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Da Capo II: Minatsu Amakase

Robot classmate Minatsu borrows her robotics almost exactly from Da Capo Generation One’s Miharu Amakase, down to the hole in her back which is used for some sort of system maintenance. On the attitude part though, I could say that Minatsu is quite different from Miharu. Miharu is an energetically positive girl full of happiness, while Minatsu is an energetically tsundere girl full of angst. Her character follows the basic cookie-cutter meaning of the term actually. But as the story progresses, she will deal with a very positive emotional transformation. Nevertheless, she is a very fun girl, whatever her moods may be.

Disclaimer: Lacking Japanese will mean lack of story details. I expect that there will be a LOT of errors in the way I understood some events, because I rely only on the spoken dialogue. To the Japanese-literate game players who may have found this page, please do help me in case I have mistaken in understanding some parts of the story. Please do post a comment or contact me.
Continue reading Da Capo II: Minatsu Amakase

Da Capo II: Episode 1

Summary:
– Why only 13 episodes?
– Gah, more Engrish from yozuca*
– Anzu didn’t get any OP lovin.
– Why is Minatsu a prominent figure in the OP? She was in the last scene.
– Yui Horie should have played Nanaka, the new eternal goddess of Da Capo II.
– They are not following the game from the get-go.
– Hooray for Koko fans!
– Another good song by CooRie.

I’m looking at the voice cast, and it seems like a strange mix-up. Only Sakura (yay Yukarin!) and Suginami reprised their role, and Yui Horie as Yume is a miscast for me.

And Yume looks like Nemu in this anime. This can’t be! Yume in-game is much cuter!

The worst part of it all this is that I “feel” [DCSS->da-capo-second-season] vibes. That’s not a good thing. Its deviation from the original game though is quite interesting, it will keep me guessing. Maybe we would have a reverse-play or mix of Koko and Nanaka’s stories? How would they handle the other girls now that they’ve made a surprising Yoshiyuki-Koko connection? The 13-episode limit still worries me, and Minatsu’s prominence seems out of place. Da Capo II lives up to its name, a “da capo”, back to the start again folks.

We deserve to know the true stories in the game, and so I will “try” to play the game once again to finish Minatsu, Otome, Yume, and Da Capo (Sakura) scenarios. I hope Da Capo II doesn’t turn crappy because when it does I will lose interest. In any case, if you haven’t already, please do read up on three of those characters on this project page:

http://bluemist.animeblogger.net/dc2/

All-in-all, this is a somewhat average start. I’ll be keeping eye on this still though.

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This is a [Summer of Bishoujo 3->summer-of-bishoujo] feature

School Days (TV)

School Days

Finally, another controversial anime. Ever since the hugely destructive emo soap opera in the name of Kimi Ga Nozomu Eien left me breathless, I’ve been clamoring for some other show that has all the angst of a mature romance story in anime form. Alas, no other anime ever came close to the greatness of that one… until School Days. But the question is, did School Days topple Kiminozo in my heart? Well, let’s see…
Continue reading School Days (TV)

Nice Boat

You should know by now. A recent murder incident in Japan forced all channels airing School Days to cancel the airing of the last episode. The bad news is we need to wait before we see the final bloody episode. Good news is that, yes, it will be expectedly bloody.

Apparently TV Kanagawa, the channel which was supposed to be first to broadcast the episode, replaced it instead with some nice scenery show. Geez, as if this show wasn’t controversial enough… and so thus our meme creators of the internet have a new target…

The otaku thus declared this a canon episode of School Days then? Awesome! It’s the calm before the storm, cause we know that the ‘real’ final episode of School Days will be teh perfectstorm. You should enjoy your boat while it lasts Makoto. You may have your show ‘axed’ for now… but you can’t escape the ‘saw’ and the ‘knife’.

Thanks for the LOL! It’s really a nice boat.

NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT NICE BOAT

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This is a [Summer of Bishoujo 3->summer-of-bishoujo] feature

Manga otaku for the win?

A bit of a shocker in the news a few days ago when Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns from the post. Pretty bold move for a head of the one of the most powerful nations of the world. I really am astounded that this country runs on integrity of leadership for the people, everytime a leader loses face and support of his constituents one would be willing to commit political suicide for the sake of the country. I went to Japan last year as he rose to power, and resigned as I left eh? I even saw him in person really, campaigning or something in a speech held in a shopping district. I have no pics though so it didn’t happen I guess.

Well Abe is in the hospital for now, and as I read news articles, some interesting name shows up… Taro Aso. Huh? Rozen Aso? He seems to be a prime candidate for taking the helm. This should be interesting.

While I don’t think that he would transform Japan into Akihabara Country it would be interesting for us foreigners to see what kind of otaku-related legislation he would make (did he do something as Foreign Minister anyway?). Maybe promote moar moe~ overseas? Count me in for the cry for cheaper hobby goods that come out of the country. I’m betting he would spread the manga lovin first though, so all you manga lovers brace yourselves.

Don’t get your hopes up though, Aso may not even win. I’m not too keen on Japanese politics but if a PM can resign on a whim situations can be as volatile as a climax of a manga arc.

On the other hand, if government offices start hiring maids wearing gothloli Rozen Maiden-like outfits I would be pleasantly surprised. Sound impossible? Remember this is Japan, anything goes.

UPDATE: He lost though.

BREAKING: Philippine Television copies tokusatsu superhero show!

http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/50nYl84y4sI0dkOZJ

Zaido

Ooh, sequel to Shaider… NOT!

Ahh, they never learn.

Frankly, I don’t know what to think anymore. What’s this? Amateur cosplay session? Heck I know better cosplay than your freaking cardboard outfits. And why is M. Bison there lol. Did your Sailormoon zerox become successful? I kinda thought it would come to this. By this time all those dramas I mentioned are over. Well that’s a short one. Did they break new ground? Were they popular? Dunno. I don’t see Lupin action figures that look like the actor. Heck I don’t see anyone selling sailor fuku. Would have been convenient for quick cosplay for girls. Heck I would have “worn” one for the fun of it… I kid I kid.

And now this, trying to hope that your show will be an official sequel to some old Japanese property… I’m betting some Japanese TV comedy show is gonna have a laugh at you when they get this footage. I don’t know if you can even match Japan’s special effects… of the freaking 1980’s. Quoting one of our famous movies: “You’re nothing but a second-rate, trying hard… copycat!”

I got a lot of hate on the [previous post->gma-telebabad-2007] telling me I’m too harsh or something like that. Well folks, why should I hate on my own country? I love Philippine entertainment… but there are limits. When our creativity is slowly crapping out on us, I’m starting to cry out loud in despair. Why copy? We can be creative. Look for instance, some folks are reviving our comics industry… betcha don’t know that? Maybe you’re too glued on TV to know. This ridiculous TV show is an example of our entertainment industry either running out of ideas, trying to bank on the success of an international property we don’t even own (that Marimar thing is another example), or just plain for ridiculousness sake.

And yet maybe these kinds of copy-shows sell. I’m not sure, I don’t watch GMA for this. I can find a thousand more television shows better than this. Sorry I don’t fit in their target market… and yet I’m supposed to be. I grew up with those metal hero, sentai and other tokusatsu shows. I enjoyed it as a kid. I’m grateful that the new kids can enjoy what I enjoyed back then, but please, PLEASE do a good job at it. We’re slowly becoming a laughing stock everytime we copy stuff. And next time, please do something compelling, creative and unique.

As long as you continue this kind of status quo and don’t give your shots at entertainment greatness, people will always turn to other avenues (Japan, US and others) for their entertainment.

bluemist anime blog pirated edition

YARRRR!!!

It’s awesome! Anime blogs including mine are being copied! Thanks for the visibility. Gives me more visitors. On the other hand, don’t you get pissed off when someone copies your works for their gain. Maybe that sitey is generating profit. I demand some profit too. Please donate $$$ to the cause. I need to buy more eroge.
Continue reading bluemist anime blog pirated edition

Animax-Asia… Dubbed in English – Episode 10: Fake Revival

August 29, 2007

I actually haven’t scanned my cable TV lately, so I wasn’t checking out how Animax-Asia is doing nowadays. I figure I would be like a broken record saying “they have an excellent anime selection… but the dubs…” again. One day though I decided to stomach the pain and watch some Animax-Asia anime, but I immediately turned off the TV. I just can’t do it.

But then I found this rather interesting program in their lineup… Music Station? I mean… THE Music Station? This program is one of the popular mainstream jpop shows that I saw in Japan, hosted by Mariko Do and Tamori. Girl host aside, Tamo-chan is awesome. He hosts numerous TV programs and never fails to give a laugh to everyone. Back to the show though, I was rather astounded to discover that this show… gasp… is in the original Japanese language with English subtitles.

YES YOU HEARD THAT RIGHT! ENGLISH SUBS! IN ANIMAX-ASIA! OMG! HISASHIBURI!

I don’t know if this is a good or a bad thing. On one hand, this is a great service to all visual culture fans in that not all good stuff in Japan are in two-dimensions. It’s a very great introduction to jpop. In fact this is not just introduction, this is modern jpop in itself, because I notice that they get the latest episodes with only a few months gap from the latest music out there. On the other hand, the sub-loving anime fans who ran away from the channel because of its all-dub move feel like this is a disservice to them. If they can do it to Music Station, why not to every anime they show as well?

Of course, Music Station won’t even be possible in dub. The point is that why they acquired the actual show itself, subbing everything (conversations and song lyrics) instead of the old format of Animax Musix (just jpop MTVs without subs). So jpop getting more attention is all good and well, but I was hoping for something more now that I’ve seen this… well… like a subtitle format revival?

May I ask, where in the world do this channel show Japanese with English subtitles anyway? Over there in Singapore? Malaysia? Indonesia? Thailand? Brunei? Vietnam? I’m thinking other countries already have dual-audio cable TV setups by now, maybe Animax-Asia is being broadcast both in dub and in sub already… I’m really not sure, I hope someone out there can shed light on this. As far as poor ol Philippines is concerned, our crappy cable companies don’t even have dual-audio feature. In any case, what I see here are all English dubs, no matter what timeslot. Please say if I’m barking at the wrong tree here… I think Singapore has the dual setup though.

Gimme more subs plz. I know that this channel is really bringing anime to the mainstream, but at the very least they should give their old audience the respect they deserved. Remember the AXN Anime days? Those were glorious. The golden age of Asian anime popularity IMO. Without AXN Anime and its satisfied audience, Animax Asia wouldn’t have even existed nowadays. I really, really sound like a broken record, but someone’s gotta hear my thoughts, after all…

IT’S BEEN THREE FREAKING YEARS ALREADY.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
[Animax-Asia… Dubbed in English – Episode 1: The end of Animax-Asia? Too sudden!?->]
[Animax-Asia… Dubbed in English – Episode 2: Cardcaptured.->]
[Animax-Asia… Dubbed in English – Episode 3: Trying to Adjust->]
[Animax-Asia… Dubbed in English – Episode 4: Towards the 1st Anniversary->]
[Animax-Asia… Dubbed in English – Episode 5: I gave up on Animax-Asia->]
[Animax-Asia… Dubbed in English – Episode 6: One year since->]
[Animax-Asiaâ€¦ Dubbed in English – Episode 7: Dubbed in Filipino?!?->]
[Animax-Asiaâ€¦ Dubbed in English – Episode 7.5: Initial D Filipino Stage->]
[Animax-Asiaâ€¦ Dubbed in English – Episode 8: More Pain->]
[Animax-Asia… Dubbed in English – Episode 9: Now in blue->]
[Animax-Asia… Dubbed in English – Episode 10: Fake Revival->]
[Animax-Asia… Dubbed in English – Episode 11: Something New->]
[Animax-Asia… Dubbed in English – Episode 12: Red with anger->]

Dear Kagami

Dear Kagami,

I know you’re probably there, reading my whole alternate life. I know you can be so smart sometimes. That was one of the things I liked about you.

I’m not sure either why I’m writing this, you are probably not reading this anyway after the initial shock of realizing my alter-ego. Yes, this may be a weird hobby, especially to you, a well-bred, well-educated person mindful of things that really matter in life. But this is how I deal with the circumstances. My self-preservation. My fallback. When I met you, I was almost about to quit this, because I have found new inspiration. Of course, the odds were close to none and I knew that all along. It was all me, this one-sided, unrequited feeling.

You may not know but I was happy, even if I was rejected. But I should ask, why did you change after that? Why did I suddenly feel like I lost a friend? You promised, you ‘swore’ to be normal. You were not. I was trying my best here, to the point I closed my heart completely just to keep hush on the situations, leaving it like it never happened. You saw me smile, laugh, and talk to you just like before. But I saw your eyes never wander towards me anymore. You wouldn’t even talk to me unless situations demand. Tell me who was wrong. Was it me who just wanted to say how I felt… and nothing more? I wasn’t wrong, or I don’t know where I was wrong.

But I can’t blame you, I can’t say you were wrong, I can’t be angry at you, I can’t even know your real side. In fact, I shouldn’t care anymore. By the end of this writing, any feelings I have left for you would have gone. I think that should leave you satisfied right? We go our separate ways, as it may have always been. My sails have been cast in a different direction. People might say I am a weakling, a wuss, a loser for expressing this indirectly through this writing, but if they only knew how hard I tried to make things normal. If you only knew how hard I tried to make things normal. I should consider that my shining moment.

Whatever things I can be sorry about… I apologize for that. But I won’t apologize for my feelings. Those were real. Nothing moe~ can ever replace it.

loli crystal display

I just got myself a LCD monitor, and it’s sooooooo sweet.

Granted this is just a 19-incher 1440×900 and not as l33t as Full HD 24-30 inch babies, at least it does 720p like I want it to. It’s widescreen too, for obvious anime enjoyment whenever it is a widescreener. And larger screen means bigger bishoujos to see. But actually, I’m not watching many anime lately, instead enjoying harvesting or saving little sisters. I wish they could scream “onii-chan” too, but on second thought… I still like 2D imoutos better.