Second Time Around (Sunshine Award)

Hey everyone, I’m back!

I have been nominated again by LitaKino and Chibi Majo for the Sunshine Award, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart as great bloggers and as even greater people. But more so, seeing the comments from my update and reading these nominations have made me realize something: I have friends, and I am thankful for that now more than ever.

When I started, I had one or two customers walk in, but then wonder back out only to be unsatisfied with my material. Now, however, all you guys waltz in, check out my reviews and other posts, and even chat with me a bit. I’m a small blog, and I know that this is a small (but surely growing) aniblogger community, but in the short time I’ve been here, I’ve realized that there’s a lot of heart behind each and every one of you – more than what our words in our posts can say!

So once again (sorry for the sappy speech), I extend my thanks to LitaKino and Chibi Majo for nominating me, but also for reminding me as to why I blog. Now, let’s laugh together and answer these questions, shall we!?

Since I’ve already nominated several others in my first post, and because I’m incredibly lazy, I’m just going to relax and answer the questions, sound good?

From LitaKino:

  1. What have you found blogging has bought to you?

FRIENDS! My writing has improved and I notice all of the minuscule details in anime, sure, but nothing beats good company! I have also begun to analyze works more efficiently instead of just tossing out praise like Halloween candy: credit is given where credit is deserved.

  1. What was your favorite childhood show growing up

Growing up, I watched Pokemon, Sailor Moon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Beyblade, but my favorite would have to go to Bakugan just because of how flawed, cheesy, yet influential it has been. My siblings and I used to hold tournaments and get-togethers for the game, and we still make gag jokes about it today! It’s an obscure show that aired in like what, 2006 or something? I can’t even remember, but it was the highlight of my elementary school days.

  1. Ramen or Sushi?

While I admire the unique, higher-quality tastes that come from sushi, ramen is cheap, and I eat it like every other day, so ramen! :3

  1. What is the most typical anime genre you end up watching a lot?

Ho oh, a good question! Typically I end up watching shows with a little more scientific thinking behind them. It’s not really its own genre, so-to-speak, but more of a subcategory. They are shows that either A) explain themselves with science or fact of the land or B) sound “sciency” enough. With its very broad and vague listings, shows IMO include: Railgun, Evangelion, Steins;Gate (Science Adventures Series), Psycho-Pass, No.6, Guilty Crown and many more.

  1. What anime character do you feel you relate to a lot?

Mikoto Misaka – a very talented girl who happens to have the whole world depend on her during very tough, complex situations. She’s gifted in her abilities, being one of seven Level 5 Espers in existence, but she doesn’t want that; Misaka just wants to escape the harsh reality she has created and venture off with her friends, wherever that leads them.

I also have to point out Shu Ouma, an ill-fated boy who has to deal with a lot of crap despite being a major introvert. Forced to make friends, take lives, and lead the rebellion to the world’s end, he lives through hell, kinda like my life (but on a much smaller scale, obviously). Similarly, he’s shy, clumsy, but caring nonetheless.

  1. What ending of an anime would you change if you had the chance too?

Oh my, another great question! I would love to change the ending to Sword Art Online Season One, and particularly the second arc because of all the hate it gets. SAO is great, but because of that darned second half, everyone loves to bash the whole franchise. I would have sought a more tragic ending (where either Asuna or more likely Kirito dies), though maybe not the correct one. For a show of its caliber – go out with a terrifying bang, not with sprinkles of fairy dust. Geez!

  1. What do you love to see in a blog?

While I seek impressive reviews and in-depth conversation, I really love seeing personality and happiness of the blogger shine through for a brief moment, the flash away. Though I don’t think he’s a blogger, GRArkada of Glass Reflection anime reviews on YouTube is my prime example. His posts/videos are extremely well-written and thought out, and he thinks of his own personal enjoyment while reviewing, but doesn’t anyone want to know more about him? I do, be it a haul video, more vlogs, personal anime life, heck, even a room tour – I don’t care! I just love seeing the bits of one’s personality briefly sprinkled throughout writing. It’s also easier to read that way!

That’s all for LitaKino, now for Chibi Majo’s questions:

  1. What got you interested in the things you blog about?

Well let’s see, I blog about anime and anime reviews, so what got me into reviewing? Watching YouTube reviews was a major influence, but wanting my own voice out there regarding anime was the strongest push. I wanted to finally join the crowd and even go against it at times – it’s much better than standing on the sidelines, trust me!

  1. Favorite food?

I believe I’ve answered this question sometime way back when, but currently, it’s rice! It goes well with about anything and I know how to make it so, what the hay – rice for nearly every meal! I also love fruit like watermelon, pineapple, and grapes, but I’m not a big meat eater, so you won’t find me at a restaurant with a juicy steak in front of me. Sawry >.<

  1. What are your hobbies outside of blogging?

I’ve recently taken up composing music, and that’s been a blast. I play the cello and I can accompany people on the guitar, too. I used to draw when I was younger, and so just two days ago I purchased a sketch pad so I can get back to it. Hopefully I’m better than I remember (eek!). I enjoy online shopping for anime merch/DVDs that I know I’ll never buy, as well as watching unboxing videos. For some weird reason, they are super relaxing!

  1. Random fact about you?

I’ve never been on a plane nor a boat, so I hope to go on at least one of them this summer, fingers crossed.

  1. Favorite animal?

This and favorite color are like the two most popular questions, but I have never had a favorite animal. I mean, I guess I like cats (booo), frogs and birds (pretty vague) . . . ?

  1. Ice cream or cake?

Cake OMG! Fun fact, the only reason I go to weddings is pretty much for the cake! SOOOO delicious, exquisite, and beautiful.

  1. What got you into anime?

I’m actually going to write a Cafe Talk about this question. Let’s just say it was a combined effort of Ghibli, Ranma 1/2, Pokemon, Symphonia, and . . . hentai??? Stay tuned.

I hope you enjoyed my answers and parts of my anime/life story! I once again extend my thanks to LitaKino and Chibi Majo for the nommie and the fun questions :). I also say hello and welcome to a new follower recently. Until next time, this has been

– Takuto, your host