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3 Slice of Life Anime Recommendation

Summer began on July 22, and it is already August. During this time, I've watched a couple of anime. Previously, I found slice of life anime dull or unentertaining. However, recently I watched one that completely changed my perception. Since then, I've continued to explore similar anime. The one I would recommend doesn't rely on fantasy or heavy drama. Despite my attempts to avoid romance and shoujo tags, it's still inevitable.

So, here are the anime that I recommend:

1. Rokuhōdō Yotsuiro Biyori

Synopsis:

Our story takes place in Japanese Style Tea House "Rokuhoudou" which is quite popular due to the great efforts of Sui (shop manager in charge of tea),  Gre (in charge of Latte Art), Tsubaki (in charge of desserts) and  Tokitaka (in charge of the food). Not only do the excel in hospitality for their customers, but they also help out with their worries from time to time. A series of endearing stories that take place in this heartful restaurant. Who will be their customers today?

(source: Crunchyroll)

Review:

There are 12 episodes. The anime was based on a manga with the same name. You can watch it on Anime-Planet and Crunchyroll. Honestly, no romance is involved, and the anime is not a boys love. Even though there was no romance, the storyline is still pleasant and entertaining to watch. There are no season two or ova for the anime. I hope you can give it a try.

2. Silver Spoon 1 & 2

Synopsis:

Hachiken Yuugo enrolled in Oezo Agricultural High School for the reason that he could live in a dorm there. In some ways he chose Oezo in an effort to escape the highly competitive prep schools he had attended previously, but he was faced with an entirely new set of difficulties at Oezo, surrounded by animals and Mother Nature. After growing up in an average family, he began to encounter clubs and training the likes of which he had never seen before. What's more, all the other students had their minds set on firm goals and specific futures, unlike his old prep school environment. Still, as he takes on his assignments one by one and forms relationships with his new schoolmates, Hachiken steadily grows both mentally and physically. Hachiken's youth, covered in sweat, tears, and dirt, continues today.

(source: Crunchyroll)

Review:

There are a total of 22 episodes, and per season, there are 11 episodes. The anime was based on a manga entitled 'Gin No Saji.' You can watch it on Crunchyroll and Funimation. Honestly, I am still avoiding shoujo or romance tag. Still, Silver Spoon is an exemption and tolerable because it appears that the Hachiken and Mikage are focus on their future. Although, if you still want to see their relationship development, you can read the manga. There will be no season three or ova for this anime. So, I hope you can give it a try!

3. Haven't you heard? I'm Sakamoto!

Synopsis:

Sakamoto is not a normal high schooler. He’s smart, he’s dashing, he’s popular with girls. Much to the dislike of the male population of his school, who tries every trick in the book to mess Sakamoto up. But in the end, Sakamoto comes out of every trap with style and makes himself look cooler. Does he do this for popularity? Is this just who he is? No one really knows, but haven’t you heard? He’s Sakamoto!

(source: Crunchyroll)

Review:

There are 12 episodes. The anime was based on manga entitled 'Sakamoto desu ga?' and is already completed. You can watch it on Crunchyroll, VRV, Anime-Planet, and HIDIVE. If I am not mistaken, the anime can be considered Reverse Harem, which means even though they found Sakamoto weird, boys and girls are still enamored of him. There will be no season two or ova for the anime because the anime was already complete, which means the anime covered what was in the manga. Also, I read few theories about the finale, but whatever your conclusion, believe in it. I hope you give it a try!

#anime recommendation #slice of life #reverse harem #seinen #shonen #school #cafe #ikemen #megane #rokuhoudou yotsuiro biyori #silver spoon #haven't you heard? i'm sakamoto #anime

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Incomplete Insight

I plan to make a character analysis for Miyuki Kazuya and Sawamura Battery, including Takigawa Chris Yuu and Okumura Koushuu. Also, I probably write some about Furuya Satoru; I mean, I don't hate the guy; they are all teenagers who happen to love playing Baseball.

The post probably no bias and no ship will be included, more on the platonic. Honestly, we know that Terajima-sensei really made Ace of Diamond (Daiya no Ace) sort of like a shoujo series. Come on, Sawamura practically went to Seido to form a battery with Miyuki, and don't forget, Miyuki was practically interested in Sawamura from the beginning.

Also, I did watched and reread the manga just for backup. Besides, I kind of preferred Chris before as a perfect battery for Sawamura, and yet when I read again and try to understand Miyuki's attitude or behavior, it made me think once again. As for Okumura, it seems that he is curious and interested in Sawamura's pitching style, which we are aware that he really did come to Seido to catch for Sawamura (indirectly declared.)

As for Furuya, the guy simply came to Seido for Miyuki because we know that Miyuki is a genius catcher, so he probably has in mind that Miyuki can catch his pitch because back in his hometown, no one can catch his pitch or even turn back on him. Furuya has a fastball same as Hongou Masamune. Other than that, when it comes to Furuya and Miyuki's battery, it sort of lacking.

Back to Miyuki and Sawamura' Battery, I could say that Miyuki is definitely interested in Sawamura because Sawamura has potential, and he came to Seido with a raw talent that is ready to be honed. Diamond in rough like what Azuma-senpai said. One part of Ace of Diamond scene where they faced Sanada-senpai as a batter, and Miyuki looks at Sawamura as he had in mind that they will be a great partner. It got me thinking that maybe, this is the first time that Miyuki acknowledges Sawamura as a potential partner or an equal. I felt like before, Miyuki did have interest in Sawamura, but not to an extent he sees him as an equal because Sawamura before really needs a lot of work because he was really like a baby when it comes to Baseball.

Since this is just a sneak peek at my insights, I probably write more when I have time, but I really want to clear some understanding because I, as a viewer and reader, also have to see it from a clearer perspective. I am trying to avoid being subject; instead, I wanted the character analysis to be as an object as possible because honestly, Sawamura really does have a pretty annoying trait, but not to the extent that you will hate him. After all, Sawamura is really a ray of sunshine.

#ace of diamond #daiya no ace #miyuki kazuya #sawamura eijun #takigawa chris yuu #okumura koushuu #furuya satoru #misawa #chrisawa #kousawa #furumiyu #furusawa #battery #character analysis #sneak peek

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Thoughts ⮕ Ace of Diamond

After rewatching the anime and re-reading the manga from Act I and Act II. These are my few comments or conclusion:

I am curious if Miyuki Kazuya called Furuya Satoru “partner” verbally, not that I am comparing Miyuki Kazuya’s action toward the pitchers. Although I kinda guess that he already acknowledge Furuya Satoru, especially how fastball his pitches is. Somehow it is still different if Miyuki Kazuya told him.

I still don’t get why Samura Eijun keeps chasing Miyuki Kazuya to acknowledge him, when in fact, Miyuki Kazuya already acknowledge him based on action, or it must be that Miyuki Kazuya keeps his compliment to himself because he does not want Sawamura Eijun’s ego boost. 

Miyuki Kazuya must be rarely prasing Sawamura Eijun when he is with someone else because Chris said so that it is rare that Miyuki Kazuya praises Sawamura a lot. 

Coach Kataoka thinks that Miyuki Kazuya thinks highly of Sawamura Eijun based on how Miyuki Kazuya took the game seriously. 

The reporter stated in his mind that Miyuki Kazuya must be having fun catching Sawamura Eijun’s pitch. 

Honestly, I think there are a lot of moments that Miyuki Kazuya really do care or pay attention about Sawamura Eijun; however, there still chances that he still keep him arm length. So, practicing off-season, somehow can make their relationship closer.

Remember when Sawamura Eijun told Miyuki Kazuya that he trust him, I felt like Miyuki Kazuya is somehow surprise because of how Sawamura Eijun put his trust so easily on him, especially comparing his past teammates to current teammates. We all know that Sawamura went to Seido, so Miyuki Kazuya can catch his pitches. 

Miyuki Kazuya talks a lot, which means he is happy.

I confess that I read fiction about Sawamura Eijun and Miyuki Kazuya (Misawa), and I must say that Miyuki Kazuya is mostly characterize of having a twisted personality (I think they got the impression because Furuya Satoru said it); meanwhile Sawamura Eijun always put his heart on sleeves. 

Don’t take it seriously, in my perspective, Miyuki Kazuya is an emotional constipated young man because of his past experience, which is why he hardly express his emotion or hard time figuring his emotion. It is like it is a big question whether he should let himself free or not. Come to think of it, he experience being bullied when he was a kid, and his teammate hardly trust him. Also, considering about his parents situation. So, I get where he is coming from, and I believe he has a soft heart. You know he is a hard outside, but soft inside. He is sharp outside, but smooth inside. 

As for Sawamura Eijun, he is an honest kid and an obnoxious one. He is also impulsive person and always act before thinking. Honestly, I felt like he can be a good batter if he chooses to concentrate because I perceives that he can be easily distracted. He is a friendly bean, and passionate to the sport he loves. He is an extrovert person. Somehow I think that he is a secretive person about his personal life. I mean people can be honest, yet cautious in sharing too much information about themselves. He can be a passionate lover (based on his zodiac sign and the genre he read). 

Other than that, I am still not yet ready for Miyuki Kazuya to graduate. Lastly, remember when Miyuki Kazuya reveals that he wanted to polished the numbers of Sawamura before he retire, it is like he is telling that he wanted to be the one to be there beside Sawamura Eijun. I really do hope he achieves his goal. 

Please watch Daiya no Ace and read the manga!

#anime thoughts #sport anime #baseball #school club #school #tournament #relationship analysis #ace of diamond #ace of diamond ii #battery #catcher #pitcher #miyuki kazuya #sawamura eijun

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My Hero Academia

Before watching My Hero Academia, I search the chronological order to recommend order to watch, which I will list here. I just finished watching the OVA, Movies, and Series. Season 5 will be released on March 27, 2021, so don’t forget to put it on your calendar! Honestly, I had a great time watching it, and the characters and relationship development is always on point. 

1.  My Hero Academia: All Might: Rising (SUB)

Language: Japanese

Episodes: OVA

2.  My Hero Academia: Season One (DUB/SUB)

Language: Japanese/English

Episodes: 13

3.  My Hero Academia: Save! Rescue Training! (SUB)

Language: Japanese

Episodes: OVA

4. My Hero Academia Season Two: Hero Note (DUB/SUB)

Language: Japanese/English

Episodes: OVA

5.  My Hero Academia: Season Two (DUB/SUB)

Language: Japanese/English

Episodes: 25

6.  My Hero Academia: Training of the Dead  (SUB)

Language: Japanese

Episodes: OVA

7. My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (DUB/SUB)

Language: Japanese/English

Episodes: Movie

8.  My Hero Academia: Season 3 (DUB/SUB)

Language: Japanese/English

Episodes:25

9. My Hero Academia: Make It! Do-or-Die Survival Training (DUB/SUB)

Language: Japanese

Episodes: Ova

10.  My Hero Academia: Season 4

Language: Japanese/English

Episodes: 25

11. My Hero Academia: Season 5 (Not Yet Aired)

Release Date: March 27, 2021

Language: Japanese

Episodes: 25

Note: This is how I watched the anime, I based on Epic Dope. However, it depends on you, it can be according to their released dates or recommended order. If I miss something, feel free to message me up! 

#boku no hero academia #my hero academia #anime recommendation #izuku midoriya #katsuki bakugo #shoto torodoki #ochaco uraraka #tenya ida #eijiro kirishima #all might #eraser head #present mic #midnight #nezu #thirteen

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Isn't Shakunetsu Kabaddi about... Kabaddi, not soccer...?

Oh? Never heard of that, but thanks for pointing out! I ended up searching the word "Kabaddi." 😊

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Watch Order ⮕Bungo Stray Dogs

These are the recommended order to watch the Bungo Stray Dogs. Also, the Bungo Stray Dogs are available in English dubbed, and English subtitle. You can watch the anime on Funimation, Crunchyroll, and VRV. I hope you enjoy the show!

1. Bungo Stray Dogs: Season One

Episodes: 12

Synopsis:

Kicked out of his orphanage and on the verge of starving to death, Nakajima Atsushi meets some strange men. One of them, Dazai Osamu, is a suicidal man attempting to drown himself in broad daylight. The other, bespectacled Kunikida Doppo, nervously stands by flipping through a notepad. Both are members of the "Armed Detective Agency" said to solve incidents that even the military and police won't touch. Atsushi ends up accompanying them on a mission to eliminate a man-eating tiger that's been terrorizing the population... In the virtual city of Yokohama are individuals bearing the name of Bungo, "literary masters," who possess unusual powers likened to that name. Now begins the battle between the mysterious Bungo powers!

(Source: Crunchyroll)

2. Bungo Stray Dogs: Season Two

Episode: 12

Synopsis:

Despite their differences in position, three men—the youngest senior executive of the Port Mafia, Osamu Dazai; the lowest ranking member, Sakunosuke Oda; and the intelligence agent, Angou Sakaguchi—gather at the Lupin Bar at the end of the day to relax and take delight in the company of friends.However, one night, Ango disappears. A photograph taken at the bar is all that is left of the three together. Fast forward to the present, and Dazai is now a member of the Armed Detective Agency. The Guild, an American gifted organization, has entered the fray and is intent on taking the Agency's work permit. They must now divide their attention between the two groups, the Guild and the Port Mafia, who oppose their very existence.

(Source: MAL Rewrite)

3. Bungo Stray Dogs: Walking Alone

Episode: 1

Synopsis:

Armed Detective Agency members discuss the most suitable candidate for the second-in-command. Doppo Kunikida is carrying out official errands as planned in his diary as usual. Unexpectedly, a bomb-related incident occurs, challenging the ideals he has always upheld. When weighing one life over hundreds, how will he proceed?

(Source: MAL Rewrite)

4. Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple

Episode: 1

Synopsis:

A large scale catastrophe is occurring across the planet. Ability users are discovered after the appearance of a mysterious fog, apparently having committed suicide, so the Armed Detective Agency sets out to investigate these mysterious deaths. The case seems to involve an unknown ability user referred to as "Collector," a man who could be the mastermind behind the incident. Trust and courage are put to the test in order to save the city of Yokohama and ability users across the world from the grip of Collector where the Armed Detective Agency forms an unlikely partnership with the dangerous Port Mafia.

(Source: MAL Rewrite)

5. Bungo Stray Dogs Season Three

Episode: 12

Synopsis:

The White Tiger and the Black Beast – Nakagawa Atsushi and Akutagawa Ryunosuke’s fight against Francis F. brings an end to the great war against the Guild. Life goes on as normal in Yokoyama, thanks to the continued truce between the Armed Detective Agency and the Port Mafia, who, together, saved the city from ruin. But there are still rumors of Guild stragglers and other crime organizations making their way in from abroad. Meanwhile, Dazai Osamu had premonitions of another impending disaster. Lurking in the darkness is the Fyodor D., leader of pirate organization Rats in the House of the Dead, his dreadful plans on the verge of execution.

(Source: Crunchyroll)

6. Bungo Stray Dogs Wan

Episode: 12

Synopsis:

Atsushi Nakajima has finally grown accustomed to the crazy lifestyle that comes with being part of the Armed Detective Agency. But even during peaceful periods of time, there is bound to be chaos! As Atsushi, his friends, and the agency's rival group—the Port Mafia—go about their days roaming the streets of Yokohama, there are no limits to the strange situations they are unwillingly thrown into. A new take on its original work, Bungou Stray Dogs Wan! shows the more mundane yet hilarious aspects of the characters' lives.

(Source: MAL Rewrite)

Note:

Available language: Sub/Dub

Streams on: Crunchyroll, Funimation, VRV

7.  Bungo Stray Dogs: Season Four

Episode: 13

Synopsis:

No longer concerned with military affairs, Yukichi Fukuzawa intends to act as a lone bodyguard-for-hire, making use of his deadly swordsmanship. However, things are not going as planned for his freelance business, and that is when he crosses paths with a mouthy boy named Ranpo Edogawa. While their initial interactions are intertwined with a bizarre murder mystery, the aftermath prompts the formation of the Armed Detective Agency.

Presently, Ranpo finds himself chasing down a gifted individual with the dangerous ability to execute the perfect crime. But as the great detective unravels the case, he soon discovers an elaborate plot to obliterate the Agency in its entirety.

Although forewarned of the trap, the Agency continue their pursuit of the criminals, only to end up framed for the crime themselves. Now branded as wanted terrorists, the remaining members must find a way to prove their innocence—even if they must turn to sworn enemies for assistance.

(Source: MAL Rewrite)

8. Bungo Stray Dogs: Season Five

Episode: 11

Synopsis:

The Armed Detective Agency is still on the run from the Hunting Dogs, but not all hope is lost. Detective Ranpo Edogawa has a plan to prove the Agency's innocence and save the world from chaos: to find and capture Kamui—the leader of the terrorist organization Decay of the Angel. In order to determine Kamui's whereabouts, Ranpo and his colleague Atsushi Nakajima must convince Ouchi Fukuchi, the renowned captain of the Hunting Dogs, for amnesty. Although Fukuchi was tasked with arresting the members of the Agency, his past with the Agency's president, Yukichi Fukuzawa, may be the key to earning his trust. But unbeknownst to them, Fukuchi might not be as honorable as he proclaims.

(Source: MAL Rewrite)

#anime recommendation #bungo stray dogs #watch order #supernatural #fantasy #slice of life #superpower #seinen #action #mystery #detective #office #crime #chibi #comedy

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Detective Anime ⮕The Millionaire Detective - Balance: Unlimited

Type: TV series

Total Season: 1

Total Episodes: 11

Synopsis:

Detective Daisuke Kambe has no problems using his own fortune to solve crimes even if he assesses human lives based on their financial worth. Compassionate Haru Kato sees all life as sacred and is sickened by Daisuke’s materialistic ways. Can they stop butting heads and overcome their opposing world views for the sake of solving the toughest crimes in the precinct? (Source: Funimation)

Review:

Daisuke Kambe is the wealthiest detective, and he met Haru, who helped him; although they keep bantering, there are still some domestic scenes, which leads some fans to mark them as an old married couple. As for the plot, viewers quickly discern it, and it stays simplistic until the end. I learned that the anime was based on a novel, but it appears that there were a lot of changes; for instance, there was no Haru, and the main character was a woman, not a guy. Back to anime, it is not a shoujo or shounen-ai; in other words, there was no romance at all. Furthermore, I enjoyed the opening scene.

#anime recommendation #detective #crime #investigation #mystery #office #seinen #ikemen #rich #police #the millionaire detective: balance:unlimited

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Sports Anime ⮕ 2021 Upcoming

1. Burning Kabaddi

Sport: Kabaddi

Type: TV Series

Total Episodes: 12

Release Date: April 2021

2. Free! Final Stroke - Zenpen

Sport: Swimming

Type: Movie

Total Episodes: 1

Release Date: Unknown

3.  Prince of Tennis II: Hyoutei vs. Rikkai - Game of Future

Sport: Tennis

Type: ONA

Total Episodes: 1

Release Date: February 13

4. Backflip!!

Sport: Gymnastic

Type: TV series

Total Episodes: 12

Release Date: April 09

#upcoming anime #sports anime #burning kabaddi #free! #prince of tennis ii #backflip #bakuten #kabaddi #swimming #tennis #gymnastic #shonen #school club #tournament #anime

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Sports Anime ⮕ Part II

These are the continuation for the sports anime recommendation. Some anime are available in dub, while some are still sub. The anime can be available in Funimation, Crunchyroll, or any legal website; however, some anime that are old can be hard to find. 

List of anime without romance:

1. Wave!! Surfing Yappe!! 

Available Season: 1

Available Movie: 3

Total Episodes: 12

Synopsis:  

Masaki Hinaoka, who grew up near the coast of Ooarai in Ibaraki Prefecture, meets a prince-like transfer student Shou Akitsuki before the summer break, who introduces him to the world of surfing. Through surfing, Masaki meets irreplaceable friends and experiences farewell as he becomes an adult. It is the beginning of a never-ending story of boys fascinated by the charm of surfing. 

(Source: MAL News)

2. Sk8 The Infinity 

Available Season: 1

Available Movie: 0

Total Episodes: 12

Synopsis:  

Reki, a high school sophomore and skater, is addicted to "S," a highly secret and dangerous downhill skateboarding race that takes place in an abandoned mine. The skaters are especially wild about the "beefs," or heated battles that erupt in the races. Reki takes Langa, a transfer student returning to Japan after studying abroad, to the mine where the races are held. Langa, who has no skateboarding experience, finds himself pulled into the world of "S". 

(Source: Aniplex US)

3.  2.43: Seiin High School Volleyball Club

Available Season: 1

Available Movie: 0

Total Episodes: 12

Synopsis: 

High school student Kimichika Haijima moves back to his hometown, Fukui, after causing trouble in the Tokyo Junior High School volleyball club. There, he is reunited with his childhood friend, Yunii Kuroba, who possesses outstanding physical abilities, but is vulnerable under pressure. Haijima, with his overwhelming passion and talent for volleyball, forms an ace combination with Kuroba. The two enroll at Seiin High School, where they join the volleyball club. Awaiting them are the 163 cm hot-blooded captain Shinichirou Oda, the talented and sharp-tongued vice-captain Misao Aoki and his third-year pair, and second-year students, including Akito Kanno, who is always wearing long sleeves due to his allergy to sunlight. The newborn team breaks its former shell of weakness and becomes Fukui's rising star. This is a certain team's journey to victory, with a series of fascinating rivals standing in their way. 

(Source: MAL News)

4.  Skate-Leading☆Stars 

Available Season: 1

Available Movie: 0

Total Episodes: 12

Synopsis: 

Kensei Maeshima left the world of figure skating after his rival said, “You’ll never beat me.” Years later, he’s using his athleticism to help several high school teams, never focusing on one. But when his adversary publicly announces a shift to a team sport, a kid familiar with Kensei’s past finds and offers him an invitation to lace up his skates and join the world of skate-leading.

(Source: Funimation)

5. The God of High School

Available Season: 1

Available Movie: 0

Total Episodes: 13

Synopsis:

Jin Mori has proclaimed himself the strongest high schooler. His life changes when he's invited to participate in "God of High School," a tournament to determine the strongest high schooler of all. He's told that if he wins, any wish he makes will be granted... All the participants are powerful contenders who fight their hardest for their own wishes. What awaits them at the end of the tournament? A chaotic battle between unbelievably strong high school students is about to begin!

(Source: Crunchyroll)

#anime recommendation #surfing #skate #volleyball #ice skating #taekwondo #Wave!! Surfing Yappe!! #SK8 the Infinity #2.43: Seiin High School Boys Volleyball Club #the god of high school #skate leading stars #shonen #school #fantasy #action #tournament #skateboarding #school club #sports anime #anime

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Ace of Diamond I/II ⮕ Sawamura Eijun Pitches

The list of episodes focuses only on Sawamura’s Pitch. Eijun pitches a lot, I just compiled his almost and best pitches. If I forgot some episodes, kindly tell me to update the list. 

Diamond no Ace Act I

Season 01

Episode 02 - Miyuki and Sawamura form a battery. Sawamura vs Azuma.

Episode 11, 12, 13- Sawamura and Christ form a battery. Seidou (2nd String) vs  Kokushikan High.

Episode 17 and 18 - Seidou vs Osaka Kiryu High

Episode 29 - Seidou vs Akikawa Academy

Episode 35, 36, 37 - Seidou vs Yakushi. (Warning: This episode affect Sawamura’s mental health)

Episode 43 and 44 - Seido vs Sensen

Episode 49 - Sawamura vs Azuma

Episode 56 - Inashiro vs Seido

Episode 75 - Seidou Former Player vs Seidou Current Player

Season 2

Episode 6 and 7 - Seidou vs Teito

Episode 10 and 11 - Seidou vs Nanamori

Episode 18 and 19 - Seidou vs Ugamori

Episode 21 -  Eijun learned change up and the discovery of numbers.

Episode 22, 23, and 25 - Seidou vs Ouya

Episode 28, and 29 - First String vs Second String 

Episode 33, and 35 - Seidou vs Seiko

Episode 44, 46, and 47 - Seidou vs Yakushi

Diamond no Ace Act II

Season 3

Episode 6 - Seidou vs Eigen High

Episode 10 - Seidou vs Kasuga 

Episode 13 - Okumura help Sawamura to warm up. 

Episode 15, and 16 - Seidou vs Ichidaisan

Episode 23 - Yui and Sawamura form a battery.

Episode 24, 25, and 26 - Seidou vs Hakuryu

Episode 39, 40, and 41 - Seidou vs Seiho. Sawamura and Okumura form a batter.

Episode 45 - Special episode for Eijun Sawamura.

#sports anime #baseball #ace of diamond #ace of diamond ii #sawamura eijun

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Board Game ⮕Hikaru No Go

1. Hikaru No Go

Available Season: 1

TV Special: 2

Synopsis:

While examining an old Go board in his grandfather's basement, twelve-year-old Shindo Hikaru is possessed by the restless spirit of Sai, an ancient Go master who has waited for over one thousand years to play the Hand of God: the perfect move. Sai convinces Hikaru to act as a vessel for making his moves, but it is soon clear that Hikaru also enjoys Go and wants to play his own games. Moreover, the rules of Go have changed since Sai's time, and Go players from all over the world are now much stronger, having had the benefit of hundreds of years of evolution and experimentation by the masters before them. Can this unlikely pair form a successful partnership and rise to the top of Japan's Go community, and can Sai finally play the Hand of God and find some peace?

Review:

Warning: Spoiler Ahead

Hikaru No Go series and the movie was a bittersweet journey for the viewers. I read the manga; however, many readers were disappointed as I read the comment section. There is a lot of plot hole in the story. These are sum up remarks for the anime and the manga. 

Hikaru No Go never shown the divine move from manga to anime. I assume that Sai will perform the divine move, but it never happens; even Hikaru didn't, although it is understandable in Hikaru's part. 

Sai's exit from the manga and the anime felt unsettling. 

Hikaru continuously losing to Akira is quite frustrating; their second match is not promising excluded the part where Sai played with Akira twice. I was looking forward to the last episode expecting the rematch, but I guess Akira's stronger than Hikaru is what the anime and the manga pointing out. It is not very reassuring; in any case, they will forever be rivals. 

A newly added character named Yashiro will play for a team competition together with Akira and Hikaru. I'm not against Yashiro; he's an excellent player; however, I did hope that if the author didn't add him, I was expecting Waya's character to develop. 

The second match of Sai vs. Koyo Toya never happen. 

Sai never appear again to Hikaru; however, if dreams are included, I guess he still appears even in flashback. 

There is much stuff happens in volumes that the anime did not cover. It's better to read the manga for a clear vision of where the story goes. Although less expectation is better than high expectations, having a high expectation can loosen the excitement to watch the episodes or the chapter. 

#anime recommendation #hikaru no go #board game #shonen #tournament #pyschological #supernatural #anime #anime review

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Sports Anime ⮕ Part I

I do not considered myself as an otaku, but I like watching anime and read the manga, manhwa, and mahua. Before I mostly watched shoujo or romance tag, but when I watched Kuroko’s Basketball then One outs, I ended up liking watching sports anime. Apparently, when I began watching action or sports, I ended up disliking shoujo because I felt that there is no thrill or the plot seemingly cliché. Well, I probably will come back to shoujo soon. 

So, here are the few sports anime without romance:

1. One Outs 

Available Season: 1

Sport: Baseball

Sypnosis:  

Kojima is a baseball legend. As the superstar cleanup hitter for the Lycaons, he won himself many awards including rookie of the year seven times; but there's one title he never acquired: champion. In an attempt to find that special something Kojima feels he's missing inside, he opens a training camp in Okinawa. There, through a series of events, Kojima is introduced to a high stakes game dominated by the talented Toua Tokuchi, and subsequently loses a fortune. However, Kojima finally defeats Toua and due to their agreement, he enlists him to join the now poorly-ranked Lycaons - but Toua demands a high price: instead of a salary, he will receive five million yen for each out, and lose fifty million yen for each point lost. With a bad attitude and prodigal skills, Toua will help transform the Lycaons into winners once more.

(Source: Anime-Planet)

2. Haikyuu!! 

Available Season: 4

Sport: Volleyball

Synopsis: 

Shoyo Hinata isn't a large guy, but he's got huge ambitions. Ever since seeing a small player score in a National Championship, he's been determined to become the next big thing in High School Volleyball. Unfortunately, the one time he was able to pull enough players together to form a team in junior high, they were completely trashed in their first and only match against a team led by up-and-coming setter Tobio Kageyama.Now, enrolled at the same high school where his idol once played, Shoyo's finally going to get his shot to join and play with a top team. There's just one problem: Tobio Kageyama's decided to attend the same school, and he's already considered one of the best players in the game. Can a kid out of nowhere hold his own against the King of the Court? Or could the rivalry and competition actually be the best thing for both of them?

(Source: Sentai Filmworks)

3. Run with the Wind 

Season: 1

Sport: Running

Synopsis: 

Kakeru is a former elite runner who finds himself on hard times. After shoplifting food, he’s saved by Haiji, a Kansei University student and a fellow runner. Having nowhere else to go, Kakeru moves into a dormitory with Haiji and eight other strangers. Haiji then announces his plan to enter all ten of them in the Hakone Ekiden, a prominent university relay marathon. But aside from Haiji and Kakeru, few of the others have run competitively before.

(source: Sentai Filmworks)

4. Kuroko no Basket 

Available Season: 3

Movie: 1

Sport: Basketball

Synopsis: 

Teikou Junior High School's basketball team is crowned champion three years in a row thanks to five outstanding players who, with their breathtaking and unique skills, leave opponents in despair and fans in admiration. At Seirin High School, two newly recruited freshmen prove that they are not ordinary basketball players: Taiga Kagami, a promising player returning from the US, and Tetsuya Kuroko, a seemingly ordinary student whose lack of presence allows him to move around unnoticed. Kuroko no Basket follows the journey of Seirin's players as they attempt to become the best Japanese high school team by winning the Interhigh Championship.

(Source: MAL Rewrite)

5. Diamond no Ace Act I & II 

Act I Season: 2

Act II Season: 1

OVA: 2

Sport: Baseball

Synopsis: 

With a stray pitch that completely missed the batter, Eijun Sawamura loses his final middle school baseball game. But everything changes when a scout unexpectedly invites him to Tokyo's prestigious Seidou High School after seeing the potential in his unusual pitching style. However, now surrounded by a large number of skilled players, Eijun struggles to find his place on the team. He declares that he will one day become the team's ace, but that's only if fellow first year Satoru Furuya doesn't take the title first, with his breakneck fastballs that earn him a coveted spot on the starting roster.

(Source: MAL Rewrite)

6. Number24 

Season: 1

Sport: Rugby

Synopsis: 

Natsusa Yuzuki was expecting to be the ace on his college rugby team but due to unexpected circumstances, had to sit out. Six months later, he’s back. Along with his best friend Seiichiro, prodigy senior Ibuki Ueoka and a few others – they’re going to represent the Kansai University team. He may still be figuring out life but he’s got some new brothers to help him. Time to join the scrum!

(Source: Funimation)

7. Big Windup!

Season: 2

Sport: Baseball

Synopsis: 

Ren Mihashi is a timid pitcher with problems; he has no self esteem or confidence, due to the relentless bullying of his once teammates, and is reluctant to play baseball again. However, at Ren's new school, Nishiura Prefectural High, he finds himself picking up the mitt once more. Along with the help of alumni-turned-coach Maria Momoe, tough but supportive Takaya Abe, and the rest of his teammates, Ren will regain his confidence and show the game of baseball who's the boss yet again!

(Source: Anime-Planet)

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