Saki English Sub & Dub

About Saki

Here is what Saki (咲-Saki-) is about, retold in plain terms: a slice of life and sports anime by GONZO and Picture Magic (2009). What the story covers: Miyanaga Saki is a first year high school girl whose family would get angry if she won the family mahjong games. But losing would also have its consequences.

Further in, because of this she develops a new way of playing that allows her to stay on the thin line between winning and losing, the plus/minus zero score, an almost impossible score. In a game that relies mainly on luck, the plus/minus zero score is harder than winning, but Saki can achieve this every time. Having always hated the game, her companion from middle school, Suga Kyotoro, forces her to play in the schools mahjong club.

As a slice of life title, small, quiet moments and character warmth are the main appeal. Voice work is led by Kana Ueda as Saki Miyanaga and Ami Koshimizu as Nodoka Haramura. If you count yourself among viewers who want a calm, character-first watch, put it on your list. With 25 episodes in total, there is enough room for the story to develop.

Production & Appeal

Production sits with GONZO and Picture Magic, which means the visual identity of Saki follows that studio's craft. Within the slice of life category, small, quiet moments and character warmth are the main appeal. At 7.2/10 it earns a solid reception, a safe pick for fans of the genre. On the casting side, Kana Ueda voicing Saki Miyanaga gives the lead role a recognizable voice. It aired in 2009, which makes it easy to place in the wider anime calendar.