Anime Hajime Review: Banana Fish

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Banana Fish. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

The underworld gangs of New York are constantly vying for control and influence. At their worst, open war will break out on the streets of Manhattan. Among the most dangerous of this lot is the brilliant Ash Lynx (voiced by Yuuma Uchida).

For years, Ash has sworn loyalty to one of the city’s most powerful organizations. That suddenly changes when someone close to Ash falls victim to his group’s most recent drug – Banana Fish. This new narcotic is rumored to break a user’s mind, and Ash wants no part of this enterprise.

At the same time, a journalist pair from Japan has arrived to document organized crime in the United States. The younger of the duo, Eiji Okumura (voiced by Kenji Nojima), is bright-eyed and innocent. He has no idea he has just entered a deadly world. One of his first contacts is none other than Ash Lynx.

Ash and Eiji immediately form a friendship, and the two could not have made a costlier mistake. All of Ash’s enemies now see Eiji as a potential target. Along with discovering the truth behind Banana Fish, Ash must maintain constant vigilance if he wishes to protect Eiji.

Anime Hajime Review: Sirius the Jaeger

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Sirius the Jaeger. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

It is the 1930s, and the political climate of the world is at the height of tension. With the risk of conflict on the horizon, it is easy to overlook what lurks within the shadows.

For centuries, monstrous beings —vampires — have been exerting their influence wherever they can. No matter the era, their goal has always been the same: Humans are to remain as food.

To combat the frightening might of this enemy, Jaegers (elite vampire hunters) have made it their mission to defend humanity. Among their ranks is the young, but highly skilled Yuliy (voiced by Yuto Uemura).

Unlike his fellow Jaegers, Yuliy is from an ancient tribe known as the Sirius. Since time immemorial, the Sirius have been the guardians of great power and knowledge; the very thing both vampires and governments seek.

Yuliy does not know the full history of his people, but their teachings may be the thing that saves the world from terror.

Anime Hajime Review: Shoujo☆Kageki Revue Starlight

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

At the prestigious Seisho Music Academy, the 99^th graduating class performed an unforgettable rendition of the stage play Starlight. Going into their school’s 100^th year, the 99^th class is determined to outdo themselves with a repeat production of the Starlight story.

Among the 99^th class is Karen Aijo (voiced by Momoyo Koyama). Karen loves the theater but is lacking in stage presence when compared to her classmates. However, a spark alights within Karen when her childhood friend, Hikari Kagura (voiced by Suzuko Mimori), returns to Japan after a twelve-year absence.

Unfortunately, Hikari is distant, cold, and the person Karen once knew no longer seems to exist. To discover what is going on with her friend, Karen follows Hikari to Seisho Academy one night and stumbles upon an unbelievable sight.

In the shadows of the theatrical world is the competition known as Revue Starlight. Here performers battle one another with music, dance, and swords to determine who is the legendary Top Star. Karen sees Hikari’s audition, and without fully understanding what is happening, jumps in to aid her friend.

Anime Hajime Review: Chio's School Road

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Chio’s School Road. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

In the life of an average student, nothing can be more mundane and innocuous than the walk to school. Such an activity is so expected and so commonplace, people often don’t consider it as a significant part of their day. However, that is where most people would be wrong. A simple commute can end up being incredibly exciting if you’re willing to be a little unconventional.

For high-schooler Chio Miyamo (voiced by Naomi Ozora), the very thought of being anything more than normal is scary, as well as a tad bit annoying. What good can come from being the center of attention? According to Chio, none at all. Be that as it may, Chio has a special knack for getting into unbelievable situations that are sure to be the talk of everyone.

Whether it is taking a shortcut, talking with her friends, or dismantling the entire leadership of a motorcycle gang, Chio’s dream of having a no-nonsense, utterly ordinary reputation will always remain just that – a dream.

Anime Hajime Review: Yuuna and the Haunted Hot Springs

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Yuuna and the Haunted Hot Springs. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Kogarashi Fuyuzora (voiced by Yuki Ono) is a powerful spirit medium. As a child, Kogarashi was often possessed by a wide variety of spirits. Although this caused him to have a difficult childhood, he was able to master many unique skills. Now much older, Kogarashi has made peace with his connection to the supernatural world and has found a cheap place to live as he beings the next chapter of his life.

However, Kogarashi’s new home, the Yuragi Inn, is said to be incredibly haunted; a rumor that couldn’t be truer. Given his vast experience with the otherworldly, Kogarashi wasn’t worried. To his great surprise, though, Kogarashi has never encountered a ghost like the one which resides at this former hot spring hotel.

Bound to the Yuragi Inn is the spirit of Yuuna Yunohana (voiced by Miyuri Shimabukuro). Yuuna has no desire to haunt or cause trouble to anyone. Nevertheless, most people tend to run away at the mere sight of her (assuming they can see her at all). Kogarashi is the first human to not only befriend Yuuna, but he also commits himself to elevate her lingering regret.  

Despite his earnest desire to help, Kogarashi quickly discovers living with a ghost isn’t the easiest thing to do. Still, whatever may come, he will not leave Yuuna to feel lonely ever again.

Out and About: Eigakan - Dragon Ball Super: Broly

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Dragon Ball Super: Broly. Reader discretion is advised.***

 As a reminder: This is NOT A REVIEW. Films and other posts under the Out and About: Eigakan label are watched in Japanese with NO English subtitles. Therefore, misinterpretations and misunderstandings are possible. With that said:

I just got out of Dragon Ball Super: Broly.

Before I say any of my thoughts, I need to come clean.

Although I’ve been a huge fan of the Dragon Ball series ever since Toonami’s heyday on Cartoon Network, I haven’t yet watched a single episode of Dragon Ball Super. Also, even though I am familiar with the character of Broly, I have not seen any of the three films which bare his name – Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan, Dragon Ball Z: Broly - Second Coming, and Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly.

When walking into the theatre, I knew I would have a bit of a handicap. Nevertheless, I wasn’t too worried because:

1. This was Dragon Ball. How hard could it be to figure out?
2. The aspects I do know about Broly's character are as follows: He’s big, he’s strong, and he’s a massive problem.

Anime Hajime Review: Ladyspo

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

Series Synopsis

In the world of the future, there is Lady Sports. Across the galaxy, teams of athletically-minded women challenge each other to see who is the best of the best. Tennis, soccer, giant robot battles, the type of competition matters not.

In this high action environment, Team Hearts, consisting of Arigetti, Korupi, and Sabina (voiced respectively by Saki Shimada, Akari Uehara, and Suzuna Kinoshita), have been flying around and building a name for themselves. In line with the true meaning of Lady Sports, Team Hearts is willing to take on anyone at any time anywhere.

Regardless of what is played, the spirit of the game must rise above all else. Friendship and teamwork are far more valued than pure talent alone. For that reason, win or lose, as long as a player gives their best, no one can ask for more.

Anime Hajime Review: Tsukumogami Kashimasu

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Tsukumogami Kashimasu. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

In Japanese folklore, a tsukumogami is born when an ordinary, everyday object is well-cared for and loved by its owner. From combs to dolls to smoking pipes, the more an item is treasured, the more likely it will become a tsukumogami. And no place in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) knows more about these mysterious beings than the small rental shop Izumoya.

This tiny store is owned and operated by the brother-sister duo, Seiji and Oko (voiced by Junya Enoki and Mikako Komatsu). Granted, although they refer to themselves as siblings, they are not related by blood. Nevertheless, their close relationship and teamwork have caused their place to grow with each passing day. However, these two’s success would be nowhere near as lucrative if they didn’t have some special assistance.

Amongst Seiji and Oko’s inventory are a group of tsukumogami, who like discussing the news circling around town. Then from time to time, Seiji and Oko call upon their friends to aid in their unintended side business.

Word has gotten out that Seiji and Oko are incredibly skilled at problem-solving, and many of the pair’s clientele have had their minds set at ease thanks to their advice.

Anime Hajime Review: Angolmois - Record of Mongol Invasion

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

The year is 1274, and the mighty Mongol Empire continues to expand its territory. Its newest target is the small, fractured island nation of Japan. However, before the Mongols go after the Japanese mainland, they first must secure the strategically vital Tsushima Island.

Before the massive invasion reaches Japanese soil, the now exiled samurai Kuchii Jinzaburo (voiced by Yuki Ono) is commissioned to defend Tsushima at all costs.

Kuchii has no real stake in this fight, but war is the one thing he knows, and he knows it well. It is not difficult to see the residents of Tsushima love their home, and they intend to defend it no matter what. Too bad Kuchii understands more than anyone, even the most harden dedication will do little to stop the oncoming Mongol war machine.

The chances of a Japanese victory are low. They are so low in fact, death seems assured. What can anyone do to stop the inevitable? Well, like any samurai would say:

You fight until your last breath.

Anime Hajime Review: Ryuo no Oshigoto

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Ryuo no Oshigoto. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

In the world of shogi (Japanese chess), the title of Ryuo is an honor only given to the game’s best players. Such an astonishing feat was then made even more impressive when sixteen-year-old Yaichi Kuzuryu (voiced by Yuuma Uchida) became the youngest Ryuo in the history.

Since his landmark accomplishment, Yaichi has been in a debilitating slump. Shogi has not excited him like it used to, and his skills as a player seem to have hit a wall. However, the next phase of his career is about to begin.

In awe of Yaichi’s Ryuo match, elementary schooler Ai Hinatsuru (voiced by Rina Hidaka) tracks Yaichi down in order to become his first disciple. Though not expecting much, Yaichi decides to give Ai a chance to demonstrate her abilities. As it turns out, Ai is a natural who already rivals some of the best players out there.

In an instant, Yaichi’s love for shogi lights up again, and he happily takes Ai under his wing.

Anime Hajime Review: Doreiku The Animation

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Doreiku The Animation. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Whispers are going around about a mysterious device called the Slave Control Method (SCM). With this, according to the rumors, a person can turn someone else into a fully obedient slave. No matter the order a slave’s master gives, an SCM device will drive a person to do precisely what they are told to do. Such an item is so ridiculously fantastical, it can’t possibly exist.

Frighteningly enough, though, SCM devices are all too real.

Eia Arakawa (voiced by Hibiku Yamamura) finds herself in the middle of this world of masters and slaves. Like a disease, SCM devices begin to spread and consume users. Eia must use her quick thinking and cunning if she wishes to keep her freedom.

However, the lure of total dominion over others attracts many individuals with less than honorable motivations. SCM devices are about to start a battle of wits and deception to determine who will remain in control.

Anime Hajime Review: Grand Blue

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Grand Blue. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Iori Kitahara (voiced by Yuma Uchida) has just entered university. This is his first time out on his own, and he has taken up residence at a small diving shop he has known all his life, Grand Blue. He is ready to face a fresh beginning, and maybe, pick up a new hobby.

Within minutes of his arrival, Iori runs into the local diving club Peek a Boo and realizes he may have made a horrifying mistake.

The members of the diving club, when they are not out on the water, can be found drinking, partying, and if you're lucky, will have their pants on. Their idea of a good time is a bit overwhelming, and Iori tries to escape.

Unfortunately, Iori had already made eye contact, so there was no longer any point in running. To his chagrin, he becomes the newest member of the Peek a Boo Diving Club.

But as they say: When you can’t beat them – drink until you can’t feel feelings anymore.

Anime Hajime Review: How to Keep a Mummy

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for How to Keep a Mummy. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Sora Kashiwagi (voiced by Mutsumi Tamura) has learned to be wary whenever he receives an item from his world-traveling father. These so-called “gifts” often lead to giant headaches; as well as leave behind the occasional curse. Therefore, you can imagine Sora’s hesitation when an enormous package from Egypt arrived at his doorstep.

To his great annoyance, Sora had been given a large casket. The note attached asked Sora to take care of the thing that laid inside – a real-life mummy. Ready for the absolute worst, Sora opened the lid and to his immense shock, out rolled a small, pudgy, doll-like creature wrapped in rags (voiced by Ai Kayano).

Sora has no earthly idea what he should do next. However, unlike all the other presents he has had to deal with, this one doesn’t seem so bad. In fact, no matter how you look at it, this tiny mummy is downright adorable.

Almost instantly, the little guy starts following Sora everywhere, and the two become inseparable. Although not entirely sure how to keep a mummy, Sora is willing to try his best with his new friend, who he affectionately names Mii-kun.