I am so bummed!

Oh no!!!!!

OMG! ALL my favorite animes have come to an end....

Occult Academy, High School of the Dead, Kaichou wa Maid-sama! (KWMS), and worst of all K-ON!! have ended. Frankly speaking, I am sad and dejected the fact that I am not looking forward to anything anymore. I am still 'shopping' for the new anime series to download.

Among the anime series that I mentioned above, the best anime series of my choice- hands down - belong to OCCULT ACADEMY. The reason be, I really love how the story is wrapped and resolved. And I also love how the relationship between Bunmei and Maya has 'shifted' to another different level...

I also love how K-ON!! ends everything. Instead leaving the fan in wonder about the future of the Light Music Club and Azu-nyan, the creator has managed to fill in the gaps and satisfy the fan simultaneously.

Deep inside, I believe there will be 2nd season of KWMS if we look at how the series is resolved. And based on the manga, I believe the next season of the series will be much more conflict-riddled. I am so crossing my fingers now!

Hmm.. I wonder what is happening to Shiki????

K-ON!! Ep. 24 END: Graduation!

Picture perfect! HTT will be remembered..

K-ON!! has come to its end, finally! Well, all good things must come to an end. I have to admit it, even though this series is the best ever! I am proud to say that I am a K-ON (both seasons) fan! Simply love it! For some unapparent reason I am so hooked to this series. Moreover, I am definitely gonna miss the girls especially Yui.

This epi is the saddest epi ever! Yup, I cried my heart out especially when the girls sang a special song for Azu-nyan, (though, I didn't quite catch the title). The saddest part is when Azu-nyan begged the senpais not graduate. I really cried when she did that!

Azu-nyan, all teary-eyed...

Yui and her favourite kouhai...

Anyway, I really love how the final episode is wrapped...

K-ON!! 20 & 21: The end is near...

K-ON!! episodes 20 and 21 have marked the beginning of the end of the series.
In epi 20, HTT did their final performance before the senpais – Yui, Ricchan, Mio and Mugi- parted and left Azunyan. What will become of HTT after the departure of the senpais? I really wish Azunyan could find replacements before the end of the series. In this epi also HTT had performed first time on stage their new song entitled U & I. As we all know, the song was actually dedicated to Ui and it was written by her one-chan Yui. Sawa-chan took care of their t-shirts and unbeknown to the girls, everybody in the hall was wearing the same t-shirt as well. Sawa-chan was definitely a good manager! Omedeto, Sawa-chan sensei!

The groupies!

The best part in this epi is when all the girls were chilling in the clubroom and they all cried realizing that this concert was actually their last. To me, this was actually a very heart-wrenching moment since this is the last concert that they will have together with Azunyan...

Chillin'

Cryin'

In epi 21, Yui was so obsessed of having new hairstyle for the yearbook photo. She kept on complaining to have same hairstyle for all her yearbook since elementary. The only thing that differed is the length of her bangs. Because of that, she accidentally snipped her bangs way too short thus made her look somewhat weird. At the beginning, she was upset with it but since the rest of the gang supported her, she finally owned her new hairstyle!

Before...

After...

In this epi also, Yui and Ricchan finally made up their minds on which college they would go. They chose the same college Mugi was planning to enrol. Upon hearing to this, Mio finally decided to follow suit. Her decision was actually approved by Sawa-chan and this means that the four of them would be together in college as well. Yeay!

Itsumo issho!

K-On!! Ep. 16: What's eating Nakano Azu-nyan?

Hi, we are the Moe band!

This week's episode of K-ON!! is really interesting. It reveals the true colors of each member : Mugi, Mio, Ricchan and especially Yui.

In this episode, it seems that Nakano Azusa a.k.a Azu-nyan is struggling to regain her old self back.Apparently, after joining the K-On Club, she becomes easily distracted and laid-back. Initially, in the earlier episodes in season 1, she used to be persistent and diligent. However, according to Jun, she has become more and more like the tea-cakes-loving senpais of K-On Club who instead of practicing, they prefer slacking off and chit chatting. Jun's remark sparks Azun-nya's determination to regain her old persistent and diligent self.

In doing so, it leads her to several discoveries which are profound and unexpected.

Boogie, boogie, boogie!

The first discovery is the true color of Kotobuki Tsumugi a.k.a Mugi-senpai. Azu-nyan thought that Mugi is so beautiful because of her fair complexion and her large eyes. However, she discovers that besides being extremely rich, classy and beautiful, Mugi is also a quirky, spontaneous (at least she tries) and a kawaii person. To Azu-nyan's surprise, Mugi is most likely to fall asleep anywhere and everywhere. Other than that, she likes to 'smuggle' food and loves to surprise people by sneaking behind them... and yet fails to do so. And because of her quirkiness and her adorable quality, she fits right into K-On Club, like a hand in glove!

Singer/song writer in training...

Next, is Akiyama Mio a.k.a Mio-senpai. According to Azu-nyan, Mio is the best example how a member of K-On Club should act. She definitely adores her. Mio is talented (she sings, plays guitar base and writes songs), mature (compared to Ricchan and Yui) and the most serious and focused among all the senpais. In addition, other than being squeamish and extremely bashful, Mio is really dependable. She really cares about the rest of the members especially her childhood friend, Ritsu a.k.a Ricchan. This is shown when Ricchan needs her help with her Home Ec project, Mio never hesitates to help her even once. This leads to another important discovery, Mio was really good at sewing and handling a sewing machine. She looks like a pro!

The unexpected domestic goddess

Who would have ever thought that Tainaka Ritsu a.k.a Ricchan can cook? This is certainly out of Azu-nyan's expectation! In fact she can cook for 5 people in the shortest time ever. Despites her rowdy, spunky and loud temperament she manages to transform herself into a domestic goddess! And in this epi also, we are introduced for the first time Ritsu's younger brother, Satoshi.

Ikimasho!

Last but certainly not the least, Azu-nyan manages to be alone in the music room with Hirasawa Yui a.k.a Yui-senpai. FYI, the name Azu-NYAN is given by Yui because Azusa looks so adorable and cute in nekomimi (season 1). In this episode, Azu-nyan learned that besides being childish, candid and immature, Yui is very responsible, warm and considerate. She cleans up Ton-chan's aquarium (with Azu-nyan's help) and puts stickers on everything so that it looks more adorable. She even puts a sticker with Azu-nya's name on her personal stuff. Unfortunately, Azu-nyan hates the idea and thinks it is too childish. However, thanks to Yui's stickers craze, her lost key chain is found because of her name-sticker. In this epi also we are exposed that Yui is very warm and 'receptive' person. She doesn't judge people and she accepted everybody the way they are. And best of all, that exhibits her sincerity in their friendship.

This episode has a simple plot and yet it is one of my favorites as it showcases each girl's personality and it is done through the viewpoint of Azu-nyan. Another aspect that I really enjoyed in this epi is the Azu-nyan's intermittent monologues. They provide the deeper insight on each character's personality.

HTT in the sun....

This is K-ON !!'s 12th episode and still no new songs. I am a tad frustrated and dejected. From my observation, I believe this season's episodes are quite dull and mediocre... However, for some mysterious reasons I keep on watching this anime and anticipating each new episode to be downloaded week after week...

This week's episode, the girls plus Sawa-chan were having a two-day trip for Summerfest Live Music at the mountains (which mountains?). Yeay! No uniforms! This time around they will be spending a two-day camping together as a group. Tanoshii, kata! They were basking in the sun and having so much fun enjoying the live concerts an all.

Poor Mugi, though. She was craving for yakisoba but she did not get any till the end...

Sawa-chan was so psyched!!!!

What?! No yakisoba?!

No yakisoba? Daijoubu yo!!!

In my humble opinion, the plus point of this week's episode is the atmosphere of the festival is well-captured. It seems that, I could really feel the burst of energy and the excitement that the girls are experiencing. But it would be much better, if there are new songs.... (get over it, already!)

More moé!

Moé (pron: mo-eh) is one of the character-classifications in animes. There isn't any specific definition for it. In a literal point of view, in Japanese language the word can be best defined as 'budding' 'sprouting' or 'growing' . However, based on my extensive reading, it is actually derived from a Japanese slang which conveys the 'liking' or 'strong interest' in something. In some cases it can also be equated with the concept of geek or otaku.

Within the realm of anime fandom, moé is actually an archetypal character (by and large, young female character a.k.a bishojou) that triggers the feeling of protectiveness ,more often than not, among the male viewers. Typically, this type of character brings out the sense of purity, innocence as well as extreme cuteness or popularly coined as kawaii. However, in my humble opinion, there are also moé cases where bishie or bishounen is involved, though, I consider this under isolated ones (click HERE and HERE). Furthermore, moé can also be pigeonholed as various types such as nekomimi-moé, megane-moé, meido-moé and the list goes on.

Below are some eminent moé characters. Notice that, all of them are wearing school uniform (read HERE).

Name : Hirasawa Yui

Anime : K-On! and K-On!!

Name : Asahina Mikuru

Anime: Suzumiya Haruhi No Yuutsu 1 & 2 and Suzumiya Haruhi No Shoushitsu

Name : Furukawa Nagisa

Anime : Clannad and Clannad After Story

Name : Sakura Mikan

Anime : Gakuen Alice

Name : Honda Tohru

Anime : Fruits Basket

Name : Mitsukuni Haninozuka a.k.a Honey-senpai
Anime : Ouran High Host Club

Initially, I associated moé with 'fetish'.Nevertheless, after doing some readings I believe the word 'fetish' is to strong. Evidently, it should not be associated with any sexual conduct. In addition, based on what I have read so far, moé should not be confused with ecchi or - even worse - hentai. For the reason that, moé characters usually initiate the sense of protectiveness as well as maternal / paternal love to protect. In actual fact, the characters are normally created to soothe the viewers (mostly male) rather than to incite sexual conduct. And for the same reason also, some critics claim that moé is a type of child-like character with erotic undertone also associated with lolicon. There are also some opinions that explain, moé characters only exist in seinen anime or manga since it targets the demographic - men. Thus, if the supossed moé characters ever exist in other genre, therefore they are not moé in actual fact.

For your information, there are many endless discussions and debates on this issue and it seems that they will not cease in any time sooner. Obviously, since there are many opinions on this matter, there are no exact black and white on how a moé character should be or act.

[Notes]

Bishoujos = beautiful young girls
Bishounens = pretty boys

Nekomimi = cat's ears

Megane = glases / spectacles

Meido = maid

Lolicon a.k.a Lolita Complex = sexual attraction to little girls

It has my name on it!

K-ON !! ep. 10 is certainly my favorite. It has my name on it!

A little bit over the top here! LOL. Well, as you can see I am a teacher and I really know how Sawako-sensei (also known as Sawa-chan by the HTT girls) is experiencing in this episode. There are some things that you need to ensure to be under the students’ radar. In Sawako's case, her issue is her past and her preference of music. In my case, is my hobbies and interest. I need to make sure that my addiction for animes and JK music are well-hidden from my students. This is to maintain a professional and well-accepted façade in order to maintain a good teacher-students relationship in school. (Though, my cover is always blown after my students have finished their school years.)

In this episode, Sawako-sensei is trying her best to cover her past as a member of death metal band Death Devil. She is asked by her former band mate, Norimi, to perform during an old classmate’s wedding reception. As expected, she refuses the offer worrying over her reputation as a good teacher. She is afraid that her reputation and her image will be tarnished.

Nevertheless, with the help of the HTT girls, Sawako finally performs on stage…

Secret meeting with Norimi-san...

Norimi is asking the girls' help...

Too much make-up! But they are still so かわいい!

Sawako-sensei a.k.a Catherine shreds the guitar! I really love the way she shreds the guitar! She is utterly awesome!

Sawako-sensei finally reveals her true color! You go girl!

All's well that ends well... Sawako-sensei is worried that her good teacher image will be tarnished. Instead she becomes more popular and loved by her students at school...

HTT live!

Being a K-ON! fan, this OVA is what I have been waiting for. It's about time for the girls to showcase their talent. They are definitely stage-ready!Even though the storyline of this OVA is simple, the idea of the girls having their first gig is really significant for the plot of the whole serialization.

Apparently, this OVA takes place in between the first season and the second season. Apparently, the girls were invited to do their live gig at a live house. Actually, they were invited by Ritsu's old friend who also had her own band. As we all guessed it, Ritsu was over the moon. Initially, it seemed that, Mio and Azusa were reluctant with the live gig, however when they realised that Mugi was willing to cancel her vacation, they ditched their plan. This is due to the spirit of camaraderie.

Discussion time...

Mugi just cancelled her vacation! しまった!

In this OVA, the girls were finally introduced to the real world of entertainment. They were exposed to the behind-the-scene activities prior to the gig. Since it was new to them, everything made them excited. They were given backstage passes and their own tickets and that had overwhelmed them!

Registration...

A supposed briefing... Ritsu was ignored!

Hora! Their very own gig ticket! This had caused everybody to be extremely excited. Even Ui (who was supposed to be more mature and composed compared to Yui) and since she was so overwhelmed she decided not to use them. Motainai, ne!

O, the tickets...わくわく!

The backstage pass...

Apparently, this gig had taught them a lot! Especially on the processes that they had to go through in order to do a gig. And they even work with many bands and band members that were going to perform on that day. The most embarrassing moment is when their rehearsal was a total wreck and to to make it even worse, they were witnessed by other bands as well... Nevertheless, the other bands were so supportive when they kept on cheering for our beloved HTT! Genki dashite, minna-san!

The other bands... HTT paled in comparison...

Mio, and she fell again... So deja vu!

A total blunder!

Hang in there, girls!

The face of a proud teacher... Sawako-sensei. She made it to HTT's first ever live gig! Ahhh... yokatta!

Finally, the gig! Yatta!...

ふわふわ taimu, mo ichido!

I am so glad that K-ON!! is already aired! Frankly speaking, I really don't get it why I am so infatuated by this anime? It's definitely not the plot and certainly not the graphics as I can swear of that. In fact, I don't think it's the songs either because in my humble opinion, the songs are a tad juvenile for me. Well, they sounded good initially but as time goes by I realized that they are not that good. Too kawaii, in fact (too much of something is always bad). The truth is, the representation of the main characters actually drives my to this anime series. Well, finally I can admit that I do have a soft spot for moe characters. I really love the girls; Yui, Mio, Mugi, Ricchan as well as Azu-nyan. Apparently, each one of them is beautifully created and their personalities are almost 'tangible'. As if they are real! They are so ふわふわ! Without any doubts I am their biggest FAN!

Another reason why I really enjoy this anime is because of its simplicity. It reminds me of my younger days... Happy, carefree and simple. Sometimes, less is more. Somehow I think this anime has a therapeutic effect on me. It gives me the leeway to breathe after a hard day at work...

This first episode takes place right after the spring break has ended and the new semester finally opens. After for so many months they are finally back in the clubroom. Yui 'accidentally' comes in a little too early and to kill some time she has her own personal practice in the clubroom. I say, that her skill has improved quite a lot!

In the clubroom once again...

Yui, she is so uber-カワイイ! Can't get enough of her... ふわふわ!

Mugi, Ritsu and Mio... they are Yui's perfect complement

Azusa a.k.a Azu-nyan... the ever so cute and talented 後輩!

Anyway, regarding the first episode of K-ON!!, it seems that the girls are finally senpais. And the issue in this episode is to find new members as they are going to graduate soon. Actually, they are doing a favor for their 後輩. Next year, after they have graduated Azusa will be all alone. So, in order to ensure the survival of the club they have do whatever it takes to find new members.

However, luck is tough as they are struggling to find any new interested members. This is actually funny when they have to strategise several methods to attract new members.

Method 1

This is actually the same method the did last year... I can't believe that they do this again! FAIL!

Method 2

In this method, Ricchan is pretending to fall and she asks anybody to bring her back to the clubroom. FAIL!

Method 3

Yui is pretending to be someone new and asks direction to the clubroom. The idea is to bring the potential members to the clubroom but instead, she only asks for the direction... ばか! FAIL

Method 4

This time around, the girls are doing an undercover job by pretending to be interested in joining other clubs to gather information on how these clubs find their new members. Hmmm.... sounds reasonable. This might work.

However, after accidentally listening to Yui's comment that some things are better left unchanged, and she believes that the 5 of them will do just fine, Azusa decided not to find new members as yet....

Back to square one!

Regarding the OP theme, it seems that the Chipmunks are singing it instead of the girls. Seriously! The cuteness is over the top! It's way too much even for moe fan like me! They way they sing it, as if the girls are having a seizure! Funny, but not funny ha-ha. However, the ED thing is just so-so. Still tolerable and accepted. But I do enjoy the clip though.

Anyway, this is definitely a feel-good anime! And I am loving it! 大好き!