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Whenever I read "Nana" from manga-ka Ai Yazawa, I feel suckered into a world that, not only is fantastic, but is completely relatable... She has a knack for producing characters that are flawed, human. And make them likable... One doesn't realize the skill of an author so much when just given one example of their work, and, since I had only read the "Nana" manga (and absolutely love it, despite its flaws) I wasn't able to see just how good Ai Yazawa's pacing and storytelling can be... :)

"Paradise Kiss", an amalgamation of a love for fashion and love in general, is, as a whole, a ... much better body of work than "Nana". It works so much better because the author doesn't go off into tangents all the time. She focuses on the core group of characters, and builds up each of their stories. By the end of the five volumes you are left with a bittersweet, melancholy mood, haunting you long after you close the cover. You're left wondering just what will happen when such-and-such meet at such-and-such musical, or just what everyone will look like at such-and-such time...

Yazawa's art is just as stylish and edgy as in "Nana", but with a higher concentration on fashion and "style". It is a highly emotional story, full of the troubles associated with following your own path in life, and living accordingly. Yet, there is a self-awareness incorporated in it, with characters commenting about their presence in the storyline and whether or not there are enough pages for them. These comedic touches help the readers to not get bogged down in what could just be one angsty read.

Also, the ending is perhaps one of the most realistic endings I have ever read in a manga. Whereas one expects it or wishes for something different, Yazawa captures the conflicting emotions of growing up well. And for this alone I can recommend it to anyone. It's just that, "Paradise Kiss" has many good things to base a recommendation :)

This series encapsulates everything that is right about the slice-of-life genre - honest, character driven situations that one can relate to. Kamichu! manages to do this, and put a smile on your face at the same time. It is simply that good. But it is also more than just this genre.

Kamichu! might not be incredibly flashy, and the pace of the show might put some viewers off. Yet there is a stillness, a gentleness to the story that it is easy to like every single one of its characters. It mixes fantastical elements such as the world of the God's, with the everyday lives ... of a group of junior highschoolers so seemlessly, that it suspends one's disbelief and you find yourself enjoying it.

The elements of Shintoism that permeate the show make it original and interesting, and if you are one of those viewers that wants to learn more about Japan's spiritual values, this might be a good starter for you too.

The animation quality is incredible, and very realistic. Even the lip movements of the characters are very well synchronised with the Japanese dialogue. Also, the backgrounds of the town and the environment are so beautiful, it is like watching animated characters super-imposed on top of real life photography. Even the settings for the world of the Gods' are very well drawn.

Every character is drawn very distinctly from each other. And every one of the God's is individual and original, so that you can recognize them quite easily.

The soundtrack conveys a nostalgic feel, a heartwarming accompaniement to the events of the episodes. For me, every time I hear the opening song, I smile. It is just so happy and cheerful...

Overall, I would recommend this show to those who are tired of watching shows which are pure fanservice or to those who are fans of well paced storylines. Not every episode might be to everyone's taste, but, as a whole, Kamichu! is really great.

If you enjoy learning about Japan's religious views, enjoy watching normal people dealing with sometimes extraordinary circumstances, enjoy watching something relaxing and de-stressful, or you just want to watch something which is heartwarming and charming and even cute... Kamichu! is for you :)