The quote above is the moral of Kokoro Connect’s sequel, Michi Random. Like Kokoro Connect, there are life lessons involved. The ED song "I Scream Chocolate" by Team Nekokan [Neko] featuring Lia also reflects on this moral with lyrics of creative metaphors. The anime also emphasizes on the word “normal” and how it cannot be used to describe someone’s behavior.
Heartseed’s game with the Cultural Research Club (CRC) has yet to end. This time the CRC has to undergo an emotion transmission in which some, if not all, of the club members can hear what a club member is thinking regardless of the distance. This whole phenomenon mess is taking its toll on Iori. Her personality goes from being nice and cheerful to inconsiderate and downhearted. The CRC members work to discover what’s happening to Iori or how to bring her back to “normal.” Apart from Iori’s personality change, the CRC is at risk of losing their club moderator Mr. Go to the Jazz Band Club. Since the jazz band is quite talented, it will be a tough competition between the two clubs. Whoever gives the best presentation at the school event would keep Mr. Go as the moderator.
One thing I cannot understand is the love triangle between Taichi, Iori, and Inaban. It is great that Iori and Inaban refuse to let their love for Taichi interfere with their friendship. However, it seems weird that they both have the “You can have him if you want” kind of attitude and show little signs of jealousy. Taichi isn’t afraid to admit that he loves them both. Since there is no violence or mean streaks that you usually see in anime that involves love triangles, it may seem awkward for individuals to openly share each other.
Michi Random is more fun to watch, since all of the characters have matured. For example, Inaban isn’t as snobbish as she was in the prequel. Her personality has softened quite a bit, but she’s still a tough cookie. The ending wasn’t so clear and makes you question, “Okay, is it over or what?” No, it is not over. Kokoro Connect’s LN continues past Michi Random and even introduces new characters. So if you become impatient, feel free to consider reading the LN. Although the story continues from Volume 5, the LN seems to be completely different from the anime. For example, the CRC members are not the only ones who are familiar with Heartseed. I’m definitely going to start on the LN soon, especially since it finished in September 2013.
The characters’ voices in the English subbed version is so much better than the English dubbed, which is how I watched the prequel. I love Nagase’s voice done by Aki Toyosaki. It’s not as scratchy and hard like Monica Rica in the English dubbed version. Also, I prefer to hear Taichi’s character voiced by Takahiro Mizushima, the cross-dressing maid Warashibe in Inu x Boku SS, than Greg Ayers who played Sanohara from Clannad. Takahiro plays the part well, since Taichi is supposed to be a rather serious guy. Greg makes Taichi seem too goofy in my opinion, which could cause someone not to take his character seriously.
Overall, I didn’t care for the prequel so much, but Kokoro Connect: Michi Random was so good that I may re-watch the entire series. Also, I’m so anxious to know what happens that I’m going to start on the LN, since it is complete and has a slightly different storyline from the series. If you watched Kokoro Connect, you should watch the final four episodes whether you liked/disliked it.
