Hakuouki ~ Aika Yoshioka OP Collection

Toshizou Hijikata, co-captain of the Shinsengumi

– Image source –

I enjoyed the first two seasons of Hakuouki, a series based on an otome game about the Shinsengumi (a group of samurai in the Bakumatsu period, about the same time as the American Civil War). In addition to the two seasons of the TV series, an OVA series is being released with side stories. As I watched the first episode, I realized that once again the OP is a rather nice song by Aika Yoshioka. Aika has sung the OP for all three components of the animated series (as well as the various OP for the games) and I have linked to the OPs for seasons one and two in the past, but now that the new OP is out, I thought I would collect all three anime OP here so those interested can enjoy them.

Hakuouki 15 – a demon’s promise

Heisuke pounds a few bottles.

Hakuouki episode 15 (Hakuouki Hekketsu-Roku) principally covers the Shinsengumi escape from the Rasetsu warriors created by Koudou, and Chizuru’s further discoveries about the secrets of the Yukimura clan. We also say good-bye to more Shinsengumi members.

Hakuouki 14 – the face of war

Hakuouki Hekketsu-Roku 14 is probably the best episode produced for the series yet (in either season). Essentially the situation for the pro-shogun forces, led by the Shinsengumi, is plunged into worse and worse situations right up until the final scene. There were several remarkable action sequences, some pathos, and even a shocking conclusion. Since this episode was awesome, it includes an unusually large number of screen captures.

Hakuouki Season 2 – character design preview

Todou looks demonically posessed in his new character design.

Hakuouki Season 2 is coming in October, and a couple of details have already been promoted. A hand-cam recording of the trailer is on YouTube, and character designs for 6 of the principle characters has been released. This post just shows the new character designs, and points you to online resources for more.

Fall 2010 Plans

I never write up comprehensive previews of upcoming seasons (let alone with a quill pen), I like to leave that sort of thing to those more knowledgeable, so take a look at the Star-Crossed Anime Review, for a thoughtful and comprehensive write up of the season. For those more visually oriented, He Who Propels the Cart Forward has prepared a chart for at-a-glance consultation. Instead I merely want to convey my plans regarding Fall 2010 anime viewing/blogging.

First the shows I’ll be blogging:

1. Arakawa Under the Bridge X Bridge. The first season was very fun and I’m hoping this second season will deal directly with the lingering question of Nino’s background (mental stability).
2. Hakuouki 2. Historical drama with fantasy extras. The Shinsengumi have retreated from Kyoto at the start of the Boshin War.
3. Bakuman. I’ve been looking forward to this since Sapphire Pyro recommended it as a story about people pursuing a career.

These shows didn’t make the above list because three shows is enough, but did show potential:

• Iron Man. Definitely will be reading reviews as they come out in hopes that this turns out well.
• Kuragehime. I’m behind on my Noitamina series. I’m working on a Paradise Kiss review, and after that I want to pick up Tatami Galaxy again, so this one is going to have to wait.
• Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru. I like the girl in love with mystery angle, but am burnt out on maid cafes.

Hakuouki 12: true warriors (season 1 final)

Chizuru tells it like it is.

Episode 12 is the final episode of season 1 of Hakuouki. Unfortunately for the Shinsengumi, whose situation has been deteriorating over the past few episodes, things get dramatically worse. The distribution of modern weaponry amongst their enemies increases, and the oni prove to be even more powerful. On top of this, former allies are switching sides, and the Shogun has abandoned them, having fled to Edo.

The Shinsengumi have no match for modern weapons.

In summation, I enjoyed this series, which met my expectations in terms of consistently good, if not great artwork, and really interesting history. The pacing seemed well handled, building for most of the series towards this final episode, which featured probably the best fight sequence of the series. As expected, the focus of the series was less on the swordplay itself, and more upon the political instability that characterized the period, and the tragic stand of the Shinsengumi against the changing times. I also thought the ending was pretty good, given that a second season has been promised for the Fall.

Hakuouki 11: vampiric impulse

Heisuke has been mortally wounded.

Episode 11 of Hakuouki features more blood than ever before. Things weren’t going well for the Shinsengumi the past few episodes, so it comes as a bit of a shock to see things take a turn for the worse. Some mysteries are finally revealed, but they turn out to be grim.

Hakuouki 10: assassination

A night of treachery

Episode 10 of Hakuouki tells the story of the incident at Aburano Koji. Chizuru attempts to convince Heisuke Toudou to return to the Shinsengumi. Also Souji Okita is visited by an oni.

Hakuouki 9: things that change, things that don’t

Chizuru and falling petals.

Episode 9 of Hakuouki sees the Shinsengumi breaking apart. Sannan finally gets to fight as Rasetsu. Also, Chizuru’s secret is revealed. This is an unusually fast-paced episode, indicating that the events of the final arc have begun.

Hakuouki 8: a night at the ochaya

Sometimes, when you start drinking, things just get out of hand.

In episode 8 of Hakuouki, Sen gets more involved in the plot, disagreements surface within the Shinsengumi, Harada’s men are attacked by Chizuru’s look-alike, and everyone goes to an ochaya (tea house) in Gion, where the drinking leads one member to dress up in women’s clothing (yes, a double-reverse trap).