#Young Seimei

[coolmika745]

Children's Fragrance Court

I am going to translate the poster from this page:

Children's Fragrance Court (童稚香庭)

Public Music Pool (众乐乐波波池)

Fox Sketch Pad (狐狸画板)

Yuto and Bird of Paradise Flowers (羽衣与天堂鸟)

Aika and Sunflowers (爱花与向日葵)

Little Seimei and Bellflowers (小晴明与桔梗)

Obscure Vehicle Sand Sculpture (胧车沙雕)

Dock: Wonderful Life (码头：精彩人生)

Bridge: Castle of Childlike Innocence (桥：童心城堡)

[socialdegenerate]

In a rare but delightful turn of events, the Young Wizards seiyuu reading play is currently up for (paid) streaming with English subs until Chirstmas 2022!! It was written by the same playwright who wrote the original Mars Red reading play, which was adapted into one of my favourite anime of 2021

If you’re up with your Japanese folklore, it’s an original story inspired by a Kabuki play, about the younger years of Abe no Seimei (Mamoru Miyano) and Ashiya Doman (Yuichi Nakamura), also featuring Minamoto no Raikou (Junichi Suwabe), Sakata no Kintoki (Daisuke Namikawa), Enju (Akari Kito), Fujiwara no Michinaga (Kenjiro Tsuda) and Kuzonoha (Romi Park) - and there’s a live band with one of the singers being Lyn Inaizumi of Persona 5 fame

If you’re not up with your folklore, it’s still a captivating story with a bunch of seiyuu going off the absolute shits in terms of belting out these lines plus some great lighting work and luxe costumes, so I highly recommend checking it out anyway

Links are in the replies!

[tanuki-kimono]

[Shukufuku (Blessing)], moving art piece by Shiori Matsura depicting kitsune Kuzunoha, in her human shape, lovingly embracing her young son (who will grow to become famous onmyoji Abe no Seimei.)

The shadow nicely echoes the famous ukiyoe “The Fox Woman, Kuzunoha, Leaving Her Child” by Yoshitoshi:

(I had a hard time getting in winter holiday mood this year... As I am writing this, I just can wish you and your loved ones the best on this Christmas day. Take care and let's hold on together <3)

[ozzgin]

Hello.

Do you think I can request headcanons for Nakamaro ?

Like in an alternate route, reader and him (he's in his twenties because... magic ?) are married and reader is pregnant.

But the funny thing is, Nakamaro can't bully the yokais because reader will exorcise him each time he tries.

Aaaaah I finished writing and only afterwards it occurred to me you might've wanted a modern day reader for this. 😭 I imagined the events in his own timeline. Oh well. I think it can work both ways. Just replace the ancient pouch with, I don't know, a visa card that he throws at your parents for wife payment.

Yandere! Onmyōji x Reader

Yokai Harem AU as the wife of Abe no Nakamaro, a legendary sorcerer and collector of yokai. Although you're not quite as powerless as to not keep his cruelty under control.

Content: female reader, arranged marriage, mentions of pregnancy

[Main Story] [Character Guide]

Your family had vehemently opposed the marriage. To think their one and only daughter would fall into the hands of such a cruel man. The famous Abe no Nakamaro, descendant of Abe no Seimei himself, has quite a contradicting reputation. He has saved many lives, cured countless illnesses, protected villages from monsters and brought peace to the land. Yet many have also witnessed his ruthless nature: the arrogance he has towards humans, the disdain and utter disgust he harbors towards demons. He is quick to punish, rarely forgives, and never forgets. The yokai he’s captured under a binding contract are kept on a leash, like cattle before slaughter.

It is this man who approached your parents one day, when you were still young, demanding your hand. He claimed you had special powers and a lot of potential under the right guidance. Such spiritual prowess would waste away in a family of plebeians. You don���t remember much of the discussion, only the expressions: the man’s mocking grin as he threw a pouch fattened with coins, the frown of your parents who wanted to refuse, the uneasy, grim eyes of the horned demons brought to intimidate. It was clear they were there against their will. One will find just how difficult it is to go against the wishes of the onmyōji, and you happened to be his most ardent desire. Thus, with a heavy heart, you’d been sent away with the stranger who promised you were to live a life of luxury. One your parents could never afford.

True to his word, you have not struggled since. In Akutagawa’s short masterpiece, Hell Screen, artist Yoshihide is wicked and vicious towards everything and everyone except his beloved daughter. Similarly, the sorcerer seems to have a soft spot for you in particular. He often praises your talent, and patiently caters to your whims without complaint. You once inquired about it yourself, as the idea weighed heavily on your mind: why is it that he does not show the same hostility towards you? He stared at you as if you just grew two more heads. "You're my wife. What else is there to question?"

This favoritism, however, is to the benefit of everyone. Especially to the yokai under his command. You've grown rather fond of the demons in your years spent alongside them, and they've quickly learned that your presence means safety from any punishment. Some need reassurance more than others. To these you've even begun to feel like a motherly figure, shielding them from the wrath of an unforgiving master. At last, an authority even Abe no Nakamaro himself can't disobey: the word of his wife.

And soon enough, as if your marriage wasn't already the ultimate argument, you welcome the return of your husband with the news he's always longed for: you are the soon-to-be mother of his child. His name has just been guaranteed to continue its course through time. To say he is elated is an understatement. You've only seen him smile so genuinely once before in your life, on your wedding day.

"Can you imagine the powers this child will command?" He muses, referring most likely to the fact you've both been blessed with an innate, unmatched talent in onmyōdō. You finish rolling the parchment paper and gently tap his head with the scroll in a scolding manner. "You better not burden the kid with your bizarre expectations!" The same man feared throughout the country is chuckling apologetically at your gesture. "As the Mother says."

[satoshi-mochida]

Otomate Party 2024 announcements roundup - Mononoke Chigiri, Olympia Soiree Catharsis, 9 R.I.P. sequel, BUNNIES HIGH SCHOOL, more - Gematsu

Idea Factory‘s Otomate brand announced (2, 3) various new titles and updates during its Otomate Party 2024 event this weekend.

Get the full roundup of announcements below.

Otomate Titles

Mononoke Chigiri (Switch)

Genre: Otome Visual Novel

Tagline: After regaining your sealed power, take on your ancestor’s long-time rival, the Great Yokai…

Keywords: Yokai, Onmyoji, Modern Japanese-Style Fantasy

Staff: Nanami Takizawa (director), Mero (character designer), and Yumi Aihara (scenario writer)

Title Outline: After one thousand years, the great yokai “Bakaneko,” who was sealed away by the protagonist’s ancestor Abe no Seimei, begins the process of resurfacing in the world once again. The protagonist, an onmyoji, confronts the Great Yokai alongside the yokai that appear before her…

Olympia Soiree Catharsis (Switch)

Genre: Otome Visual Novel

Keywords: Colorful Fantasy, Japanese Mythology

Staff: Wataru Watanabe (director), Satoi (illustrator), Yuma Katagiri (scenario writer)

Voice Cast: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Tomokazu Sugita, Nobunaga Shimazaki, Yuuto Uemura, Yuma Uchida, Shun Horie, etc.

Title Outline: From the age of the gods to the age of humanity… a new colorful fantasy and Olympia Soiree sequel is about to unfold. What was the “thing” brought by the waves…

OVER REQUIEMZ (Switch)

Genre: Otome Visual Novel Where You Must Choose Between the Truth and Darkness

Tagline: No matter the pain that awaits, I will not regret this decision.

Keywords: Kingdom of Oz, Murderer, Dark Fantasy

Staff: Kogado Studio (production), Tayu Kazari (character design)

Voice Cast: Youhei Azakami, Makoto Furukawa, Kaito Ishikawa, Ryouta Suzuki, Shun Horie, etc.

Title Outline: The Kingdom of “Oz” is another world ruled by a king and four witches. After wandering into this world, you are unjustly sentenced to death. Your only chance to escape is through a dangerous “ruins” inhabited by monsters. Accompanying you on this journey are young men—murderers—also sentenced to death. The story splits into two routes: “The Truth Route,” where you confront the past, and the “Darkness Route,” where you lose your way. Your journey with the murderers towards the end is about to begin.

Official Website: otomate.jp

Release Date: 2025

BYAKKO: Shijin Butai En Renki (Switch)

Genre: Otome Visual Novel

Tagline: This is a story that opposes sadness.

Keywords: Historical Fantasy, Age-Gap Romance, Tragic Drama

Staff: Noel Sakurai (director), 2tk (character designer), Machi Shimano (main scenario writer), etc.

Title Outline: A story set in the Bakumatsu period’s “Aizu Domain.” The fourth year of the Keio era. In preparation for a fierce battle against new government forces, the Aizu domain reorganized its military into a French-style system, forming “Age-Based Troops” with an emphasis on combat efficiency. The ultimate combination of “historical fantasy” and “age-gap romance” story is about to begin.

Release Date: 2025

Official Website: otomate.jp

9 R.I.P. sequel (Switch)

Genre: A Peculiar and Amusing Otome Visual Novel

Tagline: The more peculiar their appearance, the more lovable and maddening…

Keywords: Peculiar Omnibus Romance, Various Romances, Nine Main Characters

Staff: Afumi (director and scenario composition), Yuuya (original images)

Voice Cast: Toshiki Masuda, Shunichi Toki, Ryouta Suzuki, Tetsuya Kakihara, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Shinnosuke Tachibana, KENN, Youhei Azakami, Kouhei Amasaki, etc.

Title Outline: A full sequel to the June 29, 2023-released 9 R.I.P. An omnibus romance story that intertwines various strange worlds and peculiar people. What will become of the romance with the one you long for…?

BUNNIES HIGH SCHOOL (Switch)

Genre: School Violence Otome Visual Novel

Keywords: Delinquent High School, Ultimate Protagonist, Violence Romance

Staff: Mana Itou (director), Roku Rokugatsu (character design)

Title Outline: A brand-new title made in collaboration between Otomate and Mana Itou. Tokyo’s most notorious delinquent school: Usagi Private High School. Also known by the name “Bunnies.” The ultimate protagonist arrives at this elite delinquent high school, which is also known as a quasi-gangster training school.

Matsurika no Kei -kEi- Tenmei Kashokuden (Switch)

Genre: Otome Visual Novel

Tagline: This is a melody of love spoken between a pair.

Keywords: Chinese Fantasy x Exquisitely Charming Romance, Happy Fan Disc

Staff: Fumiyoshi Tatematsu (director), Ryou Hasumoto (original images), Ririka Yoshimura (scenario writer), Gesshoku Kaigi (Evil Line Records) (opening theme, ending theme, and background music).

Voice Cast: Nobuhiko Okamoto, Seiichiro Yamashita, Shun Horie, Shinnosuke Tachibana, Wataru Hatano, Takuma Nagatsuka, etc.

Title Outline: A fan disc to Matsurika no Kei -kEi- Tenmeiin Iden. Gather more “good fortune” in the midst of “misfortune.” The days they spent together, both past and future, are connected by a light of happiness. A title by the Jakou no Lyla and Cupid Parasite series staff.

Fuyuzono Sacrifice (Switch)

Genre: Otome Visual Novel

Tagline: A wish for a bride in a frozen world.

Keywords: Tsunekiyo Fujisawa (producer), Neko Tsumugi (director), Mawica Midou (character illustration)

Voice Cast: Yuuichirou Umehara, Liura (Ireisu), Ryouta Suzuki, Junta Terashima, Shinnosuke Tachibana, etc.

Title Outline: The world of Teidol is suddenly thrown into winter… Leticia, a girl blessed by the Goddess of Spring, spent each day continuing to pray to God for salvation for the people tirelessly awaiting the spring. And then one day, the Goddess of Spring finally descended and announced a solution—Leticia was to be offered as a “Bride of God” to the God of Winter. This meant the end of Leticia’s life as a human being. Will she be met by a dazzling, vibrant spring, or an eternal frozen winter? Her destiny is about to unfold…

Release Date: 2025

Official Website: otomate.jp

Altergear

Hypnosis Mic -Alternative Rap Battle- 1st period (Switch)

Genre: Rhythm Game / Visual Novel

Tagline: This time we settle things on Nintendo Switch!

Keywords: Rhythm Game, Hypnosis Mic, Rap

Staff: King Records / EVIL LINE RECORDS (original work), Kazui (character design drafts), Otomate

Voice Cast: Subaru Kimura, Haruki Ishiya, Kouhei Amasaki, Shintarou Asanuma, Wataru Komada, Shinichiro Kamio, Yuusuke Shirai, Soma Saito, Yukihiro Nozuyama, Show Hayami, Ryuichi Kijima, Kento Itou, Ryota Iwasaki, Kengo Kawanishi, Takaya Kuroda, Shota Hayama, Yuki Sakakihara, Eiji Takeuchi, etc.

Title Outline: The smartphone game Hypnosis Mic -Alternative Rap Battle- makes its Nintendo Switch debut. This first entry, Hypnosis Mic -Alternative Rap Battle- 1st period, will launch this fall. Additional story written by Hypnosis Mic series creator Yuichiro Momose will also be added.

Release Date: Fall 2024

Official Website hypnosismicarb.com

Otomate Graffiti

Soukoku no Kusabi: Hiiro no Kakera – Tamayori-Hime Kitan for Nintendo Switch (Switch)

Genre: Otome Visual Novel

Tagline: A mirror reflects two worlds, and the wedge of fate that holds two people together.

Keywords: Japanese-Style Fantasy, Blighted Love, Japanese Mythology

Staff: Tsunekiyo Fujisawa (producer)

Voice Cast: Tomokazu Sugita, Kousuke Okano, Daisuke Namikawa, Daisuke Hirakawa, Hiroki Shimowada, Kazunori Nomiya, Wataru Hatano, Tsubasa Yonaga, etc.

Title Outline: A sequel to Hiiro no Kakera: Tamayori-Hime Kitan. During the summer one year after the Onikirimaru incident, Tamayori Princess Kasuga Tamaki and her guardians must once again throw themselves into battle to prevent a new disaster—“the end of the world”—that has occurred in Kifu Village. What is justice? And what must truly be protected? What decision will Tamaki and those precious to her come to…?

Release Date: 2025

Suran digit for Nintendo Switch (Switch)

Genre: Otome Visual Novel

Tagline: When the ten numbers gather, the seal will be revealed and be a guide to the battlefield…

Keywords: School, Numer-Themed Characters, Sword Battles

Staff: Mero (character designer, original images)

Voice Cast: Koutaro Nishiyama, Kōji Yusa, Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Tomoaki Maeno, Kazuyuki Okitsu, Masakazu Morita, etc.

Title Outline: The private Soyogi Academy. The sons and daughters of the nine noble households—referred to as the “Suuke (Number Families)”—attend this school. Within the school, these students are treated as superiors by their peers. They have a secret—in this school, there is a war that only they’re able to fight in. It is called the “Suuransen (Number War).” Since the olden days, this periodically-fought war has been determining the rankings of the Suuke, as well as selecting a “Soyogi” who leads and controls the Suuke. This war was thought to never take place again after one number broke away. However, since the sudden re-emergence of “the number that should not exist,” the conditions for the Suuransen to be held have now been met… “When the time comes in which the ten numbers assemble, The carved seal shall guide you to the field of battle.” Her name is Reisaki Hiroka. She is the one who signals the beginning and the end. (via VNDB)

Release Date: 2025

[derschwarzeengel]

me @ the antis losing their shit over Loveless all of a sudden, when this series has been a thing since 2002: ...Congrats, y'all immediately latched onto Soubi and Ritsuka's extremely complicated relationship, boiled it down to 'grooming', and completely missed the point that this is not a romance series and it in fact heavily tackles themes of abuse.

Both Soubi and Ritsuka are abuse victims with submissive personalities. Soubi was repeatedly sexually, physically, and emotionally abused ever since he was a young teenager, and now as a 20-year-old adult who has never received therapy... yeah, he has a very skewed idea as to what is healthy for a relationship. Especially since he then ended up in an emotionally abusive relationship with Seimei as Seimei's Fighter; he's never known what it is to have a healthy relationship--platonic, romantic, or sexual.

Ritsuka has selective amnesia regarding his older brother Seimei, has been domestically abused by his mother in the two years since Seimei's death, and it later revealed in the manga (the anime never got this far) to have been molested by Seimei -- not to the extent either of them lost their cat ears and tail, but it was still sexual abuse.

Yes, Ritsuka is 12 years old at the start of the manga/anime (and for a good chunk of the main story, I believe) while Soubi is 20 years old, but this is very much not a series aimed at kids/young teenagers. It's a josei manga/anime, with the target demographic being adult women.

It's not the author's fault that North American publishers (when it was translated into English) chose to market it for older teenagers . . . and 11 - 15-year-olds picked it up instead. When, again, in Japan, the target audience is adults.

I don't really have a major moral standpoint here; I'm just fucking annoyed.

[yuzurujenn]

[2024.07.03] Figure Skating Magazine 2023-2024 (BBMOOK 1649) - PHOTO STORY

SKATE & JOURNEY

Depicting the "joy" and "pain" of the heart

Feb 19, 2024, Kanagawa - Pia Arena MM Text/Ryosuke Menju

Photographers were saying that "Ashura-chan" was great, but I was immersed in "Chicken, Snake, and Pig". Every expression and every muscle movement could be conveyed to the audience more deeply than during the competition.

For me, this was the first time I have photographed an ice show again after a long time. The last time I saw Yuzuru Hanyu perform was about 9 months ago. I came to the venue and met several figure skating photographers after a long absence. I often met Kogaito when shooting football games, but this was the first time I have seen Yaguchi since last year's FaOI. "Menju-san! I miss you so much!" He couldn't help but gave me a big hug (laughs).

I cleared all my thoughts and went to watch the performance without any prior preparation, but I saw Yuzuru Hanyu's "inner world", and the overall composition was also quite good. Integrating the game world he loves into the whole performance, the word "PLAY" became "PRAY". This was probably one of the points he wanted to express.

The performance lasted two and a half hours and included 12 programs. I was shocked again! God... two and a half hours... this is unthinkable in common sense. But Yuzuru Hanyu managed to do it all by himself. Seeing that scene with my own eyes, I was at a loss for words and could only say "It's really amazing".

I focused on every move of Yuzuru Hanyu and was deeply attracted by him. The flexibility and expressiveness of his body. He was restricted in his movements during competitions, but he was completely freed after becoming a professional skater. The “free Yuzuru Hanyu" is so amazing! Yuzuru Hanyu is constantly improving and getting better and better.

In terms of physique, he has become stronger or more solid, especially his abdominal muscles which are well trained. Speaking of the "atmosphere" at the scene, I think this atmosphere has already been formed in the venue. Fans' expectations for Yuzuru Hanyu remained unabated, whether in competitions or ice performances. This was reflected in the six-minute practice for "The Messenger of Destruction".

There were more young people in the venue, and it seemed that many were from China and South Korea. It goes without saying that everyone came just to see Yuzuru Hanyu. Indeed, this atmosphere must have been comfortable for Hanyu himself. In previous performances, there seemed to be strict requirements for "wearing masks", but this trend has waned now. Although many people still wore masks, many people took off their masks and sat in the audience. Seeing the expressions of the audience, Hanyu must have felt that the emotional transmission was more direct.

After the main performance, Hanyu returned to the backstage. After a while, he came out again for the encore, "Let Me Entertain You" followed by "SEIMEI" and "Introduction and Rondo", which was a time of great happiness for fans.

Hanyu was just like an artist performing a "live performance"! At concerts, singers usually perform songs from their latest albums, and for the encore, they sing popular songs at the moment. "I was like that when this song was popular." Fans must have such memories. On this day in Yokohama, these memories and emotions with these “songs” gushed out like a spring.

Seeing the enthusiastic atmosphere of the audience during the encore, I thought, "Maybe Hanyu can keep skating like this."

But looking at him, I also worry about whether he will continue to communicate with his "heart" to create works in the future? Hanyu is almost 30 years old, and I understand his desire to portray the delicate parts of the human "heart", but it is undoubtedly a "tough" job. Can Hanyu perform with a more relaxed mindset? This thought suddenly occurred to me when I looked at the audience seats where the fans were still lingering around.

2. The Starry Sky of Rifu in March

Mar 8, 2024, Sekisui Heim Super Arena Text/Ryosuke Menju

Although indoors, it feels like being under the "starry sky". In the eyes of Hanyu, he clearly sees one star after another.

The Notte Stellata venue is located in Sendai Rifu Town, Sendai, just like last year. It is a bit far from the center of Sendai, and most of the fans who came to see the ice show took the shuttle bus. I flew from Osaka to Sendai Airport, then took the train and then a taxi to the venue. From the flight to Sendai Airport, you can see the scene of "Oh, those are fans going to notte stellata" everywhere.

Last year's collaboration with gymnast Kohei Uchimura caused a lot of discussion. I thought, "What kind of ice show is notte stellata?" "What kind of program will Hanyu present?" These were unknown before arriving at the ice rink. This year is the second time it has been held, and the audience has a deeper understanding of Hanyu's thoughts. This time, he worked with Ms. Daichi Mao, but the performance of "notte stellata" was the most impressive in my heart. Hanyu's posture was soft and smooth, and every movement made people think of the "starry sky". His eyes were mostly upwards. After becoming a professional, people tend to be attracted by new things, but the "notte stellata" on this day was particularly attractive. In

March 2011, an earthquake occurred, and as a victim, Hanyu experienced many difficult times. Everyone who suffered from the earthquake was full of anxiety about the future life, "What will life become from now on?" This anxiety has never dissipated. Despite this, from the spring of 2011 to today in 2024, the "starry sky" has always protected everyone. Notte stellata first conveyed this emotion, and created an atmosphere of "the performance is about to begin" with "notte stellata" as the opening. As the feeling gradually deepened in the quiet venue, the audience naturally immersed themselves in the performance more easily.

Last year was the first time it was held, and people might have wondered "What kind of performance is this", and it was also the first year of Hanyu's professional career change. Everyone is busy following his footsteps, but he decided to hold notte stellata again because it has a "special meaning" in his heart. Think about it, notte stellata is the only event held two years in a row. As a witness to the earthquake, it is for this reason that Hanyu feels that "there is something he can do" and then takes action to do it. I think this event will continue in the future. Compared to Sendai, it takes more "spirit" to go to Rifu. But holding an event here itself has a profound meaning. On the way back, Rifu in March was shrouded in the night sky, and those who came to the scene will surely deeply understand its meaning.

3. Awakening as a performer

May 24, 2024, Chiba - Makuhari Text/Ryosuke Menju

Everyone present was attracted by "Danny Boy". Hanyu's emotions on the ice were clearly visible. 

In late May, as usual, I took the Shinkansen to Tokyo, then transferred to the Keiyo Line and arrived at Kaihimmakuhari, sighing in my mind, “This year’s summer has begun again.” The shooting location at FaOI this time was particularly good, and the shooting position on the short side in front was unexpectedly vacant. Thanks to this, I was able to take some very stunning photos.

After Hanyu's magnificent opening, he performed the first program at the end of the first half. This was the second time I have seen him perform "Danny Boy", after the last time at Notte Stellata in March. It's a gentle melody and a familiar tune often used in television commercials.

The performance was really great. Hanyu was wearing a white outfit that showed the innocence of a boy, and his expressiveness was really amazing as he paid attention to every detail. Hanyu focused on "artistry" in his performance skills. As there was no longer "win or lose" based on scores, he now puts all his energy and thoughts into "performance". Watching the performance, I also deeply felt the enthusiasm and motivation of Hanyu. Each performance had its own theme, and I felt the "awareness" of the performer. The "emotion" in every of his movement. I was so entranced that I forgot to breathe and felt like I was being "carried away".

Finale was also wonderful. He must have done a lot of muscle training for the "arm" under the sleeveless clothes, and there seemed to be nothing superfluous about his body and movements. At the end, they stood in a line to thank the artists. It was rare to see Hanyu looking very tired. He must have exhausted his last bit of strength, and it was really remarkable that he could persist to that extent.

At this point, the second year of Hanyu's career has completed.

Through all these practices, he probably figured out what he “really wants to do” and what “he should try to do next year.” Although it's just speculation, I think he will really start to think about spending two and a half hours or three hours to perform the performance that Yuzuru Hanyu wants to do - I have this feeling. To be honest, I think the goal that Yuzuru Hanyu is pursuing "may be beyond our understanding." My job title is "sports news photographer," but Hanyu seems to want to go in a different direction. I've started to feel this way recently.

So what does editor Mr. Y think?

"Hanyu's path to growth is full of infinite possibilities. If he decides to try new challenges in his only life, shouldn't we, as people who have been following him, support him?" (Editor Y)

I completely agree with this view. I choose to support Hanyu 100%! But frankly speaking, I feel a little lonely. However, I would like to support him with a hundred times more enthusiasm. This is my sincere words. Maybe in half a year, I will still be sitting by the ice rink like before, thinking about "how to start serializing in the magazine". But no one can predict the future, and that's why life is interesting.

A bright future is definitely waiting for Hanyu, and there are fans who will continue to support him. I hope he can firmly believe in the path he has chosen and move forward.

FS Magazine Press Conference Excerpts

Takagi: Notte Stellata was the first performance of Danny Boy at that time, and Kogaito-san, who watched the show in Miyagi at that time, said, "This show can be ranked in my top three." As a result, the music producer of the TV station directly told Hanyu-san, "Kogaito-san said this show is in his top three (favourite shows)" (laughs).

Kogaito: At that time, there were only me, the producer, and Takagi-san present. I never thought that what we said in private would reach Hanyu's ears (laughs). In addition, I have to correct it. Although I said impulsively "they can be ranked in the top three of my favourites", but when it comes down to it, "One of them is Chopin, and the other one...", I really can't decide. So I want to change it to "they can be ranked in the top two of my favourites."

Yamaguchi: What was Hanyu-san's expression when he heard it?

Kogaito: I didn’t see his expression. To be honest, I felt very embarrassed (laughs). And what if he thought I was arrogant and conceited after hearing what I said? I was very anxious about this for a while.

Yoshida: Hahaha (laughs).

Kogaito: Can I also talk about my own personal memories of the PyeongChang Olympics? That was the day when Hanyu won the gold medal. The stadium was very far away from the medal ceremony square. Normally, it would take about 40 minutes to drive there. But since figure skating ended at noon, there was plenty of time. However, when I got in a taxi to the medal ceremony square, there was a huge traffic jam on the highway...

Yamaguchi: Now that you mention it, I remember that day, the wind was particularly strong. I waited and waited, but you still didn’t get to the medal ceremony square. I have this impression.

Kogaito: Then it was almost time. When I got off the highway, I thought, "I might as well run", and I got out of the taxi and ran directly to the medal ceremony square. “I could run over there, probably in this direction”—that was all I knew. At that time, I could see the “Olympic flame” from a distance. From there, I carried a 20kg camera bag and ran towards the Olympic flame while chanting “Hanyu’s gold medal” “Hanyu’s gold medal” …

Takagi & Yoshida: Hahaha (laughing until tears).

Kogaito: I ran as hard as I could for 30 minutes, and I finally caught up!

Takagi: The “picture” of him on the podium is great.

Yoshida: Ah, it’s the picture of Hanyu-san jumping on the podium.

Source: https://weibo.com/2919885090/OnviUnSb6 / https://weibo.com/2919885090/OnSbppc9w / https://weibo.com/2919885090/OnpAnmlws / https://weibo.com/1746783312/OpuSzlec8

Info: https://www.bbm-japan.com/article/detail/52774?page=1

[dvlwablu]

Onmyoji Manga List

Back at it again, this time with all the Onmyoji novels series based manga I'm aware of! You can purchase all of these from Bookwalker without needing to be in Japan as for as I'm aware, but your experience may vary. Note that none have official English translations as of 2023.

Reiko Okano's Onmyoji This series is apparently the manga adaptation for Onmyoji - it won the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Grand Prize (yes, that Osamu Tezuka) in 2001 and the Seiun award (think Japan only Hugo awards) for best comic in 2006. I haven't read much of it unfortunately (I can't afford to buy all the volumes!) It has 13 volumes and a sequel (where you get to see Seimei's son!!!) A few volumes of this manga have been translated in French, but I haven't been able to get my hands on a copy :(

Mitsuki Munku's Takiyashahime A mostly straightforward adaptation of the two-part novel series Takiyashahime. If you can't read the novels, you can read this and get a rough idea of what's going on if you can't read much Japanese (or watch the drama special I mentioned in this post!)

Itou Sei's Takiyashahime aka 瀧夜叉姫　陰陽師絵草子 (Takiyashahime Onmyoji Ezoshi) Okay okay SO THIS MANGA. It adapts Takiyashahime, but puts its own spin on the characters. Seimei is now Haruaki (which is just the kun'yomi reading of 晴明 - Seimei is the on'yomi reading. I could talk about nanori and azana more but that's for a separate post), a young, talented onmyoji who is nonetheless still a mere apprentice. He's a lot more hot-headed and kitsune-like, but also a lot more insecure with being friends with Hiromasa due to his social status. Yasunori also plays a larger role in this as Haruaki's main mentor/shishou instead of senior disciple, probably because the author had a previous manga that involved him as a character (unrelated to the Onmyoji series) I have MANY words about the flavour of Seimei/Hiromasa in this, but it's hard to explain without context!!!

This manga has absolutely GORGEOUS art - beautiful lineart, dynamic panelling, and lovely watercolour splash pages. However, it does not shy away from graphic violence, with multiple instances of animal death, human death (including children) and one instance of graphic sexual assault (which is in volume 3, pages 109-111, if you would like to skip it) It is currently ongoing as of 2023, and you can follow it here.

[dgrailwar]

Further Servant details under the cut:

MELTRYLLIS:

The Alter-Ego of Pleasure, developed in the near future by a rogue AI.

Her nature is inherently sadistic, taking great pleasure from watching others grovel before her. With bladed legs, she holds the ability to drain others of their abilities, melting them away until they have nothing left.

An entity who is lacking some of her fundamental senses, namely her sense of touch. Her sadistic nature and her inability to feel on a physical level mean that she has simply learned to accept herself for who she thinks she is- a monster. A monster that can do nothing more than 'steal' from others.

However, as she was built from the dreaming heart of an innocent girl, and those kinder desires laying underneath her violent exterior may emerge under the correct circumstances.

TIAMAT:

The Mother of Genesis who waged war against her young. The Great Primordial, Tiamat manifested in a 'larval' state.

In this Saint Graph, she has taken the form of an taciturn yet prideful young woman who firmly stands beside humanity while not hesitating to point out their flaws, if only to help nurture them and allow them to become something greater. Due to her youthful form, she lacks the immense pressure of an Evil of Humanity, but is instead simply a massively powerful Heroic Spirit. As a primordial deity that exists as a mother to gods, mortals, and monsters alike, she possesses a conceptual Authority over all things that have been birthed from a mother.

She holds ancient magic within her body, and can access the "Sea of Life" that had birthed all things in Mesopotamia. With that magic, she holds the ability to submerge herself and briefly return to her true draconic form, unleashing apocalyptic hell on those who stand against her.

ASHIYA DOUMAN:

A Buddhist onmyouji from the Heian Period. Possessing a sharp wit and a powerful body, the monk Ashiya Douman can be considered a true predator, a dangerous entity that can rip and tear those who aren't careful enough around him.

Charismatic and dangerous in his nature, he was one of the most renowned mages of his time, but was often overshadowed by his contemporary Abe-no-Seimei. This rivalry led to a catastrophic event that laid a curse on the lands, cementing his role as a dark sorcerer for years to come.

Through his skills, it is said that he had mastered a form of immortality, alongside other great acts of mysticism that made him a worthy rival to Abe-no-Seimei. As an Alter-Ego, he possesses several components of other divine spirits, namely those that occupy the domain of 'death' or 'curses'. Perhaps as a Caster he could be summoned in a 'purer' state, but it seems as if this twisted Ashiya Douman holds a much stronger presence in the Throne.

[pinkverbena]

Young Pav and Seimei // drawing - example where you play as both in a scenario from the main plot (F&H 1946: Pav's extra story)

[sealer-of-wenkamui]

Brief story summary of the new Douman oneshot that I am currently obsessing over. It's about human Douman, and seems to be after he starts heading down the dark path and behaving more like Limbo.

It starts with him hearing about a house on the edge of town where a bird calls and everyone there is so happy and blessed, and they say the bird sings for them and their happiness. Douman goes and visits this house and they welcome him in and say they want to share their happiness and they treat him to food and sake.

He brings up the bird, and they're all like yes its wishing for our happiness! But he says he hears it saying how long are you going to keep ignoring things (How long=itsumade, which is the name of the youkai that shows up later)

He then talks to a girl who was married into the family, and who claims they're oni. She tells him how girls married in would then be killed, then the family would tell their parents how they died without giving any children, and were useless, and basically used that to exploit the family and get gifts and stuff from them.

They then start hearing the bird's cry "Itsumade itsumade" and Douman tells them to listen closely... They hear something coming from the back, though the old lady tries to deny it but everyone is clearly freaked out by it. And then the dead come back and brutally murder the whole family and they come together to form the vengeful spirit Itsumade, which appears in the Taiheiki, a famous Japanese epic.

Douman is quite excited about it and asks if it plans to eat him too. And how when he returns to the capital one day he's going to curse Seimei to death and so he's going to take its rage and resentment. Then its the fight scene, and finally as he leaves the young girl from the beginning asks about if he went there and he said yes and how he had a wonderful meal there and then laughs.

[lostbizkits]

Do raidou kuzunoha for the ask game :D

Raidou Kuzunoha my beloved

-favourite thing about them

His smooth bald head.

Ok but fr many many things!!! I haven’t gotten through King Abbadon idk abt what goes on there so this is only Soulless Army and Lone Maribeto ramblings.

I love him and his demons!!! The way they’re portrayed!! They are his friends. I also love how he’s just a little bit cringe, he does stupid things sometimes like tell the dog what his greatest dream is.

-least favourite thing about them

Atlus release him

-favourite line

Home girl never talks!!! We stan a nonverbal king!

But in the manga whenever he talks to seimei or Nagi is so fun

-broTP

Raishura but recently my comrade shiominato has converted me to the raidou-demifiend-bino religion

But also Raidou and Narumi!!! They care each other

-OTP

Raidou x Seimei!!! Doomed yaoi my beloved!!!!

-noTP

If you ship Raidou and Narumi I will explode you with my mind

-random headcanon

He’s actually bald under the hat

-unpopular opinion

Zamn… I don’t think I have anything, well more like there’s barely any raidou fandom to form a popular opinion that I oppose

-favourite picture of them

Look at him go, so skilled. Truly an exemplary young man

[youkaigakkou-tl]

seimei not fully human real????

i mean this might have only been like 7 years (assuming douman was like 11-13 when they met and 18-20 at the end) but to get such a high up position (even if he was a prodigy) i would assume it would take douman at least 10 years (probably more including the time he was an onmyouji, perhaps like 15) so either seimei looks the same for 10 years bc he just does or something funky is going on.

i wouldn't put it past him to get offered some kind of long lasting/eternal youth by a powerful youkai who liked him a lot, but then again that might be too powerful for just a youkai and would have to be a god... but idk how much the gods liked him, plus there's also the possibility of a god who has fallen to a youkai but is still powerful enough to do that

also i think i need to rereread the kyoto arc but lots of the gods don't seem to like rules being broken from what i remember? and eternal youth sounds like a broken rule to me (might be overthinking it)?

so my conclusion is either seimei has a really good skincare routine or it's something youkai related (might still be overthinking it) OR it's just a gag, but i can't trust anything is just a gag anymore

FOR REAL WHAT IS UP WITH THIS GUY

7 years is like the generous minimum, I feel like Douman knew him for at least around 15 years, and if he looked the same for the 10+ years Douman knew him, who knows how long he's looked the same before then right

At least based off Ebisu, the gods don't seem to like Seimei very much for being able to command gods, so they were probably more preoccupied with that than whatever else was going on with him (but also we don't have enough sample size, we know like, 4 current-active gods total, being Ebisu and 3/4 divine beasts)

A wack baseless theory:

This panel. The way it specifically highlights murder or romance (and we know there's other things gods can get exiled for, like whatever Sano did and the fuujin and raijin causing disasters).

Murder, which Suzaku did, and romance, which haha gay but also what if. What if. Kuzunoha (Seimei's kitsune mom from irl legends) was a god and had a kid with a human and was exiled. And this also somehow ties into Haru's mom (white hair, looks young, sees ghosts)

Kind of inane and baseless but I want to say "I knew it" if it comes true. Or "don't listen to anything I say ever again" if it turns out I'm so so wrong

[himshoo]

Satsuki has my heart so im here to present to you my brainrot/hcs on her story cause she has so much potential

The general story shes based on:

Her father Taira no Masakado led a rebellion on the Kyoto court and got killed (later became a vengeful spirit)

The rest of the family was ordered to be executed but Satsuki Hime and her brother Yoshikado escaped

Satsuki gains onmyōdō sorcery by performing rituals at the Kifune shrine and seeks to avenge her father

The aramitama (spirit) instructs her to take on the name Takiyasha-hime

She forms an army of youkai with her powers and soldiers who agree with Masakado’s cause

Ōya no Tarō Mitsukuni (also has onmyōdō) investigates, Takiyasha-hime disguises herself but reveals herself when he comments on Masakado's death

Later she sends her youkai army to attack Mitsukuni but ultimately is killed by him

(there's another version where she gains powers through frog magic, also pretty trans to me that she took on a new name that signified a sense of purpose)

my take on her possible story in the Yohaji universe

everything happened except she managed to survive Mitsukuni and retreat (does not defeat Mitsukuni)

eventually, the siblings are allowed back into society due to a decision by Nyudou’s dad

starts school in year 2 middle school

struggles to interact with others due to her former social isolation.

by highschool she somewhat assimilates to society though she is sometimes awed by the mundanity of life as life before was dominated by survival and seeking revenge. Like her close friends probably assumes that she had gone through something.

Yoshikado as a possible character

If Tanaka Mai is ever gonna explore Satsuki even to the smallest of extents I think she should include her brother because he is her only surviving family, like even in the background or something. I do also think she should include Masakado and Mitsukuni because they're more plot-relevant but im a sucker for family dynamics.

So he's my interpretation of him

was a samurai like his irl counterpart

equivalent to early 20

Was stern and protective in youth but softened once reentering society

still hates being in public

Satsuki was too young to remember most of their family so he made sure to tell her what they were like

Originally I imagined him as still being stern but I think there being a clear distinction in his personality before and after reentering society is probably better. It signifies the change in environment as he does not have to focus on survival and instead is now enjoying life.

Thoughts and other stuff

Above is a wood print of Takiyasha-hime summoning a Gashadokuro which is the same type of youkai Kuniko is and the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi has a similar name to her. Though I'm not sure if thats actually where Kuniko's name came from but its probably why they were paired up that one time.

It is strange that in the story she is referred to as Satsuki Hime a youkai whose type is listed as 'Takiyasha-hime'. I was expecting a youkai that was a human transformed after death considering a major point is that Takiyasha-hime is painted as this hero who is seeking to avenge but is ultimately killed and failed to fulfill her father's desire for rebellion. Like her past as a human who practiced onmyōdō which she adopted a new name for and her transformation into a youkai has so much potential, especially in her possible relation to Kuniko as they both used to be human and Haruaki as someone who has uncontrollable onmyōdō.

Also, this was during the Heian period which is the same period as Seimei and further Masakado’s rebellion was against the Kyoto court, so to my delusional self this means her character will get expanded upon in the actual story. Like why have a character linked to Kyoto, Onmyōdō (which Seimei practiced) and the Heian era, if you are not gonna use her or refer to the story shes based on.

I need her to get screentime and references to her story please she has so much potential.

anyway the cringe is catching up to me so thats all

The sources of my info

some of them kinda plagiarise each which is something

https://www.artoftheprint.com/artistpages/kunisada_multiplepatternsofkimono.htm

[redsamuraiii]

Onymoji (Ep 3)

This episode broke me. 😭 *spoilers below*

Lady Fujiko lost her husband in war and she was drown in sorrow for three years until a young girl named, Kujo came and play biwa for her. Kujo's music and cheerfulness touch Fujiko deeply that their bond grow stronger as Kujo came to visit her everyday. Kujo did not only become Fujiko's friend but her sister.

But one day, Kujo stop visiting her. Fujiko was worried that out of desperation turned to a "sorceress" for help in finding her. Kujo later visits her Fujiko again, but only at night and although her music and cheerfulness remains her face is pale.

Onmyoji Abe no Seimei investigates and learns that Kujo had died. The "sorceress" resurrect her to fulfil Fujiko's wishes to see her again, but at a cost. The longer Kujo lives, the shorter Fujiko will live. When the truth is revealed and despite both Kujo and Fujiko wishes to be together, Kujo sacrifice herself for Fujiko.

[silvershadow1711]

I've been reading so many readerxAll Might fanfics, but I rarely selfship so I ended up making an OC to insert into those fics... and then she took on a life of her own... and I gave her a son, and parents and friends, and now I just have a whole cast of mutants that's almost completely divorced from anything to do with MHA because I had an almost allergic reaction to season one and now I refuse to interact with the series outside of fanfics and tumblr posts.

This is how all my characters start out- messy-ass sketches trying to get their "vibe" down. Every polished painting you've seen from me began life looking like this (or worse). So here we have Nagisa Williams/Takanashi ("Takanashi" is her mother's maiden name that she uses when she's in Japan, because she learned from a young age that you gotta be careful about what you put on a form. They will throw your resumé out without even reading it), and her son Seimei. No, she isn't one of those absurdly youthful anime moms- I just wanted to draw her in her Pro-Hero prime, which was when she was about 30 (she had her son when she was 35, and would currently be in her 50s). They have the same mutation/quirk, which is producing ultra/infrasonic frequencies that can be used to relieve pain/speed up healing, or cause nausea/vomiting/bowel incontinence/panic attacks/cerebral hemmorhage/ect., amongst other things (it's based on that resonant frequency tweet).

I wanna do more sketches to better show off their actual proportions and respitory system (it's alot), as well as the 8-9 other characters that are connected to them, but like... that's soooo much art and I hate drawing so fucking much...