It is the Bakumatsu period, a time of conflict and chaos- both on the battlefield and in the hearts of men. Whilst the rest of the Choushu clan focuses on conflict, however, one man- Kusaka Touma- dreams of a prosperous future where Japan opens itself to foreign countries. Determined to see that future come to pass, Kusaka decides to study English by taking lessons from one Akizuki Keiichirou- a man who sparks feelings in Kusaka that run deeper than mere friendship. But Akidzuki is a member of the Tokugawa bakufu and thus an enemy to the Choushu clan; can the nascent love between these two men really bloom under these conditions, or is it merely doomed to tragedy?

Back in the days when Iroha was fuelling my interest in the Bakumatsu period, it seemed only natural to watch another OVA set in the same era; yes, there was a warning about yaoi content, but for some reason I convinced myself that that was only there to be on the safe side- surely there wouldn’t be anything full-on? Alas, such were the days of the innocence, but they were to be shattered the moment the two leads decided to surrender their virtue to each other. This wasn’t just HARD GAY, this was full hard yaoi, and even though it wasn’t especially graphic or explicit, it still marked it as a step beyond the likes of Meine Liebe.

Boys’ love aside, Winter Cicada can hardly be said to be the most original of tales; just swap the names Kusaka and Akizuki for, say, Romeo and Juliet, and you can pretty much guess how the whole thing is going to play out- our leads encounter each other and then meet a tragic, if not unexpected, fate. It’s all entirely standard, and the only real point of note is the change in tone across the three episodes- the opening instalment is packed with unintentional hilarity, but by the time the finale is reached, the whole thing has become downright depressing.

As to be expected, the only characters to be set above the level of generic are Kusaka and Akizuki themselves, the central figures in this tragic love story. Although in principle a reasonable amount of time is spent fleshing out their personalities, it still doesn’t make them particularly memorable- they are more tools for telling a particular story than distinctive characters in their own right.

Visually, Winter Cicada’s artwork is somewhat drab and bland- character designs are largely unattractive and only one step above generic, whilst the historical setting has already been realised better elsewhere. Meanwhile, background music remains generally bland and forgettable.

Final Thoughts
Although it cannot be said to be particularly poor, nor can Winter Cicada be said to be all that worthwhile, for ultimately we have all seen this story done better many times before. If you have a craving for yaoi, unintentional hilarity or a thoroughly depressing conclusion, you might just get something out of this, but in general it’s not something that many people will want to go out of their way to watch. In short, it’s not the worst OVA out there, but there’s still far better things to spend your time on.

“Don’t worry, for I am here in search of HARD GAY.”

“Truly you are living in sin, Akizuki.”

“Isn’t it correct that you would sleep with anyone now?”

“If you don’t like the idea of me sleeping with Kusaka, you had better service me instead.”

“That is, if you are even up to it anymore- your Liang must be worn away by now!”

“Here is a new Liang and a document of my favourite HARD GAY technique- be sure to become proficient by tomorrow.”

“He seemed desperate for HARD GAY.”

“I can’t let anyone else sleep with Akizuki!”

(“So, Aizawa wants to have me…what do I do?)

(“For now, I shall drown my sorrows by having HARD GAY with Kusaka.”)

“I’ve waited so long for you to regain an interest in HARD GAY!”

“Let us waste no time!”

“Commence HARD GAY!”

“Ignite the fires of passion within me once again!”

Without the budget for another sex scene, we instead cut straight to the morning after.

“They all want HARD GAY!”

This vase was an enemy of mankind, and had to be destroyed.

Soldiers rush to and from the bedroom in a desperate relay of HARD GAY.

“Hello, we’re here to inspect your Zhuge Liang.”

“Are you saying you doubt my size?”

“Someone who saw it says it is smaller than you claim- a mere Ezo, in fact.”

“They were just jealous!”

“Sir, we have found no evidence of an Ezo here.”

“Fine- tell the men to stop having HARD GAY and go back to HQ.”

“Well, your Liang may have passed inspection, but could it be that your secret lover is a bit too small?”

“Did you sleep with Akidzuki?”

“I merely told him that he would have to sleep with me if he wanted to spare you from becoming my lover!”

“No one sleeps with Akizuki but me!”

“I have fought hard to earn the money to upgrade my Liang, all for his sake!”

In true tragic fashion, Kusaka arrives just too late to stop Akizuki.

“Kusaka, I’m sorry; whenever our HARD GAY was poor or uncomfortable, I always blamed it on you, even though it was my Liang that was inadequate.”

For that true tragic effect, Akizuki pathetically crawls through the snow instead of just killing himself in the guest house.

“When we first met, you were so shy about HARD GAY.”

“I always felt guilty about transforming you into a ravening sex maniac.”

“I forced you to become my exclusive lover.”

“I knew you would be unwilling to take another partner as long as we were together, but I couldn’t just break up with you!”

“And now, to end it all with one last round of Hyper Self Pleasure!”

“Akizuki, wait! You were the only partner I ever wanted!”

“Don’t die! Now all you’re good for is CORPSE!”

“Wait- what’s this?”

“All this time he was using Viagra to keep up with my sexual appetite!”

“All I can do is kill myself so that we can have HARD GAY together in heaven!”

“What’s this? I thought at least one of them would live to give me HARD GAY, but now I only have CORPSE to look forward to!”

Several years have passed, and HORSE has become increasingly popular.

Some people have now gone almost two years without HARD GAY.

In fact, in these new times BI has started to become the Pleasure of choice for most.

Even so, a few stubborn souls still cling to the ways of HARD GAY.

What’s this? Has even Kusaka given in to BI and hired maids?

Ah wait, they are just cross dressing men.

Happy endings just don’t have titles like this.

“Who is that secret lover he keeps in the guest house?”

“You are just a generic- do not question the ways of the main character!”

“He claimed to have given up HARD GAY and embraced the BI of the new era.”

“Even so, only I, the old housekeeper, have been allowed to service him.”

“Yet during those sessions, he seems to hardly be enjoying the BI at all!”

“I cannot help but wonder if he still yearns for HARD GAY.”

Naturally, Kusaka’s hidden HARD GAY lover is none other than Akizuki.

Sadly, he has become generally silent and motionless.

“…since we haven’t lit the fires of passion in a while.”

“Firewood is so expensive these days.”

“He might get hurt- and then what would I do for HARD GAY?”

“Can he really hate being trapped as my love slave that much?”

“Just shout if you want HARD GAY.”

Akizuki remains silent and unmoving.

And lo and behold, the next morning he is in the same position.

“Only HARD GAY can warm up us in these conditions!”

“Or maybe we should have a fun manservice episode!”

“These generic character designs, this low budget animation- I can’t take it anymore!”

“Who cares about that as long as we can have HARD GAY?”

“Maybe if I rape you, you’ll understand that sex with me is worth staying alive for!”

“You are the only HARD GAY partner I can depend on!”

“I won’t go back to that lonely life of Hyper Self Pleasure!”

“Are they tears of Pain or Pleasure?”

“Don’t you remember the great HARD GAY we had in episodes one and two?”

“If not, then I have no choice but to remind you!”

“Let’s move onto full hard yaoi!”

“Isn’t a Liang like mine worth living for?”

“How can I tell him that I do not feel worthy of his Liang anymore?”

Meanwhile, Aizawa is impatiently waiting for his own HARD GAY from Kusaka.

“He’s having sex with his secret lover in the back garden, if you must know.”

“My Liang grows impatient!”

“Then go and find another partner!”

Aizawa enters a still Flashback Mode to explain how his girlfriend was killed, causing him to turn to HARD GAY for comfort.

“Maybe I can get some inside.”

“Oh wait- they’re already at it.”

“I can’t believe it! Not only does Kusaka have another lover, but he didn’t even invite me for a threesome!”

(“Oh great; this maid hasn’t come to give me BI, has she?”)

“Please don’t take offence at this, but I prefer it when Kusaka gives me Pleasure.”

“Sorry, but he has another partner to service today.”

“Our love must be tragic and difficult from now on.”

“Have you been seeing other men, Kusaka? How dare you when you have generics like us to sleep with!”

“You generics become entranced by the Liangs in front of you, but you never plan ahead for a long-term relationship!”

“In the end, they had their way with me, knowing I wouldn’t reciprocate.”

“It is a land of tea and scones.”

“No, I was referring to the London in Japan.”

“…but England actually has its own HARD GAY.”

“Celibacy sucks.”

“England will be a good place for you- you’ll be able to apply all the HARD GAY skills you have learned.”

“You’ll learn a lot by taking more partners.”

“Look, I really am HARD GAY for you!”

“I don’t want it to be just a parody any more! Yaoi forever!”

“Start by gripping my Liang, then.”

“A man shouldn’t be proud of his skin- only his Liang.”

“Of course, I am well trained in the art of the Sword.”

“When I was young, I would have HARD GAY with anyone, so I am not in as perfect condition as you might like.”

“Is it in good condition?”

“Oh yes- I was usually the one who took the Sword in those days, not the one who gave it.”

“I should have known- you wouldn’t even give someone Sword in exchange for your life.”

“This time, however, you must give the Sword instead of just taking it.”

There is an actual sex scene at this point, so please enjoy this field of flowers instead.

Here we see the clock tower of Big Ben, thrusting proudly into the sky.

“The Zhuge Liangs of England are amazing!”

“Akizuki, I wish you could try the English method of HARD GAY.”

“…like my Zhuge Liang.”

“’This is great HARD GAY’, you would say.”

“I would teach Japan new methods of HARD GAY.”

“I long to plunge my Arrow into your waiting Target.”

Back in Japan, Cannon is becoming popular.

“Cannon is the future of HARD GAY.”

“Sword is nothing, a mere relic of the past.”

“Too bad, Sword is what I want.”

Upon first glance, I thought he was saying ‘pretty boys’.

Kusaka’s comrades begin to worry that he has become a nymphomaniac.

“He’s so voracious that he even wants CORPSE.”

“Forget CORPSE, I’m happy with HORSE.”

“I’m not in the mood right now!”

“Without Kusaka, all I want is Hyper Self Pleasure.”

“HORSE!”

“If you die, I cannot have regular HARD GAY with you!”

“Kusaka, I have longed for HARD GAY with you for so long- please relieve my frustrations.”

“I’ll be with you in a moment- just let me give quick Sword to this generic!”

“It’s your turn now!”

“Is this really Kusaka? Once I was the only man he needed, but now he even whips his Sword out for a passing generic!”

New methods of HARD GAY are detailed in the latest papers.

Unfortunately, if you want to know how to perform them safely, you must actually buy the paper.

“No, I just got here.”

“I have to admit I’m a little scared…I’m out of practise with HARD GAY.”

“I can’t say how the session will turn out, but the first thing to do is get your Liang out.”

“Next, you use the superlative to praise your partner; for example, ‘Your Liang is the biggest I’ve ever seen!’”

“Now, take a look at these diagrams- this is the position I want to try.”

This is code for “have you ever had HARD GAY at a brothel?”

“I’ve always wanted to have HARD GAY like this!”

“You’ve never had HARD GAY before?”

“Of course I have!”

“I just meant that this was the first time I’d had this particular type of HARD GAY.”

“What are you waiting for? Stick it in again!”

“YES! That feels good!”

“I get a RAGING HARD-ON.”

“I love our HARD GAY sessions.”

“So do I.”

“By the way, I think we should try having HARD GAY somewhere else next time.”

“I can’t really get in the mood when other people are watching.”

“It’s not that I’m ashamed to be HARD GAY, you understand…”

“I see your point- we probably shouldn’t have people spreading rumours about our relationship.”

“Anyway, I already know a good place where we can have HARD GAY in private.”

“See you there?”

“Yes, I call it my erogenous zone.”

“We can have uninterrupted HARD GAY here in the long grass.”

“Okay then, take your clothes off and we’ll begin.”

(“Better look up today’s technique before we get started.”)

“…to have as much HARD GAY as possible.”

“We tried all sorts of HARD GAY techniques.”

“It was as if we were the destined lovers of some anime OP.”

“Are you waiting for HARD GAY?”

“Hmm, I think the question is- where and when have you been having HARD GAY.”

“It’s almost as if you have a new lover that you haven’t told any of us about.”

“…or maybe you’ve just been reading pornographic novels again.”

“I bet that’s another erotic novel you’ve got in your hand, isn’t it?”

“Nobody understands me and my needs!”

“If I catch you bringing those trashy porno novels in here again, I’ll just have to borrow them from you!”

“Where’s Akizuki? He didn’t stand me up, did he?”

“Oh, he’s just sleeping after Hyper Self Pleasure.”

“Should I kiss him whilst he’s sleeping?”

“We can’t have HARD GAY at this distance!”

“I had to stop myself from violating you whilst you slept.”

“When I think of HARD GAY, my world feels complete.”

“We can have as much HARD GAY as we want here.”

“Exactly.”

“What sort of HARD GAY do they practice in foreign lands?”

“You’ll have to try it yourself one day- it is truly a fulfilling experience.”

“Oh, by the way, I hope there’s no one else that you call Big Guy and Sexy Legs.”

“Of course not- they’re my pet nicknames for you.”

(“My love for him can only grow.”)

“Even though this is an anime spin-off from a yaoi game.”

“You’ve taught me so much about HARD GAY- is there anything I can do in return?”

“What’s with the formality? We’ve seen each other’s Liangs, so it’s okay to use intimate language.”

“All I’ve really done is shown a HARD GAY man how to fulfil his potential.”

“Please let me service you in some new way!”

“I’m happy with the HARD GAY we already have, but if you really want to try something new, then how can I refuse?”

“Okay, what technique would you like me to give you?”

“Hmm, what say we have a group session at the amusement district.”

“I thought you’d want something more advanced.”

“Very well- your wish is my command.”

“Last time we had HARD GAY…”

“…you said it was your first time having that sort of HARD GAY.”

“Did you mean that was the first time you had HARD GAY at a brothel?”

“I’d always wanted to go to a HARD GAY brothel ever since I was a boy.”

“I wanted a group session in the blue-light district, but I never had the opportunity to do it before.”

Say hello to Mr. Elephant.

“Do they really sell porn here?”

“Sure, look inside one of these books.”

“All the content here is rated 18+.”

“What is this!?”

“Did he see a new technique we can try?”

“Oh, it’s just STRAIGHT.”

“I wonder if Akizuki even knew about STRAIGHT before now.”

“Kusaka, you are serious about me, aren’t you? I’m not just your bit on the side, am I?”

Never before has eating with chopsticks seemed so suggestive.

“Oh, Akizuki, you are the only man for me!”

“Yes, I am truly in love with you.”

“Is this your lover, Kusaka?”

“Uh no, he is not my one true love…in fact, he’s just some guy I’ve never met before!”

“Really? I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before- maybe it was in the OP.”

“What if these idyllic days don’t last forever? What if there is an inevitable tragedy to heighten the drama?”

“My only wish is to have HARD GAY with you.”

Not to be confused with Record of Lodoss War.

In an era of men and Swords, two star-crossed lovers from opposing groups meet and enjoy the finest HARD GAY known to man. Can their love survive, or is tragedy just around the corner in episode 2?

Some generics issue instructions for HARD GAY.

The enemy steps in to give everyone some Gun and Cannon.

Everyone dies in the throes of Pleasure…the end.

Okay, I lied, that was just the introduction- and here are our heroes, star-crossed HARD GAY lovers Kosaka and Akizuki.

And here’s how they looked a few years ago.

I don’t really have to embellish much for this series.

“It wasn’t true HARD GAY- they just had their way with us! Do they have no respect for our identical wigs?”

“They were just waiting until we had our pants down before they came in and took us from behind!”

“I’m afraid this sort of HARD GAY is considered acceptable across the world.”

“As long as you can get it up in time, nothing else really matters.”

“Did you want some quick CORPSE?”

“I just wanted to look at the size of their Liangs, that’s all.”

(“He thinks he knows all about HARD GAY now.”)

“Should we commence the evening’s HARD GAY?”

“I’m afraid my Ezo will need some warming up before we can begin.”

“Actually, I think I may not be able to get old motor running at all tonight, if you know what I mean.”

“Damn, I was looking forward to that HARD GAY.”

“Okay, tonight’s a write-off, but tomorrow we’ll have a group session with the foreign battalion.”

“Sounds good to me.”

“This should take your mind off your boyfriend.”

“I bet he gave you HARD GAY didn’t he?”

“I wasn’t with him just for the sex.”

“Do you ever regret leaving him in order to have HARD GAY with us?”

“You didn’t need HARD GAY with us when you had him.”

“Oh, I thought we weren’t having HARD GAY tonight, but your Ezo seems ready now.”

“All right, time for some Ezo!”

“Let us retire to bedroom to continue this.”

“…is important enough to merit its own Flashback Mode.”

Some women fruitlessly try to encourage the men to have fun, unaware that everyone with a Y chromosome in this series is HARD GAY.

“Aagh, there are women here! I must run away!”

“Kusaka, I’ll tell you where the men are!”

“The other guys left an hour ago; they’ve probably started HARD GAY without us.”

“I wanted to be a part of their HARD GAY session!”

“They were feeling horny- what could I say?”

“Once he’s in the mood, you don’t try to discourage him from HARD GAY.”

“Okay, but what do I do for HARD GAY tonight!? Should I just sleep with one of these generics?”

“Shut up- do you want everyone here to know you’d sleep with anyone with a Liang?”

“Wait, I didn’t really want a rough back alley session!”

“If we did that, there would be no shortage of HARD GAY partners!”

“This is a chaotic era, not unlike the Three Kingdoms!”

The eruption of distant HARD GAY is seen.

“Looks like they’ve reached a climax.”

“Such impressive fires of passion!”

“The HARD GAY is over, Kusaka- there’s no point hanging around.”

“Damn wooden fences- they have at least 80HP!”

“Are you having FENCE?”

“Is that an ornament on your waist or are you just pleased to see me?”

“This guy wants HARD GAY- don’t interfere!”

“He didn’t want you- he had his eye on some FENCE.”

“We must have Justice, not Chaos!”

“Are you the lead character? Let me see your Liang.”

“His hand feels so deft and sure!”

(“He is HARD GAY after all!”)

(“I must sleep with him properly.”)

“Look, we don’t sell HARD GAY porn around here.”

“What sort of bookstore doesn’t sell porn?”

“Guess I’ll have to spend my money in the blue light district after all.”

“Stop showing off your Liang! There’s no HARD GAY here for you!”

“Why won’t you let me have HARD GAY? I’m an experienced man!”

“What if they see your Zhuge Liang and start arguing over who should sleep with you first?”

“…I can ask foreigners for HARD GAY- but until then, I need it from your men!”

“…I have had to go without HARD GAY!”

“I need HARD GAY!”

“I can even get off on listening to others have it if need be!”

It’s the fateful encounter of the two OP characters…who would have guessed it?

“Ah, you’ve come just in time- I’m in sore need of HARD GAY.”

“Thank you for the hand job you gave me before.”

“I had a noble purpose! I wasn’t just begging for HARD GAY because I haven’t had any for a year and I’m getting desperate!”

“Are you my type?”

“If we’re not compatible, our HARD GAY won’t be any good.”

“Anyway, enough about me…how’s your love life going?”

“Well, my father has told me to give HARD GAY to whoever needs it.”

“I decided to follow his advice.”

“I bet you’re servicing the shogun, then.”

“Well, right now I just sleep with whoever I feel like.”

“I have also been studying HARD GAY techniques.”

(“…is just the sort of HARD GAY partner I need.”)

“Hey, I’ve just had an idea…why don’t I get you up to speed on the latest techniques?”

“Would you really do that for me?”

“Well, I have to do home study anyway- it’s probably better to learn with a partner than via Hyper Self Pleasure.”

“Thank you ever so much!”