#mihotose is next

[kowaindar0u]

//

[disownedbytiime]

I thought Marina had always been my top artists but apparently not (I’ve checked)

The past three years she has been too artist, but not top song (they’ve been: Immortal, Dark Paradise, and the Spanish version of The next right thing.) which is weird, right?

In 2019 she was my top song (Lies) but my top artist was Touken Ranbu mihotose team.

Maybe one year I’ll get her as both top artist and top song.

[mihotose]

the host did it too btw

[nyxravessnow]

Toumyu – Tokyo Kokoro Oboe First Day Stage Review

Again, as always, this is not a bias free review. It is heavily opinionated and not objective.

Thank you so much to Suke, Vivi and Koursed from the Touken Ranbu discord who helped me with the story and some of my vocal assessments.

 FREE OF SPOILERS

Overall rating: 9/10

Acting – 10/10

Music – 9/10 (average of all the song scores)

Ease of understanding – 2/10

Direction – 8/10 or 4/10 I honestly dunno. It depends on the next shows and the follow through for the storyline. If it is satisfying then I think this shows direction was excellent but if it falls flat then this show was kinda the beginning of that.

 Overall Summary: Honestly, I dunno what happened rly but the music, staging and acting were excellent. The idol portion was maybe my favourite out of all the myus, and I really enjoyed all the new songs. The first half was fascinating, enthralling and a spectacle but almost completely incomprehensible as so little was clarified, and we were left with so many questions. I really recommend watching the show for yourself as no review I can write will adequately explain or demonstrate what the show was like.

 Now I’ll have to get into spoilers to go any further into what the show was like

As I normally do, I am going to give my thoughts on story, acting, songs and directing, then mention some extra stuff that I might think of at the end.

 Story: Please keep in mind that this show is complex, and I didn’t manage to catch everything, and I might be wrong about some things, but this is the best I could do, trying to get it out asap. I will only describe the first half bc the 2nd half has no story.

 So, the entire show revolves around Suishinshi and he is trying to work out what Mikazuki is doing and what his goal is.

In the first scene he is in modern Tokyo and then a HRA person shows up and everything collapses. He says that his consciousness was stolen. Red threads are pulled all over the stage. Sand pours into a pile near the back of the stage and a girl in Noh mask and traditional clothes comes onto stage and dances at the back. It is unclear if Suishinshi recognises her. The music that she was dancing to suddenly disappears and she stares at Suishinshi and then she runs off. Kiyomaro quickly runs on and tells Suishinshi that there is a battle and then they go off together.

 In the 2nd scene Kiyomaro and Suishinshi arrived in the 10th century and find two soldiers fighting HRA members. They are about to step in but Taira no Masakado arrives defeats them. The two are surprised but as the discuss that Mikazuki speaks to Suishinshi and tells him Masakado’s name then Suishinshi has flashes of the future of Tokyo/Edo and sees figures that are important to the city, the humans in this show.

 But he is broken out of this by Buzen and Kuwana. Kiyomaro describes how Suishinshi said that he saw time moving like film unwinding like a movie. And it was so disorientating that he didn’t know where he was or when it was anymore. He says he’s been like that since their last mission.

 Then Oodenta comes on and sings about being a Tenka Goken with Sohayanotsurugi. (I am mostly not going to include songs but it is their first appearance so I will here)

 The two are in Tokugawa controlled Edo, at some point in the early 17th century, and they see Tenkai, one of Ieyasu’s advisors who is a monk, chanting and is repels the HRA. They mention that he sang a very old nursery rhyme, may be the one from Mihotose, and Suishinshi comes on and says that he has heard that song before. The film of the future of Edo plays again. But is a bit shorter.

 Then it fades out and is replaced by fire and the sound of a sword being crafted. Samidare arrives on stage and sings then leaves and Murakumo does the same thing then they duet.

 They are greeted by Kuwana and Buzen who tell them that Kotegiri and Matsui aren’t there at the moment. Then they take Murakumo and Samidare on a tour of the citadel.

 Kiyomaro and Suishinshi come back on stage and Kiyomaro says it’s a good thing to have more allies. Suishinshi describes how Nikkari told him that it can be a good and bad thing. Kiyomaro then says that must be why he left on a trip. Kiyomaro then asks Suishinshi if there is anything, he can do for him and Suishinshi doesn’t answer but Kiyomaro takes that as a no and leaves the stage. Some of the film plays again then Suishinshi leaves too.

 Kuwana comes out and is farming then Suishinshi comes back on and asks about the crops and so Kuwana tells him about a patch of grass as Buzen runs off stage chasing a mole. Kuwana tells Suishinshi that he is getting the fields ready for the rain and then Suishinshi says something about the world ending, I did not get this bit. Then the film plays again

Then it cuts to Saigo Takamori and Katsu Kaishuu talking. They talk about the future and some other stuff that I didn’t quite catch. Oodenta and Sohayanotsurugi come on and discuss the end of the Tokugawa government. Oodenta says if they had more spiritual power then they would have been able to last longer. And Suishinshi asks where he went after the end of Edo and the Tokugawa government.

 Kiyomaro then comes on and asks the Saniwa about abandoned timelines and is told not to think about it as there are some things it’s better not to know.

 Then we go to 1457 and see Ota Dokan supervising the building of Edo castle. Suishinshi wonders why Dokan decided to build a castle in that specific place. Dokan talks about enjoying the flowers and having a picnic there. Suishinshi then describes how as the seasons changed Edo went on to become the centre of Japan and his birthplace.

 During Dokan and Samidare’s duet the little girl comes out again and dances then hands a big leaf she was dancing with to Dokan and leaves the stage again. Then the film plays again.

 Sohayanotsurugi comes on fighting the HRA. He is joined by Oodenta, Murakumo and Samidare, Then Tenkai comes on stage again and repels the HRA. Suishinshi says he needs to make a boarder within himself between what is him and what isn’t him.

 Buzen comes on stage and says he believes anything that can think and remember is living. Suishinshi asks him if that means that if there is no memory of a specific living thing then does it mean it didn’t live at all and Buzen says that he’s not a person who can answer that. During their discussion, the little girl in the mask returns.

 Buzen leaves the stage and a full moon is visible in the back before it fades into the film playing backwards.

 In the next scenes we are back at the building of Edo castle and Buzen is helping the workers pull a big stone along. Buzen has clearly been helping the group before as Dokan welcomes him back from his trip and says he wishes he could go on a trip too, but he’s too surrounded by war. He asks Buzen where he went and Buzen told him he visited the sea and says it would be nice if they could go together sometime.

 Samidare comes to talk to Buzen and he asks him what Dokan is like and Buzen says he’s an amazing person and he would love to show him the future of Edo.

 Suishinshi, Kiyomaro and Oodenta come on the stage and Kiyomaro seems to be asking Oodenta about Mikazuki. Oodenta wonders when they were first called the Tenka Goken. Then Suishinshi and Kiyomaro start talking about curses, sorry this bit was incomprehensible to me.

 The curse may be in relation to Taira no Masakado who is believed to be a vengeful ghost who still plagues Tokyo today.

 The next scene shows Suishinshi watching as Masakado fights off four people and then is shot in the head, killing him. As he dies Suishinshi wonders why he has to die. If they’re meant to protect history then why aren’t they protecting him. Whose history are they protecting. Many figures with the same outfit as him but bands over their eyes and long grey hair come on and surround Masakado changing him into what resembles the painting of his vengeful spirit. He then stares at Suishinshi and leaves the stage.

 Suishinshi asks if this is also a curse. He says he has to make himself normal again. Saying his name is Suishinshi Masahide. However, his name that was written on the screen at the back melts away. It is replaced by Mikazuki’s name then lots of other Touken Danshi names play across the screen and disappear like they’re being erased. He calls out that his name is Suishinshi Masahide as the names fade into letters, the red lines cross across the stage again and the child with the Noh mask appears again.

 In the next scene Dokan is about to be executed when the HRA save him and run off. Buzen sees this and waves at him. Dokan smiles and walks towards him, going to say something but Buzen jumps towards him and stabs him in the heart. He says that that is because that is what the history is. He says that he didn’t want to have to kill him even as an order then walks to him, closing his eyes. He laments that he never got to take Dokan to the quiet ocean. (A reference to Paraiso) Samidare says that he should be doing the dirty jobs and the next time Buzen should let him do it instead. Buzen says that it’s fine and that he wants Samidare to be able to just sing and dance. He asks him to perform for Dokan. The child with the Noh mask appears again and lays the leaf that she handed to Dokan earlier, on his chest.

 The next scene has Kuwana farming again. He is approached by Murakumo who asks him what he’s doing. He explains that there is nothing there, so he has to prepare it for when the sun is bright, and the rain is beautiful. Murakumo reflects that rain is important for crops and Kuwana says that clouds are important too. Clouds and rain are in a circle where clouds will become rain, rain will fall then will trickle into the ocean. The water will then leave the sea and become clouds again. He says that they are all connected in this circle. Humans, history and all the swords. Kuwana tastes the earth and says that it is good earth. Murakumo says that he would like the make the field a field of Kerria but then goes back on this saying they should grow food as flowers aren’t useful as you can’t eat them. Kuwana says you may not be able to eat them, but they are needed, even in this world. Murakumo tries to eat some of the dirt and says that Kuwana is very weird for trying to eat the earth. Kuwana just laughs along and says that maybe he is.

 We go back to Tenkai who Oodenta and Sohayanotsurugi are with. Then Masakado appears and tries to attack them. Finally, with Samidare, Murakumo, Kuwana and Kiyomaro’s help as well, they manage to defeat Masakado but apparently there are 6 more. Tenkai creates a spiritual barrier in the place where they defeated Masakado and Tenkai tells them they have to go defeat the rest. Sohayanotsurugi, Murakumo and Kuwana leave but Oodenta asks Kiyomaro if Tokyo/Edo always had that many monsters. He remarks, I think, that if a person lives for 100 years then they will become a Tsukumogami. (this is what I think I heard but it doesn’t rly make sense as a Tsukumogami is an object that becomes sentient rather than being a person hence why I am confused)

 In the next scene Mikazuki is projected onto the screen and Suishinshi demands to know what he is doing. He takes out his sword and tries to fight Mikazuki, but the image ripples and he has to take some steps back, saying he knows Mikazuki isn’t the kinda of opponent he can fight against. He attacks it again and the image disappears, reappearing to the side. Suishinshi says that he is going against the river of history. He attacks that image, and it reappears on the other side. He says Mikazuki has taken on a very sad role in the flow of history then attacks the image again. The image appears on the back again and Suishinshi asks what on earth was Mikazuki trying to protect. He says that Mikazuki is doing something horrible and this time the image of Mikazuki blocks all of his attacks. Mikazuki brings his sword up and the instrumental of Hana no Utena can be heard then as he brings it down Suishinshi sees a flash of many of the humans who have been in Toumyu so far, including people like Yoshitsune, Sadachika and Souji. Then Suishinshi starts saying the names of flowers. I don’t rly know why. But as he is saying this the girl with the mask appears again behind the screen. Suishinshi asks if all the flowers were her doing and if she was making time move along. Then he seems to realise who she is and says ‘I see, you are-’ then it cuts off. The screen and sounds statics and Suishinshi falls to the ground.

 In the next scene Kiyomaro asks the Saniwa if he can look after Suishinshi, saying he will definitely come back, making it seem like he is gone for a while. Kiyomaro says that Suishinshi is really amazing and the Saniwa agrees. Suishinshi then comes in and asks for permission to go after Mikazuki saying that his eyes looked so sad ‘at that time’. He says that with even a little time he might be able to lighten his burden. He says that history is like a big river but the small rivers coming off it can still be beautiful. The Saniwa then says he will leave it to Suishinshi. Suishinshi asks Kiyomaro to come with him and they leave together.

 In the next scene Oodenta and Sohayanotsurugi are listening to gunfire and canons and talking about how Edo is ending (as it will soon be named Tokyo instead). Kiyomaro and Suishinshi walk on and Kiyomaro asks why they have come to the Bakumatsu time (the end of the Tokugawa government). Suishinshi says there is something that needs to be fixed in that time. Kiyomaro says that he will believe Suishinshi and follow him. Sohayanotsurugi and Oodenta come and join them and Suishinshi tells them about his plan. He takes out a map and indicates all the places in which Tenkai made kekkai and what the effect of those was, I couldn’t catch that bit. I couldn’t really understand the rest of the bit when it’s just the four swords.

 Then Katsu Kaishuu comes on and is surrounded by HRA. He keeps spitting at them for some reason. The swords defeat the HRA and Kaishuu thanks them. Suishinshi asks him if he is trying to protect the Tokugawa government and he seems insulted by that. He says that it isn’t anything that small. He is trying to protect the world and says that it is his dream to go on a trip somewhere. Even if everyone he wanted to go with is dead. Suishinshi gets incredibly excited and happy and says that Kaishuu is really an amazing person. He then runs off but quickly runs on again and says that Kaishuu has a wonderful sword. (which is probably him as he was one of Kaishuu’s swords)

 Kuwana and Murakumo come back on with Tenkai, fighting more HRA. Another Masakado comes on and they have to fight him. The four from the previous scene then join them as well. Tenkai then makes the final kekkai. Suishinshi asks him why he wanted to protect the land. He says that’s just his thing and he thanks them saying he was able to protect Edo because of them. Then he dies.

 The next scene has Dokan with Samidare and Buzen as they look at the newly completed Edo castle, obviously earlier in Dokan’s timeline. Dokan asks if Samidare knows why it’s beautiful and Buzen says because of the people. Dokan agrees. A place that is built by people and lived in by people is beautiful. Samidare then asks if he thinks that then does he not find nature beautiful. Dokan says that he does because of the heart of that thing. Samidare then barks at Dokan and apologises, saying it is because he was so moved. When Dokan laughs he hides his face in his scarf which is literally the cutest thing ever. Suishinshi then suddenly appears and says that he has something to ask Dokan. He asks him why he decided to build Edo castle. Was it as a home or for battle? Dokan says maybe a little bit of both then recites a poem about Kerria and says that Suishinshi will understand what he means one day. Suishinshi and Kiyomaro leave. Buzen asks Samidare if he understands the poem and Samidare explains it – I didn’t understand the explanation though.

 In the next scene Masakado is fighting off HRA and Suishinshi and Kiyomaro appear to help him. Suishinshi asks Masakado why he started the uprising and Masakado asks him why he’s asking him that. He then says there was another person who asked him that and a crescent moon is projected onto the back. He says Mikazuki called him a friend. Suishinshi tells him Mikazuki has taken a heart-breaking role upon himself and Masakado says that he knows. History is nothing but winners and losers. History is just things and people that are left over. Things like Suishinshi and Kiyomaro. The smell of flowers and the tone of songs. He wonders whether things that aren’t there anymore were ever there at all. He confirms with Suishinshi that he is going to lose the battle. He wants to leave behind the trace that he was there so no one can think that he wasn’t. He says Mikazuki is too kind. He then says some stuff I couldn’t get. He then goes to leave but Suishinshi asks him again why he started the uprising. He says it was all for a woman.

 He starts singing and all the other humans join him.

 In the next scene Suishinshi tells Kiyomaro that wherever he goes he can only see a crescent moon, never a full moon. He says history is just what the winners say happened, no one can ever know truly what happened, no matter how sad this may be. (As he says this the girl appears again, she is dancing in a circle of Kerria flowers). Even if his memories aren’t completely there, he knows that all of history is connected.

 Then all the Gous walk on and the crescent moon appears. Mikazuki says as expected of Suishinshi. Mikazuki says Suishinshi doesn’t have to say out loud what he has worked out, his feelings are enough. Suishinshi was able to lighten his load. Suishinshi shouldn’t be sad for him because this is Mikazuki’s role. But there are things he cannot do so he needs help. Suishinshi and Kiyomaro have to become the link between the past and the future. The Gous have to be the ones to connect to people. Buzen is about the asks Mikazuki something when all the Gous double over as if they have a flash of memory like the film that Suishinshi has been seeing. Buzen looks horrified and asks Mikazuki if it could mean- but he is cut off by Mikazuki. Mikazuki laughs and remarks how beautiful the moon is and then leaves. Suishinshi and Kiyomaro say they have to fulfil their role then leave. The Gous then start saying confusing things. Murakumo says ‘a little, just a little’, Samidare says ‘Yes, the memory’, And then Buzen says ‘It seems like we Gou are-g’ then he is cut off.

 The next scene begins the same as the first scene, with Suishinshi in modern Tokyo. And he says he finally knows who someone is, most probably the girl. The full moon is visible behind him and the dirt is falling from the ceiling again. He says, ‘So, you came here? But if this hadn’t happened and you could have chosen would you have come here at all? The curse, the kekkai. You must be frustrated. I don’t know why you did this, but I respect your determination. The people who were here and the people who weren’t, the people who came and the people who chose not to come, it’s not fun for them. Your feelings have reached me. Thank you. And I have a request, please don’t hurt this time, reality, or the things that you chose. It’s gotten across to me. It would be nice if it could be understood. Barriers aren’t just in people’s hearts. We will definitely meet again. So, don’t close off or hurt things. To achieve that goal, we will do everything’.

As he is speaking the HRA are pulling the red ribbons across the stage again and on his very last sentence all of the other swords join him.

 In the next scene different swords come on and just small talk a little.

Kiyomaro and Suishinshi come on. Suishinshi says his mission is to make sure everyone is smiling. Kiyomaro then asks him about the girl and Suishinshi says he doesn’t know her name. The wonder what type of person she could be. Suishinshi says he thinks she is a person doing her best.

 And that is the end of the first half.

 Acting: I am not going to go person by person because honestly, [I have 0 criticisms for any of the actors. I cannot believe that this was the first show. The singing and acting was amazing.] I am leaving what I initially wrote as it was my first impression but as I dove into the songs a little more I realise there is a lot of room for improvement in the singing department.

The standouts for me were Samidare, Dokan and Masakado. I loved all three actors and thought they were excellent even among this incredible cast. I will also give a shoutout to Nagata Seiichirou, Murakumo’s actor, as I have seen him a lot in Prince of tennis where personally I really did not enjoy his acting or singing and was so pleasantly surprised to see how much he has improved. He obviously practiced so hard for this show.

 Songs:

Obviously, I don’t know the song titles, so I am just gonna to refer to who is singing the song. (except for Touken Ranbu) I do have singing experience, but I do not know all the technical terms so please bear with me for what I am trying to express. This will be less in depth than my Kuromyu song review because I spent so much time on the story already and I really want to get this out soon.

 Touken Ranbu – 10/10

I love the new accompaniment. While personally I was not getting bored of the previous Touken Ranbu I know people who were but I also now that I would not have been happy if they changed the song, so I am really happy with what they did. It feels nostalgic but also fresh.

 Taira no Masakado solo – 7/10

I think the song is good and very well sung but Bishin wavers on the notes at the beginning a bit hence why it is only 7/10. It might change depending on the final performance. This song is really good but because of the way it is written it sounds pretty difficult to sing as it isn’t in lines that flow to get but more short phrases that, while being sung not spoken, sound pretty harsh to get out.

 Kiyomaro and Suishinshi duet – 10/10

This song is beautiful and so well sung. Nobunaga and Seiya’s voices really compliment each other well. The gentle music and gentle singing works, really well with emphasizing how worried Kiyomaro is for Suishinshi. When I was watching it with people it was fun to see literally everyone be like ‘Well I guess I stan Tenpou now’ immediately.

 Oodenta and Sohayanotsurugi duet – 9/10

This song is really amazing, and I like how different it is to the previous duet. It starts of with a beat that makes it sound like Oodenta is going to rap. Raita has one of the best voices in this show and he really showcases it in this song. He goes from singing higher to lower and nails both of them. The only reason why this is a 9 and not a 10 is that Masaki’s voice is definitely not as strong and he doesn’t sound great on some of the notes, hoping he can improve for the final show. The song is still 9 though because his solo bit is much shorter and his harmony with Raita sounds really good.

 Samidare and Murakumo duet – 8/10

I know I haven’t given it 10/10 but this is my favourite song in the show. (I am very biased towards Gous and Yamazaki Shogo) This song is again, hugely difficult. It goes from quite low to very high and honestly it is no surprise that Shogo and Seiichan didn’t nail every single note on the first night. I am so excited to hear this on the album and on the final night. Shogo has some tension in his voice, probably from nerves, and this is not his best performance, but I know he will improve as the show goes on. Honestly, this song isn’t sad at all, but I started to tear up during this song. I was not a fan of Seiichan in Prince of tennis. I did not think much of his acting and singing and I have not re-watched any of his casts shows more than once. So, I was so happy here to hear how much he has improved. Not only his acting but his singing is world’s apart from a few years ago. It is abundantly clear how hard he worked to improve his singing and it has obviously paid off as he nailed this song despite it being rather difficult. Can’t wait for this song to become a 10/10 when Shogo can nail all of his notes on final night.

 Kuwana solo – 8/10

This song is so adorable and sweet, and I love it but Tomoya sounds so nervous during the song. He misses quite a few notes and when he does sing it well his voice has a lot of tension in it. His high notes and transitions are a bit flat. I hope as the show goes on he can relax and sing this song to the best of his ability, taking it up to a 10.

 Ota Dokan solo – 7/10

This song is really fun and is about the workers moving the rocks for Edo castle around. The chorus is really fun. I don’t think Dokan’s actor has the best voice ever but the song is written in a more traditional style which I think compliments his voice and brings out the best from him. Very solid song that I liked.

 Samidare Dokan duet – 5/10

I honestly don’t know if it’s the song writer not exactly getting it for this song or if it’s the singers but for most of this song it really does not sound great. Their voices do not harmonise well for the most part, except one harmony that was quite nice. Dokan’s actor really doesn’t sound good in this song and I think the main reason it made it to even 5/10 was because Shogo managed to hit some of hit notes very well. I really really hope this song improves for the final show.

 Tenkai solo – 7/10

I really really enjoy the Buddhist chanting. I think it sounds really good with the song. Tenkai’s actor does not have a very good voice but he doesn’t sing too much in the song and the chanting covers for him a little.

 Buzen Dokan duet – 4/10

This is a reprise of Dokan’s solo but with Buzen singing the first half of the song. I really don’t think Yuta sounds good singing in this style. I didn’t hear much tension from either of their voices for this song so I honestly don’t know if this song will improve, the song style just doesn’t seem to fit Yuta’s voice. While I still really enjoy the chorus, I don’t think either actor sang this well at all and I am just glad there weren’t any harmonies in this song.

 Buzen solo – 8/10

Yuta really redeems himself in this song. His voice sounds really great and the emotion is definitely there. While not every note is perfect, it is worlds better than the previous song. He really nails the bits that require more projecting of his voice, mostly, and he has a nice contrast between rough and soft.

 Kuwana solo reprise – 9/10

This song is much shorter, so he basically gets +2 for every line that he nails. His voice wavers a little on the first line hence why it is a 9/10 but definitely getting there for this song.

 Kuwana Murakumo duet – 7/10

I do like this song, but it’s not terribly well sung by Tomoya and Seiichan has his moments as well. I really hope this is just due to it being the first night as I see a lot of promise in the song and am very excited to hear it with a little more hitting the notes.

 Taira no Masakado solo reprise – 6/10

I think they wrote this song as a little too aggressive as with the shouting he has to do as part of this song his voice suffers a lot. While I get it has to be aggressive because he is attacking them and is now cursed/vengeful spirit/HRA but I feel like they could have managed the aggressiveness with the song actually sounding good a bit better.

 Oodenta Sohayanotsurugi duet – 7/10

Pretty good song. Pretty solid singing from both of them. It’s very short so I don’t really have many notes.

 Sohayanotsurugi Oodenta duet – 7/10

This was pretty difficult to rate. Masaki’s voice is not amazing in this song, but he carries the emotion it is meant to have, really well. Raita is doing amazingly as always, and their harmonies are good I just didn’t feel like I could put it above 7 because of Masaki’s voice.

 Full cast song – 8/10

The song starts off with just Masakado and then the other humans join in then the swords too.

I think the beginning solo bit from Bishin is his best singing in the show, he manages to do the shouting but still sound really good and I love his voice in this song.

I think Tenkai and Dokan’s actors also sound incredible in this song for the most part.

There is a little bit in the middle where some of the humans and swords sing individually and like everyone missed their notes and harmonies which brought this song down from a 10 because it starts and ends beautifully with incredible singing and harmonies. They just need to tighten the bit in the middle and make sure everyone is nailing their parts.

At the very end of the song Suishinshi has a solo bit and I wasn’t quite sure if it was the same song or a different song, but I included it with this one for now. Seiya sounds really good and it ties up the song well with well sung solo parts at the beginning and end.

 Suishinshi solo – 10/10

Sung beautifully. Pretty short but there are not faults with it.

 All sword song/End of first half song – 7/10

This song is beautifully written. The vocals are very hit and miss though. When they hit the notes, they sound amazing, but when they don’t it is pretty dire. For the most part the harmonies are good and I hope they can just perfect the solo lines.

 INTERVAL

 (I’m guessing the song title) Revolution – 10/10

Very solid start to the idol section. The music and dancing slap so hard. This song is really fun and just so great.

 Sohaya Oodenta idol duet – 10/10

Masaki sounds so much better and way more confident here. This song is really really good and just sounds amazing.

 Kiyomaro and Suishinshi duet – 7/10

It kinda seems like Masaki and these two have reversed. Masaki sounds much better in the idol songs and these two sound worse. Their slightly off-pitch for a couple of notes. The chorus, which is so adorable, is absolutely perfect but some of their solo bits aren’t the best.

 Gou4 song – 8/10

The beginning doesn’t have the strongest vocals and I don’t really like the way it seems to be meant to sound at the beginning, but I quite like the rest of the song. Again, Yuta gets the wrong pitch occasionally when he sings but does seem like he’s working on it and getting better.

 1st 2nd layer song – 10/10

They have a dance break section at the beginning and the music slaps as does the music for the entire song. It has a very modern feel to it but then it adds some jazz instruments and then Raita, who is a professional beatboxer, does some beatboxing and it just sounds so good. This song is more spoken than sung but no complaints about the singing.

 2nd 2nd layer song – 10/10

Another really fun song. Pretty solid singing from everyone. I can’t really fault anything.

 3rd layer song – 9/10

I do really like this song and it is a really different 3rd layer song to most of the ones we’ve had before. For the dance thing in the performance. (previous shows have had like ribbons, blankets and spinning lights) They had all of the swords playing the taiko drums. I would have liked maybe something that he hadn’t seen before as we have taiko drums in every 3rd layer song normally, but it was very well done. Not every note was perfect, hence why it isn’t a 10 but once they can nail that it will be.

Touken Ranbu reprise – 10/10

Just as good as the first one. Still loving the new arrangement.

 Direction: All the blocking and choreography stuff was very well done. I am a bit nervous about that this show is indicating for the future of Toumyu and if the story doesn’t follow through this show is gonna seem much worse in retrospect so I think the director should be very careful as he continues with the next few shows.

 Other things:

 This really feels like the start of the Toumyu story arc. Of course, we had already got hints of it in shows like Tsuwamono and Kishou Hongi, but this has really kicked it off in a big way. I think what they have done is quite dangerous and may possibly alienate some people from Toumyu as this show was very complicated and a lot of Japanese fans were also extremely confused. I really hope people stick with Toumyu and that this arc is handled well and that confusing shows like this don’t become the norm. I am positively apprehensive.

 Honestly, I did really like this show and I thought it was interesting, but I wouldn’t like to see any other Toumyu shows quite as complicated as this. I think it was good as a once off but I think I would be a bit put off Toumyu if they kept doing shows like this.

 I will say I did not see the point in Oodenta and Sohayanotsurugi in this show. While both actors did very well, and their songs were for the most very enjoyable they played almost no part in the story. The only important role they had was one scene where Kiyomaro asks him about Mikazuki because they are both Tenka Goken but even if that he doesn’t really answer. I wouldn’t normally bring this up but since they had 8 people instead of 6, I felt like I should say this. I do think it was a bit of a mistake to go up to 8 for this show, especially as it was so complicated and so I think other things didn’t quite get the time they deserved because of Oodenta and Sohayanotsurugi being there.

 Overall: Very good but also depends on where Toumyu goes from here.

[sohmariku]

SUBTITLE PROJECT LIST: UPDATE

TOUMYU: KISHO HONGI ACT 1 The subtitles for Kisho Hongi are coming along well. Not quite sure if I’ll have them done before the end of the year, but I’ve finished about 70% of the translation at this point, so I have hope. ^o^

----

With that said, it’s time to start planning for next year, but... I can’t quite decide what to work on first. So, I need your help! Please let me know what show you think I should prioritize! ^^

TOUMYU: ATSU-IBUN PARIS ACT 2

TOUMYU: MIHOTOSE 2019 ACT 2

TOUMYU: KISHO HONGI ACT 2

TOUMYU: BAKUMATSU TENRODEN 2020

TOUSUTE: KAIHEN IKUSAYU HONPEN

TOUSUTE: JIDEN HIBI NO HA HONPEN

[littlemissyina]

Amethyst

I took so long to think of something for this, and wrote just as slow as my man in this fic XD

I have been wanting to write a piece for my #1 Touken Danshi for weeks and wasn’t able to think of something, until a conversation with my waifu @stupidoafofspades sparked something. 

This was inspired/based on events(more of Ishi’s character development) that had happened in the Touken Ranbu musical Mihotose no Komoriuta. 

Gomene for any OOC-ness, venturing into a lot of firsts in this fandom so I’m still learning!

Hope you enjoy :)

Amethyst Touken Ranbu - Ishikirimaru x Female!Saniwa/Reader

The cool autumn breeze was flowing through her office space as she diligently worked on the paperwork that was waiting for her when she walked in this morning. She got through them one by one, though her attention was split between the papers in front of her and the mission that was currently being carried out by a handful of the Touken Danshi. There was one that stood out in particular that was at the forefront of her mind. 

She knew that he didn’t feel well suited for missions like these, but his soft and kind nature would be of great value, and so she had decided to keep him in the unit, which she dispatched just over a week ago. They were due back anytime now, and her heart raced as each minute passed that she hadn’t heard of their return yet.

A knock came to her door as the sun began to set.

“Aruji-sama?” a familiar voice said, the silhouette of his figure can be seen through the screen door. 

She whipped her head up at the sound of his voice and smiled. “Come in!” She quickly stood from her table as the door slid open.

“We have returned, Aruji-sama,” Ishikirimaru said, bowing to her. “I have come to give my report.”

“Please,” she said, motioning to the couch against the wall. They both sat down on opposite ends, facing each other. “I hope everyone has returned safely and in good health.”

He smiled softly as he bowed his head. “Yagen-san is currently assessing the rest of the team. There were no major injuries, and we were successful in completing the mission.”

She smiled in relief, the weight on her chest finally lifting. “Good. I’m glad to hear that. Please, continue with your report.”

They were there for the next couple of hours as he recounted their entire mission, answering any questions she had. Over the course of their conversation, they seemed to have moved closer and closer to each other, their thighs eventually touching. She looked up at him, his amethyst eyes looking back at her. She frowned slightly as his eyes looked different, not as gentle as they usually were. Guilt began to well inside her, knowing the weight of probably what he had to do or see was still sitting inside of him. Her hands seemed to have reacted faster than her brain was able to speak as she reached out, her small hands closing around his large one.

“Ishikirimaru-san,” she said softly, her tone catching him off guard for a moment. “Be honest with me, did I put too much on you again?”

Ishikirimaru smiled at her, then looked down at her hands wrapped around his. “Aruji-sama, there is no need for you to worry about such things. You have judged that this is my purpose, haven’t you?”

She looked at him and nodded, squeezing his hand gently.

He gave another smile. “If that’s the case, I will respect that.”

“But I do worry about you, Ishikirimaru-san. I worry about everyone’s well being here-” She began to blush as she looked back at him. “Especially yours.” 

His own blush began to spread across his cheeks, his eyes beginning to soften again. “Aruji-sama..”

An idea sprouted in her head as she looked at him and smiled wide, standing from the couch but keeping a firm hold on his hand. “Come sit here with me, Ishikirimaru-san,” she said, pulling him towards her futon.

He nodded as he let her guide him, sitting down and crossing his legs. She let go of his hand as he sat down, and he realized how he missed the feeling of her warm hands on his. “Aruji-sama?” he asked, confused as to why they had moved places.

She sat behind him as she grinned, placing her hands on his shoulders. She frowned slightly, realizing how tense he actually was. She never would have known, considering the layers he normally wears don’t give away much. She hesitantly gave them a squeeze, rubbing small circles with her thumbs along his shoulder blades. 

“Can I make a request, Ishikirimaru-san?” she asked, leaning forward slightly, her face next to his.

He hummed in curiosity, turning his head to look at her, their noses almost touching. 

She tilted her head slightly and smiled. “I want you to close your eyes, and focus on this time with me, and nothing else.”

“Of course, Aruji-sama,” he responded with a soft smile, closing his eyes as he faced forward again. 

She looked at him for a moment, taking in his features before taking her seat again behind him.

She started at the base of his neck, gently working out the tense muscles, smiling every time she heard a sigh escape his lips. She ran her hands along his shoulders and up the column of his neck, the tips of her fingers brushing against his soft hair. Eventually her hands made their way lower, running over his shoulder blades again, then down the whole length of his back. 

Ishikirimaru kept his eyes closed the entire time she cared for him, the images that had seared into his mind from his last mission no longer poking at him like it did before. He came to the conclusion that her hands felt nice, and was surprised at how his body had responded to her ministrations. He could feel each muscle relax with every pass of her hands, the warmth that he had felt seeped through his clothing and could feel it on his skin. The soft sighs that came from him always took him by surprise, as he seemed to do it before it had registered in his mind. As her hands began to massage lower, he began to lean forward, a small smile growing across his face. 

“Better?” she asked, leaning over his shoulder again.

He opened his eyes slowly, turning his head again to face her. “Yes, Aruji-sama. Thank you,” he said, leaning his head forward as if to bow, but then rubbed his nose against hers. 

She giggled, her eyes growing wide as she noticed him turning just enough to wrap his arms around her, pulling her onto his lap. “I-Ishikirimaru-san!”

He kept one arm around her and reached out with the other to take hold on her own, lacing their fingers together. “These hands, they do so much,” he said, looking at their joined hands. “May I make a request of you, Aruji-sama?”

“Of course,” she said without hesitation. “What do you need?”

His soft amethyst eyes were back as he looked at her, taking a moment before responding. “Will you rest with me?”

She blinked a few times before her smile started to grow, nodding. “Of course, always,” she said, laughing softly.

Ishikirimaru smiled again as he leaned back, bringing them both down onto her futon. She brought the sheets up to cover them both as he brought her back flush against his chest, his tall and large frame perfectly molding around her small frame. 

“Rest well, Ishikirimaru-san,” she said, bringing her hand back to meet his, lacing their fingers again. 

“You as well, Aruji-sama,” he said, placing a soft kiss on top of her head. 

The cool autumn breeze blew through the room again, each holding onto each other just a little tighter as they both drifted off to sleep in each other's arms.

[yinathesaniwa]

Amethyst

I took so long to think of something for this, and wrote just as slow as my man in this fic XD

I have been wanting to write a piece for my #1 Touken Danshi for weeks and wasn’t able to think of something, until a conversation with my waifu @stupidoafofspades sparked something.

This was inspired/based on events(more of Ishi’s character development) that had happened in the Touken Ranbu musical Mihotose no Komoriuta.

Gomene for any OOC-ness, venturing into a lot of firsts in this fandom so I’m still learning!

Hope you enjoy :)

Amethyst Touken Ranbu - Ishikirimaru x Female!Saniwa/Reader

The cool autumn breeze was flowing through her office space as she diligently worked on the paperwork that was waiting for her when she walked in this morning. She got through them one by one, though her attention was split between the papers in front of her and the mission that was currently being carried out by a handful of the Touken Danshi. There was one that stood out in particular that was at the forefront of her mind.

She knew that he didn’t feel well suited for missions like these, but his soft and kind nature would be of great value, and so she had decided to keep him in the unit, which she dispatched just over a week ago. They were due back anytime now, and her heart raced as each minute passed that she hadn’t heard of their return yet.

A knock came to her door as the sun began to set.

“Aruji-sama?” a familiar voice said, the silhouette of his figure can be seen through the screen door.

She whipped her head up at the sound of his voice and smiled. “Come in!” She quickly stood from her table as the door slid open.

“We have returned, Aruji-sama,” Ishikirimaru said, bowing to her. “I have come to give my report.”

“Please,” she said, motioning to the couch against the wall. They both sat down on opposite ends, facing each other. “I hope everyone has returned safely and in good health.”

He smiled softly as he bowed his head. “Yagen-san is currently assessing the rest of the team. There were no major injuries, and we were successful in completing the mission.”

She smiled in relief, the weight on her chest finally lifting. “Good. I’m glad to hear that. Please, continue with your report.”

They were there for the next couple of hours as he recounted their entire mission, answering any questions she had. Over the course of their conversation, they seemed to have moved closer and closer to each other, their thighs eventually touching. She looked up at him, his amethyst eyes looking back at her. She frowned slightly as his eyes looked different, not as gentle as they usually were. Guilt began to well inside her, knowing the weight of probably what he had to do or see was still sitting inside of him. Her hands seemed to have reacted faster than her brain was able to speak as she reached out, her small hands closing around his large one.

“Ishikirimaru-san,” she said softly, her tone catching him off guard for a moment. “Be honest with me, did I put too much on you again?”

Ishikirimaru smiled at her, then looked down at her hands wrapped around his. “Aruji-sama, there is no need for you to worry about such things. You have judged that this is my purpose, haven’t you?”

She looked at him and nodded, squeezing his hand gently.

He gave another smile. “If that’s the case, I will respect that.”

“But I do worry about you, Ishikirimaru-san. I worry about everyone’s well being here-” She began to blush as she looked back at him. “Especially yours.”

His own blush began to spread across his cheeks, his eyes beginning to soften again. “Aruji-sama..”

An idea sprouted in her head as she looked at him and smiled wide, standing from the couch but keeping a firm hold on his hand. “Come sit here with me, Ishikirimaru-san,” she said, pulling him towards her futon.

He nodded as he let her guide him, sitting down and crossing his legs. She let go of his hand as he sat down, and he realized how he missed the feeling of her warm hands on his. “Aruji-sama?” he asked, confused as to why they had moved places.

She sat behind him as she grinned, placing her hands on his shoulders. She frowned slightly, realizing how tense he actually was. She never would have known, considering the layers he normally wears don’t give away much. She hesitantly gave them a squeeze, rubbing small circles with her thumbs along his shoulder blades.

“Can I make a request, Ishikirimaru-san?” she asked, leaning forward slightly, her face next to his.

He hummed in curiosity, turning his head to look at her, their noses almost touching.

She tilted her head slightly and smiled. “I want you to close your eyes, and focus on this time with me, and nothing else.”

“Of course, Aruji-sama,” he responded with a soft smile, closing his eyes as he faced forward again.

She looked at him for a moment, taking in his features before taking her seat again behind him.

She started at the base of his neck, gently working out the tense muscles, smiling every time she heard a sigh escape his lips. She ran her hands along his shoulders and up the column of his neck, the tips of her fingers brushing against his soft hair. Eventually her hands made their way lower, running over his shoulder blades again, then down the whole length of his back.

Ishikirimaru kept his eyes closed the entire time she cared for him, the images that had seared into his mind from his last mission no longer poking at him like it did before. He came to the conclusion that her hands felt nice, and was surprised at how his body had responded to her ministrations. He could feel each muscle relax with every pass of her hands, the warmth that he had felt seeped through his clothing and could feel it on his skin. The soft sighs that came from him always took him by surprise, as he seemed to do it before it had registered in his mind. As her hands began to massage lower, he began to lean forward, a small smile growing across his face.

“Better?” she asked, leaning over his shoulder again.

He opened his eyes slowly, turning his head again to face her. “Yes, Aruji-sama. Thank you,” he said, leaning his head forward as if to bow, but then rubbed his nose against hers.

She giggled, her eyes growing wide as she noticed him turning just enough to wrap his arms around her, pulling her onto his lap. “I-Ishikirimaru-san!”

He kept one arm around her and reached out with the other to take hold on her own, lacing their fingers together. “These hands, they do so much,” he said, looking at their joined hands. “May I make a request of you, Aruji-sama?”

“Of course,” she said without hesitation. “What do you need?”

His soft amethyst eyes were back as he looked at her, taking a moment before responding. “Will you rest with me?”

She blinked a few times before her smile started to grow, nodding. “Of course, always,” she said, laughing softly.

Ishikirimaru smiled again as he leaned back, bringing them both down onto her futon. She brought the sheets up to cover them both as he brought her back flush against his chest, his tall and large frame perfectly molding around her small frame.

“Rest well, Ishikirimaru-san,” she said, bringing her hand back to meet his, lacing their fingers again.

“You as well, Aruji-sama,” he said, placing a soft kiss on top of her head.

The cool autumn breeze blew through the room again, each holding onto each other just a little tighter as they both drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms.

[ishikawadesu]

@sakiyama_staff - March 3rd, 2019

Musical “Touken Ranbu” ~Mihotose no Komoriuta~ Kyoto performances ended safely!! Thank you very much for your support!

Now there is only left the return to Tokyo. I’ want to show you all of my war experience.

From Tsubasa

@sakiyama_staff - March 6th, 2019

Today at 21, YOSHIKI CHANNEL

I’m gonna have a live talk with YOSHIKI-sama!!!

Since I’m already nervous, I’m eating curry 🍛

Everyone, give me your power!!!

From Tsubasa

@sakiyama_staff - March 9th, 2019

Thank you for coming to “Kurogarasu” movie stage greetings 😊 I was waiting for this day!!! I’m happy to finally get to see everyone! I hope this work flies to more people (crows) From Tsubasa

@sakiyama_staff - March 10th, 2019

Thank you for coming to the second day of “Kurogarasu” movie stage greetings! Osaka was so full 👀 Thank you~ 🙏 These delivered thoughts (crows)

I hope you can really go this next week 🌚 If you’re sobbing, ignore it.

From Tsubasa

[otaku-mama73]

So TouMyu6 is heading back to Tokugawa Ieyasu's era again? As if 70+ years of babysitting him and his son wasn't enough they have to drag the Muramasas back again as well as a new rag-tag team through 70+ performances? I'm in!

So happy to see Mokkun and Spi back! We’re only a few weeks from the Mihotose 2019 daisenshuuraku and seeing their new live outfits, but now they’ll be outfitted with yet another set! What will they wear for SRS2019? Very excited to hear their amazing voices again and how their characters grow!

We now have a musical Tsurumaru! My wish for TouMyu6 was Dategumis, so I am thrilled that Myu is getting the troll crane. Young Okamiya Kurumu appears to be quite new, and I hope he is ready for a wild ride.

Casting Akaashi is a dangerous element, especially next to Sengo’s antics. Not to mention Tsurumaru again, these three are going to give whoever is Taichou a big headache! Storyline wise, adding a Rai sword opens up other possibilities in the future. How cute would it be to have Hotarumaru or Aizen in Myu?  Either way, Akaashi will be in great hands with Nakada Hiroki, a veteran of stage and musicals himself.

We’re also getting another of the Great 3 Spears! Otegine gives off a pretty chill vibe and perhaps he, along with his fellow spear will help balance out the potential mess that this formation appears to be.

Myu claims another more rare wakizashi with Kotegiri. Again, the opportunities for more interesting storylines down the line with Buzen perhaps?

No word on a proper title for Myu6 yet, but with the actors for Ieyasu and Nobuyasu returning, it’s looking like the Myu’s trend of continuing storylines returns. Seriously, what more of the Tokugawa era will they explore? With the Muramasas returning, perhaps they’ll delve into the Muramasa curse on the Tokugawa family? How will the 4 new swords, fit into that?

[riku-in-japan]

Day 8 Akiba

Exhaustion finally kicked in and I didn't feel like doing anything "strenuos". So, what better than going on a simple shopping spree. Before going to Japan I made a mental list of things I wanted to buy and... I've already bought things that weren't on that list.

On the list: Nendoroid figures of Ishikirimaru and Sengo.

Not on the list: Nendoroid figure of Kasen.

But with no brothers released, I felt Sayo really needs someone to keep him company, so... When I found Kasen relatively cheap, I just had to bring him.

Other Nendo I wanted to bring was Hachisuka, because apparently his release day was yesterday and he was all over the shops. Not wanting to totally blow my budget, I didn't get him yet. I had myself settle with his petite version, which I found for only 300 yen.

Also not on the list was a gorgeous Touken Ranbu umbrella, but with a tyfoon and rain around, I really needed one. From the outside you can't see which one you're getting, but I returned home with Chiyoganemaru's design. I'm happy, I think it's really pretty. ^^

The little Kane-san figure was sort of on the list, I'm trying to collect all of them after all. And at 220 yen I felt he was a good find. (And my memory says I didn't have him yet. Let's hope I'm correct.)

And then we have two little pokemon gacha figures. I'm currently watching the Sun&Moon anime and I've come to love it all over again. Can't wait for Sword and Shield to finally be our for Switch. ^o^

And that concludes my shopping spree. In the next couple days I might actually buy Hachisuka's nendo too, unless his price goes through the roof after today.

Other must haves on the list are mostly Toumyu blu-rays. I need to get Mihotose 2019, Tsuwamono and Musuhaji. I'm also looking for some manga volumes to get some series up to date.

And I'll probably end up with an assorted amount of stuff I didn't plan on getting. XD

Gotta stay away from the shops as much as possible!

[leenaevilin]

[Personal] Sundays Stage Marathon♡

◎ MANKAI STAGE『A3!』~AUTUMN & WINTER 2018~ ✔️  → it was fun and I think I liked it more than ~SPRING & SUMMER~

next is:

◎ ミュージカル『刀剣乱舞』 ～三百年の子守唄～ (musical touken ranbu ~mihotose no komoriuta~) ❌  ◎ みんなでKANPAI!千秋楽おつかれさま生配信 (minna de kanpai! senshuuraku otsukaresama nama haishin)❌ 

[vivisucre]

Overanalysis of Mihotose no Komoriuta (spoilers ahead)

As a huge fan of this musical, I couldn’t help but gather my thoughts on this masterpiece. Beware of spoilers and of many unnecessary analysis ! Long post with screencaps !

Credits to screencaps and subs : Amaris fansub and @sohmariku

-- A subtle theme of Ruriiro no Sora begins when Ishikirimaru mentions their story for the first time.

-- Monoyoshi happily singing Ruriiro no Sora before the mission even started, showing how attached he is to the Tokugawas. The theme of Ruriiro no sora will become sadder and sadder along the musical.

-- Nikkari is the first to hold 1-month-old baby Takechiyo, which is nice, when we know he will become the closest to him with Monoyoshi.

-- The Master and Ishikirimaru know the vassals have been killed, and the only way to get it right is to become the vassals. When they leave, Ishikirimaru is the only one knowing it’s gonna be a long mission.

-- Nikkari to Ookurikara : “Looks like we’re fated to stay together” might be foreshadowing

-- Baby Takechiyo is laughing every time he is in Monoyoshi’s arms

-- Ruriiro no Sora sang my Monoyoshi is way more cheerful than any other versions. At this moment he is just happy to be reunited with a Tokugawa. Ishikirimaru may be thinking of assuming Hanzo’s role at this moment. He is observing everyone and then the baby.

-- 10-year-old Takechiyo outfit could be matching Nikkari and Monoyoshi’s color scheme (all right, this one is certainly an overoveranalysis)

-- Nikkari learns two lessons from Monoyoshi : “You should never lose your smile” 

-- And the “Laugh Strategy”. Nikkari starts to laugh, to make Ishikirimaru laugh back, and bring him good fortune again. (also, he learns that smiles aren’t always “Nikkori”)

-- Nikkari & Monoyoshi : They are Takechiyo’s preceptors. Monoyoshi teaches him how to fight, while Nikkari supervises school. We see him teaching maybe reading, and mathematics. They are the first to come&see Ieyasu on his death bed.

-- Ishikirimaru is more interested in Baby Nobuyasu than tactics useful to fulfill their mission as Touken Danshi

-- Most likely, Gohei was supposed to die by the hands of the swordsmen, or at the Fort Marune but he didn’t, thanks to Ookurikara. Ironically, the one TouDan who has no interest in changing history at all, is the one to create the most important one. Indeed Nobuyasu is supposed to die from his father’s orders, but Gohei’s presence and friendship change the balance between father and son. But fate will catch them, as it is Gohei’s death that changes Nobuyasu’s state of mind and eventually drives him to suicidal thoughts.

-- The whole scene where Ishikirimaru realizes he’s been killing not even Retrogrades, but human beings, breaks my heart. We can see Nikkari above him, who stops fighting and is watching him, concerned.

-- And just after, Ishikirimaru snaps at Ookurikara’s comment. I think he’s angry towards himself more than anyone else.

-- The theme of Kibou no Minamoto plays when Ookurikara pledges allegiance. One more step following the right flow of History.

-- Ishi/Hanzo and Nobuyasu’s relationship is utterly important. Even Nobuyasu’s outfit matches the colors of Ishikirimaru. Their movements will also match during scenes, even in the background. Ishikirimaru follows his duty and tells him to learn sword fights, as the firstborn of a family of warriors. But he also teaches him the core of his own personality, to love and cherish living beings.

-- Nikkari tries to talk to Ishikirimaru, to make him face his feelings. But Ishikirimaru runs away. The next time we see a similar scene, 10 years has passed. We can assume Nikkari tries several times. Or maybe he didn’t, out of respect for Ishikirimaru’s feelings. Nikkari is not the type of personality to force people to act.

-- Monoyoshi was going to tell Ieyasu : “A smile will bring Good Luck” but Nobuyasu does it first. Monoyoshi is a proud parent.

-- Ieyasu acknowledges Hanzo/Ishi heavy involvement in Nobuyasu’s education, but Nikkari worries too much now. He is the only one to foresee Ishikirimaru’s heavy duty as Hanzo.

-- Even if Sengo seems careless, he actually cares a lot, and is very professional. He knows he is a Muramasa, a sword family cursed for the Tokugawa family (A muramasa killed Ieyasu’s grand-father, father, and Nobuyasu too). He stays away to be sure nothing happens to any Tokugawa before time. Then he becomes a vassal, around the time Nobuyasu should commit suicide. He also protects Monoyoshi, so he would remain a “lucky” sword.

--The theme of Touken Ranbu is playing, when Nikkari and Ookurikara discuss Ishi’s conflict with war. A reminder they’re Touken Danshi with a duty to fulfill, with their own share of conflict.

-- Historically, the Six vassals died before Tokugawa. Which means, the Mihotose Team fulfilled their duty until the historical death of their role, disappearing one by one, then certainly watching the others from afar. Naomasa (Sengo) and Tadakatsu (Tombo) are the last to die in 1610. The TouDan may have returned to the citadel but I think they stayed to ensure Retrogrades wouldn’t come back to interfere in Ieyasu’s end of life. They come back to witness Ieyasu’s death and say their goodbyes. The two first to show up are Monoyoshi and Nikkari, the closest to him when he was a child. Ieyasu thinks he’s seeing spirits. Then Nobuyasu’s real spirit shows up. He took the name of Gohei, meaning his spirit is free from torment.

They stayed alongside Tokugawa Ieyasu for 73 years.

Bonus :

-        For IshiKari fans like myself: In this scene, Ishi shows him Nikkari’s portrait, without real enthusiasm from Nikkari. Then he shows him Ookurikara’s. During Tombo and Sengo’s scene, we see IshiKari chatting, Ishi shows Nikkari’s portrait again. I think he’s asking him what’s wrong with it! Then, after Muramasa’s and Monoyoshi’s scene, we see Ishi with the pen in his hand, drawing on Nikkari’s portrait again! He wants Nikkari to be proud of his drawing aren’t they cute ??

[mihotose]

toumyu cast + shokurepo

[azusalog]

The Musical Touken Ranbu : Story Asks

So, I saw on my Tumblr dashboard a survey about our opinions and feelings towards Toumyu franchise’s stories and I wanted to answer it. You can find the survey here. Thanks to @rz-jocelyn !

Next, I will answer Song Asks !

1. How did you get into the Musical Touken Ranbu franchise ? What was your first impression of it ?

First, I only knew TKRB through Hanamaru anime, and I remember I didn’t watch it to the end, because there were too much characters with too complicate names, and no real storyline (I discovered next there is one, with Yasusada development). With that, during my very first travel in Japan, I entered a anime goodies shop, and there was a DMM Nitro+ event, because of the 10th anniversary of the studio, with some Dramatical Murder goods, and TKRB as well. I bought some of both, because even if I didn’t know TKRB very well, I had already some attachment to it.

Then, it was last year, during a japanese exposition (Japan Expo) in my town, I saw the Toumyu stand with some live outfits, and I remembered right away I saw once TKRB has musical. And since I was once a J-pop fan, I couldn’t ignore that. So, during my travel in Japan last year, just after Japan Expo, with the rest of money I had at the end of the trip, I bought Tsuwamono triple CD (though I hadn’t listen any song yet !). Then, I came back home, I listened it, and I searched for Toumyu shows. When I found them, I began with Atsukashiyama, and I was « Oh my gosh, this is so cool ! », though sometimes I thought the storyline was a little slow (for example, Imanotsurugi’s scenes. Sorry >_<). Then I watched other musicals, in the right order : Bakumatsu, Mihotose (which I loved a lot because it was so emotional), Tsuwamono (my fav), etc. And I quickly slipped in TKRB hell. Far enough to pull my best friend into it too.

My only regret was I couldn’t see AtsuIbun team’s live at Japan Expo because I was working this day ToT

2. Rank the musicals from the one with the storyline you liked the most to the one with the storyline you liked the least. Why have you chosen to rank them in this order ?

Musical : Tsuwamono > Mihotose > Atsukashiyama 2018 > Atsukashiyama > Musubi > Bakumatsu

SRS & more : SRS16 > SRS17 > SRS18 > Itsukushima

Musical explanation : Tsuwamono was my fav right away, maybe because I listened a bit the songs before to watch the show. I watch it in last, because I wanted to watch the musicals in the order of release, and though I didn’t know Higekiri and Hizamaru yet (I didn’t play the game at that time and I hadn’t watch Zoku Hanamaru yet), I discovered them there, and I loved them right away. I already loved Mikazuki, and the show showed him under a new light. The story was, in my opinion, more complex than the others and it’s why it’s my fav.

Then, there is Mihotose. I cried a lot watching it, especially at the end, and there is my ultimate fav Toudan (Nikkari) in it, so I couldn’t help to like the show o// There were less fights, but more character development, especially Ishikirimaru and a bit Ookurikara.

AtsuIbun 2018, then, because there is the hypothesis Mikazuki acted before the storyline to push Yasuhira to kill Yoshitsune (you can see the lotus flower during the first song, which is a Tsuwamono’s song). I loved that, because it reminds me the loop in Tousute, and now, the fact that Toumyu’s Mikazuki lived a similar things is very high. Poor him ToT he isn’t my fav anymore because Nikkari and Kasen are above him, but I like him a lot. For all of this, I prefer AtsuIbun 2018 than AtsuIbun 2015.

I liked Musubi, the story is quite good, but somehow, I’m not found of it. I like the fact Mutsunokami killed Hijikata to relieve Izuminokami and Horikawa’s soul, I like all about Mutsunokami in it, his energy, his joy and how he didn’t mind when Izuminokami is wrong about him. But that’s all. I don’t really know how to explain it, I like Musubi, but not a lot (you can see it because I don’t talk a lot about the storyline). Just, I really dislike when all the Shinsengumi’s swords cried at the end, when Hijikata died. It’s far too much

And finally Bakumatsu. The storyline is good, I can’t tell the contrary, but I’m not a Shinsengumi’s fan. I like Izuminokami a lot, and Horikawa as well, but when I watched the show for the first time, I was very neutral towards the others. Yasusada annoyed me already because of Hanamaru and in the show I hated is glossy lips xD Sorry, I watched the show only once, and I don’t really remember what it happened.

SRS & more explanation : I will make it shorter it, don’t worry ! My fav SRS is 2017 I think, though I like a lot 2018 because of so much things in it, but if I keep only the storyline, I think the best is 2016. The battle between the two teams is very good, funny and interesting, while in the others, we only have a story telling game and a matsuri battle. There is no real storyline in them. Itsukushima hasn’t either, only a picture of praying in a sacred place.

3. Storyline that you would change ? Why ?

I don’t know at all, because I don’t know what to put instead. Maybe I would change Musubi to add more Kane’s character development about his feelings towards Mutsu. I mean, at the beginning he hates him, and despite the fact that Mutsu killed Hijikata, we don’t have a proper dialogue between Kane and Mutsu after this. Does Kane still hate Mutsu or not ? Does he begin to understand him ? We could say he doesn’t, because he still argues with him in SRS18. What a pity D:

4. Favorite scene or moment ? Why ?

Ah, there are so much scenes I love, it’s hard to choose only one ! Okay, I will pick some of them.

First, there is the departure scene in AtsuIbun (2015 and 2018). It’s so funny when all the Sanjou did so much useless things, with Mika who drinked his tea, Kogi who chased after his hair like a dog after his tail, Imano and Iwato who played together… I laugh so hard each time I watch it !

I also love the little moment when, in Tsuwamono, Kogi didn’t agree with how Mika split the team in two. « Why you chose to split like this ? Why am I not with you ? » « Kogitsunemaru-dono, don’t tell me… ! » I like a lot this BL implied, because I’m a fujoshi >//o//<

The last one is during SRS17, at the end, when Nikkari came to tell a ghost story, and he told his own story instead. But he couldn’t finish it, because of Imanotsurugi and Ishikirimaru, and they ended to sing « Te no Hira », while they hold each other hands, with Imanotsurugi between them like if he pictured the spiritual world which links Nikkari and Ishikirimaru together. Gnnff my heart… <3

5. Least favorite scene or moment ? Why ?

When Toudans are going crazy to want to meet their former master, without consider the mission, like Yasusada and Imanotsurugi did… At least, Imano was cute and happy when he discovered Yoshitsune was alive, so I can deal with it, but Yasusada is a big NO. Sorry for those who like him.

6. Scene or moment that you would change ? Why ?

Why do you ask me to change so much things ? I don’t want to change anything in Toumyu xD Even what I don’t like ! Well, okay, I will answer. The only scene I would change is when Ishikirimaru and Nikkari were talking together in Mihotose, during the mission (when Ishi apologies because he said once if Nikkari isn’t a sacred sword, it’s because he killed a child), I would like a deeper development about Nikkari. I think, for him, his nature is like a complex, though he looks like to really accept it and manages to live with it. He doesn’t mind when others consider him as a ghost sword, but a complex is a deep thing hidden inside of us, and a few words can’t just make it vanish. At the end of the scene, Nikkari smiled and said Ieyasu couldn’t become a god without help, so he joined the family, but his complex is still there, I think. I need something more detailed about it.

7. Which storyline would you want to see adapted in future musicals ?

I would like to see a storyline in modern era, for example. Maybe when swords will interact with modern people, who could ask why they are dressed like this, or why they hold swords, etc. I think it could be interesting !

Moreover, more History about Nikkari will be really fine o// (okay, it’s because I love him so much, sorry ! :D) We could have a real character development, maybe we could see his former master slays the ghosts with the ootachi who was Nikkari before to be a wakizashi. And if the HRA attacked the samurai before it killed the ghosts, how Nikkari would have react ? If he didn’t kill the ghost, he could be a completly different person, and maybe Ishikirimaru (I want he is there) could try to correct History in order to make Nikkari who he usually is.

8. Favorite Musical Touken Ranbu character ? Why ? How is the musical version of him different from how he is portrayed in the game and other media ?

Nikkari. I love him whatever the version. In the musical, he is portrayed cuter than in the anime or in the game. He could make cute moves and it makes my heart squeeshed so hard >//o//< I love too how he could looks scary because he doesn’t blink at all sometimes and he has a monotone voice, just like a ghost. I think he is pictured more like a normal person in the anime (but with some eccentric moments though).

9. Least favorite Musical Touken Ranbu character ? Why ? How is the musical version of him different from how he is portrayed in the game and other media ?

Nagasone, but I don’t dislike him more in Toumyu than in the other media. It’s just I’m not found of the character, though sometimes I can think he is cool or cute with Hachisuka or Mutsu (in Musubi and SRS18), but that’s all. I’m very neutral towards him.

10. The Top 3 actors whom you like best and whose portrayal of their character you like best.

T3 best actors : Sakiyama Tsubasa > Kuroba Mario > Kitazono Ryo

I don’t really know the actors beside Tsubasa and Mario since I read some translations of their blog (thanks to the translators ^-^). Tsubasa is really, really cute, and I love how found he is of TKRB and his own character.

T3 best portrayals : Oota Motohiro (Sengo) > Araki Hirofumi (Nikkari) > Oohira Shunya (Imanotsurugi)

All the actors do a great job, but when I see some moves of them sometimes, I think they worked a lot to understand the character and bring it to life.

11. The Top 3 actors whom you least like and whose portrayal of their character you least like.

There are a lot of actors I don’t know at all, but the only one I can say I’m not sure if I like him or not is Araki Hirofumi. Sometimes, he looks so much like a bad guy ToT But the fact is, I can’t say if I dislike him or not because I don’t know him well and personally, I named him here only considering his appearance.

Then, there is no-one I don’t like the portray in Toumyu. I think all the actors are very good and well chosen for them. Now, it only depends on if we like the character or not.

PS : I’m sorry, Araki-san, to named you here ToT

12. A Touken Danshi character that you would like to see in future musicals ? Why ?

Kasen Kanesada ! I want to see him interacts with his brother, and I think the character suits very well to musicals. The best is Kasen and Shokudaikiri together, of course ^o^ But since Osafune swords appeared in Tousute and Kasen is in Tousute too, I think it’s only a dream 

I would like to see Hotarumaru too, but, again, I think it would be impossible to portray him on stage, because he is a child with an ootachi on his back… Though he is so cute…

Then, I think Kotegiri Gou suits a lot for Toumyu, because he talked about modern sing and dance in his recollection with Kasen.

13. An actor you would like to see in future musicals ? Why ?

Shokudaikiri’s actor in Tousute is a so good singer, I would like he portrays him in Toumyu too ! And with Kasen as well ! If Wada Takuma is a good singer, I’ll take him too, if not, I’m fine with another actor, like they did with Ookurikara and Mikazuki.

14. Favorite in-story Touken Danshi pair/trio/quartet dynamics ? Why ?

Ah, again, it’s really hard choose only one. Here are several ones :

Higekiri/Hizamaru pair. I love their dynamics, how Hige always forget his brother’s name, but sometimes he picks the right one, and how Hiza wants to make his brother proud and be valuable for him. I also love how Hiza is very reliable though he is the young brother and how Hige is a free-wheeler (like a Sanjou !).

Nikkari/Ishikirimaru pair. Of course ! I’m an IshiKari fan, after all. I like their friendship, the fact they are linked to spiritual world. They are really different, but they really like each other. Ishi always thinks to Nikkari, to add him in the dynamics (like in SRS18, when he decided to join him in matsuri battle). I like them a lot ^-^

Mikazuki/Kogitsunemaru pair. Mikazuki is like a king, or a queen, with so much power, and with something like a etheral presence. He seems to be, to live, to watch upon and beyond the world, and that makes him act strangely sometimes. Kogi is like a valet. He watches on Mika in the darkness, behind him, so Mika can’t see it (but he sees it !), and he tries to understand him and watch on what Mika does. They are really different, it’s why Kogi sometimes doesn’t understand Mika and why they fight each other in Tsuwamono. Each time Kogi tries to understand Mika, Mika keeps things in his heart because he is watching to far. I’m waiting for the time he will be honest with Kogi. For me, their relationship is like a fate love ^-^

15. Least favorite in-story Touken Danshi pair/trio/quartet dynamics ? Why ?

Maybe Shinsengumi’s swords ? Kiyomitsu with the Sanjou was really fine, but all the Shinsengumi’s swords was too much for me. I’m not found of this storyline, not found of Nagasone nor Hachisuka (even though I’m able to like him in SRS), not found of Yasusada in Bakumatsu. They are too much versed in fight and in honor, but I’m not mad with it, after all, they are Shinsengumi’s swords.

16. Favourite in-story overall Touken Danshi group dynamics ? Why ?

Sanjou. I like all of them, Imanotsurugi and Iwatooshi’s energy and cheerfulness, Ishikirimaru’s calmness and peaceful personality, KogiMika pair (with Kogi who always calls back Mika, who wants to do what he wants). They look very close, and they always watch upon each other.

And we could add to them Higekiri, since he could have been smithed by Sanjou too, and Hizamaru, since he is his brother. What a lovely group, there ^o^

17. Least favorite in-story overall Touken Danshi group dynamics ? Why ?

Nobunaga’s swords. I’m not found about Nobunaga in TKRB, because there are so much Toudans who speak about him, there are several stage who speak about him, and a movie now. Enough with Nobunaga D: I know, he is one of the most liked historical people in Japan, but there are already too much things about him. Because of that, I don’t really like Nobunaga’s swords dynamics. Though I like Hasebe, Souza, Yagen and the others as well, when they don’t talk about him. When they talk about Nobunaga, it’s like a dramatical dialogue which isn’t really a dialogue because no-one wants to talk about him. Meh.

18. Based on the existing characters in the Musical Touken Ranbu franchise, who would you select to be on your dream Touken Ranbu 6-swords team ?

Nikkari Aoe, Ishikirimaru, Kasen Kanesada, Izuminokami Kanesada, Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki, Gokotai.

They aren’t really the strongers of their types but I like them a lot. I can’t pick Kasen without his brother, and Kane without Mutsu (BECAUSE I SHIP THEM). I can’t pick Nikkari without Ishikirimaru (for the same reason), and Gokotai is so cute ^o^

In my dream team, they are all kiwame. Great job, everyone !

19. Favorite Human character ? Why ?

Hashiba Masanobu Sorry, sorry, it’s an OC xD

I don't really have a favorite, but I like Gohei and his story. I wants to learn how to fight in order to be able to protect his sister, but even with that, he couldn't save her. He lost all his family because of war...

20. Favorite overall Human team dynamics ? Why ?

Well, it’s strange, because I don’t like the dynamics of their swords, but my favorite Human team is the Shinsengumi, I think. I like their relationship, how they care about each other, their jokes, etc.

21. Favorite Touken Danshi-Human character dynamics ? Why ?

I really like the relationship between Mikazuki and Yasuhira in Tsuwamono. Mikazuki came a lot to visit him, and he said Yasuhira and him are similar (though I don't understand why). He has a lot of respect for him, and some feelings as well, we can see it when they made their farewells. They are on the verge to cry. I would like a deeper development about them ^-^

22. Least favorite Touken Danshi-Human character dynamics ? Why ?

I don't know at all, I skip.

23. Favorite quote(s) and/or character dialogue from the musicals ?

I think one of the dialogues I like the most is, during Musubi, when Tomoe asks to Horikawa if Retrogrades are swords with no story. Horikawa says he doesn't have to think to this, without really answer the question, and I like that kind of dramatical mindfuck.

24. Quote(s) and/or character dialogue from the game that ou would liked to see adapted in the musicals ?

I would like to see the recollection n°49, when Kotegiri says to Kasen he wants to sing and dance in the modern style. It suits very well to Toumyu, especially during live !

25. What is you overall opinion of the Musical Touken Ranbu franchise ? Has your opinion changed from your first impression ?

I love Toumyu. I like the characters, the stories, the songs. The stories aren't as complex as in Tousute, so the both stage are complementary. The screenplay is always very good, and the fights as well. I like the fact they make concerts every year (SRS) to gather all the characters, it's the best way to enjoy a lot of songs and their dynamics as a group.

My opinion didn't change a lot, I'm just now more into it, and I know well the characters and the stories.

[sohmariku]

Toumyu Kisho Hongi Review-ish

[non-spoilery]

OMG, Kisho Hongi was so good! Everyone is so talented! The wigs and costumes were on point and I loved the music. Like, all these boys are amazing singers! Surprise of the day was probably Tsurumaru's singing voice. Holy **** that boy can sing. He does feel a little baby for the role maybe, but he did an awesome job. Everyone did an amazing job!!

Other surprises were the singing voices of our historical characters. Those boys can sing too! They did an amazing job too. Love them!

Storywise, the start of the musical felt a bit slow, but then a twist and the action begins. I also like how it seems they are trying to bring all the separate stories together and how this story really ties in with Mihotose on a level we haven't seen before. I'm really interested to see where they'll take it next. What's also nice, this musical seems to explain some things of Mihotose too. I'm actually amazed they thought that far ahead!

Now, onto the spoilers, stop reading if you don't want to know plot info!

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FIRST ACT

So, we begin our story in the past. Sengo and Tonbokiri are still at Ieyasu's side, performing the roles they took upon themselves. Ishikirimaru, Nikkari and Okurikara have returned already, because their roles have been fulfilled and they "passed away". Monoyoshi seems to be out on the field to fight a battle, but might be in trouble. Sengo wants to go send reinforcements, but Ieyasu refuses. (or something)

Now, insert Kotegiri gives an idol performence... That boy makes it very clear he wants to become a star and stand on the stage with his senpai. Then Akashi shows up, introduces himseld and comments on Kotegiri's sof hands. Then leaves. Next Otegine shows up and Kotegiri invites him to join him for singing and dancing.

We cut back to the past...

The exact timeline is a bit blurry in my head, bit let's talk about some things I do remember.

So, Ieyasu (together with Tonbokiri and Sengo) decides he and his third son Hidetada will both lead a force to fight some battle. While his second son Hideyasu has to stay behind. This apparantly indicayes Ieyasu has chosen Hidetada to be his successor. Hideyasu and Hidetada don't take this well. Hidetada feels his older brother should be the successor. And so does Hideyasu. Ieyasu doesn't want to explain himself and both brother's feel it might be related to the fact that Hideyasu is in fact the older half of set of twins. (I unfortunately forgot the twins name) Twins are supposedly cursed or so and usually removed from history.

Thereupon Hideyasu gets corrupted by the History Retrograde Army and trouble starts.

A new team is dispatched to help Tonbokiri and Sengo fight the threat, but things go south, because Sengo feels and incredible regret towards Nobuyasu's death and wants to take revenge by killing the Kebiishi who cause Nobuyasu's demise. So, he goes all crazy when one shows up as they are fighting Hideyasu, who's trying to kill them. As a result Sengo almost gets himself killed and they need to run for their lives. Consequently he and Tonbokiri share a touching moment while Tsurumaru is sleeping right next to them. Seems like Sengo was more involved in Nobuyasu's upbringing than anyone thought. Before becoming Naomasu he apparently disguised himself as old men (etc) to play games with Nobuyasu and teach him "things".

More HRA and just as they are almost defeated a stranger shows up who saves them. It turns out this person is actually Nobuyasu, alive and well, who's taken the name of Kakegawa no Gohei and now works as a farmer, while fighting to protect the common folk. War is all about food, he tells his Hidetada, people fight because they are hungry. Fill their bellies and you'll have peace. Hidetada thereupon decides to once more ask his father, Ieyasu, why he was chosen over Hideyasu. Oh, btw, Nobuyasu knows all about the Touken Danshi and the fact he's alive is actually thanks to Ishikirimaru. It was basically all a set up. Though he didn't learn about the Touken Danshi from Ishikirimaru. He played the role of Hanzo till the very end. Someone else came by to tell him he should help the Touken Danshi if that time came. This turns out to be Mikazuki! (We learn at the end of the musical.)

More fighting and somewhere in between we have Akashi and Kotegiro discuss the meaning of life and fighting. Saving one life is as good as saving none, or something. So, no need to bother. But Kotegiri's heroics eventually convince Akashi to actually try.

So, Hideyasu is saved by Kotegiri's purifying skills. He talks with his younger twin and they both agree it's alright even if he can't succeed Ieyasu. Btw. This younger twin also knows about the Touken Danshi. Something he learned from his big brother Nobuyasu long ago. At first the younger twin and Otegine don't get along very well, but as they spend more time together they turn into a great team.

Eventually we also learn that Ieyasu chose Hidetada to succeed him, because he feels Hidetada is better suited to rule a peaceful country, but if Ieyasu had felt he couldn't bring peace and the wars would continue, he would have chosen Hideyasu to succeed him. Hidetada is satified with this answer.

And... They all live happily ever after...?

Not really, at this time we learn Mototada/Monoyoshi passes away in battle. Ieyasu just bursts in sad laughter, because laughing is what Monoyoshi taught him best...

We end back at the Honmaru. With Tonbokiri reading the book that Ishikirimaru wrote and Sengo making to changes to it. And the other boys having fun. Akashi not going to get himself fixed, even though he's told by Kotegiri time won't heal his wounds, they aren't human after all. Except Tsurumaru, who has a serious conversation with Master.

So, yes, now we know. The person visiting Ieyasu on his death bed wasn't a ghost, it was probably Nobuyasu himself, alive and well.

We also know Mikazuki is going around in the back. Possibly without his Masters knowledge. It seems he is all about taking shortcuts to keep go history as it is. Even if it means he has to tell people what needs to happen.

SECOND ACT

We are treated again. Great costumes and great songs. Tonbokiri solo, Sengo solo, Tsurumaru solo. All three guys did such an amazing job! Otegine, Akashi and Kotegiri need to share the stage, but their song is fun. And their vocals more than decent.

We also get some group songs. We had Tonbokiri and Otegine come by our side of the theater. Tonbo was just waving. Otegine started really interacting with the audience. He created some very happy saniwa today. It was so cute!

Another very cute part was the MC corner. Akashi is lazing around and Sengo says he's just playing tsundere. Kotegiri comments he doesn't know what it means, so Sengo gives Otegine and Tsurumaru the job to explain to Kotegiri what "tsundere" means. Insert a very cute fake fight. Otegine pushing and yelling at Tsurumaru to leave, because he isn't helping. Than yelling at Tsurumaru, because ge pushed too hard and hurt him. It seems to turn into a fight... then suddenly... That's Tsundere. Well, guess Kotegiri understands now.

Next Sengo asks the whole hall to tell Akashi we don't love him. (because yes, if he's being tsundere , we can too) He responds by getting up and telling us he doesn't really care if we like him (it's easier that way) , but he still likes us. XD I've neven laughed so much during a show. It felt like the boys had too much fun too and just tried to make it last as long as possible.

More songs, even our historical characters get a chance to show off their vocal abilities again. Thankfully. It would've been a waste of they hadn't done that. And of course the taiko too, we still have that.

Songs were good, costumes were good. I have no complaints, except... I wanted more!

It was a super fun performance and I can't wait to see it again!

[karasunocurry]

NEW YEAR yeeehhh

It’s not yet midnight in here Japan but I am sleepy, yet I want to write about my 2018.  A lot of things have happened, with the major thing ofc being moving to Japan. It’s just this one big step into a new life, and from the start, I’ve felt like it should be an entirely new life.  Last year in autumn/at NY, I felt left out of my friend group, and now the group is just entirely falling apart and somehow I think it’s best to keep the good memories, cause I can’t fix things between other people to begin with, Other than that, the one friend who’s made me out to be ungrateful is preeeetty damn ungrateful herself and I should stop accepting that. Although it’s hard, I think I need to move on. Finding new (best) friends sucks but hey, what can you do. I’m trying to think back and see what I did but not much pops out xD I’ve mainly been doing the same things as forever, got really into musical Touken Ranbu (like, HARD), and went to the Paris performance in summer. I had a really good time out there, the show was amazing and hell just got a little deeper. I also took the JLPT N2 again and passed this time. Only barely on reading haha but still °v° Trying to go to Japan itself was kind of a mental struggle, but mainly because of the long wait before it was actually certain I could go. But I could, and I made it in time for school to start.  School is fine, I could probably get into a higher level class and idek, maybe I might after new year’s if the school suggests it.  The ultimate best thing is that through Toumyu I’ve really come to like Sakiyama Tsubasa, and once I got here, I got the chance to go to a small event, and after that good news considering both toumyu and Tsubasa just kept coming in. Tsubasa’s first oneman live, a full album, the mihotose rerun... I watched Shinken Ranbu Sai, and I’ve got tickets to see Mihotose twice °v° I’m just living the otaku life here (but also working really hard right now during my winter holidays).  I think 2018 was a good year!! On to 2019!! Let’s make that a great year too!!! I’m definitely going to do my best here to study and possibly find a job next year already °v° Happy NY / 良いお年を！！