I got too caught up with work and the holiday season and almost skipped out on this. Anyway, here’s a rough list of anime that will be airing this Winter 2009/2010 season. It looks a bit dreary, but there are a few titles that caught my fancy.
This is far from a complete list of all the shows that will air this season, but either way, here’s the information I’ve been able to gather (listed in alphabetical order, by month). Most of the series in this list will start airing on January, while some on February and March 2010.
———————————————
- JANUARY
———————————————
Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu
More info – Official Site – Watch preview
When: 01/06/2010
Production: Silver Link
Cast: Harada Hitomi, Kato Emiri, Shimono Hiro, etc.
Synopsis: The story centers around Akihisa Yoshii, the “baka” of the title. His academy rigidly divides up the student body into classes based on the results of tests. The prodigies are in the A class with reclining seats complete with air conditioning, but Akihisa is in F class, the lowest rung of the school ladder which is furnished only with low, decrepit tables and worn-out straw tatami mats. A girl named Mizuki Himeji is actually one of the smartest girls in Akihisa’s sophomore year, but she had a fever on test day and was pigeonholed into the F class. Besides Mizuki (who Akihisa secretly adores), the F class also has Yūji Sakamoto, the class president who has been Akihisa’s friend and partner-in-crime since the freshman year. The school happens to have developed experiments to summon fantasy creatures, and Akihisa decides to rally F class to take on the higher-tiered classes and seize their perks. The F class uses the summoned creatures in an all-out battle for school supremacy. (from: MAL)
———————————————
Chu-Bra!!
More info – Official Site
When: 01/04/2010
Production: ZEXCS
Cast: Kotobuki Minako, Chihara Minori, Yahagi Sayuri, Hikasa Yoko, etc.
Synopsis: The story centers on Nayu, a middle school girl who shocks her schoolmates on the first day of school by wearing black lace panties. She likes this kind of underwear, and she tries to “spread the word on the merits of [these kinds of] underwear” via an underwear club with her schoolmates, who are worried about their bodies’ development and which underwear to choose. (from: ANN)
———————————————
Cobra: The Animation
More info – Official Site
Remake of Space Adventure Cobra
When: 01/02/2010
Production: Magic Bus
Cast: Uchida Naoya, Sakakibara Yoshiko, Ohstsuka Akio, Orikasa Fumiko, etc.
Synopsis: Cobra is very known space pirate, but decides to change his face and to clear all his memories. He becomes a common guy, with a common job, and a very boring life, but suddenly he starts remembering his true identity and new adventures begin. (from: ANN)
———————————————
Dance in the Vampire Bund
More info – Official Site – Watch preview
When: 01/07/2010
Production: SHAFT
Cast: Yuki Aoi, Nakamura Yuuichi, Saito Chiwa, Kitamura Eri, etc.
Synopsis: After a millennia in hiding, Mina Tepes, the Princess of the ancient covenant and ruler of all vampires, wants change. Using the vast wealth of the Tepes line, she has paid off the entire gross national debt of Japan and in so doing, gained the authority to create a “special district” off the coast of Japan that is to become the future haven to vampires the world over. Now, on the eve of the landmark press conference announcing the existence of vampires to the world, terrorists and rival factions plot to assassinate Mina before she has a chance to make her world-changing announcement. (from: ANN)
———————————————
Durarara!!
More info – Official Site – Watch preview
Also known as DRRR!!
When: 01/07/2010
Production: Brain’s Base
Cast: Toyonaga Toshiyuki, Miyano Mamoru, Hanazawa Kana, Fukuyama Jun, Ono Daisuke, Kamiya Hiroshi, etc.
Synopsis: Ryuugamine Mikado is a boy who longs for the exciting life of the big city. At the invitation of his childhood friend Masaomi, he transfers to a school in Ikebukuro. Masaomi has warned him about people he doesn’t want to cross in the city: a champion fighter, an informant, and a mysterious gang called “Darazu.” Nervous from Masaomi’s stories, Mikado witnesses an urban legend on his first day in the city, the Headless Rider astride a black motorcycle. From then on, the existence of supernatural cases and a gang called the Yellow Turbans will rise to the surface, and Ikebukuro will pushed to the breaking point. (from: ANN)
———————————————
Hanamaru Kindergarten
More info – Official Site – Watch preview
Also known as Hanamaru Youchien
When: 01/10/2010
Production: GAINAX
Cast: Takagaki Ayahi, Shindou Kei, Mako, Hazuki Erino, Hino Satoshi, etc.
Adaptation of the slice of life comedy manga by Yuto. The story centers on three kindergartners and their teachers. As previously announced, director Seiji Mizushima (first Fullmetal Alchemist anime, Mobile Suit Gundam 00) will be working with the veteran production studio Gainax (Neon Genesis Evangelion, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann) on the project. (from: ANN)
———————————————
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 3: Owari Naki Unmei (special episode)
More info – Official Site
Also known as Haruka -Beyond the Stream of Time- 3: The Endless Destiny, or Haruka of a Distant Time
When: 01/03/2010
Production: Yumeta Company
Cast: Kamikawa Tomoko, Inoue Kazuhiko, Ishida Akira, Hamada Kenji, Kuwashima Houko, etc.
The Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 3: Owari Naki Unmei television special is the final anime based on KOEI’s Harukanaru Toki no Naka de Neo Romance game series.
General Synopsis: The story follows three friends who are transported to an alternate fantasy world with ancient Japanese motifs. One of the friends, Akane, becomes the Priestess of the Dragon God who can help protect the land from demons. Protecting her are eight handsome Guardians, the Hachiyō. (from: ANN)
———————————————
Hidamari Sketch×☆☆☆ (Hoshimittsu)
More info – Official Site
Another season of Hidamari Sketch. Also known as Hidamari Sketch × Hoshimittsu
When: 01/07/2010
Production: SHAFT
Cast: Asumi Kana, Goto Yuko, Shintani Ryoko, Mizuhashi Kaori, etc.
General Synopsis: Yuno has been accepted to her dream school: Yamabuki Arts High School. To attend the school, Yuno moves and starts to live in a small apartment building named the Hidamari Apartments located near the school. Once there, she starts making new friends like her classmate Miyako and the second year students, Hiro and Sae. Surrounded by good friends, Yuno starts moving towards her dream of being an artist. (from: ANN)
———————————————
Kaito Reinya
More info – Official Site
When: 01/09/2010
Production: Stingray
Cast: Tanaka Reina, Okano Kousuke, Youki Sou, Noto Arisa, etc.
A series of 12 anime shorts based on the Kaitō Reinya “nonsensical comedy” manga.
Synopsis: Reinya is a girl who wears a signboard for the Faminya convenience store near a police station by day. By night, she is a whimsical thief chased by bumbling police officers, led by the handsome Keiji-san (“Detective”) and the cool Keibu-san (“Inspector”). Joining Reinya on her escapades is her trusty assistant, the mouse Chūtarō (Okano). (from: ANN)
———————————————
Katanagatari (monthly special episodes)
More info – Official Site – Watch preview
An adaptation of the light novel series by Nisio Isin (Bakemonogatari).
When: 01/25/2010
Production: WHITE FOX
Cast: Hosoya Yoshimasa, Suzuki Chihiro, Nakahara Mai, Ikeda Masako, Tamura Yukari, etc.
NOTE: This anime series is scheduled to air monthly rather than weekly. It will air as 12 monthly one-hour specials (one for each novel volume) starting on January 25.
Synopsis: The 12-volume historical epic centers on Shichika Yasuri, the seventh generational head of the Kyotō-ryū school of martial arts in medieval Japan. He and his older sister Nanami live on an isolated island, until a military advisor named Togame tells him of the final 12 swords forged by a legendary swordsmith. At Togame’s bidding, Shichika embarks on a journey to find all 12 of the swords. (from: ANN)
———————————————
Ladies vs Butlers
More info – Official Site
When: 01/05/2010
Production: XEBEC
Cast: Kawasumi Ayako, Okitsu Kazuyuki, Nakahara Mai, Koshimizu Ami, Kugimiya Rie, etc.
Tsukasa Kōzuki’s romantic comedy light novels revolve around Akiharu Hino (Kazuyuki Okitsu), an ordinary high school student who unfortunately looks like a juvenile delinquent. He enrolls into an academy that was once a school for upper-class ladies, and he is placed in the school’s newly established servant training department. The students there are raised to be either maids or butlers, and Akiharu finds himself in the middle of the bickering cliques. (from: ANN)
———————————————
Nodame Cantabile: Finale
More info – Official Site – Watch preview
The third and final season of the Nodame Cantabile anime series
When: 01/14/2010
Production: J.C. Staff
Cast: Kawasumi Ayako, Seki Tomokazu, Matsukaze Masaya, Kiyokawa Motomu, Ohara Sayaka, etc.
General Synopsis: At a top music academy in Japan, Shinichi Chiaki’s arrogance is matched only by his top-notch piano playing. But when Chiaki and the teacher get into a fight, he’s demoted to the reject class. Chiaki is left to pursue his dream of being a conductor while surrounded by a bunch of loser musicians and one annoying girl, Noda, who has proclaimed herself Chiaki’s girlfriend. It doesn’t help that Noda, who insists on being called Nodame, lives right next door to him. Having been given the opportunity to study at Paris, Noda accompanies Chiaki to Europe as he strives to become the accomplished conductor he always dreamt to be. (from: ANN)
———————————————
Omamori Himari
More info – Official Site
Also known as Protective Charm Himari
When: 01/06/2010
Production: ZEXCS
Cast: Koshimizu Ami, Hirakawa Daisuke, Nomizu Iori, Shindou Kei, etc.
Synopsis: The slapstick romantic comedy centers around an ordinary 16-year-old high school boy named Yūto Amakawa who is protected by a spirit — specifically, a beautiful, sword-wielding cat girl spirit named Himari. Yūto is descended from a family that has subjugated demons since time immemorial. The charm that once protected him is now impotent, but fortunately, at that same moment, Himari appears before him as his new guardian. (from: ANN)
———————————————
Ookamikakushi
More info – Official Site
When:01/07/2010
Production: AIC
Cast: Kobayashi Yu, Katou Emiri, Fujita Saki, Ise Mariya, etc.
Adaptation of a PSP mystery game, which features creator and director Ryukishi07 (When They Cry – Higurashi, Umineko no Naku Koro ni) and the character designer duo Peach-Pit (Rozen Maiden, Shugo Chara!, DearS).
Synopsis (game): A 16 year old boy, Hiroshi Kuzumi, has recently moved into a new town in the mountains. The town is separated into new and old streets by the river, and many mysterious local cultures still remain. Although confused and enjoying his new life, one person kept her distance from him: class committee member Kushinada Nemura. In their few encounters she gave him a word of advice: “Stay away from the old streets.” (from: Wikipedia)
———————————————
Seikon no Qwaser
More info – Official Site
When: 01/09/2010
Production: Taki Corporation
Cast: Fujimura Ayumi, Toyosaki Aki, Sanpei Yuko, Chihara Minori, etc.
Synopsis: The mature supernatural action story follows the students of the privately-run St. Mikhailov Academy — in particular, a boy named Aleksander who is a qwaser, or a manipulator of the element of iron. The story is known for its heavy emphasis on fan service, especially with breast milk as a plot device. (from: ANN)
———————————————
So-Ra-No-Wo-To
More info – Official Site – Watch preview
Also known as Sound of the Skies
When: 01/04/2010
Production: A-1 Pictures
Cast: Aikawa Juri, Yuki Aoi, Endo Aya, Kitamura Eri, etc.
Synopsis: The story is set in the future on a land that, after being marred by long-lasting wars, has settled into quiet decline. Kanata Kumika, a 15-year-old girl who fulfills her dream of enlisting in the army and joins a unit of five girls who protect a fortress. The girls also play music that reverberate across the skies over towns without people and seas without fish. (from: ANN)
———————————————
- FEBRUARY
———————————————
Heartcatch Precure!
More info – Official Site
When: 02/07/2010
Another series from the Precure (or Pretty Cure) franchise by Toei Animation. It features two new Cures, Tsubomi/Cure Blossom and Erika/Cure Marine. No other details are known at this time. (from: MAL)
———————————————
Lupin III: The Last Job (special episode)
More info – Official Site
A special TV episode from the Lupin III series. It will be the 20th television special starring the crafty thief character from Monkey Punch’s caper manga.
When: 02/12/2010
Cast: Kurita Kanichi, Hirano Aya, Masuyama Eiko, Naya Goro, etc.
Synopsis: The premise of the new anime special will center around the supposed “death” of Inspector Zenigata, Lupin III’s nemesis from Interpol. The story begins with the discovery of a Japanese cultural treasure — at a Nazi Germany sanatorium. Morgana, a mysterious figure who leads a ninja thief gang, battles Lupin for the treasure, and he seemingly kills Zenigata. (from: ANN)
———————————————
- MARCH
———————————————
Hetalia: Axis Powers – season 3 (ONA)
More info – Official Site
Third season of Hetalia: Axis Powers
When: 03/2010
Production: Studio DEEN
Cast: Namikawa Daisuke, Takahashi Hiroki, Yasumoto Hiroki, Konishi Katsuyuki, Taniyama Kisho, etc.
Like the first two seasons, it will run on the Animate.tv computer website and on the Japanese mobile phone site Mobile Animate starting March of 2010.
General Synopsis: Italy, once home of the strongest empire in the world, has changed. This is the story of Italy, now a cowardly pasta-loving fool, and his friends (other personified countries of the world) as they live through strange moments in world history. (from: ANN)
————————————————-
- This season looks a bit boring… Other than one title, 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…
- Nodame Cantabile: Finale – I’ve seen the first two seasons, and it would be weird if I won’t watch this one since it will be this series’ conclusion. On a slightly different note, I’m so excited to see the two Nodame Catabile live action movies! And if you haven’t seen the J-drama version of Nodame yet, go watch it! If you thought the anime was good, I’m telling you, the J-drama version is even better ❤ ^^
Will probably check out…
- Durarara!! – Pretty interesting synopsis and the director (Omori Takahiro) is the same one who directed the Natsume Yuujinchou series (which I liked a lot) and Baccano! (which I haven’t seen yet, but heard was good), and adapted from the light novels written by Narita Ryohgo (who also wrote Baccano!). That aside, what primarily caught my attention was the cast, which comprises of a number of my favorite seiyus… Kamiya Hiroshi, Fukuyama Jun, Nakamura Yuuichi, Takagaki Ayahi, Ono Daisuke… hearing all of them in one show? It’s going to be music to my ears~♫ I hope the anime turns out to be good.
- Katanagatari – The premise sounds interesting and it looks good to me from the PV. But 12 special one-hour episodes for each LN volume and it’s set to air monthly?! Hmm. I think it would be best to watch this when all the episodes are in… which means after 1 year… Hmm. I guess we’ll see how it goes after watching episode 1.
- Hanamaru Kindergarten – I checked out the manga until chapter 5 (where the scans are at), and I found it to be pretty funny and cute. Kindergartner Anzu has a crush on Tsuchida-sensei, who has a crush on his fellow teacher Yamamoto-sensei, while classmates Hiiragi and Koume try to help Anzu catch Tsuchida’s attention. xD Oh, I hope the adaptation doesn’t end up on the p3do side (that would be so wrong on so many levels o_o). So far, the manga’s pretty much wholesome in general. I’ll prepare my ears for overly cutesy and shrill voices for the lolis kids. I hope they won’t be too annoying to listen to.
- So-Ra-No-Wo-To – Looks like it has some potential to be good. Though I can’t help but be reminded of K-ON! and Strike Witches every time I see it. I wonder why. ^^;
- Dance in the Vampire Bund – Hmm. I’m 50/50 on this one. I’m not into the character design much nor the story, but the premise does sound a bit interesting. And should it turn out that I don’t like it, at least I’d get to hear Nakamura Yuuichi. ;P
~ Which titles made your watchlist this season?
————————————————–
As usual, thanks to Fansub Wiki where I got the Winter 2009/2010 series list. ^^
————————————————–
You might also wanna check out my other posts:
- Anime Preview: Winter 2009/2010 First Impressions
- 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!
———————————————
- 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)
———————————————–
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)
———————————————–
- 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)
———————————————–
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)
———————————————–
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)
———————————————–
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)
———————————————–
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)
———————————————–
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)
———————————————–
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)
———————————————-
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)
———————————————–
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)
———————————————–
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)
———————————————–
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)
———————————————–
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)
———————————————–
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)
———————————————–
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)
———————————————–
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)
———————————————–
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)
———————————————–
- 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?
————————————————–
As usual, thanks to Fansub Wiki where I got the Summer 2009 series list.
————————————————–
You might also wanna check out my other posts:
Wow, we have exactly the same things for our Winter viewing 😀
I’m very excited for dance in the vampire bund, its going to be awesome ^^
the spring season is going to be alot better but i thank you for this season previeuw. i think im going for durarara and dance in the vampire bund. because when i saw the previeuw i was just so excited about it!
also i’m thinking about omamari himari and ladys vs butlers.
im really have about this stunning season, but im looking more forward to the next season. (spring) 😛
PS: happy new year (2010) !!!
@ bianki: Haha, really? I guess there really isn’t much going on this season. xD
@ Ruby: Cool. I’ll check the 1st episodes of most of the series for my first impressions post and will probably go from there.
@ MrPro4Life: Oh, yeah, I’m very much looking forward to the Spring 2010 season! But for now, I’ll look on the bright side of Winter with Nodame and Durarara!! ^^ And a happy new year to you as well! 🙂
I’ve got Hidamari and So-Ra-No-Wo-To and . . . nothing.
Yup, that’s about it.
Hetalia 3 and Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu have a fighting chance of gaining slots on my list, but nothing’s guaranteed.
@ Diego: Yeah, this winter season is rather weak. Let’s hope there’d be a hidden gem somewhere among the titles.
Oh wow, Du(ra^4) has an excellent cast! 🙂 I guess I should check out this one.
I’ll check out the anime on your list that also match what I was thinking about, but it is unlikely that I’ll watch any of them.
@ Kitsune: Yeah, I’m quite looking forward to hearing the cast in the first episode~ Hopefully, it’d be a good series too. 🙂