robot clones

Sakura... (2010.4.12 20:32)

2010-06-13T14:33:00.005-04:00

Everyone, sorry for not writing for a while.

I haven't had much time for sleep lately. (^^;)

Wake up → Work or Training → Fall over → Wake up

And then repeat every detail. Yeah, a complete animal... (^^;)

Although, once I fell right down and got a little 2~3 hour nap. (^^;) Well, I think we can call that one training, too. (^_^)

So, of course, after nearly 2 weeks of this lifestyle, I collapsed in a heap yesterday (^^;) and had a proper sleep for the first time in a long time. (^_^)

So, not to change the subject, but,

Last week, I went to get my car fixed, but the day before I went to get it back, the sky cleared right up, my last chance to go out and take some photos of the 'Sakura.'

I heard from Cha-cha 'Chidorigafuchi's nice,' (^_^) and we didn't have any time at lunch, so we went out that evening,

and wow, that whole neighborhood was a packed parking lot! (^^;) Even more, humans and cars were in a mess of congestion... (big ^^;)

In desperation, I pulled out my cell phone...

The number of people was just amazing. (O_O)

So, there was no chance to take photos loitering around in a car all day, so we gave up for the day and went home,

and the next day there was a torrential downpour. (T_T)

The moral of the story: Sakura is the enemy of the heart that thinks on tomorrow, by Shinran Shonin. (^_^)

Boo-hoo-hoo... Won't I get to photograph anything this year... (regret) Everyone, let's go out and take some photos... Some good photos...

At least I did get to have some Sakura-viewing sake... (^_^)

Everyone, the temperature's fluctuating wildly, so be care so you don't catch a cold.

Well then well then~

[ yes, i am not dead~~~ (X_X) i was almost caught up, and then Life Intervened. well, i can't promise any regularity around here, but i've got a huge bunch of entries to get through, and they will be done, if just not with any noticable alacrity... (T_T) (terminator voice) i'll be bahk. (^_^) ]

How long... (2010.3.30 23:49)

2010-04-25T21:09:00.002-04:00

it's been since I wrote you all.

The MENS festival safey completed, I totally deflated and couldn't utter a word...

And then a fever laid me completely out. (^^;) Yeah, compared to training, I'm so weak, what's with that? (^_^)

So, I revived, and straight off fixed my car. (^_^) First, when I went to the parking lot to take the car to the car guy,

Wha? The car lurches... Then I remembered, that nightmare...

The tires all around were punctured and crushed flat. (^^;)

So, even calling a tow truck was a big deal, and getting a tire pump from home,

and after that, nothing but the ssshu-pah ssshu-pa of the pump. (^_^) It didn't really have a lot of capacity, so after about an hour,

I was covered in sweat, and I gave up on the tire and went to the nearest auto parts store.

It was "Ah~ that's a tough break, like this..." and "It's a 4WD, gotta replace all four tires."

Those words pierced me right through, and when I started complainin, 'First off, I'm only going 10~20 km, I can make it!!' and 'I'll push it over to my repair shop!!'

"Well, we can't guarentee the safety, but we can fix it." So I took it over to my own car guy.

"Well, these two tires are the worst, but if you can, I'd replace all four of them." It was the same thing. (^_^) I got a quote...

'Uh... Let me think about it just a minute...' and I went home with my car just like it had been.

But this is, of course, the age of the net, and I scored myself four wheels. (^_^) Plus, just the tire, or with aluminium rims was the same price,

so after all this effort, I get some aluminium wheels. (big ^^;) Man, that was a good job... (^_^)

The world of purchasing parts by mail order hasn't completely disappeared quite yet, so things were steadily looking up for me. (^_^)

So, this has no connection to my car, (^_^) but getting some aluminium wheels put me in a good mood, so I went to the Mister Donut shop for the first time in a long while,

Since when have they been 100 yen~? Is this a limited time only thing? I had no idea at all~

With the tension all high, I ate with some gusto. (big ^^;) Angel Creams... Now that's just cruel. (^_^)

Hence the title, "How long..." (^^;) Yeah, that was a long introduction. (^_^)

You say it's only a donut, but that's crucial intelligence information. If I'd have known earlier... (^_^)

It's gotten cold all of a sudden, so everybody be careful not to catch a cold.

I'm going to do a bit of convalescence, so I'm sure I'll catch one. (big ^^;) Eh? Maybe I ate too many donuts? (^_^)

Well then well then~

MENS festival (2010.3.22 01:02)

2010-04-25T20:22:00.002-04:00

Man alive, everyone,

the MENS festival, that was best LIVE ever. (^_^)

To be frank, the tension was higher than high (^^;) and it was really hard during the show (big ^^;)

but when I considered it after the show was over, I had this satisfied, complete feeling. (^_^)

The guys in the audience really let us have all their fighting spirit. Everyone, you are the best guys, I mean really. (^_^)

With that kind of hot mood, you made a study of how to be a real guy, and man among men.

On this tour, I won't loose my spirit of affection for all you guys. I'm looking forward to it. (^_^)

Man, but this time I took my clothes off, well, I was supposed to take my clothes off, but if you do a side-by-side comparison, all the members taking their clothes off (^^;)

and me still with all my flab, I worked hard. (^_^)

Unless we're on tour, I don't do anything about my belly. (big ^^;) Next time I'd better do a bunch of weight training. (T_T)

Well, just for tonight, my reward

I had some yakiniku. (bwahahah)

Uh, no good? (^_^)

Man oh man~ I've got a bad headache, and it's handicapping my brain. (^^;) Tonight, I shall go to bed early like a good boy. (^_^)

Well then well then, sleep well... zzz

P.S. My car... I went out the other night and it was ruined. (^^;) The left side was totally annhiliated. (T_T) Not just the body, the tires and the wheels are all gone. (T_T)

Before, I thought I'd just keep it with a normal exterior, but that night I swore I'm going to do it all up, totally custom. (^_^)

Men's Festival (2010.3.20 22:13)

2010-04-25T14:26:00.001-04:00

Yeah, praise, adulation, of course it's a festival. (^_^)

Actually, tomorrow, right. Gotta get my fighting sprit, my loving spirit on. With the prolonged rehearsals and trainging I temporarily have a body worthy of such things. (^^;)

After one day, I'd better give it my all~

P.S. Cars... Car buying, well, when the LIVE is over, I think I'll go out and touch a few. I've been driving myself, even to rehearsals.

Then, with all those strong winds today, I was thinking all the posters might have blown away, with my usual attempt at avoidance.

Yeah, desperate... (T_T)

I really don't understand what human life is about... It certainly is heaven and hell...

Let's make tomorrow really a rocking musical experience. (^_^)

As for tonight, the tension's rising, and I'm going to sleep!!

Well then well then~

Sweet~ness (2010.3.13 02:33)

2010-04-25T00:17:00.003-04:00

Have I mentioned these before?

Probably most of you know of them already. In the city, Amala is famous.

Yeah, the tempation of the fruit corner. (^_^)

They're always sold out, but this time I could unexpectedly buy one, and, well, it was amazingly pricey. (^^;)

Snowboarding, tomatos, this city is... a battleground of worldly desires. (^_^)

So, people who haven't yet eaten this tomato...

People who don't like tomatos...

People looking for new fruits... (^_^)

Please, definitely definitely definitely give this one a try. (^_^)

It's really sweet, and tomato-y, it's more completely fruit than fruit tomatos.

Tomatos are full of lycopene, so it's good for beauty, and anti-aging. (^_^)

Wow, it's been a long time since I discovered delicious food. (*joy*)

Everyone else should give it a try, too. (^_^) Well then well then~

[ a) i'm not sure about that whole fruit/tomato/fruit tomato line, i think there's something i'm not getting there...
b) happy super belated b-day chachamaru-san, aka old man. (^_^)
c) wow, you guys are so patient and nice, waiting for translations, thanks so much! ]

I've become a warring commander. (^_^) (2010.3.7 22:44)

2010-04-09T00:40:00.002-04:00

I look a little threatening. (^_^)

Whenever I wear a helmet and armor, I get all tense. Puts me in a Warring Commander spirit. (^_^)

Honestly, it's really heavy. Including the guitar, it's at least 30 kilos. (^^;) *

Before the show, we get our fighting spirit on, with the image of going out to the front. Well, our usual LIVES are battles too. (^_^)

Ahh... My back... hurts... (major ^^;)

The real thing is even heavier, the commanders of the old days were amazing. Of course, it's bushido. I'd love to be able to follow their example.

Everyone should try this on at least once, if they get the chance. (^_^) It's weight will surprise you.

Well then well then... Today, I'm asleep already... zzz

[ i'm already surprised by their weight. turns out 30 kilgrams is 65 pounds. 65 pounds! jesus. no wonder he needs a live-in chiropractor. ]

Commander T-Shirts (2010.3.6 22:13)

2010-04-09T00:28:00.001-04:00

Looks like an elegant family crest.

Furnished by J.S.ART-san.

A family crest that looks like that would be pretty amazing.

Japan's in the process of losing all the old designs... Yeah, is this what we call civilization?

If we don't do something it'll be too late.

Well then well then, let's go for it tomorrow at the Tama-Ari again. (^_^)

Hina Matsuri (2010.3.3 22:19)

2010-04-09T00:14:00.002-04:00

As a boy, I have nothing to do with this, (^_^)

but today is Hina Matsuri. Also, a certain someone's birthday. (^_^) We've got an event this week, so it'll definitely be a surprise... (bwahahah)

Yeah yeah, just the same, everyone, good work on the snowy mountains.

It's been a while since I've gone three days without sleep, and it did kind of melt in the sun for that second half, but still. (^^;)

Well, even with that, that weather was a miracle... (^_^) The weather forecast was completely rain, but really, the clear skies and snow was great.

This time, we didn't have a tug of war, so except for the freezing cold, we got to enjoy ourselves right to the end, huh. (^_^) Every year, I totally use up all my energy. (^^;)

It was only for a little while, but hanging out with everybody was truly a precious time. Thank you.

So, after all that, as predicted... I was shrewdly kidnapped. (^_^)

This season's coming to an end already, but for two days we got in plenty of gliding early in the morning. (^_^)

I intended to quietly glide, but I got a little overexcited in the end...

I did some jumps. (major ^^;)

Yeah... Dumb... My apologies. (^^;)

These "jumps," they're really absurdly scary, but they give you the best rush... (^_^) They were small, but I even got in some quick kickers.

I didn't do anything unreasonable, thankfully. I only jumped within the lines of my own safety. Next season I'm definitely buying a helmet... (^_^)

Everyone get good practice, and next year on the snowy mountains we'll all jump... er, glide. (^_^)

Well then well then, everyone, please get some careful body maintenance in.

P.S. Please pardon the weak-minded leader of Team Bail Out. (^^;) We were so close... so close. Just one more step, and we could've had that ball...

Next year a YOUVICTORY will definitely avenge this loss.

Thanks, Team Bail Out, really good effort.

[ a) hina matsuri, also known as the girl's doll festival.
b) Team Bail Out's alternate names include Team Ladle, Team Hollow, or Team Stick Your Chin Out. (^_^)
c) am i dumb? who's birthday is that? ]

Strawberries~ (2010.2.22 02:14)

2010-04-08T23:39:00.002-04:00

They were gifts to me, but go ahead and have some. (^_^)

In the past three days, I've eaten enough strawberries for a whole year. (^_^)

Eh? Overeating? (^^;)

Although, winter isn't really strawberry strawberry season... If you think about it, strawberry season is May~June, right? (^^;)

Yeah~ The strawberries that were pilled up in the fruits and vegetables corner, I couldn't win out against that temptation. (^^;)

But, I didn't have any condensed milk! (^_^) Non-chalant after a herculean effort, but still. (^_^)

Also, after I'd eaten a couple of them, their individual flavors were totally different,

so looking back at it, it was a day of flavor discovery. (^_^)

So, this time was "Amaou," * and they were very firm and moderately sour, and also they had an elegant sweetness to them.

Yeah, that one earned it's place in my mouth. (^_^)

It must have... I had some more before I went to bed. (major ^^;)

Everyone take care. (^_^) Well then well then~

P.S. Everyone, thanks very much for your advice. (^_^)

Of course, you're all steadily forcing my head. (^_^)

However, those rides are really expensive. (^^;) I could think of it like an investment in a machine, I guess. (^_^)

I'm a little worried...

[ amaou is a special kind of strawberry from fukuoka. man, just looking at all those yummy strawberry pics made me want one so bad! ^^; ]

Bindings (2010.2.21 01:20)

2010-03-26T14:43:00.001-04:00

When I went snowboarding the other day, I used my new bindings, and while I was running around with that tea water on the day before we entered Niigata,

I finally got UNION.

The shop clerk at the shop that I used at first,

when I asked,

"I'm looking for some bindings by Noah's Ark?"

he said, 'We've got UNION or FLUX~'

I don't know how much stuff I tried out, but they didn't have any of the colors I'd hoped for, so at first, I took out some black UNION ones.

'Those bindings are light~ (long explaination) I really recommend these.'

The shop clerk gave these bindings huge praise, but the color was really bothering me,

so I said, "Let me think about it for a while."

And I left the shop behind for a while.

So, the number of snowboard shops in the tea water area, there were so many, I was all but surrounded by them. (^^;) I didn't have much time, so I ran. (^_^)

I searched everywhere, all into the day, until I was out of breath, but all the good colors of UNION and FLUX were sold out. (^^;) And to make matters worse, even the BURTON that I normally like, wasn't stocked in my size,

I pressed on as stores started closing, so reluctantly, I headed back to that first store... (^^;)

"Yeah~ I've been to all the stores in the area, but every single one is sold out..." I said frankly to the sales clerk, and then

'They're very popular. Even at our store, they sell out almost as soon as we get them. (^_^) '
'It's the end of the season, so we really don't have any...'

In these hard times... Even the things I can buy are all sold out... (T_T)

"Well, let me have those ones from earlier, really black's not such a bad color. (^^;) " and so when I reluctantly bought the original UNION ones,

the clerk kindly gave me some encouragement, 'Black can go with anything, so you can change your board and still use these.'

When I got home, I put them right on, and forgot about the color in seconds. (^_^)

Man~ That was a model clerk. I'm buying from that store next time. (^_^)

Clothes, check. Bindings, check. I've got to put these things to use. (^^;) The news said the winter sports crowds are thinning out, so...

Everyone, if there's something you want, you should go out a buy it, quick. After it's sold out, it'll be too late. (^_^)

Well then well then, have a nice day off~

P.S. Just for a little while, we rented... a parking lot. (^_^)

This probably goes beyond impertinence... (big ^^; )

But, we investigated the parking lots in the neighborhood, and there are just so many telephone wires. There was only the one that was free of them... (^^;)

Be afraid, Tokyo...

That which is rented... May be purchased... (^_^)

[ zombie. jesus. stop writing such long posts, YOUkun! alternatively, life could stop interfering. you know, either/or. (^^;) ]

Dead-tired... But Mellow... (2010.2.18 20:06)

2010-03-23T21:50:00.002-04:00

just a little too much sliding. (^^;)

Last week, I didn't sleep that much, with all that training, and I wanted to take a snowboarding day trip with my next free day, and there was an event in Niigata that weekend,

thus I went snowboarding... (^^;)

Well I'm paying for my mistakes now, and of course with the surging waves of manual labor, I am completely exhausted. (major ^^;)

But

If I could be revived by all the chocolate I got from everyone (^_^) Cardboard boxes... It's scary, I can't even count all the chocolates. (^_^)

Borrowing this space, "Thank you" for the food nosebleed. (^_^)

So, the presents from Hell the other day (^_^) got a trial run right away.

My impressions...

Absurdly easy gliding. It changed into a feeling like, What? You can really glide like this?

To be frank, I've never ridden on a board like this. (^_^) From this season on, this is going to be my main board. (^_^)

With this, I'm really going to get into snowbarding. (^_^)

Man~ I've been going snowboarding a lot lately, I'm gonna need a 4WD.

This is my favorite era. (bwahahah)

I'm the type to instantly jump into action whenever I get an idea, so if I had a 4 wheel drive, I'd be headed off to the snowy mountains at the drop of a hat. (^_^)

Yeah, that's really the only reason. (^_^)

Has everyone ridden in an off-road vehicle or an SUV? This is of a completely personal nature, but if you have any advice, please give it. (^_^)

Well then well then, we've got training tomorrow, so I'll be laid up for a while. (big ^^;)

Everyone, it's been absurdly cold lately, so be careful of colds.

[ well, i'm moved in, and i've got a few days off work, but i've got a friend staying with me for the week, so we'll see if i can't squeeze some translating time in. i hope~ ]

zombietranslator

2010-03-09T00:10:00.001-05:00

i swear i'm not dead. i'm moving. it may be a long minute here, folks, but i'm coming back. just, maybe not until april. sorry. (^^;)

~meredeth.

Thanks (2010.2.12 23:32)

2010-02-17T22:56:00.002-05:00

For your many kind words,

truly truly thank you.

For being born in this era,

for the miracle of being able to meet all of you, I'm grateful,

and I'll try with all my might

to live a long life. (^_^)

Incidentally, in a birthday to remember,

I somehow broke my cell phone. (^^;)

So I couldn't get the all important calls from friends. (big ^^;)

The emails reached me though...

Plus, I only realized it was broken yesterday. (^^;)

I'm really tied to my phone. (major ^^;)

To borrow this space,

"Really sorry about that..."

So,

at one year older,

I'm still called robot (^_^)

I'm still called old man (^_^)

but I'll try for a lifetime of service~

Well then well then, see everybody in Niigata~

From the demon realm... (2010.2.9 22:05)

2010-02-17T22:53:00.002-05:00

a present. (^_^)

Finally, everything is a NEW model. (^_^)

At first, I installed the bindings that I used before, but I guess I shouldn't have bought that whole other board.
(^_^)

Man~ Still some time left to go in the land of enjoyable problems. (*joy*)

The brand is "NOAH'S ARK" which is one I'd never heard of, but maybe it was fate, maybe it's my friendly relations (^_^) but somehow, this turns out to be their second season as a core domestic brand.

It feels a lot more limp than the board I've been using, so I'll have to play around with some jumps and airs. (^_^)

I'd better get right out and do some practice. (^^;) But you might say... Why exactly? (major ^^;)

However, with "NOAH'S ARK" from Sata-sama, has an even more profound meaning. (^_^)

And this design is super adorable. (^_^)

I'm grateful to Satan-sama... And grateful for being born in this season. (^_^)

I've got this new board, I've gotta get to those snowy mountains and get some practice... (^_^) This year, I WILL slide~

Bean-Throwing Day (2010.2.3 22:36)

2010-02-10T22:33:00.001-05:00

Did everybody get to eat a lucky roll?

February 3 is bean throwing day, so:

"Evil out~ Good luck in~"

Good fortune always seems to turn up at my house somehow. In this case, Good Fortune means "Clothes" specifically snowboarding clothes. (^_^)

Of course I bought it, yes... (^^;)

The recent trend has been for either the super flashy type or the tight type, or the type that looks like casual wear.

It's been a while since I bought snowboarding clothes, but tight lines seem to be the fashion, and HOLDEN seems to be the brand that's ahead of all the others.

I am a BURTON believer (^_^) so I bought BURTON, but I didn't expect to find so many of them left on the shelves, so really tight lines must be popular.

HOLDEN is super expensive, and they're sold out everywhere on the net, and even at the store, they didn't have any in my size. (^^;)

Well, the tight stuff that's popular right now is really stylish, but to be perfectly frank with you, it's kind of difficult to be all SPUNKY and KAPOW with a kneepad. (^_^)

Talking to the people in the store, it's the butt pad, nevermind a knee pad, that you really want,

but, yeah, I think anybody who's snowboarded even once will understand that if you do not have a butt pad, that is when you will fall right on your bum. (^_^)

I've had to learn it myself repeatedly (^_^) but it really hurts when you fall down.

Ah, for people who are snowboarding for the first time, please get all of the necessary pads. Without them, there will be a world of difference, like between heaven and hell, I'm not kidding.

As for me, for now, I've got my super fancy type all ready for next season. (bwahahah) This year, it's SPUNKY and KAPOW. (^_^)

Well then well then.

P.S. New shoes, and clothes, and bindings. I wanna try them all out today. (^_^)

Major Snow~ (2010.2.2 03:12)

2010-02-10T22:04:00.002-05:00

Somehow the snow piled right up in front of my house... (^^;) It's really been a while since we got this kind of snow in Tokyo, hasn't it?

Aaah, after training today, I thought I'd see how my snowboarding gear looked. (^_^)

Mm? Did I buy a complete replacement set?

Actually, I'd already gotten a pair of NEW shoes. (^_^)

I'm slowly buying it all. (^_^)

When this kind of snow piles up, I can slide around a little in front of my own home. (bwahahah)

Everybody don't get injured on those odd snow-covered roads. Be careful.

Imoya (2010.1.28 23:11)

2010-02-10T21:56:00.002-05:00

I went out with my friends to buy some snowboarding gear, and we stopped for a little tea water.

I haven't had any tea water like that for a long while. I used to go all the time, but I can't remember all the locations and stuff. (^^;)

However, as usual, when you buy at one place, it's okay to lose your way a little, and there are a ton of snowboarding stores.

Lately, I've been buying only on the net, and my encounters with the latest snowboarding gear (^_^) are really dangerous.

Plus, the binding, the clothes, the board, boots, everything I see, I have to touch, then I end up buying everything. (^^;)

It is about time to replace my outerwear anyway... and I have been wanting some lighter boots... and my bindings are in rough condition...

I steadily make excuses for myself. (^^;)

This time, I won the battle with greed! (^_^)

Only bindings... (major ^^;)

Man alive, even just this took some effort. (^_^) More than my friend bought, for a while, it was touch and go. (^_^)

So, after all that, we were hungry, so we got some tempura at a place called "Imoya."

The price was great, at 600 yen for a tempura meal, and we got some delicious tempura.

I don't know if just the shops in the Jinbouchou area, but in the store we went to,

the owners were quiet, and the customers were quiet, and they were just on the verge of closing shop.

It's not much, but I wasn't brave enough to take a cell phone shot inside. (^^;)

A little snapshot from after the store closed. (^_^)

Maaan, as you'd expect, Jinbouchou has the best gourmet spots in the metro area. I'd heard rumors they were of a high level. (^_^)

I can't visit this gourmet find too much though... Or in the end, snowboarding greed will get me. (^_^)

Well, it'd only be a problem until I hit the slopes. (^_^) Even if I had completely new stuff, you'd have to be gentle with me, please. (^_^)

Well then well then, have a good weekend~

P.S. The first holiday of the new year has passed us by. Hopefully, this year will continue in peace and tranquility, too. (^_^)

Responding to everyone's love comes first...

And curing back pain. (^_^)

"Always, thank you."

THIS IS IT (2010.1.26 19:36)

2010-01-27T22:28:00.004-05:00

I'm on of those who missed seeing it in the theater, but this time, I definitely put my hands on it.

The reputation around those around me:

"When we do our job, we definitely wanna look like this."

Everybody gives it big praise, so I thought, well I might as well. (^_^)

How long have I looked forward to this day? (^_^)

So, well, let's not think about that. (^^;)

But before that, a meal:

Pardon me... It's the same menu every time. (bwahahah)

For a while now, my number of meals has been on the rise, so I used up all my leftover ingrediants in one meal. (^_^)

I made a half and half blend of the miso base I talked about last time and the miso base I usually use, and it turned out really nice. (^_^)

Everything's been amazingly tasty lately, too. (*joy*)

And also, the promised desert.

This is a new model of the usual. (^_^)

Man, people who develop this stuff, they really understand what I like. (^_^)

But, it's strawberries, STRAWBERRIES!! Strawberry shortcake... My favorite thing!

Mm? There's really nothing better? Man alive, everybody,

when you say cake, I saw strawberry. (^_^)

Certainly chocolate, and mont blanc, and chiffon, and cheese cake, these are all my favorite foods,

but now that you mention it, souveniers for my friends are combinations of cakes, and when I give a strawberry one,

I have to have confidence that I'm giving the best. (^_^)

Once in a while, as a test, I'll combine strawberry tart with strawberry bavarois or something. At times like that, I generally keep it for myself. (^_^)

So, well, I had a bunch of reaction stuff to say about the strawberries, (^^;)

but I write about it and I get massively hungry, so I'm gonna go eat something.

Well then well then~ Everybody have something delicious~

Sorry I was out for so long. (^^;) (2010.1.21 22:51)

2010-01-23T17:08:00.002-05:00

I was a little kidnapped. (^^;)

Yeah, there was a snowy mountain preview. (bwahahah)

So, i'm really into cooking for myself lately, so I bought myself a present. (^_^)

With this miso base, I can make another pot meal. (^_^)

However, earlier this year, I felt like I'd never snowboarded (^^;) but thanks to this, I finally got my intuition back.

Lately, I've been reading some snowboarding stuff, but the stuff that's already written is so amazingly high level.

In Japan, snowboarding having a renaissance right now, so it can't really be helped,

A snowboarding magazine I saw a while ago had an article about "Beginning Level Tricks." Aaah, now these are just normal jumps. (^_^)

When I first started, 99% of snowboarders were beginners, too, so jumping put you right up at the head of a class that just did gliding,

although frankly, these days I've got a long ways to go even to get up to beginner level. (^^;)

Well, in my case, if I broke my arm, my life would pretty much be over (^^;) so I have to exercise some self control and careful caution (^_^) so maybe I'll just hold off on those jumps after all. (^_^)

Everbody, please have fun, but take care not to injure yourselves.

Well then well then~

A Late First Visit... (2010.1.16 22:40)

2010-01-23T16:16:00.002-05:00

Belatedly, I finally went for my first temple visit of the new year.

When I pulled a fortune from the tiny pile that was left over (^^;) it said this year would have "Middling Luck." How delicately put...

Well, time's passed so quickly since New Year's Day, all the "Great Luck" ones were probably taken already... Yeah... Yeah, that's gotta be it... (^_^)

Hoping for my luck to go up, I stepped inside the shrine.

However, lately the fad of people visiting power spots has been growing, and there were a ton of people in there.

Somehow, when I get in places like that, my heart gets all weak. Maybe when the atmosphere clears up...

In that kind of a holy place, I prayed for world peace and world conquest again. (^_^)

So, when I got home, the obligatory "Chige"

Today's picture is from before I boiled it. (^_^) This is after I put in the bean curd and chives, and finished up with the all-purpose onion. I tentatively tossed in a small amount of chili pepper, too. (^_^)

This pot seems to be getting biggger and bigger with each passing day. (^^;)

Man... It's stragely a relief when the amount of food you can eat keeps going up. (bwahahah)

Although, by day three, I won't be getting full any more... (^^;) Well, of course I have to have a little brown rice, right.

Everybody here is not impossibly deliciously beautiful. (^_^)

I'm a little bored with these, we have to think up my next menu~ Well then well then~

Chige Diet (^_^) (2010.1.14 19:34)

2010-01-23T15:58:00.001-05:00

For those of us who are overweight with New Year's overindulgence!!

I'm totally having a "flab" rebirth. (^^;)

The only way to lose weight is to stop eating so much, so I'll have to cross the starvation hell (^_^)

Lately the training's been hard, so I don't know if I can survive fasting though. (^^;)

Well, being healthy right now's difficult anyway (^^;) since I'm on the rebound.

For now, I'm trying no carb meals centered around vegetables, but my stomach's always empty empty... (big ^^;)

This way, I have a menu that has enough nutrition, and I burn calories efficiently, and my belly swells,

and I can slam on the "Tofu Chige." (^_^)

Tofu is full of protein, and vegetables have it too, and if you add capsaicin, it seems like you should be able to get a good burn from it, right? (^_^)

So, here's what I made. (^_^)

The base is my impression of a multi-use miso soup. I mixed some miso with some stronger dashi and added cabbage, bean sprouts, chives, hackberries, kinoko mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms... etc I added in all my favorite vegetables.

Then I stir fried in some sesame oil, pork, and garlic, and of course slipped in some gochujang (a korean chili paste) through the back door, and added some more sesame oil and kimchi.

In the end, I let some tofu in, to. If you like spicy stuff, you can pile on the Korean red pepper powder. (^_^)

And thus you have, something like, a simple "Tofu Chige."

They way it's all mixed together in the picture doesn't look that tasty, (^^;) but seriously, it was huge success. (^_^) That I could make something so delicious surprised even me. (^_^)

For preference, it might be even better with shellfish and seafood in it.

With my stomach firmly settled, and my body nice and warm, this week will be given over for taking recipies to their extremes. (^_^)

Have some, everybody, for those cold nights.

Avatar (2010.1.12 16:00)

2010-01-19T00:15:00.002-05:00

All of you new adults, congratulations on becoming adults. You've got a lot of life from here, so don't give up on anything, really try and realize your own dreams.

Of course, for those of use who are a long ways off from the coming-of-age ceremony (^_^) we've got some time left, too, so let's all go for it.

So, this isn't connected to the coming-of-age ceremony in any way, but I went to see "Avatar" which has taken the town by storm.

This year is totally the "Year of 3D" so they're changing movies and tv into 3d,

and a 3d movie appeared her and there last year, but it seems that the first 3d movie to go epic is this "Avatar."

Incidentally, at "International CES" held in Las Vegas, which is the place for world appliance debuts, where domestic companies of course, and world consumer electronics companies gather, this 3d thing is a driving force,

so I think the days are near when even regular household TVs will have 3d. I've heard they're for sale in Japan this year.

So I got a little off subject, but, "Avatar."

WOW, IT IS COOL!! The graphics!! (^_^) Man, really cool!!

The level CG and stuff has finally reached, when kids see this, it's no different from reality. (^_^)

People who haven't seen it yet, this is a must. (^_^) See it in 3d if you can, and get fully into the world of the movie.

Well then well then everone, it suddenly got chilly, so beware of colds.

Just when I get to talk about the mild winter weather the other day... So, freezing. (^^;)

GIVE ME body heat~ (^_^)

[ well, your 'umble translator went and got herself Basement plan, not so hot for the Timely Translation plan. they will get done, YOUkun is still (and probably eternallly) cute and funny, but i think we're past the era of the 5 second turn around time. not that i've been having that for a while now. still. just thought you'd all like a warning. the next few months may be especially rocky, until i get set up in my new place. after i find a new place. anyway. see you on the flip side, minna~ ]

Sorry I kept you waiting. (2010.1.10 03:31)

2010-01-10T23:45:00.002-05:00

I am back at last from a long trek to the snowy mountains. (^_^)

I went on this trip intending to drop the filth of last year's waves of busy,

but it took so long to get there, with every day slipping away...

Yeah... And my back pain further deteriorated. (^^;)

Finally, a vacation, but with my endurance slipping away, too, of course, my entire body snapped right into total exhaustion mode...

Tomorrow will definitely be maintenance again. (^_^)

Last year was one big explosion of frustration, but this year I was gonna go for it~

It's smack in the season of heavy snows, so it blizzards and blizzards (^_^) and right when the snow hit, of course I went out! (^_^)

The picture is from the day it finally cleared up. (^^;)

Although, it has been a mild winter so far... Well, if it's cold, it's cold,

but I always remember it being freezing in the winter when I was a kid.

It's not that far, but if we could go back even 10 years, I have a hunch it was plenty warm.

Eventually, when it would start snowing or something... When I think about that, it only gives me cause now to wonder when the heck I'm going skiing. (bwahahah)

Everyone, it's seriously cold, so take care not to get hurt and please enjoy your respective sports underwear.

Well then well then~

... Ah... My first shrine visit of the year... I haven't gone... (^^;)

Happy New Year (2010.1.3 20:28)

2010-01-03T15:58:00.001-05:00

Well wishes at the new year. m(._.)m

Wrapped up in everybody's warm affections, last year turned out to be one hot year.

I've still got some skills to learn, but let's have a good time this year, too. Let's all have a great year.

We can still have new year's greetings this far into it. (^_^)

Did everyone jump off into the new year? (^_^)

We, like we do every year, were firmly made to jump.

Maybe we'll have our best jump in these 10 years? We must have been thinking something like that, so we jumped into the air to meet the new year. (^_^)

Halfway through the countdown,

we were counting, "Ten, nine, eight, seven..." we started asking, so, we jump at one? or at zero? (^^;)

Just at the last minute, we said, "Three, two, JUMP!!!" and when we jumped, right at the highest point of the jump, was timed perfectly when they announced, "PLOP."

So, we were perfectly airborn for the new year. (^_^) We instinctually called out with everybody else, "Ooo!!" (^_^)

People who didn't do the new year jump, should definitely challenge themselves to do it. It's an amazing rush. (^_^)

Well then well then, everyone, really, be careful about New Year's gorging. (bwahahah)

I just got back from a trip, and I'm going right out on another one for a while. (^_^)

New Year's Eve~ (2009.12.31 20:49)

2010-01-02T19:00:00.001-05:00

In this, the last minutes of this New Year's Eve, I am really totally rattling. (^^;)

Halfway through spring cleaning... (^^;) Before long, we'll be looking over our shoulder at this year...

With the first step of this new year,

I hope everyone jumps off (^_^)

once again in to the sky. (^_^)

Well then well then, have a good year~

I'll be on a trip for a short while~

A Party on Fire (bwahahah) (2009.12.30 00:29)

2010-01-02T18:48:00.002-05:00

Man oh man~ my fever didn't go down even a little bit, but at our traditional year end party, I was chugging down that sake,

and the next day, not only did I not have a hangover, but somehow my fever had gone down, and my cold was cured. (*shocking*)

Maybe that's the so-called alcohol disinfectant effect? (^_^) Plus my skin is all smooth. (*joy*) Sake can be scary... (^_^)

Ah, I guess I should say, all you good kids out there should definitely NOT try that at home. When you have a cold, stay warm and stay in bed. (^_^)

So, now that i'm healthy, it's time for some aimless wandering down to Harajuku...

I went to buy some sports outerwear.

By the grace of the store manager, I got a tidy discount. Dear me, there really are side benefits. (^_^) So I'll borroww this space to say,

To the mass of athletes around me, (^_^) I highly recommend them. m(._.)m

And of course to everyone else, too. (^_^)

So, there was some fashion underwear in town (^_^) but the ones I had for fatigue recovery were "SKINS," and this time I bought a supporter called "UNDER ARMOUR" to try out.

Seriously, though, this thing is really amazing. (^_^) Jump jump (^_^) * You might say it's a feeling of wearing a full body supporter, and I feel like my body's potential certainly went up.

People who do sports should definitely try wearing this.

I'm happy with mine, and went into training right away. (^_^) Incidently, I did more barbell lifts than usual. (^_^)

Well, "SKINS" and "UNDER ARMOUR" are ridiculously expensive, so when you buy them, there's a lot of hesitation, (^^;) but these really hit the mark.

I definitely recommend these to people who overwork their bodies.

Well then well then~ Everybody~

Sake for beautiful skin. (^_^)

And underwear for when you exercise. (^_^)

And it is with that sort of feeling that I conclude. (^_^)

So then, I've gotta do some spring cleaning... Just... great. (bwahahah)

[ * this is the onomatopoeia for a) jumping vigorously, b) being super healthy, or c) bouncing. i'll let you pick whichever you like best... ]

School's Closed~ (2009.12.27 03:33)

2010-01-02T18:42:00.001-05:00

Man oh man oh man~

2 Days in Osaka~

That was really really hot.

Not that my whole body wasn't rattling already, but everybody's cheering from the stands fixed me right up.

Good job everybody, both days had MAX energy, and we had a couple of Lives perfect for ornamenting the end of this year.

That sense of unity was crazy. (^_^) Of course, it was Osaka. (^_^)

For helping us win the fight, truly I thank you. Honestly, with the force of that Kansai dialect, it felt like we knocked our opponent straight to the floor. (^_^)

Of course the takoyaki power was the strongest. (^_^) On the Shinkansen on the way back, I got wrapped up in feelings of gratitude, and ate some "takomusu." (^_^) *

So, I sadly passed Kyoto, was home from Osaka in a moment, arrived at home, had a light meal, and then my arm fell of. (^^;)

They say when you go to sleep right after you eat, you become a cow, but when I woke up, what I had was a cold. (big (^^;) )

Plus, I was sore all over, and even breathing hurt pretty bad.

I swore I was going to forge my body into perfect shape, but as usual I had a weak constitution... (^^;)

Well, this has been the hardest year in the past 10. (^_^) Before we cross over into the next year, I should do some firm body maintenance.

Maybe some spring cleaning after that? (^_^)

Everyone, seriously, please take care not to ruin your physical condition.

Well then well then, to celebrate the end of the year holidays, a toast!! Cold medicine!! (^_^)

[ * which is takoyaki (octopus dumplings) + omusubi (rice balls), of course. ]

Tama-Ari School (2009.12.23 20:32)

2009-12-25T23:25:00.002-05:00

I have a hunch that there was another name for this, but I'll call it what I want.

'The TamaAri School' (^_^) *

The Live is safely over, but we were in that box for a while, so

when that was finished, I was finished too. (^^;) For just a single day, it was INTENSE. (^_^)

So, have something from today's school lunch.

It was hashed meat and rice. (^_^)

And curry, too, I loved that, thank you very much, but this time I thought it was delicious.

Again, just as in our original concert, we had everyone else's lunch. (^_^) But it was better than the bentos backstage. (^_^)

If it could make up for concert sales after next year, that'd be great, huh. Takoyaku, yaki udon, yaki soba...etc

Then we can get some Goldfish Scooping, a lottery, and maybe some yo-yos. (^_^) ** We'll have a full on festival in no time, it'll be fun.

Maybe that's why we've got two more shows before we're even done with this year's Lives.

Everyone, let's make this the hottest Live of all.

Well then well then, fare thee well~

[ * tamaari being the shorthand name for the saitama super arena they played in this past summer.
** goldfish scooping is a game where you stick a few little goldfish in a big vat of water and then let little kids try their hand at catching them with a little laddle thing. the kids get to take them home as pets.
*** MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY~ ]

Fi, finally for sale!! (2009.12.17 05:51)

2009-12-16T22:42:00.001-05:00

Lots of gamers have been waiting anxiously for this game,

and it finally went on sale today. (*joy*)

Once again, we get a present from the people at SquareEnix. (^^;) I'm going to borrow this space to say, "Thank you so very much." m(._.)m

I'm going to enjoy playing this, and seeing how far FF has progressed on the new PS3 platform.

Well, my schedule's packed for a while, so it'll be neglect play... (^_^)

Lately I've had an inclination for the gamer's lifestyle, but...

Play steadily every day → get busy → don't play for a while → forget the story → start over from the beginning → endlessly repeat... (^^;)

I've fallen into a holding pattern. (^_^)

This time, I think I'm going throw it down with "all nighters" until it's done while I've got the time.

Man... The number of sleep deprived people is going up after today. (^_^)

Well then well then everybody, fare the well~

[ AAAAACK! i sooo need this game. a friend of mine is importing it, and i was already 100% jealous, and then YOUkun just has to bust out and taunt me. not fair, universe. play nice! ]

Illumination (2009.12.12 16:46)

2009-12-16T22:22:00.002-05:00

The world is all Christmas! (^_^)

And Christmas means prese... I mean, Illumination. (^_^) For a start, I went to midtown.

The light displays were different from when I've been out before. This year they changed the color of the light.

It's beautiful, wonderful, like stars shining on the earth, this is definitely something to see in person.

Even so...

To the left of me, to the right of me, there were all these couples talking of love. (^^;)

I was in the midst of a storm of text messages between feverish couples. (^_^)

With my lumpy full body parka, and carrying my tripod, I was quite the atmosphere killer,

and I kept fearing that I'd be questioned by the cops or something while I was taking photos. (^_^)

But, thanks to the recent SLR fads, some other people were out there taking photos just like me, so I felt a little bit better. (^_^)

So, it's the Christmas season, here's a tree.

At first glance, it doen't look much like a treee (^^;)

but it's packed with with little dangling Santas. (*wow*)

What the heck, how many of them are there...?

It, it's a miracle! (^_^)

This time, it started raining en route, but I went out to take some photos, ignoring the freezing temperatures in favor of photography. (^^;)

Yeah, I didn't take any photos. (big (^^;) )

So then, what should my next target be? (^_^) Do you have a spot that you recommend?

Everybody, good pictures, great sights, great love talk. (^_^)

Please enjoy the various illuminations.

Well then well then, fare thee well~

What!! (2009.12.8 20:50)

2009-12-11T01:28:00.002-05:00

Lupin III stole the Moyai statue at Shibuya! (^_^)

Lots of couples meet at the Moyai statue... What the heck was he thinking, making so many bittersweet memories just disappear...

If Lupin III did steal it, isn't this the most stylish teaser? (^_^)

Everybody who came to Shibuya was pretty surprised.

If you had a rendezvous "At X time in front of the usual Moyai statue,"

'Wha? The Moyai statue... is gone? (^^;)'

Things like that had to happen, right? (^_^)

So it'll be fun to find out what he steals next.

To be frank, I'd like to steal Fujiko-chan... (bwahahah)

Well then well then, everyone,

Bon voyage~

[ well, unless you're familiar with lupin the 3rd, this post isn't going to make much sense, and if you ARE familiar with lupin the 3rd, this post is going to be hysterical and salivatingly exciting. (^_^) in other news, sorry it took me so long to catch up with all the posts! i'll try super hard from now on! (jeez, i think i've been translating too much YOUkun lately, i'm starting to sound just like him!) ]

Autumn Leaf Viewing (2009.12.4 21:29)

2009-12-11T01:12:00.002-05:00

Did everybody get to go out?

Even the fatigue of the Rakuen Festival was left behind. (^^;) Even with autumn leaf viewing,

I thought about heading out with a camera in one hand,

but the season passed me right by. (^^;)

Since I bought that backup camera, I haven't been able to take whatever pictures I wanted,

and here again, the mass camera was shaky and pixillated. *big (^^;)* Really, this camera had it bad... (T_T)

I thought this weekend was going to be my last chance, but unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate. (*sad*)

For now, have a shot of Fuji I took on the way back. (^_^)

Autumn colors...

So nonchalant after all that community. (^_^)

Well then well then, everyone have a nice weekend~

The Final Dawn (2009.11.30 02:30)

2009-12-11T01:09:00.002-05:00

We were able to go out and meet this new expiramental Rakuen Festival event successfully.

In the middle of constantly changed circumstances, everybody had to make it up and fumble for this event,

but even here, from the shapes on stage, we seem to have ended with a big bang.

This success, not only for those of us on stage, for the dancers, us members, the staff and everybody, but also for people who couldn't come out to see us, people who helped us,

for everybody who influenced this event, the result of everybody's work is hot memories.

Ascending to the highest place on that stage once again like this, it made me proud. All of you built up that stage together with us, so please feel proud of yourselves, too.

I'm truly thankful from the heart. "Thank you."

Also, since we were talking about it...

In answer to everyone's cheers...

Decorated with the beauty of perfection!!! (*joy*) To all of the people who were helping us out, I send my highest love and thanks. (^_^)

Ah, maybe sleeping together is ok? (^_^)

I think I'd like to jump right into some more concerts with these tunes.

Well then well then, everybody, until the day we meet again. (^_^)

Bon voyage~

... (T_T) (2009.11.28 23:23)

2009-12-06T20:09:00.001-05:00

Still broken... (^^;)

I'm truly sorry, I can't live up to everybody's encouragement...

Honestly, my body and spirit are worn out. (^^;)

Tomorrow, too, cheer and really go for it, so we can reach our highest on stage.

This is our final day, too, so keep it up right through to the very end. (^_^)

And also, for people who have to go outside, keep yourself properly protected against the cold, so that you won't catch a cold.

I met a lot of people at the store, but it was really freezing, even with a ton of bodies, so definitely take care.

Tonight, please take a nice soak in the bathtub, and keep warm, and get some sleep.

And if you're inclined, maybe you could warm me up too? Sleeping together. (bwahahah)

So, finally the last day dawns, let's make this the hottest night.

Well then well then everybody, adieu~

Uuuuugh... (2009.11.27. 23:51)

2009-12-05T14:29:00.001-05:00

Gwuaaaaaaaa....

I'm still broken from Mihama... (T_T)

On the way back, it got way too serious in the front, so I headed back to amuse the dancers. (^^;)

Really, it's been a long time since I got this down. (bwahahah)

If you look at it that way, it seems just fine actually. (^_^)

Well, what's important is that you all had a good time...

Aaah... Tonight, it'll be just me and my pillow. (^_^)

Two more days of laughing and crying!! Let's have a hot time with everyone at the Rakuen Festival.

I'm getting revenge excited. (^_^)

Well then well then, fare thee well~

P.S. Looking at everybody's writings got me a little electrified. (^_^) Truly, truly thank you as always. It really saved me. m(._.)m

Uchi Cafe~ (2009.11.26 06:22)

2009-12-02T12:27:00.005-05:00

My present conquest. (^_^)

Lately, they've had a bunch of these, so the relative buying rate must be high,

but for people who conduct their business at in the middle of the night, like me, it's quite a fortuitous meeting. (^_^)

If you run into the delivery truck at just the right moment, you can get them before they even get on the shelf. (^_^)

Well, in the middle of the night, sweets definitely fall into the "flab danger zone," but you've got to buy this seriies when you can,

or at least that's my excuse for eating them. (^_^)

Here, roll cakes, cream puffs, eclairs, I've eaten them all,

but for me, of course, it's the roll cakes that I really love. (^_^) They just taste great, every time.

Well then well then, everybody be careful not to overdo it on sweets. (^_^)

Bon voyage~

Mihama School (2009.11.23 20:55)

2009-12-02T12:06:00.002-05:00

Again with the shaking. (^_^) It was so much, the audience seats had to be flying around!

Hope everyone's okay... Probably got motion sickness... (bwahahah)

But, the tension certainly went up with the shaking. You could say it was a feeling of being one with each other, or a direct feeling,

like the power in that place was being directly transmitted, the more you shook the better it got. (^_^)

With these tunes, even the dawn was a little shaky. (^_^)

So, inside was hot, but outside, Mihama was really cold, and after we were done and got back to Tokyo (^^;) Ooo... Cold...

Since I took this shot of myself on the bus on the way back, I was a little pouty. (^^;)

With this rain, everybody be careful not to catch a cold, okay? It's warm during the daytime, but at night, it gets cold in a snap, so keep yourself properly warmed up and get plenty of sleep.

Well then well then, farewell everybody~

[ wow! it's been a hot minute, as they say, since i updated. gomen. (T_T) but NaNoWriMo is officially over, i will officially graduate from college in two weeks' time, and i may be over the disgusting illness i had yesterday, so updates should quickly catch up. thanks for your patience everybody~ ]

It's about the takoyaki (^_^) (2009.11.20 04:42)

2009-11-20T21:11:00.001-05:00

It's the one thing you'll find in every Kansai man's house.

"Takoyaki pan..."

Of course I have one. (^_^)

It's been a while since I used it, but I used to have a lot of takoyaki parties at my house.

This might be a rarity in Kanto, but my friends an dI used to get really excited about them, and I had a pretty good rep,

but these days I don't have much of an interest in them, and it just hangs around in my fertilzer cupboard. (^^;)

When I was in college, we had takoyaki practically every day when I went home (^_^)that and sukiyaki for dinner every week... (bwahahah)

Compared to that, I hardly eat anything here in Tokyo...

Just writing about that stuff makes me hungry. (^^;) I just had a huge meal a little while ago, but as usual, my gas milage is horrible. (^_^) *

Well then well then, everyone have a beautiful day~

[ * as in, he fills up, he goes three minutes, he needs a refueling station. coz YOUkun is an SUV, dontcha know~ ]

An Osaka Post (2009.11.18 06:35)

2009-11-17T21:30:00.004-05:00

Since I got back to Tokyo, the dojo's been on holiday, too, (^_^) I've slept for 18 hours, (^^;)

and after that a hip bath, and a visit to the chiropractor,

and then my back felt so much better. (*joy*)

Even so, thanks to training, my back pain really is less compared to what I've had before.

Of course, this time was seriously beyond my tolerance levels. (^^;)

This week, sitting around growing my hair, we're preparing for the next school in Nagoya.

So, one of the things I found the other day at the Osaka school:

Takomusu??? Isn't it Tenmusu??

Actually, these takoyaki became rice balls. (ahahahah) With that in mind...

It's Osaka, you can have whatever your heart desires... That's what I thought, but I wasn't able to touch one or dare to taste one to give you my impressions. (^_^)

Well, definitely clean your plates though. (^_^)

Everyone please have one for me. (^_^)

Well then well then, fare thee well~

Osaka's final day... (2009.11.15 23:03)

2009-11-15T22:09:00.004-05:00

Three days of life...

Man, it was seriously intense. (^_^) As you might expect on the third day, my powers of concentration... (^^;)

Yeah, my strength is only thanks to Satan's Dojo. (^_^)

For the time being, my thanks to everyone. First off, thanks for the victory, and

cheers!! (^_^)

So, by all rights, it should've rush up like, pow, but actually this time, I got a little bit of a strained back on the first day. (^^;)

Somehow, after the performance was over, I got some medical care at a sports chiropractor in the middle of the night, and got through it until the final day, but man alive, it was spotty for a while.

Well, this week, there was too much jumping around on not enough sleep, so right in the middle of rehearsal one day, just "crash!!" (^^;)

Well the pain's gone down considerably, but just to be sure, I'll go straight to bed tonight...

I've got a little ways to go before I can handle another launch, so I'll just stay home lonely and alone... (T_T)

So keeping that in mind...

you'll have to excuse my pajamas. (^_^)

Aaah... Seriously, I'd really like to be a health preservation committee member... (bwahahah)

Well then well then, everyone gets a day off. Fare thee well~ (^_^)

Class Log (continued) (2009.11. 8 00:39)

2009-11-07T15:34:00.003-05:00

We ended day two as a huge success with a big climmax. (*joy*)

Actually, with everybody jumping around like that, the stage was swaying like there was an earthquake. (^_^)

While everybody was silent for the performance, it was like, wooow, this is the magnitude of this little song?

Things like that secretly give me a big rush. (^_^)

With that tune, the stage shook like it was going to collapse, I was like, jump jump! Go go! (^_^)

Incidentally, there are big parties all over the Sea of Japan side of Japan tonight. I would be excited, but...

too bad I had to come back to Tokyo after the show was over. (T_T)

Plus,

somehow I felt in bad shape when I reached the house, and when I took my temperaturre, of course, I hand a fever. (^^;)

Hahahah... I was so hyper on stage, I didn't even notice... (^^;)

So, with the tension at MAX, tonight I shall dutifully...

have a nightcap before I go to sleep. (^_^)

Ah... I want to make a school infirmary at the Rakuen Festival... I'll take applications for overnight stays. (bwahahah)

Well then well then, have a nice day off~

Class Log (^_^) (2009.11.7 00:40)

2009-11-07T15:18:00.002-05:00

All kinds of things happened, but we managed to safely end day one. Did all the students who were able to come to the festivities enjoy themselves?

As usual, I felt encouraged by everyone's warm voices. I'm really grateful. To tell you the truth, I'm still on a high from it. (^^;)

Until we came here, the days were coming one right after the other, so by all rights the launch should feel like, aaah, finally,

but tonight I will dutifully go to sleep. (^_^) With that in mind,

tonight was plenty hot, but let's make day two even hotter, shall we? (^_^)

Ah, so... how about some curry flavor? Personally, I can turn it on with that. (if I do say so myself).

Well then well then, everyone, sweet dreams~ (^_^)

West Side Landing!! (2009.11.6 02:14)

2009-11-07T15:02:00.002-05:00

When I type it out in kanji, it looks like a typo. (^_^)

Man oh man~ I had no time to prepare, but this time we were really in a hurry. (^^;)

When I was a high school student, I pulled an all-nighter in preperation for the school festival once, and this brings back memories. (^_^)

Well, to be frank, I'm commpletely down for the count. (^_^)

Well then well, let's make it a hot night for the Rakuen Festival. I can't wait to see everyone's uniforms, but for now it's sleep time. (^_^)

[ super sorry for getting all behind, peoples. NaNo is on, so most of my spare time is spent writing. also, school is kicking my butt. (^^;) anyhow, the next two entries should be up here soon~ ]

I'm Home!!! (2009.10.27 17:29)

2009-10-31T01:00:00.003-04:00

Did everyone get back safely? Thank you all very much.

Actually I've been back since the night of the 25th, but it's been wave after wave lately... (^^;)

Of course, I don't have any Singapore posts... Yeah, it's been a house-arrest lifestyle for me. (^^)

Well, thanks to that, the live was a success, and at the event I got to see everyone's smiling faces, and hopefully I gave everyone good memories.

As for me, I took some photos of foreign lands, and I wanted to introduce a few of them here...

Especially the ones from Merlion. (^_^)

So, it's not a terribly special post, but here's the perfume I got while I was there. (^_^)

Singapore reallly was hot, so even a little bit gave a refreshing scent.

This is what it came in. It was really a refreshing scent.

To be frank about it, I sweat so much, the perfume ran right off. (^_^)

For people who participated, the temperature difference was intense, so I hope everyone gets some nice rest so you don't ruin your health.

The moment I got back, I was shocked by how cold it is.

Well then well then everybody, not too long until the Rakuen Festival.

New Discovery (2009.10.15 07:33)

2009-10-20T12:41:00.002-04:00

Everyone, people with colds are doing surprisingly well. When give it all up and took a hot bath with lots of sweating, my fever was relieved, and I could safely reboot. (^_^)

So, I headed down to the convenience store to buy a lot of juice and other nutritional drinks. (^_^)

The goods on this one shelf are always gone, and there's always empty space. But the names of the brands are written nicely on the shelves.

Why are you always sold out? These goods... Are they that popular...? Or did you just have a sale...?

I always wonder, and now I've discovered, as I arrived at the convenience store just after the goods did. (^_^)

Now I like roll cakes, but these, no wonder they sell so well. (^_^) You eat them with a spoon, like miso. (^_^)

We have entered an era in which you cannot make light of convenience store sweets.

Enjoy your autumn appetites everyone. (^_^)

[ you eat them with a spoon? seriously!? omnomnomnomnom ]

F- Fail... (2009.10.13 02:30)

2009-10-20T12:38:00.002-04:00

Of course, I got a cold. (^^;)

I was completely bed ridden for a while there. (*major (^^;) *)

With this season, even though I hate doctors, I went in for a quick influenza inspection. (^_^)

Well, luckily that came back negative, but my main fever wasn't that high.

So, "Nose Celeb" (^_^)

These are really nice. (^_^) I can blow my nose as much as I like. (^_^)

For people with hay fever or colds, this could be a must have item.

Everyone, please be careful so you don't catch a cold. As for me, I'm going to be completely healthy by the end of the day, no, I'd better be healthy. (^_^)

Well then well then.

P.S. The saddest thing when I have a cold is that I can't taste anything. Eating things but not tasting them, this really is hell...

[ sorry for the delay everybody, meredeth's internet went down for a little bit. oh noes! but we're back, and the next post should be up shortly here. arigatou~ (^_^) ]

WOWOW Event (2009.10.11 01:36)

2009-10-10T14:11:00.005-04:00

To those who came out to see us, and those who watched on TV, and those who didn't get to see, thank you very much everybody. (^_^)

Since we're headed into some consecutive holidays... It's nice, huh...

And it seems that hay fever is suddenly upon me. (^^;) Well, maybe it's a cold.

My runny nose hasn't stopped all day. (^^;)

I've been constantly having tissues stuck up my nose, but of course I can't do that while I'm on stage. (^_^)

Thanks to that, I was absurdly nervous. (^^;) I kept thinking, is this snot going to fly everywhere...? (*major (^^;) *)

Well anyway, please enjoy an after-performance Service Shot. (^_^)

Well then well then, everyone have a good weekend~

[ as a fellow Constant User of Tissues, i would just like to say, GANBATTE YOUkun!
... seriously, i should just buy stock in kleenex. i could keep them afloat through the apocalypse with my tissue habits. (T_T) ]

Autumn Diet (^_^) (2009.10.9 02:16)

2009-10-09T23:02:00.001-04:00

It's a little late I guess, but I ended up buying something like this.

In the EMS golden age, I had other machines, but I'm magnificently fickle... (^^;) I can use this guy more easily. (^_^)

It don't know if it's effective or not, but for the time being it'll be the usual live testing. (^_^)

Thanks to the tour, I gained a full 10 kilos. (^^;) But there was really no sign that I was going back. (bwahahah)

I've been on a diet of no carbohydrates at night for the past week, and I've been having hip-baths twice daily every morning and evening, and somehow easily lost 4 kilos. (*joy*)

So then, I'd better make doubly sure to repel this belly flab. It gives quite a nice electric feeling.

If I get any results, I'll let you know. (^_^)

Well then well then, have a nice weekend in Yoyogi~

Full Moon (2009.10.4 22:51)

2009-10-04T20:51:00.003-04:00

I haven't written you all in a while. (^^;)

Yesterday I heard there was going to be a harvest moon, and when I looked up at the sky,

I though, was it a little short... (^^;) rough maybe?

Tonight, though, the moon seems dazzling.

Yes, have some of the familiar real moon. (^_^)

It's surprisingly bright for a moon actually, more pure white than in my usual photos. Maybe because I took the photoo from right under it.

Later, when I was trimming this photo, it's the telephoto of telephoto leses, but really, it's so small you can hardly take a shot of it.

If I wanted to take a properly large photo, I'd need a lens as big as a cannon I think...

Incidentally, they have for sale from CANON right now an 800mm super-telephoto lens for taking shots of wild birds and animals and such,

but it's about 1.75 billion yen... Yeah, the price of a cannon, too. (^^;)

Well then well then, everyone please enjoy the mysterious full moon.

P.S. Speaking of the full moon, man is a wolf...

But tonight...

Real herbivore style in a vegetarian restaurant. (^_^)

Just your standard sheep. (^_^)

Oyaki (2009.9.28 23:31)

2009-09-30T20:21:00.001-04:00

I was invited by a friend to take some quick "oyaki" shots...

I came over to help out as assistant. (^_^)

Maaan, taking photos on my own was nice (^^;) but this is one case where I'll leave it to the pros. (^_^)

I'm just here to steal his snapshop technique... (bwahahah)

Incidentally, half the oyaki was still left when we hung it up for the day...

Of course I polished off that plate~ (^_^) Mm, tasty. (^_^)

As a signature product, it really is wonderful.

Well then well then~

P.S. 40 months, when you think about it, is an amazingly long amount of time....

Really, I'm kind of amazed that the place hasn't changed at all,

but in the midst of the crazy daily change I experience

things that stay the same feel really great. (^_^)

Thanks for not changing... Always...

Yatterman!? (2009.9.28 03:37)

2009-09-30T20:13:00.004-04:00

This is really precious... (^_^)

It's been brought back with to this era with such skill. (*joy*)

It's like my childhood imagination brought to life. Although my childhood memories are pretty much non-existant these days.

Man oh man, the more I watch it, the more I remember~ (^_^)

So I say, and even today, I use sound effects like "Poit" unconciously... (^^;)

I wonder what sort of impressions the generation that didn't see the original will have.

You there, who saw this is real time!! Please watch this as a must-see. (^_^)

Or else...

"Punishment..." (not really)

It'll splendidly time-slip you back into your past. As you might expect from the Time Bokan series. (bwahahah)

With a live-action Gatchaman maybe coming up, my fun times are expanding. (^_^)

Well then well then, let's all do our best this week again~

P.S I'll have some anniversary comments next time...

[ poit would be my rendition of a button-pressing noise. the noise you get when you press a button. which in this entry, is apparently po-chi! ]

Circle of Friends (2009.9.25 01:02)

2009-09-25T21:34:00.004-04:00

In Shizuoka last month, I met with a friend I haven't seen in 7~8 years. PUERTA DEL SOL's Hirano-san.

We had said, "Let's go to dinner sometime" so we celebrated our last reunion straight away. (^_^)

Abalone~

Of course the hot talk was in full bloom, and I was told many a useful thing. (*joy*)

We talked about his many long years on the front, and man did I really learn things.

Pueta is a world authority on silver accessories. It's one brand that I like, too.

Pow!! Skull ring obtained! (^_^)

And, it matches Hirano-san's. (^_^)

That night fired me up, made me feel like I could really go for it. (^_^)

Well then well then everyone, have a nice night.

[ no, you are not going insane. i changed the title of the post after a discussion with my awesome and wonderful translation-sensei, who pointed out that 友達の輪 generally means Circle of Friends, rather than Friendship Ring. i guess i wouldn't put it past YOUkun to make a pun such as that, but since i unfortunately can't call him up and ask him (T_T) i guess we'll go with the standard translation. (^_^) ]

annyeonghaseyo~ (2009.9.20 22:50)

2009-09-21T20:31:00.004-04:00

I have safely returned. (^_^)

It was this kind of stadium. It felt bigger than the Tokyo Dome. (*joy*)

It's Korea, so of course the fans are hot. To respond to such a hot audience,

we poured all our power into those 2 songs. (^_^)

We weren't there very long, but having only one night doesn't mean you can't have the best night.

After the hot night is over, the obligatory drink. (^_^)

Lately, I haven't had any time, and I haven't been able to do any gourmet journalism, but for the time being, I ate my fill of spicy things. (^_^)

It's still burning in my stomach. (^^;) Ah... I'm scared of tomorrow. (bwahahah)

I'll finish up with a glance at the gallant figures in Korea...

Well then well then everyone, saraheyo~ (^_^)

Straight to the point... (2009.9.18 01:39)

2009-09-18T21:26:00.002-04:00

It's the Autumn Appetite. (^_^) Well, in my case, that's year-round, but still. (^^;)

One of our staff is from Aomori, and it seems they went home for a visit the other day, and brought back this as a souvenir.

Lately, I've been holding back from sweet things with all my might (^_^) but he went through all the trouble of buying it, so

Just one bite maybe... (^_^)

"Oo... Delicious!!"

Of course, from a place famous for apples, this would be delicious. (*joy*) One bag has four of them,

but, yeah, I ate the whole thing... (^^;)

Ahhh... I'll have to really try hard from now on... (*contemplative moment*)

And Korea's full of spicy things to eat, I'll burn it right up. (^_^)

Well then well then everyone, see you when I get back...

The Scent of Autumn (2009.9.15 21:39)

2009-09-18T21:24:00.003-04:00

I used up that ZERO, so I had to change perfumes. It's another I received as a gift. (^_^)

From my vast stock of perfumes (^_^) the standards upon which I selected this one were...

It's some kind of first impressions, but

It was basically that I thought, "Its color is like autumn..." (^^;)

At first I couldn't get used to the scent, but I've worn it so many times, I've become a prisoner... (^_^)

And that container has a totally mysterious shape, you know. I'm ashamed to say it, but I wass looking around like, "Where's the cap?" (^_^)

This summer was straight rain rain rain, and I thought I saw a little break in the lingering summer heat,

but now it's firmly cool. What's everyone going to do this fall? (^_^)

Fall appetite, fall sports, fall reading, fall arts, there's all kinds of options, but

as for me...

probably it'll be "Fall work." (hahahah)

Well then well then, everyone, the seasons are changing, so take care so you don't catch a cold.

Old Friendships (2009.9.13 01:12)

2009-09-12T19:38:00.004-04:00

A friend came over on official business. (^_^)

Salarymen these days are rich. (^^;) His diamond glittered so much, it dazzled my eyes. (^_^)

Yeah, of course I was jealous... Jealous... (^_^)

Also,

he brought me this thing as a present. (*joy*)

Well of corse, it's "Udon!"

Thanks, I'll enjoy it. (^_^)

Maaan~ He's a close friend, I've known him since I was young, and it's been a while since I've
seen him, so I was really happy.

Even now, next to me,

"What, what are you writing about!!"

He can't help but be worried. (^_^)

Go for it salaryman!! Treasure of Japan!! Corporate warrior!! Me too, don't lose your daily battle, self----

I think we'll sum it up with those thoughts.

Well then well then, everyone, have a nice careful (^_^) weekend with friends.

P.S. 9/11... If it would get us world peace, I'd gladly sacrifice my life.

All the people in this world give a silent prayer that we can live in peace...

Notes from the Summit (^_^) (2009.9.10 14:37)

2009-09-12T19:04:00.005-04:00

Looking down on the world below from the summit. (^_^)

Man oh man~ It's been a while since my back and muscles hurt so much I couldn't get out of bed. (^^;)

At last I have been revived. (^_^)

This time, I climbed on the Subashiri trail, but it's longer than the other trails,

and it was past midnight when I started, so I'd given up right from the start on seeing the sunrise from the summit,

but I was anxious about how high I was going to have to be to see the sun, so I climbed at an even more hyper pace than before. (^_^)

To tell you the truth though, I thought I wouldn't be able to see the sun past the 8/10 marker, so that guess was totally wrong. (^^;)

So I kept up my desperate climb. (^_^)

Just about when I passed the 7/10 marker, the sky lightened up, and my physical strength reached its tolerance limit, so I thought,

Aah, I'd better take my camera here and take some shots, but there wasn't any sun at all for another 30 minutes. (^^;)

Maybe... It's just here that I can't see anything? I thought, and my body was already totally cold, it was like frozen, so I started climbing again, and about 10 minutes later the sun showed up again. (^_^)

At first, it was covered by a film of clouds, so even the light you can see in my photo from 9/7 isn't much, but when it pierced through the clouds, I couldn't even look directly at it.

Basking in the light from the sun rays that climbed over the clouds, I really did melt. (^_^)

At the summit, like last time, there were so many people it overflowed. It really is extremely popular.

From grandpas, kids, dogs, foreigners, girls, office workers in suits, (^_^) people with their whole family in tow, all kinds of people climbed the mountain.

The fact confirmed on my second climb was, of course, that the descent'll kill your spirit better than the ascent. (^_^)

Even though the Subashiri trail is said to be fun on the way down, yeah... it's intense... (^^;)

But, if you climb up, you have no choice but to climb down, so. (^_^)

If I get the chance again next year, I'll forget these lessons, I'll climb it again. (^_^)

Everyone should try it.

The Second Sunrise (2009.9.7 11:35)

2009-09-10T20:43:00.003-04:00

I'd been climbing since midnight, and I was only about seven tenths of the way up, when I was able to get one last look at the rising sun.

Climbing Mt Fuji is really INTENSE... Today, my whole body is all creaky and I can hardly walk around. (*big (^^;) *)

It's only my second time, but no matter how many times I climb Mt Fuji, it'll be good. (^_^)

If you're wondering what exactly is good about it, it's definitely an "What's good is good" kind of feeling. (^_^)

There's been a boom in Fuji climbs year after year, so these days there's a lot of confusion and traffic jams at the summit, but I'd still like everyone to see this scenery with their own eyes at least once in their lives.

Well then well then, everyone, I'm going to be bedridden for a while. (^_^)

Owowowowowowow...

Sweet Tooth Supporter (2009.9.4 18:49)

2009-09-05T19:02:00.002-04:00

Lately I've been into these. (^_^)

These little zero calorie things.

Thanks to the tour, I'm completely fat (^^;) so when I'm hungry, I endure with these. (^_^)

Mm? I should just stop eating between meals?? (bwahahah)

Yeah yeah. (^_^) I recommend these for a really satifying amount of food. (^_^)

But, there's always nata de coco...

It's probably just me who thinks "It's kinda squid-y." (^_^)

People who can't quit sweets should definitely try it.

Well then well then~ Everybody have a nice weekend.

Lens Swamp (2009.9.2 18:27)

2009-09-02T23:47:00.004-04:00

I don't know if I can climb Mt Fuji yet, but I was swept along with everyone's "Take an SLR" influence, (^_^)

and bought a lens for Climbing Mt Fuji use. (^^;)

Of course, even just the camera body is heavy, and three heavyweight-class lenses are intense,

but this convenient zoom lens handles it all from wide-angle viewing to telephoto viewing in one lens. Plus, it has camera shake correction. (^_^)

Really, you know... I'm was saving up for a macro lens, (^_^) but now I can't buy it... (^^;)

It's obvious, but you can't take pictures with a camera that doesn't have a lens, and the numbers go up as the years go by. (^_^)

Wide-angle zoom, standard zoom, telephoto zoom, single focus, macro, fish-eye, blue lens... there are so many kinds, I want this one and I want that one and I want them all. (^_^)

Incidentally, even if I do it with only the one lens, it is pretty heavy to carry around... (^^;)

It would still be the climb from hell. (bwahahah)

Well then well then everyone, the seasons are changing, so don't catch a cold.

P.S. I couldn't go for Gundam after all. (T_T) I want to take a photo of the Gundam with the setting sun in the background on a clear day...

I'm really... (2009.8.31 00:42)

2009-08-30T20:36:00.005-04:00

not making any progress... I play it whenever I'm in the hip bath, but still...

Of course, with RPGs, if I don't play them day and night, I won't finish them. (^_^) In the old days, I'd do nothing but play for two or three days.

Now, though... I can't pull all-nighters unless it's for work... (bwahahah)

Oh and those Gensis costumes... Very "DIABOLOS" huh... I'm all nostalgic. (^_^)

At the scene where Genesis makes an appearance, I had a flashback to that night at the Tokyo Dome, the PSP still in my hands. (^_^)

In the middle of the bathtub. (*embarrassed*)

The way things are going, I won't be finishing it for a while... (^_^)

Well then well then, stock up for typhoons.

P.S. Did everyone go out to vote? In the future, it'll probably be in the history textbooks, this day will be commemorated.

[ see, voting /is/ what the cool kids do~ ]

NEW~ (2009.8.29 00:35)

2009-08-30T18:48:00.004-04:00

It's gotten cold lately, but we still have full-on sulight at least.

This doesn't have anything to do with that, but...

I bought a regular digital camera for Fuji-climbing use. (^_^)

Mm? Don't I already have a bazillion cameras? (^^;) Yeah yeah... Still, I don't think I'm making it all the way up that mountain carrying all that weight. (*big ^^;) *)

But still, it's been a while since I've purchased this kind of thing, and I was surprised at how much they've evolved.

12 million pixels, blur correction, 10x zoom, a battery that lasts through 1,000 pictures, I feel like this thing has everything. (^_^)

Plus, it's totally automatic, so all you have to do really is "Push." (^_^)

The prints are really great, so if you make them about L-size, it might even win out over an SLR. *

Maybe that's an exaggeration? (^_^)

Well, I still prefer the viewfinder, you know. (^_^) But you can take photos looking at the LCD screen on SLRs now, too. (^_^)

No matter what I say, I'll go carrying around the SLR in the end, (^^;) but for now we'll call it a back-up camera. (^_^)

And when it goes into the manure drawer (^_^) we'll make it a photo contest prize. (^_^)

Ah, before that, it'll be the one machine I haven't even used yet... (^^;)

Well then well then, have a good weekend~

[ * l-size is the size he uses for his photo contests. ]

One step forward (2009.8.28 10:11)

2009-08-29T21:53:00.003-04:00

It arrived first thing in the morning... zzz

I immediately installed it, but I think I'm going to use it for a while longer before I say how I feel about it. (^^;)

Or should I say...

I didn't even get accustomed to Leopard before it was completely revamped. (*big (^^;) *)

But still, they've stuck to the name Mac and OSX, they've used cheeta, puma, jaguar, panther, tiger, and we've gotten all the way to leopard,

but won't they run out of names one day...? (^_^) Maybe one day we'll have LION or something like that. (^_^)

But, whatever animal they name the OS after, it's still good. It gives me a big rush of lovey feelings. (^_^)

Although I have to say goodbye to them after a short time, but still... (hahahah)

Well then well then everyone, I've said it I don't know how many times, but really seriously be careful of the flu.

P.S. Thank you for the 33 Holiday.

I live everyday encouraged by all sorts of people. (^_^)

Today I'm grateful for all the miracles in this place!!

[ alright, it didn't suck as much as i thought it was going to. i changed a few things, but i still don't know what 33 holiday he's on about... ]

Lamantations... (2009.8.26日 00:50)

2009-08-26T00:09:00.001-04:00

It's a manga I got from a fan.

Contrary to that title (^^;) it's really heart-warming subject matter...

As I kept reading, my heart warmed right up, and I spontaneously started crying. (^_^)

People who are already parents, people who are still children, people who live seperated from their parents,

everyone should definitely give it a read. It's a rare gem, you'll laugh and cry. (^_^)

I'll try phoning mom every once in a while. (^_^) That's the sort of thing this volume makes me think.

Well then well then~

[ the manga's title? samurai mom. priceless! ]

anisama~ (2009.8.24 01:10)

2009-08-24T21:22:00.003-04:00

Man~ that was one hot night. (^_^)

Seen from on stage, it was alll different colors, a different mood (^_^) and still it was the most enjoyable.

All the guests were the same sex, but stuff like that gets me pretty fired up. (^_^)

For us, it was totally an away game (^^;) so it was a warm, no, rather, a hot greeting.

I'm truly grateful. m(._.)m Let's spend another hot night together some day.

So, in commemoration of today...

This time I got a t-shirt. (*joy*) I'll wear it when I go to Akiba next time. (^_^)

Well then well then~ Anisama is the best!!

P.S. We got a big chant. (^_^) "Cool!! Super Cool!!~" Plus, we got to shake hands after the end of the show. (*joy*)

Yeah~ side benefits. (^_^)

Afterwards, it was the promised ride home on the train. (^_^) Those satisfied smiling faces on the crowds going home were nice to see.

Seeing things like that really restore my motivation.

Tonight, I'll drink some delicious sake and go to bed... (^_^)

Well, actually I'm already drinking. (bwahahah)

[ anisama would be the animelo summer live, which is an annual anime music concert, held every summer. this year, it was in saitama super arena. this must be what he was talking about the other day. wow, i feel like a bad fan. (^^;) anyhow, gackt et al performed on the 23rd. the cheer translation may or may not (probably may not) be correct, but hopefully my translation sensei will set me straight. thanks~
well, my translation sensei wasn't familiar with the cheer either, so that leaves it up to you guys~ (^_^) ]

I answer your questions (^_^) (2009.8.22 00:51)

2009-08-23T19:46:00.001-04:00

The perfume I was wearing at the meet-and-great the other day, is something I got from a fan, but honestly, I didn't clearly remember the name of it. (^^;)

Lots of people asked, "What do you use it for?" and I got a little worried, like, "Yeah, what is it?"

When you look at it properly, the name seems to be "RISING WAVE ZERO."

Usually I do Gaultier, but this perfume, it has a very freshing scent like summer, and it gives me a refreshed feeling.

I like it, and every day I've been diligently using it, so it's already almost empty, (^^;) but we're getting near the end of summer, too, so next time I'll have to find something for autumn use. (^_^)

The Gaultier I use is a women's scent, but everybody I asked seems to like it. It especially does well with guys, (^_^) and the shape of that little bottle is nice, too. (^_^)

Somehow, I think scents for guys are pretty lacking. Guys like sweet scents, too. (^_^)

Well then well then everybody, be careful with your scent, too. (^_^)

[ a) more super thanks so sensei!
b) sorry for the tardiness. i was on vacation last week, and today i've pretty much been killed by yesterday's 18-hour drive. (>_<) ]

Tama-Ari~ (2009.8.21 01:30)

2009-08-20T20:32:00.004-04:00

The new "Tama-Ari" is still in my memory...

I took the train to work today again. (^_^)

Seriously, the summer stage is an unbelievably scorching hell. (^^;) At rehersal, I was instantly dripping with sweat.

I'm a self-styled Akiba nerd (^_^) but I'm mainly an audio nerd, and I don't really know that much about anime, *

but judging from people who do like anime, this was certainly an all-star event. (*happy*)

I'll enjoy myself, too, until it's my turn to perform. (^_^)

Well then well then everyone, once again, take care against influenza.

[ tama-ari is the short name for the saitama super arena, the one that's pictured, and the one where gaku had (was it the last concert?) one of his concerts in that last tour.
* this would be akihabara, the land of shiny electronics and copious lengths of cable~ ]

The Egypt Exhibit (2009.8.16 20:56)

2009-08-16T22:50:00.005-04:00

I got up early and went to see it. (^_^)

As an Egypt-lover, these type of things are, of course, a must-see. (^_^) It's not really wanting to go, it's more like, "I have to go..." (^^;)

But, if I don't go immediately when I think about it, before I know it the "Exhibit Closed" sign comes up. How many times has that happened to me... (^_^)

As usual, there were an amazing amount of people in Ueno... (^^;) I got past the waves of people people people swarmed at the display items, and viewed them alone from behind the display. (^_^)

At times like this, being tall comes in handy. (^_^)

Well then well then, everyone, since I haven't been in Ueno in a while, today's picture.

"Pidgeon and Boy" ... or something... (bwahahah)

P.S. Music Station had Chirarism on... (^_^)

Yeah, guys can like Chirarism... (bwahahah)

[ okay, a) i have a correction-sensei now! yay~ i'm gonna put my first drafts up first, so if you want the gist fast, you'll get it, and then when my sensei gets back to me (since it's a gratis service, i'm not her first priority (^_^) ) i'll correct anything that needs to be corrected.
b) chirarism. yeah. is there actually a band called this? because apparently there is a term chirarism which means, like, the tendancy of dudes to like a little skin shown maybe fake on accident rather than full-on nakedness... did anybody see the whole show? i know hamasaki-san's sweater fell down a little, maybe that's what he's talking about? ]

Bathtub Companion (2009.8.13 05:42)

2009-08-12T21:23:00.003-04:00

The other month, at Satan-sama's birthday party, I met a long-lost Square-Enix person,

but actually, I'm a secret FF7 fan. (^_^) *

so when I said,

"The blu-ray of Advent Children, I bought that~"

The other day, he sent me Crisis Core! (*joy*) Maaan~ That is a serious side benefit. (^_^) THANK YOU very much.

I don't have much time for RPGs, and I can't play them hardcore, but since it's on the PSP, this is already my bathtub must-have. (^_^)

Thanks so that, my bathtimes are stretching longer and longer... (^_^)

I think probably people who like FF7 have already cleared it, but people who haven't yet should definitely definitely give it a play.

Well then well then~

[ * ZOMG YOUkun! ME TOO! (^_^) i'm playing it through again, coz they ported it to the PSP, AND i'm translating the little On the Way to a Smile novella that they released right before Advent Children came out. yes, i know someone else already did that, but i need nihongo Practice~

+ if you don't know what FF7 is, you a) probably needed a playstation back in the 90s, b) might have a real life (^_^) c) missed a serious part of otaku culture~ go out and buy a PSP right this minute and download FF7 from their online store and then play it. i'll see you again in about 6 months when you're done~ ]

Pawsss (2009.8.12 02:24)

2009-08-11T22:57:00.002-04:00

There was a dearth of pictures the other day, so have some paws. (^_^)

This year, summer's been very rainy, and the disasters continue with typhoons and earthquakes, but I think it'll get better, even if just a little bit.

I pray for happiness in the next life for everyone who's died in the various disaster areas. And I hope for quick rebuilding from the bottom of my heart.

Even more than is normal for people living in earthquake-prone Japan, we're learning about earthquake counter-measures, and the importance of being prepared just for that one in a million chance.

Everybody give their disaster goods one more check.

[ a) seriously. earthQUAKEs. my friend said she felt like she was in a blender there were so many earthquakes. b) on a completely unrelated note, have you seen the latest addition to YOUkun's site? it's a washcloth. i KNOW! but they only ship domestically. i KNOW. (T_T) ]

Monitor Calibration (2009.8.11 02:42)

2009-08-10T23:02:00.002-04:00

A little maniac talk...

The era has become digital, pictures are data, when it comes to photo viewing, I think the PC monitor has become the main venue.

If the PC monitor's color and brightness aren't correct, it won't be able to reproduce the colors and brightness of any given photo correctly.

For example, take something reproduced on the same monitor, look at it under fluorescent lights, then look at it under incandescent lights. The colors change based on the so-called ambient lighting.

That's why, even if you go through great pains to retouch something on your PC, when you print it, often the colors are completely different.

But the work it takes to match those colors is really difficult. I even studies color management, and I'm really ignorant. (^^;) You really can't help but do it however it looks best to you, you know.

That's why I made a resolution, and bought a machine adjusts my monitor's colors. (^_^)

So, when I printed at the store, the monitor profile that regulated this machine combined the data from the photo with with data from the so-called monitor adjustment data,

and offered,

"Adjust the colors you see on this monitor and then print."

It came pretty close, but if you're talking about 100% perfect colors, of course there'll be some subtle differences. And there are peculiarties to photo papers, too, so.

And since we're here, of course a printer is essential, too. (bwahahah)

Of course with my own works, I'd like to do my own output. (^_^) Next time I can print out my own stuff, I think it'll be good.

Man~ there's really a lot of stuff to explore... in this world...

But really, are people worried about the colors of their developed photos...? I print photos on the home printer I bought when I started, and for however long it's been printing, it wasn't very good at images, so I thought, Early failure?

but when you print with any printer, it seems to be difficult to get the colors the way you want them.

Enjoy printing those photos you worked so hard to take, everybody.

Well then well then~

Thanks for your hard work (^_^) (2009.8.10日 01:28)

2009-08-09T21:23:00.003-04:00

Man o man~ Everybody's been working hard for a really long time.

I had a hand-shake meeting at a little photo exhibit, and it is safely over.

With this kind of important day, I was an idiotic jerk, and as I thought about meeting everyone, the tension the other day built up beyond high,

Yeah, I drank a little too much... (*big (^^;) *) So then, for the people at the beginning, I think there was a cloud of liquor-smell. (bwahahah)

Really though, I'm sorry...

However, seriously though, when the public descended on the stage, it was absurdly nerve-wracking. (^^;) Wow, I was shy for some reason, my legs were shaking...

So, I accidentally told some dirty jokes. (^_^)

But, there was an amazing aura of "He can tell dirty jokes!!" (^_^) Plus, my memory of the rest of it, well it's kinda dropped off. (^_^)

Man~ really, it's a mystery. (^_^)

All those people gathered for me in that heaat, I am one truly fortunate person.

I got a lot of power from everyone's smiling faces. Borrowing that, I thought I might even like to get back up on that stage. (^_^)

Really really really "Thank you."

Tonight I'm already asleep... (^_^)

On Wild Delusions (2009.8.6 01:13)

2009-08-07T20:58:00.002-04:00

Space stretches out endlessly without limits,

among the millions of stars, there's one named Earth,

and among the hundreds of creature there, to be born as a human being,

among the thousands of years of civilization,

living now, in this era and this country called Japan...

When I think about it,

I think this is entirely a "miracle." (^_^)

Today is a "miracle" ... Good things, bad things, they're all "miracles" so...

And so every single person in this world is the result of a "miracle" ...

Doing this job, starting this blog, everyone I've met is a "miracle" and today, again, I thank all those "miracles" ...

Well then well then~

[ aw, YOUkun! you'll make everybody cry if you start getting all sappycute like that! (^_^) ]

Ah... Spring Days. (bwahah) (2009.8.5 00:47)

2009-08-05T19:50:00.000-04:00

I went straight out and spend a bundle. (^_^) For a starter, 18 books.

When I read these, I was just at the height of my springtime. (bwahahah) I remember memorizing the contents,

when I tried reading and re--reading it, on each pass, it was like the Suzuka 8 Hour, or the Hokkaido Touring, really, "" Plus he had a ninja riding with him... On his bike. (^^;)

Man~ it brings back memories that bring back memories from that time... (^_^)

I'll indulge in delusions for a little while... ) (^_^) Well then well then.

[ this is what happens when your faithful translator attempts to translate AND play FFXII simultaneously: she doesn't finish the translation, but instead fools herself into remembering that she's done it. then later on, it turns out she hasn't done it after all, and some kindly reader has to point out to her that she's remembering things that never happened again. (^^;) so we'll put the entry back here were it belongs, so she doesn't look like such a ditz~ ]

Closed (2009.8.3 21:57)

2009-08-03T21:28:00.002-04:00

The photo exhibit was closed today. (^^;)

Somehow, a day just stretches out, and the weather's not too bad, and bit by bit it just slips past. (^^;) I've gone out to take photos for three days.

Last time, the shutter wore out, clicking like it was possessed, and I was able to take some photographs that I was satisfied with in one day, but

this time, the lighting's all which way, (^^;) and there's nothing but kitties wherever I go... (^_^)

Because I happen upon photographs, it's been really hard. *

So, I'm sorry for the constant snapping, (^_^) but I thought I was finished with the daily small wonders of this world, and cuteness.

So here's something to mix up the kitty uploads. (^_^)

Man~ I went to some really varied places. I came here in desperation...

Well... I couldn't go inside, but still. (^^;)

Dripping with sweat, walking through the park all day, I went to the sea, went sightseeing. (^^;)

I've walked so much this week, my feet are as stiff as poles. (^_^)

I don't know how many years this has been going on, but the number of people using SLRs to take photos has really increased. If I look over the photo spot in the places I go, there are lots of groups of old people or young ladies.

I look innocent, but I burn and boil with a quiet fighting spirit, but still. (^_^)

Everyone, you should go all over the place on photography trips, too. Not just for photos, but for the scenery, the people, the atmosphere, the smells, the foods, to experience everything those places have to offer, to experience one new world.

Well then well then, ,"NO PHOTO NO LIFE"

[ * as opposed to some kind of studio-type photographer, that sets up his own photos. ]

Disturbing the afternoon nap (^^;) (2009.8.2 01:35)

2009-08-03T21:26:00.000-04:00

I got rejected at first, but that's not enough to prevent me from taking a picture of a kitty. (^_^)

But, I don't know if it's because it's summer, or what, but I'm meeting with a lot of strays and country kitties. (^_^)

Today even this kid took an afternoon nap. When he turned towards the camera, there was a feeling like "Mm? Whaaa?" and it was perfectly in line with the camera's line of sight. (^_^)

Mm? Are you interupting my nap? (^_^)

Until I get used to my new camera, they're be plenty more victims. (^_^)

Well then well then, have a nice day off~

Aaaaah (2009.8.1 02:06)

2009-08-03T20:59:00.001-04:00

Aah... That feels good... (^_^)

Cats, they've got a lifestyle that should be called the symbol of freedom, a lifestyle I envy.
I wanna be an all-time napper... (^_^)

Well then well then, everybody have a nice weekend~ To people who have to be outside, please be careful of heatstroke.

[ ok, a) i got way too used to his sometime-posting. i've got to get back in the groove of everyday posting! (^^;) also, b) i swear he has one bad-dude biker post, and then he has to counter-act it with three or four kitty posts in a row. does he maybe wanna make sure we know he's not really a bad guy? (^_^) ]

Glared At (2009.7.31 01:49)

2009-07-30T22:05:00.002-04:00

That's a look that says, "Miaow, you~" (^_^)

When kitties look so completely human like that, I completely love it. (^_^)

And that squishy body, too. (^_^)

Well then well then~

Beyond Speed... (2009.7.30.03:47)

2009-07-29T23:16:00.002-04:00

In the old days, I was a 'Biker.'

It's true what everybody thinks about it being a dangerous ride. You meet with death daily... Even so, I completely idolize the things a bike gives you.

In that destructive speed, in the scenery that you can't see, it gets you a little drunk.

I've fallen so many times, had so many accidents. A lot of injuries. How many of my friends have lost their lives... (*silent prayers*)

When you talk about bikes, they take away a lot more than they give. Even so, I don't get off the bike.

I couldn't live without my bike, even the word bike is like the name of some narcotic.

As the Bible of that kind of "Bikers" there's a comic called "Kirin."

The "Biker" identity, whether you really understand it very well, of course has sympathetic things about it, and this manga had a huge influence.

I dropped by the book store on a whim the other day, and discovered this manga.

So, this is a manga by the same author that did "Kirin."

Like a complete providence of nature, I noticed this manga, and headed for the register with it in my hands.

When I read the manga, my own time as a "biker" was resurrected many times over. "Kirin" was a bible, even to me in those days...

Someday... again...

Today, the consideration of things I'd lose are too great for me to be able to ride, but...

Since I quit the "biker" ways, 10 years to the day have already passed. Thanks to that, I'd have to get a gold license from here on out, but still. (^_^)

For the kind of people who are "bikers," (^_^) or for people who otherwise understand "bikers," and you feel a hankering, please read "Kirin."

Even I went back to read a bunch of them after a long time away, so I bought a bunch of them. (^_^)

Well then well then, everyone, take care to drive safe, whether on cars or bikes, and so you don't get in any accidents.

[ a gold license would be a license for senior citizens~ ]

The rainy season continues...? (2009.7.29日 02:31)

2009-07-28T23:44:00.001-04:00

I know it's supposed to rain a lot during the rainy season, but this really isn't clearing up... (^^;)

Even without the sun's coming out, every day has been hot and humid... (T_T)

They're just sunflowers, but they should appease the sun god. (^_^)

Just 10 days left... Really what should I do... (bwahahah)

P.S. Three years and two months have passed by, and I know I always say it, but really, it's alll thanks to you guys.

As a general rule, I'm a three-day priest sort of person (bwahahah) ah, but still. (^_^) *

When I started, I had all kinds of targets and intentions, (^^;) but looking back at it, I haven't changed a single bit, huh... (*big ^^; *)

Daily diligence... I'll write that in my heart. (^_^)

[ * this is an idiom that means he can't stick with any one task for too long. usually, i'd just put this into some kind of american idiom, but the idea of YOUkun in a buddhist priest outfit with his head all shorn was just way too funny to keep to myself~ ]

Sequel Gundam (2009.7.23 00:12)

2009-07-22T13:14:00.002-04:00

I make a Gundam post, and surprisinglly, the response was god, huh. (^_^)

Not precisiely surpring, I guess, what other feeling would you expect?

After a little work, I uploaded the picture I took with my SLR. Yeah, I'm always testing that telephoto zoom lens (^_^) so this is the month's second Gundam. (^_^)

The closer you get, the more real it is, this one. The picture's a bit under exposed, so it gives a kind of thick feeling.

Next time, I should go take a photo when the light is clear.

Well then well then everyone, be careful of summer heat fatigue.

Life-Sized Gundam (2009.7.21 20:10)

2009-07-22T00:19:00.002-04:00

From here on out, it's work without rest. (^^;)

Actually, with the tour over, I've become freee again, so I'm thinking about going wandering for about two weeks or so, but that doesn't really earn the dough, so... (T_T)

I've got no time for taking pictures of photography exhibits, it's still a shut-in life style, but the one day I have some time to do it, there's this 'rain' thing...

I thought, even with the rain, I'm going to go for it, and I wiped and wiped, but before I knew it, the lens and the body of the camera were soaked through... (^^;)

Yeah, I was half defeated,

when I sighted the Gundam from the tent. (^_^)

Oh my God, this is a miracle. They really are real.

Talk about wanting, I wanted to line right up and see the life size Zakus and Gufus. (bwahahah) *

Everyone please check it out and report back. It's a must for people of the Gundam generation. (^_^)

Well then well then...

[ * i think those are gundam types. unfortunately, i don't know much about gundam... ]

Final~ (2009.7.14 03:46)

2009-07-16T22:40:00.004-04:00

The long long journey is over.

An end to unseen cruelties...
to not being let off the stage for even one minute...
and every round a broken body...

Actually, I do seem to have been crushed, several times over.

But, thanks to all of you, we completed the whole ride, and we were able to make it safely to the end for what I think was the best live.

'Truly THANK YOU.'

To the best band members, the best staff, and of course

to the best Dears, I'm grateful from the bottom of my heart.

That stage was built up by all of you. The hearts of each one of you became one for that moment.

Being able to participate in this tour makes me so proud. All of you can be proud, too, for building up the deep emotions with all of us.

Someday, there'll be the best night, an unforgetable night... let's have one together.

P.S. Actually, we rode over there in a deserted train. (^^;)

As usual, nobody recognized us as we walked over to the arena (*big (^^;) *)

and we just happened to meet Chiroryn-san as he passed by in his car. (^_^) He was like, 'Hey~ What are you guys walkin' for? Yeah?' and told us to hop in (^_^) and he gave us a ride. Thank you very much. (^_^)

Well then well then~

[ a) is there anyone i wouldn't have KILLED to have been on that so-called 'deserted train?' anyone!? b) poor YOU-san, he sounds a little sad. i wanna give him a big ol' hug~ (^^;) i'm gonna leave him a nice comment from all of us~ ]

A furry caterpillar? (2009.7.10 00:38)

2009-07-09T22:59:00.003-04:00

From a friend,

I received a dispatch saying "I discovered a new breed of hairy caterpillar." (^_^)

Is, is this maybe... a kitty... ? (^_^)

Gyaaa-------- It's too cuuute---------

What kind of sleeping position... is that? (^_^)

Man... I want a cat... (^^;) Aw, I wanna have this kind of cat. (^_^)

Man alive, that was really refreshing. To my friend, thanks.

Well then well then everybody, let's meet up in Saitama~

Star Festival (2009.7.7 23:08)

2009-07-09T22:47:00.003-04:00

The first thing I tried with that lens from the other day was a moon shot. (^_^) Of course it's called a zoom lens, but the focal distance of 200mm seems a little severe. (^^;)

Ahh... So tiny... (T_T) But there does seem to be something here...

Let's try enlarging things a little bit...

Gyaaaaa... The real moon... (*big (^^;) *)

This one might surprise even Orihime and Hikoboshi. (^_^) *

Well then well then everybondy, let's meet tonight in our dreams. (^_^)

[ * the Star Festival, also known as tanabata is a festival to honor the only day of the year that the two lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi get to meet each other. : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanabata ]

Satan's Birthday Party (2009.7.5 21:46)

2009-07-07T22:56:00.000-04:00

Maaan... Seriously, that was the best live... I couldn't even talk, that was so moving...

And I add my congratulations with everyone else. (^_^)

After than, of course it was a drinking party in Hell. (^^;) It was a tequila festival...

For now, I have returned safely. (^_^)

Even this long tour finally has two stops left, and I think I'd like to challenge myself to full devotion.

Everybody wish me well. (^_^)

Well then well then~

Finally... (2009.7.1 21:27)

2009-07-01T23:16:00.002-04:00

I bought a new one... (^^;)

Maaannn... That is one expensive piece of machinery, so there should have been absolutely no chance of me buying one, but when I wandered into a camera store, the clerk said,

"We're having a 0% interest campaign."

Even that wouldn't have done me in, but then he said, "And you can trade-in your old equipment!! Today's the last day."

So then I didn't have any choice... (*big (^^;) *)

It was overpowering, to have in my hands the lens I'd lusted over for so long. (^_^)

I've gone about half a year without taking a single photo, so when the tour's over, I'm going on a BishiBashi photo tour!

For the time being, if I take any test shots, I'll put them up.

Well then well then~

[ bishibashi is a series of konami arcade games (also on the playstation) where you do a bunch of minigames in competition w/ others. in the PS version, you can use the multi-tap and have 8 people at once! ]

Tenmusu... (2009.6.29 22:45)

2009-06-29T22:36:00.001-04:00

As always, thank you for your many congratulatory words.

Somehow, with so much fatigue, and I haven't slept in I can't remember, it warped forward three days. (^^;)

Hey, isn't today's date weird? Don't you think... (*big (^^;) *)

The live, of course, a great success, with the rush, came a firm helping of tenmusu. (^_^)

Of course, you might say that four arena lives in one week isn't normal. (*big (^^;) *) I ate so many of them, and straight whole, too,

of course it was 'It's more intense than intense!!' (^_^)

There's three left, so I'm going to put my fighting and loving spirit firmly on.

Well then well then~

Relaxing Raccoon Dog~ (2009.6.23 15:30)

2009-06-23T23:46:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, while we were migrating to Nayoga, I discovered this at the Kusatsu SA.

For lunch I had the traditional "udon." (^_^) Kansai's udon, even at an SA junk place, are absurdly delicious. Of course, yeah, Kansai. (^_^)

The live was quite a rush, too, wasn't it. Of course in Kansai, the customer's power is different. (^_^) I definitely put on my fighting spirit. (^_^)

This was my first Osaka sumo match, and wasn't it a big big big success. (*joy*)

Incidentally, we dropped in on Osaka, so
the day before...drinks with the parents,
day one... drinks with old friends,
day two...drinks at the launch
migration days...drinks with staff,
it's been four rolling days of drunkeness. (^^;)

As expected, today I had a little nightcap before I went down. (bwahahah)

Let's make Nagoya a hot night, too.

Well then well then~

[ a) i have no idea what an SA is.
b) his title says tantan-tanuki no, so i tried to get a little aliteration going on with my translation.
c) he calls it the Osaka sumo match, but that was in march, so i think he must be talking about the one in may, which was in nagoya.
d) there is no d. ]

YOUkun Ring G interview

2009-06-19T01:28:00.003-04:00

First up on "Ring G" is 'You' from "Gackt Job."

★ 'You' profile
Joined Gackt Job as part of Gackt's solo project in 1999 and has been in many tours and on many albums (playing guitar and violin).
Performed alongside Gackt and Hyde in the movie MOON CHILD as JUN.
◆ YOU Official Site

Please introduce yourself.

As a support member since Gackt decided to go solo, I support Gackt under the "Total Coverage in Private Life and at Work" model. (^_^)

After three years, the national tour "Gackt Live Tour 2008-2009 Requiem et Réminiscence ~Rebirth and a Chance Meeting~" is starting. How is your enthusiam and your mental outlook?

It's like this every time, but the recording dragged on without an end, and rushing right into tour rehearsals was harsh. Gackt himself has an obsession with pushing himself right to the very end, so all the support members, starting with yours truly, get pushed until the very end, too. (^_^) It's been three years since a tour, but we get a sense of the feedback at the rehearsals, so the sense of anticipation is bigger than any anxiety. It's been a while since a tour, so I'm ready to put my fighting spirit on!!!

What are you doing besides touring?

It's been a long stretch of touring, so I'd like to do some firm body care. Right now, I'd enjoy a hot spring and some delicious Tochi-Tochi food. (^_^) * Of course with the tour, there's no part of me that doesn't feel the pressure, so my physical condition gets worse than anything else. I have to give my 100% best performance to all the fans who come out to see us, and I can't just say, 'Oh I'm not feeling well, I can't make this a good live' so I always aim to keep my physical condition up so I can always be at my best, physically and mentally.

You like the camera so much you're holding photo contests on your HP, but how did you get into that?

I'm always always liked photography, and when I was a student, I used to go touring on my motorcycle and take lots of pictures. In those days, it was just film. I bought a digital SLR on the recommendation of a friend, and I was hooked.

Later, I thought of it as a part of me, a way of expressing myself outside of music, and the one camera started me on my camera obsession. I think when you say, 'music' sensitivity is everything. But I think, if I want to polish my sensitivity, studying nothing but music is no good. As a musician, I tend to think of music as 'words.' But, if you haven't communicated anything of substance, even if you remember all those 'words,' is there any meaning left? If the substance that is communicated is your own feelings, what you want to communicate, that's what I call sensitivity, and I think I can polish that more outside of music. It's tied in with music's power of expressions, I think. From my first camera, I went to art exhibits and photography galleries, and took every opportunity to go to see other arts, so I think it's good that I started with a camera for this so-called meaning.

Aren't the emotions and perceptions altered on their pass through the lens?

It's just the existance of 'light.' The sun unconcernedly rises and light falls on humans making their living, but we feel like this existance changes. It seems like it's really more about seeing good light, and we say 'I want to take a shot of this because the light hits great here' more than we say, 'I'm going to take a shot of this great scenery!' So, perceptions passing through the lens is fascinating.

So you photograph mostly nature?

A lot of scenery. I like going traveling by nature, so I take a lot of photos of the places we go. If you ask why I like nature, it must be because it's "nothing made by humans!" It's beautiful despite not having been made by man! I get a feeling like, this is the greatness of nature. It's thanks to my camera that I realize things like that! Looking up at the sky casualy, suddenly glancing at flowers blooming by the side of the road, I started looking at the nature all around me.

Eneru's HP is focused on the transmission of Eco news, but what are your thoughts as far as Eco goes? Is there anything you normally take care to do?

I don't normally use cars in my daily travels. I've walked a lot since I got my first camera, and I use trains and bikes a lot to get around. I don't think I'm the best Eco-minded person though. (^_^) Even though I spend a lot more time walking now, the town that I've become familiar with keeps changing, so I'm always discovering new things, and it's always interesting. But as for not driving cars, this is only possible because I live in Tokyo, so I think it's not really possible if you don't live in a place like this. But there are things everyone can do, like using reusable bags and washable chopsticks. If we all take even these little steps unflaggingly, if we raise people's awareness one by one, then we can definitely change the world. Suddenly, nothing's impossible, and I think it's important to start with your own surroundings.

In closing, a message for your fans.

I have a 'non-chalant/mellow' policy, but there's no room for non-chalant-ness for me recently, so I'd better settle down and give my blog a proper update. (^_^) Please enjoy serious mode YOU while we're on tour!

SOURCE: ENERU’S BIG ADVENTURE/ RING G

[ haha! told you i'd get to it! ... and only six months late. (T_T) enjoy his cuteness anyway. (^_^) ]

Arena Completion Plan (^_^) (2009.6.17 23:42)

2009-06-18T23:19:00.002-04:00

Thanks everybody at Makuhari.

Man~ It was really hot... It was so far beyond hot, that during the performance,

I was like "poit!!" (^^;) *

These next three days I'm going to rest. (*big (^^;) *)

Well, it's something of an occupational hazard, but I myself think people who can't get over pain, can't put on a good live. (^_^)

So, while I'm resting, I'll watch a BD that came into my hands the other day. As you may have guessed from the title of this entry,

it's the new movie version of the famous "Eva." ** I probably already know how it turns out. (^_^)

More than ten years have passed since the first time I laid eyes on this anime...

Enjoying the high image and sound quality on hi-res discs like this BD,

for me, this is really nice... (^_^) It's a wonderful era.

Everyone, I highly praise and recommend the Blue Ray lifestyle. (^_^)

Well then well then~

[ * yeah, your faithful translator wasn't sure how to render this one. guki, what he says in the original, is like throbbing pain, so i thought he meant it was so hot it hurt, so i went with poit.
** that would be evangelion for those of you unacquainted. the new movie, like the old movies/series/etc, is very good. you should see it if you get the chance.
p.s. i swear i haven't forgotten about the interview on eneru's site. i've got about half of it translated, and i'm going to go work on the rest of it right now. i swears! (^_^) ]

Makuhari~ (2009.6.14 03:03)

2009-06-18T23:15:00.003-04:00

Finally the Arena Tour has started.

Man~ this is the fourth Makuhari day, with rehearsals continuing. Two dates in five days, and PACKED into Makuhari. (^_^)

If you think about it when you say Makuhari, it's a general business locale, and in Maihama there are a lot of people who go to the country of dreams, so the train was seriously crowded. (^^;)

Plus there was a baseball game...

This seems to be a place where a lot of people gather...

Thanks to that, every day, you get jostled around on the trains, and you can study the public real well. (bwahahah)

Of course, we're focused on the performance day, but still. (^_^)

The first day, there was a big swell of good feelings, so let's make tonight a hot night, too. (^_^)

To the people who could come and to the people who couldn't come, please enjoy this fan shot from after the live. (^_^)

P.S. Another hot night begins. (^_^)

It's been a while. (2009.6.7 02:21)

2009-06-07T19:02:00.003-04:00

Friday, I was out.

We looked over what we recorded at the house, but it was quite, well, enviable... No, it had more of a showy feeling. (^_^)

Yesterday's music fair recorded the next day's TV, so my already snapping-in-half body is now at fatigue level MAX,

but I have to muster the last of my strength and record with all my might. I think my fighting spirit will show through the screen. (^_^)

Lately, on the subject of 'for a while,' lately, this has been in heavy rotation...

When I go out, generally the instrument shop, the electronics store, or Tower Records are standard, (^_^)

but this one was a one-listen purchase. Seems to be a Japanese band making it's all American debut,

but this surprising sound doesn't really have anything to do with my little stock of knowledge.

Maaan~ It really numbs me out through my headphones. (^_^)

It seems to be popular with my musician friends, too, so, people who like rock should definitely check it out.

In order to meet new sounds that I think are stylish, my trial listening journeys shall continue for some time. (^_^)

Well then well then everyone, have a good weekend.

Portrait (2009.6.1 23:50)

2009-06-02T22:37:00.003-04:00

Apparently, this is how I look to JUN-KU-kun. (^^;)

Well, it's not entirely wrong, but still. (^_^) AKB? ... Is that kind of like Akiba? (bwahahah)

But, when it's time to work, I do get like that. (^^;) Everybody says I look like I'm a crook, or like I'm about to commit a crime. (bwahahah)

Oh- Chirolyn-san, thank you for barging in. Even without a business meeting, he's all about the service, and of course, since he's my senpai, even I have to follow his example. (^_^)

However, this time on TV, I got tired of waiting... We got in at 2:30 in the afternoon, and the performance wasn't until 9 in the evening! (^^;) So I wandered into a musical instrument store by myself with my free time. (^_^)

I only got to play one melody, but that was a hot stage. To everyone in the audience, my true thanks.

Well then well lthen, good night... zzz

[ the idea of cute litte YOUkun committing a crime is really too much! (^_^)
and yes, i suppose that should be chirolyn. except your elderly/out of the loop translater-san had never heard of him before. (^^;) arigatou everybody for keeping me in line~ ]

Basement Dweller... (2009.5.30 02:14)

2009-06-02T22:34:00.001-04:00

All day long, it's rehearsal and training, and I'm moving around and sweating so much, it just has to be healthy...

As usual, I seclude myself in the basement until all hours of the night. (^^;)

Actually, the down payment from the tour disappeared mostly into the machines. (^^;)

Studio-quality machines are really expensive... Well, even if we just got the Mac Pro, it'd be worth it,

but frankly, it's scary to try and calculate the number of machines we use. (big (^^;) )

So,

this evening, while we were sounding out the machines, when we were doing some work, making some masters amd methods,

the sound disappeared with a little "snap..."

Yeah... the machines we just bought, they seem to be broken... (T_T) We replaced the fuse, but still no electricity...

Right now, we feel like kids after a rush of toys, but really it'll sink in. (^_^)

Ah... So disappointing...

Fine then, I'll just stay in bed...

Well then well then, have a good weekend~

Ghost Photographer (bwahahah) (2009.5.29 02:47)

2009-05-28T22:06:00.002-04:00

When I took some phone pictures on the way back from the few days of recording, that strange face behind me got photographed. (^_^)

We'd been filming a PV for the past couple days, so we were quite worn out. (^^;)

But I saw that strange face and felt quite better. (^_^) He's quite a nice manager-san. (^_^)

There's always a swell of music lectures with him, so he might show up a lot from here on out. (^_^)

Incidentally, I had to keep it a secret until we were on tour, but I boldly died my hair blond. (^_^)

For a while my hair was on fire. (bwahahah) That bleach was so hot it was like my scalp was on fire, it was really painful... (^^;)

You all be good kids and don't copycat me. (^_^)

Well then well then

P.S. Wow, three whole years went past before I knew it... With the tour this past year, I haven't had much free time, and the posting has been stop and go (^^;)

but I'm always grateful to all of you.

In order to make a good stage show, we've gotta give it our all, so please watch over me during the long days from here on out. (^_^)

Time for a Go For It renewal... (^^;)

Rehearsal Rehearsal Rehearsal (2009.5.21 20:27)

2009-05-21T21:58:00.002-04:00

The arena days approaches, you know.

I'm stuffed into my studio as usual. (^^;) We had rehearsal the other day, so I headed out to music store for the first time in a while, with the exception of CD stores. (^_^)

Pro studios's ceilings are always surprisingly high, and really wide. Well, it's a rehearsal for the stage, so it's natural of course, but still.

Sometimes it makes me nostalgic for the 6-jou rooms of Machi Star. * For when I used to tromp back and forth with a guitar strapped to my back.

These days there could be an explosion and I still wouldn't leave the house.

Well, no matter how much I longed for Machi Star,

frankly, I've got so much equipment now that I can't possibly carry it all by myself. (^_^)

Although, this is compact, for tour usage, traveling resources. My house is full up with recording items and machines I never use.

So, we earnestly rehearse, but even though it's broken up over several days, it is intense... (^^;)

Completely put down. (^^;)

When these tours are over, I'll drop weight in a flash, and then I'll really give a happy shout. (^_^) but my body weight decreases with my stamina. (^^;)

Body weight → as before, stamina → as before... So they say...

Is it the commander's turn? (^_^) For the second time this week, I'm tentatively enlisting in Satan's boot camp. (^_^)

Yeah, thanks for the daily muscle pain.

Well then well then everyone...

Please do somee good sweating yourselves, okay? (^_^)

[ * 6 jou = about 10 square meters. ]

Install Complete~ (2009511 23:59)

2009-05-11T13:03:00.002-04:00

I'm like an insomniac shut-in now. (^^;) At last the system migration is finished.

The OS and the Mac and the software are all new, so it was an install from scratch... The upgrading, authorizing... There were so many things to do I couldn't even count them... (^^;)

PC efficiency is getting really high, and these days DTM is becoming more familiar, * and I've been wondering about all the people who use Pro Tools,

but since I'm such a heavy user system upgrades always put me hard to it... **

But for software like this, there's only foreign sites. So I'm forced to rely solely on translating software... (^_^)

At long last I have jumped over that waterfall and bought Mac Pro. (^_^) Who knows if I'll put it to good use though.

I've got some ways to go before I sleep and the days keep coming...

Thus ends the space lecture. (bwahahah)

[ * which is ironic, since i had no clue what he was talking about. DTM would be an acronym for DeskTop Music, i.e. the making of music with a desktop computer. usually, this means what we would think of as 'computer-generated music' but it's also expanded to include music augmented by computers or post-processed with computers.
** literally, they put him in the four and eight kinds of buddhist suffering. (^_^) ]

rain Rain RAIN... (2009.5.8 07:31)

2009-05-07T23:29:00.003-04:00

GW is over, and it's been nothing but rain... (^^;)

This has nothing to do with that, but...

I finally bought a Mac Pro. (^_^)

So now I'll really be a shut-in... (*major (^^;)*)

Well, it's for work use, but if I think about the huge install ahead of me, it makes me a little faint, so. (^^;)

Now I'm all excited. (^_^)

Well then well then, let's not be defeated with this rain, and give today all we've got. (^_^)

It was GW. (^^;) (2009.5.3 00:11)

2009-05-02T23:34:00.002-04:00

I didn't even realize it was GW. (^^;)

If I'm even a little a little bit of a shut-in, I end up completely cut off from the outside world... (^_^)

Well it's not exactly for that reason, or even those kind of reasons, but still. (^_^) I've been going to the Tokyo Dome in between recording sessions.

Man~ That was really the best live. (*joy*) It's been a while since I've seen this kind of live, that's the feeling I had.

There my respected elders were right there on stage before my eyes, and I put my fighting spirit on and headed for the arena with great meaning.

I'm itching to get back to it now. (^_^)

The Tokyo Dome... I remembered that sacred night... As for me, even now, man, it will always continue to be a special place for me.

Well then well then, everyone please enjoy your vacation at your east. (^_^)