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

Kinsoko jiko-desu: The many facades of Asahina Mikuru

Name : Asahina Mikuru (Mikuru Asahina)
Species : Time traveller
Ocupation : North High student (second year) / SOS Brigade Deputy Vice President & mascot
Anime : Suzumiya Haruhi No Yuutsu 1 & 2

Background:

Asahina Mikuru is actually a time traveler who is sent to investigate a huge time quake that happened three years back. Apparently, this time quake is triggered by none other than, Haruhi. Therefore, throughout the series it is established that her true purpose is to monitor Haruhi. She might look like a bumbling idiot, but truth to be told she is well-versed in the technicalities of time-traveling and time warp.

Her favorite phrase is Kinsoko jiko-desu! or Classified information!

Despite being the most beautiful girl in school, Mikuru is a shy and relatively timid person. She is also clumsy with a child-like charm. She is is kind, caring as well as a thoughtful member of SOS Brigade. Most of the time Mikuru easily gets scared or flustered, especially when Haruhi forces her to do some embarrassing things.

Despite her naïveté nature, she can be surprisingly resilient in recovering from even the harshest of situations when Haruhi bullies her. More often than not, due to her child-like nature and mild temperament, she seems rather week and feeble most of the time. And because of that, as a friend, Kyon always watches over and protects her; but most of the time, he has to succumb to Haruhi's madness.

After the humiliating 'bunny-girl' incident at the school's gate, surprisingly, Mikuru remains loyal and dedicated to the Brigade, as well as her true mission as a time-traveler.

In the serialization, Mikuru is seen in many costumes as one of her duties as a the brigade's mascot. She is seen in costumes such as, a maid, a nurse, a waitress (combat waitress) as well as a frog.

To love thee, or to hate thee...

What is tsundere? This term is rather prevalent in the anime community but there are still many who are not really familiar with the term. The word tsundere is actually derived from two Japanese words; tsuntsun (aloof, morose) and deredere (lovestruck). Tsundere is actually an archetypical characteristic given mostly to female anime characters that are initially antagonistic, aloof and cold towards the protagonist and sometimes everybody. However, as the plot progresses their personalities shift. They will become emotionally vulnerable and tender towards a certain male character. Basically, this is done because they try to conceal their actual facades.

Below are some of the examples of the prominent tsundere characters.

Suzumiya Haruhi

Anime: Suzumiya Haruhi No Yuutsu

Haruhi is a high school student. She is unconventional, totally impulsive and unbelievable beautiful. Other than that, she is popular because she is smart, talented and athletic. Furthermore, she has a very competitive personality. She never opens her heart to any boys as she equates falling in love as a mental desease hence she rejects all boys who ever asked her out. However, to everyone’s surprise she can get along with Kyon despites her loath for boys. For this reason, she is my favourite tsundere character.


Aisaka Taiga


Anime: Toradora!

Aisaka Taiga is nicknamed as Palmtop Tiger due to her 'diminutive' size. Another reason is due to her violent temperament. She likes to snap at anybody and because of that she is NOT dubbed as Miss Congeniality. Nevertheless, she is very beautiful despites her aggressive facial expression and because of that, she receives many love confessions from boys her age. Other than that, she is also clumsy. Then, one day she met Ryuji and when she realises his domestic ability, she begins to depend on him. She even spends most of her time at Ryuji's home and what's important, when she is with Ryuji, her violent temperament is mellowed and she became more liken by all.


Yamada Ayumi

Anime : Honey And Clover

At the beginning of the series she is 21 years old, Yamada is well known by her peers at the art college. She is active and somewhat aggressive. And because of that she is nicked as The Iron Lady. Moreover, due to her good looks, she also catches the attention of her male friends/coworkers at the shopping district she works with but she simply shoves them off. This is because she has her eyes set on Mayama Takumi. Mayama, however, doesn't return her feelings, asking her why she is in love with him and encouraging her to go find someone else.


Fujibayashi Kyou

Anime : Clannad

Fujibayashi Kyou is a loud and aggressive. Despites her aggressive demeanor, she is well known as a good cook. She is Okazaki Tomoya's classmate in their second year.Throughout the year, Kyou has maintained a steady friendship with Tomoya even though they are put in different classes on their third year. Most of the time both of them bicker like nobody's business. However, secretly she is developing a crush on him. She is one of the classic tsundere characters in an anime series.

Evidently, there are thousands if not hundreds (yes, I am exaggerating!) tsundere characters out there that are worthy of being noticed. These characters are actually the very reasons why I love romantic-comedy animes.

Uniform revelations...

Ever notice something? By and large, main characters in animes series are mostly students, and to be exact, school students. This hackneyed portrayal is actually intentional since the target audience are mostly adolescents and young adults. These characters are displayed in variety fashions of school uniforms. Animes series such as, Bleach, Deathnote, Gokusen, The Law of Ueki, and Blood+ portray school students as their protagonists.

On the other hand, animes like, Kamichu, K-ON, Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu, and Ouran High School Host Club have different intention. These animes are promoting some sort of cuteness-fetish known as moe (mo-eh). To add, moe doesn't exhibit sexual content. It is actually highlighting on a character's cuteness, extreme cuteness to be exact. However, too much exertion on cuteness sometimes can lead to lewd content, or ecchi. To some extent it may lead to more than that...

Anyway, in this post I am not going to discuss on that matter. I just want to show everybody the multitude of fashions and styles in anime school uniforms.

This is the uniform in SUZUMIYA HARUHI NO YUUTSU... I really like the male uniform. Kyon and Koizumi look dashing in it! Whereas the girls' are a bit 'traditional in their sailor-fuku uniform. Maybe if the male students are to wear gakuran, then everything would be nicer. Somehow, the male student's uniform and the girl's don't really match...


This is taken from OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB. Their uniform basically oozes with sophistication and grace. This is because they are from a top-notched school. Since the main characters are mostly male, so the series reveals more on the male students uniform. And since the theme of this anime series is gender-bender, thus Haruhi (Fujioka, that is) wears one. (Well, actually female uniform is actually a Victorian-styled yellow dress with a pair of puffy sleeves.)


This is taken from anime K-ON!. Their uniform exudes elegance as well as charm at the same time. Since this is an all-girl school, thus there is no male uniform. If you notice, among the four of them, only Yui wears her uniform with a pair of dark tights underneath. I think she looks so adorable in them...


This is taken from GAKUAN ALICE. The uniforms are a bit juvenile and this is because these characters are actually elementary-school students. I really like the combination of the dark sailor-coat with wide collars as well the plaid skirt / shorts. The combination brings out the endearing side of each character. Even Natsume looks extremely cute in it despite his riotous temperament.


This the uniform from anime CODE GEASS. Since the series is set in an alternate fantasy world hence the uniforms have the fantasy feel. Anyway, they still look elegant and neat. However, I don't think they are comfortable enough.... I believe wearing a double-breasted blazer is definitely uncomfortable during lessons.



This is taken from ITAZURA NA KISS. I like both of female and male uniforms style. This is because the style complement each other. Both are modern, nifty as well as sharp. I think, this is important because it represents the individuals. For example, even a bumbling idiot like Kotoko looks smart in the uniform! This is certainly the best example of clothes maketh the man (or in this case, it's a woman!).


This screenshot is taken from anime LOVELY COMPLEX. In my opinion, the uniform looks simple and light. Instead of wearing blazer or button-down coat, they use cardigans or sweaters. Maybe it is to complement the whole theme of this romantic-comedy anime series. In this series we can see that the uniform is styled according to the individual's taste in fashion.

Well, actually there are so many anime uniforms that I like to show in this post. Frankly speaking the number is endless! Till then, we just have to settle with these...

Aishteru yo! - My choice of Anime couples

Couple 1

Names : Nomiya Takumi and Yamada Ayumi
Anime : Honey and Clover (both seasons)

Why do I like them:
Nomiya is like a knight in shining armour. Time and time again, he gallantly 'scoops' Yamada off her feet- who is broken-hearted by Mayama’s rejection- and rescues her from being even more humiliated. It is so obvious that this is a love at first sight for Nomiya. He is in love with Yamada from the moment he sees her. In season 2, the scene that forever etched in my mind is when Nomiya holds Yamada's hand when he sleeps so that she will not run away when he wakes up the next morning. In addition, I like him because he is cool and bold enough to declare his love for Yamada even though he knows that Yamada is reluctant to accept him since she is so besotted with Mayama. No matter what, I'm rooting for him all the way!

Comment :
I strongly believe that this is not an unrequited love. Even though there is no definite scene that Yamada responds to his love but there are some hints scattered all over!

Couple 2

Names : Otani Atsushi and Koizumi Risa
Anime : Lovely Complex a.k.a Lovecon

Why do I like them :
I like the determination shown by Koizumi in winning Otani’s love. Koizumi is so certain that one day Otani will accept her as a girlfriend. And guess what? She wins his heart after all. In fact, towards the end of the series, Otani finally admits that he can’t live without Koizumi no matter how hard he tries to deny it.

Comment:
Beauty is certainly in the eyes of the beholder!

Couple 3

Names : Inuyasha and Higurashi Kagome
Anime : Inuyasha

Why do I like them:
They are the cutest couple ever!!!! I like Inuyasha’s ‘silent’ love for Kagome. And I adore the way Inuyasha demonstrates his care and concern for Kagome. I love it when he persuades or apologizes to Kagome. There is a hint of tenderness in his voice. However I detest the idea that Kagome is a pushover. In the anime, she always sacrifices her feelings just to give way for Kikyo. Somehow, other than Naraku, I think Kikyo is the real culprit in this series. Her presence is merely a nuisance to the development of Inuyasha-Kagome's relationship!

Comment:
WTF?! Inuyasha has never kissed Kagome even at the end of the manga series. Not even a single peck on the cheek!!!

Couple 4

Names : Chiaki Shinichi and Noda Megume a.k.a Nodame
Anime : Nodame Cantabile (both seasons)

Why do I like them:
I really enjoy the idea that these two share same interest and both of them are gifted musicians. I also like the way their love develops in the anime. There are certain subtleties that really attract my attention and they are the reason for me to watch this series. I also like the ways both of them complement each other. In one of the episodes (season 2) Chiaki vows to make both of them a golden couple in future. Now, doesn't that sound like a marriage proposal? You tell me!

Comment:
Sometimes, Chiaki is way too rough and too harsh on Nodame. I hate it when Chiaki abuses and scolds her like she is dimwitted (well, sometime she does look and act stupid). But all that put aside when finally he kisses her in the second season (spoiler)....

Couple 5

Names: Kyon and Suzumiya Haruhi
Anime : Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu

Why do I like them:
These two are the most mismatched couple ever! But opposite definitely attracts. I like these two because the combination makes them hilarious! Even though both of them hate each other’s guts, they really complement each other. In fact, Kyon is the anchor that keeps Haruhi grounded. He is the one who tones down Haruhi's precarious personality and insanity.

Comment:
There is no exact confession, but in the last episode, Kyon confesses that Haruhi is more than just a classmate and that her ponytail turns him on. And then he kisses her (oopps! another spoiler).

ENOZ ft. Suzumiya & Nagato

I LOVE this vid. This vid is taken from Suzumiya Haruhi No Yuutsu 12th episode. I really adore 'her' voice and check out Nagato's guitar skill. The main point that I am highlighting at this moment is actually the superb and noteworthy animation and the realism of the movements. Simply breathtaking (too bad the quality of the vid is quite shoddy). I really love the scene where Nagato is shredding the guitar. She's awesome! Anyway, if you can't see from my eyes, at least enjoy the song... GOD KNOWS & LOST MY MUSIC.

I'm Lovin' It!

I simply adore the ending theme of Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu. Like I said in my previous entry, their movements are so smooth and human-like. Especially when they (Suzumiya, Asahina, Nagato, Koizumi as well as Kyon) dance in-sync. The choreography is so unique yet simple. I simply can't get enough of it. So kawaii. Enjoy!

Aliens, Time Travellers and Espers Beware! Here comes Suzumiya-san...

I just finished watching 3 early episodes of Suzumiya Haruhi No Yuutsu (The Melancholy Of Haruhi Suzumiya) and I think I like them. Even though the first episode is quite confusing (what's with The Miracle Mikuru-chan?) I found that the second and third episodes are very interesting. Most importantly, they are hillarious as hell! I felt rather angry at myself for not downloading the rest of the episodes sooner (I'm using Celcom broadband and at my place the connection is quite intermitten).

This anime is actually adapted from a light novel wrtten by Nagaru Tanigawa and illustrated by Noizi Ito. I really adore the portrayal of Haruhi and her merry friends. Suzumiya Haruhi is portrayed as a very quirky, mysterious, eccentric, bossy and thought-provoking student and she claims she has no interest on ordinary human beings (what's with Kyon, then?). This anime can also be categorised under comedy because it's totally hilarious. And there are some action-packed scenes that qualify this anime as an action anime. Another theme that this anime exudes is science fiction. When Asahina Mikuru the time traveller is 'volutarilly arrested' by Suzumiya in joining the SOS Brigade, I laughed so hard till my stomach hurt. I also love Kyon's monologues when he describes Haruhi and strange things that happen around him. I like the detail descriptions used by him. He is very sacarstic and skeptical and yet he condones all Haruhi's actions. I also love the portrayal of Nagato Yuki the alien as the 'accident' member of the SOS Brigade. Apparently, she is a very intersting character. Later, we will be introduced to a cute esper Koizumi Itsuki who adds the quirk to the group. If you notice these extra-teristerial beings (a time traveller, an alien and an esper) are exactly what Suzumiya proclaimes to be interested with.

KUDOS to the animators and the illustrator, Noizi Ito. People of Kyoto Animation have done a great job in producing one helluva anime. If you notice, the movements, the mannerisms, the facial expressions and the behaviors of each character are very smooth and human-like. Apparently, Japanese animators are very serious when it comes to the anime production. Be it a grand-scale production or even a simple serial show. They are very dedicated. Unlike the animators of American cartoons. The animators are only serious when they are involved with a high-profiled and grand-scaled animation production.

Here's the link for the episodes. They are in rmvb format. To those who don't have a real player, I have provided the link to download it. Have fun watching!

http://www.realitylapse.com/info/the-melancholy-of-haruhi-suzumiya/splash.php