-biri. New season of the school adventure-comedy involving students with superpowers.
• Valvrave the Liberator– Mecha science fiction from the director of Kurenai and the writer of Code Geass, starring Seto Asami, Tomatsu Haruka, Kayano Ai, Ousaka Ryouta, Kimura Ryouhei. Ao-chan in the cast.
• Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru– School romantic comedy starring Hayami Saori. Yuuki Aoi, Sasaki Nozomi, with Koshimizu Ami also in the cast.
• Zettai Bouei Leviathan– Hayami Saori in her third big role of the season,with Kitamura Eri, Taketatsu Ayana, and Hanazawa Kana in a fantasy adventure with lots of elf ears.

Of course, there are plenty of other shows that could be of interest to people. A new season of the extraterrestrial comedy Haiyore! Nyaru-ani. A super-deformed Hokuto no Ken. A comic retelling of Glass Mask with Maya and others as hoodlums. A new season of Hayate. A show in which the characters all personify different bloodtypes. A samurai adventure from the director of Prince of Tennis and Library War. A new season of Uta no Prince-sama. A couple of slice-of-life comedies.

I don't see any masterpieces here, just lots of watchable shows. But time will tell.

Anyway, here comes a complete list, in alphabetical order, linking to complete details (cast, staff, story, pic, preview, manga, forum, etc.):

● Aiura     ● Aku no Hana     ● Arata Kangatari     ● Battle Spirits: Sword Eyes Gekitouden     ● Chibi Devi!     ● Danchi Tomoo     ● Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge     ● Date a Live     ● DD Hokuto no Ken     ● Devil Survivor 2 The Animation     ● Dibetagurashi: Ahiru no Seikatsu     ● Gakkatsu 2     ● Ginga Kikoutai Majestic Prince     ● Glass no Kamen Desu ga     ● Haitai Nanafa 2     ● Haiyore! Nyaruko-san W     ● Hataraku Maou-sama!     ● Hayate no Gotoku! Cuties     ● Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko     ● Hyakka Ryouran: Samurai Bride     ● Jewelpet Happiness     ● Karneval (2013)     ● Ketsuekigata-kun!     ● Mushibugyou     ● My Little Pony - Friendship is Magic     ● Namiuchigiwa no Muromi-san     ● Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai.     ● Photo Kano     ● Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live     ● RDG: Red Data Girl     ● Shingeki no Kyojin     ● Space Battleship Yamato 2199     ● Sparrow`s Hotel     ● Suisei no Gargantia     ● To Aru Kagaku no Railgun S     ● Train Hero     ● Uta no Prince-sama: Maji Love 2000%     ● Valvrave the Liberator     ● Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru     ● Yondemasu yo, Azazel-san. Z     ● Yuyushiki     ● Zettai Bouei Leviathan

Notes:
-- dates and times may change, and will be updated in my anime calendar, which should come out at the beginning of April. 
-- information from official sites, MoonPhase, AniDB, Anime News Network, Japanese Wikipedia, et al.
-- English titles link to the Anime News Network encyclopedia; Japanese titles link to official sites. "forum" links to AnimeSuki forum threads.
-- click images to enlarge. 

Spring 2013 Shows in Chronological Order:

My Little Pony - Friendship is Magic
  (jp: マイリトルポニー ～トモダチは魔法～)   jpWiki

young girls' shoujo
director: James Wootton
writer: Rob Renzetti, Jason Thiessen. Lauren Faust (orig).
seiyuus: Mimori Suzuko, Tokui Sora, Sasaki Mikoi, Kitta Izumi, Kumai Motoko, Inoue Kikuko, Katou Emiri, Sawashiro Miyuki.
animation: DHX Media (Vancouver). OP Mimori Suzuko.
trailer. forum.
starts tue 02 apr 07:30

This is made by Vancouver studio DHX Media, and has already been shown in North America. The only reason I am including it here is the Japanese cast, which includes a number of well-known young seiyuus (Mimori Suzuko, Tokui Sora, Kitta Izumi) and some who are even more familiar (Sawashiro Miyuki, Katou Emiri, Inoue Kikuko).

I do look forward to seeing at least an episode or so of a show like this. Unicorn pony Twilight Sparkle is studious and quiet. Princess Celestia tells her she must not just sit and read, but learn to make friends. So she and the baby dragon Spike travel to the countryside, where they have adventures and find friends.

Check out early posts at the "forum" link for a discussion and links about the popularity of this kids' show among older teens and adults.


Train Hero
  (jp: トレインヒーロー)   jpWiki

young shounen sci-fi adventure with transforming trains
seiyuus: Namikawa Daisuke, Ono Daisuke, Okitsu Kazuyuki.
animation: Carloon.
26eps.
starts tue 02 apr 17:30

In the year 2100, under increasing environmental pressure, humans develop a system of fast trains running on "razor rails" around the world. Some of the people charged with managing the system develop the ability to transform into trains themselves. A Japan-China co-production.


DD Hokuto no Ken
  (jp: DD北斗の拳)   jpWiki

comedy
director: Daichi Akitarou (Fruits Basket, Bokura ga Ita, Gag Manga Biyori)
seiyuus: Tachibana Shinnosuke, Seki Tomokazu, Horie Yui, Okiayu Ryoutarou, Ichijou Kazuya, Ichimichi Mao, Kamiya Akira, Morishima Shuuta, Shocker Ono.
animation: Ajia-dou.
trailer. manga.
starts tue 02 apr 25:40

A special project commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Hokuto no Ken manga. Super-deformed versions of the characters from the original series are now living in peaceful contemporary Japan: working in a convenience store; in a factory; looking for work; or laid low by illness. The legend of the Fighting NEET North Star begins.


Gakkatsu 2
  (jp: ガッ活！第2シリーズ)   jpWiki

debate comedy
director: Rareko (Tender Tank)
writer: Rareko, Fukihara Kouta (TV drama Otomen).
seiyuus: Kawashi Miyuki, Azakami Youhei, Arai Souta.
animation: Fanworks, NHK.
trailer.
starts wed 03 apr 19:55

5 minute episodes. Middle school class rep Chiho keeps stirring up absurd debates, but the atmosphere she creates enlivens the whole class. She and her classmates duel with words, some of which strike home.


Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge
  (jp: 断裁分離のクライムエッジ)   jpWiki

mystery romance
director: Yamaguchi Yuuji (Strawberry Eggs, Fate Stay/Night, Touka Gettan)
writer: Urahata Tatsuhiko (Monster, Saki, OreShura). Hikagi Tatsuhiko (manga).
seiyuus: Hanae Natsuki (TariTari/Wien), Koiwai Kotori (Joshiraku/Kigurumi), Uchiyama Yumi (Sukitte ii/Aiko), Fukuhara Kaori, Yasunoi Kiyono, Shimazaki Nobunaga, Yusa Kouji, Noto Arisa.
animation: Studio Gokumi. OP Aimi, ED Takahashi Karin x Endou Yurika.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts wed 03 apr 24:30

Kiri seems like an ordinary high-school boy. But he is obsessed with cutting people's hair. Iwai, the "Hair Queen," has a curse on her that prevents anything from ever cutting her hair. It has been growing unchecked since she was born. But Kiri discovers that his scissors can actually cut her hair. Unfortunately, their meeting brings to life an old game aiming to murder the Hair Queen. Kiri becomes her protector.

Koiwai Kotori is a young seiyuu whose only other major role was as Kigurumi in Joshiraku. She also played Yuki in Psycho-Pass. Hanae Natsuki played Wien in TariTari. Director Yamaguchi Yuuji did the Unlimited Blade Works movie, but before that, his last show was Touka Gettan in 2007. Writer Urahata Tatsuhiko, however, is doing OreShura, and has many credits to his name, including Monster and Saki.


RDG: Red Data Girl
  (jp: RDG レッドデータガール)   jpWiki

supernatural fantasy drama (with romance?)
director: Shinohara Toshiya
writer: Yokote Michiko. Ogiwara Noriko (novel).
seiyuus: Hayami Saori, Uchiyama Kouki, Fukuyama Jun, Kimura Ryouhei, Kugimiya Rie, Yonezawa Madoka, Ishikawa Kaito, Emi Sarah Bridcut, Ishida Akira, Inoue Kazuhiko, Paku Romi, Nojima Hirofumi.
animation: PA Works. OP Annabel, ED Itou Masumi.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts wed 03 apr 25:00

Kadokawa Bunko celebrates its 65th anniversary with this new show from PA Works starring Hayami Saori, Uchiyama Kouki, and Fukuyama Jun, among others.

Shy 15 year old Izumiko was born and raised at the ancient Tamakura Shrine. For some reason, her mere touch causes computers and phones to freeze up. Her parents -- who are working elsewhere -- want her to go to Tokyo for high school, but she wants to stay in the country, where she finally has a couple of friends. The opinion isn’t universal, but I loved the preview streaming of episode one, both the story and, especially, Hayami Saori's hesitant voicing of Izumiko.

Veteran director Shinohara Toshiya did various Inuyasha movies, as well as Gunparade Orchestra and Book of Bantorra. Veteran writer Yokote Michiko was lead writer on such shows as Princess Tutu, Genshiken, XXXholic, Squid Girl, and Joshiraku. Great cast, great staff. Promising show from PA Works (True Tears, Hanasaku Iroha, TariTari).


Uta no Prince-sama: Maji Love 2000%
  (jp: うたの☆プリンスさまっ♪マジLOVE2000%)   jpWiki

reverse harem with music
director: Kou Yuu
writer: Kou Yuu. Kunozuki Kanon, Broccoli.
seiyuus: Toriumi Kousuke, Suzumura Kenichi, Miyano Mamoru, Terashima Takuma, Suwabe Junichi, Shimono Hiro, Sawashiro Miyuki, Taniyama Kishou, Maeno Tomoaki, Yusa Kouji.
animation: A-1 Pictures. OP Miyano Mamoru, ED ST☆RISH.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts wed 03 apr 26:05

In the first series, our heroine was in the composition course at an arts high school, and there were six bishounen singers for her to choose to partner with. Now they are all in the master course with students who are at an even higher level.

Great cast features Toriumi Kousuke, Suzumura Kenichi, Miyano Mamoru, Suwabe Junichi, Taniyama Kishou…and Sawashiro Miyuki. Director/writer Kou Yuu directed Loveless and Giant Killing. The "trailer" link is to a song by Miyano Mamoru from the first series.


Karneval (2013)
  (jp: カーニヴァル (2013))   jpWiki

josei fantasy adventure
director: Suganuma Eiji (Kodomo no Jikan, Alison to Lilia, Mashiro-iro Symphony)
writer: Machida Touko (Lucky Star, GA, Amnesia). Mikanagi Touya (manga).
seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi, Shimono Hiro, Hirakawa Daisuke, Satou Satomi, Ono Daisuke, Igarashi Hiromi, Honna Youko, Nakamura Yuuichi, Hoshi Souichirou, Kitamura Eri.
animation: Manglobe. OP Granrodeo, ED KAmiYU.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts wed 03 apr 26:48

The first thing that strikes you is the cast list: from Kamiya Hiroshi (taking a break from the Bake-Nise-Neko-Kizu-Monogatari series) to Satou Satomi returning to the screen powered up by her excellent performance in Hyouka.

Two lost souls: with only an abandoned bracelet as a clue, Nai searches for someone important to him; Gareki steals and picks pockets to get by. The two meet in a strange mansion where they are tricked into becoming wanted criminals. At a moment of desperate danger, they encounter none other than the country's most powerful defense organization, "Circus," which may become their way out.

Director Suganuma Eiji and writer Machida Touko, along with the strong cast, give this show possibilities. OP by Granrodeo (Taniyama Kishou), ED by KAmiYU (Kamiya Hiroshi and Irino Miyu). Another preview.


Hataraku Maou-sama!
  (jp: はたらく魔王さま!)   jpWiki

fantasy comedy
director: Hosoda Naoto (Shuffle, Mirai Nikki)
writer: Yokotani Masahiro (Keroro Gunsou, Reideen, Busou Shinki). Wagahara Satoshi (novel).
seiyuus: Ono Yuuki, Ousaka Ryoutarou, Touyama Nao, Hikasa Youko, Itou Kanae, Shimono Hiro.
animation: White Fox.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts thu 04 apr 22:00

Mao the Demon King is defeated in his quest to conquer a world. He and his general end up in an even more alien world: contemporary Tokyo, where Mao has to work at a fast-food restaurant to make ends meet. Meanwhile, the female hero Emilia, who defeated him in that other world, shows up and confronts him.

Director Hosoda Naoto did Shuffle and Mirai Nikki. Writer Yokotani Masahiro has been lead writer for Keroro Gunsou, Reideen, and Busou Shinki (how's that for range, lol?) Interesting cast features Ono Yuuki (Zenkichi in Medaka Box) and Ousaka Ryoutarou (Eita in OreShura), with Touyama Nao, Hikasa Youko, and Itou Kanae.


Ginga Kikoutai Majestic Prince
  (jp: 銀河機攻隊 マジェスティックプリンス)   jpWiki

mecha science fiction adventure/comedy
director: Motonaga Keitarou (School Days, Jormungand)
writer: Yoshida Reiko (Marimite, D.Gray-man, K-On, Girls und Panzer). Ayamine Rando (manga).
seiyuus: Asanuma Shintarou, Aiba Hiroki (Prince of Tennis, TV dramas), Iguchi Yuka, Hikasa Youko, Ikeda Junya, Asano Masumi, Suzuki Chihiro, Midorikawa Hikaru, Touchi Hiroki, Sawashiro Miyuki, Itou Shizuka, Toriumi Kousuke, Nojima Hirofumi.
animation: Douga Koubou, Orange. OP Kon Natsumi, ED Ishihara Chiaki.
trailer. forum.
starts thu 04 apr 22:30

Having succeeded in expanding into space, mankind has located multiple asteroids filled with resources which should allow for a safe and prosperous future. However, a powerful galactic empire begins to invade, pushing mankind to the brink of destruction. A secret genetic manipulation project may be the last hope for humanity. A group of genetically improved children known as "Team Rabbits" can use special weaponry. The team is sent to the front line. Can they survive against such an overwhelming enemy?

Motonaga Keitarou and Yoshida Reiko make a powerful director/writer team, if they are at their best (Motonaga's Jormungand, Yoshida's Nodame Cantabile) rather than their worst (AkaSaka, Romeo + Juliet). The mecha designs (Moriki Yasuhiro, Tani Hiroshi, Watanabe Koji) are drawing plenty of praise. The character designs by Hirai Hisashi (Gundam Seed, Linebarrels) turn some people off, but there is plenty here to attract interest. Quality cast includes actor Aiba Hiroki, as well as Hikasa Youko, Asano Masumi, and Sawashiro Miyuki.


Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru
  (jp: やはり俺の青春ラブコメはまちがっている.)   jpWiki

comedy, romance
director: Yoshimura Ai
writer: Suga Shoutarou. Wataru Watari (novel).
seiyuus: Eguchi Takuya, Hayami Saori, Sasaki Nozomi, Kondou Takashi, Yuuki Aoi, Yuzuki Ryouka, Koshimizu Ami, Inoue Marina, Komatsu Mikako, Touyama Nao.
animation: Brain's Base. OP Yanagi Nagi, ED Hayami Saori, Touyama Nao.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts thu 04 apr 25:28

Antisocial high school student Hachiman has no friends and a sour view of life. His dream for the future is to live without having to work. He thinks his classmates are faking their apparent enthusiasm. A teacher gets Hachiman to join the volunteer service club, one member of which happens to be the school's prettiest girl….

The big attraction for me here is Hayami Saori in a leading role, and singing the ED. But the show also includes two more of my favorite seiyuus: Yuuki Aoi and Sasaki Nozomi (Nana-chan in Bokura ga Ita, Sapphy in Jewelpet). Not to mention Yuzuki Ryouka, Koshimizu Ami, Inoue Marina, Komatsu Mikako, and Touyama Nao.

Yoshimura Ai has done storyboards and/or episode direction on Sora no Manima ni and Daily Lives of High School Boys, but this is her first job as director of a whole series. Writer Suga Shoutarou was lead writer for the second half of the first season of Darker than Black, and on all varieties of Rinne no Lagrange.


Photo Kano
  (jp: フォトカノ)   jpWiki

seinen harem romance
director: Yokoyama Akitoshi
writer: Yokoyama Akitoshi.
seiyuus: Shimazaki Nobunaga, Itou Kanae, Nakahara Mai, Kanemoto Hisako, Mizuhara Kaoru, Saitou Chiwa, Oogame Asuka, Sawashiro Miyuki, Ise Mariya, Endou Aya, Hasegawa Akiko, Takagaki Ayahi, Midorikawa Hikaru, Okamoto Nobuhiko.
animation: Madhouse. OP hayatokaori, ED seiyuus.
trailer. manga. 12eps. forum.
starts thu 04 apr 25:58

Like KimiKiss and AmagamiSS, this is based on a dating sim game from Enterbrain. On the last day of summer vacation, main character Kazuya gets a camera from his father. Fall semester begins and Kazuya starts taking photos of girls…photo sessions that slide toward romance. We don't know yet whether the show will be an anthology of girl friends, like Amagami, or will end up following one particular girl's route. Most likely, we will have a number of small relationships culminating in one larger relationship.

Director/writer Yokoyama Akitoshi is doing his first TV series. His only previous directoral job was the Marimo no Hana OVA, but he has done lots of storyboards and episode direction: Samurai Champloo, Gurren Lagann, Kaiba, Tatami Galaxy, Deadman Wonderland. How he will adapt to romance remains to be seen, lol. Madhouse. Great cast. Photography. I'll be there to see episode one.


Devil Survivor 2 The Animation
  (jp: Devil Survivor 2 The Animation)   jpWiki

action fantasy
director: Kishi Seiji (Seto no Hanayome, Angel Beats, Persona 4)
writer: Uezu Makoto (Seto no Hanayome, Seikon no Qwaser, Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita). Atlus.
seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Uchida Aya, Suwabe Junichi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Yamaguchi Rikako, Iguchi Yuka, Saitou Fuko, Koshimizu Ami, Asumi Kana, Namikawa Daisuke, Madono Mitsuaki, Koyama Rikiya, Sakurai Takahiro, Inoue Kikuko.
animation: Bridge.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts thu 04 apr 26:05

From an RPG for Nintendo DS. Thirteen "devil survivors" make deals with devils to obtain abilities to fight against unknown invaders. With only 7 days left until a world catastrophe, they need to make crucial decisions….

Director Kishi Seiji and writer Uezu Makoto did Seto no Hanayome together, and now they get back together to make a very diifferent show. The cast is fairly overwhelming: Kamiya Hiroshi, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Uchida Aya, Suwabe Junichi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Iguchi Yuka, Koshimizu Ami, Asumi Kana, etc., etc. Definitely worth a look.


Aku no Hana
  (jp: 惡の華)   jpWiki

shounen psychological drama
director: Nagahama Hiroshi (Mushishi)
writer: Itami Aki. Oshimi Shuuzou (manga).
seiyuus: Ueda Shinichirou, Ise Mariya, Hikasa Youko, Uemura Ayako, Hamazoe Shinya, Hara Sayuri, Matsuzaki Katsutoshi.
animation: Zexcs. OP Uchuujin.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts fri 05 apr 22:00

Kasuga is a bookish boy who loves the poems of 19th-century French poet Charles Baudelaire ("Flowers of Evil"). One day after school, he steals the gym clothes of the girl he has a crush on. However, another girl in his class sees him and blackmails him into a contract, threatening to reveal his secret and spoil his chances with the girl forever.

I'm not a big fan of the manga, partly because none of the characters are likable. But if you enjoy dabbling in the dark recesses of the soul, there are some dark recesses here to dabble in. And the animation is something different: rotoscoping. This means that they trace over images of live actors to make the animation. Check out the trailer for some interesting images.

Director Nagahama Hiroshi did Mushishi, and writer Itami Aki wrote a number of episodes of that show. I found that show boring, myself, but it was quality work. Not the most famous cast, but the presence of Ise Mariya and Hikasa Youko sounds good.


Hyakka Ryouran: Samurai Bride
  (jp: 百花繚乱 サムライブライド)   jpWiki

samurai action comedy with nudity and violence
director: Kobun
writer: Nishizono Satoru. Suzuki Akira (novel).
seiyuus: Yuuki Aoi, Hirakawa Daisuke, Kugimiya Rie, Kobayashi Yuu, Kotobuki Minako, Gotou Saori, Toyosaki Aki, Mizuhara Kaoru, Koshimizu Ami, Akasaki Chinatsu, Hikasa Youko, Tomatsu Haruka, Shindou Naomi, Satou Satomi, Sakurai Takahiro, Noto Mamiko.
animation: Arms. OP Hashimoto Miyuki.
trailer. forum.
starts fri 05 apr 22:30

A new installment of the ecchi samurai action comedy starring Yuuki Aoi, Kugimiya Rie, Kobayashi Yuu, Kotobuki Minako, Gotou Saori, Toyosaki Aki, Hirakawa Daisuke and many other known names.

 Director Shizuno Kobun has only done the first Hyakka Ryouran series and a show called GI Joe Sigma 6. But he has done storyboards and/or episode direction for shows from Ai yori Aoshi through Bakuretsu Tenshi, Nanoha Strikers and Blue Drop, to Sekirei. Fortunately, after the confusion of the first series, they have brought in a new writer. He is Nishizono Satoru, lead writer on shows such as Zoids Genesis, Welcome to the NHK, Naruto Shippuuden and B Gata H Kei. On second thought, that may not be an improvement….

The first series was fitfully entertaining, and had a very interesting look about it. But the main attraction for me is hearing Yuuki Aoi.


Date a Live
  (jp: デート・ア・ライブ)   jpWiki

comedy romance science fiction
director: Motonaga Keitarou (School Days, Tayutama, Katanagatari, Jormungand)
writer: Shirane Hideki (Yumekui Merry, Kill Me Baby). Tachibana Koushi (novel).
seiyuus: Shimazaki Nobunaga, Inoue Marina, Togashi Misuzu, Taketatsu Ayana, Nomizu Iori, Sanada Asami, Endou Aya, Sadohara Kaori, Katsu Anri, Koyasu Takehito.
animation: AIC Plus+. ED Nomizu Iori.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts fri 05 apr 25:30

Devastating "spacequakes" unpredictably destroy large areas of the Earth. Itsuka meets a girl who turns out to be one of the "spirits" who cause the quakes. Itsuka has a mysterious ability to seal the powers of such spirit girls…if he can get them to fall in love with him.

I gained a new appreciation of director Motonaga Keitarou (School Days, Katanagatari) from his work on Jormungand. Now he's back to romantic comedy and I hope his work doesn't fall back to the level of his Tayutama or AkaSaka. Lead writer Shirane Hideki wrote Yumekui Merry and Kill Me Baby. Interesting cast includes Inoue Marina, Togashi Misuzu, Taketatsu Ayana, Endou Aya, and Koyasu Takehito. Preview stream on NicoNico 30 March.

I'll mention here that there are no new noitaminA shows this season: their place will be taken by a rerun of Motonaga's Katanagatari, broadcast an hour-long episode a week, rather than an episode a month, as it was in 2010.


Danchi Tomoo
  (jp: 団地ともお)   jpWiki

seinen slice-of-life comedy
director: Watanabe Ayumu
writer: Yamada Takashi. Oda Tobira (manga).
seiyuus: Sanpei Yuuko, Hitosugi Kasumi, Fujimura Ayumi, Nabatame Hitomi, Makino Yui, Sakamoto Chika, Tone Kentarou, Asako, Takeda Hana, Tamura Mutsumi.
animation: Shougakukan Music and Digital Entertainment.
forum.
starts sat 06 apr 09:30

A fourth-grade boy named Tomoo lives in an apartment complex with his mother and elder sister. His father is away on a long-term work contract. Tomoo and his friends roam around getting into one scrape after another. The manga has reached 21 volumes.

Director Watanabe Ayumu has directed several Doraemon movies, as well as Space Brothers and Mysterious Girlfriend X. Veteran writer Yamada Takashi did Hime-chan's Ribbon, Ojamajo Doremi, Yumeiro Patissiere, and Ginga e Kickoff.

Sanpei Yuuko (of course) plays the lead boy. Other familiar names in the cast include Fujimura Ayumi, Nabatame Hitomi, Tamura Mutsumi, and Makino Yui (Welcome to the NHK, Amuri in Star Ocean). This staff and cast have a chance of making a very good show here, even if it isn’t my cup of tea.


Jewelpet Happiness
  (jp: ジュエルペット ハッピネス)   jpWiki

young shoujo magical girl
director: Sakurai Hiroaki (Di Gi Charat, Les Miserables)
writer: Sega/Sanrio.
seiyuus: Saitou Ayaka, Hirano Aya, Sasaki Nozomi, Sawashiro Miyuki, Toyosaki Aki, Kayano Ai, Han Megumi, Aizawa Mai, Shimizu Ai, Hayama Izumi, Hosoya Yoshimasa, Fukuyama Jun, Kimura Ryouhei, Yusa Kouji, Ueda Youji.
animation: Studio Comet.
trailer. forum.
starts sat 06 apr 09:30

Fifth year-long series for this popular and well-made magical girl show that is actually aimed at little girls. This is the only place you can hear Hirano Aya as a seiyuu, now that Fairy Tail is over. For me, it has always been the place I go to hear the burbling tones of Sasaki Nozomi, as well. Director Sakurai Hiroaki is strong addition to the staff, having done Di Gi Charat and Les Miserables - Shoujo Cossette.


Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live
  (jp: プリティーリズムレインボーライブ)   jpWiki

young shoujo dance and music
director: Hishida Masakazu
writer: Iuchi Shuji.
seiyuus: Katou Emiri, Serizawa Yuu, Komatsu Mikako, Sakura Ayane, Tomatsu Haruka, Gotou Saori, Uchida Maaya.
animation: Tatsunoko, Dong Woo Animation. OP Prizmmy☆.
trailer.
starts sat 06 apr 10:00

Eighth-grader Naru can see the colours of music. At a Prism Dance audition one day, an aura she has never experienced spreads out around her, and a mysterious girl asks her if she can see rainbow music….

Lovely cast, headed by Katou Emiri. This is the third Pretty Rhythm series, a franchise that centers on the Prism Show, which involves skating idols who dance and sing on ice. Director Hishida Masakazu has done little as a director except this series. Writer Iuchi Shuji did a lot of work in the 80s and 90s, but very little since 2000. Original character designs by Okama.


Haitai Nanafa 2
  (jp: はいたい七葉 第2期)   jpWiki

supernatural slice of life
director: Kimura Hiroshi (Recorder and Randsel)
writer: Konuta Takeshi (Toshokan Sensou).
seiyuus: Yonamine Ritsu, Matsuda Ruka, Yabiku Karin, Matsuzaki Rei, Inoue Nana, Igarashi Yumi, Toujou Hisako.
animation: Saitou Kazuhiro.
trailer. forum.
starts sat 06 apr 17:55

Made specifically for Okinawa, and only later distributed nationally, Haitai Nanafa tells the story of a young girl who accidentally removes the seal on a sacred tree, releasing two spirits. From then on, her life is filled with interactions with various spirits. The only seiyuus whose names I recognize are Inoue Nana and Igarashi Yumi. Five-minute episodes.


Zettai Bouei Leviathan
  (jp: 絶対防衛レヴィアタン)   jpWiki

fantasy adventure
director: Yatagai Kenichi
writer: Ide Yasunori. Gree.
seiyuus: Hayami Saori, Kitamura Eri, Taketatsu Ayana, Hanazawa Kana.
animation: Gonzo.
trailer. forum.
starts sat 06 apr 23:30

Hayamin in her third big role of the season, along with Red Data Girl and Yahari Ore (she is also in OreImo). And oh yes, she is accompanied here by KitaEri, Ayachi, and Kana-chan.

Aquafall is a green watery fantasy world populated by dragons and fairies. Meteorites suddenly bring forth evil creatures that threaten life on the planet. The fairy Syrup assembles the Aquafall Defence Force, with three girls of the dragon clans as recruits. Syrup and the dragon girls Leviathan, Bahamut, and Jörmungandr work together to battle the demons. Based on the mobile social game by Gree.

Director Yatani Kenichi's last directoral jobs were seven years ago, on Doujin Work and Magical Pokaan. But he has been assistant director of all the Strike Witches shows, doing lots of storyboarding and episode direction. Writer Ide Yasunori directed both Onegai Teacher and Onegai Twins, and was lead writer on Magical Pokaan. More recently, he has storyboarded several episodes each of Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? and Sukitte ii na yo. Nice character design and coloring. Love those pointed ears.


Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai.
  (jp: 俺の妹がこんなに可愛いわけがない.)   jpWiki

ecchi comedy with imouto and friends
director: Kanbe Hiroyuki
writer: Kurata Hideyuki. Fushimi Tsukasa (novel).
seiyuus: Taketatsu Ayana, Nakamura Yuuichi, Hanazawa Kana, Nabatame Hitomi, Satou Satomi, Hayami Saori, Tamura Yukari, Tachiki Fumihiko, Watanabe Akeno.
animation: A-1 Pictures. OP ClariS.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sat 06 apr 24:00

A second season for the tremendously popular ecchi comedy. Same cast. Same director and writer. New studio (A-1 Pictures instead of AIC Build), but both are part of Aniplex and one suspects many of the same hands will be at work.

Fans hope for more of Hanazawa Kana's character, the loli-goth tsun-with-very-little-dere Kuroneko ("black cat").

Director Kanbe Hiroyuki has only one directoral credit besides this show. Writer Kurata Hideyuki, however, did Now and Then Here and There, Kannagi, and The World God Only Knows. And the OP will be by ClariS.


Yondemasu yo, Azazel-san. Z
  (jp: よんでますよ, アザゼルさん. Z)   jpWiki

comedy
director: Mizushima Tsutomu
writer: Kubo Yasuhisa (manga).
seiyuus: Namikawa Daisuke, Onosaka Masaya, Satou Rina, Kamiya Hiroshi, Shiraishi Ryouko, Genda Tesshou, Nakai Kazuya, Kobayashi Yuu.
animation: Production IG.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sat 06 apr 25:00

A detective and his assistant summon an ecchi little demon who is hard to handle, but whom they have power over and can force to help them. This is the kind of simply animated comedy that goes over better with a Japanese audience than overseas.

Top director Mizushima Tsutomu has done Genshiken, Squid Girl, Another, and Girls und Panzer.


Namiuchigiwa no Muromi-san
  (jp: 波打際のむろみさん)   jpWiki

ecchi crazy comedy w/violence
director: Yoshihara Tatsuya (Arve Rezzle)
writer: Fudeyasu Kazuyuki (Ben-tou, Milky Holmes, OniAi). Nashima Keiji (manga).
seiyuus: Mizushima Takahiro, Tamura Yukari, Nonaka Ai, Uesaka Sumire, Harada Hitomi, Nakahara Mai, Sakai Kanako, Saitou Chiwa.
animation: Tatsunoko. OP Uesaka Sumire.
trailer. forum.
starts sat 06 apr 25:15

Takurou is a lonely teenager who spends his time fishing at the pier. One day, to his surprise, he reels in a mermaid, Muromi. Muromi is wild and stupid and drinks too much, and up to this point hasn't even realized she is a mermaid.

This is supposed be a deeply crazy show. Comparisons are being made to Kemeko Deluxe. Apparently Muromi-san and her friends are behind legends such as the Bermuda Triangle, Leviathan, and the Dragon King's Palace.

This is only Yoshihara Tatsuya's second show as director, after the excellent recent OVA Arve Rezzle earlier this hyear. Writer Fudeyasu Kazuyuki wrote Ben-tou and Milky Holmes. Tamura Yukari sounds perfect for the nutso Muromi. Nonaka Ai? Uesaka Sumire? Nakahara Mai? Saitou Chiwa? The return of Sakai Kanako? Sign me up.


Shingeki no Kyojin
  (jp: 進撃の巨人)   jpWiki

shounen action horror sci-fi
director: Araki Tetsurou (Death Note, HSoTD, Guilty Crown)
writer: Kobayashi Yasuko (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure). Isayama Hajime (manga).
seiyuus: Inoue Marina, Kaji Yuuki, Ishikawa Yui, Shimamura Yuu, Mikami Shiori, Shimono Hiro, Taniyama Kishou, Ousaka Ryouta, Kobayashi Yuu, Hosoya Yoshimasa, Hashizume Tomohisa, Fujita Saki, Fujiwara Keiji.
animation: Wit Studio.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sat 06 apr 25:58

Highly promising science fiction horror anime from the director of Death Note, HSoTD and Guilty Crown. Adapted from a popular manga by the woman who did the same for last year's JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. A cast featuring Inoue Marina and Kaji Yuuki. And a starry trailer.

Several hundred years ago, humans were nearly exterminated by giants. Giants were humanoids several stories tall, seemed to have no intelligence, and devoured human beings. A small percentage of humanity survived by walling themselves in a city protected by extremely high walls, even taller than the biggest of giants. The city has now not seen a giant in over 100 years. Suddenly, however, teenage boy Elen and his foster sister Mikasa see the city walls destroyed by a super giant that appears out of thin air. As smaller giants flood the city, the two kids see their mother eaten alive. Elen vows that he will murder every single giant and take revenge for all of mankind. (Mangafox)

Director Araki Tetsurou (Death Note, HSoTD, Guilty Crown) has brought much of his staff with him to Wit Studios (Production IG) for this show.


Battle Spirits: Sword Eyes Gekitouden
  (jp: バトルスピリッツ ソードアイズ激闘伝)   jpWiki

young shounen battles
director: Watanabe Masaki (Battle Spirits storyboards, directed last series)
writer: Tomioka Atsuhiro (Prince of Tennis, Inazuma 11). Yatate Hajime (pseud. for Sunrise staff; orig.).
seiyuus: Minagawa Junko, Horie Yui, Fukuyama Jun, Ono Yuuki, Tachibana Shinnosuke, Midorikawa Hikaru, Hayami Shou, Neya Michiko, Yanaka Hiroshi, Yasumoto Hiroki, Kanda Akemi, Suwabe Junichi, Koyama Rikiya.
animation: Sunrise.
starts sun 07 apr 07:00

The fifth Battle Spirits series continues, as part of TV Asahi TV's Sunday morning block of kids' shows. The anime is an outgrowth of the the trading card game. The cast is populated almost exclusively wiith veteran stars: Minagawa Junko, Horie Yui, Fukuyama Jun, Midorikawa Hikaru, Hayami Shou, Neya Michiko, etc.


Dibetagurashi: Ahiru no Seikatsu
  (jp: ぢべたぐらし あひるの生活)   jpWiki

four-panel comic
director: Mino Taiki
writer: Matsuda Yuka (manga).
seiyuus: Matsuno Taiki, Ishijima Kuniko, Kiuchi Hidenobu, Kosugi Juurota, Kikuchi Kokoro, Yoshida Asami, Shimozaki Hiroshi.
animation:
forum.
starts sun 07 apr 08:00

From a four-panel comic. "Dibetagurashi: A Duck's Life" follows the daily life of a group of birds, including a duck, an old nihilistic great grey owl, and a gluttonous Caique parrot. Director/writer Mino Taiki is a flash animator and short-story writer with a number of works online. Matsuda Yuka did the original manga. Full-length episodes, not shorts.


Space Battleship Yamato 2199
  (jp: 宇宙戦艦ヤマト2199)   jpWiki

science fiction adventure
director: Izubuchi Yutaka, Enomoto Akihiro
writer: Izubuchi Yutaka. Matsumoto Leiji (orig), Nishizaki Yoshinobu (orig).
seiyuus: Sugo Takayuki, Ono Daisuke, Suzumura Kenichi, Kuwashima Houko, Ootsuka Houchuu, Mugihito, Ootsuka Akio, Wakamoto Norio, Itou Shizuka, Chihara Minori, Fujiwara Keiji, Hisakawa Aya, Tanaka Rie, Suwabe junichi, Ohkawa Tooru, Satou Rina, Uchida Aya, Hosoya Yoshimasa, Yamadera Kouichi, Hirakawa Daisuke, Chou, Yusa Kouji, Inoue Kikuko.
animation: AIC, Xebec. OP Sasaki Isao, EDs Yuki Aira, Misato Aki, Sasaki Isao, KOKIA, Kageyama Hironobu, JAM Project.
trailer. 26eps. forum.
starts sun 07 apr 17:00

This remake of Leiji Matsumoto's 1974 classic was shown in theatres in Japan last year and now comes to TV in what is by most accounts a good remake. In 2199, a war with a techologically superior alien race has rendered the Earth uninhabitable. Survivors live underground. Our heroes learn of a friendly alien race which is willing to give humans the technology to defeat their enemies -- if only they can come to their very distant world and get it. They provide plans for a faster-than-light ship and the Yamato is built. We follow its crew on their difficult journey to get technology that can save the human race.

Directed and written by multitalented designer/writer Izubuchi Yutaka, who created and directed RahXephon. Excellent cast starts with Sugo Takayuki, who began his career as Fang Tchewling in LoGH, and has been Wanyuudou in Hell Girl, Albert de Blois in Gosick, and Cardeas Vist in Gundam UC. To him, add names from Ono Daisuke through Kuwashima Houko to Suwabe Junichi.

BD releases are already well underway, but it is only now reaching Japanese TV. I've seen episode one and enjoyed it.


Glass no Kamen Desu ga
  (jp: ガラスの仮面ですが)   jpWiki

shoujo romance gag anime
director: Asahi Eri, Shinohara Yukari
writer: Nonomura Yukiko. Miuchi Suzue (manga).

animation: DLE.
17eps.
starts sun 07 apr 21:54

Gag anime based on great shoujo manga/anime Glass Mask. Five-minute episodes. Created to mark the original manga reaching 50 million volumes sold!

Maya and Ayumi are hoodlums, members of the "Crimson Goddess Gang." Hayami Masami appears to be a cop…. I love both the manga and the 2005 anime series, so I will definitely take a look at this…with some trepidation over the unknown staff and peculiar set-up (which has apparently been approved by mangaka Miuchi Suzue).


Suisei no Gargantia
  (jp: 翠星のガルガンティア)   jpWiki

science fiction adventure
director: Murata Kazuya (storyboards for Eureka 7, Code Geass, Gundam UC)
writer: Urobuchi Gen (Phantom, Fate/Zero, Madoka Magica, Psycho Pass).
seiyuus: Ishikawa Kaito (age 20), Kanemoto Hisako, Kayano Ai, Asumi Kana, Itou Shizuka, Oohara Sayaka, Konishi Katsuyuki, Ono Yuuki, Sugita Tomokazu, Fujimura Ayumi.
animation: Production IG. OP Chihara Minori, ED ChouCho.
trailer. forum.
starts sun 07 apr 22:00

"The Butcher," writer Urobuchi Gen, brings us something that seems a little lighter than his usual fare. Based on his own game. Veteran storyboarder Murata Kazuya directs. While fighting an inter-galactic war, a mecha pilot is accidentally warped into a space-time neither he nor his mecha recognize.... Waking up from a long hibernation, he finds himself trapped on a planet with human residents speaking an unknown language, using inferior technologies, and -- amazingly -- breathing naturally breathable air. (ANN)

Stars 20-year-old newcomer Ishikawa Kaito as the mecha pilot, with Kanemoto Hisako, Kayano Ai, Asumi Kana, Itou Shizuka, Sugita Tomokazu and other luminaries. OP by Chihara Minori (many people's favorite) and ED by ChouCho (one of my favorites). Promising show.


Ketsuekigata-kun!
  (jp: 血液型くん!)   jpWiki

comedy based on blood types
director: Ooyama Yoshihisa
writer: Yamashita Kenichi (Ishida to Asakura). Real Crazy Man (aka Park Dong Seun; orig).
seiyuus: Ishida Akira, Fukuyama Jun, Nakamura Yuuichi, Kakihara Tetsuya.
animation: Assez Finaud Fabric, Feel.

starts sun 07 apr 22:27

From a Korean manhwa in which the characters anthropomorphize various blood types. In Japan (and I guess Korea) many people believe that blood types are linked to personality: people with Type A blood are reliable (played by Fukuyama Jun), Type B blood types are passionate (Nakamura Yuuichi), Type O blood has an independent streak (Ishida Akira), and Type AB people are capricious (Kakihara Tetsuya).

Ooyama Yoshihisa is a director of photography doing his first-ever directoral job. Yamashita Kenichi was lead writer on Ishida and Asakura.  Two-minute episodes.


Haiyore! Nyaruko-san W
  (jp: 這いよれ! ニャル子さんW)   jpWiki

ecchi comedy
director: Nagasawa Tsuyoshi
writer: Kimura Noboru. Aisora Manta (novel).
seiyuus: Asumi Kana, Kitamura Eri, Matsuki Miyu, Kugimiya Rie, Arai Satomi, Kouda Mariko, Hisakawa Aya, Ootsubo Yuka, Hatano Wataru.
animation: Xebec. OP seiyuus, ED RAMM.
trailer. forum.
starts sun 07 apr 25:05

A new season for the successful ecchi comedy in which an ordinary boy lives with cute girls (and a cute shota) who are actually Lovecraftian ancient monsters. Or perhaps aliens.

Director Nagasawa Tsuyoshi did Kyou no Go no Ni and MM before his success with the first Nyaruko-san series. Writer Kimura Noboru did AmagamiSS+ and the current Problem Children from Another World.

Excellent cast helped to make this show the popular success it was: Asumi Kana even won the top seiyuu award for 2012 partly based on her role in this show.


Mushibugyou
  (jp: ムシブギョー 蟲奉行)   jpWiki

samurai adventure, with comedy
director: Hamana Takayuki (Prince of Tennis, Library War, Beast Player Erin)
writer: Katou Youichi (Miracle Train, Aikatsu). Fukuda Hiroshi (manga).
seiyuus: Kenn, Akesaka Satomi, Ookubo Rumi, Terashima Takuma, Eguchi Takuya, Serizawa Yuu, Miyano Mamoru, Koyama Rikiya, Fukuyama Jun, Han Megumi.
animation: Seven Arcs. OP Gagaga SP, ED Iris.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sun 08 apr 18:00

In Tokyo in the early 1700s, the shogun ordered boxes to be installed so commoners could submit their thoughts. After hearing the voices of the people, the shogun created a new magistrate unit — Mushibugyou — to protect people in the heart of the city. Each member is a specialist with unique fighting skills.

Director Hamana Takayuki has some excellent credits: Prince of Tennis, Library War, Beast Player Erin. Writer Katou Youichi, not so much: Miracle Train and Aikatsu. Interesting mixed cast includes Ookubo Rumi, fresh from winning a seiyuu award and continuing her successful radio program. Tiny, hilarious Rumi is on the way up. Staff and cast make this show seem worth a look.


Chibi Devi!
  (jp: ちび☆デビ！ 新シリーズ)   jpWiki

shoujo supernatural comedy
director: Kamitani Maki
writer: Tsuchiya Michihiro. Shinozuka Hiromu (manga).
seiyuus: Iguchi Yuka, Shitaya Noriko, Hirohashi Ryou, Takahashi Mikako, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Bandou Kouichi, Nishi Asuka, Yamaguchi Rie, Matsuoka Yoshitsugu, Fujimura Ayumi, Hoshi Souichirou.
animation: Synergy SP.
trailer. manga.
starts mon 08 apr 18:20

The popular young shoujo series starts up again with episode 46. In the first series, timid middle-schooler Honoka was bullied by her classmates, and always alone. Then one morning she discovered a tiny baby in her bed, which turned out to be a devil baby. When the baby saw girls bullying Honoka, it breathed fire at them like a dragon. Honoka lives with her aunt, who is rarely home, and can only depend on two neighbour boys -- the mild one and the aggressive one -- to help her figure out what to do. Now more devil babies have shown up, and her adventures continue.

Adapted by Tsuchiya Michihiro (Kirarin Revolution, KimiKiss Pure Rouge, Cross Game) from a popular manga. Director Kamitani Maki seems to have done no other anime. Stars Iguchi Yuka and Shitaya Noriko -- and I'm always glad to hear Takahashi Mikako.


Hayate no Gotoku! Cuties
  (jp: ハヤテのごとく! Cuties)   jpWiki

harem comedy
director: Kudou Masashi
writer: Oshika Rie. Hata Kenjirou (manga).
seiyuus: Shiraishi Ryouko, Kugimiya Rie, Itou Shizuka, Tanaka Rie, Kawasumi Ayako, Takahashi Mikako, Yamazaki Haruka.
animation: Manglobe. OP Itou Shizuka.
manga. forum.
starts mon 08 apr 25:35

Hayate series have been made by Synergy SP, JC Staff, and Manglobe. This is another by Manglobe, like the last one, "Can't Take My Eyes Off You." And like it, this is directed by Kudou Masashi (no other directoral credits) and written by Oshika Rie (Minami-ke Okaeri, MM). But we continue to have the same excellent cast and look as all the previous series.


Arata Kangatari
  (jp: アラタカンガタリ ~革神語~)   jpWiki

fantasy adventure
director: Yasuda Kenji (Shugo Chara, Croisee in a Foreign Labyrinth)
writer: Sekijima Mayori (Saber Marionette J, MoonPhase, Pandora Hearts, Phi Brain). Watase Yuu (manga).
seiyuus: Matsuoka Yoshitsugu (SAO/Kirito), Okamoto Nobuhiko, Ono Yuuki, Takagaki Ayahi, Suzuki Tatsuhisa, Ishida Akira, Namikawa Daisuke, Kimura Ryouhei, Minagawa Junko, Yamamura Hibiku.
animation: Satelight, JM Animation (Korea). OP Sphere, ED OldCodex.
manga. forum.
starts mon 08 apr 26:05

The director of Shugo Chara and the writer of Pandora Hearts animate a manga by the author of Fushigi Yuugi and Zettai Kareshi, with music by Ootani Kou (Haibane Renmei, Hakuouki, Another, etc.).

Every 30 years, a new princess is chosen from the Hime family to govern the land of Amawakuni. Over the past 30 years, 15-year-old Arata is the only girl to have been born. Unfortunately, the registration was falsified, and Arata is actually a boy! Forced to disguise himself and act as princess candidate until a better one can be found, he attends the festival...only to see the current princess, Kokuri-hime murdered by her personal guard, which then pins the blame on him. He races to escape and somehow ends up in present-day Tokyo, switching places with a modern Arata, who finds himself back in the first Arata's world….

Nice seiyuu lineup includes Matsuoka Yoshitsugu (Kirito in SAO), as well as Okamoto Nobuhiko, Ono Yuuki and Takagaki Ayahi.


Sparrow`s Hotel
  (jp: スパロウズホテル)   jpWiki

4-panel comic-strip comedy
director: Nakamura Tetsuharu
writer: Santou Yuka (manga).
seiyuus: Chihara Minori, Kishio Daisuke, Nagashima Haruka, Ono Daisuke, Yuuki Asuka, Morishima Shuuta.
animation: Hotline.
forum.
starts tue 09 apr 20:25

Sparrow's Hotel is on a busy downtown street and trouble keeps coming through the door, from drunks to hoodlums. But they hire a new person for the front desk, Sayuri, whose main qualifications are large breasts and assassination skills. Working with Tamaki, a very capable girl who looks like a middle-schooler, she keeps chaos from breaking out -- but sudddenly becomes tongue-tied when she has to talk with Tamaki's elder brother, the hotel's manager.

I like the set-up, but the director comes with little directoral experience and not much anime work in the past several years. And no lead writer is named. Tamaki is played by Nagashima Haruka, who made an impression as Kaori in Shiki.


Aiura
  (jp: あいうら)   jpWiki

slice-of-life comedy shorts
director: Nakamura Ryousuke (Mouryou no Hako)
writer: Nakamura Ryousuke. Chama (manga).
seiyuus: Nakajima Yui, Iida Yuuko, Tamura Nao.
animation: Liden Films.
manga. forum.
starts tue 09 apr 25:35

Five-minute episodes based on a four-panel comic strip about three deeply unambitious high school girls. "What happens when nothing is happening." The comic is fairly amusing but untranslated, as far as I know. (The "manga" link below goes to an online raw.)

Director/writer Nakamura Ryousuke did the shoujo mystery-adventure Mouryou no Hako. Stars three new seiyuus.


Yuyushiki
  (jp: ゆゆ式)   jpWiki

four-panel slice of life comedy
director: Kaori
writer: Takahashi Natsuko (Gakuen Heaven, Blue Drop, Tokyo Magnitude 8). Mikami Komata (manga).
seiyuus: Taneda Risa, Tsuda Minami, Ookubo Rumi, Kayano Ai, Shimizu Mana, Horie Yui, Han Megumi.
animation: Kinema Citrus. OP seiyuus.
trailer. forum.
starts tue 10 apr 24:30

The manga follows the school life of three girls in the data processing club. Not having seen the manga, it's hard to say what this show will be like. The cast looks good, starring Taneda Risa, who was excellent in Shinsekai Yori (as the young Saki) and in Sukitte ii na yo (as Asami). And there is Ookubo Rumi, who won a newcomer seiyuu award a few weeks ago.

Lead writer Takahashi Natsuko is good: she did Gakuen Heaven, Blue Drop, and Tokyo Magnitude 8, among other shows. Director Kaori is hard to figure. One source says she is the same person as seiyuu Tomiyama Akari, who has had a few roles in anime and many in ero-games. I suspect she may not be the seiyuu, but no source has made this clear yet. As a staff person, "Kaori" has done episode direction and/or key animation for .hack//quantum, Hanasaku Iroha, and Code:Breaker.


Valvrave the Liberator
  (jp: 革命機ヴァルヴレイヴ)   jpWiki

mecha science-fiction adventure
director: Matsuo Kou (Red Garden, Kurenai, Natsuyuki Rendez-vous)
writer: Ookouchi Ichirou (Angelic Layer, Planetes, Code Geass, Shigofumi).
seiyuus: Ousaka Ryouta, Kimura Ryouhei, Seto Asami, Tomatsu Haruka, Ono Yuki, Kayano Ai, Fukuen Misato, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Nakamura Yuuichi, Namikawa Daisuke, Kotobuki Minako, Yuuki Aoi, Hatano Wataru, Horie Yui.
animation: Sunrise. OP Mizuki Nana x TM Revolution, ED angela.
trailer. forum.
starts thu 11 apr 25:35

Seventy percent of humanity has migrated to space. A small nation -- living in a Dyson Sphere -- is squeezed between two warring powers. During an attack by one of the powers, our hero diiscovers a mysterious mecha….

Talented director Matsuo Kou (Red Garden, Kurenai, Natsuyuki Rendez-vous) and top writer Ookuchi Ichirou (Angelic Layer, Planetes, Code Geass) work with an outstanding young cast: Oosaka Ryouta, Kimura Ryouhei, Seto Asami, Tomatsu Haruka, Ono Yuuki, Kayano Ai, Kotobuki Minako, Yuuki Aoi and others. Sunrise. OP by Mizuki Nana/TM Revolution. ED by angela.


To Aru Kagaku no Railgun S
  (jp: とある科学の超電磁砲[レールガン]S)   jpWiki

superpowers school adventure
director: Nagai Tatsuyuki
writer: Minakami Seishi. Kamachi Kazuma (manga).
seiyuus: Satou Rina, Arai Satomi, Itou Kanae, Toyosaki Aki.
animation: JC Staff. OP fripSide, ED Iguchi Yuka.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts fri 12 apr 23:30

The same staff and cast return for a new series of Railgun. What's not to like?

To be honest, this show had trouble holding my interest through more than a couple of episodes at a time. There was just something a bit more juvenile than usual about the story. But by now I have seen it all and can say I enjoyed it. Great cast.



Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko
  (jp: 変態王子と笑わない猫.)   jpWiki

ecchi romantic comedy
director: Suzuki Youhei
writer: Itou Michiko. Sagara Sou (novel).
seiyuus: Kaji Yuuki, Ogura Yui, Ishihara Kaori, Tamura Yukari, Terakawa Aimi.
animation: JC Staff.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sat 13 apr 22:30

High-school sophomore Youto is always thinking about sex, but is such a model student that no one notices. He learns about a statue of an "unsmiling cat" that supposedly grants wishes, and goes to pray that he will be able to express his lustful thoughts in ways that people will actually hear. At the statue, Youto encounters Tsukiko, a girl from his high school with her own wish: that she become less childish and not display her feelings so openly.

This is Ogura Yui's biggest role yet, and I think she has finally got the chops to succeed in it. Her voice work is now rising to match the level of her extreme cuteness. Her singing partner in YuiKaori, Ishihara Kaori, is also in the show. Kaori is already one of the top young seiyuus, and won a "new seiyuu" award a couple of weeks ago. And Tamura Yukari is here, too.

Director Suzuki Youhei is doing his first show. He has done storyboards and episodes of Mahoraba, Zero no Tsukaima, Kimikiss, Ookami-san, etc. Lead writer Itou Michiko has done Ookami-san and Ro-kyu-bu, as well as multiple episodes of shows such as Suzuka, KimiKiss, Tegami Bachi, and Sakurasou. I'm feeling positive about this show. Original character design by Kantoku, who did the illustrations for the novel.

The winter season was never like this: 40 new shows in a season that usually has less than 30. Nothing that looks like an immediate masterpiece, but lots of promising possibilities.

I'll give full details of each show, with images, stories, staff, cast, and links to trailers, mangas, and discussions. But first, in alphabetical order, here are brief notes about some shows that seem particularly promising to me:

• Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Ren -- Another season of KyoAni's big comedy hit, featuring romance, juvenile delusions, and Uchida Maaya.
• D-Frag! -- Harem comedy with a strong cast (Konishi Katsuyuki, Hanazawa Kana, Itou Shizuka, et al.), written by Uezu Makoto and directed by a man who has done episodes of Kurenai and Kids on the Slope.
• Hoozuki no Reitetsu -- Episodic comedy in hell, wryly portraying the exploits of a sadistic bureaucrat, an assistant to the King of Hell.
• Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha -- A girl living near the great Fushimi fox shrine in Kyoto helps a little fox and in return is granted the ability to change her form. Things don't quite work out the way she hoped, however. Broad situation comedy directed by a man who directed episodes of Utena and Monster.
• Mahou Sensou -- "Magical warfare." A great cast headed by Miyano Mamoru, Touyama Nao, and Seto Asami. Directed by the director of Pita Ten and Kaiji. Our high-school boy (and kendo black belt) hero helps a girl he finds collapsed on the school grounds, and she accidentally involves him in a war among wizards.
• Nisekoi -- Shinbou tries his hand at romantic comedy. In order to prevent a war between two criminal gangs, the daughter of the boss of one gang and the son of the boss of the other are ordered by their fathers to pretend to be in love.
• Nobunaga the Fool -- A new science fiction epic from Kawamori Shouji, who made Macross Frontier. The cast is headed by Miyano Mamoru and Sakurai Takahiro, Hikasa Youko, Chihara Minori, and Koyama Rikiya.
• No-Rin -- Oonuma Shin (ef, Baka to Test, Watamote) works with Tamura Yukari, Hanazawa Kana, Saitou Chiwa and others to create a show in which a famous idol suddenly shows up as a student in the male lead's high school.
• pupa -- Great director Mochizuki Tomomi's horror anime about a girl who transforms into a human-eating monster, and her brother who tries to save her by offering himself as her food. Budding star Kido Ibuki plays the girl/monster.
• Saikin, Imouto no Yousu ga Chotto Okashiinda ga -- Classic ecchi bro-con set-up in which a younger sister is suddenly possessed by a ghost girl and finds herself making out with her brother. Adapted by the writer of Kannagi and OreImo from a manga by the artist who did Inukami.
• Sailor Moon 20th anniversary new anime -- Supposed to come out this season, but no specific date yet.
• Sakura Trick -- Sweet yuri romance starring Tomatsu Haruka and Iguchi Yuka, directed by the director of Da Capo III.
• Space Dandy -- Watanabe Shinichirou (Cowboy Bebop, Kids on the Slope) brings us a madcap space comedy starring Suwabe Junichi, one of my favorite voices. The creators are a who's who of great names, including Taniguchi Gorou (Planetes, Code Geass) and Yuasa Masaaki (Tatami Galaxy).
• To Aru Hikuushi e no Koiuta -- "Love Song For a Certain Pilot." Romantic adventure starring Yuuki Aoi and directed by the director of Rinne no Lagrange. Set in the same world as The Princess and the Pilot.
• Wake Up, Girls! -- Yamamoto Yutaka ("Yamakan"), who made his name with the Haruhi ED and Kannagi, returns with an idol comedy. This should be right up his alley.
• Witchcraft Works -- Seto Asami stars as a high-school girl who is secretly the strongest witch in the world, there in school to protect the male lead, whom she calls her "princess." Directed and written by Mizushima Tsutomu (Squid Girl, Genshiken).
• Wizard Barristers: Benmashi Cecil -- The director of Kite Liberator directs a comedy adventure about a girl who is the youngest "wizard barrister," defending wizards in cases brought against them by humans.
• World Conquest - The Zvezda Plot -- An odd departure for Okamura Tensai (Wolf's Rain, Darker than Black), who directs a loli-ecchi action comedy in which young girls in revealing costumes set out to conquer the world.

Some good shows are continuing from previous seasons, as well: Golden Time, Nagi no Asu kara, Tokyo Ravens, Strike the Blood, Ace of the Diamond, Magi 2, Yowamushi Pedal, Samurai Flamenco, Kill La Kill.

Click through from the alphabetical list below to full details of each show, which are given in chronological order.


● Buddy Complex     ● Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Ren     ● D-Frag!     ● Future Card Buddy Fight     ● Gin no Saji (2014)     ● Go! Go! 575     ● Hamatora     ● Happiness Charge Precure     ● Hoozuki no Reitetsu     ● Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha     ● Mahou Sensou     ● Maken-ki! Two     ● Mikakunin de Shinkoukei     ● Minna Atsumare! Falcom Gakuen     ● Nisekoi     ● Nobunaga the Fool     ● Nobunagun     ● Noragami     ● No-Rin     ● Onee-chan ga Kita     ● pupa     ● Pupipo!     ● Robot Girls Z     ● Saikin, Imouto no Yousu ga Chotto Okashiinda ga     ● Sailor Moon 20th anniversary new anime     ● Saki: Zenkoku Hen     ● Sakura Trick     ● Seitokai Yakuindomo *     ● Space Dandy     ● Strange+     ● Super Sonico The Animation     ● To Aru Hikuushi e no Koiuta     ● Tonari no Seki-kun     ● Wake Up, Girls!     ● Witchcraft Works     ● Wizard Barristers: Benmashi Cecil     ● Wooser no Sono Higurashi Kakusei Hen     ● World Conquest -- The Zvezda Plot     ● Youkai Watch     ● Z/X: Ignition

Notes:
-- information from official sites, MoonPhase, AniDB, Anime News Network, Japanese Wikipedia, et al.
-- English titles link to the Anime News Network encyclopedia; Japanese titles link to official sites. "forum" links to AnimeSuki forum threads.
-- click images to enlarge. 
 


Winter 2014 TV Anime Series
(in chronological order by date/time of first broadcast)


Pupipo!
  (jp: プピポー!)   jpWiki

supernatural comedy
director: Suzuki Kaoru (eps of Hellsing, Acchi Kocchi, etc.)
writer: Nakajou Tomofumi (Maji de Otaku na English! Ribon-chan). Oshikiri Rensuke (manga).
seiyuus: Sasaki Chiho, Mori Chisato, Itou Setsuo, Gotou Mai, Miyazawa Tadashi, Ookubo Hanae, Misao, Fujiwara Keiji, Ootsuka Kotomi.
animation: AIC PLUS+.
trailer. manga.
starts fri 20 dec 25:53

Fifth grader Wakaba can see invisible beings other people can't. Because of this, she is bullied by her classmates and spends her days alone.

But one day, she meets a strange pink creature who only says "pupipo." It becomes fond of Wakaba and protects her from evil beings. With its help, she befriends a girl obsessed with the occult. And then she meets a boy who can also see invisible beings, and decides to help him get rid of them.

Long-time storyboarder and episode director Suzuki Kaoru gets her first full show. Writer Nakajou Tomofumi did the English-instruction anime Maji de Otaku na English! Ribon-chan. Most of the seiyuus are unknowns. It's hard t say whether this show will be worth watching or not. I like the design of the main character, which comes straight from the manga.


Future Card Buddy Fight
  (jp: フューチャーカード バディファイト)   jpWiki

kids' shounen fighting
director: Ikeda Shigetaka (eps. of Kaiji, Steins;Gate, SAO)
writer: Akahoshi Masanao (Index, Freezing). Ikeda Michio 池田芳生, Bushiroad. Kidani Takaaki (general supervisor of production).
seiyuus: Mizuno Marie, Oohata Shintarou, Terakawa Aimi, Yasumoto Hiroki, Kitta Izumi, Tokui Sora, Morishima Shuuta, Saitou Souma, Sasaki Mikoi.
animation: OLM Xebec. OP Suara and Psychic Lover.
trailer.
starts sat 04 jan 08:00

Based on a Bushiroad collectible card game. The director has previously only directed epsiodes. The writer, however, adapted Index and Freezing.

The seiyuus are interesting lesser-known voices: Mizuno Marie, Kitta Izumi, Tokui Sora, etc. OP by Suara and Psychic Lover. The trailer is for the card game.


Robot Girls Z
  (jp: ロボットガールズZ)   jpWiki

comedy action/adventure with robots and fanservice
director: Ikehata Hiroshi (eps of KuruKuru Shuffle, Moyashimon, Saki, etc.)
writer: Hyodo Kazuho (Tactical Roar, Sekai de Ichiban Tsuyoku Naritai). Nagai Gou (based on his Mazinger and Grendizer shows).
seiyuus: Minase Iori (Suzu in Love Lab), Aranami Kazusa, Honda Mariko (Kurimu in Seitokai no Ichizon), Hisakawa Aya, Tsuji Ayumi, Touyama Nao, Kitaoka Chiharu, Takaoka Kaori, Satou Satomi, Morishita Yukiko.
animation: Toei.
trailer. 9x10mineps. forum.
starts sat 04 jan 17:30

Robot Girls Z is a three-girl unit assigned to promote the future energy source Photon Energy, and to eliminate any enemies who want to take Photon Energy for themselves. The team's members are Z-chan (based on Mazinger Z), Gre-chan (based on Great Mazinger), and Grenda-san (based on UFO Robo Grendizer).

Three lesser-known younger seiyuus take the lead, but with a few bigger names behind them. Director Ikehata Hiroshi does his first series, having previously directed/storyboarded episodes (KuruKuru Shuffle, Moyashimon, Saki) and directed one special (Toei Robot Girls). Writer Hyodo Kazuho did Tactical Roar and Sekai de Ichiban Tsuyoku Naritai. Nagai Gou, author of the Mazinger and Grendizer shows, is credited as the author whose work is being adapted. The nine ten-minute episodes will be broadcast in three groups of three.


Seitokai Yakuindomo *
  (jp: 生徒会役員共＊)   jpWiki

school comedy with dirty thoughts
director: Kanazawa Hiromichi (Princess Lover, Asa made Jugyou Chu)
writer: Nakamura Makoto (Princess Lover, Telepathy Shoujo Ran). Ujjie Tozen (manga).
seiyuus: Asanuma Shintarou, Hikasa Youko, Satou Satomi, Yahagi Sayuri, Shimoda Asami, Kobayashi Yuu, Omigawa Chiaki, Arai Satomi, Katou Emiri, Tamura Mutsumi, Hino Miho, Hirano Fumi, Shiina Hekiru, Saitou Chiwa.
animation: GoHands. OP Triple Booking (seiyuus), ED Satou Satomi.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sat 04 jan 20:30

After one series and eight OVAs, here comes a second series of this comedy featuring a weird group of girls in the student council, led by an innocent maiden whose mind is fixated on sex.

The cast is outstanding. They do a lot to help make this anime work: Hikasa Youko, Satou Satomi, Yahagi Sayuri and many more. The director and writer did Princess Lover together. The director did the fairly raunchy Asa made Jugyo Chu, and the writer did the (to me) forgettable Telepathy Shoujo Ran.


Saikin, Imouto no Yousu ga Chotto Okashiinda ga
  (jp: 最近, 妹のようすがちょっとおかしいんだが)   jpWiki

ecchi bro-con romantic comedy
director: Hata Hiroyuki (storyboards and ep dir Big Windup, AmagamiSS, Girls Panzer)
writer: Kurata Hideyuki (Kannagi, OreImo, etc.). Matsuzawa Mari (manga; Inukami art).
seiyuus: Hashimoto Chinami (debut), Majima Junji, Ogura Yui, Kanemoto Hisako.
animation: Project No.9. OP seiyuus, ED Ogura Yui.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sat 04 jan 22:30

After her mother remarries and goes overseas with her new husband, Mitsuki finds herself living awkwardly alone with her new step-brother Yuuya. She has trouble with men because of her bad relationship with her real father. One day, however, Mitsuki is possessed by the spirit of another girl, Hiyori, and finds herself climbing all over her new brother in passion.

Hashimoto Chinami makes her seiyuu debut as Mitsuki. Ogura Yui appears in another ecchi comedy. An adult video live-action version -- with different actors, of course -- will come out next spring.

Writer Kurata Hideyuki is a top hand at ecchi comedy, having done shows like Kannagi and OreImo. Director Hata Hiroyuki is a long-time storyboarder and episode director getting his first full show. Animation director/charades Suzuki Dai is doing those jobs for the first time here. Project No.9 is a newish studio doing its second full show, following Roh-Kyu-Bu. I expect this to be entertaining ecchi comedy.


Nobunagun
  (jp: ノブナガン)   jpWiki

action comedy with weapons
director: Kondou Nobuhiro (Keroro Gunsou)
writer: Yamaguchi Hiroshi (ToHeart, Rosario+Vampire). Hisa Masato (manga).
seiyuus: Mutou Shiori, Suzuki Tatsuhisa, Shimazaki Nobunaga, Asakawa Yuu, Ishida Akira, Uesaka Sumire, Saitou Chiwa, Yasumura Makoto, Tsuda Kenjirou, Tamura Mutsumi, Murase Ayumu, Inoue Haruno, Satou Ai, Yusa Kouji, Watanabe Akeno, Tobita Nobuo.
animation: Bridge.
trailer. forum.
starts sun 05 jan 22:00

Government agents with mysterious weapons protect our high-school-girl heroine from attacks by monsters. The weapons are imbued with the spirits of historical figures, from the gravitational weapon Newton to a barrier weapon called the Gandhi. Our heroine discovers within herself the ability to wield a weapon called the Nobunagun, named after the Japanese warlord Nobunaga.

Stars Mutou Shiori, in her seiyuu debut. Directed by the director of the long-running family comedy Keroro Gunsou. Adapted by the writer of ToHeart (a plus) and Rosario+Vampire (a minus).


Minna Atsumare! Falcom Gakuen
  (jp: みんな集まれ! ファルコム学園)   jpWiki

comic strip comedy
director: Pipya
seiyuus: Kaji Yuuki, Kanda Akemi, Saiga Mitsuki, Shindou Naomi, Mizuhashi Kaori, Okitsu Kazuyuki, Kakihara Tetsuya, Koyasu Takehito, Kondo Takayuki, Konno Hiromi, Nishihara Kumiko, Baba Keisuke, Satou Takuya, Kotera Kanako.
animation: DAX Production, Chara Ani.

starts sun 05 jan 22:27

This series of three-minute episodes features characters from games by the Nihon Falcom video game company, one of the founders of the Japanese video game industry, particularly with PC role-playing games. Their titles include Dragon Slayer, The Legend of Heroes, and Ys.

Director pipya did storyboards and scripts for Shiba Inuko-san and storyboards for Ishida to Asakura. Good cast (Kaji Yuuki, Saiga Mitsuki, et al.) but I have no idea what this will be like.


Witchcraft Works
  (jp: ウィッチクラフトワークス)   jpWiki

seinen magic fantasy
director: Mizushima Tsutomu (xxxHolic, Squid Girl, Genshiken)
writer: Mizushima Tsutomu. Mizunagu Ryuu (manga).
seiyuus: Seto Asami (Chihaya in Chihayafuru), Kobayashi Yuusuke, Izawa Shiori, Kayano Ai.
animation: JC Staff.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sun 05 jan 22:30

Takamiya Honoka seems an ordinary boy. Like everyne else, he admires the girl who sits next to him in class, Kagari Ayaka, who is athletic, pretty, and smart. Unbeknownst to him, she also happens to be the most powerful witch on Earth, and her purpose in life is to protect her "princess," Takamiya, at all costs.

Successful director Mizushima Tsutomu (Genshiken) has top young seiyuus Seto Asami and Kayano Ai to work with here. He is his own lead writer, but has two of the best -- Yokote Michiko and Yoshida Reiko -- writing scripts for him. I have a feeling that JC Staff may have another hit on its hands.


Space Dandy
  (jp: スペース☆ダンディ)   jpWiki

madcap space comedy with fanservice
director: Natsume Shingo, chiefdir: Watanabe Shinichirou (Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, Kids on the Slope)
writer: Satou Dai, Nobumoto Keiko, Ueno Kimiko.
seiyuus: Suwabe Junichi, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Satake Uki, Hatakeyama Kousuke, Ishizuka Unshou, Yurin, Ginga Banjou, Kuwashima Houko.
animation: Bones. OP Okamura Yoshiyuki, ED Kanno Youko and Yakushimaru Etsuko.
trailer. forum.
starts sun 05 jan 23:00

Watanabe Shinichirou (Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, Kids on the Slope) brings us a madcap comedy he describes as 80% comedy and 20% serious. Dandy is an alien hunter, going off into space with his companions -- QT the worn-out robot and Meow the Betelgeusan -- searching for new species. Meanwhile, he himself is being chased by agents of the Gorgol Empire, for reasons that remain mysterious.

The studio is Bones, and the animation and writing help is a who's who of famous names. Satou Dai (Eureka Seven, episodes of Cowboy Bebop, Wolf's Rain, GITS:SAC) is part of the writing crew. Directors Yuasa Masaaki (Tatami Galaxy), Yamamoto Saya (Michiko to Hacchin, Lupin 3 Fujiko Mine), and Taniguchi Goro (Code Geass) are listed among the "creators" involved. One of the most anticipated shows of the season, for obvious reasons. I hope it doesn’t end up being as uninteresting to me as Kill La Kill did.

The music will be important, composed and/or played by a long list of famous names, starting with Kanno Youko. And the cast starts with Suwabe Junichi (one of my favorite male voices) and includes names such as Yoshino Hiroyuki, Kuwashima Houko, and young Hatakeyama Kousuke


Noragami
  (jp: ノラガミ)   jpWiki

supernatural comedy adventure
director: Tamura Koutarou (boards and ep direction on Heroman, Gosick, etc.)
writer: Akao Deko (Arakawa, Astalotte no Omocha, Mysterious Girlfriend X). Adachitoka (manga).
seiyuus: Uchida Maaya, Kamiya Hiroshi, Kaji Yuuki, Sawashiro Miyuki, Ono Daisuke, Toyosaki Aki, Fukuyama Jun, Komatsu Mikako, Kugimiya Rie, Ookawa Tooru, Inoue Kazuhiko.
animation: Bones. OP Hello Sleepwalkers.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sun 05 jan 23:30

Uchida Maaya's surprising talent has propelled her iinto the big leagues. Here she plays opposite Kamiya Hiroshi, and is surrounded by top names including Kaji Yuuki, Sawashiro Miyuki, Ono Daisuke, Fukuyama Jun, Kugimiya Rie, Ookawa Tooru….

Yato is a minor god whose dream is to have a lot of worshipers. So far, however, he doesn't have a single shrine. This may be because he's a bit of a jerk. His luck might change, however, when he finds a girl called Hiyori. Together with Hiyori and his new partner-weapon Yukine, Yato will do everything he can to gain recognition.

Tamura Koutarou (storyboards and ep direction in Heroman, Gosick, et al.) gets his first full show. Writer Akao Deko has done Arakawa, Astalotte, Mysterious Girlfriend, etc. I'll watch a couple of episodes for the stars, but despite this being Bones, the manga hasn't hooked me, through one chapter.


Buddy Complex
  (jp: バディ・コンプレックス)   jpWiki

mecha adventure
director: Tanabe Yasuhiro (storyboards and ep director Battle Spirits, Horizon)
writer: Sunrise staff ("Yatate Hajime").
seiyuus: Uchiyama Kouki (Yoshino in Zetsuen no Tempest), Matsuoka Yoshitsugu (Kirito in SAO), Hayami Saori, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Inoue Marina, Sakurai Takahiro, Satou Rina, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Hayami Shou, Tamura Mutsumi.
animation: Sunrise.
trailer. forum.
starts sun 05 jan 24:00

A new Sunrise mecha show. It was just another normal day. Aoba was on his way to school for the last day before the summer break. But he met Dio, and that meeting changed the world.

Great cast stars Uchiyama Kouki, Matsuoka Yoshitsugu, and the entrancing voice of Hayami Saori. But the cast list goes on from there to the heights of Inoue Marina, Hayami Shou, Sakurai Takahiro, et al. Director Tanabe Yasuhiro did episodes and storyboards for Battle Spirits shows and Horizon, but this is the first time he has been in charge of a whole show.

Fans of Horizon and Valvrave are disappointed not to see a new season of one of those shows, instead of this new show.


Nobunaga the Fool
  (jp: ノブナガ・ザ・フール)   jpWiki

science fantasy adventure
director: Satou Hidekazu (Basquash)
writer: Kawamori Shouji (creator of Macross 7, Escaflowne, Aquarion, Macross Frontier, Basquash, AKB0048). Kawamori Shouji (original work).
seiyuus: Miyano Mamoru, Hikasa Youko, Sakurai Takahiro, Kaji Yuuki, Sugita Tomokazu, Chihara Minori, Touyama Nao, Nakamura Yuuichi, Kido Ibuki, Ishida Haruka, Shimazaki Nobunaga, Nanami Hiroki, Koyama Rikiya, Nakai Kazuya, Matsuoka Yoshitsugu.
animation: Satelight. OP Chihara Minori, ED Stereo Dive Foundation.
trailer. forum.
starts sun 05 jan 25:05

A new project from Kawamori Shouji (Macross 7, Aquarion, Macross Frontier, AKB0048). Terrific cast includes Mamo-chan and Sakurai-san, as well as Hikasa Youko and Chihara Minori, Koyama Rikiya and Nakai Kazuya. And Touyama Nao. And even 16-year-old Kido Ibuki (her steady rise continues).

The Eastern Planet and the Western Planet used to be connected, but have now had separate histories for a long time. The Eastern Planet suffers through the chaos of war, while the Western Planet is in a renaissance of ancient culture. Jeanne D'Arc and Leonardo Da Vinci come from the Western Planet to an Eastern Planet where Nobunaga "The Fool" is seeking power to change his world. Caesar, Alexander, Magellan, and Hideyoshi are also characters in the story.

Kawamori's shows are always worth a look, especially with this wonderful cast. The first half of the "trailer" link is Sakurai Takahiro talking about the show; the second half is a show trailer.


Tonari no Seki-kun
  (jp: となりの関くん)   jpWiki

seinen comedy
director: Mutou Yuuji (Crayon Shin-chan)
writer: Morishige Takuma (manga).
seiyuus: Shimono Hiro, Hanazawa Kana.
animation: Shin-Ei Animation. OP Hanazawa Kana, ED Jimbo Akira, insert Suzuki Ichirou.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sun 05 jan 26:05

Yokoi is a diligent student. But next to her sits Seki-kun, who always seems to be playing at weird games on his desk. Somehow, however, the teacher never notices, and he goes on and on creating little worlds in front of himself.

Some people find this manga hilarious. I confess I don’t. But Hanazawa Kana might be able to do something with Yokoi. How Shimono Hiro will do anything with Seki-kun escapes me, however, since in the manga he never speaks.

Directed by veteran director Mutou Yuuji, who has been directing since the early 1990s, doing shows including Crayon Shin-chan, Corrector Yui, and Green Green.


Super Sonico The Animation
  (jp: SUPER SONICO THE ANIMATION)   jpWiki

ecchi comedy
director: Kawamura Kenichi (eps. of Black Lagoon, Devil May Cry)
writer: Kuroda Yousuke (Big Windup, Requiem for Phantom, HSotD).
seiyuus: Super Sonico (Nitro Plus mascot girl), Gotou Mai, Ozaki Mami, Takeuchi Ryouta, Kanemoto Hisako, Inoue Kikuko.
animation: White Fox. OP Super Sonico.
trailer. forum.
starts mon 06 jan 20:30

Super Sonico is the mascot girl for the Nitroplus game company's live events. In the anime, she is a model, game character, and musician, as well as a college student. In the preview, she clearly has enormous physical assets. The character has already inspired a line of games and some figures.

The trailer makes the anime look like a compendium of cliches. We'll see if the highly competent staff can make something of them.


To Aru Hikuushi e no Koiuta
  (jp: とある飛空士への恋歌)   jpWiki

romantic fantasy adventure
director: Suzuki Toshimasa (Rinne no Lagrange, Vampire Bund)
writer: Inotsume Shinichi (Hayate, Ristorante Paradiso). Inumutra Koroku (novel).
seiyuus: Yuuki Aoi, Hanae Natsuki, Taketatsu Ayana, Ishikawa Kaito, Nanjou Yoshino, Hayami Saori, Tano Asami, Shimono Hiro.
animation: TMS Entertainment. OP petit milady (Yuuki Aoi and Taketatsu Ayana).
forum.
starts sun 06 jan 22:00

"Love Song For a Certain Pilot." Set in the same world as The Princess and the Pilot movie, but earlier and with different characters. The pilot is a former prince who lost everything to the revolution and now sets out to find the end of the sky. He is with a girl who was the symbol of the revolution. And on an island floating in the sky he meets another girl.

The staff seems competent to me. I liked both Rinne no Lagrange and Vampire Bund, which had the same director. And I admired the writer's Hayate and Ristorante Paradiso, in their different ways. Although his Zettai Karen Children did less than nothing for me….

For me personally, the presence of Yuuki Aoi is key. She's one of my favorite voice actresses, but this is the first time in a couple of years she has been in an anime I'm likely to watch. Hanae Natsuki and Ishikawa Kaitou are both good young male stars. And although Taketatsu Ayana doesn’t do much for me, Hayami Saori and Nanjou Yoshino do, so it's all good.



Saki: Zenkoku Hen
  (jp: 咲 -Saki- 全国編)   jpWiki

yuri moe sports anime
director: Ono Manabu (A-Channel, Horizon)
writer: Urahata Tatsuhiko (Strawberry Panic, A-Channel, Horizon). Kobayashi Ritz (manga).
seiyuus: Ueda Kana, Koshimizu Ami, Kugimiya Rie, Shiraishi Ryouko, Itou Shizuka, Fukuyama Jun, Hayami Saori, Kotobuki Minako, Akasaki Chinatsu, Date Arisa, Matsuda Satsumi, Mizuhashi Kaori, Mizuno Mariko, Morota Kaoru, Nagatsuma Juri, Nakatsu Mariko, Ohara Sayaka, Satou Rina, Toyota Moe, Tsuji Ayumi, Yoshimura Haruka.
animation: Studio Gokumi. OP Hashimoto Miyuki, ED seiyuus.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sun 06 jan 25:35

In this third Saki series, we finally reach the national high school mahjong tournament. I'm not sure why this show has never reached me: I like both yuri and moe, and I like many of these seiyuus. But I just don’t react the way the audience you can hear in the trailer does (it was cammed at a live event).

For the show's fans, this is a big deal. The same staff returns, as do most of the original cast -- along with excellent newcomers such as Hayami Saori and Satou Rina.


Wooser no Sono Higurashi Kakusei Hen
  (jp: うーさーのその日暮らし 覚醒編)   jpWiki

comedy shorts
director: Yamada Toyonori
writer: Fudeyasu Kazuyuki. Usa Yoshiki (manga).
seiyuus: Miyano Mamoru, Nagamune Haruka, Ozawa Minori, TIA, Satou Yuri.
animation: Sanzigen.
trailer. forum.
starts tue 07 jan 25:35

New season for the series of short comic episodes starring Miyano Mamoru as a selfish and lecherous little bunny-like animal who freeloads in the home of agreeable twin girls.

Director Yamada Toyonori is a director of photography (Gurren-Lagann, Little Witch Academia, etc.) for whom the first series was his first directorial job. Writer Fudeyasu Kazuyuki has done many shows, including the comedy hits Kamen no Maid Guy and Ben-tou. The original manga is by Usa Toshiki, who also works as a designer with the music group supercell. The trailer link is to ep4 of the first season.


Hamatora
  (jp: ハマトラ)   jpWiki

shounen action comedy
director: Kimura Hiroshi (Recorder and Randsel), chiefdir: Kishi Seiji (My Bride is a Mermaid, Arpeggio of Blue Steel)
writer: Machida Touko (Idolm@ster), Kumagai Jun (eps of Humanity Has Declined, Valvrave). Café Nowhere (manga).
seiyuus: Oosaka Ryouta, Hatano Wataru, Katou Emiri, Kamiya Hiroshi, Yasuno Kiyono, Fukuyama Jun, Kitamura Eri, Nakamura Yuuichi, Murase Katsuki, Ono Atsushi, Akimoto Yousuke, Eguchi Takuya, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Oohashi Ayaka.
animation: NAZ. OP livetune w/ Ozaki Yuuka.
trailer. forum.
starts tue 07 jan 25:40

Detectives with a special magical ability discover that the serial killer they are looking for is actually killing only people with the same abilities they have.

Director Kimura Hiroshi did two series each of Recorder and Randsel and Haitai Nanafa. He is working under the supervision of Kishi Seiji (Humanity Has Declined). Fine cast and competent staff give this show possibilities.



D-Frag!
  (jp: ディーふらぐ!)   jpWiki

harem romance slice-of-life comedy
director: Sugawara Seiki (eps. of Kurenai, Yozakura Q, Kids on the Slope)
writer: Uezu Makoto (Tayutama, Humanity Declined). Haruno Tomoya (manga).
seiyuus: Konishi Katsuyuki, Hanazawa Kana, Itou Shizuka, Saitou Chiwa, Takahashi Mikako, Koshimizu Ami, Fukuyama Jun, Toyosaki Aki, Katou Emiri.
animation: Brain's Base. OP Iosys jk Girls, ED seiyuus.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts mon 07 jan 26:05

Kazama Kenji is a bit of a delinquent. Then he and his gang meet a group of four not-so-normal girls who are even more outrageous, and he ends up being forced to join their club.

The manga is amusing, and the cast is outstanding. On the other hand, I'm always a bit leery when Uezu Makoto is the writer. He seems to me to have his ups and downs. And Sugawara Seigi is an episode director (Kurenai, YozakuraQ, Kids on the Slope, etc.) doing his first full show. But I'm certainly going to be there for the first episode, at any rate. Subbed drama CD here.


Youkai Watch
  (jp: 妖怪ウォッチ)   jpWiki

supernatural family comedy
director: Ushiro Shinji (Strait Jacket, Campanella)
writer: Katou Youichi (Aikatsu, Mushibugyou). Level-5 games.
seiyuus: Seki Tomokazu, Tomatsu Haruka, Endou Aya, Kozakura Etsuko, Nara Tooru, Satou Chie.
animation: OLM.
trailer.
starts wed 08 jan 19:00

Tomatsu Haruka plays Keita, a boy who one day finds an old capsule toy machine in the forest and from it gets a magic watch that allows him to see supernatural beings. From that time on, he and the ghost butler Whisper (Seki Tomokazu) search for ghosts to battle.

Seki-san is one of the top professionals in the seiyuu business, spending much of his time teaching. We don't get to hear him enough. And the recently married Endou Aya continues to prove she has not abandoned us. The trailer link is to an animated trailer for the game by Level-5, which was the first product in what will be a media franchise.


Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Ren
  (jp: 中二病でも恋がしたい！戀)   jpWiki

romantic comedy with juvenile delusions
director: Ishihara Tatsuya
writer: Hanada Jukki. Torako (novel).
seiyuus: Uchida Maaya, Fukuyama Jun, Akasaki Chinatsu, Nagatsuma Juri, Asakura Azumi, Uesaka Sumire, Amano Yuri, Fukuhara Kaori, Shitara Mami, Houshi Souichirou, Inoue Kikuko, Sentai Eri.
animation: Kyoto Animation. OP ZAQ, ED seiyuus (Black Raison D'Etre).
trailer. forum.
starts wed 08 jan 24:30

Second season for the popular (with me, in particular) KyoAni comedy. Rikka ends up moving in with Yuuta's family. At the same time, a girl whom he was close to in middle school enters the picture. Will she pry Rikka and Yuuta apart or drive them closer together?

"Trailer" link is to the last scenes of ep12 of the first series.


Onee-chan ga Kita
  (jp: お姉ちゃんが来た)   jpWiki

ecchi comic-strip comedy
director: Yuuzumi Yoshihide (Yurumates 3Dei)
writer: Anzai Rikou (manga).
seiyuus: Terakawa Aimi (Emi/Henneko, Roxanne/Freezing), Nagatsuma Juri (Kanna/Tamako Mkt, Shiromi/Saki Zenkoku), Kido Ibuki, Minami Omi, Inoue Marina, Kobayashi Yuu, Togashi Misuzu, Morisawa Fumi, Hamada Kenji, Takahashi Kouji.
animation: C2C.

starts wed 08 jan 27:00

Our 13-year-old protagonist's father remarries, and he suddenly acquires a 17-year-old sister who has the hots for him. Not only that, but she has (1) a sadistic friend and (2) a big-breasted half-foreign friend. Dostoevsky this ain’t.

The show animates a comic-strip manga that only started last year. It is directed by the director of the fairly hilarious Yurumates 3Dei. And Kido Ibuki shows up again, in her third role of the winter.For what it is, I feel as if this could be good.


Mikakunin de Shinkoukei
  (jp: 未確認で進行形)   jpWiki

ecchi comic-strip comedy
director: Fujiwara Yoshiyuki (GJ Club)
writer: Shimo Fumihiko (AIR, Kanon, Clannad, IS). Arai Cherry (manga).
seiyuus: Terui Haruka, Matsui Eriko, Yoshida Yuuri, Hatano Wataru, Manami, Sakura Ayane, Kakumoto Asuka, Fujita Saki.
animation: Douga Koubo.
trailer. forum.
starts thu 09 jan 21:30

Kobeni is an ordinary girl with big breasts. On her 16th birthday, a tall but quiet boy called Hakuya suddenly appears whom she is told is her fiancé. The two of them, along with her ecchi siscon elder sister and his more-mature-than-her-age younger sister, begin life together in Kobeni's family's home.

The director of GJ Club and the writer of Kanon and Clannad seem like a good start. Several seiyuus here are getting their first main roles. But we also hear Sakura Ayane, Hatano Wataru, and Fujita Saki. This too has possibilities.


Gin no Saji (2014)
  (jp: 銀の匙 (2014))   jpWiki

noitaminA shounen comedy
director: Deai Kotomi
writer: Kishimoto Taku. Arakawa Hiromu (manga; FMA).
seiyuus: Kimura Ryouhei, Miyake Maria, Sakurai Tooru, Takagaki Ayahi, Shimazaki Nobunaga, Shouji Masayuki, Kobushi Nobuyuki, Takanashi Kengo, Izawa Shiori, Konishi Katsuyuki, Masutani Yasunori, Mitsuya Yuji, Ono Yuuki, Mizushima Takahiro, Tano Asami, Kawahira Yoshihisa, Nishimura Tomohiro, Utsumi Kenji, Yahagi Sayuri.
animation: A-1 Pictures. OP Fujifabric, ED Goose House.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts thu 09 jan 24:45

A second noitaminA season for the human comedy about an urban guy going to an agricultural college.

Deai Kotomi takes over as director, doing her first full show after doing episode direction and/or storyboards on shows such as House of Five Leaves, Kids on the Slope, and SAO.

Unlike many reviewers, I never made it past three episodes of the first series. Just not my style of humour. But make no mistake, this is a quality show.


Strange+
  (jp: ストレンジ・プラス)   jpWiki

detective gag anime
director: Nishikawa Takashi
writer: Nishikawa Takashi.
seiyuus: Seki Tomokazu, Okiayu Ryoutarou, Yukino Satsuki, Fukuyama Jun, Kawato Taeko, Hatano Wataru, Terasaki Ayano, Konishi Katsuyuki, Morikawa Toshiyuki.
animation: Seven (Recorder + Randsel)
trailer.
starts thu 09 jan 25:00

Kou goes off in search of his missing brother, who turns out to be running a detective agency. Rather than taking him back home, Kou stays to work in the agency.

The original manga has reached 13 volumes, so must have something to it, though I haven't been able to read any yet. The cast of the anime is largely made up of top pros, including Seki Tomokazu, Yukino Satsuki, Fukuyama Jun, et al.

The first-time director is a youngish key animator. It is striking that he seems to have gone from key animation straight to directing a whole show, without any episode direction in between. The producers must think he has talent.


Go! Go! 575
  (jp: GO!GO!575)   jpWiki

girls slice-of-life with poems and music
director: Anzai Takefumi (eps of Darker than Black, Angel Beats, et al)
writer: Koyanagi Keigo (scripts for Blast of Tempest, Sakurasou).
seiyuus: Oohashi Ayaka, Ootsubo Yuka, Kotobuki Minako.
animation: C2C.
trailer.
starts thu 09 jan 25:25

Tie-in anime for Sega's Project 575 game, which uses a Vocaloid system to perform songs for lyrics the players write. "5-7-5" are the numbers of syllables in the three lines of a haiku poem (or in the first three lines of a five-line tanka poem).

First full show for director Anzai Takefumi, who has done storyboards and/or episode direction on Darker than Black, Angel Beats, etc. Also first show as lead writer for Koyanagi Keiko (scripts for Blast of Tempest, Sakurasou).

The trailer link is to a preview of the game. I'm looking forward to this for the poetry.


Mahou Sensou
  (jp: 魔法戦争)   jpWiki

magic action adventure with romance
director: Satou Yuuzou (Pita Ten, One Outs, Kaiji)
writer: Fudeyasu Kazuyuki (Kamen no Maid Guy, Hajime no Ippo New Challenger, Milky Holmes). Suzuki Hisashi (novel).
seiyuus: Miyano Mamoru, Touyama Nao, Seto Asami, Suzumura Kenichi, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Fukuyama Jun, Nakai Kazuya.
animation: Madhouse. OP Nanri Yuka.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts thu 09 jan 25:28

"Magical Warfare." From a novel. Ordinary student (and kendo black belt) Takeshi helps a girl whom he finds collapsed on the school grounds. She involves him in an alternate magical world from which good magicians are trying to prevent bad magicians from destroying human life.

Fabulous cast starts with Miyano Mamoru and includes some good young female seiyuus (Seto Asami, Touyama Nao) and good male seiyuus (Suzumura Kenichi, Okamoto Nobuhiko, et al.).

Veteran director Satou Yuuzou did Pita Ten and Kaiji. That sounds good. Writer Fudeyasu Kazuyuki did OniAi and Hajime no Ippo New Challenger. That's at least a wide range. The manga is good as far as I've read. This show has some promise.


Hoozuki no Reitetsu
  (jp: 鬼灯の冷徹)   jpWiki

comedy in hell
director: Kaburaki Hiro (Kimi ni Todoke, My Little Monster)
writer: Gotou Midori (eps. of Real Drive, Azazel-san, GenshikenSS). Eguchi Natsumi (manga).
seiyuus: Yasumoto Hiroki, Nagasako Takashi, Yusa Kouji, Gotou Hiroki, Tanezaki Atsumi, Kakihara Tetsuya, Hirakawa Daisuke, Aoyama Touko, Kitamura Eri, Uesaka Sumire.
animation: Wit Studio
trailer. manga.
starts thu 09 jan 25:35

Episodic comedy centered on a bureaucrat of hell, who resolves hell's problems as an aide to King Yama. Despite being sadistic, he is calm and controlled. And he likes cute animals.

The award-nominated manga is amusing. The director did two good shoujo romances: My Little Monster and Kimi ni Todoke. Writer Gotou Midori is doing her first full show, having down several episodes each of Azazel-san and GenshikenSS.

Cast of mid-level veterans should bring expertise to the task. This could be the kind of series that is a critical success and a popular failure.


Z/X: Ignition
  (jp: Z/X IGNITION)   jpWiki

sci-fi fantasy adventure
director: Yamaguchi Yuuji (Fate/Stay Night, Touka Gettan, Crime Edge)
writer: Broccoli.
seiyuus: Shimono Hiro, Sawashiro Miyuki, Ogura Yui, Nakamura Yuuichi, Uchida Maaya, Kanemoto Hisako, Ishihara Kaori, Endou Yurika, M.A.O., Inoue Kazuhiko, Uchida Aya, Hiyama Nobuyuki, Asanuma Shintaou, Kuwashima Houko.
animation: OP Hikasa Youko, ED Endou Yurika.
trailer.
starts thu 09 jan 25:50

A gate from another world suddenly opens and invaders attack the Earth.

A few years later, when things have settled down, we meet our hero, an ordinary high school boy. A mysterious girl appears and gives him a special "card device" and his fate changes.

Director Yamaguchi Yuuji is an old hand, and did Fate/Stay Night, Touka Gettan, and Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge. That sounds like a good resume to me. With some interesting names in the cast, this sounds as if it has some possibilities -- even though no lead writer is yet credited, and even though it is a tie-in to a trading card game by Broccoli.

ED singer Endou Yurika is a member of the group Yuri*Kari, which did the ED to Crime Edge. She won the 2013 Pony Canyon Voice Audition. She plays Haruno in Ace of the Diamond, and will play Rina in Sakura Trick.


Sakura Trick
  (jp: 桜Trick)   jpWiki

shoujo ai comedy
director: Ishikura Kenichi (DaCapo 3)
writer: Ishikura Kenichi (DaCapo 3). Tachi (manga).
seiyuus: Tomatsu Haruka, Iguchi Yuka, Aisaka Yuuka, Igarashi Hiromi, Fuchigami Mai, Toda Megumi, Fujita Saki, Asakura Momo, Endou Yurika.
animation: Studio Deen.
manga. forum.
starts thu 09 jan 25:58

Haruka and Yuu enter high school and are disturbed to find that their seats are not together, as they were in middle school, and that other girls are entering their lives.

In order to cement their special bond, they want to do something that can only be between them. They decide on a kiss. They both enjoy it, and the kisses continue.

A couple of fairly big names star: Tomatsu Haruka and Iguchi Yuka. And we get another chance to hear what Fuchigami Mai (Maekawa-san in Denpa Onna, the queen in Outbreak Company) can do. Director Ishikura Kenichi has done only one other show: the neglected but enjoyable Da Capo III. He has directed episodes of several Shaft shows. I like yuri shows, so this is high on my list for the coming season. We'll see how it goes.


pupa
  (jp: pupa)   jpWiki

shounen horror
director: Mochizuki Tomomi
writer: Mogi Sayaka (manga).
seiyuus: Kido Ibuki (Akiko/OniAi, Kasumi/Gj-bu), Shimazaki Nobunaga (Taichi/TariTari, Haruka/Free), Yusa Kouji, Narumi Kyouko, Noto Mamiko, Tsuda Kenjirou, Ise Mariya, Mikami Shiori, Kurosawa Yurika.
animation: Studio Deen.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts thu 09 jan 27:00

Utsutsu and his little sister Yume have left their abusive father and live on their own. One day, Yume sees a mysterious red butterfly. After it alights on her, her body metamorphoses into a creature that eats humans. Utsutsu refuses to abandon her, and offers his own flesh to help her survive while they try to find a way of returning her to normal.

Shimazaki Nobunaga and exciting young seiyuu Kido Ibuki star, but the real hook for me is the director: Mochizuki Tomomi, who directed YKK, Zettai Shounen, and House of Five Leaves (the best show of 2010). I will watch anything he does. He was also lead writer for the remarkably constructed Touka Gettan.

The show was first slated for fall 2013, but now has been announced for January. The first two episodes will be shown in a Tokyo cinema on 21 December. The TV version will be somewhat censored, but the uncensored version will come out on Blu-Ray , and will probably be streamed on NicoNico. The TV broadcast is at 3am, for obvious reasons.


No-Rin
  (jp: のうりん)   jpWiki

romantic comedy drama
director: Oonuma Shin (ef, Baka to Test, Watamote)
writer: Yokote Michiko (Princess Tutu, Genshiken, XXXHolic). Shirou Shiratori (novel).
seiyuus: Asanuma Shintarou, Tamura Yukari, Hanazawa Kana, Saitou Chiwa, Hatano Wataru, Higashiuchi Mariko, Ootsubo Yuka, Katou Emiri, Inoue Marina.
animation: Silver Link. OP Yukarin, ED Yukarin/HanaKana.
trailer. forum.
starts fri 10 jan 25:00

When popular idol Kusakabe Yuka suddenly retires, it devastates teenager Hatta Kousaku, who is a huge fan. It takes a long time for his classmates to convince him to leave his room and attend class. But then a transfer student shows up who looks just like his idol….

Oonuma Shin has a great cast to work with here, starting with Tamura Yukari, Hanazawa Kana, Saitou Chiwa, and Asanuma Shintarou and going on to Katou Emiri and Inoue Marina. He also has Yokote Michiko to write the story for him, and Tsuruoka Yota as sound director to get the most out of the seiyuus. This should be worth watching.


Wake Up, Girls!
  (jp: Wake Up, Girls!)   jpWiki

idol comedy
director: Yamamoto Yutaka
writer: Machida Touko.
seiyuus: Yoshioka Mayu, Nagano Airi, Tanaka Minami, Aoyama Yoshino, Yamashita Nanami, Okuno Kaya, Takagi Miyu, Ootsubo Yuka, Katou Emiri, Tsuda Minami, Fukuhara Kaori, Yamamoto Nozomi, Akesaka Satomi, Yasuno Kiyono, Asanuma Shintarou, Hidaka Noriko, Hanazawa Kana, Tomatsu Haruka.
animation: Ordet x Tatsunoko.
trailer. forum.
starts fri 10 jan 25:23

Yamakan returns. A couple of years ago, director Yamamoto Yutaka expressed disgust with the anime business and threatened to stop making anime if his anime Fractale failed. Well, it didn’t sell very well, but he still made the anime shorts Senyuu, and now he is back to his strength, combining music and comedy on screen. He is perhaps most famous for his ED to Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu.

Not only that, but he has reassembled some of the people who worked with him on Lucky Star, the KyoAni show from which he was fired after four episodes. First is the same writer, MachidaTouko. And we also have Katou Emiri and Fukuhara Kaori in the cast.

A failing talent agency in a minor city decides to save itself by creating an idol group. And off we go…. A movie-length version comes out the same day as the TV anime's first broadcast.


Nisekoi
  (jp: ニセコイ)   jpWiki

romantic comedy w/harem
director: Tatsuwa Naoyuki (Katte ni Kaizou), gen dir Shinbou Akiyuki
writer: Tou Fuyahi, Shinbou Akiyuki. Komi Naoshi (manga).
seiyuus: Uchiyama Kouki, Touyama Nao, Hanazawa Kana, Koyasu Takehito, Kaji Yuuki, Uchiyama Yumi, Asumi Kana, Komatsu Mikako.
animation: Shaft. OP ClariS.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sat 11 jan 23:30

An inside-out Romeo and Juliet story, in which the son of one gang leader and the daughter of another are ordered by their fathers to pretend to be boyfriend and girlfriend, in order to prevent a gang war. Unfortunately, the two of them despise each other….

This kind of harem comedy is a bit of a departure for Shaft and Shinbou. I suspect the anime will severely Shinbou-ize the original manga. I hope so, anyway.

Shinbou and Tou Fuyashi are listed as the lead writers, as they are on the Monogatari shows. The anime is directed by Tatsuwa Naoyuki, who directed the OVA series Katte ni Kaizou and was assistant to Shinbou on all the Zetsubou-sensei shows, as well as on MariaHolic and others. Shinbou is credited as "general director" on this show, as he was on Katte ni Kaizou.

Touyama Nao continues her patient rise. And we have another Koyasu Takehito sighting!


Wizard Barristers: Benmashi Cecile
  (jp: ウィザード・バリスターズ~弁魔士セシル)   jpWiki

magical comedy adventure
director: Umetsu Yasuomi (Kite Liberator)
writer: Umetsu Yasuomi.
seiyuus: Tanabe Rui, Shindou Kei, Touchi Hiroki, Taketatsu Ayana, Arakawa Miho, Ookubo Rumi, Tsunematsu Ayumi, Takagi Wataru, Suwabe Junichi, Konishi Katsuyuki, Inoue Marina, Wakamoto Norio. Ono Daisuke, Chafurin, Taya Yui, Koyama Rikiya, Yasuhiro, Hara Hideshi, Miyoshi Rie.
animation: Arms. OP Lia, ED Tanabe Rui.
trailer. forum.
starts sun 12 jan 24:30

Tokyo 2018. Wizards and humans coexist, but wizard criminals are tried by special laws and defended by special "wizard barristers." At 17, Cecile has just become the youngest wizard barrister, and she begins work at the Butterfly Law Offices.

Outstanding design and animation in the trailers, as expected from the director of Kite Liberator. Perhaps this will be more interesting than his recent Galilei Donna. That show, he did not write. This show, he does.

There are some great seiyuus buried in the cast, but the stars are generally of the second rank. Leading lady Tanabe Rui is 16, but has already had seven minor roles. This is her first major role.


World Conquest -- The Zvezda Plot
  (jp: 世界征服 ~謀略のズヴィズダー~)   jpWiki

loli-ecchi action comedy
director: Okamura Tensai (Wolf's Rain, Darker than Black, Ao no Exorcist)
writer: Okamura Tensai, Hoshizora Meteo (type-moon). brothers, hunting cap (orig).
seiyuus: Kuno Misaki, Hanae Natsuki, M.A.O., Ise Mariya, Hanazawa Kana, Kotobuki Minako, Toriumi Kousuke, Hirota Minoru, Yamazaki Erii.
animation: A-1 Pictures. OP Sakamoto Maaya, ED Yuuki Aoi.
trailer. forum.
starts sun 12 jan 24:30

Young girls in revealing costumes set out to conquer the world.

How will Okamura Tensai, the director of Wolf's Rain and Darker than Black, deal with a show like this? I'll be there to find out.

Kuno Misaki has had parts in Galilei Donna, Log Horizon, etc., but this is her first leading role. Like Hanazawa Kana, Noto Mamiko, and Kawasumi Ayako, she is from the highly respected Office Osawa agency..


Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha
  (jp: いなり, こんこん, 恋いろは)   jpWiki

romantic comedy with magic
director: Takahashi Tooru (eps. of Utena, Monster, etc.)
writer: Machida Touko (Lucky Star, Idolm@ster).
seiyuus: Oozora Naomi, Kuwashima Houko, Okamoto Hiroshi, Ueda Youji, Hara Sayuri, Sadohara Kaori, Ikebe Kumiko, Nomizu Iori, Koyasu Takehito, Hino Satoshi, Isobe Masako, Watanabe Kumiko.
animation: Production IMS. OP May'n, ED Sakamoto Maaya.
manga. 10eps. forum.
starts wed 15 jan 25:00

Inari is a shy middle school girl living in Kyoto's Fushimi ward, near the great Fushimi Inari fox shrine. She has a crush on her classmate, but can't express her feelings. One day, as thanks for helping a fox pup, the goddess of the shrine grants her the ability to change her form….

Star Oozora Naomi was effective as Susannah in GenshikenSS and was Yuragi in NouKome. We also get a chance to hear Kuwashima Houko as a main character, as well as a touch of Koyasu Takehito.

Director Takahashi Tooru is doing his first full show since 2001, but he has a long history as a storyboarder and episode director. He did lots of both on episodes of Utena, and on episodes of Monster, Kobato, SAO, etc.

The humour in the manga is pretty broad situation comedy, but somehow classic. I'm expecting good things here.


Maken-ki! Two
  (jp: マケン姫っ! 通)   jpWiki

school boob comedy w/magic and fighting
director: Kaneko Hiraku (dir Stigmata no Qwaser, chardes Queen's Blade)
writer: Kuroda Yousuke (Madlax, Jormungand). Takeda Hiromitsu (manga).
seiyuus: Shitaya Noriko, Yahagi Sayuri, Nomizu Iori, Maeno Tomoaki, Zougou Saeko, Takamori Natsumi, Furuya Shizuka, Harada Hitomi, Mina, Misato.
animation: Xebec. OP sweet ARMS, ED Zougou Saeko.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts wed 15 jan 25:30

Another season for Maken-ki. "The best boob staff!!" says the publicity poster. And this may be true. Director Kaneko Hiraku did character design for Queen's Blade and directed Qwaser no Stigmata. Character designer/animation supervisor Takami Akio did Kanokon.

Solid professional seiyuus Shitaya Noriko and Yahagi Sayuri starred together in Kyoshiro to Towa no Sora.


Happiness Charge Precure
  (jp: ハピネスチャージプリキュア！)   jpWiki

magical girl

writer: Todo Izumi (original creator).

animation: Toei Animation. OP Gojou Mayumi, ED Yoshida Hitomi.
forum.
starts sun 02 feb 08:30

This will be the eleventh Precure TV series. Starts in February. Cast and staff not yet revealed.

The girls will be able to change form, and there will be dancing. On the AnimeSuki Forum, "Ichuki" says that two new girls will be: Cure Princess (Shirayuki Hime), 14, a slightly selfish girl whose specialty is being fashionable, and who is Princess of the Blue Sky Kingdom; and Cure Lovely (Aino Megumi), also 14, a cheerful popular girl who helps out others and is filled with love and courage.


Sailor Moon 20th anniversary new anime
  (jp: 美少女戦士セーラームーン 誕生20周年記念新作アニメ)   jpWiki

shoujo mahou shoujo
OPED Momoiro Clover Z. trailer. manga. forum.


The show's legions of fans are eagerly awaiting word on when this new anime will be broadcast and how many episodes there will be. No word yet, just "winter 2014." We all hope that's true.

Talk show events online.

The trailer link is to the last episode broadcast, episode 200, from 1997. The manga link is to the original manga.

The new anime season is upon us. One show has already started (Pupipo), we have the first episode of Witchcraft Works, and we have bits of two more shows: Space Dandy and Robot Girls Z.

The new season starts in earnest this coming Saturday. Here is a calendar showing our anime choices for the coming weeks, along with staff/cast and other info. Click here or on the image to go to the full page.


What am I most looking forward to? Nothing really stands out, but there are numerous shows that look as if they could be good:

• The second season of Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai (Wednesday)
• Shinbou trying his hand at romantic comedy, in Nisekoi. (Saturday)
• great director Mochizuki Tomomi's animation of the horror manga pupa -- but episodes will only be five minutes long. (Thursday)
• The yuri romantic comedy Sakura Trick. (Thursday)
• Yuuki Aoi in a romantic drama, Love Song for a Certain Pilot. (Monday)

Check out my season preview for full details and more titles. I can also recommend the season previews from Lost in America and Random Curiosity.

And there are a number of interesting shows continuing from last fall: Golden Time, Nagi no Asu kara, Tokyo Ravens, Strike the Blood, Log Horizon, Magi, Dia no Ace, Yowamushi Pedal, Kill La Kill, Samurai Flamenco and others. 

Sunday is the big day this year, with a total of 17 shows on the air, 11 of which are new this season.Thursdays come close, with a total of 15 shows, of which 8 are new. And on Saturdays, there are 12 shows, of which 6 are new. There are also 6 new shows on Wednesdays, from a total of 8. We have a total of 39 new shows to see.

Touyama Nao (click to enlarge)

Touyama Nao 東山奈央, 21, has snuck up on me. Suddenly this season, she is in four shows, and is starring in two of them: Mahou Sensou and Nisekoi.

Touya-Man started her career with roles in three TV anime in 2010, when she was 18. She had roles in seven shows in 2011, nine in 2012, and then in 2013 she broke out with a full 15 shows. And that’s not counting her roles in OVAs, movies and games.

At first glance, she seems like a shy person. And her soft, round face and short stature make her look about 14. But on stage and on the radio, she can be a ball of fire.

She seems fairly smart, and more than holds her own on the many radio shows she has helped host. In fact, she tends to take over. She is going to university in Tokyo.

She started in 2010 with two solid roles: Tiger in Star Driver, and Kanon in Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai (The World God Only Knows). The latter show, in particular, has anchored her career: three TV series, three OVAs, and various stage shows have identified her with her character, aspiring idol Nakagawa Kanon. (pics below: Kanon left, Tiger right)



In 2011, she starred in Croisee in a Foreign Labyrinth as Yune, the quiet little Japanese girl living in a shop in 19th century Paris. Fans of Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere will remember her as a very different kind of character: Margot Knight. (Margot left, Yune right.)


In 2012, she played the major role of Ako in Saki Achiga Hen, alongside Yuuki Aoi. Then in her break-out year of 2013 she had roles such as Karen in Kiniro Mosaic, Yui in Teen Romantic Comedy Snafu, and Chiho in Hataraku Maou-sama. (pics below, top: Ako left, Karen right. bottom: Chiho left, Yui right.)



Her special characteristic is to have no special characteristics. She says she wants to be the kind of seiyuu you hear in a show and then are surprised to discover in the end-credits. This high professional ambition may have been part of the reason I didn't really take notice of her work before now. I tend to enjoy seiyuus whose voices do stand out.

Here's a nice video collection of samples of some of her roles: Kanon, Tiger, Isolde (Astalotte), Yuna, Margot, Yuuko (Beelzebub), Noah (Eureka 7 AO), Ako (Saki Achiga), Mana (OreShura), Yuugiri (The Unlimited), Yukiho (Love Live), maid imouto (MaoYu), Peko (Majestic Price), Yui (Love Comedy Snafu), Chiho (Hataraku Maou-sama), Karen (Kiniro Mosaic), Kongou/Atago (Kantai Collection game).



-- born 11 March 1992 in Tokyo. age 21.

-- In middle school, she was just an ordinary girl who liked anime. But in her second year of middle school, she had a friend who wanted to be a seiyuu. They acted out scripts together, and she realized she enjoyed it.

-- During high school, they both went to classes at the Nihon Narration seiyuu school. Eventually, Nao was accepted into Arts Vision, one of the agencies associated with the school. She was studying to do seiyuu work and studying to get into college at the same time. And succeeded at both.



-- Like Yuuki Aoi and Hayami Saori, she is attending university in Tokyo. Strong rumours put all three at the famous Waseda University. Fans are calling them the "Waseda Triumvirate"早大三羽烏. According to posts on the Japanese message board 2channel, Nao is majoring in English. The same sources say she comes from a well-to-do family and attended a well-known high school (Senzoku Gakuen).

-- Her father had lived abroad as a child, and spoke English. At home, he would speak in English and Nao’s mother would answer in Japanese. So Nao's English has always been comparatively good.

Here she is as the boke in a little comedy sketch with Eguchi Takuya, where she "can't read the atmosphere":



-- She was moved by Paku Romi’s work, especially in FMA. It made her want to move others in the same way.

-- She herself says she is timid. But seiyuu Suwabe Junichi says she is “a kid with a strong heart.”

-- She says neither she nor her agency have a definite idea of what roles she should play. She wants to play all kinds of roles.






-- She was 149cm (~ 4’10”) tall in high school, but by college, she had grown 3cm and was 152cm (~ 5’) tall.

-- Her nickname Nao-bou (“Nao-boy”) she got in elementary school, because she seemed like a little boy. Her nickname Touya-Man she got in middle school, referring to her as a superhero.



-- She learned to play electric keyboard, and took dance lessons. These have come in handy. Here is a clip advertising the Blu-Ray of "Nakagawa Kanon's First Concert":



-- She likes beige, and prefers to wear simple colours.

-- She’s nearsighted and wears contacts at work, but wears glasses at school and in her private life.

-- She couldn’t carry a tune when she was younger, but overcame that by singing in choirs in middle and high school.

Here she is singing a quiet ballad:



-- She’s good friends with Yamazaki Haruka, who is the same age and in the same agency. And she’s friends with Hayami Saori, who also went to Nihon Narration and was in some of the same classes as Nao.

Here's a half-hour interview with anime interviewer extraordinaire Washizaki Takeshi:



-- if you're really sold on her, here is a two-hour concert featuring her, Yamazaki Haruka, Itou Shizuka, and Hayami Saori -- a joint concert for World God Only Knows and Hayate no Gotoku. And here is another long Kanon concert, the full version of the Blu-Ray promo above, featuring Nao, Shimono Hiro, and Hayami Saori.

Anime Roles (important roles bold):

2010
Hiyokoi (special) - Misa
Star Driver (TV) - Sugatame Tiger
World God Only Knows (TV) - Nakagawa Kanon
Senkou no Night Raid (TV)

2011
Beelzebub (TV) - Yuuko
Astalotte no Omocha (TV) - Isolde
Battle Girls - Time Paradox (TV) - Girl
Yondemasu yo, Azazel-san (TV) - High-School Girl; Tourist
Blue Exorcist (TV) - Caliburn; Nee
Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos (movie) - Karina
Croisée in a Foreign Labyrinth - The Animation (TV) - Yune
World God Only Knows: Four People and an Idol (OAV) - Nakagawa Kanon
Sengoku Otome - Momoiro Paradox - girl
Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere (TV) - Margot Knight
Last Exile: Fam, The Silver Wing (TV) - Félicité Collette
Busou Chuugakusei Basket Army (ONA) - Senami Hikari

2012
Senki Zesshou Symphogear (TV) - Terashima Shiori
Listen to Me, Girls. I Am Your Father! (TV) - Luna Fleur
Saki Episode of Side A (TV) - Atarashi Ako
EUREKA SEVEN AO (TV) - Demo Woman; Maeve McCaffrey; Miyu; Noah
Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere II (TV) - Margot Knight
Code Geass: Akito the Exiled (OAV) - Chloe Winkel
EUREKA SEVEN AO (OAV) - Noah
Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo (TV) - Girl A (ep 1); Momoko
Eiga Smile Precure: Ehon no Naka wa Minna Chiguhagu! (movie) - Dog
Blue Exorcist (movie) - Nee
AKB0048 (TV) - Vera
Kokoro Connect (TV) - Enjouji Shino
Beelzebub (TV) - Yuuko
Ijime (OVA) - Kimijima Fumikou
Hana no Utame Gothicmade (movie)

2013
MAOYU (TV) - younger sister maid
Oreshura (TV) - Natsukawa Mana
Love Live! School Idol Project (TV) - Kousaka Yukiho
The Unlimited - Hyoubu Kyousuke (TV) - Yuugiri
Hataraku Maou-sama (TV) - Sasaki Chiho

My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU (TV) - Yuigahama Yui
World God Only Knows: Magical Star Kanon 100% (OAV 3) - Nakagawa Kanon
Tamayura - More Aggressive (TV) - Tomo-chan
Senki Zesshou Symphogear G (TV) - Terashima Shiori
Kin-iro Mosaic (TV) - Kujou Karen
il sole penetra le illusioni ~ Day Break Illusion (TV) - Meltina Melvis
The World God Only Knows: Goddesses Arc (TV) - Apollo; Nakagawa Kanon
Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru (OAV) - Yuigahama Yui
Ansatsu Kyoushitsu (special) - Nagisa Shiota
Arpeggio of Blue Steel (TV) - Hozumi Shizuka
Galilei Donna (TV) - Karen
Zetsumetsu Kigu Shoujo Amazing Twins (OAV) - Aya
AKB0048 Next Stage (TV) - Vera
Ginga Kikoutai Majestic Prince (TV) - Yamada Peko, Jane
Ika Musume (OVA) - girl
Code Geass: Akito the Exiled (OAV 2) - Chloe Winkel
Star Driver the Movie - Sugatame Tiger


2014
Robot Girls Z (TV) - Daburasu M2
Nobunaga the Fool (TV) - Himiko
Tonari no Seki-kun (TV)
Magical Warfare (TV) - Aiba Mui
Nisekoi (TV) - Kirisaki Chitoge

Games (number per year):

2010 (3)
2011 (1)
2012 (5)
2013 (14)
2014 (1)

Radio host:

World God Only Knows (series 2011, 2013)
Ikoku Meiro (series 2011)
MaoYu (series 2011-12)
Touyama Nao no Nao no Koto (series 2012)
Saki radio (series 2012)
Nareru SE Moeru SE Soudanjo (series 2012)
A+G Artist Zone Touyama Nao’s 2 hours (2012, one show)
Saki radio SP (series 2013)
Hataraku Maou-sama (series 2013)
Yahari Ore no Seishun (series 2013)
Mahou Sensou (2013-14)

Internet TV:

Horizon (several shows in 2011-2012)
MaoYu (2013)
KinIro Mosaic (2013)

Drama CDs (19)

Music CDs (per year):

2010 (2)
2011 (9)
2012 (12)
2013 (18)

Links

Anime News Network page
Wikipedia page
agency page (Japanese)
Japanese Wikipedia page
more photos
YouTube
more YouTube

I just found another couple of interesting videos. Nao is the voice of Nanami in a 3DS game called "Study English with Nanami." First, here is a promo for the game, with Nao speaking afew lines of English:



Next, here is a brief interview with Nao about the game. Despite this also being a promo for the game, you get a fairly direct feeling of speaking with her. She has apparently just finished recording the game, and you see the overalls that may be part of her everyday Nao-boy style:

To Aru Hikuushi e no Koiuta (Hanae Natsuki and Yuuki Aoi)

I've made character/seiyuu pages for 16 of the new winter 2014 shows now being broadcast. They give pics of the characters and their seiyuus, with a bit of info about each seiyuu.

The links have been gradually added to the list at the right, but this is a post to bring them all to people's attention:

• Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai 2
• D-Frag
• ImoCho
• Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha
• Mikakunin de Shinkoukei
• Nisekoi
• Nobunaga the Fool
• Noragami
• No-rin
• pupa
• Sakura Trick
• Space Dandy
• To Aru Hikuushi e no Koiuta
• Witchcraft Works
• Wizard Barristers
• World Conquest

Unlike most reviewers, I'm enjoying a lot of these shows. Here are a few favorites: To Aru Hikuushi e no Koi Uta, Chuunibyou 2, Inari Konkon, Mikakunin, Nisekoi, Nobunaga the Fool, Sakura Trick, Witchcraft Works, World Conquest. Not bad that there are nine shows I actually look forward to each week. And that's not counting the continuing Nagi no Asu kara, Golden Time, Tokyo Ravens, and Strike the Blood.

I'm not yet claiming anything here is a masterpiece, but To Aru Hikuushi e no Koiuta is my favorite show, with setting, plot, romance, relationships, and Yuuki Aoi. Chuunibyou 2 looks like a worthy successor to its first series. Nisekoi's Shaftiness is improving the manga. Inari Konkon Koi Iroha is making a situation-comedy plot work. World Conquest is delightfully absurd, with darkness lurking behind the comedy. Mikakunin de Shinkoukei is working for me with touching performances from some unknown seiyuus.

Sixteen-year-old rising seiyuu star Kido Ibuki has started a blog.

Since she started the blog at the beginning of January, she is posting about every two days, so the posts are building up fast. (click images to enlarge)

This season, we are seeing Kido-san in four shows: the continuing Golden Time (Oka), and new shows pupa (Yume), Oneechan ga Kita (Mina) and Nobunaga the Fool (Nell).

Kido-san is from Aomori, in the north of Japan. She says in her blog that she is staying at a dorm in Tokyo, going to school as she gets more and more work.

Yesterday's post was about going out for lunch with Shimoda Asami ("Asami-oneechan") at a nice restaurant. She enjoyed the avocado, which she had first tasted in salads at her dorm.

Asami-san, 28, who was one of her co-stars in OniAi, gave her some Jill Stuart cosmetics. Kido-san said were so nice it would be a waste to actually use them:




They then went to see the Idolm@ster movie they both have roles in. Kido-san says she couldn't stop crying. Finally, Kido-san went to a recording session where she recorded a "funny" song she hopes people will enjoy.

Kido-san seems to be throwing herself into the seiyuu business with abandon. She appers to be a capable, cheerful, and confident person, especially for someone 16 years old and living away from home for what is probably the first time.

A recent post was about dance training. I'm not sure the training shows in this little video for which she was asked to exercise on-camera for one minute:




In an early post, she said how happy she was to see goods being produced based on her character in the Idolm@ster movie, Yabuki Kana:


She says she's like Kana in that her singing and dancing is sometimes not so good. But she loves to do both.

And she introduced us to her family's 11-year-old female beagle, Belle, who is still at home in Aomori:


In addition to Belle, at home she has parents and an elder brother.

Kido-san says she is not great at studying, and asks people to tell her more effective study methods. Because of her work, there are many days she can't get to school at all.

Flu is going around her school and she has been a bit sick herself. She washes her hands a lot but says the main thing for not getting sick is to get enough rest. Here she is with another young seiyuu, 17-year-old Itou Miku, who is also in the Idolm@ster movie:



In a new post today she has a couple of photos from a Nicovideo live show that just ended a few hours ago, called "Nell and Bianchi's Nico Live The Fool." She and Ishida Haruka play Nell and Bianchi in Nobunaga the Fool. Ishida-san, age 20, is a member of AKB48 and played Kanata in AKB0048.

Commenting on the show, Kido-san says they could gobble sweets and relax, and they were wearing pajamas. The merging of the idol world and the anime world continues.