We launched another update of the vizanime.com site over this past weekend, with improvements in user comment displays, and a new poll function. Stay tuned because we're going to have fun with this new poll system over the next few months. And if you haven't caught up with the One Piece anime, our most recent addition to the site, now's the perfect time as episodes 1-114 are now up, and we continue with the current Impel Down storyline with episode 448 this week. This month also brings some exciting series into the fold, so stay tuned for those as well...

Funny how a game becomes much more than a game when a lot is at stake, and the stakes don't get much higher than a shot at turning pro... and in this week's episodes of Hikaru no Go, Hikaru has to take down the nearly undefeated Ochi to get his shot at the big time! But are either of them as concerned about turning pro as they are about measuring up to Akira? No! Akira's way too studious and self-deprecating to flatter himself about it, but it's a pretty big ego boost to know that two of your competitors are battling each other tooth-and-nail just to earn the right to be called your "rival."

Catch these episodes (and the rest of the series) in the Hikaru no Go section.

Episode 45: Hikaru vs. Ochi
Gearing up for the match, Ochi reveals to Hikaru that he has been studying with Akira Toya in the hopes of learning how to beat him in the pro exam…

Episode 46: The Final Day of the Pro Exam
It’s down to the wire as to who will make it into the world of the pros. Will Hikaru upset Ochi, the newly crowned pro, or will Isumi sneak by with his four losses...?

In this week's fresh episodes of Hikaru no Go, it is most decidedly "on," with the coveted title of Go pro at stake -- and Hikaru faces the difficult task of having to take down one of his buddies. But we can't forget about Hikaru's best friend of all, so in episode 43 we get a heartwarming little flashback with Sai, and further hints that he might not be with Hikaru much longer... You have to appreciate how well-paced Hikaru no Go is, and how seeds for plot and character turns are planted early and developed throughout the story.

Check out the series in uncut subtitled format in the Hikaru no Go section.

Episode 43: Hikaru vs. Waya
Now that Ochi has passed the Pro Exam, there are only two spots remaining. With only two games left in the exam, Hikaru faces off against Waya…

Episode 44: Comeback from the Brink
As Hikaru takes on Waya to advance towards the pros, Waya notices that his opponent’s game bears a interesting resemblance to Sai…

As the Pro Exams approach the grand finale, everyone is gunning for Hikaru... even when they don't play him! In this week's fresh episodes of Hikaru no Go, we bid a sad farewell to a few competitors as the field gets cut down. As with everything, there are winners and losers, and you have to be a hard-hearted person not to feel a bit for Tsubaki when he gives Hikaru that final ride on his motorcycle in episode 42. Still, it's not how you win or lose, it's how you play the game, and we're going to miss Tsubaki's, er, unusual approach to Go.

Check out these episodes and more in the Hikaru no Go section!

Episode 41: Three Weeks isn't Enough!
Determined to get his game back on track, Isumi takes on Ochi with a vengeance. But Ochi is more concerned with his final opponent: Hikaru.

Episode 42: The First to Pass
Now that the Pro Exam is winding down, the stronger players are beginning to distinguish themselves from the weaker ones…

When is a win a loss? Hikaru is about to find out this week in the latest nailbiting episodes of Hikaru no Go, as a showdown with his undefeated buddy Isumi in the Pro Exams takes an unexpected turn. Even though Hikaru is the hero of the story, you have to feel a bit for Isumi -- it can't help when a cocky young kid like Ochi tells you during a break in the action that your opponent has been judged to be the best young talent in the game... But lest you think it's all seriousness this week, we get the delightful sight of Sai leading a workout routine! I'm sure it takes a lot of Japanese viewers back to pre-class exercises in grade school... Check out the latest episodes at the Hikaru no Go section.

Episode 39: An Ill-Fated Moment
Ready to take on an undefeated Isumi, Hikaru knows he’s in for a tough match. But as the match progresses, it starts to look like Isumi’s the one who’s on the ropes. Can he beat Hikaru or will the pressure finally get to Isumi?

Episode 40: Where Are the Victories?
With the pressure mounting, Isumi makes a wrong move forcing him to resign and forfeit the match. As a result of how the match ended, both Isumi and Hikaru’s game head downhill as they both run right into a losing streak.