(L) Mashiro-iro Symphony

[relentlessflame]

Originally Posted by Flower

Wish I could "dig it up". It's kind of like "reflection" and "circumspection" about things on a deep level - the sort of thing one does in quiet and by oneself, associated with the season of winter and kinda what Sena has been doing with regards to Uryu last episode.

Almost like a deep musing of sorts? Maybe? But such musing or reflection is bound up with longing - again characteristic of the quiet and still thinking about things in the middle of a frozen winter evening....

Hmm... yeah, good brainstorming. It's hard to find the right word! Another word that came to mind is the Japanese word 感動 (kandou) which is "to be deeply emotionally moved". I tie this word in because the important thing isn't just the introspection, but it's the change that results. Like "I reflect on this person's behaviour and actions and it makes me see things differently." This is sort of like the conversation had at the end of episode 4 where she remarked that she had thought herself trapped in her weakness, but Shingo and the rest had seen right past her weakness and to her true self, and this changed everything -- she was happy, but it was unfair. And it's also the same thing that happened at the end of Episode 5 with both Airi and Ange in different ways. Ange in particular discovered that what matters about being a maid isn't having work to do, but it's considering the feelings of the person you're trying to serve and putting them first. And again, in this reflection she is deeply touched, and is changed. It's like "the power to become a better person"; the hope that you can actually change yourself. So that's why I'm sort of back at the word "longing", or perhaps "aspirations" is a better term. And that's really a beautiful message because not only is it nostalgic, but it's also hopeful and optimistic. That's why, at the end of the day, they call this a "healing anime".

[Triple_R]

Just recently got caught up with this series, and I have to say, it's really nice.

I don't want to draw direct comparisons here as that would not be fair for an ongoing series with only five episodes under its belt, but let's just say that I haven't felt this good about a drama/romance-driven VN adaptation since the Key/KyoAni trio.

Mashiro-iro Symphony has real class, style, and finesse. Everything flows very smoothly, but also believably.

The five main things I like a lot about this anime:

1) Lovely character designs.

2) A very likable main cast, where nobody bothers me.

3) Sena's character development has been wonderful to behold. Lots of charm and nuance to it. None of it feels forced to me.

4) The sibling relationship between Shingo and Sakuno is a considerably well-executed one. I very much like the sibling dynamic there thus far.

5) Most importantly, Shingo is a very solid male lead, overall.


After Episode 2, I was a bit worried he'd be forced into a lot of slapstick comedy, taking a bit away from his character. Thankfully, that hasn't been the case.

Instead, what we've seen with Shingo is actually a bit atypical for male leads in romance/drama anime, I think.

Shingo is a natural diplomat. His desire for a good atmosphere, his perceptiveness, his ability to carefully and shrewdly reach through tense barriers, his clever negotiating abilities, his penchant for achieving win-win outcomes... these are all the signs of a great diplomat.

By him having a character/personality like that, it does add a greater sense of validity to how he's slowly winning over several different girls. In other words, it's taking real effort and skill on his part, and since Shingo's motivation appears to be more about a simple desire for a pleasant school atmosphere than it is about wooing girls per se, it also makes it much easier to accept that he's not taking advantage of the situation at a romance level yet.


This anime is an extremely pleasant watch so far. I'm looking forward to Episode 6, to be sure.

[MeganeShounen]

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

And it's also the same thing that happened at the end of Episode 5 with both Airi and Ange in different ways. Ange in particular discovered that what matters about being a maid isn't having work to do, but it's considering the feelings of the person you're trying to serve and putting them first. And again, in this reflection she is deeply touched, and is changed.

This.

I've actually been meaning to ask why Ange would suddenly have a change of heart after she became depressed when Shingo just "told her off" due to the water bucket spilling incident. Shingo was actually saying the above idea... just in a sort of roundabout way. Thanks, relentless.

That being said, I look forward to every week's episode of Mashifoni for the spirit mending effects, lol. Having my fill of action from C3 and Persona 4 is fine and all, but sometimes I just need to kick back and simply feel good.
In a nice and decent way, that is.

... I'm still surprised that Airi was still holding Ange's broom when she caught up with her by the school gates by the end of the episode, though...

[Mahou]

Spoiler for Episode 6 raw:

A rather normal episode. Shingo didn't have it easy with Ange around his house even though most people wouldn't probably mind Sakuno and her in bathtowels .
Let's move on to Miu: Shingo joined the club to help her out and Sana was except a few moments actually tolerable. The shock that the recruitment posters were removed and about to be burned was there and Shingo's niceness to take them out of the furnace should have left a nice impression. Ange's part was settled swiftly and efficently which I liked.
The last scene with Shingo and Airi was cute. He sure shows to be a gentleman in offering her his coat + being considerate of not asking her to join the club as the last member because knew her being uneasy around animals

[hyl]

Spoiler for episode 6:

Well the Ange plot didn't go anywhere this moment, so the anime moved along and started the beginning of Miu's story. Just as in the game, i liked that Shingo is nice/caring enough to do something to save Miu's club. And if it was me, i wouldn't have used my hand(s) to get the poster out of the fire.
This episode has more fanservice than the previous episodes. But these scenes were kinda in the game (slightly altered for the plot), so i don't mind.

edit: Airi joining the club at the end was pretty much given, because we don't have any other characters that could join

[Midonin]

Spoiler for Iroiro 06 - Not Really About Baths:

Tease me with fanservice, and deliver it early, then move onto other matters. Well played. That said, this must be the first not wholly-or-partly Airi focused episode we've had since the show began. It's a nice change of pace, yet it feels natural.　Though it's not like Airi totally faded into the background either, what with the episode title (originally assumed to belong to Sakuno and Angie's towel drop) comes back to bite the episode in the butt. The slender, shapely butt of Airi. Sure, it's for "don't catch a cold from the rain" reasons, but my expectations were thoroughly played with. Seeing the Nuko Club turn into a full fledged club was also nice. Also, getting the poster out of the INCINERATOR? Wow. Good stuff all around.

[relentlessflame]

Spoiler for Episode 6:

For me, unlike some of the previous episodes, it felt like this episode moved very quickly (it's really plowing through the plot now), but I think one of the main reasons it's moving so fast is that, from a thematic perspective, it's not telling us that much that we didn't already figure out in the last two episodes: that Shingo is a thoughtful person and he puts the needs the others before himself. So really, the episode was able to move quickly because it simply builds on what we already knew.

But I will say that we're starting to see a little bit more why this is truly a weakness for Shingo. He went to go save the posters without even thinking about the consequence to himself, he lets himself be troubled by Ange (at the cost of his own sleep/well-being) so long as she's happy and it's not troubling others, and he seems to have a really hard time when he feels he's imposing on others, even when imposing isn't wrong. So rather than actually ask Airi if she'd be willing to do him this favour of joining the club (even though he knows she doesn't like animals), he didn't even bring it up despite their being increasingly desperate (and she didn't hear his exchange with Hayata because she was being pestered by Pannya)... and that made Airi feel excluded. Like, "he's close to Sakuno and Ange, but not to me?" This was referenced also at the beginning of the episode where we see Airi's sort of cold reaction to his arrival at school. So I guess she needed that little reminder that, no, he didn't mean to be cold to her, and that's just the kind of guy he is. So now it's her turn to return the favour, showing that she's willing to go out of her comfort zone to help him and everyone.

I sort of see hyl's comment that the Ange plot "didn't go anywhere" because at the end of the day it's not as if she can just abandon her duties at the school and move in that simply. But yes, if the last episode gave the impression that we were heading down the "Ange route" for a bit... it's at least been put on hold for now while they deal with the Nuko-bu crisis. But at least Ange's back on the right track, with a sense of determination and purpose (even if a bit... okay, a lot... misguided at times). This also brings her closer to Sakuno and integrates her more closely into the group, which makes her joining the Nuko-bu easier. They're really becoming a close-knit group of friends through all this.

Incidentally, I also noticed that the two Sana hit/shakedown scenes were done in a different but funny animation style. Must have been a certain animator, I'm guessing.

Speaking of Sana... this was an interesting episode for her character. We see her working hard for Miu's sake, and being forced to quasi-accept Shingo's presence in the club for Miu's sake and due to the pending closure. And despite it all, we saw Sana actually get a bit upset at Shingo for hurting himself. The main focus, though, was on what they were trying to do for the club, and mostly for Miu. I laughed at Sana's reaction when the other girls recognized Pannya even though Shingo didn't.

By the way, for PSP game players, cameo around 17 1/2 minutes in while looking at the newly-approved posters.

Next Episode: The sunset-coloured swing. They were really careful to keep the preview scenes vague and nondescript. Game players should know.

Edit: It also probably goes without saying, but the way that Airi phrased her question when she was in the bathtub was rather hilarious. I wonder how they'll convey that in the subs.

[Vena]

I really like the rings of color around the characters' eyes.

Spoiler for no subs yet:

This episode moved through some part of Angie's subplot (or all of it, does she really need more if she won't be the main heroine?), weaving her into the group more-so than before and making the friends seem ever closer. Which, if her plot line ends here, I think is more than enough given our episode count and remaining time.

Since I haven't played the game, I don't know the order of how things come or if its natural for the club sub-plot to enter in now, but the story is headed that way and seems to have resolved one of the bigger hurdles for the club's survival in one episode. Somewhere in the next few episodes, we're going to face up with Sana's issues with boy's and I wouldn't be surprised if it came with this club sub-plot or right after it.

As for the characters, all of them are getting their little moments in the spotlight, with Angie getting a good chunk over the last two, but the focus remains glued to Shingo (naturally as he is the lead) and, to a lesser extent, Sena and Miu. It seems every episode ends and/or starts with Sena and Shingo together, with the latter increasingly trying to understand and help the former.

...But I still don't know where we're going. Just by scenes/development (at least from the heroine) and episode count, I'd say Airi but the constant tease of Miu is hard to decipher right now.

[hyl]

Spoiler for response to Vena about order:

At this point, there is no longer a fixed order that the anime is and should be keeping. Because the main route was over a few episode ago and the anime so far has started a combination of the first parts of the each of the main heroines besides Sakuno.

[winhlp32]

Episode 6:

Spoiler for Episode 6:

- I didn't know that the school principal and Pannya share the same voice actress. I want to hear Ranka go "Ryu~!".

- The hygiene products in Shingo's bathroom is called "Quality Rinse" and "Quality Shampoo". I guess I can relate to the Uryu family - they keep stuff from the hotel bathrooms as well.

- I like how the biggest fan-service Manglobe has given so far came from Shingo. Those abs.

- Sakuno's "Oh.." indicated that she expected those towels to drop.

- Angie waiting in the toilet and in his bed was adorably creepy.

- Shingo should become a firefighter when he grows up. I can respect that.

- I like how even in a serious situation, Sana won't drop Shingo's hilarious nickname. "But...the only members are Miu-Senpai, me and 'Kuzumushi'."

[Marina2]

Wow, it's been a while to see VN Adaptation's potential winner girl (Airi) accepted by most viewers. (At least, no one hate her)

Right now I'm trying to find a word to describe Sana's personality. Her ture color is similar to Ibuki (Hoshizora) ,but she's not really a tsundere....hmm...........

[Mahou]

Originally Posted by Marina2

Wow, it's been a while to see VN Adaptation's potential winner girl (Airi) accepted by most viewers. (At least, no one hate her)

Right now I'm trying to find a word to describe Sana's personality. Her ture color is similar to Ibuki (Hoshizora) ,but she's not really a tsundere....hmm...........

At least most warmed up to Airi after it was revealed that her cold behavior was simply a front to protect her vulnerable side I think that afterwards, she can only grow better (and better) depending on the reader's "bias".

As for Sana: Man-hater + Miu-worshipper. If not for Shingo's "fault" in getting closer to Miu she might have kept up her friendly front as long as needed. Now, she just doesn't need to hold back it seems.
Ibuki was anti-main lead due to the accident with Ui at the beginning, but warmed up as time went on + after a specific moment. I could understand Ibuki's dislike of Daigo, though (he's one of the worst sidekicks I've encountered).

[relentlessflame]

By the way, on the merchandise front, fans of the show might consider checking out this Pannya Plushie, being re-released in March 2012 but up for reservation now. This thing has had multiple "printings" and sold out every time because it's darn cute (I have one myself).

(There's also a "King Pannya" plush that was made at once point (and it was massive, and even mentioned in the PSP game as an in-joke), but it's not very practical for most of us... )

[hyl]

I am lucky enough this year to get the new print of Pannya plushie (it's shipped out today by Amiami), last year in november i also ordered it but i forgot to pay for the order within 7 days and it was sold to someone else.

That king Pannya was horribly expensive when i saw it on the japanese yahoo auctions a few weeks ago.
Edit: it's still being sold for 36000 or 43800 円
http://page7.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/g108313807

late edit: uploaded videos of 2 of seiyuu talking about the anime

these videos were originally found on nicovideo, but they were removed 2 weeks after they were uploaded for unknown reasons. Fortunately i saved them before the deletion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20kB_MTV0gs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpTY1RNHXOM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLM7eVw-yGs

[Kaoru Chujo]

I liked ep6, but the best part...

Spoiler for ep6:

...was them in the rain, the bath and the last line by Sena (VA: Ono Ryouko) about Uryuu: "Sou yuu yadzu wa ne...anta te." ("That's the kind of guy you are.") She was referring to him telling her that he didn't invite her to join the club because he knew she wasn't good with animals. His courtesy and sensitivity are just about the main theme of the anime, it seems to me.

Now, I admit that her climbing into the bath seemed a bit unlikely, but it sure worked cinematically.

And I have to mention how much I like marble's ED. Simple, lyrical, romantic. Just about perfect as an ED, for me.

This show may not be a masterpiece, but as an ero-game adaptation, it really does a nice job.

[relentlessflame]

Originally Posted by Kaoru Chujo

Spoiler for ep6:

Now, I admit that her climbing into the bath seemed a bit unlikely, but it sure worked cinematically.

Spoiler for Episode 6 (with small game comparison):

The funny thing about this is that it's almost like they skipped a step in the explanation. They were basically at a stalemate in terms of their little argument about who would go in the bath first, so the insinuation is that this was her compromise: that he'll go in first, but she'll join him so it's not "unfair". (N.B. This is also what happens in the game.) But instead of just cutting from the argument to their suddenly being in the bath together (with a "how did things end up like this" explanation, sort of the more comedic approach), they chose instead to bring the focus back on the thing that had been bothering Airi the whole episode (why Shingo had excluded her).

The one part that sort of interfered was of course the "beam of light" censorship imposed by the TV station. If anything that beam of light is only going to draw attention to the thing they're trying to censor, not take away from it. (They need like a "beam of shadow" or something in such a dark scene. )

Originally Posted by Kaoru Chujo

This show may not be a masterpiece, but as an ero-game adaptation, it really does a nice job.

I have to admit that I sort of understand what you mean by this, but at the same time I think it's a bit obscure. Independent of its source material, I guess the main question is whether it succeeds in its own right. It's not like eroge adaptations are some different class of anime (though some may perceive it that way). What prevents it from being considered a "masterpiece" within, for example, the romance genre, or perhaps "iyashikei"? What would it take? Where is it lacking?

[hyl]

A minor problem that i have with the anime is that most of the humour from the game has been removed. But that was expected due to time constraints.

[Kaoru Chujo]

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

...I have to admit that I sort of understand what you mean by this, but at the same time I think it's a bit obscure. Independent of its source material, I guess the main question is whether it succeeds in its own right. It's not like eroge adaptations are some different class of anime (though some may perceive it that way). What prevents it from being considered a "masterpiece" within, for example, the romance genre, or perhaps "iyashikei"? What would it take? Where is it lacking?

Good points. Maybe I should have said "succeed as a harem anime" rather than as an "eroge adaptation." I really have no idea if it's a good adaptation of the original or not, I'm just enjoying it on its own terms. I can't really say in any specific or anime-critic way why it's good or bad, just that I am enjoying it and think it is doing its thing pretty well. I can't say what it would take to consider it a masterpiece, just that it doesn't feel like one to me. Mind you, there aren't any other shows this season that I rate in that category, either. Or even this year (maybe Chihayafuru will end up there). Maybe I'm just embarrassed to be enjoying this apparently minor show so much.

There aren't many recent shows I consider masterpieces. Three were on at the same time in 2006: Simoun, NANA, and Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu. One was on in summer 2010: House of Five Leaves. Another in summer 2009: Bakemonogatari.

[relentlessflame]

Originally Posted by Kaoru Chujo

I can't really say in any specific or anime-critic way why it's good or bad, just that I am enjoying it and think it is doing its thing pretty well. I can't say what it would take to consider it a masterpiece, just that it doesn't feel like one to me. Mind you, there aren't any other shows this season that I rate in that category, either. Or even this year (maybe Chihayafuru will end up there). Maybe I'm just embarrassed to be enjoying this apparently minor show so much.

Well, to be clear, I'm not necessarily saying that I think it's a "masterpiece" either (though I'm certainly enjoying it). I guess I'm just sort of curious about a more pronounced concept of what this show is doing well, and in what areas it's failing to "click" with the audience as well as perhaps it could. I personally don't really believe in the concept of "guilty pleasures", so the fact that this is a "minor" show doesn't bother me. However, I do think that a lot of people dismissed the show outright based on the source material and certain (false) preconceptions about what was going on in the first episode.

The one area where I think this show is doing very well is in establishing the emotional connection to Airi. Each episode slowly peels back the layers one by one and we start to understand who this girl is, what her struggles are, how she thinks, and what she aspires to become. By the same token, I think they're starting to do a better and better job at delivering some of the more subtle shades of Shingo's character -- he's a nice guy that puts others first, but even this has some consequences and flaws. So these two characters in particular feel like they're very fleshed-out and well-considered.

An area where I think the show is a bit less convincing... well, some of the plot points I admittedly find a bit silly/childish, though it's cute in its own way. In particular, a lot of the plot with Ange is a bit silly and sort of feels a bit at odds with the more serious emotional development in some other parts of the story (but then again, it also contributes some levity to the plot and prevents it from taking itself too seriously or going too "emo"). And due to time constraints, some of the other characters also feel significantly less-developed than the two leads, so their actions seem to lack a bit of subtlety (people like Sana and Mio are most in need of character development at this point, though I think that will happen to some degree). I feel like this is a show where if you were to just write out everything that happens as plot points, it would sound really silly/stupid (which gives a lot of ammunition for certain bloggers to mock, for example) but the emotional development and emotional engagement happens almost using the plot as a tool to get there. So it's as if what actually happens in physical terms is less important than the development on an emotional level. That will probably limit the show's mainstream appeal (because it quite far apart from shounen manga, and almost leans a bit more towards shoujo in some respects).

Anyway, all I can say is that, for me, this is the show I'm most engaged with this season. Part of that is knowing the source, but I've certainly had a number of times in the past where an anime just failed to engage me in nearly the same way the source did. Here I feel like the anime has captured what I personally thought were some of the best points of the game; despite the time-constraints, they're really focusing on the emotional character development of the leads, and that's a common trait of almost all the anime I've loved over the years.

[Kaoru Chujo]

It's the emotional understanding and development of the two main characters that appeals to me, too. The humour, not so much, but it doesn't feel too out of place to me, more like "comic relief" to lighten things up between emotional hits, as you say. Since I am a fan of shoujo generally, perhaps it's that aspect that is attracting me -- the portrayal of comparatively subtle emotional things, in particular. I like the idea of a shoujo take on an eroge, lol.