Hobby Search Special Sale

In case you haven't read it somewhere, Hobby Search is going to hold a special sale from February 2 to 10. In order to commemorate the introduction of SAL shipping service, PVC figures, mecha, anime toys and fashion dolls are going to be 15% off and get 5% points. Gundam models, military, model cars, hobby tools, model trains and RC models are getting 20% off and 5% points as well.

If your wallet isn't as good as dry and you feel like getting something nice, you might consider looking at Hobby Search site whether there's anything you'd fancy. And I'm sure you'll find something.

I will restrain myself, though. I must restrain myself (>_<)

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Hatsune Miku Real Snow Nendoroid

This is what the true Snow Miku Nendoroid should look like. It's a snow sculpture that was made at Sapporo Snow Festival. As far as I know, Mikatan and other GSC members are attending the festival and that's the reason there is this massive Miku Nendoroid snow sculpture. Looks real impressive, doesn't she?

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Nendo Mio with a sword

Two days ago, an idea suddenly struck my head. "How would it look like if Mio brandished a sword?" So I decided to give it a try the next day and replaced her right hand with Shana's right hand holding Nietono no Shana. And the result is quite satisfying.

And what about some psychotropics?

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Kugimiya Rie and others in DVD bonuses

I'm always very pleased when I find a nice video with some of my favorite seiyuu. I'll restrain from any ado because I'm very sleepy now, and just hope you will like it, even if you didn't understand a word. The first video is Kugimiya Rie with Majima Junji (Ryuuji from Toradora), and the second is the main female cast from Rosario to Vampire (Kugimiya, Mizuki, Fukuen, Koyama) plus their teacher in a classroom having a special examination.

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Strike Witches Season II in Summer

The pantsu exposing loli anime about trousersless airborne fighters, Strike Witches, is getting second season, as it has been announced before. A scan from a magazine (maybe Megami 118 already) provides us with more information. The broadcast of the second season will commence in Summer.

Unlike the first season, the second season is animated by AIC, who are responsible for Candy Boy, Ookami Kakushi, Asu no Yoichi and other anime.

Now, we can only wonder whether Strike Witches II will be ruined by censors or not.

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Umineko Chiru: Magical Detective Erika-chan

I came across a lol evoking parody of the visual novel Umineko no Naku Koro ni Chiru EP5. It's called Umineko Chiru: Magical Detective Erika-chan and basically, it follows the actual story of EP5, but the dialogues are made up, of course. Warning! It contains heavy spoilers for Umineko VN EP5, so it's only for experienced visual novel readers. Or for those who don't care about Umineko, but feel like watching a funny video.

It's pretty long but I don't regret watching it. Umineko VN readers will certainly find amusing, as I did.

And that's not all. I have an omake prepared for you. It's an excellent BGM track from episode 5 called "Meitantei wa Shitteiru" but enriched with vocals. Very cute vocals at that.

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16 security cameras installed in Akihabara

In a reaction to the stabbing massacre that occurred in Akihabara in 2008, Kanda-Suehiro-cho neighborhood association have installed 16 surveillance cameras on lamps in Akihabara streets. These are the first cameras to be set up in this area.

The total price of getting the cameras on place climbed to almost 10 million yen. The prefectural government together with the ward took care of the expenses. Just for your information, you could buy about 3,000 nendoroids for that kind of money.

Another neighborhood association formed by local shop owners are planning to have a network of 35 cameras installed in the Akihabara Station surroundings by the end of March.

I doubt these cameras will help to prevent another case similar to the 2008 to happen. When somebody goes mad, he doesn't care about being seen by a security camera. Furthermore, if the cameras were or weren't there wouldn't make any difference. In a crowded place like Akihabara is, a killer on rampage will always be spotted by countless eye-witnesses. As long as the surveillance cameras don't shoot mad killers down, they're useless. The only possible use I can think of is recording cosplayers on the streets. Somebody could hack into the camera system and provide people with a detailed scrutiny of girls in maid uniforms and other cosplays.

Source: Japan Today

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Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha ViVid Vol.1 released

Following the premiere of Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st and the release of PSP Nanoha A's Portable, the first volume of Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha ViVid has been released today. Gamers prepared a special corner for this occasion where they sold the new PSP game, movie 1st soundtrack, and other merchandise. But what people liked the most was a removable book cover drawn by Fujima Takuya, which came with the volume 1 of ViVid manga. To many fans' delight, the cover was coated mainly in skin colors.

The exclusive cover

MSLN ViVid takes place 4 years after StrikerS. Nanoha has retired from her work so that she can devote her life to raising Vivio, whom she has taken in. The story revolves about Vivio, who is a fourth grader. One day, she is finally given her own device and shows great magical potential. Soon after that, a new peril comes to light.

Source: Akiba Souken

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300 Anime Song Challenge

A very interesting video from NND appeared on Sankaku today. It's a compilation that features exactly 300 anime songs, starting with songs from 2008 and going back to 2005. The title of the video says that if you recognize more than 270, your life is over - you're an ultra otaku. All song names are displayed in the video, as well as names of series from which the songs are. You just give yourself a point for every song you know.

It is advisable that you turn off the comments by clicking on the bottom right button.

I made it through with score of 134 points. I recognized about 3 fourths of songs in the first 50, but then it was getting worse and worse. Those people who can tell more than 200 are really impressive.

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Recycle with Hatsune Miku

METI (the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan) has introduced a special music video with Hatsune Miku, promoting recycling of old, used cellphones. It's a part of "Tansu Keitai Atsumetai" campaign that should persuade people to hand over old cellphones which nobody uses anymore.

METI cooperated with Crypton Future Media, the creators of Vocaloid, both on the song and illustrations. 8 winners were selected from an illustration contest and their work was used for the recycling promotional video.

It may be a good way to increase recycling of old cellphones, I think. At least, it's likely to work for a certain type of people. But judging from the cuteness of the used artworks, it might have an effect even outside Vocaloid fans.

Source: ANN

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My first animation in Cinema 4D

Cinema 4D is a very good application for 3D motion graphics that we use at CG classes. Our school has bought a school license that allows each student from the CG class to use Cinema 4D at home. We had to make a simple animation as a mid-term assignment and I felt that I just must put an anime texture on something. All the more reason to show it to you now that it's finished. I hope you like it!

I had good time working on it, but sometimes it was frustrating when I couldn't make it move like I wanted. Also, some effects were really bogging down my computer so I got the "not responding" error quite a few times. Seems it's about time to replace my graphics card. But I guess I'll have to make it my birthday wish. There's no way I could afford it, unless I gave up on some figures. And that just wouldn't do, of course.

Anyways, I think the video turned out well in the end. It's quite short, but I like it. Well, I wouldn't call it finished and would remade it if I didn't like it.

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Potato Arm - potato chips transporter

When you eat potato chips, your hands inevitably get greasy. If you're eating at computer, your mouse and keyboard won't be happy about it, as they will get dirty and they just don't like it. And you don't like it either, because it's quite a big challenge to clean them. However, at the Toy Forum 2010, Takara Tomy company presented a new product that could help you out. It's called "Potato Arm" (ポテチの手).

Basically, Potato Arm is a stick with a hand at one end. You can control the fingers and imitate the movement of human hand picking a potato chip. Therefore, you can eat your chips without soiling your hands.

The Potato Arm has an automatic cleaning system FECS (Finger Easy Cleaning System). You just put a tissue between the "fingers", press a button, and they will rub themselves clean on their own.

Potato Arm is scheduled for July release and it will cost 699 yen.

It looks rather cool but I don't think that many people will really buy it. After all, it must be a bit awkward using a stick to feed yourself. Nothing can replace the sense in your own fingers.

Source: Itai News

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Nendoroid Puchi Fate/stay night preview part 2

The other 6 figures from the Fate/stay night Puchi Nendoroid collection have been revealed. Basically, it's the previous 5 characters in different attires and poses. Nevertheless, they're cute.

Saber Caliburn version

Tousaka Rin Magical Jewels version

Sakura Apron version

Rider Magic Circle version

Ilya Dress version

Saber Pajama version

The heads and bodies are swappable so you can create various funny combinations.

The last one still remain secret, of course. It would be nice if it was Caster to complete the female character cast (I'm not counting that crazy teacher ofc), but it doesn't seem very likely to me. Since it's a secret, it will probably be something great, and I don't think that anyone would save the announcement of Caster as the last course. It's more likely to be another Saber or Rin, or Emiya if we're unfortunate. But Archer would be good.

The first 5 figures are introduced in a previous post.

All photos are courtesy of Mikatan

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Happy Birthday Mizuki Nana!

お誕生日おめでとう、奈々ちゃん。21st January, which is today, is Mizuki Nana's birthday. So, how old does she turn? 17, of course. Just like last year, and the year before and before and before... ^^

Nana has got a great present. Her single Phantom Minds has sold 53,970 copies in a week and topped the Oricon Singles Weekly Chart. Furthermore, she is the first seiyuu in history of Oricon to have claimed the first place in Weekly Singles Chart. And Oricon charts started in 1968. I hope she'll get the first place even the next week.

If you want to make Nana-chan happy, the best present you can give her is buying the single Phantom Minds and the upcoming single Silent Bible. I believe that Silent Bible might broke Mizuki Nana's record of sold copies in first week, which holds the single Trickster with about 57,000 copies.

And what did Nana do on her birthday? As she writes on her blog, she had her favorite curry, unsurprisingly. And the curry shop also prepared a birthday cake for her.

If you wonder, yes! I had a cake! It's an important day today after all, and it's also a great opportunity to treat myself to something good. I wanted a strawberry cheesecake that would harmonize with Nana-chan's cuteness, but they didn't have any, so I had to do with this whatever it's called cake.

The only thing that sucks is that my copy of Phantom Minds is still somewhere on the way between Japan and my home. Hope it's here soon.

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Nendoroid Puchi Fate/stay night preview

The date of the premiere of F/SN Unlimited Blade Works is approaching, which brings F/SN back into spotlight. One of the results is that Fate/stay night characters are getting Petite Nendoroid treatment. It was announced some time ago, but we can finally have a look at 5 of 12 planned Nendoroid Puchi figures.

The poses of F/SN Nendoroid Puchis are the same as the poses of GSC's early products, Fate/stay night trading figures.

There's no need to say that they are very cute and adorable, because it just goes without saying. Other 6 will be introduced tomorrow. The last 1 is a secret that will remain veiled for the time being.

Photos are courtesy of Mikatan

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K-ON! OVA

Another K-ON! news today. A new, full-length episode of K-ON! is out. As usual, it's very funny, and in this episode, K-ONbu members are making plans for a performance at a club. Although they had an accident during rehearsal, which almost resulted in repetition of what happened at the school festival. But in the end, the real thing turned out well and then they had a blast celebrating at Yui's place.

So, since a fansub release is available as well already, go and watch it now!

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Figma Mio Preview

Figma Yui and Ui were announced a week ago and this time it's Mio, as one would expect. Several photos have been posted at figma blog.

Overall, the design of figma Mio looks very similar to Mio Nendoroid. She's wearing her school uniform, and of course, she comes with her Fender Jazz Bass. Unfortunately, it looks that the strings on her bass were neither sculpted, nor painted.

One pair of her interchangeable hands is for guitar playing poses.

Bass guitar soft case is included as well.

Mio comes with three interchangeable face parts: smiling, frightened, and crying. The crying one looks really great!

She is scheduled to be released in February, probably at WonFes. Preorders are starting on January 22.

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International Saimoe League 2010 Nomination Results

Image is courtesy of Miyuri

International Saimoe League Nominations results were announced about a week ago, but the statistics were revealed only some two days ago. 86 characters, plus the automatic entries based on previous results, advance to the next phase, the preliminary period.

Nomination Results: (The number is total number of received votes)

1 Akiyama Mio K-ON! 417
2 Senjōgahara Hitagi Bakemonogatari 328
3 Shiina Mafuyu Seitokai no Ichizon 301
4 Sakurano Kurimu Seitokai no Ichizon 223
5 Sengoku Nadeko Bakemonogatari 198
6 Kuronuma Sawako Kimi ni Todoke 172
7 Shiina Minatsu Seitokai no Ichizon 162
8 Akaba Chizuru Seitokai no Ichizon 161
9 Saten Ruiko To Aru Kagaku no Railgun 160
10 Shirai Kuroko To Aru Majutsu no Index 156
11 Hanato Kobato Kobato. 148
12 Beatrice Umineko no Naku Koro ni 148
13 Ikaros Sora no Otoshimono 138
14 Alice Pandora Hearts 120
15 Kotobuki Tsumugi K-ON! 113
16 Uiharu Kazari To Aru Kagaku no Railgun 111
17 Sangō Shizuku Kämpfer 108
18 Tainaka Ritsu K-ON! 108
19 Nymph Sora no Otoshimono 104
20 Hoshina Utau Shugo Chara! 103
21 Ushiromiya Ange Umineko no Naku Koro ni 101
22 Miyanaga Saki Saki 100
23 Nogizaka Haruka Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu 98
24 Ushiromiya Maria Umineko no Naku Koro ni 98
25 Suō Pavlichenko Darker than Black 94
26 Yin Darker than Black 92
27 Takei Hisa Saki 90
28 Ryōgi Shiki Kara no Kyōkai 85
29 Kamio Misuzu AIR 78
30 Bernkastel Umineko no Naku Koro ni 78
31 Yagami Hayate Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha 77
32 Mizuno Kaede Nyan Koi! 76
33 Index Librorum Prohibitorum To Aru Majutsu no Index 73
34 Amamiya Yūko ef - a tale of memories 72
35 Minami Kana Minami-ke 71
36 Mizunashi Akari ARIA 70
37 Hachikuji Mayoi Bakemonogatari 70
38 Isayama Yomi Ga-rei Zero 67
39 Kirishima Kotone Nyan Koi! 64
40 Ranka Lee Macross Frontier 63
41 Kirishima Akari Nyan Koi! 57
42 Kusakabe Misuzu 11eyes 56
43 Winry Rockbell Fullmetal Alchemist 53
44 Felli Loss Chrome Shelled Regios 52
45 Senō Natsuru Kämpfer 52
46 Sōryū Asuka Langley Neon Genesis Evangelion 52
47 Shindō Chihiro ef - a tale of memories 51
48 Sonozaki Shion Higurashi no Naku Koro ni 51
49 Nagi Kannagi 51
50 Tsuruya Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu 51
51 Enma Ai Jigoku Shōjo 50
52 Nishizawa Ayumu Hayate no Gotoku! 49
53 Shihō Matsuri sola 49
54 Oshino Shinobu Bakemonogatari 47
55 Aizawa Sakuya Hayate no Gotoku! 46
56 Segawa Izumi Hayate no Gotoku! 46
57 Minase Nayuki Kanon 46
58 Ayanami Rei Neon Genesis Evangelion 46
59 Isurugi Noe true tears 46
60 Sheryl Nome Macross Frontier 45
61 Alice Caroll ARIA 44
62 Evangeline A.K. McDowell Mahō Sensei Negima! 44
63 Hanekawa Tsubasa Bakemonogatari 43
64 Sakurazaki Setsuna Mahō Sensei Negima! 42
65 Shirayuki Mizore Rosario + Vampire 41
66 Mishima Akane Kämpfer 39
67 Yoko Littner Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann 39
68 Chii Chobits 38
69 Lisa Seiken no Blacksmith 38
70 Lambdadelta Umineko no Naku Koro ni 38
71 Fujibayashi Ryō CLANNAD 35
72 Yuno Hidamari Sketch 35
73 Teletha Testarossa Full Metal Panic! 34
74 Misaka Shiori Kanon 34
75 Sawatari Makoto Kanon 34
76 Akashiya Moka Rosario + Vampire 34
77 Tsukamoto Yakumo School Rumble 34
78 Yūki Mikan To Love-Ru 34
79 Chiba Kirino BAMBOO BLADE 32
80 Miyamura Miyako ef - a tale of memories 32
81 Daidōji Tomoyo Cardcaptor Sakura 32
82 Katagiri Yūhi Akane-iro ni Somaru no Saka 31
83 Niche Letter Bee 31
84 Hinaichigo Rozen Maiden 31
85 Sawachika Eri School Rumble 31
86 Kotegawa Yui To Love-Ru 31

16 characters are already eligible contestants for the regular season period. 34 characters from the preliminaries will join them.

16 contestants:

Aisaka Taiga
(Toradora!)
Asahina Mikuru
(Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu)
Fate Testarossa
(Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha)
Fujibayashi Kyō
(CLANNAD)
Fukuji Mihoko
(Saki)
Haramura Nodoka
(Saki)

Hiiragi Kagami
(Lucky ☆ Star)
Hirasawa Yui
(K-ON!)
Katsura Hinagiku
(Hayate no Gotoku!)
Nagato Yuki
(Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu)
Nakano Azusa
(K-ON!)
Okazaki Ushio
(CLANNAD)

Sakagami Tomoyo
(CLANNAD)
Shana
(Shakugan no Shana)
Suzumiya Haruhi
(Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu)
Tōsaka Rin
(Fate/stay night)

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Nendo Snow Adventure

There are still heaps of snow after last weekend's heavy snowfall, and today it's snowing again. I went for a short walk yesterday and took myself a company. Nendoroid Mio, Nendoroid Shana, and Tako Luka keychain had to obey and brave out into the white, powdery sea. Tako Luka seemed to be the only one to have fun. Mio and Shana were in excruciating agony.

It was really cold outside so I took the photos as fast as possible. Even so, my fingers were quite dumb when I was finished.

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