A Letter To Kaori

A Letter To Kaori

Thursday, June 19, 2014 / No Comments

Dear Kaori-san,

Ogenki desuka? You probably wouldn't remember me, but that's perfectly fine. I don't quite exist in your world, yet for some unknown reason I've had an opportunity or two to be in your silent company. I was first drawn to your beautiful voice; you did a wonderful job with Kanade - that's the song you sang, remember? I had to constantly control myself from blurting out how I felt; after all I don't belong to your world. Anyway, your smile could really melt a million hearts. I'm not surprised that Hase-kun has remained so smitten with you. He must had been born with unwavering determination - your friendship means so much to him, but I understand that it's also tough for you to constantly deal with such a painful condition. You're doing a great job, seriously.

Not wanting to sound like a spirit, but I'd been in awe of your colourful bento each time; I finally realised why a lot of students would go 'wow' over one another's lunches. What sort of rice was that? It's so pink and fluffy! I could probably relate more to Hase-kun's choice for lunch. Anyway, in my world it isn't a custom to pack our own lunches. I wish I had a rooftop for a quiet retreat; I think that it's absolutely therapeutic to be in such peaceful surroundings. Of course, Hase-kun might come across as a little noisy at first, but that's because he was trying his best to convey his feelings to you. Don't you think that he looks cute when he's blushing?  

Hase-kun would probably spew huge balls of fire if I were to tell you that Shogo-kun would actually make a cute couple with you. Shogo-kun's done a lot for you as well, hasn't he? The unconditional efforts are what make a true, lasting friendship, regardless of the stuff that lies ahead in your way. Honestly, I'm feeling envious. In my heart, I know that I've got friends who will last me for life, but at the same time I also find it difficult to make new friends. Sometimes, I do feel somewhat lost in the midst of so many people. The wish to have a sense of belonging somewhere wanders like a single leaf that's being carried by the wind.

When I eventually heard about what really happened behind your painful condition, I had wished it to be nothing but just a horrible nightmare. Why would anyone do such a cruel thing? You had done those people no wrong. Jealousy is like a lethal weapon. Even though you had to realise the truth the hard way, knowing it did free you from all that pain as well, didn't it? Hase-kun had been your pillar of support throughout. 

On a happier note, it was so much fun watching you and Hase-kun bonding over your little dates. When you appeared from the escalator, I could understand why Hase-kun was feeling the jitters. Oh, and you looked really pretty in that dress. Although crepes are delicious, it's actually a lot more fun to sing karaoke! You guys had selected Kanade; was that merely a coincidence? Anyway, it was a little heart-tugging listening to the conversation both of you had on the way home in the train. Your farewell smile had seemed uncertain, but that's okay. After all, you were trying your best to contain everything, even if it meant returning to nought the following day.

That said, you probably still wouldn't remember me. But that's perfectly fine. You've already done a great job reading this letter. Thank you for everything. I shall treasure Kanade with all my heart. That's my souvenir from your world. Stay strong and happy. Always.  

Eccentrically Yours.

Written by J.Fluffysheep ♪   

    

A Reply to A Love Letter (Kind of)~

A Reply to A Love Letter (Kind of)~

Sunday, June 22, 2014 / No Comments

Dear J.Fluffysheep-sama,

Your instant declaration of love for me, makes me fumble a little in the opening lines of my reply, but still I shall try my best to sincerely reply to you. I am glad my story has been able to warm your heart a little, but here’s me saying that you have to follow your dreams always. A radio presenter is an admirable aspiration, and something as beautiful your dreams, hopes and passion cannot! Be given up on! Ever! Just as you wish to cheer me on J.Fluffysheep-sama, I wish to give you my ‘Gambatte!’ shout out to you too! A virtual hug would be in order too I think. –Hugs-

To hear that you suffered withdrawal symptoms after completing my story! Oh noes… but you must remember that even though the written story has ended, the story will live on in people’s hearts, inspiring people…ah! Yes, you did write that down in the letter…~^^ Then you understand perfectly why Maki-sensei has chosen to share my story.

Ah, Senri… let’s not talk about my kareshi ne, J.Fluffysheep-sama…O///O oh gosh you even posted a picture of me and him…>< 

Anyway, where was I…yesh! Friends are important! Making meaningful friendships! Even till now, Tsukino, Shou, Mitchi and Ume still keep me company, making me laugh and smile. I do hope you have such people in your life.

Your next question to me is Invalid! Completely invalid! Omu rice…is the most delicious thing on earth! J.Fluffysheep-sama, if you wish to attack all the curry rice in this world please move forth and conquer them bowls of sweet curry! Anything less would just be a pity.

You shouldn’t say that you have difficultly expressing your love, you’ve done it quite nicely so far >< (shh…don’t tell Senri I said that…) I’m sure your future love will appreciate your grand expositions. :) 

May your path ahead be one of excitement and fulfilment, J.Fluffysheep-sama! And thank you in return for reading and enjoying my story.

Always chase your dream...><

Cheerfully Yours,

Kino Hime

P.S. I pray that I will be the one voicing my character when the time comes for an anime ><

Written by Neko

Snippets: Nikkei and the 4 letter word, Diablock dragonquest mural wows in Shinjuku (photos)

Snippets: Nikkei and the 4 letter word, Diablock dragonquest mural wows in Shinjuku (photos)

Wednesday, January 27, 2016 / No Comments

Okay, it is time for another round of snippets. And it is fun one.But please do not be drinking anything when you read the next paragraph. 

The Nikkei is probably THE most respectable newspaper in Japan. So I literally could not believe my eyes when I saw this. On page 3 , no less!

No, this is not some prank or photoshop fake. Even Peter Landers, Wall Street Journal's Tokyo bureau Chief tweeted "Just curious ... did the top folks at Nikkei approve of having the f-word printed in big letters on page 3 (albeit in an ad)?"

Even in the liberal west there would be some form of censorship. Like this. The title of the book that ad is promoting is actually "F**k It: The Ultimate Spiritual Way". Now the title of the book is actually a funny spin on how probably the western equivalent of the Eastern concept of letting go is that, and its selling quite well. But to print out the entire uncensored title when even the english version censored its title is simply crazy. Because the four letter word has EXACTLY the same meaning for the Japanese. There is no Lost in Translation joke, no linguistic ambiguity at all. So we will wait and see if the Nikkei prints an apology soon. All in all, this is simply a WTF story. 

Fans visiting Shinjuku soon take note. There is now a fantastic wall mural in the basement of Shinjuku Station! Built entirely with Diablock, the Japanese answer to Lego, this glorious piece of art took thousands of blocks and the details are simply great. The pixelated look brings out the nostalgic feel of the old classic. How many monsters can you 

spot?

This is actually to promote the next title, Dragonquest Builders, out this month. Go down quick before they remove it!

A Letter To Sousuke

A Letter To Sousuke

Tuesday, August 26, 2014 / No Comments

Dear Sousuke-kun,

Ogenki desu ka? Pardon my intrusion, but I hope this letter touches the deeper ends in your heart. Your loyalty to Rin is undisputable, yet that doesn't quite grant you the right to ask of others to refrain from meddling in his affairs when Rin isn't even the least affected by the idiosyncrasies of his friends. In fact, he had already been freed from his knots with Haruka before you transferred to Samezuka. Their friendship has become much stronger than before. If you had harboured good intentions as well, wouldn't it be a lot less self-destructive to perhaps exercise a little more tact when you bring it upon yourself to quite unfortunately meddle in Rin's affairs too? Your perception of the world could use a magnifying glass. Swimming is really a lot deeper than merely winning medals at tournaments and personal achievements. Oh, by the way your form wasn't too bad in the medley, even though according to Rin your timing was off because you had been bothered by issues. Just keep swimming!

You actually look more like a Prince Charming when you flash that million-dollar smile. The reverse makes you look as if some sorry ass had owed you a million dollars. Anyway, it was awfully nice of you to encourage Nitori when he was feeling down and such. You should find a nice kouhai who would have a lot of respect and admiration for you. Nitori is generally nice to everyone, but he is sort of attached to Rin, and of course Momotarou. It sure feels uplifting to be surrounded by friends who are also your classmates and teammates. They make school life and club activities so much fun and rewarding. While you have claimed to understand Rin the most, it seems that there has been something else which is lacking, and that might explain the odd mannerism that could have interfered with your swimming. I've got this feeling that we would get to see a different side of you pretty soon. 

That reminds me, how is your shoulder injury now? Like Makoto and Haruka, I was rather taken aback when Kisumi mentioned that he had seen you coming out of the consultation room in the hospital some time ago. Apparently, nobody else in Samezuka knows about it. Actually, I was more surprised of the fact that you used to be classmates with Kisumi back in elementary school. The world is really small indeed. Anyway, this would probably be a catalyst for what is to come in the remaining episodes. I'm not a sports therapist, but I would still like to advise you to take heed of the risks that you are exposing yourself to. Also, please get well soon. 

That said, I'm so looking forward to watching all of you swim at the regional tournament. Sorry to sidetrack, but this is the first time where every single member of Iwatobi High School Swimming Club has qualified for the regionals. Rei's tears of joy still make my heart skip a beat. Oh, I will be rooting for Samezuka as well, especially Rin considering that he is Gou's brother and such. Well, I don't expect you to agree, but let me reiterate that swimming isn't just about winning. Please do your best, and to quote Haruka - Don't resist the water. Accept its presence.

Smile more. Ogenki de.

Eccentrically Yours.

Written by J.Fluffysheep ♪     

The N series: Part one

The N series: Part one

Tuesday, March 18, 2014 / No Comments

N - the 14th letter in the alphabet, and also the first letter of three anime I'm watching - Noragami, Nisekoi and Nourin.

Initially I was going to talk about all three at one go, but then after writing about one of the three anime it got a little lengthy and so I'm splitting it into three parts.

First up, Noragami.

 

How did I know about it: Through a friend who loved Yato and then after that, a whole other horde of friends...

Progress status: I'm waiting for the last episode of the anime, and I'm reading the manga. (I caught up in two days...it is that good.)

Summary: Noragami is about a poor minor god, Yato, who dreams of life as the most worshipped god in the world with a large shrine. One day after his shinki (a sort of weapon that can take the form of a person) decides she's had enough and left him, he is saved from a speeding bus by a girl, Iki Hiyori.

However, after this incident, Hiyori realises she frequently falls unconscious resulting in her soul detaching itself from her body. Thus, to fix this problem, Hiyori has to enlist the help of Yato and his new shinki, Yukine.

Now it sounds like Noragami is just one of the many typical gods and spirits anime out there, but it's different, the story is something that grows on you and it's characters you can easily relate to.

Let's talk about the story first, after watching the first few episodes, the set up is pretty standard, we are introduced to Yato and Hiyori first, with a rough introduction on them and their lives. The vibe is light hearted on the surface with the usual jokes and yet, underlying all that, is something that keeps you on your toes. As you continue watching the series, you suddenly realise that the mood is rather sad, maybe even full of (controlled) angst.



Yato - manga version~^^

Take a look at the main character, Yato, he is a god. A god that wants to be a somebody, he is afraid of people forgetting about him, so he does all that he can in whatever ways that he can, to the point of taking on underhand jobs, just so that he can live on in the memories of the people he helps. He tries to be strong for the people around him, and even though being a god, he isn't all powerful, in fact he has his moments when he fails, but he still tries. He may come off as a clutz sometimes but, really, I think he is the most inspirational person in the series.

Yukine - anime version~

Another main character would be Yukine, Yato's new shinki, initially you think he is a cute shouta, but under that layer, is just a small abused child, who just doesn't understand why his childhood had to be ripped form him. He is lonely, and he fears that, he is angry and he resents his current state of not being dead nor alive. And that's why Yato held on to him, and refused to let him go despite Yukine's repeated disobedience ending in painful stings for him, Yato just truly wants to help his shinki accept who he is.

Hiyori - I love the manga version of her~

What about Hiyori? She is a kind soul and wants to help where ever she can, the story unfolds through her eyes, while she does influence the story flow, and gets herself mixed up in the business of the gods. I would think that she is slowly becoming Yato's anchor, as the spiritual world constantly tempts him and changes in it's complexity as Yato meets old friends and enemies. She is the character that gently guides the story flow.



See what I mean by cute...

Then there are the phantoms in the story, the villains, they are what Yato and Yukine fight against, they represent the negative emotions that people have, and in the story they affect everyone from humans, to shinki to gods. Yes, they are not exactly a character, but from the anime you can see that the phantoms come in different shapes and sizes, ranging from cute to down right scary, latching on to and feeding off the negativity in people. Which is quite an accurate picture of negativity and fear in real life, they start of small and innocent, then morph into something uncontrollable. 




Cover shot of the manga!

For the art of Noragami, I think it is very well animated and everything from the backgrounds (when the phantoms attack the vibe of hopelessness is there), to the piercing blue eyes of Yato (when he delivers a profound line) is beautifully done, and fluid. The manga is also decently drawn, especially the hair and eyes...yea...okay I have a bit of a fascination with the eyes. 

When it comes to sound, the OP and ED of this anime is really, spot on. The OP is sung by Hello Sleepwalkers, the rock genre really works and the lyrics pretty representative of Yato. The ED is sung by Tia and it's melody and initial pure vocals of the singer is in stark contrast with the OP, but all in all it is a nice song.

Casting for this anime was also good, none of the voices were out of place. Kamiya Hiroshi voiced Yato, he also did Kuroko no Basket's Akashi and Natsume from Natsume Yuujinchou *insert fangirling* and come on, Yuki Kaji who voiced Yukine also does a good job with delivering the angsty lines of young boys...he also did Eren from Shingeki...if you know what I mean...

Overall, Noragami is skilfully crafted with a delicate balance of seriousness, action and comedy and really paints a picture about human emotions. Under that perfect veneer that most people tend to wear, just what is going on under there? Self-doubt, depression and jealously it's all there in this anime if you'd just look hard enough, just like with most people hiding negative emotions, it's subtle but it's there.

TL;DR: 
This quote sums it up, "Even if things are painful and tough. People should appreciate what it means to be alive at all." -Yato

Noragami is a story about gods, phantoms and humans. With the struggle between the three, an illustration of people battling with depression, with the hope that life still wins out. I enjoyed Noragami thoroughly, the anime did a good adaptation of the manga but I still recommend you watch the anime and read the manga. 

That's all for me, congrats you made it to the end of this long post, stay tuned as things get lighter and fluffier with Nisekoi soon~^^

Written by Neko

Doukyuusei: A Letter To Kusakabe and Sajou

Doukyuusei: A Letter To Kusakabe and Sajou

Wednesday, September 28, 2016 / No Comments

Dear Kusakabe and Sajou,

Ogenki desu ka? I still remember that bashful summer where fate had brought both of you closer than anybody else would have had imagined. Those underlying feelings for each other had so intensely surfaced in between the loose sheets of music. Oh, and the soda pop just before the first albeit awkward kiss. Could that be any more beautiful? Apparently it could. I don't know if anybody else had felt strongly about something which had so much poetry from sheer simplicity. Of course, the love between both of you was unapologetically romantic. Come to think of it, a relationship like yours had actually stood out because of what was written in those chapters.

Somebody once said that unlikeliness would usually bring out the most surprises, be them pleasant, dramatic or funny. I relished the comic relief that came as Hara-sen, even though he had a difficult time nursing the effects of an unrequited love. Well, Hara-sen did cross paths with somebody eventually, but that was for another story which I had enjoyed just as much. The ups and downs of a relationship had long been used and abused, but strangely the reaction that I had towards your first conflict with each other was refreshingly raw. I had rooted for both of you to be together and forever. Yeah, a little cliche here.

I would think that living in the moment is actually not so bad. Sure, having a future is important, especially when the backdrop is a typical high school and such. I suppose that the equilibrium was what fuelled this relationship forward and beyond. The unconditional love made the ultimate forgiveness and deeper understanding. Those bits and pieces of emotions floating in the air were just stepping stones that bridged both of you a lot closer than before. Intimacy had truly reinvented itself so brilliantly that nothing else really mattered anymore. The hearts were just beating in sync with each other.

Did I mention that I fell in love with the theme song? Like I said before, there was just so much poetry throughout your love story. Who could ever get tired of reminiscing about the good old days? If only those chapters could keep on writing and writing. Both of you had walked together so finely. Naturally, there is the whole set of manga in greater detail. Nonetheless, just for a little longer...I would like those feelings to linger about silently as I close this letter to both of you. Thank you for your story. Thank you. Ogenki de.

Eccentrically Yours.

Written by J.Fluffysheep ♪ 

A Letter To Nagisa

A Letter To Nagisa

Monday, August 4, 2014 / No Comments

Dear Nagisa-kun,

Ogenki desuka? I'm so relieved to hear that you have finally worked up the confidence to convey how you really feel to your folks about swimming. It would be a devastating loss if they didn't allow you an opportunity to express yourself which would affect your ultimate fate in the swimming club. While education is undoubtedly important, honestly it doesn't decide anybody's future since nobody could predict what might just happen tomorrow or over the next few minutes. Your life breathes in fun and joy whenever it touches the water. Gosh, fun also happens to be the title of one of your character songs. You are the most charming when breaking into laughter or merely flashing a smile.

I've always wanted to write you a letter, and I'm glad that I could finally gather those thoughts and feelings around in order to do so. I've always wondered what a friend like you would be like. Do you know that we share several common interests? I dig horror movies and the roller coaster. I'm quite the sweet tooth as well, even though those wobbly globs around my waist are threatening to multiply. While I don't mind strawberry ice-cream, my favourite has to be matcha ice-cream. Oh, the special bread that you eat religiously for lunch every day...I wish that I could try some of that. Is the bread really called 'Iwatobikkuri Pan'? What a creatively mouth-watering pun!

I truly admire and respect the friendships you have forged with the rest of the Iwatobi High School Swimming Club members. Such a dream team is one in a million. Even though you could become somewhat annoying and persistent out of your frequent gut instincts, you have actually helped bring out the best of your friends, particularly Rei-kun (don't worry, I won't fight with you over the use of Rei-chan because I believe that only you can call him that). I still remember how your body had nearly gave way from all that running to school with Rei-kun simply because you wanted to convince him to join the swimming club. Oh, and I think that he secretly wants your undivided attention. There have been instances where Rei-kun gets somewhat jealous or unhappy or [insert other word here which implies that he is craving for your attention]. He doesn't seem to hate it when you display physical affection towards him either.

This might sound really odd, but on that day when you feared that Rei-kun was going to quit the swimming club and you tried so hard to prevent him from running his errands and such, I thought that you looked rather cute being so vulnerable in front of him. Rei-kun was definitely taken aback by your cuteness...I mean, vulnerability. Anyway, that was indeed a touching moment for it meant that beyond the team spirit and unity, there was also the strengthening of personal friendships. Your unwavering loyalty towards others continues to be an important driving force. Honestly, nobody would have thought about how annoying or persistent you are in the end. Your presence adds in so much fun and joy into others. I wish that we could be friends for real! I wish that I could be there to support Iwatobi High School Swimming Club at the various tournaments. My heart goes out to all of you. Please continue to do your best in everything that you like! Have fun!

Ogenki de.

Eccentrically Yours.

Written by J.Fluffysheep ♪
  

A Letter To SCANDAL

A Letter To SCANDAL

Saturday, May 9, 2015 / No Comments

Dear SCANDAL,

I'm writing this letter as a little appreciation for what you girls have brought us on Friday night at the Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel; the concert which was also my most strenuous workout to date. As I had never been to a concert before, I thought that it would be a great memory to have that little wish fulfilled. Thankfully, there was a lucky star shining above my little prayer in the form of a media blogger. I was told that I could in fact join the rest of your fans in this one-night showcase. Why did I say that the concert was also my most strenuous workout to date? Well, when the human body hits a certain age, some mechanics just don't respond favourably to sudden, vigorous movements which might prove rather disastrous. Don't worry though, I survived the concert with nothing more wobbly than a jellyfish. That shouldn't cast any glaring health concern apart from the aching left part of my body on the way home which reiterated my somewhat old age. Anyway, I want to write a little more about Friday night.

Image credit: Kenneth Lim

Image credit: Kenneth Lim

Image credit: Kenneth Lim

 
The venue itself was pretty unique; the country bumpkin in me has hardly ventured past Orchard Road, City Hall and probably just a few other places (school, work et cetera) in my entire life. Until your concert, I had hardly stepped foot into Sentosa. While I'm aware that it is accessible from VivoCity, quite unfortunately that is about all that I could come up with. I did google the location hours before the big night; the Coliseum is an outdoor facility just next to Hard Rock Cafe. I was only worried that the hot, humid weather would hit us (it actually did). There was already a meandering crowd waiting patiently under the brutal weather when I had managed to find the place. Sugoi. Well, pardon my utter lack of exposure to this arena. I have a lot of newfound awe for fanboys and fangirls in general. I would probably fare slightly better if there had been a chill pill for me to chew on.

Image credit: Kenneth Lim

Image credit: Kenneth Lim

 
After what seemed like any further aggravation could just turn all into water puddles, the crew finally opened the entryway up to the Coliseum. Naturally, I had to wait since I wasn't part of the meandering crowd earlier. The fans were cheering as they made their way up; I looked at the darkened sky from below, and wondered about the visibility later. Well, it certainly wasn't the worst, although I had to stand at the back near to where the little bar was. Okay, I might add that the situation didn't really work to my advantage even when the concert had started. Nonetheless, I found my voice fighting with the rest as you all stood by ready for the grand act. The stage felt so near yet afar; I envied those in the VIP section a little. The blaring brilliance hit my rusty joints. My most strenuous workout was beginning.

Image credit: Kenneth Lim

 
I have a little confession; the only song that I know of the band is 'Shoujo S' (one of the theme songs from the anime Bleach). I was feeling truly out of place in the midst of everybody else. Yet I realised that my body and hand gestures were still in sync with the high energy flowing out from each song. My gradually hoarse voice was still yearning to convey something. I couldn't stop the motion. Maybe it was due to the unflattering spot where I had been standing; I thought that if I didn't keep myself up, the sight would simply disappear from my eyes. SCANDAL! SCANDAL! SCANDAL! I was perspiring like the rest, but still unwilling to let the emotions die. The energy was surrounding the entire place, even overriding any remote signs of exhaustion. I couldn't make out what was being said, but the next thing I knew was that everybody else had started shouting for an encore.

Image credit: Kenneth Lim

 
However, I did know that you all had so much great love for us that night. In a cute, sugary blend of English and Japanese, you all reciprocated our screams and cheers. The encore concluded with a little surprise; the Singapore flag was held across on stage. Thank you all for loving our country; we would love to have SCANDAL performing for us again. Until then, please keep making great music!

Eccentrically Yours.

Written by J.Fluffysheep ♪ (Media writer for this event)
Special thanks to SOZO for the invitation