Genres: Drama, Historical, Sports

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When baseball first took hold in Japan, the automobile had yet to transform the streets and byways of the country. While few teams existed in it’s entirely, two girls in 1925 decided they wanted to play with the boys; to start the first girl’s team. These two friends: Akiko Ogasawara and Koume Suzukawa set about recruiting a team of nine girls to that they can begin.

Koume is driven by her desire to help her friend, while Akiko attempts to shield her reason for it, only initially letting on that their first opponents will be a boy’s team. Later in the episode she admits to a young baseball player telling her that women belong in the home, and that even an education is above them. With the addition of their new coach, a teacher named Anna Garland, set out to fill their team.

A widely assorted cast of girls from the school eventually come around to the requests of the two girls and the team of 9 is filled. Their last challenge, however, is to overcome the social stigma (along with their parents and school) that girls trying to play the “game that boys play” will soon receive.

This series is rather cute, and uses language that fits the time period (Taisho period)… but otherwise falls short of being a series I would recommend. It’s not bad; it’s just not in my need-to-see list. Check out a clip after the jump.

Overall Hook Rating: C

Here is the first 1/3 of episode 1 via YouTube (sorry no subtitles):

Genres: Action, Historical, Martial Arts, Supernatural

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Japan’s Sengoku Period has spawned many tales. The story of Sanada Yukimura and Date Masamune form the basis for this adaptation of the PS2 title Devil Kings. During this period of time, the daimyo Oda Nobunaga conquered a large portion of Japan. In this retelling, Oda Nobunaga is shown as an evil, near-supernatural entity whose followers are attempting to sway the course of the war surrounding them.

Takeda Shingen has sent his forces to defeat Uesugi Kenshin. He directs this right hand, Sanada Yukimura, to cross a group led by Date Masamune. The battle between Date Masamune and Sanada Yukimura consumes the field. Date Masamune, known as the One-Eyed Dragon, wields up to 6 katanas in combat. Sanada Yukimura, known as the Tiger of Kai, wields two spears in his battles. The two part ways without a conclusion due to the intervention of one of Date Masamune’s men.

In the second episode, Takeda Shingen moves on Imagawa Yoshimoto. This leads to another epic battle between the Dragon and Tiger. The prize? Imagawa Yoshimoto’s head on a pike. Oda Nobunaga has other plans, and his minions intercept Imagawa Yoshimoto during his escape. Oda Nobunaga’s final act in the episode is to kill Yoshimoto himself, unseating everyone’s plans.

Not being a history buff, I found nothing lacking in this series’ interpretation. Hard core period-genre fans may take issues with various elements in the story (does anyone else thing Date’s saddle looks like a motorcycle?)

Overall Hook Rating: B