What do you mean summer uniforms only last for two months?

They would’ve needed them if they were in LA last week for Anime Expo with 110+ degree weather. What a wonderful development episode for Honey Cat, really going far above and beyond what an uninitiated would expect from a children’s cartoon. I don’t want to say too much and just leave you to enjoy it on your own, but there is one note I’ll be putting below the break, so check that out after you watch. Also, important note: No new episode this week because Pokemon decided they wanted to be so important and steal the timeslot. Episode 15 will be one week from today/tomorrow.

My own trip to AX was pretty amazing too. I don’t have a huge, emotional essay to write like last time, but again to everyone I met, thanks for being awesome. My own highlights were meeting my personal idol Okada Mari and getting her autograph (three times), all the other directors, producers, and artists I got signatures from, the magical experience of coincidentally meeting two i☆Ris members in person at the Pretty series cosplay meetup before their concert (which was just as incredible), seeing the Kase-san overseas premiere, and all the other great stuff I experienced. I’ll be looking forward to seeing some more of you the next time I venture out!

Episode 014: Torrent | Magnet

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Shot through the heart, and she’s to blame

This may have been one of the most love-filled episodes of Aikatsu to date. All of last week has been incredibly difficult for me (just because of my work, not anything personal), but Karen and this episode embraced me with gentle wings and filled my heart with warmth. I am the audience at the end of this episode.

While this week was late because I was pretty much running an international academic conference, this next week will also be late because I’ll be at Anime Expo. If you’ll be there, maybe we’ll even meet! Just talk to anyone with Aikatsu goods on them and you’ll be sure to make a friend, even if it’s not me.

Episode 013: Torrent | Magnet

What happened with this episode?

It feels like they just said to trade all of the nice writing and animation for as much “special friend service” as possible. That, and some nice development for the Yuuki family at least. Next week will be very exciting though, as we finally get to learn more about her.

Episode 012: Torrent | Magnet

Hello, Coco-chan. How can I make a cute idol girlfriend?

Kimi wa dare to Friends wo suru?

Honestly, my first time watching this episode I thought it was just average. Thankfully that was only due to a couple things that I’ve pinpointed and come to terms with, and upon multiple rewatches it stands out as yet another fabulous episode. However, I have absolutely no idea what to expect for next week, which just makes it all the more exciting.

Episode 011: Torrent | Magnet

Chocolate and potato chips? That’s a weird combination…

If it were possible to feel more like real middle schoolers and do a better job of seamlessly showing opposite personality traits that are consistent with everything we knew about the characters previously, I have yet to see it. My expectations were far surpassed.

Episode 010: Torrent | Magnet

(P.S. Just call it chocolate, okay, I know it’s probably youkan)

My heart is as soft as mochi for this Aine

Everything is so good! I can’t believe just how much was packed into this one episode that had been built up before, but then again, that’s what we can expect from Kakihara Yuuko (and for that matter, this week’s PriChan and Precure were amazing too). There were a lot of little things I didn’t catch during my first watch, and it definitely holds up to repetition, so enjoy it as many times as you want.

Whoops, forgot about the episode title. Just so we’re clear, the 友希 in Yuuki Aine’s name is not the same kanji as 勇気 for Brave Melody. Aine’s kanji actually mean “friend hope”.

Episode 009: Torrent | Magnet

I love this hat so much

It seems like this series’ mascot has been born.

Episode 008: Torrent | Magnet

How could anyone refuse a request from this idol witch?

Looks like I Aikatsu’d a bit too hard this weekend traveling and seeing friends I haven’t met since original Aikatsu started airing. Either that, or Mirai and her mind-blowing GOAT song and performance took my brain a while to catch up with enough to actually do. Although it’s out a day late, I’ll remind everyone what our Mezashite policy has always been and will always be: Releases will always be before the next episode airs, and we’ve not broken this promise even once. At least the wait is worth it for this.

Episode 007: Torrent | Magnet

This lacrosse uniform is amazing

Ema-chan is the younger Onee-san I never knew I always wanted. I haven’t found my favorite Friends idol yet, but something may be stirring in my heart if this keeps up…

Episode 006: Torrent | Magnet