Anime Review: Summer Edition

This is my first time reviewing any anime so if I make any mistakes or seem disorganized I apologize. >_<

Hanasaku Iroha: 7.5/10

First impression: Seems like a cute, heart-warming slice of life anime that I will enjoy watching.
Characters: Honestly, I never really formed a connection to any of the characters except Ohana. She's diligent, hard working, and a bright young girl that tries to make everyday a fulfilled one. She has problems with her mom and her self (about whether or not she really likes Kou) but she tries to make the best of her situation.
Art/Music: Loved the art and music. I like how the animator drew the characters ─ there's not really a distinction between who is super good-looking and not so good-looking. Very natural. Music fits with the theme of this anime.
Overall: Even though this anime did not have a serious plot, I thoroughly enjoyed this anime. If I had a bad day and watched this anime I would feel better. It made me want to live more diligently. One of my favorite slice of lifes.

Itazura na Kiss: 7/10

First impression: I knew what was in store because I saw the Korean drama version Mischievous Kiss. To be honest, it seemed like a generic romance anime but on the first episode I was hooked.
Characters: I did not become too fond of any of the characters.
Art/Music: I really liked the ending theme song! Very catchy and fits. :) The art and character design I'm not so much a fan of. I guess I'm into more modern aesthetics.
Overall: It was a fun anime to watch but I didn't really get anything out of it. It was nice to see the anime rendition of the series.

Clannad ~After Story~: 10/10
First impression: I watched the first season before and I became a fan. The second season seemed to be a continuation of the first one, literally, because they were still in school and Tomoya and Nagisa were still in the beginning stages of being bf&gf.
Characters: I began to love and endear the characters as each episode passed. I already had that connection with some of them in the first season but now I felt like I could feel their happiness, sadness, and other emotions when they went through an event. Especially when the show begins to go into the climax and when Tomoya and Nagisa become adults ─ I became really attached to them. I began to especially look up to Nagisa and Kotomi because they went through hard times but they endured and overcame their obstacles.
Art/Music: As always, the producers of Clannad used awesome, fitting music. EXCEPT. The ending theme. -__- It really ruined some of the sad episodes. As for the character design, not my absolute favorite kind but nonetheless cute and endearing.
Overall: One of my favorite anime now. I learned and felt a lot through this anime. It's a pity that I only saw it recently. If only I had watched it before I went on a hiatus on anime. Clannad ~AS~ tells an unforgettable story of hardship, friendship, love, endurance, and forgiveness. This anime honestly has affected me for the better; it has made me want to live a better life and make the most out of each day, no matter what hardships they may bring.

Chihayafuru: 8/10

First impression: Intrigued! I've never watched a josei (sport) anime because I thought it would be boring. But this anime has a good plot aside from the actual sport.
Characters: I really liked all of the characters; they were all really endearing, especially Chihaya. She's not just a pretty face ─ she's a girl with a big hopes and dreams. She works hard everyday to improve her karuta skills and to achieve her goal of becoming Queen. She also works to help her friends and inspire them, even ones who've lost the passion they once had.
Music/Art: Loved the music! A rock style song in the beginning but a slow tempo song in the end. The upbeat song emphasizes the sport of karuto while the ED emphasized the beauty of it. I loved the character design!! It shows their special characteristics. Especially Porky and Desktomu-kun. ^_^
Overall: Inspiring and my favorite josei anime! Well, since I've only watched one. The reason I didn't give this a 10 is because I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to. I wish there were more side plots, not only involving karuta. My interest started to fade in the middle of the series because it seemed like most of the episodes were just them practicing karuta or facing someone in karuta. They didn't even get into the possible love interest with Chihaya and Taichi and Arata. =/ But nonetheless I really liked it!