Kimi ni Todoke - Reaching You in anime version!

The first episode is just freshly out last week, together with a bunch of other animes for this new season starting. Personally, I've seen the trailer for Kimi ni Todoke just a few weeks before the actual episode release, but I don't feel much about it then because I did not expect Sawako to have such a high girly pitch from voice cast.

Sawako appearing first in Kimi ni Todoke episode 01

When I get to see the first episode, it really took my breath a way for a second. The overall feel is very matching with the series, the background visuals are very nicely done in watercolor styles and the colors are really exquisite, as you can see below:

Besides those beautiful background, the characters aren't being left neglected either, with lighter shadow contrasts and pastel-color palettes, the characters blends with the scenes very nicely, resulting some very great shots:

The storyline of Kimi ni Todoke, personally, I considered it the main attractiveness for this series. Probably, the anime will not be able to catch up with the books right now, but with delicious visual toppings and yummy contents, it's definitely a good watch for this season!

If you're interested in the books, go check out my previous post of Kimi ni Todoke manga series here.

Flat by Aogiri Natsu - Irresistably Cute!

It's been a while since my very last post (4 months ago >.<). These 4 months are quite packed with events, and eventhough I had the time, I lacked energy and passion to blog about anything else. It's just recently, I was encouraged by my colleague to start posting again, so here I am to present my newest manga interest:

Flat Vol. 01 Cover

Summary taken from Bliss:

Heisuke is a young man who was left in charge of taking care of his little cousin Aki for a day. Being an only child who usually stays at home alone, Aki is quiet, reserved, and will go out of his way not to make trouble for others. As they spend more time together, Aki begins to grow very attached to Heisuke, especially since Heisuke's hobby is to make sweets and desserts. The quiet Aki eventually opens up to Heisuke, and Heisuke in return teaches Aki that sometimes it's all right to be selfish and say what you really want to do.

'Flat' is a josei series by Aogiri Natsu, which is her first published work (if I'm not mistaken). Currently ongoing with 2 volumes out, this series mainly deals with interaction scenes of a 'going his own pace' high-school student, Heisuke and his little cousin, Aki.
For a slice-of-life genre, the story flows nicely with the pace and perfected with neat and clean artwork. The characters are slowly given more dimensions later in the chapters, which means it's definitely getting better... And Heisuke's character really reminded me of Ginko from Mushishi, eventhough their personalities aren't at all similar.
If you have read Yotsubato! and love watching Yotsuba's antic, then there's another more reason to love Aki in 'Flat'. Aogiri Natsu made Aki almost exactly the opposite side of Yotsuba, albeit with extra cuteness that you can't stop yourself wanting to cuddle Aki whenever he made his moments. While Yotsubato! brings more cute factors by having wacky characters and fun scenes, 'Flat' uses more "ordinarily realistic" way to bring out its humor and sweetness. If you enjoy reading relaxing and heart-warming series that doesn't have all melodramas and dizzying fast action, this series definitely suit up your taste!
Currently, Bliss Scanlations has the 1st volume up, and also the 1st and 2nd volume scanlations done by Drat Scans.

2nd hand manga FREE GIVEAWAY

Surprise everyone! It's been quite a while since my last post, been busy with real life stuffs... But I haven't gave up on this blog yet, I'll be posting regularly (back to once or twice a month :P) again starting next month!

There's this minor event I'm going to mention here, which is a 2nd hand manga FREE GIVEAWAY for anyone interested. I'm currently facing a very common problem among collectors; the lack of space for my babies! I've sent quite some part of my old collections to the 2nd hand bookshop, but there is this particular book series they refused to take in:

BOYS BE... 2nd Season by Tamakoshi Hiroyuki (mangaka of Gacha Gacha)
Book condition: Good, except yellowish pages
Book language: Traditional Chinese
Volumes available: 1-9

It's actually my first and last ecchi-harem-romance-shounen series I've ever owned, and this is the very series that made me hated those particular genres. As I've expected, the reason the 2nd bookshop wouldn't want to take them in is because of the ecchi covers. They've mistaken them for soft-pr0n. *sigh*

Now, if anyone is interested in taking them in, or just reading them, or even just using them as toilet papers (ehem), let me know.

Fujoshi Kanojo - Definitely not your average girlfriend

Are you a female manga or doujinshi reader?
Do you know what exactly BL, shounen-ai and yaoi stand for?
And most important of all, are you into BL?

If ALL of your answers for above are YES :
Congratulations! You've earned yourself a 'fujoshi' title! (and you can start dancing with joy, or feels dejected for being labeled as such)

If ALL of your answers are NO :
You should skip this post altogether. And be very aware of the BL label and yaoi warnings in this blog.

If your answers are mixed between YES and NO :
I still recommend you to skip this post. *laugh*

Fujoshi Kanojo Vol.01 Cover

The basic understanding for the title :
'Fujoshi', literally means "rotten girl", is a term for female fans of BL (Boy's Love), yaoi and shounen-ai genre, which the genres are all about romantic relationship between men. Fujoshi is also considered as a subculture of otaku culture, as you could say all fujoshi are otaku, but not all female-otaku are fujoshi. (This superb phrase is quoted from this post about fujoshi from Reverse Thieves blog). 'Kanojo' is a japanese word for girlfriend. By now you should have grasped half of what this Fujoshi Kanojo series is all about.

The series starts with Mutou Taiga, university student looking for a part-time work for some extra cash. He landed with a job right after he fell in love at first sight with a female employee, Ameya Yuiko in the hiring company. Determined and blindly in his crush mode, he made his way to get her attention and courageously confessed to her. To his luck, Yuiko responded positively, but she meekly confessed that she's actually a fujoshi. Taiga who was still very nervous with her reply, accepted her right away without knowing the real meaning of her confessions. Soon enough, Mutou realized that he'd gotten himself into something he would least expected, especially when Yuiko started revealing her true side of a hardcore fujoshi!

The first time I read this, I was thinking along the line, "Ah, it's so familiar!". It's probably like how otaku feels when they're reading Densha Otoko? Although Fujoshi Kanojo do it much better about Yuiko not hiding her fujoshi side to Taiga. IMHO, Fujoshi Kanojo is the first novel/manga series that actually let a fangirl openly declare her BL interest. I don't know about how the Japanese or the Western view BL, but it isn't something you can openly say out loud in this country. People here are more closed-minded that they show sometimes in public, and you get weird glances if you stand at the yaoi section in Kinokuniya for too long. Unfortunately enough, the yaoi books and the other shounen shoujo books are next to each in one large section, so sometimes it's not actually a direct hit on BL readers alone, but the general manga readers as well.
Although I've long since accepted that curious wonders, it still amused me a lot when someone stumbles upon my years of shounen-ai collection in my bookshelves. Yaoi books are very hard to find in here, although I did found a couple of One Piece and Houshin Engi doujinshis back then. I remembered flipping away the saucy pages so fast that I hardly understand what the whole book were all about, it's hard to accept a full yaoi make-out scene when you were just 16 back then! It's something I'll never be apart of, together with all my other mangas definitely.

Kimi ni Todoke - Reaching You

I've been wanting to blog about this series for quite sometime, but when I managed to gather my determination, there were always some other events that took the time away.

Kimi ni Todoke Vol. 01 Cover

Kimi ni Todoke is a shoujo series by Shiina Karuho that focus on a high school girl named Kuronuma Sawako. Having a super black straight long hair and very pale skin tone, she has been nicknamed as Sadako (a fictional character from the famous Japanese horror movie, Ring) since young. Avoided and feared by her fellow classmates due to the rumors about her curses and ability to see ghosts, Sawako naturally gone through her childhood mostly alone and shunned. But that doesn't faze her from keeping effort in searching for a friendship. From greeting her classmates everyday to being kind and helpful, she never gives up in hope of some form of positive feedback.
Her efforts were saw through by a popular boy in her class, Kazehaya Shouta, whom Sawako has admired for his outgoing friendly and "refreshing" attitude. Little by little, she gained more friends through Kazehaya's help and encouragement. At the same time, more is revealed about Kazehaya's more-than-friendly feelings towards the shy but honest Sawako. With helps from her newly-made best friends, Sawako and Kazehaya are slowly moving into a point where they both have to realise and uncover their feelings towards each other.

This series has been compared to The Wallflower / Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge / Perfect Girl Revolution quite a lot when I just started following. The theme is quite similar, but they're a world difference in comparison. While The Wallflower is classified as comedy romance, Kimi ni Todoke is more to slice-of-life romance, and deeper storyline with interesting and complex character personalities. On a more personal preference, I'm more into Kimi ni Todoke for it plain-looking but progressive characters than The Wallflower never-changing bishounens.
Other than characters, Shiina Karuho's art is clean and neat, with clear expressions and scenes. Its plain neat style is compensated greatly with good art direction, interested conversations and expressive character faces and definitely keeps you from being bored.

Kimi ni Todoke is also a winning series of Best Shoujo Manga award in the 32nd Annual Kodansha Manga Awards last year. There is also announcement on its adaptation into drama this April, and into anime recently. Not much info is revealed yet, but this series is definitely worth the wait! Currently 8 Volumes are out in Japan, with its first English version by Viz Media this July. If you want to read the scanlations (it may not have the latest chapters though) before it's taken away, go here.

New year with new toys II

It seemed like there's some sort of understandings between my friends and colleagues. They probably planned all these without me knowing. I wonder if it's really too obvious or just too easy to know what I'd like for a gift?
Yesterday, I've received another anime figure as Christmas present from Adrian! It's a pretty nice one of Luffy (anime style) with a Cannon (probably from some anime episode, which I didn't watch at all unfortunately). And with its real function that could actually fire cannon balls, it's obviously for... kids. Hahahah.. but I will treasure it the same. Thank you very much, Adrian!

Mattel's One Piece Luffy & Kaboom Cannon

And also a finished version of my Keroro Gunsou figure (he's super cute!!):

Bandai's Tamama character from Keroro Gunsou

Oh, and of course, being the first post in 2009... Happy (Belated) New Year 2009!

New year with new toys!

This year's Christmas is quite a blast for me! Well, not exactly Christmas day itself, but all those lovely gifts from my dear colleagues and friends before and after Christmas! It's a memorable thing for someone like me who has never really cared about Christmas before! Thank you very very very much!

And I have to say another big Thank You to Rean for her special Christmas present this year, a super cute L nendroid from Death Note! Hiyaaaaahhh~! ♥
This cute baby has became one of our high priority to-buy item since we spotted the whole Death note nendroid set quite some time ago. *huggles Rean*

L biting his nails


L holding his handphone with his trademark style

Another otaku gift from my colleague for Christmas gift-swapping event is a Keroro Gunsou figure! It's a very thoughtful one from him eventhough I don't watch Keroro much. *lol*

Keroro gunsou packaging box

And also a bunch of photos of my recent Gintama Gashapon collection!

Gintoki in his earlier days


Sa-chan handphone strap with natto bowl

And finally, a present that I got for myself!

Panasonic Lumix DMC FS3 Camera

It was really frustrating for me as I was unable to get this earlier for Comic Fiesta 2008 which were held last week! (There's a nice post about it at s7even's blog!) But no matter, you can expect more photo-bloggings here starting from this post onwards!

Newfound Respect

Sultan: Don’t harp on trivial issues
By WONG CHUN WAI

The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, known as a person who speaks his mind, gives his views on several current issues – from the changing political scenario after March 8 to the recent fatwa on yoga.

ON POLITICS, THE SOCIAL CONTRACT AND TOLERANCE

Your Royal Highness, since the March 8 elections, Malaysia has seen a lot of changes in the political landscape. Selangor, for example, is now under the Pakatan Rakyat while many national political figures come from the state. What is your general impression on politics?

As a rule, I do not get involved in politics. I am expected to remain neutral and above politics and I am very conscious of this. But I wish to say that the expectations of Malaysians have increased. They want their elected representatives to be more mature and to have more depth.
Sultan Sharafuddin: ‘There is a need for more common sense. I hope the politicians will take note of this.’

For example, I am disturbed that some of our politicians, regardless of their political parties, prefer to dwell on trivial issues. They are harping on issues that have no relevance to the country. With the global economic crisis, I would expect them to focus their energy and resources on how best they could help Malaysians face this financial uncertainty. But the issues that these politicians have brought up are disappointing. I am concerned with the manner some politicians exploit racial issues for their own agenda.

Malaysia belongs to all races, not just the Malays. The country is what it is today because of the contributions of all races and that is something we must acknowledge.

I am concerned with the quality of some politicians. I hope the leaders will put some thought into grooming and succession. This is like a race. The baton must be passed to the best runner to finish the race. We are talking about the future of our children. They deserve the best leaders.

Tuanku, at the recent Conference of Rulers meeting, a statement was issued defending the country’s social contract, stressing the need for Malays to be united and assuring non-Malays of their rights under the Federal Constitution. Was it at the initiative of Tuanku?

Yes, it was my initiative but it was made collectively following consultations with my brother Rulers. People need to understand that the social contract is a primary basis on the formation of Malaysia.

It has held the country together. The general principles have been accepted by all races. The country has been successful because of the spirit of give and take. Let’s not debate it because it is better for the rakyat to understand the history behind the social contract and know how Malaysia’s independence came into being.

The rights of the Malays are well protected, no one can just take away these rights and they cannot be amended without consent from the Conference of Rulers.

Malay unity is important. Any form of dispute – political or factional – is bad. As Rulers, we want to see the people, especially the country’s largest ethnic group, to be focused on more important things.

That was why after the last Rulers Conference, we came out with the statement that the non-Malays should not feel apprehensive over their rights. These are rights guaranteed under the federal and state Constitutions. We took great pains to ensure the statement was carefully worded, taking into account how sensitive this matter is.

ON YOGA AND FATWAS

Could Tuanku comment on the controversy surrounding the fatwa prohibiting Muslims from practising yoga?

State religious matters come under the jurisdiction of the Rulers. It is a state matter. In states with no Sultans, it is the King who decides. It is not the prerogative of the Mentri Besar or Chief Minister, let’s be clear.

In the case of a fatwa, there are many steps to be taken before it can be gazetted. The state Fatwa Council, chaired by the Datuk Mufti, has to deliberate on such matters. Anyone can make proposals but finally, it is the Ruler who has the final say.

Islam is a beautiful religion. It is a practical religion. It must be known for its values and compassion. It is not about punishments or banning this or that. This has unfortunately happened. Islam is not about force. Substance is more important, let’s not forget.

I noticed that in the case of the yoga issue, some people seemed eager to jump the gun by making announcements to show their authority when they have none. The result is confusion. Muslims and non-Muslims are confused.

An indepth and thorough study by the state Fatwa Council must be conducted before any decision is sent to me for approval.

ON APPOINTMENTS AND STATE AWARDS

Tuanku, recently there was controversy over the appointment of a non-Malay as acting general manager of the Selangor State Develop-ment Board (PKNS). What is your opinion?

I think it was a non-issue. The person has served in PKNS loyally and effectively for 30 years, so why should her promotion be questioned? If she’s not good, she would have been sacked a long time ago.

Her job as acting general manager, which is only temporary, is only to ensure the smooth running of daily operations. She cannot make any decision that runs contrary to the objectives of PKNS, as raised by some quarters. The Mentri Besar is still the PKNS chairman and also the board will decide on policy matters.

Moreover, she would just be an acting general manager while the state government looks for a chief executive officer as replacement. The PKNS must function effectively while the search is continuing for a suitable candidate. I don’t know why her appointment should be an issue.

Your Royal Highness, you have made it a point to limit the number of Datukships but the perception is that certain states have been over-generous in awarding these titles. Some feel that Datukships have lost their prestige.

I do not want to talk about other states. But as far as Selangor is concerned, there is a limit. It has been my practice to award fewer than 30 people Datukships even though the state limits it to 40. Only people who have contributed to the state or country deserve the title. It should not be given to any Tom, Dick or Harry. It should not be perceived that you can buy them. If that happens, or has happened, then those responsible must examine themselves.

This year, I have decided that only a few people would be awarded Datukship, two Dato Seri and one Dato Setia.

There would be no politicians, either from the past or present government. The present government is barely eight months old and it would need to prove itself first. Even a baby takes nine months to be born. We must give them enough time to show their work.

I am sure there are deserving cases in the present state government but let us wait first. Let them focus on their work, not awards or rewards. Titles should not come with positions.

As I said, I do not want to comment on the position of awards in other states but in Selangor, I wish to maintain its prestige and exclusiveness. It must be branded so people would value it and people would have high regard for the recipients.

BEHAVIOUR OF SELANGOR STATE ASSEMBLYMEN AT THE STATE ASSEMBLY

I understand that Tuanku has taken steps to check the behaviour and decorum of state assemblymen.

I have asked palace officials and even my brother to attend State Assembly meetings. I want them to report to me how these assemblymen, that means the state government and opposition, prepare themselves for these meetings. Do they know what they are talking about and have they done their homework? Are they taking part or just sitting quietly to observe the proceedings with no contribution.

This decision is not aimed at any particular party. It doesn’t matter if they are in Pakatan or Barisan. If they behave badly or ignore decorum, I will have a word with them. This is not political interference. I repeat not political interference. I just want them to know they represent Selangor, so they should be at their best.

ON CRIME AND POLICING IN SELANGOR

Tuanku, crime has continued to be a major concern in Selangor which has the highest crime rate in this country.

I continue to receive complaints from the rakyat on the ground situation. I read about crime in the newspapers and even at dinner conversations. People talk about it. It’s not just a Selangor problem but a national problem. In Selangor, we have the highest crime rate because the population is now the biggest in Malaysia. This is also a place which attracts outsiders and foreigners because of job opportunities. Social problems such as crime comes naturally unfortunately. It is expected.

I have been told that crime prevention has improved. The Selangor police are saying that this is their most successful period in the last 10 years with the state index showing a marginal increase. Gombak, Ampang, Shah Alam, Kuala Langat, Hulu Selangor and Sepang districts show decreases overall.

I am sure the police are trying their best but perceptions are important. If the public do not feel safe on the street or even at home, no amount of assurances would be good enough. Even the homes of police officers are burgled. That is bad. There should be more policemen on the streets. People feel safe when they see policemen on patrol. Traffic cops alone are not good enough.

What about the larger use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) in more parts of Selangor?

I am glad you asked that question. This has been bothering me for some time. I am in fact frustrated at the delay in implementing the CCTV project in Selangor. I had suggested this to the previous state government and now, we have a new state government. Nothing has happened, so excuses and more excuses.

The CCTV project has been successfully implemented in Subang but I do not understand what’s holding it back from being implemented statewide by the state government.

There is no point having the best roads or best homes if people don’t feel safe. In Britain, there are thousands and thousands of CCTVs being installed in strategic areas. I cannot understand this delay in Selangor.

Tuanku, what is your hope of the new state government which is now under Pakatan Rakyat?

There is much expectation and anticipation for sure. They were voted in by the rakyat. We have demonstrated that we believe in democracy and the new state government has been formed.

At the same time, we have to understand that the new government is also on a learning curve. However, Selangor is a developed state and the most important state in Malaysia, so the new government must understand the impatience of the people.

People expect them to know their job from day one. On that score, they must understand these demands.

For example, investors would not like it if there are delays in applications for projects. I also do not want them to complain to me that projects are being held up for no good reason.

What is your birthday wish?

It’s simple. I like to see the people of all races live together in harmony. We have been able to do that for the last 50 years and even before independence and I believe the ordinary people love peace. What they want in life is simple – to live happily, have a decent life and see their children have a future in Malaysia.

I share their aspirations and I hope the politicians would also understand the need for this. Let us all adopt a give and take approach. Let there be consensus.

There is a need for more common sense. I hope the politicians will take note of this. If you have a degree from Oxford or Cambridge, it does not mean you have common sense and I have to stress that common sense is important.

I also wish to see less friction or less emphasis on trivialities. We tend to focus on trivial issues which serve no purpose.

Some people are quick to make judgments or quick to react without understanding a matter thoroughly or studying it in-depth first.

For once, I truly felt a very high regard towards our Sultans. Not that I don't have any towards them before, as I've been listening to my parents telling praises and showing pride for our Perak Sultan - Sultan Azlan Shah (only, though) since young. Not caring much about either politics nor any real issues then, I hardly feel anything towards rulers. This article truly transformed that tiny acknowledgement into deep respect towards them!