By JR Salazar (Bongaboi)
March 14, 2011
While Japan was beginning the long road back to recovery from the Earthquake, the International Saimoe League was busy determining its first entrants.
All of them were familiar faces. And all had the disaster in their minds.
Mio Akiyama defeated Elucia de Lute Irma and Merry Nightmare with 4,686 votes to win Group 1. "I enter the International Saimoe League with a sense of grief, and a sense of resolve," she said at a rally at Japan Women's University with Ritsu Tainaka, Yui Hirasawa and Tsumugi Kotobuki by her side. "We all know how terrible the situation has been in Sendai. It is my wish that my supporters far and wide donate to the cause and the relief efforts as I begin my title defense. I hope to do my best this season, and my expectations are set high."
In other Group 1 action, Asami Iwasawa routed Saeko BUsujima and Itsuwa with 4,330 votes and Tsukasa Ayatsuji took down Nodoka Haramura 2,839-2,621 while Nanako Yamamoto finished last in what was a meaningless match.
"I hope that all of Academy City does their duty in helping out the victims of northeastern Japan," said a victorious Mikoto Misaka at Tokiwadai Junior High School after defeating Ikaros and Ritsu Tainaka with 5,039 votes to secure Group 2. "As a proud citizen of this country, I dedicate this year's campaign to those families whose lives have been lost. I hope my efforts serve you well."
Last Order cruised past Erika Sendou and Chrome Dokuro with 4,717 votes and Isumi Saginomiya prevailed over Misaki Ayuzawa in the closts of margins, "2,798-2,795, while Yuuno Arashiko finished third.
Shana, who qualified from Group 3 after a resounding victory over Houki Shinonono and Ruiko Saten with 4,488 votes, also had sendai in her prayers.
"I hope that the situation in Fukushima prefecture is manageable and that no further lives are sacrificed," she said, eating the first of what should be hundreds of melon bread loaves. "And I hope that I do well enough to return to the Top 16 this year."
Also in Group 3, Ayase Aragaki took down MIzuki HImeji and Yuno with 4,199 votes and Hayate Yagami prevailed over Shiki Ryogi and Erza Scarlet with 2,906 votes.
At Sakuragaoka High School, a victory rally for Azusa Nakano took place after she blasted Suigintou and Nymph with 5,190 votes to win Group 4. She also had fukushima and Miyagi Prefectures on her mind.
"Everyone, thank you for your support of me in helping me return to the ISML," the defending 2chan Anime Saimoe Champion said. "It is my hope that you will have the thoughts of those who died in your thoughts and prayers as I begin a new season in the International Saimoe League."
Also in Group 4, Charlotte Dunois routed Nanoha Takamachi and Koromo Amae with 4,738 votes and Ami Kawashima stomped Shinku and Izumi Segawa with 3,582 votes.
At Hakuoh Academy, Hinagiku Katsura took part in her own victory rally after defeating Ika-Musume and Shiori Shiomiya with 4,508 votes to clinch the spot from Group 5.
"Today is not a day for sadness or regret," Katsura said. "It's a day for hope, for optimism, and for your support. Every International saimoe League is different, with new faces, new challenges, and new opportunities to improve. With your help, I plan to make it a priority to overcome anything that stands in my way, and I will not let you down."
Touko Amano edged Utau Hoshina 2,442-2,195 while Celty Sturluson finished a respectable third. Kurimu Sakurano edged Nozomi Kiriya 2,722-2,713 while Shinobu Oshino finished dead last.
In Group 6, Taiga Aisaka was confirmed entrance into the International Saimoe League after leaving Huang Lingyin and Ui Hirasawa in the dust with 4,287 votes.
Aisaka was at the Budokan for her press conference. "I think it's important to emphasize the need for consistency, to continue to win matches, to win the matches that matter," she said. "This is a season where I hope to make a significant impact in improving my consistency as an ISML participant."
Aisaka also pledged 1,000,000 JPY to the relief efforts.
In other Group 6 action, Konjiki no Yami pulled off a surprising 3,362-3,235 victory over Kuroko Shirai, while Ai Nanasaki finished dead last. Tsukasa Hiiragi had no problems against Kobato Hanato and Akira Amatsume, garnering 3,756 votes.
"The likelihood of what happened in Sendai and Miyagi occurs once in a millennium," said Yuki Nagato at Nishinomiya North Senior High after her Group 7 victory over Sora Kasugano and Sawako Kuronuma to secure a return to the ISML. "In layman's terms, this was 'The Big One'."
when asked of her chances to win the ISML, she replied, "that is up to the voters to decide."
Also in Group 7, Shoko Kirishima cruised past Misuzu Kamio and Ai Enma with 4,523 votes and Illyasviel von Einzbern took down Fumino Serizawa and Minori Kushieda with 3,142 votes.
Haruhi Suzumiya blew past Index Prohibitorum and Maria to win Group 8 and return to a fourth International Saimoe League, earning 4,555 votes.
"It feels great to be back, but to witness something like that last Friday had to be one of the most testing moments of my life," Suzumiya admitted. "Nonetheless, I feed off of any adrenaline rush, and this ISML is sure to bring hefty doses of it. I look forward to the regular season."
Also in Group 8, Lucy Heartfilia got off the schneid and punched Mahiru Inami and Ran Mouri with 2,948 votes, while Yuri Nakamura knocked down Mato Kuroi and Ai Haibara with 4,696 votes.
Eight more tickets will be punched on Tuesday, March 15, with Day 8 of the 2011 International Saimoe League preliminaries. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.
