Lost in a Reverie » Favorites

Favorites: Male Seiyuus

Fiona — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:05:32 +0000

As an avid fan of anime, I’ve grown to love the work of specific seiyuus or Japanese voice actors over the years. With vivid dialogue, dynamic speeches and colorful sounds, two dimensional, dormant individuals are transformed into life. I absolutely adore them and it’s amazing how they are able to portray each character so uniquely. Here is my list of top 5, in order of favoritism:

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Favorites: Who do you idolize and why?

Fiona — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:32:14 +0000

I came across this question when chatting with a friend a few days ago and haven’t give much thought until. For those who have been following me via this blog would have guessed someone from a particular boy-band. Well, my answer certainly does not have any connection to JE and obviously surprised my friend (you may as well), though I still love Arashi to bits. The person that I currently idolize is Japanese seiyū, Miki Shinichiro (三木眞一郎), the voice prince. XO

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. XO 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?! XO

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. XO 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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Eight is the number

Fiona — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 03:03:25 +0000

I came across this little survey a few days ago, notice the unusual number that it uses. Normally, it would inquiry that your top 5 or 10 to be listed, however, this one has your lucky number 8. In Chinese culture, this integer means prosper or wealth as it sounds very similar to the actual words. ^^ You are free to comment with your answers and luck shall come to your way (according to site).

1. List your top 8 anime/mangas

a. One Piece
b. Gokusen
c. Ouran HS Host Club
d. Slam Dunk
e. Gundam 00
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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My ultimate favorite Jdrama

Fiona — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 22:05:53 +0000

What is my most favorite dorama? Thanks jicks for leaving me this to ponder on. This was such a good question! Though, it might be a simple one, it is difficult to answer. For me, there are simply too many on my must-see list.

Alright, after brainstorming for some time, the choices were narrowed down to two. Gomen, just was not able pick one or the other. Drumming roll please…LOL…Nodame Cantabile and Gokusen (season one). This is only for Jdorama, I’ll save my Chinese favorites for another day.

I’ve always been hesitate to watch live-action manga counterparts as they tend to be lackluster and ridiculous, however, Nodame had taught me otherwise. The series was brilliant adapted and can be considered portrayed even better than its already-excellent anime counterparts. I adore the story, love the classical music and was charmed by the well-developed characters. It was a pleasure watching how their struggles intertwine with their relationships and lives. Also, the chemistry between the hentai pianist and the talented musician/conductor was astounding. It was fascinating on how the story was illustrated their never-ending passion for music and of course, their love for one another. Flying sparks can be sense whenever Nodame/Chiaki are together. They felt and looked so natural as a pair, as well as, compliment each other’s weaknesses. Maybe it was just me, but I am positive that Tamaki-kun would steal glances at Juri-chan (evident during the making of clips) as I had always hoped that they were a couple in real life. He seems so blissfully and utterly handsome at those times. Gyabooo!

As for Gokusen, it was certainly not love at first sight. (Please note, this is strictly for season one, I haven’t been too fond of additional ones.) When a friend of mine had recommended this, my initial thoughts were yet another school drama and a GTO rip-off. I had no idea why there was so much hype about it. Though, the first viewing had left a good impression since it fun and entertaining, but my level of fascination did not reach its height. In addition, I had found Sawada Shin’s (portrayed by MatsuJun) mean-tempered troublemaker attitude displeasing. Okay sue me, I was naive and was clueless of who and what JE was.

I believe it was a few months later and for some unknown reason, I had wanted give the series another try. ….and no it wasn’t for Jun-kun, my interest in him hadn’t sparked yet. (Though, I was pretty obsessed with Chikai-sempai at that time. ) Well, I now had cursed myself for letting this gem slip. The humor in the series was certainly cute (overbearing nor exhausted); the situations were fresh, and the characters were charming. Overall, it was quite entertaining and the cast had brilliantly performed each of their roles. Somehow, I had found Shin to be simply kakkoii and very mature this time around. You always get a good laugh, especially when watching the interactions between him and Yankumi. Can you feel their attraction toward each other? I’ve been a Shinkumi shipper even since! It was such a disappointment on how the Gokusen franchise (TV series and movie) had left off with no reflection of topic. I’ve been relaying on the manga and fanfics to fill the void. Let’s all pray for a Shinkumi reunion soon?!

So what is your favorite Jdrama?

_{If you’re wondering about the other nine dramas that made it to my top ten, they are as follows (in order particular order):}

-HERO
-Haikei, Chichiue-sama
-Tatta Hitotsu no Koi
-Pride
-Kekkon Dekinai Otoko
-Unfair
-JIN
-Dragonzakura
-Bloody Monday 1

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Favorites: Male Actors

Fiona — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:16:38 +0000

I was having dinner with a very good friend of mine on Saturday. Since her move to New York, I rarely have a chance to talk to her and there was much catching up to do. We started chitchatting away and somehow ended discussing about our favorite male actors. I was rambling about how disappointed I was with the Hong Kong and China entertainment industry, producing such unappealing, uninteresting and repetitive TV series and movies. She had agreed and we chatted about which artist were still charming. That is when we begin our analysis of actors.

I guess my taste of actors have changed a bit, mainly due to my recent addiction to Jdrama. However, regardless of ethnicity, the acting guidelines remains the same. For me, a good actor must is able to:

- genuinely portrays the role, he is the character and breaths life into his character.
- natural ability to delivery his lines seamlessly and uncontrivedly.
- imagination to create the environment for his character.
- ability to play a range of characters convincingly.

Here is my list of favorite actors, as well as, role and series that had sparked my interest:

Chinese

Hong Kong
Damian Lau (劉松仁) ~ 天養 – 碧海情天
Stephen Chow (周星馳) ~ 段飛 – 蓋世豪俠
Francis Ng (吳鎮宇) ~ 唐亦琛 – 衝上雲霄
Nick Cheung (張家輝) ~ 余忠正 – 騙中傳奇

Mainland China
Jason Wu Jing (吳京) ~ 楊凡 – 大人物
Xu Zheng (徐崢) ~ 李衛 – 李衛當官
Zhang Guo Li (張國立) ~ 梵如花 – 布衣知縣梵如花
Chen Dao Ming (陳道明) ~ 八王爺 – 寇老西兒

Taiwan, Singapore
Lin Rui Yang (林瑞陽) ~ 江文清 – 表妹吉祥
Lei Li Chun (李立群) ~ 余九斤 – 碧海情天
Christopher Lee (李銘順) ~ Henry – 星锁

Japanese
Hiroshi Tamaki (玉木宏) ~ Chiaki Shinichi – Nodame Cantabile
Matsumoto Jun (松本潤) ~ Sawada Shin – Gokusen
Ninomiya Kazunari (二宮和也) ~ Yamada Taro – Yamada Taro Monogatari
Ohno Satoshi (大野智) ~ Haru – Pika**nchi Life is Hard Dakara Happy
Miura Haruma(三浦春馬) ~ Takagi Fujimaru – Bloody Monday
Fujiki Naohito (藤木直人) ~ Azumi Shunsuke – Itoshi Kimi e
Abe Hiroshi (阿部寛) ~ Kuwano Shinsuke – Kekkon Dekinai Otoko
Kimura Takuya (木村拓哉) ~ Kuriyu Kouhei – HERO
Kamenashi Kazuya (亀梨和也) ~ Ishida Yuya – Suppli
Sasaki Kuranosuke (佐々木蔵之) ~ Fukuhara Shigehisa – Shikaotoko Aoniyoshi
Yokoyama Yu (横山裕) ~ Nakagawa Tokio – Haikei, Chichiue-sama
Osawa Takao (大沢たかお) ~ Minakata Jin – JIN
Masaaki Uchino (内野聖陽) ~ Sakamoto Ryoma, JIN
Watabe Atsuro (渡部篤郎) ~ Mayama Tooru , Keizoku

American
Bruce Willis ~ John McClane – Die Hard 2
Johnny Depp ~ Jack Sparrow – Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow
Jack Nicholson ~ J.J. Gittes – Chinatown
Jimmy Carrey ~ Ace Ventura – Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

British
Patrick Stewart ~ Captain Jean Luc Picard – Star Trek: The Next Generation
Hugh Laurie ~ Dr. Gregory House – House M.D
Kelsey Grammer ~ Dr. Frasier Crane – Frasier

Italian
Roberto Benigni ~ Guido Orefice – La vita è bella

Whoa..that’s a long list, that’s only off the top of my head. There are a few more, but I am only including my favorites among the favorites. My fave actresses will come at a later date.

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Lovely collection of Leung Kit Wah’s paintings

Fiona — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:53:20 +0000

A friend of mine was doing some research of 梁潔華 (Annie Wong-Leung Kit Wah)and since I am a huge fan of ancient China (especially Tang Dynasty), he decided to shared his findings with me. I was amazed by the lovely paintings, which were created by their modern, renowned artist. Her artwork had quickly became a favorite of mine.

Dr. Wong-Leung is a Hong Kong native and committed to promoting Chinese culture, arts and education throughout the world. For the past few years, she has visited mainland China, the United States, Europe, Germany, Switzerland, France and Italy, Australia and Canada, exchanging of Chinese and Western culture and education.

Her paintings consist of fine brushwork, soft color palette and beautiful calligraphy; mostly illustrating historical and religious (Buddhist and Taoist) female figures. Definitely something not to miss if you are interested in ancient Chinese culture.

Of all modern painting illustrating historical figures, I would have to say that 梁潔華’s are the most beautiful and elegant.
Only portion is shown below, please click on image for full view.

Images copyright of 梁潔華, courtesy of bbs.tecn.cn & 中國禪林畫院秘書處監製

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