ARIA The Origination

Isn't this a WONDERFUL news???

Just learn this from Adun that there will be a new season of ARIA as mentioned in Mag Garden Comic Blade October edition. Mag-garden has release the news in a PDF document (May require JP fonts installation). No air date has been set.

With the word origination, I was thinking if they would have more plots that are not in the manga since it would be "orignal" that way. But the word Orignation doesn't really define anything, it could be just another "captivating" title.

So Happy!!!! Yeah!

By the way, there's a promo trailer for ARIA OVA ~ Arietta on the official website. I'm glad that the OVA would have a focus on Alicia (my favourite). The OVA would show the story of Alicia in her young age and the time Grandma left ARIA company to her. It also potrays the friendship of the three water fairies when they were young. However, from the trailer, I noted that the character animation quality was not as good as I have expected (Some are very slightly deformed). However, the graphics on gondola and the background setting are all good.

P/S: My Aria Solid Works Collection ordered at HLJ is ready for shipping. The Gashapon cost ¥6650 (Early bird) and the shipping cost ¥1080.

Suzuka 163 Job Search

Suzuka 163 就活 しゅうかつ

Yamato and Suzuka were having their meals at WOS Burger. Yamato told Suzuka that they can live at Ayano-san's onsen residence for the time being. Ayano san had mentioned that it would cost a lot if Yamato and Suzuka moved to a new house. She said that they can live there until they find a job. Suzuka replied that she felt bit guilty for the inconvenience. Yamato told her that they were helping Ayano san instead since Suzuka's room has no been occupied yet. Suzuka then agreed. She remarked that she felt stupid for moving out and moving back again. Yamato commented that it was his fault. Yamato then remarked that it's more important to find a job.
He told Suzuka that he had asked the school if there's any recruitment from companies. However, the school replied that the application date has long expired. Suzuka asked Yamato what he's planning to do. Yamato replied that he'd search from the classfieds in magazines. However, he acknowledged that he might not be able to find a decent job there. Suzuka commented that it would be good if they could find a company with personal track team. Yamato was surprised and asked Suzuka. Suzuka answered that Yamato do have the heart to continue the track. Yamato told her that it would be good if he can continue but the baby should be the priority now. Suzuka agreed. Yamato told her not to worry and he would tell her if there's any news. He asked her to wait for his call.

Yamato went to job interview and he was nervous as there were many applicants. He was called in for interview and he told himself that he can only try his best. Yamato greeted the interviewers and was asked to sit down. Yamato replied yes and apologized for the inconvenience. The interviewer remarked that Yamato was energectic and told him not to be nervous. The interviewer asked Yamato why he chosed the company. Yamato stuttered and didn't do very well in the interview. Back in his room, Yamato lied on his bed. He remarked that he had been to 7 companies and non of them were of success. Yamato commented that not many company have recruitment currently. He felt bad for telling suzuka to leave everything to him and felt ashamed to see her. Yamato got hold of himself and remarked that the baby's coming. He told himself that he must not give up and must find a job. His handphone rang and it was Suzuka. Suzuka asked if Yamato had found a job. Yamato was trying to answer the question but Suzuka interrupted and guessed that there was no success for Yamato. Yamato was stunned. He told her not to worry and assured her that he would find a job even if it's going to be casual. Suzuka asked Yamato if he could come out. She told him that she had something important to tell him and she would wait at the restaurant they always patroned. Yamato asked if she could tell her from the phone but Suzuka replied that she wanted to tell him face-to-face. Yamato wondered what's it was going to be and thought of her wanting a separation.

Yamato arrived at the restaurant and Suzuka called him over. He saw a man and realized that it was Sasaoka. Yamato thought he was transferred to US and asked him about it. Sasaoka told Yamato taht he was getting married in spring and he had to arrange some preparations. He added that he had heard a lot from Suzuka and he congratulated Yamato. Yamato thanked him and asked about meeting him. Sasaoka told Yamato that he had received a call from Suzuka wanting to talk to him personally. He asked Yamato if he was looking for a job. He mentioned that he could recommend Yamato to his company recruitment. Sasaoka asked Yamato if he had found a job already. Yamato replied he have been rejected by other companies. Sasaoka told Yamato that his company has a track team as well. Yamato was surprised. Suzuka remarked that she wished Yamato could continue with his track activity. She added that it would be a pity if he abandon it and Yamato himself also liked to continue with track. Suzuka told Yamato that she wanted to fulfil Yamato's ambition no matter what and thus she asked for Sasaoka's help. Yamato asked Sasaoka if it will be fine since it will be inconvenient. Sasaoka replied that the company had done well last year and they were thinking of recruiting more people. Sasaoka reminded Yamato that even though there's a track team, he must put the job as a priority. Yamato would have to consider track as a extra-curriculum activity. Sasaoka also mentioned that there would be a lot of task to do for new recruit and Yamato might not have time for track. Yamato replied that it won't matter. Yamato seemed a bit down and Suzuka asked him about it. Yamato replied he felt pathetic as he had told Suzuka not to worry but Suzuka had helped him to find a job at the end. Sasaoka told Yamato that it's not the time to be bothered by that issue. He continued that the future was more important and he told Yamato to work hard for Suzuka's sake as well as for their baby. Suzuka agreed and said that it won't be easy (since Yamato had to work to provide income for both Suzuka and the baby). Yamato looked at Suzuka and told her that he would work hard for their sake.

Caption: Three more chapters till the finale.

P/S: Kouji also confirm the finale of Suzuka in his online diary. The 3.5 years of Suzuka serialization is going to end soon. Going to miss it.

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

Greetings from Frankfurt

Greetings from Frankfurt, Germany.

It's 5.30am in the morning and I took advantage of the Hotel's internet access. At 3.28am, I called the reception checking the local time, he told me it was 4.28am. I was shocked as I found my time incorrect and I might miss the train at 7.30am. I changed the clock an hour earlier and woke up at 6am (5am actually). I then check the time online and yes, it's 5.30am now. Gee... ho could the reception got the time wrong.

The trip from Perth to Dubai was killing me since it's an 11 hour flight. The flight was well and we did encoutered some trubulences around Indian ocean. I found Dubai very hot. It was 27 degree when I reached Dubai at around 1pm (Dubai time). There was also a lot of people, some people were sitting on the sides of the lanes even though there were chairs just 100m away. The worst was the time we wasted sitting in a hot plane. Our flight from Dubai to Frankfurt was delayed because there's 3 plane arriving and we had to wait inside the train for more than 30 minutes. It was so hot and the air-conditioner was set weak during taxi. Gee... this incident made me lose impression on Emirates. I made an acquitance with a Chinese guy from Beijing. He's going to Berlin. The trip to Frankfurt was not really pleasant since I wasn't given the aisle seat as requested. And there's a compartment at the side so I can't stretch my leg well. Though it wasn't as bad as Wang as his in-flight entertainment system was faulty and he couldn't watch/play anything. I spent most of the time playing games which were classic and simple. I did get the highest score for the Bejewelled game and wrote my name on the record. Ha ha.

The weather in Frankfurt was good when we arrived. It's not as crazy as Perth weather now. I took a taxi to my hotel, Monopol. In Germany, the driver's seat is on the left. I went to th left and he told me it was the right since he's driving. Got bit embarassed. Gee.. the taxi driver was so "reckless". The driver sped 180 on a 120 road, cut lane without signal 80% of the time. He didn't fasten on his seat-belt until 10 minutes later.

The hotel I'm currently staying is quite decent. Though for Euro 99 per night, I would expect a clock and two pillows in the room. The water was weak, similar to the time I went to NZ. Guess, all hotels are trying to save water. The breakfast buffet will be available at 6am so I'm waiting for it.

Hope there's free access at the conference site or the hotel in Antwerp. See you. :)

Female Gondolier

Nothing to do with anime but I have the urge to post this since I have been asking the question ever since ARIA was introduced. As most people know ARIA is a manga about female undines. I have pondred "Isn't gondolier a job for the male?" I don't really care and since ARIA is a manga, I didn't pay any attention to it. In fact if ARIA was based on male gondolier, ARIA would fail miserably (I definitely don't want 55 ARIA navigation chapters with the alternate-world characters).

Back to the point, there is no female gondolier until recently a female gondolier, Alexandra Hai, turns tide of Venice's history succeed in getting the job. There has never been a female gondolier since the beginnings of gondoliering in 1094. Although she was imposed with certain limitations in her job, it has been a break-through in the history of gondolier.

In addition, I was made aware of the intense examination faced by potential gondoliers. According to the article, "After an 150-hour training course, there is a written test on the technical aspects of the boat and a practical test." This has made me appreciate more on the difficulty of Prima undines examination in ARIA.


Related real-world article 1
Related real-world artcile 2

ARIA Illustrations and Concert Poster

Came across two illustrations by Kozue Amano from a forum archive. The left one depicts the three fairy undines in their high-school uniforms. The right one potrays the three young undines in high-school uniforms and primary school uniform for Alice. Akari came from Earth so she attended the high-school on Earth. The illustration was drawn in conjuction of Kozue 5th anniversary in ARIA serialization. Aria was first serialized in Mag Garden's monthly magazine Comic Blade in November 2002.


There's also a poster for the ARIA concert in November. In addition, there's is a OP & ED single scheduled for release on the same day (21st September) the OVA is released. Available for pre-order at Play-Asia. It should comprise ARIA　the "OPテーマ　七色の空を／SONOROUS" and "EDテーマ　明日、夕暮れまで／葉月絵里乃 ".

P/S: Many might not know that Kozue Amano has a website and a gallery of her illustrations. The left one made it to the ARIA desktop calendar but not the right one. :(

Suzuka 162 Companion

Suzuka 162 仲間 なかま

Yamato and Suzuka went to see their teacher and told him of their matter. The teacher replied that he would talk to the university regarding the matter. The matter would be raised in the staff meeting but he told them that they wont be expelled. The teacher then told them to go back to their class. Leaving the staff room, Yamato commented that the teacher didn't react angrily as he had expected. Suzuka agreed and she noticed that Yamato had something in his mind. She asked him what he was thinking. Yamato replied nothing and confimed with Suzuka that she had to visit the hospital in the afternoon. Suzuka replied that it's just a regular check-up. Yamato apologized that he can't accompany her but Suzuka told him she would be fine. Suzuka went back to her class. Yasonobu was outside the class waiting for Yamato. He joked that Yamato was naugthy as he had been called for consulatation as the semester had just started. Yasonobu cunningly remarked that it must be about th secret trip. Yamato denied and Yasonobu pestered to know. Yamato told him that Suzuka was pregnant and they decided to get marry and abandon university. Yasonobu didn't believe in him and thought it was a joke. Yamato replied that it wasn't a joke. Yasonobu was stunned.

Reaching the locker room, Yasonobu continued asking if Yamato was serious. Yamato told him that he had something to attend and had to leave. Kinugasa sempai appeared and he wanted to talk to Yamato. Kinugasa asked Yasonobu to leave so that they can have a talk. They went to the park and sat down on a bench. Yamato remarked that he thought he would be beaten by Kinugasa. Kinugasa replied that he would if it would solve the whole matter. He asked Yamato why Yamato didn't tell him the last time they met. Yamato replied that he had not decided back then. Kinugasa commented that they have the freedom to make their choice but he asked Yamato if he knew the effects. Kinugasa told him that the university had lose two potential atheletes. It was not fair to the students who were not selected during the university selection competition. Kinugasa continued that the high school's track team has lost the credibility because the incident. He then seriously told Yamato that the university might not accept any student from their school in future. He remarked that it was the consequences that Yamato had caused. Yamato replied that he undertood and knew the consequences. Kinugasa told him that Yamato should act what he thought would be best since he knew of the consequence. Kinugasa added that he was disappointed with the whole issue. Yamato apologized as Kinugasa took leave.

Yamato went to the school track field, wanting to apologize to the members. He met Suzuka there. He was a bit surprised but Suzuka told him that the check-up took less time and she returned to apologize to the team. Both of them went into the training area. Miki and Kobayakawa saw them and approached them. Kobayakawa sarcastically told Yamato that the university might take back his recommendation for being lazy. Yamato replied that his recommendation has already being revoked. Suzuka and Yamato gathered the team and told them about the matter. Everyone was shocked that Suzuka was pregnant. Yamato told them that Suzuka and him had declined the recommendation. Kobayakawa grabbed Yamato and shouted if he knew what it meant. Kobayakawa remarked angrily that Seijou would probably not offer anymore recommendation to their school students anymore because of their reputation. Both Suzuka and Yamato apologized. Kobayakawa refused the apology and scolded Yamato. Tsuyoshi interrupted and commented that they knew Yamato and Suzuka had put in a lot of effort in track. He added that they undertood their feelings in rejecting the recommendation. All the members supported them saying that there were other university that they could attend. Tsuyoshi joked that even if they wanted to enter Seijou, they could apply through general admission since they were not as stupid as Yamato. Everyone then encouraged Yamato and Suzuka, telling them that they should do their best and give birth to a healthy baby. They added that they would support them from behind. Yamato and Suzuka thanked everyone for their understanding. Kobayakawa then realized that he appeared as the only bad guy but Miki remarked that he was a good senior as well.

Outside the fence, Kinugasa and Miyamoto were looking at the track team. Kinugasa commented that if Yamato didn't apologize to the track team, he would have beaten him. Miyamoto told him that if Kinugasa was supportive, he could just tell them. Kinugasa replied that he would support them by preparing a wedding gift for them and he asked Miyamoto to come along. He then looked at Suzuka and Yamato, saying "Work hard together."

Caption: Inside Suzuka, she bears Yamato child. Yamato stand firm protecting his newborn life and loved one. His companion also support them at the back.

P/S: Basically a chapter dedicated to Yamato and Suzuka telling certain people about their matter.

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 Navigation Guide

The guide is not new but I decided to write a post about this wonderful book. really glad that Tong Li released the CH version of the guide. The guide was based on ARIA manga, not the anime.

As usual the book cover has the 4 corner story and ended with Maa sachou profile. The slip cover quality are not as good as the normal ARIA manga but acceptable.

The book started with 13 pages of colour pages. The first page depicted the prologue. The next 8 pages showed the venue and scene of Italy that were potrayed in ARIA. 3 pages were then dedicated to illustrate the steps in colouring an illustration of ARIA using photoshop.

The book was then divided into 4 main sections; World Nagivation, Episode Navigation, Expansion Navigation and Making Navigation.


World Navigation
The World Navigation section started from page 15 to page 86.

P17-19: Explored AQUA with details on time, weather, trasnport and culture.
P20-23: AQUA events in spring, summer, autumn and winter.
P24: Information on the Undine
P25-29: ARIA, Himeya and Orange Planet companies and their interiors.
P30: Road to become an Undine and their duties as well as Gondola maintenance.
P34: Information on Salamander
P35: Information on Gnome
P36: Information on Sylph
P37: Information on postoffice, Florian cafe and Glass factory.
P38-39: ARIA characters relationship chart
P41-65; ARIA undines profiles. Each with 3 distinct characteristics, their current work and potential, their summer n winter uniform.
P66-73: Profiles of Akistuki, Al, Woody, Grandma, Postman, Sachous and Cat Sith.
P74-79: Alicia asnwering technical questions on ARIA.
P80-81: Cat kingdom
P82-83: AQUA insider on Salamander and Gnome
P84-85: How to draw Sachous with sing-along


Episode Navigation
The episode nagivation covered page 87 to page 143. It featured detailed episode information from the 1st year to the 3rd year spring as well as special navigation. The section also comprised Aria sachou costumes, Akari's attraction secret, Aika's list of do not as well as additional terms used in ARIA.

Expansion Navigation
Making Navigation

more to come... still reading the book.... exciting !!!!


The guide is available at Yesasia (except ARIA 10) and Bookcafe.