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Impz at THAT Animeblog posted a pretty comprehensive list of upcoming anime this fall along with whatever info he could dig up, which is actually quite a lot. I’ve added 5 new anime to my list of anime to watch out -

• ef -a tale of memories
• Ghost Hound
• Dragonaut ~ The Resonance
• Gambling Apocalypse Kaiji
• Shion no Ou - The flowers of Hard Blood

Damn, I seriously hope I have enough time for all these. Add these to my current list of anime to watch out for, I have 11 anime on my list! And this doesn’t even include the list of anime I’m currently watching which you can find in my about page.

Most likely I’ll start dropping off some by the 3rd or fourth episode if they aren’t good enough. But if they’re all good, then I’m probably doomed XD

But still, Shana II is still at the very top of my list and gets the highest priority above the rest

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Earlier posts from this series can be found here:

• Midori no Hibi Episodes Review I: Episode 1 - 4
• Midori no Hibi Episodes Review II: Episode 5 -8

Midori no Hibi

Episode 9: Takki Days

Rating: 7/10

Takamizawa has been haunted by blurred images of Midori in his mind ever since he lost his memories about her. He went crazy trying to remember what those images were and bumped his head on the closet, knocking down a few items that was on it, one of which is a memory card with the words Midori on it. He finally remembers who Midori was after viewing all the photos he had taken before of Midori that was in the memory card.

Seiji came out of the supermarket grumbling about having to eat tofu steak until he receives his allowance when he felt like he was being followed. He quickly turned around and chased after the culprit and sure enough, there was Takamizawa secretly following him and taking pictures of Midori.

Takamizawa explained how he got his memory back and even showed them his new homepage dedicated to Midori. Apparently the homepage was quite popular, with over 500,000 hits already. Seiji was impressed, but at the same time he also went berserk, threatening Takamizawa to close it down. If you asked me, he was a bit overprotective here Why would he care so much when Midori hasn’t even objected to anything yet? On the contrary, Midori seemed to like it.

Takamizawa agreed to close it down, but only if Seiji would help him with some work. He also promised to pay Seiji for it, so Seiji was all for it.

Seiji and Midori ended up at a comic convention, where Takamizawa had a booth waiting to sell Midori dolls. Small demon Midori-chan is my favourite among the bunch XD

Seiji resisted at first but quickly changed his mind when Takamizawa mentioned that he was going to split the profits with him. However, he wasn’t very enthusiastic and no one came over to their booth. Midori then volunteered to help draw attention by pretending to be a doll herself, which proved to be successful as they quickly sold out after that.

The crowd then started to bid in order to buy the final “original” Midori doll left, including a celebrity actor. Of course, it was impossible for Seiji to sell off Midori, and he started saying that Midori is not for sale at any price and that she is precious to him. Touched, the entire crowd applauded him for being such a true doll mania (even a God!?) and took a picture together much to Seiji’s objection.

Now that Seiji has money thanks to his “job”, he happily went to the supermarket once more to buy some real food but was scared away by a creepy looking Takamizawa. Seems that Takamizawa fell in love with someone and wanted Seiji to help him out. Seiji refused but changed his mind again after being persuaded by Midori. He sure changes his mind a lot if you ask me

Much to Seiji and Midori’s surprise, the girl that Takamizawa likes looks exactly like his favourite Marin-chan doll. After some thought, Seiji decided that they need to help Takamizawa to fail in order to protect the poor girl from being victimized by Takamizawa.

Seiji had Takamizawa dressed up like a Yankee-style delinquent, believing that he would scare the girl away. But his plan backfired completely when the girl actually thought Takamizawa looked cool. Seiji decided to use his final resort. He disguised himself as a gang member and approached Takamizawa, hoping to scare him away instead, but to his surprise, Takamizawa stood his ground to protect the girl.

Seiji thought that maybe he was wrong about him and decided that he would lose to Takamizawa. But instead of losing to Takamizawa, Seiji got bashed up badly by the girl, who appears to be an even bigger delinquent that Seiji. Takamizawa realized that the girl was nothing like his beloved Marin-chan and ran away but the girl continued to chase after him.

Episode 10: The Distance Between Hearts

Rating: 8/10

Ayase was invited by her friends for a gokon at a karaoke box, a group date where girls and guys get acquainted. When she arrived she was shocked to see Seiji and his friends there. In order not to let them realize who she was, she put on a hat and glasses to disguise herself. I’m simply amazed that they did not figure out who she really was. Even Seiji thought that Ayase was the type of girl he’d like and got really excited.

Seiji signaled Miyahara who then suggested that they play the King’s game (it’s a game where someone becomes the King and whatever he says must be followed). He randomly called out person A and D (who were actually Seiji and Ayase) and ordered them to eat a chocolate stick from the opposite ends. The idea is after they’re done eating, they would end up kissing each other. Seiji looked real vicious as he chomped down the chocolate stick as quickly as he could, but ended up receiving an uppercut from Ayase as he almost reached his goal.

While walking to school the next day, Seiji was complaining about what had happened yesterday when he suddenly felt that someone was yet again following him from behind. This guy must really have a good sixth sense since Midori’s childhood friend, Kouta, was indeed tailing him secretly.

It’s kinda funny watching Kouta trying to be brave but ended up being more afraid. After school Kouta continued to stalk Seiji and everytime he walks up right behind and tries to speak, he got left behind. But he finally gathered enough courage to speak out louder to get Seiji’s attention.

Kouta tried to convince Seiji to follow him to Midori’s house, but Midori prompted Seiji to refuse. Despite what Kouta says, it’s pretty obvious that he likes Midori, and Seiji could sense it as well especially when he went all red when Seiji asked him about it.

Episode 11: Fated Reunion

Rating: 7/10

Midori stood by the roadside waiting for Seiji to appear. When he finally came around the corner, Midori’s face lightens up but quickly turned gloomy as Seiji continues to walk pass her. She had lost her courage in the last minute again.

Seiji was getting frustrated revising for his exam the next day and suddenly had an idea. He would play a game with Midori and then when he wins, he would have her do the test for him. But he lost 3 times straight in a row and had to do what Midori wants instead.

Midori wanted Seiji to say he likes her, even if he didn’t really mean it. Seiji tried to force himself to say it, but just couldn’t do it and brushed it off for later. It’s interesting to note that he couldn’t say it to Midori for some reason even though he’s done it countless times before with other girls. Perhaps its because he knows that this time Midori really does like him and somehow feels embarrassed and awkward.

Back at Midori’s house, her mother has arranged for monks, shamans, and the likes to try and wake up Midori. Kouta was against the idea, but Midori’s mother said she would try anything at this point.

Ayase once again comes up with a new plan to win over Seiji, the “lovely note proposal” plan. She was planning to give Seiji her notes for the exam on a notebook decorated with hearts. Unfortunately, Seiji didn’t even take notice of what she was really trying to do and her plan failed once more.

Kouta, inspired by Midori’s mother’s words, decided to try to convince Seiji once more to try and wake Midori. He bumped into a group of delinquents outside Seiji’s school. He mistook them for Seiji’s friends and said some stuff which he really shouldn’t have said and ended up getting dragged away by them. Kouta really has a wild imagination and a big mouth for such a small boy for his own good.

On the way back from school, Seiji walked pass the fountain that was a special place for Midori. Midori started to recall the last time they were there and said she wished they could stay like that forever. Seiji replied that they could come anytime, which left Midori very happy.

Seiji went to his usual place for lunch. He started to complain that the service was slow when his food finally arrived but quickly become all lovey-lovey when he saw how cute the waitress was.

Seiji turned all lovey-lovey when he saw the cute waitress…

Just as Seiji began to dig in, Miyahara came and told Seiji about Kouta, he quickly took off to their hideout, which is an abandoned bowling alley that’s pretty much in ruins. Seriously, I can’t stand Kouta and the way he talks. Someone needs to beat some sense into the boy. Luckily for me, the delinquents put a tape over his mouth which stopped him from speaking.

Seiji appeared and took off the tape (nuuu!!! why’d you do that!?) and started to fight the delinquents. This bunch seems to be tougher as they were able to stand Seiji’s punches and even pushed him across the lanes. Kouta tried to help but was pushed down instead, knocking his head in the process. Midori couldn’t take it anymore and took up a nearby bowling pin and helped Seiji take care of the delinquents. After the fight was over, Kouta saw Midori on Seiji’s right hand while he was still dazed from the fall and fainted right after.

Click here to get Midori no Hibi DVD Box Set

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Lucky Star’s final episode has already been shown in Japan and fans were treated with a full animated version of Lucky Star’s opening theme, Motteke! Sailor Fuku. Somehow I just knew this would happen sooner or later. Motteke! Sailor Fuku is like the new Hare Hare Yukai.

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Been stuck playing Luminous Arc on my DS this week instead of watching anime

Naruto Shippuuden Episode 28

History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi Episode 47

Lucky Star Episode 20

Naruto Shippuuden

Episode 28: The Resurrected Beasts

Rating: 6/10

An entire episode of Team Gai vs Evil Twins madness. Nothing really exciting happens here. Even the way they finally figured out how to defeat their clones was… lame to say the least. No Naruto Shippuuden next week, but we’ll have a one-hour special the week after that. From the preview it seems like the rescue Gaara arc is coming to an end.

History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi

Episode 47: The genius’s weak point! Hard work overcomes talent!

Rating: 8/10

A showdown between my favourite former 6th Fist, Hermit and the 2nd Fist Berserker. When Kenichi heard that Berserker had taken out most of the Shinpaku Alliance, he charged at Berserker, but was interrupted by Hermit. He told Kenichi to stay out of his fight, and that Kenichi’s true opponent was the 1st Fist, Odin.

The battle between Hermit and Berserker was a battle between a true martial artist and a street fighter. Both had talents to begin with, but it was Hermit’s extra effort and dedication in his training that gave him the edge in the end. Although he struggled at first, Hermit totally owned the match towards the end. Berserker was no match at all against the former 6th Fist.

Odin is now the only Fist left and its finally time for the re-match between him and Kenichi.

Lucky Star

Episode 20: How to Spend Summer

Rating: 8/10

Konata starts off by going on about how you would never be able to get the figurines you want if you do not shake and weight the box and try to tell from there, and how professionals are able to find the rare cards and secret figures among the many boxes.

In school, Konata went on about how otaku guys prefers otaku girls especially on forums but you never hear about otaku girls preferring otaku guys.

At dinner a fly came buzzing around Konata which pissed her off. As she was complaining, her father mentioned about Miyamoto Musashi who had could catch flies with chopsticks. Konata’s reaction was that she feels sick that someone would actually do that with eating utensils. Strangely enough (or not), that was my exact thoughts when Soujirou said that lol!

After dinner it was the mosquitoes that came out to bug the Izumi family. Konata showed off her mosquito smacking skills which I’m sure is some reference to something… I have no idea what, though. Soujirou then demonstrated how you can trap a mosquito on your arm by clenching your arm muscles when a mosquito lands. And if you clench it even harder, the mosquito would explode. However, as Konata points out, he has already been bitten… So, there’s really no point to it is there. I wouldn’t even bother to try…

The Hiiragi twins visited Konata during the weekends and while Konata was playing a H-game as usual, Kagami started asking some questions such as why the main character is so unconditionally popular and why all the cute girls in the game are never attached. Now, wouldn’t we all like to know the answers to those…

Cousin Yui came over to visit Yutaka and every time she goes into Konata’s room she’s either playing games or reading manga. Yui commented that Konata never seems to do any studying but Konata tried to counter that by saying Yui always pops in whenever she is taking a break, which really just means that she takes a lot of breaks. Hm.. now that’s something I can easily relate to… happens to me at least a few times a week XD

Miyuki was spotted sighing to herself during one summer class that prompted Tsukasa to ask her what’s wrong. As usual, it had something to do with dentist appointments. How many times does this girl needs to go to see the dentist anyway!? Well.. maybe not that often, if she would stop running away at the last moment. Tsukasa mentions how parents usually gets too involved when you ask them for help in doing projects and they end up completing the whole thing for you. She even won a prize because of that and her dad was happy about it, although Kagami noted that parents would normally be angry about it.

OMG, Haruhi commercial! Is it just me or are her boobs bigger and bouncier in here? Hm…

Konata tells Kagami through the phone that she plans to start her homework early during the holidays instead of rushing everything when school is about to start. So she tells her that she’ll be coming over about once a week, starting tomorrow. Kagami should have seen that one coming.

After the first session with Konata and Tsukasa, Kagami went to Ayano’s place with Misao. Misao brought some ice-cream and told the others to choose first. Then she wondered why is it that you always end up wanting something that another person took. Misao mentioned how she was inspired to go for Tokyo U. after reading a manga (Love Hina?) but Kagami shot her dream down with no mercy.

The following gathering was at Konata’s place. Yutaka came into the room asking for some advice. Her friend from middle school had just got a boyfriend and was wondering what to get him for his birthday. I just couldn’t stop laughing at the expression the 3 older girls was making as Yutaka awaits for an answer in the awkward silence.

Konata found out that the festivals near the Hiiragi’s place was already over. Konata was upset because they didn’t tell her about it and Miyuki suggests that they all go to the festivals near her place. At the same time, Yutaka and her friends also happened to be planning to go to the very same festival as well.

The day of the festival came and as the 2 groups went about to meet up with their friends in the area, they finally realized that Miyuki’s neighbour was really Iwasaki and that Miyuki’s friend’s younger cousin was really Yutaka.

During the Lucky Channel segment, Akira seems happier than usual. Minoru is nowhere to be seen since he’s somewhere in Mt. Fuji’s forest and taking his place was Ono Daisuke, famous for his role as Koizumi Itsuki in Suzumiya Haruhi. The conversation about the dog and crow between Akira and Ono was a reference to Air, where both Ono Daisuke and Hiromi Konno (Akira’s seiyuu) had a part in.

Did anyone notice Char Aznable’s mask on the penguin in Konata’s room?

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Earlier posts from this series can be found here:

• Midori no Hibi Episodes Review I: Episode 1 - 4
  

Midori no Hibi

Episode 5: The Power of Love

Rating: 7/10

Seiji was late for school. The gym teacher was already closing the gate when Seiji was approaching. Seiji jumped over the gates and landed one of his foot on the gym teacher’s face before running off to class.

While Seiji was taking a leak in the toilet, the gym teacher knocked the door open and pulled him out so that he could use the toilet instead. Angered, Seiji gave the door a kick, knocking the door off its hinges, falling directly on to the teacher.

During gym class, the students were playing volleyball. One of the smashes hit Takamizawa on the face, and he somewhat faintly recalled about Midori.

Since Seiji couldn’t use his right hand, he had to skip gym classes. The gym teacher, clearly unhappy, made Seiji do push-ups with only his left hand. Back home, Seiji ordered for pizza and took a drink from the fridge. He mistakenly took a bottle of his sister’s sake, got drunk and was knocked out. Midori decided that he would help Seiji with housework while he was unconscious. However, things got out of hand as various people arrived at his house. I seriously pity how Midori drags him around the house lol

Seiji woke up feeling all fine and rested the next morning but Midori fell sick instead. Seiji skipped school to stay at home and take care of Midori the whole day. It seemed that Seiji skipped the next day as well.

Seiji went back to school after Midori recovered and the gym teacher made Seiji do 100 chin-ups on the poll if he wanted to get credits for that class. Seiji managed to do 99 chin-ups with only his left hand but slipped on as he tried to do his hundredth. Luckily for him, Midori went up and grabbed the poll to help him do the final chin-up.

Episode 6: Shiori’s Love Love Battle!

Rating: 7/10

Shiori’s father and step-mother is going on a family outing, but Shiori says she doesn’t want to go because he wants his father, with his newly wed wife, to have some quality time together. And so she went and got Seiji to keep her company for the day instead. It’s quite obvious that the real reason she didn’t want to go along with her parents is because she was being stubborn about her new step-mother.

Ayase caught glimpse of Seiji and Shiori together and started following them from behind, fantasizing about how Seiji might prefer younger girls and getting all worried and flushed. After taking pictures together, Shiori pulled Seiji into the arcade, where Rin happened to be playing a game of mah jong.

Shiori challenged Seiji to a versus game that looked a lot like Street Fighter. Seiji lost easily since he could no longer use his right hand. However, he started giving instructions to Midori that helped level the playing grounds a little, but it wasn’t enough. Just as Shiori was about to give Seiji the finishing blow, Seiji’s character suddenly began attacking ferociously and defeated Shiori. Shiori jumped up to congratulate Seiji, only to find that he was flat on the floor and Rin had taken over his place.

Rin took the opportunity to torture Seiji to coach Shiori on how she can win Seiji’s affection. What surprised me wasn’t the fact that she had a little girl doing all those weird stuffs, but the fact that Shiori actually went along with it! She even got Shiori waiting for Seiji in the bath!

Midori suggested that Rin might be behind it and Seiji immediately went to confront his sister. In a drunken state, she revealed Midori to Shiori, who then fainted. Fortunately, Seiji managed to convince Shiori that she fell unconscious in the bath and she had dreamed the whole thing up.

Shiori’s step-mom came to pick her up but she refused to go back at first. They got into an argument and Shiori finally let out her true feelings. Her step-mom couldn’t take it anymore and gave her a slap for spouting nonsense, and explaining that she really only wanted to get along with Shiori. Shiori finally realized the truth and became much more friendlier with her step-mom.

Ayase finally picked up her courage to invite Seiji for a movie date. Seiji, being oblivious as he is, fell for the oldest trick in the book about her friend who couldn’t make it for the movie.

Episode 7: First Date

Rating: 7/10

Ayase spent the entire night devising a plan for the date that would help her win over Seiji. Seriously, who is she trying to kid?

Her first plan, the “dress well” plan, failed almost immediately.

Her second plan was the “doki-doki cling” plan, where they would go through an extremely crowded street. Ayase would pretend to trip and fall right into Seiji’s arms. Instead someone bumped into her, and she ended up hugging a Colonel Sanders lookalike statue.

Third plan - “Get his heart by clinging” plan. Ayase had memorized all the best times for the 4 screaming opportunities, but apparently Seiji had better timing. The first chance failed because Midori screamed and startled Ayase. The second chance failed too as Seiji bent down to pick up his falling bottle. The third time was another miss with Seiji stretching back yawning. The fourth and final chance was a no-go as well with Seiji sneezing. Even Midori was beginning to feel pity for Ayase.

Ayase tried to touch Seiji’s hands but instead she was touching Midori instead. Seiji began to panic and quickly pulled over the hand of the old man sleeping on Seiji’s left side and put it over Ayase’s hand so he could pull Midori out.

After the movie, Ayase invited Seiji for dinner and he agreed. But before they head to Ayase’s place, she wanted to do some shopping first - for some new swimming suits. Too bad for her that Seiji rather fill his stomach first rather than watching Ayase putting on different swimsuits.

They were walking through the park on the way to her house when she turned around just in time for the lights to come on, a truly romantic scene indeed… if she didn’t freak out when Seiji pointed out a bug on her shoulder.

In the end, she decided to use her final strategy. Her “You must take responsibility” plan is to tempt Seiji to peek while she’s taking a bath and having him to “take responsibility” over what he’s done. Seiji walked up to the bathroom door as she hoped, but instead of opening it, he told Ayase that he’s smelt something burning. Ayase had completely forgotten about the dinner on the stove and quickly ran out of the bathroom without putting anything on, saw Seiji outside and fainted.

By the time she regained consciousness, Seiji had already left. He left a note saying he’s eaten and left, and told Ayase not to overwork herself. Ayase went all red when she realized she wasn’t wearing anything before and now she’s wearing her clothes. HmMmMm…

On the way back, Midori asked Seiji to bring her to a place that’s special to her. Seiji refused at first but after Midori promised to make him some burger when they got back he totally went for it. After all, even Seiji couldn’t eat burnt stew it seems

Episode 8: Right Hand Seiji

Rating: 8/10

Seiji woke up after being called by Midori a few times and when he opened his eyes he saw a giant Midori staring down at him. He had become Midori’s right hand!

Okay, something obviously wasn’t right here. First of all, Midori’s real body should be at her own home. And where was Seiji’s real body if he had become Midori’s right hand? Anyone could easily guess that this was all part of a dream sequence, especially when the same scenario repeated itself later on, but from Midori’s point of view, doing what she feels like instead of what Seiji would rather do like in the previous scenario.

Seiji’s POV:

On their way to buy clothes for Seiji realized how much Midori must have suffered hiding in bandages. At the doll shop, Midori started to have fun by putting on many different costumes on Seiji. While Midori was busy finding new costumes for Seiji, he noticed another guy slipping his phone under Midori’s skirt and taking pictures. He was about to lose it when Takamizawa caught the guy instead. He then realized how helpless and inconvenient it must have been for Midori as his right hand before.

Midori’s POV:

Midori got second thoughts as the door to the shop slide open and she saw it full of guys checking out the dolls and accessories. She started walking away and told Seiji that she would buy some materials and make new clothes for him instead. While they were talking, Iwasaki, a classmate of Midori, came up and literally pulled Midori away for a drink. While Iwasaki was talking about what has been happening lately, Midori realized that time continued to move for everyone even while she was stuck being Seiji’s hand (not that she would really complain actually) and started to cry. Seiji told Midori to go after her friend after she’s left and when Midori ran out of the cafe doors, the alarm rang and both Seiji and Midori woke up.

Back in reality, they both went about the morning as usual, washing up and having breakfast. That night, Midori was acting a bit weird and when Seiji asked about it she mentioned the dream she had. Seiji said he has the same dream, that he also knew some of Midori’s feelings and told her to not be bothered by it.

After Seiji had fell asleep, Midori wondered to herself why she had cried and what she planned on doing by going after Iwasaki. I would probably guess that she subconsciously realized that she can’t stay on as Seiji’s right hand forever and that she actually yearns to return to her normal life, but at the same time, she doesn’t want to leave Seiji’s side.

Click here to get Midori no Hibi DVD

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