Anime Hajime Review: My Wife is the Student Council President Plus

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for My Wife is the Student Council President Plus. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

It has been several months since Hayato Izumi’s (voiced by Kazuyuki Okitsu) life changed forever. Out of the blue, his school’s beautiful and admired Student Council President, Ui Wakana (voiced by Ayane Taketatsu) appeared at his door. With her came the news that the two of them were engaged. Since then they have been living under the same roof.

Hayato is still questioning how things have become the way they have. Ui, on the other hand, couldn’t be more for the arrangement. As such, she has done everything she can think of to become a better partner.

Despite Hayato’s constant vigilance, Ui's persistence knows no bounds. And the occasional accident makes it hard for even the most pious to keep their urges under control. As well as in their pants.

Regardless, it appears everything has been going strong for the emerging couple. Hayato may be resistant, but if there was anyone he would be willing to put up with, it would be Ui. This whole situation can be quite the headache, except that doesn’t necessarily mean it's a bad thing.

Anime Hajime Review: Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai (Haganai) Next

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai (Haganai) Next. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Welcome back to the Neighbors Club, the place for people to learn how to make friends. What that actually means is hard to say.

As always, Kodaka Hasegawa (voiced by Ryohei Kimura) has been struggling with interacting with his peers. His delinquent-like appearance is enough to send anyone running. Despite that, he has done quite well for himself in his circle. The time he has spent in the clubroom has been precious to him. Even if the atmosphere can get a little heated.

Continuing their bitter war of insults are Yozora Mikazuki (voiced by Marina Inoue) and Sena Kashiwazaki (voiced by Kanae Ito). Their unshakable and often intimidating personalities keep them at odds with each other. Yet in their hands, the Neighbors Club is well taken care of.

In their quest to discover the secrets of friendship, Kodaka, Yozora, Sena, and their clubmates are never short on things to do. In fact, there is almost never a moment when this group is not together. Though they are all socially awkward, that is what keeps them close.

So much so, anything that could destroy their unity is too scary to even think about.

Anime Hajime Review: Kamisama Hajimemashita Season Two

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Kamisama Hajimemashita Seasons One and Two. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

It has been several months since Nanami Momozono (voiced by Suzuko Mimori) became the new Land God. Though getting more comfortable in her role, she still has many things to learn. Not only that, she must deal with the intense feelings dwelling in her heart.

Nanami has fallen for her familiar, the fox demon, Tomoe (voiced by Shinnosuke Tachibana). While he has a tendency to be a jerk, Tomoe is always there for Nanami when she needs him the most. Unfortunately, it seems that Tomoe does not see her in the same way.

Yet as it turns out, Tomoe has also grown attached to Nanami. His new master is unlike anyone he has ever met. As much as he tries to deny it, Tomoe knows he loves Nanami as much as she loves him.

Be that as it may, these two are often busy with other matters. Being human is no excuse for neglecting one’s divine duties. As more time goes on, Nanami’s spiritual power increases. As does the relationship between the mortal God and the demon.

Anime Hajime Review: Fruits Basket

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Fruits Basket. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Tohru Honda (voiced by Yui Horie) just lost her mother. The two were very close and it has not been easy for the high schooler. Yet there is one lesson she holds close to her heart. She always tries to keep smiling.

The last thing Tohru wants is to be a burden on others. Even at the cost of her own health, she refuses to cause trouble for anyone. Even with this unshakable mindset, fate seems to have its own plan.

In her search for a place to stay, Tohru finds her way to the secondary residence of an influential family. To her surprise, this happens to be the home of her school’s top heart throb, Yuki Sohma (voiced by Aya Hisakawa). Learning of Tohru’s plight, Yuki offers her a place to sleep.

Before anyone can settle on the details, Yuki is ambushed. The attacker is a relative of his, Kyo Sohma (voiced by Tomokazu Seki). During this scuffle, Tohru learns of the Sohma clan’s greatest secret.

Yuki and Kyo transform into a rat and a cat respectively. They and other members of their family have been cursed. Whenever embraced by the opposite sex, they will transform into an animal from the Zodiac.

Anime Hajime Review: True Tears

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for True Tears. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

There are some things that can darken once happy hearts.

Shinichiro Nakagami (voiced by Makoto Ishii) has known Hiromi Yuasa (voiced by Kaori Nazuka) for years. Since the death of her father, Hiromi has been living with the Nakagami's. Though happy to have her so close, Shinichiro knows something is weighing on his friend’s heart.

It is no secret how much Shinichiro likes Hiromi. Anyone who knows either of them can see it. This includes Shinichiro’s other childhood friend, Aiko Ando (voiced by Yuka Iguchi). Despite keeping quiet about it, Aiko hopes Shinichiro will start to notice her too.

One day, Shinichiro meets a girl named Noe Isurugi (voiced by Ayahi Takagaki). Noe claims she is no longer able to cry. Thus, she is looking for the right person to give her back her tears. Though unsure of what this means, according to Noe, Shinichiro is a prime candidate to do this.

Strong emotions are reaching their breaking point. It is only a matter of time before something gives way. When this happens, it’s hard to say if anyone will get through unhurt.

Anime Hajime Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood (300th Review Special Part 2 of 2)

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Alchemy has the power to transform anything. Depending on the skill of the alchemist, nothing is impossible. Yet there are things humans should leave in the hands of Gods. For to see the Truth, there’s no telling what one must sacrifice.

Believing they could achieve the unthinkable, two brothers attempt to resurrect their mother. Though gifted in alchemy, Edward and Alphonse Elric (voiced by Romi Park and Rie Kugimiya) underestimated the gravity of what they were trying to do.

Their transmutation goes wrong. In the process, Edward loses his left leg. While Alphonse loses his entire body. To rescue his brother at the cost of his right arm, Edward transfers Alphonse’s soul into an empty suit of armor. From that fateful day, the weight of their sin has haunted the boys. Despite that, they are determined to restore their bodies.

They learn of an artifact that can ignore the fundamental principles of alchemy; the elusive Philosopher’s Stone. Yet to obtain such an item, the brothers need access to a limitless supply of knowledge and resources. A privilege that is only given to the controversial State Alchemists.

Anime Hajime Review: Fullmetal Alchemist (300th Review Special Part 1 of 2)

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Fullmetal Alchemist. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

To obtain something, one must be willing to give up something of equal worth. This equivalent exchange is the fundamental principle of alchemy. A skilled alchemist can perform feats of miraculous proportions. Yet there are some things where the costs are unimaginable. A reality that becomes all too apparent for brothers, Edward “Ed” (voiced by Romi Park) and Alphonse “Al” (voiced by Rie Kugimiya) Elric.

After losing their mother, the boys decide to perform alchemy’s most forbidden technique. They try to bring their mom back from the dead. However, this act is forbidden for a reason.

The brothers fail in their attempt. In the process, Ed loses his left leg and his right arm. Al loses his entire body. Ed manages to tether his brother’s soul to an empty suit of armor, thus saving his life. Burdened with sin, the two dedicate themselves to restoring their bodies.

Their task appears insurmountable. That is until they learn of an object with the power to circumvent equivalent exchange; the Philosopher’s Stone. Yet, the stone’s mere existence is debatable. Information regarding it is scarce. Few even have access to what clues there are. That is with the exception of a select group; the State Alchemist.

Anime Hajime Impressions: Otaku no Video

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Otaku no Video. Reader discretion is advised.***

The Set Up

Given the nature of this site, the term “otaku” has come up before. It feels appropriate to get an idea of what the word means.

An otaku is anyone with a fandom. Though that seems simple, there are some generalities. There are sports otakus or book otakus. But in general, an otaku is a fan of anime and manga. In addition, anyone who is a fan of anything meets the definition. The magnitude is irrelevant. That said, otaku, again in general, denotes a deep obsession.

With these generalizations, there is a negative connotation associated with otaku. The image is a reclusive, anti-social loner who spends more time looking at a screen than going outside. As such, this is a label some don't want to associate with. Such is the case in the term’s homeland, Japan.

How much truth there is to this varies case by case. Yet it’s not hard to see why this is a common character trait in anime. This brings us to our series today.