Spring 2014 Anime -- full previews of 49 new shows

There is a huge number of new shows this season, including many that look interesting. No obvious instant classics, but I am ready to be surprised.

There are many promising shows, but here are brief introductions to 17 I am particularly looking forward to. Full descriptions of all new shows follow.

• Mekaku City Actors– Shinbou/Shaft work with independent creator Jin to make an anime based in his cult classic Kagerou Project. Shinbou is on a roll. This is my most anticipated show of the season.
• Baby Steps– High-school tennis romantic comedy from a manga so popular that it is into its 23rd volume.
• Black Bullet– Sci-fi fantasy adventure from the director and writer who made Monster.
• Fuuun Ishin Dai Shougun– Mecha adventure set in a Japan that never opened to the West. The director directed Shakugan no Shana, the writer wrote Eureka Seven and Ergo Proxy.
• Inugami-san to Nekoyama-san– Yuri comic-strip comedy starring Uesaka Sumire and Touyama Nao. Five-minute episodes. The manga can be hilarious.
• Isshukan Friends– "Friends for a week." Our hero is determined to make friends with the most retiring girl in class – who it turns out forgets every Monday all that happened in the previous week, including who she made friends with.
• Kamigami no Asobi – A reverse harem in which Hayami Saori is a girl chosen to teach a bevy of bishounen gods about humans, and about love.
• Kanojo ga Flag o Oraretara– Kido Ibuki and Kayano Ai star with Ousaka Ryouta in the story of a guy who can see game-style flags above the heads of people about to pass a critical crossroad in their lives. Character design by Cuteg.
• Love Live! 2– A second season for the irrepressible idol anime, which has created a lot of popular music and whose seiyuu have given numerous successful concerts.
• Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei– Hayami Saori and Nakamura Yuuichi star as a sister and brother who enter a school that trains powerful magicians. She enters at the top of the class, he enters at the bottom. Directed for Madhouse by the director of A-channel, Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere, and Saki Zenkoku-hen.
• Mangaka-san to Assistant-san to– An inexperienced young mangaka depends on his female assistant to teach him things he needs to know, such as what a woman's breasts feel like. Stars Matsuoka Yoshitsugu (SAO) and Hayami Saori.
• Mushishi Zoku Shou– A new season for the highly praised compendium of stories about a travelling healer of lives.
• No Game, No Life– A hikikomori brother and sister who are great gamers are drafted into an alternate world where they use their gaming skills to try to save the human race. Matsuoka Yoshitsugu and Kayano Ai are directed by the woman who directed Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojou.
• Ping Pong the Animation– Animation star Yuasa Masaaki (Tatami Galaxy) returns with his version of a sports anime, based in the world of table tennis.
• Selector Infected Wixoss – Satou Takuya (Ichigo Mashimaro, Steins;Gate) teams up with controversial top writer Okada Mari (True Tears, Nagi no Asukara) and JC Staff to create an anime involving card-game battles that can grant their players their hearts' desires.
• Soredemo Sekai wa Utsukushii– Shoujo romantic comedy in which a princess who can control the rain is married to a boy king who has already conquered the world.
• Soul Eater Not!– Side-story to the original Soul Eater. Yuuki Aoi, Hayami Saori, and newcomer Chisuga Haruka star as new students at the magic-battle academy in which students lead a "violent but cheerful life."

Click on the name of an anime in the following alphabetical list to go to its full description in the chronological main body of the post.

● Abarenbo Rikishi!! Matsutarou     ● Akuma no Riddle     ● Baby Steps     ● Black Bullet     ● Blade and Soul     ● Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou     ● Break Blade (2014)     ● Brynhildr in the Darkness     ● Captain Earth     ● Cardfight!! Vanguard: Legion Mate-Hen     ● Date a Live II     ● Disk Wars: Avengers     ● Escha & Logy no Atelier: Tasogare no Sora no Renkinjutsushi     ● Fairy Tail (2014)     ● Fuuun Ishin Dai Shougun     ● Gochuumon wa Usagi Desuka?     ● Haikyuu!!     ● Hero Bank     ● Hitsugi no Chaika     ● Inugami-san to Nekoyama-san     ● Isshukan Friends     ● JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: Stardust Crusaders     ● Kamigami no Asobi     ● Kanojo ga Flag o Oraretara     ● Kenzen Robo Daimidaler     ● Keroro     ● Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo Returns     ● Kin-iro no Chord: Blue Sky     ● KutsuDaru     ● Lady Jewelpet     ● Love Live! 2     ● Mahou Shoujo Taisen     ● Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei     ● Majin Bone     ● Mangaka-san to Assistant-san to     ● Mekaku City Actors     ● Mushishi Zoku Shou     ● Nanana's Buried Treasure     ● No Game No Life     ● Ping Pong the Animation     ● Pretty Rhythm All-star Selection     ● Puchimas!! Petit Idolm@ster     ● Seikoku no Dragonar     ● Selector Infected Wixoss     ● Sidonia no Kishi     ● Soredemo Sekai wa Utsukushii     ● Soul Eater Not!     ● Tenkai Knights     ● Yu-Gi-Oh Arc V     

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.-- times and dates may change. my weekly calendar will come out at the beginning of April with the most recent data.
-- click images to enlarge. 
________________________ 

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



Cardfight!! Vanguard: Legion Mate-Hen
  (jp: カードファイト!! ヴァンガード レギオンメイト編)   jpWiki

card game fantasy action battle w/monsters
director: Tsuji Hatsuki (other Cardfight!! Vanguard shows)
writer: Urahata Tatsuhiko (Monster, Strawberry Panic, other Cardfight!! Vanguard shows). Kidani Takaaki (concept), Itou Akira (manga).
seiyuus: Satou Takuya (new main character), Yonaga Tsubasa (from main char to narration).
animation: TMS Entertainment. OP Bushi★7, ED Faky.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sun 09 mar 10:00

Continuing franchise based on a Bushiroad card game.


Keroro
  (jp: ケロロ)   jpWiki

sci-fi comedy family animation
director: Kasugamori Haruki (Ketsu-inu)
writer: Yoshizaki Mine (orig. manga).
seiyuus: Watanabe Kumiko, Nakata Jouji, Kuwashima Houko, Koyasu Takehito, Saitou Chiwa, Kusao Takeshi, Kozakura Etsuko.
animation: Sunrise, Gathering. OP Gojo Mayumi.
trailer. manga.
starts sat 22 mar 19:00

A flash animation in honour of the 15th anniversary of the original Keroro Gunsou manga. The same great cast as the main anime, but with a director who specializes in Flash anime.


Inugami-san to Nekoyama-san
  (jp: 犬神さんと猫山さん)   jpWiki

yuri comic-strip comedy
director: Nagai Shinpei
writer: Kuzushiro (manga).
seiyuus: Uesaka Sumire (Dekomori/Chuu2Byou), Touyama Nao (Kanon/World God Only, Chitoge/Nisekoi), Ootsubo Yuka (Kyouko/Yuruyuri, Shiho/WUG), Harada Hitomi, Nagahiro Shouko, Yamazaki Erii, Fujimoto Aoi.
animation: Seven.
manga. forum.
starts apr

Nekoyama Suzu is a timid, cat-like tsundere girl who loves dogs. Inugami Yachiyo is a big, friendly, dog-like airhead girl who loves cats. It's a match made in heaven.

Touyama Nao as Nekoyama and Uesaka Sumire as Inugami are a great start. This is Nagai Shinpei's first full directorial gig. He has done key animation since Corda D'Oro, and directed episodes of Hiiro no Kakera and Psycho-Pass.

The director may be a new name, but his young cast is known and excellent, and the first chapter of the manga made me laugh. When Nekoyama bit the inside of her cheek, Inugami wanted to suck the wound. Five-minute episodes.


Mahou Shoujo Taisen
  (jp: 魔法少女大戦)   jpWiki

magical girls
director: Oonogi Ayano (Stella Jogakuin C3-bu)
writer: Enokido Youji (Utena, Melody of Oblivion, Ouran, Star Driver).
seiyuus: Arakawa Miho, Terasaki Yuka, Nanjou Yoshino, Shintani Ryouko, Murakawa Rie, Koiwai Kotori, Komatsu Mikako, Chiba Shigeru, Yamaguchi Kappei, Arai Satomi.
animation: Gainax. OP livetune.
trailer. forum.
starts apr

The Japanese title is Mahou Shoujo Taisen -- "Magical Girl Wars." The premise of the anime and the games it is based on is that Japan is being invaded, and will be defended by 47 magical girls, one for each prefecture (i.e., province, state) of Japan.

Interesting cast of youngish seiyuus includes Nanjou Yoshino (singer in fripSide), Koiwai Kotori (Iwai in Crime Edge) and Komatsu Mikako.

The director has only done Stella Jogakuin C3-bu, but the writer has done everything from Utena to Ouran to Star Driver. Or maybe that isn't such a great distance, lol. Animated by Gainax. I love the character design (see home page), the models for which were chosen via a contest on the art site pixiv. The trailer link is to a trailer for one of the games.


Sidonia no Kishi
  (jp: シドニアの騎士)   jpWiki

sci-fi space adventure
director: Shizuno Koubun (Detective Conan movies, Evangelion 1.0 co-director)
writer: Murai Sadayuki (Mouryou no Hako, Natsume Yuujinchou 3+4). Nihei Tsutomu (manga).
seiyuus: Ousaka Ryouta, Koyasu Takehito, Suzaki Aya, Arai Satomi, Toyosaki Aki, Tanaka Atsuko, Sakurai Takahiro, Mori Nanako, Kanemoto Hisako, Honda Takako, Kitamura Eri, Toriumi Kousuke, Oohara Sayaka, Sakura Ayane, Tsuboi Tomohiro, Saka Osamu.
animation: Polygon Pictures.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts apr

Thousands of years ago, Earth was attacked and the solar system destroyed by mysterious and irresistible invaders. The human race tried to save itself by populating large seed ships and sending them out into the further reaches of the galaxy, whence they are pursued by the invaders. On one such ship, the Sidonia, our hero has been raised in isolation from his peers and taught mecha-piloting by his grandfather. Now he emerges to take part in the fight against the invaders.

It's hard to get a read on this. The cast is wonderful, particularly with Koyasu Takehito in a leading role. The staff seems questionable. But the trailer looks good. Polygon Pictures is a 3DCG studio, but the animation is thrillingly unusual in places. I'm looking forward to getting a fuller look at this show.


Puchimas!! Petit Idolm@ster
  (jp: ぷちます!! プチ・アイドルマスター)   jpWiki

idol comedy
director: Mankyuu
writer: Bandai Namco (game), Akane (manga).
seiyuus: Wakabayashi Naomi, Numakura Manami, Asakura Azumi, Nakamura Eriko, Hasegawa Akiko, Imai Asami, Shimoda Asami, Hirata Hiromi, Kugimiya Rie, Takahashi Chiaki.
animation: Gathering.
trailer. manga.
starts tue 01 apr 00:00

A second series for this take-off on Idolm@ster featuring comic toddler-scale versions of the idols. The first season went for 64 five-minute episodes Directed by Mankyuu (Tono to Issho). Starring many of the Idolm@ster idols' seiyuus.



Majin Bone
  (jp: マジンボーン)   jpWiki

young shounen battle anime
director: Uda Kounosuke (One Piece)
writer: Murayama Isao (Toriko). Bandai.
seiyuus: Kenn, Tachibana Shinnosuke, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Yasumoto Hiroki.
animation: Toei. OP Katou Kazuki.
trailer.
starts tue 01 apr 18:30

The evil spirit who created the world wakes up after his long sleep. Our hero is confronted with enemies called the Dark Born, and he and his companions use cards to be able to fight.

Multi-media project created by Bandai, Shuueisha, and TV Tokyo, aimed at boys 9-12. Directed by the director of One Piece.



Disk Wars: Avengers
  (jp: ディスク・ウォーズ：アベンジャーズ)   jpWiki

young teen superhero adventure
director: Komura Toshiaki (serdir, Precure series, Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo 2012)
writer: King Ryuu. Marvel Comics.
seiyuus: Saiga Mitsuki, Hanawa Eiji, Iguchi Yuuichi, Nakaya Kazuhiro, Kuwahata Yuusuke, Sugaya Yayoi, Matsuda Kenichirou, Oozora Naomi, Mutou Tadashi, Kawada Shinji.
animation: Toei.
trailer. forum.
starts wed 02 apr 18:30

Produced by Walt Disney, animated by Toei. Marvel characters Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and the Hulk team up with a group of young teens to foil Loki's scheme to take over the world.


KutsuDaru
  (jp: くつだる) 

kids comedy
director: Katou Taka
writer: Gotou Masafumi (orig).
seiyuus: Horie Marina, Kanai Mika, Satou Hinata.
starts wed 02 apr 18:45

Family anime based on Morning magazine's "Illustrated Encyclopedia of Tokyo Monsters."


Blade and Soul
  (jp: ブレイドアンドソウル)   jpWiki

half-naked women fighting with swords
director: Hamaskai Hiroshi (Texhnolyze, Steins;Gate), Takeuchi Hiroshi (anidir Space Pirates, The Big O)
writer: Tomiko Atsuhiro. NCsoft (game).
seiyuus: Yuuki Aoi, Takagaki Ayahi, Amamiya Sora, Oohara Sayaka.
animation: Gonzo.
trailer. forum.
starts thu 03 apr 25:46

Based on a Korean MMORPG. The visuals are reminiscent of Queen's Blade, with glamorous busty women fighters. Some near-magical fighting skills are apparently on display.

The cast stars two of my favorite voices: Yuuki Aoi and Takagaki Ayahi. Two directors are listed. The first did Steins;Gate: that's a good recommendation for me. But the resemblance to Queen's Gate is not. From the trailer, this appears to be fairly comic, with mammaries rampant.


Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou
  (jp: 僕らはみんな河合荘)   jpWiki

romantic comedy
director: Miya Shigeyuki (Buzzer Beater, Blood Lad)
writer: Konuta Takeshi (Library War, Blood Lad). Miyahara Ruri (manga, Love Lab manga).
seiyuus: Hanazawa Kana, Iguchi Yuuichi, Satou Rina, Shinokiya Gou, Kobayashi Sanae, Kanemoto Hisako.
animation: Brain's Base. OP fhána.
manga. forum.
starts thu 03 apr 26:16

Our high-school-student hero happily begins a bachelor lifestyle, moving into a new apartment. Unfortunately his roommate turns out to be obsessed with underaged girls. On the plus side, he falls in love at first sight with a girl living elsewhere in the same building.

Hanazawa Kana plays the love interest, and we get to hear both last year's winner of the top seiyuu award (Satou Rina) and top-shelf seiyuu Kobayashi Sanae (Maya in Glass Mask, Allen in D.Gray-man), who only had two roles in 2013. The director and writer did Blood Lad together.


Akuma no Riddle
  (jp: 悪魔のリドル)   jpWiki

action school yuri
director: Kusakawa Keizou (Nanoha, Rokyubu)
writer: Yoshimura Kiyoko (Legend of Legendary Heroes, Last Exile Fam). Kouga Yun (manga).
seiyuus: Suwa Ayaka (Saki/Gyrozetter, Miki/Yowamushi Pedal), Kanemoto Hisako (Makoto/Gingitsune), Nanjou Yoshino (fripSide, Akiho/Robotics Notes), Asakura Azumi, Uchimura Fumiko, Uchida Mami, Ootsubo Yuka, Misawa Sachika (Kuroyukihime/Accel World), Arakawa Miho, Yoshimura Haruka, Anzai Chika, Numakura Manami (Riko/LoveLab, Takao/Arpeggio), Yamada Yuki, Sakurai Takahiro, Sugita Tomokazu.
animation: Diomedea. OP Uchida Maaya.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts thu 03 apr 26:19

Twelve girl assassins are part of a tenth-grade class in a girls' school. Their target is a sunny, friendly girl in the class. But one of the assassins begins to fall for the target, and protects her from the others.

Kanemoto Hisako stars as the sunny girl, and comparative newcomer Suwa Ayaka as her protector. Other names of note: Nanjou Yoshino, Misawa Sachika, Numakura Manami, Sakurai Takahiro, Sugita Tomokazu.

Director Kusakawa Keizou's previous work on the Nanoha series and Rokyubu seems to fit him perfectly for this. Writer Yoshimura Kiyoko's work on Legendary Heroes and Last Exile Fam makes me worry that this story will become muddy, too. The manga has a certain flair, and the yuri keeps expanding. Uchida Maaya is not listed as a seiyuu, but she sings the ED. I guess producers are taking her seriously as a singer.


Selector Infected Wixoss
  (jp: selector infected WIXOSS)   jpWiki

moe horror
director: Satou Takuya (Ichigo Mashimaro, Steins;Gate)
writer: Okada Mari.
seiyuus: Kakuma Ai (female Hato/GenshikenSS), Kuno Misaki (Hoshimiya Kate/Sekai Seifuku), Sakura Ayane, Kawasumi Ayako, Kayano Ai, Akasaki Chinatsu, Seto Asami, Kobayashi Yuusuke, Kugimiya Rie.
animation: JC Staff.
trailer. forum.
starts thu 03 apr 26:49

Players called "selectors" play a card game called Wixoss, with matches taking place in a space invisible to others. Selectors believe that by continuing to win, they can have their hearts' desires fulfilled. The trailer makes it look as if the games can be harrowing and dangerous experiences.

Directed by Satou Takuya, who for me has to his credit two very different near-masterpieces: Ichigo Mashimaro and Steins;Gate. The anime is written as an original by the controversial but successful Okada Mari, who often works for PA Works, but here is doing a JC Staff anime. Fascinating cast features Kakuma Ai, Kuno Misaki, Sakura Ayane and Kawasumi Ayako in prominent roles. Not my kind of show, but I think this could be good.


Mushishi Zoku Shou
  (jp: 蟲師 続章)   jpWiki

supernatural monster detective folklore
director: Nagahama Hiroshi
writer: Nagahama Hiroshi. Urushibara Yuki (manga).
seiyuus: Nakano Yuuto, Doi Mika (narration).
animation: Artland.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts fri 04 apr 24:00

The same staff and main cast return for a new series of this low-key, well-made compendium of stories of a world in which harmful tiny creatures known as mushi ("bugs,""worms") cause troubles of various kinds for various people, whose problems are solved, one a week, by the Mushishi (mushi-master).

Rumour has it that this will run for two seasons this year, split between spring and fall. The show is worshipped by its many fans. The manga is a best-seller. I myself never really got it, perhaps partly because I have a general dislike of shows involving monsters. But it is definitely on my list of shows to take a good look at this season.


JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: Stardust Crusaders
  (jp: ジョジョの奇妙な冒険 スターダストクルセイダース)   jpWiki

shounen horror fantasy adventure
director: Naokatasu Tsuda, Suzuki Kenichi (series dir)
writer: Kobayashi Yasuko. Araki Hirohiko (orig).
seiyuus: Ishizuka Unshou, Koyasu Takehito, Ono Daisuke, Komtsu Fuminori, Hirakawa Daisuke, Miyake Kenta.
animation: David Production.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts fri 04 apr 24:30

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure part 3. The staff remains the same, but intends a change in style.

The trailers are excellent, even if this show is not my thing. The manga link is to the original manga, not specifically the manga for this part of the series.


Tenkai Knights
  (jp: テンカイナイト)   jpWiki

transformer-style battles
director: Hongo Mitsuru (Crayon Shin-chan movies, Reideen, Battle Spirits movie)
writer: Kanada Jin.
seiyuus: Takahashi Meguru, Kanda Akemi, Mizuma Maki, Taneda Risa, Akimoto Yuusuke, Sawashiro Miyuki, Fujiwara Keiji, Chafurin.
animation: Bones.
trailer. forum.
starts sat 05 apr 09:00

A battle show for kids, featuring transformer-style robots and tied in with a line of toys by Spin Master. Animated by Bones. Directed by the director of Reideen.





Lady Jewelpet
  (jp: レディ ジュエルペット)   jpWiki

kids' shoujo
director: Kawasaki Itsurou
writer: Takahashi Natsuko.
seiyuus: Saitou Ayaka, Iguchi Yuka, Hirano Aya, Sasaki Nozomi, Kobayashi Keiko, Taneda Risa, Sendai Eri, Shimomura Miki, Nojima Kenji, Kondou Takashi, Yamashita Seiichirou, Sawashiro Miyuki.
animation: Studio Comet.
forum.
starts sat 05 apr 09:30

The sixth series of this fairly entertaining kids' show tied in with a line of Sega/Sanrio toy products. The only place I know of to hear the burbling tones of Sasaki Nozomi. And Hirano Aya is a bonus. I see Taneda Risa has joined the cast.


Pretty Rhythm All-star Selection
  (jp: プリティーリズム・オールスターセレクション)   jpWiki

kids' idol anime
director: Hishida Masakazu (Onmyou Taisenki, all Pretty Rhythm series)
writer: Iuchi Shuji (PR Rainbow Live).
seiyuus: Akaneya Himika, Asumi Kana, Katou Emiri, Ookubo Rumi.
animation:
trailer.
starts sat 05 apr 10:00

This show, which involves idols in skating shows, has been quietly chugging along on Saturday mornings since 2011. It is part of a franchise based on arcade games for elementary-school girls.

This is the fourth series, and perhaps the last. It will feature the three main heroines from the previous series, who will help train a new girl.

New star Akaneya Himika is 19 and won an audition run by the 81Produce agency. She is also a singer, and a member of i☆Ris, which has done EDs for Mushibugyou and Pretty Rhythm Rainbow Live. The trailer link is to a TV ad for the movie-length version.


Fairy Tail (2014)
  (jp: Fairy Tail (2014))   jpWiki

supernatural comedy adventure
director: Ishihara Shinji (Tokyo Majin, Log Horizon, Fairy Tail 1)
writer: Sogo Masashi (Prince of Tennis, From the New World, Fairy Tail 1). Mashima Hiro (manga).
seiyuus: Kakihara Tetsuya, Hirano Aya, Kugimiya Rie, Nakamura Yuuichi, Oohara Sayaka, Satou Satomi, Horie Yui, Tsuji Shinpachi, Ono Ryouko, Hatano Wataru, Touchi Hiroki, Nakahara Mai, Kitamura Eri, Kishio Daisuke, Yasumoto Hiroki, et al.
animation: A-1 Pictures, Bridge.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sat 05 apr 10:30

After a four-year run that ended last year at episode 175, Fairy Tale is back to begin a new series. It was never my thing, but I will take a look just to hear Hirano Aya again. Staff and cast appear to be substantially unchanged.


Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo Returns
  (jp: 金田一少年の事件簿R)   jpWiki

detective show for young teens
director:
writer: Amagi, Seimaru (story) Sato Fumiya and Amagi Seimaru (manga).
seiyuus: Matsuno Taiki, Nakagawa Akiko, Juurouta Kosugi, Morikawa Toshiyuki.
animation: Toei. OP Tokyo Performance Doll, ED Yasuda Rei.
trailer. manga.
starts sat 05 apr 17:30

"Young Kindaichi's Case Files Returns." A high school student and his female childhood friend solve police cases.

It has been 14 years since the first series was on TV, but the same cast returns. In a prime early-Saturday-evening time slot.


Kenzen Robo Daimidaler
  (jp: 健全ロボ ダイミダラー)   jpWiki

mobile suit ecchi comedy
director: Yanagisawa Tetsuya (Kyoushirou to Towa no Sora, High School DxD)
writer: Yoshioka Takao (DearS, Elfen Lied, Sekirei, High School DxD). Nakama Asaki (manga).
seiyuus: Shimazaki Nobunaga, Hikasa Youko, Hanae Natsuki, Ishigami Shizuka, Suzaki Aya, Oohashi Ayaka, Kido Ibuki, Tadokoro Azusa, Koyasu Takehito, Hori Hideyuki, Murata Taishi, Asanuma Shintarou, Itou Kentarou, Yasumura Makoto, Fukushima Jun, Koyama Rikiya.
animation: TNK. OP Endou Kai, ED seiyuus
trailer. forum.
starts sat 05 apr 18:30

A high-school boy fights the evil Penguin Empire in a powered suit called Daimidaler, which he powers up by groping pretty girls to activate his "hi-ero particles." This is just stupid enough to be good.

Fantastic cast starts with Hikasa Youko and even includes both Kido Ibuki and Koyasu Takehito, two of my favorites who are at opposite ends of every possible spectrum.

The director did the underappreciated Kyoushirou to Towa no Sora. The writer has done everything from DearS to Elfen Lied to Sekirei to High School DxD. Top sound director Aketagawa Jin is also there, to get the best from the seiyuus.

The OP is by a weird group including Endou Masaaki, bamboo, Yamaken and Washizaki Takeshi. Check out a bizarre mini-PV here. The ED is by three rising young seiyuus: Oohashi Ayaka, Kido Ibuki, and Tadokoro Azusa. This could be the most bizarre show of the year.


Seikoku no Dragonar
  (jp: 星刻の竜騎士)   jpWiki

ecchi harem fantasy
director: Tada Shunsuke (Bungaku Shoujo movie, Kuroko's Basketball)
writer: Kimura Noboru (Nyaruko-san, AmagamiSS+). Mizuchi Shiki (manga).
seiyuus: Takahashi Kouji, Ise Mariya, Sakura Ayane, Terada Haruhi, Shimoda Asami, Ikuta Yoshiko, Hanazawa Kana, Oogame Asuka, Muro Genki, Koyasu Takehito.
animation: C-Station. OP Sakakibara Yui, ED seiyuus.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sat 05 apr 20:30

Students at the Ansarvian Dragon-riding Academy bear marks that show a dragon will be born from them. Ash has a large mark, but his dragon has never come forth. Finally she does, and she is a beautiful horned girl who can't remember why she has taken the form of a girl rather than a dragon. In any case, she informs him that she is his mistress, and he should be her grateful servant.

The first part of the manga is entertaining, although a bit clumsy. It also has a lot of discreet nudity. Various girls become enamored with the MC, including the school's tsundere princess. Director Tada Shunsuke did Kuroko's Basketball and the Bungaku Shoujo movie. Writer Kimura Noboru did Haiyore Nyaruko-san and AmagamiSS+.


Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei
  (jp: 魔法科高校の劣等生)   jpWiki

magic-school adventure
director: Ono Manabu (A-Channel, Horizon, Saki Zenkoku)
writer: Satou Tsutomu (novel).
seiyuus: Hayami Saori, Nakamura Yuuichi, Uchiyama Yumi, Kimura Ryouhei, Nakahara Mai, Suwabe Junichi, Tatsumi Yuiko, Amamiya Sora, Ogasawara Saki, Hanazawa Kana.
animation: Madhouse. OP LiSA, ED Elisa.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sat 05 apr 24:30

The world is locked in an arms race of magic. A high school in Tokyo trains young magicians. But Course 1 students are the elite flowers, and Course 2 students are seen as nothing but weeds. Our sibling protagonists both enter the school, younger sister at the top, elder brother at the bottom.

Hayami Saori and Nakamura Yuuichi head a terrific cast. Nakahara Mai. The underrated Uchiyama Yumi. Suwabe Junichi. Hanazawa Kana as a teasing beauty. Directed by the director of Horizon, A-Channel and Saki Zenkoku. Animation by Madhouse. A promising show.


Kamigami no Asobi
  (jp: 神々の悪戯)   jpWiki

reverse harem fantasy
director: Kawamura Tomoyuki (eps of Battle Spirits; Binbougami ga)
writer: Konparu Tomoko (Ashita no Nadja, Nodame Cantabile, Uta no Prince-sama). Broccoli (game).
seiyuus: Hayami Saori, Irino Miyu, Ono Daisuke, Uemura Yuuto, Toyonaga Toshiyuki, Kamiya Hiroshi, Hosoya Yoshimasa, Kaji Yuuki, Morikawa Toshiyuki.
animation: Brain's Base. OPED seiyuus.
trailer. forum.
starts sat 05 apr 25:00

"The Gods at Play." Our heroine is chosen by Zeus to be the one human to attend a school for gods. She will teach the gods about being human, and about love.

Hayami Saori as the heroine gets my attention. Perfect for the situation, with her combination of sweetness and aristocratic bearing. Irino Miyu as Apollo, Ono Daisuke as Hades, Kamiya Hiroshi as Baldur, Morikawa Toshiyuki as Thoth, Kaji Yuuki as Anubis -- what's not to like?

First full directorial job for storyboarder/episode director Kawamura Tomoyuki. Writer Konparu Tomoko is an old hand.


Kin-iro no Chord: Blue Sky
  (jp: 金色のコルダ Blue♪Sky)   jpWiki

reverse harem
director: Natori Takahiro, Ochi Koujin (chiefdir)
writer: Ouchi Keiichirou.
seiyuus: Takagi Reiko, Fukuyama Jun, Konishi Katsuyuki, Uchida Yuya, Mizuhashi Kaori, Itou Kentarou, Morita Masakazu, Kishio Daisuke, Taniyama Kishou, Ishikawa Hideo, Hino Satoshi, Miyano Mamoru, Masuda Yuki, Satou Akemi, Okamoto Hiroshi, Yamamoto Keiichirou, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Miura Hiroaki, Ohara Sayaka, Shimizu Risa, Horiuchi Kenyuu.
animation: TYO Animations.
trailer. manga.
starts sat 05 apr 25:50

The third series of this successful reverse-harem franchise set in a music school. The first game series came out ten years ago; the third, on which this series is based, came out in 2010.

Great cast playing the bishounen, as usual, with Takagi Reiko back playing a new lead girl. The manga link is to the original manga. The trailer link is to a preview of the most recent game.


Captain Earth
  (jp: キャプテン・アース)   jpWiki

mecha fighting adventure
director: Igarashi Takuya (Sailor Moon Sailor Stars, Doremi, Ouran, Star Driver)
writer: Enokido Youji (Utena, Ouran, Star Driver).
seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi, Irino Miyu, Kayano Ai, Hidaka Rina, Suzumura Kenichi, Sakamoto Maaya, Koyama Rikiya.
animation: Bones. OP flumpool.
trailer. forum.
starts sat 05 apr 25:58

A high-school boy is suddenly recruited to pilot the only mecha that can repel alien invaders.

1. Yaawn. 2. Irino Miyu! Kamiya Hiroshi! Kayano Ai! Koyama Rikiya! Sakamoto Maaya! 3. Good staff (Doremi, Ouran, Utena, Star Driver). 4. Good-looking trailer. 5. Bones.


Soredemo Sekai wa Utsukushii
  (jp: それでも世界は美しい)   jpWiki

shoujo fantasy romantic comedy
director: Kamegami Hajime (Ceres Celestial Legend, Hanasakeru Seishounen)
writer: Fujita Nobumitsu (Duel Masters shows).
seiyuus: Maeda Rena (Machi/HunterxHunter), Shimazaki Nobunaga, Sugita Tomokazu, Ise Mariya, Kayano Ai, Terasaki Yuka, Namikawa Daisuke, Sakurai Takahiro, Yokoyama Chisa, Han Keiko, Satake Uki.
animation: Studio Pierrot.
manga. forum.
starts sat 05 apr 26:20

This is a manga I'm enjoying and I'm happy to see it animated. Princess Nike of the Rain dukedom has a mysterious power: she can control rainfall. She is forced to marry the great king of the Sun kingdom, Livius I. Livius conquered the world in three years, and is known as the "Dreadful King." However, when Nike meets him for the first time, she finds to her surprise that he is a boy younger than she is. At first they get along quite badly and are a married couple only in name, but they gradually begin to establish emotional ties.

The director is an old pro who has done several Detective Conan and One Piece movies, directed Ceres Celestial Legend, and took over directing the under-appreciated Hanasakeru Seishounen for the second (and superior) half of its run. Nice cast includes, near its bottom reaches, Satake Uki of the excellent idol group 9Nine. She also played QT in Space Dandy.


Abarenbo Rikishi!! Matsutarou
  (jp: 暴れん坊力士!!松太郎)   jpWiki

sports anime for kids
director: Kaizawa Yukio (enshutsu direction; Digimon Frontier, Binbou Shimai)
writer: Yamatoya Akatsuki (Simoun, Gintama, To Love-ru). Chiba Tetsuya (manga, Ashita no Joe manga).
seiyuus: Matsudaira Ken (TV/movie actor), Mizutani Yuuko (Apple/Zillion, Pinoko/Black Jack).
animation: Toei Animation.

starts sun 06 apr 06:30

Follows the sumo career of a powerful giant whose carefree nature does not prevent him from advancing in the sport. Old pros in the cast, as so far known. The director did Binbou Shimai and the writer did Gintama and To Love-ru, and was an important writer on Simoun.


Haikyuu!!
  (jp: ハイキュー!! ハイキュー!!)   jpWiki

shounen sports
director: Mitsunaka Susumu (Cuticle Detective Inaba)
writer: Kishimoto Taku (Bunny Drop, Silver Spoon). Furudate Haruichi (manga).
seiyuus: Murase Ayumu (young Shun/Shinsekai yori, Gaudi/Nobunagun), Ishikawa Kaito (Ledo/Gargantia, Harutora/Tokyo Ravens), Hosoya Yoshimasa, Masuda Toshiki, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Namikawa Daisuke, Hino Satoshi, Nazuka Kaori, Irino Miyu, Kamiya Hiroshi.
animation: Production IG. OP Spyair, ED Nico Touches the Walls.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sun 06 apr 17:00

Volleyball anime starring Murase Ayumu, who is actually in his mid-teens, and Ishikawa Kaito, the 20-year-old who just won a seiyuu award. Namikawa Daisuke, Nazuka Kaori, Irino Miyu, and Kamiya Hiroshi all appear in the cast.

Written by the writer of Gin no Saji. Directed by the director of Cuticle Detective Inaba, who is a long-time key animator/storyboarder/ep director doing his second full directoral job. With Production IG, you know the show will look good, at the very least. And the art and trailer do look good. Maybe I'm sympathetic because volleyball was one of only two sports I was any good at in high school.


Baby Steps
  (jp: ベイビーステップ)   jpWiki

shounen sports romantic comedy
director: Murata Masahiko (MazinKaiser, Naruto films, Shikabane Hime Kuro)
writer: Chiba Katsuhiko (Rune Soldier, E's Otherwise, eps. of To Love-ru). Katsuki Hikaru (manga).
seiyuus: Murata Taishi (Aizel/Log Horizon), Kotobuki Minako, Namikawa Daisuke, Terashima Takuma, Shimono Hiro, Kakihara Tetsuya, Yuuki.
animation: Studio Pierrot. OP Abe Mao.
manga. 25eps. forum.
starts sun 06 apr 17:30

A high-school boy who is serious to the point of weirdness decides he needs exercise and joins a local tennis club. He becomes captivated by the game, and also by his club-mate, a beautiful girl who thinks of nothing but tennis and plans to become a pro.

The main character's seiyuu, Murata Taishi, is 31, but only began seiyuu work four years ago. Kotobuki Minako plays the girl he likes. A veteran director and writer adapt this popular manga, which has already reached 22 volumes. From reading the enjoyable first chapter, I can understand why the manga is so popular.


Yu-Gi-Oh Arc V
  (jp: 遊☆戯☆王ARC-Ⅴ)   jpWiki

young shounen duels
director: Ono Katsumi (Hataraki Man, Yugioh 5Ds)
writer: Kamishiro Tsutomu (Ghost Hunt, HunterxHunter).
seiyuus: Ono Kensho, Hosoya Yoshimasa, Inamura Yuuna, Oobayashi Youhei, Itakura Mitsutaka, Yuui Ryouko, Touchi Hiroki, Yamaji Kazuhiro.
animation: Gallop.
trailer. manga.
starts sun 06 apr 17:30

Yet another series of the perennial young-shounen hit. Directed by the director of Hataraki Man and Yugioh 5Ds. Written by the writer of Ghost Hunt and the newer HunterxHunter.


Brynhildr in the Darkness
  (jp: 極黒のブリュンヒルデ)   jpWiki

psychological sci-fi fantasy romance
director: Imaizumi Kenichi (Hitman Reborn)
writer: Itajima Yukinori (Hamatora, script). Okamoto Lynn (manga).
seiyuus: Taneda Risa, Oosaka Ryouta, M.A.O., Suzaki Aya, Tadokoro Azusa.
animation: Arms.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sun 06 apr 22:00

When he was a child, Murakami was infatuated with a girl he called Kuroneko. She insisted she had met aliens, but no one believed her. When she tried to show him the aliens, an accident killed her and left Murakami in hospital. Years later, a transfer student comes to his class who not only looks like Kuroneko, but is named Kuroha Neko. Not just that, but she has superhuman strength, and even seems to be able to predict the future.

The director did Hitman Reborn, but the writer did Hamatora. Taneda Risa (Shinsekai yori) and Tadokoro Azusa (won the seiyuu audition Kido Ibuki just placed in) are in the cast, and the manga starts well, so I'll give this a chance.


Love Live! 2
  (jp: Love Live! 2)   jpWiki

idols
director: Kyougoku Takahiko
writer: Hanada Jukki.
seiyuus: Nitta Emi, Nanjou Yoshino, Uchida Aya, Mimori Suzuko, Iida Riho, Pile, Kusuda Aina, Kubo Yurika, Tokui Sora.
animation: Sunrise.
trailer. forum.
starts sun 06 apr 22:30

A second anime series of the hit franchise about schoolgirls creating an idol group. There are animes, recordings, music videos, live performances, radio…. It's last year's idol show, but it just keeps going.

Talented cast features Nanjou Yoshino of fripSide and rising idol seiyuu Mimori Suzuko. Story written by Hanada Jukki (Rozen Maiden, Steins;Gate, Chuunibyou). Animated by Sunrise, with animation supervision and character design by Nishida Asako (Simoun). I eventually dropped both the first season of this show and this year's Wake Up, Girls, but of the two, this seemed more interesting to me.


Break Blade (2014)
  (jp: ブレイクブレイド (2014))   jpWiki

mecha fighting adventure
director: Amino Tetsurou (Macross 7, Shiki; chiefdir), Habara Nobuyoshi (Fafner, dir)
writer: Yoshinaga Yuunosuke (manga).
seiyuus: Hoshi Souichirou, Saitou Chiwa, Kamiya Hiroshi, Nakai Kazuya, Hanazawa Kana, Nakamura Yuuichi, Toriumi Kousuke, Inoue Marina.
animation: Production IG, Xebec.
trailer. manga.
starts sun 06 apr 23:00

On the eve of war, a new kind of mobile suit is discovered. But only our hero -- the one person in this country who does not have magical powers -- can pilot it. The six 2010-11 films are reworked into a TV series, with new scenes added. Amino Tetsurou supervises. Habara Nobuyoshi (Fafner) directs. Great cast.


Isshukan Friends
  (jp: 一週間フレンズ)   jpWiki

romantic comedy
director: Iwasaki Tarou (Ryouko's Case File)
writer: Suga Shoutarou (Uchouten Kazoku, Rinne no Lagrange). Hazuki Maccha (manga).
seiyuus: Amamiya Sora (Liliana/Horizon, Shiho/Idolm@ster movie), Yamaya Yoshitaka (bit parts in Machine Doll, Senran Kagura), Hosoya Yoshimasa, Ookubo Rumi, Nakahara Mai, Majima Junji.
animation: Brain's Base.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sun 06 apr 24:00

"Friends for a week." The male MC wants to be friends with the quiet, standoffish girl in the class. But she refuses. It turns out that she has a condition that means every Monday she forgets everything from the week before. But that doesn’t stop him.

Intriguing premise. And the lead girl is excruciatingly moe. The MC is pretty moe himself, lol. The manga is touching, happy, sad. The director is really a key animator, having only directed one previous show. The writer, however, did Uchouten Kazoku, which is recommendation enough for me.

The lead girl is played by Amamiya Sora, a 20-year-old idol seiyuu who has had roles in Horizon and an Idolm@ster movie. The MC role is the first named role for Yamaya Yoshitaka, 22. It's nice to see Nakahara Mai (and Ookubo Rumi) in the cast. Having read a bit of the manga, the look, story, and characters have hooked me.


Kanojo ga Flag o Oraretara
  (jp: 彼女がフラグをおられたら)   jpWiki

harem comedy
director: Watanabe Ayumu (Doraemon movies, Space Brothers, Mysterious Girlfriend X)
writer: Aoshima Takashi (Minami-ke, Mitsudomoe, Yuruyuri, Love Lab). Takei Touka (novel, manga).
seiyuus: Ousaka Ryouta, Kido Ibuki, Kayano Ai, Asumi Kana, Hanazawa Kana, Hikasa Youko, Suwa Ayaka, Yuuki Aoi.
animation: Hoods Entertainment. OP Yuuki Aoi, ED Yell (seiyuus).
trailer. manga. forum.
starts sun 06 apr 24:30

"She has raised a flag." Souta has the unique ability to see flags above the heads of other people. As in games, the flags mark critical crossroads in their lives. He transfers into Tokyo's elite Hatagaya Academy, but instead of living by himself in the boys' dormitory, he ends up living with five beautiful girls.

Original character design by female Korean moe illustrator Cuteg (NakaImo, etc.). The director has done several Doraemon movies, and also Space Brothers. The writer has a good resume of comedies, including Minami-ke and Yuruyuri. Ousaka Ryouta is the MC, with young Kido Ibuki as the first-credited girl, followed by such great names as Kayano Ai, HanaKana, Yuuki Aoi, and Hikasa Youko. The set-up sounds silly -- and I found the first chapter of the manga heavy going -- but the strong staff and great cast have my attention.


Hero Bank
  (jp: ヒーローバンク)   jpWiki

young shounen hero battles
director: Yamamoto Yasutaka (Squid Girl 2, ServantxService)
writer: Tomioka Atsuhiro (Prince of Tennis, Yugioh 5Ds, Inazuma Eleven, Battle Spirits shows). Sega (game).
seiyuus: Kamiya Hiroshi, Sanpei Yuuko, Kuwashima Houko, Nakai Kazuya, Ginga Banjou, Sawashiro Miyuki.
animation: TMS.
trailer.
starts mon 07 apr 18:30

Heroes battle for money in this anime from a Sega 3DS RPG. The game comes out on March 20. Absolutely outstanding cast of stars lines up for their own loot from doing this show for kids broadcast in early Monday evening prime time.

Director Yamamoto Yasutaka did the excellent ServantxService. Writer Tomioka Atsuhiro has written a large number of shows, ranging from Prince of Tennis to Inazuma Eleven,Yugioh 5Ds and various Battle Spirits shows. No trailer being available, the "trailer" link is to a gameplay preview.


Mangaka-san to Assistant-san to
  (jp: マンガ家さんとアシスタントさんと)   jpWiki

ecchi comedy
director: Furuta Takeshi
writer: Itami Aki (Aku no Hana). Hiroyuki (manga).
seiyuus: Matsuoka Yoshitsugu, Hayami Saori, Noto Arisa, Kugimiya Rie, Iguchi Yuka, Tanaka Manami, Itou Miku.
animation: Zexcs. OPED StylipS.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts mon 07 apr 24:05

A young mangaka gets his female assistant to help him learn about things he needs to know for his mangas, such as how a woman's breasts feel. The manga is pretty funny.

The cast is interesting, especially with Hayami Saori in another leading role. This may be the year she comes into her own as a star.

The director is doing his first full show. He did a lot of work on Gundam Age and was assistant director on Nobunagun. The writer did Aku no Hana.


Black Bullet
  (jp: ブラック・ブレット)   jpWiki

sci-fi fantasy adventure
director: Kojima Masayuki (Monster, Bottom-biting Bug)
writer: Urahata Tatsuhiko (Monster, Horizon, Saki Zenkoku). Kanzaki Shiden (novel).
seiyuus: Kaji Yuuki, Hidaka Rina, Horie Yui, Kurosawa Tomoyo, Koyama Rikiya, Yuuki Aoi, Kaida Yuuko, Toyosaki Aki.
animation: Kinema Citrus. OP fripSide.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts tue 08 apr 24:30

A race of viral parasites has taken over the Earth and humans are restricted to a small territory where they live in terror. High-schooler Rentarou has a mysterious ability to fight against the invaders. He and the young girl who is his partner are given a top-secret mission to prevent the destruction of Tokyo. The story apparently gets pretty depressing -- not that that's a bad thing.

Nice cast (with Yuuki Aoi in a supporting role) and highly competent staff: the director and writer worked together on Monster.


Soul Eater Not!
  (jp: ソウルイーターノット!)   jpWiki

comic fantasy adventure
director: Hashimoto Masakazu (Prof. Layton and the Eternal Diva, Tari Tari)
writer: Hashimoto Masakazu (Tari Tari).
seiyuus: Chisuga Haruka (Mana/Zetsumetsu Amazing Twins), Yuuki Aoi, Hayami Saori, Sakurai Takahiro, Yamashita Seiichirou, Koiwai Kotori, Komatsu Mikako, Omigawa Chiaki, Uchiyama Kouki, Kimura Masashi, Saitou Chiwa, Oki Kanae.
animation: Bones. OP Dancing Dolls, ED seiyuus (Chigusa, Yuuki, Hayami).
trailer. manga. forum.
starts tue 08 apr 25:40

Soul Eater Not! Is a side-story to the main Soul Eater series. The three main girls here are new students at the magic battle academy where the first series' characters are advanced students. The manga's tag-line is: "A violent but cheerful life."

The director/writer directed and wrote Tari Tari, which worries me a bit, but he is working with an entirely different studio here: Bones, not PA Works.

In any case, the attraction for me here is radio partners (and fellow Waseda students) Yuuki Aoi and Hayami Saori. The unknown in the main trio is Chisuga Haruka, who is about the same age (21-22) as the other two, but has so far been more singer than seiyuu in her career. In 2012, she won a national contest to become "Miss Macross," and that propelled her into the entertainment world.


Fuuun Ishin Dai Shougun
  (jp: 風雲維新ダイ☆ショーグン)   jpWiki

historical mecha adventure romance
director: Watanabe Takashi (Slayers, Shana, Freezing)
writer: Satou Dai (Eureka Seven, Ergo Proxy). orig by Project-D/Sasahara Kazuya (Cat Shit One).
seiyuus: Tamura Yukari, Kawasumi Ayako, Kakihara Tetsuya, Sawashiro Miyuki, Ogihara Hideki.
animation: JC Staff, ACGT.
forum.
starts 09 apr

In an alternate history, Japan has ancient giant robots that drove away the foreigners' black ships. The country has never experienced the Meiji restoration and remains isolated from the world. The main character grew up in a bathhouse but is still a virgin. The show's tagline is: "I can be the greatest man in the world, because I am a virgin!!"

The female cast members are all top names: Yukarin, Ayachii, Miyukichi. And JC Staff has given them the director of Shakugan no Shana and a script by the writer of Eureka Seven. Worth a look.


No Game No Life
  (jp: ノーゲーム・ノーライフ)   jpWiki

fantasy gaming adventure romance w/ some ecchi
director: Ishizuka Atsuko (Sakurasou)
writer: Hanada Jukki (Steins;Gate, Chuunibyou). Kamiya Yuu (novel; Itsuka Tenma Kuro Usagi orig chara-des).
seiyuus: Kayano Ai, Matsuoka Yoshitsugu, Iguchi Yuka, Noto Mamiko, Sawashiro Miyuki, Tamura Yukari, Hikasa Youko, Kugimiya Rie.
animation: Madhouse. OP Suzuki Konomi, ED Kayano Ai.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts wed 09 apr 21:30

Brother and sister Sora and Shiro are famous but antisocial hikikomori gamers. One day, a boy called "God" suddenly transports them to an alternate world. There, God has prohibited war and declared that everything will be decided by games, even national borders. Other races have driven humans back into a single city. Will those good-for-nothings Sora and Shiro become the saviors of humanity? Let the games begin.

From the enjoyable trailer, this looks like a more comic but not necessarily less harrowing version of SaO or Accel World, with the ecchi elements turned up (loli-moe, bro/sis-con). I found the color design particularly exciting.

The director is young (32), female, and directed Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojou. I think this will share some things with that show. Writer Hanada Jukki did both Steins;Gate and Chuunibyou. He also wrote scripts for four episodes of Accel World. Solid cast headed by newer stars Kayano Ai (who was Mashiro in Sakurasou) and Matsuoka Yoshitsugu (who was the main guy in Sakurasou, and also in SaO). After them, the cast is experienced stars all the way. OP by the powerful and continually improving teen singer Suzuki Konomi.


Hitsugi no Chaika
  (jp: 棺姫のチャイカ)   jpWiki

moe comedy adventure
director: Masui Souichi (Scrapped Princess, Kiruminzoo)
writer: Machida Touko (Lucky Star, Idolm@ster, Inari KonKon). Sakaki Ichirou (novel).
seiyuus: Anzai Chika (Nagisa/Kiruminzoo, many minor roles), Majima Junji (Aoki/Kodomo no Jikan, Yuuya/ImoCho), Hara Yuuko, Saitou Chiwa, Hosoya Yoshimasa, Satou Kensuke, Nomizu Iori, Kouda Yumenami, Morishima Kouta, Yamamoto Kazu.
animation: Bones. OP Nomizu Iori.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts wed 09 apr 25:05

"Coffin Princess Chaika." Our hero is a lazy young ex-soldier who encounters a young sorceress carrying a coffin, and follows her in hopes of finding a meaning for his life. They travel with his adopted sister, who is the only one of them that has a job.

Nice look from Bones. Director did Scrapped Princess and Kiruminzoo, two interesting shows. Anzai Chika gets one of her few significant roles since she was in Kiruminzoo.


Escha to Logy no Atelier: Tasogare no Sora no Renkinjutsushi
  (jp: エスカとロジーのアトリエ ~黄昏の空の錬金術士~)   jpWiki

romantic comedy sci-fi adventure
director: Iwasaki Yoshiaki (Love Hina, Familiar of Zero)
writer: Urahata Tatsuhiko (Monster, Strawberry Panic). Gast (RPG).
seiyuus: Murakawa Rie (Hotaru/Nonnon Biyori), Ishikawa Kaito (Harutora/Tokyo Ravens), Akabane Kenji, Yamamura Hibiku, Fujinuma Kento, Koyama Tsuyoshi, Akutsu Kana, Madono Mitsuaki, Uno Chihiro, Koshimizu Ami.
animation: Studio Gokumi. OP Murakawa Rie, ED Shimotsuki Haruka.
trailer. forum.
starts thu 10 apr 22:00

This world has gone through many Dusks, and is slowly nearing its end. A young alchemical researcher and a girl with special knowledge of ancient alchemy get together and work to save the world from its end. From an RPG.

Rising young seiyuus Murakawa Rie (23) and Ishikawa Kaito (20) head a cast largely made up of unknowns. They are guided by the director of Love Hina and Zero no Tsukaima, and the writer of Monster and Strawberry Panic.


Gochuumon wa Usagi Desuka?
  (jp: ご注文はうさぎですか?)   jpWiki

all-girl moe comedy
director: Hashimoto Hiroyuki
writer: Fudeyasu Kazuyuki (Kamen no Maid Guy, Kampfer, Milky Holmes. Koi (manga).
seiyuus: Sakura Ayane, Minase Iori, Taneda Risa, Uchida Maaya, Satou Satomi, Tokui Sora, Hayami Saori.
animation: White Fox.
trailer. forum.
starts thu 10 apr 23:30

"Is your order a rabbit?" Cocoa comes to a new town and ends up living at the Rabbit House Cafe. There she meets a tiny cool girl, a tough soldierly girl, a fey Yamato Nadeshiko, etc. The girls are played by some of my favorite young voices: Sakura Ayane, Taneda Risa, Uchida Maaya, Satou Satomi, Hayami Saori, and others.

This is the first directorial job for long-time key animator/episode director Hashimoto Hiroyuki. Writer Fudeyasu Kazuyuki did Kamen no Maid Guy, Kampfer, and Milky Holmes. The manga is serialized in Manga Time Kirara Max, the same magazine that publishes Kanamemo and Kiniro Mosaic.


Ping Pong the Animation
  (jp: ピンポン THE ANIMATION)   jpWiki

sports and animation
director: Yuasa Masaaki (key animation on Crayon Shin-chan and Doraemon shows; Kemonozume, Kaiba, Tatami Galaxy)
writer: Matsumoto Taiyou (manga).
seiyuus: Katayama Fukujurou (debut), Uchiyama Kouki (Raku/Nisekoi, Banagher/GundamUC), Sakuya Shunsuke (many minor roles since 1999), Kimura Subaru (Kanba/Penguin Drum, Gian (Doraemon movies), Bun Yosei (debut; award-winning Chinese student of Japanese), Yara Yuusaku, Nozawa Masako.
animation: Tatsunoko. OP Bakudan Johnny, ED merengue.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts thu 10 apr 24:50

Yuasa Masaaki (Tatami Galaxy) is back with an anime centred on ping pong (my other high school sport). Noitamina. Smile and Peco have been friends since childhood, and are talented members of their high-school's table tennis club. Smile's quiet personality holds his development back, but the club's teacher sees his talent and works to change his approach. A Chinese player is voiced by 30-year-old Bun Yosei 文曄星, an award-winning student of Japanese from Canton, who has done Chinese-language announcements in Japan.


Nanana's Buried Treasure
  (jp: 龍ヶ嬢七々々の埋蔵金)   jpWiki

supernatural mystery school comedy
director: Kamei Kanta (Bunny Drop, OreShura)
writer: Kurata Hideyuki (Now-then Here-there, OreImo, World God Only Knows, ImoCho). Ootorino Kazuma (novel).
seiyuus: Tanabe Rui (Cecile/Wizard Barristers), Ono Yuuki (Kaname/You and Me), Asumi Kana, Hanazawa Kana, Okitsu Kazuyuki, Suzuki Eri, Hayashi Yuuki, Noto Mamiko, Toriumi Kousuke, Uchiyama Yumi, Itou Kanae, Sakurai Harumi, Hosoya Yoshimasa, Kuno Misaki.
animation: A-1 Pictures. OP Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku, ED Sphere.
trailer. forum.
starts thu 10 apr 25:20

Juugo is disowned by his father and has to transfer to a high school in the "Special Student Zone," on an artificial island. The cheap apartment he rents turns out to be haunted by Nanana, the ghost of a murdered girl. Juugo and members of the school's adventure club scour the island for the Nanana Collection, a treasure that possesses a mysterious power. Noitamina.

Writer Kurata Hideyuki did ImoCho, so he will be used to writing cute ghosts. Director Kamei Kanta did Bunny Drop and OreShura. Both are skilled craftsmen.

The show stars Ono Yuuki and 16-year-old Tanabe Rui, who sounds in the trailer like Taneda Risa crossed with a young Kuwashima Houko. She brings a lot of life to her role as Cecile in Wizard Barristers. Lots of great names are in the cast, including 20-year-old Kuno Misaki, whose excellent work as the fetish character Hoshimiya Kate in Sekai Seifuku may have gained her some fame.


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

ecchi comedy adventure
director: Motonaga Keitarou (School Days, Katanagatari, Jormungand)
writer: Shirane Hideki (Yumekui Merry, Kill Me Baby). Tachibana Koushi (novel).
seiyuus: Chihara Minori, Uchida Maaya, Sara Emi Bridcut, Itou Shizuka, Okiayu Ryoutarou, Shimazaki Nobunaga, Inou Marina, Taketatsu Ayana, Togashi Misuzu, Nomizu Iori, Sanada Asami, Endou Aya, Misato.
animation: OP sweet ARMS, ED Sadohara Kaori.
trailer. manga. forum.
starts fri 11 apr 25:35

Unknown girls called spirits suddenly appear and cause strange spacequakes that destroy large areas. Our hero can stop them by agreeing to go on dates with them. The second-rate original series was popular enough to justify a second season of its full-on ecchi. Director Motonaga Keitarou knows what he is doing. Nice cast.


Mekaku City Actors
  (jp: メカクシティアクターズ)   jpWiki

romantic supernatural psychological mystery comedy drama
director: Yase Yuuki, Shinbou Akiyuki (chiefdir)
writer: Jin.
seiyuus: Asumi Kana, Hanazawa Kana, Kaida Yuuko, Miyano Mamoru, Kashiyama Nanami, Tachibana Shinnosuke, Togashi Misuzu.
animation: Shaft.
trailer. forum.
starts sat 12 apr 24:00

Our hero is a reclusive hikikomori. A cyber-girl living in his computer drives him out into the world, where he becomes involved with a gang of teens called the "Blindfold Gang" (Mekakushi-dan). They all have special powers related to their eyes, but use them for good.

The "Kagerou Days" franchise began with a series of Hatsune Miku videos on NicoNico, created by Jin. It moved on to a manga and now Shinbou and Shaft are creating an anime, written by Jin. One of the most anicipated shows of the season.

I'm interested to see the work of director Yase Yuuki, who is directing his first full show, with Shinbou as chief director. His previous credits start with being a production runner on Noein in 2005. He did storyboards and direction on several eps of Shugo Chara, one ep of White Album 1, then directed three eps of Durarara. Then he went to work for Shinbou: episodes of Machi ga Mawatteiru, MadoMagi, Denpa Onna, and Nisemonogatari. Then series director on Hidamari Honeycomb, and two eps of Monogatari SS. Now Shinbou apparently thinks he is ready to do a full show.

Nice cast. I'm particularly happy to hear Kaida Yuuko, one of the best of all seiyuus, who seems to make most of her living dubbing foreign movies and TV.