(L) Ookiku Furikabutte (Big Windup!)

[Katapan]

Originally Posted by Kazuki`

I wonder though, how long before they'll announce the air-time of the new episodes. As of yet, there's still only 13 episodes scheduled on television, right?

Er, isn't episode 14 scheduled to air normally on the 12th of July? I could even find its title. Since we're getting a new OP/ED set soon, it's probably safe to assume that at least 24 episodes are scheduled. Unless I'm missing something...

[leongsh]

I've recently picked up the manga. Following the story as it is now, Episode 12 is likely to end with the team arriving at the stadium for opening festivities while Episode 13 is likely to end with the start of Nishiura's first round match. If they are going to stop at Episode 13, it would be one of the worst places to stop.

I suspect that there's 26 episodes of Oofuri that have been confirmed. The hint that I'm getting of that is via the DVD release. The first volume DVD has 2 episodes and subsequent volumes announced, i.e. Volumes 2 and 3, have 3 episodes each. For a 26-episode series, that means a 9-volume release (1x2 episodes + 8x3 episodes).

Assuming that the first round match starts towards the end of Episode 13, there should be enough episodes to complete the first round match as that match took up roughly the same amount of manga volumes/chapters that got them from the start of the manga to the starting point of the match. (Yes, the match is going to be of epic proportions )

[Katapan]

Wow, episode 14 was wonderful. Not only does it bring a new opening that I totally love. but the excitement factor is definitely back and stronger than ever (that's at least how I feel it). We're in for a truly great ride.

I first wanted to comment all the scenes that felt very strong in the new OP... but there are so many, I'd have to describe the whole thing. Seeing all the players running towards the field before the title appears must be my favorite part, though. I can't help but feel excited for the whole Nishiura team.

Spoiler for small spoiler up to episode 14:

I was expecting some Tosei in the OP, since they'll probably be seen all the time until the end. They didn't appear, not that it really bothers me if they play a big part in the upcoming episodes.

The new ED is rather good, though the best thing here must be the stills of all the Nishiura players going home. The song is just ok, I guess. Wait, actually I take that back, it's already growing on me.

Spoiler for ep14:

Onto the episode itself... well, we're back into a baseball match so the various actions won't make much sense until I've read things here and there. Random thoughts will have to do for now.

I was wondering if we'd see more mothers than just Hanai's and Mihashi's, and my question is answered here. I'm still surprised to see their feelings conveyed so well, something that's almost never done in anime. They also bring some humorous moments (well, I found Tajima's mother to be funny and surely as unusual as her son ). By the way, can anyone identify all of them? It goes like this for me, and I might be wrong:
Tajima-san | ? | Hanai-san | Mihashi-san | ? | Suyama-san | Izumi-san.
To continue on this topic, I think I'm really starting to like Mihashi's mother who's portrayed as a very realistic character. It's interesting to see how she's being included in the new formed group of Nishiura mothers and finally gets to see her son play, one thing she apparently couldn't do much in Ren's middle school days.

About the match, seeing Tajima not being able to hit for once is interesting. Yet one more interesting thing to develop, how exactly will he able to overcome that?
The other players were given a better chance to shine this time, especially Izumi since his turn was followed by the first round of applauds from the spectators which had a rather big impact.
It looks like Hanai will go through a lot of things next week, I can't wait to see what'll happen to him exactly. He's gained a lot of points since he's been working so hard as the captain.

And finally, I hope that the Tosei players will be developed just as well as the ones in Mihoshi were. So far, I think the catcher (I'm torn on which name to pick - I always read Kazuki from the various fanbases and now he's of course being called Kawai in the episode) is the most likeable character, thanks to his reactions that we've been shown. Junta is still a bit too mysterious at this point.

[leongsh]

Originally Posted by Katapan

Wow, episode 14 was wonderful. Not only does it bring a new opening that I totally love. but the excitement factor is definitely back and stronger than ever (that's at least how I feel it). We're in for a truly great ride.

Oh, yes, most definitely. Recently read the manga up until the latest chapter (#46). The match ends in an earlier chapter, mind you, but it does go for easily 3 full volumes (starts right from the beginning of Volume 5) - this match is epic. Won't say anymore. I'm loving this show a lot.

Originally Posted by Katapan

Spoiler for ep14:

Onto the episode itself... well, we're back into a baseball match so the various actions won't make much sense until I've read things here and there. Random thoughts will have to do for now.

I was wondering if we'd see more mothers than just Hanai's and Mihashi's, and my question is answered here. I'm still surprised to see their feelings conveyed so well, something that's almost never done in anime. They also bring some humorous moments (well, I found Tajima's mother to be funny and surely as unusual as her son ). By the way, can anyone identify all of them? It goes like this for me, and I might be wrong:
Tajima-san | ? | Hanai-san | Mihashi-san | ? | Suyama-san | Izumi-san.
To continue on this topic, I think I'm really starting to like Mihashi's mother who's portrayed as a very realistic character. It's interesting to see how she's being included in the new formed group of Nishiura mothers and finally gets to see her son play, one thing she apparently couldn't do much in Ren's middle school days.

About the match, seeing Tajima not being able to hit for once is interesting. Yet one more interesting thing to develop, how exactly will he able to overcome that?
The other players were given a better chance to shine this time, especially Izumi since his turn was followed by the first round of applauds from the spectators which had a rather big impact.

Spoiler:

What I liked about it is that it had a fairly realistic feel to it. There was a live documentary on Koushien and what it means to the Japanese high schoolers. The show does capture the feel of parents being there to support their children, the band playing in support, the Japanese-style of cheerleading, et al. Great feel.

Originally Posted by Katapan

Spoiler for ep14:

It looks like Hanai will go through a lot of things next week, I can't wait to see what'll happen to him exactly. He's gained a lot of points since he's been working so hard as the captain.

Spoiler:

Hanai will... oops.. nearly broke my promise not to spoil it

[leongsh]

Since getting my hands on Episode 15 I have watched it about 5 times already. There's so much to like as this episode begins with Nishiura's turn to defend the bottom of the 1st inning with Tosei now at-bat. The spoilers contain a bit of description of what happens, so open those at your risk.

Spoiler for Bottom of the 1st inning:

The Tosei players with the confidence of a team who won the prefecture tournament and thus qualify for Koshien in the previous year naturally underestimates a new team of first years. However, their 1st inning at-bat is efficiently dispatched by Nishiura in just 6 pitches. Thanks to the prep work done earlier and Abe reading of the players to guide Mihashi through the 1st inning. Hanai gives a good account of himself as the captain of the team to set the example. It's heartwarming to see Mihashi reflect on how the team is playing and how the team is full support of him - something he never had.

Then the rain starts drizzling in...

There's a good atmosphere to the game in this show as they do give time to the cheering teams with their cheering and the band play in the background enlivens the game. We cannot forget that this show does give us a bit more understanding of the tactics and thoughts of the catcher (Abe in this case) which is not often done as most baseball anime shows tend to focus on the power play of the star pitchers.

Spoiler for Top of the 2nd inning:

Nishiura's turn to bat with Hanai stepping up to the plate. He gets a hit to centre field with the second pitch and reaches first base safely. Tajima, waiting at first base as the first base coach, compliments Hanai on his hit. The real fun and interesting part comes into play as Tajima is there to give Hanai the cue for stealing 2nd base.

The constant chanting cue by Tajima does its part to distract Junta, the Tosei pitcher, and has him pitching balls while at the same time trying to catch Hanai trying to steal 2nd base. Tajima's baseball mind shows how valuable he is to the team even though he is not batting then. Choosing the moment carefully, Tajima gives the right cue for Hanai to successful steal 2nd base. When Hanai did so, I found myself giving a little pump and mouthing a quiet "Yes!". In the meantime, the ball count goes up for Oki and the distraction of Hanai stealing 2nd base has Junta walking Oki.

Mizutani is up to bat. He notes that the hits that Nishiura has been able to get were off sliders. He waits for one and gets one. However, his hit is acrobatically caught in the air by Tosei's second baseman between 1st and 2nd base. Hanai and Oki run back to their bases. Hanai gets back safely to 2nd base while Oki gets called out as he got back to 1st base. On careful watching, Tosei got a favourable call at 1st base as Oki touched first base before the ball hit the mitt of Tosei's first baseman. I went "Damn!" the first time I watched the episode - that's how much I just got sucked in. A lot of credit goes to the direction and the accompanying soundtrack.

There's a nice little bit seeing players on both sides in fear of their respective coaches. The Tosei coach just has to call his player over in a friendly manner and the player goes into a scold sweat with worry. In turn, we see Momoe get angry at being caught in this double play while looking ahead with Mizutani and Oki by the side quivering in total fear of her.

Mihashi is up to bat! Hamada gets the cheering squad to cheer Mihashi's name. For someone who has never been cheered on before, Mihashi is surprised by this show of support. He wobbles a bit at it but is set straight by Abe. He gets a hit on the first pitch but that was also the result of the ball slipping off Junta as he pitched. The ball luckily dribbles into no-man's land in the inner field between the pitcher, first and second basemen. While Tosei scrambles to cover 1st base, Hanai quietly gets onto 3rd base. Mihashi does make it safely to 1st base and tumbles over a few times due to his momentum. From the sidelines, Abe is furious at Mihashi for risking himself. It was a bit hilarious to see that as Abe looked like the proverbial "wife" or mother hen in his concerns.

Abe is up to bat. Mihashi is also on the ready to steal 2nd base with Tajima chanting the cue. Mihashi ends up too far away from 1st base and the Tosei catcher notes it by indicating to his pitcher. As they try to tag Mihashi who is caught in between 1st and 2nd base, Hanai sprints from 3rd base to steal home. It's a race between the Tosei players trying to tag Mihashi and Hanai stealing home. The background music playing ups the tension ante. Mihashi is eventually tagged and Hanai stealing home. Now, did Hanai steal home first or was Mihashi tagged before then. It's left to the home plate umpire to make the call. Thus ends the episode...

WICKED! They leave us with a cliffhanger.

Even though I have read the manga and know what the decision is, I felt the cliffhanger ending to this episode.

Loving this episode and this show a lot. It may not be the best show this season but it has burrowed deep into my heart as the most enjoyable show this season for me.

The accompanying soundtrack to the show is quite effective in setting the mood and the tension. The CD of soundtrack #1 (yes, that means there is a 2nd soundtrack CD) is officially to be released on 12 September 2007 (and safely pre-ordered to get the first press edition that will come with a baseball card or two).

I love the 2nd ED song. It just captures the soul of the show so well. Coupled with the visuals as they show the team leaving together after practice at night on the bikes and you can feel the close camaraderie they have with each other, it feels so natural and heartwarming.

p.s.
Excuse me, Seleria, while I move ahead for the time being.

[Gankutsuou]

I have been watching the raws. I can easily say that this is one of the best anime series this year. It's so addicting!

But it worries me that the anime is catching up with the manga so quickly. What will happen once it caught up with the manga? Will they end the season and then wait for more material to make another season? And the fact that Oofuri is serialized in a monthly magazine is a problem.

[leongsh]

Originally Posted by Gankutsuou

I have been watching the raws. I can easily say that this is one of the best anime series this year. It's so addicting!

However, it's mostly ignored by the general anime fan visiting the forums here.

Originally Posted by Gankutsuou

But it worries me that the anime is catching up with the manga so quickly. What will happen once it caught up with the manga? Will they end the season and then wait for more material to make another season? And the fact that Oofuri is serialized in a monthly magazine is a problem.

It's looks very likely that there's only going to be 26 episodes for the time being. If so, the anime will not catch up with the manga. 16 episodes in, they are at about early Chapter 13 and the manga is at Chapter 46 as of to-date. If it does continue past episode 26, there's enough material to have 52 episodes of the anime as it catches up closely with the manga which would also have moved on a bit with another 6 chapters or so from where it is now.

[totalnet]

Originally Posted by leongsh

However, it's mostly ignored by the general anime fan visiting the forums here.

One of the problems is this very dialog/thought intensive anime. So lot of people could only watch the fansub version. Right now the fansub is only up to episode 5.

One thing I love about this anime is that it's really about a baseball team. Unlike other baseball manga/anime, where they focus exclusively one character. But in real life, team win games, not one player. I know the anime do something focus on Mihashi, because you need to good pitcher and all. But you need other players to get hits and runs to win games.

Hey, no one has die in this anime yet. Name another baseball mange/anime where someone didn't die.

[leongsh]

Originally Posted by totalnet

One of the problems is this very dialog/thought intensive anime. So lot of people could only watch the fansub version. Right now the fansub is only up to episode 5.

Yeah, it is dialog/thought intensive. Point definitely conceded.

Originally Posted by totalnet

One thing I love about this anime is that it's really about a baseball team. Unlike other baseball manga/anime, where they focus exclusively one character. But in real life, team win games, not one player. I know the anime do something focus on Mihashi, because you need to good pitcher and all. But you need other players to get hits and runs to win games.

And which they do very well in Oofuri. They have players with good abilities and in Tajima, a talented clean-up batter but one that is not strong enough to hit home runs. The team need to function as one and play smart to win. In the recent episodes (i.e. Episodes 15 to 17), there's bags of courage too. The fight is getting tougher as Tosei has started to figure out Nishiura.

Originally Posted by totalnet

Hey, no one has die in this anime yet. Name another baseball mange/anime where someone didn't die.

Hmm... most will not have a player die. It's usually a parent, friend or surrogate parent. I can easily name another baseball manga/anime where someone doesn't die, e.g. Captain (based on the manga of the same name) and its sequel, Play Ball

[totalnet]

Originally Posted by leongsh

Hmm... most will not have a player die. It's usually a parent, friend or surrogate parent. I can easily name another baseball manga/anime where someone doesn't die, e.g. Captain (based on the manga of the same name) and its sequel, Play Ball

For some reason I have forgotten about Captain/Play Ball. Looking it up on AniDB.net, it seems the fansubbers had also forgotten about.

When I tried to think of the different between Ookiku and other baseball manga/anime, I comparing it with Touch, H2, and Major.

Another thing is that real about Ookiku is that Mihashi is not a good hitter. As in real life, most pitchers are not good hitter. Hey, the whole reason for the creation of the designated hitter was so that pitcher don't have to hit.

BTW, anyone know why baseball cap has the UN letters for Nishiura? What does the letter U stands for?

[Impz]

hey all, seems like there is really little love for the show. In real life, the pitcher is definitely one of the weaker hitters, and the DH position is placed just for that.

To add, on a rush of the moment, I did a summary of Episode 18 of Ookiku Furikabutte as well as making a little short summary of the earlier episode 17. Hope that it is useful

[Ashlotte]

*hides eyes from any spoilers*

Just wanted to say so far this is a really wonderful sports show. Oddly enough so far I think its done a better job of fleshing out real emotions and relationships better then most of the "Romance" shows ive seen in recent memory and we get great baseball action to boot.

Also much thanks to saizen for the awesome subs thus far.

[S_K]

I guess to me oofuri is more of a team sport, and it's more emotional and i guess dramatic than other sports anime.
Thank you Saizen for subbing it

[Major1138]

I like Ookiku Furikabutte because it treats the game differently than other sports anime (Major comes to mind). Major takes the "star player fighting against incredible odds" approach, while OF goes for more of a "team-as-family" feel. I like both series though - Major has it's "hell yeah!!!" moments and OF makes you smile as the boys continue to pull together as a team. Looking forward to seeing more of the series.

[AVPlaya]

I have no idea this has turned into an anime... it was one of my fav manga in afternoon. Now that Koshien season is upon us, I have to watch this anime!

[Ashlotte]

Series continues to intrigue me especially with all the psychology they put into it. So cute to see everyone sitting in a circle just before practice...Defiantly a different approach heh.

Abe and Mihashi still feel more like a couple then a battery, but in a good way I guess haha.

[S_K]

Now why the hell would Tajima want to sunbathe Can't wait till they start their tournament as i don't watch the raws for this series although I might start

[Impz]

Originally Posted by Kimichi

*hides eyes from any spoilers*

Just wanted to say so far this is a really wonderful sports show. Oddly enough so far I think its done a better job of fleshing out real emotions and relationships better then most of the "Romance" shows ive seen in recent memory and we get great baseball action to boot.

Also much thanks to saizen for the awesome subs thus far.

Wahahaha, it's time to scar you more with more spoilers then. I guess the relationship wise in the series is really good in my humble opinion, and I am enjoying the friendship from the team surrounding Mihashi.

To kill off Kimichi totally (heh heh), Here is the episode summary and screenshots of Episode 19. Have fun :P

[Maids! Maids! Maids!]

[FireDetei]

lol maids, is she rummaging in her pockets in the 4th pic?