By JR Salazar (Bongaboi)
October 16, 2010
2010 will go down in history as the Year of Hokago Tea Time.
Sakuragaoka High School was home to Japan's biggest party on Friday night as Azusa Nakano was crowned 2010 2chan Anime Saimoe Tournament champion with her 1516-1339 victory over Nagi Sanzen'in. The proxy voting had effectively destroyed Sanzen'in's chances of winning. The hope for those in ojou-sama's camp was that she would redeem herself for her defeat three years ago to Rika Furude. That's not going to happen.
"Oh my god, this is the greatest day of my life!" Ritsu Tainaka said, in tears. "Azusa is the queen of Japan! I feel like a million yen already! Somebody save me; I don't think I can get my feet off the ground!"
"We reached out to the masses, and succeeded in our mission," Tsumugi Kotobuki said. "I don't think I need to say any more than that."
"I think we have made this our year with flying colors," Mio Akiyama added. "It's been that fun of a ride."
"Azunyan, the love of my life, is now our Number One," Yui Hirasawa said. "I love you!"
At Hakuoh Academy, where they had their rally, it was very somber, and most of Nagi's followers were in tears.
"I wish there was more I could say after losing a hard-fought battle like this and come up short again," Nagi said after the defeat. "But I want to congratulate Azusa for her win. She is a great person, and I wish her all the best in whatever she does.
"As for me, win or lose, this 2chan Anime Saimoe will forever, and always will be, the pinnacle of my young life. I want to thank everyone that supported me throughout my run, to Hayate, Hinagiku, Sakuya, Isumi, Maria...I can go on an on if I want, but I will stop there because I want to acknowledge everyone, regardless of who you are. You are the best, and I thank you for your support. I wish you all well."
Immediately after, Nagi called Azusa on her mobile to concede the race, at which Azusa began her long walk to Sakuragaoka.
Hokago Tea Time, minus Azusa, played for a crowd of 2,000 some classic favorites, from "Don't Say Lazy" to "Listen!!" to "My Love Is A Stapler" to the landmark hit "Fuwa Fuwa Time."
When Azusa reached the gate, Yui gave the signal to play the official campaign hymn, "Tenshi ni Fureta Yo" or "Touched by an Angel." The fans, a swaying mass of humanity, welcomed Azusa with a roaring cheers as banners read, "We are all touched by an angel!", "YES WE NYAN!" "NYAN YOU FEEL IT?!", "Azusa For Life!", "This Is Our Year!" and the ubiquitous "AZUNYAN!!!"
"Thank you for that wonderful, wonderful song," Azusa said, smiling. "I never thought that I would be standing here tonight as an 2chan Anime Saimoe Champion. But I am, and I will tell you, it's the most wonderful feeling I could ever experience. It is so awesome, I can't even explain it.
"This has been one of the best journeys I have been through. And I will say this: cheaters never prosper." The remark drew laughs and cheers and applause. "Regardless, I want to thank Nagi Sanzen'in for running a strong race, and I personally wish her well in whatever endeavors she chooses. I know she must be feeling very heartbroken to not be celebrating, but life goes on. I know it, you know it, we all know it; tonight, though, is a night for celebration and happiness. It's all I ever wanted.
"When I first joined the light music club two years ago, I didn't know what I was getting into. I wondered if I was going to trust Ritsu-sempai, Mugi-sempai, Mio-sempai, and especially the love of my life, Yui-sempai. I always thought at the time that they never took their work seriously and it just annoyed the heck out of me that they were drinking tea and eating cake instead of playing.
"But when I learned to let my hair down and realize that this is a group of hard-working individuals, I learned to trust them. I learned to love them for who they are, and what they do, and what they stand for. We played in so many shows, and had so many memories to treasure. I will be president of the light music club next year, and it is my clear intention that I will find students who will commit themselves to keeping this tradition alive for future generations.
"When I found out that I had won the 2chan Anime Saimoe Tournament, I first thought, this has to be a joke right. But when I got the call of concession from Nagi, I decided it's time for me to meet you all and thank you for your support.
"I want to thank Ritsu-sempai, Mugi-sempai, Mio-sempai, Yui-sempai, all of Class 3-2, Jun, Ui, Miss Sawako, everyone at Sakuragaoka, my family, and you who are here for your continuing support and belief in me and my band. We all couldn't have done this without you. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the 2chan Anime Saimoe Tournament, Japan and the world."
Azusa played with the band "Jajauma Way To Go" and "Watashi no Watashi no Michi wo Iku" before playing a reprise of Fuwa Fuwa Time with her on the vocals.
The victory completes a triple crown for Hokago Tea Time. Mio Akiyama won the 2010 International Saimoe League and Korea Anizone Best Moe Tournament prior to Azusa's 2chan victory.
Time Graph
Voting Pattern Analysis Graph
Worldwide Vote Distribution Map
