Winner: Toki Onjouji.

After a long and grueling tough season, this week marks the beginning of the semifinals for Saimoe Anime Tournament 2012. Each of our matches consist of a war between new versus old. The winners here progress straight through to the Grand Finals three days from now. The loser will be sent home and be forced to prepare their campaign run for another year — and seeing as how Saki was just granted another TV season, you can bet the mahjong idols won’t have to wait long.

Toki has been steamrolling her way through the competition since her debut over the summer. I mean just look at these stats. She has even defeated high profile names such as Louise, Akarin, and Iori. With such a strong driving force behind her campaign, its likely the S-tier competitor will win it all.

Then there’s Nodocchi, who I’m personally delighted to see make it to the Semis a third time. She too has quite the crusade going for herself. But will the new ace stand in her way and prevent her from another close shot at Saimoe glory?

Semifinals I – Results:

  • 1位　362票　Onjouji Toki @ Saki: Achiga-hen – Episode of Side-A
  • 2位　195票　Haramura Nodoka @ Saki: Achiga-hen – Episode of Side-A

Congratulations Toki for making it to the Grand Finals! The overwhelming support yesterday allowed the new face in the scene to garner a vote tally of 362; about 167 more votes than her challenger Nodoka. Don’t feel bad Nodocchi supporters. You know she will be back next year with S2 right around the corner.

Next semifinals match is between Kuro and Hisa. Kuro clearly has the advantage going here. But Hisa has been pulling her share of upsets as you know, so anything can happen. However I’ll be cheering for Kuro all day long — decided to also re-post a video I liked a lot showing my support. Good luck to your picks.

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Next Round | Semifinals II:

  • Matsumi Kuro @ ｢Saki｣ VS. Takei Hisa @ ｢Saki｣

*my pick: Kuro
*my prediction: Kuro

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Schedule:

  • 10/31~11/1 – Semifinals
  • 11/2 – Break
  • 11/3 – Grand Finals

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Saimoe “Best 8″ Bracket: (courtesy of Aya Reiko)


*Click to update
[Full Bracket]