First of all, this concert was scheduled within a little convention about Japanese culture : Chibi Japan Expo. But well, like almost all Japan related festivals, this one was just similar to a huge supermarket for anime, manga and video game goodies. That is why I am not really fond of this kind of event. Tones of commercial displays, lot of brats monopolizing video game stands… and traditionnal cosplay / karaoke contests where it always seem to be the same costumes and songs.
Though, being in Paris (the capital) has the advantage to attract famous artists, like Ohba Kenji (Uchuu Keiji Gyaban), Ditama Bow (Mahoromatic) etc… and JAM Project!

I would never have thought I would have the chance to see them … even less here in France!
The funny thing is that about one month before the event, when I was not aware of their coming yet, some friends invited me to this convetion. I said only a concert with famous Japanese singers like Mizuki Nana or JAM Project could make me attend such a festival. And when they told me JAM Project was actually coming, I became speechless and ran looking for further information on the web! I just received a huge rise of adrenalin at that time ^^;
Though, I was really sceptical since the concert became official - in other words listed on JAM Project’s website - only one week before the scheduled date. But it finally occured!

The concert was fantastic! Kitadani Hiroshi, Endoh Masaaki, Okui Masami, Fukuyama Yoshiki, Kageyama Hironobu… all of them spent a lot of energy setting the public on fire with great songs, JAM Project’s ones and few others from each artist solo career repertoire. (detailed song list a little further)

A lot of eye-contacts, tones of generous smiles and laughs, pointing fingers etc… This concert was so much fun, with a JAM Project group as awesome as I have always imagined. I dreamed about all that many times the week before the event, and it is like every thing really happened. Such a delightful moment!

The stage was definitely too small though, which is sad for people in the back. No complain from me however, since I was very close to them, practically on first line ^^
Well, I queued up a long time for that. About 5 hours, but I definitely don’t regret it! (and I had a lot of animes to watch on my ipod to kill the time hehe)

(Makkun during “Rinbu Revolution” performance - I kindda like this picture ^^)

Here is the full song list of the most wonderful concert I have ever attended ^^

Crest of Z’s
STORMBRINGER
Nageki no Rosario
Break Out
GARO - Savior in the Dark

We gotta Power (Kageyama only)
Yusha-oh Tanjou (Endoh only)
Rinbu Revolution (Okui only)
We are (Kitadani only)
King Gainer Over! (Fukuyama only)
Soldier Dream (Kageyama only)

No Border
Genkai Battle
VICTORY
SOULTAKER
GONG

CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA
SKILL

For folks wondering which are my favorites, here’s the answer : Break Out, VICTORY, SOULTAKER. Possible to count GONG and SKILL as well ^^;
There are some other songs like Rocks and Battle Communication !! I really enjoy, but I guess not everything could have been sung hehe.

As you can see, the concert was split by a great interlude, featuring each JAM Project member one after another during which they sang titles from their respective solo career.
And at the end, during a little speech where all were expressing their feeling about the show, Kitadani said he was really surprised and pleased to see so many folks singing “We are” with him. He thought he would be alone on that song, but the whole public supported him.
Hey! Huge community of fans over here too ^^ I think “King Gainer Over!” was the less well known title among the “solo part”. Though we were a bunch agitating our arms to reproduce the stupid dance move just like in the anime opening ^^ And I think Fukuyama appreciated it since he asked the public to do it again on the second time.
I tore off my voice on “Yusha-oh Tanjou” ^^ DIVIIIDIIIIING DRIIIIIIIIVVEEEEEEEERR!! xD
I was looking for this song so much hehe.
”Rinbu Revolution” was beautiful. It is just that after earing it sang by both Okui Masami and Mizuki Nana during Animelo 2007, it is hard to have something greater now I guess ^^; But I am just quibbling hehe.

”No Border” has been sung in English. Big shock!! And it was even worse to try to understand it, instead of the original version. But well, I understand why they decided to sing it in English, since this song represents their hope for the world’s future. The only disappointment, since I love this tune.

Another funny thing happened. To end the concert, Kageyama asked us which song we wanted to hear. It was just after “SOULTAKER”, and I heard later that in fact, “Hagane no Messiah” was foreseen.
But we were a lot who started to shout “GONG! GONG! GONG!” and I think they were quite surprised and did not expected that ^^;
I’d have liked to hear “Hagane no Messiah” too though, especially because Endoh has such a great moment during this song, but well… “GONG” is also an inescapable title. Too sad both songs could not have been played.

(during “No Border”)

For the encore, Kageyama supported by the rest of the band performed a classic but great “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA”, and then, the concert finally ended on legendary “SKILL”.
In a word : wonderful! ^^

Last funny moment, at the end, Kitadani “updated” his joke about the Osaka Tsutenkaku Tower (those who have seen the Japan Flight 2008 No Border bonus DVD may understand), replacing it with our proud French symbol, the Eiffel Tower ^^; Awesome reference, I really appreciated that! Thanks for the laugh Kitadani-san!

Then afterward, I managed to have my “Get Over the Border” album booklet signed. Fukuyama’s self-caricature is really funny ^^
Was also able to take a picture of each member, and had a really generous handshakes. So moved that the only thing I could say was “Thank you so much!” or something like that, but it was a fantastic moment!
Makkun has such a lovely voice, gentle smile and her hands seemed so fragile… Got a lot of thrills when I shook hands with her ^^
Endoh is such a funny guy. If I had to choose a member of JAM Project as my favorite, that would be him I think. It is so much fun watching his performance, with that special style of him. And I love that pose he took for the picture. Exactly what I expected. Thank you Endoh-san!

Brought back the blue/yellow t-shirt specially made for the European tour, with the label “in Paris & Barcelona” printed in the back. Too sad there were not other JAM Project goodies, like towel, scarf etc… but well, nevermind ^^;

Ahh I can’t find any word strong enough to express how wonderful this experience was. It was such a great event in a fan life time. Thanks JAM Project! Thank you so much for having offered your European fans such great concert! Hope you will be back in our lovely countries for even more magnificent shows! - not sure they will read that, but who knows haha

Well, not all figures are visible on this one, but that’s the picture I prefere for the “impressive” effect. But you can scroll down to the last photo of this set for a full view.

I would never have imagined how long and exhausting setting all of this could be! Especially because most of the figures were still packed in their respetive box… Took me about 7 hours ^^; (in two days)
As you can imagine, Nendoroids, Figmas and Shuraki girls were the most time-consuming.
Now, thinking that I will have to put the figures in order makes me tired. But well, that was fun.

And to make those efforts profitable, here some additional pictures. At the same time, this allows me to introduce my latest figures, and some that I’ve never displayed here.

The 1:8 scale pvc version of Hastune Miku is really lovely. Too sad her pantsu is all white ^^;
Figma version is ok, and nothing beats nendoroid version’s cuteness ^^

I love Idolm@ster girls, even the Xenoglossia version. Haruka-chan is so gorgeous. Have a look at HappySoda’s review (beware nosebleeds).
And for Miki pictures, you can also visit Ota desho? Ota desu!.

Death Note nendoroids suffers from being part of the first ones released… especially Light and Misa whose plastic support is aweful. Such a pain to prevent them from falling due to their head’s weight. I managed to have Light standing without though… fiiou.

Major Kusanagi and Saber, the most “kakkoi” female anime character ever!

Haruka Suzumiya and Mitsuki Hayase from Kimi ga Nozomu Eien make a great pair, as long as you are into bikini figures ^^ Sexy pose. I am really glad to have figures from this moving anime.

And about Figmas, Hiiragi twins have become my favorite ones…

… but just after Saber ^^ She is still the most well done in my opinion. Rin’s second face is really odd I think. And Yuki in her witch costum is just awesome. Well, Yuki is always awesome, if you ask me.

More Fate/Stay Night with the “old” Saber and Konata/Kagami nendoroids.

The two cuties in the center are Sasami and Misao. Magical girls I guess, since the serie they are from is titled Sasami Maho Shojo Club. No clue about their identity, but their moe potential got me.

Venis and Shinra-sama in the back, from the game/anime Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de (They are my Noble Masters). Love the game’s CG. Shinra is somehow very attractive.
And second version of Miki Hoshii, brown hair, blue outfit with real spangles. Went all over my fingers by handling the figure ^^;

Horde of nendoroids.

And at last, SOS-dan Figmas. Can’t be bored of playing with them ^^

Bellow, as mentioned at the top, the “family” picture. One figure is missing though : the first version of Max Factory Suzumiya Haruhi. Lack of space on this improvised stand, so I only put one.
I also removed the Stellar Spinner version Sumomo-chan and the Primula Nendoroid, since they are not officially GoodSmile products. Too sad since Sumomo is one of my favorite piece ^^;

Cookies to those who give me the exact number of figures on the picture ^^

And that’s all folks!

Example of things that would be interresting to be able to read

I think I managed to print each of the 46 Hiraganas and Katakanas in my little otaku brain, just by frequently reading them and trying to write them. There are not a lot of them, so it is quite easy as long as you have the will to learn them, I guess.
But dealing with Kanjis, mmmmhh… that’s another story.

Using the same method was too boring, and no more funny because of the amont of ideograms. And since I think the best way to memorise those complex symbols is through games, I needed to find an entertaining way to deal with Kanjis. I don’t have a Nintendo DS, which has such learning games, if I remember well. But I heard about another very interresting method : flash cards.

Basically, you end up with a set of cards. But instead of having spades, hearts, diamonds or clubs printed on them, there are Kanjis printed on a side, and how to interpret them on the other side.
It is up to you to decide how to deal with such cards, but a widely used method to efficiently study with flash cards is the Leitner system.

Flashcards are sorted into groups according to how well you know each one. This is how it works: you try to recall the solution written on a flashcard. If you succeed, you send the card to the next group. But if you fail, you send it back to the first group. Each succeeding group has a longer period of time before you are required to revisit the cards. (from Wikipedia - read for more example)

I am starting with a first deck of Kanji flash cards, which contains 284 Kanjis. And I grabbed a deck of Kana flash cards to improve my reading speed and be more familiar with Hiraganas and Katakanas. All from WhiteRabbitPress.
And since I like handling playing cards, that way of studying suits me perfectly! ^^

Although I am not a big fan of those Japanese school swimsuits (sukumizu), I have to say this combination with cat’s ears (nekomimi) and tail, ribbons, bell and long white socks made me wanting it, just because it has an awesome moe aura. I needed something like that ^^

Nono-chan is the main heroine of Yotsunoha, another visual novel, then adapted into manga, Drama CDs and lately two OVAs. I only watched the anime, and really liked Nono cuteness. It is only two episodes and don’t requires much time, so if you like stories about childhood friends reuniting after being separated for x years, then you might appreciate this little one ;)

About this excessive outfit, she actually wore it because of the last school festival she attended with her old friends. That’s her “neko musume” costume. It is worth seeing her in action ^^ And by the way, this is because I already knew about this when the figure was annonced that I decided to order this figure. I am not sure I would have took this decision whithout having seen the anime.

It has been quite a while since the previous Kotobukiya figure I ordered. And I have to admit that now, I hardly chose other products than GSC and Max F. ones, even when it is not for figmas and nendoroids ^^;
Kotobukiya uses to release nice yet not really amazing figures. I don’t remind having been as impressed by one of their kit as I could have been with 3rd Shuraki Char for example, or Kureha.
I also have the impression that every Kotobukiya figure has a “cheap looking style”, at least compared to what ALTER or GSC use to display.
But the really great stuff with Kotobukiya’s figurines, is that they are distributed at a really attractive price, even for big scaled ones like this Nekomiya Nono which is 1:6, i.e. about 24cm (the real Nono-chan is very small after all) Well, fortunately for ToHeart fans uh uh uh ^^

Nono has this Kotobukiya’s special touch, but I am not saying this isn’t a beautiful figure. She is really well done, and I have nothing to complain about, really. And I am definitely fond of the idea and all fetishism stuff she emits. And what a lovely zettai ryouiki as well! So … “otakish” ^^

Don’t miss review at Exelica-Meteor for more detailed pictures!
And for even more moeness, check-out wcloudxkumo who provides more info about Nono.

Oh but don’t worry. Haruhi gave up the idea to hunt aliens with monstrous weapons. So, what’s in that large suitcase?
Do you remember how Haruhi was excited about trying to form a band, after the school festival? Well, just look by yourself…

See? Can’t be helped. Yuki has been recruited as the the main soloist moreover… so ^^;

*note : those BECK guitar set and drum set are just awesome for Figmas. Perfect scale!

Well, I was expecting a traffic fall for july since I was very busy and/or lazy ^^
But I was definitely not prepared for such a rise during august, especially regarding the number of page visited per day which crossed the 8,000 line.
Thanks to all of you who keep reading me, or just looking at pictures hehe. This sure motivates me even more to try improving this little “burogu”. Setting a new theme helped me a lot to find new inspiration, and I am also happy to read you like it.

So, thank you gain, and stay tuned, like it is common to say ^^

Oh, Melissa and Miku seem happy as well.

Miku - « I am really moved to see such an enthusiasm for us. Thank you very much dear friends! »
Melissa - « Ohoho yeah! All that thanks to me and my awesome cuteness! Ohoho no one can resist me! »

mmhhh… why Ink-chan is staying behing? is she …?

Pastel Ink - « No I am not crying! I did not participate to this nice result, but I am not sad! And I will contribute even more to future success! » *sob *sob

Hope you will all help Ink-chan feeling better, won’t you? ^^;

12-inch action dolls are sure from another category. I was already impressed by the work done on Misa and Light, but I managed to restrain myself, mostly due to the price. But at last, the child inside me took the upper hand, and Goku and future Piccolo got me.
Though, there doesn’t seem to be differences between the scupt and paint job of those tall action figures and the complete models I use to collect. Some ALTER or GSC products look even better regarding this aspect.

The impressive part, first of all, is the real clothes and how well made they are. All is very accurate. However, I have read some fans think that the orange of Goku’s uniform is too light, but that does not shock me at all.
The two straps of his blue belt contain metal wires so that is it possible to set them in the way we want, giving windy impression etc… the only irritating thing is that its hook-and-loop fastener breaks easily. But that’s only a detail.

Then the number of articulation points offers a large range of possibilties, and feel really robust, compared to fragile little Figmas and Nendoroids. Even the neck has an articulation system joint, wisely hidden by a softer plastic. See, this kind of material does not only serve for flexible chests ^^;

Casting a Kamehameha

Won’t lose!

Question to Medicom RAH serie fans : how do you consider anime charcter dolls such as Lelouch, Misa, Light, Goku… compared to comic character like the recently annonced Batman and Joker? Less interresting? Same quality? do you collect both?
Since I have absolutely zero knowledge about this kind of figure, I was wondering what experts think about the emergence of the anime world in this category of figures, so far populated by comic and movie world ^^

Kaioken!! (original picture here)

A little aside topic about “what-figure-to-buy” rules, made to be broken. Let me continue this little story.
So, last rule infringed was about trading figures, because of ARIA gashapons, remember? Well, actually, I could have add to the list the “no action figure” rule. One I barely respected, until Figmas appeared.
What is remaining then? nothing much, really. Now, as long as I am seduced by a figure, I would grab it. No more additional rules to assist my conscience, last surety of my self-control ^^;

I made a little swerve with this huge action doll, and I will do another one when Piccolo will be release in December. I wonder how many Dragon Ball Z character will be turned into RAH. I heard that kid Gohan would be released as well, but only available via mail order, found in Piccolo box. Like for the Super Saiyajin version of Goku, but some stores like Play-Asia seem to propose it, so I hope it would be the same for Gohan. And I would not mind a Vegeta ^^
The best of the best for me would be Cyborg 18, but I don’t have real hope about that. Anyway, Sawada Keisuke did something really cool for this Son Goku, and I am looking forward Piccolo, for great fighting scenes!

And to end with, a little size-comparison with another famous shonen hero, Monkey D. Luffy (figure is 1/8 scale, from MegaHouse).

See? she really has a lot to do… ^^;

This adorable blood-lover girl is said to a main character from the (popular?) eroge game Chu x Chu Idol, in where the cute Melissa Seraphy makes her come-back. Basically, Chua Churam is the fusion between Chu Chu Astram, the vampire heroine, and Chiyu Nakauchi, the human heroine. Yeah fusion. But here, the process isn’t a stupid dance like in Dragon Ball Z, but just a kiss. Interresting… really interresting ^^;
And then, I don’t know why since I did not play Chu x Chu Idol, but gorgeous Chua becomes an idol, performing great concerts.

And that is what artist Yagyu Toshiyuki sculpted under ALTER’s label : Chua Churam dressed in her amazing stage costum, in action playing her very stylized guitar.

According to folks who (are going to/wish to) have this figure - and there is a glimpse at Tsuki-Board.net - it is easy to say that ALTER has released a very desired kit, assuredly!
All promotional pictures were promising enough to generate such a craze, in fact. Maybe too promising, actually. And at this level, it is even more easier to be disappointed I guess, since a perfect product is expected.

First disillusion is about the size. The figure was clearly annonced as a non-scaled kit, that’s true, but I was quite surprised to see she was far from a classical 1/8 figure. Most likely 1/10.
Then the guitar. A really epic instrument, but too bad it does not have any string. The plectrum is also rather ridiculous, as it is just a little red spot of paint.
And at last, there is also an odd outline arround Chua’s mouth and teeth… make-up? Blood residue? ^^;

Apart from those little details, and some “hair-sculpt-mass-production defects”, I am still impressed by how this figure looks great and cheerful. A big work has been done for the dress and the support system which is sure robust. A very good figure, even if she doesn’t exactly look as great as I expected by Melissa’s side. Hope Hiyori Pixy will catch this up ^^

I must seem really disappointed, but mostly because her size kindda chilled me, and I had too much expectation from ALTER ^^; Just need to get used to it, I guess ;)

And for more detailed and brighter pictures, don’t miss reviews at foo-bar-baz nor gordonator!

And at last, here a little “family” picture with both GSC’s Melissa figures.

Nendoroid version is so fantastic ^^

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Seeing more and more pictures of Chu x Chu Idol two figures, Chu Chu Astram (GoodSmile) and Chuua Churam (ALTER), and knowing that this last one is simply the fusion between Chu Chu Astram and Chiyu Nakauchi (the human heroine) when both kiss, all th …

Captain Takamachi Nanoha appears here with her dear intelligent device Raising Heart, dessed with her instructor uniform, that can be seen in last season of Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha : StrikerS. She still have her fellow Barrier Jacket she invokes when it comes to training/fighting, but within Time-Space Administration Bureau buildings, she wears this more formal but sexy uniform. She also left her cute childish short pigtails for longer ones when wearing the Barrier Jacket, or for a very sexy side ponytail when displaying her blue uniform. She not the little girl from the begining anymore. The famous mage is now a beautiful young lady, who has young students under her responsibility.

I really appreciate the special style of GoodSmile’s sculptor Hironori Tokunaga, which is quite easy to notice I guess. And the work done on Pachira, Sakaki Mizuki or the upcoming Hoshii Miki and Lala Satalin Deviluke is/looks just amazing. No exception for this Nanoha’s kit, which benefits from a quite original sitting pose, on top of a stylized base.
Even if she stands well without, there is a little peg on the edge of the base where you can plug in Nanoha’s foot. There is also a little hole on the shoulder to insert Raising Heart… with extrem difficulties though. And as an additional information, it is not made to be put in her hand according to the original illustration, but Raising Heart can be put in Nanoha’s hand. It looks better laying down her shoulder however.
At last, some visible joints between the arms and the body come tarnishing the final result quality.

More detailed pictures about all this in foo-bar-baz review, if you missed it ^^

So? what is the verdict?
Thanks to a lovely pose based on a well know illustration from megami magazine deluxe, this Nanoha figure will sure find some place among fans’ collections.
If your not that fond of her emblematic character, but are looking for “wooohoo” figures, well, this one got an appealing pose and noticeable base, but objectively, there are many more staggering kits coming out now and in the future.

I have alway loved Nanoha, so could not miss this figure. And I really wish Fate would have the same (better?) GSC treatment. In the meanwhile, I have my Figmas to compensate ^^

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