Fireflies by Owl City. Cute song I say.

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I’d like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It’s hard to say that I’d rather stay
Awake when I’m asleep
‘Cause everything is never as it seems
When I fall asleep

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Nope, I do not suffer from insomnia. Am just signing in to let you all know that I’m still alive, and perhaps kicking. But I do hope that I’ll be able to find more time to do stuff like, watching tons o anime and blogging, lols.

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Orihara Izaya. Awsm art by コロッケ・オムラシウ.

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Pardon for the lack of update. Like the usual excuse from everyone else, life’s been busy since the very beginning of 2010. Nevertheless, am still able to keep up with the new DRRR! or Durarara!!, with only 2 eps aired so far: imo it does look like it’s good enough to take over the slot left by Darker than Black.

New favourite goes to the OP sequence, been a long while since I last watch a series with eye-catching OP, this is one of them definitely. And again, the lovely characters & each of the persona. Have raved about it in the past, so best I shall not repeat the same ‘ol. But -

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Orihara Izaya is the love, bad ass for the win. Am just such a big fan of Kamiya san since his role as Takemoto kun for all you might know already. Even so, gotta admit that Mamo actually performed the best so far as Masaomi, so well done from him, again. Next I’m looking forward to Ono Daisuke’s vending machine throwing guy making his first real appearance. And of course, more Hanazawa Kana’s Anri chan.

Hey, it’s gonna be so awesome if these characters are to make into Puchi Nendoroids. Awws.

• Kimi ni Todoke 君に届け #7 (0)

Lovely art from pixiv. But didn’t remember to save the artist name this time. Oops.

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Feeling glad that the year is coming to an end. Not that it was a bad year for me, in fact it’s a pretty fruitful one and am really grateful of it. Just that I’m so looking forward to 2010, because I’ve got a feeling that it’s gonna be so awesome. Hell yes, lol.

Anyways – like past years, it’s the time again to summarise some highlights of the year and the oh-so-significant new year resolutions.

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Let’s see, 10 highlights in 2009:

1. Left the showbiz (great experience, I met so many amazing people) and join the publications in Singapore.

2. Had good times touring around KL with a best friend during my one month break in March.

3. Bangkok trip in August, also the only trip this year. It was good, finally I visit the ever famous Chaktuchak market.

4. Watched Minorin’s concert in Daicon. A seiyuu’s concert is something new to me. Not to mention am surprised at how she can sing live. Her Yuki’s daisuki was the best part of all.

5. Of course, Mayday’s concert too, which was a day after their 10th anniversary. 4 hours of best-time-of-my-life.

6. Got myself a Lumix LX3, loving it and named it Yuki. Got a HTC Magic too, after losing my Sony Ericsson in a cab. Loving it as well, because Android is just so rocking cool. His name is Kyon FYI. Haha.

7. Went to a natsu matsuri in yukata for the first time. Love it.

8. Took JLPT level 3 after self studying for awhile – didn’t manage to finish the syllabus but we’ll see how it went when the result is out. Will continue learning the language regardless.

9. Met DC in AFA 09. To be more accurate, it’s the series of how I submit a design to him and got chosen, and the emails afterward and all. It’s very encouraging, especially when I know that I’m liking what I’m doing.

10. Hosted a barbecue in KL when I went back for a short break. It was raining but I love Mons’ company. It’s has been 5 or 6 years since we form this little circle I think.

11. Met old & new people, visit old & new places, and kept learning new stuff. Never had enough of these.

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Another lovely art with forgotten artist name. Amazing colouring.

Before writing down the next resolutions, here are the previous one:

In 2009 I shall..

1. Pay raise. High priority. Not much, but done.

2. Save for Nihon. High priority. Not much, but done as well.

3. Get out of the country and do whatever. Medium priority. Done.

4. At least JLPT level 3. High priority. Done, with high chance failing.

5. Watch Mayday concert LIVE. Medium priority. YES.

6. Marry Ashin. Impossible. Low priority. HAHA I am still dreaming at this age.

7. Maintain relationshipss. Medium priority. Tried my best but never enough.

8. Take stuff I love more seriously. High priority. Heading there.

9. A DSLR or a Leica or high end compact. Medium – High priority. Yes.

10. More outdoor activities. Low priority. Failed.

Surprisingly satisfying result, hah.

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More lovely art with forgotten artist name.

In 2010, I shall..

1. Go Japan. High priority.

2. Design WP template for my portfolio and this blog. High priority.

3. Master CSS3 and HTML5. High priority.

4. Real saving plans. High priority.

5. Get a netbook. Medium priority.

6. Do a thorough health screening. Medium priority.

7. Read at least 5 books. Medium priority.

8. Improve my Japanese. Medium priority.

9. Improve people skill. Medium priority.

10. Go paragliding. Low priority.

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As you can probably tell, I gave up on marrying Ashin finally. Lols. On more serious note, it’s probably time to do some future planning while continue to improve whatever needs to. Got to stay focus and be a lil more discipline too..

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Allrites, happy 2010 everyone. This should be the last post of the year.

明けました！おめでとうございます。

2009, signed out.

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• 2007: Pain, Cursed, and Sink. (0)
• 100001 Hits! (3)
• 2008, Signed Out. (0)

This art has nothing to do with the post. It’s here because of its awesomeness. By こより

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Let’s just forget about that annual anime round up thing this time, as I probably complete less than 10 titles in ‘09. But fret not, I can still do a round up for past 10 years in a lump sum – after all, the anime list recorded that I’ve spent a good 51 days, watching 3,121 episodes of anime till date. It’s not a lot really, comparing with people who spend time on TV shows and dramas.

Realised that dividing all titles into different genres or categories is quite a painful task, so what I’m gonna do is just screen through the list and pick up the titles.

So here it goes. Criteria is simple: anime aired in Japan between 1st Jan 2000 – 31st Dec 2009. Movies not included. Most importantly, my all time personal favourites in past decade.

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1. AIR (2005) – Love the mysterious yet sad story, its theme song, Tori no Uta is a legend. [fanart source]

2. Azumanga Daioh (2002) – One of the best comedies. Osaka is my all time favourite character. But gotta admit here, Yotsuba&! is better imho, even it’s just a manga.

3. Beck (2004-05) – K-ON’s nothing compares to Beck. Their songs are pretty good, even shitty Koyuki can’t really sing, still good songs.

4. Black Lagoon (2006) – Both S1 and S2 are equally bad ass. Revy and Balalaika are real bad asses. Watch for good action. S3 is on the way. Oh yeah!

5. Blood+ (2005-06) – Kinda hesitate to put it into this list but I did anyway. For the overall good animation and the soundtrack. And the Diva *cough* Riku plot. Can hardly forget.

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6. Clannad (2007-08) – And of course its ~ After Story ~. Best watch when feeling emo: comedy and cry fests all in one. For Dango song too. Personally think Clannad > AIR > Kanon. [fanart source]

7. Code Geass (2006-07) – The truth is, I have yet to watch R2. But I’m sure this show provides one of the best entertainment values, in many ways. I am all for Lulu x Suzaku.

8. Darker than BLACK (2007) – Watch how Hei’s being a bad ass contractor and a loli magnet. The above average animation quality. S2 just ended last week, and I’m all rooting for S3 now. Damn the open ending. Haven’t had enough of Hei x Suou too.

9. Death Note (2006-07) – Death Note anime is very nicely done but overshadowed by the live action movies which wasn’t as good as the manga and anime. Definitely one of the better manga adapted anime. Good drama. Good animation.

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10. Dennou Coil (2007) – Must watch. However kiddish it may seem (bunch of primary school kids), it’s very refreshing to watch. Good story too. Truely a 10/10.

11. Fruits Basket (2001) – Sweet. Very sweet anime. Second best reverse harem, because Ouran is the best. Nevertheless, Furaba is something that I wouldn’t wanna miss. Wanna born in the year of Cat, too.

12. Full Metal Panic! (2002) – Along with Fumoffu and TSR. One of the very first mecha that I watch. The urge of beating Sagara never go away.

13. Fullmetal Alchemist (2003-04) – It’s good, it’s good. But somehow I can’t think of anything else?

14. FLCL (2000-01) – The totally bizarre action and hardly make sense plots are the best things of this 6-eps OVA. Simply awesome. Am big fan of Mamimi for some reason.

15. Higashi no Eden (2009) – Love the concept. And the characters. And the story telling. And the mysterious. Need my sequel soon. Wanna visit Yokohama for this, and for Hachikuro.

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16. Honey & Clover (2005) – You may skip the rest of the anime but not this, both S1 and S2, and all the specials. Because almost everything in Hachikuro is so close to the reality that will make you cry. 11/10. [fanart source]

17. Ichigo Mashimaro (2005) – Loli version of Azumanga, equally funny.

18. Kanon (2006-07) – Couldn’t find a reason for it not to be listed when both AIR and Clannad are in. Then again, it does have the most beautiful art out of the three imho.

19. Lovely Complex (2007) – Very pleasant romance comedy. Otani x Risa is just too cute. I like how it doesn’t have much soppy soppy drama like other shoujo romance. Maybe it does but I just don’t remember. Good job anyways.

20. Lucky Star (2007) – Love Konata’s attitude. Hope it explained. It probably won’t be another 11/10 if I don’t watch anime regularly enough. So yeah, Lucky Star gets huge love from fellow otaku.

21. Moyashimon (2007) – Love how educational / entertaining to watch it is. Fun stuff. Nothing is cuter than talking bacterias.

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22. Mushishi (2005-06) – Am always very glad that I’ve watch Mushishi. Absolutely soothing, beautiful art and engaging stories. [fanart source]

23. Natsume Yuujinchou (2008) – And S2. Similar to Mushishi, Natsume has very heart warming stories about many kinds of unseen stuff. Enjoyed every single bit of it. Nyanko sensei rocks. Another 10/10.

24. Nodame Cantabile (2007) – Along with the sequels. Might not be as entertaining as its successful live action dorama, but I like how it’s sticking to the original manga. Cute and light hearted.

25. Ouran High School Host Club (2006) – As mentioned, best reverse harem. Can’t really explain why but I never get bored rewatching the series. It’s just as funny every time I watch it.

26. Paradise Kiss (2005) – One of the better shoujo anime, probably because of its short and sweet length. Characters and set are pretty too.

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27. Samurai Champloo (2004-05) – The music, the rhythm, the styles, the moves. Love the trio. No other samurai based anime is as entertaining, good job to the samurai and hip-hop crossover. [fanart source]

28. Seirei no Moribito (2007) – Top animation quality and pretty art, definitely worth a watch. It’s just that on second thought, I probably won’t choose to rewatching it. Nonetheless, it’s a pretty good one.

29. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (2007) – Most hot blooded ever series that I’ve watch. Bizarre, but that’s why it’s good. We love things go out of expectations from time to time.

30. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2006) – There was once Haruhism almost become a religion. Well given the fairly fantastic stuff they did in the first season, fair enough. Just that I’m still stuck in S2, the endless summer loop. ^^”

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Hmm, total 30 of them. Though, after looking through the list again, I’ve decided to slash some titles out, especially those that lacking of some rewatch values.

Of course, there are also a whole load of stuff that I wish I have watch or complete, but time is really an issue. Noticed how most animes chosen are from year 2004-07, which is also my university years, when I could follow about 20 titles weekly, as oppose to the maximum 2-5 currently.

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Aights, this post also won the most tags ever in single entry. Perhaps I amma do this again in 2019, if the industry does not go extinct or the world meets its end. We’ll see! Lols.

• Lucky Star – Set of Walls (10)
• Moyashimon もやしもん (2)
• Honey & Clover II – End (0)

Nothing beats Koiwai & Yotsuba’s daddy-daughter interaction.

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Probably the best Christmas present so far: a new chapter of Yotsuba&!! Presenting #63: Yotsuba & Playing. With that said, the quality of this release isn’t as high as the previous’ – not the usual source or translator perhaps? Anyways, also noticed how the characters drawn in this chapter seemed to look slightly different, especially for Yotsuba chan. Just take a look at the top left box above – ain’t she look extra loli here (well she IS a loli but she looks younger than usual).

Or maybe it’s just me after the Christmas eve dinner. Either way, great chapter as usual, so grab it here now. :)

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On another note, volume 9 was released in Japan last month, yet another lovely cover art. ^^  Also, Yotsubato himekuri 2010 calendar (daily pad calendar) is now opening for pre-order too – might try to get one this time around. As for 2010 monthly calendar, it’s released already: Yotsuba&! 2010 Calendar. Price is kinda steep though. ^^”

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Again, Merry Christmas everyone! メリークリスマス皆さん！

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• Yotsubato! #51: Yotsuba & the Culture Festival (4)
• a Flash. a Prince. a Weird kid. (2)
• Yotsubato! #54: Yotsuba & Festivals (Part 2) (4)

Christmas tree outside Suntec City Convention Centre. Taken after AFA09.

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Been taking photos of these plastic trees since the end of October – just snap whenever I see one – explained the vary quality of these photos. Some were taken by mobile (with filter apps) while the rest are by Yuki LX3. Am not exactly an enthusiast when it comes to celebrating Christmas but most people here are sure taking it big, not to mention the whole Christmas thing is pretty much very commercialized too.

Am kinda overdosed by now, on the Christmas Eve.

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Another one with different design, outside Suntec City Convention Centre.

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When Christmas tree went wrong. Am sure many efforts went into setting up the balloons but the “tree” just doesn’t look very appealing. @ Kallang Leisure Park.

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@ Iluma, Bugis.

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@ Bugis Junction. Love the weather.

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@ Clarke Quay.

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@ Home. Landlady did this on her own. ^^”

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Inside Ion Orchard.

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@ Ion Orchard. 6-storey high, about 20 metres tall.

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The interior of that huge tree. Looks like some art.

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Reflection. Outside Louis Vuitton.

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Bokeh wannabe. Actually it’s just me didn’t manage to focus on anything.

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@ Takashimaya / Ngee Ann City.

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O hai!

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Lifetime supply of Ferrero Rocher.

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Close up. Onomnomnom.

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@ Heeren.

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@ Paragon.

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@ Tangs. Like their display.

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@ Orchard Central. Thin and tall.

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O hai! V2.

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They called it the “tree of hopes”..

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.. where you get wishes such as “wish for a $50 voucher to buy a new bag!” – with the wish owner’s name and contact number on, just in case you’re feeling generous.

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Looking back, I was in KL last year. This year it’s Singapore. I wonder where next? Hmmm.

Anyways, Merry Christmas to everyone, have a joyful one! Made a promise to myself that this won’t be the last post of 2009, so more to come for sure. Ho Ho Ho. :D

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• Insennity.com (0)
• Christmas Tree in the Making (1)
• Yotsuba & Xmas! (2)

Monopoly City Streets ended 2 days ago after almost 3 months (?) of well, not so smooth game play.

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The concept of this online board game is definitely interesting and attractive at first, but gradually losses its charms within a short period after. We love Google Map, but we hate the slow loading (millions of players/accounts), plenty of bugs, and unannounced changes that happened from time to time.

Anyways, I started off with my original account Senn and managed to grab a few streets around Akihabara area right after the second launch. Love the idea of owning some virtual streets in Akiba, despite the fact that I have yet to set foot there.

Soon, soon. If everything goes well.

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神田明神通. Kanda Myoujin Tsuu – I hope the pronunciation is correct. Top screenie was taken during level 3 and the bottom was 2 days ago – level 5. It’s the only street I didn’t sell off in Tokyo Metropolis by the end of the game.

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My early streets. When it was still fairly easy to get longer streets in Japan sub-urbs. Or rather, I was playing quite religiously for a while: looking for empty streets, trading, building, sabotaging, stalking rivals’ moves – tiring I tell ya.

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Finally one day to realise I was ranked #5 on local leaderboard. Managed to climb up to #4 at best after that.

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Being on the leaderboard means being an obvious target. Looks like Highfive, someone who ranked #1 in local leaderboard didn’t like me enough. I repay him/her some after this of course.

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Senn’s report card as of the end of game. Kinda gave up this account halfway through though, partly because of the constant sabotaging and bulldozing, and also it’s very buggy. E.g. bought a street but never show up in my profile card. Also the constant trading request when there’s actually none.

So I create another account, Mons, which ended up as my main account later.

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Mons reaches level 6 (maximum in game) in a short time thanks to Senn and the generally slowing down of players in game. Above screenie shows the largest sum of fine I paid in game: 303Mil moolah. That accountant is fired of course.

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Mons’ streets as of the end of game. Total of six, covering Japan, the States, Aussie, and Chile (I think).

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Final result. When the days drawing closer to the end, I was losing interest as well: log in daily to only collect rents.

Not to mention it was extremely hard to find long streets at this point of time too. Think I paid 8Bil for an empty Canberra Avenue from a player who owns hundreds of long streets. It’s the final street that I bought, also the most expensive one.

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My Monopoly Towers on Canberra Ave.

Well, I’m glad that the game has came to an end earlier than expected because it certainly doesn’t worth the time to go on, with loop holes everywhere in game; the sudden change of rules and rents value didn’t help much either. It enjoyed so much anticipation before the start, yet left with many disappointments in the end.

Still, Hasbro has done a good job for bringing this idea alive, for free, at least I had fun for a few good days.

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Adidas Originals / Safety Wear Collection ‘Split Up Service’

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Totally love this short film after watching it through the RSS of this post. Directed by Kosai Sekine, I really dig the refreshing idea of this short film, or you may call, the 3min TV commercial. The main actor has got some good acting skills too. ^^

If you like the tone of this clip, do check out Kosai’s youtube channel for his other short clips, particularly the awards winning Right Place, and Raindance Film Festival + Diesel ‘Daughter’.

I like the sense of humour in these films – they made my day. Great stuff.

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Owh yummy. :D I know it’s small, so here’s the original size ver.

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When I read the post over at figure.fm, first thing that came into my mind was “this is a must-share” – this K-ON! Boy Band illustration is just too sexy, probably the best gender swap fanart I’ve seen so far.  From left: Rikku (Ritsu), Rio (Mio), Yuki (Yui), and Tomoki (Tsumugi). My favourite is of course Yuki. But bassist always has the charm in a band.

Anyways, this wonderful fanart is done by rie from pixiv, the artwork page can be found here, which you’ll need a pixiv account to access I believe.

Happy December by the way. It’s that time of the year again. Your last chance to do whatever you have not done in 2009.

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• Spring ‘09: Reviews (4)
• K-ON! けいおん! (1)

Ryuu: *Smirk*

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Besides Darker than Black (soon becoming a fan of July), Kimi ni Todoke is the other title that I’m currently following this season. Long story short, while Kazehaya kun is adorable (lols), Ryuu is the man – not to mention Tomoya’s voice (the Clannad dude, seiyuu: Nakamura Yuuichi) fits this character’s role just well.

I enjoy the anime, but I can hardly stand the p-u-r-e-l-o-v-e dorama between Kazehaya and Sawako chan. ^^” More Ryuu x Chizu please.

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The main guy looks exactly like Akina. But I’m not complaining. :P

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Winter season list is out too, I’m totally looking forward to Durarara!! Point one being the character design is done by the same artist as Yozakura Quartet and Kamisama Kazoku – I just love Yasuda Suzuhito’s art style for no reason.

And point two – the seiyuu cast:

Miyano Mamoru (Yagami Light, Tamaki, Setsuna)
Ono Daisuke (Koizumi Itsuki, Sebastian, and a bunch of others)
Kamiya Hiroshi (Natsume(!!), Takemoto(!!), Zetsubou sensei(!!), am just a big fan here)
Fukuyama Jun (Lelouch and a bunch of others)

Kinda rolled my eyes when I saw the list – I mean, who else (in my knowledge) could I ask for? Even Hanazawa Kana (also a fan of her) and Nakamurara Yuuichi (again) are in it. @_@ The only unfamiliar voice is probably the main character himself, Toyonaga Toshiyuki.

But still?!

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But I’ve learn my lessons well all these while. Never put high hopes, just enjoy whatever’s coming to you. And have fun.

That applies to life too.

• DRRR! #1-2 (2)