Miscellaneous

30-Day Song Challenge Day 20: A Song From A New Album You Are Waiting For To Come Out

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I don’t really listen to songs by the album, nor even pay attention to albums in general. So when this uneventful day reared its apathetic head, I was doing the ‘bites thumb’ expression, as I have nothing to show you guys! Hmm, I suppose I could just throw out a few more songs that I often listen to, but wouldn’t that be cheating? I also thought about recommending soundtracks for newer anime, crossing my fingers that it would slide.

What I ended up was . . . researching an album to present to you all. YES, I did it just for you! Without further ado, we’ve got more from Kalafina since that seems to be the only band I listen to 😛 Enjoy!

From Kalafina, Album Title: “Far On The Water”

Release Date: September 16, 2015

Tracklisting:

  1. INTOTHEWATER
  2. MONOCHROME
  3. GOGATSUNOMAHOU
  4. RINGYOURBELL
  5. USUMURASAKI
  6. IDENTIFY
  7. HOKAGE
  8. ONE LIGHT
  9. MUSUNDERHIRAKU
  10. HEAVENLY BLUE
  11. SORAIRONOISU
  12. BELIEVE
  13. FARONTHEWATER

I’ve never researched albums before nor given them much thought, but this was actually kinda fun to write 🙂 And what impeccable timing I have to discover it before the release in two weeks! While my favorite on the list is unarguably “heavenly blue,” I also find “believe,” “ring your bell,” and “far on the water” to be extremely catchy. But what newer song besides the title drop will be considered day 20’s pick?

From The Heroic Legend of Arslan, “One Light” by Kalafina

Hot damn, it’s Arslan Senki, a show that I will satisfy me when it finally ends! I’ve been following it since the first episode was simulcast, and am finding myself a bit . . . frustrated. It’s okay so far, but I wouldn’t hop the fence to reach this one. But that doesn’t stop it from having a near full set of openings and endings! I’ll touch back on that when I do a season review of it, but here is the second and last ending theme for the 25-episode legend about a boy who will become king. 3:30 and on is especially pretty epic!

We learn new things every day, and today’s topic was pretty exciting, wouldn’t you say? Do you track album release dates and concerts for your favorite artists, or do you just enjoy the music when it happens to fall in as an opening, ending, or insert song for an anime? Let’s talk in the comments, and until tomorrow, this has been

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 19: A Song You Are Currently Obsessed With

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Evening all, I have a night full of studying dreadfully planned ahead, so today’s log will have to be a quickie. Thankfully, I know just the song! But first, how long does it take for you to obsess over something – specifically anime? For me, you can recommend and rant all you want about a show, but it I won’t be hooked until I either A) see the artwork, promotional poster or whatnot, or B) hear the opening/music from the anime. I have heard oodles of fans gawk about how pleasant this cute little show is, but it wasn’t until after I heard the opening – bestowed to us by the Goddesses of Kalafina themselves – that I truly met my love ~

From Sound of the Sky, “Hikari no Senritsu” by Kalafina

I found this, what two days ago, and I love it so much that the words are literally bubbling and foaming at my mouth! I CANNOT stop listening to this elegant song. Such poise, free spirit, and sense of adventure; apparently, the anime has these elements, so straight after Hyouka you all know what I’ll be chasing after! But yes, what an enchanting melody – definitely one of Kalafina and Kajiura’s finest works to ever grace my ears. All I want to do is lay down under a tree, a breeze fluttering in the air, my knees propped up on one another, arms thrown behind my head, and chill. I just want to take a terminal break from school work and taste the liberation I seek that’s found nowhere near this wretched thing we call an “agenda.” But this’ll have to do for now, and it’s one hell of a substitute 🙂

So what are you currently raving over? Did the fire erupt overnight or has it been a week-long curse to have it stuck in your head 😉 Also, what did you think of Sound of the Sky? Ya’ll need to let me know in the comments! Have a fantastic day, and milk all that you can out of the few seconds of free breath you can manage, because they’ll fly by in an flash. Till tomorrow!

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 18: A Song You Have As Your Ringtone/Want To Be Your Ringtone

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So does this mean my ringtone when I call someone, or is this the song that plays when someone calls me? Meh, I’ll give one of each, sound good?

*dials my number, waits* Beeeeep, beeeeep”

*over where I’m at* “so, everything that makes me whole ima kimi ni sasageyou. I’m Yooours ~~~”

Yep, you guessed it. Guilty Crown!!! But the instrumental only!

From Guilty Crown, “My Dearest” by supercell

Alright, this is the typical song that cues when someone for whatever reason is calling me. I absolutely love the piano intro for this song, and it’s supercell, so duh, you can’t go wrong! It doesn’t blare out and scare the sh*t outta me when I’m in public and my phone rings, but it will grow louder if I don’t notice it within the first ten seconds. Also, I wouldn’t sound like some obvious die-hard anime nerd if this song slid out of my phone speakers in my opinion, so that’s always a huge plus (not that there’s anything wrong with being a fan, but like anything for me, expression is great, though the whole supermarket doesn’t need to hear my J-pop/rock preferences). All in all, it’s a pretty solid ringtone, and a fantastic song (so someone call me so I have an excuse to listen to it, please :>)

Ooh, now finding a ringtone for myself took hours of pondering, but I’ve finally settled on . . .

Kiki’s Delivery Service or The Secret World of Arrietty Main Themes

I’d be flattered to receive either of these as ringtones people have set on their phones for me o>.<o While the first is laid back, you know, another day warm in the local bakery, the second is adventurous and invigorating, like forest travels – but both have this same aura of home and finding a place where you belong. I think the two Ghibli movies convey these themes, too! It’s obvious that they would make nice ringtones: no annoying vocals, no absurd electric guitars, no fluffy or spunk J-pop – Both just feel natural and free, impressive yet humble, and I think if I heard either of these great songs, I’d think a bit of myself, hehe. Check out both of these movies, as you’d be doing yourself a massive favor 😀

And with that, I conclude day 18. This was a harder day to crack down on, that’s for sure, but I hope you like what I picked! I’m curious, do you have a preferred song that you would like to hear coming from another’s phone? Also, would it be anime-related music, or would you feel a bit “ashamed and embarrassed” to admit it? Let me know in the whatchamajig below. Happy Monday, till tomorrow!

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 17: Songs You Like Hearing Live

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So I’ve never been to a J-pop concert in person before (sad, I know). But it is one of my goals, so I’m tryin’! In the meantime, however, YouTube recordings of performances will have to suffice. And at this moment, there’s only two bands I can think of that I especially love to hear live:

Anything by fripSide: “only my railgun,” “sister’s noise,” “LEVEL5 -judgelight-,” “black bullet,” “HesitationSnow,” “fortissimo -from insanity affection-,” “late in autumn,” and more

Today, fripSide at the AFA Singapore 2014 x MVR series with “sister’s noise”

I found the most recent one that I could, but doesn’t Yoshino Nanjo look like she’s having a blast? I love the Misaka clone and Kuroko that lurk around the stage dancing! Gah, so adorable :> But I love fripSide’s live performances because A) they go all out with the light show, B) Nanjo always has on the coolest outfits (see America, you don’t have to wear a swimsuit to rock a good music video), and C) everyone is so full of energy! The band members, the crowd – you can practically feel the sweat dripping it’s so intense.

Anything by Yuki Kajiura, performed by Kalafina: “To the Beginning,” Heavenly Blue,” “Hikari no Senritsu,” “ring your bell,” “Magia,” and more

Today, Kalafina with “ring your bell” LIVE 2015

Gosh, these three are always so beautiful, so graceful. In contrast to fripSide’s flashy performances, Kalafina opts in for heavenly, majestic, powerful, sometimes somber performances (harmony to die for). Yes, their style is completely different besides there being three of them and only Nanjo for fripSide, but it feels more personal with them – more like a professional concert rather than a pop one. Both are incredible to watch, and I wish I could see both of them in concert one of these days 🙂

So there are two of the best bands EVER – GO WATCH FROM THEM AND ENJOY! I honestly love them both so much! What I’d give to go to a performance . . . Tune in tomorrow for more awesome songs and bands, till then, this has been

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 16: Songs That Are Your Guilty Pleasure

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Ufufufu I’ve got too many of these . . . We better get started!

From Fee!, “Rage On” by OLDCODEX

Do I even have to explain? I mean, I feel pretty guilty for loving this song considering the context of the show, but then again, I also love Free!. But who doesn’t? Speaking as a guy who did not care for sports anime (or sports in general) nor care for sexy boy muscles glistening in the sun, I was OVERLY IMPRESSED with what this show presented. Naturally, I fell in love with this song pretty quickly, but whenever it starts blaring from my phone or speakers, I dive head-first into the pause button and desperately scan the area for nearby listeners. Yeah, I’m pretty sad to watch, but I’m a fan at heart. Isn’t that all that counts?

From Yamada’s First Time (B Gata H Kei), “”Oshiete A to Z” by Yukari Tamura

Okay, this sparkling song is my jam, and if you start judgin’ I will kick you out! Naw, just kidding (but seriously) :> This song is magical; no matter what kind of day you might be having, just one listen to this baby will fix you up quick! Glowing with positive vibes, I just want to get up and dance around! Wrong day, I know, but I can’t express how much I adore this tune. 😀

From Strike Witches, “Watashi ni Dekiru Koto” by Megumi Nakajima

YESS OH MY GOD – It’s the 501st Joint Fighter Wing, the Strike Witches!! This along with Yamada are indeed guilty pleasure shows. No pants, sometimes no shirt means ALL OF THE FAN SERVICE. The song is uber sparkly and fluffy, so it would be really awkward if people caught you jamming out to these cool chicks’ theme song.

From A Certain Scientific Railgun, “Onee-sama . . .”

Dun dunnn! You can feel the eerie snake wriggling around your legs, squeezing and releasing, but she crawls up your airy shirt and around your waist, hovering above your navel. Suddenly, she strikes the chest and makes squirmy love to you as you stand there, utterly mortified. This is the relationship Kuroko shares with here “sissy” Mikoto Misaka, the fearsome Railgun of Tokiwadai.

From Kyoukai no Kanata or Beyond the Boundary, the idol song, “Yakusoku no kizun”

Is it guilty to say that this was my favorite scene from the anime? NONE OF IT HAD ANY RELATION TO THE PLOT (like anyone actually watched it for the story when it’s this drop-dead gorgeous). I mean, I feel no shame right now, so that’s got to count. But seriously, all idol songs can make a person feel pretty shameful sometimes, but it’s just another ‘genre’ of music – get over it people. Right now, I just wish I could have Akihito Kanbara’s outfit (the blonde kid) so that I can swing my hips with them 🙂

It honestly looks so fun. That coordination though #friendshipgoals

From Special A, “Gorgeous 4U” by the guys from the show(?)

I literally know nothing about this show and the song other than my sister likes it a ton, and that I’ve walked in on a couple of episodes a year or two ago and sat to watch. I don’t know why this song is a guilty pleasure, but it is. My favorite singer is the loud brown-haired boy just because I love how youthful it sounds! This song reminds me of playing in the summer and watching anime. Ahh those were the days, and they already feel so far away.

From Ouran High School Host Club, “Sakura Kiss” (preferably English)

Another one I watched with my sister, but I gave this one a 10/10 mind you. KISS KISS FALL IN LOVE!!!

(I also love the English ending <3)

Alright, enough of my fanboying! Hopefully tomorrow will bring us something a little more, hmm, sophisticated? Haha, anyway those are some of my guilty pleasure anime songs, and I think you’ll like and recognize most of them. I just noticed we’re over HALFWAY DONE! Nice! Until tomorrow, this has been

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 15: A Song People Wouldn’t Expect You To Like

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Agh, we’re another day behind, but no worries – I immediately knew what to choose for this day! Keeping things short, like we do here in the cafe, let’s get to it!

From WataMote, “Watashi ga Motenai no wa Dou Kangaete mo Omaera ga Warui” by Konomi Suzuki n’ Kiba of Akiba

Yep, it’s that screamo punk opening for WataMote, a show about a lonely, unimportant girl. At first, I was really skeptical about this opening. I don’t like screamo music at all, but something about this song feels surprisingly light. After several episodes, the song becomes catchy and the powerful music video that goes with it helps convey the emotions that Kuroki felt (the whole chain-breaking part). That little jazz groove in the middle is pretty chill, too. My brother was always trying to skip the opening when he watched it, and when I told him that I wanted to listen to it, he gave me a funny brow look.

From Tokyo Ghoul, “Unravel” by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure

You all probably know about my little fit with this song (yes, the composition has been completed for a while now, I’m just not sure how to record it yet). Anyway, TK is the vocalist, which The Huge Anime Fan kindly pointed out to me that he is the singer with the high-pitched screamish voice, and not a band 😛 I first heard him in Psycho-Pass, but after “Unravel” his style really grew on me. Perhaps that’s proof of me evolving as a listener . . .

And there you have it. Two songs that, if you knew me in person, you would NOT expect me to enjoy so much :> Alright, I’m gonna hop over to day 16 now. Ja ne ~

– Takuto, your host

Under, Over, and About 100 (a congratulations and thank you)

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Hello, all,

I still haven’t read your comments about the past couple of posts, but there’s a secret reason why – and I’m about to spill the beans. First, however, I have a cheesy little poem for you all that I wrote (but it rhymes, so we’re all good). EHERM, here we go . . .

100 is a milestone,

It’s quite the special feat.

But when you have it more than once

It’s an even greater treat.

99

Once I hit this ‘Publish’ button

I would have posted 100 posts.

It sounds small now, and it kinda is,

But that’s 100 times as “Your Host.”

Upon my birthday celebration

I was catching up in my reader.

Commenting a ton, readin’ some fun,

My notification count grew steeper.

115

Yes, it finally rang 100 –

It has never been so high!

Now I have some replies to make

Before they all slip by.

95

So 100 posts, 100 comments,

What can possibly be next?

Well, (nearly) 100 Cafe-goers

Can’t simply be expressed in a text!

Also, remember when I inquired you all

To recommend a 100th show?

All of that feedback is now in my backlog

And I’ve found one to continue the flow!

He’s actually my mascot; the symbol of myself,

From a show that I have surprisingly not seen.

I have heard oh-so many good things

About this chocolate-haired, mystery teen.

I hope and plan to start this anime soon

And award it with a “Caffe Mocha.”

Though first, just to put you at ease,

It will be the lovely Hyouka.

Hyouka

100 is a milestone,

It’s always been one of my dreams.

But when I have such a nice bunch like you all,

It’s not as hard as it seems.

So thank you very, very much

I do hope you have enjoyed my content.

For after all of those late nights, and more to come,

Without a doubt – My time’s been well spent 🙂

So that’s all I had to say. Sweet and simple if you ask me! I’m just overjoyed that I can now go read all of your comments and responses to things that I might have said on your post(s). 100, man, that’s awesome – the coffee’s gonna taste even better tonight 😀 Oh, what? You wanted some? *blends ice, adds ground beans, blends again, adds chocolate, tops with whip cream and more chocolate* Here you go – It’s on the house tonight! Haha, until the next post, this has been

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 14: Songs You Liked When You Were Younger

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Thank you all for the birthday praise :D, I haven’t read any of it yet (killer suspense, I know), but I will sometime tonight or tomorrow!! I had such an awesome day with family and even got to order some expensive anime, so I will be expecting some nice mail in due time. And yes, the cake was fantastic, sorry I couldn’t serve you all a piece 😉

But that celebrating aside, we’ve got day 14 of the song challenge. Something I liked when I was younger . . . hmm, ooh, I think I’ve got a few to fit the bill!

Hamtaro Opening (old English dub)

OMG I didn’t realize how cringe-worthy this was until now. Oh lawd, it’s been a looonng time hehe. I’ve got nothing else to say on this one other than I still have tapes of this in my room. “Little hamsters, big adventures” :>

Code Lyoko Opening (English)

I know this is technically a French production, but it’s got all of the vibes of anime, so I went ahead and threw it in because this was my jam way back when! My siblings and I would dress up and “login to Lyoko” where we would basically throw pillows at invisible targets. It was lame as all hell, but you can’t deny childhood! How I miss this show ~

The Sailor Moon Theme Song in English

Some things are actually better in English, and to me, this is one of those great things. This song needs no introduction, it’s freakin’ Sailor Moon! I LOVE THESE LYRICS. My sister still has a ton of random tapes from when we picked those up at the local store in our early childhood. In fact, she’s got them displayed in her little anime shelf of her own #raisedwell

But seriously, if childhood had an anthem for anime fans, it has got to be this. Has anyone seen the new dub by Viz Media yet? I’ve been dying to, but I heard they dropped all of the old English dub names, which is kind of a bummer. I actually thought that those were their real names until I learned what dubbing was lol, like ya do. I still plan to pick up Sailor Moon S, as I believe that is my favorite!

And that’ll do it for day 14! Other suitable songs would have been any of the Pokemon themes, the Beyblade Metal Fusion English opening, and, as much as I love/hate it, the Bakugan opening. If you know what that show is, you’re my new favorite 🙂 I’ll stop using emoticons now, till tomorrow ~

– Takuto, your host

It’s My BIRTHDAY!!

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birthday

It would seem that FUNimation has already tagged me. I don’t know how the picture came out, but I snipped it and threw it in just for kicks :>

But YESS, at about 1 o’clock or so where I live, I will be donning another year of experience points and growth. We’ve baked cakes and I’ve made frosting, so we’re all set! WOHOO I bought myself a Mami Tomoe Nendoroid and it came in the mail on Tuesday, so a bit early but she’s SO AWESOME XD Cake, Mami, Cake, Bebe. TIRO FINALE!!!

Anyway, this is just an update so you know what I’ll be doing today. I plan to have so much fun that I’ll blow up!

– Cheers! From Takuto

30-Day Song Challenge Day 13: A Song You Sing To In The Shower

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(There’s sadly no Railgun today, but it’s a shower. I had to play along with the theme. Sue me.)

I rarely sing in the shower because I know others can hear outside the door. So sadly, that is one benefit I do not indulge in for living with my family. But late at night after hours of homework, sometimes a steamy shower is in order. As the warm water flushes out my icky worries, however, a hum or two might escape. I’ve got a few incredible songs today, and you can bet your money that I’m humming to them as I write this 🙂

From Kill la Kill, “Ambiguous” by GARNiDELiA

First is Kill la Kill‘s superior second opening that has honestly become one of my favorite songs evehhh! It’s got that toe-tappin’ beat, a fresh, positive melody, and an addicting chorus. When I can, I’ll listen to this song from my phone as I drive around town running errands and whatnot. It’s a fantastic way to start a day, and an epic way to end one. If you haven’t watched Kill la Kill because you are turned off by the lack of clothing, I urge you to persevere, for after the all of the rough bloodshed and ripped panties, there’s a breathtaking sunset waiting just for you :> Is the content ambiguous? Yes, for sure. But the results are absolutely worth it.

From Fate/Zero, “Sora Wa Takaku Kaze Wa Utau” by Luna Haruna

Enter one of anime’s greatest ending themes to ever be heard. Fate/Zero was already a breathtaking show, but this song elevates things to perfection. Passionate as ever, Luna Haruna sings her heart out in this tragic love song (I don’t know the words, but it sounds that way and fits the characters represented). The somewhat “magical, Indian-sounding” instrumentals lay the foreign groundwork for these moving lyrics excellently, making it a song unlike any other (let alone for an anime). This song is responsible for my love of Irisviel, Kiritsugu’s trying wife. Fate/Zero‘s love story is out to break hearts, and this song guarantees that a void will be left once the crimson curtains close. So many feels, so fitting for the anime.

From Neon Genesis Evangelion, “Fly Me To The Moon” by Claire, other versions, too

The ultimate shower-singin’ song right here. Enjoy this Jazz favorite from an anime that’s oh so good!

And there are a few awesome tunes that I might hum to in the shower, assuming that nobody is around 😉 I hope you enjoyed the songs that I picked because they both also hold dear places in my heart. I have a special announcement for tomorrow, but until then it’s quite late. See you ~

– Takuto, your host