Are You Watching Golden Time? Because You Should Be!

A little seinen series that has taken over my free time is Golden Time. I did a first impressions review here, but since the first couple episodes it has exceeded my expectations and become one of my favourite anime series of all time. Why may you ask? Well keep reading to find out!

Deep Character Development

This show will have you second guessing yourself, especially when it comes to what characteristics you find admirable in a character. There will be characters you like, some you don’t, but over time you’ll find yourself changing those opinions. It’s fantastic, and Golden Time does it so seamlessly, showing you how life is complicated for everyone; you’re going to sympathize with those you might have had a hard time sympathizing with earlier on. With some of the most interesting unique characters I’ve seen in a long time for a more mature anime, this show does it refreshingly well.

Shounen Titles Josei Fans Can Enjoy

I’ve done a couple recommendations posts now, but I’ve never tackled the shounen genre yet, so here it is! You can check out my Shoujo recommendations here, and my Seinen recommendations here. Unfortunately this list is restricted to anime/manga I have enjoyed, so if you don’t see a title on here that you would have expected please leave a comment so that I can check it out, and so other josei fans can check it out as well! I don’t have time to watch it all, but I’m doing these lists because the josei demographic is rarely addressed for recommendations so those comments help the community out! Anyway, onto the list!

Bakuman

By the creator of Death Note this anime/manga goes for a light theme this time, focusing on the story of Moritaka Mashiro and Akito Takagi who dream of becoming the best mangakas the world has ever seen. There’s some deeper content that josei fans will enjoy because of their lofty dreams, plus some high school drama that adds to the plot as well. Of course there’s a bit of love intermixed as well with Azuki Miho, Mashiro’s dream girl, which is fun to watch on screen as well. It has run for up to 3 seasons, so there’s plenty to watch if you get addicted. But of course there’s the manga too which is appropriate for the whole mangaka aspect too. Mostly a drama, josei fans can appreciate the serious tone about following your dreams as it stretches beyond just the typical high school format.

BECK Mongolian Chop Squad

This is a story about awkward teen Tanaka Yukio, who does his best to perform among his teenage friends in an alternative rock band. It’s kind of like the boy version of K-ON! except on a larger scale than just high scool. The band BECK attempts fortune and fame, the typical dream of any high school band. There’s some growing pains and love mixed in that makes it an enjoyable watch. It’s nostalgic to any josei who’s dated a musician or has ever enjoyed that naivety of high school and big dreams. I originally saw this when it played back on MuchMusic years ago, and the dub was really well done, so I recommend both the sub and dub. If you’re going to check it out I’d suggest the anime over the manga, if you read it you’ll miss out on those original songs! It tackles more serious issues that are high school related, but also ones that bridge outside the typical high school drama. A more serious shounen, it’s something josei fans can definitely appreciate.

Seinen Titles Josei Fans Can Enjoy

Like my shoujo list, I think there’s also some good titles that fall under the seinen (young adult men) category that are really gender neutral and appeal to both young men and women. Since the josei genre is so small I think some of these titles are confusingly in the seinen section of MyAnime List so I’ll include them in my personal list of suggestions.

Arakawa Under the Bridge

A strange hybrid love story is Arakawa Under the Bridge, that has Kappas, a male nun, an eccentric superstar and other kooky characters. In the mix is the relatively normal Kou who has a principal of not being indebted to anyone. So when Nino saves his life she requests that Kou live with her under a bridge, thus allowing insanity to ensue. It’s an odd story that appeals to a more mature audience as Kou is 22 and deals with the stress of taking over his father’s company while also being indebted to Nino. It’s another story that I think is gender universal even though the protagonist is male. If you’re looking for that Japanese quirkiness then check this series out.

Hanasaku Iroha

I genuinely don’t understand why this title is considered seinen (unless you’re in the camp of sexualizing high school girls yuck) but if you’re a woman then there’s a lot of appeal to this show. The story is about Ohana who moves out to the country away from her home of Tokyo to work at her grandmother’s hot spring inn where she has to learn strict discipline if she’s to keep up. She works with 2 other girls Nako and Minko who can be difficult to get along with. She’s got an irresponsible mother and her own bag of hardship but it’s an interesting story of self development and maturity as you have to deal with what life throws at you. She doesn’t get to live the life of most girls her age so it’s a nice change of pace that forces her to be more mature. It’s a light slice of life story so it’s an enjoyable to watch.

Shoujo Titles that Josei Fans Can Enjoy

I thought I’d do this list because the josei genre is so small but there are titles under shoujo that I think older women can still enjoy and relate to. You might disagree with some titles on this list, but perhaps keep your mind open to some alternate titles that you might not have considered. So on with the list!

Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun/My Little Monster

This anime/manga has a lot of endearing qualities that make it enjoyable for both young and older women. Off beat characters, a complicated relationship, and character development as they mature and learn from one another. It’s about Shizuku’s and Haru’s complicated relationship that struggles as Shizuku is focused on her grades and self-betterment whereas Haru has violent tendencies but a straightforward honest personality. Both characters attempt to break down their walls by learning from each other, neither is perfect but they’re better off together than separated. They have friends and family for support who also help them to mature and understand their feelings for their relationships as well as for their own self improvement. It’s a story of development with love mixed in, and an enjoyable watch or read.

Skip Beat!

This anime/manga has a lot of shoujo aspects about it (note over the top looks and open shirt above) but if you look beyond the flash there is substance to the story. It’s about Kyoko Mogami who travels to Tokyo to live with her childhood friend Sho and live the dream of being with an idol. Too bad for her Sho is prepared to drop her almost immediately as dead weight, and rather than feel sorry for herself Kyoko vows revenge. There’s love and all that fluff that comes with it, but there’s also the story of a girl who wants to make something of herself and doesn’t need a man to do that for her. Her diligence is admirable, and the story is as much about her development as it is about her love life. It’s a light comedy which helps make it fun to watch and read.

Josei Games on the Nintendo DS/3DS Part Two

So this is Part Two of my recommendations for josei fans who are looking for games to play on the Nintendo DS/3DS. It can be tricky because as young women there’s not really many developers who directly target our demographic. Luckily for us though, our numbers are growing, and we’re getting more and more recognized as time goes on. So I’ve compiled a list that attempts to bring together games that would appeal to any josei fan, as well as being fun games to play. I’d never recommend something I personally dislike! So let’s continue this list, I’ve got 10 more games/series up my sleeve! Check out Part One here if you missed it!
Fire Emblem Series

Fire emblem has quickly become one of my favourite handhelds as it has great titles for both the DS and 3DS. They’re Tactical Role-Playing Games set in a fantasy medieval setting. On the DS you’ll find a remake of the very first Fire Emblem game (originally on the famicom). You can finally learn about the infamous Prince Marth and his exploits in this game titled Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon. The touch controls allow for smooth gameplay that’s easy to maneuver through. There’s also Fire Emblem Awakening on the 3DS which I’ve previously reviewed. It’s a great title for anyone new to the series. I recommend these games because they do a great job at bridging both female and male players by having a large female cast who all wield swords and kick butt (which isn’t always common in North American games). The stories are also large in scale, and the tactics element leaves you satisfied with just enough of a challenge to keep you going. If you like rpg’s and are looking for something new to try or you love large-scale stories with heroines and dragons, then check this series out! You won’t be disappointed.
Harvest Moon

This series has a lot to offer for both newcomers and old veterans of the series. They’re simulation role-playing games where your aim is to rebuild the farm, find love and eventually have children. Intermixed is addictive gameplay as you farm crops and take care of the livestock. It’s a laid back game but it’s adorable and addictive. The simulation aspect is welcome for any quasi otome fan, and you have lots of potential bachelors at your disposal. The customization and options involved make for new experiences with every game, and as each title adds in new elements, every game is a new experience. If you’re picking up Harvest Moon DS, make sure to get DS Cute as it features a female protagonist instead of a boy in the regular DS version. You can even travel to an island in two of the DS titles, Island of Happiness and Sunshine Islands (which is a nice change of scenery compared to the other titles). And speaking of changing scenery….

Josei Games on the Nintendo DS/3DS Part One

If you’re anything like me you’re always looking for a fun new game to play. There’s tons of pickings out there, and there’s an especially great library for the Nintendo DS. It’s one of my prized possessions and I still pick up some of these titles to replay from time to time. So I’m making a list of DS games that I think any josei would enjoy, whether it be story based, great gameplay, or awesome fanservice. If you own a DS but don’t know where to start purchasing then you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get on with the list!
Phoenix Wright Series

What a series! I love this series for its ability to mix great storytelling with compelling gameplay. You play as a lawyer who investigates different murder cases, meeting funny new faces along the way. It’s point and click style gameplay mixed in with detective problem solving, as you must point out the contradictions within different testimonies etc. The art style is done in anime style, so it’s got that eye candy appeal. They’ve also done a manga along side the games which involves different cases separate from the games. There’s also an upcoming title on the 3DS which will be out this fall.
Hotel Dusk/Last Window

Another detective mystery series following a more American protagonist Kyle Hyde, an ex-detective who stumbles into profound mysteries that he must solve. Intermixed is its problem solving gameplay, where you go around looking for objects as well as interacting with different characters where you must coerce them to give you the information you need to move forward. The stories in both games are very compelling, they push you forward to play through the entire game. Although the gameplay is at times troubling, it is always satisfying when you solve the puzzle to move forward. The artwork is beautiful and unique, it’s all done in a sketched style. Any mystery fan would definitely enjoy these games.

The Essential Anime Josei List

For those new and old to this genre, it’s hard to find something new to watch or look into when you’ve run out of ideas. This list is to help those who are into josei find something to enjoy by giving a background and quick summary of individual titles. I might deviate a little bit from what is considered josei but it is something that can appeal to those who like the genre as it contains josei elements. So without further ado, let’s get to the list.
Paradise Kiss

This was one of the first animes that introduced me to the josei genre altogether. As a young adult female it’s hard to find entertainment specifically targeted at this demographic so to watch this anime and finally find out about josei helped me explore more titles under this category. Paradise Kiss is a story of love and finding yourself as the main character Yukari breaks out of her shell by exploring the world of fashion and modelling. With an overbearing mother she is liberated through her love interest Johji as well as the world her new friends introduce her to. This scenario seems almost too good to be true as so many of Yukari’s wishes are coming true, but the story isn’t following the fairytale formula that you would expect. It has a serious tone to it that never lets it become anything a shoujo would become. If you like stories about growing up and becoming confident in your own skin with a bit of love mixed in the middle then you will love the series. I always recommend it to friends of mine. The manga is great as well if you prefer that medium. The anime stays true to the manga so you won’t be missing out if you skip the manga.
Honey and Clover

This story does not feature a female protagonist but instead has the shy unsure freshman, Yuta Takemoto at the forefront of the story. This story doesn’t center solely around him alone though, there is a cast of quirky characters that make for funny as well as very serious scenarios. Young women can relate to Ayumi Yamada’s character who struggles with the rejection of  her longtime love interest. That said, I also believe Yuta’s predicament is universal. He struggles to find his muse and purpose as he goes through university. I think anyone entering university struggles with this problem, deciding your future at such a young age is never an easy decision. If that’s not enough then you’re likely to find something relatable in one of the other characters, their personalities are very diverse. The intermixing of soul searching with love stories makes for a nice dynamic that keeps the story flowing and moving forward. It’s the kind of story that could keep going and going but [unfortunately!] it ends at 2 seasons. I’d suggest this to anyone who’s just entering university/college or looking for a slice of life that hits home a little harder than most other animes.

What I Watched Summer Anime Season 2013

We’re still freshly into the new anime season with each series having 4 or 5 episodes to pick up and watch. Each new season makes me excited along with a bit uneasy. Sometimes there really isn’t anything to pique my interest, but luckily this season is plentiful! So let’s start my list.

Genshiken Nidaime

If you’ve watched the original Genshiken then I’d definitely recommend checking this out. But if you’re new to the series they do a good job on filling you in on who’s who, plus there’s a whole new female cast so you won’t be jumping into an already fleshed out series. The show starts within the first few weeks of school, the club finding new club members again so the cast is fresh for veterans and newbies alike.
What I really like about this anime is that it appeals directly to the Josei demographic (set in university, with a dominantly female cast). The girls are all otakus, and all have their quirks. The cast is likeable, the story is light and interesting, and it gives a female perspective of the fangirl demographic. Check it out! It’s exploring new territory with a comedic twist,

Love-Lab

I have a soft spot for light-hearted shoujo, so Love-Lab hooked me right away. All the characters are likeable and funny making for a comedic look at high school romance. We all remember what it was like before we had our first boyfriend, we read Seventeen magazine incessantly, did those stupid quizzes, and giggled about cute boys until our lungs gave out. Sometimes it’s fun to travel back to those carefree days. Love-lab is a fun time all around.

Stella Jogakuin Koutou-ka C3-bu

 
Don’t ask me how I stumbled into this anime, but it had me smitten by the end of episode 1. That long confusing title means Stella Women’s Academy High School Division Class C3. I bet you’re looking at it and thinking “that anime with a bunch of young girls wielding guns right?” but you’re wrong! They’re airsoft BB guns. SO much better right? Well actually yeah. It’s a group of girls who play out war scenarios using BB guns, and it makes me want to run out and play some paintball. It’s definitely a Girl Power anime with a Slice of Life spin on it. Who knew playing with BB guns could help you learn about yourself as you go through high school? Each character is quirky and fun; it gets you hyped up to do something fun while showing that girls can kick butt too. I love it.

Watamote

I don’t really know why I’m watching this one. I’ll be honest. The protagonist is so weird and unlikeable it almost makes me want to shut it off… but I don’t. So I can’t say I recommend this anime, but I will say it’s just weird enough to keep my attention. If you want to see a life in the perspective of a shut-in otaku then give it a shot. It makes you think about your weird tendencies, I think we all have them, however this protagonist has them all so there’s something strange for everyone. You’ll laugh and then some, but if it’s not for you I totally understand. I’m not sure if I’ll finish the series, but for now it has my attention.

Servant x Service

This anime got my attention when I found out it’s by the same writer who did the hit manga/anime Working!! This time around however it’s set in a more adult setting of the welfare section of a ward office in Japan. You follow 3 newcomer young adults and there adventures being in a civil service job (fun right?). Well actually, this anime is light and enjoyable. No 2 characters are alike making for funny mishmashes as well as making light of situations that we all deal with in the workforce. Check it out if you’ve been feeling uninspired in the workplace!
Thanks for reading and I hope these suggestions will get you thinking about what to watch this anime season!
Christina