The Case Files of Jeweler Richard: Closing Thoughts

Also known as Housekishou Richard-shi no Nazo Kantei.

This anime has 12 episodes. The first eight episodes follow the same formula: A customer has an inquiry about a gemstone and then Richard and Seigi help the customer. We learn about the history of the gemstone and some interesting facts.

Things drastically changed in episodes 9-10. Spoilers ahead.

Episode 9

Richard disappears from Seigi’s life all of a sudden. Seigi doesn’t know why. A month passes and Seigi is miserable. Prior to this part, I didn’t think of this anime as a BL. Heck, I didn’t even think it was fujo bait. Seigi was interested in Tanimoto, the girl in the screencaps. After Richard left, it was 100% about Richard. Now that I’ve completed the series, I think that one thing is clear: Seigi is in love with Richard.

When Seigi learns that Richard is in London, he boards a plane to find him.

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Tanimoto knows.

Episode 10

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Jeffrey knows.

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The gemstone exchange was so most romantic and meaningful. We know how important and special gemstones are because of the history and meanings attached to them. The entire show showed us this. Richard entrusted Seigi with a family heirloom while Seigi gave Richard a ring that belonged to his grandmother. The series could have ended here. It’s perfect.

Episodes 11 and 12 tied some loose ends regarding Richard and Seigi’s personal affairs. Episode 11 was focused on Richard’s family and past while episode 12 was focused on Seigi’s.

Episode 12

It’s obvious how Seigi feels, but what about Richard? I feel like this episode really showed us the answer. Just like how Seigi went to London and was there for Richard, Richard helped Seigi with his inner turmoil and family matters.

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There were some very wholesome scenes. While the ending of episode 10 was great, episodes 11 and 12 made the series feel complete.

I really did not expect to see Seigi and Richard’s relationship unfold like this. The most we see is a hug but these two would do anything for each other.

BL Anime: Given Episode 9 Review

Given is a shounen ai anime from this season. It’s still airing and it’s one of the best Boys Love anime I’ve seen. It’s been a great show since the beginning, but episode 9 has been by far, the best episode yet. It was a whirlwind of emotions. It was heart-wrenching, yet so beautiful. The tears just wouldn’t stop when I watched this episode. I got goosebumps.

Synopsis: Mafuyu Sato has a difficult time expressing himself. He is bad with words and doesn’t understand his own feelings. He wants to learn how to play guitar and is able to when he meets Ritsuka Uenoyama, a boy who goes to the same high school as him. After hearing that Mafuyu can sing, Uenoyama invites Mafuyu to join his band, the seasons. The band is offered an opportunity to perform a live show. Mafuyu is given the challenge to write lyrics for a song composed by Uenoyama. However, he is struggling to write lyrics as he has his other stuff he needs to work on. With the live show approaching, will he be able to finish the lyrics on time?

He does – and the song went above and exceeded all my expectations. To understand the lyrics fully, you have to watch the show in its entirely. Yes, go watch Given. Even if you don’t understand everything because you haven’t seen the show, you can feel Mafuyu’s feelings in this song. Through music, he was finally able to express himself and say all the words he’s been wanting to say. It was a release of so many emotions at once, and I felt it.

If you do plan on watching Given, I don’t recommend watching the video because it contains spoilers.

Dropped – Hitorijime My Hero

Hitorijime My Hero is a shounen ai anime. I dropped it after episode 10, even though I almost completed it. There are 12 episodes in total.

The beginning was great, as we learn about the characters and their backstories. It was interesting to see the two couples form but it became boring afterwards. Episodes 9 and 10 were difficult to get through because I was so uninterested. While Masahiro’s concerns about his relationship with Kousuke were completely valid, the execution was poorly done because it made Masahiro an annoying character to watch.

Another problem I had with it is that this is a teacher-student romance. Masahiro is a high school student and his partner is his teacher. An under-age person dating an adult is common in Boys Love anime, as portrayed in Junjou Romantica and Super Lovers. I don’t support or like watching these types of relationships. =_=

At least Kensuke and Asaya’s relationship was cute. They are classmates, and they were the reason I started watching this anime. They are the second couple but don’t get as much screen time as the show progresses.

Overall, there wasn’t anything special about this anime.