Simple indulgence

Nutcracker
18th December 2014

Hello. I haven't done a follow up since the last post ranting about not receiving my results from school. Nonetheless, I received my results the in evening on the day after I ranted. And, good news because I made it into the dean's list again which means I received good grades! Yahhhh.

I've been having outings with friends and I made a new vlog yesterday! Even though I don't have much clips to put together, I still want to make it because I want to be able to look back at all the silly/awkward dances I did with my friends. I think I'm on weird dance craze recently.

We decided to bake brownies but we ended up making a cake instead. While trying to bake, we did a series of silly and awkward dances while making the mix. I think it was because we were high on tacos. We had so much food from taco bell, we had to burn them off somehow. If you're interested, click the video below!



Today, I went on a solo trip to town to catch a movie and bought a small luggage! For a Monday, it was unexpectedly crowded. Am I missing out on something today? Is today some sort of public holiday that I do not know of? Is winter solstice a legit public holiday here in Japan?

Anyways, all the cafes I want to hide in was packed with people. So, I've decided to hang out at a bookstore and the manga shop longer to kill some time while waiting for my movie to start. I bought an evening ticket, thinking that I might oversleep and miss the movie time but I was just in time for the 3pm movie! I should have bought an earlier timing if I knew today was going to be so packed throughout the day.

I caught the live action movie of the manga/anime adaptation 'Parasyte'. IT WAS SO GOOD! The CG was really impressive. I jumped at a few scenes because of the sudden swiping of the blades. I felt so embarrassed though because no one jumped but me! *face palm*

I can't wait to watch the second part of the film. I'm not going to compare the anime and the film but I have to say that 'migi' is much cuter in the film though. Even though I don't really like the attitude of the movie version, Izumi, because he sounded so rude all the time. But, I have to admit, the actor is pretty awesome! Maybe they are following the original adaptation of the manga or that I'm missing out on something again. lol.

Speaking about movies and animes, I ran out of animes to watch for this season. There aren't many that caught my eye though. Last season's animes were SO GOOD though. Tokyo Ghoul broke me. :(

OH! I almost forgot... I just happen to spot the otome winter market event at Shinjuku. I just HAD to go and pay a visit so I ended up getting two cushion from the shop - Hakuouki designed and Shinobi Koi Utsutsu designed. How can I resist them since they are the few otome games I liked? I mean, both of the series had to do with samurais and ninjas. Anything that has ninjas and samurais win hands down! Two additional cushions added to my collections. Japan really spoils me. Or, at least Tokyo spoils me. haha.

Anyways, peace out! xoxo

Indulging in different cultures

It has been a long while since I went travelling around Tokyo, enjoying Japanese culture. This is what I've promised myself a week ago: Travel around Tokyo every weekend.

Knowing my own habits of procrastinating, I reckoned it'd be better if I went travelling around Tokyo. At least I'll be doing something productive instead of staying indoors refreshing facebook, twitter and tumblr. lol.

Last weekend, I went to two events TGS and a festival at Nezu Shrine. Also, at the same time meet up with my friend, Kai, who was here for a while for work. I haven't been going to conventions in a long while so I thought I'd go to the Tokyo Game Show 2014. Also because there was a few booths that I'm interested in. Though, I must admit my knowledge on games is almost zero since I only play games leisurely. What caught my attention the most was the 「壁ドン」(kabe-don)  section from the otome game company, Voltage.

I wanted to try it SO MUCH! I went to the booth twice and I missed the sessions for the experience zone! According to my friend, Sam, she said there was another BL game and for their experience zone, they have this ikemen pinning the visitors down. One time, the visitor actually pinned the ikemen butler down. I thought that was hilariously courageous of that girl to do that! I would love to witness that. It's not something anyone get to see everyday right? It was my first ever game convention and I'm already enjoying it and bringing back so many memories. lol.

Yesterday, I went to watch 「るろうに剣心　伝説の最期編」(Rurouni Kenshin - The Legend Ends/Densetsu no Saigohen). Kai told me I looked agitated throughout the movie. Well, I am really engrossed in the movie that I could feel their emotions and everything! That's usually how I watch any films or anime. I let myself seep into the film. I put myself in the position of the characters so I can truly feel everything. I don't just watch a film for fun. I want to get the best out of everything. Not many people understand my 'involvement' and reactions towards the films I watch. Not that I expect anyone to do so, really.

Also, I still cannot believe I actually heard the studio version of One Ok Rock's song, "Heartache", during the credits. Though, I knew what was coming but the song was just too beautiful that I teared. I already teared quite a bit in the movie so crying a little more wouldn't make much of a difference now, would it? lol. It is a beautiful song. I found on youtube that someone recorded the one played from the movie theatres. I ripped it and now it's on replay while I type this post. I can't wait for it to be out in a single or an album because I am going to get it!! I really love One Ok Rock. I love them so much. Never regret a single thing after knowing them and hearing their music. So inspirational!

Anyways, after the movie, Kai and I set out to a festival at Nezu Shrine. My anthropology teacher was telling me about this festival last friday. After moving to Japan for about half a year, I still have not gone to an actual summer/autumn festival event. I'm really glad I got a chance to do so now!

21st September 2014
金魚すくい
Goldfish scooping

One of the main reasons why I wanted to go to a festival was because they have goldfish scooping! I've always wanted to try this! I remember always seeing this in animes and stuff. Sometimes, the boyfriend will scoop the goldfish for his girlfriend and blah blah blah....You know the typical story plot. haha. I thought it was really sweet. (in a way. lol)

This was my first time goldfish scooping and I must admit, I am quite talented in this. lol. With one scoop, I managed to scoop five cute goldfishes! I am finally better than Kai at something. lol. Though, I feel half glad and regretful that I didn't bring those goldfish back. I want a pet but I don't have time to take care of it so I can't keep them.

Nonetheless, it was an exciting weekend! I enjoyed both the main culture and the subculture of Japan. For a moment, I even contemplated on wanting to stay in Japan longer or forever. Culture in Japan is so rich! I love Japan so much!

x

PS: I love Tokyo Ghoul, at the same time I hate it so much. (T^T)

Summer Movies and Animes

Since I am down to the mid of my third week of summer holidays, I reckon I should do a little update on the animes and films I've recently watched. I love watching different films but I am also very picky about what I watch. I usually don't watch anything that is too popular. Hipster. Unless, the storyline is something I'd be interested in.

These are the list of animes that I've been watching:

• Glasslip「グラスリップ」
• Re:_Hamatora 「Re:＿ハマトラ」
• Akame Ga Kill!「アカメが斬る」
• Free! Eternal Summer
• Bakumatsu Rock「幕末Rock」
• Nobunaga Concerto「信長協奏曲」
• M3: Sono Kuroki Hagane 「M3〜ソノ黒キ鋼〜」(Spring 2014)
• Amatsuki 「あまつき」(Spring 2008)
• Tokyo Ghoul「東京喰種-トーキョーグール」
• Zankyou no Terror「残響のテロル」
• Ao Haru Ride「アオハライド」

M3: Sono Kuroki Hagane hasn't ended so I'm continuing the series because it's too intriguing! Thankfully, the story had finally started to unfold. Amatsuki is something I stumbled upon when I was in search for more Bakumatsu period animes. I've always been into samurai/ninja or the Edo period of Japanese history. But recently, I've been really into Bakumatsu period animes and almost anything that says 'Shinsengumi'. That also explains why I'm watching 'Bakumatsu Rock' and 'Nobunaga Concerto'. Though, honestly, I had second thoughts about watching those two animes but actually, they aren't as bad as I thought they would be. Especially Nobunaga Concerto! Also, I'm in love with Souji's solo song in Bakumatsu Rock. The rest are just alright, not too bad. but they didn't make it to my favourites' list.

Out of the whole list that I've stated, my favourite has to be 'Tokyo Ghoul', 'Zankyou no Terror' and 'Ao Haru Ride'.
I really couldn't wait for the next episode of Tokyo Ghoul so I've started reading the manga. I don't think there is much surprise that I'm in love with 'Ao Haru Ride' anime because it's shoujo genre. I love my shoujo mangas! I've also read the manga and it is really awesome. Even though I sort of dislike how Kou is acting, I can't hate him entirely because I understand his stand as well. I have a love/hate relationship with people like Kou. If anyone has a personality like Kou, don't talk to me because I might fall in love.

These are the films that I've watched recently:

• Fuse:Teppou Musume No Torimonochou 「伏 鉄砲娘の捕物帳」(anime)
• Hotarubi no mori e 「蛍火の杜へ」(anime)
• Sukitte ii nayo 「好きっていいなよ」
• Hot Road 「ホットロード」
• Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno 「るろうに剣心 京都大火編」

The two anime films that I stumbled upon, wasn't half bad. Simple 'forbidden love' sort of story. Makes me feel kind of sad but yet happy. I guess, this is what people like to call it as, bittersweet love? I honestly don't know but it's worth watching in my opinion.

My favourite has to be 'Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno' and 'Hot Road'!

Rurouni Kenshin is a classic anime/manga which I believe any real anime or manga lover would have read or watched the series. It also screams childhood! I am so proud that the anime was part of my childhood and now the live action movie is going to be part of my early adulthood. Hot Road is a real simple love story that really touched my heart. I think the more tear jerking scene was when Kazuki was talking to her mother instead of the love between Kazuki and Haruyama. 

I was really disappointed with 'Sukitte ii nayo'. Firstly, I am a huge fan of the manga and the anime. Without a doubt, I'd be looking forward to the live action movie, and have high expectations on it. Just after about 15 minutes into the movie, I felt like leaving the theatres already. This is just my personal opinion on it but I think it was really badly done. Even Emily, who did not read the manga nor watch the anime, was disappointed in the movie.


Anyways, that's what I've been doing most of the time ever since my summer holidays started. Yup, really busy watching animes and heading to the movie theatres. Well, at least this is my way of revising my Japanese.  Let me know if I missed out any good ones that I SHOULD be watching. lol.

A day out with Emily

Yesterday, I met up with my best friend, Emily, whom I haven't seen in a few months ever since school started for me. She was busy showing her mother around Tokyo last week so we couldn't meet up earlier. The weather was really nice too which made the whole outing a lot more enjoyable because we didn't have to complain about how hot it is.

Before heading to the movie theatre, we met up a little earlier to have lunch and probably do a little shopping since we've already bought the tickets online. We had lunch, yet again, at this place called 'Bikkuri Donkey' びっくりドンキー. I really like the curry and hamburg there. We still have about an hour before the movie start so we headed off to Bic Camera after lunch. It's an electronic store where i usually get my stuff, very convenient! I've been contemplating for a while now but I've decided to get a camera tripod so I can do more videos and perhaps take photos or something. After getting the stuff we need from Bic Camera, we headed off to the Kinokuniya to look at some books. I ended up getting a book called 'The Book of English Magic'. I've always been interested in alchemy and magical things so I was thinking, why not.

After buying our stuff, we headed to the cinema. We watched a movie called 'Hot Road' 「ホットロード」 . This is a live action movie based off a really old manga about a girl named Kazuki, who felt unloved and ends up falling in love delinquent named Haruyama. I find that this film to be simple yet captivating. I also really like how they filmed scenery in Enoshima. That sort of made Emily and I want to visit Enoshima again. Actually, we're already in the process of planning our trip to Enoshima soon. (And perhaps have a chance to re-live some memories of the movie) I'd totally recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys simple romance story!

The theme song for the movie was also really soothing to the ears. It was by a singer called, Yutaka Ozaki, who is no longer around anymore but his songs are still famous and covered by many artists. I love the song 'Oh My Little Girl'. I believe he has many fantastic songs but I'm currently hooked onto this, also because it reminds me of the beautiful scenes from the movie. Maybe this is only me, but I think oldies are always awesome to listen to. Maybe because they bring back wonderful memories from the past or something.

Dinner at Muji Cafe with Emily
16th August 2014

Anyways, after watching the movie, we decided to have dinner before heading home. Without thinking much, we decided to head to Muji Cafe「無地カフェ」because it was conveniently at B1 of the same building where we watched the movie. Muji cafe serves delicious food and has an conducive environment for chilling so we really like the place!
We couldn't stop talking about the movie afterwards because it was really that good. Also, I personally think that Hiroomi, from 三代目 J Soul Brothers, who acted as Haruyama has really neat eyebrows! I've been wondering to myself throughout the whole movie that he has really neat looking eyebrows that I'm actually feeling envious and insecure about my own eyebrows!

We took the same train home and parted ways after we reach our stops. This is the funny part of the whole 'day out'. I was walking down the stairs to leave the train station and I fell off the stairs. I didn't exactly roll off the stairs but I did fell. This is what happened...

I was too preoccupied with my phone because I was texting Emily how I enjoyed today. I think it's a Japanese thing to tell the other party how you enjoyed the day. Y'know, the usual 「今日は楽しかった。また遊ぼうね！」 But heck, we're not even Japanese but we get used to the custom. Anyways, so I thought I was on my last step of the flight of stairs but I didn't realize it was actually my last second step. So, I slipped and landed in a position like as if I was kneeling on one leg. Like, I was about to propose to someone, without my hands sticking out. One hand, I was holding my phone and the other with a huge paper bag with the things I bought. So, I landed with a flop and I went, “shit!" And well, in Japan, it’s still not common where people go around saying "shit" so i had stares but I got up gracefully and walked away pretending nothing happened. Like a boss.

I landed with a flop and walked off gracefully like a boss - The highlight of the day! I won't say I'm not embarrassed but I was thinking, 'Stay calm and walk away'. What else can I do at that moment? I mean, really. I can either continue to embarrass myself or walk away like nothing happened. Everyone has embarrassing moments once in a while in life, and this is mine for summer 2014. lol.

Productive Week!!

2th June 2014

Hello. TGIF!!

I haven't been going around taking selfies or any photos in particular so I'm going to use a photo I took earlier this month. This was taken when I went to enjoy a lovely performance by the Tokyo Symphonic Orchestra.  This photo was taken before the performance start because as usual, no photography was allowed. It was really a brilliant performance but sadly, I was a little too tired and I fell asleep during the last 15 minutes of the performance. It was a good powernap. lol.

This week ended pretty well. It was a lot better than I expected. I was bracing myself for the worst but I guess I managed to tide over this week. This past week had been cloudy and drizzling from time to time.

I am finally making some progress on my research papers. I'm planning to finish all of the research proposals and outlines during the weekends so I won't have to worry about them during the weekdays. Deadline is in a month's time and I'm not freaking out yet because I think I'll be able to pull through.

I've been diligently using my handy-dandy notebook and it is really an accomplishment to see it almost used up. Also, about an hour ago, I used up my favourite erasable pen when I was jotting down stuff on my notebook. How disappointed I was!! I had to switch to using a pencil. I don't like using pencil because my handwriting changes depending on what sort of pen/pencil I use. Most of the time, I'd have ugly and messy handwriting but using that pen, I am able to imitate my mom's handwriting. lol. I can't say I hate it because I've always liked my mother's handwriting. It's small, neat and I personally think looks a little like comic sans font. LOL.

The reason as to why I've been loving the weekends because it is the time where I can really laze at home and try to finish my assignments. I don't think I have to try this weekend because I've finally gotten hold of the "working hard" momentum. I guess because I've sort of found a goal and planned out what I am going to be taking for my final 3 semesters in my college. Now with everything laid out in front of me, all I have to do is work hard and tackle all of them! Easier said than done, but it is still better than not having anything planned out in front. It is always good to plan for the future! Be ambitious!

Besides trying to be all "hardworking", I've managed to catch a dothack anime movie earlier in the week. The movie is called, .hack//sekai no mukou e (ドットハック・セカイの向こうへ). I must say this movie was a pretty good one. The animations were done in 3D instead of the usual 2D. I really really want to play this game in real life. I'm not even talking about the PSP or PS2 but the real MMORPG while wearing those glasses and feeling like I'm in "The World". I want to go on an adventure knowing I won't die because I can respawn at the town center or something and fight wild animals!!

This is the trailer and movie poster.

ドットハック・セカイの向こうに
.hack//seikai no mukou ni (Beyond the world)

Maybe I'm being bias about this series but dothack was the first ever anime series about people being trapped in the MMORPG, that I liked. It was wayyyy before SAO or Log Horizon. I'll always be loyal to dothack series! Though, comparing SAO and Log Horizon, I prefer Log Horizon because I think Shiroe is cooler than Kirito. I'm actually choosing Intellect over looks! lol. But hey, Shiroe don't look too bad himself.

Speaking about animes, i'm really sad the few series that I've been following this season has and is coming to an end.

I've watched:

• Kamigami no Asobi (神々の悪戯)
• No Game No Life
• Kin'iro no Corda: Blue Sky (金色のコルダ: BlueSky)

I'm currently watching these few and they are going to be ending soon. I am so so so sad about it. :(

• Mekakucity Actors (メカクシティアクターズ)
• M3: Sono Kuro Hagane (M3〜ソノ黒キ鋼〜)
• Black Bullet
• Sore demo Sekai wa Utsukushii (それでも世界は美しい)

I am in love with the Sore demo sekai wa utsukushii's story!! It's not the typical shoujo manga love story setting so it makes it even better. I'm a sucker for shoujo genre animes. Which goes to show, I am still a young girl at heart! lol. I am still young. Uh huh!!

Anyways, I've also manage to update my itunes just for a little bit. I haven't been going around finding new songs to listen but I am addicted to this song "Chippoke na Ai no Uta" (ちっぽけな愛の歌) by Ohara Sakurako, the new singer/actress who acted in the live-action adaptation movie of the manga, "Kanojo wa uso wo Aishisugiteru". This song was also the OST of the movie. This song always reminds me of the story in the movie and allows me to imagine that this song was produced by Sato Takeru for me. Such touching lyrics. It's all fictional but a fan can dream anytime righttttt?! lol. Also, Sakurako has a nice voice. I can forsee her bright future in the entertainment industry! Looking forward to her future appearances in other films and her future singles/albums.

Alright, I'll stop writing now because  I have a field trip to the Tokyo Metropolitan Archaeology Center field trip tomorrow for my Anthropology class.

Good Night.

xoxo,
C

Hansel & Gretel

Hey what's up?

Yesterday, I went out in the evening to catch a movie with my friend with his other friends. We kinda clicked I guess. Having the same interest makes it easier to start topics. lol. Japanese culture lovers banzai!! :D

Also, the fact that I didn't really bother how people judge me. I was able to be more of myself and be really comfortable and be really crappy as well. lol. I guess everything wasn't as bad as I thought. I mean, usually I'd be really self-conscious about the people who I meet for the first time. I'll always watch what I do and it's really tiring and stressful. I should really stop that or I'll never be able to accomplish anything because so bothered by other unwanted opinions.

I've been getting tons of advises from my friends to not be so bothered by how people look at you and their useless opinions and instead be myself. It's my everyday struggle. lol. I use to not be like this but I really wonder when it started though.


Anyways, I went to watch "Hansel & Gretel. The witch hunters" movie. It's kind of a mixture of action with a bit of horror I suppose. The witches are hella scary! (at least for me)

The movie is alright, not too bad. Just a normal action movie that kinda mindfks your Hansel & Gretel childhood. I mean for one thing, the witches don't look that scary. All the other fighting actions, those aren't in my childhood either! But overall, it's a pretty alright movie in my opinion.



Moving on....

For the past few days, I'm kinda sick in my tummy. Having indigestion is one of the most horrible thing to happen if you're a person who likes food or eating, aka me. So I've been cutting down on meals and stuff. Not really because I'm dieting, it's more of the indigestion problem.

I'm trying to fix my sleeping pattern back to normal so my mom would stop nagging at me to sleep. lol. But you can't exactly help it if you're an otaku right? I mean, the night time is the time you shine!! Alright, was kidding on the last part.

I guess that's pretty much what's been going on recently. Nothing much.

I need more motivation in my life right now....... =/


xoxo,
Chisaki

Cloud Atlas

Today, I went watch a movie called "Cloud Atlas".

And boy, was it awesome!!!

What a way to start the year off with an awesome movie! 

6 different story lines in one. The main casts also acted in all different story lines.  I didn't realize it until a while later into the movie. Awesome actress and actors! Apparently it's a German drama and science fiction film that was adapted from the 2004 novel by David Mitchell. Yeah, I got some information off Wikipedia. Wikipedia is everyone's best friend, besides Google of course. lol.

 It's about 3 hours long but honestly, it didn't felt that long. I was so engrossed with the show. lol. I can't believe I cried at a scene where there is a puppy that got shot. lol. I have a really weak spot for dogs dying or something. Can you believe when I watch the "Hachiko" film, I cried from the middle of the show until the end?! I cried really badly. lol.

You'll somehow get  mindfked in the show but it's really awesome once you like.. understood everything. It's really wow. I really wonder how the person wrote this book in the first place. He must be some kind of genius! lol.

Anyways, for those who haven't watch it, go watch it!


I'm going to head to bed because it's 3am now. Nights.

xoxo,
Chisaki