#english course Hong Kong

[videoworm]

i LOVE voyager. Janeway and Chakotay are literally the parents of the whole crew and everyone has mommy/daddy issues

[karan-koron]

Genazo script cheat sheet

I translated Gegege no Nazo to English, and so I spent the last two days knee-deep into the movie script! It was very interesting, and it made me feel sympathy for fansubbers of Yore who would put long translation notes covering the entire screen... I was strong, but not strong enough to put sticky notes all over my personal copy though, so here's a collection of notes and observations from Genazo's script, somewhat following the movie chronologically. I will try to keep each item short.

I hope it helps you take a deeper look into this story!

Of course, this will contain spoilers.

It's...

Nagura village's name Naguramura, or Nagura Village, is 哭倉村. 哭 "naku" means crying, sobbing, wailing. 倉 "kura" is commonly found in place names, for example like in the city of Kamakura. It means a storehouse, a warehouse. 村 "mura" is village. "Naguramura" is "the village that houses cries."

Ryuga's name Ryuga is spelled 龍賀. 龍 "ryuu" means "dragon". 賀 "ka" means celebration. You find it for example on nengajo, greeting cards for the New Year, in the expression "賀正", "Happy New Year". It gives off the impression of a very noble and auspicious name.

"Let's pray for a safe return this time..." From the exchange between the president and the manager of the Blood Bank, implying that before Mizuki others were sent to Nagura Village.

Train to Nagura Village It has Gegero's very first line, and I wasn't sure how to translate it. "おぬし 死相が出ておるぞ" "onushi, shisou ga dete oru zo" "You have one foot in the grave." I initially hesitated putting in : "The shadow of death looms over you." But I went for the former. I take no credit for this translation : the trailers for the screenings in Hong Kong were subbed, and this line appears in the trailer so I played it safe and just reused it. Indeed, the shadow of death follows Mizuki : the silhouettes appearing behind him are all wearing military uniforms.

Gyokusai On the way to Nagura Village, Mizuki reminisces a dialogue from his superiors during the war : "Since they've already announced their will to fight to death, it would look bad if they were still alive." The original text says that the soldiers announced their "gyokusai", or their "honorable suicide". It evokes the idea that being made prisoner or coming back in defeat was an humiliation so great that dying was the most honorable alternative. So indeed, in the eyes of the army, Mizuki and his fellow soldiers surviving after announcing their will to die in battle "looks bad." Honestly gyokusai deserves its own post given how important a notion it is in Genazo and beyond ; it's the main topic of Mizuki Shigeru's manga "Soin Gyokusai Seyo" ("Onwards Towards Our Noble Deaths"), which is directly referenced multiple times in the movie. Mizuki's war flashbacks are all based on scenes from the manga, and the protagonist makes a silent appearance in a scene. (He's the man with glasses standing behind Mizuki when the officer is telling them he won't be joining them in their suicide mission.)

Kawakami Tetsuharu's "2000 hits" Upon meeting Mizuki, Tokiya asks him about Kawakami, and Mizuki promises to talk about the story of "Kawakami's 2000 hits" if he gets the chance. Kawakami Tetsuharu was a baseball player known as "The God Of Batting" , and became the first in the history of Japanese professional baseball to achieve 2,000 hits, playing professionally for 18 years.

"The strange local deity" Katsunori mentions that the village worships what he calls "a strange local deity" that has its dedicated shrine atop a mountain. The head of the Ryuga family also acts as its shrine priest. "Local deity" would be 土俗の神 (dozoku no kami) - Interestingly, in the subs provided by Amazon Prime, it reads the homonym "土属の神" (dozoku no kami) instead, changing the meaning to "A strange god of the earth." I genuinely wonder if it's a typo or intentional - as the village suffers from tremors, it would make sense for a god of the earth to be worshipped in order to prevent those, right? After Tokimaro's body is found, the crowd keeps mentioning "the curse of Nagura-sama", which seems to be the name of said worshipped deity. Otome calls those tremors "龍哭" "ryukoku", and you may recognize those kanji from earlier in the post : it's "dragon" and "crying" again. I chose to render it as "Dragon's Wail" in the subs - of course, these "wails" and tremors are caused by the Kyokotsu's held captive in the well, but the Ryuga choosing to perceive this phenomenon as a dragon makes sense: the dragon is a manifestation of their karmic debt and anxieties, anxieties that they carry in their family name itself. (Interestingly, have you seen the big specter paw looming over Mizuki and Katsunori as they are first seen entering the Ryuga's mansion?...)

Tokisada's will reading scene: Otome is sitting in front of a door where cherry blossoms are painted. Tokisada's portrait is hanged on top of a painted dragon holding a pearl. It seems like a grand display of power and virtue at first, but if you take into account that the dragon represents Kyokotsu, plus Tokisada's fate at the end of the story... A dragon holding a, er, ball shaped object, has now a completely different impression in hindsight, doesn't it? Interestingly, Katsunori is sitting so that he appears in the dragon's maw, foreshadowing his defeat against Tokimaro who is sitting closer to the pearl.

Ore wo koroseeee! Mizuki, who previously said he didn't want to die, is now seen running on the battlefield, shouting : "殺せ！　殺せ！俺を殺せ !" "korose! korose! ore wo korose!" "Kill.. kill.... Kill me!" It gives the initial impression that he's shouting to himself an order to kill his enemies, but then add the object "me" : as much as he wants to live, he's bracing himself to perform his suicide in battle. It has become an iconic line so I was nervous about it. Because of the context, I ended up using this to keep a natural flow : "Die... die.... let me die!"

Mizuki and Gegero's first exchange in Nagura Village. ...which also became very popular lines. "１本 くれんか ?" "ippon kurenka ?" "やだね～" "ya da ne~" "Can you give me one?" "No way~" Gegero will repeat that "iya da ne / no way" at the end of the movie, to Tokisada.

Sengoku era armor Not related to the script but I'll put it here because I got curious and researched the armor design lol. By inserting his fingers into its nose, Osada accesses a secret passage. Interestingly, it's when he approaches the same armor that Yamada falls into the basement at the beginning of the movie. It's still doing its job after all these years!

Keiji Sada Hinoe mentions how Mizuki looks like Keiji Sada, a popular actor from the 40s to the 60s. He's super handsome! Google him! Specifically, Mizuki was "partially based on characters from the 1956 Japanese film I Will Buy You" (from Animage of December 2023), starring Keiji Sada. The movie having come out in 1956, it's fresh in Hinoe's mind! (thank you Kure for the tip!)

Tokyo Tower When talking with Tokiya, Mizuki mentions how "The world's tallest radio tower will soon be built in Tokyo." It refers to Tokyo Tower, finished in 1958, two years after the year the movie takes place in.

Gegero's "Hurry, go." He might sound like he doesn't want much to do with Mizuki at this point, but he will tell Mizuki this exact same line with a different tone at the end of the movie.

Nezumi Otoko rowing the boat When Mizuki fails to row the boat, he asks Nezumi Otoko to show him how to do it, to which he smugly answers "Why would I?" ("なんで俺が?") using "ore", a very casual pronoun to refer to oneself. But after Mizuki asks him "Please, sensei.", Nezumi quickly switches to the more polite and meek pronoun "boku". "Sensei? Sensei? Me?" (先生？先生？僕が?) Maybe it's not important, but I wanted to talk about Nezumi Otoko and I found it very cute, okay. Mizuki mentions how Gegero is easy, but so is Nezumi. Additionally, when rowing the boat, Nezumi sings: "Yo soro~ Yo soro~" "ヨーソローヨーソロー" It's a kind of work song sung to stay motivated and keep a rhythm. "Yo soro~" comes from "ようそろ", "to keep it [the boat] steady". I left is as "Heave-ho~ Heave-ho~" but I was this close to make him sing Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream... (No.)

Nonnonba After Mizuki learns of yokai, he tells Gegero: "When I was a kid, the old lady who took care of me used to tell me stories about yokai often. I had no idea it was all real." It refers to Mizuki Shigeru's work "Nonnonba to ore", a novel then a manga which also received two TV adaptations. It's the autobiographical story of his childhood in Sakaiminato relating his experiences with an old lady he called Nonnonba, who told him about yokai stories, and thus sparked Mizuki's own interest in yokai, inspiring him to include them in his stories in the future.

"You can't see things just by trying to see them with your eyes." As Seki Toshihiko (Gegero's VA) mentioned, this line is reminiscent of one of the fox's line in Antoine de Saint-Exupery's The Little Prince : “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

"M" While an elixir of immortality remains fictional, there is still some truth in the story of the "M" drug. It's not confirmed by any mean, but "M" could very well stand for Metamphetamin ; Japanese pharmaceutical companies were contracted during the war to produce metamphetamines towards war effort. Tablets under the commercial name "Philopon" (also romanized hiropon) were distributed during WWII to soldiers and workers to increase productivity, leading to an addiction epidemic continuing well after the war, when the surplus production was dumped into the domestic market.

Kyokotsu As usual in Gegege no Kitaro, it takes inspiration from foklore. So just like Gegero explains in the movie, Kyokotsu is the spirit of someone who died in a well, holding a grudge driving them mad.

"Love? That is some grandiose phrasing." I guess the Japanese language is famous for being cautious in expressing one self, showing modesty and restraint when it comes to expressing feelings. The story of novelist Souseki Natsume choosing to translate the English "I love you." into "月が綺麗ですね" (tsuki ga kirei desu ne), "The moon is beautiful, isn't it?" is famous after all. It's why Mizuki shows surprise at Gegero's many casual and direct uses of the word "love", 愛 "ai", an habit which he got from his wife.

Terrace scene The Onmyoji are practictioners of Onmyodo. The Kidoshu are a group of yokai-hunting onmyoji who appears in various Gegege media, most recently with Rei Isurugi in the 2018 anime. Urakido, the "back/reverse/hidden" kidoshu, are as described by Gegero members of the Kidoshu who were banished for using what I translated as "forbidden techniques" as a shortcut. They were eventually employed by the Ryuga family. To be more precise, the Urakido's technique is qualified as "外法" (geho), which means outside of Buddhist teachings with a negative connotation, relating to occultism and sorcery using skulls ("外法頭" geho atama, that Osada and Tokisada are seen using in the movie.) Hence the idea of "forbidden" art or technique. It's similar to the word "外道" (gedo), which also means outside of Buddhist teachings, but in the more neutral sense of "pagan" or "profane".

"On!" The Japanese pronunciation of the mantra "Aum". Memed to death by fans. Poor Osada.

"Come! All of you who hold grudges!" Sayo's "Come! All of you who hold grudges!" line is repeated by Gegero at the end of the movie with the same wording.

Hinamatsuri and Hanami At the end of the movie, Tokisada is enjoying sake and hishimochi, sitting in front of a golden screen and on a red fabric. It's reminiscent of Hina matsuri, a spring festival celebrating little girls, where a specific doll set is displayed in celebrating households a few days before the festival. At the top of the doll set is the emperor and the empress dolls, typically sitting on a red carpet in front of golden screens. He invites Gegero and Mizuki to stop and enjoy the cherry blossom like they would be celebrating Hanami, or flower viewing ; an activity during spring where picnics are enjoyed under cherry blossoms in bloom. Sweet sake and pink, white, green colored dango are associated with Hanami.

The Blood Cherry Blossom It's called 妖樹血桜 (yojuchizakura) "Bewitching Tree Blood Cherry Blossom", by Tokisada once in the script. Which is really a mouthful in English, so I consistently called it "The Blood Cherry Blossom". "妖" is the same "yo" as in yokai, and it means suspicious, mysterious, bewitching. "樹" "ki" (or "ju" when compound), is tree. So 妖樹 yoju, is a monster tree - meaning the tree itself is yokai...?

"It's a price we'll have to pay." THE Mizuki line. "ツケは払わなきゃな !" "tsuke wa harawanakya na!" I never thought about it before, but when it was finally time to translate this line I realized : what subject should I use? I? We? Who is paying the price? Just before, Tokisada says: "This... If you break this, the Kyokotsu will go wild... It'll destroy the entire country!" And throughout the movie, there is that idea that all the villagers carry karmic debt, being agent of exploitation and imperialism by working for the Ryuga (Gegero explicitly says so.) - but not just them, Mizuki as well, was perpetuating this exploitation, was part of this collective responsibility, up until his encounter with Gegero changed him. His actions have had consequences, and he knows it, so...

"Hahahaha! It's a price we'll have to pay!"

made the more sense to me.

___

And that's all I wanted to say for today. Well... actually there's more, but this post has gotten way too long already. If you've read this far, thank you so much!

I hope you enjoy Gegege no Nazo as much as I did!

[y2klostandfound]

How to win - Jet Set Radio Future on Game Players New magazine Vol.29 (Video game magazine)(Hong Kong)(2002)(06/03/2002)(Part 1)

Translation in English:

XBOX

2002

On sale

ACT - SEGA

6,800 Yen - 1-4 players

Corresponding to 5-1ch audio equipment

Attention!

This game is only suitable for and anyone who may imitate or reference the in-game characters should also avoid touching this game as much as possible. If anyone engages in similar behavior after reading this article, I or the publication will not be held responsible, please pay attention!

JET SET RADIO FUTURE

Hello everyone! I am a DJ PROFESSOR K, the embodiment of beauty and wisdom, and a heroic companion!! Do you feel that life is boring? Looking for something fun to do? Come on! Listen to my Tokyo underground radio station! ! Don't forget the name, yes! ! It's "JET SET RADIO"! ! YEEEEEEEE~~~~HAAAAAA! ! !

Let's start with an introduction to the current situation! Tokyo is now dominated by Gouji Rokkaku , whose "Rokkaku Group" is more powerful than the local government, and no matter what level it is, such as real estate, society, culture or entertainment, it is also controlled by them, and the people have no freedom of choice at all, day after day, month after month, they live according to the meaning of the Rokkaku, without a soul and without their own selves. Recently, Rokkaku succeeded in becoming the mayor, which completely fell to the hands of Rokkaku in Tokyo, even the law can be changed by him at will, of course, the police are not spared, and they have become Rokkaku's Corps and they are fighting against those who are against him, OH MY GOD!

However, where there is darkness, there is light, and a group of young people who are passionate about life are determined to vent their inner grievances with graffiti and to awaken the sleeping people with crazy actions. But there was one thing that surprised them, When it happened, it turned out that "Rokkaku Expo Stadium" was in full swing, and the surrounding vigilance was also strengthened a lot, which made the struggle between these young people and the Rokkaku Group heated up. Although the enemy is a group with great power, fortunately, many capable people have joined in the process of protest, which has ignited new hope for this group of young people. And this class of ideal Stormy Teenagers, they call themselves "GG"! !

Members of GG

CORN

The person who already existed when GG was founded is now GG's leader, very competitive, and often considers himself a genius.

GUM

She is another main member of GG, is responsible for the operation of the organization together with CONE (CORN), she is so calm that the men who have a crush on her automatically give up after ten minutes.

YOYO

The new member of the GG, the typical storm boy, is arrogant and often calls himself a cannon king.

BEAT

The mysterious boy who appeared on the streets of Tokyo, since his appearance, things have changed rapidly.

ROBOY

The robot that CONE(CORN) retrieves, everything else is unknown, only known to be as arrogant as CONE(CORN).

ROKKAKU GROUP

Rokkaku Police

The front-line personnel of the Rokkaku Group, everything that will hinder the people and things of the Rokkaku Group is also their goal.

HASHED (HAYASHI)

The police commander of the Rokkaku Police Force, Division 0 is a very troublesome policeman. If he is targeted by him, he will never have a good life.

Gouji Rokkaku

The chairman of the Rokkaku Group, who dominates Tokyo's economy and culture, is a very authoritarian careerist.

Getting Started

Controller

Buttons MENU In-game

Left Stick Select Walk/Run

Right Stick -- Look around (while standing)/Map

rotation (in PAUSE)

Arrow keys Select --

A button Decide Jump/Decide

B button Cancel Accelerate/Use props during battle

X button -- Continuous TRICK/HANDPLANT

Y button -- Continuous TRICK/TURN

START button Decide PAUSE on

BACK button Cancel Cancel

Left button -- The camera direction is corrected

to the front

Right button -- Spray GRAFFITI/ Dialogue unfolds

Various Actions Basics

Walk/Run

Left STICK is to control the character's movement. After inputting a few directions, the character will make a sprint start and then move forward at an even speed.

Jump

The A button is for jumping, The distance and height depend on the time of pressing the button, if you press it for a long time, you will jump higher, different characters will have more or less jumping power.

Turn

On the way to several directions, press the Y button to make the character turn his back foward and make a backward movement.

Dialogue

Some characters can have a dialogue with the player, as long as you approach the player, the dialogue icon will appear, and you can press the right button

Accelerate

Each time you use it, you need to consume 10 cans of spray paint, press the B button to use it, and you don't need to use it while jumping.

Camera Correction

During the game, the camera will turn with the character's movement, press the left button to correct it to look straight ahead.

TIC Tips

When fighting against the enemy or Rival, the left button can be used to lock the target. When the opponent is in front and the CURSOR is yellow, press the left button, and the CURSOR will turn red. At this time, press the B button to accelerate, and there is a chance to make a straight line to recover the gap, but it still needs 10 cans of spray paint.

TRICK

GRIND

Basically all handrails or fences can also do this action, just walk close to the above facilities, press the A button to jump, the character will automatically slide on the handrail or fence, and is not limited by the slope, even if it's vertical.

AIR

Using speed or an inclined platform, you can jump higher than normal, and the movements you make while flying are classified as AIR.

WALLRIDE

Specific walls (such as advertising boards) allow players to slide on them, and they are not limited by the slope, as long as the character touches the wall, and the speed is faster than that on the ground.

HANDPLANT

In some "U" shaped terrain, it is possible for the character to make this action, and when the character is about to reach the edge of the item, press the X button to make an upside down posture, which has the effect of accelerating.

COMBINATION

GRIND COMBINATION

On the railing-shaped terrain, it is possible to make GRIND movements, but in fact, combined actions can also be added to GRIND movements. And the method is simple, just press the X and Y buttons, and press continuously to make a series of actions to increase the score, as for what the use of the extra score is, I will introduce it to you later.

AIR COMBINATION

AIR COMBINATION is almost the same as GRIND, as long as you enter X and Y in the air state, the character will make fancy.

Spray Painting Tips

In the game map, there will be a rotating round plan (GRAFFITI POINT) on the wall, which represents a place that needs to be painted, the player has to make the character approach and then press the right button to spray the pattern. Each GRAFFITI POINT needs to consume a can of spray paint, but one thing to note is that pressing the right button anywhere will also consume a can of spray paint.

Continuous spraying

If there are more than one GRAFFITI POINT side by side on the wall, it means that the spray painting is of a larger size. Players can start from the first pattern and press the right button until the last one.

The type of spray painting

There are five sizes of spray painting in the game, namely SS, S, M, L, and XL.

NEW GAME

After selecting NEW GAME, you will start the main game mode for one person only and in order to spray GG's spray paint all over Tokyo, the player must travel through all the different areas and solve the obstacles in front of you. The game consists of two main parts, "STREET" and "GARAGE PARK", which will be introduced in detail below.

STREET

Based on Tokyo, each "STREET" can be regarded as a level, and certain conditions must be completed before moving on to the next one. As for the conditions, it is different each time, the player can ask other team members at Garage Park or listen to JSR'S DJ PROFESSOR K for information. But there is one thing common to all STREETs, that is, all spray painting must be completed. Another thing that we must mention is that each STREET will have certain hidden things that will not be provided with intelligence, how to find out, you have to look at your skills.

GARAGE PARK

The base camp of GG, all team members will also gather here, players can freely practice here, and listen to the ADVICE of teammates. In addition, if you talk to ROBOY, you can enter the GARAGE MENU screen, which has functions such as game setting change, SAVE, custom spraying, basic skill training, and character rotation in use. And every time you finish a street, you have to come back here once, so GARAGE PARK is definiteky an important place.

GG Handbook

In the GG Handbook, you can clearly understand the "STREET MISSION" of each version, so what is STREET MISSION?

In fact, these are the conditions for the appearance of the hidden "GRAFFITI SOUL" and every time you complete a STREET MISSION, a GRAFFITI SOUL will appear. GRAFFITI SOUL is an optional spray pattern that can be viewed and selected in the GARAGE MENU after obtaining it. However, in order to make STREET MISSION appear, you must first find and get the "MYSTERY TAPE" in this section, then the STREET MISSION can be found in the GG Handbook.

PAUSE Screen Diagram

1.Instruction - Indicates the condition or goal that is currently a priority.

2.The street where you are - Displays the name of the street where the player is currently located.

3.GRAFFITI SOUL/ GRAFFIT in the map -

Top:The number of GRAFFITI SOULS acquired in the same layout.

Bottom: The number of GRAFFITI completed in the same layout, calculated in GRAFFITI POINT.

4.Number of GRAFFITI SOUL - Number of GRAFFITI SOUL acquired.

5.The Direction of the PLAYER - The arrow represents the front of the player.

6.ICON-

CHARACTER CHANGE: Available only at GRAFFITI STOP.

SAVE:Available only at GRAFFITI STOP.

GG Handbook: The conditions in each map and the content of "Mystery TAPE".

Back to the game

Game Screen Explanation

MAIN GAME Screen

The usual game screen, STREET is the same as GARAGE PARK.

1.STAMINA GAUGE - After receiving damage, it will be reduced, and when it is reduced to zero, it will be game over.

2. Number of spray paint cans - It can be collected on the street, and you must have spray paint before you can spray paint.

3.Number of GRAFFITI - The number of paintings on the same layout, the number completed is on the left, and the total number is on the right.

4.GRAFFITI POINT - You must have this logo to spray paint on the wall.

5.SPEED METER - Indicates the current speed of the character.

Use continuous TRICK!

When using continuous TRICK, additional points will appear on the upper left of the screen. The more consecutive TRICKs you perform, the higher your score will be. When you reach a certain level of score, there will be "prizes". Let's work hard! !

BATTLE screen

There is a slight difference between BATTLE and MAIN GAME game modes, so the screen representations are different.

1.TIME - An item that will appear in RACE MODE, which will give the player a better understanding of the current situation when racing with RIVAL.

2.CURSOR - Whether it is BATTLE with the enemy or a RIVAL, CURSOR will also appear. When you approach the opponent, CURSOR will appear on the opponent.Press the left button at this time, and the CURSOR will turn red, indicating that the person has locked the target.

PAUSE screen

Press the START button during the game to enter the PAUSE screen, which is a decisive help for playing the game. You can also enter this screen when you are in BATTLE. Press the left and right buttons to switch map mode and view the entire map. In addition, the "GG Handbook" can also be viewed on this screen.

Continue to Part 2

[yuzukahibiscus]

Pilgrimage to Takarazuka – Seeing "Arc en Ciel" (February 2024)

So I went to the World of Dreams – Takarazuka.

Writing the following feelings to words is unreal – I had written a Chinese report right away after I returned to Hong Kong.

Perhaps because there was only one day, or because it was just this day that the memories will forever be locked into the treasure chest of my heart. What happened on that day – how swiftly it passed – felt like sand particles falling onto the bottom of the hourglass.

One year later, translating the same for English reminds me of the rollercoaster of emotions that I felt. This blog contains specifics that are rarely said in the Takarazuka fandom space, but I would like to share it regardless.

I'll be grateful if you could read this with a kind consideration till the end.

Before embarking to Takarazuka (January 23 - February 9)

Everything was happening too quickly, to process that I got tickets for the morning (matinee) show on February 11 with an A-seat. This was easier than I expected compared to previous history of buying concert tickets.

And while that was exciting, before the trip I focused on my studies.

During that time, I was still working on throwback posts on my page and looking back on her footsteps from the debut stage to cultural festival and when she was still an underclassman.

Takarazuka is a dream.

For aspiring students, it is the place where they showcase their singing, acting and dancing in this "world of dreams".

For fans, and those who are fortunate to go to the Takarazuka Grand Theatre or the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre, they watch these musicals affirming the positive values of dream and love and happiness.

But dreams are not always granted.

For an average overseas fan, they could only watch through livestreams via VPN or liveviewing.

So before the day of even arriving to Japan, all that "dream" is a mirage. I've learned about Rei for 4 years since the pandemic began in 2020. She's a Top Star who survived through the hardships of this pandemic so for many, her Flower Troupe felt a fleeting moment of time.

But for me, I felt oddly different. When you start to love a person, you'll understand more of herself and the values she believe in. She's someone who values "seizing the moment" but also cherishes those things and the encounters she's had. So even though I'm not her, I'd like to believe that she wants to live every day without regrets, and every day is fulfilling rather than brief to her. I wanted to understand more about her philosophy of crafting her roles, and there began my journey of learning Japanese and even opening a fanpage to translate her words. She used to say,

I'd be happy if you think "She's an interesting one" (laughs). After all when you think that ”this person and what she's doing is interesting", "when I watch her performances it's interesting", that's the happiest for me. — Yuzuka Rei in the Long Interview in Kageki December 2022 issue.

So I selfishly think, even if Takarazuka doesn't allow these fanmade translations, breaking the language barrier allows me to share more about her story, her attitude in life and more people can be interested about her. From 2021 to now, opening this fanpage is a little honour I have because different people say "Because of you, I know Yuzuka Rei and I learn how precious she is". I'm not saying everyone should say thank you to me, but these words always give me strength and motivation.

I set off to Japan on February 9 and I was still feeling "it's been so long, Japan", a vacation when I put aside worries and frustrations over school and work and inhale in the sweet air of Japan. Of course, I felt satisfied because now I can proudly say that I said more than arigatougozaimasu (thank you) but communicating with locals (even hearing a nihongo jouzu 日本語上手 = you're good at Japanese occasionally!) confirmed that my efforts in Japanese <=> English/Chinese translations have not gone in vain.

Tokyo (February 10)

I have never thought I'd be this lucky.

I stayed in a hotel in Atami, Shizuoka and our dinner is at the Viking Sal in Imperial Hotel. I didn't believe that upon leaving the hotel, I'd see the 13 letters of "TOKYO TAKARAZUKA" and I rushed to the theatre like a puppy who hadn't had a meal for days. I parted ways with my family who continued to shop nearby while I began navigating around the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre. This was where the sense of unrealness bridged with a touch of reality.

Snow Troupe was performing "Boiled Doyle on the Toil Train" in the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre at Japan time 4pm so there weren't many people inside the lobby. I was too excited I almost ran into the theatre until I remembered that I couldn't enter without a ticket. I got some posters – the Snow Troupe performance, Moon Troupe performance "Eternal Voice" and the Flower Troupe performance I'm watching "Arc en Ciel" – and headed to the building opposite the theatre where Tokyo Quatre Reves was located at.

It was the pre-closing performance on February 10 and there was a costume exhibition of the Sakiaya (Ayakaze Sakina x Yumeshiro Aya) Top Combi. Knowing that Saki would be retiring by herself, I knew I had to see this. There were costumes from "Too Short a Time to Fall in Love".

As I entered the Tokyo Quatre Reves, I felt like skipping on clouds - I was careful and excited. I saw many fans shopping and packing their desired merchandise into the baskets. I felt like we were all children, because everyone was happy inside this world of dreams. It dawned on me that I was no longer looking at pictures but being present in that surreal space was a joyous experience.

It was the Flower Troupe opening day and thanks to my "coordinating" personality in MBTI ("a power J", if you will) I took the opportunity to purchase the goods just as I had planned. Besides, I also noted what I had to buy on behalf of my friends and gifted postcards to the online mutuals I am fortunate to befriend over the course of my Takarazuka fandom journey.

Here's the full list I got: a theatre bag, acryllic card sets, keychains, Yuzuka Rei and Hoshikaze Madoka and Minami Maito and Hozumi Mahiro stills (they probably knew I was coming, because how on earth could I have found myself THE ReiMai Exciter!! still!?), the A3 special feature stills, performance booklet, ANAN Special Cover, opera glasses and postcards.

This took me half an hour, and for the remaining time, I strolled along every lane, each corner (the Blu-ray corner, the stills corner, the postcards corner, the goods corner, the music corner...) leisurely, hoping to remember every location. Looking back, I was grateful to have shopped there, because the Takarazuka Quatre Reves was packed with people, I wouldn't stand a chance getting all that I need!

D-DAY: Takarazuka, February 11

6am. From Atami to Mishima, to Nagoya, to Takarazuka - this was a 3-hour continuously-transferring train ride. It was dizziying at first, because I could not afford getting on the wrong train so I asked the train staff for some assistance too.

I could finally pen my letter when I sat down on the train. I also got a pink envelope letter writing set before I left Quatre Reves the day before and had thought to write the letter spontaneously during the train ride. I had prepared some cute doggy stickers for Rei and Madoka.

Just like Rei thinking of what to say to the audience during her speeches, what often comes to mind when I write is: what do I want to tell her? Because it's a good way to start and it's like conversing with an old friend. Here are the contents of my seventh letter, which I will reproduce in full:

Dear Yuzuka-san, Hi, it’s Hibiscus from HK! I’ve always been calling you “Rei-chan” in previous letters, this time I want to call you “Yuzuka-san”…^^ Yuzuka-san, I’m finally going to Takarazuka. I’m going to see your graduation performance on 2/11. I’m so happy and also excited for it. I’ve been a fan of Yuzuka-san for four years. In this time, I’ve met different friends and in the HK cinemas and in livestreams, I’ve been able to see many of Yuzuka-san’s shows, but coming to Takarazuka is ever more moving for me. This time I want to share a secret to Yuzuka-san. I want to write about why I learnt Japanese. Actually if it wasn’t Takarazuka I wouldn’t have learnt Japanese. It’s really “I want to learn more about Takarazuka’s charms!” that I learn Japanese “on my own”. In these 3-4 years, there have been more Takarazuka fans, but there aren’t many who know Japanese. So I’ve made a fanpage for Yuzuka-san. In this account I translate Yuzuka-san’s performance information and speeches. Why is this a secret? Because this won’t be allowed in Takarazuka. Why do I continue to do this? This is what I think “selfishly”, but I want more overseas fans to know about Yuzuka-san! I don’t know if you will like this secret, but if you don’t mind I’d be grateful😌💗 (Also in my previous letters I’d ask a friend to check for me, but this time I wrote this letter on my own). I’m taking the train on the way to Takarazuka and I’m so excited. Also, with the letter I also put a sticker inside. I got this in a HK stationery shop. It’s a black dog but it’s not a pomerenian…But I thought “this is so cute I want to give to Yuzuka-san!” So if you like it, I’d be happy to:) I’ll meet you in the theatre. Love you!

I placed this in the post office at the Takarazuka Grand Theatre. This was the closest post office to Rei receiving it and I was delighted to see the Takarazuka chop on my letter, rather than the sticker that was always pasted whenever I air-mailed my previous ones.

A bit of a fast-forward in time: I arrived in Hong Kong to see my Instagram fanpage wiped out, bombarded with emails of multiple reports for copyright infringement. Now that I offer you what my letter read, you may understand the potential consequences. The representative of any sienne fanclub has the responsibility of screening the letters, to ensure that they do not contain dangereous, illegal and threatening contents. So some guessed that, maybe the representative of Rei's fanclub read it, deemed it inappropriate and took actions.

Some may find this a foolish action to confide this information to Rei. Yet in hindsight, I thought, if I had already translated such contents in a public page, I would have considered the risks. Had I been afraid of this "open secret", I would never have started.

I had always wanted to tell her about this, and never knew the 'right timing'. But I thought, now or never, I will tell her when she graduates. Perhaps I am not the best fan to her, because I am evidentally infringing the Japanese Copyright Act for all this. But selfishly, I just want more people to know about her. Whether this justification makes sense to you, this had been one year ago - what's done is done.

Then, I immediately began my second letter - my first to Madoka. And it went like this,

Dear Hoshikaze-san, Hi, I’m Hibiscus from HK! I’m 21 years old and I’ve been a Takarazuka fan for 4 years. It’s my first time writing to you, so I’m nervous. The first musical I watched of Hoshikaze-san is "Flying Sapa", the 2020 Cosmos Troupe performance. That time, Hoshikaze-san’s hair was red and it left an impression on me. Also in 2021, you became the new Flower Troupe combi with Yuzuka-san. You played Eva in “Sorrowful Cordoba”, which your singing is amazing of course, but your chemistry with Yuzuka-san was impressive. Also in “The Fascination!” when you sang “L’amour” on the silver bridge alone, I thought, “You’re quickly transformed into a Hanamusume, so I’m happy for you” Hoshikaze-san in Cosmos Troupe is of course amazing, but the Hoshikaze-san as a Flower Troupe sienne showed us new charms of hers, so I’m surprised but also great that happened. (In my next letter, I want to talk about how I feel about your photobook, so I hope you look forward to that!^^) Actually, I’m now taking the train to Takarazuka because I’m going to see Hoshikaze-san and Yuzuka-san’s graduation performance on 2/11. In these 3-4 years, I was able to see many Flower Troupe performances through HK cinema livestreaming (my first was “Years of Pilgrimage” “Fashionable Empire”), but coming to Takarazuka this time is ever more moving to me 💕 I look forward to Hoshikaze-san’s Catherine because your still picture is too pretty Also with the letter I also put a sticker inside. I got this in a HK stationery shop. It’s a white dog and it makes me think of Kuri-chan so I want to give to Hoshikaze-san!” So if you like it, I’d be happy to:) I’ll meet you in the theatre. I’ll support you before the day of graduation comes.

20 minutes before the show opened and I was sprinting at the Takarazuka station to the theatre with @matchala on this exhilirating day (which I've met with her in Hong Kong last February 2nd). I was given the seat 1st floor-Row 13-Seat L2 and then as I snapped the obligatory kangeki (theatre watching) picture, the lights dimmed and it was show time.

Her alto voice rang through the speakers as I heard the opening announcement live for the first time. It reminded me of her 'Ready Steady Go' cover of L'arc en ciel where her voice really reveberated (響いて呼んでいる君の声).

The dream is about to begin.

Below includes spoilers of the show. But this musical has its gravest of faults, so I will be reviewing it from personal recollection.

Seino Asuka played Yves who walked on the silver bridge and relayed the history of Paris to the audience. Itsuki Chihiro played Yves' great-grandfather Pepe, who was talking with 'Young Yves' (Koharu Himeka), Seino' role's grandfather of the same name. Their interaction was loveable.

The mirror ball reflected the refractions of light and as it spinned, the curtains drew up to reveal a curvy staircase for the prologue. The Arc-en-ciel was a prominent theatre troupe company in the 1940s which was what Rei had said in the rehearsal report that they wish to showcase 'the royal classic of the French revues, a stage only presentable by THE Takarazuka.'

Then, she appeared.

Perhaps, the construct of time went by differently in the world of dreams than in a real world. Because her appearance was so radiant, and so dignified.

Omg, she's real, I had gasped.

In her best attire - the classic black tails, top hat and cane, Rei played Marcel, the etoile dancer of Arc-en-ciel. Marcel welcomes us to the premiere performance and more musumeyaku and otokoyaku enter scene.

For the next three hours, I made a mental note that we'd be having the blu-ray and last day versions recorded, so I must have stared until my eyes sored to concentrate on producing an SSS angle of Yuzuka Rei all by myself. It was unbelievable to see her move and dance in such a fancy way with a suit. She was truly a mannequin in motion. She also sweated a lot (because of the hot stage lighting, maybe?). Through Marcel, I could also see his concentration and sincerity in the performing arts, which mirrored Rei's approach too.

There are two highlights in Rei's Marcel. Marcel plays a pierrot in one of their musical scenes The Clown in Montmarte. At first this jester proves himself to be a symbol of joy and reflects the happiness of the Parisians. But as Pepe sings the last lyric which goes, 'Left alone is the pierrot', she undresses the baggy costumes until she is left with a silky shirt and thick pants. Since I was watching this before the first day footage was even released, I was at awe with how sexy the scene unfolded itself: I was not expecting it! I also found her exasperation and frustration the most attractive emotions in her characters so when the etoile dancer Marcel shows that annoyance of playing 'only the clown in the theatre', I could see why I became a deer in headlights locked behind the opera glasses. Rei had commented in the rehearsal report, "As my first time playing a pierrot, when I heard Itsuki-san sing, the melody itself is warm and bright, but the song contains this emptiness, loneliness and sadness. I think clowns represent both joy and despair so I want to deepen this symbolisation." Marcel appears twice as a pierrot in this musical and I always love when musicals add repetition because you could see the contrast of Rei's interpretations in both scenes.

What's more is Marcel playing the piano. Rei's Franz Liszt and her starring musical "Years of Pilgrimage" is my absolute champion among her other works. The former Cosmos Troupe Top Musumeyaku and her classmate, Misaki Rion had praised her, "Rei is the best at playing piano among our classmates; she used to play it to us whenever we asked her. I wish to hear her playing in a live stage performance one day." Of course, it was unfortunate I couldn't witness The Franz Liszt live, but I was truly surprised and elated to hear Marcel play the piano! Once for Catherine's accompaniment and another for a jazz song 'SWING'. Jazz is one of the main motifs of the songs which represents freedom and liberation. I was so glad to hear her playing before she graduates and I was really eyeing on her skills the whole time.

What a blessing to witness Madoka's Catherine's singing in the Grand Theatre with such grand acoustics! She played another strong woman for her final role and looked stunning in long dresses (as expected of the Grace Continental model). As the provisional director, Catherine has a stronger sense of endearment to Arc-en-ciel than Marcel so this divides the two at first. Marcel is upset with only playing a clown role and judges Catherine for not understanding his discontent, since she has been the star songstress as the queen of Arc-en-ciel. We later know that Catherine can give in her all for Arc-en-ciel. Her voice becomes an asset and to allow the continuation of performances, Catherine's stance never wavers and that's also Madoka to me - determined and relentless in her gaze.

The loveline of Marcel and Catherine is by far my favourite chemistry of Rei and Madoka. A love shared by two confident people, sparking in sarcasm and sweetness. They are unlike Elio and Eva as the inevitably-reunited siblings, Chronosuke-Kira as the fated lovers, Dale and Jerry as the mistaken couple, Liszt and Marie as the 'crossing boats of the night', Antonio and Pamela as the impossible pair, Rudolf and Mary as what history told us, Thierry and Pamela as aspiring youth, Reisaburou and Oharu as childhood sweethearts. That was the Reimado history, and concluding it with Marcel and Catherine, I felt like this echoed Rei and Madoka, who both strongly defended Flower Troupe amidst all cancellations. They have such mutual love and respect for each other in a satisfyingly alluring confession.

Marcel and Catherine have a scene in Marcel's bedroom when they talk about their dreams after the occupation. Marcel wants to learn modern dance in America, and Catherine has always loved singing, and wants to sing for the people, to convey her emotions to them. The exchange is simple yet heartfelt, like the relationship of Reimado. This also hints to me their post-graduation careers, so I had hoped they could continue to share their love for dancing and singing to others.

I was also paying attention to Hozumi Mahiro, or Hotti. Hotti's Robert was very handsome. I was grateful she had a centric scene for the resistance army and even got to flex her somersault (Hotti is good at acrobatics!) Besides, Ichinose Kouki's Paul also played the piano, which was double the surprise. Yuki Daiya's Pierre had sharp dance moves as Marcel's choreography assistant. Kinami Raito's Daniel was debonair in the second lieutenant role in The Clown of Montmarte.

The charm of a live performance was how I could feel the power of Flower Troupe. From their choir of singing, to their synchronised jazz dancing, their dominance was intimidating. Of course, seeing Rei dance in real time also blew me away. How did her waist move like that - as expected her use of muscles in dancing was impressive. It was a great sense of satisfaction,

I had previously written these words: Yuzuka Rei's philosophy in leading the Flower Troupe is moving. She wants to grow with the members, so that they all improve in a comfortable environment and they won't feel anxious, but still have the motivation to improve themselves. That is how she heals their inner child, and preserves their love for the stage.

I believe we could love the actors but still criticise a play. Surely, the musical highlighted Rei and Madoka's strength of dancing and singing and was quite romantic to shape their relationship but the historical context was executed disrespectfully by Koike-sensei.

It is risky to approach a Nazist-occupied Paris context from the start. Nazism is an extreme ideology and Koike-sensei had already done a musical of the related era in "My Name is Bond". For a "world of dreams" that delivers the image of handsome otokoyaku and the cute musumeyaku, it was definitely unnecessary to see Towaki Sea in a Nazi uniform, especially when she'd be the next Flower Troupe Top Star.

Asuka's Yves is also a narrator. When the Nazi scene begins, the siennes playing the Nazi step upfront, and they even collectively salutes to Hitler. One may say that each musical has its antagonists, but it really wasn't appropriate to do salutes (that are illegal in Germany) on a grand stage.

I also didn't like how some Japanese fans resulted to sympathise Hitoko's character. When her Friederich and Hoshizora Misaki's Annette had a loveline, it was uncomfortable to watch because it almost wasn't realistically possible and it seemed twisted to believe their story was romantic. I felt bad that a new Top Combi had to convey this awkward relationship before their debut.

That the Arc-en-ciel was only concerned with whether they could perform jazz was an understatement. I also spoke to a French friend who said that there were other social issues that the play could have focused on, because it was such a difficult period of time during the Nazi occupation in 1940-1944. I felt like Yves could have conveyed more about what Paris was going through and her role was easily weakened by the subpar writing (this was even worse than her Takuminokami in "Genroku Baroque Rock")

As commemoration, here are Yuzuka Rei's comments for the musical recorded in the programme:

When I knew that I'll be playing a talented dancer in my last Takarazuka performance, I've been imagining what kind of presence this role should play in the musical. Paris is in the state of turmoil, and it is through performing arts that Marcel learns about becoming a real person. As the musical emphasises the importance of approaching the stage, I relate to many parts of the story as a stage performer. My feelings for the audience, for the stage, and for my co-stars are something so close in contact to my daily life; protecting the French revue was also similar to the time when we continued performing amidst the pandemic, so I believe the role of Marcel was created only for me. It's certain what he wants to do and what he aims to do, but in the beginning, his relationship with others seem lacking. Later on, he has more things to protect, and I've been looking forward to create this process, from how he's only working on his own, to taking action because of others. I only worked with Koike-sensei in "Poe Clan", but I could feel how he delicately created this new stage for us, so I want to do well too. I can feel how he's pouring his ideas and the energy for this performance, so I want to do my best. Hoshikaze plays Catherine to whom I have disagreements with, but this is resolved surprisingly early, so I'll think of how to balance the difference in our interactions. It's a process when we inspire each other and grow, and these are roles we haven't done before, so I'm looking forward to how our relationship will be created. This is a two-act but there are many fantastic musical numbers. Personally I'm happy there are jazz scenes that are my favourite. Not just the 'royal revue' type in black tails, silk hat and cane, but I'm also excited to do a solo dance as the role of the pierrot that I've never done before. There are other solo songs, like 'Wavering but not sunken', a duet song with Catherine 'Nouvelle Arc-en-ciel' which has a beautiful melody - all of these are what I want to emphasise and rehearse well. There are many scenes that I'll be singing and dancing with the revue members 'Swing' which I'll be singing with Towaki who plays Friederich. I'm happy these are scenes that could show how everyone is creating scenes in a revue within a show. To those who have supported me for a long time, or to those who are watching Takarazuka for the first time, I'd be glad if you could feel that I'm happy to have watched this performance today.

After the musical, the finale began. Towaki Sea wore a pink military uniform and sang on the silver bridge and finally I could watch it at an ease of mind. I'm sure she'd lead well for the future of Flower Troupe. Then came the rockette. After that, Rei appeared in a magneta and hot pink ruffly costume and danced with the musumeyaku in 'La vie en rose' and later she changed to red and danced with the otokoyaku. It reminded me again of the electronic music beat and otokoyaku dance combo in "Poe Clan". Then Towaki Sea changed in gold and led her group otokoyaku dance with the other otokoyaku. Then, Rei and Madoka had their last duet, wearing a sea blue of costumes.

Finally, Rei had her solo dance. I had forgotten that a graduation musical has that at the end when the Top Star is alone on stage. So the deja vu hit me strongly.

I felt like returning to the epiphany when I saw her solo dance in "DANCE OLYMPIA" and "BE SHINING!!" She was enjoying the stage to her own and I once again questioned the flowing of time. Every dance step was adequate and not excessive and her harmony with the music was a flawless combination of art. Her smile, her energy was full to thank the audience, to show her love to the Takarazuka stage. At once, I sensed the bluriness of the opera glasses, or maybe because I was about to cry...

Hoshizora Misaki was the etoile of the parade and then I saw how quickly the Flower Troupe members descended the stairs. Reality and fantasy began to disintegrate: was I waking up from this dream?

Frequent-goers applauded as each sienne bowed, but I was just staring through my opera glasses, remembering how all these siennes looked to the very end.

Tears finally fell when I saw Yuzuka Rei in those rainbow feathers, because I knew that this first Takarazuka live stage viewing is coming to an end.

She concluded the parade by singing from 'Unwavering but not sunken' which lyrics went like this:

Even in scorching summers And in excruciating winters We are fearless As we face the winds and sail high We walk hand in hand We hold pride and take allegiance That we may be wavering, but never sunken

Yuzuka Rei, all words are truly lacking to express my emotions in this journey. but ‘thank you’ will be the most appropriate phrase you have taught me to cherish.

[olderthannetfic]

Part of what makes identifying racism so difficult is that people from different cultures have different ideas about what constitutes racism.

To take the most simple example, that of a potential racist slur in a person's username, I as a moderator had to do some research. I discovered that this word is:

* an ethnic slur in British English, American English, and Dutch

* an informal neutral term in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia

* a reclaimed slur among at least some Japanese people

Moreover, the FULL word that the person used as their username ($possible slur+style) appears to be a neutral to positive term associated with Japanese motorcycles, to distinguish them from other types of motorbike.

Is the person's username racist? It depends on who you ask.

And this is ONE word.

If it isn't even possible to be certain if one word is racist, how can we be certain if the average "racist" fic is racist?

Believe me, I'm mixed-race myself and I would like nothing more than to end racism. But other than the most egregious examples, how can we be certain that a fic is genuinely racist?

If we censor or remove anything that MIGHT BE racist, that's going to cover an awful lot of fics - including my own. I know that I've written lines comparing the light skin tone of one partner to the darker skin tone of another, because it's something that I find fascinating in real life. There's nothing sexier than two bodies lying together and seeing that contrast in their skin tones.

The fact that the darker person is usually myself and that I'm writing about characters with that canon difference won't stop well-meaning "anti-racists" of accusing me of being racist.

Will I have to start supplying a photo of myself along with my fic to "prove" that I'm "allowed" to write it?

--

Trying to prove identity is always a trap too, of course, because they'll just No True Scotsman you.

[homosexuhauls]

I haven't seen anyone mention it on here, most likely because English language news sources are reporting them as friends, but a man murdered a lesbian couple in Hong Kong last week.

(Twitter thread includes more sources and proof of the two victims being in a relationship. However, video of the attack exists online and some of the photos in Chinese news articles are graphic/disturbing. Please proceed with caution.)

Fang Xiaotong (26 years old) and Liu Jixi (22 years old) were stabbed to death by a 39 year old man in a targeted attack in a shopping mall. Allegedly, he purchased the knife only after seeing the visibly gay couple, then attacked Fang Xiaotong, who was a Tom, which has a similar meaning to a butch or stud or masc lesbian. Liu Jixi attempted to intervene to save her girlfriend, but the perpetrator stabbed her also. Bystanders and mall security did not intervene, although eventually chefs who worked at the mall heard screams and armed themselves with stools before attempting to stop the attacker. The perpetrator then waited calmly for the police, and both women were pronounced dead at the hospital. While Western sources are painting this as a result of mental illness, the video and local news stories make it clear that this was likely a hate crime.

(Nb. I've also seen their names given as Fong Hiu-tung and Lau Kai-hei, and also that they may have used the nicknames "Daniel" and "Amber". I can't know which names they would have preferred to be used, hence why I'm including all of them here but using Fang Xiaotong and Liu Jixi throughout the post for consistency and clarity.)

From Naomi Wu, whose twitter thread I've linked above, an explanation of the sometimes deadly hostilities Toms and other lesbians face in China and Hong Kong:

When men attack Toms (butches), they think a lot of things- sometimes in Chinese we say "one lesbian steals two men's wives"- herself and her partner. And for bitter middle-aged, unmarried men like this attacker, they've been told their whole life they are owed a wife to wait on them hand and foot- and they feel robbed and wronged by a young handsome Tom taking what's "theirs". They are angry, entitled, jealous- they want to teach her a lesson. They want to punish her for having what is rightfully theirs when they don't. Then it's "Oh, if you want to act like a man, I'll treat you like one". Most need to justify it to themselves to get started. Of course, the femme/Dee/P is always next, because we will fight to save our Tom, and once we do, they can justify turning their violence on us next. In their twisted head, they decide their unprovoked attack was "fighting 1-on-1" and it's our fault for getting involved. All Toms know the deal, they cannot win, all Toms tell their girls again and again "if something happens, just run, I can take it". When the time comes, all Toms try to buy their girl time to get away- even as they go down under fists and boots...or knives They want to buy us time, but no femmes can bear to leave them, so it never works. But they always go for our Toms first, then us. Every time.

Fang Xiaotong was a waiter in a high-end restaurant. She loved small animals and children and had lived with her mother and step-sister prior to moving in with Liu Jixi one to two months before the attack. Liu Jixi was a hair stylist and also worked part-time at a bar, which is apparently where she and Fang Xiaotong met. On the day of the attack, both women were planning to meet up with Fang Xiaotong's family to celebrate her grandfather's birthday.

Rest in peace 🫶 your courage will not be forgotten.

[rhythmic-idealist]

My earnest theory is that Kudou abandoned his name when he began his fight against AFO, and as far as Bruce and Yoichi were concerned, that man’s name was “Leader.” One of his most Bakugo personality traits—who am I? The guy you can follow. That’s what you need to know.

Now, even though my writing still doesn’t reflect this, I also theorize that “Bruce” is a code name. In which case we don’t know Bruce’s legal name at all.

In my heart, Bruce was under the employ of the cult leader whom canon most commonly refers to as “the glowing baby” (all grown up, of course). When AFO killed that man and took over what was his, Bruce came into his employ, and this is how Bruce came to Japan. (The glowing baby was born somewhere in China, and presumably his ensuing cult was based around there.)

The amount of English used between him, Kudou, and Yoichi adds to this: My good friend @doodlegraveyard has suggested specifically for Bruce to come from Hong Kong, both in reference to Bruce Lee and as a reason why English might have been their best way past an initial language barrier. With Yoichi’s English-language comic books carrying Yoichi’s side of it!

And anyway.

If Bruce was either looking for a code name, or being casually assigned a code name via what people started calling him (see also: what Shigaraki—I believe it’s Shigaraki, sorry if I’m misremembering and it’s Dabi—says about the history of hero and villain names)…

It feels like someone might look at him, go “the guy from Hong Kong who’s crazy strong in martial arts,” and go, “you know, like Bruce Lee.”

OR Bruce himself, when he needs a code name to identify himself in this group he’s just joined in Japan, goes “I’m the guy from Hong Kong who’s freakishly good at martial arts :) like Bruce Lee :)”

Anyway the funny thing this suggests is that—while we know part of Kudou’s legal name because AFO tracked down information on who Kudou is, in order to kill every woman and child he’s ever been associated with—we don’t know Bruce’s legal name.

Because… AFO doesn’t care…

[spaceofentropy]

Last night, the first snow of this winter fell on us.

Last night, my friend Dave died in his sleep.

The more hours pass, the more I realize I've been mourning Dave for the past 10 months.

I've been mourning him since the moment his brother told us that he had been rushed straight from the ER to the ICU, and that there was a chance he wouldn't make it.

I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times Dave and I were in the same room.

It's one of those Internet friendships that started on a blog around 2009-2010 and went beyond the screen, if only on so rare occasions.

Dave was… So many things!

He had a brilliant mind and an encyclopedic knowledge of music, books, movies, TV shows, RPG systems. He loved old pulp and new pulp, classic fantasy and hard sci-fi, most kinds of horror, noir movies and Hong Kong action, screwball comedies and adventure flics. He had three movie podcasts with as many friends, because he liked to talk about the things he loved, and he loved so many things, Jesus, so many things!

He wrote for his two blogs, plus novels, short stories, non fiction, rpg material, a whole setting for Savage Worlds. He paid all his bills through his writing, which anyone can tell you is fucking HARD AS FUCK, even more so as an Italian writing in English.

I think I owe some of my sanity during the 2020 lockdown in part to the fact he asked me if I wanted to play with him and his group via non-zoom.

I said yes, immediately.

It became a staple of my weeks, that Friday meeting to play one rpg or the other, and if too many people were not present, to just talk about books and politics and life and tv shows.

Until February 2024 and the first bad news.

And now this news.

I've tried being optimistic, these past 10 months, because he was beating the odds again and again and again.

He was a lucky GM, rolling that impossible roll was par for the course for him.

Until, last night, it wasn't anymore.

I don't know what life is gonna be like now that he's gone. Can the world even go on without Dave in it? Without his brilliant mind and his wit and his voice?

He was a micropaleontologist and a Zen practitioner. He'd be the first one to tell me that yes, the world will go on, Earth has been through several mass extinctions, what is one little death gonna matter to the whole of it? Everything is temporary.

He'd probably say something cool, right now, or quote someone even cooler. Or maybe just talk about the need to let go, even when it's someone as cool as him.

I don't know.

I really don't want to have to discover what the world will look like, now that he's not in it anymore.

I will have to.

It's a new world to explore and chart.

I'm just so incredibly angry that I'll have to do that without my friend by my side, recommending books, or delighting in my hate for obnoxious people, or asking what my character is gonna do next. Life feels emptier already.

[shenrickyz]

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚. . . a quick soloist deep dive !

ONCE UPON A TIME, there was a star, and though the star couldn't grant wishes, the star brought euphoria to all who took a glance its way. a swarm of astral deities debated on what to do with said star, what kind of star serves no purpose besides entertainment? what use is there to make people happy? advancing across the milky way and barrages of nebulous asteroids in the hopes of finding a place among the celestial rings, the star came to be known as the astral nova . . .

i'll be right your side tonight 💫 ! ─── ASTRANOVA ( 아스트라노바 ) is a south korean-american singer, songwriter, and producer under EUNOIA CO. with a stellar stage name quite literally just meaning " star ", he aims to wield the novas in his palms as he spreads irresistible elation through catchy, occasionally amusing, and sometimes melancholic music which has captured the hearts of many since his debut in january of 2021. having simply started as a former trainee who then became a silent producer for his labelmates, the transition to.. well— artist, was pretty " unconventional " in his own words.

ASTRANOVA made his formal debut on january 10 2021 with the mini album ‘NOT MY MEMORY’ which was headlined by the single ‘AMNESIA’, a song meant for an entirely other group, but eventually given to him after his original demo of the song went viral. he wasn't a new face, not exactly anyway, he was actually a face people had been begging to hear from for years. of course, before he became ‘ASTRANOVA’, he was just EZRA KWON, a tall, loud mouthed, hilarious sm entertainment trainee who seemed to have a good future ahead of him. before his abrupt departure from the company, he was suspected to have stolen a spot in NCT DREAM, but then he just suddenly disappeared from the company and went silent for five years. where did this sudden 2021 debut come from? and what's with the new name?

so let's talk about it then, the guy is quite literally a star after all. though having a sister formerly apart of a famous group and once being in the lineup for one, it seems it was never all that easy for him. hopefully after this, he becomes just a little bit more understanding to those full of confusion.

﹙ 21:29 ﹚. . . the basics !

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ BIRTH NAME . . . astro ezra kwon ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ KOREAN NAME . . . kwon eunwoo / 권은우 ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ PREFERRED NAME . . . astro / 아스트로

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ NICKNAMES . . . ez, rozi, asty, eunie, nunu, wee woo ❪ his family , his close friends ❫. tokki, white rabbit, snow bunny ❪ his close friends , his fans ❫. gentle giant, a tall softie, astro long legs, reaching for the stars, cell tower, tall woo ❪ his family , his friends , his fans ❫. little hye, baby lux, moon sibling ❪ his fans & his sisters' fans ❫. #1 amnesiac ❪ his fans ❫. star-boy, little star, astral angel, lumi, baby nova ❪ his fans ❫. 7/11 addict, keeping convenience stores open, slushies forever, twix crazy ❪ his close friends , specifically dakota & kihyun , his fans ❫.

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ BIRTH DATE . . . december 20 2000 ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ ZODIAC SIGN . . . sagittarius ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ CHINESE ZODIAC SIGN . . . dragon

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ BIRTHPLACE . . . juneau, alaska, united states ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ HOMETOWN . . . juneau, alaska, united states ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ RESIDENCES . . . juneau, alaska, united states ❪ 2000 — 2011 , 2016 — 2018 ❫. seoul, south korea ❪ 2011 — 2016 , 2018 — present ❫.

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ NATIONALITY . . . american ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ ETHNICITY . . . korean

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ SPOKEN LANGUAGES . . . english ❪ 100% , standard english ❫. korean ❪ 100% , gyeonggi dialect ❫. spanish ❪ 100% , castillan spanish ❫. cantonese ❪ 70% , hong kong dialect ❫. tagalog ❪ 45% , unspecified dialect ❫.

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ GENDER IDENTITY . . . demiboy ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ PRONOUNS . . . he / they ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ SEXUALITY . . . gay

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ HEIGHT . . . 188 cm ❪ 6'2" ❫. ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ WEIGHT . . . undisclosed ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ BLOOD TYPE . . . b

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ NATURAL EYE COLOR . . . dark brown ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ NATURAL HAIR COLOR . . . black ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ CURRENT HAIR COLOR . . . blonde

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ BODY MODIFICATIONS . . . 2 piercings ❪ left ear ❫. 4 piercings ❪ right ear ❫. 4 tattoos.

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ FACE CLAIM . . . choi soobin / txt ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ SPEAKING CLAIM . . . choi soobin / txt ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ VOCAL CLAIM . . . lee jinki / shinee ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ DANCE CLAIM . . . kim jongin / exo ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ RAP CLAIM . . . kim jongin / exo

﹙ 21:29 ﹚. . . the career !

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ STAGE NAME . . . astranova / 아스트라노바 ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ EXPLANATION . . . he picked it himself, it's derived from the title of the first ever song he wrote and produced which was 'the astral nova', a song that was more of a personal dump of his issues as a moody sixteen year old than an actual collection of lyrics, fit with music. of course, the song has never been released, but the name stuck with him (the song also sort of made him appreciate his first name more).

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ REPRESENTATIVE EMOJIS . . . 🐰 / 💫 ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ EXPLANATION . . . the bunny is pretty self explanatory, literally everyone thinks he looks like a bunny when he eats. the star is also pretty fitting because his name, stage name, and literally everything about him is stars. this man has an obsession, really.

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ FANDOM NAME . . . estrella ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ EXPLANATION . . . again, star obsession. estrella is the spanish word for star, the fandom name still would've been related to galaxies or stars anyway, so he didn't pay it much mind. ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ FANDOM COLORS . . . ocean blue ❪ #4f42b5 ❫. periwinkle ❪ #ccccff ❫.

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ AGENCIES . . . sm entertainment ❪ 2012 — 2016 ❫. eunoia co ❪ 2018 — present ❫. ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ OCCUPATION . . . singer, songwriter, dancer, producer. ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ TRAINING PERIOD . . . 9 years 4 months. ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ DEBUT DATE . . . january 10, 2021. ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ DEBUT AGE . . . 17 ❪ producer ❫ 20 ❪ singing ❫ ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ YEARS ACTIVE . . . 2015 — present

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ SOCIAL MEDIA . . . ─ instagram ⨟  @ astroproxy ❪ 2409 posts , 2.3m followers , 22 following ❫. @ newstar ❪ 1099 posts , 5.5m followers , 0 following ❫. ─ twitter ⨟  @ astrodotcom ❪ 347 tweets , 991k followers , 27 following ❫. ─ youtube ⨟  @ astranova ❪ 6210 videos , 7.7m subscribers , 2 subscribed to ❫.

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ KNOWN FOR . . . hating when he's compared to his sister. having an inactive twitter page. keeping his local convenience stores in business. his underrated singing voice. deeming himself "not romantic" yet literally having a discography full of love songs. sleeping.. all the time. his overwhelming little caesars addiction. freaking out his team with literally everything he does. crying when he got the opportunity to sing an ost for a kdrama. technically being an original nct dream member. lightly shading sm with big smiles on his face. just falling off the face of the earth for five years until he randomly debuted. his sheer "platonic soulmatism" with kihyun of neverland. having so many friends in the industry despite his introversion. being cool with everyone. his impeccable comedic timing. being the mastermind behind a lot of his labelmates' music. his former history at sm. being the younger brother of nebula's luxury neriah. being a human air conditioner. ❛ well i'm from alaska not the arctic you fuck ❜. his complicated memory. getting a social media ban every other week for swearing at his team. turning his team into celebrities of their own. his silent chaotic energy. saying he would never adopt any pets but then getting twin cats. ❛ okay but they're my babies so ❜.

﹙ 21:29 ﹚. . . the personal !

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ MBTI TYPE . . . istj-a / defender

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ STRENGTHS . . . supportive, reliable, observant, enthusiastic, hardworking. ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ WEAKNESSES . . . overly humble, too sensitive, repressing feelings, too altruistic, struggles to stand up for himself.

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ PHOBIAS . . . atychiphobia, fear of failure. aquaphobia, fear of deep open water. ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ STRUGGLES . . . standing up for himself, being too nice, talking about his feelings, taking proper breaks.

﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ FAMILY . . . father, paternal grandparents, older sister, godmother, and a plethora of aunts. ﹙ 𖤐 ﹚ FAMILY DESCRIPTION . . . compared to how most people may envision it, astro's family is much more different. his family consists of many members, his father, his older sister, his paternal grandparents, his godmother, and his many aunts. his father was a man who struggled throughout life, raised in a foreign country and having had his first child at seventeen, then went on ten years living in a cramped apartment with his parents, his young daughter, and his partner. it got especially bad when astro's mother passed away, he sunk into his depression and then that turned into substances. when it all got bad, his parents (astro's grandparents) stepped in, anaiah (his older sister) was also a comforting figure in the early days after mom's death. his godmother, who is his father's childhood friend, was also there to be a person of solace whilst dad was ignoring everyone's existence and work was taking time away from everyone else. as for his aunts, they aren't actually aunts on the related side, his aunts consist of his older sisters group members, who, funnily enough, all treat him as their own.

where do i begin with this story? the beginning of the story almost seems like the middle, but i guess a good tale is one those would love. the story of ASTRANOVA technically begins in 2015, when he coined the name which he would eventually become known for, yet the story also begins in 2011 when he joined his first company, or in 2007 when his sister debuted and became extremely well known, at this point, we could start at any point, but let's just start from the semi beginning.

in 2007, his older sister anaiah made her debut as the maknae, center, and main vocalist of girl group nebula. better known by her stage name ‘luxury neriah’, she was a power tool in the industry. though private, somewhat irate, and still secretly coping terribly with the death of her mother, she charmed the hearts of south korea up until the groups disbandment in 2019. he hung around in the background and watched everything, just silently there in a tiny seoul apartment as his sister experienced the ‘idol life’, something so intriguing to him that he wasn't sure he'd be able to do it as flawless as she did. she was the figure who inspired him to do it all, watching her be an idol made him think he could make it, and the constant encouragement gave him the hope he so desperately needed.

after a grueling six years, six years in which these events transpired in his life: he joined sm, he became apart of sm rookies, grew a sizable predebut fanbase, was on the korean mickey mouse club, got put into nct dream, got pulled out of nct dream, and left sm because his father got into a car accident and he couldn't stand not being at home with him. he then found his first calling, producing. through journeys with his barely hanging on laptop and free soundcloud beats, ASTRO coined his name ASTRANOVA as a cute little pseudonym that he conjured up in the first song he ever created when he was fifteen. seemed producing worked, as after scouting from several companies (who only wanted him for the connection he had to his sister), he took up an opportunity with eunoia co because they were actually giving him something he wanted.. not idoling.

it's cliché yes, but ASTRO had given up on the idea of being an idol, he instead devoted his time to university work and producing for his labelmates. he made his production debut on the track ‘LOVE BOMB’ which was given to his labelmates AVIIX. over the course of two and a half more years, he would go on to participate in creating hits like: ‘PANTOMIME’, ‘THIS TIME’, ‘LOVE IN SPACE’, ‘THE RAINY NIGHT’, ‘FLICKER’, and, of course, ‘AMNESIA’. there are definitely more songs but his catalog extends a long while, we'd be here forever seriously. he was making sure to keep himself busy even without the idol life on his back.

‘AMNESIA’ started it all. it was in mid–2020 when he wrote it for NEVERLAND on a whim, but the song was a mixed bag for management, who couldn't decide if the song fit the groups concept, they kept it on the back burner for a while. then, someone released the demo without the company knowing, and.. it went viral. it was only ASTRO's second time doing the demo for a song he created, yet it seemed that so many wanted more. considering the idol dream had been long gone for a few years, he found it funny how people wanted for him to debut, but at the same time, it also boosted his ego in just the slightest.

the company gave him an ultimatum, he could simply remain a producer, or, he could use the chance he'd been given and finally make his idol dreams possible whilst remaining with just less creative power than before. considering the song was created by him, he could just release it himself. so he decided to take his chances, after sort of disappearing for five years and even getting a new stage name which was cool as shit (his own words), ASTRANOVA debuted on january 10, 2021, and a true star he is indeed.

there are definitely issues that need to be worked through, but with a team full of ‘just the sweetest assholes’ (- ASTRO 2022), broken promises healed, friendships rekindled, and many many songs saved in his files, it seems that he's always two steps ahead. the story doesn't have a surefire happy ending, but he's determined to get there, don't give him a challenge, he'll crush it.

[weirdestbooks]

The Showcase (Wattpad | Ao3)

For @aloha-from-angel because she gave me the idea.

If you want to be a part of the tag list when I post new oneshots, ask to be included.

Queen Victoria had a strange fascination with Britain’s colonies. She was always so interested in what their land was like and what exotic and strange creatures existed within them. However, as she was queen, she could never experience those things firsthand. 

Which is what brought Britain to this moment, dragging one of his colonies to meet the queen as a sort of demonstration of how colonies acted and how Britain civilized them.

He had selected Hong Kong, a colony still relevantly young, allowing for Queen Victoria to see what an unmolded colony looked like, but still one well-behaved enough to demonstrate how Britain was removing their savage nature and purifying their souls.

Plus, he was from an exotic region and looked Oriental, which was a bonus as it would allow Queen Victoria to see some of the more exotic things she enjoyed. 

Britain had spent the last month preparing Hong Kong for this meeting, going over everything he needed to know and removing any visible traces of savagery from his voice and dress. While slightly resistant at first, he soon gave in, knowing it was for the best.

But the personal lessons had allowed for Hong Kong to mature quickly, and Britain was sure if he did it with some of his more…stubborn colonies, they would soon realize how damaging and dangerous their stubborn disobedience was.

But before he could get to do any of that, Britain had to finish this meeting with Queen Victoria.

“Come on, Hong Kong,” Britain said, prompting his son to quicken his pace, falling in line to be a step behind his father.

“Apologies,” he muttered. Britain clicked his tongue.

“Don’t be so quiet. You want to make sure people can hear you,” Britain said. Hong Kong nodded.

“My apologies, Father. I didn’t mean to be quiet,” Hong Kong said, louder this time. Britain nodded.

“Good. You will do your best to be well-mannered, understand?” Britain asked. Hong Kong nodded, and Britain smiled. 

He didn’t understand why Queen Victoria was so interested in meeting his exotic colonies. Sure, they were from savage lands, but Britain ensured that they never adopted any sort of savage behaviors, being as well-behaved and civil as a European child. 

His children were good and, therefore, were a better reflection of him rather than the savage lands they originated in.

“Good morning, Your Majesty,” Britain said as he entered the room. Hong Kong followed obediently, stopping when his father did and keeping his head slightly bowed, just like Britain taught him to.

“Good morning, Britain,” Queen Victoria responded, her eyes flickering to Hong Kong. Britain smiled.

“This is my son, Hong Kong,” Britain said, putting a hand on Hong Kong’s shoulder and squeezing it tightly.

“It’s a pleasure and an honor to meet you, Your Majesty. Thank you for having me,” Hong Kong said, bowing.

“He speaks English well,” Queen Victoria remarked. Britain preened at the praise, smiling slightly.

“Of course. I wouldn’t let any of my colonies go without a proper education. After all, by civilizing the countryhuman, you civilize the people, and Hong Kong has come so far,” he explained, squeezing Hong Kong’s shoulder in warning as the colony seemed to bristle slightly. Hong Kong quickly relaxed, and Britain’s smile widened.

“Can he speak the native language?” Queen Victoria asked. Britain nodded.

“He can, but we try to limit that so as to not impede his progress. However…Hong Kong, you may introduce yourself in the native language,” Britain ordered. His son nodded.

“Ngóh giujouh Hēunggóng,” he said, seemingly very uncomfortable with speaking the language. Britain was happy about that, as it showed just how far his son had come, how he was aware that a lesser, primitive language would reflect poorly on him. 

That was a lesson that had taken a few beatings to sink in properly, but it was worth it to see the results it produced.

“Oh, how interesting,” Queen Victoria said. Hong Kong seemed to shrink in on himself a little.

“Thank you, Your Majesty, but it’s not something to be that proud of. I am working to be a proper colony and have been trying to throw aside my savage roots as best I can to do so. Father is wonderful at showing us the way to be civil,” Hong Kong nervously said. Britain smiled at his words, releasing his grip on Hong Kong’s shoulder and letting the tightness of their bond loosen to demonstrate how pleased he was with Hong Kong’s words.

“Thank you, my son,” Britain said, getting a genuine smile back from Hong Kong. 

“For your son, he looks little like you,” Queen Victoria commented. Britain gritted his teeth slightly, brushing invisible dirt on his shirt to soothe the unwanted emotions. He knew Hong Kong was oriental, but it always irked him when people pointed it out. 

There was little he could do about that, but it was always annoying when people pointed out his appearance as opposed to all the work Britain had done to purge the savage demon from within them and make them look and act as British as possible.

“Well, his land might be mine, but he still has savage peoples. They prevent him from ever being truly British, but Hong Kong is working hard to be as close as he can. While his appearance cannot change, his civility shows great promise for his people. He can be tamed, so his land can as well,” Britain explained. Hong Kong shifted slightly at that, face changing, but a quick tug to the bond had his smile returning.

“It’s wonderful to see the work you are doing there pay off so well, especially since Hong Kong is a newer colony,” Queen Victoria said. The praise made Britain’s heart happy, as he swelled up in pride, grateful that someone appreciated all the work he put into making his colonies civilized and well-mannered. 

The colonies could be ungrateful little brats at times, sometimes so insistent that he was hurting them, a sign that savagery had indeed taken hold of them if they thought being civilized was painful. Scotland and Wales never complimented his efforts, so distant at times and refusing to talk about his parenting methods, and England was…well, England was England, but at least he had told Britain that he approved. 

“I pride myself on ensuring that they will have happy and prospect-filled futures, as any parent would,” Britain explained. Queen Victoria smiled.

“Would you mind if I invited him to lunch?” she asked. Britain bit down his initial protest, knowing that this was his queen and he should listen to her.

But he was worried about what Hong Kong would do if he weren’t there to ensure that Hong Kong stayed under control. 

Well, if Hong Kong went against Britain’s teachings, he would just have to work harder to ensure they stuck.

“Of course. I’m sure I won’t need to ask you to behave?” Britain asked as he turned to Hong Kong, voice sweet as he tightened the bond, letting the chains wrap around his wrists. Hong Kong shook his head.

“You won’t, Father. I promise,” he said. Britain kept the bond tight, a reminder he was listening and that Hong Kong would not be allowed to get away with any savage behaviors or delusions, before nodding his head at the queen and taking his leave, smiling as he felt Hong Kong lean into the bond.

“There’s a good boy.”

[disasterbijupiter]

G Gundam side story English translation, Ch. 3 part 3

(end of chapter 3!)

(start from beginning/original post) | (read previous part)

Everyone is watching the Shuffle’s battles.

Rain: “The Dark Shuffle……… what opponents they are……… Not just Lone Fox Seeking Defeat, but all of them are the strongest Shuffle in history!!”

Rain is becoming astounded, and suddenly she realizes.

Rain: “But, all of them……… No one is giving up………”

Rain looks to the Shuffle crew.

All of the crew members are intensely watching their respective battles.

Rain: “Why………??”

Rain watches with wonder. Then, the other fighters get out of their gundams and approach the Shuffle crew.

Siejima: “Hey! What’s going on?! It doesn’t look like they’re winning at all!!”

Rutger: “Look!! The corner post has started to enter into the atmostphere!!”

Above Neo Hong Kong, the corner post is parting the sea of clouds as it descends from the atmosphere.

Eric: “At this rate, Neo Hong Kong will be obliterated.”

Carlos: “The Shuffle Alliance is nothing but a name!!”

Siejima: “At least do something about this barrier! And then we’ll crush those Dark guys ourselves!”

Sijiema and company blame them.

Nastasha: “Be quiet!! Onlookers just shut up and watch!!”

Nastasha stands up to them, acting as a shield to Bunny and the others.

Sijiema: “Saying something like that, how can you feel so confident watching those doomed fights?!!”

Nastasha: “Hmph! You lot are cowards! Can’t you at least sit patient like Neo Italy and the rest over there?!”

Nastasha points at Michelo, on the Neros Gundam’s hand.

Michelo: “Haha! As for me, if it comes down to it I’ll just tag along with Master East! Right, Master?!”

Michelo calmly calls out to Undefeated of the East.

Undefeated of the East: “……… Hmph………”

Undefeated of the East ignores him with a dismissive air.

Michelo: “I’m shocked……… Well, well then maaaaybe I can count on Chapman??”

Michelo edges closer to Chapman.

Chapman: “!”

Chapman silently returns to his gundam’s cockpit.

Michelo: “Whaaaat, well then, I’ll prepare to escape on my own too!”

Shoulders slumped, Michelo hastily returns to his gundam.

Sijiema: “Ugh! Every single one of you is so unreliable!”

Sijiema trash talks them. Approaching from behind without a sound, Schwarz puts an arm around his neck.

Schwarz: “In that case, I think it’s best for you to stay quiet here.”

In his hand he’s holding a kunai.

Sijiema: “Ah……… Ahh……… I’ll do that for you……… Everyone, let’s go.”

Eric and the others: “Let’s do that………”

Sijiema and company head back toward their gundams in fear.

Nastasha: “Thanks for that, Schwarz.”

Schwarz: “Don’t mention it……… However, the Shuffle battle situation is now getting out of hand.”

Nastasha: “It’s certainly dire………”

Rain: “So then, as it stands are we unable to do anything………??”

Rain is disconcerted.

Shirley: “No……… Actually, we have what you’d call a secret weapon.”

Rain: “A secret weapon??”

Shirley: “Right……… So for our Maxter, we equipped a new gimmick for the finals.”

Zuisen & Keiun: “Our Dragon Gundam, too.”

Raymond: “Same here.”

Nastasha: “Of course, on our Bolt Gundam as well.”

One after another, all of the crew divulges.

Rain: “Then, if we could use them—”

Nastasha: “We’d win the fight! Definitely!!”

Zuisen & Keiun: “It’s something that powerful!”

Everyone is brimming with confidence.

Raymond: “However—”

Shirley: “We still haven’t integrated its pilot system………”

Rain: “What does that mean?”

Nastasha: “The gimmick’s installation to the gundam is complete……… But we haven’t opened the control circuits for it.”

Zuisen & Keiun: “Because there wasn’t time, we thought we would do it……… after the opening ceremony was over.”

Raymond: “As I thought, it’s the same as us……… I never thought that a toast at a food stall would wind up being fatal………”

Zuisen & Keiun and Raymond are apologetic.

Rain: “But if all we need to do is activate the systems, that could be done via remote control.”

Nastasha: “That’s not possible.”

Rain: “How come?”

Nastasha: “It’s this barrier.”

Shirley: “It seems that our voices are being amplified to reach Chibodee and the others, but transmission of mechanical data is being blocked.”

Rain: “That can’t be………”

Everyone is frustrated.

Rain: “I wonder if there isn’t a way………”

Nastasha: “If we could just open a hole in the barrier, even a small one.”

Shirley: “Then the activation protocol could be sent from that gap.”

All of them look bitterly at the barrier.

The barrier gleams unyieldingly.

Schwarz stares at its appearance and ponders.

Schwarz: “Destruction of the barrier………?”

Undefeated of the East: “Hm……… Schwarz, based on what I know you have a way, don’t you?”

Schwarz: “What do you mean? Undefeated of the East!”

Undefeated of the East: “Is it okay to say that here?”

Schwarz: “What??”

With a bold smile on his face, the Undefeated of the East heads toward the barrier alone. While enveloped in the barrier, he takes a step out.

Bunny: “Awwww, it’s not fair that it’s only him!”

Shirley: “It can’t be helped, he’s the former King of Hearts.”

Cath: “That allows him to pass through the barrier.”

Undefeated of the East: “Heheh……… Even though I retired, I’m still considered one of the Shuffle.”

Bunny: “Then, even if you die will you come back as one of the Dark??”

Undefeated of the East: “Perhaps?”

With a wry smile, the Undefeated of the East exits the barrier.

Bunny: “I’m gonna study to be an exorcist!!”

Shirley: “That’s stupid.”

Shirley chides Bunny.

X X X

Undefeated of the East: “Heheh………”

The Undefeated of the East makes his way toward Domon’s arena.

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “Hm?”

Domon: “M-Master??”

The two of them notice Undefeated of the East.

Undefeated of the East: “Hmph, are you calling me Master again?”

The Undefeated of the East mocks him.

Undefeated of the East: “Well fine, but in a rare opportunity the members of our school have all gathered! Come! Master Gundam!!”

The Undefeated of the East boards the Master Gundam, which comes passing through the barrier.

Undefeated of the East: “Elder sister disciple!! First, let’s make a move and face off!!”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “Interesting!!”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat’s white Master Gundam stands at the ready opposite him.

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “Then, my Nine Tails Funnels!!”

Her rear funnel plates open, and all at once they fly out. Each one of them shoots an energy bullet into the path of the Undefeated of the East’s Master Gundam. The Undefeated’s Master Gundam repels those bullets with its wings.

Undefeated of the East: “Fire! Beam Cloth!!”

Launching a fabric-like Beam Cloth from both hands, the Undefeated of the East creates a formation. The Nine Tails Funnels which come flying in are blocked the Beam Cloth, scattering, which forces her to use beam attacks from a distance.

Undefeated of the East: “Rise up! Twelve Kings Tiles!”

Holding out both hands, the Undefeated of the East raises his fingers. In sync with his movements, clones of the Master Gundam rise from the cloth formation.

Undefeated of the East: “The earth is infinite!! The sky is ahead!!”

The sake cup held in the Undefeated of the East’s hand slams down and shatters. At the same time, the clones attack the funnels, and one by one the funnels lose their balance and fly around out of control.

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “I see! You use Daisha Hei like that?!”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat laughs.

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “In that case, let me show you my new Xiao Hongchen move!!”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat brings both hands together. She forms a tai chi ball between her palms, and as it spins the Master Gundam clones are sucked in. Inside the sphere, the clones return to a single mass of energy.

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “Spread out! Eight-Sided Formation!!”

As she yells, a bullet with the energy of the combined clones distorts space as it rockets toward the Undefeated of the East.

Undefeated of the East: “Ridiculous!!!”

The Undefeated of the East receives the energy as a straight punch.

Undefeated of the East: “Mmmmrrrgggghhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!”

Although he is pushed back, he fills his fist with power. The energy and the Undefeated’s fist struggle for dominance.

Undefeated of the East: “Break!!”

With his shout, he sends the energy bullet flying.

Undefeated of the East: “Detonation!!”

The energy runs along the surface of the sea, where it hits an island and causes a huge explosion.

X X X

The island is blown away without a trace. Everyone inside the barrier is watching the situation, dumbfounded.

Sijiema: “Wh-…… What the hell is that??”

Eric: “Hey……… are we gonna fight something like that??”

Rutger: “Big Neo Greek Boss! Can you hold up against that??”

Marcelot: “S-…… Somehow, I’ll manage.”

Marcelot is clearly bluffing.

X X X

The Undefeated of the East and Lone Fox Seeking Defeat continue to exchange blows.

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “The same strong technique as always!”

Undefeated of the East: “Next I’ll use the 17th move of the West!!”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “Then what happens if I retaliate with the 235th of the North?!”

Undefeated of the East: “I’ll catch it and send it back with the 7th of the Mountain!!”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “I’ll hit that back with the North-Northwest!!”

Undefeated of the East: “Before it hits, the 765th of the South-Southeast!!!”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “In that case I’ll kick it up with the Left 128!!!”

Undefeated of the East: “I’ll steal the initiative with the Right Northwest by North!”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “I’ll change the recipient with the Northwest Northeast!”

Undefeated of the East: “To continue, I’ll charge with the 8th Footing!!”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “I’ll beat you to the punch by responding with Center Thousand Hands!!”

Undefeated of the East: “I’ll fire!!”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “Fire!!”

Undefeated of the East: “If you fire—!!”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “Time to fire!!”

Undefeated of the East & Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “Fire, fire, fire, fire!!”

One after another, the two of them unleash their school’s special moves against each other.

Undefeated of the East: “The School of the Undefeated of the East!!”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “The winds of the king!!!”

Undefeated of the East: “Zenshin Keiretsu.”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “Tempa Kyoran.”

Both of them battle each other with countless fists.

Both of them: “Look! The East is burning reeeeedddd!!!!!!!!!”

The two Master Gundams connect their fists.

Undefeated of the East: “!!!!!!!”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “!!!!!!!”

The two glare at one another.

X X X

The crew members and Domon are watching those two’s battle in shocked amazement.

Domon: “Th-……… This is a true battle between schoolmates.”

Crew: “Amazing……… as expected from two masters!”

Schwarz: “We’ve been shown something great………”

Impressed, Schwarz suddenly notices something and watches. Both gundams’ fists are repeatedly regenerating.

Schwarz: “Regeneration of the fists………”

Schwarz gradually becomes convinced.

Schwarz: “It could be………”

X X X

Undefeated of the East: “Hmph……… Schwarz, that bastard, did he notice………?”

Inclining his head to where he sensed Schwarz’s presence, the Undefeated of the East gives him a glance. His fist gets knocked away by Lone Fox Seeking Defeat as she takes advantage of the opportunity.

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “Heheh, what’s wrong, little brother? Getting distracted at the end really isn’t like you.”

Undefeated of the East: “No, it’s nothing. As I’d expect, there’s no escaping my elder sister disciple’s eyes.”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “However, you have improved your skills as well.”

Undefeated of the East: “To a fair extent.”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat smiles kindly at Undefeated of the East, who wears a bitter smile. Together, they come out of their cockpits.

Undefeated of the East: “Domon! Why don’t you come over here as well, and introduce yourself again!”

Domon: “Yes!!”

Called by the Undefeated of the East, Domon exits his cockpit. Before the two of them, he drops to his knees and kowtows.

Domon: “I am the lowest-ranking member, Domon Kasshu, and once again I’m happy to meet………”

In the middle of his sentence, Domon suddenly realizes.

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat has no right arm, and she is a one-armed swordswoman.

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “What, this? Heheh, my younger brother disciple made me pay for something I did.”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat gives a strained laugh.

Domon: “Eh? But earlier Master said ‘the only person I couldn’t defeat.’”

Undefeated of the East: “Idiot, it’s not that I couldn’t defeat, but specifically ‘I didn’t defeat.’”

Domon: “Huh??”

Domon doesn’t really understand the meaning.

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “Hehe, it’s a matter of how you say it.”

Sighing with a bitter smile, Lone Fox Seeking Defeat places her hand on her armless right shoulder.

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “However, those days remain engraved on this lost arm.”

Undefeated of the East: “So this time, with Dark duties and such as second priority……… your true objective is……… as I thought………”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat: “Yes……… As you can imagine, it’s entirely about a personal grudge.”

Lone Fox Seeking Defeat smiles coldly.

To be continued……

(continue to next chapter)

[jessicadstone]

Rachel Hirschfeld, oh, how I miss you, girlie! You will always be the best Anita to me!

Jessica D. Stone and Rachel Hirschfeld actually first met in a musical production at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza at Thousand Oaks Boulevard in 2003 or 2004.

I guess someone out there figured we had really good chemistry together because we would go on to appear in a gazillion anime titles (mind you, we recorded separately): Angel Tales, I think, was our first, produced by Bandai Entertainment in the U.S. Rachel was Ruru (or Lulu, in English) the Frog while I was Midori the Racoon. I also played her irksome little brother, Shohei in the Rumiko Takahashi Anthology series (she was my paranoid big sis, Hazuki). I then snagged the role of Dai in Haibane Renmei (a.k.a. Charcoal Feather Federation). Rachel had a small minor supporting role as Hana, though her work on this series is what led Kevin, a staff member, to recommend her to audition for the voice of Anita King in R.O.D the TV (New Generation Pictures and some of the same English-speaking staff worked on both titles). Taliesin Jaffe, our ADR director as well as Jonathan Klein, the producer and head of New Generation, wanted an authentic, 12-year-old girl for Anita. Welp... they got more than what they asked for, huh?!

Obviously, Rachel was the pink-haired, paper-wielding, Hong Kong "Powerpuff Girl" star as well as her perfectly cooky sisters, Michelle and Maggie. While the show itself is a genre-bending ride that goes from being a Charlie's-Angels-meets-Die-Hard action piece in the first episode to a middle school melodrama, Rachel's performance, I think, truly carries the heart of the series. Her screaming scenes alone still give me shivers! If I remember right, she even received an Anime Dub Recognition Award for her part (as well as her "sister," Hunter MacKenzie Austin). Honestly, they absolutely deserved it!

Melody of Oblivion is another series on our resumes that admittedly, I don't really remember too well. I played two characters, Pan and Monokeros Number 4 while Rachel was the Red-Haired Girl and Medusa. I next played her grumpy crush, Shoukichi in the very adorable, urban fantasy Kamichu! where the legend himself, Patrick Seitz ADR directed. Rachel played completely against type as the quiet, insecure Miko. I want to say the last anime where we were credited together was Ikki tousen, another small part that is but a dim memory. I provided the voice for Kansui and Rachel was Teni Shizen. I believe this aired around 2011 or 2012 in the U.S. and by that time, I lost contact with Rachel. Not only did we work in different theatre communities and attend separate schools in different areas of Los Angeles County (we were two grades apart), though I learned later that she relocated to Boston to go to college (which is awesome!).

Despite not seeing her in person in years, I still have the best memories of her! She was totally fun to be around, outgoing, incredibly loud (lol), a crazy good singer and just all around, super talented. And of course, she was nowhere near as b*tchy as Anita! (Only a little.)

[strangeduckpaper]

Got bored, made a tentative Wayne/Kane family tree, at least to Bruce's generation.

Thomas was Patrick Wayne's youngest son, and the only son of his second wife, Ma Sha Dean, a Hong Kong heiress. The marriage itself was partially an act of spite by both parties against Ma Sha's family.

Before that, Patrick had two children (Van Sr. and Agatha) with his first wife, Constance, as well as adopting Constance's child Helen, who was fathered by the famous P.I. Slam Bradley, though in-universe this would just be a rumour.

Patrick was far from a good father though, driving both Helen and Agatha to nunneries at separate points, turning Van Sr. into an equally unscrupulous capitalist as he was, and completely ignoring his bleeding heart youngest son. He was also driven by spite (which proved...disturbingly successful for Wayne Enterprises), so much so that he violently ejected the Wayne family from the Court of Owls, as he was still sore that they knocked off his great granddad Alan, and managed not to get iced, because he was, in fact, a Wayne, and powerful enough to completely mess up the Court's deal if he'd wanted to.

Of course, on his deathbed he had a revelation that still boggles the mind of any who hear it, as he leaves the entirety of the Wayne Estate and his business holdings to Thomas, save the obligatory snubbing money to his other relatives (Read: Vanderveer)

Thomas would promptly tell Vanderveer to fuck off, set his sisters and mother up with some comfortable trust funds, fall apart and put himself back together enough to marry Martha Kane.

Van, meanwhile, spent time spinning his wheels (fueled by spite) and followed in the footsteps of previous Waynes by having his first child at a relatively old age. Van Jr. would eventually be thrown a rare nepotistic bone by Bruce, who would set him up with a minor position in WE.

The Kane Family

Martha Kane was the third of four children born to Roderick Kane and Betsy Arkham, the latter of whom used her mother's maiden name of Strazo. The Kanes, by this point, were a family of great historical significance but (slowly) fading luck, via Roderick decision to marry an Arkham, themselves on the outs. Betsy Strazo was also Jewish via her family, and thus where the Kanes and Bruce inherit it from.

Nathan Kane, the firstborn got into intelligence work and married Kathy Webb, an English spy affiliated with Spyral, where he would meet one Alfred Pennyworth, veteran of the Second English Civil War. Jacob, the youngest would join the military, fight in Khandaq, meet his wife Gabi Kane while working in military intelligence (perhaps a connection to IO?) and have twins (Kate and Beth). Philip would get a job at Wayne Enterprises, and find himself helping navigate Thomas Wayne through the operations of his new company.

Martha would inherit her family's mental illness, but get it under control enough to get degrees in chemistry and forensic science and go through an entire enemies-to-lovers arc with Thomas Wayne during med school. Unfortunately, she would have a relapse following the miscarriage of her and Thomas' second child, Thomas Jr., and spend some time in her cousin's asylum.

Not pictured in this diagram is Bette Kane, a 40's era vigilante known as Flamebird, and rumored to be the first Batgirl, partner to the first Batman.

The Fall of House Kane

Martha would be gunned down in a shooting, her murder some random "Joe Chill" who was never identified and the cause the target of wild speculation, Nathan would disappear in the 90's alongside Kathy, and Gabi, Kate, and Beth would be abducted by criminals with a rumored connection to Intergang, and unfortunately only Kate would be recovered alive.

Following these tragedies the remaining Kane brothers would fall down darker paths, with Jacob re-establishing tentative contact with the Court of Owls, (while still covertly working with IO), and Philip being blackmailed into the Red Hood Gang, and put under the thumb of Riddler's Masterminds.

Unfortunately, these associations might have very well led to their deaths, as following Bruce's return to Gotham led to Philip feeding him info on the Red Hood's activities, leading to his execution during a job at ACE Chemicals, and Jacob would give his life saving Bruce from assassination by a Talon, leaving Kate Kane (already Batgirl by this point) in Bruce's care.

[lingshanhermit]

Lingshan Hermit: How to Raise Your Children to Become Song Qingshu and Ding Minjun

I see many parents working hard to raise their children into the antagonists from Jin Yong's novels. According to their educational philosophy, their children will become Ding Minjun, Song Qingshu, Yang Kang, or Zuo Lengchan. Their children cannot suffer any loss, endure any grievance, bear loneliness, or have anything they can't obtain. Their children are taught never to admit mistakes. When they make mistakes, no punishment follows. If you point out their errors, they have a hundred excuses waiting. They are also taught to associate with classmates from privileged backgrounds and avoid dating ordinary people. At a young age, they are already taught to be worldly, calculating, and ambitious. From what I've seen, their education belongs neither to traditional Eastern education nor traditional Western education, as it lacks both the Eastern Confucian concern for the world and Western chivalric spirit. Instead, it's an absurd education born from narrow-minded culture combined with misinterpretation of Western education. I've seen such parents picking up their high school children every day, seen working adults still being driven by their fathers daily. This astounds me. I don't know how such people will cope with future life. They are spoiled and praised to the skies by everyone, but they have no wings, so when they realize they're about to fall, they'll become Song Qingshu or Yang Kang to protect themselves. These children have neither Zhang Wuji's sincerity and generosity, nor Xiao Feng's selfless righteousness, nor Duan Yu's genuine kindness, nor Linghu Chong's natural detachment - they resemble antagonists from Jin Yong's novels in every way. I once asked a mother who educated her child this way if she liked characters like Song Qingshu and Ding Minjun. She was stunned and said of course not. Yet she was striving to make her child become such a person. If your children lack Chinese traditional culture, if they don't understand humility, retreat, or compromise, if their minds are filled only with transactional thinking, they will become like this. They will become Song Qingshu, Ding Minjun, or Yang Kang. And those wuxia characters you once loved - the qualities that make them shine, that make them who they are - come from the traditional culture you've abandoned. Once when discussing modern wuxia films with others, everyone said today's wuxia films lack the chivalrous spirit of old TVB Hong Kong films. Of course they do - today's actors in their twenties grew up in a completely different environment from Tony Wong's generation. They grew up in an era of rampant individualism, being fed films like "Turning Red" that promote self-centeredness. Many received Yang Kang-style education and lived Yang Kang-style lives. If someone receives Yang Kang-style education, how could they possibly capture the essence of Hero Guo?

Written by Lingshan Hermit on March 6, 2022. First published on February 7, 2025.

Copyright Notice：All copyrights of Ling Shan Hermit's articles in Simplified and Traditional Chinese, English, and other languages belong to the natural person who owns "Ling Shan Hermit". Please respect copyright. Publishers, media, or individuals (including but not limited to internet media, websites, personal spaces, Weibo, WeChat public accounts, print media) must obtain authorization from Ling Shan Hermit before use. No modifications to the articles are allowed (including: author's name, title, main text content, and punctuation marks). We reserve all legal rights.

灵山居士：怎样把孩子培养成宋青书丁敏君

我看到很多父母正在致力于把自己的孩子陪养成金庸小说里的反面人物。按照他们的教育理念，他们的孩子将来会成为丁敏君、会成为宋青书、会成为杨康、会成为左冷禅。他们的孩子不能吃半点亏，不能受一点委屈，不能忍受孤独，也不能有任何得不到的东西。他们的孩子被教的完全不会认错。当他们犯错的时候，不会有任何惩罚降临。如果你说他错了，他会有一百个借口在等着你。他们还被教育要和那些有背景的同学交往，不要和普通人交往谈恋爱，他们小小年纪就被教育地老成世故精于算计野心勃勃。就我所见，他们所受的教育既不属于传统的东方式教育也不属于传统的西方式教育，因为既没有东方儒家的心怀天下也没有西方的骑士精神，而是一种狭隘文化加上对西式教育的错误解读所产生的荒唐教育。我见过这样的家长每天去接他们高中放学的孩子，见过上了班的人还有父亲每天接送。这让我无比惊叹。我不知道这样的人他们如何应对未来的生活。他们被众人宠上了天吹上了云霄，但是却没有翅膀，所以，当他们发现自己就要摔下来的时候，为了自保他们就会变成宋青书或是杨康。这些孩子，他们既没有张无忌的真诚大度，也没有萧峰的仁义忘我，没有段誉的善良真挚，更没有令狐冲的天然淡泊，他们怎么看都像是金庸小说里的反面人物。以前我问过一个这么教育孩子的母亲，她是不是喜欢宋青书丁敏君这样的人？她愣了一下，说当然不喜欢。但是她却在努力让自己的孩子成为这样的人。如果你的孩子身上没有中国传统文化的东西，如果他们不懂得谦让，不懂得后退，不懂得妥协，满脑子都是利益交换，他们以后就会是这个样子。就会成为宋青书丁敏君，就会成为杨康。而那些你喜欢过的武侠人物，他们身上闪光的东西，让他们成为这样的人的东西，正是你所离弃的传统文化。有一回我和别人聊天时提到现在的武侠片，大家都说现在的武侠片没有tvb老港片的侠味，那是当然的了，现在二十几岁的演员他们和黄日华那一代人的生长环境完全不同，他们生长在个人主义疯狂发展的年代，每天都在被喂食《青春变形记》这类鼓吹自我的电影，他们很多人受的是杨康式的教育，过的是杨康式的生活，如果一个人受的是杨康式的教育，他又怎么可能演得出郭大侠的味儿。

灵山居士写于2022年3月6日，首发于2025年2月7日。

[lovelanguageisolate]

First Night in Bangkok

Christopher Hitchens once said that however hard you try to avoid cliché, visiting communist Czechoslovakia forces you to reference Kafka at some point.

Anyways, Bangkok really is a fucking trip, man. I feel like I died two days ago and reincarnated in a William Gibson novel. So very much.

Inhuman cybercapital futurity assembling itself in a thousand gleaming Hong Kong-domiciled gigabanks and digital nomad cafés and dancing girls as it chokes old Buddhist temples and shantytowns and struggling palms in a traumatically transcultural miasma of a myriad reactive nitrous oxide species coughed up by a million two-stroke motors.

After a brief nap in my luxury burbclave hotel, security guard and English-fluent beaming hotel staff staff at post, me trying to do battle against 15 timezone hours' worth of jetlag, I register for the first time that I've been dissociating. I'm hobbling around on the air cast I wear for my foot sprain and a collapsible Walgreens cane, of the kind I imagine two-bit hustlers using to beat drug dealers poaching on their turf. But I'm in my favorite mass-market synthetic ink tie dye shirt, made somewhere in Central America I don't recall off hand, my blue tourist shorts, and my Buddhist beaded mala, engraved with Sanskrit I cannot read, on plastic draw string, so hopefully everyone knows I'm a chill dude.

I am in an eight floor mega shopping mall. There are robots serving white frat boys and dutiful waiters in white masks who could be robots serving local Thai prep school kids in sky blue school uniforms 500 baht sirloin steak dinners.

There are as many languages spoken here it feels like as New York City. And hotels, restaurant, massage parlors, tailors, purpose built to pander to rich Arabs, rich Chinese, rich Americans.

There is a strange amodernity to all the floating signifiers. White spring break kids approximating Thai names and wai hand clasps. Chinese shirts with a Markov chain’s chants of floating English prestige nonsense. Transcontinental fake gold watch arbitrageurs. More virtual market makers than a Jersey City server farm somehow spun up and cast into human form.

Sub-orbital resort vacationers in one corner. The state messages of the network monarch on a giant billboard overlooking a four-story expressway overpass on another. Everyone communicating in signs, gestures, and humble Buddhist bows. Hindu, Christian, Mormon, Jew, Shiite, Sunni, and so many Buddhists, all sitting and eating and shopping and praying and coughing and sputtering and fucking and bowing to one another at the end of the world before the self-aware chatbots reconstitute all the anthropomass on the third rock from the nuclear furnace. And of course, on TV, a narcissistic reality TV star in orange bronzer and an oversized navy blue Brioni suit and red tie is inaugurated president of the United States for a second time.

And my $4 dinner, served by surgically masked waitstaff at the shopping mall of the omega point. The terminal object in the category of mass market commercialism. Another floating signifier: a featured photo on Wikipedia of beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where I've actually been, here mobilized as a metonym for the kind of steak restaurant this place is supposed to be. Of course, probably no one who works here has been to America. It reminds me of Gilles Deleuze’s characterization of capitalism as an inherently deterritorializing process—one that makes every place into every other place, until no one knows where they are.

And the strangest thing is that somehow, between the tourists trying to immerse themselves in the fakery, and the shop workers trying to perform, something genuine is created, even though the thing the performance refers to is fake—and everyone knows it.

Actually, maybe the craziest moment was when I was walking past the clothing hawkers. Of which there were just so unbelievably many. And they were selling wildly unlicensed branded merch for Luis Vuitton and Ralph Loren and Balenciaga and GUESS, etc. Some of them laughably implausible. But others effectively the real thing. The Asian tourists love those in particular. And I asked myself, “how did these knockoffs get so good?”

And then I remembered: Thailand is the place where all of this crap actually gets made! It’s all outsourced to here. They’re just cutting out the middle men seeking rent on the brand. And so I’m not really sure who’s the fraud here. Is it the unlicensed shirt hawker trying to take me for a ride and fudge their “tax” calculations? Or is it the Italian fashion house trying to charge me 20x what it costs the Thai sweatshop workers to make?

I see a case for each.

Obviously not JUST Thailand makes this. There’s also Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Honduras, Costa Rica, etc. All the groveling satellite states trying to scramble up the value-added ladder that capital and IP and telecom flows have turned into the 21st century's Manchester. All part of that big globalized textile mill.

Anyways, I got a pretty nice white dress shirt for like $15 and a truly label-less white bucket hat for $5. And I’m almost sure I got taken for a ride, but I was waaay too tired to haggle, and anyways, by any standard of justice as globalized as these clothing flows, I'm the one taking them for a ride.

I message my mother, half way around the world. It's 7:30 AM on the Eastern Seaboard of the US. It's 7:30 PM here in Bangkok. My mother says, "Keep your wits about you, man. You have to play the haggle game. It's in your Albanian blood. My grandmother would have taught you plenty, had she been there."

I can't help but think that they’d have been like, “no, please! Just take it! For free!! ” after 3 minutes of that. Those Bangkok street hagglers have never met an Albanian orphan.

Gonna go to a Buddhist temple tomorrow. First, tonight, a cocktail bar overlooking the city. In my $1000 black John Varvatos jacket with the Mandarin collar over the $15 off-brand shirt I just bought.

[19thcenturyyy]

about me

Hello. It is a pleasure to meet you.

I am from Italy but my family is Chinese so I identify as culturally Chinese ^^ The Languages I speak: IT/CN/ENG/ESP/JPN

My interests:

Victorian era, Audrey Hepburn, Vivien Leigh, history, 18-early 20th century, Impressionism, Romanticism AND Romantic era, poetry, Japanese and English literature, old Polish songs, classical music, history of fashion, old Hollywood, black and white photos, penpaling

Napoleonic era

Age of Sail / Age of Navigation (17-19th century sea exploring related stuff)

Russian literature

Old anime / showa (post WW2 of course) songs and rock / old Hong-Kong songs and films

Classic Lolita dresses. Lolita dresses are inspired by Victorian era and rococo style. Style impero. I wear actual classic Lolita, impero, regency, 30-40 dresses and more irl lol.

“oh, how I am happy to be a woman! A woman is a philosopher.”

feel free to talk about philosophy, history and other humanistic academic things to me too :))

𝑫𝒐 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒊𝒇

You are racist or discriminatory towards Chinese people

You support the Chinese communist party (fuck you pinkies)