Secret from Maria-sama. ~Evaluation of attractive characters and deep story~

The appeal and evaluation of the 4th season of "Maria-sama ga Miteru" and "A Secret from Maria-sama"

Introduction

Maria-sama ga Miteru is an anime series based on the popular novel series by Konno Oyuki, which was produced in four seasons from 2004 to 2009. Of particular note are the fourth season of Maria-sama ga Miteru, released in 2009, and its special edition, Maria-sama ga Miteru: Secrets from Maria-sama. In this article, we will take a closer look at the appeal and reviews of these works, and introduce recommended points for fans and new viewers.

Overview

The fourth season of Maria-sama ga Miteru aired from January to March 2009 and consists of 13 episodes. It was directed by Kato Toshiyuki and animated by Studio Deen. The story is set at Lillian Girls' Academy, a private school with a long history and tradition, and focuses on Fukuzawa Yumi, who has advanced to the high school division, and follows her growth, friendships, and the deepening of relationships through the "sister" system.

Meanwhile, "A Secret from Maria-sama" was released as an OVA on March 25, 2009, and contains 13 short, one-minute episodes. It was also produced by Studio Deen and directed by Toshiyuki Kato. The content is centered around more comical and light-hearted episodes that are derived from the main story of the 4th season.

Story and Characters

The story of the 4th season of "Maria-sama ga Miteru" begins when a year has passed since Fukuzawa Yumi entered high school and became sisters (sours) with Ogasawara Sachiko. As Yumi searches for her petite sour sister, she meets new characters such as Matsudaira Hitomi and Hosokawa Kanako and grows as a person. Through the daily life and events of school life, the story depicts the importance of friendship, trust, and self-understanding.

The main characters include Fukuzawa Yumi (voiced by Ueda Kana), Ogasawara Sachiko (voiced by Ito Miki), Shimazu Yuno (voiced by Ikezawa Haruna), Hasekura Rei (voiced by Ito Shizuka), and Todo Shimako (voiced by Noto Mamiko). Each character is unique and leaves a deep impression on the viewer. In particular, Yumi's growth and the changes in the relationships surrounding her are a major attraction throughout the series.

In "A Secret from Maria-sama," the characters from the 4th season are placed in more comical situations, showing a side of them that we don't usually see. For example, it shows Yumi's daily life in her room and an unexpected side of Shoko, allowing fans to enjoy the characters from a fresh perspective.

Production and direction

Studio Deen produced the 4th season of Maria-sama ga Miteru and Secrets to Maria-sama. Character design is by Akira Matsushima, series composition is by Reiko Yoshida, art direction is Kazuhiro Ito, color design is by Shinji Matsumoto, cinematography is Masayuki Kawaguchi, editing is by Masahiro Matsumura, sound direction is Miwa Iwanami, and music is by Mikiya Katakura. This staff worked together to faithfully recreate the worldview of the original work while bringing out the unique charm of anime.

In particular, the 4th season is impressive for the beautiful scenery of Lillian Girls' School and the detailed depiction of the characters' expressions. Music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the story, and Mikiya Katakura's music adds depth to the story. "A Secret from Maria-sama" effectively uses comical direction in short episodes, and there are many creative ways to entertain the viewers.

Evaluation and acceptance

The fourth season of "Maria-sama ga Miteru" has been highly praised by fans of the original work, especially for its portrayal of character growth and relationships. The beautiful visuals and music have also been well received by viewers, and the series has maintained a high level of popularity throughout. "A Secret from Maria-sama" has also been well received by fans of the fourth season, as a welcome special episode that allowed them to enjoy new aspects of the characters.

However, some viewers felt that the story tempo of the 4th season was a little slow, and some hoped for a faster development. In addition, some people felt that the content of "Secrets from Maria-sama" was too light, even though the episodes were short. Nevertheless, both works received high praise overall, and are well supported by fans.

Related works and the appeal of the series as a whole

The "Maria-sama ga Miteru" series is made up of a wide range of works, including the TV series and OVA from seasons 1 to 3, as well as the 4th season and "A Secret from Maria-sama." These works faithfully reproduce the worldview of the original novels while bringing out the unique charm of anime. In particular, the growth of the characters, the deepening of human relationships, and the beautiful visuals and music are consistent charms throughout the series.

Related works include "Maria-sama ga Miteru", "Maria-sama ga Miteru ~Spring~", "OVA Maria-sama ga Miteru 3rd Season", "Maria-sama ga Miteru 4th Season", "Maria-sama ga Miteru: A Secret from Maria-sama", "Maria-sama ga Miteru: Spring: A Secret from Maria-sama", and "OVA Maria-sama ga Miteru 3rd Season: A Secret from Maria-sama". By watching these works in order, you can gain a deeper understanding of the story of the entire series and the growth of the characters.

Recommended points and how to watch

"Maria-sama ga Miteru" 4th season and "A Secret from Maria-sama" are recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for anime fans. They are especially perfect for those who want to enjoy beautiful visuals and music, character growth, and deepening relationships. "A Secret from Maria-sama" is also recommended for fans of the 4th season as a special edition that allows them to enjoy the characters from a new perspective.

The series is available in DVD and Blu-ray packaged versions. It may also be available on streaming services, so check the lineup of each service. To enjoy the entire series, we recommend watching from the 1st season, but you can enjoy it just by watching the 4th season and "A Secret from Maria-sama."

Conclusion

"Maria-sama ga Miteru" Season 4 and "Maria-sama ga Secret" are wonderful works that maximize the charm of the original work while providing a new perspective that only anime can offer. The growth of the characters and the deepening of human relationships, as well as the beautiful visuals and music, will deeply move and delight the viewers. Please watch these works and experience the world of Lillian Girls' Academy.