This is a continuation of my previous list, click here if you still haven't read it.

Now let's cut to the chase and start this now!

4. Tada-kun wa Koi wo Shinai (Tada Never Falls in Love)

Genres: Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life

It all began when Mitsuyoshi Tada, who is taking pictures of cherry blossoms met a foreigner named Teresa Wagner who got lost when she got separated from her companion. Wait haven't I seen that a couple of times now? Yes, no doubt about it. This is another boy meets girl show, I am at least aware of the fact that it is a generic set up and it stayed that way till the end, and yet, here I am recommending it, because who cares about the technicalities when you are enjoying it, right? Right?

Yes it is full of cliches see check list below.

• Random encounter
• Transfer Student
• Social status that requires someone to give up own freedom
• School club
• Beach Episode Bathhouse (For a little bit of fan service)
• An episode that focused on a cat's point of view

Ok, maybe the last one should not be on the list but I think you already have a grasp of what I am trying to say when I said that is has a lot of cliches and take note this list is not exhaustive, I am just stating the most used ones.

Another point where most viewers complain about is the change in the tone of the show from a lighthearted happy-happy rom-com series to a sappy melodramatic one, but I think that much can already be inferred from the moment Teresa's circumstances was hinted so it is kind of inevitable from the get-go. And personally, I don't think it is as bad as what most people make it out to be, but I can agree that it could have been handled better, especially the ending (A bittersweet ending would have been better imo). Now, now, it may not be as unique as Wotakoi but it still has its own merits and that is more than enough for me to put it in this list.

So after barraging it with criticism let's talk about the good points of the show. The story is mediocre at best, so what's left for us is the cast. This is the saving grace for the show, not to say that they are unique or whatsoever but they are a fun bunch and that is what matters most in a slice of life show anyway. The contrast between Mitsuyoshi's meekness and Teresa's liveliness makes for a low-key romance that developed at a slower pace but achieved a powerful result when realization hits Mitsuyoshi hard. Then we have the best wingman of the season Kaoru Ijuuin (sorry Goro fans) that not only delivered the punchlines but also the best support that a bestfriend could ever need. And my man, the MVP of the show Charles de Loire that did the greatest deed, a selfless man that would go down on my list of nicest character in anime that ever existed, that is if I would ever make one. That's all for the major players I guess, as I don't want to make this too long I will end this part here.

For the animation, it is good and the use of vibrant colors adds to the charm of the show, embodying its liveliness that is further reinforced by its catchy and upbeat opening theme. Overall a decent show that entertained me so I will recommend to give it a try.

5. Golden Kamuy

Genres: Action, Adventure, Historical, Seinen

Now if you want something with a darker and more serious tone, then you are in for a good ride with this one. If I were to sum it up in few words then it will go as follows: "A survival game involving badass characters as they search for the hidden stash of gold, National Geographic style". The part where a various strong characters with different affiliations fights against each other honestly reminds me of Baccano! (if you haven't seen this one yet, then watch it and ignore everything I have listed so far).

Now let's talk about the story in more detail. The protagonist Saichi Sugimoto or more commonly referred to as Immortal Sugimoto, is Russo-Japanese war survivor that has made a vow to his fallen comrade and best friend that he will help his friend's wife that has been gradually losing vision. Seems like a petty excuse to go and risk one's life some might say, but I think it stems deeply on his pride as a man and as someone who was privileged to live a little bit longer. But how did he end up into a battle for his life? Well the thing is, there is a rumor going around that a stash of gold is hidden by a notorious criminal, but there's a catch, the map to the location of the gold is tattooed on 24 prisoners that has escaped into the wilderness of Hokkaido. Long story short, he has to collect the dragon ba- sorry wrong show, he has to find all the tattooed prisoners to get the location of the treasure. Simple right? That is until the fire natio- sorry I keep messing it up, that is until the Army's 7th division joined the hunt for the gold. Now we have three opposing sides - Sugimoto, The prisoners led by Toshizou Hijikata and the 7th division led by Lt. Tsurumi, add the harsh environment of Hokkaido where bears and other form wildlife dwells, an epic game of survival is now all set.

If you are thinking that this is all about people killing other people well you are half right but there is another interesting side to it, the players in this game, each with their own reason for joining the hunt. I already mentioned Sugimoto's earlier so let's start with his partner Asirpa. Asirpa is from a group of indigenous people called Ainu. She joined the race to reclaim the gold that originally belong to her people and in exchange for aiding her, she will give Sugimoto a fair share. Next is the leader of the prisoners, Toshizou Hijikata who plans to stir a civil war and ultimately create a new republic in Hokkaido. And finally Lt. Tsurumi a guy who fought in the front-lines during the war but felt like the soldiers were abandoned by their government driving him to stage an uprising, separate Hokkaido from the rest of Japan and run it with military dictatorship.

As a bonus point, through the character of Asirpa, the viewers are given the chance to witness the way of living and culture of the Ainu people. This is rare to see in an anime series so I think it is worth mentioning. And the way the show portrays the after effects of war is also an aspect worthy of praise. Just because a war is already over that doesn't mean that everything that has transpired during its course would magically vanish as well, the regrets, the guilt, the hatred they remained and it is up to an individual how they are going to come to terms with it.

For the animation, things are good except for the bear I guess. Man the bears are just too out placed but if you can let that slide then you have a show with epic soundtrack, a lot of manly men, sprinkle of blood and of course a unique story that is hard to come by these days.

---

That about sums up my Spring 2018 recommendations.The next part will include the long running series (season 2, leftover from winter etc.) so look forward to it.
Ciao~