良いお年を :)

This is the last day of 2014 and perhaps a little quiet self reflection is in order. It's been a busy and tiring year and not one that didn't come with its own share of problems. It was actually a pretty tumultuous year at work and the first half of the year was particularly difficult. Thankfully, workwise, the year ended kind of okay. I am certain the coming year will come with other challengers at work and I am hopeful that I will be able to handle them...hopefully better than I handled them this year. :)

Funnily enough, I actually wrote the most number of posts this year than I have ever written in a single year. :) Who would have thought that I would have been able to do that given that I didn't travel out of the country this year. I tend to write more when I travel.

Merry Christmas Everyone! And a little anisong themed video fr. Aniplus :)

Post by ANIPLUS HD Network.

Here's a little Merry Christmas video from Aniplus HD. :)  One of my favourites, angela, is in there too!! And there's Kitamura Eri whom I completely approve of once I found out that she likes metal music too. :P

Back to work... so hard to work during the hols. :P

My obsessions in one video. :P

Apparently Google does these year in pictures type things too.  I thought it was only Facebook.  Well, this video summarises quite well all my obsessions.  LOL!!

Well, I need to get some work done.  Procrastinated all day. *sweat

For now... Merry Christmas to all who drop by and check out my blog. :)  Have a good Christmas and a great 2015. :)

cheers :)

Edit:
hmmmm...you may need a google+ account to view that video, i think. Well...while i dont think anyone else besides me is really that interested in it...still...i thought i would download it from google+ and upload it into youtube, if not it feels kind of incomplete. :)

Ninomiya Ai tweets about Kalafina on Utage!

Kalafinaさんと、レリゴー🎤❄️⛄️💕 楽しかったです🙌✨ pic.twitter.com/fqcEXEX0Mw
— 二宮 愛-Ai Ninomiya- (@aininomiya) December 22, 2014

I am mobile blogging from my phone right now. Will be on the move quite a bit today so will not be able to try and hunt last night's Utage! episode down.

According to Ninomiya Ai, who sang a cover of Frozen's Let it Go, Kalafina sang that song together with her? (TBH I don't really have time to check if that is her official twitter account...will do that when I can. :) )

Scandal back in Singapore in 2015 :)

Post by SCANDAL (スキャンダル）.

Scandal added three more countries to their world tour on the 5th Dec but I was so busy with AFA2014 that I missed the announce.  I saw them live at SCAPE once in March 2013 and it was fun. :)  I would like to go again. :)  Need to put even more money aside now because I would also like to go to AAA's live in Singapore and they are coming on the 4th April next year.

It looks like it's going to be a busy half of the year in 2015 for us J-music lovers in SG. :)  The Lantis Matsuri will be in SG on the 28th Mar and I already have tickets to that.  Then there's AAA in April.  :)  And Scandal will start their world tour in Jan next year, so it's likely that the SG leg will be in the first half of the year.  So far it looks like it'll probably be in May but it's still TBA for now.

Okay.... now I really need to knuckle down and get a ton of work done. :P

Other souces:
JaME World
SMEJ

Yuki Kajiura LIVE vol.11 elemental Tour 2014 ~ FictionJunction DVD tokuten pictures

You probably can tell that I've been kind of busy lately.  This will probably continue for a while. :(

But I thought I'll post this up anyway since it's really short. :)

My friend in Japan has received the FictionJunction DVD tokuten that I asked her to help me mail away for. :)  It was a little troublesome and we had to deal with some hiccups but in the end it all worked out well.

I asked her if she'll kindly shoot a photo of it and she shot three.  Obviously, I haven't seen it since it's still in Japan.  I also didn't want to trouble her, so there are no photos of the DVD itself.  I won't be able to pick this up from her till February next year  :(  For now, I will have to be content with three photos of it, one of which is actually a photo of the envelope it came in. :P

Kalafina & Kajiura Yuki ~ more live goods listed on CDJapan & Animate Christmas Fair

First, let me just start of with posting this picture of the Kalafina Christmas postcard that Animate will be giving out in Japan for those who purchase any Kalafina item in their store from the 17th to the 25th Dec.  This is part of their Animate Christmas Fair promotion.  Well, it's unlikely that I will be able to get this postcard. :(  So I'll just gaze at this image longingly. :P

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Also, CDJapan quite a few live goods items for both Kajiura Yuki and Kalafina.  This is awesome news for international fans since CDJapan is very international fan friendly. :)

Kalafina ~ Christmas Box

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Also, a few days ago, Kalafina announced the release of their Christmas Box.  The box will include Christmas ornaments that each of the vocalists produced.  This seems to have become a standard release from them each Christmas since this is their third Christmas ornament released, if I remember correctly.  The ornaments will be 8x8 cm in dimension and will be made of metal.

BUT get this, this year, they aren't just releasing the ornaments.  They will be releasing a Kalafina blanket too and this will be part of the Christmas Box.  The blanket will be brown and will measure 60 x 90 cm.  The portion with the tag will be 6 x 3.5 cm.

Kalafina ~ good ranking on mora's yearly download chart & more Utage!

It's been a really good year for Kalafina and although this news has been making it's rounds in the last week, I would still like to write about it because it makes me happy. :)

Kalafina ~ Budokan live, standing only tickets now available

Ah.... it's been an exhausting week.  The Anime Festival Asia 2014 over the weekend was pretty awesome for me but I was really tired from that and then it was right back to work.  I think it must have been the lack of a proper rest that made me sick again, hence, few updates on the blog. :(  Still, there are a couple of things I've been wanting to blog about.  It's not quite hot off the press any more but I would still like to write about it. :)

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Well, it seems like tickets to Kalafina's live at the Budokan are selling well. :)  YAY!!! General sale tickets went on sale today.  Before the went on sale, SMEJ and Kalafina's official website released a statement saying that they will also be offering "standing" tickets for the live because tickets to the live were selling well. :)

Kalafina ~ Animelo Summer Live 2014 Oneness - screen captures

I just saw the clip of them singing "Kimi no Gin no Niwa" at the Animelo Summer Live 2014 Oneness live at the Saitama Super Arena earlier this year.  They screened it this past weekend on NHK.

OMG.... they sounded beautiful!! :)

I have to dash to work very soon.  But I did a few screen captures.  They only aired one of the Kalafina songs, I guess it's because they would like you to buy the BD too. :)  Kalafina also sang "To the Beginning" and "Heavenly Blue".

Attack on Titan live action film to screen in Singapore

Encore Films announced early this morning that the Attack on Titan films will screen in Singapore! :)

Many happy Japanese film / anime fans in Singapore now. :)

Post by Encore Films.

Anime Festival Asia 2014

OMG .... I am beyond tired. Now on the train heading home..... So tired but so happy. This has been one of the best AFAs for me ever and the only reason why it isn't perfect is that Kajiura Yuki, FictionJunction and Kalafina didn't come this year. :p

For me though, it was two autograph sessions with angela, the Titan gear try-out, the Aniplus HD Psycho Pass booth, the Niconico Kunikaigi area....and of course, the Anisong Lives!!!!!!!!!

angela was reallllllllly awesome on Day 1. Super super super high that night. They sang so many good songs like, Shangri-la, boku ja nai, asu e no brilliant road etc and the awesome Sidonia of course. People were so pumped up and singing along etc....really awesome!! I still hope that one day they will sing End of the World live. It really is still my favourite angela song.

Psycho-Pass film to screen in Singapore!!!!!

Ok... I lied... I forgot that I wanted to post time up too before I sleep because I'm super excited about this. :)

Post by ANIPLUS HD Network.

The Psycho-Pass film will screen in the cinema in SG.  OMG!!!!! Sooooooo happy!!! Things keep looking better and better for anime fans in SG!!!! :)

AFA this year has so far been GREAT!!!!!!!!!  And Lantis Festival next year, AAA next year, Psycho-Pass film next year.... Idol Master film, Anohana film, Madoka Magica: Rebellion film in cinemas now.... Initial D film, Doraemon film.... pretty awesome, yah? :P

Okay..... now..... I will sleep......zzzzzzzzzzz......

AAA coming to Singapore!!!!

Post by avex International Holdings Singapore Pte Ltd.

I am SOOOOOOO tired from two very fun and full days at the Anime Festival Asia 2014.  Sooooo fun!!!!!

I had to miss the Niconico stream of Fate/Stay Night [UBW] tonight because I could not get back in time.  Will watch the timeshift later.  Now, I am too tired.

BUT, even though I am super tired, I really wanted to go... OMG!!!!! WOW!!! Attack All Around is coming to SG?!?!?!

I want to go!!!!!!  Will try and go...
The post from Avex doesn't mention how to buy tickets or when they'll be available.  I'm really too tired to try and find out..... crashing..... need sleep.... will be back at AFA2014 tomorrow for the I Love Anisong live.... so need sleep.  I'll try and find out more on Monday night if Avex doesn't post anything else on FB.  For now.... oyasumi!!!! :)

Animelo Summer Live 2014 - ONENESS ~ BD - Kalafina in Day 2 BD :)

「Animelo Summer Live 2014 -ONENESS-」のBlu-ray発売が2015年3月25日（水）に決定！総勢56組のアーティストによるアニサマ2014の模様を各日Blu-ray2枚組完全収録 #anisama pic.twitter.com/XpGLpBiBi1
— アニメロサマーライブ公式 (@anisama) December 4, 2014

Okay... so it's official, footage of Kalafina at the Animelo Summer Live 2014 - ONENESS Day 2 will be on the Day 2 BD. :)  My other favourite, angela, will be on this BD too. :)

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This will be a two disc set and is scheduled for a 25th March 2015 release. :)

Also... it's 5th Dec now... Happy Birthday Keiko!!!  Yeah, it's Kalafina's Keiko's birthday today.  :)

Okay, that's it from me for today.... I will be attending 3 days of the Anime Festival Asia 2014 this year and I need to pack my stuff and catch some shut-eye because the next three days will be long days. :)

Good night. :)

Anime Festival Asia 2014 ~ getting excited! :)

I have to admit that when I first heard the lineup of the artistes that were coming down for the I Love Anisong concert that year, I was quite disappointed.  I guess every year that Kalafina or Kajiura Yuki  / FictionJunction's name doesn't show up, I go through a few weeks of moping. :'(  So this year, no Kalafina again and we've yet to see Kajiura Yuki and/or FictionJunction grace our shores. :'(

The biggest thing that helped me get over that huge disappointment was that angela is coming down, YAY!!!, and I think the likelihood of them singing "Sidonia", the theme song for "Knights of Sidonia" is extremely high.  And there is a good reason why I say that. :)  One of the featured animes for this year is "Knights of Sidonia".  I haven't finished the series yet but I like what I've watched so far and I LOVE angela's theme song for the anime.

Aniplex Movie Festival ~ Idol Master, Anohana, Madoka Magica: Rebellion movies to screen in SG

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It's going to a pretty awesome month for anime fans in Singapore.  The Anime Festival Asia 2014 is coming up this weekend and I wanted to write about it but I didn't have time to.  Maybe just a little in the post after this... but for now... check this out. :)

Aniplex will be running a movie festival at the Golden Village chain of cinemas in Singapore from the 5th-14th December.  Yeah, some of those days will clash with AFA which will be from 4th Dec (Thursday night) to 7th December. But the Idolmaster Movie: Beyond the Brilliant Future will run well into next week so Idol Master fans can still watch the film next week without having to miss AFA.

L'Arc-en-Ciel ~ Over The L'Arc-en-Ciel documentary to screen in Singapore :)

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It's just a short announce for now but for L'Arc-en_Ciel fans in Singapore, Argentina, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Mexico and Thailand, this is pretty awesome news. :)   The website doesn't give much more information for now except for the outline of the documentary so I do suggest checking back every so often to find out more info.  

I was at the Singapore live in 2012 and enjoyed myself tremendously. So if I don't have something else I need to do that day, I will most likely go to this screening. :)

Kajiura Yuki ~ Hanako to Anne OST 3 listed / cover art

Oh.... look at what popped up in my email. :)  This is OST3 for the asadora Hanako to Anne.  Kajiura Yuki scored this asadora and I already have OST1 and OST2.  :)

If you wish to check out my un-boxings and comments on those, CLICK ME for OST1 and CLICK ME for OST2.  This is scheduled for a 28th Jan 2015 release.  It also says "kanketsu hen" under the number 3, so I think this should be the final OST that they'll be releasing for this asadora.

I guess I'll be picking this one up too. :)  And if anyone else wants to pick it up too, you are welcome to pick it up from the webstore I almost always use.  CLICK ME.

Okay... back to work... OT today... hopefully I'll have time to come back in spurts during renders or, if I don't return home too late, write up a few more things later.  For now.... cheers. :)

Kalafina ~ believe / Ieiri Leo ~ Silly -- Oricon Charts first week ranking

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Ahhhhh.... OMEDETOU Kalafina!!!  "believe" managed a Top 10 ranking.  :)  I actually was not confident when the week started last week that they could pull it off.  The number of new singles being released and the popularity of the other artistes who were also releasing singles on the same day made me think that it was possible that they would not end the week in the Top 10.  By yesterday (end of 25th Nov) though, I was quite sure they would make it into the Top Ten but I wasn't sure how well they would rank.  They never dropped out of the Top Ten in their debut week so a Top Ten finish was almost assured and in the end,  "believe" closed out the week at No. 10. :)  "believe" was close to a 9th position, it was beaten by Egoist's "Fallen" by a mere 392 copies.

Ieiri Leo ~ "Silly" (Limited Edition / Type B) - unboxing

I decided that after days and days of writing about Kalafina, let's do something else for a change. :) I'm going to do an unboxing post for singer-songwriter Ieiri Leo's latest single "Silly".  I think I never got around to doing an unboxing of her "a boy ~ 3rd live tour" BD because I lent that BD to a friend, who's a HUGE Ieiri Leo fan, soon after I got it and it's still with him. :'(

I really do like Ieiri Leo but unfortunately, she released her single on the same day that Kalafina did and as my pockets don't run that deep, I only picked up the LE/Type B version.  I picked the version that contained the DVD with clips of her performing at various lives through the years.  LE/Type A contains the MV and the making-off and I rather get the live versions because I really enjoy watching her lives.

Kalafina chooses which bit of the lyrics of "believe" they like best

First, just a couple paragraphs on the daily ranking on Oricon....

Well, I always knew an awesome ranking for Kalafina's "believe" would always be hard given the number of big names that were releasing singles on the 19th Nov too, I still want to "believe". :P  Although, they slipped again but they're still in the Top Ten on the 21st Nov Oricon Singles Daily chart.  There is still a good chance, I think, that they'll manage a Top 10 ranking in the first week of release but a Top 5 might be hard.  I think Mr. Children may take the crown for the week but it is Mr. Children, so I'm not surprised.  Let's hope "believe" can stay in the Top Ten for the next few days and then they'll at least have another Top Ten ranked single.  I actually do quite like the songs in this single so I really do hope the single does well.

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Kalafina ~ Animax Musix at Yokohama today & other rambling thoughts

ANIMAXコラボは、なんと！！Kalafinaさんと『Light My Fire』を歌いました！！めっちゃハモってもらった〜♡最高に楽しかったでーす♪ by-KOTOKO #animaxmusix pic.twitter.com/6eZl6RF0S4
— KOTOKO (と、極まれにTマネ君。) (@KOTOKO_Mgr) November 22, 2014

Kalafina performed at Animax Musix in Yokohama this afternoon where they collaborated with KOTOKO to sing "Light My Fire".  KOTOKO posted a photo of herself and Kalafina together backstage.  :)

Kajiura Yuki ~ Hanako to Anne OST 02 - unboxing

Actually, I picked this up ages ago.  I got it in the same package that contained Yuki Kajiura LIVE vol.#11 elemental Tour 2014 2014.04.20 @NHK Hall + Making of LIVE vol.#11.  I just never had time to do the un-boxing which also meant that I have only just finally had some time to listen to it. :)

I originally thought I'll write a post on my comments about Kalafina's newest released "believe" but I think it'll take up too much time and I returned pretty late tonight and am a bit brain dead.  So I thought I'll do a simple un-boxing post.  Something my brain can manage. :P

First up, the photos.  Like the first OST, it's a pretty basic release and does not have photos of Kajiura Yuki.  For the un-boxing of the OST 1, you can CLICK ME.

Kalafina ~ "believe" tops several music distribution charts / debuts Lapis at mini-live

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This is a photo from Wednesday's event at Lazona Kawasaki Plaza.  Kalafina gave a mini commemorative live yesterday to celebrate the release of their latest single "believe".

According to several articles, the specific charts they recorded No.1 positions in are the following... the iTunes Anime Top Album, mora Album (whole album), mora hi-res (single song), and the mora hi-res album (whole album) charts.

Kalafina ~ 「believe」 (Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] single) ~ un-boxing

Unfortunately, I'm going to have to speed through this.  If I have time, I'll come back and talk about the MV and my personal thoughts on the music in another post tomorrow.  But it's past 1am now and I have a ton of photos to upload, so I have to hurry if I hope to sleep by 2am.

Sooooo here goes.... very picture heavy... hopefully, text light. :)

Regular Edition

Kalafina ~ "believe" debuts within Top 10 on the Oricon Daily Charts rank

I had to put in some unexpected OT and got home a lot later than I would have liked so have only just finished shooting photos of the singles.  I'll put them up a separate post after this but first....

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OMEDETOU!!!  Kalafina's "believe" managed to debut at No. 9 on the Oricon Daily chart for 18th Nov 2014. I have to admit that I was not hopeful that they'll rank well because there are a ton of things being released on the 19th.  There are boy bands like Sexy Zone and old school rockers like Mr. Children and Superfly.  There's also Egoist who's "Fallen" is the theme song for another very popular anime "Psycho-Pass Season 2".  And there's Scandal too which is a very popular girl rock band.

Kalafina's comments on "believe" (Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] ending theme)

I'm really excited about Kalafina's newest release.  REALLY EXCITED!  :)  I'm dying for new music from Kajiura Yuki and the trio.  I actually chose Fedex for this shipment and although CDJapan sent the shipping info to Fedex on Sunday evening, I have had no updates on the package on Fedex today (Monday) so it looks like I may not get it tomorrow (Tuesday) as I initially hoped. :'(

So even though I should be writing another article for someone else :P , I decided to delay that for a bit to translate this article about Kalafina and posting it up tonight because I have Kalafina on my mind tonight. =D

Kalafina will not be singing a theme song for Aldnoah.Zero's 2nd cour

【アルドノア・ゼロ】2015年1月より放送開始となる第2クールの主題歌アーティストが決定しました。 OP／SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:mizuki『&Z』 ED／藍井エイル『GENESIS』 http://t.co/OeNyqKkMQX #aldnoahzero
— アルドノア・ゼロ (@aldnoahzero) November 16, 2014

Well, looks like after all that speculation, Kalafina won't be contributing a song for Aldnoah.Zero's 2nd cour which is scheduled to begin broadcast in January 2015.  Instead the OP will be by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:mizuki『&Z』 who also provided the ED for the first cour.  And the ED will now be by Aoi Eir.

Kalafina ~ 『リスアニ！TV 3rd Season』＃33 appearance announce

As I've been doing since ufotable's Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] started screening, I've been catching up on Twitter and trying to do some blogging while I wait for it to start on Niconico.

So I happen to see this pop up on Twitter. :)

【23時から！】「リスアニ！TV 3rd Season」#33、FLOW×GRANRODEOの熱く楽しいトークとKalafinaのゆったりトークをお届け！　http://t.co/c3T0qb7iKg #LisAni #FLOWxGRANRODEO #Kalafina #新田恵海
— Lis_Ani NEWS (@LisAni_NEWS) November 15, 2014

Although, I don't know if I'll ever have the chance to watch it.... let's hope I do find it somewhere online in the future. :)  Truth is I don't really know much about these programs and I'll admit.... I've been a bit tired lately hence, I don't really feel like finding out more right now.... gomen...

Kajiura Yuki ~ to participate in the Sword Art Online: Sing All Overtures event

あ、そうなんです2015/02/01に行なわれるスペシャルイベント、「ソードアート・オンライン Sing All Overtures」に、私も参加させて頂く事になりました(´▽｀)。わくわく。http://t.co/O9I2moQ5ZU
— 梶浦由記 Yuki Kajiura (@Fion0806) November 10, 2014

Kajiura Yuki also announced via twitter today that she will be participating in the Sword Art Online: Sing All Overtures event.

Kajiura Yuki ~ Tsuda College Talk Show - qns accepted but deadline 10th Nov (TODAY!!)

学生さんやみなさまから頂いたご質問中心のトークになるかと思います(^_^)。津田塾大学祭サイトでも質問を募集して下さっております。今日中、で締切ですね。contents→梶浦由記、から質問出来るみたいなので宜しければおよせ下さいませ〜。http://t.co/zNj11oUZ4n
— 梶浦由記 Yuki Kajiura (@Fion0806) November 10, 2014

Kajiura Yuki tweeted this early this afternoon but I only just saw it. :(  Apparently, she was accepting questions at the Tsuda College talk event.  And from her tweet, it looks like she's accepting questions not just from students alone but from everyone (みなさま). Dang it, I guess I didn't read the Tsuda College announce properly. :(  Bummer.

ufotable ~ Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] Blu-ray boxset I - announce & tokuten

The blu-ray boxset of ufotable's adaptation of Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] was announced on the 24th Oct. I was too busy to talk about it then but now I have a little time so I'll talk a little about it. :) The set will go on sale on the 25th March 2015 but can be pre-ordered right now.

 

Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] #05 ~ a few screen caps

I just finished watching the live stream of Ep05 on niconico. :)  I really do like ufotable's art style and the way they tell the story.  Maybe I'm bias, I don't know... but this feels so much more engaging than the first FSN by Studio Deen.

Maybe it's because Emiya Shirou is really a lot less annoying here.  Maybe because so far Tohsaka Rin is still pretty cool and hasn't faded into the background for annoyingly boring Shirou-Saber bonding.  Maybe because of Fate/tweet night, I try to watch the live stream so that I can take part in the event and hence, I feel more excited about it than I normally would.  I don't know why but so far ufotable's FSN[UBW] is very enjoyable and I look forward to more next week.

Kajiura Yuki tweets ~ watching Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] ep05 :)

引き続き Fate / stay nightも見るよヽ(*^^*)ノ！
— 梶浦由記 Yuki Kajiura (@Fion0806) November 8, 2014

Oh.... Kajiura Yuki is also going to be watching tonight's Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] broadcast. :)

Me too... if I can get my niconico stream to work properly tonight.  It's always a little wonky for me and sometimes I don't connect till it begins. Fingers crossed.

ps. In an earlier tweet, she also watched Sword Art Online 2, hence why she wrote "引き続き"... she's continuing on to watch Fate/stay night. :)

Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] - caster

本日24時から「#05 放課後に踊る」が放送開始！ライダーが登場です！25時からのニコ生配信もぜひ http://t.co/mXyQwQUv1C Fate/tweet nightも開催！本日の推奨ハッシュタグは→ #fate05 pic.twitter.com/8LiiqisMVJ
— Fate/stay night (@Fate_SN_Anime) November 8, 2014

The one thing I really like about the way ufotable has been pushing Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] is how they have been using twitter. I have taken part in all the Fate/tweet night events so far but haven't been lucky enough to get a DM with an illustration attached yet. Fingers crossed that I will be able to get one by the end of the series. The other thing that ufotable does which is cool is that they really do post quite a few updates with different screenshots throughout the week. Kind of cool and helps yo drum up excitement. I am out now....hope that I can get back in time to watch the niconico stream tonight. :)
And yes, I am writing this because I am bored. :p
Hopefully we can leave soon. :p

Psycho-Pass Season 2 ~ 2nd PV released :)

This is the official upload, I believe, so there should be no danger of this disappearing from YouTube any time soon. :)  Sometimes these PVs are region locked which is really annoying. :(  Good thing this isn't. :)

Yesterday, on niconico, they held a special event for Psycho-Pass and also began to stream the first 5 eps on niconico too.  To my knowledge, before this, they were only screening the anime on cable TV. But don't take my word for it, I haven't gone to research that point so I may be wrong.  I time-shifted everything so I may watch it later tonight, if I return home early enough from dinner, right before the Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] stream.

Kalafina ~ "heavenly blue" music video for sale - but not for international fans :(

This isn't new news actually.  This was announced on the 5th November but I was sick for a couple of days and the medicine the doctor gave me knocked me out good and proper and I spent most of the last few days home from work and sleeping a lot.  It's probably a good thing too since I often sleep too little. :)

Well.... they finally did announce a way for Kalafina fans to get a high-quality version of the full MV for this song.  Sadly, us international fans will have to jump through hoops to try and do the right thing.

Kajiura Yuki to change FictionJunction's name to FictiouJunction ~ えっ?!? マジで!!!

Yesterday Kajiura Yuki posted a series of tweets about something she had been working on.  And what surprised most fans was that FictionJunction's name was now printed as FictiouJunction.

こんな感じ〜。可愛いだろ〜(￣∇￣*)ゞｴﾍ。 http://t.co/oDjMAC3Rrg
— 梶浦由記 Yuki Kajiura (@Fion0806) November 2, 2014

and this is what it looks like inside.

Kajiura Yuki to hold a talk show at Tsuda College

I remember seeing this quietly posted up on the FictionJunction Club webpage maybe two weeks ago.  Since it's an event I have no chance of attending and also because I was really busy, I didn't really pay a lot of attention to it till Kajiura Yuki wrote a series of tweets yesterday morning regarding this event

もうちょっと先ですが、11月は15日（土）に母校津田塾大学の学園祭にお邪魔してトークショーなど致します。1時間弱なのであっという間だとは思いますが、当然無料なので宜しかったら我が母校の祭りに、遊びにいらして下さいませ(´▽｀)。http://t.co/zNj11oUZ4n
— 梶浦由記 Yuki Kajiura (@Fion0806) November 1, 2014

I didn't know this.  I didn't know that Tsuda College is Kajiura Yuki's alma mater.  Kajiura Yuki will be conducting a talk show at Tsuda College on the 15th November and it'll be a free event and is scheduled to last an hour.  You can check out details of the free event at this link.  CLICK ME.

Perfume WORLD TOUR 3rd Live in Singapore ~ so fun!!

Those who know me well know that even though I'm a total Kajiura Yuki, FictionJunction and Kalafina fan, I also have a pretty eclectic taste in music and I listen to many genres.  I have my favourite genres of course and there are of course genres that I don't particularly like.  For example, I hardly ever listen to grindcore.  Electronic / Techno music isn't my favourite genre but I do like some bands and vocal groups that do specialize in this genre of music and one of them is Perfume. :)

Two years ago, when Perfume first performed in Singapore at Scape, I was one of the people right at the very first row.  At that time, I actually only knew the song "Chocolate Disco".  I was there with friends who really wanted to go and I was very keen to support Japanese music in Singapore and very keen to see more Japanese lives in Singapore, hence the reason why I bought a VIP ticket and queued for hours and hours so as to see Perfume live two years ago.

Kalafina's Keiko and Yuriko Kaida :)

kalafinaにお祝いして頂きました pic.twitter.com/6kEzwyY7UN
— 貝田　由里子 (@yurikokaida) November 1, 2014

And while I'm still waiting for Fate/stay night [UBW] to start... I found this tweet from Yuriko Kaida who has a solo career and also sings for FictionJunction.  I've no idea what this occasion is but I think it's probably a celebration dinner for the recently concluded Kalafina lives.  About 20 mins ago, Yuriko Kaida tweeted a nice picture of  herself and Keiko. :)

Nakata Jouji attended Kalafina's live :)

あぁ、何と素晴らしく贅沢な夜だった事か…梶浦ミュージックをお馴染みの手練れなミュージシャンが紡ぎ、そこをKalafinaの透明だが迫力ある三声が縦横に溶け込んで行く。一夜なのが勿体無いLIVEを堪能。勿論、新曲のBeliveもだ！！ pic.twitter.com/y4cK4jxnCB
— 中田譲治 (@joujinakata123) November 1, 2014

While waiting for the Niconico broadcast of Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] to begin, I fired up twitter so that I can take part in Fate/tweet night. :)   But it's still early so I decided to just catch up on anime news and Kalafina's news and look what Nakata Jouji tweeted about 3 or so hours ago. :)

Kalafina ~ believe - tracklist is out :)

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I have no idea when the tracklist was released but I personally just found out just a little while ago when I decided to check on it.  Things at work should be slowing down for me now.  Today was actually not crazy day at all and now I'm just waiting for client feedback.  So fingers crossed that that goes well. :)

BTW... I rather like their new profile photos.  Wish I could find larger versions.

Otters in Singapore :)

Post by Singapore Botanic Gardens.

People keep spotting otters in Singapore.  At the Bishan Park, in Pasir Ris etc and now even at the Singapore Botanic Gardens!!

Soooooooo cool!!!!  None near where I live yet.  Fingers crossed. :)  It's always nice to see wildlife in the city. :)

Kalafina ~ Utage! 27th Oct 2014 performance -- sugoi!!

As you can probably tell from my lack of updates... yeah, I'm really busy. :(  So busy that I've had no time to write my unboxing post on the Kajiura Yuki vol.11 BD release. :'(

I almost forgot about Kalafina's second appearance on Utage! too.  I was about to head to bed when it suddenly occured to me that I should go try and see if any kind soul had uploaded it for us international fans to watch.  And some kind soul did.  THANKS!!!! :)  Sooooo.... go watch it before they delete it from YouTube because that's very possible.

ufotable releases photo of Ayano Mashiro's "ideal white" anime ver. single

「Fate/stay night」主題歌ＣＤを頂戴しました。ノンテロップＯＰのＤＶＤ付。 マチアソビでのステージも超盛り上がりました。綾野ましろさん公式サイトはこち⇒http://t.co/z6B2JCamOc #ufotable pic.twitter.com/Cn8OUKTzfD
— 近藤光（ufotable） (@hikaruufo) October 18, 2014

A staff member for ufotable Kondo Hikaru tweeted a photo of a physical version of Ayano Mashiro's "Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]" anime version of "ideal white". Looks nice. :)

The single is scheduled for an October 22nd release which is really soon. Kalafina's CD is scheduled for a Nov 19th release so we probably won't see a similar photo yet.

Kalafina ~ website updated, streaming "believe" tv-spot

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I can't believe I forgot all about this yesterday. Kalafina's offcial website was updated either yesterday or the day before, I THINK.  I was looking at it last night and completely forgot to blog about it.  I think I wanted to sleep too much. :P

It now features artwork for the "believe" single and it's also streaming the 30-sec "believe" TV spot. But unfortunately, it's once again region-locked to Japan. :(  They have made these streaming videos available to international audiences before but not this time.... sucks. :(

Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] ~ info on bonus video on anime DVD

ufotable has released more information about the upcoming OP and EP releases for FSN[UBW].

The OP for this series is "ideal white" by Ayano Mashiro.  CLICK ME for info about the different versions and for the cover art.

The ED for this series is "believe" by Kalafina. CLICK ME for info about the different versions and for the cover art.

Previously, the Anime Versions of each release merely mentioned that the clip on the DVD will be a Fate/stay night video clip.  Today ufotable updated their website and revealed that the FSN clip that they will be putting on the DVDs will be the textless opening and ending animations for the anime.

Which means that Ayano Mashiro's "ideal white" anime version will get the textless OP and Kalafina's "believe" anime version will get the textless ED.

ufotable also released two more illustrations with this announce.

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The anime versions are limited time release versions which means that once it reaches a certain date, they will cease production of these editions.  So if you would like to pick these up, make sure you do so before they cease production. :)

Kalafina ~ heavenly blue (Aldnoah.Zero OP) PV screen captures

To be honest, I really hate that Japan region locks a lot of their trailers, PVs, CMs etc.  I really don't get it.  If Japan thinks this is combating piracy, then I think they need to rethink their strategy.  If fans don't know what they are buying, they'll soon just stop buying and go get hooked to something else.

Seriously, I'm totally into Ieiri Leo because I watched all her short PVs on YouTube and thought.... WOW!! I really like her music and now I buy all her releases.  I'm also totally into Radwimps and Suiyoubi no Campanella for those reasons.  Perfume and KPP have all harnessed the power of YouTube quite well.  In fact, you can say that YouTube helped to make KPP popular.

Kalafina ~ heavenly blue (Aldnoah.Zero OP) gets a PV !!

I was about to go to bed and was just catching up on twitter when this got my attention.  It's Kalafina, so I will delay going to bed for them. :P

This is interesting.  They made a PV for "heavenly blue".  This is interesting because "heavenly blue" isn't really that new a release for the trio.  This was first released as one of the tracks on The Best "Blue" album in July before it was released as a separate single in August.

Ieiri Leo's "silly" short PV version

Check this out. Short PV version of her new song, the theme song for the new Eikura Nana dorama "N no tame ni". :)

I like it. :)


If you wish to view the cover art and read details of the various versions etc...check this link out.

Ieiri Leo ~ "Silly" - 8th single release announce

Mobile blogging is a little troublesome so I will keep this short. :) Am getting off the train soon anyway. Have a good day everyone. :)

Kalafina - on Utage! again (Oct 27th broadcast)

Oh.... I almost forgot... only just remembered this when I was replying one of the comments on the post about Kalafina's first appearnce on Utage!

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Looks like they'll be appearing again.  This is scheduled for an Oct 27th broadcast.  Hopefully someone will upload this somewhere for us international fans.  Fingers crossed.

Okay... I'm off again. :P  cheers

Kajiura Yuki ~ credited as guest composer - Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]

So.... it looks like my Japanese isn't that terrible after all. :P  I did read Kajiura Yuki's tweet correctly. CLICK ME

While she was watching the broadcast of #00, she tweeted that Fukusawa Hideyuki mixed some of Fate/Zero's music motifs into his wonderful soundtrack for FSN [UBW]. It's not in all the music pieces, just a few.

end credits for FSN[UBW] #00

Kalafina ~ "believe" Fate/stay night [UBW] EP sounds lovely

I am soooooooo tired but I just had to stay up to watch the broadcast of  episode 01 of ufotable's Fate/stay night [UBW] because I love ufotable's work and of course because I really, really, really want to listen to Kalafina's newest song.

I like it.  But I tend to like most of their songs and most of Kajiura Yuki's work so I have to admit that I am not the most objective person to ask right now.  :P

So far from what I can remember, it's probably mid-tempo, not as fast or as hard hitting as Heavenly Blue. Lots of lovely harmony as usually.  I think the first bit had Wakana sounding a tad more prominent and the second bit had Hikaru sounding a tad more prominent.  I seriously love Kalafina because I love how they harmonise and I generally love what Kajiura Yuki does with them.  I can't say I LOVE this song to bits since I really do need to listen to the song again but it has classic Kalafina written all over it.... as in, their voices sound like a heavenly blend again. :)

Kalafina ~ believe (Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] tokuten images released

This was just released this morning and I love them. Kalafina looking deadly cool, IMO. :p

I am doing this on a tablet with a crappy connection on the train so I am going to keep this v short.

Images:

Animate

Psycho Pass PROPLICA Dominator

Oh..... this looks sooooooo cool.  Too bad it'll only be released next January, too late for Halloween. While I don't usually cosplay, but last year my office had a dress up for Halloween contest at work and lots of people turned up in costume at work.  I was away in Japan then so missed it.  Looks like they don't have one this year :( ...I guess we're too busy this year.  But if they did, hmmmm....maybe cool to show up as Tsunemori Akane from Psycho Pass with this badass prop! :)

Kalafina Calendar 2015 ~ cover and sample page released

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Woohoo!!!  FictionJunction Club's website must have uploaded this within these two days, I've been stalking their site on and off but didn't look in yesterday and maybe the day before.  I was waiting for this pdf to be released.  They often release a pdf file of the cover page of the Kalafina calendar a little before the calendar's release.

ufotable ~ Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] #00 - v v short comments

I just finished "watching" ufotable's "Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]".  I had to put that in quotation marks since I wasn't able to get audio to work for most of the duration of the stream. :'(  I finally only got it to work when Rin and Archer were fighting Lancer in the school.

This is episode #00 which is actually a prologue of the actual series.  The events in this episode is actually the same as the events that will take place in #01 except that this is from Tohsaka Rin's point of view.  Good thing I've time-shifted this so that I can watch this again since I couldn't hear most of this ep and spent a good part of the time distracted as I tried refreshing, logging in and out etc to get it to work.

Kalafina ~ "believe" will only be used from #01 of Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]

stay night、深澤さんの素晴らしいサウンドトラックの中にほん〜の数曲だけ、混ぜて頂いております(´▽｀)。zeroの時のモチーフで、のみですが。来週からはEDにKalafinaも流して頂きますです。
— 梶浦由記 Yuki Kajiura (@Fion0806) October 4, 2014

Kajiura Yuki is watching #00 of Fate/stay night [UBW] as I write this.  She just tweeted a little while ago that Kalafina's ending theme for this anime will only be played from next week's episode onwards.  Can't say that I'm hugely surprised because that has happened before.

Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] ~ Kotomine Kirei, 2 1-hr SP and more

I was thinking of writing this tonight but I thought.... let's just try and squeeze it in before I go to work today.  I'm going to be home late and I really don't know when I'll be home tonight, so let's just do it now. :P

It's not a very long post anyway.  I just wanted to put up the final character PV for Kotomine Kirei since I already put up the previous 6. :)



Also, I'm not sure how many of the "Fate/stay night" + ufotable fans don't know that yet but they are going to show two 1-hour episodes on consecutive Saturdays and this would be the first two episodes of the series.

Here's the PV that promotes the two 1-hour episodes, #00 and #01.

Hidamari Sketch: Sae & Hiro's Graduation Arc ~ Animation Note at a ridiculously good price

CDJapan is currently running a sale to clear stock and one of the things that has caught my eye, aside from Yuki Kajiura LIVE vol.#11 elemental Tour 2014/FictionJunction YUUKA 2days Special - LIVE BOOK - at 50% off, is this...

Hidamari Sketch: Sae & Hiro's Graduation Arc Animation Note

...this is going for 80% off and is being offered at 1000 yen.  The original price is 5000 yen. That's a VERY good price for an art book.

OMG.... I am soooooo tempted.  The thing is, I have yet to watch Hidamari Sketch.  I'm not even sure if it's my kind of anime.  But I like Shaft, the studio that's behind Madoka Magica and Arakawa Under the Bridge, and I like Shinbo Akiyuki who also directed Madoka Magica and Arakawa Under the Bridge.  Also, the mangaka for Hidamari Sketch is Ume Aoki who did the original animation designs for Madoka Magica.... so I have always thought that I should give it a shot but never got around to it.

Still.... that's a really good price.... and so is the Yuki Kajiura LIVE vol#11 LIVE BOOK.  Arrrrrrgggggghhhhhhhhh..... need to resist..... but I could pick it up and send it to my friend in Japan and collect it from her next year.....

I could pick up both...... but but but.....

While I struggle with indecision, I thought I should let anyone who pops by and, who might like Hidamari Sketch, know that there is a pretty good discount on this art book... maybe all currently available 11 copies will get bought up and I won't be tempted any more. :P

Okay.... off to bed.... it's been a long week.... I would like to write a Fate/Stay Night [UBW]'s post tomorrow if possible... but I know I'll be returning home late again.... so we'll see....

For now... oyasumi. :)

Kalafina ~ Winter 2014 premium acoustic live announce

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Once again, like they've been doing for the last few years, Kalafina will hold another Winter premium acoustic live.

 This year's live is titled [聖なる夜の贈り物 2014in 赤レンガ] which I think should translate into something like "The Gift of the Holy Night 2014 in the Red Brick Warehouse".  This live is sponsored by FM Yokohama and the live will be held at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Building 1, 3F Hall.

This will be held on the 20th Dec, 6pm.

Some day I would love to go to one of their Winter acoustic lives.  So far I've only heard bits of it from their official CD releases.  It would be really nice to be there in person.... some day.... :P

Anyway.... time for lunch... enough dreaming and blogging. :P

Kalafina ~ "believe" single cover art released ( Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] EP)

FINALLLLLLYYYYYY!!!!  Here's one of the things all Kalafina fans have been waiting for.  The cover art for all versions of this single have been released and I like it.  Unlike most of their covers, this time we get tight close ups of the trio.   Most of the cover art for thieir singles and albums are wide shots.

Here we go!

Limited Edition A SECL1612～1613
CD+DVD (music video)

Limited Edition B SECL1614～1615
CD+Blu-ray (music video)

Regular Edition SECL1616
CD only

Anime Edition SECL1617～1618
CD+DVD (Fate/Stay Night video clip)

I am so happy that the anime version for Kalafina's single is Tohsaka Rin. :)  I really like her loads more than Emiya Shirou. :)

Also, other Kalafina related news. a few days ago Kalafina also released information about the Kalafina calendar 2015. CLICK ME.

The calendar will be released on the 25th Oct.  It'll cost 2700 yen and will be LP size, 28 pages and when in use will measure 60cm x 30 cm. The calendar will include photos from their "Kimi no Gin no Niwa" SP live amongst others.

For tokutens. it's postcards again like I suspected they would be because that was what I go last year too.  Not all shops will have these tokutens though, so it's best to check.  I'm not sure if CDJapan has them but I think they usually do get one postcard to give away.  If you get it through the Fan Club webstore, you'll get two post cards.

Okay.... that should be it from me today.... v v v v v tired.... I actually just got home and couldn't wait to write this up. :P  But now I'm really tired.... I'll do one pass to see if there is anything else that I might want to write up real quick before I sleep.  But I doubt if they'll be anything that pressing... so for now... good night. :)

Ieiri Leo ~ "Silly" - 8th single release announce

Today's post isn't about Kajiura Yuki, FictionJunction or angela.  :P Instead, today's post is about one of my other favourites singer-songwriter Ieiri Leo. :)

Ieiri Leo made a new single announce on Friday evening.  Her new single titled "Silly" will be released on the 19th Nov 2014.  Oh..... that's the same date that Kalafina's single "Believe" is released.  Well, I guess I will be shipping them together then. :)

This single will be the final single she will release before she turns twenty on the 13th Dec.  For those who may not know, for the Japanese, their 20th birthday is an important event.  The year they turn 20 (or hatachi in Japanese) is the year they come of age.

The title song of the new single, "Silly", has been chosen to be the theme song for a new drama that's scheduled to premier on the 17th Oct, Friday 10pm.  The drama is titled "N no tameni" (『Nのために』).  This makes it the fourth time that Ieiri has provided a song for use in a drama series as a theme song.

This new series stars Eikura Nana and is based on an original work by award winning crime fiction and thriller writer, Minato Kanae.  The popular writer's début work, "Confessions" (Kokuhaku), won the Honya Taisho Award and was made famous by Nakashima Tetsuya who's film based on the book was not only a huge commercial success but also critically praised and became Japan's entry to the 83rd Academy Awards.

Minato also wrote "Yakou Kanransya" which was also adapted into a drama series in 2013 and also aired on TBS.  The same production crew that made "Yakou Kanransya" were gathered to make "N no tameni".  CLICK ME to read about the drama.

They will be releasing 3 versions of this single.  And as seems to be a common thing in Ieiri's releases, one of the Limited Edition versions comes with a DVD containing clips of her live performance.  Also, as is often the case with Ieiri's releases, each edition comes with tracks that are not found in the other versions.

The cover art and track list have all be released and the versions are as follows:

Limited Edition A (CD+DVD)

CD
1. Silly (theme song for "N no tameni")
2. Negai koto (願い事)
3 Yuki no Shirushi (勇気のしるし) < mage Song of the 5th Fukuoka Asian Art Triennale 2014>
4. Silly ~ instumental

DVD
Silly ~ music video
Making of
and other tracks


Limited Edition B (CD+DVD)

CD
1. Silly (theme song for "N no tameni")
2. Negai koto (願い事)
3 Yuki no Shirushi (勇気のしるし) < mage Song of the 5th Fukuoka Asian Art Triennale 2014>
4. Silly ~ Instrumental


DVD
1. LIVE video 2012.2.15@Shibuya eggman
2. LIVE video 2012.5.17@TOWER RECORDS SHIBUYA
3. LIVE video 2013.1.25@Shibuya Club Quattro
4. LIVE video 2014.2.22 @ Makuhari Messe
5. LIVE video 2014.8.2 @ Hitachinaka beach


Regular Edition (CD only)

CD

1. Silly (theme song for "N no tameni")
2. Negai koto (願い事)
3 Yuki no Shirushi (勇気のしるし) < mage Song of the 5th Fukuoka Asian Art Triennale 2014>
4. Silly ~ Instrumental
5. Negai koto ~ instumental
6.Yuki no Shirushi ~ instrumental

I'll definitely pick up this release.  I'm just not sure if I want to pick up all the versions yet. :)

If you guys can afford it and like Ieiri's music.  Please do make a purchase to support. :)  You are welcomed to use the place that I usually use.  Just click the version title of each verions above. :)

Okay... it's pretty late... I'm off to bed.  :)

Yuki Kajiura LIVE vol.#11 elemental Tour 2014 Blu-ray ~ twitter event

それを記念して、みんなでいっせいのせでこの映像を見ちゃって好き勝手呟いちゃえ的プチイベントを、10/05（日）20時〜、on twitterでやりたく思っております。ゆるイベですがご参加下さる方、こちらをどうぞご一読お願い致します。→ http://t.co/pBgRSlNuSh
— 梶浦由記 Yuki Kajiura (@Fion0806) September 25, 2014

It looks like Kajiura Yuki has made a decision. :) The twitter event will be on the 5th October at 2000hours (8pm Japan time).

She has also prepared the event page with all the details on how to participate.  CLICK ME.

Please use this hashtags during the event. #YKET14

And as usual, she'll be using this account to conduct the event. @FJukatsu

She also intends to watch both the concert and the making-of together. :)

● 2014/10/05（日）
　　　　20:00　ライブ本編start (playボタンをぽちっ）
　　　　22:30　making start予定 (playボタンをぽちっ）

The above are the intended start times for both the Live and the making-of videos.  So if you can't make one, you can still try and make the other.

Okay... I need to go prep some stuff for work tomorrow. Bye!! :)

Yuki Kajiura LIVE vol.11 elemental Tour 2014/FJ YUUKA 2days SP - LIVE BOOK - 50% off

I saw this earlier today... but just only have time to do a quick post about it... CDJapan is running a sale and this book is 50% off with bonus extra points.  That's a pretty good deal.... man, I want this... but should I buy it??  I've kind of used up most of my budget.

ClaraS sent me photos of this book previously.  If you want to see what the book looks like.  CLICK ME.

If you want to pick up the book click the link below.

Yuki Kajiura LIVE vol.#11 elemental Tour 2014/FictionJunction YUUKA 2days Special - LIVE BOOK -

Meanwhile... I'm going to go back to work... renders done. :)