Ai Yori Aoshi manga discussion [Archive]

Shift_

2003-12-09, 00:39

Acctually At the end of the 1st anime Aoi and Karou sleep together, but not sleep as in have sex with eachtother together, as in most asian cultures that would be deemed bad, evil, inapproperiate, espically for aoi as she comes from a VERY traditional family, and honour is almost everything, although due to western influence (which can be good and bad) it's slowly changing.

The anime follows the manga VERY VERY closely. The published volumes however, are QUITE behind the manga published in Young Animal, apparently Young Animal is like on volume 20 something or maybe even 30 something....according to someone in japan. However the printed version of Volume 13 should be out spring or something like that.

From sources in japan, for some WIERD reason the published volumes come 4 years AFTER it's been published in young animal.

Quoted from another forum
----------------------------
From Hakusensha's online store, Ai Yori Aoshi comic list and release dates:

Vol 1 - 1999/05/28
Vol 2 - 1999/12/17
Vol 3 - 2000/05/29
Vol 4 - 2000/10/27
Vol 5 - 2001/03/29
Vol 6 - 2001/07/27
Vol 7 - 2001/11/29
Vol 8 - 2002/03/29
Vol 9 - 2002/07/29
Vol 10 - 2002/11/29
Vol 11 - 2003/05/29
Vol 12 - 2003/11/28

Vol 13 (preview page at end of 12) - 2004 (will guess late spring-ish)

As for the orignal release dates in Young Animal, I can't confirm that, but it seems strange that the graphic novels would have been released 4 years after the first release in Young Animal. But I thought I would clear this up.
-------------------------------------

bluemist

2003-12-09, 03:06

Young Animal is the 'magazine' where AYA is running right? Just making sure... cause it's indeed weird for the graphic novels to be soooo behind like that. Maybe it's not selling well?

Ookla The Mok

2003-12-09, 03:17

Young Animal is the 'magazine' where AYA is running right? Just making sure... cause it's indeed weird for the graphic novels to be soooo behind like that. Maybe it's not selling well?
Um, next time I'm at the store I'll check the chapter numbers in YA and in volume 12. That does sound really odd. I don't think the other YA series (Berserk, etc. I said Hellsing but now that I think about that, I think that's a Young King series) would be that far behind like that... It just doesn't make good business sense. With weekly mangas the magazine is often 4 volumes ahead of the tankobons, but I think the margin would be a little smaller than that for monthlies.

Setonai

2003-12-09, 03:56

Average amount of volumes compare to things like Ranma
that will take 4 ever

Shift_

2003-12-09, 12:05

I'm pretty sure they had sex. The way they look at each other the next day implies some sort of "now nobody can divide us anymore", and actually the whole series was something like "going against the will of the family".

and I'm 100% sure they didn't, you CAN'T look at it from an Westerner's Point of view, because this takes place IN japan WITH a VERY VERY powerful and TRADITIONAL eastern family. You DON'T do things like that, she wouldn't, Karou wouldn't, why? Because family would disown her, throw her away like trash, because she would be a stain on the family's name.

Where is all this comming from? Because my family seems to be more traditional than other Chinese families here, but that's how it would be if I was in china or taiwan.

Shift_

2003-12-10, 19:00

Well, isn't that what they want? To get her free from her father which wants her to leave him?

no...they want to get married with Aoi's family's approval...

Scandals are BAD in Asia, unlike in North America, Scandals go down with your family name, espically amongst traditional families.

But yea I found out that Young Animal is on volume like 20...and no conclusion in sight...*sigh*

Ookla The Mok

2003-12-20, 10:13

OKAY... I finally got a chance to look in Young Animal (December's was sold out last time I went).

The current chapter in January 2004's issue is chapter 108.

Volume 12 ends with chapter 102.

So whoever told you there were enough chapters to get to volume 20 was smoking something.

condi

2003-12-24, 22:20

what about this sequal?

I'm just wondering which chapter the anime is right now..

Kensuke

2004-02-03, 16:29

I just finished the first volume :D, and I have to say that I liked it. Anime is very similar to the manga, but their drawning styles are different, and it take me some time to get used to it. But Aoi is cute as ever.

Also positive side is that they used original honorifics like -chan and -sama, and also included a small glossary of different terms used in manga and information about kimonos, since AYA is very traditional series and if they have tried to "westernize" it, it would have ruined the entire manga.

I would have loved to see those omakes in anime, "Ai-Ao Theatre" of Aoi and Miyabi is like omakes in Kimi ga Nozomu Eien.

7thMethuselah

2004-02-03, 16:49

Kensuke

2004-02-03, 17:05

I ordered it from Archonia (online store located in Belgium :D) and according to their website vol. 2 will be released March 17. and vol. 3 May 12.

7thMethuselah

2004-03-24, 13:58

I just got me the second volume from Tokyopop. In this manga the story really gets going as Tina gets introduced (you gotta love that wacko chick). It's safe tp say this manga isn't really suited for minors since it has quite alot of nudity but i guess we could expect a thing like that :naughty: As before the manga and anime are very alike, same stories and settings, cool characters etc... If you haven't seen/read any of this I'd recommend you try it out (anime is licensed btw)

kanazuchi

2004-03-25, 02:07

nevermind, why the hell cant I delete my post?

7thMethuselah

2004-03-25, 07:03

nevermind, why the hell cant I delete my post?

only mods can do that, just pm one to delete it...

Ruisu

2004-04-12, 20:11

0.o... Volume 20? Fumizuki-sensei must be wanting to copy off Takahashi on that one. Volume 13 should be out soon in Japan, and I swear it better not be another filler volume. o-o*

Btw, we need another arc devoted to Tina... >.>

7thMethuselah

2004-04-12, 20:17

Yup Yup we can never get enough Tina !!! I really need to catch up on this awesome manga :)

More manga's coming from tokyopop (http://www.tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?propertycode=TRU&categorycode=BMG) soon.

Forbin

2006-02-10, 14:27

As all the other posts were nuked.

I just got a hold of Volume 11. And I saw 'Karou Hanabashi' (And I don't mean Aoichan's).

How more volumes is left before then end? No one here has commented on how the ending went so it looks like I will have to buy it when it comes out.

TalonK

2006-02-10, 15:08

If the US releases are the same as the Japaneese releases, and they have been so far, then volume 17 is the last volume.

Forbin

2006-02-10, 19:15

/sigh...owell another year to wait.

JokerD

2006-02-11, 07:21

Vexx

2006-02-13, 02:44

Forbin

2006-02-13, 17:40

volume 11 (tokyopop) is interesting because of the twist Tina's feelings take .... on the other hand... I thought the "new character" when Kaoru makes the visit was kind of stupidly handled.... how .... soap opera-ish.... and then with no followup. I assume we'll see more pressure applied from Aoi's clan to marry a Hanabishi....
As all the good spoilers were deleted because they were in 2005.

The Sakuraba Corporation and the Hanabishi's are set for a merger (I think). And Whomever Aoi-Chan marries will become the head of the new supercorporation. Be it, Karou the OLDER or Karou the Younger Hanabashi. (Yes he has a brother). Remember earlier that her father had another Omai set up for her?

I just want to know how the rest of the harem will resolve, who ends up with who and who doesn't.

Vexx

2006-02-14, 01:38

yeah, as soon as I saw him I could see that one coming....

I guess for me there isn't a huge amount of mystery .... its more a case of how the story is executed and how the feelings of the other girls are resolved (especially Tina). I find it hard to imagine Aoi not ending up with Kaoru simply because of the devastation it would cause Aoi ... I could see her taking her own life first. I guess we need to see how this "older Hanabishi" really is (thinking of the "other guy" in Futukoi Alternative here.. basically a good guy once he figures out the situation).

JokerD

2006-02-14, 07:28

That guy has a grudge against Karou as he thinks of himself as a 'second choice' after Karou left and his mother was not really supportive of him when he was younger. He locks Aoi in and tries to rush through the Sakuraba-Hanabishi marriage proposal so I guess he is a bad guy.
Got rejected by Aoi to the point of her wanting to leave the Sakuraba family though.

Shinji103

2006-02-14, 16:36

Finally I got my vol 17, I guess the ending was predictible but other than that not much else to say since I CAN'T READ JAPANESE.

Seriously I think this is the first manga (jap-language) that I ordered just to see the ending.It's finally over?! I have to read the ending! Long live the ability to read Japanese! :D :D :D

Can we get a basic summary of the ending (since JokerD can't read Japanese :heh: ), or PM me a summary please. :D

JokerD

2006-02-14, 20:24

Kaoru comes to the Hanabishi with Miyabi to pick up Aoi. Some cov with Aoi's parents which are there to hear the marriage proposal of Kaoru(2) which seems to indicate that Aoi's father is against the marriage to Kaoru or something. Either way they leave the house and return to the mansion which is now empty. Where they have sex.
The next morning they meet everyone where (I think) they annouce their marriage, then flash forwards to half a year later where Tina's leaving. Everyone's depress but Tina manages to cheer them up in her own way. Every lady kisses Kaoru as a goodbye present much to Aoi's dismay.
Final chapter is 4 years later with Tina's return. She goes to the uni to find Chika with her 2 friends and passes them the photo of the group at the mansion taken earier. Later she finds Miyabi and the maid (can't remember her name offhand) working in a department store (salesladies? OL?) and still haveing their relationship (clusmy maid/devil supervisor) and passes them the photo as well as talk a little. Finally she heads to Kaoru and Aoi's appartment (the family name on the name plate is not Hanabishi or Sakuraba maybe Kaoru's mother's) and she meets Aoi at the door. Lots of talk and flashback to when she gave the other rich girl the photo. They head out to meet Kaoru on his way home from work. Final shot is of Kaoru and Aoi's face when they meet up.

There, that's it for the final volume. I prob missed a lot but I think I should have gotten the basics down

Shinji103

2006-02-14, 21:16

Forbin

2006-02-14, 21:29

Yikes!

So basically, Aoi tells her father to get lost eh and leaves Sakuraba?
Though I think Miyabi would be working in the Sakuraba dept store with Taeko.

So Karou is just an ordinary guy now and Aoi too eh?

Vexx

2006-02-17, 01:27

yeah.. thats really the ending I expect .... my only question was about whether Aoi could be forceful enough.

Xebek

2006-02-17, 16:44

So does anyone know release schedule for the rest of the books that havn't been released in english? Tokyopop only shows release dates for up to volume 13 although they finally added in grey up to 17.

Forbin

2006-02-17, 17:26

Every 2 months...but I bet even Toykopop doesn't know the actual day they plan to release each volume this far ahead.

rooboy

2006-02-17, 22:25

Tokyopop almost always releases on the last week of the month, and they've been releasing Ai Yori Aoshi every three months for at least the last four volumes (the point when I finally got off my butt and purchased them all the way to current). So my guess would be they'll release one volume every 2-3 months until it's finished.

Vexx

2006-03-09, 18:52

.... and I just picked up volume 12 from my local Barnes & Noble .... wheee.
However, looks like I'm going to have to special order Negima and TMP's latest.
Annoying...

edit: just finished vol. 12 .... comments:
hmmmm, kind of a filler volume - considerable amount of really unnecessary nudity (and I'm not a prude... Chika and her buddies just seem to spend a lot of time undressed together for no apparent reason, her tall quiet friend is pretty funny though ... Miyabi and Aoi spend enough time in a bath that I realized that often the author just doesn't draw nudes that well). Other than mom's visit, not much plot advancement. This is also the first time I've been annoyed at Aoi's retro attitude towards her relationship with Kaoru.... it's *always* "what am *I* doing wrong, I'm not good enough" --- starting to sound like a neurotic self-esteem problem rather than Kaoru's more balanced approach to making her happy.

Ah well.... just a few more volumes to go. :)

Vexx

2006-06-29, 18:03

heh, talking to myself here i guess... just picked up volume 13. Will report more fully in a few days.... bu the quick flip provides mixed feedback.

The art is more often that "quick draw cartoon" style which isn't very flattering to the characters. And more "nekkid fun" which doesn't seem terribly relevant to the storyline. I don't think the series is going to end *badly* but it does seem to be losing a lot of inspirational steam.

More later....

Forbin

2006-06-29, 19:31

I'm still reading. I think 13 was Tina getting ready to go home and it's already in Enishi right?

Vexx

2006-06-29, 22:00

aye...she's trying to "Keep the party going" so she doesn't have to think about it and is getting a bit frantic as it closes in on her.

taki-chan

2006-07-01, 02:43

The Ai yori aoshi anime is pretty clean...so when I got the manga I was totally surprised how dirty it was. There's a lot of ecchi in it, that's for sure. All in all, the manga is a lot funnier but the anime cuter because it doesn't have as much...well..you know. *sweat drop* :)

Vexx

2006-07-01, 03:33

Actually... there's not any sex as such (though some of the characters would love to have it)... .but there's a lot of nudity. I tend to not label things "ecchi" unless actual sex is involved because it has to be viewed through japanese norms.

They do spend an amazing amount of time in baths. Now thats not unusual as such because japanese tend to do a lot of their thinking, discussion, and brooding in baths. There are open air and coed baths. Nudity just doesn't equal "dirty" in japanese culture (or many others) in this context, so you might keep that in mind.

However, given the muddy plot progress and what is becoming the Chika's buddies "derail" scenes, I think the author is losing focus and some steam here.... I'm getting the "plot weak, aiee, quick add nudity" feeling here.
Unfortunately, a great deal of the bath sequences were extremely cartoony or sketchy so there wasn't even much "arty cheesecake" about it.

This is the first AYA volume I've finished and I felt like all but 3 or 4 pages were filler -- little character development or plot advancement.

I thought the anime series was enjoyable (but tame as you say), though I got really tired of the "boob check" not-joke (very lame humor). The first season was solid with a nice ending. The second season was kind of unfocused outside of Tina's arc with no progress in the main thread of Aoi and Kaoru.

Vexx

2006-07-13, 00:52

Its called *buy* the manga ... its sold by Tokyopop at a very reasonable price.
You should really take a second and read forum policy on licensed properties versus unlicensed properties before you get permabanned.

Vexx

2006-10-23, 02:26

Volume 14 is out and about... but I've not been able to snare a copy yet --- if its not at my local store tomorrow, I'll just have to order the thing and wait a few day.

Tasdern

2006-10-25, 09:42

Hi everyone! I just discovered Ai Yori Aoshi about a week ago. I’ve seen both sets of videos and have Vol 1 of the magna .

On the video, the story line is fantastic. The fans service is a bit corny in places but the plot and setting makes up for it. I like the way the use the background in the videos to show time and the deeper elements.

Note how often a cherry blossom is part of the story line.

Anywho, I’m looking to pick up the remaining magna volumes at a good price. If anyone is interested in selling me Vols 2-14, please let me know.

Oh, I would also be interested in good quality DVDs. (I’m not a reseller. These would be for my collection. – I just want one set.) I re-renting the DVDs from Netflix again!

BTW, I’m not interested in scans or downloads. I only buy original in decent condition. I can buy new but I'm willing to help out a fan by buying used books for a discount.

Thanks,

~TASDERN~

Tasdern

2006-10-25, 10:43

I’m going to weigh in on Aoi and Karou going all the way. I have not read all the magna yet, just watched the DVDs.

While they did sleep together in Karou’s apartment when they first met, they did not have sex. While Aoi may have said yes if Karou suggested it, after all she is about 23 or 24 years old and has been dreaming of this guy for 18 years and in her mind is already his wife, I do not think Karou was in any condition to do so nor would he take advantage of such a situation.

As for the end of the first season where they are alone where they first met, they certainly did. There is a very real possibility that Aoi may never see Karou again. In her world, she IS Karou’s wife and she most certainly has dreamed of this moment many times for years. She doesn’t want to be apart from him and this is a moment that only they share. Only Miyabi knows that they have been alone. And to Aoi, it doesn’t matter what her family thinks about her. At this point she has already decided that she will leave them in order to be Karou’s wife. Also note that this is the same place were Aoi (and Karou even though he was asleep) had their first kiss. Its only fitting that this is where Aoi would lose her virginity.

Also notice how Aoi acts afterwards in the second season. She wants to crawl into Karou’s futon in the mornings. Not necessarily to have sex but because she wants to be in his bed. She has already gone all the way with him and wants to be able to have a real relationship. She wants the simple joy of being able to hold him and be near him when he sleeps.

At this point Aoi is Karou’s wife. They have already vowed their love and will not forsake the other. Formal or not, to them, they are hitched.

Vexx

2006-10-25, 11:46

The real problem is, of course, the crotchety two powerful families they each belong to. As you'll see, the controlling interests within the families are pretty intent on cementing a bond between the two clans. Aoi's only real chance here lies in her mother. Even in today's Japan, duties, obligations and family lines often have a demanding pressure that is fairly alien to many American eyes.

That said.... I think you'll enjoy most of the manga. The mid-series events are pretty compelling. I did get fairly tired of Tina's "running gag" though Tina herself was interesting and provided some interesting tension. Unfortunately, the manga is losing some focus and steam since volume 11 (I'm about to start volume 14). I was fairly unhappy with the art quality in the last couple of volumes as well (lots of sketchily drawn cartoony scenes --- where a nice drawing would have been stellar). I understand it has a proper ending at least but it does seem to be fading to a climax rather than building.
If volume 14 proves me wrong, I'll update.

Tasdern

2006-10-26, 14:55

I’ve just seen all the DVDs, both in English and subtitled. I’ve seen the first set twice before seeing Enishi twice and now I’m planning on re-watching the first set again. After watching Enishi, and then reading just Vol 1, I have a whole new take on things.

The first set of DVDs were great. The love story was much better than I expected. The last time I got misty-eyed watching a cartoon was when Snoopy didn’t come home. I was ok until Aoi brings out the key at the tree and then it really hit me when at the very end we get the flashback to Aoi’s first kiss.

But the Enishi series really threw me off. It is supposed to be 2 years after they met and at least 1 year after the confrontation at the Sakuraba Estate. Yet they act as though little has changed. It’s obvious that it is mostly a filler series.

I was originally convinced that we were supposed to assume that Aoi and Kaoru were intimate at the end of the first season. But I’m revising that thought. It just doesn’t fit with the Enishi episodes. Had it really happened, I can’t see Aoi, being able to hide the fact that they were more then just secretly engaged.

I’m very interested in the manga. My local bookstores do not stock the whole set so I would have to order it from Amazon or such. But before I do that, I’m going to see if any cash-strapped fan is willing to sell their used volumes. I can save a few bucks and some teen can afford some new ones.

~Tasdern

skywalker_623

2006-10-31, 00:27

Vexx

2006-10-31, 02:42

Tokyopop is releasing this in 17 volumes. Volume 14 was released on 10/10/2006.

--------------------
From Tokyopop:
volume 14 (10/10/2006 release)
As Kaoru and Tina continue on their date, Tina asks Kaoru to take some pictures of her--and then tells a story about how she ran away from this guy that she liked because she was afraid of him hating her. But the end of the story, she reveals a secret that may win his heart!

volume 15 (02/13/2007 release)
With so many secrets revealed, Kaoru's life has been turned upside down. He must handle his own issues before taking on more responsibility. Tina and Aoi must confront their own feelings before facing each other. Love is still in the air and Chizuru is hoping to get a big whiff.
--------------------
volume 16&17 have no release dates and no synopses from their website yet... but the spoilered tag of JokerD sounds like a summary of the last volume of the japanese edition with some limitation because of translation skill.

The usual release cycle has been 3-5 months between volumes. You can order directly from tokyopop.com if you wish if the usual places like amazon, b&n, or borders doesn't have it. My closest bookstore is b&n and though they have a large manga section... they do a terrible job of keeping series up to date. Guess its back to online ordering again...

Tasdern

2006-10-31, 10:16

I was wondering who owns the original rights to the manga. Does anyone know? I wonder because I believe it was first serialized in Young Animal. They may own the rights to the submissions. This can be both good and bad. Good in the sense that they could have the funds to publish the manga and work to produce the anime. (I don’t know if they would do this though.) But it could be bad because the original artist and writers could get nothing extra for their work and then let the storyline crash.

I’m just speculating at this point. I’ll be getting vols 2-14 in the next week or so.

At this point, I would love to see a book version of the story line. Anime and manga are great but with such a rich storyline, a book or books could be a great read.

Have any other mangas or anime series ‘crossed over’ into a book series?

~Tasdern

Tasdern

2006-10-31, 10:21

I just had a thought. Does anyone know what the original purpose or outline of the story was? Since it was in Young Animal, was it supposed to be a love story or was it more about cute girls with some nude scenes that turned into a love story?

~Tasdern

Vexx

2006-10-31, 14:00

1) you can edit your posts so you don't end up double posting (unless you actually want to bump the thread back up in the list like I did the other day).

2) the original rights belong to the publishing company and the author in a partnership arrangement and they've licensed it hither and yon (though the publisher calls the shots for the most part as to when production stops and starts). Tokyopop has rights to publish it in the US and they've chosen to refabricate the chapters into 17 books (the original volume collection in Japan was eleven volumes I think). Pioneer had the US anime license. The manga is complete and done in Japan as is the anime - and I suspect that is it for the AYA collection.

3) Looking at the story itself, the first major story arc (up to their confrontation with Aoi's father and the results of that) was pre-outlined and probably the final arc was outlined. It looks kind of like Tina's arc had its own outline of sorts. The rest was probably done as the author went along and that is where the "popularity" meter could be adjusted to produce more or less of the story. You can tell in couple of volumes that were mostly sidestory that the author was kind of scrambling around --- the artwork quality plunged during those volumes as well (lots of sketchy stuff where one would think you'd see higher quality). The nudity factor ramped up during those weak points as well which didn't work well with the sketchy art :)

I'd say the core love story between Kaoru and Aoi was always there ... and the cute/nude kept ramping when the story floundered a bit, though that is mostly my opinion from studying media entertainment and storywriting in general.
Young Animal doesn't just do cute/nude, they do slip in "romance for guys" types of stories though I'd guess that AYA had more substance than they are used to.

dpryciak

2006-11-02, 21:18

Thanks for the help and news! I'll anxiously await the next...and as for the Spoilers, I expected as much.

Except, I KNOW for certain that Aoi and Kaoru did not have sex early on, or until...well, that book 16 or 17 or so. You can tell by how they act, and Kaoru was going to, in that hotel, but his past stopped him. He has a high deal of respect for Aoi.

And as for bad boob draws, the guy who draws DearS draws big breasts like they're granny boobs sometimes. Nothing natural flows like that!

Vexx

2006-11-02, 22:17

They never really say, but based on their post-trip behavior I'd have to guess they simply slept together... as in consensual snoring. Their ethical standards are simply at that level. Same way with Tina and Kaoru on their trip (though in their case, it was as much poor timing as being ethical. Tina would have said yes if she hadn't passed out and Kaoru might have asked). Kaoru has some guts if this is so... I could probably maintain force shields a few times but at some point the lower brainstem would kick in.

Vexx

2006-11-07, 02:50

Minor bumpage.... just finally got to read volume 14 of the Tokyopop edition of AYA.

Much more focused than last couple of volumes --- wraps up a major plot issue and foreshadows what I suppose will be the series climax. Artwork was *much* better. Some of the story sequencing in the first chapter or two was a little confusing concerning what was really happening versus what characters were wishing or thinking. So... whew, the author didn't continue his flailing about so much at least in this volume.

Nice little bonus at the end with a short story of Chizuru's first crush (Chizuru is the tall rather spectacular but shy girl who swims by drowning in a chosen direction). :) :)

rooboy

2006-11-07, 09:38

Tokyopop has rights to publish it in the US and they've chosen to refabricate the chapters into 17 books (the original volume collection in Japan was eleven volumes I think). Minor correction, the original in Japan was also 17 volumes. Re-editing to change the number of volumes would be an incredible pain. AFAIK, no one's ever done it, but I'm sure someone probably tried at one point.

Vexx

2006-11-07, 11:00

dpryciak

2006-11-07, 11:01

Consensual snoring...cute!

rooboy

2006-11-07, 12:10

Ah... I was curious about that. A wiki entry (and a manga reference website) had said AYA was *originally* published in 11 volumes.... and I had not heard of anyone resequencing a series. It had me wondering if the japanese 11 volumes had been re-released in Japan as 17 volumes prior to being picked up by Tokyopop but I wasn't quite concerned enough to go research it.

Whee for wikis, I guess (tosses salt).

Well, my source is not necessarily the best. Though I guess I could go through Amazon.jp (you would think it is probably still in print). Usually I use animeondvd (http://animeondvd.com/specials/manga/compcharts.php)'s list. It's not always accurate for series still going on in Japan, but it's usually solid when it announces a series is over. Though I did find a series that was stretched, Planetes was 4 volumes in Japan apparently and is five here. Which makes me :twitch: considering how big the volumes are. It must have been a deadly weapon originally. ;)

EDIT: Oops, found it. Amazon.jp (http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/4592134478/sr=1-2/qid=1162919395/ref=sr_1_2/249-0737009-2823505?ie=UTF8&s=books)

Areguzanda

2006-11-08, 03:41

I have just seen all the Anime episodes.
that means the first season: Ai Yori Aoshi
and the second season: Ai Yori Aoshi ~Enishi~
and I have a realy big Question.
the Episode 12 in the Second Season Enishi, is it the last one?
because it realy was a bad ending of a incredible Anime.
do anyone know if there are any more episodes, or maby another season?
there has to be right? because the mange goes way further...or?

Vexx

2006-11-08, 12:40

Well.. you've asked your question in the manga section rather than the anime section. But no there are no more episodes. Second season ep 12 is the last one. The second season was pretty disappointing in that it was just a collection of random sidestories (though it did cover Tina's preliminary arc).

The manga goes much further (there are 14 volumes published in America now with 3 more to go) and it is starting to resolve many of the plot threads. I'd suggest reading those if you want more.

Forbin

2006-11-08, 14:15

Yup though Tina's ending is completely different than Enishi's. She went in for the kill when they were on that 'date'.

Areguzanda

2006-11-08, 15:42

hmm...
but isn't there some plans or rumors about a season 3?
I think i heard about that somewere.
there has to be right?
they can't end the Anime like that?
if they do, I'll personaly pay them to make 1 special "the-end" episode =P

Vexx

2006-11-08, 21:20

Actually, (sadly) they can just end like that ... there are many anime out there that just kind of "end" without an ending. The basic purpose of anime is to push product (manga, DVD, figures, CDs, etc) - they actually pay the japanese tv stations to run them (as opposed to the American business model of tv networks paying to run programming and selling ads to cover it). Once the market drops off for the merchandise, there's little incentive to continue unless they think they can revive the sales from producing more anime.
Much as I like AYA ... there just isn't a lot of marketing potential left in it that I can think of.

Concepts that are extremely popular/profitable often get a second chance (Negima, Kanon, yes even Shuffle!) though each example there is getting a revival for their own unique reasons.

rooboy

2006-11-08, 23:18

Concepts that are extremely popular/profitable often get a second chance (Negima, Kanon, yes even Shuffle!) though each example there is getting a revival for their own unique reasons.I wouldn't say so much that it's a matter of it being popular or profitable as much as it's an example of it still being relevant. Kanon is a special case, but Shuffle has new games to help move. Negima (besides being popular) is also still being serialized. Vexx is right though, chances of the last bit of Ai Yori Aoshi being animated are essentially zero. While there is material left to animate, it's likely not much more than is left of Love Hina or Mahoraba, and no one's in a rush to go back and animate the last of those either. Sorry. :(

Areguzanda

2006-11-09, 01:41

typical...
I find something I like and they take it away =(
whats the point in doing a half made job...
welwel
guess I just have to find some other series to watch =/

xaisen

2006-11-09, 14:06

i've watched the anime and curious about how it ends... i ain't got the cash to buy the manga :upset:
nor do i read japanese
how does it end exactly? :confused:

rooboy

2006-11-09, 14:55

I believe this (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=478323&postcount=35) is the post you're looking for. Obviously spoilers abound.

dpryciak

2007-01-01, 13:26

Maybe we can hope for a follow up OVA for this one, too, but, alas, sigh, I really doubt it. We'll have to envision it in our minds and be creative otherwise.

Vexx

2007-01-01, 16:29

Like rooboy says.... I'd also like to see a second season wrapping Mahoroba up properly but... probably aint happening... It'd be nice to see Love Hina get a proper ending instead of that "sort of ending nonsense" in the last OVA.

In a way, the AYA Enishi season is kind of rambling directionless like the middle couple of novels in the manga ... but a third season could easily be pulled back on track with minor rewrite to parallel the major secondary track and the final arc of AYA. But since what drives all of this is merchandise (CD, print, DVD, figures) and those are pretty much dust at this point, I'd say be glad the American publisher is finishing the manga series translation.

I'm still waiting for an english version of Mahoraba but may have to be happy with my japanese version (at least its pushing my studies of the language along with Yotsuba& and a few others that aren't available in English).

dpryciak

2007-01-03, 22:25

Well, FUMO for FMP was a rambling mess of fun, and then they had SR, so, maybe there is hope for AYA.

Areguzanda

2007-01-04, 01:40

Well, FUMO for FMP was a rambling mess of fun, and then they had SR, so, maybe there is hope for AYA.

man I hope so.
I really want an ending worthy of the originale Ai Yori Aoshi.
that season was really good Anime.
(Enishi was more like a filler)
if anyone could just Animate the rest of the Manga I would be thrilled :)
(I'm ordering the Manga soon anyways, but hoping there will be an anouncement of more Ai Yori Aoshi before I get a chance to read it. I like to watch the Anime before reading the Manga. )

*UPDATE* I just ordered the Manga books from Vol.1 to Vol.15 (pre-ordered 15 since it comes out early in February)
I'm so glad I saved up some money for this, cant wait :D

rooboy

2007-01-08, 13:49

Well, FUMO for FMP was a rambling mess of fun, and then they had SR, so, maybe there is hope for AYA.That's true, but I still think it's a spotty comparison. Full Metal Panic still has new novels coming out, AYA is done in Japan.

Again, I think the chances of it happening are slim (at best), but weirder things have happened. Emma got a second season, and I would have had that pretty far outside the realm of probability as well.

EDIT: By "done" I meant "finished", and I was (I thought) obviously referring to the manga being done.

traziemykel

2007-01-08, 15:25

I think theres 14 volume or more.. i only have 1-12.. T_T
i would scan it but theres already a groupd translating it T_T

rooboy

2007-01-08, 22:29

It was 17 volumes. Tokyopop has released up to 14 in the U.S. (I think 15 is either next month or the one after).

traziemykel

2007-01-08, 22:44

ohh ^^
anywaiz.. i love reading ai yori aoshi.. better than the anime.. ^^
since the anime ended bad.. imean it ended good but it lacked something ..

Areguzanda

2007-01-09, 02:57

ohh ^^
anywaiz.. i love reading ai yori aoshi.. better than the anime.. ^^
since the anime ended bad.. imean it ended good but it lacked something ..
I'll tell you what it lacked... an ending at all!
Enishi was just more like a huge filler. (except some of the Tina episodes)

I just hope they make a 3. season to make a real finish.
though I really doubt it.
and thats to bad :upset:

traziemykel

2007-01-09, 13:35

I'll tell you what it lacked... an ending at all!
Enishi was just more like a huge filler. (except some of the Tina episodes)

I just hope they make a 3. season to make a real finish.
though I really doubt it.
and thats to bad :upset:

yeah lol.. no not a huge filler...

the first series was the relationship between all of them
and the enishi was more focusd on tina..^^
anywaiz... just w8t for humanist to finish all the volumes.. ^^

HeartNana

2007-01-10, 02:42

Pretty much yeah, i havent read the ending, but i think most of us can guess how it actually ENDS. Its just the part leading up to the ending is what i want to know.

And the anime lacked closure. Enishi was all filler, but that's what happens when one makes an anime series before the manga is complete. Same thing happened with Ichigo 100%. Its a shame. And the chances of a season 3 to end it all are really low i'm thinking. If they were to do that, i think they would have done it already.

Areguzanda

2007-01-10, 03:45

Well anyway I've ordered all the 15.Vol of Ai Yori Aoshi and can't wait to read it.
I really liked the first season of Ai Yori Aoshi Anime, to bad they ruined it with the nr.2 season Enishi.

I would really like to know: Why produce an Anime without make an ending.
I have a really faint hope that someone will produce a 3. season.

anyway I'm looking forward to the Manga , and I ordered some posters and stuff too while I was at it.
:D

still Ai Yori Aoshi is one of my favorite series.

Tasdern

2007-01-10, 09:21

Areguzanda

2007-01-12, 07:58

I got my first 14. Volumes of Ai Yori Aoshi last Friday and I've been reading all weekend.
just finished Vol.14 and I've come to a conclution...
I Love this series!!
I've already preordered Vol. 15 and it's on the way
(Vol.16 coming out in June...so long time :( )
but I love this Manga.
The Anime was good but this Manga is WAY better!!
I think I cried at least 3 times while reading it.....
I'm a softy ok...
but this story just really gets to my heart.
I just love all of it....

Areguzanda

2007-02-06, 02:00

aah sry double post

Forbin

2007-02-06, 05:04

Imagine if the same people who are doing Kannon re-did Ai Yori Aoshi? Remove the boob-grabbing and stick to the deeper storylines and it would be great.

I liked the show very much but now that I've seen Air, KGNE, and Kannon I realize how much better it could have been. It did have fantastic music. That really helped it.

Ummm btw Boob grabbing wasn't JCStaff's fault, that was part of the manga series.

I liked JCStaff's version, I don't know that Kyo could do it better.

Vexx

2007-02-06, 20:06

volume 15 is on the bookshelves (minus the one I bought).
Looks like we're moving towards the murky dark climax :)

(yes, the boob checks were a small part of the series but the anime seemed obsessed with it -- it was and continues to be a lame gag in either manga or anime if used more than once or twice).

Mykas

2007-02-06, 23:30

Volume 15 reveals something that was unfortunately easy to predict due to the overly spoiler filled volume previews of tokyopop. Sadly I have seen something like this before in Hana Yori Dango (notice similar not same) but I have a feeling it will all work out, though to be honest Kaoru doesn't have any "bad" choices from among the girls, even Mayu has her charms.

Vexx

2007-02-08, 14:45

yeah.. unfortunately the series is rather easy to predict (gotta have one more confrontation with the clans of some sort) ... but I suppose the tension will be whether Tina supports Kaoru in his quest for Aoi or whether she says... "hey, I have much less baggage to deal with than Aoi"... I don't mean that in a bad way on Tina -- but the pressures of conforming to the clan only give Aoi some pretty nuclear choices.

dpryciak

2007-02-10, 22:58

I have fifteen, and am hungry for 16! Dang, I'd buy it in Japanese, if they sold it around here!!! It only made me thirsty for more.

Sure, Enishi lacked, and because it did, they won't finish off the series. The problem with developing a popular series into an before it nears its conclusion often results in faded endings...Enishi, Inu Yasha, Kenshin... Endings that veer from the original in ways and just get kinda odd...

Mykas

2007-02-11, 11:57

I recently saw a post somewhere perhaps on the wikipedia page for Ai Yori Aoshi that postulated that Aoi was behind everything just playing the innocent and trying to get her way. I don't see her this way but it was interesting especially in the context of all the times she has told Kaoru how selfish she is.

Vexx

2007-02-11, 13:49

Hmmm, if it wasn't for the scenes in volume 15 that directly contradict that theory, it might be an interesting interpretation. :)

dpryciak

2007-03-11, 21:41

Once I saw the Other Guy, I kinda expected this sort of thing to happen in book 15. They drag it out through the book, and I expected a bit more, tho. The Other Guy's actions are predictable, too, and Aoi's reaction--her family's honor--are pretty and proper. I can feel the conflict between Love and Duty here.

As for Mayu, though, in the previous books, urging Tina at last to stand up for her feelings...that bonding stuff was interesting. They are like friendly rivals. I wonder if Mayu understands that Kaoru's interests are otherwhere, or if she wanted to make sure that Tina wasn't a true rival in the end.

Tina supporting Kaoru, though, must make it a huge relief for him at last, though.

I NEED THE OTHER BOOKS NOOOOOWWWWWW

Mykas

2007-03-11, 22:30

The truth is Mayu isn't that different from Aoi, if Kaoru was really as interested in her as she is in him then how would her parents react? Mayu isn't a very sympathetic character even at her best. But I think part of the message of the manga is that all the characters are in great part products of thier environment.

Jiji

2007-03-11, 23:16

I have the japanese tankoubon through the end, and while I can't read Japanese very much, I can still tell what happened. No, I'm not going to spoil, not even in a tag. The temptation is too great, and when vol 16 comes out in the summer, you'll thank me.
[edit] Sorry, I guess someone already did.

Aoi is in the process of standing up to her parents and refusing the blonde Kaoru, when our hero shows up. They stand up to Aoi's parents, and basically tell blondeKaoru, "you can have the merged corporation, we're leaving." They *do* go back to the summer mansion and finally make love, becoming man and wife for all intents and purposes.
The next morning they they do annouce their marriage to everyone. Tina does finally have to leave, but promises to visit often.
Final chapter is 4 years later with Tina's return. Chika and her two friends are at Uni, Miyabi and Taeko are working in the Sakuraba family's department store together. Finally she heads to Kaoru and Aoi's appartment, the nameplate on the door says "Hounjou", Kaoru's mother's name. Tina and Aoi talk and reminisce for a while. In the final scene, we see Kaoru in the sarariman uniform, but with an important little twist: in his lapel is not the japanese flag pin of a civil servant, but the crysthanthemum pin of the Imperial Household Agency. (There is no higher-status job in Japan, basically.)

As for the anime, I thought Enishi was very weak, too. Just a collection of side-stories and then the drama with Tina. For an AYA fanboy like me, it was delightful, but I wanted to see more of Kaoru and Aoi's relationship move forward, too. Are they just going to live that way forever? it was frustrating.

Areguzanda

2007-03-12, 14:15

As for the anime, I thought Enishi was very weak, too. Just a collection of side-stories and then the drama with Tina. For an AYA fanboy like me, it was delightful, but I wanted to see more of Kaoru and Aoi's relationship move forward, too. Are they just going to live that way forever? it was frustrating.

I agree
the first season was really good.
but as an AYA-fan Enishi was just a lot of filler stuff.
I really think they rather should have waited for the manga to finish before making that bad 2. season.
and now there propably will never be anymore AYA Anime so we are stuck with a bad ending of the Anime.

thank god I still have the Manga.
(Hurry up Vol. 16!!! )

Vexx

2007-03-12, 16:32

I guess rather than getting amped up by volume 15 (though much of it was very good). I felt like the cliffhanger ending... was kind of bland. Does he *really* think he's going to get away with it and is he evil (as in willing to commit violence) or just manipulative? I have this feeling the Tina conclusion is just going to be more powerful than the primary story (which is wierd -- I've gotten more fond of her and less fond of Aoi as the story has progressed. Wonder if the author intended that? :) :) )

Mykas

2007-03-12, 17:05

I think it is easy to like the other characters more and more as they change and grow more than Aoi does. Her personality and goals are very constant throughout the manga and the things she does hardly change at all either. This means if you like her from the start you will always like her. But other character like Tina who I found completely annoying in the beginning or Taeko who bordered on useless have become much more likeable as they have grown and changed.

dpryciak

2007-03-12, 18:48

Everybody is developed as a character throughout the series. Sure, it "fills" the tale out, or adds fluff, as you will, but that is what makes a book. If we had all the story start to finish, wouldn't it be a little boring?

As for book 16...is that the last one, or is there a 17???

And how graphic does that scene get, anyway? I know the author loves to draw, ahem, boobs and all.... I'm guessing it'll stay pretty decent.

Jiji

2007-03-12, 22:42

There is a vol. 17. It is the last volume.

As for how graphic that scene gets...it's not. It's handled *very* well, very sweet. Appropriate to the series. Don't get me wrong, tho...it's highly erotic, I might even say freeken hawt, but less is shown than even in the (many) bath scenes throughout the series.

I have to agree with others about Tina, too. She annoyed the heck out of me at first, but she's really changed a lot by the end. In fact, I'd say she's the one character that has changed the most of all of them. Taeko, though...she never annoyed me. I thought she was sweet, if a bit hapless.

dpryciak

2007-03-13, 21:46

freekin hawt, eh? Can't wait ;)

ah, when will 17 be out??? sigh...I know nobody knows.

Mykas

2007-03-14, 06:29

The tokyopop version will likely be out around september that is based on 16 coming out in june which is 3 months after 15. The japanese version has been out for a long time if you look for the manga on e-bay you can find the japanese version for sale pretty often and see what the cover is like which again is a HUGE spoiler in my opinion.

Jiji

2007-04-15, 00:37

If you actually read the thread, you would know that this manga is licensed and if you had read the rules of the forum, you would know that asking for downloads of licensed material is enough to get you banned. I, for one, certainly hope it is not available anywhere anymore, and besides, the scanlators only got a few volumes done before it was licensed anyway. Go buy it.

akakhar

2007-04-16, 07:06

yeah..thanks for information... : )

Jamie OD

2007-04-20, 09:39

This is one f the first mangas I've picked up. I admit the fanservice had something to do with it but it is so sweetly told that I couldn't help but love it.

Jiji

2007-04-20, 13:28

This is one f the first mangas I've picked up. I admit the fanservice had something to do with it but it is so sweetly told that I couldn't help but love it.

That pretty much puts your finger right on why we all love it so much. Most of us could take or leave the fanservice, but the sweetness of the story is what caught our hearts.

If you can, get a hold of the anime, too. It's not that much different or really much better, but the voice talents of Kawasumi Ayako, Momoi Haruko and Mizuhashi Kaori are more than worth it for how they make the story come alive.

mdauben

2007-04-20, 14:13

I have to agree with others about Tina, too. She annoyed the heck out of me at first, but she's really changed a lot by the end. In fact, I'd say she's the one character that has changed the most of all of them. Taeko, though...she never annoyed me. I thought she was sweet, if a bit hapless.
I would say as far as changing goes, the characters fall along almost a continuum, with Tina changing the most and with Aoi changing the least.

From the first, she is in love with and utterly dedicated to Kaoru and that does not really change throughout the series. She does gradually become a bit more assertive in other regards (standing up to her family and to an extent to Tina to protect her relationship with Kaoru) but in the end it's all based on that dedication. I suspect that this dedication and determination will feature heavily in the climax of the series during the last volume or two.
I don’t think that Chika changes much more than Aoi does through the series, it’s just that we get to know her better. She starts out as an energetic, outgoing young girl, and continues that way. She does develop some feelings for Kaoru (like everyone!) but in her case the obvious ones are more sibling feeling of love for an older brother. Any romantic feelings, while not absent, are really pretty secondary and mostly consist of occasional thoughts and mild fantasies.
She is the series clumsy but “always does her best” character and that certainly does not change, even after she recognizes in herself a certain level of attraction to Kaoru. That attraction is never acted on though, and serves mainly (along with encouragement from Aoi) to help her remain true to her dreams of making herself better. She does overcome some of the worst of her feelings of inferiority and shyness under the influence of Kaoru, Aoi and the others. After Tina, I am probably most interested in seeing how she reacts when she finds out about the relationship between Kaoru and Aoi.
Like Aoi, she too has been in love with Kaoru since she was a child, but her feelings seem a bit more selfish or at least more immature than Aoi’s. She starts out quite arrogant but she does mellow somewhat as the series progresses, culminating in her conversations with Tina about being true to herself. Despite her often annoying personality, after Tina I am probably most sympathetic to the eventual reaction of Mayu to the news that “her” Hanabishi-sama is in love with someone else. I can't imagine she is going to take it well.
She starts out a rather cold, distant disciplinarian figure in the series. It probably would not be exaggerating to say she actually hates Kaoru at first (both as someone “not suitable” for Aoi, but also as someone who is more important to Aoi that she herself is). As the series progresses she while she remains the “authority figure” of the household, she also becomes more open and freindly with the residents of the boarding house and also comes to accept Kaoru as not only suitable for Aoi, but in fact actually the best possible match for her and Miyabi actually becomes a active "co-conspiritor" in fostering and protecting their relationship.
She stated out as a typical American stereotype; loud, drunk, and rather obnoxious. She develops however into arguably the most sympathetic character in the series. We find out that much of her behavior is just a cover for her feelings of inferiority and of alienation in both America and Japanese society. The fact that she is willing to let go of the person she has loved so long just when she might have begun thinking she might actually have a chance, is both noble and tragic.
This series was one of the first I started reading, and it still one of my favorites. I'm both looking forward to reading the conclusion later this year, but also rather dissapointed that it's going to end. ;)

Jiji

2007-04-20, 16:27

I would say as far as changing goes, the characters fall along almost a continuum, with Tina changing the most and with Aoi changing the least.

Heh. That's an idea I like, that the women represent varying levels of character development by the end.

Yeah, the basic problem with Aoi-chan is that she can't change. She's made to be the picture of the perfect g'f/wife and she can't change too much without ruining that. As for the last volume, yeah, seriously. Just you wait.
I felt that Chikarin changed a bit more than mdauben did, but still--not much. I felt that Fumizuki-sensei maybe didn't play up Chikarin's life before Kaoru enough. She is an only child, who was desperately lonely until she discovers the "family" at Sakuraba House. That was her big change: finding a family.
I feel that Tae-chin changed the least of all the characters. Unfortunately, her reaction to Aoi-chan's announcement at the end isn't focused on at all, which is a shame. The last scenes of her, 4 years later, have her still being clumsy and causing problems for Miyabi-san.
Mayu is also not sufficiently dealt with at the end. There is a bunch of business at the end when Tina is leaving, but I don't read enough Japanese to be able to tell what she's on about. It seems like she is going to continue competing with Tina...just not over Kaoru.
Yeah, I totally agree about Miyabi-san.
Again, no disagreement about Tina-san, either. Good analysis, mdauben. ^^

Areguzanda

2007-04-20, 16:36

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/2167/aiyoriaoshikisswn2.th.png (http://img413.imageshack.us/my.php?image=aiyoriaoshikisswn2.png)
I just love this pic :)

all-bout-nishino!

2007-04-20, 21:31

ok, so i'm a bit confused. theres a tokyopop version? i want to start reading the manga, but dont know where or which ones...should i just buy it? or just read the scans? i own the anime, and love it, so i want to read it now.

mdauben

2007-04-20, 23:04

ok, so i'm a bit confused. theres a tokyopop version? i want to start reading the manga, but dont know where or which ones...should i just buy it?
If you are in the US, definetly buy the Tokyopop versions. They are up to volume 15, with 16 due in June and 17 (the final volume) probably out some time this fall. Tokyopop has a somewhat spotty reputation for their manga translations, but I think they did an excellent job with Ai Yori Aoshi and highly recomend it.

or just read the scans?
Of course I believe it's against the rules to post information about scanlations for licenced manga, but even if it wasn't I would still recomend buying the Tokyopop versions. If nothing else I don't think any scanlation group ever actually finished more than the first few volumes of the series.

i own the anime, and love it, so i want to read it now.
Same here! I loved the anime which is why I picked up the manga, and love that too! :love:

mdauben

2007-04-20, 23:08

I felt that Chikarin changed a bit more than mdauben did, but still--not much. I felt that Fumizuki-sensei maybe didn't play up Chikarin's life before Kaoru enough. She is an only child, who was desperately lonely until she discovers the "family" at Sakuraba House. That was her big change: finding a family.
Yeah, I think I would agree to an extent.
She certainly didn't have the sort of really loney childhood that Mayu did, but she has definetly enjoyed having a "big brother" and family since moving into the Sakuraba boarding house.:heh:

Jiji

2007-04-21, 00:07

Ah yeah, see now you get to the thing I wasn't quite willing to stick my neck out and say.

I have absolutely NO basis for this, but somehow I got the idea that while Mayu is lonely, she still has the interest and love of her (rather absent most of the time) parents. Whereas Chikarin gave me this impression of parents who are not only mostly missing from her life, they also don't care about her much. Now, don't' ask me where I got that from--I have no idea.

I guess it's partly from how strong and how many inner resources Chika has, and how spoiled and fragile Mayu is.

Mykas

2007-04-21, 07:10

you guys may be right about the girls but I think the character who changes the most in the series is Kaoru himself, especially when you look at the flashbacks to even his early college days.

mdauben

2007-04-21, 07:39

you guys may be right about the girls but I think the character who changes the most in the series is Kaoru himself, especially when you look at the flashbacks to even his early college days.
Good point! Looking at him from the flashbacks of him just after leaving the Hanabishi household to what he is like as we approach the end of the manga is a huge change.
Back when he fist left the Hanabishi household, he was depressed over the loss of his Mother, alienated from people around him from the physical and emotional abuse he recieved from his Grandfather, and lonely with no friends or family at all.
Perhaps not quite as distant and isolated as before, but still something of a loner with no really close friends.
It is after Aoi, and later the other girls, enter his life that Kaoru begins to open up to others and really enjoy life. In a lot of ways, in the early days he is walking around with his head in the clouds, as he has not only gained a wonderful and loving fiance, but something he has not had since his mother died; a family.
As the series progresses, not only does Kaoru's connection to his "family" strengthen, but he himself begins to take control of his life. Previously, he seemed to be kind of drifting thorugh life with no real goal or plans, but now he is dedicating himself to both making Aoi happy, and to becomming a man worthy of her.
Definetly a bigger change than any of the girls. :D

Jiji

2007-04-21, 09:11

Alexandrite

2007-04-21, 12:43

And if you think about it, it's a pretty risky move for a seinen manga to have it's male protagonist change at all. The Male Protagonist is supposed to be a generic everyguy, so that the readers of Young Animal can see themselves as him. Kaoru is a kind of difficult proposition in that regard...He's a victim of abuse (not many men in Japan are), he's uninterested in showing group affiliations like the photography club, and frankly, he's got it together in his life--something that few seinen heroes do (Love Hina, anyone?).

This is one of the main reasons I liked this manga from the beginning. Kaoru is not a loser, otaku, nerd or social deviant. He can read simple signs like ones that say "girl's bath" and so on. He's still often a victim of circumstance, it's true, but he himself isn't the reason for it. This makes the readership's sympathy for the hero not so much "this is who I am" as much as it is "this is who I wish I could be". It's an interesting position to take, I think.
Total agreement. Kaoru's deviation from the path of the standard male seinen lead is one of the reasons I like him, and the manga as a whole, so much.

Now, I believe the following deserves a spoiler tag for an opinion on the relationships in the manga, just in case.
I'm following Tokyopop's releases of the manga, and I'm caught up, but a comment on Tina's confession in volume 14. From time to time, whenever I see some of the more loving sides of Tina's personality, as well as some of the scenes where she's spending time with Kaoru, I almost think that she is more compatible with Kaoru than Aoi-chan is. Maybe that's an opinion influenced by being able to see them together more than you get to see Kaoru and Aoi together. After reading 14 and 15, I just really wanted to see Tina get together with Kaoru, but I admire Kaoru's devotion to Aoi regardless. It's what makes him the respectable protagonist.

Areguzanda

2007-04-21, 16:44

Total agreement. Kaoru's deviation from the path of the standard male seinen lead is one of the reasons I like him, and the manga as a whole, so much.

Now, I believe the following deserves a spoiler tag for an opinion on the relationships in the manga, just in case.
I'm following Tokyopop's releases of the manga, and I'm caught up, but a comment on Tina's confession in volume 14. From time to time, whenever I see some of the more loving sides of Tina's personality, as well as some of the scenes where she's spending time with Kaoru, I almost think that she is more compatible with Kaoru than Aoi-chan is. Maybe that's an opinion influenced by being able to see them together more than you get to see Kaoru and Aoi together. After reading 14 and 15, I just really wanted to see Tina get together with Kaoru, but I admire Kaoru's devotion to Aoi regardless. It's what makes him the respectable protagonist.

I know. Ai Yori Aoshi is allmost one-of-a-kind Manga in that matter that the single male is the one evolving the most
Kaoru's devotion above Aoi is really something.
And I must say. kaoru is the only one in this kind of situation that never ever doubts his feelings for the one girl he loves.
Though he may have some dirty thoughts about Tina when he and her are alone at home when the blackout happens... he still do not do anything perverted towards her or ruining the proud picture we have of him as a person.
truly he is a person to admire.

but I must say... Tina's confession made me on the break of tears...
after the last 2-3 books my sight of Tina is completely changed. before she was just one of the girls and a crazy one too.
but now I feel sorry for her...really really sorry...
Even though I know it is the right thing that Aoi and Kaoru will be together, some part of me wished that Tina should be the one. it's clear she Love's Kaoru just as much as Aoi.
But even Tina herself came to the conclution that Aoi and Kaoru should be together..and therefore will step aside and leave her love for Kaoru inside her instead of letting it out.
I admire her for that.

As an ending to my comments I will just say that Ai Yori Aoshi is my favorit Manga and the 1. season of the Anime is supreme. (to bad they never made a real 2. season but just a blurry Enishi season. they could have done alot better....made an real ending at least )
I admire this story of 2 reasons.
The male mainperson, Kaoru
and the whole sweetness of the story.
I don't think I had one perverted though about anything in the Manga even though it's kind of a harem-situation.
Sure Tina had her moments,

but thats not the real her. We get to know the real her is unsure, scared and unsecure of herself...
it was all just beautiful, and it's still 2 more volumes left.
I cant wait :)

Mykas

2007-04-21, 17:19

I personally think it was Tina coming up to him in class and getting him into the photography club that brought him out of his shell. While the anime is good I watched it after I had read the manga and I found it a little dull, it skips so many important things and it doesn't bring things to life the way I would like also some of the translations especially when it comes to honorifics are really freaking annoying. Though I really loved the Anime version of the Santa story.

Alexandrite

2007-04-21, 19:23

As an ending to my comments I will just say that Ai Yori Aoshi is my favorit Manga and the 1. season of the Anime is supreme. (to bad they never made a real 2. season but just a blurry Enishi season. they could have done alot better....made an real ending at least )
That's why I'm not going to finish buying the Enishi dvds until after the final manga volume is out. I don't want the anime to kill it for me.

I admire this story of 2 reasons.
The male mainperson, Kaoru
and the whole sweetness of the story.
I don't think I had one perverted though about anything in the Manga even though it's kind of a harem-situation.
Sure Tina had her moments,

but thats not the real her. We get to know the real her is unsure, scared and unsecure of herself...
Yeah... most of the harem anime/manga usually has nudity, but nothing showing... Ai Yori Aoshi's manga has... more detailed artwork on the matter, but I still can't think of it as perverse, really. A bit of it is done quite tastefully, as opposed to say... Love Hina. :heh: Yet despite the contents, it still surprised me when I found out it was actually considered a harem anime/manga.

it was all just beautiful, and it's still 2 more volumes left.
I cant wait :)
I've come to the conclusion that I'm impatient and need a time machine. I'm also kind of bummed that volume 16 is coming out just a week after my birthday, so I'm going to have to spend my own money. Phoo. :D

It's almost over... so is Angel Sanctuary... for some reason, that's awesome and yet saddening.

TigerII

2007-04-21, 19:52

Well, I read the RAW of 17.

It ends exactly how you think. They end up together.

Jiji

2007-04-21, 20:32

That's why I'm not going to finish buying the Enishi dvds until after the final manga volume is out. I don't want the anime to kill it for me.

Don't worry about it. ~Enishi~ doesn't spoil anything about the manga's ending. :P

Yeah... most of the harem anime/manga usually has nudity, but nothing showing... Ai Yori Aoshi's manga has... more detailed artwork on the matter, but I still can't think of it as perverse, really. A bit of it is done quite tastefully, as opposed to say... Love Hina. Yet despite the contents, it still surprised me when I found out it was actually considered a harem anime/manga.

AYA's nudity is undeniably fanservice, but I agree: it's tastefully done. And yeah: AYA is a harem story, the same way Bokurano is a mecha story. Yeah, not really. (At all.)

Alexandrite

2007-04-21, 21:54

Don't worry about it. ~Enishi~ doesn't spoil anything about the manga's ending. :P

AYA's nudity is undeniably fanservice, but I agree: it's tastefully done. And yeah: AYA is a harem story, the same way Bokurano is a mecha story. Yeah, not really. (At all.)
So nice to hear, to both of those comments. :D

Mykas

2007-04-22, 01:59

Ai Yori Aoshi's manga has... more detailed artwork on the matter, but I still can't think of it as perverse, really

I didn't really notice when i first read it but the second time through I thoght maybe all the lollicon fanservice of Chika and friends was slightly over the top

Alexandrite

2007-04-22, 02:32

I didn't really notice when i first read it but the second time through I thoght maybe all the lollicon fanservice of Chika and friends was slightly over the top
Yeeeeah... but looking at some of the other stuff on the market, it could be FAR worse; they could LOOK younger with increased numbers of such scenes. *shudder*:twitch:

Vexx

2007-04-22, 02:34

There were a volume or two where I thought "wow, lots of nudity... but so poorly drawn" very sketchy. There also seemed to be a connection between the plot drifting and the amount of nudity ("writer's block! can't think! sketch a locker room scene!!!")

I did like the little side story of Chika's ever-drowning friend and her little love story :)

Jiji

2007-04-22, 08:54

There were a volume or two where I thought "wow, lots of nudity... but so poorly drawn" very sketchy. There also seemed to be a connection between the plot drifting and the amount of nudity ("writer's block! can't think! sketch a locker room scene!!!")

I guess I'm too forgiving when I really fall in love with a story. When I came upon these scenes and drift in the plot, I thought it was a deliberate "break" from more serious matters of the story.

Of course, it's way too much to ask that Fumizuki had not put those things into the manga at all--this was serialized in Young Animal. If you ever get a chance to see one of these magazines--doesn't matter if you don't read Japanese--then do it. It's a testosterone-filled attempt to be all things to young men. Sports, articles, bikini photos, ads for "male enhancement", and some manga. It's fun.

My point is: just like writers, mangaka's editors will often come to them and tell them to change things, "we need to reach all demographics we can: put in a lolita character." Or, "we have to have pretty girls naked every so often." OTOH, writer's block is just as likely an explanation, too.

I did like the little side story of Chika's ever-drowning friend and her little love story :)

Yeah, that was very sweet, wasn't it?

I didn't really notice when i first read it but the second time through I thoght maybe all the lollicon fanservice of Chika and friends was slightly over the top

I don't have any particular objection to Chika being a sex object, really--but I agree it was taken too far, done too often. Keep in mind, though that Chika doesn't qualify as "loli". Yes, she's got an undeveloped body, but she's over 13. That's the age of consent in Japan.

But this brings to mind another thing that often bugs me. I usually have no problem with H doujinshi of most anime/manga, but there are some characters that just seem wrong. Belldandy is one, Aoi is definitely another.

Mykas

2007-04-22, 11:43

well the nudity in Ai Yori Aoshi is nothing compared to say Gantz or Battle Royale, but don't think fan service is only for men. My wife reads a lot of Shojo manga and girls get thier share of fan service. As for the art quality I have to say the art is the first thing that drew me to open a cover of Ai Yori Aoshi in the book store, when the story turned out to be great as well I knew it was a series I had to buy.

mdauben

2007-04-22, 13:08

I don't have any particular objection to Chika being a sex object, really--but I agree it was taken too far, done too often.
When I was re-reading the whole series recently (while waiting impatiently for volume 16) it occured to me that if you keep track, Kaoru has actually seen Chika nude more times than any other character in the manga. :heh:

But this brings to mind another thing that often bugs me. I usually have no problem with H doujinshi of most anime/manga, but there are some characters that just seem wrong. Belldandy is one, Aoi is definitely another.
Yeah, part of the apeal of both characters is their purity or innocence. Because of that, it does seem wrong to try and place them in H situations. :mad:

Alexandrite

2007-04-22, 13:32

When I was re-reading the whole series recently (while waiting impatiently for volume 16) it occured to me that if you keep track, Kaoru has actually seen Chika nude more times than any other character in the manga. :heh:
...as soon as I'm done watching Canvas, I'm going to go double check that. It wouldn't surprise me, and I believe you, but it's one of those things I have to see for myself. :twitch:

Yeah, part of the apeal of both characters is their purity or innocence. Because of that, it does seem wrong to try and place them in H situations. :mad:
Amen. Some H doujinshi circles seem obsessed with putting such characters as stars in their works. It's evil. On a related note/personal peeve, one does not put the cast of Air and Kanon in ecchi material, even if the original source was an adult game. [/tangent] It's not exactly part of the AYA discussion, but it seemed a suitable time to say it. :heh:

mdauben

2007-06-11, 20:22

Woohoo! I just picked up volume 16 of the manga today! :D

The first thing I did on getting home was kick off my shoes and sit down to read it. I have to say, I really enjoyed this volume. It picks up nicely where the last volume left off, and progresses the story forward building up to a new climactic cliff-hanger!

About the only thing I didn't like about this bolume was that just like volume 15, it ended with a "side-story" chapter that had nothing to do with the main story-line. I really would have preferred if the author just used those pages to explore the reactions and emotions of the "other girls" a bit more, as they didn't really get as much time as they could have.
On a personal note, I was kind of intrigued by my reaction to this volume. After I finished reading it I had to put it down and take a deep breath. I was almost shaking with anger and frustration. It made me realize just how much I like the characters and how... invested in their story I am. Its not often that written material affects me that much, and certainly not "comic books". Well done, Fumizuki-san!

Man! Now I have to wait four months until the 17th and final volume is released (October 13th)! What is the problem with Tokyopop, that is way too long between releases. :frustrated:

mdauben

2007-06-12, 15:42

Uh oh! I'm quoting myself now, but I just wanted to expand on the "criticism" comment I made in my previous post.

About the only thing I didn't like about this volume was that just like volume 15, it ended with a "side-story" chapter that had nothing to do with the main story-line. I really would have preferred if the author just used those pages to explore the reactions and emotions of the "other girls" a bit more, as they didn't really get as much time as they could have.

After reading this volume again, my feelings about the "other girls" were reinforced a bit. Looking at them one by one:

Tina gets the most time of the other girls in this volume, and has the most interaction with Kaoru. There are some nice moments as she entertains conflicting emotions ("If Aoi is really gone, I would have a chance with Kaoru") while on the other hand she sees how tormented Kaoru is and wants to help him. She is the best handled in volume 16, I suppose reflecting the fact that her story is the most developed of any of the girls except Aoi in the preceding volumes.
In the aftermath of the Miyabi's return and her announcement about the mansion and Aoi, Taeko later breaks down crying about "losing the greatest love of her life". Really, since the "summer at the beach" arc a while ago, Taeko's feelings for Kaoru have not really been highlighted much. Because her attraction for Kaoru had for the most part been left in the background up to now, such a strong reaction at this point seemed a bit... over the top.
After everyone leaves the mansion, Chika tries to hide her feelings from the others, and maintain her happy appearance (while secretly crying in the bathroom). Chika's feelings for Kaoru is perhaps the most ambiguous of the girls (Big Brother? Boyfriend? Playmate?) but that is not really explored in her reaction. She just cries, and then commiserates with Taeko without defining her feelings. Is she sad because she found out Kaoru isin love with Aoi? Is she sad because Kaoru is so unhappy? Is she upset that her "family" seems to be disintegrating? All three? Its just not clear.
Finally, there is Mayu. She really doesn't seem to have any reaction to the events of this volume (other than being annoyed at Tina for bringing everyone to her home when they were thrown out of the mansion). I would have expected more jealousy when she found out about the relationship between Kaoru and Aoi (although its never clear if anyone actually tells her), or a jealous reaction to the confessions of the other girls. She was probably the most disappointing in respect to her response to events of volume 16.
The side-story features Aoi and one of Chika's girlfriends, but in some ways it's really about Miyabi. Looking at it again, in light of what happened in the main story, I wonder if it is a bit of foreshadowing for her? In the side-story she says how much she likes flowers but that working with them was just "a dream" for her. Perhaps it was a dream she felt she could not pursue because she feels such a strong duty to the Sakuraba family for all they have done for her? If so, since she was "thrown out" of the Sakurabas due to opposing Aoi's father, perhaps she will end up in a flower shop in the end? Just speculation.
I just have a feeling that the next and final volume is going to need so much time to finalize the main Kaoru/Aoi storyline, that we won't see much more defelopment or closure of the "other girls" stories. Too bad. Really, though, to do everything I would like to see with the "other girls" would probably take at least another whole volume, and then I would probably be complaining about how it was taking too long to resolve Kaoru & Aoi's story! :heh:

Just some more thoughts on my favorite manga. :D

Alexandrite

2007-06-18, 02:32

I finally found volume 16 (hence why I wasn't so quick to respond to this thread as I was in the past). It annoys me that Barnes & Noble can have some manga on the shelves almost 3 weeks ahead of time (mostly Shonen Jump and such) but it takes them forever to stock some of the series I read - previously Angel Sanctuary and now Ai Yori Aoshi. Probably because I live in such a backward little state. -_-

Aaaanyway - while the side story at the end was cute and all, it irritated me because it felt like it kind of hurt the cliffhanger we were left with. I wouldn't mind if after the main story they released a little collection of these in some kind of special deal, but when the plot turns as serious as it has in the recent two volumes, it's not something I really want to see.

And one reaction I had in this volume that came about in 15 but intensified in 16...
I want to slug Kaoru's younger half brother so bad, that little bastard. All of this simply out of spite... ugh. I wish horrible things upon him in the conclusion, such as his little plan backfiring in such a way that HE loses everything dear to him.

Tokyopop's webpage doesn't even have a release date or information about the final volume - that's not comforting. Thought given Tokyopop's recent track record in widening the gap between volumes of manga, I'd wager we'll see it around September/October (Chibi Vampire is 4 months between volumes 4 and 5, so I'd imagine the same would go for Ai Yori Aoshi).

Anticipation is evil.

Mykas

2007-06-18, 05:05

Well a few comments in response to all this stuff, 1 for Alexandrite I encourage you to call and reserve volumes you want a few days before release and they will call you when they have them, that way you can get them on the right dates.
As for criticism I have very little for this comic, the art and writing started good and has gotten better and better, especially miyabi who was surprisingly.... soft this issue, she is normally so straight laced that this was an interesting change. I felt like the characters reacted like themselves, with the exception of Mayu so maybe she doesn't know yet... though that seems unlikely. About side stories, I think we just have to remember this like all manga was serialized in a magazine in japan, one episode at a time. So, it isn't like the author made an intentional cliff hanger it is just that when the people assembling the books got together they decided to insert these off chapters in wherever they could to make the most interesting tankobans. sometimes this probably meant moving one of these little chapters around so that they could create a cliffhanger for you to enjoy.

mdauben

2007-06-18, 07:06

Aaaanyway - while the side story at the end was cute and all, it irritated me because it felt like it kind of hurt the cliffhanger we were left with.
I kind of feel the same way. The story itself was a nice enough little piece of character developement for Miyabi, it just didn't belong in the place were it was located.

And one reaction I had in this volume that came about in 15 but intensified in 16...
Haha! This is exactly how I felt, after reading 15 epsecially! :heh:

Tokyopop's webpage doesn't even have a release date or information about the final volume -
Amazon.com has it listed with a realease date of October 13, 2007. :(

Areguzanda

2007-06-19, 03:02

why is the releases of english translations so damn slow!!!
it's the same with both Air Gear, Suzuka and Ai Yori Aoshi!!

I think I've pre-ordered Volumes for Suzuka and Air Gear for February next year O_o

on-topic:

Loved this volume.
it shows the the great feelings everyone have for one another
I feel sad for Tina though.... you can really see how much she loves Kaoru.

Chika-chan: i think she has love for Kaoru both as a brother and a boyfriend.
sad thing is I think she will never show Kaoru the boyfriend love she has for him.
but I guess that would make thing a lot more complicated.

as for Kaoru's half-brother I hope he burns in a hot place at the end.

For Aoi-chan: again she shows here huge love for Kaoru and will leave everything for him.
But I believe that the moment her parents came into the room they saw she was unhappy. they were almost shocked I believe.
they understand they're child.

I must say I loved the moment where Kaoru is hitting the pole and hurting his hand.
It's a huge moment in this volume.
and Tina makes a great savior there.

looking forward to the last volume. (slow ass release time)

Vexx

2007-06-19, 03:09

A volume per 3 to 5 months is not unusual because of the preparation, translation, and production. They probably tailor the production run to the sales of the previous volume (since sales from 1->end tend to fade). Also they tend to think that their monthly sales will stay more predictable and consistent that way (instead of a quick burst and then nothing for a while).

mdauben

2007-06-19, 07:04

A volume per 3 to 5 months is not unusual
I didn't start picking up the manga until just before 15 came out, but I had heard from others that AYA was originally on a 2 month release schedule, that suddenly slowed to 3-5 months between releases. Given that, I imagine it has more to do with company-wide resourse limitations (AYA is after all not the only manga they are working on) that with the amount of time it takes to translate and prepare AYA itself.

Still it is very frustrating for fans of the manga that it is taking soooooooo long for the last few volumes to be released. :(

Alexandrite

2007-06-19, 09:54

Part of the frustration for release times comes from seeing another company (Viz Media; from Negima's release schedule, I'd say Del Rey's about the same as Tokyopop) come out with a new volume every other month no problem, but Tokyopop has been stretching theirs as of late. The other part is simple fanboy anxiety.

I can see where they might release new volumes due to a marketing decision, and for some reason that kind of irks me. I'd like to see them release new volumes because they know people would eagerly read it, not just because of sales figures. But that's business, I suppose...

Mykas

2007-06-19, 10:50

tokyopop has really slowed down of late and they have gotten worse about updating when releases will come on the web page, they used to be 2 or 3 volumes ahead. I think a lot of this has to do with the greater number of titles. Now they have a lot more titles than before so what they are hoping is you will get bored waiting for the next release of AYA and go buy one of their other titles. At least that is my thinking. In my case it sort of worked waiting for their new titles i went off and bought some viz, and then Del Rey and now i even bought one from infinity which does mostly Korean manwha.
I must admit I am eagerly awaiting the next release of AYA though maybe they just want to build anti.............................................. .................................................. ..................................ci.............. .................................................. .................................................. .pa............................................... ..tion :D

dpryciak

2007-07-05, 11:26

I didn't start picking up the manga until just before 15 came out, but I had heard from others that AYA was originally on a 2 month release schedule, that suddenly slowed to 3-5 months between releases. Given that, I imagine it has more to do with company-wide resourse limitations (AYA is after all not the only manga they are working on) that with the amount of time it takes to translate and prepare AYA itself.

Still it is very frustrating for fans of the manga that it is taking soooooooo long for the last few volumes to be released. :(

I think, since the series is ending, they are putting it on the back burner...which frustrates hungry fans. Why not NOW???????? whine...

mdauben

2007-07-05, 12:49

I think, since the series is ending, they are putting it on the back burner...which frustrates hungry fans. Why not NOW???????? whine...
Quite probably true. I mean, at this point anyone who is going to buy Vol 17 of Ai Yori Aoshi is committed to the series, and is going to buy it no matter how long it takes, so why not focus their effort on cranking out the titles that are more likely to produce new customers?

Very frustrating for AYA fans, but unfortunaly very understandable. :(

Alexandrite

2007-07-05, 13:06

Yeah... sometimes the pure business aspect of it is disappointing. But like you said... I'll be waiting for it. I have plenty to buy/read in the meantime though, so it won't be totally horrible, I suppose.

Vexx

2007-07-05, 13:11

Unfortunately, that's a pretty typical thing for american distributors.... to lag off as the series winds down. You have to figure that each time a volume releases... you sell a few less units because people drop the series. Whether new readers take up the slack depends on the long term buzz.
The buzz for AYA dropped off ages ago (anime long done, no merchandise, etc) and there were a few volumes in the middle where *I* thought about dropping the series (even a fan like me).

It seems to me that series tend to do a little better in sales if there's a current buzz (anime, etc) and the translations keep within a few volumes of the original japanese editions (reduce spoilage). On the other hand, if a series becomes a 'classic', there will always be new incoming readers and a call for reprints.

Alexandrite

2007-07-05, 13:14

On the other hand, if a series becomes a 'classic', there will always be new incoming readers and a call for reprints.
Like Love Hina, which is currently taking up the space I want to see Kare Kano in so I don't have to order it online. @_@

Vexx

2007-07-05, 13:26

Heh, exactly what I was thinking of (LH), .... at the local B&N, I can guarantee that certain series will always have ALL the issues (like Love Hina) whereas often the newer stuff will have "3, 4, 7, and 8".

Most of the time I just order online and order enough titles that I get the "free shipping" bonus.

Alexandrite

2007-07-05, 13:31

I'm starting to think that's a good idea. While between B&N and Hastings I can find almost everything, they seem to have everything arrive late except Shounen Jump volumes, none of which I read (now that Death Note's done).

dpryciak

2007-07-06, 15:30

Quite probably true. I mean, at this point anyone who is going to buy Vol 17 of Ai Yori Aoshi is committed to the series, and is going to buy it no matter how long it takes, so why not focus their effort on cranking out the titles that are more likely to produce new customers?

Very frustrating for AYA fans, but unfortunaly very understandable. :(

Yeah... sometimes the pure business aspect of it is disappointing. But like you said... I'll be waiting for it. I have plenty to buy/read in the meantime though, so it won't be totally horrible, I suppose.

Too true, too true. Le Sigh.

Unless, of course, there is something else in the mix with AYA, that they're not telling us, something, we can hope, like...a continuation of the series...or a movie...

Fat chance, eh? and big dreams.

I WANT BOOK 17 NOWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Vexx

2007-07-13, 13:34

Volume 16 arrived at my house this week.

Hate to say it, but I buzzed through the whole thing in about 15 minutes. Though the events themselves were 'dramatic', there were basically just a few of them and predictable so it lacked the impact the author might have hoped for.

My real problem is the whole "abduction and coerced marriage" scenario. It just isn't playing out very realistically even allowing for the social pressures and misdirection. Perhaps if Aoi's parents were more suspicious about the turn of events? Perhaps if Aoi had actually tried to escape and been forceably detained? I just find it hard to believe that Aoi wouldn't directly ask her parents is what Kaoru 2 did to her okay with them? Maybe she will in the next book?

Probably the most annoying thing is the cut from the cliff-hanger to a lovely sidestory about Miyabi's dream of running a flower shop. It really ruined the mood just after Aoi makes her declaration. It should have been placed at the front of the book in my opinion because the story itself is great and would have prepped the reader nicely for the grim Miyabi we see in the main story.

Random note: why is Maya ranting about them being there if she's already let them in the house? A bit nonsensical.

Overall, okay but short ... most of the artwork is kicked up a notch (far fewer "I drew this in 60 seconds" frames). Miyabi gets a lot of character development. Poor Tina is starting to look a bit hefty (eating her way through depression?). However, unlike Love Hina which long ago when I finished it I was really unhappy to see it end --- this is a bit more like a necessary burden to finish.

dpryciak

2007-07-14, 14:57

Yes, more filler to delay us to the feast.

Mayu is kind...she just likes to whine to attract attention to herself. She couldn't just leave them in the cold...but she has to let them know what a Big Thing she did for them, so maybe they feel as tho they owe her???

Aoi never seems to question anything her parents really do...she lacks a bit of a backbone, except when Kaoru 1 is around.

Mykas

2007-07-14, 22:13

I don't think of the side stories as filler, this manga is really meant to be a slice of life, and while there is the love story which is the main focus, there are many other things passing by. Would I like to see the end? sure, but I don't want to rush there so fast I miss all the interesting stuff along the way.

Vexx

2007-07-15, 00:32

I didn't think of the flower shop short story as filler... I just thought it was placed poorly. I would have put it up front. It would have provided a nice contrast for Miyabi and then not diluted or derailed the feeling after Aoi's declaration.

Mykas

2007-07-15, 11:03

Yes but we should be used to it by now, since all the side stories appear at the end.

Vexx

2007-07-15, 12:29

Okay... "used to it" doesn't mean it was a good idea. It was just particularly glaring as a mood shift in this volume. Whatever....

Alexandrite

2007-07-15, 13:05

Side stories can appear anywhere, so the placement really was a poor choice. Even if that's where it's generally put, I believe an exception could have been made considering the events at the end of volume 16. It just doesn't really fit or help the flow any. It would be better if it were put closer to the beginning or in a previous volume where the story isn't building tension for the conclusion.

mdauben

2007-07-16, 06:23

Side stories can appear anywhere, so the placement really was a poor choice. Even if that's where it's generally put,
This is pretty much how I feel, too. The first time I read the Miyabi side-story, I hated it, just becuase of the way it disrupted the dramatic tension of the main-story cliff hanger. After reading it a second time, I came to actually like it (great character development for Miyabi) but the placement was just a huge mistake.:rolleyes:

Vexx

2007-07-16, 15:40

I suspect it wasn't quite so glaring when released in the original "magazine chapter format" and it may have been effective at producing agonized screams from the magazine readers ... its just that when assembled into volume form it became a storyline momentum stumble. Sometimes, these guys don't sit back when they ought to, to look at the "big story arc"

Mykas

2007-07-17, 09:54

I doubt it would have been at the back of the volume if the story was inserted in its original place, there was very little scanslation work done on AYA so most of us have nothing to judge by. However, It would be too convenient if these side stories always appeared just at the right place to be at the end of a Tankoban.

dpryciak

2007-09-05, 12:47

Yeah, placement was off, but it does play into her character and helps us understand her later.

Counting the days to the last release...

CrowKenobi

2007-10-05, 23:01

Volume 17 is out!! :D
...and wraps up the story pretty nicely, IMHO. :blush:

:cool:

mdauben

2007-10-08, 22:33

Volume 17 is out!! :D
In anticipation, I went back and re-read the other 16 volumes over the last couple week. I just picked up my copy on the way home today, and after dinner sat down and read the whole thing. Twice. :p

I'm a little sad it's actually over now. Ai Yori Aoshi is one of my favorite anime/manga, and was actually the first manga I started reading. Still, its very nice to finally get the ending of the story, after wanting to know for so long what happened after the end of the anime.

In one way, I found the final volume just a bit anticlimactic. After all the tension in the last couple volumes, the blow-off came right away, and was over almost at once. (And Kaoru didn't even get to punch out his younger brother!) Most of the volume is actually devoted to Kaoru and Aoi's "first time" and the final parting of all the members of the harem "family". That was all very nice to see, though, and I enjoyed reading it, so I can't really criticise the way they wrapped things up too much. ;)
Oh, and one more thing...
The grown-up Chika and Mayu are both hot! :naughty:

Jiji

2007-10-09, 00:14

A couple of months ago, I put vol 17 on an amazon order with some other stuff that isn't going to be available until the end of this month. At the time I did that, I thought it'd be okay, I could live with it. But now seeing you guys talking about it, I'm just DYING here, and I won't get mine until the first few days of Nov.! T_T

Not that it matters, much. I already own the Japanese versions and pretty much know what happens. I wanted to say again a bit of trivia I mentioned pages ago in this thread about the very last pages:
In the final scene, we see Kaoru in the sarariman uniform, but with an important little twist: in his lapel is not the Japanese flag pin of a civil servant, but the chrysanthemum pin of the Imperial Household Agency. You always hear about how graduates of Todai who go on to civil-service jobs are set for life, but if there's one place to work that's higher in status than the Government, it's the Imperial Household. Kaoru is excellently suited to a job like that, I'd think.
Now that it's finally done, the hunger for MOAR makes me wonder what Kou-sensei is doing for his next project?

Vexx

2007-10-09, 03:43

I suppose I should amble over to B&N and snap it up...... urk, I've spent a lot of money on anime/manga this week.

mdauben

2007-10-09, 07:53

In the final scene, we see Kaoru in the sarariman uniform, but with an important little twist: in his lapel is not the Japanese flag pin of a civil servant, but the chrysanthemum pin of the Imperial Household Agency. You always hear about how graduates of Todai who go on to civil-service jobs are set for life, but if there's one place to work that's higher in status than the Government, it's the Imperial Household. Kaoru is excellently suited to a job like that, I'd think.
So that's what that is! I noticed it when I read the manga, but I didn't realize the significance of it. Good work, Kaoru! ;)

rooboy

2007-10-09, 09:20

Now that it's finally done, the hunger for MOAR makes me wonder what Kou-sensei is doing for his next project?I've been wondering this for a while as well. I read somewhere that he was going to have a one-shot, and then nothing since then.

mdauben

2007-10-09, 10:37

Now that it's finally done, the hunger for MOAR makes me wonder what Kou-sensei is doing for his next project?
Good questions. I'm supprised we have not heard anything yet, given that the Japanese run of Ai Yori Aoshi ended over a year ago now. :confused:

Checking in wiki, the entry for Kou-sensei says:

His current work is Umi no Misaki, serialized in Young Animal Magazine starting 5th issue of 2007.
I can't find much of any informtion on the series, however, other than this picture:

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-4/711686/kou.JPG

If it became available in english (either through scanlations or licencing) I would pick it up in a second, just based on how much I liked Ai Yori Aoshi.

Jiji

2007-10-09, 21:12

Snooping around on the Young Animal site, I found out that the first tankoubon has been released of this series.
http://sbookg.s-book.com/hakusensha/hakusenshal/9784592144816.gif
海の御先
ウミノミサキ
■出版社：白泉社
■著者名：文月晃
■ISBNコード： 9784592144816
■判型/頁：Ｂ６判
■定価： 530円（税込）
■発売日： 2007/09/28

I'll post again if I find out more. ^_^

Alexandrite

2007-10-10, 02:35

The B&N in my town finally stocked it. Why this one was shrink-wrapped when some of the others in the series, and some other series entirely were not, I do not know.

The meeting of the brothers had far less impact than I was hoping for. Disappointing, but I'm sure part of that was because I wanted to see Kaoru beat his brother into the floor.

The girls' kissing attack on Kaoru made me chuckle. Poor Kaoru looks so confused, and Aoi's in the background losing it. :heh:

Seeing the cast four years later was also a nice touch. I love how Chika turns out, but seeing Taeko with that short hair just... seems weird. Though it's apparently true that the more things change, the more they remain the same. Though I was kind of hoping to see some kids from Aoi and Kaoru...

Parts of this volume would have struck me as very odd if I were one of the people that had caught up with the serialized version of it. Almost three chapters devoted to their lovemaking, and chapters for reminiscing without going too far forward. I suppose that since Young Animal is released twice a month, it's not so bad, but it seems to me that reading the full volume helps the ending better overall.

That said, I believe it wraps up the story quite nicely, and I liked how the meaning of the title was presented in chapter 139. Touching. ^^

Looking back, it has been quite a few years since I started collecting this series, and it's been about $170 in total for all of it. This only helps remind me that time flys by rather quickly and that I spend quite a bit on my hobbies. I say it's worth it though - this is definitely one of my favorite series. I hope to see more of Kou Fumizuki's work in the future, so I'm eager to see a license or scanlation of Umi no Misaki in the future.

And thus, another series is completed on my wall of manga. Good times.

mdauben

2007-10-10, 08:30

Why this one was shrink-wrapped when some of the others in the series, and some other series entirely were not, I do not know.
I would imagine it was due to the fact that Koaru and Aoi were explicitly having sex in this volume. Despite the fact that there was a fair amount of fanservice and nudity through the whole series, this was the first time they showed anything like that. Or maybe it was just to discourage grazing by the "manga cows"? :heh:

The meeting of the brothers had far less impact than I was hoping for. Disappointing, but I'm sure part of that was because I wanted to see Kaoru beat his brother into the floor.
That was pretty much my only complaint. The way the rest of the book wrapped up the overall story was just fine with me, but the resolution to that particular story arc was a bit disappointing. I was just expecting a more exciting climax there.

Although it isn't really a complaint about the story, I guess I was a little disappointed in Aoi's father. Right to the end he kept grumbling "I don't approve of him" even after Aoi told him she would walk away from the family before giving up Kaoru (and despite the fact that his wife even was supporting Aoi's decision) he still would not relent. I guess maybe I was spoiled by the somewhat happier father/daughter resolution at the end of the first season of the anime and was hoping that it would finally sink in that Kaoru was the one for her, and that he and Aoi would not end up estranged. :(

The girls' kissing attack on Kaoru made me chuckle. Poor Kaoru looks so confused, and Aoi's in the background losing it. :heh:
Hehe! Yeah, I liked that too. A nice way to mark the end of the harem.

Vexx

2007-10-10, 11:47

Particularly the Chika "attack" ... full on as usual.

Anyway... simple nudity doesn't/shouldn't evoke shrinkwrap (especially in a nonsexual context).

However, in this volume several chapters of obvious lovemaking definitely rates it even though it was pretty much tasteful. I thought the camera angles on Aoi first undressed were pretty odd and somewhat unattractive but whatever... basically, look at the shrinkwrap as "protecting the parents" ... we must protect the parents and their naive ideas (long laughter)

The resolution of the family dilemma seemed "too easy"? And I suspect there were some nuances lost in translation concerning Aoi's father.

The only real complaints I had was that I read the whole thing in about 10 minutes. There was actually very little dialog and the thread closures seemed a bit pedantic.
I was disappointed in the artwork for some of the last scenes (e.g. Chika's friends got sketched rather than drawn).

The epilog was pretty nice with a lot of little hints of "life goes on" and some things are never quite resolved.

This is probably the longest duration manga read I've encountered in my adventures with manga (most of the other series were near completion so I just snapped them up). However, now I have several obviously-going-to-be-long-run manga in progress. AYA was the first though. Love Hina was the first long manga series I read but it was mostly done when I joined in.

mdauben

2007-10-11, 16:41

Snooping around on the Young Animal site, I found out that the first tankoubon has been released of this series.
http://sbookg.s-book.com/hakusensha/hakusenshal/9784592144816.gif
I guess my real question would be, does anyone know what this series is about? I would guess that it's probably another romantic comedy, but what is the basic story? :confused:

Jiji

2007-10-11, 18:46

I guess my real question would be, does anyone know what this series is about? I would guess that it's probably another romantic comedy, but what is the basic story? :confused:

snooping further produced this:

東京から遠く離れた南海の孤島に一人で来た少年、後藤凪はそこで可憐な少女、鳴海雫に出会う。彼女はこの島に伝わる「龍神伝説」を彼に話したが、その伝説は二人の運命を大きく変えるものだった…。純愛漫画の傑作『藍より青し』の文月晃が贈る、南の島での新たな恋愛物語の始まりです。　2007年9月刊。

A man comes alone to the solitary islands of the south, from Tokyo. There Gatou meets an innocent sweet girl; Narumi Rei. The girl has a role on that island as the means of handing down the "Folklore of the Dragon King", as she tells him, however, this folklore would forever change the two's fate on a grand scale...
This is a masterpiece of a manga of pure love, created by Fumuzuki Kou, creator of "Aoi Yori Aoshi". The fresh new love story about the island of the south, coming Sept 2007.

For the interested, both my recent posts came from here:
http://www.s-book.com/plsql/com2_detail?isbn=9784592144816

Tri-ring

2007-10-30, 08:47

One thing I like to clarify concerning Kaoru's occupation.
The badge on his lapel is a dandelion not a chrysanthemum meaning he became a lawer. A chrysanthemum badge is for member of the diet(statesperson).

As for synopsis for Umi no Misaki, I posted here.
http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1228449&postcount=96

UPR

2007-10-30, 09:28

As for synopsis for Umi no Misaki, I posted here.
http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1228449&postcount=96

very interesting and defenitly something worth checking out.

Tri-ring

2007-10-30, 11:28

very interesting and defenitly something worth checking out.

If you want to know more here is the overview.
Nagi transfering to the local school meets Shizuku again and greets her fondly but to his surpirse she answers back that she had never met him before and not to talk to her again.
Karin after class pulls Nagi where they can talk privately and starts warning him as a new comer he needs to understand and obey customs of the land when Soyogi steps in demanding to know the relationship with Nagi and Shizuku. Soyogi then whispers to Karin if she had explained to Nagi the situation that encapsulate the three female protagonists. Nagi not understanding the situation pulls Karin by the shoulder demanding what this is all about when Soyogi twists Nagi's wrist into submission. Nagi pleas Soyogi to stop with no use when Soyogi notices Shizuku staring at the whole ordeal from a distance.
Soyogi cools her temper understanding the silent warning by Shizuku that Nagi as an outsider does not understand the customs and calls Karin to follow leaving Nagi alone.
The same day after school Nagi is asked by Rinne, baby sister of Karin, to take a stroll with her where she leads her to Karin at the beach in which Karin was cleansing herself in preperation for the secret ceremony.
Karin noticing Nagi's presence asks him if he believes in god. Nagi jerks in caution as a sign to Karin that he has no interest in dubious religious cults. Karin answers back that that would be the normal response and then further explains that as an outsider of the island he may not understand the customs but he will gain a glimpse if he attends the ceremony.
Somedays after before sunrise, Ms. Kisaragi teacher at high school wakes Nagi to join her to attend the Ryushinsai, an ancient ceremony off-limits to outsiders without special permission. On their way she tells Nagi that she majored in ancient folklore at college and that she always wanted to attend this ceremony. She also asks him if he had ever heard of the Ryujin(Dragon god) legend about the dragon god falling in love with a female of this island. Then she point out a shrine that that is the place they worship the dragon god and that there is a priestess that attends to serve the god.
At sunrise with the bellow of a drum Shizuku presents herself in front of the crowd in her priestess attire. Everyone bows before her.
Kisaragi noticing Nagi empty faced, forcefully grabs his head into a bowing position and explains that she suspected Shizuku to be the priestess then points out that the priestess has two roles, one being a servant of the dragon god and the other to be offered as sacrifice in case of a natural disaster. Therefore revered secret next to god.
Then the drum bellows again, this time Karin and Soyogi appears in the same attire as Shizuku and the ceremony comes to an end where all attendants individually steps foward to Shizuku to give her their blessings.
Lastly it is nagi's turn where as the one before him had done bows and touches her hand with their forehead when she whispers to him why had he agreed in becoming one of the islanders which caught him off gaurd.
As he was about to leave the premises Rinne asks Nagi to come to the shrine again tonight. Nagi thinking he was ask to help her clean up agrees and comes again that night. Rinne welcomes Nagi and asks to change into these robes. Changing his clothes, he notice that the robes Rinne past to him looks similar to the priestess's robe in which Shizuku had wore that morning, when he noticed Rinne had grabbed his hand and was greeting him in the same posture he made that morning in greeting Shizuku.
Continues...

UPR

2007-10-30, 12:54

If you want to know more here is the overview.
Nagi transfering to the local school meets Shizuku again and greets her fondly but to his surpirse she answers back that she had never met him before and not to talk to her again.
Karin after class pulls Nagi where they can talk privately and starts warning him as a new comer he needs to understand and obey customs of the land when Soyogi steps in demanding to know the relationship with Nagi and Shizuku. Soyogi then whispers to Karin if she had explained to Nagi the situation that encapsulate the three female protagonists. Nagi not understanding the situation pulls Karin by the shoulder demanding what this is all about when Soyogi twists Nagi's wrist into submission. Nagi pleas Soyogi to stop with no use when Soyogi notices Shizuku staring at the whole ordeal from a distance.
Soyogi cools her temper understanding the silent warning by Shizuku that Nagi as an outsider does not understand the customs and calls Karin to follow leaving Nagi alone.
The same day after school Nagi is asked by Rinne, baby sister of Karin, to take a stroll with her where she leads her to Karin at the beach in which Karin was cleansing herself in preperation for the secret ceremony.
Karin noticing Nagi's presence asks him if he believes in god. Nagi jerks in caution as a sign to Karin that he has no interest in dubious religious cults. Karin answers back that that would be the normal response and then further explains that as an outsider of the island he may not understand the customs but he will gain a glimpse if he attends the ceremony.
Somedays after before sunrise, Ms. Kisaragi teacher at high school wakes Nagi to join her to attend the Ryushinsai, an ancient ceremony off-limits to outsiders without special permission. On their way she tells Nagi that she majored in ancient folklore at college and that she always wanted to attend this ceremony. She also asks him if he had ever heard of the Ryujin(Dragon god) legend about the dragon god falling in love with a female of this island. Then she point out a shrine that that is the place they worship the dragon god and that there is a priestess that attends to serve the god.
At sunrise with the bellow of a drum Shizuku presents herself in front of the crowd in her priestess attire. Everyone bows before her.
Kisaragi noticing Nagi empty faced, forcefully grabs his head into a bowing position and explains that she suspected Shizuku to be the priestess then points out that the priestess has two roles, one being a servant of the dragon god and the other to be offered as sacrifice in case of a natural disaster. Therefore revered secret next to god.
Then the drum bellows again, this time Karin and Soyogi appears in the same attire as Shizuku and the ceremony comes to an end where all attendants individually steps foward to Shizuku to give her their blessings.
Lastly it is nagi's turn where as the one before him had done bows and touches her hand with their forehead when she whispers to him why had he agreed in becoming one of the islanders which caught him off gaurd.
As he was about to leave the premises Rinne asks Nagi to come to the shrine again tonight. Nagi thinking he was ask to help her clean up agrees and comes again that night. Rinne welcomes Nagi and asks to change into these robes. Changing his clothes, he notice that the robes Rinne past to him looks similar to the priestess's robe in which Shizuku had wore that morning, when he noticed Rinne had grabbed his hand and was greeting him in the same posture he made that morning in greeting Shizuku.
Continues...

well it looks good. I hope the author keeps it light-hearted like he did with Ai Yori Aoshi.

The part with serving the god, and the god fall in love with a person from the island i really did not like that part. Especially the falling in love part. I hope it does not lead to something bad (hope you understand what im trying to say, with that part)

Jiji

2007-10-31, 09:59

One thing I like to clarify concerning Kaoru's occupation.
The badge on his lapel is a dandelion not a chrysanthemum meaning he became a lawer. A chrysanthemum badge is for member of the diet(statesperson).

After looking at the page for Japan's law association (http://www.nichibenren.or.jp/en/), I am forced to admit that Tri-ring might be right. It's hard to tell from the drawing, but it doesn't look definitely like a chrysanthemum. Either way, Kaoru is doing okay for himself and his family.

I agree with Vexx when he said that there were probably nuances in Aoi's interaction with/rebellion against her Father that were lost in translation (and more to the point, "localiziation" that TP does). I think the anime might have captured the formality and nuance a *little* better in those last scenes.

I think that when you consider the audience for this manga in Young Animal, a disapproving father-in-law is probably a fairly familiar trope to the readers, at least a portion of them, which is why there's no tied-up happy ending so far as Kaoru and Sakuraba-sama are concerned. Still, the more I think about it, the more I think that the ending is one of the few things the anime did better than the manga.

Umi no Misaki: I guess I just can't get a feel for this one yet...maybe once someone (please, please oh please) scanlates it. :P

mdauben

2007-10-31, 12:43

Either way, Kaoru is doing okay for himself and his family.
I think this was supposed to be shown by the apartment, too. Just judging from the illustrations, and from the way Tina was checking everything out, I got the impression that their furinishing were all high-end stuff, which would also argue he is doing okay financially.

Still, the more I think about it, the more I think that the ending is one of the few things the anime did better than the manga.
I kind of agree with that sentiment. After all, Aoi's mother seemed to accept things fairly early one (judging by her reaction when she and Miyabi confronted Aoi at Kaoru's old apartment early in the series) so it seemed like Aoi and Kaoru were going to all these lengths to hide there relationship mainly to appease her father. The fact that they went through all that for literally years and in the end she still ended up estranged from her father kind of made all they went through pointless. :(

Vexx

2007-10-31, 15:39

Hmmm, not entirely pointless ... Aoi finally decided that the charade and the consequences were just not worth it - particularly if her father had *anything* to do with the deceit engaged on her. It isn't stated but I think *I* would be suspicious of my father at this point. Aoi-dad doesn't seem to be willing to cross Aoi-mom directly though (despite her calibrated "submission" to his wishes) but such is the fun of a powerful family household.

mdauben

2007-10-31, 16:06

Hmmm, not entirely pointless ... Aoi finally decided that the charade and the consequences were just not worth it -
I think it was not so much the long charade that convinced her, she seemed willing to go along for as long as she believed that eventually she and Kaoru would be married. The straw that broke the camels back was that even after doing all that to appease her father, he still tried to force her into a marriage with someone else. She at last realized that no matter what she and Kaoru did, her father would never approve of their marriage so there was no point in even trying any longer.

particularly if her father had *anything* to do with the deceit engaged on her.
I feel sure that he was at least aware of what Kaoru II was trying to pull. After all, when Aoi said how happy she was to see that he was well, he shot back "Was that sarcasm?" which would only make sense if he knew that they had used the lie that he was gravely ill to lure Aoi there.

It isn't stated but I think *I* would be suspicious of my father at this point.
Again, I thought it was pretty obvious that Aoi realized her father was complicit in the deception. After all, when she saw them the first thing she said was not "Do you realize what this little twerp did?!", but she instead said oh so respectfully and politely "Okay, I've taken as much of this from you as I am going to take, goodbye and have a nice life" ;)

Tri-ring

2007-10-31, 17:53

Tri-ring

2007-10-31, 20:44

My mistake it is not a dandelion, it is a sunflower.

Here is a badge using the chrysanthemum design.
http://nakasorati.sakura.ne.jp/sblo_files/senmu/image/07.81A1A1A1A1A1A1A1A20011.jpg

and here is a badge using the sunflower design which was depicted on Kaoru's lapel.
http://www.bengoshi-yamamoto.gr.jp/RIMG02141.jpg

mdauben

2007-10-31, 20:44

One thing I don't think you guys get is that Aoi made a decision and announced at the seat of the betrothal ceremony, that she will disown herself from the Sakuraba family in order to stop any scandal to discrace the Sakuraba 's name so she can be with Kaoru.
But if that was all she wanted, she could have done it long before then. All along she never doubted that she and Kaoru were going to get married. The only reason for her and Kaoru to hide their engagement for so long was because eventually she must have believed, perhaps once Kaoru graduated and became successful in his career, that some day he would be acceptable to her family and the buisness as her husband. It seemed to me that her Father's actions finally convinced her that there was no hope of that ever happening, so she did just what she had though about doing before, left her family and married Kaoru.

Kaoru and Aoi recieved approval of their wedding Kaoru would have been dragged into the Sakuraba family business in which he was not.
I don't think that Kaoru ever had any objection to being "dragged into" the Sakuraba family buisness (even if he might have had no great desire to do so, other than for Aoi's sake). Indeed, I always kind of thought that was why he was working so hard in college. It was a given that as the husband to the family heir (Aoi) he would become the defacto head of the family in time. It is not uncommon (at least in anime and manga) for the family with an only girl-child to "adopt" her fiancee into the family to take over the family buisness and I imagine that is what Aoi and Kaoru though would one day happen. It was the Hanabishi family he wanted nothing to do with.

The father although stating it was done for the well being of Aoi in reality he was talking of the Sakuraba family business and how Aoi fits into it.
Which was exactly why I disliked the manga Father, as opposed to the anime Father. If he was really interested in Aoi's happiness (like he said) he would have been trying to find a way to fit Kaoru acceptably into the family, instead of trying to break them up and force her to marry someone she didn't even know, let alone love. He was more interested in what was best for his buisness, even at the cost of Aoi's happiness. :mad:

Tri-ring

2007-10-31, 21:16

But if that was all she wanted, she could have done it long before then. All along she never doubted that she and Kaoru were going to get married. The only reason for her and Kaoru to hide their engagement for so long was because eventually she must have believed, perhaps once Kaoru graduated and became successful in his career, that some day he would be acceptable to her family and the buisness as her husband. It seemed to me that her Father's actions finally convinced her that there was no hope of that ever happening, so she did just what she had though about doing before, left her family and married Kaoru.

She was not able to make that decision until she was entrapped in the Hanabishi residence where she was able to recover why she fell in love with Kaoru in the first place.
Being disowned (dismembered) is serious in Aoi's mind and she wasn't able to take that step eariler in the story.
I don't know how it was transcripted in English but if you follow the conversation between Aoi and his father in vol15 where Aoi told her father that she is relieved to see her father well, and that her heart is in anguish knowing that she will not be able to run to their side even if she heard that they have fallen ill in the future and that she wishes for their health, that was a parting greeting telling them that she made her mind no matter what. She was not willing to go that far when she was living with others at the mansion.

I don't think that Kaoru ever had any objection to being "dragged into" the Sakuraba family buisness (even if he might have had no great desire to do so, other than for Aoi's sake). Indeed, I always kind of thought that was why he was working so hard in college. It was a given that as the husband to the family heir (Aoi) he would become the defacto head of the family in time. It is not uncommon (at least in anime and manga) for the family with an only girl-child to "adopt" someone into the family to take over the family buisness and I imagine that is what Aoi and Kaoru though would one day happen. It was the Hanabishi family he wanted nothing to do with.

This is one of those plot holes since as you wrote Kaoru could had been adopted into the Sakuraba family and become the next heir to the seat as head of the Sakuraba family business and would have been a better choice than a groom from the Hanabishi since Hanabishi would have taken over, but that is that.:heh:
I guess the Sakuraba family business was hitting rocky shores and that he wanted a person in which all board member would agree then some broke that came out of the woods.

Which was exactly why I disliked the manga Father, as opposed to the anime Father. If he was really interested in Aoi's happiness (like he said) he would have been trying to find a way to fit Kaoru acceptably into the family, instead of trying to break them up and force her to marry someone she didn't even know, let alone love. He was more interested in what was best for his buisness, even at the cost of Aoi's happiness. :mad:

You don't get any arguement from me on that point either but again he considered that living a luxurious life as an esteemed member of the Sakuraba and/or Hanabishi family without worries of a commoner enstored much more happiness then to be living on love alone that may wear off in time. (Although he never mentioned the wearing off part)

mdauben

2007-11-01, 09:24

She was not able to make that decision until she was entrapped in the Hanabishi residence where she was able to recover why she fell in love with Kaoru in the first place.
Yes, that was what pushed her over the edge, all right. I still think that up to that point, she was not just delaying the inevetable (leaving her family) but honestly thought that they could somehow work things out so that Kaoru and she could wed with her family's blessing. :(

Being disowned (dismembered) is serious in Aoi's mind and she wasn't able to take that step eariler in the story.
I hope I'm not mixing up the anime and manga too much, but wasn't she seriously considering leaving her family the last time her Father tried to force her into another marriage (the time she and Kaoru spent the night togther at that inn)? I forget what volume that was, but it was the end of the first season of the anime. :confused:

he considered that living a luxurious life as an esteemed member of the Sakuraba and/or Hanabishi family without worries of a commoner enstored much more happiness then to be living on love alone that may wear off in time.
Well, I guess you could attribute a much more mercenary view of "happiness" to him, and in that case he was concerned for her "happiness" in that he wanted her to have a wealthy husband, and the whole "love" thing was irrelevant. :rolleyes:

Tri-ring

2007-11-01, 09:43

I hope I'm not mixing up the anime and manga too much, but wasn't she seriously considering leaving her family the last time her Father tried to force her into another marriage (the time she and Kaoru spent the night togther at that inn)? I forget what volume that was, but it was the end of the first season of the anime. :confused:

It was both written in the manga as well as the anime, she just refused to meet the candidate for the marriage arrangement. If she really thought it was no use talking with her father she would have convinced Kaoru to simply ran away as Miyabi planned.
Aoi and Kaoru had hope and agreed that it was enough for one of them(Kaoru) to be disowned by their family and Aoi should be blessed by her family at that point.

ser4

2007-11-01, 16:05

Vexx

2007-11-01, 17:15

Hi, welcome to the forums, be sure to read the rules, and you're basically off-topic. :)
This is the manga discussion thread, the anime discussion is over in the Licensed section.

Per request though, the 6 word answer is "they live sort of happy after" ... If you saw the first and second season, you've seen all the animation there is. The anime handled things differently than the manga.

Jiji

2007-11-01, 19:16

sorry for the dumm question but ... i watched the the anime and it's sequel but i still don't know if there is more after that and if there is can somebody summarize it for me with 5,6 words if possible
thanks in advance

Yeah, there's no more anime, except for a too-cutesy xmas special -- comes on one of the DVDs...

5,6 words? Lordy... "traditional" "truelove" (cheated a bit there, I know) "fanservice", "comedy" "touching" "sweet". How's that?

Tri-ring

2007-11-02, 07:07

sorry for the dumm question but ... i watched the the anime and it's sequel but i still don't know if there is more after that and if there is can somebody summarize it for me with 5,6 words if possible
thanks in advance

Shows the true meaning of "Yamato Nadeshiko".

Aoi-chan is obvious but Tina, Miyabi, Chika, Taeko, and Mayu are in their own way a Yamato Nadeshiko.
A lady you would want to be at your side at all time.

ser4

2007-11-02, 22:32

what about the manga does it finish where the anime does or does it continue on.

cheating ????? does kaoru cheat on Aoi? From what i watched in the anime he loved aoi

mdauben

2007-11-02, 23:24

what about the manga does it finish where the anime does or does it continue on.
The second season of the anime end about 2/3 of the way through the manga (give or take a few chapters). There is quite a bit more story covered in the manga.

cheating ????? does kaoru cheat on Aoi? From what i watched in the anime he loved aoi
Cheating? Not sure which post you picked that up from, but while Kaoru has more than his share of temptations, he never strays from his one true love, Aoi.

Tri-ring

2007-11-04, 00:42

well it looks good. I hope the author keeps it light-hearted like he did with Ai Yori Aoshi.

The part with serving the god, and the god fall in love with a person from the island i really did not like that part. Especially the falling in love part. I hope it does not lead to something bad (hope you understand what im trying to say, with that part)

I don't know what you are hoping for but here is the conclusion for Vol.1 for "Umi no Misaki" which will be the basis of their relationship.

As Rinne greets Nagi, Nagumo Yae grandmother of Karin and Rinne appears from the hallway. Nagi asks Yae what is going on with the out fit.
She answers back that she will explain in due time but she says she will need to confirm something first.

Out side the Shrine the three priestess, Shizuku, Karin and Soyogi appears and enters the shrine in which they are greeted by Yae seated who was waiting for their arrival. After seated and bowing towards Yae, Yae proclaims the next Dragon god have appeared though reincarnation.
As the bamboo slitted screen rises all three are caught in disbelief when they see Goto Nagi seated in front of the alter.
Karin starts off the conversation, demanding to know why Nagi could possibly the reincarnated soul of the dragon god.
Soyogi follows by brushing it off as a bad joke, stating how could an outsider of the island be the dragon god.
Nagi also at loss, agreeing with Soyogi that it is a bad joke, adding that he could not be the dragon god.
Yae halts the debate stating that without a doubt that Nagi is indeed the reincarnated soul. Adding that Nagi's mother is from Okitsu island and was a Misaki no Miko(priestess of Misaki) before leaving the island. Nagi confirms Yae's statement that he knew she came from this island but he never heard of being a priestess.
Yae reveals that Nagi's mother, Okitu Miyako was indeed one of the priestess and saw the resemblence when they first met. She then goes on that for some reason, the priestess bears mostly female offsprings like Shizuku, Soyogi and/or Karin, and rarely bear a male but it is said that the soul of the dragon god is past on to a male offspring of a priestess on the same date when the previous reincarnated soul passes on into the divine.
Yae states that the previous soul past on into the divine on September 23rd, then asks, isn't that the date of your birth, Nagi?
Yae confirming her speculations through expression on Nagi's face tells Nagi that on this island, Nagi is the reincarnated soul of the dragon god.
She then faces towards the other three who were caught in bewilderness and orders the three to kneel for they are in presence of the dragon god.
The three snaps out and bows on their knees in front of Nagi, Yae then formaly re-introduces the three.
Narumi Shizuku, priestess of the sea which brings fertility to the island.
Nagumo Karin, priestess of fire which brings prosperity to the island and,
Mitsurugi Soyogi, priestess of the wind protector of the island.
They are as from the past till enternity priestesses of the Misaki who will worship and serve the dragon god.
With introductions concluded Yae instructs Rinne to escort Nagi back to his home.
As the other four sees Nagi off out side the shrine, Karin asks Yae what are they suppose to do.
Yae answers back, you all know your duties as the priestesses of Misaki, to serve with body and soul to the dragon god to gain his beloved kindness, never forget that.
As Nagi walks back home confused from the sudden revelation, asks Rinne what he is suppose to do and act.
Rinne answers back with a vacant face, nothing.
Confused more than ever, Nagi asks again, Nothing?
Rinne replies, That's right, nothing. It will be nice if Nagi values all three priestesses since they are nice people, as they head back home.

End of vol1

I hope you like it.

dpryciak

2007-11-04, 12:56

UPR

2007-11-04, 13:21

I don't know what you are hoping for but here is the conclusion for Vol.1 for "Umi no Misaki" which will be the basis of their relationship.

As Rinne greets Nagi, Nagumo Yae grandmother of Karin and Rinne appears from the hallway. Nagi asks Yae what is going on with the out fit.
She answers back that she will explain in due time but she says she will need to confirm something first.

Out side the Shrine the three priestess, Shizuku, Karin and Soyogi appears and enters the shrine in which they are greeted by Yae seated who was waiting for their arrival. After seated and bowing towards Yae, Yae proclaims the next Dragon god have appeared though reincarnation.
As the bamboo slitted screen rises all three are caught in disbelief when they see Goto Nagi seated in front of the alter.
Karin starts off the conversation, demanding to know why Nagi could possibly the reincarnated soul of the dragon god.
Soyogi follows by brushing it off as a bad joke, stating how could an outsider of the island be the dragon god.
Nagi also at loss, agreeing with Soyogi that it is a bad joke, adding that he could not be the dragon god.
Yae halts the debate stating that without a doubt that Nagi is indeed the reincarnated soul. Adding that Nagi's mother is from Okitsu island and was a Misaki no Miko(priestess of Misaki) before leaving the island. Nagi confirms Yae's statement that he knew she came from this island but he never heard of being a priestess.
Yae reveals that Nagi's mother, Okitu Miyako was indeed one of the priestess and saw the resemblence when they first met. She then goes on that for some reason, the priestess bears mostly female offsprings like Shizuku, Soyogi and/or Karin, and rarely bear a male but it is said that the soul of the dragon god is past on to a male offspring of a priestess on the same date when the previous reincarnated soul passes on into the divine.
Yae states that the previous soul past on into the divine on September 23rd, then asks, isn't that the date of your birth, Nagi?
Yae confirming her speculations through expression on Nagi's face tells Nagi that on this island, Nagi is the reincarnated soul of the dragon god.
She then faces towards the other three who were caught in bewilderness and orders the three to kneel for they are in presence of the dragon god.
The three snaps out and bows on their knees in front of Nagi, Yae then formaly re-introduces the three.
Narumi Shizuku, priestess of the sea which brings fertility to the island.
Nagumo Karin, priestess of fire which brings prosperity to the island and,
Mitsurugi Soyogi, priestess of the wind protector of the island.
They are as from the past till enternity priestesses of the Misaki who will worship and serve the dragon god.
With introductions concluded Yae instructs Rinne to escort Nagi back to his home.
As the other four sees Nagi off out side the shrine, Karin asks Yae what are they suppose to do.
Yae answers back, you all know your duties as the priestesses of Misaki, to serve with body and soul to the dragon god to gain his beloved kindness, never forget that.
As Nagi walks back home confused from the sudden revelation, asks Rinne what he is suppose to do and act.
Rinne answers back with a vacant face, nothing.
Confused more than ever, Nagi asks again, Nothing?
Rinne replies, That's right, nothing. It will be nice if Nagi values all three priestesses since they are nice people, as they head back home.

End of vol1

I hope you like it.

Well okay, my fears were totally jumped to conclusion and im glad I was wrong. This is author writes ligh-hearted manga's so this is someything I would defenitly follow.

"Umi no Misaki"??

I missed something. What is this? Something new by the AYA author?? (confused)

yes, this is his new manga.

Tri-ring

2007-11-04, 18:27

"Umi no Misaki"??

I missed something. What is this? Something new by the AYA author?? (confused)
ps. I was slightly let down by book 17. I don't know. I expected more. Such as, they have kids or something. But Mayus' visiting...that makes sense.

Sorry here are the two earlier parts I have posted to give you a full view of the story to "Umi no Misaki" written by Fumitsuki Ko the same author that brough to you "Ai yori Aoshi".

http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1228449&postcount=96

http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1228737&postcount=179

As for wrap up in vol17 of AyA, I thought it was very well handled although I do not agree with the time setting. (Four years and still not a single child ? ? :heh:)
It gave just enough back story to show how they are doing in their own seperate ways.

Vexx

2007-11-04, 19:25

I will say the "Stalker Mayu" was tragically funny in its own way (or scary depending on how you want to interpret it).

Well wrapped up .. but in a quiet downbeat sort of way -- so it goes :)

mdauben

2007-11-05, 11:08

I will say the "Stalker Mayu" was tragically funny in its own way (or scary depending on how you want to interpret it).
I definetly thought it was more tragic than scary. :(

That's one of the downsides of harem romances, eventually, some one has to "win" and the rest of the girls have to "lose". At least the rest of the girls seem to have come to terms with it. The fact that Mayu is still chasing after Kaoru years later, even after he has made it clear whom he loves and is married to Aoi, makes me kind of sad that she can't just get over it and realize she needs to move on. :rolleyes:

Well wrapped up .. but in a quiet downbeat sort of way -- so it goes :)
True. :)

Vexx

2007-11-05, 11:56

Aye, they may have played it for a small gag --- but actually it was pretty tragic. Perhaps Aoi should be careful near train platforms O.o

Mughi

2007-11-05, 23:51

...As for wrap up in vol17 of AyA, I thought it was very well handled although I do not agree with the time setting. (Four years and still not a single child ? ? :heh:)
It gave just enough back story to show how they are doing in their own seperate ways.

Hey all, I just finally finished the Manga too... Loved it overall. AYA has always been a kind of wandering story... going back and forth between utter silly fanservice and high drama that somehow resolves easily enough to allow more fanservice...

I thought the depiction of "their first time" was particularly well handled and being an avid reader of Futari Ecchi, I couldn't help but see the two of them as Makoto and Yura... :heh: Still it managed to be touching and reasonably exciting at the same time. As for it leading to a child at four years hence, I don't see the problem with them still living in their condo (Mansion) and not having children. If Kaoru had been busy passing the bar and starting a practice, being the smart planned out guy he's shown himself to be throughout the series, it stands to reason he'd plan out the family too and not get started until he was well established, careerwise.

A great ending to a sweet story. Poor Mayu notwithstanding.

FuzzyWuzzy

2008-03-20, 08:22

What chapter or volume should I start? I just finished watching the second season.

Mykas

2008-03-20, 12:02

you should start at the beginning the anime is ok but the manga is really really good and you would miss a lot if you just depended on the anime for info.

Vexx

2008-03-20, 23:48

Agreed... the anime deviates in event chronology and emphasis. Its not that big a deal to read the whole thing.

(So few anime actually track their manga source closely enough. There are always snips, cuts, missing pieces or characters)

Pyro1

2008-09-22, 18:36

So the manga finally finished? id like to buy it

Vexx

2008-09-22, 21:33

Available at all fine manga stores and online at B&N and Amazon.

cyberdemon

2008-10-25, 13:05

is there a site where i can read it online?

considering that it's liscenced, i seriously doubt it

KimmyChan

2009-03-26, 09:09

I like Ai Yori Aoshi a lot! I have the first 14 volumes of the 17 volumes in total :)

Vexx

2009-03-26, 21:53

There are 2 or 3 volumes worth of material in the series that I thought derailed or fogged up the story. The artwork suffers in several volumes (got that "gotta pump something out" feeling). Overall though The opening pack of volumes and the closing pack of volumes are a fairly intense piece of storytelling. I have a bit of believability problem with the "kidnapping" towards the end... but basically this is sort of a modern fairy tale so I let that slide.

So in all... some rambling bits but I'd say I really enjoyed 80% or 90% of the series - and that the ending was thumbs up.

KimmyChan

2009-03-27, 05:34

It's not very often anymore nowadays that I read manga series published by TokyoPop, only in extremely rare cases, but this is one series that I make a really big exception for :)

Vexx

2009-03-27, 14:13

eyah.... TP has fallen off my radar with their exuberant focus on OEL manga. Tsukuyomi Moon Phase is the last series I'm gathering from them and I see nothing on the horizon from them. Yen Press, Viz, and Del Rey seem to be the current "we get it" publishers. And ADV has totally tanked out of the manga market quite UNgracefully crapping on the fans all the way out.

dpryciak

2009-03-27, 23:03

there's still so much that can be animated...I want that final chapter in anime form! Heck, just give it to me OVA style.

Mykas

2009-03-28, 00:24

It's not very often anymore nowadays that I read manga series published by TokyoPop, only in extremely rare cases, but this is one series that I make a really big exception for

Same for me the only title I pick up from them these days is Shonan Junai Gumi. Also I would like to note there is another word for OEL..... I think we call them comic books. I can appreciate things drawn in the Japanese style by westerners but it just isn't the same. I could, for example paint in the style of Da Vinci or Michelangelo, but that wouldn't make me a renaissance painter.

Vexx

2009-03-28, 02:24

Aye... TP likes OEL pseudo-manga because they're much cheaper to produce... but I'll bet they're also selling poorly compared to japanese originated manga.
Something tells me they won't see the connection til its too late because bean-counters like to focus on ratios and the quarterly -- and inevitably fail to notice "the big picture" :P

dpryciak

2009-03-28, 21:56

OEL? Please clarify for this idiot

Mykas

2009-03-29, 02:13

OEL= orriginal english language.... basicly comics done in manga style by westerners

CotFI2

2009-09-24, 13:59

yezhanquan

2009-09-24, 20:59

I see it as both Aoi and Kaoru giving up something close to them for each other. Also, I don't know about you, but Aoi's family never did give up on her. Yes, she rejected the money, but her parents didn't tell her not to return for a visit.

On Miyabi, her life is so closely interwined with Aoi's that Aoi's family see her as part of the family. Besides, Aoi isn't exactly poor in her marriage, just middle-class. Both Kaoru and her went into this with their eyes open, and they don't blame anyone.

Mykas

2009-09-24, 23:11

I would like to adress #2 from cotf12.... I guess this all boils down the the Japanese ideal of Yamato Nadeshiko (hope I spelled it right) I think what makes aoi so likeable is that while she does embody the ideal she didn't come by it naturally but through hard work. She also has some foibles, for example her jealousy and somewhat childish and naive nature.
As for turning down the girls maybe it would have been kinder to rip the band aid off quickly but in some cases it would have been ineffective anyway. Like Mayu said she will love who she loves no matter what anyone else does. or something like that anyway.

CotFI2

2009-09-25, 11:30

The more I think about this, the more I have to wonder about how much might have been just a little mixed up in translation.

1) Disownment. At the end, Miyabi says she was "cast out" of the clan, I believe. It implied that she'd been fired and "disowned" as well, having been a ward of the family in some way. In the final chapter, though, it's revealed she's been legally adopted, as well as re-employed in a much less prestigous capacity, but still on a management track. Since I'm not a cultural insider, how hopeful is it that she might be getting groomed as an eventual SINGLE FEMALE successor to the fortune? It would seem a huge break from her new dad's past behavior, but mom seems to be a tough cookie...

But if Miyabi doesn't produce an heir, could SHE be in a position to reinstate Aoi, or at least Aoi's kids (which I hope would be inevitable)? Is there still hope? I don't know the culture well enough! :upset:

2) This is tougher: the use of the term "entrust". Kaoru turns control of the Hanabishi fortune over to the imposter, but in the English translation I read, he does it by saying that he "entrusts" it to the new Kaoru. He didn't "give" it, and he never explicitly disowned his claim. Turning something over "in trust" means that he didn't give up ownership, merely direct control, like a trust fund. If Kaoru had pulled that stunt in the US, if he ever got a good lawyer, he could sieze control of the Hanabishi empire again by dissolving the "trust" and reinstating the terms of his grandfather's will. Hell, if his grandfather's lawyers were so dumb as to let a will bequest like that get by them in the first place, Kaoru should be able to beat them... in fact, didn't it say somewhere that either he or Tae-chan were actually in the law program in school? Is that simply a mis-translation, or is the legal implication different in Japan? :eyebrow:

I was so depressed by the ending of this manga, and still am ... but I got the feeling that the author was trying for more realism than in a typical harem manga, which led me to thinking more critically ... even though this story seemed to end with a solid thud, a clever writer could easily plant a flower in the cracks of this gravestone and split it open again. It's a shame there's so little else by this writer. I wish I knew where he came from, artistically speaking. Otherwise, once I got over feeling like an incompetent hack (I never would have come up with the twists of Kaoru's first confrontation with Aoi's father), I thought that even I'd be willing to take a stab at it (and I have never cared for fanfic). Too bad I can't draw worth a damn. Still, maybe I have already said too much. :D

velvet nightmare

2009-09-27, 23:25

I got so wrapped up in this manga that I read it far too quickly. So, I have some things that have been nagging me.

I liked the way that this series took the traditional cliches of harem manga and gave them a HUGE dose of character development.

Still:
1) Why didn't Kaoru just let the girls down early? He couldn't really be that dense, could he? I mean, Chika and Mayu were BLATANT. Just tell them "no" and be done with it. Letting them think he was available was just... well, cruel. And manipulative. He seemed too much like a Hanabishi...

2) Aoi... she's waaay to into the whole "perfect bride" thing. Even though the ideal is out there, it seems so... unrealistic. I am told some folks claim to know women who are similarly obsessed. However, given how psychologically broken so many of the characters are, maybe she really IS obsessive...

3) Miyabi. She gets adopted ... as a replacement for Aoi? It seems that way. Aoi is living a poor life at the end, and Miyabi is actually working in the family business... being tailored as the heir, with no pressure to marry off?!? She's practically an "old maid" by traditional standards. At least the anime implied that Mayu's chaperone was puttin the moves on her; I'd expect that, due to the next point, Miyabi would be under pressure to hook up with the bum behind:

4) The sudden reveal of the previously unknown relative. The fake "Kaoru" made me mad. Not only did it undo any sympathy for Aoi's dad that the earlier confrontation created, but it crapped all over the memory of Kaoru's dad, which we really didn't know much about in the first place. That whole part of the story seemed forced, as though they were trying to cram as much depth of character into the fraud as everyone else got, in far too little time. I could not believe that the real Kaoru would simply hand over the Hanabishi fortune to him, knowing that to do so would cause Aoi to lose her family. Even combining his overblown sympathy with his desire to be rid of the Hanabishi, he was so adamant that Aoi not lose her place before... What the heck happened!? It felt like the writer had created such a Gordian knot of relationships that the only way to resolve the plot was to hack it in half with a sword.:mad:

Still, the series did such a good job of putting real emotional content behind what would have been treated as hokey comic gimmicks in another harem manga, most of the other plot maneuvers like these seem to make some kind of sense. I have to say it's been a long time since I had such a good read... although I got sore from being choked up so long.:(

1) it's because of his whole 'i can never turn anyone down' attitude, and it's not like the other girls didnt have a clue either, they kind of saw it from a mile away. i guess it was a 'touchy' subject for all of them

2) it's japanese culture tbh, their families are very traditional to begin with and for someone to have their personal values match their traditions (like aoi), may be uncommon, but hardly impossible

3) i think her adoption was more of a change of formalities. since aoi has officially been married off, her official job as her guardian/educator is complete, and they always treated her as family anyways, so might as well make it official with adoption

4) the problem i have in general with kaoru is why he didnt stay with the family in the first place. yes i know they're 'evil' and all, but the thing is if he bites the bullet he gets an empire by the time he's 20 and get aoi. and he can change the hanabishi culture or even disband the whole clan if he felt like it. personally i would have done this, but you can also argue that there's a chance he wouldn't have turned out to be the same person he is now and met chika and what's her name, the maid (who are both useless imo and provide nothing more than fanservice for people who like maids in glasses and a loli)

The more I think about this, the more I have to wonder about how much might have been just a little mixed up in translation.

1) Disownment. At the end, Miyabi says she was "cast out" of the clan, I believe. It implied that she'd been fired and "disowned" as well, having been a ward of the family in some way. In the final chapter, though, it's revealed she's been legally adopted, as well as re-employed in a much less prestigous capacity, but still on a management track. Since I'm not a cultural insider, how hopeful is it that she might be getting groomed as an eventual SINGLE FEMALE successor to the fortune? It would seem a huge break from her new dad's past behavior, but mom seems to be a tough cookie...

But if Miyabi doesn't produce an heir, could SHE be in a position to reinstate Aoi, or at least Aoi's kids (which I hope would be inevitable)? Is there still hope? I don't know the culture well enough! :upset:

2) This is tougher: the use of the term "entrust". Kaoru turns control of the Hanabishi fortune over to the imposter, but in the English translation I read, he does it by saying that he "entrusts" it to the new Kaoru. He didn't "give" it, and he never explicitly disowned his claim. Turning something over "in trust" means that he didn't give up ownership, merely direct control, like a trust fund. If Kaoru had pulled that stunt in the US, if he ever got a good lawyer, he could sieze control of the Hanabishi empire again by dissolving the "trust" and reinstating the terms of his grandfather's will. Hell, if his grandfather's lawyers were so dumb as to let a will bequest like that get by them in the first place, Kaoru should be able to beat them... in fact, didn't it say somewhere that either he or Tae-chan were actually in the law program in school? Is that simply a mis-translation, or is the legal implication different in Japan? :eyebrow:

1) it's all moot, anyone can be appointed successor on paper, just like how on the hanabishi will it was 'whoever aoi chooses to marry'

2) i'm pretty sure it's 'entrust' as in full give over responsibility. firstly, kaoru goes back to using his honjou name which pretty much means he's cut his ties from hanabishi permanently. secondly, he wouldn't be living in a crappy house (well i shouldn't say crappy). which brings me to question why he didnt just get their old mansion back before handing over everything to fake kaoru, or at least a handful of cash because he's always been poor. but i guess it goes back to kaoru's 'personality' that, for example, if he found $100 on the ground he'd probably spend the whole day trying to find it's proper owner kind of deal

in any case, anyone else feel that all the 4 year later versions of the characters look really ugly? like wtf happened to their faces, they all got fatter or something. they said mayu was looking prettier but i dont see it