The Best Anime Openings of 2013

While narrowing down my favorite anime openings was easier than last year, it would be a lie to say it was not hard.

Now, with that said, time to get to the list!

The Best Anime Endings of 2013

It is that time of the year again. The time when we look back on the anime that has aired and think about what we have, or have not, watched. As usual, I will write a handful of posts listing anime of 2013.

First out, we have the best anime endings of 2013!

Makoto Shinkai – Short Films Reviews and Thoughts

Last week I wrote about my feelings regarding movies done by Makoto Shinkai. Considering how he is such an interesting creator, I afterwards decided to give his short films a try.

Here are my thoughts.

What do you think of Shinkai?

The Best Anime Endings of 2012

In the last post I told you about my favorite anime openings of 2012. Now, it is time for my favorite endings!

The Best Anime Openings of 2012

This post got way too many videos.

With the “12 Days of Christmas” posts finished, let us get started with the 2012 year-end lists! To kick it off, I will show you some of my favorite anime openings from this year!

12 Days of Christmas 2012 #05 – We Got Some Great Anime OSTs This Year

It is fairly unusual for me to notice the music in anime unless it really stands out. This is not a bad thing in itself, because not noticing it can be a sign of it blending in very well with the anime itself. Sometimes the music can also stand out so much it actually becomes distracting (which is my biggest concern with the Hunter x Hunter (2011) remake).

But every now and then we have anime with such gorgeous music that I directly look up the soundtrack. It is the kind of music that stands out without detracting from the experience. The music may not always be put to good use by the studio at times, sadly, but it still remains kickass in its own way.

This year had some great new anime OSTs I wish to share with you, one track at a time.

Aniblog Tourney 2012 – Round 1 – vs. Clan Rain (Now With 100% More Singing)

Anime Viking.

It is time for my first match in the Aniblog Tourney 2012, a tourney which I am sure you have heard about by now. If not, just check out this post!

When it comes to this tourney, a lot of people humbly proclaim that they do not have any chance of winning or that they are not interested in it at all. While I can understand this way of thinking, it does not mean I fully agree with it. Even if you believe you will not win, you should still do your best! Fight for it! Ganbatte! In other words, this means I will fight till the bitter end. Will I have fun while doing so? Dang fun if you ask me. I am sure everyone who participates in the tourney also enjoys it. Some might just not want to come off as too serious, as they believe they lose respect or something like that. Do not ask me, ask them!

12 Days of Christmas 2011 – #06 – azusa

Amagami SS may have been mediocre, but it had a great singer for its openings.  She was called azusa and soon became one of my favorite Japanese artists (not that I know about too many though).

The Purpose of Openings

Because I could not find any fitting picture.

If you are new to anime, one of the first things you will notice is the fancy openings with actual singers and not only a short piece of music together with the series logo (or a longer opening showcasing the characters and setting) like here in the West. But are these kinds of openings needed or should they be removed in favour of extra screen time? Warning! Includes many videos!