Iason Revived.

Title: Ai no Kusabi 2012 間の楔 2012
Official site: http://ainokusabi.jp/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/kusabi_official
Account: @kusabi_official

Here are the list of BluRay/DVDs announced and probably more will be added later:
Each DVD/Blu-ray contains one 30 minute episode.

2012/01/18
Limited edition: 【Blu-ray】間の楔 ～petere 檻獣～ ＜初回限定版＞ (10,500 Yen)
Normal edition: 【Blu-ray】間の楔 ～petere 檻獣～ ＜通常版＞ (7,140 Yen)
DVD: 【DVD】間の楔 ～petere 檻獣～ (6,090 Yen)

Details for Limited edition Blu-ray.

First-press limited edition special items 【初回限定版特典】

・Pet ring with leather string ペットリング（革紐付き）
・Plate Key holder (Riki) プレートキーホルダー（リキ）
・Script アフレコ台本
・Special booklet 特製ブックレット
・Full set purchase coupon used to exchange for a specially written spin-off story booklet 全巻購入特典応募チケット
・ Limited quantity for first press items.
・ Video special 【映像特典】
・Special edit promotion video 特製PV
・Textless opening ノンクレジットオープニング
・Textless ending ノンクレジットエンディング

First press and regular feature 【初回・通常版共通仕様】
・Illustrated jacket by Onda Naoyuki 恩田尚之特製描き下ろしジャケット
・Color picture label

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2012/02/15
Limited Edition: 【Blu-ray】間の楔 ～pardo 折翼～ ＜初回限定版＞ (10,500 Yen)
Normal Edition: 【Blu-ray】間の楔 ～pardo 折翼～ ＜通常版＞ (7,140 Yen)
DVD: 【DVD】間の楔 ～pardo 折翼～ (6,090 Yen)

Details for Limited edition Blu-ray.

First-press limited edition special items 【初回限定版特典】

・Music box (autographed by Yoshihara Rieko sensei) オルゴール（吉原理恵子先生サイン入り）
・Plate Key holder (Iason) プレートキーホルダー（イアソン）
・Script アフレコ台本
・Special booklet 特製ブックレット
・Full set purchase coupon used to exchange for a specially written spin-off story booklet 全巻購入特典応募チケット
・Limited quantity for first press items.
・Video special 【映像特典】
・Special edit promotion video 特製PV
・Textless opening ノンクレジットオープニング
・Textless ending ノンクレジットエンディング
・First press and regular feature 【初回・通常版共通仕様】
・Illustrated jacket by Onda Naoyuki 恩田尚之特製描き下ろしジャケット
・Color picture label

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2012/03/21
Limited Edition: 【Blu-ray】間の楔 ～congressus 邂逅～ ＜初回限定版＞ (10,500 Yen)
Normal Edition: 【Blu-ray】間の楔 ～congressus 邂逅～ ＜通常版＞ (7,140 Yen)
DVD: 【DVD】間の楔 ～congressus 邂逅～ (6,090 Yen)

Details for Limited edition Blu-ray.

First-press limited edition special items 【初回限定版特典】

・Blu-ray box to house all volumes (New illustration) Blu-ray全巻収納BOX（新規描き下ろし使用）
・Premium setting guide 豪華設定資料集
・Plate Key holder (Guy) プレートキーホルダー（ガイ）
・Script アフレコ台本
・Special booklet 特製ブックレット
・Full set purchase coupon used to exchange for a specially written spin-off story booklet 全巻購入特典応募チケット
・Limited quantity for first press items.
・Video special 【映像特典】
・Special edit promotion video 特製PV
・Textless opening ノンクレジットオープニング
・Textless ending ノンクレジットエンディング
・First press and regular feature 【初回・通常版共通仕様】
・Illustrated jacket by Onda Naoyuki 恩田尚之特製描き下ろしジャケット
・Color picture label

***************************

2012/04/18
【Blu-ray】間の楔 ～retino 淫縛～ ＜初回限定版＞
【Blu-ray】間の楔 ～retino 淫縛～ ＜通常版＞
【DVD】間の楔 ～retino 淫縛～

Details for Limited edition Blu-ray.

First-press limited edition special items 【初回限定版特典】

・3D Crystal ３Dクリスタル
・Plate Key holder (Katze) プレートキーホルダー（カッツェ）
・Script アフレコ台本
・Special booklet 特製ブックレット
・Full set purchase coupon used to exchange for a specially written spin-off story booklet 全巻購入特典応募チケット
・Limited quantity for first press items.
・Video special 【映像特典】
・Special edit promotion video 特製PV
・Textless opening ノンクレジットオープニング
・Textless ending ノンクレジットエンディング
・First press and regular feature 【初回・通常版共通仕様】
・Illustrated jacket by Onda Naoyuki 恩田尚之特製描き下ろしジャケット
・Color picture label

Summary:
In the future on Amoi, a planet controlled by a supercomputer named Jupiter. Among the mostly male human population, the light-haired elite class is allowed to temporarily keep the dark-haired “mongrels” as pets. One elite member, Iason, encounters a mongrel named Riki in the slums and decides to take him in. However, Iason keeps Riki longer than it is socially approved, and rumors abound about their possible relationship.

Main cast:
Riki リキ: Itou Kentarou 伊藤健太郎 (Original: Seki Toshihiko 関俊彦)
Iason イアソン: Ookawa Tooru 大川透 (Original: Shiozawa Kaneto 塩沢兼人)
Guy ガイ: Toriumi Kousuke 鳥海浩輔 (Original: Kojima Takayuki 小島貴幸)
Katze カッツェ: Miki Shinichirou 三木眞一郎 (Original: Tanaka Hideyuki 田中 秀幸)
Kirie キリエ: Morikubo Shoutaro 森久保 祥太郎 (Original: Matsuno Taiki 松野太紀)
Daryl ダリル: Hanawa Eiji はなわ えいじ 花輪英司 (Original: Okiayu Ryoutarou 置鮎龍太郎)
Raoul ラウール: Kuroda Takaya 黒田崇矢 (Original: Hayami Shou 速水奨)

As a side note, it takes some time to get used to Ookawa Tooru’s Iason, especially for fans of the original seiyuu for Iason, Shiozawa Kaneto. Partly because Ookawa Tooru reminded me too much of the yakuza he is often cast in BLCDs. However, he sounds better in the latest volume of the BLCD remake, so I’m hopeful. Itou Kentarou’s Riki is good so no complaints there.

Other info (from ANN):

Studio: AIC (worked on the original anime)
Director Akiyama Katsuhito (worked on the original anime)
Character designer Onda Naoyuki (worked on the original anime)
Script: Yoshihara Rieko
Sound: Abe Nobuyuki

In the meantime, we can re-watch the few previews to tide us over till they arrive in a few month’s time.

Update: Unfortunately, the project has been dropped :( Let’s hope someone picks it up again someday. Ai no Kusabi 間の楔 is going to be a 13 episode OVA!!! KYAAAA……………………….. I hope the DVDs are not too expensive *dies*

To be launched later quarter in 2009

Postphoned: Expected release date all 13 episodes on Spring 2010 (March?)

Project scrapped ( T~T)

From the poster, Iason looks kinda sickly o_O but Riki looks great!

Update March 2010!
Anime preview event in March 2010. More information here.

Update January 2010!
Thank goodness Ookawa Tooru’s Iason so sounds much more in character (and not like a Yakuza in the drama CD remakes anymore!) I’m REALLY looking forward to it now that this mental hurdle was overcome. View the 8-minute episode 1 preview. Seriously HOTTT~ If they maintain the quality throughout it’ll be a really awesome release.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Update October 2009 Comiket Trailer

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Update March 2009!
Official preview shows a much better looking Iason and ooo~ such delicious Riki!

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Japanese release (region 2) DVD Fan Discs of the Junjou Romantica series will be released to commemorate Nakamura Shungiku-sensei’s 中村春菊 Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi 世界一初恋 anime that will be broadcast in April 2011,

Titles:
1) TV Anime Junjou Romantica (Season 1) & Junjou Egoist DVD Special Fan Disc
2) TV Anime Junjou Romantica (Season 2) & Junjou Terrorist DVD Special Fan Disc
TVアニメ「純情ロマンチカ（第1期）＆ 純情エゴイスト」DVDスペシャルファンディスク
TVアニメ「純情ロマンチカ（第2期）＆ 純情テロリスト」DVDスペシャルファンディスク
Price: 3,990 Yen each
Release Date: 25 February 2010

Features:

• Collection of re-edited scenes from the series. 純情ロマンチカ, 純情テロリスト, 純情エゴイストの名場面集
• Character introduction キャラクター紹介
• Misaki’s cooking special 美咲のお料理特集/本編で作った美咲の料理を一挙に紹介
• Audio commentaries voice cast (planned)
  1st season: Itou Kentarou and Canna Nobutsushi 上条弘樹役：伊藤健太郎, 草間野分役：神奈延年
  2nd season: Hanada Hikaru, Namiki Noriko 宇佐見秋彦役：花田光, 相川絵里役：並木のり子
• Illustrated CD Jacket and booklet illustrated by Nakamura-sensei
• Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi Promotion video preview 「世界一初恋」の先行プロモーション映像を収録！

I probably won’t put this on the priority list… I mean… I already have all 12 Japanese version DVDs of this series which cost me a bomb. But Misaki’s cooking special video looks like fun. :-\

If you happen to own a PSP (which I don’t… T~T), you might be interested to know that there -ARE- BL games on this game platform… however scarce they are…

Hanakisou is a shounen-ai title. Like Cherry blossom~チェリーブロッサム, there aren’t issues with porting over to the PSP platform. If you’re looking for 18+ R-rated stuff that you can find on PC games ;) Even if they were originally R-rated/M-rated, the scenes with questionable pixelated bits would have been removed, as in Gakuen Heaven 学園ヘヴン BOY’S LOVE SCRAMBLE!

Hanakisou had very good reviews when it was first released as a PC game.

No luck for Nintendo DS players, cos there are no BL games for it yet.

1) Hana ki sou 花帰葬
Publisher: Prototype プロトタイプ (PSP) / HaccaWorks (PC)
Available: 12 August 2010 Delayed till mid September 2010
Price: 4,830 Yen Pw/tax)
Ages: 12+
Prototype official game site
HaccaWorks

This game was first released in 2003/2004 as a PC doujin game if I’m not wrong. Followed by a PS2 port in 2006. Fantasy theme. Shounen-ai. I think if you like Uragiri wa Boku no Namae o Shitteiru 裏切りは僕の名前を知っている character designs by Odagiri Hotaru 小田切ほたる you’ll probably love the visuals of Hana Ki Sou too.

Voice casts include: Miki Shinichirou, Mitsuki Saiga, Itou Kentarou, Ishida Akira, etc.

Cast List

玄冬 Kuroto – 三木眞一郎 Miki Shinichirou
花白 Hanashiro – 斎賀みつき Mitsuki Saiga
銀朱 Ginshiyu – 伊藤健太郎 Itou Kentarou
白梟 Shirofukurou – 篠原恵美 Ogata Megumi
黒鷹 Kurotaka – 井上和彦 Inoue Kazuhiko

時雨 Shigure – 関俊彦 Seki Toshihiko
彩紅 Ayabeni – 増田ゆき Matsuda Yuki
灰名 Kaina – 石田彰 Ishida Akira
十季 Toki – 鈴村健一 Suzumura Kenichi

I’m quite tempted to buy Hana Ki Sou… now that the PSP version will be available, even though I don’t have time to play any games nowadays (nor own the console lol). It includes all the PC versions (original PC game + the fan disks if I’m not wrong). I’ve also heard great things about the story and characters.

Compared to the Japanese release (Region 2), it is cheap at US$49.99 for the whole season. But I guess we’re paying for all the extras in the Japanese DVDs, since the price of each DVD can get you the whole English subbed set already ^^;;;

Price: US$49.99 US$40.99
Release Date: 4 May 2010
Boxed set comes with a 24-page booklet featuring character bios, artwork and behind-the-scenes information.
Special Features: U.S. Season 1 Trailer, Clean Opening and Closing, TV Spot, DVD Commercials, Previews.
Spoken Languages: Japanese, English subtitles.

It is subbed and not dubbed (lol~ so far we haven’t had any English dubbed BL DVDs, right? XD) but I guess that is best left to the Japanese seiyuus (^///^)

Date of release for season two has not been announced yet :)

Pairing:
Yasumoto Hiroki x Hatano Wataru
安元洋貴 x 羽多野渉

Ibuki Kaname 伊吹 要 : Hatano Wataru 羽多野渉
Oumaru Souichirou 王丸総一郎 : Yasumoto Hiroki 安元洋貴
Morinaga Haruhiko 森永晴彦: Itou Kentarou 伊藤健太郎

Rating: Recommended. This is audio porn lol~

Summary:
Based on a novel by Honjoh Saki 本庄咲貴 and illustrated by Minase Masara 水名瀬雅良.

Ibuki Kaname (Hatano Wataru) inherits a huge amount of debt due to his dead father’s bankruptcy. One day while hiding from his pursuers, a man alights from a car, approaches him and makes him an indecent proposal. They’re willing to take care of his debt if he agrees to make money with his looks and body. Desperate and tired of running away, he agrees and follows him. They drive him to a mansion and he meets Oumaru Souichirou (Yasumoto Hiroki), the head of a powerful corporation, Oumaru Group. The man orders him to strip naked. Unaware that he has agreed to a contract to become a male prostitute for men, he tries to defy Oumaru but is imprisoned, drugged and subsequently raped. Kaname’s  fiery and defiant attitude captures Oumaru’s attention and he becomes a prostitute for his exclusive use.

Comments:

Porn, porn and more audio porn. Sex is the real highlight in the paper-thin plot. Hand job, aphrodisiac, dirty talking, rape, handcuffs, rough sex, sex toy, oral… and a scary oyaji (old man) x_x It covers just about everything except a threesome. *Note: The oyaji is -not- the seme, in case you’re mistaken~ *phew* or I’ll puke. Oyaji semes can be yummy too but not the one in this case… Anyway…

Forget about the BL template story and the roll-eyes way the uke falls in love with the seme and vice versa. It only happens in BL universe. The fortunate thing about this couple is that the uke is a feisty one who matches the cold, arrogant seme. I wouldn’t be able to tolerate a weepy uke in this type of scenario, but we could hear Kaname’s resolve gradually breaking down from the continued abuse and sexual pleasure he felt.

Well done, Hatano Wataru-san! You sure can moan! XD His vocal range were varied and his moans emotionally charged for each scene and I seriously can’t stop gushing about how awesome he sounded. Yasumoto Hiroki-san was great as the kichiku 鬼畜 (devil) alpha seme. Their vocal sexual chemistry was really fantastic and kissing scenes were very wet, passionate and sexy. *Perv mode* Hatano Wataru-san’s aegi-koe 喘ぎ声 (panting voice) for the oral sex scene was incredibly hot and possibly the best I’ve listened to so far in BLCDs. Brutal and realistic. Kudos too to the sound effects mixer and editor.

An additional note, Kaname’s response to the sex act of receiving “facial” turns from shock and anger (Oumaru had done it in their first sexual encounter as an act of humiliation or probably just because he likes it *sweatdrop* Watched too much AV? Lol~) to actually enjoying and getting off at the treatment, seem to be an indication of his change from a defiant uke to one who enjoys being dominated. But then again, maybe we don’t have to try to analyse this too much. It is porn. Kaname becomes a slutty, slightly masochistic uke towards the end and rough sex never sounded better.

*replays the H scenes* Gaaaah….

It’s terrible. A BLCD like this makes me want to rape the uke really badly.

*holds the nosebleed and rapes uke*

*rapes the uke over and over again*

(*_*)

Catalog: CHSD-0004

Limited edition Junjou Romantica DVD Vol. 6 tokuten is a pair of cute Piyo-chan socks (something I will probably never wear/use… kinda wasteful ^^”) and a mini manga.

Episode 11 is the continuation of the Junjou Terrorist arc (Miyagi x Shinobu) from the previous volume. There is some angst involved but overall still okay.

Episode 12 is Junjou Romantica (Usami x Misaki) arc. It is also the concluding episode of Season one.

There isn’t much to censor in both clips but the darkened areas were removed, so we can see the “compromising positions” clearly :)

There’s still some con-non-con in Junjou Terrorist but is less disturbing and Misaki’s hilarious but seriously cute attempt to service an amused Usami. Enjoy! XD

1) Episode 11 Miyagi x Shinobu

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

2) Episode 12 Usami x Misaki

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Limited edition Junjou Romantica DVD Vol. 5 tokuten is a cute Panda mechanical pencil (kindly modelled by Lulu ^^) and a mini manga. It contains episodes 9 and 10: Junjou Minimum and Junjou Terrorist.

Chibi Usami x Hiroki is super adorable. There wasn’t anything to censor but I have to say, it is one of my favourite episodes in the first season. Sweet! xD

As for Junjou Terrorist arc (Miyagi x Shinobu), personally I don’t enjoy it as much as the other two. I’m not exactly sure why although I like Inoue Kazuhiko who voices Miyagi.

If you’ve already watched the censored TV version, you’ll know that there’s a non-con in this episode. I understand that Miyagi only intended to “scare” Shinobu off or something to that effect… but watching the uncensored version, I felt rather disturbed by Shinobu’s ordeal and it felt worse for me when I saw him in tears, so I didn’t include that part in this video clip.

Warning! There’s some non-explicit non-con (which didn’t go all the way but still…) if non-con in any form (forced kissing, etc) disturbs you, please don’t watch the video clip.

1) Episode 10 Miyagi x Shinobu

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Honestly, its been a while and I can’t remember what exactly were the censored scenes already lol~ Anyway, DVD 4 features Romantica couple Usami x Misaki again ^_^ Episode 7 and 8… eh… was it the one they went on a date? xD Very cute DVD covers. Hmm, I’m still behind on posting images of previous DVDs… the special for this limited edition is drama CD Junai Parallel (純愛パラレル) Fairy tale starring the Junjou Romantica characters hehehe Prince Usami ^^ and boy in the forest Misaki.

Update! On to the sweet yet smexy H-scenes ^^ Pantsu-less MISAKI Kyaaaa~

1) Episode 7 Usami x Misaki Cute… *ahem* window smex XD

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

2) Episode 8 Usami x Misaki By far the most revealing scene to date…

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Pairings Disk 1:
Mihara Takumi x Takamizawa Tsukasa (Itou Kentarou x Chiba Susumu)
Touno Itsuki x Shounen A (Ichijou Kazuya x Majima Ryou)
Ichinose Shinya x Takamizawa Tsukasa (Midorikawa Hikaru x Chiba Susumu)
Touno Itsuki x Ichinose Shinya (Ichijou Kazuya x Midorikawa Hikaru)
Mihara Takumi x Shinohara Chihiro (Itou Kentarou x Sakurai Takahiro)

Pairings Disk 2:
Touno Itsuki x Takamizawa Tsukasa (Ichijou Kazuya x Chiba Susumu)
Mihara Takumi x Ichinose Shinya (Itou Kentarou x Midorikawa Hikaru)
Ichinose Shinya x Shinohara Chihiro (Midorikawa Hikaru x Sakurai Takahiro)
Mihara Takumi x Takamizawa Tsukasa (Itou Kentarou x Chiba Susumu)
Watanabe Ryuuji x Touno Itsuki (Masutani Yasunori x Ichijou Kazuya)

Rating: Recommended.

Comments:
This BLCD can be likened to a delectable dessert for our ears (Just look at the seiyuu cast! xD ). The 2-Disc drama is based on an 18+ PC BL Game of the same name. It is as suggested in the title, set in a coffee and pastries cafe. All the cafe staff are men and of course, everybody is gay! (Or becomes gay!) lol~

There isn’t much plot involved, just a slice of life narrative of day-to-day activities and love/sexual relationships of the main characters. However, the drama flows rather smoothly despite having multiple viewpoints of each character.

It is actually quite enjoyable to listen to the thoughts and interactions of the characters and spot all the scenarios that are common in most BL Games. You can expect a good variety of yummy H-scenes and pairings, from rabu-rabu romantic ones, non-con, unrequited love, angsty struggle about being gay, uke-in-denial, eager ukes, noisy ukes, dirty-talking seme, younger seme, sexy oyaji-pairing… to satiate all your tastes. Probably the only thing missing was S&M hahahaahaha… XD And the realistic and subtle sound effects are great!

It doesn’t really matter whether you have played the game or not but I think you might like it even more if you had. Anyway, the game is really hot too. Also highly recommended!

Another thing I like about this BLCD is the relaxing soundtrack. You really feel like you’re sitting in a cafe, sipping coffee and eating delicious cakes xD (Which reminds me of the atmosphere of Antique Bakery anime. I bought the anime soundtrack and will do a review of it soon.)

High Point: Out of the many nose-bleeding scenes and sweet scenarios, my absolute fav is listening to a super adorable Sakypyon voicing an eager and pro-active uke… *slurps* Come here sexy, I want you too!

Cast:
Midorikawa Hikaru 緑川光 as Ichinose Shinya
Chiba Susumu 千葉進歩 as Takamizawa Tsukasa
Itou Kentarou 伊藤健太郎 as Mihara Takumi
Sakurai Takahiro 櫻井孝宏 as Shinohara Chihiro
Ichijou Kazuya 一条和矢 as Touno Itsuki
Majima Ryou 眞嶋リョウ as Shounen A
Masutani Yasunori 増谷康紀 as Watanabe Ryuuji
Suzuki Chihiro 鈴木千尋 as Kanou Ryouichi

Catalog No: LBS-0006 (Currently out-of-print but you can still try your luck at auctions ^^ If you manage to get the first-press edition, you’ll also receive a mini-coaster!)

Anyway these 2 episodes of Nowaki x Hiroki are both my favourites cos besides the hot smex, it was rather touching and angsty :)

The DVD contains episode 5 and 6. It also comes with the short manga and a cute brown place mat with chopsticks. Both mat and chopsticks are printed with teddy bear Suzuki-san’s face I’ll post the photos when I can. I love the cover illustration and designs too. Really pretty. Gaaa… this series of DVDs are saccarine sweet. I’m so glad that season 2 is going to air in October! Love to see more Junjou cuteness xD

Oh yes… and the drama-mama library scene…

Watching the interaction between the couple moved me again but not as much as when I first watched the subs… ah~ so drama queen this Hiroki ^^ still he -is- a cutie. But this time, the scenes were kinda sweet/mild and not as hot as I wanted it to be. Seriously… they went through all that trouble to censor just a pair of naked legs (Erm… actually just one leg… and a half-naked butt) o_o||| You probably won’t even notice it even if you have watched the TV version. Maybe I’ve read too much hard core stuff. I can’t describe how mild this looks to me now.. lol~

Anyway… enjoy! ^^

Episode: 6 Nowaki x Hiroki

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Arrived… :) Clips here but the DVD has a much better quality than youtube… And now… for the H-scenes we’ve been waiting for…

(Episode 3) Nowaki x Hiroki
Well, I think they could’ve made it more nose-bleeding but I guess that might have rendered it unsuitable for the DVD rating. *raise one eyebrow* Whatever xP The perv is rearing its ugly head. Anyway, enjoy!

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

(Episode 4) Usami x Misaki
Misaki looks rather alluring here and I find the H is sweeter ^^

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Limited edition comes with beautifully illustrated DVD cover and booklet (or liner notes as they call it), a short manga, a jacket for an upcoming light novel (I think), a cute water-squirting-sunshine-yellow rubber ducky (with thick KISS ME NOW lips) XD and -uncensored- Junjou episodes 1 & 2, non-TV broadcast special video and trailers.

If you are a hardcore fan, it is a no brainer. Of cos it is worth it! I’m not a hardcore fan but I’m pretty much sold anyway ^^” The whole package is lovely. Girls are just suckers for pretty things. But I’ll be even happier if it was cheaper tho… 6600 yen is (T-T) ~$~

Anyway, video and sound quality is great as can be expected, so yeah no complaints there.

As for the uncensored scenes in episodes 1 and 2… I personally don’t think they are explicit, so the stunt they pulled for the TV broadcast by obscuring them was probably erring on the overly cautious side. *shrug* HOWEVER! The Egoist arc may be a different matter cos from the uncensored trailer… gosh… they look pretty hot.

View the *cough* uncensored *cough* DVD-only Trailers in Vol. 1 for…

1. Episode 2 (Usami x Misaki)

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

2. Episode 3 (Nowaki x Hiroki)
(So NOW we know what we were missing while watching the tv broadcast) eee I sound like such a perv… woohoo~ watch out for Vol. 2 DVD end August.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

I can’t rip the whole DVD… so please don’t ask me to… ^^;;;

純情ロマンチカ Junjou Romantica DVD vol 1. will be released on 25 July 2008! :D

There’ll be two versions, limited and normal.

Limited Vol. 1 DVD will have the following goodies:

• DVD outer box (left pic) illustrated by Nakamura-sensei
• DVD jacket Illustration (right pic) by Nakamura-sensei and 8-page liner note
• A special 16-page manga #1 that features the characters
• Junjou Romantica rubber ducky X3
• Coupon #1 for exchanging limited version dvd tokuten
• Non-broadcast preview trailer

The Damage? 6,930 Yen (w tax)

The gripe? Only 2 episodes on each DVD *dies*

24 episodes = 12 x 6,930 Yen = 83160 Yen (approx US$850) You’ve got to be kidding me (o_O) And that doesn’t include shipping cost *faint* Erm, and please don’t do a Darker than Black / Koutetsu Sangokushi and release an additional episode 25 that is on DVD only (unless it is also included in the vol 12 DVD *grin*)

Update 28 May 2008
Hmm… there’s some “conflicting” info about the number of episodes that will be released for this series. There wasn’t any confirmation that there will be 24 episodes, was there? Just a rumour? Cos upon closer inspection… if each DVD only contains 2 episodes and only 6 DVDs will be released (I just noticed that the marketing promo text at comi-comi was saying that the 6th DVD is the final one o_O) So logically there are only 12 episodes? Unless plans are underway for Season 2… *rubs chin* Anyway…

Update 29 July 2008
Yup there’ll be Season 2 ^^ Official announcement out. Season 2 first episode will air in October XD Yay~ more Junjou goodness to look forward to.

Normal Vol. 1 DVD will have the following goodies:

• DVD jacket Illustration by Nakamura-sensei
• 8-page liner note (Same as Limited)
• Coupon #1 for exchanging Normal version dvd tokuten
• Non-broadcast preview trailer

The Damage? 4830 Yen (w tax)

Brothers and sisters. Start saving now!

DVD Release Dates

1. Vol 01 ~ 25/07/2008
2. Vol 02 ~ 22/08/2008
3. Vol 03 ~ 26/09/2008
4. Vol 04 ~ 24/10/2008
5. Vol 05 ~ 28/11/2008
6. Vol 06 ~ 26/12/2008

12 June 2008 Update!

Limited Vol. 2 DVD will have the following goodies:

• DVD outer box illustrated by Nakamura-sensei
• DVD jacket Illustration by Nakamura-sensei and 8-page liner note
• Special 16-page manga #2 that features the characters
• Junjou Romantica Radio CD “Business-trip” version. Cast: Hanada Hikaru, Itou Kentarou and Kishio Daisuke
• Coupon #2 for exchanging limited version DVD tokuten
• Non-broadcast preview trailer

Normal Vol. 2 DVD will have the following goodies:

• DVD jacket Illustration by Nakamura-sensei
• 8-page liner note (Same as Limited)
• Coupon #2 for exchanging Normal version DVD tokuten
• Non-broadcast preview trailer

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?

Comments
Well, I watched the subbed OVAs years ago, so its been a while and I had to refresh my memory again. I do remember enjoying the first OVA more than the second one because the characters and plot were more varied and fun. The short side story in the first OVA that involves the cross-dressing novelist Sawa Nagisa and his lover and cousin, Sawa Yukihito (Suzuki Chihiro) as well as our main couple is rather yummy. ^^

After revisiting the anime, I find that the animators did a generally good job for most of the scenes (including the sex scenes) but the anime definitely would be more enjoyable and less distracting if the animation was smoother and had less panning still shots. And is it just me being too critical or did they “reuse” Katou’s climaxing animation from OVA 1 in OVA 2? I don’t know what to say about that lol~

That said, considering its vintage, Harudaki’s animation is still better and way more varied than Okane ga Nai お金がない which is a much recent title. I was really unimpressed with OgN’s animation although it had brighter, prettier colours. *rant*

Well, the seiyuus did a great job as usual, bringing wonderfully across the range of emotions that were displayed in the anime. I think a fan of the manga may appreciate the dramatic aspects more because we have come to know the character’s development and backstories in the long-running series. I believe non-fans too would also find it an enjoyable BL anime and a worthwhile title to add to a BL collection ^^

Cast:
Miki Shinichiro as Katou Youji
Morikawa Toshiyuki as Iwaki Kyousuke
Suzuki Chihiro as Sawa Yukihito
Inoue Kazuhiko as Sawa Nagisa
Narita Ken as Kikuchi Katsuya
Itou Kentarou as Urushizaki Kazunari
Suzuki Chihiro as Staff B (ep 1)
Terada Haruhi as Female Reporter A (ep 1)
Sugita Tomokazu as Reporter B (ep 2)

Sweet Scent of BL (BLの香り)
In case you’re not familiar with this series, Koutetsu Sangokushi was aired in 2007 and is very loosely based on the hugely popular and well-loved Chinese historical novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三國演義) but given a very, VERY slashy treatment. Well, it can’t be helped, no? The warring period was filled with warriors and hot men :D LOL~ Oh~ the potential! Even Koyasu Takehito who voiced one of the leads, Shoukatsuryou Koumei (諸葛亮孔明) commented on his blog about the “Scent of BL (BLの香り)” within the series. *snickers* :3

Summary
The story revolved around Rikuson Hakugen (陸迅) (cv. Mamoru Miyano. Tamaki in Ouran High School Host Club *hearts*), the disciple of Shoukatsuryou Koumei. (erm, historically it wasn’t so… but anyway, don’t sweat the details hehe) Rikuson’s family had a mysterious treasure that granted great power to anyone who possessed it. The treasure was stolen and used to wage war in the states, causing devastation to the once peaceful lands. Rikuson embarks on a journey to retrieve the treasure, hoping to end the suffering among the people, and finds himself embroiled in an elaborate plot hatched by his beloved master…

Comments
I had very high hopes for this series when it first aired but initally I was like o_O with the trippy costumes, weapons, WTF/OMG characterisations for some of the leads… Watch it to be amazed xD But once I stopped imposing my own expectations on the series, I began to appreciate and look forward to how far/weird/crazy the producers were going to go with this…. LOL~ One thing tho’, they did follow the historical timelines quite faithfully although they seriously went wild with the storyline.

Overall I enjoyed this series because of the seiyuus, character interactions, humour and drama. Yep, once you get over the initial shock, its kinda fun. The opening song sequence contains a not-too-subtle “ass-grab” just before the anime starts ^^” I was like woah~ (so you get to see that every week, woohoo LOL~) and BL fans can spot all the potential pairings from Episode 1 onwards hahaha… There are quite a number of cliches that a BL fan can detect from a mile away, especially if you’re familiar with the type of characters that some of the seiyuus usually get cast in BL dramas *fufufu* But of course, not all seiyuus in this series have voiced BL dramas tho’ almost all the main characters (for e.g. Ishida Akira, Koyasu Takehito, Yusa Kouji, Itou Kentarou, Miki Shinichirou, etc) have done so, except for Miyano Mamoru and a few others.

Lovely OP and ED songs
Not to forget, the songs were lovely too. Given songs suitable to his vocal range, Miyano Mamoru can really deliver a touching tune. He sang the ending song and you’ll so want to squeeze this Rikuson real tight and smother him with hugs and kisses :) Well, his character can be annoying at times but I grew to like him quite a bit towards the end.

Watch Miyano-san sing Kuon live at a Koutetsu Sangokushi event

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

From Koutetsu Sangokushi Best Album (CD+DVD)

And btw, Miyano Mamoru won the Best Male Seiyuu in Leading Role at Seiyuu Award 2007 for his work in this series ^^

[Ending Spoiler Start]
In episode 25, Rikuson’s desperate cry that he does not want to be separated from his master again, took my breath away. It was so heart-felt and so heart-wrenching. Little wonder Miyano Mamoru was given the award.
[Ending Spoiler End]

I want to watch episode 26!!! xD

Update: 6 May 08
Found a youtube video link to the episode 26 trailer.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Update: 28 October: Junjou Mistake 純情ミステイク, a spin off manga about two side characters Asahina Kaoru (Okiayu Ryoutarou 置鮎龍太郎) and Isaka Ryuuichiro (Morikawa Toshiyuki 森川智之) from Junjou Romantica will be made into an anime!

This anime series is based on BL manga by Nakamura Shungiku 中村春菊 ^^ The first episode was aired in Japan on 10 April 2008.

Junjou Romantica Anime Official Site (http://www.suzukisan.info/index2.html)

Although I have to admit I haven’t been following the manga closely, I’ve listened to one of the drama cds and it was rather cute and funny. Sakurai Takahiro is back as Misaki and the promo trailer (youtube) looks promising! :D Probably won’t be explicit (like the manga or drama cd LOL~) which is fine as long as it is done well X)

Summary (adapted and edited from animenewsnetwork)

Takahashi Misaki is suddenly having some unexpected and odd problems. What started as a need for some college entrance exam tutoring has somehow led him to being romanced by a suave older man who also happens to be his older brother’s best friend. Confused by all of his brand new emotions, Misaki struggles to deal with his suddenly very odd life. And if that wasn’t enough, his suitor, Usami Akihiko (Usagi-san), has plenty of issues of his own. A man-child who decorates his room in giant teddy bears and toys, Akihiko is a famous novelist who also writes steamy boys’ love novels on the side. When Misaki cracks open one of these books and reads sentences like “Akihiko licks every inch of Takahiro’s hot body”…and Takahashi Takahiro happens to be Misaki’s older brother’s name… all hell breaks loose!

Cast: (Woo-hoo~ definitely a seiyuu-phile’s dream) xD
Sakurai Takahiro 櫻井孝宏 as Takahashi Misaki 高橋美咲
Hanada Hikaru 花田光 as Usami Akihiko 宇佐見秋彦
Itou Kentarou 伊藤健太郎 as Kamijou Hiroki 上條弘樹
Canna Nobutoshi 神奈延年 as Kusama Nowaki 草間野分
Kishio Daisuke 岸尾 だいすけ as Takatsuki Shinobu 高槻忍
Inoue Kazuhiko 井上和彦 as Miyagi You 宮城庸
Taniyama Kisho 谷山紀章 as Takahashi Takahiro 高橋孝浩
Namiki Noriko 並木のり子 as Aikawa Eri 相川絵理
Okiayu Ryoutarou 置鮎龍太郎 as Asahina Kaoru 朝比奈薫
Morikawa Toshiyuki 森川智之 as Isaka Ryuuichiro 井坂龍一郎

One of the hot screen caps from the first season :D

Title: Kageki Series Vols 1-5
Kageki ni Aishite 過激に愛して (2001)
Kageki ni Dokusenyoku 過激に独占欲 (2002)
Kageki ni I Love You 過激にI LOVE YOU (2003)
Kageki ni Koi Meikyuu 過激に恋迷宮 (2004)
Kageki ni Tengoku 過激に天国 (2005)

Pairing: Inoue Kazuhiko x Morikubo Shoutarou 井上和彦 x 森久保祥太郎
w/ Chiba Susumu 千葉進歩, Hirakawa Daisuke 平川大輔, Itou Kentarou 伊藤健太郎

Rating: Recommended

Quick Summary:
This series is cute and funny. The story begins with the incubus, Shicurel visiting the human world looking for his next human prey. He meets a sexually-charged high-school student, Touma and ended up as his sex pet instead :P

***

Comments:
An incubus is a demon that gets his energy by having sex. The funny thing about this series is that Touma is much more hentai than the incubus :P So much so that even an incubus almost couldn’t stand all his insatiable advances LOL

Its entertaining to listen to Touma bully Shicurel as well as his gentleness towards him. The voice acting and sound effects are cute. The pairing is good too. Morikubo-san’s uke sounds like a genki and straight-forward youth and reminds me of Yuri from Kyou Kara Maou (but spoilt and naughty! XD). Inoue-san’s seme sounds very mature and delicious -kyaaa- X3 I’ve listened to all the vols and the H doesn’t disappoint. Its good! :D Highly recommended!

Catalog 1: INCD-1603
Catalog 2: INCD-2603
Catalog 3: INCD-2610
Catalog 4: INCD-2606
Catalog 5: INCD-2615