Believe it or not, I just recently finished watching Kamichu for the very first time. When the show first aired nearly two years ago, I was out of the country and too busy with work to watch anime. I did, however, have the opportunity to catch the first two episodes, and liked what I saw.

So, I was quick to purchase the first DVD volume of the show when it was released here in the States. The wait had left me anxious; for months, I had heard friends praise the show, some describing it as the year’s best. Clearly, I had missed out on something good. Or so I thought…

After watching the first DVD volume, I felt conflicted. Kamichu had everything I looked for in a slice-of-life show: atmosphere, unique setting, and quirky characters. But, like most slice-of-life shows, it had a hook. And, for whatever reason, the hook wasn’t working for me. I didn’t have any particular problem with the, “she’s a god in training,” angle, really. I thought it was kind of clever. I wasn’t watching for the hook, however, and after four episodes, it was clear the hook would dominate the show - so much, in fact, that I questioned even continuing with it.

Ten months and a bargain later, however, I found myself in possession of the remaining DVD volumes. My negative impression of the first four episodes had softened with time, no doubt. But, more than anything, I was desperate for some good slice-of-life. It was a chance I was willing to take.

Well, I’m happy to report that it was a chance worth taking.

Now that I’ve finished Kamichu, I feel a little embarrassed for having underestimated the positive impact the hook has on the show. Ultimately, the show derives much of its charm from the hook. While those episodes in which the hook is most prevalent are far from my favorites, the episodes in which it is more carefully and subtly integrated are, in my opinion, slice-of-life at its best. It gives the story and characters purpose - something that, while often overrated, is always welcome.

That said, I mostly appreciate the show for its atmosphere. Not only is the story set in a lovely place like Onomichi, but it also takes place in the early 1980s. I could feel the nostalgia… and I didn’t even grow up in Japan! Time and place are important to me, I think, and if I can feel that in a story, I take notice. In fact, in Kamichu, time and place might be just as much a hook as, “Mitsue-chan, I became a god.” It’s clearly used to great effect.

I can see myself rewatching Kamichu again and again. I already want to rewatch it! And I doubt I’ll ever tire of it, either. Of my many favorites, there are very few shows of which I could confidently say, “I’ll never tire of this,” but when I think about those shows, a familiar feeling washes over me. It’s the feeling I get from Kamichu.

In other words, I’m hooked.

If you’re not yet sick of hearing me talk about Kanon, make sure to check out the latest episode of the Mistakes of Youth podcast. I joined host Wildarmsheero and fellow anime blogger Gareth Bayer for a chat about the show yesterday.

Many thanks to both of them for the interesting discussion!

I really adore Maaya Sakamoto, but I haven’t been terribly impressed with her work ever since she stopped collaborating with Yoko Kanno. Her previous studio album, Yunagi Loop, is decent enough, but… well, it’s just kind of pedestrian. Unfortunately, the best thing about her new studio album, 30 Minutes Night Flight, is the title track. That one song alone is amazing. The rest of it? Meh.

Anyway, with Kanon over and done with and the Spring anime season still a couple of weeks away, I’m not watching much for the time being. Manabi Straight (which has turned out to be a great show), Hidamari Sketch, and Nodame Cantabile are pretty much it. I’ve been trying to supplement my anime diet by rewatching old favorites, but I’ve been having trouble finishing what I start. I think I’m rewatching three different shows at the moment, and I’m not entirely certain I’ll finish any of them.

Spring Fever, I guess.

Oh, and in case you haven’t heard, there was some good news for Aria fans this morning. Time to break out the provisions!

When Kyoto Animation’s remake of Kanon was first announced, the reaction from some fans was hostile. For example, some fans of The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi were angered by the possibility production for the remake had cut their favorite show’s broadcast short. Meanwhile, some fans who didn’t care for the original anime adaptation of Kanon questioned how a remake could ever improve on something they found so fundamentally flawed to begin with. And, of course, there was no shortage of fans who couldn’t understand why a remake of any anime series would be a good idea in the first place.

You don’t hear much of that anymore.

Anyway, I’m extremely happy with how Kanon ended. I think the final episode did a spectacular job balancing each girl’s epilogue from the game with what new material was presented. I also found the pacing to be acceptable. Trying to cram a full year’s worth of material and closure for multiple characters into a single episode is no easy task, and I’ve seen anime directors (even talented ones) simply throw their hands in the air and give up when faced with such situations. I’d actually commend Ishihara Tatsuya for his work here, as I thought the pacing in the final episode was about as good as it could get. It was definitely an improvement over his work in Air, which featured clunky episodes from start to finish.

And, looking at the show as a whole, I find that I’m more enamored with Kanon than ever before. I’ve even come to better understand and appreciate certain characters. Obviously, there were aspects of the story that were better handled in the original game. There were even a few bits and pieces that worked more effectively in the original anime adaptation. But, if Kyoto Animation’s take on Kanon was my first and only exposure to the franchise, I think I’d walk away just as enchanted with the story and attached to the characters as any veteran fan. That’s how good a job they did.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. But, I suppose there’s a little something to look forward to, at least.

Oh, and Nayuki fans? I feel your pain.

The snow has finally melted, and you know what that means… the Spring anime season is just around the corner!

So, to celebrate the return of my lawn, here’s a not-so-exhaustive list of the new shows I’m looking forward to…

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS - Honestly, a lot of the fun of Nanoha came from watching little girls beat the living daylights out of each other. Hence, I’m not entirely sure yet how I’ll respond to Nanoha and Fate as teenagers. It’s still Nanoha, though, so I’m excited.

Idol Master Xenoglossia - I’ve always had a strange fascination with the Idol Master games… but this has little to do with that, I suppose. I get the feeling Sunrise is looking for their next Mai-HiME here. If so, it could prove entertaining.

Hayate the Combat Butler - Even though there’s nothing particular about the show that grabs me, there’s so much praise for the manga that I feel compelled to give it a try.

Kamichama Karin - It’s been ages since a Koge Donbo manga has received an anime adaptation, hasn’t it? What really gets my attention, however, is that the series will be directed by Anno Takashi. Talk about old school.

Sola - As has been pointed out elsewhere, this show is the brainchild of Hisaya Naoki (of Kanon fame). What’s more, the character designs are being provided by Nanao Naru (Da Capo). There’s some serious star power in the cast, too, with Nakahara Mai, Shimizu Ai, and teh Mamiko present (just to name a few). And, despite its eroge adaptation appearance, it’s actually an original work. This could be good.

Kono Aozora ni Yakusoku wo - I’m kind of fascinated by the premise, I’ll admit. The character art is attractive as well. All in all, it seems like it could be a bit more interesting than your average eroge adaptation.

Lovely Complex - Gotta get my shoujo fix.

Lucky Star - KyoAni does 4-koma. I’m just as curious as the rest of you.

Whenever I see pictures like this, I kind of laugh, because I actually have an entire room that’s devoted exclusively to the storing and viewing of anime… and it’s so damn boring.

I suppose I should get a plant or something. How about a lava lamp?

I like to think I have an appreciation for anime as an art form. It’s not something that will stand the test of time and be looked upon favorably by generations to come, mind you. It’s just something that’s capable of great beauty, be it in the artwork itself, the storytelling, the presentation, the music… whatever. The shows that move me most are those that exhibit great beauty in some way, shape, or form. It may be subtle or it may be obvious. It may be something that appeals to everyone or it may be something that appeals to me alone. But, whatever it may be, it’s there, and when I recognize it, I’m reminded of why I watch anime in the first place.

Sometimes, however, I feel like I’m old-fashioned. It’s as if being seriously in love with anime has gone out of style. For those of you who can remember high school, perhaps you recall a friend or classmate who, despite possessing great knowledge or talent, never seemed to care about anything. Perhaps it was you. When I think of the modern American anime fan, this is the image that comes to mind. I know it’s not absolute truth, but I still can’t shake the feeling that fandom is more shallow, narcissistic, and mean-spirited than ever before.

I don’t think anime should be Serious Fucking Business. I like to geek out and have fun as much as the next fan. But, if you’ve ever been the designated driver for a night out on the town, you know that watching your friends get all drunk and stupid ceases to be amusing after awhile. Sometimes, there’s little joy in being a serious anime fan. But, there’s no dishonor in being a serious anime fan.

Nor is there dishonor in being a constructive anime fan. Years ago, when I first started reading weblogs, I noticed something interesting: in describing their blogs, it was common for authors to use the word “rant”. I soon discovered that any blog that used the word “rant” in title or description wasn’t a blog worth reading. It was no surprise, really. After all, to rant is to “speak or write in a angry or violent manner.” In my opinion, such writing, while occasionally entertaining, has little value to me as a reader. I realized I wasn’t their audience.

Which holds true for a lot of anime blogs, unfortunately. I can’t criticize any anime blogger for writing in the manner he or she wishes, but I will admit that it pains me to see just as many blogs out there spewing bile and invective about anime as there are blogs promoting the medium. I rarely read these blogs, and I sure as hell won’t link to them. And I do my best to maintain a constructive and positive tone when blogging myself - even when I DO have something to bitch and moan about.

Of course, I suppose it would be awfully presumptuous of me to say, “I wish more anime fans would see anime the way I see it,” but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t sometimes feel that way. And, even though I know there’s nothing wrong with that, I still feel sheepish. Recently, I was reading the short biography I have here, and thought to myself, “Man, I really should rewrite this. I sound like a dork.” What concerned me most, however, was the paragraph explaining my “interest in modern Japanese culture”. I asked myself, “Why did I write that?” Indeed, why did I feel it necessary to assure my readers that my interest in Japan pre-dates my interest in anime?

Well, if you know the term “weeaboo”, you’d understand why.

Enough is enough. No longer will I apologize for being seriously in love with anime. No longer will I sit idly by as self-hating anime fans disparage those who have the audacity to care. I’m going to keep promoting the hell out of the shows and characters I love.

And if you call me a “fanboy”, I’m just going to smile and say, “Well, at least I have a passion for something. How about you?”