The beginning of the end of anime in America?

ADV Removes Titles from Website

This link, over the past few days, caused mass panic in the internet community. People believed something was terribly wrong with ADV, and since they weren't acting fast enough to release a statement, it was decided they must be going under (and are too ashamed/afraid to admit it). You can't really blame anyone for worrying, since a big anime company in the US, Geneon, recently died out last year. The anime industry here is having a lot of financial trouble, and this is true for Japan, too. In October of last year, the Japanese asked America to stop illegal net releases of anime (HERE) as they considered it very damaging and was no doubt mostly to blame for all the problems.

I have been a fan of anime since 1997 - back then, you had to know somebody just to know where to get certain things. Fansubs were on VHS and you had to wait a week or longer to get them in the mail from special distributors (I should know, I was one for awhile). Even when you got them, the tapes could be 3rd generation recording or worse, with muffled audio and fuzzy video. The market was far from oversaturated - you bought almost anything because there was so little you could get.

These are ideas people have come up with that I have found, on satisfying alternatives/solutions. A few are mine.

For Japan:

1. Many people watch fansubs because they want to be a part of what's airing NOW in Japan. They are tired of waiting months or years for any North American license, and if it IS licensed, it could be half a year or more before it's even on store shelves. By then, the hype and excitement has likely fazed out. To counter this in a good way, Japanese companies should:

A. Release FREE (or cheap - say $1-2), subtitled versions of episodes online a few days or a week after it's original airdate.
B. Put subtitles on the Region 2 DVDs. This may not help much, but anyone looking to support a show, but can't find justification in spending $60 for 2 episodes they can't understand 99% of, will be tempted. There are a handful of shows I would buy with gusto if they did this.
C. Release series in the US (or in another country) themselves. Cutting out the middle man (licenser) may cut back on costs and fees, so the end result could be cheaper.
D. Understand that they can't ask for outrageous amounts of money for rights for their shows. Back in the early 2000s, when companies were snatching up whatever they could get, this became big. But now, if they don't get off their high horses, nobody will want what they've got. They won't get the money they need, the profit they need, to help fund other things.

If they don't "get with the times" and adjust to a new market there will be serious trouble.

For America:

1. Focus on releasing season sets and thinpaks. These days a lot of fans wait for those, not only because it's cheaper and takes up less space, but you can get everything all at once, and know the company won't suddenly cancel on you halfway through. Of course, with season sets, this can still happen.
2. Don't be quick to cancel series! Buyers are reluctant to purchase singles, and this is one of the reasons. If they don't think you'll give them everything, why should they bother if their collection will end up incomplete? Even if it's not your top seller, you should do what you can to get to the end. I myself have been burned a few times with this.
3. Get your shows on TV. Put ads in appropriate magazines. Market market market.

Kirarin Revolution, episode 18

(きらりん☆レボリューション) 2006

Kirari (voiced by Koharu Kusumi of Morning Musume!) is a middle schooler who LOVES her food. So much so that it's scary! While girls her age swoon over idols, Kirari swoons over her dad's cooking, and couldn't care less about the life of a celebrity. But when she saves the pet turtle of Seiji of pop group SHIPS and falls in love, she decides to become an idol herself so that they can be together (or so she hopes).

Because a job Kirari was scheduled for has been delayed, she now has a day off (which her manager would prefer she used to do her homework), and decides the perfect way to spend it is with her friends. But things are not meant to go smoothly for the tired idol who just wants a summer vacation. While she, Sayaka, and Miku are on the train to the beach, a crowd of excited people try to get close to her for photos/autographs. After making a break for it, the girls decide on a plan b: an amusement park, and this time Kirari thinks to put on a disguise. This works only until they got onto a roller coaster, and her wig and glasses fall off. Then it's the same thing over again.

Plan C is the movie theater. Naa-san gives the idea that Kirari should walk with her face covered in shopping bags. And it does work, until they reach the ticket counter and Kirari is declared the theater's 100th customer. When asked her name, she tries to give something like "the pitiful girl," but the man who gives out the prize recognized her, and they once again had to flee. What worry free place could the teens possibly go to now? Sayaka and Miku feel sorry for her - she can't have any fun. Kirari apologizes for all the trouble, but her friends say it can't be helped.



Where they currently are, Kirari's company is nearby, and she decides to take them there to meet SHIPS. Being big fans, who would say no. After sparkly glee from handshakes and autographs, Kirari tells them she can take them to see SHIPS anytime they ask. Sayaka and Miku comment that their world and the entertainment world are very different - they feel distant somehow. While resting from the day's exercise at a cafe, Kirari asks them how things are at school. While they prattle on about teachers, it's her turn to feel left out. Then they are once again harassed by fans, causing trouble for the cafe. Miku, fed up, tries to protect Kirari and demands that everyone leave them alone. Kirari, knowing she has to act like a cheerful idol at all times, takes over and sweet talks the crowd into letting them through. This doesn't bode well with Miku. Walking home, Miku says that Kirari has changed. She stopped her friends from helping, and she must care more about her fans than she does for them. If that's how it's going to be, they can't see each other anymore.

Kirari is now alone, and it starts to rain, hiding her heartbroken tears. Furthur away, Sayaka and Miku talk about the lovable food fiend, and how, despite the setbacks, running around was fun. The two girls discover that she has accidentally left behind a special book called "Soul of an Idol," notes written by her and her manager on proper behavior. Reading the notes brings about laughter, and they realize what Kirari means to them. After the storm has passed, and Kirari reaches home, she is surprised to see them waiting for her in the doorway. They make up, and Kirari's dad declares they have a party. Everything is OK again.

It was nice to see this show move beyond the goofy, and show some REAL human sadness. I nearly cried myself when Kirari did.

Ai Kago, what was and can't be

This information came out a looong while back, but I never got to write about it. I can honestly say... I never saw it coming. Fans of Morning Musume wondered how sweet, enthusiastic Ai could possibly do such things as smoke (yes, I know a lot of people in Japan and the world smoke, and really, that's not what upset me so much) and date a shady guy decades older than her. It's like finding out your pig-tailed, 8 year old sister runs an underground drug ring. I'm very disappointed in her actions, and since she even went out of her way to demolish any chance of returning to Hello! Project, I doubt we'll ever hear from her again unless she writes a tell-all book, or somebody puts photos of her in a paparazzi magazine. Some time ago (several months to be exact) I heard a rumor she was in New York. I don't know if it was for vacation, or simply a getaway tactic until all the scandal died down. If she was planning to relocate, there's a lot she'd have to do - apply for citizinship, learn English, etc. and that's a big step, so I doubt that idea.

Anyway, despite the fact that I can't look at her the same way again, when she was in her early teens, and during her time in Mini Moni, she was just the cutest little thing - and I really want to remember her that way. She had talent, too. Shame.

Yes, I know that when it comes to celebrities, especially Jpop idols, what you see may only be a little of what they are. They "market" a part of their personality, they play it up in front of the camera, and unless you're a member of the staff or a close friend, you'll never know who they truly are. But that doesn't make everything a lie!

Kaze Hikaru, volume 8

-Yamanami and Todo wait to be sentenced to seppuku (honor suicide) following the events at Rokkaku prison, where they witnessed the inhumane murdering of its prisoners, and insulted the officials. There is also a rumor going around that the Shinsengumi were the ones actually responsible for what occurred. Todo falls in love with a prostitute who witnessed them entering the establishment, and doesn't know what to do or how to handle caring for a girl who hates him so much for what he is.
-Soji's childhood is openly explored, from the minutes following his birth to his early days in the Shinsengumi.

Poor Soji had a very difficult childhood. I didn't think we'd actually get to have a "look" at it at some point, but it was a great addition to the book. It's so awesome that Sei and Soji met when they were kids, if only briefly, and they don't even realize it. And the little girl actually left an impression on Soji's mind! I grinned so wide after reading it. You also come to understand why Soji is so casual with a few people, and why he thinks of them so highly. There are still a few things about this series I try to overlook/ignore (like, ahem, the suggestive stuff), and I still can't get some of the names straight. But it's still a really good series that NEEDS more attention. Viz, you aren't marketing this very well.

Kirarin Revolution, episode 17

(きらりん☆レボリューション) 2006

Kirari (voiced by Koharu Kusumi of Morning Musume!) is a middle schooler who LOVES her food. So much so that it's scary! While girls her age swoon over idols, Kirari swoons over her dad's cooking, and couldn't care less about the life of a celebrity. But when she saves the pet turtle of Seiji of pop group SHIPS and falls in love, she decides to become an idol herself so that they can be together (or so she hopes).

It's time for an idol swimming meet! Included in the lineup is SHIPS, Kirari (of course), Erina (who doesn't want her designer French swimsuit getting wet), Arashi (who seems to have debuted as a magicial idol), and Mochida (who has debuted as a "muscle idol"). They are divided up into teams - White Team (Arashi, Mochi, and Erina) and Red Team (SHIPS, Kirari).

The first game is called "Water Basketball" - basically, the team that gets the most tiny balls into a basket wins. Erina tries to cheat by scooping everything up in a fishing net, while her dog Tantan pushes the raft she's sitting on (she got wet once, she won't ruin her designer ITALIAN suit now!) - however, this backfires when her teammates try to climb aboard, knocking them and their basket over.



The second game is a treasure hunt - whichever team finds the most items under the water wins. Poor Kirari has trouble holding her breathe and can't dive far enough to be of much use. Erina, who is now wearing a designer suit from London, throws Arashi into the water to look. When she tries to push Mochi in, she accidentally sends herself. Coming to the surface, though, she finds she is holding a few coins, putting White Team in the lead. At the last minute, however, Kirari is approached by Kame-san, who is holding a diamond. This alone is enough for Red Team to win, as it is the most valuable treasure. Arashi laments that Kirari didn't get to see how cool he is, and Erina comes up with a plan upon hearing the love-sick illusionist. She can use this person. During break, she approaches Arashi and flatters him, suggesting that they should work together in making Kirari quit the idol business.

The third game is a sort of obstacle course involving rafting over waves and a water slide. Arashi gives White Team a lead by causing sea urchins to poke holes into Red Team's raft. Luckily, Naa-san is quickly there with tape to save the day. When everyone gets to the water slide, Arashi then makes seaweed appear, and Kirari and SHIPS are sent sailing into the nearby ocean. Things look helpless and hopeless, but thanks to Naa-san and his ocean whistle, they are given a ride back by friendly dolphins. Knocking White Team over, they sail to the finish line.

For the fourth and final game, each team must swim two laps, from one side of the pool to the other. Kirari is afraid, due to the fact that she can't swim very well. But because Erina and Arashi messed up, she helps bring victory. Red Team wins the idol swim meet.

Watching this episode, I got to thinking that Erina and Arashi might make a cute couple. Considering that this show doesn't stray far from cliches, it's not impossible. Nothing particularly special about anything, but it's cute. Erina was in comedy form here.

New Team Rocket cel

Coming soon to CELS OF SUGAR, one of my favorite scenes in all of Pokemon. After having caught Togepi, Team Rocket is taking it easy. James makes breakfast, Jessie eats happily, and Meowth shines the egg that Togepi has not yet hatched from. Jessie isn't wearing her gloves or boots :D :D :D It's so adorably cute, I could cry. I can't really afford to have this, but I knew I'd regret it if I didn't get it. Sigh... buyer's remorse.

Busu no Hitomi ni Koishiteru

I don't often get sucked into the world that is Jdrama (Japanese TV drama) - it's usually only because a celebrity I'm a fan of or am interested in is featured. But when I saw an article about BusuKoi in a summer, 2006 issue of Nicola, I had to find it somehow.



BusuKoi (or In Love With The Eyes of an Ugly Girl) is the story of Miyuki, a 25-year-old aspiring actress who works in a ramen restaurant. Unfortunately, despite Miyuki's name (which roughly means "beautiful") she is a full-fledged busu (impolite term meaning ugly) and nobody will hire her as a result. Miyuki is aware of her disadvantages, and only wants a chance at happiness. Enter Osamu Yamaguchi, a writer for variety TV shows. With all the pressure and expectations of his job, along with dating a model, he has forgotten his true self. Now an empty shell of the younger him, he yearns to recreate that spark. After an unforgettable first encounter with her, he finds Miyuki intriguing and amusing, and wants to use her on his good-as-cancelled show, Zbat x Zbat. But she refuses to work in comedy, and doesn't want to be laughed at all. Can he change her mind?



It's for personal reasons that I got sucked into this show. Life can be very difficult for those of us who can never hope to have stunning beauty and hour-glass figures. So I admit that I did cry a few times during Miyuki's daily struggles, and I was pulling for her when she found herself falling for Osamu (and really, that's a brave thing to do when your competition is a model!). From the very beginning it's built up that Miyuki really isn't that ugly - maybe it's the "real" attractive people of the world that can be true monsters.



So if you've ever had self-esteem issues, or just want to cheer for the underdog, check this out. It's got a nice soundtrack, and features Inagaki Goro of SMAP!

Ugly Ramen My webpage about the show

Heidi of the Alps, episode 1

(アルプスの少女ハイジ) 1974

Since the very young age of one, poor Heidi hasn't known a stable home life. Now five, her caretaker Aunt Dete has taken a new job and decides to travel to the faraway Alps, where Heidi will now live with her grandfather. "Uncle Alm," as the locals call him, is by no means friendly - people who recognize Dete and stop to talk to her warn her that it's not a good place for a little girl to live. They even ask if she's joking.

Along the way, and almost to her destination, Heidi meets an 11-year-old goat herder named Peter. Though energetic, he seems shy and doesn't want to talk, no matter what she tries. It's only when she sheds off the ridiculously excessive layers of clothing her Aunt made her wear, thus enabling her to keep up with him, that he opens up a little, running and laughing with the child as if they were best friends.



Needless to say, Alm is not happy about Heidi suddenly being thrown in his life. Their first meeting isn't even luke-warm in welcome, and he throws harsh words at Dete for the unwanted situation. But he is Heidi's next-of-kin, and it's his turn to do something for the orphan. What will become of this? As he so bluntly asks the young girl at the end of the episode, "What will you do now"? What indeed?

Many people who watch this show might suspect that Hayao Miyazaki had some hand in it. And he did! Riddled with a captivating atmosphere (with careful attention to the calming gentleness of nature), charming songs (despite the yodeling :P), and lovable characters, I can't help but fall head-over-heels for Heidi of the Alps. Peter won me over right away as he plowed right through Dete and Heidi while herding his goats. I can't wait to see what will happen in the next installment. I've been wanting to see this for a long time, and finally someone is fansubbing it.

Heidi is still pretty popular today, with assorted merchandise such as candies, collectable plates, bottled water, even toilet paper. Thousands of Japanese flock to Switzerland each year because of the anime's influence. I'd say that's pretty awesome.

Nozomi Tsuji - apartment snapshots

Recently featured on a TV show (I don't know which one), we get to see some of the inside of Tsuji and her husband's apartment. Considering they are celebrities I thought it would be a little... bigger. I know that Japanese apartments/homes are generally close to walk-in closet sized (I exaggerate only a little) but with their money they could pay for more square feet. Or maybe this is super expensive as it is. I'll shut up now.



The kitchen. Not much to it. Lots of pink, I see.



The bathroom. Gee, I wonder who was in charge of decoration? I like Disney and Hello Kitty, but not THIS much.

Athena & Robikerottsu, Seishun! Love Lunch

Athena & Robikerottsu's second single and anime Robby & Kerobby's new theme song, "Seishun! Love Lunch." The song itself won't be available until next month, but the video is already online.

First off, I found this very cute. It's not a particularly excellent song (though it seems to grow on me the more I listen to it), but I've missed this style that Morning Musume never touches anymore D: They have the potential to be a good group, but they lack the personality to really pull it together. While Aika (the one with short hair and stars) and Risa (leader in pink) seem to be honestly having fun, the other two, Saki and Chisato, are either trying too hard, or are just smiling for the paycheck. I can't tell which. Maybe both.

If it doesn't load properly, try refreshing the page.

Kirarin Revolution, episode 16

(きらりん☆レボリューション) 2006

Kirari (voiced by Koharu Kusumi of Morning Musume!) is a middle schooler who LOVES her food. So much so that it's scary! While girls her age swoon over idols, Kirari swoons over her dad's cooking, and couldn't care less about the life of a celebrity. But when she saves the pet turtle of Seiji of pop group SHIPS and falls in love, she decides to become an idol herself so that they can be together (or so she hopes).

Kirari's single is doing well, and SOLAY brought in a record-breaking 35% viewership. But this still isn't enough - if she doesn't do as well as SHIPS, they can't call her their top new idol. And NOBODY came to her fan club meeting! Not even one person! It's all because of a certain person - or group, rather. Momosu (Morning Musume) is putting on a performance at the same time, so naturally everyone is there (even the store clerk where Kirari's special stage is set up leaves once he hears about it). Because Kirari had never cared about idols before becoming one, and thus doesn't know who they are, Miss Kumoi has to explain it to her. They take regular girls from auditions and transform them into super idols - this impresses Kirari greatly and she has to check things out. One particular brown-haired beauty catches her eye (or rather, the camera chooses to focus solely on her :P) before she's dragged back to her mediocre-in-comparison stage. She daydreams of dancing with the group.



One the way to school, a strange man is handing out flyers for an "exciting chance," which turns out to be an ad for Momosu auditions. The whole school is abuzz about it, and of course it doesn't miss Erina's eyes. She talks her friends into auditioning with her after claiming that her company treats her poorly and makes her clean (which we all know isn't true). Kirari goes along with Naa-san out of curiousity, finding a packed area full of starry-eyed, hopeful girls. When she finally moves past the line outside and gets into the main room, she meets up with a glasses doned Erina, who meanly whispers that if Kirari doesn't clear the audition, she'll never be top idol. Shortly after, a silent but noticable young woman enters the room, seemingly surveying the situation. Who could she be? She looks familiar to Kirari.

The first test is to pick straws. Because the guy in charge (who looks like a cow!) wasn't expecting such a turnout, he hadn't planned anything. Kirari and Erina both pass (Erina only because she faked crying, Kirari because the director knew who she was), so does Naa-san and the mystery girl. The second test is free style. Each person is to state their name and perform their specialty. Again, everyone we care anything about passes. Before the third test, SHIPS receives a phonecall from Miss Kumoi, claiming that Kirari never showed up for lessons. Seiji wonders if she went to the Momosu audition. They decide to check with the agency.



Finally, the third test is dancing in groups to a song. Kirari teams up with the brown-haired unknown, who we have now been told is named Hitomi. Though poor Kirari can't keep up with Hitomi's superior dance skills, once she starts to relax things get much better - everyone is impressed with their energetic performance. However, before the cow-faced director can announce the winners, SHIPS interrupts. The whole thing is a scam! Scared, the fakers try to run away, but Hitomi stops them, revealing her identity as the leader of Morning Musume, Hitomi Yoshizawa. It turns out to be a misunderstanding - this was for MooMoo Musume, a proposed idol group meant to drive up sales for a suffering store. Because of the circumstances, all is forgiven. Hitomi tells Kirari dancing with her was fun, and Kirari thanks her for teaching her important cooperation.

This definitely feels like a filler episode. Special guest is Hitomi Yoshizawa of Morning Musume, who I feel should've played a bigger part/spoken more (because I'm crazy like that) and I was a little disappointed that she wasn't as utilized as she could've been. It was OK, but it doesn't really contribute anything to the series or Kirari's progress. Obviously, there was a big plug for Morning Musume here, but it can't really be helped, seeing as Kirari's voice actress is a member :)

Oh, and by the way, Kirari. Is it OK to just jump agencies like that? I think it if was real, you would've been in BIG trouble for trying to break contract, or disqualified immediately because you were already "taken."

Cosmic Baton Girl Comet-san, episode 1

(コメットさん) 2001

12-year-old Princess Comet has no interest in her royal duties. She'd much rather play with little stars in the Haromonica Star-World system than fulfill anyone's expectations. On the evening of a ball meant to introduce Comet to the prince of Tamborine Star-World, he runs away, leaving a memory crystal behind. Of course, the strong-minded girl could care less - this just means the party is over and she can get out of that tight pink dress. But the Royal Council decides that it will be up to Comet to go find him, in order to ensure peace for the three Star-Worlds (Harmonica, Castanet, Tamborine) in the Triangle Nebula. If she captures his heart during the rescue, all the better for them.



The princess is less than enthused about searching for someone she doesn't even know until it's mentioned that she will be visiting Earth, the place her mother went to in her youth. She remembers hearing stories of adventure and romance, and so she can't get there fast enough! Her parents and advisor give her gifts - a special ball that lights up when a memory has been created in her heart, along with a necklace that can sense twinkles. The whereabouts of the prince, along with what he even looks like, aren't yet known - only that he can be identified by a twinkle in his eyes (how deliciously vague! You might as well say anyone with green eyes or freckles or something). An animal companion, here named Rababou, also goes along to help and keep her focused on the goal.



In this episode, Comet arrives on Earth, coming into contact with disaster almost immediately. After a rude awakening from a foreigner (yay stereotypes) and getting kicked out of her sleeping spot (she took a nap after landing on Earth, since it was still dark out) she is seperated from Rababou, and doesn't understand Earth customs (OK, Japanese customs) well enough to get around - that includes paying for food. At the end of her first day, she is greatly distressed and doesn't know what to do. Because it's raining, she can't even look at the stars to guide her. However, a young set of twins named Tsuyoshi and Nene, whom she met earlier, spot her sitting alone on a bench and approach the stranger with their mom. What will happen to poor, wet Comet?

Sorry, but I just didn't have the energy to write out the whole episode. Anyway, this is quite cute. The animation is colorful, crisp, and pretty, and I love "magical kingdom"-type shoujo, so this was right up my alley. Supposedly this is a sort-of anime version of a live action drama that aired in Japan in the 60s and 70s, featuring some of the original cast as voices for the new version. I have no idea of how to get ahold of this old stuff, sadly.

Additionally, the group that is fansubbing this has not released a new episode in about 2 years, about halfway through the series. So, I will probably take it slow with this, and maybe, JUST maybe, they'll have started again by the time I get to their ending point.

Pokemon shipping, what I know and support

Pokemon is pretty much the only fandom I partake in that creates names for pairings. Everything else will just do something like DannyxSam or simply DS when talking about it. At least, that I know of. While many are confusing unless you are "in the know" (would you ever know what somebody meant if they said they supported greenshipping or daddyshipping?) there are some I am familiar with. I may be missing a few terms (some pairings have several names... I know, confusing, right?).

Contestshipping (also known as シュウハル/shuuharu) - May/Drew - I have not watched the show on a regular basis since Orange Islands, so I know very little about them, frankly. A semi-popular pairing that many believe is practically canon, May and Drew are rivals in Pokemon Coordinating. I admit that I have read a few contestshipping fanfics out of curiousity, and find it cute. I could support this pairing if only to ward off May from EVER getting together with Ash XD For More Information: Drew & May rock!!!, Wikipedia

Danceshipping - Rudy/Misty - Ash and the gang meet Rudy after saving the life of his sister. Misty finds herself being wooed and flirted with by Rudy, and he asks her to stay with his family, but she declines. I don't support this pairing, and the only time I've seen this used is for fanfiction when Rudy is the abusive husband/boyfriend and Misty runs off to Ash for support. I don't know how popular it is, but it's likely obscure. I couldn't even find furthur information under this name, so maybe it's not the "official," recognized shipping name?

Eldershipping - Professor Oak/Delia - This one is pretty obscure, I think. I've only found one or two instances of fanfiction or support. I guess the idea of two "old people" being in love creeps people out? Hmm. Anyway, I'm just not feeling this one. It's OK if it happens (if it hasn't already behind the scenes) but I'm not about to make a banner singing praise, or code a website about it. For More Information: Wikipedia

Palletshipping (also known as ShiShi) - Ash/Gary - Ash and Gary grew up in the same town, and are training rivals. Not into this pairing, since I'm not into yaoi and I'm a strong Pokeshipping supporter. For More Information: Wikipedia

Pokeshipping (also known as サトカス/satokasu, twerpshipping, AAML) - Ash/Misty - The oldest and most popular pairing in Pokemon's history. Ash and Misty met each other very early in Ash's journey (I want to say the first day), and traveled together for a few seasons. Many believe that Misty developed a crush (or at least affection) for the boy during this time. 4KIDS, the North American dubbers of the show, even produced two or three songs exploring these feelings. This is my very favorite shipping, and I'll keep supporting it no matter what! For More Information: Wikipedia

Rocketshipping (also known as ムサコジ/musakoji, JAJL) - Jessie/James - Probably the second most popular pairing in Pokemon fandom. Jessie and James have known each other since they were kids, and have been through a lot together, both inside and outside of Team Rocket. They tend to hug a lot. Though made official in the manga series, it's yet to happen in the anime. For More Information: Wikipedia

JAPANESE FANSITES:

Get Happy - Poke-Contest-Rocketshipping
Miyabic Room - Pokeshipping
Pokemon-Search - Search engine for sites about certain pairings, characters, etc.

Koharu Kusumi, Kirarin☆Land

Just arrived in the mail today!

1. Happy ☆彡
2. Chance!
3. Olala
4. Himawari
5. Konnichi pa
6. very! berry! strawberry!
7. Hana wo Pu-n
8. Koi no Mahou wa Habibi no Bi!
9. Futari wa NS
10. Ramutara
11. Shiawase Clover



The back, came with a "fake" back with anime Kirari in a "festive" outfit.

I much prefer her second album to the first. While the first was more ballad-y, this has the catchyness and bounce that suits me better. Her voice still grates on my nerves, but I liked the songs enough to get it. I'd have to say my favorite tracks are "Happy," "Olala," "Himawari," and "Futari wa NS." If I had to pick a song that I hate the most, it would be "Hana wo Pu-n" - no matter how many times I listen, I just can't like it. It's supposed to be about flicking people on the nose, and the music video is weird in a disturbing way.

Could've been better with 2 or 3 more track songs, but overall, it's a satisfying buy. Will there be a 3? Well, since a new season of Kirarin Revolution is coming out, possibly.

Swing Girls

Released in 2004, Swing Girls is about a group of high school girls and their efforts to start a jazz band. But don't expect the usual Hollywood cliches - there are no parents opposing the idea, or trying to stop them. No villians out to beat them at competitions, or sabotage progress. There really isn't even romance. It's just learning to play music.

Tomoko and her friends are stuck at a summer school math class, when they are given the opportunity to deliver lunches to the school's brass band playing for a baseball game. But they get off at the wrong stop, laze around, and arrive very late. By then, the food has gone bad from the heat, making every member violently sick. Except for one guy - Takuo - and he was planning to quit prior to this incident. Now stuck and in need of replacements, he guilts the girls into learning to play instruments (he was the only one who knew it was their fault) until everyone, including the band's teacher, gets better. But they don't have enough people for a brass band, so Takuo decides on Big Band. In this short time, Tomoko, who is usually very flighty about her interests, never sticking with anything for very long, finds a passion for the saxophone. But before their first performance, the "real" music makers show up, and they never get to test their new-found skills. However, an idea has been planted, one that won't go away until it can grow. Why not branch out on their own?



What I think is really cool about this film, is the fact that the cast was actually learning to play the instruments along with the filming. They weren't pretending to go through the steps - they really were. So, you're actually moving with them as they evolve in their skills. The end result is quite impressive!

Now, I do have some nitpicks. Only some of the characters were semi-developed, given "types" (like loud-mouthed Tomoko and food-loving Naomi) or given ample camera time. There were subplots left hanging and it doesn't really have any closure to it. But I think it's still enjoyable, and nothing is shoved down your throat or completely boring. You see the girls struggle to afford their own instruments, gain exposure, etc. without any huge cement walls blocking them from truely reaching their goal - and in the end, do you need all that Hollywood drama anyway? They did it, they learned something about music and themselves, and that's what matters. Also, they did their own performances, too. No "dubbing" was involved. How is that not cool?

Did I mention the ending credits sequence is adorable? If nothing else, see that!

Official Site [In Japanese]
Trailer
Buy DVD Has English subtitles!

Kirarin Revolution, episode 15

(きらりん☆レボリューション) 2006

Kirari (voiced by Koharu Kusumi of Morning Musume!) is a middle schooler who LOVES her food. So much so that it's scary! While girls her age swoon over idols, Kirari swoons over her dad's cooking, and couldn't care less about the life of a celebrity. But when she saves the pet turtle of Seiji of pop group SHIPS and falls in love, she decides to become an idol herself so that they can be together (or so she hopes).

Competition in the world of idols can't be avoided. Heavy-hearted with this unexpected fight against what she thought was the right thing, Kirari swears she won't be one if things have to be this way. She runs off. Now the teen won't even eat - her family worries that she's sick, or has been mistreated. The SHIPS posters on the ceiling of her room only make things worse, to the point of crying. At just the right time, Kirari receives two text messages from her friends Sayaka and Miku. Both contain enthusiastic words of support. Naa-san and Naya set up a stage on the bed and put on a play based on what happened earlier. The end message, as Kirari interprets, is that this shouldn't be the one incident to ruin her future. She decides to talk to Hiroto and Seiji about her feelings the next day at school.



Hiroto doesn't want to have anything to do with the "despicable" girl, so when approached (well, she pops up from the bushes) he walks away. She begs them to listen. Hiroto, with his head turned, says he first thought of her as dumb, and because she became as famous as them so quickly, you'd think she would be happy about rivalry between them. Seiji calmly adds that you can't avoid this sort of thing in the real world. You might as well work it to your advantage (or "the lighter side" as the subtitles say). Hiroto tells Seiji that the idiot won't understand, and they leave.

After school, Miss Kumoi has Kirari get into their usual car, and though Kirari says she doesn't want her lessons, that is not the point of this visit. Instead, her manager shows her all of the people working hard to get her CD out and heard about (including Kabata, who hasn't left his studio, nor slept, in a week). They are all a part of the success of the single. They are a team, and Kirari is the heart of that team.



As Kirari is walking home, she sees a large screen on a building, and remembers that "Sonata of Love and Youth" was supposed to be broadcast that night. SHIPS is in a car with a TV on and watch the same thing. As the starting scene unfolds, Seiji says that both Hiroto and Kirari did a good job, so the young idol's career won't end here. Kirari, meanwhile, watches both the movie and the spectator's reactions. The pedestrians openly express how good and admirable the drama and coupling is. Kirari is moved that people like it so much. Though her acting debut was stressful and awkward, it looks to have been worth it. Instead of her homestead, Kirari makes a change of plans and goes to the company building. She announces that she will do her best again. Not for fighting, but for her fans and staff. The chairman cries with glee.

In the end, however, SHIPS wins anyway. No matter what happens, when all is said and done, everybody is still friends. Hiroto calls Kirari an idiot, only this time it's said with affection.

I actually felt bad for Kirari, everybody treating her like she's a selfish, horrible person simply because she didn't like all of the bickering. But, you know, you have to think of others when you simply want to drop something cold turkey - especially when you're a celebrity.

Risa Niigaki on Anime Lobby 1.6.2008

Risa Niigaki appears before and after the morning airing of the children's anime, Robby and Kerobby. She gives the voice to one of the characters - Athena, I think. The one with the pink hair.



The new opening - Athena and Robikerottsu's (Risa's new and temporary subgroup) latest single, Seishun LOVE Lunch (out February 13th) - is also shown animated in clay.



She talks about being an idol with the hosts. They also compete to see who creates the best sparkles when smiling, and camera poses (which the freaky lady fails miserably in). I couldn't understand much else.



You would have to pay me a LOT of money to get me to do that to my hair. Poor woman. And the makeup doesn't help. Seeing Risa in that plaid outfit makes me miss Mini Moni. I'd love it if this subgroup stayed and became a second generation of the infamous subgroup. With some adjustments, of course :)

WATCH HERE (this clip cuts off the Robby episode [which my file has], though, and quality is poor)

Kirarin Revolution, episode 14

(きらりん☆レボリューション) 2006

Kirari (voiced by Koharu Kusumi of Morning Musume!) is a middle schooler who LOVES her food. So much so that it's scary! While girls her age swoon over idols, Kirari swoons over her dad's cooking, and couldn't care less about the life of a celebrity. But when she saves the pet turtle of Seiji of pop group SHIPS and falls in love, she decides to become an idol herself so that they can be together (or so she hopes).

Here's something unexpected - there's an artist that now rivals SHIPS sales. Kirari! Takada Pianu announces on a TV show that he wants to see whose new single will sell better, and announce the "winner." SHIPS is singing the opening song for "Sonata of Love and Youth" and Kirari sings the ending, so the CDs will be released at the same time. Kuwada Higata, whom I believe is supposed to be the music producer for SHIPS, comes in to meet the person against them (I swear he's a long lost brother of that wolf guy from Master Mosquiton '99). Kirari's pink-donned music producer, Kabata, also comes in and they throw words at each other about who is better. Kirari looks upset at what's happening.



Being able to adequately sing isn't enough. Kabata believes she has to have something that SHIPS doesn't. Dancing! But it turns out that Kirari doesn't really have the skill to dance well (at least not yet) so he decides to help out. They work for a long while on moves, until it's nighttime and she's gotten a little better. After Kabata-san goes back to his studio to mix her song, she wanders the dark hallway, reflecting on how frustrating all of this is. She overhears SHIPS working on their own routine and decides to ask them to help. But before she can say anything, Miss Kumoi (her manager) touches her shoulder and says that SHIPS has been working since noon, tirelessly, to beat her. Kirari realizes that she can't bother them with her own problems, and to work hard by herself.

And work she does! SHIPS is finishing up several hours later and hear her, stumbling about in a half-asleep, dancing stupor. So tired, she passes out - luckily Naa-san got a cot of some sort to her side before she collapsed. SHIPS smiles. When she wakes up hours later she finds a letter of encouragement from them, most likely written by Seiji.



Both sides believe that victory is practically theirs. Even the businessmen they talk to at NATUMUSIC (the people who will promote it) get caught up in the war. During a press conference, the press provoke it by asking Kirari how she plans to defeat SHIPS. Finally, the torn Kirari has had it. She announces to everyone at her company's office that she refuses to compete with her friends. Thinking that they will agree, instead they get angry. Hiroto calls her despicable - she doesn't understand anything! Don't. be. an. idol.

Ouch :x Despicable is a bit much, Hiroto. She hasn't been on the idol scene for very long, she has to learn how things are really done/how she's supposed to behave. Give her a break! Anyway, it's an OK episode.

Ranma 1/2, volume 20

Ranma is back for his 20th round of adventures.

-The conclusion of the martial arts cheerleading story. Ranma is terrified that the person (s)he was rooting for, was actually Akane. And the other students won't stop mentioning a certain 3 letter phrase that (s)he said, without realizing it was her. Mariko is just as determined as ever to win.
-On the anniversary of Akane's mother's death, a mysterious letter reaches the Tendo household. It throws Genma into a terrified fit. Who is "Nodoka"? Then, a horrible secret that Genma has kept since Ranma was in diapers comes out into the open. If they hope to live, Ranma can never meet his mom. What's this about a vow?
-After Shampoo helps herself to her grandmother's Amazon Tribe jewelry collection, there is a noticable change in her behavior. Usually all over Ranma and begging for a date, she won't have anything to do with him. Baffled, Ranma tries to win her back, but nobody (save for the grandmother) knows a certain green brooch is responsible, and the sharp old woman is going to use it to her advantage.
-Happosai is cursed by the ghost of a headmistress who can't go to heaven until somebody steals her undies. But these are something even the old pervert doesn't want.

Kirarin Revolution, 3rd season greenlit

ANIME NEWS NETWORK

The official website of Shogakukan's Ciao shōjo manga magazine has announced that the Kirarin Revolution television anime series will begin its third year in the spring. The story centers on Kirari, a teenaged girl who aspires to be a singing idol after being inspired by different members of a boy idol group. It premiered in April of 2006.

This anime adaptation of An Nakahara's Kirarin Revolution manga and the Precure anime franchise are among the few long-running shōjo anime series on Japanese television today. (The fifth Precure television series was confirmed in November.) Viz Media has been promoting the Kirarin Revolution anime as a licensing property under the title Kirari, but the North American company has yet to announce any release plans.

I have not heard from anywhere about Viz announcing it, so until it's official I will continue to go through the fansubs. This might explain why the subbing group has suddenly amped up their release pattern to at least one episode every 2 or 3 days. Yowser.