HEY! SAY! JUMP JUMPING C4R ALBUM

Hi! Today, I'm posting about the newest album by the idol group Hey! Say! JUMP. Their latest album is entitled JUMPing C4R. Well yes, again, it's a pun on the group's name. :)

This is just a commentary post about my first impression upon listening to each track, I won't dissect or talk about the meaning of the lyrics because I haven't seen translations yet, and my Japanese is still on a very low level. Also, no download links whatsoever here.^^ If you want the album's tracklist, you can find it here.

I'm only going to comment on the songs from the regular edition, and I'm not including the bonus tracks.

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Track No. 1: Fantasist

They always have this instrumental for intro on their albums. This one is is pretty amusing. It's sounds quite thrilling, it seems you're up for something really wonderful.

Track No. 2: JUMPing Car

I really love the intro and Yama-chan's first "whew-whew" if that's how to spell it! XD I think it has a really summery feeling, like you may want to hear this while on your way to the beach or something! XD :) Pretty catchy and I really like "whew-whew!" Hahaha!

Track No. 3: Walk

I don't favor it that much. I don't think it will stick will me soon. I mean, I don't think I'll remember the lyrics anytime soon. Hehe.

Track No. 4: SHen SHera Shen

SHen SHera Shen~ SHen SHera Shen~ I wonder if they'll have a dance for this! I think the chorus is so danceable! (Okay, I know there's no such word as danceable lol but that's how I want to describe it!) The chorus is cute, while the bridge part is cool! SHen SHera Shen~ SHen SHera Shen~ ♥ Hahahaha!

Track No. 5: Weekender

Well, this is a pretty old release since it's a single that was released last year. I really like this song, this was the ending song for Yamada Ryosuke and Arioka Daiki's drama Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo. This is pretty addictive, or maybe I think so because I've heard it lots of times already. XD :)

Track No. 6: Kira Kira Hikare

I don't find the other parts that good, but I like the chorus a lot. I might just go on singing the chorus one of these days. Lol.

Track No. 7: Ai yo boku wo Michibiite Yuke

This has a different feel, but it is very nice. While I don't see myself having this as my favorite, I wouldn't mind hearing it from time to time, just to feel another side of JUMP's singing. ♥

Track No. 8: Fever

I'm really not into this kind of songs, even Arashi songs like this, I don't find myself listening to them that much. The intro just lost my interest. XD :)

Track No. 9: Boys don't stop

This feels like a song that KAT-TUN or maybe Sexy Zone will sing, it's so not JUMP! Hahaha. But, it's quite pleasant but not a favorite.^^ 

Track No. 10: Dangerous

This one has a different feel as well, but it's like a Boku wa Vampire sequel in a way. XD :) I can sense a vampire feel somehow!

Track No. 11: Chau#

While this was released as a single before the album, I honestly haven't listened to it. Idk why, I feel so outdated. :( Anyway, it's a very lively song! XD Feels a little like an NYC song.

Track No. 12: Yowamushi☆Shooter

I love the title! Lol. I love stars so I'm really attracted to its title! XD I like this a little, but not too much, but I guess if I listen to this more I'm going to like it a lot.

Track No. 13: Ashita e no YELL

This one is pretty hooking in its own way, and it was very fitting for Nakajima Yuto and Takaki Yuya's drama Suikyu Yankees.

Track No. 14: Farewell

I thought this will be a pretty dramatic and slow song because of the title Farewell, but it's so upbeat! I'm not into upbeat tunes so much, tbh. I don't think I'm going to get hooked with this song.

Track No. 15: Very very happy

Omg. I thought this one will be a very upbeat song. Are they sure they didn't get Farewell and Very very happy mixed up? Lol. Or maybe they did that on purpose. This is a love ballad, I love it. It seems it's full of feels! I can't wait to see translations! I love this one! But it's awkward to say "My favorite song is Very very happy" XD :)

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My favorites from this JUMPing C4R album are JUMPing C4R, SHen SHera SHen, Weekender, Ashita e no YELL, and Very very happy.

Omg, it was so nice to be reminded how much I love Yamada Ryosuke's voice! I haven't listened to their songs lately but since Yamada's voice is the most prominent in their songs, I was reminded that I miss him! I'm so glad Inoo Kei is getting more and more lines in the songs too. Those two are my ichiban and niban in this group, btw.^^ Also, it hit me I need my dose of Hey! Say! JUMP, well I love them all, of course! ♥

Anime: True Tears

I didn't plan on picking up this anime entitled True Tears again after I've dropped it years ago. I dropped it because I got bored with the first episode. But then, I encountered a post in Saiko+, an social android app for anime/manga enthusiasts, the post is a poll asking whether you are in favor or not of who ended up with the lead character Nakagami Shinichiro. Since I have time, I decided to give it a shot once more.

This post is just a post that will be full of my commentaries on who the male lead character ended up with in the 13-episode anime True Tears.

If you haven't watched it yet, you can stream or download it here on KissAnime. Better stop reading after this paragraph and watch it first so you won't be spoiled. I hope you'll come back and read this blog post after though. It would be great if I can hear your thoughts on this as well. :)

Now, I'll introduce the ladies in Shinichiro's life first.

Yuasa Hiromi

She's your typical heroine with good looks, demure type. She's a childhood of friend of Shinichiro and she is now living with Shinichiro's family after both of her parents died. She liked Shinichiro ever since they were young.

Isurugi Noe

She's regarded in their school as a weirdo who curses people. Shinichiro meets her in a weird way as well. They will spend more and more time with each other, and eventually will start a relationship.

Andou Aiko

She's a friend of Shinichiro. She starts going out with Shinichiro's friend, Miyokichi, even though she has feelings for Shinichiro as well.

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Aiko restarted her relationship with Miyokichi, she started accepting that Shinichiro doesn't have feelings for her and started accepting the warmth and love Miyokichi is offering, and that was favorable.

However, Shinichiro ended up with Hiromi. 

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Okay, so now that I'm done with the introductions and I've spilled who Shinichiro ended up with, I'm going to share in here a heavy piece of my mind. I guess one should have watched True Tears to understand where I'm coming from.

So, do I favor who Shinichiro ended up with? NO.

I understand Hiromi has a lot on her plate, but no. She's such a turn off all throughout the series, and I'm going to clearly point out why I think she was.

1. On episode 2, she backstabbed Noe. She told Shinichiro that Noe picks up boys randomly. She just heard it from hearsay. That's so sly, so lowly of her.

2. On episode 10, Shinichiro said he's the one who can wipe off Hiromi's tears so he's going to her. Heck, Hiromi isn't the only one who's in tears, both Noe and Aiko are lonely too but they decided to wipe off their own tears. Hiromi can do that, but she won't do it, because she lives off wanting to be pitied upon.

3. While Hiromi just told Noe that she's good in attracting people with her innocent/weird persona, Noe has been pondering. Hiromi was this annoying girl who wants pity. Why does she act like she's the only one who is tired, sad, and helpless? She said Noe was trying to be this innocent type but Noe while being childlike, understands it than most of the characters.

4.  On episode 12, Noe was blaming herself because she didn't understand the feelings of her brother, of Hiromi, of Shinichiro. While Hiromi? She was this selfish hag who bluntly tells Noe to not bother her and Shinichiro anymore. She doesn't even try to understand others, she makes me want to puke, seriously.

5. On the last episode, Hiromi told Shinichiro she wants everything to be cleared and lets him to have a talk with Noe. Wow, seriously? Why now? What a goody two shoes! It feels like she just doesn't want to feel that bad of herself. So after doing all those sly stuff and confirming it's her who Shinichiro really likes and not Noe, she goes on with this decision. So selfish.

If I'll be asked who I want to end up with Shinichiro, I'll say I want them all to live separate ways and grow apart. They're still young and they still have a lot to learn. They gave off the vibe that they are so fixated with each other and their ideas of love, and it just reflects their immaturity. That is bearable in romcoms, but this anime is more on drama. It should be more of an eye opener, than just an eye candy to the viewers.

I don't like the idea that Shinichiro might just go on licking Hiromi's wounds in the future, that's not good. So if I have to choose, I prefer Noe for Shinichiro. I think it's going to be a healthier relationship because I can see that they can calm each other's hearts. It's not just all about licking each other's wounds, but it's going to be more of cheering each other on. I just hope our hero ended up with a heroine who can probably bring out his potential more.

But anyway, True Tears was a good watch despite who the hero ended up with, it made me reflect on a lot of things, and it's full of feels. Oh well, now I'm glad I have let out my opinion about this here.

That's about it. Well then!

Tatakau! Shoten Girl Drama Review

(Photo credits goes to its rightful owners)

"Pegasus Bookstore is going through hard times due to competition from internet bookstores. Kitamura Aki and Nishioka Riko are employees at Pegasus Bookstore. Aki is 23 years old. She has a strong will and freewheeling personality. She places her job and dreams above marriage. Riko is a 40-year-old single woman. She is the vice-manager at the bookstore. She has pride in her work. The two women have completely different personalities." (from dramawiki)

Rating: 10 is the highest, 0 is the lowest. Please view my criteria here.
(This may contain spoilers, I tried to limit them, but please read at your own discretion.)

Interesting synopsis: +1
Yes. I don't have any idea how bookstores actually work, and this is not a very common setting, thought not very unique either, it still piqued my interest. 

Story development: +1
Every episode turns out favorable.

Conclusion: +1
Thumbs up for this. I'm still doubting that Nishioka and Mita can actually be together (these characters are portrayed by Inamori Izumi and Chiba Yudai), I really like it that Kitamura Aki (portrayed by Watanabe Mayu) ended up with the character who's really suited for her. I wanted Inamori Izumi's character to have ended up with Tanabe Seichii's character though. She let him get back with his ex-wife? That ex-wife was a cheater, right? I know it'll be hard for the child, but that was wrong I think, just staying for the sake of the child. I think the child will feel bad about it too.

Members of the cast: +1
Inoo Kei!!! He's the primary reason that this drama got my interest! He's my 2nd favorite member of idol group Hey! Say! JUMP. I like Watanabe Mayu (or Mayuyu) too, she's pretty cute. I'm loving Chiba Yudai lately, and I can't deny I've been falling and falling more. And Daito Shunsuke, oh yes ♥ 

Portrayal of roles: +1
I haven't watched a lot of Inamori Izumi's dramas, but basing from this drama, I actually don't like her acting style that much. She's good but I think she's a little stiff? I hope she can revive my opinion about her when I watch more of her dramas in the future, she's really pretty for her age though! I honestly felt awkward watching Mayuyu act, her amateur being is really obvious, but I think that's forgivable since she doesn't have much acting experience yet. Her facial expressions are still very limited. The awkwardness kind of lessen during the latter episodes though, I guess she already learned and improved a little. Chiba Yudai is good as usual. I just hope Yudai and Mayuyu worked on their chemistry a little so I could've cheered for them a little too, but oh well. But, did anyone cheer for this pair? They don't have chemistry, not at all, in my opinion. For Daito Shunsuke, he really suited the character well and I guess this is my most favorite portrayal of him by far. I just appreciated the character so much because of his expressions. I'll comment on Inoo Kei too even though his only a supporting character. He did pretty fine. I hope he can have more heavy roles though.

Character development: +1
Yes, I just hope Aki realized it's not just all about her. The nerve! She was really annoying in the first half of the series! Obata was really great, I thought he was this humorous random guy and that he'll remain like that, but he became this guy I admire most in this drama! I guess Nishioka learned from Aki, but I hope she would stop acting like a timid-type teenager or something. Lol. Nothing much on Chiba Yudai's character. I just hope he stopped being this guy who is seemingly trying hard to be mature, that's what his character is like.

OST/Theme song/Insert song used: +1
Mayuyu's song is pretty good.

Every episode was a fun watch: +1

Yes, well I really like Chiba Yudai, Inoo Kei and Daito Shunsuke so... XD But really, it's not that bad. :)

Made me anticipate for the next episodes: +1

Yes, because of Obata! It was such a delight to watch him!

It became a favorite: +1
Yes, I guess so, because I really like the members of the cast and the story is good and fun too! 

(minus .5)
Because of this (quoting myself lol) "I wanted Inamori Izumi's character to have ended up with Tanabe Seichii's character though. She let him get back with his ex-wife? That ex-wife was a cheater, right? I know it'll be hard for the child, but that was wrong I think, just staying for the sake of the child. I think the child will feel bad about it too."

(minus .5)
Because while the guys are really good actors, Inamori Izumi was a little stiff and Mayuyu was awkward to watch.

(minus .5)
Because of this (quoting myself again lol) "Nothing much on Chiba Yudai's character. I just hope he stopped being this guy who is seemingly trying hard to be mature, that's what his character is like."

Final Rating: 8.5/10  

Other comments/thoughts:
The story is not bad, it's actually entertaining. I just hope Mayuyu wasn't that awkward to watch, and Inamori Izumi doesn't give off a stiff vibe!

SMOKING GUN Drama Review

(Photo credits goes to its rightful owners)

Private forensic researcher Nagareda Enishi (Katori Shingo) is usually very sluggish as well as sloppy, and always aloof. However, his entire demeanour changes once he is at a scene and his skills as a forensic researcher are topnotch. He stands up for the disadvantaged by using science and technology to uncover conclusive evidence and solve trivial civil cases which the police will not handle such as adultery, molest and stalking. Enishi used to be a member of the Research Institute of Forensic Science and was called an ace, but he now belongs to Chiyoda Forensic Science Institute due to some incident. (from dramawiki)

Rating: 10 is the highest, 0 is the lowest. Please view my criteria here.
(This may contain spoilers, I tried to limit them, but please read at your own discretion.)

Interesting synopsis: +1
Yes, forensic research is always interesting! But, it still depends on how they will execute the story, of course.

Story development: +1
Yes, there was an interesting underlying problem and every episode is relevant.

Conclusion: +1
Yes, favorable. 

Members of the cast: +1
I really like Shingo Katori. Before this, Kasuka na Kanojo was the last drama I watched starring him so I was really excited to watch this one. I like Nishiuchi Mariya too. I didn't look at the complete list of cast and I was surprised when Nakayama Yuma is there! If you don't know, I like everyone in Johnnys! XD :)

Portrayal of roles: +1
I don't want to compare, but while Shingo Katori's portrayal in this drama is decent, I like his portrayal in Kasuka no Kanojo more. I know it's not right to compare since it's two different characters (a forensic investigator and a school teacher), but maybe, one may be better for a certain role than another? Nishiuchi Mariya is okay, though I'm not sure if she can take on heavy drama roles. Well, the character she's portraying here is not a dramatic role so it was fine.

Character development: +1
Enishi (Shingo Katori's role) is an interesting person, and he does interesting things all the time. Sakurako (Nishiuchi Mariya's character) is trying hard to learn and be of used which is admirable. 

OST/Theme song/Insert song used: 0
I can't remember anything on this. I'm quite surprised though, they didn't use an SMAP song for a drama starring an SMAP member this time?

Every episode was a fun watch: +1
The story development is good and the character portrayals are okay.

Made me anticipate for the next episodes: 0

While I think that everything that happened were relevant, I found myself a little uninterested.

It became a favorite: 0
No. I don't hate it though.

(plus .5)
Here's a .5 because, while it didn't really make me anticipate for the next episodes, it didn't make me want to discontinue watching the series either. This might be quite hard to understand but I can't actually explain it either. XD :)

(minus .5)
I also mentioned above that the story development was good and the portrayals were fine. It's like I'm interested in what's happening every episode but I couldn't be hooked enough. 

Final Rating: 7/10  

Other comments/thoughts:
I'm sorry my thought on this was are kinda vague! Hahaha. I don't know why! SMOKING GUN is a so-so drama, I guess not too bad, but not too good either. 

Update Post #5

Hi! Here's my 5th update post.

I know I couldn't post this month, I'm not really busy or anything but I have a messed up body clock, and not until I can get it fixed, then I guess I won't be able to write more. Nonetheless, I'll try to fill in some dates (this is cheating somehow lol), just because I don't want an empty month in this blog. XD

But anyway, I've finished 3 Japanese dramas yesterday and I feel so fulfilled. XD :) They are SMOKING GUN, Tatakau! Shoten Girl, and Youkoso, Wagaya e. I started watching SMOKING GUN about 3-4 days ago, while I've been following Tatakau! Shoten Girl and Youkoso, Wagaya e since they are both dramas from the current season. I'll post reviews of all three. :)

I don't have anything much to say this time. I've been thinking about some serious things but I'll keep it for myself first. Who knows I might be able to share it here in the future, though no one actually reads this. XD :)

That's all for now. If anyone have read this until here, I wish you well! XD Thank you. :)

Seventeen Natsu Matsuri 2014

Hello!

So I've watched Seventeen Summer Festival 2014, well only about half of it. (My media player is acting up >.< ) I think Seventeen Summer Festival is an annual thing, a fashion show produced by the awesome people who work for the fashion magazine Seventeen. It's my first time to watch it and seriously, it was too much eyecandy for me. ♥ Not that I'm complaining! Hahaha.

A lot of the actors and actresses I adore were there! ♥And it's so nice to see them all together dressed up and having fun! I mean, you don't get to see them together all the time like this! I'll share some screencaps I took, so you can see the glory!

Here's the opening! Look at those enticing girls!

All of the participants. Ikr, you can't see their faces. XD

Shinkawa Yua and Funassyi.

Nakagawa Taishi and anyone knows the name of the guy in black cardigan?

Fukushi Sota and Miura Shohei backstage.

I didn't quite like this corner, they were graded by what they're wearing when they came to the studio! Hahaha. I guess fashion models have it hard since some people have this impression that they always dress up.

Pretty Hirose Suzu with her simple ensemble. I love her necklace!

Love this look of Nishiuchi Mariya! I guess it's because it's her that this was pulled off well. I think I would look like an awkward pole in that. 

So what did they make the ikemen do? Of course, swoon the hearts of the audience! They are given scenarios and they need to come up with some sweet and breathtaking lines to get the audience's favor. Lol, Chiba Yudai was up against Funassyi.

Yamamoto Yusuke vs Mizobata Junpei.

Look at these ikemen. (Just want to share: They are playing Love So Sweet by Arashi in this part! ♥)

Here goes the current prince of our shoujo dramas and films. But lol, with this fahsion show, I've learned Fukushi Sota is quite an ojiisan (old man), his poses when he was in ramp were a little awkward for an ikemen. I mean, he's poses are nothing compared to Yamamoto Yusuke's, who seemingly have mastered those narcissistic poses! Well, I guess Fukushi Sota is a shy one.

The scenario is they have to do the kabedon! ♥ So here's Fukushi Sota doing the kabedon for you!

Miyoshi Ayaka and the otehr model in brown blazer, who's she? She's cute!

Hirose Suzu sporting cutie messy hair! ♥ Hirose Suzu is like the apple of my eye right now, so yeah. Hahaha. I'm totally a straight lass though! No confusions! XD And, I couldn't care less about the other girl.

Yamamoto Yusuke and some girl idk who. Hahaha. I love her smile though.

This was such a cute dokidoki scene! I don't know the girl but she's cute when right after this she was smiling like she really felt dokidoki, and Fukushi Sota is a winner with his shy smile! ♥ I was shipping them for a second there!

Miyoshi Ayaka and Ryusei Ryo.

Chiba Yudai goofing around ♥

Here's your Water Polo people from the drama Suikyu Yankees! The three on the center only though. Chiba Yudai. Shinkawa Yua, and Nakagawa Taishi.

Ending the screencaps with this one. It looks so fun, I wish I was there watching live! ♥

After this part is the corner of Miwa (singer). I like her songs too, but I decided to watch it some other time because my media player was acting up really bad >.<

That's it for now! :)

Akanishi Jin Let Me Talk to U

Akanishi Jin (who used to be 4th place in my own Top 10 Johnnys Ranking back when he was still with KAT-TUN), is releasing a single. He is already an independent artist after he was released by Johnnys by not renewing his contract.

I miss him, and I hope he was able to stay, but he might be happier with what he's doing now because he has all the freedom which I think he actually wanted. So why did I hope he was able to stay with Johnnys? Didn't I want him to be happy and free? No. It's because being in Johnnys means more exposure and I want to see him more, like on TV shows. But well, I'm glad he's still producing his music. I'm now contented.

So before I pour out all my feelings about Jin's departure from Johnnys after all this time, I'll just do this quick post about Akanishi Jin's new single Let Me Talk to U.

Here's the teaser for the promotional video.

Ah~ I'm so excited about this! I already like the song even if I haven't heard the whole thing! I really love Jin's voice even before! And I think I'll get hooked into this one. ♥ I'm imagining I'm the one he's singing this to! Ugh, someone please drag me down from the clouds. Lol.
I hope I can have this single, I need to save! If you like Jin and you have the money, please support him and buy this single! Pretty please! :) I know he is probably richer than most of us, but hey, we love him, right? So that we can continue hearing his smexy voice and music, we should support his releases! :)

Kyou wa Kaisha Yasumimasu Drama Review

(Photo credits goes to its rightful owners)

"Hanae Aoishi is set to turn 30. She works for a general trading company and has never taken a day off or been late for work. She dresses pleasantly plain and has zero dating experience.

She attends a company party and drinks with part-time employee Yuto Tanokura. He is a handsome university student. Through the evening, Hanae becomes drunk and passes out. When she wakes up, Hanae finds Yuto Tanokura sleeping next to her and he is naked. She becomes confused about what happened and takes the day off from work for the first time. To come out of her shell, Hanae decides to date Yuto Tanokura who is 9 years younger than her." (from dramawiki) At this time Yu Asao, the CEO of a food company located in the same building as her company, begins to have feelings for Hanae." (from dramawiki)

Rating: 10 is the highest, 0 is the lowest. Please view my criteria here.
(This may contain spoilers, I tried to limit them, but please read at your own discretion.)

Interesting synopsis: +1
The premise that our heroine is a reliable woman dedicated to work who finally takes a day off after years of serving her company is very interesting. So, why is she finally taking a day off? Well, watch to find out! Hahaha.

Story development: +1
Yes, though this is a quite cliche setting where a woman in her 30s is still inexperience with love then suddenly meets a guys who turns her world upside down, I still think the story development is good. It showed how awkward making such relationship can be, but it feels quite thrilling as well.

Conclusion: +1
Yes, it's so nice that they can be together after years. They waited, and I think they already deserve each other. 

Members of the cast: +1
While Ayase Haruka's acting ability is still very limited, in my opinion, I guess she fits the role very well. Fukushi Sota is a charm, and I was really looking at him and his expressions while working with Ayase Haruka. He may be a popular prince in shoujo manga live-action adaptations right now (where his female counterparts are almost of the same age as him), it can arouse curiosity how he'll manage a role of a prince for a 30-year old woman. I think this is something new for him. I'm glad to see Naka Riisa back acting again, I think this is the first drama where I've seen her after she gave birth. Chiba Yudai is a delight, I'm glad to see him in this drama as well.

Portrayal of roles: +1
Well, Ayase Haruka must have already mastered the innocent/demure woman type, I have this image that most of her roles are like that. I wonder if she can ever pull other types of roles though. Fukushi Sota impressed me this time. His expressions were a little stiff in a few times, but he's cute. Oh well, I'll forgive that. But, I really think he pulled off this one just fine. I'll consider that there might be a little pressure for him too since he's the youngest among the cast members. I was really watching Naka Riisa expressions, I missed seeing her. If she isn't married, I would be shipping her with Chiba Yudai already. I like their pairing here, they are pretty awkward but adorable!  

Character development: +1
I guess they were able to learn and be responsible for themselves. I like it that they didn't run away, and they tried to face their problems because they know they're already adults.

OST/Theme song/Insert song used: 0
Didn't really made an impact on me, or maybe I'm not just interested. Hahaha.

Every episode was a fun watch: +1

Yes, I'm pretty surprised that I enjoyed every episode even if it has Ayase Haruka in it. Lol. She really makes me feel awkward when I see her. 

Made me anticipate for the next episodes: +1

Yes, it entertaining and it'll keep you wanting to watch more of it.

It became a favorite: +1
Yes, I'm not going to reject it just because Ayase Haruka is in it. I think she was pretty decent here (since she has mastered this kind of role hahaha!) It's a good watch.

Final Rating: 9/10  

Other comments/thoughts:
Maybe woman who's in their 30s who haven't experienced love can relate to this and have will to meet more people, who knows you might meet the one along the way. Dedication at work might be important, but it's important to go out and meet new people as well. :) (I'm not really one to talk though. Hahaha!)