Lollipop Lollipop
27 June 2012
Well, what do you know? I've only just gone and completed my bachelor's degree! It's been a four-year journey, full of ups and downs (arguably many more downs than ups, but such is life). I haven't strictly completed university yet as the graduation ceremony isn't until 12th July, but my grades have been confirmed. I finished my final year with a 65.8% average mark which earned me an upper second class degree. I was a little disappointed at not being able to get a first class degree, I'll have to admit, but an upper second is still perfectly acceptable. I was very surprised and pleased with the 75% I got for my final year dissertation. I really didn't have any confidence in being able to write a decent dissertation at the beginning of the year. As daunting as it was, looking back on it now I might even say that I 'enjoyed' writing it. I might even go as far as saying that I wouldn't mind writing another one, hahaha!
With university done and dusted, I've now got to start contacting people in Japan about the possibility of going back to study there. I would really like to return to Yamaguchi University and do a master's degree there (or even another bachelor's degree) but that all depends of whether I can get funding for it. I'm not very keen on the idea of going to Japan to teach English (as many of my classmates have gone on to do) but I would consider taking that route if it was the only option available. In any case, I'm determined to get back to Japan as soon as possible. One thing is for sure - I can't imagine being stuck in the UK for the rest of my life.
With all the free time that I have now I've been playing lots of games, watching lots of Japanese variety shows and dramas, and enjoying the Euro 2012 championships and Wimbledon. In terms of games I've been playing a lot of Battlefield 3 recently. It can be a very frustrating game at times but it's undoubtedly very addictive. I'm looking forward to the upcoming expansion pack that centres of armoured warfare. I'm very fond of driving tanks in the game and I would love to see a lot more large-scale tank battles in the new DLC. Another game that I've been playing is Lollipop Chainsaw. I'd been looking forward to playing this game since it was announced. I really enjoyed Grasshopper Manufacture's previous game, Shadows of the Damned, so I was very interested in seeing how this latest release would turn out.
If I'm brutally honest, I would have to say that I'm a little disappointed with this game. Certainly, I like the presentation and concept of it, but there are just too many little annoying elements to the game-play and the audio that detract from the enjoyment. The combat can be a little frustrating, especially on the harder difficulties and the camera can be really awkward to control at times. Moreover, the English dubbing for the game is bloody awful. Full of really (and I mean REALLY) annoying voices that make you want to rip off your ears. I've no idea why they decided not to include the Japanese audio on the disc. I've had a listen to it on YouTube and it's so much better than the English dubbing.
All in all, it's a fairly enjoyable hack-and-slash game but because of the numerous little niggles I would have to rate it much lower than Shadows of the Damned. Verdict - 7/10.Posted byHocchan at 11:28 am 0 comments
Labels: Daily Life, Games, University
Faulty Goods
10 May 2012
All seemed well when I opened the outer packaging, it was nicely packed and the box didn't appear to have any signs of damage. However, when I went to open the main packaging itself it I noticed that the plastic seal covering the tab appeared to have signs that it had been opened before (the edge was slightly crumpled). Inspecting the inner packing, I noticed that there were further signs of imperfections on the cardboard. When I looked at the headphones themselves I saw that there was a tiny bit of damage on the corner of the padding on one of the ear-cups. It wasn't that big a deal and I could live with it, but still, it was a little disappointing.
The main problem arose when I plugged them into my computer speakers to test the sound quality. I started the music track on 50% volume and immediately noticed that there was something not quite right about the headphones. It seemed as though the volume on the left side was slightly lower than on the right, but only by a little bit. When I turned the volume up a little bit more to try and confirm my suspicions, a horribly noticeable distortion materialised from the left-hand driver. This pretty much confirmed it - I had a faulty pair of headphones.
I was really disappointed as I had been looking forward to using these new headphones. They look really good and feel comfortable when wearing them. It's just a shame that they're faulty. I've sent an e-mail to the online retailer that I bought them from requesting a replacement, but I'll have to wait until tomorrow morning to see how they reply. I probably won't get a new set until next week now which is a shame. I just hope that the exchange process goes smoothly and there aren't any delays.
Posted byHocchan at 3:56 pm 0 comments
Labels: Daily Life
Soredemo Suki!
09 May 2012
For some reason I've recently become a big fan of Sashihara Rino from AKB48. It may have something to do with her '300 Google+ updates in 24-hours' challenge that she completed last week. Previously, in 2010 and 2011 she had undertaken and successfully completed similar challenges of 100 and 200 updates respectively to her Ameba blog in 24-hours, but this year's challenge seemed to be nigh on impossible. After all, you have to average a rate of one update every five minutes (without breaks) for 24-hours. But somehow, perhaps through Sashihara's well-known determination, she managed to complete the endeavour with an hour to spare. I followed her updates on Google+ for the whole day, trying to '+1' all of her updates and give her some fan support. I wasn't the only one who had the same idea though. Pretty much within a minute of an update being posted the 500 comments maximum threshold would be reached.
It was really heart-warming to see all the messages of support for Sashihara. I was slightly irritated with all the idiots who just post stupid comments containing a single letter or number, but you get those attention-seeking morons wherever you go so it can't be helped. This challenge was a rather pointless activity in the grand scheme of things but it really does show how much of a hard worker Sashihara is. From everything I've seen of her in the past, she'll always put 100% in everything she does. I really admire her spirit. I just wish she wouldn't always be so negative about herself. Although that extreme humbleness is also one of the attributes that attracts people to her, so I don't think she should try to change too much. I'll be cheering her on what ever she does.
PS. I really loved her first solo single それでも好きだよ (Soredemo suki da yo). Just a shame that she didn't manage to beat Nogizaka46's single in the Oricon weekly ranking.Posted byHocchan at 12:36 am 0 comments
Labels: AKB48
So Near And Yet So Far
07 May 2012
I've been meaning to write an update for a little while now but I've been too busy stressing out over my Japanese portfolio to actually find the energy to do it. I swear, the Japanese module this year has been so much more stressful than all of the other modules combined; including the dissertation! I don't know what it is but I've seemingly lost all confidence in Japanese. I don't feel like I've progressed very much at all this year, even though we've been studying some fairly high level material.
I guess it just seems like there's not been any sort of structure to the teaching. Apart from the few weeks of keigo practice we had, the lessons seem to be jumping about from topic to topic without giving us enough time to soak it all in. Plus I'm in effect taking seven modules worth of classes this year so the workload has been higher than before, meaning that I can't put as much energy into Japanese as I did in the first or second year. I've had to prioritise my other subjects since they're worth more marks in the overall scheme of things.
There are only a few weeks left to go now before I finish my undergraduate degree, but it still feels like I've got a small mountain of obstacles in front of me. I just hope I can somehow make it to the finishing line. After that I'm going to have to work out what my aims are for the next few years. I know I definitely want to go back to Japan for the long-term, but I've not figured out exactly how I'm going to achieve that. That's something I'll have to seriously think about in the next couple of months.
Posted byHocchan at 3:04 pm 0 comments
Labels: Daily Life, University
Mighty Morphin' Tsunku Rangers
30 April 2012
Posted byHocchan at 7:28 pm 0 comments
Labels: Daily Life, Music
The Show Must Go On
27 April 2012
Today I watched the second film about AKB48, Documentary of AKB48: Show must go on ~Shoujotachi ha kizutsukinagara, yume wo miru~. This time around the film follows the group throughout 2011, starting in March immediately after the Tohoku Earthquake. We see how the members of the group make several visits to the disaster-affected areas in the months following the earthquake and tsunami. They hold handshake events and mini-performances for the survivors of the places they visit. As well as their fundraising activities for disaster relief, this is another way in which the girls felt they could help the people in the area. There's one particularly poignant moment in the film when they happen upon a single solitary tree that managed to somehow survive the tsunami that washed away all the buildings and houses around it. Standing alone amongst the sea of devastation, in some small way it seems to symbolise that hope remains after such a disaster.
The film also covered the major events for AKB48 during 2011, such as the 22nd single election and the Seibu Dome concert. The behind-the-scenes footage from the Seibu Dome concert was pretty surprising and slightly shocking. To see the pressure and conditions the girls have to work under, and how far they will push themselves (on several occasions to the point where they collapse from fatigue and exhaustion) really increases your respect for them. Those who hate AKB48 and regard them as a bunch of talentless individuals couldn't be more ignorant and downright disrespectful to the efforts of the members in everything they do. They really have no right to criticise them.
I really liked this film. It gave us an even bigger glimpse into the workings of AKB48, as well as the thoughts, feelings and tribulations of the girls in the group. My respect for the members of the group has grown immensely as a result of the two documentary films and I urge any AKB48 fan to watch them.
Posted byHocchan at 2:34 pm 0 comments
Toshi Densetsu, Kita~!
22 April 2012
There's not really much to report today but I wanted to write an entry anyway, just so that I don't get lazy about updating this blog again. I haven't been doing much besides taking it easy and watching dramas and films. I'm really enjoying the drama Toshi Densetsu no Onna. Partly because of Nagasawa Masami's sexy legs (I can't get enough of them, hence the last two pictures ^^) and partly because it's such a fun and enjoyable drama to watch. Plus I'm quite fascinated by all the urban legends that exist in Japan as well, so it's indulging my curiosity at the same time. I just wish that I could find a 1080p source for the episodes. 480p just doesn't cut it any more now that I have a better monitor.
As for the films I've been watching, my favourite so far is definitely 13 Assassins (2010) directed by Miike Takashi. It's a brilliant samurai film - maybe one of the best that I've seen. I rate it almost as highly as Kurosawa Akira's Seven Samurai (1954). The storyline is simple but it's all about the characters and their motivations. It's also beautifully shot and directed with a 45-50 minute long battle scene that rivals anything I've seen before.
Another film that I've enjoyed watching is Jackie Chan's The Shinjuku Incident (2009). In a completely different role to that which he has been previously cast in, Jackie Chan portrays a Chinese illegal immigrant who arrives in Japan searching for his girlfriend. It's a dark, gritty film about the criminal underworld that exists in Tokyo. It's also story about how power can corrupt even the purest of people. It's a really worthwhile film to watch, even if it's just to see Jackie Chan in a new light.
Posted byHocchan at 11:14 am 0 comments
Labels: Daily Life, Film, Review
Can You Keep A Secret?
20 April 2012
Good news! I've finally finished my dissertation! The final editing and binding was completed on Wednesday and I submitted it that afternoon. I was really pleased with how it came out in the end. The content might not be the best but at least it looked the part. It's a relief to have finally gotten that big assignment out of the way. Now I'm only a few essays, presentations and exams away from graduation. It's been a long road getting here but I'm nearly at the end and it feels good. Only a couple of months left, got to make sure I don't get complacent.
Since I have virtually no work to do now that the dissertation is finished I've been watching a lot of dramas in my spare time. I'm currently watching through the 2001 drama HERO which stars Kimura Takuya and Matsu Takako, as well as a plethora of other well-known actors. It's quite an old series but I've heard so many good things about it over the years and I can see why it has such a good reputation. It's a drama about a group of district prosecutors and the cases they deal with. Although it concerns the law and court cases, it's really a light-hearted drama which has lots of funny scenes in it. Funnily enough, there have been quite a few law dramas on recently. There's one currently airing which stars Aragaki Yui and it's done in a similar sort of fashion (albeit a lot more up-to-date).
Speaking of the current season, I've seen a few which have caught my interest. The law drama Legal High that I've just mentioned, a detective drama called Kagi no Kakatta Heya which stars Toda Erika and Ono Satoshi, and Toshi Densetsu no Onna which stars Nakagawa Masami (and her captivating legs). It seems like a good season for dramas this spring.
Edit: It's been a long time coming but I've just noticed that this is my 400th post. "All right! Way to go dude!", as someone once said.
Posted byHocchan at 7:42 am 0 comments
Labels: Daily Life
Horie Yui「秘密」
10 April 2012
I've had this for over a month now but I thought I would finally do a short review for Horie Yui's 8th studio album 秘密 (Himitsu). I bought the 春夏 (spring/summer) version limited first press edition from CD Japan and as such, it came with a nice 10x15cm bonus photo which you can see in the picture above. I love CD Japan and its first press bonus items. I've gotten some wonderful items by buying from there throughout the years.
Track 1: 秘密～プロローグ～ (Himitsu~Purorōgu~) **** - I've always like the way Horie Yui's albums have had an opening and closing song that served as an intro and outro to the album's songs so I was pleased to see that this album was no exception. This first track is a nice enchanting introduction to the new album and it's theme will be carried on into the fifth and outro tracks.
Track 2: kiss to you *** - The first proper track on the album is a nice upbeat song that makes you think of sunny days frolicking in a flower-filled field. OK, maybe not the frolicking bit but it's a very jolly song that reminds me of the 5th album.
Track 3: Coloring ***** - I loathe that it's spelt the way it is but even that doesn't stop me from absolutely loving this song! It's very similar in sound to Vanilla Salt and the songs Yui did for the 'Toradora!' anime. Definitely one of my favourite songs on the album.
Track 4: True truly love *** - This song have a very similar feel to the 4th album. High-tempo and has a pleasant sound. It's nothing special but it's nice enough to listen to.
Track 5: 秘密～君を見てた～ (Himitsu~Kimi wo Miteta~) ***** - The second of the 秘密-titled tracks and it pretty carries on where the opening track left off. It's a very soothing song that reminds me very much of the 1st album's songs. Brilliant track. I particularly love the piano and violin accompaniment.
Track 6: イマカラキミノモトヘ (Imakara Kimi no Moto e) **** - A very interesting song that has a nice bass line throughout and is very different to what I'm used to from Yui's songs. I really like way she sings on this track.
Track 7: Presenter *** - This was a maxi single released in 2011 for the anime 'DOG DAYS'. Not a bad song, I listened to it a hell of a lot when I was watching the anime; but it's not her best single release.
Track 8: インモラリスト (Immorarisuto) ** - Another maxi single from 2011 and probably my least favourite song on this album (or even out of all of Yui's songs). I don't like the stop-start rhythm of this song and it's all too 'gothic'-sounding for my tastes. It sounds like something that Kurobara Hozonkai would release.
Track 9: MISSION *** - Not a very typical song for Yui but I think she does a good job of singing it. I don't really like or dislike this track.
Track 10: DEAR FUTURE *** - The style of this track reminds of playing Panzer Dragoon Saga with the strange synthesised sounds ringing out between verses. It certainly does sound like it's from the future.
Track 11: CHILDISH♡LOVE♡WORLD ***** - I love the jolliness and playfulness of this song. From the cheerleaders in the background to the piano riffs, it's all very cute and uplifting. This song really cheers me up when I listen to it.
Track 12: YAHHO!! **** - Yet another maxi single which was the ending song for the anime 'Kanamemo'. Another song that is really uplifting and cheerful. Very easy to sing along to too.
Track 13: sky fish **** - Perhaps it's because it's got the word 'sky' in the title, but this track really does sound like it came straight from the 3rd album. Conjures up images of the open sky stretching out over your head for miles into the distance.
Track 14: 秘密～待ち合わせ～ (Himitsu~Machiawase~) **** - The third and final song entitled 秘密. This one doesn't sound like the other two tracks, it's a lot more cheerful and uplifting. It lets you finish the album on a high note.
Overall rating: **** - A nice return for Horie Yui. I hope she continues to release albums for many years to come!
Posted byHocchan at 4:22 am 0 comments
Procrastination
08 April 2012
I should be writing my dissertation right about now but I really can't motivate myself to do so. I've managed to write about 50% of it in the last week but the most difficult part still needs to be written. It's a lot more difficult than simply writing one of the usual essays you get for module assignments. Not so much because it requires a lot more words (though having to write 7,000 words on anything is tedious enough) but because it relies on so much primary source research. I don't think I'm going to be able to get a very good mark for this dissertation but I should be able to get a decent enough end product before the deadline. I just need to stop procrastinating and actually do some work on it. Kind of hard though when my tooth has decided to give me crippling toothache again...
So what have I been doing in the time I should have been writing my dissertation? Why doing something productive like taking over Japan in Total War: Shogun 2 of course! This game really does warp the normal flow of time. It's very easy to get completely absorbed in the campaign mode and before you know it, the sun has both set and risen again and you realise that you've been playing it for 12 hours straight. Not since my days on Final Fantasy XI have I spent so much time on a game without realising it. I remember playing the first game years ago but it wasn't anywhere quite as addictive as this one. I would highly recommend this game to anyone who enjoys strategy games.
Posted byHocchan at 1:13 pm 0 comments
Labels: University
Blog Renewal Project 2012: Phase 2 Complete!
01 April 2012
I did a little bit more housekeeping on the blog today and I think I've managed to finish doing everything I needed to do. I've added a few more links to the sidebar and adjusted the number of posts that appear on the homepage. I don't think I've got anything else left to do now so I should be able to start making proper updates from tomorrow. That is if I haven't gotten absolutely sick of typing by then. You see, I'm currently in the middle of writing the dissertation for my Bachelor's degree in Modern World History. I've managed to make a start today but I've still got a lot of research and several thousand words to complete before the submission date of 19th April. I'll probably be stuck in the library for a lot of the time during these next couple of weeks. Whether I'll be able to drum up enough energy or enthusiasm to update this blog remains to be seen but I'll try my best.
Posted byHocchan at 5:43 pm 0 comments
Labels: Administration, Daily Life
Blog Renewal Project 2012: Phase 1 Complete!
31 March 2012
Phew! It took me about 4 hours to go through all the old posts and tidy them up but it's finally done. It was nice going back to all the old entries and giving them a quick read through. I'd forgotten a lot of things that had happened in the last few years so I'm glad that I wrote them down. I regret not posting more regularly these last two years, especially during the time I was in Japan. It would have been nice to have put my thoughts and feelings at the time into words. I'll have to remember not to make that mistake again I guess.
I'm hoping that I'll be able to get my old enthusiasm for blogging back. I've moved on a bit since my Morning Musume days; I'm now an AKB48 fan. I'll probably start writing entries related to them to try and give myself a reason to keep posting. Of course, some things never change. I'm still a massive Horie Yui fan after all these years. I recently bought her latest album 秘密 (Himitsu) and it was nice to hear her voice again. I'm looking forward to seeing the new AKB0048 anime that's airing soon. Not only is about AKB48, it also has Horie Yui voicing one of the characters. It's like a massive dream come true!Posted byHocchan at 8:17 pm 0 comments
Labels: Administration
Blog Renewal Project 2012!
All right, I'm not sure how long this attempt is going to last but I'm going to have another go at reviving this blog. It seems like such a shame to leave Kuroneko Doumei on an indefinite hiatus, especially after I moved it to Wordpress and gave the theme a renovation. Before I get started on writing new content I'm going to have to do a little bit of housekeeping on the older posts. I've been checking back on some of the ones from 2005/06 and it seems as though the Flickr picture links are no longer working so I'm going to have to remove them all and tidy up the code. It's probably going to take me a little while to go through all of them so I might not be able to create a new post for a little while.
Edit: Oh, and this isn't an April Fools joke despite the fact that it's 1st April.Posted byHocchan at 5:15 pm 0 comments
Labels: Administration
Happy New Year 2012
02 January 2012
Happy New Year! May this year be a lot better than the roller coaster ride that was 2011. This year will be the year of Kashiwagi Yuki from AKB48!
Posted byHocchan at 9:26 am 0 comments
Labels: Daily Life
