2014: Tinjauan N-Listing

UlasanAnime.com – As 2014 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the year’s highlights and anticipate what’s to come. This “Year In Review” post delves into various aspects of the anime and idol world, offering personal rankings and observations.

The author begins by revisiting the annual ranking of the 765Pro girls from The Idolm@ster, excluding Kotori. Makoto remains the top choice, with Takane and Miki following closely. The ranking reflects a deeper appreciation for certain characters developed throughout the year, with Iori showing the greatest gain due to her Moviem@s performance and Kugyuu’s improved voicing.

Next, the article lists twelve confusing seiyuu nicknames found within The Idolm@ster franchise, acknowledging that this is not an exhaustive compilation. These nicknames offer a glimpse into the informal and affectionate way fans and colleagues refer to the voice actresses.

The “Best Girls 2014” list, presented in no particular order, features a diverse selection of characters from various anime, including Aila from Gundam Build Fighters, MayuC from Wake Up Girls, Shione from Sora no Method, Rin from Fate, and Mako Mankanshoku and Satsuki Kiryuuin from Kill la Kill.

Memorable episodes from 2014 are also highlighted, with selections ranging from the smoking episode in Zvezda to the timeskip episode in Nagi no Asukara and Hideaki Anno’s intervention in Shirobako. The epic Gundam Build Fighter versus Star Build Strike Gundam battle and the Wake Up Girls’ visit to Kaya’s hometown are also mentioned.

A significant portion of the review is dedicated to The Idolm@ster Million Live performances from their first concert of the year. The author shares twelve favorite performances, including a mix of solo acts and group numbers. One performance, “The Idolm@ster (day 1),” is noted as having no video available, encouraging readers to purchase their own copies.

The article then shifts to the author’s financial support for the “industry” in 2014, listing twelve ways money was spent, from buying scalped tickets and used goods to purchasing concert merchandise and movie tickets for special bonuses. The author also details payments made to fan clubs, FUNimation for simulcasting, Nico Premium, and in-game purchases for The Idolm@ster Million Live and Cinderella Girls projects. The interconnectedness of Japanese companies and their synergistic business models are commented upon.

Notable Opening and Ending themes of 2014 are presented, with an admission that the author’s ear-time for non-Idolm@ster music was limited. The list includes the ED for Sora no Method, the OP for Bahamut, and the OP for Mikakunin. The Kill la Kill ED2, Ping Pong OP, Captain Earth ED2, and Engagement of Climb OP2 are also featured, along with the Hanayamata OP and a collaboration with it. The No-Rin OP is mentioned for its song, and the Witch Craft Works ED for its concept. The Wake Up Girls OP is included for its 2.5D elements and Kousaki’s involvement. The Knights of Sidonia OP is hailed as the best OP song of 2014 for its anthem-like arrangement and mass-produced feeling, fitting its full CG animation.

The author reflects on moments that evoked emotion in 2014, listing twelve instances that brought them to tears. These include The Idolm@ster SSA Day 1 and Day 2, KOTOKO Live, a blog post by Kami about pregnancy, multiple viewings of Moviem@s, Shirobako episode 12, the latter half of Nagiasu, the end of Samurai Flamenco, Akki’s marriage announcement, Kaguyahime, rewatching SSA Day 2, and any time M@STERPIECE plays.

You might also be interested in : IM@S PSYCHO: A 2014 Recap

Site statistics for 2014 are also shared, ranking posts by pageviews. The top post, “Idol Invasion NYC 2014,” was picked up by the 2ch Perfume thread. The author expresses a desire to focus more on anime despite their evolving role as an “eventer-Producer.”

Twelve ranked 2014 anime are listed, with Shirobako taking the top spot for its exceptional seiyuu casting and thematic depth. Ping Pong is praised for its fun and spirited portrayal of sports, while Nagi no Asukara is noted for its emotional impact. Kill la Kill is recognized for its substance, and Log Horizon for evoking feelings from MMORPG days. Fate Stay Night UBW is highlighted, with the author questioning whether their issues stem from or are despite the source material. The IDOLM@STER Movie is commended for its creative risks, and Hanayamata for its cuteness and beauty. Yama no Susume’s sequel is appreciated for its mountain climbing and tourism aspects, while Gundam Build Fighter is seen as a nostalgia-tinged warhead. Wake Up Girls, encompassing both the TV anime and movie, is noted for the movie’s stellar quality. Locodol is praised as the anime that most exceeded expectations, largely due to Itou Miku’s raw voice acting.

A bonus mention goes to Kaguyahime, possibly the author’s new favorite Takahata film, though its inclusion is debated due to its distinctiveness from other listed works.

A “worth-mention” list follows, acknowledging a strong year for anime. Shirobako, Ping Pong, and Kaguyahime are identified as shows that could stand the test of time. Other enjoyable shows include Illya, Captain Earth, Aldnoah Zero (praised for its CG and setting), Knights of Sidonia (noted for its unique survival take on sci-fi), Sora no Method (appreciated for its artistic direction despite a less compelling narrative), Sabagebu, Space Dandy, Mushishi (now leaning towards faux docudrama), Love Live S2 (criticized for trying too hard to evoke fan-feels), SeHa (for including Sonic), Chaika, and Samurai Flamenco.

A bonus rant about Yuyuyu is included, noting its shallow thematic depth despite good concept and execution. The author also draws a parallel to Grisaia.

The article concludes with twelve predictions for 2015, in the spirit of “Anime Bingo.” These include Funimation overhauling its simulcast site, an announcement for an IM@S Million Live anime project, fewer seiyuu marriages than in 2014, more hip-hop character songs, AniplexUSA hosting another anime event in the USA, an increase in full-CG anime projects announced, a new company licensing anime in English, Cross Ange adding another big-name seiyuu, more crowdfunded anime and manga, a dip in Comic Market attendance followed by a record-breaking event, an increase in original anime projects, and a humorous prediction of no Full Metal Panic anime adaptation announcement.