Summer 2006
Hachimitsu to Clover II
J.C.StaffBack from his journey across Japan, Yuuta Takemoto reminisces about his college life so far. He has matured significantly since his second year and is motivated to move forward.
Feeling more confident than ever before, he finally confesses to Hagumi Hanamoto, the girl he has been in love with since their first encounter. However, Hagumi has been confused by her attempts to understand the mysterious Shinobu Morita. Hiding behind a playful demeanor, Morita may be the most burdened by his own potential. Meanwhile, Takumi Mayama has become a full-fledged working adult and has landed Ayumi Yamada several pottery orders through his company in an act of friendship.
The five youths continue to face individual hardships in academics, work, love, and friendship as they push each other toward the paths that they are destined to walk.
Review: Hachimitsu to Clover II – Unshakable Bonds Of Friendship, Love, and Growing Up
Hachimitsu to Clover II, fondly referred to as Honey and Clover II, plunges our hearts back into the turbulent yet endearingly grounded sphere of a group of college friends and the trials and transitions that color their mutual and personal lives. Art, creativity, romance, melancholy, joy, and the beautifully presented trials of life spiral into a narrative mosaic of unforgettable; a series as sweet as honey and as lovingly prickly as the clover.
Following its predecessor’s narrative path, Honey and Clover II encapsulates the continuation of the enriched misunderstandings, love triangles, and complex relationships between its multi-faceted characters. As their growth and transitions follow the rhythm of everyday life, they are faced with new challenges that both test and mold the bonds they formed. Through spontaneous road trips, artistic battles, love confession under a fireworks burst, your heart will find a home in this anime.
The Storyline:
With its soulful display of characters navigating the tumultuous sea of adolescence and creativity, Honey and Clover II offer a storyline filled with a refreshing dose of reality coupled with the beauty that life’s curveballs often bring. The anime vigorously pursues a narrative that not only addresses the unpredictability of love but also delves into the struggles of self-discovery and growth.
The genius of Honey and Clover II lies in its ability to intertwine the lives and destinies of its characters so intricately. The pedestal is shared equally by all characters; everyone has a story, everyone plays the hero, and everyone grapples with their demons. The trials of unrequited love, the dilemma of choosing between passion and stability, and the silent battle with loneliness are all beautifully interwoven, making the series far more profound than your average coming-of-age anime.
The Art and Animation:
One word – Astonishing! Honey and Clover II push the boundaries as it gives life to a universe filled with a splash of colors that are as expressive as they are breathtaking. Whether it’s the character designs, the stunning backgrounds, or the vibrant color palettes, the artwork in this show is undeniably exquisite. Additionally, the animation is fluid and well-executed, providing a pleasing visual experience that suits the series’ sentimental tone perfectly.
Should You Watch It?
‘Should you watch it?’ A thousand times, YES! Honey and Clover II is one of those rare gems that not only entertains but has the potential to change perspectives. It’s a relative, engaging, emotional, and beautiful story that’s bound to resonate with any viewer. So, whether to rent, buy, or stream, my answer is – any which way you can, you mustn’t miss out on this!
So, dear followers of ’The Anime Critic,’ grab your popcorn, buckle up, and let Hachimitsu to Clover II ride you through an unforgettable journey of friendship, romance, self-discovery and the bitter-sweet reality of “growing up.” Trust me; this is one ride you don’t want to miss.
Until next time, Anime Aficionados, keep exploring, keep loving, and most importantly, keep watching!
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NHK ni Youkoso!
GonzoTwenty-two-year-old college dropout Tatsuhiro Satou has been a hikikomori for almost four years now. In his isolation, he has come to believe in many obscure conspiracy theories, but there is one in particular which he holds unshakable faith in: the theory that the evil conspirator behind his shut-in NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) status is the Nihon Hikikomori Kyokai (NHK)—an evil and secret organization dedicated to fostering the spread of hikikomori culture.
NHK ni Youkoso! is a psychological dramedy that follows Tatsuhiro as he strives to escape from the NHK's wicked machinations and the disease of self-wrought isolation, while struggling to even just leave his apartment and find a job. His unexpected encounter with the mysterious Misaki Nakahara might signal a reversal of fortune for Tatsuhiro, but with this meeting comes the inevitable cost of having to face his greatest fear—society.
Anime Review : Welcome to the N.H.K.
Kon’nichiwa minasan (Hello everyone), I am “The Anime Critic”, here to guide you on a riveting journey into the mind of Satoshi Kon, the genius behind ‘NHK ni Youkoso!’ or ‘Welcome to the N.HK.’! ‘Satou Tatsuhiro’, a 22-year-old hikikomori (a Japanese term which means reclusive adolescents or adults who withdraw from society and seek extreme degrees of isolation) and NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), is at the heart of this story. Satou suffers from crippling anxiety that leads to a belief that he is under the machinations of a conspiracy led by the infamous N.HK agency.
The twist that adds some interesting flavor to his dreary life comes with ‘Misaki Nakahara’, a mysterious girl who claims to have the ability to help Satou overcome his hikikomori ways. From here, Satou’s life is anything but predictable as he oscillates between fantasy and reality, with Misaki attempting to drag him out of his shell. Whether she succeeds or not forms the crux of the narrative.
STORYLINE
‘NHK ni Youkoso!’ is a fascinating study of the human psyche and explores themes that are rarely addressed in anime. It presents an unfiltered view of the MC’s mental health struggles, which is definitely a breath of fresh air. Anime has a way of beautifying things, but ‘Welcome to the N.H.K.’ does not mince words. This reality-driven approach combined with Satoshi Kon’s sophisticated storytelling makes this a must-watch series. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reflecting on your own life while chuckling at Satou’s struggles.
ANIMATION AND SOUND
The animation may not be the most avant-garde but it perfectly complements the story. It keeps things real, while having such surreal moments that leave you captivated. Music too, is a steadfast companion in amplifying the emotion the scene intends to portray. The opening track “Puzzle” by Round Table featuring Nino sets the tone for this anime so well, you’ll find yourself humming along in no time!
CHARACTERS
The character designs are quite plain, depicting a slice-of-life reality. This is what makes them relatable and immensely human. You will not find over-the-top hairstyles or exaggerated expressions here. Instead, you will see characters battling with their mental health, loneliness, and their pursuit of dreams – just like everyday people. This is what makes Satoshi Kon a master of his craft.
FINAL THOUGHTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
All said and done, ‘Welcome to the N.H.K.’ is a unique ride that beautifully intertwines drama and psychological themes. It is a thought-provoking anime that packs in a lot of humor too. I’d definitely recommend buying/streaming it. It’s not something to be breezed through. Rather, find your comfortable corner and absorb each and every moment. Get ready to visit corners of your mind you never thought you would, and remember, as Satou would say, “The N.H.K. is watching you… always.”
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