Back to AppleDangani's Profile AppleDangani's Profile

Sasaki to Miyano Non Spoiler Review

Author: Shō Harusono
Genres: Boys Love, Slice of Life
Premiered: Winter 2022

Plot:

Fluff! Wholesome! Pure! Aaaah, I really love this anime series. It's so refreshing and a breath of fresh air to watch this kind of romance once in a while.

... Though it's a same sex romance, which is not really rare in this era, it's cute and nice to see.

The story is a senpai - kouhai relationship which started when Sasaki (senpai) helps Miyano (kouhai) in a difficult situation. In time, they became friends with the effort of Sasaki, loving and taking an interest in Miyano and the things he loves.

The series is really just to chill. To enjoy the everyday, slow progress of their relationship. To see how one can discover feelings for another, in a natural and innocent way.
I guess that's what captivating in this series is (or any other BL romance out there). There is no unnecessary fan service, no overused tsundere or overpopular characters. Just them being normal, having normal feelings in their own world.
It's what really captures the hearts of those who watched it, the sweetness and romance you'll rarely see in a straight romance anime.

It's worth 12 episodes of them, figuring out their feelings, hiding it, resisting it, and in the end, letting it out in the open on each other. With a blend of comedy and friendship (and a life of fujoshi/fudanshi) along the way.

Maybe while watching, you'll realize that BL is not that different in normal love. They also feel the same love, they also want to be treasured, and they're also human. They also deserve the kind of love they can give.

Characters:

They're a walking green flag. Right, green flaaaaag!
The uke and the seme are both cute, understanding, and pure. Oh, the "uke" is the bottom or the submissive. Uhmm. And the "seme" is the top or the dominant one in the relationship. Not that it matters, since both of them are innocent and new to that kind of relationship. Watching it really feels like seeing two young children discover love in a romantic way for the first time.

I love how Sasaki portrays jealousy, sincerity, and patience. Prioritizing Miyano's feelings over anything else. And how Miyano faced him head-on, thinking thoughtfully about how he would deal with Sasaki's and his own feeling.

But what I soooo love about this series is how the people around them have no toxicity. They're supportive, uncritical, and listen. Is it someone unrealistic? Maybe, but maybe not. Guess if you're really true to your companionship, they'll also be true to you.

Enjoyment:

If you want to watch a light anime romance, no heartbreak, no tragedy, just chill for a moment, then this one's for you.
Just feel every scene, laugh and make your heart flutter.
It's an easy watch, not the kind that will make your heart feel heavy, but will lighten up your mood. Simple gestures, simple scenarios that can make you smile and realize, that's also what love is.

(Kono Oto Tomare Season 1 and 2 by Amyū Sakura) Non-Spoiler Review
(March 21, 2022)

Have you ever felt the excitement and joy of doing what you really love? Facing your weakness head on, admitting that you are hundred or thousand steps away from what you want, but you still take each and every experience to learn and be better. Loving the process with unwavering belief that you can reach what you're aiming for.

Kono Oto Tomare is a story about high school kids who came to love playing a Koto. A traditional Japanese instrument which also called “Kin”. Koto is a long Japanese board zither having ... 13 silk strings and movable bridges. The library's makers describe the Koto's sound thus: "It has a lightness of flying butterflies and the sputtering of fish, but has the strength of thunder.” For me, it only means one thing, the sound it produces can pierce hearts, express emotions, reverberates feelings, depending on how and who plays it. Knowing a new type of music is refreshing and interesting.

Back to the series! Chika is a young man who turns in a new leaf. From a delinquent who became an empty shell after being thrown away, to being exposed to light, he finds his new dawn in Koto. Though the anime revolves around him, one cannot say that he is the only core of it. The Koto Club and each of them follows a path in which makes them special in their own way. They're characters you will come to love. You'll be seeing them as a whole, but each piece is significant.

What I love in this series is how each character has been exposed on different scenarios, from juvenile acts to family issues, as well as insecurities and rock bottom situations. Unlike any other tournament theme anime or stories which revolves around the development of characters on their respective skills, this anime both focuses on excelling their skills playing Koto, and resolving their personal issues alongside their companions. Thus, getting their bond stronger which allows them to play and understand their feelings better.

I admire how Amyu presents different teenage circumstances. How she shows the struggles of a person due to the expectations of the people around them, how a child can break with careless words and actions of an adult, how people you trust can easily damage you, or how you can also able to smile again after all the pains you've gone through. It's wonderful to see those child's growth, build their confidence, open their hearts, influencing others by showing their enthusiasm and sincere feelings. It pokes on different kind of emotions. The tournament itself is just an aftermath of their character developments.

Oh! I watched it only in one night. I was so engrossed on the series that it only took me one sitting to finish it. The manga is still ongoing and there's, I think, a lot more unresolved cases that needs to be tackled. But the anime itself it really great. Personally, I first heard and knew Koto through this series, but I'm loving it to the point that I listen other audios playing this instrument. Depending on the music, it will make you happy or give you a heartache. I'm an amateur when it comes to music, but it's impossible not to feel anything after hearing the music they play along the series. It melts heart, it'll give you joy, will make you smile, or sad.
In multiple cases, I kind of feel envious on how happy their faces make even if only they make one right keys on the play they're making. Imagine how happy you can be, doing what you really love. Their faces are the representation of that. The efforts and struggles they do, and the result they achieve even just a little bit, shows it all in their faces. They’re living in the present time, cherishing and holding the memories and people around them.

The animation of the series is quite average. It’s not something that you will really be amazed of, but it’s won’t make you that disappointed either. I must say this, but it’s really cute to see cool and handsome character but with a very talkative and innocent personality. Chika is that. He has the face of a male lead romance character with a cold and cool personality. But watching him and his stupid acts is really refreshing. Though the animation is normal, there’re multiple scenarios where they show beautiful emotions, heartwarming sketches of the characters, or even painful faces that hits right to the heart.

It's an ongoing manga with currently 111 chapters. There haven’t been news about the Season 3 of the anime but it is highly possible. I think, the contents of the manga are still not enough to showcased the next season of the anime. Thus, it will most likely be released at the end of this year or next year. Hopefully!

(Kono Oto Tomare Season 1 and 2 by Amyū Sakura) Non-Spoiler Review
(March 21, 2022)

Have you ever felt the excitement and joy of doing what you really love? Facing your weakness head on, admitting that you are hundred or thousand steps away from what you want, but you still take each and every experience to learn and be better. Loving the process with unwavering belief that you can reach what you're aiming for.

Kono Oto Tomare is a story about high school kids who came to love playing a Koto. A traditional Japanese instrument which also called “Kin”. Koto is a long Japanese board zither having ... 13 silk strings and movable bridges. The library's makers describe the Koto's sound thus: "It has a lightness of flying butterflies and the sputtering of fish, but has the strength of thunder.” For me, it only means one thing, the sound it produces can pierce hearts, express emotions, reverberates feelings, depending on how and who plays it. Knowing a new type of music is refreshing and interesting.

Back to the series! Chika is a young man who turns in a new leaf. From a delinquent who became an empty shell after being thrown away, to being exposed to light, he finds his new dawn in Koto. Though the anime revolves around him, one cannot say that he is the only core of it. The Koto Club and each of them follows a path in which makes them special in their own way. They're characters you will come to love. You'll be seeing them as a whole, but each piece is significant.

What I love in this series is how each character has been exposed on different scenarios, from juvenile acts to family issues, as well as insecurities and rock bottom situations. Unlike any other tournament theme anime or stories which revolves around the development of characters on their respective skills, this anime both focuses on excelling their skills playing Koto, and resolving their personal issues alongside their companions. Thus, getting their bond stronger which allows them to play and understand their feelings better.

I admire how Amyu presents different teenage circumstances. How she shows the struggles of a person due to the expectations of the people around them, how a child can break with careless words and actions of an adult, how people you trust can easily damage you, or how you can also able to smile again after all the pains you've gone through. It's wonderful to see those child's growth, build their confidence, open their hearts, influencing others by showing their enthusiasm and sincere feelings. It pokes on different kind of emotions. The tournament itself is just an aftermath of their character developments.

Oh! I watched it only in one night. I was so engrossed on the series that it only took me one sitting to finish it. The manga is still ongoing and there's, I think, a lot more unresolved cases that needs to be tackled. But the anime itself it really great. Personally, I first heard and knew Koto through this series, but I'm loving it to the point that I listen other audios playing this instrument. Depending on the music, it will make you happy or give you a heartache. I'm an amateur when it comes to music, but it's impossible not to feel anything after hearing the music they play along the series. It melts heart, it'll give you joy, will make you smile, or sad.
In multiple cases, I kind of feel envious on how happy their faces make even if only they make one right keys on the play they're making. Imagine how happy you can be, doing what you really love. Their faces are the representation of that. The efforts and struggles they do, and the result they achieve even just a little bit, shows it all in their faces. They’re living in the present time, cherishing and holding the memories and people around them.

The animation of the series is quite average. It’s not something that you will really be amazed of, but it’s won’t make you that disappointed either. I must say this, but it’s really cute to see cool and handsome character but with a very talkative and innocent personality. Chika is that. He has the face of a male lead romance character with a cold and cool personality. But watching him and his stupid acts is really refreshing. Though the animation is normal, there’re multiple scenarios where they show beautiful emotions, heartwarming sketches of the characters, or even painful faces that hits right to the heart.

It's an ongoing manga with currently 111 chapters. There haven’t been news about the Season 3 of the anime but it is highly possible. I think, the contents of the manga are still not enough to showcased the next season of the anime. Thus, it will most likely be released at the end of this year or next year. Hopefully!

In/Spectre (Kyoukou Suiri) Anime Review
By: Kyou Shirodaira
Genre: Mystery, Demons, Supernatural, Romance, Shounen

Score: 9/10

In/Spectre or Kyoukou Suiri is written by Kyou Shirodaira which also wrote the story Zetsuen no Tempest. The anime was produced by the anime studio Brain's Base that also do Durarara!!, Hotarubi no Mori e and many known anime. The story follows a girl named 'Kotoko' and her encounters on different kind of spectres she, only can see. She stands as a mediator on conflicts between spectres, solving different cases using her great way of thinking. Due to some reason, she will fall in love with a guy named 'Kurou' who will help ... her solve mysteries she will find hard finishing on her own.

What I love on this series is how it focuses on what's happening or might possibly happen in real life. The story illustrates how certain things can come true depending on how strong the belief people put into it. It shows how people can manifest things if they believe it to be true. Maybe that's hard to understand, but that's what our mind works, that's how powerful it is. And that's what sold this series for me. Apart from that, the story also shows the destructive form of what we use on our everyday life. How information travels rapidly in just a blink of an eye, how humans are such fragile creatures, easily manipulated and persuaded. The series also shows how people can easily changes their mind depending on what information others offer to them. Isn't it familiar? How those influencers, how media can affect our belief and mind? Mind is powerful, if used properly. But it's also weak to thousands of influences roaming in front of us.

I don't think In/Spectre (Kyoukou Suiri) is something the author created just focing the plot in mind. Every detail and scenarios fit the puzzle, and nothing has been left behind. It's just sad that people kinda fail to appreciate such gem. Going back to the story, our protagonist, Kotoko, is a rich brat, frank, independent, but at the same time, clingy. She's smart and elegant, but also jealous and immature. While that is her case, Kurou, on the other hand, is a serious and calm guy. He talks if needed to, he's kind, but he has that aura of having no care at all. Watching him feels like he's a doll, lifeless and heartless. They're the complete opposite and that's what makes them cute together. Adding up the funny way of Kotoko expressing her infatuation to Kurou and stating those perverted jokes is hilarious.

What I also love on this series is the appearance of Kotoko. She has that curly hair and different expressions that is unbearably cute. If I am a guy, I'll definitely make her my waifu. I just love how she's always touching the tip of her hair when thinking. Her irritated and jealous reaction is the best! Though the action scenarios are nothing close of excellence, the expressions portrayed by the character are great. It's lovely, both the plot and the characters. I think, it just needs some understanding. I do know that some who watch the series probably gets bored because there's so many dialogues, but that's how it should be. It is a significant part of the story; it is what makes it a success. If I'm not mistaken, the season 2 will be comin' up this 2021 and I'm definitely going to watch it. Hope you guys watch it too!

Boku no Hero Academia Futari no Hero Movie Review
By: Yōsuke Kuroda
Dated: September 05 2020

Not all heroes needed superpowers to help people, not all of them needed inhuman skills or reflexes to maintain the peace in society, other people can fight and help too by using their mind, by making their idea into life. That is what I-Island is. An island for all scientists who are continuously creating support items to assist heroes and help the people in need. The setting of the movie starts with All Might, accompanied by Deku in this island, with the invitation of his friend's daughter. The story goes on with ... most of the UA students that are also invited having fun with the exhibits, until villains who planned to make hostages of all the people in the island took action.

People who believe in themselves, who are willing to take risk and stand on what they want in life is a sight to see. Most of the time, we're being blinded by the negative things in life that we failed to see that there's also hope in those things. At times, we tend to make decisions that we don't really think of the outcome and that's what happens on this movie. But I really love how the fight goes on at the ending of the movie and how every one of them is already capable of being a true hero, how they manage to act immediately on a dangerous situation, how they exceed their limit and how conflicts between them don't matter when in fight. Because they are a team.

Ano Ko No, Toriko Manga Review
By: Shiraishi Yuki
May 1 2020

After years of being away, Yori came back to his old place to continue studying. With peacefulness in mind, he relieved himself by staying away from people and being contented having those pair of glasses that hides his amazing looks. However, without a warning, he accidentally bumped into her first love which was also a part of his childhood dream. A dream of being an artist. A dream which the three of them pledge. Running away from it now became impossible to Yori with Shizuku on his side. But being a gravure model, Shizuku is having ... a hard time getting roles as an actress. With Yori on the scene, the break on the entertainment industry she's waiting to happen will come.

In spite of hoping that there's a happy ending waiting just by being on her side, Subaru, with his charismatic looks and attained name in the industry and eventhough a childhood friend of Shizuku, became a rival of Yori for her heart. The story, like most shoujo stories are, will have its confessions and picking of the two male leads. There will be those cute scenarios that will make your heart flutter.

The technicality of it in relation with being an artist is not that deep unlike Skip Beat. What only makes it possible for them to act and take a role of being an artist is because of how the characters are drawn. Each of the character looks great. The way they stand and the clothes they're wearing, their hands with no signs of deformation, the shadow parts and also the background, it was handled delicately. But most of all, it was how their eyes and expressions were made. It was sharp, but it was also soft. The eyes sold it for me. Even if it's kind of "one of the common path" a shoujo takes, reading something like this once in a while can take away your boredom.

Venus ni Arazu Manga Review
By: Yuki Yoshihara
Dated: April 29 2020

The manga is about a girl named "Miyoshi" aspiring to be a known model in the entertainment industry. Though that is what she wishes for to happen, she only do sideline jobs at an art school, modeling for art students. There, she will get to know "Tarou", a teacher on that school, who's famous in his field. Captured by her beautiful body, she ended up being a model of him, while still pursuing her career.

I love how indifferent characters on this story are. While we always see characters whose lovable, cute, and shy, these two ... made the story lively. Miyoshi having been able to ride on all the craziness of Tarou is really fun to read. And Tarou, though always made anything a joke, but has that serious side which he rarely shows is the best. Yes, the art is not that great of a view, but there's this calmness and elegance whenever you see how the feelings of characters are expressed. From the proportion of their bodies, to the shape of their faces, it was all great to see. Mainly the eyes of the characters which will say it all. Adding the chibis and extra cute expressions they make that I really find cute.

It's a shame that this is only a short story. The concept is unique, and I want to see more development on their characters. Seeing more of their expressions and feelings will be great. Sad that it didn't last. It only consists of, I think 7 chapters, so it was a fast one. But yeah, it's really a great read.

Maruoka-san Chi no Kyouikugakari Manga Review
By: Shiraishi Yuki
Dated: April 29 2020

The story is about a girl student named "Hatsune" being clumsy, ill-mannered, and useless girl. Due to some circumstances, her father let "Kaede", a guy her age, move to their house. Being the perfect guy as he is, he takes on the responsibility of making Hatsune a proper girl as she should be. Thus, the beginning of crazy, restless day of Hatsune started.

Like some cliche love stories, this one tackles more on a cute feeling. Falling with each other while living on the same house, realizing they want each other along the way, those lovely ... gestures and cuteness from the both of them. As well as the protectiveness of the guy and the sweet smile of the girl. It's a never-ending cycle. But what's wrong with it? Sometimes, cute stories like this will lift our hearts and just ease our cold feelings. You can't really avert your eyes on cool guy with glasses.

The art of this manga is really great. It's really really awesome. Perfect. I love it, seriously. Art like this makes you drool and adore the characters, even if they are not real. Not only are the faces that's too stunning, the bodies, the hands, and even the clothes are a sight to see. Expected from the same author of Ano Ko No Toriko.

Big Order/Big Order OVA Anime Review
By: Sakae Esuno
Dated: June 02 2020

Plot:

If all people can get what they want, if we all can live life the way we want it, if all of our wishes can come true, how awesome it can be? But don't you think that living with struggles are more beautiful? Achieving your goal, attaining your dreams, having the capability to get what you want because you work hard for it is more satisfying than having it without any efforts done on your end. The series revolves around a young man 'Eiji' living in a world where certain people got a hold ... of powers called 'Orders'. Being one of them, Eiji refuses to use his power as he blames himself for the world destruction happened 10 years ago. After living in silent for years, an association with the intention of using him suddenly makes a move, threatening his sister's safety giving him no choice but to obey. As the series goes on, revelations come in sight, and individual beliefs will crash with one another.

Characters:

Yandere characters can be really satisfying to see. If were talking about yandere, the first thing most of us think is Yuno, the girl who's really crazy. Having the same author as Mirai Nikki (Future Diary), there's the same case where the girl 'Rin' is kind of Yuno. Though I think that she's more of a tsundere than yandere along the story. Her character waiver and she became soft after meeting Eiji. I think, it isn't that easy to get over the hate she should've had for him. In a way, Eiji's character is great. He was weakminded at first, yes. But when situation needs it, he moves and thinks, making the power he has in use.

Sound and Animation:

I really find Eiji's character quite funny. The deep tone used on him when giving orders is out of character for me. While Daisy's character is so cute, she reminded me of CC. Though I'm really into long hair handsome character like Yoshitsune Hiragi. The animation, the action scenarios was really good. I love this animation most. It was not that advanced, but the color scheme is easy on the eyes. The characters image are cool, just a shame that most of them don't have that chance to stand out more.

Enjoyment:

Questions and mysteries made for viewers can really make it exciting. How the world destruction takes place? What really is Eiji's power? Who will be the enemy? Who is Daisy? The series only takes up 10 episodes. It was a short watch with a little time to know the characters more. The idea of the story is great, however, I think that it was not explained properly. It was like there's more explanation they wanted the viewers to see, it feels like they want something more of the characters beliefs to be justified but failed to do so. Also, there are scenarios that I think doesn't really make sense at all and just a filler of that episode such as the pregnancy part.

Ending:

Happiness is something one should make on his own. If you want to be happy, you will do things that makes you feel it. It is not something someone should wish for you. That makes it unreasonable for me. Wishing happiness for someone is natural, but having the capability to make it happen, does this really make that someone happy? It made me think that the ending where all of them live a peaceful life is just an illusion made by his power. What if? What if the world they're living in really became just an illusion because of what he wished for?

--With the OVA as its continuation, Eiji will experience different scenarios of him after granting his wish to Daisy. His dreams became his reality. His reality became just his dream. There are different options he can live by and different world to choose from. Now, isn't it possible? That the world he wished for is just a fantasy perceive by their eyes?

Big Order/Big Order OVA Anime Review
By: Sakae Esuno
Dated: June 02 2020

Plot:

If all people can get what they want, if we all can live life the way we want it, if all of our wishes can come true, how awesome it can be? But don't you think that living with struggles are more beautiful? Achieving your goal, attaining your dreams, having the capability to get what you want because you work hard for it is more satisfying than having it without any efforts done on your end. The series revolves around a young man 'Eiji' living in a world where certain people got a hold ... of powers called 'Orders'. Being one of them, Eiji refuses to use his power as he blames himself for the world destruction happened 10 years ago. After living in silent for years, an association with the intention of using him suddenly makes a move, threatening his sister's safety giving him no choice but to obey. As the series goes on, revelations come in sight, and individual beliefs will crash with one another.

Characters:

Yandere characters can be really satisfying to see. If were talking about yandere, the first thing most of us think is Yuno, the girl who's really crazy. Having the same author as Mirai Nikki (Future Diary), there's the same case where the girl 'Rin' is kind of Yuno. Though I think that she's more of a tsundere than yandere along the story. Her character waiver and she became soft after meeting Eiji. I think, it isn't that easy to get over the hate she should've had for him. In a way, Eiji's character is great. He was weakminded at first, yes. But when situation needs it, he moves and thinks, making the power he has in use.

Sound and Animation:

I really find Eiji's character quite funny. The deep tone used on him when giving orders is out of character for me. While Daisy's character is so cute, she reminded me of CC. Though I'm really into long hair handsome character like Yoshitsune Hiragi. The animation, the action scenarios was really good. I love this animation most. It was not that advanced, but the color scheme is easy on the eyes. The characters image are cool, just a shame that most of them don't have that chance to stand out more.

Enjoyment:

Questions and mysteries made for viewers can really make it exciting. How the world destruction takes place? What really is Eiji's power? Who will be the enemy? Who is Daisy? The series only takes up 10 episodes. It was a short watch with a little time to know the characters more. The idea of the story is great, however, I think that it was not explained properly. It was like there's more explanation they wanted the viewers to see, it feels like they want something more of the characters beliefs to be justified but failed to do so. Also, there are scenarios that I think doesn't really make sense at all and just a filler of that episode such as the pregnancy part.

Ending:

Happiness is something one should make on his own. If you want to be happy, you will do things that makes you feel it. It is not something someone should wish for you. That makes it unreasonable for me. Wishing happiness for someone is natural, but having the capability to make it happen, does this really make that someone happy? It made me think that the ending where all of them live a peaceful life is just an illusion made by his power. What if? What if the world they're living in really became just an illusion because of what he wished for?

--With the OVA as its continuation, Eiji will experience different scenarios of him after granting his wish to Daisy. His dreams became his reality. His reality became just his dream. There are different options he can live by and different world to choose from. Now, isn't it possible? That the world he wished for is just a fantasy perceive by their eyes?