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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

——————————————————————-

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

 

 

 

 

 

[Review] Kingdom S1 & S2

How strange.

Kingdom had a pretty fresh start, but along the way, I felt like it lost its steam.

Ordinarily, I wouldnt have touched this series, it’s not really the kind of series I usually watch. An anime based on China’s warring history, now that’s not common either.

But I liked the start. True, the beginning of the series had me really skeptical, I mean, the art style is a far contrast from the art I usually see in other anime, and the beginning of the 1st episode of S1 was a little slow. Yet at the end of the first episode, I saw a light, and yes, decided I like it.

I plowed through Season 1, and then moved on to S2, practically marathoning it, since both seasons were already completed by the time I wanted to watch it. The ending of S1 left a cliffhanger, but that’s ok, because there’s Season 2. But that wasnt the end, because S2 ALSO had a cliff-hanger. Oooooooohh, crash and burn. DAMN.

I thought there were some unrealistic parts (WHOAAA, how come the MC and his close nakamas, somehow always make it through 12345X wars? Whoaaaa they are soooo lucky! The 12345X arrows always seems to miss them. (the arrows always fly pass them). Over their head.

Oh nevermind. It still wasnt such a bad show. But it could use some more seasons to expand its story you know…

• Objectively speaking, how much I think it’s worth: 8.5/10
• How much I like it: 7/10

Kimi to Boku S1 and S2

Slice of life anime are really kind of good.

Series like Kimi to Boku are the exactly the kind that keep me coming back for more.

You know…I was never the kind of person who enjoy such genres when I was younger, because shounen/action or simply any exciting series with plenty a dose of comedy was enough to satisfy me. I think taste do change, because I’m gradually appreciating my slice of life series. There’s something relaxing about it, something nostalgic, and sometimes, just sometimes, I feel like the show really touch a soft spot in my heart. As if it perfectly nail bits and bits of life, perfectly cast into anime form. And it sort of feels good.

The colourful palette that Kimi to Boku has makes watching it really relaxing, and the cast is perfectly lovable and relatable. Character development is nicely done up, even the side characters. I particularly enjoyed EP7 and EP8 of season 1, but every single episode was also mighty fun to watch. I’m glad that there was also a consistent quality in both seasons. Suffice to say, yes, I enjoyed both series very much.

Maybe you’re feeling really tired from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, or if you’re just completely exhausted and really feel like you need something to relax, Kimi to Boku may just be your solution.

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

PS: Stick with it even though the pace of episode 1-2 of season 1 might be slightly slower, but the pace and characters starts getting flesh out from ep 3 onwards. It really starts getting better from there.

Liebster Award

Thanks for the Liebster Award Nomination, Sebastian!! Really enjoyed reading the Q&A on your blog post, and am certainly glad to a part of it too!! =)

Now for THE RULES!!!!

1. Thank and link back to your nominator.
2. Answer the 11 questions given by the nominator.
3. Nominate 5-11 other bloggers who have less than 200 followers.
4. Create 11 new questions for your nominees.
5. Let your nominees know that you have nominated them via social media or their blogs.

Okay, here goes. Answering Sebastian’s questions now!!

Favourite side-character in anime?

I’ve watched so many anime that it’s impossible to remember every single favourite side characters I loved when I did. There isn’t a best. If I like that character, then I like that character.

Then again, if I had to name a few, maybe Hanasaku Iroha’s resident badass grandma Sui Shijima, and chef Toru Miyagishi. Hanasaku Iroha is a great anime, and its characters make the show.

Gekkan Shojo Nozaki Kun hit all the right spots and I love all the characters, even the minor side characters. Yes, all, and Mikorin.

Skip Beat’s Kanae Kotonami and Yukihito Yashiro are great supporting cast too, but they really shine in the manga more so than the anime.

What other hobbies are you into?

Okay, I love anime and manga a lot a lot a lot. It’s a pretty big part of me, but yes I do have a life outside of manga too. Maybe it doesn’t count for much, but I do enjoy writing/reading a lot, which is probably why I started this blog in the first place. Unsurprisingly right? Duh.

And learning new languages. Okay, just learning Japanese for now. One at a time you know. Let’s consider learning Korean, French, German, Spanish in future ok? Hehe.

You know, all this Japanese learning isn’t gonna go to waste, because when I one day get to travel to Japan again, it gonna be a more surreal experience. Soak myself in all that Japanese goodness.

And yesssss, I also enjoy making travel plans on the cheap. Budget travel ftw!!! Well, it’s always satisfying to travel on the cheap. Rode on the VIA rail once on the cheap and it was great experience, no kidding. Esp since they offer one free stopover over long distance travel. Meaning you can plan 2 cities for the price of one!!! But I digress. I’m so planning travel for Japan for the future.

How did you get into anime?

Well, that’s cos they were showing Inuyasha on TV, and I was woken up in the middle of the night so it just happen to show at the right time and I was in the right place to be watching it. I think it’s fate I met Inuyasha, no kidding. LOL.

Then somehow one day, but that’s a lot later tho, I just decided to suck it up and just try Shaman King after Inuyasha and yeah, I fell in love, hook, line and sinker. Maybe it was fate.

And the rest is history.

If an Anime Casual is a 1 and Anime Elitist is a 10, then how far up the scale are you?

Huh, maybe about an 7? Oh, but I like to pick out shows that I actually want to watch, because I don’t particularly like fan-servicey smutty ecchi shows. And I actually like shows that give actually give a damn about character development and personal development. I do like to read anime blogs too, particularly about those that reviews shows I actually do like, just to hear how other people feel about the same show I watch. It’s kind of nice to know the show you really like, others like it too. I get that people do have different views sometime though.

Most heart-wrenching anime ever watched?

Hmm, not a huge fan of heart-wrenching anime, I’d rather heart-warming lolz. But if I have to absolutely pick one I actually like? Hmm, I think it would be Tokyo Magnitude 8.

Honey and Clover is more heart-warming than heart-wrenching though.

Idolm@ster EP 20 did make me teared up tho. Though it’s not meant to be a heart-wrenching show lololol.

If you could be a part of an anime world, which would you enter (generic I know)?

Well, this is where fantasy is supposed to come into play right?

It’ll be actually cool if FMA comes into life. Hahahaha, crazy how cool it actually is to transmute something and the convenience it brings!!

I sure as hell wouldn’t, note, WOULDN’T want to live in Shingeki no Kyojin.

Do you believe in the supernatural? If so, then why, and what evidence would it take to disprove it to you? If not, why not, and what evidence would it take to prove it to you?

Hmmm…that’s a difficult one. Well, I never seen a supernatural phenomena happening right in front of me, but it doesnt mean it doesnt exist either. I can’t pass my judgement so casually just like that, unless there’s cold hard scientific evidence to prove it exist or does not exist. Not speculation, but real evidence.

Who’s your anime crush?

HAHAHA, it changes depending on the anime I watched! Usually it’s the most awesome, likable and kickass character in the entire anime series.

Favourite anime-related memory?

Every single anime that made me laugh till I teared. Yep, I’m looking at you gekkan shojo nozaki kun. I also liked the cool transmutation circles of FMA . And my absolute favourite are chibis from Get backers!! And come to think about it, the fight scenes of get backers are pretty damn awesome.

On a side note, it isn’t my most favourite memory, but I do remember being all creeped out watching the ending credits of Monster.

Do you like to write your own manga/stories/music etc.?

Hmm, well I USED to write fanfiction LOLOLOLOL, but I sort of outgrew that and plus now that I hardly can find time to do that. Instead, I channel some time writing and maintaining Nine Degrees In Tokyo lololol.

What’s your biggest phobia?

Well, phobia huh. Probably the fear of flying insects, beetles in particular.

Nominees

Hi nomineees!! Nominated y’all for the Liebster Award, okay granted it’s my first time doing it too (and thanks sebbo12)! Anyway here are the 11 questions!!

TheLimitlessImagination: Blogs down interesting insights on relevant anime series.

The Salty Squirtle  A joy to read!

Raven Fern The detailed write up on each aspect of the series makes for a fine impression.

UNOTAKU Neat, simple, and concise reviews into anime series.

Questions

1. Tell us about the 5 best comedy animes in your life. You can also go ahead and recommend other genres too!! Top quality anime plssss!! 😀
2. What is the happiest thing happening in your life now
3. Have you been to japan? If so, which part? If no, where would you want to go to in Japan?
4. What are your favourite japanese songs? It can be from anime/jpop/jrock anything
5. What are your favourite budget buys in your country?
6. Do you watch any japanese dramas? If so recommend some!
7. Other than anime/manga, what are the other things you enjoy doing/area of interest?
8. Food you enjoy eating?
9. Which of the 4 seasons do you like best?
10. Where is your most favourite place in the world?
11. What do you aspire to be?

Thank you thank you!! Have fun answering the questions lololol. XD