Megurine Luka can sing in English

Jan 31, 2009

Megurine Luka

Megurine Luka was finally released yesterday but there is already a lot of videos with her on Nico Nico Douga and YouTube. There is also a few videos of Luka being drawn which are very interesting. Here is one, and another one. I really admire the people who are able to draw that awesome pictures.

It was said that Luka would be able to sing well even in English. It has really become true and you can understand what she sings unlike in Miku and Kagamines' songs. You can check Luka's English in the video below.


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Poll results: Richest Girl in Anime

Jan 29, 2009

Sanzenin Nagi

The poll has been concluded. The title "Richest Girl in Anime" gains Sanzenin Nagi from Hayate no Gotoku. The detailed results are as follows.

#1 Sanzenin Nagi with 22 votes
#2 Nogizaka Haruka with 6 votes
#3 Nankyoku Sakura, Saginomiya Isumi, and Yukihiro Ayaka, each with 2 votes
#4 Sawachika Eri with 1 vote
The rest, namely Katagiri Yuuhi, Ayanokouji Karen, and Murasaki Kouhuin, didn't get a single vote; 7 people chose the option 'Someone else'

Thanks for voting in the poll. And as you might have already noticed, you can vote in another poll now.


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Animals in Anime - Dogs part 2

Jan 28, 2009

Today is the day when our animals serial continue with another look for dogs. Let's start right now without any more unrelated talk.

Maria Holic

Yonakuni-san

Maria Holic dog - Yonakuni

This is the dog I mentioned I would go over the last time. A dorms keeper's pet from currently airing anime, Maria Holic. It looks ugly, doesn't it? I think it resembles a sausage dog a little, but I'm not quite sure about it. Its behavior is very strange and it is very fond of wakame.

AIR TV

Potato

Potato

Potato from anime and visual novel Air. Potato is a stray dog with curly coat. It produces a funny sound 'Piko','Pika', or 'Pikari'. This dog is cute from every angle and his head looks like a balloon with two short ears. Or it may resemble a dango. I think Nagisa from Clannad would regard him as a walking dango.

Naruto

Akamaru

Akamaru

Akamaru, Izunuka Kiba's ninja dog from Naruto. Akamaru is treated very well by Kiba and they cooperate in battles. Akamaru is not much of a dog-like being. Its ears are the most different feature of him.

Fruits Basket

Shigure

Shigure

Shigure, a dog from Fruits Basket, can't be labelled as dog so easily, because it is a human, too. Well, it is a man who turns into dog when he embraces anyone of the opposite sex. His dog form can't be characterized other than dull-looking.

Kareshi to Kanojo no Jijou

Pero Pero

Pero Pero

This is an ultimate shape of dog. It posssesses godlike powers and can transform into Eva, Gundam, Lancelot, and Guren. Well, it can't, of course. It's a normal puppy that is looking very very stupid and doesn't have any special powers. It would be interesting to see a dog-god with such tremendous powers but it's impossible, even in anime I guess. But if there was another anime akin to FLCL, an animal like that might be created I think


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Clannad After Story - episode 15 review

Jan 26, 2009

Clannad After Story episode 15

Nagisa is in her second month and due to her never-much-good physical condition, she must stay at home. Tomoya swears that he'll protect her and the child, and considering all the facts, he knows he will have to support the family of three on his own, at least for some time.

Clannad After Story episode 15

Nagisa feels sick and Tomoya takes care of her. He even makes her some simple meal.

Clannad After Story episode 15

Tomoya is told by Nagisa that she wants to give birth to the baby at home. He is aware that it isn't any simple thing and thinks about it. He goes to talk with Akio, who seems to be busy playing a racing game, and Akio is astonished at the moment he hears it. The whole family, Nagisa, Tomoya, Sanae, and Akio, are talking about it. Sanae mentions that when she gave birth to Nagisa, she was seperated from her and couldn't spend the moments after the birth with her. Then, Akio says he was the first who licked Nagisa, and wants to be the first one to lick Nagisa's baby too. Nagisa objects that Tomoya has the right to do it, but Tomoya quickly replies he'll pass.

Nagisa and Tomoya are introduced to a friend of Sanae, who works as a midwife. She tells them to think over the decision about giving birth at home.

Clannad After Story episode 15

Later, at Furukawa's house, Tomoya calls Akio "ojii-chan" (gramps). It makes Akio very angry, obviously. But, I was wondering, how old could he be? He's pretty young to be a grandfather. However, the one I'm very curious about is Sanae. Exactly how old is she? Give her a school uniform and she will become a high-school-girl, no, a high-school-grannie.

Nagisa starts to sing a song to her baby. Guess what song. Hard, isn't it? Of course, it's Dango Daikazoku. However, this time, the song sounded completely different. Not the song itself, but the feeling it conveyed. Sanae joined and sang, then Akio, and Tomoya. In the end they all sang together.

Clannad After Story episode 15

One day, Tomoya runs into Sanae and they go to the restaurant where Nagisa worked. Sanae tells Tomoya that she was told by the doctor that there will be some danger during the delivery. Sanae says that despite this fact, there shouldn't be any bih problem, but only if everything goes well. Nagisa falls ill to her mysterious illness from time to time, and if it happens at the time of the delivery, it can have a very bad ending.

Clannad After Story episode 15

Then, Tomoya tells it to Nagisa but she doesn't want to give up on the child. She wants to give birth to it no matter what.

Clannad After Story episode 15

Akio brings Tomoya to a place where he always wanders off from the bakery. He tells Tomoya that the day they found Nagisa laying on the snow-covered lawn, he just took her in his arms and ran aimlessly. He arrived on this place and prayed. And as the sun rose, Nagisa opened her eyes and her condition got better. Akio has been looking after this place from that time. But now, this place has become a building site.

Clannad After Story episode 15

Nagisa with Tomoya decides on a name for their child. Nagisa came up with the name Ushio (tide) and Tomoya agreed. And in the end they promise they will go to see the ocean with Ushio next year.


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Mizuki Nana has broken her Oricon curse

Jan 24, 2009

Mizuki Nana broke Oricon curse

Finally, Mizuki Nana has broken her everlasting curse and topped the Oricon chart with her new single, Shin Ai (深愛), which contains a song of the same name that is OP for anime White Album.

Up to January 21, none of her singles had made it to the top, but on that day, which is actually Nana's birthday, her new single was released and reached the #1 rank. I think that she couldn't have got a better present.

Congratulations, Nana-san.

Let's see if the new single will also become Nana's first single to sell more than 100,000 copies.


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Summer uniform vs. Winter uniform

Jan 23, 2009

Showdown. Natsufuku (summer uniform) vs. Fuyufuku (winter uniform). Which are better? One might say that summer uniforms, because they show more. But it's not much true, because skirt is part of a winter uniform, too. The only difference in exposure are arms. Thus, it's almost only about cuteness. Natsufuku still has an advantage though, I think, because the less clothes the easier to make it cute. It's hard to make thick layers of clothes cute, but it's easy to make a light uniform cute. However, if it's designed well, then winter uniform can be no match for the summer one. So I think that in general, it's more difficult to make a winter uniform, but the nice winter uniforms are the best.

A little info about the origination of the most classical type of seifuku, the sailor outfit. Quoting from Wikipedia.

It was introduced as a school uniform in 1921 by the principal of Fukuoka Jo Gakuin University (福岡女学院), Elizabeth Lee. It was modelled after the uniform used by the British Royal Navy at the time, which Lee had experienced as an exchange student in the United Kingdom.

Well, you have my gratitude, Mrs. Lee. Rest in peace.

Now, a few examples where winter uniforms look better than the summer ones, in my opinion.

Lucky Star

Summer uniform:

Lucky Star summer uniform

Winter uniform:

Lucky Star winter uniform

Clannad

Summer uniform:

Clannad summer uniform

Winter uniform:

Clannad winter uniform

Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu

Summer uniform:

Haruhi summer uniform

Winter uniform:

Haruhi winter uniform

To Love-ru

Summer uniform:

To Love-ru summer uniform

Winter uniform:

To Love-ru winter uniform

Kanon

Winter uniform, probably, or all-year-round uniform with long sleeves, since I haven't seen any summer uniform from Kanon. But maybe it's only because the whole story took place in winter?

Kanon uniform


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Clannad After Story - episode 14 review

Jan 21, 2009

Clannad After Story episode 14

Nagisa has become Tomoya's wife, so Tomoya tells Akio-san that he's going to call him "Father" from now on. Akio becomes freaking desperate of it and scrawls on his throat, like he had Hinamizawa Syndrome (it surely looked like a pun on Higurashi).

Clannad After Story episode 14

Then, Akio-san replies that he will call him "Son". And the screenshot speaks for Tomoya's reaction.

Clannad After Story episode 14

Nagisa look so mature in this scene.

Nagisa lives with Tomoya in his apartment. They vowed they will face any obstacle together and overcome it. Nagisa tells Tomoya that she's going to look for a job. He shows he's worried about her condition and asks if she will be able to work. She says she will be absolutely fine and even though she is physically weak, she doesn't want to be a weak person.

Clannad After Story episode 14

They swear they will always be by each other's side and hold their hands.

Nishima-san, a friend from school, has told Nagisa that she is going to work in a family restaurant and asks her if she doesn't want to work there too. Nagisa accepts this offer.

Tomoya mentions the local legend about the light balls that will grant any wish to people who gets a hold of one of those balls. These balls must have a meaning and I'm sure this is not the last time they are mentioned and they will most likely have some important appearance. After all, it's a miraculous part of Clannad. And these balls are somehow connected with the Illusionary World. Which means that we will probably see them again, since this is Key's work we are talking about. And they are into the fantasy, spiritual stuff.

Clannad After Story episode 14

Akio and Tomoya go to take a look at working Nagisa. And Akio wears this disguise in order to hide his identity from her daughter. Akio rapper is very hilarious.

Clannad After Story episode 14

Nagisa's waitress outfit. Definitely very cute. And Tomoya and Akio think so, too. Furthermore, Nagisa doesn't recognize her own father and asks Tomoya who is that person with him. Tomoya can't believe it. Well, nobody could believe it, I think.

Clannad After Story episode 14

Akio has taken a lot of photos of Nagisa in work. Is he a pervert or what? ^^

Tomoya is told by Nagisa that the old building, where their Theater Club was, is going to be pulled down. Hearing this he becomes frustrated and unintentionally yells at Nagisa. He's upset because after all, it is a place where they made many of their memories.

Clannad After Story episode 14

Nagisa looks a little sick and falls for a moment. Akio jokes that she is pregnant and Sanae actually confirms it.

Clannad After Story episode 14

Nagisa's red face while telling her parents that since she and Tomoya are a married couple, they do that sort of things (エッチな事もしちゃってます - Ecchi na koto mo shichattemasu). Tomoya is amazed how she was able to tell it to her parents so frankly.

Clannad After Story episode 14

And then, Akio is having a word with Tomoya XD


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Bible Black in tabloid

Bible Black DVD

Today was a special day, because Bible Black DVD was sold along with one tabloid as an appendix that you can buy along with the newspaper. I knew I had to get it, so I did so. But I tell you, I was a little nervous when I got to the newsstand, since I expected that the seller would glare at me with a frightening look when handing me the DVD. Fortunately, nothing like that happened. The lady in the stand probably didn't even look at the cover, gave me the DVD, and I could go to school contentedly, with smile on my face.

The sign down on the cover reads "Absolutely not suitable for children; animated erotic series". Nevertheless, I'm wondering whether some unaware, silly moms have bought or will bought it for their kids ^^ Well, I hope not.

Various DVDs are sold along with newspapers here, in Czech Republic, but this was the first time any hentai had been sold in newspapers. And it was the first time ever any hentai had been officially sold in Czech Republic. Do they sell any DVDs along with newspapers in your state? If yes, have they ever sold any anime?


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Kagami with Quattro Formaggi

Jan 19, 2009

Kagami figma

I had a nice lunch with my Kagami figma. It was spaghetti with quattro formaggi sauce. I love Italian cuisine, and I love cheese, and this is an ideal combination. Plus, I had a cute company so it tasted even better. I'm sure Kagami would have eaten some too, if she had been able to. But she would have got dirty, and I don't want her to smell of cheese.

I have come up with two terms that could be used to describe this kind of lunch. "Otagohan" (オタご飯) derived from words "otaku" and "gohan". Gohan means meal. And the other one is "Itagohan" (痛ご飯) derived from words "itai", painful, and "gohan" again. The word itai is used in "itasha" (痛車), that's why it's itagohan.

Kagami figma


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Animals in Anime - Dogs part 1

Jan 18, 2009

Today, in our viewfinder are dogs. Is it just my imagination, or are there less dogs in anime than cats? It seems to me that Japanese prefer cats to dogs. I am the same actually, also prefer cats. They are cuter and can even take care of themselves. You don't have to walk them, they won't get lost, they won't drool on your precious things and expensive clothes. It's said that dogs are loyal companions of their master and would protect him from danger. But I don't know any such dog. All dogs I have got to know better are just barking maniacs that are always hungry and keep making mess everywhere. Well, enough talking about it. Let's get to the actual point of today's article.

Azumanga Daioh

Tadakichi-san

Tadakichi

First is the Great Pyrenees from Azumanga Daioh. Mr.Tadakichi is Chiyo's mount and is very obedient. Compared to real Great Pyrenees, Tadakichi is very authentic. Proportions are okay and the animators didn't forget that he should be fuzzy. His snout and ears are drawn properly too.

And one more thing. Never search Tadakichi on Gelbooru, if you're not interested in that kind of things. You know what I mean, right?

X TV

Inuki

Inuki

Yuzuhira Nekoi's dog, Inuki, is actually an inugami, which means god dog. It sounds interesting, this phrase. When you read "god" the other way round, you get "dog". Is there possibly any meaning to it? ^^

Putting this aside, Inuki can't be seen by people without unusual powers. He looks like a crossbread of Akita Inu and wolf. Inuki is also very well drawn. His coat is elaborate and there are fine details in his shading.

Cowboy Bebop

Ein

Ein

This dog from Bebop is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. This breed has been favoured by British royalty and Queen Elizabeth II has about 16 of them.

The name Ein is most likely a pun on Einstein, because this dog is extremely intelligent and able to do a lot of things, such as driving a car or playing shogi. The previous two dogs are animated better in my opinion. The proportions of Ein are fine, but the face seems a little bit strange. I don't know why, though. It may be because of those rings around his eyes.

Maison Ikkoku

Souichirou

Souichirou

A dog from Maison Ikkoku named after a deceased husband. It has a pure white coat, good body proportions on the whole, only the head, particularly nose is somewhat improper. Breed is probably not specified.

McEnroe

A pomeranian, breed named after the Pomenaria region between Germany and Poland. Its name is McEnroe, obviously a pun on the famous american tennis player, John McEnroe.

Dogs are less frequent in anime than cats, but when any makes an appearance, it looks like a real dog and it often is a specific breed, while many cats in anime don't look like a real cat. But I can't think of any plausible explanation to it. They just seem to enjoy drawing strange neko-creatures, or half-cats, but for some reason they don't take dogs as targets of their creativeness.

Next time, there will be a few dogs again, I think. One interesting dog showed up in a new anime. I'm sure some of you know in what anime, but for the others I'll keep it as a classified information for the time being ^^

Omake:

Inu mecha

I have found a nice dog-creature after all. It is a inu-gundam XD


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Sakagami Tomoyo figure review

Jan 16, 2009

Sakagami Tomoyo figure Kotobukiya

Despite the bad weather without sunshine leading into terrible conditions for a photoshoot, I decided not to wait anymore and do Tomoyo photoshoot. I am sorry for the quality of the photos, but even though I put all my effort in it, the photos are still a little blurry.

Sakagami Tomoyo figure Kotobukiya

A short info about the figure. It comes from the manufactory of Kotobukiya. She was originally released in October 2007, maybe it already was a re-release, I'm not sure. Now, she was re-released in December 2008. She has about 19cm in height. Material used are PVC and ABS.

Sakagami Tomoyo figure Kotobukiya

Very nice details in face. I love her eyes.

Sakagami Tomoyo figure Kotobukiya

This is an outfit she worn in anime and game. Every part of it was authentically reproduced on this figure.

Sakagami Tomoyo figure Kotobukiya

A cooking pot. Also the same as in anime and game. Tomoyo's fingers are done well, too.

Sakagami Tomoyo figure Kotobukiya

The pot lid is removable, and because of the ladle, it doesn't fit on the pot too well. When you move the figure, you have to put the lit down, or else it could fall.

Sakagami Tomoyo figure Kotobukiya

The apron is sculpted very well.

Sakagami Tomoyo figure Kotobukiya

Tomoyo is standing on a December issue of Megami Magazine.

Sakagami Tomoyo figure Kotobukiya

Overly cute slippers. I guess it's a bear. No, not a Pedo Bear, a regular bear.

Sakagami Tomoyo figure Kotobukiya

Tomoyo really has nice hair. They totally fit her character. And the sculptor did a good work with them.

Sakagami Tomoyo figure Kotobukiya

Of course, obligatory panchira. It's interesting how the color of her pantsu matches the color of her thighs. Pantsu are less visible, yet it looks very sexy.

Sakagami Tomoyo magnet

This magnet was a bonus included in the box. Perfect decoration for fridge. Now, everytime I open the fridge, this Tomoyo silhouette greets me.

The text on the magnet reads: "Family doesn't have to be a real family. It can be a group of friends. Just any family-like existence."

I'll most likely take some more photos of Tomoyo when the weather will be more kindly and let me take some photos with better natural lighting, since I don't want to do a photoshoot in artificial light, because I think it alters the colors.

I really love this figure and have practically nothing to complain about.
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