#Like I hope for everyone who works a job

[bonefall]

speaking of the erins, you hear kate cary is stepping down?

I did! Honestly, I'll have to be real with you, I have no strong feelings about it.

While I've criticized certain statements of hers in the past (that bit about Tom the Wifebeater was a doozy), I don't know her personally. I also don't even know how much control she had, functionally. I don't feel like I have enough information to have a well-based opinion, here.

What sticks out most to be is the fact that... well, with Kate and Vicky gone, only Cherith remains and we've lost any small window we did have into the writing process.

It's been a long time since we'd just get casual information drops on places like Facebook or authorial chats, but with this, it feels like that era truly is dead. We will never again get another Su Susann's Missing Kits drop, or a letter to a fan that tosses up a name like "Skunkpaw," or the writers sharing their good and bad takes. Or anything else like that.

Dgmw it's understandable, and I can guess why that era ended (probably the Spottedleaf's Heart controversy, and the ukraine windclan thing). WC is charted by an unknown collective team, now, who generally keeps their anonymity well-guarded. It's probably for the best.

So... on the subject of Kate Cary stepping down, I thank her for the work she's done and hope her future pursuits are fulfilling! Without her, WC might not be here today. For all the yowling and growling I do, I wouldn't be putting so much effort into my various projects if I didn't profoundly love the series she helped to form.

[tinystepsforward]

i see matt posted again

[dykedvonte]

I think it’s so ironic that the Pony Express escapes a lot if not all blame in discussion. I can’t even say I am excused from it but it’s just how hard people circle back to the characters alone without considering the environment they were made to be in.

Why would they design a ship where only two of the rooms lock? Not the bathroom? Not the sleeping quarters? We assume that all the companies in the universe are this shallow and careless to their workers but we explicitly know the Pony Express in extra vile. They are fed processed slop pack they can’t even really cook and the ration of those pack is meager at best. They hired and made people with a plethora of conflicting demeanors and beliefs work together on a mission where cohesion is important if not an outright necessity and punish them for not being happy about it. There’s no social protocols, not chain of command other than Captain’s word/choice and the only way to enforce that is with a literal firearm. They don’t allow them to celebrate freely and even took away leisure activities that would make them less stir crazy. They are only allowed a few hours of sleep despite their being no other real responsibilities or work on the ship, no matter the position or its importance. With any crew, with any level of synergy, this was a powder keg waiting for a spark.

I’m not saying characters that made mistakes didn’t make huge ones, but I think part of the horror is that at least for some (this is targeting Jimathan) those mistakes are partly made by a force of the hand. There’s a running theme of lack of choice and being forced into something and the very nature of how The Pony Express expected them to function plays a big part.

[spacebubblehomebase]

hi, just letting you know that ahmed 90s-ghost doesn't verify fundraisers anymore! he quit after it got too overwhelming, so you shouldn't @ him asking him to. you can probably find the post about it by searching his blog.

Thanks for letting me know, Anon...

I get it... I REALLY do.

I understand. Y'know I used to be so excited to get Asks. It means someone wants to talk about art and silly cartoon characters with me. But now all I feel is dread. Not because I don't want to help, but because the help I give is never enough. I used to privately mesage back to those Asks, but one became 6 became 10 to... Well. I can't donate. Euros and dollars are valued a lot higher here, thus the opposite is also true. The value of our money is but a paltry bread's worth and even if I split it in crumbs, with the amount of people who approach me for help, it'll soon run dry, but I'm just a student who still rely on my parents financially. So I thought I'd share instead, but that quickly got out of hand. I post one thing and get multiple asks by the HOUR. I already had to apologize for struggling to meet demands before and I only had 3 or 6 rare to come-by short Asks about art. Now I have a hundred and counting I have to check personally. I didn't want to admit it, but I've also long been overwhelmed. I just didn't feel like I had the right to say so. I still don't. But the truth is, anyone can say they're verified too, which is terrible because not only will I be partially responsible for my followers who got scammed by bots or scumbags who take advantage of those at war with fake fundraisers, but even worse is that the help and money may not even reach those who actually need it. I thought I would be fine the first time. I don't really like posting too much about our depressing reality or watching news in general because my account was supposed to be a "safe SPACE" and a "nice little BUBBLE" for us to be happy and escape for awhile, so I didn'tmthink much about rebloggingit at first. I only wanted to help. But it just kept going and I got swept away. There's so many of them, but there's only one of me and I've been spiraling lately. So for now, I will no longer take any Asks about this subject (which I always avoid mentioning directly because the algorithm has it out for putting you guys down and I wanted you all to make it so I didn't tag those reblogs with such). I'll still take Asks provided they're related to my actual content and of course I'll still support raising awareness for Pal est ine, yet I also get it if this may appear selfish to some of you. I tried. I really did. But if you'd rather ignore, unfollow, or block me for this decision, I understand. I'm just sorry it had to come to this and that I wasn't strong enough to help more. -Bubs.

[gothsuguru]

[vampmilf]

hold on im still too mad at this one fucking guest to take a nap i need to be a hater for a minute

[deadandphilgames]

oversharing in the tags time :)

[circus-k]

i think i have to kill someone.

[starryc]

[ENG Translation] Imai Shunto & Ando Yuto Interview | 『Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-』 Rule the Stage -Grateful Cypher- | "We hope you can come to the theater and experience the 'force' we've talked about"

happy grateful cypher senshuuraku! don't ask me why i did this when i have a whole backlog of translations, a million wips, and actual work to do; i blacked out and it was done--

if you know me, you'll now that i've found myself a little too endeared by hifumi and gentaro's gen 2 stage actors!! i will forever miss gen 1 with my whole entire heart, but i'm glad it's andy and shunty who've taken up hifumi and gentaro's roles. i'm enjoying their portrayals a lot and i think they're both promising actors, so that's why i wanna share more about them! i thought this was a fun interview that gave some insight on hypstage behind the scenes and their friendship c: so if anyone's interested, enjoy!

links to the interview can be found here (first part) and here (second part). translation is under the cut! i'm far from proficient btw, so if you spot any errors, kindly feel free to correct me!

First Part

Starting October 4th, 2024 (Friday) in TOKYO DOME CITY HALL,『Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-』 Rule the Stage -Grateful Cypher- raises its curtains.

It is the latest in the series of stage adaptations (more commonly known as "HypStage") based on the popular rap-based character project Hypnosis Mic.

Following -New Encounter-, which ran back in March 2024, all 18 members of the 6 divisions (Ikebukuro, Yokohama, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Osaka, Nagoya) return. The stage original Hachioji Division "WESTEND-MAFIA" will also be featured.

THEATER GIRL has interviewed Imai Shunto, who plays Yumeno Gentaro, and Ando Yuto, who plays Izanami Hifumi. In this first part, we ask them about their experiences in their previous work and discuss what they look forward to in this production.

Rehearsals Made Everyday Exciting

―The two of you made your HypStage debut in Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-』 Rule the Stage -New Encounter-, which ran throughout March. Looking back on it, what was the production like?

Imai: Not only the performances, but rehearsals made everyday exciting. Every cast member and all of the DDB were brimming with talent. When the show opened, the audience had such amazing enthusiasm.

Ando: When I think about it, it feels like the final show came around in the blink of an eye. This was my first 2.5D stage play, and I had never done so many performances in a run before. From rehearsals to the stage, we would tell each other "Wouldn't it be better to do it this way?" and pushed one another to improve, so I feel like I've really grown.

���In what ways do you feel like you've grown?

Ando: During performances, I kept thinking about things like how I could engage with the audience and how I could hype them up. I think I've been able to grow by putting myself in the shoes of those who are watching us.

Imai: I actually worked with Andy (Ando) on another production (Butlers' Opera 『Devil Butler with Black Cat』 ~Rose Scented Ball Edition~ [TL/N: "AkuStage" henceforth]) afterwards. Andy had a role like that there, and he was very good at it.

Ando: You think so?! I'm sure a lot of it is thanks to my experience on HypStage. Shunty (Imai), do you feel like you've had any growth?

Imai: Personally, I know I had no sex appeal at all, so I studied how to be more seductive as a man. I learned how to move my gaze, how to hold it until the end, and other little details like that. I even went to Andy for advice.

Ando: That's right.

Imai: I also learned a lot from YUKI-kun [TL/N: Jyuto's actor]. But I feel like I still have a lot of room for improvement. This time, I'd like to show even more growth!

―What do you think of Ueki Go-san as a director?

Ando: Man, he's the best.

Imai: Both the cast and the audience get so excited under his direction that it gets me really pumped up while performing. Starting right from rehearsals, everyone's energy was incredible.

Ando: Very incredible! Everyone was so anxious during our first meeting, but Go-san gave us this passionate speech. That's when things really started getting into gear, wouldn't you say?

Imai: It really did! Go-san told us "You don't need to be worried. Just believe in yourself." That gave me a lot of confidence, and I feel like I was able to do my best.

Ando: Go-san constantly says "HypStage creates 'force'¹." We say "We'll make it!", but I wonder if we even come close to matching that force.

Imai: Good question. I guess it's about how much force you can unleash from inside you.

Ando: I think having a fighting spirit and a strong desire to "express" creates even more "force."

―On the day of a performance, when do you get into the mood?

Imai: It's when I put on the wig and costume. What about you, Andy?

Ando: Radio calisthenics.

Imai: Ahahaha! You did do those, huh.

Ando: Of course I do other exercises, but I love radio calisthenics.

―You don't do them with everyone else as part of your routine?

Ando: Nope, just me.

Imai: One time in the hallway, I heard him going "Radio Calisthenics Exercise No. 1~" (laugh)

Ando: Oh yeah. Shunty happened to be passing by, so I dragged him in (laugh)

Imai: I got completely caught up in it (laugh)

Ando: Radio calisthenics is great, though! When you really get into it, your whole body wakes up.

Imai: I feel that! Let's do some radio calisthenics again.

Ando: Let's, let's! I'll slowly drag everyone else into it too (laugh)

Imai: I'm sure you will.

Ando: Another thing about -New Encounter- is that each character makes their entrance one by one in the opening song. The person before me is Dr. (Jinguji) Jakurai (Kohatsu Allen), so whenever I hear Dr. Jakurai's part, I tug on my jacket and lock in. "It's all right! I got this!" I tell myself, and the switch turns on.

I'd Like to Make the Role My Own

―What are you looking forward to in 『Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-』 Rule the Stage -Grateful Cypher-?

Ando: -New Encounter- was pretty faithful to the original drama tracks. But this time a stage original division will be showing up, so I'm excited about that. Before, I followed the drama tracks closely like a textbook for my line delivery and whatnot, but in an original production I have to figure it out myself. Using the drama tracks as a basis, I'd like to make the role my own while thinking "How would this character do it?"

Imai: Last time, the divisions barely interacted with each other. So this time, I'm interested in seeing what happens when members of different divisions get mixed up with each other. There's also the music, isn't there?

Ando: Definitely!

Imai: The music and dancing are getting better and better, so the quality is improving as well. I'm a little nervous, but I'm looking forward to seeing how the choreography will be like.

―Since you brought up dance, I heard that Ando-san has a lot of experience in dancing.

Ando: I've been dancing since I was 4 years old, so that's about 17 years now?

Imai: 17 years! He's sure not playing around.

Even with that many years under your belt, do you find the choreography in HypStage difficult?

Ando: I know I've been in a lot of dance battles and seen all sorts of dances, but I think the choreography for HypStage is at a difficulty not meant for actors. It's on the same level as real dancers, everyone's drenched in sweat while we're doing them.

Imai: For real! Even the DDB say things like "This sure is tough." Honestly, I used to feel like I wasn't cut out for dancing at all. I didn't have experience to begin with. But since I was going to be a part of HypStage, I couldn't think that way anymore and decided I had to catch up to everyone else. I practiced over and over so no one would think "Imai is bad at dancing." Thanks to that, I've been feeling better about it.

―Did you get any dance advice from Ando-san?

Imai: I did. I also got my fellow division members (Mitsui) Junpei-kun [TL/N: Ramuda's actor] and (Kituya) Taiyu-kun [TL/N: Dice's actor] to teach me. During the rehearsal period of -New Encounter-, I took Taiyu-kun to a studio with me so we could practice together. But no matter what, I always went back to Andy for help.

Ando: I'm glad!

Imai: I was asking things like "How do I make this swing look sexier?" and so on.

Ando: You did, yeah. You see, it's not just about following the choreography, but also thinking about "How would this character dance?" and how the costume would look.

Imai: During my solo dance, there's a move where I raise my hand and then drop it. Presenting that part was the issue.

Ando: Oh yeah! I was like "You should do this with your fingertips."

Imai: Right. And also how to carry myself. I often asked him how to show off these moves in a way that would captivate the audience. It was like that all throughout the production period.

―Ando-san, what do you think of Imai-san's dancing?

Ando: I mean it's sexy, isn't it? I've been watching Shunty dance since we first started learning the choreography, so I can't help but feel like a teacher (laugh). When you see that kind of growth, it's like "Whoa, nice!"

Imai: I'm glad you think so.

Ando: Gentaro is the only one whose style differs from the others, so that affects his presentation. Shunty put a lot of effort into it and has really polished his skills since then, so I'm amazed seeing his improvement. That's something I'm also looking forward to in this stage play.

Imai: I'll give it my all!

―Imai-san, what do you think of Ando-san when it comes to acting?

Imai: He's very dexterous.

Ando: Wow! Really? I'm glad.

Imai: When we worked together in our other production, we had roles that clashed with each other quite a bit. I thought he was very dexterous and sensitive to subtleties, and he was good at attracting people's attention. I have a lot of respect for him, even if he is younger than me.

Ando: Hey, do you want to say that last part again? "Even if he is younger"?

Imai: Oh, it's nothing! (laugh)

Ando: As you can see, we really are friendly rivals.

Imai: Mhm.

Ando: Shunty's acting style makes very good use of silence, or like, how do you say it… "beats." But most of all, he's big on practice! Every time I saw him practicing our sword fight scenes [TL/N: in AkuStage], it made me want to work hard, too. There's a lot to learn from him in terms of work ethic.

Imai: Wow, it's embarrassing to hear all that.

Ando: Yeah, saying it in front of the person in question is pretty embarrassing.

Imai: Well, they aren't things you'd usually say to them.

Second Part

Starting October 4th, 2024 (Friday) in TOKYO DOME CITY HALL,『Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-』 Rule the Stage -Grateful Cypher- raises its curtains.

It is the latest in the series of stage adaptations (more commonly known as "HypStage") based on the popular rap-based character project Hypnosis Mic.

Following -New Encounter-, which ran back in March 2024, all 18 members of the 6 divisions (Ikebukuro, Yokohama, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Osaka, Nagoya) return. The stage original Hachioji Division "WESTEND-MAFIA" will also be featured.

THEATER GIRL has interviewed Imai Shunto, who plays Yumeno Gentaro, and Ando Yuto, who plays Izanami Hifumi. In this second part, we ask them about what they keep in mind for an original production, how they became friends, and what kind of work they would like to do together.

First Impressions Matter on Stage

―What do you keep in mind when performing in a stage play or a musical with an original story like this one?

Andy: I think that first impressions matter on stage. Once you see a character's first scene (that I'm playing), it should still feel like that character later on even if something is a little off. In my opinion, voice is especially important, so I always start by studying voice.

Imai: For me, it's presence.

Andy: You're pretty concerned with appearances.

Imai: I put an absurd amount of effort into studying appearance. Different characters walk in different ways. Even the way they stand while waiting, it's all different. When I read a script, I think about small details such as "Why am I here in this very moment?" I feel like everything is hinged on that.

―How do you objectively look at appearance?

Imai: I try to look in the mirror, or check out the videos from rehearsal when I'm at home. I also ask the director and the cast "How was that?" That's how I make adjustments as we practice.

―Ando-san, you mentioned "first impressions" a moment ago. Can you tell whether or not you've made a good first impression on the audience?

Ando: Nope, I can barely tell.

Imai: Seriously?! Didn't you feel like the crowd went "Whoa!" when the panels came out during the opening scene?

Ando: Ah, that's right! When I look into the eyes of the audience, they're dazzling… They're eyes full of hope and joy. It makes me so happy.

Imai: They sure are looking at us! (laugh)

Ando: I think that's when I get this sense of accomplishment. Like, "I've really made myself this character."

Imai: Uh-huh.

Ando: Of course, I'm happy when fans of Matenrou (Izanami Hifumi's division) look at me that way. But, let's say someone wearing another division's colors looks at me like that… They would have a more objective opinion since they're not our fans, no? When I see how fans of other divisions react, I wonder if I've hit the mark.

Imai: I can't see very well with just the ring lights², so I try to observe the audience's reactions when the lights are on them or when we get off the stage.

Their Influences Are…?!

―A Hypnosis Mic is something that affects your psyche. Is there anything in your daily lives that influence you?

Imai: There is! I play a lot of escape game apps, they really make you think.

Ando: Heh

Imai: What are you laughing at?

Ando: It's nothing, it's just that you're talking about them like they're some niche interest when they're pretty popular, so you don't need to explain what they are…

Imai and Ando: (laugh)

Imai: I've started to develop this "Escape Game Brain" from all these escape games. It's gotten to the point where I'm always thinking "If I were trapped in this room right now, what would I use to get out?"

Ando: Just in case you ever get locked up somewhere?

Imai: Yeah. I guess I have pretty good survival skills.

Ando: What are you even going on about? (laugh)

Imai: What about you, Andy?

Ando: Animation is what influences me. The last time I saw an animated film, I felt like there was a lot of thought behind the movements. I've even say they probably put more effort into studying gestures and emotions than they do for live action productions. I used to watch anime for fun, but now I've realized I can learn a lot from them when it comes to 2.5D works.

Imai: Hey, could you stop right there? You're making me look bad for talking about escape games.

Ando: It balances out, doesn't it? (laugh)

Imai: I guess. Thanks (laugh)

―You two are pretty close, aren't you?

Ando: Ahaha! We go out to hot springs and saunas together.

Imai: Yeah, we do that a lot.

―How did you two become friends?

Ando: Well, I think the best place to start is…

Imai: Is?

Ando: During HypStage's Osaka performances…

Imai: Stop!

Ando: When we were staying at the hotel~

Imai: That's enough! It's so embarrassing!

Ando: One morning, I was heading to our meeting place from my room when I ran into Shunty in the hallway. While we were waiting for the elevator, Shunty told me, "You know, I don't think you look that much younger than me" like some sort of confession³ (laugh)

Imai: Ahaha! Did I sound that serious?

Ando: I mean it was a closed space. It was all quiet, and no one else was there. So I was like "Huh? Wha?!"

Imai: Were you a little freaked out? (laugh)

Ando: Back then, I called him "Shunto-kun." But then he said, "Just 'Shunty' is fine." I was totally freaked out (laugh)

Imai: It really is embarrassing!

Ando: He told me "You don't need to be polite with me."⁴ I guess that's when we started getting closer.

Imai: Absolutely. But to be honest, I felt a kind of kinship with Andy right from the beginning.

Ando: So scary! (laugh)

Imai: I mean, don't you have a "friendship sensor⁵"?!

Ando: I do!

Imai: Mine went off with you.

Ando: You mean like you thought we'd get along?

Imai: Yeah. That's why I thought "This is my chance!" when we were in that elevator together.

Ando: Were you nervous?

Imai: I was nervous (laugh)

Ando: You see, it would've made more sense if you approached me during rehearsals, but this was after the Tokyo shows and during the Osaka run. It's just hard for me to change like that (laugh) Like calling you by your name or speaking to you so casually⁶

Imai: That's true.

Ando: But, you know, I did also feel my "friendship sensor" go off for Shunty.

Shunto: See!

Ando: Shunty may be older than me, but he doesn't really feel like a senpai. I think we were able to get closer because he has such a friendly vibe.

―What would you two like to do together in the future?

Ando: When it comes to work, I want to cross swords.

Imai: Like a sword fight?

Ando: We've done a sword fight scene before, but it was as allies, so I want to fight against you.

Imai: It's the opposite for me. In HypStage and our other work together, we've had roles where our characters are on bad terms or constantly at odds with one another. I wonder what it would be like if we played partners.

Ando: Good point!

Would you like to work together on film or on stage?

Ando: Ah, film also sounds fun!

Imai: Right? Film or stage, I'd like to do both.

Ando: A hierarchal dynamic between us could be interesting.

Imai: Which one of us would be the senior? You know, it would be really surprising if it was you.

Ando: For sure. I guess I'd be like (low tone) "Get to work~"?

Imai: Never mind, you're pretty bad at it (laugh)

Ando: Well, I haven't really had anyone work under me (laugh)

―Please give a message to those looking forward to your upcoming performance.

Ando: Whether or not this is your first time watching HypStage, whether or not you're already familiar with it, it's an interesting piece of work. We hope you can come to the theater and experience the "force" we've talked about in this interview.

Imai: We'll do our best to deliver a stage play that's even better and more exciting than the last. Definitely come to the theater prepared to have a good time. We'll see you there!

¹ the original term used here is 圧, which is "pressure" or "force." i think "force" just flows better, so i translated the conversation based on that imagery

² the exact phrase here is 僕は光にあまり強くないのです, which is literally like "I'm not very good with lights." i'm assuming shunty means the ring lights that the audience wears based on the context of the conversation, but maybe it's not idk i just thought i should mention that lol

³ the original term used here is 告白, which can mean confession as in confessing to a crime or like. a love confession WKJGHGH okay, so i just kept it vague because i wasn't sure which vibe andy meant here 😭

⁴ this is in reference to the honorifics used in the japanese language, which are used as part of polite speech

⁵ the exact term used is 仲よくなる人センサー, which is more literally like "person befriending sensor" 🥺

⁶ is a similar to ⁴ in that they're discussing the formalities of japanese speech depending on who you're talking to and how close you are

[spikeyjo]

also uh im kind of not thinking about it much because its insane. but if everything goes right (and i mean a considerable amount of things that probably wont go as planned) but if they DO... i will have a major surgery in like two weeks

[phagodyke]

anyway yeah relevant to that post abt being deaf/hoh and ppl excluding u from conversation bc of it (even unintentionally), that's smth that's been really deeply bothering me lately bc there are a few ppl I routinely have to deal with who do it a lot and it Pisses Me The Fuck Off I've lost all patience w them. giving up and calling it ableism and walking out idc anymore 🚶‍♂️

[hartxstarr]

today i learned that the manager who has only been here for ten months thought i had been working here for years which explains why they always seem to come to me to ask how things work/how to do something. ive also worked here for ten months. this does not, however, explain why they seek me out specifically to vent about the day.

[chaoswillcalmusdown]

my job interview today lasted like 50 minutes which apparently is long ?? so let's all hope that's a good sign bc i really got a good feeling from the principals

[stonesandswords]

.

[lucalicatteart]

Poll adventure (paventure? lol) Day 5: read the small story tidbit below the poll for more details, OR just vote based on initial impression

(✦ see past poll results + further information HERE (link) ✦)

The winning option of yesterday's poll was that the adventurer should choose a suspicious egg as his gift ….

"He carefully plucks the egg from the gift pile, wrapping it in spare fabric and tucking it away inside a small wooden box within his backpack for safety. Not really wanting to stick around and get accidentally pulled into scary underground tunnels or something, he shakily bids the Well Creature farewell, and continues on through the forest, just following whatever he can find that looks vaguely like a path.. He makes an occasional stop to pick up a cool rock, harvest berries, or let the cat play in the grass, but mostly just wanders aimlessly, lost in daydreams and contemplations of how his New Fun Life Of Spontaneous Adventure is going so far......

Eventually, the forest tapers off into a more open area of land, hosting what seems like a humble little village. By this point, it's nearly nightfall, which reminds him that he's actually quite afraid of the dark, so he scrambles about town for a moment until finally finding the local Inn. After nervously stumbling inside, he rents the cheapest room available, then sits alone, snacking on some free leftover food scraps and plain water. It's been a tiring day, but in the spirit of becoming an adventurer and pushing himself to have as many experiences as possible, he figures he could hang around downstairs a little longer, perhaps get one more thing done before bed -- What should he do?"

[rahabs]

The first chapter of this fic is done except for the ending but I have agonised enough today.