#sabure prince

[kaibutsushidousha]

Who are the Twelve Golden Immortals that Taigong keeps mentioning? Are they his superiors?

The Investiture of the Gods has Taigong Wang as the Taoist currently studying under Yuanshi Tianzun and the Twelve Golden Immortals as the 12 disciples who already graduated under Yuanshi Tianzun before Taigong and are full-fledged Xians by the time of the Investiture (the 1100s BC). Not all of them are particularly relevant characters, be it in the actual Investiture or in Houshin Engi.

1) Taiyi Zhenren

About as minor of a character as any of the 12 in the myth, but easily the one with the most screentime in Houshin Engi. Taiyi's main contribution to Taigong's cause was creating the Soul Jewel, which he put inside Li Shi and Li Jing's stillborn baby, allowing Li Nezha to come to life as a living weapon you know from FGO. After Nezha's suicide, Taiyi also arranged Nezha's revival, so he's who FGO blames for Nezha's unfortunate genderbend. Once Nezha is back to life and learns what his father did to his grave, Nezha goes to beat the shit out of his dad, but Taiyi intervenes, capturing Nezha in the Nine-Dragons Divine Fire Basket so he can give him a proper Taoist education and giving Li Jing the means to fight back if Nezha attacks him again (remember that Li Jing is Bishamonten, so the weapon that Taiyi gave him here is actually the pair of towers Kagetora uses on her 3rd Ascension).

2) Yuding Zhenren

Yang Jian's mentor (doubles as Yang Jian's foster father in Houshin Engi). User of the Xian-Slaying Sword. One of the few that gets to be really cool in Houshin Engi but sort of a complete jobber in the original Investiture.

3) Qingxu Daode Zhenjun

Huang Tianhua's mentor. Contrary to Yuding, he's a jobber in the manga but in the myths, he's the one who gets to beat Wang Tianjun, the second-in-command of the Ten Heavenly Lords.

4) Puxian Zhenren

Boddhisattva Samantabhadra's Xian form before he attained Buddhahood. The guy who gets all the homoerotic ship tease with Taigong in Houshin Engi. By Type-Moon's syncretism laws, he's probably the Buddha form of Kouga Saburou.

5) Daoxing Tianzun

Wei Hu's mentor. Comic relief in Houshin Engi. Otherwise irrelevant. Wei Hu himself is pretty irrelevant in the Investiture, but he's known as Skanda in Hindu/Buddhism and is extremely popular in Japan. You might have heard of him before by his Japanese name Idaten.

6) Guang Chengzi

Before being featured in the Investiture of the Gods, this one already had made an appearance in Shenxian Zhuan, where he is portrayed as just a disguise used by Laozi to instruct the Yellow Emperor. But here he's one of Yuanshi Tianzun's apprentices. Does it make sense for Laozi to be Yuanshi Tianzun's pupil? Not much, they should be even-ranked, even if you don't subscribe to the idea that they're the same individual. Maybe it can work if you write him as the first disciple. That said, his combat record fits his possibly Laozi status, having defeated many named enemies including the leader of the Ten Heavenly Lords.

His main role in both the Investiture and its manga counterpart is saving Prince Yin Jiao from Daji by taking him as his Taoist pupil. After training the prince, he lets Jiao return to the world under the condition that he won't betray his mentor to join the war on his father's side. After some tempting words from the villains, Jiao betrays his mentor to join the war on his father's side, so Taigong kills him (what's the best fight in Houshin Engi) but makes him the god of Jupiter under the divine name Taisui Xingjun. Later FGO released Taisui as the cutest event welfare, causing the tragic prince to finally gain Japanese and English Wikipedia pages.

7) Chi Jingzi

The doting mentor of the other rescued prince, Yin Hong. Background character in Houshin Engi but in the Investiture, he gets a decent amount of screentime, which includes a few arcs of invading enemy territory with a lot of powerful Xian treasures, dropping an important one there, needing to invade again to recover the item he forgot there, and then dropping another, rinse repeat. Also when the prince brothers break the promise of not siding with their father in the war, he has a major emotional breakdown and, covered in tears, burns his dear pupil to ashes.

8) Lingbao Dafashi

Actual pack filler. Doesn't do anything notorious in any myth or adaptation. The best I can offer as trivia is that his weapon in Houshin Engi is the Bell of Fallen Souls, which Taisui uses in FGO.

9) Ju Liusun

Buddha Kakusandha's Xian form before he attained Buddhahood. Background jobber in Houshin Engi, but in the Investiture, he wins a major fight and has his own arc about fighting a traitor apprentice but ultimately forgiving and reaccepting his pupil after learning he betrayed because he married a woman on the enemy side. Said redeemed pupil and his wife eventually die anyway in a fight against the same guy who kills Huang Feihu.

10) Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun

Boddhisattva Manjusri's Xian form before he attained Buddhahood. Background jobber in Houshin Engi, and in the Investiture, while he wins a few major fights, he doesn't really get a personal arc. The closest he gets is a small role in Nezha's backstory. It's weird how little Manjusri gets in terms of stories despite being such a popular Boddhisattva.

11) Huanglong Zhenren

If you thought Lingbao Dafashi's situation was dire, you're not prepared for how pitiful Huanglong is. In the Investiture, he's pretty much only there to get his ass kicked by a guy who is not even relevant enough appear in Houshin Engi. In the Houshin Engi manga, he doesn't get a named Paope. In the Houshin Engi artbook, the author gets his name wrong. Dude can't catch a break.

12) Cihang Zhenren

Boddhisattva Avalokitesvara's Xian form before they attained Buddhahood. The same Guanyin that appears as a main character in Journey to the West. The same Kanzeon from the Iori Buddha statues post. They don't do much here outside of some major fights, but that's fine enough when they have so much presence in Journey to the West.

[ciaossu-imagines]

Hello there! For the mini event may you please do gintama with the au avatar the last airbender, thank you!

Hello there, my lovely anon! I definitely can do that - I really couldn't come up with solid ideas, so I admit to taking the lazy way out, so have a pretty comprehensive list on what type of Benders everyone would be in this AU! And guys, there are so many characters in Gintama so I swear it wasn't as easy and lazy as it looks! Thanks for sending in a request and I hope you'll enjoy!

Okay, so we're going into this AU with there being the four major bending types - Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Each bending type is as it is portrayed in Avatar: The Last Airbender, with people possessing different degrees of bending and different skills being present within each bending type.

So, when considering which type of Bender each character would be, I kind of broke it down into personality types and traits and qualities to look for, based on what I figure the 'stereotypical' Bender is for each of the four.

Earth Benders are a little rough around the edges, slow to anger, slow to decide on things, but stubborn once their mind is made up. They can be sensitive and they are often very patient.

Air Benders are gentle souls, respectful and adaptable, changeable. They're fast, both in their movements and in their thoughts.

Water Benders are typically calm and easy-going, flexible enough to adapt to their companions or situations. They're often quite easy to talk to and rather content with their lives.

Fire Benders are often prideful and confident individuals who are loyal, determined and ambitious. They can be very playful and fun but they often also have very short fuses on their tempers, which can be very volatile and explosive.

Keeping that in mind, this is what I figure the characters would be for Benders.

Earth Benders

Shimura Shinpachi

Shimura Tae

Shimura Ken

Chin Pirako/Doromizu Pirako

Kanemaru

Otose

Hanako

Saigou Tokumori

Saigou Teruhiko

Doromizu Jirochou

Hiraga Gengai

Hiraga Saburou

Haji

Terada Tatsugorou

Otaki

Jigsaw

Ofusa

Kirara

Urara

Rokkaku Kirie

Hongou Hisashi

Terakado Tsuu

Terakado Ichi

Hachibei Takaya/Takachin

Takatin

Rotten Maizou

Hijikata Toushirou

Sasaki Tetsunosuke

Kumanaku Seizou

Saitou Shimaru

Sasaki Isaburo

Oboro

Katsura Kotarou

Dragon Leader

Fat Dragon

Nakamura Kyoujirou

Shachi

Kameyama Duuke

Onijishi

Hijikata Tamegorou

Tsukuyo

Mutsu

Daraku

Abuto

Shijaku

Blu-Rayko

Prince Dai

Princess Bubbles

Otakai Sayaka

Water Benders

Sataka Gintoki

Kanemaru

Hasegawa Taizou

Hachirou

Tatsumi

Obi Hajime

Ketsuno Crystel

Ketsuno Seimei

Kuzunoha

Uchino

Hashida Kantarou

Hashida Kanschichirou

Hashida Kahei

Daigo

Kitaooji Daigorou

Izumi

Kawakami Bansai

Yamazaki Sagaru

Kamiyama

Harada Unosuke

16th Ikeda Yaemon

Hattori Zenzou

Wakikaoru

Momochi Rappa

Kurokono Tasuke

Takechi Henpeita

Kidomaru

Ebina

Seita

Suzuran

Hinowa

Kamenashi

Neptune Shokaku

Umibouzu

Shiramizu Pinko

Anigasaki Momo

Air Benders

Ikesawa

Tama

Oryou

Azumi Agonoske

Musashi

Kozenigata Heiji

Honjou Kyoushirou

Juurouta

Murata Tetsuko

Murata Tetsuya

Murata Jintetsu

Hedoro

Nishiki Ikumatsu

Hasegawa Hatsu

Hayashi Ryuuzan

Hayashi Fuyou

Sakurajima Chiharu

Okuni

Isao Kondou

Tokugawa Shige Shige

Tokugawa Soyo

Tokugawa Mori Mori

Tokugawa Sada Sada

Sarutobi Ayame

Elizabeth

Sakamoto Tatsuma

Yoshida Shouyou

Chougorou

Urashima

Oiwa

Rei

Enshou

Daishikyou

Mahha Noriko

Fumiko

Megami

Sorachi Hideaki

Fire Benders

Kagura

Kamui

Sakata Kintoki

Catherine

Ane

Kurogama Katsuo

Kujaku Hime Kada

Madame Yagami

Kanbei

Yagyuu Kyuubei

Yagyuu Binbokusai

Yagyuu Koshinori

Toujou Ayumu

Kitaooji Itsuki

Nishino Tsukamu

Minamito Sui

Shirino Douman

Gedoumaru

Antenmaru

Mone

Professor Meguro

No.305

No.502

Death Cancer

Ochi-san

Ben

Haga Kenji

Yocchan

Kimiko

Matsudaira Katakuriko

Matsudaira Kuriko

Hanano Saki

Goemon

Bichie

Sougo Okita

Hitotsubashi Nobu Nobu

Itou Kamotarou

Shinohara Shinnoshin

Imai Nobume

Ikeda Asaemon

18th Ikeda Yaemon

Utsuro

Jiraia

Banzou

Takasugi Shinsuke

Kajima Matako

Okada Nizou

Tendou Soutatsu

Mashiroi Kaguzou

Mashiroi Utsuzou

Inoue

Tasuke

Kuraba Touma

Eromes

Kurikan

Okita Mitsuba

Housen

Otohime

Admiral Abou

Ougai

Soutatsu

Kouka

Suitsu

Prince Hata

Jii

[futene]

[frogs-in-games]

For the Frog the Bell Tolls (1992)/Super Smash Bros. (2014)

[odaclan]

The Young Lords’ Coming of Age

元亀３年春頃、信長の子達が岐阜城で元服した｡嫡男の奇妙丸は秋田城介信忠と号し１６歳である。次男茶筅丸は北畠三介信雄と号し１５歳である。三男三七丸は神戸三七信孝と号し１５歳である。子供たちの成長により、いよいよ、信長の武威は強大になり、人々はこれを羨んだと言う。

In the spring of the 3rd year of the Genki era (1572), Nobunaga's sons came to Gifu Castle to hold their genpuku (coming of age ceremony). The eldest son, Kimyoumaru, was named Akita-jou-no-suke Nobutada, and he was 16 years old. The second son Chasenmaru was named Kitabatake Sansuke Nobukatsu, and he was 15 years old. His third son Sanshichimaru was named Kanbe Sanshichi Nobutaka, and he was 15 years old. With his children now matured, Nobunaga's military might also grew, to the envy of the people.

(Seishuu Gunki, vol 6)

秋田城介 Akita-jou no Suke is a title traditionally granted to the ruler of the northern area of Dewa province, with Akita Castle being the lord’s residence. As with many other Sengoku era titles, this is only a signifier of a high status, and Nobutada does not actually have any land/territory in Dewa.

The Shinchoukouki says that Nobutada was actually only granted this title in 1575, with his original genpuku name being “Nobushige”.

Nobukatsu’s original genpuku name purportedly was Kitabatake Tomotoyo 北畠具豊. 

When he received the “Sansuke” title is something I’m not entirely sure of. 三介 Sansuke means that the person holds the title of “suke” (deputy-governor) of Hitachi, Kazusa, and Kouzuke provinces. These provinces were traditionally “governed” by imperial princes, and samurai are only allowed to have the title of suke of these provinces (as opposed to the governor title, 守 kami, e.g Kazusa no Suke and not Kazusa no Kami). As with Nobutada’s, this is also a meaningless title.

Nobukatsu being called 三介 is not proof that he was actually born third (this is a theory that I’ve seen floating around online). I’ve not actually seen a text where he was being referred to by Sansuke yet. This is one example where he is referred to as Sansuke in documentation. The Shinchoukouki refers to Nobukatsu by “Kitabatake no Chuujou”. Either way, as Sansuke refers to “three provinces”, it has nothing to do with order of birth.

Nobutaka apparently has no special titles that he went by, and was simply called “Sanshichi Nobutaka” in various texts. I did see a theory that his childhood name was never Sanshichimaru. Sanshichi was actually short for Sanshichirou, a “middle name/alias“ commonly awarded during genpuku (for example, Nobunaga’s was Saburou), and his childhood name is actually unknown.

It’s rather common for texts to claim or confuse “alias” names with childhood names. For example, Sanada Nobuyuki’s alias was Genzaburou, and Wikipedia used to claim that this was his childhood name.

[slugtranslation-hypmic]

Hey slug, thanks for the hard work you and your team do for the fandom!! me and some friends were discussing this and i thought it would be nice to see ur answer to this (only if it doesn't bother u, of course!!): what characters do you think parents would give a big thumbs up if you introduced them as your partner (in terms of personality and traits)? I personally think Hifumi or Ichiro would be the best son-in-law...

What an entertaining question. Believe it or not, I’ve given the matter some thought before for reasons entirely unrelated to this, so presenting: Hypnosis Microphone Men and Whether or Not You Should Bring Them Home to Your Parents.

Since there’s a wide age range among the cast members, assume that the “you” in question is roughly each character’s age.

Ichirou: Absolutely. This man is objectively a dream boat. Runs his own successful business? Check. Respectful to people of all ages? Check. Cooks? Check. Cleans? Check. Good with kids? Check. Take Ichirou and marry him before your parents marry him themselves.

Jirou: As far as high school boyfriends go, Jirou’s not a bad choice. He’s a sweetheart, popular, plays music. Doesn’t do drugs in the school bathroom. Could have better grades, but hey, you can’t win them all. He seems like he’d have you home by 8 pm. You know what? Sure. Why not? You could do worse.

Saburou: Saburou is the kind of middle school boyfriend that your parents openly like and privately dislike. What I mean is that he’s very polite to most elders and super smart, so he’s the kind of kid who is entirely unobjectionable, but he’s also the kind of kid who would try to mansplain your parents’ jobs to them. Worst of all, he would be entirely correct in what he’s saying. Your parents probably want to punch him, but they don’t because assaulting children is illegal, not to mention immoral. They will breathe a collective sigh of relief when he finally breaks up with you so he can focus on studying for the Science Bowl nationals.

Samatoki: I am so torn on this one. On the one hand, he’s every parent’s worst nightmare. He smokes indoors, has an awful temper, and is a fucking gangster, for pete’s sake. Yet he can also be a sweetheart who cooks for you and does everything to treat you right. I’m really stumped. Probably the best solution, if you’re really wanting to get in on that Aohitsugi ass, is to cut out the middle man and date Nemu instead. She is perfect in every way, so your parents will love her.

Juuto: If your parents watch Antiques Roadshow, then he will have a lot to bond with them about. Otherwise I think he’d be that kind of person who tells stories about himself way too loudly at family dinners, and after he leaves, one of your parents pulls you aside to say, “Your boyfriend’s really kind of an asshole, don’t you think?” I guess date him if you’re okay with your parents thinking you have cruddy taste.

Riou: I feel like the hard part here is luring him out of the woods and into a family dinner, but from there, it should go great. He’s over 6 feet tall. He can cook well. He has a strong sense of purpose and knows what he wants to do in life. Most importantly, he has a wonderful heart AND every survival skill known to man. He will change the oil in your parents’ car, fix the leaky pipe you’ve been meaning to get around to for six months now, clean the hood above the stove, and then swap recipes and heartfelt compliments with whichever parent does the cooking. Who cares if he doesn’t have a stable income? You don’t need that with guns like those. (insert flexing Riou image here)

Ramuda: I’m trying to think about the concept of a) dating Ramuda and b) introducing him to a set of parents, and I’m drawing an utter blank. There is nothing but “???” in my mind. I’m going to hazard a guess that this one would be a terrible idea.

Gentarou: Wow, your parents had no idea you were dating a prince of a tiny little kingdom in the Mediterranean AND a Harvard law graduate AND the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize AND the man who discovered a cure for cancer in an expedition deep into the heart of the Amazon rain forest. Look at you! What a catch. Only attempt this if your parents are gullible.

Dice: As much as I love Dice to death, this one is a no. Your parents do not want you dating a homeless man with a gambling addiction and bad table manners. Plus, the MIL here seems hard to get along with. Nuh-uh.

Jakurai: Absolutely. You’re in your 30s, so your parents are at least middle-aged. Probably they have some joint problems or some back pain. Jakurai can let them kiss that pain goodbye, and in return, they can let him kiss you! A win-win. He also boasts a handsome salary, has a lovely house, and seems like he’d be super respectful in a relationship. Yes. Go. Marry him.

Hifumi: If you’re a girl, you’re probably going to have to sit this round out. If you’re a guy or nonbinary... yeah, you’re probably going to have to sit this round out too. See, if you have a mom, how is Hifumi supposed to meet her? I guess you could... idk... stick a lampshade on her head and expect him not to notice. That could potentially work, but it’d raise a few awkward questions. If you do happen to live in a female-free household, though, you’ve hit upon the golden opportunity to make this man yours. You can replace every instance of the word “wife” in Judy Brady Syfer’s famous essay “I Want a Wife” with the word “Hifumi” and still have it make perfect sense, and it shows.

Doppo: I can’t in good conscience recommend this one. Sure, he’s hardworking and certainly polite enough, but does he have the time to respond to your emotional needs? Hell, does he have the time to respond to his own? If you invited him to family dinner, there’s a good chance that he’d need to work overtime and miss it. He’d apologize and buy you flowers to make up for it, but you know he’d also be worrying about the cost of those flowers, so... is it really worth it?

Kuukou: For some reason, my parents actually like Kuukou (although I think he’s also the only character they know besides Ichijiku), but I don’t think this would hold true for most parents. He sounds good on paper, but he’d probably make a disparaging comment about someone’s ass in the first five minutes. Perhaps if you tape his mouth shut and tell your parents he’s doing a vow of silence, then yes.

Juushi: As far as high school (is he still in high school?) boyfriends go, Juushi’s not that bad either. He’s shy but sweet. Respectful. In a band, but the kind that makes money and doesn’t operate out of someone’s garage. Yeah, you know what? Go for it. You could do worse. Just scroll up on this list if you need proof of that.

Hitoya: Yeah, absolutely. Hitoya has a great career and a fantastic attitude. He doesn’t take shit from anyone but can still be polite in the correct contexts. He also seems like the type who would get into a serious relationship and treat his partner right. Fuck it up. I support your love.

Sasara: Yes. He has the exact type of humor favored by parents of the father variety. Plus, he’s a famous comedian. There is good money to be had right there.

Roshou: Absolutely. Rather shy but very talented, hardworking teacher who obviously puts his heart and soul into his job? Of course. As long as he doesn’t death glare your parents, it will work out fantastically. Plus, he can talk about sports! That’s a thing that parents like, right?

Rei: Absolutely not. You remember last May when your parents answered a call from the IRS telling them they were about to lose all their money unless they gave the nice man on the phone their bank account password right at that very instant? He was the nice man on the phone. Why the hell would you bring this threat into your parents’ home? Look, you’re in your mid-40s. Your parents are getting up in years, and they want to see you settle down and be happy with someone. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this is not it. Why are you with Rei in the first place? Is it the fur coat? Listen, you are a grown-ass adult, and you can buy yourself as many fur coats as you want. I believe in you. It doesn’t have to be this way - you deserve better.

[tsukikoayanosuke]

‘I Used Hear a Simple Song’ - Harmonious Kingdom (TWST OC Royalty AU)

feat. Cynthia Tamami & Saburou Lewis ( @sakurablossoms10 )

.

.

Every story needs a beginning.

Well, I can't tell you how our story started.

The small kingdom by the sea had been standing for at least a century. A small pit stops for merchants and lost sailors, attracting them like the light from a lighthouse and giving them a safe haven during their travel. Huh, I guess that's why it's called 'Radiant Haven'.

The universe shifted its attention to the medic wing in the early morning. No one was currently staying in the wing, but a healer is always on duty.

Cynthia was on her table, humming a simple song as she crush some of the herbs for a fresh healing ointment. Today was sword training for the prince after all. Knowing him, he'll get at least a scratch on the cheek. Only because she's the heiress, that doesn't mean she can slack off on the job.

The door to the medic wings was opened and followed by a yawn. Cynthia sighed fondly as she turned to look at the newcomer. "Good morning, Saburou."

"Morning," he grumbled, falling face-first onto one of the beds close to her workspace, "what day is it?"

"It's training day," Cynthia giggled, wiping he hands on her apron and approaching her older cousin. "Shouldn't you be at the training yard by now? Can't have his highness waiting."

"That prince's probably still in his bed," he said, shifting himself so he was laying on his side to look at her, "I've been tutoring him for a long time to know."

Cynthia chuckled. "You know that bed is for the injured patient, right?"

Saburou rolled his eyes before closing them. "I work here too. Cut me some slacks."

Cynthia sighed. "Alright. Five minutes and then you're gone." Saburou hummed in agreement and Cynthia went back to her task in hand, humming the familiar melody of her childhood, back in the land where the sun always shines bright. 

I used to hear a simple song That was until you came along Now in its place is something new I hear it when I look at you

Glancing back, she could see a small smile on Saburou's which made her smile as well. It was a rare sight to see his serious cousin smile, but somehow, her singing always left him unguarded. If she let him sleep for more than five minutes, she didn't say anything. She would let him sleep until a servant came to tell that the prince was ready for today's lesson.

[sakuramidnight15]

Royalty AU (Kiara, Cynthia and Saburou)

Some facts about this AU (From @tsukikoayanosuke, I hope you like it! Yeah a few more characters now XD) (Picrew Link Here)

_____________________________________

The only-daughter of one of the well-known and famous family in the high-class nobles in society an is also a soon-to-be heiress. This girl is one of the members of the royal councilor for the royal family.

Like her usual personality, she's well silent with a strict face an sometimes cold, no one can approach her. Often gives Jonah some tasks for the kingdom without fail.

Has a type of villainess face as well too. If you messed with her. Or try to attack the kingdom or do anything towards the royal family.

Though she seem to have some bickerments between herself and Lynette like always cause their families were friends, well except for their two daughters that is. (The heck, these two really -_- ...)

Few members of the council including the royals sometimes asked her to loosen up a bit just like her parents, which she somewhat agree to, but not literally.

Has a beautiful voice when she sings. Which Chizuko heard her but Kiara didn't see her though.

She and Lynette can cooperate just a bit despite their constant bickering between each other. Lynette gave her information including crucial pieces of evidence and then reports it to Jonah.

Her powers involves with water, which she seems a little concerned about showing to it.

For traitors and enemies, report to the prince or let her drown you instead.

_____________________________________

The daughter of the line of healers, doctors and priests/priestesses. Like Kiara, she too is a heiress in the society and is also a royal healer for the royal family.

Same personality, but is more friendly and is often seen with her cousin Saburou, around the palace.

Of anyone in the palace is hurt or injuried, this healer will heal you soon, some injuries involves with no magic needed.

Kinda admires Chizuko since she's a sorceress but doesn't know how to approach her.

Most likely to stop Kiara and Lynette's bickering between each other.

Doesn't like any enemies, if she makes one. Expect her to report them to the prince herself with a smile.

Has a uncontrollably anger, which the others would calm her down.

She too has a beautiful voice like Kiara, the two heiresses often do duets together.

Traitors and Enemies... Freeze to death or the prince's command to execute you.

_____________________________________

A branch family member of the line of healers, doctors and priests/priestesses. This dude is Cynthia's older cousin and is also a middle-class noble like his cousin and often helps with her work.

Another member of the royal councillor as well too and is also Prince Jonah's instructor for weaponry lessons.

A royal doctor with skilled hands when it comes to surgery and potion magic.

Same personality and often takes naps under the shade. Takes his work seriously and often helps Jonah with his training.

Chats with Lynette and Kiara from time to time.

Takes a interest in Chizuko, so he's another person to talk to her besides Jonah and Lynette.

Sometimes a friendly teaser but knows his words. Has a switch personality if you do something to the kingdom or the royal family.

Often plays the piano for Cynthia's and Kiara's duets.

Enemies and Traitors, die from his toxic/dangerous potions or get execution from the prince.

_____________________________________

And that's it!

[cannondisabledcharacters]

Accepted Characters

Martin Deeks (Marty) from NCIS Los Angeles

Jack Morris from My Dog Skip

Jade from Till We Meet Again

The veteran from Till We Meet Again

Margaret Burton/Madlax/Leticia  from Madlax

The old lady from Till We Meet Again

Valeriana from Amphibia

Carrossea Doon from Madlax

Moon Lin from Stargazing

Maggie from Allergic

Aaron Mitchell from The Mitchells vs. The Machines

Raphaela in Claymore

Prince Frederick from Cursed Princess Club

Laverne from Cursed Princess Club

El Tarta from Pan's Labyrinth

Saburou Suzuki from Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun

Mitsuya Maeno from Monthly Girl's Nozaki-Kun

Squidward J. Q. Tentacles from SpongeBob SquarePants

Finzé from City of Blank

Dr. Claire Browne from The Good Doctor

Nana from Cry No More

Dr. Audrey Lim from The Good Doctor

Ichi from Cry No More

Jean Miller (Jeannie) from Stargate: Atlantis

Bag Girl from City of Blank

Frank Mitchell from Stargate SG-1

Nino Arisugawa from Anonymous Noise

Mateo Chavez from 9-1-1 Lone Star

Lester Crest from the Grand Theft Auto series

Henry Deacon from Eureka

Nothing from My Pride

Dr. Leela Devi from The Resident

Higgins from Super Adventure Island 2

Tina from Super Adventure Island 2

Cherry from Cherry 2021

371 characters remain

[eeldoodles]

I drew this 3 years ago as a pick me up! This is the Prince of Sablé, or The Prince of Sabure, or Prince Sable, or whatever you want to call him, from For The Frog The Bell Tolls/Kaeru no Tame no Kane wa Naru, a cute little RPG. I played halfway through it and really do need to sit down and finish it properly because it is very, very cute and full of character. I just have a short attention span.

I drew him as a pick me up 3 years back because I loved his design and had friends who also loved him. So I figured I’d share the love again.

[natsthinkitythinkthinkthonk]

Happy Birthday Mamoru Miyano (June 8)

Part One: Roles Part Two: Song Recommendations Part Three: Subbed Videos

This video was made in 2015. Since then, Mamo has gathered many more strong roles. I’m going to be putting gifs/pictures for all those roles plus some new additions below!

I will bold the ones that aren’t in the video. I was underline ones that are my favourite! I will put personal notes in italics. Be aware that I haven’t watched all these anime so they might not be underlined for that reason. I will only be counting anime roles (no dubbing, live-action dramas, or stage acting). This time, it will have the anime name then the character’s name.

Ansatsu Kyoushitsu - Gakushuu Asano

Ajin - Kei Nagai

Bungou Stray Dogs - Osamu Dazai

This is my favourite role from Mamo. There is no competition for me. Dazai is his strongest performance to date. From the comedic moments to the solemn tragedies within the series, he pulls them all off perfectly.

Chihayafuru - Taichi Mashima

Death Note - Light Yagami

I haven’t watched Death Note, but the Kira laugh will forever be in my memory.

Dog Days - Cinque Izumi

Durarara!! - Masaomi Kida

Free! - Rin Matsuoka

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood - Ling Yao

Gatchaman Crowds - Berg Katze

Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun - Saburou Suzuki

Hajime no Ippo - Genji Kamogawa

Hunter x Hunter (2011) - Chrollo Lucilfer

Inazuma Eleven - Shirou Fubuki

Inu x Boku SS - Zange Natsume

K-Project - Saruhiko Fushimi

Karneval - Yogi

Kekkai Sensen - Dog Hummer

Kimi ni Todoke - Kento Miura

Kuroshitsuji - Joker

Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic - Muu Alexius

Mekakucity Actors - Haruka Kokonose

Mobile Suit Gundam 00 - Setsuna F. Seiei

Nanatsu no Taizai - Gilthunder

Nobunaga Concerto - Saburou

He’s the guy wearing white.

One Punch Man - Amai Mask

Ouran Koukou Host Club - Tamaki Suoh

Over and over again, Mamo made me laugh while playing this disaster of a guy. Maaya Sakamoto sounded adorable and great as Haruhi too, and Tamaki’s over-the-top expressiveness was a lot of fun too.

Overlord - Pandora's Actor

Persona 5 - Ryuuji Sakamoto

Pokémon Best Wishes! - Dent (Cilan)

Sarazanmai - Reo Niiboshi

Skip Beat! - Shoutarou Fuwa

Soul Eater - Death the Kid

Weirdly enough, I prefer Todd Haberkorn’s Death the Kid to Mamo’s.

Star Driver: Kagayaki no Takuto - Takuto Tsunashi

Steins;Gate - Rintarou Okabe

I didn’t watch Steins;Gate in its entirety, but it has made me laugh and cringe so much at the same time. I had a hard time recognizing him in this role.

Tokyo Ghoul - Shuu Tsukiyama

Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ Maji Love 1000% - Tokiya Ichinose

Vampire Knight - Zero Kiryu

Wolf's Rain - Kiba

If my memory serves right, this was his first real breakout anime role. He had dubbed live-action and voiced in Kingdom Hearts previously, but this was his first main character!

Yuri!!! on Ice - Jean-Jacques Leroy

Zombieland Saga - Kotaro Tatsumi

If I got a nickel for every time I laughed because of this character, I would get a nickel for every time he appeared. He’s a living meme.

[leenaevilin]

[Announcement] 『ヒプノシスマイク-Division Rap Battle-』Rule the Stage -track.1- (hypnosis mic -division rap battle- rule the stage -track.1-)

the show will be running from November 15th, 2019 to December 1st, 2019 (Tokyo) @ 品川プリンスホテル ステラボール  (Shinagawa Prince Hotel Stella Ball)

Cast:

Buster Bros!!!

Takano Akira as Yamada Ichirou (山田一郎) Matsuda Shouta as Yamada Jirou (山田二郎) Akishima Ryuuto as Yamada Saburou (山田三郎)

Mad Trigger Crew

Abe Aran as Aohitsugi Samatoki (碧棺左馬刻) Mizue Kenta as Iruma Juuto (入間銃兎) Byrnes Yuuki as Busujima Meison Riou (毒島メイソン理鶯)

Kishimoto Yuuta Nanbu Kaito Matsuuchi Tsukasa

homepage nelke wikipedia twitter natalie

[hoshigomi]

God of Stars//Éclair Brillant review, Hoshigumi, 2019

I may not have a real summer vacation from work, but my schedule allowed me to take a break this weekend to go down to Takarazuka to catch some of the first/second week of Hoshigumi’s God of Stars and Éclair Brillant! 

(I WILL be seeing this show more in Tokyo and I will probably/maybe be able to refine these thoughts by the time it ends there, but let’s start off with first impressions, shall we? ♡)

First thing’s first, I love Hoshigumi. That’s not a secret. It’s not that I think they can Do No Wrong it’s just that I love them even when they Do Wrong. Thankfully, this is a case where I truly BELIEVE they did no wrong. Both the show and the revue were well suited to Hoshigumi and their cast of characters, and well suited to Kurenai Yuzuru and Kisaki Airi, the retiring top stars, as well. 

God of Stars

Ooh BOY. Whatever you expected when you saw this poster,  multiply that by about a thousand and you’ll maybe be a little closer to right. The English language website has released this plot blurb - feel free to read for some context, if you want! 

Tl; dr-  It’s kind of about the dangers of gentrification, it’s kind of about two idol groups vying to rise to the top, it’s kind of about loving someone despite their flaws, it’s kind of about being loved as you are, and it’s kind of about Iron Chef. It’s zany and it’s FUN and the music (some of which is by famed anime and other-things composer Hyadain) is catchy and memorable. (I have seriously had the main theme and one of the big group numbers stuck in my head all week.) I would call this the most anime play I have ever seen, and I’ve seen anime plays. I would also compare it to Om Shanti Om, if you’ve seen that. There are STACKS AND STACKS of references to new media, actual people, mythology, popular culture, and the actresses themselves (half of their characters are plays on their names, if they’re not playing someone real, like Chow Yun-fat, literally the lead actor from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.)

If you’re generally a fan of comedies, slapstick, BIG group numbers, anime plays, or things that don’t take themselves too seriously, you’ll love it. It’s just pure fun.  It’s light. It’s loving. It’s energetic. It’s happy. It’s Hoshigumi. There are a few very touching scenes between characters - one in particular between Hong (Kurenai Yuzuru) and Lee (Rei Makoto), made someone within earshot of me cry every time I saw it. For me personally, this show REALLY shone in the group scenes- I never knew quite where to look (not because the main action wasn’t engaging, just because WHEREVER you looked in the group scenes, someone was making a specific, motivated, and usually HILARIOUS character choice), and I sincerely wish I could have a star angle of every actress in every big scene.  So, let’s talk about some of these actresses! 

Kurenai Yuzuru plays Hong Xing -Xing, the chef. He’s an asshole. He has a heart of gold underneath it all, but spends the majority of the play having that bit of him excavated. Again, if you’ve seen Om Shanti Om, think act II Om. I loved it. Beni does shine at this kind of thing, playing loveable assholes. The music ROCKED for her, the over the top RIDICULOUSNESS of this show is where she shines the brightest. She worked with everyone around her to create great moments for some little characters and lent her comedic timing to the whole troupe, it seemed like. I missed the depth that her role in Elbe allowed her to show, and the stillness and emotional intent she’s so heartachingly beautiful at was missing here, but that’s the show’s fault, not hers. I loved this as a taidan role. I’ll miss Beni. I can’t wait to see how her and Hong have grown by Tokyo. 

Kisaki Airi as Eileen Chow particularly kicked ass (figuratively and literally, with slipper kung-fu.) She DEFINITELY wasn’t shafted here (hooray!!) with two solos in her wheelhouse and honestly, I feel, a stronger character than Beni even got. She was spunky and sassy and she looked so damn GOOD in all her costumes. Nothing but respect for MY anime heroine, Eileen Chow. 

Hanagata Hikaru from Senka played Eric Yang of the Golden Star Group, a straight man to everyone else’s completely whack roles, unfortunately a little unremarkable (she’s so comedically GIFTED, but this role was strictly there to advance the plot.) Rei Makoto, the-soon-to-be-top star, was sweet as Lee Long Long  Dragon, Hong’s rival. He’s the classic trope of complete nerd-turned- absolute hottie, when he meets his idol (and literal idol) Christina Chang (Maisora Hitomi, next top musumeyaku). Some of the most universally appreciated humor in this show came from Lee being absolutely FLUSTERED by Christina- and it was really NICE to see these two play together as a couple. They have some SWEET SWEET moments, particularly with their scene together at the end of the play. The seeds of good chemistry are there, and they have the potential to sound really great together. I really hope they don’t sacrifice humor and personality in the long run for pure skill, but I’m optimistic. ♡) 

Yumeki Anru as Kitty, Hong’s Kind Of Girlfriend (and later Chow Yun Fat’s arm candy) was a COMPLETELY INCREDIBLE, SEXY, Sailor Moon Villain-esque nuisance- also may or may not have been directly lifted from Crazy Rich Asians.  

The boy band, Paradise Prince, made up of Kiwami Shin, Amato Kanon, Amahana Ema, Amaki Homare, leader Seo Yuria, and long suffering (but LOVING and mature and full of her own life and opinions and things to Get Done- my only complaint is I wish they let her sing more) manager Arisa Hitomi were a COMPLETE delight. If I could give them the small group ensemble award for just the sheer bullshit they were CONSTANTLY giving us, God I would.  If you didn’t know where to look in God of Stars and you defaulted to them, you’d NEVER be disappointed. From choreographing small routines on the side of the stage to taking selfies and making Tik Toks, they were 100% on all the time. (Also, sounded vocally great and looked great dancing, technical skill wise. I would honestly buy this group as a boy band. Let me know when they release their first single. I’ll buy 10.) (Distinguished performance award goes to Amato Kanon, who is Ken 3 but has the raw power of six upperclassman otokoyaku combined, and is going to be absolutely UNSTOPPABLE in a few years once she learns how to refine ALL THAT.) Kozakura Honoka, Sakuraba Mai, Mizuno Yuri, Seira Hitomi, and leader Maisora Hitomi, make up the girl group, Eclipse, who are used more for transitions and set dressing (albiet FUN set dressing), than plot devices of their own. (Sorry girls, the boys win this idol group battle.) 

Kisaragi Ren (Ren), Mao Yuuki (Mao), Miki Chigusa (Lao Hu), Kizaki Reo (Leo) (see what I’m saying about character names....?), and Shizuki Otone (Michelle) are the working class, good people from Eileen’s life who have stakes in the food hawker stalls, and GOD, they, along with the boy band and the underclassmen ensemble characters, really bring the story to life. Every one of them makes a specific character and sticks to it with care and love and humor and stakes and it’s clear and it’s big and it is, in my opinion, so Hoshigumi. (Also, the roles weren’t huge, but these were still nice for Mao Yuuki and Kisaragi Ren’s last roles in Takarazuka. They were usually together and always funny and got to be in PLENTY of the show, which is all we can ask for.) 

Tenju Mitsuki and Otoha Minori both got to flex their acting chops as Eileen’s parents. Even if I am a little sad that the two of them are now officially playing parents, they ARE old enough that that shouldn’t really be surprising. Tenju Mitsuki especially got to be funny, and Otoha Minori got to be loving and maternal, and I feel that both really milked their roles for all they could. Also, for PARENT ROLES, they were hardly shafted, so I’ll count my blessings now.  

Natori Rei, Mari Yuzumi, Hiroka Yuu, and Sazanami Reira as Demon Bull King, Princess Iron Fan, and The Bodhisattva Candraprabha and Suryaprabha respectively (y’all PLEASE look these characters up I am BEGGING you) were Beni’s family (see the show before you decide whether I’m speaking figuratively or literally) and while the show could have happened without that side plot and only a few tweaks, were a really lovely and worldly addition to the cast. It was FUN to see the Gods and People Of Legends giving context to the story and the other characters, and even more fun to see normal people interacting with them at the end of the play. 

As the newswoman and MC Vimmy, Shirotae Natsu was LITERALLY playing her character from Om Shanti Om, and was just as delightful now as she was then (and one of the times I saw the show, worked INCREDIBLY seamlessly and quickly with Beni to fix a mic issue that could have made a whole scene fruitless.) Iroha Reo was Shirotae Natsu’s assistant MC, and Shidou Ryuu was the producer, both in small but still lovingly crafted roles. Haruto Yuuho’s incredible voice was completely wasted as the silent role of cameraman, but she looked cute as hell in a beanie and glasses. Murasaki Rira as Madam Yang was an absolute joy in the back (or front) of every Golden Star Group scene, playing a little batty and a little flirty and a little spacey and a lot wild and fun. Yuunagi Ryou as Chow Yun Fat, actual Real Life Actor (and for the purposes of this play, the deciding judge of the cooking competition,) was a lot of fun if you love looking at the complete storylines people can come up with in the back of scenes, and your kind of character if you’re into the whole bad boy but also kung fu actor guy thing. Toudou Jun (Sheik Jahuli), Asamizu Ryou (Monsieur Lobchamp), and Minato Rihi (Michiba Juusaburou, NOT to be confused with Actual Iron Chef Michiba Rokusaburou) were the other chefs featured by the Golden Star Group, and MAN, they were all funny.  Toudou Jun had a particularly fleshed out take on her character, more naan jokes than I can count, and a surprising amount of heart in the group scenes with Eileen and co. Ooki Makoto as the priest had one of the best lines in the show, correcting Hong’s reading of a sign, and Otosaki Itsuki, while onstage very little, got a KILLER solo as the dragon boat singer at the start of the Singapore scene mid-show.

If you get a chance, I really recommend you see this show in person. It is a lovingly crafted, well performed, slapstick ride in an Iron Chef meets Cutthroat Kitchen vehicle. It ends with rainbow gyoza and a RAP battle, y’all. The LIFE of it is so shockingly full force in the theatre, as is the volume and the humor and the love that I think endears Hoshigumi to its fans. God of Stars is worth a watch- and even if it ends up not for you, at least you’ll be able to see you saw Naan used as a weapon in a stage fight. ♡

Éclair Brillant,

(which I learned TODAY is not called ‘Éclair Brilliant’). Is, well, Brilliant. While I wouldn't call this the best Benigumi revue in my eyes, (it's no Killer Rouge, and I am PARTICULAR to Estrellas as fair as Hoshigumi Energy goes), the fact is, everyone has different taste, and besides that, Éclair Brillant is BEYOND good. Here's a quick number by number breakdown (as it goes in my memory.) The opening is CLASSY and CLASSIC. It actually is NOT AT ALL unlike the opening to Bouquet De Takarazuka, but it's silver, not beige. The choreography and music both have moments that DEFINITELY struck me with deja vu. Something interesting is that this revue DOES NOT have a title screen/sign/marquee. I am not SURE why that is. In its place, the music starts (a low hum, very space-y), and the theatre slowly fades to complete darkness, before Kurenai Yuzuru (Beni) is illuminated from the back, the light shining through her gauzy, spacey, alien costume in a VERY cool way that made the audience all ooh and ahh, then the lights come up on her face and we begin. The theme is SWEET. Beni sounds INCREDIBLE in this part of her vocal range. Then, enter the rest of the troupe, Rei Makoto (Coto) gets her solo, Seo Yuria (Seo) and Hanagata Hikaru get time on the bridge, Kisaki Airi (Airi) gets her solo. It's all structurally sound, predictable, and good. This opening is the only place in the revue with a kyakusekiori (actresses in the aisles.) 

The opening ends, and Beni is left on the bridge for a solo number. It's playful and uptempo and and not stylistically unlike Leaning on a Lamppost from Me and My Girl, only a little more introspective and slower. She sits on the stairs to the audience for part of it and really focuses on just singing and acting and being present and it's lovely. 

From there, the curtain rises on a very pastoral, calm, almost blank stage, save for a tree, a couple outdoor tables, some underclassmen playing couples and waiters and waitresses, and Maisora Hitomi with a hat. You can tell this is going to be a dance scene immediately, and it is. (Side note: The underclassmen in this scene ROCK. They have a lot of moments of complete stillness and freezes into very fluid natural movement, and they all maintain their storylines and relations throughout. It's nice to see.) Anyway, Maisora is minding her own business and then a sudden gust of WIND blows through the beautiful scene, her hat is whisked away offstage, she briefly chases after it and then ah, gives up. She goes back to her table presumably to like continue having a normal day and mourn the loss of her hat but surprise, there is the personification of the wind itself (Coto) sitting on her table like a little wind nymph. They dance. It's beautiful. I'd say more but that's all there is to say- they dance and it IS beautiful. I think right now dance is looking like it's going to be their strength because boy, they move REAL WELL together. They're both pretty top tier dancers, and it's cool to see them move so naturally together despite having just met. Maisora also VOCALLY sounds better in this number than she did in God of Stars, in my opinion- it's a pretty, lilting slow tune that she definitely sounds good on. The dance ends with an attempted kiss and some falling feathers, and suddenly, all the people from the scene come running back on, breaking the fantasy (with the hat! They found the hat!), and Maisora ultimately runs back off with them after a pensive glance out, as if wondering if the Wind Spirit who visited her Will Ever Return. Then Coto sings some more. It’s predictably beautiful.

Cumbanchero (the start of the chuuzume, despite being only three songs into the revue) is one of my very favorite numbers in the revue, probably because I have a big ol’ Takarazuka Crush on one of the dancers, but also because it’s just really high energy and it’s danced so WELL. It starts ABRUPTLY and features Kurenai Yuzuru, Mao Yuuki, Shidou Ryuu, Kizaki Reo, Sazanami Reira, Hiroka Yuu, Yuunagi Ryou, Minato Rihi, and Amato Kanon. Man, they can all DANCE. If Coto’s Hoshigumi features these actresses in dance numbers, they’re gonna look GOOD. It’s a nice reprieve from the so far calm and pretty revue and starts to take things over to the sexier/bolder/more sensual Latin-inspired side, where a lot of the rest of the revue sits, musically. (Though like, Takarazuka “Latin” is what it is and we all know that.) Airi gets a turn in the spotlight next, singing a song I WISH I knew the title of, with either a long curly blonde wig or a short brown bob  depending on the show while Ooki Makoto and Kisaragi Ren (hell yeah) get fawned over/pawed at/pushed around by musumeyaku. It’s sensual. Also sensual (but leaning much more towards playful and flirty) is The Next Number In The Chuuzume, sung by Amahana Ema, Kiwami Shin, and Arisa Hitomi. Arisa Hitomi SPECIFICALLY sounds mature and sexy and GOOD and everything a musumeyaku learns to be when you give her a chance to grow up. Some of the kids do coupley samba around them. They’re VERY cute.  The stage goes dark and Beni, Airi, and Coto appear- they dance around each other and with each other in every combination possible while Mikkii sings on the stairs- and God, I could talk for ages about how much I love when they let Mikkii sing for duet/trio dances. She brings out all the emotion in the songs and gives the dancers so much space to play in. The END OF THE CHUUZUME is set to The Gift (by Eydie Gorme). It’s too short. The music rocks. It’s all samba stepping and teasing grinning and I loooooved it. Otherwise though, it was a very standard chuuzume. (One of my ONLY complaints about this revue is that I DO wish they took the chance to do something a little more BeniAiri. Anyone can do a Nice Chuuzume. These two have such play and humor in them, and I would have loved to see something more like Championne from Estrellas as their last chuuzume. It was still VERY solid and very good, but lacking in personalization.)

After the chuuzume, Seo comes on surrounded by eight musumeyaku (Seira Hitomi, Mizuno Yuri, Nijou Hana, Kuresaki Rino, Miyako Yuuna, Sumika Amane, Ruri Hanaka, and Ayane Miran. You didn’t expect Seo Yuria to sing Mas Que Nada with the dirtiest bass line I have ever heard, but here she is, singing it (well!). Seo sings across the bridge and it feels filthy somehow and I have NO idea what to do with it. Everyone in this number is trying to ooze sex appeal out of every pore in their body. Some of them ARE succeeding. This number makes me more uncomfortable than excited, but I think your mileage may vary here.

Ravel’s Bolero is the best number in Éclair Brilliant, and may be one of the best numbers in any revue ever. It’s very long, but I don’t think it’s long ENOUGH. There is NO singing. There is no sound from the actresses save for stepping and clapping and the occasional stomp. 

These are two pictures from the number but they don’t even BEGIN to do it justice. I am PRAYING the DVD captures it, but the real magic in this number is how groups of dancers use the stage, how they line up SHARPLY and PERFECTLY in place, how they move on and off the stage with incredible fluidity but INTENSE movements, how groups move in sync or against each other, the lighting being low and shadowy- this number was perfect. I am a HUGE sucker for loud flashy funny in your face- and this sharp, understated, stripped down dance number could have brought me to tears. This was one of the most incredible things I have ever seen in any Takarazuka show, and deserves a spot in ANY Best Of list that’s ever compiled from here on out. 

It’s hard to top Bolero, so for a tonal shift, next we have our Taidan Number/Rockette. And honestly? It’s well timed. The taidan medley is Hanagata Hikaru (not retiring), Shirotae Natsu and Yumeki Anru (ALSO not retiring), and our incredible, wonderful, brilliant taidansha, Kisaragi Ren and Mao Yuuki, singing Frank Sinatra’s That’s Life. It’s full of heart and earnesty and smiles and it’s honest and fun and these people on this stage love each other, and they love what they do, and it’s so EASY to see. Renta dances and sings with the same 200% she always gives, and Mao Yuuki takes in everything and everyone around her every time I see her do this number. It’s gonna be BRUTAL on the last day. The four upperclassmen join the rockettes for the first part of their dance (which is CUTE), and then run off to let the girls do their thing.

The rockettes end and a new set of feathers takes the stage- Beni, Airi, Maisora Hitomi, Kiwami Shin, Arisa Hitomi, and Amahana Ema in a slinky, sequined leotard bird of paradise number (Beni has some notes in this song that give me CHILLS in the best way)- and they’re eventually shoo’d off by Coto, Amato Kanon, Aomi Sario, Sakishiro Kei, and Kisa Kaoru, in MORE exciting bird-of-paradise costumes, and a more upbeat and aggressive and slinkier dance. (It was COOL to see Kisa Kaoru and Sakishiro Kei included in here- I don’t feel like I’ve really seen them do anything to date, and they’re both solid! Aomi Sario is familiar and Amato Kanon is climbing the ladder quick.)

The next number is nothing short of beautiful. It’s a Beni dance solo (again, no singing at all- the ending of Éclair is a little sparse on vocals), until she is joined by most of the Hoshigumi musumeyaku, all in flowy pink petals, with an electric shamisen. It was VERY falling-sakura-esque. It was STUNNING. They fall and they scatter and they twirl and Beni is in the midst of it all, and by the end of the song...

-the petals have all fallen and we are in place for one of my favorite kuroenbi ever. In fact, the whole rest of this revue is beautiful. This kuroenbi is more electric shamisen, a lot of high kicks, a lot of sharp and bold movement and interesting lines and groups of younger actresses and groups of older actresses taking turns centerstage and (a beautifully funny moment between Beni, Renta, and Mao Yuuki that IS a tonal shift for a brief few seconds, but doesn’t interrupt the flow of the dance at all, and is just so ... heartwarming to see. It’s lovely to see the taidansha honored in a way that’s so purely them.)

All the otokoyaku save for seven (Rei Makoto, Hanagata Hikaru, Mao Yuuki, Seo Yuria, Shidou Ryuu, Amahana Ema, and Kiwami Shin) exit the stage, and Airi enters. Coto sings a beautiful song to Airi as Airi gets to dance with all her otokoyaku in turn, it’s also playful and flirty and loving and Mao lifts her and spins her SO well- the dance only ends at its climax when Beni runs onstage from behind Airi and catches her- Airi has found her real partner and the duet dance begins in earnest with just the two of them. It is, as you’d want for the two of them, very sweet, very loving, very kind, and very much just two people who love each other and have gotten to know each other so well.

 It suits them, and their smiles and the amount of HUGGING in this dance is exactly what they deserve. It’s a good taidan duet dance. It’s a good Beni/Airi taidan duet dance. 

Overall, I think Éclair was very good. It honored a lot of what has made Beni and Airi’s Hoshigumi what it was, in the little moments, but didn’t drown itself in kitsch. That said, I might have liked to see a LITTLE more of their personalities in the revue- I can almost say it felt like Éclair was ushering in Coto’s new era of Hoshigumi a little early and a little rushed. This would have been a BRILLIANT mid-top-run revue for this pair, because GOD did it show that they’re capable of more than the humor and energy that they’re too often pinholed into by Takarazuka fans in general. That is without a doubt their wheelhouse, but both Kurenai Yuzuru and Kisaki Airi are a LOT more than funny. It was incredible to see so much of that in a revue, because while we’ve seen it in plays, they haven’t really had a revue that feels this classic (to me), to date. It was a good revue to pair with God of Stars, though, because the full three hours gave you little bites (haha) of the incredible range that both these actresses have. 

I loved God of Stars and Éclair Brillant. I loved them as a pair. I love Kurenai Yuzuru and Kisaki Airi as a pair. I love Hoshigumi for everything they are and everything every actress brings to the table, and I can not wait to see how this show and the actresses have grown by the time it reaches Tokyo. ♡

星組最高！

[skirak]

The Ultimate Introduction to Hosoya Yoshimasa Part 1 [Everything you should know about Hosoya Yoshimasa #3]

37th Birthday Special

10 February, the ultimate day as a certain baby turns 37. Time really flies... I still remember creating posts for his 36th bday last year in my main account @akaskira

This is taken from a Chinese source: PukiWiki 

Translated by me!

Introduction

Source: 新R25 Interview (Japanese)

Hosoya Yoshimasa [細谷佳正]

Born 10 February, 1982 in Onomichi, Hiroshima.

Height of 175 cm (5 feet 7), Blood Type B

Left hander.

Was a member of Mausu Promotion till 1 July 2014 and has been Freelance since.

Nicknames include Yosshi (used by Ono Yuuki), Posoya-kun (used by Sugita Tomokazu)

Called Hosoyan by fans and Hikasa Yoko

According to himself, has rarely been given nicknames.

Favourite food includes sea urchin. Likes to drink but doesn’t smoke.

Likes ghost story and horror movies but gets scared as hell in haunted houses (click for link!)

Probably can see ghosts - many colleagues have heard real ghost experiences from him.

Okamoto Nobuhiko once said he wanted to go to haunted house most with Hosoya as his reaction is interesting

In the world of Male seiyuu Singers, he is considered to be of mid-high ranking.

Used to do busking and released his own songs.

Sang albums for character Shiraishi Kuranosuke in “Prince of Tennis”

The first album “Medicine or...?” got 7th in Most Daily Played and 10th in Most Weekly Played. The second album “Poision” achieved 3rd in Daily and 6th in Weekly [Oricon Style]

CD or LIVE, his performance is worth a praise. His condition has been good since his first performance, “Prince of Tennis Hundred Song Marathon”. He then received praise for his singing plus dancing in FESTA 2009, and also is the first from Prince of Tennis to have his very own solo concert and album in 2010.

Doesn’t really sing as his characters, so the songs you hear are all his own style.

Seiyuu with the same experiences as him include Tsubasa Yonaga, Kaji Yuuki, Okamoto Nobuhiko etc.

One of Mima Masafumi (Director of audiography)’s favourite seiyuu. It’s like wherever there’s Mima there’s Hosoya

Experiences

High School 

Used to be in fencing and acting clubs, and quit fencing for acting.

Was in a leader position in acting, but didn’t know whether to pursue it.

After that, watched “Martian Succesor Nadesico: The Motion Picture - Prince of Darkness” recommenced by a friend and decided to be a seiyuu as he was inspired by Yamadera Koichi’s character.

Voiced in the remake Space Battleship Yamato 2199 as Katou Saburou, fulfilling his dream of voicing with Yamadera.

Achieved Best Supporting Character Awards in 2014 and 2016 tho he has no luck in MC

Characteristics

Has a natural mid-range voice, therefore often gets cool / calm Sports Captain roles. To other people, Hosoya can also be seen as a man who’s calm with few words.

Because he started as acting in Western works, he’s better at “natural calmness” performances rather than exaggerated.

Mostly voices young characters from straightforward to cold ones. Also can voice as some bad “Uncle” (Ixion Saga DT as Pet)

Basically after Takamatsu Shinji’s (animator) favourtism, his image has disappeared (this is a compliment)

Maybe because Hosoya’s tone is a little plain (Hey!!) he rarely voices as MC but as supporting roles (MC’s friends etc)

For some reason, always voice some “big Brother” characters and recently, 80% of his roles are muscular guys

Accepted more roles as he grew popular.

Voiced as an insane character in a game “Princess Arthur” and received praise for it.

Before that, also voiced incanely in “Edel Blume” but the game wasn’t good so it wasn’t popular

Common traits of his characters: glasses, prideful, disses, dialect.

Real person is a helpless dork which is totally different from his characters, so may surprise people who don’t know him well.

Started by dubbing in Western shows / movies, so isn’t known in ACG (Animation, Comic, Game) community until his role as Shiraishi.

One of the few who dubs a lot in both ACG and Western films, where he voices in almost every season.

Often receives dialect roles (Osaka, Fukui, Hiroshima etc). Says that his voice is like a plain Ochazuke (rice with tea).

Has very few R18 works.

In BLCD, only appeared for a passerby and never a seme/uke role.

With the exception of Miyano Mamoru and Irino Miyu who both have acting backgrounds, Hosoya being famous even without a R18 character is considered as really special.

People may mistake Hosoya as voicing in more shoujo themed anime due to his popularity with women and large variety, but he actually focuses more on dub and shonen works.

Hosoya EVERYWHERE

In 2016 October, he accepted roles from 12 more works out of his normal ones, and with different varieties as well.

Probably because of overperformance, he hurt his throat and took a break from 23 April 2017 to August 2017.

Personality

Speciality: plays guitar and likes shooting

Is bad at technology so doesn’t have Twitter or personal blog (except link)

Known as the most woman-like male seiyuu.

Ogata Megumi: “Among male and female seiyuu, the one with most girl powers is Hosoya Yoshimasa.”

Actually also wants to be popular so often asks tips from other male seiyuu

A member of Mizuki Nana’s female team

Proved by a lot of people that he loves to talk about love.

Self-claimed masochist. Is actually also very masochistic

Gets nervous easily and sweats a lot. When he’s nervous, he always speak incoherently / stammers so he’s often teased by others.

Always at the bottom of the food pyramid.

In Free, was bullied by “predators” Miyano Mamoru and Suzuki Tatsuhisa.

Nobunaga Shimazaki: “Sorry—”

Hosoya: “We’re not gonna lose like this!!”

Masafumi Mima: “In Knb, 50% of seiyuu were new and perhaps to calm their berves they decided to tease someone. That someone is Hosoya. Even though he’s the captain, his reaction when bullied is priceless.”

Known as the natural dork, which often comes into topic when he’s not around.

Has a weird way of thinking sometimes.

Often leaves audience and cast speechless (and is usually made fun of later), but can tell he means what he says, and usually still has a good relationship with others.

Likes to not look at the camera in pictures, affecting people around him. Fans have also started to imitate it.

Easy to go along with and humble.

Often calls person with “san” behind and uses respectful language (formal)

Depending on atmosphere, he does call people by their first name and vice versa.

People he calls first names include Ono Kenshou, Osaka Ryota, Ishikawa Kaito etc.

“Will go crazy in unreasonable situations” - Hikasa Yoko

Too many sports roles. Fans often say he can “hold an Olympic on his own” and those roles are still renewing.

Some include tennis, Basketball, baseball, soccer, Volleyball, piano, drums, judo, karuta, Swimming, rugby, ice skating.

Fans often check if he’s voicing in new sports anime - and it’s a common habit.

Seems to also notice himself and talks about doing them sometimes.

Relationships

Male Magnet.

Attracts both senpai and junior’s appreciation.

Accidentally stepped into a gay bar and was almost harassed.

Even Fukuyama Jun, who doesn’t work with him much, would mention him from time to time.

Kamiya Hiroshi: “He’s a good kid who’s too serious.”

Has many hidden fans in the industry. Ishikawa Kaito has played his songs directly from his phone before.

Others

Likes girls who’s younger but mature big Sister type omg that’s me

Seems to like... boobs, D-cup in particular.

Had a defect where he was born with six fingers on his right hand but had the extra surgically removed.

Was a fan of the manga “Ushio and Taro” so was very happy when he voiced Akiba Nagare in it.

To be continued

I’ve kind of run out of space so I’m going to do a separate post later. For now, I’m so glad I decided to rewatch anime or I wouldn’t have found out about this adorable dork who made me who I am. I just came back from Japan after studying there for about 4 months, and it had just been the best knowing we were in the same country, breathing the same air, almost living in the same city. 

While I didn’t manage to go to a Hosoyan event, I would definitely go at least once just to “meet” and see him live. 

I love him with all my heart and wish him the best in everything.

[slugtranslation-hypmic]

Hi Slug!! I'm curious... I saw in a previous ask that you mentioned that Gentaro was originally supposed to be part of Matenro, and that made me think of an Ask for you that might be fun!! ((Please only awnser if it's fun to you and not a bother!!)) If you had to switch around 1 member from every group, what would your new team rosters be?

For not spreading misinformation purposes: “Gentarou/an author character may once have been a part of Matenrou” was idle speculation on my part, not in any way truth.

But this sounds like fun! I gave it a fair deal of thought, and here is both a real answer and a maximum chaotic answer.

Buster Bros - Ichirou, Jirou, and Riou. I think that they could all bond over cooking together, and Riou could take them on nice camping trips. It’d also be a great opportunity for Ichirou to lay off the responsibility and act like the kid/young man he is for once. Saburou could come visit if he promises to behave (half-joke).

Mad Trigger Crew - Samatoki, Juuto, and Saburou. I say this with as much love for Saburou as is possible, but there are no two grown men more ill-suited for handling this obnoxious teenage boy than Samatoki and Juuto. That’s why Saburou’s going to go make their lives hell, baby!

Fling Posse - Ramuda, Gentarou, and Rei. I think at least one of them will die from this arrangement, and I’m very curious to see which one it will be.

Matenrou - Hifumi, Doppo, and Hitoya. Hifumi and Doppo should not be separated, but I think that they’d get along well with Hitoya. He’d lose his shit over Hifumi’s backstory, have a genuine bonding experience with the fellas as he realizes how strong Hifumi is for managing his trauma and not wanting to seek revenge, and then immediately lose his shit again at Doppo’s employers. Hifumi would zealously join in. Doppo would be torn between tearing down the bosses he hates and wanting to defend them out of fear of losing his job, but Hitoya would waste no time in hauling the collective asses of upper management to court and winning. They could all then set their sights on finding Doppo a new career that treats him better. Hooray! 

Bad Ass Temple - Kuukou, Juushi, and Jakurai. To be frank, I don’t think Kuukou would even notice if you swapped Jakurai and Hitoya, and Juushi would be too scared to say anything.

Dotsuitare Hompo - Sasara, Roshou, and Dice. See, one of Dice’s new teammates pretends to be an obnoxious idiot when he’s really not (an idiot, that is) and the other clucks his tongue whenever Dice says anything stupid and immediately educates him, so Dice is feeling right at home already. He’d quickly become a second boke in the comedy routine, and I think that between the three of them, they could very easily start a sitcom. Something like, “We Found This Man in the Trash, and Now He Belongs to Us!” Season 3 plot twist is that Dice is secretly a prince. (GASP!) Gentarou and Juuto both watch the show religiously but would never admit it. Sometimes the surviving member(s) of the Fling Posse shootout come over to hang out and eat food from Roshou’s fridge.

And now for the maximum chaos version.

Buster Bros - Rei, Jirou, and Saburou. I call this one “20 years of unpaid child support has only been collecting interest Division”.

Mad Trigger Crew - Juuto, Riou, and Dice. I call this one “Juuto can only sit around a campfire and sing Kumbaya so many times before he goes apeshit Division”.

Fling Posse - Ramuda, Gentarou, and Hifumi. I call this one “Catty bitch Division”.

Matenrou - Jakurai, Doppo, and Juushi. I call this one “Group therapy Division”.

Bad Ass Temple - Kuukou, Ichirou, and Hitoya. I call this one “Hitoya wants a good, clean fight, boys Division”.

Dotsuitare Hompo - Samatoki, Sasara, and Roshou. I call this one “Well, this is awkward for Sasara Division”.

Thank you, this was a lot of fun!

[kaibutsushidousha]

Artbook Data - Ryouma Hoshi

One game of the Jinguuji series was released in the West under the localized name Jake Hunter: Detective Story, but none of the cases on it were written by Kodaka.

Seiyuu’s comment: Akio Ootsuka

Ryouma Hoshi is a smart character with a cute appearance and who rocks a double-breasted rider jacket. His background is arguably grander than the other characters and he was very worth voicing. My first impression was “High schooler!? That’s just a cute little boy”, but despite his appearance, I think he has quite a lot of unique points about himself. Find out on your own where will fate lead him to.

Kodaka’s comment: Cute-hardboiled, the spice that worked

The keyword for Hoshi was “hardboiled but cute!”. But this “cute” guy is a ruffian, so Komatsuzaki tried numerous design until we arrived at the style we decided to go with. We imagined his first as the “Super High School Level Prisoner” before the “Super High School Level Tennis Player”, then we connected it to tennis because that’s a hardboiled sport, then we filled the script with Prince of Tennis memes... yeah, that’s the order in which we constructed him. The dark blue prison uniform was, again, Komatsuzaki’s idea and to add more hardboiledness to it, we matched it with a leather jacket. To top it off, we decided to add the knitted hat, resulting in the current design. Taking from this sequence of events, we named him after, surprise surprise, Kyojin no Hoshi and Prince of Tennis.

As for cutesy characters, we had Daisaku Bandai in DanganRonpa 3, we were thinking of making Hoshi less of a curveball than him, more straightforwardly “cute”. On the other hand, we want to have him in a direction where he would be well-liked by people who tipically like traditional hardboiled characters. On top of that, we want to add the DanganRonpa-style spice to it, leading to our “hardboiled x cute” motif. Hoshi looking like this and being voiced by Akio Ootsuka-san was something very well commented as soon as the characters were presented. I added a twist so he wouldn’t end up as nothing more than a novelty, but I think you all who played the game noticed it already.

His always hardboiled personality was based on Saburou Jinguuji from the “Detective Saburou Jinguuji” series. I handled some scripts on the same series, so you know him, do you?

Note: Kodaka wrote some cases in the mobile version of Detective Saburou Jinguuji (“Six Pieces of Crime” and other 5) and the spin-offs “Ghosts of Shinjuku” and “Brilliant FUTURE”.

Design Notes:

Beanie: The beanie with the very unique dual-horned design is an original item of the Kasumigaoka Institute, as you can tell from the school badge on it.

Rider Jacket: A leader suit that makes you look cool as soon as you put it on. It’s in a form-fitting just size, so no one can say he looks lame for wearing oversized clothes.

Chocolate Cigarette: Super popular among the children! A chocolate candy shaped like a cigarette kids use to pretend to be adults. How difficult it is to unpack it when you’re going to open it is part of the fun.

Underwear:  Hoshi’s favorite briefs. He wears pure white underwear because of one national tennis tournament that had a rule that said “All players must wear all clothes white, including underwear”.

Legs: Legs trained to perform the miraculous footwork that supports Super High School Level tennis plays. He is nimble almost to the point of teleport, according to Gonta.

Anklet: A long time ago, prisoners had heavy stell balls shackled to their ankles to prevent them from escaping. Hoshi wears a mark of his crime in his right ankle, a reminder of those horrible customs.

Favorite Presents:

Mint Cigarettes: A cigarette-shaped lemon candy, popular among growing kids interested in acting like adults. For whenever he wants to take a break from the chocolate one.

Dogtag: A pair of soldier ID tags. If the owner dies in combat, the person on the second tag is reported to recover the body. Give it to Hoshi, as he is constantly face-to-face with death.

Hammock:  A sleeping net you can use by tying it between to trees or pillars. A guaranteed moment of relaxation for the sentimental Hoshi, where he can enjoy an unordinary mood.

Hated Present: 

Tennis Ball Set: A set of 4 hard tennis balls. This could come in handy in diets or massages but none of this matter anymore now for Hoshi, as he threw away tennis.

Key Phrases:

User of Shukuchi: Hoshi became a member of the Saishuu Academy as the Super High School Level Tennis Player. According to his fellow middle school tennis player Momota, he was actually considered a hero by the other tennis brats. He was already that famous at the time. His physical capabilities are something to look out for, specially with his Shukuchi technique. It’s a moviment technique that allows him to instantly close the distance between 2 points, almost like teleport. It’s one of the proofs he deserved his Super High School Level title. Dodging Gonta’s terrifyingly powerful invitation to the Insect Meet-and-Greet and escaping intact is an impressive feat. But what fate awaited Saihara, who was left behind...!?

The Cat-Loving Man: Some say cat lovers are loners and Hoshi is a clear evidence to that theory. He likes to act like a nihilist lone wolf who rarely shows emotions but he says he likes cats because “petting their fluffy heads makes you forget the rough stuff” and admitted to being a cat man after being tricked by Akamatsu’s loaded question. By the way, his favorites breeds are the longhaired ones (Persian, Himalaian, Ragdoll, Siberian, etc). The man likes his fluff. By the way, Hoshi had one cat he left with his friend before he went to prison and he refers to it as the last ties he still have with the outside world. Akamatsu tries to encourage him saying “Maybe you can regain your hope in life if you get a chance to get a new cat?”. If there were any Super High School Level Animal Breeder out there, he would certainly have such a great therapeutic effect in Hoshi’s life...!

Super High School Level Prisoner!?: He was called the Super High School Level Tennis Player after numerous feats, but became a death row convict. It all started when he blew a rigged game on an illegal tennis tournament, earning the mafia’s wrath. He lived tragedy for seeing the dark side of society. He met misfortune because his sense of justice couldn’t let this slide. The shackle on his ankles and the design of his lab prove he is the Super High School Level Prisoner and so does his constant saying the he gave everything up...

Chasing After the Shadow of his Dead Girlfriend: Hoshi says he mercilessly threw away even his girlfriend. The tragic truth behind it is that she was killed by the mafia’s retaliation. When he knew the guns were pointed at her, they had already ran away in different directions, so he could not protect her. The same happened to his beloved family. He says that even if he escapes, there’s no one he wants to see. I hope someone can save his lonely back.

Main Quotes:

“I would never do something this uncool”: This almost-nihilist’s motto is “be cool”. Monokuma’s favorite ill-tasted theatrics and causing a big rucks by falling for cheap threats are two example of things he considers uncool. He is acts quiet and dandy with the chocolate cigarette in his mouth and, maybe for that very reason, he is calmer than everyone.

“I just got some lucky cues“: It’s very common to see athletes having personal lucky pre-game rituals to seize victory. In Hoshi’s case, he would always enter the court with his right leg and it earned him a lot of games. It’s just a mental reinforcement technique, but it somehow worked when he adapted it to sitting on the casino stool with his right leg. Jackpot! Judging from his sidelong glance at Momota when he lost everything he had, maybe Hoshi is the real Super High School Level Gambler?!

Final Comment: Calm, always showing his back, with cold look in his eyes and feeling of resignation. No matter much he insist that’s what being cool is, everyone will still unite their voice to make him regain his hot-blooded hope!