Yakitate Japan 19
Kuroyanagi’s and Kanmuri’s past together, snotball fun, Kawachi’s preparations, Yukino’s evil schemes, and fangirls galore!
Let the semifinals begin!
I can only hope to one day walk in the humble steps that Garten leaves behind.
Being Immature is an requirement of life
The Manager VS Tsukino scene was hilarious. Loved how Ken easily told Kuroyanagi’s backstory while dodging Tsukino’s “revenge” paperballs. Also nice to see that Tsukino has a mean streak too if pushed the wrong way 
If it wasn’t for the money…
Watching Kanmuri really reminded me how in the earlier volumes in the manga he has been portrayed somewhat as the “bad guy” since he worked under Yukino. Kind of funny that once he’s free of Yukino and joins the others, he’s a pretty decent guy. Basically just a very clever and sly guy compared to the rest of our happy-going group who more or less becomes the “brains” of the cast…
… and somewhat speaking of benefactors, one has to just hate Yukino to the core. She has no redeeming qualities at all! It’s all for personal gain where she’ll be willing to do anything to win! I have to give credit to the staff and Atsuko Yuya (Yukino’s seiyuu) for doing a fine job on keeping Yukino true to her bitchiness.
Sharing is Caring
Got to love the strong bonds the people over the Southern Tokyo Branch of Pantasia have! Mushroom-head guy (I keep forgetting his name) even tried to cheer up Kawachi once they realized how strong Kanmuri is; though he never gets a chance to actually do it. The Manager and Tsukino definitely came to the rescue with giving Kawachi a fighting chance thanks to one of Ken’s old creations… with his friends help, Kawachi can do it!
Past Lovers
Kuroyanagi and Kanmuri scene… plus the Meister’s speech to Kuroyanagi… just pure Yakitate Japan fun 
To Win!
The semifinals begin! Already Kawachi is at a huge disadvantage but with the support of everyone else he’ll do it! Unfortunately Kawachi has two things against such possible victory: Yukino’s scheme to ensure victory and Kanmuri’s secret weapon(s). It was really surprising but oh-so like Yukino to ensure her store’s victory via cheating… just goes to show how far that woman will go! And it’s only going to get worse for Kawachi as Yukino’s scheme starts to work…
Another awesome episode of Yakitate Japan that continued to fuel my hatred for Yukino while helping to increase the awesomeness that is her little sister Tsukino Next episode, the outcome of the first semifinals battle! Who will win? Kawachi or Kanmuri?!