It's been quite a while since my last letter to you. Ogenki desuka? Firstly, a big congratulations on having your own cover art in the latest release of Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun! You look so arrogant...I mean, cool posing with those boxed figurines. A closer glance yields a bigger surprise - your friends and acquaintances have turned into those figurines! Let's see...there's Nozaki-kun (Ume) donning a pair of bunny ears and looking just as dashing. Kashima, Chiyo and Yuzuki form the Romance Girls trio over what looks suspiciously (?) like a bar of chocolate. I mean, that looks awfully like Toberone. Maybe I'm subconsciously craving for some chocolate. Anyway, Wakamatsu and Hori-senpai also have their very own figurines which more or less sums up the entire gang...erm, why is your face reddening? Oh, I beg your pardon. Nope, I haven't forgotten about you Mikorin. Yeah, I know...I'm getting there! Yeah, even Miyamae has a figurine complete with a tanuki. Okay, let me just sort out some things.
The sixth tankoubon of Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun has another surprise which is also related to you. Relax, I'm getting there. The Special Limited Edition comes with an actual (yeah actual) boxed figurine of...YOU! Yeah, like I said I haven't forgotten about this biggest surprise which I honestly didn't expect would be available over here. You see, according to the series' official website and such, your figurine had to be pre-ordered online through the available platforms. As I don't reside in Japan, I didn't think that I would be able to buy one as a lot of manga and anime-related merchandise are domestic only. Imagine my shock (yeah I was shocked) and eventual excitement when I stumbled upon the Special Limited Edition at Books Kinokuniya! I knew right away that I simply had to get it. So thank you, Mikorin...for crossing the international waters!
Your figurine stands at only 10 centimetres. Nope, I'm not really complaining since every detail has been finely incorporated into the design. The strikingly beautiful red hair, the little studs that you wear on both ears, the never buttoned-up uniform, the red tee (for the figurine it's a Tanupon!), long pants, shoes...bunny ears and a tail. The little plastic platform bears a tanuki and your name together with the series' title. However, I can't quite comprehend the facial expression - are you supposed to look aloof or something? Angry? "Argh!! I'm so pissed off right now!! PULL!!!" No? Anyway, I love the overall design and its implied statement, if any. Yes, it is also very cute. You can stop pouting now.
Oh, I just realised that there is a second cover featuring Nozaki-kun and his younger brother Mayu. Is that supposed to be the normal edition? Well, that isn't really important. There is a little colour insert which includes a special conversation between Nozaki-kun and Kurosaki Mafuyu, who is the protagonist of Oresama Teacher (another series by Tsubaki Izumi). The back pages also feature a step-by-step explanation of how your figurine came about, and a couple of comic strips! I must say that this is one hell of a combo! I'm so glad to have stumbled upon the Special Limited Edition. While I don't really collect figurines and such, I do welcome your addition to my...table.
Dear Yumeno-sensei, Ogenki desuka? It's taken me a lot of procrastination to finally get down and dedicate this letter to you. I've been following your amazingly brilliant manga 'Let's Have A Romance!' since its highly anticipated debut in the magazine 'Monthly Girls' Romance'. Mamiko and Suzuki-kun are so much in love with each other. I really like the spread of delicate details that you put in both characters. Very often, I would easily lose myself in their world while flipping those pages. The little bicycle episode between them is just romantic! That reminds me, some time ago while walking home from school, I passed by this odd couple that had been cycling rather aggressively along the street. I'm not quite the fitness fanatic, but perhaps they were trying out some fancy bicycle routine to help burn the extra calories or something. Both of them looked so dead serious! Anyway, do you like cycling?
A few friends and I have dreams of becoming comic artists, but we have also come to terms with our lack of flair. Was it your childhood dream to draw manga and make a living out of it? Were you ever rejected by any publisher? A classmate used to tell me this story of her neighbour who would submit a ton of manuscripts faithfully to different publishers, yet so far none of her work has been given the nod of approval. To hone her craft and make ends meet, she is currently an assistant to Aito Yuuki, the mangaka of 'Hajiratte Cafe Latte'. I wonder if you guys are acquainted?
Recently, a friend of mine has been feeling out of sorts but he refuses to tell me what happened when probed. In addition, he frequently suffers from bruises and black eyes during basketball club practices. As a spectator, unfortunately I'm not quite spared either. There is this particular crazy girl from second year who regularly joins the basketball team in their sessions even though she isn't a member. Nobody knows why she invites herself to specifically torture my friend. Some of us have long suspected that she might be having a crush on our friend. Of course, our friend has remained oblivious to such things. He simply thinks that the crazy girl just finds pleasure in torturing him. Oh, and he scared us by saying that he wanted an X-Acto knife! Gosh, why does he even need an X-Acto knife? He isn't the artsy type to begin with! Well, maybe deep inside he has always wanted to dabble in the arts. Perhaps you could offer some word of encouragement to him, Yumeno-sensei...my friend is called Wakamatsu Hirotaka.
......do you think it would be better to refrain him from getting the knife? A friend just told me that Wakamatsu might be using it 'differently'... Anyway, pardon the digression. I'm wondering if it would be possible to request an autograph from you? I've heard that someone in our school's Art Club had the honour of meeting you and getting your autograph. I understand that you are extremely busy, so I'm just going to keep my fingers crossed.
Thank you for your time. I hope that I would be able to meet you in person someday. Until then. Ogenki de.
Ogenki desuka? It was such great pleasure sharing a counter with you the other evening. Oh, you probably wouldn't have a clue; I wasn't exactly a physical presence in the izakaya. Before you start hurling that expensive sake anywhere, I just have a colourful imagination. Now, would you kindly remain seated, and let me tell you a few things. Quite unfortunately, this wouldn't be a two, three-minute segment unlike the anime adaptation of your after-work indulgences. Why couldn't people just serve up longer episodes of gastronomy, fictional or otherwise? Oops, pardon me. I suppose that I should be more grateful. Shall I continue? Thanks.
You have beautiful eyes. Yeah, I mean it. Your creator has done such a splendid job on those lovely things. They remind me of a cat's eyes. Beautiful and mysterious. Okay, I should probably divert to another subject before you waste that expensive sake on some innocent customer. For the last time, I like to imagine things now and then. Okay, shall we revisit the first dish which you had in the anime: Sake no Shioyaki?
Yeah, I agree that the salmon skin tastes superb, especially with a simple seasoning like salt. The taste buds would just open up freely and absorb the rest of the flavours! I love grilled salmon just as much as eating it raw off a conveyor belt. Hmm, I have never had my grilled salmon with grated daikon before. I should probably try that combination someday! And have a glass of sake to go along as well.
Oh, I see that you love your fried chicken too. The ones from fastfood restaurants aside, I enjoy the different flavours in kara-age. I mostly have mine in a bento set though. Do you take yours with mayonnaise? Some eateries squrt a small dollop next to the side, and it looks really mouth-watering! Hmm, come to think of it, kara-age seems to complement quite a lot of dishes like ramen, soba, rice...okay, I'm salivating!
Hmm, I don't think that I would ever dare to try sea urchin and watercress in butter. I'm fine with watercress in broth though. Sea urchin sounds really dangerous, and I'm not exactly a fan of exotic seafood or whatever that slimy thing is called. Oh, the monkfish liver looks really enticing though! I could handle a fish dish more comfortably. And that portion is huge! I have eaten clams before, though not steamed in sake but pan-fried with chili. Hmm, I should really get hold of some sake!
Ah, the simple yet uplifting Potato Salad! Yours had actually come with a boiled egg! Hmm, mine is usually served with bacon, green onion, butter...okay, I don't really know what goes into most potato salads but the flavours are definitely refreshing. Yeah, they are easy on the stomach too! Shiawase...
Gomen ne, I hope that I haven't overwhelmed you too much with this letter. I just want to express my love for your stories in a different way. I suppose that it would be a lot more fulfilling and ideal to read the manga since those two-minute episodes simply aren't enough. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the rest of your food and drink adventures! Ogenki de.
Ogenki desuka? You have definitely become much stronger since my previous letter to you. The deafening cries that erupted following the long-awaited passing of the goal - the one and only which many teams have bled, sweated and teared for - resonated with me just as profoundly even though I was watching the race at the comfort of my room. Promises are easy to make, yet difficult to realise. The burning desire to bring each jersey past the finishing line could only be fulfilled by one person - the ultimate Winner - and I'm elated and proud that he is none other than you, Team Sohoku #176 - Onoda Sakamichi! Congratulations, you have brought the team's jersey across the Inter-High. No other words seem able to describe that moment, but your shout of victory has done it. The remaining ounce of energy boosted your trembling hands as the three-day tournament came to an end. Well-done!
You have continued to lend weight as Team Sohoku's pillar of support through many physical and mental obstacles. I must have said that to you countless times, but I'm sure your friends and seniors will agree on just how strong an impact your presence has triggered over those three days. The inner climbing monster is merely a starter for the relentless pursuit manifested through sheer determination and such is what truly ignites the force which puts out the rest of the opponents. I'm certain that you and Manami will become much closer after this race. After all, he seems like the only person among the rival teams who doesn't go around cracking kunckles while looking to bite people's heads off. Well, that is more of a figurative remark but in my heart, your initial encounter with Manami has already laid out the essential foundation of a long-lasting friendship. I don't think that there would ever be a second sight like that - you and Manami were genuinely smiling at each other at the end of the race. Most people would probably resemble dead fishes.
The winners' platform may only be 15 centimetres tall, but echoing what the seniors have said, the greatest height there is. I have to say though that I was a little taken aback by Makishima-senpai's out-of-character emotional outburst as the team stood proudly with the winner's cup and bouquet. Even Kinjou-senpai and Tadokoro-senpai couldn't believe what they had seen! Well, I suppose that a little off-tune (?) is acceptable. It was nice of Team Hakone Gakuen to applaud you guys. For a second, Manami was still feeling a little lost (absolutely no pun intended). But we all know that he will be fine!
Oh, while I wasn't expecting that cycling trip with Team Sohoku to Akihabara, I did realise that it actually tied in to what you had wished for right at the beginning of the series - you had wanted to visit Akihabara with your friends. Even though there was still a difference, it wasn't a glaring one at least. The seniors' awkwardness throughout the trip was refreshingly hilarious! I was moved by your little but powerful confession at the end. Yeah, you have indeed come a long way. From an otaku to a full-fledged road racer demands a lot of sacrifices, but you have managed to pull through all the obstacles with your trademark smile. Please keep smiling for yourself and Team Sohoku. Every team needs somebody like you!
If there ever would be a third season, I would most definitely root for Team Sohoku again! Meanwhile, I shall miss you guys really badly. Take care, and thank you.
Congratulations. You have finally overestimated your abilities in the Inter-High tournament. Self-absorption is harmful in the long run, didn't anybody inform you of that? You haven't had the slightest idea how severe the damage could be, and merely continued pedalling like a monstrous lunatic along the curves and such. I happen to agree with a handful of spectators - you are the gross one, not your opponents. I mean, you don't even value your own team members. In your eyes, everybody else is a pawn.
Frankly, watching your episode has little effect on my impression of you. I know that you probably don't give a bull about criticisms and opinions since those were never in your field of concern anyways. Nonetheless, your streak of winnings is just a page off the archives. The truth is, the Inter-High is still about teamwork. Your personal gain does nothing to propel Kyoto Fushimi to where it deserves to be. I'm so glad that your opponents have finally destroyed your confidence towards the remaining few metres of the second day.
It has been said that athletes have great teeth, or at least that was what your mother had told you. Your mother was a beautiful soul. Even during times of pain and discomfort, she would continue to encourage you with a smile. Your mother said that you would make a great athlete despite your lack of athleticism in most sports. However, I'm not sure if she would feel proud knowing about your manipulative personality for the purpose of attaining personal glory. What your mother wanted to see was the growth of a true athlete in her son. Then again, that isn't any of my concern to intrude. I wish the episode was about something else though.
Who could ever forget the cruel tactics that you played on Imaizumi-kun and Shinkai-san in the previous season? Winning isn't everything, however the traumatic experience had triggered a rather frightening character from Imaizumi-kun who had initially thought of nothing but beating everybody else in his way. Yet unlike you, Imaizumi-kun understands the importance of teamwork and the sheer fact that there are some things which he is unable to achieve on his own. Team Sohoku has come a very long way, whether you acknowledge it or not. Hakone isn't to be messed around with either.
I believe that you will be crossing paths with Onoda-kun again pretty soon. Onoda-kun is the unpredictable force that never fails to intrigue others. Then again, he could easily become another pest in your eyes. Perhaps you have already got something up your sleeve? Onoda-kun isn't somebody who would easily suspect others of anything. You probably don't come across as a threat to him because of that. Anyway, Onoda-kun is an otaku so...do you have a favourite manga or anime? His favourite series is Love Hime.
Honestly, just how much wider could those eyes of yours stretch across the face? I don't know if I'm the only person who thinks that underneath all those skin actually hides a gruesome monster from outer space. Of course, I know that I'm being rude by saying that but I'm sure it doesn't bother you a tiny bit. I mean, you even sleep with your eyes wide open! Anyway, that makes an antagonist a lot more identifiable. Your limbs are so flexible. Do you practice yoga or something? Nope, I'm not praising you. Then again, it is a miracle that I'm actually dedicating a letter to you. There must be something in that coffee. Oh well, whatever.
Like it or not, I know that I will be seeing you again anyway. Meanwhile, just get a grip of yourself.
Dear Haruka, Ogenki desuka? I hope this letter doesn't come across as startling, though I believe you certainly have no lack of love and admiration everywhere. I think writing letters isn't so common anymore, since technology has long consumed humans with its ever increasing upgrades. I wonder if there are still others who yearn for that hint of simplicity like the good old days? Speaking of which, I hear that you work in a farm! How is that for a tranquil life? I kind of like the idea of barnyard animals running across the fields, except that calling them back would be a hassle! More importantly, you are the mascot for Milkcananime. How befitting! You know, cows and milk and...well, just about everything in here comes around pretty nicely. Gosh, you are a tall one, aren't you? Hey, you should consider taking part in some competition! I don't know if you have heard, but recently there has been some revival of a swimsuit competition though it isn't going too well to say the least! Have you done modelling? Those legs would make a great advertisement for fried chicken wings...I mean, milk...never mind.
So, you are going to turn 21 in a few months! Has adulthood changed much of your life? Well, I would think the farm is a little too peaceful most of the time for a youngster! Do you go on a big trip somewhere? I think an adventure would be awesome, especially when you have the luxury of time and such on your side! Hmm, I wonder if cows are allowed to travel with people? Not by air, of course! Oh, before I sign off...I have a little confession to make. Do you know you are actually on a t-shirt? Yeah, I wear that from time to time. It is super comfortable...the t-shirt I mean. It also represents something else much bigger. Anyway, thank you for being who you are! Moo...
Hello readers! We are just a few days away from March, and I must say that I have long given up thinking about what would lie ahead since the mind needs to be constantly conditioned to be able to process and digest, to the point where there isn't really much space left for other stuff to come in. An old classmate on Facebook has indicated an interest in attending Anime Festival Asia 2016, and I'm like...okay, isn't that stretching things a little too far? Or maybe I'm just a snail in denial or something. Anyway, the weather is acting up crazily again. Do replenish those fluids and keep cool. Yesterday, it had rained pretty much the entire day but I was still perspiring from the invisible sun. Right now, the fan at home is at full blast. Let's see just how effective that is.
Would anybody fancy the idea of keeping a mummy for a pet? Yeah, the one with an entire hospital's supply of bandages wrapped around its body. Well, before anybody flees off in fear of being cursed, this particular mummy is so sinfully adorable that there is no way to push it out of the mind. Meet Mi-kun, the palm-sized mummy which has become an important presence in the house and life of Kashiwagi Sora, a high-school student whose father is a self-proclaimed adventurer frequently absent in his son's life. However, Sora's father extremely dotes on him, and in the beginning a really huge, odd-shaped package arrives at Sora's doorstep. Upon opening it, Sora discovers a coffin and a thick letter that is filled with mushiness.
Until Mi-kun's timely arrival, Sora was supposedly rather immune to his father's weird antics since he would often receive strange presents from his father's adventures, from a sinister-looking doll to a killer scarecrow. Well, not quite so after what the father had mentioned in his letter that he hopes Sora and the mummy will get along nicely like a family. As if on cue, the coffin begins to tremble eerily, causing Sora to grab some household item in self-defence. The mummy soon slides out of that coffin, having exhausted all its might just from pushing the lid. Yeah, the mummy is so tiny! As the sight is totally different from what Sora had expected, he becomes even more fearful.
It turns out that the mummy is virtually harmless and like an actual pet. An apprehensive Sora is just as confused if not more so over the peculiar figure which is alarmingly emotional and would tear up almost every few seconds. After a failed attempt to roll it back to Egypt, Sora decides to temporarily let the mummy move about and help with a little housework. Naturally, that quickly becomes out of the question as the mummy nearly drowns inside a pot full of undone dishes and dishwashing liquid. Following that, it clings onto Sora tightly while the latter becomes even more baffled with the situation. After much scuffle along the way, Sora tries to calm the mummy down by calling it Mi-kun. Mi-kun takes that gesture as a permission to stay with Sora.
How To Keep A Mummy is created by Utsugi Kakeru, and the first tankoubon was released just recently on 12th of February. The front cover art is simply irresistible! Mi-kun looks so adorable and loving next to Sora. I'm glad that I bought this. The concept is certainly refreshing, and the illustration style has enticed me to check the manga out even more! The bond between Sora and Mi-kun gradually becomes inseparable. Reading their stories has definitely made me wish for a pet mummy as well! I have never had a pet before, unless a Tamagotchi still counts as one. Anyway, I recommend How To Keep A Mummy to anybody who has always wanted a pet in their lives.
