Kokoro Connect

Kokoro Connect

Cover of Kokoro Connect volume 1, Hito Random.
ココロコネクト
(Kokoro Konekuto)
Genre Drama, Romance, Supernatural
Light novel
Written by Sadanatsu Anda
Illustrated by Shiromizakana
Published by Enterbrain
Demographic Male
Imprint Famitsu Bunko
Original run January 30, 2010 – September 30, 2013
Volumes 11
Manga
Written by Sadanatsu Anda
Illustrated by Cuteg
Published by Enterbrain
English publisher Seven Seas Entertainment
Demographic Seinen
Magazine Famitsu Comic Clear
Original run October 22, 2010 – August 23, 2013
Volumes 5
Anime television series
Directed by Shin Ōnuma
Shin'ya Kawatsura
Produced by Masako Takayama
Takahiro Yamanaka
Written by Fumihiko Shimo
Music by Yasuhiro Misawa
Studio Silver Link
Licensed by
Hanabee
Network Tokyo MX, Tvk, Chiba TV, TVS, MBS, AT-X, BS11
Original run July 8, 2012 – September 30, 2012
Episodes 13
Manga
Kokoro Connect On Air
Written by Sadanatsu Anda
Illustrated by Na!
Published by Kadokawa Shoten
Demographic Shōnen
Magazine Nyantype
Original run August 2012 – April 2013
Volumes 1
Game
Kokoro Connect Yochi Random
Developer Banpresto
Publisher Namco Bandai Games
Genre Visual novel
Platform PlayStation Portable
Released November 22, 2012
Anime television series
Directed by Shin Ōnuma
Shin'ya Kawatsura
Produced by Masako Takayama
Takahiro Yamanaka
Written by Fumihiko Shimo
Music by Yasuhiro Misawa
Studio Silver Link
Licensed by
Hanabee
Network AT-X
Original run December 30, 2012
Episodes 4

Kokoro Connect (ココロコネクト Kokoro Konekuto, lit., "Hearts Connect") is a Japanese light novel series written by Sadanatsu Anda, with illustrations by Shiromizakana. The series includes 11 volumes published by Enterbrain between January 2010 and March 2013. Two manga adaptations have been published by Enterbrain and Kadokawa Shoten. A 13-episode anime adaptation directed by Shin'ya Kawatsura and produced by Silver Link aired in Japan between July and September 2012. Four additional episodes aired on December 30, 2012.

Plot

The story involves five high school students—Taichi, Iori, Himeko, Yoshifumi, and Yui—who are all members of the Student Cultural Research Club. One day, they begin experiencing a phenomenon in which they randomly swap bodies amongst themselves. As these five friends face many different phenomena at the whims of a mysterious being known as "Heartseed", their friendship is put to the ultimate test.

Characters

Main

Taichi Yaegashi (八重樫 太一 Yaegashi Taichi)
Voiced by: Takahiro Mizushima (Japanese); Greg Ayres (English)
Taichi is the main protagonist and a big professional wrestling fan. He and four others formed the cultural club because their school did not have the club they wanted to join. He is generally selfless and will usually try to help others in need. He confesses his love to Iori in the Hito Random arc, however he gets rejected since it was believed she was going to "die". Taichi confesses to Iori again in Michi Random but was rejected because Iori believed Taichi did not know the real "her". During the events of Michi Random, his feelings began to change and then confesses to Himeko by the end of the arc.
Iori Nagase (永瀬 伊織 Nagase Iori)
Voiced by: Aki Toyosaki (Japanese); Monica Rial (English)
Iori is the easy going president of the cultural club. She lives alone with her mother who is seldom at home. Having previously had a violent stepfather, she had learned to alter her personality to fit the expectations of others to the point where she is unsure who she was originally supposed to be. She is in love with Taichi, but decides to postpone their relationship until the phenomena was over. In Kizu Random, she finds out that Himeko has feelings for Taichi, too; Iori confronts her and later encourages her to confess to him. By the end of the Kako Random arc, she starts to question whether or not she has feelings for Taichi and if people really know the real her. She is sometimes controlled by Heartseed when a phenomenon is about to end.
Himeko Inaba (稲葉 姫子 Inaba Himeko)
Voiced by: Miyuki Sawashiro (Japanese); Luci Christian (English)
Himeko is the vice president of the cultural club, who has a contrasting personality with Iori. She often reacts violently to Taichi or Yoshifumi's jokes, and is nicknamed "Inaban" by Iori. She was a computer club member but quit after having an argument with the president of that club, and then joined the cultural club. She is generally distrustful of others and worries a lot, even more so when they begin swapping bodies. Between them, she is the most calm and rational when dealing with unexpected situations. During Kizu Random, Heartseed confronts her in coming to the realization that she has feelings for Taichi when she was pretending she did not know. She confesses to him after the class trip by the encouragement of Iori, declaring that she would make him fall for her even if he was in love with Iori. Over the course of the series, she gets more and more attached to the group, especially Taichi, and softens her sharp and rational personality. In the end of the Michi Random arc she starts dating Taichi and in the end of the light novels they are still a couple.
Yui Kiriyama (桐山 唯 Kiriyama Yui)
Voiced by: Hisako Kanemoto (Japanese); Emily Neves (English)
Yui is skilled in karate but developed androphobia after she was almost raped in junior high school. She starts having a different opinion of boys after Taichi helps her. She has rejected Yoshifumi numerous times, but she later admits that she is just not yet ready to have a relationship. She overcomes her androphobia after Yoshifumi reaffirms his love for her.
Yoshifumi Aoki (青木 義文 Aoki Yoshifumi)
Voiced by: Takuma Terashima (Japanese); Clint Bickham (English)
Yoshifumi is Taichi's best friend with whom he often shares adult videos with. While having a non-serious attitude, he loves Yui and does not hesitate to show it seriously. As a kid, he vowed to live life to the fullest after a student he knew died. He is considered as the weakest of the five by Heartseed.
Chihiro Uwa (宇和 千尋 Uwa Chihiro)
Voiced by: Toshiyuki Toyonaga (drama CD)
Chihiro is one of two freshmen that joins the cultural club. He was given a power by Heartseed called Illusory Projection, which allows him to transform into anyone by having the same physical traits of the person including their scent and voice.
Shino Enjōji (円城寺 紫乃 Enjōji Shino)
Voiced by: Nao Tōyama (drama CD)
Shino is one of two freshmen that joins the cultural club. She is in love with Chihiro.
Heartseed (ふうせんかずら Fūsen Kazura)
A supernatural being who is the cause of the phenomena surrounding the cultural club. It communicates with the group by possessing other humans, most often Mr. Gotō, and often speaks in a tired monotone voice. Its name comes from the balloon plant, whose seeds have heart-shaped patterns. There are actually two Heartseeds, the first who refers to itself with "boku" while another who uses "watashi", which possibly means that the first is a male and second is a female.

Yamaboshi High School

Maiko Fujishima (藤島 麻衣子 Fujishima Maiko)
Voiced by: Shizuka Itō (Japanese); Carli Mosier (English)
Class 1-3's representative who has romantic feelings for Iori. She considers Taichi a rival but will occasionally support him.
Ryūzen Gotō (後藤 龍善 Gotō Ryūzen)
Voiced by: Keiji Fujiwara (Japanese); David Matranga (English)
Class 1-3's homeroom teacher and cultural club advisor, who is often possessed by Heartseed. He also moderates the jazz club.
Shingo Watase (渡瀬 伸吾 Watase Shingo)
Voiced by: Yūki Ono (Japanese); Connor Leach (English)
Taichi, Iori, and Himeko's classmate. He has a crush on Maiko.
Shōto Shiroyama (城山 翔斗 Shiroyama Shōto)
Voiced by: Mitsuhiro Ichiki
Taichi, Iori, and Himeko's classmate who is nicknamed "Prince" in his class and his jazz club. He has crush on Iori, but he is quickly declined.
Kaoru Setouchi (瀬戸内 薫 Setouchi Kaoru)
Voiced by: Sumire Uesaka (Japanese); Shannon Emerick (English)
Class 2-2's representative in the second year of the story. In Michi Random, she has crush on Shōto. When Iori rejected Shōto, she got angry and make bad rumors about Iori. Ahe hired some bad boys from other schools to ruin the cultural club's presentation. But later on, she made up and became friends with Iori. After that, she changed her appearance, physical and mental, to be more tame and nice.
Mihara (三原) and Mikitani (三木谷)
Voiced by: Yukiyo Fujii (Mihara) and Kanako Nomura (Mikitani)
Two friends of Kaoru.
Mariko Nakayama (中山 真理子 Nakayama Mariko)
Voiced by: Chinatsu Akasaki
Iori's best friend who is a calligraphy club member.
Yukina Kurihara (栗原 雪菜 Kurihara Yukina)
Voiced by: Kaori Ishihara (Japanese); Hayley Adams (English)
Yui's friend.
Misaki Ōsawa (大沢 美咲 Ōsawa Misaki)
Voiced by: Yuka Iguchi

Others

Chinatsu Mihashi (三橋 千夏 Mihashi Chinatsu)
Voiced by: Maaya Uchida (Japanese); Shannon Emerick (English)
An old karate rival of Yui's who appears to be hung up over a certain promise Yui apparently made.
Nana Nishino (西野 菜々 Nishino Nana)
Voiced by: Haruka Tomatsu (Japanese); Hayley Adams (English)
Yoshifumi's old girlfriend who he dated in middle school before she moved to Sendai. Her appearance is similar to that of Yui's when Yoshifumi was in middle school, but she cut her hair after moving away.
Anzu Kiriyama (桐山 杏 Kiriyama Anzu)
Voiced by: Ayane Sakura (Japanese); Tiffany Terrell (English)
Yui's younger sister.
Rina Yaegashi (八重樫 莉奈 Yaegashi Rina)
Voiced by: Asuka Ōgame (Japanese); Brittney Karbowski (English)
Taichi's elementary school age younger sister. She often gives advice to her brother about love. Like Ryūzen and Iori, she is sometimes controlled by Heartseed, but the different one from Heartseed the cultural club members know.
Reika Nagase (永瀬 玲佳 Nagase Reika)
Voiced by: Atsuko Tanaka (Japanese); Molly Searcy (English)
Iori's single parent. She has dated five different men, but has only been married to three out of the five.

Media

Light novels

Kokoro Connect began as a light novel series written by Sadanatsu Anda, with illustrations by Yukiko Horiguchi under the pen name Shiromizakana. Anda entered the first novel in the series, originally titled Hito Tsunagari Te, Doko e Yuku (ヒトツナガリテ、ドコへユク), into Enterbrain's 11th Entertainment Awards in 2009 and the novel won the Special Prize.[1] The first volume, renamed Kokoro Connect Hito Random, was published on January 30, 2010 under Enterbrain's Famitsu Bunko imprint.[2] The main series ended with the tenth release of the novels on March 30, 2013,[3] and a side-story collection was released on September 30, 2013.[4]

No.TitleRelease date ISBN
1Kokoro Connect Hito Random
Heart Connect Random People (ココロコネクト ヒトランダム)		January 30, 2010[2]ISBN 978-4-04-726290-4
  • Chapter 1: By the Time We Realized It, It Had Already Begun (気づいた時には始まっていたという話)
  • Chapter 2: That "Thing" that Starts with 'b' (「お」から始まる『アレ』)
  • Chapter 3: That Guy Who Was Interested (そいつ曰く、なかなか面白い人間達)
  • Chapter 4: The Week of Fostering Relationships and Detonating Bombs (人と繋がって、爆弾を抱えて、一週間が経って)
  • Chapter 5: Jobber's Reflection (ジョバーはなにを思う)
  • Chapter 6: Low Blow's Most Powerful Theory (ローブロー最強説)
  • Chapter 7: Finale and Another Starting Point (終わる。始まる。変わる。)
  • Chapter 8: She Was Born with That (そういう風に生まれた人間)
  • Chapter 9: A Confession and the Arrival of Death (ある告白、そして死は)
  • Epilogue
The life of Yamaboshi High Cultural Club's members: Taichi Yaegashi, Iori Nagase, Himeko Inaba, Yoshifumi Aoki, and Yui Kiriyama starts to change when all of a sudden, their bodies began to swap. A being known as "Heartseed" possess their teacher Ryuuzen Gotō and states that he is responsible for this phenomenon where their bodies swap randomly. The phenomenon name is "changing personalities" (人格入れ替わり).
2Kokoro Connect Kizu Random
Heart Connect Random Wound (ココロコネクト キズランダム)		May 29, 2010[5]ISBN 978-4-04-726537-0
  • Chapter 1: Can't Stop It, Can't Stop It, Can't Stop It! (止まらない、止まらない、止まらない)
  • Chapter 2: By the Time We Realized It, It Had Already Begun (II) (気づいた時には始まっていたという話 その二)
  • Chapter 3: Have Our Usual Lives Changed? (変わりましたか、日常は)
  • Chapter 4: The Collapse and Detachment of Their Bonds (バラバラと崩れる)
  • Chapter 5: Working Together to Help the Collapsed (ひきこもりにはカを合わせて)
  • Chapter 6: Found Out By Accident (気づいてしまって)
  • Chapter 7: Hiking Turned Out to Be a Battlefield (遠足は戦場だった)
  • Chapter 8: To Act Out What Has Been Said (それを言葉にするということ)
  • Epilogue: Inaba Himeko Strikes Back (稲葉姫子の逆襲)
Three weeks after the first phenomenon ended, "Heartseed" returns and gives the Cultural Club's members another phenomenon that makes their desires unleashed. As the phenomenon begins, it starts to cause cracks in the relationship between the club members. The phenomenon name is "liberation of desire" (欲望解放).
3Kokoro Connect Kako Random
Heart Connect Random Past (ココロコネクト カコランダム)		September 30, 2010[6]ISBN 978-4-04-726775-6
As winter vacation rolls in, a different Heartseed than before instigates a new phenomenon in which, during certain times of the day, members besides Taichi will randomly revert to a younger age, regaining some of their childhood memories upon returning. The phenomenon name is "time to retrograde" (時間退行).
4Kokoro Connect Michi Random
Heart Connect Random Track (ココロコネクト ミチランダム)		January 29, 2011[7]ISBN 978-4-04-727030-5
As Iori begins to question if Taichi really understands the real her and if she's really in love with Taichi, each of the members' conscience can be heard by one or more other members. The phenomenon name is "sentiments to transmit" (感情伝導).
5Kokoro Connect Clip Time
Heart Connect Clip Time (ココロコネクト クリップタイム)		May 30, 2011[8]ISBN 978-4-04-727280-4
6Kokoro Connect Nise Random
Heart Connect Random Fake (ココロコネクト ニセランダム)		October 29, 2011[9]ISBN 978-4-04-727585-0
The phenomenon name is "fantasy projection" (幻想投影).
7Kokoro Connect Yume Random
Heart Connect Random Dream (ココロコネクト ユメランダム)		February 29, 2012[10]ISBN 978-4-04-727839-4
The phenomenon name is "perspective dreamland" (夢中透視).
8Kokoro Connect Step Time
Heart Connect Step Time (ココロコネクト ステップタイム)		June 30, 2012[11]ISBN 978-4-04-728122-6
9Kokoro Connect Asu Random (volume 1)
Heart Connect Random Tomorrow (volume 1) (ココロコネクト アスランダム 上)		September 29, 2012[12]ISBN 978-4-04-728350-3
10Kokoro Connect Asu Random (volume 2)
Heart Connect Random Tomorrow (volume 2) (ココロコネクト アスランダム 下)		March 30, 2013[3]ISBN 978-4-04-728736-5
11Kokoro Connect Precious Time
Heart Connect Precious Time (ココロコネクト プレシャスタイム)		September 30, 2013[4]ISBN 978-4-04-729150-8

Manga

A manga adaptation illustrated by Cuteg was serialized in Enterbrain's Famitsu Comic Clear online manga magazine between October 22, 2010 and August 23, 2013. Enterbrain published five tankōbon volumes between May 14, 2011 and September 14, 2013.[13][14] Seven Seas Entertainment began releasing the series in North America in August 2014.[15] A second manga based on the anime adaptation, illustrated by Na! and titled Kokoro Connect On Air, was serialized between the August 2012 and April 2013 issues of Kadokawa Shoten's Nyantype magazine. A single volume was released on March 30, 2013.[16] Enterbrain published two volumes of an anthology titled Magi-Cu 4-koma Kokoro Connect on July 25 and September 25, 2012.[17][18]

Drama CDs

Enterbrain released a drama CD titled Kokoro Connect Natsu to Mizugi to Bōfūu (ココロコネクト 夏と水着と暴風雨 Heart Connect Summer, Swimsuits, and a Storm) on February 16, 2011.[19] A second drama CD titled Kokoro Connect Haru to Date to Imōto Gokko (ココロコネクト　春とデートと妹ごっこ Heart Connect Spring, a Date, and Playing a Little Sister) was released on January 6, 2012.[20] The scripts are written by Fumihiko Shimo.

Anime

An anime adaptation[21] was directed by Shin'ya Kawatsura and produced by Silver Link. The anime's screenplay is written by Fumihiko Shimo, the character designs are by Toshifumi Akai, and the sound director is Toshiki Kameyama. The cast is the same with the drama CD cast.[22] Of the 17 episodes,[23] the first 13 were aired in Japan between July 8 and September 30, 2012 and were also simulcast by Crunchyroll. The four remaining episodes aired on AT-X on December 30, 2012.[24] The anime was released on seven Blu-ray Disc (BD)/DVD compilation volumes between October 24, 2012 and April 24, 2013. Sentai Filmworks licensed the series in North America and released the first 13 episodes on BD/DVD on October 22, 2013,[25] and the remaining four on December 10, 2013.[26] Hanabee has licensed the series in Australia.[27][28]

The anime has seven pieces of theme music: three opening themes and four ending themes. The first opening theme is "Paradigm" (パラダイム Paradaimu) by Eufonius and is used for the first ten episodes. The episodes released on BD and DVD replace "Paradigm"[29] with "Kimochi Signal" (キモチシグナル Kimochi Shigunaru) by Sayuri Horishita. Beginning with episode 12, the opening theme is "Kimi Rhythm" (キミリズム Kimi Rizumu) by Masaki Imai. The first ending theme is "Kokoro no Kara" (ココロノカラ) by Team Nekokan feat. Junca Amaoto for the first five episodes. The second ending theme is "Cry Out" by Team Nekokan feat. Atsuko for episodes six through ten. The third ending theme is "Salvage" by Team Nekokan feat. Rekka Katakiri for episodes 11 through 13. The fourth ending theme is "I Scream Chocolatl" by Team Nekokan feat. Lia for episodes 14 through 17. An insert song titled "Milkshake" (ミルクセーキ Miruku Sēki) sung by Sayuri Horishita was used in episode 17.

At an advance screening of the anime series on June 24, 2012, voice actor Mitsuhiro Ichiki had supposedly auditioned for a character role and was invited to the event to allegedly be announced as a surprise cast member. It was then revealed at the event that Ichiki was to in fact be chosen as Head of Public Relations, with his audition revealed to be a candid-camera style fake. While Ichiki accepted the role as head of PR, criticism of the event led to a flow of criticism directed towards the staff and voice actors involved on blog websites and Twitter accounts, as well as people not directly involved.[30] The staff of the show posted an official statement on September 2, 2012 apologizing for "insufficient consideration regarding performers" leading to "widespread discomfort and misunderstanding," promising to seriously reflect on the incident in the future. They had also cancelled the Internet radio program Kokoro Connect Bunken Shinbun as a result. Ichiki also posted a statement the same day, mentioning how he felt no ill will towards the staff as a result of the incident and denies any bullying or harassment taking place.[31]

Episode list

No. Title Original airdate
1 "A Story That Had Already Begun Before Anyone Realized It"
"Kizuita Toki ni wa Hajimatteita toiu Hanashi" (気づいた時には始まっていたという話) 		July 8, 2012
Taichi Yaegashi, Iori Nagase, Himeko Inaba, Yui Kiriyama and Yoshifumi Aoki are first-year high school classmates and members of the Student Cultural Society. As Taichi, Iori and Himeko try to brainstorm about a new topic for a news article, Yoshifumi and Yui later arrive in the clubroom and claim to have temporarily switched bodies the previous night. Taichi, Iori and Himeko are pretty skeptical of this, but when Iori goes to a classroom to retrieve a notebook, it is soon proven to be real when Taichi suddenly switches bodies with Iori and briefly gets hit on by the class president, Maiko Fujishima. After spending the rest of the afternoon convincing Himeko what had happened is real, Taichi and Iori eventually switch back to their original bodies, before the five of them leave school to return to their homes. 
2 "Some Fascinating Humans"
"Nakanaka Omoshiroi Ningen-tachi" (なかなか面白い人間達) 		July 15, 2012
The next morning, Himeko, Yoshifumi and Yui all switch bodies together, though soon revert to normal. After the gang are excused from absence in class, Taichi briefly ends up switching places with Yui before getting grilled by Iori over what happened the previous day while he was in her body. Just then, the gang is approached by someone who had swapped bodies with their homeroom teacher Ryūzen Gotō, calling himself Heartseed, who is revealed to be responsible for the body swapping, vaguely explaining the situation before leaving. A week later, the group discuss how best to handle the situation without making anyone else suspicious. As Iori later swaps bodies with Yoshifumi, she talks with Taichi about how the switching may affect their individuality before she switches back. The next day, as Taichi and Himeko switch and end up volunteering for off-campus cleaning duty with Maiko, Himeko decides to get revenge against Taichi and declare to Maiko that Iori is hers while in Taichi's body. 
3 "Jobber and Low Blow"
"Jobā to Rōburō" (ジョバーとローブロー) 		July 22, 2012
As Taichi questions Himeko about what she said in front of Maiko, she implies to Taichi that he has feelings for Iori while also worrying about how the body swapping could eventually break them. Later, Taichi and Yoshifumi learn that Yui has androphobia, the fear of men. That night, as Taichi switches with Yui, they meet up in a park, where she reveals she gained that fear after almost being raped in middle school, believing there was no way she could beat a man in a fight. Wanting to help her get over her fear, Taichi teaches Yui that the crotch is the one weakness that all men possess. The next day, as Yui becomes a bit more confident and decides to take up martial arts again, Himeko suddenly collapses before Taichi. 
4 "Twin Feelings"
"Futatsu no Omoi" (二つの想い) 		July 29, 2012
As Taichi and Iori escort Himeko home, Taichi is forced to spill the beans about what happened last night with Yui, leaving Iori a bit shocked as she was unaware of Yui's androphobia. After dropping Himeko off, Iori tells Taichi about the troubles she faced due to her mother Reika Nagase constantly getting remarried, having to keep changing her persona to fit the tastes of others while eventually forgetting who she originally was, and she feels that the body swapping would cause her to just fade away. The next day, Taichi confronts Himeko, who eventually reveals that she cannot trust them to use another's body for evil deeds, hating herself for feeling that way. As Taichi tells Himeko she does not need to change who she is to be accepted by others, he tells her a secret that he has lustfully thought of her and the other girls in the past. Moved by his confession, Himeko decides to share her issues with the others and finds the others accept her. 
5 "A Confession and a Death..."
"Aru Kokuhaku, Soshite Shi wa..." (ある告白、そして死は…) 		August 5, 2012
Yoshifumi once again confesses to Yui, but she declines since she is not ready to dating anyone just yet. Iori pretends to have swapped places with Himeko to find out how Taichi feels about her. After he says that he likes their current relationship, Himeko walks in on them, causing Iori to run off in embarrassment. Taichi realizes his folly and chases after her, finding her on a bridge over the river. Taichi expresses his admiration for her and confesses to her, but Heartseed suddenly possesses Iori and forces her to jump off into the river, which results for her to be hospitalized for intensive care. Heartseed, who then possesses Gotō, tells the others that Iori will soon die, allotting them thirty minutes to decide amongst themselves whose soul will die with her and giving them the ability to switch bodies on verbal request. As Iori swaps with Yoshifumi and learns of the situation, she offers to die with her own body, not willing to sacrifice anyone else. As she spends time talking to everyone individually, she confesses to Taichi and kisses him while in Himeko's body. It turns out that Iori managed to survive and that Heartseed planned out this whole ordeal. As Iori recovers from her injuries and returns to school, the gang assume that the body swapping has stopped, while Himeko gets revenge on Taichi for stealing her first kiss. 
6 "A Story That Continued Before Anyone Realized It"
"Kizuita Toki ni wa Mata Hajimatteita toiu Hanashi" (気づいた時にはまた始まっていたという話) 		August 12, 2012
Three weeks following the body swapping incident, Taichi and Iori have yet to have a chance to talk alone since the club has been busy writing a paper. One day, as Taichi and Himeko are alone in the clubroom, Himeko suddenly starts stripping and making advances on Taichi before they are interrupted by Yui, who suddenly smashes the table without realizing it. Later that night, both Taichi and Iori end up doing things unconsciously, though it does give them a chance to finally talk about the confession. The next day, Taichi, Iori and Himeno learn from Maiko that Yui and Yoshifumi had been taken into police custody after Yui had beaten up some guys hitting on some girls, while Yoshifumi was trying to protect her from being taken away. As Taichi, Iori and Himeko discuss the voices they had been hearing in their heads, Heartseed appears again, explaining that they are being put through a new phenomenon in which their bodies will impulsively act on their deepest desires. As Taichi, Iori, Himeno and Yoshifumi discuss how they need to be more careful to try and not get innocent people involved, Himeko hides her doubt from the others. Later, Iori calls Taichi to tell him they should put off dating until the phenomenon is over. 
7 "Falling Apart"
"Barabara to Kuzureru" (バラバラと崩れる) 		August 19, 2012
As the others grow concerned about Yui, who has not shown up at school since the incident, Himeko tells Taichi he could be in danger if his desire to help others is unleashed. As the others visit Yui the next day, she reveals her worries that she might end up hurting others again, but Himeko ends up unleashing her desire to scold her, stating her belief that they could all be in danger if they do not satisfy Heartseed's desire for entertainment. As Himeko tries to keep herself out of situations, Taichi's desires cause him to argue with her and reprimand her for being a coward. 
8 "And Then There Were None"
"Soshite Dare mo Inakunatta" (そして誰もいなくなった) 		August 26, 2012
As Himeko distances herself from the others, concerns over Yui cause Taichi and Yoshifumi to argue with each other. When Iori tries to stop them from fighting, Taichi's desires cause him to inadvertently injure her. The next day, as Maiko makes plans with the class for a field trip, Iori becomes worried as both Himeko and Taichi are becoming more distant from her. As Gotō asks Taichi to help him carry some school equipment, Gotō suggests that Taichi should turn to his friends for advice, while Maiko later suggests that Taichi should consider what is most important to him. 
9 "Can't Stop, Can't Stop, Can't Stop"
"Tomaranai Tomaranai Tomaranai" (止まらない止まらない止まらない) 		September 2, 2012
Taichi apologizes to Iori and tells her that he would rather stay with his friends and risk hurting them than distance himself from them. After making up with Iori, Taichi also manages to make up with Yoshifumi, but Himeko is still avoiding them. Recalling how the body swapping allowed Taichi to help Yui with her androphobia, he and Yoshifumi assure Yui that their desires can be controlled with enough will and convince her to attend school again. Meanwhile, Heartseed appears at Himeko's house at night, bringing to light her withheld feelings that she fears could tear apart the group if revealed. 
10 "Putting Into Words"
"Sore o Kotoba ni Suru toiu Koto" (それを言葉にするということ) 		September 9, 2012
As the school goes on the field trip to the mountains, Himeko remains concerned over what Heartseed had told her. Iori takes notice and learns that Himeko also has romantic feelings for Taichi. Iori confronts Himeko, who reveals that she never acted on her feelings as she did not want the group to fall apart, believing no one would want a weakling such as herself. Iori tells Himeno to stop putting herself down and reassures her their friendship will always remain despite her flaws. Just as they make up, Heartseed possesses Iori and tells Himeko that Taichi had been in an accident, causing Himeko to panic, believing he had fallen down a cliff. Upon discovering had simply fallen off a tree while rescuing a kitten, remaining relatively unscathed, Himeko breaks down in tears out of relief. With the desire unleashing phenomenon declared over, Himeko decides to confess to Taichi and, despite getting rejected, remains confident in the fact she may one day win against Iori and then gives him a kiss. 
11 "A Story That Began As We Realized It"
"Kizuki o Ataerarete Hajimatta toiu Hanashi" (気づきを与えられて始まったという話) 		September 16, 2012
On the day before winter break, following a brief period of peace after the desire unleashing incident, a new phenomenon takes place in which Iori and Yui temporarily revert to children from noon to five o'clock in the afternoon that day. After returning back to normal, they lose memory of what happened, but remember things from when they were that age. Later that night, a second Heartseed appears before Taichi through his younger sister, Rina Yaegashi, tasking him to watch over the others and warning him not to tell the others about his existence. The next day, Taichi stumbles upon Yui, who is argued at by an old karate rival, Chinatsu Mihashi, over breaking a certain promise which she cannot remember. As the gang meets up at an abandoned building, this time Himeko and Yoshifumi shrink, with the now ten-year-old Yoshifumi likening Yui to a girl named Nana Nishino. After reverting to his normal age, Yoshifumi explains that Nana was a girl he went out with once before she moved, leading him to be conflicted over how his feelings stand for both her and Yui. The next day, as Taichi and Himeko watch over a fourteen-year-old Iori, Himeko voices her worries. 
12 "Into a Snowy City"
"Yuki Furu Machi e" (雪降る街へ) 		September 23, 2012
As the gang have to look after Iori who winds up as a baby, Yui is confronted by Chinatsu, who challenges her to a karate match and defeats her. Meanwhile, Yoshifumi ponders if his feelings for Yui are because of her similar appearance to Nana. On the second day of the New Year, Yui reverts to right after she was assaulted and, upon returning to normal, remembers vividly about that age. As Yui refuses to talk things out with Chinatsu, Yoshifumi tells her to stop running away from her problems. Talking with Taichi, Yui reveals her promise with Chinatsu was to meet each other at the national karate tournament, which she was unable to keep after contracting her androphobia, and laments how weak and reliant she has become. After sending Yui home, the others speak with Yoshifumi, who remembers his personal vow to live carefree and decides to go visit Nana to tell her about his love for Yui. Afterwards, Yoshifumi reconfirms to Yui that he loves her for who she is. This encourages Yui to face her own problems, embracing Yoshifumi and overcoming her androphobia. Afterwards, Himeko becomes suspicious of Taichi hiding something from everyone. 
13 "As Long as the Five of Us Are Together"
"Kono Gonin ga Ireba" (この五人がいれば) 		September 30, 2012
As Taichi is forced to tell the others what he had been hiding, the second Heartseed reminds them of the consequences, making the age revert phenomenon happen at random times and including Taichi in the phenomenon, which forces them to stay at the building to avoid others discovering themselves. Iori becomes stressed from believing that Reika is in danger from her violent second husband, who wants to get back together with her. Iori, briefly turning younger for a short period and regaining memories of that age, is stopped by the others when she tries to head off on her own. As Taichi, Iori and Himeko reach the house and hear violent noises, they are forced to retreat after Iori turns into a baby. Just then, the first Heartseed approaches them, ending the age revert phenomenon and offering Iori the opportunity to go back in time and rectify some of the bad decisions she made in her youth. After some encouragement by Taichi and Himeko, Iori declines his offer, saying that her past mistakes have allowed her to become the person she is now. Afterwards, everyone goes with Iori to see Reika, where they both realize they had both made mistakes trying to make the other happy. After Reika gains the encouragement to turn her second husband away, Iori gives thanks to everyone who made her who she is. Yui apologizes to Chinatsu, promising to meet her at the next karate tournament. As winter break comes to an end, Iori starts to question if she truly loves Taichi. 
14 "The Days Fall Apart"
"Kowareteyuku Hibi" (壊れてゆく日々) 		December 30, 2012
Heartseed puts the gang through another phenomenon, in which their true emotions will be randomly transmitted to each other, shown when Iori turns Taichi down when he asks to start dating her three days later. As Valentine's Day comes and Maiko suggests Taichi turn his attention towards Himeko, the gang grows concerned when they learn Gotō will only be able to be an advisor for one club, meaning they will have to outdo the Jazz Band Club in a presentation in order to keep him. While the discussion turns to Valentine's Day, both Himeko's feelings for Taichi and Taichi's rejection by Iori gets transmitted to the others. As Himeko tries to get Iori to speak her reasons, Iori's selfish thoughts end up getting transmitted to everyone, which in turn leads Iori to hear everyone's concerned thoughts about her, including a harsh one from Himeko. When Himeko asks Iori about it privately, Iori responds that the experiences with Heartseed has affected her decision making, which makes her uncertain about if she actually loves Taichi or not. Afterwards, Taichi and Himeko have a talk, listing the things he likes about Himeko, although still pointing out he is in love with Iori. As the gang decides what to do for their presentation, Yoshifumi hears Iori's thoughts about how everyone has their own idea of her personality. Later, Heartseed approaches Yoshifumi and notices how useless he is, which urges Yoshifumi to strengthen his resolve with thoughts of Yui, who also hears his thoughts. 
15 "You Don't See It, You Don't Get It"
"Nanimo Mietenai Nanimo Wakattenai" (なにも見えてない　なにもわかってない) 		December 30, 2012
As Iori struggles with her identity, she ends up being cold and distancing herself from everyone around her, first shown when she turns down Shōto Shiroyama, a boy from the Jazz Band Club. When Taichi hears Himeko thinking about disbanding the Student Cultural Society, she explains it as a possible method to stop Heartseed from interfering with them, though Taichi easily tells that she does not want it to come to that. Concerned about Iori, Yui later tries to reason with her, but Iori just responds that her changing personality means that she can no longer be friends with Yui. As Yui is approached by Heartseed that evening, she resolves to stop relying on others so much, later giving Taichi some encouragement to help save Iori. The next day, Himeko tries to get Iori to say what she truly feels, in which Iori responds by saying that it is Himeko's selfishness concerning Taichi that is to blame. 
16 "Determination and Resolution"
"Kakugo to Hyōkai" (覚悟と氷解) 		December 30, 2012
As the gang continues on their presentation without Iori, Taichi makes a bold statement in class in order to quell the rumors surrounding Iori. However, Kaoru Setouchi, a girl who Iori infuriated the other day, is not fooled by this and plots to scheme something as payback. Later, the gang returns to the clubroom to find their presentation has been torn to shreds. Despite the others putting it aside and deciding to remake the project from scratch, Iori becomes infuriated at Kaoru for supposedly getting others involved, forcing Taichi and Himeko to stop Iori in her tracks. After calming her down, Himeko tries to talk to Iori again by sharing an embarrassing dream about Taichi. Iori eventually breaks down, and due to all the stress and suffering the Heartseed incidents have caused her, she reveals how she cannot stand to keep up her fake, cheerful personality anymore. Himeko responds that she should just live the way she wants to, whilst Taichi mentions that he still loves her even if it was not her true personality. As Iori asks to think about it, Himeko encounters the group of boys who were responsible for messing up the clubroom, and when she tries to confront them, she ends up being kidnapped. 
17 "Connecting Hearts"
"Kokoro o Tsunaide" (心をつないで) 		December 30, 2012
As Taichi, Yui and Yoshifumi learn of Himeko's kidnapping via the emotion transmission and rush to save her, Iori remains conflicted over what she should do, but inevitably decides to follow Taichi and Himeko's advice and live for herself. As the others start fighting against the boys who kidnapped Himeko, one of them puts a knife towards her. Just then, Iori arrives and manages to use the emotion transmission to get Himeko to safety. Kaoru, who showed resentment towards Iori for turning down Shōto in the past, apologizes for taking her actions too far. Noticing that Kaoru also changed personalities to be accepted by others, Iori gives Kaoru the same advice that she was once given before and soon befriends Kaoru. As the gang makes their way home, one of the kidnappers comes at them with a metal pipe, hitting Taichi as he protects Himeko. After Taichi and Iori have a mental discussion via the emotion transmission, where they decide to start their relationship from scratch, Taichi awakens and decides to ask Himeko out, to which she agrees. As the phenomenon comes to its conclusion, Gotō is impressed by the gang's presentation and decides to continue moderating both clubs. With Taichi and Himeko now dating and Iori making friends again, the gang enter the new school year with their paths ahead of them. 

Visual novel

A visual novel developed by Banpresto and published by Namco Bandai Games under the title Kokoro Connect Yochi Random (ココロコネクト　ヨチランダム Heart Connect Random Prediction) was released on the PlayStation Portable on November 22, 2012.[32][33]

References

  1. ↑ 第11回　小説部門 [11th Novel Division] (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved October 13, 2011.
  2. 1 2 ココロコネクト ヒトランダム [Kokoro Connect Hito Random] (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved October 13, 2011.
  3. 1 2 ココロコネクト アスランダム 下 [Kokoro Connect Asu Random 2] (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved March 22, 2013.
  4. 1 2 ココロコネクト プレシャスタイム [Kokoro Connect Precious Time] (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved September 14, 2013.
  5. ↑ ココロコネクト キズランダム [Kokoro Connect Kizu Random] (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
  6. ↑ ココロコネクト カコランダム [Kokoro Connect Kako Random] (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
  7. ↑ ココロコネクト ミチランダム [Kokoro Connect Michi Random] (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
  8. ↑ ココロコネクト クリップタイム [Kokoro Connect Clip Time] (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
  9. ↑ ココロコネクト ニセランダム [Kokoro Connect Nise Random] (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved October 13, 2011.
  10. ↑ ココロコネクト ユメランダム [Kokoro Connect Yume Random] (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  11. ↑ ココロコネクト ステップタイム [Kokoro Connect Step Time] (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  12. ↑ ココロコネクト アスランダム 上 [Kokoro Connect Asu Random 1] (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved September 12, 2012.
  13. ↑ ココロコネクト (1) [Kokoro Connect (1)] (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved October 13, 2011.
  14. ↑ ココロコネクト (5) [Kokoro Connect (5)] (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved September 14, 2013.
  15. ↑ "Seven Seas Adds Kokoro Connect Manga". Anime News Network. January 29, 2014. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
  16. ↑ "ココロコネクト ON AIR" [Kokoro Connect On Air] (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. Retrieved March 21, 2013.
  17. ↑ マジキュー4コマ ココロコネクト(1) [Magi-Cu 4-koma Kokoro Connect (1)] (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  18. ↑ マジキュー4コマ ココロコネクト(2) [Magi-Cu 4-koma Kokoro Connect (2)] (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  19. ↑ "FB CollectDrama03『ココロコネクト 夏と水着と暴風雨』" [FB Collect Drama 03 Kokoro Connect Natsu to Mizugi to Bōfūu] (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved October 13, 2011.
  20. ↑ ココロコネクト 春とデートと妹ごっこ [Kokoro Connect Haru to Date to Imōto Gokko] (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
  21. ↑ "Kokoro Connect Light Novels Get Anime Adaptation". Anime News Network. October 13, 2011. Retrieved October 13, 2011.
  22. ↑ "Aki Toyosaki, Miyuki Sawashiro Lead Kokoro Connect Anime Cast". Anime News Network. March 1, 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
  23. ↑ "Kokoro Connect Anime Listed With 17 Episodes". Anime News Network. August 15, 2012. Retrieved August 15, 2012.
  24. ↑ "Kokoro Connect #14-17 Slated for December 30". Anime News Network. December 22, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2012.
  25. ↑ "Kokoro Connect's English Dub Cast Announced". Anime News Network. September 20, 2013. Retrieved September 22, 2013.
  26. ↑ "Kokoro Connect OVA Blu-ray Complete Collection (Hyb)". Sentai Filmworks. Retrieved September 22, 2013.
  27. ↑ "Sentai Filmworks Licenses Kokoro Connect TV Anime". Anime News Network. July 2, 2012. Retrieved July 2, 2012.
  28. ↑ "Hanabee Announces Kokoro Connect for December". Anime News Network. September 17, 2013. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  29. ↑ "Kokoro Connect BDs/DVDs to Use Different Opening Theme". Anime News Network. October 1, 2012. Retrieved October 1, 2012.
  30. ↑ "Anime Practical Joke Goes Over The Line And Incites Mass Flaming". Kotaku. August 30, 2012. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  31. ↑ "Kokoro Connect Staff Issues Statements on Performer's Treatment". Anime News Network. September 4, 2012. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  32. ↑ "Kokoro Connect Yochi Random Game Delayed Until November". Anime News Network. September 25, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  33. ↑ "異常現象その1.5 未来予知"を描く『ココロコネクト ヨチランダム』の発売日が11月22日に決定 ["Strange Phenomenon 1.5 Future Prediction" Depicted in Kokoro Connect Yochi Random to be Sold on November 22] (in Japanese). ASCII Media Works. October 24, 2012. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
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