When I first mentioned Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou, known here as Yokohama Shopping Log in the beginning of 2004, I briefly touched upon the existence of several Drama CDs that were based on the series. In the intervening three years I have managed to get all three CDs, but I find I have never reviewed them. All three are available from Amazon JP through the Yuricon Shop, along with many other fun yuri-flavored Drama CDs.
Drama CD 1 ends with the appearance of Kokone at Cafe Alpha. The second Drama CD picks up with the messenger android’s arrival and delivery of her message in the cutest faux kiss ever. ^_^
The rest of the Drama CD follows the progression of the manga, just as the first CD did, with light jazz musical interludes. It’s all wonderful, just as the manga is.
The real payoff is the chapter when Kokone asks Alpha about the Moon Lute. In my head, when they shared a musical moment, it was a slow, soft, lyrical piece. But the music for the chapter (called “Orders” here) was peppy, jazzy and absolutely gorgeous. When both Konone and Alpha vocalize along with the music it was simply stellar. A real “moment” in the truest YKK sense.
If you are a fan of Alpha and Kokone already, then even if you don’t understand a word of Japanese, I think you can understand and enjoy this CD, if only for the moment when they come together in music. ^_^ If you are not a YKK fan; first read the manga, instantly become a fan of our two favorite lesbian androids, and *then* buy the Drama CD! ^_^
One of the things I really loved about the OAVs (apart from every second with Kokone in it, Alpha/Kokone and Kokone’s motoring glasses) was listening to Alpha play the fish. It was great there, and from what you say I’d guess it was great in the drama CDs, too. I’m tempted to buy it now, even though I’m broke and my japanese is paltry at best. Hmm. Food or drama cds. I’m torn.
(A side note– the series is set immediately prior to the demise of humanity, right? SO, all the humans die, and all the male robots die cause they’re weaker, if memory serves. That leaves the planet entirely populated by attractive female robots. And I just lowered all of YKK to the level of Kaishaku. I’m so ashamed.)
I have to thank you for returning to this title every now and again… Every time I remember reading it, I recall moments of happy stillness and aloneness and a sense of wonder of time and how it passes.
I’ll take your word for the the jazzy bits, as I imagined exactly what you did when reading the manga (no jazz flute… i hope?)
I keep hearing about this show, and your note on the drama CD finally tipped me into downloading the anime. Thanks ever so much for the nudge!
I’ve never had the chance to listen to any of the drama CDs but I have read the manga, seen the OAVs, and listened to the OSTs.
In the OST for the 1998 OAV, there are several (bonus) tracks which I don’t recall being used in the anime itself. One of them is a light track which appears to be a tribute to that particular moment when Alpha and Kokone hum together (chapter 17: Waves). Alpha’s instrument (the getsukin) is also referred to as a “moon zither/harp/lute” so the title alone (“Humming to the Moon“) is a giveaway.