Anime Review: Uta no Prince-sama Maji Love Starish Tours : Tabi no Hajimari and First Impressions: Love Like the Galaxy, To X Who Doesn't Love Me and Tokyo Mew Mew New

Uta no Prince-sama  Maji Love ST☆RISH Tours: Tabi no Hajimari (The Journey Begins)- TV special - 47 mins runtime

It takes place after the success of the concert of three groups: Starish, Quartet Night and Heavens, in the Uta no Prince Sama Maji Love Kingdom (the last film) which will then lead up to the decision of Starish's concert tour on Uta no Prince-sama  Maji Love Starish Tours (upcoming film). See previous reviews

Since this is a short TV special, it's reasonable to lump it with the 'First Impressions". Nothing fancy schmancy just them boys finally having the time to be together after becoming busy with different idol activities. But the question is will Nanami make an appearance? I will let you find it out for yourself. 

Starting from Uta no Prince Sama Maji Love Kingdom, the franchise had to grow out from the reverse harem it was also known for. The concert films are the most logical step but still, it feels so weird to see Nanami cast into the sidelines after being the center of their affection for the longest time. Like it kinda hurt you know?

Love Like the Galaxy part 1 - Episode 1 -8 | Total episode 27 eps. runtime: 45 mins. 

Cheng Shao Shang was raised by her grandmother and aunt while her family leaves her behind to fight a war. She grew to be uncultured and stubborn but tough and quick-witted. Her disposition and wit will catch the attention of General Ling Bu Yi, talented Yuan Shen, and the aristocrat Lou Yao. 

The First Impressions are usually for three episodes but four episodes in and she still has not met all the guys. Man, they really stretched out the family drama. Thankfully, there were plenty of people in Mydramalist raving about how much they loved it, warranting it a second chance. The two leads have the strangest meet cute but it took darn too long for them to officially meet which happened in the sixth episode. And right after, she also meets the other two guys as well. While the second guy is interesting, there's always something more with what he's saying, the third guy is uneventful. Around this time, it becomes enjoyable but then it went back to all the petty fights... again.

Cheng Shao Shang is feisty and funny too like when she pretends to faint not to be outdone by her scheming grandmother. But she has a skewed version of mistrust towards everyone even those meaning her well. Another thing that struck me here is her relationship with her mother. As someone born into an Asian family and maybe something to do with age too, I can empathize with both mom and daughter's opposing ideas. They're both at fault though but we know deep down that they truly care for each other. 

Based on the show's synopsis the story will grow into political drama. It also has a second part with 29 episodes bringing it to a total of 56 episodes. I'm curious how she would apply her ingenuity in the bigger picture so maybe...just maybe... I might pick it up again. The actress, Zhao Lu Si, also plays the lead in A Female Student Arrives in the Imperial College.

  

To X Who Doesn't Love Me / Dear X Who Doesn't Love Me Ep. 1-3 | Total episode: 10 eps,  runtime: 30 minutes 

Seo Hee Soo is a sophomore lyrics major student and she's been dreaming of getting a love confession. Then she receives a mysterious notebook that has the ability to make the lyrics she writes come true...of making someone fall in love with her.

It started cute like how kdramas usually do but it quickly turned dark. It's like Death Note but make it reverse harem and with boyfriends...a string of ex-boyfriends at that. (Falls under Three Flowers, see Levels of Reverse Harem) She's the one "pursuing" the guys here. It's sad that as she tries to find love the more she's hurting herself. But you want to hang on and see what's in store for her and especially with her cute best friend Jung si ho. The quintessential friend-zoned guy who can easily be the one. (See 7 Types of Reverse Harem Endings) For a similarly notebook-themed drama, I recommend Not Found Love. Who could have thought there will be another one?

Tokyo Mew Mew New Ep  1-3 | Total episodes: 12 episodes 20 mins runtime 

Ichigo is a highschool student who wants to experience her first love but she finds herself as one of the earth's protectors against aliens together with four other girls. This is the remake of 2002 Tokyo Mew Mew.

It is reminiscent of Shugo Chara and Yumeiro Patisserie where we have young heroines and with reverse harem as a secondary theme next to the magical girl and magical baking themes respectively. There are possibly three or four guys forming the reverse harem. The boy she likes, the leader, the butler, and the villain. There are hints of naughtiness too coming from the boys.

It is a letdown to say that I didn't enjoy the show like with the earlier two anime. But clearly, I'm not an expert on this anime as I have not watched the original. Well, let's see how it goes as I am planning to finish this. It's also a plus that it is advocating the protection of endangered animals. There's also one remaining Tokyo Mew Mew character left to appear. The second season is slated to air in April 2023. For other magical girl anime, you may watch Pretear but technically a two-flowers only (Surrounded by guys but only one or two love interests).

Let me know which ones are you watching or have already completed in the comments.  

Purchase titles/ related to the titles mentioned: (as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases):

Uta No Prince Sama 1000%: Season 1 [Blu-ray] https://amzn.to/3yNMczO

Tokyo Mew Mew Omnibus 1 https://amzn.to/3TbkpkW

Shugo Chara! Vol. 1 https://amzn.to/3eCZ05d 

Yumeiro Patissiere Season 1 https://amzn.to/3eFSlaA

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