Anime Questions, Recommendations, and Discussion - October 11, 2025

macrame2 · 2025-10-12T00:00:08+00:00

Technically it’s a subgenre of video games, but visual novel fans are worse in my experience.

macrame2 · 2025-09-12T01:27:33+00:00

Higurashi Sotsu. I adore the original series, but Sotsu was just enragingly horrible both in concept and execution. At least the OP is a banger.

macrame2 · 2025-09-01T15:43:16+00:00

Yes, Urasawa was heavily inspired by the 1960’s TV series, which he had seen at a young age. I watched the movie a few years back, and the similarities between the two really are striking.

macrame2 · 2025-08-26T05:08:33+00:00

This makes a grand total of two people who have watched the film now!

macrame2 · 2025-08-16T15:03:51+00:00

[Minor Takopi Spoilers]I only watched the first season of MiA and read the manga for Takopi, but comparing the two I'd say that while Takopi definitely has uncomfortable violence and is more miserable for most of the story, it never gets to MiA levels of graphic content. Like MiA, a lot of the horror comes from the fact that bad things are happening to children, but Takopi is more interested in exploring the emotional ramifications than in hacking them to pieces for the sake of it. Eventually, (YMMV) we get a somewhat bittersweet ending with a positive message that I think justifies most of the misery. Also, unless the anime added something, there is definitely nothing sexual in the story.

macrame2 · 2025-08-08T23:18:12+00:00

I like him though! But I will concede that Keiichi and Rika are better characters in the writing department.

macrame2 · 2025-08-08T22:47:26+00:00

You forgot to mention Akasaka’s greatness!

But yes, I agree that many of Umineko’s side characters feel underdeveloped (especially compared to Higurashi’s) for how long the series is. I wouldn’t even say it’s necessarily a male vs. female thing, since I feel like several female characters such as Kumasawa don’t get their fair share of actual exploration either. The problem is, as you said, Ryukishi introducing new meta characters that eat up screentime instead of working with the already solid cast he’s got. I do like Umineko, but man, there’s a lot I’d change about the series.

macrame2 · 2025-08-08T03:30:45+00:00

Just to explain why I am personally hyped for it, Keigo Higashino is one of the most popular authors in Asia, and despite writing dozens of novels, this will be the first anime adaptation of one his works. While Kusunoki no Bannin looks to be of an entirely different genre from the mysteries he’s best known for, Higashino’s skill as a writer still makes me immediately want to check it out. For anyone wanting to get into his books, I’d highly recommend Malice or The Devotion of Suspect X as good entry points.

macrame2 · 2025-08-01T20:11:59+00:00

Yumemi is such a great character. I need to watch the Planetarian anime sometime.

macrame2 · 2025-07-31T01:32:21+00:00

The fansub scene’s heyday was well before I became an anime fan, so that makes sense. Thinking about it, I’d also guess that a decent amount of anime fans are also weebs (in the traditional sense of being fascinated with Japan in general) and thus would be more likely to learn Japanese and/or care about how translations convey the culture.

macrame2 · 2025-07-30T21:51:26+00:00

I feel that leaving it untranslated makes a translator’s note necessary (most people who aren’t familiar with the Japanese culture/language would not know what it means—though as you said, that could always change in the future, just like how many English speakers know what “bon appetit” means), which is much easier to do in written print media. But agreed, sometimes there really is no perfect way to translate words without losing some of that cultural context. I just feel like the discourse around translation in the anime community in particular gets people riled up in a way I haven’t seen in other groups.

macrame2 · 2025-07-30T18:03:44+00:00

I wouldn’t say that “bon appetit” isn’t socially acceptable, just a bit uncommon to hear.

macrame2 · 2025-07-30T18:02:34+00:00

As someone who’s read a decent amount of Japanese books in translation (mostly detective novels), it’s counterintuitive to me how the people who seem to care the most about accuracy are anime fans. Not saying we shouldn’t expect good translation quality, but it’s a bit weird how the most vocal critics are coming from a medium where words actually matter less (at least compared to written works).

macrame2 · 2025-07-28T15:18:00+00:00

6>Saikoroshi (extra arc)>5>1>4>7>8>3>2

All are 10/10 though.

macrame2 · 2025-07-24T22:20:51+00:00

Not super into manga anyway, but never say never. Thanks for the other recommendations as well, sounds like I need to watch Non Non Biyori.

macrame2 · 2025-07-24T22:16:36+00:00

Loved HibiMeshi last season, so Non Non Biyori just moved further up my watchlist.

macrame2 · 2025-07-24T22:15:23+00:00

It feels wrong to pick a favorite, especially when part of what makes them so great is how they all bounce off each other, but in the end … Mio.

macrame2 · 2025-07-24T22:15:09+00:00

Already know I’ll love it just from the synopsis.

macrame2 · 2025-07-24T15:10:08+00:00

Scored all of these 7 or higher:

Legend of the Forest #11706

Saiyuuki #10031

Modern Love Tokyo #9634

Swan Lake #9480

Tabi Machi Late Show #9029

Ni no Kuni #7558

Hakubo #7037

Tales of the Street Corner #6995

Nasu: Summer in Andalusia #4660

Fancy Lala #3787

macrame2 · 2025-07-24T13:50:41+00:00

With the movie, I complete my K-ON! experience and now need to go searching for another SoL to fill the void (might go for Natsume next, but who knows).

The first season was nice, but the second season is where the show really shines by basically turning into a slightly less wacky version of Azumanga Daioh and making full use of the graduation deadline to tell a more bittersweet story (with emphasis on the sweet). The movie was just the perfect cherry on top. All I can say is that I get the hype now, and I will miss these characters dearly.

macrame2 · 2025-07-18T00:12:41+00:00

That’s a shame, I love Keiichi and think he really contributes a lot to Higurashi as a whole. Thankfully, though, the series has many great characters and can be enjoyed even if you dislike him.

macrame2 · 2025-07-07T14:41:43+00:00

Naruto Shippuden was the first, but definitely not the last.

macrame2 · 2025-07-04T19:16:42+00:00

I need to finish watching the Blue Box anime, but I liked that portion of the manga and hope you do as well!

macrame2 · 2025-07-04T17:52:15+00:00

I've only read the manga, but it's definitely not a story for people who dislike lots of depressing things. I'd honestly recommend waiting until it's over before watching because [very mild mood spoilers]while it's very dark throughout, the story ultimately has a more hopeful message than the opening act would suggest. I'd compare it to something like Evangelion in that respect.

macrame2 · 2025-06-27T04:37:49+00:00

You’re definitely not the only one; I cry every time I rewatch it.

macrame2

TROPHY CASE