"Ouran High School Host Club"
I think I've written before that in my family - my grandparents, parents, and my three siblings - everyone loved reading books and manga, and we would always share the things we found interesting with each other.
I discovered some of the works I've introduced in this series in this way. I particularly remember borrowing and lending books to my older sister, who was close to my age, almost every day.
So I think I probably found out about the work I'm introducing today through my older sister... but I'm not entirely sure.
The reason is that my older sister isn't the type to watch that much anime, but I remember learning about this work through the anime.
Sorry if I'm wrong, sister.
So, this time I would like to talk about the anime "Ouran High School Host Club."
This anime, based on the manga "Ouran High School Host Club" by Bisco Hatori (which began serialization in 2002), was broadcast on television in 2006 and gained a wide following.
Haruhi Fujioka, a first-year scholarship student at Ouran Private High School, attended by the sons and daughters of the upper class, ends up becoming a member of the "Host Club," where handsome students entertain customers as "hosts."
Haruhi is forced to join the group in order to repay the debt she incurred after breaking an expensive vase, but she is actually a girl.
First of all, it goes without saying that Hatori-sensei's manga itself is amazing.
The beautiful illustrations and the contrast between serious and comedic content make it hard to put down, and above all, all the characters are truly charming.
The members of the Host Club that Haruhi is involved with are also quite unique.
The club's manager, Suou Tamaki, behaves in a way that seems perfect as a host, but in reality he is quite an idiot and shows a wide variety of expressions.
Otori Kyoya, the vice-president and fixer of the Host Club, appears kind at first glance but is actually plotting everything.
There are so many characters that bring the story to life that it would be impossible to introduce them all in one place.
By the way, I loved the twins Hitachiin Hikaru and Kaoru, and I was especially captivated by the younger Kaoru.
In the anime, the Hitachiin brothers are voiced by Suzumura Kenichi as Hikari and Oda Keisuke as Kaoru, and the way their lines are delivered in sync and the story of how each of their paths gradually changes little by little brought tears to my eyes.
Such a wonderful story has become even more powerful by being made into an anime.
In anime, the comedy is more fast-paced and the serious parts are made thoroughly serious, so if you just go with the flow, you're sure to be moved.
The comedy parts in particular featured a number of natural and high-energy ad-libs from Miyano Mamoru, who plays Tamaki, and the images changed rapidly, making me realize for the first time in a long time that this is the kind of anime I love.
The opening theme, "Sakura Kiss" by Chieko Kawabe, is also a wonderful song. It's no exaggeration to say that my crush started with this song.
Due to writing commitments, I was only able to rewatch it briefly this time, but I would definitely like to make time again to fully immerse myself in the world of the work.
This is a work that is recommended for people of all ages and genders.
