I’ve been so swamped with work these past few weeks, but I finally found the time to blog again (just in time for spring! hurray~). So, here’s a rough list of anime that will be airing this Spring 2010 season. I’ve been eagerly waiting for this season because of a certain couple of series~ ^_^
I skipped the first impressions for winter, but I *think* I might manage to make a batch list of it again this time after I’ve seen the first episodes.
Anyway, here’s the information I’ve been able to gather (listed in alphabetical order). All of the series in this list will start airing this April.
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Angel Beats!
More info – Official Site – Watch preview
When: 04/02/2010
Production: P.A. Works
Cast: Kamiya Hiroshi, Hanazawa Kana, Sakurai Harumi, etc.
Synopsis: In a world after death, angels fight for their fate and their future. Yuri, the leader of the Shinda Sekai Sensen, rebels against the god who destined her to have an unreasonable life. On the other hand, Tenshi, the chairperson of the student council for the world after death, battles against the SSS members. SSS members utilize armed weaponry to battle it out against the angels harnessing supernatural powers. (from: ANN)
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Arakawa Under the Bridge
More info – Official Site
When: 04/04/2010
Production: SHAFT
Cast: Kamiya Hiroshi, Sakamoto Maaya, Saito Chiwa, Sawashiro Miyuki, etc.
An adaptation of Hikaru Nakamura’s gag comedy manga of the same title.
Synopsis: An upper-class young man named Kō “Riku” Ichinomiya meets a beautiful homeless girl named Nino from the banks of Arakawa River, where many of Tokyo’s most unusual residents live. The denpa-kei sub-genre of stories revolves around quirky people’s lives; the sub-genre is named after the premise that bizarre behaviors are caused by electromagnetic waves (denpa). (from: ANN)
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B Gata H Kei
More info – Official Site
When: 04/01/2010
Production: Hal Film Maker
Cast: Tamura Yukari, Shimoda Asami, Atsushi Abe, Horie Yui, Hanazawa Kana, Noto Mamiko, etc.
Synopsis: It’s about a high school girl, who is always having pervert fancies. One day, she falls in love with a plain-looking boy and tries to date with him. (from: Baka-Updates Manga)
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Giant Killing
More info – Official Site
When: 04/04/2010
Production: Studio DEEN
Cast: Seki Tomokazu, Ono Daisuke, Asano Masumi, Mizushima Takahiro, etc.
A television anime adaptation of Masaya Tsunamoto and Tsujitomo’s Giant Killing soccer manga
Synopsis: In Giant Killing a ragtag bunch from East Tokyo are struggling in Japan’s top football league. The team is going through an abysmal spell right now where they are nearing the bottom of the table and have lost 5 matches in a row. The losses haven’t done much to team moral, because it was already low. Fan support, on the other hand, is looking bleak. In the world of football, once the fans turn on a team the end is near. Teams don’t recover. Coaches are fired, players are sold, and teams drop to smaller divisions where profits often prevent them from ever being successful against even mediocre top division programs. East Tokyo United, ETU, can only blame their coach right now. And Coach is ready to give up this next game to prove to his team and fans, that against the biggest club in the nation he can make this team win. (from: Baka-Updates Manga)
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Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan
More info – Official Site
When: 04/03/2010
Production: Studio DEEN
Cast: Yoshino Hiroyuki, Yusa Koji, Kuwashima Houko, Toriyumi Kousuke, Morikubo Showtaro, etc.
An anime adaptation of Idea Factory’s Hakuōki Shinsengumi Kitan romance adventure game. The story of the game centers around a female protagonist and the historical Shinsengumi samurai group in Kyoto during the 19th century. (from: ANN)
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HEROMAN
More info – Official Site – Watch preview
When: 04/01/2010
Production: BONES
Cast: Komatsu Mikako, Suyama Akio, Cho, Yasumura Makoto, etc.
Stan Lee (co-creator of the Spider-Man and X-Men comics) planned this new animated series for television with the same BONES studio behind Fullmetal Alchemist and Soul Eater
Synopsis: An American kid named Joey lives in an urban city & has always wanted to become a hero. Unfortunately he’s just an orphan working part time to support his grandma and himself. After he watched a toy commercial on a new robot action figure, Joey believe he’ll gain strength if he obtains one. The only robot toy he can get his hands on is a broken one that was abandon by a rich school bully. Feeling pity for the trashed action figure, Joey took it home to repair it. Little did he know, that once he repairs the toy, it’ll make his hero dream become a reality. (from: ANN)
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Hime Chen! Otogi Chikku Idol Lilpri
More info – Official Site
When: 04/04/2010
An anime adaptation of the Lilpri – Yubi Puru Hime Chen! trading card arcade game by Sega.
Synopsis: The story centers on Ringo Yukimori, Reira Takashiro, and Natsuki Sasahara — three elementary school girls who can change into idol princesses. (from: ANN)
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Ichiban Ushiro no Dai Maou
More info – Official Site – Watch preview
When: 04/02/2010
Production: Artland
Cast: Kondo Takashi, Itou Shizuka, Toyosaki Aki, Yuki Aoi , etc.
Synopsis: The story of “love, magic, and battles” revolves around Akuto Sai, a boy who aims to become part of his country’s highest order of magicians and contribute to society. On the day he is admitted into the Constant Magical Academy, his aptitude test predicts the following: “Future Occupation … Devil King.” Thus begins his difficult school life in which he is resented by his studious female class head, desired by a girl with mysterious powers, and guarded by a beautiful female android. (from: ANN)
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Kaichou wa Maid-sama!
More info – Official Site – Watch preview
Also known as Maid Sama!; Class President is a Maid!
When: 04/01/2010
Production: J.C. Staff
Cast: Fujimura Ayumi, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Kobayashi Yu, Ueda Kana, Toyosaki Aki, etc.
Synopsis: The romantic comedy centers on the student council head named Misaki Ayuzawa who despises the mostly male, slovenly population at her school, which was once an all-boys school. However, Misaki’s most handsome schoolmate, Takuya Usui, just discovered her secret — that she works after school at a maid café. (from: ANN)
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Kiss x Sis
More info – Official Site
When: 04/05/2010
Production: Feel
Cast: Taketatsu Ayana, Tekeuchi Ken, Tatsumi Yuiko, etc.
Synopsis: Keita has two older step-sisters, Ako and Riko, but since they aren’t related by blood, they love him in a lustful way. After a mishap at school, Ako and Riko finally confess their love to him. Keita dislikes the thought of seeing them other then brother and sister, but as he tries to enter the same school as his sisters, he slowly becomes attracted to them. (from: ANN)
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K-ON!! (season 2)
More info – Official Site
Second season of K-ON!
When: 04/06/2010
Production: Kyoto Animation
Cast: Toyosaki Aki, Kotobuki Minako, Satou Satomi, Hikasa Youko, etc.
General Synopsis: The story follows four girls who try to rescue their high school’s light music club, even though they are all novices who cannot play instruments or read music. (from: ANN)
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Magic Kaito
More info – Official Site
When: 04/17/2010
Detective Conan creator Aoyama Gosho launched his Magic Kaito manga in 1987.
Note: As of 03/2010, the Animax anime channel in Japan is listing a Magic Kaito program which will run on April 17 at 8:30 a.m. and two more times on April 18 and April 25. The channel lists the program as a 2010 production, but does not offer any further information on the staff, cast, or runtime. (from: ANN)
General Synopsis: Kuroba Kaito loves to do magic, and he is a good performer. At high school, his childhood friend/girl friend tries to keep the boy inline. Of course Nakamori Aoko isn’t gentle with the boy she’d never admit to loving. One morning, the classroom is filled with the talk about “Kaitou Kid,” a jewelry thief who uses magic in his robberies. Kaito isn’t impressed with this so called legend that reappeared after eight years, and says he could easily take the thief magic to magic. At home, thinking about his dead father who was also a magician, Kaito stumbles upon a hidden doorway in his room. He discovers his father was the original Kaitou Kid. But since he is dead, he wonders who the supposed Kaitou Kid from recent robberies is. Kaito puts on his father’s hat and cape, becomes Kaitou Kid to search out the impostor. (from: ANN)
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Major (season 6)
More info – Official Site
Sixth season of Major baseball television anime series.
When: 04/03/2010
Production: Synergy SP
Cast: Morikubo Showtaro, Sasamoto Yuko, Morita Masakazu, etc.
General Synopsis: Goro’s dream is to become a professional baseball player like his father. As he strives through the path towards the pro league, from infancy to adulthood, his passion for the game galvanizes all of those around him. Shigeharu Honda is a Major Leauge batter on the rise. His son Goro is a Little League pitcher who one day hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps. Momoko Hoshino is Goro’s schoolteacher, and the first woman Shigeharu has been interested in since the death of Goro’s mother. The destines of these three individuals will become intertwined as father and son experience both heartbreak and triumph on the baseball diamond. But when an unspeakable tragedy visits the family, it will take everything they have to pick up the pieces and reclaim their dreams. (from: ANN)
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Mayoi Neko Overrun!
More info – Official Site
Also known as Stray Cats Overrun!
When: 04/06/2010
Production: AIC
Cast: Okamoto Nobuhiko, Ito Kanae, Iguchi Yuka, Taketatsu Ayana, etc.
Synopsis: The story revolves around Takumi Tsuzuki, a boy who lives with his older “sister” Otome, although the two have no blood ties between them. Otome manages a run-down confectionery store called Stray Cats. One day, Otome picks up a mysterious beautiful girl off the streets. (from: ANN)
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Metal Fight Beyblade: Baku
More info – Official Site
The second season of Metal Fight Beyblade.
When: 04/04/2010
Production: Synergy SP
Cast: Watanabe Akeno, Satou Rina, Takagi Wataru, Kanada Aki, Satoshi Hino, etc.
General Synopsis: A new cast of characters take on the continued battle between good and evil. Ginga, our hero, and his group of loyal friends take on a dangerous group called the Dark Nebula. Dark Nebula’s mission is to take over the world and unleash their evil upon it; but before they can do so, they must destroy Ginga as he is the only person that’s strong enough to stand in their way. The plot thickens as friends become enemies and enemies become allies. Everything starts and ends with Ginga as he struggles to find the strength to defend his world and the honor of Beyblade. Ginga is a determined beyblader; he will fight 100 beys from the Face Hunters and meet Kyouya. (from: ANN)
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Ookiku Furikabutte ~Natsu no Taikai-hen~ (season 2)
More info – Official Site – Watch preview
Second season. Also known as Oofuri; Big Windup!: Summer Tournament Chapter
When: 04/01/2010
Production: A-1 Pictures Inc.
Cast: Yonaga Tsubasa, Nakamura Yuuichi, Fukuyama Jun, Shimono Hiro, Taniyama Kishō, etc.
General Synopsis: The series, set in Saitama, follows the story of Ren Mihashi. Mihashi was the previous ace pitcher in his middle school’s baseball team, but it seems that he only got the position because his grandfather was the owner of the school. His teammates hated him, and they always lost their games. Mihashi is thoroughly convinced that he is a lousy baseball pitcher and he graduates through middle school with extremely low self-esteem. He then transfers to Nishiura high school with plans of quitting baseball, because he does not believe he is good enough to succeed at baseball. However, he is dragged into Nishiura’s baseball team by their coach. Assisted by his new teammates, he grows in stature, confidence and skill, helping his team excel with his own abilities. (from: Wikipedia)
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Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin
More info – Official Site
Also known as Rainbow
When: 04/06/2010
Production: MADHOUSE
Cast: Oguri Shun, Kanjiya Shihori, Paku Romi, etc.
The anime adapts George Abe and Masasumi Kakizaki’s acclaimed manga of the same title. The manga won the Shogakukan Manga Award in 2006
Synopsis: It is about six junior delinquents and their mentor at the Shōnan Special Reform School near Tokyo in 1955. The story follows the boys’ lives during their time in the school and the years after they leave. (from: ANN)
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Ring ni Kakero 1: Shadow
More info – Official Site
When: 04/02/2010
Production: Toei Animation
Cast: Morita Masakazu, Sakurai Takahiro, Kamiya Hiroshi, Ishikawa Hideo, Tanaka Rie, etc.
The third installment of the Ring ni Kakero 1 boxing anime series, which is based on a manga by Masami Kurumada (Saint Seiya, B’tX)
Synopsis: After defeating Black Shaft’s makeshift Team America, the Golden Japan Jr. team returns to training for the World Tournament that will be held in Tokyo. But during training the Shadow Clan, which uses boxing as an assasination technique, kidnaps Kiku in order to lure Ryuji and the others into a fight to see who’s truly the better representatives of Japan’s junior boxers. (from: ANN)
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Romance of the Three Kingdoms
More info – Official Site
When:04/04/2010
Cast: Kobayashi Yu, Katou Emiri, Fujita Saki, Ise Mariya, etc.
Based on a Chinese historical novel of the same title. The original novel depicts the tumultuous warring period of second-century China and the political intrigue between the different factions.
Synopsis: Liu Bei embarks on a journey to quell the chaos that plagues his homeland of China bringing with him his sworn brothers Zhang Fei and Guan Yu. Having only a small army and no land of his own, Liu Bei is forced to to continuously take a subservient role to other Generals in order to keep safe from the those who continually come after his life. (from: ANN)
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Sarai-ya Goyou
More info – Official Site – Watch preview
Also known as House of Five Leaves
When: 04/15/2010
Production: Manglobe Inc.
Cast: Namikawa Daisuke, Sakurai Takahiro, Takahashi Ao, Kinoshita Hiroyuki, etc.
Synopsis: Akitsu Masanosuke is a timid ronin on his way to Edo from the countryside when he accidentally encounters a playboy named Yaichi, who asks him to be his bodyguard. But it turns out that Yaichi is actually the leader of a group of bandits called the “Five Leaves,” and he’s hoping that Masanosuke will join them. Masanosuke is reluctant to help them, but as grows closer to his eccentric new companions, he learns to relate to them and grow as a person in the process. (from: ANN)
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SD Gundam Sangokuden Brave Battle Warriors
More info – Official Site
When: 04/03/2010
Production: Sunrise
Cast: Kaji Yuuki, Yasumoto Hiroki, Katou Masayuki , etc.
The SD Gundam Sangokuden model series features the heroes of the Chinese literary classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms — only they have been re-imagined as two-head-high Super Deformed Gundam robots. Liu Bei (Ryū Bi) Gundam, Guan Yu (Kan U) Gundam, and Zhang Fei (Chō Hi) Gundam protect the legendary continent Mirisha from General Dong Zhuo (Tō Taku) Zaku, the assassin Hu Zhen (Ko Shin) Gyan, and other enemies. (from: ANN)
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Senkou no Night Raid
More info – Official Site – Watch preview
When: 04/05/2010
Production: A-1 Pictures, Inc.
Cast: Namikawa Daisuke, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Hoshino Takanori, Ikuta Yoshiko, etc.
Synopsis: The story is set in Shanghai in 1931, when the Imperial Japanese Army has been dispatched to mainland China due to the relatively recent First Sino-Japanese War, Russo-Japanese War, and World War I. In this cosmopolitan city of intrigue, there is a special military spy organization called “Sakurai Kikan” that has since been buried in history. (from: ANN)
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Shin Koihime†Musou ~Otome Tairan~ (season 3)
More info – Official Site
When: 04/01/2010 (advanced broadcast: 03/26/2010)
The third season of Koihime Musou
Production: Dogakobo
Cast: Goto Mai, Amamiya Yuu, Narumi Erika, Kobayashi Maki, etc.
The Shin Koihime†Musō game is itself a spinoff from the original Koihime†Musō adult adventure game. The adult adventure game franchise and its anime adaptations re-imagine the characters from the Chinese novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms as “moe (fiery), moe (preciously cute) action love comedy” with an almost all-female cast. (from: ANN)
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Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitte Iru
More info – Official Site
Also known as Betrayal Knows my Name; Uraboku
When: 04/11/2010
Production: J.C. Staff
Cast: Sakurai Takahiro, Hoshi Souichiro, Ishida Akira, Ono Daisuke, Fukuyama Jun, Miyano Mamoru, Inoue Marina, etc.
Synopsis: Sakurai Yuki is a mysterious boy with a mysterious ability. He was found in the bushes as a baby and adopted by his current family. Because of this, Yuki strives for independence. The last thing he wants is to be a burden to anybody. Furthermore, when he touches others, he can feel their emotions. Unable to control his ability, he often made insensitive blunders in the past. With death threats and his abilities increasing, what will happen when a man claiming to be his older brother appears? (from: Baka-Updates Manga)
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Working!!
More info – Official Site – Watch preview
When: 04/04/2010
Production: A-1 Pictures, Inc.
Cast: Fukuyama Jun, Asumi Kana, Ono Daisuke, Kamiya Hiroshi, Kitamura Eri, etc.
Synopsis: Set in a family restaurant in Hokkaido, the northern prefecture of Japan, 16 year old high school student Takanashi Souta works part-time along with his strange co-workers: Taneshima Popura, a high school girl who’s a year older than Souta who’s easily mistaken for a elementary/middle schooler, and Shirafuji Kyoko the 28-year old store manager who doesn’t bother to do any work at all. (from: ANN)
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xxxHOLiC: Rou (OVA)
More info – Official Site
When: 04/23/2010
Production: Production I.G
Cast: Fukuyama Jun, Ohara Sayaka, Nakai Kazuya, Kikuchi Mika, etc.
This OVA will focus on the latest chapters of xxxHOLiC
General Synopsis: Kimihiro Watanuki is a young boy with a cursed gift. He has the ability to see evil spirits, and somehow they seem attracted to himself. One day he meets a misterious woman who names herself Yuuko. She claims to have the means to end his torment, but she never works for free, and she wouldn’t help him until he works for her enough to pay for her services. Thus he starts to work in her shop and discovers that in that place, nothing is what it seems. (from: ANN)
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Yojou-Han Shinwa Taikei
More info – Official Site – Watch preview
When: 04/22/2010
Production: MADHOUSE
Cast: Sakamoto Maaya, Asanuma Shintaro, Suwabe Junichi, Yoshino Hiroyuki, etc.
Tomihiko Morimi’s original Yojō-Han Shinwa Taikei novel follows a nameless protagonist who is a third-year college student. The protagnoist looks back at the earlier years of his college life and his adventures with a particular circle (club). (from: ANN)
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- Other than a certain baseball series (that’s not Major) and a braintwister, I don’t have a definite watchlist as of yet but in the meantime, based purely on the synopses and the looks of them, the titles which sound interesting to me are:
Will definitely watch…
- Ookiku Furikabutte (season 2) – I-I-I’ve seen the first season and I simply love this series to bits~ ♥ ^_^ It’s one of my favorite mangas too. This calls for another re-watch and re-read before season 2 airs. I’m looking forward to see the characters back in their animated glory once again.
- xxxHOLiC: Rou – Even though reading the manga gives me a headache with all its twists and turns, I still love everything about this series, especially Watanuki, Yuuko, Doumeki, and Zashiki Warashi.
Will probably check out…
- HEROMAN – Primarily because its OP theme [“Roulette”] is an upcoming single by tetsuya of L’Arc~en~Ciel ♥ :3 I’m also curious how Stan Lee’s collaboration with BONES will turn out.
- Working!! – The premise sounds interesting and I like slice-of-life comedies, plus Fukuyama Jun, Kamiya Hiroshi and Ono Daisuke are in it. :3
- Senkou no Night Raid – Sounds interesting, animation looks good, and it has spies in it.
- Angel Beats! – Sounds interesting.
- Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitte Iru – Hmm. I’m 50/50 on this one. The premise kinda sounds interesting and it has a good cast, but it also sounds a bit too overdramatic and emo…
- Sarai-ya Goyou (House of Five Leaves) – The story sounds interesting and I liked the OP theme [“Sign of Love” by immi], but I’m not into the character design much, which kinda gave me the creeps when I saw the preview. Yeah, I’m a scaredy cat, I know. ^^;
- Giant Killing – I don’t know much about soccer and I’m not a fan, but I like sports. If this turns out to be an enjoyable watch, then I’ll probably go for it.
- Kaichou wa Maid-sama! – Sounds like it will be a funny and enjoyable series.
- K-ON!! (season 2) – Um, yeah, I guess. Why not? I finished the first season anyway.
- Magic Kaitou – Simply because it’s related to Detective Conan. :3 ;P
As much as I love baseball, I’m skipping Major because I haven’t seen any of its previous seasons (and I don’t feel like marathoning all five of them anytime soon o_O)
~ So, which titles made your watchlist this season?
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As usual, thanks to Fansub Wiki where I got the Spring 2010 series list. ^^
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You might also wanna check out my other posts:
- Anime Preview: Spring 2010 First Impressions
- Anime Preview: Winter 2009/2010
- Year-End Babble: 2009 Anime Notables
- Other anime season previews
When:Production:Cast:Synopsis:
I was so preoccupied with so many other things that the summer anime season totally slipped my mind! ^^; But they say it’s better late than never, no? So here’s a rough list of anime that will be airing this Summer 2009. I might have missed a few other titles, but either way, here’s the information I’ve been able to gather (listed in alphabetical order, by month). A couple of series will start airing in June while the rest will air in July. As usual, batch lists of my first impressions will follow when the subs are released.
OK, enough with the talk. Here’s the Summer 2009 anime preview list!
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- JUNE
Fight Ippatsu! Juuden-chan!!
More info – Official Site
When: 06/25/2009
Production: Studio Hibari
Cast includes: Takagaki Ayahi, Takahashi Hiroki, Fukuhara Kaori
Synopsis: The story revolves around Puragu or Jūden-chan, a mysterious office lady (OL) who came to our world from a parallel world to “charge up” dejected people. (from: ANN)
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Umi Monogatari ~Anata ga Ite Kureta Koto~
More info – Official Site
Also known as Sea Story.
When: 06/24/2009
Production: ZEXCS
Cast includes: Asumi Kana, Kotobuki Minako, Horie Yui
Synopsis: The “transforming magical girl action” story centers on Marin and Urin, two “pure” sisters who live alongside the fish in the sea, but yearn to be in the world beyond the water and above ground. One day, a beautiful ring falls in the middle of the sea, and Marin and Urin retrieve it. The two decide to leave their waterbound world for the first time to deliver the ring. After an arduous journey, they come across an isolated island where a high school girl named Kanon lives. The encounter between Marin and Kanon — the maiden of the sea and the maiden of the skies — awakens a hidden power as the world is threatened by an enveloping darkness. (from: ANN)
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- JULY
AIka Zero (OVA)
More info – Official Site
When: 07/05/2009
Production: Studio Fantasia
Cast includes: Koshimizu Ami, Ohtsuka Akio, Noto Mamiko
The first episode will get a special premiere on the AT-X premium television channel on July 5, before the August 25 DVD release.
The story of the young female agent-in-training takes place after the AIKa R-16: Virgin Mission prequel, but before the original Agent Aika video project. Noriyasu Yamauchi is designing the characters and supervising the animation in AIKa ZERO as he did for the earlier AIKa projects, but he is also directing this time. (from: ANN)
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Aoi Hana
More info – Official Site
Also known as Sweet Blue Flowers
When: 07/01/2009
Production: J.C. Staff
Cast includes: Nakahara Mai, Noto Mamiko, Gibu Yuko,
Synopsis: Fumi Manjoume, an introverted, bookish teenage girl, is beginning her first year of high school at Matsuoka Girls’ High School. She enters the school year with her heart broken by a previous relationship. At about the same time, she reconnects with her best friend from ten years ago, Akira Okudaira, who is now attending Fujigatani Girls’ Academy as a first-year high school student. As they reconnect, they both deal with their own respective romantic problems, and help each other get through them. (from: ANN)
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Bakemonogatari
More info – Official Site
Also known as Ghostory.
When:07/03/2009
Production: SHAFT
Cast includes: Kamiya Hiroshi, Horie Yui, Sakurai Takahiro
Synopsis: The story centers on Koyomi Araragi, a third year high school student who is almost human again after briefly becoming a vampire. One day, a classmate named Hitagi Senjōgahara, who infamously never talks to anyone, falls down the stairs into Koyomi’s arms. He discovers that Hitagi weighs next to nothing, in defiance of physics. After being threatened by her, Koyomi offers her help, and introduces her to Meme Oshino, a middle-aged homeless man who helped him stop being a vampire. The series tends to introduce only one new heroine per chapter, each involved with a different “apparition”. The events of the previous chapters play an important role in the subsequent ones. The series primarily focuses on conversations between characters; it contains a fair number of parodies of other series, as well as Nisio Isin’s trademark wordplay and metahumor. (from: Wikipedia)
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CANAAN
More info – Official Site
When: 07/04/2009
Production: PA Works
Cast includes: Sakamoto Maaya, Sawashiro Miyuki, Tomatsu Haruka, Tanaka Rie
Synopsis: The modern-day story centers on a group of people, from all walks of life, who are brought together in the Tokyo neighborhood of Shibuya by bizarre events with worldwide implications. (from: MAL)
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Element Hunters
More info – Official Site
When: 07/04/2009
Production: NHK Enterprises, HeeWon Entertainment
Cast includes: Enemoto Atsuko, Kuwashima Houko
Synopsis: In 2029, a large scale ground sinkage occurred in Mediterranean Sea and chemical elements such as oxygen, carbon, gold, molybdenite, and cobalt suddenly disappeared from the earth’s crust. Human population was decreased by 90% in sixty years. Researchers found out that the disappeared elements were drained into a planet “Nega Earth”, which located in different dimensions. To save the Earth, a special team “Element Hunter” is organized. All the members are under 14 years old because young and flexible brains are required to access to “Nega Earth”. (from: MAL)
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GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class
More info – Official Site
When: 07/06/2009
Production: AIC PLUS
Cast includes: Horie Yui, Tomatsu Haruka, Sawashiro Miyuki, Tokunaga Ai, Nazuka Kaori
It is an anime adaptation for Satoko Kiyuzuki’s GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class manga. The slice-of-life manga revolves around five freshman girls in a high school art class. The manga has been running in Heiwa Shuppan’s Comic Cute! magazine and later in Houbunsha’s Manga Time Kirara Carat since 2004, and two volumes have been compiled and published. (from: ANN)
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Hetalia Axis Powers – season 2 (ONA)
More info – Official Site
When: 07/24/2009
Production: Studio DEEN
Cast includes: Namikawa Daisuke, Takahashi Hiroki, Yasumoto Hiroki, Konishi Katsuyuki, Kisho Taniyama
Synopsis: The “cynical gag” manga and anime take the archetypal characteristics of about 20 countries and regions, and anthropomorphize them as (mostly) bishōnen characters. The story re-imagines various historical eras including World War I and II. 700,000 copies have been sold of the two published manga volumes since 2008. (from ANN)
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NEEDLESS
More info – Official Site
When: 07/02/2009
Production: Madhouse Studios
Cast includes: Endo Aya, Koyasu Takehito, Kitamura Eri, Katou Emiri, Taniyama Kisho, Minori Chihara
Synopsis: The action gag comedy with “bishōjo x violence” is set in 2130, when large swaths of Japan have been quarantined as polluted “Black Spots (BS)” in the aftermath of World War III. However, there are people who have settled behind the massive walls of the Black Spots, where they have developed mysterious powers. The city people on the outside have a label for the Black Spot people they have ostracized: “Needless.” (from: ANN)
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Princess Lover!
More info – Official Site
When: 07/05/2009
Production: GoHands
Cast includes: Terashima Takuma, Katou Emiri, Koyasu Takehito
An adaptation of Ricotta’s adult adventure game.
Synopsis: In the original game’s story, Teppei Arima is a second-year high school student who lost both of his parents in a traffic accident on their way home from a family trip. His grandfather, Isshin Arima, happens to wield the puppet strings in Japan’s vast economy and demands that Teppei becomes his successor as the head of the Arima Group. To prepare for his debut into high society, Teppei enrolls in an elite academy for the scions of the rich and powerful. (from: ANN)
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Sora no Manimani
More info – Official Site
When: 07/07/2009
Production: Studio Comet
Cast includes: Maeno Tomoaki, Kanae Ito, Tomatsu Haruka, Hayami Saori
Synopsis: In the story, Saku Ōyagi is a quiet bookworm who moves back to his former hometown as a high school freshman. He meets his childhood friend, Mihoshi Akeno, although a traumatic incident long ago had left their friendship in an awkward state. Despite this, Mihoshi brings Saku into the astronomy club she founded, and this sets the stage for the slapstick romantic comedy that ensues. (from: ANN)
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Spice and Wolf II
More info – Official Site
Spice and Wolf’s 2nd season. Also known as Ookami to Koshinryou.
When: 07/08/2009
Production: Brain’s Base (season 1 was animated by IMAGIN)
Cast includes: Koshimizu Ami, Fukuyama Jun
General synopsis: Kraft Lawrence, a 25 year old peddler travelling from town to town selling and buying various things to make a living during a period much like Europe in the Middle Ages. One night when stopped at the town of Pasroe, he finds in his wagon a 250 year old pagan wolf deity girl named Holo. She appears to be that of a 15 year old girl, except for a wolf tail and ears. She introduces herself as the town’s goddess of harvest who has kept it blessed with good harvests of wheat for many years. Despite having the responsibility to watch over the town, she wants to go back to her homeland in the north called Yoitsu, she believes the people have already forsaken her anyway and that she has kept her promise to maintain the good harvests. She manages to bargain her way out of the village by making a deal with Lawrence to take her with him. As they travel, her wisdom helps increase his profits, but at the same time, her true nature draws unwanted attention from the church. (from: ANN)
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Taishou Yakyuu Musume
More info – Official Site
Also known as Taishou Era Baseball Girls.
When: 07/02/2009
Production: J.C. Staff
Cast includes: Ito Kanae, Nakahara Mai, Ueda Kana, Noto Mamiko, Hino Satoshi, Kitamura Eri
Synopsis: It is an adaptation of the light novels by Atsushi Kagurazaka. The two novels are set in 1925 when two 14-year-old Japanese high school girls named Koume and Shōko decide to start a baseball team in Japan where few baseball teams — male or female — exist at the time. First though, the two girls have no clue where to find nine players, how to use the equipment, and what even the rules are. (from: ANN)
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Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
More info – Official Site
When: 07/09/2009
Production: BONES, Kinema Citrus
Cast includes: Hanamura Satomi, Kaida Yuko, Kobayashi Yumiko
Synopsis: The series is set in Tokyo after an earthquake measuring 8.0 magnitude on the Richter scale shakes the city’s foundations and landscape, resulting in the Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge and other noted landmarks falling. It will follow siblings Mirai and Yutaka, who were visiting a robot exhibition on Odaiba on the occasion of their summer holidays having just begun, as they struggle to reach their mother in their house in Setagaya, assisted by a female motorcycle deliverer named Mari. (from: Wikipedia)
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Umineko no Naku Koro ni
More info – Official Site
Also known as When Seagulls Cry; When They Cry — Seagulls.
When: 07/01/2009
Production: Studio DEEN
Cast includes: Ono Daisuke, Inoue Marina, Ohara Sayaka, Horie Yui
According to Wiki, it is an adaptation of a Japanese murder mystery dōjin soft visual novel series produced by 07th Expansion. The story focuses on a group of eighteen people on a secluded island for a period of two days, and the mysterious murders that befall most of the people. The goal of the game is to discern whether the murderer is human or of some other supernatural source. Umineko is the third title in the “When They Cry” series, preceded by Higurashi no Naku Koro ni and Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai.
Synopsis: Umineko no Naku Koro ni takes place in the year 1986, during the time frame of October 4 and October 5 on a secluded island named Rokkenjima. The head of a wealthy family named Kinzo Ushiromiya, who lives on and owns Rokkenjima, is near death, and eight of his family members arrive on the island to discuss how Kinzo’s assets will be divided once he is dead. Also on the island are three family members who live there, five of Kinzo’s servants, and his personal physician. After the eight family members arrive, a typhoon traps them on the island and shortly after people start to get mysteriously murdered. (from: ANN)
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Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahou
More info – Official Site
Also known as Properly Learned Modern Magic.
When: 07/11/2009
Production: Nomad
Cast includes: Nonaka Ai, Tomatsu Haruka, Nabatame Hitomi
Synopsis: The story revolves around Koyomi Morishita, a clumsy high school freshman girl who is often mistaken for a grade-schooler because of her shortness. Koyomi becomes a disciple of Misa Anehara, a 25-year-old graduate student who happens to be one of the most powerful modern-day magicians. (from: ANN)
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Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei
More info – Official Site
Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei’s 3rd season.
When: 07/04/2009
Production: SHAFT
Cast includes: Kamiya Hiroshi, Nonaka Ai, Inoue Marina, Sawashiro Miyuki
Synopsis: Itoshiki Nozomu is the world’s most negative person. To his way of thinking, there is no hope or meaning in this existence. Even the three kanji of his name become the two-kanji word zetsubou, “despair”, when compressed. What an ironic twist of fate, then, that he becomes teacher to a class containing his precise opposite, the invincibly positive-minded Fuura Kafuka. (from: ANN)
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- Other than two titles, I don’t have a definite watchlist as of yet but in the meantime, based purely on the synopses and the looks of it, the titles which sound interesting to me are:
Will definitely watch…
- Spice and Wolf II – I liked season 1. It’s animated by a different studio this time though, so it might take some getting used to with the colors and stuff. I hope it turns out as well (or even better) than the first season.
- Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei – I’m not done with season 2 yet though, so I’ll finish that first, then the OVAs. I’ll most likely get to watch this season 3 some time after it airs.
Will probably check out…
- Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 – The synopsis sounds dramatic, but interesting. It’s also taking the coveted noitaminA timeslot in Fuji TV, so I’m kinda curious that it might have great potential to be a good series. Being animated by BONES is also a plus in my book.
- Bakemonogatari – I’m not really into horror-ish stuff, but it says it has some humor in it and it sounds interesting. Plus, it’s a SHAFT production, so I’m at least sure to see some nice visuals. Who knows? I might even enjoy it as much as I did Ghost Hunt. ^^
- Umineko no Naku Koro ni (When Seasgulls Cry) – I’ve never seen any of the When They Cry series, but the mystery aspect is making me want to check this out. It has a pretty good cast list, and Studio DEEN ain’t so bad either.
- Taishou Yakyuu Musume – Sounds interesting. It’s a slice-of-life series about baseball with a solid cast list, and another J.C. Staff production. Might be worth checking out.
- Hetalia Axis Powers (season 2) – the characters are so adorable! Must catch up with season 1 soon (I’m sure I can finish it in one sitting as it takes only about 5 minutes per episode)
- CANAAN – Not much info about it so I’m not too sure what it’s all about. Looks like there’s action though, so I might check it out.
- GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class – Sounds like a nice laidback series.
- Sora no Manimani – It’s a slice-of-life, romantic comedy. Might be fun. Oh, and I’d get to hear Maeno Tomoaki again too. :3
~ Which titles made your watchlist this season?
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As usual, thanks to Fansub Wiki where I got the Summer 2009 series list.
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You might also wanna check out my other posts:
Thank you for your preview 🙂
It sounds like you really enjoy Ookiku Furikabutte 🙂
This is a list of the anime I’ll check out, but it is unlikely that I’ll actually watch any of them:
Arakawa (SHAFT)
Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan (Character Design)
Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitte Iru (Cast)
Yojou-Han Shinwa Taikei (director)
The only anime that I might watch and, possibly, blog is Sarai-ya Goyou because I like almost everything about it 🙂
@ Kitsune: Yeah, Oofuri is love~ I really like Sarai-ya Goyou’s premise. I’ll give it a shot and hope I could get over the character design creeping me out. xDD
Youjou-Han’s premise somewhat reminds me of the old TV series “The Wonder Years” in which the protagonist looks back on his childhood days. 🙂
Yes, those character designs are unusual, but you can get used to it, especially if they are depicted on such gorgeous backgrounds 🙂
Oh, The Wonder Years! haha I recall that series! I used to watch it, but I don’t think I’ve seen all episodes 🙂
Yeah, the background art is very nice. I like the sharp colors too. 🙂
I don’t think I’ve seen all the episodes of TWY either.
First part of the short Kamen Justice Herofactory produced by and directed by Fernando Pereira Barbosa (creator of the short). This production has the fourth Hero Fcatory and progress is being more duias productions Cyberbio-III and XD robo rescue. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vPN51HRGok