November 2013 VA feat. Ruki's Favorite Music

Ruki, once again, reveals his very...unique and eclectic tastes in his monthly VA column!

REDMAN October 21 Live Report

Continuing in our Satoshi vein, we bring you a live report of REDMAN's Tokyo live in the small indies house, Takadanobaba Club Phase!

RR049 feat. Satoshi (Girugamesh)

Satoshi lays it all out in the open, revealing all the obstacles that Girugamesh faced and overcame to stay together as the band they were and the long journey to becoming the band they wanted to be.

RR049 Preview feat. Ruki (the GazettE)

Just when you think you've got him figured out, Ruki becomes the most dangerous and alluring looking rabbit ever.

One Ok Rock Frolicking in the Sun

Summer is starting, and that means a visit to the beach. Tomoya is just your man, reporting live from the beaches of Miyakojima!

8.29.2012

Rurouni Kenshin: Samurai X Live Action Review

The highly anticipated live action Rurouni Kenshin movie opened in Japan on August 25.

Rurouni Kenshin has been a much-loved classic, with a franchise that spanned across different types of media as well as time.

Directed by Keishi Ohtomo and featuring stars Yuu Aoi as Megumi Takani, and Takeru Sato as Kenshin Himura, Rurouni Kenshin definitely had an all star cast and production team.

Despite previous flops of anime turned movies (think the Gantz and the Death Note movies), Rurouni Kenshin started out strong with a visually intense and promising trailer.


The actual movie did not disappoint at all and covered the arc that included meeting and rescuing Megumi Takani from Kanryu Takeda.

Most of the popular characters made appearances, including Kaoru, Sannousuke, Saito, Yahiko and Megumi, but there was the notable absence of Aoshi and his Oniwabanshu. The featured villains included Jin-e, Kanryu Takeda, Gein and Inui Banjin.

The movie overall is adapted very well for the silver screen. It does not mirror the manga or anime plot exactly, but given the time restraints, the plot still flowed relatively smoothly while including classic original scenes and lines. After all, Kenshin is not Kenshin without his "de gozaru" and "oro".

Pacing and character development were also fairly well done, although I personally would have liked longer fight scenes that didn't end quite so abruptly.

The fight scenes, though short, were also choreographed very well, allowing the viewer to relive Kenshin's agility or feel the impact of Sannosuke's brute force.

In terms of character development, Saito's importance as Kenshin's eternal rival was reduced to two scenes where he actually drew his sword and fought. Sannosuke's relationship with Kenshin, Kaoru and Yahiko also did not deepen as he seemed to move coincidentally and sporadically in and out of the storyline. On the other hand, Kaoru, Kenshin and Megumi's relationship played out well, culminating in a climax very reminiscent of the original series.

Casting was also done relatively well, although not perfect. Sato was surprisingly adept as Kenshin switching smoothly from the harmless Himura Kenshin to the ruthless Battousai. There were, however, moments when he would look rather vacuous instead of kind and harmless, but over all, a very believable Kenshin.

Aoki Munetaka also fit the role as Sanosuke perfectly, playing delinquent-type character while also providing comic relief through the movie.

However, despite my personal liking for Yuu Aoi as an actress, her physical appearance did not quite have the "vixen" feel that Megumi Takani was so famous for. Despite her ability to sound and move like a vixen, in terms of appearance, she was simply too cute for the role, even with all the makeup that had been applied.

Even with some minor kinks with casting, the movie still came together very well. The cinematography effectively enhanced the atmosphere of the movie, and I certainly left the theater with a much better feeling than other anime adaptions I had seen before. If there were sequels to follow, I certainly wouldn't complain.

All in all, Rurouni Kenshin, although not the perfect movie, is certainly worth seeing on the silver screen. It is currently being screened only in Japan, but keep an eye out for news that it may go overseas!

Leave us a comment with where you want to see Kenshin and what you think about or anticipate from the movie!

For more news about the happenings in Japanese entertainment, follow MICHIDO with an Email Subscription, on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

8.13.2012

Free Tokyo!

It sounds like Tokyo's under siege, but that isn't quite the case. This past week, the giant metropolis has had its fair share of events, and MICHIDO lost some sleep scrambling to get to them all. Best of all? They were free!

Our first stop was A-nation--one of the hottest music festivals taking place in the heart of Tokyo. Featured artists included the GazettE, VAMPS, Hamasaki Ayumi, Ayabie, Acid Black Cherry and SCREW.

Even with these big-label artists at paid performances, there were ways to enjoy A-nation for free. In the Resort Area, which was Yoyogi National Gym's courtyard, there were performances and activities, such as cosplay dances and chances to see up and rising artists in person. Other venues included Shibuya AX, Ajinomoto Stadium and Shibuya Public Hall.

The Beach Park area also had entertainment and cooling stations for those who were looking for some relief from the Tokyo heat. Attendees could dip their feet into pools of icy cold water while staff provided free bags of rice and coupons for food stands close by.

Another personal favorite were the skillful skating and skateboarding demonstrations provided by Murasaki sports. Both child and adult athletes defied gravity by spinning and twisting in the air before landing safely back on the ramp.


The other major free-entry event in Tokyo was the infamous Comiket, a major manga and doujinshi market. This market takes place twice a year at Odaiba's Tokyo Big Site. You can catch it once during the summer and one more during the winter.

This was a great chance to experience a Japanese-style convention although it would be more accurate to describe it as a market for professional-level artists to sell fan work.

As a warning for those planning to visit Comiket in the future, most of the works, while well done, are not family friendly. Beware of your company! Luckily, no one in our group was a minor...

Comiket is worth the travel simply to see the fabulous cosplayers that emerge against the beautiful backdrop of Odaiba, Tokyo.


In contrast to A-nation, which provided "relaxation" stations for visitors and ample space to wander and sit down, Comiket can be a bit of a claustrophobic experience, especially during the high humidity of Japanese summers.


Tokyo Big site, for all its vastness, had little air circulation, and with over half a million people crammed into its halls, what little air conditioning there was--if there was any at all--was ineffective.

Despite that though, it was an awe-inspiring experience seeing so many people gather for a common interest. Comiket is definitely an event to attend to get a feel for the anime and otaku culture of Tokyo.

For more news about having fun in Tokyo, follow MICHIDO with an Email Subscription, on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

We also have more A-nation photos and Comiket photos on our Facebook, so be sure to check them out!

8.06.2012

SCREW Transitions to Major「Mom, I'm going to debut!」

Lots of stuff happened today, but I figured this was some pretty happy news, so I slapped this together.

My goodness...a second post, in less than week? What is the world coming to?!

At any rate, enjoy, and congrats SCREW! The original article is from Natalie mu.


SCREW Transitions to Major「Mom, I'm going to debut!」

Released from Tokuma Japan Communications, visual kei band, SCREW, has been slated for their major debut, and their single「XANADU」will be released on October 17th.

The band has steadily gained popularity under the PS COMPANY indies label, and in May of this year, SCREW pulled off a successful European tour. The men held a live where they also had their first live after the band's formation in Tokyo ・ Takadanobaba AREA and yesterday, August 5th, was also celebrating Kazuki's (G) birthday. During the live's encore, they announced the information about their major debut.

The vocalist, Byou, spoke on stage, 「These 6 years has had its difficulties, its obstacles, there were many of those. Whenever I looked back, I thought, "Let's do this," and we've continued forward till now. Honestly, when our major debut was decided, I was so happy. But, even with all these emotions that come with our major debut, I want to continue towards the same dream, and I'm gonna show you all that dream too, so come with us!」A number of the fans in the audience were moved to tears.

From the birthday boy, Kazuki, 「We couldn't have gotten here if it weren't for these members,」he said before being overtaken by his emotions. Drummer Jin showed a joy that was「really beyond words」. Rui, the bassist who joined 2 and half years ago added, 「Meeting the current members, receiving this, I'm really happy right now,」. Guitarist Manabu 「Since I said 5 years ago,『I'm definitely gonna get a major debut』, and I left my hometown and came here, I'm really happy that it came true. I'm typically the cool guy, but today, I'm gonna say it. MOM, I'M GONNA DEBUT!」, inciting the venue.

On the day of SCREW's single release, 10/17, they will start at with a performance at Tokyo・Shibuya O-WEST, and will have 17 performances in 12 venues in their one-man tour「XANADU-Seventh Heaven...-」



Well, there you have it! The SCREW boys have finally gotten their well-deserved major debut! It's definitely going to be a busy few months for them, but don't forget to cheer them on~!

Also, be sure to check out our new Sales page to see if there's anything of interest! Also feel free to request things in the "Other" box of the order form.

If you want more happy SCREW news, follow MICHIDO with an Email Subscription, on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

And last, but not least, be sure to leave us a comment down below--remember, more comments = more interest = more articles about things you're interested in! (^O^)/

8.01.2012

RR43 Coverage Inside Story Part 1 of season1(戒/the GazettE)

I feel like I say this every time I post here, but it's been a while since we updated the blog, haha! But it's also true every time _| ̄|● ガックリ

It has been, but there's a lot of activity since DIVISION is coming out soon (speaking of which, have you ordered your copy yet?).

Rock and Read is no exception--but what to do, I should just let you read it before I spoil it.

Enjoy!




RR43 Coverage Inside Story Part 1 of season1(戒/the GazettE)

It's a bit sudden, but we have an announcement!

The next issue,『ROCK AND READ 043』will go on sale 8/29!

Ad, why, you ask, 8.29,,,,

It's because, on this day, the GazettE's new album『DIVISION』will be released!

Yes!

That's it! That's right!

On the cover of the next volume, it'll be THAT the GazettE member!

Who is it,,,

If you took take a look at this blog's header....
Vol. 33=RUKI
Vol. 36=REITA
Vol. 38=葵
Vol. 41=麗
have made appearances.

With that said!

YE----SSSSSS!

This time is the GazettE's leader, Kai-san, who will be making an appearance!

First, here's 1 snapshot from the scene of the photoshoot.

Tada


SOOOOOO COOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!

Please wait for the next report.



Pretty short time time, but Kai looks flipping awesome--even when he isn't actually posing for a camera! Don't you think he brings a whole new meaning to badass?

Also, be sure to check out our new Sales page to see if there's anything of interest! Also feel free to request things in the "Other" box of the order form.

And, if you want to see more badass Kai, be sure to follow MICHIDO with an Email Subscription, on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

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