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「コンピューターおばあちゃん」 (Konpyuutaa Obaachan)
“Computer Grandmother”
We have air conditioning problems at Hakobune and the unbearable heat brings about an unexpected problem — Arashi is known to lose it and wreck havoc once she reaches her limit. This is what a history of strict family customs and pent up rage leads to. She’s like a volcano on the verge of erupting!
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「血斗（マツリ）は誰がために」 (Chito (Matsuri) wa Da ga Tame ni)
“For Whom is the Bloodbath (Festival)”
Wow, what an episode. What starts off as an innocent festival quickly turns into a cork gun survival game with 10 million yen (~$100k USD) on the line. For that, we have to thank Mikako and the undertaker-like target practice store owner she hired. However, things take a turn for the better when Nymph releases the protection on Ikaros’ memories and unintentionally restores her abilities as well.
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「シルベット・スエードに会う」 (Shirubetto Sueedo ni Au)
“Meeting Sylvette Suede”
Nooo, not Gauche! When you take into consideration that Lag’s looked up to him for the past five years, and that Gauche is his motivation in life to this very day, his tears are completely understandable this time. I felt pretty sorry for Lag, but even more so for Sylvette, who’s lost all hope for her missing brother.
The single for Asura Cryin’ 2’s opening theme “Alternative” was released two days ago. Along with the limited edition version came the PV for the song you see above. While Asura Cryin’ isn’t a series being covered here, I have been following it since the first season’s debut back in spring. It’s never a series I get terribly excited about, but the story has taken an interesting turn with all the first world / second world stuff going on now. Originally, I was a bit overwhelmed with the number of characters and student councils introduced early on, and a bit underwhelmed with no clear indication of where the story was going, but the insanely diverse cast that stars the likes of Irino Miyu (Saji Crossroad in Gundam 00, Zwei in Phantom), Tomatsu Haruka, Tanaka Rie, and Nonaka Ai kept me watching. I’ll refrain from potentially spoiling anything from here on, but thought I’d share one of the many songs the Japanese pop band angela performs for the series.
Comprised primarily of atsuko and KATSU (angela is the group name and not the vocalist’s), the group was formed in 1993 and started as street performers before debuting in 1999. However, it wasn’t until 2002 that they had a breakthrough via anime, which allowed their musical careers to really get going. In my case, I didn’t know of the group’s existence until last year when I heard their songs in Shikabane Hime, but was quickly hooked on their upbeat OP/ED songs “Beautiful fighter” and “My story” there. As such, when I learned that they were performing the songs for Asura Cryin’, checking out the series was a given. That said, I still don’t like “Alternative” as much as the aforementioned songs, nor season one’s opening “Spiral”, but it does sound pretty good when the pace picks up.
As for the PV itself, KATSU’s visual-kei-like style and flamboyant behaviour are still kind of creepy to me, but they actually make him look younger than atsuko. I’m not a big fan of the blond wig atsuko’s wearing, but there are parts where she doesn’t have it on. In any case, I’m pretty indifferent to their appearance and more into their music, which is kind of special since they write, compose, and perform it themselves, being former music school students and all. Included below is the opening sequence for the series, which those of you who aren’t watching it may want to check out.
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「炎の個人教授ランナー」 (Honoo no Kojin Kyouju Rannaa)
“The Blazing Private Instruction Runner”
Female underwear comes to save the (comedic) day! It was not a mistake in believing a mere bra could turn the tide, but having the Kirishima twins undoubtedly helps too. All they really had to do is make themselves at home at Junpei’s place with Kotone declaring herself as his future bride. That alone gets the ball rolling, but Nagi takes over soon after and steamrolls things along. Oh yeah, there’s more Junpei x Kaede going on and a cat problem to boot!
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「Liebste ～初めてのデート～」 (Hajimete no Deeto)
“Dearest One ~First Date~”
Damnit Natsuru, when the hot and sexy student council president invites you out on a date, you don’t ask why, you just do it! There’s no need to convince yourself that it’s camouflage for luring out white Kampfers. It doesn’t matter if she wants you to strip down and jump through flaming hoops; you just do it because she’ll reward you personally. Gah, I’m so jealous!
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「土曜の夜」 (Doyou no Yoru)
“Saturday Night”
We now interrupt your regular Omni Kimi ni Todoke broadcast for a little backup divine support. *static noise bzz bzz*
So after clearing up the rumours last time, Sawako is back to enjoying high school life like she never has — with friends! That means hanging out on Saturday night over at a guy’s place, getting teased about crushes, and all that other jazz. This episode had me laughing a lot more than I thought it would for one sole reason: it was sooo high school.
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「少年少女」 (Shounen Shoujo)
“Boys and Girls”
It’s a shame more people don’t check out other genres of anime and see what they have to offer as this episode of Sasameki Koto was absolute gold. I’m often asked what I see in yuri anime and accused of the obvious, but I can definitively say it’s for unexpected screenplay such as this. They took a whole different spin on the trap bit by having Sumika go on a date with “Akemi”, thanks to his bro-con little sister Manaka.
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「歪んだ覚醒 kanyargós ébredés」 (Yuganda Kakusei)
“Twisted Awakening”
Ahhh!!! When girls start talking to themselves out of sheer jealousy and smiling uncontrollably at the sound of a guy’s name, you just know we’ve tread into some dangerous yandere territory. Give her the ability to negate everyone’s powers (plus seemingly do a lot more) and no one’s safe anymore. By the way, did I mention we’re talking about our cute and lovable Yuka here?
