UlasanAnime.com – Similar to Hyouka, this season’s offering from Kyoto Animation, Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!, evokes a complex reaction. On one hand, its visual presentation is a feast for the senses, embodying the very essence of what makes anime an enjoyable medium. On the other hand, it revisits the familiar trope of teenage coming-of-age stories that Kyoto Animation has explored numerous times before, most recently in Hyouka. The series’ saving grace, arguably, lies in its two anime-original characters, particularly Dekomori, whose rapid-fire personality and witty remarks elevate the show’s entertainment value.
Episode 7, in particular, warrants a closer look. Throughout this episode, the serene Kumin-senpai brought to mind the possibility of Kyoto Animation animating The iDOLM@STER. This thought is further fueled by the seiyuu connection between Kumin and Yukiho, Azumi Asakura, who voices both characters.
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While Isshiki may not have explicitly stated in the novel that Kumin resembled a Showa idol, the anime adaptation strongly suggests this interpretation. It evokes the image of those classic ’60s-’80s TV and stage personalities, predominantly women, who exuded confidence as they sang, gracefully interacted with hosts on variety shows, or entertained soldiers on tours of duty. This aesthetic is reminiscent of what one might find in vintage Japanese bar decor or on old beer posters, symbolizing a lost past that some people yearn for. The recent surge in discussions about Japanese idols often overlooks this specific archetype of performers who carried themselves with a distinct charm.
[This blog post is also brought to you by Animazement, an anime con that has consistently brought over Japanese voice guests that personify this idea.]
In contrast, Yukiho Hagiwara is not quite a Showa idol. She embodies the persona of a timid AKB48 understudy, albeit one proficient with a shovel. Characters like Takane or Azusa are closer to the Showa idol concept. Kumin, however, is gradually gaining sufficient screen time to showcase her after-school attire, complete with a strategically placed beauty mark. As Isshiki observed, Kumin perfectly embodies that ideal, down to her simple white one-piece swimsuit, a quaint image indeed.
The charm lies in its quaintness. While Dekomori and Rikka inhabit their own unique world, Nibutani presents a different ideal, one more familiar to the typical viewer. It’s uncertain how realistic Nibutani’s portrayal of “normal” is, but it feels plausible. The introduction of Kumin, an outsider, adds a refreshing element, making the dynamic naturally appealing. It’s akin to juxtaposing a visually striking idol with an ’80s icon and then adding a character like Britney Spears-tani. The series doesn’t offer a definitive statement on these contrasting ideals, beyond Isshiki’s willingness to shave his head for any of them.
For viewers in North America, Episode 7 of Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!, titled “Reminiscences… of Paradise Lost,” is available on The Anime Network with a subscription. The translated episode title itself hints at a sense of Showa-era nostalgia, doesn’t it?
PS. A noteworthy technical aspect of Chuu2 Koi that I appreciate is the composer, Nijine. I previously encountered his work in Hatsukoi Limited, and the music in Chuu2 Koi possesses a similarly fitting, albeit peculiar, quality. While I particularly enjoyed the overly sentimental tone of Hatsukoi Limited’s soundtrack, I seem to be one of the few who took notice of its music outside of the opening and ending themes and the Marble connection. In this anime, I’m still forming an opinion. However, Nijine appears to be a highly capable composer, as evidenced by this rather impressive list, which I appreciate because I enjoy many of the songs featured.
PPS. The Seiyuu X-COM segment is temporarily on hiatus, partly due to the approaching holiday season and an existing backlog of current-season anime that I’m working through. It feels like a constant struggle to stay afloat, only to be overwhelmed again each Thursday. The loss of a week of broadband internet due to Sandy further exacerbated the situation. With Thanksgiving approaching, I hope to find the time to catch up. Alternatively, I might end up dropping even more shows.
