20th Century Boys 3:Final - Our Flag

I watched the movie "20th Century Boys 3: Final chapter - Our Flag"!!

It's a blockbuster film and is showing now in Japan. 20th Century Boys 3 has released in August 29th, and this movie is No.1 at the box office for three weeks in a row. Already, it has exceeded two billion yen!!

This time, I dare not write about this movie's storyline.
Finally, 'friend''s under the mask has disclosed in the 20th Century Boys: Final chapter. Of course, until the last scene, the storyline is full of excitement !

Through this 20th Century Boys series, The films features ordinary middle age characters. They are more dull than ordinary, maybe. They are an owner of sluggish convenience store, business man of medium-sized company, a woman who has bad-luck with men.
They think... "if child-self saw me, how he or she feel?" and they worry that "I'm an ordinary person. How do I fight with evil...?" They were waverer but finally they stood up!
I think they are great adult! and I want to being like them.

...In 1969, the year the Apollo 11 landed lunar surface, the year Kenji and his friends made 'prophecy'. Childhood of characters with sparkling eyes are very impressive.
Do children have sparkling eyes nowadays...?

After I watched this movie, I realized that my treasure of my life is good friends, good friendship. To tell the truth, I've not said about my everything to my friends because I'm a wimp, I'm a coward.

The last scene...Kenji's line is still in my mind.
"Take off your mask and try again." (Gather your courage and make real friend)

the movie "20th Century Boys " would be the most interesting film forever for me.

Bon holidays and Fireworks

I spend all my bon holidays in my hometown. Most of Japanese people take holidays between August 13th and 16th. This season is also take place summer festival and fireworks display in each place.

The day of fireworks was taken place, there were many stalls around and there were people in Yukata.

I went to Sushi restaurant with my family before the fireworks. It's an annual event of my family.

It's a embellishment to hold a mess. It's made from sugar, and placed in front of Buddhist altar.

In my hometown, fireworks display is taken place at city's harbor. People also enjoyed the summer night sea breeze.

At this harbor, you can watch the fireworks rising from opposite shore from a close distance. It's a great attraction! It's like a fireworks blast just on my head, and the sound is like roaring thunder!

Obon holidays and fireworks are finished, the end of summer is just around the corner...

I feel little bit lonely...

EVANGELION 2.0 ：破

I watched the movie "EVANGELION 2.0 : 破", a second film of the EVANGELION tetralogy ! It was released on June 27th. The movie attracted about ome million people in the first 10 days and it was grossed over 2 billion yen at the box office in the first 17 days !! Its theme song is "Beautiful World" by Hikaru Utada, same song as the first film "EVANGELION 1.0 ： 序".

EVANGELION's view of the world is like that,

...The year 2000, a massive meteor fell into the South Pole. Then, the catastrophe "Second Impact" had happen. The population of the world great decreased into half. 15 years after, the world reflects the sign of recovery, but another crisis has come. It's called "Angel", unknown huge weapons that descend on the world one after another. Human race made the all-purpose battle weapon, artificial human "EVANGELION". Then, a boy (Shinji Ikari) and 2 girls (Rei Ayanami & Asuka Shikinami) have been chosen for the pilot...

Its TV series was televised from 1998 to 1999. Though the story is very complicated and It's not easy to understand (I think the story is very gloomy..), EVANGLION caught many people's heart and "EVANGELION boom" arose in Japan at that time. Anyway, it's awesome that EVANGELION attracts not only anime fans but also not anime fans though 10 years has passed since the TV series was televised !

However, "What is 'Angel' ?" "What is 'The Instrumentality Project' ?" , these are still not clear, still remain a mystery. The movie version is little different from the TV series. Also, new character appears in the second film. The last scene of this second film...It's unexpected !!! Then, the story continues to "EVANGELION 3.0 : Q" . (Its release date is not clear). Will many mysteries become clear in the Q !?

I watched the EVANGELION 2.0 破\ alone. There were many otaku guys in the theater, so I felt little bit nervous (^-^;. To meet such a otaku guy's expectation, there were a lot of 'service scenes' in the movie (laugh) !! Rei and Aska (especially Rei), are very popular with men, and their costumes also very popular with cosplay fans in Japan. I think, they are forever, everlasting heroines !!

YATTERMAN - Incredible live-action

Hello ! It has been while again ! (^^;) I watched interesting movie "YATTERMAN" !
"YATTERMAN" live-action has released in March. Maybe, it has already finished showing in Japan, but it was very interesting. So I decided to write about it.
As is well known, YATTERMAN is originally an animation. The animation has been released not only in Japan, so you may know what is it about.

The story line is like that.
The DOKURO stone, which can grant any wishes was split into four parts in long time ago. Now, DORONBO, a group of thieves are trying to collect whole parts of DOKURO stone for DOKUROBEE, their god of thieve. However, because of the power, the world has being affected by the stone.
Mt.Fuji disappeared, "Tuesday" disappeared, and incredible object also disappeared (laugh)!! Finally, the friend of love and justice "YATTERMAN" stand up !

YATTERMAN 1, the main character is played by Sho Sakurai, a member of ARASHI, Johnny's artist. Sho Sakurai also anchors a news program now. He is a good young man with intelligence.
The person who stole the show the most is Kyoko Fukada as Dronjo, the leader of DORONBO. She had been a actress who has an image of being pure and innocent, so anyone couldn't imagine her in a bondage. Dronjo, Kyoko Fukada played, is more cute than the anime's.
Every actors and actress match the image of original characters. Also, Takashi Miike, the director has attracted attention as a film wizard.

The live-action "YATTERMAN" is full of gags and jokes which are exactly elementary school children would say, so there were many children in a theater. Of course, not only children but also adult people can enjoy it. You will grin at schtick and stereotyped story lines that you'd expected ! I hope this movie will be released in other country !

"As long as YATTERMAN is here, evil will have no place ! "
(ヤッターマンがいる限り、この世に悪は栄えない! ： YATTERMAN ga irukagiri, konoyo ni aku ha sakaenai)



"Believe" The theme song of YATTERMAN : by ARASHI

20th Century Boys 2 ： the movie

"Let's continue where we left off."

Year 2015...The world "friend" rules.
"Annihilation will come before long..." A new page of Prophecy has been opened.

It has been a while! I look forward to your continued acquaintance in this year !!

I watched the blockbuster Japanese movie "20th Century Boys 2nd Chapter - The Last Hope" !
The stage of the story is Shinjuku, 15 years after from huge explosion on New Year's Eve 2000. "friend", the guru of a cult religion is revered as a savior who saved the world from crisis of annihilation by terrorism on Bloody New Year's Eve 2000. On the other hand, Kenji who really tried to save the world from "friend"'s conspiracy, is placed on the wanted list as a terrorist.
In this 2nd chapter,the story revolves around Kanna, a niece of missing Kenji. Shinjuku is depicted as a high crime, the most dangerous area in the world ! wow !

The story of "Prophecy" is still continuing. In this 2nd film, existence of another "Prophecy" is brought to light. It was written by someone, not by Kenji.
It's sure that the writer of "New Prophecy" and "friend" is someone in Kenji's friends. "He is the "friend" ? " "No, He may be the "friend". " The way of this movie try to mislead audience and it made me full of nervous excitement !
The 1st film was faithful to the original, but different from the 1st, additional new setting is added in the 2nd film. therefore, it has a potential that conclusion or "friend"'s true colors is different from original.

If you are non-Japanese and if you watch this film, you may wonder that why Japanese people have no doubt and why they are blindly submitting to "friend"'s control. In Japan, there are many people who is indifferent to politics, believe everything media says, and don't go to vote. So from Japanese standpoint, "20th Century Boys" is very Japan !

Anyway, all characters are very intense so it's unforgettable (^^;). Director Yukihiko tsutsumi's sense of humor is great, and Airi Taira as Kanna is very cute.
Unfortunately, not in every country is showing this film. DVD of 20th Century Boys 1 is now on sale. 20th Century Boys 3 will be released in August.

Finally, identity of "friend" will be disclosed !

20世紀少年 第1章 -終わりの始まり-(Nijusseikisyounen Daiissyou - owari no hajimari)

TOKYO Shinjuku, Electro-World

In this Christmas season, illuminations are very beautiful in Tokyo.
When night comes, the grubby streets and grotesque buildings are shrouded in darkness and Tokyo transform itself into beautiful forest of neon.

I like Shinjuku the best. I have a lot of memories in this town.

At Shinjuku Southern Terrace, around the JR Shinjuku station southern terrace exit.

Here is thronged with tourists now.

Shinjuku Southern Terrace will be illuminated until early Feb, 2009.

Near the Southern Terrace.
Around TAKASHIMAYA

Around Shinjuku station South exit.
I like this landscape.

Around Shinjuku station East exit .
It's very Asia.









At Shinjuku Terrace City, near the Shinjuku station West exit.

Curtain of lights

.

There ware a lot of couples on the day.

I heard that by seeing from the sky, neon of Shinjuku looks like a electronic circuit card. If I was afford to charter a helicopter, I would see the night view from the sky.

I started to learn English a year ago and I started to write this blog as a way to learn English.
Is my English better than before? I don' t know.. Anyway, I'll do my best.

Thank you my friends and all visitors!
Merry Christmas! See you next year!!




Perfume "Electro World"

EXILE PERFECT LIVE 2008

I had an opportunity to go to a concert "EXILE PERFECT LIVE 2008" in Osaka. (Thank you Y.H !) EXILE is a undisputed very big artist in Japan now. Their latest best CD album "EXILE BALLADE BEST" entered J-POP charts at No.1 with a big lead over second. The CD recorded platinum sales on release date ! Their song 'Ti Amo' received the grand prize of Japan Request Award.

Two huge screen appeared from both side of the stage, moved to middle and become one. Then it emitted a strong light and it dazzled the audience. After that, the screen started to show image. It's a narrative like a movie and spectacular. Most big artist makes such a screen image and show it at the opening of the concert in big halls. It seems cost a lot of money to make but it's common in Japan. Finally, when EXILE appeared onstage, the audience erupted in cheers.

EXILE is made up of 2 vocalists and 5 dancers. (They call the dancers 'performer') The youngest member is the vocalist Takahiro, 24 years old. The oldest member is leader of EXILE and the performer Hiro, he will become 40 years old in next year. They are 15 years apart in age !
I like another vocalist, Atsushi's voice. His song got to my heart and stirred my soul. I like "ただ・・・逢いたくて" ( tada...aitakute : It means 'I just miss you' in English, may be) the best in their ballade songs.　As I listened this song, I recalled the face of my loved one. This song will remind you of your precious one.
Depending on song, the performers showed dances just like kung-fu. When I saw them live, there was one thing that I did notice about Akira, one of the performers. He has a rangy danceable body and his dance is very sexy. Someday he will become a leading Japanese dancer.

Last part of the concert, audience just brought the house down with EXILE's popular songs ; Won't Be Long, Choo Choo TRAIN, Galaxy Express 999, etc. The rhythm of 'Won't Be Long' is like a reggae or Japanese Bon dance music. Its sound and dance ware interesting.
They ware very cool !

Bellow is their song 'Super Shine'. I like this video.

UVERworld become ANIME SONG KING!?

This week, new CD single of UVERworld, "儚くも永久のカナシ" (hakanakumo towa no kanashi) topped the Oricon J-POP weekly charts. This CD single has been attracting a lot of attention as the theme song for a TV animation series GUNDAM 00 2nd season.

Member of UVERworld are from Shiga prefecture that located Western Japan. They debuted in 2005 with single "D-technoLife", the theme song for TV anime BLEACH. This song entered music charts at No.4. Now, they are popular with teenagers.
UVERworld have released 11 CD singles, 6 songs of these singles ware used for TV anime as theme song and 2 songs got tie-up with TV drama.
UVER's sounds have heart-quickening melodies. I think the reason for their popularity is catchy, ear-catching tunes and thought-provoking lyrics. It's may suitable for anime song. But lead singer TAKUYA∞ has a high-pitched voice, so most men can't sing UVER's song well like him at Karaoke. (^^;)

The story of GUNDAM 00 is heavy. . But since GUMDAM SEED series, GUNDAM is popular with women. Because the characters are attractive. In addition, theme songs for GUNDAM series always become a hit.
"儚くも永久のカナシ (hakanakumo towa no kanashi)" means transitory but everlasting sadness in English. This song has a sense of speed. It match with the opening image of GUNDAM 00.
Ending pictures of GUNDAM 00 are also great. Its theme song "Prototype" by Chiaki Ishikawa will take the top spot in J-POP music charts. Its on sale date is Dec. 3th. She also sang the theme song for GUNDAM SEED & GUNDAM SEED DESTINY in 2004 and in 2006 as See-Saw.

MACROSS F reached BUDOKAN !

MACROSS F finally reached BUDOKAN!
On November 5th, the concert "Kanno Yoko Presents : MACROSS F Galaxy tour Final" took place at a big arena in central Tokyo "NIPPON BUDOKAN" .

BUDOKAN is a special place for Japanese musicians and they are dreaming of reaching there, but by reason of the size of venue, only very popular and big musicians can be allowed to perform there.

In spite of the concert was on weekday, tickets were immediate sold out from they went on sale.
There were two concerts at city concert hall in October which has same title as this, but these were also a sellout from the moment they were on sale. So,this time's concert was decided to take place specifically as service for fan.
Of course I tried to get the ticket too, but I couldn't get it.

I was surprised because the animation series "MACROSS Frontier" had been broadcasted via TV in late night hours, so I think it should be known by fans only. (Has Otaku population increased in Japan?)
In addition, a singer May'n and a voice actress Megumi Nakajima who are 19years old girls, sings main character's song had been unknowns until then.

I think this time's success was brought by a composer Yoko Kanno, so to speak she is a God of anime music. All CDs of associated MACROSS F has entered music charts in top5 and it's a first hit for the animation music since 1997, The End of EVANGELION.

For your information, on the following day, very popular techno-pop idol group Perfume began two days concert at BUDOKAN.

Japanese culture in 20th Century Boys

20th Century Boys again !
If you watch the movie : 20th Century Boys, you may wonder at some scene.

1. As a lead character Kenji is getting ready to go to his friend's funeral, his mother say that "Don't forget to have salt!".
Why does he need salt ?
Because not to bring the "death" into home. After someone's funeral, Japanese sprinkle salt their body before enter own house. It's based on thought of Shinto religion. But Buddist may doesn't do that.

2. Do you know what it's called the character,a mask which "friend" is putting on ?
He is "Ninja Hattori-kun", a comic's character. It was serialized in a magazine series from in 1960s to 1980s and was adapted into a 2004 live-action film that starred Shingo Katori of SMAP.

3. A man who in a flag in front of Kenji's store,Do you know who is he ?
His name is "Ohsama". Ohsama means King. He is a musician who was active in 1997.

If you know these 3points, you may be well-versed in Japan !

Family that sit around sukiyaki on New Year's Eve and young people who are unconcerned with untrue information that is reported in the media. These scene are very Japan.
I'm interested in how these scene will be translated in English.

Twentieth Century Boys - the next chapter,
a new page will be open to the another "end"...

20th Century Boys ： the movie

"The world faces it's end...by our "friend"."

I watched an interesting Japanese movie, "20th Century Boys". I was really excited. This movie kept me on the edge of my seat.

The outline is,

In 1969,an elementary school boy Kenji and his friends made up a fantasy story "Prophecy".
28years later,a series of mysterious cases happened around them. It resembled the story of "Prophecy" closely.
The world was slowly being threatened by the occurs. At last,on New Year's Eve 2000,"it" has come...

Is the criminal one of us? Who is the "friend"...?

The original is a comic book series "Twentieth Century Boys" by Naoki Urasawa.

The interesting thing is this movie uses "20th Century Boy" by T.REX as a theme song.

I heard that the actors are look-alike for the characters of original comics. (But I've never read the original comics.)

Etsushi Toyokawa as Otcho is very cool ! too cool !! He doesn't look around fifty at all !

This movie is the first film in the "20th Century Boys" trilogy and the second film will be released in Japan on January 31th. I can't wait it !

Does anyone know whether this movie is being released in other countries now?

http://www.20thboys.com/index.html

東方神起 3rd Live Tour 2008 ~T~ Final Day

On May 6th, I went to a concert of 東方神起(Tohoshinki), 3rd LIVE TOUR 2008 ~T~ at the Saitama super arena. My Report is too late..(^_^;) The hall isn't in Tokyo but near Tokyo. The day, Tohoshinki sung 25 songs enthusiastically including encore.

Tohoshinki is from Korea. Now,they are very popular in Japan. That week, Their latest single CD "Beautiful you" entered Oricon J-POP weekly charts at No.1. So in Japan, it's hard to get their concert ticket. In my case, my Friend gave me the ticket. I was lucky !(^0^)

The day was the final day of their live tour ~T~. So, the fans of the hall was excited very much.

As I listened to their singing and talking, I was impressed. They can enough communicate with their fans or member each other in Japanese.

There were many young Japanese and Korean fans in and outside the hall. Also there were many fans who seems to be around 50 years old. Few years ago, there was Korean boom in Japan. Since then, middle-age-women interested in Korean pop culture.

The day, Kumi Kouda appeared on the stage and they sung "LAST ANGEL" together. SAM (TRF) also appeared on the stage. He produced the stage of the concert tour. He said that "They are a treasure of Asia !"

I like Tohoshinki's ballade songs. Their dance is very cool, too. I spent really happy time the day !

Perfume - techno-pop idol unit

Techno-pop idol unit "Perfume" is a fast-rising idol group in Japan now. Last week, their latest album "GAME" entered the J-POP album daily charts at No.1.(Oricon)

Members of Perfume are three girls who are 19 years old. Producer is Yasutaka Nakata. He is working in his own techno-unit "capsule".

The girls are from Hiroshima prefecture that is a local city in western Japan.

Perfume was formed in 1999 when they were at actor & actress training school. They came to Tokyo in 2003 and debuted majors in 2005. In 2007, Perfume became a niko-niko douga and YouTube hit. (Niko-Niko Douga is a Japanese site like a YouTube)

Last year, Perfume And their song "Poly rhythm" was used for a TV commercial of NHK ・ Environment Recycle Campaign. Finally, they break through as a star this year.

The music Yasutaka Nakata composes has a reputation for high quality. What has made more news is their cute dance. That's like a robot or a doll and not complicated. So, we can dance even a child.

I download Perfume's music from a mobile web site by cellular phone and often listen to it. I like "Chocolate Disco" the best in songs of their latest album "GAME". It's a very interesting pop song! When I listen to the tune "Chocolate Disco", I become happy, happy feeling!! (^_^)☆

MACROSS F × Yoko Kanno × Maaya Sakamoto

In Japan,new TV programs go on air in April and October. This Spring,a new TV animation series "MACROSS Frontier (MACROSS F)" is coming. Music by Yoko Kanno!! Yatta～\(^0^)/
I listened to her music for the first time by Japanese anime MACROSS PLUS more than 10 years ago. I was surprised at splendor of her music. The music Yoko Kanno composes is very fantastic!I love her music very much.
There are some series of MACROSS. Below is the history. ↓

In 1982, TV:Super Dimension Fortress MACROSS
In 1984, Film:Super Dimension Fortress MACROSS (Do you remember Love ?)
In 1992, OVA:MACROSS Ⅱ
In 1994, OVA:MACROSS PLUS
In 1994, TV:MACROSS seven
In 2002,OVA:MACROSS zero
In 2008,TV:MACROSS Frontier (MACROSS F)

In all titles,songs are the key of the story in common. so,music is very important in "MACROSS". I've seen "Super Dimension Fortress MACROSS (Do you remember Love?)". It's a old anime film but the quality of the story is amazing. I've seen "MACROSS 7",too. It's very interesting and songs are very good!

In new series,Maaya Sakamoto sing the theme song "Triangular". I like her cute voice very mach.
MACROSS Frontier × Yoko Kanno × Maaya Sakamoto !!
I'm looking forward to MACROSS F and Yoko Kanno's music !!!

AKIRA - live-action version

Japanese animation film AKIRA will be made into a live-action movie in Hollywood.
AKIRA was directed by Katsuhiro Otomo in 1988. Katsuhiro Otomo is a master of Japanese animation. AKIRA is one of my favorite animation film.

In animation version,the stage of the story is Neo-Tokyo in 2019,after 31 years of destruction with new bomb. Grotesque structure of city that wiring and pipes are exposed,lining huge buildings that emits brilliant neon lights,old section of city in ruins... The image of chaotic city is "Tokyo" exactly.

Music of AKIRA is amazing,too. The music was composed by Syoji Yamashiro (Geinoh Yamashirogimi). I think this music makes AKIRA more attractive work. When I watched this anime,I was absorbed in the story completely.

In live-action version, the stage of the story is Manhattan (N.Y.). Leonardo Dicaprio takes part in this work as a producer.

I have a simple question. "AKIRA" is Japanese boy's name. He is a key of the story.
Is the name changed into an American boy's name in Hollywood version...? If the title is changed,it's no longer AKIRA...(^_^;)

Anyway,I want the live-action version's AKIRA to become a cool and wonderful movie!

Valentine's Day!

February 14 is Valentine's Day.

In Japan,females give chocolate to males on Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day gift special counter in a department store was crowded with many woman yesterday.

In Tokyo,There are various events of Valentine's Day. Illumination of the heart shape is fantastically produced in Roppongi(Tokyo midtown). In Shibuya,Valentine's Day message is screened on a large-scale screen set up on the wall of a building.

Feb 14 is a courageous day for woman in Japan. Because it is an important day when woman confess her love for a man she loves.

Courage is necessary for life. If not courageous,we can't get a chance.

Anyway,I don't have a boyfriend. I would rather receive chocolate than give someone. Because I love chocolate!

Kazuko Hosoki - The most famous fortune teller in Japan

Kazuko Hosoki is the most famous fortune teller in Japn now.
There is Kazuko Hosoki's program twice a week at prime time. She is in great demand on TV. I am writing this, and she is on the TV right now.

She foretells person's fate by six stars astrology. But,her character is more famous than her fortune-telling.

Kazuko Hosoki doesn't listen to opinion of other perple. For expample,if someone say own opinion against her,she gets angry soon. And she always says "If you don't listen to my advice,you will die!". Kazuko Hosoki is strict with young woman. On the other side, for cool man,she always smaile and gentle.
Kazuko Hosoki looks selfish but her strong character is very interesting. In a sense,she is a funny woman.

According to her fortune-telling,I will get lucky this year!
I don't believe in fortune-telling,but I want to believe in!

Toward the TERRA

This year,an animation was televised in Japan. The title of the TVanimation is "Toward The TERRA".
The original is a comic book "To TERRA" drawn by Keiko Takemiya 30 years ago. "To TERRA" was made into an animation film in 1980, and got into the news at that time.

This animation was produced quite newly this year as a TV series"Toward The TERRA". The image and music of "Toward The TERRA" are very beautiful. And because the characters are attractive, it was especially popular among the woman.

I think, "Toward The TERRA" conveys a message of to respect the environment. I feel such a message also from a famous animation film "NAUSICAA" and "Princess Mononoke" that directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
Fan of "To TERRA" since 30 years ago seems to have watched "Toward The TERRA" with their children. After broadcasting the tv series had ended, a big event of "Toward The TERRA" was still held in Tokyo.

A lot of programs and CM, etc. of which the theme was ecology were televised in Japan this year. Environmental problems are so serious. I actually feel that the temperature of Tokyo goes up every year.
Some time, I want to invest in an enterprise that works on environmental problems.

I received the impact to the appearance of the earth that had been drawn in "Toward The TERRA". And the story of the last moved me greatly!

The 1st opening theme's title of Toward The TERRA is "endscape". Music by UVERworld. Recently,UVERworld is very popular rock band in Japan. 2nd opening theme is "Jet Boy Jet Girl". Song by Hitomi Takahashi. Their music is perfectly with image of Toward The TERRA!

What is Tokyo like?

What image of Tokyo do you have?

Crowded town? Businessman who commutes in overcrowded trains? or, Skyscraper?

Tokyo has 23 wards, 26 cities, 5 towns, and 8 villages. In 23 wards, there are famous places.

Shibuya, Roppongi, Ginza, Aoyama, Akihabara, Shinjuku...

If you are teenager, will enjoy in Shibuya.

If you want to eat delicious sushi, I recommend you to go to Ginza.

Recently, Akihabara gets into the news in Japan.

I like Shinjyuku.

Shinjuku is always too crowded. It is not possible to walk straight around the exit of Shinjuku station. Overcrowded building... it looks grotesque. The town is not beautiful at all.

Whenever I walk on the crowded road, I think "Here is Asia". But, when the night comes, the lights of the town are very beautiful. Whenever I see the lights, I imagine some story of people in the town. A lot of people live in this chaotic town. Therefore, I like Shinjuku.