Reverse Harem Garden

Hana Yori Dango- 9 episodes based on manga "Hana Yori Dango" (Boys Before Flowers) by Kamio Yoko. Since I havn't read the manga I can't compare which between the two, "Meteor Garden" or "Hana Yori Dango", made a better adaptation. My inspiration in watching this is that I get to see Ikuta Toma in the sequel. It was dragging at first because I already knew the plot..poor girl getting the red note from F4... yadda yadda...enemies to lovers...but before I knew it I was caught in up in their world again. And I got teary-eyed like three times, when she and then her family have to endure hardships. Hana Yori Dango Returns- 11 episodes Makino now had to prove their love against all odds. The drama is heavier. It was an exhausting, emotional rollercoaster ride that I just want to give them a smack on their heads. If not for Shun Ogiri I wouldn't be able to finish it. But still, it was way better compared to "Meteor Garden II" in...

Hanazakari no Kimitachi e or Hana Kimi (translation: For You in Full Blossom)- 12 episodes based on Nakajo Hisaya's manga Ayashi poses as a boy in hopes of convincing her hero into jumping again. "Hana Kimi" is not just a romantic comedy, it is a hilariously, heartwarming series. I'm planning to watch the whole thing again. It's very rare that I rewatch shows or movies. This is my very first jdorama that I've actually followed through until the end. In fact, this one got me into watching Asian soaps again after "Meteor Garden". The actors are very good and I'm smitten over Ikuta Toma (Nakatsu). He's not on the picture though. I like the way they shortened the wait by producing the shortest yet powerful opening that I've ever seen with a nice, upbeat music by Orange Range. Babyyyyyy!

Meteor Garden- Season 1 30 Episodes and Meteor Garden II- Season 2 31 episodes based on the manga, Hana Yori Dango This is the first live series of "Hana Yori Dango" but set in Taiwan with Chinese character names and a different title. Even with all the variations from the manga, it still followed the same plot and conflicts. Shan Chai is the poor girl that goes up against the F4 and it's ringleader, Dao Ming Si and the rest is history. "Meteor Garden" paved the way for asian dramas in the Philippines back in 2003. I caught the fever as well. It's hard to compare two versions that you've watched at an entirely different time. I cringed now at my unwavering fanaticism to "Meteor Garden" then but it was a first of it's kind that I've seen and I did enjoyed it while it lasted. As I matured (perhaps), one thing that didn't changed is that I still like the opening and closing songs of the first season. Follow Reverse Harem...

Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden by Yuu Watase 6 Volumes- ongoing This is the prequel of "Fushigi Yugi". It shows the origin of the book and the adventures of the very first priestess, Takiko. I was sad after "Fushigi Yugi" ended and I wished it could go on forever. The OVAS were also disappointing. This time I have high expectations that Genbu Kaiden will be worthy successor or erm a predecessor (im confused now lol) of the Fushigi series. I even bought my very first manga after the scanlations run out. I'm just not too keen with the ending since it's already a giveaway. Please check updated review here . 

Gokuraku Seishun Hockey Club (My Heavenly Hockey Club) by Ai Morinaga 3 volumes- ongoing Hana's hobbies are sleeping and eating but her idyllic world crumbles when she was tricked into joining an all-male hockey club. This is the first time that I've read a manga scanlation and the translations are until chapter 3 only. It took me for a moment to realize that I should read it from right to left.^_^;; The plot and the characters are very similar to "Ouran High School Host Club", but I wouldn't mind buying the 2 volumes that I saw the other day in the mall. I'll just wait for the bookstore to run a discounted sale.

Hana Yori Dango (Boys Over Flowers or Boys Before Flowers) 52 episodes! based on Yoki Mamio's manga status: plan to watch The same manga also inspired the Taiwanese drama "Meteor Garden" and jdorama "Hana Yori Dango". I havn't watched this as well but they basically follow the same plot. Tsukushi is a poor girl who captures the attention of the notorious F4. The group consists of the most powerful boys in their elite school.

Ashita No Nadja-(Tomorrow's Nadja) 50 episodes- Based on Izumo Toda's manga This is a story of a girl in search of her mother.

Pretear~The New Legend of Snow White-(Shin Shirayuki Hime Densetsu Pretear) 13 episodes based on Junicho Sato and Kaori Narusi's manga Himeno was chosen as Pretear to help the seven Leafe Knights fight the Princess of Disaster. She reminds me of Miaka with her unladylike behavior and clumsiness. I wasn't too excited to watch this because it was based on the fairy tale, Snow White. I thought it will be another magical girl shoujo but still it made me look forward to the growing relationship between Himeno and Hayate and I was surprised and sadden by the twist of the story. Sasame is hot as well and Shin is so adorably cute. Originally, there is another guy who's in love with Himeno in the manga.

Saiunkoku Monogatari (Tale of Saiunkoku or The Story of Saiunkoku or Colourcloud Palace or Tale of Many-Coloured Clouds)- Season 1-39 episodes, season 2-25 episodes and ongoing based on Sai Yukino's manga Shuurei joins the imperial harem to teach the stupid emperor. It's the beginning of her journey to reach her dreams and ambitions to help build a peaceful and thriving kingdom of Saiunkoku. This is currently my no. 1 favorite anime! It's like the modern counterpart of "Fushigi Yuugi" for me. The story is well-written and each episode has a proverbs theme. I'm also torn between Ryuuki and Sakujun. Sigggghhh! It will be showing in Animax soon but the title will be "Colourcloud Palace". I didn't watch it right away because I read somewhere that it's a Sunday morning anime in Japan, so I thought it will be like "Fruits Basket". But I'm glad I did because all the previous reverse harem animes I've watched paled in compari...

Yamatonadeshiko Shichiheng e (The Wallflower or Perfect Girl Evolution of Sunako of Many Forms or My Fair Lady)- 25 episodes based on Tomoko Hayakawa's manga Sunako was rejected by a boy she liked because she was ugly since then she shuns everything beautiful and bright. Her aunt entrusts then these four bishies to turn her into a lady or else, their rent will increase. This anime is a breath of fresh air against the cutesy, beautiful animes.The jokes are irreverent and the drawings seems crude with Sunako being in chibi form half the time. If you're into gothic and dark anime, then this one's for you. See there's reverse harem for everybody. The soundtrack is also cool especially the rock ballad "slow" by Kiyoharu.

Fruits Basket- 26 epsidoes based on Natsuki Takaya's manga Tohru is "adopted" by the Somas and becomes privy to the clan's secret curse. They transform into a zodiac animal whenever hugged by the opposite sex or whenever they are under stress. I find this very popular anime too wholesome for my liking even with its suggestive nudity. Overall it's kawaii and will more likely appeal to a younger audience. Despite the clamor by fans, it was reported that there wouldn't be a second season. The opening song makes me smile and sad at the same time.

Harukanaru Toki No Naka de- Hachiyo Sho (In a Distant Time~ Hachiyo Chapter or Haruka 8) -26 episodes, 3 OVAS, 1 movie Based on game and serialized into manga by Tooki Mizuno Broadcast Dates: Oct 6, 2004 to Mar 30, 2005 Akane and her friends are pulled into a different world. She becomes the priestess tasked to search for the eight Hachiyos and the seals of the four gods to bring peace. Yes, very similar to "Fushigi Yugi". The pacing is so slow. It took me a forever to finish this since I got bored with it easily. The ending was sad though because I was again rooting for the villain. You can watch the OVA "Haruka Naru Toki no Naka de Ajisai Yumegatari " for the condensed version. "La Corda d'Oro" and "Haruka 8" are both based from adventure/dating game from Neoromance. The opening reminds me of a Japanese boy band. Related: Harukanaru Toki no Naka de ~Ajisai Yumegatari- 2 eps (Mar 27, 2002 to Jan 23, 2003) Harukana...

Kin-iro d'Corda or La Corda d'Oro~ Primo Passo (The Golden String or The Golden Cord)- 25 episodes based on RPG game and adapted into manga by Yuki Kuri Hino Kahoko is just an ordinary student but her life changes when the music fairy gives her power to play the violin. She unwittingly agrees to enter the muscial concours against the music prodigies. The "La Corda d'Oro" is delicately drawn and filled with classical music. It's like a fine dining experience. The story is sweet and captivating at first but it became very serious near the end. The manga is ongoing as well, so if there would a be another season I hope it could redeem itself. I'm one Yunoki's crazed fan, I like his true personality. The operatic pop opening "Brand New Breeze" by Kanon is perfect for the anime and has a recall value. Also see: La Corda d'Oro (special)

Ouran Koukou Host-bu (Ouran High School Host Club)-26 episodes based on Bisco Hatori's manga If possible it's best to watch the 1st episode without any idea what the plot is going to be. (like me) The school club consists of rich boys rendering their "hosting" skills to the ladies and mocks stereotypical roles like glasses guy type, twincest type, prince type, loli type etc. For all it's silliness, I enjoyed a lot watching this. It's a feel good, light and kawaii anime. The finale was promising and the manga is still ongoing so I do hope they make a second season. I also like the catchy closing song "Shissou" by Last Alliance especially when it was incorporated with the climactic ending. All through the years I've been looking for animes that are similar to "Fushigi Yuugi". The closest animes that I've found were mostly love triangles like "Ayashino Ceres", "Alice Gakuen" etc. Then I accidentally discov...

"Fushigi Yugi" ("Curious Play" or "Mysterious Play") 52 episodes Miyaka is transported to another world when she opens a mysterious book. She becomes a maiden in a quest for the seven guardians to bring peace to the land. It was on the very top of my all time favorite animes back in college. I was such a fan of the Tamahome-Miaka-Hotohori triangle. But Miyaka's character has also been hated for being clumsy, gluttonous and as well as setting a bad example for teenage sex and early pregnancy. "Fushigi Yugi" aired a very long time ago, so the graphics and color are very dull and rough compared to present animation. This for me is a classic anime that it could live without the OVAs. Excluding the first, the rest of the OVAS failed to recapture the magic and my interest. spin offs: Fushigi Yugi OVA 3 eps Fushigi Yugi OVA 2 6 eps Fushigi Yugi Eikoden 4 eps