Happy New Year 2010!

Dec 31, 2009

明けましておめでとうございます。今年もよろしくお願いします。みんな様に良いお年をてたくさんの幸せを祈ります。そして他の重要なもの、フィギュアやCDや色んなファン商品を。Happy New Year to everyone! May the New Year be pleasant and bring you a lot of happiness, and other important stuff such as figures, CDs, and other various merchandise.

Time sure flies very fast, doesn't it? As I write this, just a few minutes are left in the year 2009 in CET time, and we'll blink our eyes once and again and it will be the end of 2010 already. Time is the biggest enemy of humans, as it's merciless and you have no ways of fighting it. That's why we can do nothing but put up with its flow and enjoy every moment to the fullest.

HAVE FUN! Now and henceforth.


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My Top 10 Anime Female Characters in 2009

It's the end of the year so it's time to review what happened and evaluate it. It can include absolutely anything, and of course it also includes anime and anime characters. And that calls for character top 10. So here come my favorite girls from anime series of this year. To make it really an authentic 2009 Top 10, I decided to omit sequels to anime from previous years. Therefore, there are no Hayate no Gotoku, Minami-ke, or Spice and Wolf characters. Neither Mikoto and Kuroko from To Aru Kagaku no Railgun.

Akiyama Mio

First comes the bass guitar playing, shimapan wearing, easily Akiyama Mio from K-ON! Despite her shyness and fear of ghosts and similar stuff, I find her very cool and composed. She stands out as the most capable person from her after-school tea time club, and she can even write nice lyrics *Fuwa Fuwa Time echoing*. Furthermore, her hair are black and long, and her upset expressions are adorable.

Akaba Chizuru

2.Akaba Chizuru

Chizuru is the Secretary of the Student Council at Hekiyou Gakuen, and besides that, she seems to be doing a lot of shady business and earning a lot of money. She is the most mature person in the Student Council, and this appearance is made even more striking by her fondness for sadistic acts. Abusing, belittling, teasing, whipping, all of that is in her list of favorite activities. However, she has a cute side to her as well, which can be observed either in the morning, or when she gets hold of the Student Council President. When she enters her "sweet mode" and wears sheep costume at the same time, the cuteness level rises over 9000.

Senjougahara Hitagi

3.Senjougahara Hitagi

Abusing, mysterious, and even calling herself tsundere. That's the Stapler Girl. She almost always has a "weapon" on her, so everyone had better be careful when dealing with her, taking her hot temper into account. Still, you can't deny that she's cool and sexy.

Ogata Rina

4.Ogata Rina

Rina is a 19-year-old singer, and one of the so called savior-goddesses of the male lead character, who should have just died like Makoto. Rina is elegant, often lonely, because she's occupied with her work, and her voice is fantastic, which isn't any big surprise as she's voiced by none other than Mizuki Nana.

Shiina Mafuyu

5.Shiina Mafuyu

Mafuyu is an ultimate treasure as regards character personality. She's a combination of a hard-core fujoshi, and a gaming addict. Her ordinary day could be described very easily. When the lessons end, she goes to the Student Council Room and plays games, then she comes home and plays games until late in the night. Then she goes to school and sleeps through the lessons while dreaming about yaoi. Don't be deceived by her cute and sweet looks. If you become her target of fantasies, it's the end for you. Nevertheless, I cannot resist her sweet, innocent look. *Alarm notice: WARNING! Signs of overheating!

Frederica Bernkastel

6.Frederica Bernkastel

Not much can be told about this Witch of Miracles. Her powers allow her to make anything come true as long as its probability of happening is not equal to zero. Bernkastel can put on an icy, calm expression, but she's cunning and mischievous in reality. This side of her can scare the wits out of you, yet there's something charming about it.

Nakano Azusa

7.Nakano Azusa

Nyaa~n!

Sangou Shizuku

8.Sangou Shizuku

Student Council President and an idol of students' hearts, irrespective of gender. Shizuku is another of the cool, long-haired, audacious characters, which I like. Like every such character, she has a hidden, lovable side to her.

Sakurano Kurimu

9.Sakurano Kurimu

Another Student Council Pres. However, unlike Shizuku, she's childish, short, childish, moe-blobish, childish, dumb, childish, slow, childish, sluggish, and also infantile ^^ Though such characters usually irritate me, there's something about Kurimu that I like. Maybe her pride for the traits she thinks she has, but actually doesn't at all. Or it may be her absolute stupidity and incompetency that I find lovely about her for whatever reason. Or, and that's most likely, it's the sparkle in her eyes and occasional enthusiasm.

Kuchinashi

10.Kuchinashi

She doesn't talk.... No, that's not the reason why I've put her in my top 10. She bears a great weapon, an electric fan, and she gives off a refined, captivating fragrance. By the way, she uttered an attack name once.

So, that's my lineup. I guess you could summarize it in two words: moe and elegance.

On another note, have a nice New Year's Eve! I hope you start off the New Year on the right foot.


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K-ON! anime to get 2nd season

Dec 30, 2009

K-ON!

According to the participants of the K-ON! Live Concert at Comiket, which ended a few hours ago, it has been announced that K-ON! will be getting a second season. No official statement has been declared yet, but we can believe it's just a matter of time.

Many people will rejoice after reading this news; others will writhe in agony that this moe-blob series is getting another season. At any rate, let's wait and see what antics will the K-ONbu members show in the 2nd season.

Here is one of many fervent Internet discussions about the unofficial announcement that stands as our only basis for believing that there will be a 2nd season.

UPDATE: It's official now!
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Vocaloid Snow Songs CD + Nendoroid Puchi Snowy Miku

Dec 28, 2009

VOCALOID SEASON COLLECTION ~SNOW SONGS~ + Nendoroid Puchi Snowy Miku

VOCALOID SEASON COLLECTION ~SNOW SONGS~ is a compilation of winter-themed and ballad songs. It has been announced recently and it will open for pre-orders tomorrow. In addition to the CD, an exclusive Nendoroid Puchi Snowy Miku will be included.

Snowy Miku seems to look the same as a regular Puchi Miku, with the exception that she has a unique white and blue print with snowflake pattern. It's undoubtedly a very lovely, artistic design, perfect as an accompaniment to the winter-themed CD.

Nendoroid Puchi Snowy Miku

There's no doubt that many people will buy the CD just for the sake of getting the figure. It is a sure-fire way how to increase the sales. After all, Snowy Miku looks ubercute, doesn't she?

Source: Mikatan


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Umineko Visual Novel Episode 5 - English patch out

Dec 27, 2009

Awesome news for every Umineko fan. A huge thanks goes to the guys at Witch Hunt for giving us a great, little belated Christmas present. English patch for Umineko no Naku Koro ni: End of the Golden Witch has been finished, and I can go read now. I'm sure it won't take me long, taking my eagerness and Umineko's awesomeness into account.

Witch Hunt banzai!

Some Umineko BGM to celebrate.


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Tako Luka Charm getto!

Dec 26, 2009

Tako Luka Charm

Santa Claus brought me my Tako Luka charm. Banzai! Banzai! Banzai! Though, it's more accurate to say I got her from my parents who confiscated the parcel when it came, and then I found it wrapped under the tree XD

And this is me opening the box. The black thing around my neck and face is something I got as a present as well. I guess I could rob a bank now, in this outfit.

Kagami and Tako Luka in X-Mas tree.

Tako Luka Charm

Demonic Tako Luka! She's really lovely.


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Infallible way to brighten your Christmas

Dec 24, 2009

Picture by uehiro

Merry Christmas to everyone! I hope you have, will have, or had a great time, and if, for any reason, you're not in a good mood, here's something to get you back into high spirits again. A special X-Mas gallery, which means santa costumes of course. Warning: NSFW!

Picture by murasakigo

Picture by koku

Picture by mitsuk

Picture by miki plus

Picture by kurokishi

Picture by orange-pengin

Picture by yamasan

Picture by sai-go

Picture by serico

Today is Thursday, but there won't be any Pettanko Thursday post. Instead of it, I present you with a few Christmas-themed pictures featuring "ironing-board girls".

Picture by nekopuchi

Picture by Ryoumoto Ken

Picture by Matsuryuu

And an extra!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!


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Ookami Kakushi Trailer - with translation

Dec 23, 2009

Ookami Kakushi

Recently streamed 15-second-long trailer for Ookami Kakushi has been translated by fansub group Hatsuyuki and you can watch it on YouTube. It reveals hardly anything regarding the plot, but still it's quite a nice video that fires up my anticipation for this series.

AniDB says about this anime:

A 16 year old boy, Kuzumi Hiroshi, started to live in a new town that is located in the mountains. The town is separated into new and old streets by the river, and many mysterious local cultures still remain. Although confused and enjoying his new life, one person kept her distance from him: class committee member Kushinada Nemura. In their few encounters she gave him a word of advice: “Stay away from the old streets”.
Is it a god (kami)? Or a wolf (ookami)? A secret law in the old part of town ... brings together dread and mystery. It is the summer of Shouwa 58, 1983. Ten stories, intertwined by the idle thoughts of people caught in repeating nightmares ... what could possibly be the truth therein!?

I'm looking forward to it a lot and I have quite high hopes of it as the story is written by Ryuukishi07 whose works I adore. Let's see if he's managed to keep his high standard.


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Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo Live Action Trailer Streamed

Dec 22, 2009

Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo Live Action 2010

Yahoo Japan website is streaming a trailer for the new live-action adaptation of Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo, directed by Taniguchi Masaaki. The story will differ from the previous anime, manga, and live action versions.

Link to the trailer at Yahoo sites

Riisa Naka, who provided the voice for the female lead character in 2006 anime film version, plays a different person in the upcoming live action film. She acts as a 18-year-old girl Yoshiyama Akari, who's the daughter of the novel lead Kazuko. After her mother falls into coma due to a car accident, Akari leaps through the time into the year 1974 in search of her mother's first love.

Source: ANN


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Razer Naga computer mouse

Razer Naga is a mouse targeted particularly at players of MMORPGs, as this mouse has 17 buttons in total. Of course, you can customize them and assign to them the functions that you want. This makes it an excellent mouse for games where you have to use a lot of commands, as you can simply perform all of them with mouse. Today has been the first time I had the chance to try it out, because I dropped by a friend who bought one recently. I must say I was very pleased with Naga in every aspect.

12 buttons are located on the left side of the mouse, which is very practical because it's easier to press the buttons with thumb than with pinky. However, in case you're a left-hand user, you're at a big disadvantage with this mouse.

Razer Naga has a 5,600dpi sensor that should ensure great preciseness, nonutilizable by a mere human hand. In case you found it imprecise, you either have a faulty piece, or it's your hand shaking.

Naga retails for 80 dollars.

I use a bit older Razer model, Copperhead Tempest Blue, and I would never replace it with an ordinary mouse anymore. It has 7 buttons in total, which means I can make use of 4 additional buttons. I use one as double-click, one to alter the sensitivity, and the other two to copy-paste. Do you have a mouse with additional buttons, or do you use a regular 3-button mouse?


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Code Geass in Yuu Yuu Hakusho OP

Dec 21, 2009

Code Geass

What happens when you combine characters from Code Geass with opening from a 16-year-old anime Yuu Yuu Hakusho. Somebody was so interested to see the result that he or she took the trouble and made this idea reality. The outcome is absolutely wonderful. You can witness it with your own eyes in the video below.

Here is the link to the video at NND.

Orange-kun as Kuwabara was a great choice. The scene where he sliced that huge orange was hilarious. Again, seeing Lelouch firing Reigun was funny as well. I admire the person who has drawn it. It must have taken a lot of time and effort.


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Horror manga "Shiki" is getting anime adaptation

Dec 19, 2009

Shiki anime announced

Shiki, a horror mystery manga by Ono Fuyumi and Fujisaki Ryuu, centers around an isolated mountain village, whose inhabitants start dying because of strange reasons. Later, the cause is unveiled; it's vampires.

The creator Ono Fuyumi is known for writing the novels Ghost Hunt and The Twelve Kingdoms. The other one, Fujisaki Ryuu, has drawn Soul Hunter manga.

It's unknown when it will get on the TV screens. But I'm definitely looking forward to it. The character on the official site reminds me of Frederica Bernkastel from Umineko, as well as the plot. A cut-off island and people are falling mysteriously. Again, the isolated village reminds me of Hinamizawa in Higurashi.


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Pettanko Thursday - Komugi, Mai, Yurume

Dec 17, 2009

Momoi Halko

Today's spotlight seiyuu is a Tokyoite known as the Queen of Akihabara, Momoi Haruko, or just shortly Halko. It's a nickname she herself came up with. She was born on December 14, 1977. Her blood type is O and she is 160 cm tall.

I will use the almost omniscient uncle Wikipedia now.

Haruko took interest in personal computers from a young age and studied personal computer communications during her high school years. After she graduated from Tokyo Metropolitan Yoyogi High School, her articles and writing on her online blog caught the attention of the chief editor of the Weekly ASCII magazine. Eventually she was offered a job as a writer for the magazine.

During the late nineties, Haruko began singing and doing live performances on the streets of Harajuku and Akihabara. She then debuted her single "Mail Me," a cover version of which appears in the movie Suicide Circle in 2000. Soon after, she debuted as a seiyū for her role as Komugi Nakahara in The SoulTaker. In 2002, she paired with Masaya Koike to form the duo UNDER17 and together performed songs for various video games, adult games and anime. After their last album "Best Album 3 ~Soshite Densetsu e...~" and a live tour of the same name, UNDER17 separated in 2004 citing creative differences, and the two musicians have since gone their separate ways. She continued on with her solo singing career and in 2006, was signed under avex mode as a music composer and singer.

In 2007, Halko published an autobiography entitled "Akihaba-LOVE", in which she tells of the major experiences that shaped her life, mainly those that were important in constructing her career as a musician and voice actress, but it also includes anecdotes from her childhood and stories of friendship, as well as personal opinions on different aspects of anime fandom.

Link to Halko's blog.

Nakahara Komugi

Nakahara Komugi, a female character from The SoulTaker, where she is a mutant girl.

She is the main character in spin-off OVA of The SoulTaker, Nurse Witch Komugi. In this anime, she is a 17-year old cosplayer, who transforms into Nurse Witch Komugi. She works under a talent agency as an idol. She is very high-spirited, which often leads her by a path to trouble.

Nakahara Komugi

Nakahara Komugi

It's revealed in the OVA that the first of Komugi's three sizes is 65cm.

Nonomiya Mai

Nonomiya Mai from anime Lovely Idol. She's a short, mild tempered girl. Other people often pick on her by comparing the size of her breasts to other idols' sizes. According to her, she has been a child actor for 8 years at the time when this anime takes place.

Nonomiya Mai

Aida Yurume

Aida Yurume is an 18-year-old girl who has failed at the entrance exams to Tokyo University (Toudai). Nonetheless, she has high hopes of being accepted to Toudai.

Aida Yurume

She moves to a dormitory where other rounins (those who fail to get to university) live and she joins them in their studies for upcoming entrance exams.

Aida Yurume


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