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Night Shift Nurses and the fertility of excrement

Opening with a scalpel cutting across a black void till blood is gushing out, followed by a psychotic looking woman, it’s evident that this isn’t going to be a pleasant turn of events.
Night Shift Nurses has earned its status as among the most controversial anime titles ever and while the series is over 20 years old that still holds true.
The depiction of assault in adult anime is not uncommon and series such as this is built upon these transgressions to further cement them on its ever-expanding cast of archetypes. However, where this series makes a ... lasting impression is in how everything is animated and written, it’s starkly clear that this is not consent and not enjoyable in the slightest – at least in the beginning. Characters will fight, scream and do the utmost to protect themselves, and this is what makes it a jarring viewing experience.
From being getting their hair pulled, kicked, punched, slapped and verbally abused it’s clear that this is aiming for a different approach with a much darker and a feeling of realistic intent.

For foreign viewers extreme content like this seems far too transgressive and downright criminal but one should always be aware of cultural relative-ism, and the fact that the boundary between real life and fiction (comics) is far greater in Japan than anywhere else in the world, as said by Professor Fujimoto Yukari. Where rigorous social decorum is more expected on a much larger scale and freedom of expression (in fiction) is a lot greater than anywhere else.

Yes, it’s pornography so it should by its definition arouse but it’s also a film so it should by that definition tell a story with themes, narratives and a coherent story-line.
And this is where many are bewildered when it comes to content heavy series like this. While it is pornographic many scenes are more distressing than erotic but as said with a lot of other media who either are trying to parody (Kill La Kill, 2014) or satirize (Bayonetta, 2009) sexuality, there’s always an audience in the mood for enjoyment, no matter how disturbing or vile it may seem to an average viewer.
Arguably Night Shift Nurses set the tone for fetish and violent adult anime for years to come and no one has ever surpassed it in terms of quality, theme and content.

Characters
A series like this is only rivalled in content needs believable well-rounded characters. Its core characters are those that I’ll choose to talk about, Hirasaka Ryuji, Jinguji Narumi and Nanase Ren. First, a short summary of its two antagonist, Hirasaka and Jinguji.
Ryuji isn’t very well viewed in the frame of the narrative. As we encounter him, he lives by paycheck to paycheck in a rather small and messy apartment. It views him as delusional and broken, with low self-esteem and overconfidence, he isn’t well off. Nor is he the man that we meet in his earlier days but this changes when the experiments begin. However, even when he’s efficient he’s also a slave to his own shortcomings, often the planning of said experiments will go horribly wrong. Even when he is alone with his victims, he is never too sure if they’re with him or thinking about someone else, after all his lowly opinion of himself is evident in how he talks about other men or people of higher social rank. His last lines (episode 10) is “So this is the true form of the creature called ‘woman’…”, meaning that he views women as something non-human, in much the same way he framed himself, with a different brain when he talks about his role as a doctor (episode 4). He is as detached as one can be from shame and repercussions. He is not meant to be liked nor sympathized with. He is the avatar for dark and unhinged desires without consequences, which is also why he’s such an iconic figure.

While he is repellent Jinguji will exceed his ruthlessness even further and on a more psychological level, she is far worse. Unlike Ryuji who’s driven by his selfish and violent pleasures to hurt women, Narumi’s driven by pure rage and vengeance towards everyone. Viewed as calculating and cold. Having gained power and connections through her intelligence but also her sexuality. She’s conjured up the idea of the special ward, she knows which buttons to push with people and is always two steps ahead.

In a way she and Ryuji mirror one another in their delusions and sexuality, with him we can clearly see that these experiments are nothing more than some twisted sexual fantasies given space and equipment. His power is his libido and physical strength, her power is her body and alluring ever-expanding lustful appetite. Her delusions are made real by the idea of the ward itself, even if it’s a real project or a trap, to later use as a faulty plan to impale him on his own ego while he’s on the top of his game. This gives allusions to a rivalry or that this is just a game to her, perhaps a re-enactment of her past but this time she’s in control and can subjugate her shared trauma upon those she dislikes, for the pettiest reasons.
After revenge she has nothing left to live and the sustained trauma of how she lost her child, a part of herself and turned into a masochist in order to rise above and gain influence and power from those who withheld it. She’s certainly a unique antagonist in anime, a woman who regained her sense of humanity when motherhood was threatened. When her own was assaulted and taken from her, she gives her life to save another.

It’s third character to be expanded upon is Nanase Ren, an unlikely heroine of the story. We meet her at the start of the story picking Oxalis flowers, who’s meaning is everything from healing, luck, forgiveness and love. A great way to describe her character. Even after getting assaulted till she’s a shell of her former self, crippled with self-loathing and shame, she’s still exhibits some of the former traits just buried deeply within.
Self-defeated and romantically longing for her abuser, she’ll give him all the power he could want, but when her child is threatened, she will fight for her motherhood and show him as he says “the true form of a woman”. In contrast to Narumi, she isn’t corrupt but she’s an excellent case study for trauma-bonding. From being seduced early on, gaining trust, violated, humiliated in front of the man she she loved and constantly being manipulated to do whatever is asked of her. With enough compliments and love bombing just to keep her close but not too close, otherwise she might realize that there really is nothing but darkness behind Ryuji’s eyes. Her last gift to him is a bouquet of white chrysanthemum a symbol of honesty and loyalty, a perfect representation of why she’s not only Ryuji’s favourite but also among the Japanese fanbase.

Themes
Motherhood and fertility are intertwined in the lives of all the characters but have poignant meaning to the three protagonists. They all work in the same field, gynaecology and end up being confronted with the reality of their field, pregnancy. Motherhood is what connects the two women and is what makes Narumi gain a sense of her lost humanity, while she lost her chance at it, the pain of her child still lingers on and makes her drop her goals. She willingly gives her life to save another, an innocent, uncorrupted from Ryuji’s influence.
For Ryuji the idea of reproduction in his personal life is viewed as less desirable than eating faeces. It’s a unimageable hindrance and a grotesque result of his own actions. It gives the women hope, happiness and something that is out of his control. Their control is never shared with themselves, it’s always tied to him and. Instead of celebrating new life he embraces a corrupt reverse view, he eats faeces, waste matter, which no longer hold any nutrients nor shape. He shares their filth in an almost ritualistic manner that might act as a rite of passage into his worldview and gives allusions to that it’s their fertility that they consume, waste begets waste. A symbolic perverse inversion of giving birth.

Assault
It’s treatment of assault is also an interesting subversion in how it ends up diverging each of its five heroines’ lives. Four out of five will insist of not being a victim nor a survivor, instead calling it an act of love. Stockholm syndrome is not in the DSM-5, but another term that comes up is trauma, and trauma-bonding, acting like a defence mechanism to cope through cognitive and perception distortion. Causing an attachment through flattery, trust, criticism, manipulation till the victim resigns themselves to their new reality.
An almost knee-jerk reaction to viewing assault is to either blame the victim or think that it’s their own fault for going along with it. Japan is often called a shame-based society, one that has largely controlled it’s citizens by instilling fear of bringing shame upon themselves or their employee and family. While others have argued that shame is both a personal issue and relationship based that serves as a form of social control, either way it might be of note regarding why its characters are coerced to such an almost surreal degree of degradation.
Night Shift Nurses is a fantasy, yes, fantasy is fiction, but it does raise a point when one’s confronted with such atrocious behaviour that even tests the limit of believability and how to react. After all the series wants to be taken seriously and to give it a sense of realism in the distressing psychology of its characters.
As the young detective Wakai, says “Why didn’t you just report it ?”, he (and parts of the viewers) is largely forgetting the reality of how assault, trauma-bonding, blackmail and shame, has changed the women’s personality in more ways than one.

Visuals
It’s a solid technical viewing experience, since the animation is pretty good. The bodily movement, breasts, thighs and everything that jiggles during intercourse is very well animated. Small touches are given to tears, blood, saliva and everything else that the human body can create.
Tears will sparkle during desperate moments and the intensity of its scatological scenes is impressive in the way they’re animated. Gushing and squirting with bits and pieces of food visible. Character movement is never rushed and are given depth during intense scenes such as assaults, arguments and fights. Movements are realistic and doesn’t default to cutaways.
Backgrounds and characters are not given equal amounts of depth, but they don’t look or feel rushed. The immersive experience is also in its close-knit space, the hospital which isn’t known for having a varied colour scheme. During its later episodes (episode 8-9, especially) is a standout with brooding and dramatic skies. Deceiving greens and intense lighting. Crisp looking colours are shown throughout the series. Be it drug induced hallucinations, fluids in every shape and colour, food and medical equipment. Although during certain pans some images look a bit muddled but it’s a minor nitpick since the look of the show overall is really pretty good.

Audio
Another standout is the score, which is as eerie and cynically fitting. The theme is using a pronounced harpsichord that feels very domineering and gives it a sense of perverse grandeur. The rest of the scores with its slow pulsating beats, gives the scenes another dark and distrusting undertone, as in framing them as disturbing rather than pure titillation. It wants the viewer to feel the same unease as its core characters and rarely does it want to be calm, inviting and warm. The music is almost clinical in sense, with augmented chords, high piano and echoing pulsating electronic beats that sometimes will distort heavily. It moves through the different stages of acceptance of their new twisted reality. It establishes itself almost as secondary character in the most pivotal moments of the series, echoing uncomfortably in the background. With a high marimba note that flows through the scenery during the shows relaxed or tense scenes, switching tempo with an added synth giving the series a constant uneasy tone that doesn’t let go even when it’s not playing, fittingly when its violence can rank up suddenly.
The voice actors all do a great job be it screaming, crying or yelling. They all fit and give it their best to make us root and feel with them, even in the darkest of moments. While Ryuji’s voice actor might be having the time of his life with saying such abnormal and downright fascinating lines which would’ve been hilariously bad for many but in his case, it’s delivered with such a selfish conviction that they come across as more hideous than fun. Among the female cast Shinjou Remi, is someone who’s voice carries a desperation, self-loathing and a concern for how she handles the ongoing events. She sounds very believable and is often a hard character to listen to when she pleads or cries for answers.

Final verdict
Night Shift Nurses is an extremely though series to recommend. Its adults only rating will leave it to a very small audience and its intense focus on scatology and assault will most likely be off putting and make its audience pool even smaller. While it’s reputation for being gross is true, it’s reputation for being disturbing lies more in how one can connect and feel for its characters. Who all end up being drastically different from who they used to be.
The final line in the series is said by the aging inspector Fujita, “Every time I do think that people’s heart is just darkness. They have the core that no one could desire. They’re true darkness.” is a great nod the opening shot of the series in which Narumi slices a black screen, Hirasaka’s black heart in two. Finally breaking them apart.
If dark and psychologically disturbing themes are of interest then it will be a viewing experience unlike any other, it’s a bit more to it than just “shit”, literally.

Lovecraftian Horror gone mad.

You read that right, it’s the Necronomicon and that translates to Lovecraft, an unlikely pairing with anime but it’s not so in the early days of visual novels and manga. For many the combination of tentacles and anime seem like an easy fit so therefore it wouldn’t be too hard to imagine that Cthulhu would be added but this, however, this series doesn’t feature that, instead this is a suspenseful murder mystery, albeit with a heavy touch of horror and gore, lots and lots of gore.
As an adaptation of a cult Visual Novel, it's well balanced in terms of it's screenwriting ... to condense a ten-hour game into a two-hour series but it works really smoothly and doesn't feel rushed which is quite an achievement, with everything that transpires, large cast of characters and exotic locations. For foreign viewers it has the mood of a late 90's B-film that one would watch on cable with its focus on a lot of exploitative and sensational topics, paganism, BDSM, human experimentation, necrophilia, World War two, zombies and conspiracies.
It’s Lovecraftian references are spread throughout but furthermore taken to a much more erotic and violent degree. Since the theme of erotica was a very foreign and abstract concept for H.P Lovecraft himself, and since this is a work intended for adults. However, it doesn’t skip on trying to make certain erotic scenes uncomfortable since guro is found in this title.

Characters
A series like this is nothing without a great cast and a solid protagonist, Satoshi Suzusaki, that holds the viewers interest and gaze. With a dubious reference to Yusaku Matsuda from Tantei Monogatari, a detective series from the 70's, in a brooding, smoker, neo-noir kind of way. An attractive man with a sleek physique, beard, long hair, chic suit and enigmatic air around him, completed with a no-nonsense attitude but more in the sense that he will use his wits rather than force to obtain information. His adoptive daughter Asuka is a fashionable, elegant tsundere who works as his confidant and assistant. Clever and always helpful with a cheerful personality, drawn in way that’s very reminiscent of the 90’s style of which it is based on. Sharp lines, a pronounced black pupil, large hair, defined shadow and highlight, which is quite common among the women.
Since it has a rather large cast that would take up too much time to write but suffice to say, they’re well rounded and need to be, since this is a whodunnit.

Visuals
With its gorgeous dark colour palette that fits its theme of isolation and madness, especially the first two episodes who are centred in a closed off space. Bright colours are using sparingly and when they are used they don’t feel warm nor calming, often they’re stark and gives a sense of unease. While its backgrounds are rich and detailed. Be it snow covered mountains, gothic hallways, isolated hotels, mysterious laboratories, old mansions and the aftermaths of brutal ritualistic killings. It’s clear that a lot of effort went into making this an immersive and dark experience. It’s second half takes place in New England and while a lot of time is set during daylight It never feels safe, knowing what’s lurking in the detailed and murky forest that surrounds the small town.
Animation is nicely done. It’s a mystery so don’t expect a lot of gunfights and action, more introspection and detective work. There’s hardly any footage reuse and characters look and feel very distinct from one another. Even the American characters are not all blonde and blue eyed as one would guess. They’re drawn in a semi-realistic style with features that are not as expressive and more subdued, giving a feeling of a rich inner life.

Audio
The score is also something that does deserve a lot of praise. We hear everything from Muslim praying chants, soothing trumpets, low electronica and a sensual saxophone. Its most used instruments are trumpets, piano and synth in the more relaxed sequences. They give the series a little touch of class and don’t feel disjointed with its rather pulpy nature. While being a horror it thankfully doesn’t fixate too much on using a waterphone, but it does show up combined with suspenseful drums, eerie chants, flutes and humming keyboards.
The voice fits all the characters but especially it’s protagonist. Who feels the character steadily riveting paranoia and psychological trauma with a tense ease. Another standout is Mina, a information broker who’s voice carry with it a sense of strong confidence, allure as well as compassion.

Final verdict
It's a good series and not "just for a hentai" but for an anime, it really shows its strength in how it keeps the viewer guessing and building suspense, having lots of twists and turns, and somehow doesn't feel cliched since it has Lovecraft so anchored to its main story. As previously mentioned, it’s filled with violence, gore and twisted sexual imagery that only the director Hideki Takayama (Legend of the Overfiend) and screenwriter Saga Ryou (Night Shift Nurses) could come up with. An underrated gem of both horror and Lovecraft fiction. A real standout and somewhat of a cult classic among certain horror and exploitation fans.

It receives the highest recommendation.

Romance in hell on earth

Following the major success of the first series that was even edited into a film that was shown in festivals around the world a sequel was guaranteed. However, it would take a different approach in scope and further cement its disturbing worldview.

Themes of the horrors of adulthood is still present however it’s presented through the physical change of one’s body. Still, it also deals with loss more so the loss of identity, family and love. Where worlds collide in a literal and thematic sense. When worlds collide, they do so in a fashion that will leave no one with the ... image of who they used to be or who you thought they were. In this sense one could argue that this is the most cynical of all the entries in the old series, but I’m getting ahead of myself here and trying not to spoil too much. This time our main characters are a all a representation of the three realms and their constant state of turmoil against one another.

In my review of the previous series, I mentioned that the demon realm is filled with Faustian demons scheming to manipulate the inquisitive nature of humans, nonetheless here this is done by force. Where Niki’s sense of masculinity and social status were threatened Takeaki is not, he’s threaten by something within and out of his control. The puberty metaphor is heavy handed here with its bulging muscles and toxic masculine sexuality that takes what is wants, regardless of consent. Although this threat can possibly be tamed by the love interest, Megumi Amano, the beast-woman who flaunts her sexuality and dares to be as casual as the men in this franchise. However, she also possesses the enigmatic female orgasm that will later show itself as, as powerful to melt bone and nuclear missiles. She gets thrust into this by her own making and therefore betrays her purpose.
Where her brother Amano Jyaku has a strictly no involvement policy relating to human conflict, Megumi, through her romantic infatuation does so and that might endanger everyone involved. Danger and romance come in the form of Kohoki a lone insectoid demon that was sent to hell, a unspecified place in this universe, for falling in love with her. He’s thorn between his lingering feelings and threat from his master, the villain, Munchausen Jr. A megalomanic wizard with a wardrobe and hairstyle that is as foppish as his presence. In his youth he discovered his nazi adjacent father’s secret diaries and obtained the true knowledge of the three realms and how one might gain the upper hand.
Munchausen Jr is a human but has lost much of his humanity and what’s left is a sardonic view of what humans really are. In a sense it gives the impression of what a God might think of humans and other creatures. That they’re merely insects in the larger scheme of things. However, as he once was a human, he knows what buttons to push, to distort and rearrange the narrative for those who fall under his spell. Kindness and love are weakness, and it can be weaponized. As the one who pulls the strings everyone is fair game, even a God is of no threat.

The Nazi death rape machine is mentioned as something of pure shock value, and I might not argue that it is not but in the world of Urotsukidoji it’s as common as having sex. Where fear and lust intertwine to make the portals to the unknown open.
While not as grand in scope as its predecessor this doesn’t detract further enjoyment. Following the grim and crowded city landscape of Tokyo through a foggy haze that becomes more turbulent as the plot and characters reach their inevitable climax. Buildings almost distort and bend to show how small our characters are in the grand scope of the uncaring universe. Brothels, airports, schools and skyscrapers are bathed in dark and cold colors. Buildings and it’s urban landscape look lived in and give a strong sense of oppression. Graffiti, garbage, smoke, clouds and fire almost reflect inner character turmoil rather than just being presented as realistic.

Loss is present as it’s a symbolic ritual of adulthood through the loss of virginity but this time it’s more straightforward with loss viewed through romance and family. Some might wish to honor their lost family and others might not have the strength to do so. Instead burying inside themselves and try to find comfort in the nostalgic memories of ones shared past and experiences. Even then it might not be enough to move on and another way is too simple just to forget it all, like it never happened.

Some might argue that this doesn’t even take place in the same timeline as the first series but that it’s a separate story entirely which reinforces the cycle of rebirth that is ever-present as a theme in the series. It does cause a headache to try to figure out where it can be placed but I consider it to fall between the first and second episode of the original series.
Just like it’s opening image of a demonic pin-up on a World War 2 bomber it feels like a good representation of raw uncontrollable sexual power. It’s a highly worthy sequel (or interquel) to this infamous franchise that still manages to shock and awe, thirty years later.

Armageddon of tears, tentacles and lazer semen.

It should come to no surprise to anyone that watches anime that Hentai is porn and therefore is to be left in the shadows for pure erotic enjoyment but that is a reductive way of thinking that harms literally anyone who has an interest in anime as something more than a 2D image that turns 3D.

The world of Urotsukidoji is a harsh one where sex and violence are treated as something of a currency instead of being seen as an act of pure love, which is a naive way of viewing the reality that surrounds it's characters. ... As a coming-of-age story it relies upon the tradition of sexuality and navigating a mess of thoughts, desires and outcomes. Which is one of the trademark of anyone who comes in contact with the God that is the Chojin, a lust than can never be fulfilled nor can it be tamed. The world of adulthood is just like that, a mess of contradictions and no easy answer that is black or white. Focusing on a creation myth that explains that the world is young and the hybris of man is it's own Achilles heel since we are actually not alone on this planet. There's the intelligent, brutal but wise Beasts (Juujin) and the perverted, reptilian tricksters known as Demons (Makai) who share this myth that the God above all others will be reborn in the human realm and unite them to a image of his own liking.

The titular Chojin is an illusive figure who is much like a lovecraftian, a reality bending deity who's way of thinking is out of our way of understanding. Reborn in a human male in the midst of puberty is something that might seem like a cliche to the average anime viewer of the present, but back in 1987 this was not. One must remember that this was a very costly production with a talented group of people working to make this seinen manga come true, the early days of VHS made it profitable to make expensive auteur driven projects like this, where the individual tape could cost up to 160 $.
In the UK it ranked among the top 3 of rentals in the 90's and has secured it's place within the older western anime fandom as cult classic and to the general public viewed as "snuff cartoons" thanks to a moral panic that took place. But we're getting ahead of ourselves, the focus on concurring the world of sexual adulthood is a theme that shines through the story, (more so thanks to ever present of phallic imagery that would make Tom of Finland blush).

It's characters are dealing with issues that the typical teen regardless of nationality, gender or class can relate to. Bullying, pregnancy, abuse and the transcendent angst that comes with one's puberty and sexual orientation. Even monsterhood is not limited to demons but to some of the human characters as well in this Darwinian hierarchy, where conflict is rampant, and violence is ever present. Assumptions are faulty and no one is sure of one's understanding of how the world works, instead some seek to change to aid these questions and others want to destroy a new world order to fit their own agenda. Old age is forever scared of the potency of youth.

A work where sex and violence is intermingled is guaranteed to make viewers squeamish and this is exactly what director Hideki Takayama said in an interview. Violence, or sexual violence is nothing new in the world of hentai but as a way of communication, talk is cheap, indeed. Bodies of all genders are mashed together in a soup of grotesque sacrifices. Women especially don't need to have an identity but the same goes for the men, they are merely needed to create life. In the eyes of a God they’re sexual math equations.

As a work of the 80's it's designs are wonderful. Supernatural creatures look like a cross between H.R Gieger, David Cronenberg ,Toho kaiju and a interpretation of norse mythology with a Japanese twist. Ever realm has a distinct feel to it, from the organic and yonic world of the Faustian demons. To the regal and more traditionally fantasy inspired world of the Beasts. It’s a thought-out effort to separate and making them unique to one another.
Being far removed from the world of modern day "moe" it has the look of vague hints of realism. Bodies are animated with a buoyancy that's not common in works of today, erotic or otherwise. Human characters look detailed and doesn’t share the same face nor body. While not as color coded as many typical characters they’re individualistic thanks to their beautiful and tragic personalities. Wether it’s the school idol, the jock or the class clown they’re easy to recognize and relate to, through their insecurities and goals.

It’s muted and gritty colour scheme with focus on a neo-noir look is a benefit for its themes. In an oppressive claustrophobic atmospheric world where nihilism reigns. Especially in the later part of the story where a sense of foreboding urgency is taking place. Gothic and almost a nod to the hellscape paintings of Hieronymous Bosch
It should be of no surprise that it’s animation has stood the test of time. Episode 2 was partially animated by Shaft, but it’s main involvement is from the crew behind Spaceship Yamato (1974) and Gundam ZZ (1986) with supervision from the legendary Eiichi Yamamoto (who famously directed the Osamu Tezuka animerama (1969-1973) film series), gives this series a backbone of resources that wasn’t common and still isn’t common in hentai.
Buildings, humans, creatures and worlds explode in feast of colour, creativity and gruesome smoothness that rivals the quality of Akira (1988). It’s been imitated but never surpassed in terms of quality and size, truly ahead of it’s time and a title that really is something that could never been made today.

A classic in every definition of the word.

" A wonderful premonition that something will happen "

Considering to be the finale of the Ami storyline from the OVA series Cream Lemon (1984-1993) the film follows the same melodramatic mood and theme of the romantic angst between sibling love and the shame that follows in adulthood while being uncertain of one's future.

While Ami in the original series was a tragic but complicated character this time she is trying to move on and forget about everything that has transpired which a welcoming change, since this feels like a movie more so than an extended episode which has a lot more at stake. I ... mentioned the mood and it's pretty steadfast on being open ended with how it handles the theme of incest and it's consequences.

Storywise it's pretty good with it's tension that slowly escalates towards a finale that might seem bittersweet but this is a Cream Lemon story, so bittersweet fits perfectly. There's some J-pop featured throughout that builds on Ami's inner turmoil and it serves it purpose since we're dealing with the heightened emotions of a teenager in a forbidden love affair.
The animation is also a step up from the earliest episodes and it's colors are distant and somewhat cold to further enhance the emotional reality of the protagonist who is distant from everyone and even herself.

Without knowing much about the series and it's storyline I can't really recommend this to anyone expecting to just "get it" since it builds on an already established story but removes the pornographic content. But for those who enjoyed it this comes recommended.

...A young woman runs atop a skyscraper, helicopters and a dozen armed forces are closing in. She has reached the edge and turns, looks vacantly into the distance and jumps with the same expression fixated upon the viewer while falling into the white abyss blow, slowly pink feathers are swirling in the air.

The story does not follow a clear path but from what can gather is that it's somewhere in the 21st century, angelic humanoids are appearing in growing numbers in the stratosphere and their arrival are causing a worldwide sociopolitical conflict with governments asking:

"What do they want ?"

However the most interesting ... question is how do they affect the average person. In the three episodes we are introduced to a variety of Nymphs and their journey on earth. We see and interact with them through a spectrum of emotions and people. Both good and bad. Some gay and straight. Some are abhorrent and tragic while others are joyful and caring.

A lot can be said about the distinct sound design or lack thereof. Focusing early on moans, touch and city soundscape. It's a quiet show with little to no dialogue and sometimes it's a stream of poetic consciousness.
Music is slow electronic beats, hymns, sprints of guitar and piano in the tender lovemaking scenes.

The character designs are breathtakingly beautiful with an ominous air of sadness in their eyes. Sharp attractive colors are used to make them stand out in the gloomy concrete jungle dominated by dark blues and shades of grey.
What makes these Nymphs even more unique and mysterious is that they don't have sex organs, they're all into anal. Which furthers the enigma where do they come from ?

Among Japanese fans the question of what the Nymphs actually represent is divided. Some suggest that it's a critique of isolated Otaku who lust after 2D girls and therefore their genitals don't matter (censoring) and quickly discard them in favor of a newer 2D girls to obsess over. Some might point to it's about how we view female sexually as something to be controlled and likely discarded once the women are too old.
Regardless it's definitely unique in the adult anime landscape where artistic experimentation is very rare.

Nymphs is a challenging piece of fiction since it's not interested in being enjoyed in a traditional sense. It's more an exploration in the same way that you look at abstract art.
It's not for everyone but if you seek something that's uncompromising, story driven, dark and sometimes beautiful then this is for you.

"If you're anxious about being loved. We'll take it step by step" - May Kanou

Coming from the early days of erotic anime Shining May is somewhat lighter and heavier in theme and plot. Centering around the titular character who is trying to break free from her own trauma's and getting ready to enter the entertainment industry as well as her own heart.

Those looking forward to some steamy sex will most likely be disappointing since what's featured here is tender but fairly graphic lovemaking rather than "meat shots" on display, however erotic as it is there are just about enough here for everyone.

That aside ... this is a story about a woman who against many tragic past experiences are still reaching for the stars. It looks and feels like it was in the 80's there's no denying that, but it's animation is very good and although might come across as plain it's nice looking for it's time. Colors are soft pastels and backgrounds likewise. A couple friendly piece of early erotic anime with an emphasis on melodrama and romance.

May looks very much like Tokimatsuri Eve from Megazone 23, which is funny in hindsight.

Hyakki-Yakou: Warashi, meaning Night parade of one hundred demons : Ghost Girl

It's an interesting piece of erotic anime that's quite unique since there's not a lot of erotica that deals with folklore and social commentary. The plot centers around an average young man who for reasons not explicitly told has to move to the countryside. During this process he meets a lonely ghost girl who can't live in urban centers and seeks a wooden house.

While I'm no expert in Japanese mythology I can give an interesting assumption that it's about not losing touch with one's heritage and be aware of seeking empty but quick ... pleasure in the modern life, with an emphasis on online pornography. The supporting characters are all young adults who live in in an unknown metropolitan city but fear the countryside since it's no fun and sexless. While at the same time lamenting the sadness of being young in modern Japan.

The Ghost girl is an interesting character as she travels through the world, cities and the universe in seek of companionship even though it can be hurtful to live with someone it's better than to be alone. Like the others she seeks quick companionship in sex but it's never enough. A beautiful modern fairy tale for adults.

"It's obvious that you are trying to attract the attention of men!"

Soap No Moko-Chan or My Fair Masseuse is certainly trying to attract attention of not just men but women and those who lieth betwixt, since it's a sex positive portrait of sex work with a strong undercurrent of feminist statements regarding those who work in the industry and those who enjoy the service they are provided.

While many works regarding prostitution are viewed as angst ridden or downright dehumanizing this is not. What it is, is an honest exploration of the many issues and mixed messages that sex workers are bombarded with and how ... they navigate to find meaning in their life. From men who view them as "damaged girls with daddy issues" and "property" to other women who look down upon them as "sluts" this show takes such common stigmas and ask the viewer to confront them in an honest and somewhat very realistic but also comedic way.

Moko and her colleagues enjoy and thrive in this industry since it's their choice no matter what assumed talking points are thrown their way and they are very much aware of it themselves and confide in one another to seek guidance and a greater sense of community.

It's definitely a worthwhile trip and comes highly recommended.

With it's opening shot of two trains crossing each other it's very much a good metaphor for what's to come.

Unrequited love and the angst of adulthood. Burdens of not knowing one's emotional needs and honesty of speaking from the heart. Stairs is a melancholic short film that goes deeper into exploring these topics from the perspectives of two childhood friends who are now leaving their youth and their innocent behind.

Aimlessly looking but not looking directy at their own future because reality itself is scary when it doesn't live up to one's expectations. This seems to be the mantra for all the characters involved ... even those who seem like that have figured it all out.This is what makes the characters more believable as humans since they're wrestling with their wants and needs in a more basic way of not really being honest with themselves.

The sex scenes themselves are not overtly pornographic but more distant than joyful.

While the animation isn't very good it's writing is certainly is. Backgrounds are decent to look at and nothing stands out but since this is a slice of life show it doesn't need to try that hard.

Recommended.