By: Fernando RamosSeries Premiere: October 6th, 2009Director: Mitsuyuki MasuharaProduction by: Madhouse StoryKobato Hanato has just arrived in the human world amidst a flutter of cherry blossoms. Knowing nothing of the human world, Kobato, with the guidance of her foul-tempered plush companion Ioryogi, must first learn to fit in with human society. Only then can she receive a magical bottle that will allow her to collect the “wounded hearts” of people and have her wish be granted.ImpressionsAiring on NHK, Japan’s answer to the BBC, it’s a given that Kobato’s production value is about as good as a TV show can hope for. Every blossom pedal, strand of hair and skirt flutters beautifully across the screen with CLAMP’s distinctive character designs providing icing on the cake. Likewise, the music is top-caliber, with a gentle pop opening by Maaya Sakamoto and pleasant orchestral music capped with a show-stopping insert song in the opening episode’s final act. It’s apparent that few expenses were spared in production.