#shinobu nishioka

[2002lust]

Malice@Doll Concept Art

Models by Kaname Aoki at Visual Science Laboratory, 1999

[armzsoup]

Malice@Doll (2001) Poster by Shinobu Nishioka

[aeoki]

Autumn Forest - Chapter 1

Location: Yumenosaki Garden Terrace Characters: Shinobu & Nazuna Season: Autumn Writer: Maiko Nishioka

TL Note:

Marron is the French word for “chestnut” and “brown”.

Shinobu: Heheheheh~♪ Gotta hurry~♪

Ah, Anzu-dono~ Anzu-dono~☆ What a coincidence to meet you here!

What’re you going here at the garden terrace? Hm? Why aren’t you saying anything?

Did you come here to have a meal perhaps?

They say autumn is the best season to eat, so you still feel hungry after having a meal, right?

Yeah, I understand~ I can eat a lot more than usual in autumn too.

Hm? What’s wrong, Anzu-dono? Why do you look upset? Did I say something strange?

Hmm? I’m making it sound like you’re a big eater, so you’re wondering whether you should get angry at me or not…?

What!? I-I didn’t mean that at all! It was simply just a guess! Have mercy, Anzu-dono~

You’ll forgive me? Ahh~ thank goodness. You’re scary when you’re angry, Anzu-dono!

Hmm? You’re asking me what’s with the cage I’m holding?

Hehehe ♪ I’ve been asked to take care of a cute squirrel a moment ago!

Someone Yuuta-kun and Hinata-kun knows is going on a trip and they asked both of them to take care of it.

But they’ve got a cat at home, so they were looking for someone else to take care of it instead.

Yuuta-kun helped me out in a lesson before.

And well… w-we’re friends! I wanted to help him too so I asked if I could!

Whaa, why’re you patting my head, Anzu-dono?

I’m happy but I also feel embarrassed~ I’d prefer if you pet the squirrel instead.

You don’t see the squirrel, you say? It’s playing hide and seek instead the cage right now. It’s not familiar with its surroundings so it’s not coming out.

Being shy when it comes to others and new places is just like me ♪ I also find it difficult to be comfortable right away.

Do you want to take a look? You can take off the roof of this little house here and look inside.

Then, please excuse me…☆

Anzu-dono, look, look~♪ The squirrel has covered itself with grass~♪

It looks so fluffy and cute~ I have pet frogs but squirrels are nice too.

You want to know the squirrel’s name? Umm, it’s Marron[*] if I remember correctly. It certainly looks like a chestnut since it’s brown and round ♪

Ah, Maron is looking at us with its big eyes. There, there…

Whaa!? I tried to pat its head but it started being a little aggressive~ W-We’re not scary people~...

Uuu… It’s still like that and hasn’t let its guard down at all…

Anzu-dono, could you hold this cage for me? I want to look something up on my phone.

…”Squirrel” “aggressive”. Oh, something came up. Hmm…

“Squirrels are easily frightened. Some of them still retain their wild instincts, but they’re relatively friendly creatures.”

“They can easily grow fond of people if you spend a lot of time with them from a young age and give them as little stress as possible”...?

There’s no way I can do that~ Marron isn’t a baby squirrel.

Anzu-dono, what should I do…? I wouldn’t be able to take proper care of it at this rate.

And it’ll use up a lot of its energy if it’s afraid of me, so I feel sorry for it…

Hm? Have I gotten any sort of advice from Yuuta-kun and Hinata-kun?

Now that I remember, I got a note from the owner! I think I put it in my pocket… found it.

Hmm… it seems you have to get it to be familiar with you so that it can feel safe.

Squirrels are super curious creatures, so it looks like they’ll approach us themselves.

But how would I do that? I tried to pet it and it didn’t like that at all…

Hmm. All that’s left are basic instructions on how to take care of it.

Hm? What is it, Anzu-dono?

Hmm… It’s true I have pet frogs at home, but taking care of a squirrel is totally different~ I think of them more like my friends rather than pets.

Momocchi and Thunder have spent a lot of time with me so they won’t treat me with aggression…

I have no idea what I can do… Is there someone who has a pet squirrel? I could ask them for advice if someone like that exists.

Woah!? What’s wrong, Anzu-dono? You suddenly grabbed my arm. Huh? You have a good idea?

Whaa! Please don’t pull my arm so much. Where are you planning on taking me~!?

[ Location: Grower Barn ]

Shinobu: *Pant, wheeze…* Anzu-dono, please wait… I’m not the athletic type of ninja…

Hm? We’re here? …This is the grower barn. Why are we here?

Nazuna: Oh? Shinobun and Anzu? What’re you guys doing here?

Shinobu: Nito-dono! I was brought here by Anzu. I could ask you the same thing, Nito-dono.

Nazuna: I come to see how the rabbits are doing from time to time.

Shinobu: Even though you’re not on duty?

Nazuna: Yeah. Sometimes the animals don’t feel comfortable when you’re on duty. I’ve got a rabbit at home so I can usually tell if they’ve undergone any slight changes~

Shinobu: I see. That’s amazing, Nito-dono – You’re always looking out for me and to think you’re also taking care of the rabbits too. You’re a true upperclassman ♪

Nazuna: Heheh ♪ Of course, I am~!

By the way, what’s with the cage that you’re holding? Are you getting a pet?

Shinobu: Oh, this is a squirrel’s cage.

Nazuna: Squirrel? Hm? What’s wrong, Anzu?

You want me to give Shinobu some advice? Uh, what kinda advice?

Next Chapter →

[twilightmalachite]

Big Ocean - Those Who Throw Away and Those Who Pick Up 2

Author: Nishioka Maiko (with Akira)

Characters: Yuuta, Shinobu, Koga, Adonis

Translator: Mika Enstars

"But… Put me against Shinobu-kun, and it just crumbles to dust. Ahh, it’s like that guy has some sort of receptive power…"

Season: Winter

Location: In Front of Yumenosaki Academy Auditorium

Shinobu: Hoh… Hah…!

Yuuta: Oooh~! Clapclapclap☆ Amazing, Shinobu-kun~! Every one of your kunai hit the bullseye! And you hit every target too!

Hm. Guess you could say they’re all out of their misery, eh?[1]

Shinobu: Wha! When were you here, Yuuta-kun!? I didn’t notice at all de gozaru! Why didn’t you say something?

Yuuta: I came out here thinking to get some fresh air, that's all.

But I couldn’t help but watch you throw your kunai so skillfully , so I missed my chance to call out to you.

Shinobu: Ehehe. ♪ I can’t help but feel embarrassed when you put it like that.

Ah! Are you here to join me today, Yuuta-kun!?

Yuuta: Ummm~, I’m not sure about today. I was thinking to head to the clubroom after this.

Shinobu: Is that so, de gozaru~. How disappointing…

Yuuta: Speaking of, I heard from Aniki that starting this year onwards, a White Chocolat Fes will be held instead of the Repayment Fes.

Shinobu: Ahh, that’s correct. I’m afraid I can’t say many details yet since we’re still working through some concerns, though.

We put an announcement about it, even if just to give a heads up…

It’s just a notice, but it’s caught a lot of attention and there’s been rumors circulating.

About how from this year forward, the White Chocolat Fes will be replacing the Repayment Fes.

Yuuta: That’s what's apparent given the dates posted on the schedule. With just that and no details, of course all kinds of speculation will be thrown around.

Shinobu: Ahaha… Seems so. A lot of people have been dropping by the student council just to check.

Yuuta: My Aniki included.

Shinobu: I don’t mind the questions, but it’s not all that much to it. It’s just a change in direction back to the original concept.

So I end up at a loss for a response… But well, there’s not much I can do about the fact lot’s of people have strong feelings towards Repayment Fes.

Yuuta: That’s right.

Shinobu: Were you also hoping for a Repayment Festival, Yuuta-kun?

Yuuta: …I wonder.

I was hoping for it, but… I was a little… scared.

Shinobu: Hm? A little what? I couldn’t make out what you were saying over the wind.

Yuuta: Ah, just that I was a little disappointed! Well, I’m gonna head to the clubroom. Good luck with your training~! ☆

Shinobu: Ah, yes! Thanks!

Location: Yumenosaki Hallway

Yuuta: Uu~, that was a close call… I know it’s been easier for my facade to fall these days under just normal circumstances as of late, but… Put me against Shinobu-kun, and it just crumbles to dust.

Ahh, it’s like that guy has some sort of receptive power…

Maybe it’s ‘cuz he looks cute, like a small animal that can easily slip into your pocket… (grumbling)

Koga: Hah!? Are you for fucking real!? There’s no Repayment Fes!?

Yuuta: …Hm? Those voices… Oogami-senpai and Otogari-senpai?

…… (peeks inside)

Yuuta: (I was right. Both of them are participating in club activities today. Though, is Oogami-senpai talking about the Repayment Fes too?)

(Shinobu did mention that earlier… That it’s been spreading like a rumor.)

Location: Yumenosaki Light Music Club Room

Adonis: —Yeah. I heard from a classmate.

There appears to be a notice for a White Chocolat Fes posted on the school bulletin rather than for Repayment Fes.

There’s no details out yet, but considering the timing, it appears there won’t be a Repayment Fes held this year.

Koga: “White Chocolat Fes”? Sure makes the vent sound like a sweet one, doesn’t it, fuckin’ Forehead!

Adonis: I don’t think it was something done on Isara’s own accord…

Koga: Tch, I know that. I’m try’na say he should stand his ass up and do somethin’ about it!

Adonis: It just makes me feel bad for Isara for being stuck in such a dilemma. Either way, I’m sure the change was made for a good reason.

Koga: Gh… ‘Kay, ‘kay, fine, I’m soooorry. I just got worked up!

But hey, it’s hard for me to swallow for all sorts of reasons, I can’t help it.

Adonis: Well, I can certainly understand your feelings… Fufu.

Koga: Hah? What’re you laughin’ at?

Adonis: So you want to be sent off by your juniors, huh? It’s unexpected. You have a cute side, Oogami.

Koga: Gyaaah! That’s not it, okay!!

Adonis: ? Is there another reason?

Koga: ……

← prev | story directory | next →

The “ku” (苦) and “nai” (無) in kunai means “suffering” and “none” respectively.

[crownconstellation]

taking the essay out of the tags because while this is very much not that deep (as it’s just a silly little normalcy poll), i do think there’s a lot to be said that needs reframing, reevaluating, and contextualising regarding fan view as a whole of Mayoi and his writing in a way that factors in real-world biases involved in his portrayal.

certainly, he has his issues with how he conducts himself due to his lack of general interaction with others. that's fair. he scuttles around vents & hides around the ES building, yeah sure. but honestly? that’s not too far off from, say, Shinobu’s scaling buildings as ninja training, or Sora’s parkour activities (especially considering Sora has access to one of Mayoi’s hiding spots), on the normalcy scale.

what else can be considered "abnormal" about him, though... see, the thing about Enstars is that it often portrays things — issues, illnesses, specific character backgrounds — with intent, but without care or research; they love taking things and making a joke out of them in some way. this is evident in many, MANY characters’ writing, and Mayoi is a noticeable example.

how odd he comes across is that he is portrayed as much worse than he is for the sake of a joke at his expense, and this joke is untangleable from both ableism and racism in-writing. this is particularly & primarily evident in 1. moreso earlier !! writing and 2. Akira-involved writing specifically, as this issue comes across primarily in stories he’s involved in writing (in particular, early idol stories, !! Main Story, & Motor Show, with the one main exception i can think of to the Akira rule being January 2021’s White Lilies by Nishioka Maiko). the other writers (particularly Yuumasu, though Kinosei [when not assisted by Akira] is also generally quite good in how he treats him) tend to be far kinder regarding how they write Mayoi (ex. Illusory Noctilucence, Dead End Land, & both his FS1 + 2), & in more recent stories there have been generally few jokes at his expense, with VS. Gourmet being a notable example because i was very, very worried to see him in that at first only for it to portray him generally well. (the worst it gets is him getting kicked by Ritsu [who is a good friend of his otherwise?] for patting Raika on the head. For some reason. their interactions are quite fine otherwise. Mayoi is treated normally.)

(the kick. VS. Gourmet - Praise of Delicious Flavours, Chapter 4. TLed by 310mc.)

vs. their main set of interactions:

(VS. Gourmet - Flood of Customers, Chapter 2. TLed by 310mc.)

(VS. Gourmet - Flood of Customers, Chapter 3. TLed by 310mc.)

VGM was good for Mayoi. just wanted to share & compare.

but as for what i mean when i say the joke at his expense is untangleable from bigotry in-writing.... let's get further into that.

the ableism is an obvious one— Mayoi is deeply and horrifically anxious and is one of the series’ more outspoken portrayals of any sort of disorder or mental issue. he also seems to canonically experience intrusive thoughts— however, these are generally not portrayed well for the above reason of “with intent, but without care or research.”

as suggested in his bio and how these are portrayed in most early writing, Mayoi's more unsavoury thoughts are treated as "his true thoughts"; this is a very common misconception regarding intrusive thoughts from people who do not understand them and what they are. (personal note: was a psych student. saw this directly in my learnings and from classmates and so am stating this first-hand -- this is a very, very common misconception from people who do not understand or experience them, which is, when combined with an understanding of Enstars' & particularly Akira's writing, what makes me so certain Mayoi is 100% intended to be written as experiencing intrusive thoughts.)

there is one case of it actually being handled correctly, that being his Idol Story 3, which makes it both more certain that intrusive thoughts are the intent and more baffling that he was most commonly written as described above, as Akira does demonstrate Mayoi's facing intrusive thoughts and taking issue with them in a way that acknowledges them as unwanted. One time.

other times, his thought problems and anxiety issues are played up as a joke to make him seem predatory, with the punchline being "he isn't actually, but he sure SEEMS like it, doesn't he?"

as shown in his Idol Story 2.

(both TLs from ES Wiki archive; TLed by 'Holi'.)

he is portrayed weirdly to make people go "haha wow, he's weird!", while both yanking the rug back to go "but ACTUALLY, he's not as bad as he seems!" and also providing that base "but isn't he weird, though?" to cater to people who want to interpret it in that direction. this is not new for Ensemble Stars, considering all of the various kinds of bait this series throws out. Mayoi is nowhere near the only character who deals with this kind of teasing and ambiguity to play to a specific subset of fans while also going "but it's not ACTUALLY like that haha don't worry ^_^" for the base set. but it is prominent for him, and it is deeply frustrating.

one particular example in mind here is an infamous line of his, his Noon - Topic 2 voice line. the drug one.

enclosed below are both the official ENG TL (screenshot taken by me), & the Wiki-provided TL.

i'm not exactly knowledgeable in Japanese, but i did research the character used for 'drug' quite a bit when looking into this. '薬,' Kusuri. First and foremost means 'drug' in a pharmaceutical sense. Medicine. it does have other meanings, such as 'chemical' (re: pottery glazing), or in the slang sense for more recreational drugs. but its primary meaning is 'medicine.'

combined with Mayoi's more formal / polite speaking style (meaning he's not likely to use the more slang-y version), the official TL (despite ENGstars' clunkiness, it does often carry the general sense of things across decently), and the knowledge that Mayoi is a character who is designed to sound far worse than he intends...

he's saying something that can be interpreted like he's doping his friends, when he's moreso putting something like vitamins or medicine in their drinks as his way of taking care of them / expressing his fondness for them. is that a good thing? no, but it does fall in line with his wanting to take care of other people & be seen as reliable + his not really knowing how to express it in a healthy way due to his isolation and anxiety.

on top of this very much being an issue for Mayoi, and regarding my commentary that this has its roots in ableism due to his being one of Enstars' most outspoken portrayals of issues: this specific problem has happened before and he is not the first. this also occurred with Shu back in 2016 when he was first introduced. the character with the canon dissociative disorder who has always been intended & written as having one. one of his very first stories involves him being presented as predatory towards the Ra*bits first years.

(ES wiki archive, Shu Itsuki sub story 'Puppet Sovereign.' TLed by Kotofucius.)

((that second screencap also, with that particular comment about Arashi, circles back to the general point of 'without care,' considering this was written in 2016 before she had been presented officially as a trans character & was still, at that time, being portrayed in a decently uncomfortable and wishy-washy way.))

i will say that this (behaviour portrayed as predatory in some way for the sake of a bit) is, in general, just... a noticeable joke in general in Enstars. Wataru's nickname of 'Masked Pervert'. Ritsu groping Hajime in ! era. how oddly in his interactions with teenagers Rinne is portrayed sometimes. Mao's tic of describing various interactions unnecessarily as 'sexual harassment,' portrayed as recently as Xday. it happens a lot. it just also stands out even more when used with characters who are more outspoken portrayals of various disorders, especially when it's used prominently.

that is the ableism. going into my next point: his issues and worse aspects of his portrayal very much involve writer racism -- specifically, anti-indigenous racism & sentiment.

regarding Mayoi, this is not as directly out-there as the ableism. while hinted at as early as !! Main Story, Mayoi's being indigenous was not directly canonised until the combination of Grand Slam and Blackjack, both 2022 stories.

(Grand Slam - Blue Requiem, Chapter 6. TLed by aeoki)

(Blackjack - Gifts Will Not Arrive, Chapter 10. TLed by aeoki)

(Blackjack - Gifts Will Not Arrive, Chapter 11. TLed by aeoki)

While not confirmed in-game until 2022, it does, however, appear to have been intended from the very start due to the combination of in-story hints (Hiiro & Mayoi feeling familiarity with each other / Mayoi describing Hiiro as having "the same scent," as well as Kanata, who is revealed in the above-shared Grand Slam dialogue that describes his 'sea people' as indigenous to be from the same family lineage as Mayoi, finding him familiar), as well as an on-the-record statement from Akira circa 2020 from this 4gamer interview .

(MTL) AKIRA: Hiiro is the viewpoint character of the story and the first main character, so when I first portrayed him, I was too conscious of not wanting him to be disliked, so I ended up making him a normal person. I added details to him, such as making his speech strange and making his hometown a strange place, even though there was nothing particularly interesting about him. The mysterious hometown setting was originally Mayoi's.

Based on knowledge of the Amagis and what that "hometown" ended up being intended as, as well as the knowledge that Mayoi has been intended to at least run parallel with the Amagis regarding their history due to his and Hiiro's on-the-record finding similarity with each other, this very much offers the possibility that Mayoi was initially specifically intended as being Ainu. This is just a possibility, as the statement is vague & we do not have any indication in any direction past Akira taking this "hometown" plan for Mayoi and using it for the Amagis, but the possibility itself is very, very bad to consider, considering

How the Amagis' indigenous identity & their being implied Ainu is treated, with details such as their having more direct references to the Amagis' culture / heritage (ex. the patterns on their child selves' sprites) scrubbed due to them being considered an offensive portrayal, how barbarically Hiiro & the Amagi village are at-times portrayed (ex. January 2021's White Lilies & The Legend of Ox-Hour, Part B) ... these issues hold true as recently as April 2024, with Matrix - a story surrounded by attempts to criticise anti-indigenous racism (using Aira as a mouthpiece, primarily) while actively contributing to it .

Mayoi's primarily Akira-based portrayal as "seems predatory for the bit."

Again, this is only a possibility — whether it is or isn’t true, the main focus is that Mayoi is, in some way, an indigenous character & has been intended as such from what appears to be the beginning — the early design phase. (nor does this intend to derail from the Amagis’ treatment within canon by mentioning the possibility that it was originally intended to be Mayoi with this background, as they’re the ones with it in the end.)

Whatever the case, the intended background of Mayoi being indigenous certainly makes the way he is portrayed worse.

tldr; i'm not about to say Mayoi is the most normal character in Ensemble Stars. i am, however, saying that people need to take a step back and evaluate the intricacies of his character and the reasonings behind the more bizarre or odd aspects of his charaacter and writing before calling them their little freak (even affectionately), because it ties into writer biases.

he's this. he likes dioramas and singing / dancing and cooking + baking and his incredibly wide friend circle. he is at the end of the day just some guy with bad anxiety that is steadily improving over the course of !! and !!! year. the writing is just really abnormal about him sometimes, which cannot be detached from the biases involved in his character & how he comes across :( please consider this when factoring in why he might be the least normal to you.

*there is no definition of normal for this poll. use whatever metric of ~normal~ to decide your answer

[sorrowmarked]

tag drop part 2!

[maonuis]

[ENG] Prison Breakers - Chapter 5

Proofreader: moricchiichan and ciel 

Original Writer: 西岡麻衣子 (Nishioka Maiko)

Season: Autumn

Characters: Yuuki Makoto, Oogami Koga, Himemiya Tori, Sengoku Shinobu, Ayase Mayoi.

“ Sodom and Gomorrah? What are those? Kaiju? “

Tori: Urgh

(What should I do? I can’t find anyone willing to help me at all! At this rate I’m gonna lose to them…) 

(If only I could get Yuzuru to be my partner; there’s no way we would lose, but this time I can’t ask for his help…)

Shinobu: He~llo? Tori-kun? Thou seemst to be having a lot of trouble checking those papers. Are the matters in question that difficult to deal with?

If there’s anything I can help with, I will gladly lend thee a hand.

Tori: Eh? Ah, no, it’s not that. I was just looking at the details for my next job.

Shinobu: Is that so? I thought it would be something related to the management of the school.

Tori: Even managing the school might be easier than this...

Hm?

Shinobu: ? What’s wrong? Do I have something on my face?

Tori: (Thinking about it… Doesn’t Shinobu have pretty good reflexes? Whenever he does activities with his association or even during Ryuseitai lives, he always does really cool acrobatics.)

(He can move around pretty much the same way as Hinata and Yuuta.)

(Well, he’s not the perfect candidate or anything, but for this game, wouldn’t he be a pretty strong ally…?!)

Hey, Shinobu. Wanna appear with me in a show called Prison Breakers?

Shinobu: Wow! Tori-kun, art thou participating? Uwah~ I’m so jealous! I’ve always wanted to go on that show~

Tori: …! Then…!

Shinobu: But this time, I have a different job on the same day as the recording, so I can’t appear in it... It is truly a pity.

Tori: Eeeh~ What’s up with that… That was my last hope~…

Ugh, what am I gonna do… At this rate I really am gonna lose…

Shinobu: ? Lose? What do you mean?

Tori: Well you see, the thing is―

Shinobu: Mhm, mhm… I see. That’s how it is. So that’s why you are looking for someone who will be your partner…

Tori: yeah, but I can’t find anyone at all. But I guess I should've expected that. In the first place, this was supposed to be an individual game with only one winner…

Is there really no one else who could be nice and cooperate with me? Someone who isn’t that interested in the prize at all, and just wants to win.

Someone who won’t lose to Oogami-senpai and Yuuki-senpai in reflexes, and who is good at hide and seek and tag. Isn’t there anybody like that?

Shinobu: When you list all the qualifications like that, doesn’t it sound a bit unreasonable? It’s going to be really hard to find someone who fits that description.

Hh~m…. Hm hm hm~... Is there anyone I know who meets all those requirements…?

Ah! That’s it, there is one person that has everything you’re asking for!

Tori: Eh, wh-who? I know I’m the one who asked, but I was super sure it would be impossible to find someone!

Shinobu: Hm-hm ♪ He’s someone who’s part of the ninja association with me. His forte is to erase his presence completely, and he has a huge physical potential! He’s someone I can recommend with pride!

And he did sound like he wanted to win, but didn't seem to be interested in the prize money.

Tori: ! He’s perfect then! It’s like he was born to be my partner!

Please, Shinobu! Introduce me to that person immediately!

< A few days later >

< A few days later >

Koga: Aight, four-eyed bean sprout! To get ready for tomorrow's recording, we’re gonna check out all the previous episodes. It’s a strategy meeting! 

Makoto: Let’s see, we have been put on the prisoners’ side, so we should pay attention to stuff like escape methods and hiding locations.

Still, who would’ve thought that the filming location would be Yumenosaki academy~

Koga: Looks like luck’s on my side! I know this school like the back of my hand! We’re gonna get the upper hand, and it’ll be in the bag! ♪

Hm? Who’s that coming over here...?

Tori: Funfufufun~♪ Yay, Ayase-senpai~! We got super ultra lucky that the recording place is in our school! Not only that, but we also got put on the side of justice—the jailers who catch the bad guys!

We have been rea~lly good kids, and the gods have been aware of that.

Mayoi: Eh?! A good kid?! Me?!

No, no! Don’t be absurd, I am made of nothing but wicked and perverted thoughts. Although I won’t deny that God might be watching over me, in the sense that he is waiting to punish me and destroy me with sulfur and fire like he did with Sodom and Gomorrah. [1]

Tori: Sodom and Gomorrah? What are those? Kaiju?

Mayoi: (Whispering) Being so ignorant and pure only makes you even more cute…! It makes me wish to spoil you to no end!

Tori: Eh? Did you say something?

Mayoi: Oh nothing, pay me no mind! it was just silly me, spewing nonsense. It truly does sound like they could be names of some monsters, but they are actually city names.

Either way, rather than me, I think that a good kid like Tori-san would be the one who received God’s blessing… Hm?

Makoto: Oh? Himemiya-kun and Ayase-kun?

Tori: What’s this~? Here I was wondering who it was, but it’s just the two guys that are gonna lose to me―Oogami-senpai and Yuuki-senpai.

Koga: Huuuh? What do you mean by that, pipsqueak?

Tori: Fufu~n. It’s because I found the best ally ever ♪ Sucks for you! 

Makoto: Oh~ so you were able to find someone without problems? Good for you!

Koga: Hey, you! Don’t go acting all chummy with the enemy!

Makoto: So I guess this means that Ayase-kun is Himemiya-kun’s partner.

Mayoi: Ah, yes, even though it’s so very insolent from me, I have been appointed for this important task…

Koga: It don’t matter who your ally is. When it comes to a team battle, teamwork is what makes the difference. Do you think that you can work well with a team made up on the spot like this?

Ya boy here and this glasses sprout have overcome many struggles and challenges together before, yanno?

Makoto: Huh? How strange, I feel like our memories of our time together are completely different.

Tori: Save that kinda stuff for after you win.

Besides, why are you two even here? If you have no business over here then shoo.

We’re about to study the episodes that have aired up ‘til now!

Makoto: Eh…?

[1] From Wikipedia:  were two legendary biblical cities destroyed by God for their wickedness. Their story parallels the Genesis flood narrative in its theme of God's anger provoked by sin.

As an interesting fact, in the japanese text Mayoi says they got destroyed by thunder, but the bible says that they got destroyed by sulfur and fire.

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[recentanimenews]

KAGUYA-SAMA: LOVE IS WAR -Ultra Romantic- Crunchyroll Spring 2022 Spotlight

  More KAGUYA-SAMA: LOVE IS WAR is officially here with the arrival of the hotly-anticipated third season! You'll be able to catch the latest episodes adapting Aka Akasaka's manga of the same name as part of the Crunchyroll Spring 2022 Lineup, so read on for an overview to see what's in store for the romantic comedy series in KAGUYA-SAMA: LOVE IS WAR -Ultra Romantic-. 

  Official Website

      Navigation    

Launch Info 

Official Trailers 

Synopsis    

Characters and Cast    

Staff    

Additional Info

  Launch Info

  Launch Time: April 8

Territories: North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, and CIS

Show Page

  Official Trailers 

    Synopsis

  From a good family? Check! A good personality? Check! Shuchiin Academy is where all these elite students with bright futures flock to. As the two leaders of the student council, Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane have supposedly fallen in love… But after almost half a year, nothing has happened!? They both have too much pride and can’t be honest. Things have gotten troublesome, and they are now caught in a war of "How to get the other to confess their love first." This is a whole new romantic comedy, following an outbreak of cunning warfare between two elite students in love.

  Characters and Cast

  Kaguya Shinomiya

VA: Aoi Koga (Shoko Komi in Komi Can't Communicate)

  Miyuki Shirogane

VA: Makoto Furukawa (Saitama in One-Punch Man)

  Chika Fujiwara 

VA: Konomi Kohara (Chitose Kaginoji in KARAKAI JOZU NO TAKAGI-SAN)

  Yu Ishigami

VA: Ryota Suzuki (Bisco Akaboshi in SABIKUI BISCO)

  Rei Onodera

VA: Yuki Takada (Elma in Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid)

  Miko Iino

VA: Miyu Tomita (Riko in Made in Abyss)

  Ai Hayasaka

VA: Yumiri Hanamori (Nadeshiko Kagamihara in Laid-Back Camp)

  Nagisa Kashiwagi 

VA: Momo Asakura (Iroha Tamaki in Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story)

  Kobachi Osaragi

VA: Rina Hidaka (Milim in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime)

  Narrator

VA: Yutaka Aoyama (Dr. Giovanni in Fire Force)

  Staff

  Original Creator

Aka Akasaka 

  Director 

Mamoru Hatakeyama (Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju)

  Series Composition 

Yasuhiro Nakanishi (Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun)

  Character Designer

Yuko Yahiro (Aharen-san wa Hakarenai)

  Art Director

Risa Wakabayashi

  Sound Director

Jin Aketagawa

  CGI Director

Yuki Kuribayashi

  Color Design

Kanako Hokari

  Editing

Rie Matsubara

  Music

Kei Haneoka

  Opening Theme Song Performer

Masayuki Suzuki

Suu

  Ending Theme Song Performer

Airi Suzuki

  Animation Production

A-1 Pictures

  Additional Info

  In the final days leading up to the premiere of KAGUYA-SAMA: LOVE IS WAR -Ultra Romantic-, the official accounts started sharing countdown illustrations by various members of the anime's staff. Here's how it all went down!

  Day 9 by animation director Satoshi Noma

    Day 8 by animation director Yuichiro Mizutani

    Day 7 from A-1 Pictures Key Animation Department

    Day 6 by chief animation director Koji Akitaka

    Day 5 by director Takayuki Kikuchi 

    Day 4 by chief animation director Tetsuya Kawakami

    Day 3 by key animator and Four Ramen Kings supervisor Shinobu Nishioka

    Day 2 by Animation Director Honoka Yokoyama

    Day 1 by Chief Animation Director Hiroshi Yako

      Day of broadcast art by Character Designer Yuko Yahiro

      -------

Joseph Luster is the Games and Web editor at Otaku USA Magazine. You can read his comics at subhumanzoids. Follow him on Twitter @Moldilox.

By: Joseph Luster

[njotaku]

Top 10 Favorite Males Fall 2016

10. Karasuma Gojou (Girlish Number)

9. Oda Nobunaga (Drifters)

8. Nakajima Shinobu (Poco’s Udon World)

7. Poco (Poco’s Udon World)

6. Souta Tawara (Poco’s Udon World)

5. Kirayama Rei (March come’s in like a Lion)

4. Higashida Daisuke (WWW.Working!!)

3. Nishioka Masashi (Fune Wo Amu)

2. Majime Mitsuya (Fune Wo Amu)

1. Toyohisa Shimazu (Drifters)

[eirinthings]

Book of the Atlantic poster art by Shinobu Nishioka.

[skyewatchesthings]

Magic Knight Rayearth: Episode 46

Episode 46: "Hikaru in Shock: The Truth About Nova!" Before watching this episode, on a scale of 1-10, how much are you looking forward to seeing it again? 6.

Favorite screencap:

Mokona: 'Yeaaaaah I've got no time to deal with you.'

Way to go Ascot! Yay for being mature!

Least favorite moment:

:(

What's one thing you noticed/realized about this episode that you hadn't before?

Wait, wait, wait. You wait until the last 4 episodes to give the girls the new spells Clef hinted at at the very beginning of the season?? Way to go animation staff. :|

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate this episode? 6. Celebrate it! Keeping with the tradition of my DC Rewatch Project, here's a haiku. Cephiro crumbles

At an even faster rate

Who is the pillar?

Next Episode: Episode 47

Previous Episode: Episode 45

Magic Knight Rayearth is licensed by Discotek Media; please support the official release!

[hyenahunt]

Werewolf - 2

Writer: Nishioka Maiko

Season: Summer

Proofreading: 310mc (JP)

Translation: Bella & hyenahunt

Rinne: You ain’t talked at all, Sazamin. Ain’t that sus? You tryin’ to keep somethin’ from us?

[Location: Seisou Hall Common Room]

Sora: (Hehe ♪ Dazzling-oniisan and Shinobu-chan are the werewolves this time, huh~?

Yuu-chan’s the seer, and Master’s the medium.

As for Ei-chan senpai, Jun-chan-senpai, aaand Gambler-oniisan —

—they're all villagers. Sora’s got a good grasp on the situation!

This is gonna be an interesting game, huh~♪ Sora’s looking forward to it!)

Is everyone ready~?

Morning's come~. Please start!

Natsume: AlRIGHT. Tenshouin-senpai — or rather, the old fart is a wereWOLF. Everyone, vote to hang HIM...♪

Shinobu: Wha!? That's how you're going to start things off!?

Eichi: I object, Sakasaki-kun. Not only to the name you gave me, but even more importantly — why decide I'm a werewolf without any investigation whatsoever?

I’d like to hear your grounds for accusation, at the very least.

Natsume: Because I say you ARE? As you’re the worst person HERE, you old FART.

Eichi: How heartless. I’m a genuine law-abiding villager, you know? Hanging me would do nothing but put the villager faction at a disadvantage.

Shinobu: C-Could the two of you hold on for just a moment...

Yuta: Sakasaki-senpai and Tenshouin-senpai, please calm down!

Shinobu: (Yuuta-kun...! That's Yuuta-kun for you, coming to the rescue. The game can't keep going like this, so those two have got to be stopped!)

Yuta: I mean, if we're doing this based on sheer villain vibes, then a certain someone fits the bill even more. Isn't that right, Rinne-senpai? So yeah, let's all vote him out ♪

Shinobu: You too, Yuuta-kun!?

Jun: Both of your grudges are seriously on full display, huh. This ain't even a game anymore.

Rinne: Hold up, don’t just go decidin’ shit on your own! Ya boy’s one of them goody-two-shoe villagers too, yanno!?

Y'know, with the way he's makin' such a fuss to get me, a villager, hanged… Maybe Yuta-kun's actually the werewolf here.

Yuta: I'm a villager, alright! I swear to God I really am!

Rinne: I don’t trust a single thing that comes outta that mouth of yours. All you gotta do is change one li’l thing and your name gets pretty damn close to Judas, don’t it? [1]

Yuta: Excuse me!? My name's Yu-u-ta! And for the record, it's a tall order asking anyone to trust you!

Hiyori: Say, Jun-kun? Is the game supposed to play out like this?

Jun: Not in the slightest.

Hiyori: Hmm, that so?

Alright, I'd like everyone to stop and listen to me! At this rate, we're not going to get anywhere, are we? First of all, why don't we come out with our various roles?

For your information, I'm an innocent villager of the highest social standing, of course!

Eichi: Well, it’s just as Hiyori-kun says — senseless arguing will only waste time. I don’t have that much to spare, you know?

As for me, I’d like for the seer to reveal himself. We don’t have enough evidence otherwise.

Of course, staying hidden is a viable option, but… we’d simply have to start hanging people at random in that case. That wouldn’t be ideal for either faction, now would it?

Shinobu: Mmm... You've got a point there...

Well, I'll come out with it, then. I got the role of the "seer".

The first villager identity the GM told me was Tenshouin-dono.

Eichi: Fufu. That’s proof enough of my innocence, isn’t it? Too bad.

Natsume: TCH… But we still don’t know whether or not Shinobu-kun’s telling the TRUTH.

Yuta: Huh? W-Wait a minute! I'm the real seer!

And on that note, the villager I learnt of was Sakasaki-senpai.

Natsume: HmMM, well, it is true that I am ONE.

(Heheh. I’m not just a villager THOUGH.

I’m the “medium,” though I have to hide THAT. My very existence spells trouble for the “werewolves” who try to deceive everyone else in this PHASE.

After ALL, I can speak with the DEAD.)

NOW, isn’t that STRANGE? For there to be two “seers” HERE... That is to say: one of you is a sham — a werewolf in sheep’s cloTHING.

Yuta: Seriously~? I'm the real deal, though...

Shinobu: N-No, I am?

Jun: Hm? Speaking of which, aren't any other roles gonna out themselves? I guess it's typical for the "medium" to stay low, huh? I'm a villager, for the record.

Eichi: Ah, I see. With that, all of us have outed ourselves. Now - what shall we do?

Rinne: There’s nothin’ else to do but hang the two seers one after the other, yeah? The real one might bite the dust, but I’m pretty sure we’ll get the werewolf too.

Hiyori: I do wonder about that? As it stands, these two are in a gray zone ready to be hanged at any time. I believe it's worth noting that we could get even more information from actively leaving them alone!

After all, should we choose the wrong one to hang, it'll be a breeze for the werewolves to control the flow of the game.

Rinne: Man, you can think that way all you want, but that just looks like you’re a werewolf protectin’ his packmate, y’know? Hiyori-chan?

Hiyori: I'm fully prepared to be suspected for speaking up, of course. But it's precisely because I'm innocent that I can come out and say all this, you know!

Rinne: Whatever you say. By the way, I’ve been wonderin’ about somethin’...

You ain’t talked at all, Sazamin. Ain’t that sus? You tryin’ to keep somethin’ from us?

Jun: Wha!? You've got the wrong idea, man. I'm just overwhelmed by your combined enthusiasm.

Rinne: Then lemme make it a li’l easier for you. Tell us whatcha got, Sazamin!

Jun: Hmm... I guess I'd agree with Ohii-san here...

It's true that the more info we have, the more likely it'll be for us to get confused in this game, but if we let 'em live I feel like it'll be easier to find the second werewolf as well.

Watching out for who tries to protect each other is gonna prove to be important, I feel.

Hiyori: Yes, yes, Jun-kun. That's exactly it!

Sora: (Haha~♪ Dazzling-oniisan and Shinobu-chan sure are amazing at this, huh~? They’ve got the appearance of being villagers down pat!)

✦✦✦✦✦

Translation Notes: [1]: Rinne’s nickname for Yuuta is Yuta (ユタ), which, upon adding a dakuten to the last syllable, transforms it into Judas (ユダ) of Biblical traitor fame.

✦✦✦✦✦

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[hyenahunt]

Werewolf - 3

Writer: Nishioka Maiko

Season: Summer

Proofreading: 310mc (JP)

Translation: Bella & hyenahunt

Natsume: Just look at Jun-kun. You're leaning against him so much that he's starting to go sideWAYS. Poor THING.

[Location: Seisou Hall Common Room]

Hiyori: You have my utmost thanks for not voting me off! And with that, my victory is decided!

Shinobu: Hooray! Our werewolf team's come out on top~!

Eichi: My, and I thought they were harmless… They certainly pulled the wool over my eyes.

Sora: Haha~, game over! That's a win for the werewolves~♪

Rinne: Dammit… If you hadn't hung me first, we mighta had a chance of winnin'.

Yuta: Excuse me? We all thought hanging you was the safest thing to do, okay? Makes sense, since you're the absolute worst and all. Why're you even so full of yourself to begin with?

Rinne: Damn, kid, ain't it obvious! It's 'cause no one else on the villager side's got smarts and skills like me!

Yuta: Yeah, yeah. Save all that sleeptalk for when you're snug in bed, 'kay~?

Natsume: Good GRIEF… It's that kind of idiotic behavior that cost us the GAME.

I didn't think someone born with a silver spoon in his mouth would be so good at this, THOUGH. I wonder if being rich made him so wickED?

Jun: Right? Ohii-san, that didn't seem like your first time at all.

Hiyori: Heheh ♪ It was an absolute piece of cake~

All the same, it doesn't feel too great to play such a cruel game. A foul weather...

Sora: Cruel…?

Natsume: Big talk from someone who had the time of his life fooling us ALL.

Jun: Is this game really that cruel? Personally, I think it's fun and easy to understand.

Sora: What makes you think that, Dazzling-oniisan? Sora wants to know!

Hiyori: Well I mean, that's it, isn't it? Playing this game requires you to think anything and everything could be a lie. Doubting your own friends is just how you start making progress.

Make a single mistake and you'll be made an example of, and once you are, you have no choice but to be eliminated.

You doubt and deceive your own friends, and despite knowing that one word from you could decide their fate, you up and say it anyway... Isn't that rather cruel?

Natsume: Hmph, how ludiCROUS. It's just a GAME, that’s why we can take it eaSY. Confusing fiction and reality like that is just nonSENSE.

Or WHAT, do you actually think that mystery writers are murderers in real LIFE?

Hiyori: Of course I'm aware of that. That's why I said it doesn't feel too great, but the game itself is fun and all.

This game may be built upon a foundation of cynicism, but I much prefer happier things and the ideal of inherent goodness. Those make a much finer weather ♪

✦✦✦✦✦

[Location: Seisou Hall Dorm Room (Leo, Natsume, Nazuna)]

Jun: I haven't been getting any good cards for a while now~ Every pull you’ve swapped with me has wound up in your favour, huh.

Natsume: Yup, seems like I'm in luck toDAY ♪ I must've taken all of YOURS.

Jun: Seriously~? C'mon, gimme a break.

Ah, my turn's over.

Hiyori: ...Is it just me, or have the two of you been getting closer lately? Natsume-kun. Don't you snatch Jun-kun without my permission, got that?!

Jun: He’s not, though. Even if I was being snatched, why would anyone need your permission for that?

Natsume: You KNOW… You're just barging into my room and saying whatever you LIKE, Tomoe-senpai.

Jun-kun's the one who dropped by and said he wanted to play a game in the first PLACE.

I've got the game he wanted to try so badLY, so I'm just playing with HIM.

Hiyori: In that case, Jun-kun's the naughty one here!

Jun: Why.

Hiyori: It's a beautiful thing to form bonds, but it's no good to wag your tail at just about anyone. You ought to have more dignity!

Natsume: ...AnyWAYS, Tomoe-senpai. Would you please stop trying to squeeze between Jun-kun and I?

There's plenty of room elseWHERE. It's too cramped like THIS.

Hiyori: I simply feel like sitting here, you see. I'm just exercising my freedom of choice ☆

Natsume: Just look at Jun-kun. You're leaning against him so much that he's starting to go sideWAYS. Poor THING.

Jun: I can barely even see the screen since he started this.

He's bored 'cause we're ignoring him, so he's being a pain to get back at us.

Hiyori: Never mind all that. Jun-kun, I'll have you know I'm hungry.

Jun: Geez, ignoring me the moment you don't wanna hear something, huh... Well, that's Ohii-san for you.

So? You're hungry, right? But if you eat at this hour, Ibara's gonna pitch a fit, y'know?

Hiyori: That viper's always spitting his venom everywhere, so I shall simply pay him no heed!

Natsume: Come to think of IT, it's already TEN… I was so absorbed in our game I didn't even noTICE. We've been at it for a WHILE...

Jun: In that case, shall we call it a night soon?

Hiyori: Yes, yes. Now then, Jun-kun, let's be off right away for a late night snack!

✦✦✦✦✦

[Location: Seisou Hall 1st Floor Passage]

Natsume: Then maybe I'll go to the kitchen TOO.

Hiyori: Hm? What's this? Natsume-kun, you're heading for the kitchen, too? Will you have a late snack with us?

Natsume: No WAY. I thought I'd just get something to DRINK.

—Hm?

Sora: ......

Natsume: (There're people outside… Sora and Kaminari-san? Did they just get back from WORK?

It seems like they're in some sort of deep conversaTION…?

I've almost never seen Sora look so seriOUS… It's different from when he's giving his all at WORK. What could have hapPENED…?)

Hiyori: Whatever's the matter, Natsume-kun? Don't just stand there zoning out — I'd like to hurry over to the kitchen at once!

Natsume: (I'm worried, BUT… Well, I'm sure it's FINE. It's probably not a good idea to pry too MUCH.)

I’m coMING.

✦✦✦✦✦

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[recentanimenews]

Kaguya-sama TV Anime Posts Final Daily Countdown Art As -Ultra Romantic- Approaches

  In only a few short hours we'll be thrown back into the love fight between Kaguya and Shirogane and to continue to celebrate the lead up to the third season of the KAGUYA-SAMA: LOVE IS WAR TV anime, the website for the adaptation of Aka Akasaka's manga of the same name has released its final few days of countdown art from the anime team. We looked at the art from days five to nine in a previous post.

  Day 4 by Chief Animation Director Tetsuya Kawakami

  Day 3 by the Four Ramen Kings Supervisor Shinobu Nishioka

    Day 2 by Animation Director Honoka Yokoyama

  Day 1 by Chief Animation Director Hiroshi Yako

  Day of broadcast art by Character Designer Yuko Yahiro

  The third TV anime season, Kaguya-sama: Love Is War -Ultra Romantic- continues the rom-com TV anime series starting April 8 right here on Crunchyroll, with the first two seasons also streaming here. Crunchyroll describes the show as such:

  From a good family? Check! A good personality? Check! Shuchiin Academy is where all these elite students with bright futures flock to. As the two leaders of the student council, Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane have supposedly fallen in love… But after almost half a year, nothing has happened!? They both have too much pride and can’t be honest. Things have gotten troublesome, and they are now caught in a war of "How to get the other to confess their love first." This is a whole new romantic comedy, following an outbreak of cunning warfare between two elite students in love.

  Source: KAGUYA-SAMA official website

  ----

Daryl Harding is a Japan Correspondent for Crunchyroll News. He also runs a YouTube channel about Japan stuff called TheDoctorDazza, tweets at @DoctorDazza, and posts photos of his travels on Instagram. 

By: Daryl Harding

[recentanimenews]

Honey & Clover, City Hunter, and More Come to DVD/BD from Discotek This February

  Start making your 2020 wishlists! Discotek Media has just dropped announcements for six new releases coming to home video this February. The new slate will let you relive the magic of Honey and Clover, start City Hunter from the very beginning, and re-discover other favorites!

    Great Conquest: The Romance of the Three Kingdoms was originally released by Streamline under the title Sankogushi. The new release of the 1992 anime is coming to DVD to the first time, and will feature both subbed and dubbed options, with Pat Morita narrating the English language track.

  The true story of Liu Bei, the father of historical China, Great Conquest: The Romance of Three Kingdoms is a spectacular animated motion picture filled with breathtaking action and captivating intrigue. Set in what was to become imperial China, circa 169 A.D., the story - adapted from the well known historical epic - follows the key characters who would come together to forge a brave new nation out of the flames of chaos and the unrelenting sufferings of the oppressed.

The Great Passage, from noitaminA and originally streamed on Amazon Prime, will journey with viewers through a sea of words. The Blu-Ray will feature all 11 episodes in Japanese with English subtitles.

  Dictionaries are ships which guide people through a sea of words and help us all to understand one another. This is the guiding principle at Genbu Books' Dictionary Editorial Department where they are int he process of creating a brand-new dictionary, "The Great Passage - Daitokari," designed for the modern era.

Just when production is underway, the Chief of the department must retire. Shortly after this news comes down, one of their editors, Masahi Nishioka, runs into a salesman from their company, Mitsuya Majime, while out at one of their vendors. Majime has a real love and appreciation for words, and is invited to join the Editorial Department where he can put his talents to work.

The outgoing Nishioka and Introverted Majime seem like a mismatched pair at first, but form a strong team which play off each other's strengths. It is a years-long journey to create a dictionary from scratch, but together, they may just make it through this "Great Passage: and make "Daitokai" a success.

Kamen no Maid Guy is also on the way, originally (and still) available to stream here on Crunchyroll! The 2008 series from Madhouse will be released in its 12-episode entirety with Japanese language track and English subtitles.

  High school student Naeka Fujiwara is set to inherit a mega-fortune, but one day, someone who intends to steal it all makes an attempt on her life.

Naeka's uber-wealthy grandfather responds by hiring a maid to protect her until her 18th birthday, when she will inherit the fortune, as well as provide more mundane support, such as cooking and cleaning, since Naeka has none of these "normal life" skills. And so, the tough maid with advanced combat skills moves in. His name: Maid Guy Kogarashi!

This super-maid solves all kinds of troubles with his Herculean body and plethora of lethal moves. Whether cleaning or protecting, Kogarashi's brand of "service" is a devastating storm!

Next up, it's time to get retro with 1983's Psycho Armor Govarian. The SD Blu-Ray release will feature all 26 episodes subtitled in English.

  Earth's only hope against an alien invasion is a group of psychic teens and their giant suits of armor.

Featuring characters and mecha by Go Nagai and several stirring songs by Neverland, Psycho Armor Govarian begins by dropping viewers in the middle of an all-out invasion by extra-dimensional aliens. Rebel alien scientist Zeku gathers teenagers with various psychic powers, like Isamu whose family is killed before is eyes. Once on board Zeku's ship... and on board with his mission to defend the human race from extinction... Isamu and his fellow teens use mental energy to create enormous suits of armor with which to battle the Garadain Empire. Through the course of the series, the teammates fight each other, fall in love, and battle wherever necessary to protect Earth, whether that's at home, in deep space, or even while trapped on the alien world itself.

    Discotek has also rescued Honey and Clover, the art school romance by March Comes in Like a Lion creator Chica Umino. The series, which is also currently streaming here on Crunchyroll, will be coming out in two parts. Volume 1 will contain the entire 26-episode first season, with both subbed and dubbed options.

  What do you get when you cross creativity with self-discovery and unrequited love? Art School!

Yuta Takemoto has no idea what's in store for his life when he enrolls at a Tokyo art college, but he finds out right away it'll never be dull! Love triangles form as fast as friendships when both Takemoto and senior classmate Shinobu Morita fall hard for shy artistic prodigy Hagumi Hanamoto. And while architecture student Takumi Mayama secretly pines for an older woman, dazzling ceramicist Ayu Yamada pines for him! Confused yet? Welcome to the bittersweet world of Honey and Clover!

Finally—for now—comes the first volume of the original City Hunter! The Blu-Ray release will include episodes 1-26 of the 1987 series with English subtitles.

  Ryo Saeba, the legendary City Hunter, is a first-class sweeper for hire, taking on jobs from protecting beautiful women to taking out bad guys permanently. He can be a private detective or hitman, whatever the case calls for, and it often requires the use of his superhuman marksmanship.

But even so, Ryo can't do it alone. His partner is Kaori Makimura the younger sister of his murdered best friend. Kaori serves as his assistant, while also protecting their attractive clients from Ryo's "mokkori" advances with her trusty supply of 100 ton hammers. Though they always appear to be at each other's throats, the partners trust each other implicitly when the chips are down, and together they've solved various tough cases.

All six releases are due to go on sale February 25, 2020, and are currently available for pre-order from Right Stuf.

  >> Discotek Media Website

>> Discotek Media on Facebook

Thanks to Crunchyroll user tglover157 for the news tip. Got a tip? Send it in!

-----

  Kara Dennison is the co-founder of Altrix Books and co-creator of OEL light novel series Owl's Flower, with writing credits across the Internet. She blogs at karadennison.com and tweets @RubyCosmos. Her latest book, Vanishing Tales of the City, is now available for pre-order.

By: news+feed@crunchyroll.com