I met the girl under the full-bloomed cherry blossoms and my fate has begun to change.

This is purely my personal opinion of the series so read at your own risk. If you find some grammatical and clerical errors, well, sorry, grammar nazis, I'm not perfect but I'm doing my best in expressing myself in this language. Hahaha.

If you haven’t watch or read Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso, I am warning you, this blog entry might contain spoilers that are bad for your heart.

----SPOILER ALERT----

The PLOT/TEASER:

The story is about Arima Kosei, a piano prodigy at a young age who always wins on all the piano competitions and every child musicians knows him. But when his mother died, he had a mental breakdown and suddenly stops playing at the middle of a piano competition. After that he hadn’t played the piano ever since. The death of his mother resulted him not to hear music anymore even though his ears are perfectly fine. It’s like he psychologically acquired a hearing illness.  Years later, he still didn’t played the piano but was contented with the companionship of his friend Tsubaki and Watari not until she met the girl under the full-bloomed cherry blossoms that changes his fate—Miyazono Kaori!

Kaori is a lively, pretty, free-spirited violinist who plays the violin the way her personality reflects her. She made Arima played the piano again and led him back to the world of music and discovered that there is more to playing the piano, following every notes written on the score but rather playing by your heart and how the audience wants to remember you while you are on the stage being you.

HOW AND WHEN DID I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE SERIES?

So basically, I found out Shigatsu when the summer animes were almost done, I’ve read it on the Fall 2014 charts and thought to myself that the plot is quite interesting.

MY REVIEW

The first episode was so entertaining. The art is so awesome and Kaori is just so pretty. Plus, the opening is one hell of a catchy song! I was like, ‘Gosh, this is like Nodame Cantabile young version’, but it was nothing like Nodame in the next few episodes, very different. The idea of comparing the two said series might came from the idea that the two series involves classical music, piano and other instruments. But whatever, as usual the agony of waiting for the next episodes is a very tedious cycle, so I decided to read the manga in advance.

MANGA READING TIME!

It was after the fifth episode that I decided to read the manga. It was so awesome because it updates every week. The advantage of making Shigatsu into an anime is that we have the chance to listen to what these certain classical pieces are, I mean when I was reading the manga, I can’t really fully sympathize with the characters on how sad Chopin’s works are or how lively Mozart’s pieces is, vice versa, not all are musically inclined or loves classics, some might even thought that classical music are boring or just for lullaby purposes only. Though, in my case I have little knowledge about it because of Nodame Cantabille and all the music anime out there and from my MAPEH class in high school. It really feels so good listening to these pieces on the anime played by the characters.

NOT SO SPOILERS AND MY VIEWS

It was so good! I’m sure I will be crying again when the last episode of the anime comes out. It’s a worth-reading series. It’s like an endless roller coaster of feels! I like how the transition and the back-story of of how Kosei became a piano genius with the help of his perfectionist mother, who was like a bit villain-ish to me. I really hate the ‘Death Flag’ scene(almost all of the fans and readers hate this too), when Kaori suddenly falls and there’s blood, the ‘Death Flag’. It was the turning point of the series for me, it’s like meeting the future of Shigatsu, I knew this scene. I keep screaming in my head the word no. This can’t be happening. Though, after reading the last chapter, I still can’t accept it, even if deep inside me I knew that it was meant to be, that it was all part of Naoshi Arakawa-sensie’s plan.

And then there’s this letter Kaori wrote, a bloody tear-jerker letter! Heck, why did Kaori wrote a damn letter? Why not say it to Kosei personally, huh? Drama? No!

I really like Tsubasa’s character too, she was a well planned character for me and most of the time I can see myself in her. She’s a tsuntsun but not so, she is quite pretty too but the boyish type and I know she will take good care of Kosei. Watari is awesome at some ways but he didn’t leave me a certain impact, I think Aizawa Takeshi and Emi Igawa was cooler, aside from they were voiced by my favorite seiyuus! All the other characters are awesome.

Kaori will forever stay in my heart; her character will be my inspiration, how she changed Kosei for the better, how she led her back to light.

So my personal interpretation of the Title, Your Lie in April, is that it all boils down on the lie Kaori made to Kosei, not only to him but to everyone else, in order for her to get close to Kosei. And that lie is in Chapter 44, read it. It was a heartbreaking lie, why did you lie Kao-chan? It could save up all the tears and the paper where you wrote the letter, nah, kidding on the paper. Truly, love changes people.

I just think that it will be good if there’s a bit of straightforwardness in the characters but I guess it was all planned out and it will never be that awesome if something happened out of hand, well, everything happens for a purpose; nevertheless, it was a 10/10.

LESSONS LEARNED

I always write what I learned after reading or watching a series. I get irritated a lot when people say that what otakus usually do is wasting time. Well, the time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time. And we really learned a lot from watching and reading.

So, I learned in this series that always be yourself. Play or do things with all your heart without minding the people around you, never do things half-heartedly because you really don’t know what might happen, what if the chances of redoing it will never come. Live everyday as if your last day because you will never know what tomorrow brings. Cliché but it’s true. It really reflects on the anime.

Do what you love, there’s no excuse in doing what you really love. Ika nga, kung gusto may paraan! No matter how frail you body is, even if your body is giving up but your mind and soul are pushing you, move forward.

One heartbreaking scenes in the manga is when Kaori said to Kosei this lines while pushing herself to stand up and played air violin (because she wasn’t holding a vioin at all, like air guitar, playing imaginary guitar),

“Stop, looking down… Look, you’ll have your miracle soon.”

So, that’s it, sorry if it was a bit like ranting already but whatever, I enjoyed writing this, finally I can let go of the feels this series gave me, err, maybe not!

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I managed to finish reading the manga before the anime ended. It was a good idea for me as I felt more ready to experience the ending. I accepted it wholeheartedly, though, it was more surreal in the anime because it's 2D plus all the music. Have you guys read Your Lie In April guys? What's your" thoughts?

2017 is over but for some anime fans who doesn't like to wait episode every week in every season it’s their time to binge-watch the last year’s awesome series without cliffhanger. If you are looking for titles to binge-watch from last year’s line up as the winter season anime is airing, you have come to the right place. In this list I listed up the TOP 10 ANIME under the ROMANCE genre. If you are in the mood to feel in love or just want to feel some fluffiness because you are single, this list if intended for you SHOUJO ANIME LOVERS!

 1. BLEND S

Synopsis: High school girl Maika Sakuranomiya has trouble finding a part-time job because of how scary she looks when smiling. However, she is scouted one day by an Italian man who is also the manager of Stile, a café where its waitresses are given unique traits such as tsundere and younger sister. Maika is given a sadist trait because of her looks and has to adopt a dominant and cruel persona when servicing customers, particularly masochist ones.

Smile, Sweet, Sister, Sadistic, Surprise, Service! That's was the first line of one catchiest anime opening theme from Fall 2017 line-up. Blend S was based on a 4-koma manga.  With just 12 episodes, the series will make you laugh with it's consistent humor and character-driven antics. It doesn't depic any solid plot. Every character is lovable. Blend S is a refreshing series, it didn't show too much romance, you will still feel the chemistry with the couples of the series 

2. FUKEMENKEI NOISE

Synopsis: Every day, a young girl wearing a mask stands by the beach and sings a nostalgic melody. After experiencing two sudden heart-wrenching partings when she was only a child, Nino Arisugawa has been singing her songs to the ocean, bound by a promise made with her two childhood friends—her first love, Momo Sakaki, and a boy who composed music, Kanade "Yuzu" Yuzuriha. Having never met each other, the boys both individually promised that if Nino was ever separated from them, her voice would be the beacon to reunite them once again.
Another 12 episode series adapted from the manga with same title by Fukuyama  Ryoko, Fukemenkei Noise or Anonymous Noise features a love triangle between Nino also known as Alice, Momo and Yuzu. Nobody wants a triangle because it's painful, someone will get hurt at end, though as the anime is airing and the manga is still ongoing the series is still worth watching. 

3. OUR LOVE HAS ALWAYS BEEN 10 CENTIMETERS APART

Synopsis: Under the cherry blossom tree during Sakuragaoka High School's Entrance Ceremony, Miou Aida meets Haruki Serizawa for the first time. Ever since that day, their eyes chased after each other. Miou is reserved, while Haruki is very social. While many mistook them as a couple, their relationship remained a little more than friends.

As they stop to sit on the steps of a deck on their walk home, Miou cannot help but ask, "Haruki...do you like anyone?" Haruki replies, "I do like someone ...what about you?"

Just 10 centimeters between their hands.

It's just 10 centimeters, but the distance remains...
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One of the most anticipated romance anime last year, the series has only 6 episodes. If you have watched Zutto Mae kara Suki deshita.: Kokuhaku Jikkou Iinkai and Suki ni Naru Sono Shunkan wo.: Kokuhaku Jikkou Iinkai then you shouldn’t miss this one too. You can either watch this first or any of the movies as they both happened in the same timeline, just focusing on different couple. The series is a dream come true to those who are fans of Honeyworks, their songs are very heartwarming. The story might be a bit cliche but the mini-series has a different unique vibe in it.

Synopsis: As another school year begins drawing to a close, the third-year high school students move steadily toward the next milestone of their lives: graduation. Among them are Mio Natsume, a girl burdened with lingering feelings; Hazuki Morikawa, a member of the concert band but distant from the others; and Haruto Souma, an athlete obsessed with baseball. Meanwhile, second-year student Ena Komiya seeks to revive the photography club to its former glory, refusing to let the organization be disbanded. Though this group lacks a strong connection with one another, their lives suddenly cross paths with the arrival of a third-year transfer student.

While a transfer so close to graduation is unusual for most, it is business as usual for Eita Izumi. Due to his father's work, he has never been able to stay in one place for very long. But as luck would have it, their most recent relocation has returned Eita to his hometown for his final semester of high school. For better or worse, it also sparks the rekindling of old relationships left behind in the past.

With graduation already causing its own share of anxieties, Eita's sudden arrival brings these students' carefree days to an abrupt end. Long-forgotten memories, deeply buried emotions, and inspiring new passions—everything is brought to light in their bittersweet final semester.

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Slice of life, school drama, love triangle, Just Because has it all when it comes to school romance. I swear to write spoil-free reviews but Just Becuause! is my favorite last year, it keeps me hype because you can’t find any materials that you can spoil yourself to since. It’s very character-centric that’s why you will always look forward every episode what will happen to each characters and couple. The way it was presented was a calm but not really. You be the judge. It depends on your preference if you will be satisfied with the ending, as for me, I am very satisfied!

5. KONBINI KARESHI

Synopsis: Six high school students' lives around the convenience store on their way from school; they talk about their lives and meet girls they end up falling for.
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Konbini Kareshi is a slice of life and romance anime set in modern day Japan. Using the convience store as the point where the characters of the anime meet-up, bond, strike up friendship and romance. The overall story follows four characters; Haruki a honest and responsible high school freshman, Towa a bright and lively person that’s the joker of the group, Mami a quiet but serious girl and Miharu a positive and kind girl that gets nervous easily. As the story goes by they will encounter events that will affect their relationships. 

6.  MAHOUTSOKAI NO YOME

Synopsis: Hatori Chise is only 15, but she has lost far more than most. With neither family nor hope, it seems all doors are closed to her. But, a chance encounter began to turn the rusted wheels of fate. In her darkest hour, a mysterious magus appears before Chise, offering a chance she couldn't turn down. This magus who seems closer to demon than human, will he bring her the light she desperately seeks, or drown her in ever deeper shadows?

7. MASAMUNE-KUN NO REVENGE

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Base on the title itself, this shounen that also falls in the romance genre is about our main hero, Masamune-kun trying to set his revenge on his childhood sweetheart Adagaki. But what will really happen between the two? I dare you to watch! 

8. NET-JUU NO SUSUME

Synopsis: Moriko Morioka is a 30-year-old single NEET woman. After dropping out from reality, she has taken off in search for a fulfilling life and ended up in a net game or "netoge." In the netoge world, she began her new life as a refreshing and handsome character named Hayashi. While starting out as a beginner, a pretty character named Lily reached out to help her. Meanwhile, in the real world, awaits a shocking encounter with a good-looking elite company employee, a mysterious blue-eyed blonde.

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Net-juu no Susume tells the story of Morioka Moriko, a 30-year-old woman who is a self-proclaimed NEET. Very exhausted with real life stuff, she resigned because she couldn't stand her working conditions. She decided to start a netoge titled "Fruits de Mer" which is a RPG-fantasy universe in which she'll meet many people. In the game, she plays with a male character named Hayashi. She meets Lily, a girl, , and gets closer and closer to her. Circumstance happen and Moriko accidentally meets Yuuta Sakurai and that's the start of the conflict of the story. What happens when reality is too harsh you seek salvation on online games? Net-juu no Susume is a very relatable series so if you want to know what happens after the accident meeting between Moriko-san and Sakurai-san head over to you anime subscription channels and binge-watched now. 

9. TSUKI GA KIREI

Synopsis: With a new school year comes a new crowd of classmates, and for their final year of junior high, aspiring writer Kotarou Azumi and track team member Akane Mizuno end up in the same class. Though initially complete strangers, a few chance encounters stir an innocent desire within their hearts. A yearning gaze, a fluttering heart—the hallmarks of young love slip into their lives as fate brings their paths to a cross.

However, though love is patient and love is kind, Kotarou and Akane discover it is not always straightforward. Despite the comfort they find in each other's company, heartache and anxiety come hand in hand with pursuing the feelings in their hearts. With the uncertainty of how the other truly feels as well as the competing affections of those around them, the road ahead is unclear. Even so, under the shining light of a beautiful full moon, Kotarou gathers his courage to ask Akane a single question, one that forever changes their quiet relationship.

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I'll rate this series a 10/10 with it comes to sweetness, you'll get diabetes. The  story is just so  simple yet very exceptional.  When most of the romance series go to the roundabout troupe this is the straightforward one which is awesome. Straightforward but is not rush and characters are well-develop as well. I personally had a great time watching it, I hope you will too!. 

10. TSUREZURE CHILDREN 

Synopsis: Young love-it takes many unique and fascinating forms that flourish as children begin to mature into adults. From being unable to confess to not knowing what real love actually feels like, various obstacles can arise when learning about romantic attraction for the first time. But underneath all that, young love is something truly beautiful to behold, leading to brand new experiences for those young and in love.

Tsurezure Children depicts various scenarios of young love coming to fruition, along with the struggles and joys that it entails.

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Ah! Young love, indeed! Based on a 4-koma manga. The series is quite a diverse range of characters, which means it has a lot of character, some wasn't even shown on the anime. The series also shows different types of couple. You wouldn't expect how smooth and straightforward the story was despite how short every episode is. It's an all in one romance series, with character drama, humor, realism and of course, romance. This anime gave me more enough laughs last year.

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So, that's it. If this list was helpful don't forget to comment your favorite title and couple  below! See you next Top List!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again. As fans of anime songs, I bet you are probably sick of listening to the usual Western Christmas music, traditional and classical (or the overused Christmas Station ID songs of our dear local TV networks and if you are from the Philippines, Jose Mari Chan )

Thus this list was born to give a bit of a geeky feeling while enjoying the holidays. Be prepared to feel eargasm and from Vi-Geeky, Happy Holidays!

10. Card Captor Sakura - Yoru no Uta 

From the anime Christmas CD, Cardcaptor Sakura: Tomoeda Elementary school Chorus Christmas Concert. Sakura Kinomoto doesn't appear on this album at all, so the concert features Junko Iwao as Tomoyo Daidouji.

9. Detective Conan - Winter Bells

Opening 10 of the long running mystery series Detective Conan

8. Sailor Moon - Last Christmas (Sailor Mars Ver.)

Though this is definitely a Western Christmas song (for the broken hearted) and it has a lot of cover around the globe, this version is still worth listening. This is from the Sailor Moon Christmas album. It is the cover version of WHAM's performed by Michie Tomizawa, the Japanese voice of Rei Hino/Sailor Mars in Sailor Moon. This is one of only 2 songs from the Sailor Moon Christmas Albums that are sung in English (the other being White Christmas, also by Tomizawa).

7. Pokemon - Mousugu Santa ga Yattekuru!

Ending song from Pikachu's Winter Vacation 2001 OVA, from the Album: Pikachu no Fuyuyasumi Soundtrack (Pikachu's Winter Vacation Soundtrack) It was released last December 22, 2000 and sung by Mayumi Sudou

6. Shugo Chara!! - Happy Xmas

From the Character Song Album of the same series and performed by Kanae Itou (Amu Hinamori), Kana Asumi (Ran), Nanae Katou (Miki), Aki Toyosaki (Suu)

5. Macross Frontier - Merry Christmas Without You by cosmic cuune

The song is sung by May'n (Sheryl Nome's singing voice), Megumi Nakajima (Ranka Lee) and Frontier Stars which consisted of cast members Yūichi Nakamura, Aya Endo, Hiroshi Kamiya, Megumi Toyoguchi, Kenta Miyake, Rie Tanaka, and Kaori Fukuhara.

4. Toradora - "Holy Night" by Ami and Taiga Rie Kugimiya (Taiga) and Eri Kitamura (Ami)

Yes, I bet it is your favorite part of the Christmas episode of the series too. It was performed in episode 19 during their school’s holiday party.

3. Bakuman - We wish you a merry Christmas -Hayami Saori (Azuki Miho)

Insert song from Season 2, Episode 24 of the series! Engrish aside, her voice is just so sweet!

2. Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun - White Wishes

Ending song of the awesome and cool, romantic-comedy series My Neighbor is a Monster (Read the effin’ manga!) It’s very chritmas-sy on the official MV than on the visuals of the anime ending theme!

1. Love Live! - Snow Halation

This is μ’s second single. It was released on December 22, 2010 on both a CD and Blu-ray disc, in order to celebrate the upcoming Christmas Day. It is also included in all of μ's solo albums and μ's Best Album Best Live! Collection. It was also used as an ending theme for episode 9 of Love Live! School idol project Season 2.  Source: http://love-live.wikia.com/wiki/Snow_halation

You wouldn’t dare miss this on your playlist!

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Get ready your cute Christmas dance moves for this~

Bunos:  Caramell - Caramelldansen (Christmas Version)