Hoshiko’s Best Anime 2012

My annual best anime post has returned! Strangely though, I have hard time writing this post. It’s almost as if the anime this year is not that memorable. That’s not a good sign. Granted, I was drifting in and out of what I call the “anime mode” (indulging in anime) due to work-related projects. Still, it shouldn’t be hard to recall a good anime right? Right??

Anyway, the list below consists of anime completed this year. So it means, the anime could’ve started during Autumn 2011 but completed Winter 2012.

Uta Koi: All About Love

Chouyaku Hyakunin Isshu: Uta Koi. Uta Koi for short. Hmmm…something really bugs me about this series. You see, I have zero knowledge about poetries. If anyone ask me to name someone famous in literature, I probably name William Shakespeare. His name is the only one I know! He’s famous for being famous. Besides, the only time I ever read poems and the likes was way back in high school. That’s only for school grade’s sake! Also, I take zero interest in Japan’s social history or anything related for that matter.

So…why the hell do I find Uta Koi such a fine series?

Chihayafuru: A Thrilling Experience

Chihaya Ayase is a frank and ebullient girl who becomes fascinated by the obscure world of competitive karuta, a card game based on Japanese poetry. Introduced to the aggressive style of the game by a quiet and thoughtful elementary school classmate named Arata Wataya, the two quickly become close friends. They start playing as a group with Taichi Mashima, Chihaya’s smart and athletic childhood friend, until they have to part ways during their middle school years due to several circumstances. As their high school life begins, they meet once again.

- AnimeNewsNetwork

Just before today, Bamboo Blade was my favorite sports anime because I like the atmosphere of the series and that the characters were all so cute and loveable. It introduced me to Kendo and made me like the sports for all the “Men!” and “Kote!” and other shouts. When Chihayafuru came into the picture last Fall, I knew instinctively at the first episode that I’m gonna love this series even more. Guess what. I was right. Today, my dear readers, Chihayafuru is my favorite sports anime.

Warning! Spoilers ahead.