Bamboo Blade

If you like funny high school antics with a little bit of action check out Bamboo Blade. The chemistry of the characters, make up for some funny situations and dialogues. The instructor, in his attempts to gain recognition by his peers and his awkward attempts to motivate and charge up the kendo team, is amusing. Dan-kun and Miya Miya are the cutest, and seeing how Miya Miya thoughts apart from Dan-kun are entertaining. The general slap-stick humor comes from Kirino and Saya, whom oftentimes when combined with the ever-sober Tamaki, make for some hilarious situations. When Bamboo Blade follows matches on kendo, the side commentaries and tension are serious, which for me, keeps me interested in who will win or how the match will turn out, even generating interest in kendo as well. I'm not sure how someone serious with kendo will take the series, nor do I know how someone who's read the manga will like it but I do enjoy the combination of the character's personalities with the tense matches. Overall, I did enjoy the series and it didn't seem too predictable. I found all the characters quite charming and lovable.

First off, the story itself is easy to follow. However, the plot does hide until you get into the show. It turns out to be a very good Square show: lots of good comedy, an awesome running joke about a neko, and good action. The character relationships and development are purely awesome.
Really, though… the genre is Slice of Life, and comedy with Kendo as it’s theme. Did Minami-ke need a plot to be an awesome show? No. This show is another example of a show being good about daily life with two elements: comedy and character building.

Synopsis: Toraji Ishida is a high school kendo teacher, whose old senpai teaches (kendo) at another school. They decide to make a bet on their girls’ team. If Ishida can beat him in a practice match, he’ll treat Ishida to free meals at his father’s sushi restaurant for a whole year.
As Ishida sets out to discover his team, many characters - both male and female learn valuable lessons and the value of true friendship.

- Review by emored13