Toradora!

Title:Toradora!
Tiger x Dragon
Tora Dora!
とらドラ! (Japanese)
Overall:Buy
Keywords: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Notables: Animation - JC Staff
KUGIMIYA Rie
MAJIMA Junji
Production - GENCO, Inc.
R1 License - NIS America
Toradora!'s story begins with the male protagonist Ryuuji Takasu who is frustrated at trying to look his best as he enters his second year of high school. Despite his gentle personality, he has a natural outward-appearance which makes him look like an intimidating delinquent so he is utterly hopeless about his chances of getting a girlfriend anytime soon, and does not have many close friends either. After being greeted by his hungover mother in the morning, Ryuuji goes to school and is happy to find that he gets to be in the same class as his best friend Yuusaku Kitamura and crush Minori Kushieda. However, it is then that he unexpectedly knocks into "the school's most dangerous animal of the highest risk level" — Taiga Aisaka — (nicknamed "Palmtop Tiger") who just happens to also be in his class.

Taiga has a negative attitude towards others and will not hesitate to snap at people. After meeting Ryuuji, she takes an instant dislike for him. After a series of misunderstandings between Ryuuji and Taiga, Ryuuji is taken in by Taiga as her personal servant. Taiga comes from a rich family, though she moved out to live on her own due to family issues. Soon after Taiga learns of Ryuuji's talent at domestic chores, she gets him to do her housekeeping. Taiga spends a lot of her time over at his house, so much so that she could almost be considered a member of his family. Since Ryuuji spends a lot of time with Taiga, he is opened up to her world and to a side of her that most people do not see. The two also attempt to help each other in order to improve their relationship with their crush (Taiga has a crush on Ryuuji's best friend, Yuusaku, and Ryuuji has a crush on Taiga's best friend, Minori). However, people they know from school start to become curious about their strange relationship together and rumors begin to spread about them.

25 episodes (~24 minutes each); Animation by JC Staff.

Based on a light novel series by Yuyuko Takemiya, illustrated by Yasu. (summary from ANIDB)

Read the translated manga online at MangaFox.
Also see parody short Toradora! SOS and BluRay extra episode Bentou no Gokui.

2009 Anime Reactor Award - BEST ROMANCE STORY & BEST CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT.

1:30min Series Opening - YouTube Video
"とら" ("tora") = "tiger"; "ドラ" ("dora") is short for "doragon", the sound pattern of "dragon".
Episode Details 
Taig, Yasu, Ami, Mino, Nana, Maya, Yusa, 6, 15, 16, 19, 999a
OverallArtAnimationCharacter Design MusicSeries StoryEpisode StoryReviewer
Rent 7 9 8 7 8 7 Devil Doll [series:1939#752]
[Score 77% = "Rent"; recommended similar anime (for various reasons): Video Girl Ai, To Heart, Hachimitsu to Kuroba, Aishiteru Ze Baby, NHK ni Youkoso!]

"Life doesn't always go the way you want it." (Yuri-sensei chalking on the blackboard in episode 20)

Some shows are good because of their substance. This one is good (for most of the series) because of its strong execution of a seemingly simple story with quirky, interesting characters who are trying hard to consider each other's wishes and fears even though this can be tough at times. Watching all Minorin scenes and checking each of them for the tiny little hints of things to come was worth an immediate re-watch of this series for me.
Unfortunately, it doesn't quite know where to stop. Instead of featuring cute little girls punching each other's faces like crazy (which probably led to hyping this series) and adding unnecessary external issues when the character relation were already messed up enough the writer could have explored these kids trying a relationship for once. As such, Suzuka met the greater challenge even though episode 16 and 18 were quite something.
Up to episode 19 I was about to give "Episode Story" a top score and this series was borderline "Buy"; from this point on (and despite episode 21 upping the action score of this show once again), after preventing a natural and interesting development by a completely unlikely and implausible event this series goes downhill like a sledge... with all these family issues and two kids eloping and promising to marry when they haven't even kissed, let alone confessed properly to each other, thus piling up weird decisions of many people, it basically fell into the same trap as Myself; Yourself, just not as badly. Taigas stunning decision in episode 25 (weren't we told many times that running away is no solution?) fits perfectly into the whole chaos.

But the Characters are interesting nonetheless. Taiga is a horrible brat with occasional bouts of sanity; Ryuuji is dense but cool with his many household skills, Yuusaku is a valuable support who still can surprise the audience at times. The leads' relation (master/dog) isn't that different from Zero no Tsukaima (and Taiga has even the same seiyuu), just without the ecchiness (and the epic fantasy setting). Minori is supposed to be super-cute but actually she's hyper and sometimes clueless, sometimes overly knowledgeable; many of her decisions remain confusing but she's the most interesting character to focus on, with her strange combination of strengths and weaknesses. Ami isn't easy to accept either but she shows the greatest development throughout the series; in the end I agree with her about nearly all other characters being bakas and/or denial queens.
Despite a significant degree of slapstick and a chaotic bipolar female lead, the character chemistry is great. Basically all characters are very quirky but still acting surprisingly reasonable at times; slapstick isn't the main goal of this show, interaction is way more important. Actually it's because this show has less focus on comedy why I like it much better than, say, School Rumble. Consequently, the dateless teacher and the foul-mouthed parrot (most of whose lines the Ayako fansub didn't translate correctly, thus killing the "fun") rather caused me to downgrade my rating a bit. The "choir of mice" vocals of the first techno OP song made me downgrade the Music component; fortunately both new songs from episode 17 on are better. The Art is a bit childish at times (while perhaps appropriate for the slapstick scenes); but Animation gets my highest rating here for the action sequences (such as Minori racing down the stairs at school).

All in all, an interesting series with a lot of character interaction. It's just that with no one being true to their feelings not a lot of significant development can be happening, and I understood that "permanent stalemate" issue almost as early as Ami-chan; consequently, the ending is way too forced for this show to become a winner. Plus some scenes are just over the top when the story ought to have been serious, much like in Hachimitsu to Kuroba.

Last updated Wednesday, August 10 2011. Created Wednesday, August 04 2010.
Buy 10 10 10 10 10 10 Anonymous #3161 [series:1939#3161]
My most favorite dramady romance anime!

Last updated Tuesday, September 15 2009. Created Tuesday, September 15 2009.
Buy 8 8 8 7 8 8 Dreamer [series:1939#2279]
Looking and reading the synopsis, it didn't look too thrilling but as they say, looks can be decieving right? So I picked it up anyways and dug right in.

Art, Animation & Character Designs
The artwork was about average. It was nothing out of the ordinary but the colors still looked rich and and vibrant. Character designs were pretty good. At some points however, some of the characters were hard to distinguish. Take for example the president and Ami. They looked very similar and at times I would get confused.

Music
I didn't really dig the OP. It was a slight techno-style with a hint of pop. As for the rest of the soundtrack, it wasn't too bad. It worked for the series and episodes. The ED wasn't of my flavor. It was a pop piece with female vocals. It wasn't bad still.

Series and Episode Story
It started off good! The first thing that caught my attention was the starting narration from both our protagonists.... yes, yes. Sometimes you can have more than one protagonist. But the way it started, I immediately felt that this was going to be a good one. I found this to be a very fun and entertaining series. Most of the characters were enjoyable and memorable. Especially one of our protagonist, "Palmtop Tiger".... hahahaha! That's so hilarious! However, my fav character was probably Minori... too cute and charming in her weird way. About half way through the series, it was pretty obvious which two characters were going to be together and which weren't. But the way the whole series led the viewer on "wrong paths", made for a good plot and some interesting twists. If there's one complaint I have with this series is that at times, it got a bit melodramatic. But for the most part, it drew you into the lives and emotions of the four main characaters.

Overall, it was a very entertaining series with plenty of humor, nice romance aspects and a overall "feel-good" to the whole series.

Last updated Sunday, June 21 2009. Created Sunday, June 21 2009.
Buy 9 9 10 8 10 9 NekoShana [series:1939#3072]
To make this short..

I would like to say that anyone that isnt all hyped up about this series dont know what an good anime is. Thats my opinion atleast. I'v gone through this site i dont know how many times reading all the summary for all series with romance or romantic-comedy as keyword. Ofcourse i havent seen all of them, since there are those with setups that i dont find attractive. My targets are those with a school character/characters romance plot. Not saying i'v seen all of the anime's with those setups either. If i where to guess, i would say i'v passed 70 of em tho, probably more. And the point im trying to make with all that is that im reaching a point where i end up recalling like 5 or 6 series iv seen in the past when i read a summary of a series i havent seen before. There have been cases where i havent finnished a series until much later couse i found the plot being a copy of several other series as well. Another thing i all to often find in a series im looking up is the apperance of a Belldandy clone. Belldandy wins the heart of another boy... And i end up thinking, nothing new here either.

This series didnt couse any of these feelings or flashbacks. Not reading about it and not while watching it. For me this was truly a lightning from clear sky and got me new hope for a genre that is my favorit in anime but i was getting really bored off. ToraDora together with Toaru Majutsu no Index are the 2 best things that happend since Shakugan no Shana and also puts them self on the 2nd place in my "best Anime of all time" list after just Shakugan no Shana.

Short in short; A fresh wind in a genre that is starting to repeate it self. A solid buy!

Last updated Tuesday, May 19 2009. Created Sunday, May 17 2009.
Rent 8 7 7 7 8 7 Ggultra2764 [series:1939#1552]
Alongside Clannad: After Story, Toradora was one of the heavily-hyped Fall 2008 titles that fans were going giddy over in enough fan forums and anime blogs online. And you may recall I didn't survive my watch of After Story due to my utter annoyance of moe overload and melodrama. Toradora has just as much cliched moments as a run-of-the-mill romantic comedy. The main cast all have their own archetypes that they follow such as Ryuuji being the nice guy, Taiga the short-fused tsundere, and Ami the stuck-up, two-faced rich girl/ model. Developments in plot and characters are fairly predictable as character relationships shift and specific ones set aside their own desires to make their friends happy. And let's not forget the developments leading up to the ending that we have seen all too often in romance anime between the two main characters.

Fortunately, the comedy of this series does work at keeping things somewhat interesting and what led me to watch this entire series. Character chemistry created some of the comedy highlights for Toradora. The characters have their quirks and the characters tend to react in different ways to what they see of those around them. The dateless teacher gave me a smirk when I seen her now and then. Ryuuji and Taiga's reactions to the family parrot's bizarre actions gave me a small chuckle as well.

But still, I have to agree with AstroNerdBoy and Stretch that this series received more hype than it deserved. There was nothing too noteworthy that stood out for me with this title which further adds fuel to the sea of mediocrity that I have seen out of many anime titles from 2008.

Last updated Friday, March 27 2009. Created Friday, March 27 2009.
Rent 9 9 9 9 8 9 Silence [series:1939#2939]
(All epis watched) High rent, low buy

This series starts with a great deal of humor (though inside jokes with heavy references to Japanese culture makes it hard to appreciate), then eventually stepped up the drama. So in the end it is more of a drama than a comedy. I had high expectations of it at first, but in the end, this series... did not really disappoint me, but it was not THAT great either. Did I like it? Yes. Did it blow me away? Not really...

The supporting characters in Toradora have a surprising depth; Kitamura, Kawashima, Kushieda (henceforth the 3 musketeers) are all very interesting and colorful characters, with interesting stories and added a lot of flavor into this show. In contrast, I did not like the main characters as much. Taiga is the typical tsundere and Ryuuji is the thick headed nice guy. They are funny at times, but a little annoying at others.

The drama near the end was rather intense, perhaps a tinge too intense to be absolutely realistic. The outright confrontation of Taiga's feelings by the 3 musketeers which made her end up in tears and run away is not what I would normally expect friends to do. True friends, or over dramatic?

What i liked is that this series is certainly full of twists and unpredictability. At first, I believed that the leads would not have a romantic relationship, but i was wrong. Then came the sudden proposal. Then they ran away from home. Then Taiga's final decision after they came back... etc etc. I had no clear idea where this was going right until the end, and the ending was rather sweet, with a characteristic Taiga headbutt (I expected THAT though i wonder how Ryuuji can take this constant beating).

A certainly decent series. If you ask me whether i would buy this... Weeellll, if I had some spare cash and had bought the rest of the animes I really really loved, yeah, why not? But if not, I would rent it. (I am a frugal person)

Last updated Saturday, April 04 2009. Created Sunday, January 18 2009.
Unevaluated AstroNerdBoy [series:1939#436]

Through 25 episodes...final review still to come.

While I'm interested enough in this series to keep watching it, the people having orgasms over it being the greatest thing since sliced bread either haven't seen as many anime titles as I have or whatever they've watched in the past is completely forgotten. There are things here that remind me of Shakugan no Shana & Hayate no Gotoku!, no doubt in part because KUGIMIYA Rie is the seiyuu for Taiga. However, I also couldn't help but get feeling of Midori no Hibi and xxxHOLiC from how Ryuuji is set up (to say nothing that his given name is so close to "Yuuji" from Shakugan no Shana). I've only had one laugh and while this series isn't bad, it isn't what so many people are trying to claim IMO. Episode 3 was a bit better to me. Episode 4 has the enjoyment level up more, which is good. Ditto episode 5, which had a really funny bit.

Episode 6 surprised me in places and now I understand why people like this anime so much. By the 8th episode, I do enjoy this a fair amount. Episodes 9 & 10 are the beach episodes. Ep. 11 has Taiga's father. Ep. 12 has Taiga's father story continue and the cultural festival. Ep. 13 has the end of the cultural festival. Ep. 14 has the Happy Palmtop Tiger blessing and aftermath from the cultural festival. Ep. 15 has Yuusaku getting angst-filled. Ep. 16 has Taiga get into a real fight. Ep. 17 has Minori avoiding Ryuuji and Taiga has new popularity. Ep. 18 has Christmas party preparations continue. Ep. 19 has the Christmas party and some changes afoot. Ep. 20 sees planning for a class ski trip. Ep. 21 has the ski trip with some interesting revelations. Ep. 22 has Taiga, Ami, and Minori all dealing with their feelings in their own way.

Last updated Thursday, March 26 2009. Created Tuesday, January 06 2009.

Buy 8 9 8 7 10 9 chibi [series:1939#2380]
Yeah, OK, it's a fairly standard tsundere setup. But the situation is pretty interesting to me: The two main characters are so tongue-tied around their romantic interest, but talk to each other so easily. Which is going to win out in the end, romance or friendship?

Torturing someone by making them stay up all night doing impressions? Now that's funny! One thing I appreciate about Toradora! is that the humor rarely comes from people doing stupid things or falling into stupid situations. Allows me to retain my respect for the characters and the series and still enjoy both.

Some translation notes here. Evidently the pop-culture references, puns, and deliberate word mangling are pretty thick in Toradora's dialog. There is actually a surprising amount of subtlety in the series. Keep an eye on use of first and last names, there's a lot of implication in calling someone by their first name in Japan. Note when Taiga abuses Ryuji and try to figure out why, and how it's related to her background. (I wish the series had done a little more work on her history.) Read the lyrics to the EDs. This is a tough series to translate culturally, and the characters are hard to figure out -- I still don't have a handle on Minorin.

Wrap-up: I don't give out many 'Buy' recommendations, but I have no hesitation here. The series took a definite left turn towards drama in the last third, but the strong characters that had been developed up to that point held up to the change, making it believable rather than contrived. I trusted them to see it through, and they did that, leaving a satisfying ending. (Though I'll always fondly remember the FAT ATTACK!!! of episode 6.)

Last updated Sunday, August 30 2009. Created Saturday, October 25 2008.
Buy Forbin [series:1939#1573]
Analysis: 24 Fansubs watched

  • Drama : Med
  • SciFi : None
  • Comedy : High
  • Action : Low / Med
  • Ecchi : Low (His mom represents it)
  • Favorite Scene : When Ryuji has a dream of Taiga and having puppies for children.
Cast of Shana and the personality of Shana? And JC Staff? Hmm is this Shana but redone without all the magic?

So far it's good. Each person has their own personality and while Taiga is the lead, she does not drown out the others especially Ami.

At 24 Episodes, it appears that one girl has been chosen, but I'll hold out for my harem selection. MAISM!

Last updated Tuesday, March 24 2009. Created Sunday, October 05 2008.
Unevaluated Stretch [series:1939#628]
(18 episodes watched):

The most striking thing I noticed about episode one was how few striking things there were. About the only thought that popped into my head was that I didn't particularly like the angry Taiga--no doubt she's a tsundere character. Jokes were average, nothing to LOL about. Too soon to draw conclusions, though. As I watched the second episode, I realized that this one isn't really trying to be extremely funny; it's priorities are drama first, comedy second.

Several critics at ANN seemed to be convinced that this was going to be the virtually perfect romantic comedy, but if so there must be more than one series going around by this name, because I was finding it somewhat tedious. There are not many good jokes, I don't see the plot going anywhere that interests me, and Taiga is still annoying. Her declaring that Takasu "belongs to me" seemed to come out of nowhere. Of course it had to happen sooner or later, since the unwritten rule is that the main male and female characters will always wind up together, but I saw little or no hint of her becoming affectionate towards him previously. Didn't she strike him in the last episode? I soon came to consider Toradora as one of the shows which I was still watching, but just barely, and I wished it would either improve drastically or powers beyond my control would render additional episodes unavailable.

(Time marches on...)

The fact that I made no entries between the first few episodes and here is indicative of how unremarkable I found Toradora to be. The problem I found myself having with this show was that even though the series should have been nearing it's end, there seemed to be no signs of romance between any of the characters going anywhere--all I got were mixed signals, a sort of one step forward followed by one step back. Since the comedy is modest, that left little to entertain me. I finally bit the bullet and abandoned Toradora. I remember virtually nothing.

Last updated Sunday, January 30 2011. Created Sunday, October 05 2008.
Buy 7 8 7 10 Xenoknight [series:1939#2967]
HONORABLE MENTION ANIME WINNER - One of The Greatest Love Stories Ever Written

Review still in progress...

I have a serious "Achilles' heel" for these types of romance stories. I just love watching how the transition from one set of feelings in the beginning can evolve into another set of feelings with time. I already know i'm going to love this story with a passion as all my interests have already been sparked. It's going to be painful waiting for each episode every week but i'll find something to watch while I wait. I'm already "chin-deep" in new anime titles that I have to watch anyway. ^_^

Taiga's VA is the same person who did Louise (female lead) from Zero no Tsukaima! Can somebody say extra cool points?

That new girl, Ami, is going to be trouble for good and bad reasons but after seeing episode 6, I have a new respect for her. She is OK in my book and a respectable main character now. With her little advance at the end of ep 6, I want to say there might be some enjoyable harem elements in the future to watch out for... This title is anime bliss in the making.

If episode 7 did nothing for you in terms of emotion and entertainment, then I don't know what else will. This ep was extremely intriguing. Let me just say that Ryuuji and Taiga's unique relationship took a GIANT step foward. Every episode of this series has progressed so seamlessly that I say it could easily stand as one of 2008's best titles and as such, deserves a Buy!

Ep 8: As one of the reviews mentions, this title has been considered the "perfect romantic comedy". I don't know about the comedy but I can certainly see the word PERFECTION in the title of "Toradora!". Episode 8 is testament to that statement (soon to be known as fact). Ep 8 is the "unofficial" climax of the story and it was a doozey. The contents of the ep was so extreme to me that I feel it doesn't do any justice to write about it. All that can be said is that this ep was brilliant. Perfect episode...

Ep 9 is another point of excellence on the "belt of perfection" around this title's waist. I loved this episode like a bee loves honey (LOL). It reminded me instantly of the beginning episodes of Read or Die - TV (for those anime vets who already know the deal with that title - Nenene 4ever)! Nothing violent or chaotic, just a simple gathering of characters in a house as they talked and got to know each other better (and certain characters become closer ^_^) with the resulting laughs they are bound to follow. They all spend time together and notice the little things about one another and that is all it took to make a great episode. Did I mention that I love this anime? If not, allow me to say it again. "I love this title with a passion! Another perfect ep...

Ep 10 was filled with heavy character development. The lead pair had many chances to advance their relationships that were up in the air. Ryuuji increased his "points" with all the girls (he was a "G" status player in this episode by macking on all the girls - intentional or not). Taiga wasted her chances with her love (she is not as confident in her feeelings anymore, I wonder why... ^_^). We had some comedy in the cave but it was nothing really special. The brilliance of this ep was when they all returned home from the trip. Taiga's eyes could fill an entire encyclopedia with the different emotions she was feeling. When she turned to look at Ryuuji, her eyes were worth a thousand words!!! Spectacular ep...

Ep 11 Taiga's father is in town (!) and he wants his little girl back! The story of their separation was plausible, though it didn't sit well with me for some reason. Taiga is deadset against seeing her father but Ryuuji demands she at least talk to him. This ep was very "real" in terms of family issues (it's always the father isn't it) and just how painful it can be to face them. We saw how Taiga's feelings have begun to change and I guess this development will force Ryuuji to change as well. I may not like the story direction, but if it will get the ball rolling, I guess this will do.

Ep 12 What a peculiar episode... Taiga's father is now a part of her life and she spends all her free time with him (leaving Ryuuji on the lonely side). The class has the festival (ridiculous) and a certain person never came to see the play (proving what Taiga, Minori, and even Ryuuji's mom have been claiming). Ami shows a new kindness and tells Ryuuji that she will walk the same path as him instead of being his sunshine like Minori or clinging to him like Taiga (my respect meter is growing for her). The fight between Minori and Ryuuji was interesting indeed. There was one major shock in this ep and it is too painful to mention but you'll know it when you hear it. Great ep...

Ep 13: Taiga's father really is a bastard and never shows up to the festival. Ryuuji notices his mistake in trusting him (got a text saying that he is leaving for work again and he can't live with Taiga anymore). Taiga's heart is crushed but she is strong and overcomes the pain. Ryuuji fights hard during the race (pushing and shoving) to get a chance to be with Taiga to make things right (with help from Minori) and everything works out in the end. I hate how Ryuuji never gets a chance to be with Taiga alone and his friend actually gets the dance with her instead of him but I saw how Ryuuji's feelings have begun to change so that was the greater reward. Great ep...

Ep 14 is really up there in terms of entertainment. We have the school spreading rumors that anyone who touches Taiga will have good luck (with the predictable male crowd trying to get their hands all over her), we have Ryuuji scoring more points with the three ladies of this title (Taiga just because, Minori with the photo choice, and Ami with some pork), and we have Kitamaru having a chat with the president that rattles him to his very core and shatters his soul (literally). What in the world did the president say to him that made him so disrought with sadness!?!? The ep ends with a warm "family" dinner with Ryuuji, his mother, and Taiga while the rest of the cast reflect on recent events and possible future outcomes, feelings, and dreams. Perfect ep...

Ep 15 Kitamaru (Kit for short from now on) is visibly depressed with what the president told him. He takes things to a drastic extreme and nearly throws everything away to become someone (or something) that people wouldn't expect so much from anymore. Taiga and Ryuuji try to help him and find that all their attempts to reason with him are futile even though they make him feel much better about the whole situation. Taiga is tired of not being able to help him with his issues and she decides, with Ryuuji's guidance, to run as the next president (!) hoping to snap some sense back into Kit and force him to stand up for his destined role. She promises hell on earth if she wins so someone is going to have to stand against her in order to save the school. Great ep...

Ep 16:

Oh... My... God...



That was intense! Watch the ending half of this ep and understand the true power of the human heart. Watch how painful it can be to make a choice when it involves love. If that scene didn't move your heart half-way around the world and back, then nothing ever will. Taiga shows the world that she really is the palmtop tiger and lives up to her name! A prime opener for the ending string of episodes that will carry this series to a close. Unbelievable ep... One thing still gets me though. They don't explain Minori's role in this and how the girl (I assume it was the president) asked if she was free of guilt in the end. What did she mean? Is it as simple as I think it is or am I over-thinking it?

Ep 17: Very interesting episode. It's Christmas time and Taiga is on cloud 9 with the holiday spirit (she still believes in Santa Claus). She returns from suspension and life continues like normal. That is, until Kit calls for a Christmas party and each person must bring a date to attend! Taiga sees a chance to bring Ryuuji and Minori closer but Minori has other plans... She outright avoids him for some reason (?) and all of Taiga's plans end in failure (though she does find a chance to get closer to Kit). Ryuuji sees that another girl is in love with Kit and she doesn't want Taiga to win his heart. She wants Ryuuji to love Taiga instead to get her away from Kit! Things are getting out of hand...


As for the music changes: we get new music scenes to signify the beginning of the end as we enter the final string of episodes. The intro was great (better than the original) but the end credits, though fresh and worthy of its own praise, wasn't as good as the original, so the music score unfortunately remains the same. Don't misunderstand my tastes. I was still dancing in my seat as I enjoyed the new ending (rewinded again and again as those who follow me could have predicted ^_^) and I thought to myself that this is the perfect beat to represent the new trials that our beloved cast will now have to face. No more side-stall-stories baby. Exceptional ep...

Ep 18:

SPECTACLAR!!!



This ep was AMAZING. Ami reveals all of Ryuuji's hidden feelings that even he was unaware of (she destroyed his perception of everything in one shot). Taiga's past is revealed and it's a sad one for sure as well as her reasons for everything (stay strong Taiga...). Minori causes an accident that shows signs of her being a "bad omen" of sorts. She flips out and tries to repair the broken star and refuses any help, but Ryuuji needs that star to complete the Christmas tree they all built, so he helps her against her wishes.

She cries and tells him that she may not be able to fix it, but he tells her that she can.
Tearful, she tells him that it will never be the same again, but he tells her that it's still possible to repair it.
She tells him that it might be too late, but he tells her not to give up!

They aren't talking about the star in case you didn't figure it out (she must've done something absolutely terrible and I bet it ties back to when the prez said if Minori was relieved of guilt yet)! At the end of the ep, we get a sudden "semi-confession" as Ryuuji tells Minori that he wants to go with her and that he will wait for her at the party, but she tells him not to as she will not come. He yells at the top of his lungs that he will wait for her no matter what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ryuuji is such a %&#* "G" for life!!! Dazzling ep...

Ep 19:

Truly Outstanding!



Things are getting interesting as certain characters are finally starting to realize their true feelings. The Christmas party is a hit and everyone is having fun (except for the main cast of characters). After a beautiful Christmas duet by Taiga and Ami, Taiga leaves to work her magic on Minori to get her to come to the party for Ryuuji and then she will go home alone (?). Ami tells Ryuuji this info and curses him for not listening to her previous advice about playing house. After some thought, Ryuuji realizes something is wrong and leaves the party to make Taiga's wish come true. After they talk and she kicks him out, she realizes that if this match-making plan works, she won't be able to be with him anymore! With eyes full of tears, she runs after him but loses him! Noticing her mistake, she falls to her knees and cries from the depths of her soul (bringing me to tears as well) and yells out his name again and again! Minori walks by and hears Taiga's "soul-shattering" cries and now knows what she has to do about Ryuuji. She finds him and tells him "unpleasant words that tears his world asunder an instant, but it's for the best. Confused and dumbfounded, Ryuuji is left speechless. The heavens themselves may have wept tears from the events of this episode! Truly, a remarkable episode...

Ep 20: What in the world is Taiga doing!!! After that emotional display last ep, she reverts back to her old self of wanting to get Minori and Ryuuji together! On a good note, we get to see (regardless of how painful it is) Taiga's feelings continue to grow for Ryuuji and we also will see how Minori will deal with this opening Taiga has given her. Only bad thing is that now we have to watch Taiga destroy herself. On a bad note, this title has now opened the path to more potential stall eps like this ep was for instance. Unavoidable ep...

Ep 21: What a substantial episode. I...Think...I...Found....A....Winner.....

Ep 22: After nearly losing a certain someone, Ryuuji is finally able to make the choice in his heart of who is the best match for him. What an adventure this title has been. One for the records indeed. An episode full of revelations...

Ep 23: Ami and Kit's role in this ep was indescribable! They did what they had to in order to make Taiga face her inner demon and ultimately, make Ryuuji want to find the answer to the most difficult question of the entire series! An award winner is born...

Ep 24: Taiga never said she loved him back. He confessed to her (in a way), but she never said anything to him (she said she wanted to show Minori too). I waited all series for this ep and it didn't go all that well. Besides that blunder, their decision to run away from it all was ridiculous! After spitting in their mothers' faces, they will run for it!? Minori gave them her ENTIRE LIFE SAVINGS (talk about giving them your blessing)!!! When Ryuuji and Taiga visited his grandfather's place, I was stunned. Just how is this story going to end? I won't be able to contain myself until I see the last ep...

Check out my award list to see some of the best anime titles in the world!

Never forget Xenosaga.

Last updated Wednesday, May 20 2009. Created Saturday, August 30 2008.
Buy Jan-Chan [series:1939#967]
Having read the manga series .. I can only share this story is fun.

Reminiscent of Hayate, we have a boy-lead character who is tainted by circumstances beyond his control (in this case, he had EVIL EYES which causes everyone to assume that he is a nasty bully), who finds himself as the (un)willing and supportive plaything of a misunderstood and very temperamental tsundere loli character.

One might say that this is yet another rehash of a popular format, but it is done well and I found myself laughing at and enjoying the story.



What do Shana, the Flame Haze, Nagi of Hayate no Gotoku! and Miss Valliere of Zero no Tsukaima all have in common? They have a manipulative squeaky-voiced violent sister named Taiga Aisaka, the PALMTOP TIGER!!! and they are all voiced by the same Japanese voice actress, Rie KUGIMIYA (ANN).

Last updated Friday, September 10 2010. Created Saturday, August 30 2008.

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