Spring 2014

Winter 2013 – Spring 2014 Anime

New anime

Akuma no Riddle

Riddle Story of Devil (悪魔のリドル Akuma no Riddle) is a Yuri (love between women) and action manga series written by Yun Kōga and illustrated by Sunao Minakata. It started serialization in 2012 issue of Newtype. An anime adaptation directed by Keizō Kusakawa will be produced by Diomedea on April 4, 2014 with 13 episodes.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “Soushou Innocence (創傷イノセンス)” by Maaya Uchida
2. “Paradox (パラドクス)” by Ayaka Suwa as Tokaku Azuma (ep 1)
3. “Kinou, Kyou, Ashita (昨日、今日、明日)” by Hisako Kanemoto as Haru Ichinose (ep 2)
4. “Concentration” by Manami Numakura as Otoya Takechi (ep 3)
5. “Across The Fate” by Haruka Yoshimura as Kouko Kaminaga (ep 4)

The story is set at Myoujou Academy, a private girls’ boarding school. The 10th year’s Kurogumi class has 12 assassins, disguised as students, with their sights on one target: Haru Ichinose. Tokaku Azuma is a recent transfer student (and assassin) who is also targeting Ichinose, but she gradually develops feelings for Ichinose. Instead of fulfilling her duty, she decides to protect Ichinose instead.

Atelier Escha & Logy ~Tasogare no Sora no Renkinjutsushi~

Atelier Escha & Logy ~Tasogare no Sora no Renkinjutsushi~ (エスカ＆ロジーのアトリエ ～黄昏の空の錬金術士～) is a role-playing video game developed by Gust Co. Ltd. Given the project code “A15” (the 15th game in the official Atelier series).

An anime adaptation by Studio Gokumi has been announced and is planned to be aired in April 2014.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “Asuiro (アスイロ)” by Rie Murakawa
2. “Fuyumidori (ふゆみどり)” by Haruka Shimotsuki

This world has gone through many Dusks, and is slowly nearing its end. Within this world, in the western reaches of the “Land of Dusk,” there was a nation that prospered thanks to its use of alchemy.

There, in order to survive the eventual arrival of the “Dusk End,” the people devoted their efforts to rediscover and recreate lost alchemic technologies. Rediscovered technology from the past era was gathered in the alchemy research city known as “Central,” where research was conducted on how to halt the advance of the twilight.

One of the heroes is a young man, Logy, who researched alchemy in Central, the other a girl, Escha, living in a small town on the frontier. In the process of using her knowledge of ancient alchemy to help others, Escha’s assigned to the Development Department. Logy, on the other hand, having learned the newest alchemic techniques in Central, requested a transfer to Escha’s understaffed town and meets her. The two make a promise to use their alchemy together, and bring success to the Development Department.

Break Blade

Break Blade (ブレイク ブレイド) is a manga series written and illustrated by Yunosuke Yoshinaga. It was first published on April 10, 2007. The manga was adapted into six 50 minute animated movies from May 2010 – March 2011. The anime movies are also available online on Crunchyroll. The new anime series is scheduled to air April 6, 2014 with 12 episodes.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “Junction heart” by Sayaka Sasaki
2. “Itoshiki Aragaiyo, Michibike Hikari e (愛しき抗いよ、導け光へ)” by Aira Yuuki

The protagonist, Rygart Arrow, is a resident of a world where people can use “magic”. This magic is the ability to control and empower quartz, doing many things from creating light to operating machinery to riding giant mecha called ‘Golems’. Rygart, however, is unable to utilize quartz, thus making him an “un-sorcerer”, and in turn making many aspects of life difficult as well as being looked down upon by the rest of society. Despite this, in his youth he managed to befriend Hodr and Sigyn, the future King and Queen of the Krisna Kingdom; and Zess, the younger brother of the Secretary of War of the Athens Commonwealth.

Years later, Rygart is reunited with Hodr and Sigyn where he learns the Athens Commonwealth has begun an invasion of Krisna. Rygart is also shocked to learn that Zess is leading one of the strike forces. He later discovers that he has the ability to pilot a recently discovered ancient Golem which cannot be piloted by magic users. While hesitant at first, Rygart soon gets involved in the war between Krisna and Athens, in an attempt to save Hodr, Sigyn, and Zess.

D-Frag

D-Frag! (ディーふらぐ! Diifuragu!), also known as D-Fragments, is an ongoing comedic manga series by Tomoya Haruno that began serialization in September 2008. An anime adaptation by Brain’s Base is scheduled to air January 6, 2014.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “Stalemate! (すているめいと!)” by IOSYS jk Girls
2. “Minna no Namae wo Irete Kudasai (ミンナノナマエヲイレテクダサイ) by Roka Shibasaki (CV: Kana Hanazawa), Takao (CV: Shizuka Itou) & Funabori (CV: Aki Toyosaki)

Kazama Kenji likes to believe he is something of a delinquent (with one “minor” caveat: he has an unusually kind heart). Of course, Kenji finds his way to a group of four not-so-normal girls—Chitose, Sakura, Minami and Roka—and all at once, whatever reputation he may have is nothing compared to the outrageous behavior of the girls. Shanghaied into joining their (game) club, what will happen to his everyday life from that point on?

Gokukoku no Brynhildr

Gokukoku no Brynhildr (極黒のブリュンヒルデ) is a sci-fi manga series by Lynn Okamoto that began serialization in Weekly Young Jump in January 2012. A television anime adaptation by Arms is set to air on April 2014.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “Brynhildr in the Darkness (Ver. Ejected)” by Nao Tokisawa
2. “Ishiban Boshi (いちばん星)” by Neko Kuroha (CV: Risa Taneda), Kana Tachibana (CV: Aya Suzaki), Kazumi Schlierenzauer (CV: MAO), Kotori Takatori (CV: Azusa Tadokoro)

The story revolves around an intelligent high school boy blessed with photographic memory Ryōta Murakami, who cannot forget his female childhood friend whom he let die in an accident. Feeling that he must fulfill their promise of proving the existence of aliens, he continuously looks up at the sky as a member of the astronomy club. One day, a girl named Neko Kuroha, who looks suspiciously like his childhood friend (and IS!), appears as a transfer student. It turns out that she is a magic-user who has run away from a research lab.

Interesting start.

Hoozuki no Reitetsu

Hoozuki no Reitetsu (鬼灯の冷徹)is a supernatural dark comedy manga series written and illustrated by Natsumi Eguchi. The ongoing manga was nominated for the Manga Taisho in 2012. The anime adaptation is scheduled to air January 31, 2014.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “Jigoku no Sata mo Kimi Shidai” (You Also Dictate Hell’s Judgment) by Jigoku no Sata All Stars
2. “Ookina Kingyou no Kinoshitade (大きな金魚の樹の下で)” by Tokyo Philharmonic Chorus (東京混声合唱団)
3. “Parallax View (パララックス・ビュー)” by Sumire Uesaka
4. “Caramel Peach Jam 120%(キャラメル桃ジャム120%)” by Peach Maki (Sumire Uesaka) (ep 8)

Hoozuki is the aide to the great king of Hell, King Enma. Calm and super-sadistic, Hoozuki tries to resolve the various problems in Hell, including a rampaging Momotarou and his companions. However, he also likes spending his free time on his hobbies, such as fawning over cute animals and raising “Goldfish Flowers.”

The story is quite off-kilter. A bit of an oddity.

Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha

Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha (いなり、こんこん、恋いろは) is a romantic-comedy manga, with a touch of supernatural, series written and illustrated by Morohe Yoshida. It serialization in Kadokawa Shoten’s Young Ace magazine from August 2010 and is ongoing. The anime adaptation by Production IMS is scheduled to air on January 15, 2014 to March 19, 2014 with 10 episodes.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “Kyou ni Koiiro (今日に恋色;Today in Color of Love)” by May’n
2. “Saved” by Maaya Sakamoto

The story revolves about an ordinarily shy (and not too bright) middle school girl named Inari Fushimi who has crush to her classmate, Kōji Tanbabashi. She assumes he is in love with their popular classmate and thus cannot seem to express herself. One day, as thanks for helping a fox pup, the deity Ukanomitamanokami grants her the ability to change her form.

Isshuukan Friends

One Week Friends (一週間フレンズ。 Isshūkan Furenzu.) is a manga series by Matcha Hazuki, serialized in Square Enix’s Gangan Joker from January 21, 2012. The anime television series adaptation by Brain’s Base is scheduled to air from April 6, 2014.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “Niji no Kakera (虹のかけら)” by Natsumi Kon
2. “Kanade (奏 (かなで))” by Kaori Fujimiya (CV: Sora Amamiya)

Kaori Fujimiya is always alone because all of her happy memories, including time spent with her friends, disappear every Monday. Deciding that he wants to be friends with her anyway, Yuuki Hase tries to get close to Kaori each week, wishing that she would one day call him “a friend.”

Kamigami no Asobi ~Ludere deorum~

Kamigami no Asobi: Ludere deorum (神々の悪戯 – Ludere deorum) is a visual novel by Nippon Ichi Software and Broccoli. It was released on October 24, 2013 for the PlayStation Portable. An anime television series adaptation by Brain’s Base is set to air from April 2014.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “TILL THE END” by Apollon Agana Belea (CV: Miyu Irino), Hades Aidoneus (CV: Ono Daisuke), Tsukito Totsuka (CV: Yuuto Uemura), Takeru Totsuka (CV: Toshiyuki Toyonaga), Balder Hringhorni (CV: Kamiya Hiroshi), Loki Laevatein (CV: Yoshimasa Hosoya)
2. “REASON FOR…” by Apollon Agana Belea (CV: Miyu Irino), Hades Aidoneus (CV: Ono Daisuke), Tsukito Totsuka (CV: Yuuto Uemura), Takeru Totsuka (CV: Toshiyuki Toyonaga), Balder Hringhorni (CV: Kamiya Hiroshi), Loki Laevatein (CV: Yoshimasa Hosoya)

The story (an otome game) revolves around heroine Yui Kusanagi, the daughter of a Shinto shrine. After discovering a mysterious sword, she is transported to the world of Greek god Zeus. As the headmaster of a school he created, Zeus orders Yui to teach the meaning of love to young divine beings, in an attempt to reverse the weakening bond between humans and the gods.

Plenty of supposed “eye-candies” around. Haughty more like.

M3 ~Sono Kuroki Tetsu~

M3: Sono Kuroki Hagane (M3〜ソノ黒キ鋼〜, “M3: That Black Steel”) is an action-mecha anime series produced by Satelight and is scheduled to air on April 22, 2014.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “Re:REMEMBER” by May’n
2. “ego-izm” by la la larks

There is distorted, deep blackness everywhere. That place, in which blackness swallowed everything and took away everything, has become known as the Avidya Zone. Strange beings assume the very form of the despair and chaos of humanity. They are known by this name: Imashime.

An expedition surveys the Avidya Zone which consumes human spirits. So, in the intricate intersection between the present in impending crisis and the destiny of the past … can eight boys and girls, assembled to confront the Imashime, find the bright future that lies before the Avidya Zone?

Mahou Sensou / Magical Warfare

Magical Warfare (魔法戦争 Hepburn: Mahō Sensō) is an action, fantasy, ongoing light novel series written by Hisashi Suzuki and illustrated by Lunalia. As of July 2013, 6 volumes have been published by Media Factory. An ongoing manga adaptation by You Ibuki started serialization on April 15, 2013. The anime will be adapted by Madhouse and is set to air on January 31, 2014.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “Senkō no Prisoner” by Yuuka Nanri
2. “Born to be” by nano (ナノ)

In this modern magic story, Takeshi Nanase is an ordinary high school boy who has a somewhat dark past. Due to certain circumstances, he is “dating” his childhood friend Kurumi Isoshima. One day, he meets Mui Aiba, a magician, who not only collapses on the school campus but is pursued by her brain-washed brother. This encounter changes Takeshi’s destiny completely: Mui accidentally turns him (and his accompanying friends) into magicians. Takeshi’s world suddenly becomes two worlds — the world where magicians live and the world where humans live.

Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei

The Irregular at Magic High School (魔法科高校の劣等生 Mahōka Kōkō no Rettōsei, “The Poor Performing Student of a Magic High School”) is a light novel series written by Tsutomu Satō and illustrated by Kana Ishida since 2011 and is ongoing. There have been several manga adaptations, the first being serialized in Square Enix’s shōnen manga magazine GFantasy from December 17, 2011 to September 18, 2013. Two sequel manga adaptations began serialization in the same magazine from October 18, 2013, while an adaptation of the eight light novel volume began serialization in ASCII Media Works’s shōnen manga magazine Dengeki Daioh from December 2013. An anime television series adaptation by Madhouse is scheduled to air from April 5, 2014 with 26 episodes.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “Rising Hope” by LiSA
2. “Millenario (ミレナリオ)” by ELISA

In this world, magic is a product of neither legends nor fairy tales, but instead has become a technology of reality since a time unknown to people. Supernatural power became a technology systematized through magic, while magic became a technical skill. A “Supernatural Power User” became a “Magic Technician.” Magic Technicians (in short, Magicians) are nurtured through Magic High Schools and Universities.

In 2095, Tatsuya Shiba, an under-achieving defective elder brother to sister Miyuki Shiba, the perfect opposite of Tatsuya, are new students enrolling at the Private Magic University Affiliated High School (First High School). Students are ranked according to their test scores: students with the best grades are designated “Bloom” and enrolled in the Course 1 curriculum, while those with poor scores are designated “Weed” and enrolled in Course 2. Miyuki topped the entrance exams and is selected to be the first years’ representative, while Tatsuya is placed in Course 2 due to his low practical test score, despite scoring the highest in the written portion of the exams.

Mangaka-san to Assistant-san to

Mangaka-san to Assistant-san (マンガ家さんとアシスタントさんと The Comic Artist and His Assistant) to is an ecchi, comedic 4-panel manga series by Hiroyuki. The manga series was first published in 2008 and ended in 2012. The anime adaption by Zexcs is set to air on April 2014.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “Junsui na Fujunbutsu (純粋なフジュンブツ)” by StylipS
2. “Spica.” by StylipS

Panty-loving mangaka Aito Yuuki does not understand the feelings of the characters on his stories. So, he asks his assistant Ashisu Sahoto to help him. Ashisu would do everything for the work. She would even let him grope her breast so he will know how it feels like?!

The Habit?! The Pervert?! Can we understand them? That’s the comedy of a mangaka life.

Mushishi: Zoku-Shou

Mushishi (蟲師) is a supernatural, occult manga series written and illustrated by Yuki Urushibara, published in Kodansha from 1999 to August 2008. The manga won an Excellence Prize at the 2003 Japan Media Arts Festival and the 2006 Kodansha Manga Award.

The manga was adapted into an anime television series in 2005 with 26 episodes. A live-action feature film adaptation, directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, followed suit on March 24, 2007. A special titled Mushishi Tokubetsu-hen: Hihamukage was released on January 4, 2014, and the second season entitled Mushishi: Zoku-Shō is set to air on May 2014 and run through the end of the year (with 24 episodes).

Opening Theme:

1. “Shiver” by Lucy Rose

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The story features ubiquitous creatures called Mushi that often display supernatural powers. Mushi are described as beings in touch with the essence of life, far more basic and pure than normal living things. Due to their ethereal nature most humans are incapable of perceiving Mushi and are oblivious to their existence, but there are a few who possess the ability to see and interact with Mushi. (wikipedia)

One such person is Ginko (ギンコ), the main character of the series. He employs himself as a Mushi master (蟲師 mushi-shi), traveling from place to place to research Mushi and aid people suffering from problems caused by them. The series is an episodic anthology in which the only common elements among episodes are Ginko and the various types of Mushi. There is no overarching plotline.

No Game No Life

No Game No Life (ノーゲーム・ノーライフ Nōgēmu Nōraifu) is a light novel series written and illustrated by Yū Kamiya since 2012 and is ongoing. As of December 2013, 5 volumes have been published by Media Factory under their MF Bunko J imprint. A manga adaptation by Yū Kamiya with art by Mashiro Hiiragi started serialization in Media Factory’s seinen manga magazine Monthly Comic Alive on January 27, 2013. An anime television series adaptation by Madhouse premiered on April 9, 2014 with a scheduled 12 episodes.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “This Game” by Konomi Suzuki
2. “Oracion” by Shiro (CV: Ai Kayano)

Protagonists Sora and Shiro, a brother and sister combination whose reputations as brilliant NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) hikikomori (shut-in) gamers have spawned urban legends all over the Internet, calling them the “Blank.” These two gamers even consider the real world as just another “crappy game.” One day, they are summoned by a boy named “Tet” (who is supposedly God) to an alternate world. There, God has prohibited war and declared this to be a world where “everything is decided by games”— even national borders. Humanity has been driven back into one remaining city by the other races. Will Sora and Shiro, the good-for-nothing brother and sister, become the “Saviors of Humanity” on this alternate world?

Noragami

Noragami (ノラガミ) is an action-adventure, fantasy manga series by Adachitoka that began serialization in Kodansha’s Monthly Shōnen Magazine since 2010 and is ongoing. The anime adaptation by Bones is set to air on January 5, 2014.

The first episode of Noragami was exclusively screened at the regional Anime Festival Asia 2013 (AFA) in Singapore on November 10, 2013.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “Goya no Machiawase (午夜の待ち合わせ)” by Hello Sleepwalkers
2. “Heart Realize (ハートリアライズ)” by Tia

At the boundary between this realm and another, there live eight million gods, dead spirits who serve the gods, and other assorted spirits who help and meddle in the affairs of humans.

Yato is a minor deity who lacks even a single shrine. In order to build his own shrine, he scrawls his cell number on the wall of a downtown bathroom telling people he will help them in exchange for a 5-yen offering, becoming a self-styled “delivery god.” Hiyori, the daughter of doctors, is embroiled in a traffic accident while trying to rescue Yato. This causes her to become a “hanyou,” a person who can easily lose her soul. She chases Yato down, and they begin to work together. Yato also finds a boy named Yukine who becomes a “sacred treasure” that can be used by a god. The three of them battle “you” who bring harm to humans as Yato’s hidden history is gradually revealed.

Good first episode, so far. Likeable characters and storyline. (the storyline gets even better thereafter!)

Ryuugajou Nanana no Maizoukin

Ryūgajō Nanana no Maizōkin (龍ヶ嬢七々々の埋蔵金, “Nanana’s Buried Treasure”) is an ongoing light novel series, written by Kazuma Ōtorino and illustrated by Akaringo. The manga adaptation by Hitoshi Okuda began serialization in Enterbrain’s Famitsu magazine since January 2012 and is ongoing. An anime series adapted by A-1 Pictures is scheduled to air on April 2014 on Fuji TV’s noitamina block.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “Butterfly Effect” by Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku
2. “Kasukana Hisokana Tashikana MIRAI (微かな密かな確かなミライ;A Hazy, Secret, Certain Future)” by Sphere

The story centers around the treasure of Nanana, a ghost who was once a beautiful but NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) girl. Disowned by his father, Juugo Yama runs away from home to an artificial island called Nanae and transfers to a high school on the “Special Student Zone”. With only 40,000 yen (about US$500) a month to live on, Juugo moves into a low-rent apartment, haunted by the spirit of Nanana Ryugajo. She was murdered ten years ago, and her killer must be found before she can rest in peace. Before her death, Nanana collected things from all over the world and hid them throughout the island. Using the mysterious powers of these hidden items, they should be able to find the culprit. As Jugo begins his hunt for her collection, however, he discovers he’s not the only person searching.

Saikin, Imouto no Yousu ga Chotto Okashiinda ga

Saikin, Imouto no Yousu ga Chotto Okashiinda ga (最近、妹のようすがちょっとおかしいんだが。) is a romantic comedy manga series by Mari Matsuzawa that began serialization since 2010 and is ongoing. The anime adaptation is set to air on January 4, 2014.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “BINKAN Attention (BINKAN あてんしょん)” by Mitsuki Kanzaki, Hiyori Kotobuki, and Yukina Kiritani (Chinami Hashimoto, Yui Ogura, and Hisako Kanemoto)
2. “Charming Do!” by Yui Ogura

In the romance comedy, a girl named Mitsuki Kanzaki lives with her step-brother Yuya after her mother remarries. Soon after, her new step dad gets transferred overseas and her mother follows him there, leaving Mitsuki alone with her new step brother, Yuuya. Feeling abandoned by her mother, she stays distant from Yuuya, never really getting along very well with him nor even keeping a conversation with him.

Until one day, Mitsuki becomes possessed by the self-proclaimed spirit of a young girl, Hiyori Kotobuki. Hiyori (in Mitsuki’s body) must fall in love with Yuya to move towards the “Gates of Heaven.” *Caution: manga is a “tad” ecchi.

Tonari no Seki-kun

Tonari no Seki-kun (となりの関くん) is a comedy manga series written and illustrated by Takuma Morishige. This ongoing manga was originally published as a one-shot in 2010. An anime adaptation is set to air on January 6, 2014 (with a scheduled 21 episodes list).

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “Meiwaku Spectacle (迷惑スペクタクル;Nuisance Spectacle)” by Kana Hanazawa
2. “Set Them Free” by Akira Jimbo
3. (extra insert song) “Danran! Robot Kazoku” by Ichiro Suzuki

The original manga revolves around a girl named Yokoi who sits next to a boy only known as Seki-kun. During class, Seki-kun continuously pays no attention towards the teacher, but instead creates amazing little distractions, such as a detailed golf course with the course’s hole being a dent in his desk, or an entire dramatic war being played out by paper shogi pieces. Yokoi often finds herself getting reluctantly interested in his games, even though they always seem to end up getting HER in trouble with the teacher!

Fall 2013 Leftovers

Golden Time

Golden Time (ゴールデンタイム Gōruden Taimu) is a romantic-comedy-supernatural light novel series written by Yuyuko Takemiya and illustrated by Ēji Komatsu since Sept. 2010. The series is ongoing, while the anime adaptation by J.C.Staff will begin airing on October 3, 2013.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “Golden Time” by Yui Horie
2. “Sweet & Sweet CHERRY” by Yui Horie

Tada Banri, an amnesiac student at a private law school in Tokyo, loses his way after the opening ceremony of his freshman orientation. He coincidentally bumps into another lost freshman, Yanagisawa Mitsuo and the two hits it off. Unfortunately for Mitsuo, his childhood friend and “promised fiancé,” Kōko Kaga, has also enrolled in the school.

Complications arise when Banri regains his memories, and suddenly finds himself with two “girlfriends” (only in his head).

Kill La Kill [キルラキル]

Kill la Kill (キルラキル Kiru ra Kiru) is an upcoming television action anime series in production by Trigger. The series will begin airing in October 3, 2013. Aniplex of America has licensed the anime for a simulcast and a home video release. A manga adaptation by Ryou Akizuki will begin serialization in Kadokawa Shoten’s Young Ace magazine from October 2013.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “Sirius” (シリウス Shiriusu) by Eir Aoi
2. “Gomen ne, Iiko ja Irarenai” (ごめんね、いいコじゃいられない。 Sorry, I’m Done Being a Good Kid) by Miku Sawai

Ryuuko Matoi, transfers into her new school, scissor-like sword in hand, and causes all sorts of trouble. Her main rival, Satsuki Kiryūin, is described as being every bit the protagonist that Ryuuko is, with the entire story centered around their relationship.

Story line can be quite hilarious OR absurd (depending on how you look at it…). Her real fight feels more like it’s with her school uniform – or lack thereof!

Kuroko no Basuke – Winter Cup (Season 2)

Kuroko’s Basketball (黒子のバスケ Kuroko no Basuke) is a sports manga written and illustrated by Tadatoshi Fujimaki published in December 2008. The first season of the anime adaptation aired April 7, 2012 with a total of 25 episodes. The second season of the anime is scheduled to return in October 6, 2013 and run through March 22, 2014 with a total of 24 episodes.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “The Other self” by GRANRODEO
2. “WALK” by OLDCODEX

The legendary six-member basketball team from Teiko Middle School, called the “Generation of Miracles,” disbands and each member enrolls into different high schools. The stage is set for the best basketball competition ever, where the “weakest” team, Seirin High, tries to make it to the nationals with the aid of the “invisible” sixth player, Tetsuya Kuroko. It is so riveting watching the animation at work. The moves on these players are so real it is hard to believe you’re not watching a real basketball game in action. What’s more, you can’t help rooting for and liking the unassuming little fella.

Log Horizon

Log Horizon (ログ・ホライズン Rogu Horaizun) is an adventure-fantasy novel series written by Mamare Touno. The novel has received four manga adaptations, with one based on the main story and the other three revolving around characters in the series.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1.”database” by Man with a Mission featuring Takuma
2. “Your song*” by Yun*chi

The story begins when 30,000 Japanese gamers are trapped in the fantasy online game world Elder Tale after a game update. What was once a sword-and-sorcery world is now the real world. The protagonist and strategist Shiroe attempts to survive with his old friend Naotsugu and the beautiful assassin Akatsuki. The anime adaptation is scheduled to air Oct. 5, 2013 until March 22, 2014 with 25 episodes. A second season will begin airing in Fall 2014.

The story begins with the feel of Sword Art Online, but quickly differs and becomes mighty interesting: especially with the “evil” four-eyed strategist Shiroe.

Magi – The Kingdom of Magic

Magi (マギ) is an ongoing shonen, fantasy manga written and illustrated by Shinobu Ohtaka since 2009. The anime is scheduled for Oct. 16, 2013 and run through March 30, 2014 with a total of 25 episodes. The series is a re-imagined tale from the Arabian Nights (One Thousand and One Nights). The second season will be set in Magnostadt.

Opening & Ending Themes:

1. “Anniversary” by SID
2. “Hikari” by ViViD
3. “Eden” by Aqua Timez
4. “With You/With Me” by 9nine

Aladdin has a magic flute that allows him to summon Ugo, the djinn. The comical duo meets Ali Baba, a young man with money on his mind. Together, they trek their way through the desert, encountering slave girl Morgianna and Sinbad the pirate.

In this second season, the trio set out on adventures to hone their skills (and make new friends and enemies)… Story doesn’t quite pickup until mid-season.

Strike the Blood

Strike the Blood (ストライク・ザ・ブラッド Sutoraiku za Buraddo) is a shounen, ecchi and supernatural light novel series by Gakuto Mikumo with illustrations by Manyako in 2011. The manga adaptation was serialized in August 2012 and the anime adaptation is set to broadcast on Oct. 4 2013.

Opening and Ending Themes:

1. “Strike the Blood (ストライク・ザ・ブラッド )” by Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets (eps 1-13)
2. “Fight 4 Real” by ALTIMA (eps 14-24)
3. “Strike the Blood (ストライク・ザ・ブラッド)” by Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets (ep 1)
4. “Strike my soul” by Yuka Iguchi (eps 2-13)
5. “signal” by Kanon Wakeshima (eps 14-24)

A government-owned Lion organization sends a mage to erase the strongest vampire, the Fourth Primogenitor, Akatsuki Kojou, who unfortunately “inherits” the position from the original after her passing. The one selected to spy on Kujou is a trainee “sword shaman” girl – Himeragi Yukina, who wields the strongest anti-primogenitor spirit spear.

Who awaits her? What awaits her? Does she become Kojou’s blood bank?

Tokyo Ravens [東京レイヴンズ]

Tokyo Ravens (東京レイヴンズ Tōkyō Reivunzu) is a comedic-supernatural light novel written by Kōhei Azano with illustration by Sumihei. It was adapted into a manga series in 2010 and the anime adaption aired on October 9, 2013 until March 25, 2014 with a total of 24 episodes.

Opening and Ending Themes:

1. “X-encounter” by Maon Kurosaki
2. “Outgrow” by Gero
3. “Kimi ga Emu Yuugure (君が笑む夕暮れ)” by Yoshino Nanjo
4. “Break a spell” by Mami Kawada

Tsuchimikado Harutora was born into a prestigious Onmyoji family, but he can’t see the “spirit energy.” Oblivious to his surroundings, he enjoys his quiet and peaceful life with his friends at an Onmyo branch school until his childhood friend and “heir” to the family’s heritage (as Abe no Semei’s descendent), Tsuchimikado Natsume, suddenly appears.

Yowamushi Pedal

Yowamushi Pedal (弱虫ペダル) is a manga series written and illustrated by Wataru Watanabe. It began its serialization in 2008’s 12th issue of the Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine. As of May 2013, there are 28 compiled volumes published with the 29th scheduled for August 8, 2013. The 29th volume will be bundled with an OVA episode on DVD. The anime series adaptation began airing on Oct. 2013 until March 2014 (23 episodes).

Opening and Ending Themes:

1. “Reclaim (リクライム)” by ROOKiEZ is PUNK’D
2. “Yowamushi na Honoo (弱虫な炎)” by Dirty Old Men
3. “Kaze wo Yobe (風を呼べ)” by Under Graph
4. “I am ready” by AUTRIBE featuring Dirty Old Men

Sakamichi Onoda is an otaku, who has just entered high school and plans to join the anime club. Unfortunately for him, without enough members, the anime club is disbanded…until he is able to recruit more members. In order to reestablish the club he tries to find 4 other people who would like to join.

Since he was a little boy, Onoda has ridden his mamachari – a bulky bicycle with a step-through frame mainly used for short rides, such as for casual fun, to pick up groceries or to go to Akihabara every week to check out or buy otaku things. His fellow freshman, Shunsuke Imaizumi, a cyclist, while training, notices a Onoda riding his mamachari up a steep road, while singing the odd “Love Hime” tune. Hilarity ensues!

Continuing

Naruto Shippuden (Season 15): The Fourth Great Ninja War – Sasuke and Itachi (忍界大戦・サスケとイタチ Ninkai Taisen – Sasuke to Itachi)

Naruto began as a manga series by Masashi Kishimoto, which was later adapted to an anime series that started airing in 2002 until present. The anime, much like the manga, is split into two parts: the time split in the manga is simply named Part I & II while the anime is named Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. The second part of the series takes place two and a half years after the first part ends. Since Jan. 2, 2009 Viz Media and Crunchyroll have been subtitling Naruto: Shippuden. The series is about a young and rash ninja from Konohagakure, the Leaf Village named Uzumaki Naruto. The story unfolds as Naruto searches for recognition and acknowledgment from his peers and elders as he aspires to become the Hokage – leader of the village. As a baby, the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox (kyuubi) was sealed in him to protect Konohagakure (the Leaf Village). However, the villagers, who were very much afraid of kyuubi, transferred that fear to the infant and eventually the child. Naruto grew up hated and mistreated by Konoha’s residents throughout most of his childhood.

Naruto, together with Uchiha Sasuke and Haruno Sakura are placed in Team 7 lead by Hatake Kakashi. Even though the team seemed mismatched at first, the soon find that they complement each other. The noisy idiot, with the skilled genius and the quick-tempered thinker quickly become one. However, Sasuke has a one-track mind – he vows to avenge his family and clan by killing his beloved older brother. When the chance is presented upon him, he takes it and leaves the village forever. Naruto vows to bring Sasuke back to Sakura, but to do so, he have to become stronger. Unfortunately for Naruto, he is not the only one with a goal in mind. The Akatsuki is out to capture him, to drain him off the sealed Demon Fox.

At the start of Naruto Shippuden, Naruto returns home from his training with Jiraiya, having learned the Rasengan developed by the Fourth Hokage. Sakura is well-versed in the arts of medical jutsu thanks to Tsunade. Sasuke may just have surpassed the group in skills, training under Orochimaru. History, it seems, is about to repeat itself. The dreaded Akatsuki is on the move, and Gaara, an old friend, is the first of many targets. Soon Team Kakashi gets a new team member as a replacement for a departed Sasuke. Everyone is suspicious of him because he is recommended by Danzou, the person vying for the Hokage seat. Team Kakashi’s new mission is to seek out Sasuke while getting acquainted with a recluse newbie, Sai. While tracking the death of Asuma‘s old friend, Konoha ninjas go up against two immortal Akatsuki members – Kakuzu and Hidan. Naruto improves on the rasengan and creates a new jutsu under the careful tutelage of Kakashi and watchful eyes of Yamato, called the Rasenshuriken. Shikamura learns the horror of wars and finally lives up to his fullest potential to avenge a beloved mentor. Finally, Sasuke overpowers and absorbs Orochimaru. Unfortunately, Jiraiya sacrifices his life to learn the truth of Pain, the puppet leader of Akatsuki. Sasuke forms team Hebi to avenge his clan, while Naruto is forced to become stronger just to get a brother home and avenge a beloved teacher and god-father.

The fifteenth season began airing from July 18, 2013 to present. The second phase of the Fourth Great Ninja War begins! Naruto and the Alliance go up against Tobi and Madara, while Sasuke-Itachi stops Kabuto, while the earlier later revives Orochimaru to aid in the revival of the dead Hokages!!

The season has a few opening and ending themes.

1. “Niwaka Ame ni mo Makezu” (ニワカ雨ニモ負ケズ) by NICO Touches the Walls (ep. 321-332)
2. “Tsuki no Ōkisa” (月の大きさ, “The Size of the Moon”) by Nogizaka46 (ep. 333-356)
3. “Guren” by DOES (eps 357-ongoing)
4. “Yume o Idaite ~Hajimari no Crissroads~” (夢を抱いて～はじまりのクリスロード～, “Embrace Your Dreams ~Crissroads of the Beginning~”) by Rake (ep. 321-332)
5. “Black Night Town” (ブラックナイトタウン Burakku Naito Taun) by Akihisa Kondō (ep. 333-343)
6. “Niji (虹)” by Shunku Horou (真空ホロウ) (eps 344-356)
7. “FLAME” by DISH// (eps 357-ongoing)

This series gets better with each season. The storyline is so well-written and the characters very well-developed. It’s like peeling an onion – layers upon layers of tear-jerkers. Everyone’s rooting for you U-Zu-Ma-Ki Naruto! Ganbatte! Fight-O on!! Underdogs of the world unite. Perseverance, patience, friendship and loyalty are all good themes and moral to learn. You watch as all the characters grow from young tots to responsible and courageous teenagers, learning and flourishing with every new challenge thrown at them. Friends become foes, and enemies become allies. History is never learned but doomed to repeat itself. “Dattebayo!”

One Piece

One Piece (ワンピース) is a comedic action manga series written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. It has been serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump since August 4, 1997. The chapters have been adapted into an original video animation (OVA) produced by Production I.G in 1998. The anime series produced by Toei Animation first began broadcasting in Japan in Oct. 20, 1999 with 626 episodes and counting. Additionally, Toei has developed eleven animated feature films, an OVA, and five television specials. Several companies have developed various types of merchandising such as a trading card game, and a large number of video games.

One Piece is currently ranked as the best-selling manga series. The anime series is on it’s 16th season.

Opening Themes:
1. “We Go!” (ウィーゴー! Wī Gō!) by Hiroshi Kitadani (ep. 517-590)
2. “Hands Up!” by Kōta Shinzato (新里 宏太) (ep. 591-628)
3. “Wake up!” by AAA (ep. 629 onwards)

Gol D. Roger was known as the Pirate King, the strongest and most infamous being to have sailed the Grand Line. The capture and death of Roger by the World Government brought a change throughout the world. His last words before his death revealed the location of the greatest treasure in the world, One Piece. It was this revelation that brought about the Grand Age of Pirates, men who dreamed of finding One Piece (which promises an unlimited amount of riches and fame), and quite possibly the most coveted of titles for the person who found it, the title of the Pirate King.

Enter Monkey D. Luffy, a 17-year-old boy that defies your standard definition of a pirate. Rather than the popular persona of a wicked, hardened, toothless pirate who ransacks villages for fun, Luffy’s reason for being a pirate is one of pure wonder; the thought of an exciting adventure and meeting new and intriguing people, along with finding One Piece, are his reasons of becoming a pirate. Aside from his oxymoronic persona, he also has an odd physical trait: his body has the properties of rubber after unintentionally eating a Devil Fruit. Following in the footsteps of his childhood hero, Luffy and his crew, named the Straw Hat Pirates (麦わら海賊団篇 Mugiwara Kaizoku-dan) travel across the Grand Line, experiencing crazy adventures, unveiling dark mysteries and battling strong enemies, all in order to reach One Piece.

Luffy definitely has an eclectic crew: Zoro the pirate hunter, and skilled swordsman, Nami the ship’s navigator and cat buglar, Usopp the lying “Sniper King” (hence “uso-pp”), and chicken-hearted inventor, Sanji the  womanizing cook, Chopper the reindeer doctor (who consumed the Human-devil fruit), Robin the archeologist (who ate the Flower-devil fruit), Franky the human-cyborg shipwright and Brook the live skeleton musician (who ate the Revive-devil fruit). Will the crew grow? Will Luffy become the Pirate King while finding One Piece?

Returning

Fairy Tail (Season 5)

Fairy Tail is a manga created by Hiro Mashima serialized since Aug. 23. 2006 and is ongoing. Season 1 of the anime began airing on Oct. 12, 2009 and will end on September 27, 2010 with a total of 48 episodes. Even though it was initially meant for only one season, due to the popularity of the series, a second season was announced and began airing on October 2010. The anime went on to its third and fourth season before Mashima sensei called it quits in Spring of 2013. With its unfinished plot line, the fifth season was finally greenlited for 2014. This series is also being developed as a game for PS by Konami. They already have 3 OVAs “Welcome to Fairy Hills!” released April 15, 2011, “Fairy Academy – Yankee-kun and Yankee-chan” released June 17, 2011, and “Memory Days” released February 17, 2012. The movie, “Fairy Tail the Movie: The Phoenix Priestess” is set to be released August 18, 2012. The series’ fifth season will premiere on TV Tokyo on April 5, 2014.

Opening & Ending Themes:
1. “Masayume Chasing” by BoA
2. “Kimi to Kare to Boku to Kanojo to” (君と彼と僕と彼女と You, Me, He and She) by Breathe

It begins with Lucy Heartfilia meeting Natsu Dragnell and his best friend, Happy a flying cat, who is searching for a dragon, Igneel. Turns out, Igneel is Natsu’s foster father, the one who raised him and taught him the skills of a dragon slayer. Shortly after their meeting, Lucy is abducted by a person posing as Salamander of Fairy Tail, only to be sold as a slave. Natsu rescues her and reveals that he is the real Salamander. He then brings Lucy into the land of Fiore, and she is accepted as a Fairy Tale Guild member. Soon after, the three become teammates, together with two more Guild members, Gray Fullbuster and Erza Scarlet. Of the lot, Lucy brings forth a saner and calmer side to the rest of the team, albeit being exceptionally klutzy. This is a cute magician story about impatience while striving to better oneself and never giving up on one’s friends. As Happy says, “Aiii!”

Unfortunately for this anime series, this is the final season – much to the dismay of many fans at episode 175. However, it does suggest that a movie will ensue to answer much of the ending of the anime series. Who is Zeref? Who is this woman whom Gerard seems to know? What happens in the future to cause the destruction of Fiore/Fairy Tail? (Manga is still ongoing.)

On March 4, 2013, Mashima sensei announced on his Twitter account that the anime will not end yet… :O The return is planned for Spring 2014!

Gin no Saji (Season 2)

Silver Spoon (銀の匙 Gin no Saji) is a comedic-slice of life manga series written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa (best known for Fullmetal Alchemist), set in the fictional Oezo Agricultural High School (大蝦夷農業高等学校 Ōezo Nōgyō Kōtō Gakkō) in Hokkaido. Influenced by Arakawa’s own life experience as she was raised in a dairy farm in Hokkaido, the manga was launched in 2011.

The first season of the anime adaptation, produced by A-1 Pictures, first aired on July 11, 2013 on Fuji TV’s noitaminA block. The second season is scheduled to return Jan. 31, 2014.A live-action film based on the manga is under production by Toho and scheduled for release sometime in 2014.

Opening & Ending Themes:
1. “LIFE” by Fujifabric
2. “Oto no Naru Hou e→ (オトノナルホウヘ→)” by Goose house

The story depicts the daily life of Yugo Hachiken, a student from Sapporo who enrolled into Yezo fleeing from the high demands of his strict father. Life at the farm is not as easy as he thought it to be. Unlike his new classmates, he has no intention of following an agricultural career after graduating, although he envies them for already having set goals for their lives and the pursue of their dreams, unlike him. Harsh reality of the agricultural life quickly sets in.

Sword Art Online II: The Phantom

Sword Art Online (ソードアート・オンライン Sōdo Āto Onrain) is a Sci-Fantasy light novel series written by Kawahara Reki and illustrated by abec since 2009 and is ongoing. It has been adapted into three mangas, an RPG and a much acclaimed anime series with 25 episodes that ran from July 7, 2012 to December 22, 2012.

A year-end special, titled Sword Art Online Extra Edition, aired on December 31, 2013. It is a recap of the the previously aired anime series with some new footage. The sequel, “The Phantom” is scheduled for sometime in (Summer) 2014.

The anime series is also streamed and simulcasted on Crunchyroll and Hulu.

Opening & ending theme

1.
2.

It is 2022. A Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (VRMMORPG) called Sword Art Online (SAO) is released. The players log in simultaneously on November 6 and discover they are unable to log in. Soon they are told by the creator of SAO that if they want to be free, they have to fight their way up to the 100th floor and defeat the final boss. However, if their avatars die in the game, their true self in the real world perishes too.

Kirito, the protagonist and a beta tester of this game, meets many friends on the way and even falls in love with Asuna, another skilled player.

Top 20 Anime OP of Winter 2014

OVA/Movies

Blood Lad OVA [Dec 15, 2013]

Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission [Dec 27, 2013]

Mushishi Special: Hihamukage OVA [Jan 4, 2014]

Natsume Yuujinchou: Itsuka Yuki no Hi ni OVA [Feb 5, 2014]

Noragami OVA [2 episodes: Feb 13, 2014 – Jul 17, 2014]

Shingeki no Kyojin OVA [2 episodes: Dec 16, 2016 – Apr 9, 2014]

Sword Art Online: Extra Edition OVA [Dec. 31, 2013]

Main theme: “Niji no Oto” (虹の音 Sound of the Rainbow) by Eir Aoi.

Tiger & Bunny Movie 2: The Rising [Feb 8, 2014]

Yozakura Quartet: Yoza-Quar! OVA [6 episodes: Dec 18, 2013 – May 21, 2014]

Spring 2014:

Detective Conan Movie 18: The Sniper from Another Dimension 名探偵コナン　異次元の狙撃手（スナイパー） [April 19, 2014]

Fate/Stay Night [??]

Hakuouki Movie 2: Shikon Soukyuu [?? 2014]

Magi: Sinbad no Bouken マギ シンドバッドの冒険 OVA [May 16, 2014]

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Naruto Shippuden Movie 7 [??]

Sengoku Musou SP: Sanada no Shou 戦国無双SP 真田の章 [March 2014]
Siege of Ueda Castle

Uchuu Kyoudai Movie [??]

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