Shinomiya Natsuki's character single ranked 6th on first day of release

Oricon released their rankings tonight for this week's set of new releases, which includes Natsuki's character single, from Uta no Prince sama Maji Love 2000%. Natsuki came in 6th, which is pretty good, considering he had to compete against popular bands such as Arashi, who came 1st, and 2PM, who came 2nd. Congratulations to my bi-polar prince!

[Lyrics] Be - Song Riders (Devil Survivor 2: The Animation ED)

Edited my Houtsuin drawing. Does he look creepier now? (lol)

I love Devil Survivor 2: The animation. And I need an excuse to procrastinate, so I'm translating the ED song 'Be' by Song Riders. Thank goodness most of it is English lyrics. Unfortunately I don't have CD booklet so I couldn't transcribe the lyrics by sight. I got the jap lyrics from here. Although I did double check the lyrics by ear.

Description: Kanji lyrics, Romaji lyrics and English translated lyrics of Be by Song Riders, the ending song of Devil Survivor 2: The Animation.

Note: Partly transcribed by ear. Translation not 100% certain, I'm still learning the language. The parts in brackets ( ) in the English translation are there to help the meaning flow smoother. I also 'translated' the original English lyrics, just because I wanted to change the Japlish to actual English.

Kanji lyrics

I have not thought about living until yesterday
It just a seemed like one scene of a film
I need lore

Oh, everything has utterly changed
泣きそうになるくらい
目を塞いでも変わらない
思いが反比例

(I take it)
Close your eyes
Imagine how to live
You must do it
I close my eyes
And determined
I'm pressed for choice
Just about a leave, faraway
生きるため It's only one
We gotta choose it
So do we?
Just about a leave, faraway
生きるため It's only one
Can you drive your destiny?
Be it

(Now)

Everybody go
残酷な世界を旅する
生きるしか　Chanceは無い
どれだけ目を塞いだって
チクタク迫り来る終焉を
選択肢は無い
答えを探してあがいてもがいても見えない
争い奪って壊し合って繰り返しても止めない
もうどこに居たって同じだって
だから僕は止まらない
また日が沈んで行く

Hold your hand
You don't to meet someones end no more
So do I
For not to leave
Don't wanna get a wrong choice
Just about a leave, faraway
生きるため It's only one
We gotta choose it
So do we?
Just about a leave, faraway
生きるため It's only one
Can you drive your destiny?
Be it

Why? How?
They disappeared.
Still I don't get it, for real
Combine forces you and me.
We trust to get back the peace

Close your eyes
Imagine how to live
You must do it
I close my eyes
And determined
I'm pressed for choice
Just about a leave, faraway
生きるため It's only one
We gotta choose it
So do we?
Just about a leave, faraway
生きるため It's only one
Can you drive your destiny?
Be it

Why? How?
They disappeared.
Still I don't get it, for real
Combine forces you and me.
We trust to get back the peace

Romaji lyrics

I have not thought about living until yesterday
It just a seemed like one scene of a film
I need lore

Oh, everything has utterly changed
naki sou ni naru kurai
me wo fusai demo kawara nai
omoi ga hanpirei

(I take it)
Close your eyes
Imagine how to live
You must do it
I close my eyes
And determined
I'm pressed for choice
Just about a leave, faraway
ikiru tame It's only one
We gotta choose it
So do we?
Just about a leave, faraway
ikiru tame It's only one
Can you drive your destiny?
Be it

(Now)

Everybody go
zankoku na sekai wo tabi suru
ikiru shika Chance wa nai
dore dake me wo fusai datte
chikutaku semarikuru shuuen wo
sentakushi wa nai
kotae wo sagashite agaite mogaite mo mienai
arasoi ubatte kowashiatte kurikaeshite mo yamenai
mou doko ni itatte onaji datte
dakara boku wa tomaranai
mata hi ga shizun de iku

Hold your hand
You don't to meet someones end no more
So do I
For not to leave
Don't wanna get a wrong choice
Just about a leave, faraway
ikiru tame It's only one
We gotta choose it
So do we?
Just about a leave, faraway
ikiru tame It's only one
Can you drive your destiny?
Be it

Why? How?
They disappeared.
Still I don't get it, for real
Combine forces you and me.
We trust to get back the peace

Close your eyes
Imagine how to live
You must do it
I close my eyes
And determined
I'm pressed for choice
Just about a leave, faraway
ikiru tame It's only one
We gotta choose it
So do we?
Just about a leave, faraway
ikiru tame It's only one
Can you drive your destiny?
Be it

Why? How?
They disappeared.
Still I don't get it, for real
Combine forces you and me.
We trust to get back the peace

English translation

I haven't thought about living until yesterday.
Everything seemed so unreal, just like from a movie.
I need to know more.

Oh, everything has utterly changed.
It's enough to bring me to tears.
Even if I close my eyes, the reality won't change,
But my feelings will.

(I'll take life on)
Close your eyes!
Imagine how it is to truly live.
You must do it.
I close my eyes,
And be determined.
I'm pressed for choice,
Should I abandon everything and go faraway.
To survive,
It's the only choice.
We gotta choose it,
So do we?
I'm just about a leave faraway.
To survive,
It's only one (step),
Can you drive your destiny?
Be it (Be the one to choose your own fate).
Now.

Everybody has to make a journey across this cruel world.
My only chance is to survive.
No matter how much I cover my eyes,
There's no avoiding
The end that is looming, as time ticks by.
I struggle as I seek for answers that cannot be found.
There's no end to these desperate struggles, the destruction and breaking (of your soul)
No matter where I go, I keep seeing the same scenarios.
That's why I will not stop (fighting),
The sun will set again.

Let me hold onto your hand,
Because I don't want to see any more lives lost.
I also don't want to leave,
I don't wanna make a wrong choice.
If you're just about to leave faraway,
To survive,
It's only one (moment's decision).
We gotta choose it,
So do we?
If you're just about to leave faraway
To survive
It's only one (choice)
Can you drive your destiny?
Be it (Be the one to choose your own fate).

Why and how did they disappear?
I still don't really get it.
Let's combine our forces,
We'll trust each other and bring back the peace.

Close your eyes!
Imagine how it is to truly live.
You must do it.
I close my eyes,
And be determined.
I'm pressed for choice,
Should I abandon everything and go faraway.
To survive,
It's the only choice.
We gotta choose it,
So do we?
I'm just about a leave faraway.
To survive,
It's only one (step),
Can you drive your destiny?
Be it (Be the one to choose your own fate).
Now!

Why and how did they disappear?
I still don't really get it.
Let's combine our forces,
We'll trust each other and bring back the peace.

[Seiyuu] Suwabe tweets about Google Glasses and DS2 live broadcast

Last night was the third round of the Devil Survivor 2: The Animation live broadcast show. Seiyuu Suwabe Junichi was the host of the show and Nobuhiko Okamoto was invited as guest. I can't comment on the show yet because I haven't watched it, I'm still waiting for some kind person to upload it. But I bet it was full of fun judging from how the first and second round of shows went.

『Google Glass』遂に実物を、見た！触った！試した！ マジ新世紀！

Also, Suwabe tweeted early this morning that he got his hands on the latest Google Glasses. He said that "He obtained the real thing (Google Glasses), touched it and tried it! It's really amazing new technology".

Pumpkin's Seiyuu appreciation post: Hatano Wataru

Since I don't have any news to post today, enjoy a picture of one of my favourite seiyuus, Hatano Wataru. Maybe I'll start a daily seiyuu appreciation picture post since my collection of seiyuu pictures is increasing daily.

UtaPri merchandise gone too far?

Broccoli goods announced last week that UtaPri scrunchies can be purchased at their store for 700 yen each (that's approximately $7 AUD).

Seriously!? $7 for a piece of rubber covered with some cloth to tie your hair with!

Then they also announced that they will start selling these really UGLY stockings that no one would dare to wear outside the house, for a price of 2,500 Yen (approx. $25 AUD). =="

No second season of K but a movie instead

Last night an event for the anime K, titled "K-Who is the next-" was held. With JunJun, OnoD, Sakurai Takahiro, Kenjiro and Namikawa participating in the event.

It was announced that there will be a movie (rather than the fan-speculated second season) and its tentative release date is set for 2014. No other information is available yet. 

Pictures stolen from Kenjiro's twitter.

Personally I would've preferred a second season, but then I'm not sure how they would develop the story considering the first season ending. Let's just wait and see how the movie turns out (i.e. don't get your hopes high).

Pumpkin's Palette: DS2 Ep 8 好きなシーン

Ever since I watched Ep 8 of Devil Survivor 2, I wanted a Houtsuin smug face to hang on my wall, so I drew his face. I also double-sided my Houtsuin drawing with Alcor.

Let's just say the story escalated reeeaallly quickly in ep 8. Like A LOT happened. \no-spoilers, but there were quite a bit of foreshadowing, so I've placed my bet on what the ending will be.

I'm starting to get sad that there's only 5 episodes remaining.

Sunday night Twitter stalking - Valvrave, Shingeki and UtaPri

Wahahaaha. 兵長!!! (@yumemitoga)

@Utapuri0517 snapped these while at the UtaPri Cafe. Jealous MAXXXX!

Woah so cool!! @valvrave (official Valvrave twitter account)

There was a special Valvrave event at the Shibuya Animate shop.

[CD Review] Natsuki Shinomiya's Character songs

This will be pretty brief as I want to get back to watching the Shirokuma Cafe Event DVD.

But I finally downloaded Natsuki's songs. *cue screams*

Wow the lyrics are so beautiful *cries* I thought that I wouldn't like Natsuki songs, only Satsuki songs, but this performance totally surprised me. I did not expect the key change at the end of "Sirius e no Chikai". That song is all about the desire to grow stronger.

While "Yell's" lyrics falls along the same line of Syo's "Challenge" song, whose theme was "YOLO - enjoy life and the world around you, because it'll pass you by before you know it", Yell pretty much talks about "yeah, your life might suck, but hey everything will be fine eventually if you will it to be; just be lucky-go-happy, appreciate the beautiful things around you and keep trying.

Also, anyone notice the slogan at the side of the CD box: "You will find the music more beautiful than kiss!" - Hahaha, well I wouldn't getting an actual kiss from the princes. XD

I might go and translate the lyrics a little later on in the week. But for now back to my Shirokuma show.

[Downloads] Natsuki Shinomiya's Character song + Shirokuma Cafe Event DVD

Wanted to share two goodies I discovered tonight.
Firstly, it's Natsuki's character song (from Uta no Prince sama Maji Love 2000%). Download here. (Click on "下载(50.43M)" button)
Secondly, it's the Shirokuma Cafe Event DVD. Download here. (Click on "下载(645.96M)" button)

PSotD - 100万回の愛革命！

Title: 100万回の愛革命！ (Hyakuman-kai no Ai Kakumei (Revolution)!)

Artist: Marginal #4
Year: 2013

Notes: Lately I've been delving into the realm of otome CDs (aka drama CDs targeted at the female audience), and Rejet is one of my favourite companies that produce such delicious goodies.
Marginal #4 is a 4 person musical unit comprised of seiyuus: Masuda Toshiki (増田俊樹), Takahashi Naozumi (高橋直純), KENN and Suzuki Yuto (鈴木裕斗). Initially this group was created to perform only at Rejet's live shows. But then the company decided to leech more money off its audience and get the group to release a CD.
There are two parts of the chorus where you will hear this soft "click/Tch" sound, and no, this is NOT a glitch (like I initially thought), it's just the boys kissing the listener. 'Why?' you ask - well this is aimed at a female audience after all, and we like to hear pretty boys kissing us on the cheek?
There's a total of 4 songs in this CD, but I only like the first and the last one. The lyrics of the second song are a bit... er... strong(?), unless I'm reading too much into the lyrics. Okay fine, to be honest the lyrics of all the songs pretty much revolve around how much the boys love/dote on you, they'll do anything to get your attention, love is a dangerous drug and that they want to get close to you \(^^)/.

DDL: here

Gackt Reveals Track Lists of his two 'Best of' Albums

BEST OF THE BEST vol.1 -MILD- [CD]
01.WHITE LOVERS-shiawase na toki-
02.DISPAR
03.GHOST
04.emu～FOR MY DEAR～
05.JOURNEY THROUGH THE DECADE
06.shiratsuyu-HAKURO-
07.LAST SONG～UNPLUGGED～
08.VANILLA
09.koakuma heaven
10.GRAFFITI
11.kimi no tame ni dekiru koto
12.MISSING～egao wo misete～
13.sakura, chiru...

[Blu-ray/DVD]
WHITE LOVERS-shiawase na toki- PV
GHOST PV
JOURNEY THROUGH THE DECADE PV
shiratsuya-HAKURO- PV
Koakuma Heaven LIVE
GRAFFITI PV
sakura chiru PV

BEST OF THE BEST vol.1 -WILD- [CD]
01.DOOMSDAY
02.DEATH WISH
03.REDEMPTION
04.UNTIL THE LAST DAY
05.CLAYMORE
06.FLOWER
07.SAYONARA
08.BLACK STONE
09.ANOTHER WORLD
10.EVER
11.jounetsu no inazuma
12.JESUS
13.STAY THE RIDE ALIVE

[Blu-ray/DVD]
UNTIL THE LAST DAY PV
CLAYMORE PV
FLOWER (G only) PV
EVER PV
JESUS PV
STAY THE RIDE ALIVE PV

The albums will drop on July 3rd. The DVD-version costs 4410 yen, the blu-ray-version 5040 Yen and the Limited Edition box-set 12075 Yen (with DVD) and 12650 Yen (with blu-ray).

Source: jpopasia

Uta no Prince sama Maji Love 2000% - Episode 8 [v.P]

[Sad to say but I kind of lost the mood to properly review this episode. But then again since when have I "properly" reviewed an anime? And what does "properly review" even mean? Yeah okay, you can tell I'm in a down mood because I'm rambling over here. Why the bad mood? Life, stress, deadlines, assignment marking, life. Wanting to do certain things but no time (like drawing fanart: got quite a few ideas/poses stacked up but no time to draw them out) and lack of skills (like translating Masa's Sanctuary song - I just checked the Jap lyrics, he uses a lot of difficult words/phrasing, and it looks like I won't be able to do the translation any justice with my current Jap knowledge). "Yeah whatever pumpkin, I don't really care about your life", well I never asked for you to care, "Seriously I don't care", fine whatever I'll shut up now.]

Picture dump of this episode first. Scattered thoughts about this episode right at end.

New Magi character figurines

The official Magi staff Twitter account tweeted earlier today the following picture of new Sindbad and Ugo figurines, and an Aladdin earphone jack.

The tweet also commented that Sindbad looks rather large (or rather the leaf looks rather small IMO (lol)), and that these figurines were made with quite a lot of detail. 

Which one would you want the most?

Ren's character song takes 5th rank on first day of release

Ren was no match for mainstream JPop, AKB48, Perfume and Scandal. He came in #5 ;_;

OLDCODEX's single "The Misfit Go", used as the OP for the anime Arata Kangatari, came in #25, and Song Rider's single "Trauma/Be", used as OP for the anime Devil Survivor 2, came in #24.

Also, earlier tonight Suwabe tweeted "Thanks everyone for picking up (the new CD) today."

Seeing this message made me feel ultra guilty. I'm so sorry Suwabe /cries/ I seriously would've bought your CD if I was in Japan.

[Lyrics] Orange Rhapsody 『オレンジラプソディ』 - Jinguuji Ren (Uta no Prince sama Maji Love 2000%)

I like it when seiyuus have twitter because that means I can stalk them more often.

So Suwabe tweeted this afternoon that "The true meaning of Orange Rhapsody is in the second chorus". That made me wonder to which line he was referring to... and thus gave me motivation to go and translate the full song.

Description: Kanji lyrics, Romaji lyrics and English translated lyrics of Ren's new character song "Orange Rhapsody".

Note: Transcribed from the CD booklet and by ear. Translation not 100% certain, I'm still learning the language. The parts in brackets ( ) in the English translation are there to help the meaning flow smoother.

Kanji lyrics

Hey Lady．．．聴こえるかい？
吐息も伝わるくらい
最高な．．．夢にご招待

夜空に浮かぶ　月のように
星に囲まれDreaming and dancing？
美麗に華麗に輝くには
お嬢さん方の「Love call」 Give me x2

心の光をかざして
Yes， Get up x3　Once more　Get up x3
サンキュ愛に包まれてゴキゲンさ
このみんなが創り出した
スターライトの海で
I kiss you　永遠に

一緒にオレンジ色の火を灯そう世界へ
熱い想いを解き放とう
信じる気持ち響き合うラプソディ
どんな闇にだってさ
煌めく歌がある

真実のラブを　探す旅に
連れて行かせて Dreaming & Dancing
あと数センチでキミのリップで
トリップ出来そう[Sweet kiss」 Give you x2

キミの声を感じたいよ
Yes, Get up x3  Once more  Get up x3
サンキュ絡めよう指と指をほら
この焦れったい時間だって
悪くないだろ？．．．さあ
I kiss you こっちおいで

一緒にオレンジ色の夢の果てイキましょう
愛がゼロ距離になるまでを
奇跡のような二度とないラブソディ
言葉はもういらないさ
ハートが歌になる

一緒にオレンジ色の火を灯そう世界へ
熱い想いを解き放とう
信じる気持ち響き合うラプソディ
どんな闇にだってさ
煌めく歌がある

Hey Lady．．．聴こえるかい？
瞳を閉じてごらん
．．．オレは側にいるよ

Romaji lyrics

Hey Lady…kikoeru kai?
Toiki mo tsutawaru kurai
Saikou na…yume ni goshoutai

Yozora ni ukabu tsuki no youni
Hoshi ni kakomare Dreaming & Dancing
Birei ni karei ni kagayaku ni wa
Ojou san gata no [Love call] Give me x2

Kokoro no hikari wo kazashite
Yes, Get up x3 Once more Get up x3
Sankyuu ai ni tsutsumarete gokigen sa
Kono minna ga tsukuri dashita
Suta-raito no umi de
I kiss you eien ni

Isshoni orenji iro no hi wo tomosou sekai e
Atsui omoi wo tokihanatou
Shinjiru kimochi hibikiau rapusodi
Donna yami ni datte sa
Kirameku uta ga aru

Shinjitsu no rabu wo sagasu tabi ni
Tsurete ikasete Dreaming & Dancing
Ato suu senchi de kimi no ripu de
Toripu dekisou [Sweet kiss] Give you x2

Kimi no koe wo kanjitai yo
Yes, Get up x3 Once more Get up x3
Sankyuu karameyou yubi to yubi wo hora
Kono jirettai jikan datte
Waruku wa nai daro?…saa
I kiss you kocchi oide

Isshoni oranjo iro no yume no hate ikimashou
Ai ga zero kyori ni naru made wo
Kiseki no youna nidoto nai rapusodi
Kotoba wa mou iranai sa
Ha-to ga uta ni naru

Isshoni orenji iro no hi wo tomosou sekai e
Atsui omoi wo tokihanatou
Shinjiru kimochi hibikiau rapusodi
Donna yami ni datte sa
Kirameku uta ga aru

Hey Lady…kikoeru kai?
hitomi wo tojite goran
…ore wa soba ni iru yo

English translation

Hey lady, can you hear me?
My long sighs reaching you(r ears),
I invite you to the best dream (you'll ever experience).

Like the moon floating in the night sky,
Surrounded by stars. I'm dreaming and dancing.
To shine brilliantly and beautifully,
Give me the 'love calls' of the ladies.

Holding the light in our hearts high,
Yes, get up, get up, get up. Once more, get up, get up, get up!
Thanks, I feel great/energetic wrapped in (your) love.
In the sea of starlight that everyone has created
I kiss you forever.

Together, let's light up the world in orange flames,
And unleash the passion.
Our trust in each other resounds in a rhapsody.
Even in darkness,
There is a song that shines/sparkles.

Let's take a journey to find true love.
We're dreaming and dancing.
There's only a mere few centimetres distance to your lips,
Looks like I can make this 'trip' and give you a sweet kiss.

I want to feel your voice.
Yes, get up, get up, get up. Once more, get up, get up, get up!
Thanks. Hey look, our fingers are intertwined.
'Cos such tantalizing/enticing moments
They're not bad...right? (/You don't dislike it, right?)
Ah, come here, I'll give you a kiss.

Together let's travel to the end of our orange coloured dream,
Until there is 'zero' distance between our love.
Miracles like this rhapsody don't occur twice.
There's no more need for any (spoken) words (between us),
Your 'heart' (he means love) will sing the song.

Together, let's light up the world in orange flames,
And unleash the passion.
Our trust in each other resounds in a rhapsody.
Even in darkness,
There is a song that shines/sparkles.

Hey lady, can you hear me?
Close your eyes,
I'll always be by your side.

Pumpkin's Palette: UtaPri Kuma

Request from Ysabella who asked for a 'Manly' picture.

Nothing can be more 'manly' than my pretty princes swallowing their pride and dressing up as cute and cuddly kumas (aka bears).

[picture] Kaito+Miku

id=35182293
click for larger view

I came across this amazing KaitoXMiku (Vocaloid) picture today on pixiv.

[Lyrics] Freedom - Jinguuji Ren (Uta no Prince sama Maji Love 2000%)

Description: Kanji lyrics, Romaji lyrics and English translated lyrics of Ren's new character song "FREEDOM".
Note: Transcribed from the CD booklet and by ear. Translation not 100% certain, I'm still learning the language.

Kanji lyrics

ドレスコードなんて
胸に薔薇だけでいいから (Lady, Ready?)
一番ハジけたコーディネートして夜へと溶けよう

Now, It's show time
さぁ夢へご招待　ライトで照らすよホントの正体
Now, Ride on time
言葉じゃ野暮ったい　何も縛られない FREEDOM

自由を見せたい
グルーヴしたRaveの海 (Lady, Ready?)
自由に行こう　自分色で光ればいい
Shakin' dance x4
感謝感激ゴキゲンBaby?
Music consumes us tonight

ヒプノティックなBreakbeats
テレパシーのように繋がる (Lady, Ready?)
今宵は無礼講さ　好みのグラスで　ほら夜明けまで

We all are dancin'
さぁ音楽へDivin'　ヤな事ゼンブを投げ捨てBreakin'
Yes, We're singin'
心を合わせて　Say yes!　「We'll make FREEDOM」

自由を叫ぼう
今みんなで一つになり (Lady, Ready?)
自由を歌うおう　大事なコト忘れないで
Shakin' dance x4
至極極楽ようこそBaby!
Music burns deep in our hearts

Wow Wo, Wow... (Lady, Ready?)

自由を見せたい
グルーヴしたRaveの海 (Lady, Ready?)
自由に行こう　自分色で光ればいい
Shakin' dance x4
感謝感激ゴキゲンBaby?
Music consumes us tonight

Wow Wo, Wow... (Lady, Ready?)

「We'll make FREEDOM」

Romaji lyrics

Doresukoodo nante
mune ni bara dakede iikara (Lady, Ready?)
ichiban hajiketa koodineeto shite yoru e to tokeyou

Now, It's show time
Saa yume e go shoutai raito de terasuyo honto no shoutai
Now, Ride on time
Kotobajya yabottai nani mo shibararenai FREEDOM

Jiyuu wo misetai
Guruuvu shita Rave no umi (Lady, Ready?)
Jiyuu ni ikkou jibun iro de hikarebaii
Shakin' dance x4
Kansha kangeki gokigen Baby?
Music consumes us tonight

Hipunotikku na Breakbeats
Terepashii no you no tsunagaru (Lady, Ready?)
Koyoi wa bureikou sa konomi no gurasu de hora yoakemade

We all are dancin'
Saa ongaku e Divin' yanakoto senbu wo nagesute Breakin'
Yes, We're singin'
Kokoro wo awasete Say yes! 「We'll make FREEDOM」

Jiyuu wo sakebou
Ima minna de hitosu ni nari (Lady, Ready?)
Jiyuu wo utau ou daijina koto wasurenaide
Shakin' dance x4
Shigoku gokuraku youkoso Baby!
Music burns deep in our hearts

Wow Wo, Wow... (Lady, Ready?)

Jiyuu wo misetai
Guruuvu shita Rave no umi (Lady, Ready?)
Jiyuu ni ikkou jibun iro de hikarebaii
Shakin' dance x4
Kansha kangeki gokigen Baby?
Music consumes us tonight

Wow Wo, Wow... (Lady, Ready?)

「We'll make FREEDOM」

English translation

What's the dress code?
It's all good 'cause of the rose on your chest (Are you ready lady?).
As the night dissolves, this is the best and brilliant coordination.

Now, it's show time.
Come, our dreams are calling, the light illuminates/reveals our true identity.
Now, ride on time,
Let's not be bound by uncouth words; Freedom.

I want to show you freedom,
And groove in the sea of rave (Are you ready lady?).
Let's move/go freely, let your own colour shine.
Shakin' dance x4
Are you [feeling] grateful, thrilled/ecstatic and high baby?
Music consumes us tonight.

Hypnotic breakbeats
Which induces telepathy (Are you ready lady?).
We'll put away the formalities tonight, [drinking] from your favourite glass until dawn breaks.

We all are dancin'.
Come, dive into the music, throw away unwanted things, take a break.
Yes, We're singin',
Our hearts become one/are united.
Say yes! We'll make Freedom.

Shout out 'freedom',
Everyone together now (Are you ready lady?).
Sing out your freedom, don't lose sight of the precious things.
Shakin' dance x4
Welcome to the ultimate paradise baby!
Music burns deep within our hearts

Wow Wo, Wow... (Lady, Ready?)

I want to show you freedom,
And groove in the sea of rave (Are you ready lady?).
Let's move/go freely, let your own colour shine.
Shakin' dance x4
Are you [feeling] grateful, thrilled/ecstatic and high baby?
Music consumes us tonight.

Wow Wo, Wow... (Lady, Ready?)

「We'll make FREEDOM」

Pumpkin's Palette: Miyuki #2

After watching episode 7 of Red Data Girl, I realised the only reason why I keep watching this anime is because of this guy, Miyuki. Otherwise, I think the plot is pretty boring and confusing, I can't develop any feelings for other characters and I don't enjoy the flow of the story.

Also, pointing out that this is my third "Screencap It", with the original screencap:

Uta no Prince sama Maji Love 2000% - Episode 7 [v.P]

Sorry, too busy fangirling to write a proper review. Please enjoy some fangirl blabber.

Otoya's character song takes 4th on first day of release

Wednesday means (preliminary) "report card" time for most Japanese musicians because that's the day rankings for new released singles are published. This week we have quite a number of strong competitors, with Kat-Tun [#1], T.M. RevolutionXMizuki Nana (the OP song for Valvrave the Liberator, currently airing anime) [#2], Otoya's (CV: Terashima Takuma) character song [#4], KyaryPamyuPamyu [#8], KamiYu (ED for Karneval, currently airing anime) [#16] and Shirokuma's character song (CV: Sakurai Takahiro) [#25].

I'm rather surprised that Otoya beat KPP, and I'm very proud and happy that KamiYu and Sakurai made it to the top 30. I didn't screenshot it in, but Masato's character song still stayed within the top 30, dropping down to #21.

Masato's character single sales hit number one again

I was met with a pleasant surprise last night when I checked the Oricon rankings and saw that Masato's character single jumped from rank 7 right up to taking the number 1 spot again! Congratulations my prince.

Here's the history of Masa's rankings in the past week.

5/8→1st 

5/9→2nd 

5/10→2nd

5/11→4th 

5/12→7th 

5/13→1st!!

I wonder how he'll go overall for the weekly sales. Also, Otoya's releasing his character single today, so my best wishes to him.

Edit: It's confirmed that Masa's single is ranked 2nd overall with over 22,000 copies sold.

Pumpkin's Palette: Anguished One

Anguished One from Devil Survivor 2 - The Animation.

I'm really in love with the characters from Devil Survivor 2.

The black strip pattern didn't turn out as crooked as I expected. I'm getting faster at using my brushes. This took 7 hours of work.

Without background.

Silly duet by Kaji Yuuki and Shimono Hiro

Twitter went down for me, so I decided to watch Uta Koi, and I was up to episode 10. I opened the video and was greeted by this silly duet of Kaji Yuuki and Shimono Hiro. I couldn't stop laughing ever since hearing this randomness.

[Fanfic] Seiichirou no Bai~ That Afternoon (Uta no Prince sama)

Inspiration can come at the strangest times. I was having my UtaPri music on shuffle and while listening to Ren's song this short fanfic hit me. I absolutely adore Ren's older brother, Seiichirou (pictured below).

***Seiichirou no Bai~ That Afternoon***

Summary: What exactly happened that afternoon when young Ren was singing in the garden and his older brother, Seiichirou, stared out the window? A short story from Seiichirou's perspective.

Back then it wasn't father or mother that supported me, it was you Ren; your soothing voice, your golden hair, your shining smile, your glowing soul, that was what kept me strong. I can never erase from my heart the burst of emotions I experienced the first time I stumbled across your talent.

It happened on a typical Sunday afternoon. I was stuck in my office piled up with work. I felt irritated and stressed, being weighed down by the pressures of being the next potential Chief Executive of the Jinguuji Company. I wanted to quit and run away. Why me? Why do I have to be the next in line to inherit the company? Why did father have to fall ill at such an inconvenient time? I knew that it was pointless to ask such questions, the reality would not change. I cannot escape from my fate and duties as the first born to the Jinguuji family. Nevertheless, I yearned for something, anything, that could give my heart temporary relief from this scorching pain and turmoil.

I released a heavy sigh as I placed the stack of documents back on to my wooden desk. I thought that maybe taking a look at the scenery may ease some of my discomfort. I arose from my creaky brown leather chair and paced towards the window. Another sigh slipped from my lips as I reminded myself that I had to prepare for a company meeting to be held next morn. I let my eyes drift across our large backyard. Brown. Everything's turning brown. A casual Autumn breeze shook the tree branches, threatening the dull and fragile leaves to fall off. Watching such sombre scenery did not improve my mood, I was only reminded of how helpless I was, being carried along by the 'winds' of the higher ups and elders of the Jinguuji Company.

But on that afternoon, I learnt that sometimes the harsh wind can also bring gentle delights.

「夕陽が舞う園で 君だけを見ていた

星よりも 煌めいた その瞳にKnock out」

"In that garden, lit by the dancing sunset, you were the only one I was looking at.

Those eyes sparkling more than the stars, I was knocked out by them!"

---

A/N: Inspiration from episode 6 of UtaPri Maji Love 2000%. Final line adapted from Ren's first character song: Sekai no Hate Made Believe Heart.

UtaPri senpai fans fear not! We WILL get our senpais - eventually.

Senpai fanart

Yes, you've heard me complain about the lack of senpai air time in the currently airing Uta no Prince sama Maji Love 2000% (here and here). But there is no need for despair! A source from twitter tweeted the following photo, and the main point being that the senpais will appear in the second half of the anime! Just some more things to look forward to in the coming month!

Pumpkin's Palette: Houtsuin Yamato (Devil Survivor 2 - the Animation)

峰津院大和

After 12 hours of work I am over this project. I love Houtsuin. Maybe because Suwabe voices him. Haha.

Initially did a non-background version,
and then it really hurt my eyes while staring at it,
so I just threw on a really simple bg.
I really need to learn how to draw nice bgs.

PSotD - 遥か、日常の中で

Title: 遥か、日常の中で (Haruka, Nichijou no Naka de)

Artist: Inaba Hiroshi (CV: Suwabe Junichi)
Year: 2013

Notes: I swear I posted about this before, but I can't seem to find the post. Maybe I dreamt that I posted it. This is the OP song for the anime Cuticle Tantei Inaba. It's such a hilarious anime. Of course I'm biased because Suwabe voiced the main character (Guhehehe). I love this song Suwabe's voice so much. I think I play this song at least once every two days.

Not entirely related to the song/anime, but have a compilation picture of sleeping seiyuus.

DDL: here

Gackt to release two 'best of' albums in July and new song chosen as image song for Japanese version of ‘Silent Hill: Revelation 3D’

GACKT’s new song, “CLAYMORE“, has been chosen as the image song for the Japanese version of movie, ‘Silent Hill: Revelation 3D‘.

“CLAYMORE” features GACKT’s mysterious and powerful singing voice. It perfectly matches the movie’s atmosphere which takes place in a city that’s surrounded by ash and fog. GACKT’s new song can also be heard in the trailer for the movie. The horror film is an adaptation of the popular game, ‘Silent Hill‘, and it will open in theaters on July 12.

Furthermore, “CLAYMORE” will be included in GACKT’s new best-of album that’s set for release on July 3rd. There will be two best of albums, "BEST OF THE BEST vol.1 -MILD-" and "BEST OF THE BEST vol.1 -WILD-". More details on the album will be revealed through his official website in the coming days. But you can guess from the titles that the first one will probably include soft and melodious songs while the second one will include his heavier works.

Source: jpasia, tokyohive