@Sasa: I’m actually finding the mix of summer shows easier since there’s more I’m able to ignore, and the minority that are actually worth watching are especially outstanding. I’ll make a point of tracking down the manga-ka’s other stuff though because that unusual approach to portraying character relations is one thing I like about this series. The length doesn’t give much room for any relationship development, but it’s feeling like a refreshing and welcome change from everything else I’m watching right now.

By the way, I think that my views on the anime and the character relations is heavily influenced by my perception on the manga. I have read some of the mangaka’s other works, and the interpersonal relationships in her manga are always unusual. None of her characters fit into any stereotypes and she seems to like stories that involve bonds of friendship between humans and supernatural beings. It was therefore completely obvious for me that Sasada would not be a typical iinchou. Actually I wish for Natsume to have some kind of deeper relationship than the one of ‘friends’, but I find it unlikely, especially with Sasada. We’ll see, I could be totally wrong after all

Now I kind of want to do an episode ranking when it’s over. I’m already looking forward to it
Sasas last blog post..Fall season preview - I need a strategy to restrain my anime viewing

hayases last blog post..Looking for the second wind

@Sasa: I might be reading too much into things with the Natsume/Sasada dynamic, but she’s certainly behaving in a more friendly and informal way towards him than the usual ‘anime class rep’ stereotype. There could be affection there, or it could just be the writers making her character out-of-the-ordinary. It’s a good thing either way I think. I’d like to read the manga actually, since it looks like the sort of thing that would be as good in print as on screen - maybe we’ll see a second season if it’s ongoing? I certainly hope so.

Of course, we’re watching the same shows because you have good taste! ^_^ Joking aside, those are the three titles of the season that are particularly outstanding. Nothing else caught my attention really.

@Absolutely_Steve: I can only say again how disappointing it is that we’ll only have thirteen episodes but there are only 24 hours in a day (and I really need to sleep for eight of them)! I’ll be sorry to see it finish so soon but I’m sure there’s plenty of other good quality stuff coming up!

@Maura: if you want a relaxing, refreshing change from the norm I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one. I’m sure you’ll appreciate the attention paid to the characters!

Have you ever taken a look at the manga? It has won some prizes and the first two chapters are being closely followed by the anime. I will hopefully find some time to read some more chapters, as it’s always interesting to see how these kinds of anime compare to their original (like Mushishi and Mokke).

But, I am happy that you seem to like this anime. Now, we are watching exactly the same three summer shows, Hidamari, Natsume and Xamd! *highfives*

I’ve been watching Natsume too and I loved that description in the last paragragh ‘The lead is neither a dull jock nor a smartass bishie.’ It’s been a while since I’ve seen a series that is casually charming: not a lot of action, slow paced and light hearted. Nyanko has had me in stitches, in one episode Natsume refers to their relationship as not as friends but more of a master and pet, here Natsume refers to himself as the pet! Natsume is both appreciated and mocked for his kindness, but its nice to see a selfless lead for a change.

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