Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu; Haruka Nogizaka's Secret series discussion thread. [Archive]

Fencedude

07-12-2008, 04:45 PM

ANN Link (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=9012)
Official Site (http://www.nogizaka-haruka.com/)

Nogizaka Haruka is the idol of her school, most beatiful, most talented, the object of desire by the boys and envy by the girls, she's perfect in every way. But...she has a secret. A secret so deep and dark she must never let anyone find out, that she secretly is an Otaku who loves anime and manga. One day, ordinary boy Ayase Yuuto finds out her secret, what will become of her now...?

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Fencedude

07-12-2008, 04:48 PM

Oh man, this was just criminally moe.

Haruka is voiced by Mamiko Noto, and its like the role was written for her, she's the absolutely perfect choice, and turns absolutely everything Haruka does into the pure embodiment of moe.

As for the plot...ah who cares. Oh, and there's other girls, Yuuto lives with his older sister and one of the teachers from the school, who seem to spend their time getting drunk off their asses and taking their clothes off.

The ED sequence is also...lol...

Suwako Moriya

07-12-2008, 04:49 PM

Haruka is voiced by Mamiko Noto, and its like the role was written for her, she's the absolutely perfect choice, and turns absolutely everything Haruka does into the pure embodiment of moe.

Hence forth a good reason why this will be one of the Summer Series, I'll stick with for the long term.

HitokiriShadow

07-13-2008, 12:56 AM

The plot is silly at best and the sister and teacher weren't that amusing, but who cares. Nogizaka Haruka is really cute and voiced by Mamiko Noto and that's all that really matters at this point. I'm in for a few more episodes, at the very least.

Westlo

07-13-2008, 07:33 AM

Was a decent first episode and I'm in for at least a few more episodes.

something

07-13-2008, 07:29 PM

Episode 1:

- Yuuto lives with two very interesting people.
- NOTO MAMIKO I LOVE YOU!
- Haruka is interested in anime. Could she get any more perfect?
- Oh god, Haruka. OH GOD, HARUKA. OH GOD, HARUKA!
- Awesome, her secret is simply that she likes cutsey manga. I thought it would be that she's a magical girl :sd:
- Matsuki Miyu as Yukari is really amsuing. But man, Yuuto needs to smack some bitches.
- And man, Haruka is going to ruin this guy's reputation. They're all thinking he did something terrible to her.
- Haha, oh wow, did they ever. Poor Yuuto.
- Haruka is sooooooooo melodramatic.
- SO MOE I'M GONNA DIE.
- Haruka telling him how weird he is (simply because he's not an anime fan but talks to someone who is) so goddamn hilarious.
- Yukari-sensei has the worst ringtone ever o_O
- Ahaha, her hips dislocated... what the hell?

HOLY SHIT, ED. That was incredible.

This could easily be the #2 show of the season.

ArcticMech

07-14-2008, 12:21 PM

I was a little hesitant going in since some have described the show as being fanservice heavy. I have to say that the first episode was pretty enjoyable. While the episode was sort of paint-by-numbers, the lead characters are quite likable and the VA's seem perfect for the roles. The first, second and third words that come to mind when you see Haruka is cute, cute and cute. And the ED is a lot of fun. I'm sticking with this show for now and looking forward to episode 2.

something

07-14-2008, 12:33 PM

I was a little hesitant going in since some have described the show as being fanservice heavy.
I was surprised at the amount, but it turned out not to be too much. Other than Yuuto's housemates, I mean. :sd: The most we get from Haruka are some panties-through-stockings, though I'm sure that will increase later. And I agree with what Fence said to me, which is that while I much prefer thighhighs to stockings, Haruka wears stockings so damn nicely.

lorddream

07-14-2008, 08:04 PM

- Haruka telling him how weird he is (simply because he's not an anime fan but talks to someone who is) so goddamn hilarious.

That was definitely the best moment of the episode.

The plot is silly at best and the sister and teacher weren't that amusing, but who cares. Nogizaka Haruka is really cute and voiced by Mamiko Noto and that's all that really matters at this point.

You've pretty much summed up my feelings. The story is forgettable, the secondary characters are annoying... but none of that matters right now because Haruka is cute and voiced by Mamiko Noto. I don't think that will keep me watching for the full season, but it definitely earns a few more episodes. :catgirl:

Nekoman

07-14-2008, 11:04 PM

So instead of being about a nerdy guy, who likes some grumpy girl, it’s about a nerdy girl, who kind of likes some grumpy guy. The exact opposite of most shows.

It was good. I’m liking the characters, overall really fun.

This season has been pretty solid IMHO.

EmperorBrandon

07-14-2008, 11:48 PM

The premise of the series seemed somewhat interesting to me, so I decided to try out the first episode of this one (anime watching has been slow for me lately, but I spared some time). I ended up being very pleased with it. It was enjoyable and there quite a bit of amusing character interactions. Hope it keeps it up, as I'm looking forward to watching some more.

TheGreenMan

07-15-2008, 08:16 PM

Mamiko Noto as lead female = F'ing WIN.

Suwako Moriya

07-16-2008, 05:23 PM

Speaking of the long term, having just re-watched the episode I already know one thing I want to happen. Which is something along the lines of Haruka putting her hobby front and center while not caring what others think. Although that's more of an ending type scene. Also one line may end up explaining a lot of series out there. "Nothing's there, but she still tripped".;)

EmperorBrandon

07-16-2008, 10:19 PM

Speaking of the long term, having just re-watched the episode I already know one thing I want to happen. Which is something along the lines of Haruka putting her hobby front and center while not caring what others think.

Yeah, I was actually thinking about that myself - wondering if something like that will happen latter (whether gradual or sudden). Maybe not (and it wouldn't disappoint me terribly), but it is something I'm intrigued about.

I was a bit confused about Yuuto's living arrangement at first. So one of the girls is his sister, and one is his teacher? Is the teacher related to them somehow? Something I was wondering about, but I guess it might be answered later in the show (so I don't really want to know right now - just putting my curiosity out there :P )

Fencedude

07-16-2008, 10:21 PM

I was a bit confused about Yuuto's living arrangement at first. So one of the girls is his sister, and one is his teacher? Is the teacher related to them somehow? Something I was wondering about, but I guess it might be answered later in the show (so I don't really want to know right now - just putting my curiosity out there :P )

Until further information is provided, I'm assuming the sister and the teacher are fucking.

HitokiriShadow

07-16-2008, 10:32 PM

Suwako Moriya

07-16-2008, 11:08 PM

Until further information is provided, I'm assuming the sister and the teacher are fucking.I'm not seeing how further information means you have to stop assuming that.

Any further information that contradicts what Fencedude is assuming will now be considered a lie.

Fencedude

07-16-2008, 11:12 PM

Ashyukun

07-19-2008, 11:51 AM

Dear anime companies: Please stop making so many shows at once that are just too enjoyable to not follow. I already have more than I think I can consistently follow, and now I've got yet another one. From the opening animation to (well, most of...) the ending animation, this was just cute, fun, and highly enjoyable.

something

07-20-2008, 09:07 AM

Episode 2:

- Yuuto's life is a lot more complicated now... but he's trying to learn a bit about the anime Haruka likes. She's so happy =D
- After they escape the mob, Haruka asks him on a date. Except not a date. Rather she wants to go to Akihabara, a place with bad memories for Yuuto.
- Chibi Haruka! <3 She wants to buy a DS. She has their whole itinerary planned out. I can just imagine her sitting at her desk cheerfully drawing the map up with crayons, humming Clumsy Aki-chan songs to herself. :sd:
- She's so perfectly cute I just want to die. I can't take it anymoreeeeee <3
- First up, Toranoana, and Aki's first encounter with a hentai doujin. Damn, Noto Mamiko makes the cutest noises.
- After recovering from the shock, it's off to Animate. Is that Momoi Haruko singing in the background?
- Aww, Haruka's dad doesn't approve of her hobbies, so she can't buy much of anything but the "PDS". She's happy just looking though. She then talks about how she first got into anime and manga, and it looks like they're pulling the old "I met you when we were young!" thing. You know, a "mysterious boy" (who has hair similar to Yuuto) gave her a copy of Innocent Smile.
- Before they can go further Nobunaga shows up, and Yuuto has to hide Haruka and make up an excuse for why he's there. I was actually just about to comment about how Haruka was bound to run into someone she knew...
- Huh, Yuuto gets rid of him but when he turns around Haruka is gone. Second part.
- While looking for her we bump, literally, into the other main character (going by the OP anyway).
- He finds Haruka... surrounded by big menacing men! Turns out they're just Russian tourists and she's helping them because they got lost. Bwhaha. Noto Mamiko's Russian is AWESOME! XD Bwhahaa. (and lazy translators, there was a Japanese translation right on the screen >_> well not like it was anything plot critical.)
- Gachapon innuendo ftw. Unfortunately she fails it.
- MAID CAFE! And ooooh, I think the maid is Iguchi Yuka, who I've been wanting to hear more after her role as Haruka in Imas Xenoglossia. I'm not sure though, she doesn't say enough for me to tell.
- But I love these maids. They convince Haruka to dress up in a maid outfit too! <3　Those photos could totally blow her secret though.
- So it's time for the PDS, but... sold out ;_; Haruka is so stunned she can't stand up and Yuuto has to carry her. :sd:
- And as she's crying and he cheers her up, we get the old "Hey, I remember something like this happening before" line. I'm assuming the Innocent Smile he gave her is one of the books he was carrying for Nobunaga back when. That or he used to be into anime and manga, and being with Haruka will bring back his love of it.
- The day ends with mooooooooar cuteness, and I absolutely LOVE THIS SHOW!

And this ED! This is looking to be hands down my #2 show for Summer 2008.

Edit: ooh, next time we visit Haruka's house, which means the maids and her sister Mika will appear!

ArcticMech

07-20-2008, 10:56 AM

Fun episode.

Watching Haruka's expressions throughout her first Akiba trip was entertaining and easy to relate to.
Her crayon-drawn map was too cute, as were SD Yuuto and Haruka.
For a guy who gets red-in-face from embarassment as much Yuuto, he gets a ton of manly points for rushing into what he thought was a group of large thugs when he thought Haruka was in danger, and for carrying her out of the shop (like in An Officer and a Gentleman sans kissing).
So Yuuto was the one who inadvertently got her hooked on anime and manga; the one who led sweet innocent Haruka down the path of potential love or corruption depending on your viewpoint (the latter being her schoolmates if they knew).

I'm enjoying this series so far. Haruka and Yuuto seem to be extremely compatible. The two words that keep popping into my head when I think about this show are "cute" and "sweet"...but it feels like it's missing another element, whether it be a little edginess or personality or something else. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the next episode.

something - do you think there's a chance that whoever did the translation speaks Japanese, but can't read the language?

something

07-20-2008, 10:59 AM

something - do you think there's a chance that whoever did the translation speaks Japanese, but can't read the language?
Possible, sure, but it isn't be too hard to find someone who can for like 10 short sentences. Doesn't really matter either way though.

TheGreenMan

07-20-2008, 08:36 PM

Finally got around to watching the 1st episode. Haruka is so fucking MOE I burst my nutbladder watching that. The ED is made of awesome and WIN (the last part in the ED made me giggle). There was no Haruka fanservice in the show, except of the OP and shot after the ED. This show's ED and Strike Witches ED are my two current favorites.

Fencedude

07-20-2008, 11:04 PM

Episode 2:
- She's so perfectly cute I just want to die. I can't take it anymoreeeeee <3

Note to self: Never watch Hidamari and Haruka back to back. The levels of moe would be instantly fatal.

Anyway, considering that nothing really happened, the episode was great. Of course, you could have an episode of nothing but Mamiko Noto reading from the phonebook and it would be epic win. Also, Yuuto's awesome, he's avoiding most of the harem male pitfalls, and is developing a nice relationship with Haruka already. I am curious about the other girl though, especially the fact that she was in Akihabara.

(does the artstyle for Clumsy Aki-chan look familiar to anyone else?)

cjed

07-21-2008, 07:16 AM

... There was no Haruka fanservice in the show, except of the OP and shot after the ED.

Not quite true - there's a couple of panty (under tights) shots when she's falling over.

I must say, I've really enjoyed the couple of episodes I've seen so far. I like both the leads and it's alreay got to the point of calling each other by their given names (unlike certain other series where it takes more than half the show!).

TheGreenMan

07-21-2008, 07:57 AM

(does the artstyle for Clumsy Aki-chan look familiar to anyone else?)

I think it looks like Fushigiboshi no Futago Hime to me. Or when the girls in Sayonara Sad Sensei were in that magical girl show OP.

something

07-21-2008, 08:19 AM

I think it looks like Fushigiboshi no Futago Hime to me. Or when the girls in Sayonara Sad Sensei were in that magical girl show OP.
The latter is what came to mind for me. I looked around a little to see if I could get a character designer for the Aki-chan bit but to no avail.

Suwako Moriya

07-21-2008, 04:00 PM

(does the artstyle for Clumsy Aki-chan look familiar to anyone else?)

The first thing that came to mind was Binchou-tan, but then again I'm not sure if it really matches. In any case the lesson of this anime is that anime is the truth path to love.

TheGreenMan

07-21-2008, 08:45 PM

Why do the characters from the ED look like they were dropped out of Seto no Hanayome?

Fencedude

07-21-2008, 09:01 PM

Why do the characters from the ED look like they were dropped out of Seto no Hanayome?

The style of the ED looks really familiar, and quite different from the rest of the show.

*goes to look into things*

Suwako Moriya

07-21-2008, 10:27 PM

Why do the characters from the ED look like they were dropped out of Seto no Hanayome?

Ah just great now that you mentioned that, I'll be thinking of San each time I watch the ending of this. Hmm maybe that's not such a bad thing.

Nekoman

07-21-2008, 10:44 PM

Do I hear Momoi in the background at a point in this episode? I think I do…

This show is just so insanely cute! I loved the part where she kept wasting her money on the capsule toys.:P

HitokiriShadow

07-21-2008, 11:42 PM

This show is God's gift to Mamiko Noto fans. The first ten minutes were sex for the ears because 90% of it was Mamiko Noto talking (and being really damn cute; the map part was cuteness overload). I think she spoke more in this episode than she did in all of her other roles from the past 12 months combined.

(does the artstyle for Clumsy Aki-chan look familiar to anyone else?)

Yes, it looks familiar, but I can't place it. Moe-tan came to mind (though I've never seen it) but I don't think that's it.

Suwako Moriya

07-22-2008, 02:58 AM

This show is God's gift to Mamiko Noto fans. The first ten minutes were sex for the ears because 90% of it was Mamiko Noto talking (and being really damn cute; the map part was cuteness overload). I think she spoke more in this episode than she did in all of her other roles from the past 12 months combined.

It sort of makes up for all those shows where she got a role, but barely appeared at all. Almost as if she took the role mainly because it was on the minor side. Go figure on that one. Granted in some way it makes Haruka Nogizaka a change of pace.

Nork22

07-22-2008, 03:09 AM

I watched this and I came as soon as Haruka spoke... Dammit! Need more!!

EmperorBrandon

07-22-2008, 11:28 AM

Suwako Moriya

07-22-2008, 11:44 AM

Almost as if she took the role mainly because it was on the minor side.Heh, thinking about Sketchbook, aren't you? :)

Yeah that's probably the main thing that comes to mind...

HitokiriShadow

07-22-2008, 05:00 PM

It sort of makes up for all those shows where she got a role, but barely appeared at all. Almost as if she took the role mainly because it was on the minor side.

Heh, thinking about Sketchbook, aren't you? :)

Sketchbook was the worst, but most of her roles don't fare much better. It almost felt like her role in Sketchbook was a joke about the kinds of roles she gets.

07-23-2008, 02:11 PM

I watched this and I came as soon as Haruka spoke... Dammit! Need more!!

Indeed. The scene on the stairs melted me like butter.

Ashyukun

07-25-2008, 05:20 PM

I watched this and I came as soon as Haruka spoke... Dammit! Need more!!

Indeed. The scene on the stairs melted me like butter.
This episode was great... it was doubly fun since it made me think back to my own trip to Japan and Akihabara earlier this year and how easy it was to get carried away with the Gashapons. :P Thankfully I didn't have the money problems that she did and could pretty much buy whatever I really wanted.

I loved the map sequence... but then I'll readily admit I'm a sucker for appropriate and cute use of SD in shows, and that time it definitely worked well.

Erk. Forgot to edit title to mention this was after watching ep. 2.... but that should be obvious... -_-;

TheGreenMan

07-25-2008, 06:28 PM

I love the little sound Haruka makes as she faints after she read that doujinshi.

Fencedude

07-28-2008, 05:00 PM

- Yuuto goes to Haruka's house to study for finals. But he can't find it because of her awesome map drawing skills
- mysterious loli appears and draws him a more useful map.
- MEIDO. Don't get lost in the Nogizaka estate Yuuto!
- HAAARRRUUUUKKKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
- Sakurazaki Hazuki (Kaori Shimizu, fuck yeah!), Haruka's personal maid.
- God Haruka's room is HUEG.
- awww....Haruka's father is strict and doesn't like anime.
- they're all alone in her house today (for varying definitions of alone...)
- Delicious sexual tension is delicious.
- Mysterious loli and another MEIDO.
- Nogizaka Mika, 14 years old, Haruka's little sister.
- Nanashiro Nanami (Oh damn, KANA UEDA. Both maids are total win!), another maid.
- Mika knows Haruka's secret, and wants to make sure Yuuto is good to Haruka. AWWWWWW
- God I love you Haruka. You're so deliciously clueless.
- Oh god yes, Haruka at Comiket. That will be the most awesome thing ever.
- Oh no, her secret might be out!
- And now three days later and Haruka's still gone from school...
- Flashback, everyone's saying how did that catalog come out of her bag, but Yuuto covers for her...but she runs off in tears.
- God these kids are assholes.
- Obasara Takashi, asshole-in-chief.
- Mika's imagination is awesome.
- So what happened "that time"
- God Mika's so awesome. And there's Haruka. <3 <3 <3 Strategy mostly worked!
- lol, Hazuki whips out a chainsaw, and she totally sounds like Signum/Lamia here. lol.
- Haruka's upset that he covered for her, she definitely has trauma...
- Ah yes, here we go. Seems her hobby got exposed in elementary school and everyone teased her.
- Being alone is scary, says Haruka,...but he's not alone, he has Haruka, he says!
- They'll always be together!
- holy crap, she just tossed Takashi. Bahahahaha.
- and she just out and out admitted to being the owner of the catalog.

TheGreenMan

07-28-2008, 06:59 PM

Don't mess with Haruka. She's got 'teh mad judo skills.' She threw the guy even before Yuuto finished talking. Damn. This show is just full of so many funny scenes.

Suwako Moriya

07-28-2008, 07:24 PM

Haruka's younger sister Mika is an awesome loli I already have decided that I love. 14 years old? I figured she was around 12 or so then again, given the opening I should have expected as much. Also the maids have potential to be quite fun as well. Combine that with Haruka being well Haruka and you get awesomeness that makes me jealous of Yuuto.

In any case it's nice to see how dedicated Yuuto is to Haruka and has the ability to realize what's truly important. It's quite clear the major theme of this series is dealing with the idea that some seem to care more about image than the actual person.

So many fun moments in the episode involving Haruka and Yuuto's relationship, Mika well impressing me rather fast, and the two maids being quite fun. Still the ultimate moment was when Haruka threw the jerk. Throw him again, Haruka and make sure this time he hits something harder.

Also assuming they don't pull a sudden explanation/excuse scene, the fact Haruka admitted things is rather interesting and possibly a good thing. Simply because it means instead of having to drag out hiding the secret for at least entire cour, we can have plenty of time for the plot to deal with the idea of Haruka slowly, but surely becoming more open. Haruka, you have support from awesome people so don't mind the worthless people.

In any case I'll say this much. The first episode mainly had me wanting to marry Haruka's voice and being curious. The second episode had me interested in the direction it was going in. This third episode more or less completely confirms for me this will be one of the awesome series of the Summer Season. Assuming of course the remaining episodes don't ruin anything.

something

07-28-2008, 08:42 PM

Episode 3:

- IMOUTO TIME.
- MAID TIME.
- Maid #1, Hazuki!
- Oh jeeze, this 'translation' got the sister's name wrong. It's Mika, not Miko. Facepalm for complete lack of any research whatsoever. At any rate, she's awesome. "Yuuto-san? Haruka?" Devious imouto always = LOVE.
- Maid #2, Ueda Kana! I mean, Nanami! I want to know why she wears sunglasses inside.
- Devious and adorable and cares so very much about Haruka. Were it not for the Noto Mamiko factor, I'd say Mika is at least as awesome as Haruka.
- Oh my god, she invited him to natsucomi. MUST SEE THIS.
- And she's outed to everyone else already? Oh crap, HARUKA CRISIS! I assume Yuuto will try to cover for her though.
- Wow, overreact much, kids? Oh noes, a convention catalog, HE MUST BE THE SCUM OF THE EARTH! For a second I thought Haruka was going to tell them off and say it was hers, but it's way too early in the series. I wonder why she ran off though? Yuuto had already saved her ass. But maybe what she thought was "over" was his friendship with her because he took such a hit to try and protect her? Also, fuck the kids in this school. What douchebags. No, Japan is not the perfect otaku utopia that some Western fans think it is with their rose tinted glasses, but this is pretty fucking silly nonetheless. Pretty sure they would have reacted less harshly if he were revealed to be a serial child rapist.
- Yuuto is kinda awesome though. He just blows off the guy that tells him to stay away from Haruka, heh.
- And Mika has the best imagination ever. Also, chainsaw!!
- Haruka <3 So yeah, even if her secret is safe she doesn't want to have Yuuto go through the same bullying she did when she was younger.

HOLY SHIT FUCK YEAH HARUKA! I totally lost it when she sent that guy flying. Absolutely HILARIOUS, and I was surprised as Yuuto. XD Not only that, she tells the loser that the catalog is hers. I'm really glad she did actually, because it was kinda unfair for Yuuto to take the blame, even though he was a hell of a guy for doing it and he did it of his own free will.

But man, a openly assertive Haruka in episode three? This show is going to be incredible. Well, hell, already is.

EmperorBrandon

07-29-2008, 07:50 PM

Don't mess with Haruka. She's got 'teh mad judo skills.' She threw the guy even before Yuuto finished talking. Damn. This show is just full of so many funny scenes.

Haruka just totally solidified her awesomeness with that. :) And her sister Mika seems to be an awesome character too. I really enjoyed this episode.

Suwako Moriya

07-29-2008, 08:12 PM

ArcticMech

07-29-2008, 09:20 PM

Haruka just totally solidified her awesomeness with that. :) And her sister Mika seems to be an awesome character too.

Hopefully we'll be getting plenty of Mika in the future episodes. Haruka too, but she's definitely more of a given.

Mika was that one thing that the show was missing. She infuses energy and provides a much-needed edginess to the show. I was LMAO when Mika was imagining what Yuuto might have done to upset Haruka. Devilish fun!

My fondness for Haruka jumped ten-fold after she beat the crap out of that jerk and set the record straight about the catalog. What a world of difference in her attitude and confidence knowing she would always have someone in her corner. It will be interesting to see how they - and Haruka in particular - get past the obstacles that undoubtedly lay ahead of them.

Lastly, I'm looking forward to more screen-time for Nogizaka's maid corps.

EmperorBrandon

07-29-2008, 11:17 PM

- Wow, overreact much, kids? Oh noes, a convention catalog, HE MUST BE THE SCUM OF THE EARTH! For a second I thought Haruka was going to tell them off and say it was hers, but it's way too early in the series. I wonder why she ran off though? Yuuto had already saved her ass. But maybe what she thought was "over" was his friendship with her because he took such a hit to try and protect her? Also, fuck the kids in this school. What douchebags. No, Japan is not the perfect otaku utopia that some Western fans think it is with their rose tinted glasses, but this is pretty fucking silly nonetheless. Pretty sure they would have reacted less harshly if he were revealed to be a serial child rapist.

It's kind of interesting seeing this same kind of thing not too long after something quite similar in Shugo Chara ep. 32 today, with some jerks making a big huge deal out of finding out a surprising aspect of one character's personality. It's overdone for dramatic effect, of course, but interesting nonetheless (have to wonder how much is sadly true).

Nork22

08-01-2008, 04:54 PM

There's a few things that made this episode awesome.

1) Haruka cosplaying as Shana from Shakugan no Shana. Not only that, we get the trademark, "URUSAI! URUSAI! URUSAI!" done by Noto Mamiko. Nice try, but she should have cosplayed as Hecate. :bigsmile:

2) Nanami (Mika's maid) throwing off Yuuto's friend Nobunaga by saying "Hey look! There's Ueda Kana"

3) Haruka and Yuuto in wedding attire. Well Haruka in a wedding dress. She looks good in it that you simply want to marry her on the spot.

But yeah, aside from that this episode has Haruka tailing her maid around town.

Oh and for the preview, I didn't quite understand much of what's being said, but they threw in a Gaogaigar reference there.

stfram

08-02-2008, 03:35 AM

Haruka's younger sister Mika is an awesome loli I already have decided that I love.

It would appear that Mika has siezed the UltimaLoli crown from Hinako of Myself;Yourself.

:blush:

something

08-02-2008, 05:06 AM

Episode 4:

- My brain, it just exploded. Haruka is cosplaying Shana. One of the OPs plays in the background. Then we get Noto Mamiko doing the famous "Urusai, usurai, urusai!" The episode could end right now and it would be hands down one of the best of the season. But it isn't over, and right now Haruka et al are tailing Hazuki for some reason.
- Seems Hazuki has been going out more than usual, and Haruka is worried. Mika suggests following her, and that's how we get where we were.
- Bwhahaha, this is purely epic fanservice. Yuuto's otaku friend comes by and tries to find out who the Shana cosplayer is, but Nanami (voiced by Ueda Kana) throws him off by saying she spotted the wonderful Ueda Kana wakling by, and then uses her own voice to trick him and... yeah, the fourth wall just got a bunch of holes poked through it.
- The quartet follows Hazuki into a department store (my god, Haruka has been in her Shana school uniform + trenchcoat + zettai ryouiki the whole time, this is amazing) but Yuuto runs out when lingerie gets involved.
- Runs out and right into short haired girl from Akiba. Also, most cliche pantyshot scene EVAR. The meeting is just as short though, and Yuuto and Haruka wind up tailing Hazuki alone because Mika and Nanami are too busy giving us some nice lingerie fanservice.
- Gah, drunk hooker teacher Yukari (or whatever) comes in and tries to ruin Yuuto and Haruka's time together. Having recently watched some Mahoro and haaaaaating Shikijo, seeing this character is just triggering all sorts of unfavorable feelings... bleh, I do NOT like her at all.
- On the one hand, my view of Yukari is even more negative now, but on the other hand, my view of Ruko is a lot more positive. I actually rather liked the scene right here where she introduces herself to Haruka. Good stuff.
- Back to the lingerie show - Mika is a naughty little girl. Stop making me think such bad thoughts. :sd:
- Alright, any two sane people would manage to explain that there was a misunderstanding long before they could be competely outfitted in bride and groom wear. But if that happened we wouldn't see Haruka looking absolutely gorgeous in a wedding gown! Win!
- And it turns out Hazuki wasn't out to meet a man... she was buying a new chainsaw. Bwhahaa.

So, holy shit. Haruka. Spent. Almost. The. Whole. Ep. Cosplaying. Shana. That is so awesome it's almost surreal.

Fencedude

08-02-2008, 09:05 AM

- Mika, Nanami, Yuuto and Haruka are following Hazuki...
- Hazuki can feel presences within 50 meters!
- Shana cosplay! URUSAI URUSAI URUSAI! *dies* Holy crap. They're playing one of the Shana OPs. And Haruka's fangasming. lol.
- Flashing back a bit...
- Oh god Hazuki hasn't AGED. W17?
- fufufufufufu
- Oh god Yuuto's imagination is awesome.
- And Nobunaga recognizes Haruka's outfit immediately...
- The extremely beautful Seiyuu Ueda Kana-san! Holy shit. BAHAHAHAHA (Who's Ueda-san? lol)
- Yuuto runs from the lingere store.
- And he runs into whatshername again.
- Oh god Haruka~~
- Mika and Nanami are trying on lingere lol
- Oh god she even has an Alastor pendant!
- Suddenly drunk teacher!
- Illicit sexual relationship! Threesome! (whats a threesome?)
- And they've lost Hazuki...or not
- Random untranslated lines!
- And now its Ruko. Oh god Haruka~~~~
- More Mika and Nanami!
- Bridal shop! And they randomly get done up in wedding outfits..OH GOD HARUKA~~~~~~~~~~~
- Oh Haruka~~
- Hazuki went to a hardware store to buy a new Chainsaw.
- OMEDETOU

FINAL FUSION! APPROVED!

Suwako Moriya

08-02-2008, 10:32 AM

Haruka Nogizaka dressed up as Shana and even saying the "Urasai" line was awesome. Even more awesome with her in the outfit almost the entire episode. Of course now I'm imagining Hectate dressed up as Shana. Not like if I have to explain why. Still Haruka looks good as a bride so the temporary break wasn't so bad.

Ah yes Yukari is still meh and hasn't broken out of her one dimensional mold yet. However at least Ruko is showing some potential. Sure she's still a bit strange, but the point is she's becoming a bit more fleshed out. If we're lucky Yukari will either improve just as Ruko is starting to or have a very minor role.

I am so glad that Mika and Nanami decided to do some shopping as it makes for good research material worthy of proper study. Studying of the absolute best type. Now if only the Nogizaka sisters and the maids were a package deal.

Ah yes Hazuki all that and it turns out you were buying a chainsaw. Still I'm impressed at how well she hasn't seemed to aged at all. Also the stuffed animal stuff was wow. Sure most of it was others talking about her more than anything, but this episode has already made her even better than before. And even then I already liked her a bit.

something

08-02-2008, 12:29 PM

Haruka Nogizaka dressed up as Shana and even saying the "Urasai" line was awesome. Even more awesome with her in the outfit almost the entire episode.
Haruka desperately needs to be cosplaying *something* in every episode now, if you ask me. Imagine how good she'd look as Matsuri?

Suwako Moriya

08-02-2008, 12:46 PM

Haruka desperately needs to be cosplaying *something* in every episode now, if you ask me. Imagine how good she'd look as Matsuri?

That would be nice and on an even higher level in some ways than the Shana one. Since Haruka would be cosplaying as a character her VA also. Then again part of the fun may be the indirectness and hearing Mamiko Noto as characters she hasn't been before. Well sort of anyway.

something

08-02-2008, 12:54 PM

Suwako Moriya

08-02-2008, 12:56 PM

Then again part of the fun may be the indirectness and hearing Mamiko Noto as characters she hasn't been before. Well sort of anyway.That's why, in keeping with this episode's theme, I demand to see Haruka as Louise at least once. I have only one question to ask in regards to this idea of yours. Is this before or after she becomes Nagi?

something

08-02-2008, 01:02 PM

I have only one question to ask in regards to this idea of yours. Is this before or after she becomes Nagi?
She should be Nagi all the rest of the time. OH GOD NAGI-OJOUSAMA.

Well, no. Nagi does have some pretty cute outfits I'd like to see Haruka in, but cosplay is more fun if it's something more unusual looking. The Shana outfit, complete with Alastor accessory, was perfect.

ArcticMech

08-02-2008, 01:45 PM

Ashyukun

08-03-2008, 05:28 PM

Oh good, we finally get to see some of the other characters from the OP/ED. And Mika is every bit as awesome as expected (come on- twin-tailed imouto, you knew she was going to kick a lot of ass) and the maids are a nice addition too. I'm just looking forward Haruka's parents coming into the picture- with Tachiki Fumihiko and Hisakawa Awa voicing them, you know they're gonna be amusing.

EmperorBrandon

08-03-2008, 11:36 PM

- Oh god Yuuto's imagination is awesome.

Just love him thinking about Hazuki with those stuffed animals. I would too, as I like the "cool" characters cuddling with things. :)

HitokiriShadow

08-04-2008, 01:16 AM

Mika is a great addition to the cast. She's quite cute and such a tease. I hope she gets a decent amount of screentime.

Both of the maids are decently entertaining as well, though not particularly outstanding at the moment. Nanami seems to be on the same wavelength as Mika and the other one is quite willing to take a chainsaw to Haruka's door.

And Oh Shit, Haruka just tossed the prick twenty feet... then intentionally outed herself.

HitokiriShadow

08-04-2008, 02:26 AM

EmperorBrandon

08-04-2008, 12:41 PM

Mika is a great addition to the cast. She's quite cute and such a tease. I hope she gets a decent amount of screentime.

Really, I've been quite enjoying her character too with the last two episodes. Haruka and Mika make a pretty good sister pair with contrasting personalities. They're both wonderful in their own way. :)

TornadoTatsumaki

08-04-2008, 02:27 PM

"Urosai! Urosai! Urosai!" in Shana cosplay. Hell yes. <3 Haruka

LOL Super Popular Beautiful Voice Actress Ueda Kana self referencing. <3 Nanami

Hazuki from ten years or so before looks exactly like Hazuki now....

Yay for Mika fanservice. <3 Mika

Nanami Eyecatch. She can't match Haruka and Mika, but I'm finding myself quite fond of her.

Blah, I'm not a fan of sensei. "Let's have a threesome". Yes Please, but not with you. Now a Mika x Nanami x Haruka threesome on the other hand...

"What's a threesome?" Go ask Mika to explain to you, preferably with a demonstration.

I like Ruko much better when she's sober.

Yay for more Mika-service and Mika fantasizing. <3 <3 Mika.

I thought that giant round thing was attached to Nanami's maid outfit, but apparently its attached to the end of her hair. Anyway, more Nanami is good too. Barely clothed Nanami is even better.

What? She wasn't getting married? I'm absolutely shocked. </sarcasm>

Ara ara~ Nanami and Mika make a great pair. These two must appear in every episode.

Currently watching episode 3 and preparing to watch 4. I can honestly tell you that the series is getting better and better, Mika is an annnoying yet charming nee-chan character who I can see truly does want her big sister to be happy and Yuto is becoming an even more likeable male lead(he took the fall for Haruka how romantic!) it's like he took a bullet for her!

Can't wait to watch episode 4, I still think this series has the potenial to become a huge R2 hit in Japan, and could be licensed and brought here next year or in 2010 As I mentioned in the other topic, I think Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu might win a TAN(Toyko Anime Fair) award and a best Kobe animation for 2009. Who knows, the series is so far incridible and lovable and it's not getting boring at all it's getting more and more interesting.

EmperorBrandon

08-04-2008, 02:32 PM

Mika is an annnoying yet charming nee-chan character

You mean "imouto", right? "Nee-chan" would be an older sister not a younger sister. :P

TornadoTatsumaki

08-04-2008, 03:13 PM

Mika is an annnoying yet charming nee-chan character

You mean "imouto", right? "Nee-chan" would be an older sister not a younger sister. :P Actaully it can be used in two different honorifics in refering to someone's younger sister "nee-chan" can mean baby sister and "imoto-san" can refer to second. "Onee-san" means elder sister while "onee-chan" can mean big sister. adding the "O" sounding character pretains to autority or blood relation and is used for referring to someone who is older. "to" and "nee" is used for younger.

Fencedude

08-04-2008, 03:20 PM

Actaully it can be used in two different honorifics in refering to someone's younger sister "nee-chan" can mean baby sister and "imoto-san" can refer to second. "Onee-san" means elder sister while "onee-chan" can mean big sister. adding the "O" sounding character pretains to autority or blood relation and is used for referring to someone who is older. "to" and "nee" is used for younger.

Absolutely not.

"nee-chan" will always refer to a big sister. ALWAYS. You will NEVER hear someone call their younger sister "nee-chan", it absolutely boggles the mind.

EmperorBrandon

08-04-2008, 03:23 PM

Actaully it can be used in two different honorifics in refering to someone's younger sister "nee-chan" can mean baby sister and "imoto-san" can refer to second. "Onee-san" means elder sister while "onee-chan" can mean big sister. adding the "O" sounding character pretains to autority or blood relation and is used for referring to someone who is older. "to" and "nee" is used for younger.

姉 nee or ane (older sister)
妹 imouto (younger sister)

Perhaps my understanding of Japanese is wrong (I'm not fluent or even very knowledgeable for that matter), but the "o-" and "-chan", "-san", etc. are honorifics, they don't change one from older to younger or vice versa as far as I know...

Fencedude

08-04-2008, 03:32 PM

姉 nee or ane (older sister)
妹 imouto (younger sister)

Perhaps my understanding of Japanese is wrong (I'm not fluent or even very knowledgeable for that matter), but the "o-" and "-chan", "-san", etc. are honorifics, they don't change one from older to younger or vice versa as far as I know...

No, your understanding is exactly right.

lorddream

08-05-2008, 05:18 PM

Then again part of the fun may be the indirectness and hearing Mamiko Noto as characters she hasn't been before. Well sort of anyway.
That's why, in keeping with this episode's theme, I demand to see Haruka as Louise at least once.

I definitely agree. :catgirl:

Ashyukun

08-05-2008, 07:01 PM

OK, ep. 4 was made of win, cosplay, and lingere. I just like all of the characters even more. The teacher doesn't bother me as much as others- but she's still my least favorite of the 'main' cast. Annoying as she may be, the threesome line (and Haruka's asking for an explanation later) was worth her showing up. I'm both surprised and not surpised that she naively takes 'You don't need to know.' as an acceptable answer.... Mika trying on lingere == so very wrong, and yet so very right.

I wholeheartedly agree that I hope they have her cosplaying more in future episodes. Hopefully with the others joining in.

My bets are the mysterious red/pink-haired girl Yuto has run into twice now will be making her formal appearance next episode. Probably with the obligatory third time of bumping into Yuto and flashing her panties...

Fudce

08-07-2008, 03:43 PM

So wait... can someone explain something really confusing to me please?

Why have I only just started watching this today? This is easily top3 of the season already. (tough competition though, what with Shugo Chara and Sunshine Sketch also featuring, not to mention Slayers and KKN)

I am absolutely adoring Haruka so far, she has just the perfect amount of naivite to make herself charming, whilst her frantic behaviour surrounding her "hobby" is moe-inducing to the limits of humanity. Mika is adorable whilst also being fantasticly bratty. The amount of energy is fantastic.

And it has MAIDS!

- Oh god Hazuki hasn't AGED. W17?
Didn't you know? Maids don't age beyond 17. Even those that claim to be 20 (such as Saki in Hayate) are really 17.

But anyway, Hazuki is to cool, what with her chainsaw antics, and Nanami...? What's not to like. She's a meganeko hyper maid with hammers in her braided hair, and voiced by Kana Ueda to boot. She could do anything and I wouldn't mind (actually, I might enjoy it)

The "Oh look, there's Ueda Kana" bit had me in stitches.

I could go on, but I think everything I wanted to say about the series so far has already been said. Regardless I'm loving it, and I want more. I'm really interested in learning about Miss Soon-to-transfer Girl with the fated collision disorder, since she looks pretty cute, and has an interesting fell about her whenever we see her appearing.

Ashyukun

08-07-2008, 03:51 PM

What I'm most curious about regarding the mystery girl is if she's going to be a closet (or not-so-closet) otaku as well- it looks like she's cosplaying along with Haruka in at least one scene in the OP. I imagine she can only make the show better though, since so far she's been interesting.

Suwako Moriya

08-07-2008, 04:34 PM

Why have I only just started watching this today?

Life is full of mysteries, but look at the bright side. At least now your life has gained new meaning because you're watching the series. Nogizaka Sisters and Maids will make everything better. In any case this is definitely one of the stronger Summer series for me. Note I'm only counting stuff that actually started in Summer.

martod

08-07-2008, 07:35 PM

Why have I only just started watching this today?

The same reason I just watched episode 2 today. THERE'S TOO DAMN MANY GOOD SHOWS ON THIS SEASON.

Suwako Moriya

08-07-2008, 07:49 PM

THERE'S TOO DAMN MANY GOOD SHOWS ON THIS SEASON.

There are definitely Summer series I'm enjoying which does eat up time. Time also being up by stuff from previous seasons. Some that are still airing and some are ones I'm either behind on or am in the process of re-watching. So yeah there needs to be a way to stop time. Well so long as I can find time to make for a series like this one it's all right.

stfram

08-08-2008, 04:57 AM

something

08-09-2008, 07:45 PM

Episode 5:

- While wondering how Nobunaga is able to bury his face in a con catalog and not bump into anyone, Yuuto himself collides... with the girl! And she's got a school uniform on this time.
- The uniform from HIS school. Amamiya Shiina, transfer student, and new classmate! Naturally, her seat is right next to Yuuto. Wahoo! But Haruka is a little worried. Who is this girl and how does she know Yuuto? You know, I know there's no chance of this but it'd be neat to see how the show would play out if Shiina didn't become a romantic rival.
- Shiina is smart, athletic, a good cook, etc. Recipe for a school idol. But wait, that puts her in conflict with...
- Huh, or not. Well, not yet. Shiina is a huuuuge Haruka fan, being a pianist herself. Apparently Haruka is good - literally world class, winning international competitions two years in a row. Interesting.
- Actually, wait, you know how they could make this show even better? If Shiina were a romantic rival... FOR HARUKA! Won't happen though. :sd:
- "You're good at basketball so you must be good at swimming!" Is it just me, or does that not follow? A school swimming competition is coming up but apparently Shiina isn't a good swimmer. She gets herself slotted into the major relay, though. Haruka promptly offers herself and Yuuto as helpers to assist Shiina in training.
- Oh god they look good. Haruka asks Yuuto not to stare, and Shiina doesn't seem jealous or anything. I really do hope the three can stay friends for the whole show. I'm totally okay with there being little to no drama in this series, and they already have some great chemistry.
- But that's too straightforward, so Yukari, Ruko, Ueda Ka-- er Nanami, Hazuki, and Mika all show up to complicate things a bit.
- I like how anime clothing slips right off like it's made of butter. Somehow, Yuuto renders Mika topless! And she's such a delightful little tease.
- Second part.
- With the swim event only a day away, Shiina can now swim and is ready. But on the day of the meet, the Inevitable Leg Cramp(tm) strikes. Caus you can't have swimming in anime without incapacitating leg cramps.
- Yuuto saves her, she's broght to the infirmary, he walks in on her changing, etc etc etc. Though she doesn't freak out badly, and they manage to have a normal conversation afterwards.
- And despite the rest of the class bursting in, there's no silly misunderstanding about Yuuto being in there when she's half naked behind a curtain. Like we all keep saying, it's got all the cliches lined right up, but in the end it manages to avoid them, or at least avoid their worst effects. It's very much the stronger for it.
- Although, yeah, Shiina is completely and utterly smitten for Yuuto. Nanami takes her home.

Yuuto and Haruka are alone finally. She tells him he looked cool saving Shiina, but then feels a pang of... jealousy? But, astonishingly, Yuuto quickly reads the situation and says he'd definitely rush to save Haruka if she were drowning as well. God, I'm just not used to male leads who aren't clueless. +100 points for Yuuto!

Every character in the show (except Yukari, though she got one okay scene in this ep) continues to be awesome, and Shiina is a wonderful addition.

Next week... BIG SITE! And lol Nanatsuiro Drops reference.

TornadoTatsumaki

08-09-2008, 07:57 PM

EmperorBrandon

08-09-2008, 10:36 PM

Shiina seems to be pretty interesting so far, and she's cute as well. Rina Satou sure has a sweet voice as well - between this and Minami-ke, I'm really like hearing her lately. She's got pretty awesome range too, considering the only roles I knew her for before were Negi and Punie... Hah, and on the subject of Minami-ke seiyuu, Shiina's two friends have the exact same seiyuu as Chiaki's two friends (Eri Kitamura and Aki Toyosaki - interesting coincidence).

You know, I'm kind of glad the "Grrr... Argh..." rivalry thing didn't flare up immediately here and actually Shiina and Haruka seem to be quite friendly to each other from the start. I think that will make things more interesting if there ends up being tension later, though (seems like there may have a been a few small hints at it, here)

Next week... BIG SITE! And lol Nanatsuiro Drops reference.

Same animation studio. :)

Nekoman

08-09-2008, 11:18 PM

I liked Shiina quite a bit. It’s nice that they seemed to have focused more on making her an likeable character, rather than your average female lead competition.

Yuuto is also one of the few male leads in this type of show that I can actually like. He’s not constantly spaced out or as neglectful as most male leads usually seem.

I’d say my favorite scene from this episode would have to be the one where Yukari appeared in her swimsuit though. And really, who wouldn’t have enjoyed that scene!

Fudce

08-10-2008, 01:57 PM

I'm really interested in learning about Miss Soon-to-transfer Girl with the fated collision disorder, since she looks pretty cute, and has an interesting fell about her whenever we see her appearing.

Does this mean that the Food Girl finally has some competition in the form of "Fated Collision Girl"? :bigsmile:

Oh definitly not. She is cute, but she doesn't have the same radiance that Ayumu does. She actually reminds me a bit of Lunamaria Hawke, just looking at her and her manerisms.

ArcticMech

08-10-2008, 02:53 PM

Shiina is a nice character and sets up to be a good rival. It was nice to see Shiina and Haruka get along so well from the start. It will be interesting to see how their relationship develops with Yuuto caught in middle. Even with limited screen time, Mika continues to be too much in a good way. Yukari continues to be too much in a not so good way. Really looking forward to the Comiket episode next week especially with the lack of nerdy fun this week.

lorddream

08-10-2008, 11:14 PM

Episode 5:

- The uniform from HIS school. Amamiya Shiina, transfer student, and new classmate! Naturally, her seat is right next to Yuuto. Wahoo! But Haruka is a little worried. Who is this girl and how does she know Yuuto? You know, I know there's no chance of this but it'd be neat to see how the show would play out if Shiina didn't become a romantic rival.

Shiina is a fun character, but I was a bit disappointed to see a romantic rival turn up. Still, the series made it to episode five before this particular cliche really turned up, and they handled it well.

- Actually, wait, you know how they could make this show even better? If Shiina were a romantic rival... FOR HARUKA! Won't happen though. :sd:

You're right... :catgirl: that would make it an even better show... too bad it's not happening.

- "You're good at basketball so you must be good at swimming!" Is it just me, or does that not follow?

I took it more as a "you're athletic, so you must be good at swimming" sort of thing.

Somehow, Yuuto renders Mika topless! And she's such a delightful little tease.

Is it wrong that this was my favorite scene? :catgirl: :sd:

- And despite the rest of the class bursting in, there's no silly misunderstanding about Yuuto being in there when she's half naked behind a curtain. Like we all keep saying, it's got all the cliches lined right up, but in the end it manages to avoid them, or at least avoid their worst effects. It's very much the stronger for it.

I thought for sure that they were going to step in this one. I was rather relieved they let it go.

God, I'm just not used to male leads who aren't clueless. +100 points for Yuuto!

Despite everything else that this show has going for it, this may actually be the biggest selling point. :catgirl:

Fencedude

08-11-2008, 04:23 PM

TheGreenMan

08-11-2008, 04:44 PM

I keep thinking of the end of the ED and whether that was alluding to something between Shiina and Nanami. Ah, they're probably just screwing with us. Damn.

Fudce

08-11-2008, 11:21 PM

- Actually, wait, you know how they could make this show even better? If Shiina were a romantic rival... FOR HARUKA! Won't happen though. :sd:
That would be interesting, but personally I'm hoping for this eventuality (http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/1605/shiinayuripo0.jpg).

I knew I'd like Shiina though, from the moment I saw her in episode two there was something about the way she dealt with the situation. But I can't help thinking that there's something else hidden behind the scenes. That she knows him from somewhere and is purposefully bumping into him and flashing him. But regardless, she's cute.

Suwako Moriya

08-13-2008, 04:38 PM

Shiina is awesome so far and thus makes another good addition to the series. Her talk about fateful encounters is interesting and is probably foreshadowing of some sort. In any case I've got to love how a simple practice session is a blatant signal for the others to get involved including the maids. Hazuki's bad aim at the watermelon game? Mika losing her top and Mika being Mika? Yeah fun is definitely fun. Either way this episode taught me that leg cramps have awesome timing of pure evil. However they can't be that bad since it meant a chance to study Shiina a bit more. Finally I wonder if it's a good or bad thing that Haruka is slow in some regards.

Suwako Moriya

08-13-2008, 04:39 PM

That would be interesting, but personally I'm hoping for this eventuality (http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/1605/shiinayuripo0.jpg).

Hmm assuming that actually were to happen the question is "What would cause it to happen?"

Fudce

08-13-2008, 04:46 PM

Suwako Moriya

08-13-2008, 06:28 PM

Possibly having Shiina "collide" with her four times in a row?

So whoever she collides with the most often is considered her true love?

Fudce

08-13-2008, 06:30 PM

Possibly having Shiina "collide" with her four times in a row?

So whoever she collides with the most often is considered her true love?

Isn't that what makes her the fateful collision girl?

Suwako Moriya

08-13-2008, 06:35 PM

So whoever she (Shiina) collides with the most often is considered her true love?Isn't that what makes her the fateful collision girl?

Apparently yes, and now we just have to hope a certain maid learns well the art of colliding.

Fudce

08-13-2008, 06:42 PM

something

08-16-2008, 12:55 AM

Episode 6:

- Nobunaga explains natsucomi, and of course Yuuto gets a rather different idea in his head. He and Haruka are in for a wonderful shock.
- "The opening starts at 10 so I think we'll be okay if we gather at 9." "Yeah, that way it won't be sold out like at Akiba." NAIVE!!
- Upon seeing the lines when they get there, Yuuto realizes he should have taken Nobunaga seriously. Oops.
- Haruka is way, waaaay too cute right now. Oh lord. The crowds are eating her alive. Yuuto takes the initiative and says they should hold hands.
- Haruka picked a popular circle. The line is huge and they get there with one copy left, when some bastard cuts in line and snags it. Haruka nearly faints, Yuuto argues with the artists... but they realize there's nothing the circle can do, so they apologize and leave.
- But then some guy catches up with them and gives them a copy. It's Nanami in disguise - they beat up the person who cut in line and took the book. :sd:
- Next up, she finds a Shana doujin that looks cute. And she says she wants to make a doujinshi! Good lord, I wish.
- Nobunaga finds Yuuto. Haruka's secret still isn't really out, so Nobunaga doesn't know. Or does he? He says to say hi to Haruka for him at the end.
- Horo and Hecate, Haruka has really good taste (also, lol seiyuu jokes). She sees an Inukami doujin... and gets KO'd by BL. "What were they trying to do?" :sd:
- Shana OP1, Hishoku no Sora, plays!
- And more passing out. Then, the cosplay area! Apparently Haruka's outfit is, or looks like, the uniform from some game or anime, and so she gets dragged into the cosplay photo shoot. Yuuto breaks in to save her but the photographers assume he's just trying to act cool in front of a cute cosplayer and start to box them in.
- But then... Pi piru piru piru pipiru pi~, in comes... oh god, OH GOD. It's BOKUSATSU TENSHI HAZUKI-CHAN! WITH CHAINSAW!! OH FUCK HECATE MIKA!! WILHELMINA NANAMI! THIS IS AMAZING!
- And the day ends with more cuteness. Yuuto and Haruka are one of the most perfect couples ever.
- He bids her goodbye and runs into Mika and company on the way back. They ask if he noticed anyone strange, like an SP (we saw such a person earlier in the ep, watching Haruka). Mika hints that it was someone sent by her father to watch her, or at least that's how I read it.

Yuuto gets home and gets a call from Mika. Some disaster befell Haruka and... and she's already at his door, tears in her eyes and tackle hugging him. ...Is Haruka's secret exposed with her father finally?

Cliffhanger! =P

Looooooooooooooooooooooove Haruka, LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE.

Fencedude

08-16-2008, 01:14 AM

- So lets see, this should be a Comiket episode...
- WenDonald's! Thats a new variation...
- Nobunaga made a Guide to Comiket for Yuuto. I don't think Yuuto quite gets it though...
- Shiina calls up Yuuto and asks him to the pool, but he has other plans...
- Flashback to Haruka telling Yuuto her plans for Comiket...I don't know if she knows what she's getting into either...
- lol trains to Comiket. Yuuto-san~~~~~. Everyone's going to the Big Site!
- lol. Tomadoi Bitter Tune add.
- End of the line!
- Haruka read up on the Comiket rules!
- They seriously need a guide. Where's Taishi when you need him?
- Oh god Haruka's moe~~~ He offers his hand. Paw! Oh Haruka...
- Haruka's nerdgasming.
- lol lines. I wonder if Nekobasu's supposed to be a specific reference
- And she just misses the last copy. Poor Haruka. Somehow I think her thought process is a little weird...
- lol wut? Who is this guy. But he gives her the book!
- HOly crap, Nanami in disguise. What the fuck. HIMITSU DESU!
- Shana! and now Haruka wants to make a doujinshi! Are we going into Comic Party now? And she's sparkling...
- MYSTERIOUS GUY IN GLASSES
- And of course Nobunaga appears
- And amazingly Yuuto didn't lose Haruka this time!
- HORO AND HECATE!
- Haruka is defeated by Yaoi...
- MORE SHANA! FUCK YEAH! And Rondo Robe?
- Haruka does not do well around porn.
- Whoohoo! Cosplay!
- Haruka's cosplaying? Yuuto to the rescue!
- OH SHIT. DOKURO-CHAN! WILHELMINA! HECATE!
- And they run off!
- And the mischevious trio reveal themselves.
- Did he find anyone suspicious? *points at Mika*
- A sudden call from Mika! And then...Haruka's at his door?

INAZUMA KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICK!

ArcticMech

08-16-2008, 04:49 PM

Terrific episode in every way. I haven't laughed this hard in awhile. Very high replay value.

HitokiriShadow

08-18-2008, 11:46 PM

So now we have a name for our cute pink/purplish haired girl: Amamiya Shiina. They may reveal an otaku side or some other quirk later, but at this point she's a normal but very likable and goodnatured girl.

The teacher showed her better side at the end of this episode but unfortunately she remains primarily the Shamelessly Horny Teacher and the vast majority of her screentime is just an annoyance.

HitokiriShadow

08-19-2008, 12:03 AM

Ashyukun

08-19-2008, 11:25 AM

Ashyukun

08-19-2008, 11:33 AM

OK, the decision to try and catch up a bit by watching this over lunch at work was perhaps not a good one... I would really have liked to have been able to laugh out loud at several scenes but had to fight it back. Still, another excellent episode. Made all the more amusing by a conversation this morning with a friend in Japan at the moment that was at Summer Comiket. The Miki/Maid trio's cosplay definitely made the episode, though Haruka is just too damn cute in how she reacts to everything.

Looks like we'll finally get to meet Gendou, I mean, Haruka's father next episode... I'm hoping they don't play it too seriously... as was mentioned before, I'd be quite happy without there being that much drama in this show.

Fudce

08-19-2008, 07:33 PM

So now we have a name for our cute pink/purplish haired girl: Amamiya Shiina. They may reveal an otaku side or some other quirk later, but at this point she's a normal but very likable and goodnatured girl.
I dunno... something about giving Naginata as one of your hobbies doesn't scream 'Normal' to me. :catgirl: Though it does explain one of the images in the OP.

It's not that strange. The naginata is more frequently used by women in modern Japanese martial arts, and it makes a change from a girl being in the kendo club.

Suwako Moriya

08-21-2008, 05:59 PM

Interestingly for the most part this convention episode was actually calmer than most of the convention episodes I'm used to seeing. In some ways that kind of creates a change of pace. In any case it's so nice to have Shana followed by Hectate. Now it's just a matter of seeing what exactly the apparent drama will involve. Regardless whoever makes Haruka sad must be a villain.

HitokiriShadow

08-22-2008, 11:38 PM

This series really likes referencing Shana for some reason. Not that I'm complaining or anything.

EmperorBrandon

08-22-2008, 11:57 PM

HitokiriShadow

08-22-2008, 11:59 PM

Yeah, I figured there was a link there, I'm just a little surprised its so heavily focused on Shana. I guess its just the most popular (recent) series that shares the connection or at least the one most likely to have a crossover fanbase with Nogizaka Haruka in Japan.

Suwako Moriya

08-23-2008, 12:44 AM

Yeah, I figured there was a link there, I'm just a little surprised its so heavily focused on Shana.

In terms of being surprised I never gave it much thought. The only thing I was thinking was "Wow she's dressed 'Shana', I'm in love" and "She's dressed as 'Hectate', I'm proposing". In other words I was too busy being a fanatic.:P

Nork22

08-23-2008, 01:09 AM

Watched the raws early this morning and I have to say +20 points to Yuuto for being a man and standing up to Haruka's father.

something

08-23-2008, 01:56 AM

Episode 7:

- Oh man, could they make Haruka's father more of a bastard? And what ridiculous sideburns. :sd: He's stomping on all her hard-won Comiket acquisitions and sending out a personal army to find Haruka. ;_;
- And so Ruuko is happy to let Hazuki and Haruka stay over, much to Yuuto's simultaneous glee and terror.
- "You're perfect for a husband." Hazuki approves of Yuuto! But she's ganging up on him with Yukari and Ruuko trying to find out just what his relationship is to Haruka. :sd:
- Haruka would rather like to know too... FUCK she looked so cute right there. But he manages to get out of the situation.
- Mika calling with a situation update. Oh she is so naughty and I can't get enough of it.
- Drunken Hazuki is amazing. That's a lot of blood. Refrigerator? "It's a feint."
- "Oh this is... a princess' hug!" GOD. DAMN. IT. I'M. DYING.
- Scared of the dark... wants to sleep in his room... talking about the 1st ed Innocent Smile she was able to rescue... wanting to hold hands as they sleep... How are you so perfect, Haruka?
- But then the Hell Hounds descend. Haruka's father bursts in and Ruuko meets his sword with hers (yeah!). "How dare you come into someone's home!" "I RANG THE BELL!" Bwhahahahaha.
- Much chaos, and then Haruka really standing up to her father (fuck yeah!) and Yuuto standing up to him too (fuck yeah!), then Ruuko and Hazuki breaking through to stand against Haruka-papa's forces, and then... Mika and Nanami and...
- FUCK YEAH HARUKA-MAMA!!!! Oh god she's awesome. Ara ara~~

God that episode was way, way too awesome. Pure win on all sides, and for Haruka's hobby to be accepted by her parents in the space of one episode? Awesome! I feared a drawn out process there but thank goodness we don't have to worry about that.

I need more NOW. Every single character shined wonderfully in this ep.

Edit: Yay for Narue reference in the next ep preview! I watched Narue before I followed seiyuu so I didn't know Noto Mamiko also voiced Narue. Man as if that cute little show wasn't awesome enough...

Fencedude

08-23-2008, 01:56 AM

- As expected, her dad found out about her hobby...also he's a jackass
- Hellhound! lol wut? A private army? He's really pissed, jerk.
- Haruka crying on Yuuto's chest, her father found out, etc etc
- Hazuki followed her...but she won't take her back if she doesn't want to go, she'll stay with her
- Oh yeah, the drunkan idiots. Ruuko's instantly suggests Haruka stays
- lol Yuuto's imagination
- Haruka's natural indecisiveness starts to kick in, but Yuuto tells her not ot worry, which sets off the two idiots again...
- Haruka-chan and Maid-chan's stay over party!
- Oh...Haruka...your imagination is amazing...
- And Yuuto made the Nabe, he's perfect for a husband according to Hazuki...
- The two idiots and Hazuki gang up on Yuuto about Haruka, he tries to deny things...but that starts to upset Haruka...
- MIKA! And her imagination goes wild too...
- In 23 hours the invincible weapon will arrive to get Haruka!
- Wow, he's pretty blatant to Mika...he's right too.
- Hazuki asks him to take Haruka to her room, while Hazuki patrols...and smacks right into a wall...she appears to be drunk
- He carries Haruka upstairs...Princess-hug!
- His imagination runs away with itself again...hahah oh wow...
- And she's at his door...hugging a pillow! OH GOD THE MOE~~~~~
- And it seems she's scared of the dark...she doesn't have her stuffed animal to sleep with...
- Oh god her eyes...also she's nearly killing him...
- The only thing she was able to get when she left was her precious first issue of Innocent Smile...
- And Hazuki runs into a pole
- Oh god Haruka, you're gonna kill him at this rate...she wants to hold hands...she's shaking terribly...but then falls right to sleep...
- Oh god Hazuki...and she immediately snaps out of things and takes out a threat!
- Haruka's making breakfast! Oh god ponytail
- And the special forces arrive to get Haruka back
- Haruka's dad bursts in...and Ruuko attacks with a sword! lol wut
- Chainsaw Hazuki!
- he's a real jerk
- Yes! Go Haruka! Stand up for yourself!
- Her dad concludes its Yuuto who got her into these things
- And he tells her dad off! Fuck yeah Yuuto!
- And everyone gets reenergized!
- Mika arrives with Nanami!
- She's here to stop them! Along with something that makes even teh father stop in his place!
- HARUKA'S MOM!
- And he's totally defeated. Also her aura is scaaaaaaary
- From now on they'll accept her hobby, as long as she does her best in school!
- It seems Yuuto's the first person to stand up to him...
- And Yukari slept through the entire event...

A DIRECT ATTACK TO YOUR HEART!

ArcticMech

08-23-2008, 05:58 AM

I thought the Comiket episode couldn't be topped so soon, but I was wrong. What an outstanding episode.

One of the best examples of an overboard dad I can recall. Sending his personal army equipped with fighter planes, snipers and recon personnel, to locate and retrieve his daughter was too much. Seeing all of Haruka's anime and manga goodies scattered on the floor and stepped on just made my blood boil.

Haruka showed a lot of strength by standing up to her father - she's really come a long way since the start of the series. Yuuto continues to be there for Haruka during the her most difficult moments. Despite both being rather mild mannered and easily flushed/embarrassed, they are quite impressive as they reveal some backbone when the situation demands. Plus, the chemistry between the two leads couldn't be any better with the respect, understanding and loyalty Yuuto has for Haruka, as well as the trust and affection Haruka has for Yuuto (best illustrated by the comfort she finds in holding his hand(s)).

Haruka's mom and drunk-but-not-trying-to-seem-drunk Hazuki are pure win. Mika continues to make the most of her limited screen time. LOL and awww were the knee jerk reactions to hearing "Maid-chan" and "Princess Hug" for the first time. Time for Merriam-Webster to update its dictionary.

Though we're only through the seventh episode, I can't wait for Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu to be licensed.

EmperorBrandon

08-23-2008, 12:00 PM

God that episode was way, way too awesome. Pure win on all sides, and for Haruka's hobby to be accepted by her parents in the space of one episode? Awesome! I feared a drawn out process there but thank goodness we don't have to worry about that.

Yeah, I was a bit relieved at that too - her father not accepting her makes for interesting drama in one ep., but no need to draw it out...

Edit: Yay for Narue reference in the next ep preview! I watched Narue before I followed seiyuu so I didn't know Noto Mamiko also voiced Narue. Man as if that cute little show wasn't awesome enough...

I thought that seemed like a Yongo-chan reference. Guess I wasn't the only one... I was thinking about Noto's role in Narue when I started this series up, particularly because I believe Noto and Sakaguchi talked a little bit about otaku in one of the commentaries (the early ep. where Narue goes to Kazuto's house).

I'm so thrilled that the next ep. is about Mika, though. This should be interesting. I'm guessing we will see more of Shiina again too after not seeing her for a little while.

Nitpicky note to something and Fencedude: It's "Ruko" not "Ruuko". :P

Suwako Moriya

08-23-2008, 01:18 PM

Haruka's father has some serious issues, but at least her mother turned out to be awesome. Ruko appearing with a sword was interesting to say the least. So one more crisis taken care of, which means we just have to wait to see what the next one is.

Suwako Moriya

08-23-2008, 01:22 PM

I'm so thrilled that the next ep. is about Mika, though.

An episode focused on a sexy twin tailed loli has to be good by default.

Fudce

08-23-2008, 07:36 PM

I'm so thrilled that the next ep. is about Mika, though.

An episode focused on a sexy twin tailed loli has to be good by default.

I'd prefer an episode focused on sexy twintailed loli's kansai-ben hammer-wielding maid, but I'll have to wait for that one.

But yes, episode 7 was made of absolute awesomeness moulded into the form of moe flavoured win, with a dash of chocolate sprinkles.

Who voices the mother btw?

EmperorBrandon

08-23-2008, 07:40 PM

Who voices the mother btw?

The incomparable Aya Hisakawa. :)

Seems like she voices mothers quite often, but she voices them well at that..

Fencedude

08-23-2008, 07:42 PM

Who voices the mother btw?

Aya Hisakawa, of course.

The father is Fumihiko Tachiki (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=1465), a name which didn't ring a bell, but looking at his list, I've heard him all over the place. The role that just leaps out however is GENDO IKARI

Fudce

08-23-2008, 08:03 PM

Who voices the mother btw?

The incomparable Aya Hisakawa. :)

Seems like she voices mothers quite often, but she voices them well at that..

I knew I knew the voice - couldn't put a name to it though.

Ashyukun

08-25-2008, 10:24 PM

I had some concerns they were going to get too dramatic with this, but I think they kept the drama/comedy balance just about perfect. As expected, Haruka's father was completely over the top (I'd been expecting that since I saw who was voicing him... LOL at the, "But I rang the doorbell!"), and Hisakawa Aya kicks much ass as Haruka's mother. Just about everyone was perfect in this episode... though I was halfway expecting a very drunk and annoyed (at being woken up so early) Yukari to come out and start wailing on Hellhounds along with the others- but her sleeping through the whole assault works quite well too.

Yay for a Mika episode coming up! Though honestly, with this show it doesn't really matter who the episode is focusing on, since it's going to be a delight to watch irrelevant. :bigsmile:

Garasharp K7

08-26-2008, 08:01 AM

Nekoman

08-26-2008, 12:33 PM

Oh definitly not. She is cute, but she doesn't have the same radiance that Ayumu does. She actually reminds me a bit of Lunamaria Hawke, just looking at her and her manerisms.

She's totally Lunamaria, its really quite amusing. Shame she didn't bring her highly superior sister along for the ride (though hell, she may have a sister, everyone in the show does!)

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who had thought she looked like Lunamaria (though I've largely blotted GSD out of my memory and don't remember much of how she acted, so I didn't make the connection there).

She really didn’t get much (if any) development. It kind of makes it hard to remember her, in fact, none of the characters in GSD got much development. That’d probably be one of my biggest problems with that show.

I like the Lunamaria in this show much better!:sdsmiley:

Jin Iguchi

08-26-2008, 06:51 PM

Absolutely brilliant episode, and the series seems to get better with each one. Couldn't help think of one of the later eps of Yamato Nadeshiko/Wallflower where Sunako's father comes to visit - he was just as overbearing and disapproving of her hobbies as Haruka's dad was. Not to mention Sunako's mother arrives and sorts everything out too, but I can't remember exactly how.
Great seeing Yuuto stand up to the man, and his response later on; Was that a sign of grudging respect, or a thinly-veilled threat? :)
Just like the last one, this ep proves that if you want something done right, get a maid to do it. Hazuki can be downright lethal when she wants to be. Even when nursing a hangover.
And Haruka holding Yuuto's hand while asleep - Aaaaawwww..... :)

Yuto is the man! Not only does he stoop to stand by Haruka, but he also doesn't have any perverted fantasies at all!He can only fantasizes about getting inamate with her. Haruka is sooooo kawaii! She's bashfull and stoic.

This is one of the best and noteworthy anime series I've seen in a while, Kudos to "Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu" the otaku romance/comedy for anime fans of all ages!!!

Fudce

08-26-2008, 07:48 PM

This is one of the best and noteworthy anime series I've seen in a while, Kudos to "Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu" the otaku romance/comedy for anime fans of all ages!!!

I can easily see this series spawning copycat series, and while it isn't the first ever "Otaku Girlfriend" series ever, it may become the one people refer to as an example. I wouldn't really call it for all ages however, the lingere shopping in an earlier episode, and Yuuto did have several fantasies which he quicky tried to ignore.

Regardless, I agree that Haruka Nogizaka's Secret is a good one, and definitly a keeper.

Suwako Moriya

08-26-2008, 08:08 PM

Regardless, I agree that Haruka Nogizaka's Secret is a good one, and definitly a keeper.

I'll second, third, fourth, and fifth this at the same time. Remember the secret of Nogizaka Haruka is that she's just as sexy and hot as Haruka Nogizaka.:P (Worst joke I've ever done). Either way the main thing that matters is this. The series makes me want to watch more of it. Anything else is insignificant in comparison to that.

martod

08-26-2008, 08:20 PM

This series really likes referencing Shana for some reason. Not that I'm complaining or anything.

It's probably because Nogizaka Haruka, Shana, Dokuro-chan, etc. are tied to the same companies: Geneon Japan is involved with the anime, and all of the respective light novels were published by MediaWorks. It's meant as a little bit of promotion for some of their other titles most likely. :)

That explains why they mention Shana by name but have a whole stable of fake animes to talk about in all the other references.

I wonder if the DVDs are going to come with a warning sticker not to look into Haruka's eyes too long--you will get hypnotized.

Suwako Moriya

08-26-2008, 08:32 PM

I wonder if the DVDs are going to come with a warning sticker not to look into Haruka's eyes too long--you will get hypnotized.

Granted for many of us that warning has already come too late. Although I think I've been hypnotized by Mika as well.

08-26-2008, 10:06 PM

This is one of the best and noteworthy anime series I've seen in a while, Kudos to "Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu" the otaku romance/comedy for anime fans of all ages!!!

Agreed. The show could pretty much get by just as a typical otaku/parody anime since it's doing a pretty good job of bring humor to the table that way like Lucky Star did so masterfully. BUT, we also have a genuinely likable male lead who has dodged at least a dozen major stereotypes for the genre and as a result the show is building up a genuinely deep and engaging relationship between the two of them. Definitely a breath of fresh air with all the crap game adaptation anime that's come along lately.

Nork22

08-26-2008, 10:33 PM

Regardless, I agree that Haruka Nogizaka's Secret is a good one, and definitly a keeper.
I credit that to Mamiko Noto. :beatingheart::beatingheart::beatingheart:

I don't mind a sub-only release if it gets licensed too! :sdsmiley:

EmperorBrandon

08-26-2008, 10:46 PM

I don't mind a sub-only release if it gets licensed too! :sdsmiley:

Meh, that would be somewhat of a disappointment to me. But this is one I really want in R1 regardless. Media Blasters seems like the most likely licensor to me, particularly since they have Geneon Japan titles lately (including Dokuro-chan which is referenced within this show).

Suwako Moriya

08-26-2008, 10:55 PM

Meh, that would be somewhat of a disappointment to me.
Subbed only is always a technical negative. Still certain factors make it so I can never use subbed only as a reason to pass on a series. Thus unless this falls apart I'd eventually collect it if licensed. Sub only I can accept, but bilingual would be the ideal.

HitokiriShadow

08-27-2008, 12:54 AM

I spy a Horo mug and a Dango family... something or another. And something with Shana eating melon bread. Haruka has good taste.

Can you say "overreaction"?

How does living with Haruka make Yuuto Mika's Papa? Why does Haruka's father command and an undead army? (No, seriously, they look like they are ready to invade Hellsing HQ) And why is Mika so great? I hope the Secret Invincible Weapon involves Nanami being awesome.

Flashback to Yuuto giving Haruka the Smile mag. They probably hinted at this before and I just forgot about. I don't care for this little plot development.

Hazuki normally doesn't make much of an impression on me, but she was pretty cool here. Combat skills are always a good thing for a maid to have.

Did Haruka's dad just bust cut through and bust the door down with his bare hands? Why does he need his own personal swat team/undead army again? ... Oh, never mind he has a sword.... and so does Ruka? Okay, Ruka is actually pretty cool here.

"You broke down the door, so who's the rude one?" "I rang the bell already!!" :)

Haruka's dad is pretty cool in some ways, but he's also a really big prick. "Go back to being an obedient girl." Fuck you, Oto-san.

Yay for male leads with backbones.

I like how the undead army's first method of restraining Haruka is dogpiling and then they pull out the stun sticks. I bet Nanami and Mika show up any minute, they really should be here for this little party. ... yep, there they are.

Aha, the secret weapon is... THE WAIFU. I should have known. And she's all sorts of scary and awesome. And Gentou's two little undead army guys look scary in a completely different way. What. The. Fuck.

something

08-27-2008, 06:29 AM

Nork22

08-27-2008, 07:03 AM

Meh, that would be somewhat of a disappointment to me. But this is one I really want in R1 regardless. Media Blasters seems like the most likely licensor to me, particularly since they have Geneon Japan titles lately (including Dokuro-chan which is referenced within this show).
In this market conditions, I'll jump for joy if it does get licensed.

Fudce

08-27-2008, 08:58 AM

I don't mind a sub-only release if it gets licensed too! :sdsmiley:

Let us not get into arguments over release type preference just yet, save it for when it does get licenced :)

HitokiriShadow

08-27-2008, 01:48 PM

Flashback to Yuuto giving Haruka the Smile mag. They probably hinted at this before and I just forgot about. I don't care for this little plot development.
They for all intents and purposes revealed that one a couple times already, and I agree that it isn't really necessary for this show. But I'm not really worried about how they'll handle it since they've avoided the other stereotypes so far.

I'll save complaining for when and if they actually go somewhere with it that warrants complaining. But at the very least, it seems like a completely unnecessary cliche in a series that has largely avoided such things. I'm hoping that trend will continue with this aspect, aside from the simple fact that Yuuto and Haruka met before, but I have a feeling it will annoy me to some degree when all is said and done.

Suwako Moriya

08-27-2008, 03:09 PM

I'll save complaining for when and if they actually go somewhere with it that warrants complaining.

To be honest right now that "scene" is more random than anything else. So in my case I'll react to it if/when it becomes a more major element of the story. Still the key may be less the element itself and more what triggers the element becoming a stronger part of the story. As well as what the end result of the trigger ends up being.

Nork22

08-30-2008, 02:09 AM

Gotta love this episode. Basically Mika takes Yuuto out on a "date" to both learn a thing or 2 about dates and teach Yuuto what to do on a date.

Had the episode start off with Mika's friends coming over and asking her on what to do on a date. Cue some shoujo-manga fantasy roleplay between Mika and her friend that got more and more humours as it goes into yuri territory and she gets into the moment of what a date is like. :sdsmiley:

End of date Mika starts to show signs she's falling for Yuuto. Poor Haruka, not only do you have to content to Shina, now your own sister too! But knowing this anime, they won't go there again or won't really explore anymore than that.

Oh and bad animators! BAD! Reason being with a scene where ice-cream goes flying with some spilling into Mika's face. It is a very suggestive scene if you go into a certain mindset.

Anyway, at the end of episode we have Shina and Yuuto being elected as organisers for the upcoming culture fest (I think, my Japanese isn't that great). This should be really interesting in the next few episodes.

EmperorBrandon

08-30-2008, 01:31 PM

:beatingheart::beatingheart: Love this episode, even more than I was expecting. There's lots of really cute and funny moments in it, and I was looking forward to a Mika-focused episode. Probably one of my favorites thus far.

ArcticMech

08-30-2008, 03:06 PM

A really sweet episode.

As with any episode that has a decent amount screen time for Mika, lots of LOL moments are to be expected. In this regard, the show continues to deliver, particularly in several specific scenes: the pre-OP sequence when Mika was providing a primer on dating to some school chums (awh-ha-ha-ha-ha); when Mika and Nanami were thinking dirty thoughts while eavesdropping on Haruka and Yuuto, and later when the two hatching their plan to help progress Haruka and Yuuto's relationship (btw, that carp was huge); and when Mika was talking in her sleep at the movie theatre with Yuuto - that was a true gut-busting LOL scene.

What came as nice surprise was that the usual Mika-induced comedic elements were really well balanced if not overshadowed by all of the endearing moments sprinkled throughout Mika's date with Yuuto as Mika found herself materially affected by the Yuuto's kindness and chivalrous actions, in what turned out feeling like a real date for her. Sweet and touching are the words that first come to mind when watching this episode play out. It's also a nice way to round out her character.

The episode ends with Yukari sensei appointing Yuuto to assist Shiina in spearheading the their homeroom's efforts in the upcoming cultural festival, setting up for some potential conflict to the Yuuto/Haruka relationship.

Fudce

08-30-2008, 04:49 PM

:beatingheart::beatingheart: Love this episode, even more than I was expecting.

And you're not the only one. Mika went from being fantastic to being more than fantastic. She's a sweet kid really, with knowledge beyond her years, but is still immature and easy to fluster. A killer combination, in anyone's book. Plus her hair in a side-tail was to die for.

Next episode should be interesting for the Shiina fans, but I can't help wishing for Shiina x Nanami.

Fencedude

08-30-2008, 05:34 PM

- Mika's having tea with her friends, apparently she knows a lot about relationships...but she's really not that experienced it seems...but she'll fake it really well!
- It seems Mika isn't really around men that much. Only ones she's around most of the time are her dad and Yuuto.
- Mika and Nanami are on the same wavelength...
- Now they want to meddle...and they hear suspicious things while listening at the door...but they're just cooking pancakes
- For some reason Haruka's dad was at the Pentagon...
- Haruka gushes about Clumsy Aki-chan for a bit...Mika's bored.
- Mika's worried about the progress Yuuto and Haruka are making.
- Mika's going to teach Yuuto what a lover is!
- He can instantly tell its Mika, not Haruka. And Nanami provides sound effects.
- Date with Mika! And thats a heck of a sunday...
- And it spills onto Mika a bit...
- Holding hands! And then she trips!
- Mika falls asleep and starts having embarrasing dreams...
- Next is the fireworks festival, Haruka will be there.
- Suddenly, Shiina.
- Mika's not happy with how friendly he is with Shiina...so she runs off to get a Yukata...
- Mika can't see very well, so Yuuto lifts her up on his back...
- And Haruka looks stunning in her Yukata
- School has started again...it seems Yukari got dumped. And we more right into Culture Festival stuff.
- Shiina and Yuuto end up being in charge of the classes preparations...

Fudce

08-30-2008, 05:40 PM

- Suddenly, Shiina.

That's what her music theme should be called.

something

08-31-2008, 03:36 AM

Episode 8:

- Mika you win soooooooo haaaaaaaaard. She had those girls totally wrapped around her finger. They were overcome by the power of the Mika. Oh god she may be my favorite character in the show.
- Now she and the lovely and talented Ueda Kana are plotting and scheming and looooove.
- BWAHAHHAHA. I don't know how many hundreds of times I've seen a show pull the old "misleading comments construed sexually" gag before, but I've almost never laughed this hard at it. And good lord, pancakes! Fucking PANCAKES! XD
- Oh god. Dinner conversation is Aki-chan and Mika is not amused. Also, NEGI!
- There is a giant fish in Mika's room. O_o Also, fuck, I LOVE THE WAY THIS GIRL THINKS. Haruka is like, the greatest girlfriend ever because not only is she a goddess, she comes with Mika too. Mika says the best things and has the best ideas and makes the best faces and I LOVE her.
- Interesting way to invite someone on a date.
- But she look adorable~~~ And I think that sundae weighs more than she does. Also results in very naughty shots when it almost collapses on her.
- And the cuteness as she lays her head against his in the movie theater... Yuuto and Haruka might be PERFECT together, but really, I couldn't blame him if he changed his mind and went with Mika >___> "You can't touch there, onii-san~" You make me suuuuuch a bad person Mika. <3
- A WILD SHIINA APPEARS! Mika is not happy.
- And we now present: This Week's Mikaservice. Yes, she is totally my favorite character and this better not be the only episode that focuses primarily on her. Also, fang. <3
- The fireworks display scene wins on every level. Oh god, why can't he just have both sisters? Why? They're utterly perfect.

And I think Haruka's danger senses are broken. Shiina just got a great excuse to be close to and alone with Yuuto for some time to come...

EmperorBrandon

08-31-2008, 03:59 PM

and makes the best faces

Heh, I notice a lot of Mika's amusing faces - just love them. :)

Oh god, why can't he just have both sisters? Why? They're utterly perfect.

Indeed. Haruka and Mika are both completely adorable and awesome, but in different ways. They're likely one of my favorite sister pairs in anime now.

Suwako Moriya

08-31-2008, 04:09 PM

They're likely one of my favorite sister pairs in anime now.

Nogizaka Mika and Nogizaka Haruka badly need to be package deal. Nogizaka Mika was just love in this episode and had me thinking deep thoughts. And I do mean deep thoughts.

Ashyukun

09-02-2008, 06:43 PM

Another outstanding episode made of win and twin-tailed imouto (though I've gotta agree, the side-tail looked good too. I wonder if we'll get to see the rare quad-drill hairstyle on her...). Starting to head into the home stretch, they're definitely setting things up for Shiina and Haruka to be competing over Yuuto.... but I doubt much will come of it or that it will get that intense. Yuuto is an all-round good guy, but has shown nothing of an indication of really being in love with anyone but Haruka- and though Shiina may want him herself, I doubt she'll push it too hard when he resists. And this show has managed to avoid many potential cliche pitfalls, I expect it will continue to do so.

HitokiriShadow

09-03-2008, 11:41 PM

Looks like a Mika-focused episode, yay! This episode is going to be awesome.

Enter the Mika-gasm. Too many awesome Mika moments to begin to comment on all of them, starting with Mika getting her friends all hot and bothered. Speaking of which, we need a spin-off series focusing on Mika and her all-girl's school.

Cake spills on Mika. Yeah, that's not suggestive at all...

I like how Haruka asks if they fireworks have ended while they are still exploding in the sky above her.

... and here I was thinking we would get through the episode without having to see the stupid teacher.

cjed

09-04-2008, 07:43 AM

Looks like I'm alone in considering the recent couple of episodes below par for the series. Not that they were bad or anything, just more cliched and not as good as I was expecting, and they didn't move the main relationship along at all.

There were good parts, I couldn't beleive they put in the ice-cream sundae incident, very funny. I'm still looking forward to the remaining episodes, but with slightly lower expectations now.

Fudce

09-04-2008, 09:42 AM

Looks like I'm alone in considering the recent couple of episodes below par for the series. Not that they were bad or anything, just more cliched and not as good as I was expecting, and they didn't move the main relationship along at all.

I actually disagree that they didn't move things along, especially regarding episode seven.

Episode seven introduced a big threat to their relationship, but both Haruka and Yuuto grew to surpass it, and proved themselves to each other in their own way. And in episode eight, while we didn't see much growth in the relationship between Haruka and Yuuto, we did see a lot of growth with Mika.

Fencedude

09-04-2008, 10:32 AM

You mean Yuuto. Ruko's the older sister.

Fudce

09-04-2008, 10:35 AM

You mean Yuuto. Ruko's the older sister.

That's what I said.

cjed

09-04-2008, 10:56 AM

... I actually disagree that they didn't move things along, especially regarding episode seven.

Oops, you're quite correct - for some reason I was thinking of episodes 6 and 8 as the last two. I guess it's just old age :-(

Yes, episode 7 was much better, the holding hands bit was very sweet.

Nork22

09-05-2008, 03:52 PM

Is it no surprise that the upcoming culture day activity for Haruka's class is a cosplay cafe? Least it was instated by the otaku boy I don't remember the name of. Yuuto even asked Haruka out to Akiba to get a sample on the cosplay outfits they could use.

Haruka in Aki-chan outfit = CUTENESS OVERLOAD!!!!

However Haruka got in trouble as her father comes chasing her because she was supposed to be doing something today, but her mum let her off the hook seeing as Yuuto and Haruka were being very apologetic about it.

Anyway, does it come as no surprise that at the end of the episode Haruka catches Yuuto and Shiina in an awkward position and gets extremely shocked. ARRRGHHH next episode can't come fast enough. I want to see the drama!!!

something

09-08-2008, 06:21 PM

Episode 9:

- Setting aside the fact that the school reacted with utter violent otakuphobic disgust to anything related to Akiba-kei not long ago, they somehow all decide that a cosplay cafe is a good idea for the school festival. Uhhh, ok. Haruka is happy though, so it's ooooookay with me =D
- Aww, Haruka. Yuuto says he knows nothing about cosplay and her face absolutely lights up and she's ready to tell him all about it... when Shiina abducts him =( Haruka has been remarkably free of jealousy so far but it's definitely gonna start kicking in.
- More cute cute Mika/Haruka scenes. Mika tells Haruka she needs to be more aggressive. Of course she and the maids have a plan. Kidnap him with cookies! (well not quite)
- Oh goooooooooooood I love when Mika gets herself all hot and bothered. "Give him a... massage... and... TEE HEE HEE! KYAAAAAAH~" And then Nanami joins in whle Hazuki just stares blankly. XD
- HARUKA IS THE ESSENCE OF CUTE MADE FLESH! Yuuto asks her to help him out with learning about cosplay. I was soooo certain at the end of the conversation he was goign to say "So me and Shiina will meet you at the station at..." and ruin the date, but no such thing. Yay Yuuto. Instead they go alone and the cuteness makes me twitch twitch twitch with glee.
- Haruka even tries on an Aki-chan cosplay and as expected it's amazing. But then Nobunaga shows up and Yuuto has to hide in the changing booth with Haruka and OH GOD BOOBS. Haruka moans out wonderful little noises that would make Mika proud.
- ...And they totally almost kiss. Damnit, so close.
- They get out without incident though, and there's no excessive fretting or one running away crying from the other or anything like that. Just cute blushing and then, awww, Yuuto bought Haruka an Aki-chan music box. Yuuto, why are you so fucking awesome?
- BWHAHAHA! Mika calls and it seems she got a hold of his phone and added herself in with a fantastic swimsuit picture of herself signed "Sexy Mika-chan <3" MARRY ME MIKA!
- So that's why Haruka was hesitant about Sunday at first. She has a promise with her father to meet a famous pianist, but she broke that to go out with Yuuto. Haruka-papa comes roaring in and Yuuto deflects the blame from Haruka. He's about to be smacked silly when Nanami and Hazuki save him on Haruka-mama's orders =D
- Bwhaha, she drops papa to the ground with a chop to the neck like he's nothing. Still, he has a point - Haruka was wrong to break the promise. Haruka-mama is forgiving but firm, and I love her all the more now. Then more EPIC CUTENESS between Yuuto and Haruka afterwards.
- HOLY CRAP PONYTAIL HARUKA!!

Of course the show can't be entirely without drama, so it ends with Haruka walking in on Yuuto on top of Shiiina, grabbing her boob. How they handle this situation will be a pretty major test of how well this show avoids sinking into the usual cliches.

Absolutely amazing episode again. This may well be my #2 show of Summer 08.

Fencedude

09-08-2008, 06:36 PM

- Decisions of what to do for the festival...all the standard suggestions...Yukari wants a beer garden...Yuuto ignores her
- Nobunaga suggests a Cosplay Cafe...even though he isn't even in Yuuto's class...
- Haruka starts getting excited...and the Cosplay Cafe wins the vote
- Yuuto's not sure about the idea...but Haruka is really excited about it.
- Dammit Shiina, don't interupt when Haruka's about to give Yuuto a lesson on Cosplay!
- Haruka sees Yuuto and Shiina together...the stirrings of jealousy?
- Mika and the maids tease Haruka about various things...
- Haruka is oddly left behind in the meeting about how she needs to win Yuuto's heart...
- Yuuto's not around at lunch, and Haruka's dissapointed...then Yuuto shows up and takes her off to ask where they can find Cosplay stuff. He wants her to take him next Sunday...
- So back to Akihabara they go. Aki-chan costume!
- Haruka's in her element here.
- Oh god. The eyecatch!
- mmm...Haruka...and Yuuto is rendered speechless by her...
- And Noginaga shows up, Yuuto dashes into the changing room with Haruka to hide...the expected ensues...
- He got her a present! An Aki-chan music box!
- Sexy Mika-chan! Apparently Haruka's dad is after them...it seems Haruka skipped out on something important to be with Yuuto.
- oh god, Haruka's shaking like crazy
- Yuuto takes all the blame himself...Gentou attacks, but is interrupted by the Meido, on instructions from Haruka's mom.
- "please be quiet for a bit"
- And they play musical blame again, they're really good at that.
- And they stumble their way through asking each other to the festival fold dance. And Mika just beams in pride.
- Preparations for the cosplay cafe continue
- PONYTAIL HARUKA! BAKING! Her taste in cookie patterns leaves something to be desired...
- Haruka runs to find Yuuto at school...opens the door and finds....Shiina on the floor with Yuuto over her...SHOCKU!

Ties

09-08-2008, 10:03 PM

Episode 9:
- HOLY CRAP PONYTAIL HARUKA!!
Absolutely amazing episode again. This may well be my #2 show of Summer 08.

I think I fainted for a little bit when I saw Ponytail Haruka. I vote that Ponytail Haruka be declared the ultimate moe!

Personnally Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu scores #1. It's a short series come on somebody license this already pretty please.

something

09-08-2008, 10:11 PM

Personnally Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu scores #1. It's a short series come on somebody license this already pretty please.
I still can't put it ahead of Hidamari x 365, but if Nogizaka were two cour it'd definitely be a strong contender for first...

ArcticMech

09-08-2008, 11:42 PM

After watching the end of last week's episode, I was pleasantly surprised that the bulk of this episode focused on Yuuto and Haruka instead of Yuuto and Shiina. Of course, the relative lack of Shiina screen time and interaction with Yuuto made the ending scene, that much more jarring. Of course it'll end up being some sort of misunderstanding.

Nobunaga's revenge lulz. Mika continues to delight, especially with what she did to Yuuto's phone. Hazuki + Nanami + Mika = unbridled laughs. I swear it looked like there was more room in that changing room than Yuuto thought/led on. No wonder Gento is afraid of Akiho!

Suwako Moriya

09-09-2008, 12:54 AM

Kidnap him with cookies! (well not quite)

Is there a better way to kidnap someone? Especially when the cookies are the soft type. Although I prefer grapes, so kidnap me with those instead. What?

Haruka even tries on an Aki-chan cosplay and as expected it's amazing.

That outfit is just love. Extremely cute and sexy too since it makes sure we can see her breasts. Someone needs to turn that into a well done high quality stich. I'd be tempted to and have done so before, but always seem to screw up some where along the way. On another note the eye catch images were awesome.

BWHAHAHA! Mika calls and it seems she got a hold of his phone and added herself in with a fantastic swimsuit picture of herself signed "Sexy Mika-chan <3" MARRY ME MIKA!

The Nogizaka sisters like me better. At least in my delusional fantasy world. You can have one of the random guys instead. In any case if Mika is able to add herself to his phone, it makes you wonder what else she can do.

HOLY CRAP PONYTAIL HARUKA!!

Nozika Haruka, I have one request. Please make that hairstyle more permanent. Thank you for your time listening to my err let's call it noble begging as it were.

Absolutely amazing episode again. This may well be my #2 show of Summer 08.

My number one series of Summer 08 is a definite lock. However that show sort of cheats by being a second season. Regardless this show is a definite contender both in terms of Summer 08 shows and what I'm watching right now in general. Granted giving an exact lay out would cause too much thread drift and you know how indecisive I can be with some shows wavering between categories.

On another note when Haruka imagined the class in cosplay, one of them reminded me heavily of Sakibara Izumi from Asagiri no Miko. Unintentional perhaps, but the effect is still the same. Miko outfit, glasses, and a hairstyle that's kind of close. Yeah I'm probably the only one to think of that.

Suwako Moriya

09-09-2008, 12:58 AM

I still can't put it ahead of Hidamari x 365, but if Nogizaka were two cour it'd definitely be a strong contender for first...

It's hard for me to put anything above Hidamari Sketch X 365, but then again as I alluded to it sort of cheats by being a second season. Regardless Nogizaka Haruka's Secret is still above several other series. Just because a show isn't number one doesn't mean it's not a winner.

HitokiriShadow

09-09-2008, 01:23 AM

Haruka and Yuuto are such a cute couple. I loved how Haruka's eyes lit up when Mika mentioned the folk dance.

And of course, no romantic anime would be complete without dramatic misunderstandings. I'm impressed that it took this long for anything at all to come from the 'romantic rival' aspect and Shiina still hasn't shown much (any?) interest in Yuuto while his eyes remain firmly set on Haruka.

EmperorBrandon

09-10-2008, 06:54 PM

On another note the eye catch images were awesome.

Yeah, I noticed Shiina had a cute devilish looking cosplay outfit - guess that might be Dojikko Aki-chan's rival (or possibly just one of her alternate forms?).

EmperorBrandon

09-10-2008, 10:12 PM

- lol lines. I wonder if Nekobasu's supposed to be a specific reference

Can't really remember if anyone has already commented on this (bringing up something old here), but since I just came across looking through Japanese Wikipedia - Nekobasu (http://www5c.biglobe.ne.jp/~nekobasu) appears to be the name of Shaa's (the original novel illustrator of Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu) circle.

Ashyukun

09-11-2008, 07:23 PM

In almost any other season (by and large) this would likely be my number one show... however this season is just too packed with awesome, so in my accounting NHnH ends up in a strong third.... but that's only because it has so much incredible competition (and the other two kind of cheat because they're either a second season or the second cour of a show...).

The next episode though will be the real decider I think on just how good this show really is- how they handle the sudden drama and clearing up the inevitable misunderstanding. As I've said before- they've avoided so many cliche traps so far, I can't see them tripping up now...

something

09-15-2008, 08:18 PM

Episode 10:

- And we step back a few minutes to get Yuuto's side of the story. They finished up prep for the culture fest when a large sign almost fell on Shiina. Yuuto pushed her down and out of the way, and there you have it. Granted, why that would require getting a firm grasp of her breast I don't know, but, ANIME!
- So Haruka "gomen"s and runs, but I give points to Shiina for immediately telling Yuuto to run after her. Other love rivals might have taken advantage of the situation, so, yay.
- He catches her before she leaves school and she says she knows it was all a misunderstanding. She can't keep the tears back though... aww. She runs off before they can really patch things up.
- The next day, the opening of the culture fest, Haruka is in her cosplay, smiling, and ready to go. Unfortunately Shiina takes this as a sign than Yuuto and Haruka aren't a couple yet and she's free to move in... The two girls are also competing for in the Miss Con[?] contest that Haruka's the returning champion of. Shiina looks incredible here but she's still no match for Haruka.
- And Haruka is totally avoiding Yuuto. Doing it cheerfully, but that just makes it more obvious. I hope she's not thinking something stupid like "I must not get in the way of his relationship with Shiina".
- Hazuki is... I don't know, but she's being Hazuki.
- Obviously Shiina and Haruka make it to the final round of the contest. I thought Yuuto would have to cast the deciding vote or something, but apparently it was decided already, and Haruka won again. Yaaaay. But when she sees Yuuto in the crowd smiling and waving, she cries. Then she avoids him afterwards. C'mon Haruka, get with it, he's obviously completely in love with you. And while he could be a little more aggressive in explaining himself (less 'um', more 'I love you!' please), it's not like he isn't putting in a good faith effort.
- While looking for Haruka he sees Shiina. She asks if he'll be her partner for the folk dance, but upon sensing his hesitation she pulls out hastily.
- Hazuki knows all that happened! She sees all! That's a bit creepy, really.
- ::insert really vague and silly Hazuki backstory::
- OH GOD WHY ARE YOU TWO SO ADORABLE? Yuuto finds Haruka and apologizes and she apologizes and they make up and folk dance together to the tune of the Dojikko Aki-chan music box. :sd:
- Also, Hazuki's story was actually about a teddybear, not a boyfriend >_>

And this pretty much ends any possible Yuuto/Haruka romantic misunderstanding drama, so what now? They have to deal with Shiina, but I doubt they'll try to squeeze in another breakdown between Yuuto and Haruka, not when they just resolved one so conclusively here.

Not that I mind, anyway. Better to get it out of the way than to force drama on us in a show that works so much better when everyone is happy.

Awesome as always but NEEDS ANOTHER COUR (or 10).

Fencedude

09-15-2008, 08:44 PM

- Yuuto and Shiina setting stuff up for the cafe
- Blah blah Yuuto's a great guy we know we know
- Sign starts to fall, he shoves her out of the way and ends up in the compromising position from last time. Enter Haruka
- He tries to explain, Haruka flips and runs off, Shiina tells him to chase her. And he does
- He catches up to her at the shoe locker, he grabs her, tells her it was a misunderstanding. She says she knows, she understands, but she doesn't sound convinced
- She starts crying...and runs off
- He calls Haruka's house, Hazuki tells him she's sleeping...she almost says something but changes her mind
- Next day, he walks into the class, determined to tell Haruka what happened...and he gets stopped in her tracks by a cheeful Haruka in cosplay!
- Some girls squee over Haruka...
- And Shiina in a very nice Devil Outfit
- Other girls...I wonder if they are relevant?
- Cosplay cafe seems to be a smashing success
- Haruka's doing an amazing job of dodging Yuuto
- And then he almost starts telling her...but stops...
- Mika! ANd the maids
- Mika and Nanami demand details about what happened when Haruka came over...seems they don't know...
- Hazuki seems to know something though...
- Miss Whateverthereschool'snameis Contest winner, is, of course, Haruka
- She's happy, but then she sees Yuuto in the Audience and starts crying...
- He goes backstage to see her...he tries to tell her, but she doesn't want to hear it...and runs off again
- He goes around school looking for her...
- Shiina asks him to the Folk Dance, but then retracts the offer...
- Hazuki approaches...says she knows everything. She'll tell him where Haruka is, but...he must not mistake the time of choice?
- Random Hazuki backstory, some guy named Eric, Hazuki in a dress chasing a train...very odd.
- Yuuto goes after Haruka, he finds her with the music box he gave her
- He apologizes, she says its not his fault, but she doesn't really understand herself what she was thinking. Whenever she thinks of that scene her heart aches, like Yuuto is going away
- He tells her that he'll never leave her, that as long as he wants him by her, he will be there because he wants to be with her.
- The sit together for a while, then dance to the tune of the music box...clumsily anyway.
- Hazuki....yeah...

something

09-15-2008, 08:56 PM

- Miss Whateverthereschool'snameis Contest winner, is, of course, Haruka
For a second I thought Shiina would get it just to rub it in worse for Haruka, but it does look like Haruka is going to get out of this having been the school'd idol from start to finish with barely a hiccup. I figured at some point someone would spread a nasty rumor about her or people would turn against her temporarily, but didn't happen.

Actually, maybe that's what the last two eps will be about - her Akiba hobby finally getting revealed. We thought it was revealed way early in the series but then that plotline actually kind of disappeared. Kinda funny since it's the premise behind the title and all. :sd:

Alternately, and better, they can finally make good on that Nanami x Shiina teasing from the ED. GOOD END FOR ALL!

Suwako Moriya

09-15-2008, 10:26 PM

Ah yes you have to love how they gave the other contestants names to go with then. The Angel and Devil outfits just made everything better save for the fact it makes the conflict between good and evil just that harder and sexier too. Or maybe not. Also Hazuki's story about Eric just felt out of place, well until the truth was revealed. Then everything made sense.

Haruka's way of reacting to the situation was definitely her and gave us a change of pace from the "angry" reaction I'm used to seeing with a certain character type. Regardless it's a good thing that things worked out in the end between her and Yuuto. Also dancing clumsily to Clumsy Aki-chan seems rather appropriate for some reason.

That being said part of me is unsure about Shiina's role in the story sometimes. At first she seemed like she'd be a major source of conflict and in some ways she was in this episode. However it seems her role is not as strong as I was expecting it to be when the series first started. Maybe it's meant to become stronger in the remaining two episodes?

In any case it's questionable as to how much can be done with the remaining two episodes. Is one cour enough to completely resolve everything? Including the eventual confession scene between Shiina and Nanami. Which will be the most important scene in the series ever. And here you thought I was worried about something else.

EmperorBrandon

09-15-2008, 11:11 PM

Ah yes you have to love how they gave the other contestants names to go with then.

They all actually seem to be characters from light novels, at least looking at character lists on Japanese Wikpedia: Asahina Mai (who's one of Shiina's recurring friends and has shown up already now and then), Yatsusaki Setsuna and Tennouji Touka. The other girl might be too, though I don't see her listed on Wikipedia. Probably don't have time to develop some of the minor characters with only twelve episodes. Kind of disappointing, since Touka seems like she might be pretty interesting going by the description I read on Wikipedia. :P

Also Hazuki's story about Eric just felt out of place, well until the truth was revealed. Then everything made sense.

Hah, that really amused me for some reason. Back to Hazuki's obsession with stuffed animals. :sdsmiley: Do the Japanese like giving Western names to them? I'm reminded of Jeff-kun from Magic User's Club...

Suwako Moriya

09-15-2008, 11:16 PM

Probably don't have time to develop some of the minor characters with only twelve episodes. Kind of disappointing, since Touka seems like she might be pretty interesting going by the description I read on Wikipedia.

Well there's clearly only one way to solve this problem and find out what potential these other girls be it Touka or otherwise might have. Second Cour, Third Cour, Etc. I mean with at least another cour, we could have a quick side episode dedicated to them.

HitokiriShadow

09-21-2008, 01:20 AM

It's been a while since I saw the last episode. I barely remember what happened last time... oh, right, the obligatory misunderstood situation.

Oh god yes, Shiina is in devil outfit just she was in the eyecatch for the previous episode.

Well, the series handled this particular cliche pretty well. The dance with the music box was a rather nice touche.

Ahaha, it figures. Hazuki totally misled Yuuto with her little story of lost love. Mika and Nanami's faces here are priceless.

untoldsorrow

09-21-2008, 07:45 PM

Up to episode 7 and that episode was freaking hilarious. The dinner time scene was epic. I absolutely love the teacher and sister, lol. They add so much comedy to the show. When I saw Haruka's mom, WOW! What a babe. Gotta love her death vibe, reminded me of the no 1 Sekirei, the landlady when I saw that scene.

Ashyukun

09-21-2008, 09:10 PM

Nicely done. I've gotta agree a bit on the, "Where are they going to go now?" for the last episodes... this feels like the kind of thing that we would have gotten for the final episode. Still, not complaining in the least bit... more is definitely a good thing!

They all actually seem to be characters from light novels, at least looking at character lists on Japanese Wikpedia
So this is based on a light novel series? I don't think I ever saw that explicitly stated before in the thread... it doesn't surprise me much, but then neither would I have been all that surprised at it being created from scratch for Noto to play the title role. :P

something

09-21-2008, 09:37 PM

EmperorBrandon

09-21-2008, 09:51 PM

So this is based on a light novel series? I don't think I ever saw that explicitly stated before in the thread... it doesn't surprise me much, but then neither would I have been all that surprised at it being created from scratch for Noto to play the title role. :P
It's based off light novels, though I think EB was saying the characters in the room were based on characters from *other* light novels. I didn't really pay much attention to the scene beyond the obvious Pastel Ink from Moetan though.

Actually, I was talking about the names of the characters cosplaying, not who they were cosplaying as. They seem to be names of some of Yuuto's classmates who are listed on Japanese Wikipedia, whom I'm guessing are developed more in the Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu light novels. Mainly just saying in response to Komachi that they didn't appear to be names made up solely for the anime. :)

There are 8 volumes of the light novels according to Wikipedia, with the most recent (the 8th) released in July of this year.

something

09-21-2008, 10:02 PM

Actually, I was talking about the names of the characters cosplaying, not who they were cosplaying as. They seem to be names of some of Yuuto's classmates who are listed on Japanese Wikipedia, whom I'm guessing are developed more in the Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu light novels. Mainly just saying in response to Komachi that they didn't appear to be names made up solely for the anime. :)
Er, actually I just realized I'm not even thinking of the same scene, hence my confusion. What I was thinking of was actually Mission-E episode 5, which has a cosplay changing room scene and one of the recognizable characters is Ink from Moetan. Got my wires crossed... So, nevermind me. :sd:

Suwako Moriya

09-21-2008, 10:46 PM

What I was thinking of was actually Mission-E episode 5, which has a cosplay changing room scene and one of the recognizable characters is Ink from Moetan.

Ah that would explain things because the Moetan confused me for a second there.

ArcticMech

09-22-2008, 02:09 AM

Nice episode. It's Haruka's birthday and dad is throwing her a party on an island that he bought for her!! Hahaha. After hearing of this and seeing the caravan of gifts from other party invitees (comprised of the rich and famous of the world), Yuuto is feeling inadequate as he clutches the bag containing the Dojikka Aki-chan figure he got her. This set up the encounter at the end of the episode when another party guest, a rich blonde jerk, proceeds to rip into Yuuto about his relative social position, this after showing him the gazillion-carat diamond dress and tiara giftset he got for Haruka.

I'm a little disappointed that they are making this to be the final obstacle of the season as there hasn't been any tension stemming from their different backgrounds (and wealth in particular) until now. Also, while it's always nice to see Shiina, her scene seemed random and rather out of place. It's like the studio wanted to say please don't forget about Shiina cuz she'll be around next season.

Lastly, the swimsuit-filled beach moments were truly nosebleed-worthy, especially Haruka's outfit. Mika was adorable and devilish as always. It was fun to see her mess with Hazuka and Nanami too for a change.

EmperorBrandon

09-22-2008, 02:07 PM

Lastly, the swimsuit-filled beach moments were truly nosebleed-worthy, especially Haruka's outfit. Mika was adorable and devilish as always. It was fun to see her mess with Hazuka and Nanami too for a change.

Oh yes, nosebleed worthy indeed. Mika being herself as usual was the best part (in the beginning of the episode too), along with Yuuto's reaction to Haruka in bikini.

I'm guessing the jerk will probably get his comeuppance in the next episode, but gosh... I wonder how much the next episode will dwell on that drama. I hope not too much of it, really, particularly since it's the last episode of the series (but hopefully not the very end - I'm hoping for more, dangit!)

something

09-23-2008, 07:03 PM

Episode 11:

- Pretty Mika-chan! <3 Haruka's birthday is coming? Let's see, only one episode after this so I guess that'll be the ending.
- Heh Yuuto is getting into Dojikko Aki-chan. He can chat openly with Haruka about it now, although it's still a secret... I kinda hope she doesn't reveal it in 11 or 12 because then we can expect season two! =P
- Time for Yuuto to buy a present (Aki-chan figure!), so it's off to Akiba for him. And now Nobunaga thinks he has a true comrade.
- Yuuto also gets reminded again of the Akiba visit as a kid and the meeting with Haruka at the end, though he still doesn't actually remember it was her.
- On the way home he runs into Nanami and Hazuki who take him to the special party site! Unfortunately Ruko and Yukari are there, but they haven't been too annoying lately (mostly due to not being on screen) so I'll give them a chance.
- The private Nogizaka jet...
- Random shot of Shiina and her hot friends in an onsen.
- 600 attendees to the party on an island bought specifically for the event, and so many presents they have to be flown in on enormous cargo planes. Fearsome Nogizakas! But Yuuto gets worried about something really damn stupid - afraid Haruka will reject his present for being so pedestrian amongst the mountains of luxuries. Even when she was orgasmically happy over a cheapie music box. You silly boy. I really hope the FINAL BOSS isn't his feelings of inferiority over this.
- Eccentric old man who acts mysterious around the male lead = obviously Haruka's grandfather.
- MIKA MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER! Not only does she look awesome, she casts sexification magic on Nanami and Hazuki and maid outfits turn into swimsuits! But oh lord, oh laaaaaaaawd, Haruka wins! It's that lovely bikini from the OP. Loooooooooooove. Wahaha, her boobs just pop out like they're greeting him.
- "Bikubiku!" XD!
- And off goes Mika's top again.
- Heh, so five people need to rush into the sea to save Haruka when she goes underwater for a few seconds? :sd: Finally Yukari does something awesome, though - she says Haruka needs CPR, to trick Yuuto.
- That's not how you do CPR.
- Ok I don't like where this is going. At all. One episode and five minutes away from the end of the series and they suddenly introduce a "rich snooty gaijin bishie boy will steal you from that dirty commoner" storyline? I hope they don't try to go to far with it, I was already not looking forward much to the "my gift is inferior!" stuff.
- He's even more irritating than I feared. Raaaaaage.

Well that episode was amazingly awesome... until the last few minutes. They better slap that blond haired retard down in utterly epic fashion in 12 if they don't want to suddenly ruin this fantastic series at the very very end. Because, bleh, I don't think they could have written a worse plot twist if they tried. The show hasn't let me down yet so I still have faith in it, but I can't help but be disappointed that the final obstacle wasn't... almost anything else.

EmperorBrandon

09-23-2008, 08:16 PM

One episode and five minutes away from the end of the series and they suddenly introduce a "rich snooty gaijin bishie boy will steal you from that dirty commoner" storyline?

Well, I really don't think Haruka will care much about the gaijin bishie boy at all. If anything, I hope she does the same thing she did to last ultra-jerk voiced by Junji Majima. :P

Suwako Moriya

09-23-2008, 08:26 PM

Ah yes our lovely Maids and Nogizaka sisters were looking extra sexy this episode. Variety really is the spice of life. Mika needs to lose her top more often, but this time not blocked by the water. A pretty nice episode for the most part and reminds me of why I want to marry both sisters, have two live in maids, and oh heck maybe collide with someone on occasion. She just had to be at a hot springs, but at least we got to see her naked.

The way it ends is a bit worrisome because it seems like they're pulling one of those "plot for the sake of finding a way to end the season" type plots. Hence the random introduction of some random villain. Any chance the guy will fall into lava and burn to death? I hope so. I just hope they resolve the issue before the half way point of the episode, but then again...

Still given the plot is more concerned with Haruka's birthday than her secret this sounds more like a dramatic cut-off point type plot than a conclusion type plot. Granted it's kind of hilarious that instead of Amamiya Shiina vs Nogizaka Haruka, we get Blond Jerk vs Ayase Yuuto instead. Or maybe I should say, darn it Shiina needed a larger role in the story.

something

09-23-2008, 08:39 PM

Well, I really don't think Haruka will care much about the gaijin bishie boy at all. If anything, I hope she does the same thing she did to last ultra-jerk voiced by Junji Majima. :P
I don't doubt that, but I really don't want a huge chunk of the last episode to be Yuuto wavering. It's moe when Haruka does it, but it'll just be annoying if he does. I rather prefer Yuuto to keep being the competent, lovable, strong male lead he's been all along. This plotline seems so... so superfluous. They could achieve a "Yuuto realizes Haruka loves him for who he is, not for his social standing" revelation without introducing this crud. It'd be all the better for it, too.

Either way, this guy better be toast by the end of 12 and we need a kiss. If we get a second season it absolutely has to focus on the secret, and Haruka becoming a proud and open otaku, rather than "Does he/she really love me?" / "Am I good enough for him/her?" angst.

HitokiriShadow

09-23-2008, 11:21 PM

Heh, Yuuto seems to be gettting into Clumsy Girl Aki-chan. Oh, and Mika for the win, as usual.

Now we are getting back to the whole First Smile thing in Yuuto and Haruka's past. Looks like Yuuto has Akiba Trauma.

Erm, wait, this isn't making sense. Yuuto was standing around holding a ton of bags in the middle of the day when Nobunaga was complaining about him giving the book away. Now we are seeing the boy giving Haruka the book in a park (not Akiba) in the evening with no bags. Either Yuuto gave the magazine to someone else who then gave it to Haruka, he did something else with the magazine in the middle of the day and then later gave her the magazine... or their chronology is all screwed up.

Ah, Rich People, always so extravagant. Yuuto gets to take a nice supersonic airplane to the "special party spot."

Yay for random hot springs scene!

Haruka's dad bought an island just for her birthday party. With various celebrities and important people as guests.... and there are multiple plane fulls of gifts. Who the hell is Haruka's dad?

I'm betting the old man is Haruka's grandfather.

Oh god, I love Mika. She's such lovable little nut. :3

Okay, I still don't like the teacher, but she does get points for this little stunt.

Now some dude is getting annoyed with Yuuto. I'm guessing the group is a boy band.

And as if Yuuto wasn't feeling inadequate enough over his gift...

EmperorBrandon

09-24-2008, 01:09 AM

I'm betting the old man is Haruka's grandfather.

So I wasn't the only one thinking that... (ohhh... and something too. I'm skimming too much. :sweat: )

Ashyukun

09-24-2008, 07:15 AM

I'm betting the old man is Haruka's grandfather.

So I wasn't the only one thinking that... (ohhh... and something too. I'm skimming too much. :sweat: )

Nope... I figured that was who he was the moment he showed up. I was having flashbacks to Hayate....

The question is, will Yuuto come to the realization that blonde pansy-boy is full of hot air and couldn't make Haruka happy if he set himself on fire on his own or with help? Hopefully he'll come to his senses on his own. I'm halfway betting that once he does give the figure to Haruka that blondie will mock him for it- and eat a faceful of palm tree (if he's lucky to get off that easy).

Still, about the only thing that seems certain is that (like a number of shows these days....) there's no real way to truly resolve anything in the 'final' episode, so they'll have to make more down the line...:cool:

Suwako Moriya

09-24-2008, 07:41 AM

I don't doubt that, but I really don't want a huge chunk of the last episode to be Yuuto wavering.

The question is "private gift and emotional scene" or "dramatic stand in front of everyone"? Still whatever it is, we need plenty of time for more Mika dropping her towel. Yes clearly I understand what's truly important here.

Suwako Moriya

09-24-2008, 07:42 AM

Nope... I figured that was who he was the moment he showed up. I was having flashbacks to Hayate....

Ah for the very same reason too. Still will he be Grandpa on Mommy's side or Daddy's side. Remember people have two Grandpas.

ArcticMech

09-27-2008, 02:27 AM

An immensely satisfying ending to what turned out to be a terrific show.

At its core, it's a sweet, simple, yet very well executed romantic comedy. Haruka and Yuuto are such good people and so good to one another that you can't help but cheer them on. A fun supporting cast complemented the leads well and provided balance and a source for a lot of laughs, particulary one adorable, saucy, wise-beyond-her-years, little sister who always managed to steal the spotlight every time she appeared.

I hope there's at least R1 distributor that thinks well enough of Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu's potential to license the series.

TalonG4

09-27-2008, 02:58 PM

Whaa! That's it?! Twelve episodes? There is so much more potential awesomeness in this show. I really hope for a second season and R1 license for this one but I don't see an R1 release for this without Geneon becoming active again.

EmperorBrandon

09-27-2008, 03:48 PM

Whaa! That's it?! Twelve episodes? There is so much more potential awesomeness in this show.

I sure hope so as well. There needs to be more, lots more Nogizaka Haruka goodness.

I am really very satisfied about the ending episode, though - it managed to avert the situations I feared and had several beautiful moments in it. Grandpa (even though everyone saw that coming :P ) ended up being just as awesome as the rest of the family.

I really hope for a second season and R1 license for this one but I don't see an R1 release for this without Geneon becoming active again.

Yeah, if Geneon were still around and doing well, there wouldn't be any doubt about this being brought over by them, I would think. It's really a shame. I see Media Blasters as a potential possibility lately, since they have gone after some Geneon Japan series lately. They even seem to dub otaku-conscious series (at least, it seems it was planned Doujin Work will get a dub, so that would give me hope on the possibility). I guess we'll have to see...

Ashyukun

09-28-2008, 08:44 PM

Yup, definitely a really good ending to a fun, enjoyable series. I can't wait for the next season. :) I might have liked it a bit more if Yuuto hadn't needed a nudge from Grandpa to break out of his worrying about not being good enough, but balanced against how awesome Grandpa was overall. I was laughing my ass off when it panned across the group that fell into the room at the end and realized that he was among them... and of course then laughed all the harder upon finding out Mom was in on it too. With all her ara-ara's I keep thinking she should have been voiced by Ohara Sayaka :P...

The ending montage was great too... nothing like some dress-up to remind everybody of just how awesome Mika is. The rest of the ending montage was good too, but of course Mika steals the show every time. Shiina working at a Maid Cafe though is something I definitely approve of though. :blush:

EmperorBrandon

09-28-2008, 08:47 PM

With all her ara-ara's I keep thinking she should have been voiced by Ohara Sayaka :P...

Or Inoue Kikuko. :) But Hisakawa Aya still makes a great arbiter of "ara ara".

something

09-28-2008, 10:23 PM

Gah, new... episode... please... create... new.... subthread.... as... reply... to... root! Not to a post in some other ep's subthread. Pleeeeeeeeease.

Episode 12:

- Can Mika please go Higurashi on this douche? That'd be awesome. I bet Hazuki knows some really fucked up tricks with that chainsaw.
- Haruka looks lovely. <3 And yay there's Mika, I was really hoping she'd be the one to drag Yuuto in.
- Oh god they have her cutting cake on a jumbotron. Goddamned bourgeoise!
- Heh they have to take a number to get in line to give Haruka presents. Yuuto gets #596, putting him near the end of the 600 I think we have in attendance.
- Ugh this blond guy is such an irritating prick. Yuuto totally falls for it too.
- Ah there's Haruka-grandpapa. Looks like Mika was going to set Yuuto straight, but Nanami stops her so grandpa can do it instead. Thankfully it didnt take much to turn Yuuto around.
- Hah! Yes, show up that blond haired bastard! He completely ignores him, sidesteps him, and walks up to Haruka XD
- DIVINE RETRIBUTION! Though at the hands of his dad, rather than Yuuto or Hazuki or Haruka, as I'd hoped.
- Oh good, we have some time left over for epilogue. KISS! KISS! KISS RIGHT NOW! KISS AND MAKE BABIES!!
- Her hair is so pretty right now it makes me physically twitch with happiness.
- And Yuuto suddenly remembers who he gave the Innocent Smile to. About time.
- Yes! Yes! Holyfuckingshit Haruka is hot. Kiss! Kissssssss!
- Well, I guess that will have to do. Stupid eel blocks our view, but I'm calling that a kiss.

Cosplaying Mika! Camera slicing Hazuki! Ero-overload Haruka! Some unimportant chick who seems vaguely familiar! (lol poor Shiina). Well, totally awesome ending as I'd hoped, but man, Haruka and Yuuto really deserved a chance to just totally fuck on the beach.

2nd season announcement nooooooow, please! Though it's a perfectly good show ending here, I want moooooooooooooooore.

EmperorBrandon

09-28-2008, 10:45 PM

- Her hair is so pretty right now it makes me physically twitch with happiness.

Yeah, her hair style was great there.

something

09-28-2008, 10:54 PM

Yeah, her hair style was great there.
It totally made me think of the girl in Shugo Chara 49, which I'd just watched a few hours ago. Except Haruka is even better, of course. <3

Suwako Moriya

09-29-2008, 07:17 AM

Blond Jerk is definitely a high level jerk and he's also a moronic idiot. The fact he was so focused on hating anyone that didn't seem "important" enough was his downfall. The scene with the grandfather sort of reminds me of the classic story where the mystical being tests people by appearing as an average human. In general while expected the grandpa was definitely cool.

Yuuto had a few issues early, but I'm glad he came around. Ignoring blond jerk and just going straight to Haruka was the right thing to do. Plus some of the scenes later were quite fun, although the rainbow snake thing was evil. Over all the show ended on a rather fun note. Although the ending leaves one with the feeling that a lot more could happen.

As a whole I enjoyed the series. It had several fun moments to it and awesome characters. Nogizka Sisters for the win. I'm not sure if I'd say it's my favorite summer 2008 series, but it's pretty high up there. It's got strong competition from a couple of other shows. Still regardless Nogizaka Haruka and Nogizaka Mika are love. Plus Ayase Yuuto is one of the better male leads without having to be a robotic bad-ass.

On the negative side through, I would have liked more screen time for certain characters. Also while the episodes are awesome an individual level and there is a clear over arching plot, at the same time I felt that perhaps there could have been somewhat of a stronger feel of connection between the episodes.

Regardless the series over all is definitely one that I'm glad I watched all 12 episodes, I'd be glad to watch more of. Hopefully season 2 if ever made will continue with all the good points and iron the few minor flaws to the series. Either way I'll see how things go just as soon as season 2 gets announced. I just need to wait days, weeks, months, or whatever.

HitokiriShadow

09-29-2008, 08:37 PM

Ha, even Mom and Grandpa were listening in, waiting for Yuuto and Haruka to start going at it.

I was hoping for Haruka's family to do something to the annoying rich brat, but it was amusing to see his own father chuck him at his friends like a bowling ball and then slam him into the ground a few times in apology. The whole scene with all of the guests being amazed at the mysterious boy being accepted by Genkou(?) and making Haruka so happy was quite nice.

There were some cliched aspects of the show but they were generally handled pretty well (I share the mild annoyance at Yuuto's inferiority issues in the last two episodes) and they never really weighed the show down (though I really could have down without the whole "We met as kids and I'm the one who turned you into an Otaku" thing; at least they showed him with the bags, but the timeline still doesn't make sense for that scene). All in all, it was a very entertaining show, much more than I was expecting after watching the first episode. Second season please!

ninjagal6

09-29-2008, 08:49 PM

i wonder if the ED, Hishiyobi Quiet! will be the next Hare Hare Yukai? of so, i'm ready^^ i Know it!

Fencedude

10-01-2008, 09:38 PM

I could have done without the cliche interruption at the end, but I think too many minds would have been blown if they;d actually managed to go all the way.

Overall a really good show, with a great ending.

End montage was good, but poor Shiina.

Like I said to something on AIM; Shiina: Surprisingly completely irrelevant to the plot at hand!

Suwako Moriya

10-01-2008, 11:04 PM

Like I said to something on AIM; Shiina: Surprisingly completely irrelevant to the plot at hand!

It's fun how they tricked me into thinking she'd get a decent or rather a better role than she did. At least for awhile anyway.

something

10-02-2008, 11:00 AM

It's fun how they tricked me into thinking she'd get a decent or rather a better role than she did. At least for awhile anyway.
Though it was for the best in the end, I think. There a number of potential roles I could have seen her in ::coughcough makegoodonthatEDtease cough::, but the only likely one would have been serious romantic rival, which would have really stripped away a lot of what made this show good. Since they were smart enough not to push Shiina in that direction, the unfortunate side effect was that she took on no role at all.

I'm okay with that though. This was Yuuto and Haruka (and Mika!)'s show.

Suwako Moriya

10-02-2008, 11:01 PM

This was Yuuto and Haruka (and Mika!)'s show.

True, but even so I would have liked to see more of Shiina. I guess all they can do is dedicate the occasional episode to her. The best way to do that is blatantly obvious. A Shiina and her friends ravage maids special? Wait that sounds wrong.

EmperorBrandon

10-02-2008, 11:33 PM

True, but even so I would have liked to see more of Shiina. I guess all they can do is dedicate the occasional episode to her. The best way to do that is blatantly obvious. A Shiina and her friends ravage maids special? Wait that sounds wrong.

Well, if you look at one of the photos in the opening (which also seems to based on one of the (NSFW) scans (http://moe.imouto.org/post/show/40300) I've seen), one of Shiina's friends does ravage Mika. :P

I agree Shiina didn't seem to get much time in the series, though. The only episode really focused on her was the one which introduced here, and that was a pretty good episode. I'm not really all that disappointed by the lack of Shiina because series didn't really seem to waste any time in my mind (the focus on Yuuto-Haruka relationship and other characters was all pretty good). I think the best way for more of Shiina would be a longer series - and if they do make another series (please, please, pleeeaaassse...), I think they might be able to have more focus on her.

pianocello

10-11-2008, 01:04 AM

I just finished this and I must say that Yuuto is one of the all-time best male leads ever. The 1st 8 episodes were okay. Initially I thought this would focus more on comedy and anime parodies but it seemed like this ended up more on romance. Speaking of which, a lot of this reminded me of Lamune (more on that later).
They had been careful to avoid the cliches but when they started to create dramatic tension in the last 4 episodes, that was when the show stumbled (and Lamune certainly did the drama part better). Ep 10 really made Haruka looked immature and lowered my opinion slightly of her. And argh, they had to introduce some annoying jerk in the last 2 episodes. If he was suppose to be the main villain, he was more annoyingly stupid than evil. If they were trying to make him a comic villain, he was certainly not funny.
Mika helped to elevate the show. I'm disappointed that Shiina barely got any character development. And considering that they are recurring supporting characters, Nobunaga, the two maids, Yuuto's sis and Yukari are not really that interesting.

Good show that unfortunately just misses being a truly great show. And in case you're wondering, this pales to Lamune.