The BEST episodes directed by Akira Iwanaga
#1 - The Mass Slaughter Chapter - Part 6 - Strong Will
When They Cry - Higurashi - Season 2 - Episode 11
The efforts to rescue Satoko reach a conclusion, and with the Cotton Drifting Festival the next day, everything seems to moving in the direction of a happy ending — until the true culprit finally comes forth.
#2 - The Festival Orchestrating Chapter - Part 2 - Writhing
When They Cry - Higurashi - Season 2 - Episode 15
Takano's story continues, including how she met her foster grandfather, and her determination to continue his work.
#3 - A New Era
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 1
Former servant Xin now commands 300 troops in the formidable Fei Xin Force--and the big battle he's itching for may be right around the corner.
Watch Now:Apple TV
#4 - The Silent Battlefield
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 2
Zhao's master tactician Li Mu is forced into negotiations with Qin's crafty Lü Buwei. What will the outcome mean for the future of their kingdoms?
Watch Now:Apple TV
#5 - Problematic Hobby
Genshiken - Season 2 - Episode 6
Genshiken is making preparations to go to the upcoming Winter Comifes as a group, but when the other members invite Ogiue along, she adamantly refuses. That doesn't stop her from appearing anyway in the guise of her high school persona to buy all the latest yaoi dōjinshi, but things get complicated as she (literally) runs into the rest of the club.
#6 - Multiple Separation
Corpse Party: Tortured Souls - Season 1 - Episode 1
A group of schoolmates from Kisaragi Academy perform a friendship charm called "Sachiko Ever After" for classmate Mayu Suzumoto, who is about to transfer to another school. Upon completing the charm, they are engulfed by an earthquake and transported to the cursed Heavenly Host Elementary School, separated from one another. Friends Naomi Nakashima and Seiko Shinohara reunite and search for an exit together, but find that all the windows and doors in the building are sealed. While they are resting in an infirmary, Seiko notices she has lost her paper charm slip and leaves Naomi to look for it. Naomi is then attacked by a ghost and narrowly escapes with her life before encountering a girl in a red dress. When Seiko returns, Naomi berates her for leaving and drives her away in anger. Naomi later searches for Seiko to apologize, only to find her hanged in a bathroom stall.
Watch Now:Amazon
#7 - The New Chairman's Ambition
Genshiken - Season 2 - Episode 1
Things are looking up for Sasahara as the Genshiken secures a spot among the dōjinshi vendors at the next Comifes, but the devil is in the details as they quickly need to figure out the finer points of actually making one. An unexpected relief comes when Ogiue actually volunteers her services (if in limited quantities), but will the new President have what it takes to stand up to the other obstacles in their way?
#8 - True Name
Isuca - Season 1 - Episode 2
Shinichirou becomes friends with Tamako, the cat-monster, and ends up helping Sakuya clean, as she lives alone. Sakuya is bossy and doesn't give Shinichirou a break. Another monsters appears at the school, which takes girls underground and eats their flesh.
Watch Now:Amazon
#9 - Confrontation
Isuca - Season 1 - Episode 3
Sakuya's younger sister, Suseri, shows up. She also works to rid the world of monsters, and is a rival to the head of the Shimadzu family. She wants to bring Shinichirou over to her side, so she attempts to seduce him, and eventually kidnap him, but they run into a bit of trouble with monsters on the way...
Watch Now:Amazon
#10 - Promise
Isuca - Season 1 - Episode 6
Shinichirou tries to cheer Sakuya up after he finds out that she might lose her right to become next head of the family. The secret behind Sakuya's birth, and why she's so hung up on taking over the family becomes evident. But then a monster shows up which will test her allegiances to the past, to the present, and to herself.
Watch Now:Amazon
#14 - To the People and Not for the People
Ikki Tousen - Season 3 - Episode 8
Suspicious of her master’s odd behavior, Kanu sends a messenger to ask Hakufu for help; Ryomou’s peaceful dip in a hot spring is disrupted by Ryofu.
#15 - Chance Meeting
Isuca - Season 1 - Episode 1
Strange things start happening to Asano Shinichirou, a second year student. A woman turns into a centipede, and he sees a girl is attacked by a monster. During all the chaos, he runs into Shimadzu Sakuya, who uses a bow as a weapon. She is the 37th head of the Shimadzu family, tasked with ridding the world of monsters. Shinichirou and Sakuya end up fighting one of the monsters together, when...
Watch Now:Amazon
#16 - Do Not Fight Unless the Situation is Critical
Ikki Tousen - Season 3 - Episode 5
A day at the beach turns into a treasure hunt, but when giant man-eating sharks appear, the bikini-clad warrior babes show off their moves.
#17 - The Military is a Great Matter of the State
Ikki Tousen - Season 3 - Episode 1
Hakufu and her crew work to raise money for a tournament where they will face fierce opponents. When her little sister shows up things get crazy!
#18 - Light and Shade
Isuca - Season 1 - Episode 7
After surviving a number of battles together, Sakuya and Shinichirou have grown very close. Then, Shinichirou gets the a katana, and wants to train to help Sakuya. Just when everything seems to be going well, a smoke monsters appears in the subways and Sakuya and the gang head to get rid of it.
Watch Now:Amazon
#19 - Trials
Isuca - Season 1 - Episode 8
Sakuya is in a coma now that she's lost her spiritual energy, and Shinichirou would like nothing more to save her. Suseri decides to undergo the exorcism ritual after seeing Sakuya in her state. She must subdue a lightning beast on her own in order to make it into a shikigami, and during the fighting we learn about Suseri's hidden past and her feelings towards Sakuya.
Watch Now:Amazon
#21 - Bound to Reunite After a Long Separation
Ikki Tousen - Season 3 - Episode 12
Koukin and Hakufu risk their lives in the battle to save Chuubo; brawling with Ryofu, Ryomou learns a lesson of vital importance.
#22 - The Siege of Gaolang Castle
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 12
Wang Ben's Yu Feng Force tries unconventional tactics to gain ground in the siege of Gaolang Castle. Lü Buwei's actions start to have consequences.
#23 - The Way I Fight
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 13
As Qin's war against Wei rages on, Xin follows his convictions only to land in hot water. A new opponent emerges that could turn the tide of battle.
#24 - The Man Lian Po
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 14
Lian Po, once one of Zhao's Three Greats, is called to the battlefield again. The Fei Xin Force tries unconventional tactics to storm Jinliguan.
#25 - The Great General at Midnight
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 16
Lian Po gives his reasons for returning to the battlefield. A chance meeting in the dead of night could have a major impact on Xin's military career.
Watch Now:Apple TV
#26 - Awakening ~back~
Saiyuki - Season 3 - Episode 6
After the "last episode" flashback, we return to the KT and the SI-minus-9, faced off on top of the cliff. Kou raises his head: Genjyo Sanzo, he rasps, give me the Maten Scripture. Kotowaru, I refuse, snaps Sanzo. Then I'll take it, says the prince. Doku is alarmed, and tells him to stop, that his arm's broken [so, Goku was right-- Kou just ignored it] and this whole thing is insane. But Kougaiji struggles to his feet and tells him to shut up; get in my way, he adds (his voice is a flat snarl) and I'll kill you both. [Gojyo is astonished by this, but Hakkai smiles that it sounds quite familiar. =)] Let's go then, growls Sanzo, and Gojyo adds that 'this is to avenge that stupid monkey." (Hakkai does quietly point out that Goku's still alive--and we hear him snoring.) Doku is still inwardly agonizing about what to do if Kou doesn't return to normal. Gojyo summons the shakujou, warning his brother to be ready, as he's not going to hold back. Kougaiji calls up a fire attack; Hakkai blocks it with a ki shield, and the ikkou goes on the attack, Sanzo drawing first blood with a bullet graze to Kou's shoulder. But he somersaults away seemingly unhurt, and Gojyo wonders if he doesn't feel pain anymore, while Hakkai says it seems there's only one way to beat him.== When I first met him, Doku says to himself, all I could think of was how much he looked like my little brother. Those sharp eyes and red hair...the way he seemed to be be trying to look tough... little things like that. --He watches that same brother charge the prince... As Sanzo reloads, Hakkai notes that something's strange here; normally Kou uses not only his mist and fire powers, but his summoning technique as well. Sanzo gets it: summoning requires an agreement between the summoner and the demon, he says, but if the summoner becomes someone else... Then does that mean Kougaiji can't summon demons now? asks Hakkai.== Yaone likewise has a reflective moment: in all the time I've been at his side, she thinks
#27 - The Night Before Battle
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 17
Xin settles into his new position as the Qin army prepares for a battle that could change the face of China. Qiang Lei discusses her plans with Xin.
#28 - Charge!
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 18
The battle at Shanyang is underway. Xin and his fellow temporary thousand-man commanders must face the fearsome Lian Po--and the deadly Lun Hu.
#29 - The Lineup
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 11
Xiang struggles to bring Zheng some shocking news. The Qin army mounts its offensive against Wei's Gaolang Castle, but is Xin in over his head?
#30 - The Fei Xin Force Retaliates
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 20
The Qin army is at a standstill in their battle against Wei--until Qiang Lei devises a workaround. Will her idea be enough for them to claim victory?
#31 - The Air of a General
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 15
An assassin is picking off Qin's thousand-man commanders! Xin encounters a formidable young man who sees promise in the scrappy Fei Xin leader.
#32 - Robber vs. Strategist
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 21
Meng Ao's lieutenant Huan Yi takes the battlefield with some real tricks up his sleeve. The Wei army must scramble to beat him at his own game.
#33 - Meng Tian's Proposal
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 22
After Huan Yi's masterstroke, Meng Tian suggests the Le Hua, Yu Feng, and Fei Xin Forces team up in the hopes of leaving their own mark on history.
Watch Now:Apple TV
#34 - Three Forces United
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 23
Meng Tian skillfully brings all three special forces together in his plan to eliminate Lun Hu, but will the shrewd assassin fall prey to his scheme?
#35 - A Wall to be Overcome
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 24
Bi gets a surprise visit and a new role in the battle against Wei, while Wang Ben and Xin fight against time to put an end to the masterful Lun Hu.
#36 - Behind the Behind
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 25
Lieutenant Wang Jian's plot comes to fruition with help from the skillful Commander Bi, but the battle--and the battle of wits--is far from over.
#37 - General Caliber
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 26
Lian Po judges Wang Jian's worth as a commander, while a badly injured Xin returns to camp. The end of the Shanyang Offensive is in sight at last.
#38 - Xuan Feng's Cunning Scheme
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 19
As Wang Ben and the Yu Feng Force do battle with Lun Hu, the Fei Xin Force is called into battle. A devious strategy takes the Qin army by surprise.
#39 - Runaway Hakkai!? ~reflection~
Saiyuki - Season 3 - Episode 11
Early morning; Hakkai strides out of an inn alone. Glances back, says firmly "Someone ought to teach them a lesson", gets into Hakuryu and drives off. --Goku and Gojyo at breakfast: Goku eating while Gojyo ogles pinups. Do you know what's wrong with Hakkai, asks the saru; I saw him this morning and he looked pretty ticked off. Kappa=clueless. You're seeing things, he grumbles; but we see how the room is filling up with food wrappers, donut boxes, Pepsi cans, beer cans, tied bagfuls of trash, AND stacked plates full of cig butts. [EEEw. Go, Hakkai; I'd leave too.] Sanzo can't even get out of bed without kicking over a fruit soda can, which spills into his set-aside-for-the-night ivory robe. He tosses the robe into Gojyo's face with a curt "wash that", adding that the can must have been his and brandishing his gun for emphasis. Right away, Your Highness, says the redhead resignedly. As we see Hakuryu parked beside a lake and Hakkai gazing off over the water, Goku and Gojyo approach their leader about The Hakkai Problem. Sanzo growls "what's he got to be angry about?" but Gojyo reports that 'Kai's room is cleaned out and Hakuryu is nowhere to be found. You idiots, doing as you please, snaps Sanzo; it's his fault we've been here for three days. But he had a cold, protests Goku. ==Flashback: bedridden Hakkai, coughing and apologizing for being ill. [He would.] Gojyo told him not to sweat it, a few days' setback wouldn't matter; Sanzo conceded that it would be worse if he caused an accident; and Hakkai gratefully replied that he'd just rest--but would they please not make a huge mess in the room? it would just cause trouble for others. It's the inn's job to clean up, said Gojyo, but Hakkai persisted that the ikkou goes far overboard,and last time they almost lost Sanzo's sutra in a mountain of trash--what if it got thrown away? OK, OK, we'll clean it up, grumbled the kappa; you just get some sleep. Hakkai wearily pressed him to remember this promise and Gojyo sa
#40 - The Final Twist
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 28
Meng Ao reveals a surprising strategy for taking on Lian Po in hopes of finally claiming victory over his rival. Xin's battle with Lun Hu intensifies.
#41 - The King and the Ant
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 4
Xin gets a lead on a big battle that could propel him up the ranks to general, but soon learns he's not the only young, ambitious warrior around.
Watch Now:Apple TV
#42 - In a Heartbeat
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 29
Xin must cope with a grave injury in his fight to take Lun Hu's head. Lian Po continues his seemingly unstoppable march on Meng Ao's main camp.
#43 - The Third Force
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 5
As the Fei Xin and Yu Feng Forces play at one-upmanship, Si Shi proposes a surprising potential ally in Zheng's power struggle with Lü Buwei.
#44 - Exquisite Poison
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 6
Zheng's supporters discuss the pros and cons of bringing the Queen Dowager onto their side, while Zheng takes matters into his own hands.
#45 - Showdown
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 27
The Le Hua, Yu Feng, and Fei Xin Forces find themselves bringing up the rear in the final battle. Lian Po makes a daring move to get the ball rolling.
#46 - A Tempestuous Feast
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 3
Xin confronts Li Mu, the man who orchestrated Wang Yi's battlefield defeat, while Diao touches base with Kaine. Zheng reveals his future plans.
Watch Now:Apple TV
#47 - The Cursed Prince
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 7
Zheng tells Xiang about his days as a young hostage in Zhao, and about the unexpected people called upon to get him safely back to the Kingdom of Qin.
#48 - Zheng and Zi Xia
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 8
The flashback to young Zheng's escape from hostile Zhao to his Qin homeland reveals the startling effects of the mental and physical abuse he'd endured.
Watch Now:Apple TV
#49 - Connecting Wishes
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 9
Zheng's flashback shows the lengths to which a black marketeer was willing to go to make sure he got home and became King of Qin, against all odds.
#50 - Shattered Love
Kingdom (2012) - Season 2 - Episode 10
As Zheng and his supporters await word from the Inner Palace, the Queen Dowager reveals where her allegiances lie. Xiang is put in a tight spot.