Minami-ke Review

Let’s take a break from all seriousness and have some Minami-ke!

I’ve overindulged myself in shows that are just too serious, bloody and depressing. To counter it all off, I’ve decided to watch a number of series including Minami-ke, which are known for their simple but ingenious hilarity in slice-of-life instances.

Basically, there really isn’t any main plot for the story as everything just revolves around the everyday lives of the Minami sisters. The Minami household comprises of the ideal Haruka (eldest) in her high school years, who takes responsibility in looking out for her sisters – spontaneous Kana (middle) in junior high school, who is yet to aggressively discover the fun things in life – and witty Chiaki (youngest) in elementary, who looks up to Haruka and insists that Kana is an idiot.

You will come to know these girls as they spend their school days, vacation trips, festival gatherings, Christmas as well as New Year. In other words: “Watch my experience points as they go up!” – lyrics in the first OP.

14 Things You’ll Almost Always See in Anime – Part 2

Here’s part 2! You can read part 1 here.

8. Repetitive name yelling

Ever see characters spending quite some time and effort emotionally yelling their names to each other? The more they say their names, the more intense the scene becomes. The photo above comes from a parody in Minami-ke where the heroines watch a TV drama centering on the forbidden love of Ninomiya-kun and her Sensei. Their script would be nothing more than Ninomiya-kun saying ‘Sensei!’ and the Sensei shouting ‘Ninomiya-kun!’ all the time until they embrace. It’s hilarious!

14 Things You’ll Almost Always See in Anime – Part 1

Upon watching series after series, I’ve noticed recurring patterns in anime that would almost make them rather stereotypical. They’re fun, and it certainly makes watching a new batch of series with a sense of familiarity. On the downside of course, one would know what to expect next. It’s just a matter of how they’d play out the scenes. I bet you’ve noticed these X-factors of Japanese cartoons already. Here’s my list!

1. Japanese Etiquette

This is a given. Since anime is from Japan, proper etiquette and social behaviors are prominent within the characters. Such as bowing, saying “itadakimasu” (I humbly receive) before meals, “okawari” (More, please) and Gochisosama-deshita (Thank you for the food) after. A dramatic scene would include the heroine say “Okaeri” (Welcome home) to the hero after a life-deciding battle, and the hero would respond a heart-warming “Tadaima” (I’m home).