Anime Review: Uta no Prince Sama 1000% Maji Love

That is one long title over there. Fear not my salamanders. Like all Japanese anime's with long names this one has it's own abbreviation too: UtaPri(Uta-Puri as the Japanese slang goes). Think how Katekyo Hitman Reborn is fondly referred to as KHR by fans.

Story concept is relatively simple. This is a reverse harem harem. Ha! Now I'll let you go through your brain and scan all the stereotypes a reverse-anime might encompass.


This anime is truly unique because a) heroine is not a helpless dimwit who needs rescuing 24-7, b) heroine actually has a fantastic personality, c) like Marginal Prince(which by the way the quality of the anime was truly marginal, see what I did there?), this is a musical anime that features really catchy J-Pop songs sung by really talented seiyuu's. It's the kind I would have on my handphone(I am very picky about my songs, really).

Saotome Academy is a performing arts school run by an eccentric but demonically talented principal who is said to be a legend among singers. His team of teachers are comprised of a prolific action star and a pop superstar singer who is noted for his cross dressing styles. Now that I think of it, there are only these 2 people as teachers...that aside, moving along.
The school is divided into Idol Classes and Composition Classes. Idol tsudent classes are the singers/dancers/actors and Composition classes are students who make lyrics, melody, scripts and choreography for the Idols. You could say the Idol and Composition classes work together to produce a masterpiece of a song. Those 6 bishounen you see at the top? They're considered the school's 'shining stars'. Also because we don't care about other irrelevant characters with normal black hair brown eyes we shall bask in the awesomeness of this boys with impossible eye color and equally ridiculous hair color. Not complaining, but still.


Nanami Haruka pretty much spends the first few episodes meeting her own harem(albeit oblivious to it) and share a special bond with each of them. It is up to the audience discretion to decipher if they really like her as a talented composer or they do have a romantic interest in her.


Now, character introductions.

~*Nanami Haruka*~
Seiyuu: Miyuki Sawahiro


The object of everyone's affection, Nanami is a shy, clever girl who's always bringing out her full potential to be a better composer. Ever since meeting upon a chance an Idol by the name Hayato, she was determined since then on to compose songs only for him i.e she wants to write a song for him and have the honor of him singing her songs because she was so enchanted by his smooth clear cut voice. When her graduation exam ensues, she was to choose a partner from the Idol class. She was left with quite a dilemma when ALL SIX of them listed her as their preferred partner. Not wanting to hurt anyone, she chose all six and wrote a group song that enticed the eccentric principal himself, so much so that he decided these six boys would make a debut as a boy band who would go by the name of ST☆RISH.

As Tokiya.

As Hayato.

~*Ichinose Tokiya/Hayato*~

Seiyuu: Mamoru Miyano

A gifted singer with a beautiful voice(look at the voice actor, is this any surprise?) but has a reputation of being a frivilous airhead as Hayato. His Tokiya persona is a lot more stable. He entered Saotome Academy disguised as a twin brother but is eventually found out and pissed of many people, especially his nakama(the other bishounen's). He lives to sing, without it he

goes crazy. Even his intention of joining the academy was solely to sing wholeheartedly. He and Nanami are implied to be the official couple.

\

~*Ittoki Otoya*~

Seiyuu: Takuma Terashima

A childlike, cheerful and friendly young man. He is also one of the contenders for Nanami's 'affection'. Out of the 6 boys, he is the only one who's mentally stable and seem to have a level head on his shoulders. Seriously, he barely gets into trouble. He helps out and keeps the boys together in unity and peace - like the stronghold for a pillar. Very sweet and sociable, this is the guy you want as a best friend and boyfriend.

~*Kurusu Sho*~

Seiyuu: Hiro Shimono

A pint-sized metrosexual young man who's very much into hats. Has a grumpy mood. Can be very selfish and a little bit of a show-off. Apparently he's prettier than a girl when he's dolled-up in a dress. People are always poking fun of his height but everyone has a soft spot for him. He has a great respect for Hyuuga-sensei whom I mentioned earlier to be a famous action hero and have a great desire to act alongside him.

~*Jinguji Ren*~

Seiyuu: Junichi Suwabe

A tall, elegant and beautiful young man you can say is the 'romeo' of the school. He often says cheesy pick-up lines that almost all insipid girls in the school fall for with the exception of Nanami, of course. He has a dark side that he represses about his traumatic childhood and almost gave up on music. Nanami manages to cajole him by promising to write a song that would him proud to sing it. He's an excellent Saxophone player.

~*Hijirikawa Masato*~

Seiyuu: Kenichi Suzumura

A stoic and serious young man who is the heir to a traditional Japanese family. Nurtured since young that his appearance and personality match that of a powerful conglomerate heir, he strives to use music as a way to express his repressed emotions. He offers some wise advice for Nanami and always lends an ear when she's needs someone to talk to. He is childhood friends with Jinguji Ren.

 Satsuki, the dark side of Natsuki

This is good ol' cute Natsuki.                                                   

~*Shinomiya Natsuki/Satsuki*~

Seiyuu: Kisho Taniyama

A playful, nerdy bespectacled young man who seems to have a split personality. Dear God just dont remove his glasses! He likes cute stuff like soft toys and baking cakes(which are always disastrous but his friends are too polite to say anything). He is said to be a genius when it comes to making songs. His violent and temperamental Satsuki persona might have been repressed as a defense mechanism as we do get a glimpse of his childhood enduring over-bearing parents.

~*Ajima Cecil*~

Seiyuu: Kousuke Toriumi

A cursed prince of a long-forgotten kingdom appeared in Nanami's dream one night ushering her to 'do the right thing'. His attire resembles that of Indian/Middle-Eastern culture and his dark complexion further clarifies so. (Oh, please his name is CECIL! Obviously he's not Japanese). He is implied to make a more notable appearance later in the anime. I CAN'T WAIT.

~*Ryuuha Hyuuga*~

Seiyuu: Koji Yusa

A tall teacher who is also a famous action star. He seem to be well liked by his students. He and the principal share a secret that might just involve Nanami and her ST☆RISH entourage.

~*Tsukimiya Ringo*~

Seiyuu: Yuichi Nakamura

Note: THIS IS A MAN, DO NOT BE DECEIVED. He is a popular singer who is noted for his trademark cross-dressing as a way to make an impression on his fans. He comes off as an airhead but beneath those long pink tresses, lies a conniving and scheming bastard.

Originality: 10/10. Instead of having the usual normal high school girl with very little intelligence, we have a story about a bunch of kids trying to break out as celebrities. Like, how cool is that?

Plot: 8/10. It does have it's mundane moments but it promises to keep you hooked nonetheless.

Artwork: 9/10. Clear cut coloring and drawing, it's artistic definition is impeccable. There aren't many animes out there that portrays characters with accurate body proportions.

Overall: 7/10. Some parts gets a little boring and predictable.

Some character gallery for you.

Para Wanita Malaysia! Ambil Perhatian!

KEPADA WANITA!! SILA AMBIL PERHATIAN!!
Dan tolong sebarkan..

Peringatan kepada semua !!!!!!!!!!!
KISAH BENAR!!
AWAS Ini adalah sangat menakutkan, serupa dengan kes Ms Canny Ong. Pada suatu hari, terdapat seorang wanita yang berhenti di stesen minyak untuk mengisi minyak. Setelah selesai memenuhkan tangki minyak selepas membayar menggunakan kad kredit di pam dan ingin meninggalkan stesen tersebut, atendan di dalam kedai lantas bercakap menerusi speaker dan memberitahu sesuatu yang berlaku dengan kad itu dan meminta wanita itu masuk ke dalam untuk membayar tunai.

Wanita itu keliru kerana dia telah selesai mengisi minyak dan pembayaran menggunakan kad kredit telah diluluskan. Dia menunjukkan isyarat tangan kepada atendan tersebut dan bersiap sedia untuk meninggalkan tetapi atendan tersebut sekali lagi menggesa wanita tersebut masuk ke dalam kaunter kedai untuk membayar tunai. Dengan perasaan sedikit marah, wanita itu terus masuk ke dalam kedai dan mempertikaikan tindakan petugas tersebut dan menuduh dia menipu. Atendan tersebut memberitahu supaya wanita itu bertenang dan mendengar dengan teliti. Atendan memberitahu ketika wanita tersebut sedang mengisi minyak, dia telah melihat seorang lelaki telah masuk ke dlm kereta dan bersembunyi dikerusi belakang .

Dengan segera beliau telah menghubungi pihak polis. Wanita tersebut terus menjadi takut dan segera melihat pintu keretanya terbuka dan lelaki itu telah menyusup keluar dan meninggalkan kereta itu dengan tergesa-gesa. Kes baru-baru ini didapati mempunyai kaitan dengan ujian untuk permulaan geng jenayah terbaru dimana memerlukan seseorang untuk membawa balik bahagian badan seorang wanita ..

Salah satu cara yang mereka lakukan adalah dengan merangkak perlahan-lahan dan menyusup masuk ke dalam kereta wanita manakala sasaran utamanya adalah stesen minyak atau di kedai runcit pada waktu malam. Kemudian, mereka akan potong kaki / buku lali mangsa menculik mereka dan kemudiannya membunuh dan mencerai-beraikan mereka. Kaedah lain adalah dengan memaksa wanita itu masuk ke dalam kereta kemudian menculik mereka,

Sila sebarkan ini kepada wanita lain, orang muda dan tua. Pertama, wanita seharusnya lebih berhati-hati apabila ingin masuk ke dalam kereta pada waktu malam. Kedua, Jangan letakkan kereta di tempat sunyi atau terpencil semata-mata ingin mendapatkan tempat letak kereta percuma! Ketiga, Jika boleh, elakkan memandu seorang diri pada waktu malam! Ini adalah situasi sebenar! Penculikan! Pembunuhan! Putus dan anggota badan dicerai-ceraikan! Ini semua berlaku di Malaysia !

Jadikan amalan :
1. Pastikan kereta berkunci setiap masa walaupun anda meninggalkan kereta sebentar.
2. Periksa sekeliling kereta sebelum masuk ke dalam kereta. 3. Sentiasa peka terhadap sebarang tanda-tanda pelik dari persekitaran anda dan individu lain di dalam sekitar umum, terutama pada waktu malam!!!
(Jangan biarkan mak, adik or kakak kita berseorangan)

Tolong Share Di Facebook Masing-masing..

Malaysia's First Gay Marriage ~ A Revolution?

http://articles.cnn.com/2011-08-31/us/malaysian.pastor.gay.wedding_1_ouyang-wen-feng-gay-marriage-heterosexual-marriage?_s=PM:US

Malaysian Pastor Ngeo and his partner Phineas Newborn, a Broadway Producer decided to marry on Malaysian Independence Day(which falls on August 31 every year) as a way to remember the rights of LGBT people in Malaysia.

Of course in an oppressed nation such as Malaysia, this is deemed sacrilegious and a 'threat to the nation's morality'. Insert eye roll here please.


  In Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim nation, sodomy and "carnal intercourse against the order of nature,"-- under which homosexuality falls -- are prosecutable under Penal Code 377. Offenders face imprisonment of up to 20 years and a whipping. Islamic Sharia laws in Malaysia also criminalize homosexuality.


Oh dear. In a nation filled with pre-marital sex(that is hushed of course) that predominantly concerns the Muslim majority, in a country that has the highest HIV/AIDS average among again, *GASP* the Muslim majority, in a country that has a notorious reputation of corruption, in a country that has a school for pregnant teens that of course involves the Muslim majority, a country that is known worldwide to turn a blind eye against animal cruelty, in a country that's notorious for stigma, denial, discrimination, silence and ignorance...is worried about 2 gay guys wanting to be happy.

Click on the picture to enlarge it.

Can;t you just smell the bullshit in this? We have so many other problems yet they are making a big hu-ha over 2 men who just want to get married. 


Honesty, Malaysian orthodoxes need to be slapped good and realize that what happens in other people lives are none of our concern. So 2 gay guys decided to marry? So what? It's their life, their right to be happy. Who are we to say anything?


Stop taking cheap publicity Malaysia and don't try to come off as a clean and morally-high country. Don't you dare. People who lived in Malaysia would know the truth. 

Japanese Host Clubs

Yes, perhaps this my sign that I should cut down my obsession with Japan. But as much as I am intrigued by their diversity of social norms and culture, there are things that I would willingly turn my eyes from. One such thing is the very popular but hushed culture of Japanese Host Clubs.

You're thinking of scantily clad women on sexy designer couches and beckoning to you with that smize (google it, it's an actual word invented by Tyra Banks).

Nope. These are young men with good looks, fabulous clothes and with the perfected art of making a women feel like she's something special. They lead a glamorous life of a celebrity without the nuisance of paparazzi and heck these men are living the dream if they are good at their jobs. After all, you schmooze a woman and if she likes you she comes back for more. Of course, the monetary credits they gain is also enough to last a lifetime for 10 people.

The hosts themselves list out the do and don'ts of their job.

Do's:

1. Be a good listener.
2. Make her feel relaxed, comfortable.
3. Pay attention to her, laugh with her, joke with her.
4. She needs to feel special. Do whatever she likes ie. follow her.

Don'ts:

1. Have sexual relationships with her. I believe this to be bullshit of the highest order.
2. Get drunk. She wants your full attention am I right?

Well, in all honesty this sounds more like a male prostitute...right? Well, they aren't called male geishas for no reason because you see...geishas were male before females took over. Anyhoo, we are going to take about these young men with their ridiculous feathered up hairs, tanned skin and designer clothes not the ancient ones with shaven eyebrows and smothering layers of kimono.

 I'll give you a clue, the ones who sits in the very middle is the club's No.1. The back ones are noobs and not so popular ones.

 The lady in white has got to be a tranny.

Disclaimer: all the photographs belong to Manabu Numata.

Some of them are really good looking but still...the whole idea of these male entertainers seems pathetic to me. Because, you see, who in their right mind would wants to spend an evening with a guy who pretends he's interested in you, showers you with compliments he doesn't mean, laugh at your (lame) jokes and...why do women go after these men who are fake through and through?

A Japanese photographer Manabu Numata says in this article : http://www.cnngo.com/tokyo/play/manabu-numata-chronicling-tokyos-host-clubs-784426

Japanese hosts are popular among women because women need a break from male oppressed society and have an evening of fantasy where she doesn't have to feel tied down by pressures of the day. It is mere fantasy. That's what they want and there are men who are willing to give it to them.

The hosts also take good care of their appearances to appeal to the women. That anime look is teh shitz now among Japan.

The photographer also admits that the female customers are more often than not psychologically unstable. I think it goes without telling that certain customers would get nasty when their 'favourite companion' is unavailable for them.

How about the relationships between the hosts? Do they get along? Oh puh-leeeaase. Anyone with any intelligence left would know all these primped up boys are just aching to be No.1 because No.1 is the highest paid, most popular and thus have many perks of getting a rich female client as a 'benefactor'. They are also ambitious to break out as a celebrity as well.

To me these hosts have always been lazy young men who uses their good looks and skills to earn quick bucks. I think if I were to go to Japan I would hate to be invited to the host clubs. I'd much rather not to set my foot in any of these red-light places.

You Animal! XD

LOOK UP YOUR BIRTHDAY AND SEE WHAT YOU ARE...
January 01 - 09 ~ Dog
January 10 - 24 ~ Mouse
January 25 - 31 ~ Lion
….
February 01 - 05 ~ Cat
February 06 - 14 ~ Dove
February 15 - 21 ~ Turtle
February 22 - 28 ~ Panther

March 01 - 12 ~ Monkey
March 13 - 15 ~ Lion
March 16 - 23 ~ Mouse
March 24 - 31 ~ Cat

April 01 - 03 ~ Dog
April 04 - 14 ~ Panther
April 15 - 26 ~ Mouse
April 27 - 30 ~ Turtle

May 01 - 13 ~ Monkey
May 14 - 21 ~ Dove
May 22 - 31 ~ Lion

June 01 - 03 ~ Mouse
June 04 - 14 ~ Turtle
June 15 - 20 ~ Dog
June 21 - 24 ~ Monkey
June 25 - 30 ~ Cat

July 01 - 09 ~ Mouse
July 10 - 15 ~ Dog
July 16 - 26 ~ Dove
July 27 - 31 ~ Cat

August 01 - 15 ~ Monkey
August 16 - 25 ~ Mouse
August 26 - 31 ~ Turtle

September 01 - 14 ~ Dove
September 15 - 27 ~ Cat
September 28 - 30 ~ Dog

October 01 - 15 ~ Monkey
October 16 - 27 ~ Turtle
October 28 - 31 ~ Panther

November 01 - 16 ~ Lion
November 17 - 30 ~ Cat

December 01 - 16 ~ Dog
December 17 - 25 ~ Monkey
December 26 - 31 ~ Dove
If you are a

Dog : A very loyal and sweet person. Your loyalty can never be doubted. You are quite honest and sincere when it comes to your attitude towards working. You are a very simple person, indeed. Absolutely hassle free, humble and down-to-earth!! That explains the reason why your friends cling on to you! You have a good taste for clothes. If your wardrobe is not updated with what is trendy, you sure are depressed. Popular and easy-going. You have a little group of dignified friends, all of them being quality-personified

 

If you are a Mouse : Always up to some sort of a mischief! The mischievous gleam in your eyes is what makes you so cute and attractive to everyone. You are an extremely fun-to-be-with kind of person. No wonder people seek for your company and look forward to include you for all get-together’s. However, you are sensitive which is a drawback. People need to select their words while talking to you. If someone tries to fiddle around and play with words while dealing with you, it is enough to invite your wrath. God bless the person then!

 

Mufasa, is that you???

If you are a Lion : Quite contradictory to your name, you are a peace loving person. You best try to avoid a situation wherein you are required to fight. An outdoor person, you dislike sitting at one place for a long duration. Popular and easy-going. You are a born leader, and have it in you how to tactfully derive work from people. People love the way you always treat them. You love being loved, and when you receive your share of limelight from someone, you are all theirs!!!!

If you are a Cat : An extremely lovable, adorable person, sometimes shy, with a passion for quick wit. At times, you prefer quietness. You love exploring various things and going into depth of each thing. Under normal circumstances you’re cool but when given a reason to, you are like a volcano waiting to erupt. You’re a fashion bird. People look forward to you as an icon associated with fashion. Basically, you mingle along freely but don’t like talking much to strangers. People feel very easy in your company. You observe care in choosing your friends.

 

If you are a Turtle : You are near to perfect and nice at heart. The examples of your kindness are always circulated in groups of people. You, too, love peace. You wouldn’t like to retaliate even to a person who is in the wrong. You are loved due to this. You do not wish to talk behind one’s back. People love the way you always treat them. You can give, give and give love, and the best part is that you do not expect it back in return. You are generous enough. Seeing things in a practical light is what remains the best trait of you guys.

 

If you are a Dove : You symbolize a very happy-go-lucky approach in life. Whatever the surroundings may be, grim or cheerful, you remain unaffected. In fact, you spread cheer wherever you go. You are the leader of your group of friends and good at consoling people in their times of need. You dislike hypocrisy and tend to shirk away from hypocrites. They can never be in your good books, no matter what. You are very methodical and organized in your work. No amount of mess, hence, can ever encompass you. Beware, it is easy for you to fall in love….

 Bagheera is watching over Mowgli.

If you are a Panther : You are mysterious. You are someone who can handle pressure with ease, and can handle any atmosphere without going berserk. You can be mean at times, and love to gossip with your selected group. Very prim and proper. You like all situations and things to be in the way you desire, which, sometimes is not possible. As a result, you may lose out in some relationships. But otherwise, you love to help people out from difficult and tight spots when they really need you.

Assente-sana, squash banana...(sorry, I couldn't help it)

If you are a Monkey : Very impatient and hyper!!! You want things to be done as quick as possible. At heart, you are quite simple and love if you are the center of attraction. That way, you people are unique. You would like to keep yourself safe from all the angles. Shall your name be dragged or featured in any sort of a controversy, you then go all panicky. Therefore, you take your precautions from the very beginning. When you foresee anything wrong, your sixth sense is what saves you from falling in traps. Quite a money minded bunch you people are!