Favorites: Who do you idolize and why?

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 :green: ), 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 a 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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Lion by May’n and Megumi Nakajima

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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Happy May, minna-san!

Don’t worry I haven’t neglected this blog, just been too busy and a bit lazy…really didn’t have the urge to post an updates. I’m sure all of us get that once in a while.

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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