It's a new season, and so begins a bout of licensing announcements. Sentai Filmworks announced at Anime Boston on Saturday that they have acquired the streaming and home video rights to Sakamichi no Apollon (Kids on the Slope) and Nazo no Kanojo X (Mysterious Girlfriend X). Both series have already been licensed for streaming by Crunchyroll. As a result, Sentai Filmworks plans on streaming each episode on The Anime Network and Hulu 31 days after they first premiere on Crunchy.

Although the winter season is still in its infancy, upcoming Spring 2012 Sakamichi no Apollon (Kids on the Slope) is so notable that we have to talk about it right now. The series which is based on an award winning manga by the same name is notable for more than its awards and the fact that it will be airing as part of the Noitamina programming block. The series' trailer (which you'll find below) and official website have indicated that director Shinichirou Watanabe of Cowboy Bebop fame will be reuniting with composer Yoko Kanno (also of Cowboy Bebop fame) to work on the anime upcoming anime adaptation.

The series, which is based on Yuuki Kodama's shoujo manga, follows Nishimi Kaoru. Kaoru is a perpetual transfer student, who befriends his new school's class president, Mukae Ritsuko, and its local delinquent, Kawabuchi Sentaro. While they seem like they have nothing in common, it's their love of jazz that brings them together in a coming of age story with heavy emphasis on music. With a subject matter like that it's no surprise that such a stellar team has been assembled for the series. Check out the trailer and staff list below.