Tsukasa's Moe Points XD

Among the Lucky Star girls, Tsukasa might have the least amount of attention given by LS fans XD I admit I'm a Kagami fan eversince - but it doesn't mean I don't give Tsukasa a fair share of love and attention XD

Tsukasa is the epitome of simplicity and innocence :3 You feel her aura of kindness by the way she talks, the way she smiles and the way she do clumsy things XD Expounding on Konata's seed of wisdom "Thy faults are called moe-points" here are some reasons why to love Tsukasa-chan even more ^w^

Tsukasa-chan wears winter uniform even though its already summer

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sleeps on the train and asks for 5 minute extensions XD

seriously plans and seriously fails

sleeps on the desk while doing homework

sleeps some more XD

changes the conversation topic because she can't relate to the current one

cleans her cell phone inside the washing machine

gets trapped on train platform entrance

doesn't retaliate when Konata picks on her

is afraid of horror movies

oversleeps too much

is afraid of otaku crowds XD

gets easily carried away

PS. Tsukasa is the core inspiration for the Chibi Miku-san series XD You could see Tsukasa goodness over Minami-sensei's site - and prolly Tsukasa's "clueless" eyes is the basis for her 4koma drawing style XD

- Rain

Konata's Words of Wisdom 101

Wisefreeman gave me the idea of sharing some philosophical views of life XD But now I'll do it through the eyes of Konata XD I never had a boring time watching her on Lucky Star over and over (I could not even count how many times I rewatched the whole Lucky Star series - pretty much deserves a 2nd season XD !!). People might say Konata is just a plain otaku with the thinking pattern of a middle-aged man .. but don't let the facade fool you; she's pretty much capable showing prowess of intelligence and wisdom ^w^ !! And now I'm going to prove it :P Here are some seeds of wisdom from the anime series that might enlighten you on various aspects of our daily lives XD

1. "do not join school club activities or else you shall miss the golden time of anime"

2. "never flip the meat when grilling yakiniku or else the onion slices will fall"

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3. "thy faults are called moe-points"

4. "influenza is a scale up version of colds"

5. "baseball shows are evil - they shaft the broadcast of new anime shows"

6. "two heads are better than one"

7. "operating a UFO catcher is like opening a savings account"

8. "the skills you pick up from gaming end up being pretty useless in real life"

9. "cool guys study for finals one night before the exam"

10. "a part time job is a must to support your otaku finances"

"seeiyus from Drama CDs must be the ones voicing the anime counter parts"

- Rain

Kyourin's Usual Weekend in Shizuoka ^w^ (Japan Anime Shops)

More or less I have the feeling that I'll move to Tokyo next year so I had the urge to document my everyday life here in Shizuoka ^w^ Compared to Tokyo, Shizuoka is more peaceful - less the crowds that make your head spin XD Now it is my pleasure to give you a slice of what I do during weekends - rounding anime shops here in central Shizuoka XD and the nendoroid below is the result of such weekly activity:

Fukuei forgive me XD I snuck into Delendil's house first ^w^

The order the shops are presented is the usual route I take ^w^ I might omit some of them when I feel like it XD

1. A2
2. Book-Off
3. Kanteidan
- 1st floor
- 2nd floor
4. Men's Paradise
5. Dos Para
6. Melon Books / Rashinban
7. Animate
8. Volks
9. Secret Mode

A2 ("A-too")

Prolly there are 5 branches of A2 wherein I could reach in Shizuoka via bicycle ^w^ This place is a treasure trove for manga collectors and gamers. Manga here are second hand but still of top quality and could cost as low as 50 yens (my A.I. Love You collection by Akamatsu sensei for example ^w^). However recent/famous mangas could cost at most 150 yen each .. but hey compared to brand new ones which cost 550-700 yens; these are already steal deals XD Games sold here could range from old school to cutting edge consoles - all second hand but they make sure all of them are working and quality as close to brand new. Planning to buy Minami-ke and Soul Eater mangas in the future .. but I still have to finish Ichigo 100% and Nyan Koi before buying anything else XDdon't judge a store by its cover XD

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not enough manga ^w^? costs 100 yen a piece XD

sometimes they sell 3 pieces for only 100 yen XD how cheap can they get ^w^

I've been hunting for this one XD !! but the price is still ouch TwT !!

Book-Off

Is a combination of old and new stuff shop XD Just like A2 you could sell your manga after you have finished reading them (they even have this commercial on TV, endorsing you to sell instead of throwing away XD). However in this shop you could find semi-new ones which are priced around 200-300 yens XD When I first arrived here in Japan .. I bought my first set of manga "Lilim's Kiss" and "Ichigo 100%" from this shop ^w^ (both by Kawashita Mizuki sensei - who coincidentally also lives around Shizuoka XD). They also have low priced art books that sells for 100 yen XD (not all of them are good but you could find rare ones ^w^)

oh yeah XD manga heaven ^w^ !!

consumption tax here in Japan is 5% .. so 100 yen + 5% = 105 yen ^w^

care for Yuyu Hakusho VHS tapes XD how old school can you get !!? ^w^

Kanteidan

Is the KING of all second hand anime goods / games / figures / manga shops XD When I first waltzed into this place - I felt like whoah .. am I in heaven XD !!? During my first few months here in Shizuoka I frequented this place almost every other day ^w^ (after work Kanteidan visits XD) This is one of my favorite hangout places - a perfect territory to spend those hours without anything to do at home ^w^ You can read manga, watch anime on their TV screens, look through tons of anime figures (figmas and nendos included) XD You could also spot rare and limited edition items here ^w^ muhahah XD

a spot dedicated to Yu-Gi-Oh players ^w^ wish they also had one for Magic the Gathering XD

more second hand manga sets ^w^

Doujin for sale XD

and uhh, what are these ^w^ !!?

oh yeah XD !! PSX + FF game bundles for 1980 yens XD !!

PSX games set for 500 yen ^w^ I think this is the best set I found which contains Macross, Psychic Force, Xeno Gears and Parasite Eve XD

FF7 + PSX bundle for 1980 yens ^w^ get XD?

ok, the usual gachapon machines you see spammed all over Japan XD

here, Kanteidan posts stuff that they want to buy back ^w^ Usually they buy it as close to the original price but it depends on the condition of the stuff you're offering them XD

what are these ^w^ !?

nendoroid puchi Mikuru XD !!

good enough to feed my nendoroid needs ^w^

spotted a Hatsune Miku Race Queen version nendoroid !! Fukuei you still have a chance XD !!

feast your eyes on the army of Figures collection ^w^

well yeah .. for the sake of Drossel fans - here's an eye candy for you ^w^

Men's Paradise XD

I had no intention of waltzing into this place XD but hey for the sake my comrades - I'll take the recon mission of intruding the most dangerous place in Shizuoka ^w^ I don't frequent this place - as I have only visited this for about 3-5 times eversince XD

gates of heaven or hell XD !!?

pretty clear - brats are not allowed ^w^ !!

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves ^w^

eroge goodness ^w^

omg x__x;;

DOS Para

My Aelirith's birthplace ^w^ Sometimes I visit here to buy new parts and additional accessories for her XD However no Apple parts here .. DOS/V parts refers to IBM-PC compatible machine parts ^w^ (so I feel sorry for Haruka now TwT ..)



Melon Books / Rashinbang

Among all anime shops here in Shizuoka, these ones are the best XD !! I make sure I pay a visit here everytime I do my rounds ^w^ This is also a combination of 2nd hand and brand new stuff, but most of them are brand new ones XD

going to 3rd floor XD

anime ads scattered around the elevator walls ^w^ makes me want to rip and take them home XD

new release eroge "Mashiro" ^w^ reminds me I need to do tinkering on NScripter soon for my VN project (could it be Miracle Mirai - XD nah ..)

yoku wakaranai mono ^w^;;

did I mentioned gachapon machines are spammed all over Japan ^w^?

lovely Key posters XD

lobby to Rashinban and Melon Books ^w^

now this is what you call doujin health stuff XD !!

Biri biri manga XD planning to buy this one XD !! But I have to finish reading Nyan Koi first TwT;;

they also sell light novels here ^w^ I'm currently reading "Toradora" .. and will read "To Aru Majutsu Index" next XD

can't get enough of doujin health stuff? XD

eroge rulez XD !!

keeping my eyes on the Artist ^w^ Fumio-sensei XD

words can't simply describe this area ^w^

I mentioned before that Rashinban sells 2nd hand stuff ^w^ well that goes for doujin - and currently they have re-bought (買取) 1,733 pieces of doujin eversince Comiket 76 XD

Huke's PICSIX ^w^ !! Buying this laterz XD !! Black Rock Shooter chan goodness ^w^

oppai mousepads ^w^ I remember using Kokoro-chan oppai mouse pad at Danny's place XD maybe I should get a Nodoka (Haramura) one XD

tons of dakimakuras to feast on ^w^

do you love Mio XD?

you can't see the cover arts but these are all H-doujins XD !!

outside there is a display area where they preview eroges ^w^ I spend a couple of minutes here viewing the eroge's OP sequences XD "Mashiro" looks very promising ^w^

going down the staircase ^w^ lotsa posters

omochi kaeri XD !!

Animate

Remember Lucky Star and Animate Tenchou ("Densetsu no Shoujo A shifto da !!") XD? This is one of the largest anime goods distributor across Japan ^w^ Although I seldom buy stuff from this store (because of the prices XD) I frequent it just to see new anime stuff being released ^w^ And oh, I also buy my manga drawing stuff here XD This is also the place where I first met Aoi Nishimata in person XD (which prompted me to finish Shuffle anime finally ^w^;;)

Animate Shizuoka is located at 4th floor Top Center building ^^

path to AV room ^w^

path to anime goods XD !!

XD !!

one of the cutest entities in reality ^w^ I'll buy these laterz XD

stuff here are organized by title or animation company so here we have the Kyoto Animation corner

K-ON has its own dedicated corner ^w^

Japanese "How to Draw Manga" books ^w^ pretty superior than the English counterpart I have a couple of ones at home XD

Volks

I'm sorry for all the DD fans out there but since Volks is ultra-strict when it comes to picture taking, I'm only able to take pictures of Volk's show room facade TwT .. To make things short Volks is a home for Dollfies and there are tons of clothes and accessories available for them ^w^ Aside from Dollfie stuff they also sell figures from Good Smile Company, Alter and others XD There are tons of Gundam plastic models available here too - but hmm I'm not very much into them XD

Volks is located at 4th floor Shizuoka 109

facade right part ^w^

facade left part XD

Dollfies hakken !!

strolling back .. I found this car with lots of Sailor Moon plushies ^w^

Secret Mode

When it seems all stores I went to don't have the stuff I want .. this place have the highest chance of having it XD Hence secret mode ^w^ I personally know the store's owner and prolly we'll team up to make an online store in the near future XD This shop might be small but compared to the others I have shown so far .. in terms of quality, rare items, limited edition stocks .. this can beat the hell out Akihabara stores XD All are brand new ^w^ !! (no second hand stocks allowed here) and this shop is a certified Good Smile Partner shop XD !!

Good Smile Partner shop desu ne XD

I forgot to ask if Tencho have extra Miku posters XD

store is open XD !!

buying some random stuff ^w^

lotsa figmas and nendoroids XD !!

now is the time to feast your eyes on the price XD !! A killer 14,700 .. mint sealed in the box XD !!

ending my trip with a random sketch ^w^ She's Aelirith's avatar XD will make a CG of it later ^w^

Hope you guys had fun as much as I had while writing this up XD Jya matta ne ^w^

- Rain

How to Ride Japanese Trains ^w^

My first ride on a Japanese train was very tense because I had to make sure that there is no room for errors or else I would end up being lost in the wilds XD However it was simpler than expected ^w^ I'm just being OA about it .. that was around the last week of June when I set off to Chiba-ken for Wonder Festival 2009 :3 (you could back read in one of my entries)

1. Go to a train station

obviously XD

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2. Check the train schedules

when you enter the station, you could find electronic boards that display the train schedules ^w^ You could do it here or inside the train platforms XD

this is where your knowledge in Kanji/Nihongo would be put into test XD

3. Check your origin and destination

Just above the ticket vending machines you'll find a train route map that will show all the stations reachable by the trains available inside the station ^w^ First thing to do is to check where you are XD Usually your current station is displayed in larger fonts XD (so here you could see 新宿 Shinjuku is highlighted) Then you need to spot your destination ^w^ I'm headed for 目黒 Meguro so I see it 5 stations away from where I am now and I need to pay 160 yen for the ticket XD

4. Play with the ticket vending machine

You don't need to be intimidated with this XD just follow these steps:

get your zennies ready

insert tokens

select your character XD

alright XD !! a ticket fresh from the oven ^w^

5. Go to platform entrance


6. Insert your ticket here ^w^

make sure that the ticket is oriented in the right way XD
(there's an arrow printed on the ticket - you can't miss it ^^)

kaching XD !!

7. Go to the correct train platform

since I'm using the Yamanote line - I need to walk towards platform 14 or 15 ^w^

These platforms might have trains traveling in opposite
directions so make sure you ride the right one XD

right before entering the platform confirm the direction of the
train ^w^ you don't want to be like Konata's dad XD !!

8. Wait for the train to arrive ^w^

trains almost always arrive on the dot XD

9. Enter the train XD

this could be sometimes the hardest part of it all TwT

inside the train you'll find this bilingual TV panel XD so you
don't have to worry about missing your destination ^w^

after arriving at your destination, it's just a matter of
getting out of the train then going out of the station XD

- Rain

A day @ Mirai Inc.

chibi Miku got lost somewhere in Meguro and met some new friends ^w^

first time to see a doll maybe 20x her size XD

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saw Taiga puchi lying around ^w^

"nani ga yo?" - Taiga being tsun tsun to chibi Miku ^w^;;

chibi Miku doing some PHP coding stuff for iPhone version ^w^ - zen zen wakanai TwT

thirsty ^w^?

yay XD !!

- Rain

A day @ Tamiya Race Circuit ^w^

Spent Saturday with my officemates at Tamiya Race Circuit ^w^ Can't really compare to them, because they all have the high tech gears for RC racing - while I only sport an all-stock RC ^w^ Well I'm not for speed now - I'm just after driving skills XD
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fine saturday morning ^w^

TT-01 Chassis Skyline Body XD (no mods) got this for free ^w^

all-stock parts XD

turns really hot after a few minutes of running around XD

a space for mini4WD (kids' stuff XD)

my name plate ^w^ this will keep others from using "01" band

ok all set to go XD !!

after math TwT ..

next time I'll use this to race XD

- Rain

Haruka Sketch ^w^

Did this during a programming task ^w^ I consider drawing as my stress reliever XD Hoping that I could cook up a full CG one of these days ^w^ Just have to find a perfect timing for it XD

- Rain

Mirai-tan 10

It's going to be a tough yasai juice drinking session fight XD

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- Rain

A day @ All Japan Hobby Show - HATSUNE MIKU Studie GLAD BMW Z4（TT-01 Type-E CHASSIS）

before I post Mirai-tan 10 I would like to do some special service for my company XD

Last Sunday I was able to attend the "All Japan Hobby Show" at Makuhari Messe (Chiba-ken). Major Plastic Model companies all over Japan showcase their products and these includes an array of scale models, RCs, PVC figurines, Gundams, etc.

But yeah,I'm not here to talk about that ..


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I just want to show you guys what I liked the most XD I'm not very knowledgeable about RCs but definitely this one is something I would get my hands on ^w^ Even just for the sake of collecting it as a Miku fan XD This RC model is a collaboration between Tamiya and Good Smile company (responsible for the decals design) and they did a pretty good job on it ^w^ The date for initial sales is scheduled for 31 October 2009 XD (but I hope it would be much earlier because I wanted use it for the RC race event our division will have on 03 November)



specifications:

1/10 R/C assembly kit of the Hatsune Miku Studie GLAD BMW Z4.
This model features the livery seen at the 2009 Super GT opening race at Okayama.
Polycarbonate body of the BMW Z4.
Includes side mirrors, rear wing, and metal-plated light cases.
Shaft driven 4-wheel drive TT-01 Type-E chassis.
Comes with slick tires snf BBS style mesh wheels.
2 red and 2 yellow 5mm LEDs and LED Light Control Unit TLU-01 (Item 53909) included.
TEU-101BK ESC and type 540 motor included.
2-channel R/C system, battery pack & charger are separately required.
Add the separately available LED Light Control Unit TLU-02 (Item 53937) to allow control of up to 16 pairs of LEDs (total 32 LEDs)

references:

http://www.tamiya.com/japan/products/58442hatsune_miku/index.htm
http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=58442

Mirai-tan 09

Mirai launches the counter-moe kougeki XD !! (on purpose?) Now the scores are even .. how will the final battle be concluded XD? Still have no idea ^^;; So I guess I need suggestions XD

Whoa, reaching the 10th one ^^ I'm planning to release this officially to pixiv and deviant art after that mark XD will rework the 1st-3rd episodes, as they are mostly stages for setting calibration XD

- Rain

Mirai-tan 08

Ok next time the title of this series will be changed to Danny-tan XD It seems GS Cosplay Cafe is also affected by the recent depression so they could only hire 1 person TwT unfortunately .. XD I have thought of "violent" ways for Mirai to win the baito bid .. but I don't really want to show Mirai's "S" side XD;;;

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thoughts while making this ^w^

People often say it is hard to find inspiration .. but in reality inspiration could be just anywhere around you ^^ I guess it's just a matter of how your heart is open enough to receive love from those XD The more open your heart is .. the more you'll see the beauty of things around you - the more feeling of love you will receive ^w^ Unfortunately I'm an ambivert .. and most of the time I tip to being introvert which leads me to closing my heart to anyone else (that's insecurity for me) XD That's why if I want to become a really good artist .. I need to get rid of my insecurities first and let my heart be open to more things ^w^ <3

- Rain

Nyan Koi! OP lyrics "Nyandafuru" (にゃんだふる)

Time for Nihongo listening skills XD I'll follow this up with a translation ^w^



あの空へ君と走り出そう
願い事全部叶えてあげる

あれやこれやと押し寄せて
いつの間に日常グッドバイ
あの手この手猫手助け
ぐるぐる回るトライアングル
うかうかしてられない
急がなきゃいけないって
君への想いもそうなんだか
空回りで
ついてない事も
大きなチャンスになるかもしれない

君の笑顔が見れたならきっと
にゃんとかなるって前を向けるよ
まさににゃんだろう
いつかこの手届けますように
願い事全部叶えて見せるよ

ロマ字形

ano sora e kimi to hashiridasou
negai koto zenbu kanaete ageru

are ya kore ya to oshiyosete
itsu no ma ni nichijou GOODBYE
ano te kono te neko te tasuke
guru guru mawaru toraianguru
uka uka shiterarenai
isoganakya ikenaitte
kimi e no omoi mo sounandaka
kara mawari de
tsuitenai koto mo
ookina CHANSU ni naru kamoshirenai

kimi no egao ga miretaranarakitto
NYAN toka narutte mae wo mukero yo
masa ni NYAN darou
itsuka kono te todokemasu you ni
negai koto zenbu kanaete miseru yo

random sketches XD I really love this anime ^w^

rough translation XD I'm trying to fit in the song timing as well TwT I'll release version 2 of this very soon

英語モード

I'll run with you towards that sky
everything that you wish will be granted

When everything starts to surge from here and there
and the door to normal days says good bye
that hand and this hand help the cat's hand as well
all caught up in this rolling triangle
I can't concentrate anymore
I have to hurry and rush ahead
the memories with you have already come this far
empty all over again
and things not going the right way
But this might become a big chance you'd never know

I'm sure when the time I see your smile
Everything will be ok, so face what's ahead
that's exactly what I meant
Someday this hand will reach you
And grant your every wish

* I'm having trouble where to put the "nyan" words or how will I drive them in ^w^ "nyantoka narutte"
* "help the cat's hand as well" came from the Japanese casual words "Neko no te mo kariru" - which means you don't have enough hands to do your work - so you need to ask cats for help XD pretty much the composer of the song is putting "cat" humor to the song ^w^

- Rain

Dengeki Shimapan Entry XD

It was an adrenaline rushing experience; I think it didn't really kicked in until I finally convinced myself to finish it XD After seeing so many better CGs than mine it somewhat lead me to a temporary depression - but I kept on thinking, if I don't do this I won't be able to conquer my fears ^^ What I hate about myself is having the fear of losing and this keeps me from moving forward sometimes XD You don't win it all the time - but you could put all your effort on winning and say you did your best XD From that point of view you have already won over your inner struggle - and that is the challenge I need to constantly win over and over ^w^

(her name is Hayome - summer gave me the idea ^w^)

notes (target at least 30 lines for improvement):
1. give emphasis on RGB balance
2. make the lines flow - avoid roughly curved lines
3. utilize shade contrast - color contrast (more color alchemy please)
4. improve more on BG painting (good job for first time wood paint XD)
5. use livelier expressions !! XD put life into it

TBC

- Rain

Mirai-tan 07

Experiencing very slow days lately XD I think renkyuu without any plans is very bad TwT I need to recharge for Dengeki - 6 days left to finish my entry XD moe genkai mezasse ^w^ !!

- Rain

Asanon-san toujo XD !! Danny gets the tentacle treatment XD It seems Mirai-chan is becoming more excited about her part time job XD *waku waku doki doki* ^w^

A random sketch of Mirai in tsun tsun mode XD Hmm prolly turn this into a full pledged CG when I feel like it ^w^

- Rain

Mirai-tan 06

Mirai-chan finally ventures to GS Cosplay Cafe ^w^ Let's just hope nothing bad happens to her XD *konata mode* waku waku doki doki XD

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will be delayed till 20:00 JST TwT I fell asleep early yesterday .. the moment I woke up it's already morning 申し訳ございません　m(_ _)m

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old oekaki and sketches








- Rain