Suzuka 126 Saki

凉风 #126 咲希 さき

Yamato was depressed over what Honoka had said. He regretted not confessing to her earlier. Yamato didnt have much appetite. Ayano san asked if he wanted another bowl, he rejected. Miho commented that it was rare to see Yamato settling for just a bowl of rice and asked if he was sick. Yamato denied. Ayano san asked Yamato if he remembered his childhood friend as well as neighbour, 咲希 Saki. She said that Saki wanted to attend a school in Tokyo next year. Thus, she would be visiting and staying for a week. Yamato tried to protest and Suzuka asked why he was not happy that Saki was going to stay for a week. He asnwered "because... that..." Ayano san interrupted and asked Yamato to fetch her at the train station at 12pm. Yamato protested but...

Yamato waited at the station after being reprimanded by Ayano san saying that they were childhood friends and why he's unwilling. Yamato talked to himself saying that he had been rejected by her and he's still feeling moody after Honoka's incident yesterday. Suddenly, Yamato 's handphone rang and Saki found Yamato. She said that she wasnt sure if it was him but recognized him after seeing his blur expression. Yamato remarked that she had strong Hiroshima accent. Saki asked Yamato if there was any security storage because she wanted to go sight-seeing. At the city centre she asked Yamato about the hustle and if there was any festival. Yamato then asked if she wanted to got to the 109 building. She said that she wanted to go to Harajuyuku and Daikanyama. Saki later made a remarked on a punk's hair and yamato had to apologized on her behalf. Seeh commented that Tokyo was fashionable and glad she came and visit. Yamato asked if that's all she wanted to see. Saki told him that she wanted to pursue work related to fashion. Yamato made some sarcastic remarks and Saki caught him with his Hiroshima accent. She was so happy because she thought he had forgotten Hiroshima accent.

After visiting several place, on the way back, Saki asked if Yamato was dumped recently. Yamato was shocked. Yamato tried to denied but Saki said that she saw through his dead fish expression at the station. She added that he had the same expression when she rejected him. She asked Yamato to confide in her, calling herself big sister. Yamato replied that he wasnt dumped, he just didnt confess to the girl he had like and she had a boyfriend. Saki asked him why. Yamato answered that it was because they have always been friends. Saki then told Yamato that he didnt really love the girl. Saki said that with Yamato's character, he would have go after the girl if he really like the girl. Saki then asked if Yamato had someone else in his mind which cause him not to confess to Honoka. She pestered him for an answer and joked if she was the one. Yamato denied. She looked at Yamato and then remarked that she would be bothered if he confessed to her again. She then make fun of Yamato confessing. Yamato was frustrated.

P/S: Just realize that Saki's probably be staying at the dormitory. Last week, many guessed, the mysterious person could be either Yui or Nana. Nobody would have guess this. Hope she will be the catalyst for Suzuka to act this time.

Suzuka 125 Regret

凉风 #125 悔恨 かいこん

Yamato and Honoka went for dinner at Casa restaurant. Honoka brought coke for Yamato and commented that he liked coke. Yamato didnt know that Honoka understand his liking for coke. She remarked that they had been there for many times. Yamato said that they often went to Casa for meals. Honoka added that everytime they ordered burger meal. Yamato suggested that they had different meal but Honoka replied that they ended up with the burger meal eventhough Yamato suggested others everytime. Yamato looked at Honoka and thought to himself that she was really cute. He felt that Honoka was not only gentle but also understanding, and it would be a blessing to date her. Honoka asked Yamato if he had decided. Out of panic, he pointed at the burger meal again. Honoka ordered the burger meal and a club sandwitch.

Yamato pondered on Honoka previous suggestion of being together again. Yamato thought that their relationship had been equivocal and Honoka also said that she was joking back then. He wondered if Honoka would accept him if he confess to her but worried that they wouldnt be able to see each other if she rejected him. He decided to stay that way for the time being. Honoka asked Yamato if he knew how many times they had been there. Yamato said he had forgotten. Honoka said she couldnt remember either but it had been many. She added that it would probably be their last. Honoka then told Yamato that she befriend a boyfriend. Yamato was shocked and asked if he's someone from her workplace. Honoka replied yes and said he was someone whom she often met during photo session. The guy confessed to her the day before they went to the beach and had been waiting for Honoka's reply. Honoka added that the guy wanted to know her reply today. Honoka told Yamato that they shouldnt go out together again for the sake of her new boyfriend. Yamato was shocked and his mind went blank. The meals arrived. Honoka said that they could still mail each other and invited Yamato to have the meal. Yamato wanted to protest but refrained from going further. He thought to himself that he didnt want that to happen and he must have fallen for Honoka. Yamato blamed himself for realizing it now.

Yamato went home with tears in his eyes. He opened his room and found smokes inside his room. He opened his window and realized that it was the smell of burnt fish. Suzuka came through the hole and apologized. Yamato asked her about the smoke. Suzuka replied that she grilled fish just then. Yamato reprimanded her for not opening the window and it was common sense. He added that why Suzuka wanted to cook by herself. Suzuka shouted out saying that she forgot and called Yamato idiot. She then passed him a plate of burnt fish. She said that she bought two fish and wanted to give him one as token of apology. Yamato was struggling with his emotion. Suzuka saw his tears and asked him. Yamato said it was because of the smokes.

P/S: Honoka pull out. Next week Yamato would meet someone who will make his emotion even messy. probably Yui!

ARIA Company

Name: ARIA Company
President: Aria Pokoteng
Founder: Tenchi Akino
Staffs: Alicia Florence & Akari Mizunashi
Establishment: 2281
Employees: 2 members
Assets: 3 boats
Address: ネオ・スキアヴォーニ河岸4914 (Riverbank 4914)



Alicia Florence (アリシア・フローレンス)
Rank: Prima Undine
Potrait: White fairy 白き妖精
Height: 165cm
Age: 19
Bloodtype: A
Birthday: 30th October
While the founder Akino is the longest serving Prima undine, Alicia is the youngest person to be appointed as a Prima undine. She is also one of the most popular undine in Neo Venezia. Alicia is known as "White fairy " of the 3 "Water Fairies of Neo Venezia". She is friendly and graceful in her talent as an undine. She enjoys acoholic drinks and is good in cooking. Her famous phrase are "ara ara" and "u hu hu".



Akari Mizunashi (水無灯里)
Rank: Single Undine
Height: 155cm
Age: 15
Bloodtype: A
Birthday: 30th January
Akari left Japan, Earth to join as an Undine trainee at ARIA company. She is emotional and optimistic most of the time. She always practice with her Undine friends, Aika and Alice. ARIA sachou always hang around her. Akari loves Neo Venezia and is eager to learn more about the planet. She was later promoted to Single Undine. Her famous phrase is "ha hi".



Aria sachou アリア・ポコテン 社長
Role: President
Aria sachou is ARIA company president. All undine companies in Neo Venezia has a Mars cat with blue eyes as their presidents. Aria sachou is found of Hime sachou from Himeya. Aria sachou is white and flabby. It likes to hide in bag and being swung around. It also hates hair-dryer but is eagerly drawn to them. Aria sachou is famous for its phrase "puinyu~".

Special appearance:

Tenchi Akino (天地秋乃)
Role: Founder and former Prima Undine
The famous and longest serving Prima undine who started ARIA company to fulfil ARIA sachou interest. She served as Undine for 30 years and was the mentor to Alicia. She left the company to Alicia after her retirement. She is highly respected by young undines especially Alice.

HIMEYA Company

Name: HIMEYA 姫屋
President: Hime
Owner: Granzchesta family
Staffs: Akira E. Ferrari & Aika S. Granzchesta
Establishment: 2180
Employees: 80 members
Assets: 100 boats
Address: スキアヴォーニ河岸8113 (Riverbank 8113)



Akira E. Ferrari (晃・E・フェラーリ)
Rank: Prima Undine
Potrait: Crimson Rose 真紅薔薇
Height: 168cm
Age: 20
Bloodtype: O
Birthday: 29th July
An elegant and skillful undine who is known as "Crimson Rose" of the 3 water fairies. She is Aika's mentor and is the only Prima Undine in Himaya. She acts strictly and professionally as a Prima undine. Akira is always honest and brusque with Aika which frequently cause arguments between them. She has known Alicia since childhood. One of her favourite food is walnut (胡桃) buns and she enjoys red tea.



Aika S. Granzchesta (藍華・S・グランチェスタ)
Rank: Single Undine
Height: 160cm
Age: 16
Bloodtype: O
Birthday: 2nd February
Her parents own the HIMEYA company. She is Akari's first friend in Neo Venezia. She is the senior among Akari and Alice and always practise with them. She is very competitive but always help Akari. Aika admires Alicia and wanted to an Undine as excellent as her. She is also fond of Al. Her famous phrase is "hazukashii serifu kinshi 恥ずかしいセリフ禁止" which always direct at Akari.


Hime M. Granzchesta sachou ヒメ・M・グランチェスタ 社長
Role: President
Hime sachou is HIMEYA company president. Aika normally carry her around. It is black in colour with bue eyes. Aria sachou is found of Hime sachou from Himeya.

ORANGE PLANET

Name: Orange Planet
President: Maa
Staffs: Athena Glory & Alice Carroll
Establishment: 2291
Employees: 81 members (20 Prima Undines)
Assets: 120 boats
Address: ネオ・フラーリ広場0111 (Plaza 0111)


Athena Glory (アテナ・グローリィ)
Rank: Prima Undine
Potrait: Heaven Glory 天上謳声
Height: 170cm
Age: 21
Bloodtype: AB
Birthday: 24th December
Atena is known as Heaven Glory of the 3 water fairies of Neo Venezia. She has exquisite talent in singing which made her famous. She is Alice mentor and care a lot for Alice even she is often quiet about it. Atena is very blur and always forget things. She came to know Alicia and Akira when they were still trainee undine and practised together back then. She tends to be quiet most of the time but happy to join in having fun.


Alice Carroll (アリス・キャロル)
Rank: Trainee Undine
Height: 145cm
Age: 14
Bloodtype: B
Birthday: 1st September
Alice is a year 8 high school girl scouted by Orange Planet as trainee undine. She had perculiar behaviour but very hard-working girl. She kept to herself most of the time until she met Akari and Aika. She shared a room with Atena. They later practise together and enjoyed each others companion. She admired Grandma Akino and always use the phrase " dekkai でっかい " which literally translates as "very".


Maa sachou 嘛 社長
Role: President
Maa sachou was found by Alice and it replaced the lost Orange Planet sachou. It has very small blue eyes and like to bite Aria sachou flabby stomach. It was named maa because of its constant phrase "maa~".

Suzuka 124 Dinner

凉风 #124 夕飯 ゆうはん

Yamato, Suzuka, Ayano-san and Miho were having breakfast together. Ayano-san remarked that it has been a long time since the four of them had breakfast together. Suzuka apologized that Miho had to move out from the room. Yamato thought to himself that he was surprised that Suzuka moved back. He didnt know how to react. Yamato wanted the soy sauce and noticed that it was on Suzuka's side. Suzuka noticed Yamato looking at the soy sauce and passed it to him. She said that Yamato could have just told her that he wanted the soy sauce. Yamato answered that he thought Suzuka's still using it. Yamato was awkward. Yamato kept thinking of Suzuka's calmness compared to his anxiety. He didnt realized Ayano-san calling him. She told Yamato that she would be home late and asked them to solve their dinner themselves.

Back in Yamato's room, he felt very uneasy. He remembered the scene at the airport and wished they could talk like friends. He was going to invite Suzuka for a dinner but hesistated. He thought that girl would hate to invited by the guy that she dumped. He thought about Suzuka wanting to dine alone or calling him stupid. Yamato added that these were all his imagination and Suzuka's actions were always unexpected. He thought of even worse scenario and decided to give up. It was 5.42pm and Yamato decided to approach Suzuka. Suddenly, his phone ran. Honoka asked if Yamato had his dinner and Yamato replied no. Honoka said that she had something to talk to him and invited him to dinner. Yamato agreed and went to change his attire. Someone knocked and Yamato opened the door. Suzuka came and asked Yamato about his dinner. She asked Yamato if it was convenient to have dinner with her. Yamato was stunned that Suzuka approached him for dinner. Yamato thought if she invited him because her friends weren't free. Suzuka said that it was fine if Yamato wasn't free. Yamato replied that it wasnt inconvenient. He kept wondering why Suzuka would want to invite her. He came to his sense and told her that he had an appointment with his friend. With smile, Suzuka said it was fine and asked him to enjoy. Suzuka went off and Yamato felt bit embarassed. He looked at Suzuka's room and said that he didnt have to be anxious because it looked like Suzuka didnt hate him.

P/S: His mind is full of Suzuka.... And there's no chapter next week. :(

Kotobukiya Sora Final Form

I have received my Kotobukiya Sora final form figure from HLJ this morning. It was shipped on 12th Sept., the delivery took about 17 days (~3 weeks). After the slow shipping, I was hoping that the figure would compensate with it worthiness, but much disappointment in fact. I had high expectation of it since it's special edition, but looking at the figure, I'd have opt for normal version which could have better painting quality.

Drivers of disappointment:
1. The neck was shorter than the depicted illustration
2. There wasn't so much articulations as they have claimed, I counted 16 so far.
3. A curve/dent in front on Sora's cap
4. The colouring was not impressive, with a number of places roughly painted and the metallic painting wasnt smooth
5. The left hand couldnt fit the keyblade nicely because of a insert, I had to switch the keybaldes around.

Sora Final Form Figure Gallery

After playing around with it, displaying different poses and take photos of it, it doesnt look so bad. I still can't figure out all the 20 articulation points, I found 16 so far. However, there's quite a number of poses that I could articulate. Though a bit sad that the knee couldn't bend, primarily due to Sora's shorts. The figure looks nice from photo or far away, but not close.

ARIA Updates

Alicia Florence BEAT Figure

Ara..ara.... Been waiting for Alicia figure for a long time. Alicia Florence figure scheduled for December release. Chances of acquiring it are high. Though I'm bit concern with its 1/6 size (~28cm) compared to my other 1/8 figures. Well, see how it goes. It should be available for pre-order at HLJ soon. The price should be 6980円 but early price at HLJ would cost 6631円. Ara..ara...

ARIA The NATURAL PS2

ARIA PS2 game realesed on 28th September 2006. Official site: Alchemist. The game is more of a walkthrough game on ARIA experience. Excellent graphics and scenic backgrounds. Available at Yesasia.

ARIA The Natural PS2 Theme Blue Blue wave.

The single comprising the OP and ED theme for the PS2 game which will be released on 6th October. There are 2 themes, Blue Blue wave and この小さな小さな微笑みで with both in vocal and off-vocal version. I find it less appealing compared to the anime themes. Available at Yesasia.

Suzuka 123 Question

凉风 #123 質問 しつもん

From last week, Honoka asked Yamato how he though of her. Yamato asked her why the sudden question. She said that she just want to listen to his opinion. Yamato replied that he could talk and being at ease with her and share his worries with her. He added that she was someone important to him. Honoka, with a smile, asked if they could be together again. Yamato thought she was joking. Honoka showed sadness and turned around. Yamato told her that he didnt mean it but Honoka interrupted and said that she was joking. She added that Yamato had easily believed in her and she was just teasing him. They walked back and on the way Honoka asked if Yamato was shocked. Yamato said of course and commented that she was bit serious with it too just now. Honoka replied "is that so..." Back with the gang, Yasonobu told Yamato that Miho had went home with Tsuyoshi. Ayano san called and Miho was looking for Yamato just now. Yamato asked if Miho left any message. Yasonobu said that she probably just want to go home together with Yamato. They then went for dinner.

On the way home at night, Yamato thought of what Honoka had said about being together again. He shunned the thought and went to his room. Upon reaching his room, Miho came out fomr "her room" and said that he came back very late. Yamato asked if Miho had settled her matters. Miho replied no and asked him to help. Yamato said he was very tired and he would help tomorrow. Yamato collapsed onto his bed. He received an email from Honoka on his phone. She apologized for saying weird things and hope they would go out again next time. Yamato replied her email and then dozed off.

The next morning, Yamato was awaken by noise from "Miho room". Half-asleep, he crawled through the hole linking the rooms and asked Miho to stop making noises. Yamato looked up and saw Suzuka with a box of her belongings. Suzuka greeted "I'm home" while Yamato was stunned with "eh?..." (Suzuka brought her froggie back)

P/S: I've my own blog so I can say this SUZUKA's BACK!!!. That's why I put " " between the room, now it's Suzuka's room again. Also, sometime I wonder why Kouji would gave Suzuka as froggie as her treasured soft toy from the start???? Well, we should be near the end of the series, hope Kouji would wrap the series nicely.

ARIA Natural Finale

ARIA The Natural
Episode 26: 「その 白いやさしい街から… 」
It's winter and snow covered the whole Neo-Venezia. Akari, Aika and Alice had their usual practice session. During the break, Akari asked Aika and Alice about their childhood ambitions. Aika replied that she wanted to be a lady like Alicia. Alice asked Akari and Akari also said she wanted to be like Alicia. Aika told her not to copy her and remarked that to be like Alicia required determination. She added that Akari did not have the trait.

Back at ARIA, Akari observed Alicia on her elegance. Alicia asked Akari to join her for a walk. They reached a lane which no one had passed yet and Alicia happily hopped across it. Aria sachou joined in and followed by Akari. Akari then asked Alicia her ambition. Alicia had a thought, smiled to Akari and started rolling a snowball. Akari was surprised but helped Alicia with the rolling. The snow ball got bigger and people gradually came and helped them. All the people who had helped enjoyed the rolling and pushing. They reached the edge of the town and the residents there saw the big snow ball. Everyone was amazed and decided to helped out. They served tea and food to Alicia and Akari. Others helped rolling the second and the third snow balls. They then put the second and third snow balls on top respectively. They also brought out the Christmas ornaments to decorate the snowman. Everyone was pleased with the work and enjoyed it. A boat passed by and they waved to the tourists. Alicia and Akari later took leave. Akari commented that it was fun and many others also enjoyed it. Alicia then told Akari that she used to play with snow and let people joined her. Everyone return with sastifaction and thus she decided to be an adult that will make people happy.

Concluding..... the episode showed places and people whom Akari had encountered. At Himeya, Akira invited Aika for pizza. Aika asked her to pay and Akira agreed, saying that Aika had to repay her double when she became a Prima. At Orange planet, Atena invited Alice to a picnic after winter. Alice asked about the location but Atena said it was a secret. Finally, back at Aria company, Alicia, Akari and Aria sachou were by the fireplace. Alicia asked Akari about her ambition and Akari said that she always wanted to be a fairy, travelling to many places and making people happy. Alicia then told her that she would be able to realize that soon, with focus on Akari's handglove.


P/S: An excellent finale to ARIA The Natural. Although episode 25 would make a happy ending, episode 26 gave use a more concluding ending, depicting the warmth of Neo-Venezia. It also highlighted the promising advancement of Aika and Akari to Prima and Alice to single undine in near future. Excellent season and very enjoyable journey, both in watching and blogging.

More Anime Sentiments

Brief notes on anime series that I watched and have recently concluded.

Air Gear

1. Animation/Graphics:
2. Appeal/Impression:
3. Storyline/Adaptation:
4. Themes/Music:
5. Setting/Atmosphere:
6. Recommendation:
Sentiments:
Adapted from Oh! Great famous work Air Gear, the animation was a disappointment for me because its character deformation. Several deformations appeared throughout the series, particularly in the middle and towards the end of the series. However, the fanservice and the fandom of Air Gear manga managed to appeal much fans. Overall, it's enjoyable but a rather disappointing anime for me.

Ah! My Goddess Sorezore no Tsubasa

1. Animation/Graphics:
2. Appeal/Impression:
3. Storyline/Adaptation:
4. Themes/Music:
5. Setting/Atmosphere:
6. Recommendation:
Sentiments:
I have a post dedicated to AMG season 2. Season 2 wasnt a good as the first season. They could have attract more interests since two highly anticipated arc, Peorth and Hild, were animated. However, it didnt deliver the series with flow and appeals. The music is excellent and the animation quality is consistent. But the series really lack developments and fail to impress the fans.

Aria The Natural

1. Animation/Graphics:
2. Appeal/Impression:
3. Storyline/Adaptation:
4. Themes/Music:
5. Setting/Atmosphere:
6. Recommendation:
Sentiments:
I have a post dedicated to ARIA The Natural. I gave many excellent ratings for ARIA because if its dedication and appeal in the animation series. However, there were few episodes where small sections were poorly animated. The music and atmosphere continued to impress me. A higly recommended anime but some might find it rather boring with its genre.

Binbou Shimai Monogatari

1. Animation/Graphics:
2. Appeal/Impression:
3. Storyline/Adaptation:
4. Themes/Music:
5. Setting/Atmosphere:
6. Recommendation:
Sentiments:
Avex mode, lost faith in them after its poorly animated Ichigo 100%, now further support its incabability with similar animation quality. The only thing I like is the mangaka's drawing prior and post commercial break. Rather uninteresting, surprise how I even finish watching it even with much hesistations.

Muteki Kanban Musume

1. Animation/Graphics:
2. Appeal/Impression:
3. Storyline/Adaptation:
4. Themes/Music:
5. Setting/Atmosphere:
6. Recommendation:
Sentiments:
Although I didnt give high rating for it, it has been fun watching the series. The drawback was the constant fighting, challeging and gimmicks repeating in the series. I dont really appreciate its background musics. The animation was consistent and I like the dog most, as long as its teeth's not showing. It's fun to watch but could be boring or lack of appeal for some.

Zegapain

1. Animation/Graphics:
2. Appeal/Impression:
3. Storyline/Adaptation:
4. Themes/Music:
5. Setting/Atmosphere:
6. Recommendation:
Sentiments:
Zegapain has one of the best animation quality due to its 3D rendering. However, it started with characters development which I found boring at first. Only until the end, I started to appreciate the importance of earlier episodes. But many fans and I, was about to drop Zegapain but decided to press on. It did turn out to be a good anime, except the ending was a bit ambiguous. Recommended but hope you manage to survive in watching all 26 episodes.

Zero no Tsukaima

1. Animation/Graphics:
2. Appeal/Impression:
3. Storyline/Adaptation:
4. Themes/Music:
5. Setting/Atmosphere:
6. Recommendation:
Sentiments:
The series didnt spark any interest initially, it was about the 3rd episode when I started watching. After that, it has been one of my most anticipated series, mainly due to its appeal and humour. I would settle for less fanservice, but I guess that's the appeal of the series. Really love the animation and highly recommended to anime fans.

Max:

P/S: I reserve the right to view my personal sentiments. :p