Ani-Culture.net » Japan

KDDI’s Summer 2012 Smartphone range~

tueac — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:12 +0000

Well the Fujitsu Arrow Z looks, feels and functions rather nicely~ Will the Japanese super phones of the previous years be back soon?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeywWEg_iHw

After-all, Japanese phones are known for their meticulous details and functions, most of them are even splash proof~

Let’s not forget also that the designs are good too!

Featured smartphone models are,

Kyocera URBANO PROGRESSO

Fujitsu Arrow Z ISW13F

Sharp Aquos ISW16SH

Picture and Source: Digi-Info TV

Mannequin based 3D movement manipulator

tueac — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:22:11 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfJ4pA8ngDo

This Mannequin based 3D movement manipulator is a wow~ Imagine it making animating a 3D figure/wireframe so much easier!!

Interesting~

Source: http://www.diginfo.tv/v/12-0070-r-en.php

Sasshi accidentally releases an album!

tueac — Fri, 04 May 2012 05:52:55 +0000

Sashihara Rino, AKB48 member, might have accidentally be the first AKB48 member to release an album due to a mis-understanding of rules leading to a cock-up by Avex Japan.

It’s revealed late yesterday that the theater(Type-D) version of Sashihara Rino’s Soredemo Sukidayo Single failed to meet Oricon’s standard as a single. Since it contains more than 4 songs and can be considered an album.

Avex management thought it would be ok to include the 5th song, Yeah! Mecha Holiday, a cover of Aya Matsuura’s 6th single, as a theater exclusive, since it can be considered a extra.

Sales of the theater version amount to about 12,000 copies on the debut day, easily getting 1st if considered in the Albums chart on the 1st of May.

The news thou shocked Sashihara, leading to her posting on G+ the following response,

Translated by her english page,

When I first heard the story from the manager , I thought it was a lie . ” Is that possible？” was the only thing I thought . I couldn’t move 、I don’t know what to do 、I didn’t not know how to explain it to the fans . But when the person in charge from Avex told the story , I noticed that nobody is bad and we couldn’t do anything about it . We did not do this purposely and we also trust the company. If filled with single 12,000 difference , I will make an excuse . It is better not to open more ! !For those who bought and tried to contribute , I am very sorry . I will write again .

However to worried fans, there is not need to worry as she later posted,

Translated by Sasshi’s English G+page,

When I really think a lot , I didn’t notice that my first album was released .

And now she will once again be challenging herself, with a task of posting 300 G+ post in 24 hours starting from 1800 JST.

So to her, congratulations for the “album-release” and ganbatte! on the task ahead!

Source: Melos no Michi | AKB48 Fanpage | Google+

Sadako 3D, really throws ball~

tueac — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:48:55 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRRj6OdLjUM

Erm I mean throwing the first pitch in a baseball game~ lol.

I must say… She is kinda good if she didn’t faint…

Eitherway, Sadako 3D opens in Japanese Theater on the 12 of May 2012. I don’t know if it’s coming to Singapore or even the region but I am no fan of horror movie… SO I won’t be catching it, I guess…

Anyway here is a trailer,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGbqCnUAxbA

exist†trace’s “I Feel You” for Nadeshiko Japan!

tueac — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:54:45 +0000

exist†trace, the all female melody-visual kei band’s song, “I Feel You”, is selected to be Nadeshiko Japan Guidebook’s theme.

“I Feel You” will be included in their first album “VIRGIN” which will be released on the 23rd of May.

Read below for the press release,

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

exist†trace’s “I Feel You” selected for Nadeshiko Japan guidebook theme

April 20, 2012 – exist†trace’s song “I feel you” was selected as the main theme for Nadeshiko Japan’s official 2012 guidebook DVD. The Japanese female soccer league’s guidebook began sales this month at book stores, soccer fields, and official team shops across Japan.

“I feel you” is included in the band’s first major-label full-album “VIRGIN,” set for release on May 23 by Tokuma Japan Communications.This week, exist†trace released the album artwork for “VIRGIN” and a preview of their new PV “GINGER.”

The all-female visual kei band recently completed their first live-house tour of America in March with stops in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, where they played for over 1000 fans at the Japanese anime and culture event Tekkoshocon.

exist†trace official website: http://www.exist-trace.com
exist†trace official Twitter: http://twitter.com/existxtrace_19
Nadeshiko/Challenge League: http://www.nadeshikoleague.jp/index.html

VIDEO
exist†trace – “GINGER” (short version)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geGowZfjfLU

PROFILE

Formed in 2003, exist†trace is one of Japan’s first all-female Visual Kei rock bands.

Along with multiple tours of Japan , exist†trace has performed twice in Europe, making appearances in Berlin, Helsinki, Moscow, Paris, London, and Barcelona. In 2009, the band performed at the 2-day V-ROCK FESTIVAL in Chiba, Japan.

In November 2010, exist†trace released their album “TWIN GATE” in Japan and America, followed by their first American live show for 3000 fans at Sakura-Con in Seattle in April 2011. In June of the same year, they made their major-label debut with the “TRUE” EP on Tokuma Japan, and released a second 5-song EP “THE LAST DAYBREAK” in October 2011.

In March 2012, exist†trace performed their first live-house tour of America, playing New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh (Hard Rock Cafe), and a special 1000-person show at Japanese culture event Tekkoshocon. Their first full-length album entitled “VIRGIN” will be released May 23, 2012.

# # #

Note: exist†trace is spelled with the “cross” symbol in the middle.

Photo Credit: Monster’s Inc.

Private Baka Rea Highschool

tueac — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 06:25:03 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAHDnBvkQDA

Watch this first, read later… While it last~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ageUbLc0Ww

Private Baka Rea Highschool, 私立バカレア高校, Shiritsu Bakaleya Koukou is a drama that features the first ever Johnny’s X AKB48 collaboration. With the members from Johnny’s group like, Jr, Hey Say Jump, Kis-my-ft2 and selected members of AKB48 taking the main roles.

The drama is produced by Akimoto Yasushi, and features Shake It Up from Kiss My FT2 as the opening and Migikata from Maeda Atsuko as ending song.

The drama is on air every saturday night at 12:50AM(JST) on NTV.

Site: Japanese Wikipedia | NTV

私立バカレア高校

exist†trace Previews “VIRGIN” at USA Tour

tueac — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:22:01 +0000

All female, Visual Kei Rock band, exist†trace, previews their unreleased song, “Honey”, from their upcoming album, “VIRGIN”, at their USA tour.

One of the concert was so loud, the sensitive neighbors complained…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IDjfdp1jeM

It’s not that bad right?

I give it to you, they are good and I don’t usually like metal… … Yup a big No No to those head banging, hysteria screaming type…

“VIRGIN”, will be on sale in Japan from the 23rd of May.

And Honey is not the one above, that’s “Daybreak”.

Press release below from RESONANCE Media,

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Visual kei band exist†trace previews “VIRGIN” on USA tour

April 10, 2012 – All-female visual kei band exist†trace surprised fans during their first USA tour by performing an unreleased track “Honey” from their upcoming album “VIRGIN,” due to release May 23 in Japan.

Performing in four cities across the Northeast, exist†trace completed their first live-house tour of America in March with stops in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, where they played for over 1000 fans at the Japanese anime and culture event Tekkoshocon.

In addition to the new track from “VIRGIN,” the hour-long set list included recent singles “Daybreak” and “True,” along with early-career crowd pleasers like “Judea” and “Sacrifice Baby.”

The exist†trace concert at Tekkoshocon was so loud that noise complaints were received from neighboring buildings in the area.

Tekkoshocon partnered with national restaurant chain Hard Rock Café for a special 150-person invitation-only performance by exist†trace on the final day of the tour. This marked the first occasion where a Japanese band has performed at Pittsburgh’s popular rock-themed venue.

“VIRGIN” will be the first full-album release from exist†trace through major Japanese label Tokuma, following two 5-song EPs from 2011, “TRUE” and “THE LAST DAYBREAK.”

exist†trace guitarist and songwriter miko expressed her appreciation for American fans:

“Everyone who joined the East Coast Tour, otsukaresama deshita!

“This was our second performance in America following last year, so we thought we understood the American energy. But, the ‘IGU family’ in America really surprised us, in a good sense! We were really happy that you guys welcomed us with heat that’s hotter than we imagined!

“Thank you so much!

“We created our stage show with some special elements this time. Songs with a unique production style, like ‘Little Mary…’ and ‘Kiss in the Dark,’ our new song ‘Honey’ that joined us all together, and ‘Judea’ which has always been supported by all of you overseas. All of these songs became important and a special time we shared with you.

“We have been going overseas once a year so far, and if possible, we’d like to visit America more often. We’d like to truly become a ‘Vanguard’ to tell many people how cool Japanese Rock is in many different locations.

“We’re really eager to visit you again, so don’t hold back! Show us your excitement and invite us again. We may visit your town because of your voice.

“See you again somewhere. Take care until then!

“- miko”

LINKS

exist†trace official website
http://www.exist-trace.com

exist†trace official Twitter
http://twitter.com/existxtrace_19

VIDEO
“Little Mary to utsukushiki nikushimi no Danube” (live)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IDjfdp1jeM

” target=”_blank”>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IDjfdp1jeM

PROFILE
Formed in 2003, exist†trace is one of Japan’s first all-female Visual Kei rock bands.

Along with multiple tours of Japan, exist†trace has performed twice in Europe, making appearances in Berlin, Helsinki, Moscow, Paris, London, and Barcelona. In 2009, the band performed at the 2-day V-ROCK FESTIVAL in Chiba, Japan.

Photo Credit: Kathy Chee/www.purplepenguinllc.com
*all except (1) Hard Rock Café photo — credit: JapanFiles/Kyle Lindh
*please check photo watermarks

JP: Miss Macross 30 Contest

nbcwarrior — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 09:32:59 +0000

As part of the celebration of the Macross 30th Anniversary a real Miss Macross pageant will be taking place in search for the next Sheryl Nome the “Galactic Fairy” and Ranka Lee the “Super-Dimension Cinderella”.

Applicant however have to fulfill the following criterias,

- Age between, 12 to 25 and is single.
- Can converse in Japanese
- Regardless of you being a Professional or an Amateur, you can take part.
- Is not in any exclusive contract with any company.

Applications are open from April 1, 2012 – May 6 2012.

Applicants can choose either the “Actress Wing” or the “Singer Wing”. Applicants can also apply for both wings, if they so wished to.

Contestants will have to use the new CROSSO machine at Joysound Karaoke, and, with the uta suki douga feature, take a video of themselves performing one Macross songs and then filling up the application form.

Applicants can choose any of the macross related song stated in the list on the page below, from a choice of 14 Categories ranging from the original Macross to the Frontier movies.

http://joysound.com/ex/utasuki/movie/audition/_auditionno_98_detail.htm

Selected contestants have to go through a series of interviews before they are selected for the finals.

The Winner of the “Singer Wing” will get the opportunity to sing a Macross song on an upcoming CD from the Flying Dog label.

The Winner of the “Actress Wing” will be honored with a role on the upcoming Macross stage musical, planned for October.

For more information and updates on the contest please refer to the Macross 30 site.

http://www.macross30.com/mmc/

One Ok Rock 2012 “Start Walking The World Tour”

tueac — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 06:24:35 +0000

One Ok Rock presents their first world tour! With 5 locations set for now, Tokyo, Osaka, Taipei, Korea and Singapore.

One Ok Rock is a 4 man rock band formed in 2005 with their latest album, Zankyo Reference, selling 100,000 copies to rank 2nd in the Weekly oricon charts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-xF2MAFw5s

They are seen as one of the most promising Japanese JRock band.

Other then the world tour, One Ok Rock also announces their newly created official Youtube Channel.

From One Ok Rock website:

「ONE OK ROCK 2012 “Start Walking The World Tour”」

5/30(水)東京；新木場STUDIO COAST guest/9mm Parabellum Bullet
5/31(木)東京；新木場STUDIO COAST guest/阿部真央
6/04(月)大阪；なんばHatch guest/後日発表となります。
6/05(火)大阪；なんばHatch guest/CROSSFAITH
6/09(土)台湾； Legacy Taipei
6/16(土)韓国； AX-KOREA
6/30(土)シンガポール； *SCAPE

May 30, 2012: TOKYO,JAPAN, STUDIO COAST
Guest: 9mm Parabellum Bullet
May 31, 2012: TOKYO,JAPAN, STUDIO COAST
Guest: Abe mao
June 4, 2012: OSAKA,JAPAN, NAMBA Hatch
Guest: KAZUYOSHI SAITO
June 5, 2012: OSAKA,JAPAN, NAMBA Hatch
Guest: CROSSFAITH
June 9, 2012, Taipei, Taiwan, Legacy Taipei
June 16, 2012 Korea, AX-Korea
June 30, 2012 Singapore, *SCAPE

Akihabara, My trip~ 03.12

tueac — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 05:15:26 +0000

AKIHABARA~ The land of the chosen~

The above is a Sunday when the pedestrian heaven is in place, a time when cars are not allowed onto the road and pedestrians are free to roam it~ It’s just such a wonderful concept~

Unfortunately… I don’t have much time to roam around more…

But here is Akihabara from my lens~

The famous AKB48 can be found the most in Akihabara, with their theater in Don Quijote building along Chou-dori and it’s Cafe and Shop at the Station just next to the Gundam Cafe.

Unfortunately… a shame really… that we are unable to visit the theater due to it being the Super Saitama Arena concert weekend… Making this the 2nd time I was unable to visit it… OTL…

A few blocks of Akihabara that I didn’t have time visit… lol

Next is Akiba Cultural Zone,

This is a new place for me, since I last visited more than 3 years ago, It’s now one of the must go place for visitors with GoodSmile Cafe and Tsunku’s Akihabara Backstage pass cafe on the 5th and 6th level respectively.

The Goodsmile Cafe comes also with a shop space for tourist to buy some omiyage for friends and family. At this time, it’s currently offering Winter Miku Manju, sweets and nendoroids.

On the 4th level is a Cosplay shop operated by K-Books and the shop keepers themselves are very good at the craft! Also on the 4th level is the “box” Shop with almost 300 boxes, offering anything from rare collectibles to CDs to Photos and etc.

Wonderful place, I should say~

More building shots~

On Sundays, there are also the flea market, just in front of the UDX building. Some rare kits can be found there, if you are really looking, interesting~

How can I miss out the Kawaii meidos on the streets~ It seems there is now a service that they can be your Girlfriend and walk with you down Akihabara for an hour at a small fee.

Even their Kentucky is funky~ Colonel Sanders in pajamas.. lol

Lastly, I just cannot forget this character… Intel’s Tora… lol It’s their mascot for their push of Ultrabook. I love Japanese Advertisements!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l02GFRfBmS0