Utakoi

So why love songs are popular? Because somehow they liberate you from the burden you're carrying when you're in love.

Chouyaku Hyakuninisshu: Uta Koi is simply epic. The story tells the roundabout of Hyakunin Isshu. It portrays Japanese-flavored love in subtle but meaningful ways.

The story took place when poetry at the time was a scholarly form of liberation from Japanese oppressing political (and cultural) structure. Nevertheless, love is universal (you don't say?) so it's nice to watch despite it's heavily flavored by (rather esoteric) ancient Japanese courtesy.

Anyway, enjoy!
I pick this anime as Summer 2012 Best Anime.