AnimeSuki Forums

aulzon · 2009-07-18, 21:58

I was rooting pretty hard for the girls to win but realisticly they didn't had a chance. Can't really expect them to win with so little experience.

This seems like their everest and they'll probably these guys again at the end of series.

Willen · 2009-07-19, 00:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThoHell

What's with the old fashion cars?

The series does take place in olden times.

risingstar3110 · 2009-07-19, 03:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashlotte

Tama-chan's easily my favorite...Love how everyone just got hit by Akiko's pitching, but she not only dodges it but rushes out at her.

Interesting to see some male characters showing up now though...Not exactly bad guys per-se just...Products of the era they live in I guess?

It was not Akiko, it was Tomoe in that screen

It was sad seeing them loosing(well it's better so for later revenge so i'm cool with it....). Anyway hope this anime won't turn into romance. The guy who after Koume can be understandable (still, Koume.... just reject him...), but the other guy who after Akiko should be kicked in the ass for his thoughtless attitude

typhonsentra · 2009-07-19, 08:46

I'm glad they didn't dumb it down and had them lose badly the first time, after all they just started. I'm also glad they didn't portray the boys as monstrous a-holes either, just simply oblivious to their actions and how they were actually being condescending.

MeoTwister5 · 2009-07-19, 10:59

Just saw episode 3.

Honestly, the men's team weren't exactly being condescending or mean spirited; it's more like they're starting to show how men in Japan began changing in those times as they start treating women nicely and dumbing down their play to somehow match theirs to the point of being... well somewhat condescending, but they weren't intending to be condescending. They were merely acting out how men of that age with a mix of Asian and European influences would act. It didn't last long anyway as they ended up crushing them 11-0.

You first have the tension between the men's team embracing Westernism to the women struggling to to become Westernized themselves. Remember that most Eastern cultures of the time were very patriarchal, so it comes off that the men tend to have more freedom to embrace new ideas while the women are usually kept in the old world views.

In contrast to this was Akiko's fiancee who's actions scream old school patriarchy that reflects both Oriental and Western attitudes, while Akiko is gladly accepting change. The man should take the lead while the women stay in the kitchen etc. He doesn't understand Akiko's desire to play baseball, and this is where their conflict begins: Akiko is coming out a more progressive woman of that age while he sticks to his old world views.

Behind the baseball is a deep rooted struggle for change and acceptance from a woman's POV trying to succeed an a Western male dominated sport. It's not all cute girls doing cute things, it's all rooted in the fast changing pace of the times. Baseball is just one of the ways for them to struggle through a Japan entering the wolrd at the turn of the 20th century.

You have to admit though, that guy's old school (and I really mean old school, like in my Grandfather's days

) proposal to Koume was hilarious overuse of cliche.

Deathkillz · 2009-07-19, 11:26

ep3 was brilliant. Suddenly, I seem to have a change of heart about this series

Spoiler:

Never would the thought of "romance" ever had crossed my mind for this series if it wasn't for this episode, and even now I think it is a bit of a dodgy area to step on but wow, is it interesting to think about. For a series such as this one, where the time zone is old school mid 1920s, view on women from the males point of view is still very traditional and for the new bunch of rebel girls who want to play a male sport it is a very difficult concept to grasp. But I think this episode did a VERY good job of showing the attitudes of the guys towards girls playing baseball as well as the topic of "romance".

Being a foreigner, Anna sensei is obviously not the traditional type of girl that are raised in Japan at the time, so she creates a great contrast to the new "views" of the western women which brings about change within the other girls, acting as a driving force behind the idea of female baseball. It was great to see the girls gaining their own club room during the first half of the episode and working together to create a pitch of their own.

There are quite a few bits of subtle humour here too with Koume seemingly endless with energy compared to Akiko in terms of carrying buckets of gravel

Then you have the team working together to practice their skills and whilst they were all shakey at first, it was great to see them get a hand of it come practice. I also love how this episode brings more out of the characters than any other seen so far which once again gives me some memorable moments...like Tamaki flipping out on Tomoe for throwing the ball AT her and does so in her rude-tomboyish way. The warm fuzzy feelings from these characters simply cannot be ignored and it makes the series all the more enjoyable to watch.

So moving onto the topic about the match with the guys. I think it is interesting how each of the characters have their own different motive for playing in this match which affects their own playing style; such as the guy who fell for Koume was obviously taking it easy.

But for Akiko it seemed a more serious problem and that has something to do with her "boyfriend" who seems more like a traditionalist that any other. Granted the mentality "females should be in the kitchen" is quite horrible in modern standards, back in those time it was normal and only a rare few (like Akiko) disagrees with it enough to act. So what I am thinking here is that the guy said something to really offend Akiko's pride and hence she is getting back at him by playing a male sport and hopefully beating him at it.

Sadly, with their amount of practice so far, they stood a crushing defeat but this does serve as good experience nonetheless. I also found the guys not as detestable as expected as they didn't rub salt in the losing team's wounds at least. And even a few stood out during play when they commented on the girls efforts.

In a way which masks its potential, the episode was simply amazing in showing the deep message behind the game and the characters of that time. But unless you think deeply about it, the beauty is easily missed and under appreciated. I am beginning to see the beauty of this series and if it continues to be as good as this, then I will have to give it a higher ranking on my list.

MeoTwister5 · 2009-07-19, 11:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathkillz

ep3 was brilliant. Suddenly, I seem to have a change of heart about this series

Spoiler:

Never would the thought of "romance" ever had crossed my mind for this series if it wasn't for this episode, and even now I think it is a bit of a dodgy area to step on but wow, is it interesting to think about. For a series such as this one, where the time zone is old school mid 1920s, view on women from the males point of view is still very traditional and for the new bunch of rebel girls who want to play a male sport it is a very difficult concept to grasp. But I think this episode did a VERY good job of showing the attitudes of the guys towards girls playing baseball as well as the topic of "romance".

Being a foreigner, Anna sensei is obviously not the traditional type of girl that are raised in Japan at the time, so she creates a great contrast to the new "views" of the western women which brings about change within the other girls, acting as a driving force behind the idea of female baseball. It was great to see the girls gaining their own club room during the first half of the episode and working together to create a pitch of their own.

There are quite a few bits of subtle humour here too with Koume seemingly endless with energy compared to Akiko in terms of carrying buckets of gravel

Then you have the team working together to practice their skills and whilst they were all shakey at first, it was great to see them get a hand of it come practice. I also love how this episode brings more out of the characters than any other seen so far which once again gives me some memorable moments...like Tamaki flipping out on Tomoe for throwing the ball AT her and does so in her rude-tomboyish way. The warm fuzzy feelings from these characters simply cannot be ignored and it makes the series all the more enjoyable to watch.

So moving onto the topic about the match with the guys. I think it is interesting how each of the characters have their own different motive for playing in this match which affects their own playing style; such as the guy who fell for Koume was obviously taking it easy.

But for Akiko it seemed a more serious problem and that has something to do with her "boyfriend" who seems more like a traditionalist that any other. Granted the mentality "females should be in the kitchen" is quite horrible in modern standards, back in those time it was normal and only a rare few (like Akiko) disagrees with it enough to act. So what I am thinking here is that the guy said something to really offend Akiko's pride and hence she is getting back at him by playing a male sport and hopefully beating him at it.

Sadly, with their amount of practice so far, they stood a crushing defeat but this does serve as good experience nonetheless. I also found the guys not as detestable as expected as they didn't rub salt in the losing team's wounds at least. And even a few stood out during play when they commented on the girls efforts.

In a way which masks its potential, the episode was simply amazing in showing the deep message behind the game and the characters of that time. But unless you think deeply about it, the beauty is easily missed and under appreciated. I am beginning to see the beauty of this series and if it continues to be as good as this, then I will have to give it a higher ranking on my list.

It's actually for the reasons we both stated that this series got bumped up from my "To Watch" list to my "Why I even bother to do anything on weekends" list beside Aoi Hana, Umineko and Spice and Wolf.

fict_ticious · 2009-07-19, 21:59

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DNBBrkIPN8
Okay, finally got that one out of the way for myself.

Episode 3: Shit gets real. Girls got game, but they need more hustle.

I kind of underestimated this series. Sure, it's cute, but from what was posted numerous times by a number of posters is it provides an insight to the cultural shift at the time.

Spoiler:

Looking forward to the next ep. There's no crying in baseball, Kyouko.

4Tran · 2009-07-20, 00:09

Given that the girls have had only a week or two to practise and that most of them had never so much as watched an actual baseball game, it was inevitable that they would get creamed. Still, it's nice of Taishou Yakyuu Musume to play fair and show just how lopsided the game was. In particular, Akiko will have to get a lot better if they are to avoid getting blown out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fict_ticious

I kind of underestimated this series. Sure, it's cute, but from what was posted numerous times by a number of posters is it provides an insight to the cultural shift at the time.

Yup. There's two main draws for this show beyond what most other comedy shows offer: a very solid foundation of the historical setting, and genuine earnest humor. The former can be seen in snippets just about everywhere: from the OP to the clothing choices to the attitudes of all the supporting characters to the way 1925 Japan is brought to life. About the only beef I have is that Anna-sensei should really dress more like a woman in the Roaring '20s. While she probably isn't on the forefront of haute couture, she shouldn't really dress like a modern Japanese teacher either (admittedly there is a pretty good reason for giving her that outfit).

As for the latter, I really appreciate the way the gags work in this show. A lot of the comedy is visceral and physical - this style translates very well across cultures, and it's readily accessible. I find this to be a refreshing departure from the more in-joke based comedy that seems to form the bulk of comedy anime.

Other amusing bits of interest:

Koume's little double catch was nicely choreographed and fun to watch.
The contrast between Koume and Akiko carrying those buckets - obviously Akiko needs to do some strength and stamina training .
Watching people getting beaned by the pitcher (whether it's Tomoe pitching or Koume catching) doesn't get old.

fict_ticious · 2009-07-20, 02:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Tran

Koume's little double catch was nicely choreographed and fun to watch.
The contrast between Koume and Akiko carrying those buckets - obviously Akiko needs to do some strength and stamina training .
Watching people getting beaned by the pitcher (whether it's Tomoe pitching or Koume catching) doesn't get old.

The best way to describe the first was "gravity defying". She could easily be an awesome soccer player. Heck, considering your second point, she could excel at sports in general.
Tama-chan's reaction was the best when Tomoe was pitching.

cicero · 2009-07-20, 03:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by typhonsentra

I'm glad they didn't dumb it down and had them lose badly the first time, after all they just started. I'm also glad they didn't portray the boys as monstrous a-holes either, just simply oblivious to their actions and how they were actually being condescending.

I was at least hoping they would make the 2nd inning. It's obviously impossible for them to win on such short notice, but at least save them a little face. I guess it was too unlikely after all.
As for the two guys, it's obvious they're designed for us to hate them, but I like how they're not just pure jerks. Rather, like you said, they're just so trapped in their old-fashioned mindset that they can't even see what they're doing wrong. One is stuck thinking "women should be in the kitchen blah blah etc." and the other thinks he can just waltz in and sweep Koume off her feet. They actually seem like nice guys otherwise. It fits the probable themes of the show, and they might be being set up for redemption later on, who knows. (This doesn't mean I didn't have on multiple occasions a strong urge to punch Akiko's fiance. I feel for her, having to marry someone like that.)
I expect something will happen in the future with Koume's father. He's pretty traditionalist and doesn't seem like he would approve of her playing baseball. If someone were to dump on him the knowledge that that's what she's doing so early in the morning and afterschool, and word also got to him about some guy stalking her, who knows what would happen. He might go ballistic. He's already getting suspicious...

risingstar3110 · 2009-07-20, 06:58

There are so many scenes i like in Ep 3: the bucket screen, the practices, Tomoe's pinching....etc...... I really loves this anime now ^^

Quote:

Originally Posted by fict_ticious

The best way to describe the first was "gravity defying". She could easily be an awesome soccer player. Heck, considering your second point, she could excel at sports in general.
Tama-chan's reaction was the best when Tomoe was pitching.

I agree about that scene of Tama. That short scene + the part when she cover her face with the gloves and run away in Ep 2 are what make me like her..... She was portrayed so well. Still favour Akiko and Koume more, but Tamaki is close ^^

I don't know but i hate to see guys in this anime. One of the reason is because all of the girls alone are so cute, especially their interaction. Another is because all guys are opponents so my brain immediately switch hostile toward them (except Koume's father). Thirdly is because unlike modern days, traditional culture often force girls to have early arranged marriage... It's heart-breaking thinking Koume or Akiko will have marriage with sub-characters on screen =(

PS:
@ fict_ticious : nice boat.... plane.... signature ^^

uis · 2009-07-20, 07:04

Oh well i really want girl team to win...

Seriously i rooting for Akiko x Koume... *wth some random guys trying to butt in XD*

ThoHell · 2009-07-20, 11:38

I wonder if they're going to switch and introduce softball for the first time? This should be interesting to see...

Falkor · 2009-07-20, 16:21

episode 3:

- what're you going to do with the handkerchief... ecchi. :P

found the episode to be surprisingly funny. loving all the girls so far and the humor is such a delightful little thing that makes you laugh when you less expect it. Koume is my favorite character; her little musical number still remains vivid in my mind and her strange antics has done more than enough to make me very fond of her. wonder what direction this show is going to take, though I'm not losing my hope yet. :P (oh geez, I want to see another musical number, hopefully with the whole cast)

Bonta Kun · 2009-07-20, 17:22

so far the real surprise hit of the season and also possibly my fav of the year.

just such a delight to watch, it all comes together very well unlike some of the bigger animes.

loved Tomoe's pitching

Ashlotte · 2009-07-20, 22:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by risingstar3110

It was not Akiko, it was Tomoe in that screen

It was sad seeing them loosing(well it's better so for later revenge so i'm cool with it....). Anyway hope this anime won't turn into romance. The guy who after Koume can be understandable (still, Koume.... just reject him...), but the other guy who after Akiko should be kicked in the ass for his thoughtless attitude

AH you'll have to forgive me for that slip-up...So many shows right now and I have a terrible time remembering names of characters I have little interest in...Akiko, Koume, and Tama-chan is about as far as I get in this series...The rest of them are like a blur...

Hopefully more of them will get the spotlight and leave a bigger impression on me.

fict_ticious · 2009-07-20, 23:11

Quote:

I wonder if they're going to switch and introduce softball for the first time? This should be interesting to see...

Quote:

The game finally took on the name “softball” in 1926 after a Denver YMCA official brought the name up as a suggestion.

Source: http://www.softballperformance.com/softball-history/
Wouldn't have been called Softball yet. I kinda like where they are going with the baseball angle, anyways. I hope we get a training camp ep - they can consolidate the obligatory sleepover/vacation/beach/etc. events.

chinaboat · 2009-07-21, 07:58

I wonder if during that time period schools hired western teachers to indicate how progressive they were.

It would also be interesting if sometime during the series mention was made of the Philadelphia Bobbies, a women's professional baseball team, who came to Japan in 1925 to play male teams

Deathkillz · 2009-07-21, 16:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by risingstar3110

I agree about that scene of Tama. That short scene + the part when she cover her face with the gloves and run away in Ep 2 are what make me like her..... She was portrayed so well. Still favour Akiko and Koume more, but Tamaki is close ^^

I don't know but i hate to see guys in this anime. One of the reason is because all of the girls alone are so cute, especially their interaction. Another is because all guys are opponents so my brain immediately switch hostile toward them (except Koume's father). Thirdly is because unlike modern days, traditional culture often force girls to have early arranged marriage... It's heart-breaking thinking Koume or Akiko will have marriage with sub-characters on screen =(

"OI KISAMA!!! you threw that on purpose didn't you!" *chases*

Yea...it could be said that Tama is a rare breed back in those days XD

As for your males comment...whilst I don't "hate" seeing them, it definitely does not feel "right" to see them here and especially since it is a "female centred" series. But it doesn't seem like the guys are made to stand out anyway looking at their plain and forgettable facial features. Even if there are guys, they all look the same and are all background material

2009-07-19, 10:59	Link #105
MeoTwister5 Komrades of Kitamura Kou Join Date: Jul 2004 Age: 39	Just saw episode 3. Honestly, the men's team weren't exactly being condescending or mean spirited; it's more like they're starting to show how men in Japan began changing in those times as they start treating women nicely and dumbing down their play to somehow match theirs to the point of being... well somewhat condescending, but they weren't intending to be condescending. They were merely acting out how men of that age with a mix of Asian and European influences would act. It didn't last long anyway as they ended up crushing them 11-0. You first have the tension between the men's team embracing Westernism to the women struggling to to become Westernized themselves. Remember that most Eastern cultures of the time were very patriarchal, so it comes off that the men tend to have more freedom to embrace new ideas while the women are usually kept in the old world views. In contrast to this was Akiko's fiancee who's actions scream old school patriarchy that reflects both Oriental and Western attitudes, while Akiko is gladly accepting change. The man should take the lead while the women stay in the kitchen etc. He doesn't understand Akiko's desire to play baseball, and this is where their conflict begins: Akiko is coming out a more progressive woman of that age while he sticks to his old world views. Behind the baseball is a deep rooted struggle for change and acceptance from a woman's POV trying to succeed an a Western male dominated sport. It's not all cute girls doing cute things, it's all rooted in the fast changing pace of the times. Baseball is just one of the ways for them to struggle through a Japan entering the wolrd at the turn of the 20th century. You have to admit though, that guy's old school (and I really mean old school, like in my Grandfather's days ) proposal to Koume was hilarious overuse of cliche. __________________ Medical Student vs. Anime Last Exile - Fam the Silver Wing -

2009-07-19, 11:26	Link #106
Deathkillz ~ You're dead ^__^* ~ Graphic Designer Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: uk, England Age: 34	ep3 was brilliant. Suddenly, I seem to have a change of heart about this series Spoiler: Never would the thought of "romance" ever had crossed my mind for this series if it wasn't for this episode, and even now I think it is a bit of a dodgy area to step on but wow, is it interesting to think about. For a series such as this one, where the time zone is old school mid 1920s, view on women from the males point of view is still very traditional and for the new bunch of rebel girls who want to play a male sport it is a very difficult concept to grasp. But I think this episode did a VERY good job of showing the attitudes of the guys towards girls playing baseball as well as the topic of "romance". Being a foreigner, Anna sensei is obviously not the traditional type of girl that are raised in Japan at the time, so she creates a great contrast to the new "views" of the western women which brings about change within the other girls, acting as a driving force behind the idea of female baseball. It was great to see the girls gaining their own club room during the first half of the episode and working together to create a pitch of their own. There are quite a few bits of subtle humour here too with Koume seemingly endless with energy compared to Akiko in terms of carrying buckets of gravel Then you have the team working together to practice their skills and whilst they were all shakey at first, it was great to see them get a hand of it come practice. I also love how this episode brings more out of the characters than any other seen so far which once again gives me some memorable moments...like Tamaki flipping out on Tomoe for throwing the ball AT her and does so in her rude-tomboyish way. The warm fuzzy feelings from these characters simply cannot be ignored and it makes the series all the more enjoyable to watch. So moving onto the topic about the match with the guys. I think it is interesting how each of the characters have their own different motive for playing in this match which affects their own playing style; such as the guy who fell for Koume was obviously taking it easy. But for Akiko it seemed a more serious problem and that has something to do with her "boyfriend" who seems more like a traditionalist that any other. Granted the mentality "females should be in the kitchen" is quite horrible in modern standards, back in those time it was normal and only a rare few (like Akiko) disagrees with it enough to act. So what I am thinking here is that the guy said something to really offend Akiko's pride and hence she is getting back at him by playing a male sport and hopefully beating him at it. Sadly, with their amount of practice so far, they stood a crushing defeat but this does serve as good experience nonetheless. I also found the guys not as detestable as expected as they didn't rub salt in the losing team's wounds at least. And even a few stood out during play when they commented on the girls efforts. In a way which masks its potential, the episode was simply amazing in showing the deep message behind the game and the characters of that time. But unless you think deeply about it, the beauty is easily missed and under appreciated. I am beginning to see the beauty of this series and if it continues to be as good as this, then I will have to give it a higher ranking on my list. __________________ Siggy: hohohohoho~ \| AnimeHistory welcome to our blog ~ \| Summer2009 early review Under the radar series Summer2009: Kanamemo, GA Geijutsuka Art, NEEDLESS

2009-07-19, 21:59	Link #108
fict_ticious I can has drinks? Join Date: Mar 2006	"Are you crying? ARE YOU CRYING? There's no crying! THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DNBBrkIPN8 Okay, finally got that one out of the way for myself. Episode 3: Shit gets real. Girls got game, but they need more hustle. I kind of underestimated this series. Sure, it's cute, but from what was posted numerous times by a number of posters is it provides an insight to the cultural shift at the time. Spoiler: Their practice session at the beginning was pretty neat. Reminds me of tryouts from middle school. Lol'd HARD at Tomoe's pitching. I guess the idea of "hitting your target" from some of the budo she's been learning is hard wired. That or she's just not a very good pitcher :V Oh well, Akiko got the position anyways, with Koume as the catcher. Interpret that last statement any way you wish. What surprised me this episode was the introduction of a romantic element with Koume. Lol'd that she didn't seem all that interested, plus the dude came on a weee bit strong. He seems the most considerate of the males, but that might be part of the act. We'll see :V I actually want to see a little more from the dude that works at Koume's bakery... On Akiko's end, it's different story. Her teammates now have a better understanding of what Akiko's desire to play baseball. Looking forward to the next ep. There's no crying in baseball, Kyouko.

2009-07-20, 07:04	Link #113
uis ... Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Hekiyou Gakuen Student Council Age: 34	Oh well i really want girl team to win... Seriously i rooting for Akiko x Koume... wth some random guys trying to butt in XD __________________ -It is okay if you are weak. I will grab your hand and realize your dream-

2009-07-20, 17:22	Link #116
Bonta Kun Know who you are Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Resides within the depths of Ned infested Glasgow	so far the real surprise hit of the season and also possibly my fav of the year. just such a delight to watch, it all comes together very well unlike some of the bigger animes. loved Tomoe's pitching __________________

2009-07-18, 21:58	Link #101
aulzon Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009	I was rooting pretty hard for the girls to win but realisticly they didn't had a chance. Can't really expect them to win with so little experience. This seems like their everest and they'll probably these guys again at the end of series.

2009-07-19, 08:46	Link #104
typhonsentra Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: USA	I'm glad they didn't dumb it down and had them lose badly the first time, after all they just started. I'm also glad they didn't portray the boys as monstrous a-holes either, just simply oblivious to their actions and how they were actually being condescending.

2009-07-20, 11:38	Link #114
ThoHell Senior Member Join Date: May 2006	I wonder if they're going to switch and introduce softball for the first time? This should be interesting to see...

2009-07-20, 16:21	Link #115
Falkor Senior Member Join Date: May 2007	episode 3: - what're you going to do with the handkerchief... ecchi. :P found the episode to be surprisingly funny. loving all the girls so far and the humor is such a delightful little thing that makes you laugh when you less expect it. Koume is my favorite character; her little musical number still remains vivid in my mind and her strange antics has done more than enough to make me very fond of her. wonder what direction this show is going to take, though I'm not losing my hope yet. :P (oh geez, I want to see another musical number, hopefully with the whole cast)

2009-07-21, 07:58	Link #119
chinaboat Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chicago	I wonder if during that time period schools hired western teachers to indicate how progressive they were. It would also be interesting if sometime during the series mention was made of the Philadelphia Bobbies, a women's professional baseball team, who came to Japan in 1925 to play male teams