Seiyuu appreciation post: Pheromen (Suwabe Junichi and Toriumi Kousuke)

The dual unit Pheromen 「フェロ☆メン」 consists of seiyuus Suwabe Junichi and Toriumi Kousuke, and their style lean towards Visual Kei.
They will be releasing a new single in 2 days! More information at their official site.
In the meantime, I'm rofling at Be-sama in this pic.

Pokémon Dubstep Remix - Lindsey Stirling+Kurt Schneider

Two amazing musicians jam together a song we're all familiar with!

Seiyuu appreciation post: Nobuhiko Okamoto

This boy is too cute!

Anime Review - Dangan Ronpa The Animation : Bloody Okay

Synopsis:

A group of 15 elite high school students are gathered at a very special, high class high school. To graduate from this high school essentially means you'll succeed in life, but graduating is very difficult. The school is presided over by a bear called Monokuma, and he explains to them that their graduation hinges around committing a murder. The only way to graduate is to kill one of your classmates and get away with it. If the other classmates discover the identity of the killer, the killer is the only one executed. However, if they fail to catch the killer, only the killer graduates and the others are annihilated. Which of the 15 will survive the bloodbath to come?

Source : MU

Decent Story (6)

Doesn't the seating arrangement remind you a little of . . . 

The plot of the story gets a little predictable. I understand that the student have to keep dying and the classroom trials have to keep occurring, but it is repetitive. As well, the story seems rushed and you have little exposure to the characters themselves. The viewer rarely gets a chance to truly see the motives and reason behind each character's actions. I have heard several people, who have played the PSP game, comment that this series should have been made into twenty-five episodes rather than the thirteen. And I agree. The creators were too focused on including every element of this story into thirteen episodes and it left out the needed emotional connection between characters, making this story quite hollow.

Good Art (7)
There isn't much too comment on the art. Generally, it is okay, but there are moments where the animation is sloppy. During the execution scenes, I really love the change in art style. Of the entire anime, these scenes are my favourite. Monokuma has an interesting choice in how the students are executed . . . and I love it :D

Look at that beautiful shading!

Killer Soundtrack (9)
Dangan Ronpa's opening and ending songs are probably the top of my favourites this season, behind Guren No Yumiya and Uchouten Jinsei. The animation along with the opening song is a seamless perfection. The same can be said about the ending song. I am glad that Soraru got his anime debut and he does a wonderful job as always.

Gif from the opening scene, containing "all" the characters. 

Wait. . .there are characters? (4)
Blame the rushed pace for the terrible character development in this story. In all honesty, however, the rushed pace provided little opportunity for character growth and relationships. The relationships that are created seem carelessly tossed in, like Kirigiri and Naegi. There are moments where she seems to have feelings for him but other times it appears like she has no affection for him. It is a bit confusing.
The characters themselves are pretty much stereotypical and cookie-cut, but if you take in consideration of their "Super Duper High Schooler" title and selection, it makes sense. Naegi's character is a little annoying, but that is just me and my personal dislike of optimistic heroes.

Interesting Ride (7)
To be honest, I liked Dangan Ronpa, despite its obvious flaws. The pace, the overall rushed execution and the repetitive acts are bothersome, and I think halfway through the series, I watched simply for the soundtrack, classroom trials and executions. The murders were predictable, but nevertheless, I enjoyed watching the pieces unfold before me.

Overall : Good (7)
Saying this from the perspective of someone who has only experienced the anime version of this series, I enjoyed it. The awesome soundtrack and the well-animated execution scenes are something to look forward. However, if you are the type of watcher that loves a good story with good characters, Dangan Ronpa is not the anime for you. Instead, I recommend playing the PSP game, for it provides a more enjoyable experience.

Because why not :D 

Until next time.
Nankurunaisa
sana_salim

Riverfire 2013

It's been over 15 years since I last attended Brisbane's Riverfire festival.

It wasn't as packed with people as I anticipated. The bag security screening was absolutely stupid though, wasted 5 minutes of my life.

It was *great* seeing our tax money being burnt in vibrant colours for half an hour (oh the sarcasm).

After the fireworks show, we met up with a few other friends at the city to eat at a Korean restaurant called Funny Funny. The food was delicious! Especially the chilli chicken with herbs and rice.

It was a really fun night out.

There's extra photos of South Bank, which I went to yesterday morning. It was a very nice day out!

Please do excuse my terrible photography skills, and not good quality phone camera.

Seiyuu appreciation post: KENN, Toriumi Kousuke and Namikawa Daisuke

I stole this off Namikawa's latest blog post.

It's about the new release of the game: Meiji Tokyo Renka, of which KENN, Tori and Nami are participating in; and Nami's upcoming single release.

KuroBasu Season 2: Are you ready?

With less than 2 weeks to go until season 2 of Kuroko no Basuke is ready to air, the official anime site updated with some of the cast comments, which you can read here. Everyone looks ready to fight for the Interhigh trophy!

Seiyuu appreciation post: Kamiya Hiroshi

Anime Review - WataMote: It's Pretty Popular . . .

Synopsis: 
Kuroki Tomoko is a super popular, high school girl who has had 50 years of dating experience and 100 boys... in the Otome game world. In the real world, she is a 15-year-old shut-in who has all of the qualities of a "mojo" (a unpopular woman).
However, when school isn't going as she expected, and she isn't as popular as she had thought she was, she takes a look at herself in the mirror for the first time in a few years, and has some shocking revelations...
Source: (MU)

Awkwardly Amusing (7)
To be honest, there is no story, just Kuroki experiencing different everyday experiences where she tries her best, but keeps failing. And she tries again. And she fails again. The story gets really repetitive, and you can watch any episode without spoiling anything.
Putting that aside, it is quite amusing to watch Kuroki react through her everyday situations, but that might just be the sadistic side of me. The cringe-worthy scenes were both hilarious and depressing, because these kind of awkward moments happen in real life, and I can relate on a personal level. 

Nevertheless, WataMote is a great anime to watch when you need some comedic relief. 

Simple Yet Effective Artwork (7)
You can tell that this was a low-budget production, so the artwork isn't very impressive. Though, Kuroki isn't quite the attractive character nor the enthusiastic type, so it wouldn't make sense to use a "mainstream" art style. But don't judge that this is a bad anime because of the art style! This lack of quality is actually beneficial in making this an enjoyable anime, and adds extra laughs. Keep in mind that the style is a bit different and it does take some time getting use to.

Strange Soundtrack (8)

Kitta Izumi as Kuroki Tomoko. Perfect match!

As much as I find the opening animation strange, the soundtrack itself is wonderful. The opening song is very energetic. It gives you a burst of energy, but the episode's story slowly sucks it all away, until you are a miserable mess wishing that Kuroki had some sort of success. And to refresh you once again, the ending song is this cheerful, sweet song full of hope. With Kitta Izumi singing it with her Kuroki voice, it provides an overwhelming amount of motivation. 

The animation for the opening song is strange. Everytime, I keep thinking, "Is this is Death Note?". Note, that may just be my personal opinion. The ending song, on the other hand, is quite creative. I like the unique concept of the phone presenting Kuroki's life. The only other ending I can think of that is similar would be FMA Brotherhood, where Al and Ed "draw" the ending.

Also, Miku had an ending song appearance!

Lack of Development for Characters (6)
There is really only one character in this anime, and Kuroki doesn't have that much growth to her character. The last two episodes show some character development, but again, it isn't that much. Besides the development, Kuroki is a well-portrayed socially awkward high school girl, a little extreme albeit but still well-portrayed. She is an interesting character since she is different from the normal cut-out characters, and I love that about her. Also, Kitta Izumi does a terrific job in voicing Kuroki and she really brings a realistic side to Kuroki, because not all Japanese girls have an adorable, moe voice. 

The one thing that I would have liked in this season was to have the side characters make more frequent appearances. Naruse Yuu was a funny airhead and I wish that she had more lines, same with Kuroki's brother and Imae Megumi. The side characters add depth to the story and truly show how Kuroki interacts with different people. Hopefully, if there is a next season, I want the side characters to have a greater role.

Cringe-Worthy Experience - In a Good Way (8)
Every single episode had some sort of cringe-worthy moment. It was humorous, yes, but I kept wanting to pull my hair out. So many awkward scenes, but hey, they lighten the mood on the fact that Kuroki may never become popular. 

As well, I enjoyed the references to other anime, to the point where I would take screenshots and ask others if they recognized the reference.

Guess the anime reference :D
Screenshot by me

Overall: Good (7)
Watamote wouldn't be the anime that you would watch for story, or art or character; it is for the embarrassing and humorous moments. If you can relate to being socially awkward, then Watamote is perfect for you, unless you never want to open the door to your past again. And even if you can't relate, Watamote is an enjoyable, yet cringe-worthy anime that is worth a few laughs.   


Whew, done. 
Good night everyone~
Nankurunaisa
sana_salim

What's the time?

I want to have this watch!

Seiyuu appreciation post: Tetsuya Kakihara

Seiyuu appreciation post: Miyano Mamoru

Okay, I know, he's a dad. But still. ._. He's hot.

Anime Parodies: ServantXService #12

I love it when animes make fun of other animes. ServantXService and Watamote did quite a lot of that in the Summer season.
This week in ServantXService Chihaya takes 3 days off work to make cosplay costumes. Turns out she'll be cosplaying as Menma from AnoHana and someone from Shingeki no Kyojin!

Seiyuu appreciation post: Hatano Wataru and Terashima Takuma

Seiyuu appreciation post: Fukuyama Jun

More Reviews Soon~

With the summer and spring animes coming to an end, expect some reviews in the next few weeks. I will try and cover as many shows as I can. In the meantime, here are some pictures from the animes that you should watch.

Kamisama No Inai Nichiyoubi (The Sunday Without God)

Kiniro Mosaic (Yellow Mosaic)

Dangan Ronpa

Gin No Saji (Silver Spoon)

Gatchaman Crowds

Uchouten Kazoku (Eccentric Family)

WataMote (It's Not My Fault That I Am Not Popular!)

Seiyuu appreciation post: Shimono Hiro

Seiyuu appreciation post: Suwabe Junichi

Seiyuu appreciation post: Ohsaka Ryota

Seiyuu appreciation post: Ono Daisuke

Brothers Conflict - Episode 12 (Final) [v.P]

Hey Bro! It's that time of the week again!
This is the last episode!!

I'm absolutely sobbing my eyes out after watching this final episode. My precious boys!
It was a very nicely wrapped ending!

Conflict 12: Affections.

Pumpkin's palette: Twins

Twins are perfect. I'd like to date someone who has a twin. :3
I tried a new colouring style this time. Is it better than my old colouring style?
Actually, I started this piece because I wanted a new profile banner. Hahaha.

Azusa and Tsubaki from Brothers Conflict

 Lineart:

Seiyuu appreciation post: Kaji Yuuki

Gruhhhh, you are so adorable Kajiii-kun~

[Download] Passage - Miyano Mamoru

So what's the extra seiyuu post I mentioned in my previous post? (Picture kind of gives it away lol)
Well some kind hearted soul shared Mamo's new album Passage!
And :O :O :O it's MAMOLICIOUS~~ Download here.
This album is pure perfection.

I love "THANK YOU (reprise)". It was my favourite song from your Kanon single, and you made even 'awesomer' in your album.
You show off your amazing vibrato voice with track 5 - 愛の詩～Ulyssesの宴～, a jazzy kind of song.
:O You remixed "Golden Night" so darn awesome. "passage," feels like a typical Mamo song, very similar to his early career style.
I'm crying from the lyrics of his last song "未来", it's so sweet and beautiful!

Seiyuu appreciation post: Ono Daisuke

*screams* OnoD you sexy beast!

(Another seiyuu surprise on the way ;) )

Seiyuu appreciation post: Fukuyama Jun

I see his name in a few of the upcoming animes :D

Random Bubbletea picture

Found this floating around the internet. Apparently this is how Malaysia promotes bubbletea. lol.

Seiyuu appreciation post: Kimura Ryohei