#Saiyuki commentary

[tofueggnoodles]

Extreme Bath Log Disk 2 – Track 5: Cast Comments

Click here to listen to the track on youtube.

Click here for translations of previous tracks.

Summary: The voice actors shared their thoughts on the recording and scenes that left a lasting impression on them.

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Hoshi: It’s time for the closing cast commentary of Drama CD ‘Extreme Bath Log’! Yay! Today’s topics are your thoughts on the recording and scenes or lines that make a lasting impression on you. I’d ask each of you to talk about these in turn. All right, I’ll start. This is Hoshi Souichirou, who plays Son Goku. Pappi!

A few of the guys: Pappi.

Hoshi: You sure don’t sound lively. (laughs) No, that’s not lively at all, everyone.

Seki: Must we really reply to that greeting?

Hoshi: I’d like you to reply if possible. And to do it as lively as possible for the sake of the listeners.

Seki: Okay.

Hoshi: Er, let’s continue. Hoshi Souichirou, who plays Son Goku. Pappi!

Seki, Hirata and others: Pappi!

Hoshi: Extreme Bath Log – just by listening to the title, it’s difficult to tell apart [from the title of the main series, Saiyuki]. After all, the difference lies only in the kanji for ‘hot bath.’ [Both titles are homonyms in Japanese. In writing, they differ only by the second kanji, the one Hoshi-san referred to.]

(Morikawa laughs.)

Hoshi: That other title is also ‘Saiyuki.’ It’s been an amazing experience for me. I still played Goku, but in a totally new world and story. Acting together with the other cast of Saiyuki, I got this immense feeling of nostalgia. Also, various characters from Minekura-sensei’s other works made their appearances too, making this story all the more delightful. It’s been such fun that I don’t want it to end – it’d be great if I could go on playing Goku in a continuation of the story. By all means, let’s continue [our work in] Extreme Bath Log! That’s all from me. Thank you very much for today. Next, on to you, Seki-san.

Seki: This is Seki Toshihiko, who plays Genjo Sanzo. Scenes which make a lasting impression... er, that’s right – even in this absurd parallel universe, there are some understated, somber scenes. Such as the one at the veranda at the Genjos’ home, in which Hakkai and Goku talked about the Milky Way – that scene makes a profound lasting impression on me. In addition to that, there’s the question of why Konzen was cast as the grandmother, and what’s more, one that has already passed away**. I just have a brief comment on that: I would’ve loved to play Konzen by channeling the old lady I imagine Kinsan to be. My regret is that I was not able to do that. [Kinsan: one of a pair of long-lived identical twin sisters, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinsan_Ginsan] Then, Hira-san, who plays Gojyo, the floor is yours.

Hirata: Hello, this is Hirata, who plays Gojyo and Kenren. Seki-san–

Seki: Yes?

Hirata: You said that, but it’s tough, you know.

Seki: What’s tough?

Hirata: The conversation between Gojyo and Kenren.

Seki: Ah, yes, you did that! It was like a rakugo performance. [traditional Japanese verbal entertainment, in which a lone storyteller performs the narration and the dialogues for all characters]

(They both laugh.)

Hirata: I just want to say one thing: I love doing Drama CDs, Urasai sections and other stuff outside of the [Saiyuki] main storyline, but please, no more conversations between Gojyo and Kenren, ever! Hey, Minekura, are you listening? That was a terribly harsh experience I was made to go through. The conversation was interesting though.

Hoshi: You did alter your acting a bit [to depict the differences between Gojyo and Kenren], didn’t you?

Hirata: Eh?

(Hoshi repeats what he just said.)

Hirata: Of course I did. They’re two different souls after all. Yeah, that conversation was a tough one. So, what do you think of it [the situation in which one has to play two different characters in the same CD Drama]? Er... Akira-san, please.

(Ishikawa laughs.)

Ishida: Alright, this is Ishida Akira, who plays Tenpou and Hakkai. What do I think of that situation? Well, we both might complain that it’s tough, but I believe that undoubtedly, with their wonderful power of imagination, the listeners will be able to grasp the differences between the characters. We both might wonder if we managed to convey the differences without the visuals, but in actuality, in the listeners are able to picture the different characters in their minds. They can ‘see’ Hakkai and Tenpou as distinct individuals as they listen to those two speak and thus can differentiate between the two characters. At least, this is what I hope–

Hirata: Stop it!

Ishida: Why?

Hirata: Minekura might get cocky so stop it! [He is probably trying to warn Ishida that Minekura-sensei might come up with a scene in which Hakkai and Tenpou actually speak to each other. Unlike Gojyo and Kenren, Hakkai and Tenpou never appear in the same room at the same time in Extreme Bath Log.]

(Ishida and Hoshi laugh.)

Seki: She might make you do it. [the same thing Hirata had to do]

Hirata: She will.

Ishida: You’re right. You never can tell with this Extreme Bath Log series.

Seki and Hoshi: Series?

Ishida: Yes, series. You never can tell what will happen with it, so let’s just keep our anticipation light for now. Regarding scenes that leave a lasting impression, what particularly caught my attention is this: Sanzo-sama not complaining at being aged up into a grandfather, despite the fact that he seems like a character that would definitely object to that sort of thing. I guess, in the end, whatever Minekura- sensei decides goes and there’s no defying her. That’s the only thing that I’m curious about regarding this Drama CD. Well then, moving on, Morikawa-kun, please.

Morikawa: Ah. Thanks, Akira Ishida, for giving me the floor. Hello, this is Morikawa Toshiyuki, CEO of Axlone.

Ishikawa and a few others: CEO!

Morikawa (laughs): It’s been quite a while since I last played Kubo-chan – Kubota, so I was delighted, though also a bit surprised at the fairly different scenario. But, the relationship between Kubo-chan and Tokito remains unchanged from how it was in Wild Adapter – they still live together [in Extreme Bath Log]. I think it’s great that whatever universe they’re in, these two are always together.

Morikawa: Well, the good thing about Drama CDs is that there’s only audio and no visuals, so one is free to play the character as one sees fit. Since I was playing Kubo-chan for the first time in a long while, I felt uneasy when voicing the first few lines. These days, the director and crew are situated behind the voice actors, so we do the recording without getting a glimpse of their facial expressions**. You get this [feeling of uneasiness] when playing a character you’ve not played for a long time, do you? It happens quite often. Yes, it does.

Morikawa: As usual, even in an audio drama depicting this [parallel] world, unpleasant characters would turn up. For a number of reasons, as in a TV drama, there were quite a number of such background characters. The splendid voice actors here are able to depict background characters with great depth, you know. For example, I’m sure they can portray a crowd bursting into laughter on the first take. How about it, everyone? Okay, in three... two... one, go!

(A burst of laughter resounds.)

Morikawa: There! See what I mean? Everyone’s relaxed and roaring with laughter at will, aren’t they? (laughs himself) That’s how thorough they are **. Ah, is my time up already? Got it. Then, up next is Ishikawa Hideo, who plays Tokito.

Ishikawa: Thank you, Morikawa-san. I’m Ishikawa Hideo, who plays Tokito. Well, since Wild Adapter basically revolves around Kubota and Tokito, other characters such as their friends don’t appear much in that series. Say, there’s Kou-san though, right?

Seki: Yes! [Seki plays Kou, a character in Wild Adapter.]

Ishikawa: Aside from Kou-san, there are some police officers who get involved [but only] from time to time. Therefore, while interacting with Goku [in this CD Drama] I somehow felt like I’d gained a new friend. Frankly, it was very enjoyable experience.

Hoshi: So we’re friends.

Ishikawa: Yeah, it felt like gaining a new friend. That feeling made the recording an exceedingly delightful experience. If this series continues, I hope there will be more new friends to be gained. Thank you very much. Then, on to you, Suzumura-kun.

Suzumura: This is Suzumura Kenichi, who plays Mishiba Toki, a character from Bus Gamer. While talking [to the others] about Bus Gamer just now, I realized that it has been ten years since I first played Mishiba. Yes, I was amazed too [at how time flies]. Say, the voice actors who play Saiyuki characters seem to have various opinions on the work, opinions which they express in an apparently carefree manner.

Hoshi and Seki (laugh): No, don’t mention that again.

Suzumura: Taking opportunity of this occasion, I’d like to learn how you guys survived so far. (laughs) [He is probably referring to the fact that the Saiyuki voice actors have not been axed despite their relatively brazen comments on the work.]

Hoshi: So far, yeah.

Suzumura: Is that so? Then I’d like to try to reach your level from now on. So, please allow me to do my best with this sentiment in mind **. In this CD Drama, my role is basically just to serve coffee in a cafe. (laughs) That’s how the plot has unfolded up to now, but perhaps something will turn up down the road. Hopefully, there will be a continuation of this series and more appearances [for my character]. That’s all from me. Then, Hiroki, the floor is yours.

Takahashi (in character): Thank you for your continued patronage! This is Saito Kazuo, heir of Saito Liquor Store, which is still in business even after ten years.

Hoshi: Hello.

(Takahashi exhales loudly.)

Hoshi: Hang on there!

Takahashi: I’m doing my best to. It’s been ten years, huh. The [Bus Gamer] anime was broadcast in 2008. Considering that we’re here today, the franchise’s passably survived. Er, actually–

Ishikawa: They’re not making any more Wild Adapter anime, you know. [The Wild Adapter OVA, first aired in 2014, covers only one of six complete volumes in the manga.]

Takahashi: Is that so? Then, by all means, let’s struggle together to survive.

Ishikawa: Yes, let’s do our best.

Takahashi: And hope for the best too. As for my thought on the Extreme Bath Log CD Drama, even though the main plot revolves around Tanabata, the recording session was performed after Tanabata was over [July 7]. Despite this regrettable condition, I’m pleased we eventually managed to do the recording. Is this CD Drama slated for release in April 2019? Or was I mistaken? Anyhow, it feels good [to have completed the recording].

Takahashi: Well, the Summer Triangle came up in the CD Drama [Track 01-06], right? Vega and Altair are two of the stars in the Summer Triangle. Vega, a star in the Lyra constellation, represents the Weaver Girl while Altair in the Aquila constellation represents the Cowherd. Then, what’s the remaining star in the Summer Triangle called? I’d like Hoshi-san to answer this quiz at the end. Well, on to Suwabe-san, who plays the last of the three Bus Gamer characters.

Suwabe (in Nobuto’s voice): Thank you for giving me the floor. I’m Suwabe Junichi, who’s in charge of voicing Nakajyo Nobuto. How do you find my performance**? (laughs) As my fellow voice actors from Bus Gamer already mentioned, the anime adaptation was broadcast ten years ago in 2008. It left a fond memory in my mind. I certainly recall performing at a Bus Gamer-related event, but it seems that the venue where the event was held no longer exists. Yes, time’s passed to that extent. Even under such a pressure, such–

Suwabe (in his normal voice): Hey, I can’t speak in a nice voice with you guys making such a ruckus. Stop it, everyone!

(The others have been chatting audibly among themselves all this while. Some of them laugh in response to Suwabe’s admonishment.)

Suwabe (back in Nobuto’s voice): That’s how it was [in the CD Drama] – various characters from Minekura-sensei’s works amicably locked in a grapple as they came together in this variety show-like piece. It was a very enjoyable experience for me. It’d be great if another such opportunity or even another appearance in Bus Gamer were to turn up. That’s it from me.

Hoshi: Thank you very much, Suwabe-kun.

Suzumura, Ishikawa and Morikawa: He spoke with a nice voice.

Hoshi: Yes, he did, didn’t he?

Seki: I was taken aback.

Hoshi: What was it again? The question you had for me?

Hirata: What’s the other star in the Summer Triangle?

Takahashi: Sorry for throwing in that question. Just ignore it. **

Hoshi: Er, what’s the answer? Hiroaki.... [I gave up after listening to this for twenty times and scrolling though the google results for the phrase Tanabata+Hiroaki.]

(Takahashi and the others laugh.)

Hirata: I have a bad feeling about this. Why are you looking at my face? [Hiroaki is Hirata’s personal name, but I have never heard Hoshi refer to him by it in all of the Saiyuki cast talks I’ve listened to.]

Hoshi: So, we’ve reached the end of cast commentary of Drama CD ‘Extreme Bath Log’, but I’d certainly be delighted in case of future development to this work. Everyone, I look forward to your continuing support. Thank you very much for listening today. Goodbye!

The others: Goodbye!

Seki: It’s Deneb!

Hoshi: Deneb, it’s Deneb. Pappi! [He finally gave the answer to Takahashi’s question. Deneb, the third star of the Summer Triangle, represents the bridge formed by magpies which enables the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl to meet each other once a year.]

Ishikawa: It’s great you got the answer.

Takahashi: A star’s born, huh? [Probably a pun on Hoshi’s name, since ‘hoshi’ may mean ‘star(s)’ in Japanese.]

Hoshi: Then, goodbye, everyone.

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(Round brackets): actions and sound effects. [Square brackets]: translator’s notes or clarifications. Double asterisks **: Stuff I am not sure of. Suggestions for improvements and corrections are more than welcome.

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Inane comments which I put at the end so that you can skip them:

1. For fans of Saiyuki anime who find Suwabe’s smooth, deep voice familiar, he plays Sai Tai Sai in Reload Blast. The Bus Gamer event he mentioned (YT video with Chinese subtitles).

A short portion of the video with English subtitles.

2. Every single one of the voice actors featured in this Drama CD has voiced the main characters (uke and seme) in various Boys’ Love CD or anime, with the notable exception of Hirata Hiroaki (no, not even a role as a side character which does not appear in any of the sex scenes). Is that the reason why Gojyo always gets the short end of the stick in Saiyuki Drama CDs? Or why Kenren and Gojyo appear at the same scene in Extreme Bath Log but not Tenpou and Hakkai? Only Minekura-sensei knows :D

[seeminglyseph]

I always wanted to learn Bad Japanese.

the Japanese with the really rolled R that the tough guys in anime spoke. it sounded really cool to my foreign ear. maybe it’s because it’s tough dudes imitating a foreign accent in a phonetically pleasing way rather than a stilted way that actual foreign accents sound like in Japanese.

The reason American Anime (Ameri-me) is like full of weird 80′s and 90′s tropes in like 2010 is because most of us got 80′s and 90′s anime translated in the 2000s and started making stuff of our own in like late 2000s 2010s and incorporating stuff we thought was cool from the stuff we watched.

yes the Yankii and Gyaru styles clash hardcore with the economy and modern culture and none of the technology matches the actual technology of modern Japan because no one can afford to go to Japan, a 12 hour flight alone is the kind of endurance test a lot of people aren’t prepared for. Global travel is a pipe dream. I made it to Vancouver once and that’s the closest I ever managed.

Sometimes you gotta accept that my influences include the time gap of ‘how long did it take to import things this far’ and before the internet it took a fuckin’ while. I refuse to give up the oldies just because the new stuff is also good. I have room in my heart for crazy shit.

I want to make something that is my nostalgia, but my nostalgia is somehow dated anime and manga translated badly. or if not badly, then based more off vibes than pure accuracy. And sometimes that can be more accurate. Early ADV was a party sometimes. I remember you Saiyuki. You took me on a wild ride, and I think the DVD commentaries where they explained their process was amazing.

I miss DVD commentaries...

[405blazeitt]

the saiyuki (2007) cast commentary track is mostly them making fun of hakkai/ito atsushi just for being there and occasionally plot contrivances

at one point, ucchan scolds gojo for leaving sanzo hoshi on her own, saying "you could've at least left the pig!"

[rosssrandomblog]

I wasn’t ready for Saiyuki Zeroin ep.9

Before starting the episode I thought you know I am going back to my ‘funny’ commentary style, well I can’t this episode is too heavy to do that.

so here we go with a kinda seroius comment on this episode.

This is the heaviest so far, yes in my opinion even heavier than ep.7, the themes would hit hard in normal times but right now with what is happening in the world it’s really a punch in the guts.

Goku is making me sooooo proud, how he handled the situation is so mature minding his inner tourmoil and everything. The absence of Gojyo and Hakkai gives him space and I am glad.

I was very surprised by Pippi’s reaction when she realized that infact Goku is part of the Sanzo’s Ikkou. She somewhat accepted it, I was really impressed minding that her village could view them as enemies if they found out.

Goku coming in terms with the situation and somewhat reminding himself that “They have their own way to do things” at the darkest hour, when everything seems lost and the whole village is on fire made me tear up a little. (at first I thought that he was going berserker again and I was really scared)

Useless to say that then scene of the kiss broke my heart.

I really think (I might be wrong) that all of this gave Goku his own reason to go West, He saw the harsher truth about the ripercussion of the experiments for resurrection of Gyumao and wants to at least try to stop all of this. It’s a great step for him.

This episode made me realise what they mean in the wiki when they says that Hazel can be easy to manipulate. Sanzo on the otherhand is sharp as ever our intutive king, if his death glares could kill the general (?!) would have died 100 times over.

The final surprise was Gato crushing Hazel’s medallion, I was shocked in the good sense of it. This will be turning point for Hazel and Gato too I am pretty sure of it.

The fact that Gato stopped Hazel from doing something he would have probably regretted, minding his very questionable moral code, only for revenge sake confirms Gato to be the one who grounds Hazel and doesn’t let him be swept away by his ideology or feelings. They’re relationship is so very interesting to me.

well i fished ranting, I am sorry if you read till this point. goodbye.

[roleplay-abiogenesis2]

He’s staring at the dash expectantly. Wouldn’t it be a shame if a certain Seiten-Taisei’s soul went to waste?

Better be ready to suck it up in his pendant in case his unfortunate tummy ache gets worse~

“Don’t run too far, you. Would be a pity if movin’ around made your stomach pain worse, wouldn’t it?”

[fuckyeahkagepro]

Kagepro fandom circa 2k19: still half-imploding from manga's ending, endlessly debating about the relationships between the characters

JIN, MEANWHILE: TWEETS PICTURES OF TURTLES

[x0401x]

It's a story in which the character named Haruka goes around asking, 'What is a friend?' to his companions. I for a fact had wanted to try depicting the theme of 'someone and myself' not through music but through a manga, and more than anything, I'd wanted to create a work (related to KagePro) together with the artist Saiyuki-sensei. Amongst the people that I've met these last five years, Saiyuki-sensei is an important person who I am able to call my friend. His cheering was also a big push for me as I was making this album.

Jin on the Lost Day Hour short comic.

[courage-a-word-of-justice]

Reflection 6 - 7 | Saiyuki Blast 8 - 9 | Katsugeki 9 | BnHA 34 | PriPri 8

Reflection 6

How does Spiderman, or X-On, or anyone speak in one of those mouth-covering suits??? I can’t believe I never thought of that sort of question until now.

Why is it always a woman taken hostage??? Can’t you at least be more gender-balanced in this day and age?

Well, considering Lisa’s power is made for, well, power and the other guy’s power is more covert, this wasn’t going to end well…

I find it entertaining, interesting and funny that Lisa called her wheelchair “Big Wheel”.

X-On did the “draw me like one of your French girls” pose on top of the car, and I can’t. I want that meme so badly now!

Always keep your eyes on the road, people. Make sure you get some rest if you’re zoning out!

Reflection 7

“Beef or Fish”? What is this, Macca’s?

This is like Kado all over again, just with two blades on X-On’s part, and fire. Lots of fire.

It’s all men. Gah, Stan Lee. Every time you impress me, you make me go back on my words. At least have a woman in the tech team…

Oh man. Calling yourself “LA’s ambassador” when you live in LA is like me saying I’m Earth’s ambassador when aliens arrive.

Nina doesn’t look very scared…          

I-Guy needed an X-On to the face, so to speak.

“Marry.s Hotel” (sic)? Studio Deen need to work on their punctuation.

Wraith is basically Kurogiri (Boku no Hero Academia). I only just realised that…

Uh, what do I call this car? The I-Guy-mobile?

Saiyuki Blast 8

Can I please stop complaining about how the blood splatter is tasteless?

If you’re in the trade of writing bishies, you have to be impeccable at writing ship tease, and Minekura just showed us why she’s been doing this one manga for 20 years.

Normally, when people have hunches in fiction, they tend to be very much correct.

Why does that Sharak follower even wear that hat? What creature is it even made of??? A raccoon?

Is it just me, or do half of these guys (Kougaiji, his lackeys, Genjo and the Sharak follower) look the same?

“…a bunch of humans can really take all of this?” (Alternatively, the word could be “us”, which seems much more likely now that I think of it.)

The staff really skimped on that one scene where the demon horde is leaping…

So this Dokugaku guy (apparently his name is “Dokugakuji”, but the CR sub was spelt wrong) is…Gojyo’s brother? Didn’t see that coming, the entire Sanzo party looks like only children. Goku is of course an only child since he came from the earth though.

CGI rubble really don’t work here…it looks like a bad action movie, like Photoshopped explosions at inopportune times…like this thing someone once showed me.

Hiroaki Hirata is Gojyo, if you didn’t know, and obviously, Sai Rau is Ura Sai backwards (as done by the Japanese).

…oh, you’re asking me why I’m watching this Ura Sai? It’s because I saw some GIFs of it on Tumblr. Apparently it’s a Saiyuki tradition to do an AU at a Macca’s or something?

Saiyuki Blast 9

As I’m still a rookie Saiyuki-wise, I couldn’t really identify this demon by appearance. I completely understand the fruit joke – I read Saiyuki’s character page on Wikipedia, then came to this ep, but I did something in between so I didn’t remember there was the name Zakuro on that list…haha.

Zakuro has some odd perspective working on those fingers of his…

I was reading a volume of Reload, since I have access to a library with 3 volumes of it, and…I actually know what Hakkai is talking about for once before these guys actually bothered to show it. Amazing.

I literally swore when Nataku popped his golden little head into the fray. Kougaiji’s gonna get a beatdown for sure, especially because Sharak’s scripture boundary should be coming into effect soon.

The problem with CGI is that not all anime benefit from being lifelike. Anything by ufotable is fine, but when other studios try to get a slice of that action that’s not fine. I’ve been going for at least 13 years being used to the flat stye of anime, and calling it home. That’s a tiny fraction of how long anime has existed, and already I don’t want it to change. So please, anime. Don’t become too lifelike, lest the viewers not become able to tell truth from fiction.

Kougaiji does look kinda like Gojyo, eh?

Referring to that link in last ep’s simulcast commentary…yeah, this is if Michael Bay directed this show. Only with more blood.

Katsugeki 9

This is the Teradaya Incident, which happens to be completely unrelated to the Ikedaya Incident…

Of course you get the muscleman to row the boat. That’s just logical.

As I’ve said at least once during these commentaries, there’s close quarters combat late into the game (about map 6), where large swords don’t perform as well. That’s why Tonbokiri is worried.

I have the feeling Hijikata will have to be protected later on in the same way…

Those spider blades sure can run fast, eh?

Oh no. This is advice Mutsu previously gave to the other swords, so having it parroted back to him by his master is really something…

Interesting how Tsurumaru is the only one sitting on the ground, even though he’s got white clothing…

BnHA 34

LOL, a catfight. Bad for public image, good for the press.

After that one week break, I feel like I haven’t seen these guys (Denki, Ashido, Tokoyami etc.) in years…

Wow, I didn’t think I’d see Monoma again at all! Guys like that get sidelined a tonne.

What happens if Bakugo and Deku get the same score? That could be a possibility, depending on how the scoring system works out.

The gates are so CGI, I can’t even…

Oh no! It’s Deku vs All Might. It seems absolutely perfect from a logistical angle (as in, matching a physically powerful Quirk against a physically powerful Quirk makes sense, since you probably find it hardest to go against a Quirk like your own), but Deku’s faith is probably gonna get smashed like Texas…it is Texas Smash, right?

For once, a kid that like hamburgers and not Hamburg steak *sighs happily* (one character and one line’s difference in katakana). Something I don’t have to whine about, yay!

I’ve never known a person who likes natto, although for Ashido, it makes sense (like Shouto and cold soba).

Interesting they put the dumbest people up against Nedzu.

Yeah, heroes always need a healer if they can get one. That’s why I specifically introduced one of my characters in Half-Paid Heroes, and I often have a grass type in my lineup to compensate for such things (since in my world, grass types specialise in healing).

Princess Principal 8

(narrowly refrains from making O’Reilly jokes)

Beatrice, how have you not picked up the fact that Dorothy gained a soft spot for the Princess too? This is case 20, for goodness’ sakes.

It’s the Princess and the Pauper, eh? Traditional, but if Barbie ever taught me anything, it’s that people still like hackneyed ol’ stories portrayed by familiar and non-familiar characters.

“There are all kinds of walls, keeping everyone apart.” – That’s anvilicious for you. There’s no tact in this show, is there?

[recentanimenews]

Discotek Announces Gunbuster OVA, Cutie Honey: The Live! Releases and More

Image via Discotek Media

  Discotek Media announced at their Otakon industry panel today new, upcoming releases including the original Gunbuster OVA series, Robot Carnival in UHD 4K and much more. 

  Announcements made during the panel are in alphabetical order.

  Cutie Honey: The Live!: Blu-ray release of the 26 episode tokusatsu series with extras and behind-the-scenes features. Release date to be determined.

  Cutey Honey: The Live is getting a first ever in the world Blu-ray release! This one will have some really good extras. Expect to see it soon, we'll make sure to let you know. pic.twitter.com/wFH1aAtkbk

— ????Discotek Media is at Otakon! (@discotekmedia) August 7, 2021

    Girly Air Force: 12 episode Blu-ray release in Japanese with English subtitles, creditless OP/ED sequences, and promo clips. The release date is currently scheduled for late-2021.

  Girly Air Force is getting a Blu-ray! The entire show is getting a nice release in HD with some extras. An often calm & relaxing show with some great dogfights. pic.twitter.com/9cDAN6hAQ7

— ????Discotek Media is at Otakon! (@discotekmedia) August 7, 2021

    Gunbuster OVA:  Blu-ray release of Gainax's classic six-episode OVA series in Japanese and a brand new English dub by Sound Cadence Productions. The release is scheduled for 2022. 

  Gunbuster! On Blu-ray! Japanese with English subtitles. Plus we are doing a brand new English dub with our friends at @SoundCadence. We're announcing this a bit early, look forward to more in the future! pic.twitter.com/gLYUvqyySH

— ????Discotek Media is at Otakon! (@discotekmedia) August 7, 2021

    Legendary Samurai Troopers: Blu-ray release of the complete collection of the series, including all 39 episodes of the TV anime and three OVA sequels. The English dubbed version of the series, titled Ronin Warriors, will also be included. Extras include.clean OP/EDs, vintage US release materials, and original next-episode previews. The release is currently scheduled for late-2021.

  Samurai Troopers is coming to Blu-ray! The TV series & all 3 OVA series! The entire Ronin Warriors dub has been newly synced to the gorgeous remaster! And it is coming this year! pic.twitter.com/p1LhtSiakM

— ????Discotek Media is at Otakon! (@discotekmedia) August 7, 2021

    Lupin the 3rd: Mystery of Mamo: Blu-ray release of the third animated film, including the original Japanese version with subtitles, and four separate English dubs from several production companies and time periods. The release date is currently to be determined. 

  But we aren't done with Lupin... Lupin the Third: The Mystery of Mamo is coming to Blu-ray! And yes, the four uncut dubs will be there. Enjoy Mamo however you wish! More to come on this one! pic.twitter.com/IYK89ef3ZJ

— ????Discotek Media is at Otakon! (@discotekmedia) August 7, 2021

    Lupin the 3rd Part V: Previously announced as two separate releases, the TV series will now be released on Blu-ray as a single set with all 24 episodes in Japanese with English subtitles and an English dub. Extras will include OP/EDs, art galleries, and more than 650 pieces of production artwork. The release date is currently scheduled for October 2021.

  Lupin the Third Part 5 Update! We've gone ahead and made this one release, rather than splitting it into two as previously announced. Subbed, dubbed, and with a cartoonish number of images in the galleries. You'll be able to nab this in October! pic.twitter.com/HLFWEURs1W

— ????Discotek Media is at Otakon! (@discotekmedia) August 7, 2021

    Lupin the 3rd vs. Detective Conan: The Movie: Blu-ray release which includes a brand new English dub starring the "classic" Lupin the 3rd cast, as well as the all-new Case Closed theatrical movie cast. Features include 2.0 and 5.1 surround sound mixes, liner notes, trailers, and a creditless opening sequence. The release date is currently scheduled for late 2021. 

  Lupin the Third vs. Detective Conan: the Movie is coming to Blu-ray! 2.0 & 5.1 for both Japanese & English audio. A clean version of the OP is included, 1st time anywhere! We've also enhanced the subtitles. We hope you'll have it in your hands in December, but no promises! pic.twitter.com/ThYKZBQQ94

— ????Discotek Media is at Otakon! (@discotekmedia) August 7, 2021

    Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos: SD-BD release of the 47 episode series in Japanese with English subtitles. The release will also include the two Leina Stol OVA spinoffs, bonus TV commercials, creditless OP/EDs, and the pilot film. The release date is currently to be determined. 

  Another announcement!? Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos An English subbed release for the first time! This also includes the "Leina Stol in Wolf Sword Legend" & "Lightning Trap: Leina & Laika" OVAs. This is another one with a good set of extras. pic.twitter.com/hHwclcL5pI

— ????Discotek Media is at Otakon! (@discotekmedia) August 7, 2021

    Project A-ko remaster: The panel gave an update to the remaster after the premiere at Otakon hours before, including a showcase of the upcoming release's specials, documentaries, and more.

  Project A-ko update! The new remastered release will include both 16x9 & 4x3 versions, so you can watch it as you wish! We think you're really going to love how it looks. The dub has also been restored! pic.twitter.com/Pb4MH4xHi1

— ????Discotek Media is at Otakon! (@discotekmedia) August 7, 2021

  Special features... this disc is beyond packed. Storyboards for the entire film. Newly translated commentary. A full documentary about the music. A video game mini-documentary. Tons of liner notes and galleries! In fact... pic.twitter.com/ltUPuVE7kp

— ????Discotek Media is at Otakon! (@discotekmedia) August 7, 2021

    Robot Carnival 4K: The classic movie is now coming to 4k/HDR10 for the very first time, including the 4x3 and 16x9 versions. Extras include "The Memory of Robot Carnival" documentary and trailers. The release date is to be determined. 

  UHD time! Robot Carnival is coming to 4k disc! The film will get both widescreen & fullscreen versions on the disc, so you can watch both versions in 4k with HDR! pic.twitter.com/sjBpDI5jR1

— ????Discotek Media is at Otakon! (@discotekmedia) August 7, 2021

    Saiyuki Reload: SD-BD release of the 25 episode TV series. Includes the Genion English dub and creditless OP/EDs. The release date is currently to be determined. 

  Saiyuki Reload is getting an SD-BD! The entire series will be subbed and dubbed, plus some extras! We aren't sure when you'll be able to buy this one yet, but we will let you know. pic.twitter.com/SgaU2kKInQ

— ????Discotek Media is at Otakon! (@discotekmedia) August 7, 2021

    Tomorrow's Joe 2: The Movie: Blu-ray release of the classic anime movie directed by Osamu Dezaki in Japanese with English subtitles. The release date is currently scheduled for late-2021.

  Tomorrow's Joe 2: The Movie is coming to Blu-ray! This will be out later this year. This is one you guys ask about quite a bit, so look forward to it! pic.twitter.com/I6mcO8ErO5

— ????Discotek Media is at Otakon! (@discotekmedia) August 7, 2021

        Kyle Cardine is a Managing Editor for Crunchyroll. You can find his Twitter here.

By: Kyle Cardine

[lilygrants]

The weirdest thing about (English) FEH is that Wendee Lee (Veronica, Lyn) and Christopher Sabat (Duessel) are in the same production. Wendee Lee is young TK from Digimon, which was dubbed in LA, and Chris Sabat is approx. half of Dragon Ball Z, which was dubbed in Texas after season 2. 

Like as someone who’s been paying attention to anime voice actors since 2000 or so, it is a TRIP. I’ve noticed FEH leaning on the TX voice actors in recent updates-- besides Sabat as Duessel, Knoll is played by David Matranga, who voiced Sanzo in ADV’s dub of Gensomaden Saiyuki-- while Surtr is voiced by Kirk Thornton, who voiced Dr. Nii Jianyi in Geneon’s dub of Saiyuki Reload. Like I have the DVD of Saiyuki Requiem where TX VA Greg Ayres snarks on the commentary about CA-based Geneon getting the license for the sequel series he’d just finished dubbing for TX-based ADV. Can they get every US dub actor in this? Let’s watch them try! 

[wysiwyg-muses]

☯ ☽

☯ Is there a muse you've always wanted to play?Yeah, actually. I have a very strong Hakkai from Saiyuki muse. It's kinda ridiculous, actually. He provides quite a bit of commentary for me here. I haven't brought him out because I wanted to establish these muses first. It's also pretty hard to find anyone to RP with him. Saiyuki isn't necessarily obscure, but just enough. If THAT made sense.Do I like writing angst? Why or why not.Oh, I enjoy angst. I enjoy exploring my muses and angst is a fantastic tool for development....but I guess I also enjoy creating those feelings? I'm also the type of person to cosplay Tadashi from Big Hero 6 with angel wings.

[fins-illusion]

1. Always post the rules.

2. Answer the questions given by the person who tagged you.

3. Write 11 questions on your own.

4. Tag 11 people.

 Tagged by @cy-ella and doing this now so I don’t forget and can procrastinate editing my midterm papers.  Three cheers for procrastination!

1. Have you ever had coconut ice/lamingtons & do you like them? (cause so many people have never heard of them :(

While I have heard of coconut ice, I haven’t tried it because I’m pretty sure I’m allergic to coconuts.

2. Why did you join tumblr? 

To give people a place to connect with me about my fics outside of FFN or Ao3!  Also meant to post weekly statuses for my different fics, but obviously that didn’t turn out so well....

3. What is the first song you ever remember hearing?

Uh, I think that’s a toss up between “Roll, Jenny Jenkins Roll” while screaming bloody murder as I was being driven around in the backseat of my mom’s car, or “Turaluralura,” which my mom would sing to me to get me to fall asleep.

4. What are your favourite pair of shoes?

My birkenstocks.  The tan lines on my feet are so bad because I have literally been wearing them year round for over two years now.

5. If you could be any age for a day how old would you be?

Honestly that’s a tough question.  17 might be nice, since then I wouldn’t have to deal with taxes, and be able to take a break from my work on being an adultier adult.  (And if it’s just for the day, I don’t have to worry about college apps or that jerk face lacrosse coach I had that year.)

6. What is your least favourite food & why?

Beyond walnuts because I’m allergic to them, um...my dad will make this thing with some kind of cabbage or lettuce, bacon, and cheese and to me the thing tastes like the smell of dirty gym clothes.

7. Do you prefer typing or writing on paper?

I prefer typing when I’m writing a fic because it’s easier to edit and I have my handy dandy spell check that sometimes actually knows what word I’m trying to write.  Otherwise, I prefer paper.

8. What is something you would like to be better at?

Updating.  Or language learning, it depends on the day.  Right now, language learning.

9. Have you ever read fanfiction for something you haven’t yet read/watched?

Yup.  FFVII, FFVIII, Saiyuki, DC anything, and Haikyuu! are the ones that currently come to mind. Have since gone back and read Saiyuki, watched bits and pieces of FFVII (like Advent Children and cut scenes for Crisis Core and Dirge of Cerberus), and the Young Justice cartoon (although now I’m getting caught up on CW’s The Flash and I’m kinda scratching my head at some parts but whatever).

10. What is a book or movie that you enjoyed but will never re-read?

I...don’t think I have one?  All of the things I’ve really enjoyed I’ll usually come back to at some point or another, although anyone rewatching a movie with me is usually subjected to a lot more commentary than if I’m watching it the first time.

11.  Coffee or tea? (Or neither, other options are still valid :P

Tea, usually.  Also depends on if I’m at Starbucks or not.  Then that’s usually coffee.

Tagging: @robinjaylee, @sansed-washup, @mynormalisnotyournormal, @fortitudesouth, @gutterlights, @islayedmydragonwithbooks, @merverente, @kitkinyashirogetsu, @krazyfan1, @paranoid-death, @thedarksknight

My questions:

1. Which do you prefer: fire or a sword?

2. What would you hoard if you had an infinite budget?

3. Favorite class you ever took?

4. Favorite gem stone/rock?

5. Would you put of strings of lights around your room if you could?

6. Favorite type of weather for writing?

7. Which creature from Fantastic Beasts was your favorite?

8. Do you like mythology?

9. What’s your normal hairstyle?

10. Which Hogwarts House are you/thing you belong in?

11. Peppermint or cinnamon?

[soaker87]

Some Thoughts on Recently Finished Anime

A few shows haven’t quite wrapped up yet, but I just wanted to rant briefly about the ones that did.

Possible spoilers for Sakura Quest, Sakurada Reset, Saiyuki Reload Blast, Netsuzou Trap, Isekai Shokudou, Monster Hunter Stories, Keppeki Danshi! Aoyama-kun

Sakura Quest:

I really liked the ending. Ended up kind of bittersweet, but less of a blow than I thought it could have been. I found the show, overall, to be pretty hit or miss. But when it hit, it really hit. It could actually come off as painfully relateable a lot of the time. I don’t always care for series that are too grounded in reality and hit so close to home, but it certainly does give me a lot of sympathy for the various characters and what they’re going through. Sanae and Ririko’s arcs in particular had this effect on me. The issue being, other times the show was actually kind of boring. There were a few episodes where I was just zoning out so much that I was just letting it play in the background and reading something else on another tab. While I think there are many shows where 13 episodes is just too little, and they need a second cour, I actually wonder if Sakura Quest would have benefited from being a 1-cour series. But on the other hand, then it might have felt too rushed and pointless. I did like how we got to explore all the characters, besides just the main girls. Erika’s arc was actually one of my favorites, and I liked how even characters like the bus driver got some importance.

Since the show is considered a spiritual successor to Shirobako, I kind of feel obliged to compare the two. Shirobako was definitely better, and more consistently engaging. Of course, I think that has a lot to do with Shirobako’s subject matter, which was producing anime. For people who are really into anime, it’s fascinating. Where Sakura Quest had a much more niche focus on the tourism industry. And also fell a lot more into slice-of-life. Nonetheless, I did find Sakura Quest pretty interesting

Sakurada Reset

Oh boy. This show. There were actually times I was calling it Glasslip 2.0 or a slightly-improved Charlotte, neither of which is a complement. But honestly, it’s much better than either Glasslip or Charlotte. It just has a lot of issues. I think I was drawn to this show at first because it was just so mysterious. I’m really a sucker for shows with that kind of atmosphere. I thought it might even be a full-on mystery solving anime. Part of the problem is, I’m not even sure if the show itself knew what it wanted to be. It did have some mystery solving aspects to it. It was also a story about super-powered people (and the actual dangers of it). It was a romance story. I also think they wanted to make Kei the type of character like Lelouch or Light who is super talented and smart and can resolve any complicated situation. And... it was just plain senseless at times. Don’t even ask me what was going on all the time. But, I liked Souma, and I liked that in the end, she kinda, sorta won (except not really). Even the ending was trippy. But oh well. I mostly finished this because I like to complete things. I don’t entirely regret watching this. I enjoyed the romantic bits and there were some cool twists in the second half, even though some of them were resolved way too fast (like when Haruki got reset back to before she met Kei, complete with her hair growing long again. That was a real curveball that I thought was going to be a much bigger issue than it was. But it did get me excited for the next episode)

Saiyuki Reload Blast

I watched this on a whim because I’m a huge Toshihiko Seki fan, and I’ve never touched the Saiyuki franchise prior. I was surprised to find that I was enjoying it a lot. Especially the past-life arc. I love reincarnation plots, and it was really fascinating. Also made me start shipping Goku x Sanzo like burning. So I ended up actually marathoning all of the previous seasons of Saiyuki (except the movie because I could only find it dubbed, though I didn’t look too hard). I actually had no trouble following the plot despite jumping in during the fourth season, but it was nice to see what happened before (despite that there was a ton of filler in the older seasons, from what I’ve read). And ultimately the plot still hasn’t gotten anywhere in over 100 episodes. I’m not sure it’s ever going to get anywhere. XD Although at least it’s made progress, having Nataku kind of remember Goku again in the last episode. And Dokugakuji’s dead. That was plain cruel. Actually, I wish we got to see the rest of the Kougaiji party in Blast. Despite that she seems to be an unpopular character, I actually really loved Lirin. She was super cute. But she only is shown for a split second in this season in a memory. Oh well. Also, Sharak Sanzo is incredibly cool, and I’m glad she didn’t die. I was kind of expecting it because she was so cool.

Netsuzou Trap

I expected this show to be super trashy and bad, so I was actually pleasantly surprised with it. I mean, I like watching trashy bad stuff sometimes for kicks, which is why I picked it up. But I actually found the plot pretty unique and the characters interesting. The episodes were short, but the pacing felt just right. And the payoff in the last episode was just plain sweet. I feel a bit bad for Takeda, though. He was a legitimately sweet guy. But at least he still seems to be on friendly terms with Yuma.

Isekai Shokudou

I like food-porn shows, but this one turned out kind of disappointing to me. In the beginning, it grabbed me, with the inventive concept. But I feel like it could have done more to not become so repetitive. It was just a different person coming to the restaurant each episode and being impressed by the amazing food that exists in the human world. Kind of nice how they would explain about the lives and cultures of the otherworldly beings, but it also made the show feel something like a documentary at times. It wasn’t a horrible show by any means, just a lackluster one that could have done a better job with the great premise it had.

Monster Hunter Stories

I’m counting this because while the show is going to continue for who knows how long, it did wrap up its first “season“. I know this show was listed as 48 episodes from the start, until it was renewed. Oddly, it isn’t even having a season two. Just outright continuing right where it left off, with the finale of the last episode starting off the second arc. I really did enjoy the first show, and in a way I think they should have ended it. I do think they can do some neat things from where they left off, having a team of Riders now, including Cheval. Although I’m not sure why I should care about Nariki, and I’m hoping Ayuria doesn’t stay stuck in the role of damsel in distress for too long. She was one of my favorites in the first season. I see they have a more traditional team of villains now. I’m already calling the blonde guy switching sides, because he looks all angsty in the OP and he’s in such a prominent spot in the new key visual. Well, I’ll have to wait and see.

Keppeki Danshi! Aoyama-kun

This was definitely one of my highlights for the season. Being largely slice-of-life, the finale wasn’t so much a finale, but still a good episode. I’ve never been too big a sports anime fan. I picked this one up for Michiko Neya. But fortunately, it’s not really a sports anime. It’s just a comedy anime centered around the members of a soccer team (and their classmates). All of the characters were actually pretty great, and overall, the most memorable episode to me is going to be the manga one, which was just plain brilliant. I do wonder if it’s commentary on the writers part about the annoyance of executive meddling and trying to please the fanbase. But it was funny.

Since I mentioned picking it up for Michiko Neya (who is tragically under-cast these days) Miwa was a fantastic character who was cute and awesome and fun to watch. I still love that she’s actually an otaku. But Moka gives her a run for her money in being best girl, because she’s a stalker with a spiked baseball bat.

I’m super open for this to get a season 2. I’m not sure how popular it was, but it was too much fun.

[rosssrandomblog]

Saiyuki reload zeroin finale aka ep 12 and 13.

At least we have all the gang now, let's just hope that it won't be a massacre. Spoiler! It is.

Well let's just say that not only Ukoku is the most terrifying person on this goddamn planet but he's also a fucking clown 🤡.

It was known but this is ridiculous. Arghhhh.

Ok I am calm.

Sanzo is kinda ok now 'cause he have his ✨besties✨ but Hazel...

He was a destroyed man before but in this two episodes he had been annihilated and I am not ok.

To me is very clear that all the Varaharu story is a narrative mirror of the mental dinamic of Hazel. If it's not I... Don't know maybe I am crazy.

Hazel for all this time directed all his rage and anger and grief to something other than himself, to something external: the youkais. And that was a defence mechanism to distract himself from the fact that the real target of all that rage was himself. He was the demon all along, but if he hates something else can't use that energy to hate himself and self destroy.

For a hot minute I thought that would have been Varaharu to kill Gato... Thanks god it wasn't, it would have been even more devastating and I gonna need some days to recover already so... yes.

Anyway Sanzo and Hakkai bullying Hazel to make him react gives me life. I appreciate that they made Hakkai give him the final 'hit' because it was clear from the beginning of the series that they are the two faces of the same coin.

*fast forward* hearing Ukoku saying "I am bored now" froze the blood in my veins. I was like <has been nice, but I am going now. Goodbye>

Goku and Gojyo going at Ukoku with no care in the world was philosophical in a very Saiyuki style, I love it.

The flower will die eventually but it blooms. They are going to lose this fight, they know but what matters is the fight it self, what matters is to fight even if you know you will lose at the end. The flower will come back the next season and you can win the next fight.

Gato death... Guys, I am not ok.

It was nice to see Hazel really show of his powers (yes Varaharu's fit doesn't count) obv he's no match for Ukoku but was nice seeing him handle himself in battle.

Gato using his last strength to stop Hazel and 'relieve' him from his oath of atonement had me sobbing.

Hazel and Sanzo being the ones to be able to hit Ukoku for real was a little reward, thank you I really appreciate it.

I knew that Hazel wouldn't die that way but he was ready to do so, he really was. His interior monologue sounded very much like a goodbye.

Sanzo Ikkou aftermath is the only reason I am still sane, reminded very much the post Kami-Sama.

But Hazel's cries and sobs are still ringing in my ears.

...

Well that was a long walk through, all the serie was intense, so many feelings. I am glad though it was amazing, for me is even better than Reload Blast.

It's pretty obvious but Hazel quickly climbed up the 'favorite charcters list' accommodating himself at Sanzo's side at the top of the chart. Sanzo for me had always had been some kind of role model, an inspiration. Hazel is the one who I relate to, I see myself in him completely.

Anyway I don't know what I gonna do with my self now.

[rosssrandomblog]

Saiyuki reload zeroin : a very un-serious commentary. (episode 1)

(this is all a joke, do not take it too seriously. I didn't read even a worm so I have no idea of what is happening, I promise I will read it after the serie is finished.)

Komyoooooo!!! Look at this ray of sunshine!😍💖✨ His braid is massive, I am jealous.

Ukoku you piece of shit, they drew you so well!

Siglaaaaa. *opening starts*

Of course for once their travel is nice and calm, and they whime they are bored... And then we know they fucked up.

THE WALKING DEAD.

At this point we know for sure Sanzo would survive a zombie apocalypse. The others... I am not so sure.

Molto obbligato ☺️✨

(most obliged)

The pricing pony attack. (the lotr folks knows).

Hazel is the new Jesus Christ.

Sanzo is not amused. *she knows song playing the back ground*

Hakkai is competitive. Even if he denies it we know he is.

Hazel asking Sanzo if he's a priest is me when I meet someone in my same fandom(s).

If stare could kill Hazel would be dead over and over again. Yes Sanzo I am talking about you.

But he is soooo right. Like goddam, Sanzo should be a detective not a priest.

THE WALKING DEAD PT. 2

and every one is like "shit here we go again'. Everyone but Sanzo 'cause he knows everything.

Hakkaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiii!!!!

SHINING.

CORRI SANZO, CORRIIIII!! (run Sanzo, ruuuunnnnn)

Yeet for your life Hakkai. Yeet for your life.

[roleplay-abiogenesis2]

“Quit your mating calls already! I can’t sleep with all this stupid howling!”