Toradora!

Last updated
Toradora!
Toradora! light novel volume 1 cover.jpg
Cover of the first light novel volume, featuring Taiga Aisaka
とらドラ!
Genre
Light novel
Written by Yuyuko Takemiya
Illustrated by Yasu
Published by ASCII Media Works
English publisher
Imprint Dengeki Bunko
DemographicMale
Original runMarch 10, 2006 – March 10, 2009
Volumes10 (List of volumes)
Light novel
Toradora Spin-off!
Written by Yuyuko Takemiya
Illustrated by Yasu
Published by ASCII Media Works
Imprint Dengeki Bunko
Magazine Dengeki Bunko Magazine
DemographicMale
Original runMay 10, 2007 – April 10, 2010
Volumes3 (List of volumes)
Manga
Written by Yuyuko Takemiya
Illustrated byZekkyō
Published by ASCII Media Works
English publisher
Magazine Dengeki Comic Gao! (former)
Dengeki Daioh
Demographic Shōnen
Original runJuly 27, 2007 – present
Volumes9 (List of volumes)
Anime television series
Directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai
Produced byTakahiro Nakayama
Takaaki Yuasa
Shinichi Ikeda
Muneyuki Kanbe
Yuji Matsukura
Written by Mari Okada
Music by Yukari Hashimoto
Studio J.C.Staff
Licensed by
AUS
Hanabee
Original network TV Tokyo
English network
Original run October 2, 2008 – March 26, 2009
Episodes25 (List of episodes)
Game
Developer Guyzware
Publisher Namco Bandai Games
Genre Visual novel
Platform PlayStation Portable
ReleasedApril 30, 2009
Original video animation
Directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai
Written by Mari Okada
Studio J.C.Staff
Licensed by
AUS
Hanabee
ReleasedDecember 21, 2011
Runtime27 minutes
Wikipe-tan face.svg   Anime and mangaportal

Toradora! (Japanese: とらドラ!) is a Japanese light novel series by Yuyuko Takemiya, with illustrations by Yasu. The series includes ten novels released between March 10, 2006 and March 10, 2009, published by ASCII Media Works under their Dengeki Bunko imprint. [3] Three volumes of a spin-off light novel series were also created, aptly titled Toradora Spin-off!. A manga adaptation by Zekkyō started serialization in the September 2007 issue of the shōnen manga magazine Dengeki Comic Gao! , published by MediaWorks. The manga ended serialization in Dengeki Comic Gao! with the March 2008 issue, but continued serialization in ASCII Media Works' manga magazine Dengeki Daioh with the May 2008 issue. [4]

Contents

An Internet radio show was broadcast between September 2008 and May 2009 hosted by Animate TV. A 25-episode anime adaptation produced by J.C.Staff aired in Japan on TV Tokyo between October 2008 and March 2009. [5] A Blu-ray Disc (BD) box set containing an original video animation episode was released on December 21, 2011. NIS America licensed the anime and released it in North America in two half-season DVD collections in July and August 2010, with an English dubbed BD collection to be released in July 2014. A visual novel based on the series was released in April 2009 by Bandai Namco Games for the PlayStation Portable. [6]

The title Toradora! is derived from the names of the two main characters Taiga Aisaka and Ryūji Takasu. Taiga's name is almost homophonic with taigā (タイガー) from English tiger (the final a is more lengthened in the English loanword), which is synonymous with the native Japanese word tora (とら). Inversely, ryū (竜) means dragon, and is synonymous with doragon (ドラゴン), the English word dragon transcribed into Japanese. [7]

Plot

Ryuji Takasu is frustrated at trying to look his best as he enters his second year of high school. Despite his gentle personality, his eyes give him the appearance of an intimidating delinquent. He is happy to be classmates with his best friend Yusaku Kitamura, as well as the girl he has a crush on, Minori Kushieda. However, he unexpectedly runs into "the school's most dangerous animal of the highest risk level"—Taiga Aisaka—who just happens to be Minori's best friend. Taiga has a negative attitude towards others and has a habit of snapping violently at people. She takes an instant dislike to Ryuji, and it turns out she is living in an apartment facing Ryuji's house. When Ryuji discovers that Taiga has a crush on Yusaku, and Taiga finds out about Ryuji's affections towards Minori, they make an arrangement to help set each other up with their crushes.

Over the course of the series, Ryuji and Taiga try to set up romantic situations to help each other get to know their friends, but many of the situations backfire. Their classmates observe that they are spending a lot of time with each other, leading to rumors that they might be a couple. Although Ryuji and Taiga try to dispel the rumors, they find that they do enjoy each other's company, with Taiga visiting Ryuji's house to share meals, and Ryuji checking up on Taiga to get her to school, and cleaning for her. They meet Yusaku's childhood friend Ami Kawashima, a popular teen model who transfers into their school. She appears to be friendly and is a self-proclaimed ditz, but beneath her facade is a rather mean and spoiled brat, and she quickly finds herself at odds with Taiga. In spite of this, Taiga tries to put up with her antics as Yusaku wants them to all get along, and Ami begins to grow feelings for Ryuji. The series follows the lives of these friends and how love blossoms among them.

Characters

Main characters

The main characters of Toradora! (from left to right): Ryuji, Yusaku, Taiga, Minori, and Ami. Toradora! main characters.jpg
The main characters of Toradora! (from left to right): Ryuji, Yusaku, Taiga, Minori, and Ami.
Ryuji Takasu (高須 竜児, Takasu Ryūji, Manga: Ryuuji Takasu)
Voiced by: Junji Majima (Japanese); Erik Scott Kimerer (English) [8] [9]
The viewpoint character of the light novels, Ryuji is introduced as a second-year high school student with a mistaken reputation of being a delinquent because of his sanpaku (glaring) eyes of which resemble his father's. He lives with his single mother, his father having left before he was born. Because of this, Ryuji has learned to be self-sufficient: he cooks and cleans, the latter to the point of compulsively cleaning up any messes he can find. [9] While he looks intimidating, he is actually a very kind and selfless guy, and takes care of his mother and his friends. He has a pet parakeet named "Inko-chan" (インコ, Inko, lit. "parakeet") He has a longstanding crush on the cheerful and pretty classmate Minori Kushieda. After Ryuji meets Taiga Aisaka, he often helps her with domestic chores, and develops a new reputation as the "only person able to stop the Palmtop Tiger" as well as having to fend off rumors that the two might be a couple. Vol. 1 Although he does not have a romantic interest in Taiga, he determines he wants to look after her, help her out as much as possible, and to be friends with her.
Due to the misunderstandings caused by his appearance, as well as his family situation, he tends to have low self-esteem. In spite of this, he is rather calm in most situations and is responsible, smart, and has great grades, even compared to Yusaku Kitamura, his best friend. In seeming contrast to his intimidating looks, Ryuji actually prefers avoiding serious conflicts and tends to put others first, to the point of losing sight of what he really wants in life.[ volume & issue needed ]
In the light novels, he sees a tender side of Taiga that she hides from everyone. In the anime, he is dense when it comes to girls' feelings, especially when it comes to Taiga, Minori, and Ami. While initially seen as intimidating by most, he still manages to make good friends. His relationship with Taiga begins to change as he spends more time with her throughout the series. Eventually, he falls in love with Taiga and they become a couple at the end of the series.
Taiga Aisaka (逢坂 大河, Aisaka Taiga)
Voiced by: Rie Kugimiya (Japanese); Cassandra Lee Morris (English) [8] [9]
The other title character of the series, Taiga is a girl in Ryuji's class. She has a beautiful appearance, but dislikes the company of others, with the exception of her best friend Minori Kushieda. Because of her tendency to snap fiercely at others, and because of her diminutive stature (4 feet 8 inches in manga, 4 feet 7 inches in anime), Taiga's nickname is "Palmtop Tiger" (手乗りタイガー, Te Nori Taigā). She often receives confessions of love from boys due to her cute, or as Ryuji puts it, "doll-like" appearance, but she turns down every single one. Despite her reputation, she is actually a clumsy girl who is very shy and awkward around her crush Kitamura. Vol. 1 [9] Despite coming from a well-to-do family, her life with them was very difficult because of various problems. She lived with her father and step-mother and constantly fought with them, Ch. 5 eventually moving out and living on her own. Having come from a privileged household, she does not know how to do any domestic chores. Upon meeting Ryuji and learning of his domestic talents, she relies on him to cook for her. Vol. 1, 2 Aside from sleeping in her own apartment and going to school, she spends most of her time at Ryuji's house, so much so that his mother considers her a member of the family. Vol. 1 Eventually she falls in love with Ryuji and they become a couple at the end of the series.
Minori Kushieda (櫛枝 実乃梨, Kushieda Minori)
Voiced by: Yui Horie (Japanese); Christine Marie Cabanos (English) [8] [9]
Minori is a cheerful classmate who is Ryuji's crush and Taiga's best friend. She is captain of the girls' softball club. Vol. 1 She tends to be air-headed at times, although it is later revealed that she is very perceptive, being one of the few people to see Ryuji for the gentle person he is, and is also not fooled by Ami's facade. Ch. 15 When she hears rumors that Ryuji and Taiga are a couple, she pulls both of them aside and begs Ryuji to take good care of Taiga. She works many part-time jobs preferring to keep herself busy. Vol. 2 [9] She enjoys food, having once made a whole tub of pudding, Ch. 1 and teaming up with Taiga as a struggling "diet soldier". Ch. 18 She is capable in cooking and cleaning as a result of her part-time jobs as well as taking care of her little brother while both her parents work. Ch. 34, 38 She is fascinated by ghosts and hopes to meet one someday, and one time, she opens up with her feelings about love to Ryuji. Vol. 6
Yusaku Kitamura (北村 祐作, Kitamura Yūsaku) [9]
Voiced by: Hirofumi Nojima (Japanese); Johnny Yong Bosch (English) [8]
Yusaku is Ryuji's classmate and initially his only friend. He is the vice-president of the student council, the class representative, and captain of the boys' softball club. Yusaku wears glasses, and has a diligent personality. [9] Although he thinks he is poor at talking to girls, Ryuji observes that Yusaku is actually quite popular with them. Vol. 1 When Taiga confesses to him, he reveals that he had actually confessed to Taiga a year prior because she was so beautiful, but was rejected. Vol. 2 While not buried in student council activities, Yusaku exhibits an eccentric personality as demonstrated in a bonus chapter where he plays the President card game without any clue of the rules, Vol. 4 and a summer trip story where he wears just a towel around and randomly flashes the girls. Vol. 5 In a later storyline, it is revealed he had a crush on the student council president Sumire Kanō, but got so depressed over her departure that he bleached his hair. Vol. 7 His nickname is "Maruo". Vol. 6, 7
Ami Kawashima (川嶋 亜美, Kawashima Ami)
Voiced by: Eri Kitamura (Japanese); Erika Harlacher (English) [8] [9]
Ami is Yusaku's childhood friend who transfers into his class midway through their second year of high school. She has been working as a fashion model, and is very popular with the guys and girls. However, behind the facade is a spoiled brat who looks down on everyone that she isn't trying to impress. Yusaku hopes that Ami will be honest with her true character, and not have such a dual nature. [9] She develops a fierce rivalry with Taiga, and flirts with Ryuji to demonstrate how she can easily manipulate him to take him away. However, Ryuji and the other main characters are all aware of her true nature. Vol. 2, 3 In the storyline where she is trying to evade a stalker, she ends up depending on Ryuji and Taiga, although the latter blackmails her using footage of Ami's singing and reciting a list of Pokémon. Vol. 3 After seeing Taiga standing up to the stalker, she drops her sweet facade in front of Ryuji to chew out the stalker, and later asks Ryuji if he would come to love her real self. Vol. 3 Taiga calls her a dumb chihuahua, even though Ami has no idea how such a description applies. Ch. 29, 32 She comes from a rich background; her family has a lavish vacation home that she takes Ryuji (and the gang) over the summer. Vol. 4 Over the course of the series, she becomes attracted to Ryuji despite regularly teasing him. Vol. 5

Supporting characters

Inko (インコ, Inko)
Voiced by: Saori Gotō (Japanese); Wendee Lee (English)
Ryuuji's parakeet. Her name is the Japanese word for parakeet. Though apparently healthy, she sometimes looks sickly. Despite struggling to say her simple name (a running gag throughout the series), she has a good understanding of human speech and can interact with her owners and pronounce words much more difficult than her name. She seems to be mentally inept.
Yasuko Takasu (高須 泰子, Takasu Yasuko)
Voiced by: Sayaka Ōhara (Japanese); Karen Strassman (English) [9]
Ryuji's widowed mother who works nights at a hostess bar. She acts childish and like an airhead, depending on Ryuji to cook and clean for her. She is often seen getting in trouble with the landlady for whatever shenanigans go on in their apartment. She is proud that Ryuji is able to go to high school, something she was not able to complete. She initially claims that her husband died before he was born, Vol. 1 but it is later revealed that he left her instead.[ volume & issue needed ] She instantly takes a liking to Taiga and treats her like a family member. Vol. 1
Yuri Koigakubo (恋ヶ窪 ゆり, Koigakubo Yuri)
Voiced by: Rie Tanaka (Japanese); Carrie Keranen [10] (English) [9]
Yuri is Ryuji's homeroom teacher. She has a reputation of telling long stories that class representative Kitamura stops immediately to dismiss the class. Ch. 5 She likes to do things at her own pace and is timid towards Taiga's way of speaking out. In the fifth volume of the light novel, she becomes concerned about getting into a relationship leading to marriage before she turns 30, but when that birthday comes, she develops a twisted and depressed personality, which is further aggravated whenever Taiga mentions that she is single. LN 5
Kōji Haruta (春田 浩次, Haruta Kōji)
Voiced by: Hiroyuki Yoshino (Japanese); Brian Beacock (English) [9]
Kōji is Ryuji's classmate who has long hair. Ch. 6 LN 1 ch. 5 He is regarded as a class 'idiot' and that opinion is deepened by his poor school marks and overly energetic behavior, stating obvious things like how pretty Ami is. Ch. 47 His childish pranks often target Taiga and as a result he has been the victim of her violent outbursts. Despite his overly energetic behavior, later in the series he is revealed to have a girlfriend.
Hisamitsu Noto (能登 久光, Noto Hisamitsu)
Voiced by: Kazuyuki Okitsu (Japanese); Max Mittelman (English) [9]
Hisamitsu is a male student in Ryuji's class who wears glasses. He was also in Ryuji's class the previous year and is on good terms with him. He is first seen during the basketball warmup scenario where he pairs up with Minori. LN 1 ch 4, Ch. 4, Ep. 2 Noto begins to develop feelings for Maya Kihara following an argument they had during the class winter ski trip.
Maya Kihara (木原 麻耶, Kihara Maya)
Voiced by: Ai Nonaka (Japanese); Mela Lee (English) [9]
Maya is Ryuji's attractive classmate who often hangs out with Nanako. She is a kogal and the center of the 'stand out group' of girls of class 2-C. Ch. 27 She ends up pairing with Yusaku in basketball warmups. LN 1 ch 4, Ch. 4, Ep. 2 She has a crush on Yusaku, and she circuitously opposes the idea of Taiga and Yusaku being a couple, and wants Taiga and Ryuji to be together.
Nanako Kashii (香椎 奈々子, Kashii Nanako)
Voiced by: Momoko Ishikawa (Japanese); Karen Strassman (English) [9]
Nanako is a female student in Ryuji's class who often hangs out with Maya and Ami.
Sumire Kano (狩野 すみれ, Kanō Sumire)
Voiced by: Yūko Kaida (Japanese); Wendee Lee [9] (English)
Sumire is the student council president. She has a strong-minded personality and inspires fellow students to follow her. Her parents own a supermarket. Ch. 49 Because she always gets the top marks for her class each year, her notes become one of the sought-after prizes in the school festival event. Ch. 57 When she tells the council she plans to leave school early to study in the United States to become an astronaut, Yusaku is heartbroken that he dyes his hair and quits the council. Vol. 7
Kōta Tomiie (富家 幸太, Tomiie Kōta)
Voiced by: Nobuhiko Okamoto (Japanese); Ben Giroux (English)
Kōta is a first-year student who is the main character in Toradora Spin-off!. He is generally unhappy about his life. He works on the student council in general affairs, and gets good grades. When first seen, he has a completely mistaken idea what the term "Palmtop Tiger" refers to, and develops an insane crush on Taiga. He later develops a crush on Sakura, and eventually succeeds in starting a romantic relationship with her.

Media

Light novels

Toradora! began as a series of light novels written by Yuyuko Takemiya and drawn by Yasu. Ten novels were published by ASCII Media Works under their Dengeki Bunko imprint between March 10, 2006 and March 10, 2009. [3] [11] There are four additional chapters not collected into volumes; three of which appeared in three separate light novel anthologies released by MediaWorks in November 2006, March 2007, and November 2007, and the last chapter entitled Toradora! came with a plush tiger stuffed animal first released in April 2007. [12] Seven Seas Entertainment licensed series in North America, releasing the first volume on May 8, 2018. [13]

Three volumes of a spin-off of the regular series under the title Toradora Spin-off! (とらドラ・スピンオフ!) were also created. The first volume of the spin-off series was released on May 10, 2007 and compiled four chapters, three of which had been serialized in MediaWorks' now-defunct light novel magazine Dengeki hp between June 10, 2006 and February 10, 2007, and the last chapter was written especially for the volume release. A single chapter of the spin-off series, originally published in February 2006 in Dengeki hp was included in the second volume of the regular novel series. More chapters started serialization in Dengeki hp's successor Dengeki Bunko Magazine on December 10, 2007. Additional chapters of the main series started serialization in the same magazine on April 10, 2008. The second volume of Toradora Spin-off! was released on January 10, 2009 followed by the third volume on April 10, 2010. The third volume was released to commemorate the Year of the Tiger (2010).

Manga

A manga adaptation illustrated by Zekkyō started serialization in the September 2007 issue of MediaWorks' shōnen manga magazine Dengeki Comic Gao! . [14] The manga ended its run in Dengeki Comic Gao! in the March 2008 issue, but continued serialization in ASCII Media Works' manga magazine Dengeki Daioh from the May 2008 issue. [4] [15] The first tankōbon volume was released on February 27, 2008 under ASCII Media Works' Dengeki Comics imprint; as of June 27, 2019, nine volumes have been released. [16] North American publisher Seven Seas Entertainment began publishing the series in English on March 1, 2011. [17] [18]

Internet radio show

An Internet radio show to promote the anime series and other Toradora! media titled ToradoRadio! (とらドラジオ!, Toradorajio!) aired 38 episodes between September 4, 2008 and May 28, 2009 on Animate TV. [19] The show was streamed online every Thursday, and was hosted by Junji Majima and Eri Kitamura who voiced Ryūji Takasu and Ami Kawashima from the anime, respectively. The show featured additional voice actors from the anime as guests.

Anime

A Toradora! anime television series was first announced on a promotional advertisement for light novels being released under ASCII Media Works' Dengeki Bunko imprint for April 2008. [20] The anime is directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai and produced by the animation studio J.C.Staff. Toradora! contains 25 episodes, which aired between October 2, 2008 and March 26, 2009 on TV Tokyo in Japan. [5] [21] The episodes aired at later dates on AT-X, TV Aichi, TV Hokkaido, TV Osaka, TV Setouchi, and TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting. The anime premiered in the Philippines through TV5 on May 18, 2009, one of the first to air it outside Japan. [22] The first volume DVD compilation, which contains the first four episodes was released in Japan on January 21, 2009 by King Records in limited and regular editions. [23] Seven more DVD compilations, each containing three episodes, were released between February 25 and August 26, 2009 also in limited and regular editions. [23] Starting from the second DVD, there were extra animated shorts included in the DVD volumes, Toradora SOS!, which features the cast as chibis trying out various foods. The Toradora! anime was licensed by NIS America as its first anime. [24] The series was released in two half-season DVD compilation volumes in early July and late August 2010. [25] A six-disc Blu-ray Disc box set, released in Japan on December 21, 2011, contains an original video animation (OVA) episode. [26] It was broadcast in Italy on Rai 4 between April 28 and October 13, 2011. NIS America re-released the series on Blu-ray on July 1, 2014, including the unreleased OVA and featuring an English dub. [8] MVM Films have licensed the Blu-ray collection in the United Kingdom. [27] The anime series was streamed on Netflix on August 1, 2020. [28]

The anime series makes use of four pieces of theme music: two opening and two ending themes. The first opening theme is "Pre-Parade" (プレパレード, Pureparēdo) by Rie Kugimiya, Eri Kitamura, and Yui Horie. [29] The first ending theme is "Vanilla Salt" (バニラソルト, Banira Soruto) by Horie. [30] The second opening is "Silky Heart" by Horie, [31] and the second ending is "Orange" (オレンジ, Orenji) by Kugimiya, Kitamura, and Horie. [31] [32] The insert theme for episode nineteen is "Holy Night" (ホーリーナイト, Hōrī Naito) performed by Kugimiya and Kitamura. [33] The anime's original soundtrack was released on January 7, 2009. [34] [35]

Video games

A visual novel developed by Guyzware and published by Namco Bandai Games based on Toradora! is playable on the PlayStation Portable, and was released on April 30, 2009. [6] [36] [37] The player assumes the role of Ryuji Takasu where he moves around school and town, conversing with characters and working towards multiple endings as part of an original storyline. The game also features a minigame where players play as Taiga, fending off lovesick guys.

Taiga is a playable character in the RPG, Dengeki Gakuen RPG: Cross of Venus for the Nintendo DS, released on March 19, 2009 in Japan. [38] [39] She also appears as a cameo character and optional costume for the main character in Nippon Ichi Software's Z.H.P. Unlosing Ranger VS Darkdeath Evilman for the PlayStation Portable. Taiga is also a playable character in the fighting game Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax , with Ryuji as an assist character. [40] She also appears in Twinkle Crusaders Starlit Brave which was released on September 30, 2010. [38]

Reception

The Mainichi Shimbun reported in April 2009 that over 3 million copies of the light novel series have been sold in Japan. [41] The light novel series has ranked four times in Takarajimasha's light novel guide book Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! published yearly: sixth in 2007, fourth in 2008 and 2010, and second in 2009.[ citation needed ] [42] In Kadokawa Shoten's first Light Novel Award contest held in 2007, Toradora! won an award in the romantic comedy category. [43] [44] The seventh volume of the Toradora! light novels was ranked tenth best selling between December 2007 and November 2008 by Amazon.co.jp. [45] The second volume of the Toradora! manga was ranked 28th on the Tohan charts between March 3–9, 2009. [46] Taiga Aisaka became the champion of the eighth Anime Saimoe Tournament in 2009. [47] The Toradora! anime was selected as a recommended work by the awards jury of the thirteenth Japan Media Arts Festival in 2009. [48] In 2009, Rie Kugimiya won the Best Actress in the third Seiyu Awards partly for voicing Taiga Aisaka. [49]

The first Toradora! DVD was ranked 13th on the Oricon DVD chart between January 20–26, 2009. [50] The second DVD was ranked 15th between February 24 and March 2, 2009. [51] The third DVD was ranked 27th between March 24–30, 2009. [52] The fourth DVD was ranked 17th between April 21–28, 2009. [53] The fifth DVD was ranked 7th between May 25–31, 2009. [54] The sixth DVD was ranked 11th between June 22–28, 2009. [55] The seventh DVD was ranked 19th between July 20–26, 2009. [56] The eighth DVD was ranked 13th between August 24–30, 2009. [57] THEM Anime Review's Stig Høgset commends the anime for how it "actually resolves the relationship issue it set out to do instead of wimping out like so many romantic shows with several girls tends to do in an attempt to not make people angry or disappointed." [58] He also comments Taiga as the "genetical marriage" of Shana from Shakugan no Shana and Louise from Zero no Tsukaima . [58] However, he also criticized "Taiga's continuous behavior, particularly towards Ryuji" and the introduction of Taiga's father in which Høgset "felt that the whole story arc jerked me around". [58]

Notes

Related Research Articles

Rie Kugimiya Japanese voice actress

Rie Kugimiya is a Japanese voice actress and singer. She is best known for her voice performances in anime, which include Alphonse Elric in the Fullmetal Alchemist series, Kagura in Gin Tama, and Happy in Fairy Tail and Edens Zero. Because of her roles for characters such as Shana in Shakugan no Shana, Louise in The Familiar of Zero, Nagi Sanzenin in Hayate the Combat Butler, Taiga Aisaka in Toradora!, Aguri Madoka/Cure Ace in DokiDoki! PreCure, and Aria Holmes Kanzaki in Aria the Scarlet Ammo, some of her fans have nicknamed her the "Queen of Tsundere." She is currently represented by the talent agency I'm Enterprise.

<i>Shakugan no Shana</i> Japanese light novel series

Shakugan no Shana, also known simply as Shana (シャナ), is a Japanese light novel series written by Yashichiro Takahashi with illustrations by Noizi Ito. ASCII Media Works published 26 novels from November 2002 to November 2012 under their Dengeki Bunko imprint. The story focuses on Yuji Sakai, a high school boy who inadvertently becomes involved in an age-old conflict between forces of balance and imbalance in existence. In the process, he befriends a fighter for the balancing force and names her "Shana". The series incorporates fantasy and slice of life elements into its tale.

<i>Ballad of a Shinigami</i>

Ballad of a Shinigami, subtitled Momo: The Girl God of Death, is a Japanese light novel series written by K-Ske Hasegawa, with illustrations by Nanakusa. The series includes twelve novels released between June 10, 2003 and April 10, 2009, published by ASCII Media Works under their Dengeki Bunko imprint. The novels were licensed by Seven Seas Entertainment for release in English with the first novel released in March 2008. The series revolves around Momo, a shinigami, and her familiar Daniel, a talking black cat, as they interfere with the world of the living.

<i>Inukami!</i>

Inukami! is a Japanese light novel series written by Mamizu Arisawa, with illustrations by Kanna Wakatsuki. The series originally started serialization in volume seventeen of ASCII Media Works' now-defunct light novel magazine Dengeki hp on April 18, 2002. Four more chapters were published until the first bound novel of the series was released, though more chapters were later serialized in the magazine. Fourteen main novels, plus two additional bonus novels with illustrations by Mari Matsuzawa, were published by ASCII Media Works under their Dengeki Bunko label between January 10, 2003 and December 10, 2008. The series revolves around a dog goddess named Yōko and her master Keita Kawahira as they fight against various troublesome spirits. Several more inukami besides Yōko also play an important role, most notably the inukami of Kaoru Kawahira.

<i>A Certain Magical Index</i> Japanese light novel series

A Certain Magical Index is a Japanese light novel series written by Kazuma Kamachi and illustrated by Kiyotaka Haimura, which has been published by ASCII Media Works under their Dengeki Bunko imprint since April 2004. The plot is set in a world where supernatural abilities exist. The light novels focus on Tōma Kamijō, a young high school student in Academy City who has an unusual ability, as he encounters an English nun named Index. His ability and relationship with Index proves dangerous to other sorcerers and Espers who want to discover the secrets behind him and Index, as well as the city.

<i>Spice and Wolf</i>

Spice and Wolf is a Japanese light novel series written by Isuna Hasekura, with illustrations by Jū Ayakura. ASCII Media Works has published 22 novels since February 2006 under their Dengeki Bunko imprint. ASCII Media Works reported that as of October 2008, over 2.2 million copies of the first nine novels have been sold in Japan. The series has been called a "unique fantasy" by Mainichi Shimbun due to the plot focusing on economics, trade, and peddling rather than the typical staples of fantasy such as swords and magic. Yen Press licensed the light novels and is releasing them in English in North America. ASCII Media Works has published three volumes of a spin-off light novel series titled Wolf and Parchment since September 2016.

<i>Ef: A Fairy Tale of the Two</i> Video game

Ef: A Fairy Tale of the Two is a Japanese two-part adult visual novel series by Minori for Windows PCs. The first game in the series, Ef: The First Tale, was released on December 22, 2006, and the second game, Ef: The Latter Tale, was released on May 30, 2008. The opening video for the game was animated by Makoto Shinkai, and a majority of the music was produced by Tenmon, who has worked in the past with Shinkai and Minori. Female character design was by Naru Nanao of Da Capo fame, while male character design was by 2C Galore.

<i>Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu</i>

Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu is a Japanese light novel series by Yūsaku Igarashi, with illustrations by Shaa. The series originally started serialization in MediaWorks' now-defunct light novel magazine Dengeki hp on June 18, 2004. The first novel was released in October 2004, and as of January 2012, 15 volumes have been published by ASCII Media Works under their Dengeki Bunko imprint. A manga adaptation by Yasuhiro Miyama was serialized in ASCII Media Works' Dengeki Moeoh between the October 2006 and August 2010 issues. An anime adaptation produced by Studio Barcelona aired between July and September 2008; a second anime season aired between October and December 2009. A visual novel for the PlayStation 2 was released in Japan in September 2008 and a second game for the PlayStation Portable was released for digital download in February 2010.

<i>Dengeki Bunko Magazine</i>

Dengeki Bunko Magazine (電撃文庫MAGAZINE) is a Japanese light novel magazine published by ASCII Media Works. The magazine succeeded the light novel magazine Dengeki hp, and originally was published as a special edition issue of Dengeki Daioh for the first two issues; the first issue was released on December 10, 2007. Dengeki Bunko Magazine became an independent magazine with the publication of its third volume on April 10, 2008. The magazine publishes information pertaining to ASCII Media Works' light novel publishing label Dengeki Bunko, along with short stories written by already established authors who have had previous light novels published under Dengeki Bunko. Other information pertains to adaptations from the light novels, such as video games, anime, or manga. The magazine ended on April 9, 2020.

<i>Dengeki Gakuen RPG: Cross of Venus</i>

Dengeki Gakuen RPG: Cross of Venus is a Japanese action role-playing video game developed by Pegasus Japan and published by ASCII Media Works for the Nintendo DS handheld video game console, and was first released in Japan on March 19, 2009 in limited and regular editions. An enhanced remake was released on the Nintendo DS on February 2011, titled Dengeki Gakuen RPG: Cross of Venus Special. The game was produced in commemoration of the fifteenth anniversary of ASCII Media Works' light novel imprint Dengeki Bunko. The player assumes the role of an unnamed protagonist attending Dengeki Academy who stumbles into a fight between heroines from Dengeki Bunko novel worlds and the evil organization Zetsumu. The reality-based world of Dengeki Academy and the novel worlds have become connected and the player is able to help the Dengeki Bunko heroines fight the Zetsumu by going between the worlds. Eight heroines are presented including Shana from Shakugan no Shana, Kino from Kino's Journey, and Kana Iriya from Iriya no Sora, UFO no Natsu. Each heroine fights with her own unique style of weapon, combos, and special attacks. The protagonist is designed by Kouhaku Kuroboshi, and his childhood friend Kizuna Kasugai is designed by Noizi Ito.

<i>Oreimo</i>

Oreimo (俺妹), short for Ore no Imōto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai is a Japanese light novel series written by Tsukasa Fushimi, with illustrations provided by Hiro Kanzaki. The story depicts high school student Kyosuke Kosaka who discovers that his standoffish younger sister Kirino is actually an otaku with an extensive collection of moe anime and younger sister-themed eroge she has been collecting in secret. Kyosuke quickly becomes Kirino's confidant for her secret hobby.

<i>Indian Summer</i> (manga)

Indian Summer is a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Takehito Mizuki. The manga was serialised in MediaWorks's monthly Dengeki Daioh before MediaWorks moved the title to the quarterly Dengeki Moeoh. The manga was formerly licensed in English by ComicsOne and DrMaster.

<i>Kinos Journey</i> Japanese light novel series and its adaptations

Kino's Journey —the Beautiful World—, shortened to Kino's Journey, is a Japanese light novel series written by Keiichi Sigsawa, with illustrations by Kouhaku Kuroboshi. The series follows a traveler named Kino and her talking motorcycle named Hermes, as they explore countries with unique customs and people around a mysterious world, only spending three days at each location. The series originally started serialization in volume five of MediaWorks' now-defunct light novel magazine Dengeki hp on March 17, 2000. The first volume of the series was published on July 10, 2000 by ASCII Media Works under their Dengeki Bunko publishing imprint. As of July 2019, 22 volumes have been published, and around 8.2 million copies of the novels have been sold in Japan.

<i>Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere</i>

Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere is a Japanese light novel series written by Minoru Kawakami and illustrated by Satoyasu. The series is set in the distant future when Japan has been conquered by other countries and divided up into feudal territories. The series is part of a six-stage chronicle universe, with Minoru's other light novels encompassing the other five. A 13-episode anime adaptation by Sunrise aired between October and December 2011. A 13-episode second season aired between July and September 2012. Both seasons have been licensed and released on DVD and Blu-ray by Sentai Filmworks in North America and Manga Entertainment in the UK. A video game adaptation for the PlayStation Portable titled Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere Portable was developed by Tenky, and was released in Japan on April 25, 2013.

<i>Accel World</i> Japanese light novel series

Accel World is a Japanese light novel series written by Reki Kawahara and illustrated by HiMA. The series began publication in ASCII Media Works' Dengeki Bunko imprint from February 2009 and is licensed in North America by Yen Press. Two manga series began serialization in Dengeki Bunko Magazine from May 2010, with another series beginning serialization in Dengeki Daioh in January 2013. An anime adaptation by Sunrise aired in Japan between April and September 2012. An English-language version began streaming on Viz Media's Neon Alley service from April 2013. Two video games were released for the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 3 on September 13, 2012, and January 31, 2013, each containing an original video animation episode. An anime film titled Accel World: Infinite Burst featuring an original story by Kawahara premiered in Japan on July 23, 2016.

<i>Golden Time</i> (novel series) Japanese light novel series

Golden Time is a Japanese light novel series written by Yuyuko Takemiya, with illustrations by Ēji Komatsu. The series includes 11 volumes published by ASCII Media Works between September 2010 and March 2014, and incorporates romantic comedy and supernatural themes. A manga adaptation by Umechazuke began serialization in the October 2011 issue of Dengeki Daioh. A 24-episode anime adaptation by J.C.Staff aired on MBS between October 2013 and March 2014.

<i>Strike the Blood</i> Japanese light novel series and its adaptations

Strike the Blood is a Japanese light novel series by Gakuto Mikumo with illustrations by Manyako, with 22 main volumes serialized between May 2011 and August 2020. A manga adaptation began serialization in June 2012 in ASCII Media Works's Dengeki Daioh. A 24-episode anime television adaptation by Silver Link and Connect aired between 4 October 2013 and 28 March 2014 in Japan. An original video animation series titled Strike the Blood II was released in four volumes between November 2016 and May 2017. A third series titled Strike the Blood III was released from December 2018 to September 2019. A fourth series titled Strike the Blood IV was released from April 2020 to June 2021.

References

  1. ↑ Kimlinger, Carl (June 13, 2010). "Toradora! DVD 1 Eps. 1-7 Preview - Review". Anime News Network . Retrieved November 5, 2018.
  2. ↑ "Toradora!". Seven Seas Entertainment. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
  3. 1 2 "Toradora! media franchise website" (in Japanese). ASCII Media Works. Archived from the original on January 1, 2009. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  4. 1 2 "Dengeki Daioh May 2008 issue" (in Japanese). ASCII Media Works. Archived from the original on June 30, 2008. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  5. 1 2 "Toradora episode title listing" (in Japanese). TV Tokyo . Retrieved December 1, 2008.
  6. 1 2 "Super Grade School Romantic Comedy Toradora! Get a PSP Game to be Sold in 2009!!" (in Japanese). ASCII Media Works. October 11, 2008. Retrieved October 11, 2008.
  7. ↑ Yuyuko Takemiya (March 2011). Toradora Vol. 1. Artwork: Zekkyou. Translation Notes. ISBN   978-1-934876-94-7.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "NIS America Offers Toradora! Blu-rays With English Dub". Anime News Network. March 12, 2014. Retrieved March 12, 2014.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 "Toradora!". NIS America. 2015-09-15. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  10. ↑ "More Guests Coming to IKKiCON". Ikkicon . November 27, 2014. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 21, 2016. Carrie Keranen was most recently heard as Satsuki Kiyuin in Kill la Kill and Mami in Madoka Magica as well as Yamraiha in Magi, Yuri Koigakubo, the teacher in Toradora
  11. ↑ "Toradora! Anime's Original Novels to End on March 10". Anime News Network. February 5, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2009.
  12. ↑ "Dengekiya shop listing of the tiger stuffed animal from Toradora!" (in Japanese). ASCII Media Works . Retrieved February 14, 2008.[ permanent dead link ]
  13. ↑ "Seven Seas Licenses Made in Abyss, Nameless Asterism, Soul Liquid Chambers, Getter Robo Devolution Manga". Anime News Network. July 3, 2017. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  14. ↑ "Dengeki Comic Gao! September 2007 issue" (in Japanese). MediaWorks. Archived from the original on January 20, 2008. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  15. ↑ "Inukami, Honoka, Baccano 1931 Manga to End in Japan". Anime News Network. January 25, 2008. Retrieved January 30, 2008.
  16. ↑ Toradora! 9 (Dengeki Comics) (in Japanese). ASIN   4049125846.
  17. ↑ "Seven Seas Acquires 3 Red Hot Manga From Japan". Anime News Network. July 20, 2010. Retrieved July 20, 2010.
  18. ↑ "SEVEN SEAS ENTERTAINMENT | Toradora!". Seven Seas Entertainment. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved February 5, 2014.
  19. ↑ "Toradora! radio show official website" (in Japanese). Animate. Archived from the original on February 25, 2009. Retrieved October 10, 2008.
  20. ↑ "Award-winning Toradora! Light Novels to be Animated". Anime News Network. April 2, 2008. Retrieved April 2, 2008.
  21. ↑ "Air times at the anime's official website" (in Japanese). StarChild . Retrieved January 31, 2009.
  22. ↑ "E-Games Cabal EB and there's something about Toradora!". Zohanime. Archived from the original on April 30, 2011. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  23. 1 2 "DVD section at the anime's official website" (in Japanese). StarChild . Retrieved January 31, 2009.
  24. ↑ "NIS America Licenses Toradora as Its First Anime". Anime News Network. February 11, 2010. Retrieved February 11, 2010.
  25. ↑ "Toradora!". NIS America . Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  26. ↑ "Toradora BD Box to Include All-New Episode". Anime News Network. September 11, 2011. Retrieved September 11, 2011.
  27. ↑ "ToraDora Blu-ray Announced by MVM for 2014". Anime News Network. March 12, 2014. Retrieved March 12, 2014.
  28. ↑ "Toradora! Anime Series Coming to Netflix in August 2020". Chaospin. July 16, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  29. ↑ Tatsuyuki Nagai (October 9, 2008). "Ryuji and Taiga (竜児と大河)". Toradora!. Episode 2. 1:59 minutes in. TV Tokyo.
  30. ↑ Tatsuyuki Nagai (October 2, 2008). "Tiger and Dragon (虎と竜)". Toradora!. Episode 1. 22:43 minutes in. TV Tokyo.
  31. 1 2 Tatsuyuki Nagai (February 5, 2009). "Under the Fir Tree (もみの木の下で)". Toradora!. Episode 18. 2:58 minutes in. TV Tokyo.
  32. ↑ "Theme music single releases at the anime's official website" (in Japanese). StarChild. Archived from the original on May 15, 2011. Retrieved May 25, 2014.
  33. ↑ Tatsuyuki Nagai (2009-02-12). "Christmas Eve Festival (聖夜祭)". Toradora!. Episode 19. 23:03 minutes in. TV Tokyo.
  34. ↑ "Original soundtrack release at the anime's official website" (in Japanese). StarChild. Archived from the original on April 19, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2014.
  35. ↑ "Tora Dora! Soundtrack". CD Japan. Retrieved October 5, 2009.
  36. ↑ "A Bombshell at Toradora!'s Stage Event!? A PSP Game Also Announced!!" (in Japanese). ASCII Media Works. October 5, 2008. Archived from the original on December 7, 2008. Retrieved October 10, 2008.
  37. ↑ "Toradora visual novel official website" (in Japanese). Namco Bandai Games . Retrieved December 5, 2008.
  38. 1 2 "声優さん出演リスト 個別表示：釘宮理恵(Rie Kugimiya)" [Voice actor's appearance list individual display: Rie Kugimiya]. Voice Artist Database (in Japanese). GamePlaza-HARUKA-. April 6, 2016. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
  39. ↑ Doi, Hitoshi (June 8, 2016). "Kugimiya Rie roles". Hitoshi Doi's Seiyuu Database. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
  40. ↑ "Toradora's Taiga, The Irregular at Magic High School's Miyuki Join Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax". Anime News Network . May 9, 2014. Retrieved December 19, 2015.
  41. ↑ ラノベランキング :「とらドラ!」完結、「とある魔術の...」と電撃勢上位 09年3月 [Light Novel Ranking: Toradora! is Completed, and Toaru Majutsu no... and Dengeki are Ranked High March 2009] (in Japanese). Mainichi Shimbun. April 12, 2009. Archived from the original on May 1, 2011. Retrieved September 26, 2015.
  42. ↑ 発表迫る！このライトノベルがすごい！大賞を振り返り！ (in Japanese). Toreame. September 1, 2017. Retrieved August 16, 2018.
  43. ↑ "2007 Light Novel Award results" (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Archived from the original on October 13, 2008. Retrieved December 31, 2007.
  44. ↑ "Kadokawa Announces 2007 Light Novel Awards". Anime News Network. September 1, 2007. Retrieved December 31, 2007.
  45. ↑ "Amazon.co.jp Posts 2008's Top Comics, Light Novels". Anime News Network. December 4, 2008. Retrieved November 14, 2009.
  46. ↑ "Japanese Comic Ranking, March 3–9". Anime News Network. March 18, 2009. Retrieved November 14, 2009.
  47. ↑ "Anime Saimoe Tournament 2009" (in Japanese). 2channel. Archived from the original on July 23, 2009. Retrieved October 17, 2009.
  48. ↑ "2009 (13th) Japan Media Arts Festival Animation Division/Long Animation". Japan Media Arts Festival. Archived from the original on February 2, 2010. Retrieved February 4, 2010.
  49. ↑ "3rd Annual Seiyū Award Winners Revealed". Anime News Network. March 5, 2009. Retrieved June 24, 2012.
  50. ↑ "Japanese Animation DVD Ranking, January 20–26". Anime News Network. January 27, 2009. Retrieved November 14, 2009.
  51. ↑ "Japanese Animation DVD Ranking, February 24-March 2". Anime News Network. March 3, 2009. Retrieved November 14, 2009.
  52. ↑ "Japanese Animation DVD Ranking, March 24–30". Anime News Network. March 31, 2009. Retrieved November 14, 2009.
  53. ↑ "Japanese Animation DVD Ranking, April 21–28". Anime News Network. April 28, 2009. Retrieved November 14, 2009.
  54. ↑ "Japanese Animation DVD Ranking, May 25–31". Anime News Network. 2009-06-02. Retrieved 2009-11-14.
  55. ↑ "Japanese Animation DVD Ranking, June 22–28". Anime News Network. June 30, 2009. Retrieved November 14, 2009.
  56. ↑ "Japanese Animation DVD Ranking, July 20–26". Anime News Network. July 29, 2009. Retrieved November 14, 2009.
  57. ↑ "Japanese Animation DVD Ranking, August 24–30". Anime News Network. September 2, 2009. Retrieved November 14, 2009.
  58. 1 2 3 Høgset, Stig. "ToraDora". THEM Anime Reviews. Retrieved November 14, 2009.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.