The Different sides of (Japanese) High School

So in trying to continue with my watching of the 100 Greatest Anime and 50 Greatest Manga, I have reached out

In the anime department, along with Bleach, I have been watching Ouran High School Host Club, which is ranked #71 on TV Asahi's 2006 list. There were two reasons I chose to watch this anime. The first being it is available on Hulu so I can watch it all for free (without downloading) and secondly...at quick glance I thought the anime was called Ghost Club and I was looking for a horrorish anime...boy was I wrong! ( I need to work on my reading skills...)

The Cast of Ouran High School Host Club

Mori, Honey, Haruhi, Kaoru, Hikaru, Tamaki and Kyoya

Now for those of you not well-informed with Japanese culture (though some other cultures, including the US) have what are known as Host Clubs. These clubs are basically the equivalent of 'male companions' in the US, but these kinds of clubs are non-sexual. Men or women can go to these Host Clubs and spend their money to enjoy the company of beautiful members of the opposite sex (though I am sure same sex ones exist, I have only ever come across one series that had a Transvestite club). In these clubs, the hosts play a certain role to cater to the whim of their guests.



The Ouran High host club is no different. All seven members have their specific role.



Mori - the 'oniisan'. The quiet, older brother figure.
Honey - the 'boy Lolita'. The shorter, younger looking male to appeal to older woman
Haruhi - the 'androgyne'. The could-be-a-boy, could-be-a-girl.
Kaoru and Hikaru - the 'twins'. Look exactly alike and portray an almost incestuous relationship.
Tamaki - the 'king'. The leader who has mastered the art of power and manipulation.
Kyoya - the 'cool guy'. The cross between intelligence, money and presence.

The protagonist is Haruhi, who is trapped into joining the club in order to pay back a debt of breaking a vase. But, gasp! Haruhi is actually a girl! (not a big surprise so don't be angry if this is spoiled...I mean they reveal it in the opening credits before the series even starts). The series follows Haruhi as she struggles to pay off her debts, tries to hide the fact she is is a girl (otherwise she'll have to leave the male host club) and fight off the advances of the other members of the club, especially Tamaki!

I am only on 6 (out of 26) episodes, and I have a deep love for this series. It is one of the funniest animes I have seen in a while, like actually laugh out loud funny. So far the one issue I have about the series is there is little continuity between the episodes, aside for the fact that Haruhi needs to pay off her debt. Other than that, I recommend it! Will post more soon...