The appeal and reviews of "Sekaiichi Hatsukoi 2": A thorough analysis of the moving sequel

"The World's Greatest First Love 2" - A touching love story about a woman torn between love and work.

"Sekaiichi Hatsukoi 2" is a TV anime series that aired from October 7 to December 23, 2011, and is based on a hugely popular manga by Shungiku Nakamura. It was broadcast on Teletama, tvk, Gifuchan, Chiba TV, Sun TV, TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting, KBS Kyoto, Mie TV, TOKYO MX, and AT-X, and entertained audiences with 12 episodes, each 30 minutes long. Animation was produced by Studio DEEN, production was handled by Sekaiichi Club!!, and copyright belongs to ©2011 Shungiku Nakamura, Kadokawa Shoten/Sekaiichi Club!!.

story

The protagonist, Onodera Ritsu, quits the company she got into through her parents' connections and transfers to the publishing company Marukawa Shoten in order to make a living on her own. However, she is assigned to the Emerald editorial department, which deals with shojo manga, a genre she has no interest in or experience in. Furthermore, when she finds out that the tyrannical editor-in-chief, Takano Masamune, is her "first love," Ritsu goes into a complete panic. While determined to quit this workplace, Ritsu gains experience in both love and work little by little, and the story depicts her struggle to become a full-fledged manga editor.

Commentary

"Sekaiichi Hatsukoi 2" is a story about the protagonist Ritsu's growth as she feels "really annoyed!!" after constantly being criticized in both love and work. The original work is by Nakamura Shungiku, whose works in all of Kadokawa Shoten's comics and novels have sold a total of 7.5 million copies, including the smash hit "Junjou Romantica." The animation staff is made up of the same people who made "Junjou Romantica" popular. The story is set in a shojo manga editorial department, and depicts the tearful and hilarious first love story between a highly capable and tyrannical editor-in-chief and a competitive rookie editor.

cast

The voice actors for the main characters are as follows:

• Ritsu Onodera: Takashi Kondo
• Masamune Takano: Katsuyuki Konishi
• Takashi Yokozawa: Kenyu Horiuchi
• Chiaki Yoshino: Shinnosuke Tachibana
• Yoshiyuki Hatori: Yuichi Nakamura
• Yu Yanase: Hiroshi Kamiya
• Shota Kisa: Nobuhiko Okamoto
• Yukina Sumeragi: Tomoaki Maeno
• Mino Kanade: Hikaru Midorikawa
• Ryuichiro Isaka: Toshiyuki Morikawa

Main Staff

The production team is as follows:

• Original story: Nakamura Shungiku (serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's bimonthly "CIEL" / published by ASUKA COMICS CL-DX)
• Director: Chiaki Ima
• Series Composition: Rika Nakase
• Character design: Yoko Kikuchi
• Color design: Shinji Matsumoto
• Art director: Junko Shimizu
• Director of photography: Kondo Masayoshi
• Edited by: Masahiro Matsumura
• Sound Director: Hozumi Goda
• Music: Hijiri Anze
• Music Production: Lantis
• Animation Production: Studio Deen
• Produced by: World's Best Club!!

Main Characters

The details of the main characters are as follows:

• Ritsu Onodera: 25 years old, working at Marukawa Shoten, belonging to the Emerald editorial department, in charge of shojo manga. He hates losing and is a hard worker.
• Masamune Takano: 27 years old, working at Marukawa Shoten, belonging to the Emerald editorial department, in charge of shojo manga, editor-in-chief. A capable and tyrannical man.
• Chiaki Yoshino: 28 years old, shojo manga artist, currently serializing in "Monthly Emerald". A popular shojo manga artist, she is laid-back.
• Hatori Yoshiyuki: 28 years old, working at Marukawa Shoten, belonging to the Emerald editorial department, in charge of shojo manga, deputy editor-in-chief. Serious and devoted.
• Yanase Yu: 28 years old, freelance professional assistant. Chiaki's top priority and most capable assistant.
• Takafumi Yokozawa: 27 years old, working at Marukawa Bookstore, in the sales department. Also known as Marukawa Bookstore's violent bear and capable person.
• Shota Kisa: 30 years old, working at Marukawa Shoten, belonging to the Emerald editorial department, in charge of shojo manga. Baby-faced and superficial.
• Yukina Kou: 21 years old, part-time comics worker at a bookstore, art school student. Loves shojo manga and is a prince.
• Kanade Mino: Works at Marukawa Shoten, belongs to the Emerald editorial department, and is in charge of shojo manga. Always smiling, don't make her angry.

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

• Episode 1: A good beginning makes a good ending.
• Episode 2: One cannot love and be wise.
• Episode 3: Lingering love breeds mistakes.
• Episode 4: Delay in love is dangerous.
• Episode 5: Follow love and it will flee thee, flee love and it will follow thee.
• Episode 6: Love is without reason.
• Episode 7: Actions speak louder than words.
• Episode 8: Love and envy make a man pine.
• Episode 9: Love is blind.
• Episode 10: Love goes never without fear.
• Episode 11: Love makes the world go round.
• Episode 12: Love is bitter-sweet.

Related Titles

"Sekaiichi Hatsukoi 2" is related to "Sekaiichi Hatsukoi," which is serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's bimonthly magazine "CIEL" and published by ASUKA COMICS CL-DX.

Theme songs and music

The opening and ending themes are as follows:

• OP1: Even if you are at the end of the world (sung by Shuhei Kita)
• ED1: Aikotoba (sung by Sakura Merry Men)

The appeal and evaluation of "Sekaiichi Hatsukoi 2"

"Sekaiichi Hatsukoi 2" has been well received by many viewers as a work that depicts the balance between love and work. In particular, it has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the protagonist Onodera Ritsu's growth process and the human relationships in the special working environment of an editorial department. In addition, it has been supported by a wide range of people, not just fans of the original work, as it also features original story developments that can be enjoyed by the anime.

Character Appeal

Onodera Ritsu's character setting of being competitive and hardworking resonates with viewers. Her relationship with her first love, Takano Masamune, is also at the center of the story, and the way their relationship develops is not to be missed. In addition, supporting characters such as Yoshino Chiaki and Hatori Yoshiyuki are also unique, adding depth to the story.

Story Development

As can be seen in the subtitles of each episode, the show is filled with famous quotes about love, deeply moving viewers. In particular, episode 12, "Love is a bitter-sweet," is a memorable episode that symbolizes the bittersweetness of love. In addition, the setting of a girls' manga editorial department is fresh, and the show has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the rigors and joys of the job.

The appeal of music

The opening theme "Even if You Are with Me at the End of the World" and the ending theme "Aikotoba" are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the story. In particular, the lyrics of the opening theme reflect the protagonist's feelings and resonate with the viewers. The gentle melody of the ending theme also helps to leave an impression of the story.

Recommended points of "Sekaiichi First Love 2"

"Sekaiichi Hatsukoi 2" is a work that can be recommended to many viewers as it depicts both love and work. In particular, the following points are the reasons for the recommendation.

Realistic work environment

The unique work environment of a girls' manga editorial department is depicted realistically, allowing viewers to feel the rigors and joys of the job. In particular, the portrayal of Onodera Ritsu's growth as an editor resonates with viewers. The human relationships and competition within the editorial department are also depicted realistically, making it a fun workplace drama.

Deep love story

The story centers around her relationship with her first love, Takano Masamune, and the way their relationship develops is not to be missed. In addition, famous quotes about love, which can be seen in the subtitles of each episode, are scattered throughout the series, deeply moving viewers. In particular, episode 12, "Love is a bitter-sweet," is memorable as an episode that symbolizes the bittersweetness of love.

Unique characters

The main characters, including Onodera Ritsu, are unique and add depth to the story. In particular, the supporting characters, such as Yoshino Chiaki and Hatori Yoshiyuki, are also attractive and capture the hearts of viewers. In addition, the relationships between the characters are depicted realistically, evoking sympathy from viewers.

Beautiful music

The opening theme "Even if You Are with Me at the End of the World" and the ending theme "Aikotoba" are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the story. In particular, the lyrics of the opening theme reflect the protagonist's feelings and resonate with the viewers. The gentle melody of the ending theme also helps to leave an impression of the story.

How to watch "Sekaiichi First Love 2"

You can watch "Sekaiichi Hatsukoi 2" in the following ways.

Streaming Services

"Sekaiichi Hatsukoi 2" is available to stream on the following streaming services:

• Netflix
• Amazon Prime Video
• Unlimited Anime

Blu-ray & DVD

The Blu-ray and DVD of "Sekaiichi Hatsukoi 2" are also available and can be purchased at the following stores:

• Amazon
• Rakuten Books
• Animate

summary

"Sekaiichi Hatsukoi 2" has been well received by many viewers as a work that depicts the balance between love and work. In particular, it has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the protagonist Onodera Ritsu's growth process and the human relationships in the special working environment of an editorial department. In addition, it has been supported by a wide range of people, not just fans of the original work, as it also features original story developments that can be enjoyed as an anime. Please watch it and experience its charm.