Set near the end of the Taisho Era in old, modernizing Japan, Taisho Yakyuu Musume juxtaposes a pervasive attitude of the time—women have a set place in society as subservient housewives—with the social changes brought about by a group of young school girls. When Akiko’s fiancé claims that ladies have no need for an education, Akiko becomes determined to challenge him in baseball, both a predominantly male sport and something Akiko’s fiancé takes a lot of pride in. Taisho Yakyuu Musume follows Akiko’s friend, Koume, as Koume helps Akiko to assemble a female team, learn and practice baseball, and play against the boys. Though a sports anime on the surface, this anime embeds an incredibly empowering message into its simple plot. They are playing for more than just a game.
At its core, Taisho Yakyuu Musume is about growth. From personal growths of each girl, to the growth of a fledgling team, to the social growth of a society, [1] the series develops each aspect thoroughly. The characters are wonderfully complex and adorable. Not only does each member of the team have their own distinctive personality, but their relationships with other members are all given careful attention as well. For example, Koume is the glue that holds the team together. Akiko and Tomoe are rivaling star pitcher and batter, and often compete with each other (in more than one way). [2] Even the Tsukubae twins have their own fascinating dynamic.
Further, the girls all have their issues that they must work out for themselves and for the team. Kouchou finds a place to best use her running talents. Tomoe learns to control and embrace her batting style. And Kyouko overcomes her low self-esteem. These challenges makes watching the growth of the girls and the coming together of the team so fascinating and so rewarding. And it also makes them absolutely lovable.
Before the baseball girls learn the sport, they first have to overcome the sexist gender roles of the Taisho era. Without recognition or respect, for they are mere women—and, improper ladies at that—playing in a “men’s sport,” the girls have a hard time forming a team, acquiring practice partners, and getting their sanctioned match. However, with strong wills and sincere hearts, they are able to inspire a change in the attitude of many, including conservative parents, old-fashioned school official, and ignorant boys.
I love that Taisho Yakyuu Musume delivers its message very strongly and confidently. Akiko, the inspiration behind the women’s baseball team, is very outspoken about gender issues. Her pride, determination, and emotions really add a firm concrete layer to the feminist ideas in this anime. Further, Akiko and the baseball girls are part of a generational change in the rapidly modernizing Taisho Japan. It is really refreshing to watch the growth of feminism portrayed in such a genuine manner. Similarly, Taisho Yakyuu Musume is a nice change of pace for a medium that too often glorifies male chauvinism.
Though the message is powerful, it is not lost in the light atmosphere. I found the anime to be at once relaxing, fun, and incredibly intelligent. I especially enjoy the comedy. The street batter episode, in which Koume and Tomoe challenge random pitchers to “duels,” had me laughing so hard. Koume also has some of the best expressions ever. She makes me smile every time. Of course, these moment of levity do not distract the series from its main themes. The cuter scenes perfectly balance and accentuate the heavier, poignant parts. Their adorable personalities have really grown on me over the twelve episodes, so much so that I shed several tears during all those heartrending losses and warming successes. This truly is one of the best, feel-good anime I have seen in a long while.
__________________________________________________
- Note the presence of both kimono and sailor uniform. The blend of traditional and “modern” flavors is very charming. A society in transition always allows some of the prettiest mix of fashion.
- As this is my review, I am compelled to mention something about yuri. Yes, there is heavy heavy yuri subtext in this anime. It is a huge part of what makes this anime so fun. Akiko and Tomoe fighting over Koume is only some of the highlights. Well, I will just leave it at that. ♥
__________________________________________________
More anime and manga reviews
__________________________________________________
![Blue Friend [Yuri Manga]](https://i0.wp.com/lh3.ggpht.com/_c3hWUvy__P4/TODtxeH57fI/AAAAAAAABRM/Jrn29X5gz0U/Blue-Friend-yuri-manga-cover-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200)
Listless Ink 
I can’t find a copy of this anime anywhere… and it looks so good, too.
I don’t know much of post-WW2 history of Japan, and I really want to check this anime out because of that.
Also, even though I’m a guy, I embrace moderate feminism and shun chauvinism. It’s quite nice to see an anime with such themes.
About the yuri, THANK GOODNESS that there are heavy subtexts here. I’ve been suffering from withdrawal symptoms since I don’t get my daily dose of yuri anymore. Keen to check this one out. As soon as I find a copy of it, that is.
I think bakabt may have a torrent for all the episodes, but yea, I had a really hard time finding this too. Someone (@vuc_ from #sccsav) gave me a link, so that really helped me out a lot. I wish I still had the torrent.
Anyway, the post-WWI flavors are there (not quite WW2 yet. It’s set in 1925, around the same time as Gosick.) I’m not too good with the Taisho Era either, but from what I’ve read about this anime and the time, Taisho Yakyuu Musume depicts the era with pretty good authenticity.
“Also, even though I’m a guy, ”
Feminism gets such a bad rap these days, and most people don’t really understand what it’s really about. It’s not a guy vs. girl dichotomy, nor is it about female > male. Anyway, I digress. I think you’ll enjoy this anime and its gentle, genuine feminist ideas. ^ ^
I should note that the heavy subtext is mostly admiration that could or could not be interpreted as romantic feelings. Still, that’s kind of how most yuri are these days, so I consider Taisho Yakyuu Musume a yuri anime.
p.s. It really is super hard to get a daily dose of yuri… Yuri Hime and other yuri magazines come out so slowly. 😦
Bakabt doesn’t have it but tokyotosho does.
Thanks for recommendation, gonna go watch it now.
Ahh I see I see. Thank you!
Anyway, hope you enjoy it. ^ ^
I’m so glad that you finally got a chance to watch this glorious show Yi-senpai. Once again, you explained much more than I could but didn’t stray too far from my own opinion. I sense from the amount of times that you mentioned Akiko that she’s your fav not only personality-wise but also in terms of growth. Good stuff.
Yes, Koume’s the cutest, so irresistibly cute.
Hehe yep yep. It sure took me a while to finally get on this, but this has always been on my mind. I put this on my list a long time ago after seeing several bloggers talk about how wonderful it is (2DT, Baka-Raptor… etc.) Then of course, there’s your review. And most recently, some friends over on Twitter reminded me of it again, and I decided to just watch it. I’m really glad I did though, because it’s lovely!
I think it’s fair to say that Akiko is probably my favorite. I’ve always really liked the oujo-same / hime type characters. Plus, her personality is just so charming. But I think I probably mention her the most because she is pivotal to the story. Her motivations are what drives the entire plot and Taisho Yakyuu Musume’s message. So yea, she deserves the spotlight, perhaps more than Koume does.
Also, agreed. Koume is adorable!
True enough on Akiko. After all, it’s her drive and desire to prove her “fiancee” wrong that puts the plot in motion and forms the incredible super team of Taishou Baseball Girls.
Good stuff. Also a special shout out to yuri nation representative Kyouko for doing an excellent job being semi-comedy relief and a wonderful character to watch, that’s not saying since the ENTIRE TEAM was a blast to see in action and becoming stronger and stronger. Good stuff indeed.
Kyouko is super funny indeed. The whole cast is, and that’s one of the things I really love about this anime. It is able to hit that soft spot in my heart with every single character on that team (or helping out that team, including Anna-sensei and the newspaper club girl). You want to see them succeed, not just to prove the guy wrong, but also because they’re so lovable. And when they do, it’s such feel-good juice. ^ ^
I was surprised myself, how well this show hit its stride comedically. The “bravery test” scene was hilarious!
Yes, however it raises the question of who’s actually watching. 😉 I wrote a post about TYM regarding a similar theme when the show was airing, though, so I do agree in principle.
The humor really took me by surprise too. I was not expecting to have such good laughs. I am very impressed by how well the comedy is integrated into such a substantial story. Lovely!
Anyway, just dug up and read your post. It’s kind of sad though that most people are unaware of this little gem… (including me… I’ve always had this on my radar, but took me so long to actually get to it).
But I guess the fact that stuff like Fate/Stay Night (whose lead protagonist is the most chauvinistic jerk I have ever seen) is much more popular may say something about anime’s major target audience…
Hmm… Simple premise, good. Complex characters, ooh, even better. Wait, there’s yuri in it?! Alright, I’m watching this ASAP.
Dang, how did this anime slip past my radar? Oh well. Thanks, Yi.
It’s kind of really unfortunate how this anime slipped under so many people’s radars. It really is super fun, wonderful, and feel-good.
Anyway, hope you love it too!
“Unfortunate” is right. I’ve still only watched the first two episodes and I’m already loving it. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the series.
Glad you’re enjoying it so much! It only gets better. ^ ^
I personally enjoyed the series, though not without some caveats (only limited to the actual baseball games which are probably outside of the discussion here). I definitely see where you are coming from with the feminist theme as I agree with most of your points. I also like the transitional mix of styles, I sort of wish there were more series set in the Taisho period, or immediate post-war.
I don’t know much about baseball, so I guess that helps alleviate whatever flaws the portrayal of the game had for me. But I did feel a bit skeptical about how the fledgling team could come so close to beating a team relevant in national competitions. I don’t mind though. I love these girls.
Anyway, Gosick is actually set around the same time, but it is in the West. Interestingly, Kujo from Gosick holds some of the values Akiko’s fiance had.
Thanks for visiting!
I can always enjoy watching an anime where a team of underdogs can attain success through focus and a lot of hard work. This is even moreso in the case of Taisho, where not only must the girls work hard to beat the boys, but to also throw off the weight of societal perceptions of women. So needless to say, I was cheering on Koume and company throughout and enjoyed this show very much.
It really is amazing how such a simple story actually has so much significance. A practice match is not just a practice match. Winning and losing is not so important as being able to play on equal terms. I was totally cheering for Koume and her team throughout too! Their every set back, every success are all so emotional.
Sounds interesting might watch it, thou hard to find time, and look like a lot of yuri subtext in it. As well promising story. Btw try listening to that, its done by my friend, http://www.purevolume.com/luka63811/albums/tezszzxzt .
Yep yep. Plenty of yuri, and very very very great story.
Also, you’re friend is incredible. Lovely voice, and very talented musician. ^ ^
Give her my regards~
I have the DVD somewhere. I plan on watching this (like many other anime I have bought, Shakugan no Shana as one of them) but just couldn’t get around to it. The story seems good but unlike most of you in here, the yuri is kinda a turn off for me.
It’s pretty tame, really. Like, tamer than Railgun. The sort of “ambiguity” used to support the yuri sort of gets dismantled too by the end.
Yea, the yuri isn’t really anything too overt. It can be interpreted more as admiration with heavy blushing and sparkling eyes instead of romantic feelings. Definitely tamer than Railgun. I’d put it more on the level of Saki… Maybe a little tamer than Saki as well. I would highly recommend giving it a shot. The story may be simple, but what it offers is quite deep.
p.s. Seems like my blog attracts more yuri fans than non-yuri fans… Wonder why that is.
Sounds like one I’ll check out. I’ve been disturbed lately by the number of ( shall I say male oriented?) anime hitting the US lately. This one sounds like some fresh air.
I wouldn’t say this is necessarily targeted toward females, but it’s definitely a very refreshing break from the usual stuff that simply flaunt sexy women.
I’d like to watch this at some point too….so much to watch…so little time
I know right? I feel the same way every time I read your post on a manga I don’t know.
Took you this long to watch it? I thought I’d convinced you over a year ago. I can see how much my recommendations are appreciated around here.
Ok I missed this post. I have to watch this series too, my backlog suffer. :E
@Baka-Raptor: I have a huge backlog, so by the time I put this on my list, it was already slated for years later. Be proud that your recommendation helped to push its priority higher.
On a serious note, I think a huge reason I never got around to watch this despite having it on my must-watch list for a long time is simply because I couldn’t find downloads. Then it gradually sort of fell out of memory and interest waned. Luckily, someone re-convinced me and sent me a torrent recently, so yea.
Also, I think your post may actually really be the one that first put it on the planned-to-watch list, so thanks. ^ ^
LOL – one thing I have learned the hard way is NEVER – EVER tell a girl/woman they can’t do something because they are a girl/woman.
You just might end up getting your arse handed to you in spades 🙂
Omg you’re so right on that one. I tried it on my cousin once, never looked at her the same way again…
Women are scary. They scare me more than macho men wielding machetes…
Oh and Yi-san nice review as always. Yet another anime on my to watch list. I have too many already! How am I ever gonna finish watching all of them?! 😦
@bluedrakon: Yea, I think it’s very annoy to hear that, so don’t do it! ^ ^
@Sakurai_Hideru: Glad you enjoyed the review.
“How am I ever gonna finish watching all of them?!”
Haha, you can’t! Such is the nature of anime backlogs. Frankly, I’ve given up on ever completing all the series I plan to watch.
Aww, don’t give up so easily! Let’s take it one anime at a time. It will finish eventually, it just needs time. Be it a year or two, or maybe even ten. Perseverance is key.
X)
I’m not so optimistic. My backlog grows every year. Taking it one anime at a time is clearly too slow (for every anime completed, I add two more to my backlog…). If only there was a way to watch multiple anime simultaneously.
It’s great to see how much you enjoyed this series. I liked what you had to say about growth and how well the series developed each girl’s personality through their relationships with their other team members.
Another nice example of growth in this series came from watching the girls play the elementary school boys’ team. The fact that it not only shows how much they’ve grown in baseball skills, but how their relationships are forged both with each other and with the boys are fantastic. I loved how their relationship with the elementary boys’ team also forced the girls to reevaluate at their own preconceived notions of others, becoming better baseball players and people because of it. Also, when the boys’ team showed up to cheer the girls on in their final game it was adorable.
Yea, thanks for the suggestion over Skype! ^ ^ I had sooo much fun with this series.
That’s a great point about their growth through playing with the grade school kids. Akiko and Koume’s developing relationship (both as friends, as teammates/pitcher/catcher, and as a “couple”) is especially noteworthy. Those kids definitely helped the girls to become their best.
“Also, when the boys’ team showed up to cheer the girls on in their final game it was adorable.”
Yep yep. It’s adorable! I’d like to imagine too that when those boys grow up, their memories of playing against the baseball girls will shape their views on women’s roles in society. It’s a generation change that these girls have inspired.
Sounds refreshing
It is!
“these moment of levity do not distract the series from its main themes. The cuter scenes perfectly balance and accentuate the heavier, poignant parts”
Totally agree. TYM does a great job of showing its characters grow & develop in a changing era without getting heavy-handed & preachy. It sets & sticks to a lovely tone in addition to it’s thoughtful approach on an important subject that’s underrappreciated in anime.
Lovely review of a beautiful series, Yi!
Yep yep. That’s what I love most about it. The feminism is gently delivered and is not overbearing at all. Instead it shines through the simplicity of the story and the lovely characters. It’s relaxing yet intelligent.
Anyway, thanks for the comment. ^ ^
So this was the anime that got you excited. You mentioned them a few times over twitter. At first, I thought you were talking about Moshidora. Later on, it was clear that you weren’t.
Taisho Yakyuu Musume seems like an inspirational anime, definitely worth watching. Let me find it first though.
Yep. This is the anime I praised on Twitter quite a few times. I haven’t seen Moshidora yet, but from I can gather about the Moshidora, the two seem quite different.
Anyway, I thought Taisho Yakyuu Musume was very very inspirational! Loved it.
(p.s. KJacket above mentions that you can find it on tokyotosho. It’s too bad this series never quite got the popularity it deserves.)
Hmmm, this seems to have passed me by unnoticed, which sounds a real shame. I can’t say baseball is really my thing but the characterisation sounds right up my street so I’ll have to add it to the ever increasing backlog. Hopefully I’ll be able to watch it around 2017… sigh. 😦
It’s really unfortunate that so many people seemed to have passed by this little gem. The message in this series is so powerful. The direction the anime goes in is a far cry from the type of male chauvinistic series that are everywhere (e.g. Fate/Stay Night, Index… etc.) Too many anime has a male lead (often relatively weak) who holds this notion that girls need to be protected, because girls are girls, as if it that’s a noble thing. Frankly, I find that very condescending and just annoying to watch. (Sorry for the rant…)
Anyway, Taisho Yakyuu Musume is a very nice break from that.
Of course, 2DT above posed the question: despite TYM being a much needed change in this medium, who’s watching? Indeed, I’ve had this on my backlog for a long time too, and only decided to pick it up on a whim. I guess it’s just not flashy enough for preview impressions..
Another note. I hate baseball! I find it sooooo effing boring. But for some reason, TYM works despite that. So I wouldn’t worry about the baseball themes being a put-off.
I hope you enjoy this series come 2017. ^ ^
Ha ha, you don’t have apologise to me for having a rant, just wait until the second season of HSotD gets announced; besides, having watched about two thirds through Index s2, I can safely say the best part of that show was the ending credits! 🙂
I’ve actually just finished Taisho Yakyuu Musume (the 2017 estimate was significantly shortened once I decided to temporarily skip all 110 eps of Legend of the Heroes) and really enjoyed it. I wouldn’t call it essential or groundbreaking, but the pace, characters, humour and message was spot on and I had a blast watching. Also, definitely see where you’re coming regarding having no interest in baseball. Just like Giant Killing a few seasons back, I was caught up in the momentum, despite having little interest in the actual sport.
It really is a shame this series had little exposure. I suspect some of this is down to it actually being a genuine female orientated show, which didn’t rely on fan service or other tropes to attract a largely male otaku crowd. Even the brief hot springs scene couldn’t be considered service in the slightest, unlike, say K-on, which despite seemingly being geared towards the teen girl crowd still managed to attract many male fans. Ah, who knows…
Yea, both of those are very mediocre series. Granted, they are entertaining (well, at least I found HSotD to be), but there are some serious flaws. On the feminist issue, I found Index to be even more egregious at times than HSotD in that HSotD doesn’t try to hide what kind of anime it is. It’s a fanservice anime that exploits the female form and appeals to a primarily male audience’s masculinity with an air of silliness, almost like a parody. On the other hand, Touma’s male chauvinistic attitude is glorified as simply heroic. I could go on and on about Touma and Index, but I’ll leave it at this.
I should note though–for those Index/ Touma lovers–that Index is not completely terrible anime. There are good parts. Same for HSotD.
I am so so glad you liked it! I haven’t seen Giant Killing myself, but from I have heard the same about its sports premise. I agree. It may not seem that revolutionary given how far we have come, but I do think within the medium, it is pretty groundbreaking. There probably have been plenty of anime that addresses feminism, but to do it so well, so directly, so authentic and rooted, yet not overbearing, TYM is the only one I know.
“I suspect some of this is down to it actually being a genuine female orientated show, which didn’t rely on fan service or other tropes to attract a largely male otaku crowd.”
I think you’ve nailed it. I know some people who wouldn’t be the least interested in this at all. In fact, there are even a few I think would find the message repulsive, but who cares about them? (I probably shouldn’t go into another rant about some in the blogosphere…)
Anyway, yea. Happy you enjoyed this!
(p.s. Thanks for the Simoun suggestion. I’m starting to watch it, and I can’t believe why I’ve put this off for so long. Kind of just like TYM…)
I loved that show…
And I just had a copy of that last year…
So heartwarming that I decided to put it in my top 30 anime(under construction.)
and decided to blatantly kill all my time posting that up…
Me too. Soooo heartwarming and so much feel-good juice~
I definitely have it in my top 30, maybe probably even top 20.
(p.s. I never knew you had a blog! Lovely. ^ ^)
I kinda decided to continue doing it…
but maybe If I am given a window of opportunity.
I’ll make a top 30 list.
Ahh I see I see. Well, I’ll be keeping an eye on your blog. ^ ^
Firstly, Akiko was a great central character, and though she was adorable as all get out, her headstrong attitude towards the repressive nature in the contextual society was beautiful. She was truly one of my favorite characters of 2009 through her perseverance and not simply that heavens great hair. ^ ^
Second, well I don’t know, I enjoyed this post. TYM has a great charm in being able to possess both warmth and conviction, and I find it unique in that sense. Glad to know you enjoyed it.
She was by far my favorite character as well. In addition to the shallower charms (oujo-sama, cute, nice hair…etc.), her confidence, strength, moments of weakness, and everything inspire me to not only love her and root for the team, but also care about the issues they are playing for. She’s just so lovely.
“TYM has a great charm in being able to possess both warmth and conviction, and I find it unique in that sense.”
Exactly! It’s kind of rare a gem like this comes along. I’m really glad I got a chance to watch it.
p.s. Thank you. Your comment made my day~
I thought it was just another baseball anime, I didn’t expect there to be much about feminism. After reading through part of your article and seeing the pictures, I thought to myself “there certainly are a lot of girls, and this is Yi we’re talking about here so I bet there’s some yuri,” then I read your second footnote 🙂
Yea, this definitely wasn’t just another baseball anime. In fact, I actually enjoyed this for how much I hate baseball. Baseball is merely a plot device to deliver its message.
The feminism in Taisho Yakyuu Musume, while strong, is not at all overbearing. I thought it was portrayed in a very gentle, but firm manner.
“After reading through part of your article and seeing the pictures, I thought to myself “there certainly are a lot of girls, and this is Yi we’re talking about here so I bet there’s some yuri,” then I read your second footnote “
Loll! You know me too well. ^ ^
very interesting review!! now I would like to check this series out ^^
I highly recommend it!
I haven’t seen this yet, but it sounds very interesting. I’ll check this out. Also, based from your snapshots, it’s also cool to see how they’re showing westernization in that period.
It’s definitely very interesting. And yes, the anime takes place right at the transition stage of a westernizing Japan (1925/ late Taisho era.)
Hmmm. I should check this out. I’m actually more interested in the historical and societal theme rather than the subtle underlying yuri…
Same here. For me, the feminism and a transitional Japan are the main draws. (p.s. My review focuses a lot more on the social themes, and the yuri is merely a footnote–albeit a fun note.)
Dear J.C. Staff, this is why I love you. More anime like this please, and less of those crappy series you’ve been making recently.
Agreed! There needs to be more anime like these for sure. And they need to get the attention they deserve!
This is indeed a wonderful anime. But I feel somebody should point out that it has been licensed, and legit DVDs are available on amazon — search “Taisho Baseball Girls.” I recognize that times are hard, but you can get the complete collection for just under thirty dollars. I’ve downloaded my share of fansubs in my time, but there’s no reason to do that when it’s available legitimately, and so cheaply! It’s a steal. I’ve found it’s one of those I can watch repeatedly with no less enjoyment.
That’s definitely a fair point. Thanks for bringing it up!
As a really minor side note, personally, my biggest concern regarding this specific anime, Taisho Baseball Girls, is that most people don’t even know it exists, and even fewer realize just what a subtle masterpiece it is. I write reviews primarily to give readers exposure to series (or warn against the bad ones.) So I’m just happy people can enjoy it.
Still, thank you so so much for pointing it out. ^ ^ And thanks for visiting!
Definitely an underrated gem that really plays with the conventions of the era. I certainly wish that in some ways Taisho Yakyuu Musume was more willing to tackle the historical and social context of the era more aggressively, but at the end of the day I really have to credit the series for having a lot of heart and authenticity.
Definitely a very very underrated gem.
“Taisho Yakyuu Musume was more willing to tackle the historical and social context of the era more aggressively”
I’m comfortable with how Taisho Yakyuu Musume approached the issue. I thought it was firm, open, but not overly aggressive. But definitely agreed that the series has a huge heart. ^ ^ ❤
http://y2u.be/hcZFgzhf6wM – best part. Rather, it’s the only part I’ve seen so far. Definitely a good choice to open a pilot episode. I need to watch the entirety of the show soon. :3
Agreed! This video had me sold on watching this series. It’s just so cute!
On a related note, it’s incredible how this short clip sets the tone and theme for the rest of the series. We see Koume’s enthusiasm for a modernizing, westernizing Japan, not just in the fashion (school uniform and such), but also in societal changes (city departments, trains…etc.). This is essentially what the show is about: changing traditional values for the better–especially on gender roles. The cuteness of the video also parallels how its message is so humorously and gently delivered. Truly one of the best short musical pieces in anime. Loved it!
I’ve just finished this anime today, I picked it after I eavesdropped a conversation of Ashlotte and you ;p.
The anime was a good combination of comedy, drama and baseball, I liked how it kept the balance between those things. The comedy was hilarious as to be expected from a J.C. Staff anime. I also liked the message of the show. Another charm point of this show was the historical setting, as you’ve said the fashion combinations looked great. The characters in this anime were also great, somehow I liked Tomoe the most, haven’t really figured out the reason so far, but I like her a lot for being who she is ;D
It was another great anime from J.C. Staff. next I will watch the specials of Taisho Yakyuu Musume.
I love watching baseball even though I don’t fully understand the rules, but its such a cool teamsport.
Another very nice baseball anime is Ookiku Furikabutte, it has a good emotional impact, character depth and is a bit more baseball related. But there only the coach and the manager are female :p
I thought the balance of all the themes and the pacing are both near perfect, and I was surprised how funny this anime turned out to be. Definitely not something I expected based on screenshots and previews. And even though I’m not much of a baseball fan, the anime manages to get me interested in the game mechanics of baseball.
And yes, the historical setting–from my limited knowledge of Japan and based on what others have written–seems to be spot on. More importantly, the changing attitudes of Japan during that era is extremely authentic. I think both speak to how well done the anime is.
I really like Tomoe too. I think my favorites are probably the threesome: Akiko, Tomoe, and Koume. They’re even more adorable when Akiko and Tomoe vie for Koume’s attention.
Anyway, I totally need to watch the specials too. If only I could find them. And maybe–though unlikely–Ookiku Furikabutte, if I could find the time for it.
Thanks for the comment. ^ ^
i love reading blogs that are really good and interesting……this blog is really good
Aww thanks. ^ ^ Glad you enjoyed your stay, and please do visit again!
If you like lightweight, romantic, yuri, try Sasameki Koto over on Crunchyroll.
Nice suggestion! I actually follow the manga. It drags on a little too much for my liking, but nonetheless, it’s a lot of fun! I’ll check out the anime sometime as well. Thanks. ^ ^
The anime only runs through chapter 12 or so (where she’s stuck in the mountains at the bon festival). It’s pretty much scene for scene faithful to the manga, but I think does it much better. I liked the music enough to order the import CD,
PS: I’d meant to leave the original comment on the Girl Friends thread, but wandered back here because I like Taisho and wanted to see how that compared with a review I did some time ago, then forgot to wander back. Your reviews are more substantive than mine.
I’ll be sure to give Sasameki Koto a look. And don’t worry about the wandering. It makes me happy! ^ ^
In order to encourage that, here’s a link to my review of it. I think once you watch it you’ll like the manga a lot more.
The place I buy overseas DVDs is http://www.animecollector.com/ They said they are out of stock, but you might check in with them now and then.
Thanks for the links, FoundOnWeb!
BTW, the sad part about Taisho, is that these girls, 14 and 15 years of age in the mid 1920′s, will be in their 30′s at the start of WWII, and will likely be caught in the firebombing of Tokyo.
True… But I try to forget about all that. 😦 I hate to think of anything unfortunate happening to these girls, but… sigh..
Tisk tisk! What actually happens or rather happened is as their men went off to war, the girls all found each other again and the various pairs rekindled their pure maiden yuri love and all fled to a large temple far away in the mountain forest where they spent the rest of their lives quietly… and dressed in miko outfits.
This is the much much better interpretation. ^ ^
I like “dressed in miko outfits” part :3
you have my deepest respect, sir!
AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!! THE HORRROR!!!
…and where they write poetry in the Hyakunin Isshu style, while waiting for season two of Chihayafuru.
The the southwest sky is red as falling leaves
and like our passion,
more permanent than bombs
You and Smithy~ ♥
Pingback: More Vanity Posts: Aniblog Tourney | Listless Ink