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Archives for July 2009

Editorial: How to screw up a licensed anime release.

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Everyone might be wondering, what ever happen to the True Tears and sola anime releases? Originally Bandai Ent., the licensor of both anime series licensed both series early 2008 with selling volumes that are singles which are expensive without a dub… until they scrap it and instead decide to make it a full box set mid/late summer of last year. Ever since, the release date kept getting delayed and never face a release. Recently, True Tears supposed to release on July 21st, which is this month, but yet pushed back to August 18, 2009, the same date sola boxset supposed to be release.

What is going on here? I know the economy is not in the greatest shape, but it’s gradually improving, Bandi Ent., this is no excuse to keep delaying the release on end so people expect that it would never materialize… You already messed up the Lucky Star OVA release without a dub when it’s a very popular series… Next you are going to disappoint us on August 18 by delaying the release of both anime series again by another month? I am posting this because I am interested in watching sola and want to buy the DVDs, but keep messing with the release dates… If it gets delayed or even canceled, people are going to go into a RAGE somewhat like we have experienced with Endless Eight. There is absolutely NO EXCUSES why it shouldn’t release on August 18, 2009… but I am going to be very upset if it gets delayed or even canceled…

To people who want to buy these series: If Bandai Ent. never materialize these releases, I suggest complaining via written letter. The address is:
5551 Katella Ave
Cypress, CA, USA ,90630
By Email: support@bandai-ent.com
or mention them on Twitter with @bandaient

Also, I suggest boycotting any of their releases if they don’t release them. Delaying it 2 times is more than enough… This will probably be enough to have them listen.

Read moreEditorial: How to screw up a licensed anime release.
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The Fiasco of Suzumiya Haruhi: Endless Eight is Endless

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My reaction to the 7th Episode of Endless Eight... Depressed... because Endless Eight is Endless.
My reaction to the 7th Episode of Endless Eight... Depressed... because Endless Eight is Endless.

Now I’m totally hopeless… because it’s all Kadokawa’s fault of deciding to repeat it more than 6 times when it’s supposed to be 6… Even six is too many episodes.

Seriously… Endless Eight is a big waste of money and time to animate… I rather have Kyoto Animation dump Endless Eight and start putting their efforts to animating Little Busters!, but I still wonder how much money they wasted animated Endless Eight crap… I mean… a Little Busters! anime will be alot better than a whole season of Endless Eight.

Now, KADOKAWA owes me 7 strawberry sundaes to forgive me now! (No, I’m not referring to the 7 strawberry sundaes in the Kanon VN)

Fan Reactions

resoLv777 from AnimeSuki made a downfall of Haruhi.
Also, CCYoshi (the author of Mega Megane Moé) also made two of them,
Haruhi S2 dropped to a 7.50 within one week.

This Music Video by Jinto from AnimeSuki pretty much sums everything up

Cartoon Leap: Endless Eight is still Endless and NICE BUTT!

At AnimeSuki, Episode 5 remains the most negatively voted episode with Episode 7 trailing 5 in ratings.

Endless Eight

Endless Eight in a Mathematical Sense

Also, Mathematical proof that Endless Eight is Endless (using Calculus)… Take a limit of f(x)=15527+x as x goes to infinity. x represents how many times Kyon does not do his homework… The solution therefore is:

byc

Infinite, meaning Endless Eight is Endless and will never end.

What’s wrong with the picture? Have Haruhi truely “Jumped the Shark” this time?

Ever since Endless Eight started, we have thought that it would end on the second episode… Instead, the Endless Eight arc have dragged on for so long that people started to blame someone (Kyoani and/or Kadokawa) on the handling of the Haruhi S2 anime… Believe me, Endless Eight is what made the Haruhi series jumped the shark… It will never be the same ever again since expectations have lowered across the board… so, good luck on selling those DVDs, Kadokawa….

In conclusion, This is got to be worst stunt for Kadokawa to play… while hurting Kyoani’s reputation with it, but they will recover someday, but for Kadokawa… not so much. (does this part give you the sense of deja vu?)

If Endless Eight doesn’t end next week, just watch something else so you will keep your sanity… It will eventually end when pigs fly.

Read moreThe Fiasco of Suzumiya Haruhi: Endless Eight is Endless
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Sub-Only Releases? Is this the future of the licensed anime releases?

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Although I’m not a big fan of subs because they disappear while I’m reading it and having to go back, I will prefer watching the dub just to get the story and rewatch it the second time with the Japanese voice… but most of that is mostly gone which is sad because the economic downturn which is expected for us to get out towards the end of the year causing licensors to hold back dub releases and just release sub releases.

Unless I’m currently watching a series like Kannagi which I only watched 5 episodes and they licensed it for a sub-only release, thats the only circumstance I will buy the discs because I believe that studios who make the anime should deserve kind of credit… but for something I watched already and only comes out with a sub-only release, I am less inclined to buy the release because there is no added value.

While I’m still waiting forever for ADV to ever release a Clannad dub, I might not ever see it even after a few years and I’m still angry about them changing their decision about the dub release and still waiting up to this day to release a dub and sub release so I can support my favorite anime and buy it even if it cost a little more. The problem is, sub-only releases makes it difficult to recommend a series like Clannad which is very good to someone who haven’t watched anime before. I have nothing against any dubs and I have a open-minded approach, but I still think that series like this should deserve a dub so that other people can enjoy it without the frustration of having to rewind to the subtitle they missed and get what the character is saying. I know there is a economic downturn, but once the economy recovers, they should think about the fans and do what the fans want so that they can pull in more profit… For the meantime… I will be waiting for those dubs until pigs fly.

Read moreSub-Only Releases? Is this the future of the licensed anime releases?
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Shiori Misaka in Air Fanfiction Project

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shiorimisaka
Shiori: Yuuichi… I wonder what would happen if I took Misuzu’s place in Air… Would the story become more dramatic?
Yuuichi: I don’t think so.
Shiori: I don’t like people who say things like that…

Although Shiori’s story is probably my most favorite story arc… however, how much dramatic if Shiori and her sister goes in the world of Air… I have been wondering that ever since I played Shiori’s arc… although she have a happy ending at the end, I still wonder about her bittersweet ending.

But why Shiori? Shiori have very similar qualities as Misuzu, except he childishness and also love for dinosaurs… and Ice Cream will pretty much fit in summer.

Read more to find out what I’m planning (yes, it contains spoilers from the VN although most of it is going to be made up)

…

Read moreShiori Misaka in Air Fanfiction Project
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The Fiasco of Suzumiya Haruhi: Endless Eight Continues and Fan Reactions

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My reaction to Haruhi S2 Episode7... Was it susposed to end today? but it didn't.
My reaction to Haruhi S2 Episode7... Was it supposed to end today? but it didn't.

This episode that aired today was susposed to be the end all of Endless Eight and Kyon susposed to do his HOMEWORK for once with the crew, but it didn’t materialize… instead, Episode 7 have shown us what the last 5 episodes have shown… “WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?!” Is Kadokawa’s evil scheme is to damage the reputation of Kyoto Animation for their masterpieces they made in the past… Surely, the likes of Clannad, a masterpiece that cannot compare to the epic fail of Suzumiya Haruhi Second Season.

But, it’s not Kyoto Animation that is getting the bulk of the blame this time (since they are controlled and paid by Kadokawa to animate the series), but now, I’m seeing the blame going towards Kadokawa who is milking the cash cow (Suzumiya Haruhi Franchise) and not wanting to bother releasing Disappearance or the other interesting sections of the light novel. If it was Kyoto Animation’s idea of making it six episodes long, Kadokawa have a eviler scheme and will try to make it eight or even the whole season if they wanted… Remember, Kadokawa is in control of everything, although Kyoto Animation have some say, Kadokawa will always come supreme…

What about the fan reactions?

Friends at Cartoon Leap expected it to end, but got more frustrated than ever.

CCY (the author of Mega Megane Moé) on Twitter have mentioned that the rating for Haruhi have tanked .75 after two weeks and .05 points right after Episode 7 have aired and still tanking.

Another blogger who is frustrated with Endless Eight created 4koma on the reaction of Endless Eight with Kyon picking up the phone.

Even I have raged, expecting Kyon and Company to do their homework at the end… to my surprise… it’s the same thing over again.

At AnimeSuki, the ratings tanked on the later episodes of Endless Eight:

Yes, Haruhi sure tank alright.
Yes, Haruhi sure tank alright.
Haruhi S2 would still tank with my ratings.
Haruhi S2 would still tank with my ratings.

Akiko’s Jamu or Endless Eight?

In a poll made a week ago, I asked readers what they would do. The vast majority of them perfer eating the toast with Akiko’s Jamu instead of watching 6, maybe 8 episode of Endless Eight straight through… I can’t blame them though… The Jamu looks alot more appealing now, even if it doesn’t taste good.

poll8

What’s wrong with the picture? Have Haruhi “Jumped the Shark?”

Ever since Endless Eight started, we have thought that it would end on the second episode… Instead, the Endless Eight arc have dragged on for so long that people started to blame someone (Kyoani and/or Kadokawa) on the handling of the Haruhi S2 anime… Believe me, Endless Eight is what made the Haruhi series jumped the shark… It will never be the same ever again since expectations have lowered across the board… so, good luck on selling those DVDs, Kadokawa….

In conclusion, This is the worst stunt for Kadokawa to play… while hurting Kyoani’s reputation with it, but they will recover someday, but for Kadokawa… not so much.

Read moreThe Fiasco of Suzumiya Haruhi: Endless Eight Continues and Fan Reactions
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Air – Episode 5 – Minagi's Arc Part 1

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Air-ep5-scr1
After being sidetracked by the rage of Haruhi and also playing Kanon all day long, I almost forgot to post about Air Episode 5 for nearly 5 days (which is a coincidence, Ahaha~)… But yes, Episode 5 starts Minagi’s arc and it finally reveals more about the Astronomy club, which she is the only member… It seems that there is another very familiar character from another familiar series made by the same company who does the same activity that normally most students won’t normally participate (hint: She have purple-blueish hair and wear childish orbs in her hair).
…

Read moreAir – Episode 5 – Minagi's Arc Part 1
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Yamaoto's response on Endless Eight

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Continuing the series of “The Fiasco of Suzumiya Haruhi” with Endless Eight and the way Second Season of Haruhi have been going, Yamaoto, the former Director of Kyoto Animation who directed some episodes of notable productions like FMP, Air, Kanon, Haruhi, and Lucky Star and directed Kannagi at A-1 Pictures have revealed the secret at Otakon ’09 that nobody knew… It started last year and Yamaoto was against a 6 episode long Endless Eight and rather go with 2 Episodes (which I really perfer and what they should have gone with).

(begin video)
Yamamoto: “To tell you the truth, I knew this was going to happen a year ago”
Audience member: “Why didn’t you warn us?”
(general laughter)
Y: I’d be in trouble if I did
(general laughter)
AM: I guess I should ask you the other question, why has the show gone in this direction, that basically instead of moving forward with the story as outlined in the novels, they’ve turned a short stor-, a 30 page short story into six episodes.
Y:Um, uh, you have to promise you’re not going to write about this on the net
AM: I won’t
(general laughter)
Y: Not to make self-excuses or anything, the concept for this idea was floating around while I was still at Kyoto Animation. And I was against it. I said two episodes is the most you can do.
(scattered applause)
Y: But, as a person who left Kyoto Animation of his on volition, I can’t help but feel somewhat responsible for the way Haruhi is now. So I’d like to say as a representitive of the SOS Brigade production committee, I apologize.
(general applause)
AM: Thank you sir, you’ve given- you’ve been terribly helpful on this matter.
(applause continues)
Y: But it’s a secret!
(end video)

So yes, Kyoto Animation, as flawless as most people would want it to be have made some mistakes like this big mess… but hopefully once this is over and done with and start producing better stuff then this… then, yes… they will regain their reputation lost in this mess… but then again… what production studio doesn’t make mistakes?

Also, if you wish to watch the video of the response, feel free

Read moreYamaoto's response on Endless Eight
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Mai’s and Sayuri’s Arc: VN and Anime Differences

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Sayuri's laugh is probably the best thing from Mai's arc!
Sayuri's laugh is probably the best thing from Mai's arc!

Instead of wasting my time watching Endless Eight and ending up with unnecessary rage, I decided to play more of the Kanon visual novel and now this time… Mai’s and Sayuri’s arcs. Although there are a few differences from the Anime and the VN concerning Mai’s and Sayuri’s arc, they managed to adapt the whole arc with some changes… ones that will be mentioned below (contains VN spoilers)
…

Read moreMai’s and Sayuri’s Arc: VN and Anime Differences
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The Fiasco of Suzumiya Haruhi: Who to blame?

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If you do survive 6 episodes of Endless Eight... Great! You will earn a big achievement for going through the endless, repetitive loop.
If you do survive 6 episodes of Endless Eight... Great! You will earn a big achievement for going through the endless, repetitive loop.

As we watched the first episode of Haruhi S2, Bamboo Rapsody… many would thought that Haruhi Second Season will turn out great… However, after the end episode aired, Endless Eight Part 1, many thought that it was the end, but that wasn’t the case and Endless Eight after Part 2 was in a repeating loop which many people started to go bananas and accusing Kyoto Animation and Kadokawa and causing Haruhi Season 2’s rating drop from the mid 8’s close to a high 7’s on MyAnimeList and people dropping or putting Haruhi on hold indefinately…. but the question is… Who should we really blame?

The problem is, Kyoto Animation is in the crossfire of all this madness which isn’t really their fault… It’s pretty much Kadokawa than Kyoto Animation because Kadokawa Shoten controls the license to Haruhi, which they ultimately have a say on how many episodes should be produced for Haruhi and the making and marketing of Haruhi merchandise.

In a recent post, this statement is regarded as a rumor, but looks perfectly legit on the situation. (Source: NotCliche)

Umm… I guess it’s okay now?
Endless Eight was organized and produced as 6 episodes.
Kadokawa’s back sponsor got furious and after it was too late (production had finished), the producer was fired.
There was a ton of confusion over whether they were going to skip the produced 4th and 5th episodes and air the 6th.

By the way, the 6 ep organization was Kadokawa’s instructions.
The fired producer was a scape goat to appease the angry back sponsors.
Kadokawa’s ultimate goal was to blow smoke over the fans by having 12 episodes that would consist of E8, Sigh, and a new/re-organized Mikuru’s adventure.
And the Disappearance source material they had pulled from remains exactly that: source material.
Currently Kadokawa does not feel like animating Disappearance [yet/still]

This gives the feeling that the purpose of this new production is simply to pull money from the fans as they move the series from DVD to BD.

If this is true, Kadokawa is ultimately to blame for this fiasco since Kadokawa is just looping Endless Eight so it will sell more DVDs… But then again, we know in the past that noone should trust Kadokawa… Do you remember the “Nice Boat” incident with Haruhi-chan? Do you still remember the statement of Haruhi being “canceled” by Kadokawa? I think it’s time to make Kadokawa responsible for the mess they cause and don’t buy any merchandise relating to Haruhi S2. This is the main reason I given up on Haruhi S2 in whole.

For Kyoto Animation… I really hope they redeem themselves after this mess and atleast adapt something that might become a masterpiece… or something great… Little Busters or FMP anyone?

Read moreThe Fiasco of Suzumiya Haruhi: Who to blame?
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Shiori’s Arc: VN and Anime Differences

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shiori
As I have mentioned several months ago about Shiori being my most favorite character and it still is… but I started on playing Shiori’s arc in the Visual Novel… but noticed some differences… but the anime seems to be very accurate and also left out some parts since Ayu is the principal character that Yuuichi ends up in the Anime.

This is what I noticed: (VN spoilers ahead)

…

Read moreShiori’s Arc: VN and Anime Differences
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With low expectations with Endless Eight, What would you rather do instead?

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Can Akiko's Jam be any worse than watching all six episodes of Endless Eight? Maybe not...
Can Akiko’s Jam be any worse than watching all six episodes of Endless Eight? Maybe not…

Ever since Endless Eight aired several weeks ago, people started to lose faith in the second season of Haruhi…. and Endless Eight is becoming the most notorious anime arc that have been adapted in anime history… but how does it compare to Akiko’s Jam from Kanon? Would you rather eat toast with Akiko’s Jam instead of torturing yourself by watching all 6-8 episodes of Endless Eight… I would…. even if the jam tastes bad.

The question this week is, what would you rather do if you have a choice…. would you watch all 6 episodes of Endless Eight in a marathon or eat one toast with Akiko’s jamu on it?[poll=8]

Read moreWith low expectations with Endless Eight, What would you rather do instead?
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Haruhi S2 OP – Super Driver – Impressions

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Every anime always have a OP, no matter what… but the recent Haruhi S2 OP does not sound good or bad… it sound really strange…

But the funny thing is that the OP is almost something that would come from a visual novel… since visual novel OPs show the character with their name… For what I seen so far, Clannad and Air does that… Thank god Kanon doesn’t do that…

Comparison:
haruhi-op
air-op
clannad
It looks like Kadokawa, trolls they are… are planning to make a Haruhi Visual Novel soon….

Unlike the first Haruhi Op, the animation seems to be fun to look at and it seems that they put alot of effort in the animation… but the song… meh… Bouken Desho Desho? sounds even better than that…

Overall, the Haruhi S2 OP is a mixed bag… The song doesn’t sound great… but the animation looks good to the eyes… Too bad I’m not seeing any more of it since Kadokawa decided to repeat Endless Eight so many times.

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Suzumiya Haruhi Second Season – Episode 5… Thats it… I’m putting Haruhi on hold!

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Episode 5 like the two episodes before it is almost exactly the same thing, except the airplane… More people continue to rage after this episode… the question is… how much longer…. According to one source, Kadokawa planned for a 6 episode long Endless Eight arc… but isn’t it a bit excessive considering the Endless Eight Chapter in the light novel is only 26 pages… 6 episodes is just a bit excessive for Endless Eight…

If theres a person to blame… blame Kadokawa… not Kyoani… Kadokawa only controls how many episodes they want to make and I hold Kadokawa responsible… especially after their trolling they done with Haruhi-chan and also the second season being cancel… until the Endless Eight arc finally end, I’m temporarily putting Haruhi Second Season on hold… and I won’t forgive Kadokawa until they give me 6 strawberry sundaes (it’s from a very familiar visual novel)!

Read moreSuzumiya Haruhi Second Season – Episode 5… Thats it… I’m putting Haruhi on hold!
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Clannad – Kyou's Arc – Impressions

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shot0001
Kyou’s arc in Clannad is probably my most favorite arc in the whole visual novel… and it took 15 hours to complete it and I usually spend my time playing her arc right after I got out of classes in college…. I can say, Kyou’s arc have the best comedy and also drama … but can the Kyou OVA live up to the original arc in the Visual Novel? Sorta… but not quite… While the animation is good, the problem is the length caused it to be so abridged… that most viewers don’t have a good idea of her arc and make it feel rushed.

Here is some stuff I felt that was missing:
– Tomoya’s preference of girl’s hair length. The player have a choice of liking a girl with long hair (Kyou) or short hair (Ryou, which automatically ends you up with the bad ending)
– Tomoya’s first and second date with Ryou.
– Tomoya’s gift to Ryou (which the player selects what gem to get… Amethyst is the one you get since it’s the color of Kyou’s eyes… but you actually give Ryou the tarot cards bought by Kyou which is important later in the arc)
– Tomoya’s last fortune by Ryou using tarot cards (it’s symbolizes something bad)
– Kyou showing the place she met Botan
– Tomoya’s and Ryou’s 2nd and 3rd time using the fortune telling machine at the arcade.
– Tomoya actually calls out while Sunohara and Kyou try to kiss each other.

Overall, the OVA is not bad… but it didn’t have the protential of being perfect since it lacks some of the part of the arc… I wished they did it for 45 min, then it would be alot better… but oh well..

Rating

8.7/10

Full comparison of Kyou’s arc will be posted soon.

This is the !00th post!

Read moreClannad – Kyou's Arc – Impressions
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Suzumiya Haruhi Second Season – Episode 4… When will it stop?!

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There is not much I can say for this… but this is what I can say:

Auuu~ Have watched the 4th episode, and I have the feeling that this is the worst episode so far… it’s almost a complete rehash of Episode 3. I know that summer supposed to repeat in Endless Eight and they want to make it so it repeat until they solve the mystery, but is it really necessary to have 3 episodes of the same story. I rather have them complete it in two episodes.

Because of the repeating of the same thing, I didn’t enjoy it that much… and I cannot give it a high rating, so I give it a 6.5/10 . I would give it a lower rating on the forums, but people would start complaining if I done that, but actually… It should really be rated 5/10

Hopefully the rest of the season don’t come out like this episode. This episode is a complete letdown for me.

Verdict

5/10 (lowest score ever for a Haruhi Episode… and I retracted my last rating, so it’s now 5/10)

Read moreSuzumiya Haruhi Second Season – Episode 4… When will it stop?!
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Editorial: Eroge Ban and Feminism/Activist Groups… which cross the line with freedom of speech

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With the Japanese recent ban on eroge games as a result of the Rapelay fisaco, it caused outrage in the anime/otaku community and yes… I have to agree that these Feminism/Activist groups have crossed the line since it’s a violation of freedom of speech….

Again, not every eroge game have content like Rapelay and some companies release all-ages version without any naughty content like Key for example… but in today’s society… Westerners think that anything that contains you-know-what is equal unhumane because other hollywood movies contain these kind of scenes as well and I never hear outrage because of it. The problem today is that these feminist and activists groups are overreacting and controlling what content he/she can watch or enjoy… While I don’t like these scenes and try my best to ignore them… (Also, I don’t play bishoujo games very often (only if I’m curious/interested, which is rarely) and I perfer not having naughty content) I’m strongly against any form of censorship and banning of content because regardless… it’s still freedom of speech and people should enjoy whatever content they want….

As long westerners remain prejudiced to this kind of content… it’s not likely to change… but you can try writing a letter to the Japanese Government (if you know Japanese, of course.)[poll id=”7″]

Read moreEditorial: Eroge Ban and Feminism/Activist Groups… which cross the line with freedom of speech
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