Saki Achiga-hen: Episode of Side-A Specials

Saki - Episode of Side A Specials / 咲-Saki-阿知賀編 episode of side-A スペシャルエピソード 13話～16話 / Saki Achiga-hen: Episode of Side-A Episodes 13, 14, 15, and 16

Genres: School, Slice of Life, Strategy Game
Themes: School, Strategy Game
Studios: Studio Gokumi
Producers: Lantis, Sotsu, TV Tokyo Music
Rating: 7.53 / 10
Rank: #1890
Popularity: #5825
Users Listed: 15,480
Users Scored: 8,395
NSFW: No
Last Updated: 03/12/2022
Aired: February 20, 2013 – August 21, 2013 (Winter)
Type: special
Source: manga
Age Rating: PG 13
Episodes: 4

Synopsis:

The intense competition of the Inter-High Mahjong Championship reaches a critical juncture as Achiga High School faces a formidable challenge. Following a demonstration of exceptional skill by the reigning champion, the team grapples with the daunting prospect of competing against established prowess. The narrative centers on their struggle to adapt and find a path to victory despite being heavily favored.

The series explores themes of perseverance and strategic thinking within the context of a high-stakes tournament setting. Character dynamics are explored through the pressure of competition, as the team members confront their own limitations while striving for collective growth. The atmosphere is one of focused determination, highlighting both the intellectual depth of mahjong and the emotional investment the characters have in achieving their goals. It’s a story about overcoming perceived disadvantages and discovering potential under pressure.

Trailer:

Episodes:

Episode 1: Free For All
Episode 2: Aspiration
Episode 3: Intensify
Episode 4: The Path

Characters:

Akado, Harue (Main) - Voice Actors: Shindo, Naomi
Atarashi, Ako (Main) - Voice Actors: Touyama, Nao
Matsumi, Kuro (Main) - Voice Actors: Hanazawa, Kana
Matsumi, Yuu (Main) - Voice Actors: MAKO
Sagimori, Arata (Main) - Voice Actors: Uchiyama, Yumi
Takakamo, Shizuno (Main) - Voice Actors: Yuuki, Aoi
Amae, Koromo (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Fukuhara, Kaori
Atago, Masae (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Hisakawa, Aya
Eguchi, Sela (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Noto, Arisa
Ezaki, Hitomi (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Tatsumi, Yuiko
Fukuyo, Kouko (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Nonaka, Ai
Funakubo, Hiroko (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Misawa, Sachika
Gibbard, Sakurako (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Oogame, Asuka
Hanada, Kirame (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Arai, Satomi
Hanibuchi, Kumiko (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Morota, Kaoru
Hirose, Sumire (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Saiga, Mitsuki
Kobashiri, Yae (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Konno, Hiromi
Kokaji, Sukoya (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Gotou, Saori
Kunihiro, Hajime (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Shimizu, Ai
Matano, Seiko (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Shimizu, Kaori
Miyanaga, Teru (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Nakahara, Mai
Miyanaga, Saki (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Ueda, Kana
Nijou, Izumi (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Matsunaga, Maho
Okahashi, Hatsuse (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Tsuda, Minami
Onjouji, Toki (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Ogura, Yui
Oohoshi, Awai (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Saitou, Chiwa
Shibuya, Takami (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Toyoguchi, Megumi
Shimizudani, Ryuuka (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Ishihara, Kaori
Shirouzu, Mairu (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Kano, Yui
Shizaki, Aya (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Tatsumi, Yuiko
Tsujigaito, Satoha (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Hikasa, Youko
Tsuruta, Himeko (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Oogame, Asuka
Yamatani, Hina (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Takamoto, Megumi
Yasukouchi, Yoshiko (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Takamoto, Megumi

Staff:

Ono, Manabu (Director)
Ishiguro, Kyouhei (Episode Director, Storyboard)
Urahata, Tatsuhiko (Script, Series Composition)
StylipS (Theme Song Performance)
Igarashi, Aguri (Original Character Design)
Kobayashi, Ritz (Original Creator)
Sasaki, Masakatsu (Character Design, Chief Animation Director)
Setou, Kenji (Assistant Director)

Reviews:

User kokuborou (Score: 8/10):
Fantastic !!! These episodes are the best thing this series has to offer for its viewer. After watching them i wanted to see more.... For those who are wondering these 4 special episodes are the sequel to the tv series Saki Achiga-hen:Episode of Side A and start off with the player's second match in the semifinals on the national stage were the tv series left off. And if you thought the tv series was good this has even better stuff to offer and will not disappoint you at all. In these 4 episodes the 5 girls from Achiga High-School have fantastic development and managed to overcome theirweak points thus improving their play style during the Mahjong matches. The visual vocabulary is rich and is well used for depicting the play style of the characters during the matches. The innovative strategies and the little flashbacks for each character manage to flesh out the reason and passion of each player for Mahjong. This anime manages to connect you to the tensed atmosphere and feel the aniexity of each player during their Mahjong matches. Greatness!nnWhat I liked is that these episodes despite their limited time they still managed to portray the bonds and motivations of Achiga's opponents from the semifinals. The girls emotions, passion and determination are beautiful displayed during the Mahjong matches and the brilliant use of the visuals enchanted me. Well done Studio Gokumi!nnThe outcome of the matches is unpredictable and the element of surprise was well handled until the last minute. Once you start watching these episodes you will stay in alert mode until the end. I gotta say that from a show with cute girls the rich variety of themes created a harmony between the story&characters. Enjoy!

News:

Airing Dates of Saki: Achiga-hen Episodes 15 & 16 Announced (03/21/2013)
Manga 'Saki: Achiga-hen' To End in March (02/06/2013)
Saki Achiga-hen Special To Be Extended to 4 Episodes (01/10/2013)
Winter 2013 Simulcast List (12/21/2012)
Cast Change in Saki: Achiga-hen Specials (12/12/2012)
Ep 13 of Saki: Achiga-hen Due in December (10/27/2012)
Three Additional Episodes of Saki Achiga-hen Announced (06/09/2012)

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External Links:

Related Anime/Manga:

Saki Achiga-hen: Episode of Side-A (anime - Prequel)
Saki: Achiga-hen - Episode of Side-A (manga - Adaptation)
Saki: Zenkoku-hen (anime - Parent Story)