This interview with Japanese hip-hop artist Lex Shootah a.k.a. Katagi was originally published back in mid-2008. With no backup in existence and the search engines failing to archive the full article, we lost it shortly after posting during a server crash and weren’t able to recover it. Unfortunately due to personal and work-related problems that persisted throughout the rest of 2008, it’s only now that I got a chance to rewrite the piece as part of our efforts to revive Nihon Watch. I cannot recreate the original article in its full glory, but I hope you enjoy reading the interview anyway…

***

If we are to base our opinion on sales figures and fan base, it’s clear that pop and rock dominate Japan’s airwaves. In spite of being the second-largest music industry in the world, hip-hop is nowhere as big in Japan as it is in the United States. But that hasn’t stopped Japanese urban artists from making music.

Hailing from Canada, Japanese-Canadian Lex Shootah aka Katagi came to Japan many years ago and pursued a career as an MC. Game and My Life are his first two albums released independently prior to A Wolf Among Sheep (A.W.A.S.). Deciding to work on A.W.A.S. the way he did was no mean feat — Katagi had to turn down three different offers from both mainstream and indie music labels so he could make his third album on his own terms. That in and of itself deserves respect, but whether the final product has justified his having done so depends on one’s own opinion; I believe it was all worth it. When asked about what he thinks of the album, Katagi states that he “can quit rap right now and be proud” of it.

When A.W.A.S. first came out in 2007, Katagi experienced a mishap with the pressing company that has resulted in wonky discs and jacket printing that does not meet his standards. This compelled him to completely renege on plans to stock up shops in Japan because of “the risks involved with selling a less than perfect album.” Content is still front and center when it comes to albums though, and I believe A.W.A.S. is worth listening to more than once, with tracks that encompass a wide range of themes that showcase Katagi’s lyrical prowess. One huge plus is his ability to weave sensible English lyrics into his songs – the practice is a common staple in Japanese urban music, but few ever hit the spot – that results in an almost effortless transition from one language to another. Nevertheless, part of the credit should go to the roster of producers that helped make the album happen: Appetyzer, Donkool, Moth, U-Key Zone, The Ratt Pakk and Genki.

Since this interview was conducted early last year, Katagi has already semi-retired from the music industry citing the need for stability as the reason.

(From here onwards, the interviewer, Mitsu, will be referred to as MS.)

MS: Let’s begin from the very start. Have you always loved rap? In your track Startline, you mentioned something about picking up the mic at 12 years of age. Was that a personal experience? Is there any track or artist in particular that’s influenced your love for rap music?

Katagi: Always. When I was 12, I listened to “Me, Myself and I” by De La Soul and the lyrics were real special. I could relate. From there, I started listening to Rakim, Kool G Rap etc. Picking up the mic was cool, ’cause I could put music to my thoughts.

MS: Moving from Canada to Japan and being immersed in the Japanese music scene, how would you differentiate urban music between the two countries? Was there a period of adaptation for you?

Katagi: In Japan, urban music is just a trend that comes and goes; it’s not as constant as it is in North America. Musically, North America is still ahead of Japan, but lyrically Japanese artists are for the most part, top notch. Lifestyle-wise things were smooth at first; it was after a few years that things started getting messy.

MS: I’ve noticed that bilingual rapping in English and Japanese has become prolific recently. What differentiates Lex Shootah aka Katagi from the rest of the other bilingual rappers?

Katagi: Most MCs here mix a little English into their Japanese rhymes to sound cool, but make little sense. With me, most of my core fans are bilingual, and that means I’m using the two languages they way they should be used.

MS: Let’s talk about A Wolf Among Sheep. What makes this album so special you turned down three offers from mainstream and indie labels so you could come up with it? Do you consider A.W.A.S. your masterpiece?

Katagi: It’s not my masterpiece by any means but I feel I can quit rap right now and be proud of the album. It’s a good representation of who I am as a person. I had 100% say in what goes on this album, and I wouldn’t have had that luxury on the labels that offered me a deal.

MS: I know how special A.W.A.S. is to you. How was it going through the mishap with the company that manufactured your CDs? (Please read Katagi’s blog post for the backstory.)

Katagi: It wasn’t fun. But hey life goes on and I’ve made the best of it. Despite the problems, I’m grateful for the support that people have shown me.

MS: In A.W.A.S., you’ve worked with producers from all over. I reckon each experience has a vast difference from the next. Care to share how working with diverse set of producers was?

Katagi: Every experience was a great one. There’s a mutual respect between all the producers and I and that makes everything go smoothly despite the distance between us.

MS: Let’s proceed to the sex track in A.W.A.S., Shake It. As I know, you’re not exactly fond of talking about sex in rap tracks. What made you do Shake It?

Katagi: With “Shake It” I’m just having fun. It’s a fun track to have on the album to give everyone a break from an otherwise serious album.

MS: A.W.A.S. is a great album, as I’m witness of. What impressed me most though, is the sixteenth track in the album, Ikitarinai. Hope through struggles is a great theme for a track. What is the story behind it and what do you hope to accomplish through it?

Katagi: Thanks. I often have bouts with depression. It’s something I deal with quite often and find therapeutic to rhyme about. But I also like to offer a little light in all the darkness. If anyone out there can relate, it helps both me and that person to not feel so alone in our struggles.

MS: About lying-low for 2008. I’ve read that you’re planning on taking it slow until your music becomes a hobby. What ignited this decision? Is this something you’ve been thinking of for a long time now, or was it a more recent thought?

Katagi: Would like to settle down with my girl and offer her a little something more than anxiety. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for the last year.

MS: Have we already seen the best of Lex Shootah in A.W.A.S. or do you still have better plans for your music in the future?

Katagi: Most of my best stuff is already out there. I’ve said everything I wanted to say. But you never know – I may still have a few gems in me.

***

You can find Katagi and samples of his music mentioned in this interview (as well as buy your copy of A Wolf Among Sheep) in myspace.com/mckatagi.

A “tribute” manga based on the Prince of Tennis series by Konomi Takeshi is planned to be released in the November 4th issue of Jump Square. Houkago no Oujisama, which translates to “The Prince of Afterschool” is said to to be a “miraculous” collaboration between Jump Square and the Musical Prince of Tennis. Apart from the fact that Konomi-sensei has been searching for new (non-smoking) assistants for this manga, no other information will be announced until next month.

Source: ANN

However, we are now trying to resurrect this blog slowly and surely. We are picking up the pieces again and rest assured, we’ll be updating in no time!

Thank you for continuing to watch this blog. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu! ♥

There are a lot of things to be happy about this spring – spring break, the warmer weather, spring cleaning (okay, maybe not that) and of course, the multitude of new anime series and OVAs that will fill the whole week!

I have compiled a list of most of the anime airing this April, most because some of them have inexistent summaries, websites and even cast list ;_;. I have included the site, link to a trailer, summary and at most, a seiyuu list to keep your curiosity piqued. The 33 anime titles are arranged by air date and then alphabetically .

YU-GI-OH 5D’S
April 02, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
Yu-Gi-Oh 5D’s is different from the other Yu-Gi-Oh series because of it’s new sentai approach in its battles. The Duel Disk used is bike-type (D-wheel) which is used in Riding Duels. The main character of the series is Fudo Yuusei, who has a Synchro/Tuner deck with a central Stardust Dragon card. He’s considered a tensai in dueling and looks pretty cool. His rival is named Jack Atlas, the Absolute King of Riding Duels.

ALLISON TO LILLIA (Allison and Lillia)
April 03, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
Allison and Lillia is set in a world where the countries make up one large continent. This continent is divided into two sides that are constantly at war with each other. The story is about a girl named Allison, her friend from the orphanage Will, and their adventures in finding a “treasure worth ending the war.” In their adventures, they will meet Lillia and other friends who will help them in their seeking. Seiyuu cast includes Mizuki Nana as main character and Kumai Motoko (Li Syaoran; Card Captor Sakura) as Will.

KURE-NAI
April 03, 2008
Official Site
Traier
Kurenai is a light-hearted series centered on a police negotiator (Kurenai Shintarou) who is one day approached by a daughter of a plutocrat and asked to be her bodyguard. The seiyuu cast is not that appealing but is promising and includes Sawashiro Mika (Claire Forrest; Red Garden) in the lead.

KYOU KARA MAOU 3
April 03, 2008
Official Site
A continuation of Yuuri’s adventures with his loyal allies and some enemies runs in the 3rd season of Kyou Kara Maou. I guess we should prepare for more crack.

MACROSS FRONTIER
April 03, 2008
Official Site
At long last! I couldn’t keep still in my seat when I watched the first episode of this anime series! Macross Frontier is a sequel to Macross 1 and Macross 7, centering on the lives of Ranka Lee, Saotome Alto and the intergalactic singer Sheryl Nome aboard the Macross Frontier colony. The Macross fleet is part of the project to maintain the survival/culture of human kind, after humanity becomes spread out in the universe since the war against the Zentradi. Wonderful cast includes Nakamura Yuuichi (Graham Aker; Gundam 00), Kamiya Hiroshi (Tieria Erde; Gundam 00), Endou Aya (Miyuki; Lucky Star), and Nakajima Megumi (newcomer).

TO LOVE-RU
April 03, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
There has been lots of comedy-ecchi-harem anime recently and TO LOVE-RU is one of them. Based on the manga by the same name, To Love-Ru starts with an intergalactic princess suddenly landing (and staying!) in a young man’s room and claims that he is to be her husband. But what about the girl the boy really really likes?
xxxHOLIC : TSUGI
April 03, 2008
Official Site
(no youtube link ;_;)
A promising sequel to the first season of xxxHolic. Yuuko, Watanuki and Doumeki continue their adventure of the supernatural, discovering things about life, relationship and their friends — or maybe just slaving Watanuki around. The previous cast is just the same as this one, wth Ohara Sayaka (Milly Ashford; Code Geass), Fukuyama Jun (Lelouch; Code Geass) and Nakai Kazuya (Hijikata Toshirou; Gintama).

AMATSUKI
April 04, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
This fantasy-adventure series revolves around Tokidoki, a high school student who is not very good at history. As make-up, he is made to study in a museum that has virtual technology that places you right in the middle of Edo period. After meeting a mysterious being, losing sight in his right eye and losing his VR goggles, Tokidoki realizes that he is trapped in Edo period! Seiyuu cast includes Fukuyama Jun (Lelouch Lamperouge; Code Geass) as main with Yusa Kouji (Eishi; Majin Tantei Nogami-Neuro), Paku Romi (Saitou Ayumi; Shion no Ou). Other seiyuu I find in ANN are Nakata Jouji, Suwabe Junichi, Kosugi Juurouta, Suzumura Kenichi, Nojima Kenji and Morikobu Shoutarou.

ITAZURA NA KISS
April 04, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
A comedy-romance shoujo anime, this series is about Kotoko who, in all courage, confesses to her high school crush Naoki. Naoki, who is too full of himself, rejects Kotoko’s confession right then and there. Just as Kotoko is nursing her broken heart, an earthquake makes her and her father stay in her father’s friend’s house whose son is none other than Naoki. Seiyuu cast includes Hirakawa Daisuke (Giulio; Zero no Tsukaima) and Mizuki Nana (Hyuga Hinata; Naruto).

KIRARIN REVOLUTION 3
April 04, 2008
Official Site
(no youtube links)
I never expected a mediocre anime like Kirarin Revolution to be highly successful, but well, here it is nearing its 100th episode mark with season 3! Voiced by Morning Musume’s Kusumi Koharu, Tsukushima Kirari is a previously food-only girl who accidentally meets and falls in love with a member of an idol group. Because of that, she determinedly decides to enter the entertainment world and go through its ups and downs.

THE TOWER OF DRUAGA ~THE AEGIS OF URUK
April 04, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
This fantasy series lies in the world of Uruk and tells the story of the summer of “Anu”, wherein once every five years, in summer, demons in the tower of Druaga lose their powers because of the spell of the god Anu. The king of Uruk, Gilgamesh, uses this time to enter the tower and discover its secrets. After a long time, the country manages to fight the demons and build a fortress on the first floor of the tower (Metz Kier), a safe haven for people. A fable of a Blue Crystal Rod, an artifact said to be in the highest floor of Druaga, however, starts a competitive search for it in the tower, including the main character Gil who finds allies along the way to help him find the artifact. Wonderful cast includes Orikasa Fumiko (Kuchiki Rukia; Bleach); Kenn (Kazu; Air Gear and Dino for episodes 34+; Katekyou Hitman Reborn), Ishida Akira (Gaara; Naruto), Goda Hozumi (Leorio; HunterxHunter), Sakurai Takahiro (Kururugi Suzaku; Code Geass) and Yajima Akiko (Relena Darlian; Gundam Wing).

BLASSREITER
April 05, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
A futuristic and somehow supernatural anime, this series is about a time in the far future where the dead can rise once more. They become a threat and the only persons who can stop them are those who can temporarily morph themselves into demons. It is an ability that is positive in terms of killing the monsters and negative in terms of the other people’s opinions towards them. Seiyuu cast includes Matsukaze Masaya (Ohtori Kyouya; Ouran Host Club) and Itou Shizuka (Lenalee; D. Gray-man).

D.C. II – Da Capo II~
April 05, 2008
Official Site
(no youtube link)
A second season to the first Da Capo season last fall 2007. I don’t know much about this anime, since I was never really into anime with lots of girls ^^;. Still, from what I expect, this is mainly a continuation to the end of the first season, with a probable change in screentime of characters.

KAMEN NO MAID GUY
April 05, 2008
Official Site
Trailer <- blurred
A rather interesting anime, this series if about Fujiwara Naeka, typical high school girl on the outside and tycoon heir on the inside. She and his brother Kousuke are always in threat of being kidnapped and having their fortune stolen. Because of that, two maids namely Fubuki and Kogarashi have been assigned as their bodyguards. The seiyuu list are almost all new personalities (or people I don’t recognize much) but all in all, this seems like a very likeable anime.

KANOKON
April 05, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
Another ecchi-comedy series, this series is centered on Oyamada Kouta, a transferee from the country. On his first day, he meets a second-year student who introduces herself to be actually a fox deity. Ever since, they hang out together and all is well, but another girl, a first year student, reveals that she is a wolf deity and she is in love with Kouta. I don’t know much about the seiyuu cast save for Kawasumi Ayako (Saber; Fate/Stay Night) and Noto Mamiko (Enma Ai; Jigoku Shoujo).

CODE GEASS ROUND 2
April 06, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
It’s the well-awaited season 2 of the Sunrise anime Code Geass! The first season left all of us hanging and angry and wanting season 2, and here it is. The same beautiful CLAMP designs, same powerhouse cast, additions of mysterious characters with wonderful seiyuu (Midorikawa Hikaru), and opening/closing songs by Orange Range: this season is promising to be a blast. (Let’s hope they actually clear up some things here, BTW).

NABARI NO OU
April 06, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
A series different from the usual influx of crack/harem anime, Nabari no Ou is about Rokujou Miharu, a person who has the hijitsu (secret technique) of creation. He is often chased by various ninja clans in order to make them the king of the ninja realm. In order to protect himself Rokujou joins a friend’s nindou club in school and becomes the king of Nabari. Small powerhouse cast includes Kugimiya Rie (Al Elric; Full Metal Alchemist), Saiga Mitsuki (Wolfram; Kyou Kara Maou), Namikawa Daisuke (Michael Trinity; Gundam OO), Suwabe Junichi (Nekoyashiki; Rental Magica), Tsuda Kenjirou (Spitfire; Air Gear) and Okiayu Ryoutarou (Tezuka Kunimitsu; Prince of Tennis).

NEO ANGELIQUE – ABYSS
April 06, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
Following the reverse harem traditions, dating-sim style of Kiniro no Corda and Harukanaru Toki no Naka de comes this year’s, Neo Angelique. I couldn’t find a proper summary for this series aside from the fact that there will be a lot of bishounen involved. Main female is voiced by Endou Aya (Miyuki; Lucky Star) and her surrounding bishies voiced by Takahashi Hiroki (Kikumaru Eiji; Prince of Tennis), Ohkawa Tooru (Roy Mustang; Full Metal Alchemist), Hirakawa Daisuke (Giulio; Zero no Tsukaima), Ono Daisuke (Kagezaki; Rental Magica), Yamaguchi Kappei (InuYasha), Onosaka Masaya (Momoshiro Takeshi; Prince of Tennis), Nakamura Yuuichi (AGAIN? Graham Aker; Gundam 00), and Kusonoki Taiten (Sanada Genichirou; Prince of Tennis).

NET GHOST PIPOPA
April 06, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
This morning anime is about Yuuta who logs into the Net and gets sucked in! He is helped by three net ghosts named Pit, Pot and Pat. Kind of very childish and along the lines of popular kids shows like Digimon, but who knows?

SPECIAL A
April 06, 2008
Official Site
Based on the manga with the same title, Special A is about Hanazono Hikari, who has always been dubbed ’second’ by her rival, Tsukishima Kei. Challenged when she was a child, she decided to enter the prestigious school Kei enters even though she was dirt-poor. With her hard work, she manages to enter the special class A, where only the most intelligent and influential students were placed. Hikari is bent on defeating Kei once and for all, but does Kei feel the same? Main seiyuu cast includes Gotou Yuuko (Kobushi Abiru; Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei) and Fukuyama Jun (Lelouch Lamperouge; Code Geass).

WAGAYA NO OINARI-SAMA
April 06, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
Yukana (CC; Code Geass) and Nakamura Yuuichi (Graham Aker; Gundam 00) team up to fulfill the seiyuu roles of the main character of this anime: a fox god (that is both male and female?) who protects a family from supernatural threats.

ZETTAI KAREN CHILDREN
April 06, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
This anime is set in a world where espers are normal. The story is centered on three very powerful espers and their “babysitter” Kaoru. Espers usually spells trouble, don’t you think? The three girls are voiced by Lucky Star main Hirano Aya, Moetan’s Sumi and Hayate no Gotoku’s Shiraishi Ryouko. Kaoru the babysitter is voiced by Gundam 00’s and Macross’ Nakamura Yuuichi.

MONOCHROME FACTOR
April 07, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
Monochrome Factor is about Nikaido Akira, a normal high school student, or so he thought. A man named Shirogane sets up a meeting with him in school at night and when he went, he was attacked by a monster. Shirogane explains that the balance between the human and the shadow world has been corrupted, and it’s up to Akira to restore the balance – by becoming a creature of the dark.

SOUL EATER
April 07, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
Based on the manga of the same title, Soul Eater is about a school of shinigami weapon engineers. In order to forge their weapons, the students must get 99 souls of evil people including a witch’s. The promising cast includes Koyasu Takehito (Mwu la Fllaga, Gundam Seed), Kobayashi Yumiko, Kuwashima Houko (Stellar; Gundam Seed Destiny), Miyano Mamoru (Setsuna F. Seiei, Gundam OO) and Sakamoto Maaya (Kinomoto Sakura; Tsubasa Chronicles).

VAMPIRE KNIGHT
April 07, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
One of the most awaited anime of the year (IMHO), Vampire Knight is a shoujo anime about Yuki Cross, the adopted daughter of Cross Academy’s headmaster. Her ultimate mission? To protect Kaname, a vampire who once saved her, and the other vampires in the school. One drawback? Her friend Zero Kiryuu abhors vampires. All should be well and co-existing but things started running: forbidden love, dark secrets surrounding the vampires, and challenges of trust. The powerhouse cast includes Horie Yui (Honda Tohru; Fruits Basket), Miyano Mamoru (Yagami Light; Death Note) and Kishio Daisuke (Azuma Yunoki; Kiniro no Corda), Suwabe Junichi (Atobe Keigo, Prince of Tennis), Minagawa Junko (Echizen Ryoma; Prince of Tennis), Hoshi Souichirou (Yamato Kira; Gundam Seed), Susumu Chiba (Sai; Hikaru no Go) and Fukuyama Jun (Lelouch Lamperouge; Code Geass).
CRYSTAL BLAZE (Glass Maiden)
April 08, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
The summary in the official site is a little vague, but from what I gathered: Crystal Blaze is a detective story set in a futuristic Asia where a town “Rags” is. This town is where people of all races who are down in the dumps are found. Seiyuu cast includes Miki Shinichirou (Lockon Stratos; Gundam 00), Takahashi Hiroki (Kikumaru Eiji; Prince of Tennis), and Ueda Yuuji (Morita Shinobu; Hachimitsu no Clover).

HIMITSU: TOP Secret
April 08, 2008
Official Site
(no youtube link ;_;)
Namikawa Daisuke (Ohtori Choutarou; Prince of Tennis) and Seki Tomokazu (Inui Tooru; Persona ~trinity soul~) team up for this psychological thriller-suspense-mystery series based on the manga by Shimizu Reiko. I couldn’t find a trailer or a summary for this, but the premise and pictures from the site alone proves this could be interesting.

REAL DRIVE
April 08, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
A sci-fi anime, Real Drive evolves in a world of 2061, where Metal, a network, was in development. Metal works in a way that people’s memories are converted to information and uploaded online. Because of this, the people explored a newfound freedom of trying out emotions and desires they would never try in real life. Because of the loose freedom going against some rules of the society, investigators known as cyber drivers are hired. Mori Katsuji (Garma Zabi; Gundam) plays the main role as Masamichi Haru.

JUNJOU ROMANTICA
April 10, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
A full-length yaoi TV series makes me happy. The story revolves around Misaki, who was in dire need of a tutor to be able to pass college entrance exams. His fate drops on the lap of his older brother’s best friend, Usami. As Misaki slowly finds out, Usami is a famous author of erotic boys love novels. Worse, Usami uses his name and Misaki’s big brother’s as character names for his novels! What does this discovery has for Misaki? And why is it that Usami’s next novels involve Misaki’s name now? Powerhouse (YES) cast includes Kishio Daisuke (Azuma Yunoki, Kiniro no Corda), Hanada Hikaru (Raul Creed; Ergo Proxy), Inoue Kazuhiko (Yuki Eiri; Gravitation), Itou Kentarou (Abarai Renji; Bleach), Nobutoshi Canna (Lancer; Fate/Stay Night), and Sakurai Takahiro (Kururugi Suzaku; Code Geass).

KAIBA
April 10, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
Set in a futuristic world where physical death can be escaped and memories can be altered and transfered, Kaiba is the story of a boy who wakes up without any memory of his life, not even his name. The only thing giving him a clue of his memory is a pendant with a picture of a woman he could not recognize. He is suddenly attacked without him knowing the reason and he flees, travels and meets people. Will he eventually know of his past and rediscover his old love? This cute anime series stars Kuwashima Houko (Stellar; Gundam Seed Destiny) and Paku Romi (Saitou Ayumi; Shion no Ou).

TOSHOKAN SENSOU (Library War)
April 10, 2008
Official Site
(no youtube link ;_;)
In 2019, the spreading of both information and fake information has greatly disrupted the society. The government begins to monitor and control all information released to the society by creating an information management agency. They suppress anything they find unfit for the society’s awareness but libraries, with their own agents known as book soldiers, will do anything to stop the abuse and suppression the government is doing. Seiyuu cast includes Inoue Marina (Yoko; Tengen Toppa Gurren-Lagann) and Ishida Akira (Gaara; Naruto).
CHIKO, HEIRESS OF THE PHANTOM THIEF
April 12, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
Hirano Aya of Lucky Star and Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu gives life to the heroine of this series. Chiko is the spiritual successor of the “Man with 20 Faces”, a famous thief. The summary is still unclear and the seiyuu cast has been released minimally aside from Hirano Aya and Matsukaze Masaya (Satoru Hani; Shion no Ou)

KYOURAN KOZOKU NIKKI
April 25, 2008
Official Site
(no youtube link ;_;)
I couldn’t understand the summary much, but here goes: A long time after a monster has attacked and almost eliminated the inhabitants of the Earth, humanity is monitoring human children who have potentials as successors of the monster. The children are raised together in a family and the humanity hopes that keeping them in a happy family will prevent them from attacking humans. Seiyuu cast includes Fujimura Ayumi (Kannagi Ayano; Kaze no Stigma) and Kondou Takayuki (Oishi Syuichirou; Prince of Tennis).

NAISHO NO TSUBOMI
April 25, 2008
Official Site
Trailer
Based on a cute shoujo manga, this OVA series is centered on Tachibana Tsubomi who is dealing with her mother’s pregnancy, her first period, and her feelings towards boys all at the same time! Seiyuu cast includes Nazuka Kaori (Taniyama Mai; Ghost Hunt), Miyata Kouki (Murata Ken; Kyou Kara Maou), Saiga Mitsuki (Wolfram; Kyou Kara Maou), Kobayashi Sanae (Touya Akira; Hikaru no Go) and Shiraishi Ryoko (Hayate, Hayate no Gotoku).

Whew, quite a long list we have there. As usual, I’m going to skip the harem ones and choose only those I intend to follow.

Series I intend to follow:

- Allison and Lillia (interesting plot is interesting)
- Kure-nai (everyone needs a light-hearted drama series sometimes)
- Macross Frontier (because I waited for it for months)
- xxxHolic: Tsugi (for more Doumeki/Watanuki moments)
- Amatsuki (stellar cast, Edo era + technology/supernatural, what more can you ask for?)
- The Tower of Druaga ~The Aegis of Uruk~ (for the animation and KENN <3)
- Kamen no Maid Guy (not the usual, and I’m curious)
- Code Geass R2 (waiting almost killed me)
- Nabari no Ou (stellar cast and both cliche and uncommon plot)
- Neo Angelique ~Abyss~ (bishies <3)
- Special A (I loved the manga)
- Wagaya no Oinari-sama (Nakamura Yuuichi. Foxes.)
- Monochrome Factor (interesting plot)
- Soul Eater (Miyano Mamoru as a kid, LOL. + Koyasu Takehito)
- Vampire Knight (I’ve been waiting for eons!)
- Junjou Romantica (a must)
- Toshokan Sensou (must love books XD)

Series I need to see the first episode of before following:

- Itazura na Kiss
- Kyou Kara Maou
- Blassreister
- Net Ghost Pipopa (might be interesting)
- Zettai Karen Children (Nakamura Yuuichi ;_;)
- Crystal Blaze
- Himitsu : Top Secret (for Namikawa Daisuke)
- Kaiba (sounds sweet but the art turns me off)
- Real Drive (too sci-fi for my taste but who knows?)
- Chiko, Heiress of the Phantom Thief (Hirano Aya as lead scares me. As long as Chiko doesn’t sound like either Haruhi or Konata then I guess I’m okay).

How about you, have you chosen your to-be-stalked series?

Info: Official // wiki.theppn
Support: Global Yesasia // US Yesasia

01. Fight The Blues 02. HEART STATION 03. Beautiful World 04. Flavor Of Live -Ballad Version- 05. Stay Gold 06. Kiss&Cry 07. Gentle Beast Interlude 08. Celebrate 09. Prisoner of Love 10. テイク５ (Take 5) 11. ぼくはくま (Boku wa Kuma) 12. 虹色バス (Niji Iro BUS) 13. Flavor Of Life (Bonus Track)

Alright. I’m saying first off that I wasn’t terribly impressed with this album, especially compared to ULTRA BLUE. It is by no means the worse album out there, but it is her worse (not counting Exodus) as far as her albums go. With that unpleasantness over with, let me tell you why:

Starting with Fight The Blues, this is no hard-hitting-drag-you-into-the-album-whether-you-like-it-or-not song like Is This Love was. Not once she starts singing, anyway. The instrumental at the beginning was promising, but once the singing starts it is a little, well, boring. And that seems to be the overall theme of the album. Both HEART STATION and Beautiful World were previous singles. I rather enjoy the chorus of HEART STATION, and Beautiful World has definitely grown on me a lot, but nothing spectacular yet.

Then, she put the ballad version of Flavor Of Life in. Hoooboy. I couldn’t stand this when it came out, and I can’t stand it now. I’m somewhat mollified that the fast-paced version was tacked onto the end but dude, way to make a slow-paced album THAT much slower. Here we go with the next two previously-released singles, Stay Gold and Kiss&Cry. I like the piano of Stay Gold, but… again. Yawn. Fine songs by themselves, not one after another. Kiss&Cry FINALLY picks the pace up a bit, and I especially like the beginning. It isn’t my favorite song of hers, but definitely one of the best on the album.

After an actual interesting Interlude, we get on to a few new songs. Celebrate has this weird disco-beat going for it. …When I say “going for it” I mean “um, what were you thinking”. And despite that, the song’s lyrics are pretty much a remixed ballad. Yeah, another one. Prisoner of Love is annoying in its repetition, but it has some good points, namely, showing off Utada’s voice. She has amazing control, and despite my beefs with this album, I certainly respect that.

I could almost forget that respect with Take 5. Don’t get me wrong, I actually like the song. It’s just that, ending that way doesn’t remind me of death, and it doesn’t make some serious statement about your song-writing skillz. What it does is a) make me do a double take and make sure my album isn’t corrupted, and then b) conclude it was really shitty album-arrangement/a management gaff rather then you being all indie-artist cool. Umm. Yeah. Not exactly what you were going for, huh? One idea you shoulda just dropped.

Boku wa Kuma. You either love this song, or hate it (I’m a bear, not a car! ). Enough said. Niji Iro Bus is… annoying. I’m sorry, I have to switch the song. It is just so… happy-bouncy-shitting rainbows and really, call me jaded but I just want to roll my eyes. And then we end with my preferred version of Flavor of Life, but I had to sit through all that to get there.

To sum, I like a grand total of 4, maybe 5 songs on an album of 13. The rest I could take or leave. Or, leave in the case of Niji Iro Bus. Not spectacular, especially with the hype this album was getting. Boo.

This week was the release of her single 60s 70s 80s and definitely one I was looking forward too! We got a taste of the single with two of the three PV’s last month, and they’ve pretty much been a daily listen since then. All three songs were featured as a CM (commercial) of Vidal Sassoon. Here’s the single, including that gorgeous cover:

01. NEW LOOK 02. ROCK STEADY 03. WHAT A FEELING 04. NEW LOOK (Instrumental) 05. ROCK STEADY (Instrumental) 06. WHAT A FEELING (Instrumental)

NEW LOOK is the 60’s themed song (take a look at the VS commercial over at youtube for a sample), and was based off of The Supreme’s “Baby Love”. It is a flirty, fun, and intensely catchy song, and I think the PV is adorable!

ROCK STEADY represents the 70’s theme, and features the amazing Aretha Franklin same-titled song at the beginning and for inspiration. This is my favorite of the three songs and show Namie definitely still has voice, even when she doesn’t show it. Also, her hair is gorgeous and I WANT that blue dress/shirt/thingy! Take a look at the VS commercial over on youtube to see what I’m talking about!

Finally, WHAT A FEELING took a few listens to grow on me, and I definitely prefer the chorus, but I really do like this song and the robots in the PV crack me up! This song features Irene Cara’s “What A Feeling” and you can preview it here on youtube!

alan – Hitotsu [Single]
nfo: Official // wiki.theppn
Support: amazon.co.jp // CDJapan

01. Hitotsu 02. Kimi Omou Sora 03. Tokyo Mimei 04. sign 05. Hitotsu (Instrumental) 06. Kimi Omou Sora (Instrumental) 07. Tokyo Mimei (Instrumental)

Chinese-Tibetan singer alan’s second Japanese single, and once again she proves that damn she can sing! I love all the songs, but sign is especially cool sounding!

ayaka – Te wo Tsunagou [Single]
Info: Official // wiki.theppn
Support: Global Yesasia // US Yesasia

01. Te wo Tsunagou 02. Ai wo Utaou 03. Mikazuki (2007.12.20 Nippon Budokan LIVE ver.) 04. Te wo Tsunagou (Instrumental) 05. Ai wo Utaou (Instrumental)

ahhh, ayaka! This is another slow song to show off her voice, and I love the live version of Mikazuki! Ai wo Utaou is a little too similar sounding to others, but overall I think it is a strong single!

Sotte Bosse – Blooming E.P [Album]
Info: Official // no wiki
Support: amazon.co.jp

01. intro 02. Hirari 03. in the world 04. SAKURA DROPS 05. Cherry Sky (Instrumental) 06. Hitomi CAMERA

New artist for me, and one I think has a lot of good things going for them, though the way they did the tracklist is a little off for me. Crowning glory of this release is the first track, which is really, really nice. Definitely for fans of easy listening!

Stephanie – Stephanie [Album]
Info: Official // wiki.theppn
Support: Global Yesasia // US Yesasia

01. Kimi ga Iru Kagiri 02. Friends 03. Life 04. ANGEL GIRL 05. Fallin’ 06. Shiny Days! 07. Smile and Turn Away 08. Beyond Myself 09. Truth 10. To.Be.Me 11. Winter Gold 12. because of you

I… hate that cover. But I’m definitely buying this album because with the exception of Winter Gold (which isn’t even that bad), this album is AMAZING. Her voice is SO good and strong and I love Friends, because of you (no it isn’t a Kelly Clarkson cover though she’d do a good job of that too) and Kimi ga Iru Kagiri. SO GOOD.

Haven’t had a chance to listen to Rie fu’s new album, or SHOWTA.’s Also think GRAPEVINE, the stud’s, and redballoons releases will be good. Other notables this week are AAA’s single-collection/best of album, which I will NOT be buying because I have all their albums and therefore their songs, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s WORLD WORLD WORLD which I need to give another listen to, and Tomiko Van’s second attempt at a cover album which I’m a bit leery of listening to. And that accounts for only maybe a 3rd of what was released. MAN.

Title: Midnight Secretary

Author & Illustrator: OHMI Tomu

Genre: Romance, Smut, Supernatural, Shoujo

Volumes: 4 (Ongoing)

Publisher: Shogakukan (Japanese)

Year: 2006

Official Summary (Aerandria):

Kaya thought she had found the perfect job when she became the private secretary of Kyouhei Touma – the director of a tableware company of the same name. Kyouhei is a capable director, but his arrogance and sluttish behavior are almost legendary. Kaya is doing her best to prove that she is capable in her work, but one night, by accident, she discovers his secret… of him being a vampire!

——————–

I’m pro vampire, therefore I love it. Kaya is your typical shoujo female who thinks she’s not pretty, but is pretty. She lands a job as a devil’s secretary and is ‘perfect’ in what she does. At first, he didn’t want to hire her because she wasn’t pretty enough, but she asked him that she proves herself before he makes such a decision.

Not surprisingly, he kept her as his secretary and she then realized that he was a vampire during one night.

Only two volumes have been released so far and it hasn’t disappointed me yet. Please keep in mind that this volume contains scenes not suitable for children due to its mature content, but nevertheless, it’s a very interesting story that’s worth reading.

Another thing to note is that one of the story’s genres says ‘smut’, personally, at nine chapters, I haven’t stumbled across anything graphical yet, so if you’re not a fan of smut, it’s still safe to read.

I give it an 8/10 rating.

——————–

Sources: Anime News Network, Aerandria

Author & Illustrator: Yoko Kamio

Genre: Shojo

Volumes: 36 (Complete)

Publisher: Shueisha (Japanese)

Licensed by: Viz Media (English)

Year: 2004

Picture: I’m having problems uploading the picture from work, will do it as soon as I get home today – apologies XD

Official Summary (Anime News Network):

16 Year old Makino Tsukushi is 16-year old girl, from a mid-class family, who, due to her brains, gets into an ultra high-class school called Eitoku Gakuen. One day she accidentally gets on the F4’s, bad side *they’re a gang at school*, and from then on she suffers from hazing. She fights this back, and while doing so falls in love with one of the F4’s members. However, another one of the members also falls in love with her.

——————–

Drama, love triangle, betrayal, lower class, upper class – all defines what you’ll find in this manga. When I first began reading, it was appealing. Even though the art/graphics was not something I was used to in this century, it had my interest. However, the more I read, the more I began losing interest.

The story just kept on dragging with unnecessary drama that was too much for me to adjust. There are some things just not possible in life. The story had a lot of ‘slice of life’ elements, but it threw that away with non significant things.

The problem is that I am not able to point many things out as I would be giving away a lot of spoilers. You’ll just have to read it and make your own opinion about it.

Please note that this story has been adapted to anime and J-Drama.

——————–

Sources: Anime News Network

2008.02.20 Releases & Recommendations:

Acid Black Cherry – BLACK LIST
Info: Official // wiki.theppn
Support: YesAsia US // YesAsia Global

01. sins 02. Shoujo no Inori 03. SPELL MAGIC 04. scar 05. Aishitenai 06. Bit Stupid 07. Rakuen 08. Black Cherry 09. Murder Licence 10. Fuyu no Maboroshi 11. DRAGON CARNIVAL 12. Prologue End

Here we go with the first album of Janne da Arc’s Yasu’s solo project, and I knew it was going to be good. All 4 singles are present and accounted for and awesome as usual, while notable new songs include… basically the rest of the album. Yes, people, that good. However, I do have my favorites! sins was a great opening song, but scar would have to be my favorite of the album. And DRAGON CARNIVAL, cause that is just a cool name for a song!

[Single] Superfly – Ai wo Komete Hanataba wo
Info: Official // wiki.theppn – when can i get one? please?
Support: YesAsia US // YesAsia Global

01. Ai wo Komete Hanataba wo 02. Ai to Kansha 03. Rhiannon

Whoa. Ai wo Komete Hanataba wo and Ai to Kansha are good, but Rhiannon is just magnificent, and I’m not just biased ~_^ This Fleetwood Mac cover is just magnificent, and it really shows off her lovely voice. The song quite overshadowed the others!

2008.02.27 Releases and Recommendations:

Miliyah Kato – 19 Memories
Info: Official // wiki.theppn
Support: YesAsia US // YesAsia Global

01. 19 Memories 02. good-bye my teenage 03. 19 Memories REMIX 04. 19 Memories INSTRUMENTAL

Based off of the idea of Amuro Namie’s Sweet 19 Blues, 19 Memories has that bittersweet feel, and overall is a really good song. The PV also was really good, telling the story of the problems and regrets of 3 friends. Very nice!

YUI – Namidairo
Info: Official // wiki.theppn
Support: YesAsia US // YesAsia Global

01. Namidairo 02. I wanna be… 03. LOVE & TRUTH -YUI Acoustic Version- 04. Namidairo -Instrumental-

Although I love YUI’s more upbeat songs the most, Namidairo is a really, really pretty song that is definitely going to be one of my favorites from her. And I love how she includes acoustic versions of past songs with her singles! LOVE & TRUTH was not one of my favorites, but it is really nice nonetheless.

I was expecting to give a raving review of Ito Yuna’s WISH last week, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I’m sorry… that album was just bad. The ONLY song that wasn’t a boring 90’s remake besides the singles was alone again, and I do like her version of MY HEART WILL GO ON. I bought it because I buy all her stuff, but really, Yuna, “Meh”.

Also, BoA’s The FACE was really good, but that has already been reviewed (randomly… o_O;) so you can go find that.