For the 10th Maria-sama ga Miteru CD, Nakakiyono, we move backwards in time, away from the just-graduated Youko, Sei and Eriko, to midwinter and the long first night of the year.

Like most of the Marimite Drama CDs, Nakakiyono follows the novel more closely than either the anime or the manga.

We follow Yumi as she goes on her hatsumode, her first shrine visit of the year, with Sei and as Sei tricks her into coming to Sachiko’s home for a stayover. Yumi does have a line remonstrating with Sei for flirting with the miko at the shrine, btw. ^_^

We also manage a little extra Sayako-obasama time in the CD, completely with adorable pout. ^_^

The story is a shortened version of the events in Rosa Canina, so for more detail, please feel free to check out the relevant notes from the fourth novel. ^_^

A second story, Answer, is included on this disk. Answer is the delightful tale of how the former Rosa Chinensis, Foetida and Gigantea teamed up to manipulate Youko into choosing Sachiko for her souer. I cannot recommend this track enough. It’s freakin’ hysterical.

As in the anime, the former Rosa Gigantea is played by Takayama Minami. Rosa Chinensis is voiced by Katsuki Masako (who is most notable among the Yuri crowd for playing Sailor Neptune/Kaioh Michiru) and to add to the old girl feel of the story, the one and only Mitsuishi Kotono, (Tsukino Usagi/Sailor Moon and many other roles) plays the former Rosa Foetida. Let me remind you at this point, that Shinohara Emi, who voices Youko, was Makoto/Sailor Jupiter in Sailor Moon.You can actually FEEL the atmosphere of “we’ve been doing this a loooooong time, let’s have a little fun here” as they do their roles. At one point, the former Rosas are cracking jokes at Youko’s expense and the seiyuu are laughing so hard and so honestly, you can just about see Mitsuishi Kotono leaning on Takayama Minami for support.

Simply brilliant.

The Yuri quotient was a little low on this one, but there’s always Yumi lovingly looking at kimono-clad Sachiko, and the line about Sei not flirting. The moments might be small, but they are precious. ^_^

Ratings:

Story – 8
Characters – 8
Yuri – 3
Service – 1

Overall – 8

So, once again, listening to a Marimite Drama CD is completely worth time and money – and this time doubly worth it for the stroll down memory lane with some truly excellent VAs.

For my last review before Otakon (Yuri Panel on Friday, Aug.4, 9PM, Panel Room 3 – don’t miss it!) I decided to write about something that I’ve been saving for a special occasion. Itsushika Toshi Mo, the ninth Maria-sama ga Miteru Drama CD, fits the bill nicely.

This drama CD covers the events of the 8th novel, Itoshiki Toshitsuki, often translated as The Loving Times. This is the story of Graduation Day at Lillian Academy, from the varying points of view of Youko, Sei and Eriko, the now-former Rosas Chinensis, Gigantea and Foetida.

We get to listen in as they reminisce on how they met, how they formed their friendships – and rivalries. How Youko is perfectly aware that she can’t stop herself from meddling and how much Sei really has changed over the last year, to Eriko’s fretting about whether Yamanobe is man enough to show up at her request.

Following these reminiscences is the emotionally brutal scene where we listen to Youko’s thoughts as Sachiko, her beloved little sister, breaks down completely on the podium, causing a wave of sobbing throughout the audience and almost making Youko break down.

And, at last, we say good-bye to the three, with pictures, tears, smiles and fond farewells.

This is good shoujo. Really. Emotional without being maudlin, girly without being caricature, and solid, solid voice acting.

Shinohara Emi is universally adored by every group she’s ever worked with – this Drama CD allows her to show some range. Maybe not as much as “Rosa Chinensis’ Greatest Day”, but still. Youko as an eager, energetic middle schooler, Youko as a tired, relieved and slightly stressed high school student, Youko the ever-competent honor student.

Toyoguchi Megumi also has a chance to show some mad voice acting skills. We get a real earful of Sei bored, cold and aloof, compared and contrasting nicely with Sei alive and warm. Of course we also get to enjoy Sei the angry child as well, an added bonus.

Nabatame Hitomi spends most of her time in Eriko’s usual flaky tone, but we get a brief, amusing glimpse of her as Sei’s childhood nemesis, and also a flash of an angry Eriko, something scarier than you’d imagine. ^_^

Thumbs up for the drama, and for lack of melodrama. Just grab some tissues when that Sachiko scene happens….

Ratings:

Story – 8
Character – 9
Voice Acting – 9
Yuri: – 1
Service – 0

Overall – 8

As I frequently do with Marimite Drama CDs, I find myself listening to this CD with a big, stupid grin on my face. It’s just that wonderful. Another great way to spend a few more moments in the company of truly great characters. And, as I always say, a really fun way to practice your Japanese language listening skills.

Surprised to see me posting so close to Onna!? Me too. ;-)

This is short post in any case. The Drama CD for Maria-sama ga Miteru, Valentinusu no Okurimono, (Valentine’s Gift), was, as always, another delightful interlude with the talented ladies that comprise the Marimite team. The story is almost exactly like the novel, at least so much so that I can’t think of any significant alterations.

One of the exceptionally fun things about the Drama CD is that we get to hear the sections of the novel that were cut from the anime. Specifically, the bit where Yoshino and Eriko angst amusingly about the cake Rei gives them for Valentine’s Day. Yoshino’s voice actress, Ikezawa Haruna has a chance to stretch her range a little. I quite enjoyed her melodic musings.

Also, to my great joy, we get to hear Shinohara Emi narrate “The Greatest Day of Rosa Chinensis’ Life.” I cannot stress how fun this story is. Totally worth the price for both CDs. Just for the “psychedelic” music as Youko’s meds kick in, really.

Anyway, another excellent entry in the series, and a chance for use to get a few more moments with a team of exceptional seiyuu bringing together exceptional characters by an exceptional writer.

Ratings:

9 all the way around.

BTW, all the pictures for these posts are now linked to the Amazon JP entry for the item. So if you read a post and wish you too can enjoy Yumi stressing over Valentine’s chocolates for Sachiko…well, now you can! ^_^