Next time….on Dragon Ball Z….!!! Er…my final impression is included.

Summary:

Noboru has everyone in the house help him with chores one day, giving each of them assignments to clean different rooms. Because of their usual mistakes, however, he is forced to take on Tenko and Ko’s roles. When Gyokuyou sees Tenko sweeping the floor outside later, he expresses a bit of anger to himself. Noboru later becomes excited when he finds an ad for a sale nearby. When he goes with Toru to the stated location, however, he finds that there is nothing there. When the boys turn around, they find that a beast has appeared to capture them. Tenko and Ko realize that the boys are taking longer than they should later, and when Tenko learns that Ebisu knows nothing about the suggested sale, she quickly becomes suspicious. Arriving at the vacant lot with Ko afterwards, she sees the remains of the beast that had taken the boys away.

The girls eventually reach a sealed cave, which the boys are locked behind. They attempt to use their powers to break the block open, but this is in vein. Gyokuyou soon appears, just as Tenko had suspected. Gyokuyou expresses that he simply sealed the boys as Tenko had been, wondering why she has had to do things like chores. Tenko laughs about this, believing that she has fun doing such things, but she becomes very angry when Gyokuyou refuses to release the boys. The two send attacks towards each other, but this is eventually stopped by Ko. Gyokuyou finally agrees to release the boys, but only if Tenko would leave them. When he states that things would be safer for the boys if it wasn’t for her being with them, Tenko cannot help but be taken back by these words. When the boys are finally released, they find that Tenko is no longer with them.

The boys later go to their grandmother’s home for the first time in awhile, suspecting that Tenko would have returned to the area. Oobaba confirms that she has felt Tenko’s presence, which brings the boys to the area where she had previously been sealed. Tenko refuses to leave, however, even when Toru recognizes the true reasons why she had left them. Noboru states that they will be waiting outside for her until she came out, but this results in their staying outside far into the cold night. Tatsuhiko eventually arrives to check on the boys, then bringing them some food and supplies due to Noboru’s request. When Noboru temps Tenko with food, he is finally able to draw him out. This brings the group back to normal, but Ko looks behind her to see an angry Gyokuyou watching them.

During the New Year’s shrine visit later, Noboru meets with several of his acquaintances. Sakura is very happy to have her kimono praised by Noboru, but when Momiji and even Mubyo appear to greet Noboru, she and Noboru’s other friends panic. The Takagami family meets with many of their friends later that afternoon to enjoy nabe together. Tenko takes the chance to find Gyokuyou outside, apologizing for breaking her promise. When Gyokuyou appears, however, she finally understands that Tenko was happy because she was no longer alone. Gyokuyou is hesitant when Tenko invites her inside as well, but she seems to be convinced when Tenko finally reminds her that she is also part of her family.

Impression:

I can’t be the only one who was thinking, “It’s over 9000!!!” around the middle of this episode. I also laughed at this suddenly becoming a harem anime towards the end. Poor Sakura. The rest of the episode turned out to be, for the most part, exactly like I suspected it would be. I do find it strange that Gyokuyou’s actions happened in the background throughout most of the series though, considering how important his/her role seems to be presented in the OP/ED sequences. I do have to mention how much I love Takahashi Mikako’s playing of Gyokuyou’s female form, as little as we got to hear it. For a final episode, this really didn’t feel like one. As somewhat of a slice of life anime though, I guess there wasn’t much to expect. I did find it funny how Tenko was acting all tsun when she was obviously going to be won over by food in the end. I also laughed at seeing his male form for the first time in what seems like forever. The ending definitely left that nice family feel that the series tended to focus on, so overall, I was pretty satisfied.

Final Impression:

Wagaya no Oinarisama has been a fairly pleasant ride for the two seasons that I have been covering it, despite how seemingly unnoticed it has remained for a lot of the community. I recall picking this show up because of its seiyu line up, and ironically enough, that’s what seemed to get most people through the show. From Yukana, Hayami Saori, and even Shizuka Itou among others, the cast certainly wasn’t weak. I’ll say again that, although they won’t save a bad show, quality voice actors certainly won’t hurt a decent or good series. The animation on the other hand, coming from ZEXCS, probably wasn’t the most impressive around. The animation was very simple, though it did get the job done. I did find it strange how well the second ED looked when compared to the rest of the series when it appeared. I can only wonder if the budget for the show could have been used more efficiently, around the middle of the series in particular. The presentation was also fairly inconsistent, with the strange previews being a big indicator on my part.

The story itself remained to be a slice of life/light drama and comedy throughout the series, and I had no problem with this. Most of the arcs were quite enjoyable for me, even if not much was unexpected or shock worthy. I do feel like some of the series could have been handled differently though, and it seems like there was a lot of potential that was left behind once the series ended. The story is based on a series of light novels, of course, which seemed to have a pretty big audience (one large enough to get it an anime adaption, at least). I do wonder if the novel has gotten farther than the anime, as animations can only alter source material to a certain point. Unless this series somehow gets a second season though, which I don’t suspect it will, I probably won’t ever find out. I can definitely say that I enjoyed Wagaya overall, but because nothing much aside from the voice cast stood out, it probably won’t become an anime that ever becomes a hit outside of its small circle of fans. If I had to slap a word on the series in the end, it would probably be “Average.”

Sakura’s super dieting program.

Summary:

Entering the locker room after practice, Sakura finds that the rest of the girls are weighing themselves because of diets. When Sakura takes the chance to do this herself, she is shocked at the results. Walking out of the locker room to see Noboru and the others eating, she wonders how they can keep their weight so easily. Of course, the boys express that it is girls who simply think too much. Sakura is interested in hearing Noboru’s weight when the boys ask about it, but his answer makes her panic further at the fact that she weighs only a bit less. This group meets Momiji outside, who presents Noboru with a gift of meat buns. Noticing how much the boys are attracted to Momiji’s figure, Sakura becomes even more conscious of herself. Noboru finds that Ko and Tenko are eating a large amount of meat buns when he arrives home. When he warns them that they would become fat, Tenko expresses that she is immune to such things. Ko, on the other hand, believes that she may have gained a little weight since arriving at the Takagami household. When Ko’s weight is confirmed to have went up later, Noboru restricts the amount of food the girls can eat for awhile. Reaffirming her weight in her own home, Sakura decides to go on a diet as well.

Sakura goes to school early to run the next day, but when she meets Noboru and the others, she refuses to admit that this is for her diet. Noboru invites Sakura to go out with him and the others later, but when she finds that this meeting has to do with food, she quickly denies the invitation. Sakura meets Ko and Tenko at the bookstore later, learning that Ko is going on a diet too. This makes her worry even more that Noboru is interested in slim girls. While in town, the girls take note of an advertisement for an exercise center. Sakura introduces Ko to several forms of exercise, but both Tenko and Ko’s lack of common sense causes trouble as usual. The girls meet Noboru on the way out of the center, but Tenko becomes angry when Noboru mentions his eating out without them. When Tenko wonders what they should eat, foods that are good for dieting are mentioned. Sakura is overjoyed when Noboru invites her to his house to eat with them, again making tough decisions at her own home that night.

When Noboru reveals that Sakura will be coming to his house the next day, his friends realize how ignorant he is of his own situation. While doing things like walking home with him and grocery shopping with him later, Sakura believes that it is as if she and Noboru are a married couple. Sakura prepares dinner for the Takagamis later, but while eating with them, she again notices how dedicated Ko is to her diet. Sakura weighs herself again afterwards, but when Noboru enters the bathroom to see her, the both of them panic. Sakura is more conscious of Noboru seeing the fat on her body, however, believing that she needs to work even harder. Despite being exposed to many of her favorite foods in the following days, Sakura refuses to give up. Weighing herself at school one day, she finds that she has finally lost the amount of weight she wished to. Sakura realizes that she needs to follow up on her success, however, continuing her diet afterwards. Sakura begins to lose her strength out of hunger after school, when Noboru arrives to help her. When Noboru offers to treat Sakura to a meal, she happily agrees to. Not before scolding him for not realizing people’s feelings, however. Eating cake with each other later, things between Noboru and Sakura go on as they always have.

Preview: Final battle…or something.

Impression:

Oh, Ko, you’re so silly. With all of the major arcs seemingly over already, this episode could almost be called filler before the finale. That doesn’t mean it was bad at all though, as watching Sakura’s development with Noboru was as fun as ever. I am surprised that Momiji was hardly focused on at all though. I guess there just isn’t enough time to try to advance on the challenge she sent Sakura in the last episode. Watching Ko, who hasn’t had much screen time in recent episodes, was as fun as ever. I loved how Tenko got involved in her diet schedule too, just adding to the ridiculousness of the entire situation. One complaint I have about this episode is how lazy the animation was at times. This series honestly hasn’t had the best animation around up to this point anyways, but there was a noticeable downgrade in some scenes this week. I suppose that’s a minor problem though, especially since this was a fairly low action episode. It looks like the finale will be next week, but considering how things have built up to this point, I’m suspecting another “life goes” on ending.

The other side of Momiji…

Summary:

At school, Toru meets with his friend Pakerata who had been absent from school for quite some time. Toru mentions the rumors that have been going around about him, but Pakerata surprises Toru by showing him that he actually has fang marks on his neck. Pakerata cannot remember why he had become sick, but he mentions that his older brother Midori had the same marks. Noboru is meanwhile shocked when he sees a floating fish before him. The fish introduces himself as Kiyomaro, a servant of Miyabe’s father Juuzou, and asks a favor of Noboru. This brings Noboru to Momiji’s home that night, as she happily invites him inside upon seeing him. The happy conversation does not last long, however, as Momiji has some of her servants capture Noboru. Momiji explains that she wishes to suck Toru’s blood in order to become powerful, which is why she needed Noboru to lure him to her.

Tenko refuses to let Momiji have her way, quickly revealing that she is at her estate as well. Using a dummy to distract what are revealed to be werewolf servants of Momiji, Tenko is quickly able to reach her floor. Upon doing so, Tenko reveals that even the captured Noboru was a dummy. With all of Momiji’s servants defeated with Tenko’s injections, Momiji prepares to fight Tenko herself. The real Noboru shows up to interfere, however, which Tenko seems to have expected. Previously, Kiyomaro had explained that the recent werewolf events were due to Momiji’s recent gaining of her own powers. Kiyomaro had wished for Noboru to save Momiji, but Noboru was knocked out by Ko soon afterwards. Kiyomaro joins Noboru in the present, but this only makes Momiji frustratingly wonder why her father would not meet her in person.

Momiji transforms to reveal that she is the gold werewolf, but despite her formidable abilities, Tenko is quickly able to subdue her. To Tenko’s surprise, Bekira then shows up to reveal that she had actually been working under the Miyabe family. Although Tenko is still concerned with Momiji’s want to suck Toru’s blood, Noboru guesses that she only took action in an attempt to gain her father’s attention. Momiji wonders why her father would not pay attention to her, but Noboru suggests that if he truly wasn’t, he would not have sent Kiyomaro to check on her. Momiji is finally able to put a smile on her face after this, allowing Tenko and Noboru to leave the estate satisfied. Bekira also reveals that Shiro is sleeping peacefully, something that Noboru guesses Toru would enjoy hearing about. It turns out that it is Xmas Eve, so Noboru takes Tenko home to celebrate with the rest of the family.

Preview: Dieting episode.

Impression:

Even if we were all expecting it, I don’t think anybody really wanted to see it. That is, unless you were waiting for the creative fanservice in the aftermath of Momiji’s defeat. I mean, I know it makes sense for the clothes to be ripped after a transformation, but the shots of nude bodies after the werewolves were defeated was just hilarious. I also like how special attention was taken towards Momiji taking her shoes off, and Tenko’s black dress was a nice touch too. The actually development in this episode was pretty anticlimactic, with the revealing that Momiji only interfered with everyone’s lives because of her daddy issues. I just think it’s weird how two episodes can be spent on this arc, when it seemed like Shiro’s arc lasted an eternity. But with Momiji’s announcement to Sakura that she likes Noboru as well, I guess she goes back to her place as a major rival for Sakura. The next episode suggests that it will build on this theme, so I’m pretty excited about seeing it.

Oshi- Super Sakura!

Summary:

Ogami searches through the school halls at night, finding various pieces of a girl’s outfit along the way. After entering a certain room while following these garments, he is knocked out by the howl from a large shining beast. At school the next day, Toru’s friends discuss the rumors floating around about a werewolf appearing in the form of a young woman. More frightening, there seems to be evidence of the event happening to people that they know. Noboru hears similar rumors at his own school. When Momiji appears to give Noboru’s acquaintance a ticket to the mini concert she will be having during Xmas, he is invited as well. Unable to watch this for any longer, Sakura leaves the room. When Tenko finds Sakura worrying over this outside afterwards, she provides her with a drink that would help bring her closer to Noboru. As it requires both people to drink it, Sakura gives it her all to have Noboru drink it later.

When the Takagami boys reach home, they bring up the rumors they have heard at school. Further more, Noboru had heard from Ogami what he saw the previous night. Tenko does not seem to have much information on the beasts, however. Elsewhere, Bekira investigates what she describes as fakes of what she seems to be looking for. The next day during practice, Noboru is given his Xmas ticket from Momiji. Noboru learns that Momiji is living home alone, so he reveals that his mother is no longer with his family either. After realizing the similarity they have, Momiji leaves Noboru with her wish to meet again. Sakura soon approaches Noboru afterwards, asking to walk home with him. In the meantime, Tenko, Ko, and Toru accompany Mubyo to have crepes at a stand in the city’s park. Mubyo reveals that she has also been hearing about the recent werewolf activity, and how surprised she is about the lack of information everyone has. When Tenko separates from the crew, Ko brings up that she always leaves at this certain part of the day recently. Passing by the previous stand, Tenko receives a package from who is actually Bekira inside.

Noboru meanwhile helps his friend with after-school activities, but is shocked when the boy turns into a werewolf and attacks him. Sakura is able to sense this at the school entrance, then rushing to save Noboru with amazing ability. After Sakura carries Noboru to Tenko and passes out, Tenko explains the concoction that allowed Sakura to protect Noboru in a time of need. When the werewolf catches up, Tenko simply injects it with one of Bekira’s tools to return it back to the human it once was. Noboru carries Sakura home afterwards, finding that she cannot remember any of the previous events when she wakes up. Either way, she is happy to spend time with him. While following the two from afar, Tenko recalls that the requirements for the concoction were for an individual to always be watching and deeply caring for the other. She also declares that she will make whoever has attacked Noboru feel regret. On the school rooftop elsewhere, Momiji seemingly expresses her distaste in the failing of her plans.

Preview: Xmas party and dramatic revelations?

Impression:

Oshi- megane Tenko! This episode was really, really awesome. It looks like Wagaya is definitely picking up again, just as I guessed. I was already feeling for Sakura while she struggled with not wanting to lose Noboru to Momiji, and I knew Tenko’s giving her the potion was going to make for all kinds of awesome. I’m hoping that Sakura does have a bigger role from now on, because she has easily been one of my favorite characters throughout the season. The werewolf cases were also set up well to provide some mystery to the new arc, but the after ED scenes were even more shocking. I like Momiji’s character quite a bit as well, but with her seemingly plotting against Noboru and/or Tenko, it looks like things are going to get complicated from here on. I’m also wondering why Gyokuyou still hasn’t made many appearances this late in the series, since he is easily suppose to be a very major character when looking at the OP/ED sequences.

On a side note, I know I can’t be the only one who thought some of the effects in this episode were really cheesy. This wasn’t enough to hurt my enjoyment of it though.

Tenko Kugen Detective Stories

Summary:

While out with the Takagami family as usual, Tenko manages to win yet another hot-springs trip for them. Due to various circumstances, only Tenko and Noboru decide to go this time. Because of her recent watching of detective television shows at home, Tenko quickly sets up her own mystery story upon reaching the hot-springs’ inn. With all of the characters in place, Tenko is also alerted of the legends of a snake’s cave close to the inn’s location. Soon after Noboru and Tenko settle in their room, a short blackout occurs. When the neighboring girls describe their fear from seeing a young woman looking into their room, Tenko quickly exits the building to investigate. She and Noboru return after a short while, however, then learning that a man’s wallet and camera have been stolen. After the last resident of the inn shows up, it is revealed that no one can enter or leave the inn.

Tenko learns from the inn’s managers that there have been rumors of spirits appearing at the spring, but Tenko takes note when the earlier employee does not know of this story. Tenko further tries to get information from the novelist who had showed up last, but this does not provide results. While in the baths later, Noboru notices that there is a fruity smell about the shampoo that the inn has provided. Tenko tries to come up with a scenario when she hears about this, but she soon becomes more interested in sleep. Noboru finds the earlier student’s wallet while he is outside, but is surprised to see white beads inside. The girls from earlier also find the student’s missing camera, but they find that the pictures taken of the cave earlier are no longer there. Noboru tries to alert Tenko of these developments, but she refuses to wake.

The next morning, Noboru finds Tenko chasing after the inn’s chef. When everyone gathers around the two outside, Tenko finally reveals that the inn’s manager is responsible for all of the previous events. The manager admits to this, revealing that the spirit from the previous night was actually a doll. The manager had actually attempted to make the inn a spirit’s location in order to save it’s reputation some how. Tenko announces her success with another blow to the landlady, but she is surprised when no one around is as enthusiastic as her. While Tenko and Noboru are at the bookstore on a later date, they find a novel based on the events that occurred at the springs.

Preview: Werewolf?

Impression:

Well, that was different. Being mislead by the preview from last week (as usual), I wasn’t expecting a Tenko and Noboru only episode this week. And despite being a hot-springs episode, the actual hot-springs portion of the inn was only shown for a few minutes. The majority of the episode consisted of the typical detective story parody, fueled by Tenko’s active imagination. It was funny seeing all of the developments taking place, and Tenko finally piecing it all together by the end, but the ending really kind of felt unsatisfying. Even if the theme of going without magic was brought up, I was kind of expecting some kind of spiritual element appear by the end. I mean, that is one of the major themes of this series. I would almost go as far as calling this a filler episode, especially with all the throw away characters that were introduced. But eh, oh well.

While watching this episode, I also started to wonder what the target age group for this series is. The anime is based on popular novels, and it really has a family atmosphere despite having small hints of fanservice. Younger teens typically wouldn’t watch the detective shows that this episode parodied either. I dunno, it’s something to think about. Next week looks to be getting back on track with Tenko’s usual activities. They’re still playing games with the preview though!

Trick or treat!

Summary:

Looking through his accounts one day, Ebisu is alarmed by his belief that the Binbogami has appeared in the area. In response, he gathers several spirits to his shrine, revealing the threat before them. Though several of the spirits do not believe this is of any concern to them, Ebisu quickly changes their mind by announcing a large prize to the one to catch the Binbogami. While Noboru accompanies several children during the Halloween event that is taking place, he is followed by a white masked child. Unknown to him, the child matches Ebisu’s description of the Binbogami. When Noboru offers some candy to the Binbogami, he begins following Noboru along with the other children. Tenko prepares a feast at Ebisu’s shrine in the meantime, unconcerned with the prize that Ebisu announced. When Ebisu arrives to speak with her, however, she suggests that the Binbogami is not that dangerous of a spirit.

While Toru and Ko search for the Binbogami, they run into severl spirits who believe they have caught their culprit. However, this person turns out to be Ogami in a misleading mask. Noboru meanwhile attempts to have the Binbogami open up to him, but he is surprised when he then continues to be attached to him after the rest of the children have returned home. When Noboru arrives at the shrine, Ebisu prepares to give him the promised prize despite his ignorance of the situation. However, Ebisu quickly angers those around him when he reveals that the prize is much smaller than he seemed to promise. When Tenko’s roasted potatoes are finally finished, she is shocked to find that it is ruined despite her expectations. When she blames this on the Binbogami, he has already disappeared. Seeing that the Binbogami had wanted to pay him back for his kindness, Noboru only wishes that he would one day come back to play again.

ED: “Shiawase no Kotodama 「シアワセの言霊」” by Yukana, Hayami Saori, Takahashi Mikako – Wow! I love the new ED! It’s a great song sung by three of the main seiyu, and it’s full of great art and chibi action.

Preview: Hot springs ep with a bit of mystery?

Impression:

You know, I tend to like this show a lot more when it focuses on the slice of life and light comedy aspects of the series. This episode gave us just that, and it was awesome. Sakura’s usual delusions, Ko’s typical silliness, and Tenko’s large stomach are all things that are done almost all the time, but it’s impossible not to smile at them every time. I loved seeing Sakura and Noboru’s costumes too, and it’s a shame that the rest of the characters didn’t really get a chance to have proper ones. The Binbogami, the “spirit of the week” this time around, was very likable despite how minor of a character he was. Of course, as suggested in this episode, the Binbogami in Japanese culture is typically believed to bring poverty to a home.

Now, I don’t usually mention the new EDs outside of the section I set up for them, but wow, this one was just awesome. I absolutely loved the art, and the style was almost Shaft level as far as how much I appreciated it. It totally took me off guard too, coming in at an odd episode number like 19. Hayami Saori’s voice still dominates the song for me, though I love Yukana too. It looks like our previews are getting back on track too, although they still seem stylized (in a good way). I’m definitely getting excited about Wagaya again, so I’m really looking forward to the next episode.

The secret behind the jiggling….revealed?

Summary:

As Inamochi’s creature confronts her, Shiro attempts to use her powers against it. She soon realizes, however, that she isn’t able to absorb any life force from it. While this happens, Toru is taken hold of by one of Enju’s followers. The demon soon expresses to Enju that Toru must die so that a new parent can be established. This way, the king of demons could be created. Enju is shocked at this, and when her follower sees that she is unwilling to do this, he offers to do so instead. Tenko runs into Shiro on the way to the school, and a large amount of her power is drained when the two pass each other. Despite this, she is able to save Toru from an explosion caused by Shiro’s fight just in time. When Ko sees Bekira preforming actions that would be against Toru’s wishes, she confronts her at the scene. After easily dissolving the beast that was up against Shiro, Ko shows that she is more than a match for Bekira.

When Noboru meets Toru, he is surprised to see Shiro’s older appearance. The two brothers are further surprised to hear Shiro speak. Shiro is unsure why she is finally able to talk, but she expresses that she always wanted to converse with Toru. On the rooftops above, Tenko confronts Tsukuyomi who is currently troubled with his inability to contact Bekira. Finding that Tenko does not wish to let him seal Shiro, Tsukuyomi reveals that the only other option would be for Shiro to die. Tenko still does not believe sealing Shiro would make Toru happy, but when Tsukuyomi reveals that Toru would be chased by demons for the rest of his life if this did not happen, Tenko realizes that things cannot go so perfectly.

Tenko quickly contacts Noboru over phone, instructing him to stop Ko. Finding that Shiro would have to be sealed to avoid death, Noboru believes that Toru would also have to be notified of this. Toru takes this surprisingly well, deciding that saving Shiro was the reason he went to her. As Bekira gets to work on her, Shiro tells Toru that she visited the house before coming to the school. Sensing the Sakasaen, however, she did not stay. Shiro reminds Toru that he promised to become her family, which is why she returned. Shiro starts to fall asleep due to Bekira’s devices, and as she closes her eyes, memories of her stay flash through Toru’s head. Afterwards, Toru is forced to let Bekira take Shiro away. In other places, Tenko confronts Inamochi about where he obtained the earlier creature. Inamochi does not give a solid answer, and disappears by revealing that the body before her is a fake.

Later, Tenko is confronted by Gyokuyou near the riverbank. Bringing up her actions, Gyokuyou wonders if Tenko really remembers the suffering she should have spent while sealed. This makes Tenko remember a conversation she had with Miyako in the past, where Miyako wondered if Tenko hated humans for sealing her. Tenko was rather indifferent about this, denying any of Miyako’s suggestions about revenge. Tenko expresses to Gyokuyou that she has forgotten the ill feelings she had ever had about humans, believing that she only remembered the good memories since she needed them. Expressing that she is happy and already satisfied, Tenko allows Gyokuyou to go without having to do anything for her. While Toru walks with Tenko afterwards, he believes to himself that he would be quite frustrated if Noboru was sealed for several hundred years. Seeing that Tenko only remembered her good memories, he hopes that Shiro would do the same.

Preview: Random antics through throw away preview filler!

Impression:

The shocking truth unveiled! So yea, it’s not that I disliked this arc, but I am actually pretty glad it is over. It just seems like too much time was spent being campy about what Shiro really was, and an episode or two could have easily been spent doing better things. With that said, this episode was probably the best out of what has been showing in recent weeks. It had quite a bit of action towards the beginning, and hearing Shiro finally speak was a real joy to hear. Ko was especially awesome with her frisbee fighting (or whatever you’d like to call throwing the Sakasaen around). It was nice to see Tenko and Gyokuyou’s sibling(?) relationship towards the end too, and the way Toru mirrored their relationship with his own with Noboru made it all so easy to understand. I do feel like the the end of the battles were really anticlimactic (just make a phone call and accept the sealing?), but I’ve come to expect the “everyone is friends” endings by now.

In other news, one of the art books I bought today actually contained art from Houden Eizou – the original illustrator for the Wagaya novels. The pictures were pretty stunning, and I really started to feel amazed at how the characters ended up making it to animation with the same general designs. It’s just the fact that illustrations are much less collaborated with novels’ content, unlike manga. From the interview contained with the art, it was pretty clear that Eizou had a lot of freedom to create what he wanted after looking through the novel’s material for the first time too. Eh, this is probably a really common thing in adaption, but it was the first time I really put some thought into it. It was pretty inspiring.

I don’t think I will even bother with guessing what will be showing next week, since it seems like they’ve given up on giving us real previews at this point.

Running away in the sunset…

Summary:

Running through various places in the city with her, Toru promises to protect Shiro. Toru is troubled when he sees some of the demons in the streets, then only worrying more when one of his friends meets him. Although Toru is unable to give him any clear details about what he is actually doing, the student decides to help Toru as his friend. When this boy distracts several of the demons by tricking them into thinking that he is Toru, Toru and Shiro board a bus. As Tenko had been following Toru along with Bekira and Tsukuyomi, they start to follow the bus with the cat who made Shiro’s original delivery.

In the taxi cab, Tenko learns that Tsukuyomi is a member of the Shinzoku. Although Bekira isn’t, she had stopped being a human quite some time ago. When Tenko questions Bekira’s actions, he simply expresses his wish to prevent supernatural things from interfering with the human world. Tenko further learns that Shiro isn’t technically alive, and her purpose in creating the king of demons. Shiro needed a parent, and this had become Toru when she first layed eyes on him. In other places, Enju observes a horrifying creation that Inamochi wished to show her. The zombie-like creature is certainly not alive, and it only follows the orders given to it by Enju. When Enju wonders why Inamochi would give her such a thing, he only states his wish to interfere with the Shizoku.

At home, Noboru is impressed with the progress Ko has made with her cooking skills. He gets a phone call from the school shortly after, learning that Toru had disappeared from the school. Out of worry, he decides to leave the house to search for him. Of course, Ko wishes to go as well. Having to get off the bus, Toru finally runs into a pair of the demons. When he yells for them to let go of him, he is saved by Mubyo. Mubyo is surprised to see Shiro again, but she isn’t given time to think about this when one of the demons releases a monster against them. Toru and Shiro are given the chance to run, but before Mubyo can engage the beast, it is quickly cut down by an appearing Bekira. With this, Mubyo is surprised to see her along with Tsukuyomi and Tenko.

When Tsukuyomi asks to borrow the Sakasaen from Mubyo, she can only put on a troubled face. Mubyo is further surprised that Tenko is with Tsukuyomi, then realizing that she had actually forgotten who he was. In reality, Tsukuyomi had been the one to seal Tenko several years ago. This quickly angers Tenko, and after learning this, she has new realizations about Shiro. When Tsukuyomi sees that Tenko has realized his flaws in dealing with Shiro, he simply refuses to work with her any longer. Elsewhere, Toru has met with Sakura at Noboru’s school. When the group runs into Enju, she is forced to ask for Shiro. Of course, Toru does not wish to give her up so easily.

Preview: lawl, rubber duckies.

Impression:

….with the girl you love! I think Shiro is a bit too old for Toru though….you know, like by a couple hundred years or so. So yea, I’m still amazed at how the previews have nothing to do with what actually shows! Looking at this week’s, it seems like they’ve really given up on even trying. It’s not that I’m not enjoying what I am watching, but with these types of things in mind, it almost seems like they’re extending this arc for reasons they shouldn’t. Is it a conflict with the series length? Is it a production budget issue? I really don’t know, so I can only watch to find out.

While this episode did have quite a bit of exposition about Shiro and Tsukuyomi’s true identity, I felt like it was similar to the last episode in that it had several scenes that could have really been left out to save time. I will say that I like the role Toru has taken upon himself, and I really love how Shiro is able to show her emotion and happiness without even speaking. Seeing Mubyo save the day was awesome too, since I really love her cheerful character. Next week, maybe….MAYBE….we’ll get to the action that has been suggested will be coming in previous episodes. They’re clearly playing games with us.

Love rivalry.

Summary:

While walking through the streets at night, Mubyo sees a tall woman with long white hair in the distance. Before she can learn her name, the woman disappears from the area. Of course, this woman is none other than Shiro. In class the next day, Toru can only think about the questions he had asked Shiro previously. On the rooftops close by, Enju’s followers observe Toru due to their orders. Waking from a dream at home, Ko senses a danger not too far away. She loses her tension soon after, however, only greeting Tenko who has returned from a walk. In other places, Sakura has her usual misunderstandings with Noboru who happens to be wearing glasses for a change. Tenko later finds Enju’s spies while they watch Toru, and when they refuse to state their reason for watching him, he threatens them with his abilities. Back at the high school, Momiji approaches Sakura and asks her if Noboru has a girlfriend. Sakura suggests that he doesn’t, but she panics when Momiji seems glad for her own reasons. After their failed resistance against Tenko, Enju’s followers see Shiro standing on the rooftop only a short distance from them.

Enju wakes from her dream of previous events, where Shiro had escaped her by simply draining her followers of their energy. She worries when she learns how long she has actually been asleep, but after learning that observation of Shiro has continued despite her condition, she doesn’t give up hope. When Noboru returns home from grocery shopping, Ko attempts to tell him about what she saw earlier. Noboru puts this off as nothing when Ko states that it did not seem like a threat, then asking if she would help him make dinner. To Noboru’s surprise, Ko puts on a smile after hearing this offer. Elsewhere, the man known as Inamochi approaches Enju in her office about Shiro’s escape. Toru is surprised when he meets Shiro in his classroom, but he does not have much time to think about this when Enju’s followers storm the room. Watching this from outside, Bekira and Tsukuyomi meet Tenko. Tenko expresses that she has no intentions on fighting Shiro, but she has no choice but to cooperate with the two when she realizes that they know much more about the situation than she does. As Shiro takes down those going after her outside the school, Toru attempts to reach her. Believing that she had run away for a reason, Toru declares that he will to whatever he can to help Shiro.

Preview: DBZ explosions.

Impression:

You know, I’m really disturbed at how the past three or four episodes have had nothing to do with their previews from each previous episode. Where were the transformations we saw from last week? Today’s episode seemed to be full of filler, only barely advancing the plot that was established in the last episode. I wouldn’t say I was completely disappointed, since things like Sakura’s delusions were funny as usual, but it really makes me wonder. There’s not much to talk about either, since not much happened. I do laugh at how creatively fanservice is used in this show though, with it coming from places like Sakura’s head. The possible conflict dealing with Momiji seems fairly interesting too, and we finally got to see the female version of Gyokuyou after the credits. Next week, maybe we’ll finally get to the battle that’s been hinted at for the past two episodes. It might start feeling a bit anticlimactic now that it’s not shown up when I’ve been expecting it though…

Genderbend saves the day again!

Summary:

When Noboru was younger, Toru once approached him in tears after wetting his pants. Noboru simply told Toru to take a warm bath, and to come to his bed afterwards. In the meantime, he would clean Toru’s sheets. Waking in the cabin he is currently trapped in, Noboru believes he has remembered this because of seeing Toru with Shiro. Although Noboru was young, he properly took care of his brother. Noboru wonders how he was able to do this, but he soon realizes that he only did what his mother once did for him. In the present time, Toru seems to be doing the same for Shiro. Tenko leaves the house while hiding his true intentions, having Ko look over Toru. When he reaches Ebisu’s shrine, he surprised to find him absent. However, he soon realizes that this is because of Kannazuki. Alerting Kouga and Eiga of the situation, Tenko has them watch over Toru as well. Having taken a liking to Toru, they quickly agree to.

Tenko later searches the area for Noboru, coincidentally running into Enju’s followers. After learning of Noboru’s location, he lures them into a trap. When the two men fall down, Tenko realizes that they are demons. With this, he remembers Gyokuyou’s previous words about the recent strange activity. Reaching the church, Tenko cleverly asks to use the phone. When he calls Noboru’s number, he soon hears it on Enju near him. Enju quickly escapes the church after discovering this, baffled that Tenko had appeared in the form of a man. Before she can get out of his sight, Tenko puts a tracking wire on Enju.

While Toru practices swinging a bat outside the house, Shiro eagerly watches him. Toru starts to ask Shiro where she came from, and if she has any family. When Shiro implies that she doesn’t know, Toru believes that this is a bit lonely. However, Shiro does not seem to know the meaning of “lonely”. Getting closer to her, Toru wonders if Shiro would join his family. Seeing this as a proposal, however, Toru puts it off as a joke in slight embarrassment. While Kouga and Eiga watch over Toru, they can only believe that Shiro is his girlfriend. In other places, Tsukuyomi confirms to Bekira that they were not mistaken of Shiro’s location.

Tenko follows his wire to the building Noboru is trapped in, but he is shocked to find that the coat it was attached to is now away from Enju’s body. Tenko almost uses his abilities to break out of the room he is now trapped in, but he realizes that it may be dangerous while Noboru is inside. Enju meanwhile makes her followers realize that Noboru should still be in the house, as the runes she put up on the walls were made to prevent humans from running away. This was something she researched on the internet with great confidence. Realizing he now has Noboru’s phone in his pocket, Tenko makes a call to Mubyo to ask for help. Tenko realizes that Mubyo would be able to use one of her techniques simply by speaking through the telephone, and this theory is proven when the door before Tenko opens.

Noboru eventually makes it to a room in the church, but he is captured by Enju soon after realizing this. Tenko blasts through the walls to reach this room, but soon after revealing that Enju is a demon, Enju unleashes a flaming beast against him. Tenko is quickly able to take care of this beast, but Enju has already escaped with Noboru via car by the time he is finished. Noboru wonders why Enju would do something like this, so she reveals that Shiro is actually her belonging. Noboru does not believe this is right, since the package she came in was addressed to Toru, but Enju claims that this is Tenko’s doing. Enju makes Noboru realize that he has no idea why Tenko was sealed away for so long, but in return, Noboru claims that Enju knows nothing about Tenko either.

Tenko soon stops the vehicle, but Enju continues to insist that he return “Byakki” to her. Noboru makes Tenko realize that this is Shiro’s actual name, as Enju describes her as a being that is seemingly not living or dead. Enju also explains that she needs Shiro to become the king of demons. Tenko actually suggests that they give back Shiro, and despite Noboru’s resistance, Tenko makes him realize that he cannot take care of her forever. When the group reaches the Takagami household, Enju is surprised to find that Toru is the boy she met at the school festival. Toru is also surprised to learn that Enju is a demon, and that she is bringing Shiro back home. After Shiro leaves with Enju, Toru runs away in tears. Meanwhile, Tsukuyomi makes Bekira realize that Enju would not be able to use Shiro the way she wanted to. This is because she had opened her eyes to Toru.

Preview: GODZILLA BATTLE.

Impression:

If I target a girl and she ended up being a dude, I would be baffled too. Actually, I would probably be freaked out. So despite the bad sign of this episode opening up with piss pants, it actually turned out to be pretty good. We learned quite a bit about Enju, and what Shiro actually is to her group of demons. Along with that, we also got quite a bit of action and humor. I especially laughed at Enju’s confidence in the internet as the solution to all her problems. I think a lot of us would think the same, though I’ve never heard of a site that would let me order a big flaming monster. I also find it extremely ironic and hilarious that the demons’ base of operations was at a church. Shiro was still cute too, and it looks like her character will become even more interesting next week. Mubryo’s cameo was fun, as I really like her character, and I do like how they put some meaning into her giving Toru her phone number earlier in the series. And on a last note, Tsukuyomi is played by the talented Kugimiya Rei. I forgot to mention this last week, but I find it funny that she is playing more boy roles recently. The two shows she is doing this in air on the same day too!