The Cast:
Genre:
Hmm... I don't know what genre this really falls under. If anything, "high school girl."
Series Info:
There are 26 TV episodes (about half an hour long), a short movie (the TV pilot; about 15-20 minutes long), and a short 10-minute web camera movie ("Azumanga Web Daioh"). It's based on the manga of the same title. It has not been licensed in the U.S.
Soundtrack Info:
There is a soundtrack (one disc, 12 tracks; you can buy it on Ebay) and there are singles of some character solos and the opening and ending songs (the latter two singles have full versions of the songs and "off-vocal" versions if you're in the mood for karaoke). The opening song is "Soramimi Cake," by Oranges & Lemons. The ending song is "Raspberry Heaven," also by Oranges & Lemons.
Random Fact:
There is a Japanese Gameboy Advance game called "Azumanga Daioh Anime Girl." It was released on April 25th. The official page for the game is located at the bottom of this page (warning: the official page is in Japanese, but there are screenshots).
Summary:
Azumanga Daioh follows the daily life of a group of high school girls in Japan as they go from being freshmen to graduating. It captures some of their grander adventures as well-- summers at Chiyo's beach house, athletic festivals, cultural festivals, etc.
Review:
4/5 stars
While it's a very funny series, the jokes start being reused as it progresses. However, it's nice that there's a series that refers back to old episodes and has "inside" jokes-- for example, the traumatic car ride that Chiyo endures with Yukari-sensei the first summer they go to her beach house. It doesn't really have a plot, but at the same time it doesn't really need one-- it's about a group of girls having fun and growing up. It's a cute series with some surreal situations (what is up with that cat with the tentacle arms?) and some serious situations (isn't Maya the best "cat" ever?). There are some episodes that you'll wish you would have skipped (like the episode when we see what a typical day for Chiyo is like), but the majority of episodes are great fun. While there isn't any panty-flashing (I know there are people out there who live for that sort of thing), there is a hilarious scene when Nyamo gets drunk and accidentally teaches the girls about the wonders of sex. There's also a little pedophilia (which is really creepy... especially in the pool episode-- episode 4) and a girl with an overly zealous admiration of Sakaki. Despite its few flaws, I would definitely recommend this series.
*I believe it's some Japanese play comedy thing to say a humorous line and then the actor opposite you says, "Nandeyanen." I guess it's really funny... but I couldn't tell you why.
Want More?
Wonderland: An Azumanga Daioh Fansite
Which Azumanga Daioh Character Are You?
Gameboy Advance Azumanga Daioh Anime Girl
