Weekly Watching Roundup – Spring 2016 Week 4

Episodes watched this week:
Pan de Peace! 4
Wagamama High Spec 2 DROPPED
Aggressive Retsuko 3
Kuma Miko 3
12-sai.:Chicchana Mune no Tokimeki 2
Gakusen Toshi Asterisk 2nd Season 4
Gyakuten Saiban: Sono “Shinjitsu”, Igi Ari! 4
KochinPa! 10
High School Fleet 3
Netoge no Yome wa Onnanoko ja Nai to Omotta? 3
Shounen Maid 2
Sousei no Onmyouji 2
Sousei no Onmyouji 3
Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 4

English and Japanese Light Novel Releases for Week Commencing 25th April 2016 (UPDATED 2nd May)

English Releases:

n/a

Japanese Releases:

MF Bunko J: (release date 25th April)
• Hidan no Aria Anonymous Death (緋弾のアリア (22) 彗星よ白昼夢に眠れ)
• Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko. 11 (変態王子と笑わない猫。 (11))
• Gakusen Toshi Asterisk Gaiden: Queenvale no Tsubasa 1 (学戦都市アスタリスク外伝 クインヴェールの翼 (1))
• Isekai Goumon-hime (異世界拷問姫)
• ヒロインテイム・マイスター ‐契約《キス》と楔紋《ギアス》の空島生活‐
• Ore to Mamono no Isekai Restaurant 2 (俺と魔物の異世界レストラン (2))

MF Books: (release date 25th April)
• Hachi-nan tte, Sore wa Nai deshou! 8 (八男って、それはないでしょう! (8))
銭(インチキ)の力で、戦国の世を駆け抜ける。 (1)
• Mita Ichizoku no Iji wo Mi yo ~Tensei Sengoku Bushou no Honsouki~ 3 (三田一族の意地を見よ ~転生戦国武将の奔走記~ (3))
• Madouki to Armunaire 1 (魔導機人アルミュナーレ (1))
• 火刑戦旗を掲げよ! (3)

Overlap Novels: (release date 25th April)
• No Fatigue: 24-jikan Tatakaeru Otoko no Tenseitan 3 (NO FATIGUE ~24時間戦える男の転生譚~3)

Priere Bunko: (release date 25th April)
• Hanamori no Kenshi (花護りの剣士)
• Nagai Yakusoku (永い約束)

Ever Princess: (release date 25th April)
• 奪われた伯爵令嬢
• 黒の王子と歌えぬ歌姫

LB Books: (release date 25th April)
• マスターオブスキル 全職高手 (4) 追い詰められた闘神

Lululu Bunko: (release date 26th April)
• Maou no Nie Hanayome (魔王の贄花嫁)

Regina Books: (release date 26th April)
• 王さまに憑かれてしまいました
• 剣の求婚 2
• ホテルラフレシアで朝食を

Mu Novel: (release date 26th April)
• ザ・サード【完全版】4
• ダンシィング・ウィズ・ザ・デビルス【新装版】<下>

Fairy Kiss: (release date 27th April)
• Sono Wakaki Koutei wa Yatoware Kouhi wo Dekiai suru (その若き皇帝は雇われ皇妃を溺愛する)
• Ai Igai wa Subete Ageru to, Anata wa Iu (愛以外は全てあげると、あなたは言う)

M Novels: (release date 27th April)
• 村人転生 最強のスローライフ(3)
• Isekai Ryouri Battle 2 (異世界料理バトル(2))

Monster Bunko: (release date 28th April)
• モンスターのご主人様(6)
• Cheat Majutsu de Unmei wo Nejifuseru!! 2 (チート魔術で運命をねじ伏せる!!(2))
• 異世界の役所でアルバイト始めました(5)
• ビルドエラーの盾僧侶(5)

Kadokawa Ruby Bunko: (release date 28th April)
• タクミくんシリーズ 完全版 (3)
• シークレットクルーズは危機一髪
• Siren wa Ai wo Utau ~Dragon Guild~ (人魚は愛を謳う ~ドラゴンギルド~)
• Maou wa Yuusha ni Kouryakusaremashita. (魔王は勇者に攻略されました。)

Kodansha Ranobe Bunko: (release date 28th April)
• Kanojo ga Flag wo Oraretara: Sukoshi Tsukareta wa… Tsugi no Natsuyasumi made Nemurasetemorau ne… (彼女がフラグをおられたら 少し疲れたわ…次の夏休みまで眠らせてもらうね…)
• Concrete Revolutio: Choujin Gensou: Hoshino Kikko no Kiken na Omiai! (コンクリート・レボルティオ 超人幻想 星野輝子のキケンなお見合い!)
• Nightmare Night Party! 1 (ナイトメア☆ナイトパーティー! 1)
• Fukanzen Maou no Cheat-goroshi 3 (不完全魔王のチート殺し3)
• V-kei Band no Ouji-sama ga Jitsu wa Gakuen Ichi no Bishoujo Ojousama nano wa Himitsu Shitekure (V系バンドの王子様が実は学園一の美少女お嬢様なのは秘密にしてくれ)
• Zenbu Shinigami ga Munou na Sei (ぜんぶ死神が無能なせい)
• Dragon Grave (ドラゴン・グレイヴ)
• Avalon Phase 2 <Choujou Busou no Highlander> (アヴァロン・フェイズ2 <超常武装のハイランダー>)
• 終末世界のスペルブレイカー2

PASH! Books: (release date 28th April)
• 転生したので次こそは幸せな人生を掴んでみせましょう 4
• ヒロインな妹、悪役令嬢な私

Melissa: (release date 28th April)
• Outaishihi ni Nante Naritakunai!! 3 (王太子妃になんてなりたくない!!3)
• 杏の魔女

Kadokawa Beans Bunko: (release date 28th April)
• Hakuou Shijin: Juunen Sakura ni Negai wo Komete! (白桜四神 十年桜に願いを込めて!)
• Heian Uta Koigatari: Gyouan to Samayou Orihime (平安うた恋語 暁闇とさまよう織姫)
• 厨病激発ボーイ (2)
• Romeo to Cinderella Zenpen ~Juliet Hen~ (ロミオとシンデレラ 前編~ジュリエット編~)

Vanilla Bunko: (release date 28th April)
• 土下座婚!!~執着御曹司の甘い罠~
• 恋の病に効くクスリ~イケメン薬剤師の溺愛処方箋~

Jewel Bunko: (release date 28th April)
• Tadaima, Mitsugetsu-chuu! Kishi to Himegimi no Toshi no Sa Marriage + Shinkon Seikatsu ni Kiken na Yuuwaku!? (ただ今、蜜月中! 騎士と姫君の年の差マリアージュ+新婚生活にキケンな誘惑!?)
• 堕ツル華 明治執愛浪漫譚

King Novels: (release date 28th April)
• Isekai de Miryou Cheat wo Tsukatte Dorei Harem wo Tsukuttemita 2 (異世界で魅了チートを使って奴隷ハーレムをつくってみた 2)

Angelica: (release date 28th April)
• 理系伯爵は女心が理解できない
• 後見人は不機嫌な伯爵

Cobalt Bunko: (release date 28th April)
• 死にかけ花嫁と革命の鐘
• かぐや姫三世わたしを月まで連れていって!
• Hikari no Miko wo Hanatsu Kaze (光の巫女を放つ風)

Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko: (release date 28th April)
• Yokohama Dungeon 3 Sekai wo Kaeru Saisho no Gonin (横浜ダンジョン (3) 世界を変える最初の五人)
• Isekai Sagishi no Consulting (異世界詐欺師のなんちゃって経営術)
• Makiwari Slow Life wo Hajimemasuka? (Hai/Iie) (薪割りスローライフをはじめますか?(はい/いいえ))
• Shishoudomo ni Tsugu: Iikagen Jichoushite Kudasai (師匠どもに告ぐ いいかげん自重してください)

Chocolat Sucre Novels: (release date 28th April)
• 戦国花嫁 時空を翔ける恋

HJ Bunko: (release date 28th April)
• Rokujouma no Shinryakusha!? 22 (六畳間の侵略者!? 22)
• Blue Steel Blasphemer 4 (蒼鋼の冒涜者<ブルースチール・ブラスフェマ>4)
• Seven Stars no Inkoku Tsukai 3 (セブンスターズの印刻使い3)
• Revenge Online (リベンジ・オンライン)
• Boukoku Ou no Ken to Spy Hip (亡国王の剣とスパイヒップ)
• 100-en Shop Tenin ga Isekai Trip shita Kekka. 2 (100円ショップ店員が異世界トリップした結果。2)

Shincho Bunko nex: (release date 28th April)
• スクールカースト殺人教室
• 生存賭博

Starts Shuppan Bunko: (release date 28th April)
• いつか、眠りにつく日

Kodansha X Bunko White Heart: (release date 29th April)
• Bright Prison: Gakuen no Bara wa itsu ni Nureru (ブライト・プリズン 学園の薔薇は蜜に濡れる)
• Hanayome wa Ai ni Sarawareru (花嫁は愛に攫われる)
• Gyakuten Koukyuu Monogatari: Eien no Ai wo Chikaimasu (逆転後宮物語 永遠の愛を誓います)

Famitsu Bunko: (release date 30th April)
• Sennen Sensou Aegis: Gekka no Hanayome 5 (千年戦争アイギス 月下の花嫁V)
• Daraku no Ou 2 (堕落の王II)
• Isekai Shoukan ga Oosugite Megami-sama ga Buchigiremashita (異世界召喚が多すぎて女神様がぶちギレました)
• Teg no Meikyuu Tanbouroku 3 (テグスの迷宮探訪録3)
• 近すぎる彼らの、十七歳の遠い関係
• Yuusha Datta Ore wa Osananajimi no Shitsuji ni Narimashita. (勇者だった俺は幼なじみの執事になりました。)
• Eiyuu Shikaku 3 Iyoiyo, Sekai wo Horoboshimasu (英雄失格3 いよいよ、世界を滅ぼします)

Hero Bunko: (release date 30th April)
• Kusuriya no Hitorigoto 5 (薬屋のひとりごと 5)
• 7th 2 (セブンス 2)
• Kimi ga Iru Sekai (キミガイルセカイ)

Sonya Bunko: (release date 30th April)
• 激甘ハネムーンは無人島で!?
• Boku Dake no Sugar Doll (僕だけのシュガードール)

Unknown label or not a light novel:
• 終天の異世界と拳撃の騎士 暴君、降臨
• あたしの主さまと龍の大江戸大乱闘
• 「悩み部」の焦燥と、その暗躍。
• アウトロー・ワンダーランド -0-
• アウトロー・ワンダーランド 1
• SILENTWORLD

Adult light novel labels with releases this week:
Puchipara Bunko Creative (release date 28th April) – 2 volumes
Puchipara Bunko (release date 28th April) – 1 volume

Weekly Watching Roundup – Spring 2016 Week 3

Episodes watched this week:
Gakusen Toshi Asterisk 2nd Season 3
Pan de Peace! 3
Flying Witch 1
Gyakuten Saiban: Sono “Shinjitsu”, Igi Ari! 3
12-sai.: Chicchana Mune no Tokimeki 1
Hundred 3
Wagamama High Spec 1
Kiznaiver 1
Flying Witch 2
Re: Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 3
Big Order (TV)
High School Fleet 2
Anne Happy♪ 3
Sansha Sanyou 1
Sansha Sanyou 2
Netoge no Yome wa Onnanoko ja Nai to Omotta? 2
Uchuu Patrol Luluco 4
Usakame 2
Shounen Maid 1

English and Japanese Light Novel Releases for Week Commencing 18th April 2016 (UPDATED 24th April)

English Releases:

Yen On: (release date 19th April)
• Spice and Wolf 17
• Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? 5
• Sword Art Online 007: Mother’s Rosary
• The Devil is a Part-Timer 4
• The Irregular at Magic High School 1: Enrollment Arc Part 1
• Black Bullet 3: The Destruction of the World by Fire

Japanese Releases:

Tiara Bunko: (release date 18th April)
• Kuro no Koutei to Muku na Hanayome (黒の皇帝と無垢な花嫁)
• Akuma ni Kyuukonsarete Gokuama Seikatsu Hajimemashita. (悪魔に求婚されて極甘生活はじめました。)
• 軍師の飽くなき渇愛

Kodansha Taiga: (release date 19th April)
• 臨床真実士ユイカの論理 文渡家の一族
• 先生、大事なものが盗まれました
• 晴追町には、ひまりさんがいる。 恋と花火と図書館王子
• 今からあなたを脅迫します

Gagaga Bunko: (release date 19th April)
• Four Cours After 2 (ふぉーくーるあふたー 2)
• Vorpal Bunny #2 (ボーパルバニー #2)
• Itsuwarugami no Sniper (偽る神のスナイパー)
• Waga Hero no Tame no Alchemuls 3 (我がヒーローのための絶対悪 3)
• Mahou Ishi no Shinryou Kiroku 3 (魔法医師の診療記録 3)

JUMP j BOOKS: (release date 19th April)
• テラフォーマーズ 悲母への帰還

Fujimi Fantasia Bunko: (release date 20th April)
• 真・天地無用!魎皇鬼外伝 天地無用!GXP (14)
• Gun-Ota ga Mahou Sekai ni Tensei shitara, Gendai Heiki de • Guntai Harem wo Tsukucchaimashita!? 7 (軍オタが魔法世界に転生したら、現代兵器で軍隊ハーレムを作っちゃいました!? (7))
• Izure Shinwa no Ragnarok 3 Mame no Ou to Shinmei Saiban (いづれ神話の放課後戦争〈ラグナロク〉(3) ―魔眼の王と神冥裁判―)
• アサシンズプライド (2) 暗殺教師と女王選抜戦
• Seven Cast no Hikikomori Majutsuou (セブンキャストのひきこもり魔術王)
• Keysar;Blades 3 Kenki Suberu Seitokai (ケイサル;ブレイズ (3) 剣姫統べる生徒会)
• Mawase! Valkyrie no Hilde-san 3 (まわせっ! 課金戦乙女のヒルデさん (3))

Level Up Novels: (release date 20th April)
• ワンダーランドウォーズ 文学少年と双剣のシンデレラ

Fujimi Dragon Book: (release date 20th April)
• ソード・ワールド2.0リプレイ Rock ‘n Role(2) ガンズ&ウルブズ
• アリアンロッド2E・リプレイ・ストレンジャーズ ~異世界で冒険者になろう~

Ichijinsha Bunko Iris: (release date 20th April)
• Kaimetsu Kishi-dan to Toraware no Otome 7 (壊滅騎士団と捕らわれの乙女7)
• Omiai wa Goenryoshimasu 2 (お見合いはご遠慮します2)
• Yami Hakushaku no Saikon Jijou: Sakihokoru Hanazono o Anata ni (闇獅子伯爵の再婚事情 咲き誇る花園をあなたに)

Ichijinsha Bunko: (release date 20th April)
• Oreta Seiken to Teikan no Kenki 2 (折れた聖剣と帝冠の剣姫(2))
• Shishi Hime ni Chance wa Nai! 2 (獅子姫に好機はない! 2)

Dash X Bunko: (release date 22nd April)
• Chronicle Legion 5 Souran no Kouto (クロニクル・レギオン5 騒乱の皇都)
• Isekai C-Mart Hanjouki 3 (異世界Cマート繁盛記3)
• Ulysses: Janne d’Arc to Renkin no Kishi 3 (ユリシーズ ジャンヌ・ダルクと錬金の騎士III)
• Shindemo Shindemo Shindemo Shindemo Suki ni Naru to Kanojo wa Itta (死んでも死んでも死んでも死んでも好きになると彼女は言った)
• Dead Man’s TV (デッドマンズTV)

HJ Novels: (release date 22nd April)
• タナカの異世界成り上がり1
• Maougoroshi no Ryuukishi 2 (魔王殺しの竜騎士2)
• Class Marugoto Jingai Tensei 2 Class no Gaikotsu Sanbou ni Natta Ore (クラスまるごと人外転生2―クラスの骸骨参謀になった俺―)

Mitsuneko Bunko: (release date 22nd April)
• 溺愛志願 恋人は檻の中

Mahou no i-rand bunko: (release date 22nd April)
• 月の女神に魅せられて 欠クル月
• 桜龍 新たな絆 編 (上)
• 絶対恋愛禁止っ!! (3)
• 村上先生。
• 私と付き合うための10か条

Overlap Bunko: (release date 22nd April)
• Isekai Konyoku Monogatari 4 (異世界混浴物語 4)
• Seiju no Kuni no Kinju Tsukai 6 (聖樹の国の禁呪使い 6)
• 10-nengoshi no Hiki-NEET wo Yamete Gaishutsu shitara Jitaku Goto Isekai ni Teni Shiteta part 1 (10年ごしの引きニートを辞めて外出したら 1自宅ごと異世界に転移してた〈上〉)
• Zettai ni Hatarakitakunai Dungeon Master ga Damin wo Musaboru made 1 (絶対に働きたくないダンジョンマスターが惰眠をむさぼるまで 1)

Unknown label or not a light novel:
• ユグドラシルの樹の下で 6
• 最速勇者の神ダンジョン攻略 異世界リアルタイムアタック
• 猫と竜
• 私と付き合うための10か条
• 幻視行 (1)
• 質屋からすのワケアリ帳簿 ~大切なもの、引き取ります。~ 下
• 路地裏わがまま眼鏡店 ~メガネ男子のおもてなし~
• オーダーは探偵に 謎解きだらけのテーマパーク
• Noroware: Kaiki Sakka Maki Yuuto to Yuurei Mansion part 3 (ノロワレ 怪奇作家真木夢人と幽霊マンション (下))
• おんみょう紅茶屋らぷさん ~陰陽師のいるお店で、あなただけの一杯を~
• ヒーローズ(株)!!!
• 日本酒BAR「四季」春夏冬中 さくら薫る折々の酒
• 神様もう一度だけ愛してると言わせて

Adult light novel labels with releases this week:
Nijigen Dream Bunko (release date 20th April) – 1 volume
Bishoujo Bunko (release date 20th April) – 2 volumes
Bishoujo Bunko Escare (release date 20th April) – 1 volume

Light novel POS ranks for March 2016

Figures in brackets after the volume titles indicate last months rankings if applicable. RE indicates a reentry onto the rankings (For simplicity’s sake, things that were released before last month that are showing up on the rankings are shown as “RE” even if they have never ranked before). If a volume is new or came out in a previous month but has not ranked before then no figure is given.

The list below is the POS ranking for March. The rankings cover the top 500 sellers of all books during the month, but those given below are just the light novels on the list*. This is why there are many gaps in the rankings. There are no sales figures given for this data, and the data set is different from the one Oricon uses, which explains differences in the rankings. It has the advantage, though, of reporting much lower ranks than Oricon does.

Bear in mind that, unlike Oricon, POS rankings use the calendar month for the monthly rankings data.

**2. Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei 19
*25. Seirei no Moribito (371)
*29. Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online 4
*39. Eiga Ansatsu Kyoushitsu -Sotsugyou hen-
*40. Date A Live 14
*41. Boku wa Nando Demo, Kimi ni Hajimete no Koi wo Suru. (033)
*43. Kaitou Tantei Yamaneko Kurohitsuji no Banka (109)
*49. Highschool DxD 21
*50. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! 1 (034)
*58. Eromanga-sensei 6
*61. Yami no Moribito (RE)
*62. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! 2 (043)
*64. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! 3 (056)
*74. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! 4 (070)
*80. Madan no Ou to Vanadis 14
*82. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! 5 (080)
*86. Imouto Sae Ireba Ii. 4
*93. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! 6 (096)
*99. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! 7 (101)
103. Yume no Moribito (RE)
105. Izakaya Bottakuri 5 (didn’t rank last month)
111. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! 8 (126)
113. Kaitou Tantei Yamaneko – Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko version (140)
116. Zan’e (024)
119. Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut 9
124. Cake Ouji no Spécialité (095)
125. Gakusen Toshi Asterisk 10
126. Chotto Ima Kara Shigoto Yametekuru (065)
127. Kidou Senshi Gundam UC 11
150. Kaitou Tantei Yamaneko (089)
170. Hai to Gensou no Grimgar level 8
179. Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata Girls Side 2
180. Kokuu no Tabibito (RE)
184. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! Spinoff 1 (205)
201. Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu 8.5
209. Shin Fortune Quest II 7
211. Kaitou Tantei Yamaneko: Kyozou no Uroboros – Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko version
216. Shin Tenchi Muyou GXP 13
219. Yaneura no Bishounen
227. Chocolate Confusion (didn’t rank last month)
235. Kaitou Tantei Yamaneko: Kyozou no Uroboros (146)
238. Omachi Shitemasu Shitamachi Wagashi Kurimarudou 5
243. Gate Gaiden+ part 1
247. Hai to Gensou no Grimgar level 1 (160)
248. Kaitou Tantei Yamaneko: Nezumi-tachi no Utage (164)
250. Rokudenashi Majutsu Koushi to Memory Records
253. Gate Gaiden+ part 2
254. Kami no Moribito part 1 (RE)
256. Kenja no Mago 3 (didn’t rank last month)
258. Kokuhaku Yokou Renshuu (376)
261. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! Spinoff 2 (287)
263. Zero no Tsukaima 21 (071)
267. Inaku Nare, Gunjou (289)
271. Kami no Moribito part 2 (RE)
273. Hai to Gensou no Grimgar level 2 (171)
275. Kuusen Madoushi Kouhosei no Kyoukan 9
287. Hai to Gensou no Grimgar level 3 (200)
305. Nourin 12
307. Konjiki no Word Master 7
308. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! Spinoff 3 (352)
311. Knights & Magic 6
312. Saiunkoku Hishou Gaikotsu wo Kou 1
314. Saikyou wo Kojiraseta Level Kansuto Kenseijo Beatrice no Jakuten Sono Na wa “Buu Buu”
323. Hai to Gensou no Grimgar level 4 (232)
326. Kokuhaku Yokou Renshuu Yakimochi no Kotae (439)
346. Eiga Novelisation: orange (122)
330. Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance 15 (120)
353. World Order 3
360. Kumo desu ga, Nani ka? 2
367. Hai to Gensou no Grimgar level 5 (265)
368. No Game No Life 8 (159)
369. Legend 5
375. Saiunkoku Hishou Gaikotsu wo Kou 2 (446)
382. Himajin, Maou no Sugata de Isekai e (didn’t rank last month)
389. Hai to Gensou no Grimgar level 6 (329)
397. Boogiepop Antithesis Alternative Ego no Ranyaku
399. Kimi ga Otoshita Aozora (RE)
404. Souro no Tabibito
405. Kokuhaku Yokou Renshuu Ima Suki ni Naru. (RE)
410. Hai to Gensou no Grimgar level 7 (411)
415. Wazamonogatari (091)
419. Gamers! 4
430. Soul Catcher(s) Interlude act 3
432. Kokuhaku Yokou Renshuu Hatsukoi no Ehon (RE)
436. Ten to Chi no Moribito 1 (RE)
445. Sayonara Ryuusei, Konnichiwa Jinsei 5
446. Kamisama no Goyounin 5 (175)
448. Sword Art Online Progressive 4 (214)
449. Gaikotsu Kishi-sama, Tadaima Isekai e Odekakechuu 3
454. Arifureta Shokugyou de Sekai Saikyou (130)
460. Goblin Slayer (didn’t rank last month)
462. Uchi no Shitsuji ga Iu Koto ni wa 7
464. Eiga Ansatsu Kyoushitsu (RE)
465. Ten to Chi no Moribito 2 (RE)
480. Ten to Chi no Moribito 3 (RE)
481. Koukyuu Kyoukaden
483. Madoushi wa Heibon wo Nozomu 13
490. Takarakuji de 40-oku Atatta n dakedo Isekai ni Ijuusuru (didn’t rank last month)
491. Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu. 11
493. Taishutsu Game (458)
496. Granblue Fantasy 4

Weekly Watching Roundup – Spring 2016 Week 2

Episodes watched this week:
Aggressive Retsuko 1
Aggressive Retsuko 2
Uchuu Patrol Luluco 2
Pan de Peace! 2
Hundred 1
Gakusen Toshi Asterisk 2nd Season 2
Bungou Stray Dogs 1
Gyakuten Saiban: Sono “Shinjitsu”, Igi Ari! 2
Kuma Miko 1
Kuma Miko 2
Netoge no Yome wa Onnanoko ja Nai to Omotta? 1
Hundred 2
Bishoujo Yuugi Unit Crane Game Girls 1
Bishoujo Yuugi Unit Crane Game Girls 2 DROPPED
Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 1
Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 2
Ragnastrike Angels 2 DROPPED
Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge 1
Uchuu Patrol Luluco 3
Usakame 1
Bakuon!! 1 DROPPED
Anne Happy♪ 1
Sousei no Onmyouji 1
Mayoiga 2
Anne Happy♪ 2

Monthly Japanese Light Novel Sales Figures March 2016

Data covers 29th February – 3rd April

Volume Ranking:

*1　174,135　Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei Vol.19
*2　*59,456　Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online Vol.4
*3　*54,973　Date A Live Vol.14
*4　*44,598　Eiga Ansatsu Kyoushitsu: Sotsugyou-hen
*5　*41,475　High School DxD Vol.21
*6　*40,316　Eromanga-sensei Vol.6
*7　*37,214　Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! Vol.1
*8　*34,085　Madan no Ou to Vanadis Vol.14
*9　*32,541　Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! Vol.3
10　*32,361　Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! Vol.2
11　*29,329　Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! Vol.4
12　*28,785　Imouto sae Ireba Ii. Vol.4
13　*27,684　Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata Girls Side Vol.2
14　*27,236　Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! Vol.5
15　*26,137　Kidou Senshi Gundam Unicorn Vol.11
16　*25,579　Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! Vol.6
17　*24,835　Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! Vol.8
18　*24,495　Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! Vol.7
19　*24,403　Kokuhaku Yokou Renshuu Vol.4 “Koi-iro ni Sake”
20　*22,340　Tantei Team KZ Jiken Note: Youkai PC wa Shitteiru

Series ranking:

*1　233,590　Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo！
*2　204,315　Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei
*3　108,840　Hai to Gensou no Grimgar
*4　*63,504　Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online
*5　*59,971　Date A Live
*6　*58,747　Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! Spinoff
*7　*54,241　Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut
*8　*52,775　Eiga Ansatsu Kyoushitsu Novelisation
*9　*50,435　Kokuhaku Yokou Renshuu
10　*47,654　Imouto Sae Ireba Ii.
11　*47,224　Eromanga Sensei
12　*41,669　Highschool D×D
13　*40,943　Sword Art Online
14　*38,497　No Game No Life
15　*36,390　Monogatari Series
16　*34,609　Madan no Ou to Vanadis
17　*33,940　orange novelisation
18　*31,455　Gakusen Toshi Asterisk
19　*30,619　Overlord
20　*28,860　Gate: Jieitai Kanochi Nite, Kaku Tatakaeri Gaiden+

(Source: Oricon via myanimelist.net and 2ch, adapted)

Last month: February 2016
Next month: April 2016

Kadokawa’s investment in Yen Press – what does it mean to us fans?

So, in case you didn’t know already, the Japanese publishing company Kadokawa have purchased a majority (51%) stake in Yen Press, who are, amongst other things, the largest publisher of English language light novels under their Yen On label. You can find the announcement from Yen Press here. Yen Press were formerly wholly a subsidiary of Hachette Book Group, who retain a 49% share of the company.

So far so good, but what does this actually mean for those of us who buy their manga and light novels?

There are several significant advantages to the deal for the fans:

• Better access to Kadokawa’s large catalogue of titles.
Kadokawa are the largest publisher of light novels in Japan, and about 2/3 of all light novel titles with anime adaptations, which tend to be those that Western fans are most familiar with, are published by Kadokawa. Getting better access to these titles would mean that more of them could get a release in English. Could this also spell the end of the total absence of Fujimi Fantasia licenses? This is, after all, a label owned by Kadokawa.

• Better cooperation with Kadokawa over their releases.
A large proportion of Yen Press’s light novel releases are titles published in Japan by Kadokawa, and with Kadokawa owning a majority stake in Yen Press, they’ll be able to coordinate work better, waste less time on negotiations and get easier access to materials and information that is yet to be made public.
But this doesn’t just affect existing licenses – future licenses can be better coordinated with anime adaptations and so forth. You may wonder why that would be a benefit for the fanbase rather than the company, but here what benefits one benefits both – as releases timed to get the maximum benefit of an anime adaptation means that you can buy the series when you’re most eager to read it as well.

• Kadokawa is an ambitious and expansionist company, and they’re in it for the long term. In recent years they’ve undertaken a number of high profile restructurings, acquisitions and mergers. What does this mean for Yen Press? Well, they’ve made the investment with the belief in its ability to grow, and they personally hold a lot of keys to unlocking that growth. The two factors come together to mean that we’ll likely be seeing quite a few more titles in the future than we have to date. Which is always a good thing.

As for the down sides… Well, there aren’t many – at least not immediately. If Kadokawa try to interfere too much it could end up with titles getting licensed that shouldn’t be, or titles not getting licensed that should have been, but the majority ownership also gives Kadokawa a big incentive to do things right for the Western market, which should correct this in the medium to long term.

Kadokawa stated on the press release that they don’t intend to limit the titles to their own releases, and Yen Press have confirmed that there is no intention of dropping any titles, but it is possible that some issues with acquiring licenses may emerge on the other side – in the form of other Japanese publishers not wanting to release their titles under a company owned by one of their competitors.

That said, the main reason why other English branches of Japanese publishers don’t get licenses from elsewhere is because they don’t even try to get them. Vertical’s part-ownership by Kodansha hasn’t stopped them from acquiring titles from other publishers, after all, and I don’t see this affecting Yen Press’s longstanding relationship with Square Enix, unless it persuades them to set up presence in the West as well. It is possible, though, that some of the more occasional licensors to Yen Press, particularly those with their own companies in the Western market, might be less inclined to license series to Yen Press as a result.

In fact perhaps the most significant potential adverse impact is not on Yen Press at all, but on Seven Seas. This latter company has the licenses to quite a few Kadokawa manga titles. If Kadokawa choose to release more of their titles through Yen Press, it could end up coming at Seven Seas’ expense… Seven Seas, incidentally, are yet to give their own take on the news.

English and Japanese Light Novel Releases for Week Commencing 11th April 2016 (UPDATED 16th April)

English Releases:

n/a

Japanese Releases:

Honey Bunko: (release date 11th April)
• Ouke no Himegoto (王家の秘事)
• ミュリエルの旦那様

Arian Rose: (release date 12th April)
• 張り合わずにおとなしく人形を作ることにしました。 2
• 勇者から王妃にクラスチェンジしましたが、なんか思ってたのと違うので魔王に転職しようと思います。 3

Nox Novels: (release date 12th April)
• 緋天のアスカ ~異世界の少女に最強宝具与えた結果~ 1

Fujimi L Bunko: (release date 13th April)
• 幽遊菓庵~春寿堂の怪奇帳~ (5)
• 幽霊生活安全課 ―かくりよ事件ファイル―
• この世の土産さがしもの帖
• 奇貨屋フヨウ庵のお客たち

Beginning Novels: (release date 13th April)
• Orc Ou Densetsu 1 (オーク王伝説 1)
• 人食いダンジョンへようこそ! 3

GA Bunko: (release date 14th April)
• Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry 10 (落第騎士の英雄譚(キャバルリィ)10)
• Hundred 10 -Dream Soldier- (ハンドレッド10―ドリーム・ソルジャー) (2 versions – with and without a drama CD)
• Deban desu yo! Kaguya-sama 3 (出番ですよ! カグヤさま3)
• Inou Battle wa Nichijou-kei no Naka de 11 (異能バトルは日常系のなかで11)
• Kujibiki Tokushou: Musou Harem Ken (くじ引き特賞:無双ハーレム権)
• Date Elf Masamune (伊達エルフ政宗)
• Kaijin no Mahoushi to Madou Senkan (灰燼の魔法士と魔導戦艦)
• Tokyo Ikai no Barista 2 (東京異界のバリスタ 2)
• 0.2 Lux no Mahou no Shita de (0.2ルクスの魔法の下で)

GA Novel: (release date 14th April)
• Isekai Monster Breeder ~Cheat wa Arukedo, Nonbiri Ikusei Shiteimasu~ (異世界モンスターブリーダー ~チートはあるけど、のんびり育成しています~)
• 魔女の旅々
• 感染×少女
• Yakushoku Distopiary: Kougyoku no Toubatsushi to Inochikurai no Shimobe (役職ディストピアリ ~紅玉の討伐士と命喰らいの僕~)

Otomitsu Milky Bunko: (release date 14th April)
• Taikou Heika no Junai Romanesque (大公陛下の純愛ロマネスク)

M Novels: (release date 14th April)
• ハーシェリク 転生王子と憂いの大国
• 騎士団付属のカフェテリアは、夜間営業をしておりません。(2)

Earth Star Novel: (release date 15th April)
• Jinrou e no Tensei, Maou no Fukukan 3 Nanbu Touitsu (人狼への転生、魔王の副官 3 南部統一)
• Tairiku Eiyuu Senki 3 (大陸英雄戦記 3)
• 転生吸血鬼さんはお昼寝がしたい 1
• 賢者の教室~出席するだけでレベルアップ 1
• 助けて! Goodfull先生! ! 1

B’s Log Bunko: (release date 15th April)
• Nariyuki Saiou no Judai ~Mabuyuki Kochou wa Mado wa Shitari~ (なりゆき斎王の入内 ~まばゆき胡蝶はまどはしたり~)
• Cinderella Hakushaku-ke no Kutsubakokan: Otome wa Aratana Kutsu wo Haku (シンデレラ伯爵家の靴箱館 乙女は新たな靴を履く)
• 【好待遇】猜疑王の契約王妃(※丁寧に指導します)

B’s Log Bunko Alice: (release date 15th April)
• Yami no Koutaishi: Tadayoshi no Hangyakusha (闇の皇太子 忠義の叛逆者)
• Kamisama ni Narimashite, Wagamama wo Kanaemashita. (神さまになりまして、ワガママを叶えました。)
• En to Yukari no Koimusubi (エンとユカリの恋結び)
• Shinigami Tsuki no Amamiya-san ―Shinigami Yousei Gakkou-hen― (死神憑きの天宮さん ―死神養成学校編―)

Vanilla Bunko: (release date 15th April)
• Dekiai no Gosan (溺愛の誤算)
• 皇帝陛下の華嫁~艶恋夜話~

Saga Forest: (release date 15th April)
• 白薔薇の剣2

Novel 0: (release date 15th April)
• トクシュー! ‐特殊債権回収室‐
• マッドネス グラート王国戦記

Seikaisha Fictions: (release date 16th April)
• Danganronpa Togami (part 2) Kibougamine Gakuen VS. Zetsubou High School (ダンガンロンパ十神 (中) 希望ヶ峰学園VS.絶望ハイスクール)
• Tenohira no Tsuyu 3 (手のひらの露 3)
• Kottou Kutsu Koubou Aschenputtel no Raikyakubo High Heel wa Usotsuki no Hajimari (骨董靴工房アッシェンプッテルの来客簿 ハイヒールは嘘つきのはじまり)

Unknown label or not a light novel:
• 迷宮レストラン ダンジョン最深部でお待ちしております 3

Adult light novel labels with releases this week:
Puchipara Bunko (release date 15th April) – 2 volumes
Puchipara Bunko Creative (release date 15th April) – 1 volume

Weekly Watching Roundup – Spring 2016 Week 1

Spare time this week was spent on other things so little anime was watched. I have made a start on some of the new season, though.

Episodes watched this week:
Ragnastrike Angels 1
Uchuu Patrol Luluco 1
Mayoiga 1
Pan de Peace! 1
Gakusen Toshi Asterisk 2nd Season 1
Gyakuten Saiban: Sono “Shinjitsu”, Igi Ari! 1