Fall 2001
Hikaru no Go
PierrotWhile searching through his grandfather's attic, Hikaru Shindou stumbles upon an old go board. Touching it, he is greeted by a mysterious voice, and soon after falls unconscious. When he regains his senses, he discovers that the voice is still present and belongs to Fujiwara no Sai, the spirit of an ancient go expert. A go instructor for the Japanese Emperor in the Heian Era, Sai's passion for the game transcends time and space, allowing him to continue playing his beloved game as a ghostly entity. Sai's ultimate goal is to master a divine go technique that no player has achieved so far, and he seeks to accomplish this by playing the board game through Hikaru.
Despite having no interest in board games, Hikaru reluctantly agrees to play, executing moves as instructed by Sai. However, when he encounters the young go prodigy Akira Touya, a passion for the game is slowly ignited within him. Inspired by his newfound rival, Hikaru's journey into the world of go is just beginning.
Synopsis
Hikaru No Go takes us on a delightful journey of a young, impulsive, and easy-going boy named Hikaru Shindou who stumbles upon a dusty board while hunting for treasures in his grandfather’s attic. The board turns out to be an ancient Go board that sends Hikaru’s life into an unforeseeable path that intertwines him with fascinating characters as well as the beautiful and strategic world of the ancient board game, Go. Hikaru becomes inhabited by the spirit of a Go master from the Heian Era, named Sai Fujiwara, who starts tutoring him in the ways of the game.
As the story unfolds, we witness the transformation of Hikaru from a casual player to a serious Go enthusiast, all while carrying the weight of Sai’s insatiable longing to play the Divine Move – the ultimate move that is considered perfection in Go. The series brilliantly explores the culture, rules, and complexity of the Go world while unfolding Hikaru’s growth and personal adversity to develop a deep-rooted love for the game.
Review
Hikaru No Go is an infinitely captivating anime that takes you by surprise with its thought-inspiring themes, character growth, and emotional weight. This anime isn’t just about Go, it’s about friendships, rivalries, and the journey of a boy maneuvering his life through an unexpected lesson in Go.
The animation quality, shadow work, and character designs are beautifully exhibited. The well-enunciated panels and frames engage you instantly, and the art does an excellent job of capturing the drama, tension, and thrill of every move played on the Go board. Moreover, the voice acting lends authentic emotion and depth to the characters.
The storyline’s progression is also a point of commendation. The creator never rushed the narrative, instead allowing viewers ample time to grow alongside Hikaru, experiencing his triumphs and failures, and transferring them to personal, relatable life lessons. This pace is one of the most distinguishing features of Hikaru No Go, setting it apart from most shounen series.
In terms of music, the series does a splendid job. The background score lingers perfectly with every scene, making the spectacles feel alive. The opening and closing themes have managed to become fan favorites, instilling a sense of joy and nostalgia every time they resonate.
The only bone of contention some viewers might have with “Hikaru No Go” could be the subject matter. Some might argue that a plot revolving around a board game might not be too engaging. However, there’s a high potential that viewers would be hooked by the intensity, strategic depth, and spirit of the game, as brilliantly illustrated in this anime. As for those who don’t know Go, the series does a fantastic job of simplifying the rules, so you don’t feel lost while watching.
Verdict
Should you stream, rent, or buy Hikaru No Go? Absolutely, yes. This anime exceeds beyond confines of a typical shounen, offering an emotionally engaging story that revolves around personal growth, friendships, rivalries, and the love for an ancient game. It’s definitely a must-watch series that inspires, intrigues, and will ultimately leave you yearning for more.
So, whether you are a Go aficionado, a dedicated anime fan, or even someone enjoying a respite from mainstream shounen series, Hikaru No Go is worth your time. Ready to embark on an adventure where each move tells a story? Get set and dive into the unforgettable world of Hikaru No Go!
Final Rating: 9/10
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Tennis no Oujisama
Trans ArtsAt the request of his father, tennis prodigy Ryouma Echizen has returned from America and is ready to take the Japanese tennis scene by storm. Aiming to become the best tennis player in the country, he enrolls in Seishun Academy—home to one of the best middle school tennis teams in Japan.
After Ryouma catches the captain's eye, he finds himself playing for a spot on the starting lineup in the intra-school ranking matches despite only being a freshman. Due to his age, the rest of the Seishun Boys' Tennis Team are initially reluctant to accept him, but his skill and determination convinces them to let him in.
Armed with their new "super rookie," Seishun sets out to claim a spot in the National Tournament, hoping to take the coveted title for themselves. In order to do so, the team must qualify by playing through the Tokyo Prefectural and Kanto Regionals. Yet, the road ahead of them is shared by a plethora of strong schools, each playing tennis in unique ways for their own reasons. Ryouma and his teammates must learn to cooperate if they want to become the champions they aspire to be.
Review: Tennis No Oujisama – A Smashing Success of Sports Anime
Synopsis
“Tennis No Oujisama”, also famously known as “The Prince of Tennis”, is an adrenaline-pumping sports anime that has successfully served beyond the usual shōjo or shōnen anime shows. The series focuses on the world of competitive high school tennis, shedding light on the dazzling dynamics of the game and its deep-seated team spirit. Ryoma Echizen, our hero and titular ‘Prince of Tennis,’ is a tennis prodigy who already carries the weight of being the son of a legendary tennis player.
Ryoma joins Seishun Academy’s tennis team, home to other skilled athletes, each with their unique style and abilities. Ryoma’s journey is our main thread, but we also witness diverse, explosive personalities clashing, rivalry blobs, and forged friendships all amidst the thunderous applause of high-intensity tennis matches. Each episode unravels a new challenge, a new rival, and an enhanced persona of Ryoma, the titular Prince of Tennis.
Review
The Court Is Set!
Tennis no Oujisama scores big with the diverse representation of characters; from the laid back, sandwich-obsessed Takeshi Momoshiro to the seemingly shy but powerful Shusuke Fuji. There is no dearth of intriguing and appealing personalities that you can’t help but root for!
Serving an Ace!
The animation quality of this series compliments the high-octane tennis matches perfectly. The creators deserve a pat on their backs for portraying the intensity of the matches and the intricacies of the game accurately. Further making your pulse race are the strategic discussions during the matches and the top-notch voice acting that makes the experience immersive.
It’s Not Just About Tennis!
However, Tennis no Oujisama isn’t just about swinging rackets. It delves deeper into the struggle of young athletes, the ruthlessness of sports politics, and the intense pressure of high expectations. There’s a potent influx of emotions, rising above the courts and seeping into the lives of the characters. This delivery of depth is what sets this sports anime apart!
The Verdict
Although lengthy at 178 episodes, Tennis No Oujisama never loses its momentum. Each episode leaves you craving for more, making it worth every second of your time. Be it the engaging storylines or the heartening team spirit – Tennis no Oujisama is slamming ace after ace with its exhilarating execution and fluid storytelling. Perfect fodder for fans who enjoy sports, camaraderie, and overcoming personal obstacles, this anime is unmissable!
So, should you rent, buy, or stream Tennis No Oujisama? My suggestion would be whichever route you take, make it your mission to get on this thrilling tennis match! Whether you’re a die-hard anime fan or a newbie to the genre, Tennis no Oujisama is a smashing entry to add to your watchlist!
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