Saki Discussion Thread

[Fencedude]

Cute girls and Mahjong.

Also tits.

ANN Link (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10527)
Official Site (http://www.saki-anime.com/)

Crunchyroll Stream (http://www.crunchyroll.com/library/Saki)

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[populuxe]

Cute girls and Mahjong.

Also tits.

Huh. Sounds like a show about strip Mahjong. It's about time.

[Senku]

Nice episode, but I paused the video more times then I would've liked to. Damn terminology.

And I don't know what it is about this season, but all the girls I'm being drawn to are loaded on the top shelf. Of course having the pink hair, twin tails, and ZetRyo doesn't hurt my sensibilities either. :beatingheart:

Are all mahjong tables that...state of the art? Pop-up tiles slots and an auto dice roller that looks like it came from the game Trouble? (I'm assuming it's not pop-able)

Overall, the girls are cute, and it wasn't as "moe" as it could have been. Man, I'm probably going to have to play and learn this game if I don't want to keep stopping the video.

[Consignia]

I thought it was awesome. I had no idea what was going in terms of the rules and gameplay, but I loved the over the top nature of it. I can't wait until it starts going Yu-Gi-Oh with battle avatars over the game. Also, the main cast is a selection of some of my favourite voice actresses as well. Over all, this is a keeper for me.

The only bad thing, terrible video quality from crunchyroll on this one.

[Suwako Moriya]

I've come to the following conclusion. Nodoka and Saki need to get married. I'm not completely sold on this, but I wouldn't mind giving it another episode or two at least.

[Quarkboy]

I've come to the following conclusion. Nodoka and Saki need to get married. I'm not completely sold on this, but I wouldn't mind giving it another episode or two at least.

In chapter 4 of the manga, Yuuki specifically states that Nodoka is her waifu. So I'm afraid she's taken.

Speaking of which: Am I the only one who now realizes that tacos are moe?

[LordGeo]

Are all mahjong tables that...state of the art? Pop-up tiles slots and an auto dice roller that looks like it came from the game Trouble? (I'm assuming it's not pop-able)

Yep, mahjong tables nowadays make setting up and getting started so easy... Other mahjong animes took place in older times, so obviously they wouldn't show the utterly boring setting up parts (or if they would, it would only be for background while story was being explained).

Kids these days have it so easy... Setting up is one reason why I don't play using my set that often (that, and I have no people to go up against); computer mahjong it is for me!

[Fencedude]

Hah, that was pretty awesome actually. And somehow Nodoka was nothing like what I expected.

[TheGreenMan]

Gah. All that Mahjong technical shit fried my brain. If this wasn't a sports anime, I'd say Nodoka and Saki would be canon (especially after the ED and rain scene).

[Suwako Moriya]

In chapter 4 of the manga, Yuuki specifically states that Nodoka is her waifu. So I'm afraid she's taken.

That's interesting, but then again the long term and the short term aren't always the same. Character X proclaims her love for Y, but Y ends up with Z. Either way it's probably best to not reveal stuff from the manga.

[Suwako Moriya]

And somehow Nodoka was nothing like what I expected.

I'm not even sure what I was expecting her to be. What I do know is that she's definitely hot. And I can think of two good reasons why. And they are each of her tails!:P

[ArcticMech]

Nodoka and Saki: Yes.
Yuuki: Another one of those short in stature, high energy types. Gotta love a girl who loves tacos. It's definitely one of the more under represented foods in anime.
Hisa: First (and probably last) student congress president.
Mako: An extra body just to fill the group or will she get some focus? Right now, don't care either way.
Kyotaro: Is in the envious position of being the only boy in the club. Problem is the girls seem to be more interested in each other. Keep bulking up on those ladies lunches.

Overall, it was a fun first episode. Dunno if its more interesting if I actually knew the rules and terminology. I'll eventually have an answer to that. The girls seem interesting enough. Looking forward to all the additional characters from the ED that they'll likely compete against along the way.

[Ashyukun]

Speaking of which: Am I the only one who now realizes that tacos are moe?
No... the Taco Fiend was by far my favorite of the characters so far (and Kugimiya Rie voicing her just makes it all the better...), though latecomer Mako isn't far behind (I like snarky meganeko, what can I say...)

The automatic Mahjong table was :nosebleed: for me- though I imagine I don't WANT to know what those things cost.

Overally, I enjoyed it just about as much as I expected I would. They can nicely use Kyotaro's being a newbie to explain the intricacies of the game to the audience so even people who aren't up on all the details of the Japanese rules (like me :sweat:) can still keep up, and it's fun to watch. The ED implies we'll get a bunch of other schools' teams in on the fun too, which further amplifies the Bamboo Blade vibe I've had about this from the get-go.

My only gripe with it so far is purely technical, and that would be WHY THE FARK ARE THEY HAVING TO IVTC A 'PROGRESSIVE' STREAM!?!?! AAAAAAH! The encoding for this episode had me twitching through the entire thing (and I did try out the '480p' stream too, it had the same issues as the '720p' stream) and definitely lessened my enjoyment of the show. Clear interacing artifacts in pans, IVTC ghosting left and right... this kind of thing is forgivable when we're talking amateurs doing it for free for the love of it- but this is a PAID service theoretically being run by professionals who SHOULD have access to the highest-quality source materials straight from the creators. If amateurs like me can take a complete shit encode DVD from the early age of anime DVDs and make it look better than this, there's a definite problem. What's more, Shangri-La didn't have nearly as many issues despite it only being available in 480p (it doesn't require caveat-quotes...). :beat:

[Senku]

Speaking of which: Am I the only one who now realizes that tacos are moe?

Taco Bell's marketing is being done for them, the usual team can take the season off. :)

Are all mahjong tables that...state of the art? Pop-up tiles slots and an auto dice roller that looks like it came from the game Trouble? (I'm assuming it's not pop-able)

Yep, mahjong tables nowadays make setting up and getting started so easy...

The automatic Mahjong table was :nosebleed: for me- though I imagine I don't WANT to know what those things cost.

Alright, I'll bite - anybody got a link or know how much those fancy things cost?

[HitokiriShadow]

Geez, Nodoka is really stacked.

I didn't even try to understand what the hell was going on the games. That was a hell of a lot of translation notes and they didn't look superfluous. I didn't bother trying to understand shogi for similar reasons and this is even more complicated. That said, it looks fun and I'm interested in trying to learn how to play it some day.

But it was fun despite being clueless as to what was actually happening and the excessively dramatic ending was pretty amusing.

It was a good first episode.

[Fencedude]

You know, generally the ANN previews aren't worth the paper they're printed on, but Casey actually managed to say something amusing about Saki:

Anyway, the unlikely star of the show is, well, Saki, a Chise (of SaiKano) lookalike whose “superpower” is an improbably mediocre game of mahjong.

Thats pretty much what I got out of it too. (she then went on to whine about Nodoka's breasts)

[Suwako Moriya]

But it was fun despite being clueless as to what was actually happening and the excessively dramatic ending was pretty amusing.

The main thing I understood was you had multiple characters saying "There is no way she'll be able to do this, that, and the other" and Saki then finding a way to do this, that, and the other.

[HitokiriShadow]

Speaking of which: Am I the only one who now realizes that tacos are moe?

I'm not sure, but you should really go watch El Cazador.

[Nork22]

Nice episode, and I like what's presented here. Now I better get a version where I understand half of what they are saying. It's one thing with Mahjong, I don't know 100% of the Japanese style. Anything other versions then I might be able to know.

Gotta love the Kan at the end and with the bonus of a tsumo. It's like getting an extra double. :)

[Fencedude]

Speaking of which: Am I the only one who now realizes that tacos are moe?

I'm not sure, but you should really go watch El Cazador.

Tacos Tacos Tacos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5Naz1Lluhg)

[Quarkboy]

Speaking of which: Am I the only one who now realizes that tacos are moe?

I'm not sure, but you should really go watch El Cazador.

Tacos Tacos Tacos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5Naz1Lluhg)
Those are not moe tacos.

For some reason I look at Yuuki and I think
"I just want to feed her tacos" and
"If only I could protect her tacos" and
"Look at her eating those adorable tacos".

People may not recall, but I have kind of an obsession with finding a decent taco here in Tokyo. It's frustrating. I think all my inner pent up taco rage is being released in an unhealthy obsession with Yuuki's........ tacos.

[Draneor]

I admit I couldn't follow the mahjong game at all. And, as others have said, Nodoka's breasts are too large.

Speaking of which: Am I the only one who now realizes that tacos are moe?

Given my intense hatred for tacos, I don't.

[Westlo]

And, as others have said, Nodoka's breasts is too large.

Wrong, False, /veto, nononono, bzzzzzzzzzzt

[Quarkboy]

We have, now 2 points of contention:

1. Are tacos moe, or gross?
2. Are Nodoka's breasts too large?

I believe the answer lies in the further question: Are Nodoka's breasts large enough to hold a taco?

Discuss.

[Fencedude]

We have, now 2 points of contention:

1. Are tacos moe, or gross?
2. Are Nodoka's breasts too large?

I believe the answer lies in the further question: Are Nodoka's breasts large enough to hold a taco?

Discuss.

I'm unsure, but I think we can all agree that Nodoka seems to really want Saki's taco.

[Fudce]

Hmm.... some interesting discussion topics here, and I have to say that I agree with everything so far in this thread.

Yes, even the conflicting points of view.

[angelx03]

Man, all this talk about tacos makes me think of that Lesbian Movie MagicalFlute puts up in the 'tube.

[Ashyukun]

We have, now 2 points of contention:

1. Are tacos moe, or gross?
2. Are Nodoka's breasts too large?

I believe the answer lies in the further question: Are Nodoka's breasts large enough to hold a taco?

Discuss.
1. Tacos in the hands of the right character are certainly moe. And, for my part, delicious. Especially when you use red wine instead of water when making them.

2. Too large for what? They're definitely mammoth in size, but 'too large' is a bit too subjective. Larger than my tastes run? Yes... it looks like she'd smack herself in the face with them when she runs.

(calling the combined question) 3. Yes- apparently (physics be damned) even when she's lying on her back without a bra on. And something tells me Yuuki would be quite happy if they were served that way...

[Quarkboy]

Speaking of which: Am I the only one who now realizes that tacos are moe?
No... the Taco Fiend was by far my favorite of the characters so far (and Kugimiya Rie voicing her just makes it all the better...), though latecomer Mako isn't far behind (I like snarky meganeko, what can I say...)

The automatic Mahjong table was :nosebleed: for me- though I imagine I don't WANT to know what those things cost.

I found one, and it's not near as nice as the one in Saki...
http://www.amazon.co.jp/厨房卸問屋-名調-全自動-麻雀卓-センチュリー-ファミ卓-ＷＪ－００１座卓タイプ-黒/dp/B001UNFQDM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&qid=1239026209&sr=1-3

Only about $4,000. A steal! Or a mangan, I suppose.

[bluesilo]

I liked the first episode because it was subbed fast (CR) and had decent video. Would I go out of my way to see a second episode...no...I didn't understand what was going on but it almost looked like yuri in my mahjong.

[Ashyukun]

I found one, and it's not near as nice as the one in Saki...
http://www.amazon.co.jp/厨房卸問屋-名調-全自動-麻雀卓-センチュリー-ファミ卓-ＷＪ－００１座卓タイプ-黒/dp/B001UNFQDM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&qid=1239026209&sr=1-3

Only about $4,000. A steal! Or a mangan, I suppose.
Pity there's not a description of what features it's got (though of course I doubt it would be in English anyway :sweat:)

At a guess though ones like they're using in the show go for solidly over $10k... which makes me wonder just how the heck a school club affords one (not to mention Nodoka looks to have one herself- but then perhaps the prizes in the tournament make it worth her owning one...).

[The Great Bear]

We have, now 2 points of contention:

1. Are tacos moe, or gross?
2. Are Nodoka's breasts too large?

I believe the answer lies in the further question: Are Nodoka's breasts large enough to hold a taco?

Discuss.

1) Depends on whether you like Mexican food.

2) I think they're disproportionate. That's the real "problem" (in other words, it's not something I'm going to get worked up about). They're far too big for her body structure.

Bonus question: The answer is obviously yes. They could probably hold a small platter of tacos.

I once tried to learn how to play mahjong. I didn't take to it.

[ArcticMech]

1) Depends on whether you like Mexican food.

2) I think they're disproportionate. That's the real "problem" (in other words, it's not something I'm going to get worked up about). They're far too big for her body structure.

Bonus question: The answer is obviously yes. They could probably hold a small platter of tacos.



The best answers I've read so far. If I had the power to award points or gold stars, you'd get them.

[Suwako Moriya]

2. Are Nodoka's breasts too large?

They're definitely on the large side, but they don't seem to be as bad in the show as they were in that artwork image linked to in that other thread... To be honest they leave me feeling somewhat conflicted.

[The Great Bear]

The best answers I've read so far. If I had the power to award points or gold stars, you'd get them.

Thank you. *bows*

2. Are Nodoka's breasts too large?
They're definitely on the large side, but they don't seem to be as bad in the show as they were in that artwork image linked to in that other thread... To be honest they leave me feeling somewhat conflicted.

Conflicted? I believe they'd leave me feeling something else.

I had to get that off my chest.

And now I'll go away and not make any other bad puns until Episode 2 airs.

[And about now, half of you will be regretting that Crunchyroll is streaming this, guaranteeing that I'll be around in this thread now and then :P]

[Spirit Of The Stage]

The best answers I've read so far. If I had the power to award points or gold stars, you'd get them.

Thank you. *bows*

2. Are Nodoka's breasts too large?
They're definitely on the large side, but they don't seem to be as bad in the show as they were in that artwork image linked to in that other thread... To be honest they leave me feeling somewhat conflicted.

Conflicted? I believe they'd leave me feeling something else.

I had to get that off my chest.

And now I'll go away and not make any other bad puns until Episode 2 airs.

[And about now, half of you will be regretting that Crunchyroll is streaming this, guaranteeing that I'll be around in this thread now and then :P]

*hands up in regret* :P

I gave this series a shot because of the vibes I got that it had a Bamboo Blade type feel, which was easily my favourite series last year.

I'm not disappointed.

I have no knowledge of mahjong, but the same can be said about kendo and baseball, and yet Bamboo Blade and Princess Nine are among my faves. Saki and Nodoka already are stealing the show (taco discussions within large breasts not withstanding) and can't wait to see these two interact more and Saki begin to feel the power of the mahjong god/devil...

[Suwako Moriya]

I had to get that off my chest.

I'm so glad that I was able to give you the motivation needed to say that.:sweat:

[Fudce]

I had to get that off my chest.

I'm so glad that I was able to give you the motivation needed to say that.:sweat:

Well it's better to be up front about things like this.

[The Great Bear]

I had to get that off my chest.I'm so glad that I was able to give you the motivation needed to say that.:sweat:Well it's better to be up front about things like this.

If we keep this up, I'm afraid this discussion will topple over. It could fall flat on its face.

…

Ahem.

:sd:

It was very hard to follow the expert terminology. I think I'll have to get a book on the game to figure out what's going on…if I want to bother :P

Like others, I'll just treat this as a sports anime and forget about the intricacies of mahjong.

[Senku]

I found one, and it's not near as nice as the one in Saki...
http://www.amazon.co.jp/厨房卸問屋-名調-全自動-麻雀卓-センチュリー-ファミ卓-ＷＪ－００１座卓タイプ-黒/dp/B001UNFQDM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&qid=1239026209&sr=1-3

Only about $4,000. A steal! Or a mangan, I suppose.

Damn, One of these girls' relatives runs the school and is super rich. (and since Nodoka has one in her room my money is on her) Or they're just handing these tables out at any contest cause they made too many.

Also, the tacos and breasts are destined to meet at some point in this show.

[LordGeo]

Watching this show it definitely is going to be a bit tougher to follow the games, especially if they focus on scoring as highly as this 1st episode did. The other mahjong animes I saw were easier to keep up with, since it focused mostly on getting winning hands and not so much on exact scoring... Though the focus on getting exact scores is cool.

Oh, wait, am I watching the show for the wrong reasons? It certainly seems so to me, since everyone is either talking giant breasts, moe tacos, or yuri-yuri-love. Oh well, I'll be watching for the mahjong "action"... Or as much action as mahong can give (which, if done correctly, can be a fair amount).

[Fencedude]

Oh, wait, am I watching the show for the wrong reasons? It certainly seems so to me, since everyone is either talking giant breasts, moe tacos, or yuri-yuri-love. Oh well, I'll be watching for the mahjong "action"... Or as much action as mahong can give (which, if done correctly, can be a fair amount).

You're doing it wrong.

[Nork22]

I'm watching it for the Mahjong. The cute moe girls are a bonus. :)

[Quarkboy]

I found one, and it's not near as nice as the one in Saki...
http://www.amazon.co.jp/厨房卸問屋-名調-全自動-麻雀卓-センチュリー-ファミ卓-ＷＪ－００１座卓タイプ-黒/dp/B001UNFQDM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&qid=1239026209&sr=1-3

Only about $4,000. A steal! Or a mangan, I suppose.

Damn, One of these girls' relatives runs the school and is super rich. (and since Nodoka has one in her room my money is on her) Or they're just handing these tables out at any contest cause they made too many.

Also, the tacos and breasts are destined to meet at some point in this show.

Actually, Mako's family runs a mahjong parlor... you find that out later in vol 1 (if i recall). So I bet the pres blackmailed one from her sometime in the past.

[Fencedude]

Please don't volunteer information that hasn't been provided in the show.

[Quarkboy]

Please don't volunteer information that hasn't been provided in the show.

Sorry, it's not really a giant shock or anything, I'll put it in spoiler tags...

[Fencedude]

Please don't volunteer information that hasn't been provided in the show.

Sorry, it's not really a giant shock or anything, I'll put it in spoiler tags...

Its the principle of the thing.

[Ty]

I'm watching it for the Mahjong. The cute moe girls are a bonus. :)

Riiiiiiight. :P

[Draneor]

Oh, wait, am I watching the show for the wrong reasons? It certainly seems so to me, since everyone is either talking giant breasts, moe tacos, or yuri-yuri-love.

Yes. As Fencedude said, you're doing it wrong. All in all, I think our discussion has been consistent with the spirit of the show's intended audience. Except maybe the taco bit. I still don't get that myself. Maybe if it was this kind of taco (http://www.weheartchocolate.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/chocotaco.jpg).

[Quarkboy]

By the way, has there ever been an anime character with Yuuki's voice quirk before? Ending things with "da-je" and "-jo" (which, linguistically function the same as -ze and -zo which are already gutteralizations of -ne and -sho or -so.)

[Fencedude]

By the way, has there ever been an anime character with Yuuki's voice quirk before? Ending things with "da-je" and "-jo" (which, linguistically function the same as -ze and -zo which are already gutteralizations of -ne and -sho or -so.)

I can't think of one off the top of my head, but I'm sure there's been one somewhere at some point.

[LordGeo]

Oh, wait, am I watching the show for the wrong reasons? It certainly seems so to me, since everyone is either talking giant breasts, moe tacos, or yuri-yuri-love.

Yes. As Fencedude said, you're doing it wrong. All in all, I think our discussion has been consistent with the spirit of the show's intended audience. Except maybe the taco bit. I still don't get that myself. Maybe if it was this kind of taco (http://www.weheartchocolate.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/chocotaco.jpg).

Well, I meant it as a joke, and I thought that Fencedude's response was a contuation of that joke... But it seems obvious that there is only one "proper" way to enjoy a show, and if it's not being enjoyed in that way then it's "wrong".
.
.
.
.
Nah, that's not possible. Anyway, if the way I want to watch this show is "wrong"... Then may I be head bumped.

[Nork22]

I'm watching it for the Mahjong. The cute moe girls are a bonus. :)

Riiiiiiight. :P

It's true!!! The extra cherry on top is Rosa Chinensis en bouton and her petite soeur are in it, along with the tall girl... :P

[Quarkboy]

Maybe it's too early for this, but I've totally got a great idea for a Saki spinoff series!

So, it's a couple months after nationals, and Yuuki is still aglow from her shocking surprise win (where it was revealed that tacos, instead of giving her power, were actually the only thing surpressing her latent mahjong super powers, and when evil final boss stole her tacos before final match she was unleashed).

So she decides to form her own ultra spiffy taco cart filled with her new group of other hyperactive loli friends, and they procede to make tacos and eat tacos and serve tacos to customers.

I call it "Guacamoe!!"

[Ty]

Maybe it's too early for this, but I've totally got a great idea for a Saki spinoff series!

So, it's a couple months after nationals, and Yuuki is still aglow from her shocking surprise win (where it was revealed that tacos, instead of giving her power, were actually the only thing surpressing her latent mahjong super powers, and when evil final boss stole her tacos before final match she was unleashed).

So she decides to form her own ultra spiffy taco cart filled with her new group of other hyperactive loli friends, and they procede to make tacos and eat tacos and serve tacos to customers.

I call it "Guacamoe!!"

Somebody express mail this man a taco. :bigsmile:

[Ashyukun]

Yes. As Fencedude said, you're doing it wrong. All in all, I think our discussion has been consistent with the spirit of the show's intended audience. Except maybe the taco bit. I still don't get that myself. Maybe if it was this kind of taco (http://www.weheartchocolate.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/chocotaco.jpg).
I dunno... I'm watching it for the Mahjong as well- cute girls & moe tacos are definitely a solid bonus as well.

And I have an amusing story regarding the tacos linked- there's a chain of Mexican restaurants up in central NY where I spent a week or so most months last year on business that I'd go to at least once a week because, well, they were the only place around to get decent Mexican food and I'm about as much of a taco fiend as Mako & Quarkboy. The first time I was there I noticed that they had Choco Tacos on the menu as a dessert- and though, "Oh, cool- I haven't had one of those since college (when the local Taco Bell had them in a fridge on the counter)." and ordered one. Had to keep from cracking up when they brought it out- they served them by taking them out of the package, putting them on a plate, drizzling chocolate sauce artistically over it and topping it off with a dollop of whipped cream- i.e., like a moderately high-class dessert instead of something you'd get from the freezer at a gas station. Still tasted damn good- and I always got one whenever I was there- but the attempt at making it look like a higher-class dessert always cracked me up... :bigsmile:

[Ashyukun]

As an interesting aside, there was an iPhone Mahjong game app released today that actually appears to play by- and score- by full Japanese Riichi rules. It's definitely interesting to play... I just wish they had an internal help to be able to look up exactly what all the terms mean- though checking up on things with the rules chart posted earlier and some other links I've found helps. So far my lack of total understanding though hasn't kept me from cleaning up on a few hands... I don't think I've ever gotten over 25k points in a single hand playing mahjong before... :sweat:

[The Great Bear]

A few thoughts on Episode 1 (http://www.mania.com/saki-episode-01_article_114309.html), if anyone's interested.

[Fudce]

...it has its appeal even to those who wouldn't know a tsumo from a kong, let alone King Kong.

I'll agree with that. I had no real interest in Mahjong going into this, and other than playing a strange mahjong style minigame in Suikoden IV called Ritapon (named after Rita, the character who unlocks the minigame) I didn't know anything about it other than that you played it with tiles, but I thoroughly enjoyed episode 1.

Had it not have aired on Crunchyroll, I may have passed over Saki without trying it, in the same way that I initially passed over Princess Nine due to my lack of interest in baseball, but I am glad that the streaming site let me try this easily, because it's definitly a keeper, and it has also spurred me on to learn more about the game - something that Princess Nine never accomplished.

[Westlo]

Well it was an average opening episode but having read the manga i already knew it would be so. From manga to anime I seem to dislike Nodaka now, maybe it's her voice... Saki made a better impression on me in the anime but the clear winner of this animated version was Hisa.

[Consignia]

Another episode and I'm still none the wiser about how Mahjong works. Saki is tricked into winning, and finds out she enjoys it. Nodoka takes losing to someone who hates Mahjong badly, it's serious business, isn't it? All is well though, when Saki joins the Mahjong club and Nodoka is determined not to let her rival beat her again.

I do love this show, even if the game itself is largely incomprehensible. We also get a glimpse into the promised visualisation of the game, which is mostly what I'm here for. So far, so good.

[Quarkboy]

Another episode and I'm still none the wiser about how Mahjong works. Saki is tricked into winning, and finds out she enjoys it. Nodoka takes losing to someone who hates Mahjong badly, it's serious business, isn't it? All is well though, when Saki joins the Mahjong club and Nodoka is determined not to let her rival beat her again.

I do love this show, even if the game itself is largely incomprehensible. We also get a glimpse into the promised visualisation of the game, which is mostly what I'm here for. So far, so good.

Plus we get Gonzo added Nodoka shower scene! Complete with DVD only removable steam! Unfortunately for Gonzo, no mere steam is enough to truly obscure Nodoka's impressive rack (of mahjong tiles. Wait, they don't use racks, crap, joke failure.)

[The Great Bear]

*Ahem*

That wasn't a bad episode, though there's a certain level of predictability at the moment. I will wait and see how they develop things further.

[Quarkboy]

*Ahem*

That wasn't a bad episode, though there's a certain level of predictability at the moment. I will wait and see how they develop things further.

It's really kind of funny. If you just took the script and deleted the mahjong specific terminology and didn't have any video, you basically end up with the most cliched first 2 episodes of any "child prodigy" shounen sports anime ever created. But add in the mystery of mahjong and cute girls/voice acting + nopan + gonzo boobies = made of win.

It's a show where you probably should just turn your brain off and watch.

P.S. confirmed for 24-26 eps accorind to blog on official website.

[The Great Bear]

P.S. confirmed for 24-26 eps according to blog on official website.

Thanks for that. I will update accordingly next week.

Possibly 24 with two recaps? Or scheduled for 26 weeks, but only 24 episodes? Or a DVD-only OVA or two?

Regardless, it will be two cour, and I'll mention that in my Ep. 3 review.

[Suwako Moriya]

Plus we get Gonzo added Nodoka shower scene! Complete with DVD only removable steam!

*Looks for image of this* She's quite the impressive character. It's going to be a long wait. Then again the images I can see on certain sites will do for now. *Completely forgets about everything else the show has*

[Consignia]

It's really kind of funny. If you just took the script and deleted the mahjong specific terminology and didn't have any video, you basically end up with the most cliched first 2 episodes of any "child prodigy" shounen sports anime ever created. But add in the mystery of mahjong and cute girls/voice acting + nopan + gonzo boobies = made of win.


Yeah, it's sort of like Yakitate Japan, it that it's silliness of the competition of at hand makes it intriguing.

[Fencedude]

God dammit Saki, you missed a great chance.

"It hurts to lose to someone who doesn't love Mahjong"

"I may not love Mahjong, Haramura-san, but...I think I love you!"

...but yeah, they are totally in love with each other.

(there was some other stuff this episode, I think. But I covered the important part)

[einhorn303]

Warning: Mahjong is known to spontaneously cause orgasms.

...did anyone else think that, in the scene where Saki won her first game with a yakuman? I also thought it was funny how the book Saki read was titled "Rord of the Rings."

Anyways, I think the show is developing quite nicely. We have the "Saki's family" thread, the journey to the nationals, and Saki/Nodoka's blossoming yuri relationship. Besides all the over-the-top competition scenes and fanservice, I think a lot of scenes in Saki really do have an oddly touching emotional atmosphere. Games you used to play with your family, now drifted apart. The quieter music is rather effective. Animation is kind of cheap, though.

Yuri goggles on at 100%!

Image related:

http://img2.cdn.crunchyroll.com/i/spire4/68e0b7047d2a58e9f41c51cd2c80631a1238824936_full.jp g

[Fudce]

Warning: Mahjong is known to spontaneously cause orgasms.

...did anyone else think that, in the scene where Saki won her first game with a yakuman?

I did think she was a little too excited. It also didn't help that I misread where she said something like "the is the first time I've won with a yakuman". Lets just say what I read had more to do with her excitement than her winning.

And einhorn, don't use the big blue "post reply button", use the "quote" button instead. You have to delete a bit of text but it keeps the subject line and proper layout of the thread, which is useful since some people browse using "threaded mode".

Overall, an enjoyable episode of Saki. I'm enjoying the dynamic between Saki and Nodoka, and I look forward to Nodoka and Saki further exploring that dynamic... no, bad Fudce, bad Fudce. Dirty thoughts are bad. Dirty thoughts are bad.

Ah what the fudce, watching Saki without dirty thoughts is impossible.

[einhorn303]

And einhorn, don't use the big blue "post reply button", use the "quote" button instead. You have to delete a bit of text but it keeps the subject line and proper layout of the thread, which is useful since some people browse using "threaded mode".


Sorry...it's just that I began writing my post without the intention to quote, saw Fencedude's tagline, then went back to edit it. *bow of deference*

[something]

Episode 1:

- Ueda Kana! Yaaaaay! Major points already. Actually, hell, this entire seiyuu lineup is amazing.
- ...Oh Fukuyama, what will we do with you? And some Koshimizu too.
- Ahahahahahah, a Kugimiya has come. So I'm guessing Saki's family are just complete mahjong gods and although she always loses to them, that training makes her better than just about everyone else alive. So she'll kick ass here despite not liking it.
- Oh god Saki is so gaaaaaaay. And Nodoka just looks confused.
- ::completely and blatantly ignores every single explanatory note regarding mahjong and just looks at the numbers at the end:: Higher means better! Good enough for me!
- Itou Shizuka for Hisa, heh.
- ROMANTIC ENCOUNTER IN THE RAIN!! Oh god, dooooooo waaaaaaaaaaant.
- Drama! Nodoka just got rejected ;_; So Saki has had bad experiences both winning and losing, and so intentionally takes herself to a kinda limbo draw every game.
- Awww, Nodoka ;_;
- Bathing scene~ The charatcer designs in this are fantastic.
- Shiraishi Ryouko! Really, the one thing this show really needs right now is Sawashiro Miyuki.
- Hahaha, Yuuki's cat thing talks when she does. ::continues to ignore the explanations and focuses on Saki x Nodoka::

...Oh god the whole final match was hilarious. But I hope the show has ample non-mahjong time too.

So yeah, Saki and Nodoka are already married in my head, and the designs are great, and the show is hilarious.

Edit: by the way, guys... lots and lots and lots of wrong subject line going on here, plus the episode 2 subthread was started in the bowels of the ep 1 discussion. Let's try to keep this at least somewhat organized...

[The Great Bear]

Episode 1:
- Hahaha, Yuuki's cat thing talks when she does.

I noticed that as well, and had a chuckle.

[angelx03]

Episode 1:
- Hahaha, Yuuki's cat thing talks when she does.

I noticed that as well, and had a chuckle.

I just noticed that in episode 2! Man, I'm slow. :sd:

[Suwako Moriya]

So yeah, Saki and Nodoka are already married in my head, and the designs are great, and the show is hilarious.

Yes, but that begs the question. What did each of them wear to the wedding? My guess is Saki in a Kimono and Nodoka in a dress that shows her cleavage. I base this off only watching one episode.

Edit: by the way, guys... lots and lots and lots of wrong subject line going on here, plus the episode 2 subthread was started in the bowels of the ep 1 discussion.

Again? Don't tell me I'm going to have to start repeatedly switching to threaded just to make sure people are posting properly.

[something]

Yes, but that begs the question. What did each of them wear to the wedding?
Absolutely nothing. Or a big foam mahjong tile suit, just for the hell of it.

Again? Don't tell me I'm going to have to start repeatedly switching to threaded just to make sure people are posting properly.
Might be good at least for the first post for a new ep. Then if it's wrong, just start it yourself as a reply to root. It'll be very late, but that's what I'm going to do when I watch ep 2, unless someone does in the meantime.

[Fencedude]

Yes, but that begs the question. What did each of them wear to the wedding? My guess is Saki in a Kimono and Nodoka in a dress that shows her cleavage. I base this off only watching one episode.


Speaking of cleavage, Nodoka needs to invest in stronger bras.

[William K]

- ::completely and blatantly ignores every single explanatory note regarding mahjong and just looks at the numbers at the end:: Higher means better! Good enough for me!

The main thing any non-mahjong player watching the show probably needs to know is the difference between 'ron' and 'tsumo' when winning the game.

'Ron' - when you win based on a tile that another player discards. You get points only from the player who discarded that tile.

'Tsumo' - when you win by getting the tile yourself. In this case, all the other 3 players contribute points to you.

So in essence, getting +/- 0 means a player ends up not losing or gaining more than 500 points from the start amount at the end of the game which is extremely hard because of the payment rules above.

[Westlo]

Yes, but that begs the question. What did each of them wear to the wedding? My guess is Saki in a Kimono and Nodoka in a dress that shows her cleavage. I base this off only watching one episode.


Speaking of cleavage, Nodoka needs to invest in stronger bras.

No bra can contain that!

[Draneor]

If you just took the script and deleted the mahjong specific terminology and didn't have any video, you basically end up with the most cliched first 2 episodes of any "child prodigy" shounen sports anime ever created.

I'm not aware of a sports anime that doesn't follow that pattern to some extent. It's just a standard of the genre, right?

...but yeah, they are totally in love with each other.

I hope not, because I really, really dislike Nodoka. Episode two sealed it I think she completely over-reacted to losing.

[Quarkboy]

I hope not, because I really, really dislike Nodoka. Episode two sealed it I think she completely over-reacted to losing.

And Saki overreacted to winning... We know Saki's reason, we don't know Nodoka's yet. Chances are once we learn more about Nodoka her reaction will make more sense.

[Ashyukun]

Second episode was lots of good, tile-flinging fun. Spending too much time over the weekend playing the new Riichi-rules Mahjong game on my iPhone definitely helped in understanding even more this time around, though I'm still largely in the dark about the finer points of the scoring that are so important in this show.

But, we've now got the full crew together, and have even apparently gotten somewhere in establishing side-stories (something about Saki's Mother/rest of family being in a Mahjong magazine?), and it looks like we get to meet some of the other schools/teams next week.

And that ending... that's just too much fun. We've definitely got some good, fun ending themes/animations this season. :cool:

The encoding is still pissing me off something fierce though. There are definitely times when knowing a bit about video is a curse. :anger200:

[something]

Episode 2:

- Straight into another game? Hmm. You know, for someone who purports to hate mahjong so much, Saki realy seems to be into it.
- Hah. Nodoka is being all sorts of serious business but Saki is fairly oblivious, and just blushes fiercely when stared at.
- Looooooove Yuuki. Kugimiya + hair bobbles + fang = win.
- ...Saki is just completely smitten. COMPLETELY.
- Ugh, I hate hate hate the shots from above through the fan where even the characters themselves are CG for absolutely no reason whatsoever.
- DRAMATIC GLOWING PIECES! Saki wins, and still +/-0. And then she... needs to pee really badly (or orgasm)!
- I like Nodoka's habit of grabbing her skirt. =D And silly Nodoka, not being used to losing.
- Run after her! Run after your wife!
- Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh god yes. The way she shifts closer to Nodoka and looks her right in the eyes is... wonderful. Oh so wonderful. Love the attention paid to their legs and especially Nodoka's zettai ryouiki too.
- Aww, looks like Nodoka doesn't want to consummate it just yet.
- Family issues! So did Saki like or dislike what she saw on page 57? Seems like her mother and father are separated... is her mother in there as a mahjong champion?
- Nodoka shower scene!
- The Rord of the Rings XD
- Hhaahah oh maaaaan. Saki's skirt is wonderful. Even when she's standing up perfectly straight it's so short that you can practically see her ass.
- Yay, Nodoka is happy to see Saki join. I'm glad she isn't going to brood over this very long.

A real ED! And it's INSANELY CHIBILICIOUS! And Yuuki focused at that! Awesome!

"Tell me your three sizes!"

[TheGreenMan]

Saki and Nodoka really need to fuck each other's brains out. Seriously.

[HitokiriShadow]

I didn't understand 95% of what they were saying during the game, but it didn't matter because it was ridiculously over-the-top that it was absoluttely hilarious and what was being said was completely irrelevant.

Also, delicious yuri subtext.

[Nork22]

As I said I watched it for the Mahjong first, yuri second and all the others last.

The odds for calling a riichi and tsumo and ippatsu is godly impossible. If this was played in the Malaysian/Singapore rules, it would mean instant win and the winner would straight out pocket whatever the table's betting pool is.

And yee gods! All pon with an inside Kan and tsumo... this is even more ridiculous than Akagi!!! I like it!!!!

Oh and second the motion to whoever said that Saki and Nadoka should shag each other. :)

[The Great Bear]

A real ED! And it's INSANELY CHIBILICIOUS! And Yuuki focused at that! Awesome!

With a helping of fanservice at the end to boot.

Skin is never that shiny in real life.

Some further thoughts here (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=92383).

[bluesilo]

Whoever thinks the mahjong is the focus should leave now. Episode two showed lovely yuri subtext. Now they just need to kiss during what I would assume is the nationals at some point in the series. That would bring this up from a D to C- very fast (yes I don't really like this show just the characters designs and subtext).

[Quarkboy]

Yay, Saki 3 is out!

In honor of it, I had tacos for dinner... I finally found a decent taco in Tokyo, so I am now complete and all's right with the world. Only problem is it's a delivery place (Taco Delivery!) and overpriced ($5 per taco?!)
But the hard shell beef and chicken tacos were totally authentic (i.e. stuffed with lettuce (not cabbage), tomato, cheese, and meat product)

In other news, this episode rocks! Or is that just the tacos talking?

[The Great Bear]

So, if Yuuki doesn't eat tacos, she will become a taco? Okay :sd: Please put the taco down and allow us to slip this nice white jacket with shiny metal clasps onto you, okay?

…

I think we're done with setting the table. It's time to put the pieces into play.

[Ashyukun]

Yay, Saki 3 is out!

In honor of it, I had tacos for dinner... I finally found a decent taco in Tokyo, so I am now complete and all's right with the world. Only problem is it's a delivery place (Taco Delivery!) and overpriced ($5 per taco?!)
But the hard shell beef and chicken tacos were totally authentic (i.e. stuffed with lettuce (not cabbage), tomato, cheese, and meat product)

In other news, this episode rocks! Or is that just the tacos talking?
Dammit, you're making me crave tacos now. Admittedly that's pretty darn easy to do, but annoying when I don't (for once) have the ingredients in the house to make them...).

Saki plays some bloody scary mahjong... I don't think in my playing I've ever been closer than 3 tiles away from a 13 orphans hand, and she can get one easily enough to be throwing it away?

I'm looking forward to the matches with the other schools though- they all look like they'll be fun. And the background on Saki's family is good to have confirmation of. I presume her sister was mad at her for staying with her father and not coming with them?

After this episode, I'm pretty much in agreement with TheGreenMan- Saki and Nodoka just need to find a love hotel with a Mahjong-themed room ASAP. Though Yuuki still steals the show for me- she's just made of taco-flavored win. I'm loving hearing Kugimiya & Fukuyama in roles that are a bit different from what we (or at least I) normally associate with them, and the interplay between them is great.

I can't get enough of the ending either... it's kind of funny that the only thing I find myself 'complaining' about with this show is the Nodoka's chest is just so unrealistically huge that it's annoying...

[Quarkboy]

I can't get enough of the ending either... it's kind of funny that the only thing I find myself 'complaining' about with this show is the Nodoka's chest is just so unrealistically huge that it's annoying...

In some ways, I think that the fact that pretty much all the other characters are flat chested lolis or "normal high school size" just makes her's seem all the bigger.
Unlike other shows with large boobed characters, Nodoka is pretty much alone in her... asset development portfolio?

So, let's recap the moe we saw this episode...
One eye always closed moe-Check!
Cat ears and tail pop out when excited doting moe-Check!
maid moe-check!
Ojou-sama moe-check!
Mysterious bunny eared girl moe-check!

Maybe I missed one, but I think that should be enough moe for 2 cour...

[something]

Will watch this later, but Quarkboy and others, please post new episode subthreads (if you're first) as a reply to root, like The Great Bear (post I'm replying to) just did. And make sure the subject lines always reflect the episode being posted on. We're not asking a lot, really! Thanks...

[Ashyukun]

So, let's recap the moe we saw this episode...
One eye always closed moe-Check!
Cat ears and tail pop out when excited doting moe-Check!
maid moe-check!
Ojou-sama moe-check!
Mysterious bunny eared girl moe-check!

Maybe I missed one, but I think that should be enough moe for 2 cour...
Tssk, tssk, tssk...... you left off the most important: Taco-eating moe!

You also left out 'analytical meganeko moe'.... ;)

[Fudce]

So, if Yuuki doesn't eat tacos, she will become a taco? Okay :sd: Please put the taco down and allow us to slip this nice white jacket with shiny metal clasps onto you, okay?

…

I think we're done with setting the table. It's time to put the pieces into play.
Hmm, so far enjoying Saki... not surprising considering that it's essentially Angelic Layer with mah-jong and more yuri than at a spoon bending convention.

[Fencedude]

I guess I'm kinda the odd one out about Yuuki, I don't dislike her, but I don't find her all that great.

On the other hand there was enough sexual tension in this episode between Nodoka and Saki to cause a fire hazard in mild droubt conditions. (how's that for a tortured analogy?)

Anyway, looking forward to seeing more of the girls from the other schools, I especially like the blonde who keeps one eye closed (very unusual that) and her catgirl lacky.

And of course Hisa is plotting. Something.

I seriously thought Nodoka was going to jump Saki there at the end. They have it BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD.

[Fencedude]

In some ways, I think that the fact that pretty much all the other characters are flat chested lolis or "normal high school size" just makes her's seem all the bigger.
Unlike other shows with large boobed characters, Nodoka is pretty much alone in her... asset development portfolio?



I think she stole boobage from Hisa and Mako.

Also, Nodoka's dad is Nakata Jouji, which is hilarious considering who else he's playing this season.

[Suwako Moriya]

The Saki x Nodoka vibes are getting even stronger. Nodoka continues to be all kinds of hot. Shower scene for the win. Hisa is proving herself to be quite the awesome character. The ending animation is definitely on the fun side.

After this episode, I have been given enough reason to keep watching this. My only issue is with the Mahjong stuff as it goes over my head. However I will continue to follow the strategy of just translate it all as "She did something amazing" and stuff like that.

[The Great Bear]

My only issue is with the Mahjong stuff as it goes over my head. However I will continue to follow the strategy of just translate it all as "She did something amazing" and stuff like that.

That's the best way to think of it. I'm not letting the mahjong stuff bother me. I just translate it into poker terms in my head (so, she managed the equivalent of a full boat, kings over queens, blasting everyone else at the table; something like that), and go about my business of enjoying the character interaction.

[Westlo]

I guess I'm kinda the odd one out about Yuuki, I don't dislike her, but I don't find her all that great.

Nah you're not alone on this, she's very meh to me.

[The Great Bear]

I guess I'm kinda the odd one out about Yuuki, I don't dislike her, but I don't find her all that great.

Nah you're not alone on this, she's very meh to me.

I think she's best when paired with Kyoutaro. They make a decent comedy duo ("Let's play husband and wife!" "No way!"), but otherwise, she doesn't do anything for me.

I much prefer the Saki-Nodoka dynamic, and I'm not a yuri fan.

As for my favorite character so far, look up.

[Westlo]

I guess I'm kinda the odd one out about Yuuki, I don't dislike her, but I don't find her all that great.

Nah you're not alone on this, she's very meh to me.

I think she's best when paired with Kyoutaro. They make a decent comedy duo ("Let's play husband and wife!" "No way!"), but otherwise, she doesn't do anything for me.

As for my favorite character so far, look up.

Yeah I do like her paired with Kyoutaro and I agree that Hisa is win.

[William K]

As for my favorite character so far, look up.

In appreciation of the great Hisa, "dore dore" is entering my vocabulary :)

[Classical]

Nice episode, but I paused the video more times then I would've liked to. Damn terminology.

And I don't know what it is about this season, but all the girls I'm being drawn to are loaded on the top shelf. Of course having the pink hair, twin tails, and ZetRyo doesn't hurt my sensibilities either. :beatingheart:


I was pausing a whole bunch of times too. I've heard of Mahjong, but that's about it. I don't know any of the rules or what the characters were talking about. :sweat: Still, Nodoka is deliciously stacked, and she looked great in the opening scene with thigh highs. :blush: Character designs are nice and shiny.

[Classical]

I thought it was awesome. I had no idea what was going in terms of the rules and gameplay, but I loved the over the top nature of it. I can't wait until it starts going Yu-Gi-Oh with battle avatars over the game.


The over the top nature of the show definitely is a huge draw for me as far as the show is concerned. It actually sort of does remind me of Yu-Gi-Oh. The way the scores are shown as players gain/lose points is kind of amusing.

[Fencedude]

Oh yeah, just as a note, Teru is Nakahara Mai.

[Ashyukun]

I was pausing a whole bunch of times too. I've heard of Mahjong, but that's about it. I don't know any of the rules or what the characters were talking about. :sweat: Still, Nodoka is deliciously stacked, and she looked great in the opening scene with thigh highs. :blush: Character designs are nice and shiny.
Quarkboy posted a decent enough rules overview for Riichi Mahjong in the initial announcement thread for this show when we were discussing the different rules-sets for the game- http://mahjong-europe.org/filer/riichirules.pdf. It's what I've been using as a reference when playing the iPhone Riichi Mahjong game that was appropriately released shortly after the show started airing (unfortunately it doesn't involve playing against the Saki characters... I can only hope someone creates said game, though it wouldn't surprise me at all if it ended up being an eroge.... :sd:). Probably the most useful thing in it is the last page, since it gives a general overview of which hands are worth more than others. The lower on the page, the harder the hand is in general to get and thus is worth more points. There's more to it than that- the minipoints are important too- but that 'rule of thumb' works well enough...

I've spent a whole lot more time than usual pausing the show to look over the hands as they're shown as well. I'm definitely glad I'm not watching this on 'normal' TV so that it's possible to pause and look at things, though I suppose if I were really good at the game I wouldn't need more than the short shots they're showing of the hands.:shy:

And this show really does overload on the ZetRyo... I think I like it best on Yuuki though, there's just something about the frilly/torn stocking tops that makes it all that much hotter.

[Classical]

Quarkboy posted a decent enough rules overview for Riichi Mahjong in the initial announcement thread for this show when we were discussing the different rules-sets for the game- http://mahjong-europe.org/filer/riichirules.pdf.

And this show really does overload on the ZetRyo... I think I like it best on Yuuki though, there's just something about the frilly/torn stocking tops that makes it all that much hotter.

Thanks! This overview should make things a little easier to understand while watching the show. I've already read a few of the pages. Took me a while to figure out what ZetRyo was but now I know. There is quite a bit of it in the show, but the show gets bonus points in my book for having it.

[Classical]

As much as it shames me to say it, after watching episode 2 now I'm hooked on this show. I still don't completely understand everything going on in terms of the game itself, but that doesn't detract from me having fun watching the show.

-Interesting OP. Thought the weird fighting bit in the middle of it kind of threw me off.
-Student Congress President is an awesome character. She's already a favorite.
-There was quite a few thigh shots of Saki during the game. I'm not complaining.
-It was amazing how Nodoka decided to take things super seriously during the Mahjong match. The match was fun to watch.
-Romantic scenery featuring Saki talking to Nodoka after Nodoka lost. The discussion of feelings was kind of nice. Saki never had so much fun playing Mahjong until she played against Nodoka. Nodoka doesn't find losing to be very fun. Then again, many other people don't either.
-It was surprising to find out that Saki's mom doesn't live with her and her dad anymore. Saki remembers about when she first saw Nodoka. I think it's kind of hot how Saki just seems so fascinated with Nodoka. :blush:
-Just for the heck of it, the people working on the show decide to thrown in a gratuitous shower scene featuring Nodoka.
-The next day Saki shows up at the Mahjong clubhouse and joins the club. I'm loving the Nodoka and Saki relationship dynamic. Once again, Student Congress President is awesome. Seems she's aiming for nationals.
-The ending sequence is fantastic, especially since I'm normally not very fond of a lot of EDs. Music is good, and so is the cute chibi look. They even threw in some fanservice, which is nice.

Episode 3 should be interesting.

[Ashyukun]

-The ending sequence is fantastic, especially since I'm normally not very fond of a lot of EDs. Music is good, and so is the cute chibi look. They even threw in some fanservice, which is nice.
Saki's ED is one of my favorites of the season- and there are a LOT of good ones this season. But its song is far more prone than the others to get stuck in my head, which makes it all the more unfortunate that it seems the single for it won't be released for over a month... :cry:

[TheGreenMan]

If Nodoka's sudden blush on the dock isn't an indictment, I don't know what is. Best part of the series, by far.

[HitokiriShadow]

Saki and Nodoka have a little spat and much blushing is involved.

Uh, something about a tournament and a bunch of characters get a few seconds to tease about their future roles in the show and Saki's sister seems to be the end boss, but that's not as important.

Also, Yuuki really needs to seek some counseling about her taco addition.

[Natsume_Maya]

(Replied to the original post, because this doesn't relate to any particular episode. Is that okay...?)

I notice that now that the anime series has started, Saki goods are selling for much more than they used to on Yahoo auctions. I saw a Saki mahjong set (version 1.5) go for 100,000 yen(!) last night.

[Fencedude]

(Replied to the original post, because this doesn't relate to any particular episode. Is that okay...?)


Of course!

[The Great Bear]

I notice that now that the anime series has started, Saki goods are selling for much more than they used to on Yahoo auctions. I saw a Saki mahjong set (version 1.5) go for 100,000 yen(!) last night.

Wow. I guess there are some rather desperate otaku out there :sd:

I'll be picking up the OP CD and maybe the DVDs, but that's really about it :sd:

[Ashyukun]

I'll be picking up the OP CD and maybe the DVDs, but that's really about it :sd:
I'll be picking up the ED single for certain, and the DVDs if they get released here. I'd also (as I said earlier) readily shell out for a Saki-themed Mahjong game.

[Fencedude]

I'll be picking up the OP CD and maybe the DVDs, but that's really about it :sd:
I'll be picking up the ED single for certain, and the DVDs if they get released here. I'd also (as I said earlier) readily shell out for a Saki-themed Mahjong game.

Yuri strip mahjong.

Actually if we don't end up with a Saki porn mahjong game by the next Comiket I will be HIGHLY dissapointed in the Doujin community.

[The Great Bear]

Actually if we don't end up with a Saki porn mahjong game by the next Comiket I will be HIGHLY dissapointed in the Doujin community.

I have a feeling you won't be disappointed by the time the next Comiket rolls along.

[Ashyukun]

Actually if we don't end up with a Saki porn mahjong game by the next Comiket I will be HIGHLY dissapointed in the Doujin community.

I have a feeling you won't be disappointed by the time the next Comiket rolls along.
Though I'm generally not one to go for eroge.... that's one even I would be interested in getting a copy of.... :sweat:

I need to start compiling a list of things I should be looking for after next Comiket... Saki Mahjong game, Churuya-san game pack....

[something]

Episode 3:

- Tournaments coming etc etc. I really think Nodoka's shirt has some sort of suction thing going on, it doesn't drape off her boobs so much as disappear back up into her underboobage.
- Nakahara Mai! As Saki's... mother? Sister? Mini-Saki is cute. ...Ah, sister.
- BECOME THE TACO! Yuuuuuki! <3
- Nodoka is still pretty aloof around Saki. Hopefully she wases up a little after the tournament.
- Ahahaha, takoyaki is good too because it sounds like taco.
- I wonder how many times we'll see the shot of Saki's arm reaching across the screen with Nodoka looking on surprised.
- I can't get over how stupidly dangerous that roof they hang out on is. It's slanted at a pretty steep angle (too steep to really keep your footing), the drop is multiple stories, and there's nothing to stop your fall. Sitting in that chair is suicide.
- Looks like Saki's baggage over people disliking her because she wins too much is cropping up again.
- And now she's letting Yuuki win... that's just going to piss Yuuki off a lot more when she figures it out.
- Yuuki wins (sorta)! She makes me smile.
- Angry Nodoka, asymmetrical docking!
- Yes! We finally meet other characters! I've been hoping to see these two, but there's one more I really want to meet too. Hmm, Mihoko isn't on ANN but.. Horie Yui! And for Kana, we have Morinaga Rika. Most notable recently as Mako-chan!
- And there go the nekomimi! YES!
- Now for the last girl I was waiting to see, usamimi-chan! (Okay I forget her real name and don't feel like checking.)
- Blushing! "Make it fun" for Nodoka, Saki! OFF WITH THE CLOTHES NOW!
- YES!! Nodoka totally just got hit by a "moe moe... kyun!" explosion! Gahhhh, they need to consummate this relationship immediately.
- KISS! WHY THE HELL AREN'T YOU KISSING!?
- Hisa's got contacts...

CHIBIIIIIIIIIYUUUUUUKIIIIIII! Saki is so assalicious in that shot near the end.

[Ashyukun]

- Blushing! "Make it fun" for Nodoka, Saki! OFF WITH THE CLOTHES NOW!
- YES!! Nodoka totally just got hit by a "moe moe... kyun!" explosion! Gahhhh, they need to consummate this relationship immediately.
- KISS! WHY THE HELL AREN'T YOU KISSING!?
- Hisa's got contacts...

CHIBIIIIIIIIIYUUUUUUKIIIIIII! Saki is so assalicious in that shot near the end.
I never get tired of reading something's summaries. :catgirl:

[The Great Bear]

A lot of good comedy bits in the first half, and then we get some maidservice later before we have the inevitable mahjong match.

Funniest little visual moment: the animators had Yuuki's cat belt pouch thing whatever the heck that is blush at the same time that she was blushing when she was lying on the ground.

And as I said before, Yuuki and Kyoutaro are becoming a pretty good comedy duo.

As for Nodoka and Saki, I think we can now guess which role each one fills in that relationship.

[Ashyukun]

A lot of good comedy bits in the first half, and then we get some maidservice later before we have the inevitable mahjong match.

Funniest little visual moment: the animators had Yuuki's cat belt pouch thing whatever the heck that is blush at the same time that she was blushing when she was lying on the ground.

And as I said before, Yuuki and Kyoutaro are becoming a pretty good comedy duo.

As for Nodoka and Saki, I think we can now guess which role each one fills in that relationship.
Doesn't Yuuki's cat-accessory pretty much always have the same expression as she does (at least at the extremes)? She and Kyoutaro are a lot of fun- Kyoutaro should just realize he doesn't stand a chance with Nodoka when Saki is around (and probably even if she weren't...) and just start learning to make tacos en masse.

The beat-down the episode's title referred to was pretty harsh- I had to LOL at Saki's 'Mahjong Fighting Sense' though. It was interesting that not only did Saki not win, she actually came in last after the guy they'd been beating handily earlier.

Next episode looks like it'll be fun. Do they serve tacos at hot springs?

[angelx03]

This is like getting smack by the subtext hammer:

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/3580/1240786330762.gif
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/3522/1240786367742.gif

I mean, C'MON!!!!! :sd:

[Ashyukun]

This is like getting smack by the subtext hammer:

I mean, C'MON!!!!! :sd:
I think this is waaaay beyond subtext... I'd call it centered, bolded, italicized, and underlined 60-point text...

And it took me until now to realize (when I was thinking about how in reality Saki herself was one of my least-favorite characters in the show- not that I dislike her, I just like many of the others a lot more...) who Saki herself reminds me of the most: Miyufuji Yoshika from Strike Witches. Not just in appearance (though they are dead ringers for each other...) but also in that despite their being the central character they don't tend to shine nearly as much as some of the others around them. Their mutual attraction to oversized chests is also worth noting... though I think Nodoka probably has even Charlotte beat in that category...

[Fudce]

And it took me until now to realize (when I was thinking about how in reality Saki herself was one of my least-favorite characters in the show- not that I dislike her, I just like many of the others a lot more...) who Saki herself reminds me of the most: Miyufuji Yoshika from Strike Witches. Not just in appearance (though they are dead ringers for each other...) but also in that despite their being the central character they don't tend to shine nearly as much as some of the others around them. Their mutual attraction to oversized chests is also worth noting... though I think Nodoka probably has even Charlotte beat in that category...

I've said it once and I'll say it again. Saki is the yuri lovechild of Angelic Layer and Strike Witches.

[Fencedude]

I feel compelled to point out that those maid skirts were longer than Saki and Nodoka's uniform skirts (which really are ridiculously short, even by anime standards), so them freaking out was kinda silly.

Nodoka has it REALLY BAD for Saki. I mean, she kissed her pinky after thinking of the yubikiri! I don't think Saki's that far along yet, but Nodoka's fallen helplessly in love.

[Fencedude]

I've said it once and I'll say it again. Saki is the yuri lovechild of Angelic Layer and Strike Witches.

That is probably the most succinct way of putting it, yes.

[Ashyukun]

I've said it once and I'll say it again. Saki is the yuri lovechild of Angelic Layer and Strike Witches.
I would personally have said Bamboo Blade and Strike Witches, but given the non-physical nature of the Angelic Fights and Mahjong as well as the 'meeting family at the finals' theme, Angelic Layer is probably a more apt comparison.

[Shiroi Hane]

I was thinking last week that pink-haired girl was suffering from the Gonzo Breast Inflation Phenomenon, but I think this episode pretty much clinches it.

[Suwako Moriya]

KISS! WHY THE HELL AREN'T YOU KISSING!?


Because they know you're watching and they want some privacy? In regards to the actual episode, I hope this is the end of the "angry" Nodoka phase. As it can only go on for so long.

That being said, I'm actually half expecting some major plot twist to reveal that Saki and Nodoka have more connection to each other than simply running into each other back in episode 1. You know for dramatic effect.

*Looks at a bunch of characters being introduced* It will be curious to see what they're like long term. Don't feel like commenting on any of them specifically. Regardless this means potentially a greater variety of characters to comment on how amazing Saki is.

[Suwako Moriya]

Saki is the yuri lovechild of Angelic Layer and Strike Witches.

Whoever (As if it wasn't automatic) licenses this series for R1 is now required by law to use that as a promotional tag line.

[HitokiriShadow]

This series continues to crack me up for all sorts of reasons. The classic harem moment with Yuuki and Kyoutaro, Yuuki in general, the blatant yuri overtext, the ridiculous over-the-topness of the mahjong, like Saki sensing the aura of the strong mahjong player and cowering in fear (and how they suddenly decided to fill the screen with her thighs during this for no reason at all).

Also, I apparently never actually watched the ED sequence before this. The music is unremarkable but the animation is ridiculously cute.


And it took me until now to realize (when I was thinking about how in reality Saki herself was one of my least-favorite characters in the show- not that I dislike her, I just like many of the others a lot more...) who Saki herself reminds me of the most: Miyufuji Yoshika from Strike Witches.

Ha! I was thinking the exact same thing this episode (though mainly the appearance part).

[Consignia]

Hot spring episode. Was this anime about Mahjong? I forget.

The episode does start with Nodoka's father making the most obvious comment, suggesting that the girls maybe taking it a little too seriously. It did kick off some amusing sports anime type training though. Saki has to learn to play against a computer, Yuuki has to do maths, and Nodoka uses penguin power.

This episode was obviously quite censored for TV viewing. Let's hope the DVD version will be a little less conserative.

[The Great Bear]

Hot spring episode. Was this anime about Mahjong? I forget.

Well, it wouldn't very well be an anime involving high school girls if there wasn't an onsen episode :P

…

So, the final piece of build up and revelation of the motivations for some of the characters before we head into the prefectural tournament. It was fairly cute, but now I'm looking forward to the competitive drama.

[TheGreenMan]

Nodoka has it REALLY BAD for Saki. I mean, she kissed her pinky after thinking of the yubikiri! I don't think Saki's that far along yet, but Nodoka's fallen helplessly in love.

That makes Kyou's comment about Nodoka preferring mahjong to men all the more funny. I think he meant to say that she prefers mahjong and girls to men.

[HitokiriShadow]

Oh, anime steam-censoring, what would I do without you? It's just so funny to see how anime tries to cover up the naughty bits in these situations. Sometimes they just coat most or the entire screen in steam, as they did at one point here, which is pretty dull and mildly annoying. But then you get scenes where there steam just happens to get about 500% thicker at precisely where the naught bits are. It's even better when the 500% Concentrated steam conveniently moves exactly where the girls move, as if the steam were sticking to their bodies, such as when Saki stood up.

It's hilarious, though none of it quite topped a scene I once saw in which the screen was mostly steam free except for the solid bar of steam going straight across at exactly the level of the girl's breasts.

[Ashyukun]

It's hilarious, though none of it quite topped a scene I once saw in which the screen was mostly steam free except for the solid bar of steam going straight across at exactly the level of the girl's breasts.
I seem to remember a scene along those lines in Ga-Rei, it was hilarious. At least with this they tried to make it halfway subtle here... though the conveniently dense, moving clouds of steam around several of the girls when they stood up were snicker-worthy.

As for the non-steamy parts of the episode- Yuuki and Kyoutaro were an absolute riot through most of the episode, and the cast spent like half the time at least partially super-deformed. The tactics to try and improve the skills of the three girls (poor Kyoutaro :P) were interesting, and we got some good character development. Saki and Nodoka are still so flaming for each other those had to have been asbestos Yukata, though Yuuki was the one to attack and strip Nodoka. And it's obvious why Yuuki hits the milk so hard- she's probably flatter than Kyoutaro (my theory is that somehow Nodoka got both her own and Yuuki's share from the Breast Fairy...).

It looks like the preparations are done and we head into the prefecturals next episode. The preview focused on Yuuki, so Yay! Go Go Taco Power!

[HitokiriShadow]

It's hilarious, though none of it quite topped a scene I once saw in which the screen was mostly steam free except for the solid bar of steam going straight across at exactly the level of the girl's breasts.
I seem to remember a scene along those lines in Ga-Rei, it was hilarious. At least with this they tried to make it halfway subtle here... though the conveniently dense, moving clouds of steam around several of the girls when they stood up were snicker-worthy.

I couldn't remember what series it was when I made the post. The series that came to mind was Strike Witches but I had a feeling that wasn't it. I'm quite certain Ga-Rei is the series that had the scene I was thinking of.

As for the non-steamy parts of the episode- Yuuki and Kyoutaro were an absolute riot through most of the episode, and the cast spent like half the time at least partially super-deformed.

They do make quite the amusing pair. I'm not sure who my favorite character(s) is/are, but Yuuki is certainly the most amusing. I loved her evil face when she got rape, er, change Nodoka. And yes, Yuuki is incredibly flat.... most of the time. There was one scene in which we got to stare down the gap in her yukata and she had some very distinct curves.

[Quarkboy]

I'd just like to come out and mention that I'm the translator for Saki. So if you have any random questions about it, I'd be happy to discuss :).

Like, for example, in episode 5, the line where Yuuki complains that Nodoka hides tiles in her boobs, is literally "And Nodo-chan cheats with her boobs" but I felt that I had to spell it out in english or the joke would fall flat (haha! double joke).

Translating this show is a fascinating combination of deciphering Japanese mahjong terminology and slang and raunchy yuri-tinged humor.

Also, not sure if anyone noticed, but Mako has a strong Hiroshima accent. Lots of -toru and -jaken.

[The Great Bear]

I'd just like to come out and mention that I'm the translator for Saki. So if you have any random questions about it, I'd be happy to discuss :).

Like, for example, in episode 5, the line where Yuuki complains that Nodoka hides tiles in her boobs, is literally "And Nodo-chan cheats with her boobs" but I felt that I had to spell it out in english or the joke would fall flat (haha! double joke).

Translating this show is a fascinating combination of deciphering Japanese mahjong terminology and slang and raunchy yuri-tinged humor.

Also, not sure if anyone noticed, but Mako has a strong Hiroshima accent. Lots of -toru and -jaken.

I kind of figured out that you were, from a few sources ;)

I don't really have any translation questions at the moment, but as I'm reviewing the series, I might at some point.

I thought the boob joke replacement was not a bad idea, and even though I don't know Japanese, I could tell that something extra was being done. Call it a sixth sense ;)

[Ashyukun]

I'd just like to come out and mention that I'm the translator for Saki. So if you have any random questions about it, I'd be happy to discuss :).
Cool. :) So far it's been pretty easy to follow, and the notes explaining some of the Mahjong hands & terminology (in earlier episodes of course, since there was little real playing in this one...) have been nicely helpful, at least to me. It's gotta be interesting trying to balance explaining hands while not having a wall of text on screen going in-depth on it or having liner notes.

One thing that struck me as kind of odd in this episode story-wise was the emphasis put on Nodoka's apparently having trouble dealing with playing 'in person' vs. on the computer. This seemed kind of odd given she did win the Middle School tournament, so she had to have at least played against some challenging players there. Saki's not being as used to playing where she can't read people and just looking at the tiles makes sense though given she only played with her family. And Yuuki... well, given I've been thinking I need to track down a spreadsheet to help keep track of scoring when I hopefully get to play some friends at a convention this weekend because I can't begin to keep track of things by hand, I can sympathize with her math issues. :sweat:

[Quarkboy]

I thought the boob joke replacement was not a bad idea, and even though I don't know Japanese, I could tell that something extra was being done. Call it a sixth sense ;)
Not a replacement exactly, just being far more literal in the English.
"cheating with boobs" is even more literally "using some underhanded trick/slight of hand with her boobs" which, at least to me, could only be one thing (hiding extra tiles, like keeping aces up ones sleeves in poker) in the context of mahjong. Unless she meant something like her boobs had x-ray vision :). Which would be awesome, but a bit of a stretch for the interpretation.

[The Great Bear]

I thought the boob joke replacement was not a bad idea, and even though I don't know Japanese, I could tell that something extra was being done. Call it a sixth sense ;)
Not a replacement exactly, just being far more literal in the English.
"cheating with boobs" is even more literally "using some underhanded trick/slight of hand with her boobs" which, at least to me, could only be one thing (hiding extra tiles, like keeping aces up ones sleeves in poker) in the context of mahjong. Unless she meant something like her boobs had x-ray vision :). Which would be awesome, but a bit of a stretch for the interpretation.

Yeah, it seems reasonable to interpret it somewhere along those lines.

If Nodoka played with men, obviously Yuuki would be hinting that Nodoka's boobs were a distraction (and they most certainly would be). But playing against women, their main asset would be as a hiding place for extra tiles.

Though, it would be hard for Nodoka to hide tiles. After all, doesn't she have to sit a little back from the table? :P

[Fencedude]

Nodoka manages to be very sexy and yet totally cute at the same time, its a hard thing to do, but she does it well. I generally don't find Yukata's to be all that astoundingly attractive, but they definitely were here, though I think they were a tad more form-fitting than usual.

Also I think Nodoka and Saki's biggest problem is that they are terribly distracting to EACH OTHER. Both of them were caught staring at the other in this episode.

[Fencedude]

Also, not sure if anyone noticed, but Mako has a strong Hiroshima accent. Lots of -toru and -jaken.

I definitely noticed she had an accent, but I wasn't quite sure where. Though now that you mention its a Hiroshima accent, I realize she talks just like Shizuru, and I don't know how I missed it.

[Suwako Moriya]

Funniest little visual moment: the animators had Yuuki's cat belt pouch thing whatever the heck that is blush at the same time that she was blushing when she was lying on the ground.

Blushing Yuuki on Ground + Yuuki showing off panties + Yuuki in preview with Eye Wink + General Character Design= I've officially been corrupted by her. I speak as if I was pure before watching this. Still for some reason I want to payed extra attention to her.

As for Nodoka and Saki, I think we can now guess which role each one fills in that relationship.

Perhaps, but right now I'm just waiting for the moment where Nodoka can no longer hold back and starts having her way with Saki. Of course know these type of shows, they'll continue to tease us, but always hold back.

Still in addition to Nodoka X Saki goodness, we got the following. Hisa being awesome as usual. Mako had some pretty nice moments too. See above for Yuuki related comments.

[Ashyukun]

Blushing Yuuki on Ground + Yuuki showing off panties + Yuuki in preview with Eye Wink + General Character Design= I've officially been corrupted by her. I speak as if I was pure before watching this. Still for some reason I want to payed extra attention to her.

You're going to love ep. 5 then. And probably 6, from the looks of the preview. :catgirl: Yuuki is solid proof in my book that a fun and amusing personality trumps a massive chest (but then I suppose that could be said for, well, a good solid number of Kugimiya's characters :P).

[Suwako Moriya]

You're going to love ep. 5 then. And probably 6, from the looks of the preview. :catgirl:

Always nice to have something to look forward to in the future.

Yuuki is solid proof in my book that a fun and amusing personality trumps a massive chest (but then I suppose that could be said for, well, a good solid number of Kugimiya's characters :P).

To be fair, Nodoka is one of the better "large chested" girls in anime. It's odd how her chest is that large and yet I don't feel as bothered by it as I would with certain other characters.

Still, yes, Yuuki does have certain advantages. One of which includes the Kugimiya factor. I now feel ashamed for not including in the formula that I provided earlier.

[something]

Episode 4:

- Nodoka bluuuuushing~
- Oh lord, she's blushing her face off and even kissing the finger she used to yubikiri Saki. She is so unimaginably gay and yet I can guarantee we will end this season without so much as a kiss between them. (Except for maybe one played for gags as they fall into each other.) Damn you, anime!
- Taco-chan! Adorable as always. "Nodo-chan likes mahjong more than men!" And more importantly, women more then men. Also, blushing cat plush thing!
- Hisa you are brilliant! Need waitress Nodoka and Saki NOW!
- Or a maid waitress is fine too.
- ...Complaining about short skirts? With those things you wear to school every day? HAH!
- Haha, Nodoka is totally into it. Awesome.
- Maid waitress Yuuki! Yay!
- ZETTAI RYOUIKI FOCUS!!
- Bwhaha, they're playing this lady (who we saw on the cover of a mahjong magazine before, I kinda assumed it was Saki's mom but I guess not) up to be utterly evil and it's pretty hilarious. Nodoka is flabbergasted and Saki is about to burst into tears.
- Wow, Koromo is really being set up as the strongest (except for Saki's sister I guess), isn't she? That's so amusing given the adorable fanart of her I've seen.
- Heh, you know, Nodoka's breasts are acceptable in her school uniform once I got used to it, but they look completely ridiculous in the waitress outfit.
- Ahaha, Hisa with the dry erase board = epic.

Man this ED is so, so wonderfully chibi to the extreme. And Saki's ass, mmmm Saki's ass!

[The Great Bear]

Episode 4:

- Ahaha, Hisa with the dry erase board = epic.

She's turning into the main draw to the show for me.

[something]

Episode 5:

- So there's Nodoka's reason for wanting to win the nationals. Well, the more pressing reason anyway.
- ONSEN! ONSEN! ONSEN!
- On man Saki was looking nice there with her yukata blowing around.
- And then Yuuki attacks Nodoka! XD I'm appalled we didn't see them in the onsen, but I'm sure they'll correct that later.
- I'm really liking all the chibier-than-usual stuff in this ep. And Nodoka is soooooooo cute when Yuuki confronts her about the penguin. No, it's not for going to sleep, it's clearly for breast support =P
- Poor Kyou-chan.
- Bwhaaha, Hisa is explaining their weaknesses and in the background it's just Yuuki beating up on Kyou-chan.
- Awwwww, Saki crying makes me sad. Nodoka being distracted by Saki crying and then blushing a lot makes me VERY HAPPY.
- Taco hugging! XD But oh god, Nodoka is getting sooooooo much cuter. Hisa telling her to play while hugging the penguin is a recipie for moooeeeeee~
- Awww, poor Yuuki never wins.
- Slightly younger Hisa is super cute.
- You know, for a member of the mahjong club, Mako really doesn't seem to play much.
- YES! ONSEN SCENES! FINALLY! But so idiotically over-steamed that I'm 99.9% sure Gonzo just does this to troll us. It's gone waaaaay beyond simply pushing people to buy the DVDs. It's totally an in-joke now. Although there were a few (very brief) shots where it lessened.
- Waterfall! Yuuki really has trouble keeping that yukata on, doesn't she? Also, daaaaaaamnit ravage each other right now, Nodoka and Saki! NOW! Animation defiitely changed a bit here.

Moooore. Nodoka and Saki, hurry up and get married! I'll be so disappointed if this show ends without a wedding =P

[angelx03]

I say an ideal scenario for the climax of this series goes like this:

It's the finals in the tornament, and Saki is the last one in the team who has to win in order to conquer the entire thing. She gets nervous so Nodoka gathers enough courage within herself and gives her a good luck kiss on the lips. Then all of her teammates join in with good luck kisses towards her (except for that guy; he ends up making an ass of himself).

.....this is why I don't do fanfiction. Someone else is free to embellish that! :sweat:

[ndm]

To be fair, Nodoka is one of the better "large chested" girls in anime. It's odd how her chest is that large and yet I don't feel as bothered by it as I would with certain other characters.


And to be really fair, in the manga she's much more normally proportioned. Still busty but not ludicrously Gonzo-inflated like in the anime. I flicked through my copy of the first volume the other day to see how it compared to the anime and in it Nodoka actually has quite a nice shape.

[angelx03]

Here's a map worth pondering:

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7219/1241899241270.jpg

Hmmm......

[Suwako Moriya]

Here's a map worth pondering:
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7219/1241899241270.jpg

It would be more worth pondering if I could understand what's being said....:sweat:

[Quarkboy]

Here's a map worth pondering:
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7219/1241899241270.jpg

It would be more worth pondering if I could understand what's being said....:sweat:

It's a basic relationship chart, and, frankly is nothing you don't already know from watching eps 1-5.

[Consignia]

The tournament begins. Not much to say about this episode, really. It does seem that since all the girls so far have had a strong start, Nodoka is being set up for a bad defeat for Saki to save the day. And I still find Mahjong battle aura ridiculously amusing.

Another thing is the strange character designs of some of the other schools. One that sticks out is that girl with a star on her face. She seemed to be wearing handcuffs linked to the back of her dress. Perhaps they are locking in her natural Mahjong, so when she takes them off she gets a power up.

[Suwako Moriya]

For some reason I love the way that Yuuki wears her Yukata. However I hate the pure evil steam. Interesting to have weak areas pointed out. Younger Hisa had a cute hair style. This show continues to be win.

[Fencedude]

So...which Kazeyoshi girl did Hisa play against? Only two of their characters (the eye closed president and the catgirl) have distinctive designs, and Nodoka got one of the generics...I'm assuming that Hisa was up against the president (since they are shown together frequently...) and Saki will get the catgirl.

Also, I like how everyone in the show thinks that Nodoka's tits really are a bit much.

Also, the Ryuumonbuchi girls certainly are...odd.

[Quarkboy]

So...which Kazeyoshi girl did Hisa play against? Only two of their characters (the eye closed president and the catgirl) have distinctive designs, and Nodoka got one of the generics...I'm assuming that Hisa was up against the president (since they are shown together frequently...) and Saki will get the catgirl.

Also, I like how everyone in the show thinks that Nodoka's tits really are a bit much.

Also, the Ryuumonbuchi girls certainly are...odd.

Um.. none, yet. Kiyosumi wasn't up against Kazekoshi in the first round. They don't meet until the finals which are still 4 episodes away, probably.

Saying what order they're in is a spoiler but you can look it up in the manga if you want.

[Fencedude]

Um.. none, yet. Kiyosumi wasn't up against Kazekoshi in the first round. They don't meet until the finals which are still 4 episodes away, probably.

Saying what order they're in is a spoiler but you can look it up in the manga if you want.

What?

*checks*

Damn, you're right. I totally wasn't paying attention, I just somehow assumed they were. But that makes sense, I guess.

Ah well, whatever.

And I think Ryuumonbuchi should be renamed "Fetish High" (seriously, HANDCUFFS!?)

[HitokiriShadow]

Wow, Yuuki stomped her opponents. And so did Mako and Hisa for that matter.

I loved Touka's description of Nodoka's breasts. Touka is pretty amusing in general.

But Hajime (a.k.a. Handcuff Girl) is my favorite of the Ryuumonbuchi girls. She certainly has a, uh, unique fashion sense, but I think it works for her.

[Quarkboy]

Wow, Yuuki stomped her opponents. And so did Mako and Hisa for that matter.

I loved Touka's description of Nodoka's breasts. Touka is pretty amusing in general.

But Hajime (a.k.a. Handcuff Girl) is my favorite of the Ryuumonbuchi girls. She certainly has a, uh, unique fashion sense, but I think it works for her.

I'm very curious to see what Gonzo does when it comes to an outfit she wears in a flashback later on in the manga. Normally the "middle school student in blu-jean overalls with one strap off and no bra" thing is like, super cliche jailbait style, and add in ACTUAL handcuff like things...

[Fudce]

But Hajime (a.k.a. Handcuff Girl) is my favorite of the Ryuumonbuchi girls. She certainly has a, uh, unique fashion sense, but I think it works for her.

Hajime is my favourite of the Ryuumonbuchi girls too. She has an awesome outfit, and she seems to be the more interesting character too.


And Quarkboy, I understand that you're the translator, but could you hold off on the foreshadowing?

[Quarkboy]

But Hajime (a.k.a. Handcuff Girl) is my favorite of the Ryuumonbuchi girls. She certainly has a, uh, unique fashion sense, but I think it works for her.

Hajime is my favourite of the Ryuumonbuchi girls too. She has an awesome outfit, and she seems to be the more interesting character too.


And Quarkboy, I understand that you're the translator, but could you hold off on the foreshadowing?

I'm not sure why an outfit she wears has anything to do with the plot, but okay...

[The Great Bear]

And I think Ryuumonbuchi should be renamed "Fetish High" (seriously, HANDCUFFS!?)

Considering Hajime's fashion sense, and the oddity of their team in general (of course Touka is an ojou-sama, but the need for liveried servants to accompany her at all times seems to indicate a fetish for maid and butler uniforms as well), I think "Fetish High" is the perfect description for them.

…

As I noted in my review, in this episode we get more of the usual sports cliches than the moe so much.

And I think they are foreshadowing the final confrontation between Kiyosumi and Ryuumonbuchi so heavily, I'm surprised the show hasn't fallen over yet from the weight they are putting on that.

[Fudce]

And I think Ryuumonbuchi should be renamed "Fetish High" (seriously, HANDCUFFS!?)
I think "Fetish High" is the perfect description for them.
There is nothing wrong with having a fetish or three.

I'm surprised the show hasn't fallen over yet from the weight they are putting on that.
I'm surprised that Nodoka hasn't fallen over yet from the weight they are putting on her.

[The Great Bear]

I'm surprised the show hasn't fallen over yet from the weight they are putting on that.
I'm surprised that Nodoka hasn't fallen over yet from the weight they are putting on her.

I think Saki fell down in this episode when she was imagining what it would be like to have Nodoka's chest.

[Quarkboy]

I'm surprised the show hasn't fallen over yet from the weight they are putting on that.
I'm surprised that Nodoka hasn't fallen over yet from the weight they are putting on her.

I think Saki fell down in this episode when she was imagining what it would be like to have Nodoka's chest.

By the way, in your review you said that the tournament consists of 5 different sets of 2 hands.

That's not the way I've been using terminology in the subs. A "hand" according to my lingo is one deal, finished by a mahjong or a draw. A "round" is a sequence of hands where each player gets a chance to sit at each wind once. Each round has a prevalent wind, and a normal length "han-chan" is 2 rounds, the east wind round and the south wind round, where the prevalent wind is east and south respectively.

A round can consist of anywhere from 4 to a whole lot of hands, because if the player sitting East wins there's a bonus hand where the seat positions don't rotate. Theoretically I think there could be 24 hands in a round because most rules say the most number of consecutive bonus hands is five. (I'm not sure if that's the case in this tournament's rules, though).

It's really quite unduly complex. To help summarize, this is the english I've been using, in order from longest to shortest:

A "match" or "game" consists of either 1, 2, or 4 "rounds". Each "round" consists of at least four "hands".

1 round game is called a "toufuusen" or "East Wind Match", because it only consists of the East Wind Round. See episode 1 and 2 for Yuuki's brief explanation.
2 round game is called a "han-chan" (half chan) (I left this verbatim because it's Chinese in origin and has no commonly used English terminology).
4 round game is called a "icchan" (1 chan), and consists of 4 rounds, one of each wind. Traditionally, this is the length of the game, but it takes a long time to play so the "han-chan" became more popular.

The tournament rounds consist of 1 han-chan for each of the 5 players on the team, except the finals which is 2 han-chan for each. Yup, that's right, 2 han chan, not 1 chan. So you get 1 East wind round, 1 south wind round, another east wind, and another south wind.
(The prevalent wind doesn't really matter at all other than bookkeeping. Since each round everyone gets an equal chance to be sitting each wind.)

[The Great Bear]

It's really quite unduly complex.

That's really been the problem. Unless you've actually played the game (I have not) or studied up on the subject (which I also have not), it's not very easy to see what exactly is going on.

Thank you for the explanation. I will try to be more consistent in my use of terminology (I'll admit, I have used round and hand rather indiscriminately at times, because I do not know the game) from this point further.

…

And now I have a question: are the songs not subtitled because of licensor request or restriction? I realize not all shows on Crunchyroll have subbed songs, but there are ones that do, ones that are currently airing, so I was curious whether it's a licensor restriction or not.

[Quarkboy]

And now I have a question: are the songs not subtitled because of licensor request or restriction? I realize not all shows on Crunchyroll have subbed songs, but there are ones that do, ones that are currently airing, so I was curious whether it's a licensor restriction or not.

I was going to subtitle the songs but told not to bother because of the extra review process it would take.

[The Great Bear]

I was going to subtitle the songs but told not to bother because of the extra review process it would take.

Ah, that's a shame, because I'd like to know what they're saying beyond "glossy future" and a lot of gans in the ED.

[Quarkboy]

I was going to subtitle the songs but told not to bother because of the extra review process it would take.

Ah, that's a shame, because I'd like to know what they're saying beyond "glossy future" and a lot of gans in the ED.

Well, I can help with that:

The songs lyrics are basically "Because you're here, I feel like I can finally "bloom"" "Friendship against challenges, opening up to the world" etc etc.

It's basically sort of sung from Saki's perspective.

[The Great Bear]

The songs lyrics are basically "Because you're here, I feel like I can finally "bloom"" "Friendship against challenges, opening up to the world" etc etc.

It's basically sort of sung from Saki's perspective.

Okay. That helps a bit. It is slightly frustrating to know there are words, but not know what they mean.

[Fencedude]

The songs lyrics are basically "Because you're here, I feel like I can finally "bloom"" "Friendship against challenges, opening up to the world" etc etc.

It's basically sort of sung from Saki's perspective.

Yeah, Nodoka's definitely going to make Saki bloom one of these days...

[Fencedude]

Rewatching the episode, I have no idea why I thought those girls were from Kazeyoshi.

Also, we've never actually seen Hisa play, have we? I wonder why.

Also, Saki really needs to start calling Nodoka by her first name, though I guess we'll need a suitably dramatic event to bring their relationship up to that level.

AND NODOKA'S MORE THAN JUST A PAIR OF HUGE TITS AND SHE'S GOING TO PROVE IT TO EVERYONE!

(though she's still going to be known as that awesome highschool mahjong player with HUEG tits, isn't it sad, Nodocchi?)

[HitokiriShadow]

Also, we've never actually seen Hisa play, have we? I wonder why.


I'm curious as well. I didn't think anything of it before this episode but its odd for her to be the only one we don't see play in this episode, and more significantly, she seemed like she didn't want Saki and Nodoka seeing her play.

[EmperorBrandon]

- Yes! We finally meet other characters! I've been hoping to see these two, but there's one more I really want to meet too. Hmm, Mihoko isn't on ANN but.. Horie Yui! And for Kana, we have Morinaga Rika. Most notable recently as Mako-chan!

ANN seemed to really be lacking in VA information for this title at the moment, so I've gone ahead and added information (up to ep 4 as far as the TV credits are concerned, but I've watched and can look at 5 too)

Does anyone know the official reading of this character's name: 杉乃歩 (Sugino Ayumu? Ayumi?), voiced by 永田依子 (Nagata Yoriko). Japanese Wikipedia has no information on the character.

[The Great Bear]

Also, we've never actually seen Hisa play, have we? I wonder why. I'm curious as well. I didn't think anything of it before this episode but its odd for her to be the only one we don't see play in this episode, and more significantly, she seemed like she didn't want Saki and Nodoka seeing her play.

I have a theory as to why, but I want to see if it pans out or not.

It was rather convenient that neither of them saw Hisa play, but it can't quite be because she wants to keep something entirely secret from them, since Yuuki was there watching (as far as we know; I don't count Mako in this, since Mako has known Hisa now for some time, and we can assume that if Hisa is deliberately hiding something, it's likely Mako knows what that is).

[Fencedude]

Also, we've never actually seen Hisa play, have we? I wonder why. I'm curious as well. I didn't think anything of it before this episode but its odd for her to be the only one we don't see play in this episode, and more significantly, she seemed like she didn't want Saki and Nodoka seeing her play.

I have a theory as to why, but I want to see if it pans out or not.

It was rather convenient that neither of them saw Hisa play, but it can't quite be because she wants to keep something entirely secret from them, since Yuuki was there watching (as far as we know; I don't count Mako in this, since Mako has known Hisa now for some time, and we can assume that if Hisa is deliberately hiding something, it's likely Mako knows what that is).

I'm pretty sure you can count on Yuuki having absolutely no idea what, if anything, was going on.

That being said, I'm pretty certain Nodoka has played Hisa, she's referenced her skill before, at least.

[Ashyukun]

That's really been the problem. Unless you've actually played the game (I have not) or studied up on the subject (which I also have not), it's not very easy to see what exactly is going on.

Yeah, it definitely does really help to know at least a bit about the game- though as Quarkboy pointed out a ways back to really get things and understand what's going on you need to know a good bit about the hands and scoring as well, which are definitely 'unduly complex'.

Hajime is definitely my favorite so far of the formally introduced members of the other schools... the half-ZetRyu looks better than I would have thought it would. The others are of course fun and amusing as well- and we haven't even really met all the characters from the other schools yet either. Yuuki continues to be highly amusing. She should know to pack extra tacos so she doesn't run out of Taco Power!

I'm enjoying their showing a bit more (though not a huge amount admittedly) of the actual play and the hands at least- it's fun seeing just what they come up with. And the 'Mahjong Battle Sense' continues to amuse me... though it's interesting that it seems only Saki from her own school is capable of it while all of the competition seems to have it (and that Saki didn't sense anything from any of them like she did the pro).

[DenpaWa]

Well, I just watched all 6 current episodes and I'm sold on it! The character interactions are great. I don't understand mahjong, but as other people are doing, realizing someone did something awesome is enough to keep the plot moving.

Does Yuuki and her animated belt remind anyone else of a certain character in Koihime Musou with an animated hair ornament?? ;) I think the personalities are quite similar.

I think the one realistic thing about Nodoka's breasts is that a teenage girl built like that would indeed be subject to the various humorous and nasty comments that the show has had. But, as something commented, her blouse is very strange. Instead of draping down from her breasts, it's as if there were a partial vacuum pulling it back towards her body. (I suppose one could speculate that her breasts are blocking the atmosphere from above her midriff, but that would be more snarky than scientific.:anger200:)

Hisa did play against Nodoka during the training. And it would be strange to the point of the characters commenting on it, if she were the president of the club yet never played.

Since it's practically a forum rule to mention yuri when commenting on this series, I'll point out that interactions between Nodoka and Saki, especially from Nodoka's point of view, say that they are in love. Really, if Saki were male, I can't imagine anyone arguing that Nodoka is not in love, particularly after the yubikiri. Think of Clannad up to episode 6, which in another thread has people stating definitively that Nagisa and Tomoya love each other. Any lack of consumation is (real world) because of production company reluctance or (anime world) they're too young just yet.

[Ashyukun]

So, it looks like it took even less time than expected for a Saki Mahjong game to get made... and to my complete and utter (lack of) surprise, it is indeed an H game. Near as I can gather (my Japanese is, at best, horrible), the 'plot' of the game is that Hisa is trying to get Kyou-chan to improve his mahjong playing and suggests that there be some 'incentive' for winning against the four girls (Mako doesn't seem to be in the game... she must have had to work that day :P).

I'm hoping there's a way to play a real, 4-player non-H mahjong game with it, but so far I've only figured out the 'story' mode where you play 1-on-1 versus one of the girls. You each start out with 20,000 points, and when you lose the points for the hand are deducted from your points- but not, it seems, added to your opponent's score (making for a shorter overall game). Thankfully knowing enough about mahjong in general after the first hand I was able to figure out the controls for it and turn around and wipe the walls with Yuuki (getting dealt a hand packed with honors helped a lot too). The mahjong gameplay is pretty good, with cute animations for things like your opponent declaring Riichi.

Admittedly I have pretty much zero past experience with games such as this- but the production values actually impressed me a good bit, especially that they have full voice-work for all the characters. Hopefully there is a non-H 4-player mode to be found, because if there is I'm sure it would be a whole lot of fun...

[something]

Episode 6:

- Yuuki really knows how to make an entrance.
- Mihoko and Kana are totally my favorite characters of the ones that haven't done anything yet.
- Nodoka! BLUSHINGGGGG!!!!!
- Hah, the suepr strong team can sense Saki's mahjong aura even when she's nervous and lost.
- First up, it's YUUKI TIME!! Man I hope she wins. Poor girl never gets to win since she's in the same club as Saki and Nodoka.
- Yes! Yuuki domination! Heck with all the details, the numbers show that Yuuki is kicking their asses.
- And just before her taco power runs out! Yuuuuukiiiiiii! <3
- Oh nice, MAKO TIME! We've seen her play the least by far, although we've been really low on Hisa play time too. [Edit: or haven't seen any, apparently.]
- Hah! The glasses come off and she starts destroying them. As is normal, she gets a really short scene. Boo. Well, the point is made that she's good. Now it's HISA TIME!
- And this time we don't see ANY of it. :sd: Man, Mako and Hisa really need some good play time so we can see more of them being evil. But instead we get... crying Saki hiding behind Nodoka!
- Girl with the star on her cheek has a truly bizarre costume. And one thighhigh!
- And now it's PENGUIN TIME, er NODOKA TIME! Cuuuuuuuuute.
- Well, not until next episode.

Wow, I really really liked that episode. The tournament style is going to work really well for this show, as long as we keep getting ample Saki x Nodoka goodness.

[something]

Does Yuuki and her animated belt remind anyone else of a certain character in Koihime Musou with an animated hair ornament?? ;) I think the personalities are quite similar.
Hah, yes, absolutely. I keep thinking of Chouhi every time I see it. Reminds me, I need to watch that OVA if a non horrible version can be found.

Since it's practically a forum rule to mention yuri when commenting on this series, I'll point out that interactions between Nodoka and Saki, especially from Nodoka's point of view, say that they are in love. Really, if Saki were male, I can't imagine anyone arguing that Nodoka is not in love, particularly after the yubikiri.
Oh, absolutely. If they were male and female there would be no questioning it whatsoever. But no, we won't get any sort of "consummation" because we almost never do with yuri. It almost seems to be a rule. That said, it's absolutely glorious to watch these two interact so far, so I'll try to enjoy it as long as I can.

[The Great Bear]

So, new ED this time. So much for you Yuuki fans :P

The tournament is going past pretty quickly, but perhaps that's necessary, since the eventual goal is the Nationals.

Interestingly, we don't see Saki's play in the first round at all. Perhaps they're saving that for the finals.

Ryuumonbuchi has (maid) issues.

Kazekoshi has abuse issues.

And that eye gleam is…potentially evil.

[Consignia]

So, new ED this time. So much for you Yuuki fans :P

Bah, How long was that ED running for anyway? It wasn't in the first episode as far I recall, so only 5 episodes. And it was replaced for this? Complete injustice.

Over-reaction of the episode goes to the girl who runs off crying saying she quits Mahjong forever after playing that Cat-eared girl. Talk about a sore loser, even if Mahjong is SERIOUS BUSINESS.

And what's with the bad language in the crunchyroll translation? The way it's descending there's going to be a "Fucking Richi! Take that you cunting cunts" before the end of the show.

[Fudce]

Really enjoyable episode. Touka is quite the stereotypical ojou-sama, and actually reminds me a lot of Ayaka from Negima. Kana is absolutely adorable, she may be challenging Hajime as my favourite character, and the maid is interesting too (I think her name was Ayumu).

I'm not surprised that they didn't show Saki's match, it heightened the impact of how good she apparantly was and puts us in the same situation as the people from the other two high schools.

My suspicions of Miharu's wink proved to be accurate too, I figured it wasn't a matter of her having seen too much Anne Robinson, and more of her eye holding a secret power.

[The Great Bear]

And what's with the bad language in the crunchyroll translation? The way it's descending there's going to be a "Fucking Richi! Take that you cunting cunts" before the end of the show.

I noticed one "shit" but otherwise the language didn't stick out for being excessively vulgar. I would have to look at it again, though that's not going to happen anytime soon.

[Fudce]

And what's with the bad language in the crunchyroll translation? The way it's descending there's going to be a "Fucking Richi! Take that you cunting cunts" before the end of the show.

I spotted that too, and there have been some slightly questionable language in some other shows as well. It doesn't bother me too much, but it does seem out of place.

[Consignia]

And what's with the bad language in the crunchyroll translation? The way it's descending there's going to be a "Fucking Richi! Take that you cunting cunts" before the end of the show.

I noticed one "shit" but otherwise the language didn't stick out for being excessively vulgar. I would have to look at it again, though that's not going to happen anytime soon.

I counted two shits, a fucking and numerous bitches. And then I got off the bus.

No, but really it was that evil coach who was the culprit for the most part. It's not that bad, it's just rather excessive in context.

[Quarkboy]

And what's with the bad language in the crunchyroll translation? The way it's descending there's going to be a "Fucking Richi! Take that you cunting cunts" before the end of the show.

I noticed one "shit" but otherwise the language didn't stick out for being excessively vulgar. I would have to look at it again, though that's not going to happen anytime soon.

It was appropriate given the context and the language that was used in the Japanese. I don't use vulgarity lightly or it would lose its impact. (and fyi, it was 1 bitch, 1 "fucked up", 1 shit and 1 shitty. Not sure where you got "numerous" bitches from).

[Fudce]

It was appropriate given the context and the language that was used in the Japanese. I don't use vulgarity lightly or it would lose its impact. (and fyi, it was 1 bitch, 1 "fucked up", 1 shit and 1 shitty. Not sure where you got "numerous" bitches from).

That's fair enough I suppose, so it was bad language on the part of the anime rather than your translation? I hope it doesn't persist, since it really detracts from the series. I don't mind an F-bomb here or there, but when it's not necessary I'd prefer for a slightly lesser expletive to be used.

[Quarkboy]

It was appropriate given the context and the language that was used in the Japanese. I don't use vulgarity lightly or it would lose its impact. (and fyi, it was 1 bitch, 1 "fucked up", 1 shit and 1 shitty. Not sure where you got "numerous" bitches from).

That's fair enough I suppose, so it was bad language on the part of the anime rather than your translation? I hope it doesn't persist, since it really detracts from the series. I don't mind an F-bomb here or there, but when it's not necessary I'd prefer for a slightly lesser expletive to be used.

Neither coach Kubo or the imamiya girl shows up much at all in the manga later, and no other character speaks like that so far that I've seen in the manga, so you probably have nothing to worry about.

[Suwako Moriya]

So in this episode, we get a girl with a star on her face and handcuffs. Clearly she'll be worth paying attention to in the future. I just know there will be some plot reason for it.

Watching Yuuki have fun while playing and her opponents being quite bothered by it was quite amusing.

Let's all thank Mako for giving us a classic "Watch me remove my glasses and become more awesome" moment.

Let's all be sad that we couldn't see Hisa playing. Maybe in a future episode?

Finally, let's wonder if one way to qualify for this tournament is to have a quirk. Why am I starting the obvious?

[Ashyukun]

That's fair enough I suppose, so it was bad language on the part of the anime rather than your translation? I hope it doesn't persist, since it really detracts from the series. I don't mind an F-bomb here or there, but when it's not necessary I'd prefer for a slightly lesser expletive to be used.
It sounded like the coach was using some pretty harsh language so it didn't sound that off to me. None of our heroines swears like a sailor, so it's not been an issue in the past. Though I have to admit I got a VERY good laugh out of "Fucking Richi! Take that you cunting cunts"... that's funny enough on its own, but it's even more amusing to me because I've leveled nearly that level of profanity toward my iPhone when playing Mahjong on it.

As for the rest of the episode, a definite thumbs up. More actual playing tactics makes it more interesting for me- even if I have to pause the episode to examine the hands to understand what most of the characters (including the no-name background ones...) seem to see at a single glance. All three of our main schools are fun and interesting, and I'm looking forward to their meeting in the finals. And I feel sorry for the fourth school...

I'm disappointed at the loss of the Yuuki-riffic original ending, but I do like the new one as well. But the original was superior both in content and song IMO... and the new one (particularly that dress...) just highlights even further how stupidly oversized Nodoka's chest is. Still, it's NodoxSaki-tastic as well, so it passes.

[Fencedude]

Hahaha oh wow.

Saki slaughters the competition (off screen) and apparently dominating the oponents in the second round isn't enough for Kazekoshi's bitch of a coach. I hope she eats a MIHOKO BEEEAAAAMMMMUUUUUUU

And Ayumu...who plays her? She sounds terribly familiar and the handcuff girl squeeing over the idea of wearing Touko's clothes...

And the ED is YURITASTIC, even if Nodoka's tits really are incredibly excessive. (but I've seen larger recently, so she's not seeming as bad now)

[HitokiriShadow]

Saki completely decimated her opponent, taking out 46,000 points, and we didn't get to see it. I feel cheated.

Touko is hilarious. I loved her commentary on the game and "Are they blind?" reactions to the people around her.

Ayumu is quite amusing as well. What's even funnier is that before they even said her name, she reminded me of another Ayumu for some reason. Anyway, I hope she gets a decent amount of screentime.

Kazekoshi has an incredibly abusive bitch for their coach/advisor. The good news of that scene is that it let their captain (I forget her name) show how awesome she when she stood up for her team.

[Fencedude]

Kazekoshi has an incredibly abusive bitch for their coach/advisor. The good news of that scene is that it let their captain (I forget her name) show how awesome she when she stood up for her team.

Mihoko.

I'm actually really kinda sad that its her destiny to lose horribly to Kiyosumi and Ryuumonbuchi.

[Ashyukun]

Mihoko.

I'm actually really kinda sad that its her destiny to lose horribly to Kiyosumi and Ryuumonbuchi.
Yeah, that's something I realized yesterday as well- with the exception of the extremely bitchy coach I actually like most of the three teams, but it's pretty much a given that at least one of them will be going down and not continuing on to the Nationals assuming both the winner and runner-up continue on to the Nationals.

[Fencedude]

Mihoko.

I'm actually really kinda sad that its her destiny to lose horribly to Kiyosumi and Ryuumonbuchi.
Yeah, that's something I realized yesterday as well- with the exception of the extremely bitchy coach I actually like most of the three teams, but it's pretty much a given that at least one of them will be going down and not continuing on to the Nationals assuming both the winner and runner-up continue on to the Nationals.

And that isn't even including the fourth team we haven't really met yet.

[Ashyukun]

And that isn't even including the fourth team we haven't really met yet.
I kind of figured if they hadn't shown us anyone from that team yet, they're probably not going to be that noteworthy. :P

[Fencedude]

And that isn't even including the fourth team we haven't really met yet.
I kind of figured if they hadn't shown us anyone from that team yet, they're probably not going to be that noteworthy. :P

They have a moderately prominent spot in the OP (as much as Kazekoshi does) and were shown when Hisa and Mako went to the position draft.

They are the ones who wear the blue blazers.

[Ashyukun]

They have a moderately prominent spot in the OP (as much as Kazekoshi does) and were shown when Hisa and Mako went to the position draft.

They are the ones who wear the blue blazers.
Ah, OK... the ones sitting around table when one of them jumps up and yells pointing to the computer. I'd forgotten about that scene. Since the next ep. looks to be an interlude before the finals, maybe we'll get a bit of a focus on (or at least an appearance by) them.

[Quarkboy]

They have a moderately prominent spot in the OP (as much as Kazekoshi does) and were shown when Hisa and Mako went to the position draft.

They are the ones who wear the blue blazers.
Ah, OK... the ones sitting around table when one of them jumps up and yells pointing to the computer. I'd forgotten about that scene. Since the next ep. looks to be an interlude before the finals, maybe we'll get a bit of a focus on (or at least an appearance by) them.

Well, you know, every good science experiment needs a control. If you have 3 "abnormal" teams in the finals, having one "normal" one just helps to emphasize how abnormal the rest of them are, right?

Although with Kazekoshi, the only strange people we know are the captain and her pet, I mean, their cat-eared taishou. The other 3 team members don't seem to have anything special about them.

[Fencedude]

Although with Kazekoshi, the only strange people we know are the captain and her pet, I mean, their cat-eared taishou. The other 3 team members don't seem to have anything special about them.

Well, Mihoko has been (very unsubtly) setup as Hisa's foil/romantic interest.

Kana...not sure who she'll play, though logic would suggest you'd get the most entertainment putting her up against Yuuki.

Obviously the main shows in the last two rounds will be Nodoka vs. Touko and Saki vs. Koromo, Kazekoshi and the other school will probably be mostly decoration in those rounds.

(and if I'm wrong, don't tell me. Ok?)

[Ashyukun]

Well, Mihoko has been (very unsubtly) setup as Hisa's foil/romantic interest.

Kana...not sure who she'll play, though logic would suggest you'd get the most entertainment putting her up against Yuuki.

Obviously the main shows in the last two rounds will be Nodoka vs. Touko and Saki vs. Koromo, Kazekoshi and the other school will probably be mostly decoration in those rounds.

(and if I'm wrong, don't tell me. Ok?)
Yeah, the OP does imply something between Hihoko & Hisa. Wasn't it Kazekoshi that Hisa said earlier that most people in their area that were interested in playing Mahjong went to but that she wasn't able to afford going there? Or was that Ryuumonbochi? If it was Kazekoshi, than there could be some history between the two girls involving this.

Assuming my memory of position naming is correct, Yuuki is Kiyosumi's Senpo (first player)- assuming nobody switches orders around before the finals that puts her up against Ryuumonboshi's tall member who I initially thought was a guy (I forgot her name...) that took out the competition entirely on her own in the second round. I don't think they've said anything as to who is Kazekoshi's lead-off player, and of course we know nothing about the 4th team. Having Yuuki against Kana would of course be the most amusing, but they've said Kana is KK's Taisho and that she's gunning to redeem herself against Kuromo, so a matchup between them is seemingly unlikely.

Mako is Jiho (second player)- I don't think they've said which of R-B's (getting tired of typing all of that out...) players is their Jiho, but it's obviously either Hajime or the quiet girl with the computer. Again, we don't even know the names of KK's other three or any of the 4th team, so no guesses (or probably much of concern) there either.

Hisa is Chuken, so she'll be up against whoever of Hajime or the computer girl wasn't Jiho. Likely the same situation as Jiho for the other two schools- need more input.

Nodoka is Fukusho for Kiyo. I believe they've expressly said that Touka is RB's Fukusho since she's said that she'll be taking her on. Presumably Mihoko is KK's Fukusho so she'll be in and up against them as well. It wouldn't be entirely unreasonable for Mihoko to be Chuken though and up against Hisa though, since Mihoko & Hisa are both their school's captains.

Saki is Kiyo's Taisho... Kuromo is RB's, and Kana was stated to be KK's Taisho, so the final round will be a rather interesting mix of personalities- though they of course have completely refrained from showing us all but pretty much a shadowy profile of Kuromo, and other than her not liking to get up in the morning and apparently destroying alarm clock we've not gotten much of anything about her personality- though even the Pro regards her as demonic in her Mahjong skills.

[William K]

Well, you know, every good science experiment needs a control. If you have 3 "abnormal" teams in the finals, having one "normal" one just helps to emphasize how abnormal the rest of them are, right?

Although with Kazekoshi, the only strange people we know are the captain and her pet, I mean, their cat-eared taishou. The other 3 team members don't seem to have anything special about them.

Well I wouldn't call the 4th team (Tsuruga) normal just yet. On the official website (http://www.saki-anime.com/character_tsuruga.html), one of their players (Momoko) is blurred out and her face is also not shown in the OP either so who knows what her story is...

[Fudce]

Well, you know, every good science experiment needs a control. If you have 3 "abnormal" teams in the finals, having one "normal" one just helps to emphasize how abnormal the rest of them are, right?

Although with Kazekoshi, the only strange people we know are the captain and her pet, I mean, their cat-eared taishou. The other 3 team members don't seem to have anything special about them.

Well I wouldn't call the 4th team (Tsuruga) normal just yet. On the official website (http://www.saki-anime.com/character_tsuruga.html), one of their players (Momoko) is blurred out and her face is also not shown in the OP either so who knows what her story is...

I wonder if she's the ghost we see in the opening?

[William K]

And Ayumu...who plays her? She sounds terribly familiar and the handcuff girl squeeing over the idea of wearing Touko's clothes...

The seiyuu for Ayumu is Nagata Yoriko (永田依子). Seems pretty new, and I don't recognize any of her roles...

[Quarkboy]

And Ayumu...who plays her? She sounds terribly familiar and the handcuff girl squeeing over the idea of wearing Touko's clothes...

The seiyuu for Ayumu is Nagata Yoriko (永田依子). Seems pretty new, and I don't recognize any of her roles...

Her "generic maid" voice is so perfect, she must have been in a ton of ero-games ;).

[Suwako Moriya]

So, new ED this time. So much for you Yuuki fans :P

It will be awhile before I get to the episode, but I already have one thing to be depressed about. Ah, well, maybe the new ending will have some way of making up for it.

[The Great Bear]

So, new ED this time. So much for you Yuuki fans :PIt will be awhile before I get to the episode, but I already have one thing to be depressed about. Ah, well, maybe the new ending will have some way of making up for it.

Well, if you're one of those yuri fanatics, you'll be happy enough, since Saki and Nodoka basically get married in the new ED.

[Suwako Moriya]

Well, if you're one of those yuri fanatics, you'll be happy enough, since Saki and Nodoka basically get married in the new ED.

That sounds like an ending worth looking forward to. Also, I suppose I can always re-watch the Yuuki ending if I need an extra fill of it.

[DenpaWa]

Mihoko.

I'm actually really kinda sad that its her destiny to lose horribly to Kiyosumi and Ryuumonbuchi.
Yeah, that's something I realized yesterday as well- with the exception of the extremely bitchy coach I actually like most of the three teams, but it's pretty much a given that at least one of them will be going down and not continuing on to the Nationals assuming both the winner and runner-up continue on to the Nationals.

I was thinking about that. The show seems to be setting up Ryuumonbuchi as the final opponent since they have the totally awesome player that even impresses a pro. Yet they are played for laughs. Touka is ridiculous the way she behaves. For handcuff girl, is that really how a prestigious school lets her dress? And she acts as Touka's maid? And since Ayumu is allowed to sub, she's also a student at the school as well as being Touka's maid?

On the other hand, Kazekoshi is really serious about their game. They not only have the issue of regaining their pride against Ryuumonbuchi, but have to deal with a physically abusive coach who slaps them around even when they win.

For my part, I'd be just as happy to have Kazekoshi beat Ryuumonbuchi since I think that's where emotions are most engaged. In fact, if Kiyosumi didn't exist, this show would probably be from Kazekoshi's point of view. (Though I just rewatched the OP and Ryuumonbuchi get a more prominent display.)

[something]

Episode 7:

- Nodocchi! <3 Nodoka + Etopen is just the cutest thing in this whole show. As for whether she'll do well or collapse, I thik the way the other players keep looking down on her pretty much ensures she'll kick ass.
- I am amused that people are still unsure if Nodoka is Nodocchi. Clearly the avatar looking exactly like her and carrying a penguin around is a coincidence!
- Nodoka kicks ass after all! Touka is totally flipping out.
- Hmm! After the rather detailed look at Nodoka's game, I was wondering how Saki's would go. Turns out they didn't show any of it, but that actually worked really well. Hearing about it second hand through others as Ryuumonbuchi realizes that the clumsy girl they saw before is Kiyosumi's fifth was really effective.
- Heh! I love the nasty look Nodoka gives Fujita. XD
- They're building Koromo up to be absurdly epic and I'm loving it. Can't wait until we finally get to see her in action.
- Here, have these bunny ears, now you're Koromo. Also, interesting that Hajime seems to like Touka so much. Usually I'd peg her for the character that delights in torturing Touka.
- Wow, here's hoping this bitch being horrible to the Kazekoshi girls gets hit by a truck. But Mihoko is fucking AWESOME! Poor Kana <3
- Bwhahaha, I was just about to comment on what a strange character trait it is for Mihoko to always have just *one* eye closed, but... !!!

And you know, I appreciate the yuri in the ED (and that we're getting two in a one cour show!), but what the hell? Nodoka looks absolutely horrible. And that dress is totally not Saki's style. :sd:

[Fencedude]

And you know, I appreciate the yuri in the ED (and that we're getting two in a one cour show!), but what the hell? Nodoka looks absolutely horrible. And that dress is totally not Saki's style. :sd:

I'm almost positive that this is 2 cour.

[something]

I'm almost positive that this is 2 cour.
That'd be even better, then. I thought I'd heard one for some reason, though I kinda assumed it was a "one cour but expect a sequel if it does well" sorta thing.

[something]

Well, Mihoko has been (very unsubtly) setup as Hisa's foil/romantic interest.
Kana...not sure who she'll play, though logic would suggest you'd get the most entertainment putting her up against Yuuki.
Obviously the main shows in the last two rounds will be Nodoka vs. Touko and Saki vs. Koromo, Kazekoshi and the other school will probably be mostly decoration in those rounds.
(and if I'm wrong, don't tell me. Ok?)
Mihoko and Hisa are definitely destined to be together. From what I gathered Kana was Kazekoshi's fifth spot, right? She was the last one to play when they beat the other teams in the second round, though I suppose there could be some rule that calls the game early is one team gets ridiculously far ahead (which Ryuumonbuchi invoked?). But if she is fifth [Edit: seems to be what Ashyukun says], she'd go up against Saki. Or can you juggle positions between rounds? I didn't get that sense so far. Regardless only two members of Kazekoshi have been made into unique characters so far, with the other three being little more than extras. If Hisa "gets" one of them, then you might expect Saki to "get" the other.

On the other hand, Saki is of course set up to play Koromo so maybe Kana will indeed go to Mako or Yuuki, so they have a "rival" to play with Nodoka, Hisa and Saki already paired up to Touka, Mihoko and Koromo respectively.

[The Great Bear]

And we get a lull before the action starts up again.

There were some cute moments.

And lots of steam. Yes, so much steam.

And ramen.

Oh, and you get your Yuuki-riffic ending back, by the way.

[DiGiKerot]

And we get a lull before the action starts up again.

It's the lull to make absolutely certain that we know that the other remaining teams of significance are all NICE PEOPLE and it's be HEARTBREAKING for any of them to be knocked out. Which is fine, if maybe a little heavy-handed.

Clearly the lesson here, however, is that only nice people can be genuinely good at Mah-Jong.

I hate to admit it, but as cute as Mihoko is, that one-eye-closed thing was really starting to grate on me by the end of the episode:sweat:

Oh, and you get your Yuuki-riffic ending back, by the way.

I'd presume that it was a tone related thing, given that the pre-ED sequence last week would have had it's atmosphere completely obliterated if they'd gone with the usual ending.

[The Great Bear]

I hate to admit it, but as cute as Mihoko is, that one-eye-closed thing was really starting to grate on me by the end of the episode:sweat:

Personally, I've never understood the eyepatch fetish, which this is likely a version of. It got old for me the moment I saw it.

But I like Mihoko as a person. She is very nice.

I'd presume that it was a tone related thing, given that the pre-ED sequence last week would have had it's atmosphere completely obliterated if they'd gone with the usual ending.

Very likely. We'll see if they trot out the alternate ending again at some point.

I expect a change in the OP and ED for real around 13. Once the Prefectural Qualifiers are over, they'll need a new OP that looks forward to the Nationals, and we won't need to see these shots of Kazekoshi, Ryuumonbuchi, and Tsuruga (now we have a name to put to their navy blue uniforms, faces, and the evil aura coming from that girls whose complete face they never show). And perhaps a new ED to set a new tone as well. Or, they may well keep the Yuuki ED as the main one, and put in alternate ones on occasion as needed.

[Consignia]

Oh, and you get your Yuuki-riffic ending back, by the way.

Thankfully. Hopefully the flags don't get raised for the "Bad Ending" too often.

Interesting that we get to see Nodoka in her second year of middle school. She's certainly "grown up" quite a lot since then. Maybe it's where she stores her latent Mahjong battle aura.

No Mahjong this episode, but when has Saki ever been about Mahjong.

[Fudce]

I hate to admit it, but as cute as Mihoko is, that one-eye-closed thing was really starting to grate on me by the end of the episode:sweat:

Personally, I've never understood the eyepatch fetish, which this is likely a version of. It got old for me the moment I saw it.

But I like Mihoko as a person. She is very nice.
Just beware - She sleeps with one eye open, you know...

I expect a change in the OP and ED for real around 13. Once the Prefectural Qualifiers are over, they'll need a new OP that looks forward to the Nationals, and we won't need to see these shots of Kazekoshi, Ryuumonbuchi, and Tsuruga (now we have a name to put to their navy blue uniforms, faces, and the evil aura coming from that girls whose complete face they never show). And perhaps a new ED to set a new tone as well. Or, they may well keep the Yuuki ED as the main one, and put in alternate ones on occasion as needed.

I'm expecting them to play the Angelic Layer style "two progress" card with Ryuumonbuchi at some point, but you're probably right about the need for when new additions arrive. I wonder if we'll also get a Misaki/Nanoha style "beat them into friendship" situation later on, especially with quite a few characters being quite fun and nice people.

[Suwako Moriya]

And lots of steam. Yes, so much steam.

Clearly the real reason for this tournament is the to have a wish granted. A wish to remove the evil steam.

And ramen.

Ramen makes everything better.

Oh, and you get your Yuuki-riffic ending back, by the way.

So I noticed. Yes, I just had to watch the episode while it actually aired.:P Now I need to watch episode 7 eventually.

[Suwako Moriya]

Personally, I've never understood the eyepatch fetish, which this is likely a version of. It got old for me the moment I saw it.

One is not meant to understand a fetish. There are only two paths to any fetish. You either end up not paying much attention to it or you get hypnotized by it and put in a trance.

[DiGiKerot]

I hate to admit it, but as cute as Mihoko is, that one-eye-closed thing was really starting to grate on me by the end of the episode:sweat:

Personally, I've never understood the eyepatch fetish, which this is likely a version of. It got old for me the moment I saw it.

If I'm to be honest, I didn't actually notice it until I saw it mentioned here in relation to last weeks episode, but now that I'm aware of it, I can't help but have my attention drawn towards it.

I'm also suffering the same issue with those white under-skirt things which, despite their apparent length, only seem to appear during upskirt shots, possibly with the intention of being removed for DVD for some panty-action. Now that I've heard that theory expressed, my attention can't help but randomly drift to the skirts hemlines to see if it's been drawn in or not:sd:

On the subject of hemlines, I found it kind of amusing that Yuuki wore a really long skirt until she met Nodoka. Clearly that girls a bad influence...


I expect a change in the OP and ED for real around 13. Once the Prefectural Qualifiers are over, they'll need a new OP that looks forward to the Nationals, and we won't need to see these shots of Kazekoshi, Ryuumonbuchi, and Tsuruga (now we have a name to put to their navy blue uniforms, faces, and the evil aura coming from that girls whose complete face they never show). And perhaps a new ED to set a new tone as well. Or, they may well keep the Yuuki ED as the main one, and put in alternate ones on occasion as needed.

A new OP is probably likely (though perhaps just a change in animation rather than song), but given we've already got the two different EDs I don't think we'll see another - the likelihood is that we'll see it naturally develop into the Saki/Nodoko ED being seen more frequently than the Yuuki one as the show tends towards ending on tense mid-game moments or other downers in the second half of the series.

[Fencedude]

Oh man, Nodoka nearly exploded a few times from overstimmulation.

And at the beginning, whe Saki fell asleep on her shoulder, you just know a "Lucky!" resounded through her head.

And all the other teams are such terribly nice people, shame they all have to lose.

As for the endings, I'm expecting something like what Stellvia did, when they used Kirei na Yozora for episodes with upbeat endings and The End of the World for episodes that...weren't.

[William K]

And all the other teams are such terribly nice people, shame they all have to lose.

Isn't there an individual competition in addition to the team one?

[The Great Bear]

And all the other teams are such terribly nice people, shame they all have to lose.

Isn't there an individual competition in addition to the team one?

Yes, but they've show neither hide nor hair of that part.

That does raise an interesting possibility though. While Ryuumonbuchi and Kazekoshi may have to be pushed aside, we may well see more of Komoro and Mihoko later on.

Who knows.

[Fencedude]

And all the other teams are such terribly nice people, shame they all have to lose.

Isn't there an individual competition in addition to the team one?

Yes, but they've show neither hide nor hair of that part.

That does raise an interesting possibility though. While Ryuumonbuchi and Kazekoshi may have to be pushed aside, we may well see more of Komoro and Mihoko later on.

Who knows.

I really wish we'd get a definitive answer on whether or not the runner up advances as well.

[The Great Bear]

I really wish we'd get a definitive answer on whether or not the runner up advances as well.

It "looks" like only the winner advances, and since there are many (I assume) prefectures in Japan, there might be a large enough field for the nationals with just the winners moving on. But maybe not. I have not read the manga so I have no idea.

[Quarkboy]

And all the other teams are such terribly nice people, shame they all have to lose.

Isn't there an individual competition in addition to the team one?

Yes, but they've show neither hide nor hair of that part.

That does raise an interesting possibility though. While Ryuumonbuchi and Kazekoshi may have to be pushed aside, we may well see more of Komoro and Mihoko later on.

Who knows.

I really wish we'd get a definitive answer on whether or not the runner up advances as well.
Don't you think the conversation in this episode where they say "If we don't win, this will be the final match for our captain" is pretty definitive?
Or the fact that it was stated that Kazekoshi was the runner up the previous year, and it was obvious they didn't go to the nationals.

I think it's pretty clear that only one team progresses. But like other's had mentioned,there's always the individual rounds, where it's probably likely that more than one get to progress.

[Suwako Moriya]

Touko, she's just all kinds of amusing.

Mihoko, she's extremely cute with the eye thing for some reason.

Some of the players Nodoka faced had quite the evil look to them.

There's nothing like off screen action....

Maid with bunny ears! Oh, and I can't forget about the cat ears.

Hisa continues to remind us that she's awesome. While Yuuki's mere presence makes everything better.

I wish I could do a better job of remembering the names outside the main five.

Leave it to shows like this to try and make the subject as epic as possible.

[Fencedude]

Don't you think the conversation in this episode where they say "If we don't win, this will be the final match for our captain" is pretty definitive?
Or the fact that it was stated that Kazekoshi was the runner up the previous year, and it was obvious they didn't go to the nationals.

I think it's pretty clear that only one team progresses. But like other's had mentioned,there's always the individual rounds, where it's probably likely that more than one get to progress.

True, but this is the same team who got beat up by their coach even though they won ANYWAY.

But yeah, that makes sense.

[The Great Bear]

So, the real match has started, and it doesn't turn out exactly as one might have thought it would.

Of course we were going to get an eyeful in this round.

And, again, we get a series of sports cliches: superstitions, secret powers, sensing of auras, yada yada yada.

It also looks like we might have an entire episode devoted to each round of the final match. I do wonder, however, if that might just be a little too drawn out in terms of pacing.

We'll see.

[Consignia]

Finally some Mahjong. It's a shame, but even though Yuuki is my favourite character, I knew she wouldn't be able to well, because not only is she up against the best, she doesn't have natural Mahjong power. Not even real Taco's are enough to bring her up to levels of the real contenders. The same goes for other members of the Mahjong club who aren't Saki or Nodoka.

At least it was the good ending again this week. And a good post credit sequence with more Mahjong battle aura.

[Fudce]

It also looks like we might have an entire episode devoted to each round of the final match. I do wonder, however, if that might just be a little too drawn out in terms of pacing.

We'll see.
Pace maybe, but if you think about it, an episode per match will put the final match with Saki at episode 13, perfect place to have it and change directions with the series.


Two awesome things in this episode, first of all is Little Miss Bunnygirl. She's gonna be a very interesting prospect. Secondly, Mihoko's heterochromia is godly. (literally, apparantly)

[The Great Bear]

first of all is Little Miss Bunnygirl. She's gonna be a very interesting prospect.

You mean the clearly evil Komoro? She does have a bit of an ego, certainly. The question is who she will be facing.


Secondly, Mihoko's heterochromia is godly. (literally, apparantly)

So it would seem. It will be a shame not to see her later in the show, though only one team will get through, and, in the end, the show is called "Saki," not "Mihoko."

[DiGiKerot]

At least it was the good ending again this week. And a good post credit sequence with more Mahjong battle aura.

Oh, the post credit sequence was hilarious. I mean, Koromo is clearly in the middle of nowhere, yet Saki still felt a great disturbance in the force.

All the Taco/Tako stuff up front really made me laugh as well.

[HitokiriShadow]

Kazekoshi's Kapitan gets molested by computers when she attempts to use them and Touka's butler is a ninja. Meanwhile, the last team has a team member that is either a ghost or possessed by something evil.

The worst part about this upcoming match isn't that one of the teams has to lose, but that we probably won't be seeing much out of at least two of them. I have a feeling one of them will still be showing up somehow or another.

[HitokiriShadow]

I wasn't expecting Mihoko to play against Yuuki, but her victory was unsurprising.

Koromo finally appears and pretty much confirms she'll be playing in Saki's match.

[The Great Bear]

Koromo finally appears and pretty much confirms she'll be playing in Saki's match.

I'm curious to see who she'll actually wind up playing. From the OP, they've been pitting Nodoka against Komoro, an Angel against a Demon, so it seems. Of course, that could be misdirection, and it is actually Saki and Komoro in the final round of the match. I wonder then who will be pitted against Nodoka, since it might be that Touka will go against Hisa, Team Captain versus Team Captain. But maybe not.

Of course, we have to wait to get there. Next week should be Mako trying to recover from the damage wrought by Inoue and Mihoko.

[HitokiriShadow]

Koromo finally appears and pretty much confirms she'll be playing in Saki's match.

I'm curious to see who she'll actually wind up playing. From the OP, they've been pitting Nodoka against Komoro, an Angel against a Demon, so it seems. Of course, that could be misdirection, and it is actually Saki and Komoro in the final round of the match. I wonder then who will be pitted against Nodoka, since it might be that Touka will go against Hisa, Team Captain versus Team Captain. But maybe not.


Well, Touka wants to play Nodoka really, really badly so I've figured that will likely be what happens. I also thought Touka was the demon in the OP for some reason. I saw the blond hair and I guess I didn't look any closer.

[The Great Bear]

Well, Touka wants to play Nodoka really, really badly so I've figured that will likely be what happens. I also thought Touka was the demon in the OP for some reason. I saw the blond hair and I guess I didn't look any closer.

I'd have to look again, but I thought it was Komoro, who's also a blonde. You could be right.

EDIT: Quickly looking at it again, I think you may be right. They show Komoro at the top of the tower, and then transition to Touka. What confused me is that the character designs for Touka and Komoro are actually not that dissimilar. But it would be odd to show all of the Ryuumonbuchi team except Touka, and to show Komoro twice.

So, I guess that Touka will play next to last against Nodoka, leaving the final round for Saki and Komoro, likely to be joined by Miss Cat Ears, and the Dark Aura of Tsuruga.

[Fudce]

So, I guess that Touka will play next to last against Nodoka, leaving the final round for Saki and Komoro, likely to be joined by Miss Cat Ears, and the Dark Aura of Tsuruga.

I vaguely remember someone saying that Kana was the second one on their team - and that she wiped the oponents out. It'd also make sense since there likely to try to get one "noteworthy" character in each round.

[something]

Episode 8:

- YES! Nodoka is adorable. I'll never get enough of her blushing over Saki. Can we just rename this show to "Nodoka" now?
- Nodoka vs Ramen!
- Mihoko washing Kana!
- BREASTS ON HEAD!
- Mako and Hisa! Nice to see them get some time alone, because we've really been denied getting as much Mako as she deserves. Hisa also shows a different side of herself around Mako.
- Woah, Mako had one of those amazing ass showing skirts too. When did she trade it in for something more concealing?
- ...Oh man. Hisa and Mako standing face to face in the darkness, blushing. YES.
- Frogs! Edible!
- You read the same book! GET NAKED!
- Ahhhhh, every look from Saki brings Nodoka's heart a hair's breadth from bursting. I adore how unexpected this dynamic is. Nodoka is the more smitten one!
- Bwhahaha, Yuuki. <3 Putting a stop to Kyou's Nodoka ambitions like a pro.
- Awwwww. Nodoka/Yuuki flashback!
- Nodoka and Saki holing hands! The fireflies bless this union! GET MARRIED NOWWWWWWW!!!!
- ...I <3 Kazekoshi. Is it wrong that I sort of want them to win? And hah, we get this emotional flashback about Mihoko, and then that transitions right into the computer scene. :sd: That's impressive, Mihoko.
- Koromo slept the whole day. Hah. And holy shit, Touka hired Sebastian Michaelis! Yeah, no way that choice of seiyuu was coincidental. :sd:
- Woo! Finally we get to meet the fourth school, Tsuruga, and the captain is voiced by Kobayashi Yuu.

Yay! First ED is back. The second ED would have been awesome if the designs weren't so wonky in it.

[William K]

So, I guess that Touka will play next to last against Nodoka, leaving the final round for Saki and Komoro, likely to be joined by Miss Cat Ears, and the Dark Aura of Tsuruga.

It is Touka vs Nodoka in the OP. It was also mentioned in ep 7 that Touka won't be able to grab all the spotlight since she will be playing against Nodoka.

The last round should be epic with Saki, cat-girl Kana, Koromo and Momoko. We haven't seen anything of Momoko except her dark aura, but from her seiyuu (Momoko Saito - Solty Rei's Solty and Sorakake's Sakura), I'm almost 100% sure she'll be moe. Though she has done dark aura before as Kokage Kuga in Sketchbook :) Also you should check out her character page on the official website, they have ghostly special effects, lol

[Fencedude]

I kinda like the "one eye closed" look, but Heterochromia is better than that. She needs to keep it open.

Also, Mihoko is both unbelievably nice, and incredibly cruel, though I think all in all, Yuuki and whatshername made out good after Mihoko took over, compared to how things were when Jun was running the show.

Also I enjoyed seeing Jun get stomped.

(there was a severe lack of gay this episode though)