湾岸ミッドナイト Wangan Midnight

Was linked from a Kiddy Grade AMV to this video because of the awesome song. Anyway, this song is making me want to pick up initial D. I'm lazy to research but I think Wangan Midnight is NOT Initial D right? Okay, my last sentence confuses people but nevermind.

Back to question, anyone has any recommendation or comments? Should I pick it up or should I forgo this classic title?

And many apologies on my part. I really should stop doing 'Anime to watch' entries like these @_@ But I feel like this is the easiest way to share and get minna's comment before I waste my time on a lousy title. I watch anime and manga at a snail's pace because I like taking my own sweet time to savour every frame and story plot. Which is the reason why I have limited Anima/Manga intake.

BTW, I'm onto like episode 8 of Kaichou Wa Maido sama. Hakuouki Shinsengumi Kitan still 0%. Code Geass 0% (yesss I have not taken this up yet @_@) So much series to follow up and so much things to do but so little time!

And my videos! and tutorials! I think cows can do faster than me T^T Please bear with me while I get my drive and motivations back. I've been pretty distracted lately.

Cosplay Documentary

Okay, this is not a video pimp (at least its not out yet xD). But just thought I’d help spread the words for #WorldCosplay’s upcoming Cosplay Documentary.

Yeap, someone’s thinking of filming a Cosplay Documentary =) I hope the website has more information but alas it doesn’t have much so I can’t really say anything more. But nevertheless, its still an exciting project to support and keep a look out for =)

Words from the people themselves =)

On May 2nd, 2010, at 11am, Cosplay: The Documentary will be officially kicking off its production days!
We'll be starting in Orlando, Florida and making our way across the United States, interviewing cosplayers and visiting conventions!

Be SURE to look for us at:
Anime Next
Otakon
CTConn
AWA

and [funding providing] Anime Expo, for your chance to make it into the film!
Visit our website: [link] ! Keep checking back for updates as well! We could be coming to your city!
And be sure to check out the Support Shoppe - it's the only way we're able to fund the project, through your support!
All-in-all, it's a cause for celebration! Thank you to the powers that be for helping this first production weekend take place! Also, special thanks to Full Sail University!

Visit their website here! I’m sure the wait for the video will be a long one but let’s all look forward to it! I’m sure it would be awesome xD

JBF: HAHAH Hack!

Honestly…. tell me exactly what’s wrong here xD? Click here to visit the page.

.

.

.

I seriously pity Reiko LOL!!!!! I am highly amused!

WCS 2010: Live stream!!!

Much thanks to the folks at World-Cosplay-Summit (Deviantart Group) for the information. Apparently WCS organisers this year is FINALLY opening up their media coverage to the non Japanese demographics! Smart move imho :D

Anyway, we can watch the Osu Parade Live here at Ustream tomorrow!!! How awesome is that xD?



While you're at WCS's Ustream Channel, also check out the interview videos of the representatives !

Worldwide Cosplayer Photo journey: article status update

Just a short update about the status of the Worldwide Cosplayer Photo journey Project.

Sigh, the item is still listed as “ Despatched to overseas”. It has been reflecting the same status since last week.  With such a massive delay in the shipping process, I’m contemplating some changes to the rules and deadline =\

Kinokuniya@ Liang Court Discount!

Hi peeps~!

To celebrate its 10th year of running, Kinokuniya @ Liang Court is giving 20% discount to its Kino privilege card members.

The offer starts from 29th April – 1st May! And only available at Kinokuniya @ Liang Court 

Maybe its a good time to get this. Joudouyi na~(?)

Offer only available at Kinokuniya Liang Court !

 

Liang Court Store

177 River Valley Road
#03-50 Liang Court Singapore 179036
Tel: (65) 6337-1300     Fax: (65) 6338-1278

(Opening hours: Daily - 10.30am to 9.30pm)

Cosfest Poll!

I'm feeling tired and braindead. So share with me what you guys think I should do at Cosfest!

survey tools

Meeting Kipi @ Genting!

So I went for a short short short weekend getaway at Genting Highlands located in Malaysia with a few friends. It was an awesome trip and the cool climate there was such a refreshing relieve from Singapore’s  usual burning.

at the malls with arcades and ‘Funland' like stores

On the last day of our trip, we took a cable car ride down hill to visit the ponies and gawk at the awe-inspiring scenery of the highland. And while brisk walking to the cable car area, an unexpected encounter arises!

To my utmost astonishment, I saw a famous Japanese Cosplayer at one of the NeoPrint shop! And she is……..

 

KIPI!!!!!

Yes, the famous japanese cosplayer. Best known for her Suzumiya and Shana and many many moe cosplays!

 

Pictures credit to Kipi herself and crimsonrain.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

It was totally unexpected. This is taken outside the print shop where I saw her! And took many photos of her without permission =X

Apologies for the poor quality of my camera that refused to work under the low light. I tried my best to photoshop as well as I could but the quality are still pretty shitty u_u Either way, hope you guys will enjoy them!

.

.

.

.

.

.

 

 

Kipi 1

Kipi 2

Kipi 3

So did you guys enjoyed it? HAHAHAHHAA. Apologies for taking photographs without permission. Bad Kaika xD

I seriously wonder how long these photographs have been there. The colour seemed somewhat washed out when i saw it in RL and honestly, how can anyone call Neoprint a ‘Latest Attraction’ ?! That thing has been around for near 2 decades! Old enough to be a teenager by itself!

I wonder how Kipi would feel if she saw this. How would you feel if one fine day, you find your own Cosplay photos printed and plastered on A2 size pillars?

If you ask me, I’d admit, it is a big compliment. BUT I’d also feel greatly displeased to have my hardwork and intellectual property so blatantly USED and EXPLOITED without permission!

Yes, piracy is prevalent and heck,  everyone of us here has in some ways been part of it too by supporting Vocaloid PVs and variety shows on Youtube and downloading scans or Animes etc.

But when things are brought out of the virtual world and into a physical + COMMERCIAL world. I believe we are talking about something on a totally different scale altogether. Of course one might argue that maybe that shop owner is Kipi’s personal friend or have paid her a hefty commission fee. But I frankly doubt.

What do you guys think?

Hi peeps! I'm probably late in linking this but Danny Choo and Alodia fans out there, heads up!

Photo from Alodia's DA

Here's an upload of the 1st episode of Danny Choo's very own Television show, screening on Tokyomxtv. And first Otaku to be featured is *rolls drum*... Alodia Gosiengfiao!

Part 1/3

 Alodia appears somewhere at 3:09

Part 2/3

Part 3/3

The lack of subtitles are really getting to me @_@||| I think I'll just wait for some kind souls to sub it hahaha.

Trailer

World Cosplay Summit: Representative’s performance

OMG! WCS 2010 Kicks off this Sunday!!! How time lies! Before we anticipate the final battle of the nations, let’s have a recap of their preliminary performance!

A little rant first, seriously tell me, am i the only one who finds the official WCS website somewhat annoying and slow in reflecting updates? Singapore and Thailand’s representatives have been selected for near a month before it has been officially stated on their website.

Anyway, because I was annoyed with the official website, I decided to do an entry for people like me, who are keen to poke more into the happenings of the World Cosplay Summit, but aren’t keen to stalk the blog or website everyday.

Last year they had some awesome video coverage of the entire event with exclusive interviews with each representatives. But they choose to restrict the video to a speciifc Japanese flash player. And none of us could watch the video despite installing the plugin multiple tiimes @_@ Was very annoyed.

Picture by ~alsquall.

Most people I’m sure, are like me, just wanna know who was selected, what were they cosplaying as and how entertaining were their skit. Simple.

So I’ve searched high and low to put together this video compilation entry that has skit performance of all the countries I can find. I’m lacking links to Korea, Italy and China. Does anyone know if there’s any videos of their performance online?  Without further ado, scroll down for the alphabetically organised videos =)

 

Australia

Brazil

 

China

 

Denmark 

 

Germany

 

 Finland

France   

 

Mexico

Singapore

Spain

Thailand

United States of America 

 

 

*Phew* Hope you guys enjoyed the performance, was pretty troublesome to gather these videos ^^;;;

As I mentioned, World Cosplay Summit kicks off this weekend.  Go to the official website for the full event schedule and guides. Also check out fan groups like World-Cosplay-Summit on deviantart for eye candies!

World Cosplay Championship 2010
August 1(sun),2010
Open Gate 16:00 / Start 19:00 , Area Map (PDF)
Official Website: http://www.tv-aichi.co.jp/wcs/2010/e/event/index.php

OTACOOL 2

Much thanks to Evilneo’s early birthday gift, I got myself a copy of OTACOOL2 !!

If only KOTOBUKIYA gave every contributor a copy of the book as a token of appreciation. that would be so cool. But maaa, guess logistically that would be difficult to execute since everyone’s spread out across the globe. And if they give everyone a copy then those in the book won’t bother to buy the book themselves. *pouts*

Haruhi pouts because she can’t get things her way!

Anyway, first impression of the book was “Wow, its thicker than I thought!”. Yeap, the book has over 120 pages and all in full colour on glossy paper.

How many local Cosplayers can you spot in the back page XD?

The content page

I was pretty surprised when I went through the book. I was expecting more of a photobook but turns out there was actually some word content.

And despite the “Worldwide Cosplayer” tag, the focus was still very much on their local cosplayers and comparing the different cosplay cultures in Japan and worldwide.

The first section was dedicated to showcasing a few outstanding Japanese cosplayers. Mostly a 2 page interview with the cosplayers and photos of their costume.

 

Of course, everyone’s beloved Saya is inside too hehehee.

I got to say, the interview with the japanese cosplayers got me a little …how do I put it… disappointed. But I guess I’ll abbreviate more in another entry.

Kaname gets 4 pages for himself. Lols. Special treatment is special xD

The photographs selected for the entire book was great but as expected, of too similar genres. I particularly noticed the fact that most of the photographs selected were cosplays of female characters. There was very few crossdress pictures to be seen.

And very very few male cosplayers. Did the guys not submit anything? *shrugs*

 
Haruhi approves!

And then there’s the surprising (or not) “Singapore” section. I’m amused and thankful for the special mention (for our little island). Though at the same time a little sad I don’t see photos of some of my favourite local cosplayers.

Overall, the OTACOOL2 book is a pretty nice book for people who have never tried cosplays before to get some insights and for those who are feverishly into the hobby to collect and enjoy in years to come.

Hatsune Miku. A real android vocaloid

As As the title implies.

O_O It feels like one day, the human race will really be taken over by robots xD

Hatsune Miku - Rolling Girl (COSPLAY PV) - VOCALOID

FINALLY Cvy and Knansaiii's Rolling Girl Cosplay PV is out!!!I'm so proud and jealous of Cvy's professional editing here! The poor girl was literally working her weekends away.

There were other commitments, but completion still took longer than I predicted,
dare not say I underestimated the amount of animation, transitions and effects
in the original, but it was genuinely.. time-consuming.

I mentioned that
the video will not be the same but I was so compelled to finish it ended up
looking about the same. BUT, even though some of the scenes look identical, the
entire movie was made from scratch. Even the lyrics, Kansaiii traced them all
individually! So thankful for her help, she was the only person who gave me
endless support too!

There is one part where you see me 'rolling', I was
very reluctant to have it because to be honest, it look extremely comical, but
when the song itself is titled Rolling Girl, I don't think I should challenge
that. My favourite scene would have to be 1:59-2:09 of Miku and the guy
conversing and eventually coming down to screaming at the top of their lungs. It
expresses one of the conflicting emotions she is bearing and him trying to talk
her out. This Miku is rather headstrong ;)

It may not be picture-perfect
but we put our heart into every bit, hope you appreciate our work ^^

Note: No videography involved, everything was made mostly with stop
motion and some burst shots.

+++

Movie made by Cvy
[cvy.deviantart.com]
Lyrics traced by Kanasai* [kanasaiii.deviantart.com]
Photos taken by Songster [songster69.deviantart.com]

Hatsune Miku:
Cvy
Guy/Savior: Kanasai*
Schooler boy: Xiaobai [xiaobai.deviantart.com]
Schooler girl: Kaika [www.youtube.com/user/elpheal]

Thanks to the
schoolers too who helped so much during the shoot and Adrian with his smallest
photography workspace! I should put up behind-the-scenes.

+++

Original PV credits:
http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm9989443
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMDxKR...
Lyrics: wowaka
composition:
wowaka
arrangement: wowaka
Voice: Hatsune Miku
Illustration:
akiakane
Movie: yama_ko
Font: fub-koubou

Originally produced by
Genjitsutouhi-P in 14th Feb 2010

I am SO impressed by all those special effects and crazy lyrics animations! You can totally tell where the time went to >.<

Watching the final product brings back so much memories of the filming production XD How Cvy had to jump and rolled (yeah, you heard me right) and we had to throw her hair in the air to get the 'animated' feeling.

Am already looking forward to the "Making of" Video for this by Cvy! Click on the video and go to the Youtube page to leave a comment there and support the creator !

Pwning Meiko

This is too funny to not share xD Real updates soon son soonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn~~

Hakuouki Shinsengumi Kitan

Music is evil.

Ever since Lenneth pimped me the opening song from the original game…. I’ve been looping it since then. And it’s making the series looks so much more appealing than it used to.

I’m slowwww I know U_U. All the girls would probably have been so over this already but whatever. Still gonna go ahead and do a focus entry on it because….eye candy iz love :D

Hanabira no Toki. The song that started this.

Without further ado, I present to you a shitload of awesome Hakuouki Cosplays!!!! WooTS! They are haphazardly arranged because yours truly don’t know enough about the series (nope, have not played the game nor watched its anime yet) to do any sort of categorizing.

…. Or perhaps I’m just too lazy to.

 

Hakuouki - 03 by *KanasaiiiThis is definitely a picture that screams “Baka Sannin(the 2 idiots)” to anyone who sees it xD. Gotta love Kanasaiii’s expression!

 

Hakuouki 2 by ~ycysusanThe intense contrast and saturation of the background really makes this entire photo look drawn!  Lovely sakura (or are they some other species of the plant?) backdrop seriously amplified the whole ‘Shoujo’ and ‘otome’ vibes xD

 

Comic Fiesta 2009 - 32 by ~shiroangAwesome Cosplay and Costume by Ayase! I love how rich and lush the material look!

Chizuru Yukimura 2 by ~pinkberry-parfaitI like Chizuru’s normal wear. Looks very cute and feminine and young at the same time. Pinkberry-parfait looks really cute too T_T

 

*_*

Time for the boys~~

 

 

Hakuoki - Saitou Hajime by ~gk-reikoEver kawaii Reiko as bishie Saitou Hajime. The snow background just adds this indescribable touch of romance and coldness =D

 

Hakuoki - Saitou Hajime 2 by ~gk-reiko

Shinsengumi First Unit Captain by *LennethXVII

Awesome backdrop. Looking at the snow…. can’t help but feel like its too freakin cold a time to be wearing sockless footwear yeah >.<? Anyway, kudos to lenneth and her team (Reiko,Decadence, Cvy, Kanasaiii) for doing all the costumes from scratch themselves =)

Daily patrol.. by *LennethXVIIReally love how both of them looked so natural and yet so in character! (Okay, Okita looks a bit kiddish for some reason xD). They really looked like they walked out of the film or something.

Hakuouki: Bloody Okita by ~SoySauceCosplayBlood is difficult to manage. Any cosplayer that manages to do it and smear it on their costume earns my 120% respect. Lovely expression and great capture by the photographer >.<!

Hakuouki: 3 times the power by ~SoySauceCosplayLOL! Cute is the only word I can use. I wonder are those carpark pillars they are sitting on.

 

Hijikata Toshizo by *songster69I think songster really captured a very good angle and gusto feeling here. Great portrayal by Kanasaiii.

 

Harada Sanosuke by *songster69And decadence as Harada. Love the killer expression and pose *_*

 

Hakuouki :01: by *koshinaka 

Hakuouki::01 by *CvyAccording to Cvy, this photo depicts a scene of Heisuke (Cvy) carrying a drunken Harada(Decadence)  back. Fan service much yeah???? LOL

Really loving the authentic ‘olden days’ Japanese street backdrop.

Hakuouki ::02 by *Cvy

Punk rock Heisuke Cvy !  Great work on the dye job and costume even though I feel cold just looking at her @_@ ;;; 

 

A little shy and sad of eye by * RyokoKiyo

 

Hakuouki - Okita Souji - 05 by ~shiroang

Hakuouki - Okita Souji - 02 by ~shiroangReally loving the light and warm colour tones here. Brings a lot of realism and life to the costume and character. Awesome cosplay and costume by DDtenka.

 

Hakuouki: Done yet by ~xmonk3yxBlood and snow is such a contrasting yet perfect combination. Coupled with the framing, pose and fiery expression of the cosplayer, this is definitely a piece of work worthy of a double look =)

 

Hakuouki: Okita being Okita by ~SoySauceCosplayXDDD Baka Sannin! Kawaii na~~

hakuouki:hijikata okita by *fullmetalflower

Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan by *blurmageAnd FINALLY a couple shot bye Kyubei and Mitsuki! Definitely loving how the photographer framed the sakuras and them. Must be difficult to do a hugging pose that looks good on photos :D

********************************************************************

Finally, that’s the last! There’s still a lot of awesome Hakuouki Cosplay to be featured but I’m timing out now U_U. I’m sorry for featuring so much Singapore cosplayers and photographers. It was seriously not a deliberate action on my part.

Now I’m wondering whether should I start following the Anime…. any Hakuouki Fans (or haters) care to  gimme some insights? I don’t think the anime has ended its running right?

Kaichou Wa Meido’s pretty cool btw, thanks for the recommendation and comment on the previous entry. It’s a little predictable and overly ‘Shoujo’ but its good entertainment =) Skip Beat still pwns though =X

Had originally intended to only spend 30 minute on this but as life would have it, gathering everything took me near 2 hours X_X. Anyway, Live Writer’s being a bitch tonight and have crashed 3 times already so I’m ending my entry here.

Hope you guys liked the eye candy pimps! Comment if you like this and go visit the originator of the works (cosplayers or Photographers) by clicking on the orange links ^_^