I found myself humming happily to it last night, its upbeat melody provided such a positive and uplifting atmosphere. The composition consist of light acoustics along with the meaningful lyrics, it certainly makes this a cute and fluffy song.

The anime itself was delightful to watch, had finished it within two days. The series revolves around a six year-old child taken by a thirty year-old bachelor due to complicated circumstances. As the single parenthood story progressed, it illustrated their daily interactions, how their relationship develops and coping with complex issues. It’s truly a heartwarming little tale and highly recommended to any Josei and/or slice-of-life fans

So here is my favorite of the week (thinking of posting something like this every week now, we’ll see ):

Sweet Drops
Lyrics/Composition: Suzuki Shouko
Arrangement: Chiba Yuusuke
Vocal: PUFFY

Ashita no koto wa wakannai.
Kore tte gisei to wa chigau. Nani ka ga chigau.
Batsu GEEMU jan, Nante omowanai.

I don’t know what’s gonna happen tomorrow.
This is different than a sacrifice. Something’s different.
I don’t wanna think of it as a punishment game.

De, Nande na no ka wakannai.
Chotto shakuzen to shinai kedo, Kimi no sonzai,
Ima daiji da, Nante mon ja nai.

And, I don’t know why.
I don’t quite get it but, Your existence,
Is more than just important right now.

Sabaku de mayotteru yo na mainichi wa tsurai.
Namida wa yowai n ja, Nai no, Ai no SWEET DROPS.

It’s painful spending everyday like I’m wandering the desert.
I don’t tear up because I’m weak, They’re SWEET DROPS of Love.

Onna no ko tte yowai ne.
Dakedo tokidoki tsuyoi ne.
Kimi ga ite kurete, HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!
Sonna hibi mo HAPPY.

Girls are weak, you know.
But sometimes they can be strong, you know.
When you’re here with me, I’m HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!
Such days will be so HAPPY.

De, Nande na no ka wakannai.
Otona datte gyutto dakaretai, Fureraretai.
Ikutsu ni natta tte kawannai.

And, I don’t know why.
Even as an adult I want you to hug me tightly, I want you to touch me.
It won’t change no matter how old I get.

Owaranai koto nante kono yo no doko ni mo nai.
Naku no wa tsurai n ja, Nai no, Ai no SWEET DROPS.

There is nothing anywhere in this world which won’t come to an end.
I don’t cry because I’m hurt, They’re SWEET DROPS of Love.

Otoko no ko tte tsuyoi ne.
Dakedo tokidoki yowai ne.
Kimi ga ite kurete HAPPY.

Boys are strong, you know.
But sometimes they can be weak, you know.
When you’re here with me, I’m HAPPY.

Zutto yume mite itai ne.
Motto yasashiku shitai ne.
Kimi to iraretara, HAPPY.

I wanna keep dreaming forever, you know.
I wanna be kinder, you know.
If I can be with you, I’ll be HAPPY.

Onna no ko tte tsuyoi ne.
Dakedo tokidoki yowai ne.
Bokura no negai wa, HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!

Girls are strong, you know.
But sometimes they can be weak, you know.
Our wish is, HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!

Sonna hibi mo HAPPY.
Sore de itsu mo HAPPY.

Such days will be so HAPPY.
So we’ll always be HAPPY.

JUST WANNA MAKE YOU HAPPY☆.
JUST WANNA MAKE YOU HAPPY☆.

JUST WANNA MAKE YOU HAPPY☆.
JUST WANNA MAKE YOU HAPPY☆.

Lyric credits: honya-chn.com

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The SMAP pop group member Takuya Kimura and anime song performer Hiroshi Kitadani will sing the One Piece anime’s first opening theme song “We Are!” on the SMAP x SMAP variety show.

Kimura and Kitadani’s duet will appear on the “anime song special corner” segment of the program on November 28 at 10:00 P.M. in Japan. Kitadani performed “We Are!” for the adventure television anime as well as the series’ current “We Go!” opening song.

Anime composer Kouhei Tanaka (One Piece fims, Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan, Rosario + Vampire) reported the news on his blog on Tuesday.

From ANN

Kyaa~~ This one hella of a collaboration, I really cannot wait to see the performance!

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Miki-sama - miki-ha.com

Miki-sama was first introduced to me N-years ago while watching the anime, Bleach. I was quite a noob back then, just begin my skeptical anime/manga journey (an idiot I was LOL). Japanese was still foreign like salmon ice cream (never tried and don’t intend too ), and my interest in seiyūs didn’t spark until a certain character appeared.

He was Urahara Kisuke, you know that sandal-hat shop owner with mysterious, leery intentions. LOL His sarcastic and carefree attitude was something that caught my attention. He once said, I am a mere honest, handsome, perverted businessman. LOL My adoration level went way up afterwards (love how he had expressed it) and he become a favorite since. To be honest, I do not know my exact reasons to why his seiyū was searched, but the name “Miki Shinichiro” was noted.

Urahara - zerochan.net

My true obsession with Miki-sama began about a year ago after encountering stunning drawings of Hijikata Toshizo by Kazuki Yone. She is the artist for otome game, Hakuouki ~ Shinsengumi Kitan. Her work is beautiful and delicate — gorgeous figures and stunning landscape – this is one reason to love this title. The game has been also transcribed/adapted into anime and manga.

I was equally pleased that Hijikata or Toshi was voiced by my beloved, I had seen a few of his works by that time. Though, this character has been portrayed countless times, Miki-sama would be the best. His voice is perfect for the oni fukucho or vice-commander (nickname given by his subordinates due to his extreme strict ways, sticking to the code), expressing his emotions flawlessly and bring the character to life. He can sound ruthless and merciless, but yet still remain irresistibly smexy and tender. Kyaa~~~

My reasons to why Toshi is fancied …I admire his devotion to the Shinsengumi (a special police force for the shogun during the Edo period), his renowned skills as a swordsman, and his love for haiku (though his composition for one is a whole different story LOL). Also, his caring and sweet attitude toward Yukimura Chizuru, his love interest and main lady of the game, making him adorable at times.

BTW, Hijikata-san is a real-life historical figure from the Edo period, please go here for more details. Yeah, you probably noticed that I’m a huge history fan, love when any type of work incorporates bits and pieces from factual events/people. Who can resist sexy men with swords and guns?!

Hijikata (Kazuki Yone) - zerochan.net

Okay, sorry for rambling, here is my explanation to why Miki-sama is idolized….

His compassion and dedication toward each and every role that he had portrayed are something to admire. With over 230+ voice credits, one can truly see that his devotion to the industry is not micro. No matter how significantly large or small the character is required for the story or production, 110% is outputted. Each are animated and awaken with his wonderful and gifted vocal talents. From sexy to funny to cool, he is able to excel in any role.

Miki-sama appears to be humble and down-to-earth despite his popularity and seniority in the industry, this is from the clips scattered through the web. I also find him quite charming, funny, and cute. Yes, a 40+ man can be classified as this (look at Ohno who’s 30). This is when he becomes embarrassed or pouts that he’s too old , this is evident at stage events or conferences when required to recite intimate lines live. My god, I would melt if he said those words to me, listening to him all day would be a dream. Miki-sama is quite kakkoii, ne?!

Miki-sama - screencap from Hakuouki live event

Oh…how can I forgot that he is a singer as well. To be honest, my affection is not 100% for his songs, but a few are enjoyed. As like his voice roles, Miki-sama’s musical talents are beautifully displayed with soothing and emotional attributes. Some of my favorites include

_{(click on links to listen to song, a new window will open)}
-Gyakufuu No Toki Ni Hitori
-Daitan Karen
-Deep Forest
-Tsuioku no Mori ni Sasagu
-One Night Cruising
-Love Butterfly
-Owaranai yume no naka de (The seiyuu cast and him composed/wrote/sang this. What is there that he cannot do?!).
-Towa no Rasen
-Believe in Heaven
-或るしもべの華麗なる愉悦
-Harukanaru Toki wo Koete (lyrics only)

Lastly, here are some of his roles that have fallen onto my A+ list (incomplete, there are still much to be seen):

*ultimate beloved

-Allen Schezar from Escaflowne
-Kusaka Touma from Fuyu no Semi
-Katou Youji from Haru wo Daiteita*
-Minamoto no Yorihisa from Harukanaru Toki no Naka de: Maihitoyo*
-Arikawa Masaomi from Harukanaru Toki ni Naka de 3
-Toudou Yukifumi from Kaikan Phrase
-Lockon Stratos/Neil Dylandy from Mobile Suit Gundam 00*
-Kyuuzo from Samurai 7
-Reiott Steinberg from Strait Jacket*
-Tsuzuki Asato from Yami no Matsuei
-Mihara Shiki from Tokimeki Memorial Girl’s Side (video game)*

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I had spent a good portion of the weekend watching Macross Frontier and instantly fell in love with the anime. I absolutely adore its characters, complex storyline and the new concept of using music will save the world. Well, the aspect of fighting a war using music is not far-fetch as it seems if you are familiar with the franchisee, which has been in the making for 25+ years now. This is certainly something different and unique compared to other mecha series that I have seen, they would include Gundam 00, Escaflowne, Code Geass, etc. For my full list, go to MyAnimeList. I can say that every minute spent on Macross Frontier was worth it, this is one amazing and cool anime not to miss.

Of the two opening themes, LION become an immediate favorite, which the vocals are performed by the two main leading ladies, Sheryl Nome and Ranka Lee. Their singing voices are by May’n and Megumi Nakajima, respectively. The song is attention grabbing after the first taste, making you press the repeat button on your WMP or mp2 player. The composition is elegantly written with an introduction of electric guitars and continues throughout the song. There is strong sense of “I want to survive,” as noted in the lyrics, is presented and suits the theme of the anime perfectly, both on the battlefield of war and love. Along with the powerful and beautiful vocals of May’n and Nakajima-san, this one truly enjoyable song.

So without much ado, here is LION along with is Romaji and English lyrics:

LION
Lyrics: Gabriela Robin
Music: Kanno Yoko
Vocals: May’n amd Megumi Nakajima as Sheryl Nome and Ranka Lee
2nd Opening Theme from anime, Macross Frontier

hoshi wo mawase sekai no mannaka de
kushami sureba dokoka no mori de chou ga ranbu
kimi ga mamoru doa no kagi detarame
hazukashii monogatari
nameatte mo raion wa tsuyoi

Turn the stars at the centre of the world.
If you sneeze, a butterfly in a forest somewhere will dance.
The door you guard has a useless key.
It’s an embarrassing story.
Though they often lick one another, lions are strong.

ikinokoritai
ikinokoritai
mada ikiteitaku naru
seiza no michibiki de ima, mitsumeatta

I want to survive.
I want to survive.
I still can’t stop wanting to live.
Guided by the constellations, our eyes met.

ikinokoritai
tohou ni kurete
kirari kareteyuku
honki no karada misetsukeru made
watashi nemuranai

I want to survive.
I am at a loss,
Gently withering away.
But until I show you my true self,
I will not sleep.

kaze wa yagate higashi e mukau darou
koukiatsu kono hoshi no hyouga wo osou
sasoi mizu wo nonda mune ga tsurai
toomaki na monogatari
kajiriau hone no oku made

Will the winds blow east one day?
High atmospheric pressure attacks this planet’s frozen rivers.
My chest hurts from the sip of alluring water I took.
It’s a story seen from a distance.
Gnaw at each other till the bones.

ikinokoritai
ikinokoritai
mada ikiteitaku naru
seiza no michibiki de ima, mitsumeatta

I want to survive.
I want to survive.
I still can’t stop wanting to live.
Guided by the constellations, our eyes met.

ikinokoritai
tohou ni kurete
kirari kareteyuku
honki no karada misetsukeru made
watashi nemuranai

I want to survive.
I am at a loss,
Gently withering away.
But until I show you my true self,
I will not sleep.

nani shini umareta no
nani shini koko ni iru

What were we born to do?
What are we here to do?

ikinokoritai
umaranai hizu
hikari osoreteta
yurusaretai inochi ga ima, hikareatta

I want to survive.
This permanent scar.
I used to fear the light.
The lives seeking redemption were drawn to one another.

samayoi hatete
kimi no tonari de hoterishizumetai
honki no karada misetsukeru made
watashi nemuranai

I want to stop prowling,
And settle down next to you bashfully.
Until I show you my true self,
I will not sleep.

ikinokoritai
gakebbuchi de ii
kimi wo aishiteru
mezametai inochi ga ima, hikareatta

I want to survive.
Even as a nobody.
I love you.
The lives waiting for awakening were drawn to one another.

kyouki ni kaete
inori sasagu yo
kimi wo aishiteru
seiza no michibiki de…

In place of my wildness,
I shall offer a prayer.
I love you.
Constellations, please guide me…

ikinokoritai
mada ikitetai
kimi wo aishiteru
honki no kokoro misetsukeru made
watashi nemuranai

I want to survive.
I still want to live.
I love you.
Until I show you my true feelings,
I will not sleep.

Lyrics from darkmirage.com

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I did get a chance to catch up in the Arashi world and the wonderful charity works that JE is doing via Marching J. Fans are quite impressive when it comes to aiding ne, did you see the massive crowds lined up in the new clips?! BTW I really like Ohno’s new haircut, short and refreshing. Though I’m getting tired of Jun-kun’s, it really needs to be grown out.

After a year of delay, I was able to finally sit down and view Code Geass. I have never been a fan of the mecha genre and had only watched a few episodes of Gundam Wing/Seed, the sense of intrigue did not hit me until now. I truly enjoyed every single minute of it.

With Code Geass’ smart script, interesting plot, fast-paced story and fabulous characters, it was love at first sight. The series is not completely flawless as the 2nd season did not demonstrated the 1st’s greatness. Lelouch’s hatred/revengance was based on the events evolving his parents, Charles and Marianne, however, as the facts unfold, the truth was illustrated in a very disappointing manner. I went huh?, it felt so anticlimax and unsatisfying. It is possible that the story-writers ran out of ideas or my expectation meter was too high. Rambling or a 12 page review will not be written here, this is just to point a weak spot and why it deserves a 9 out of 10 in my book.

The ending was quite fitting for world peace to become reality. I know that everyone has their own theories, but I truly believe that Lelouch is alive and was driving that wagon at the end of R2 – episode 25. He was able to obtain the Code somehow through his father and with his Geass resulted in immortality. Thus, the title Code Geass…and lived happily ever after with C.C.

Without a doubt, this anime has been placed on my top 10…oh, if you’re wondering, One Piece remains unrivaled at number #1.

I had also been editing or playing around to be exact with the layouts to my fanlisting sites, I am no professional btw. Just adding/removing a few things here and there to improve my HTML/PHP skills, just finished the following:

You’re welcome to provide your opinions on my creations, good or bad, I’m all ears.

I know that my WordPress layout has been lacking, will need to work on that when I feel like it. For now, I’m going with the Lelouch/C.C. header…might change when Nino’s birthday comes around.

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Happy Mid-Autumn Festival btw!

1. List your top 8 anime/mangas

a. One Piece
b. Gokusen
c. Ouran HS Host Club
d. Slam Dunk
e. Bleach
f. Peace Maker Kurogane
g. Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge
h. Nodame Cantabile

2. List your top 8 anime/manga characters

a. Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece
b. Hatake Kakashi from Naruto
c. Sawade Shin from Gokusen
d. Sanji from One Piece
e. Urahara Kisuke from Bleach
f. Yamaguchi Kumiko from Gokusen
g. Hijikata Toshizo from Hakuouki Shinsengumi Kitan
h. Nakahara Sunako from Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge

3. List your top 8 anime/manga pairings

a. Shin x Kumiko from Gokusen
b. Ichigo x Rukia from Bleach
c. Toshizo x Chizuru from Hakuouki Shinsengumi Kitan
d. Chiaki x Nodame from Nodame Cantabile
e. Sanji x Nami from One Piece
f. Sunako x Kyohei from Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge
g. Tamaki x Haruhi from Ouran High Host Club
h. Momo x Sumire from Kimi wo Petto

4. List your top 8 characters from your first favorite anime/manga

a. Monkey D. Luffy
b. Sanji
c. Roronoa Zoro
d. Nico Robin
e. Usopp
f. Emporio Ivankov
g. Mr. 2 Bon Clay
h. Monkey D. Garp

5. List your top 8 characters from your second favorite anime/manga

a. Sawada Shin
b. Yamaguchi Kumiko
c. Sawatari Goro
d. Oshima Kyotaro
e. Fujiyama Shizuka
f. Noda Takeshi
g. Kumai Teruo
h. Tatsukawa Minoru

6. List your top 8 most favorite anime opening

a. Kokoro no Chizu by BOYSTYLE – One Piece
b. Brand New World by D-5 – One Piece
c. Northern Lights by Hayashibara Megumi – Shaman King
d. Kimi ga Suki da to Sakebitai by BAAD – Slam Dunk
e. Hajimari No Kaze by Hirahara Ayaka – Saiunkoku Monogatari
f. Geki! Teikoku Kageki-dan by Yokoyama Chisa – Sakura Wars
g. Izayoi Namida by Yoshioka Aika -Hakuouki Shinsengumi Kitan
h. Cruel Angel’s Thesis by Takahashi Yoko – Neon Genesis Evangelion

7. List your top 8 most favorite anime ending

a. Anata Dake Mitsumeteru by Oguro Maki – Slam Dunk
b. My Pace by Sunset Swish – Bleach
c. Sekai Ga Owaru Made Wa by WANDS – Slam Dunk
d. Mezamero Yasei by MATCHY with Question – Naruto Shippuuden
e. Every Year Every Age by Hitoto Yo – Aishiteruze Baby
f. Kimi no Kioku by mao – Hakuouki Shinsengumi Kitan
h. Michi By Aluto – Naruto Shippuuden

8. List you top 8 most recommended anime/manga for your parents to read or watch

a. One Piece
b. Slam Dunk
c. Death Note
d. Nodame Cantabile
e. Gokusen
f. Ouran HS Host Club
g. Bleach
h. Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuiokuhen

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Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogMAixtUwsc

Looks like this is going to nicely wrap-up the anime series since it had left a huge cliffhanger and have been dying to find out what happens. Production IG has been impressive so far, I’m sure this will end wonderfully.

EDEN OF THE EAST official website: Juiz.jp

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I’m extremely excited, this would be the most anticipated moment in Naruto anime! I wonder who the seiyū for Yondaime would be, cannot wait for the scenes with Rin and Obito.

I have to admit that Kakashi is the my favorite character in series. What is there not to love about him! I adore his mysterious aura, laid-back yet serious attitude, and openness of his addiction to イチャイチャ, Icha Icha – a series of erotic novels.

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Bokura ga ita
Genres: comedy, drama, romance, slice of life

Summary:

The start of high school life. To the girls, that also meant the start of their love lives. For brand new first year student, Takahashi Nanami (Nana for short), it was no different… She happens to end up in the same class as the incredibly popular Yano Motoharu, who rumors say that two thirds of all the girls are guaranteed to fall in love with. But will that hold true for Nana, who says that if she had to choose between like or dislike, she’d say she dislikes him!?
Source: Hanashi

Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsEV-yDQNfQ

Higashi no Eden
Genres: action, mystery, romance

Summary:

On November 22, 2010 ten missiles strike against uninhabited areas of Japan, claiming no victims. This apparent terrorist act is referred to as “Careless Monday” and disregarded by most people. The series begins three months later, with a young Japanese woman named Saki Morimi visiting Washington D.C. as part of her graduation trip. When she gets into trouble, a mysterious Japanese man, who introduces himself as Akira Takizawa, helps her through it. The man appears to have no memory and is completely naked, carrying only a gun and a cell phone charged with 8.2 billion yen in digital money.[1] The cell phone has the phrase, noblesse oblige (“nobility obligates” or “noble’s obligation” in English), printed on it. While they are coming back to Japan, they learn that a new missile attack has taken place in their country.
Source: Wikipedia

Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q4cc46wym4

Ristorante Paradiso
Genre: Slice of Life

Summary:

Nicoletta is a young woman who decides to go to Rome to see her mother who left her when she was a child. she plans to tell her mother`s lover(a resurant owner who will not marry a divorced woman)that her mother was once married. Nicoletta latter struggles to understand her feeling for Claudio(an older man) who works at the restaurant.
Source: ANN

Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9_J6M9SRv8

Fruits Basket
Genres: comedy, drama, romance, supernatural

Summary:

Tohru Honda is 16 year old orphaned girl who gets invited to live in the house of her classmate, the handsome boy Sohma Yuki, and his cousins, 16 year old Kyo and 27 year old Shigure. However, these young men and parts of the rest of their family (both close and distant) hold a curse; if they are hugged by the opposite gender, they transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Everyday is an adventure for sweet Tohru, as she gets to know everyone in the large family better (especially Yuki and Kyo), in both common and bizarre situations. But, the Sohma Family curse is certainly no laughing matter… it also holds horrible cruelty and heartbreak.
Source: ANN

Opening:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DLaWPs3jzk

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