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Apr 7, 2021
Manga is literature ~Natsuki
The superiority of quality over quantity is described not only by the story, but even at the meta level, being only 18 chapters, or 16 if not counting the extras. Clear and concise chapters, not necessarily brimming with story or art, but having a perfect balance between positive and negative space; Masterpiece would not be the best term for it, rather a flower blooming just before it wilts, throughout its short life producing an immense amount of beauty. Similarly, through its storytelling, the manga portrays the beauty of simplicity, but beyond that, human connection. In psychology, the Self Determination Theory states that
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humans have the three basic needs of Autonomy, Competence and Relatedness. Without these, humans struggle to stabilise and to the best of their abilities try to rectify the lack thereof, but on the other hand, wouldn't achieving these goals would be the epitome of a human life?
Please read 寿命を買い取ってもらった。一年につき、一万円で。It won't take long, but is worth the while.
Kusunoki x miyagi OTP
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Jan 15, 2021
Nichijou - My Ordinary Life
Nichijou is a show about the daily lives of various people, spliced with segments of additional scenes like Helvetica Standard, Love like, Life of various animals etc. Nichijou is known as one of the greatest anime comedies ever made, but not everyone can appreciate it. For example: If you like Lucky Star, you'll know what I mean. If you don't like Lucky Star, you'll probably also know what I mean. Personally, I enjoyed it immensely, but the only way to find out is to watch the first couple episodes, and if you become hooked, you'll enjoy the rest.
Further Opinions -
Story
Not a
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very clear storyline but it doesn't affect the overall enjoyment of the show. Go soccer was great, and nobody can or will change my mind.
Art
Some might find the artstyle distasteful at first. I went into it not knowing if it would suit my taste. After 26 episodes however, I have also grown to love it. The art style really does have its own charm that few other shows can replicate.
Sound
Whether a peaceful day at Shinonome Laboratory, or having missiles fired at you, Nichijou has music which fits the scene perfectly. Not necessarily emotional, but then again, Nichijou is a comedy and the music is perfect for the show.
Characters
I have grown to like pretty much every single character in Nichijou. Some have even earned a place in my favourite anime characters of all time.
Enjoyment
10/10. Despite its flaws, Jokes that only make sense in Japanese, scenes which dragged on for way too long, Nichijou is a masterpiece. It made me laugh, so it deserves my respect.
Final Verdict
If you love Kyoto Animation, don't miss Nichijou.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Nov 3, 2020
This review will include all 17 episodes.
At first, I thought, "Isn't this just Kimi no na wa, Silver Chariot requiem, etc" with all the body swapping business? But of course, the synopsis is only meant to attract viewers, not entail what actually happens. Just like how Hyouka's introduction is the existence of the Koten-bu, Kokoro Connect starts off with body swapping business. However, much darker and sinister events unfold... (well not really, that's just the hook in my review)
The "personality" of Kokoro Connect is that it is a show about social interactions and relationships between a group of 5 friends. What happens if they are
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forced to be closer than ever, as their secrets hidden within their hearts are revealed?
(I won't go too in depth for the phenomenons since they are spoilers.)
Hito Random - Comedy. There are so many things that could be done, some not necessarily approved by others, and this lead to some laughs. However, starting from just before the second phenomenon occurs, the mood suddenly shifts to one of psychological/drama. What does it mean to be oneself? If a person is defined by their personality, then does changing personality change the person? Well of course not. Then, the body must be the anchor for the identity. However, as we come to see in the first phenomenon, this is no longer the case. Once the club members start thinking about this, they realise they are in deep sh**.
Kizu Random - As the second phenomenon begins, the group recover and perhaps gain a stronger bond, but will this last? The second phenomenon mainly focuses on the troubles of insecurity, and eventually friendships are forced to improve, perhaps at an unnatural pace. All seems well, it's not like anybody is going to die or anything...
Kako Random - This is absolutely shocking. Due to the third phenomenon the characters are able to contact their past and dwell on what could have been. Unnecessarily dramatic for an arc mostly driven by inertia, but it has a satisfying end to it.
Michi Random - This is where it hits different. Our favourite but not really favourite character has been the centre of some internal conflicts, and the group is seemingly about to crumble. However, they didn't get what they wanted, they got what they needed, pep talking. Somehow even more dramatic and my only problem is getting overly tense over an anime. Well, sometimes that's a sign that the characters have a lot of weight.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those anime that leave a void in the heart, like Chuunibyou, Toradora, etc. However, only the first four volumes of the light novel have been adapted, so unlike Hyouka, Monogatari series and other incomplete LN adaptations which end on a relatively satisfying finish, this one just dealt a heavy blow to the kokoro. Not saying I wish I didn't see it, I really did and would recommend.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Sep 5, 2020
This review applies to the entire Chihayafuru series.
In my humble opinion, Chihayafuru does a few things very very well. The first thing that comes to mind is pacing. The pacing in this series was not necessarily perfect, but not far from it. Starting from the very first episode, the hook pulled me right into the world of Karuta.
Even while Chihaya's karuta addiction might start tasting metallic due to its constant repetitive nature, the series still remains interesting due to the constant character development. Every episode is developing character(s) and the way it is done almost lets you relate on a personal level. The end
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of each episode is either a perfectly timed cliffhanger, or a victory which just leaves you feeling immensely satisfied. Think of it as having the excitement of watching sport, but with rehearsed narration and looking like art.
The two aspects of Chihayafuru which could perhaps be improved are sound and art. Firstly, the soundtracks themselves are very good, and despite the repetitive usage of certain soundtracks during intense moments, they still create the desired atmosphere. The only problem is variation. The lack of variation causes you to realise just how repetitive the soundtracks can become, and like any other type of music, listening to it too much takes away the enjoyment.
The art could be better. However, it doesn't have to be. The art is only there to support the story, and the scenery, especially when paired with kana-chan poetry reading, is already very good. It is surprising how quickly you can get used to the uncommon art style.
All in all, very good series, came from ProZD, stayed for smiling glasses boy from Fukui, Karuta Addict and handsome unlucky guy who is actually about my height.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Aug 16, 2020
This review contains spoilers
So, Itou Makoto, the main protagonist, loves a girl, so he is introduced to her by another girl, who also loves him. The basis for a love triangle. However, School Days takes this concept to a new dimension.
The guy who loves the girl is brain dead, but eventually the girl loves the guy more than the guy loves the girl, so then the guy who does not break up with the girl starts liking the other girl who introduced him to the first girl, and then they become a couple, but since nobody knows that he was ever with the first
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girl they think he is with the second girl, and the first girl knows none of this so she keeps insisting she was always with the guy, and this fact gets her into a lot of problems. The guy is now with the second girl, and additionally he has his eyes set on many other girls because he has no self control, so then during a school event a girl who used to go to his middle school confesses to him and they go inside a break room where they do the chakalakalaka but what they don't know is, they were being recorded. So after that a friend of the second girl asks the guy to swear loyalty to the second girl because she needs to leave the country and the second girl will have no friends left, which would make her very sad. The friend also loves the guy, but the first girl finds out and at this point the first girl becomes depressed. So then after cheating on the girl who he cheated on the first girl with multiple times many other girls are interested in him because of his sudden popularity. He thinks everything is going so well but eventually, the second girl finds out he was cheating by seeing the recording, and has had enough so she tells the guy in front of everyone that they did the chakalakalaka without protection which was supposed to make the guy feel sorry for her and stay with her, but the guy decides its not his fault so he keeps doing his thing, and after his act falls apart he meets the first girl so she is not depressed anymore, they go back to his house and the second girl finds out, so then she becomes depressed, which causes her to become even more depressed than the first girl, who says that the first girl was selfish because her friend was the one who liked the guy but she swapped seats with her friend to get closer to the guy, then later introduced the first girl despite herself being in love with said guy. The first girl catches on that the second girl lied about the chakalakalaka and tells her to go to a medical clinic to support her unborn child however the second girl does not do this and her mind by this point is completely broken so she goes to the guy's house and ends him. Afterwards the first girl finds out and tells her to go to the school roof where she brings the corpse of the guy, and accuses the second girl she lied about the child, then proceeds to end the girl, then disproves her lie through makeshift surgery. The first girl who is still in love with the guy takes the guy's head and carries it forever.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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Aug 11, 2020
Monogatari, meaning story. An animated series about stories. What makes it so special?
In Monogatari Series: Second Season, each episode can be summed up as a combination of the following:
- Dialogue
- Dialogue during a phone call
- Rapid screens filled with lines taken from the original novel
- Walking/cycling
- Beatdowns
- Fanservice
- Head tilting
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- Eerie music
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Seems pretty simple, if not mundane. So what makes this series so special? What is so special about these stories, told through dialogue? It's hard to say. Perhaps it's because of the atmosphere it generates. The combination of the right music, the right colour palette, the right word choices, the right pacing and various other factors creates an deep, thoughtful mood within the viewer. To quote CDawgVA, the Monogatari series takes "Show, don't tell" and disregards it completely. The series will make you listen to 20 minutes of dialogue every episode, and it will make you enjoy every bit of it. The way it does this can be attributed to Nisio Isin's conjuration of the Japanese language. However, alongside the intricate use of language, the direction each arc follows is crucially important. I find that the five stages of grief are quite suitable comparisons for each arc, so I will use them as reference.
Nekomonogatari Shiro, The Cat Tale (white part)
This arc explores the fifth stage of grief, Acceptance. In this arc the human expressions of stress and envy are given form, which run amok due to the human weakness of attempting to control them. The lesson learnt from this story is the lesson of accepting oneself, and all of oneself.
Kabukimonogatari, The Tilted Tale
This arc explores the first stage of grief, denial. In this arc an opportunity arises to change history, to realise what could have been. Though destiny does not change easily, the hope of saving a life awakens the inner feeling of denial, to refuse what one receives from life. The lesson learnt from this story is the result of futile denial.
Otorimonogatari, The Decoy Tale
This arc explores the second stage of grief, Anger. In this arc the suppression of anger is burst, and the result is not a desirable one. The actions of one when angered cannot so easily be taken back, and the dangers associated with anger are revealed. The lesson learnt from this story is the danger born from anger.
Onimonogatari, The Demon Tale
This arc explores the fourth stage of grief, Depression. In this arc, the feeling of hopelessness when fate hits you hard in the face is evident. The realisation of what's too come can sometimes be too much, and cause one's stability to collapse. The lesson learnt from this story is the overcoming of depression.
Koimonogatari, The Love Tale
This arc explores the third stage of grief, Bargaining. In this arc the act of bargaining is used greatly. When faced with a difficult, yet not impossible situation one can't help but bargain, and this behaviour is seen in action. The difference between denial and bargaining may be the subtle amounts of acceptance which must be allowed for during a bargain. The lesson learnt from this story is the value of the important things in one's life.
If you have read up to this point, I commend you for your efforts. Whether you haven't started the Monogatari series, plan on watching the Second Season or are already a fan, there is always more detail and analysis that can be done on this masterpiece of a series. Give it a watch, and if you didn't enjoy it, there is something drastically different in your brain which I'll probably never be able to relate to.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Jul 3, 2020
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 6 : Stone Ocean – A Restrospective Reflection
For me, my journey through reading Stone Ocean was much different compared to previous parts. It took much longer for me to finish it as I only read a few chapters at a time. There was little excitement after the completion of each chapter, and the plot was difficult for me to follow. The entire feel was lackluster. Now, most would consider this fair evidence that the manga is not a good read. That was also my first impression right after finishing it, however only now do I realise that perhaps I did not
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pay close enough attention while reading, and should really give it more credit.
Thoughts on Jolyne -
The most important character of any Jojo part is usually the main Jojo. In Part 6, Jolyne, the first female Jojo, is introduced. Jolyne is the daughter of Jotaro Kujo, and begins her story in prison, reminiscent of Jotaro in Part 3. Due to this prison setting, her character development faces a problem, which Jotaro also shared. Looking at Part 4, Josuke is shown to live a normal life as a student, and we can see various aspects of his personality as he encounters enemies, talks to friends and lives his life. This is one of the things which Part 4 does really well, and was probably the addition which increased its popularity above other parts. Jotaro, despite being a 17 year old highschool student, was forced to journey to Egypt all while fighting enemy stand users pretty much on a daily basis. This meant that we couldn’t see various aspects of Jotaro which make up who he is. In Part 4 and Part 6 Jotaro plays different roles, as a supporting character. This meant that we could see what Jotaro is like when not constantly fighting, and these appearances helped readers connect with his character. Unfortunately, Jolyne’s character is faced with the same problem, and even worse, she is in prison, with no friends, no sense of security as well as having the huge task of recovering her father’s memory. Throughout Stone Ocean I felt that the majority of Jolyne’s character was shown through how she deals with her enemies, and little through her relationships with other characters. Even so, her action scenes show us her ingenuity, fighting spirit, and badassery similar to Joseph, Jonathan and Jotaro. Though she does have a unique personality it is quite hard to get a feel of and is somewhat masked by the prison setting.
MAJOR SPOILER ALERT:
Thoughts on Battles
While some battles in Stone Ocean were quite exceptional, for example Underworld, C-Moon, even Marilyn Manson, some were too difficult to understand, or outright stupid. In my opinion these are the battles against Johngalli A, Thunder McQueen, Kenzou, Miu Miu, Ungalo and the final fight against Pucci. I will explain these in detail.
The first main threat to appear is Johngalli A. While appearing to be an important character at first since he is a servant of Dio, after his first and only appearance he dies. This would be fine if he was defeated as a result of Jolyne’s efforts, since during the fight Jolyne and Jotaro were trying to defeat him. However, as the fight progresses it is suddenly revealed that they were unconscious and in a dream. “Waking up from a dream” while being attacked by a strange acid by a completely different stand user simply doesn’t not flow well, hence why I think this fight was written poorly. The fights against Thunder McQueen and Kenzou seemed a bit brute forced with little strategy, although they aren’t even that bad when compared to Ungalo/Bohemian Rhapsody. First, the stand ability is ridiculous. Bohemian Rhapsody has the power to animate fictional characters, as well as pull someone’s fate into the fate of one of the fictional characters. However, an ability this strong could only be countered by PLOT, hence creating a fictional character whose entire purpose would be to counteract the stand would, in fact, counteract the stand. That was just bad writing.
The battle against Miu Miu was quite difficult to follow. The stand ability causes the person affected to lose all long term memory after being attacked, and only keep three pieces of information in their short term memory. While the concept is quite interesting, I still cannot find a logical explanation for how the fight panned out. Jolyne was somehow able to defeat Miu Miu by receiving multiple pieces of information as a single piece, through the use of a mirror to see bullet reflections. This then poses the question, what qualifies as a piece of information? While I could understand King Crimson’s ability, I cannot understand Jailhouse Lock, therefore this battle was bad. Smh.
Finally, the ultimate battle, with 150 chapters leading up to it, was sadly anticlimactic. Compared to the defeat of Yoshikage Kira in Part 4, where multiple characters played their part to contribute towards their victory, or even Dio’s defeat in Part 3, which was mostly a Jotaro one man carry, Made in Heaven basically confused and bewildered Jolyne’s entire group, killed all but Emporio, and restarted the entire universe. Pucci was later then killed by Emporio through one stupid mistake. Think of the fight as Yoshikage Kira team wiping, then tripping and being run over by the ambulance, with none of the action in between. Maybe it was slightly better, and I am exaggerating, but the disappointment is real. Additionally, Made in Heaven’s ability was hardly explained at all, with about one page of explanation and a small diagram. This made the ending extremely confusing and controversial.
Thoughts on the Main Antagonist
Perhaps the most well written character in Stone Ocean is the main antagonist, Enrico Pucci. Part of what makes him a good villain is the way he conducts himself, in a calm and calculated way. Even as a follower of Dio, he is much more than just a pawn. The best part of Pucci, in my opinion, is the backstory. What made Part 5 all the more memorable and enjoyable for me were the backstories for each member of Passione, which enhanced the feel and character for each member. Pucci’s backstory has got to be one of the best in the entire original universe. His ties with Weather Report, Gravity and Dio made him what is described as the worst kind of evil : When one does not even know what they do is evil. His character as well as his incredible stand evolution really help him shine as an incredibly powerful but memorable villain.
Final Word
Stone Ocean pushed the boundaries of Jojo’s beyond what we as readers believed possible, and it was certainly a rough ride to the end. Part 6 had both well and poorly written moments, however given that the series has “Bizarre” in its title one shouldn’t have too many expectations going into it. If you can enjoy the manga for what it is, and not lament on what it could have been, Part 6 is an incredible part and is certainly up to standard with the rest of Jojo’s.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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