Winter 2019 Favorites

Hello! I’ve planned to start writing blog posts for each season of the shows that ended up as my favorites, and as the Winter season has come to a close, it’s time to write the first. The list will be in alphabetical order, and any shows that are still ongoing will not be added nor will I add any sequel seasons. Boogiepop wa Warawanai (2019)

Episodes: 18 Genre: Horror, Mystery, Psychological Enjoyment: 6/10 Being a fan of the light novels and the anime adaptation of 2000, Boogiepop wa Warawanai, it should be no surprise that it was my most anticipated show this season. Especially after reading that it would be a more faithful adaptation of the light novels, which the first anime adaptation isn’t; as it’s more of an anime original that used the directing style of Serial Experiments Lain as an inspiration to its production. Boogiepop wa Warawanai (2019) ended up being an alright anime adaptation. I’m saying alright because it’s the only way I can say this in a more positive light. Yes, it could’ve been better, but I’m not entirely disappointed, I’m actually glad that the new anime adaptation was made, and it was also a nice breath of fresh air to see this genre not being entirely at the verge of dying out. With that said, I did enjoy the show for what it offered. The show is not for everyone, which means that to truly enjoy it, you have to put your mind to it to get a broader perspective of understanding the show fully. Regardless of that fact, I hope it will bring in any new fans to support the series. There are currently only the first six volumes of the light novels that have been translated to English so far, so I’m sitting here in hopes that the rest will be translated at some point. For now, only time will tell. Doukyonin wa Hiza, Tokidoki, Atama no Ue.

Episodes: 12 Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy Enjoyment: 8/10 Doukyonin wa Hiza, Tokidoki, Atama no Ue. is a heartwarming show with a light portion of feels. You can sum up the show of being about a socially awkward writer who one day adopts a cat, and from there you’ll see how their lives together will unfold. What’s so good about it is how the main character grows as a person and eventually gets back on his feet, appreciating the things that he once had and what he has now. It’s overall a very simple and down-to-earth story, and to the right person, it can hit close to home and be a great experience. As the show falls under the iyashikei genre, it was quite relaxing to watch, and I should also mention that the animation adds a nice touch to it. So to anyone who needs some time to unwind, Doukyonin wa Hiza, Tokidoki, Atama no Ue. is a great show for you. Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen

Episodes: 12 Genre: Comedy, Psychological, Romance, School, Seinen Enjoyment: 7/10 Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen was initially one of the more questionable picks as a favorite, reason being that after the first three episodes I wasn’t entirely sure if I enjoyed it or not. The comedy was very hit-or-miss, but since it was neither a bad nor a good show at the time, I decided to not drop it. And well, here I am now to write it down on this list. The show grew on me, and I couldn’t help but look forward to what they brought in next, and one of the greatest things they brought in was the character Ishigami; I hands down love this man. He’s made me laugh so many times because of how negative and depressing he is. Seriously, he needs some well-deserved love for everything he’s going through in this show. It’s not like he’s entirely being targeted to be picked at for some comedy, but when he has his moments, it’s great. But let’s not forget that the other main characters were quite lovable in their own ways too; the romantic battle of the brains between Shinomiya and Shirogane, and the adorable, adorable Fujiwara. It should be needless to say that they were an enjoyable cast of characters to watch. Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru

Episodes: 23 Genre: Comedy, Sports, Drama Enjoyment: 10/10 From time to time, the sports genre proves itself to be one of the most powerful in terms of storytelling, and Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru managed to be one such story. With a goal set in mind, there were obstacles to be met for the cast of characters, for both themselves and what’s seemingly unrealistic ahead of them, but in the end, what truly matters? That’s a question to be answered throughout the show. All in all, I both love and appreciate such inspiring stories like Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru, and it was a joy to watch the characters grow together as a team and become more determined human beings.