#his hair too oh I love when Wataru has his hair in a really big braid
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I still think it's so funny how this card belonged to a Tori event. A kind-of Tori centric story that was about Tori having to come up with a dance for his class project and who gets the 5* card? Wataru.
"Well then Tori could've gotten the 4* card to this gacha thing in the story of which fine tries to help him do his schoolwork together."
WRONG!
Eichi got that one :)
Wataei hijacked the fine gacha about a story that should be about Tori nobody does it like them <33
#AND ITS SUCH GOOD CARDS TOO OUGH#I like that their jackets match#Eichis is black with white uh? checks? accents? I'll call it accents#and Watarus is white with black accents#their pants match tooo#so many feelings about that Wataru card really#the zipper necklace the leather pants the thumb ring the choker arm thing#the way he sticks his tongue out#they really went off with that one#his hair too oh I love when Wataru has his hair in a really big braid#and you can't see it on the card but he's wearring earrings in thaz outfit#I'm not sure if a piercing but definetly earrings#love that card it's so good#and the Eichi card is so pretty tooo#it's a shame Yuzuru and Tori didn't get club cards as well#but I suppose I can see how the more mature appeal of that theme didn't yet work for Tori back then#and Someone had to be paired up with Tori they couldn't leave him out like that#so Yuzutori got...I'm. not sure how to call it actually?#Teeny 80s raphop?
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Uh oh!
NSFW Kuon Wataru headcanons!
I would like to apologize in advance to anyone who hates him. He's my babygirl.
Warnings: gn!reader, NSFW, smutty, fingering, praise kink, oral sex, hate fucking, name calling, bondage, sex toys, breeding kink mentioned
MDNI, ALL OF MY POSTS ARE 18+
Kuon is so pretty. He's pretty EVERYWHERE.
His face? Pretty. His hair? Pretty. His dick? Pretty.
He definitely gets flustered when you tease him about it, too. He loves it when you compliment him. It gets him so hard.
Especially if it's just straight up praise.
Oh, you tell him he's beautiful or that he played really well today? Immediate boner.
The way you praise him is just music to his ears, so he can't help it. He loves you too much to not get turned on.
He especially loved how you praise him when he has his finger buried inside of you.
The way you moan out for him while telling him he's doing so good for you,
It just drives him insane. It makes him want to be even better.
He'd also be a big fan of using his mouth on you. He's really into making you feel good, after all.
Definitely a pleasure dom
Dear GOD he'd focus on you for hours before even thinking about letting himself cum once.
His favorite places to cum are your face, stomach, and inside of you. Your mouth is good too, but there's something about seeing it on you or leaking from you that just makes him feel proud.
When he's in a bad mood, he really enjoys using for his own pleasure for once.
Especially after an argument between you two.
It's a way for him to let off some steam
Obviously he makes sure you comfortable with everything he does, he'd never actually hurt you. But seeing that fucked out look on your face from being forced to take it the way he likes it make him feel so good about himself.
He'll make sure he cums before you, leaving you leaking with his cum on the bed before tying you up and working a vibrator in and out of your abused hole.
God he loves watching cum
He'll buy so many toys just to see them used on you
It's like a little treat for himself :)
This man owns so many vibrators that he bought specifically to use on you.
The day he found out he could fuck you while using a vibrator against you will always live in his mind
He just loves the way it makes you squeeze around him, and the cute reactions it gets from you.
When he's really into it, he'll mumble into your ear about filling you up with him cum.
It doesn't matter what gender you are, he'll still say it.
Don't laugh at him when he does, he'll get a little sad. But he'll obviously stop if it makes you uncomfortable.
Guys I love Kuon.
Note: this isn't beta read, these are just my 3am brainworms
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You're having trouble with an assignment, and Hiiro happens to stumble upon your frustrated figure.
♠️ Amagi Hiiro x gn!reader
♠️ Genre: Fluff(?), Hiiro attempts to help you with work
♠️ Warnings: Hiiro might be OOC, not proofread, none other that I know of
A/N: This was actually a redo because I lost the original draft so I don't really have motivation to properly write, but I still hope this was a good first one-shot tho!!
In a quiet corner of Café Cinnamon, you stared at the blank paper underneath you while your hands grabbed a fistful of hair. With a pen sat untouched beside the paper, you tried to rack your brain over and over again but to no avail. The ideas just weren't flowing! ...Is this how Leo feels every time he's stuck with no inspiration? Well, it didn't matter when the problem at hand was much more important, especially when it's due in a few hours and you still had nothing written in. Thank producer work and tuition for taking up 99.99% of your schedule.
As you heaved out the nth distressed sigh, Niki came over to pass you your fifteenth? Maybe twentieth cup of Shinonon Blend - you ordered so many that he had to check up on the table that was continuously ordering the same drink for about an hour now. The same worried look flashed over Niki's face as he stared at your disorganized self that seemed to worsen every visit he took to your table. You made a mental note to thank him for these later. When he left, you buried your face in your hands while mumbling incoherent curses, unknown to the redhead nearing your table.
You must have been so out of it because it took 4 calls to your name and a snap of his finger to get you out of your thoughts. Looking up, you relaxed at the sight of the younger Amagi brother. His presence brought you more comfort than anything else could.
"Hiiro! Sorry, I was thinking of something..." the boy flashed you a worried gaze so you mustered up a small smile to reassure him, "is there anything you need me for? Did.. did I forget a schedule with Alkaloid..??" you panicked at the thought and quickly whipped out your phone to check, luckily Hiiro was there to calm you that he just happened to see you here. "I felt an irritated presence, and it lead me to you. Is there anything I can assist you with? You've helped me adjust to the city a lot, so it'd only be right for me to repay you!" Oh, how you melted at the sentence, you almost forgot about the work due.
"Ahaha, it's nothing big. I'm just having some trouble thinking of what to write for this work"
"Although I won't be as reliable when it comes to information about the city, Aira has taught me a lot of new insight that I can share with you if it helps!" Hiiro said cheerfully, wanting to give you a peace of mind.
"Is that so? I'd love to hear about them!" you reply enthusiastically, maybe this could help you after all? "Come over to this side, it'll be easier for us to work."
For the next hour or so, Hiiro and you mostly talked about the differences in his hometown and in the city. Learning about where he once lived did spark some ideas in you, but not enough for you to write a full-fledged essay. In the end, you were still stuck and there was only an hour left until you had to hand it in.
"I'm sorry, I think I've only wasted more of your time..." Hiiro sulked when you still hadn't written anything down. "It's fine! I think I'll just ask for an extension with some excuse..." you sighed defeatedly, feeling depressed that you didn't manage to finish the work in time, you might even still be stuck during the extension period. Staring off to the side, you notice a bunch of colorful balloons pass by the window.
"Looks like some type of shenanigan Wataru would be up to..." your mumbling caught Hiiro's attention and he too, noticed the floating balloons outside. "Oh! Is this normal in the city too?"
You chuckled as you turned your head back to face him, only to realize when you do, your faces are a mere centimeters apart. Hiiro looked back at you, but he didn't seem phased in the slightest. "Is something the matter? You look shocked," he questioned while backing up after leaning in previously to admire the floating blobs. You continued to stare with no reaction and just as Hiiro was about to shake you awake, your hand instinctively lifted up the pen and started to write, your head dipped down in silence. As much as he was confused, he let you do your thing in silence, ordering the rest of your Shinonon Blend for you.
♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ - ♠️ -
BONUS (day after):
It was late evening, and Hiiro had you pinned to a wall. How did this happen? Well, it was your fault for avoiding him for the whole day after he helped you yesterday. Hiiro didn't understand why and was worried he did something to upset you so he went to seek advice from his dear brother, and that is was lead to this.
"Hiiro... I have a meeting to attend, can we talk about this later?"
"I really don't want to disturb you like this, y/n, but I need to know if I'm the problem so I can change... so you won't purposefully avoid me..." Hiiro looked at you with puppy eyes, intentional or not you fell for it.
Thinking up of an excuse on the spot was difficult, so you went with the dumbest one, "I play this with my friends often! We hide from each other until a certain time, but it's just a game we made up so no one else plays it..!" it was dumb, but it works.
"Oh! What an interesting game you city people come up with. I'm relieved you weren't avoiding me. Then, good luck on your meeting! Sorry for jumping to conclusions, haha!" Hiiro finally freed you after taking the bait, quickly hurrying away to not disturb you any further. You could tell he relaxed heavily when you told him it was a joke.
Once you made sure he was out of sight, you slammed your head against the wall. Opening your phone, you looked at the latest message from your tuition teacher.
"You did a great job on the essay, y/n. However this is typically not acceptable in your proper exam, so you will be given an extension to redo the work. I hope to see your skills put to... better use."
Your face reddened at the memory of what you turned in to your teacher.
WOO!! It definitely wasn't the best, but it worked out somehow! Thank you for reading :DD
#ensemble stars#enstars#ensemble stars x reader#ensemble stars x you#ensemble stars x y/n#enstar x reader#enstars x reader#enstars x you#enstars x y/n#amagi hiiro#hiiro amagi#hiiro x reader#amagi hiiro x reader#hiiro amagi x reader
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Haikyuu Hugs pt 4:
FUKURODANI
Bokuto Koutarou:
THE ONE YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR
THE BEST HUGGER IN THE ENTIRE SERIES
THE BIG MAN HIMSELF
He is the absolute KING of hugs, let me tell you
If you want hugs, he's got you, 900%
All you have to do is hold out your arms and your face will be buried in his chest before you can say Hoot
When he wants hugs he'll stare at you and blink a bunch to get your attention
Or sometimes he'll pout at you, or rest his head on you until you notice
Before we get into the pillow qualities of this man though, let's discuss his hug technique
The kind of man who you can go to when you’re scared, and he’ll wrap you up and whisper reassurances and loving words to you because he is whipped
He can pull off ANY SORT OF HUG
Lying down? Head on chest or thighs, you can fall asleep as he plays with your hair or wraps his arms around you
Sitting down? You can sit on his lap, or drape yourself over his shoulders, or he'll drape over yours!
Standing? He'll hug you straight on, facing you, arms at your waist. He'll hug you from behind, a protective weight at your back, resting his chin on your head.
He has a habit of squeezing you to him, arms round your shoulder blades
His arms are SO BIG and he's SO BEEFY and PLEASE getting hugged to his massive, warm chest is a DREAM COME TRUE
The CUDDLE MASTER
And finally, my magnum opus, the ultimate Bokuto hug:
If you see each other after a while, he'll run to you, especially if you run to him, he'll squeeze you to his chest and hoist you into the air with a joyous laugh, spinning the both of you around before slowing, holding you close as he sways you, humming softly in your ear
Ah that felt good to get off my chest man do I long to hug this man~
Washio Tatsuki:
Tall + Intimidating looking + Strong, silent type? You know this man gives good hugs
Very warm, very safe, like a tower with the insides of a fluffy blanket
Honestly? He’s pretty quiet, not too into loud and exuberant hugging or whispered conversations, but he is so good for comfort cuddles
Anytime you need sheltering from the world, or you’re just tired and stressed, you can go to him and he’ll hug you when you relax, sleep, or vent to him
He’s an incredible listener, he loves to lie on the sofa with you on his chest as you talk about anything
He’ll stroke your cheek or hair, or rub circles on your back with a soft smile
I actually think that, once you’ve been friends or in a relationship for a while, that he’d get a little clingy, once you’re close
He seems to have this stony, blunt, stern face that he shows the world, and that is who he is, but he also really cares for you and he wants to make sure you’re ok, and he will approach you for hugs if he can sense that something is up
Sometimes he’ll hug you to him and he’ll muse quietly over some things he needs to do, or something he’s working on; only short sentences but that’s all he needs to convey his meaning, lulling you to sleep with the low rumble of his chest
Once you fall asleep he’ll press a kiss to the top of your head and whisper ���I love you’
Sarukui Yamato:
When I tell you that there is SO LITTLE on this man’s personality-
Anyway, I am taking the very very little we see of him and running with it so-
~ahem~
He really loves giving you little kisses while hugging you!
There you’ll both be, standing around, and before you know it he’s got you pressed to his chest, dotting your cheeks, nose and brow with tiny kisses, short, sweet and loving
He does longer kisses too! He’ll press a kiss to your lips mid-embrace, holding it for a little just so you can feel how much he loves you
He’ll do the same if you’re cuddling while laying down, just kiss your face or hands without pulling away for a while
His favourite thing to do is rest his face against your neck or collarbone, letting his lips linger against your skin, not fully kissing it but feeling it, loving the contact between you
He trusts you with his problems, and will sometimes come to you when stressed or annoyed, and vent to you a little while your fingers run through his hair, a feeling that he finds incredibly reassuring
He’s also a fiddler, he’ll fiddle with your hair or clothes or fingers while cuddling, or he’ll paint patterns on your arms with his fingers, twisting fabric into whorls as you cuddle
Akaashi Keiji:
Ah~ another beautiful character! There are far too many of these in this show, it’ll be the death of us all
Regardless - I think Akaashi began a little more uncomfortable with physical contact! He didn’t jump straight into the hug life, but stepped in gradually, yet once he became comfortable oh you’ve unleashed a monster
Akaashi prefers to be calm, collected and polite around others, so it is with you that he unwinds the most
He absolutely adores laying with his head in your lap, letting you play with his curls as he gestures emphatically towards the ceiling while describing his day and how the team is doing
He’s a sway hugger too, he’ll rock you gently from side to side as you embrace, one hand firm at your back or waist
He has a habit of making little sarcastic comments while you hug too, things about what his teammates or other schools have been up to
He gets a little touchy at points, brushing his hands past your arms or shoulders while you work, or using you as a head rest - casual contact for the win here
Considering his habit to overthink, he’ll seek you out whenever his thoughts begin running too wildly
At his point he’ll curl up in a blanket with his head on your chest, talking out his thoughts as you whisper to him - he finds your presence to be the most calming thing in the world
He likes to kiss your hands too, before embracing you - he has this little thing he’ll do
He’ll offer you his hand, and when you take it he’ll press a kiss to your fingers, or the back of your hand, before sweeping you towards him and wrapping you in a hug
He then begins laughing, and he has the most enchanting giggles - they range from quiet to full on snorting, but all of them are some of the beautiful laughter you’ve ever heard
Konoha Akinori:
In all honesty, Konoha is really hard to characterise - I have like... two routes I could go down and I can’t choose... So I’m going to throw in elements of both! Enjoy!
First of all, this guy is really fun and teasing and his hugs reflect this
Another sway hugger, but not gentle swaying, but happy swaying, almost like dancing, you can tell he’s happy as he swishes you around within his clasps, laughing all the while
He likes to flirt a little too as you hug, both hands at your hips and his words a breeze by the shell of your ear, words of affection and admiration for how wonderful you look today
He likes to be the big spoon, and will hug you from behind constantly - he loves to have you laying on him, or to rest his head on yours or your shoulder, humming a small tune
He actually enjoys giving you massages too! His fingers are long and dexterous, and dig perfectly into the knots that the muscles of your back form after a long day, moulding you into a relaxed puddle like a vat of kinetic sand
On the flip side, he harbours several insecurities over his supposed lack of outstanding talent, being the ‘jack of all trades’ and not having a specific ‘thing’
Some days this will hit him hard, and he’ll come to you - lay down his head and close his eyes
He knows you’ll feel his hurt - and nothing cheers him up like your reassurances that he is good enough and that every person with one talent needs an all rounder to back them up and that he’s more useful in the long run
It reassures him, and he smiles as he soaks up your warmth - knowing that he is master of one thing and it’s loving you
Anahori Shūichi:
He’s so sweet and excitable!
Such loving and enthusiastic hugs from him, because you are his whole world
He will squeeze you to his chest with the utmost abandon and give you little kisses all over your face
He does puppy eyes when he wants a hug
When you first became close, he was often a bit nervous to approach you if he wanted a hug
But over time he became more comfortable... and adorably clingy as a result
He’ll always back off if you’re not in the mood - but this man wants his cuddles
CHAIR CUDDLE KING!
Oh what’s a chair cuddle? Only his favourite hug in the world
The BEST hug you can give him is one where he sits in a chair (preferably a massive, squishy armchair) and you sit on his lap and let him cuddle you
Facing towards or away from him he loves it, just having his arms around your waist as you watch something together
He also loves to sit in your lap, if you’ll have him, either as a joke or sincerely
Just this man... he loves the cuddle
Woollen blanket levels of snuggleeeeeeeeeee
Please stroke his hair he loves it
Komi Haruki:
Another energetic boy (this poor team’s coach rip)
He loves you
Like really loves you
And he wants to tell you that over and over again!
While he hugs you he will definitely whisper sweet nothings into your ear and tell you he adores you
Cuddles all day, cuddles all night!
Will cuddle you in his sleep, like you’re laying in bed and you wake up in the middle of the night for whatever reason and he will be snuggling you so hard
One arm thrown over you and his nose at your neck and he’s so happy there that you’d feel really bad moving him
Also definitely headcanon he’s warm
Not open oven Bokuto warm but...
In a room with a log fire in the corner on a winter’s day warm
Very cozy and comforting, also very sweet with you
Will tell you about the funny parts of his day while hugging
Onaga Wataru:
He’s less enthusiastic than some of our previous boys for sure
But that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t love you just as much
I’m feeling sappy tonight so honestly? You are his everything
But headcanon! I don’t think he’s the best exactly at speaking his emotions
Oh he cherishes you with everything he has but he’s relatively quiet and finds it hard to express all that sheer emotion with words
In his mind, letters don’t cut it - how can a mere human mouth fully express the depth of the heart’s devotion? His love is more than words it’s colours and feelings and everything he associates with you and he is not (in his mind) eloquent enough to tell you
But he wants to
So? Hugs
When he hugs you this man puts his all into it
His squeeze is the perfect tightness, not too weak, not too tight
When his arms wrap perfectly around your shoulders, he tries to push all of his feelings into the hug
He wants to transmit his love for you through the physical contact
Long hugger definitely, he can hold you for hours
Will DROP EVERYTHING to hug you if you ask - no matter how important, you are first
Sturdy hugs and frame as well, just a good hugger
#haikyuu!!#haikyuu#haikyū!!#hq!!#haikyuu headcanons#haikyuu ficlet#haikyuu x reader#fukurodani#bokuto koutarou#bokuto x reader#bokuto x gn!reader#washio tatsuki#washio x reader#sarukui yamato#sarukui x reader#akaashi keiji#akaashi x reader#akaashi x gn!reader#konoha akinori#konoha x reader#konoha x gn!reader#anahori shuuichi#anahori x reader#komi haruki#komi x reader#onaga wataru#onaga x reader#i am running on so little info for some of these boys#i take 'hardworking' and run with it#also i am in such a sappy mood atm
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Brothers Conflict (Passion Pink) Part 1 - Asahina Masaomi Route
I am happy to announce that I will try my best to play Brothers Conflict in Japanese! Yes, it was Christmas so I splurged and bought Diabolik Lovers, Brothers Conflict and Norn9 hahahah. Hopefully I can do this! Apparently Brothers Conflict is an easy read because it's slice of life and uses normal everyday words so let's go! Ema and her squirrel Juli huh? That's kinda cute lmao. Anyway, I know the basic premise but it's kinda crazy to have like 11 new brothers, like wow. And her squirrel talks?! I guess it's nice to have a such a reliable squirrel "parent" for Ema since it seems so capable haha. I don't blame Ema for being so nervous though haha. Oh wow, Miwa (the lady Ema's father is remarrying) is rich and nice! Hahahaha, Ema thinks Masaomi is Wataru's dad, is he that old looking?🤣 Anyway, I know it's a game so Ema has to be surprised to know all these hot guys etc are her new brothers but if this was real life and I was nervous about meeting all these brothers by myself, I would definitely hope to have seen or have a photo of them with me lmao. Anyway, lmao at Wataru giving Ema candy for accidentally hurting her when he couldn't stop his bike in time lolll, who is the little kid here?!🤣 Awww, I don't like fan clubs but I do like Iori! He seems cool and kinda knows how to handle his fangirls. Ukyo mightttt be my type, we'll see🤣 Anyway, Ema is such a considerate daughter for not wanting to intrude on her father's newlywed life and deciding to live in the Sunrise Residence with all the other brothers, I would be so scared to live with a bunch of new random siblings lol.
Is a sunflower badge a symbol to show you're a lawyer or something? That's pretty cool! Anyway, Masaomi is the eldest son?! I totally assumed Ukyo would have been the oldest haha! Guess looks are deceiving. Hahaha, Ukyo calling him "nii-san" (older brother) is a shockk🤣 I admit that Kaname's purple kimono looks pretty cool, but dang, kissing the back of Ema's hand and then saying can he kiss other places too?! That's a great way to introduce yourself... I'm so glad Ukyo hit him for doing that lol. Lmaooo I thought Kaname was going to be a fashion designer of some sort but he's actually a Buddhist priest?! Wow lol. Oooh I like Tsubaki and Azusa's looks! They're cute, are they twins? Okay yep, they are. I love them already🤣 Omggg and they're both voice actors? They're getting cooler by the second🤣 I love how friendly Tsubaki is lol. I love how just as Ukyo hits Kaname for getting out of hand, Azusa does the same for Tsubaki lol. Lmao at Ema thinking to herself whether Tsubaki is "okay" in the sense of whether there's anything wrong with him because of how he talks hahahaa. Awww Subaru seems cute, he's shy with girls even though he's a university student! OMG Tsubaki is older than Subaru? I can't tell these age differences lol!! I like Iori a lot though hahaha. Lmao I thought Iori recognised Ema's school uniform because he knew girls from there but it was actually because Yuusuke (another brother) goes there hahaha, sorry my bad Iori. Tsubaki is so slack to hide from Yuusuke that they were going to have a new sister lolll. But his reaction was funny so I can understand. I find it hilarious how Yuusuke can't handle Ema being sad over him not approving of this loll, so he had to just agree to make her happy haha. HAHAHA, when Kaname asked Ema to call him "onii-chan" LOL, like geez dude!! And then even Tsubaki joined in🤣 I like Azusa, so I'm glad there was an option to call him onii-chan loll. I think it was pretty funny how they got her to keep calling them onii-chan lmao, it was nice how she played along with them and got to enjoy having so many siblings considering that it must have been pretty lonely with just her dad and he's probably busy working a lot of the time.
Awww that's so sweet, Ema woke up early hoping to make breakfast for the brothers! She's such an awesome sister. I have to agree with Ema, Kaname exercising early in the morning is a surprise haha. I honestly thought Ukyo would be the one there...and he is! Ukyo is the one who cooks breakfast and all the meals I guess! Lmao at the cute rabbit apron he wears🤣 Ukyo best boyyy! Omg Rui is pretty, I love his hair. But I find it so funny how he's like touching her hair and Ema is like so calmly just introducing herself to him lmao. Oooh, so we have another idol brother, lmao at Ema thinking the family were fans instead of him being a brother, like what are the chances that they would all be fans of him🤣🤣 Aww Mahoko looks like a cute best friend for Ema. Sasakura (the soccer ace guy) seems pretty friendly to offer to help Ema move. I have to agree with Ema though, Masaomi in work mode is nice to watch, I always think it's so sweet to see guys so kind and patient with kids (even though I don't like kids🥲). It was so sweet how Ema so honestly told him she would have liked a doctor like him when she was a kid, Masaomi blushing at her praise was actually pretty cute lol. Awww, his pocket is full of chocolates and other stuff as rewards for the kids! It's nice that he has a whole variety of stuff like stickers and mini cars since he doesn't want to give them too many sweets. It must be so heavy though lmao.
Fuuto sleeping CG is pretty cute~ LOL did he just say Ema is cute but it seemed like she's dumb?! Well, there goes your idol dreams, Ema lol. Lmao when he said she didn't deny it and said she's an idiot, like woww, way to go Fuuto, you're definitely an ass. He's probably traumatised or annoyed with his fangirls or something. I can so relate to Ema's rage, I would want to strangle Fuuto loll. Okay, I did something wrong and didn't realise I needed to go to the aquarium with Masaomi! Lmao at Ema saying all the fish are cute lol. Blushing Masaomi is so adorable though. It was so cute how he got embarrassed for not realising that he was really close to her, and it was so cute how Ema tried to explain that she didn't hate it and that it just made her heart beat really fast😂 Aww Ema and Masaomi both like small animals. Damn, these guys are rich, do they have a villa on an island?!! I think it's really nice how they all take the time out to go on holiday with the whole family there every summer vacation though. Considering how many of them there are and how busy they are, it's good to see that they try to make the effort to bond with each other. They've even got a private beach on a part of the island, danggg. Anyway, I love how welcoming the brothers are. I agree with Iori, Ema is really admirable to even do supplementary classes to help with going to her dream university, she's working hard!
You know, considering that these guys are her "brothers", I find it funny that they're quite unreserved towards the idea of doing date-like stuff with her loll! Like with the amusement park, Masaomi held her hand to keep it warm after she got a bit freaked out with the haunted house attraction lol! I guess considering the game, I should just throw that all out of the window and just enjoy it for what it is haha. I mean, I gotta admit, it's pretty cute. I guess it's not that cute after I looked at their character profiles and realised that Masaomi is actually 31 and Ema is like 16-17? Oh well, I guess I'll ignore that too😂 Aww, Masaomi seems like such a parent, he's sad that his brothers are older now and they don't rely on him as much for stuff anymore. I guess that would be something good but also sad to see. It's interesting how the dialogue changes when you get more hearts. It's like initially, Masaomi used to be like, nah I'm not free into yeah I'm free, and now he's just like let's go lol. I think the nicest change is that he used to leave to go somewhere else after their outing, but now he goes home with her. I think something that's nice to see is Masaomi "spoiling" her, like he doesn't do anything over the top, just simple stuff like buying her a strap, holding her bags etc, but I feel like because she's always lived only with her father, and now that he has a new partner, she's even more reserved towards not wanting to trouble others, so I think Masaomi treating her sweetly is nice. I find it so sweet how he understands her so well that he knows that she would feel bad about it, so he asks her to buy snacks for everyone in exchange. I love how Ema made a whole bunch of sandwiches on their zoo date, I love little picnics~ And it's so cute how she offered to make him lunch next time since he's always so busy with work that most of the time he just buys rice balls and sandwiches from the convenience store.
I'm so excited for their trip!! Lmao, I really want to see Ema's swimsuit now, considering how Subaru was so surprised by it, he told her to wear his jacket🤣 Aww playing with fireworks at the beach with Masaomi was nicee~ I think Masaomi really gives off that great big brother vibe that will ensure she'll never feel lonely, it's really heartwarming to see. Omggg there's the option to stay overnight in Masaomi's room now!! Not that anything happened (for now) since he just helped her study and she fell asleep there~ but it was really cute to know that Masaomi keeps all the letters he gets from his current and old patients, it's sweet that his room is "messy" because of it haha. Gotta love how Masaomi took his other futon to clean so now they have to share a futon lol, like how far away is Ema's room lolll! But anyway, it's fine I guess because it's cute~ It seems like from way back when he was a kid, Masaomi was already mature and stepped up to be the big brother that would help out his parents because they're so busy. I still wonder how he survives as a doctor if he nearly faints after seeing a little bit of blood lol, but yeah it's crazy how much of Masaomi's life revolves around his family. Even him choosing to be a doctor was because he wanted something stable, good income and have useful knowledge for taking care of his family if anything were to happen so that his parents wouldn't need to worry. He's such a good child. I found it so wonderful how Ema praised Masaomi for his work saying she could really see how much his patients really trust him and see how earnest he is with his work. Can't blame him for feeling so embarrassed hahahha. Okay, I'm dying at how sweet Masaomi's lines become. Now when you ask him on a date, he's like are you sure you want to spend your precious break day with me?! Hahaha, of course we do! And now when you ring his doorbell hoping to stay over, he looks forward to Ema being the one to ring it, I love it so much🥺 I find it so cute how he's more conscious of her staying over so late now hahaha. Omggg, he just asked if it was okay to share the same futon and Ema was like sure, awww that's so cuteee, they're practically together now lol. Omggg he confessed that he liked her when he thought she fell asleep! He even kissed her on the forehead! Awww!! I wonder how Ema will react now~
Kaname really loves to flirt with Ema allll the time doesn't he lol. Subaru blushing at Ema having baked his birthday cake for him is so cuteeee. Anyway omg, does everyone actually already like her?? Even Iori said he was happy that it was because Ukyo was busy so she ended up having to bake the cake and not because she wanted to since the beginning😮 Anyway, it was so cute how Masaomi said he wanted to be the first to congratulate her when she turns 20 (since they just came back from Subaru's 20th birthday), and okay, it seems like Ema lives kinda far from the guys?? Lol, I thought it was a shared house kinda thing. Anyway, their accidental kiss seeming led up to Masaomi giving her another kiss?! I feel like my heart was beating fast like Ema's lmao. LMAO when Masaomi offered a kid to ride on his shoulders to see the dolphin show properly (he even called himself an big brother/onii-san) and the kid still calls him an uncle/oji-san hahahaha. HAHAHA, I love how Ema readied herself to have Masaomi check her with a stethoscope (she was sick) since it feels embarrassing and she raised her clothes so high, he saw her bra or something lmao. LOL, Usa-tan sounds like an amazing doll that can shoot out stationery, record, be a calculator etc, like dang lolll. Omggg that Ema had to wear bunny cosplay for the school festival cafe, lmao when Yusuke saw it and was embarrassed lol. Ohhh, there's another older brother called Natsume who moved out of the mansion! I've lost track of how many there are honestly but Natsume is pretty good-looking. I'm so glad Azusa made Natsume apologise to Ema properly for being so rude to her when he didn't know who she was and reacted badly to her calling his name so familiarly. WHAT, TRIPLETS? Them being triplets is definitely a shock to me like whaaaat omg. Once again, impressed that Miwa had so many children and looks so good. I seeee, so Tsubaki and Azusa are identical but Natsume is fraternal oooo. Anyway, I was so shocked that I forgot to say I didn't even think about a wedding ceremony so I'm glad there is one for her father and Miwa hahaha. LOL when Miwa gave Ema the bouquet and told her if she likes any of her sons, she would help them hold the ceremony, like dang, she's already decided that she wants her new "daughter" to be like a true daughter loll. Gotta love it when your parents are supportive of you marrying your step brothers lolll. Anyway, seriously though, I guess that makes it easier for them later on with no parental drama haha.
It's so cute how Masaomi gives candy to Ema as a reward all the time hahaha. Well, Ema not being the real daughter of Rintaro was unexpected... I felt sorry for her when she found out and felt that she would be all alone if her dad told her the truth properly. I feel like Ema's always tried her best to be strong on her own because her dad was always busy, but he was family and she knew he would always be there because they're tied by such bonds so it was okay even if she was sad that she couldn't see him much, so I feel like her breaking down is understandable. I thought it was really sweet how Masaomi told her that he would always be by her side so she would never be alone, and that if she's still sad after talking to her dad, she can always go to him for help. It's sad that her parents died so early in her life, but I'm glad Rintaro decided to take care of her instead of leaving her all alone in some institution. It was also nice that Ema got to hear what she needed to hear, which was that even if they're not connected by blood, Ema is still his daughter, and I think it really helped her insecurities to hear her dad properly tell her that.
Lmaooo when Ema thought Hikaru was Kaname's girlfriend😂 On the other hand, I'm not sure what to think about Tsubaki and Kaname being "moe" to little sisters lolll, but I guess at least they're quite frank and obvious about Ema totally being their type lolll. Anyway, I guess now we've seen all the brothers! I knewww Miwa was going to ask Masaomi to go to an omiai but danggg. Especially since he's the oldest brother so I guess it was to be expected in his route. Awww I love how Masaomi so honestly told the girl he had someone he liked. I legit can't wait until they both tell each other their feelings, I'm so excited!! Lmaooo, Masaomi in a Santa Claus costume looks so funny hahaha. Awww he bought Ema a Christmas present!! It's nice that Masaomi gave Ema her very own Usa-tan! Anyway, omggg Azusa and Tsubaki are sooo close, it's actually kinda cute how much they love each other haha. I loved how Ema properly thanked all the guys during the Christmas party for looking for her when she ran away after realising her dad wasn't blood related to her, and I loved how they told her it was natural since she's family. When he hugged her thanking her for always encouraging him and supporting him, it was so cuteee, I love how much Ema loves seeing the serious Masaomi that dedicates himself to saving people however he can.
Masaomi is usually so tired from work, but I love how he's always like Ema is always welcome to visit his room! I think it was especially cute when Ema was about to go back knowing that he didn't get much sleep and she woke him up, but he knew that she wouldn't randomly just come to annoy him for nothing, so thankfully he got her to not feel like she was bothering him and gave him the chocolate~ Masaomi blushing is always the cutest~ Lmaooo Ema is like a pro gamer😂 I found it so funny how Subaru and Ema just told Yusuke to pick up items because he's weak😂 Awww Masaomi was sad that Ema didn't react to the pink heart necklace he gave her through Usa-tan! To be fair he did do it in a really roundabout way so I guess it's understandable that she didn't notice it, but luckily she did lol, so now she doesn't need to misunderstand that he thinks of her as just a kid. Ohhh, I thought Masaomi was just jealous that Ema was having fun with Subaru and them, but it was actually because he thought that Ema would probably have more fun and be more happy with a guy around her age and that's why he was sad🥺 I'm so happy that they both told each other their worries and how much they enjoyed their time together. Ema definitely was more brave to say she wanted to always stay beside him though haha. Lmao at Masaomi having eaten so many sweets at that shop he bought the white day presents for Ema loll. Anyway, I didn't realise Fuuto was actually like 2 years younger than Ema, considering how arrogant he seemed, I thought he was around the same age lol. Anyway, I obviously rose the wrong stuff and didn't get the best ending LOL. I was so sad when Masaomi was like, you'll always be my sister or something and it ended, and I was like excuse meeee!? Anyway, I redid the whole thing LOL. I knew that Masaomi had to get over the blood thing if something happened to Wataru so I'm glad Ema was there to kinda wake him up to do that haha. I missed out Ema in a kimono CG!! She was so beautiful!! And omggg, their wedding and expecting a baby endings were nice~ Definitely worth me going through all that again just to see it lol.
Overall, if you can ignore the fact that Masaomi is like 30 and Ema is 17, then this route was quite nice. Well, to be fair, the whole premise is a grey area so I guess the age gap shouldn't be a problem for most who decide to try this game haha. Anyway, I really liked Masaomi. He's like the oldest brother that's super caring about his family, but also a bit childish, maybe because he's kinda like Wataru's father lol. I thought Masaomi was the one who took care of most of the brothers but Masaomi got too busy with his job so that kinda fell on Ukyo instead, which I'm looking forward to in the future! But yeah, I really loved how kind, gentle and sweet Masaomi was all the time, and I really liked how much he had that nice older brother vibe that I super dig lol. You can say, he really soothed my heart LOL, like every time I spend some time going through the route, he always makes my heart warm and makes me smile because of how kind he is, and I just really loved that. I always love how he always takes interest in his patients' interests and does his best to understand them so he can better interact with these kids and make them have an easier time in the hospital. Anyway, I'm super proud of myself that I was able to finish this route in Japanese!! I probably didn't understand 100% of it, but I think I got most of it and I'm so happy about that! I probably spent wayyy too much time on the dictionary searching for kanji but I can definitely see the progress and I'm looking forward to finishing all the routes! It's still kinda crazy to me though, like I still remember once upon a time, I really wanted to play this game and honestly hoped for a localisation one day, but now I've given up and decided to just practise my Japanese with it instead lol. It's interesting how things have come to be, but I'm excited for the rest~
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Bookshelf Briefs 5/19/20
After-School Bitchcraft, Vol. 1 | By Yu Shimizu and Kazuma Ichihara | Yen Press – Afterschool Boobcraft would be a better title for this supernatural romance about Ririki, a ditzy high school student who accidentally discovers that her chemistry teacher is a sorcerer. Though Ririki quickly realizes that she, too, has hidden powers, nothing about her giggly, helpless behavior suggests that she’s competent enough to tie her own shoes, let alone cast a spell. Renji, her teacher, is even less of a character, defined primarily by his brusque demeanor and perma-scowl. Anyone reading for plot will find the the crude, obvious fanservice irritating, while anyone reading for fanservice will find the series’ pedestrian efforts at world-building an unwelcome distraction from the parade of costume failures and panty shots, all of which are drawn in salacious detail. Not recommended. – Katherine Dacey
Animeta!, Vol. 3 | By Yaso Hanamura | J-Novel Club – Miyuki Sanada is making gradual improvement as an inbetweener, though she’s been told that if she doesn’t pass the key animation exam within a year, she’s fired. Meanwhile, her fellow new hire, Maria Date, seems to be leaving her in the dust, is actively campaigning to take her place with the prestigious Studio 7, and gets invited to enter a character design contest by the big boss. I appreciate the sports manga feel this rivalry evokes, but the most compelling part of Animeta! for me is the plight of Yuiko Fuji, the inbetween checker who once tried to become a key animator but had no flair. She’s amazing at her current job, but seeing new talent getting promoted over her is tough. This series has really grown on me, now that its been fleshing out its characters more, and I reckon I’ll stick with it for the long haul! – Michelle Smith
A Certain Scientific Accelerator, Vol. 10 | By Kazuma Kamachi and Arata Yamaji | Seven Seas – Last time I said the cliffhanger was chilling, this time that extends to much of the book. The Index series has usually been too concerned with action and harems to get into pure horror, but its spinoffs have no issues with it, particularly this one. Cannibalism of a scientific sort continues to be the norm here, with our tragic villain continuing to be sympathetic. As is Yomikawa, possibly the nicest character in the whole Indexverse. For those who aren’t reading this for nice, the good news is that Accelerator is back in action by the end of this and ready to beat villains up while continuing to state what a villain he is. Index fans will enjoy this, though may also be creeped out. – Sean Gaffney
Cocoon Entwined, Vol. 2 | By Yuriko Hara | Yen Press – Yes, it is still tempting to review these volumes by just saying “hair” and being done with it. I mean, the start of the second volume seems to be narrated from the POV of a former schoolgirl’s hair, which is now made up of the uniform of our heroine. But there is a bit more to it than that, as we cycle back a bit and get more insight into the mysterious Hoshimiya, whose hair drifting down in single hairlets (hairlets?) continues to be an emotional gut punch for most of the school. There’s also discussion of traditions, why they’re kept and when they might have to be broken for the sake of moving on and fixing things. It’s quite an emotional drama. And rest assured, it’s filled with hair. So much hair. – Sean Gaffney
The Golden Sheep, Vol. 3 | By Kaori Ozaki | Vertical Comics – The third volume of The Golden Sheep is its last, and while it was nice that the four friends at the center of the story ultimately resolved their differences, it all felt rather too easy and anticlimactic. I did like that Yuushin finds purpose in striving to achieve enough independence to live with the stray kitty he rescued, though. (It is an extremely cute kitty.) The volume is rounded out by a twisted short story called “Love Letter” in which an unborn soul chooses to be born to a teen runaway and ends up dying from neglect, but loves its mother so much that it opts to return to earth in any guise that allows it to see her, including another cute kitty who soon meets a tragic end. It left a weird taste in my brain. – Michelle Smith
How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift?, Vol. 3 | By Yabako Sandrovich and MAAM | Seven Seas – The first volume it was the fanservice that got my attention. The second volume it was the advice on keeping fit. And in this one it’s the comedy that’s really reaching out to grab you, taking the series in places I was not expecting it to go, like turning the main girls (including their teacher!) into a muscle-bound idol group, something that is impressively different but goes over like a lead balloon. Zina has fit in well with the others, and moreover she knows Satomi cosplays, so can cheerfully use that for blackmail. There are also hints that romance may come into this series—Hibiki has always been attracted to Machio when he’s not bulking out, but there’s a suggestion that her feelings may run a bit deeper than that. That said, I expect comedy to prevail. This is fun. – Sean Gaffney
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, Vol. 14 | By Aka Akasaka | Viz Media – The first half of this book is almost all dedicated to Kaguya and Shirogane finally, finally, confessing—not through words, but through actions. It’s the payoff everyone has been waiting for, and it’s handled perfectly. The second half of this book then drags it all back to hilarious comedy, with the chapter about Kaguya french-kissing Shirogane being the highlight of the volume and possibly the series. Of course, there’s the question of where do we go from here—Kaguya ends up breaking her brain so much over this that she reverts to her old icy persona, and there may be a new love triangle developing around Ishigami. So don’t stop reading just because Kaguya got confessed to—there’s still plenty more fun. – Sean Gaffney
My Hero Academia: Smash!!, Vol. 4 | By Hirofumi Neda and Kohei Horikoshi | Viz Media – The gag series has caught up to the main storyline, or at least wants to avoid the Overhaul Arc, so for the most part this volume is original material. Sometimes that’s good—the author shows a surprising taste for very dark character-based jokes when they want to, including one with Todoroki talking about his mother that made me gasp. There’s also a parents’ day again (it goes a bit better than the one in School Briefs), which allows us to see parents we forgot existed, like Uraraka’s mother. That said, there’s also a sense that the series is starting to get a bit tired. The next volume is signposted to be the last, and that’s a good thing. Go out while you’re still flying high. – Sean Gaffney
Nori | By Rumi Hara | Drawn & Quarterly – Born in Kyoto and currently based in New York, Hara has been creating comics for about a decade, but Nori is Hara’s graphic novel debut. The volume has its origins in a series of self-published mini-comics which earned Hara multiple award nominations. Nori collects six short tales of varying lengths which feature the adventures of the titular Noriko, an imaginative three-year-old, and Hana, her grandmother and caregiver. Except for a surprise trip that takes Nori and Hana to Hawaii, the stories are largely set in Osaka in the 1980s. All of them are incredibly charming. Hara effortlessly blends mythology and legends with the characters’ day-to-day lives and Nori’s fantastical imaginings. Some of my favorite moments are Nori’s interactions with older kids—some of whom really aren’t sure what to do at first with a precocious toddler hanging about as they explore the natural world together. Nori is an undeniable delight. – Ash Brown
That Blue Summer, Vol. 4 | By Atsuko Namba | Kodansha Comics (digital only) – Rio Funami is a Tokyo girl who’s been sent, along with her bookish little brother, to stay with her grandmother in the countryside for the duration of her 40-day summer vacation. She’s fallen in love with a local boy named Ginzo Izumi, who initially rejected her, believing they belonged in different worlds and valued different things. However, as time has gone on, Ginzo has come to see that’s not true. In fact, Rio seems enraptured by the village he calls home and understands the calling he feels towards graphic design while simultaneously feeling obligated to stay and take over the family liquor store. This is more than just a generic romance—it’s about passions versus practicality and finding reasons for joy in any situation. I’m enjoying it a lot and isn’t that cover a beauty? – Michelle Smith
Yowamushi Pedal, Vol. 14 | By Wataru Watanabe | Yen Press – The race that would never end has ended! And yes, our hero manages to capture first place, The first half of the book is really fantastic, showing off how good the author is at wringing drama and emotion from every last meter. The second half pales in comparison mostly as it’s setting up the next chunk of book, though seeing Onoda suddenly fail so hard simply as his mentor has left (transferred to another country) is poignant, and I suspect he needs another race or two before he can get back into form, so I expect more failure. Oh, and Kanzaki shows up briefly to remind us she exists and also help the core team get new bikes that work to their strengths. Still excellent shonen sports. – Sean Gaffney
By: Ash Brown
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For the Character ask: Shoot, Kastro, Kite, Illumi, Knuckle (HxH) and Sonic, Metal Bat, Genos, and Iaian (OPM)! (I have no apologies, you requested lots 😂)
Meve, you always go above and beyond when sending me asks. I love you so much. ❤ So many boys!!! I will talk about them all!! Actually, I'll split this ask into two parts. You may have accidentally sent this ask twice, but no worries! I'll use this as part one for the Hunter x Hunter boys. 💓
Shoot
Favorite thing about them: What can I say about Shoot that I haven't already gushed about constantly? 💓 One of my favorite things is his Nen, and how he uses it. I love his hands, and Hotel Raffelasia is such an interesting ability. Speaking of his hands...I love all of his features. His eyes, his face, his hair, his muscles... Getting distracted. There's so much that I can say. I love everything about him.
Least favorite thing about them: That we don't know more about him.
Favorite line: I have a lot of faves from him. One of them is when he tells Gon "I will live to thank you!" ❤
brOTP: Him and Knuckle, of course! 💓
OTP: I enjoy Nashuu from time to time. I think they're quite cute together.
nOTP: None that I can think of.
Random headcanon: I have a lot, but one of the biggest ones is that he'll use his Nen hands for everyday things when he's feeling lazy.
Unpopular opinion: He is definitely underrated. Even though I've been finding others that genuinely love him more and more everyday, which really warms my heart that I'm not the only one who does.
Song I associate with them: There's actually a lot of songs I associate with Shoot, which are mostly songs by Yuuji Ueda. 💓 This one, if I had to pick just one, and it is a song I hold very close to me and in my heart. For many reasons. Shine by The Northern Hues make me think of him, too.
Favorite picture of them: Oh Meve, there's too many to choose from, I love so many. Here's a few that I share all the time.
❤💍
Kastro
Favorite thing about them: He just seems so...eloquent and respectful. Kastro has this lovely energy about him that I really can't put into words well enough.
Least favorite thing about them: We don't know anything about him really. Too short lived of a character.
Favorite line: I love it when he asks Killua "So, what do you think of me?" ❤ It was so cute.
brOTP: I'm going to go on a whim and say that he would get along with Flashy Flash from One Punch Man.
OTP: I don't have any.
nOTP: None that I can think of.
Random headcanon: Off the top of my head, to make something up on the spot...he really loves the shoreline of the ocean. An ideal spot for him to live if he weren't focusing on living it up in the tournament tower. Actually now that I think about it...maybe he focused on being in the tower so he could live comfortably. Maybe he was struggling growing up, so he wanted to try and have a better life.
Unpopular opinion: Even though...he does look like the typical pretty boy, he had potential to be more of a solid character.
Song I associate with them: Why is he making me think of Legend Of Zelda? He reminds me of Link too much.
Favorite picture of them:
💕
Kite
Favorite thing about them: It's really hard to explain why I love Kite so much. He's just such a unique character in the series. He's so different. I guess I could say specifically how he is as a hunter. He's seen as someone so memorable, especially with Gon but with his little group he works with. Someone who is not only a hard working, respectful hunter but also a big hearted, kind and warm person towards others.
Least favorite thing about them: How in the world does he look up to someone like Ging, I will never understand. Get away from him, I will come over there, shoo.
Favorite line: When he lets out the softest "O-Oji-san?" at Gon when they reunite...is the cutest thing in the world.
brOTP: I genuinely would see him being good friends with Morel, or even Shoot!
OTP: I don't ship him with anyone.
nOTP: Ging and Kite.
Random headcanon: He's so use to wearing his hat to where if he has to take it off or can't find it at the time, he feels naked without it.
Unpopular opinion: He did not deserve what happened to him. At all. 💔 None of it.
Song I associate with them: Hm. I have never thought about this before. He actually gives me Animal Crossing vibes. A specific song would have to be one of the nighttime tracks in New Leaf while it's raining. Or maybe the nighttime tracks in the original AC. Which that specific one is heavily nostalgic for me. Relistening to all of the Animal Crossing music makes me cry. 💗
Favorite picture of them: I actually love the ones from 1999 Hunter x Hunter. 💓
He's so pretty! 💓💓💓
I do love both versions of him though. I love the 2011 Hunter x Hunter him just as much. Look at that smile. ❤ He's precious.
Illumi
Favorite thing about them: I just love the way he looks. He's pretty, yet scary. I also love his voice. Masaya Matsukaze is so good voicing him.
Least favorite thing about them: The way that he treats Killua. It just hurts me.
Favorite line: I honestly had to look back up on episodes, it's been so long since I watched him in episodes. Oh my gosh I still love the scene during the exams where he tells Hisoka "Okay, I'll be sleeping if you need me, good luck." LOL
brOTP: Illumi and Hisoka. They have a good dynamic, even though that might not be the best word to use.
OTP: I've seen Illumi and Hisoka together, and I honestly do like the idea of it sometimes.
nOTP: None that I'm aware of.
Random headcanon: I honestly can't think of any other than the obvious... When he does smile or laugh, he actually looks very sweet. Don't let that sweetness fool you though.
Unpopular opinion: Even though I like him to an extent, I did get tired of seeing him in the series. That was at the beginning of Hunter x Hunter when I watched it for the first time though. I don't have the same opinion anymore.
Song I associate with them: I can't think of any at all. He does remind me of what haunted house music sounds like.
Favorite picture of them: I just realized how much I love this panel, along with how Madhouse animated it in the show.
Illumi is very pretty during the beginning of Hunter x Hunter. What is he so pretty for?
Knuckle
Favorite thing about them: Everything! 💘💘💘 Literally everything, ugh, he is just perfect. His smile is easily my most favorite. His eyes are super pretty. His strength, his kindness, and his knowledge. I truthfully admire how smart he is. Uhm. His voice!! Oh my god his voice is just 💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞 So so sexy. Wataru Takagi is a gem. His physique... An endless list of things. He really is the perfect man to me. On top of being the typical Japanese delinquent, everyone knows at this point that they are my weakness, of course that makes all of Knuckle my favorite. He makes me melt into a puddle.
Least favorite thing about them: Nothing at all. Aside from not knowing more about his story.
Favorite line: Oh, too many. "Everyone has a heart. That's what I want to believe." ❤ This actually made me cry when he said it. I also really...really love his inner monologue during the Chimera Ant Arc. The entire thing. Perfect.
brOTP: Knuckle and Shoot, of course! 💓
OTP: I like Nashuu from time to time. Like I said, they can be quite cute together.
nOTP: None that I can think of.
Random headcanon: I have way too many for him. Hm... I do see him around his mid twenties, if not just a year younger than Shoot. There's no way this man could be younger than 23 or 24.
Unpopular opinion: It is a huge bummer we never got to see him with his hair down ever. Could you imagine. 💓💓💓💓💓
Song I associate with them: Everytime I listen to Generous Dimentions by TWRP, or Over Your Shoulder by Chromeo...it actually makes me think of him. 💘 Now I'm embarrassed, oh my goodness.
Favorite picture of them: Meve, there's too many I absolutely love, help
💘
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Day 26 - Event: Aoyama Omotesando X Christmas Event (Evening Show)
Two days in a row to meet my oshis…
I can’t believe that this day came. I mean, last year I celebrated Christmas by doing nothing in particular. I’m glad this year I did something at least that is memorable.
Anyway, I got the ticket to go to this newly established unit, Aoyama Omotesando X. This unit has 30 men from Oscar Promotion, an entertainment unit, and they will challenge themselves in broad range of work, from singing, dancing, modeling, even variety show! I’ve watched two of their Line Live, and I can see how interesting each and every members are. Some of them are well known actors from tokusatsu series, TV series, movie actors, or in 2.5D musicals, but some of them are still new, or recently debuted, or they worked at different fields that are relatively unknown by fans.
The event started from members coming from the back of the room singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” in Japanese, wearing white shirts, or hoodies, or jumpers. Anyway, they introduced themselves, starting from Team A, O, and X. The leader is Kuriyama Wataru, and the vice-leader is Shiono Akihisa, both of them served as the MC.
Highlights from the introduction: 1. Nishime Shun is the mood-maker of the group. 2. Uno Yuuya is the gorilla of the group. 3. Sadamoto Fuuma is the bishoujo of the group. 4. Iwata Tomoki is the one who has an annoying face. 5. Sadamoto Fuuma did a dajare (pun). 6. Nakamura Kaito is the fresh-guy from the group, but there was one member who was pretty young and claimed that he’s fresh (I think it was a member from Team X but I can’t remember who he is), then it (almost) became a war between those two. 7. Tanaka Joshua can’t speak English (which is a surprise for me even though he’s half-American…?) 8. Osada Sean introduced himself as the foreigner (gaijin) of the group.
Then it came to the game corner. If they lose they need to do a batsu game (punishment game). First game was between Team A and Team X. The task is that they were given two minutes to borrow an item from the audience, but there are special conditions. The fastest team to finish (and get it right) gets the point. So the specification of the items were lottery (everyone got different specifications), and the special conditions was: First round: Only from people who has the same birth month. Second round: Only from people who has the same blood type. Third round: Only from the people who likes the same animal as the AOX member.
Highlights of this corner: 1. It should be Team X who won, but because of Fuuma re-checking the item he borrowed from the audience, which is blue item (I think it was an IC card case from Seigaku vs Rikkai) and from someone who’s blood type is A, the MCs said Fuuma is an honest person (yasashii hito), so Team A got the point. 2. Onuma Shota (Team A) had to find someone who has orange coloured item from AB blood type audience (AB blood type is rare, right?!) so he was the last to finish his item hunt. Then because of the incident I mentioned on last point, Team A won this round. 3. Uno Yuuya screamed “Is there anyone who’s favorite animal is gorilla?” He’s a lovely dork, isn’t he? 4. Team X has to do the batsu game (1-2, Team A wins), and there was an electric pen, so it will give an electric shock. When one of Team X’s members got shocked, the pen fell to Fuuma’s direction, making Fuuma so terrified, and Team A members were like, “How dare you to hurt Fuuma?!” Then during the shocking self time (Yuuya tried that pen and got shocked by it also LOL), basically Team A members were protecting Fuuma. Conclusion: Fuuma protection squad is born. Second game was the gesture game. So each team, consisting of five people each, was given a situation, and they have to act it out and freeze. More similar and/or same poses, higher points the team got. The battle was between Team A and Team O. This game was made in two rounds for each respective teams.
Highlights of the game: 1. Uno Yuuya and one of the Team A members (Can’t recall the member) went for the same pose, and they kind of declared that they are the new combi. After that, Yuuya hugged that guy, continued by sexily seducing him which made the crowd screamed. Then he imitated the scream with fangirling body movements (I love Yuuya. He’s an ultimate dork). 2. Team O also has a combi, but they didn’t do anything special in particular. 3. This game is won by Team O, which they were really happy because they said that in the afternoon show, Team A hasn’t lost a single game. So, all Team A members must drink nigai ocha (I might translate this as bitter tea, although it sounds awkward). 4. One of Team A members said that Fuuma shouldn’t drink the tea (take it as “poor Fuuma, I don’t want him to get hurt…”) so one of the other Team A members should drink two cups, which of course, that targeted member refused (I can’t remember who’s the target member sorry…). 5. Due to solidarity, Nakada Hiroki, who served as the MC for this corner, drank the tea as well. 6. Uno Yuuya said that he loves drinking nigai ocha, because it’s good for health purposes. 7. Basically everyone in Team A drank the tea and the reaction was priceless. Some fell down, some screamed, Fuuma’s reaction was really calm compared to his teammates and I saw how he suffered from drinking that tea (poor Fuuma…). The only member who has no reaction, obviously, Uno Yuuya. Next time, please give him one bottle of nigai ocha to drink. After this segment ends, it changed to Team X’s talk show, and they were wearing suits which are the same as the pamphlets. The highlight from this segment is Iwata Tomoki who can’t shut up talking about his annoying face (urusai kao) and he was into it (and proud of his annoying face as well LOL). I think he mentioned about him being surprised when he woke up and looked at the mirror, he got rid of it because his face was surprisingly annoying.
Yes, I get it, Tomoki. Your face is annoying, just like you said. After the talk show, Team A members came out wearing suits, and they have to to love confession. The audience who got their number called are free to choose the 30 members of AOX to do one of the five scenes given. The ones who did it was Nishime Shun, Iijima Hiroki, and Nakada Hiroki. I kind of zonked out for this segment, because I’m not a big fan of love confessions that make girls go crazy. Still, it was really funny to see this segment.
Then, present time! Three audiences are eligible to choose one member, and they can choose to have a cheki with them (polaroid photo), kabedon (basically getting cornered on the wall), or the member said “daisuki dayo” to them. Two of the girls let the members choose it for them (Iijima Hiroki and Nakada Hiroki), and one other girl chose for cheki with Kuriyama Wataru. The funny thing about the kabedon is one of the members brought a board, written “kabe” (壁) which means wall, and hold it behind the girl who will get kabedon from the member she chose. Another hilarious thing was the member who hold the board got asked, “How does it feel to hold (or to be…?) the wall?” Man, it was funny to see this segment. After the present segment was over, the members asked us to sing Jingle Bells, and they went around the audience. I called my oshis’ names but they didn’t recognize me. But when I called Sean and said hi to him, he was surprised. Maybe he didn’t expect that one of the audience will speak to him in English…? But, I’m happy that he responded to me.
Lastly, the members gave us one more present, which is plastic balls that has their sign on it. I didn’t get one, but I’m pretty fine with it. I’m happy that I can see them at least on stage. For this event, we have miokuri, so we can do a high touch with all members of the unit. I repeat, all members. I felt sorry for most of the members, which I can’t seem to remember their names (and how they arrange their hair, some of them looked really similar so I can’t differentiate from one another).
My miokuri highlights: 1. Iwata Tomoki was really happy that I knew his name. I said, “Tomoki-kun, kyou wa arigatou gozaimasu!” (Translation: Tomoki-kun, thanks for today!) Then he replied, “Arigatou gozaimasu! Iwata Tomoki desu! (Translation: Thank you! I’m Iwata Tomoki!) I think he’s trying to emphasize himself so the audience who came can remember his name. 2. For most of the members, due to super fast miokuri (and the staffs were pressuring the audiences intensely) I just said arigatou gozimasu or Merry Christmas in broken katakana, which made most of the members surprised that I’m actually a foreigner (which my face looks like a Japanese and I tend to get mistaken to be Japanese as well). I am so sorry, guys… Please forgive my broken katakana Japanese… 3. I spoke English to Sean and he was really happy. I said, “Sean, Merry Christmas!” and he responded “Thank you! Merry Christmas to you too!” I am more than happy that I can interact in English actually. 4. Few days before the Christmas event, me and my two friends were talking about Fuuma, and said that we want to see Fuuma’s shocked or stuttered reaction. So, after talking to my other friends, I decided to say Merry Christmas in English to him. His reaction? He was surprised, I noticed that. His face reaction wasn’t that utterly suprised though, but he can respond thank you in English in split seconds, and his pronunciation was good as well! I really appreciate him for responding in English to me! To be honest, I would like to say do your best in learning English, but again because of the miokuri was too fast, I can’t. Fuuma, I look forward to talk with you again. If possible, in English! 5. I was really sad during Seigaku Team Party because Yuuya couldn’t participate in the miokuri, and I’ve prepared a line for him already! But I was really excited to meet him, and I said, “Yuuya-niichan~!” And his response was really really cute, oh my goodness I love Uno Yuuya so much. He was really happy, then he started jumping and high touching me again and again, which made me responded the same as well. Then he waved at me and said bye-bye. Remembering this made me soooooooooooo embarrassed, because I really want to meet Yuuya and talk to him. He looks really really friendly and nice, also lovable. Uno Yuuya, I’m so grateful to meet and interact with you, even though it was short, but thank you! I hope we can meet again and talk more >< 6. The miokuri ended with Nakada Hiroki. Meeting him gave me a shock, because I saw him on Tsukisute Rabbits Kingdom, and I admired his dancing and stage presence. Seeing him face to face made me melt, and I love his smile. His dimples are so cute oh my goodness. 7. Yuuya’s dimples are also cute. I love guys with dimples. 8. I found it funny that the miokuri started with someone with an annoying face (Iwata Tomoki) and ended with someone with a really charming face (Nakada Hiroki). This is my report for the Christmas event. To be honest, I enjoyed it a lot, but I kind of felt hard to know at least the names of the members. I did expect that they will have a name tag attached to make it easier for the audience to recognize who is who (when they were wearing white shirt, not suits), but at least I still can enjoy the event! Some last highlights from this event: 1. Moriya Shun (Team O) has a really funny face. You just can’t help it but to laugh at his face. 2. One of the members showed his six-packed abs in front of the audience during introduction. 3. Iijima Hiroki’s goods (I don’t know which one) was sold out. After thoughts: I do enjoy this event, and I laughed a lot, especially Yuuya. Man, he’s awesome on stage, and I love his interaction with fans. Fuuma was really cute, his teammates kept protecting him throughout the event, which I can relate that he’s a lovable member (Fuuma is lovely). Most Team A members were really talkative and noisy, and I do wish to see more members being talkative. I enjoyed how non-Team A members, such as Moriya Shun and Nakamura Kaito being talkative on stage. I do expect for more exciting events coming from this unit!
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Summary: Reiji has a date at prom but it goes terribly wrong
“I don’t know if I like this Wataru-guy. He seems a little odd, yeah?” Tajima asked nervously, scratching his jaw.
Shrugging, Reiji yawned, “I’ll be fine. He’s the only reason I’m going to prom anyway.”
Sugai rose a brow. “Didn’t you say he was mean to you the other day?”
“Whaaat? No, that was Bakugo,” Reiji said quickly, chuckling nervously.
Cocking his head, Tajima said, “You always said that asshole was mean to you. Are you sure?”
Reiji nodded. “Yeah. Now how does this suit look?” he asked, turning to the side to show off his black suit.
“You look lovely, honey,” Sugai said, smiling. Though in his eyes, he had a look of worry.
Grinning tiredly, Reiji said, “Good.”
Reiji’s head popped up when he heard the doorbell ring and he rushed downstairs to get it and saw it was the very man they were speaking about: Akio Wataru.
“Ah, so you are the famous Akio Wataru. Nice to meet’cha,” Tajima said with a toothy grin, though his eyes were showing protectiveness over their son.
The man had shoulder-length black hair and a black suit as well— though nowhere near as fancy as Reiji’s— which Reiji was embarrassed about.
Wataru smiled, though it wasn’t reaching his eyes as he held out his hand for a handshake. “Nice to meet you as well, Mister Sunada.”
“Just be home by ten, alright?” Sugai asked, a concerned look in his eyes as he put a hand on Reiji’s shoulder.
Scowling, Reiji muttered, “You guys are too overprotective. I’ll be fine.”
“You can’t get mad at us for parenting, kiddo,” Tajima said, glaring at Wataru every now and then.
Wataru held out his hand for Reiji. “Ready to go?”
Chuckling, Reiji said, “More than anything. Let’s get out of here. Bye, love you, dads!”
“Love you too,” Sugai said first before Tajima nearly screamed it back to his son enthusiastically.
Reiji looked out the car window before furrowing his eyebrows. “This isn’t where we’re supposed to go, right?”
His date, Wataru, only smiled. “Mhm. We’re going somewhere else.”
“Really? Wh—where?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“Uhh... okay.”
Sugai frowned deeply, his head in his hands as he sat on the couch. “I do not like his date,” he stated dryly.
A nod from Tajima. “Yeah... we should’ve made him come home earlier...”
“I could’ve swore he was the one Reiji was saying was picking on him,” Sugai stressed, almost angrily.
Tajima gulped. “Should we call him?”
That seemed to humor Sugai a little. “He left ten minutes ago,” he said matter-of-factly.
“Still!” Tajima barked, a desperate look in his eyes.
Sugai sighed. “Let’s just give it thirty more minutes, okay?”
Nervously, Tajima nodded. “Okay...”
“I— I knew you didn’t simply want to ‘go to prom with me!’” Reiji cried, hurrily putting his clothes back on.
Wataru darkly grinned. “You know you liked it. Don’t lie to me, doll.”
Backing away, Reiji yelled, “You’re insane! Get away from m—me!”
“Hm. Playing hard to get, eh? Well, at least I got the fun part. Good thing my parents are on a business trip, right, darlin’?” he snided, giving a smug look.
Reiji’s eyes showed fear yet his tone was venom. “You are a— a monster!”
The man smirked. “Well, if you tell anyone, you’ll be the slut of the school. We wouldn’t want that, right?” he said, holding up a camera tape— waving it around as a lazy threat.
“G—go screw yourself,” Reiji hissed, finally getting his pants buckled.
Wataru chuckled. “Fowl mouth. That’s funny. Well, fine, go back home. But again, if you tell anyone about this...” he went back to holding up the tape.
Though Reiji wanted to tackle the man and take the tape— he felt like he couldn’t go anywhere near the man who defiled him.
He just couldn’t.
“Fine. Just don’t ever fucking talk to me again,” Reiji growled, his voice still wet with tears.
Wataru kept his smug smile. “No promises.”
When Reiji got out of the god-awful house, he felt his phone buzz.
“Pick up, pick up, pick up...” Tajima muttered before a strained voice came onto the phone.
Reiji rasped, “Yeah?”
Both parents sighed in relief before Sugai asked, “A—are you alright, sweetheart? Are you crying?” he demanded.
“N—no. My voice just hurts,” Reiji responded.
Tajima nearly whispered, “Where is your date?”
It took a bit to respond but Reiji managed to mumble, “He’s— he’s just getting punch.”
“Oh. And where are you?”
“Talking to a— a f—few friends.”
Sugai made a noise of acknowledgement before asking, “Is Todoroki there? Or Iida?”
Another small pause before Reiji managed to splutter, “I— I lied.”
“What about, baby?” asked Tajima, cutting off Sugai who looked like he was about to respond.
Reiji sniffled. “I— I’m n—not at prom.”
Immediately, Tajima asked, “Where are you? Where is Wataru?”
“H—he w—was m—mean to me again... I’m in some random street,” Reiji sobbed suddenly.
Sugai stuttered, “What did h—he do to y—you?”
“...”
“Reiji, what did he do to you?”
The boy let out another sob. “J—just come here, please...”
Tajima instantly exclaimed, “We’re coming, bambino. Just stay there, okay? We’ll check with C.A.L to see where you are.”
“Okay... thank y—you,” Reiji rasped.
When the two got to the street he was in, there sat Reiji on a bench in his suit, his head buried in his hands.
Sugai was instantly checking the boy for wounds or injuries, but only found a bruise on his neck— or what seemed to be a bruise in the dimness— it being nine at night.
“What the hell happened?” Tajima asked, his tone not angry— just worried.
The boy shriveled up as his father said that, clutching suddenly onto his neck angrily— at the so-seemed bruises.
Sugai instantly pulled his hands away. “Love, you’ll hurt yourself if you keep clenching like that.”
“I— I trusted him!” Reiji suddenly screamed, sobbing and wailing.
It was lucky no one was around— literally. It was like an abandoned town or something.
Tajima wanted to find the bastard that did this to him and kill him— so did Sugai.
“What happened, sweetheart? Where is he?” asked Tajima, kneeling down.
The boy sniffled, giving an angry groan. “At— at his house. Please don’t go after him. At least n—not now...”
Sugai looked over to see Tajima furrowing his eyebrows before Sugai nudged him— beckoning him for a response to the boy.
“Of course, miele... let’s just get you home, okay? Are you hurt?” Tajima asked, tensing up more and more by the minute.
Shaking his head, Reiji murmured quietly, “It’s just hard t—to walk.”
Sugai’s breath hitched at that, only more desperate for an answer to what happened.
“Alright. I can carry you, honey. That sound good?” Tajima asked, cautious.
Though he was hesitant, Reiji nodded. “O—okay. Thanks.”
The car ride was a bit longer than intended— and quiet— but they managed to get to their house safely, and this time Sugai was the one to carry their son.
Tajima flicked on the lights as Sugai set him down on the couch.
“Here we are. Home sweet home,” the short father said with a grin.
He was expecting some kind of response— acknowledgement— anything; but all he got was a distant look from Reiji.
Sugai smiled awkwardly. “Do you want something to eat? Drink? Anything?”
“N—no thanks. I’m good,” Reiji said, hair covering his eyes.
With a sigh, Tajima said abruptly yet gently, “You have to tell us what happened, tesoro.”
Reiji quietly cried, squeezing his eyes shut— not responding.
“Love, you’re scaring u—us,” Sugai said, his voice breaking and his eyes desperate.
Silently, Reiji turned the other way, still shaking with quiet cries.
Tajima’s eyes widened with realization. “We’re scaring you, aren’t we?”
“Please d—don’t—” Reiji cut himself off, realizing he was just where his parents were— not with him.
Backing away with Sugai, Tajima asked gently, “Baby, can you please talk to us? Even just a word, anything. We’re a few feet away from you. If you want farther, just say the word, alright?”
Reiji wiped his tears flimsily before mumbling, “m’ sorry...”
“‘Sorry’? For what, sweetheart?” a shocked Sugai asked.
Still wiping away his tears, Reiji murmured, “For being scared o—of you. For— for scaring you.”
Tajima chuckled humorlessly. “You don’t need to apologize for any of that, bambino. Never. Okay?”
“O—okay,” Reiji dully repeated.
Quietly, Sugai asked, “Can you tell us what happened? Please?”
Reiji sighed. “When I talked about Wat— him, it wasn’t about Bakugo. He was the one bullying me...”
“Oh, honey...” Tajima trailed off before Reiji started speaking again.
Carrying on, he said, “At first, it wasn’t a big deal. But then he asked me out and I felt too afraid to say no. And then— and then—” He broke down in cries and sobs.
Sugai was fighting tears himself along with Tajima— and they didn’t even know the full story yet.
“Can— can we hug you, honey?” a cautious Sugai asked.
Quietly, Reiji nodded. “Please d—do.”
Tajima and Sugai slowly wrapped their arms around the boy after walking toward him.
“Oh, tesoro...” Tajima breathed into Reiji’s hair, his own body shaking with up-coming sobs.
Sniffling as well, Sugai mumbled, “We love you more than anything, sweetheart. You know that, right?”
Reiji nodded into their chests. “I— I love you too.”
“Please— please continue with the story,” Tajima pleaded, stroking Reiji’s hair lovingly.
Another nod into the men’s chests, Reiji said quietly, “I asked him where he was taking us when I saw he passed the school. He took me to his house.” Inhale. Exhale. “Then he— he touched me... and— and did—” Again, the boy broke down in sobs.
Sugai felt his whole world come to a sudden stop.
Tajima felt like his heart has been shattered a million times.
“O—oh, love, I— this is all my fault, I didn’t trust him fr—from the very start and now— and now—” He cut himself off with sobs.
Tightening his grip, Tajima sobbed loudly, “Baby, I’m so, so sorry! I’m so sorry— did— did he hurt you?” he suddenly asked, repeating his question from earlier.
Reiji wanted to scoff at that but he quietly mumbled, “There’s b—bruises all over m—my legs and my neck. And... hickeys. I— I think I’m b—bleeding down there t—too...”
“Should— do you think we should take him to the hospital?” Sugai asked worriedly.
Immediately, Reiji yelled, “N—no! No h—hospitals! Please! Not now!”
Tajima frowned deeper, tears becoming a waterfall. “Miele, I— I think it’s for the be—”
“No! I said no!” Reiji screamed, his eyes showing the look meant for someone else, not his parents.
Instantly, Sugai gently whispered, holding Reiji’s hand, “Okay, love. Just... just eventually. Okay?”
Reiji’s glare softened suddenly. “Okay.”
“Can you get some rest, honey?” a worried Tajima asked, before letting his lips linger on the crown of Reiji’s hair.
Quietly, the boy mumbled, “Only if you guys can stay... and if it’s on the couch... I don’t want to see another bed for awhile.”
Sugai sadly smiled. “Sounds good, love. Just rest those beautiful eyes, okay? When you wake up, we’ll still be here,” he whispered.
“Thanks... can I— I lay with you?” the boy asked nervously.
Nodding, Tajima adjusted himself and cautiously pulled Reiji on top of him, sitting on his lap.
Sugai gently leaned on Tajima and put an arm around Reiji. “Is this good, sweetheart?”
“Y—yeah. Thanks again,” Reiji repeated, burying his face into Tajima’s chest as Sugai kissed the side of his head.
Sweetly, Tajima cooed, “Of course, miele. You know how much this family loves cuddles.”
The joke seemed to get a small muffled laugh out of Reiji.
It wasn’t long before he ended up falling asleep, curled into the shorter father’s chest.
Sugai sighed when he heard Reiji’s gentle snores. “Poor thing... I swear I’ll find that man and kill him.”
Nodding in agreement, Tajima bit back a snarl. “Let me join you,” he grumbled.
“First thing in the morning, we’re taking him to the hospital,” sternly said Sugai.
Tajima sighed. “I guess you’re right.”
Narrowing his eyes, Sugai muttered confidently, “I’m always right.”
“I’d get him out of this suit but after what he went through... I don’t know if we can,” Tajima mumbled.
Sugai sighed, pressing another kiss to the side of Reiji’s head. “I agree. It’d be terrible if we startled him.”
The couple stayed there, silently watching over their son.
The next day, Akio Wataru would not have a good day coming.
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LIPHLICH Ba.Shindou Wataru’s beautiful hair & kanzashi course Part #2 [2017.06.23]
[=LIPHLICH INTERVIEW TRANSLATION=]
The 4-member entertainment rock band LIPHLICH formed in 2010 around vocalist Kuga Shingo and bassist Shindou Wataru. Among this prominently individualistic group of geniuses, there is the impressive member with beautiful black hair and noticably bewitching charm, Shindou Wataru. We have given this “Overly beautiful bassist & beautician” that draws attention a special invitation to give a lecture about this fixation on beauty, the care for beautiful black hair, and his personal recommendation on “kanzashi-using updo”. Continuing the previous part where Shindou Wataru talked to us about his thoughts on beauty, in part two we’ll finally practice updos that use kanzashi!
Part one is here: LIPHLICH Ba.Shindou Wataru’s beautiful hair & kanzashi course Part #1
Part two: “The use of kanzashi & practical education”
Interview / text: Takeichi Hisako
── So. Please explain to us how to tie your hair up using a kanzashi.
Wataru: Yes. First of all, even among kanzashi, there are various different kinds. In principle they are a thing used by women, but there are actually many that have a lovely design, so I collect and use these particularly simple and unisex ones. Today I brought some kanzashi that are made of wood, a part of a branch and a shell, and water buffalo horn. Then, what I usually use is, uh, a chopstick. But since it looks like you’ve got a stick stuck in your head if there is excess length, men’s chopsticks that are a bit shorter are the best. These chopsticks are a bargain, if you buy a set, there are two pieces in it. So you’ve got a spare!
(From the top: Wooden, cow bone, chopstick (all are mr. Shindou’s own))
──Amazing. You’re like a fountain of wisdom.
Wataru: Yes (laugh). Since they are not excessively decorated, I’d definitely like to recommend them to men. Also if you’re like me and have a lot of hair that is long too, if you have something as long as a chopstick, you can fix your hair even more tightly. People with long hair should use long kanzashi. As to why, when you’re fixing your hair by wrapping it around a part of the kanzashi, the length is important. For people with shorter hair, or for when you’re doing a half-updo, which is a style in which you are not putting all of your hair up, but only gathering the top portion of it and tying that, it’s good to use a short kanzashi.
──I see. Approximately how many do you have, sensei?
Wataru: I have some that are broken, but there are 2~30 pieces. Because among them there are the showy ones that I use on stage. For casual use, one’s fine. With kanzashi, after you have used one to tightly secure your hair, you can stick some more in afterwards as a decoration. Oiran and such are certainly a representation of this. However, even if you have decorative kanzashi, it’s good to carry a simple one that you can use to tightly fix your hair.
──Does the material matter?
Wataru: It does. As expected, if it is made of a slippery material, it slips easily, so I think that if you pick a material with a rough feel to it at the start, such as wood, you you can gather your hair without failure. However, naturally a somewhat rough material can damage the hair cuticle, so you need to take that into consideration for your choice.
──It is an important winding method but...... it looks so difficult.
Wataru: No, it’s really easy. Anyone can do it. Shall I try? (demonstrates on own hair).
──Amazing! It barely takes five seconds!
Wataru: Indeed. It really just takes a moment. First, you gather all your hair as if making a ponytail, then you twist it around. Then you stick the kanzashi in and after wrapping the remaining hair around it, as a last thing you push the kanzashi through the base. An important point when doing that is that if you insert if too close to the scalp, it really hurts, so be careful about that.
──The position of the coil can be wherever we like?
Wataru: Indeed, if you want it more to the right, then when you first gather your hair like a ponytail, you move it to the right, and then it will be more like that. Also, it’s okay to insert the kanzashi both from the top or from the bottom. As that changes the finished shape though, please choose the way that you like, according to where you want it to have volume. If you are inserting it from the bottom, the number of twists will be a bit higher. Would you like to try it for yourself?
── So, Shindou-sensei. The student, having been handed a kanzashi, now makes an attempt, even though she is confused.
Student 1: It’s okay to twist it clockwise right? (twist twist twist) Where am I supposed to stick it through?
Wataru: When you twist it, there is a tight part. But if you stick it too close to your scalp, it will hurt a lot, so please pick that spot according to your feeling, one way or the other. As you become used to it you’ll be able to guess the approximate point, but at first you’ll need to feel around for a bit.
Student 1: Ah...
── The first try is a failure (laugh)
Wataru: When you’re twisting it, if you don’t hold it tight in your hand, the hair will come undone, so use your hand to hold it together firmly. Then, after you have stuck the kanzashi through the twisted hair, wrapping the hair around the kanzashi you twist it to wrap the ends around, and then push the kanzashi through from the top.
Student 1: That’s ... that’s hard.... (troubled)
── However, Shindou-sensei’s teaching method was precise and easy to understand, it was a huge success!
Student 1: Ah! I did it! It’s staying firmly in place!
(After tying the hair using a simple kanzashi, a decorative kanzashi has been added)
── A really beautiful updo is completed! Moving on, we have the second student who has a lot of hair, and says she thought that kanzashi would be unsuitable for her because of the hair’s weight. So. What now?!
Wataru: That’s alright, I also have a considerable amount of hair. However, it can still be tied firmly! Oh, there are some layers. In that case, if you use hair cream for example, it can be gathered nicely. But since there are many layers on the inner side, if you put it all up, the short hair would come out loose here and there, so until you grow it all out, I’d recommend a half-updo.
── That is the sensei’s advice. For people who have a lot of hair, one of the points is to fix it close to the scalp.
Student 2: Ah, amazing! It’s firmly in place!
(The half-updo that is also recommended for people with a lot of hair)
── It was successful without a problem! So, including the staff, it’s a challege for everyone. It’s seriously easy! You can really do it without failure, so definitely try it! Please refer to the video where sensei puts it into practice, to get through this gloomy rainy season and summer! You can easily make a yukata updo as well!
= Towards the next page What kind of women does Shindou Wataru find pretty?=
── So, we decided to do a little corner here with questions from the students for you, sensei!
Student 2: Sensei, what kind of woman do you find beautiful?
Wataru: I think that when you are creating your image, it is like two opposing mirrors. In other words, how will you create yourself? That’s why I think that you come to like the kind of existence that you yearn for. If you can think “I want to become like that person”, you will come to like the person who carries that longing. So, my greatest ideal would be a person that I want to become, but can’t.
── A strong aesthetic sense, as expected, sensei! There is a question from the second student.
Student 1: If your hair care is bad, or you have prominent hair loss because of the changing of seasons, what should you do?
── Such a mundane question huh.
Wataru: If your hair falls out easily, among the big problems are the scalp condition, the timing of drying the hair when washing, and what you do with it when sleeping as you go to bed. Either it falls out, or the hair breaks a lot. Rubbing against the pillow has a big effect. That’s why when sleeping, you shouldn’t have your hair spread out under your back. Don’t keep it in the back, you should be conscious about bringing it to your front. The timing of drying it also important. Sleeping with your hair wet is the worst. It’s really the reason for hair to fall out, so please never do that. After shampooing it, moisturize it properly using some sort of oil. I use horse oil, so that’s really nice. In the bathroom, after shampooing it I massage it using horse oil and then rinse. This is seriously great, so please give that a try! It gives you beautiful hair.
── Really a former beautician. That was great advice! So, lastly, sensei has also instructed us about the care for kanzashi and a practical use for them!
Wataru: Regarding kanzashi maintenance, it isn’t important to care for cow bone kanzashi in any special way, but as wooden ones are definitely prone to drying out, if you treat them with something like camelia oil from time to time, it will even give them a nice shine, try it. Then, there’s a practical skill, for when you want to create waves. After you’ve washed your hair, if you wrap it around a kanzashi while it is still a bit wet, you can create pleasant curls. In the place where you want to make the wave, wrap the hair tightly, then when you remove the kanzashi, you can have soft, natural waves.
──This wave trick is definitely worth a try! You can easily get natural-looking curls that way! Sensei, thank you very much!
Wataru: Nono, likewise. It’s really a great Japanese tradition, isn’t it. This way of wrapping one’s hair tightly around this one stick. The first person who thought of that must have been amazing! Everyone please, try it if you like! Also, if you are interested, definitely come hang out at a LIPHLICH live! I’ll be waiting for you!
A kanzashi arrangement compilation
Tight
Leaving the ends of hair loose
Half-updo
French twist
A video lecture by Shindou-sensei
youtube
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Favorite wataei moments? <3
I'm sorry this must be the worst possible answer but I'm gonna have to say all of them because just. They're such a duo (affectionate)
I think a really big part of the beauty of wataei is that they're so. Uhm. How to word this. They're very...rich? In a way?? Like there's just so many things about them that really wanna make you go and swallow drain cleaner before you start screaming and there's just something abot every moment of theirs that really brings that out??? I hope this made sense???
But if I'd have to pick a specific favourite it's probably the Tempest waltz because that one's very sweet and I'm weak for sappy romance stuff and there's something about Eichi being what I'm gonna call self indulgent (for lack of better wording) that just. Gets me every time <3 (all of the Tempest wataei moments actually I love that event so much fine my beloveds and the cgs mwah mwah mwah)
(Close second must be either the ep:link mask scene or that one time in elements when Wataru was practicing his lines on the school rooftop and Eichi was watching him and pining so hard he partially turned into a forest)
(or that one time in Fist of the Shangri-la Idol where Wataru was like "That filth precisely is one of Eichis, dare I say all of humanities charm point!" And Eichi just answered with "Thanks I love you too Wataru" I thought that was really fun same with Sanctuary during the helicopter ride when Wataru basically said the same thing to him ("It is precisely because you are so deranged that I take such interest in you! <3") or when Eichi just left Tomoya in the middle of nowhere to dramatically make his exit with Wataru although I'm not sure if that really counts as a Wataei moment I just think that one's hilarious AND OH MY GOD HOW COULD I FORGET EICHIS FEVER DREAM FROM JINGLE BELLS That one also just </3 so bittersweet </3 or literally every time everyone mentions how Eichi would buy Wataru the world if he asked for it or in the Milky Way story the soba(??) which Eichi said reminded him of Watarus hair and then immediately went "actually, where is Wataru?" and the counter piece from Neverland where Nagisa made a pun on Ibaras name and Wataru went "oh you made a pun! Our Eichi is quite fond of those too! <33" (living in each others minds rent free lomve) and also that time in the summer vacation (I think it was called?) where Kaoru was calling for help because Wataru wouldn't leave him alone and Eichi just "Why, are you cheating on me Wataru?" I just thought that was really amusing they did not hold back on the wataei in that story though chapter one I think it was they already had them with the "Just for being yourself you've already earned 100 points!" "Well then I shall continue to aim for 120." And Watarus grandiously announcing Eichis arrival and Eichi answering with "oh you're making me blush" and NOT TO FORGET THE MILKY WAY SCENE AFTER THE LIVE WHEN THEY WERE SITTING AND EICHI WAS IN AWE ABOUT VALKYRIES PERFORMANCE AND THE "after all, the one who taught me that this world could be more beautiful than anything else was you." (I think it was something along those lines) which. Biting through a wall. And in daydream the way Eichi described Wataru was also *chefs kiss* I really liked that scene it was also very bittersweet (mainly bitter but that has it's appeal too no?) And aaah gosh the ending chapters of ep:link too those were sooooooo ("You could be Momotarou born from a peach. You could be a nameless extra of unknown origin. It all wouldn't matter because the one standing right in front of me is the Hibiki Wataru I love and admire." Dying deceased dead.) Just the way they are the reason we even have this entire store just the way they shaped the narrative I am soooooo normal about them AND DINER LIVE THE LAST CHAPTER when he said he wanted to stand on the same stage as Eichi not as a member of fine or as one of the five oddballs but as just Wataru that was also very <33 :)))) and all of Magnolia chapter 6/7/8 the bet to play a game and then the loser has to buy the winner lunch and the doll (that doll I am still not over that) and the way there's multiple dolls and "You're a genius I have taken quite a liking to" and the way Wataru wanted to hand those dolls up by the neck outside of the window for good weather and when Eichi had the Wataru doll sit in his chair so it wouldn't get dirtied I think was the reason and Tori was very weirded out by the situation I lomved that a lot they're very neat I love them a lot I love them so much they're so dear to me <3333)
#long post#the scariest thing about this is that I didn't take any reference material I just typed all of this in one go#I'd have put it under a read more but I can't due to typing this on my phone I hope nobody minds#but yeah I really love them thank you anon for giving me an excuse to ramble about them a bit#it's very funny just before I got the notif I was reading a wtei fanfic#ahhh I love talking#well "talking''#but the point gets across#aaahh they're so dear to me I love them I really do#I'm so sorry to all the people who have this on their dash now#inbox#anon#enstars#eichi tenshouin#hibiki wataru#wataei
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2017.05.03 Marker Light Blue Deeper Review!
I got to see my beautiful Hiroki-kun again on stage <3
Official Website here Official Twitter here Press Coverage 1, 2, 3 Other Related (e.g. Opening/Dance) Videos: 1, 2, 3, 4
Cast and Characters (Character’s Actual Name / Japanese Pronounced and Written Version)
CLOUD BLUE GAKKOU/SCHOOL Jyounin Tatsuki as Saphir/Safaia Sugie Masahiro as Verite/Berute Oguri Ryo as Honette / Onetto Furuhata Keisuke as Affection/Afekushion Iwa Yoshito as Tendress/Tandoresu Tanaka Hiroki as Chasete / Shasutate
RED Seto Keita as Rubis / Rubi- Shiokawa Wataru as Dignite / Digunite Hattori Muo as Passion / Pashion Masui Kento as Courage / Kura-jyu Domoto Shouhei as Beaute / Bo-te
CORINDON GROUP Sueno Takuma as Corindon Katou Mao as Walter / Warute-ru Hagiwara Naruya as Guillaume / Gyo-mu Akaba Mio as Thibaud / Chibo- Sugamoto Ikumi as Doudou / DuDu- Yoshizawa Tsubasa as Ghislain / Gisuran
SCHOOL COUNCIL Okita Kouhei as Horace / Orasu Watabe Hiroki as Roro/Roro Sono Kazuki as Nicholas / Nikola Uchino Futo as Anton / Anton
NON-SPOILER REVIEW
Overall: This is my second Odd Entertainment production. While it wasn’t as good as Soul Flower (see review here), this play still had a lot of charm. I really enjoyed the world and the action was great and I like how the story came together. The costumes were awesome, the use of the stage was great, all the characters were interesting and I enjoyed it! The only place where it really lagged was that the set up and introduction took quite a long time in my opinion. So getting to the action took time. But it was good! Rating: 7/10
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STORY
We follow students who go to a special magic school BUT have never been to the outside world because it’s too dangerous and because they all have magic powers, they’d probably be killed instantly if they went out. One day, very strangely, they get a transfer student (something that has never happened before) and it appears he doesn’t even have a power, or at least the powers haven’t awoken yet. The boy also doesn’t have any memory of who he is, how he got there nor what he did before he went to the school. On the other hand, the Corindon Group are trying to find a magic thing can Corindon needs and wants in order to become all powerful. This leads his men to the school, but what will happen and who is this new guy?!
Did I make it interesting enough for you? Good!
Onto the SPOILER REVIEW!
So I already stated the tiny negative in the Non-Spoiler section so I don’t need to comment about that at all, so lets get to all the good and juicy stuff!
I was SO freaking excited to see this stage for some reason! Just the fact it’s from the same guys who did Soul Flower - which I freaking loved(!) - and it was Hiroki-kun again and not ONLY Hiroki-kun but past actors that I’ve seen Oguri Ryo and Higawari Naruya! And then the freaking visuals came out and Hiroki-kun was doing a BLONDE role again and he was FREAKING adorable in it! I was so ready for this. So naturally my expectations going in were crazy! I’m glad for the most part I was happy and enjoyed this!
Again Odd Entertainment managed to take a simple story and just make it so much more. Also the characters are all so realistic, none of them are the same, they all have their own traits and personalities and they each have their own charm!
Speaking of the story, I really liked how it all came together. First we have three different groups of people; Blue, Red and Corindon group, and how they so perfectly come together e.g. Corindon group is searching for the magic power while also using and manipulating the Reds to help them and then turns out the magic power is actually TWO people, one from Blue and one from Red so they all end up at the same place together. I am not doing this story justice so I’ll just go full spoiler on the story right now:
So Saphir is the transfer student who doesn't remember who he is or where he came from but he turns up at the school with only a letter on him telling him to go there. So everyone in the school wants to know who he is and why his powers haven't awakened yet regardless of his age. Some are naturally hostile to him but slowly and surely he manages to win everyone over and become everyone's friends. Meanwhile Corindon is ordering Red and his group to find Saphir and only says that Saphir has something that will help them become strong. In reality he wants Saphir because he's magical and he wants him in order to become the ultimate ruler and most powerful man in the world. So Red infiltrate the school and kidnap Saphir who ends up in Corindon's lair. Naturally Blue want to save their friend to try to break in and get him back but on the way, one by one, they get killed. Slowly the Reds realised how evil Corindon is and change sides, well most of them and turns out Rubis is also part of the magic power Corindon wants. A long time ago the power split itself into two so it would be safe from being used for evil, creating Rubis and Saphir and if them two come together with the help/control of Corindon then something very bad could happen. It was originally just Saphir but he saved Rubis as a child and decided to transfer part of his power into him. Neither of them remember their past until they meet back in the present. So in the end it’s most of Blue and Red fighting (and dying) for their life to save both Saphir from being tortured and killed for his power, and to keep Rubis safe also, as well as stop and destroy Corindon and his group.
Sound decent enough?
So the story is technically simple; two powers make an ultimate power, evil lord on the rise. BUT when you add all the friendship and the magic actually being people who have a history and connection and evil guys turning to the good side and such, it becomes so much more and is so much deeper (no pun intended) in story!
Okay now onto the next thing!!
I super, super, super love what the did with the actual stage! They had two massive slabs on either side of the stage that they would rotate when the scene changed. It would be the school gates or the school dorm with sofas, or it could be the back of a building with a bench or it’d be full of chains and show the Corindon den/hide-out; it’s really creative yet the actually assembling and such is so simple!
The action was really good too but like Onigiri (same theatre it was at too) there were a bit too many people and things on stage at once for my worries and anxiety not to be like ‘PLEASE don’t hurt yourself or fall off!’ and luckily no one had any trouble which is a lucky godsend because seriously, anything could’ve easily gone wrong. As expected it wasn’t like Touken Ranbu stage/musical and 2.5 level of choreography and speed but it was still great and the weapons and such were interesting =]
I also really loved the costumes and the hair and the visuals in general were amazing! I wanted EVERYONE’s bromides! I ended up only buying Hiroki-kun’s (and Domoto’s for a friend) BUT if I had had the money I would’ve definitely bought:
And now onto the characters themselves... ready for an essay? If it wasn’t already xD
ACTING/CHARACTERS
CLOUD BLUE GAKKOU/SCHOOL
Jyounin Tatsuki as Saphir/Safaia: I get the feeling this actor is a big deal but I have no idea who he is. Just the way he holds himself and talks, it came off like he’s probably one of the more popular actors and of course as the main character too in this. But in all honesty, his character was the most boring in terms of personality but that’s probably because he spent the entire stage being like who even am I?!’ and ‘hey guys lets all be friends! I have no past or personality so I’m a good neutral for everyone to be friends with’ is the impression I got from him. Also we all know the MC is always the least interesting character xD *google* oh fuck he’s in TsukiUta!!!!... no wonder he felt like he was famously known as a stage actor! Dammit my spidey senses were right that he’s a big deal...
BUT getting away from the air he gave off and his character, during the curtain call when he actually could be himself; he was totally adorable! He kept messing up his speeches and stuff and just so naturally and automatically slapping himself on the cheek when he messed up and everytime everyone cracked up laughing xD
Sugie Masahiro as Verite/Berute: So you see his visuals and you just imagine a stereotypical glasses character right? Like Tezuka (TeniPuri) or William (Kuroshitsuji). And he IS like that and all stoic and such BUT as you get to know him, he can fight and he’s super nice and tries to help Honette out a lot. And his and Honette’s sword fighting practise scene was great! I really enjoyed those scenes with him and Honette, you can tell they’ve been friends for a long time. Also his hair was fabulous xD
Oguri Ryo as Honette / Onetto: I got to see Oguri in action for the third time! He always does amazing with the action scenes and every time he’s played a different character too. This time we got the cool and mysterious, quiet guy who is obviously badass and could woop your butt within seconds if you tried to start a fight with him. I love his solo sword fighting practise around the back of the school before Verite joined him and they then practised together <3 But his and Chasete’s death scene broke my heart... I’ll get to that later... his power was fire if I remember correctly.
Furuhata Keisuke as Affection/Afekushion and Iwa Yoshito as Tendress/Tandoresu: I’m going to put these two together because they’re twins in this, Affection being the younger brother even though Tendress is the ‘’weaker’ one. Their power is super cool! It’s like Kamen Rider W where both of them have to be present in order for the power to work! So what happens is Tendress goes into a sleep state while Affection uses the power to attack. So yeah, exactly like Kamen Rider W xD I love how they always held hands together (of course xD) and Affection always tries to protect his brother. Also their death is sad; they’ll laid against a wall with their hands against each other =[ they were cute!!
Tanaka Hiroki as Chasete / Shasutate: Now to this little cutie! Freaking Hirokikun you guys! (A compuslory bigger photo for him obviously <3)
Once again Hiroki-kun did a somewhat different character. This character is a right queen! He’s very manipulative and gets people to do what he wants. He has poor Orasu under his thumb and when Chasete tells him that he doesn’t like him (because Orasu is in LOVE with Chasete) Orasu just breaks down and finally realises Chasete was just using him! It’s such a good scene! Also before this scene we get Orasu being a bit sexually frustrated and Chasete just pins him down on the sofa and then when Orasu gets really angry he switches it around so he is on top of Chasete and starts to unbutton his vest! =O
Also when Chasete corners in on Saphir and tries to seduce him too! Oh my!! Seriously I am all for this type of Hiroki o_O this is the second time I’ve seen him do a BL role and I loved it xD cannot wait for his scenes to be on DVD!
But oh me, oh my his death scene! So it ends with him and Honette fighting together and they’re both obviously killed and while on their last breathes, they’re back to back while sat on the floor and Chasete just says ‘I want to sleep / Yasumitai’ and Honete is like ‘yeah just sleep here’ and then obviously they both die =[ it was so sad!
Chasete’s power is basically Manipulation (how is that not surprising xD) and so he can like control people like a puppeteer. It’s pretty cool ^_^
Also Chasete is just pretty as all hell!
I love when Saphir kind of sees through Chasete’s evilness and is like ‘you’re just insecure... be MY friend’ and Chasete breaks down and opens up to him <3 such a good scene!
Hiroki-kun as usual entertained me and made me happy that I’m following his career <3
RED
Seto Keita as Rubis / Rubi-: I’m going to be honest, I wasn’t interested in this character all that much until towards the end. For most of the play he’s just following orders and it becomes clear to the rest of the group that he’s been brainwashed and deluded into thinking Corindon is a good person and he truly believes that Corindon is wanting this power for everyone. But when he learns that he’s the other half of the power and finally believes that Corindon is mean THAT’s when he gets interesting! Visually he looks cool anyway but his character development and story wasn't the most interesting for me.
Shiokawa Wataru as Dignite / Digunite: Ahhh I’m sorry! I don’t really remember this guy =S I remember he’s one of the first Reds to turn good and all but I found the rest of the Reds so interesting that he just kind of fell behind =[ I’ll have to wait for the DVD to make an opinion of him. Sorry guys!
Hattori Muo as Passion / Pashion: I LOVED this guy! As soon as he came on stage, I was like YEAH! He’s so energetic and so raring to go and he has a lot of energy and reminds me a lot of those larger/taller roles, for example Momo from Tenimyu or pretty much any role the actor Shouhei (from Tenimyu, Sengoku Musou, and others) -- do you understand what I mean? I really, really liked him! His death was so sad =[
Masui Kento as Courage / Kura-jyu: This baby is adorable!!! I wanted to take him home!! But his storyline is so sad!!! He gets brutally killed off straight away and THEN Beaute uses his appearance as like a facade when he wants to attack the others! Seeing and evil Courage was upsetting! his death guys, his death hit the feels! And he’s so tiny and cute!!! ... oh shit you guys ... I’ve just googled... he’s not much younger than me!! Holy *dead* he was in YowaMushi! He plays Mizuta!!! OH MY GOD!!! I love him in YowaMushi!!! I remember googling him immediately when I saw him in YowaMushi!!!! OH MY!!! Damn now I do wish I’d bought his bromides to support him!!! OOOOO! He did the Alice play with Keito too?!?! DAMN!! *dead* look look look!
Domoto Shouhei as Beaute / Bo-te: This guy... I know my friend Josie follows his acting troupe/group (acting right? not boy band right? xD) and so she told me about him and so naturally my brain was like “focus on him on stage!’ and me oh my I got SUCH a delight from him. Not only do the Reds come in from the side doors at one point, but also he walked down my aisle and do not trust these pictures, they do not do him justice; he’s SO much more prettier in real life!!! I was in love... love at first sight with this character! His character was also super interesting! He ends up just turning on his group and being one of the two TRUE bad guys and his magic is awesome; he can change his appearance and it’s like image magic where he can creative nothing out of thin air so long as he’s seen it before!
When they came in from the theatre doors that one time, one (I think Dignite) was talking to the crowd and saying that one of the audience members was beautiful, and Domoto flicked his hair back and was like 'of course I'm the most beautiful though' and then Passion turned to him and just shook his head at him very slowly xD Beaute paid no attention to it xD And then in another scene on stage he mentioned his beauty xD Seeing him in his usual out of costume self is absolutely hilarious that he would do such a ’beauty’ role because he looks so different and normal out of costume! I mean look at him normally and then relook at his character photo! So different!
No wait, I take it back. He is VERY pretty even normally... But seriously guys as THAT character, he really is beautiful!
CORINDON GROUP
Sueno Takuma as Corindon: This guy was a good decent bad guy! I don’t have much to say about him just because he’s the stereotypical bad guy and he does it very well. But it was great how he managed to get one group to follow his orders without that group finding out his real motive nor that he had another and his own group doing his bidding too. Also the slight torture scene with Saphir being tortured and tied up by the chains and Corindon electrocuting him(?) was very interesting xD
Katou Mao as Walter / Warute-ru: I have a love-hate relationship with this character. On the one hand I thought he was completely badass and his giant sword weapon was awesome and he kicked butt and I love how when he got really serious he would take out his hand from under his cloak and throw his cloak back so both his arms showed as he fought. BUT (I’m going to be really super shallow now) he just wasn’t pretty enough as this character. In fact, I’d say he looks AWFUL in his pictures (so he’s not photogenic BUT) If you google him he looks great normally! Anyway getting away from my shallowness... he was a badass character and was totally cool and I loved his fighting weapon.
Hagiwara Naruya as Guillaume / Gyo-mu: This character kind of fell under the radar. I really like d the actor in Soul Flower and I kind of expected him to play a bigger role but he really only just popped up here and there and didn’t really bring much to the table, I think he was just a mad scientist that could only come in handy once Corindon got his hands on Saphir.
Akaba Mio as Thibaud / Chibo-: This guy reminded me of... someone... I can’t quite place my finger on who but he was very much like a BDSM type military guy. Do you understand? He also had this whip which was his weapon and he had tight clothes on and such so you get me right?! He was fairly interesting but had a much smaller role than the others so also kind of fell under the radar.
Sugamoto Ikumi as Doudou / DuDu-: This guy was the stereotypical big bony guy who’s pretty dumb and brings comic relief and does stupid things. Except his comedy really didn’t hit all that well with half of the audience. I really enjoyed his stupidity but I didn’t really hear anyone laughing at him which is a shame.
Yoshizawa Tsubasa as Ghislain / Gisuran: I LOVED this guy! Everything from his visuals to how his character is mysterious and quiet but very deadly when he fights, he was good! It’s a shame he was easily overpowered when the Blues got serious though. But I did enjoy his ninja-esque feel and his had the part of clothing that covered his mouth to be more ninja and quite like and he only spoke when he absolutely needed to so overall he was pretty dang cool! Also the actor himself is cute xD
SCHOOL COUNCIL
Okita Kouhei as Horace / Orasu: This poor guy, he was so easily manipulated and used by Chasete but then when he got his heart broken and he goes kinda mental was creepy but very well done.
Watabe Hiroki as Roro/Roro, Sono Kazuki as Nicholas / Nikola and Uchino Futo as Anton / Anton: I’m going to put these guys together. They’re all relatively young and they all had not so much time on stage and they were definitely the cutest because of how much younger they were and I have to say the sweetest out of them all was Roro because he got kidnapped and traumatised thanks to Corindon, also Roro is just like Saphir in that his powers haven’t awoken yet so he’s there to support Saphir when he;s like ‘where is my power?!’. These three did a very good job!
And I think I’ve finally done it!
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AFTERSHOW
I went on opening night and at the end, instead of an aftertalk or a handshake, we got to take pictures of the whole cast on our hpones so here’s some shots I took ^_^
The last two shots were of the cut outs in the lobby ^_^
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GOODS
As you can see I stayed Hiroki-kun central BUT as previously mentioned, if I had the money I definitely would’ve bought some other’s bromides <3
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And we’re done! Another down... a billion 8 more to go (seriously I am SO far behind >.<)
#tanaka hiroki#domoto shouhei#domoto shohei#jyounin tatsuki#oguri ryo#iwa yoshito#masui kento#hagiwara naruya#odd entertainment#stage#stage play#review#舞台#マーカライトブルー#yoshizawa tsubasa#marker light blue#marker light blue deeper
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I am going to request a headcanon/scenario on like a special sports event(1B and 3A are going to be girls then 3A will be cheerleaders and 1A , Tenkousei and 3B are the announcers/failicators)Everyone will form in groups of 3(Format:1 from 2A,1 from 2B and 1 from 1B) Then the 1B one must stand on top of 2A and 2B members who will be squatting down.(I also want a match up but it will be in the next ask as not enough space)
whew it’s here !!! this one ended up longer than usual… i had a lot of fun with it though ! as you’ll see i reinterpreted things a little bit to make it fit better into the story, but the original elements are still here~ those poor boys, forced to be cheerleaders… also i’m not sure what to tag this as since everyone is here, even if just for a line wwww - mod mademoiselle
Sports Festival - The Cavalry Battle Event ✰
read more’d for length !
The sports festivalin Yumenosaki Academy was going great ! ….. Well, it was great so far, anyway.You were named as one of the facilitators, and were mainly workingbehind the scenes to make for an easy festival. Fortunately, youweren’t alone : the students from classes 1A and 3B were giving you a hand.
So you were mainlymoving stuff around, making sure the festival’s timing was right and smoothingeverything along. Kuro, Tetora and Tomoya were working with you, andyou were really glad they were here. For once, Kuro was taking chargeof moving around all the heavy stuff. “Don’t go ‘round hurtingyourself, little miss”, he’d said earlier, patting yourback. Tetora was mainly here to fuel your enthusiasm and make jokes.Tomoya was a bit intimidated by the other two but was glad he wasbeing useful. He’d just follow your every command and run about likea little puppy. That was pretty cute… When you were done cleaningup the mess the earlier group had made during one of the events, youwent to the broadcasting committee’s tent. You had only a little bitof time to spare before the next sports event would start, and youwere looking at the students sitting in the shade with enviouseyes…
When you arrivedthere, you let yourself fall onto one of the available chairs,dead-beat. Hinata, who was busy taking care of the music playedon the speakers, gave you a sympathetic smile and handed you hishalf-empty sports drink. You accepted without second thoughts :sweet, sweet fresh liquid… Maybe that was what heaven felt like.Before you had the time to ponder about that, a familiar, anxiousvoice brought you back to earth.
“Um, nii-chan,we’re running late… the next event should have started threeminutes ago, actually… What should we do ?”Hajime wasnervously biting down on his fingers, while Nazuna, seated in frontof the mic, was frowning at his phone. Apparently he didn’t have muchluck trying to call whoever was causing trouble.
“It’sWataru-chin again… I told him not to make a fuss, but you knowhim.” Unlike his usual behaviour, Nazuna looked as tired aseveryone else. It didn’t help that the afternoon was already welladvanced. He was fanning himself while staring at a balloon soaring inthe sky. Up there was (obviously) Wataru himself, acting as the MCand announcer in place of Nazuna. Leo was trying to communicate withhim using a flashlight, not that he had much success though. Wataruwas (as usual) doing as he pleased. You were about to gently patNazuna’s shoulder to comfort him when Wataru’s voice echoed loudly, making you jump up in surprise.
“… and now,ladies and gentlemen, your very own Hibiki Wataru has the immenseprivilege to announce the beginning of the next event ! Beware, forour proud cavaliers will make your hearts stutter !”
“What the heckdoes that mean, though ?” Hinata whispered in your ear and thetwo of you giggled. Wataru was now throwing confetti, more excitedthan ever.
“Yes, it isthe beginning of the wonderful Cavalry Battle !”
Midori, who wasshielding his eyes to see the event happening further on the grounds,let out a surprised gasp. You and Hinata exchanged a glance andimmediately stood up. If even Midori was surprised, that could onlymean…
You couldn’t helpbut snort when you saw them. That looked like an average cavalrybattle game at first : two students (from classes 2A and 2Brespectively) were carrying one other (from 1B, apparently) andgetting ready to engage in a fight with another group. But one thingwas terribly wrong.
The first yearstudents were dressed as female cheerleaders.
Hinata startedhowling in laughter, pointing at his twin brother. “Yuta too !Oh my god, this is the best thing ever ! I’ve gotta film this !”The other students under the tent had also stood up in surprise…
… but your eyesweren’t deceiving you. That was exactly what was happening. Shinobusomehow managed to be proud of his position, standing on top of anover-enthusiastic Subaru and a sceptical-looking Mao. His rival, onthe other hand, didn’t look nearly as proud. “I’m going todieeeee~ ! I’m really going to die, put me down, Yuzuruuuuuu~ !”Yep, that was Tori all right. Yuzuru seemed to be smiling brightly,while Souma looked concentrated as ever. He even dodged one of Tori’shelpless kicks expertly. Nazuna somehow managed to stay concentrated,as he spoke in the mic again. “On your marks, set… Go !”
The other studentswere laughing uncontrollably. This was ridiculous. The confrontationbetween Shinobu and Tori especially so. Tori seemed to be avoidingthe fight, crying loudly that there would be consequences.
Your gaze shiftedto another fight. An ever-concentrated Natsume and Mika were carryingSora, who was pirouetting and waving to the crowd. Natsume seemed tobe busy thinking of a strategy… That group looked unusuallyserious. And they could be : their opponents were none other than thefearsome Track and Field club members. Adonis was almost carrying avery determined Mitsuru single-handedly : Arashi was barely holdinghis leg. They were rushing to Sora’s group : that one promised to bea fearsome fight. You were about to ask Nazuna about the rules ofthis event when Wataru’s voice echoed loudly in his own mic.
“As you mighthave guessed it, ladies and gentlemen, the whole purpose of thismounted cavalry battle is to dethrone your opponent… ! Make himfall from his mount and give him a taste of humiliation ! Only thatway will you prove your worth as a man…✰”
You weren’t reallysure how to feel about this whole catastrophe of an event, until youturned your head to the third and last fight. Tsukasa was fumblinghelplessly, while Makoto was obviously struggling to carry him andRitsu looked like he was about to pass out. When poor Tsukasa’s eyeslocked with yours, he shamefully averted his gaze, cheeks as red ashis hair. Meanwhile, Yuta was trying his best to hold his miniskirtin place. He looked decidedly pinker than usual, but for his defense,there was quite a lot of wind on that day. His “mount”,Hokuto and Koga, were rushing to their opponents. Koga was shoutinginsults to the other team : maybe they went for an intimidationstrategy… Inbetween fits of laughter, Hinata managed to shout :“Make your big bro proud, Yuta-kun~ ! Fight for your honor as aman !” Yuta apparently heard him, as he shot him a nasty glare.He wasn’t the only one : under the tent opposite yours, Rei waswaving a huge sign that read “DO YOUR BEST RITSU-CHAN” andloudly cheering on his brother. Said brother looked so pale that youwondered if he was even going to make it…
Soon enough, this farce of an event stopped, naming Adonis, Arashi and Mitsuru’steam as the winners. They’d managed to hold until the end and makeall of their opponents fall, after all. Or so you thought : you’d been laughingand joking about it with Hinata the whole time. Kanata and Tsumugiwere busy handing sports drinks to the exhausted students, whileWataru had begun throwing confetti at the crowd again. Wait, thosewere flower petals, not confetti…
“What anAMAZING event ! I hope your eyes are still burning with those vividlybeautiful images we just saw !” Wait, did he laugh ? Youthought you heard him trying to muffle his laughter while speaking…Wataru kept going anyway, pointing at a huge and empty stage. Thevery stage you helped build, and your back was still remembering itbitterly.
“To soothedown your fatigued muscles, let us revel in the beautiful song ourvery own cheerleaders will offer us… ✰” Wait. Morecheerleaders ?
Wataru was actuallyright : the 3A students, whom everyone had forgotten about, were nowstanding on the stage, waving and smiling at the crowd. And they were wearing cheerleader uniforms too ! Thankfully they didn’t wear skirts,but shorts instead. Keito was still flushing hotly. Maybe it was justthe sun getting to him, though.The show was good but you distinctlymade out two groups among the lovely cheerleaders : the “Let’sget the party started” group, composed of Kaoru, Chiaki andMadara, who were ready to shine bright as idols no matter whatclothes they were wearing… and the “Please let me hide in acorner” group, in which you’d put Keito, Shu and Izumi as theyinsisted to hide behind everyone else during the entire duration ofthe show. Special mention goes to Eichi, who winked at the crowd arecord number of times even though he looked like he was about to dieany moment. All of the students cheered a lot, and your hands hurt fromclapping, but all that cheering was probably just to make fun ofthem. Judging by how some guys were doubling over laughing, they werehaving a lot of fun with that situation.
As soon as thatstrange live show was over, you found yourself helping everyoneclean up the school. You were putting away the chairs the audience had used whenyou felt a hand suddenly clasp your shoulder. Surprised, you turnedover, nearly letting the chair you held fall on your feet : behindyou stood Wataru, looking as fresh and amused as ever. “So, dearproducer ? How did you like today’s performance ?” You couldn’thelp but smile, but still went to put the chair away as you shouldbefore answering.
“So you werethe one behind all that crazy stuff, right ?” He smiled proudly,even bowing a little before you when he saw you knew.
“That’s right,and do you want to know the best part about it ? I did it all foryour sake. You deserve to rest a little from time to time, andlaughing is nothing more than resting your heart, after all…”
You stopped in yourtracks, feeling your cheeks grow a little redder. For you… ? Beforeyou even had time to answer, he gently stroked your shoulder, addingin a whisper “Now I really should go, dear producer, lest theunamused bad guys find me… ✰” And sure enough, he went outwith a loud bang and a flash of smoke that left you coughing for amoment. When Keito hurried to you, Wataru was already long gone. As thevice-president was chastising you for refusing to tell him whereexactly he was, you couldn’t help but smile.
After all, theperpetrator was gone, but the memories made on that crazy day werenot.
#mod mademoiselle#scenario#ensemble stars scenario#trickstar#undead#fine#ra*bits#knights#ryuseitai#switch#valkyrie#akatsuki#2wink#MaM#everyone#ensemble stars#enstars#enstars imagine#ensemble stars imagines#imagine
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2017.04.20 Satomi Hakkenden Review!
I got a chance to finally see YamaKen (Yamazaki Kento) in this flesh a few weeks back! To be honest, I went into this stage with low expectations, for some reason my brain expects a lot less from TV actors who attempt the stage rather than from actual stage actors... doesn’t make sense right? Anyway lets get to it!
Officla Website here Official Twitter here News/Press Coverage 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8* Video Coverage 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6* Individual Character Interviews
*Unfortunately all the press coverage was focused on YamaKen only so there aren’t really any pics or videos of our boys.
NON-SPOILER REVIEW Overall: This was A LOT better than I was expecting!! I enjoyed this so much! Also it was very highly produced and everyone did an amazing job! I enjoyed the story, absolutely loved the fighting choreography and fighting scenes, the characters were all interesting, the CGI and project mapping was awesome, the stage was very well put together and used, the costumes were gorgeous, ensemble were troupers, basically I underestimated this stage completely and I really, really enjoyed myself! I even liked Wada Masanari’s acting and character which never happens to me! xD
BUT (not related to the play itself) holy moly the audience were so rude! It was clear most were YamaKen fans because they were (I quote them) ‘bored’ and constantly fidgeting or falling asleep whenever he wasn’t on stage and he has like the least amount on stage even though he’s the main actor. (Major rant under the spoiler section, just jump to the ‘LEARN SOME MANNERS’ section if you want to read about it in detail--no spoilers in that section btw)
Rating: 8/10
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CAST and CHARACTERS
Yamazaki Kento as Inuzuka Shino Aoki Tsunenori as Inuyama Dousetsu Tamaki Yuki as Inukawa Sousuke Wada Masanari as Inutako Bungo Nishime Shun as Inue Shinbei Matsushima Shouta as Inusa Kakeno Arai Atsushi as Inukai Genpachi Maruyama Atsushi as Inumura Daikaku Aono Kaede as Hajime Kuriyama Wataru as Samo Jirou Matsuda Kenji as Chudai Houshi Higa Manami as Tamazusa / Fusehime Shundou Mitsutoshi as Satomi Yoshizane Yaotani Maoto as Fusahachi Kawashima Ririka as Mei Yokoyama Kazutoshi as Okushirou +Ensemble
This cast is HUGE as you can tell xD
PreShow:
I thought it was super strange that we didn’t get any chirashi flyers/leaflets or anketto survey (the amount of Japanese I use now when I speak English is ridiculous, sorry!). Also when I walked in there were cameras everywhere so I was super lucky to once again end up at a show where I could possibly be on the DVD or at least have seen that version! xD
I had a ticket with a tokuten special extra which ended up being the poster - if ANYONE wants it then it’s your for 800yen xD (not including P&P).
STORY
This stage is based off a fantasy epic that is 106 volumes long and written by Kyokutei Bakin. It’s main plot is about 8 half-brothers who are descendants of dogs (hence why they all have ‘inu’ meaning ‘dog’ in their names) who are brought together through balls of power in order to save a princess and stop an evil power from rising.
Unfortunately, I don’t think any of it has been translated in English.
SPOILERS BELOW
Full Story
The first half of the play is about each of the eight guys unleashing and learning they have this power and then start to find each other, either intentionally or by coincidence. They also learn about a power that has taken YamaKen and TamaChan’s childhood friend and love interest ‘Mei’ who has been resurrected and possessed and turned her bad, so they naturally want to save her.
The second half is when they finally band together and attempt to infiltrate the enemy’s castle and reach the queen before she unleashes a nasty power (I think a dragon) onto the world, as well as save Mei.
**Major spoiler: Unfortunately they’re all killed and dead by the end of it through the different stages of the caste and the different levels of protection each part/area had except Shino/YamaKen.
Cast and Character Breakdown
About halfway through the play, I started to giggle to myself as I realised just how many of them are Tokusatsu actors! Which casting directing is a Toku fan(?!) and got all these awesome guys together xD Seriously Aoki, Matsushima, Nashime, Kuriyama, Maruyama, Arai, Matsuda freaking Kenji(!), ALL Toku actors!! xD
Yamazaki Kento as Inuzuka Shino
YamaKen’s voice surprised me. I don’t remember it ever being THAT low but when he first started talking, I couldn’t help but giggle because I thought he was putting it on! But as the show continued it became apparent that his voice is just that deep and I do not remember it ever being that deep >.<
YamaKen had a lot less stage time than I was anticipating, especially because he’s the main character and all(!), but at the same time I can understand why he had such little time on stage considering his main forte IS TV and Movies, and he doesn’t have as much stage experience as EVERYONE else on that damn stage xD (well except Nishime, I think this was his first stage outside of the Kamen Rider stage greetings and things.) *researches* Yeah YamaKen has only ever done the first run and then this run of Hakkenden ever, that’s his entire stage experience.
I think he did a very good job though! This is one of the few times of late where he’s really been able to prove he can actually act and not just ‘gets the job because of his face’ kind of thing. I’ve always believed he can act but as of late (as I said) he’s only being hired because he’s popular and because of his looks - come on, he practically mastered the whole Koukou Romance role about 8 movies ago(!)...
THIS stage right here is the kind of shit I want him to go back to! This is the kind of job I want him to take and shine in! I WANT him to do completely different stuff again like he did 6, 7 years ago! This is where he shines and proves his acting skills and he did great! I felt for his character, I really understood how he character was, he really showed his character’s personality perfectly. Also that outfit was so cool with the massive blood splatter across and everything! THIS IS THE YAMAKEN I REMEMBER AND LOVE! Y’all feel me on this right?! xD
YamaKen slipped during one of the flight scenes but he very smoothly just rolled around and got himself straight back up ^_^
One scene I really enjoyed with YamaKen was when YamaKen and Matsushima met for the first time and Matsushima is in girl’s wear and is singing in a high voice and being all playful -- it was very pretty. In part two they meet again and this time because Matsushima’s in normal boys wear, YamaKen doesn’t realise at first who it is and Matsushima has to act a little for YamaKen to remember. In fact ALL the YamaKen x Matsushima scenes I really enjoyed!
YamaKen’s final scene was really great too! It was of course sad but seeing him trying to hold on to life and fight with everything he had and then all the 8 brothers coming together one last time was so cool! You could feel the pain YamaKen’s character was going through too!
OOOOHHH! And the almost kiss scene too!!! So the evil queen towards the end approaches YamaKen, thinking he’s given up on life and decided to take her side, she gets REAL close to him and almost kisses him and naturally he’s like ‘don’t be so stupid’ and strikes her! Such a sexy but good scene! I could hear YamaKen fans’ hearts break during that possible almost kiss scene but I just thought it was totally juicy xD
Main point: I am happy with his performance and this is what I want from him in the future! Please stop taking ‘only because of your face’ jobs.
Aoki Tsunenori as Inuyama Dousetsu
My first two notes about him are literally: his hair us flawless. AND: Aoki is just flawless whatever. xD
Do I really need to say anymore? But I shall anyway!
Aoki is just impressive whatever he does and he always so flawlessly (okay three shots) adapts to any role he’s given. It was so easy to believe that his characters are real. His character in this was also very interesting.
Seeing his character start on the bad side and then slowly turn to the good side because of a misunderstanding and then ends up fighting his father (from my memory, I don’t think he learns til AFTER he’s given the final deadly strike that it’s his father) . And THEN the even bigger twist when his father has been resurrected and being controlled by the evil and therefore in order for everyone to get to the next stage of the castle, he has to fight and kill his father again and seeing his heartbreak this time around! Oh my poor heart....
I really liked his costume too, it was very monk-like, rustic and simple and I’m pretty sure he was barefoot and for the entire play - although I was a little concerned he’d get splinters or something... And that flawlessly beautifully long hair xD
I can’t really explain it well but something about how Aoki performs, it always feels so natural and real and flows very well and it’s like being sprinkled with fairydust. Whatever he does, it’s enchanting but also with the familiarity feel to it. Does anyone understand what I mean?!
Tamaki Yuki as Inukawa Sousuke
TAMACHAN!!! <3 << I think I’m the only one who calls him this xD
I didn’t even need to see him, as soon as he spoke I recognised his voice straight away xD
Let’s get the opening out of the way first: I was a little annoyed and upset when Tamaki’s character was killed within the first 10 minutes or so of the stage! I was like “IS THAT ALL?! IS THAT ALL I’M GETTING OF MY BEAUTIFUL TOKIENTA?!” but luckily he’s resurrected pretty much straight away and given one of those balls of power and such. He got a lot more than just those 10 minutes on stage -- phew!!
Although I DID enjoy that the opening scene was YamaKen and TamaChan fighting. I also really liked the fact they were brothers. Their dynamic was very interesting. The brotherly love and hate between them too was great. I especially loved their last big scene together! It was heartbreaking but also awesome!
Tamaki’s fighting was so good! I really enjoyed seeing him fight and his choreography!
Wada Masanari as Inutako Bungo
Wada Masanari still bores me. I just feel he’s been a bit too typecast and always get/plays the same type of character; unemotional, constant resting bitch face, very serious and focused on one mission and that was this character too.
HOWEVER, thinking back, one of his scenes does stand out to me still. His character has two younger siblings and unfortunately they get completely slaughtered and seeing Wada play an emotionally broken and heartbroken older brother as he picks up his dead little sister and just cries with his siblings in his arms, it really struck a cord with me, and for the first time I actually saw his character rather than thinking ‘oh look it’s Wada on stage’. It was a very emotional scene and definitely hit the feels.
I also like that he fought with axes too. Reminded me of Gimli from LOTR xD but we didn’t get to see enough of him being badass unlike the others.
*I apologise to Wada fans if I’ve hurt you with this opinion of him but I can’t help it.
**If you have any recommendations for where Wada’s acting really stands out then I’m open to suggestions and will watch them! ^_^
Nishime Shun as Inue Shinbei
He is TOO adorable!! While Ghost was a trainwreck, I’ve always thought he was adorable and cute and it was great to see him finally shine and show us what he can do (lets not mention Ghost again shall we) and this was his first major work after Ghost too I think - I don’t know how big his roles were in the two doramas he did.
I really, really loved his character! FIRST(!) his costume is absolutely adorable and beautiful and it was my favourite out of all the costumes.
He was very playful and one of those characters who only showed up when it was completely necessary so he was playing a much mature character than (possibly) himself.
As previously mentioned, his role is small BUT I think it left a HUGE impression on everyone including myself.
I have a note that says: his entrance was so cool and so good! It was towards the end of part one when YamaKen and co were surrounded and being beaten and Nishime just jumps in to save them all ^_^ He was being so smug that he could fight everyone so easily.
But his death was heartbreaking! He got slashed to crap and was just constantly saying ‘痛くないよ・It doesn’t even hurt. It doesn’t hurt.’ and then he dies.... our poor baby! =‘[
Matsushima Shouta as Inusa Kakeno
I really liked his entrance! His entrance was him coming out of the right side doors in girls clothing and did this beautiful dance while singing in a very high voice, that strangely worked and his voice did not break. It sounded and looked really good, but also kinda laughable because of how well he pulled it all off! I am all for seeing Matsushima like this! He always does unique characters, just like his character in Drive xD Then his character, in the same scene, proceeds to steal YamaKen’s sword and then hides in the shadows with it as YamaKen is left in a situation where he might need to fight.
But then in part two he’s in normal warrior wear (which confuses YamaKen’s character xD) and turns out he’s this badass archery militant guy!
Unfortunately he too didn’t get nearly as much stage time as he deserved. On top of that, he was the ONLY one who had an off stage battle which really annoyed me! We see him on stage going ‘okay I’ll hold the entrance with my archers’ and then the next scene he’s in, he comes on stage covered in arrows and dies... we saw EVERYONE else’s last battle and death but we didn’t see his and that annoyed me somewhat.
Matsushima’s character is a very playful character and has this slightly dark streak to him, it’s a good character. They’re ALL good characters okay! xD
Arai Atsushi as Inukai Genpachi
Arai fans are going to hate me. He just doesn’t enter my conscious line of sight ever! I’ve seen him on stage at least three times (Yuhiden, Judo Shounen and this) and each time, I can’t even tell you what he did or who he was. I just don’t get or notice any presence from him at all. He’s just forgettable for me.
BUT I do remember he has a scene with Wada’s little sister who puts a flower in his hair and he keeps it in the entire time; that’s a cute moment. I’d say his character is pretty much the same as his Yuhiden character but don’t take my word on that. But other than that, I do not remember him in this. Sorry Arai fans!
Maruyama Atsushi as Inumura Daikaku
We got ourselves an Okita Souj here: he coughs up blood for most of the show and is a very weak guy because of his illness and because he’s dying. BUT he’s totally sweet as he spends his time tending to the sick and looking after them <3 Maruyama keeps getting these types of role recently. Sorry that’s all I have to say about him....
Aono Kaede as Hajime
She was great! I loved how she first played this cute innocent girl and then as soon as she’s resurrected and taken to the dark side (haha SW reference) she gets badass and sexy. Even in one scene, she strips while talking to YamaKen as she reveals to him that she’s not the Hajime he knows anymore. Also she has an onstage kiss with Higa Manami in the beginning, which is how Higa’s character possess and takes control of her, to which I was like ‘OH YEAH!’ - my brain is a pervy weird thing okay.
I LOVED her outfit in part two! It was sexy and like black leather and she did a great time with the fighting scenes. Although her choreography was a LOT slower compared to the boys; it might’ve been the actress’ own lack of stamina and strength, but it was noticeable how much of a slower pace her fight scenes were BUT I still enjoyed them. She fought like a badass xD
I understand that some people might be annoyed and think ‘oh this is sexism! and misogyny, and of course they make the girl strip and act sexy and wear scanty clothing’ etc. BUT I personally do not mind it at all - boys or girls - and I enjoyed it okay. As long as they’re a badass and a good character which she definitely was! BUT I understand why some people might see this negatively.
Kuriyama Wataru as Samo Jirou
Kuriyama, just like Aoki, had hair that was absolutely fabulous! It was so fluffy and nice(!) and long too! They both suited it, although it didn’t look much different to what Aoki usually has xD it was especially fabulous when they fought and it swished around and everything xD
Kuriyama was part of the bad guy side (and so was Aoki originally) so you saw him pop up in random places trying to fight the other guys. I feel it was a safe character for him to play; there was nothing majorly challenging for him I don’t think... it was a simple enough character for him to do and he did it while looking fabulous!
Unfortunately I do not remember what happened to him in the end but he too died xD I think he was ontop of a rock and him and his rival (Aoki?) killed each other at the same time. But don’t take my word for that.
Matsuda Kenji as Chudai Houshi
I did not realise until AFTER the play that it was Matsuda freaking Kenji on stage! No wonder he looked so familiar! And no wonder I enjoyed his performance! He’s a freaking badass in ALL the Toku’s he does, and I always love his characters! I wish I’d realised and known before I watched this because then I would’ve been more pumped about him and his character and would’ve spent more time on him. BUT having said that I really enjoyed his character anyway! I love how he comes in and seems mysterious and helps guide all the boys and explains what happened in the past and then to be confronted by his son and to fight his son to the death. And THEN for him to be resurrected and possessed and turned evil,!! That really broke our hearts to see Aoki having to fight his father again =[ and the way Aoki laid his father to rest the first time around too! <3 So even without knowing who it was at the time, I still ended up enjoying his performance and character which shows he’s a damn fine actor -- they all are!! xD
Higa Manami as Tamazusa / Fusehime
I don’t have much to say but I really enjoyed her performance as she got more dragon-like and more deranged and more cracked and less human. Also, she looked fabulous. All her evilness was great! I especially love that final scene with her and YamaKen <3 when she was so close to kissing him and bringing him to the dark side but BAM he’s like ‘you think I’m that stupid?’ and attacks! It’s so good! I loved her entrance too where she’s brought in by humans carrying her on a palanquin; I was super impressed that they had no problems or accidents as they carried her on stage, lower her, relifted it up with her on and carried her off stage xD
Yaotani Maoto as Fusahachi and Kawashima Ririka as Mei
These two had a short time on stage but they were adorable! They played two roles! They technically open and close the entire stage as young YamaKen/Shino and Aono/Hajime planting a tree <3 They also play Wada’s younger siblings. They did a great job in the short time they had ^_^
The Ensemble were great and there were a lot of them and they had a lot of work to do. They were also good at covering the flaws and such of the others, or picking up items or clothing that accidentally came out and stuff xD
And I think I’ve finally finished me segment on the actors! Phew! That only took like 4 days >.<
AESTHETICS
For some reason in my notes here, I have: These seats = NOT comfortable. But I don’t remember this at all >.< oh well! But apparently Bunkyo Shibik Hall does not have comfortable chairs xD so there’s your future reference! ^_^
The stage was amazing. They had these huge lumps of set pieces that so smoothly moved around the stage and everything and they looked very well built and were impressive! Especially when ensemble would move the set pieces around AS the actors fought ontop of them! That was super cool ^_^
The lighting and project mapping was really cool too! I like how they had this little cardboard circle that would come down and they’d use PM on that to show the power balls and the dragons eye and such! Also towards the end when the dragon’s egg was cracking open and they used the stairs to show the cracking which was awesome!
The fighting and choreography...need I saw more about this? It was so amazing and I enjoyed all the fight scenes and everyone was badass and did a great job! It’s detailed more below but due to the audience being so rude, I couldn’t get completely into it which is a shame because I wanted to be completely into the fighting and the sad scenes. But seriously, they were all fighting in such a badass way and the choreography is amazing!
LEARN SOME MANNERS
And now for me to get my rant out...
Seriously the audience! They were the rudest I’ve ever experienced! It was clear that 80-90% of the crowd were YamaKen fans because that’s all they had him as their phone wallpapers xD BUT you could also tell most probably had never been to the theatre before, nor were part of the ‘Katana Girl’ group (which is where the problem mainly comes from) because holy moly they were rude as hell(!) YamaKen seriously has the shortest amount of time on stage even though he’s the main character and whenever he wasn’t on stage, pretty much everyone around me was either fidgetting or fall sleeping or being like ‘this is boring’ -_- it was a freaking amazing play if you actually went for the whole cast and the story and everything(!!!) ugh they seriously made me angry. One girl was completely out of it by about 30minutes into the first half, during the intermission she went and never came back...I kinda wish the rest of them had done that. Ugh seriously, I’ve never been surrounded by such a poorly behaved audience in my life and it made me feel bad for the other actors. So I made sure I clapped EXTRA high and hard for everyone EXCEPT YamaKen.
Don’t get me wrong, I love YamaKen, I’ve been following that boys career since he was 16 years old but now he’s too mainstream in that the (Japanese) fans are so ridiculous now that I just don’t want to support him. Can we go back to YamaKen when he had more free range to do none mainstream stuff like hackers and hikikomoris?! *cries*
Seeing him get and do THIS role was a godsend because it was finally something different and something that I feel suits him much more than what he’s done recently, but he’s so over-popularised and over-saturated right now that I can’t watch most of his recent stuff because it’s ALL the same. And the damn fans too these days... anyway...
I saw one girl with a KuroMyu bag which meant that she was a Tamaki fan and that made me happy BUT made me realise that we stage actor fans were the ridiculous minority, which shouldn’t be happening when you have actors like TamaChan, Aoki and Wada on the same effing stage! I felt SO bad for the other actors thanks to 90% of the audience being complete dicks. I mean it was expected and I did expect some YamaKen bias ridiculousness but I definitely wasn’t expecting the audience attitude to be that rude and inconsiderate.
Another friend of mine also went to this stage (for Wada) and without me even mentioning my opinion or anything, she ALSO mentioned how rude the audience was and how YamaKen bias it was, and that she also heard people go ‘oh this is so boring’, like seriously which play were you watching?!?!?! because it was VERY good!!! e and my friend loved it! But then again we always go to the theatre and we also watch these kind of things.
Unfortunately due to the poorly mannered audience, I couldn’t get completely into the stage, and I so desperately wanted to cry during the second half of the play because it’s just heartbreak everywhere! However, due to all those distractions, I just couldn’t. =[ I’ll wait until the DVD to cry my heart out properly to these actors and characters.
Ugh...rage and rant over.
GOODS
The pamphlet pics are super nice! But I found it strange that they weren’t doing bromide sets. I would’ve liked pretty much bromide sets of everyone, BUT then again it would’ve meant I spent more money which is probably for the best that they didn’t have any xD but yes it was strange for them not to have bromides but I guess the production is above that of 2.5 even though they hired Tokusatsu actors galore xD
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And that is my long-ass review! I cannot believe I’ve spent a good week writing this.... but it’s finally done! now I’m one less review down! Hopefully the others will come out quicker xD
Hope you enjoyed!! ^_^
#aoki tsunenori#wada masanari#yamazaki kento#arai atsushi#nishime shun#tamaki yuki#kuriyama wataru#matsuda kenji#stage#review#舞台#里見八犬伝#satomi hakkenden#matsushima shota
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Bookshelf Briefs 1/25/20
Again!!, Vol. 12 | By Mitsurou Kubo | Kodansha Comics – For better or worse, Again!! has always been unpredictable. I appreciate that it didn’t always follow the expected story beats, but at the same time, the inconsistency has been frustrating. For example, Imamura’s fluctuating dedication to the Ouendan had him proclaim at one point how much he wanted his grandma to see him cheering, and had that occurred it would’ve been a heart-tugging moment. But it didn’t happen. Instead, Imamura returns from another do-over (this time, flashing to a future in which his death inspired the other characters) with an apathetic attitude that eventually prompts him to return to 2014—a future where his grandmother is dead—without apparently a single pang about it. The ending is also kind of abrupt and ambiguous. In the end, I find myself wishing this had been more predictable, ‘cos at least it would’ve been more satisfying. – Michelle Smith
Chihayafuru, Vol. 18 | By Yuki Suetsugu | Kodansha Comics (digital only) – This volume is full of choices for Chihaya. It’s time to complete another career survey, and this time she fills in a more realistic goal than becoming Queen. It’s also less ambitious, however, and thus her karuta advisor comes to see her play at the Yoshino Club Tournament to ask someone with more experience whether Chihaya really has the potential to become Queen. Happily, she’s playing with more precision and focus than ever, but her next opponent is Haruka Inokuma, a 4-time former Queen, so her chances really hinge on how she fares in that match. (I suspect Taichi vs. Arata is in the offing, as well.) Too, the school trip conflicts with the Master/Queen qualifiers, and Chihaya must choose which side of herself she wants to cultivate more. I seriously love this series and am eagerly anticipating the next volume! – Michelle Smith
Dr. STONE, Vol. 9 | By Riichiro Inagaki and Boichi | Viz Media – Perhaps being interesting was too much to ask, but Taiju and Yuzuriha are at least contributing now that they’ve been added to Senku’s team—Taiju by being a literal tank soaking up damage, and Yuzuriha by apparently taking all the statues that Tsukasa smashed and sewing them together, presumably so they can be revived. If this seems farfetched, it’s no more so than finding the hospital where Tsukasa’s terminally ill little sister was located and unstoning her, which apparently also cures her illness. That said, Tsukasa may not be the end boss, as there’s another who’s been waiting for the moment to make his debut as a Big Bad. This continues to be ridiculous but also cool. – Sean Gaffney
Hatsu*Haru, Vol. 10 | By Shizuki Fujisawa | Yen Press – Best Couple get the cover, and I continue to be more interested in them than I am Riko and Kai, who are cute and all but also somewhat predictable. The four of them go to the hot springs, mostly as Riko is too nervous to be alone with Kai, and Takaya learns that Ayumi leaves herself wide open. After a cute but slight Valentine’s chocolate chapter, the best part comes when Ayumi gets a bad cold and Takaya visits, meeting her parents and finding out she’s actually pretty rich and her family are famous film creators. Ayumi is not yet ready to reciprocate Takaya’s feelings, but she does open up to him about wanting to seek her own path. It’s great to see, and we have three volumes left after this, so I’m sure it will work out. – Sean Gaffney
ROADQUEEN: Eternal Roadtrip to Love | By Mira Ong Chua | Seven Seas – While not technically manga, ROADQUEEN will likely still appeal both stylistically and thematically to readers who enjoy Japanese comics. In particular, the volume makes an excellent addition to Seven Seas’ catalog of yuri titles. ROADQUEEN originated as a short online comic, followed up by a much longer multi-chapter sequel. Both of these stories and an additional bonus comic are collected in this volume. Leo, the prince of Princess Andromeda Academy, only has eyes for Bethany—her motorcycle. At least until Vega arrives on the scene and steals Bethany away. Vega promises she’ll give the bike back, but only after Leo proves that she can be a decent lesbian (not to mention human being). ROADQUEEN is deliberately over-the-top, Chua obviously having a lot of fun playing with tropes, but it can actually be very touching, too. With an abundance of humor and a ton of heart, ROADQUEEN is an absolute delight. – Ash Brown
Saki the Succubus Hungers Tonight, Vol. 1 | By Mikokuno Homare and studio HIP-CATs | Ghost Ship – I will admit that for a title that’s coming out via the Ghost Ship label, which means “borderline porn,” this is pretty cute. Saki is a fairly new, still virginal succubus who has been thrown out of her family home as she’s old enough to be finding men to “feed” on, but she’s honestly a bit too shy for all that. She is thus near starvation when found by Renta, an adult salaryman who is also a virgin. They clearly fall for each other pretty fast, but are also both innocent and clueless, so nothing happens… well, OK, something happens, she manages to “feed,” but the plot is still “will they ever actually do anything” and the answer is likely “no.” Still, for tease, this is relatively cute and sweet. – Sean Gaffney
Snow White with the Red Hair, Vol. 5 | By Sorata Akiduki | Viz Media – Welp, despite what I thought, the series does not end just because the main couple confessed. Indeed, most of the volume involves separating the two—not by design, but simply as Shirayuki has been invited to another country for a get together… her old country, where Prince Raj is. Indeed, after having it out with her a couple of volumes ago, Raj is seemingly turning over a new leaf, but that doesn’t mean he’s comfortable around her at all—he never expected she’d accept the invitation. Her bodyguard for this journey is Obi, and I note that this series is very good at having a bunch of guys in it who are not immediately in love with the heroine. Whether that’s true of the new villain introduced here, who knows? – Sean Gaffney
Teasing Master Takagi-san, Vol. 7 | By Soichiro Yamamoto | Yen Press – Having established that our leads will end up married with a child in the future, the series can now slowly move forward in increments, culminating in the final chapter here, where Nishikata, of his own volition, asks Takagi to the summer festival. But we’re also looking back, as we get to see how the two of them first met, and how Nishikata’s two basic qualities—a nice guy with great faces when he’s embarrassed or upset—inspire Takagi almost immediately. I’m not sure this is exactly when she falls for him, but she certainly has by the end of this book, which gives us another nice blushing reaction from her. Oh yes, and there’s still plenty of teasing. You expected something else? – Sean Gaffney
The Way of the Househusband, Vol. 2 | By Kousuke Oono | VIZ Media – This was another fun volume of The Way of the Househusband, in which Tatsu tries aerobics and yoga, intimidates a yakuza by offering him kitchen gadgets, eradicates stubborn stains in Masa’s laundry, plays volleyball with housewives, and more. I really appreciate that we saw more of Miku, his wife, this time around, and probably my favorite chapter is the final one, in which her parents drop by for a visit. Even though the fish-out-of-water setup in this series reminds me of the premise of Saint Young Men, The Way of the Househusband is not only visually superior (better art, great pacing to jokes), but has more heart, especially the bonus chapter in which we see Miku’s dad practicing for the moment when he asks Tatsu if he wants to go outside and play catch. I stop short of calling the manga sweet, but it’s wholly endearing. Highly recommended. – Michelle Smith
Yowamushi Pedal, Vol. 13 | By Wataru Watanabe | Yen Press – Yowamushi Pedal, Vol. 13 | By Wataru Watanabe | Yen Press – OK, I was probably foolish to think the race would end in this volume. We’re gonna have to wait for fourteen. But in return, we get so much shonen sports at its best. Midousuji does his best, but then crashes and burns. Instead, it’s Manami who gets the bulk of this book, where we discover that he enjoys shifting gears higher when he should be doing the opposite, just to make things even more fun. That said, he shouldn’t dismiss our hero, Onoda, who has his pedaling and his Pretty Princess song to keep him going forever. (Oh yes, and his mother shows up—apparently at rando, as he never told her about the race? This was the funniest part of the book.) Things should end next volume… well, at least this race. – Sean Gaffney
By: Ash Brown
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Bookshelf Briefs 5/28/19
Creature Girls: A Hands-On Field Journal in Another World, Vol. 1 | By Kakeru | Seven Seas – This was another “I’ll get the first volume, how bad could it be?” sort of book. The answer is pretty bad, at least for readers of my taste. That said, for those in the market this is aiming for, Creature Girls must be a dream come true. A monster girl story with actual coitus, as well as deep down analysis of the girls’ bodies, almost to the point of parody. The plot is the standard “guy transported to fantasy world” stuff, and there’s a few mentions made of battles against enemies that he helps them with. But the target reader is not here for that. He is here to see monster girls show off their boobs, swear they’re 18, and get screwed. This book gives that to you, in spades. I’ll pass on future volumes. – Sean Gaffney
Haikyu!!, Vol. 32 | By Haruichi Furudate | Viz Media – Oh boy, more full volumes of volleyball. They sure do (punches fist in air) PLAY that volleyball, huh? OK, OK, let me see… the twins’ backstory was quite good, and I enjoyed the end, where we see more of Hinata’s growth to the point where Tsukishima even praises him, as much as Tsukishima is ever going to praise anyone. And credit to the author, 32 volumes in, for continuing to find ways to not make volleyball boring. There are great poses and a fast pace which reminds you why this is such a popular series. The pace is not fast enough that the game is over, though, and I’m fairly sure that the next volume will have me groping for words once more. It’s a good series, though. – Sean Gaffney
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Part 4: Diamond Is Unbreakable, Vol. 1 | By Hirohiko Araki| Viz Media – Ten years after the final battle between Dio and Jotaro in Cairo, the fourth part of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure returns to Japan. In the first volume of Diamond Is Unbreakable, Jotaro has come to the town of Morioh to investigate a series of crimes and to search for Josuke Higashikata, his uncle and the illegitimate son of his grandfather Joseph Joestar. When Jotaro finds Josuke he discovers a high schooler with a very powerful Stand and a hair-trigger temper (both literally and figuratively) to go with it, a potentially dangerous combination. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure continues to be a violent and grotesque series—the human and animal cruelty present will be too much for some readers—but I continue to love it for its strangeness, over-the-top action sequences, and ridiculous characters. Josuke in particular is one of those delinquents with a heart of gold that brings me tremendous delight. – Ash Brown
Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits, Vol. 3 | By Waco Ioka and Midori Yuma | Viz Media – I’m wondering how much of this series is going to be Aoi healing people’s hearts through the power of delicious food. Oryo spends most of the volume sick (well, the impression is she’s also hiding), but even she will eat Aoi’s food. We also get backstory on Suzuran and Akatsuki, and take a trip back to Japan so that Suzuran can pay her respects to the late Shiro, and also stay behind. It’s a perfect opportunity for Aoi to stay behind as well, something her captor knows only too well, but she chooses to return anyway. This series looks pretty slow burn, so I think the food may outweigh the romance for a while yet. But I’m OK with that. – Sean Gaffney
Kiss & White Lily for My Dearest Girl, Vol. 9 | By Canno | Yen Press – Half this volume is Yukine and Ayaka, who are coming to realize that “winning” or “losing” is not the be-all and end-all of their relationship. Good thing too, as Ayaka finally wins. Elsewhere, we see a girl who’s a repeater (she was injured and couldn’t get attendance credits), so is something of a loner, but also a cosplayer. She ends up falling for a younger, puppy-dog sort of girl, but it’s hard to get over putting people at a distance, so they end up breaking up quickly. But is it really over? This volume frames the “main” pairing right in the middle, with the ‘volume’ pairing as a bookend, and it woks very well. Next volume is the last, so I suspect it will be all Ayaka and Yukine. – Sean Gaffney
Little Witch Academia, Vol. 3 | By Trigger, Yoh Yoshinari and Keisuke Sato | JY – The spinoff comes to an end here, and there’s no real climactic finale—they have to win a flying contest against another school, but Diana is ill, so Akko tries her hardest (and mostly fails) and succeeds in the end, because she’s just that plucky. In the end, I think this spinoff probably works best for the groups it’s marketed for—kids and those who watched the anime. I wasn’t as fond of it as I was the other ones, as it’s clear that any character development is going to be in the main series. But as an advertisement for the main series, it’s excellent—I certainly would like to see more of everyone. Something to get your niece for her birthday—at three volumes, it’s even affordable. – Sean Gaffney
My Monster Secret, Vol. 16 | By Eiji Masuda | Seven Seas – Every new volume of the series after its first “ending” seems to be designed to annoy me—something that also befell the very similar Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches, if I recall. As the cover might give away, this volume doubles down on the teacher-student romance between Akari (who has at least appeared a lot) and Sakurada, best known as the least developed one of Those Three Guys, who looks much older than he is, which I guess is supposed to take the curse off the creepiness but doesn’t. Elsewhere, there is still some good comedy—I particularly liked the chapter with the supermarket sale—but more and more it appears this should have ended with the mutual confession. – Sean Gaffney
One-Punch Man, Vol. 16 | By ONE and Yusuke Murata | Viz Media – Still far too serious, and now faced with Saitama barely being in it. Certainly if you like cool fights it’s a good read, but I can get that from a dozen other manga titles. I read this for silliness, and that’s in short supply here. I did like the idea of the superhero “Megane,” who is pretty much just a guy with glasses. There’s also some good development from Garo, whose analysis is top tier, but who sadly is a bit too focused on the wrong things. But then again so are the A-rank heroes—there’s a fair bit of hypocrisy here. At least Genos knows what’s what, and we also get the return of Bang, who has a grudge of his own. It looks like Saitama will show up soon, and thank goodness. Who needs a totally serious One-Punch Man? – Sean Gaffney
Ooku: The Inner Chambers, Vol. 15 | By Fumi Yoshinaga | VIZ Media – Revolution is approaching as the most senior of Iesada’s ministers signs a trade treaty with America without waiting for Imperial approval. This fellow silences his detractors with harsh punishments and winds up assassinated by the end of the volume for his trouble. Meanwhile, the pregnant Iesada has evidently been gotten out of the way by somebody, but it’s unclear who, leaving her bereaved consort Taneatsu in the dark about her demise for a full month. Now he’s doing his best to guide her clever successor, who has just been married to an Imperial prince. She was concerned about deceiving the emperor, since the shogunate’s part of the deal was to oust foreigners, but a big reveal in the final pages proves they’re the ones who’ve been deceived. Still great, if sad. Poor Taneatsu. – Michelle Smith
Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization, Vol. 3 | By Tomo Hirokawa, based on the story by Reki Kawahara | Yen Press – The danger is ramped up a lot more in this volume, which also comes with the return of a familiar face from the Progressive series. When it comes to “NPCs can surpass their programming,” no one’s done it more often than SAO, with the current Alicization arc being all about that. Kizmel was (storywise, at least) first, though, and it’s heartwarming to see Kirito and Asuna reunite with her, even if she doesn’t know who they are. That said, this side story is still all about Premiere, who has a role that she is clearly there to fulfill… and also there’s more than one of her? Not for casuals, but SAO fans should find this a lot of fun. – Sean Gaffney
Yowamushi Pedal, Vol. 11 | By Wataru Watanabe | Yen Press – The joy of our whole team of six catching up with one another is tempered by the reminder that there can be only one winner of this race… and that the others are going to drop back and fail. It’s a hard lesson for Onoda to absorb, and by the end of the book he’s still struggling to. The rest of the book is filled with the most manly cycling ever, fortunately, and I have to say pound-for-pound this series even manages to out-shonen the Jump titles. That said, holy hell, this is a long race, and we’re still not done. Sports manga go on forever, and nothing says that better than this omnibus, which equates to vols. 21-22 of the original. I hope Sohoku eventually wins. And by that I mean Onoda. – Sean Gaffney
By: Ash Brown
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