Look at that, we are now at May! One month more and I will have all my posts for general reading and watching done! Word of warning, I watched and read an egregious amount of Japanese media this month. I’ve been trying to catch up on a lot of anime and manga I’ve put off for years SOOOOO, have fun seeing me go through a whole bushel of them this year!
Anyway, this is how I rate things! Enjoy my short, but sweet, mini-reviews.
- No redeeming qualities whatsoever, visually, aesthetically, or as a story.
- It was so boring I could barely pay attention, or it frustrated me SO much I couldn’t finish.
- I had a headache, but I somehow made it through. This category is also for when I absolutely DESPISE something I’ve watched or read.
- I could make fun of it because of how bad it is or because it lacks any real merit.
- It’s not good, it’s not bad. It’s just blah.
- There were various interesting aspects, but nothing to really gush about.
- A solid story. Good characters, plot, and visuals. However, it’s not amazing.
- I genuinely enjoyed watching/reading it. I could see/read it again with friends.
- A great experience! As a film/show, it is visually stunning and has an incredible story that I could go back to multiple times. As a book, I could do the same.
- Near Perfect (nothing is perfect.) It has become one of my favorites. I could also write entire articles on it.
Movies
The Wind Rises (2013), 10/10
Although Jirou Horikoshi’s nearsightedness prevents him from ever becoming a pilot, he leaves his hometown to study aeronautical engineering at Tokyo Imperial University for one simple purpose: to design and build planes just like his hero, Italian aircraft pioneer Giovanni Battista Caproni. His arrival in the capital coincides with the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, during which he saves a maid serving the family of a young girl named Naoko Satomi; this disastrous event marks the beginning of over two decades of social unrest and malaise leading up to Japan’s eventual surrender in World War II.
For Jirou, the years leading up to the production of his infamous Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter aircraft will test every fiber of his being. His many travels and life experiences only urge him onward—even as he realizes both the role of his creations in the war and the harsh realities of his personal life. As time marches on, he must confront an impossible question: at what cost does he chase his beautiful dream?
Synopsis via Myanimelist
Ironically, both my 8th-grade classes chose to watch this film at the end of the last school year after watching the scene featuring the Kanto Earthquake (1923). I was hesitant to show it because it is quite possibly my favorite Hayao Miyazaki film. One class was completely silent, almost solemn, as we watched it. The other couldn’t finish because they were too hyper on the last week of school.
I have always been interested in interwar period history in Japan and Germany because most of the people WEREN’T terrible monsters. They just so happened to work for well-hidden monsters in their government and society. Anyway, I recommend this movie to YOU if you like historical films with more weight than factory-flavored drama.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988), 10/10
In 1950s Japan, Tatsuo Kusakabe relocates himself and his two daughters, Satsuki and Mei, to the countryside to be closer to their mother, who is hospitalized due to long-term illness. As the girls grow acquainted with rural life, Mei encounters a small, bunny-like creature in the yard one day. Chasing it into the forest, she finds “Totoro”—a giant, mystical forest spirit whom she soon befriends. Before long, Satsuki too meets Totoro, and the two girls suddenly find their lives filled with magical adventures in nature and fantastical creatures of the woods.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
Welcome to my childhood. My mother found a VHS tape (Yep, I’m old enough to have used them) for this movie and I watched it basically every day for years. Same said VHS tape disappeared suddenly, and I never forgave her! (Just kidding, I did. After rewatching the first dub, I can understand why my mother was slowly going insane).
This movie is the epitome of capturing childhood wonder! When I went to the Studio Ghibli Museum a few weeks ago, I saw kids finding Totoro plushies, playing inside the big Cat Bus, and hugging Soot Sprite toys. There was a secret part of me that longed to go back as a young girl to play in the museum. Another part of me smiled and thought how beautiful it is that this film is still influencing young children and making their childhoods full of wonder.
Shows
Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions (2023), 7/10
Ron Kamonohashi, the best student in the history of the elite Detective Training Academy BLUE, has been living as a recluse since BLUE expelled him five years ago. Moreover, he is forbidden to work as a detective, having barely escaped execution after getting involved in a murder case while he was still attending the school. Ron’s situation changes drastically when police detective Totomaru Isshiki, following the advice of a senior colleague, seeks him out for help with a criminal case that has remained unsolved for months. Ron reluctantly agrees to help Totomaru and uses his phenomenal intuition to discover the culprit in less than a day. However, it appears that Ron suffers from a mysterious condition that can cause those around him to lose their lives. To Ron’s great surprise, Totomaru manages to save the life of someone whom Ron put in jeopardy.
As the unlikely duo starts solving crimes one after another, BLUE sends operatives after its former student to find out if he has resumed investigative work. Fighting against murderers, rogue detectives, and the Metropolitan Police Department, Ron and Totomaru must join forces if they want to survive and see justice prevail.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
This show was fine. I mean, I made it through both seasons without having to take breaks. BUUUUUUTT. . . it was pretty cut and paste in its storytelling and characterization. I figured out most of the mysteries and thought the animation was stilted in places. Will I continue it if it comes up again? Sure. But I doubt I’ll watch it again. The Millionaire Detective (2020) did the same thing but better.
Kill Blue (2026), 8/10
Rumors say that Juuzou Oogami, a middle-aged, professional hitman, will assassinate anyone for an adequate reward. The hearsay could not be further away from the truth, though, as he has a personal rule to only kill those who are truly evil and irredeemable. But due to starting his killing career early, Oogami never experienced a normal childhood, and he regrets some of the choices he has made over the years.
However, Oogami’s life takes a drastic turn when—after another seemingly regular job—a mysterious wasp stings him with venom which reverts his body to the form of a teenager! Although taken aback, Oogami soon receives a mission that is perfect for his new body: he needs to blend into and investigate a private middle school, where his boss is enrolling his daughter next year.
Despite failing to leave a good first impression on his classmates, Oogami quickly falls in love with schoolwork. Moreover, he discovers that his classmate Noren Mitsuoka has connections to the company that created the very same wasp that stung him. As he befriends Noren and other students, Oogami sets out to enjoy the little things about being a teenager while searching for a way to restore his body.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
This was a surprising find for me. I probably like this story more because I am close-ish to Oogami’s age and IDENTIFY with what he goes through. I’m actually shocked so many people aren’t liking this show. It has a great opening, crisp animation (especially in its fight scenes), solid characters, and a refreshing premise.
When I see ALL of the first season, I’ll let you know my final thoughts!
Honey Lemon Soda (2025), 6/10
First-year high school student Uka Ishimori wants a fresh start. In middle school, Uka was given the nickname “Rocky” by her peers, being misunderstood as having no emotions when she was actually shy and introverted. As a result, Uka was relentlessly bullied and experienced a lonely, isolated school life. Now, Uka is determined to change.
During the first week of school, Uka accidentally gets drenched in lemon soda by her classmate Kai Miura—whose cool personality is the complete opposite of hers. After the incident, Uka is surprised when Kai performs small acts of kindness for her, encouraging her to gradually break out of her shell. Like a lemon soda, bubbly and exciting feelings are beginning to stir.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
This was super bland to watch, which is a shame because it’s been a while since I’ve seen a true blue shoujo romance come out that’s similar to what I used to watch as a teenager. Uka is too. . . cut and paste tragic high school heroine. Kai is too. . . cut and paste cool handsome high school boy with a hero complex. The coloring in the show was also OFF for me, which sometimes combined with some hard-to-follow pacing.
Nailed It (2018), 7.5/10
Home bakers with a terrible track record take a crack at re-creating edible masterpieces for a $10,000 prize. It’s part reality contest, part hot mess.
Synopsis via Netflix
There is not much to say about this show. I watch it when I want to laugh, and usually want to make and eat cake afterwards. Thankfully, I know how to bake, although I don’t care about decorating.
Books
Wayside School is Falling Down (1989), 7/10
Yum! Miss Mush is dishing out her famous Mushroom Surprise in the Wayside School cafeteria. Ron says it tastes like hot dogs and grape jelly. Clean your plate and you’ll turn green in time for class picture day. Wear your craziest outfit and you’ll fit right in between Maurecia in her striped bikini and Clavin, who’s wearing his birthday tattoo. Say cheese!
Synopsis via Goodreads
I enjoyed this book for what it was. I would probably enjoy it more if I read it with young kids in 3rd or 4th grade. I remember reading this when I was in elementary school and being horrified when the young girl was trapped on the 19th floor indefinitely.
This is most definitely a children’s book meant to spark a love for reading! (Note: I included the cover above because it’s the one I remember.)
Dungeons and Drama (2024), 6/10
Musical lover Riley has big aspirations to become a director on Broadway. Crucial to this plan is to bring back her high school’s spring musical, but when Riley takes her mom’s car without permission, she’s grounded and stuck with the worst punishment: spending her after-school hours working at her dad’s game shop.
Riley can’t waste her time working when she has a musical to save, so she convinces Nathan—a nerdy teen employee—to cover her shifts and, in exchange, she’ll flirt with him to make his gamer-girl crush jealous.
But Riley didn’t realize that meant joining Nathan’s Dungeons & Dragons game…or that role playing would be so fun. Soon, Riley starts to think that flirting with Nathan doesn’t require as much acting as she would’ve thought.
Synopsis via Goodreads
This was fine. It is a cut-and-paste, haters-to-lovers type of story that just so happens to take place in a gaming store instead of Regency England. It is a romance made for teenagers! (Who knew?) I didn’t really click with this author’s style, but I liked how the characters didn’t fit neatly into cute little trope boxes.
Crystal Keepers (2015), 10/10
Cole Randolph is trapped in a world where magic is powerful and dreams are real. He found his friend Dalton and has survived the first two kingdoms of the Outskirts. But none of that has prepared him for the magnetic highways and robotic bounty hunters of Zeropolis.
Ruled by Abram Trench, the one Grand Shaper who stayed loyal to the evil High King, the government of Zeropolis uses advanced technologies to keep tight control. Luckily, the resistance in Zeropolis is anchored by the Crystal Keepers, a group of young rebels with unique weapons.
On the run from the High King’s secret police, Cole and Dalton venture to find more of their lost friends and help their new friend, Mira, locate her sister Constance. But as their enemies ruthlessly dismantle the resistance, time runs out for Cole to uncover the secrets behind the Zeropolitan government and unravel the mystery of who helped the High King steal his daughter’s powers. Can Cole fix The Outskirts magic, or will he be stranded forever?
Synopsis via Goodreads
The third book was just as great as the first two in the series! I was shocked at the big reveal halfway through the book (I will not spoil it for you), with the Hunter, and thought the more mechanized world was akin to the world-building in Blade Runner (1982) or Metropolis (2001).
Death Weavers (2016), 10/10
Cole is about to face his biggest peril yet. Since arriving in the Outskirts, Cole and his friends have fought monsters, challenged knights, and battled rampaging robots. But none of that has prepared them for Necronum. In this haunting kingdom, it’s hard to tell the living from the dead, and secret pacts carry terrifying risks. Within Necronum lies the echolands, a waystation for the departed where the living seldom venture. Still separated from his power, Cole must cross to the echolands and rely on his instincts to help rescue his friends. With enemies closing in, Cole risks losing everything to find the one thing that might save them.
Synopsis via Goodreads
So far, this has been my favorite book in the series. I pondered a lot about life after death while reading and thought the last arc was especially well written. Harvan became one of my new favorite characters, and I wish he could have been in more of the books later. Too bad he was technically dead.
Keturah and Lord Death (2006), 8/10
Martine Leavitt offers a spellbinding story, interweaving elements of classic fantasy and high romance in this National Book Award Finalist. Keturah follows a legendary hart into the king’s forest, where she becomes hopelessly lost. Her strength diminishes until, finally, she realizes that death is near. Little does she know that he is a young, handsome lord, melancholy and stern.
Renowned for her storytelling, Keturah is able to charm Lord Death with a story and thereby gain a reprieve but only for twenty-four hours. She must find her one true love within that time or all is lost. Keturah searches desperately while the village prepares for an unexpected visit from the king, and Keturah is thrust into a prominent role as mysterious happenings alarm her friends and neighbors. Lord Death’s presence hovers over this all until Keturah confronts him one last time in the harrowing climax.
Synopsis via Goodreads
This is a book I wish I had found when I was a teenager. I was really into fairytale and mythological retellings like Wildwood Dancing (2006), I, Coriander (2005), and East (2003), and would probably have devoured this one as well. I want to read this again, except this time perhaps as an audiobook. My first reading, I was a bit distracted, and I want to take my time understanding the characters and letting the romance develop.
Fun side note, the book cover was partly inspired by Francesco Hayez’s painting The Kiss (1859), one of my favorite paintings!
The Best Intentions (2022), 7/10
In the eyes of London Society, Gillian Phelps is suitable enough. Though the ton whispers about her change of residence, any speculation remains just that: ballroom gossip. No one―not even the other Huntresses, the group of ladies she calls her dearest friends―knows that she is harboring a devastating family secret. Gillian has become adept at hiding the reality of her circumstances, but the close quarters of a house party will test her ability to conceal the crushing truth. And with so many people to deceive, the late arrival of another guest is a most unwelcome surprise.
Despite his standing as a gentleman of the ton, in truth, Scott Sarvol possesses little more than two debt-riddled estates. When an opportunity arises to survey one of his properties, he travels north, only to find himself an unwitting guest at Artemis Jonquil’s house party. He is warmly welcomed by all―except the aloof Miss Gillian Phelps. But when Scott proves himself unexpectedly helpful in a crisis, his acquaintance with Gillian shifts from wariness to something warmer.
As both her charade and her feelings for Scott deepen, Gillian realizes that the truth could spell not only a devastating fall from Society but also a shattered heart.
Synopsis via Goodreads
I’ve been coming across too many FINE 7/10 books from Sarah Eden lately. It’s making me want to go back and re-read her earlier books. These newer ones are a bit too. . . plain to me. Kind of like oatmeal. I like oatmeal, but I need a bit more added to make it an interesting meal for myself.
Comics
The Antagonists Pet (2019), 6.5/10
Blessed with the face of an angel, young Sasha Tartt knows a life-altering secret: in this romance novel where she’s just a side character, she’s the only one who knows the true ending! When the antagonist of the story takes a particular liking to her, she must make a decision: help the clever and beautiful Rebecca find a happy ending, or side with the sweet-natured protagonist to ensure her own survival? On top of that, Sasha has to juggle the affections of her bespectacled love interest and tame a dragon boy! Can Sasha learn new tricks to win the hearts of these main characters?
Synopsis via Tappytoon
This could have been a great story IF the author had taken the time to develop and show how the core relationships became so strong. I felt like parts of the story were unnecessarily brushed over, like how Sasha helped Arth overcome his family trauma. That is a story I would have enjoyed watching unfold! However, most important stories are touched MINIMALLY, even key moments like when Rebecca’s relationship with her father finally started to change.
Kyou no Ashura Meshi (2021), 5/10
One day, Omori Shizuka, a high school girl who loves to eat and is bullied, discovers the secret that Akira Kurose, aka “Ashura-kun,” the only tough yankee at school, enjoys cooking.
Akira, a delinquent guy, likes a chubby girl for who she is, but he’s worried about her health cause she’s eating nothing but unhealthy food. The next day at lunchtime, Akira invites Shizuka to the rooftop and asks her to eat his homemade lunch box. He starts making lunches for her so her diet gets better and their romance begins.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
This was too short, and the subject matter about weight-related trauma felt sort of awkward to me. The teacher, following the Omori like a creepy stalker, also weirded me out. I like that Omori was able to get a healthier relationship with food, but not so much how the author presented this journey.
I DID like the romance with Omori and Akira, but again, I wish it had been presented better. FLESHED OUT, so to say.
One of a Kind Romance (2023), 9/10
Yu-il’s ordinary life has been interrupted by top actor, Mu-i. Yu-il is looking for a corporate job while ignoring her true passion, writing. Meanwhile, Mu-i is dealing with the repercussions of having a stalker fan. As they navigate their hardships and find out how they complement each other, will these two be able to find their perfect romance?
Synopsis via Webtoons
This is one of the few webtoons I’ve read multiple times and still like! The storytelling is nuanced, and the main romance is a slow-burn wonder! I also like how Yu-il was able to become a writer again after so long. (Note: Her family is a hot mess.)
(Apparently, there will be a K-drama for it this year! I will watch it when it comes out and let you know my thoughts.)
Spy x Family (2019), 8.5/10
For the agent known as “Twilight,” no order is too tall if it is for the sake of peace. Operating as Westalis’ master spy, Twilight works tirelessly to prevent extremists from sparking a war with neighboring country Ostania. For his latest mission, he must investigate Ostanian politician Donovan Desmond by infiltrating his son’s school: the prestigious Eden Academy. Thus, the agent faces the most difficult task of his career: get married, have a child, and play family.
Twilight, or “Loid Forger,” quickly adopts the unassuming orphan Anya to play the role of a six-year-old daughter and prospective Eden Academy student. For a wife, he comes across Yor Briar, an absent-minded office worker who needs a pretend partner of her own to impress her friends. However, Loid is not the only one with a hidden nature. Yor moonlights as the lethal assassin “Thorn Princess.” For her, marrying Loid creates the perfect cover. Meanwhile, Anya is not the ordinary girl she appears to be; she is an esper, the product of secret experiments that allow her to read minds. Although she uncovers their true identities, Anya is thrilled that her new parents are cool secret agents! She would never tell them, of course. That would ruin the fun.
Under the guise of “The Forgers,” the spy, the assassin, and the esper must act as a family while carrying out their own agendas. Although these liars and misfits are only playing parts, they soon find that family is about far more than blood relations.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
This is a great story, but I wish the main plot could consistently move forward. I want to know how this family stays together (because if they don’t, an entire fandom will outright riot against the author). The art is crisp and fluid, and the characters are genuinely wonderful. Once I’ve read the whole thing, I’ll let you know my final verdict.
Hirayasumi (2021), 9/10
Living in Asagaya, 29-year-old Hiroto Ikuta spends his days working at his part-time job and chatting with the locals. He likes visiting Hanae Wada most, a grumpy yet kind elderly woman whom Hiroto calls “Granny.” Hiroto’s time with Granny is sadly cut short when she passes away from a heart attack. To his surprise, Hiroto inherits Granny’s house as she never married or had children.
Three months later, 18-year-old Natsumi Kobayashi moves from her hometown to attend art school. With nowhere else to go, she stays with her cousin Hiroto, whom she has not seen in years. Despite their opposing personalities, the pair begin living under the same roof as they struggle through their seemingly mundane lives.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
The only reason I didn’t give this a 10/10 is that it is ongoing. Honestly, I loved it from chapter 1. It reminds me of Barakamon (2008) and Yotsubato! (2003), both of which are slice-of-life stories with people living their everyday lives. I’m extremely interested in these types of stories, and have been this way since I can remember. It’s why I chose history as my major in college and why I chose to write my thesis on German Expressionist Film.
I think it’s important to read stories like this because it lets us actually SEE people, understand them, and empathize with them. Plus, it is calming to slip into stories without major drama or conflict.
(There is a TV show I will check out on Amazon Prime, which I’ll let you know about in one of my future posts!)
An Observation Log of My Fiancee Who Calls Herself a Villainess (2021), 7/10
For a natural genius like Crown Prince Cecil Glo Alphasta, every day is a bore. Knowledge and skills come far too easily for him, to the point that nothing can captivate his interest. However, this changes the day he meets someone who never fails to betray his expectations—his fiancée and self-proclaimed villainess Bertia Ibil Noches.
Bertia claims that this world is that of an otome game. She has been reborn as the villainess, and it is her duty to impede the relationship between Cecil and the heroine. Never one to shy away from fate, she zealously takes to her evil role… to mixed results. Though she does not realize it, Bertia’s supposedly “evil deeds” always come off as sincere and kind. Finally relieved of his melancholy, there is never a boring day for Cecil as he observes his unknowingly good-hearted fiancée.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
While it is refreshing to see this story from the male lead’s perspective, I thought this series didn’t have enough substance. I would have liked to get to know the characters and their situations better, and see more varieties of outfits. But, I will say it was nice for once not to have to sit through a drawling tale about an isekaied heroine trying to adjust to a story as a misunderstood villainess.
Dropped Shows
Banished From the Hero’s Party (2021), 5/10
Far away from the reaches of demons and war, near the borderland of Zoltan, D-Rank adventurer Red lives a normal existence. Through perseverance and hard work, his dream of starting his own apothecary and peaceful life in the countryside finally came true. Abruptly, Red gets a live-in partner and assistant named Rit—the princess of Duchy Loggervia and an adventurer herself—who gives everything up to join him.
Although honest, kind, and loved by all, Red has a secret shared only with Rit: his real name is Gideon, brother of Ruti Ragnason, the “Hero” and a former member of her party. Ares Drowa, the “Sage,” kicked Red out of their party after their war against the Demon Lord after deciding he was weak and insignificant. Now, even though Red has left the Hero’s party behind by assuming a new life together with Rit, his past has yet to let go of him.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
Hmmmmm. . . . This had good potential, but it lost me when Rit came into the picture, and the camera seemed to have a hard time moving away from her chest and butt.
My Love Story (2015), 7/10
With his muscular build and tall stature, Takeo Gouda is no ordinary high school freshman. However, behind Takeo’s intimidating appearance lies a pure heart of gold, and he is considered a hero by his male peers for his courage and chivalry.
Unfortunately for Takeo, his appearance does not bode well for his love life. As if his looks were not already enough to scare the opposite sex away, Takeo’s cool, handsome best friend and constant companion Makoto Sunakawa easily, and unintentionally, steals the hearts of the female students—including every girl Takeo has ever liked.
One day, when Takeo saves cute Rinko Yamato from being molested, he falls in love with her instantly. Unfortunately, he suspects that she might be interested in Sunakawa. Despite his romantic feelings for Yamato continuing to bloom, Takeo decides to act as her cupid, even as he yearns for his own love story.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
Honestly, this is actually a great anime. I just have never been able to stick through the whole thing. I think I’ve tried. . . three times now. I’m super duper distracted by 1920s silent films and other anime, so I’ll have to get back to it again. SOMEDAY.
Hope you found something you might like to read or watch! I’ll see you again soon as I finish up my posts for June.
From the Perspective of an Old Soul 