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Re-watching your past fav anime: Yay or Nay?

Sunday, September 8, 2019 / No Comments
Lately I have been reminiscing about my favourite animes from when I was a teenager. This started when CC Sakura was finally getting a follow-up season a few years back. I watched it when I was in elementary school and thought to myself, I loved it back then, let's see if I still like it. I rewatched everything and I still loved it! I felt so nostalgic the whole time, I felt 12 again! Not much has changed though in 2 decades, I am still a child.
Neon Genesis Evangelion is an anime I thought was brilliant. I watched it when I was around 14 years old. It came out on Netflix this year and I thought, YES ok let's rewatch this. I am a person that doesn't like rewatching stuff that much, unless it is ab-so-lutely brilliant (I have rewatched Akira and Kung Fury for like a gazillion times). Well, Neon Genesis was mind-blowing when I was 14, it would probably still deliver almost 2 decades later, right? After starting the first couple of episodes, I was frankly quite bored. Even though the music gave me chills again like it did back then (that opening will forever be a classic). And the fight-scene music is also impressive still.
The fights were still good, and I still liked the animation. Reaching the end the story got a little bit more exciting, but then the whole psychology shit I was really confused by back then, didn't really deliver. I just saw a bunch of confused young teens. Also, there were some changes, such as the ending theme. Where is my 'fly me to the moon'?? And some of the translations just made me lose my focus as I was bothered too much about how it was translated. Maybe this version kind of made me feel like the old feeling was 'lost' to me?
After the series there were, of course, the movies. I was so. incredibly. bored. I don't know what happened to me! Why did I think it was so brilliant the first time? Was it my own psychological state that was close to these teenagers being the same age and all? If that's the case, it would mean I probably had more tolerance against such behaviour. Was it the difference in 'feeling' such as ending theme and translation issues that I had? Was I getting distracted by insignificant things that turned out to be very significant to my memory of it? It didn't feel as nostalgic and 'authentic' to me anymore, somehow. 

I got this uneasy feeling. What if I 'grew out' of other anime as well? I wanted to remember them fondly and not have it shattered the way it did with NGE. There was one anime that was on my list that I didn't remember quite well but was curious about revisiting: Scrapped Princess. 


I thought this anime had everything and a really good story: magic, mecha, technology, dystopia, friendship, amazing characters and just a good plot to work with. The plot was simple: Pacifica is a girl that is the 'scrapped princess': it has been foretold that on her 16th birthday she would 'end the world'. So the government, church, royalties, knights, common people, 'wizards' and whatever you can imagine are after her. She doesn't have powers but she has a big brother that's an amazing fighter, and a sister that is good at magic (and is also my favourite character).  Although annoyed by Pacifica's behavior, I really enjoyed rewatching it! I even remember being annoyed with her voice/behavior when I watched it the first time. It's interesting to revisit these same exact emotions and feelings I had watching it the first time. I guess in my core, I do like the same things. I guess I don't like it when it changes, even in the slightest like music or translation.


Watching these 'revamp' shows kind of made me feel differently about things. I never watched the Hellsing one. Now, after more than a decade, I am in the middle of watching it. It's not as good as the first time. I don't like the animation style but I still like Alucard. Hunter x Hunter is still good, story wise. However, I liked the older version's animation style better. Watching all of these just made me realise: I really like the old, 'darker' style of animation of the 90's. It really gives these shows a better feeling and delivers on the darkness. I also feel like the literal blood, sweat, and tears of still drawing a lot really translates to a more authentic feel (instead of a lot of CGI/3D). This is the reason I never watched the newer version of Berserk: I loved the old one so much, I don't want to spoil my memory. In the case of Full Metal Alchemist vs FMA Brotherhood, because I already knew the sad parts, it didn't deliver the same as it did watching it for the first time (you know which scene, don't make me say it..). 

 Old versus new: we got a better story with the newer version


Finally seeing what happened what I already read about in the manga (I am not much of a manga reader, so that's a BIG deal for me)

One special shout-out to live-actions: Just staph. Y'all know who you are.




In conclusion, don't fiddle too much with the originals! Yeah, yeah I know, I sound like an old hag now. And a salty one to add. Although, I am very curious about how other people feel about this.  How did you feel about rewatching your favourite anime from your youth or a new adaptation of an anime you already liked? Is there any particular version that you especially liked? Or any Live Action that you really loved? Leave a comment and let me know!

#saltyoldhagout



~Written by Devi~






K-On! – Memories will always stay

Saturday, August 24, 2019 / No Comments

I am sure that most of you readers and those in the anime community are aware of the tragic incident that affected KyoAni a few weeks ago. KyoAni had produced a plethora of anime that brought joy and touched the lives of many around the world.


This article is not a review but rather a personal and heartfelt tribute to my favourite anime from KyoAni, K-On!. There will be three sections, a list of my favourite songs from K-On!, a letter to the main characters and finally a letter of support to KyoAni. I will not be touching on the plot of K-On! in this article but if I could describe it in a sentence it would be: Cute girls playing music and doing cute things. Do let me know who is your favourite character in K-On! and which songs you like too!

If you wish to read more about K-On!, you might want to read fellow writer J.Fluffysheep’s articles here: 1, 2, 3, 4 (Credit to J.Fluffysheep). 


Favourite Songs from K-On!


1. Tenshi ni Fureta yo



This is my favourite song from K-On!. The song was featured in episode 24 of the second season. It was played by Yui, Mio, Ritsu and Mugi specially for Azusa after their graduation ceremony. I remember clearly how much I cried during that episode and listening to this song hits me in the feels every time. Seeing Azusa cry and telling her senpais to please not graduate was too much for my heart. Like everyone else, I did not want Yui and the rest to graduate but as they say, all good things must come to an end. The good news is that Yui, Mio, Ritsu and Mugi all made it to the same college. Let us hope that Azusa will be able to enter the same college as them in the future so that we can have more Ho-kago (After School) Tea Time moments.


2. U&I



U&I is the first song written by Yui, who managed to get inspiration for the lyrics when her younger sister Ui fell sick. Although Ui is the younger sister, she is always taking care of her older sister and is much more mature in comparison to Yui. Yui told the girls in the Light Music Club that she wanted to convey the feeling of realising the importance of a truly valuable thing only after she lost it and thus wrote this song. U&I was performed at the third high school festival. It is the last school festival for the third years in the Light Music Club before their graduation. I like the beat of U&I the most out of all of the songs in K-On!. 


3. Fude Pen Boru Pen

Duet version, Mio with Yui

Second school festival version (Mio)

Fude Pen Boru Pen was sung by Mio for the second high school festival performance although Yui is the lead vocalist. It is the Light Music Club’s second song and Ho-kago Tea Time’s first original ever since Azusa joined the club. Unfortunately, Yui left her guitar, Giita, at home and rushed back to retrieve it, hence did not participate in this song. There are different versions of this song such as the duet version with Mio and Yui as well as the second school festival version, the Mio solo version. I love this song so much especially the duet version because I think Yui and Mio’s voices perfectly complement each other. Fude Pen Boru Pen is a very cheerful and energetic song, one of Ho-kago Tea Time’s best in my opinion.



4. Fuwa Fuwa Time


Yui version

First school festival version (Mio with hoarse voice Yui)

Fuwa Fuwa Time is the song written by Mio Akiyama for the first high school festival performance and also the Light Music Club’s first ever original. It was sung by Mio during the first school festival because Yui had lost her voice a few days before the performance while practicing with Sawa-Chan Sensei. Yui sang this song at the second school festival when she barely made it back after retrieving Giita. Fuwa Fuwa Time is a really catchy song and easily one of my favourites. There are also different versions of this song such as Yui as the lead vocalist, Mio as the lead vocalist or a duet with both of them. I like the Yui version and the first school festival version where Mio is the lead vocalist together with Yui’s hoarse voice. Yui’s hoarse voice is so cute, I love it to bits. 



Letter to Main Characters

To Hirasawa Yui:

Yui with Giita

Yui: Make-up kiss!

Yui: Ui’s homemade soba noodle is delicious

I love strawberries


Dear Yui,

You are such a silly goofball but that is why I love you so. You never fail to bring a smile to my face with your funny actions and expressions. I adore your honest and straightforward personality; you are true to yourself and say whatever is on your mind without fear of repercussions. The look of joy when you first bought Giita made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I also smiled when you told Azusa you chose Giita because you thought it was cute. I find it amazing that you were able to learn the guitar so quickly, I hope you realise how innately talented you are. I could not help but burst out laughing when you said you treat your guitar well by sleeping with it and dressing it up. I love how you are always beaming with confidence and never afraid to try new things. I like how you always take challenges in your stride and lighten the mood in the Light Music Club, you are such an angel. Despite your forgetfulness and low attention span, I love the fact that you are always doing your best for the Light Music Club and Ho-kago Tea Time. My favourite cake is the same as yours, strawberry shortcake is the greatest. Yui, you will always be my best girl, you are so precious. 


To Mio Akiyama:


Angry Mio: Starting tomorrow, we need to start practicing seriously!

I am not nervous at all


I am not scared


Dear Mio,

Did anyone mention to you that you become really cute when you are scared, shy or angry? I know it took you a lot of courage to step on stage during the first high school festival to replace Yui as the lead vocalist, bravo Mio! I also find it really funny that you sealed away the performance video because of the incident at the end. I like how you and Azusa keep the girls in check when they just want to laze around. You are the much-needed disciplinarian who ensures that they get sufficient practice. You are so popular that you even have your own fan club in school. I could not contain my laughter when you passed out upon learning that you were given the lead role as Romeo in your class’s play. I love your tsundere attitude towards Ritsu as well, you two were made for each other.


To Ritsu Tainaka:


The two comedians in the club




Dear Ritsu,

Thank you so much for keeping the Light Music Club alive. The Light Music Club would have been defuncted and there would be no Ho-kago Tea Time without you. Please remember to fill in the forms for the school festivals though, you are the president after all. I think that you are really suited for playing the drums as you are always so energetic. I like how you make the club fun by telling funny jokes and acting silly. I love your jealous behaviour when Mio got closer to Nodoka, it was really cute. I like that you are adventurous such as recommending Ho-kago Tea Time to try for a live house gig when you heard from a friend. Mio says some embarrassing words at times and I love the way you get shy after listening. You and Yui make a good combination as the club’s comedic duo. 


To Tsumugi Kotobuki:




Mugi with Ritsu at the dagashi shop

Mugi working her part-time job

Dear Mugi,

You are such a sweet girl, always trying your best to make everyone happy. You are always cheerful and your positive energy is constantly radiating. I am sure the girls are very grateful for what you have done for them. You lent your expensive tea-set to the Light Music Club, always make tea and snacks for the girls, helped Yui get Giita at a cheaper price and even let the girls use your villas for the training camps. I also want to try your tea and cakes, they always look so delicious. Come to think of it, you are the reason Sawa-Chan sensei gave the girls the band name Ho-kago Tea Time. You are always humble and helpful despite being a wealthy ojou-sama. I love that you just want to be an ordinary girl like your peers, eating yakisoba, dagashi and playing at the arcade. I like how you took up a part-time job at a fast food restaurant, it shows that you are mature which is usually uncharacteristic of ojou-samas.


To Azusa Nakano:


Yui: I’ve decided that your nickname is Azu-nyan

Azusa loves anything sweet, from cakes to taiyaki



K..K..Kawaii


Dear Azu-nyan,

You are one of the most mature member in the club despite being the youngest and newest, I am so proud of you. I love how fierce you can get towards the other girls when you want to start practice while they just want tea and snacks. Did I mention that Yui petting you on the head is the cutest thing ever? I know you love Mugi’s sweets a lot and I hope she will occasionally bring you some after she graduates. I agree with Sawa-Chan sensei that cat ears really suit you with your hairstyle. I laughed when Yui gave you the nickname Azu-nyan after seeing you in cat ears. I was worried that you will be lonely once Yui and the rest graduate but it looks like you have found new members for the Light Music Club. You are even the leader of your new group Wakaba Girls, very impressive. Goodluck President Azu-nyan, I am sure you will take the club to greater heights! 



Letter of Support to KyoAni:



Dear KyoAni,

Your works have touched the lives of many and helped some get through dark times. Similarly, everyone around the world including the Milkcananime team will be praying for and supporting you during this dark period. I am positive that your esteemed animation studio will bounce back stronger than ever and continue to produce anime that will always be embedded in our memories like your past works. K-On! will forever be one of my favourite anime, the memories will always stay.

Written by Kou

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Miwa Haruka X Kei-Chan Stickers

Tuesday, August 20, 2019 / 2 Comments
In commemoration of AniManGaki 2019, we drew a pack of "Miwa Haruka & Kei-Chan" stickers. Kei-Chan is a cute furry mascot of AniManGaki and our dear Miwa, a farmgirl who loves animals is so excited to meet him. It seems they get along pretty well!


This beautiful pack of stickers are available free for Whatsapp and Telegram


Google Play

Or go directly here for Miwa Haruka X Kei-Chan stickers.



Apple App Store

iPhone users need an extra step to download the Kotech Online app (free)


Or go directly here for Miwa Haruka X Kei-Chan instructions.



Telegram


Fans of Telegram fret not, we have also released the cute stickers here.
Click here to get the Telegram stickers



Hope you enjoy the cute Miwa Haruka X Kei-Chan stickers. Let us know which ones are your favorites ^^


Designed by Max Wong and Shiriel




Shrine and Temple in Tottori

Saturday, August 17, 2019 / No Comments
Beside a scenic view of the sea is the Hakuto Shrine, which enshrines the spirit of a rabbit based on a famous myth. This rabbit is commonly known as the White Rabbit of Inaba, with Inaba being the name of the province that later became Tottori Prefecture.
The myth follows the rabbit on one of the Oki Islands, who wished to travel to the mainland. He bragged to the Wani (crocodiles) that the rabbit clan was larger than the crocodile clan, and to prove this, he suggested that all the Wani
The rabbit was on one of the Oki Islands which lie about fifty kilometers offshore, and he wished to travel to the mainland and so devised a plan. He bragged to the Wani that the rabbit clan was bigger than the Wani clan and to prove this, the Wani should line up and the rabbit would set off counting them each as he made his way towards the mainland. 
Unfortunately, the rabbit couldn't resist shouting "Ha! Fooled you!" before reaching the mainland and the enraged last Wani grabbed the rabbit in his jaws. The rabbit managed to escape but had his skin stripped away by the teeth of the Wani. 
This story is now interlocked with another myth: the Yasogami, which features 80 brothers who were by large, rather cruel. These brothers were on the way to meet the beautiful princess Yagami, who was to choose one of them to wed. Upon coming across the injured rabbit, they suggested that he should soak in the sea then stand in the wind, which would worsen the rabbit's condition. 

The kindhearted youngest brother, Okuninushi, came up from the rear while carrying his brothers' luggage and suggested that the rabbit should soak in freshwater then wrap itself with sedge grass. The healed rabbit then told Okuninushi that the princess would choose him, which she did, and this gained popularity as the first love story in Japan's ancient myths, hence contributing to Hakuto's shrine reputation for matchmaking.
This shrine is located right next to a road and is accessible without any hiking. It's definitely worth the time and effort to pay a visit to this shrine, especially if you are in the area. Apart from the shrine, you are also able to enjoy the beautiful sight of the coast!


For temples in Tottori prefecture, I will recommend Kiyomizu-dera, It is definitely smaller than the Kiyomizudera in Kyoto and less popular than the famous Kannon-in, but it has the perfect atmosphere of a temple.
The temple is a little off-ways of a side road and the main common area is atop a flight of stone steps.






There is a long stretch of Torii gates if you are the kind that has to go through Torii gates to feel like you're at a place of worship. At the end of the line of gates is a small shrine. However, this is not all that Kiyomizu-dera has to offer!
There is a pagoda if you walk further up the temple grounds! All the architectural beams and beams are intricately carved and arranged to form the shape of the pagoda.

In addition, you can even go up the pagoda if you happen to be there when the attending monk is present! You will have to check the timing before you go to Kiyomizu-dera as it changes based on the months though.
Be sure to check out these two places when you head to Tottori!

~ Reina-rin