K-ON! & Eden of East Wrap Up

Back when I wrote my Spring 2009 reviews, I thought maybe K-ON would bring some seriousness, however it did not and that suited it just fine. It continued being lighthearted, moe, and above all a comedy. Being based on a 4-panel manga I suppose we couldn’t have expected too much more. Most of the episodes consisted of following the girls throughout their day during the light music club. Yui who original joined thinking she could play something simple like the tambourine, eventually got better with guitar. Due to various random events, Mio was pushed into being the lead singer and wrote the band’s songs… which were uh unique to say the least. However not only did the songs become popular in the anime, they topped yahoo’s (jp) music charts taking 3-4 slots in the top 10, as well as topping the DVD sales charts, making it a huge success in Japan.

Overall the series was very enjoyable. The animation was not KyoAni’s A team but still beautifully done. Much like how it started, the ending was left on a soft note, giving a little closure while making me wish there was a second season on the way.

Eden of East

Original descriptions of this series did not really do it justice. While it does start in Washington DC, that’s hardly what the story is about. Takizawa has erased his memories for reasons unknown. He is left with a cell phone that only “Selecao” possess. 11 others are given this phone, 10 billion yen, and the use of a secretary named “Juiz” who will carry out any demand they ask. One of them is assigned the role of “Supporter” whose job it is to assassinate anyone who misuses their funds, or tries to escape. Their mission is to help society and “save” Japan. Once someone succeeds in this, all of the other Selecao will be assassinated. During the missile attacks of Careless Monday (a day Japan was attacked by terrorists, but there were no casualties) 20,000 N.E.E.Ts (short for no education, employment, or training, basically a freeloader of society) disappeared without a trace, and somehow Takizawa is connected to it.

I would have liked to see this series go 20+ episodes. It was a little bit of a mystery anime, as they were always trying to piece the puzzle together, while at the same time risking their lives. At the least it was a nice original plot, and I think it was bold of them to work with the topic of terrorism. While the series as a whole was good, the ending frustrated me. In a sense it felt rushed even. I didn’t quite understand it, and I’m hoping the 2 upcoming movies will explain what they meant.