In the past, I have been somewhat critical towards the state of idols in Japan and Korea on various things such as the apparent lack of talent and of course these agencies taking complete control of their personal life by preventing any of their members from dating anyone. However, this doesn’t mean that I dislike idols completely for the fact that idol themed shows has shown some positive aspects that can relate to life along with the cheerful music. Here are some of my reasons why I and many people enjoy idol-themed anime and video games. (Image Source)
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The iDOLM@STER
The Art of Making Anime from Video Games
In a post that Kai as posted this week about how video game is adapted into a show. While I have shared my thoughts about anime adaptations and challenges involved with it, video game adaptations are a different story as the experience is not static. As adaptations of video games (excluding visual novels) become more popular as seen adaptations of The Idolmaster, Persona 4 and Neptunia, how do they achieve this while making it enjoyable? (Image Source)
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The Life Lessons I Learned From Watching Anime
Back in February, I shared my thoughts on why I continued to watch Anime. Still, the special thing about Anime is its ability to cover a wide range of topics and in some instances, show the little things in life. It makes me wonder, how does Anime presents this? (Image Source)
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Idolmaster Puchimas – First Brief Impressions
I bet most people were expecting a second season of Idolmaster. Instead, we got this… (Image Source)
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The Best and Worst of 2012 Anime
As 2012 finally comes to an end, I felt that this year is rather subdued for Anime. Although there were some Anime that received some rave reviews that I didn’t watch, I was still satisfied by what I have already watched. Not only that, I only dropped one show this year compared to two in 2011. Still, there were some disappointments, which I want to go over.
For now, I will list my top whatever lists of best Anime in 2012 along with some disappointing/worst ones. (Image Source)
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The iDOLM@STER – Episode 26 (OVA) – More 765pro Awesomeness
It seems that the Idolmaster goodness keeps on going. After watching Episode 15 and 16 despite Kevo ragequitting two times in the latter because of Jupiter, I decided to tackle the special I intend to cover this week. However, I did it one day early since Dog Days 2 subs are not out yet.
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Monthly Anime Music Ramblings – April 2012 – The iDOLM@STER
It has been a while since I wrote guest reviews of related singles and soundtracks relating to Anime. Since I want to come up with another single review within a few months, I suppose I should share my thoughts on some good music I heard from the shows I watched. With that, I come up with the “Monthly Anime Music Ramblings,” an idea I had in my mind two nights ago.
In this feature, I will pick one to three track(s) from a particular series or artist. Then, I will explain what I like about the song along with other aspects like instrumentals and singer’s performance. This will replace the yearly list of favorite artists along with the best songs from a particular season.
In this inaugural post, I will talk about three tracks from The Idolmaster that really impressed me. (Image Source)
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Getting into the Producers Chair – Experiences of Producing for 765 Production
Before I begin posting my Let’s Play, I have always wanted to write more about my experiences in general about The iDOLM@STER in regards to the Anime and the Games. As you know, the anime like the game has important life lessons such as interacting with others, solving problems and teamwork that gives us the fabulous dancing and singing. (Image Source)
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Valentines Day Special – My Favorite Idols
For those who celebrate, I hope everyone a Happy Valentines Day/Singles Appreciation Day. To commemorate this faithful day, I want to focus this week’s opinion piece on my favorite idols from The Idolmaster. I know people will have different opinions since they are many to choose from and I will respect that. (Image Source)
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Weekly Anime Rankings & Digest – December 19-25
Well, I hope everyone had a nice Christmas. For me, not much has happened except my parents and sister watched a few movies while I play with video games and my new iPhone. Of course, one of those games I finally get a chance to play with is of course アイドルマスター2 on the Playstation 3. Yep, it’s that game, which the anime is based on and I have to say that I’m impressed with it so far. Although my Japanese skills needs more work, the girls looked cute and most importantly, it’s a fun game (except the know fact that I suck at the dance lessons). Still, I won’t write my first impressions until I get further into the game, which might take a week. Nevertheless, I’ll keep everyone posted.
If you are curious on what I’m producing, the unit name is “Flower Princess” (花姫), which consists of Takane (Leader), Haruka and Mami.
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Twelve Days of Anime – Part II (Days 7-12)
Today is the day before Christmas and to celebrate it, I’m looking back at the reminder of the moments in this year’s Anime that made it awesome. This includes Croisee, Ano Hana, Fate/zero, Idolmaster, Hourou Musuko and Madoka Magica.
If you don’t know what this project is all about, I highly suggest checking out the prelude (Image Source).
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The iDOLM@STER – Episode 25 (END) – The 2nd Live Performance
After all the girls rediscover the importance of unity from Haruka’s emotional leave, everyone is now excited for the live performance.
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Weekly Anime Rankings & Digest – December 12-18
Since finals are over, I can finally relax. With Christmas coming upon us in six more days, I still have unfinished business such as the Secret Santa Anime, which is collecting dust and the last part of the 12 Days of Anime Project. Hopefully they will get done in the next three days so I can end of the year editorials and of course, games.
Just as a notice, because of Christmas lands on a weekend this year, Fate/zero Episode 13 post will get delayed until Monday. Otherwise, enjoy the Secret Santa posts as they come this Saturday (Image Source).
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The iDOLM@STER – Episode 24 – Haruka’s Emotional Return
As the Producer recovers at the hospital following the unfortunate accident, Haruka still feels devastated from the continual distancing of everyone.
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Weekly Anime Rankings & Digest – December 5-11
Following the eventual week, I’m pleased to announce that my mother’s operation went fine and recovering. As for me, finals have finally come in full force since today marks the end of classes. Therefore, I won’t blog at least until Thursday when I expect to complete most of the finals. Once that gets finished, I will concentrate on completing the first level Japanese course textbook, Secret Santa Anime I haven’t touched and the 12 Days of Anime Blogging Project. (Image Source)
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The iDOLM@STER – Episode 23 – The Melancholy of Amami Haruka
While all the girls becomes increasingly busy with their various tasks, Haruka becomes dejected for not being able to gather the same enthusiasm as she did before. Thus, it quickly goes downhill from there as an unexpected tragedy strikes.
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Weekly Anime Rankings & Digest – November 28 – December 4
As the fall semester comes to a close, it appears that things are only going to get busier. Once finals are over, I’ll play catch up on marathoning the Secret Santa Anime I have been sitting on along with finishing the first level of Genki I in my Japanese self-study. Hopefully I can get that done before I start my video gaming binge after Christmas.
Also this morning, my mother went into surgery as mentioned earlier… I’ll keep everyone posted on the status. (Image Source)
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The iDOLM@STER – Episode 22 – 765 Productions Christmas Cake Party
Christmas has apparently arrived 23 days early in this episode and it was wonderful. As for Haruka, well… Things don’t quite work out.
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Weekly Anime Rankings & Digest – November 21-27
For those who are in America, I hope everyone had a nice Turkey Day. My Thanksgiving weekend was quiet as I spent most of my time playing Minecraft. In addition, the holiday shopping got completed rather quickly since I knew what I want. Unlike last year, I brought no Anime, but instead a good number of games including a Playstation 3 version of Idolm@ster 2!
In addition, “The Idolmaster Animation Master 5” released yesterday in Japan and I ordered a first press release of the disc. I can’t wait to hear the full versions of Heart of Marionette (マリオネットの心) and Myself Rest@rt (自分REST@RT) since I heard from other people that they sound excellent.
On a serious note, my mom goes for surgery to remove a Stage I Kidney Cancer next Monday. From the day of its discovery, we have been a bit anxious. Hopefully, she will have a speedy recovery once it gets taken cared of. (Image Source)
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The iDOLM@STER – Episode 21 – Chihaya, the Sleeping Beauty and Jupiter’s Redemption
After Chihaya confronted her past and recovered from it rather quickly, she performs a special song to turn a new page on her career. Amidst this, Kuroi attempts a last-ditch sabotage to 765 Productions again. Sadly, it doesn’t quite work out and results in the unexpected…
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Weekly Anime Rankings & Digest – November 14-20
Subsequently after the downtime that caused a significant drop in hits, I’m plan to fight with the hosting company so I can get a prorated refund and move to a more reliable shared hosting for another year. Although a VPS is nice and all, I need to learn how to set one up locally before actually taking a risk.
During the downtime, I have taken the plunge and brought the fifth Idolmaster Animation Master, which contains a few notable songs from Episode 13. I promise to post pictures of it once it gets released (and no, not like this).
On the brighter note, last week’s anime was exciting with Mini-Ika returning and most importantly, the Chihaya episode. (Image Source)
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The iDOLM@STER – Episode 20 – Thank You for the Memories (おもいで を ありがとう)
From the aftermath of an article in a gossip magazine regarding Chihaya’s past, it kind of shows how judgmental society is even though it clearly crosses the line.
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Weekly Anime Rankings & Digest – November 7-13
First off, I apologize for making a statement (including the complaints on Twitter) in the last post that wasn’t called for and got scalded for in the past. I admit that I have gone through a rough weekend regarding some stress in the family regarding an illness along with someone crashing into my mother’s car while making an illegal U-turn. Therefore, I wasn’t in my state of mind. Going forwards, I will not complain about it in the future if it happens again (everyone should heed this warning, especially those who complained about it on Anime Suki Forums).
Aside from that, the stuff that happened last week was exciting despite Ika Musume Second Season not airing. (Image Source)
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The iDOLM@STER – Episode 19 – Takane, the Elegant Silver-Haired Princess
This episode obviously puts the spotlight on Takane, which is one of my favorite idols aside from Azusa and Chihaya not because of her looks, but her mysterious personality.
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