Who's bringing sexy back?

After a Shirogane video and a brand-new one for Kou, and feeling very affectionate towards a certain blind bartender, I honestly couldn't help it.

Master seems far too innocent for me to use his clips with a song like this. DX

But this is for dear Wolfy more than anyone else, because no matter how much I love Master, I know she loves him more. ;3 Please enjoy it, Wolfy!

-AMV- Dreams of an Absolution [Loveless]

Hurray for being sick.

I used Lee Brotherton's "Dreams of an Absolution ~Nightlight Remix~" for this one. The tone fit Loveless so well, which is difficult because of the general 'tone' of the series.

Enjoy.

OP Remix!

So my roommate addicted me to making remix OP and ED for anime. Yay. -_- Here are some:

Monochrome Factor OP -Teardrop Ver.-
Teardrop by BOWL




Monochrome Factor ED -A Drop Of Colour Ver.-
A Drop Of Colour by HYDE

Kuroshitsuji OP -Pessimiste Ver.-
Pessimiste by Moi Dix Mois



And of course, there has to be one very unfitting one in here somewhere. XP

Kuroshitsuji OP -Orinoco Flow Ver.-
Orinoco Flow by Enya

So, enjoy!

The Food Called Donburi

So Kuroshitsuji started off last week and I have to admit this was my favourite part of the first episode:

DONBURI. 8D

It makes me really want some.

-AMV- Supporting Me [MF]

I started this yesterday in my free time... I like it as a whole, but some parts I'm really hating. So, perhaps I'll update again later...

(Prepare for epileptic seizures? XP)

Music: "Supporting Me," by Fumie Kumatani and Everett Bradley, from the Sonic Adventure 2 soundtrack
Video: Monochrome Factor (produced by TV Tokyo, original manga by Sorano Kairi)

Silly Monochrome Factor

And again. XP

Video: Monochrome Factor (produced by TV Tokyo, original manga by Sorano Kairi)
Audio: Random WAVs

-AMV- Sexyback [MF]

What happens when one really needs a break from studying. And just so happens to think that Sexyback would be the best song. O_o

Video: Monochrome Factor (produced by TV Tokyo, original manga by Sorano Kairi)
Audio: "Sexyback" by Justin Timberlake

Monochrome Factor, Vol. 1 [DVD]

My bright light at the end of the first couple of weeks of college arrived last night: my box set of Monochrome Factor.


I adore this show. It's witty, cute, and funny, but with plenty of underlying value. And since it doesn't look like it'll be truly licensed in America anytime soon (thank goodness for that... if I hear Vic Mignogna or Johnny Yong Bosch are hanging around it, I think I'll have to cry), and I would feel bad for cheating the system if I didn't support the series somehow, I decided to go ahead and start buying the Japanese DVDs.

It didn't come with much as far as bonus video material is concerned - the bonus disk only holds some chats with the main actors, Suwabe Junichi and Ono Daisuke, and other actors, but having clear, remastered episodes (along with extras that weren't included in the TV version) is a nice breath of fresh air compared to watching digital, heavily-pixelated stuff online.

The set also came with an extra cover (it makes me happy... Akira is my favourite), along with many Akira stickers and an Akira phone charm.

Episodes 1-3 are some of the most unobscured ones in the series, meaning they're in place for purpose of plot and not fillers, which unfortunately most of the series is. (I can count plot-related episodes that have been released thus far on one hand, quite literally.) While having nothing but fillers up until the very end is a good sign of a second series, I'm not sure I want to go through another season of 25 episodes, with 17/25 being fillers and very little related to the plot. But, perhaps, if a second season does ensue, maybe since they will have reached a part of the climax with this first series, the second will be a little more intense. I like this series mainly for the interaction between the main characters, Akira and Shirogane, and their struggle with Akira's true identity rather than seeing the same tired "plot device" recycled through almost every episode (except said ones I can count on one hand.)

So, let's see how this treats me. Box set 2 should be here by the end of next week. I'm excited for some spare time to sit down, watch everything through, and see what treasures I have really come across.

[AMV] One - ShiroAki

That's right, I've done another one. I'm actually quite proud of it! ^.^ The video glitches a bit in the beginning, but there was really nothing I could do about it...

Anyway, enjoy "One".

GetBackers Funnies

Because my dear friend Boredom struck again.


Please enjoy.

-AMV- Freesia [GB]

I finished watching the anime series GetBackers ("GetBackers 奪還屋") last night. It was quite a lovely, poignant series that I've absolutely adored. There was a lot of really interesting threads that wove into a plot; also, it was a series that was hilarious yet serious, making me laugh and cry at the same time. I found a lot of thought-inspiring moments in the series, that might inspire philosophical discussion... or, so I think. But, I'll find time to talk more about it later.

One of my favourite plot-threads, so to speak, is the relationship between Fuuchouin Kazuki and his friend, Kakei Juubei. Their situation such a touching, heart-wrenching thing that does plenty to outline the cruelty of the world that the characters, and we, exist in, and their relationship shows how redemption, kindness, and forgiveness can be found even in such a terrible world.

So, I made a quick little video last night, using some scenes from their first episodes together that I felt epitomized the essence of their relationship. Gackt's beautiful instrumental, "Freesia ~Op. 2~" fit the mood very well.

Please, enjoy. :) Feedback is always appreciated.


P.S. In floriography, freesia stands for reverence, respect, honour, and innocence.

Translation - DRESS -bloody trinity mix-

This is actually what I did as I was sitting in the Las Vegas airport on my way home spring break. People were staring at my laptop as if they'd never seen one before. Sheesh. Anyway.

This is the opening song to Trinity Blood, one of my favourite anime. The tone and lyrics fit the mood and content of the anime quite well, even though at first glance they may seem a little strange. Just watching the opening song is more than enough to give you a feel for what you'll experience during viewing, which is much unlike most anime opening songs.

Credit goes to BUCK-TICK for the song. Please enjoy. : )


ドレス 『bloody trinity mix』
DRESS -bloody trinity mix-

鏡の前で君とまどろむ薄紅の指先
その手は不意に弱さを見せて
唇を塞いだ

kagami no mae de kimi to madoromu usubeni no yubisaki
sono te wa fui ni yowasa wo misete
kuchibiru wo fusaida

I doze in front of the mirror with you, with rouge fingertips
Unexpectedly, that hand showed weakness
And you closed your lips



あの日君と約束を交わした
今は二人思い出せずに。。。

ano hi kimi to yakusoku wo kawashita
ima wa futari omoidasezu ni...

That day, I exchanged promises with you
And now we can't remember it...



退屈な歌に耳を傾け
窓の外見つめる
僕はDRESSを纏踊って見せよう
狂ってる会教えて

taikutsu na uta ni mimi wo katamuke mado no soto mitsumeru
boku wa DRESS wo matori odotte miseyou
kurutterukai? oshiete

I hum a boring tune as I gaze out the window
Let me put on a dress and dance for you
Am I insane? Please tell me



いつかかぜにさらわれてゆくだろう
今は二人想い出せず Oh。。。

itsuka kaze ni sarawarete yuku darou
ima wa futari omoidasezu Oh...

Someday, the wind will carry me away
And now we can't remember it Oh...



僕はなぜ風のように雲のようにあの空へと浮かぶ羽がない？ なぜ。。。
星のように月のように全て包むあの夜へと沈む羽がない？ ああ。。。

Boku wa naze kaze no you ni kumo no you ni sora he to ukabu hane ga nai? Naze...
Hoshi no you ni, tsuki no you ni, subete tsutsumu ano yoru he to shizumu hane ga nai? Aa...

Why don't I have wings to fly in that sky, like the wind, like the clouds? Why...
Why don't I have wings to sink into that all-enveloping night, like the stars, like the moon? Aah...



忘れないで愛溢れたあの日々
君の顔も思い出せずに

wasurenai de ai afureta ano hibi
kimi no kao mo omoidasezu ni

Don't forget the love that overflowed on that day
I can't even remember your face



いつか風に書き消されてゆくだろう
いまは二人思い出せず Oh。。。

itsuka kaze ni kaki kesarete yuku darou
ima wa futari omoidasezu Oh...

Someday, the wind will erase what was written
And now, we can't remember it Oh...



僕はなぜ風のように雲のようにあの空へと浮かぶ羽がない？ なぜ。。。
星のように月のように全て包むあの夜へと沈む羽がない？ ああ。。。

Boku wa naze kaze no you ni kumo no you ni sora he to ukabu hane ga nai? Naze...
Hoshi no you ni, tsuki no you ni subete tsutsumu ano yoru he to shizumu hane ga nai? Aa...

Why don't I have wings to fly in that sky, like the wind, like the clouds? Why...
Why don't I have wings to sink into that all-encompassing night, like the stars, like the moon? Aah...



僕はなぜ風のように雲のようにあの空へと浮かぶ羽がない？ なぜ。。。
この愛もこの傷も懐かしい今は愛しくて痛み出す。。。ああ。。。

Boku wa naze kaze no you ni, kumo no you ni ano sora he to ukabu hane ga nai? Naze
kono ai mo kono kizu mo natsukashii ima wa itoshikute itamidasu Aah...

Why don't I have wings to fly in that sky, like the wind, like the clouds? Why...
This love, and this wound, are now something beloved. They begin to ache... Aah...

Anime is Literary

So I like anime. Big deal. So I don’t like dubbed anime. Big deal. Why?

For some reason, I seem to find more “literary” themes in the anime I’m attracted to, so to speak, than I do in most books I read. The Japanese version of anime always keeps plots and subliminal themes that seem to reveal so much more of the cruelty and hope of humanity than even some of the so called “masterpiece literature” we read in class.

To make a (not very strong) point, here are some themes and plots in my favourite anime – that is, the anime that I’ve watched that I fully enjoy, and that I don’t just watch for the sake of watching – that I’ve noticed as the years and episodes go by.

(And hopefully, if my family is reading this, they will not freak out about what they see. If you do, you might as well go whale on English teachers. Life is life, and life sucks sometimes. I have learned this, if nothing else, from my Literature class this year).

Yuugiou / Yuugiou: Duel Monsters / Yuugiou: Duel Monsters GX
- We all have an “other self” inside of us. Beautifully explained by the creator, Takahashi Kazuki.
- Ambitions, dreams, and ideals can be seen in an action as simple as playing a card game
- Morality of murder, suicide, crime, etc.
- Theme of reincarnation
- Theme of nihilism/existentialism
- Theme and limits of friendship
- Exploration of split personalities, IDD, and other mental disorders
- In GX: the criticism and exploration of the situations that induce homicidal behaviour
- Possession, destruction, helplessness of humankind against celestial and supernatural forces

Angel Sanctuary
- Morality of incest
- Is heaven all good? Is hell all bad?
- Reincarnation
- Criticism of divine judgement, morals, and laws
- Nihilism/existentialism
- Murder, suicide, genocide, etc.
- What exactly is love worth?
- War, calamity, end of the world

Hakushaku Cain / Godchild
- Incest, adultery
- Black magic (ie tarot reading, necromancy) and supernatural powers
- Corruption, hatred, war, civil unrest
- “Children that are hated by God” / “Children that cannot receive God’s blessing”
- Struggling against destiny/foreordination
- Murder, suicide, homicide
- Selfishness, selflessness
- Filial love = hatred
- Abuse
- Deceit, trickery
- Split personalities
- Heavy sacrilegious themes
- The story of Abel and Cain – did God truly hate Cain?

Trinity Blood
- Unrest between religion and the world
- The Vatican vs. Vampires
- War and peace
- “Let thine eyes be not averted” (I take this as “do not look away from the world/truth”)
- Finding true religion
- Abel and Cain
- Split personalities
- Hatred and love
- Death is unavoidable
- Truth vs. lies

Shaman King
-If twins are born, are they their own selves, or are they separate units of the same person?
-Whose ideals deserve to prevail, and whose deserve to die?
-Genocide, the establishment of a world for only the chosen people (Hitler ideals?)
-Commitment, either to the “right” or “wrong” cause – neutrality when given extremist options… or is neutrality even an option?
-Is killing criminals a crime? Does a higher being command us to kill? Is there any difference between killing and “execution”?
-Choosing sides
-Belief in oneself and in others

Tennis no Oujisama
-Idea of one being unable to progress (due to unwillingness to progress, not feeling the need to progress)
-Doing things on your own vs. teamwork
-Sacrifice for your goals
-Silent suffering
-Conflict of promises
-Constant struggle to overcome yourself

Death Note
-What is “good”? What is “evil”? And the struggle to determine the answer to these questions
-Is someone who kills a criminal a murderer?
-Psychological warfare, cat-and-mouse game
-Using other people, lying, deceit, doing whatever necessary in order to accomplish your goals
-Is a good intention that utilizes committing crime really a good intention?
-Who deserves to judge humankind? Is divine judgment best left to God, or should humans take the initiative?
-Ideas of terrorism, homicide, etc.
-Is what you get in the end what you truly deserve?
-Does power, or the want to gain power, delude you or cause you to lose your mind?
-Are some ideals worth fighting for, no matter how delusional they may be?



Fruits Basket
-Exclusion of people that are different
-Suffering at the hands of a corrupted Christ-figure
-Unconditional love
-Family secrets, curses, and the repercussions of such things

Meine Liebe / Wieder
-Should government change? Is democracy or monarchy the best option for a kingdom?
-Coming to realize one’s limits, one’s true self, one’s true beliefs
-War, tension between countries, choosing what is best for one and one’s country
-Struggle for power
-Dreams and hopes of youth vs. cruelty of the world’s reality
-Change
-Crumbling of the social classes – giving those of lower social status a chance
-Tradition vs. need to modernize

Wolf’s Rain
-World after the apocalypse
-Quest for “paradise” – does it even exist? Are only the chosen ones allowed to gain access to paradise?
-Sacrifice
-Suffering
-Banding with others for strength and companionship
-Hunting those that can save the world

… So, does this do anything to convince you that anime is not just a different set of cartoons?

If not, I know not what to say.

Meine Liebe Characters

I just finished watching a very interesting anime last night called "Meine Liebe". It's a strange name for the content, but if you know what exactly the anime was based off then it's not too misunderstandable. But that has nothing to do with what I want to say about it.

First off, in summary, Meine Liebe is a political anime. The setting is Rozenstolz Academy - a prestigious academy in a separate European country called Kuchen. The kingdom split from mainland Europe in order to escape the wars that raged on the continent. The series centres around five honours students attending the academy. These students are called the "Strahl Candidates" - which means that they are in line for possible admittance to the government of Kuchen.

There are two sides to the candidates - one side is led by Orpherus, a very idealistic young man who wants to create a kingdom where there is no war, where everyone is happy. The other is led by Ludwig, who believes that the kingdom should not be run by the will of the people, but with an iron fist: otherwise, the kingdom will fall into ruin. While these two butt heads (Orpherus thinks Ludwig's ideals are destructive, Ludwig thinks that Orpherus has his head in the clouds), the other three Strahl Candidates are Eduard, who follows Orpherus unwaveringly; Camus, Ludwig's cousin, who wants to see Orpherus, who he admires, and Ludwig, who he absolutely adores, be friends as they both have good ideals; and Naoji, the Japanese foreign exchange student who seems to be a steadfast follower of Ludwig, but who also values some of Orpherus's ideals.

Oh, and Isaac. We can't forget him. Isaac is a British writer who fills us in on what's going on in the academy, outside the academy, and outside of Kuchen. He is not a student, but he plays a pivotal role in the rest of the anime.

This blog I'm focusing on what everyone that knows me well should be expecting: the importance of the names.

Hurrary for AP Literature class solidifying this obsession in me.

Orpherus

Meaning: "To cry out"

Allusion to: King Orpheus from Greek mythology, who had many amazing talents, the son of a king and a nymph. When his wife died, he played such sad songs and sang so mournfully that he made all the nymphs and gods cry. From the counsel of the gods, he went to the Underworld and played for Hades and Persephone. Causing their hearts to soften, they told him that he could take his wife back to earth with him, on the condition that he not look at her until they were out of the underworld. Overjoyed, he led his wife up, but at the last moment, forgetting that they both needed to be out, turned and looked at her. She disappeared, this time forever.

Parallel to Meine Liebe: Orpherus is a perfect model student, an all-rounder in almost all things, with a beautiful outer appearance. He lost his beloved elder sister to a mysterious accident, and laments for her continually. His dream of an ideal world is to prevent other innocents from dying like his sister.

Laughing point: While in a near-death state, when meeting his sister between the world of the living and the world of the dead, Orpherus begs her to return with him.

Personal Opinion: Orpherus really is quite an interesting character. His views and opinions are wholly agreeable. He is very friendly, and obviously quite a lady killer. In fact, I might really like Orpherus if he didn't have the one trait that causes me to honestly dislike characters: the accursed trait of never seeing any bad in anyone. Though we find out in Wieder it's more that he sees the pointlessness in things like "hatred" and "dislike" than the fact that he doesn't feel them, I find it incredibly irritating that he's obsessed with helping others with no end to sacrifice, or that every time he hears something less than desirable about another, he brushes it off with "It can't really be that way" or "There must be a very good reason." (Prime example of the incident with Isaac in Wieder. I felt like killing something).

The other thing that really gets me is how ridiculously idealistic his visions are. Yes, they are agreeable, and yes, his world would be a desirable one, but he doesn't seem to realize that most of his ideas would be far too lenient, thus sending the country into moralistic and physical chaos. He also seems to be unable to find a good argument that his ideas as to how the country should be run are the best idea. I recall at least two instances where his political opponent, Ludwig, asks for a convincing argument and Orpherus never replies. That makes me uneasy. I know people like Orpherus who seem to believe that their way is the best way and that it will be accepted immediately as such, who can't find solid evidence that it would be that way. I have two words: Ivory Tower.


Character Rating: Orpherus would get 3.5/5. Which, in honesty, isn't bad, but the character could use work. I think he's a little on the Gary Stu side.

Eduard

Meaning: "Guardian of prosperity"

Allusion to: Edward the Martyr, who was believed to be the son of King Edgar and his mistress, who was "a young man of great devotion and excellent conduct. He lived a completely orthodox, good and holy life. Moreover, he loved above all things God and the Church. He was generous to the poor, a haven to the good, a champion of the Faith of Christ, a vessel full of every virtuous grace." He was supposedly killed by his stepmother.

Parallel to Meine Liebe: Eduard is the illegitimate son of Viscount Braunschweig and a peasant woman - thus, he is despised by his stepmother and everyone else in Rosenstolz. His stepmother attempts to kill him at least once in the series (never mind how many other times outside what we see). He is a kind, strong person and completely dedicated to Orpherus (the Christ figure of the series).

Laughing point: He loves horseback riding. Edward the Martyr died while riding a horse after being stabbed by someone in his stepmother's party.

Personal Opinion: Eduard is one of these characters that actually seems somewhat human, that proves that the canon universe is not perfect. As an illegitimate son, he is ridiculed and mocked. He definitely feels the oppression, and definitely gets down about it. He doesn't hide his feelings, and he is exceptionally realistic. He also has a talent that isn't usually associated with "manliness" - he plays the piano, and quite well.

The fact that he still loves his father, and his half-sisters, and even his stepmother makes him tragic. It's believable - at least to me - that he would want his stepmother's approval, even if she does obviously hate him. The fact that he lost his mother at a young age, and that his stepmother separated him and his younger sister makes him that much more of an endearing character - he carries on, no matter what, still wanting to do what he feels he needs to do, without acting as if everything is okay.

The only downfall I think Eduard might have is his loyalty to Orpherus. It's understandable, of course - Orpherus was obviously the first person to actually give Eduard, the human being, a chance (because Orpherus is overly believing that everyone is undeniable good, as I mentioned before). However, I don't think Orpherus's friendship is deserving of complete, unwavering trust and loyalty, seemingly to the point of sacrificing one's life to him. Eduard's desire to protect Orpherus serves to keep the pureblood noble in his ivory tower, which only adds to my irritation. Eduard never really speaks against Orpherus, even when he disapproves of something.

It's just a little annoying. If you can understand what I mean.

Character Rating: 4/5. Good job, Eduard.

Camus

Meaning: “A creek”

Allusion to: Possibly Jean-Pierre Camus, a French bishop and writer who often expounded on moralistic intention, saving grace of divine love, and spiritual reflection.
Otherwise, perhaps the area in Ireland called Camus.

Parallel to Meine Liebe: If it's Ireland, Camus loves flowers. If it's the bishop, Camus is the naive person who wants to appeal to all forms of morals and relies on love/friendship between him and others to protect and save each other. He also reflects a lot on himself and the sheltered life he has lived due to his unnatural ability to speak to flowers.

Laughing point: Compared to everyone else in the series, Camus is the very embodiment of love and spirituality.

Personal Opinion: Small, weak, feminine, and frail, I think the only reason Camus was included in the game was for men with shota complexes. But I'll set that aside.

Every anime - especially a shoujo one - needs a character that can sense other's emotions and be affected by them. Camus is that character, the one that bridges the gap between Orpherus's side and Ludwig's. He is also the one that is probably the most widely misunderstood, and thus relateable: his strange ability to talk to plants and flowers causes others to fear and despise him. As such, and due to his fraility, he was locked up inside his home without access to the outside world for many years. His cousin, Ludwig, was the one that instilled a desire to see the outside world and to connect to the people outside.


Camus might be almost as irritating as Orpherus in the fact that he sees good in people, except that he readily sees good in only one person: Ludwig. This doesn't irritate me, as Ludwig is, in all actuality, a very good person (shown in his own way). The thing that upsets me about Camus is how emotionally unbalanced he seems to be, and how unwilling to try his best he is. Though I guess in this sense he's probably the most realistic of all characters, it's a little baffling to think about why someone that seems to have no real interest in politics and who doesn't seem to have much promise in the way of being a good government official is in the class designed to help promote people with those exact interests. Camus is also fast to run away from a situation unless it involves Ludwig or his friends - at which point he'll blindly run towards the situation at risk of making things worse. That is also a little bit offthrowing.


Character rating: 3.5/5. Sorry, Camus. If he was a little mature, it wouldn't be quite that bad.

Naoji

Meaning: …. Um…

Allusion to: ... well, I can't really find anything. Since the series takes place in Europe, and Naoji is the only foreigner, his name just stands out. (Though it does appear that he is a quarter Kuchen…)

I do find Naoji Mogi, a champion figure skater, and a lot of military commanders.

Parallel to Meine Liebe: ... Naoji is graceful, yet is a good fighter.

Laughing point: Naoji is a Strahl Candidate in a country where he cannot possibly become a true member of the Strahl.

Personal Opinion: ... Gathered from the copious information I have above, I will thus be able to write a very long, descriptive bit about Naoji.

I actually really like Naoji. He is calm and collected, and seems very into perfecting himself. There is a strange calm around him that makes seeing him a pleasure to the eyes, as one can easily know that if Naoji is involved, things can be settled without need for violence (which, in this world, is always nice), and in a peaceful manner to top it all. Though Naoji is obviously homesick for his motherland, he never stops doing his best at the present, where he is right now.


Ludwig points out the one thing that is a bit of a prick about Naoji - he doesn't seem to think about what he wants to do. He only follows others, and can never truly be seen making his own executive decisions. This is also pointed out by a later Strahl, and sadly it is something that would make Naoji a bit useless in government. One should always be able to decide one way or another, and not politely take their leave. Otherwise, though a bit of a flat character, Naoji is an immense improvement over the reality-denying Orpherus or the emotionally-unstable Camus.


Character rating: 4/5. Yay, Naoji!

Ludwig

Meaning: “Famous warrior”

Allusion to: Ludwig II of Bavaria. Struggling with the pressure that he would be the royal heir to the throne of Bavaria, Ludwig was brooding and difficult to get along with, though he was popular among his subjects in later days. He hated crowds, but was not above socializing with his subjects. He is associated with the arts, ascended to the throne at a young age, had a broken engagement, believed in progress, was highly religious, might have struggled with homosexuality, was later diagnosed with paranoia, and died a mysterious death.

Parallel to Meine Liebe: Oh, Ludwig, shall I count the ways...? Ludwig is somewhat antisocial, but will go to social events, has been pressured since a young age to ascend the political ladder, gets engaged but breaks it off, is in favour of progression, and can quote obscure scripture.

Oh, did I mention that his mother is the king’s younger sister…? So he is, in context, a prince.

Laughing point: I personally think Ludwig might be struggling with homosexuality... (him and everyone else in this show) And if he doesn't lighten up, he might just be diagnosed with paranoia.

Personal Opinion: I'll try not to laugh as I write this. I love Ludwig, really I do. I personally think he's the only Strahl Candidate that is fit to actually be one. He has the skills, the political knowledge, and the looks family background to be a high-ranking official. He is always calm, and he is almost always the source of a stable reality check. Ludwig sees things as they are, not as he would like them to be, which is a stark contrast to the rest of the Strahl Candidate, and which makes him a support against the brain-melting that entails the speeches of the other characters.

He is not wholly negative, but he is, of course, the downer of the bunch. His pride and his want to do things on his own, while admirable, are also a constant target of Orpherus's speeches and lectures. The fact that he can argue just as readily against Orpherus also provides the two-way vision that is probably best for a "political anime."

If there is anything I can find wrong with Ludwig, it's one of two things. First, I shall give the ridiculous - the length of his hair. It's pretty. I want to stroke it. But it's so inconvenient. There will be an episode where he will be fencing and all that midnight-dark hair will be cut off. Secondly, it's his emotionless way of doing things, and how he unhesitatingly accepts things so long as they will further himself (such as an arranged engagement without much more than a single look of "... Oh.") and how he obsesses over vaulting himself to heights. I understand that it's important to him, but I also think that he should learn to involve his feelings at least a little bit. We do get a hint that he does this, such as what he says after his engagement is broken off, or when Camus withdraws from the academy, or even when he invites the others to his house for a tea party with his sad mother, but for the most part he remains immovable.

Character Rating: 4/5. It would be 4.5, if not for the coldness and the long hair.

Isaac

Meaning: "Laughter"

Allusion to: ... Isaac of the Bible?

Parallel to Meine Liebe: If the Meine Liebe OP is
anything to go by... he was possibly harmed by his father while small. Kind of like Isaac of the Bible. Maybe.

Laughing point: He seems innocent to me, but he's voiced by the biggest devil-demon-evil character seiyuu in the world.

Personal Opinion: Hail, somebody that actually makes sense in this extremity-polared world. Isaac, as an adult with world experience, knows the way the world really works, and as an outsider in Kuchen, brings more experience to help aid the students within realize what their ideals for government really should be. He has the ability to look at Orpherus's ideas and appreciate them, but also understands Ludwig's train of thought and its strengths and weaknesses, and give practical application of both theories to the state of the world's affairs. He is also the only character that has admitted that he is nothing special - "I am nothing but a coward", he says to Eduard in Wieder. Also, he hires himself out to be able to care for his younger sister, which ends up as a source of dismay not only to her, but to him as well. This is also a source of character-viewer relation, as I'm fairly sure the majority of Meine Liebe watchers aren't nobility, such as counts, dukes, marquis, or anything of the sort.

He is almost like a distant parent-figure to the focus characters. In his words, "They're nothing but pampered kids asking for trouble." Though in the latter half of the series, he is usually unable to help them, he isn't afraid to stay true to himself and help the boys, at risk of his own life and the students', whenever possible.

Do I have a problem with Isaac? Give me a moment... yes, but it's not a huge one, though it is rather... ironic that he always shows up (at least in the first part of the series) right as one of the boys, namely Orpherus, needs him. Maybe Isaac is really a stalker...?

Character Rating: 4.5/5. He is a welcome, realistic relief to the soul.

Now, most of this is just what I see on the surface. Once I go back and watch the thirteen episodes of Meine Liebe and the thirteen episodes of Wieder, I'll probably come up with more.


Fun times.

Images courtesy of Meine Liebe ~Wieder~.

-AMV- Agli Tar [PoT]

Because a) I was bored on Sunday, and b) I think of Kite everytime I hear this song.

I'm well aware the sync is off, and that really ticks me off because I spent tedious hours timing everything just right, only to have the song shift position every time I saved or published. I ended up trying to shift things, then publishing blindly, hoping it would work out. I went through six or seven versions before I got it close enough for me to be satisfied.

Hope you enjoy it anyway. :)

-AMV- His World [PoT]

Yeah, so I made a music video last night/this afternoon.

Because I was stuck in the house all day.

So enjoy.

(My first one, but for being tired/completely worn out/bored, I think it turned out pretty well. :3)

In other news, I got a new boss today. I was pretty scared, because he fired someone before he even officially started work, and he told me first thing when I walked in today that he had fired someone else last night too. I'd also heard that he was really strict and didn't take any nonsense.

He wasn't quite that bad though. He was strict, but he wasn't yelling at us when we didn't do things exactly the way he wanted us too, and he was joking around with us. I think I might actually come to like him. I won't like hiim as much as my old boss, but I think we'll get along. He seemed to really like me and he hinted to me about two hours into work that he might consider promoting me.

Well, wouldn't that be cool.

I've also finally been allowed to take a Japanese class at uni over the summer. My dad and I have been attempting to get me enrolled in summer term for a long time now, and the admissions office finally caved and let me in (of course, I could have chosen to not go, but after actually getting them to say they would let me in, it would be pointless for me to change my mind).

That's good - that means I won't be bored all summer, and I'll be able to do something worthwhile.

That's all for now; happy Easter, everyone!


Listening to: "Dreams of an Absolution" by Lee Brotherton
Eating: Nothing - pretty full
Reading: "Crime and Punishment"
Watching: Tennis no Oujisama National OVA 19 - Single-Balled Match
Wanting: A Prince racquet

Tennis no Oujisama Nationals OVA Ep. 18 - Thoughts

After spending several hours studying the other night, and after getting quite a lot done, I decided to treat myself and allow myself to stay up just a little bit later than usual to watch a newly-released episode of the TeniPuri OVAs. I only watched one episode, as it was getting rather late, and it proved to be quite... interesting, for lack of a better word.

I never thought there would be an episode that would leave me wondering whether or not I actually liked it. But I have come across one. Interestingly enough, it involves one of my favourite characters and one of my less favourite characters. Tezuka Kunimitsu vs. Chitose Senri.

I'm not really quite sure why I don't like Chitose, other than the fact that he really just bugs me. He's like Atobe in the way that he isn't really a dislikeable character in the first place; it's just my problem that I don't like him.

(And his sister is the only girl in the entire continuity of the series besides Seigaku's coach that I feel deserves to actually be in the storyline).

Anyway, the basic overview of the episode can be seen in a series of select images.

Begin the image-heaviness.

Behold, the pairs that DEFINITELY weren't thrown together at the last moment Tezuka-Inui Pair vs. Chitose- ... .... someone... pair.
(Omigosh buchou actually looks like he might be in his teens!)

Tezuka struggles a bit against Chitose's Hyakuren Jitoku no Kiwami...
(Does Chitose remind anyone else of Scar from The Lion King? Anyone?)

But Tezuka, the stoic hero, reveals his powers...

Tezuka retaliates with amazing strength, showing that he too has achieved Hyakuren Jitoki no Kiwami.
(Tezuka-buchou, have you ever heard of a thing called "eating"?)

And thus, the result is:

Seigaku Victory!!
(Why is Chitose sweating so much and Tezuka looks completely unphased?)

... Okay, so that's not really how it goes. But it might as well be. (That's about all you need to know to know what the episode consists of.)

I'm not complaining about the match. I always enjoy Tezuka's matches, whether or not they're absolutely ridiculous (like this one) or a serious part of the plot (like his matches against Ryoma or Atobe).

But honestly, I don't think this is a match that was really essential to the plot.

Nice to know that Tezuka is amazing (as if nobody already knew that), nice to know that he is always showing how powerful he is, that he is Ryoma's one true opponent, blah blah list goes on blah. But this match, in my opinion, doesn't have much consequence to the rest of the series.

Plus, twenty-five minutes of Chitose is almost more than I can stand.

The thing I won't complain about is the amazing shots that this episode is comprised of. There are a lot of really beautiful visuals, and it's always interesting to see what the animators can come up with to metaphorize and show Tezuka's strength (and, I guess in this case, Chitose's as well).

I could rant about the next episode buuuuttt... I won't. :| It might actually be worse than this one. I'll wait a little while and see if I can pull something worthwhile out of the next episode.

Kanji - BIBLE

Not really a translation, but I did put some work into it. I found the romanji and the translation for Shiraishi Kuranosuke's "Best of Rival Players" song, "BIBLE" on a forum somewhere, and decided to construct the kanji for the song based on what I already had. This was a way to practice my Japanese writing and decision skills (as sometimes I was presented with several different ways to write something).

I absolutely adore this song, so I want to know from someone experienced if I've done anything wrong so I can fix it and learn. :) No good having a lovely song like this one written all wrong due to my stupidity.

Shiraishi Kuranosuke voiced by Hosoya Yoshimasa, character (c) Konomi Takeshi. Credit for romanji and translation to... whoever it was that did it. I'm not sure. O_oU But I don't want to take the credit for them, definitely.

BIBLE

奇跡の在処を捜す旅を知ている
誰にも見せない痛みを強さし乍

Kiseki no arika wo sagasu tabi wo shiteiru
Dare nimo misenai itami wo tsuyosa ni shinagara

I'm on a journey to find the place where miracles are
While turning the pain that I show no one into strength



果てしない空に時放つ願
時の迷路の中で迷っても
立ち止まらない

Hateshinai sora ni tokihanatsu negai
Toki no meiro no naka de mayottemo
Tachidomaranai

I release my wish into the limitless skies
And even if I lose my way in the maze of time
I'll keep going

きっと世界が揺らぐにも
風を駆けぬけ描いて行く
明日へのBIBLE

Kitto sekai ga yuragu yoru ni mo
Kaze wo kakenuke egaite yuku
Asu e no bible

Surely, even in the night when the world wavers
I can dash through the winds and create
A bible to tomorrow

自由な鼓動を胸の地図に知るした
ぶれない誇りと情熱を足跡にして

Jiyuu na kodou wo mune no chizu ni shirushita
Burenai hokori to jyounetsu wo ashiato ni shite

In my heart is mapped out, an unfettered pulse
Leaving footsteps of unwavering pride and passion

顕界を越えた景色の向こうで
輝いている夢は信じてた
無限の未来

Genkai wo koeta keshiki no mukou de
Kagayaite iru yume wa shinjiteta
Mugen no mirai

And beyond the limitless landscape there lies
A glimmering dream that is
The boundless future I believed in



たった一筋光照らして
闇を切りさき跳び上って行く
希望の彼方

Tatta hitosuji hikari terashite
Yami wo kirisaki tobitatte yuku
Kibou no kanata

The light shines in one straight line
Piercing through the darkness and taking flight
Beyond the realm of hope

ずっと褪せない唯つの応答
見失はない

Zutto asenai yuitsu no kotae
Miushinawanai

I won't lose sight of the one answer
That never fades

きっと世界が揺らぐにも
風を駆けぬけ描いて行く
明日へのBIBLE

Kitto sekai ga yuragu yoru ni mo
Kaze wo kakenuke egaite yuku
Asu e no bible

Surely, even in the night when the world wavers
I can dash through the winds and create
A bible to tomorrow

永へ続く眩しい場所へ。。。

Towa e tsuzuku mabushii basho e...

To a place that will shine brightly for eternity...

Translation - Dream Believer

Another translation! Because I'm going pretty good with these. For now. :) Translations are tedious indeed...

"Dream Believer" is the last opening song to the Tennis no Oujisama anime. It really is a beautiful song, with amazing visuals and a great beat. It's something I always listen to when I'm feeling down.

Credit again goes to Ore-Sama for the romanji and kanji lyrics, and again I provide the disclaimer that this is not a professional translation, but I've done the best I can to make it accurate. Please enjoy. :)

Dream Believer - Osamu Masaki

どこが始まりで
どこが終わりなんて
気がつけば走ってたんだ

Doko ga hajimari de
Doko ga owari nante
Ki ga tsukeba hashittetanda

Where’s the start?
Where’s the end?
I was running before I realized it

タイトな雨にだって
ヘビーな風にだって
絶対に負けないスピードで

TIGHT na ame ni datte
HEAVY na kaze ni datte
Zettai ni makenai SPEED de

Even in tight rain,
Even in heavy wind,
I was going with a speed no one could beat.

(Wake up!)
震える指先
(Get up!)
握り締めて ぎゅっと
(Stand up!)
息を深く吸って
また世界は加速する

Wake up!
Furueru yubisaki
Get up!
Nigirishimete gyutto
Stand up!
Iki wo fukaku sutte
Mata sekai wa kasoku suru…

Wake up!
Trembling fingertips…
Get up!
Grasp them tightly
Stand up!
Take a deep breath
Even the world will increase its speed…

It's gonna be O.K!
飛び交う彗星が
描く軌跡を追いかけて
(gonna) be O.K!
光の中走る
すぐそこにある夢を信じて

It's gonna be O.K!
Tobikau suisei ga
Egaku kiseki wo oikakete
(gonna) be O.K!
Hikari no naka hashiru
Sugu soko ni aru yume wo shinjite…

It’s gonna be O.K!
Comets flying through the sky
Follow their painted tracks
(gonna) be O.K!
Inside the light, I’m running
Soon I’ll be there – believe in your dreams…

自分の宇宙が広がる感触が
楽しくてたまらないんだ

Jibun no uchuu ga hirogaru kanshoku ga
Tanoshikute tamaranainda

In my universe, my sensations can spread
But I can’t save my pleasure, can I?

強がりじゃなくて
形でもなくて
見えないものを信じるパワー

Tsuyogari ja nakute
Katachi demo nakute
Mienai mono wo shinjiru POWER

I'm not lying when I say that
There’s not even a form
For that unseen power I believe in

(Wake up!)
前だけ見つめて
(Get up!)
何も恐れないで
(Stand up!)
息を深く吸って
また世界は加速する

Wake up!
Mae dake mitsumete
Get up!
Nani mo osorenai de
Stand up!
Iki wo fukaku sutte
Mata sekai wa kasoku suru

Wake up!
Look at only what’s before you
Get up!
Don’t be afraid of anything
Stand up!
Take a deep breath
Even the world will raise its speed…

It's gonna be O.K!
飛び交う彗星が
描く軌跡を追いかけて
(gonna) be O.K!
言葉にはならない
あふれる思い抱いて未来へ

It's gonna be O.K!
Tobikau suisei ga
Egaku kiseki wo oikakete
(gonna) be O.K!
Kotoba ni wa naranai
Afureru omoi daite mirai e

It’s gonna be okay!
Comets flying through the sky
Follow their painted tracks
(gonna) be O.K!
Our words won’t echo, but
Our overflowing emotions embrace the future…

この先にもっと
何が待ってるんだ
それでも ただ
走り続けていくんだ

Kono saki ni motto
Nani ga matterun da
Sore demo tada
Hashiri tsuzukete ikun da

More than before,
What are we waiting for?
Even so,
Let’s continue running!

It's gonna be O.K!
飛び交う彗星が
描く軌跡を追いかけて
(gonna) be O.K!
光の中走る
すぐそこにある夢を信じて

It's gonna be O.K!
Tobikau suisei ga
Egaku kiseki wo oikakete
(gonna) be O.K!
Hikari no naka hashiru
Sugu soko ni aru yume wo shinjite…

It’s gonna be O.K!
Comets flying through the sky
Follow their painted tracks
(gonna) be O.K!
Inside the light, I’m running
Soon I’ll be there – believe in your dreams…

Translation - FLOWER ~Sakimidareshi Hana~

This song is most definitely my favourite TeniPuri opening... that's right, out of all 11 that there's been so far. And one of my absolute favourite songs as well. :) I think it has an interesting message right off the bat in the first two lines that continues throughout the entire song, if you care to look deeply into it.

Plus, with an all-star vocal lineup consisting of Minagawa Junko (Echizen Ryoma), Okiayu Ryoutarou (Tezuka Kunimitsu), Suwabe Junichi (Atobe Keigo), and Kusunoki Taiten (Sanada Gen'ichirou), all of whom comprise the "band" GIGS, it's amazing to listen to as well.

I'll give credit to Ore-Sama for having the kanji and romanji, plus all the artists for producing an amazing song.

I'm not going to claim this a professional translation... because I am faaaar from being professional. But I did my best to translate it, so please enjoy~!


Flower -咲乱華-
Flower –Sakimidareshi Hana-
Flower –Blooming Riotously-

どんな色で着飾れば
自分らしくいられる？
ビルに欠けたあの空は
教えてはくれない

Donna iro de kikazareba
Jibun rashiku irareru?
BIRU ni kaketa ano sora wa
Oshiete wa kurenai

With the colour you’re wearing,
Can you be yourself?
Without its bills, that sky
Can’t teach us anything.


迷い込んだ迷路にも
必ず出口はある
立ち止まってしまったら
答えには着けない

Mayoi konda meiro ni mo
Kanarazu deguchi wa aru
Tachidomatte shimattara
Kotae ni wa tsukenai

Losing your way in a maze,
Surely there is a way out.
If you suddenly stop on the spot,
You’ll never reach an answer.


求めてるものが何だって
結末を急いじゃ　いまがつまらないぜ

Motometeru mono ga nandatte
Ketsumatsu wo isoi jya ima ga tsumaranai ze

No matter what you’re searching for,
If you hurry to the end, you can’t have fun now.


咲き乱れて　華麗に舞え
プライドは脱ぎ捨てろ
誇り高く　こころ燃やせ
偽りの色じゃ
本物にはなれやしないぜ

Saki midarete karei ni nare
PURAIDO wa nugisutero
Hokoritakaku kokoro moyase
Itsuwari no iro jya
Honmono ni wa nare yashinai ze

Bloom riotously, dance with splendor.
Throw off your pride.
Heighten your determination and let your heart burn.*
With false colours,
You can never be the real thing.


今すぐに欲しいものは
本当はわかっている
身体が震え出すほどの
最高のスリル

Ima sugu ni hoshii mono wa
Hontou wa wakatte iru
Karada ga furuedasu hodo no
Saikou no SURIRU

Right now, the thing I want…
I truly realize it.
As my body begins to tremble with
The most amazing thrill.


たどり着く場所が何処だって
結末を急いじゃ　あすがつまらないぜ

Tadoritsuku basho ga doko datte
Ketsumatsu wo isoi jya asu ga tsumaranai ze

If we reach that place
And hurry to the end, tomorrow will be boring.


愛しいほど　胸を焦がせ
憂鬱さえ巻き込んで
狂おしくも　奇麗になれ
偽りの色じゃ
本物にはなれやしないぜ

Itoshii hodo mune wo kogase
Yuuutsu sae maki konde
Kuruoshikumo kirei ni nare
Itsuwari no iro jya
Honmono ni wa nare yashinai ze

Letting your “love” burn out your heart,
Even as gloom drags you down,
Like crazy, be beautiful.
With false colours,
You can never be the real thing.


形のない光がさす
場所で君を待っている

Katachi no nai hikari ga sasu
Basho de kimi wo matte iru

The shapeless light is burning.
In that place, it’s waiting for you.


咲き乱れて　華麗に舞え
プライドは脱ぎ捨てろ
誇り高く　こころ燃やせ
終わらない旅へ
愛しいほど　胸を焦がせ
憂鬱さえ巻き込んで
狂おしくも　奇麗になれ
偽りの色じゃ
本物にはなれやしないぜ

Saki midarete karei ni mae
PURAIDO wa nugisutero
Hokoritakaku kokoro moyase
Owaranai tabi e
Itoshii hodo mune wo kogase
Yuuutsu sae maki konde
Kuruoshikumo kirei ni nare
Itsuwari no iro jya
Honmono ni wa nare yashinai ze

Bloom riotously, dance with splendor.
Throw off your pride.
Heighten your determination and let your heart burn
Towards the neverending journey…
Letting your “love” burn out your heart,
Even as gloom drags you down,
Like crazy, be beautiful.
With false colours,
You can never be the real thing.

----
* Literally, the first part of this line is "Heighten your pride", but since they said "Throw off your pride" just the line before, I changed it to "Heighten your determination" so it didn't seem quite so redundant.