BL Anime: Embracing Love: A Cicada in Winter
US licensed English version of Haru wo Daiteita 春をだいていた side story, Fuyu no Semi 冬の蝉 Winter Cicada DVD is available for pre-order. The 3 OVAs from the Japanese version DVDs will be on one English-subtitled DVD. The expected release date is 14 October 2008.
Currently available from Rightstuf
(Usual US$29.90 Pre-order discount: US$22.49)
Quick Summary (from Rightstuf)
A side story based on the long-running BL manga series by Nitta Youka 新田佑克.
In Japan, the Tokugawa Era represents a period of change in which the country must decide on how best to deal with its relationships with foreign countries. While many believe in isolationism, especially among the Choshu faction, Touma Kusaka’s (Miki Shinichirou) ideals are against his clan’s. He secretly attempts to learn English for the purpose of preparing for the future of an open Japan.
To this end, he gains an ally for his silent struggle in a man named Keiichiro Akizuki (Morikawa Toshiyuki), despite the fact that Akizuki is on the opposing side, the Tokugawa shogunate. During the course of their interaction, their bond deepens into something beyond commonality.
Shop: Haru wo Daiteita Embracing Love R1 DVD Bargain
Just discovered that Right Stuf is having a weekly special price for the Region 1 Kitty Media (Media Blaster)-licensed Haru wo Daiteita DVD ( ^_^)b
Embracing Love @ Right Stuf
Original price: US$29.99
Sale price: US$17.99
So far this is the cheapest I’ve seen. I guess I’ll be getting it this time.
But depending on the shipping costs, you may find it cheaper to buy from Media Blaster’s ebay store which is selling at US$21
I’m also buying a few other R1 titles on my wish list that are on sale at very good prices, Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales 3: Goblin Cat, Kimera, Le Chevalier Box Set from Right Stuf so I’ll be getting my Haru wo Daiteita DVD from them. I have other things on my wish list but I guess I’ll have to wait till the next paycheck arrives 
Update 28 July 2008
BL Anime: Haru wo Daiteita Embracing Love
US licensed English version of Haru wo Daiteita 春をだいていた DVD will be released soon! ^^ Both OVAs 1 and 2 from the Japanese version DVDs will be on one DVD.
Available from Media Blaster’s ebay site and Rightstuf
Quick Summary
Based on the long-running BL manga series by Nitta Youka 新田佑克.
Released in 2005 in DVD format, the anime is about Iwaki Kyousuke (Morikawa Toshiyuki) an adult video actor who is trying to break away from his AV past before his star wanes. When an opportunity to cross over to mainstream showbiz arrives, he takes the plunge and auditions for a film to be directed by a famous novelist, Sawa Nagisa (Inoue Kazuhiko) . He meets a younger and bolder rival in the form of another AV actor, Katou Youji (Miki Shinichirou). Although Iwaki wins the the role in the first audition, the rivals are subsequently paired up as lovers in another production. As the two have more interactions with each other, Katou finds himself falling for Iwaki both on and off screen. Although they have a few physical encounters, Iwaki holds Katou back due to his pride and his lack of confidence in the relationship… Will Katou’s persistence bear fruit?
In the second part of the story, Katou starts work with acclaimed actor Kikuchi Katsuya (Narita Ken) on a new production. Disgraced and forced to leave Japan due to a scandal about his homosexuality a few years ago, Kikuchi returns with a grudge and a hidden agenda. What scheme does he have in store for Katou and Iwaki?
