It has been 89 years…….strike that, it has been about 5 years.

Well, that’s a lot to unpack. This author has been missing for 89 years…….just kidding, just about 5 years.

I guess this blog is almost 95% dead. With what little energy this author have. LMAO. But if you happen to stumble on this blog and this post, I congratulate you lol. This author will try to regain back the 95%, hopefully? Pls send some ❤

Jokes aside, I realised looking back at past posts, I’m surprised of the little blocks of energy I had before. Work is just killing me now lol. But if there’s one thing that haven’t changed, I think it’s still my love for anime/manga/kdrama/k-varieties show, etc.

I’m not sure how much goodness I can spread anymore since idk how people gonna find their way into this space, but I just thought I could share some of my thoughts here in this space.

In recent years, certainly there were a plethora of anime, but few caught my eye.

Well, the thing is, I love Shingeki no Kyojin S1, but I really dislike how it has been broken up into so many seasons when SERIOUSLY, I just want to finish everything in one sitting LMAO. But anyway I digress.

In a nutshell, over the 89 years I went missing, I think there were some pretty good anime I could list here:

1. Kimetsu no Yaiba (And again, I wish they didn’t break it up in seasons)
2. SNK (Like above)
3. Uchuu Kyoudai (THIS IS AMAZING AMAZINGLY AMAZE). I love this show with every passion and every cells in my body.
4. Mob Psycho (It was pretty nice actually)
5. Spy x Family (Now this is popular culture, but well, they actually do it right, so no complaints. But then again, I wish they didn’t break it up in seasons)
6. Saiki Kusuo no Sai Nan

Ah, honestly I think those are pretty nice anime recommendations for people who are relatively new to anime? But then again your mileage may varies. Some of you guys prefer Action, some of you prefer comedy, some prefer gore, and the list goes on. I think I can tailor them to you guys next time!

Signing off,

Tired Author

ただいま

Wow, it’s crazy how much I neglected this blog space. Reading my past blogposts got me all nostalgic. 懐かしい～

Figured it time to get back to it.

I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOUUUUUUU~~

Starting up my creative engine in 3. 2. 1 ANDDDDDDDDDDDDDD ただいま～～～～

Song Recommendation of the Day: AIMER – Polaris

I was just listening to this song while writing this post. I guess I really like Aimer songs these days. Not many anime I could rave about these days – I mean, yeah there are a few good ones but that’s another blog post. I still miss the good ole anime of the past, these days anime finish in 12-13 ep in one season, and then I have to wait like what, 2 years for the next season???? *vomit rainbows while waiting for the next season I MEAN CLIFFHANGERS WHYYYYYYYYY*

Okay, I digress. Anyway, back to AIMER.

I first found her songs through NINELIE, through Koutetsujou no Kabaneri (which wasnt that great imo, the anime not the song), the song was freaking fabulous fantastic, then Kataomoi, Akane Sasu, Refrain, etc, etc, my latest favourite is Polaris it sounds so dreamy, I swear it’ll be perfect listening to it while star-gazing, now that’s a plan.

By the way, those songs I listed up there are one of my favourites hehehe. I guess I like these melancholic dreamy songs hurhurhur/

Spreading the AIMER goodness here~ ❤

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FMA Vs FMA: Brotherhood

I really like Arakawa Hiromu’s works. I loved the idyllic slice of life Gin no Saji (both seasons), and I did enjoy Arslan Senki very much too.

But it all began with Full Metal Alchemist, one of the very first anime I started out with and really liked, before being hooked into the world of anime, and boy, it sure did some good. I’ve uncovered so many treasure troves, unlocked a new hobby and picked up a new language.

I’ve re-watched it for old time’s sake, having forgotten the reason why the series was so good, and the memories came rushing to me again. Both FMA and FMA Brotherhood had one thing in common: they were good. Real good.

FMA expanded out a lot of different parts not really shown in FMA brotherhood, like Loki’s corruption, and it diverged in terms of story-telling. Major parts of the plots were obviously different, and the overall tone was very different. Still dark in certain points, but I felt the atmosphere in FMA was heavier in FMA brotherhood. I was on the verge of crying at the end of the series, FMA that is, twice you know, having watched it twice.

The characters in FMA and FMA: Brotherhood played different roles. Wrath was a different guy, the origins of Homuculus, how Winry’s parents died in the Ishbal’s war, and the Angstrom’s adorable family!

What remained the same was the cruel truth of the origins of the Philosopher’s stone (though expanded a lot more in depth), and the Full Metal’s Alchemist’s resolve to get back their bodies (I missed Al so much). I still felt my heart break into pieces when it came to Hughes. Nina and Alexander came a close second.

I felt the comedy was better placed in FMA, though I did enjoy the comedy in the later part of FMA: Brotherhood. Seems like it took FMA: Brotherhood a longer time to get their engine started in the comedy department, but when it did, it was funny! Like a certain Angstrom interaction with Mustang (about a dinner treat, and the size of his wallet and balls which excuse me but HAHAHAHAHA).

I loved the art-style. I felt the art style complemented the comedy and so damn cute at that.

Equivalent exchange. In order to gain something, something of equal value must be lost. Every time I heard that as the episode opens, I get chills in the spine. It is a meaningful theme, and FMA and FMA: Brotherhood revolves around it. I felt that Gin no Saji mirrors Full Metal Alchemist in this aspect, giving the series life by inserting bits of realism into the series.

Loved it

FMA

• Objectively speaking, how much I think it’s worth: 9.8/10
• How much I like it: 10/10

FMA: Brotherhood

• Objectively speaking, how much I think it’s worth: 9.5/10 (weaker start relative to FMA, but midway, it started getting fun. Fun in a different way from FMA, but still fun nonetheless)
• How much I like it: 10/10

PS: Forgot to mention this above, but all the opening and ending theme songs were pretty good. High quality stuff. Oh, and btw Ed’s hair colour is a little different in FMA: Brotherhood than FMA, hahahah minor details but yeah!

FMA OP & ED Songs

OP: Melissa, Ready Steady Go, UNDO, Rewrite

ED: Kesenai Tsumi, Tobira no mukou e, Motherland, I will

FMA: Brotherhood OP & ED Songs

OP: Again, Hologram, Golden Time Lover, Period, Rain

ED: Uso, Let it out, Tsunai da te, Shunkan Sentimental, Ray of Light

• Impossible to choose a favourite. All are pretty good, especially when coupled with the crisp animation. ❤

 

Ansatsu Kyoushitsu S2

I had reviewed Ansatsu Kyoushitsu before.

I know that, but I’m gonna do it again.

Watching Season 2 made the feels come back all over again.

This time though, I cried a lot harder, laughed like a maniac, and squealed endlessly at the progress of the story. The emotions came like a wave, but it felt soooooo sooooo satisfying. KORO-SENSEI IS THE BEST SENSEI EVER.

I’ve learnt so much from this show, and I wished it would’ve continued forever. The same way I felt for Hunter X Hunter. I loved seeing how the students have progressed, each and everyone of them, and I loved seeing how Koro-sensei himself was nurtured by his students. It felt so bitter-sweet, so poignant, I teared. I thought of so many what ifs, and ‘it would be nice if’, when I learnt the revelation of Koro-sensei’s past and present.

• Objectively speaking, how much I think it is worth: 10/10
• How much I like it: 1000/10 (cos I reviewed it immediately after watching, ah, the profound effect koro-sensei has on me. And I usually procrastinate reviews long after watching a series, but THIS. ❤ )

 

Arslan Senki

Boy, Arslan Senki sure reminded me of Kingdom. But it was a really fun ride, and I think I enjoyed it a little more than I did with Kingdom.

I came into Arslan Senki with interest piqued by the name Arakawa Hiromu, of which I greatly enjoyed FMA and FMA: Brotherhood, alongside with Gin No Saji, Juushin Enbu. It sure didnt disappoint. As expected, it is Arakawa Hiromu desu ne~

What Arslan Senki needs now is a new season.

Regardless, I really enjoyed the dynamics between Etoile and Arslan. Especially loved the scene in Arslan Ep 20, where what Etoile said gave me goosebumps all over. Because it was so meaningful, and true.

• Objectively speaking, how much I think it’s worth: 9/10
• How much I like it: 9.5/10

 

 

Boku Dake Ga Inai Machi

Thank you 僕だけがいない街

Certainly, the title is eye-catching. The art is eye catching. And, at the first episode, you already captured my heart. ❤

I knew it’ll be good right from the start.

And it didnt disappoint.

Show was right on point.

Good mystery. 10 out of 10

Every now and then,

chilled to the bone

it left a good aftertaste

that is, ERASED.

HAHAHAHHAHAHA okay, seriously.

Boku Dake Inai Machi was a one hell of a ride, and I truly truly enjoyed it. It was quite some time since I’ve last watched an interesting mystery (the last mystery being sakurako san no ashimoto ni wa shitai ga umatteiru longass name)

– but let’s leave that review for another day.

Back on the focus, uhhhhhmmmphhh, Boku Dake Inani Machi was a great show. It wasnt so much as to who was the serial killer here (figured that out from ep 1!) BUT how Satoru was going to figure it out and how he was going to change the outcome in any way possible. oooOOoohhhhhh, did I just got you curious here??? HAHAHAH, that’s assuming you havent watched it. =)

• Objectively speaking, how much I think it’s worth: 9/10
• How much I like it: 9.5/10

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Review] Hanzawa Naoki

Well, what do I say.

I was surely, truly, astonished by how much I actually liked the show. Despite its boring sounding synopsis. Really.

Show is quite exciting actually. Despite it’s boring sounding synopsis, it actually has good acting and a good plot to start off with, so that’s quite the recipe for success. And most of all, it felt that ordinary salary workers could relate, probably attributing to its high viewership rating. Proof in point why relatable dramas always work. XD

Sakai Masato sold me on his character. His character was fierce, and bold, not that dissimilar to his Legal High Character, but still quite well-executed. I mean his eyebrows do all the talking lolololol, okay, I’m just kidding.

But in all honesty, I think he did portray his character pretty well, though at times a little too overacted. Fierce and unrelenting, yes, but truth to be told, it’s hard to be as bold and strongly opinionated as Hanzawa, as reality isnt as sweet.

Something I thought of while watching this show – maybe we should follow our hearts to work in a job we truly find satisfaction in, that matches and utilise our personality to get the job done. For Kondo’s case, I thought his personality was a bad match working in the bank, and maybe for one, he should have found some other job that would’ve match with his milder personality. However, I applauded his attempt to try to change for the better, but felt sorry when he was later obviously beaten down by the realities of life in the Tokyo Arc.

I suppose there will be a season 2 with that cliffhanger though.

• Objectively speaking, how much I think it’s worth: 8/10
• How much I like it: 8/10

 

 

 

 

A Kdrama Review – Second Time Twenty

I really like tvN dramas.

Stuff like Misaeng, reply 1994 and now this, they’re churning out some good stuff every now and then.

Like Misaeng, Second time twenty was an amazing ride. It’s realistic and relatable. What hits home is that it touch the very core of what is the meaning of um, i know it sounds cliche, but, life.

The amazing thing about both dramas is that as viewers, we can relate, and as we follow through the lives of the drama characters, we think about our own. We think about how, and why are we living our lives the way we do. We think about our past, how we have lived, our present, how we’re living. And, of our future, how we would be living, continuing living the way we do. And that’s really amazing. A drama that makes us reflect.

You know, I really like these kind of dramas. Dramas that make me reflect. Dramas that make me think. Dramas that allow me to relate, and feel. And I think that is the direction dramas should go. I thought both Misaeng and Second time twenty were similar, in that it was really meaningful.

The thing about good dramas, is that they really need good writers, and that translates into good script with a good storyline. And solid scripts just tend to develop amazing character development, and with the magic touch of the actors/actress to channel the right emotions, things just work. They really do. And I had believe that it worked for Misaeng, as it did for Second time twenty. Although the lovelines for Second time twenty was a little draggy. But otherwise, enjoyed the setting of the show, plot and character development!

• Objectively speaking, how much I think it’s worth: 8/10
• How much I like it: 8.5/10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real Neat Blog Award

Rules of the Real Neat Blog Award:

1. Put the award logo in your Blog.

2. Answer 7 questions asked by the person who nominated you.

3. Thank the people who nominated you, linking their blogs.

4. Nominate any number of bloggers you like, liking their blogs.

5. Let them know you nominated them.

6. Ask the bloggers 7 new questions.

Heheheh, this took quite a while to do, but finally it’s done!!! Thanks Shiroyuni for the nomination XD

1. What is your favourite anime/manga genre and why?

Hmmm, can I say josei, seinen, slice of life all in one anime? Oh, and add comedy. Something like Hanasaku Iroha, Kuragehime, Gekkan Shojo Nozaki Kun, Ore Monogatari, Gin No Saji, basically relaxing yet funny anime!! But you know, sometimes exciting seinen anime like Death Parade and Shingeki No Kyojin, you just cant resist. YOU. JUST. CANT.

Trust me on this.

2. Why anime/manga out of so many other mediums of entertainment?

Hehhhh, why not?

It’s beautiful, calming and relaxing.

And it makes me happy. So why not?

That’s not to say other medium of entertainment dont work either. I still watch my dose of k-varieties and drama, jdramas and karaoke.

3. (Borrowing the question) How did you come up with your blog name?

I’ve been to japan twice, once in tokyo and once in Hokkaido. No surprise, but I fell even harder in love with Japan than I did before I went there. I miss Japan, for it’s lovely and kind people (the obaa-san who recommended me wagashi) and the weather, the scenery, the everything.

But most of all, I love the weather.

It was in winter when I first went to Japan, Tokyo. There wasnt snow, but it was cool. It was nine degrees.

Tokyo is beautiful.

4. What is your favourite book?

MANGA. XD

Skip Beat.

5. Do you have any future plans or goals for your blog? If so, what are they? If not, why not?

I love writing, and as long as I can do this, I’m going to do it. For the moment, I’m churning out anime, japan, manga, kdrama reviews whenever possible. XD

I love doing this, and I know that in future, I look back at my previous posts, it will definitely be a precious memory

6. What is your favourite subject or area of study and why? 

Learning new languages is kinda fun these days. Although learning japanese is kinda difficult, but it’s fun. The particles are a little tough, but practice, practice and more practice! XD

7. Give a physical description of yourself. If possible, name or put a picture of a character (not restricted to anime) who you physically resemble. 

Ummmm, not sure who I resemble! Maybe koro-sensei with sparkly teeth hahahahaha.

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7 questions for my nominated bloggers! Here goes, sebbo12, saltysquirtle

1. Recommend your most current favourite anime
2. Your current obssession?
3. Where in Japan do you want to visit?
4. What faux pas have you ever done in a foreign place/country?
5. Your favourite subjects?
6. Your dreams/goals?
7. Say anything interesting about your life? Because I cant think of other questions HAHAHAAHAHAH sorry.

 

Ore Monogatari

Ore Monogatari has a wonderfully colourful palette, and really beautiful visuals. Feels like a shojo, looks like a shojo, but it’s really a bromance.

And it’s actually really funny. [see pine tree]. Not gonna spoil anything though, you really have to give it a watch. Pine tree came up on episode 2 and I couldnt stop laughing after that. XD So at least give it a 2 episode watch before giving your verdict lololololol.

It’s really more a heartwarming show, with watashi no kokoro going all ‘awwwww’ but that doesnt feels bad you know. Kinda feels like a relaxing watch actually.

Still, I would’ve loved to see more character developement on Sunakawa. It’s like we know alot about Takeo’s life, but hardly about Sunakawa. He’s like that mysterious friend you can’t really fathom. Maybe season 2? hehe

• Objectively speaking, how much I think it’s worth: 8/10
• How much I like it: 8.5/10