PSotD - Immoral

Title: Immoral

Artist: Piko
Year: 2011

Notes: ♪ ☆ ★ ♪ ♥ ♡♡♡ ♥ ♪ ☆ ★ ♪

DDL: 

PSotD - Corruption Garden

Title: Corruption Garden

Artist/Composer: Megurine Luka feat. CAZ

Year: 2011

Notes: One of the best Vocaloid music videos I have seen. The animation is very detailed and of the futuristic style. It reminds me of Final Fantasy animation.

DDL: MikuDB

PSotD - Dancer in the Dark

Title: Dancer in the Dark

Artist/Composer: Megurine Luka feat. - fatman-P

Year: 2010

Notes: Catchy song!

DDL: Here

PSotD - Magnet (ver. GakupoxLuka)

Title: Magnet

Artist/Composer: GakupoXLuka/ minato (ryuuseiP)
Year: 2009

Notes: At first I had doubts about this pairing, but it turns out the harmonies are pretty good. Luka's alto voice goes well with Gakupo's wide range.

DDL:

Hatsune Miku Meat Buns to Be Unveiled in Japan

The official website for the collaboration between Hatsune Miku and FamilyMart convenience stores announced on Monday that "Mikuman" meat buns will be unveiled. The website noted that samples were offered at a recent presentation event in Tokyo.

Traditional nikuman are steamed buns made from flour dough and pork or other fillings. The collaboration website will add more details about the Hatsune Miku buns in the future.

The Vocaloid idol "hijacked" four stores as part of her "Many 39s Giving Day" (Miku no Hi Dai-Kanshasai) concert event in March and began offering limited edition "Sakura Miku" and "Snow Miku" goods. FamilyMart also launched its crowdsourced Hatsune Miku promotional campaign in March.

Source: ANN

PSotD - Capsule

Title: Capsule

Artist: Mix Speaker's Inc.
Year: 2012

Notes: An insert song for the anime Daily Lives of High School Boys. 
I really like how the voices of the band's two vocalists harmonize and mix well together.

DDL: From AnimeMp3.

PSotD - My Pace

Title: My Pace

Artist: Sunset Swish
Year: 2005

Notes: Sixth ending song for the anime Bleach.

I was playing all my anime songs on shuffle and this song came up. It brings back good memories of Bleach. This was one of the ending songs during the Bount Arc, which in my opinion was a terrible filler season. It kind of ruined the original Bleach. 残念だったね？

DDL: From Gendou music (Requires account - it's easy to make one!)

PSotD - Continued Story

Title: Continued Story

Artist: Hitomi Kuroishi
Year: 2008

Notes: Insert song for the anime Code Geass. This song was played at the end of season 2. The song is so light, sweet and gentle, it brings tears to my eyes.

DDL: From Gendou music (Requires account - it's easy to make one!)

And the live version

Mamoru Miyano, Chiwa Saito Lead 009 Re:Cyborg Cast

The official website for Kenji Kamiyama's 009 Re:Cyborg film revealed the film's main cast on Wednesday:

Sakiko Tamagawa as Cyborg 001: Ivan Whisky 

Daisuke Ono as Cyborg 002: Jet Link 

Chiwa Saito as Cyborg 003: Françoise Arnoul 

Toru Ohkawa as Cyborg 004: Albert Heinrich 

Teruyuki Tanzawa as Cyborg 005: Geronimo Jr. 

Tarou Masuoka as Cyborg 006: Chang Changku 

Hiroyuki Yoshino as Cyborg 007: Great Britain 

Noriaki Sugiyama as Cyborg 008: Pyunma 

Mamoru Miyano as Cyborg 009: Joe Shimamura 

009 Re:Cyborg, which is Kamiyama's first in full-3D animation, re-imagines Shotaro Ishinomori's classic science fiction manga Cyborg 009. Kamiyama's previous credits include Eden of the East, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, and Moribito - Guardian of the Spirit.

In the original manga, the secret Black Ghost organization transforms nine unsuspecting humans into cyborgs. However, the nine cyborgs turn on their masters and protect the rest of humanity from Black Ghost's plans for world war.

The film will open in Japan on October 27, and it will also open simultaneously in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea.

Kamiyama auditioned the voices by blindly listening to the tapes of over 200 candidates. 

Source: ANN

Pokémon Black 2/White 2 Games Sell 1.619 Million

Enterbrain's Famitsu.com website reported that 1,618,621 units of Nintendo's Pokemon Black 2 and Pokemon White 2 games were purchased in their first weekend in Japan. Famitsu.com also reported that since release, 32,855,241 Nintendo DS units have sold (including DS Lite, DSi, DSi LL/XL) and 6,288,334 Nintendo 3DS units within Japan alone, as of June 17.

The companion games are set for a 3rd quarter release in North America and Europe under the titles Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2.

Nintendo streamed its second English trailer for the games on Thursday.

Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 are set two years after the first Pokémon Black & White games. They will introduce two new forms of legendary Pokémon (Black Kyurem and White Kyurem) and new characters. New locations have also been added to the land of Isshu (known as Unova in North America).

Source: ANN

PSotD - Like a Bird

Title: Like a Bird (Boku wa, Tori ni Naru)

Artist: Hitomi Kuroishi
Year: 2008

Notes: Insert song for the anime Code Geass.

"I wanted to reach out to you, but time did not allow it."

DDL: From Gendou music (Requires account - it's easy to make one!)

Google Chrome's Hatsune Miku Ad Also Wins Silver in Cannes Lions

Google Chrome Japan's commercial with the Vocaloid idol Hatsune Miku won another prize — the Silver Lion Award in the Branded Content & Entertainment Lions Shortlist for "best use or integration of user-generated content" — at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The awards honor "excellence in creative communications" in the advertising industry. The festival, the world's largest dedicated to advertising, ran in the French city of Cannes from June 17 to June 23 (roughly one month after the more famous Cannes Film Festival).

The ad also won the Bronze Lion in the Direct Lions Short List for Corporate Image & Information.

Source: ANN

PSotD - Shiawase Neiro

Title: Shiawase Neiro

Artist: ORANGE RANGE
Year: 2008

Notes: The first ending song for the second season of the anime Code Geass.
I'm continuing rewatching Code Geass. I really do have the hots for blonde guys like Gino and Schnizer. I totally forgot that Rolo had Geass power. キャアアー Rolo is so cute and loyal. I really like Lelouch's evil laughter.

I actually ship this paring. ;)

DDL: From keiichianimeforever.com 

PSotD - Mosaic Kakera

Title: Mosaic Kakera

Artist: SunSet Swish
Year: 2007

Notes: The second ending song for the first season of the anime Code Geass.
I've been rewatching Code Geass and Suzaku's character has been growing on me. Initially, I didn't like Suzaku because of his arrogant personality but I've recently realised how cute he is.
I've also noticed that in addition to my big addiction to characters with (long) white hair, I have a huge fetish for meganes (characters that wears glasses). I was smiling when Guilford came onto the scene.
I really like the main melody of this song, it's very simple and catchy.

DDL: From keiichianimeforever.com  

Anime Review (v.P): Brave10

I was very excited when I first saw the preview for this anime. A samurai story full of bishies definitely catches my eye. Further, a lot of the famous male seiyuus participated in this production. However, after reading many negative reviews regarding this anime, I got pretty downhearted. After spending less than 6 hours watching it, I believe that this anime isn't as bad as how other people portray it.

If you ignore the lack of storyline, character development, background music and rushed ending, and focus on the wonderful quality of the artwork, character designs (costumes and weapons) and, of course, the bijins, then it's not too arduous to watch pretty men (and women) battle after battle after battle (yes, for the full 12 episodes, it's all battles).

Synopsis: (from myanimelist.net)

A young ninja named Saizo Kirigakure is trying to find meaning and direction in his life when he encounters Isanami, who is fleeing from assassins. He manages to save her life, and she then asks him to act as her bodyguard until she reaches her destination. When they arrive in the protected territory of Sanada, Saizo falls into a meeting with Sasuke Sarutobi, leader of the famed ninja group. Sanada has gathered these bold and talented ninjas together in order to bring an end to Japan's era of war. Meanwhile, Isanami's mysterious hidden power comes to light.

Review:

[STORY]

The story is absurdly simple.  The main female lead (Isanami) has something which everyone desires. The main male protagonist (Saizou) fights to protect her and along the way gathers comrades to achieve this goal.

This anime starts with a battle and ends with a battle. For every episode, it's just ongoing fighting right up to the very end. Albeit the lack of storyline, they included quite a few decent comedy relief sketches. I started getting into the flow of this series around episode 6 (halfway through). The climax occurs in episode 9, where they attempt to explain the mysteries in the story. I must say that the explanations are rather stupid, but this is fantasy so I'm not going to get too picky with it. The ending was so terrible that I had to give myself 3 facepalms. In the end, none of my questions were answered, and only more flaws issues were raised.

One thing that puzzles me is what exactly is Saizou fighting for? He's not fighting for pride, like in most shounen themes. The story never explained why Saizou agreed to protect Isanami, nor did it reveal when and why Saizou and Isanami became friends.

So, what's the point in all this fighting? Who cares. As long as I get my dose of good looking characters showing off their skills then I'm satisfied. Right? It somehow gives me the feel of the later Bleach (Aizen/Arrancar Arc). There's so much fighting that you forget the reason of fighting. The problem with this anime was that they never explained in the beginning why they had to fight. I guess because this is a story about a bunch of warriors, ninjas, samurais and assassins set in the Sengoku period (fighting period) of Japan, it's understood that fighting is necessary, and that it is the inherent and central theme of the anime.

Rating: 3

[ART] 

You could tell that the producers dished out a lot of money to the art department. The character designs (costumes and weapons) were very creative. Furthermore, the backgrounds were extremely detailed (for a 12 episode anime). The special effects looked really cool.
Rating: 9

[SOUND]

Wait-! What background music? Did I go deaf? The producers must've cut all the funding to the sound department after giving their all to the arts. Nevertheless, I loved the opening and ending songs.
Rating: 4

[CHARACTER]

As far as character designs goes I really enjoyed the costumes, weapons and fighting abilities. Sadly, there were no character developments whatsoever. It just keeps introducing character after character in each episode, without giving details about their backgrounds. It's even worse than Bleach or Code Geass (Season 1). They don't explain how these characters tie in with our main protagonists. They don't show the growth of everyone's relationships. It feels like everyone can become buddies after battling against each other. Ridiculous!

What I can't hold back from is, of course, the fact that all of the characters are bijins! I can't decide a favourite. I love them all, both heroes and villains. Even the female characters. My favour may lean towards Rokuro because he reminds me of Saito Hajime from Hakuouki with his right eye covered by his lovely dark purple/blue hair which is tied back in a pony tail.
Rating: 5

[ENJOYMENT]

If you ignore the fact that there's no interesting (or even meaningful) storyline nor character development, and you purely enjoy watching bijins in action, then this anime series is endurable.
Rating: 6.5

[OVERALL] 

Otaku haven. Plenty of hot/sexy men (and women) wielding awesome weapons, showing off their power by fighting each other. Your visual senses will be doused in their flashy costumes covered in blood and sweat, while your aural senses will be drowned in the resonating voices of your well-known and loved seiyuus.
Rating: 7

PSotD - Just a Game

Title: Just a Game

Artist/Composer: Gumi/ takamatt
Year: 2010

Notes: I've been on a Vocaloid hiatus for a month because I was getting tired of the "electronic" voices. I think now is a good time to rekindle my passion for Vocaloids as very soon there will be releases of some very good albums that I've had my eyes on.
This song gets your toes tapping with a (latin) tango/Jazz style of music. I've not had much contact with Gumi's voice but I do like her deep and dark timbre.

DDL: MikuDB

Anime Chart Summer 2012 (Japan)

While searching for the song Danshi Koukousei to Shounen Jidai from the Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou Original Soundtrack (sadly I still can't find a youtube clip of it; this track is an arrangement of Pachelbel's canon), I came across this site which lists the animes to be aired during Summer 2012 in Japan, that is during June, July and August. This site also gives short preview trailers of each upcoming anime, so be sure to check them out! 

Which of these animes will be on your 'to watch list'?

Download for larger view.

Some of the animes have already started airing, but the ones which I am anticipating are:

• Sword Art Online
• Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere (Need to watch season 1)
• Hakuouki Reimeiroku
• Oda Nobuna no Yabou
• Arcana Famiglia
• Hagure Yuusha no Estetica
• Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse
• Aruvu Rezuru: Kikai Jikake no Yousei-tachi
• Blood-C: The Last Dark
• Code Geass: Nunnally in Wonderland

PSotD - Koyoi, Tsuki ga Miezu tomo

Title:  Koyoi, Tsuki ga Miezu tomo (今宵、月が見えずとも)

Artist: Porno Graffitti
Album: 今宵、月が見えずとも
Year: 2008

Notes: The ending song for the anime movie Bleach: Fade to Black.
This is the third animated film adaptation of the popular manga and anime series Bleach. 
It's a very catchy rock song. Porno Graffitti's vocalist has strong and sharp articulations.

DDL: From Gendou music (Requires account - it's easy to make one!)

Live version.

PSotD - Chiranai Hana

Title: Chiranai Hana (散らない花)

Artist: Aika Yoshioka
Year: 2010

Notes: Opening song for the DS game Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan.

For some reason which I haven't figured yet, I really like her voice and style of music.

I'm only about 5% of the way into the game. It's a real struggle to play because this is a Visual Novel and I don't know the Japanese language. I make do with trying to guess the meaning of the dialogues with my mediocre Chinese knowledge and basic Japanese knowledge.

I promise I'll write up an anime review of Hakuouki very soon, because it's my #2 favourite anime.

DDL: 

PSotD - Moonlight

Title: Moonlight

Artist: Miyano Mamoru
Year: 2011

Notes: Track 2 from Miyano's single Orpheus.
I really like this catchy pop tune.

DDL: Here. 

Hatsune Miku Project Diva F's New Song Intro Video Posted

Sega began streaming a new song introduction video for the Hatsune Miku Project Diva F musical rhythm game on Thursday. The seven-minute video highlights eight songs from the PlayStation Vita game, including "Odds & Ends" by supercell's Ryo.

Hatsune Miku Project Diva F is the finalized name for the title Sega codenamed as "Next Hatsune Miku Project Diva" until last month. The game will feature an AR mode that uses the PS Vita's camera to superimpose Hatsune Miku in the real world.

Sony will release a PlayStation Vita Hatsune Miku Limited Edition in Crystal White as a bundle with the game on August 30. Regular editions of the game will also ship on the same day. The PS Vita Card version will cost 7,329 yen (about US$92), and the downloadable version will cost 6,600 yen (US$83).

Source: ANN

Pumpkin: All of my favourites songs! Ryo's new song ODDS&ENDS sounds really cool and so does 8#Prince's Weekender Girl. Ah I wish I had a PSP.

PSotD - Izayoi Namida

Title: Izayoi Namida

Artist: Aika Yoshioka
Year: 2010

Notes: Opening song for the anime Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan (Season 1).
One of my all time favourite animes! There is news of a third season coming out in Summer (Japan) 2012. I can't wait! More bishies thank you.

Okita Souji - so handsome *A*

DDL: From Gendou music (Requires account - it's easy to make one!)

The Vocaloids Release a Visual Kei Cover Album

The Vocaloids announced recently the release of their visual kei cover album. Each song features different Vocaloids covering a variety of different visual kei band's songs.

The album, titled "I LOVE Visualizm feat. Miku Hatsune" is produced by Machigurita. It contains fifteen tracks, releasing on July 25th. See below for the track list.

Track List:

1. Namida Neko feat. Hatsune Miku – Megamasso

2. Mikansei Sapphire feat. GUMI – Lolita 23q

3. Vanilla feat. Kamui Gakupo – GACKT

4.Crisis Memento feat. Hatsune Miku – Merry

5. Atria feat. Kagamine Rin – NoGoD

6. Memeshikute feat. Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin/Len, Megurine Luka, GUMI, Kamui Gakupo, VY2 – Golden Bomber

7. BOYS&GIRLS feat. Kagamine Ren – LM.C

8. Natsukoi feat. Megurine Luka – SID

9. Kuroi Sabaku feat. Megurine Luka – jealkb

10. Snow Scene feat. GUMI – AnCafe

11.Kiss Me Snow feat. Hatsune Miku – Ayabie

12. Nirvana feat. Kagamine Rin – MUCC

13. Makka na Ito feat. Kagamine Len – Plastic Tree

14. Blue Film feat. VY2 – cali≠gari

15. lost graduation feat. Kagamine Len - Raphael

Source: jpopasia

Pumpkin: Teehehe. Gakupo is "covering" Gackt's Vanilla. I can't wait to listen to that track! Also looking forward to SID's Natsukoi and LM.C's Boys&Girls. Machigurita's tunes and remixes never ceases to amaze me.

GACKT and ICONIQ are in a relationship?

Weekly tabloid magazine “FRIDAY” has reported that singers GACKT (38) and ICONIQ (27) are currently in a relationship! The latest magazine issue released on June 22nd contains photos of the alleged couple together.

According to FRIDAY, the rumored couple went to a high class French restaurant and dined there for around three hours eating and sipping wine. In one of the photos, the rumored couple can be seen gazing at each other and holding hands. When they parted, they gave each other a hug. GACKT and ICONIQ both appeared to be very happy.

The couple became acquainted through the music festival “a-nation” last year and became closer when they met together with staff to go out and eat. According to officials, their relationship is starting to truly blossom.

When Sankei Sports approached GACKT and ICONIQ’s companies neither negated the rumor, but said, “It’s their private lives and they can do what they wish.”

Source: Tokyohive

Pumpkin: Please excuse me while I sit in a corner and cry my fangirl heart out. But if this relationship can bring Gackt true happiness then I shall be happy for him.

Google Chrome's Hatsune Miku Ad Wins Bronze in Cannes Lions

Google Chrome Japan's commercial featuring the Vocaloid idol Hatsune Miku has won the Bronze Lion Award in the Direct Lions category of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The awards honor "excellence in creative communications" in the advertising industry. The festival, the world's largest dedicated to advertising, is running in the French city of Cannes from June 17 to June 23 (roughly one month after the more famous Cannes Film Festival). 

The ad for Google's web browser features the livetune song "Tell Your World" with Hatsune Miku and also shows footage from Mikunopolis in Los Angeles, the July 2 concert at Anime Expo.

Source: ANN

PSotD - Yume no Ukifune

Title: Yume no Ukifune

Artist: Aika Yoshioka
Year: 2011

Notes: Opening song for the anime Hakuouki: Sekkaroku.

Hijikata-san!!

DDL: From Gendou music (Requires account - it's easy to make one!)