....ver.43. a confident song up in the sky

birthday spotlight :)

2011-11-26T15:51:00.002+08:00

My absolute favorite guy's (no, seriously), birthday is today!

He turns 31, yet ever still so amazingly charming ♥

rock this :)

2011-09-16T11:45:00.003+08:00

Spazztastic :)

Overdue, but still spzz-worthy - especially with Nino's mini solo for a brief few seconds :)

They were with the amazing guitarist, Hotei Tomoyasu-san :)

I giggled helplessly at this:

Ohno-kun and guitar? It's almost as musically-worthy as the snippets of him with the piano playing 'Niji' ♥

Arashi band is ♥

gee :)

2011-05-29T21:11:00.002+08:00

I love how Arashi makes anything simply amusing and so spazztastic, including SNSD's Japanese version of Gee *laughs*

Of course, Jun-kun just ran off in escape while laughing hysterically.

And Ohno-kun did too :)

So typical Arashi did what they would do best in such 'crucial' decision-making process. Janken-pon :D These guys use rock-paper-scissors to decide things in all fairness from who gets the cake, to who gets to dance Gee and oh, to who gets to be the leader *laugh*

So anyway, the result was this:

Ohno-kun's really agile and amazing on his feet when it comes to dance but this time, he looks so awkwardly embarrassed *laughs* I love how Nino-kun just shrugs it off (but bursting in embarrassed laugh right after!)

:D

:)

2011-04-20T08:29:00.005+08:00

Simply because :)

a happy & adorable mix :)

2011-04-02T00:32:00.004+08:00

They never fail to make me all silly with grins and giggles.

Of course I meant Mickey and friends!

And Arashi :) Like that wasn't coming *laugh*

Perfect mix of my favorites for a rainbow sparkle of joy ♥

I found it perfectly adorable how the two interacted with one another :)

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E :) I swear, Ohno-kun's voice came out so high pitch with a burst of delighted giggle here *laugh* I will never be able to listen to this song without thinking of the amazing harmony of these five lads' voices with such amusing chirpy tones.

:) ♥

whine

2011-03-22T00:57:00.002+08:00

Finchel has got to stop - at least for the rest of the season because it's getting...rather painful to watch the two dance around each other and all that pinning and indecisiveness :(

Jesse should come back - because I'm bias for St. Berry but really, they need the closure at the very least. But when I flick through the previous episodes, somehow - there's something that correlates to Jesse that makes me think that the endgame (if tv-reality permits that is) should be these two; the 'boy' that Mr. Schue had mentioned in S1, and the times Rachel had mentioned how she needed someone to match her artistically and all that? Or the recent S2 episode for Valentine's with her gushing on talented kids with dark curly hair (something along that lines). They kind of point back to a certain St. James :)

Ugh. When you get too enthusiastic over a TV show, you know it means your life has either gotten: one - too boring, or two - too busy and hectic, both of which means you need to do something about your current lifestyle :) *laugh*

awesome in white :)

2011-02-20T16:11:00.002+08:00

I didn't think much of their latest single when the preview was released but I was drawn to the concept of the PV. White outfits against metallic gold-brown hues with a huge wing-like ornament as a back drop. When the camera goes for a solo close-up, it's as if they have these metal wings behind them - a mechanical angel? :)

But now that I'm listening to the song via the PV, having it on repeat, it really does grow on me. Then again, seriously, which Arashi song doesn't grow on me? *laugh*

My very obvious partiality for his side profile.

Honestly - it's still so much of ♥ when it comes to these five.

first post of 2011....

2011-02-02T09:32:00.003+08:00

....is about this charming boy whose voice I fell in love with:

I knew he's pretty good looking with charismatic acting, especially with Bloody Monday (the first and second) but it wasn't until Koizora that I just found myself falling hopelessly for his voice :)

I swear, I have this ultimate weakness for voices and smiles. Ugh.

I guess in the list of voices I am very much charmed with, it would be, in no particular order because really, it's too difficult to make a choice for this:

Nishikido Ryo - raspy with a hint of velvety
Ohno Satoshi - it's him.
Kyuhyun - masculine deep yet with a hint of boyish flavor in the undertones
Ikuta Toma - simply boyishly charming
Brendon Urie - no particular reason, I just do :)
Hyesung - for the most of it whenever he sings
Oguri Shun - a favorite is when he drops into an almost whisper
Leehom - it's just really easy on the ears with the dash of mischievousness to make you grin
My friend, Daniel - his voice sounds really nice on the phone, only on the phone though *laugh*
And of course, Miura Haruma :) His recorded voice for the phone calls in Koizora, I think my heart melted with the teasing tones and mischievous chuckles ♥

the x'mas sparkle to my day

2010-12-25T22:30:00.003+08:00

Christmas is fantastic. Fun and full of love and smiles and all things happy.

To top it off would be watching these five lads in one of their amazing live performances for a year end music show.

Wish. Monster. Love Rainbow. Troublemaker.

Wish really brought this amazingly huge grin to my face because it was tuned in to X'mas :D

Then there was Monster which I found myself fixated with the side profile one particular guy *laugh* Everything about him is fascinating somehow - but really, I love his side profile a lot.

Love Rainbow was charmingly sweet.

And then there was Troublemaker and it's simply infectious.

And once again, the side profile thingie caught my attention to seal that new fixation.

Despite being so much into SuJu's music lately, I still find myself drawing back to these five lads and it amuses me so really but I really like the fact that it's just them. The rainbow drug to my my daily insanity :) ♥

the clear sky after the rain :)

2010-11-15T22:03:00.002+08:00

"An endless sky is there"- Just now a confident voice could be heard. Shall we change that we can't fly and go? Let's start over by taking a step forward, however many times..."There is nothing that you can't see" - That confident song can be heard. These feelings that won't disappear are right here. No matter when, let's try to stand up one more time　-- 果てない空

I just started tearing up with this PV because the lyrics of the song just ran through my mind and it feels so uplifting and inspiring - like a breath of fresh air of hope :)

Every bit of this song is so much ♥ The tune and music, the lyrics, the emotions. I'd recommend this to anyone who needs that glimmer of sunshine beyond the hazy clouds :)

*Credits for lyrics translation: yarukizero@LJ

one million :)

2010-10-16T14:44:00.003+08:00

This is delayed by a couple of days but the news is still out there with so much enthusiastic happiness and responses of congratulatory spazzing :)

僕の見ているの風景 has officially crossed over the one million mark within two months and a few days of it's release :D

And to top it off, it's the first million seller for 2010, as well as their first original album hitting the mark (the previous being their All The Best 1999-2009 compilation), and the unveiling of the Arashi Million Jet for JAL!

It's a beautiful reward for the lads who have placed in ten, soon to be eleven, years in the entertainment industry with their hard work & perseverance amidst the sweat and tears and smiles :)　

おめでとう！

:D

2010-10-02T19:50:00.004+08:00

So right now my attention has been diverted off track a little with Kyuhyun of SuJu, and the lads of C.N.Blue.

Yet the spazzing over some five lads doesn't just end :D I feel somewhat proud of myself for that *laugh*

They are just amazing. Pedestal? Pretty much.

Especially since there's him:

Smirky pout of borderline arrogance XD

the stormy months

2010-09-28T21:01:00.005+08:00

Apparently the fans are in a love-hate situation at the moment.

2010 in a quick glance:

March: Troublemaker
May: Monster
July: To Be Free/Yukai Tsukai Kaibutsu-kun
August: Boku no Miteiru Fukei (album)/Love Rainbow
October: Dear Snow
November: Hatenai Sora

That's a total of six singles in a single year alone with one album.

Honestly, I just hope the lads are still enjoying themselves while taking care and having a good enough rest. It all matters to the lads themselves - so as long as they are alright and happy, I think it's good. Of course there's the fact people are going on about JE cashing in on the boys, overusing them, oversaturating the market with the lads, etc.In JE-world, to have this many releases within a year makes it considerably crazy. To that I say - it's the unfortunate side effect in the popularity scale and in econs, the lads are the 'cash cows' which means an endless milking for all its worth. Ugh.

Honestly, I wasn't expecting 果てない空 Hatenai Sora (apparently the main theme for Ninomiya-kun's Furitaa) after 'Dear Snow' which is also the main theme track for Ninomiya-kun's (and Ohkura Tadayoshi, Tamaki Hiroshi & Shibasaki Kou) soon to be released movie, Ooku. But it wasn't too much of a surprise since My Girl had 'My Girl' single, Tokujo had 'Troublemaker', Kaibutsu with 'Monster' and Natsuniji with 'Love Rainbow'.

For what it's worth, since the lads are putting in so much effort and all that, as a fan, I reckon we should appreciate and support them because that's what keeps them going, no?

Perhaps their schedule and releases will mellow out a bit for the end till early next year. And the lads could catch up with their non-idol life and the fans could ease up a bit from the tension and bittersweet feeling :)

stolen heart :)

2010-09-21T22:38:00.002+08:00

Listening to this song by Trax (an upbeat rock ballad that seeps into your music soul too easily really):

눈이 눈이 너만 바라보게 하는 Girl
내 맘이 맘이 너를 가득 채워버린 걸
받아줘 내 맘 애타게 널 Waiting Baby
눈이 눈이 너만 바라보고 있는 Boy
내 맘이 맘이 그녀 마음 뺏어버린 Boy
Oh 제발 난 더 지치는 건 No More Baby
오! 나의 여신

Oddly funny - it brings the image of Ohno-kun into mind.

I don't know, maybe it's the lyrics.

The eyes, the eyes, that gets me to look only at you girl
My heart, my heart is already filled by you

♥

i see rainbows

2010-09-12T01:13:00.004+08:00

So earlier today, I was spazzing over this while professing how much I've neglected the five lads who are supposedly the rainbows and sunshine in my days.

That changed realllllly fast *laughs*

Very simply with their recent performance of 'Love Rainbow' on MS which was aired on Friday (?).

I am amazed myself actually. Because I haven't been listening to their songs all that much lately but just watching this performance made me giggle like a spazz with the familiar happy fuzzy feelings. So much that for a moment there, it was all, 'C.N who?' XD

But I guess the spazzing can be shared, between these five lads ~~who clearly stole my heart, in particular one Ohno-kun~~, and another four lads whom I've grown pretty affectionate for :)

But the pedestal? :D There's no need to question that, really.

absolute guilty pleasure

2010-09-11T17:15:00.006+08:00

:D

Curiosity led one thing to another and it grew more intriguing and fascinating and then there was the fact of a band being thrown in, so it was pretty much inevitable.

At least I think so.

It started with the girl whom I'm charmed with for her honey vocals and angelic face, which led to the discovery of the program she's currently in because of a male name she's associated with so much, and a curious YouTube click led to amusement and the curiosity increased with more information here and there. Thrown in a little spazzing, giggling, some admiration and amazement and the inane fact that I'm hopeless when it comes to bands.

Their songs have been on repeat over and over again in my playlist because the beats are irresistable. Drums, bass and guitars with a good mix of rock, pop, rap in a renewed indie genre. Relatively new band (well, in the ever sprouting Korean music scene apparently) but they've really got what it takes to be taken as a serious musician.

The current must-listen to song:

The second song of their performance: 'Love'. The second chorus is practically drummed into my head *laughs*

It was honestly absolutely an innocent stumble in, because of Seohyun of SNSD - who is with C.N.Blue's Yonghwa as a make believe couple in the Korean variety tv show, 'We Got Married' (you've really got to give credits for the odd things that they can come up with for the station ratings).

Diverting off a little from the band, this pairing is hands down an absolute favorite because of the warm gazes, shy smiles, subtle touches and genuine interest and affection that emanates from both of them. Although it's just a make believe scenario, but the development of their story as they try to get to know and adapt to one another - it's amazingly adorable.

She's the down to earth girl next door with a very kind heart and an intelligent mind. He's the mischevious in-the-band boy with the charms and charisma. She likes books, he doesn't. She's into healthy living and he's not quite the most active sporty lad around. Strangely, the opposites doesn't put them off but instead draws them closer to one another. Oh but they do have things in common, like failing their practical driving exam together - and failing at it twice :D

And the pair makes a beautiful musical couple. They can strum on the guitar together, duet with their fingers on the piano, make noise with the clarinet for him and the violin for her *laughs* But seriously, when you put the both of them together, it's one of music's adorable and charming impromptu performances.

Their sudden impromptu serenade towards one another during Lyn's performance of 자기야 여보야 사랑아 at a music program - it makes one giggle in helpless blushes because the both of them immediately burst into shy laughters when they meet one another's eyes as they sang 내 사랑아 (loosely translates to 'my love').

So yes, currently I'm fascinated by this pairing. While being very much drawn to C.N.Blue's music. Their music influence seems to range a wide scope what with Beatles and all :)

And the lads themselves are pretty interesting as seen in the WGM epiodes :) I found myself rather much equally charmed by Minhyuk the drummer, Jungshin the bass player and Jonghyun the guitarist. They are awfully shy but oh so teasingly amusing with one another. It's surprising really because I've never thought of being into the Korean music scene anymore, and to be honest - I still don't. But this band is an exception I reckon.

And....I've neglected Arashi for a good two days and counting XD

I feel bad, but only a little. I think.

this makes my day pt.3 :)

2010-09-09T00:21:00.005+08:00

Okay, actually, something or rather, someone else made my day much earlier before this one came along but because the heart is still undeniably & irrevocably drawn to him still:

Sakurai kun: '...Nanairo no...'

Ohno-kun: '...phase.'

:D

As much as Ohmiya gets to me, Juntoshi is adorable, OhnoAiba is special, but really, the Yama 山pair above 風 in　嵐 makes the silliest and goofiest faces of fun :D

Jet Storm...literally.

2010-09-05T21:47:00.007+08:00

Wowza.

From today onwards until January 2011, the skies of Japan will be greeted by the faces of five lads.

I kid you not.

JAL, also known as Japan Airlines, calls this plane, that flies exclusively for commercial flights domestically, as 嵐ｼﾞｪﾄ - which translates to Storm Jet or Jet Storm, whichever preferable. But really, it's called Arashi Jet :D

It's part of JAL's new marketing strategy to rebrand themselves. And it also comes with them using Arashi's 'Movin On' for their new branding CM.

As a comm grad myself, how much does this works? I say, pretty alright, if they are aiming to target the fans of the boys which at the moment, consists of a pretty wide range of demographics with males and females alike. Quite likely from this month onwards to January, they would be able to increase revenue for their domestic flights :) But I'm not too sure if it will work very highly in their favor for a longer term because idols' endorsement is one thing as a brand image but for the brand promise + delivery, that takes more than just an endorsement.

Either way, it's awesome to know that the boys have their faces plastered on a Boeing 777 :)

Taking the world by storm, indeed.

it's just one after another

2010-08-21T15:12:00.006+08:00

It started with Aiba-kun's マイガル 'My Girl' for Fall 2009.

And like a little sneak peek to the next, Sakurai-kun appeared in the last episode of Aiba's drama:

And the next one rolled out with Sakurai-kun's 特上カバチ, 'Tokujo Kabachi!', for Winter 2010 - to which for the final episode, Ohno-kun appeared too:

Maou-days nostalgia *laughs*

Which rolled out the carpet for Ohno-kun's drama for Spring 2010, 怪物くん, Kaibutsu-kun, where Matsumoto-kun also made an (adorable) presence for the final episode:

Which of course, sets the ball rolling for Matsumoto-kun's Summer 2010 drama, 夏の恋わ虹色に輝く, Natsu no Koi wa Nijiiro Kagayaku:

And while Natsuniji is still showing, the next person's drama has also been announced, フリーター, 家を買う, Furiitaa Ie wo Kau, for the Fall 2010 slot - I think the guess for who's the said person would be pretty much narrowed down by now.

Because they all come in succession :D One after another.

Since they have been doing it over the years with each member's drama every now and then, such as Ninomiya in Ohno's Maou, Ohno in Sakurai and Ninomiya's Yamada Taro, Sakurai in Ohno's Uta no Oniisan, and more - but this year's drama has all been strung together in sucession with them guest starring in the drama before his own. I'm guessing that the said person would make an appearance in the final episode of Natsuniji too, sort of like to get the ball connected to his drama? :)

Yes - Japan TV drama slots has been invaded by Arashi for every season.

~~As if they don't already dominate with their variety shows here and there, their CMs, their posters and adverts of endorsements on the streets and subways, and moreeee.~~

I think the fans are spoiled - each drama has used the group's music for its theme song, so we had four singles in a row (and one added exclusive from Sakurai-kun's Mitsuya CM), so really, the odds of the Furiitaa, getting out another single from the boys is very much high *laughs*.

It's getting a little predictable but it's amusing for me.

one day that would just be it

2010-08-21T00:28:00.005+08:00

I was reading something for a bit and then I thought - that's pretty much true for me too I reckon.

One day, whenever that day is, they will no longer be the boys that they were, are...and they will gradually be pushed off the limelight to make way for the younger ones, and they will then be a fond memory on the CD shelf, or in a corner of a bookshelf, or stacked in a large box, etc.

Right now, it's been a fantastic two years worth of rainbows and laughs and spazztastic dorkiness.

And there will be that one day when it ends and becomes a fond memory.

I don't know when that will be - but until that day comes, the sparkly rainbows and good laughs are always welcomed :)

this makes my day pt.2 :)

2010-08-09T23:43:00.003+08:00

Before I begin: The Japan football team is awesome :)

And now on to the funny in my day --

A reaction to the unfamiliar:

An introduction to the unfamiliar:

A response to the unfamiliar, now very very familiar:

And the awe creeps in:

And hits home with all amazed and honored feelings:

Why are his expressions so priceless? *laughs*

Blur blob much? ♥

And finally, because I support them, the Blue Samurai, and La Roja :D

Two members from an awesome team with brilliant plays :)

this makes my day :)

2010-08-06T22:33:00.002+08:00

♥

And when there's this laugh:

Hello happy rainbows :) ♥

the lad with brown hair

2010-07-22T22:08:00.005+08:00

Pictures say it all, don't they? :D

Buckets of affection for the lad with brown hair :)

His voice never fails to make my heart dance a jig with this warm sunshine glowing within. What the heck. No, really.

*Credits for scan: jesychan@LJ & sng & katokathy@LJ & hudie.com

random moments

2010-07-19T22:41:00.003+08:00

There will be moments when I focus out of JE, okay, out of Arashi - and lately, I think someone else's pretty charming. I mean, I have watched his tv dramas here and there, but never really gave a second thought much, yet he's pretty charismatic on screen regardless of the roles he plays.

Right now, while randomly flipping around J-dramas, I am very much happily indulged in 'Yankee-kun to Megane-chan'.

Because he is just slapstick funny with those odd facial expressions of his and the whiny brat of a character :)

He makes me laugh - like really laugh out loud.

Does this means Ohno's off the pedestal?

Definite no :D

*Scan credit: teamrainbowland@LJ

summer song

2010-07-03T21:22:00.004+08:00

July beckons with a new summer song :)

My mom actually finds him charming! Though she found him to be rather short in height *laughs* She actually likes the fact he's an artist :)

And mom thinks Sakurai-kun's pretty admirable for holding up the image of an idol + university graduate + newscaster, something which she doesn't think much idols could do so in a juggle of such roles.

Ninomiya-kun? :D I love Kaze no mukou e's PV for the mere fact he's featured playing the guitar in it *laughs*

New ringtone? Quite likely, yes :)

those brown hair and dark eyes

2010-06-20T00:44:00.003+08:00

See, there was a phase that I went through where I thought all guys who wore eye makeup are just - well, spectacular. Something along those lines anyway. I was really...taken by the darkened and emphasized features around the eyes.

So when I first saw this sometime back and refreshed myself again recently:

I'm so not surprise that I've still got that attachment for guys with dark eye makeup ~~and the fake moustache~~ :D

He was attempting to be the late (and awesome) Freddie Mercury. I really love the fact that Sakurai-kun cracked up immediately with just one look at Ohno-kun in the makeup and gear - Arashi clearly takes the non-graceful manner of laughing at a friend, even when you shouldn't be, such as Sakurai-kun laughing at Ohno-kun's shocked (and heartbroken sadness) expression at Ninomiya-kun's coughing up blood prank; or Ninomiya cackling and criticizing Aiba's melting Baka-tono makeup despite the poor lad's insistence that Nino should stop it and he really tried hard at it too. Yes - Arashi has no sense of empathy when it involves their fellow groupmate(s). They even enjoy watching their leader being frightened by a huge snake, who by the way, was squeezing his eyes really shut and almost spazzing in fright, but like hyenas - the rest just enjoyed the scene by laughing their heads off :D

And, the adorable golden brown locks has apparently been cut off recently...I sort of knew that was coming cause he had just ended his drama and preferred his hair short than it's long locks, but I can't help wishing he'd keep it for a little more longer.

♥

It was nice while it lasted I guess :)

I'm guessing he'd have it cut to his usual style but probably not too short, but I'd like to think he kept the color cause he usually has his within these shades of brown anyway :) *laughs* I guess I'm sort of excited to see his new hairstyle.

I actually prefer the hairstyles Arashi has as compared to the Korean/Taiwanese entertainment lads, and some Japanese ones - because the latter ones can be just so irritatingly alike! No offense to those who love the Korean music lads but to double with seeing guys on the street emulating them with those longish locks dropping over their eyes with the long sideburns, slight shaggy in the back, dyed brown or kept black, coupled with those silver earrings - my nerves sort of frazzled. At least some J-lads have the decency to go for their own do, and my favorites in the Western scene has got their own too (actually, the latter pretty much has their own style for the most of it and most of the time, it's scruffily simple or neat and short).

Actually....Aiba-kun's current hairstyle sort of fits into the description I just mentioned *laughs* Okay, maybe it's just impartiality talk there.

*Credits of scans goes to SNG

belated

2010-06-19T13:23:00.002+08:00

Two days ago I spazzed the Nino-love, because it was Ninomiya Kazunari's 27th birthday ♥

But really, he doesn't look his age. ~~Then again, Ohno-kun doesn't either.~~

Anyhow, the lad turned 27 :) For all the stingy, money-making side of him, with quite the sharp tongue and borderline cruel mischievousness, coupled with the fondness of all things music, he makes a nice presence in the world *laughs*

But of course, no entry would be complete without him, and to top it off, he is the other half of Ninomiya-kun anyway. As in totally stuck to the ~~brat~~ lad because Nino apparently loves his leader to the point of huggles, gropes, cuddles, kisses - basically being all giggly chummy that it among the reputation of Arashi :)

*GQ scan credit: Lady_Ishtar@LJ

something that makes the heart skip a beat or two quicker

2010-06-10T23:13:00.007+08:00

I've seen the scans previously but never really thought about it much until today when I was very much curious about something after seeing a certain .gif for an episode of HnA where the very, very toned washboard abs of a certain lad was revealed completely. I was pretty much in awe - not in awe due to lack of exposure to such physical features but more of the awe due to the fact that I didn't quite think all five had it in them.

And no, said lad in mention isn't Ohno, but Ninomiya. I guess the upcoming Gantz had him working out quite a bit :)

No, this isn't a post to spazz on visible washboard abs or anything of that sort that involves five amazing lads with their top off and revealing the band of choice boxer briefs with their jeans slung low around their hips.

It's just an appreciation on how well they take care of themselves to the point of not being stick-thin like some would assume J-boys to be.

And the fact that I think I have some fetish for the back upper arms to the shoulder blades of a lad :)

If he strips off the black tank, it's...well, very nicely toned with defining lines.

Sakurai-kun is of course, the one with the most well defined 'perfect body' (sloppy shoulders or not *laughs*) which he has been maintaining since he was...about 21 or so?

*small voice* It was this image that had my heart suddenly skipping beats quicker and I realize that I've hardly came to notice of the length from a lad's back upper arm to the shoulder blade until now.

He used to be pretty lean but because he's been working out, apparently, he's gotten much fitter with those toned arms :)

Aiba-kun will always been the lad with long flailing limbs of adorable goofiness, regardless :D

And finally...

I once mentioned that I thought Akanishi Jin was quite the 'wow' with the suave flick of his lips (and tongue) along with the movement of his hips when he dances. And that I thought Nishikido Ryo and his smoldering stare was pretty sexy. And Johnny Depp's dark eyes and snark of a smile at times were intensely attractive. Billy of GC and Pete from FOB with their dark eyeliners made me smile in appreciation. Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty with their grins and toned abs had me flushed with giggles. And Cory Monteith gets me with his sheepish yet earnestly sincere smiles and grins.

But really - I've never felt so attracted to a single lad's back before okay? It's just the darn back - a total first.

The awesome part, it's leads to steady smooth shoulder blades and very toned upper arms.

Admittedly, my heart felt like it just did a jig *laughs*

*Scans credit to SNG

massive storm :D

2010-06-05T13:10:00.002+08:00

I find it amusing, although a bit frustrating, but nevertheless amusing:

What does it say?

"Today will be remembered as the day Arashi fans crashed CDJapan server, and we will power up our servers even further to match their POWER!"

Arashi crashes the server at CDJapan *laughs*

I think the other online shopping sites probably had a slow down as well before quickly running around to back up their servers and all that stuff :D

But really, it's insane - the moment the news was out, everyone began lurking about and the moment of its availability arrived, the storm just began massively. Excuse the pun. I was checking HMV.jp, admittedly lurking there, but I left it for 30 mins and it was up and when I clicked on it - it was sold out!

My immediate reaction was - absolutely aghast and suprised and confused and denial (I kept refreshing the page) and crushed.

Just for five lads. Someone suggested that Arashi should pay for the servers they crashed :D

creepy coolness

2010-05-16T16:10:00.008+08:00

In a tiny bit of happiness:

It's just so - awesome?

Ohno-kun looks incredibly cool, well, more of cute actually with that golden brown dyed hair of his. Nothing like the soon to be 30 year old :) I love the mysterious sketchy music of their new single, especially on a dark stormy night - cause the lyrics are positively wretched & thrilling.

5 x10...pt2

2010-04-30T23:38:00.004+08:00

A little late cause I was distracted with Glee, but here goes the second screencap spamming of the lads' amazing tenth anniversary string of concerts :)

The Domes footage+a slight bit on the credits.

So it starts off with Fukuoka Dome, with the giant balloon...and the guys floating way up high above!

If this serves to be a pretty awesome sight, think how awesome it would have been in the massive Kokuritsu Stadium :D

I think from down below, the lads must have looked like some sort of angel in their white outfit with shimmer of gold while floating way up above.

And then it gets to their MC moments, where Sakurai-kun revealed how two particular members of Arashi had spent a night sitting out in the hallway of their hotel with the saddest aura around...

In between screencap because I think Aiba-kun's laughs is so camera-worthy:

...only because said pairing, who sat across one another with puffy eyes and sniffling noses, were talking about how amazing it is to be in Arashi :) The love! They started reminiscing about their 10 years and ended up in tears in so much gratefulness to be where they are with who they are now. This is nothing short of admirable. Two members of a group who has never had a fight or even an argument, talking about their love for their group ♥

In between screencap 2 because I just adore his smiley faces:

And then right after, Sakurai-kun revealed how close Arashi really is - till the point where the three of them shared a single shower cubicle together! *laughs* They will never grow out of it really.

The lads demonstrate how it's done: One using the bottom pipe, one using the shower head and another, using the water streaming off the one who's using the shower head. Creative. Very.

I love his side profile :)

And in Sapporo, the lads find out that their fans aren't just females but with a heck load of guys too! They got so amused and amazed with the fact and had the males in the concert arena to shout out their love, rofl.

And here's Sakurai-kun with one of his adorable looks to imitate a male fan:

The lads also asked their eldest of his birthday wish since his birthday was drawing near.

He hesitated for a bit as he thought about it.

They keep prodding him - telling him that it's okay whatever it is and if it's too expensive, they will just split it among themselves.

Adorable much :)

So he finally answered, "A boat."

And laughed.

And the rest of Arashi immediately spluttered of the ridiculous price they would have to splurge for!

So much for being willing to spend for whatever it is their dear leader wishes for, lolz. And of course, said leader defensively answered that they were the ones who forced him out of him anyway! *laughs*

A footage from 'Attack It!':

It's amazing how the song really gets you into the hype and you just want to groove along to it and jump around :)

And a footage from 'Believe':

He really, really, has great looking arms :D

Their performance of 'Believe' has got to be among my favorites cause it just shines on stage, the dance moves , their voice with the song, it gives off a very cool and charismatic aura.

And really, I still think Arashi's concerts are among the amazing ones cause it's so filled with unexpected surprises to thrill and delight. Like blasts of fountain:

It's a gorgeous sight.

In the next MC digest, Nagoya was it(?), Matsumoto-kun wanted to change into his staff tee and Ohno-kun decided to be the personal assistant:

Or rather, the crazy little odd pervert!

Which he earns a smack in the head for it right after :D

And then Matsumoto-kun revealed of the infamous sleeping in the hallway incident.

Aiba-kun apparently got locked out of his room in the dead of the night in his shorts, tee and barefooted too, he couldn't remember his manager's room and he didn't want to bother the others, so he decided the best solution was just to sleep right there - in the hallway!

And of course, Matsumoto-kun received a shock seeing his bandmate laying almost dead-like in the middle of a hotel's hallway!

An interesting fact of Arashi, they humor themselves and one another a lot. Really a lot.

They have their own celebratory bridge:

With a one-man bridge to cross in the end:

And because Matsumoto-kun had missed the one time they did it the night before, they reenacted the scene for him again because if they were to wait for the next concert, it would mean a really long wait.

And their youngest humored them to go along with it.

And the eldest happily saluted the youngest once they were done :)

Randomness? You bet.

Finally, the Dome digest included their performance of 'My Girl':

Friendship & love abound! ♥

And Aiba-kun got so excited to sing that he almost start too early but Matsumoto-kun stopped him in time and reminded him the cue *laughs*

And Ohno-kun is ♥

So is Sakurai-kun ♥ He's really, really, good looking - in spite of all dorkiness he may exhibit :) But really, this newscaster's not just a looker, but he's got the brains too :D

Note that Ohno-kun looked a little wary and Ninomiya-kun's hand reaching down...

For the usual groping of his best friend's behind!

Ohmiya love :)

Ohno-kun's so used to it that he doesn't even bother to push Ninomiya-kun away, like the former said, "I'm already used to it." :D

But of course, Ohno-kun wanted to retaliate:

And he does!

But thereafter got smacked by the younger lad. It's an unfair world where Ohno-kun can never grope Ninomiya-kun but it's a given for the latter to do so towards the former :D

And in a slight bit of the Credits footage:

I cried at this...teary-eyed when Sakurai-kun started, sniffling and tears streaming when it came Ohno-kun and buckets when it came to Matsumoto-kun.

This is why I adore them so, because they are still so darn humble despite their status and all.

a little random, out-of-it from the usual

2010-04-25T21:00:00.004+08:00

I know I spazz alot on five certain lads. And I've gushed all over about their music and dancing and all that, but every now and then, I take a break...

...and start spazzing entirely over something else just as awesome.

It's My Life with Confessions Part II is a mash-up that keeps ringing in my head ever since I first heard it on Glee :)

I love Kurt. He's so charming with the occasional sharp wit :)

It's amazing. So amazing that I replaced 'Troublemaker' with it for my cellphone's ringtone :D

redefine the word

2010-04-19T00:29:00.004+08:00

Presenting the adorable prince of monsters:

Kaibutsu-kun :) Large ears and all!

He's the kind that you just want to hug when he's smiling and gets all cuddly but yet very tempting to smack at when he's being all bratty and whiny.

This is him in his 'human' form, and the non-human form would be the regal but slightly creepy cat-like creature, as in - the pic on the edge left :D

He redefines the whole prince charming concept - not that I'm complaining or anything ♥

5x10...pt1

2010-04-11T21:24:00.003+08:00

There's loads of footage of the lads' 5x10 concert that I simply love to pieces....and I'll admit now at the start of my entry that indeed, I teared up at certain parts. As it's hours worth of Arashi-goodness, I'll split the spazzing into various entries so as to not overload a single entry with too much screencaps :)

First off, the digest of their 30.8.09 Koukuritsu a.k.a Arashi's playground, concert:

It was raining. Buckets-worth. Cats and dogs. Massive. The kind where Matsumoto-kun wished he had little wipers at his eyes XD

They were soaked like wet ducks!

And of course, microphones died, including Ninomiya-kun's, which died just midway of his solo line at the final chorus of 'Beautiful Days'.

And naturally, the resident 'brat' of the group shook his head in defiance with an almost-throttle of his microphone.

But as usual, Matsumoto-kun comes to the rescue just like he did for Ohno-kun the previous year, with his own microphone to share. Matsumoto-kun is love!

And like the close-knit group that they are, the other three had turned around in concern at the sudden drowned voice of their snarky boy;

It's friendship at its best people :)

And love while we are at it :D

Soaked, flopped, withered, crinkled, soaked....

Not that the lads minded the rain as they were laughing it off and were more concern of their fans' health than themselves. Reason to love them even more so :)

Aiba-kun's adorable! :D

And of course, nothing dampens their spirit and they continued with the celebration of their youngest member's birthday;

And got him a shiny sparkly gift while they were at it XD

The rain didn't stop, even after almost an hour or so I reckon cause if their set list on that very day was the same as the day before, the rain continued on to 'Attack It!', 7 songs after 'a Day in Our Life' where the rain had began its heavy downpour;

To 'Believe' to which is the 17th song after, where it was still raining just as heavily!

The good news: the rain did stopped after and allowed the boys to be free from pelting raindrops and horrible wet vision.

♥

But here's the thing about Arashi;
Water + stage = playtime. Regardless if they are already dry and clean and nice.

Starting off with the youngest,

The middle one,

The second eldest,

And the eldest - yes, with three months to his 29th birthday

And where's the second youngest in this group of five?

Sensibly holding onto everyone's microphone just so they can go play in the water without ruining anymore microphones :) (note the lad in red pants!)

It's at times like this, time when it concerns money, that Ninomiya-kun is the most grown-up one out of all of them XD He's amazing that way.

How often it is that you see a 28 turning 29 year old, running around, skidding and sliding in water with such genuine and wholesome joy? Never grow old at heart, Ohno-kun :D

And of course, not that the mother hen of the group and newscaster is anymore less juvenile XD

I love dorky Sakurai-kun :D

Aiba-kun loves water. He's not just the miracle boy, the mad scientist, the bumbling dim lightbulb XD, the emotional boy, the mirror man, but also - the water boy! :D

It's all ♥

And to think it's just the digest footage and not the Dome footage or the main concert footage XD More spazzing in the next entries :D ♥

spazzing moment

2010-03-21T22:31:00.003+08:00

And because I'm very much fascinated by the lads:

The feathers, the shiny and glittery, the colorful, the afro, the leather, the preppy, the casual - all in one, the many looks of the lads over the years. And I honestly love this fanvid to bits because of how much it was edited so well to fit the song and how nicely it displayed the lads' various performances.

And of course, while I'm spazzing over that, there's the spazzing over this:

And this....

...simply melts my heart with the sincere and raw lyrics of a sweet and gentle emotion :)

the soon to be monster...

2010-03-21T21:54:00.002+08:00

Is adorable.

As in really, absolutely, utterly, undoubtedly, all the way - it's just gotta be him.

Just look at that face of utter boyish charms ~~never mind the fact he'll be turning 30 soon~~ :D

He wins. All else. Forget whatever I've said previously in all my fangirlish gushing that des not include him. He is - well, the rainbow smiles and sparkly laughs in the dark rainy gloom.

Oh, and side note: the song playing in the background of the CM is very much potentially another awesome single of Arashi's :)

if i could have my say...

2010-03-11T21:42:00.003+08:00

...my guy would be someone who:

has various kind of laughter - one in particular, if he's really amused, would be hyena-like with way too much enthusiasm
laughs on rollercoaster rides, crazy gravity-defying rides
is not afraid to tell the world how much his loves his friends
loves his mom's cooking
enjoys his hobby a lot with a passion and sense of accomplishment
finds almost any edible food to be delicious
smiles with genuine enthusiasm
doesn't doubt his girl even if he sees her in the accompaniment of another guy
spaces out when he's too quiet so he has to fidget around for a bit
takes life at a neat and calm pace
doesn't get angry at life, people or himself
cries when he feels like it and doesn't hide it
doesn't get annoyed even when it's obvious his friends are bullying the heck out of him
doesn't get cranky when he gets waken by a ruckus
bravely soldiers through anything crazy and scary but still freaks out every now and then by the funniest things
makes silly faces without hesitance
finds happiness easily even with with the smallest and simplest of things
is rational in thoughts and decisions be it for clothes, life, love and food
cherishes the people around and with him

Regardless to say - there's only one such guy at the moment. And that's Ohno Satoshi :D

of monsters and superheroes

2010-03-07T18:49:00.003+08:00

I didn't realize it until now, but my previous post was my blog's 500th post :D Wow, to think I blabbed and rambled that much.

So just for kicks, I kept thinking how adorable that one lad in particular is now known as little monster :) Or rather, Kaibutsu-kun.

The adorable (and somewhat burned) lad on the right?

That's the little monster :D

He'll be playing Kaibutsu-kun from the manga/anime of little horror monsters and oddballs. The lovable kind. As in:

The dorky adorableness goes to a level that causes hysterics of much love really.

And coincidentally, the lad on the left in the first image - has once played the character of a superhero with tendencies to go 'Yatta!' complete with hand up in the air in a Y shape.

They are really for good laughs. If their regular tv shows aren't enough, there's this for more amusement.

And just for kicks, I was delightedly surprised when my brother recognized Ohno-kun immediately from this scene. He doesn't think much of the guy, once calling him that 'little bugger', but he knows well enough of how much his little sister adores said 'little bugger' to bother to differentiate him from the other four. Even my mom humors me by naming him whenever I point him out - though she thinks Sakurai-kun's much admirable and charming.

Really, I am just amused in general with the fact that Arashi has this silly effect on me.

troublemakers?

2010-02-28T18:18:00.002+08:00

When I first heard the song on MS, I couldn't stop myself from grinning and inadvertently, nodded my head to the beat before mouthing certain words for the lyrics. And by the time the performance ended, my head had the tune drummed in firmly. And infectiously so.

Presenting, Arashi's latest single: Troublemaker :D

It's different from their usual feel-good rainbows and happy warmth, cause this sounds like - crack rainbows on a high with sunshine spilling all over? XD The start feels like some retro cabaret intro that suddenly bursts into a clash of colorful music that spills all over in a march before falling into dancey smooth chords for the beginning vocals. Then comes the follow up to the chorus which takes you into the warp happiness and wham, the insane crack of rainbows just hits you in the face and draws you right in with the crazy grins and all.

Sakudork anyone? ;)

Some might think he's weird, but that's okay, I like him weird.

Undoubtedly getting high.

I think he looks really good with the permed-crimped hair :D

The charming one whom they lads themselves refer their youngest as 'Ouji' i.e. prince.

Peter Pan. Almost flawless and always youthful looking skin.

My favorite dork, regardless of his flail and fail XD

Ohmiya love but of course, Ninomiya a.ka. the brat, retaliates with bullying all the way throughout the PV :)

The PV is amusing :) Very.

finding a reason

2010-02-20T22:24:00.002+08:00

I find myself utterly fascinated, still, by the mere fact that five normal lads can bring much hilarity of an amusement to me and at the same time, bring ribbons of warmth, sparkles of rainbows, twirls of abashment.

Then, now, probably another ten years or so I reckon? :)

Going from five scrawny lads with a long fringe, to five lads with dyed rebel looks, to five with utter fixation of being silly, to five lads of rainbows and well, dorkiness, to five charming lads, and at the moment - five very much loving and affectionate bunch :)

The selflessness & amazing-ness of the five emerges with one letter alone. Just one letter but it perfectly speaks volumes of each member's personality and character, while fitting in the context of the friendship :)

I think they are admirably awesome. I really do. And for some reason or another, I tell myself that many years from now, when I get all old and foggy and wrinkly and my hearing turns to a dimming hum - I never want to lose the music that I've once listened to which had brought much rainbows. Oh, and in the corner of my heart, a special soft spot for a lad named Ohno Satoshi, alongside with the rest of Arashi :)

the druggie

2010-02-14T21:04:00.005+08:00

When I'm feeling sluggish, mellow, without much of an enthusiasm - there's always the need for something to boost the low spirits and to bring that smile. You know, something to get all enthusiastically, almost ridiculously, happy with with that stupid grin on the face and flailing hands.

This is said drug for me:

Just one dose and the the effects kick in almost immediately. Within seconds alone, the lips curve upwards, tugging and growing, as the body starts to sway side to side.

And the humming begins with eyes glazing with that spark of excitement, that jolt of thrill shoots up the spine and the grin goes full-fledged all out.

And the feeling hits beyond the roof and over at certain points :)

Neon yellow + white + black has never looked much of a matching combination until now.

His performance swept my heart to be captivated, most likely for until the end of time, by him and him only.

The piano, the raw emotions, the sincere lyrics - it painted a pretty mental image of something so tender and charming.

The venue for AAA2008 at the Kokuritsu (National Olympic Stadium - home to the 1964 Summer Olympic) with a massive capacity of up to 57,000 people, became the lads' personal playground for two days as they ran, shouted, jumped, danced, laughed, screamed, sang, and skidded in the water, to their heart's content.

The Olympic cauldron whose flame was officially lit for the first time in 1964, came to life again :)

So they basically had two stages. One's at the Olympic cauldron, and the other at the up front elevated ground level. Wait no, they had three, with another in the middle of the stadium.

They played with lights, confetti, balloons...

Imagine all those white balloons floating up in the air amidst the dark sky with the lights from the venue illuminating the pretty sight.

Five lads with a genuine exchange of mutual affection :D

Water fountains, anyone?

And of course boys being boys, the opportunity to fool around and play is always grasped with a grin and encouragement...

Like one particular lad here :D

History within their 10 years (and counting); the lads decide almost everything and anything with 'jankenpon' i.e. rock-paper-scissors.
Need a leader? Janken!
Don't want to eat that horribly foul-smelling, so-called food? Janken!
Dunk a pal into a huge container of water? Janken!
Why, it's perfectly normal!

Which explains why in the middle of a summer night, one of them is stripped down to only a pair of Bermudas, standing next to a large container of cold water:

This absolutely explains why I reasoned he's utterly adorably amusing :)

If their oddness isn't enough, try imagining a few lads in their mid 20s, skidding and sliding around the stage in puddles of water from the rain and the mini-fountains.

It started with one dork,

Before the other followed right after....

....and gets a reprimand for splashing the jeans of another...

...but continues in all amusement anyway! Keep in mind that these are two 27 year olds (with one of them due to turn 28 within 3 months), who are supposedly the 'eldest' in the group.

Naturally, regardless of good things or bad things, in life, we all know the youngest usually has the tendency to follow the lead of the elders. And of course, the same goes for this.

Personal playground all the way.

So really, the drug's effective enough for a whole good three hours worth :D ♥

when one's away, the other comes to play

2010-01-26T20:21:00.002+08:00

To be honest, the excitement & enthusiasm level was higher than it was for Vampire Knight, or even any other - including for one certain lad by the name of Ohno and his gang :)

Maybe because it's infrequent, so infrequent, and the wait is so long and tempting and almost daunting that when it's released, it's all the more thrillingly sweeter and exciting.

That, or maybe because I simply have an absolute fixation for Crosszeria Luka

:) Explainable, much?

I really do adore Odagiri-sensei's works, from amazing and captivating, to charming and beautiful, to amusing and adorable:

Plus, it's also always nice to see a character's younger years, it's like the little bits that the mangaka shares with you for some sake of squealing over the adorable innocence that a child would have :)

Young Shusei then...

And Usui Shusei now :)

Renjou Hotsuma then....adorable really :)

And Hotsuma now - talk about fiery-eyed glare.

I think I've just lost all my patience and 'abstinence' in not getting the manga already - I mean really, all five volumes are readily available, the sixth and upcoming one would be just as attainable...therefore that leads me to the point of to just buy them, grab my Japanese dictionary and obediently sit myself down and translate them myself. Sounds....easy :)

Anything's possible with the motivation of Luka :D

every now and then

2010-01-12T21:19:00.002+08:00

I switched the header again :)

2010 brings about a new start and another fresh set of 10 years for the five lads :D

Clearly my fixation with them is irrevocable - we'll just add in the words 'for now' to be safe. However, I am still amazed with myself for the fact that I sleep with the most assurance when their songs are playing in soft tones in the background. Even my mom has come to accept that I am actually sleeping without being distracted when the songs are on 'play' mode. When I'm tired and drained out, all I want to do is just hear something of theirs that's playing in my head :) When I'm about to lose all rationality due to stress, their songs tuned me out for a moment. When I'm happy - it's them and the massively upbeat, happy songs :D But when I'm upset, it's a prayer to the Lord with Ohno's solo in 'Dream A Live' though.

Really - the day I do the soundtrack of my life, I can tell almost half of it would be Arashi's songs XD

But seriously, I am most amazed with my addiction of a fixation that has yet to cease. Namely:

Why is it that he still captivates me so with such fascination and admiration - I have yet to really figure it all out.

the happy drug shot up my arm

2010-01-02T20:02:00.003+08:00

I couldn't stop every bit of tickled amusement within me when I watched this.

The adorable dorkiness of it all, what with those eager face-splitting grins, rapid hand movements here and there - it made me understood how did I made the transition from Kanjani8 to Arashi. Equal dorks XD

While Arashi did their rendition of 好きやねん、大阪, 'Sukiyanen Osaka' in Tokyo Dome, Kanjani8 did 'One Love' from Kyocera Dome. It was rather amusing to watch them goofing off to it though it seem a little off with the song cause it's a very pretty love tune, but the seven lads made it a comical love splendor.

Arashi had found it amusing. And they seemed pretty much attached to the song as seen with them singing along to the song :)

And in other happy highlights, the five lads as they rushed from Kouhaku to the countdown in their dashing white outfit:

It was surreal to watch them performed at the Kouhaku from the tv screen of my home with just an hour delay broadcasting :) It was obvious with how they felt important and nervous, yet very much excited, to be performing the first time at such an esteemed event :) And their performance was every bit amazing.

And back to the countdown, whenever they came out - the screams just amplified. Especially so with 'A-RA-SHI' starting up. It's hard not to get hyped up with that song. What with the whole 'super boy', 'we are cool', phrases XD

A happy Arashi-tastic way to start off the year :D

2010 :D

2010-01-02T00:56:00.004+08:00

It's the new year and a resolution is a must.

So I'll make it quick and simple and easy....

Always find the rainbow of happiness (along with the dorky & goofy) in Arashi :) The happy drug to my system.

Like that wasn't predictable enough :D

choosing favorites

2009-12-10T21:56:00.003+08:00

After endless entries of one Ohno Satoshi, I figured I should be more general this time. General as in, Arashi in whole :D

I was having random thoughts this morning and Ninomiya popped into the mental picture and I felt myself grinning like an idiot, literally, at that. Which thus prompted me to wonder why isn't my favorite the snarky guy with the most sharpest wit and comeback - and consequently feeling slightly guilty for even considering of ditching Ohno XD

But being honest, sometimes I think it's tricky to settle on one particular favorite when it comes to these guys. Each with their own charming side that undeniably, pulls one's interest and affection almost easily. For yours truly, each guy draw the attention in the following mentions:

Sakurai Sho - his facial expressions, his enthusiasm that is rather child-like at times, his amazing streak of creativity at charade

Matsumoto Jun - his hand's movement when he picks a food item with the chopsticks, his almost flawless way of eating anything at all

Ninomiya Kazunari - his extremely sarcastic yet witty comebacks, his sadist verbal treatments towards his fellow members

Aiba Masaki - his extremely bouncy and cheerful self, his funny thoughts of how things work and his sometimes endearingly silly comments

Ohno Satoshi - his spaced-out self, his random thoughts and his genuine love for fishing and all kinds of food

And it comes down to the fact that it's a daunting task to choose between one of them. Five dorks that are amusing to the point of amazing. Sometimes I wonder how long would I be a fan, but I'd like to think as long as possible cause I am refusing to lose one of my reasons of rainbows and smiles :)

............

Okay, so I'll admit that despite mentioning of all five of them, the one who stole my heart in the first place and still has it with him, is still him. It's odd but he is sort of my voice of reason now and the calming climate I run to hide myself in when it's madness. His voice in 'Take me faraway' in particular, absolutely placates me when I'm upset, annoyed or angry. Soothing, distantly calming, slightly haunting yet comforting all the same. And every time I watch something of theirs, especially AAA 2008 - I find myself, undeniably drawn even more so to him.

I know I am in a serious infatuation and fixation, he's like - my personal brand of heroin? :)

the obligatory wish list

2009-12-03T21:12:00.003+08:00

Okay, so it's not obligatory but don't every birthday comes with a wish list of some sort? I'm absolutely late this year, but that's cause I didn't put much thought on wish lists this year. I think I'm as happy as I can be without any additional stuff :)

Still, the list out of good fun:

A bag
An Ipod Touch
A cellphone
A stack of Kinokuniya vouchers please :)
All volumes of Uragiri wa Boku no Namae Shitteiru
A 160G external HD
A bunch of Kitschen vouchers (do they even have those?)
Arashi's TIME concert DVD
Nintendo DS
A couple IKEA vouchers (?)
Blackbird Fly Lomo camera (white or red)
Ohno Satoshi - really, when I was singing along aloud to 'All I Want for Christmas Is You', I only had Ohno Satoshi in mind. Seriously.

Oh, and something that just came out from yesterday night - Taylor a.k.a. Jacob Black please :)

quick post: new moon :)

2009-12-03T19:34:00.002+08:00

Finally watched it :)

It was - satisfying, partially.

There were quite a few scenes that caught me by surprise, those that amused, and those that weren't much agreeable, and those that were touching. In all, I would give a good pat on the back for the effort.

Edward was spectacularly Edward. What else can one say? Oh, the fact that I absolutely still can't contain my giggles when I see his facial expressions cause it's a little, well, odd at times :) Book Edward still wins over, as usual.

Bella was alright, she was convincing but some scenes came out forced.

Jacob? I felt my heart going all out to him - surprisingly. When I read the book, I didn't felt much (like I've said - book Edward absolutely draws me completely) but watching Taylor bring Jacob to life, it became realistically emotional and real. And there's the fact that the buffed up Jacob under the rain did caught my breath for that brief moment :)

Pity there weren't much scenes of the Cullens, hopefully 'Eclipse' would make up for that. I have to say, the wolves are adorable - even when they are snarling and snapping.

In conclusion - I am anticipating the next movie's release :)

smiles all around

2009-11-25T20:29:00.003+08:00

I didn't say this then but I came across an entry that made me moved to tears because of the sincerity of it and how well it reflected - quite likely, for many. Just five people out of the six billion in this world - they are no politicians but are influential in their own manner, they are no stand-up comedians but boy can they crack the laugh out of you and make you fall off your chair, they are no gorgeous vampires (think Edward XD) but they can be charming enough to sweep you off your feet and your heart to skip quick beats, they are no philosophers but their thoughts of the people around them and the world are always insightful and honest, and irony of it all - they have no idea of any of these. But they are amazing all the same.

For 10 years and counting, rainbows, joy and smiles are showered - and how fitting with the meaning of their name, 'storm'. The humble and inspired me can't help but to convey a thank you from the bottom of my heart :)

And on to the next;

29 smiles of one particular birthday boy who's birthday falls on 26th, that's tomorrow :)

To start it off; the very goofy, dorky, insane grin:

This was how the five guys looked like then - boyish, toothy-grins and ready to cause a storm all over the world XD

This is the five boys now, grown and matured into fine young men but still with very dorky and childish antics :)

My favorite smileeee :)

This would be a favorite off AAA 2008 in Tokyo - cause he gets dunked, climbs up the large tank with a breathless look on his face and sprints off to continue with just a towel wrapped around his upper body and flip flops alongside his dripping wet board shorts. His mic dies midway and his bandmate immediately comes to his rescue while wrapping another towel around him. Absolute friendship at its best :)

I was going to pick his solo shots, but then I realize it just isn't complete to have one without the other four. Besides, Ohno-kun looks happier with all five of them :)

So the birthday boy's special date is due in almost two hours (Japan time). It's a date to celebrate and be merry and goofy and dorky. Seriously though, it's a day to be happy for the existence of someone artistic in the performing arts and literal arts, someone who takes life and the world in all its optimism, and who probably hardly sees the bad in anything - including food :)

29 - day 3

2009-11-22T21:18:00.002+08:00

Day 3: Something simple that doesn't require me searching through my HD and getting all distracted like the previous entry did :)

29 songs that Ohno Satoshi's voice brings me a warmly, tingly, stirring feeling within me or brings me in awe and admiration

29) Take me faraway
28) 時計じかけのアンブレラ
27) We can make it!
26) One Love
25) Crazy Moon ～キミ・ハ・ムテキ～
24) Carnival Night part 2
23) truth
22) So So So
21) どんな言葉で
20) 曇りのち、快晴
19) Love so sweet
18) パレット
17) Step and Go
16) 5 x 10
15) Re(mark)able
14) 忘れられない
13) Move your body
12) Your song
11) season
10) アオゾラペダル
9) Oh Yeah!
8) シルバーリング
7) 時代
6) 言葉より大切なもの
5) 明日の記憶
4) La tormenta 2004
3) Be with you
2) マイガール
1) 僕が僕のすべて

In no particular order and very much at random. The bolded ones are very much a favorite ♥

29 - day 2

2009-11-21T22:08:00.003+08:00

I am not too sure if this is going to be a countdown thing till the 26th, but while I'm on a roll, here goes:

29 Expressions of Ohno Satoshi - the funny, the cute, the insane, the weird, the sneaky, the snarky, the sane, the dork, the blur blob, and all that makes him the much-loved leader of Arashi :)

1) The starstruck, or rather, the mesmerized:

2) The mischievous:

3) The obliging:

4) The sneaky:

5) The happy:

6) The sheepish:

7) The boyish grin:

8) The hungry a.k.a 'Can I please have more':

9) The factual:

10) The complainant:

11) The spaced-out:

12) The listener:

13) The pressured:

14) The disgusted:

15) The dissatisfaction:

16) The singing @ high notes:

17) The wordless:

18) The snarky:

19) The lost:

20: The hopeful:

21: The despondent:

22: The euphoric:

23: The excuses:

24: The gallantry:

25: The contented:

26: The show off:

27: The goofy & dorky:

28: The pleased

29: The charming:

My favorite? All of them :)

And as an extra, if one wonders what it's like having a blur blob mellowed-out guy i.e. Ohno Satoshi, taking an exam in comparison with a studious and meticulous person i.e. Sakurai Sho:

Very, very obvious and their results in the end - a very pretty 94 for the latter...but the former did pass as well :)

29

2009-11-20T19:48:00.004+08:00

For some reason or another, that I am not entirely sure of myself - but I'm just really excited for next Thursday, 26th November. As in excited to the point where my heart feels like it's dancing a happy jig and the grin on my face just stretches wide and I feel like - like twirling about with bubbles and rainbows and sunshine and leaves and stuff. Odd, isn't it?

Next Thursday actually marks Ohno Satoshi's 29th birthday :)

I wondered to myself earlier this evening on what I would like to do for the special occasion. I didn't felt like eating a cake - which I actually did during Nov 3rd, another momentous date :) And I didn't think it would be appropriate to go watch 'New Moon' (if I'm not mistaken it's due to release next week Thursday as all movies usually opens on Thursdays) - that would be like infidelity. I mean seriously - spazzing on Edward Cullen and having my heart doing leapfrogs on Ohno's birthday? Definitely not. As much as I am drawn to the charming vampire, my affections are very much based on someone non-fictional and very much breathing. And so, I am a little at loss of something celebrative for the special day.

But for the momentary moments while I figure out something, here's -

29 reasons why the birthday boy equates to happiness in many forms for me:

1) He says the most random things at the most random moments - such as when everyone's fawning & gushing over a large, really furry rabbit with very floppy ears, his thoughts were how messy and wet the rabbit's fur will get whenever it pees.

2) He makes his hobby his life's passion, in fact - when asked what was the one thing he wanted to accomplish no matter how long it takes, his answer was his hobby - drawing and fishing cause for him, the former is something he can keep challenging himself with each new drawing he creates and the latter, the various bits and ends he could learn what with the hooks and rods and fishes, etc.

3) He is downright humble - even with more than 10 years in the industry and currently being at the peak as among the most popular ones in Japan, he still finds himself amazed with all of it and eagerly shows his thanks at every chance he gets

4) He is a very, very mellow person who doesn't get angry easily - except when you do something painful to him, then he's very verbally abusive XD But there's still no hint of a temper. At all.

5) He lets himself get bossed around by his fellow Arashi members, even the youngest at 26 gets to lecture him :)

6) He has a very, very charming grin

7) He has a very special taste bud, practically everything tastes delicious to him

8) He has an amazing talent in drawing

9) He gets himself sunburned without thinking much of the consequences and his image as an 'idol'

10) He's a mama's boy and it's very obvious with how much he adores her and respects her wishes and words

11) He is a very smooth dancer with various styles that simply amazes

12) His voice ranges from velvety low to boyish charming to masculine deep

13) He takes the world in his stride and doesn't feel the need to rush

14) He learns his lessons quick - such as when he was once late and saw everyone waiting just for him, he then made it a vow to never be late again, and he never is

15) He is such an athletic person that it doesn't seem fair at how agile and adept he is - even at something he has never tried before

16) He will not have a lack of faith and trust in his hypothetical girlfriend, saying once in a variety show that if he does come across in a situation where she was to be walking down the street with another guy, he would leave it be because that's just it, nothing to worry about. Wholesome and wholehearted trust, no?

17) He is sensible in his thoughts, which is pretty evident in his answers in Q&As and quizzes that are posed with life and love scenarios

18) He can be snarky when wants to, even if it's pre-planned but the look that he gives with his sarcastic remarks - classic.

19) He spaces out in such a cute manner

20) He actually, unconsciously or otherwise, cleans his teeth after his eats with his tongue which is a pretty recognizable gesture of the mouth for someone who does it herself what with the annoying braces XD

21) He makes me smile, just like that

22) He can't cook a million dollars worth, but even his simplest meals are apparently, simply delicious ;)

23) He inspires me with his thoughts about life

24) He gets very apologetic in the most formal manner possible whenever he has done something wrong, even if it's a small, menial thing he did

25) He laughs at himself and he's really playful - sliding and playing around splashes of waters, exactly like a ten year old :)

26) He always tries his best to greet the fans, to let them know he takes notice of them and he is very much aware of their existence, such as in concerts where he would be looking at a particular spot for a second before giving a 'V' sign with his fingers and then pointing out to let the person know he means her/or him amongst the many others in the crowd, or he would wave very enthusiastically before pointing out.

27) He can make really dorky and goofy expressions

28) He thinks the world of his family

29) He cries, unabashedly

♥

a toothy grin

2009-11-14T19:45:00.005+08:00

While Luka is away, the fangirl in me shifts to Ohno-kun...like always. Okay, maybe it should be the other way around, it's more of when the latter is away then the attention shifts entirely to the former :)

But before I carry on further - my mom dealt me a disappointing blow minutes ago. Apparently, as much as she understands her daughter's affection for Arashi and how she doesn't mind watching said group's goofy antics, she doesn't think they dance very well and Kimura Takuya is much more better than all five of them, even though she has no clue who the latter is. My reaction? Naturally, a whine and a quick defensive statement, but she didn't budge on her opinion so that leaves me to somehow convince her one way or another - even if it means getting her to watch said group's concert DVD :) My mom's accepting with stuff like this, which really - only encourages me more with the fandom, while my dad doesn't mind me, and my brother, he absolutely humors me. Point in case, when I skipped into his room with Arashi's new single and DVD, he sat there, listening as I pointed them out to him and he good-naturedly pointed out the difference in their looks from the previous. Needless to say, I was pleased to be humored :) I am still amazed my brother can very much differentiate Ohno Satoshi on a magazine cover - although he referred to said guy as the 'bugger with the crazy grin', something along those lines.

So, bringing me to the point of the very same guy and his grin:

His teeth, both upper and lower is way out of place, in and out, sharp and odd, but for some reason, it makes me smile so much.

And to be honest, throughout the years, it has never really changed. The upper ones were straightened a bit more but his lower set of teeth, at the left side, there's one that's obviously edging out in an odd manner. Strangely, it doesn't bother me at all. Cause when he grins, it shows and it's disarmingly charming, it really is.

It's the one trait that I found myself to be incredibly drawn to when it comes to him. He's not the exact definition of incredibly gorgeous, and some would pass him off as a typical boy-next-door, but he has his own set of boyish charms (even at the age of 28!) and that's complete enough. It's funny when I think of it that people often comment how much my name reflects myself - the whole smile part of my name's meaning, but when I look at it again, I think it not only reflects myself, but what I love as well. It's infectious and somehow, no matter how incredibly horrible a day or things can come to be, just that friendly curve of the lips is simply fulfilling. From a kid, a friend, a mentor, a parent, a sibling, a stranger, or Ohno :)

Apart from the sappy cheesiness, here's a moment of spazzing over how boyishly cute the guys were at the age of 16-19 when their second single, 'Sunrise Nippon' was released:

*Ninomiya-kun's epitomizes Peter Pan. He hardly ages in his features...

And simply because I found this image below rather charming:

♥

current must-have fix :)

2009-11-01T14:41:00.007+08:00

It's more like an obsession really, but that's not quite the point.

So, besides Arashi and Ohno Satoshi - I do have an interest outside said fandom ~~although yes, majority of my life's interest revolves around Arashi~~ and that being said, aside from music - I enjoy books to the point where I am currently feeling malnourished from the lack of reading materials but what saves me, partially, is the availability of manga which serves to quench the thirst every now and then. Of course, books as in those with heaps of text and material to draw images in one's mind and allow you to delve into another reality entirely, are so much more of substance and does amazing wonders to stir the human's emotions, manga are more of the relaxed sort with a setting of very lighthearted feelings - but depending on which manga, it can draw pretty amazing feelings for a reader as well :)

And so, the one that I absolutely adore to bits and simply dance a jig in delight every time a new chapter is scanlated:

裏切りは僕の名前を知っている, romanized as Uragiri wa Boku no Namae Shitteiru, also known as Betrayal Knows My Name. Introducing - the gorgeous and mysterious dark-haired guy known as Crosszeria Luka, and the wide-eyed charming fair one would be Sakurai(Giou) Yuki.

The story goes with the setting of demons and evil spirits in the real world, gothic-themed with mentions of various age old stories that are of today's traditions and the good vs. evil. And of course, within the good there's a bunch of amazing and interesting people with their own quirks and yes, powers. Yuki of modern day meets Luka, whom he doesn't know is someone important and possibly, dear to him in his past life, and the rest of the Giou family when all hell breaks loose, literally speaking, and that sets of the story :)

And yes, Sakurai Yuki is a guy - a very adorable and lovable one at that with the most kindest of hearts but with a lonely childhood therefore, he grew up to be deathly afraid of being seen as an unwanted burden and most of all, being all alone. He is of course, the 'key' in this great battle. And Luka? Yes, he's a guy - incredibly mysteriously amazing one at that, distant and aloof, non-human (hence the reason of his deathly good looks), rather cynical and peevish at times, but very, very caring towards Yuki.

If one follows closely with my ramblings - and places one and one together, the not-so-hidden context would be rather evident :)

Besides, Luka and Yuki, there's of course other characters:

Murasame Tooko and Murasame Tsukumo - siblings with much love :) Tsukomo is rather affectionate with his sister and takes opportunities to tease her to test her love for him, say, by asking her if he is not equally there for her when she commented how Luka was so much more at ease with Yuki by his side. The siblings, along with two other amazing guys namely Renjou Hotsuma and Usui Shuusei, are part of the group that make up the defense and attack line for the good side.

So there's, from left to right: Luka, Tsukumo, Tooko, Yuki, Shuusei and Hotsuma (the latter absolutely clings to the former and Shuusei seems to be just as affectionate to him) , Hourai Kuroto and Furuori Senshirou (two characters whom I've yet to know as I haven't got to the chapter where they appear)

Besides the storyline and the characters (all of whom reduces me to a happy-giggly person), the fact that it is by Odagiri Hotaru - just wins out all and it's honestly, the main reason as to why I love the manga. Odagiri sensei's works are not only lovely to look at, but they make sense without sudden jumps of something that could not possibly be if one tries to shift this alternate universe of manga to fit into real life. And, her characters are no way close to being classified as silly, imprudent and insolent. In fact, the words that they say are at times, hits close to the heart and reality - it's Odagiri sensei's manner of slipping in her thoughts and advice of life and people to her readers. For instance, 透明少年, romanized as Toumei Shonen, Invisible Boy, serves as quite the delight for a brief lesson in life as Kitou Yuushi (yes, the incredibly gorgeous and princely character mentioned somewhere in my other ramblings previously) and others - speak of words that makes you think.

Getting off-tracked back there.

So, this would be my regular happy fix as of lately because SiH has taken up on scanlating this amazing manga which is currently up to Vol.6 and I am simply tempted to just purchase the Japanese version from Kinokuniya but the fact that there might be at least half of the words I would not be able to make sense of halts me from doing so. My Kanji is still within a second grade level...or so.

But really, Luka is hard to resist cause Odagiri sensei makes him way too appealing.

Really, see what I mean? He is drawn in a manner where partially button-up slightly ripped shirts contrasting against dark pants are made to look amazing on him and only him. And no, it's just not for the colorful illustrated cover, but even within the manga itself:

He's sort of the guilty pleasure that I sneak to when there's no Ohno to fangirl for :) And then there's Yuki, and Tsukumo and Tooko, and Hotsuma - the perfectly hotheaded brat who is very amusing, and Shuusei - calm and quiet but always patient with Hotsuma.

And the wonderful good news? An anime of this amazing series would be out soon, well hopefully the 'soon' is defined as early next year as no release date has been noted but a few of the cast i.e. seiyuu has! Crosszeria Luka will be voiced by none other than the one voice which churns butterfly feelings within me as tingly feelings draw up my arms to bring a giggly shiver, Sakurai Takahiro (think Cloud Strife). Digressing a little, I just discovered that his voice was used for the Japanese dubbing of Twilight the movie, as Edward Cullen. That - is something I need to get a hold of and listen to because somehow, I can't think of anyone else who could bring alive a Japanese Edward Cullen XD The rest of the cast is notable as well with Fukuyama Jun, Daisuke Ono, Hoshi Souichirou, Inoue Marina, and the other one that made me really fangirlishly-thrilled: Miyano Mamoru (think Kiryuu Zero of VK) as Shuusei.

And that's pretty much it - I think I covered my fangirling randomness pretty well to induce some queasy feelings and shudder for some :)

*Credits of scan: Minitokyo.net

it's a fixation of an addiction really

2009-10-19T20:52:00.003+08:00

So it all started with this:

And continued with this, which only fueled it all the more so:

Before this came along:

And I knew I definitely, absolutely, have an odd fixation...very odd, and rather disturbing, but not that I'm complaining :)

So when it came to the new CW series, fascinatingly captivatingly titled - 'The Vampire Diaries', my curiosity (and fixation) got the better out of me. I've seen the book but never picked it up. But the TV series sounded intriguing, so I watched the first episode and so, introducing:

Stefan Salvatore.

Thoughts? He's charming in a vampire-manner but after watching him, I had a sudden craving for a certain Cullen XD The former reminds me of the latter cause of the clothing style, the mannerism, the speech and the eyebrows? Rofl. No really, the latter has really obvious eyebrows in the movie although I'd like to think the book version has less thicker eyebrows :) I am still very much drawn to book-Edward rather than movie-Edward but I'm not saying Pattison isn't charming in his role, lest I be murdered by the many fangirls out there.

I do find this scene of him incredibly attractive, what with that mischievous grin playing on his lips and the shades contrasting against that pale white skin.

Out of all of them - from Lestat (amazing vampire by the way - magnificent and cynical and sarcastic and downright vain and selfish) to Louis (charming although in the book he's overshadowed by the Lestat, but in the movie - he's nothing but rivetingly intriguing, and good looking by the way), to Kaname (hands down he's the vampire with the darkest heart but when it comes to one person - namely his sister-fiancee-soulmate, he hopelessly melts to meet her every request because he loves her) to Zero (almost there vampire whom by the way, the process of him falling into it is very much fascinating), to Edward (the hopeless romantic vampire who charms almost every other female heart) to Stefan...I'd say Kaname and Edward stands out the most. The former because of his emo-tortured self and how selfless he can be when it comes to Yuuki. The latter - because he's witty (like I said, book Edward is more...well, his personality shows a lot more than the movie), very charming, and a sweet romantic. Oh, and a baseball-playing vampire while we are at it.

I am considering on getting the new movie soundtrack since it's released without waiting for it to be released in stores here - yes, even without the movie being released, simply because the track list looks awesome and there's Muse, The Killers and one can bet it's going to be quite the mix :) To be honest, the one thing I was looking forward to for New Moon? The soundtrack XD

hello forgotten fandom :)

2009-10-11T20:06:00.005+08:00

It's been...almost two years or so since I actually bothered to completely listen to their music as a group, or to watch their clips, performances, etc. I was actually curious about them so I wiki-ed them just to find out what's new with them. It didn't take me long to dig through my stacks of CDs and to watch their past performances, etc. And the music began blaring out my speakers once more XD Hello forgotten fandom :)

Yes. The Korean boyband, Shinhwa 신화
Clockwise from top right: Hyesung, Dongwan, Junjin, Eric, Minwoo and in the center, Andy.

As embarrassing as it is, I'll admit that I fell for the looks above because they were so boyishly adorable with the floppy dyed hair, baggy clothes, and all that typical charms that could sweep a 17 year old off her feet and ultimately melt with much gleeful happiness.

But the time period I actually fell for them was during this period:

2004-2005 during 'Brand New'. Who's who? From left: Andy, Eric, Hyesung, Junjin, Dongwan and at the bottom, Minwoo. Mature men with the very adorable streak of nonsense mind you XD Their songs were addictive and I remember playing their songs over and over again, everywhere I went - it was just Shinhwa all the way. I remember my friends - who had no such interest whatsoever in any boyband at all, being able to name all the members just cause I kept rambling about said group. And of course, I made it no secret that I was in love, excuse me for my blatant motion-inducing words, with a particular guy amongst the six :)

In a way, Shinhwa was many of a lesson for myself. This sounds incredibly odd but I really do think they helped in my growth as a person. For one, I learned Korean because of their music - I can still recall meanings for certain words, and although not enough to save my life but enough to understand really simply & casual common phrases while I still can write and read Hangul characters. Secondly, I went for my first overseas trip alone without a family member and learned that I rather much had no such fear of being the lost kid but rather much the planner and navigator, somewhat anyway :) And then there was gaining my independence and almost-complete trust from my parents. My dad was furious to know my 18 year old self then was going to Singapore with a bunch of friends whom I've never met save for one, and for almost 4 days all for a concert of some Korean boyband (whom he does know that I'm very much into). My mom of course, was angry as he was, but she was more of the silent angry ones then. My dad had almost banned me from going but in the end, consented with the promise both my mom and him would be able to see said friends first before letting me off onto the coach that we would be getting on to get to the Lion City. My best friend was of course, really worried as well and kept reminding me to be careful and cautious. The concert, see here for more details and endless spazzing on the amazingness that is Shinhwa, was of course, amazing and recalling it now - I can still feel the exhilarating feelings once forgotten and the incredible rush of adrenaline. I returned to Malaysia in one piece and intact, happy and all, without a scratch - thus allowing my parents to believe that I could indeed take care of myself.

And the biggest one - I leaned how a parent truly feels for their child, no matter what they say or do. When I got back, I had launched into an immediate recall of everything to my dad in the car and it had been raining that evening as he drove me home. I gave him a kiss on the cheek and told him thank you for allowing me to go and to have one of the best days of my life (which indeed, 10 Sept 2006 is a day recalled with the most fondest of memories) and my dad - he was teary-eyed as he quietly said that it was good I was happy and he was glad for that - but he was most happiest with the fact that I'm finally home, back with him where he could actually know I am safe. I didn't have anything to say to that and that was the one moment in my life where I think a part of me grew up. Cause from that day onwards, I never ever once thought that my dad and my mom are trying to control or ruin my life by not allowing me to do certain things, or being in a certain way, etc...those typical rebellion thoughts, they were all thrown away cause I knew that deep inside, they just wanted to keep me close to them to keep me safe. That's why even as a 21 year old now, I never saw the need to argue over curfew and never minded it either. Things that they would rather not for me to do - I'd try my best to oblige by it.

So yes, in that sense - Shinhwa brought out memories of fangirl gushing, but also life's lessons :) So here's a little promise I'd make for the fandom - when they make their comeback in two years or so, as the band is now inactive what with majority of them enlisted in the mandatory army service, I'd be sure to show a fangirl's support by getting their new album then :)

I was actually laughing to myself as I recall how much I gushed over the group those days - I mean, referring to my entries in 2005-2006, I'm pretty sure it's filled with Shinhwa all over the place. Until now, Hyesung's voice still brings warm tingles within me. The voice that soothed my nerves when I was upset, miserable, lonely, and the voice that made me smile and grin - I guess it's the 'first love' for me in that sense. I mean, of course Ohno-kun's voice makes me happy, but honestly - he comes second behind Hyesung? Because to be fair, the one voice whom I first loved to listen to at all times of the day was Hyesung's :)

Does this means I'm reverting back to my previous fandom and forgetting all about Arashi and Ohno-kun? If hell freezes over, probably XD Even as I listen to Shinhwa's songs, etc...I am amazed that I still recall of him:

Consider myself a lost case when it comes to one Ohno Satoshi okay? :)

*Credits for Ohno scan: snoew&change417@lj

quick post...a self-reminder post :)

2009-10-06T08:02:00.002+08:00

I thought I wasn't being obvious enough to myself - what with the neglected subbed episode I didn't watch and the music I wasn't listening to when usually - the former would be watched as soon as I could possible get onto the comfort of my bed with a snack in hand, and the latter - well, I'd be listening to it at least more than an hour or two simply because I keep having their songs played at the back of my head.

But when out of nowhere he appears in my dream when I least expected it (a very cute dream at that)- it's a reminder to myself, hello - neglecting much? :)

Why yes - clearly he's still very much the person whom I am very emotionally-attached to :)

a little fascination

2009-09-28T22:37:00.003+08:00

I feel bad, well really. I went fangirlishly (that is definitely not a legit word, excuse my butchery of the language) happy over someone not Ohno-kun or Arashi for that matter.

See the screencap below?

The middle guy? Okay middle if you look hard enough, otherwise, it's the guy second from right. Tall, floppy-haired like, fair and suspiciously good looking? Yes, that's the one.

Upclose shots:

Masamune Asuka. Kendo Captain and enthusiast.

My point?

I was baited by the Kendo-look.

Masaki Okada (think HanaKimi, the adorable guy who gets his name mistaken all the time) is the actor above and he really nails that shoujo manga look which of course, goes in line with the story itself, Otomen :) So far, it's pretty interesting...funny and entertaining but plot wise, well it's not as gripping as HanaKimi or HYD, but serves pretty nicely for a light hearted J-drama.

So -- I realize that I read too much manga cause when I first saw Asuka in here, my first thought was, 'amazing'...okay, so I said 'kakkoii' without a second thought cause that word just flew out like that - embarrassing indeed, on how much he looked like he had stepped out of the manga into a live action drama. And I was so drawn into his Kendo scenes. Which brings me to the real point - I think I'm too fascinated with Kendo and Kyudo (Japanese archery) for reasons beyond my comprehension. And yes, Masaki-kun looks awesome in the Kendo attire.

happiness in a layout :)

2009-09-27T13:48:00.002+08:00

The layout's changed! If that isn't obvious enough :)

Featuring the one and only, current favorite of mine whom I define as the guy whom I'd give more attention and affection that I would for any other because he's just simply...Ohno :) I was actually sorting through various images and each didn't fit what I had in mind and so, it came down to this. I wasn't keen on featuring just one person alone seeing as I was so into getting the banner to be more group-ish, but this won out and here it is, proudly plastered on the top. I had actually considered revamping the layout entirely, as in the entire template and all, but that would mean more work which equates to me being unhappy about having the sudden load of making up the whole layout again inside out, top and bottom. So I decided not to because I am rather fine with the simplicity of it seeing as I splash each entry with colorful images anyway, so the otherwise plain background gives it a good balance from being over-saturated :) And so, it's just given a fresh look with some slight edits, color change and of course, the banner :) ♥

10 characters

2009-09-22T17:48:00.004+08:00

So I was wondering to myself, after 'JAL Boy', which male character of a J-Drama whom I found myself very much charmed with and with much curiosity on my end, I started making a list and it came down to this:

10 J-drama male characters whom I - well, am charmed with:

10: Serizawa Naoto of Maou

Ikuta Toma. Ikuta as an actor, is very much versatile and charismatic. Any role he plays is very likable, even if it's the irritating Oribe Junpei in HYD2. For Serizawa, he was intense and tormented with a torrent of emotions as a detective in deep guilt of his past. Serizawa's got the very cunning look and the motor mouth with a quick temper but he's got a good heart that comes with it. And the quick witted brains. Focused and dedicated to his work and his friends. Admirable much.

9: Asakura Keita of Change

Takuya Kimura. He's bound to be in the list alright - he's the Takuya Kimura XD Anyhow, Asakura - a character who was the reluctant Prime Minister-in-running who's actually really dorky in his private life but really humble and down to earth with the most unexpected quirks. When he does become the Prime Minister however, his leadership skills shone with his exceptional belief in walking the talk and being with the people. And he's like this split personality guy - at home, he's the curly afro haired dorky guy with glasses and out in the public, charming and suave Prime Minister XD

8: Yamada Taro of Yamada Taro Monagatari

Ninomiya Kazunari. Ninomiya, like Ikuta, is a talented actor. Professional and amazing in all his roles be it comedic, serious, reluctant, handicapped, sullen, torn - he's just that good. I've never found myself not liking any of his roles really. So Yamada Taro stands out a little, why? Because he's charming! Rofl. But really, his smiles are amazing in here and that closeness he has to his younger siblings is so adorable and heart-warming. And his facial expressions are much love :)

7: Yoshio Ezaki of Osen

Uchi Hiroki. I haven't watched much of Uchi's acting but in Osen, he is downright funny and entertaining. His whiny expressions, complaints and griping - they are surprisingly not annoying but instead, brings a fresh humor to the usual comedic roles. And he cooks. That wins me much XD

6: Kurosawa Hikaru of Majo no Jouken

Takizawa Hideaki. Takizawa is a pretty good actor and very much a charmer on screen. His boyish looks wins him the hearts of many - including yours truly when I first watched a drama of his. So - Kurosawa Hikaru...all around high school rebel but with the most romantic heart and the fidelity beyond his years, it's hard not to love him. He's sweet and thoughtful and goes at lengths for love. How is it that I would not be charmed by him?!?

5: Odagiri Ryu of Gokusen 2

Kamenashi Kazuya. Kamenashi is quite the actor - depending on roles, I suppose. For this role, he charmed the socks off me. Yes, clearly I've always been infatuated with the rebellious type of guys, the sort that defies rules and regulations XD Odagiri is the bad boy with the very, very cool image. He's sensible and rational, that hint of maturity is there, but he just abandons school and studies just because. Hello, typical I-am-too-cool-for-school. But he's just - I don't know, I simply fell for his character okay, let's leave it at that.

4: Nakahara Shouta a.k.a. JAL boy of Attention Please

Nishikido Ryo. He's good, as in really. I was impressed with his portrayal of Oikawa Sousuke but yeah, that's the DV guy so I can't possibly be charmed with someone like that XD Anyhow, Nakahara is definitely among the top because he's snarky, sharp-witted, slightly temperamental, no nonsense, yet very much an ambitious guy in his early 20s doing his very best as an engineer for one of Japan's top airlines. Yes, I got charmed with that poison-tongue of his. He doesn't take things for granted and learns whole-heartedly. Despite his snarky side, he's also pretty cute. And he looks good in the jumpsuit XD

3: Nakatsu Shuichi of Hanazakari no Kimitachi e

Ikuta Toma. The only one to make it in the list twice XD I did mention he's an amazing actor didn't I? Nakatsu by Ikuta is so much love. He's a dorky character that you can't help but adore. The things he says and does, gosh, it's dorkiness to the max XD He's funny, charming, lovable, caring, kind and exceptionally loyal...and he's a soccer freak. Hands down, he's an ideal guy :)

2: Naruse Ryo of Maou

Ohno Satoshi. Naruse is Ohno's first full drama role and he is hands down, simply amazing. I've never seen anyone with such versatility to switch from someone all-hell-breaks-loose evil to someone with such warmth affections to someone of broken regrets and despair, as good as Ohno does it. No, that's not impartiality there XD Naruse is of course, evil to the point he's in likeness of the devil. But what I actually liked about him, is his vulnerable side - one that he showed no one but Shiori. When his defenses break down, one can't help but to feel for him, to be on his side even though he's the mastermind behind the spring of killing. I don't know, he just makes me feel so drawn to him somehow.

1: Hanazawa Rui of Hana Yori Dango

There's no way no one did not see this coming. Portrayed by Oguri Shun, Hanazawa Rui is simply the character to fall head over heels with. He has the prince charming aura which is a plus. But what really hits me is that never ending affectionate gaze that he holds. Always gentle and tender with a small smile that lifts his lips, his protectiveness for Makino is simply heart-warming. He can be pretty vicious when it concerns a threat of her well-being, but otherwise, he's this really mellow guy who takes life easily in his stride. Hanazawa Rui is defined very much as the perfect guy ♥

That completes the list :)

Oh, in a special mention...a small cameo role as the flyer guy:

That voice and that expression - I think my heart skipped beats faster than it should :D

I was editing a lil and I realize, crap, almost completely and overwhelmingly so, the characters are in a pattern. The JE pattern....from 10 to 2. Except Oguri. At least that shows I have an interest outside of JE. I think.

an unexpected notion of the heart

2009-09-22T00:30:00.003+08:00

I feel bad. I really do. But hey, the heart does as it does and sometimes, it's inevitable and irrevocable(I absolutely love this word ever since I saw it on the back cover of Twilight - it resounds with such finality of a promise)...so, with tightly shut eyes and hands clasped together in front of my face and the apologetic line on my lips,　本とにごめなさい大野くん！錦戸が少し好きだ。ごめん！でも、本とに、少しだけ。So in case anyone's wondering what the heck am I babbling about...feel free to translate via Google Translation but really, because it's so pointless with much bumbling idiocy - that's quite the reason why it was babbled in Japanese instead XD

To make things short - I watched Attention Please again and the JAL boy (see pic below), for some reason or another, brought up something I had much forgotten. And boy do I feel guilty. Cause really, the heart goes ドキドキ whenever he's of subject...

.............

Sigh.

your smile - that's it

2009-09-14T23:41:00.002+08:00

Every once in a while, I'll find my lips curling downwards in a small frown or forming a thin line as I bite onto my lower lip.

It's amazing how, at this very current moment, I appreciate the existence of one being in particular because his smile, is simply infectious :) I'd love to say it's someone special who stands more than just a friend in my life, or some sort like that, but that's not it. He's someone beyond that but regardless of it - for this moment in my life, he'll be that one person whom I'd always remember as the one who brought rainbows to my days. Well him, and many others who've brought me such love and joy always :) But there are times when I don't get to be around said people and there's the missing and the partial sadness, and a dire need of a comforting smile from a friendly face somewhere.

And so - the guy in the lime green polo tee on the far right?

The quirk of his lips upwards, the spaced out look that appears every now and then, the nonchalant answers that leaves his lips, the quirky thoughts that voices every now and then...

I'm floored at how they never fail to make me smile. And that's all I really need for my day really - a smile to my face just to feel it's alright and it's all good - even when things just reek from the start.

.......Well of course this was going to be somewhat fangirl-like XD This blog has turned into quite some spazzing wall for me :) Sometimes when I look back and read it, I find myself shaking my head in amusement (and yes, in embarrassment) of the things(or should I say people) I say and do and love. But for posterity purpose and reminiscence sake, I'd like to have this entry here. A reminder of someone special who's being touched my life in a way he wouldn't have expected :)

what makes me smileee :)

2009-09-12T20:42:00.004+08:00

Contrary to the squeaky clean image the boys have, they are actually a bunch of people who dislike losing, especially to their female equivalents but they can be absolutely funny while they are it :)

And when the competition is stiff, name-calling begins. Not for the opposition, but within themselves XD

First one up, in Ninomiya's words - "The stupid goes first"

And Matsumoto happily slaps Aiba in the back to prompt him to go. Clearly the latter's endearing dimness is no secret :)

However, when hope seems to be fading away, the sheepish faces appear:

And the obvious pressure begins to mount..

...on the unsuspecting leader of the group whose eyes widened at the mention of his nickname in the same sentence of the targeted points:

Adorable? Very much yes, thank you ♥

He saves the day by the way, with a very nice catch that equaled to neat five points difference from the previous 200+ point difference :) Like I've said before, throw the boy into anything sport/athletic-related and he'll excel in it XD

And when they are so close to winning, they always get together to have a quick review of their strategy...

But there would be no way in hell they would actually allow Sakurai to go up as the last crucial batter:

Even if it means running after him halfway across the studio XD

And trying to hold him back and away.

But like mentioned, the boys are generally really nice people and are very much affectionate to one another...until the point where they relented to Sakurai's persistent words with much heavy distress on their end. And loads of doubt, by the way :)

So when he gets points below their intended target...

The faces of wordless disappointment appears as the words 'I knew IT!' is painted on their faces.

And the shamed lad?

Self-pitying in the corner...lamenting and apologizing...

Naturally, the other four are absolutely wordless - cause it happens every time. Sakurai is the hopeless one among them when it comes to sport and anything athletic XD

But of course, there's always the Choice Prince who has his skills sharpen from endless DS sessions:

And the final result? With all those name-calling, pressure and stress, momentary havoc and insanity, near disappointment and closeness to losing?

They won and mobbed the camera with their triumphant looks XD

They don't like to lose. Really. But the process of seeing them trying to win? Very, very amusing.

a moment of spazzing

2009-09-09T20:35:00.002+08:00

I've always thought and still do - one of my most favorite of a guy's character, is Hanazawa Rui's. Okay, so maybe that applies only to the Japanese live action adaptation of HYD, but still.

I can't even count the times I've been charmed - absolutely and positively, by this being who I'll unabashedly admit, takes my breath away with each and every smile of his.

And naturally, since I admire said character so much (and of course, the actor who plays him), I'd inevitably adore the character's every bit of quirk and personality whims. And Oguri-kun as Hanazawa Rui has this very, very affectionate manner of calling Makino Tsukushi. Playful and warm, gentle and comforting like the bells of a church on a beautiful spring day, the name plays off his tongue with such a feeling of adoration. Ma~ki-no.

So when Aiba Masaki - read, the adorkable member of Arashi who is spazztastic with his absolute randomness, says of his favorite line in HYD...

And carefully enunciates the very line that draws my heart to skips beats quicker, and with this smile of his when he's done:

I almost fell over with such glee cause he came so close to Oguri's tone of voice in calling Ma~ki-no :) It's very much squeal-able :)

Even Sakurai-kun and Ohno-kun gave their thumbs up in agreement of the wonderful line delivery, as Ninomiya-kun watched amusedly and Matsumoto-kun protested in embarrassment at the unexpected delivery :)

Aiba-kun is lovable. Very ♥

you absent mindedly made me fall for you

2009-08-09T22:25:00.000+08:00

This - is going to be long and pic-heavy. Early forewarning =D

So, I was watching the solo cam by Sakurai-kun and Ohno-kun the other day - for How's It Going summer con where they took charge of a vid camera for some time to film their concert days. And between the two, quite obviously which, made me realize how irrevocable it is my feelings for someone as it had gone to the extent where it's undeniably, positively, absolutely, well - deep?

Getting on to Sakurai-kun's first:

2.52am - the boys had returned to their hotel after a day of their concert, only to hang out at a hotel room to eat loads of crabs while watching their concert footage and being total goofs with each other.

So they mess around until it was 4.38am - which mind you, in between the short hours, Sakurai's cam gave off good footage of what these adorkable guys do at the late hours of the night when they really should be asleep. But, we'll skip all that simply cause the screencaps didn't turn out too well XD

And four hours passes:

With all five dead asleep at the back of their tour bus!

Note the black t-shirt boy at the far corner XD

They reached their concert venue - all five getting down from the bus and into the venue with sleepy yawns and bleary looks and Ohno? With the radical yet amusing just-got-out-of-bed hair =D

I've never seen anyone with such indifference when waking up with such a hair and yet goes about like it's nothing and he doesn't need to run a comb through it before anyone else sees him, including a video camera whose footage will be seen by thousands.

And then Ninomiya steals Sakurai's cam for a little while to film Ohno, just as the boy was drawing.

Yes, he is that good. Art + Ohno = Amazing!

Okay, so it's bias-capping here.

Mild enough everything up there. A few giggles and laughs. But what really got me?

His cam:

Throughout his cam's footage - his laughter was infectious, his wheezing and whiny voice was amusing, his train of thoughts was interesting, and it's pretty clear how much the rest of Arashi actually adores their leader.

Anyhow, skipping to the near end of his 5 mins worth of footage - something within me just stopped for a brief second as this scene came on.

I think it was my heart.

And for the next second, my breath constricted as my lips tugged upwards into an unknowing grin and butterfly feelings fluttered within me -- yeap, this is when I knew I am absolutely, positively, just...so emotionally-attached to this one person? XD I can't believe I fell for this grin alone - so badly.

ANYWAY, continuing on, the boy then shows off his meal for the day:

And brings the camera back up to reveal his very excited and mischievous look:

He then goes on to take footage of his fellow members, with Sakurai looking absolutely forlornly cute:

Matsumoto being totally dorky:

Ninomiya being really ridiculous and Aiba (who was sitting beside him and laughing away) humoring the former.

And then he pulls back the camera again to end the footage with this amazing grin:

If it's anything, the cam footage sealed his position -- dare I say it? His position in my heart ♥

Okay - so enough spazzing about the boy alone ~~and my undying confession~~

Now, the guys make incredible entertainers, singers, actors, grandchildren, newscaster - in Sakurai's case and artist in Ohno's case, but really - they would make great babysitters/childminders as well =)

Here's Sakurai and Ohno trying to coax a year and a half darling little girl to play with them:

And failing miserably with her not giving them the slightest interest. Rofl.

She cried for her mother and Sakurai immediately picked her up with a comforting pat and allowing her to lean on his shoulder for comfort:

Very, very paternal-like =)

And soon fell into sleep, as naturally most young kids would after an exhausting session of crying. And she wasn't the only one who fell asleep as Sakurai discovered.

So did Ohno XD

Lolz.

Anyhow, Sakurai woke him and got him to make lunch for little Koharu. And the next scene? I almost burst into fits of giggles okay?

*melts*

So the adorable chef starts to cook (if it's anything Ohno can't really do among all tasks thrown at him - it's cooking XD ) and when it was done, he anxiously awaited the little girl to taste and try it.

She answered with an affirmative and Ohno's reaction?

I just love the way he does that little celebration with her XD

And more screencaps of the doting father-figures:

Adorableeeeee. I mean the little girl. Oh, and of course the two guys with their very gentle care towards Koharu-chan =D

Arashi pwns everyone else - or anything else for that matter ♥ Period XD

quick randomness

2009-08-06T00:31:00.002+08:00

Because it's 12.30am and I should be in bed in order to wake up on time for work in less than 7 hours, so this is - a sneak preview to what I had in mind to post my next entry about:

~~I think I've...inevitably, undeniably, and irrevocably fallen in love with this boy ♥~~

bring in the dorks

2009-07-25T00:27:00.003+08:00

Before anything else...a short picspam feat. Ohno. Simply because =)

His expression towards watching the VTR of his own performance...the look changes from surprised to embarrassed to bewildered to critical before going back to the shyness with a grin.

Adorkable ♥

And that ends my short picspam just because....okay, so it's because he makes me really fuzzy-happy.

Anyhow, the main point of this entry is to acknowledge that cool guys aren't necessary all serious and suave and charming all the time. Oh no. Especially not with Arashi. Especially them.

They may have a Keio Uni graduate who is also a brilliant newscaster, a Hollywood actor who has earned the praises of many, an artist with an exhibition of his own, an actor with multiple diverse roles, and a TV host with an impressionable charisma - and they can all sing in delightful harmony while dancing with such coordination and agility...

...and yes, they can look darn good as well.

But they are not one to shy away from disposing their pretty-boy image and charming self and exchanging those for these below:

From an episode of Arashi no Shukudaikun with guest Yama-chan - the presentation of Arashi's insanity and incredible dorkiness that simply amazes. For the particular episode, instead of the regular food-eating session with the guest's favorite, short talk and a game (or two), they went with a board game created by Aiba for kicks and which they haven't played since 'G no Arashi'. Simply roll the dice and see where you end up with, with the mission of heading to the goal before the show ends. The columns aren't just your regular 'take 3 steps back', ' miss a turn' - those are menial stuff. With Arashi it's:

Pull a stocking over your head.....

...for the rest of the show's duration.

And there's no running away to escape your fate.

Get ejected for 15 minutes from being on camera, on stage - despite the fact that the said show being a less than 30 minutes program.

Getting a black marker to draw around your nostrils...

...to highlight an unnecessary feature which many wouldn't even think of accentuating in the first place...

...and with the artistic help of one Ohno Satoshi who was lucky enough to not land himself any punishments...yet.

Oh, and there's also acting the part of someone who isn't quite what you'd define as perfectly normal. Think weird hand moves, odd sounds and wiggling of hips.

To top it off...dropping your dignity by wearing t-shirts with holes at very, very particular spots.

Between them five, actually - all five of them, can be passed off as some sort of pervert lunatic XD And yes, they did all these on a pretty regular basis a few short years back.

Coolness is just an image to charm. But the real attraction is the dorkiness that simply shines. Arashi - wins hands down with their amazing ability to simply make fun of themselves with such good humor and eagerness XD

baseball boys

2009-07-12T19:42:00.004+08:00

I've always had a thing for baseball jerseys. It's a uniform for the sport, but at the same time - serves as a unique piece of clothing for a casual look. So if given a choice of my favorite item of clothing, I would say the baseball jersey - just because.

And as I was going through randomly the files on my HD, there was one for J-Sports 2003 - where coincidentally, the JE groups play a big match of baseball, including Arashi XD So naturally, they were all in the sport's gear. Looking very much - cute.

Aiba in J-Red's uniform =)

The excited boy who sat on the bench throughout the whole game (he isn't into sports much although if you throw him into anything sport or athletic-related, it's very rare that he doesn't shine in it - he's just that annoyingly good XD )

Another J-Red team member, and the wonderful pitcher for the team XD

Both Matsumoto and Sakurai are in J-White, but I reckon they really looked good in the white uniform =)

Bias screencap XD

Simply cause I thought I needed a clearer shot of their uniform. I couldn't seem to screencap the scenes where Matsumoto goes up to bat - which is such a pity cause he looked really, seriously good XD

And screencaps of all 5 boys' numbers:

And so, during the entire J-Sports, Ohno-kun was being really spazztastic:

For instance, getting himself attention when the whole spotlight-thing isn't on him in the first place. What happened: It was after their soccer match and Okada Junichi of V6 was being interviewed after the match's final. And Ohno so happened to be standing nearby. Somehow, he turned around as the young lady spoke to Okada.

The result: And the silent and so-called inconspicous cam-whoring begins.

The final conclusion: That wry smile is so evil yet mischievous.

So besides all that baseball stuff, there was the How's It Going summer concert which I watched on my com last night. It was great, really awesome and truly proved what amazing performers the boys are. I'm not going to ramble on 'So-So-So' by the golden boy, cause that would cause way too much screencaps in this entry. But I will say go bloody watch it because it's amazing. A performer with great vocal chords and very, very smooth dance moves.

Anyhow, that some montage at the beginning and near end and a few particular scenes which I found so incredibly random, but so Ohno.

Yes, the boy sneezes in front of the camera. And then he looks back up with this:

And gives this boyish grin for his randomness!

Okay, so just because we are going on his randomness, here's another ~~and one of the reasons as to why I'm so incredibly drawn to him~~:

I'm incredibly drawn to smiles. Grins. Whichever. I can just be simply so drawn to someone and instantaneously like(platonic-speaking) that person just for the smile/grin. Ever since I've been a child. To be honest, if there was a 'bad' stranger who wanted to trick me when I was a kid - chocolates and sweets would fail, very much fail - but if he/she had a brilliant smile...I think I would follow like a bee to the honey. Rofl XD

However, the one thing that just sealed the deal?

The unexpected performance of a song I had never heard before from them. The beginning itself was sweet and lovely as their voice sang in harmony for the intro's english lyrics to 'Palette'.

When he suddenly started to sing his lines, something within me just...it was as if there was a sudden rush of a delicate warmth, a feeling of something so gentle and soft that I just...teared up. I think it was the first line of the lyrics itself. Now that, is the first time I found myself so emotionally moved and teared up with a song on the first listen. Usually, it's after the first listen when I'm really paying attention, or just a slight tugging of the heartstrings for some really good ones upon first listen (e.g. Leehom's 'Heartbeat' or Ninomiya's 'Niji' or Utada Hikaru's 'Prisoner of Love').

I really need to get a book - to simply fill my time with something more substantial. Instead of these frequent pic-spamming. Geez.

how do you know when you are completely hopeless

2009-07-08T22:40:00.005+08:00

Like the entry title says:

1) You feel something within you just go 'wow' at the sight of his intense, concentrated face
2) You breath falls short at the short bit of his voice - two words spoken
3) You can't take your eyes away from him, simply can't
4) You feel an extreme need to re-watch him all over again, and better yet, in all his full glory
5) You feel your heart skipping beats faster as he pulls his vocal chords to a higher notch
6) You think everyone else you've previously came across just PALES in comparison
7) You wonder how is it possible for someone to be so charismatic and charming yet know it's only him to be able to pull it off
8) Your eyes simply widen in amazement at the sight of his body with your jaw dropping a good few inches - cause you never expected that underneath that small frame of a person is someone with washboard abs, very perfect abs at that, and arms that despite their slim look - has a good amount of muscle build.
9) You grin at the sight of him being so pretty & flexible at cartwheels, backflips, somersaults, etc.
10) You think him being all spaced-out with the very spaced-out look is actually very endearing and rather amusing
11) You actually like his habit of fiddling with anything and everything because he can't sit still and be silent as he would be total out of it into his own world
12) You immediately conclude he's so worth it
13) You blush and get giggly when someone so much as mentions his name
14) You like the sound of his name, the way it plays off your tongue
15) You think him getting a sunburn is funny and not incredibly silly
16) You love watching his hands - doing anything at all
17) You listen to his voice over and over again because you know it's the one thing that blocks out all else in your crazy life (which by the way, you probably are crazy as it is, never mind your life)

Conclusion - I think I'm plain hopeless.

I should stay away from my computer and the internet. And music and CDs and mp3 player. And...and everything and anything that draws me deeper into this case of a hopeless bumbling & babbling girl.

Doesn't this entry seem rather, I don't know...completely filled with innuendos of the non-innocent kind? But really, it's all innocent feelings and thoughts - I suppose the words came out suggestive, that's all XD

P.S. This doesn't mean I'll stay away from his solo 'So So So' because his voice is incredibly, let's just say - he brings sexy back okay?

picspam - after ages of procrastination

2009-07-05T21:26:00.005+08:00

Since a new look has been given to the blog (with images from Arashi's latest single, 'Everything'), I thought I might as well stop procrastinating and begin updating this place with a picspam XD

Starting off with '明日の記憶' which like I've mentioned before, is such a clean and pretty PV with the themes of white and hints of blue. The song itself is lovely - at first at glance, it seems like it's a melancholic song with tones of sadness and parting, but looking at the lyrics clearly - it's not exactly a theme of an ending but more of a beginning to something. Like the saying goes, one door closes and another opens.

Clearly and obviously how my impartiality just shines when it comes to a certain someone...

Next to Ohno, Ninomiya easily steals my heartbeat ♥ How could he not with that smile of his?

There's something about the way Matsumoto holds the camera that makes me feel all, 'wow'. Generally, if it's anything to do with his hands, I'm just all amazed.

Alright - this is blatant biasness. Guilty as charged.

I really think these scenes of them are pretty cute - in some way. Not exactly adorable-cute, but maybe along the lines of charming-cute? It was nice to watch a natural interaction between them as they watched, laughed and commented one another. It gives off the PV the completion of a sense of everyday-ordinary feeling.

And then for their new single, 'Everything'. Very summer-ish but not the hyper-happy kind, but more of the warm-mellow one and it grows on you after a few listens =)

Sakurai always sings with a smile - it's so disarming! Even in intense and dark songs like 'truth' XD

Aiba is simply lovable - dorkiness, goofiness, silliness and all. He's so one of kind that I don't think I've ever came across anyone like him.

He looks darker here because recently, he's gone fishing for long hours (try almost 25 hours on the boat) without a sunblock. The result - as seen in recent appearances on Arashi's regular TV shows - a really sunburned tan of a skin for this fishing dork. Yet he still makes my heart melt. And honestly, no one can just get themselves so burned and have me laughing in such good humor and amusement without a hint of incredulity. He can get away with anything - and clearly, I'm hopeless when it comes to him XD

And the end =D

I figured out why I tend to procrastinate stuff like this - because it's time consuming and quite the hassle really.

the beautiful world

2009-07-05T17:45:00.002+08:00

An unrelated entry from the usual, but taking a break from all things Arashi and ~~Ohno Satoshi~~ I just thought I would have something that I've written up elsewhere to be here as well =)

You know, sometimes it isn't all lost - amidst the crazy upheavals and fears and gloom that surrounds us, there's always something or someone to bring that sweet silver lining - tiny as it may be, but it's a ray of hope. I know things aren't perfect and there are others out there who are oppressed of their freedom, their voice, their rights - and it's unfair, it really is.And there are those who are feeling hungry, sick and absolutely exhausted. Those who have to run the 5km to school, those who savor the rainwater instead of the murky tap water. It's not entirely beautiful and perfect. And sometimes, it brings a heavy feeling to the heart to know, hear, read and see of those mentioned.

But as I stayed up late till 4.30am today, I stood by my window to feel the blustering rain sweeping past my face and clothes, to hear the rustling of the trees and the soothing sounds of the wind, under the dark and orange-like sky -- for a moment there, I felt a sense of peace. A wonder of nature, a moment where it felt as if all unhappiness were swept away with the wind. I think it's the little moments like these that helps one to keep their sanity. I think we all have something or someone that gives us a safe, calm escape and we should never let that go cause when we do, I think that's when we just lose sight of hope. Sometimes we tend to forget these little stuff and chase after things that provides a false sense of comfort and when we lose that - because it was so extravagant or some sort - we get absolutely crushed and think it's the end.

This entry was also brought about by this wonderful person on LJ who archived all of Arashi's performance, which reminds me of another who archived all subbed Arashi videos - for the simple reason of sharing. Nothing for them to gain, yet they share all the same. It's a simple gesture of kindness - that's how I'd like to view it. It's selfless when you share and it's happiness and delight that you provide when you share.

So really, I think it's not the end of kindness and hope for the world just yet - if it's the small things like these i.e. sharing between fans and non-fans alike, then isn't it possible of more bigger attempts of kindness and hope? ♥ So I reckon we should do it - even the smallest bit - to bring a silver lining to the lives of everyone =)

shameless plugging

2009-06-20T17:25:00.003+08:00

Simply because I love her too darn much and she makes my weekdays so bloody happy:

Her felt craft is amazingly cute, and very affordable =D If you are looking for something unique and adorable for a gift idea or to treat yourself, do check it out ♥

a vid says more than a pic would

2009-06-16T22:38:00.002+08:00

I was going to spam the post with screencaps but watching Arashi's Crazy Moon～キミ・ハ・ムテキ～ for the hundredth time (okay, about that much, considering I keep having it looping again & again), got me thinking that it wouldn't do much justice to the awesomeness of the PV with just screencaps. So - I thought a vid does much more better...hence me taking the easy way out with a link to said PV.

Arashi's Crazy Moon～キミ・ハ・ムテキ～
Reasons to watch it:
Ohno looks incredibly awesome in it
Arashi's dance skills really shines in this PV
Matsumoto's laughable perm (but he still looks nice!)
Sakurai's charming smiles & gazes at the camera
Aiba's suave delivery of his solo lines
The multi-angle takes at the boys' dance
Nino sneaks a cheeky glance at the end of the PV
Ohno is such a smooth dancer
The song itself is irresistible
You'll find out the reason to why Ohno rules my fandom world and why I can't stop gushing about him XD

But of course, in all fairness, the single was also released with another lovely song, a ballad entitled 明日の記憶 Ashita no Kioku so that induces another vid - where Ohnno looks just as incredibly cute =) And they all look so fair, and white, and nice, and...clean? XD Oh, and Aiba is simply adorably charming here.

The main point of the post is: I'm just simply in love with Ohno Satoshi ♥

Yes, the declaration of the year, and it will very, quite likely remain that way for the rest of the year =) One of my 2009 resolution is fulfilled - to stop paying so much attention to Nishikido Ryo...but yeah, in return, I got stuck to Ohno XD ♥

quick post!

2009-06-01T23:27:00.003+08:00

Just a short & quick randomness:

From Arashi's new single - Crazy Moon ～キミ・ハ・ムテキ～, PV, which by the way, the song really, absolutely grows on you after the first few listen. And Ohno Satoshi? Simply jaw-droppingly good looking XD

How can the blur blob of a dork be so strikingly suave and charmingly dashing? No wonder I am still so stuck to the fandom - cause Ohno just wins me over anytime XD

three cheers for a new look

2009-03-15T23:21:00.003+08:00

With new textures to play and meddle with - here comes a new look for the month. Well, not that I'm planning to change it every single month. The default font color has been changed (though the much older posts are still in the same color they first were as they were defined per-post not by default) to less ruin the eyesight. While the theme sort of reflects a point in my life - where it's literally me trying something new as I look forward to other side of the field. And the choice feature, well, quite clearly Arashi pwns my fandom-world as of now so all explanations aren't needed really =D The lyrics are from Ohno-kun's 曇りのち、快晴, the current must-play song on my playlist every day because it lifts my mood while significantly make me feel that each day is a new journey to explore and try no matter what comes my way (or how beaten down and downtrodden I feel). I suppose I can say it's sort of my motivation-song at the moment as I attempt to pursue a few things here and there. Things are little messy at the moment but hopefully, I can have it all fall into place. And that's it for a mini-update on what's going on at the moment in my life - besides the random fangirl ramblings =D

simply cause I need to spazz

2009-03-07T18:24:00.005+08:00

This was supposed to be post with screencaps but because my media player refuses to cooperate - the screencapped-post has to wait. But this one thing can't. Okay, two things. One: Arashi's new single: Believe/曇りのち、快晴. It's total ♥♥♥♥♥

'Believe' takes on a different style from their recent usual and leans closer to 'Truth' (which was an absolute hit what with it being among last year's top selling singles - and to think it was released late in the year). It's fast and up-tempo, but none of that bubblegum pop-sound. Meanwhile, 曇りのち、快晴 is AMAZING ~~(it's going to be my ringtone and I'm not going to change it until the next Arashi single comes along, rofl)~~. Sorry, caps are annoying but without caps, it doesn't seem to bring enough justice. It's the perfect song to make your day brighter - how could it not? It's so happy-sounding with cheerful notes here and there and Ohno-kun's wonderful voice. Yes, it's Ohno-kun's solo for Uta no Oniisan. The PV is simply lovely - I like how the props were created to make it like a mini world where it goes from gloom and doom to bright and happy. It's sorta Tim Burton-ish but not too awesome as it (because I mean come on, Tim Burton's works are the art, period) just close enough. And Ohno-kun has this many different expressions which is really a nice change to the usually my-pace, off in the world Ohno-kun XD And I like to think those dance moves were choreographed by him cause it's simply very much Ohno-kun's style somehow. Speaking of the song alone is not enough, one has to watch it to get it =D And of course, Believe.

And the second thing that cannot wait to be spazzed: it's how awesome this wonderful piano player, jikoryupiano, plays Arashi's songs. It's way beyond words cause she has the MIDI accompaniment for back up while her piano plays the lead and it all blends in so fine. And her fingers are so graceful as they move up and down the piano's keys. Totally admirable. For instance, her version of 曇りのち、快晴, compare it with the PV - in fact, you don't even have to compare it to the PV to know she's got it absolutely right perfectly. And her piano-playing of truth sounds absolutely wonderful, cause the song itself originally has loads of piano alongside orchestra sounds, so her version sounds so much like the original without their vocals. I love how she nailed the notes by keeping up to the incredibly fast beats. Oh, and just because, here's the original - almost 4 million views, no surprise there XD

hana yori dango, boys over flowers, meteor garden - whichever title is of your preference

2009-02-05T20:28:00.005+08:00

It was incredibly tempting to post an entry about this popular manga which spawned three different tv dramas from different regions (and a fourth is coming up too if I'm not mistaken) and made the world (no, I'm not kidding - which girl hasn't heard at least either one of these?) laughed and cried and absolutely fell in love with the basis of the story- that is, rich spoilt brat falls in love with brave commoner girl while his three just as awesome friends amuse themselves with said relationship's progress. So here it is: my take on all three versions (never mind the fact that I didn't exactly watch Part 2 of the Taiwan version and only barely into Epi 2 for the Korean version).

First, the basics for those who do not know: (let's just go by the original names first okay? XD)
Makino Tsukushi: The commoner girl with a bold attitude and a rather cheerful self. She's small-frame and all, petite and sweet, but she sure can pack a mean punch.

F4: Four boys who reign their school with their own rules, style and likes and dislikes. They have people falling over them to please them and also for them to tease and bully and whatever the heck. Oh, and they are good-looking too. And incredibly rich with each being heirs to some huge multi-million dollar inheritance of some sort. Yes guys, life is unfair at times XD So the F4 are:

Domyouji Tsukasa ~~I can't believe I first typed Matsumoto Jun instead, rofl~~ : The rich brat with the temper of an unpredictable time bomb which will explode anytime. And with a vocabulary-comprehension of a kindergarten child. But - one of the most charming guys around with his unknowing kindness and loyalty when it comes to both love and friendships. Leader of F4

Hanazawa Rui: The loner prince charming. Okay, that was biased-talk there. He's the loner nevertheless, silent and unaffected most of the time. Considerably the bestest friend Domyouji can ever have.

Mimasaka Akira: The playboy with the yakuza family background. Despite the yakuza-ness infused in his heritage, he's incredibly cheerful and bubbly and smiley to uphold that image XD

Nishikado Soujirou: The tea prince with a shattered first love story which turned him to be the playboy charmer that he is. Has an attachment of affection (rather slight though) to Makino's best friend - Matsuoka Yuki.

So now we know who's who, do I have to go through the storyline? Right, quick run-through then:
Girl gets into trouble with four pompous brats (actually, just with the leader but he drags them all into it), and gets bullied the life out of her. Prince charming appears in the form of one the guys and she falls in love with him - prince charming being the best friend of the leader. Coincidentally, the leader then falls in love with her when he realizes she's not like any other girl when she smacks him with her no-nonsense attitude, or in other words, a good punch to the face. Small love-triangle appears but resolves when said prince charming steps back but trouble crops up again when dragonlady mother appears on the scene, hell bent on breaking the relationship apart. Still, happy ending appears as they survive all odds =D If my explanation was too brief - feel free to Wiki!

Back to the versions, the first that came out was of course Meteor Garden (MG) which was sometime in 2001? The Taiwan drama was such a hit that it shot the four actors to instant fame (spurning more TV projects, endorsements, albums for them) and got everyone to sit up and notice the manga. So far, everyone I've known who has seen the drama seem to enjoy it pretty much so - occasional gripes here and there but nevertheless, still watchable. I for one, fell in love with it because I was so amused with Jerry's portrayal of Domyouji Tsukasa, and admittedly, the funny hairstyle he had. And come on, four guys and one girl?

MG's F4. Who's who? That's L-R; Vanness Wu as Mei Zhuo, Jerry Yan as Dao Ming Si, Ken Zhu as Xi Men and Vic Zhou as Hua Zhe Lei. Translation: Mimasaka Akira, Domyouji Tsukasa, Nishikado Soujiro and Hanazawa Rui.

They are good looking - tall and manly and rather amusing facial expressions. They weren't exactly stick-stiff while acting and in all, brought the character justice - in my humble opinion. Though I think Jerry sorta had similar expressions despite being in different scenes and Vic was a little too - sleepy.

And here we have F4 alongside Barbie Hsu as Shan Cai, translation - Makino Tsukushi. She's lovable really. She brought the character much charisma and not once did I feel I couldn't understand her acting - as in, when the scene called for sympathy for her, I felt it, or when it called to feeling encouraged and to be cheering for her, etc. Stuff like that.

What I liked about this version:
My comprehension of mandarin significantly improved with it. Rofl. Seriously, it was entertaining and very amusing. I'm glad it was the first Taiwanese drama I've watched because it shed a new light, a positive one at that, for me towards the Taiwanese music and tv scene.

Then came part 2 in 2003 (I think) which I couldn't bother to even sit and watch properly because it was draggy and all about being torn apart and crying and the works.

2005 came and my friend informed me of Hana Yori Dango (HYD), as in the Japanese live-action version. My first thought - wow, I should try watching it then. When I got home, I immediately downloaded the first episode and found myself fairly entertained but not exactly entirely impressed yet. But it was hard to resist them with Inoue Mao's Makino Tsukushi - she's incredibly entertaining with her whims and expressions.

HYD's F4. Again, who's who? That's L-R; Matsuda Shota as Nishikado Soujiro, Oguri Shun as Hanazawa Rui, Matsumoto Jun as Domyouji Tsukasa, and Abe Tsuyoshi as Mimasaka Akira.

2007 spurned HYD2, picking up where the first one left off (and much adored Rui-Tsukushi moments ♥ - yes I ship the non-canon XD) and then 2008 with the finale, bringing it to the big screens much to the delight of fans with HYD Final. HYD - let's see...They follow the original plot rather well though a little added on here and there. Oguri's Hanazawa Rui is simply perfect ♥ Matsuda was a little awkward at first as Nishikado but he seem to get into the character in the second half of HYD. Their acting was a little stumbling at times - say the part where Rui falls atop Tsukushi on the couch - their fall wasn't very natural-like. Matsumoto Jun's Domyouji didn't appeal to me at first, hence why I am so stuck on Hanazawa Rui XD but eventually, he won me over. Abe was charming, he seems to pull off this confident and suave stride whenever he's on camera. It's hard not to like him really.

What I like about this version: Almost everything =D Where do I even begin? I love the chemistry between Inoue and Matsumoto - they are incredibly in tandem with one another. Even off-screen XD Oguri's Hanazawa Rui ♥ The smooth flow of the scenes and character developments. Inoue's portrayal of Tsukushi. My favorite scene of her Tsukushi is no doubt the scene where Tsukushi loses her temper when she finds out Domyouji loses his memory of her but not of anyone else. Her kicking and shouting and pounding and jumping all over the place was epic - to me that is XD Have I mentioned Oguri's Rui? Lol. He's so tall as compared to Inoue's Tsukushi so it makes scenes of them together rather amusing (for instance, when they dance at the end of HYD2) but so endearing nevertheless that it charms my heart so - note the scenes where he offers her the handkerchief (the look on Rui's expression was so warm and gentle and then came that slight death gaze that crosses his features when he turned ever so slightly to look at the culprits XD), when he asks her what's the small white dot near her lip and when he bends to kiss her.

Finally, the latest version, the Korean version - Boys over Flowers, which is the literal translation of Hana Yori Dango in english. If you don't count the play of words there that is.

BOF's F4. Once again, who's who? L-R: Kim Joon as Song Woo Bin, Kim Hyun Joong as Yoon Ji Hoo, Lee Min Ho as Goo Joon Pyo, and Kim Bum as So Yi Jung. Translation: Mimasaka Akira, Hanazawa Rui, Domyouji Tsukasa, and Nishikado Soujiro. Out of all four - I only know of Hyun Joong because of SS501 XD

And here we have Koo Hye Sun as Geum Jan Di with the F4 boys. So far, two episodes down and another twenty two to go. I can hear the warning bells ringing in my head to stay away or remain captive with this. I haven't decided really XD I find it pretty amusing though not as captivating (yet) as the other two. Their portrayals are alright but I'm not too keen on Jan Di though - she's a little too rogue-ish in comparison with the previous two portrayals. Meanwhile the rest are pretty in tune, except Hyun Joong's rather painfully emotionless for certain scenes but hey, it's his first time and I guess he's working hard on improving so go for it I say - I'm sure he'll get better as the series progresses =) But what annoy me so is from the two episodes I have seen and also screencaps of the other episodes - is their clothing style. HYD much? Especially Ji Hoo's. I'm sorry to those who love the drama, no bashing intended but just an honest opinion of my own. But they look good nevertheless =) And as delighted as I was with Han Chae Young's appearance as Min Seo Hyun, it sort of irked me they had her with extra make up that absolutely did short justice to her natural self. The same goes with Hye Sun's make up and style for epi 2's party scene. The definition of pretty certainly didn't quite fit well. I thought Hye Sun was sweet as she is without those layers of colors.

What I like about this version: The impending and promising romance between Ga Eul and Yi Jung, translation: Matsuoka Yuki & Nishikado Soujiro. The arc was touched upon with an episode for MG, a few bits and pieces on and off here and there for HYD but apparently with BOF - it's more in depth. I've always liked this pairing so it's nice to know it's not overlooked. And because it's too early for me to say more, I'm just going to say - I'm looking foward to watching more. Though I'm crossing my fingers and hoping they will lay off the multiple tearworks because K-dramas are just too well-known for causing me as an emotional wreck XD

And what I take in delight for all three - the theme songs. The theme songs are all very catchy indeed - the kind that drums into your head and you will catch yourself humming along by yourself out of nowhere. There's Qing Fei De Yi - MG, Wish for HYD, Love so Sweet for HYD2, One Love for HYD Final, and finally, Paradise for BOF. Honestly, I love all three versions' soundtracks. Of course HYD's hold a little more weight seeing as Arashi sang the theme songs XD

So - this ends my post. A total of 2 1/2 hour. Wow.

For those who have yet to see any of the versions - take a pick and watch one. If you don't like one, there's always another two XD

Credits for pics: Definitely not mine. Belongs respectively to their production team/channel/etc. And the HYD scan has credits to Chiaki.

perfect chemistry

2009-02-01T15:26:00.002+08:00

It's weird how I'd only take to fandom after a long while of leaving it and then re-discovering it again. Previously, it was the K-fandom with 'Delightful Girl Choon-Hyang' and as willing as I am to rediscover it again with 'Boys Over Flowers', I am actually rather whole-heartedly set on the former drama and on Jae Hee alone XD Yes, absolutely reaffirming that there's no other K-drama actor I adore as much as I do for Jae Hee ♥ Anyhow, this time around it's the AAA fandom which I sort of left for a fleeting moment because of Arashi - guilty as convicted. But with 'Jamboree', AAA's new PV - it's difficult to ignore the group who's chemistry as a whole is charmingly lovable.

The dynamics of the seven member group really works. They seem to go in sync with one another easily - for a mixed group that is. I mean, I know there are those like Kanjani8 with eight members (yes, eight members) or Super Junior with thirteen (or is it fourteen? I don't know really XD) but that's all male, so it's slightly different for this group. Two girls(previously three) and five guys who compliment one another well - especially as you watch them dance during concerts, or as they hang out with one another.

And then of course, particularly the chemistry between Nishijima and Uno =D

Watching them together, it's hard not to notice how casually they drift towards one another. Their gazes and touches naturally moves to the other without hesitance or without the feeling of being scripted. It's not just in PVs - which may be scripted but if one looks closely at 'Get Chu' where Nishijima picks up Uno on his back for a piggyback ride, it's quite likely to be a casual, natural interaction between the two - you could actually spot the befuddled look on Urata and Hidaka's face while Ito-chan had on a suprised look. It took them a split second to grasp the situation and go along with it - although Atae was thoroughly amused and immediately started to race Nishijima XD And watching clips of their backstage footages, making-of, etc. it would also so happen that Nishijima's next to her most of the time. He easily amuses her as she seems to be happily humoring him. They are like a close pair of friends whom could easily be mistaken as lovers.

But lovers-talk aside, the friendship between the two is undeniably close to the point where one gets the feeling it's where they know each other's weaknesses and strengths while looking out for one another. Prove in point - AAA's 2008 concert footage at NHK Hall, where Nishijima played the guitar for the beautifully acoustic version of 'Chewing Gum'. Picking up the guitar for the first time myself, I finally understand that it's not as easy as it seems as first although you'd get a hang of it as you go by. It's the fingers positioning for the chords part, where you move your fingers accordingly to the fret position besides the strings alone. I noted how Nishijima looked down for the most part, eyes keeping a lookout on how he positions his fingers to produce the right chords. Since I'm not too much into the fandom, I don't know if Nishijima has always played the guitar or only recently picked it up sometime early in the year or late 2007, but it seems as if he was still fairly new at it. And what next caught my attention was how Uno looked up at him most of the time as he played - as if looking out for him and giving him assurance of his playing. The camera caught a moment where he glanced to her with a smile as he played and she smiled back at him - a moment of silent interaction where the boy lets the girl know he's doing fine and she assures him that he definitely is. And when it moved away - showing a wide view of everyone else, occasionally, one could see Uno looking up again and again as Nishijima continues playing the guitar. It seemed as if she was genuinely concerned about his (first-time?) guitar-playing and wanted to make sure he'd be alright. Somewhat like that anyway.

Anyhow, enough about them alone but I can't possibly end without a spazz about my favorite guy Atae Shinjiro, can I? XD

And because Sueyoshi looks incredibly cute:

He sorta reminds me of Minwoo in certain angles. Oh well =)

a forgotten fandom

2009-01-27T15:48:00.004+08:00

It all started when I happened to pick up MissSugarQuill's Golden Sonnet(which is very, veryworth reading for Cloud-Tifa shippers) for reading at FF.Net and I just found myself thoroughly amused with the storyline. It turned out that the story was based off the K-Drama 'Delightful Girl Choon-Hyang'. But don't get me wrong, although it's based on it - the fanfic inserts its own brand of humor and wit while the dialogues and scenes are made to fit perfectly for the FF7 fandom. So anyhow, back to the topic at hand - the drama. Now, I'm well aware it was 4 years ago but mind you, at that particular time of the year, as attached as I was to the K-fandom, it was entriely focused on Shinhwa so excuse me for my ignorance XD And the year after that until present, well, the Johnny's boys have never left their domination in my fandom world. I can't help it if KAT-TUN, followed by Kanjani8 and Arashi grabs my attention with all that they are. Like I've said before, how can I not love Ohno Satoshi? He's not your gorgeous prince of coolness and all that - but he's the most amusing, talented with art, thoughtful and charming all-around guy =D

As I was saying, the drama. I kept thinking to myself and contemplating - to blog or not to blog? I've completed all 17 episodes in a span of 3-4 days and I've never found myself so incredibly amused by a love story that makes me cry buckets while cracking me at the oddest times. Where can I even begin? Mong Ryong's father chasing and spilling his guts out to 'murder' the troublemaker son? Choon-Hyang's classic 'mind your own business' line and her bold actions of beating the lights out of Mong Ryong and all her amusingly sarcastic remarks? Dan Hee and Ji Hyuk's amusing love story? Mong Ryong and his childish, bratty antics?

Unlike other Korean dramas I've watched, this one presents itself with a quick tale without dragging itself out too long. It goes from their high school years to their middle-20's but without putting the audience on their deathbed wondering when is it ever going to just end? The humor inserted in between helps from preventing an overflow of tear ducts every single minute (although I will admit that I'm too emotionally-weak that I cried straight throughout two episodes, or maybe more, when Choon-Hyang denied Mong Ryong's love and cast him away). And the actors/actress were refreshing to watch really - they bring on a great personality to their characters without killing it by overdoing it or simply not doing it right at all. I'll say here that Jae Hee as Lee Mong Ryong makes me feel that there will be no other K-drama actor that I will root for and adore after him. His facial reactions are heart-melting somehow - especially when he wails in front of Choon-Hyang after being subjected to a whole day of constant repeated accusations by three old ladies XD Maybe it's the character that I adore, but I think the actor who plays him weighs the decision as well. Mong Ryong's character is one of a spoiled, trouble-maker brat but when it comes down to it, actually owns a heart that really cares. And he's always bold, although a loser when it comes to reading situations. He stands up for himself with a brave front - always confident and sure and actually rather impudent even when he's facing the thugs XD But he's a total putty for Choon-Hyang. Her words mean more to him than anyone else's and whatever she says - he obliges whole-heartedly. The devotion is rather moving to be honest.

I was actually sorry that I had completed the drama so soon, sorry to know it ended but tremendously enjoyed watching it =) I wouldn't mind watching it over and over again to be honest. I hate to know that love can be thrown with so many challenges, but I love the fact that when you love someone with your whole heart - you will do anything for him/her and the feeling is what keeps you strong and going on. Oh, and watching the drama made me re-think a few things and I promised myself that I will never ruin a relationship between two person in love. I think it honestly hurts like hell when you have to watch the one you love pulled away from you, especially when it was done in an intentional manner. Being on the shorter end before, I know what it feels like so I'll never put myself out there to hurt anyone who's in love with their special someone =)

interupted: a greeting for all

2009-01-25T20:46:00.001+08:00

A break from my usual fangirl ramblings just to wish everyone who drops by my blog, whoever you are be it whether I know you personally or otherwise, :

reasons why my mind's constantly all about 嵐

2009-01-19T13:00:00.004+08:00

As the title says - reasons why my mind's constantly on Arashi or 嵐. There's multiple reasons and it won't do justice with just my words so viewing of YouTube clips with this post is a must - in order to fully grasp and comprehend the amazing-ness that is Arashi.

See, they are a really loving group altogether. They grope, hug, kiss, touch, whatsoever with one another with no qualms about it. But still, there's a thin fine line on certain things which must not be done by one even if it's a member. For instance, complimenting Matsumoto-kun on how 'cute' he is. Not even if you are Leader - Ohno Satoshi XD The death glare that comes is priceless. And so, speaking on how much they love each other, well it's definite that they are really close. Like really close to the point where Ninomiya-kun and Aiba-kun share a shower cubicle just because it's more convenient. The love is really evident in the group, like when Matsumoto-kun slaps Leader in the face and the former immediately goes to Ohno-kun to check if he's alright while Aiba-kun keeps smothering concern rubs. And teamwork is always in the group, no matter what the circumstances. It's one for all and all for one - even when it comes to bullying Aiba-kun in a pillow fight. The reverse-bullying later is just as hilarious with Ohno-kun's reactions. Plus, they are never short of laughter with each other - even if it's Sho-kun just being Sho-kun. And Sho-kun, as much of a Keio graduate he is, he is absolutely hopeless at any sports except for soccer as proven with his members' lack of faith in him when it comes to any sport-related games.Oh and there's a bonus in there too with Ninomiya-kun's sarcastic remark XD Very classic Ninomiya-kun delivery line.

They are nice too, really nice. Such as helpfully giving tips and hints and chances to the guests who comes on VS Arashi (where guests and Arashi play various games to see who comes out a winner - speaking of that, Arashi as the home team, lost the first few games in a row when the show first began its broadcast. Rofl.) But they can also be mean, like Sakurai-kun choosing to be a sloppy-shouldered guy instead of being the nice guy as his teammates egged him on to forget the nice guy image. As I was saying, they are really nice. And they each have their own charms. Watch ~~and be charmed~~ as they do their part of proposals, confessions and apologies. Please look out for Ohno-kun and his delivery in each version to understand why Leader just wins ♥ Also, to understand more of the charms of Matsumoto-kun and why many out there is Jun-baited (including yours truly, annoyingly enough) - it's his love confession. Nevermind the fact that Aiba-kun was being plain dorky for wanting to be confessed to as well in the same manner and Matsumoto-kun humors him. But of course, as charming as Matsumoto-kun can be, he's very much like the character that he plays - Domyouji Tsukasa. Kind at heart and very caring towards others but on the outside, when he's annopyed - the temper flares up easily and the voice raises notches higher with a death glare XD Say hello to Domyouji Tsukasa - real life and no, it's not a coincidence cause he does it again =D

Okay, so Arashi is really well-known around Asia, U.S and even Paris and a whole lot more places - let's not underestimate how much they, I quote Aiba-kun, "cause a storm all over the world", that everyone just adores this five guys. Even their seniors, for example, Miyake-san from V6 (yes, the awesome V6 with wonderful songs that gets stuck in your head) calls them Arashi-chan. The suffix, -chan, denotes a very affectionate term. Even Kinki Kids. And even a particular senior, Nakai-san of SMAP (like the most popular, ever-reigning Jpop goup) adores them - to the point where Ohno-kun is simply rude to him almost every single time by calling him without a respectable suffix attached, or replying in casual simple terms instead of the polite formal terms. Or, simply blowing out the candles on Nakai's birthday cake before running away and being chased with a water gun.He runs away every single time and Nakai-san get furious - thrashing about to get a hold of him while the rest of Arashi holds him back to save their leader from Nakai-san's clutches. Utaban is definitely much more fun when Arashi's around because there's always bound to be the cat and mouse chase between the two =D

So now that one knows they are popular, how do they hide themselves from the public. Well, here's Leader's special way of hiding himself from a fan. Very creative. Oh and they are popular to the point of having a little girl wanting to marry Ninomiya-kun XD And so Ninomiya-kun reads out the sweet love letter, gets fired up when the affection seem to have supposedly change to Sakurai-kun and Ohno-kun chimes in with his classic Ohno-quotes.

And that completes my reasons (for now) of why these five guys is so much ♥

overrule

2009-01-14T00:16:00.002+08:00

This was originally supposed to be long with rambles of all sorts with loads fangirl spazzing and hearts and squeals and 'roflilusm!' and the works but because it's late and it's an early wake up call for me in the morning, I decided to leave all that for another day when I'm better focused, less distracted and in a non-hurried state. So I'll settle with something short and simple and sweet.

Here goes (cue the gasps and jaw-drops): Kanjani8 sorta fell off as my favorite JE group cause Arashi just overruled them with all that they are XD I don't know how but it just happened. Yes, I do love both groups yet K8 has always been the one on the pedestal - but not anymore. Arashi just shook my fandom world with the hilarity and crazy dorkiness that they have. I can't even exactly pinpoint who pushed Nishikido-kun off my top favorite guy list. I know, what the heck?!? I'll just repeat that again - Nishikido-kun has officially been casted away from the top of my list. Matsumoto-kun is just, wow - clearly, I've been Jun-baited badly. Aiba-kun is adorable to the point where everything else cute just pales in comparison - I don't just mean in terms of appearance but personality and character-wise. Sakurai-kun simply charms me with all his failures at sports and on-the-spot-gags. Ninomiya-kun is so snarky and obnoxious and mean but he's this goofy lovable guy inside. Ohno-kun, where do I even begin? He's such a 'my pace' person and his style is so different from others. He gives the best one-liners and he's such a wonderful 'leader'. But I'll be honest and say that Ohno-kun strikes at my fangirl heart the most. His personality is just so, I don't know, unique to the point it's fascinating. His expressions are much love too XD

I've been watching several, okay, maybe like loads, of their clips, game shows, tv shows, etc. and it got me to understand a little more of their personalities. The best characteristic about them - is how they genuinely show their love and concern for each other. K8 is just as affectionate, but in a really dorky and perverted way, rofl, but with these five guys, it's sweet. Like really sweet. When Ohno-kun was almost screeching in pain with the unbearable heat, Matsumoto-kun immediately asked what's wrong and placed his hand on the former's forehead to feel his temperature. And when Ohno-kun couldn't reach for his food(what with the 100+ t-shirts he was wearing), Aiba-kun carefully fed him - after both him and Matsumoto-kun had their fair share of laughs of course XD Or like when Aiba-kun tripped over a rock and whined in pain, Ninomiya-kun - despite his sarcastic rebuke at Aiba-kun's clumsiness, returned to Aiba-kun's side to pull him up and tug Aiba-kun along to ensure he doesn't fall again. There's this fair share of awesome friendship going on that it's admirable really.

Let me just sum it up to say - I am hopelessly pulled into the fandom of these five guys ♥♥♥♥♥

well dressed guys

2009-01-07T19:23:00.005+08:00

I honestly think Arashi has the best dressing style. You know, none of that flamboyant, flashy, glittery, feathery and whatnots kind of dressing. Okay, so maybe from time to time they do wear such stuff - like Countdowns and those major events. But most of the time, even in PVs, their clothes are so casual like the boy-next-door's style. Think KAT-TUN and their multiple accessories all over, hats and countless layers of jackets/tops. Or Kanjani8 and their flourescent colors XD But each group has their own style so it's not fair to compare. I just generally like Arashi's style the best.

Simple and charming. And it's because of Ohno-kun that I now tie my jackets/sweaters/etc. with long sleeves, sideways instead of the usual front and having the back of the jacket/etc. over my behind. I find Ohno-kun's style so much more nicer and less-used by people. Okay, so I like to stand out a little and get out of the norm because I'm just weird that way. I wear one sparkling, dangling earring on my left ear and a small, pretty stud on the right because it's different. I paint my nails only in black and only on certain fingers, just because I think it's nice and my mom won't have to nag at me for painting my nails with 'chemicals which are hazardous to my health especially if I were to use my fingers to snack on something, etc.' =D And yes, they were on inspired by some J-artiste or another, lol. The earrings by Nishijima-kun and Uno-chan of AAA and the fingernails by the creatively awesome Yasuda Shota ♥ Honestly, one reason why I'm so drawn to the Japanese culture is how creative they are at their dressing style and how they wear with confidence. I'm just drawn to anyone with such audacity and confidence when it comes to dressing. Once, when I was in Singapore at a MRT station, my friends and I passed three girls (I think) who were in lolita-like dressing and one girl in particular stood out to me with her flowing white lolita dress, soft curls over her shoulders and a sweet smile on her face. In an instant the first word that came to my mind was 'pretty!'. I was floored by the gentle, sweet aura that exuded from her as I was with her confident poise to dress in such a manner despite the crazy crowd at the MRT (it was Singapore's National Day) and their odd stares and looks. Okay, so I'm moving out of topic.

I love Ohno. Have I said that before? No? I must not say it enough then. I love Ohno Satoshi. He's just so....special. Oh crap, this is more like a fangirl post about Ohno isn't it? But let me just fangirl a little about this guy who I don't bring up often enough in this fangirl-blog because he's like my secret crush and Nishikido-kun just overwhelms me sometimes that I tend to forget about this guy. Sorry Ohno-kun! So, as I was saying, Ohno is special. He has this dazed out-'my-pace' kind of look on his face most of the time but he dances really well and has a pleasant singing voice.

He's the reluctant hero-kind of guy that you see in manga/comics/movies/etc. Think Spiderman but none of the radioactive spider stuff and more on the dorky, shy, silly yet admirable and lovable persona. His answers on TV shows, interviews are always amusing without him meaning it to. Once he was was asked what he does alot recently on his free time and he admitted he goes fishing alot. Matsumoto-kun then revealed that Ohno-kun once mailed a picture of himself grinning widely with a huge fish in his hand. Everyone fell silent and one of the host politely asked what fish it was. Ohno-kun answered it was a sea bass. And there was a dead silence again before he straightened up and asked - 'am i weird?' with an innocent but befuddled look. He's just hopeless at reading situations sometimes, rofl. And he once proposed to a young elementary school girl and was rejected immediately XD His immediate reaction was, 'So fast!' - regarding her rejection answer. And he joined Johnny's without much enthusiasm and hope in the first place, and once honestly said on one of Arashi's TV shows that he has always been trying to run away from JE because he can't take the hectic life and wonders if he'll survive in such circumstances. Lol. But really, one has to watch him in order to fully understand the Ohno Satoshi. Oh and have I mentioned he's bloody good at drawing and art?

I love how they wear their jeans with various different tops. The first with white shirts. Second with a white Navy-like jacket over a white top inside. And the last image, with the black blazers, white shirts and black tie/bow/etc.

And from one of their performance of 'Step and Go' last year, the different casual styles pulled off by each of them. Sakurai-kun on the far right with the simple-b-boy style. Matsumoto-kun with the suave charmer look of formal shirt and tie and hip-slung faded jeans(incredibly sexy look for a guy really =D). Then Ninomiya-kun in the center with the just-awoke-from-sleep look XD Aiba-kun with the princely look of a formal light brown jacket, black scarf and white pants. Finally, Ohno-kun with a dark cream zipper jacket with matching greens and browns for the slight rugged look.

He's wonderful =D

I was going to add on with Kanjani8 but by doing so, I would definitely overwhelm everything else with the spazzing of those eight guys, so I'll just leave this as it is and leave them for another time. I mean, Arashi deserves their own post =) As does Ohno-kun =D ♥

be my host?

2009-01-07T02:56:00.003+08:00

I adore Ouran High School Host Club - manga and anime alike. Why? Because they are hosts. And my idea of a host is always good looking, charming and suave with all the smooth words to sweep one's feet and heart. Nah, I'm kidding. The real reason being Suoh Tamaki whom I find is such a motivational, somewhat inspirational character. He never fails to see the good side of people and always with such a bubbly, joyful persona. He's this, mascot or something for happiness-&-goodwill-on-earth. He treats girls with utter respect and whole-hearted admiration, and for his friends - total equals who are equivalent of family. And of course, there's his erratic childish tendencies. And despite his honest feelings and behavior towards everyone, amazingly, his feelings for one person in particular just completely evades him. His blindness for his feelings for Haruhi is a wonder that amazes everyone beyond the Seven Wonders of the World itself, no matter the new or old Seven okay? Let me just say now, can I have a Suoh Tamaki of my own? Because he would definitely be able to bring me out of my confused dumps (when I'm in them), make me smile with his optimism and cheer, inspire me with his careful and kind thoughts, and his childish behaviour would make me stand out as a mature person for once in my young life XD

And here I would like to rant - why can't I have a Suoh Tamaki? Or a Kuran Kaname for the matter? Okay, so maybe Kaname's a little far-fetched. But what about a Kitou Yuushi? Heck, or even a Kazuki Yuichi? Or, dare I even say it, a Shinpo Ichi - who yes, is so dumbly numb with his real feelings and goes around the mulberry bush so much that my head hurts from trying to keep up - but I still like his character all the same. Let's face it, manga characters are too good to be true. Sigh.

So, to end my pointless post, another drabble fanfiction for the Ouran fandom, simply because ♥

--------------------

“Ha-ru-hi-chan!” Suoh Tamaki drags the syllables of Fujioka Haruhi’s name in a childishly adorable voice as he flaunts his way into the Host Club’s room. He stops short when he catches sight of Haruhi’s sepia-colored locks on the edge of a couch. His lips lift themselves upwards as his usual disposition whenever it concerns one Fujioka Haruhi. In a slowly and silent manner, Tamaki makes his way to the couch. He stops upon reaching her and couldn’t resist but to call out to her again, despite his logical reasoning screaming at him to allow the girl her rest. “Ha-ru-hi.” He calls out again, this time in a slightly softer tone of voice from before.

He waits.

She doesn’t budge from her sleep on the deep red plush couch. Her breath comes out small and even and the bangs covering her eyes lightly flutters as the late afternoon wind blows into the room. He bites his lip as his gaze remains on her face, affection clearly written on his features.

Tamaki suddenly remembers how his mom woke him up when he was four. She would pull the drapes from the window, unlatch the window to bring in the morning air, before coming over to his bed and gently kiss him on the forehead with a whisper of good morning. He had loved the feeling then and as he recalls it now, a warm feeling seeps into his being as he heart dances a little jig. Ootori Kyouya calls it a mother-complex, but Tamaki calls it a child’s sincere love.

He gazes down at Haruhi again. The windows are already open and the sun’s glow is already up in the skies, though it was about to set in less than three hours. He takes a deep breath. Parental love, that was Tamaki’s justification for his soon-to-execute action. He drops quietly to his knees and leans close to Haruhi’s face.

His lips quickly meet hers within seconds before he hastily gets up and runs out the room as Haruhi stirs. Tamaki didn’t understand why did he run but he just knew he had to.

Fujioka Haruhi blinks open her eyes as she takes in her surroundings. Her lips feel a burning sensation as does her cheeks.

‘Tamaki-senpai kissed me. And ran away.’

The thought flashes in her mind over and over again.

‘I am going to murder him for running away like that.’

--------------------
And because I'm such in the mood for the fandom, a one-shot featuring Tamaki and Haruhi again. Somewhat a part two to the drabble but still serves well as a stand alone =)

“This is delicious.”

“Isn’t it? I bought it from this quaint little shop that just opened in Ginza.” Haninozoka Mitsukuni, also fondly known as Honey-senpai among peers, squeals excitedly as he bounces his stuffed bunny on his lap.

“Ah, it figures then.” Fujioka Haruhi replies as she peers at the piece of strawberry truffle shortcake on her plate. “I suppose the ingredients must be with higher and precise quality as compared to those down the street since it’s Ginza.” She continues thoughtfully.

“The pastry chef apparently traveled the world tasting as much cakes as he could to test his taste buds. Amazing isn’t it?”

Haruhi nods good-naturedly and Honey flushes happily as he feeds himself more cake. She smiles as she watches the 18 year old munches in delight, in awe of such simple happiness radiating from the latter.

“I don’t want anything sweet Kyouya. My tooth hurts and it’s going to be even worse with anything sweet. What if I get tooth decay? Or worse, lose my teeth? That’s not feasible for someone like me, a natural who was born into this world to make girls happy. Oh how they would weep at the sight of a toothless me.”

Haruhi rolls her eyes at the ramblings of a narcissistic Suoh Tamaki. She watches as Tamaki and Ootori Kyouya, vice president and ‘mother’ of the Host Club, walk in to the room – Kyouya’s eyebrows lifting to a high arch at Tamaki’s words while he tries to contain his inclination to smack the back of the latter’s head. Tamaki’s ramblings continue even as they reach Haruhi and Honey.

“Whatever would we do without me, the father of our family. No, I shall not let this tooth tear our family apart.” Tamaki says determinedly as his right hand, dramatically, clenches into a fist. “I shall see to it that the dentist will fix this and therefore our family will not –” and Kyouya decidedly grabs Haruhi’s half-eaten piece of cake and swiftly shoves it into Tamaki’s mouth.

“And now we have peace and quiet.” Kyouya mutters as he calmly wipes the cream on a napkin. Honey giggles at the sight of Tamaki and Haruhi couldn’t resist but to laugh.

“Kyouya! That was a sweet edible item, what would now happen to my tooth?” Tamaki whines as soon as he swallows the stuffed cake.

“It won’t be a pity if we wouldn’t have to listen to you for a few days.” Kyouya replies nonchalantly.

“Kyouya…” Tamaki wheedles with shameless puppy-dog eyes.

“Honey-senpai, we should go now. I believe you are due for an autograph session with the girls as I have arranged everyone in the Host Club. Yours should be in 10 minutes.”

“Ah, right. Let’s go then.” Honey hops down the couch to his feet and says a cheerful goodbye to Haruhi and an amused one to Tamaki before following Kyouya out the room.

Tamaki’s face turns crestfallen as he helplessly slouches on the couch beside Haruhi. Haruhi recognizes it as one of Tamaki’s many lost puppy antics – also known as Tamaki’s erratic childlike tendencies.

“Cheer up senpai. At least the cake was good.”

Tamaki looks up at her, almost forlornly, and Haruhi resists jumping to her feet with the excuse of having her own autograph session as well – though hers is supposedly tomorrow. Instead, she gingerly pats the blond hair of the Host Club President. She notices a stray leaf on his hair and gently picks it out. As she does so, her fingers unintentionally messes up his hair’s parting. Realizing this, Haruhi moves forward, reaches out her other hand and starts to tidy up his hair.

“Um, Haruhi?”

“Hmm?” Haruhi absent-mindedly continues positioning and nudging the locks of blond hair.

“Haruhi?”

With the last strands finally in place, Haruhi beams and pulls herself back only to find herself lost in the gaze of Tamaki’s azure blue orbs.

Seconds pass without a word. Five seconds. Ten seconds. Twenty seconds.

Haruhi wonders why doesn’t she blink, why doesn’t he blink, why is she staring at those blue orbs, why is he staring back at her, why can’t her body move, why can’t she pull her gaze away and keep it to herself, why can’t he say something, why isn’t her lips moving to form a syllable or a word or anything for the matter – the whys keep running through her scattered system. She feels her heart skipping beats faster and she mentally tells it to calm down and breathe – which didn’t quite make sense when you think about it. She catches a sudden movement and Tamaki’s face seems to get closer in her view. She realizes it’s her who’s moving towards him, not him to her. Haruhi catches sight of the befuddled look in Tamaki’s eyes.

With two and a half inches between them, a flash of a particular memory crosses her thoughts before she tilts her head to a little to the left as she closes her eyes and closes the diminutive distance between Tamaki and her. Her lips fall on his in a soft, gentle manner as she faintly tastes the sweetness of cream with hints of strawberry infused.

Tamaki slowly closes his eyes as he feels himself leaning forward, applying gentle pressure on her lips. He unconsciously moves his head to the left and feels her moving right, their lips remaining in a chaste kiss of strawberry flavor. Two seconds passes before Haruhi slowly pulls away.

“That wasn’t bad for your tooth, was it?” She asks embarrassedly, noting the sweet taste that is still lingering on her lips.

“No.” Tamaki slowly shakes his head. A small smile crosses his mixed-parentage features. “No, it wasn’t.”

“I’m glad.” Haruhi replies simply.

--------------------

Fluff all the way - because it's Tamaki and Haruhi. They deserve happy fluffy fics because they are just so darn lost around each other with the million and one feelings they have yet to sort out. But really, that's what makes a good relationship isn't it? Understanding and knowing one another, connecting on a deeper level before moving to the next step of being together =)

new year, new outlook =D

2009-01-02T01:30:00.004+08:00

A whole new year and I have to say, in my J-music fandom, it's looking pretty good. Uchi Hiroki was at the annual Johnny's Countdown - which is a very good sign mind you. And the Kansai Jr. concert with him included is going really well too (with added dates if I'm not mistaken) and Kanjani8 are still fawning over the baby of their group XD Friendship at its best.

And of course, I changed the layout for the new year but I reckon it's a little too...plain. I was hoping for something a little more, fairy-tale like. Well, clearly I sort of failed in that. The colors are too muted and soft, aren't they? The whole 'theme' was inspired from Taylor Swift's 'Love Story' which I fell in love with at first listen. The country-style music infused to the sweet and catchy lyrics gets into your head easily. I've been listening to it over and over again, hence the creation of something so cheesy as this. Still, I think I prefer the previous layout over this - mostly cause it's more brighter and the scrapbook-effect. I think I should change my 'style' soon, it's getting rather redundant.

So, as this is a fangirl's blog, I figured I should start off with some sort of fandom introduction and the finer details. Like, my favorites and why, well, maybe not so much on the latter, but still.

A meme borrowed from Sagakure@LJ, who draws one of the nicest (and very much cutest) VK artworks. Plus, she does a perfect job at scanlating the VK chapters and frequently updates with the latest of VK's happenings. She is also, very very nice. A few times I've commented and she never fails to make me smile in return with her replies. Plus, recently, she did a Little Kaname-mascot as a fandom present (see, she is so nice!) which is so adorable that I find myself grinning every single time I look at it him. What Little Kaname does is that he will sit at the corner of your active window on the screen, looking every bit like the gorgeous pureblood he is (at a much younger age of course), crossing and swinging his legs, smiling away. When you click on him, he blushes and says 'I love you'. He's charming. If grown Kaname has one weak in the knees with his intense, crimson gaze, imagine a wide-eyed, innocent Kaname XD I know I almost squeal in delight when I watched VKG episode 3 with young Kaname - perfect manners, articulate language, gentle features. Oh and of course, the appearance of Haruka and Juri ♥ Totally off-tracked here.

For each different fandom:
*Unfortunately, no pictures because it's just too late for me to go hunting for images at such hours, i.e. 2am. And it's all for the manga/anime fandom cause others don't really fit in well.

Vampire Knight
Favorite character: Kuran Kaname
Least favorite character: Kiryu Ichiru - I don't really know why but it just doesn't settle in me.
Character with the best hair: It's a tie between Akatsuki Kain & Kuran Kaname =)
Character with the best eyes: Kuran Kaname - hands down really. Though I think his 'dad', Haruka has an edge over him as well XD
Character I'd most want to kiss: Kuran Kaname, well, duh.
Character I'd most likely screw: Kuran Kaname. Actually, I wouldn't mind Kiryu Zero XD
Character I'd make lunch for: Shiki Senri & Touya Rima - where there is Shiki, there's Rima as well, so how can I possibly split them?
Character I'd go singing in the rain with: Cross Yuuki
Character I'd go shopping with: Touya Rima
Character I'd go dancing with: Kuran Kaname - it would be drastically magical and haunting to dance with him.
Character I'd take over the world with: Ichijou Takuma - simply cause I believe beyond the charming, amiable and gentle side of Ichijou, he has a streak of domination and leadership within him. It's just concealed by Kaname XD
Character I'd most want to cosplay as: Touya Rima - my first thought was Yuuki, but Rima's fascinating with her personality.
Favorite het pairing: Kaname x Yuuki
Favorite yaoi pairing: I'd hate to pair Kaname with anyone but Yuuki, but just for this meme, most likely Ichijou.
Favorite yuri pairing: None. Really.

Toumei Shounen/Invisible Boy
Favorite character: EVERYONE. Okay, so that's cheating. I'll go with Kitou Yuushi ♥ Charming beyond words with the most profound and mature words when the time arises.
Least favorite character: No one. Really.
Character with the best hair: Satsuki Saiga - it's just so, nice.
Character with the best eyes: Tokieda Nagi and Kitou Yuushi
Character I'd most want to kiss: Oh my, everyone. Rofl. In all honesty, Kitou Yuushi, duh.
Character I'd most likely screw: Natsume Kyosuke - his fiery but caring attitude is very charming.
Character I'd make lunch for: Kitou Yuushi
Character I'd go singing in the rain with: Kitou Yuushi - because I know he'd humor me and sing, dance and play along with pure sincerity to have fun and to accompany me. He's just that kinda guy.
Character I'd go shopping with: Yusa Takaya
Character I'd go dancing with: Kitou Yuushi =D
Character I'd take over the world with: Takamura Akira - he's smart, ~~and is the secret president when Yuushi's being childish~~ the most organized person with the most sensible thoughts, and with a past of a bad-boy, pretty appealing, no?
Character I'd most want to cosplay as: None really, they are too cool for me.
Favorite het pairing: No such pairing - because it's all boys. Prestigious boys school, what do you expect?
Favorite yaoi pairing: Yuushi & Nagi =)
Favorite yuri pairing: No such pairing XD

Special A
Favorite character: Tsuji Ryuu - he's such a charmer when it comes to all kids and animals. Lol.
Least favorite character: Saiga Yahiro - hiding and running away from his feelings, it's getting annoying. Especially since he conceals his feelings with an impertinent, haughty attitude.
Character with the best hair: Tsuji Ryuu
Character with the best eyes: Takashima Kei
Character I'd most want to kiss: Tsuji Ryuu
Character I'd most likely screw: Undecided, lol. Seriously.
Character I'd make lunch for: Toudou Akira =)
Character I'd go singing in the rain with: Karino Tadashi
Character I'd go shopping with: Toudou Akira
Character I'd go dancing with: Tsuji Ryuu
Character I'd take over the world with: Takashima Kei. He's like the guy with the devil personality and yet so capable that even his dad has him handling all of Takashima Corp's matters.
Character I'd most want to cosplay as: Karino Tadashi, just because.
Favorite het pairing: Tadashi x Akira - they are simply amusing together
Favorite yaoi pairing: Um, none?
Favorite yuri pairing: Akira with anyone really. Cause she is just simply awesome =)

La Corda D'Oro
Favorite character: Hino Kahoko
Least favorite character: Yunoki Azuma
Character with the best hair: Tsuchiura Ryotarou
Character with the best eyes: Hino Kahoko - golden brown orbs, so pretty!
Character I'd most want to kiss: Tsukimori Len
Character I'd most likely screw: Tsuchiura Ryotarou
Character I'd make lunch for: Hihara Kazuki =D
Character I'd go singing in the rain with: Hihara Kazuki
Character I'd go shopping with: Hino Kahoko
Character I'd go dancing with: Tsukimori Len
Character I'd take over the world with: None, they don't look like the world-dominating types XD
Character I'd most want to cosplay as: None as well.
Favorite het pairing:Tsukimori x Hino
Favorite yaoi pairing: None
Favorite yuri pairing: None =)

Slam Dunk
Favorite character: It's a toss between Sendoh Akira & Rukawa Kaede =)
Least favorite character: Kiyota Nobunaga - he talks too much and too loud XD
Character with the best hair: Sendoh Akira - rofl.
Character with the best eyes: Rukawa Kaede
Character I'd most want to kiss: Rukawa Kaede
Character I'd most likely screw: Sendoh Akira, or Mitsui Hisashi =)
Character I'd make lunch for: Sendoh Akira
Character I'd go singing in the rain with: Miyagi Ryota
Character I'd go shopping with: Sendoh Akira
Character I'd go dancing with: Most likely Sendoh as well
Character I'd take over the world with: Mitsui Hisashi - he has the charisma to take over the world. Trust me.
Character I'd most want to cosplay as: No one.
Favorite het pairing: Miyagi x Ayako
Favorite yaoi pairing: Sendoh x Rukawa
Favorite yuri pairing: None.

And that's pretty much it. There are others of course, but my answers would be too predictable, cause say if it's 'Only the Ring Finger Knows', from the first to the tenth, it would all be one Kazuki Yuichi XD So these fandoms are the one that varies a little more. Though the fandom that I really am into would be VK.

Oh and as special mentions, for Final Fantasy VII:
Favorite character: Tifa Lockheart
Least favorite character: I like everyone. Let's leave it at that.
Character with the best hair: Cloud, lol. Okay, maybe more like Vincent Valentine.
Character with the best eyes: It's a tie between Vincent and Rufus Shinra
Character I'd most want to kiss: Um, this is tough. Reno? Vincent? Rufus?
Character I'd most likely screw: Even tougher than the previous. Let's see, most likely the smartass Reno XD
Character I'd make lunch for: Cloud Strife
Character I'd go singing in the rain with: Marlene =D
Character I'd go shopping with: Tifa Lockheart
Character I'd go dancing with: Yuffie Kisaragi
Character I'd take over the world with: Yuffie Kisaragi - she'd be darn amusing to rule and control with.
Character I'd most want to cosplay as: Tifa? But that's way too far-fetched for me XD
Favorite het pairing: Cloud x Tifa
Favorite yaoi pairing: Uh, none really. Lol.
Favorite yuri pairing: Nope.

And for Twilight:
Favorite character: Edward Cullen - please, who would not see that coming?
Least favorite character: Aro
Character with the best hair: Toss between Edward and Alice =)
Character with the best eyes: Um, all the Cullens? XD
Character I'd most want to kiss: Edward Cullen
Character I'd most likely screw: Edward Cullen
Character I'd make lunch for: Vampires do not eat. They drink blood. Oh well, they can pretend. I'll go with Jasper Hale =)
Character I'd go singing in the rain with: Alice Cullen =D
Character I'd go shopping with: Alice Cullen
Character I'd go dancing with: Edward Cullen
Character I'd take over the world with: Emmett Cullen - cause I just think a big goofy bear would be fun to be with and intimidating whenever necessary =)
Character I'd most want to cosplay as: Alice Cullen please
Favorite het pairing: Two pairings really, Edward x Bella and Jasper x Alice
Favorite yaoi pairing: None
Favorite yuri pairing: None

It's 3.25am. Imagine if I were to include images. Oh wow.

movie and book

2008-12-04T23:56:00.003+08:00

I am going to start by saying - I enjoyed the movie, as much as I could possibly enjoy. It's not that the movie wasn't good but it deviated much from the book that as a fan of the literary works and its beautiful scenes drawn by words alone, it was a slight disappointment.

Let's begin with the story line - slightly choppy although they covered it well by having Bella to narrate certain time frames. Then the original scenes in the book, e.g. how Bella confronts Edward of his nature, or Edward calling Bella over to talk to her and they talk about her 'theories' of his being, Bella leaving Jasper and Alice's careful supervision, etc, was changed and some didn't quite fit well. I understand it being a movie with limited time frame, but for instance, the part where Bella leaves the hotel through the front door, without much of a hurried, secretive state, just puts down Jasper and Alice's vampire capabilities of being able to tell her whereabouts through their sense of smell. Stuff like that sorta bug me because they are more than just Edward's silent siblings. Honestly, the lines they had were so short and one-liner-like (except for Rosalie) and it sort of undermines their awesomeness. However, I do enjoy the baseball scenes.

Then moving on to Bella - she's pretty fine and rather likable to be honest. I like Kristen Stewart's 'tough-strong' persona of Bella. Still, due to limited and selected scenes, it didn't quite appear how much Bella needs Edward as much as he needs her - as in her love was him wasn't that quite evident until she was in the hospital.

Jasper and Alice are absolutely a lovely pair whom I adore both in book and movie alike. I liked how their closeness to one another was depicted in the movie - favorite scene being the one in the cafeteria when they walked in together, Jasper having a tray in one hand and another hand easily humoring Alice by holding her hand as she twirled around. Rosalie and Emmett are equally likable I must say. Carlisle and Esme were rather alright though my preferred Carlisle would be slightly more...dashing XD

And finally, Edward. Let me start by saying that I find him amusing - his expressions are rather odd at times and much too tense, or sometimes slight over the top? I know at the beginning Edward was rather cold and had a strong inclination to feed on Bella as her blood's intoxicating for him and her scent drives him up the walls of hell - but I felt the scrunched face, hollow-like cheeks with a murderous glint in the eyes didn't quite fit in. Robert's Edward isn't horrible, I liked it when he smiles, but his facial features weren't quite Edward's. Other than that, the portrayal of Edward is pretty good - his intense nature to protect Bella and keep her safe, the occasional smiles, his love for Bella, etc. Movie-portrayal of Edward was a little scary though - Edward was just too furious at times (like when he reveals to Bella his true nature, it seemed as if he was hell bent on showing her how monstrous he is and going to scare the heck out of her when in the book, it wasn't the case at all) and how he just told Bella that she needs to say hurtful words to her father in order to leave - book-portrayal of Edward's a little more considerate than that.

Oh, Edward's car - shiny and silver alright but it isn't the same Volvo Edward supposedly drives, is it? And where's my next favorite line (after 'you're my personal brand of heroin' and 'you are my life now') - 'So did you stab Edward Cullen with a pencil or what?'? XD And hello Ms.Meyer - that was her in the movie with a cameo appearance in the cafe wasn't it? =D

Of course there's the downs and ups to a movie adaptation of a novel. In all, I would say I generally enjoyed the movie and wouldn't mind watching it a second time or another. But the books are still my preferred versions =D

birthday wish list XD

2008-12-01T23:55:00.006+08:00

To save on the hassle of thinking and wondering and pondering and whatnots, here is my 21st wish list. What I really would like to have and would be more than happy, over-the-moon, euphorically joyful, to open the wrappings and see [insert item here]♥

And to make it even easier, places to obtain each and every item is included, alongside its price XD Also, those tagged with a ♥ would earn loads of extra bonus affectionate and happy points from me - not that the others won't make me happy and equally thankful, but there are of course those that would bring that extra skip in my step, fluttering butterfly feelings within and a whole day's worth of grinning.

In no particular order:
1) Kanjani8's 無責任ヒーロー/Musakinin Hero Limited Edition B with DVD ♥
RM60++ ~ HMV.jp

2) Twilight Official Soundtrack CD ♥
RM45++ (or more, it depends) ~ Amazon.com . Alternatively, any CD store that has it =)

3) Twilight Official Score CD
RM45++ (or more, it depends) ~ Amazon.com. Alternatively, any CD store that has it though I think this would be less easier to obtain as it's the music score as oppose to the previous which is easier to locate as more stores seem to carry more of soundtracks then they would for movie scores.

4) The Twilight Saga: The Official Guide ♥
RM55++ (or more, it depends) ~ Amazon.com. Alternatively, Kinokuniya or even Borders - however, this has yet to be release and is only due end of this month XD

5) Dangling, pretty earrings that's a little キラキラ ('sparkling' in other words, but it sounds a lil weird to say 'a lil sparkling' somehow) ♥
RM15++ (varies) ~ Diva, Perlini's Silver or any other lovely accessories place would do.

6) Starbucks Gift Vouchers
RM50 ~ Starbucks

7) Any of Murakami Haruki's works except for 'Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman' & 'After Dark'.
RM35++ ~ Kinokuniya, Borders, Times, MPH

8) Kinokuniya Gift Vouchers ♥
RM50 (varies) ~ Kinokuniya

9) Sculpey's Polymer Clay - a set of various colors
RM55++ (varies) ~ Multifilla or Craft Haven at 1 Utama

10) 'Doodle All Year' by Taro Gomi ♥
RM65++ ~ Kinokuniya

11) 'Doodles: A Really Giant Coloring and Doodling Book' by Taro Gomi
RM65++ ~ Kinokuniya

12) A personalized official Arsenal football jersey with 'Cesc' and said 21 year old's number in the team, '4' on the back (which coincidentally, is my birth date =D) ♥
RMxxx (I have no exact idea how much this costs but one can predict it's at least three digits with an amount close to a minimum of RM380+) ~ Arsenal Online Store

13) Converse Hi-Top Sneakers (of any color) ♥
RM80++ ~ Converse

14) Kanjani8 2009-2010 School Calendar ♥
RM80++ ~ Yet to be officially announced and released but when it does, places to get it are CDJapan and HMV.jp

15) Nishikido Ryo ♥ ♥ ♥
Priceless ~ There is no way he is 'buyable' but hey, if it's anything Nishikido-related, I am more than satisfied =) By stating him in such a general manner it means anything related to him is just as awesome. Still, that doesn't mean I wouldn't want the guy himself XD

Edit: 16) The Body Shop's Shower Gel - mini version collection (various flavors) ♥
RM35+ ~ The Body Shop

But in all honesty, what I really would like - is to just be happy and loved always =D ♥

honestlyyyy

2008-11-24T22:53:00.002+08:00

Let me be honest and say it straight out. I am helplessly in love. Still him and only him and probably will always be him. Why is that so - I have no idea but he just is. At the moment, the world seems to revolve around him and as stupid as that sounds - it pretty much does, at least for me anyway. And of course all this in the fandom-verse, reality not so much - but that's not the point. The point is: forget Edward, Kaname, Ohkura, Atae, whoever it is I've mentioned. I'm just simply hopelessly in love with Nishikido. I have forgotten when I was first drawn to him but I do know that it's hard to deny how much that guy commands my fandom. Rofl. I amuse myself to no end, really. And second honesty? He's the yardstick for reality.

What a pointless confession post XD

compatibility quiz XD

2008-11-10T19:50:00.003+08:00

So every once in a while, I would stumble onto something interesting - for example, a compatibility quiz. With my favorite bunch of guys as the boy in question. So I took this one up - 'Which Kanjani8 member are you most compatible with?'. I tried answering as honest and conclusively as I could as the choices were all pretty close. And the result?

Your best K8 match is: Nishikido Ryo!

Congratulations! Your K8 love match is the sarcastic yet unexpectedly sweet Nishikido Ryo!

Ryo is a hard guy to pin down. At first glance he seems cool and a little mean. It's not uncommon to hear his juniors refer to him as "scary". However once you get to know him, it starts to become obvious that Ryo's sharp tongue is nothing more than a poor cover up for the soft hearted shy person that lies inside. Yes Ryo is very shy and probably even a little insecure, so if you're his girlfriend you're probably going to find yourself taking the initiative more often if you want to actually get anywhere in this relationship. That being said, once Ryo is sure he adores you (and that you adore him back) he will more than likely shower you with affection of all kinds. Yes Ryo Mr Cool Idol is in fact a hopeless romantic at heart. And also a lot more talkative and playful than his sometimes too severe and very quiet outer appearance lets on. In fact Ryo is a big goofy dork at heart. Chances are if Ryo decides you're "the one" you're going to really know it. He'll cling to you like a lost puppy and act like a total fool around you. While Ryo can be sweet he's also busy. Very busy. Ryo loves to work and be active. He's a guy who likes living the fast and exciting life. You're going to have to be very understanding of this, or better yet, enjoy it too. Though it may be difficult to see him too often, you'll make sure every moment counts. A true match!

Can I squeal now? =D ♥

The very description of him seems all-too-suitable and honestly, I really think that to be loved and adored by him is a sweet, genuine, insightful romance as he lets down his guard in front of you, revealing himself as he is without the facade of his snark and sarcasm, or the impudent and haughty wit. Honestly, if I could say the one person in this world whom I would want to spend a day with, with no reservations - it would be him. Hence, for my 21st birthday - whoever asks me what I would like for this special occasion, I prefer if they could rephrase the question and ask 'who' instead of 'what' XD No need to second guess my answer is there? =D

I guess I should also honestly reveal that this is actually the result of my second attempt at the quiz. Rofl.

changes =D

2008-11-01T23:20:00.003+08:00

I wanted a change and my mind was actually set on something Nishikido-esque, but then AAA came to mind too and I was torn but finally, I decided to go for the one guy who never fails to capture my amusement and admiration and that is Ikuta Toma ♥

He's more than just adorkable as I like to put it, but more of versatile and charming in many ways. I just don't understand why he has not debuted - it's a little ridiculous to still place him as one of Johnny Jrs. when really, he has accomplished loads and is a fine young man. His roles are starting to vary now which is a good thing cause as an actor, he's charismatic on screen and very much into his role. Maou had him as this snappy, rugged yet delirious cop, HanaKimi had him as the dorky and delusional but still very charming Nakatsu (he won me over in the first episode alone when his character threatened Ashiya because his ego as a sprinter was burnt, rofl), and of course many others. Futhermore, he's been on stage - musicals and all.

Anyhow, moving on from Ikuta-kun, it's the layout in whole which I really like as well. I even justified my posts' text and changed the sidebar links, etc. color which previously, I've always been neglecting it. Although pink's not really my thing (has not been since I was 15) but I thought it didn't look too prissy with this shade and rather matching with the banner. The banner's a mixture of various texture which is much love because it's very scrapbook-like. The lyrics are from Arashi's 'One Love' which is yes, the theme song to Hana Yori Dango Final.

I absolutely love the lyrics ever since I first watch them perform it with subs in the clip. Practically one of the most beautiful lyrics ever:
"Even after a hundred years, I'll swear my love to you; you're my everything.
I love you; I love only you. Let's make a promise to the same tomorrow.
Just one person in the whole world, and I've chosen you.
As long as you're with me, no matter what kind of future we face, it'll always be shining."

A sweet and gentle warmth washed over me when they sang the third line to this chorus - 'just one person in the whole world and I've chosen you'. Imagine if your guy/girl was to tell you that with a gentle smile as he/she gazes into your eyes on a lovely day of blue skies, white clouds, calm breeze and rustling of the leaves, crisp under your barefeet, and soft smells of the flowers tickles your senses. Honestly? I would do so for that one guy who deserves to hear that line =)

The song by the way, perfectly describes Makino and Domyouji's relationship in HYD. Though I can't say I totally ship the pairing, I still am charmed by their love especially Domyouji towards her - considering he's such an arrogant, hot-tempered young man with a foul mouth and absolutely horrible sense of humor and odd vocabulary XD Matsumoto Jun definitely had me tickled with amusement with his portrayal of Domyouji. But hey, Oguri-kun's Hanazawa Rui still holds the favorite ticket ♥