Entry 053: Hold on, Feb. So yeah, Jan.
Oops. meant to post a few entries before the end of January but that doesn't seem to have worked out! January was busy and February will be too.
So, I guess I'll just do a quick recap.
On January 16th, I watched my first Hakuouki musical! I watched Hakumyu's Shinsengumi Kitan in Osaka with a ticket for the right-side balcony. I had only bought a ticket last minute so I didn't expect a good seat anway but I was determined to see the musical that had taken over almost all of my holiday break. This cast was essentially the same as the Reimeiroku cast save for the Hijikata and Chizuru. I confess that Matsuda Gaku wasn't the main pull for me to see this musical so quickly. However, his portrayal for Hijikata was really refreshing after seeing the previous two actors after Yazaki Hiroshi. Higashi Keisuke's Harada Sanosuke really got to my feels and, I felt, he really reflected how sweet Sanosuke is in the anime. Tonchan's presence is awesome and he really makes me hope for a Harada arc. Then, there's Suzuki Shogo's Kazama Chikage. I think I held my breath whenever he was on stage and singing. Shogo's performance of Kazama never fails to excite me. While the storyline is not among my favorites so far, the way they did the ending blew me away. It was just so... pretty. XD Anyway, I just came out of the musical with a pamphlet and DVD pre-order. I already told myself to keep off the photosets so I successfully resisted. Maybe next time I might not be so strong-willed.
The next day on January 17th, I went to Tenimyu Seigaku vs Yamabuki's final Aichi show. It was fun to see the boys again and hear some of these songs again. There was one of the parts where they changed it to be Aichi/Nagoya-themed and I thought it was really cute. Comparing to the opening shows and the New Year's show, I felt that some of the boys really improved while some others seemed to have dipped a little. But, who knows if it's just from them getting so used to the routine, tired, or whatever the reason. Still, overall a fun show as always. During the encore, with my seat on the aisle, I got a few high-touches but I don't really keep track. Maybe it was Oishi, Akazawa, and Fuji? I could be wrong, lol.
To fulfill my January goal of watching 2 movies in the theater per month, I watched the Ninninger VS Toqger movie (手裏剣戦隊ニンニンジャーVSトッキュウジャー THE MOVIE 忍者・イン・ワンダーランド) and Pink and Gray (ピンクとグレー). I wasn't able to watch any of Ninninger prior to the movie but it was still really enjoyable. It was cute and especially nice to be able to see the train gang again. There was this one part that made me react more than I wanted. I have Tawada Hideya to blame for that. I was also reminded of how much I quite enjoy Shison Jun's acting and how much he's improved. However, there is one part that I refuse to accept no matter how much IMAGINATION I believe in. XD;; While the sentai movie was all fun and cute, the Pink and Gray really messed with my feelings. I had already read a rather in-depth overview of the novel and read the manga, so I didn't expect much surprises. But, nope! I forgot how different cinema can present the same story in such a dramatic way. Also, I seriously have to commend Nakajima Yuto's acting for much of the movie. (There are some scenes that weren't on par with the rest of his acting.) I also have to give it to the screen-writer for the alternations, additions, and cuts for the story. I won't go too deep into it cause it'd be great for others to see it for themselves.
For a couple of weeks in January I was without Internet access and was limited in my mobile data use. I lasted longer than I thought but I think I owe it to having a physical novel to read through. Last year, Josie lent me out of her English-language books, "Firewall" (of the Wallander crime mystery series) by Henning Mankell. He's a Swedish author of many crime novels, and, after a little Googling, I discovered that he died in October 2015. I have never read a crime novel before but this was enjoyable. It reminded me how reading a full length novel can be fun too. There were many times when I couldn't paused once I finished a chapter because I wanted to continue on. At first, it was hard for me to concentrate because I had forgotten how to remember names, places, scene, and whatnot without a visual aide. I got used to it eventually. Storywise, I liked how lots of things connected amidst the chaos and moments of suspense. I was a little disappointed at the ending and how the case 'closed' but still had a good feeling to finally reach the end. I hope to get myself to read more books in the future. Next on my list is "Shantaram" by Gregory David Roberts, a book that I got from a book exchange between my work area. (I exchanged it for my "The Book Thief" book.) This book is over 900 pages long so... I'll see how long this'll take me.
In the end of January, I found myself Skyping a lot in a short period of time once I got my Internet back. I had my usual random Skype sessions with my family. But, I was happy to get the chance to Skype with some friends for the first time. First, is Nattsu, and awesome BoyMen fan from Thailand. We had a Skype session mainly to do the BM choreo and fan chants together because she was preparing for YanKee5's live performance in Thailand's Japan Expo. She also shared lots of great adventures she's had with BM and the staff whenever they were in Thailand. We Skyped again when she was with the other BM Thai gang, so I got to briefly see them for the first time! And, random Skypes for more of her BM flail and secret scoops on the boys. XD My other sessions have been with a really cute and sweet Hakuouki fan from Germany, Haru-chan. I think it's because of her I've grown to quickly enjoy Hakuouki and find a comfortable place to flail in. Sometimes we run out of things to say but it gives us a lot of room to still get to know each other since it's just been over a month! The other day we watched Hakumyu Reimeiroku together and chatted via LINE over the musical. It's too bad the timezones really make it difficult for our times to match. XD
So... work-wise, January wasn't so bad after my first week of surprise that I spoke of last time. Half of the month was spent with parent observations with half of those spent with students that weren't my own. But, the students and the parents were great so I had a good time even though the travel was more than 2 hours every day. I suspect February to be pretty much the same, I think.
Now, fandom and work aside (I know, the work part was over quickly), I've been getting kind of tired of my not-S.O. dude. Sorry, if this'll get a little TMI-ish and mature so you can skip all of the next paragraph.
Shotaro is back for holiday from China and asks if I have time to meet up before he needs to go back. Honestly, I really don't have the money nor time to make a random trip to Osaka before the 21st. This weekend I have work, next weekend I'm in Tokyo, and the weekend after that I'm in Thailand. I told him this and all he has to say is "You don't have plans to come to Osaka?" I understand that the last time we met he made the effort to see me in Toyota even for just one night so I could try to be the one to try and meet him. He also hinted that he wanted to meet for Valentine's day but that's especially a no-go for my Tokyo/Tenimyu plans. He seemed put off when I told him I made concrete plans already (tickets and buses booked). But, our relationship is entirely based on convenience and I thought we made that clear with each other. Anyway, I made a suggestion on one particular date that I just barely see working out with my schedule and he hasn't replied to me since I sent the message 5 days ago. I'd be quite relieved if he found no reason to continue any effort in meeting up this time around. Whate'er! I'm in no mood for that stuff right now anyway. I had my fill of all that last year. 8P
Anyway, February is already paaaaacked! I seriously can't keep up with myself anymore! I have a lot to look forward too, a lot to prepare for, and a lot to get over with!
Okay, February, you may proceed.
So, I guess I'll just do a quick recap.
On January 16th, I watched my first Hakuouki musical! I watched Hakumyu's Shinsengumi Kitan in Osaka with a ticket for the right-side balcony. I had only bought a ticket last minute so I didn't expect a good seat anway but I was determined to see the musical that had taken over almost all of my holiday break. This cast was essentially the same as the Reimeiroku cast save for the Hijikata and Chizuru. I confess that Matsuda Gaku wasn't the main pull for me to see this musical so quickly. However, his portrayal for Hijikata was really refreshing after seeing the previous two actors after Yazaki Hiroshi. Higashi Keisuke's Harada Sanosuke really got to my feels and, I felt, he really reflected how sweet Sanosuke is in the anime. Tonchan's presence is awesome and he really makes me hope for a Harada arc. Then, there's Suzuki Shogo's Kazama Chikage. I think I held my breath whenever he was on stage and singing. Shogo's performance of Kazama never fails to excite me. While the storyline is not among my favorites so far, the way they did the ending blew me away. It was just so... pretty. XD Anyway, I just came out of the musical with a pamphlet and DVD pre-order. I already told myself to keep off the photosets so I successfully resisted. Maybe next time I might not be so strong-willed.
The next day on January 17th, I went to Tenimyu Seigaku vs Yamabuki's final Aichi show. It was fun to see the boys again and hear some of these songs again. There was one of the parts where they changed it to be Aichi/Nagoya-themed and I thought it was really cute. Comparing to the opening shows and the New Year's show, I felt that some of the boys really improved while some others seemed to have dipped a little. But, who knows if it's just from them getting so used to the routine, tired, or whatever the reason. Still, overall a fun show as always. During the encore, with my seat on the aisle, I got a few high-touches but I don't really keep track. Maybe it was Oishi, Akazawa, and Fuji? I could be wrong, lol.
To fulfill my January goal of watching 2 movies in the theater per month, I watched the Ninninger VS Toqger movie (手裏剣戦隊ニンニンジャーVSトッキュウジャー THE MOVIE 忍者・イン・ワンダーランド) and Pink and Gray (ピンクとグレー). I wasn't able to watch any of Ninninger prior to the movie but it was still really enjoyable. It was cute and especially nice to be able to see the train gang again. There was this one part that made me react more than I wanted. I have Tawada Hideya to blame for that. I was also reminded of how much I quite enjoy Shison Jun's acting and how much he's improved. However, there is one part that I refuse to accept no matter how much IMAGINATION I believe in. XD;; While the sentai movie was all fun and cute, the Pink and Gray really messed with my feelings. I had already read a rather in-depth overview of the novel and read the manga, so I didn't expect much surprises. But, nope! I forgot how different cinema can present the same story in such a dramatic way. Also, I seriously have to commend Nakajima Yuto's acting for much of the movie. (There are some scenes that weren't on par with the rest of his acting.) I also have to give it to the screen-writer for the alternations, additions, and cuts for the story. I won't go too deep into it cause it'd be great for others to see it for themselves.
For a couple of weeks in January I was without Internet access and was limited in my mobile data use. I lasted longer than I thought but I think I owe it to having a physical novel to read through. Last year, Josie lent me out of her English-language books, "Firewall" (of the Wallander crime mystery series) by Henning Mankell. He's a Swedish author of many crime novels, and, after a little Googling, I discovered that he died in October 2015. I have never read a crime novel before but this was enjoyable. It reminded me how reading a full length novel can be fun too. There were many times when I couldn't paused once I finished a chapter because I wanted to continue on. At first, it was hard for me to concentrate because I had forgotten how to remember names, places, scene, and whatnot without a visual aide. I got used to it eventually. Storywise, I liked how lots of things connected amidst the chaos and moments of suspense. I was a little disappointed at the ending and how the case 'closed' but still had a good feeling to finally reach the end. I hope to get myself to read more books in the future. Next on my list is "Shantaram" by Gregory David Roberts, a book that I got from a book exchange between my work area. (I exchanged it for my "The Book Thief" book.) This book is over 900 pages long so... I'll see how long this'll take me.
In the end of January, I found myself Skyping a lot in a short period of time once I got my Internet back. I had my usual random Skype sessions with my family. But, I was happy to get the chance to Skype with some friends for the first time. First, is Nattsu, and awesome BoyMen fan from Thailand. We had a Skype session mainly to do the BM choreo and fan chants together because she was preparing for YanKee5's live performance in Thailand's Japan Expo. She also shared lots of great adventures she's had with BM and the staff whenever they were in Thailand. We Skyped again when she was with the other BM Thai gang, so I got to briefly see them for the first time! And, random Skypes for more of her BM flail and secret scoops on the boys. XD My other sessions have been with a really cute and sweet Hakuouki fan from Germany, Haru-chan. I think it's because of her I've grown to quickly enjoy Hakuouki and find a comfortable place to flail in. Sometimes we run out of things to say but it gives us a lot of room to still get to know each other since it's just been over a month! The other day we watched Hakumyu Reimeiroku together and chatted via LINE over the musical. It's too bad the timezones really make it difficult for our times to match. XD
So... work-wise, January wasn't so bad after my first week of surprise that I spoke of last time. Half of the month was spent with parent observations with half of those spent with students that weren't my own. But, the students and the parents were great so I had a good time even though the travel was more than 2 hours every day. I suspect February to be pretty much the same, I think.
Now, fandom and work aside (I know, the work part was over quickly), I've been getting kind of tired of my not-S.O. dude. Sorry, if this'll get a little TMI-ish and mature so you can skip all of the next paragraph.
Shotaro is back for holiday from China and asks if I have time to meet up before he needs to go back. Honestly, I really don't have the money nor time to make a random trip to Osaka before the 21st. This weekend I have work, next weekend I'm in Tokyo, and the weekend after that I'm in Thailand. I told him this and all he has to say is "You don't have plans to come to Osaka?" I understand that the last time we met he made the effort to see me in Toyota even for just one night so I could try to be the one to try and meet him. He also hinted that he wanted to meet for Valentine's day but that's especially a no-go for my Tokyo/Tenimyu plans. He seemed put off when I told him I made concrete plans already (tickets and buses booked). But, our relationship is entirely based on convenience and I thought we made that clear with each other. Anyway, I made a suggestion on one particular date that I just barely see working out with my schedule and he hasn't replied to me since I sent the message 5 days ago. I'd be quite relieved if he found no reason to continue any effort in meeting up this time around. Whate'er! I'm in no mood for that stuff right now anyway. I had my fill of all that last year. 8P
Anyway, February is already paaaaacked! I seriously can't keep up with myself anymore! I have a lot to look forward too, a lot to prepare for, and a lot to get over with!
Okay, February, you may proceed.