[JP] Hidamari Sketch ×☆☆☆

[muhootsaver]

http://forest.kinokuniya.co.jp/ItemIntro/619641

Mar.24. 7140yen

[something]

http://forest.kinokuniya.co.jp/ItemIntro/619641
Mar.24. 7140yen
Yay, I figured it was getting a BD release but nice to see confirmation. Hoped they'd all get put up for order on Amazon at the same time, though. Guess I have to wait a little while before ordering. I'd just have to cancel and reorder when the other discs were solicited anyway.

I'll need to grab the OP and ED too but might as well get them from CDJapan instead. They'll basically be free after coupons and such, and I gotta use those points up.

[muhootsaver]

http://forest.kinokuniya.co.jp/ItemIntro/619641
Mar.24. 7140yen
Yay, I figured it was getting a BD release but nice to see confirmation. Hoped they'd all get put up for order on Amazon at the same time, though. Guess I have to wait a little while before ordering. I'd just have to cancel and reorder when the other discs were solicited anyway.

I'll need to grab the OP and ED too but might as well get them from CDJapan instead. They'll basically be free after coupons and such, and I gotta use those points up.

Amazon updated first volume. I actually updated this on my twitter 4 days ago, and figured someone will update it on AOD eventually but no one did. So.. ^^;;

[something]

Amazon updated first volume. I actually updated this on my twitter 4 days ago, and figured someone will update it on AOD eventually but no one did. So.. ^^;;
Right I saw that Amazon listed the first one (I went straight there to check), I just meant I was hoping they'd have put all 7 (6? depends how many eps it'll be) up at once so I could toss them all in one order. I hate having to order R2s piecemeal, like I'm having to do with Todoke.

[muhootsaver]

Ah, I know what you mean. I wonder why they do that? Delay rarely happens anyways.

[relentlessflame]

Ah, I know what you mean. I wonder why they do that? Delay rarely happens anyways.It basically depends on the publisher. Media Factory and Geneon always solicit the whole show at once, and Kadokawa and Pony Canyon usually do as well (but not always). Aniplex usually solicits the first volume, then the rest in small batches. I'm guessing it's probably because some publishers want to get something out there even if it's preliminary, and others want to wait until they have all the details (episode titles, included extras, etc.) before sending something out.

Anyway, that aside, this is a must-buy, of course. :)

[Suwako Moriya]

Ah, so the Yuno is getting an X-Ray release? Yes, I spelled it that way on purpose. I don't suppose they have any plans to do the same with the previous seasons.

[relentlessflame]

I don't suppose they have any plans to do the same with the previous seasons.It wouldn't surprise me at all to see them announce Blu-Ray boxes for the first two seasons shortly after this season's BD run is over. In fact, I'm a bit surprised they didn't release them before hand, but Aniplex has, for some strange reason, been rather slow on the BD front (despite being owned by Sony...).

[Suwako Moriya]

I don't suppose they have any plans to do the same with the previous seasons.It wouldn't surprise me at all to see them announce Blu-Ray boxes for the first two seasons shortly after this season's BD run is over. In fact, I'm a bit surprised they didn't release them before hand, but Aniplex has, for some strange reason, been rather slow on the BD front (despite being owned by Sony...).

Ah, I see then. I guess the main annoyance to a company being slow about BD is having to guess whether or not a given series will actually get a BD release later on. Or if one should just get the DVDs. From whatever region that's applicable.

[Suwako Moriya]

Assuming it's not just a place holder image, Amazon Japan has the cover for volume 1 and it's focused on Yuno.

Potential Volume 1 Cover (http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/images/B00336MUCE/sr=1-1/qid=1267192668/ref=dp_image_z_0?ie=UTF8&n=561958&s=dvd&qid=1267192668&sr=1-1) as can be seen here (http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%81%B2%E3%81%A0%E3%81%BE%E3%82%8A%E3%82%B9%E3%8 2%B1%E3%83%83%E3%83%81%C3%97%E2%98%86%E2%98%86%E2% 98%861-%E3%80%90%E5%AE%8C%E5%85%A8%E7%94%9F%E7%94%A3%E9%9 9%90%E5%AE%9A%E7%89%88%E3%80%91-Blu-ray-%E6%96%B0%E6%88%BF%E6%98%AD%E4%B9%8B/dp/B00336MUCE/ref=pd_cp_d_1_img).

With at least six volumes, each of the core six can have their own covers. Regardless that cover of Yuno is one that I can highly approve of. Her X has always been appealing, but the design for them in that image stands out.

It would seem that the LE version of the DVD has the same cover. The RE is still a place holder image.

Maybe if I'm lucky, two things will be true. First, Hidamari will do at least well enough for the third season to get licensed. Second, Sentai will actually be willing to do a Blu-ray release.....

[something]

Assuming it's not just a place holder image, Amazon Japan has the cover for volume 1 and it's focused on Yuno.

Potential Volume 1 Cover (http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/images/B00336MUCE/sr=1-1/qid=1267192668/ref=dp_image_z_0?ie=UTF8&n=561958&s=dvd&qid=1267192668&sr=1-1) as can be seen here (http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%81%B2%E3%81%A0%E3%81%BE%E3%82%8A%E3%82%B9%E3%8 2%B1%E3%83%83%E3%83%81%C3%97%E2%98%86%E2%98%86%E2% 98%861-%E3%80%90%E5%AE%8C%E5%85%A8%E7%94%9F%E7%94%A3%E9%9 9%90%E5%AE%9A%E7%89%88%E3%80%91-Blu-ray-%E6%96%B0%E6%88%BF%E6%98%AD%E4%B9%8B/dp/B00336MUCE/ref=pd_cp_d_1_img).
Yeah, they've had that image up for so long that I was thinking it was the placeholder, but since Vol. 2 just has a group shot I assume the group shot is the placeholder. No other vols are listed yet unfortunately.

Speaking of, solicit/list vols 3+ damnit!

Anyway, it's a really lovely image of Yuno and I look forward to seeing the other five girls (plus, almost certainly, a 7th vol or maybe even 8th vol if hey do 16 eps like x365).

[Suwako Moriya]

Speaking of, solicit/list vols 3+ damnit!

In other words, you want them to break the two months in advance solicitation strategy they seem to have set up. One has to wonder how they decide between solicit one at a time vs all at once.

Anyway, it's a really lovely image of Yuno and I look forward to seeing the other five girls (plus, almost certainly, a 7th vol or maybe even 8th vol if hey do 16 eps like x365).

It will be interesting to see the exact order. I'm going to assume Miyako is next. Followed by Sae and Hiro (in either order) then Nori and Nazuna (Again in either order) Volume 7 (if there is one) being a group image of the six.

[something]

It will be interesting to see the exact order. I'm going to assume Miyako is next. Followed by Sae and Hiro (in either order) then Nori and Nazuna (Again in either order) Volume 7 (if there is one) being a group image of the six.
I'm hoping for a Mami/Nakayama cover but won't hold my breath. Or Natsume!

If there's any other single-character cover it'll presumably be Yoshinoya though.

[relentlessflame]

One has to wonder how they decide between solicit one at a time vs all at once.It pretty much depends on the publisher. Aniplex rarely solicits more than a few months out for any of their shows, for whatever reason. I guess it's because they want to wait until more of the details of what will be included with each volume are finalized, whereas other companies just solicit barebones with whatever they know and fill out the details later. I guess it's just corporate policy.

[Suwako Moriya]

I'm hoping for a Mami/Nakayama cover but won't hold my breath. Or Natsume!

They should save Mami/Nakayama for the mythical volume 8 which contains two special episodes where they're the focus. It will be like a two part special focused on their love life. Yeah, I've lost it.

[Ashyukun]

I'm hoping for a Mami/Nakayama cover but won't hold my breath. Or Natsume!

If there's any other single-character cover it'll presumably be Yoshinoya though.
Yeah, Yoshi is the most likely to get her own cover beyond the residents of Hidamari themselves. Wouldn't surprise me to have the Principal there as well, if not just all of the teachers.

Either way, I'll definitely be keeping my fingers crossed that S23 will actually be licensing Hoshimitsu and that they'll release the BRDs of it and not just DVDs...

[Suwako Moriya]

Either way, I'll definitely be keeping my fingers crossed that S23 will actually be licensing Hoshimitsu and that they'll release the BRDs of it and not just DVDs...

Well, at least with Appleseed coming to blu-ray, we can be certain that Sentai is not 100% against blu-ray releases. Of course, they could still be 99% against it. Ie limiting blu-ray to only stuff that's auto-popular or has a proven history of popularity.

One thing to consider is this. Tears to Tiara from what I heard had a blu-ray release in Japan, but in the U.S., we only got the DVD release. Meaning that just because a blu-ray exist in Japan does not mean Sentai will provide us with it.

[Betenoire]

Well, at least with Appleseed coming to blu-ray, we can be certain that Sentai is not 100% against blu-ray releases. Of course, they could still be 99% against it. Ie limiting blu-ray to only stuff that's auto-popular or has a proven history of popularity.

But couldn't the "limiting" be because consumers don't seem to be flocking to BD in droves and not so much Sentai being against the format? I doubt they are "against" most of the titles they don't sign in a similar manner.

[Suwako Moriya]

But couldn't the "limiting" be because consumers don't seem to be flocking to BD in droves and not so much Sentai being against the format? I doubt they are "against" most of the titles they don't sign in a similar manner.

You could very well be right and maybe "against" is the wrong way to put it in general. Regardless, the situation does exist that people will not only have to hope a series is worthy of being licensed, but also it's worthy of being released on BD here as well.

[something]

Looks like the Yuno image was a placeholder, of sorts, or just not a finalized version anyway.

Volume 1 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/images/B00336MUCE/sr=1-4/qid=1267791590/ref=dp_image_text_z_0?ie=UTF8&n=561958&s=dvd&qid=1267791590&sr=1-4) final image is zoomed in, which I think loses some of the effect but she still looks lovely. Hidamari has some of the most attractively drawn faces when they go for a more detailed look.

Volume 2 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/images/B0037751PC/sr=1-1/qid=1267791590/ref=dp_image_text_z_0?ie=UTF8&n=561958&s=dvd&qid=1267791590&sr=1-1) is Nazuna! Clearly they decided to ambush us with the extra cute ones in a one-two attack.

Now get vol. 3 listed damnit ;_;

[Suwako Moriya]

Looks like the Yuno image was a placeholder, of sorts, or just not a finalized version anyway.

Given the lack of text, I can't say I'm surprised to learn that. Actually, I should have figured that would have been the case earlier. There had to be some change even if it was just adding text. Although it seems like change is a bit more than that.


Volume 1 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/images/B00336MUCE/sr=1-4/qid=1267791590/ref=dp_image_text_z_0?ie=UTF8&n=561958&s=dvd&qid=1267791590&sr=1-4) final image is zoomed in, which I think loses some of the effect but she still looks lovely. Hidamari has some of the most attractively drawn faces when they go for a more detailed look.

The feel of this version is definitely different due to the change, but thankfully it still leaves me with a positive feeling. Well, being an image of one of my favorite anime females ever probably does help a lot. Different, but still still awesome.


Volume 2 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/images/B0037751PC/sr=1-1/qid=1267791590/ref=dp_image_text_z_0?ie=UTF8&n=561958&s=dvd&qid=1267791590&sr=1-1) is Nazuna! Clearly they decided to ambush us with the extra cute ones in a one-two attack.

Ah, so much for my predicted "order", it only took two volumes to prove me wrong and that was even with things like saying "Sae then Hiro or Hiro then Sae" to give myself breathing room.

Regardless, what's important is that image of Nazuna is beyond adorable. It's like the first two covers are saying "Please adopt us. You know you want to take care of us" or something like that.


Now get vol. 3 listed damnit ;_;

I'll second this demand even if in my case as currently none-importer, I'm mostly interested in what the cover art for future volumes is. Although these two covers make me wish I was an importer.

Because the covers alone are tempting. Never mind the fact that the third season has been awesome for nine episodes straight. So it's not having a mystery item in a pretty package or trying to put butter on burnt toast. I just know I'm getting the analogies wrong.

Things would be a lot simpler if I didn't have other things to get as well. Not that I'll be able to do anything until April and that's assuming I stick with what I've been planning for awhile. Not that I'm even sure what my exact plan is anymore.

[Suwako Moriya]

So just a few minutes ago, I decided to browse CD Japan and noticed that they have up to volume 6 listed when it comes to the series. Not that does much good if you plan to order elsewhere. However it does provide at least some information if accurate.

In any case, it seems for volume 2, which has the Nazuna cover, they talk about the CD being Nazuna. If accurate that means the character CD and the cover are meant to match.

Which means we might have an idea of who will be on the other volumes. Let's take a look shall we? For volume 3, they mention a Hiro CD. Volume 4, a Nori CD. Volume 5, Miyako CD. Volume 6, a Sae CD.

You can see the listings here (http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/series_list.html?sid=356). After that just check the descriptions of the LE Versions.

[something]

So just a few minutes ago, I decided to browse CD Japan and noticed that they have up to volume 6 listed when it comes to the series.
Man, why are they getting these Aniplex solicits so much more quickly than Amazon? They have all of Sora no Woto up too, and have since the Sora no Woto website updated the goods page with all seven. Conversely they don't have Railgun past 3 yet, and that's a show I'll actually be ordering (just vol 5 though) from them. Figures! It would be such a fantastic thing if Amazon suddenly caught up on those two...

Somewhat surprised only 6 volumes are listed though, but again it is early. I'll still be utterly shocked if they don't do bonus eps. And even more utterly shocked if they include them on these six discs and have some 3 ep discs. Surely they'll just gouge us with a 7th and maybe 8th disc instead, right? And I'll happily pay anyway... =P

[Suwako Moriya]

Somewhat surprised only 6 volumes are listed though, but again it is early. I'll still be utterly shocked if they don't do bonus eps. And even more utterly shocked if they include them on these six discs and have some 3 ep discs. Surely they'll just gouge us with a 7th and maybe 8th disc instead, right? And I'll happily pay anyway... =P

Yeah, unless the third season ends up being a failure, it's a given that they'll be given the needed motivation to create bonus episodes. Here's hoping the motivation will be created. We need more episodes and more excuses for covers. Especially if we can get covers of say Chika, Natsumi, Misato, Riri, etc.

Well, the fact there are six volumes indicates to me that the number of broadcast episodes will likely be 12. Which also gives me an idea as to when to expect the series to be replaced by whatever is going to air next on TBS.

Of course, for all I know there could be a break between when Hidamari Sketch ×☆☆☆ ends and when whatever airs next starts. I wonder if K-ON!! will be in the same time slot as K-ON! was. Which for the record is the time slot that Hidamari Sketch X Hoshimittsu is currently in.

[something]

Yeah, unless the third season ends up being a failure, it's a given that they'll be given the needed motivation to create bonus episodes. Here's hoping the motivation will be created.
The second season was one of the best selling Shaft shows (pre-Bake anyway) so I really feel like Hoshimittsu could even break the 10k mark.

Of course, for all I know there could be a break between when Hidamari Sketch ×☆☆☆ ends and when whatever airs next starts. I wonder if K-ON!! will be in the same time slot as K-ON! was. Which for the record is the time slot that Hidamari Sketch X Hoshimittsu is currently in.
I'd say that's very likely.

[Ashyukun]

Well, at least with Appleseed coming to blu-ray, we can be certain that Sentai is not 100% against blu-ray releases. Of course, they could still be 99% against it. Ie limiting blu-ray to only stuff that's auto-popular or has a proven history of popularity.

One thing to consider is this. Tears to Tiara from what I heard had a blu-ray release in Japan, but in the U.S., we only got the DVD release. Meaning that just because a blu-ray exist in Japan does not mean Sentai will provide us with it.
Well, either way I'll still be hoping for a S23 BRD release of it- but Hoshimitsu is one of the few shows where I would be more than willing to pick it up on DVD and then potentially re-buy it if it were released on BRD down the line (I can either deal with having two copies, or just give the DVDs to my brother :P).

Hopefully the first two seasons have sold/will sell well enough for them to think it's worth going for the higher-quality release...

[Suwako Moriya]

Well, either way I'll still be hoping for a S23 BRD release of it- but Hoshimitsu is one of the few shows where I would be more than willing to pick it up on DVD and then potentially re-buy it if it were released on BRD down the line (I can either deal with having two copies, or just give the DVDs to my brother :P).

I have to admit that I'd consider double dipping myself. I'd also tell myself that owning both would still be cheaper than a single R2 volume. Not that I have any idea how well Sentai will handle blu-ray. At least not until trust worthy people comment on Appleseed.


Hopefully the first two seasons have sold/will sell well enough for them to think it's worth going for the higher-quality release...

That would be nice. Because in spite of my inability to afford it, Yuno keeps staring at me and begging me to buy her. It also doesn't help that I have other series to consider as well.

[something]

Just got this in, and it looks like it's almost identical to how Bakemongatari is being handled. Same sort of digipak-like case with two discs (one for episodes, one for character single). Plastic sleeve for the outside, booklet, postcards of the images at the end of the episodes. The only difference is that Bake's plastic sleeve opened on one side, while Hidamari's is open top and bottom.

Just watched the whole first ep and half of the second. It all looks amazing, of course. Would really like a BD for the first two seasons... both episodes have audio commentaries. Man, if only audio commentaries for every ep were carried over into R1 releases. Oh well. I tried to follow along for bits and pieces, and got some, but Asumi Kana is really hard to understand when speaking normally. :sd: Interestingly, no other on-disc extras that I could find, I guess clean OP/EDs will be on later discs.

The Character song CD is Yuno's. Song is "Hanamaru Sketch" (suddenly want crossovers...) and it's pretty cute. I'll have to listen to it more to form a real opinion, of course, but I liked it more as it progressed. Second track is instrumental.

Third track is a Yuno mini-drama. It's 17 minutes long and starts with Yuno in the bath. She gets out and slips and whacks her head and can't move, but Miyako comes in to save her. Miyako gets to see Yuno naked again! Later, Sae texts her to start a game of shiritori? She needs a word that starts and ends with し. Sae then comes by to check on her and, uh, I think Miyako told Sae she should touch Yuno to see if she's okay. Yes, touch her! Where? Well, wherever Yuno is hurting! (Her butt, btw). Sae decides to go get someone who is an expert at touching girls: Hiro. Hiro comes by and (after Hiro properly wakes up) off go Yuno's clothes and the touching begins. We learn that Yuno's butt is ticklish.

Sae needed the shiritori for something related to her writing, from what I can gather, and Nori and Nazuna provided some good ones. Nazuna seems especially skilled at it. She and Nori stop by later on, find out about Yuno's accident, and share some taiyaki.

Yay for the vocabulary in Hidamari Sketch being so relatively simple. :sd: Didn't get the shiri puns at the end though.

Really nice release all around.

[Suwako Moriya]

Just watched the whole first ep and half of the second. It all looks amazing, of course. Would really like a BD for the first two seasons... both episodes have audio commentaries.

Nice to hear that it looks good. Also, a BD for previous seasons would be nice as well.

The Character song CD is Yuno's. Song is "Hanamaru Sketch" (suddenly want crossovers...) and it's pretty cute. I'll have to listen to it more to form a real opinion, of course, but I liked it more as it progressed.

Heh, I'd be shocked given my biases if I didn't end up liking the song if I ever do end up hearing it of course.

Second track is a Yuno mini-drama. It's 17 minutes long and starts with Yuno in the bath.

*Reads Spoilers* Oh, I'd love to see that animated.

Really nice release all around.

It definitely sounds rather nice. Too bad we'll never get anything like this here. Sometimes it seems like "price" is the only thing R1 has over R2.:sweat:

[something]

*Reads Spoilers* Oh, I'd love to see that animated.
So I take it it's not something from the manga? Well not vol. 4 anyway, I've read 1-3. Not sure if you've been keeping up with the Vol. 5 chapters as they come out or whatever. I'm assuming it's an original story though. The next volume should have one for Nazuna. Hopefully I'll be able to understand that one to the same extent I understood this one, which was actually quite well.

It definitely sounds rather nice. Too bad we'll never get anything like this here. Sometimes it seems like "price" is the only thing R1 has over R2.:sweat:
Well, and translation. But yeah, that's about it. Important as those two things may be.

[Suwako Moriya]

*Reads Spoilers* Oh, I'd love to see that animated.
So I take it it's not something from the manga? Well not vol. 4 anyway, I've read 1-3. Not sure if you've been keeping up with the Vol. 5 chapters as they come out or whatever. I'm assuming it's an original story though.

As far as I can remember, it was not in volume 4. I have not yet read chapters past volume 4. Be it chapters that were used to create volume 5 or the more recent chapters that will eventually make up volume 6. Not that I wouldn't want to.


The next volume should have one for Nazuna. Hopefully I'll be able to understand that one to the same extent I understood this one, which was actually quite well.

Even if I were able to hear it, I'm confident that I won't be able to understand it. So I'll continue to rely on reading translations and summaries for audio dramas.


It definitely sounds rather nice. Too bad we'll never get anything like this here. Sometimes it seems like "price" is the only thing R1 has over R2.:sweat:
Well, and translation. But yeah, that's about it. Important as those two things may be.

Yeah, translation would be the other one. I can't believe I actually forgot about that one. :sweat:

[traviskeshav]

It is amazing -- although not surprising -- when seeing the visual difference between the American R1 release of Hidimari Sketch and this Blu-Ray Release. Fun show.

[Draneor]

Via muhootsaver, volume four is up on Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B003EVW708). Still no sign of more So.ra.no.wo.to.

[something]

Via muhootsaver, volume four is up on Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B003EVW708). Still no sign of more So.ra.no.wo.to.

Yeah, ordered this a few days ago along with some other stuff. Cleaned out my wishlist through June, going to need a bunch more stuff to get solicited before I can do another order.

It's annoying how slowly Sora no Woto is getting listed. Hidamari was behind it temporarily, but now it's a volume ahead. Get a move on, Aniplex. Though it's probably more an Amazon issue. CDJapan has had all 7 SnW and all 6 HS*** listed for quite awhile.

Why are they ahead on things I'm not buying from them and so slow to list something I am? I got Railgun 5 purchased from them (for external bonus) just in the nick of time. They listed it hours before my 2800 yen coupon expired. Wound up getting it cheaper there than from Amazon, though it took that plus 400pts to do so. :sd:

[something]

Oh wow, someone just got their ass moving on listings - volumes 5 and 6 just went up on Amazon, a few days after 4.

Volume 5 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003FGT56G)
Volume 6 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003FGT57A)

[something]

And i just noticed that Vol. 3's cover is up. It's HIRO!

She looks lovely (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003B4WOG0), probably my favorite of the three so far.

[Suwako Moriya]

And i just noticed that Vol. 3's cover is up. It's HIRO!

She looks lovely (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003B4WOG0), probably my favorite of the three so far.

Wow. That does look rather nice. I love how part of her back is showing. At least it seems that way. I could be mistaking clothing for skin. I have only one question. How many copies did Sae buy of that volume?

[Ashyukun]

And i just noticed that Vol. 3's cover is up. It's HIRO!

She looks lovely (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003B4WOG0), probably my favorite of the three so far.

Wow. That does look rather nice. I love how part of her back is showing. At least it seems that way. I could be mistaking clothing for skin. I have only one question. How many copies did Sae buy of that volume?

I think you're right that it is a largely backless blouse. And she probably bought all of them that she could get her hands on...

[something]

No need to talk about the physical aspect as it's obviously the same as Vol. 1, except that the cover is the lovely Nazuna. Oh, and I really like the Miyako/Hiro image on the inside booklet.

Still no on-disc extras other than seiyuu commentaries. Bit of a downer, but that's okay. The commentaries would be fantastic if... ah you know the drill by now.

The character song CD is Nazuna's and the song is "White Days". Almost certain I haven't heard Omigawa Chiaki sing before. It's a pretty nice, slow, soothing song although at first listen I somewhat prefer "Hanamaru Sketch". This is definitely something I can listen to, though, so into the playlist it goes. Like with the first CD, the second track is an instrumental version.

Third track is a Nazuna mini-drama. It's 21 minutes long and starts with Nazuna waking up, imagining she heard her mother's voice. Since she's woken up so early, she decides to do some laundry and have some coffee, etc. It's still early when she's done, so she starts wondering what the art students do at times like this. She wishes she could draw, then she thinks of Nori and wishes she were good with computers. After that she... honestly, I have no idea what's going on here except that she's having a lot of trouble with it. She mentions "kobun" as she gives up, so it must be classic poetry/literature or some sort. She had to look some words up in the dictionary but eventually quits.

She gets some food, wonders if Nori is ready, and... well, gets tired and tries to grab a couple extra minutes of sleep. That's never a good idea. :sd: Because, of course, you oversleep. Though Nori comes by to wake her up.

Later on she's, I think, hanging out in an art classroom waiting for Nori when a posable model catches her eye. And... haha, the long head on the model makes her think of the Principal, so she does an impression. Then she tries Yoshinoya. "I love art! My breasts are really big!" Well, it's not inaccurate. :sd: As she's playing both roles, Nori of course arrives and catches her. Heh, now she's worried Nori will think she's childish. Din't worry, she loves you the way you are.

A bit sketchy on what's next. Her and Nori check out erasers in a supplies store I guess. I heard something about ladybugs and unrequited love - wish this bit didn't fly over my head. They get a text from Yuno, something about Sae's shiritori again. I was thinking maybe this was happening at the same time as Yuno's accident, but it doesn't seem like it.

More shopping, then taking the train home. They chat about Nazuna's hairstyle, and when Nazuna thinks about her dad saying it looked good on her she gets homesick, which helps tie this back into her dreaming of her mother that morning. But Nori comforts her by reminding her that she has good friends (coughandalovercough) at Hidamari-sou.

I didn't catch what was being said at the end but it's a lead-in to next volume, with the Hiro mini-drama.

This one was tougher than Yuno's in places but basically understandable as well. I'm anticipating Sae's will be the hardest.

[something]

NORIPPE! (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003EVW708) Wow, this is my favorite yet. She looks awesome. I think it's to the cover's advantage that it's not so massively zoomed in as Nazuna's and Yuno's were.

[Fencedude]

NORIPPE! (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003EVW708) Wow, this is my favorite yet. She looks awesome. I think it's to the cover's advantage that it's not so massively zoomed in as Nazuna's and Yuno's were.

Thats a fantastic cover.

...anyone seen Fudce recently?

[Suwako Moriya]

NORIPPE! (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003EVW708) Wow, this is my favorite yet. She looks awesome. I think it's to the cover's advantage that it's not so massively zoomed in as Nazuna's and Yuno's were.

Are we even worth of a cover this awesome? So far all four covers have been quite appealing. It's like they're all ganging up on me.

[something]

The Hiro cover is lovely. However, as soon as I saw the full body image on the back, I started to wish the front covers showed more of the character... Because she looks amazing! The cute pink shirt goes down to a nice white skirt and pink thighhighs sandwiching that delicious zettai ryouiki. Hiro-sama, I worship you~ <3

Anyway her character song, "Kono Heya de Mata", is cute but doesn't immediately grab me like Yuno's or Nazuna's. Need to give it some more listens.

Her mini-drama is kinda hard for me to follow but in general: The first bit has her drifting in and out of sleep as she dreams about Sae, and maybe something about shopping and pancakes. Sounds like Sae was a guy in her dreams though. Silly Hiro, you're doing it wrong.

Eventually Hiro wakes up after Miyako and Sae make enough noise and she's told that something bad happened to Yuno, with some talk of bathrooms. This definitely seems to be happening concurrent with the bathroom accident Yuno had in her drama, which mans Nazuna's must have occurred during it as well. It'll be interesting to get Nori's side of her shopping date with Nazuna if they keep it up, as I assume they will.

Hiro makes a meal while Sae helps, and Hiro tells Sae about her dream. I think hand-holding and Sae being embarrassed is involved at some point. But there is one part of her dream Hiro can't quite remember... oh right, it's that Sae was a boy! In her dream, of course. She forgot to specify that at first. :sd:

Now Sae is totally going on about fuck if I know what. Something about dreams. Sae seems conflicted over whether she really comes off as boyish or not, but Hiro tells her not to worry about it. They finish cooking while being cute and very typically HiroSae-like.

Food is delivered, and Miya is happy! Various chatter about how skilled a cook Hiro is and the usual. Talk turns to Hiro's dream and she tells Miya and Yuno about it. Miya says that that must be why Hiro is so bad at waking up - she's always having odd and interesting dreams. :sd:

Next up, Nori!

[Suwako Moriya]

The Hiro cover is lovely. However, as soon as I saw the full body image on the back, I started to wish the front covers showed more of the character... Because she looks amazing! The cute pink shirt goes down to a nice white skirt and pink thighhighs sandwiching that delicious zettai ryouiki. Hiro-sama, I worship you~ <3

After reading this, I knew there was one thing to do. Check CD Japan and see if they have an image of the back cover. Which they do. Resolution may be small, but it's easy enough to tell it must be amazing.


On a side note, I like how Amazon Japan now has what seems to be textless versions of the front covers. At least for Yuno, Nazuna, and Hiro anyway.

[something]

On a side note, I like how Amazon Japan now has what seems to be textless versions of the front covers. At least for Yuno, Nazuna, and Hiro anyway.
The cover art on the case is completely clean if I'm remembering correctly (last night is so long ago...). The text comes from a plastic slipcover that goes over it. So yeah, you get clean covers of all the lovely girls.

I can't wait to see the full body shot of Nori on the back of Vol. 4. The close-up is already phenomenal enough.

[Suwako Moriya]

The cover art on the case is completely clean if I'm remembering correctly (last night is so long ago...). The text comes from a plastic slipcover that goes over it. So yeah, you get clean covers of all the lovely girls.

Ah, I don't think I've ever seen a release like that, but well I can say I like the sound of it. To the point, I'd like it to be the standard, but that's probably asking too much. Ah, but that's the nature of asking, what you ask for is usually just that, too much.


I can't wait to see the full body shot of Nori on the back of Vol. 4. The close-up is already phenomenal enough.

Yeah, that would be nice. Speaking of which, I wonder when Miyako and Sae covers will appear.

[something]

Ah, I don't think I've ever seen a release like that, but well I can say I like the sound of it.Bakemonogatari (also Aniplex) does the same.

Yeah, that would be nice. Speaking of which, I wonder when Miyako and Sae covers will appear.Given the progression of the covers/mini dramas, I'm guessing Sae will be last.

And I want an announcement for more specials with a Chika cover!

[Suwako Moriya]

Ah, I don't think I've ever seen a release like that, but well I can say I like the sound of it.Bakemonogatari (also Aniplex) does the same.

That's interesting to note. Although the chances of me importing Bakemonogatari are far less than the chances of me importing Hoshimittsu. Actually, I think it's even less now...

I have to admit, I'd be half-tempted to buy at least one BD from the series just to fulfill curiosity. No one will ever guess which one is the most likely. Only downside is that even just one is a lot.

Plus knowing my luck, I'll fine myself feeling wrong to only own one and feel like I need to get the rest. Heck, I'm already having this issue with another series. So much for the idea that I could get away with just the OVA.

Given the progression of the covers/mini dramas, I'm guessing Sae will be last.

Yeah, you're probably right about that and it's about what I suspect. Regardless, I just want images of the two covers to appear already. Yeah, I'm impatient.

And I want an announcement for more specials with a Chika cover!

Oh, that would be awesome. Especially if it's one that properly shows off her sexy imouto glory. On a side note, I'm re-watching a certain Hoshimittsu episode right now. Although I may be finished by the time you read this.

[Suwako Moriya]

The bad news is the volume 5 cover is still not up on either Amazon or CD Japan. Unless I somehow missed it. However looking through the official site, it seems that we have an idea what Miyako will be wearing on the cover. As can be seen here (http://www.tbs.co.jp/anime/hidamari/news/news.html#news32). The real key of course will be with the cropping and how zoomed in it is.

[something]

A bit delayed, but time for the Hidamari Vol. 4 post.

Holy crap Nori, you are the prettiest little flower ever. <3 As usual, the full body shot on the back cover is even better than the close-up on the front and I would kill tohave it as the full cover. Nori's thighs on the back cover... godly zettai ryouiki!

Her character song is "Kokoro Antenna". Cute, upbeat song, as you'd expect from Nori.

The mini-drama: The alarm goes off, and unlike Hiro, Nori actually wakes up! She gets up, checks the weather, declares it good (energy +30% today!) and eats some Corn Flakes. But she still has time before she has to head out for her date with Nazuna.

Computer, switch on! Her friend Mihoko is on so she connects for voice chat and they get to talking. Something about grocery stores (Dadamart, not Tadamart!), what they'll eat for lunch and the like. Eventually they disconnect and Nori goes to pick Nazuna up. I couldn't catch what Nori was saying here but she does mention that Nazuna is someone you just can't leave alone... don't we know it. Oh Nazuna. <3

Now Nori is with Nazuna, and is browsing art supplies. Too much vocab I don't follow. But Nori is talking about airbrushes and printers and other things she wants but probably wouldn't use enough to justify purchasing. The art supply store seems to be a dangerous place for her wallet. Ah, here Nori mentions some things from the Nazuna mini-drama, like Nazuna playing with the poseable models, hah.

Nori thinks about Nazuna and their friends in Hidamari-sou, and then wonders what Nazuna thinks of her. Don't worry Nori, she obviously loves you! After they buy supplies it's off to a stationary shop and then a bakery/restaurant type place for some food. Apparently Nazuna has good taste in bakeries.

Then they hit up the shopping mall together. Hah! Nori teasing Nazuna is the cutest thing. Nori points out a dress that would look good on Nazuna and holds it up to her in front of a mirror. She gets Nazuna to admit it's cute, then jokingly teases her for complimenting herself. Nazuna gets all flustered and says she meant the dress was cute, not herself. :sd: Nazuna turns the tables a little and says Nori would look good in marine blue, which happens to be a color Nori was just thinking about in the paints store. Of course, Nazuna gets overly apologetic for speakign her mind, but it's not like Nori is offended at all. After confirming there's nowhere else Nazuna wants to go, it's time to take the train home. But first they pick up some mini-taiyaki (sounds like Nori heard about it online) to bring back for everyone.

A brief mention of the shiritori game, and then tea in Yuno's room. Nori asks if Yuno is still hurting from her fall. Then some chatter about what kind of filling was in their taiyaki. And... bwhahahaha, Miyako is the best. Miyako has a huge scoop to announce! Sae is actually a man! Nazuna is so confused. As Nori says later, it's impossible to know when Miyako is serious and when she's joking. :sd:

Nori relates the story behind Nazuna's hairstyle, and then Miyako asks Nazuna to tell everyone one secret about Nori. lol, way to ask Nori's consent first, Miyako. She doesn't have anything any more exciting than Nori's "secret" about Nazuna's hair though. Hiro remarks that Sae won't be getting any story ideas out of these two. =P

Conversation then turns to the mysterious Miyako. Nori would like to read a story about her! I imagine Miyako's biography would be sorta... scary.

Next up, the Secret of Miyako-san's Nice Body! ...or maybe not. But Miyako is next!

[something]

Vol. 5 BD (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003FGT56G) - Miyako. She looks amazing. And very very yellow. I bet the full body shot on the back will be spectacular as always. Although awesome as this is, I think it's just impossible for any cover to top the epic Plant-Nori, which is easily one of the best covers I've ever seen of anything ever.

Vol. 1 DVD (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00336MUD8) - Yuno, Nazuna, Nori
Vol. 2 DVD (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0037751PW) - Yuno, Miyako
Vol. 3 DVD (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003B4WOGK) - Sae, Hiro
Vol. 4 DVD (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003EVW70S) - Nazuna, Nori, Chika. Oh god I want this one so much...
Vol. 5 DVD (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003FGT570) - Yuno, Yoshinoya

At least the shots on the DVD covers seem to be among the ones included in the BDs as postcards.

[Suwako Moriya]

Although awesome as this is, I think it's just impossible for any cover to top the epic Plant-Nori, which is easily one of the best covers I've ever seen of anything ever.

Yeah, that cover is just way too powerful. In any case, the DVD covers while not as fancy are nice as well. Volume 4 being highly important for various reasons.

[something]

Seriously, Sae... (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003FGT57A) why do you always dress like a 70 year old woman?

Maybe the full image will be better.

DVD cover (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003FGT57U) group shot.

[PosterAnonymous]

Seriously, Sae... (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003FGT57A) why do you always dress like a 70 year old woman?

Grannies need some lovin' too!

What? I'm just saying...

[something]

Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003YKVSPY)

48 minutes implies two episodes at least. Yay.

[something]

A bit delayed once more, but time for the Hidamari Vol. 5 post.

While Nori is untouchable as covers go, Miyako may be #2. What delicious legs, and while I assume that's some kinda dancer's dress where lifting the skirt is normal, she's for all intents and purposes totally giving us a pantyshot in the full body image. As I mentioned before it'd be even better if they dropped the floating sunflower in the back since it kinda takes some focus away from her nice bare shoulders. But in the end it's all about those legs. Damn Miya. <3

Her character song is "Taiyou to GO!!!!". Definitely the most energetic song of them all so far, which is completely not shocking at all. Also instantly likable. This might end up being my favorite one so far. Thumbs up, Mizuhashi Kaori.

The mini-drama: Is Miya on board a ship in the middle of the ocean? o_O Miya is... grateful that she's a pirate! Wait a second. What? Wake up Miya! The other girls are there too, and they're off to find a treasure island. And according to Miya, Yuno is the ship's captain! Yuno is more concerned about not being able to swim.

They finally arrive on the island, but Hiro stays behind. She's still asleep of course. And damnit Sae, talk less. I can never understand you. Your mini-drama is going to be a nightmare. Anyway, uh, Hidamari-sou is on the island, for some reason. They;re debating whose room to have tea in when Hiro comes out of her room. Did she teleport?! She was just asleep on the ship!

They continue the treasure hunt (but seem to be lacking in tools; Nazuna tries to dig with a spoon?) when Miya finally finds a treasure chest. They get it open and inside is... Jinsei Game (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jinsei_Game), a Japanese version of the board game "Life". Just then Hiro brings out the tea and... EVERYTHING EXPLODES.

And Miya wakes up.

It wasn't an explosion, of course. It was Yunocchi falling on her ass in the bathroom! And that takes us to where Miya enters Yuno's room in the first mini-drama. Later on Miya heads out to the drug store and buys Yuno some butt-healing meds.

Later on everyone gets together and conversation turns to Miyako and the fact that she's almost never sick. Unfortunately I get lost in the chatter here. Apparently the worst she's ever come down with is stiff shoulders? :sd: Miyako then tells everyone about her dream. They're understandably confused. And once again I get totally lost when they start talking about octopi.

At the end the girls talk about, I believe, wanting Sae to turn some of these dreams into a story. And briefly at the end, shiritori mentioned again.

Next up, Sae and the final mini-drama.

[something]

Comments on the last volume!

Well, Sae sure isn't threatening Nori for best cover, that's for sure. Sae just has the worst fashion sense. :sd: It's a bit of a shame too because she's got some glorious zettai ryouiki going on in the full body shot. But that outfit is just terrible and strange. Jeeze, Sae. Hiro needs to do something about you! I guess at the very least it's nice that Sae isn't always dressed up like a tomboy, since it's so boring seeing the "handsome" half of a yuri couple be dressed up like they're taking the male role. Not that Sae is free from all sorts of "man" jokes, granted.心の奥、言えない言葉

Her character song is "Kokoro no Oku, Ienai Kotoba" which I guess is something like inner heart/words I can't say etc. Must be about her forbidden love for Hiro! It's better than I expected. Actually I'd say it's really good, surprisingly so. It's a much cuter song that I would have anticipated and I especially like the refrain. At this point I'd say all the character songs get a thumbs up from me. Miyako's has to be my favorite in the end. +1 Mizuhashi Kaori.

The mini-drama: You lost me already, Sae! She's clearly writing one of her stories, a love story about two people meeting at the newspaper company they work at, I take it. She's also throwing a lot of し (shi) words out there, which must tie in somehow to the shiritori theme that's been running though almost all of these.

I have no idea what she's been saying for the past 3 minutes!

Okay the story bit is finally over. The girls were reading her latest story which is still unfinished. Hah, they start wondering about what the two lovers in the story would look like, and very quickly start describing Hiro and Sae. I am shocked, just shocked! Heh, Sae protests she'd never insert herself into a story but given her total lack of experience in love I'm kind of imagining every story she writes is her and Hiro in some way.

This must be at the end of the day. Everyone is unloading their し...し shiritori onto Sae so she can finish the story. Chatter about how it must be hard to keep coming up with new characters and stories, until Nori chimes in that living in Hidamari-sou must give her a lot of ideas. But Nori, those ideas are all far too bizarre to put into writing. :sd:

The girls seem pretty impressed to be engaged with Sae in the writing process as it happens. "Real time", as Nori puts it. They all talk about wanting to cheer Sae on when they see her working so hard. You can just hear Sae blushing. It's such an adorable scene.

Something happens and Sae starts thinking up a story about the Hidamari-sou tenants on the fly. To protect the innocent,t he name of the school is changed to Tsuwabuki High. they talk about the nearby stores: Berry Mart, Dada Mart, Masa no Yu, I'm Home, Olive, and karaoke and cake shops. It continues on and gets cuter and cuter - not family, not siblings, but bonds formed amongst people who knew nothing of each other before and want to keep learning more about each other. Sae is really on a roll... when Miyako's stomach interrupts. :sd:

And this, of course, means more eating in Hiro's room. As if it could be anything else! Even if all she has is ice cream.

We close out with the end of Sae's story. Everyone's shiritori suggestions make it into the final product. And the two shiritori players in Sae's story, it seems, find love.

And that's it, until the Specials and whatever comes with that disc! Mini-dramas were quite a lot of fun, and not too hard to follow in the broad outlines, even if stretched here and there really lost me.

[something]

Edit: It's apparently the radio show episodes, not actual TV episodes.

Regarding the specials disc (http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ANZX-3668).

Has anyone ever heard of an extra quite like this?

"Limited edition includes an USB memory which contains all 12 episodes."

Now I'm sure it's encoded in some archaic format at a laughably bad resolution nobody would ever be able to stand to watch but that's... interesting. I wonder if this has anything to do with why this disc is so much more expensive than the TV volumes despite having the same number of episodes. I mean, it's ¥1700 yen for for seemingly no reason. Not that I didn't order it long ago regardless.

[relentlessflame]

Regarding the specials disc (http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ANZX-3668).

Has anyone ever heard of an extra quite like this?

"Limited edition includes an USB memory which contains all 12 episodes."Actually, this is just like what was included in the special for the last season. It's a USB Key that contains episodes of the Hidamari Sketch Radio Show (perhaps there are 12 episodes of that as well, hence CD Japan's somewhat incomplete explanation?)

[something]

Actually, this is just like what was included in the special for the last season. It's a USB Key that contains episodes of the Hidamari Sketch Radio Show (perhaps there are 12 episodes of that as well, hence CD Japan's somewhat incomplete explanation?)
That would make a heck of a lot more sense.

Oh if only there were a way to get those translated... I want to hear Asumi Kana being evil, which is apparently somewhat common for her. Read some amusing summaries of Shugo Chara radio shows where she delighted in teasing Toyosaki Aki and others...

[something]

BD cover (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003YKVSPY)

Cover is up for the special disc. Not really shaped like a DVD cover though - anyone have an idea what's up? All the other cover images are shown in regular portrait orientation, not landscape. If you check the alternate image there's no border so I guess there's some kind of slipcover.

DVD cover (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003YKVSQI) is cute.

[Fencedude]

BD cover (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B003YKVSPY)


Ok, who's got their hand down Nazuna's panties?

[something]

This just came in. The cover is indeed in a landscape orientation, and the 1GB USB stick is in a separate bit of packaging. I really like the cover and the orientation actually makes it a little easier to display on my shelves.

I don't really plan on seriously listening to the radio shows considering it's 14 hours and frankly non-scripted casual speech is utterly impossible for me to decipher or keep up with. I was listening to the USB-only track and now episode #1 (interview with Marble, I think) as I type this just for background noise though. Asumi Kana is just sooo amusing every time I hear her speaking normally (or maybe that should be "normally"). She has this very very cutesy voice but as the same time it sounds like everything she's saying is completely sarcastic. It's a really fun mixture, actually. And based on what I've read about some of her other radio shows the "sarcastic" part isn't far off at all. Black Asumin!

Hopefully I'll actually be able to watch these episodes relatively soon, but there's no good option yet. I'm sure it's wonderful and all that though, especially given what I think I've heard the first episode covers.

[traviskeshav]

Yeah, I really like the cover and USB as well. The content on the USB isn't too useful, but this is a more stylish USB than the normal ones I have. Will have to watch the actual episodes later.