Learning the ABCs: Hanasaku Iroha

I’ll always remember Hanasaku Iroha as an anime captured my attention through its beautiful scenery and style. One cannot disagree that the series has one of the most gorgeous settings, with attention to the detail. But that’s not what makes an anime worth watching.

I won’t deny that it is the stunning artwork that I picked up Hanasaku Iroha. But it is the curiosity to know what happens to Ohana that got me sticking around. Sure, I didn’t follow the series on weekly basis but it’s never far from my mind. I kept count the number of episodes aired, and catch up whenever I could. And finally, I caught up.

Oh, Ohana!

It’s been a while since my last Hanasaku Iroha post. I think I have already explained myself but just in case I actually didn’t or you’ve missed it I’ll explain once again. I didn’t drop Hanasaku Iroha. I wouldn’t, in a million years, do that. It’s just that I thought this series is best watched at one go so I wouldn’t feel like throwing rotten tomatoes at Ohana or Ohana’s mother or anyone else who happens to get on my nerve.

Kidding. Seriously, I want to like this series and the drama occasionally feels painfully slow. In order to avoid that, a Hanasaku Iroha marathon is the next best thing.

How Do You Pick Your Anime?

A few weeks into anime summer season, I’m seeing my to-watch list just grows insanely. It’s a bit scary since I don’t have the luxury of time to be watching everything that’s currently on my list. Of course, I have my strategy. The ones I really like I’ll watch them on weekly basis. The ones I like enough to be following but not crazy enough about them, then maybe I’ll gather a few episodes before watching them. Maybe two, three episodes? Or maybe more. I’m like ten episodes behind Hanasaku Iroha, but fear not for I shall catch up soon. I just need to buy a bag of popcorn and then wait till the weekend arrives. I hope this weekend’s weather is cool. I don’t like to marathon a series under a hot, humid weather. Note to self: buy popcorn.

Anime Summer Season 2011 Is Coming!

Soooo…Spring Anime 2011 season is coming to an end. How has it been for you? I picked up Moshidora and A Channel as planned here. Along with those two series, I picked up Hanasaku Iroha and Hidan no Aria as well. Just to let you know, I haven’t seen any of the latter two series’ episodes since the sixth episode – which is why there isn’t any Hanasaku Iroha post lately. I intend to continue with it, just thought I should gather a few more episodes first.

The other day, I was reading the Summer Anime 2011 list and have roughly decided what to follow. It has become a habit.

Hanasaku Iroha Episode 6: Nothing Venture Nothing Gain

Ohana received her first salary. 20,000 yen, about 750 Malaysian ringgits and about 250 U.S dollars. I think it’s not a bad amount considering she’s staying and eating at the inn for free. I believe her receiving her first salary, with an amount she considers huge, has motivated her to put a little extra effort in facing the challenges she was given this episode. Wait a minute…didn’t she negotiate her pay or at least know how much grandma’s paying her before starting her work?

Hanasaku Iroha Episode 5: A Tearful Chef Romance

This episode revolved around Tohru. More accurately, the misconception that he’s left Kissuisō Inn for its arch rival, Fukuya Inn. The culprit behind all the misunderstandings is none other than the novelist wannabe – Jirō. Tohru gained recommendable reputation this week. It seems like he is not only a Mr. Nice Guy but a well-respected chef too. I can’t help but wonder why he’s asked to help out Fukuya Inn in the first place. Whose idea was that?

Warnings – more spoilers ahead.

Hanasaku Iroha Episode 4: Grey Heron Rhapsody

A love triangle in Hanasaku Iroha? I thought of the possibility. Just that I always thought it’ll involve Ohana. Guess not. This episode debuts the most anticipated character – Yuina. Can I say the only reason everyone anticipated her debut is cuz she’s in the OP and remains the only character that has yet to appear? Please don’t throw eggs at me if I’m wrong.

Warnings – more spoilers ahead.

Hanasaku Iroha Episode 3: Balut

I was wondering why this episode is called balut. Thank goodness my confusion was cleared towards the end of the episode. Although I think it’s quite creative of Minko to come up with such a remarkable term to replace “die”, I doubt the word delivers the intended wrath. Haha.

Warnings – spoilers ahead.

Hanasaku Iroha Episode 2: Vengeance is a Staff Meal

The first thought I had after seeing the second episode of Hanasaku Iroha was “I like that girl!”. I meant Ohana, of course. She has charisma. I like how she carries herself throughout the course of the second episode here. It’s hard not to like her. At least, that’s for my case. She’s also can be very stubborn and a little rebellious. Basically, she’s marching to the beat of her own drum.

Warnings – there may be spoilers ahead.

Hanasaku Iroha Episode 1: Sixteen Years of Age, Spring, Still Buds

I am blown away by the artwork. Absolutely blown away. This series wasn’t on my to-watch list. I read a few reviews about it and they are generally positive so I decided to give it try. I was already blown away when I saw the screenshots, but now that I’ve watched it personally, I’m utterly speechless. It’s just so beautiful. It’s very detailed. I like how they took the effort to draw and color each shots so beautifully. I’m truly impressed. Truly, truly impressed.

Okay, I sounded like I might continue watching this series only cuz the art is amazingly pretty. But it is. It is that pretty. Omg, I’m..never mind – if I continue on, I’ll never stop gushing about the prettiness of the series.

Warnings – possible spoilers ahead.