Winter Cicada ambient background
CinebyCineby
Winter Cicada backdrop

Winter Cicada

Winter Cicada

★ 5.1/10•2007•33m•Animation•Drama•War & Politics
Similars

Fuyu no Semi is a Japanese anime OVA loosely based on the manga series, Embracing Love, which also aired on the Logo cable channel in the US. The story, set in historical Japan, follows two samurai from opposing political groups, one protectionist and the other globalist, who fall in love with each other.

Yoshihisa Matsumoto · Director

Mutsumi Nakano · Screenplay

StatusEnded
Runtime33m
LanguageJA
First Air DateFeb 23, 2007

Episodes

E133m

Episode One: Edo Love Song

It is 1862, and the Expulsion of Foreigners movement is started by the Choushuu clan. Kusaka Touma is a member of this clan, but is at odds with his clan, and supports the Open the Country movement instead, which movement endorses peace and open borders. While trying to stop other Choushuu from setting fire to the British Embassy, Kusaka is confronted by a Bakufu (Shogunate) samurai who helps him and a comrade, Aizawa, escape from authorities. Years later, as he tries to find a school that will teach him English, Kusaka reunites with the samurai who saved his life, Akizuki Keiichirou, who recognises him and eventually offers to secretly teach Kusaka English. However, despite precautions, a Choushuu eventually sees them together and they must stop meeting.

Feb 23, 2007

E233m

Episode Two: Record of Ezo War

Kusaka considers abandoning his clan. The Head Administrator, Sufu Masanosuke, offers to send him to London to learn about the West. Before leaving, Kusaka meets with Akizuki one last time and they declare their love for each other. While Kusaka is in England, Akizuki gains the leadership of his clan. After four years, Kusaka returns to Japan and receives a high ranking post in the Imperial army. During this time, Japan is in the midst of the Boshin War, with Kusaka on the Satsuma-Choushuu (Imperial) side and Akizuki on the Bakufu (Shogunate) side. During one of the last battles, Kusaka finds Akizuki about to commit seppuku after having lost a leg to cannon fire. Kusaka is forced to kill a comrade who sees him aiding Aikizuki.

Mar 23, 2007

E333m

Episode Three: Tokyo Tragedy

Four years later, Kusaka is working for the new government, wearing Western-style clothing and living in a Western-style home. In a private Japanese cottage behind the house, he keeps Akizuki in secret. The relationship has deteriorated, as Akizuki cannot stand being kept in hiding in comfort while his fellow Bakufu comrades suffer in prison, and he wants to commit suicide. Eventually Aizawa, now an officer of the new law, discovers their relationship. He confronts Akizuki, leaving him with a short sword. A while later, it seems things between Kusaka and Akizuki are being patched up. Soon, a small group of police goes through Kusaka's home, led by Aizawa. Kusaka runs back to the house, engages in a brief argument with his former comrade, and returns to the cottage only to find Akizuki missing and a suicide note on the futon pillow. Akizuki pulls himself along the snow-covered ground, the short sword in hand, stopping in front of a tree split into four trunks. After a brief reminiscing, he kills himself; Kusaka finds him a short while later. Opening the pouch around Akizuki's neck, he realizes that Akizuki was carrying around the shell of the cicada they had seen about eight years earlier. Kusaka takes the short sword from Akizuki's hand and commits suicide as well.

Apr 27, 2007

Actors

Shin-ichiro Miki

Shin-ichiro Miki

Kusaka Touma (voice)

Toshiyuki Morikawa

Toshiyuki Morikawa

Akizuki Keiichirou (voice)

Showtaro Morikubo

Showtaro Morikubo

Masanoshin Aizawa (voice)

Recommendations

Sengoku BASARA: Samurai Kings
Yosuga no Sora
Kiznaiver
Firefly Wedding
Domestic Girlfriend
School Days
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity
Air
The Rose of Versailles
Dance in the Vampire Bund
Fist of the North Star
Aoi Bungaku Series
True Tears
The Fruit of Grisaia
Senpai Is an Otokonoko
Orange
Diabolik Lovers
Tokyo Ghoul
Berserk
Ōoku: The Inner Chambers

Similars

iii icecrin
Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan
Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous
All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku (TV)
Mushiking: The Guardians of the Forest
Fortune Quest L
Till Death Do Us Part
Blessing of the Campanella
Shuffle! Memories
Oh! My Goddess
This Life
Bosco Adventure
Best Student Council
The Hakkenden: Legend of the Dog Warriors
Proong Nee Gor Ruk Ter
Why R U?
TharnType
Battle Spirits: Heroes
Stuck On You
Battle Athletes Victory