AnimeSuki Forums

Verso Sciolto · 2017-03-13, 21:58

Always a balancing act, isn't it? Giving each character a life and story of their own. I for one have appreciated how Shimada has been given his spotlight because, in this story, I think, it makes sense to show the culture that gives rise to characters like him - and not just from the perspective of how what shaped Shimada reflects on Rei, though that mentor/apprenticeship too is part of their life.

MeoTwister5 · 2017-03-13, 22:26

It saddens me that unless we get a season 2, we'll never reach the story arcs dedicated to the girls.

Alf · 2017-03-14, 22:55

Well, it's NHK so the hope for 2nd season is higher than usual.

Personally I like Shimada's arc very much as it opens up a lot more options in life for Rei, with Shimada himself makes a very good example of a way of life, and it finally showing life can be even more. This is especially tasty when Rakugo is dealing with death at the same time.

Marcus H. · 2017-03-15, 03:40

Episodes 6-14: Holy cow, what a rollercoaster. From exploring Rei's background, we move on to Rei trying to improve himself both as a person and a professional shogi player. The competitive really is the same everywhere—pros get into slumps, they make fatal mistakes, and sometimes they face challenges that derail them from the gameplay style they had adopted in their career. And of course, they also see a rival in other players but they become unable to fight them in the higher echelons of competition.

But Kyouko, holy shit. Being compared to lightning that beckons storms is a perfect fit. She really is poisonous for more reasons than one. But honestly I don't think she'd hold a candle to Akari as soon as she wears her elegant host outfit.

Episodes 15-17: Kyouko remains to be an interesting character. Her love-hate relationship with Rei was like two monsters seeking refuge in each other's presence. Meanwhile, Shimada is fun to watch, from his rivalry with Gotou, his realistic reactions to the win and the rise to the title match, and his mentorship over Rei, Nikaidou and the other guy. I do hope that Rei can find time to spend with Hina and her sisters. Kyouko has warned him about it; his pursuit of his dream is making him choose selfish decisions.

Ulin · 2017-03-15, 06:31

I really hope they announce a 2d season soon enough, because I don't know if I will be able to stay away from the manga. I want to know how it continues but I usually get lazy with an anime once I've read the manga

Anyway, this episode was pretty heartwarming, and was very necessary especially for Shimada. Maybe this way he can lift some of the weight from his shoulders and take the next time he gets to a title much easier.
The second part was delicius, especially the ending with Hina's call

I guess most of us are sold in the HinaxRei ship now

Marcus H. · 2017-03-16, 02:29

Episodes 18-21: It's kinda interesting that while most of the Shishio Tourney is between Master Souya and Shimada, there are still some adequate character development for Rei. Here, we somehow catch a glimpse of what could have been a good parental/mentor-student relationship between Shimada and Rei. I mean, when was the last time that Rei actually prepared food for someone else? With Rei's distance with Mr. Kouda and the one-way dedication of Akari and the others, it's quite a surprise.

Too bad that Shimada lost against Souya, but he remained doubtful of himself throughout the match. It's kinda like when Rei lost against Shimada. Instead of focusing on the match itself, both players focused on what's ahead too much (Rei was preparing for Gotou while Shimada was anticipating the Yamagata match), and the contrast begins with Shimada constantly thinking of whether he would be able to bring pride to his hometown while Rei was thinking of nothing else but beating the shit out of Gotou in shogi.

Fortunately, the homecoming in Yamagata helped both Rei and Shimada to get back on one's feet and move forward.

So with one episode to go and much more content to adapt, will they be able to close this series on a conclusive note? I'm kinda worried that sequel hooks might show up and it might not be followed through. I loved the approach to character development in the series and I cannot let it be "resolved" in a cliffhanger.

EDIT: Also, I forgot to mention how Shimada LOVED his hometown to the point of doing all those things to the community. It's almost unfair that he met such a fate after all his efforts in climbing to 8th-dan, but alas, the winner takes it all.

Verso Sciolto · 2017-03-18, 09:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alf

Well, it's NHK so the hope for 2nd season is higher than usual.

Confirmed. October, 2017.

Spoiler:

BWTraveller · 2017-03-18, 14:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Verso Sciolto

Confirmed. October, 2017.

Spoiler:

Wow. Can't wait!

leongsh · 2017-03-18, 18:04

The end of Episode 22 cries out for a tie-in to the anime music video that Bump of Chicken did for the manga way back before an anime adaptation was announced.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiCWbfjf8Tw

Marcus H. · 2017-03-18, 19:51

Seeing "Fighter" get its spot in the adaptation gave the same feeling of fulfillment as when Kokoro Palette played in Kono Bijutsubu ni wa Mondai ga Aru.

Anyway, still gathering my thoughts, so this is all for now.

EDIT: I just realized... NHK is the last entity to not give this a second season. They are, after all, the organizers of the NHK Cup. This is helping them in many ways than one.

Master_Yoma · 2017-03-18, 21:24

Well a very nice ending kind of feel bad for Rei being all alone and no one wants to sit with him

7/10 cant wait for season 2

Benigmatica · 2017-03-19, 08:17

Episode 22:
Well, seems that Rei Kiriyama got a club to play shogi and do scientific experiments at the same time. Glad that he's not always alone at school!

Still, glad that it's over and Studio Shaft did a great job on this series. Can't wait for Season 2!

Anh_Minh · 2017-03-19, 09:43

I really feel they missed an opportunity. He could have joined that club last year, after he went there for his report. It would have been good for him. Oh, well, he's there now.

Boukenxha · 2017-03-19, 10:28

Owe it to Hayashida sensei to open up another road for Rei and nice to see the experience following Shimada to his hometown had leave a mark on Rei too.

Great show, can't wait for the next season to get here!!!

Kanon · 2017-03-19, 10:44

All I have to say is that I can't wait for the next season. This has been one of the best series of the year.

Wandering Soul · 2017-03-19, 14:47

Wonderful way to wrap things up for now. Reinforced just how much of a positive influence Hayashida is on Rei. It also showed just how much of a mark he along with Rei's other experiences and companions left on him.

Can't wait for season 2.

BWTraveller · 2017-03-19, 15:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by leongsh

The end of Episode 22 cries out for a tie-in to the anime music video that Bump of Chicken did for the manga way back before an anime adaptation was announced.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiCWbfjf8Tw

Slight spoiler in that music video. Shows a scene we almost reached.

I hope that spot at the end of the video where Rei and Hinata are looking over the bridge and Hinata disappears isn't meant to suggest anything. If Umino-sensei does something like that I'll be very angry.

HandofFate · 2017-03-19, 19:38

the students were talking about how he was one year older.
then the teacher mentioned him barely passing it due to circumstances
so did he make attendance or not?

blakstealth · 2017-03-19, 20:37

No freakin Kawamotos in the finale? god, kill me

MeoTwister5 · 2017-03-19, 20:56

We be getting more Kawamotos in the 2nd season. Lota lots more.

2017-03-13, 22:26	Link #362
MeoTwister5 Komrades of Kitamura Kou Join Date: Jul 2004 Age: 39	It saddens me that unless we get a season 2, we'll never reach the story arcs dedicated to the girls. __________________ Medical Student vs. Anime Last Exile - Fam the Silver Wing -

2017-03-15, 03:40	Link #364
Marcus H. Princess or Plunderer? Join Date: May 2009 Location: the Philippines	Episodes 6-14: Holy cow, what a rollercoaster. From exploring Rei's background, we move on to Rei trying to improve himself both as a person and a professional shogi player. The competitive really is the same everywhere—pros get into slumps, they make fatal mistakes, and sometimes they face challenges that derail them from the gameplay style they had adopted in their career. And of course, they also see a rival in other players but they become unable to fight them in the higher echelons of competition. But Kyouko, holy shit. Being compared to lightning that beckons storms is a perfect fit. She really is poisonous for more reasons than one. But honestly I don't think she'd hold a candle to Akari as soon as she wears her elegant host outfit. Episodes 15-17: Kyouko remains to be an interesting character. Her love-hate relationship with Rei was like two monsters seeking refuge in each other's presence. Meanwhile, Shimada is fun to watch, from his rivalry with Gotou, his realistic reactions to the win and the rise to the title match, and his mentorship over Rei, Nikaidou and the other guy. I do hope that Rei can find time to spend with Hina and her sisters. Kyouko has warned him about it; his pursuit of his dream is making him choose selfish decisions. __________________ Continuing: White Sand Aquatope (6/24) and Vanitas S2 (0/12), The Vampire Dies in No Time S2 and Bofuri S2 (3/12). 2021: Restaurant to Another World S2 (3/12), takt Op. Destiny (1/12) and Taisho Maiden Fairy Tale (1/12). 2022: Yuusha Yamemasu (1/12), Kaguya-sama S3, Mob Psycho 100 III (Oct06), Bleach: 1000 Year Blood War (2/13) and Chainsaw Man (6/12). Spring 2023: Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru, Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Punch! (4/12), Skip to Loafer, Tonikaku Kawaii S2 (1/12), Otonari ni Ginga (5/12) and Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia (3/13). Contact me on Wikia and MyAnimeList. Anime List Status ~ Watching: 33. Completed: 468. Plan to watch: 39. Last edited by Marcus H.; 2017-03-15 at 21:14.

2017-03-16, 02:29	Link #366
Marcus H. Princess or Plunderer? Join Date: May 2009 Location: the Philippines	Episodes 18-21: It's kinda interesting that while most of the Shishio Tourney is between Master Souya and Shimada, there are still some adequate character development for Rei. Here, we somehow catch a glimpse of what could have been a good parental/mentor-student relationship between Shimada and Rei. I mean, when was the last time that Rei actually prepared food for someone else? With Rei's distance with Mr. Kouda and the one-way dedication of Akari and the others, it's quite a surprise. Too bad that Shimada lost against Souya, but he remained doubtful of himself throughout the match. It's kinda like when Rei lost against Shimada. Instead of focusing on the match itself, both players focused on what's ahead too much (Rei was preparing for Gotou while Shimada was anticipating the Yamagata match), and the contrast begins with Shimada constantly thinking of whether he would be able to bring pride to his hometown while Rei was thinking of nothing else but beating the shit out of Gotou in shogi. Fortunately, the homecoming in Yamagata helped both Rei and Shimada to get back on one's feet and move forward. So with one episode to go and much more content to adapt, will they be able to close this series on a conclusive note? I'm kinda worried that sequel hooks might show up and it might not be followed through. I loved the approach to character development in the series and I cannot let it be "resolved" in a cliffhanger. EDIT: Also, I forgot to mention how Shimada LOVED his hometown to the point of doing all those things to the community. It's almost unfair that he met such a fate after all his efforts in climbing to 8th-dan, but alas, the winner takes it all. __________________ Continuing: White Sand Aquatope (6/24) and Vanitas S2 (0/12), The Vampire Dies in No Time S2 and Bofuri S2 (3/12). 2021: Restaurant to Another World S2 (3/12), takt Op. Destiny (1/12) and Taisho Maiden Fairy Tale (1/12). 2022: Yuusha Yamemasu (1/12), Kaguya-sama S3, Mob Psycho 100 III (Oct06), Bleach: 1000 Year Blood War (2/13) and Chainsaw Man (6/12). Spring 2023: Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru, Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Punch! (4/12), Skip to Loafer, Tonikaku Kawaii S2 (1/12), Otonari ni Ginga (5/12) and Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia (3/13). Contact me on Wikia and MyAnimeList. Anime List Status ~ Watching: 33. Completed: 468. Plan to watch: 39.

2017-03-18, 19:51	Link #370
Marcus H. Princess or Plunderer? Join Date: May 2009 Location: the Philippines	Seeing "Fighter" get its spot in the adaptation gave the same feeling of fulfillment as when Kokoro Palette played in Kono Bijutsubu ni wa Mondai ga Aru. Anyway, still gathering my thoughts, so this is all for now. EDIT: I just realized... NHK is the last entity to not give this a second season. They are, after all, the organizers of the NHK Cup. This is helping them in many ways than one. __________________ Continuing: White Sand Aquatope (6/24) and Vanitas S2 (0/12), The Vampire Dies in No Time S2 and Bofuri S2 (3/12). 2021: Restaurant to Another World S2 (3/12), takt Op. Destiny (1/12) and Taisho Maiden Fairy Tale (1/12). 2022: Yuusha Yamemasu (1/12), Kaguya-sama S3, Mob Psycho 100 III (Oct06), Bleach: 1000 Year Blood War (2/13) and Chainsaw Man (6/12). Spring 2023: Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru, Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Punch! (4/12), Skip to Loafer, Tonikaku Kawaii S2 (1/12), Otonari ni Ginga (5/12) and Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia (3/13). Contact me on Wikia and MyAnimeList. Anime List Status ~ Watching: 33. Completed: 468. Plan to watch: 39.

2017-03-18, 21:24	Link #371
Master_Yoma Nekokota Festival Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Lost in the Fairy Forest	Well a very nice ending kind of feel bad for Rei being all alone and no one wants to sit with him 7/10 cant wait for season 2 __________________

2017-03-13, 21:58	Link #361
Verso Sciolto Banned Join Date: Nov 2015	Always a balancing act, isn't it? Giving each character a life and story of their own. I for one have appreciated how Shimada has been given his spotlight because, in this story, I think, it makes sense to show the culture that gives rise to characters like him - and not just from the perspective of how what shaped Shimada reflects on Rei, though that mentor/apprenticeship too is part of their life.

2017-03-14, 22:55	Link #363
Alf Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Zone: Mare Tranquillitatis	Well, it's NHK so the hope for 2nd season is higher than usual. Personally I like Shimada's arc very much as it opens up a lot more options in life for Rei, with Shimada himself makes a very good example of a way of life, and it finally showing life can be even more. This is especially tasty when Rakugo is dealing with death at the same time.

2017-03-15, 06:31	Link #365
Ulin Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Spain	I really hope they announce a 2d season soon enough, because I don't know if I will be able to stay away from the manga. I want to know how it continues but I usually get lazy with an anime once I've read the manga Anyway, this episode was pretty heartwarming, and was very necessary especially for Shimada. Maybe this way he can lift some of the weight from his shoulders and take the next time he gets to a title much easier. The second part was delicius, especially the ending with Hina's call I guess most of us are sold in the HinaxRei ship now

2017-03-18, 18:04	Link #369
leongsh Daijoubu! Join Date: May 2004 Location: Malaysia	The end of Episode 22 cries out for a tie-in to the anime music video that Bump of Chicken did for the manga way back before an anime adaptation was announced. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiCWbfjf8Tw

2017-03-19, 08:17	Link #372
Benigmatica Deadpan Rambler Join Date: Nov 2012	Episode 22: Well, seems that Rei Kiriyama got a club to play shogi and do scientific experiments at the same time. Glad that he's not always alone at school! Still, glad that it's over and Studio Shaft did a great job on this series. Can't wait for Season 2!

2017-03-19, 09:43	Link #373
Anh_Minh I disagree with you all. Join Date: Dec 2005	I really feel they missed an opportunity. He could have joined that club last year, after he went there for his report. It would have been good for him. Oh, well, he's there now.

2017-03-19, 10:28	Link #374
Boukenxha Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005	Owe it to Hayashida sensei to open up another road for Rei and nice to see the experience following Shimada to his hometown had leave a mark on Rei too. Great show, can't wait for the next season to get here!!!

2017-03-19, 10:44	Link #375
Kanon Kana Hanazawa ♥ Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: France Age: 37	All I have to say is that I can't wait for the next season. This has been one of the best series of the year. __________________

2017-03-19, 14:47	Link #376
Wandering Soul Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: America	Wonderful way to wrap things up for now. Reinforced just how much of a positive influence Hayashida is on Rei. It also showed just how much of a mark he along with Rei's other experiences and companions left on him. Can't wait for season 2. __________________

2017-03-19, 19:38	Link #378
HandofFate Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006	the students were talking about how he was one year older. then the teacher mentioned him barely passing it due to circumstances so did he make attendance or not? __________________ ...

2017-03-19, 20:37	Link #379
blakstealth Les Pays Bass Join Date: Jun 2011	No freakin Kawamotos in the finale? god, kill me

2017-03-19, 20:56	Link #380
MeoTwister5 Komrades of Kitamura Kou Join Date: Jul 2004 Age: 39	We be getting more Kawamotos in the 2nd season. Lota lots more. __________________ Medical Student vs. Anime Last Exile - Fam the Silver Wing -