Ask John: What Could be the Next Licensed Yuri Anime?

Question:
Which currently unlicensed yuri title (or title with heavy yuri elements do you think is most likely to be licensed next for American release (by Media Blaster’s yuri line or otherwise)? Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito? Mnemosyne? Blue Drop, Candy Boy, a re-license of Kannazuki no Miko, Oniisama E, Shoujo Sect, etc?

Answer:
I’ve mentioned before, and I’m sure I’ll say again that predicting American anime licenses is an almost impossible effort. There are so many impactful factors that affect American licensing that it’s impossible to predict, with certainty, that particular titles will or won’t be picked for domestic distribution. I base my speculation upon knowledge of specific anime series and familiarity with trends within the American consumer market. But that doesn’t make me always right.

Outright yuri anime has never been especially common, and even anime that include significant yuri themes or characters aren’t especially commonplace. Among the anime titles that do feature lesbian or girl love relationships, many of the finest examples are already available in America: Kashimashi, Strawberry Panic, Simoun, Kannazuki no Miko, Maria is Watching Us. Among the select instances which remain unlicensed for American release, there are a few which seem like probable future domestic releases, as well as titles that probably won’t ever reach America.

I recently stated my belief that Candy Boy and Blue Drop both seem like titles with moderate American commercial potential. Mnemosyne is not overtly a yuri anime, but it does include a lesbian character and contain several scenes of paired female sex. Considering its short episode count, sleek character designs, enigmatic story, exciting action, and intense violence, I’m quite surprised that Mnemosyne hasn’t already been acquired for American release. The absence of an American distribution license may be exemplary of America’s scale back in anime licensing, as Mnemosyne seems like a show that numerous domestic distributors would have competed for during the peak of America’s anime licensing.

Gainax’s 2005 television series He Is My Master stands as a second title which I’m surprised hasn’t yet been acquired for domestic release. While also not a principly yuri show, Anna Kurauchi’s sexual obsession with fellow maid Izumi Sawatari is a principal element of the show’s comedy. Gainax productions have typically been successful in America. The domestic release of the originating manga has been popular, and despite being precisely the type of pandering, unoriginal harem comedy that American otaku love to criticize, it’s a show that would probably sustain consistent interest from American consumers.

The 2004 Uta~Kata and 2005 Ultimate Girls television series are both, I think, remote possibilities. Uta~Kata isn’t specifically a yuri anime. Rather, it illustrates a very close, unique relationship between two young girls. The show’s attractive character designs may grant it some appeal to Americans. Its relaxed pacing may also distinguish it as a unique show, different from expectations. That, of course, is equally a strength and weakness in regards to potential domestic release. Ultimate Girls character Vivenne Otohri harbors a secret affection for female friend Silk Koharuno. Much like He Is My Master, Ultimate Girls is a moderately amusing fan service comedy that may not reach America because of perceived disapprobation from American anime viewers.

Shoujo Sect is a relatively high profile, explicit yuri anime, which works in and against its favor. Its explicit content makes it unsuitable for release as a mainstream title, but the fact that it’s a sensual drama rather than outright gratuitous pornography make it difficult to market to consumers who are interested in pornography, but not necessarily explict lesbian drama.

Kannazuki no Miko was not especially successful during its previous American release. It’s also comparable to the Shattered Angels (Kyoshiro to Towa no Sora) series, which has not been very successful domestically. A re-release may be relatively inexpensive, but a re-release may not be particularly commercially worthwhile.

To put it simply, the yuri themed 2003 television series Yami to Boushi to Hon no Tabibito may be just too weird for average Americans, which may explain why it’s gone unlicensed for five years.

Oniisama E… may be respected as one of the classics in the yuri anime genre, but it’s a 17 year old show that looks like it’s 37 years old. The American retail market for this series is so small that the only way it could reach America is through a Japanese effort to distribute the series domestically, or a non-traditional distribution format like burn-on-demand DVD or digital distribution.