Manga artist combats bootleggers - English

asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：Manga artist combats bootleggers - English

I find this to be a interesting article not because of anything Rumiko Takahashi has done but because of this descriptor : "unscrupulous translators who upload low-quality manga bootlegs". This is so different to how American "fans" describe the "service" these "fan translators" do to the "community" particularly the claim that "scanlations help a series grow a fandom and sell better".

The Japanese (news and mangaka alike) sure don't seem to agree. And its their manga.

Sumomo's a star!

Kind of ^^; I sent some photos in for Hobby Search (for the kimono set) and they're up. The color was degraded somewhere along the line but they can be viewed here.

Furisode & Hakama Set for 25cm Doll (Pure Neemo Orginal Costume)

It is spring and time for long boring graduation ceremonies! (In Japan anyhow..) I recently acquired this beautiful furisode (long-sleeved kimono for unmarried women) and hakama set for dear Sumomo.

Fittingly, the print is of plum flowers (Sumomo's namesake).

The bag wasn't designed for Yuki-chan but he fits in it. As you can see the kimono is lined so she has the multiple collar effect (a white collar piece is in there as well). The kimono has snap buttons on the natural flaps so the back does not have unsightly Velcro seams . The obi does come open in the back but the snap buttons and seam are covered by the bow The light purple obiage (帯揚げ) can be removed also so the hakama can be worn properly (according to the instructions: I don't know how to wear a woman's hakama and evidently japanese otaku don't either). Because she does not have individual toes, her shoes are very difficult to get on (you have to remove the strap partially and then reinsert it once the foot is in place).

Ready for graduation in the rare woman's hakama.

It took me a while to get her dressed properly but I love the detail in the clothing. much better than a back-velcroed Barbie one-piece outfit. Right now she's still in the hakama set ^_^

From 着物すもも

A romance with Coca-Cola

Its HOT. Santa Ana has hit and it's HOT. It's time for light clothes and cold beverages. Sumomo is no exception and has shed her hot winter sweater to enjoy some of Mexico's finest export.

Ah the joys of being near the border... you can get this stuff at Costco!!! For those not in the know, Mexican Coke is made with cane sugar and is infinitely superior to the plastic-bottle High Frutose Corn Syrup version sold in the US.

This was rather impromptu as I set the bottle next to her and it was the same height. The pose looks like she's running to embrace the bottle like a long lost friend. I really need a tripod so I can do better photos.

I bought Realta Nua....

So I can voice patch Fate/Stay Night. Its expensive but since it was availabile locally I went for it. I hope the voice acting is good. I played the prologue last night and enjoyed it but the music didn't impress me much so I feel voice acting could add a lot to this game. Art and plot are fun so far. :)

I paid 35+ tax at bookoff but it seems to be a completely new copy. The plastic wrap had the warning sticker and PS2 printed on it. The disc is mint. That eases the pain a bit but 35 for a voice patch hurts -__-

Domo is deciding which version to play

WITH THE LIGHT: Raising an Autistic Child by Keiko Tobe

Yen Press : WITH THE LIGHT: Raising an Autistic Child by Keiko Tobe


This is one of the hidden gems of manga. A serious story about raising a disabled child that runs in a magazine aimed squarely for mothers. It has much to offer to the rest of us however, the characterization is wonderful and the price is a bargain (double to triple the size of many manga released for only a bit more money: 14.99 a volume). Sadly I haven't seen any news (like ANN >.>) coverage or other deserved attention for it. A shame really, this is not a title to miss.

Now to go find the drama at bookOff while I wait for the slooow release table.

Birthday

From すももドール

For my birthday I went to Disneyland and got the aforementioned Sumomo Azone doll (not at Disneyland; for the same occasion). That about sums it up (some other manga and anime here and there).

The Pure Neemo body isn't very posable but I could get her to do a cute walking pose. I'll probably order another body for other poses. Bodies aren't expensive, the heads and clothes are but they really are well made.

Pantsu and ring. You can see how the sweater texture differs from the skirt and socks. Her sweater is adorable.

Goodies in the Mail: F/SN and Miku CDs

My parents always hide all the packages around my birthday (Wednesday). Today they noticed two of those were actually ordered by me (not gifts).

Loot:

• Fate/Stay Night (2ndhand from Rinia) with a note on adorable stationery <3
• Supercell feat 初音ミク
  
• Re:Mikus

The last two were from CDJapan way back (SAL shipping). The DVD from Supercell is ripping on the family PC as I type and I'm listening to the CD now.

iDog and Figma

I got a "iDog amp'd" for my birthday. I'm not sure what makes it "amp'd" but Miku thinks its pretty rad. A natural friendship between two music lovers...

From iDogとミク

Click the link under the photo for more. Figma sure are neat.

PLANETARIAN MERCHANDISE?!?!

Yes... there is now merchandise for Planetarian. Strangely late.... could this be to build up for an adaptation?!

God I hope soo............


The merchandise is unremarkable really... its that it EXISTS that's amazing. Could we be getting an anime soon?

Littlebusters! Girls School Uniform Mini Costume (Fashion Doll)

Littlebusters! Girls School Uniform Mini Costume (Fashion Doll)


It would fit that Sumomo doll...

UPDATED: Ordered! (before I have a doll but this set is not to pass up >.>) Its Hobby Search so I have to remember to save the money to pay later.

[UPDATED] Nanatsuiro Drops - 1/6 Akihime Sumomo Hybrid Active Doll: I will make her mine

Nantsuiro Drops - 1/6 Akihime Sumomo Hybrid Active Doll [TL300783731] : ToysLogic, Imported Anime Toys, Gundam, Ma.K

Somehow...

Yeah anime dolls are hella expensive but Moe Moe Rabu has shown me how awesome they are. This particular Sumomo doll has a PVC head (like a figure) to look more like her anime/game counterpart. I'm really considering buying her..... (I have work scheduled for next week ^^)

Review Part A (Japanese)
Review Part B (Japanese)
Store with lots of photos

星のめぐり歌 Music Box

1 year late! Planetarian fans rejoice, Finally I videotaped my "Song of the Rotating Spheres" music box (from the Kenji Miyazawa Museum) for all to enjoy....