Mikagura School Suite: A thorough review of the fascinating characters and depth of the story

Mikagura School Suite - A youthful fantasy with maximum excitement

"Mikagura School Suite" is an anime series that aired in 2015 and was created by the popular Vocaloid producer "Last Note." who is active on Nico Nico Douga. The anime is part of a media mix project based on the exciting music series, which also has an original light novel and comics. Here, we will take a deeper look into the appeal and details of "Mikagura School Suite".

■Overview of the work

Mikagura School Suite aired on TV Aichi and TV Tokyo from April 7 to June 23, 2015. The series is made up of 12 episodes, each 30 minutes long. Animation was handled by Doga Kobo and the series was directed by Iwasaki Taro. The original story was created by Last Note., and the character designs were by Akina.

■ Story

The protagonist, Ichinomiya Eruna, has been skipping school since Golden Week in her third year of junior high school, spending her days engrossed in video games. However, when her cousin, Ninomiya Shigure, gives her a pamphlet for Mikagura Private Academy, she is fascinated by the figure of Mikagura Seisaka in the picture. Feeling a connection with Seisaka, Eruna decides to attend Mikagura Academy.

Mikagura Academy is a rare school where only liberal arts clubs exist. However, when Erna arrives, she sees students fighting using special moves. In this strange school, Erna meets various unique characters and the story of her growth unfolds.

■ Characters

Ichinomiya Eruna (voiced by Kimura Juri) is a girl full of energy and high spirits. Her ability is a "toy gun" and she belongs to an unaffiliated club. Eruna likes cute girls and is especially attracted to Mikagura Seisaku.

Mikagura Seisari (voiced by Saori Onishi) is the granddaughter of the Mikagura Academy chairman and the head of the homecoming club. Her ability is "Killing Art" and she used to belong to the art club and was known as the strongest ability user in the academy. Seisari lives a reclusive life, but her encounter with Erna changes her.

Fujishiro Otone (voiced by Ozawa Ari) is a first-year student who is unaffiliated with Elna, and has the ability "anti-complex." She likes shoujo manga, and although she is rarely seen at school, she plays an important role in the school.

Himi Yasaka (voiced by Ayaka Suwa) is the representative of the calligraphy club and has a young appearance for a second-year student. Her ability is "Lovely Ink", and she has a cheerful personality with a bright smile on her face.

Shigure Ninomiya (voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki) is Erna's cousin and the president of the Manga Research Club. His ability is "Hero Time" and he dotes on Erna, but she avoids him.

Yuto Akama (voiced by Natsuki Hanae) is the representative of the drama club and his ability is "Coup d'état Faker." He is always smiling and is loved by the members of the drama club.

Kyoma Kuzuryu (voiced by Yoshimasa Hosoya) is the representative of the Art Club and has the ability "Palette Bullet." He is blunt and feared, but he also has a kind side.

Sadamatsu Minatogawa (voiced by Shin Furukawa) is the captain of the Ikebana Club and has the ability "Selfish Flower". He is always in a daze and shows little interest in anything.

Asuhi Imizu (voiced by Ai Kakuma) is a first-year student in the astronomy club and has the ability "Shooting Star". He has such a cute appearance that he is mistaken for a girl, but his abilities are such that he is said to be the next representative.

Bimi (voiced by Yoshitsugu Matsuoka) is a mysterious winged creature who ends his sentences with "-ryui." His existence is an important element that deepens the mystery of the school.

■ Production staff

Many talented staff members were involved in the production of "Mikagura School Suite." Director Taro Iwasaki succeeded in bringing out the tension and character charm of the work to the fullest. Series composition was handled by Masahiro Yokotani, and character design was handled by Manamu Amasaki. Chief animation directors were Manamu Amasaki, Shinya Ojiri, and Mizuka Takahashi, and prop design was handled by Shinya Ojiri. Art director was Takuma Mochizuki, art setting was Maho Takahashi, color design was Genta Makabe, director of photography was Tomoyuki Shiokawa, 3D was Yoshihiro Watanabe, editing was Daisuke Imai, sound director was Jin Aketagawa, and music was by Yoshimasa Fujisawa. Animation was handled by Doga Kobo, and the production was done by the Mikagura School Suite Production Committee.

■ Theme songs and music

Many of the theme songs and insert songs in "Mikagura School Suite" are written, composed, and arranged by Last Note. The opening theme "After School Revolution" is sung by the After School Paradise Club and used from episode 1 to episode 11. In episode 12, "After School Stride" is used and sung by Ichinomiya Eruna (Kimura Juri). Different ending themes are used for each episode: "After School Stride" (episodes 1 and 9), "Paradise Fanfare" (episodes 2 to 7 and 10), "Sekirabara Candy" (episode 8), "Ekagoto Spiral" (episode 11), and "After School Revolution" (episode 12). These songs are an important element in raising the tension of the work.

■ Evaluation and appeal

"Mikagura School Suite" is a work that is attractive for its unique worldview and unique characters. In particular, the individuality of each character stands out, such as Elna's high-energy personality, Seisaka's cool character, and Himi's cuteness. In addition, the battle scenes within the school and the growth story through club activities are also one of the highlights.

The animation by Doga Kobo is of high quality, with detailed and beautiful depictions of character movements and backgrounds. In particular, the battle scenes using each character's abilities are spectacular and have the power to draw viewers in.

Music is also an important element in enhancing the appeal of the work. Last Note.'s songs are high-energy and have the power to make the audience's hearts dance. In particular, the opening theme "After School Revolution" is a masterpiece that instantly livens up the atmosphere of the work.

■ Recommendation points

"Mikagura School Suite" is a work that combines youth fantasy and battle elements, making it an exciting and enjoyable anime. In particular, the story that depicts the growth of unique characters and friendship and romance within the school is attractive. It is also recommended for people who like Last Note.'s music and Doga Kobo's works.

In addition, this work is being developed as part of a media mix project, so you can also enjoy the original light novels and comics. After watching the anime, you can read the original novels and comics to immerse yourself even more deeply in the world of the work.

Conclusion

"Mikagura School Suite" is a thrilling youth fantasy anime that is loved by many viewers. It is full of highlights, such as the growth of unique characters, the battle scenes within the school, and the music of Last Note. Please watch this work and experience the charm of Mikagura School.