The karuta version of Ichiban no Takaramono is slightly different from the Yui Version. The main difference is that verses 1 and 4 are completely unique to each version. There are also a few changes scattered around the song but most are variations of “you” to “everyone.” I’m not sure which one I like more. When possible I kept the sentence structure of the translations the same between versions. Anyway enjoy the original version of the lyrics.

Romaji

Suso ga nureta nara
Kawaku no mateba ii
Mizuoto wo tatete haneta

Kimi ga oshiete kureta n da Mou kowaku nai
Nigitte ite kureta kono te wo hanasanakya dame da

Hitori demo yuku yo Tatoe tsurakute mo
Minna de mita yume wa Kanarazu motteku yo
Minna to ga ii na Minna to ga yokatta
Demo mezameta asa Dare mo inai n da ne

Mou furikaette mo dare no kage mo nai
Mizutamari dake ga hikatta
Ikiteku koto sore wa tachimukatte iku koto
Sore ga wakatta nara ato wa fumidasu yuuki dake

Doko made mo yuku yo Koko de shitta koto
Shiawase to iu yume wo kanaete miseru yo
Minna to hanarete mo Donna ni tooku natte mo
Atarashii asa ni Kono Boku wa ikiru yo

Hitori demo yuku yo Shinitaku natte mo
Koe ga kikoeru yo Shinde wa ikenai to
Tatoe tsurakute mo Yami ni tozasarete mo
Kokoro no oku ni wa Akari ga tomotteru yo

Megutte nagarete Toki wa utsuroida
Mou nani ga atta ka Omoidasenai kedo
Me wo tojite mireba Minna no waraigoe
Naze ka sore ga ima ichiban no takaramono

English Translation

Whenever the tips of my clothes got wet,
I was alright just waiting for them to dry.
I jumped wholeheartedly to the sound of the water.

You taught me so much; I’m not scared anymore.
I have to let go of these hands that were holding me.

I’ll go by myself, even if it looks painful,
I’ll always carry on the dream I had with everyone.
Being with everyone is so nice; Being with everyone was so wonderful.
But when I woke up in the morning, no one was there.

Even if I don’t turn around anymore, I know I won’t see anyone’s reflections.
Only the puddles were shining.
Living is the same thing as fighting.
If I understood that, I would have only the courage to advance onward.

I’ll go anywhere, you all know that.
I’ll show you all that I can grant your dreams of happiness.
Even if I’m separated from everyone, no matter how far,
I’ll be born with the new morning.

I’ll go by myself, even if I’m scared of dying,
I can hear your voices; I mustn’t die.
Even if it looks painful, even if I’m locked in darkness,
Deep in my heart the light is burning.

Time changed as it ebbed and flowed.
I can’t remember what happened anymore but,
If I try and close my eyes I can hear everyone’s laughter.
Somehow that’s now my most precious treasure.

Kanji

裾が濡れたなら
乾くの待てばいい
水音をたてて跳ねた

きみが教えてくれたんだ　もう恐くない
握っていてくれたこの手を離さなきゃだめだ

ひとりでもゆくよ　例え辛くても
みんなで見た夢は　必ず持ってくよ
みんなとがいいな　みんなとがよかった
でも目覚めた朝　誰も居ないんだね

もう振り返っても誰の影もない
水たまりだけが光った
生きてくことそれは立ち向かっていくこと
それがわかったなら後は踏み出す勇気だけ

どこまでもゆくよ　ここで知ったこと
幸せという夢を叶えてみせるよ
みんなと離れても　どんなに遠くなっても
新しい朝に　この僕は生きるよ

ひとりでもゆくよ　死にたくなっても
声が聞こえるよ　死んではいけないと
例え辛くても　闇に閉ざされても
心の奥には　明かりが灯ってるよ

巡って流れて　時は移ろいだ
もう何があったか　思い出せないけど
目を閉じてみれば　みんなの笑い声
なぜかそれが今一番の宝物

The first Amagami SS ending song is credited to heroine Morishima Haruka who’s played by Itou Shizuka. I don’t find the song particularly amazing or anything but I like Morishima as a character since she’s so weird. With that said I’ll be doing the rest of the series’s songs as well so look forward to them whenever a new one is released. For now just be content with Morishima-senpai.

Romaji

Kawaii sore dake de muchuu de nadetaku naru urunda hitomi
Jarete iru toki wa natsuite iru dake da to omotteta n da

Koi no hajimari nante Yohou hazure no tenki mitai

Ameagari no niji no sora ni te nobasou
Kimi no tonari wa sunao na kimochi ni nareru kara
Kidzuita kimi no koto omou jikan wa
Mune no oku ga konna ni takanaru koto

Kinou yume no naka ni Mata kimi ga dete kita

Machiawaseta basho awateta kimi no kao ni okorenakute
Itsumo karakatte ita no ni sono hitomi ga kirameiteru

Kimi ga warau to hora Donna sora de mo harewataru yo

Ameagari no niji no sora ni egakou
Kokoro no naka ni umareta fushigi na kono kimochi
Itsumo atarimae no koto ga konna ni
Kimi ga iru sore dake de kagayakidasu

Kyou mo kimi no koto wo omoiukabete iru

Konna kimochi hajimete na no
Sukoshi dake fuan ni mo naru kedo
Takanaru kono omoi tokimeki ga tomaranai

Ameagari no niji no sora ni sakebou
Kimi no namae yobu dake de omoi ga afuredasu
Moshikashitara kono kimochi ga koi na no?
Datte kimi no koto itsumo kangaechau

Koi no tsubomi ga ima hikari kagayakidasu

English Translation

You’re just so cute that in a daze, my eyes were clouded by feelings of wanting to touch you.
When I was flirting, I thought I was just getting a little attached.

At the beginning, love is erratic like the weather.

After the rain let’s stretch out our hands toward the rainbow-filled sky.
When I’m next to you I understand my true feelings.
I’ve noticed that whenever I think of you,
My heart races deep in my chest.

Yesterday you appeared in my dreams again.

I can’t be mad at you when you get the rendezvous point wrong.
I always teased you and yet your eyes keep shining.

When you laugh, look! No matter what the sky breaks into sunshine.

After the rain let’s paint in the rainbow-filled sky.
This mysterious feeling is born from within my heart.
It’s always so obvious
That it begins to shine just by you being here.

Even today I’m daydreaming about you.

This is the first time I’ve had these feelings.
I’m becoming just a bit anxious but,
This racing feeling just won’t stop.

After the rain let’s shout at the rainbow-filled sky.
Only by calling out your name do my feelings start to pour out.
Perhaps this feeling is love?
Even though I’m always thinking of you…

Our budding love now starts shining with light.

Kanji

かわいいそれだけで夢中で撫でたくなる潤んだ瞳
じゃれている時はなついているだけだと思ってたんだ

恋の始まりなんて　予報外れの天気みたい

雨上がりの虹の空に手伸ばそう
君の隣は素直な気持ちになれるから
気付いた君の事想う時間は
胸の奥がこんなに高鳴る事

昨日夢の中に　また君が出てきた

待ち合わせた場所慌てた君の顔に怒れなくて
いつもからかっていたのにその瞳がキラめいてる

君が笑うとほら　どんな空でも晴れわたるよ

雨上がりの虹の空に描こう
心の中に生まれた不思議なこの気持ち
いつも当たり前の事がこんなに
君が居るそれだけで輝きだす

今日も君の事を想い浮かべている

こんな気持ち初めてなの
少しだけ不安にもなるけど
高鳴るこの想いときめきが止まらない

雨上がりの虹の空に叫ぼう
君の名前呼ぶだけで想いが溢れ出す
もしかしたらこの気持ちが恋なの？
だって君の事いつも考えちゃう

恋のつぼみが今光輝きだす

You know what? It took me a while to realize that SYD stood for Seitokai YakuinDomo? Anyway hopefully the translation came out fine. One part I’d like to note is that the lyrics that go “Isshin doutai Doutai?” can be translated as “As one soul and one body. One Body?” which goes along with the whole perversion of the show. It sounded a little awkward to me so I choose not to use that translation. I may change it in the future if I can think of a better way to phrase it or just end up liking it better. Anyway have fun singing along like usual.

Romaji

Issei ichidai Ichinen hokki
Issaigassai Ichimoudajin
Isshin doutai Doutai?
ONLY ONE! No.1!
OSAI GIRLS AND BOYS!!

Junjou karen deare Uruwashiki koujoushin
Gutto mune ni kizande
Maegami SUKAATO no take Kousoku junshu shimashou
Pin to shisei tadashite

Seijitsu ni uketsugitai wa
Ririshii oshie wo
Kenzai kako mirai Nadeshiko no makenai PORISHII

Don’t be shy!! Hokorashiku Nagasaretari shinai yo (by myself)
Yukkuri to sakasemashou Kiyoku tadashiku
Keep your pace!! Ichiban no mikata wa jibun jishin
Minna motto motto utsukushiku are
Massugu ni susumimashou

Seito techou no naka no shisou wo jideyuku no desu
Nante risouteki na SUTAIRU
Manabi wa onkochishin Kokorozashi wo migaku beku
Kyou mo harikiranakucha

Yuuigi ni, dakedo kibishiku seichou katei wa
Shuchou kajou / dakyou shinaku tatte Jibun no RUURU de

Don’t be cool! Samenaide Kokoro ni itsumo yuuki (by yourself)
Hogaraka ni mochitsudzukete Ashita no tame ni
Keep my mind!! Itsudatte jibun no mikata de iyou
Minna motto motto shinayaka deare
Mune hatte Kore kara mo

Issei ichidai Ichinen hokki
Issaigassai Ichimoudajin
Isshin doutai Doutai?
ONLY ONE! No.1! OSAI GIRLS AND BOYS!!
LET’S GO, GIRLS AND BOYS!
HERE WE GO! NO.1!
WE ARE SYD!!

Don’t be shy!! Hokorashiku Nagasaretari shinai yo
Yukkuri to sakasemashou Kiyoku tadashiku
Keep your pace!! Ichiban no mikata wa jibun jishin
Minna motto motto utsukushiku are
Massugu ni susumimashou

WE LOVE OSAI. WE ARE SYD!
OSAI GAKUEN, OH!
LET’S GO GIRLS AND BOYS!
O・S・A・I・G・A・K・U・E・N!
HERE WE GO! No.1! WE ARE SYD!!

English Translation

Once in a lifetime resolution!
Catching everything and anything!
All hearts as one! As one?
ONLY ONE! No.1!
OSAI GIRLS AND BOYS!!

Staying pretty and pure,
Engrave your beautiful ambitions tightly onto your heart.
Holding onto your skirt and abiding by the school rules,
Stand straight with correct posture.

We want to sincerely take in
These inspiring lessons.
Whether past, present or future, it’s the girls’ no lose policy.

Don’t be shy!! Be proud! Don’t be drowned out! (by myself)
Let’s take it slowly and bloom pure and perfectly.
Keep your pace!! You’re number one ally is your self-belief.
Everyone become more and more lovely.
Let’s keep moving forward.

Inside the student notebook are ideals to live out.
Why are they styled so idealistically?
Studying means learning from the past in order to improve our sights
So we have to keep it up today too.

Our growth must be productive but strict.
By our own rules we can’t demand too much or give in.

Don’t be cool!! Don’t cool down! There’s always courage in your heart! (by yourself)
Keep at it cheerfully for tomorrow’s sake.
Keep my mind!! Always be your own ally!
Everyone become more and more flexible.
Puff out your chest from here on out too.

Once in a lifetime resolution!
Catching everything and anything!
All hearts as one! As one?
ONLY ONE! No.1!　OSAI GIRLS AND BOYS!
LET’S GO, GIRLS AND BOYS!
HERE WE GO! NO.1!
WE ARE SYD!!

Don’t be shy!! Be proud! Don’t be drowned out!
Let’s take it slowly and bloom pure and perfectly.
Keep your pace!! You’re number one ally is your self-belief.
Everyone become more and more lovely.
Let’s keep moving forward.

WE LOVE OSAI. WE ARE SYD!
OSAI GAKUEN, OH!
LET’S GO GIRLS AND BOYS!
O・S・A・I・G・A・K・U・E・N!
HERE WE GO! No.1! WE ARE SYD!!

Kanji

一世一代　一念発起
一切合財　一網打尽
一心同体　同体？
ONLY ONE! No.1!
OSAI GIRLS AND BOYS!!

純情可憐であれ　麗しき向上心
ぐっと胸に刻んで
前髪スカートの丈　校則遵守しましょう
ピンと姿勢正して

誠実に受け継ぎたいわ
凛々しい教えを
現在過去未来　撫子の負けないポリシー

Don’t be shy!!　誇らしく　流されたりしないよ（by myself）
ゆっくりと咲かせましょう　清く正しく
Keep your pace!!　一番の味方は自分自身
みんなもっともっと美しくあれ
まっすぐに進みましょう

生徒手帳の中の　思想を地で行くのです
なんて理想的なスタイル
学びは温故知新　ココロザシを磨くべく
今日もはりきらなくちゃ

有意義に、だけど厳しく　成長過程は
主張過剰／妥協しなくたって　自分のルールで

Don’t be cool!!　冷めないで　心にいつも勇気（by yourself）
ほがらかに持ち続けて　明日のために
Keep my mind!!　いつだって自分の味方でいよう
みんなもっともっとしなやかであれ
胸はって　これからも

一世一代　一念発起
一切合財　一網打尽
一心同体　同体？
ONLY ONE! No.1!　OSAI GIRLS AND BOYS!
LET’S GO, GIRLS AND BOYS!
HERE WE GO! NO.1!
WE ARE SYD!!

Don’t be shy!!　誇らしく　流されたりしないよ
ゆっくりと咲かせましょう　清く正しく
Keep your pace!!　一番の味方は自分自身
みんなもっともっと美しくあれ
まっすぐに進みましょう

WE LOVE OSAI. WE ARE SYD!
OSAI GAKUEN, OH!
LET’S GO GIRLS AND BOYS!
O・S・A・I・G・A・K・U・E・N!
HERE WE GO! No.1! WE ARE SYD!!

i Love you from my heart
i Love you forever with you

Ichinichi no hajimari to Owari ni wa
Itsumo soba ni anata ga iru Sonna mainichi
Me wo semaseba Atatakai KOOHII irete matteru
Anata no hidari ude ni dakitsuita

Aeru hi made yubiori kazoete ita
Ima ja aenai hi no hou ga sukunai ne
Konna shiawase dare ga yosou shita!? Anata to watashi ga sou koi wo shita

Ai shiteru Anata no koto Hajimete no kimochi yo
Ai shiteru Zutto zutto Kawaranai kimochi

Mujaki na sono egao wa Watashi dake ga shitteru
Igai to amaenbou na anata no koto
Kodomo mitai ni sunao ne Otoko wa sukoshi KUURU na kurai ga
Kakkoii to ijimetari

Donna toki mo kono te wo hanasanaide
Saigo no koi ni shiyou tte chikatta koto
Ima wa mada naisho ni shite okou ka hitori de niyaketeru Gozen reiji sugi

Ai shiteru Anata no koto Hajimete no kimochi yo
Ai shiteru Zutto zutto Kawaranai kimochi

Anata wo shitte Jibun wo shitta
Tarinai toko wa Mitashiatte futari de hitotsu desho?

Ai shiteru Anata no koto Ashita mo asatte mo
Ai shiteru Kitto kore wo Shiawase to yobu no ne

i Love you Anata no koto Hajimete no kimochi yo
Ai shiteru Zutto zutto Kawaranai kimochi

English Translation

i Love you from my heart
i Love you forever with you

From morning until night,
Every day is spent with you by my side.
When I open my eyes, you’re waiting for me with a hot cup of coffee
So I held tightly to your left arm.

On my fingers I counted down the days until I could see you again.
Now the days we can’t see each other have grown fewer.
Who would’ve expected we’d find such happiness!? But just like that you and I fell in love.

I love you. Everything about you. This is the first time I’ve felt this way.
I love you. Forever and always. These feelings won’t ever change.

Only I know that innocent smile of yours.
You’re actually just a spoiled kid.
You’re honest like a child. Boys are kind of cool,
But I tease them when they’re good-looking (lol)

Don’t ever let go of my hand.
We vowed this would be our final love.
“Should we still keep this a secret?” I grinned by myself past midnight.

I love you. Everything about you. This is the first time I’ve felt this way.
I love you. Forever and always. These feelings won’t ever change.

Understanding you, I understood myself.
When it’s not enough we’ll come together as one, right?

I love you. Everything about you. Tomorrow and the day after too.
I love you. I’m sure we’ll call this happiness.

i Love you. Everything about you. This is the first time I’ve felt this way.
I love you. Forever and always. These feelings won’t ever change.

Kanji

i Love you from my heart
i Love you forever with you

１日の始まりと　終わりには
いつも傍にあなたがいる　そんな毎日
目を覚ませば　温かいコーヒー入れて待ってる
あなたの左腕に抱きついた

会える日まで指折り数えていた
今じゃ会えない日の方が少ないね
こんな幸せ誰が予想した！？あなたと私がそう恋をした

愛してる　あなたのこと　初めてのキモチよ
愛してる　ずっとずっと　変わらないキモチ

無邪気なその笑顔は　私だけが知ってる
意外と甘えん坊なあなたのこと
子供みたいに素直ね　男は少しクールなくらいが
カッコいいとイジメたり　（笑）

どんな時もこの手を離さないで
最後の恋にしようって誓ったこと
今はまだ内緒にしておこうか一人でニヤけてる　午前０時過ぎ

愛してる　あなたのこと　初めてのキモチよ
愛してる　ずっとずっと　変わらないキモチ

あなたを知って　自分を知った
足りないとこは　満たし合って二人で一つでしょ？

愛してる　あなたのこと　明日も明後日も
愛してる　きっとこれを　シアワセと呼ぶのね

i Love you　あなたのこと　初めてのキモチよ
愛してる　ずっとずっと　変わらないキモチ

In my excitement over iDOLM@STER 2 I decided to translate the new song from the promo. I got the lyrics off 4Gamer.net where you can also download the promo in HD or you can watch it at YouTube. The world is all one !! starts at the 2 minute mark. Please enjoy!

Romaji

Sora miage Te wo tsunagou
Kono sora wa kagayaiteru
Sekaijuu no te wo tori
The world is all one !!
Unity mind.

Nee, Kono sekai de
Nee, Ikutsu no deai
Doredake no hito ga Waratteru no?
Nee, Naku mo isshou
Nee, Warau mo isshou
Naraba waratte ikiyou yo Issho ni

Kao wo agete Minna egao
Chikara awasete Hikari mezashi
Sekai ni wa tomodachi
Issho ni susumu tomodachi iru koto wo wasurenaide!

Hitori de wa dekinai koto
Nakama to nara dekiru koto
Norikoerareru no wa Unity is strength
Sora miage Te wo tsunagou
Kono sora wa tsunagatteru
Sekaijuu no te wo tori
The world is all one !! The world is all one !!
Unity mind.

English Translation

The world is all one !!
Lyrics: RIONA
Composition: Tashiro Tomokazu

Let’s look up at the sky and hold hands.
The sky is sparkling.
The whole world will unite hands.
The world is all one!!
Unity mind.

Hey, In our world,
Hey, How many encounters do we have?
How many people are smiling?
Hey, Crying is part of life too.
Hey, Smiling is part of life too.
Then let’s smile and live together.

Lift up your head; Everyone’s smiling.
We’ll unite our strengths and aim for the light.
You have friends in the world.
Never forget you have friends to move forward with you!

There are things you can’t accomplish alone.
There are things you can accomplish with friends.
You can overcome them with Unity as your strength.
Look up at the sky and hold hands.
The sky connects us all.
The whole world will unite hands.
The world is all one!! The world is all one!!
Unity mind.

Kanji

「The world is all one !!」
作詞：ＲＩＯＮＡ
作曲：田代智一

空見上げ　手をつなごう
この空は輝いてる
世界中の手をとり　
The world is all one !!
Unity mind.

ねえ、この世界で
ねえ、いくつの出会い
どれだけの人が　笑ってるの？
ねえ、泣くも一生　
ねえ、笑うも一生
ならば笑って生きようよ　一緒に

顔を上げて　みんな笑顔
力あわせて　光目指し
世界には友達
一緒に進む友達いることを忘れないで！

ひとりでは出来ないこと
仲間となら出来ること
乗り越えられるのは　Unity is strength
空見上げ　手をつなごう
この空はつながってる
世界中の手をとり　
The world is all one !!　 The world is all one !!
Unity mind.

Everyone knew it was coming eventually but Namco Bandai finally officially announced THE iDOLM@STER 2 recently. It doesn’t come as a surprise given the 2nd Vision initiative to revitalize the franchise but now we have solid information about the title. I did some slight speculation about the game (but mostly praying for features I want) a few months ago and I’m glad some of my wishes have come true.

Here’s what’s been confirmed:

• Spring 2011 Release for Xbox 360
• 765 idols with integration of the 961 idols from SP
• Set half a year after the original. All the girls have debuted but have hit a popularity wall.
• The theme is “Unity.” The game will be played with a trio of idols and the producer must take care of them individually and as a group.
• Gameplay will involve touring Japan
• Same visual style but updated character designs
• New stages

There are also some details from the promo that are still unclear. Apparently Ritsuko and Azusa as well as possibly Iori have retired making room for Takane and Hibiki. At the very least Azusa, Ritsuko, Ami and Iori have not been shown dancing or singing leaving some to speculate that they have taken the sidelines. The logo has been redesigned with 13 stars on the rings apparently to represent the 13 idols. This is somewhat confirmed by the 13 silhouettes of the idols pictured above taken from the official site which corresponds to from left to right: Makoto, Takane, Hibiki, Yayoi, Chihaya, Miki, Haruka, Yukiho, Mami, Ami, Iori, Azusa and Ritsuko. As you might have noticed none of the 876 idols are represented in the silhouettes nor are featured in the promo so whether or not they show up is still open to question. I don’t care what anyone says but I like the 876 idols and want to see them in HD glory.

Now that the serious things are covered time for fangasms. So many of the idols have gone through visual updates that it was shocking at first but I’m in love with them. Ami and Mami have hit puberty and have gotten taller and less loli-like. OH GOD MAMI’S AS TALL AS HARUKA!! Now Yayoi and Iori are the only lolis. Yayoi hasn’t changed lol but Iori has gotten a new hairstyle. Apparently she looks like Aisaka Taiga (not my opinion). Speaking of hairstyles Ritsuko now looks more sexy and Azusa’s MILF readings have gone off the scale. The biggest change of all was Makoto. When I first saw her redesign I don’t kid when I say I had no clue who that was but oh god does she look pretty. People have also been saying that Chihaya and Yukiho have bigger chests but I can’t tell from memory. Speaking of breasts, more noticeable boob bounce! OH GOD I WENT HNNNNNNGGG AFTER TYPING EACH OF THESE SENTENCES.

Also the new song “The world is all one !!” is wonderful. I’ll have it translated today, promise. I WANT THIS GAME SO BAD!! I haven’t been this excited about anything in a while. Maybe I should start using my Project iM@S account again.

Amagami is the second series that I have started from the new season. It’s the show I’ve been looking forward to the most due to my experience with it’s predecessor Kimikiss. Right away it’s evident that the two anime are pretty similar both being romance series from the same developer and having familiar character designs. However the drama of Kimikiss focused on the twists and turns of first love. The protagonist, Tachibana Junichi, has already passed that stage…for the worst.

It’s Christmas Eve two years prior to the beginning of the story. Junichi has finally convinced the girl that’s he’s been after to go on a date with him. In his excitement he goes to the meeting spot an hour early and is so happy that he can be just like any of the other couples waiting for their dates. Soon night arrives, everybody leaves and snow starts to fall. She never shows up.

Having been stood up and experiencing the roller coster of anticipation and disappointment, Junichi has basically been scarred for life. He has this extreme fear of rejection and is quite depressing really. He makes a planetarium IN HIS CLOSET so that he can lock himself in when he’s feeling down. The first scene that takes place in the present involves him sleeping in his closet while adamantly refusing his sister’s pleas to get up. It’s kind of impressive that he made a planetarium but still it’s oh so saddening.

His condition is not so extreme that he can’t interact with girls at all or has turned gay. He clearly has an interest in girls but lacks the confidence to pursue romantic relations with any of them. He blushes whenever he sees pretty girls but at the same time the expression on his face is of a person who has already given up. He helps them when in need though he clearly has a massive anxiety problem.

Oh God, I can see forever!

Since the story is being presented in an omnibus format each of the heroines gets her own route. The first is Morishima Haruka, the school idol who’s a little on the quirky side. Morishima sees one of Junichi’s acts of kindness which peeks her interests. However Junichi views her as unattainable imagining that he’ll get rejected in the same way. As he gets to know her better as they continue to interact though, he starts thinking that maybe things will be different. Tired of two years of depression he decides to give it one more chance.

He musters up the courage and confesses to Morishima. She’s quite surprised and impressed that he has the guts to do that since he doesn’t seem like that kind of person. Just as he’s most excited and thinking he’s managed the impossible, Morishima flat out rejects him for not being the type of guy she’s looking for. Trying to convince himself that that disaster really wasn’t a true confession he heads home, goes to his dark room and crawls back into his planetarium.

At the end of the episode I was sad. Two rejections in one episode? Poor guy. We all know that the arc will end with the two in a relationship but what road is paved to reach that? Will he somehow break out of his shell to confess again? Will he fall into a bout of depression until Morishima takes pity on him? My guess is that he’ll continue to be friends with her until it becomes something more.

It’s hard to judge from only one episode but it looks promising. With 26 episodes to tell 6 routes, each story arc will be quite fast paced in a good way. At the very least Amagami may be the most visual novel-like anime adaptation I’ve ever seen. I also like how all the girls have more or less been introduced to the audience without introducing them to Junichi. Makes it seem as if he really has been mulling over his rejection for the past two years giving it a little more believability. The music is pleasant, the art is nice and the voice cast is true to the game. It’ll be a pleasure to watch Amagami for the next two seasons.

(PS: Morishima’s hair is wonderful though I like Kaoru’s a little more.)

Now that the summer anime season has begun I decided to watch Ookami-san to Shichinin no Nakamatachi first since it is one of the first shows to start airing. From the get go with it’s take on Cinderella it’s easy to tell that the show will be unique in it’s interpretations of classic fairy tails. However I’m not here to talk about that. What most excited me about the show was the narrator. Yes the narrator. Why? Because it’s Arai Satomi, the voice of Shirai Kuroko.

I don’t make it a secret that I love Shirai Kuroko of To Aru Kagaku no Railgun. Part of it is due to her yuri perversions but the other factor that puts her above many of my other yuri crushes is her voice. Seiyuu Arai Satomi has voice that’s easily discernible from other voice actresses. That very distinct way speaking and how she stresses her syllables imparts a certain uniqueness to the character. There’s a reason a simple and mundane-sounding phrase such as “Judgment desu no” has become her iconic quote and an internet meme. In fact other seiyuu have acknowledged this and tried to imitate it for fun. You can see an example here of Toyosaki Aki, the voice of Uiharu Kazari, doing her own rendition at the 5 minute mark.

Anyway back to Ookami-san. Arai’s voice does a great job of accentuating as well as providing it’s own flavor of comedy to the show. From the very onset she starts off with “Long, Long ago–well, actually not too long ago.” This line was made for Arai. She injects that sense of sarcasm that only she can do while reading it. Right away you can tell that she’ll be a major part of the show.

A lot of the time she narrates as one would normally expect but she also inserts her own offhand hilarious commentary when she gets a chance. When she introduces the titular character Ookami and her friend Ringo, one of the first things she does is point out how pitifully flat they are. They take exception to this which leads to a little breaking of the fourth wall. It sort of reminds me of what Hayate no Gotoku’s narrator would do. The episode is full of fanservice shots as well and the narrator carries overs the gag always “apologizing” to the audience for the less-than-well-endowed heroines.

Narrator is Disappoint

This style of narration is present throughout the first episode for various situations and it’s always a blast to hear Arai make fun of something. This proactive style of narration is quite engaging and really has me more tuned into the show than normal. In a sense it’s like watching a play with actors involving the audience which is quite fitting given the source material. It’s also sort of like having your sarcastic yuri friend (not me!) making comments while watching. Because of this I’m really looking forward to the next episode. The show has a lot going for it and it will be nice to see how it capitalizes on the story and narration to create something novel.

Here’s a request by a certain anon. This song was released with the Pure Pure Heart single and is a rock version of the school song for Sakuragaoka Girls’ Senior High School (桜ヶ丘女子高等学校高歌). You can hear the regular version in the first episode of K-ON!! The song’s pretty nice and the lyrics are pleasant. I kept in mind that the song is a school theme so I tried to keep it sounding school song-y if that even makes sense. Anyway translation below.

Romaji

Sumishi aozora Aogimite
Harukeki risou wo Musu bamu to
Kaoreru ouka no Saku oka ni
Aa Hagemishi tomogaki ga tsudou niwa

Tsuranaru mine no futokoro ni
Jiai no kokoro wo Hagukumite
Akeyuku mirai wo Ninawamu to
Aa Tsutomeshi tomogaki ga tsudou niwa

Sayakeki minamo ni Utsurikoshi
Otome no seishin Takaki yume
Sanjite wasurenu Gakusou to
Aa Chikaishi tomogaki ga tsudou niwa
Aa Chikaishi tomogaki ga tsudou niwa

English Translation

Looking up at the clear blue sky,
We foster our distant dreams.
On the hill where fragrant cherry blossoms bloom,
Ah! Our supportive friends gather in the gardens of school.

Atop the beautiful peaks of our outstretched hearts,
We raise affectionate souls.
To shoulder the future that opens up to us,
Ah! Our diligent friends gather in the gardens of school.

Reflecting back on the pristine water’s surface,
Are our sincerity as maidens and our lofty dreams.
Dispersing around school without forgetting that,
Ah! Our friends make vows and gather in the gardens of school.
Ah! Our friends make vows and gather in the gardens of school.

Kanji

澄みし碧空（あおぞら）　仰ぎ見て
遥けき理想を　結実（むす）ばむと
香れる桜花の　咲く丘に
ああ　励みし友垣が集う校庭（にわ）

連なる美峯（みね）の懐に
慈愛の精神（こころ）を　育みて
開けゆく未来を　担わむと
ああ　勉めし友垣が集う校庭

清けき水面に　映り来し
乙女の誠心　高き夢
散じて忘れぬ　学窓と
ああ　誓いし友垣が集う校庭
ああ　誓いし友垣が集う校庭

Here’s the single that many people have been waiting for. Ichiban no Takaramono (My Most Precious Treasure) played at the end of episode 10 and towards the end of episode 13. Both were really emotional scenes of departure and the song really fits that motif. Apparently these are lyrics for the Yui Version but I think they are the same as the version sung by karuta. Anyway please enjoy my translation!

Romaji

Kao wo awashitara kenka shite bakari
Sore mo ii omoide datta

Kimi ga oshiete kuretan da Mou kowaku nai
Donna fujiyuu demo shiawase wa tsukameru Dakara

Hitori demo yuku yo Tatoe tsurakute mo
Kimi to mita yume wa Kanarazu motteku yo
Kimi to ga yokatta Hoka no dare mo demo nai
Demo mezameta asa Kimi wa inain da ne

Zutto asondereru Sonna ki ga shiteta
Ki ga shite ita dake Wakatteru
Umarete kita koto mou koukai wa shinai
Matsuri no ato mitai Sabishii kedo sorosoro ikou

Doko made mo yuku yo Koko de shitta koto
Shiawase to iu yume wo kanaete miseru yo
Kimi to hanarete mo Donna ni tooku natte mo
Atarashii asa ni Atashi wa ikiru yo

Hitori demo yuku yo Shinitaku natte mo
Koe ga kikoeru yo Shinde wa ikenai to
Tatoe tsurakute mo Sabishisa ni naite mo
Kokoro no oku ni wa Nukumori wo kanjiru yo

Megutte nagarete Toki wa utsuroida
Mou nani ga atta ka Omoidasenai kedo
Me wo tojite mireba Dare ka no waraigoe
Naze ka sore ga ima ichiban no takaramono

English Translation

Whenever we saw each other all we did was fight.
But those were also wonderful memories.

You taught me so much; I’m not scared anymore.
No matter how difficult I can grab hold of happiness, so…

I’ll go by myself, even if it looks painful,
I’ll always carry on the dream I had with you.
Being with you was so wonderful; There was no one else.
But when I woke up in the morning, you weren’t there.

I felt that we could play forever.
But I know that’s just what I believed.
I don’t regret being born any longer.
Like the feeling after a festival, it’s sad but let’s move on little by little.

I’ll go anywhere, you know that.
I’ll show you that I can grant your dream of happiness.
Even if I’m separated from you, no matter how far,
I’ll be born with the new morning.

I’ll go by myself, even if I’m scared of dying,
I can hear your voice; I mustn’t die.
Even if it looks painful, even if I’m crying in sadness,
Deep in my heart I feel your warmth.

Time changed as it ebbed and flowed.
I can’t remember what happened anymore but,
If I try and close my eyes I can hear someone’s laughter.
Somehow that’s now my most precious treasure.

Kanji

顔を合わしたら喧嘩してばかり
それもいい思い出だった

きみが教えてくれたんだ　もう恐くない
どんな不自由でも幸せは掴める　だから

ひとりでもゆくよ　例え辛くても
きみと見た夢は　必ず持ってくよ
きみとがよかった　ほかの誰もでもない
でも目覚めた朝　きみは居ないんだね

ずっと遊んでれる　そんな気がしてた
気がしていただけ　わかってる
生まれてきたこともう後悔はしない
祭りの後みたい　寂しいけどそろそろ行こう

どこまでもゆくよ　ここで知ったこと
幸せという夢を叶えてみせるよ
きみと離れても　どんなに遠くなっても
新しい朝に　あたしは生きるよ

ひとりでもゆくよ　死にたくなっても
声が聞こえるよ　死んではいけないと
例え辛くても　寂しさに泣いても
心の奥には　温もりを感じるよ

巡って流れて　時は移ろいだ
もう何があったか　思い出せないけど
目を閉じてみれば　誰かの笑い声
なぜかそれが今一番の宝物