My Top 10: Anime of 2011

It has become sort of a tradition for us fans to list out our top ten anime of the year and since I've been doing it for the past couple of years, I might as well continue with the tradition. I think you can tell a lot from the list as to what the person's preferences are when it comes to anime, and how (or if) it changed over the years.

When I look at my 2010 and 2009 lists, I spotted a difference. Comedy anime pretty much dominated my list in 2010. However, I rather enjoyed anime with heavier plot and solid story in 2009. I am excited to see which anime will make it to the list for 2011.

My top 5 choices were easy but I was having quite a hard time with the bottom 5. Some I like because of the characters but found the story to be weak and the end anti-climatic while some I like for the story but didn't have anything that stood out. I need my criteria sorted out lol. Besides, shits were crazy at the start of the year and I hardly watched anything which mean I missed watching some few good anime like Madoka, Steins;Gate, Hourou Musuko, etc. I am pretty sure that at least my bottom 5 anime would be slightly different if I did completed those shows. Thus, after looking around the aniblogsphere I can see how my list is different from most of them. Oh well...

So for the time being, lets just get on with the list. After a long and very careful deliberation, here are my personal top 10 anime of 2011 in mixed orders:

9. Ao no Exorcist
Aired: Spring 2011
Episodes: 25
Producers: A-1 Pictures, Aniplex
Genres: Action, Shounen, Supernatural
My rating: 9/10

(c) pixiv id 3606202

If it wasn't for the anti-climatic ending and the fact that half of the episodes were fillers, Ao no Exorcist could have ended up higher up on my list because despite everything I just freaking love the Okumura twins. They also managed to keep me interested even through those fillers episodes that included the obligatory beach episode for the summer. At the end of the day, the casts and strong characters became it's backbone and carried this show through for me. Ao no Exorcist is a pretty darn typical shounen anime and A-1 Pictures knew this so when the series can't be original, they sure as hell live up to expectation by making sure that it was entertaining with a decent story for me to enjoy.

6. Yondemasu yo, Azazel-san!
Aired: Spring 2011
Episodes: 13
Producers: Production I.G.
Genres: Comedy, Supernatural
My Rating: 9/10

Each episode is only 12 minutes long but it manages to offend pretty much everyone and everything which in my opinion what makes this show so brilliantly funny. The comedy was unconventional and the characters even more so. Azazel-san pretty much reminds me of Gintama with it's random jokes and anything that reminded me of Gintama's humour deserved to be in my top 10 list. Beware though, enter at your own risk.

2. Ano hi Mita Hana no Namae O Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai
Aired: Spring 2011
Episodes: 11
Producers: A-1 Pictures, Aniplex, Fuji TV
Genres: Slice of life, Drama
My Rating: 10/10

(c) XI-Hypocrisy-IX

This show is as real as it gets when it comes to dealing with friendship, death and feelings and learning to deal with all that while day after day you grow farther apart from each other yet the attachment, or that bond, is still as strong as ever. Ano Hana for short (We Still Don't Know the Name of the Flower We Saw That Day - for the long English translation), hits so close to home that even to this day, I can't bring myself to watch the last episode of the show. I am not ready for either a disappointment, or a heartbreak. With Ano Hana, I was forced to see, consider and analyze far more than what would be considered healthy. Thanks to this show, it gave me the courage to seek those friends that I thought would have been best forgotten. Meeting them again was liberating and it made me see how much each of us have grown up as a person, either for better or for worse. For an anime show to have that kind of effect on a human being in real life, Ano Hana is definitely quite special in it's own right.

5. Kimi to Boku
Aired: Fall 2011
Episodes: 13
Producers: J.C. Staff, Aniplex
Genres: Slice of life, Comedy, Drama
My Rating: 9/10

(c) pixiv id 2678365

There is no practicing of trash music, or tea time after school. If you think this is the male version of K-ON than you are incredibly wrong so for the haters, clearly you are missing out on this one. Granted that it is full of bishies, but what is wrong with that? If us females can watch Lucky Star or K-ON, then it is definitely manly of you guys if you could watch this without feeling disgusted. People have the pre-notion that this show has no plot and is just a BL fantasies for us fans/gays. It is anything but that. Kimi to Boku tackles real issues growing up as boys (I grew up surrounded by boys so I have an idea or two). It was an honest show and because of that I found it alluring and it left me wanting more.

4. Fate/Zero
Aired: Fall 2011
Episodes: 13
Producers: ufotable, Aniplex, Nitroplus
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural
My Rating: 10/10

(c) Yukihime

I know shit about Typemoon and thus why I have some doubts going into the Fall season, as I've said in my preview. However after watching the first episode, and the fact that ufotable didn't disappoint me at all with their delivery, I quickly become a fan. Part of it was thanks to Reiki, a reader of my Fate/Zero episodic posts who never got tired in teaching me the ropes about the Fate-verse and gradually made me interested in it as well. It's true what the saying goes then... tak kenal maka tak cinta (you can't fall in love if you didn't know them). Fate/Zero far surpasses Fate/Stay Night, it's predecessor, in every way imaginable. I love Kara no Kyoukai for the dark themes and I basically got what I was asking for in Fate/Zero due to the awesomeness of ufotable, from the directing, visuals, character expositions and everything/anything else you can think of. It all adds up into a much more complex and intriguing tale, a journey that is certainly unforgettable and definitely fulfilling.

1. Working'!!
Aired: Fall 2011
Episodes: 13
Producers: A-1 Pictures
Genres: Comedy
My Rating: 10/10***

(c) Atsu Takashi

Wow, really klux? Two years in a row? YES REALLY. Working'!! is a fine piece of work. The changed of director and crew for the the second season really did pay off as can be seen from the story. Everything from the animation to sound, characterization to story are all quality materials and together form both a visually and emotionally satisfying experience. The anime is far past the point of debate whether watching it would be enjoyable and worth one's while, because it most certainly is. The comedy is casual and yet hit with such force that all you can do is laughed your ass off. Unlike in first season where the focus was only on Inami and Takanashi, we have different plots that keep us on our toes because the way Working'!! is written you don't know what to expect. Most of the comedies I watched were average if not mediocre so when something like Working'!! comes along, something new, something exciting, something that you can watch and be merry about, I just ended up enjoying it. The fact that it had pique my interest from season 1 meant that it had established itself as something special, something good enough that A-1 Pictures able to be improved on after every episodes. Just how did they do it, really? For everything that Working'!! does just beautifully right, there is usually little it gets horribly wrong. I absolutely endorse this anime to anyone even if they didn't ask for my opinion.

7. Persona 4 the Animation
Aired: Fall 2011
Episodes: tbc
Producers: Aniplex, AIC A.S.T.A, Sentai Filmworks
Genres: Mystery, Supernatural, Adventure
My Rating: 9/10

(c) pixiv id 1329357

I didn't play the games but from what I've heard from those who did play and watch the anime, the anime is pretty faithful to the games and though it has it shares of pros and cons, I want to pay my respect for the producers. I thought it would be straight as an arrow and just action from end to finish. Persona 4 surprised me at the humors which I didn't expect from such show and it is mostly the reason why it ended up on my list. Since the show is on going, it wouldn't be fair to exaggerate so I ended my thoughts here.

10. Ikoku Meiro no Croisée
Aired: Summer 2011
Episodes: 12
Producers: Satelight, Sentai Filmworks
Genres: Slice of life, Historical
My Rating: 9/10

(c) Nya?

This show was the biggest surprised for me for the summer. It wasn't even on my radar until I watched the first couple of episodes. Croisee was mostly overlooked and quickly disregarded by many because just like me, the initial reaction to the preview was that this anime is nothing more than another "moe-trash" and simple pandering. Well, true that Yune was moe but damn she's adorable. This comes from someone who has a personal vendetta against moe (that of K-ON's standard). I love the interaction between the characters especially the two main protagonists. I found myself leaning a bit closer to the computer screen whenever the scene involved Yune and Claude. In fact, I didn't feel the slightest of guilt trying to make Claude a lolicon. Croisée of the Foreign Labyrinth is a piece of resistant to much of the failings that we often found in both historical and slice-of-life anime.

3. Mirai Nikki
Aired: Fall 2011
Episodes: 26
Producers: FUNimaton, Asread
Genres: Thriller, Action, Mystery
My Rating: 10/10

(c) pixiv id 345349

I love blood in my anime but sadly we didn't get enough of that lately. Deadman Wonderland was promising but damn it all those censorship, as well as the weak ass story, made me quickly lost my interest. Mirai Nikki on the other hand has a compelling story and a company of pretty wacky characters, especially Yuno Gasai, who quite possibly the only character that made this show so much win. Mirai Nikki has everything I am looking for in anime that isn't a comedy or a slice-of-life. It is a psychology thriller, with murders, gore, sins and some demented killers. They are the mechanics that makes this show so addictive. Nutcase is the right choice of word that really sums up Mirai Nikki as a show. Haters be damned.

8. Chihayafuru
Aired: Fall 2011
Episodes: 25
Producers: Madhouse Studios
Genres: Drama, Sports
My Rating: 9/10

(c) pixiv id 280496

The general idea that this show is about a Karuta card game should put us all to sleep but after one episode, most of us has nothing but praise for this show. It wasn't just about the card game, which they successfully made it looks like it was an exciting game, but it also has that element of friendship and romance that surrounded the three main protagonist. I quickly found myself rooting for Taichi, knowing very well how hurt and lonely it could be when your love is unrequited. The fact that I can identified with Taichi should be enough reason why this show ended up in my list but that is not all. The premise is simple and yet the story is so well written/thought of that it will just pull you deeper with every passing episodes. This is an anime that is best experienced one episode at a time as it thrives from the long exposure.


And so ladies and gentlewomen... that concludes my list. I'm pretty balance with my choice of anime of 2011 from heavy stuff that involved friendship, murders, horrors, and even Master/Servants relationship to the more light hearted comedy with a dash of slice of life (and perhaps a little BL) in it.

I wished for the anime industries to have better anime produced in 2011 and my wish was granted. Compared to previous couple of years, 2011 can be said as a come back year for some anime. They have everything that taste just right for my palate from thought-provoking anime to slice of life anime about boys instead of girls. Hopefully 2012 would be even grander than 2011.

Having said that, from 2011/12 Winter season preview... it looks rather disappointing... T_T

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Chihayafuru: Episode 7

Yeah I know what I said. I know I won't write anymore episodic review for Chihayafuru because it sort of has lost it appeals to me but then I saw Taichi and all that shit was forgotten and before I knew it, here I am writing another episodic review for Chihayafuru for my own satisfaction. So here goes!

Taichi was having a hard time with the first syllable cards against Chihaya. I was actually quite impressed that they remember the cards though I shouldn’t be. After all that what Karuta is all about. Playing Karuta requires you to be more observant than usual and great memory. Having said that, it pleases me to see all these self-note from Taichi but kinda sad for him as well since he thought that Arata would be a better partner for Chihaya in Karuta. That's bullshit, Taichi.

YOU makes me happy <3

Anyway, Chihaya has her eyes set on Totsomu from her class, or better known as Desktomu since he only leaves his desk to go to the restroom. He was pretty much the outcast. What is it with high school students? Why are they so conscious with students who study? Isn’t that what school is for after all? I said this but I was the mean girl in school lol. Here is something that people don’t know about me at school though. Just like Destktomu, I hated my school but I lovedstudying. I ended up skipping school and did self-study at home. My parent was pretty much okay-ed with how I rolled because my grades were perfect. My teachers hated me though because they were at lost with me. I wasn’t their typical bad girl case. Oh well, the feeling was mutual. I hated my teachers too. They were judgmental as fuck. I hope they rotted in hell lol

I admit though, Desktomu was a tad pathetic if compared to Taichi, the number 1 student. The different in their personalities what makes Desktomu seemed full of flaws. Chihaya was having a hard time convincing him because naturally he will dislike Taichi because he reminded him of what he’s lacking. But if Chihaya played her card right i.e. convinced Desktomu that he can at least beat Taichi in Karuta then I bet he will sign up in a heart beat.

there are few ways to convince people. And then there is Chihaya's way

But this was Chihaya we were talking about. She pretty much lost it and dragged Desktomu WITH HIS DESK ATTACHED to the Karuta club after he belittled Karuta. Chihaya used the “play Karuta makes you smarter” card with Desktomu. He was skeptical at first but when he saw Taichi, he was impressed, as I was sure like the rest of us did. Here lied the problem though. After watching Taichi aced the game (with flipped cards just like he suggested), he was even more envious of Taichi. Well, in my opinion, he let his nickname, and thus his desk, defined him as a person.

Playing with the cards flipped over was definitely the turning point for Taichi. He finally admitted to himself that he hated losing, even more so to Arata. He was kidding himself when he said he doesn’t care if he loses because he definitely does. He now believes that he is just as good as Chihaya and Arata if he sets his mind on doing it. Talent has nothing to do with it and the most important thing is, Karuta makes him happy, even more so when he wins a game.

Don't believe in yourself! Believe in me who believes in you!

That was how he managed to convince Desktomu since he pretty much believed that he didn’t have what it takes and he was only good in studying. Desktomu was still pretty resistant about the whole thing but meh after that brilliant (though he called it lame) speech from Taichi, it was inevitable.

And so that was how they managed to recruit their fourth member…

so smex

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Chihayafuru: Episode 6

Just as he promised, Taichi is helping Chihaya out with the Karuta club. They are now famous with the saying "all in vain". To the other students, Chihaya is wasting her beauty while Taichi is wasting his good grades with the useless club that no one was interested in.

Taichi and Chihaya quickly fall back to their routines with karuta which I look forward to. I love the interaction between these two and is actually a pain reminder of what I missed with the person I give my heart for.

yeah, I ship these two atm

Now that they have a place to practice, all they need now is three more members to make the club official. It just so happened that Oe Kanade, who is a pretty eccentric student who loves the Japanese culture way too much (of which her friends said that she was born in the wrong era), wants some thing that is more align with her passion. That's how she discovered the Karuta club. She was disappointed though when she learned that neither Chihaya nor Taichi wear hakama.

The reason why Oe is so passionate about kimono, yukata and hakama is simply because her family owns a traditional textile shop. Because people nowadays don't give a damn about traditional clothes, the business is bad. They can't even afford a model for next year's catalog. Heh, I already know that Chihaya will volunteer for that and perhaps drag Taichi to does the same.

Oe also knows the history of the poems and knows the meaning and interpretation of each poem. This made Chihaya realized how lacking her passion truly is for karuta. All she cares about is winning after all and becoming the Queen. That is why she tries hard to convince Oe to join the club, or at least teach what she knew about each poem. With such passion from Chihaya, there was no way Oe won't be affected but she has one condition if she is to join the club: she has to model for her shop (ha! didn't I tell you so) and wear hakama during karuta matches which Chihaya quickly agreed to.


In the beginning of the episode, Taichi told Chihaya that she relied too much on her hearing and did not actually give some thought for the cards. Once she had her "class" with Oe, she becomes a different sort of player, as noted by Taichi. She recognized the cards by their meaning now and see each card in different color.

I love how Madhouse interprets the one poem that Ayase loves so much. The animation and the narration from Oe were complimenting one another. It was totally different from the universal intrepretation that Ayase read in a book. It was more in depth and so effing romantic. Hell, even I am interested in the poems now.

and now there are four

I just wish Chihaya doesn't have that big of an obsession towards Arata though and pay more attention to Taichi >_>

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Chihayafuru: Episode 5

For some reason I have no desire to watch Chihayafuru this week. I tweeted this and immediately got a poke from Kyoukai and Hana. And so I made a promise with them to watch this episode today and here I am fulfilling that promise even though I am mentally and physically sluggish. Yeah, I don't feel so good. Hopefully Arata can cheer me up and makes me energetic again.

After hearing that Arata has quit Karuta, Chihaya drags Taichi to Fukui to confront Arata. It's like she said, if she doesn't do it now, she will never see him again. I'm just sorta glad that Taichi is with her. She needs a pillar and Taichi in my opinion provides that pillar, or should I say, a time-bridge that tied her past and her future together.

if only his hair isn't so pink...

As I have expected, Taichi still has feelings for Chihaya otherwise he would not be bothered with her whimsical behavior, especially since he has got himself a girlfriend. I bet it wasn't easy for him when he asked Chihaya if there is anyone she like. At least he definitely won't expect such off hand respond that she likes Dr. Harada.

Because of his feelings for Chihaya, Taichi has a screwed way of defining love. Heh, who am I to say that his view is screwed. Mine isn't any better. It is actually quite scary listening to what he has to say because that sort of reflects exactly how I feel at the moment, which probably explained why I'm so sluggish. But don't worry I don't feel like jumping off from a window.

and yet

I feel you, Taichi -__-

And so they finally arrived at Fukui. They soon learned that Arata works at a bookstore at that time of day so they run off again towards the station. Chihaya is definitely takes Taichi for granted. Ah damn, now that our situation is similar, I find myself rooting for Taichi instead of fapping to Arata.

Chihaya needs to make up her mind and hurry. Either she wants to meet Arata or she doesn't. She also needs to realize the emotional burdens she has on Taichi which also makes me realized what makes my situation and Taichi situation different: I would confessed my feelings regardless of the outcome instead of keeping it to himself like Taichi does.

Timing is definitely not on his side. Just as he about to sort of shows his feelings towards Chihaya, Arata shows up and thus kills any hope he has left. And I can't blame Taichi. Once I saw Arata, I jizzed. Oh damn, he's such a magnet *drools*

(c) pixiv id 324739

But he is not the Arata that we knew from years ago. This Arata is rude and a stuck up son of a bitch. I mean, he totally lost it when Chihaya suggests that they play Karuta together before she and Taichi go back to Tokyo. But soon they learned the reason why Arata quit and like I predicted in the last episode, I was right. He was devastated by his grandfather's death because he wasn't there when he passed away (instead he was in a tournament and won as a Class A). And just like I said in the previous episode, he should continue playing karuta to honor his grandfather instead of become so depressed about it. Needless to say, I think his reason is gay and cowardly. He has no right to call Taichi a coward!

But meh, this won't be the last time Taichi and Chihayafuru saw Arata. After all Arata was being a hypocrite about the whole thing. More than anything, he missed them as friends too. I mean, they are perhaps the only friends that he has during childhood and that has to mean something.

have more confidence in your friends, Arata! Having said that your Fukui accent is hhhhhhnnnnnnggh ♥

Well, at least he gets his feelings across. Knowing that Arata does not hates karuta is enough to cheer Chihaya up. If that is not enough, Taichi agrees to help her out with the karuta club, since he is confident that Arata will come to Tokyo after this. Awww isn't he nice? :3

Too bad that we already know how one sided his feelings are. Even though I think he will never get Chihaya but I would love to see Chihaya at least realize his feelings towards her. I want to see how she reacts and who would be her choice then. I think that realization will also helps her realizes her love for Arata. Or maybe she will think it's one sided too since obviously she's in love with someone who she thinks is the karuta god. God is unobtainable after all. Then it will all depends on Arata, wouldn't it? He has the ultimate power in this love triangle thingy.

didn't we all...

And that's it for episode 5. It was quite a roller-coaster of emotions and it definitely got me all perks up. I'm such a sucker for romance and is not afraid to rant when things don't go my way :P

For my rants on previous episodes, click here.

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Chihayafuru: Episode 4

Before Arata left the town, they once again renewed their promise to be class A player of Karuta and will see each other at the national tournament again someday. It was a big promise and it seems like Taichi has sorta forgot or purposely neglected that promised. Maybe Arata is the same as Taichi (though I doubt it) or he could be like Chihaya who holds that promise as if her life depended on it.

the death glare

I am actually surprised that Chihaya got jealous when she found out that Taichi got himself a girlfriend. Out of jealousy, she forced Taichi to promise of helping her out with Karuta's club if she got to Class A at the tournament on Saturday. I didn't know she has that kind of feelings towards Taichi or it could be that she felt like she will lost another friend. I know I felt like that when my best friends got themselves a girlfriend and eventually got married. Kinda makes me feel ronery.

Taichi actually came to the tournament to support Chihaya. Aww that was sweet of him and dayyum he is one good looking fella.

I'm sure they are =3

So he tells Harada-sensei why he quit Karuta. He feels inferior to Arata and doesn't think that he can beat him at Karuta even though he spent his entire youth playing and honing his skills. Ah... that just won't do, Taichi. What do you think Chihaya has been doing /her/ entire youth? I hope this doesn't mean that he's given up fighting for Chihaya's affection as well.

and they SPARKLED!

Good news is, Chihaya manages to change his mind during the tournament which she won. Taichi was forced to buy chocolate for her after that. Wait... you get chocolate every time the tournament ends? SIGN ME UP!

Since she made it to Class A, she wastes no time calling Arata to tell him the good news but guess what? Arata has quit Karuta. He even hung up on Chihaya after he told her not to contact him again. Err... WHAT?! Oh man, I feel sorry for Chihaya. Her dreamed of reliving her childhood moment has just been shattered to pieces by the only guy that she pinned her hopes for.

Arata must have his reasons but I can't figure out any at the moment? Was he devastated at the death of his grandfather? That couldn't be it. He should be playin Karuta in honor of his grandfather! Financial problem? I don't think Karuta required any sort of money except buying the cards. Hmm...

I guess this what makes Chihayafuru so damn good. I crave for something that is well-written and Chihayafuru delivered just that. krizzlybear brought to my attention regarding Chihaya trying to defy the time and I think he sorta spot on.

For my rants on previous episodes, click here.

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Chihayafuru: Episode 3

Heh, three Chihayafuru episode in one week. It just feels so good. Makes me wonder if I should probably watch the rest of the episode in one sitting. But if I do that, I might get side-tracked and this show probably ended up on my backlog list in no time at all. It's not fair so I guess, I'll be watching it every week like the rest of you guys.

Taichi, Arata and Chihaya went to a cultural center to see the seniors playing Karuta. Just like Arata, they were extremely serious when it comes to the game. Chihaya has completely different perspective on the game then since it can be considered a sport considering how much energy one has to put up to win the game.

As usual, Chihaya and Arata were fire up when it comes to Karuta, even more so when the seniors at the center started to challenge them. Taichi was pretty much dragged into the Genpei match. It was fun to see Chihaya all stressed out to memorize all the cards as Taichi was annoyed that Arata took the lead once again. Mean while the opposing team was completely awestruck with Arata's ability at Karuta. It was even more entertaining when the three of them started to compete with each other.


Yep, they definitely brought in the fun factor in otherwise serious game of Karuta.

The three of them decided to enter a tournament in March so they will be joining the club and practice for the tournament together. Arata didn't afraid to pressurize Chihaya and Taichi when it comes to Karuta and that is so much fun to watch.

intermission: yes I ship these two

However it wouldn't be fun if they have such a perfect story now, would it? The three of them have definitely created a bond and when the news came that Taichi was going to a different middle school and Arata was going back to Fukui to attend to his sick grandfather, just imagined how heartbroken Chihaya was. Not to mention that her sister was obviously unhappy that Chihaya has her own dream and interest now. Chihaya was about to lost her support system.


So she withdrew from the tournament or at least that was what she intended to do but there was no way she could disappoint her team mate. That would be their last Karuta game together and even though they lost (because Taichi lost), they had so much fun.

It pains me knowing that they have to go their separate ways :(

Taichi, Chihaya and Arata were still just kids and kids were often very honest with their feelings. This show does not bother to be pretentious about it and that what makes this show enjoyable. The pace was amazing as if everything that happened were meant to happen. When Arata left, I almost shed tears. I feel for these kids.

we all made this sort of promise when we were kids T__T

ps: Apparently Arata got this good not just because of his passion for the game but he is pretty much born with the talent. He is the grandson of the Eternal Master from Fukui, Hajime Wataya who won 7 consecutive years in the 80's.

pss: That batman shirt that Taichi wore definitely brought back fond memories when I was a kid.

For my rants on previous episodes, click here.

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Chihayafuru: Episode 2

I am totally addicted to this show. After watching episode 1, I was totally on cloud 9. It is just that good. Now on to episode 2!

True to his words, Taichi has made everyone ignored Chihaya and Arata. Good news is, Chihaya didn't seem to be fazed by the cold treatment that she got. Her don't-give-a-fuck attitude just enraged Taichi even further. Heh, obviously Taichi was just jealous of Arata. Jeebus, kids are kids after all.


I see now why Taichi has complete control over the class. He was a good looking kid who was good at studying and everything else that he did. Naturally everyone thought he was cool. Being second was just not in his vocabulary so when Arata transferred in, he felt threatened even more so when his best friend seemed to take a liking towards Arata.

Now that everyone knew Arata was into Kurata, Taichi will try his best to beat Arata at his own game but once saw Arata playing the game, he understood why he will forever be second in Chihaya's life. Being a spoiled kid that he was, Taichi always tried to make Arata's life miserable. What he didn't know was, the more he did that, the more Chihaya will take Arata's side which in turn made his own life miserable.

Life, it has a funny way of dealing with jealousy.

For example, when he took Arata's glasses so that he would lost the Kurata's game, he didn't think that Arata would suspected him. Of course Chihaya will not believe Arata since she wanted to believe that Taichi was not that mean. He also did not expect Arata to still be able to beat him in the Kurata so he played dirty again by removing the cards. Jeebus Taichi, how bad do you want to win this stupid game? You are so not cool right now.

But Chihaya to the rescue!


Hah, bet you didn't expect that either, right Taichi? What's more if the fact Chihaya beat him in his own game. HAH! Take that!

This just made Chihaya and Arata that more close to each other now. Even Taichi had to admit that Arata was so freaking cool when they saw him practicing Kurata all by himself without his glasses nor the cards.

So in the end he came clean and admitted that he stole the glasses but begged Arata not to tell Chihaya about it. Arata wasn't so dense as to not realized Taichi feelings towards Chihaya now and voila the three of them became the best of friends that day but not without rivalry between Taichi and Arata and that's probably one of the best thing about this show.


lol the irony of this series is, I keep telling myself that i would have dropped the manga during certain scene but still loving this show.

Anyhoo, thanks to this episode, i have a better understanding of what Kurata is. This is a good series to uphold the traditional game of Japan.

For my rants on previous episodes, click here.

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First Impression: Chihayafuru

To be honest, I have no idea what Karuta is. I don't think there are other similar anime out there so I am pretty excited knowing that this show has the potential of being a pioneer and original so here I am going to try and watch this show with an open mind *cross fingers that I won't get annoyed by the female protagonist*

(c) pixiv id 2873428

Heh, I should have not worry at all. I like Chihaya Ayase on the get go, which in my case is pretty spectacular. I just know then that this show will be different.

Chihaya Ayase is awesome. She's pretty but she never flaunts it. She is absent minded but not a bimbo and her attitude is what makes me likes her so much. She wants to create a Kurata club at her high school but no one is interested. Not even her childhood friend from elementary school, Taichi Mashima, who obviously has a hot for Chihaya. Chihaya on the other hand sort of admires another childhood friend of hers that makes her fell in love with Kurata: Arata Wataya. Arata was also the one who makes Chihaya realizes to have her own dreams.

It doesn't take long for me to like Arata either though Taichi is charming in his own way. However, I don't appreciate him for holding a grudge against Arata just because he is too coward to come clean with his feelings towards Chihaya.

Whoaa wait a minute Klux. Hold on to your horses. We are not that far in the story yet :P

I wanna shake the hands of Madhouse production crews for adapting and making anime of this series. I would not have known Chihayafuru otherwise because it is just my unspoken rule not to read shoujo. Though they are yet to explain what Kurata is, I found myself not give a damn anymore. This story of friendship, passion and dreams is well written and brilliantly directed. Damn, I'm already addicted.

Watching Chihayafuru makes me feels like I have found a new love. This show took me by surprise, pleasantly so. The feelings that it gives is just something that money can buy and thus why this has taken Kimi to Boku's first place for my favorite anime of the season so far.

arts & animation 10/10
story 10/10
characters 10/10
sound 10/10
enjoyment 10/10
overall 10/10

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