j1m0ne's blog

Time of the year again?

This is a no-frills, straight-up, easy-reference guide to TV anime (+ long running OVA) that commences airing within the March-April 2009 timeframe. Which means Fight Ippatsu! Jūden-chan!! (airdate May/June) is off the list.

Format hasn’t changed much, but I’m now including links to staff blogs which seems to be a popular thing to do nowadays. They’re great to check out for the behind the scenes going-ons, and for extra bits like art concepts and goods that don’t make it to print or the official site.

More in-depth season guides can be found at:
Hashihime | Tenka Seiha | THAT Anime Blog | Random Curiosity

Quick Jump: 07-GHOST | Asura Cryin’ | Basquash! | Chi’s Sweet Home: Atarashii Ouchi | Cooking Idol!I!My!Mine! | CROSS GAME | Dragon Ball Kai | Gokujō!! Mecha Mote Iinchō | Guin Saga | Hagane no Renkinjutsushi FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST | Hanasakeru Seishōnen | Hatsukoi Limited. | Hayate no Gotoku!! | Higashi no Eden | Higepiyo | Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari | Jewel Pet | K-ON! | Konnichiwa Anne: Before Green Gables | Mainichi Kaa-san | Metal Fight Beyblade | Natsu no Arashi! | PandoraHearts | Phantom~Requiem for the Phantom | Queen’s Blade: Rurō no Senshi | Ristorante Paradiso | Saki | Sengoku BASARA | Senjō no Valkyria | Shangri-la | Shin Mazinger Shōgeki! Z-hen | Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica Crimson S | Slap-Up Party -Arad Senki- | Sōten Kōro | TAYUTAMA-Kiss on my Deity- | Tears to Tiara

07-GHOST

Nutshelled: Amnesiac kid gets sent to military school to learn magic powers and gets caught up in supernatural hijinks.
Source: Manga written by Amemiya Yuki & illustrated by Ichihara Yukino, runs in Monthly Comic Zero Sum. 7 tankoubon out so far.
Studio: Studio DEEN
Staff: Directed by Takamoto Nobuhiro (Tenchi in Tokyo), scripted by Takahashi Natsuko
Episode count: 2-cour
Music: Nakagawa Kotaro (Hayate no Gotoku!, Code Geass)
Opening Theme: Aka no Kakera by Suzuki Yuki
Ending Theme: Hitomi no Kotae by Noria
Seiyuu: Retained from the drama CDs. Saiga Mitsuki leads, with Hayami Sho as the main antagonist. Namikawa Daisuke, Saito Chiwa, Suwabe Junichi, Chiba Susumu, Hamada Kenji, Miyata Kouki, Kishio Daisuke, Hatano Wataru, Nakai Kazuya, Irino Miyu, Kirii Daisuke, Kiuchi Hidenobu, Senda Mitsuo & Takahashi Hiroki are the other cast members announced.
Radio show: 07-GHOST the world is hosted by Saiga Mitsuki & Namikawa Daisuke
Staff Blog: Event and merchandise reports so far, brought to you by production staff Goto Nami, Comic Zero Sum’s K-shima, publicity chief Mako-chan and the mysterious Enoru☆彡.

Asura Cryin’ [アスラクライン]

Nutshelled: High-school boy haunted by ghost of childhood friend.
Source: Light novel by Minama Gakuto (illustrated by Watanuki Nao). Manga adaptation by Akizuki Ryo runs in Dengeki Daioh.
Studio: Seven Arcs
Staff: Directed by Kusakawa Keizo (Nanoha, Sekirei)
Episode count: ?
Music: Tajiri Mitsutaka (Kiniro no Corda)
Opening Theme: Spiral by angela
Ending Theme: Link by angela

Seiyuu: Leads are voiced by Irino Miyu & Tomatsu Haruka. The large cast also includes Nonaka Ai, Tanaka Rie, Morikubo Showtaro, Nakai Kazuya, Ohara Sayaka, Takagi Reiko, Ishizuka Sayori, Toyosaki Aki, Majima Junji, Kaida Yuko, Sasto Satomi, Kitamura Eri, Yahagi Sayuri, Koyama Kimiko & Shimono Hiro.
Radio show: No.

Basquash! [バスカッシュ!]

Nutshelled: First we get ballet + mecha (Rideback), now we get basketball + mecha.
Source: Original creation by Thomas Romain and Kawamori Shoji (Macross, Escaflowne).
Studio: Satelight
Staff: Directed by Itagaki Shin (Devil May Cry, BLACK CAT). Nike are designing the shoes in the anime.
Episode count: 26
Music: Audio Highs & Yoshikawa Kei
Opening Theme: nO limiT by ECLIPSE
Ending Theme: free by Yamada Yu

Seiyuu: Shimono Hiro & Ito Shizuka are the leads, supported by Nakamura Yuichi, Asano Masumi, Hanazawa Kana, Kugimiya Rie, Tsuda Kenjiro, Kobayashi Yumiko, Hirose Masashi, Endo Aya and Kobayashi Yu. The idol group ECLIPSE within the anime will be voiced by rising young stars Tomatsu Haruka, Hayami Saori & Nakajima Megumi.
Radio show: No.
Comments: Let’s not get too excited about the people involved, last time we had Romain, Kawamori + Satelight we got Kiss Dum, remember?

Chi’s Sweet Home Atarashii Ouchi [チーズスイートホーム あたらしいおうち]

Nutshelled: Heartwarming tales of everybody’s favourite cat, part 2.
Source: Manga by Kanata Konami
Studio: Madhouse
Staff: The staff from season 1 returns, including director Masuhara Mitsuyuki.
Episode count: ?
Music: META boys
Opening Theme: Chi-sana Daibouken by Matsumoto Rica
Ending Theme: ?
Seiyuu: Koorogi Satomi as Chi returns, along with Kozakura Etsuko, Hidaka Noriko, Kiuchi Hidenobu, Yamaguchi Mayumi and Shimamura Yu
Radio show: No.

Cooking Idol I! My! Mine! [クッキンアイドル アイ！マイ！まいん！]

Nutshelled: Like Moegaku, except you learn cooking instead of languages. Half the show is animated, half is live action cooking with a kid.
Source: Original.
Studio: The animated segment is by Studio Deen.
Staff: Directed by Watanabe Hiroshi (Suteki Tantei Labyrinth, tactics)
Episode count: ?
Music: Hasegawa Tomoki & Hashimoto Yukari
Opening Theme: ?
Ending Theme: ?

Seiyuu: 10-year old actress Fukuhara Haruka will be the kid who does the cooking. The animated segment features the voices of Kobayashi Akiko, Irino Miyu, Seki Toshihiko and others.
Radio show: No.

CROSS GAME [クロスゲーム]

Nutshelled: A teenage boy’s family runs a sports store and he gets to know four lovely ladies from the local batting center. One of them dies suddenly, and his world gets turned upside down.
Source: Comedy baseball manga by the acclaimed Adachi Mitsuru (Miyuki, Touch) which runs in Weekly Shonen Sunday. Cross Game won Shogakukan’s Shonen Manga award in 2009, and has 14 compiled volumes so far.
Studio: Synergy SP
Staff: Directed by Sekita Osamu (Ichigo 100% + a bunch of ero-anime)
Episode count: ?
Music: ?
Opening Theme: Summer Rain by Kobukuro
Ending Theme: Koi Kogarete Mita Yume by Ayaka
-First anime theme song for either Jpop superstar(s).
Seiyuu: Irino Miyu and Tomatsu Haruka voice the leads (same as in Asura Cryin’), supported by Kanda Akemi, Shitaya Noriko, Toyoguchi Megumi & Sakurai Takahiro
Radio show: No.

Dragon Ball Kai [ドラゴンボール改]

Nutshelled: A HD remaster & recut of the original Dragon Ball Z series to celebrate the 20th anniversary.
Source: 14 volumes of manga written & illustrated by Aoki Takao.
Studio: Toei Animation
Staff: It’s a recut, so I guess the staff is the same?
Episode count: ?
Music: Yamamoto Kenji
Opening Theme: Dragon Soul by Tanimoto Takayoshi
Ending Theme: Yeah! Break! Care! Break! by Tanimoto Takayoshi
Seiyuu: The same as the original – Nozawa Masako, Tsuru Hiromi, Tanaka Mayumi, Furuya Tohru etc.
Radio show: No.

Gokujō!! Mecha Mote Iinchō [極上!!めちゃモテ委員長]

Nutshelled: Girl aims to be best student council president ever!
Source: Manga by Nishimura Tomoko, 8 tankoubon in print so far.
Studio: Synergy SP
Staff: Directed by Kosaka Harume (Saint Beast), written by Takahashi Natsuko
Episode count: 13?
Music: ?
Opening Theme: Mecha Mote I Love You MM Gakuen Gasshobu
Ending Theme: Kirei ni Naritai by MM Gakuen Gasshobu
Seiyuu: 15-year old idol Ogawa Mana gets the lead role with Chiba Chiemi, Enomoto Atsuko, Yonezawa Madoka, Takanohashi Tsubasa, Oshima Ryo(?), Abe Ryotaro, Watanabe Tomohiro and Yahagi Sayuri amongst the rest of the cast.
Radio show: No

Guin Saga [グイン・サーガ]

Nutshelled: Tales of the mysterious amnesiac warrior with leopard mask permanently fixed to his head.
Source: Kurimoto Kaoru’s fantasy saga, which has seen 124 volumes of novels published since 1979.
Studio: Satelight
Staff: Directed by newcomer Wakabayashi Atsushi
Episode count: 26
Music: Uematsu Nobuo
Opening Theme: Guin’s Theme by Uematsu Nobuo
Ending Theme: Saga~This is my road by Kanon

Seiyuu: Veteran Horiuchi Kennyuu tackles the lead role of Guin. Support cast includes Nakahara Mai, Yonaga Tsubasa, Asanuma Shintaro, Yahagi Sayuri, Uchida Yuya, Watanabe Akeno, Ishii Makoto, Abe Atsushi, Iwasaki Hiromi & Fujiwara Keiji
Radio show: No.
Staff Blog: In operation since last August, run by somebody called YB.
Comments: Really ambitious project, this. I look forward to yaoi moments!

Hagane no Renkinjutsushi FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST [鋼の錬金術師 FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST]

Nutshelled: Adventures of the bean and the tin man.
Source: Manga by Arakawa Hiromu
Studio: Bones
Staff: Original director Mizushima Seiji is replaced by Kurau director Irie Yasuhiro, who also worked on some of the opening animation for the original FMA anime.
Episode count: 4-cour
Music: Senju Akira
Opening Theme: again by YUI
Ending Theme: Uso by Sid
Seiyuu: They could never replace Paku Romi, Kugimiya Rie and Toyoguchi Megumi, could they… oh they did. Well the main two are retained, but Takamoto Megumi now replaces Toyoguchi, and there are wholesale changes in the rest of the cast as well. Saiga Mitsuki is replaced by Nazuka Kaori(!), Okiayu Ryotaro by Miyake Kenta(!!) and Neya Michiko by Orikasa Fumiko(!!!) for example. Fujiwara Keiji, Hamada Kenji and Shibata Hideyuki are the only other unchanged cast members.
Radio show: Hosted on Onsen by Paku Romi & Kugimiya Rie.
Comments: Very disappointing that most of the supporting characters have been recast. I’ll always associate Roy Mustang, Riza Hawkeye and Winry with their original voices =_=

Hanasakeru Seishōnen [花咲ける青少年]

Nutshelled: Half (Japanese/American) heiress is transplanted from ordinary school days in Japan to live an upper class life.
Source: Shojo manga by Itsuki Natsumi, which ran in the 90s. 12 tankoubon in total.
Studio: Studio Pierrot
Staff: Kon Chiaki (Higurashi, Nodame Cantabile) directs
Episode count: 39
Music: Saito Tetsuya & Sato Go
Opening Theme: CHANGE by J-MIN
Ending Theme: One by J-MIN
-Korean singer.

Seiyuu: Endo Aya is the lead girl. She’s surrounded by smexy guys such as Morikawa Toshiyuki, Kakihara Tetsuya, Goda Hozumi, Namikawa Daisuke, Ono Daisuke, Fukuyama Jun, Koyasu Takehito, Suwabe Junichi & Tsuchida Hiroshi.
Radio show: No.
Comments: This is Aya’s second reverse harem lead (after Neo Angelique).

Hatsukoi Limited. [初恋限定。]

Nutshelled: Rom-com revolving around 8 schoolgirls and their love lives.
Source: A 4-volume manga by Kawashita Mizuki (Ichigo 100%)
Studio: J.C.Staff
Staff: Directed by newcomer Yamakawa Yoshiki
Episode count: 12
Music: Nijine – often employed as a songwriter for Lantis artists. A self-professed anime and seiyuu fan, this will be her(his?) first composition work for an anime.
Opening Theme: Future Stream by Sphere
Ending Theme: Hatsukoi Limited by marble

Seiyuu: The 8 girls are Ise Mariya, Ito Shizuka, Toyosaki Aki, Fujimura Ayumi, Kotobuki Minako, Goto Saori, Tanaka Rie & Shiraishi Ryoko. The guys include Irino Miyu, Asanuma Shintaro, Sakurai Takahiro, Hino Satoshi, Yoshino Hiroyuki and Nomura Kenji.
Radio show: Shizuka to Mariya no Koiiro Limited hosted by Ito Shizuka & Ise Mariya
Comments: I really liked the Ichigo 100% manga back when and was cheesed off at the terrible anime adaptation, but Hatsukoi Limited. should be better, with its short story format. Should be, I say.

Hayate no Gotoku!! [ハヤテのごとく!!]

Nutshelled: Adding an exclamation mark make a sequel to a combat butler anime.
Source: Manga by Hata Kenjiro
Studio: JC Staff replaces Season 1’s Synergy SP. JCS also did the OVA.
Staff: Iwasaki Yoshiaki (Love Hina, Zero no Tsukaima) takes over from Kawaguchi Keiichiro
Episode count: ?
Music: Nakagawa Kotaro
Opening Theme: Wonder Wind by ELISA
Ending Theme: Honjitsu, Mankai Watashi-iro! by Ito Shizuka feat. Yahagi Sayuri, Nakao Eri & Asano Masumi
Seiyuu: Original cast returns (Shiraishi Ryoko, Kugimiya Rie etc)
Radio show: Hayacon hosted by Shiraishi Ryoko & Kugimiya Rie
Staff Blog: Covers all Hayate-related merchandise from comics to figures to CDs.

Higashi no Eden [東のエデン]

Nutshelled: Failed terrorist attacks, naked guy with memory loss, girl on a trip in the USA. Somehow, this stuff all fits together? This will be the first original story to air in the noitaminA slot.
Source: Original story by Kamiyama Kenji (GitS)
Studio: Production IG
Staff: Kamiyama is also directing, with original character designs provided by Honey & Clover’s Umino Chika.
Episode count: 11
Music: Kawai Kenji
Opening Theme: Falling Down by Oasis
Ending Theme: futuristic imagination by school food punishment
-Really interesting song choices – school food punishment’s debut anime theme sounded great in the trailer.
Seiyuu: Veteran Kimura Ryohei takes the lead male role, with Hayami Saori as the lead female. Tamagawa Sakiko supports.
Radio show: No
Staff Blog: Pretty messy blog, but provides lots of nice staff & production pictures.

Higepiyo [ヒゲぴよ]

Nutshelled: Higepiyo is a mustached bird that can talk to its human owner. Comedy presumably ensues.
Source: 4-koma manga by Ito Risa (Ebichu), serialised in Shueisha’s Chorus.
Studio: Cinema Citrus (?)
Staff: Directed by Takeyama Atsushi, Takashi Natsuko is chief writer
Episode count: 39
Music: Masuda Toshio
Opening Theme: ?
Ending Theme: ?
Seiyuu: Paku Romi voices Higepiyo and is joined by Kobayashi Yu, Arai Satomi, Miyashita Eiji, Kumai Motoko & Sugita Tomokazu.
Radio show: No
Comments: What the hell is this.

Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari [異世界の聖機師物語]

Nutshelled: Kid is summoned to ancient world to fight wars with humanoid weapons.
Source: Spinoff of Tenchi Muyo!
Studio: AIC & Bestack
Staff: Ninomiya-kun director Yoshikawa Koji helms, with writer Shirane Hideki (Bottle Fairy, Potemayo, Yamibo) on board.
Episode count: 13 OVAs
Music: Tada Akifumi (Tenchi Muyo OVA, Skip Beat!)
Opening Theme: Follow Me by Kagami Seira feat.Sound Around
Ending Theme: Destino by Alchemy+

Seiyuu: Shimono Hiro is the lead. Support comes from Yonezawa Madoka, Kuwatani Natsuko, Tsunematsu Ayumi, Nakagawa Rie, Noda Junko, Goto Mai, Saito Momoko, Sonozaki Mie, Sato Takaya, Yasumoto Hiroko, Omura Kana & Suzuki Tatsuhisa
Radio show: No.

Jewel Pet [ジュエルペット]

Nutshelled: The heartwarming tale of fluffy jewel-eyed pets.
Source: A Sanrio line of plush toys.
Studio: Studio Comet
Staff: Directed by newcomer Sasaki Nanako
Episode count: 52
Music: ?
Opening Theme: Maji? Maji! Magical☆Jewel by Asaka Yui
-oh shi… she’s still alive?
Ending Theme: Egao no Loop by Horie Mitsuko

Seiyuu: Morning Musume’s Kamei Eri (above) takes on the lead role Rinko in her first voice acting role, alongside singer/idol AKINA. Pro seiyuu support comes from Saito Ayaka, Hirano Aya, Sawashiro Miyuki, Sasaki Nozomi & Miyano Mamoru
Radio show: No

K-ON! [けいおん！]

Nutshelled: 4 schoolgirls who can’t read or play music join the light music (keion) club to save it from dying out
Source: 4-koma manga by Kakifly, runs in Hobunsha’s Manga Time Kirara
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Staff: First time directing for Yamada Hisako
Episode count: 13
Music: ?
Opening Theme: Cagayake!Girls by Sakurako Keionbu
Ending Theme: Don’t Say “lazy” by Sakurako Keionbu
Seiyuu: Four leads Toyosaki Aki, Hikasa Yoko, Sato Satomi & Kotobuki Minako are joined by Sanada Asami, Yonezawa Madoka & Fujito Chika. Relatively unknown but full of potential cast.
Radio show: Rajion is hosted by the four lead girls, where they attempt to learn playing their respective character’s instruments from scratch.
Staff Blog: Loads of K-ON! staff posting on the blog, including Nishiguchi & Okamo (covering the music side) from Pony Canyon, TBS’s Fujima, Movic’s Matsuni and so on.

Konnichiwa Anne: Before Green Gables [こんにちは アン ～Before Green Gables]

Nutshelled: The early years of orphan Anne Shirley before she hit the Green Gables.
Source: Budge Wilson’s prequel novel to the Lucy Maud Montgomery series.
Studio: Nippon Animation
Staff: Directed by Yatabe Katsuyoshi. He’s done a lot of ero-anime.
Episode count: 39
Music: Takanashi Yasuharu, Mizutani Hiromi, Fujisawa Kenji (all worked on Jigoku Shojo)
Opening Theme: Hikari no Tane by Inoue Azumi
Ending Theme: Yattane♪March by Inoue Azumi

Seiyuu: 15-year old Hidaka Rina takes on the lead role of Anne. Tamura Seiko, Sato Setsuji, Wakusawa Rika, Kobayashi Yumiko, Kawata Taeko, Horie Mitsuko, Shimogama Chiaki, Koorogi Satomi & Ikeda Masako support.
Radio show: Unlikely.
Comments: Another in the series of World Masterpiece Theater, which means only kids will watch it.

Mainichi Kaa-san [毎日かあさん]

Nutshelled: Another one of those fugly heartwarming family stories.
Source: A gag strip by Nishihara Rieko that runs in Mainichi Shimbun.
Studio: AIC & Bestack
Staff: Directed by Hongo Mitsuru (Crayon Shin-chan series)
Episode count: ?
Music: Kurihara Masaki
-He of Kuricorder Quartet fame.
Opening Theme: Mainichi Kaa-san by Mori Kumiko
Ending Theme: Tadaima by Sato Hiromichi

Seiyuu: Kaa-san is voiced by singer/actress Mori Kumiko (also sings theme song), actor Taguchi Hiromasa voices Tou-san, Sonozaki Mie is son Bunji, child actress Fujii Yuna voices daughter Fumi, Okamoto Rei is grandma and Shimamoto Sumi narrates.
Radio show: No.

Metal Fight Beyblade [メタルファイト ベイブレード]

Nutshelled: Kids fight each other with spinning tops.
Source: 14 volumes of manga written & illustrated by Aoki Takao.
Studio: Nihon Animedia
Staff: Directed by Sugishima Kunihisa (Nabari no O, Yu-gi-o Duel Masters)
Episode count: ?
Music: Neil Perfitt
Opening Theme: Metal Fight Beyblade by YU+KI
Ending Theme: Hikari Kagayaku Ashita e by MASH
Seiyuu: Kanada Aki leads, with Hino Satoshi, Miyake Kenta, Koyasu Takehito, Kato Emiri & Shindo Kei supporting.
Radio show: Kids’ anime never get radio shows.

Natsu no Arashi! [夏のあらし!]

Nutshelled: Kid meets (very old but) young girl with mysterious powers, weird things happen. Comedy ensues.
Source: Manga by Kobayashi Jin (School Rumble), serialised in Squeanix’s Gangan Wing. 4 tankoubon volumes out so far.
Studio: Shaft
Staff: Shinbo Akiyuki is directing, so you know what to expect.
Episode count: 13
Music: ken sato
Opening Theme: Atashi dake ni kakete by Omokage Lucky Hole
Ending Theme: Kirari Futari by Shiraishi Ryoko

Seiyuu: Sanpei Yuko & Shiraishi Ryoko lead, with Nazuka Kaori, Omigawa Chiaki(!), Nabatame Hitomi, Yasumoto Hiroki, Nonaka Ai & Horie Yui as supports.
Radio show: No.
Comments: How much are they paying Shaft to hire Omigawa Chiaki again?

PandoraHearts

Nutshelled: Rich kid gets thrown into the Abyss and enters into a contract with a ‘chain’ called Alice.
Source: Shonen manga by Mochizuki Jun, runs in Squenix’s GFantasy. 6 tankobon have been released so far
Studio: Xebec
Staff: Directed by Kato Takao (ToLove-Ru, Busou Renkin)
Episode count: 25
Music: Kajiura Yuki
Opening Theme: Parallel Hearts by FictionJunction
Ending Theme: Maze by savage genius feat. Oumi Tomoe
-written by Aa & Okui Masami.

Seiyuu:A few changes from the drama CDs – Minagawa Junko is still the lead character (male), Fukuyama Jun & Hirohashi Ryo are retained but Kawasumi Ayako now replaces Tamura Yukari as the lead female Alice, Toriumi Kosuke is in for Konishi Katsuyuki, Hanazawa Kana in place of Horie Yui and Ishida Akira instead of Seki Toshihiko. Solid replacements all around.
Radio show: Pandora Radio hosted by Minagawa Junko & Toriumi Kosuke.
Staff Blog: Features pictures of cats.
Comments: Since I tend to average completing one mindless shonen anime per year (2008’s was Nabari no O), I wonder if PandoraHearts will fill that slot for me in 2009.

Phantom~Requiem for the Phantom~

Nutshelled: Teenager gets kidnapped and is forced to joined an evil association called Inferno.
Source: Nitroplus visual novel Phantom of Inferno. A 3-volume OVA animated by Arc Create (アークスクリエイト) was released in 2004.
Studio: Bee Train
Staff: Directed by Mashimo Koichi (Noir, Tsubasa Chronicle)
Episode count: 2-cour
Music: Nanase Hikaru
Opening Theme: KARMA by KOKIA
Ending Theme: Jigoku no Mon by Ali Project

Seiyuu: Entire cast has been changed, Irino Miyu & Takagaki Ayahi now lead instead of Okano Kosuke & Minami Omi. Sawashiro Miyuki, Inoue Kikuko, Chiba Isshin, Watanabe Akeno, Chiba Susumu & Hoshi Soichiro are also involved.
Radio show: Phantom Radio, hosted by Irino Miyu, JoyMax & Takagaki Ayahi.
Comments: Bee Train’s name on the tin is a strong warning sign that this isn’t for me. Noir is the only show of theirs I actually completed. Still, it can’t possibly be any worse than the original sucky OVAs.

Queen’s Blade: Rurō no Senshi [クイーンズブレイド 流浪の戦士]

Nutshelled: Chicks with big boobs battle to be the next beauty queen
Source: A series of visual combat books published by Hobby Japan which are a spinoff from Lost Worlds, the popular 80s gamebooks.
Studio: ARMS
Staff: Directed by Yoshimoto Kinji (lots of ero-anime + Genshiken 2)
Episode count: 12
Music: Yokoyama Masaru (KimiKiss)
Opening Theme: Get the door by Ohashi Rie
Ending Theme: Omoide to Yakusoku by Kawasumi Ayako, Noto Mamiko & Hirano Aya
-Earplug alert.

Seiyuu: Kawasumi Ayako & Noto Mamiko lead (again), supported by Hirano Aya, Tanaka Atsuko, Kugimiya Rie, Mizuhashi Kaori, Nabatame Hitomi, Goto Yuko, Ito Kanae, Kaida Yuki, Yuzuki Ryoka & Saito Ayaka
Radio show: Queen’s Blade Radio, hosted by Kawasumi Ayako & Noto Mamiko
Comments: Seriously, I’m just watching to see the boob physics.

Ristorante Paradiso [リストランテ・パラディーゾ]

Nutshelled: Country girl gets abandoned by parents and ends up apprenticing in stepfather’s kitchen in Rome.
Source: Manga by Ono Natsume, ran in Manga Erotics F (yeah, really). Currently, a side story called Gente-Ristorante no Hitobito- is serialised in the same publication.
Studio: david production. No prior credit, the studio are also animating the upcoming DOGS.
Staff: Directed by Kase Mitsuko (Saikano, Crystal Blaze)
Episode count: 11
Music: ko-ko-ya, an indie bossa-nova/lounge trio
Opening Theme: Marigold by orange pekoe
Ending Theme: Suteki na Kajitsu by Komine Risa
Seiyuu: Orikasa Fumiko leads, with Yamanoi Jin, Kuroda Takaya, Tachikawa Mitsutaka (actor), Oyama Shigeo, Nishimatsu Kazuhiko, Ueda Youji, Terada Haruhi, Nomura Kenji & Watanabe Misa supporting.
Radio show: Nope.
Staff Blog: Staffed by various members of the RisPara production team.
Comments: Obscure source material studio but solid staff & cast – hard to see how it’s going to turn out. Sleeper (literally) like Bartender maybe?

Saki [咲-Saki-]

Nutshelled: Mahjong anime.
Source: Manga by Kobashi Ritz, serialized in Young Gangan
Studio: GONZO (Studio 5)
Staff: Directed by Ono Manabu (Dragonaut), written by Urahata Tatsuhiko (Monster, Vampire Hunter)
Episode count: ?
Music: ?
Opening Theme: Glossy:MMM by Hashimoto Miyuki
Ending Theme: Netsuretsu Kangei Wonderland by Ueda Kana, Koshimizu Ami, Kugimiya Rie, Shiraishi Ryoko & Ito Shizuka (lol Marimite mini reunion)

Seiyuu: Cast from the drama CDs is retained, and the anime adds on a host of names to make it the biggest pre-announced spring cast. Ueda Kana, Koshimizu Ami, Kugimiya Rie, Ito Shizuka, Shiraishi Ryoko and Fukuyama Jun are joined by Chihara Minori, Fukuhara Kaori, Shimizu Ai, Nakai Erika, Kaida Yuko, Horie Yui, Kanzaki Chiro, Morinaga Rika, Matayoshi Ai, Saiga Mitsuki, Kobayashi Yu, Nanasawa Shin, Shintani Ryoko, Kuwatani Natsuko, Saito Momoko, Fujita Saki, Nakata Jouji and Onosaka Masaya.
Radio show: The first radio show (which aired on Animate.tv) ran for 6 months in mid-2007 to beginning-2008, with Ueda and Koshimizu serving as hosts. They did actually play mahjong during the shows, if my mind serves me correctly. No idea if it’ll get resurrected.
Staff blog: Run by a staff member called Ecology, contains anime info and mahjong tips.

Sengoku BASARA [戦国BASARA]

Nutshelled: Sengoku story, you know the drill.
Source: Sengoku BASARA PS2 games by Capcom.
Studio: Production IG
Staff: Directed by Kawasaki Itsuro (Rental Magica, L/R)
Episode count: 12
Music: Sawano Hiroyuki
Opening Theme: JAP by abingdon boys school
Ending Theme: Break & Peace by Dustz

Seiyuu: All return from the game, including Nakai Kazuya as Date Masamune & Hoshi Soichiro as Sanada Yukimura. Others include Morikawa Toshiyuki, Genda Tessho, Koyasu Takehito, Paku Romi, Kuwatani Natsuko, Tsujitani Koji, Noto Mamiko, Hayami Sho, Shimowada Hiroki, Hino Yukari & Wakamoto Norio.
Radio show: Two sets of radio shows launching, the Kugane side by Morita Masakazu + guest seiyuu, and the Shirogane side by Kuwatani Natsuko & Noto Mamiko

Senjō no Valkyria [戦場のヴァルキュリア -Gallian Chronicles-]

Nutshelled: Wars, guns, girls.
Source: PS3 game by Sega
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Staff: Directed by Yamamoto Yasutaka (first-time director)
Episode count: 26
Music: Sakimoto Hiroshi
Opening Theme: Ashita e no Kizuna by HIMEKA
Ending Theme: Ano Kaze ni Notte by pe’zmoku

Seiyuu: Most of the game’s very solid main cast returns, with Chiba Susumu and Inoue Marina leading alongside Kuwashima Houko, Sakurai Takahiro, Fukuyama Jun, Tanaka Atsuko, Ohtsuka Akio, Ohtsuka Chikao and Ohara Sayaka. So far, two seiyuu have been replaced – Minagawa Junko steps in for Toyoguchi Megumi and Nomura Kenji in place of Egawa Hisao.
Radio show: GBS Dai-7 Shoutai Bunkyoku, hosted on Animate.tv by Chiba Susumu & Kano Yui
Staff Blog: No, but you can sign up for a mail magazine on the website.
Comments: Uh-oh. Why are Toyoguchi Megumi’s roles going to other people this season? Wonder what sort of ’scheduling conflict’ is going on.

Shangri-la [シャングリ・ラ]

Nutshelled: Government tries to build utopia in a tropical Tokyo ravaged by global warming.
Source: Novel by Ikegami Eiichi, published by Kadokawa
Studio: Gonzo
Staff: Directed by Besshu Makoto, character designs by Murata Range
Episode count: 2-cour
Music: ?
Opening Theme: Kimi Shinita Mou Koto Nakare by May’n
Ending Theme: ? by Misawa Sachika (unconfirmed)

Seiyuu: Competing with Saki, Asura Cryin’ & Queen’s Blade for the most bloated cast of the season. Takahashi Mikako has a rare chance at leading the line, joined by an odd mix of new seiyuu (Ariga Yui, Misawa Sachika, Yamashita Yurie) with veterans and jobbers (Fukuyama Jun, Ishii Makoto, Iguchi Yuka, Horiuchi Kenyu, Watanabe Kumiko, Nakamura Yuichi, Kakihara Tetsuya, Sakurai Takahiro, Igarashi Rei, Kyoda Hisako, Hirakawa Daisuke, Kaneda Tomoko, Ishizuka Rie, Nakamura Hidetoshi).
Radio show: No.
Staff blog: The usual sort of info blog by PR guy Metal Age.

Shin Mazinger Shōgeki! Z-hen [真マジンガー 衝撃！Z編]

Nutshelled: Mecha.
Source: Part of the Mazinger franchise.
Studio: BEEMEDIA/Code
Staff: Imagawa Yasuhiro (Mobile Fighter G Gundam, Giant Robo) directs.
Episode count: 26
Music: Miyagawa Akira (Shin Mazinger, Hoshi no Kirby)
Opening Theme: Kanjite Knight by ULTIMATE LAZY for MAZINGER (LAZY + Okuda Tamio, Saito Kazuyoshi & JAM PROJECT)
Ending Theme: Brand New World by Aso Natsuko

Seiyuu: The lead role is taken by Akabane Kenji, the latest KenPro (Saiga Mitsuki etc) prodigy. Support comes from Fujimura Ayumi, Suzuki Taimei, Honda Yoko, Naka Hiroshi, Ichijo Miyuki, Imaruoka Atsushi, Genda Tessho, Kato Masayuki, Tomoe Seiko, Kishino Kazuhiko, Yamagata Kaori, Ishitobi Koji & Inaba Minoru
Radio show: None announced.
Staff Blog: Infoblog written by unknown staff member.

Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica Crimson S [神曲奏界ポリフォニカ クリムゾンS]

Nutshelled: Spirits materialize in the the land of Polyphonica, and powerful musicians can contract powerful spirits to exorcise ghosts and do the dishes.
Source: Based on the Crimson set of light novels (one of five sets) which are in turn based on the kinetic novel. Sakaki Ichiro (Scrapped Princess) scripted both.
Studio: Diomedia (previously Studio Barcelona, animated Kodomo no Jikan & Nogizaka Haruka)
Staff: Change in staff from the first anime. Directed by Suzuki Toshimasa (Heroic Age)
Episode count: 12
Music: ?
Opening Theme: phosphorus by eufonius
Ending Theme: Koi no Uta by Tomatsu Haruka
-eh no Kukui?

Seiyuu: First season cast retained – this was the anime that launched Tomatsu Haruka, and she returns alongside Kamiya Hiroshi, Kawasumi Ayako, Konishi Katsuyuki, Mizuki Nana & Sato Rina and they are joined by new additions Hayami Sho, Nonaka Ai, Nabatame Hitomi & Asanuma Shintaro.
Radio show: No.
Staff Blog: Run by various Polyphonica-related staffers, from publicity guys Muuko & Norimaki to Pony Canyon staff members and anime editor K-Mura.
Comments: Frankly, I’m amazed that a second season got greenlighted since the first’s DVD sales tanked. I can’t say I’m particularly enamoured by the moe-fied character designs, I thought they looked alright the last time out.

Slap-Up Party -Arad Senki- [スラップアップパーティ −アラド戦記−]

Nutshelled: Boy gets driven out of village and embarks on epic journey.
Source: Derived from Korean MMORPG Dungeon Fighter
Studio: Gonzo
Staff: Ikezoe Takahiro (first-time director)
Episode count: 26
Music: Nakatsuka Takeshi
-Nothing else about the anime looks remotely promising, but I can least look forward to a possibly funky soundtrack courtesy of QYPTHONE’s Nakatsuka.
Opening Theme: Party Play by Nogawa Sakura
Ending Theme: ? by YMCK

Seiyuu: Kondo Takashi & Nogawa Sakura lead. Support cast includes Suzumura Kenichi, Tsuji Ayumi, Iwata Mitsuko, Okiayu Ryotaro, Kuroda Takaya, Tanaka Rie, Koshimizu Ami & Watanabe Akeno.
Radio show: No.
Staff Blog: Run by ‘Staff’ and Calimelo. There’s also an alternative blog chronicling the adventures of the character Ixia (voiced by Tsuji Ayumi).

Sōten Kōro [蒼天航路]

Nutshelled: The animated story of Cao Cao (aka more Romance of the Three Kingdoms crap, whoopee).
Source: Manga by King Gonta based on a story by Hagin Yi, serialised by Kodansha from 1994 to 2005.
Studio: Madhouse
Staff: Directed by Tominaga Tsuneo (Trouble Chocolate, Wangan Midnight, Wind: A Breath of Heart)
Episode count: ?
Music: Murai Shusei (Allison & Lillia)
Opening Theme: 909 by TRIBAL CHAIR
Ending Theme: Pinhole by OGRE YOU ASSHOLE
-Sadly not new material, but awesome opening-ending indie band pairing regardless. Terribly unsuitable for a Sengoku anime though.

Seiyuu: Miyano Mamoru leads as Cao Cao, with Terasoma Masaki, Nozawa Nachi, Seki Tomokazu, Inada Tetsu, Kusao Takeshi, Egawa Hisao, Chiba Isshin & Nakao Ryusei the other cast members announced so far.
Radio show: Nope.

TAYUTAMA-Kiss on my Deity- [タユタマ -Kiss on my Deity-]

Nutshelled: Schoolboy runs shrine, discovers magic relic and mysterious girls start popping out of the woodwork.
Source: Eroge by Lump of Sugar (Nursery Rhyme)
Studio: SILVER LINK’s first full production – the studio has also worked on Neuro, ef -a tale of melodies- and Koihime Musou
Staff: Directed by Motonaga Keitaro (LoveDol, School Days, AkaSaka)
Episode count: 12
Music: Okawa Shigenobu (anison writer) & Minobe Yutaka (Yugioh 5Ds)
Opening Theme: The fine every day by Kicco
Ending Theme: Kizuna no Uta by Miyazaki Ui
Seiyuu: Hino Satoshi takes on the formerly mute lead male, and the female harem continue on their roles from the game under their real names this time. Rikimaru Noriko, Shimoda Asami, Mizuhashi Kaori and Ito Shizuka are amongst the de-pseudonymed female seiyuu, with Okiayu Ryotaro, Wakamoto Norio, Tanzawa Teruyuki, Kishio Daisuke, Nagami Haruka, Tsunoda Harumi, Nakagara Rie & Nakase Hina the others.
Radio show: Tayutama Radio-Hirusagari no Yometachi is hosted by Shimoda Asami & Rikimaru Noriko.
Staff Blog: Run by Media Factory staffer Acchin
Comments: Pretty much everything reeks of suck for me. I’ve not ever liked anything Motonaga’s handled.

Tears to Tiara [ティアーズ トゥ ティアラ]

Nutshelled: Young girl releases 1000+ years sealed-away demon king & travels with him/it.
Source: 18+ PC tactical RPG by Leaf. The anime adaptation will incorporate extra stuff from the non-adult PS3 remake TtT: Kakan no Daichi.
Studio: WHITE FOX, who broke away from OLM TEAM IWASA (led by Iwasa Gaku) in 2007. Most of the staff worked on the Utawarerumono anime.
Staff: Directed by Kobayashi Tomoki (Utawarerumono, sola)
Episode count: 26
Music: Hattori Takayuki (Nadesico, Slayers)
Opening Theme: Free and Dream by Suara
Ending Theme: Blue sky, True sky by Yuhki Aira
Seiyuu: The game’s cast return, minus eroge pseudonyms. Includes Okawa Toru, Ishii Makoto, Goto Yuko, Asai Kiyomi & Akimoto Yosuke. Koshimizu Ami takes over the pregnant Inokuchi Yuka’s role, Shimizu Ai replaces Tanii Asuka, Nazuka Kaori swaps in for Takamori Nao and Ueda Kana is in for Asano Ruri. Tanaka Rie & Nakahara Mai round off the cast.
Radio show: Hosted on NicoDouga by Goto Yuko & Ishii Makoto.

Useless statistics:
No. of shows covered in this guide: 37
No. of shows with an exclamation mark in the title: 7
No. of sequels, sidestories, prequels, remakes, blah: 8
No. of original shows not based on a manga, game, novels or random gimmick (& not including sequels): 3
No. of shows with a theme song by one of the seiyuu: 11

Stuff:
-I honestly give up trying to work out what I want to watch before a season starts, because I almost always end up watching things I never intend to. Like how SoraKake & Rideback ended up being my biggest priorities of the winter shows despite not originally planning to watch either. And how this time last year, kure-nai wasn’t even on my radar but I had actually planned to watch shit like Special A.
-Most of the short descriptions of this season’s anime seem to go ‘(insert person) does (something) and (something else) happens’. I guess I’m running out of words to describe ‘yet another shonen show’?
-If I was gonna pick anything based on the seiyuu cast, it’d be Hatsukoi Limited. & Saki.
-Based on the wacky trailer – Higashi no Eden seems a pretty good bet too.
-I guess it’s a sad season for Mizuki Nana fans? Slim pickings this time, I somehow doubt anyone really wants to endure watching Polyphonica for their Nana fix. Guess she’s busy recording & gearing up for the release of the new album.