If I would remember 2007 in anime terms, it is definitely the year when the legend of fan-based content finally entered my consciousness. I know, stuff made by fans (doujinshi, doujin games, etc.) have been around even before the first Comiket, but never has it exploded as much as today. I would mostly blame the internet for that, as with many other things related with such an easy way to connect with other people. Because it's related to computers though, the term "doujin" would have changed for me. A few years ago, I would consider the majority of doujin as either manga drawn by fans for fans, or programmed games by fans for fans. In 2007, "doujin" now encapsulates almost every form of media ever created. Music, accessories, video… you name it… the fans got it. (more…)
I'm surprised that I did better than I thought I would. I'm really positive about the result, but I should leave it be and move on to other things before crossing my fingers for the results (still 3-4 months away).
Granted JLPT Level 4 (that's what I took) is nothing compared to many other people around, but hey it's a headstart. Anything to justify my 5% knowledge of the language… who knows, can I proclaim 10% now?
I bet a lot of you took the exams too in your part of the world, and so I bid "good luck" to us all!
Everything is on hold because I'm "pretending" to study for the JLPT. I'm destined for failure though, so please just comment to pity me on this page. I'll be crying for the rest of the year, so I don't think I'll blog again until next year.
I bid everyone goodbye, again, for now. Thanks for all the support… if there ever was.
A bit of a shocker in the news a few days ago when Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns from the post. Pretty bold move for a head of the one of the most powerful nations of the world. I really am astounded that this country runs on integrity of leadership for the people, everytime a leader loses face and support of his constituents one would be willing to commit political suicide for the sake of the country. I went to Japan last year as he rose to power, and resigned as I left eh? I even saw him in person really, campaigning or something in a speech held in a shopping district. I have no pics though so it didn't happen I guess.
Well Abe is in the hospital for now, and as I read news articles, some interesting name shows up… Taro Aso. Huh? Rozen Aso? He seems to be a prime candidate for taking the helm. This should be interesting.
While I don't think that he would transform Japan into Akihabara Country it would be interesting for us foreigners to see what kind of otaku-related legislation he would make (did he do something as Foreign Minister anyway?). Maybe promote moar moe~ overseas? Count me in for the cry for cheaper hobby goods that come out of the country. I'm betting he would spread the manga lovin first though, so all you manga lovers brace yourselves.
Don't get your hopes up though, Aso may not even win. I'm not too keen on Japanese politics but if a PM can resign on a whim situations can be as volatile as a climax of a manga arc.
On the other hand, if government offices start hiring maids wearing gothloli Rozen Maiden-like outfits I would be pleasantly surprised. Sound impossible? Remember this is Japan, anything goes.
Hmm, so I watched this year-old movie called Sinking of Japan, and this is one of the times I was disappointed with a Japanese movie. It feels like some second-rate disaster movie, some scenes were not really needed, the pace is quite slow, and this main guy (one of the SMAP) seems to pop up at random places without explanation. It's quite disfunctional, this one. On the other hand, I was treated by some awesome scenes of destruction. I'm rather sadistic in the sense that I like blown-up stuff in the movies like Independence Day (aliens!), Day After Tomorrow (climate shift), Transformers (robots) etc.
The physics of this thing are one for the crazy movie nitpickers but maybe with global warming melting the ice and more frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions just maybe not only Japan but everyone is in danger of sinking or something. Just now we endured some heavy heavy rain out of a strong storm, too.
Then I wondered, what if Japan really sunk? Save the lolis first! Bring it all here for evacuation!
