Eccentric Family Archives | 100 Word Anime

Tuesday’s Top 5: Anime Vacation Spots

Posted on August 28, 2018August 28, 2018 by Karandi

You know sometimes when you are watching an anime and you realise how much you would love to travel more and see more places and experience more things? I get that feeling a lot though regularly it isn’t for places that actually exist and most of the time I think if I ever actually went there I would probably die. However, I’ve decided to put together my top 5 vacation spots picked from watching various anime. Here I go on my fantasy tour of 5 places from anime I’d love to visit.

Please note, there will be spoilers below.

Honourable mentions: Anywhere in Japan from almost any anime.

Number 5: Piffle World (Tsubasa Chronicles)

I know, it is a really silly name, but I loved this world when I was watching Tsubasa. While so many of the worlds they visited were pseudo medieval either westernised or Japanese, Piffle World was a futuristic city world with flying cars and it just looked like a lot of fun. It wasn’t so far removed from our own technological level that it was incomprehensible, but it felt a few generations ahead of us. What I really appreciated was that despite the sheer amount of industrialisation and traffic, somehow the air and sky were beautifully clear. It might be a fantasy but balancing technology without polluting the skies has a lot of appeal. Okay, Sakura may have helped sell this world a bit as she looked truly adorable.

Number 4: Aincrad (Sword Art Online)

Needless to say this is after Kirito defeated the game and released all the players and the game was rebuilt without the whole death trap aspect. Let’s be real, Aincrad is a beautiful world. Each level has its own look and feel so you can take your pick of scenery, there’s plenty of variety in the creatures to fight, and it is a fair world in that the rules are what they are (unless you have the power of love in which case go crazy). I would definitely love to visit this world (just got to keep checking that the log out button exists).

Number 3: Future Japan (The Irregular at Magic High School)

When looking at future versions of the world there are a lot of dystopian, after civilisation have ended type stories, and realistically Irregular fits right in with those, but I just love the way they’ve blended magic and technology in their vision of the future. It is like the best combination of sci-fi and fantasy to produce something that feels wholly unique and yet fits with what we know from those genres. As to the world itself, I’m not entirely sure it is safe, but just the thought of being able to try out some magic with technological aide is enough to make me at least want to visit.

Number 2: Kyoto (The Eccentric Family)

Oh look, it is an actual real location coming it at number 2. And The Eccentric Family isn’t the only anime that has sold me on Kyoto. My first trip to Japan I got to Osaka but didn’t have time for Kyoto and I really regret that and my second trip I went north from Tokyo so didn’t get near Kyoto then either. If you’ve never seen the Eccentric Family, it is a wonderful blending of folklore with modernity in a way that just made me really intrigued to see the place it was set and while I imagine it won’t look all that much like the anime, I’m hoping that the anime has captured some of the feel of the real location.

Number 1: The Moon Kingdom (Sailor Moon)

Much like Aincrad, I am putting the explanation in here that I want to visit the Moon Kingdom prior to it being destroyed. It looks gorgeous. Admittedly I’m not so sure about the whole lack of atmosphere, change in gravity thing, but you know the anime didn’t worry about small details like that so I’m not sure I should be all that concerned either. Parties, gardens, fountains, great food, fireworks; these all feature heavily in flash backs of the Moon Kingdom prior to its destruction and it looks like a great time.

I’d love to know where you would like to take a vacation and which anime you saw it in so leave me a comment below.

Thanks for reading.

Karandi James

Consider supporting the blog by:

Another Harem? For Me?

Posted on August 21, 2018August 19, 2018 by Karandi

Ya Boy Jack over on the Aniwriter nominated me for this quite awhile ago and I’ve been meaning to respond but just never quite got there. In case you wanted to see my original harem, check out the post here.

Like last time I’m slightly modifying the tag. Instead of different types, I’ve decided this time to go with an all yokai harem just because.

The Rules:

1. Link back to the original post on Anime Q and A so they can check out everyone’s picks!

2. Use the ‘Build A Harem’ logo somewhere in the post.

3. Make sure to mention the person who nominated you too!

4. Pick 5 Anime Characters (any show & any gender) that would be in your ideal harem if you were the main character of a harem anime, explain a little bit as to why they are your picks (if you want).

5. Make sure each character you pick falls into some of the following harem character types: Childhood friend, tom boy/girl, genki girl/boy, loli/shota, trap, tsundere, yandere, kuudere, dandere, etc. (If there’s a character you’ve picked that doesn’t specifically fall into one of these types or falls into multiple types that’s fine too!)

6. Nominate 5 people to participate in this tag!

Who is in Karandi’s harem?

01. Nidaime (The Eccentric Family 2)

You have to admit, for a tengu, he has style. Also arrogance and a tendency to look down on others. As well as a slightly explosive temper when pushed too far. Still, Nidaime was a large part of the reason I really loved season 2 of The Eccentric Family as his was a character I just had so much fum watching. Now, as to him being in my harem I’m pretty sure I know what he would say to such a suggestion.

02. Byakuya (Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi)

I know Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi isn’t finished and it is also decidedly average as an anime, but I really like Byakuya as a character. The one who keeps the accounts in order he comes across as harsh, but it is hard not to love a guy who feeds the adorable fox spirits. Not to mention, he’s far more level headed and focused than a lot of the cast so he brings an element of sense to things even if his words are harsh. Wish he was on screen more often. I’m thinking Byakuya can keep the rest of the harem in check for me.

03. Kubinashi (Nurarihyon no Mago)

For a yokai who usually seems pretty laid back and aloof, Kubinashi has a pretty dark past and is prone to rage and losing himself. That said, when he flips the switch he becomes pretty unstoppable. However even his normal self remains relatively detached. Though he is part of the Nura clan and one of several yokai who regular guard Rikuo, Kubinashi only really has ties with a handful of the clan members and barely tolerates the others. As such, I see Kubinashi being the guy in the harem who just drops by every now and then when I was alone and otherwise wouldn’t be seen. The few times he interacts with the other members of the harem would usually be tense, and I’m betting no one else likes him at all.

04. Soushi Miketsukami (Inu X Boku SS)

Every harem needs a stalker like character in it. Miketsukami is the mostly harmless kind (mostly) who will simply collect a million pictures of you as well as save and preserve any text or note you send his way. Also, his child form is totally adorable. That said, his over protective nature would probably drive me crazy fairly soon, but he makes a great cup of tea and given he’s incredibly socially awkward I think we’d get along. Then again, I can also see him getting into some conflict with anyone else who was a part of the harem.

05. Tomoe (Kamisama Kiss)

Okay, I might have a thing for foxes (or at least good looking guys with ears), but Tomoe was someone I kind of developed a crush on from the minute I met him. Hot tempered, he hates humans, and he’s stubborn, but he does his work with care and pride and he’s really powerful. That and, those he does consider worth his time he’s incredibly considerate of. Besides, I always felt bad for Tomoe being abandoned at the shrine for so long by himself, so it kind of makes sense he doesn’t exactly welcome Nanami with open arms. I do think throwing Tomoe into my harem though is going to be a fairly explosive addition and I’m just waiting to see what happens when Tomoe and Miketsukami go toe to toe with who can be more stubborn about anything.

Nominations:

I am pretty sure everyone has done this tag already but here we go:

And anyone else who hasn’t been tagged who would like to have a go.

Thanks for reading.

Karandi James

Consider supporting the blog by:

Tuesday’s Top 5: Male Characters in 2017

Posted on January 30, 2018January 30, 2018 by Karandi

Following on from last week where I looked at my top 5 choices for best female characters in 2017, I now have my list of males. This list is always so much harder to write because there are more lead male characters and for some reasons more personality types for male characters which means the pool I’m selecting from is a lot larger making it harder to narrow down. Ultimately, same with the female characters, my choices come down to my opinion of characters I connected with, found fun and entertaining, and just really enjoyed spending time with. That said, I’d love to know your favourite male characters from 2017 so please feel free to share in the comments below.

Please Note – Some spoilers below.

Honourable mentions this week go to: Sakurai from Recovery of an MMO Junkie and Aram from Chain Chronicle.

Number 5: Yasaburo from The Eccentric Family Season 2

He’s mischievous, sticks his nose into everything, but cares deeply about his family, Yasaburo continued to charm as the narrator of The Eccentric Family. A tanuki who enjoys transforming and tricking others, as well as generally stirring up trouble, it is always hard to know how much of what Yasaburo does is planned and how much is impulsive, but it is clear that life will never be dull when Yasaburo is around.

Number 4: Todoroki from My Hero Academia

I’ll admit, Todoroki didn’t leave much of an impression during season 1. I knew he’d made it into the school on a recommendation but that was about it and I hadn’t paid a lot of attention. Season 2 made me pay attention to this character. He’s not as flashy as Bakugou and he certainly has emotional hang-ups and tragic back story character traits that would normally make him the protagonist in such a setting (unfortunately Midoriya has that position all locked up) but Todoroki is a fascinating support character in a show with a large cast of big personalities all looking for their moment to shine. Really looking forward to what Todoroki does next and really loving that just wanting to move forward hasn’t instantly allowed Todoroki to get over all of his baggage.

Number 3: Natsume from Natsume Yuujinchou Roku

Okay, this almost hurt seeing Natsume at only number 3 but I just couldn’t move him any higher on the list, which speaks volumes of the characters above him, but poor Natsume. Part of the reason Natsume isn’t number 1 is because a lot of the episodes in season 6 focused on the support cast of Natsume Yuujinchou. Which was lovely to see, but it meant Natsume himself didn’t get as much development and growth as previous seasons. While seeing where he is now was a joy, when I compare how Natsume was presented this season with the other characters on the list, I just couldn’t move him any higher. Anyway, still one of my favourite characters ever, Natsume is fantastic.

Number 2: Jean from ACCA

I know Jean didn’t exactly wow everyone with his very calm and unconcerned manner, but for me his subtle display of emotions and his carefully portrayed nonchalance in the face of political plots and conspiracies was wonderfully done. I really enjoyed slowly getting to know this enigmatic character and I really liked how he took control of the story toward the end where throughout the series it seemed like he was adrift and being pushed along by the whims of others. I could definitely stand to see a return of Jean though it seems very unlikely.

Number 1: Rei from March Comes in Like a Lion

Season 1 ending, season 2 beginning, doesn’t matter, they both aired in 2017 and either way, Rei is an awesome character. I have absolutely loved following Rei’s journey as he confronts his mental health issues and social anxiety and starts finding his way into the world (realising that interacting with others brings yet more issues and troubles into your life that then have to be confronted). Rei is one of those characters I can relate to, that I want to help, that makes me cry, that makes me cheer, that just draws me in makes me hang on their every word and wonder why they did what they did and want to watch a show again and again to see if I can understand the character better. My best descriptor for Rei: Unforgettable.

My favourite male character list is complete but who was on yours after 2017?

Are you a fan of 100WordAnime.blog?

If you like this site and you like what I do, please consider becoming a patron.

Thanks,

Karandi James.

Tuesday’s Top 5: Yokai Anime

Posted on October 24, 2017January 19, 2019 by Karandi

Having spent the last two weeks looking at favourite yokai characters I am now looking at my top 5 favourite anime that contain yokai. There probably won’t be any surprises on this list given where my favourite yokai characters came from, but here we go anyway. I have avoided any anime that is more focused on demons, ghosts, or other supernatural creatures. This list is for Japanese yokai focused shows. And despite the fact that I took on this yokai focus as we lead into Halloween, I have to be honest that none of the shows below are even vaguely scary. I’ll have to have a ghost or demon focus next year if we actually want some chilling shows on the list. But as always, please feel free to share what you would have included on your list. I’d love to find a new yokai themed show to fall in love with.

Please Note – There may be some spoilers below.

Honourable mentions to The Morose Mononokean and Inu x Boku SS.

Number 5: Kamisama Kiss

This story of a normal girl turned land god who now needs to learn about the various supernatural creatures and her own powers is adorable and there are so many great characters in it. While it isn’t exactly going out of its way to be accurate in the way it represents yokai, there’s still a wide range of yokai characters and powers here, and the show is just so much fun.

Number 4: Nurarihyon

Following the quarter yokai Rikuo as he learns to accept his yokai blood and takes over the Nura clan from his grandfather, this show is a whole lot of fun. Plus, if you just want to see a huge range of yokai, this anime has you covered. It even, where appropriate, gives you a little bit of history about the stories surrounding the yokai. Plus, if you like supernatural battles, this one has you covered.

Number 3: The Eccentric Family

This one is a rambling tale and focuses almost exclusively on tanuki, tengu and humans and their interactions in Kyoto. This is one show where the yokai elements are fully integrated into the real world and it creates a very strange blend of magic realism as you follow Yasaburo about on his rambles and mischief making. There’s a whole lot of charm to the story and the characters but the narrative gets a little lost from time to time.

Number 2: xxxHolic

Not strictly speaking an anime about yokai, but they certainly make their presence felt in some stories. xxxHolic is one of the CLAMP stories and very much tied in with Tsubasa Chronicles but has a slightly more mature feel to it. Its a slow and meandering story but one that becomes deeply fascinating and the lore is certainly well thought out.

Number 1: Natsume Yuujinchou

I don’t think there was ever any doubt that Natsume was going to end up number 1 on this list. Over 6 seasons we have met a lot of yokai. Some have been charming, some scary, some friendly, some completely scared of humans, but all have come into our lives through Natsume and left an impression. The characters are what make this show and the yokai characters, particularly in the early seasons, really hold their own. If you have never watched Natsume, now is the perfect time to give it a go.