(CR) Sora Yori mo Tooi Basho: A Story That Leads to Antarctica

[BBOvenGuy]

Originally Posted by ArrowSmith

Except there is no interest in making an anime out of any of those sports.

Wasn't there a show with a mixed-doubles tennis couple a few years ago? Or am I mis-remembering?

Auto racing is also mixed gender, at least in the United States. Drag racing is where it's most visible at the upper levels, but it's now common to have female drivers in the lower sprint car and stock car levels. And Dale Earnhardt's granddaughter (Dale Jr.'s niece) is only a couple of years away from moving up to the big time, which could reignite the kind of interest there was when Danica Patrick got started.

[ArrowSmith]

Originally Posted by BBOvenGuy

Wasn't there a show with a mixed-doubles tennis couple a few years ago? Or am I mis-remembering?

Auto racing is also mixed gender, at least in the United States. Drag racing is where it's most visible at the upper levels, but it's now common to have female drivers in the lower sprint car and stock car levels. And Dale Earnhardt's granddaughter (Dale Jr.'s niece) is only a couple of years away from moving up to the big time, which could reignite the kind of interest there was when Danica Patrick got started.

Danica Patrick only won a single IndyCar race and never won a NASCAR race. Way overhyped because of 2005 Indy 500 result.

[BBOvenGuy]

Originally Posted by ArrowSmith

Danica Patrick only won a single IndyCar race and never won a NASCAR race. Way overhyped because of 2005 Indy 500 result.

And Dale Jr. never lived up to the achievements of his father. Didn't hurt his popularity, nor did Danica's lack of results hurt hers.

Time will tell how well Karsyn Elledge does in the big leagues, but she's already hosted a NASCAR show on Nicktoons and has an impressive online presence. That will be enough to get her plenty of attention when she debuts.

[Random Wanderer]

...Folks, I think you've all drifted pretty far from talking about the series this thread is supposed to be about.

[Mistyclear]

^Considering this anime is about Antarctica (and even has ships involved) and it somehow turned into NASCAR of all things, I’d say ya, ya we have strayed far off topic.

[BBOvenGuy]

I was just following the train of thought. Although I must admit that it did kind of derail.

[Gan_HOPE326]

Originally Posted by Haak

I don't actually watch a lot of Sports anime but I don't mind giving them a pass for being too male-centric (or even female-centric) when it makes in-universe. I can't think of a single sport that's mixed gender.

But here there's nothing about going to Antarctica that necessitates an all female group, imo.

I mean, yeah, but groups of close friends in that age range being gender-homogeneous aren't that weird. So in itself I don't see it as a problem. It's part of the premise. I'm not repelled by "ZOMG THIS SHOW HAS CUTE GIRLS IN IT". I think most CGDCT shows end up being quite vapid, but that's their problem, and the fact that they focus on empty repetitive shenanigans. Here there's already a progression outline, a hard to obtain target, character motivations and the possibility for an arc. It's far more than what happens when you get five moeblobs gathering for the N-th "technically has an objective but actually does nothing" club.

[Haak]

Originally Posted by Gan_HOPE326

I mean, yeah, but groups of close friends in that age range being gender-homogeneous aren't that weird. So in itself I don't see it as a problem. It's part of the premise. I'm not repelled by "ZOMG THIS SHOW HAS CUTE GIRLS IN IT". I think most CGDCT shows end up being quite vapid, but that's their problem, and the fact that they focus on empty repetitive shenanigans. Here there's already a progression outline, a hard to obtain target, character motivations and the possibility for an arc. It's far more than what happens when you get five moeblobs gathering for the N-th "technically has an objective but actually does nothing" club.

True but these aren't close friends. It seems that the main cast is going to be a group of strangers who all happen to have a similar goal and who all just happen to be cute girls. I didn't mind so much in Sound Euphonium either until it became strangely apparent how skewed the gender ratio was in that band.

It's not really that big of deal to me. Like you said, this show is considerably less vapid than other extreme CGDCT shows. It's just a minor pet peeve of mine, like one of those "once you see it, you can't unsee it" things.

Originally Posted by nojay

There's show-jumping, dressage and three-day-eventing, Olympic sports which are gender-neutral where the winners are not segregated by sex. I know of mixed rowing competition classes where the crews are equal numbers of men and women but those classes are not yet recognised at the Olympic level. Mixed doubles in tennis?

I'm eagerly anticipating the next Dressage anime.

I forgot Gin no Saji!

[Mistyclear]

Er...correct me if I’m wrong but this isn’t a sports anime right?
Looking forward to the next episode, wonder when the girls will meet and begin their journey.
Does anyone one know of this is a manga or novel?

[BBOvenGuy]

Originally Posted by Mistyclear

Does anyone one know of this is a manga or novel?

I believe I read that it's an anime original.

[Liddo-kun]

This is just good. Working hard and having courage to pursue an adventure..

And looks like by the intro, some others would be tagging along with them - I do wonder what reason those other people would have to go to antarctica? XD

Will keep following. I like the art style for this anime.

[ArrowSmith]

Originally Posted by BBOvenGuy

I believe I read that it's an anime original.

Anime originals are pretty rare gold these days. I think this is going to be a good one, I love the art.

[SeijiSensei]

I hope this show maintains its focus on traveling to Antarctica and doesn't devolve into high-school girls hijinks. There seems to be a growing sub-genre of "cute girls go on adventures" shows like Flip Flappers, Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryouko, and now this. If it turns into weeks of planning and anticipation at school with little actual travel, I will be disappointed. The OP was encouraging in this regard. For now, I'm in for the duration.

[Verso Sciolto]

Like this first episode so far. [edit]... but not the second[/] No source material, no "well meaning" spoilers to expect in the anime thread.

Originally Posted by Haak

True but these aren't close friends. It seems that the main cast is going to be a group of strangers who all happen to have a similar goal and who all just happen to be cute girls. I didn't mind so much in Sound Euphonium either until it became strangely apparent how skewed the gender ratio was in that band.[...]

The composition of the band in Sound! Euphonium is a realistic reflection of ratios, according to, for example: "Wind Bands and Cultural Identity in Japanese Schools" (2012) by David G. Hebert:

Like most competitive school bands in Japan, the Ishikawa Middle School band consisted mostly of girls. In fact, the band had a 95% female membership, a ratio that is not unusual among such ensembles. During most rehearsals, only 2 boys were present among the 65-70 girls […](p.186)

I haven't read this book but just ran into it when looking for ways to post a reply. Looks interesting for a topic like this too. Videos of Japanese concert bands illustrate such ratios as well.

[Edit]After a few cursory keyword searches and only skimming the preview pages online, I tentatively conclude and can't help but note here provisionally, that the gender divisions, the ratios, in Hebert's book appear to be binary.[/edit]

[Stark700]

Hinata Miyake is absolutely adorable. So glad to see her join Shirase and Mari.

Still really curious about Shirase and her past. I want to see a background storytelling episode about her in the future.

[Mistyclear]

Another cute episode! Not that easy to get to Antarctica, but I don’t mind that, I believe once they get permission, there’s going to be a time skip or something like a fast forward to the day they leave.
Get the feeling that they the next girl will be key to getting on board the ship and becoming a member of the expedition.
I’m not dissatisfied with the episodes so I’ll keep watching. Though it’s keeping with the beautify the female sex while down grading the opposite sex, that one gender themed anime’s are doing.

[Sides]

So far so good. it is still fun to watch and the animation quality hasn't dropped. Hopefully we see some episode on preparation and training for their trip, i.e. skiing, field skills, etc.

About the gender thing: I don't really mind it, because this is an adventure show.

[HandofFate]

I doubt they actually do it.
But having passion and giving your all in pursuit of something as an experience of just that is fine in a seishun-ish show.

[Utsuro no Hako]

Shirase is a pimp. Literally. Girl needs to stop trying to sell her friends' bodies.

[Random Wanderer]

This new girl is all sorts of fun. Also that chase scene was awesome.