Suzuka V13 Order

Received my Yesasia order this morning. It was shipped on 17th January, took about two weeks. Funny that they wrote DVD instead of book on the parcel. Only one volume of Suzuka CH V13, so nothing much.

Hope the ARIA PS2 Book will arrive before I leave for holiday.

Suzuka 136 Endurance

凉风 #136 我慢 がまん

Yamato thought to himself that he would regret for the rest of his life if agreed with Suzuka's wish. Yamato hugged tightly onto Suzuka. Suzuka asked him to let her off. He remarked that she always kept her worries and burden to herself and never thought of talking with him. He continued that she was like that when they dated, when she received the opportunity to study abroad and when he was busy with his casual job. She never told him how she really felt. Suzuka explained that studying abroad was her own decicion and Yamato worked because of him. Yamato replied that she was actually worried that he would dislike her. Suzuka denied and struggled. Yamato asked her to listen to him. He said that he understood her. Suzuka intended on staying at her hometown and continued her highschool but went to Tokyo because of parents and teacher's recommendation. He added that she always had pressure when others had expectation on her. Thus, she would press herself to achieve the results. Yamato continued that as a result, she worried about other's view and worked hard to prevent people from disliking her.

Suzuka escaped from Yamato's hug, saying that's enough. Yamato grabbed her hand and stopped her. Suzuka asked what he wanted, whether she should listen to his grumbling. Yamato replied that he's not complaining and she asked what did he meant to say. Yamato bursted out saying that he wanted Suzuka to trust him more. Yamato said that even if they had argument or if she called him unreasonable, he would not dislike her. He asked her to talk to him a bit more often. Tears started collecting in Suzuka's eyes. She turned around and walked away. Yamato was worried that he caused Suzuka crying. As he was pondering on what he had just said, Suzuka turned around and approached him. She then gave him a big slap and asked why didn't he chased after her. Yamato was stunned and Suzuka said that he still hasn't understand her. Yamato replied that she was crying but she interrupted him. She then asked whether he could tolerate her selfish and unreasonable attitude. She added that she could also say something that's worse than he would expect. She then asked if Yamato could still tolerate her. Yamato was shocked. Suzuka continued asking if he could do it and asked him to asnwer her that moment.

Back home, Ayano-san bought cakes for Yamato and Suzuka. It was 8.13pm and she wondered where they have been. Miki said that they must have argued over something insignificant again. Ayano-san commented that Yamato and Suzuka hasn't talk to each other since morning and wondered if they were fine. The last page show Yamato kissing Suzuka.

P/S: Suzuka really loves Yamato, she knows that she's temperamental and that Yamato might not be able to bear with her. On the other hand, Yamato knows that Suzuka always kept things to herself and wanted her to trust him more. Wonder what would happen from now on.

ARIA Akira E. Ferrari Figure

The sculptor didnt have it on website but it seems that BEAT has decided to go for all the 6 undines. Akira figure will be 1/6 smilar to other undines. It will be released in May 2007 (Possibly end of May). My first impression is this figure show the casual side rather than the elegant side of Akira. Now only Atena's left, yet revealed. Also they should have design some with winter uniform.

I'm thinking of collecting all the prima undines, but haven't decided. Why? Because it's big, expensive and shipping's painful. Alicia figure cost 6631 yen with 1480 yen SAL shipping. Nevertheless, I'd probably would pre-order the early bird first.
More pictures at Hobbystock.

Update: Available for PRE-ORDER at HLJ now. Early bird 6631 yen, 5% of 6980 yen.

Release Date:
Akari: October 2006
Aika: November 2006
Alicia: December 2006
Alice: February 2007
Akira: May 2007
Atena: Unknown

Anime Impression

Further impression on the anime I'm following since last season.


Kanon: Because of Kyoto animation quality and the ambient backgrounds.
16 weeks impression: Makoto arc has ended which I'm glad. I love Mai's arc and starts to enjoy Shiro's arc. They done well to produce Kanon as 26 episodes and unfolded each arc with details. Music and animation still as superb.


Tokimeki memorial: Had good impression of the game and the animation looks decent. Not to mention the girls.
15 weeks impression: Really enjoying Tokimeki Memorial animation. There's no clear theme except "harem" theme which is the core of the game anyway. Love to watch Riku, Sayuri and chick.


La Corda D’Oro ~primo passo~: At last an anime dedicated to musical instruments. Decent animation. Funny fairy. Appealing heroine. Plus there's seed of knowledge like Yakitate Japan. The drawback? The boys....
15 weeks impression: Still amazed with how consistent and decent the animation is. Primo Passo is both enjoying and interesting to watch.


CODE GEASS:Not because of CLAMP but the animation looks quite impressive. Hope the story turns out good.
13 weeks impression: What can I say. Lelouch is the top anime character according to Animage survey in Japan. Excellent animation and getting interesting week by week. One of my most anticipated series each week. Though I would like to see the direction of the anime which isn't clear now.

Previous impression was last year week 4.

ARIA Alicia and Perfect Guide

Received my Alicia Florence figure and ARIA The Natural perfect guide this morning, 18 days of delivery. The box was so big due to Alcia Florence BEAT Figure. The 1/6 figure is very large compared to my 1/8 figures. Alicia figure looks fabulous especially when looked from sideways. The yellow colour hair does have a bit of dark yellowish tone but I still think the toning is not enough. It's worth the pre-order price just a bit painful with the shipping. I dont have the problem with the oar as mentioned by Adun.

As you can see from the photos below, Alicia's uniform does have blueish tone. The toning should be smoothed further since it looked more like patches when viewed near. I think it also stand on one leg, havent look at it clearly this morning. If so, I need to consider on displaying it. Overall, pleased with the purchase except the 1/6 size which create a burden in the shipping.

Item 1: BEAT Alicia Florence 1/6 PVC Figure
Price: ¥6,631
Item 2: MAG ARIA The Natural Perfect Guide (CD inclusive)
Price: ¥1886
Freight: ¥1,780
Delivery: 18 days [04/01/07-22/01/07]


Also in the order is the ARIA The Natural Perfect Guide. I wont take detail photos of it since Adun has done that and because it's hard to scan due to the manga size.

P/S: I'm worried about my HLJ ARIA PS2 Book as I'm going back for Chinese New Year in February, and they havent shipped it eventhough it was processed for shipping last Wednesday!!!

Some photoshots:

Suzuka 135 Unexpected

凉风 #135 不意 ふい

Yamato asked Suzuka why since she said that she didn't hate him. Suzuka then replied that they would end up like before if they dated again. She wouldnt want to argue on something silly and cause tension in their relationship. She continued that she wouldnt want to end up disliking Yamato at the end. She want to remain friends so that they would have a happy memory. Yamato asked if that was the reason they broke up last time. Suzuka was silent. Yamato bursted out saying that the couldnt accept the reason and asked her why she didnt tell her before they broke up. Suzuka replied that nothing would change even if she told him back then. Suzuka then told Yamato to leave since she didnt want to argue with him over the matter. Yamato was reluctant to leave as he couldnt accept the reason. Meanwhile Ayano-san and Miki were shopping. Miki suggested having dinner before returning. Ayano-san refused first since Suzuka and Yamato had not have dinner. Miki said it's already 7pm and they should have eaten on their own. Ayano then agreed and went for dinner with Miki.

Yamato persisted but his stomach growled. Suzuka knew that he's hungry and asked if he's hungry. Yamato denied and Suzuka asked if he couldnt stop probing the matter. Yamato told her that Ayano-san was out and would return late. He asked Suzuka out for dinner. They went to CASA but it's full and need to wait 20 minutes. Suzuka suggested going back. Yamato asked Suzuka whether she's fine with another restaurant.

They went to the park and sat on the stairs. They didnt managed to dine at the second reastaurant as the reastaurant's having a rest on Tuesday. He added that having cola croquette at the park was fun as well and he hadnt done it since Suzuka left last time. Suzuka wanted to return home, saying that it would be the same even if he asked her again. Yamato told her that it wont be the same this time if they dated. Suzuka insisted that they would end up like before. Yamato replied that it wouldnt and he's confident and serious of it. Suzuka explained that it was because they hadnt see each other for a long time. She continued that if they live together, eat together or date like before, they would end up like before. Yamato insisted that it won't end like before. She looked at Yamato and told him that she wouldn't want that kind of ending. Suzuka pleaded that they remained as friends. Yamato replied that he understood and Suzuka thanked him. She told Yamato that they should return home. Yamato was having thoughts that Suzuka wouldnt listen no matter how he persisted and maybe it better to be friends.Yamato saw Suzuka's back and reminisced the past. He couldn't control himself and went hugging Suzuka from behind. Suzuka was shocked.

P/S: Well, the reason sound logical. She didnt want a relationship that argue all the time and then end up with discontent. Now, Yamato hugged Suzuka. How Suzuka respond next week will be a pivot.

Best 100 Anime Character

Came across this through Dannychoo and source from 2log. This was compiled from Animage survey.

Characters I'm interested to know:

1. Lelouch [Code Geass]
2. Kira Yamato [GSD]
3. Athrun Zala [GSD]
4. Suzumiya Haruhi [Suzumiya Haruhi]
8. Lacus Cylne [GSD]
10. Karen [Code Geass]
11. Cagalli [GSD]
12. Sakura [Tsubasa Chronicle]
16. C.C. [Code Geass]
23 Shin Asuka [GSD]
26 Belldandy [Ah! My Goddess]
27 Conan [Detective Conan]
29 Suzaku [Code Geass]
42 Louise [Zero no Tsukaima]
48 Mikuru [Suzumiya Haruhi]
50 Syaoran [Tsubasa Chronicle]
52 Yuki Nagato [Suzumiya Haruhi]
59 Mai Tokiha [Mai Hime]
59 Yzak [GSD]
64 Feena [Crescent Love]
64 Sayuri [Kanon]
70 Saber [Fate Stay Night]
70 Akari Mizunashi [ARIA The Animation]
77 Fay [Tsubasa Chronicle]
77 Murrue Ramius [GSD]
84 Kurogane [Tsubasa Chronicle]

Surprise surprise....
1. Where's Mokona??
2. Kanon only has 1 character in?
3. About 44 male characters in top 100.
4. There're 11 male characters rank Top 20.
5. There're 7 male characters rank Top 10
6. Three of top ten from Gundam Seed Destiny [GSD] #Not surprised
7. Two of top ten from Code Geass
8. Most anime characters in top 100 from GSD [6 characters].
9. All four main character from Tsubasa Chronicle made the Top 100
10. Suzumiya Haruhi has only 3 characters in top 100. #Kyon wasn't in it.
11. Yzak from GSD was in top 100. # Didn't believe Tzak from animesuki forum but now I do.
12. Lelouch no.1 but Suzaku no.29 #Wow, big gap!
13. Non of Mai Otome characters got in! #Even Mai Hime only has 1

Lelouch is the big winner!!! I'm happy that at least Belldandy, Saber and Akari made the Top 100.

Surprised that Kyon from Suzumiya Haruhi didnt made the Top 100 since manys blog ranked Kyon high before, but this survey showed different perspectives. Also surprised that Nagato and Mikuru from Suzumiya Haruhi ranked so low (48 & 52 respectively).

Tsubasa Chronicle better put more effort in season III considering fans still love the characters. Mai Hime or Mai Otome fair poorly with just Mai Tokiha from Mai Hime in Top 100.

Suzuka 134 Rejection

凉风 #134 拒絶 きょぜつ

After track practice, Yamato looked at Suzuka. They have not been talking since the time he confessed. She walked towards Yamato and he tried to talk to her but she walked pass him. Yasonobu came and asked Yamato out. Yamato told Yasonobu that Saotome called Suzuka last night and he confessed to her. Yasonobu told him not to bother Suzuka anymore and Yamato was surprised. Yasonobu explained that they have broken up and she didnt want to be in awkward circumstance. She was trying hard to treat Yamato as normal friend. Yasonobu continued that Yamato confessed to him again and this have made her uneasy. Yamato then thought about Suzuka's attitude since she came back. He thought that he had no position in her heart anymore and she was trying hard to treat him as normal friend. He then realized why Suzuka would said "Why did you have to say that?" He had broken her effort and he only considered himself. Yamato then decided to leave.

That night Yamato approached Suzuka' room and rang her bell. Yamato greeted her with Suzuka being a bit awkward.Yamato then apologized to Suzuka. He said that she had been trying hard to treat as a normal friend but he only thought of his own feeling and confessed. He apologized again and said that she must be bothered with his confession. Yamato added that he wouldn't bother her again and therefore.. Suzuka interrupted and asked him to talk inside her room. She gave him a cup of coffee. Suzuka wondered if she had shown any effort. Yamato remarked that it was normal for broken up couple to talk to each other. Suzuka told Yamato not misundertood her. She told him that didnt hate him. If she had hate him, she wouldn't told him that she's going to the same university. She continued that she was really happy when Yamato said that he still like her yesterday. Suzuka added that being in the same university, same track team, they would have many happy memories. Yamato asked if she was telling the truth and she replied yes. Yamato was relieved and said that he thought he would be hated terribly. Suzuka put down her cup and said that she actually didnt want to hear that Yamato still like her. She said because they couldn't date each other.

Note:
This is the last phrase by Suzuka:
JP: 私大和くんとは つき合えないから
RO: (watashi yamato-kun to wa tsukiaenai kara)
EN" Because we (Yamata and I) cannot have a relationship.
Tsukiaeru means "to have a relationship with" or "date" in this context.

P/S: Speechless with what Suzuka said last. At least we know that she didnt hate Yamato, she was happy Yamato still like her. But she couldn't date Yamato. What I hope for chapter 135 to have the reason revealed. I dont want Kouji to waste a chapter showing Yamato shattered, consoled by friends, dragging Suzuka's reason to future chapters.

Note on Yesasia.

I didnt realize this even with my last order last year because I had the FFXII PS2 game in the order. Yesasia lowered their free shipping threshold but removed Chinese comic from its free shipping eligibility. Darn! Now I'll have trouble with ordering manga from Yesasia disregard if I have US$25 eligible of free shipping item in the order.

Now I have to pay for shipment charge $4.99 and unit charge $2.49 for my manga. Bloody!!!

P/S: Wonder if R8 is affected as well since he collect CH manga as well???

Love Letter B

The finale of Love Letter. It's a story of 穴澤利夫 (Anasawa Toshio) and 智恵子 持田 (Chieko Mochida) in World war II time, when Japan was viewed as the enemy of the world. Read Part A.




Chieko received a letter from Anasawa saying that he was assigned a no-return mission and he wanted to see her. Chieko panic and decided to go to Mie prefecture. Her mum asked her where she was going. She replied that she's going to see Anasawa and would be back in about 2-3 days time. Her mum asked her to wait and Chieko rebuked why she disallowed their relationship. Chieko's mum answered that her father wasn't well and she didnt have time to bother their matters. She told her that if she went out with such attire, she would be embarassed. Her mum gave her a pants with pretty pattern and also perfume. Chieko then understand her mum's kindness eventhough she had never shown any agreement in Chieko's relationship.

Showa year 20 February, Chieko met up with Anasawa. On the way to Chieko's accomodation, he mentioned about their marriage. Anasawa parents disapproved but he said that he would continue in trying. That night, the exhausted Anasawa took a rest while Chieko sang a song next to him.

A month later, Anasawa went to Chieko's residence and told her that his parents have agreed to let him marry. Thus, Anasawa came to propose. Chieko's brother handled the matter since their father's sick and not around. The brother accepted the proposal on behalf of the fanily. The wedding ceremony was scheduled 2 weeks later.

That night, Tokyo was bombed by 334 B-29 airplanes. Ten thousand lives were lost that night. Showa year 20 March 10th, Chieko went to see if Anasawa was fine even his place was far away from the bombing. She met Anasawa and asked what he's going to do. He said that he's worried about the airplane and decided to have a look. Chieko walked him to the train station. The train's full so Chieko wont be able to board. He told Chieko that Tokyo was dangerous and asked her to depart for Mie as soon as possible. On the night of the ceremony, Anasawa smoked two cigarette. Chieko treasured them since they are the only stuff that touch Anasawa's mouth.

Chieko packed and took the train to Kyushu. She wanted to send Anasawa off as his wife. She reached the accomodation there and asked the owner how to reach the hangar. The old lady promised to bring her the next day. The next day she went to the hangar and was told that the 20th squadron has left. Actually, Anasawa was at a place not far from her. They were waiting there for good weather. That fateful day, Anasawa put on Chieko's scarf and requested for take off. He took off with a smile on his face because he's not going for suicide but to protect something precious to him, a girl that he wouldnt want to lose. He carried out the mission to protect her. Showa year 20 April 12th, the special unit approached America's navy fleet. According to record, Anasawa and his squadron succeeded in destroying two navy fleet. Anasawa last letter reached Chieko 4 days latter.

"To Chieko,
Although we have persevere up to this point, we still didnt produce any fruit before I left. Although I have waited for hope, in a corner of my heart, there's still fear. I fear that losing the remaining time I have would be a reality. Even though I left you that day with happiness in my heart but the situation has changed. I have received the letter to carry out my mission.

There's a lot that I want to write. Although I know that just a thank is not enough but from the bottom of my heart, I still want to say, really thank you.

I dont want you to linger on the days we spent together. As someone who has marriage with you, as someone who has departed the world, I want to tell you that I only wish for your happiness.

Do not linger on the past, you are not to live for the past. Put the past behind and find a new life. From now on, you are to live in reality. From now on, Anasawa does not exist in the reality anymore.

Up to now, I'm still thinking of what to write but I do still want to tell you my little wish. Chieko, I want to see you... want to talk to you...

From now on, you have to lead a life with happiness. "

P/S: Kinda regret in writing the summary since it's so long....

Suzuka 133 Sudden

凉风 #133 咄嗟 とっさ

After his practice, Yamato watched Suzuka's high jump and pondered on her previous comment on the reason why she went abroad to study because of his praise. He had always thought that he didnt have a place in her heart when it came to her high jump matters. Because of what she said that night, he felt happy and he decided to try to go to the same university as her. Suzuka finished her training, saw Yamato and asked him to go back together. Seeing her smile, Yamato know that he really still like Suzuka.

Back in Yamato's room, he found Saotome inside his room. Yamato replied I'm home (a courteous phrase of Japanese upon reaching home). Saotome was irritated and asked him if he didnt notice any diffference (She reverted back to her wild appearance). Yamato told her not to eat his food. She asked why he's moody. Yamato replied nothing but he still have things to consider too. Saotome then mentioned that it's about time he submit Touto's acceptance. He told her that the application can be thrown away since he had opt for Seijou. Saotome then asked him if he knew that there's possibility that he couldn't get into Seijou. Yamato commented that Seijou have good catering and also Arima was in Touto. Saotome commented if those are the only reason. Yamato replied that it didnt matter because he wanted to enter Seijou. Saotome looked at him and then remarked that it was because Suzuka would attend Seijou. Yamato told her that he has decided. He told her that he wanted to be like Saotome, not to do something that would regret later. He added that he had thought so after seeing Saotome at the airport. Yamato continued that if he didnt do what he really wanted, he would regret in future and that's why he applied Seijou. Yamato told her that he really still like Suzuka. He said that he couldnt say that to her as it might trouble her and she might be angry. He wanted to confess when Suzuka felt that he didnt just confess simply without any consideration. Saotome told him that it would be expsed the day he enter Seijou. Saotome promised that she would kept it a secret until Yamato's ready. Saotome looked at the hole linking Suzuka and Yamato's room (She had few cans of beers already ). She passed through the hole and shouted, "Suzuka, Yamato has something important to tell you!" Suzuka was shocked as she had just finished her bath and was only wrapped in towel. Back in Yamato room, Yamato scolded Saotome but she replied that she was just following his usual attitude. She asked Yamato to work hard.

Later in the room, Yamato and Suzuka sat around the table. She asked Yamato about the important thing. Stuttering, he replied that Saotome reverted to her style. Suzuka was puzzled but she saw the Touto application on the table. She then commented that Yamato decided t go for Touto. Yamato denied and said that he's going for Seijou. He replied that he felt it would be nice if they could participate in track together again. Suzuka told him that there's selection stage and there's no gurantee even if there's recommendation. He replied that he knew and if he didnt make it he would try anything to enter Seijou. Inside his heart, he knew he shouldn't, it's bad timing. Suzuka asked why he wanted to put himself in that circumstance. Yamato then told her, "Because I still like you". (Great, he burst out again even he knew it's bad timing, but that's the Yamato we knew). Suzuka was stunned. She answered, "Why.... why did you say that?" Yamato was puzzled with the word why. Suzuka then ran away.

P/S: Like this episode. Yamato had plan how to convey his feeling but Saotome mischieviously cause Yamato to confess again. Certainly Saotome is the catalyst here. My view on Suzuka ran away is because she didnt expect that Yamato still like her and even confess to her again. Eager to next chapter!!!

ARIA Order

My HLJ order comprising Beat Alicia Florence 1/6 figure and ARIA The Natural Perfect Book has been shipped today. I had hope that the other ARIA order, ARIA PS2 Game material would make it in time but it didnt. HLJ even priced it incorrectly but ammended after I told them. They said that the stock hasn't arrived due to long holiday. AJ has it, guess AJ worked throughout the holidays. I did save about ¥380 having the book shipped together with the figure. But I still have to pay at least ¥680 SAL shipping for the PS2 book later.

Vendor: HLJ
Order: Beat Alicia Florence 1/6 Figure
Cost: ¥6631 (Early Bird)
Order: ARIA The Natural Perfect Guide Book
Cost: ¥1886
Shipping:¥1780
Total: ¥10297 (AUD $109)

Next time, I might go for AJ as Adun has mentioned, faster service thought shipping slightly more expensive.

P/S: Adun had his Perfect Guide Book and Premium Poster book from AJ already, so visit moemoerabu to see them.

AMG Artbook and PS2

Hidenori Matsubara Artbook. Megami-sama has uploaded several pages of AMG artworks. Most of the artworks have been published as DVD covers, CD covers, posters and magazine scans. Megami-sama has identified them under the image cross-references section. Visit Megami-sama for the scans.



AMG PS2 game will be released on 22nd February. Some of the PS2 artworks released are done by Matsubara for example the left one, featured in afternoon magazine, which is very beautifully produced. But the right one, featured in Megami magazine Feb. 2007, is terrible.