ARIA a success in the making

This is what I called a success in merchadising. In the past, I have commented on how ARIA make use of its popularity in merchandising (link) in comparison to AMG which has 10 years of history(link).

ARIA seems to be in more lucrative business. It makes a good use of ARIA sachou and the three main undines as well as chibi version in its merchandise. The merchadises are not expensive and the market extends beyond girls. The only disappointment is, it mostly caters for local JP market. HLJ don't have much of these items (fun goods) for order. However, there's still way to order them online from official site if you're fluent in JP but I'm not sure if they offer intertaional shipping.

The newest merchadise is the ARIA Ipod Nano case. Considering JP a country with vast market in technology gadgets, the potential of an Ipod case with the an user favourite animation or design could be immense.


List of ARIA merchandise :
Clothing: Undines uniform, gloves and hat, T-shirt, company T-shirt, towels
Stationery: Stickers, mini note set, memo pad, clear tag, seals, postcard set, straps, emblem stickers
Holder & Case: DVD CD File, CD receipt box, coin case, tote bag, card case, Ipod nano case.
Collective: Greeting cards, bookmarker, fastener accessory, music box, necklace, rubber keychain, key holder, liquid porch, JP fan, plush doll, phone cards
PC items: PC handrest, dust cleaner, desk mat, underlay, liquid mousepad
Tech: Protable calculator, clock, desktop-tile clock
Dining: picnic box, bowl plate, cup and tray, liquid tray, mini-cup, magnetic cup
Misc: oil-asorbing paper, relax-check card and door plates
(Not to mention there's figures and artbooks too)

Anime & Manga Horizon Policy

Some people have been asking me the policy of this blog since last year. I didn't compile any as I didn't think it was necessary until recently. These are the 4 policies which I observed, so breaking them would ensure your comments deleted. In times to come I might add, but for the time being, these 4 are adequate.

Anime & Manga Horizon Blog Policy

1. Do not ask where to download or read the manga and anime.

2. Do not provide links to other site that offers the manga or anime

3. Zero tolerance to rude, offensive, swearing post in comments.

4. Do not plagiarise from this site. Copy & Paste is Plagiarism. Copy & Paste from someone who Copy & Paste from this site is still Plagiarism. Pharaphrase without reference to the site is also Plagiarism.

P/S: I add the policy post to the side bar and comments are disable from this post. I'll remove this post in the next few days. Link to policy will remain on side bar.

Suzuka 158 Prayer

Suzuka 158 願事 ねがいごと

Megumi and Saotome joined Ayano san family and Yamato eating buckwheat noodles. Saotome commented that it's still better to have the noodles otherwise there's no feeling of end of the year. Miho remarked that Saotome's after free lunch again. Megumi thanked Ayano san and helped her to clear the table. Yamato had an eye patch on right eye and several handyplasts on his face. He looked at the clock, showing 9.40pm. Saotome asked Yamato why he's feeling down while she was drinking beer. Yamato replied he's not. Miho told Saotome that Yamato had a date with Suzuka to visit the shrine. Saotome then remarked that Yamato's anticipating the arrival of his beloved Suzuka. She also commented that Suzuka won't have to leave if it wasn't for what he had done (traveling in secret). Yamato rebuked saying that she's noisy and drunk. Miho commented that Suzuka and Yamato will be together in the same club so he just need to bear for a while. Yamato replied in agreement.

Suzuka arrived and Saotome rushed to hug Suzuka, saying long time no see. Saotome remarked that Suzuka's pitiful because she had to live at her home because of Yamato. Suzuka replied that it was her fault as well. Yamato frantically told Saotome not to exert so much force on Suzuka (because she's pregnant, Yamato's quite mindful). Saotome remarked that Yamato was jealous even because of Saotome and said that Yamato really love Suzuka very much. Yamato replied it wasn't and Saotome continued to tease him. Suzuka then noticed Yamato's injury and asked what happened to his face. Yamato said that he'd tell her on the way and the left.

They arrived at the shrine vicinity. Yamato told Suzuka that he had a fight. He said that he had dinner with Kinugasa and both Miyamoto and Arima came afterwards. He later had a fight with Arima on the way back. Suzuka asked why and if Arima had said something bad about him. Yamato replied that it's just bickering. Suzuka asked what's he thinking and what happened if he was injured. Yamato, with a grin, replied that he ended up with injuries but he also managed to threw two to three punches on Arima. Suzuka remarked that it's nothing something to be proud of. Suzuka added that Yamato and Arima's relationship was really bad. She said that they don't have to quarrelled and ended like that. Yamato commented that it's a special case. Suzuka was puzzled but Yamato suggested going to the shrine.

Yamato and Suzuka prayed at the shrine (should be around 12am since it's hatsumode). Suzuka had a peek at Yamato and saw him praying earnestly. After that, Suzuka commented that Yamato took some time in praying. Yamato said that it's about something important. Yamato then asked her, "Don't you want to listen to my prayer?" Suzuka replied no. Yamato then suggested having something to eat, saying that Suzuka should be hungry. Suzuka replied that she had eaten before meeting him.

Suzuka then told Yamato that it looks like it's better to go for abortion. Yamato wasn't shocked and looked rather steady. He told her that Arima had said that as well. Suzuka was surprised and asked if Yamato had told Arima. Yamato said that Arima was quite concern with his competition against Yamato at university. Yamato continued that Arima didn't say that directly but the meaning was the similar. Arima was serious back then and thus Yamato also answered seriously. Yamato said that Suzuka was pregnant and he didn't know how to face the university matter before he came to a conclusion. Arima had said that he would choose abortion without hesistation as his priority is in track. Arima also said that what happen to Suzuka had nothing to do with him. Yamato told Suzuka that it was because of that he gave Arima a trashing. Yamato continued that he would definitely get angry for what Arima had said and Arima should'nt be forgiven. Yamato added that although track is Arima's priority but his own priority is... Suzuka interrupted Yamato and said that she wanted to listen to his prayer afterall. Yamato then told her that he had prayed for Suzuka to have a safe baby delivery (朝比奈....元気な子産んでくれますように ....って)
Suzuka was surprised and asked if he was serious. Yamato added, "for that reason, I willing to pay the price for it.. this is what I had prayed (そのためなら オレ 何でも するって..願いした)."

Caption at the end: No worry, no uncertainty, no proposal, just a prayer for safe delivery!!! Altough it's stupid but compared to all, the most beloved is Asahina.

P/S: Indeed Suzuka had thought of abortion but Yamato decided to have the baby. I wonder if they would have an argument next chapter or they will tell their parents.

Note: Support Kouji Seo and Suzuka by purchasing the manga. CH available at Yesasia and JP available at Yesasia and Amazon JP. EN is available at Amazon

Random Thoughts

Mood: Normal


Manga:
Suzuka 157: A bit surprised that Yamato confide his worries to Arima.
Tsubasa 159: After 5 dull chapters of dragging Fai and Yui history, we have not yet knowing what's the second curse. A month of worthless plot. At least, we come to the excitement, Kuro has his sword ready as he faces Fai, err.. Yui actually.
Air Gear 170: After several dull chapter, I was hoping to see some action but it's just Ikki and the Kogarasumaru gang practising. But Kururu was being kidnapped at the end of chapter. Beginning of an exciting arc, not really, I expect another relatively dull plot next week since Oh great like to prolong the plot.
Cross Game 88: Enough of the baseball game, add some other plots!

Anime:
Romeo x Juliet 15 : Another week of mining adventure. There's development to Romeo so I won't whine on it.
Moetan : Pretty funny in my opinion. Decent animation as well. Only that I'm not ready for such loli scene even though she was potrayed as a short middle high school girl.
Zero no Tsukaima II : Excellent, at least there's something enjoyable this season. Enjoyed the first episode but I wonder if Kirche and Tabitha would have more plots to come. I wonder if the prince's still alive. I'm speculating that the whole incident in season I might be his idea. Anyway, episode 2 is just around the corner.

Purchase:
*Got quite a number of figure order in place: ARIA soild works collection, ARIA Alicia figure, 2 SD Gundams (for my brother) and FF trading arts mini.

Updates: Placed my Yesasia order. Order comprises Romeo X Juliet OP Single, ARIA 10, Pastel 16, Suzuka 15, Cross Game 7 and Aria Navigation Guide. The Aria Navigation guide costs $7.99 and accounts fo 2 shipping unit! My total order costs US$34.40 and shipping cost $22.42 but I have some credits to offset them, so I only have to pay $29.05

Suzuka 157 Anticipation

Suzuka 157 期待 きたい

From last chapter, Arima asked Yamato what happened to him and if anything has happened. Yamato replied that he had just being reprimanded by his seniors so it’s natural for him to be depressed. Arima remarked that Yamato had expectation from many people and wondered what’s he thinking about. Yamato commented it’s a troublesome matter. Arima didn’t understand. Yamato said that he wasn’t an exceptional athlete. He continued that his university application was also accepted unexpected. There were much better athlete back then. He added that expectation is a heavy burden and he might not have the confidence to fulfill the expectation. Arima then remarked that even so Yamato won’t give up and would continue to put in effort. Yamato replied that he’s not sure. He added that it’s not the time to consider about it. Arima grabbed on Yamato’s shoulder and asked what else is important beside track. Yamato complained that it hurt but Arima demanded an answer. Yamato shunned him off and said that it’s none of his business. Suddenly, Arima gave Yamato a heavy punch on the face and Yamato fell down. Yamato asked what’s the matter with Arima. Arima told Yamato to stop joking. He commented that Yamato had mentioned before that he would beat Arima in the university. Arima contniued refreshing Yamato’s memory, Yamato had said that he would compete with Arima no matter which university he would enter. Arima then asked if that’s all bullshit. Yamato then remembered that Suzuka had told him before that Arima had asked about Yamato achievement when he was overseas. Arima had been following Yamato’s progress as he treated Yamato as a competitive opponent. Yamato answered that it’s not bullshit but..

Yamato and Arima sat down and had a conversation. Yamato told Arima about Suzuka’s pregnancy. Yamato also wondered why he had told Arima about it. Nevertheless, Yamato said that he can’t just have Suzuka keeping the baby but abortion is not an option either. Yamato continued that if the baby was born, it’s not just the matter of going to university, they would cause burden to a lot of people. Yamato said that he didn’t know what to do. Arima commented that if it was him, he would decide on abortion with any hesitation. Yamato told him not to say that because it’s not his matter. Yamato argued that it will harm Suzuka’s health. Arima told Yamato that that’s not a concern. Yamato was shocked. Arima told him that track was the most important to him. Arima asked Yamato if he had the same thought. Arima added that nothing should matter to Yamato even if it was about Suzuka. Yamato got fired up and gave Arima a punch, shouting how it could be doesn’t matter. Arima was surprised but he punched back. Yamato said that he had hated Arima since long time ago. Arima gave Yamato a kick in his stomach. The two fought each other.

Later, Yamato returned home with bruises and nose-bleeding. Ayano san and Miho were shocked. Yamato greeted them, saying he’s home. Miho asked if he was beaten by Mr. Asahina. Yamato explained that it was him. Yamato lied that it was Kinugasa sempai because Yamato had been sluggish and Kinugasa wanted to motivate him. Yamato told them that Suzuka’s matter has been solved and Mr. Asahina has forgiven him. Ayano san was pleased to hear that. Yamato said that he’s tired and returned to his room. As he walked up the stair, Yamato grumbled that it hurt and why Arima fought so ferociously. He reminisced on Arima’s remark “To me track is the most important, doesn’t that apply to you as well”. Yamato sighed and said” To, the most important is …… Suzuka.”


P/S: Yamato must be desperated to have confide with Arima. Now I knw why Yamato fought back. Arima is a cold-hearted and selfish man who only care for himself. I'm impressed with Yamato since he regard Suzuka as the most important to him. Wonder if he would give up track for the sake of Suzuka. This week is rather anticipated so hopefully next week's be interesting.

Aside:

Cover for Suzuka novel, 220 pages, released in May 2005.

Note: Support Kouji Seo and Suzuka by purchasing the manga. CH available at Yesasia and JP available at Yesasia and Amazon JP. EN is available at Amazon

ARIA Updates

A preview of the OVA DVD cover. The DVD will be available from Amazon JP on the 21st of Spetember 2007. The first edition cost ￥3938 and comes with many bonus. Bonus includes a booklet of 6 pages by Kozue Amano, animation supervision scene and data collection and postcards.
Updates: Preview to the story



Is this going to be the cover for ARIA volume 11??? I sure hope not.



In previous post, I mentioned about the ARIA Booklet 水星領航員公式領航手冊 by Tong Li. Now I reliazed what's the book going to be. It's the CH version of the ARIA Official Navigation guide. The original JP version was published in October 2005. I'll definitely be getting this one.

P/S: I have tentatively prepared the items for order at Yesasia. It'll comprise ARIA 10, Suzuka 15, Pastel 16, Cross Game 7 and Romeo x Juliet OP~Inori. I'll wait for the release of ARIA Official Navigation guide (July 4th). Shipping would cost US$19.93 (if the shipment unit for the guide is 1 ). Yes, I know it's absurd!

Suzuka 156 Unreasonable

Suzuka 156 無理 むり

Suzuka told Yamato that she's three months pregnant. She remarked that the doctor had initially thought it was just a cold. But he started to get suspicious through their conversation just now. Thus, the doctor asked Suzuka to take a test and found she's 3 months pregnant. Yamato was stunned. He asked if she's serious. Suzuka shyly replied yes. They then sat down and have a can of cofee. Suzuka commented that it would be better to have an abortion. Yamato was shocked and reacted by saying that it's not good for her health. Suzuka got agitated and asked what they should do then. Yamato tried to out-talk but back down. Suzuka apologized and said that she wanted to go home. She walked away but turned back asking if Yamato was free the the night after tomorrow. She asked if he wanted to go for new year visit (Hatsumode)together. Yamato agreed. Suzuka replied that she would go to Ayano residence and meet him up by then.

Back home, Yamato made a call to Yasonobu and told him that they have gotten Mr. Asahina's forgiveness. Yasonobu remarked it's good that they would be able to date with her parents permission. Yamato stuttered and Yasonobu asked if he has anymore problem. Yamato hesistated and replied that there's nothing else. Yamato also told Yasonobu that he had talked to Miki before calling him. After the call, Yamato said that he couldn't discuss the pregnancy matter with others. He then wondered what he should say the next time he meet Suzuka. He remembered what Suzuka had said about abortion. Yamato wondered if she would simply decide on it since it's an important matter. He also thought of what would happen of she decide to give birth. He then reliazed that it would mean marriage. Yamato remarked that Suzuk had been putting all her effort into training, studied abroad and decided on the university. Suzuka was more deserving and people have high expectation on her. Yamato felt guilty that everything might be spoiled because of his impulsiveness. He then wondered what he should do and what he should say. The handphone rang and Yamato received a call from kinugasa sempai.

Yamato arrived at the BBQ restaurant and met Kinugasa. He told Yamato that he's giving a treat and asked Yamato to sit down. Yamato asked what Kinugasa want to talk about. Kinugasa replied that it's about Yamato's future. Kinugasa remarked that he didn't feel any momentum from Yamato during the training camp. He wanted to lecture Yamato on that. He asked Yamato if he knew how much expectation people had on him. Kinugasa told Yamato to put in more effort. Then, Miyamoto arrived. He greeted Yamato and said that they have come to talk to him as well. Yamato was puzzled with "We". Miyamoto then asked Arima to sit down. Yamato was surprised and asked Miyamoto why Arima came as well. Miyamoto replied that he believed Arima would fire Yamato up. Arima explained that he came because Miyamoto said that he's giving a treat and sat beside Yamato. Miyamoto commented that both Yamato and Arima would be "collegues" in dash competition. Arima rebuked why he had to be collegue with Yamato. Yamato replied that he's not that great. Miyamoto and Kinugasa were worried with Yamato's reaction. They then asked everyone to eat.

After the meal, Arima and Yamato happened to go in the same direction. In his heart, Yamato said that even though they were going in the same direction, he was now alone with the person he hated most. Arima then spoke to Yamato. Although it had nothing to do with him, Yamato looked restless. He then sarcastically told Yamato that he had no chance of beating him and he might even had problem being selected for representation. Yamato replied to Arima that he could be right. Arima was surprised with Yamato's reply. He then asked Yamato what happen to him, what has happened. Yamato was silent.



P/S: Not too exciting this week. But Yamato and Suzuka are certainly worried with current predicament.Yamato 's feeling guilty on Suzuka's health and future.

Aside: Ladydarkmoon was gracious enough to offer the raws for 153,154, 155 and 156. So Suzuka fans should thank Alison for them. In addition, always support the mangaka and the series by buying the volumes when they are released, be it JP, CH or EN.

Thank you, Allison from Ladydarkmoon!!!