Sound the bugle now…

It’s been quite some time hasn’t it? A month goes by rather quickly, but never fear, I’ll always come back.

To start off this what will probably be a rather lengthy update post, I want to begin by talking about one of my favorite shows of the past few years, Sora no Woto, which I have recently decided to revisit. As somewhat of an prologue, rewatching shows is one of my favorite pastimes. Sure, I guess if you tilt you head and squint it can appear to be quite the waste of time, after all, you’re spending time watching something you have already seen. However, the way I see it, if the enjoyment and wonder is still there through the second play through (and in the case of Sora no Woto, it’s my third), I can wholeheartedly defend my actions as time well spent.

When and if I decide to go back for a fourth helping, I can without doubt say that those opening seconds will always take my breath away. The combination of the beautiful music and the gorgeous scenery is simply hard to ignore. Granted, there is that one episode that leaves a minor blemish on its record, but that is not enough to deter myself the pleasure of watching this show all over again.

Episode seven will forever be one of my favorite episodes ever.

Sora no Woto lulls you into a false sense of security with it’s rather cutesy character designs, and, as a matter of fact, my initial reason for picking up this show was because of its uncanny resemblance to a show I had finished not too long before it. That show was K-On. I went in expecting the entertaining shenanigans of a small platoon of army girls, but it became increasingly clear that this show not only had interesting and likable characters but that those characters also had depth and lived in a world brimming with endless possibilities.

We watch these young women have the time of their lives, but that doesn’t take away from the horrendous things that have happened thanks to the ever present threat of war, the likes of which a few of the girls have witnessed firsthand. It makes me wish that more time had been taken to explore the back story of these characters (something which I don’t normally say) because its not just one or two that outshine the rest, they all have past experiences that could potentially produce enough material for a stand alone show. There is a ton of untapped potential lurking in this show despite its awesomeness.  All of the girls are fighting for something, whether they know it or not, and that’s a beautiful thing.

And now onto the second part of the show…

As some of you may be aware, Anime Boston 2013 is just around the corner. Despite still having to get through exams (this week is going to be hell), the excitement I’m beginning to feel even now is quite hard to ignore. I’ve got my cosplay all figured out and while I may be playing it safe this year (no princess of crystal unfortunately), I’m still predicting quite the exciting ride.

Anyway, let’s get down to business. I mentioned last year in my Anime Boston post, that I wanted to do something with this blog concerning Anime Boston, whether that be attending panels, scouring the dealer’s room for awesome sales, catching awesome shots of cosplayers (most of which will probably be better than mine), or all of the above. I’m thinking of turning it into a five part post series spanning from the 23rd (getting the passes and a first look at the schedule) to the closing ceremonies and my sad journey back home (plus swag, everyone loves swag).

So what do you guys think? Are you up for some anime hijinks?

Random Stuff

• My big goal for AB 2014 (yes I’m already looking ahead) is to cosplay as one of the girls from the 1121st platoon. I’m no good at making clothes and amiami is sold out of their awesome replicas, but I’ve got a year to figure it out.
• Also, somebody’s got to take my Pokemon game away from me before it causes me to fail my final exams. Why must you be so addicting?!

Let’s get the main thing out of the way first, I can’t say that I’m completely satisfied with the ending of Tamako Market. While I didn’t go in expecting perfection, looking back on my past experiences with shows under the wing of Kyoani, I couldn’t help but want something more. That’s not to say there weren’t moments in this episode that made me react emotionally, it’s just it feels like there is so much more to Tamako Market that we’re probably going to get and that makes me just a bit sad.

Kyoani does subtly really well. It’s that moment when everything just goes silent and the world is just slightly askew, when I think, “Kyoani, you’re brilliance is showing.” It’s a shame though that they don’t do it more often, but I understand that seriousness is not something that their aiming for most of the time. They do their slice of life well, so when something tried and true works why stop? The potentially bad thing is that at some point things will start to go stale and a part of the Tamako Market’s ending suffers from that.

Oh, the whole thing about Tamako being a princess, that’s just a misunderstanding. The potential development set up by the previous episode just kind of dwindles when Tamako is back within her shopping district to live a happy life. Granted she made the choice before finding out it was a misunderstanding, but I don’t think we’ve learned anything new about her.

While I may have not enjoyed the final episode as much I wanted, there were still moments that made me think the overall experience was worth it. The ending while somewhat vague, hints that Choi actually might be the princess but the question of why she isn’t taking advantage it still hangs. It’s like destiny is telling her to seek happiness despite social standing and I really hope she takes that chance. As for Mochizou, well, any step forward is a step in the right direction. All he needs now is a dash more of courage and he should be well on his way to his own happiness.

Overall, Tamako Market is an enjoyable show, but perhaps what it suffers from is lack of time. It feels as if this ending is merely a starting point for some characters and it’s kind of disappointing not being able to see what will happen to them. I guess the only thing I can hope for then is a sequel.

Random Stuff

• I’ve been kind of disappointed with most of the ending this season for some reason. First there was Robotics;Notes and then Maoyuu (which is in desperate need of a sequel) Hmmmm, hopefully this isn’t a running trend.
• And thank God Mochizou finally gave Tamako her birthday present. It’s about damn time.

What I wouldn’t give to be in a tropical paradise right now. Where are you Spring?!

I found myself pleasantly surprised several times during the semi-final episode of Tamako Market.  Even the ending, an event which I had guessed would happen, came across much better than I had predicted, resulting in one of those ‘oh my goodness’ gasps that shows the show is doing something right. So, what was the secret ingredient this episode that made it truly sparkle? Tamako herself, that’s who.

Perhaps the reason why we haven’t seen much development in our main character is because she was never challenged. Now, I don’t mean that in the sense of a fight or epic sword duel, but more along the lines of her state of being. Tamako is shown to be this incredibly fun loving girl. At the very least it’d probably take the destruction of the Usagi Shopping district for there to be a change in her character. Even with the unusual amount of meteors lately, the probability of that happening is nil to none. However, her happiness is now threatened with the introduction of the prince. Though it’s not entirely the prince’s fault even if he is the cause.

Everyone in the shopping district wants Tamako to be happy and it’s a heartwarming sight to see them concerned about her well being. However, they’re failing to take into account her own feelings and as a result Tamako is feeling a bit left out of the equation. The people of Usagi market have Tamako’s best interests at heart, but they’re going about it the wrong way. If they just let the girl voice her own thoughts they may come to realize she’s quite happy right where she is.

The crowning moment of heartwarming goes to…..

Also, as a result of the progressing plot, we got to witness the most heartwarming moment to date, when a lonely Anko invites Tamako over for a sleepover, one that might actually be their last. While it was always evident that they were sisters, that scene really showed their closeness to each other hasn’t been explored to it’s fullest thanks to the story’s interest in romance, but that one scene was all they needed to cement their relationship.

Random Stuff

• The prince looks quite dashing in all black. . . though that scarf may be a bit too big for him. Don’t let him slip away, Choi-chan.
• And gosh darnit Mochizou, take charge for once in your life!
• Lastly, and somewhat off topic, why do blankets and sweaters in KyoAni shows all look so fluffy and warm? It’s magic, isn’t it?

And the cat’s out of the bag.

So, the plot was finally set into motion thanks to Choi, though whether or not Tamako will take it seriously is another question altogether. I’m pretty sure Choi’s declaration will be brushed aside as simply a mistake until perhaps the prince himself shows up to either confirm or deny this new revelation. However, according to the preview, I’d say there is little chance of that happening. He’s more likely going to be thrown in at the end to provide that cliffhanger for the final episode.

What would I personally like to see in the final episodes of Tamako Market? Well, besides everyone getting their happy ever after, I would actually like to get some more out of our heroine herself. Like most dense yet genki female leads, she’s not really built for character development. She’s sort of there for everyone else to bounce off of. She’s like the cornerstone of Tamako Market, and if you change the focal point of something everything around it must change as well.

I’m not sure how much of a change KyoAni can accomplish in two episodes but hopefully more plot threads will be resolved than not. I’m secretly hoping Choi gathers the courage, thanks to her new friends, to speak up against the social constrictors holding her back from happiness.  I hope that after all this development, Midori finally comes to term with herself and decides that her happiness is her own. Finally I hope the whole prince business is enough to spur Mochizou into action. It’s about time he gave Tamako all those presents.

Random Stuff

• Well, the new anime season was revealed, and nothing in particular strikes my fancy. Don’t get me wrong, I ‘ll be watching stuff for sure, there’s just little chance of me blogging anything. Perhaps I’ll make the Spring 2013 season manga centered?

The titular character Ran is actually a witch, though her blossoming powers as a young girl are probably a bit to much for her to handle at such a young age. Well, it’s probably more along the lines that she lacks the wisdom and discipline to make the right decisions. She’s a rash, tomboyish girl with a whole heck of a lot of spunk and it causes her a fair amount of trouble as a result. However, we wouldn’t have a story without her now would we?

While Ran is certainly the life of the party in Ran to Haiiro no Sekai (as she should be) the secondary characters are no pushovers. First off we have Ran’s family, which consists of her beastly but gentle brother, her tactful yet wishy washy father, and her all powerful sorceress of  a mother. Yes, it’s quite the lively family, and with the depths of all their personalities it’s a surprise that they all mesh well. Her parents are a simply a hoot, as their love for one another rivals the all too recent Hinako and Mamedai from Tamako Market and they’re both still alive, which is a plus.

They win in my book.

The great relationships that this manga contains doesn’t end with the parents. Oh no, we also have her brother and a hand maid of Shizuka’s (Ran’s mother) named Sango, and Ran herself has the eyes of two men locked on her for better or worse. Relationships, both familial and romantic are perhaps the heart of the story, but at the same time they aren’t the focus. The conflict, while still in the early stages of development, deals with the giant door that’s steadily letting in these evil insects (like any of them are good, well, except ladybugs) that can potentially destroy humanity, but it’s still in quite the early stages at the moment and it may turn out that these insects are just the beginning

Ran’s BAMF of a brother, I couldn’t not show him.

Now, I couldn’t possibly go through the post without mention the art style. If something like Oyasumi Pun Pun is something so real looking that it ends up being magical, then Ran to Haiiro no Sekai is like magical magicalism (roll with me for a second). We can see in the lively and expressive character designs and the detailed scenery every singly line Aki Irie used to bring them to life. Reading this manga almost feels as if we’re watching her draw every line right in front of us and I love that feeling.

What really impressed me though, was while reading this manga it felt as if I wasn’t specifically reading a manga but just a really good comic. Certain parts had a distinct western feel to them (though it could have been that I was listening to Ventura Highway at the time) that made this story, to me, transcend the boundaries of it’s genre into something just completely enjoyable. While it’s art can still be pin-pointed as specifically manga (it even looks old style, with the pointy faces and flamboyantness of the designs) there’s something that just screams, “I am a comic meant to be read and enjoyed.”

Random Stuff

• I can’t really begin to explain how much of a pleasure it was to read this. Simply pure good fun is what it is.
• Tomorrow (or today actually, looking at what time it is) I am hoping to go  to the screening of Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki at MIT in Massachusetts. Not only is it free but the director Mamoru Hosoda is doing a Q&A afterwards. The thing is I’m terrified of driving in Boston alone, so the only way I’ll probably go is if I can convince my mother to go with me (My brother’s in Florida the lucky bastard). She’s not one to watch anime, she’s told me on several occasions she’s not a fan for whatever reason, but I think she’ll enjoy this movie.

What I wouldn’t give to see a show about these two. Take my money! (I’d throw in extra if their friends got paired off too)

At long last we are treated to a glimpse of the past in episode nine of Tamako Market. It was short and yet very sweet and gave just enough for me to come away from this episode satisfied with the conclusion of this particular plot thread. It is a touching vignette that could quite possibly be a story all it’s own, and you could bet money that I’d love every minute of it.

So, Tamako’s mother and father were high school sweethearts, awkward ones at that but it’s what makes them special. It’d take quite the amount of effort to ignore their glaringly blatant cuteness and overall perfectness for each other, but just in case you missed it, the product of their love can be found perfectly in Tamako and Anko.

However, I personally found it hard to ignore that small inkling of depression coming from Mamedai. It’s no secret that he misses her a lot. Simply imagine him listening to Tamako hum the song he wrote for Hinako, reminding him of the day he sang it to the one he loved, and that his wife isn’t here to watch her daughters grow up and witness just how much they resemble her. It’s awfully bittersweet, but that’s what makes it poignant.

Can you say “d’aawwwww”

And then there’s these two.  If Hinako was anywhere near as dense as her daughter, then the only way Mochizou is going to get through to Tamako is probably to belt out a song himself (unless, of course, our dense female lead somehow thought it was for someone else). It be nice if Mochizou picked up a few clues from his soon to be father-in-law, considering how much Tamako adores her dad. Like mother like daughter after all, she isn’t going to be an easy catch, especially if you have Midori on your tail.

Random Stuff

• Can you imagine what Mochizou would be like when and if Tamako accepts to being his girlfriend? If he was crying from her remembering his birthday, he’d probably go into cardiac arrest or something.

Now that’s just cruel.

Another week and another Tamako Market pass by. In some way that’s a good thing, but for poor Dera it means less food. I’m not one to judge, my favorite part of the day (besides the time where I watch anime/play addicting video games) is mostly likely lunch. It’s that time around two (or four or one depending on the day, damn you  school!) where I sit down to have the best thing man kind has invented, the turkey sandwich. There are days where I actually have it for both lunch and dinner but nevertheless, I enjoy every single bite (well, unless it’s honey smoked turkey, I’m not a big fan of that version).

To me a turkey sandwich is a bit of a comfort food. It’s something that tastes good and my rather troublesome stomach deems it far worthy enough not to cause problems. To Dera, mochi is probably like that for him and not being able to eat it would probably be quite terrible. Having people eat it in front of me would be pure torture.

I’d probably look something like this.

Food talk aside, the plot looks like it was put on hold for the time being. The revelation of last weeks episode of Tamako being ‘the one’ was glanced over in favor of Dera’s diet problems (oh the nostalgia). We’ve got about four episodes to go and it looks like we might actually see the prince in person soon. Will Kyoani go for a twist and pull the carpet from underneath us, or will the Prince join the other unlucky candidates vying for Tamako’s heart?

Random Stuff

• I’ve been meaning to do some manga posts since I’ve been reading quite a few good ones lately but with midterms this week, those will have to wait until next week when I’m out for spring break. 
• I’ve been playing Studio Ghibli’s Ni No Kuni lately. While it’s fun at times, there’s something I can’t quite put my finger on that’s keeping me from really enjoying it….

I was rooting for you! *cries hysterically*

First off sorry for missing a week. Not only did I have my first exam, but I found that there wasn’t much to talk about in episode six (other than, how is a haunted house full of cute girls scary, I mean what is that even suppose to be anyway?). Episode seven on the other hand… Where do I start?

Back in episode two I was already rooting for Tomio and Sayuri. As a matter of fact, I had no doubt in my mind that they would eventually end up together. After this is Kyoani we’re talking about, the Feel Good King of Kings, done by the “happy ending is my middle name” group that gave birth to K-on. The way how we glimpsed Tomio’s feelings throughout the coming episodes only further fueled my thoughts that he was eventually going to get his happy ending. Even when Sayuri mentioned marriage my brain rewired it to mean that she was looking for that person to speak up and let their feelings be known. Realization hit me, though, when poor Tomio offered that small apologetic smile to Chio and said “Thank You (for making the person I love happy).”

Honestly I was taken aback for a moment, simply because no where in my mind had I contemplated the fact that these two young people might not eventually get together. Failure was not an option in my mind, I guess, but while I am somewhat more depressed about this then I should be (I mean they are only secondary characters), this bittersweet feeling I had after watching this episode made this episode so much more potent.

I feel bad for poor Tomio, but in reality he was passive, an admirer and wallflower that never took action and as a result he had the person he loved taken from him (not that he probably ever had her to begin with). It’s his own fault but the sad thing is that he in some way realizes that. All those things that could have been now become, “What if…”

So, what does that say for our fortune teller, whose feelings were made obvious enough this episode? Compared to Tomio, she feels like there is no choice for her, there is no ‘what is’ only ‘what is not’ and that, depending on your view, is perhaps more damning than someone who had a chance but never took it. That’s not to say, however, that she does not have a choice. The status quo is simply and easy to follow, but the reward for taking a chance is that much greater. Is it then worth the risk if she were to fail? Trying though is better than simply watching.

Random Stuff

• Uh ohhhh, It looks like Tamako’s going to dragged into some serious business… Midori, Mochizou, will you let the one you love be taken away from you? *dramatic music plays*
• And oh my goodness, the new preview for Hal looks amazing. I’m going to love this movie. Not to mention Shinkai’s newest is quite the feast for the eyes. Is that Kana Hanazawa I hear? Yes, yes it is.

Tamako looks like she’s all for a threesome…

Joking aside, what this episode boils down to is a love war between Mochizou and Midoru for Tamako’s heart. It’s treated in a comedic sort of way, with Midori stepping between Mochizou at every possible step. She even hurts poor Dera in the process but if you take a moment and step into her shoes, you’ll realize that Tamako is really the most important person to Midori.

Honestly, if this wasn’t a show directed by the same people who did the king of all happy go lucky shows (K-On if you didn’t catch my drift), and was a little bit more serious, Midori’s circumstances would not be a happy one. It would be like they squished Maria from Shin Sekai Yori and Moe from Tomodachi no Hanashi together and put her in a world where everything went against what she felt was love (recall that page I referenced from that manga not to long ago and what Maria said at the end of episode 18 of SSY? I see similarities….)

However, serious Tamako Market is not, well at least not in the sense I might want it. I just don’t want Midori’s feelings to be written off as something that has to due to her adolescence or as an object of titillation. The “she’s still young, she’ll figure out what true love is when she meets the man of her dreams.” Well, what if that person isn’t a man?

The way she looks at Tamako….

As the episode pass, this romance subplot confuses me more and more because I can’t help but feel it won’t go anywhere. Mochizou is too passive, Midori is too scared, and Tamako is too dense. I feel like this will either go one of two ways. Either this subplot will continue to be used for drama/laughs and we as an audience will be left to wonder the possible outcome or two, Mochizou will succeed thanks to perseverance and and a bit of begrudging help from a mentally defeated Midori.

Prove me wrong Tamako, prove me wrong.

Random Stuff

• After a little bit of work and a little bit more time, my copies of Ore Monogatari have finally come in the mail. I can read all of it thanks to the furigana, though understanding it is a different matter. My goal with Japanese is to be able to read untranslated manga and boy to I got my work cut out for me.
• Also, I bought a 3DS just so I could play Fire Emblem. Thank you job! Now if only Bravely Default Flying Fairy was localized….

*dies from cuteness overload*

I don’t know if I’m the only one who noticed this, but every single episode so far of Tamako Market has had a romance subplot. I’m not complaining, romance is my staple after all. It’s something I wasn’t expecting but I am thrilled to see it handled in this way.

Like Tamako Market itself, the romance one finds within this show is lighthearted with an undertone of seriousness that makes it believable. Whether its poor Mochizou and his failed attempts at trying to get a somewhat dense Tamako to notice his feelings, Midori as she struggles to understand what exactly she’s going through, or the puppy love of Anko, these small budding relationships between these characters is what makes this show tick. Well, that and mochi.

You’re lucky she’s dense, Midori. . . Then again, maybe not.

However, these romances are just subplots, one of the many strings running through this slice of life show about a girl from a shopping district.  Even at this point, with only the small mention of searching for her mother’s song, there really is no overarching plot tying Tamako Market together, besides perhaps keeping the shopping district afloat. It’s true to it’s slice of life roots, that’s for sure but that in no way takes away from what we watch on a weekly basis. The strength of slice of life anime takes root in it’s characters and then blossoms as we slowly paint the world around them.

Aria, an anime hailed for it’s slice of life aspects, does this masterfully. We get to know the characters, learn of their quirks and aspirations and then watch them grow based upon the world they inhabit. So, with the small amount of episodes Tamako Market has at its disposal (compared to Aria’s staggering 52), perhaps the best way we can learn more of these people who make up Tamako Market is through the relationships they have with others.

Random Stuff

• This is one fabulous max bird.
• And oh my goodness, I think I just found my dream game: Fire Emblem Awakening. A game in which I can play matchmaker and never be disappointed. Too bad I still can’t play it yet.