Aoi Yuuki ~ Popon . . . pon

Aoi Yuuki: moe of the grotesque.

Aoi Yuuki has released, Meriba, her 2nd album. Many know her as a tremendously talented seiyuu, whose vocal range gives her the ability to play all kinds of characters. Personally I think her best role was Toshiko Tatsuno in Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru, because the role of the very unstable Tatsuno (aka Tattsuntsun) gave her the opportunity to use so much of her range.

Aoi Yuuki with pink machine gun.

When Aoi Yuuki used that surprising range on earlier work (notably on the track “Night Parade” from her first album, and “Incertitude”, a Gosick character song), the effect was something like Kate Bush, a wildly dramatic, and very expressive performance. For her second album, Yuuki has reigned the dramatics in, and the material is more predictable. I rather like “Popon .. pon!”, and “Sanctuary Alice”, but the album doesn’t have the impact of her first album. If provided the right material, she could do some very interesting work.

I’ve only found a link for a partial video for “Popon .. pon”, but here it is.

SoreMachi 8 9 – ping pong

Two more episodes of the world's greatest maid detective.

These two episodes of Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru included some typical high school comedy scenarios, such as the culture festival and some kind of test in P.E. class. Needless to say, fellow maid, Tatsun-tsun steals the show. Finally, in an unexpected twist, Shizuka, from the antique shop, discovers snack food from the future.

SoreMachi 7 – crossing the gap

Hotori and Takeru Arashiyama fight back against the forces of the night.

Wow! Another hilarious episode of Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru. While the first half examined Hotori and Hiroyuki Sanada’s relationship, I’ll be focussing on the 2nd half, in which the discovery of a mysterious potion leads the Arashiyama siblings to an adventure in the city at night.

SoreMachi 6 – monkey paw

Hotori visits an occult shop.

Every great television show has it’s monkey paw episode. Episode 6 is the Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru monkey paw episode. This episode also saw some development in the love triangle of Arashiyama / Sanada / Tatsuno.

SoreMachi 5 – girl of 1,000 faces

Episode 5 of Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru features Toshiko Tatsuno in the first half. The second half unexpectedly develops Hotori’s brother’s character. All I’ll say about that is that Hotori’s cluelessness in the ways of love are shared with her brother.

SoreMachi ED – cosplay version

SoreMachi cast cosplay.

It isn’t a big secret that I have really been enjoying Soredemo Machi ga Mawatteiru. I haven’t previously posted a link to the ED, and a surprise YouTube clip gives me just that opportunity. The 4 cast members featured in the ED have put on maid uniforms and pretend to play instruments in this recut version. Enjoy!

A big thanks to Hashihime for the tip off.

SoreMachi 4 – fated encounter

Hotori Arashiyama, high school detective.

Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru episode 4 reveals the thread of fate that binds Hotori to Moriaki-sensei throughout time..

SoreMachi 3 – Hotori’s Revenge

Adventure awaits!

Hotori has her revenge in the third episode of Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru.

SoreMachi 2 – even life has its own formula

Looking for clues

Episode 2 of Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru is full of domestic abuse, run-ins with the law, corporate crime, as well as suspicions about murderers. Fortunately Hotori Arashiyama is on the scene. Action, thrills, and more await!

SoreMachi 1 – maid expectations

 

this indeed.

 

One’s expectations always lead to one of two harsh realities. Either anxious or uncertain expectations tend to frighten people, or the high expectations one holds may betray and scar them.

I hadn’t planned on watching Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru, but was amazed at the OP. What I didn’t expect was an action-adventure anime.