Part 4 of our Kyoto Vacation is called “My Ordinary Life is a Mystery to be Lived,” and today’s second part tackles the ‘Mystery’ part of that title with 2012’s singular slice-of-life mystery anime HYOUKA! Adapted from the ‘Classic Literature Club’ novels by Honobu Yonezawa, Hyouka follows ‘energy conservationist’ Hotaro Oreki as he tries to glide through high school without giving anything much effort, only to be drawn into the orbit of the perpetually curious Eru Chitanda, with whom he begins solving low-stakes mysteries left and right. It’s an amazing and very unique story, and it’s brought to life with perhaps the most beautiful animation in the history of TV anime – which sounds like hyperbole until one lays eyes on this amazing series, which is another certified masterpiece from Kyoto Animation. 

Enjoy, and come back in two weeks on March 10th for Part 5 of the season, and our review of the 2012 anime Love, Chunibyo, and Other Delusions! 

Time Chart:

Theme Song: 0:00:00 – 0:01:30 

Intro and History: 0:01:30 – 0:49:30

Eyecatch Break: 0:49:30 – 0:50:08

Hyouka Review: 0:50:08 – 3:26:51

End Theme: 3:26:51 – 3:27:53 

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“re:CAPTURE” and “Happily Ever After” – Original Music & Lyrics by Thomas Lack, featuring Hatsune Miku. https://www.thomaslack.com