[JP] Kokoro Connect

[WTK]

Amazon Japan links: Vol.1 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B008KJJN92), Vol.2 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B008KJJNBU), Vol.3 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B008KJJNDS), Vol.4 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B008KJJN9W), Vol.5 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B008KJJNAG), Vol.6 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B008KJJOZ0), Vol.7 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B009KFS4TA)

http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_campaign.html
Vol.1 - 6300yen, 9/26
Vol.2 - 8925yen
Vol.3 - 6300yen
Vol.4 to Vol.5 - 8925yen each
Vol.6 to Vol.7 - 6300yen each

via CD Japan
- Vol.1 (http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=KIXA-90207)
Includes a CD (ending song "Kokoro No Kara" performed by Team Nekokan featuring Junka Amaoto) and booklet. Also comes digipak illustrated by Cuteg, picture label and a case.

Special Features: OP & ED and commentary
(source (http://www.neowing.co.jp/series_list.html?sid=3482))

[something]

Vol.1 - 6300yen, 9/26
Vol.2 - 8925yen
Vol.3 - 6300yen
Vol.4 to Vol.5 - 8925yen
Vol.6 to Vol.7 - 6300yen
Bleh, this won't be cheap to collect. There don't seem to be any lower-priced releases this season, or at least nothing I'm interested in. I guess I need King Records to distribute more shows I buy.

¥51,975 for this show, or Just about ¥4k an ep if 13 eps. Kinda sucks! Better be something pretty amazing packed in with those ¥8,925 volumes.

[ultimatemegax]

Vol.1 - 6300yen, 9/26
Vol.2 - 8925yen
Vol.3 - 6300yen
Vol.4 to Vol.5 - 8925yen
Vol.6 to Vol.7 - 6300yen
Bleh, this won't be cheap to collect. There don't seem to be any lower-priced releases this season, or at least nothing I'm interested in. I guess I need King Records to distribute more shows I buy.

¥51,975 for this show, or Just about ¥4k an ep if 13 eps. Kinda sucks! Better be something pretty amazing packed in with those ¥8,925 volumes.

It averages out to ¥7,425 per volume, which is slightly higher than normal for a 2 episode volume. It'd be ¥75 higher per volume than King's other show this season, Joshiraku.

[superdry]

Bleh, this won't be cheap to collect. There don't seem to be any lower-priced releases this season, or at least nothing I'm interested in. I guess I need King Records to distribute more shows I buy.

As ultimatemegax pointed out, King Records is publishing this title. I do find the pricing structure to be strange unless the show is more than 13 episodes. I can't see what volume 1 is bundled with to make the MSRP that high.

I don't know if ill import this one or not as only one episode has aired so far.

[something]

It averages out to ¥7,425 per volume, which is slightly higher than normal for a 2 episode volume. It'd be ¥75 higher per volume than King's other show this season, Joshiraku.
It's also 7 volumes, though, and the extra volume is usually how a one cour show ends up being more expensive than its peers for the season. Getting one extra episode is nice (maybe Kokoroko will have a 14th?) but the per-ep cost is still higher. Not Kadokawa-level bullshit by any means, but ¥4k an ep is still higher end for one cour.

Put another way, it's more expensive per episode (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?p=1977788#post1977788), assuming 13 episodes, than anything I bought from Spring 2011 through Winter 2012, inclusive. And more expensive than anything I'm buying from Spring '12 I think, but I'd have to stop and check.

I also had Mouretsu/PapaKiki/AKB more in mind when thinking of recent cheap King Records' releases (the first two are the only KR TV anime I own). Didn't realize Kokoroko was King Records when I made my comment though. I guess only some of their shows are cheap.

Edit: or maybe relentless is right about bonus eps (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?p=1993431#post1993431), in which case the price would be fine.

[relentlessflame]

As ultimatemegax pointed out, King Records is publishing this title. I do find the pricing structure to be strange unless the show is more than 13 episodes. I can't see what volume 1 is bundled with to make the MSRP that high.
I think it will be more than 13 episodes. In fact, I think it will be 17 episodes.

Hit Random: 5 Episodes (2+3)
Kizu Random: 5 Episodes (2+3)
Kako Random: 3 Episodes
Michi Random: 4 Episodes (2+2)

All volumes include a bonus CD, per Animate.

So basically, I think they are following the release structure of Bakemonogatari by grouping the discs together by novel arc, and also it's likely that the entire last arc won't air on TV... but we'll see.

[something]

I think it will be more than 13 episodes. In fact, I think it will be 17 episodes.
Well that would certainly change everything if true. That'd be about ¥3,057 an ep, which is on the lower end of average.

[superdry]

I also had Mouretsu/PapaKiki/AKB more in mind when thinking of recent cheap King Records' releases (the first two are the only KR TV anime I own). Didn't realize Kokoroko was King Records when I made my comment though. I guess only some of their shows are cheap.

Don't forget you also own Denpa Onna which is published by King Records and that release pretty much followed Aniplex pricing at 7350yen for each volume except the last.


Edit: or maybe relentless is right about bonus eps (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?p=1993431#post1993431), in which case the price would be fine.

More than 13 episodes would make a lot of sense in the pricing structure.

[something]

Don't forget you also own Denpa Onna which is published by King Records and that release pretty much followed Aniplex pricing at 7350yen for each volume except the last.
Pretty sure I also forgot that the last time I mentioned what KR titles I own... for some reason my brain just will not accept that Denpa Onna wasn't an Aniplex release.

[MelancholicMariya]

Don't forget you also own Denpa Onna which is published by King Records and that release pretty much followed Aniplex pricing at 7350yen for each volume except the last.
Pretty sure I also forgot that the last time I mentioned what KR titles I own... for some reason my brain just will not accept that Denpa Onna wasn't an Aniplex release.

I actually have the same problem with thinking that Denpa Onna is an Aniplex title, one day I'll get it right.

But on Kokoro Connect, I feel like relentlessflame is on the right path. 13 episodes will be broadcast and 4 episodes will be something like ONA's similar to Bakemonogatari or Oreimo.

[something]

But on Kokoro Connect, I feel like relentlessflame is on the right path. 13 episodes will be broadcast and 4 episodes will be something like ONA's similar to Bakemonogatari or Oreimo.
Since they're probably spread across the volumes, I wonder if they just might be straight up "only released on BD" episodes. Then again I guess getting your bonus episodes broadcast in some manner is becoming more popular. Even if it's stupid atrocious ustream goddamnithyouka11.5.

[ultimatemegax]

But on Kokoro Connect, I feel like relentlessflame is on the right path. 13 episodes will be broadcast and 4 episodes will be something like ONA's similar to Bakemonogatari or Oreimo.
Since they're probably spread across the volumes, I wonder if they just might be straight up "only released on BD" episodes. Then again I guess getting your bonus episodes broadcast in some manner is becoming more popular. Even if it's stupid atrocious ustream goddamnithyouka11.5.

Given the layout of the discs, I wouldn't say they'll be spread out between them. Like Bakemonogatari, the discs are labeled by arc name, so the final two volumes would likely contain any episodes not broadcast on TV.

[something]

Given the layout of the discs, I wouldn't say they'll be spread out between them. Like Bakemonogatari, the discs are labeled by arc name, so the final two volumes would likely contain any episodes not broadcast on TV.
Ah, I don't know the original novels so I wasn't sure if they'd be animating one specific arc at the end for the bonus content, or just attaching episodic side-story episodes (like the .5 episodes other shows get) as bonuses to the ¥8,925 volumes.

[superdry]

Don't forget you also own Denpa Onna which is published by King Records and that release pretty much followed Aniplex pricing at 7350yen for each volume except the last.
Pretty sure I also forgot that the last time I mentioned what KR titles I own... for some reason my brain just will not accept that Denpa Onna wasn't an Aniplex release.

Haha. Yea...I think it's a pretty fun running gag at this point.

[Damius]

I think it will be more than 13 episodes. In fact, I think it will be 17 episodes.


Well, this is one of my high import possibility for me (even before watching any episode), so I do hope for 17 episodes, that for sure. Will see.

[HitokiriShadow]

Yaaaay, they're finally listed. And, uh, well. That's interesting. .... Holy crap, it really does look like they're doing 17 episodes.

In addition to web episodes and BD-only episodes, there's a third possibility: they actually run on TV. Remember, there have been several shows in recent seasons that were only about 6 episodes, give or take a few. I was not too fond of that being a normal option for making shows, when 1 cour (and sequels being a rarity) is short enough already. But there's a big upside: A show being able to run about 1.5 cour, instead of being stuck with 1 or going all the way up to 2 (and the production committee choosing 1 most of the time), and Kokoro Connect could be doing that.

[ultimatemegax]

Yaaaay, they're finally listed. And, uh, well. That's interesting. .... Holy crap, it really does look like they're doing 17 episodes.

In addition to web episodes and BD-only episodes, there's a third possibility: they actually run on TV. Remember, there have been several shows in recent seasons that were only about 6 episodes, give or take a few. I was not too fond of that being a normal option for making shows, when 1 cour (and sequels being a rarity) is short enough already. But there's a big upside: A show being able to run about 1.5 cour, instead of being stuck with 1 or going all the way up to 2 (and the production committee choosing 1 most of the time), and Kokoro Connect could be doing that.

tvk has already slated (http://d.hatena.ne.jp/nanamibeya/20120607/p1) Kokoro Connect for 13 episodes broadcast. They're also the source of the 12 episodes for Achiga which ended up having 3 extra episodes too, so I'd bet that the final arc of the show will be streamed/BD-only.

[HitokiriShadow]

tvk has already slated (http://d.hatena.ne.jp/nanamibeya/20120607/p1) Kokoro Connect for 13 episodes broadcast. They're also the source of the 12 episodes for Achiga which ended up having 3 extra episodes too, so I'd bet that the final arc of the show will be streamed/BD-only.

So much for that idea then.

[webkid94]

http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_7.html

Yup, it's seventeen episodes. Last arch, Michi Random contains four episodes across 2 volumes and thus it probably won't air given that the TV channel lists thirteen episodes.

[something]

http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_7.html

Yup, it's seventeen episodes. Last arch, Michi Random contains four episodes across 2 volumes and thus it probably won't air given that the TV channel lists thirteen episodes.

Nice that that's confirmed. But I hope the TV broadcast ends on something conclusive. Waiting for Vols 6-7 for a real ending would suck. Then again I guess we'll get some delayed webstreaming crap... which means "we'll do the episodes whenever we feel like it, and give you no goddamned information about when, as we go completely silent for months" ::glares at Saki::

And in the end my summer season imports run ~¥292,215 at MSRP, unless I drop one of the six I intend to import. Whee.

[Nico87]

And in the end my summer season imports run ~¥292,215 at MSRP, unless I drop one of the six I intend to import. Whee.

And here I'm sitting considering selling a finger or two for the two Clannad BD boxes :puke:

[relentlessflame]

Nice that that's confirmed. But I hope the TV broadcast ends on something conclusive. Waiting for Vols 6-7 for a real ending would suck.Well, based on the way it's being advertised, the TV broadcast should end at the end of a volume from the novels, and the four extra episodes will be another novel's worth in its entirety. However, the story itself obviously goes on into future novels. So it should end on "something conclusive", but I assume it'll be conclusive like Episode 5 was conclusive and not like "the whole story is over" in either case. (Which is annoying in its own way; an inevitable wait for the hopeful next season.)

[something]

Nice that that's confirmed. But I hope the TV broadcast ends on something conclusive. Waiting for Vols 6-7 for a real ending would suck.Well, based on the way it's being advertised, the TV broadcast should end at the end of a volume from the novels, and the four extra episodes will be another novel's worth in its entirety. However, the story itself obviously goes on into future novels. So it should end on "something conclusive", but I assume it'll be conclusive like Episode 5 was conclusive and not like "the whole story is over" in either case. (Which is annoying in its own way; an inevitable wait for the hopeful next season.)
Most likely. As far as how this one is doing, I really wish I had a good read... preorder ranking was mediocre for a long time, but ever since ep 4-5 it's been getting into the top 200 after episodes air. Fingers crossed that Kizu Random helps it really find its footing. We aren't going to get a sequel on lukewarm 3-4k sales unless the novel sales go crazy.

[Nico87]

Okay, I've finally decided to make this my first non-subbed import after reading that vol. 2 comes with a box.

[Damius]

Okay, I've finally decided to make this my first non-subbed import after reading that vol. 2 comes with a box.

Does it? I miss that? That's awesome news!

[Nico87]

http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_2.html

ヒトランダム（上）（下）収納ＢＯＸ google translates to "(Top) and random people housed BOX (below)"!

[something]

http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_2.html

ヒトランダム（上）（下）収納ＢＯＸ google translates to "(Top) and random people housed BOX (below)"!

It actually seems to be implying that there's a box just for Hito Random, which I guess means Kizu Random and Michi Random might have their own, though I have no idea hw the one volume Kako Random would be handled. Curious what the nature of the boxes would be if they only hold two discs.

[Nico87]

Mmm, that might be true. I just figured it was a box to hold all the volumes since none of the other arcs have boxes listed for them (as of now). With that said, only the first two volumes have detailed description.

Either way, vol. 1 pre-ordered combined with K-On! vol. 7 for the box through my JP connect to avoid DHL bullshit and customs fees.

[Nico87]

I'm guessing the 8925yen volumes will have the boxes? We already know that vol. 2 will come with one.

[something]

I'm guessing the 8925yen volumes will have the boxes? We already know that vol. 2 will come with one.
That's my bet. The one volume Kako Random will likely hold Michi Random as well since both discs of that are ¥6300. Though I guess they could hold it off until Vol. 7.

[Nico87]

Can't wait for this. Want it nowwwwww.

[TheTragicMan]

Vol. 1 cover's up (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_1.html).

EDIT - larger image (http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%B3%E3%82%B3%E3%83%AD%E3%82%B3%E3%83%8D%E3%8 2%AF%E3%83%88-%E3%83%92%E3%83%88%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%80%E3%8 3%A0-%E4%B8%8A-%E5%88%9D%E5%9B%9E%E9%99%90%E5%AE%9A%E7%89%88-Blu-ray/dp/B008KJJN92/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1345702595&sr=1-1) at Amazon.

[Nico87]

Vol. 1 cover's up (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_1.html).

EDIT - larger image (http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%B3%E3%82%B3%E3%83%AD%E3%82%B3%E3%83%8D%E3%8 2%AF%E3%83%88-%E3%83%92%E3%83%88%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%80%E3%8 3%A0-%E4%B8%8A-%E5%88%9D%E5%9B%9E%E9%99%90%E5%AE%9A%E7%89%88-Blu-ray/dp/B008KJJN92/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1345702595&sr=1-1) at Amazon.

Looks good to me, but I had really gotten used to the placeholder artwork.

[MelancholicMariya]

Vol. 1 cover's up (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_1.html).

EDIT - larger image (http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%B3%E3%82%B3%E3%83%AD%E3%82%B3%E3%83%8D%E3%8 2%AF%E3%83%88-%E3%83%92%E3%83%88%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%80%E3%8 3%A0-%E4%B8%8A-%E5%88%9D%E5%9B%9E%E9%99%90%E5%AE%9A%E7%89%88-Blu-ray/dp/B008KJJN92/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1345702595&sr=1-1) at Amazon.

That's not Cuteg. I'll wait for the Cuteg illustration.

[something]

Vol. 1 cover's up (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_1.html).
EDIT - larger image (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B008KJJN92) at Amazon.
Anything with Inaban on it is good by definition. Though othrwise it's kinda average. It's what the box looks like that matters though.

[Damius]

Vol. 1 cover's up (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_1.html).

EDIT - larger image (http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%B3%E3%82%B3%E3%83%AD%E3%82%B3%E3%83%8D%E3%8 2%AF%E3%83%88-%E3%83%92%E3%83%88%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%80%E3%8 3%A0-%E4%B8%8A-%E5%88%9D%E5%9B%9E%E9%99%90%E5%AE%9A%E7%89%88-Blu-ray/dp/B008KJJN92/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1345702595&sr=1-1) at Amazon.

It's a fine cover. Next volume will include an artbox, can't wait for that.

[Nico87]

http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%B3%E3%82%B3%E3%83%AD%E3%82%B3%E3%83%8D%E3%8 2%AF%E3%83%88-%E3%83%92%E3%83%88%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%80%E3%8 3%A0-%E4%B8%8A-%E5%88%9D%E5%9B%9E%E9%99%90%E5%AE%9A%E7%89%88-Blu-ray/dp/B008KJJN92/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346361964&sr=8-1-spell

Ratings - what the hell happened? Prank on VA = this?

[something]

Prank on VA = this?
Yes. It was pretty cruel for a prank, more like brutal public humiliation for no discernible reason, that someone should probably be taking a long leave of absence over.

I still think it's stupid to go to a retailer and vote down some BDs for something completely unrelated to the quality of the show or of the physical disc, but that's why nobody pays any attention to Amazon reviews. And I'm certainly not canceling my order.

[Nico87]

Me neither, obviously, but the prank sucked. I have no idea how someone could come up with that. Didn't they think about the consequences? It's actually one of the least professional things I've ever read about. I thought something really serious stuff had happened to the series itself, but.

Meh, shit move. Stupid Kings Records.

[Draneor]

Me neither, obviously, but the prank sucked. I have no idea how someone could come up with that. Didn't they think about the consequences?

Work place bullying isn't infrequent. It doesn't surprise me that it occurs in the Seiyuu industry too.

[Nico87]

Yes, but work place bullying is work place bullying. That's bad enough as it is, but this? This is public shit.

[MelancholicMariya]

http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%B3%E3%82%B3%E3%83%AD%E3%82%B3%E3%83%8D%E3%8 2%AF%E3%83%88-%E3%83%92%E3%83%88%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%80%E3%8 3%A0-%E4%B8%8A-%E5%88%9D%E5%9B%9E%E9%99%90%E5%AE%9A%E7%89%88-Blu-ray/dp/B008KJJN92/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346361964&sr=8-1-spell

Ratings - what the hell happened? Prank on VA = this?

I believe the "joke" which was pulled was absolutely disgusting, but it's not the show or the animation studios fault. I've seen people blame Silver Link and from what I know it's nothing to do with anyone at Silver Link or Oonuma and it was just an event set up by the production committee, right? I don't know the full details, I just know of the joke and the event.

I just hope this has no lasting impact on Kokoro Connect or any of Silver Link's future projects. And whoever pulled the joke be it a single person or a group of people should probably go away for a while because I think the actor is pretty hurt over this.

[something]

Work place bullying isn't infrequent. It doesn't surprise me that it occurs in the Seiyuu industry too.
I don't expect this industry would be an exception, no, but typical "workplace bullying" is something that happens, if not necessarily behind closed doors, at least within the confines of a company. This on the other hand was a carefully orchestrated public event explicitly intended as entertainment for fans of the show.

I just really don't understand at all what the fuck went through the minds of whoever organized this. I also recognize, however, that we don't have all the information. I'm just not sure what new information we could get that would change my mind.

Oh well. Silver Link has been on track for a while to become Manglobe v2 as far as sales go. BakaTest season one was their one and only modest hit, and even that dropped like a rock in the sequel, Ikamusume-style. I was very much hoping Kokoroko would break that pattern - personally I think it's head and shoulders and torso and thighs and probably all the way down to knees above anything else they've done - but even if you ignore this whole thing, sales were on track for pure mediocrity anyway.

[Draneor]

I just really don't understand at all what the fuck went through the minds of whoever organized this. I also recognize, however, that we don't have all the information. I'm just not sure what new information we could get that would change my mind.

From the perspective of a fan, no one would have known it wasn't all part of the show had it not been disclosed on a radio show (I believe) that Ichiki wasn't in on the joke. Maybe they thought since he wasn't a big name seiyuu he'd just shut up and take it (and didn't count on other seiyuu coming to his rescue). I see your point but I don't know how common it is for behind the scenes stuff to be leaked.

[something]

http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_1.html

Volume 1 has been delayed a month and all other volumes have followed suit. Blah. Amazon should probably still partial ship the rest of my September order, I guess, but there's no point in risking it so I'll cancel and re-order next month.

Maybe they're just pushing it back a little and hoping people use the extra time to forget about the controversy and make an order.

[Asf]

http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_1.html

Volume 1 has been delayed a month and all other volumes have followed suit. Blah. Amazon should probably still partial ship the rest of my September order, I guess, but there's no point in risking it so I'll cancel and re-order next month.

Maybe they're just pushing it back a little and hoping people use the extra time to forget about the controversy and make an order.
The product descriptions on Amazon list "Ichiki Mitsuhiro Tochirandom" live event footage starting with vol. 2, but the updated product info pages on the official site don't.

[something]

The product descriptions on Amazon list "Ichiki Mitsuhiro Tochirandom" live event footage starting with vol. 2, but the updated product info pages on the official site don't.
Hahaha, oh wow, I didn't realize they intended to put that on the discs in the first place. I'm glad someone realized that would be an utterly terrible idea at this point.

[Damius]

http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_1.html

Volume 1 has been delayed a month and all other volumes have followed suit. Blah. Amazon should probably still partial ship the rest of my September order, I guess, but there's no point in risking it so I'll cancel and re-order next month.

Maybe they're just pushing it back a little and hoping people use the extra time to forget about the controversy and make an order.
The product descriptions on Amazon list "Ichiki Mitsuhiro Tochirandom" live event footage starting with vol. 2, but the updated product info pages on the official site don't.

That sure is a good reason to delay the volumes. I'll just cancel volume 1 of my September order and re-order it in October.

[Nico87]

Good choice to be honest. Doesn't really affect me, I'll just get Ano Natsu de Matteru vol. 4 together with Tari Tari vol. 2 and Kokoro Connect vol. 1 with Tari Tari vol. 3 o/

Still managing to resist Hyouka..

[something]

Still managing to resist Hyouka..
Give in. Giiiive in. Eru's sparkly eyes compel you!

[Nico87]

I'm just thinking that Hyouka isn't something that Sentai would go for these days or they would probably have acquired it already. I can't see Funimation in the mix either (gut feeling) and that kinda only leaves NIS America who is the only company that still release stuff I can accept (cred to Funi for Lain though). Had Sentai, for example, already announced a Hyouka license then I would probably have started collecting the JP BD's already.

Obviously I'm basing my "claim" on absolutely nothing so there's still a good chance that I'll cave in :[ I got the first three Ano Natsu de Matteru volumes for the price of two, so maybe that's a sign for Hyou.. buuh.

Sidenote, when are fall shows usually solicited?

[something]

Had Sentai, for example, already announced a Hyouka license then I would probably have started collecting the JP BD's already.
If you mean you need subs, just download the fansubs, or BD rips using said fansubs (even better). You can watch those subbed while collecting the JP BDs. It's what I do for everything.

Sidenote, when are fall shows usually solicited?
Some already have been (Btooom and Code Breaker), so any time from now on really.

[Nico87]

Nah, I don't need subs, it's just that if NIS America is licensing it then I'll be fine with that release. If Funi or Sentai are licensing = BD imports o/

It's just that Ano Natsu + Kokoro + Tari + Hyouka + a possible spring show (possibly Chunibyo Demo Koi ga Shitai! or the like) would kill me even though I only need the final three Ano Natsu volumes.

Guess I'll just wait and see for a bit what happens to Hyouka licensing-wise.

[Damius]

Nah, I don't need subs, it's just that if NIS America is licensing it then I'll be fine with that release. If Funi or Sentai are licensing = BD imports

So I should hope that Sentai or Funi will license it! Like it you will join us and import the BD!

[Ingraman]

So I should hope that Sentai or Funi will license it!
That's not a very nice thing to say about the show, though. You're trying to force Eru into indentured servitude with Funi/Sentai!

[Damius]

So I should hope that Sentai or Funi will license it!
That's not a very nice thing to say about the show, though. You're trying to force Eru into indentured servitude with Funi/Sentai!

NO!!!!!!!!! I DO NOT! (That's what happens when you say the first thing that comes to mind...and don't think about the consequences...)

[Nico87]

I bring bad news.............................................. .................. Hyouka vols. 1-3 + Tari Tari vol.2 happened :(

[something]

Hyouka vols. 1-3
Just gonna point out the subtitle of Hyouka is "You Can't Escape" =D

[Damius]

Hyouka vols. 1-3

So what made you take this awesome decision?

[Ingraman]

Hyouka vols. 1-3

So what made you take this awesome decision?
Peer pressure? ^^

[webkid94]

You can't (escape) say no to Chitanda Eru, no sir.

Besides Natsuyuki Rendevous, Kokoro Connect is my next possible choice. Gotta see how the ending is, thanks to the one month delay.

[Damius]

Hyouka vols. 1-3
Just gonna point out the subtitle of Hyouka is "You Can't Escape" =D

But, why would someone want to escape anyway! ^__^

[WTK]

And the last volume (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B009KFS4TA) is listed on Amazon Japan.

[TheTragicMan]

Vol. 2 cover up (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_2.html).

EDIT - larger image (http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/pictures/l/07/38/KIXA-90208.jpg) from CD Japan.

[Damius]

Vol. 2 cover up (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_2.html).

EDIT - larger image (http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/pictures/l/07/38/KIXA-90208.jpg) from CD Japan.

That's a really nice cover. I like the style. Can't wait to see the box.

[TheTragicMan]

Vol. 3 cover up (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_3.html).

Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B008KJJNDS/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i02) also has it.

Vol. 2 cover up (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_2.html).

EDIT - larger image (http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/pictures/l/07/38/KIXA-90208.jpg) from CD Japan.

That's a really nice cover. I like the style. Can't wait to see the box.

I'm wondering if the BD cover given is the box, and the individual BD case is the same image as used on the DVD (as seen in the first link.)

[Damius]

Vol. 3 cover up (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_3.html).

Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B008KJJNDS/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i02) also has it.

I like this cover as well. Nice.

[Damius]

Vol. 2 cover up (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_2.html).

EDIT - larger image (http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/pictures/l/07/38/KIXA-90208.jpg) from CD Japan.

That's a really nice cover. I like the style. Can't wait to see the box.

I'm wondering if the BD cover given is the box, and the individual BD case is the same image as used on the DVD (as seen in the first link.)

I missed that part of your post at first. I guess this is very plausible. I love the style of the art, so I would approve.

[TheTragicMan]

Looking in the back of the Yochi Random manual, it has details for all the volumes.

Beyond what's been revealed on the official site, Kako random will have its own box, and the CD will be soundtrack 3 with Kako Random ED and a drama CD segment.

Michi Random 1 will have soundtrack 4 & Michi Random ED; Michi Random 2 will have the Michi Random box and drama CD.

[Damius]

Looking in the back of the Yochi Random manual, it has details for all the volumes.

Beyond what's been revealed on the official site, Kako random will have its own box, and the CD will be soundtrack 3 with Kako Random ED and a drama CD segment.

Michi Random 1 will have soundtrack 4 & Michi Random ED; Michi Random 2 will have the Michi Random box and drama CD.

Thanks for the info. I can't wait to collect all the volumes... and finally be able to watch the extra episodes... it's still a long wait...

[hpulley4]

My Hito Random volumes one and two, two came with the nice box:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8247531695_b8008b1b45_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hpulley/8247531695/)
KokoroConnectHitoRandom (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hpulley/8247531695/) by hpulley (http://www.flickr.com/people/hpulley/), on Flickr

[Nico87]

Awesome! Can't wait 'till I get mine next week!

[hpulley4]

Oh and the drama CD is basically all the voice acting, sFX and music for Hito Random done in 29 minutes. It is quite enjoyable but not new material, or didn't seem to be though I have not taken the time to listen to CD and BD side by side.

[Damius]

Awesome! Can't wait 'till I get mine next week!

I can confirm that the box looks awesome on my shelf.

[Damius]

Oh and the drama CD is basically all the voice acting, sFX and music for Hito Random done in 29 minutes. It is quite enjoyable but not new material, or didn't seem to be though I have not taken the time to listen to CD and BD side by side.
What I like the most about drama CD is to be able to listen to the character voices once again. So I enjoy them even if I don't understand anything.

[hpulley4]

Oh and the drama CD is basically all the voice acting, sFX and music for Hito Random done in 29 minutes. It is quite enjoyable but not new material, or didn't seem to be though I have not taken the time to listen to CD and BD side by side.
What I like the most about drama CD is to be able to listen to the character voices once again. So I enjoy them even if I don't understand anything.

Even better when you can understand it :bigsmile:

Great listening practice, can't cheat by just looking ;)

[Damius]

Oh and the drama CD is basically all the voice acting, sFX and music for Hito Random done in 29 minutes. It is quite enjoyable but not new material, or didn't seem to be though I have not taken the time to listen to CD and BD side by side.
What I like the most about drama CD is to be able to listen to the character voices once again. So I enjoy them even if I don't understand anything.

Even better when you can understand it :bigsmile:

I sure would like to be able to understand them one day...

[hpulley4]

Oh and the drama CD is basically all the voice acting, sFX and music for Hito Random done in 29 minutes. It is quite enjoyable but not new material, or didn't seem to be though I have not taken the time to listen to CD and BD side by side.
What I like the most about drama CD is to be able to listen to the character voices once again. So I enjoy them even if I don't understand anything.

Even better when you can understand it :bigsmile:

I sure would like to be able to understand them one day...

Study and practice and you'll get there! It takes time.

Blu ray imports are good or soft subs on Crunchyroll that you can disable. With English subs I find it distracting reading English and listening to the Japanese... Watching over and over is fun too, I sometimes miss things the first time around especially when they talk really fast but the second and third time it is easier to understand.

[Damius]

Study and practice and you'll get there! It takes time.

Blu ray imports are good or soft subs on Crunchyroll that you can disable. With English subs I find it distracting reading English and listening to the Japanese... Watching over and over is fun too, I sometimes miss things the first time around especially when they talk really fast but the second and third time it is easier to understand.

When I import a Blu-ray from Japan, I always watch an episode twice one with subs and the second time on Blu-ray without subs. In other words, I do exactly the same compare to when I was learning English. Now I need to add the studying part. For that, I want to wait to have the energy to give always my 100% on studying Japanese.

[TheTragicMan]

Nice box, and as I suspected regarding cover image.

Alas, I'm bulk ordering 2-6 from Amazon, so I won't get them until March (Vol. 7 wasn't available at that point, there's another order for that).

[TheTragicMan]

Vol. 4 (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_4.html) cover up.

[hpulley4]

Vol. 4 (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_4.html) cover up.

I had preordered it already but a box for both Kizu Random discs and a drama CD takes the cake! Looking forward to this one.

[Damius]

Vol. 4 (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_4.html) cover up.

The second art box looks really nice. The cover art does look really nice as well.

[hpulley4]

Kizu Random 1 arrived!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8492/8316348136_5ab125968a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hpulley/8316348136/)
IMG_6224 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hpulley/8316348136/) by hpulley (http://www.flickr.com/people/hpulley/), on Flickr

After the first two had Inaba and Nagase on the inside covers it made sense for Yui to be on this one, moe and sultry like the other two:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8218/8316347722_88650906d5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hpulley/8316347722/)
IMG_6227 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hpulley/8316347722/) by hpulley (http://www.flickr.com/people/hpulley/), on Flickr

[TheTragicMan]

Kako Random (Vol. 5)'s covers up (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_5.html).

Amazon cover (larger). (http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B008KJJNAG/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i03)

Larger DVD cover (Amazon) for inner image. (http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%B3%E3%82%B3%E3%83%AD%E3%82%B3%E3%83%8D%E3%8 2%AF%E3%83%88-%E3%82%AB%E3%82%B3%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%80%E3%8 3%A0-DVD-%E5%A4%A7%E6%B2%BC%E5%BF%83/dp/B008KJJR2K/ref=sr_1_8?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1358762881&sr=1-8)

Amazon still hasn't updated Kizu Random 2's image.

[hpulley4]

Kizu Random 2 ships Wednesday, here by Friday if all goes well, will take some pics.

[Damius]

Kako Random (Vol. 5)'s covers up (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_5.html).

Amazon cover (larger). (http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B008KJJNAG/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i03)

Larger DVD cover (Amazon) for inner image. (http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%B3%E3%82%B3%E3%83%AD%E3%82%B3%E3%83%8D%E3%8 2%AF%E3%83%88-%E3%82%AB%E3%82%B3%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%80%E3%8 3%A0-DVD-%E5%A4%A7%E6%B2%BC%E5%BF%83/dp/B008KJJR2K/ref=sr_1_8?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1358762881&sr=1-8)

Amazon still hasn't updated Kizu Random 2's image.

This show continues to have really nice art for the covers.

[hpulley4]

Kizu Random 2... Actually shipped just now, I always forget preorders go out the day before release and it is already the 22nd in Japan. Should have that package this week for sure. The new driver was on time today so she is alright!

[Damius]

Kizu Random 2... Actually shipped just now, I always forget preorders go out the day before release and it is already the 22nd in Japan. Should have that package this week for sure. The new driver was on time today so she is alright!

Well, after reading your message I realized that my order just split for some reasons and shipped, leaving only Hyouka to be shipped at the end of the week. Can't wait to have the second artbox on my shelf.

[hpulley4]

Kizu Random 2... Actually shipped just now, I always forget preorders go out the day before release and it is already the 22nd in Japan. Should have that package this week for sure. The new driver was on time today so she is alright!

Well, after reading your message I realized that my order just split for some reasons and shipped, leaving only Hyouka to be shipped at the end of the week. Can't wait to have the second artbox on my shelf.

Amazon is splitting again. I got three packages on two trucks today :sdsmiley:

Shipping out of Narita too so no need to stopover in Hong Kong! Could be here even Wednesday which would be the day of release here...

[hpulley4]

Kizu Random 2... Actually shipped just now, I always forget preorders go out the day before release and it is already the 22nd in Japan. Should have that package this week for sure. The new driver was on time today so she is alright!

Well, after reading your message I realized that my order just split for some reasons and shipped, leaving only Hyouka to be shipped at the end of the week. Can't wait to have the second artbox on my shelf.

Amazon is splitting again. I got three packages on two trucks today :sdsmiley:

Shipping out of Narita too so no need to stopover in Hong Kong! Could be here even Wednesday which would be the day of release here...
And its here! Day of release here, amazing!

And the person on the inner case is again... Inaba! I thought the might do one of the boys after doing Inaba, Iori and Yui already but no, they know their buyers...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8353/8409846390_509c0c73c5_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hpulley/8409846390/)
KokoroConnect2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hpulley/8409846390/) by hpulley (http://www.flickr.com/people/hpulley/), on Flickr

[Damius]

And the person on the inner case is again... Inaba! I thought the might do one of the boys after doing Inaba, Iori and Yui already but no, they know their buyers...


They sure do! I hope will never have a boy on the inner case. I got it today as well.

[Ingraman]

Amazon is splitting again. I got three packages on two trucks today :sdsmiley:

Shipping out of Narita too so no need to stopover in Hong Kong! Could be here even Wednesday which would be the day of release here...
And its here! Day of release here, amazing!
My copy, along with several other things, shipped out of Osaka via Hong Kong, but still made it overnight. I picked it up at the local DHL office a few hours ago. Yay!

The last three things from my January order are in 'shipping soon' status, so I hope that I see them by Friday.

[hpulley4]

I still have a bunch of stuff coming on the 30th that isn't shipping soon yet and Kokoro Connect manga 4 is finally shipping too to stay somewhat on topic...

[something]

Oddly, Kokoroko v4 is out of stock. How does a show go out of stock when it has dismal 2k sales? I suppose they really cut back on print runs.

Well, I ordered it a while ago so I'm not worried. My order is just being held up until Little Busters! is ready to ship.

[hpulley4]

Yes, oddly the manga volume four is also temporarily out of stock and yet did not rank last week (15,993 rank 50). The Cuteg manga is the same illustrator as the inner case and disc.

Listening to the audio drama disc now. I really enjoy these! I can enjoy them while doing something else, driving... the seiyuu are so good! Taichi's imouto Rina's seiyuu Asuka Oogame is Momo on Vividred and Himeko in Saki. Miyuki is always so good. Funny to compare her Inaba to Kira in BTOOOM 3 which also shipped a drama CD yesterday; even as a boy she is instantly recognizable!

Edit: And I just noticed that Yui's seiyuu Hisako Kanemoto is Kotoura-san, sigh... no wonder I like Kotoura!

[hpulley4]

Cover for Michi Random One up:
http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/61qXHl2k2XL._AA1024_.jpg

Seems like Michi Random Two has a CD but One may not though the entries on amazon.co.jp are a bit terse and even a bit messed up with raw HTML tags in the second one.

Kako Random CD is really good, Kimi Rhythm OP, Salvage ED, soundtrack and 38 minutes of drama. Great art in the two boxes and case too.

[Nico87]

Cover for Michi Random One up:
http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/61qXHl2k2XL._AA1024_.jpg

Seems like Michi Random Two has a CD but One may not though the entries on amazon.co.jp are a bit terse and even a bit messed up with raw HTML tags in the second one.

Kako Random CD is really good, Kimi Rhythm OP, Salvage ED, soundtrack and 38 minutes of drama. Great art in the two boxes and case too.

That's the placeholder picture. Not saying they won't use it but nothing on http://www.kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_6.html just so you know!

[hpulley4]

It was blank before so I was fooled when it got an image at all. Sorry!

[Nico87]

It was blank before so I was fooled when it got an image at all. Sorry!

Has to be said that I really hope that they'll use it some time though. Love that pic. It's my favorite Kokoroco art work together with the art work used for the first BD volume.

[hpulley4]

Would be a shame not to use it!

[Damius]

Would be a shame not to use it!

I wonder if it ever happened for another show...

[Damius]

It was blank before so I was fooled when it got an image at all. Sorry!

Has to be said that I really hope that they'll use it some time though. Love that pic. It's my favorite Kokoroco art work together with the art work used for the first BD volume.

We are too late for the "consolation price": http://www.amazon.co.jp/slaps-%E3%80%8E%E3%82%B3%E3%82%B3%E3%83%AD%E3%82%B3%E3%8 3%8D%E3%82%AF%E3%83%88%E3%80%8F-%E3%83%87%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AF%E3%83%9E%E3%83%83%E3%8 3%88-B/dp/B0099EX6XQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362440587&sr=8-1

[TheTragicMan]

Seems like Michi Random Two has a CD but One may not though the entries on amazon.co.jp are a bit terse and even a bit messed up with raw HTML tags in the second one.


They both have CDs, following the standard arrangement; Michi 1 has soundtrack 4 & ED, and Michi 2 has the drama CD.

At least, that's what was planned, according the the Yochi Random manual.

[hpulley4]

Thanks for confirming. Makes sense as the prices are the same but the listings are incomplete so it is hard to say. Love the CDs, they do a good job on them.

Did you play Yochi Random?

[TheTragicMan]

A little bit. Not knowing Japanese is limiting. I should probably give it play through it anyway, just to see if I can glean any sort of story out of it.

[hpulley4]

A little bit. Not knowing Japanese is limiting. I should probably give it play through it anyway, just to see if I can glean any sort of story out of it.

Cool! Amazon.co.jp won't ship me Japanese games :( Not to Canada anyway.

[TheTragicMan]

I got it through amiami, but they've sold out.

[TheTragicMan]

Vol. 6 cover up. (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_6.html)

No known bigger versions yet.

[Damius]

Vol. 6 cover up. (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_6.html)

No known bigger versions yet.

That's another really nice cover. Can't wait to see how the box with v. 7 looks.

[hpulley4]

Michi Random 1 Kokoro Connect 6 is here! Since I am legit I haven't even seen it yet! I have the novels (last one, I believe, Random Tomorrows 2 comes next week, ordered of course) so I know the plot but I have been looking forward to seeing it since the summer!

Iori case and CD. ED and insert song plus soundtrack CD is awesome. Nice booklet. Box image is very dark. Watching it soon...

[TheTragicMan]

Vol. 7 covers up. (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_7.html)

I like the Michi Random box image.

[Damius]

Vol. 7 covers up. (http://kokoro-connect.com/release/bddvd_7.html)

I like the Michi Random box image.

I like it as well. I also like the volume cover art.

[TheTragicMan]

I confused the images. I was looking at the DVD image and thought it was the box image. But yeah, they're both nice.

[hpulley4]

I'm glad though I will wait until I see it in the flesh. Michi Random 1's cover is too dark IMO. Not sure why, almost seems like a mistake, its not like this volume has a particularly sinister tone to it.

Edit: novel Asu Random 2 is here!

[hpulley4]

And the final volume is here! The BD/case cover is the three girls, the case is the 5 main characters jumping, much more cheerful than the dark case of volume 6 and the box cover is as above. CD is drama, the day before Valentines. Can't wait to watch it tonight...

[Damius]

And the final volume is here! The BD/case cover is the three girls, the case is the 5 main characters jumping, much more cheerful than the dark case of volume 6 and the box cover is as above. CD is drama, the day before Valentines. Can't wait to watch it tonight...

Got it the same day as yours. I feel lucky! ^_^

[hpulley4]

We are lucky indeed to own the complete collection of this masterpiece and especially on release day halfway around the world from whence it came. Shame the last 6 novels likely won't get adapted to anime.

Lucked out with DHL this week. Not sure if it is a permanent change or just temporary but they are not sending shipments west of Tokyo through HK this week which is cutting a day out of transit time!