Next up, is Justin Sevakis, founder of ANN.

And finally, our dear 部長 arrives to our shores. And makes a quick blog entry upon arrival. =P

Picture from the day before.

The guests are highly likely to arrive at about the same time as last year’s as well, and if my memory serves correctly, they will arrive about 2 days before the event; they need their rehearsals, no? Also, from last year’s experience, they arrived in the evening, at about 5pm. Do check out on flight arrivals from Changi Airport to get a rough gauge. XD

Last year, Aniki arrived first, followed up by May’n on the following day. Since we have more aristes coming, I’m sure the newer artistes will arrive later than last year’s. Sooooooo here’s the plan:

- They will arrive either via ANA or JAL
- Mostly evening flights (5.30PM to 6.30PM)
- flights throughout 4 days, from 19th to 21st
- Midnight flight is also highly possible (especially for k-on)

At least, that’s my hypothesis. JAL’s at Terminal 1, while ANA’s on Terminal 2. If you see barricades at either terminals being set up, it’s very likely that it’ll be for them (again, experience from last year). \

Happy fangirling/fanboying! XD

-edit-

I’m here because Sen-chan is in electric fanboy mode and asked me to update.

Tsundere one-liners aside, ZOMGITWASSOGOODINSERTMINDLESSBLABBERHERE-
Now you know why I can’t write a review.

The cinema was pretty much packed with friends of friends and more friends and so the atmosphere was kind of like watching tv with family. In a living room of unspeakable extravagance.

And your family will probably not cheer at fanservice. 10/10 for fun.

This almost eluded me if not for my trip out today.
Here it is, the next campaign item to make you buy more extra kits :P
The Bushouza(武将座)!


The (usual) participating outlets in SG, original here.

The Bushouza kind of works like the di:Stage.
Not going to go into this one much as I’ve found another site which does so, check it out here.

To me the previous campaign item, the Tengaisou(天鎧装) is more attractive. And it did made me buy some extra kits to get the full set(poor wallet..).

For the Tengaisou, there are four types – the Seiryuu type and Byakko type, the Suzaku type, the Genbu type. Yup, its the Four Symbols again. But so far the Tengaisou(and Bushouza) stays as a campaign item and not a canonical item in the story.

Heres a nice review for the Tengaisou set.

So whats up next?
Most probably will be the twelve weapon set last talked about in a previous post.

From China

Interestingly, during my search I found that China has produced some of their own items…

Bootleg Tengaisou

Platinum Tengaisou

At least they sold it as a full set.

Now two not bad originals.

Time Wing(时空翼), essentially Aile Striker + Sword Siilhouette
Fighter Wing(斗神翼), this one actually looks not bad..

They actually went and wrote some backstory too!
Fighter Wing – made from feathers of Jakushin.
Time Wing – made by the Three Lords, grants teleportation.

Once again from the same site a nice review.
(the two pictures above are from there too)
Pretty amazing these two are, I kind of want them too.

And for those interested in the full lineup of the bootleg line, they have BANDI, Decoo and GZ.
Ok, enough of the bootleg stuff :P

About campaign items and power up parts

Thought that I should do a quick one on some history.
At first the power up parts are products sold in stores…

Powerup Equipment Set 1(boxed), seven parts for 6 for kits also from “Musha Shichininshuu Hen” and 1 conversion part for BB No.8 Sazabi to Musha Sazabi. Kirin no Shinki(麒麟の神器), Tenshou no Shinki(天翔の神器) and Seiryuu no Shinki(青龍の神器) for 3 kits from “Musha Shichininshuu Hen”(武者七人衆編).

I suppose the release dates for the 2 sets should be late 80s or early 90s and they are long out of production. But recently (I suppose) there are unofficial resin/garage kit reproductions. Reviews of the garage kit reproductions here and here.

Then they became campaign goods…

The Tendou Shinki(天動神器) set, consisting of Houou no Shinki(鳳凰の神器), Ryuu no Shinki(龍の神器), Shishi no Shinki(獅子の神器) and Yami no Shinki(闇の神器). The four ‘Shinki’(heavenly instruments) can fit any of the kits from the 1996 series Bushin Kirahagane as the kits have a similar set of hardpoints. Theres a silver version too. A review here(the reviewed version came with a 6-in-1 set so its not plated).

Not only parts, the campaign goods also come as stickers. The Powerup Seals(転生シール) was a campaign item in 1995 in the time of the Chou Kidou Daishougun Hen. Comes in ten types with with each sheet supporting 3 kits, the supported kits range from those from 1990 to 1995. With the overwhelming support of the Powerup Seal campaign, Bandai released a product version(4 types).

Powerup Seals product version

Its not only these that I covered, in the early 90s there are other side products too like some guides and maps. There are also many kit variants, transparent, plated etc..
(Also in the past plated parts, transparent parts and effect parts are kind of the norm not a luxury like now.)

Ok this just came in, thanks to vashblueeyes.
A line art of Gotsutotsukotsu Master (兀突骨マスター) and Kaku Ashtaron (賈詡アシュタロン)!?

Compare with the manga version

Compare with the manga version

Doujin…?
Kaku looks too refined to me.
Actually both designs look refined.
Perhaps they look better without the effects of the Ankouku Gyokuji?
lol

Hmm, the lines of Gotsutotsukotsu Master looks smoother than that of Kaku Ashtaron.

[EDIT] Updated with Kaku lineart thanks to vashblueeyes again!

Ok, here ends another SD Gundam post.
See you!

Next up, are larger pictures of her album covers. =D

Styles [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]
Retail Price : 3200yen
Release Date: 2009/11/25

Styles [Regular Edition]
Retail Price : 2900yen
Release Date: 2009/11/25

Honestly, I love both cover pictures. Pity it wouldn’t release before AFA, or there might be a possibility that it’ll be sold there. @_@ Either way, I WILL GET MY COPYYYYYY *gasps* Do listen to it and tell me how the song goes =D

Aside from the spelling error, the short snippet shows how the last leg of Perfume’s ⊿ tour at Yokohama Arena went. Yes, it’s very much like the one I went at Sapporo, although the only difference was the size.

Here’s an excerpt from the latest post:

Their next live performance announced will be for the Act Against AIDS 2009 benefit concert at the Nippon Budokan on December 1st. This will be their 2nd time joining the AAA “The Variety” concert.

As for releases, their just finished 2009 Tour will be released on DVD will be out on January 13th, 2010! If it seems a bit too long of a wait, don’t fret for the 10/15 Yokohama Arena venue of the tour will be broadcasted on MUSIC ON! TV after X’mas (12/26 ).

I can’t wait for both the broadcast version and the actual DVD. Mmmm more Perfume goodness. That said, I’m still a sucker and pre-ordered my Perfume Livefolio at the local Kinokuniya a week back. D’oh.

For more information, do visit Perfume City’s post.

Some of the key highlights are.

• Cosplay Finalists are selected.

They have narrowed down to 6 groups who will represent their respective countries for title of South-East Asia’s best cosplay group.

For more information :  You can visit  http://www.afa09.com/afa_cosplay_championship_09.html

• AFA09 Merchandise shop

Exclusive merchandise will be available for sale at the AFA09 shop,

They include , Limited Edition K-on! items. “I love Anisong” Concert  T-shirts.

• Exclusive Merchandise

Bandai Asia – Exclusive tamashii nations merchandise these includes

Autumn Limited Chogokin Saint Seiya Be@rbrick, Limited GX 24N Tetsujin 28 Naked Edition. Limited Myth cloth Appendix Gemini Sagao Original Color Edition(Saint Seiya) and many more.

Cospa – Exclusive Aquaplus Fiesta Bag from Aquaplus Fiesta08  .

Incluses a Sasara and Maryan sports towel(To Heart 2), Eruru hand towel (Utawarerumono). Konomi and Tamaki Bathroom poster(To Heart 2) and a Commemoration book!.

Bushiroad – Limited Exclusive goods include Da Caro and Idolm@ster merchandise. AliceCross and Chaos TCG will be launched in Singapore officially.

Takashimya Singapore Limited – There will be products from popular series such as Code Geass, Shakugan no Shana, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Lucky Star, Full Metal Alchemist : Brotherhood, D.Gray Man, Tora Dora and much more.

• Animation Studios

Tatsunoko Productions , Madhouse, Production IG, Imaginary Friends Studios, Stormlion and Egg Storry Creative productions to be there at AFA09

• Launch of New Sanyo Eneloopy kit.

Sanyo will be launching its new ‘Eneloopy’ Battery checker kit during AFA09. It is to celebrate SANYO’s Sales achievement of 100 million cells worldwide.

That more or less wraps up the  Key points of today’s Press conference.

Omake picture of Ume with the Moe Moe Kyun Squad after the jump :)

Omake : Ume got to take the pics with the maids from the Cafe today.

Here is the pic :)

The above picture is a collage of those from her blog over the week after her birthday 8D

May’n had a blast celebrating her 20th birthday on numerous occasions, with great friends, food and loads of caaaaaake. Including Taiyaki ones. lolololol

Next, the tracklist for May’n’s upcoming FULL album on the 25th of November, titled “Styles”. More information below:

『Styles』　
DVD付限定盤　VTZL-11 / ￥3,360(tax in)
通常盤　VTCL-60190 / ￥3,045(tax in)
発売：フライングドッグ　販売：ビクターエンタテインメント

■収録曲■
1.「Get Ready」
作詞：Mike Wyzgowski、Satomi　作曲・編曲：鷺巣詩郎
2.「キミシニタモウコトナカレ」
作詞：岩里祐穂　作曲・編曲：本間昭光
3.「standing bird」
作詞：渡邉睦月　作曲・編曲：鷺巣詩郎
4.「XYZ」
作詞：松尾潔　作曲・編曲：鷺巣詩郎
5.「Let Me Be Myself」
作詞：松尾潔　作曲・編曲：鷺巣詩郎
6.「Deep Breathing」
作詞：岩里祐穂　作曲・編曲：鷺巣詩郎
7.「Welcome To My FanClub’s Night！-Styles ver.- 」
作詞：hal　作曲：菅野 よう子　編曲：Chokkaku、鷺巣詩郎
8.「h@e me？ h@e you！」
作詞：Satomi　作曲・編曲：鷺巣詩郎
9.「パラノイア」
作詞：松尾潔　作曲・編曲：鷺巣詩郎
10.「M-Revolution」
作詞：May’n　作曲・編曲：本間昭光
11.「YOUR ROCK」
作詞・作曲：May’n　編曲：鷺巣詩郎
12.「Heart & Soul」
作詞：Mike Wyzgowski　作曲・編曲：鷺巣詩郎

Other than her own full album, May’n will have a mini-album released under Sheryl Nome, titled “Universal Bunny”, to be released on the same day!

Proposed picture of the CD Jacket

Looks like all May’n/Sheryl Nome fans will be broke this coming end November. ;_; I wonder how would her “Styles” album sound/look like; also, wondering how the “Welcome To My FanClub’s Night！-Styles ver.” would sound like as well. o_o~

Any May’n fan will be exhilarated upon receiving either of the CDs. XD WHERE IS MY MAY’N PHOTOBOOKKKK even Minorin has one. ;_;

With Persona 3 Portable (henceforth known as P3P) release 3-4 days back, here’s a blog entry with hilarious translation of the game’s promotional video.

Click on the picture for the site link!

The kits are Kakuka Virsago and Genbusou Ryofu Tallgeese.
Following will be some pictures and my rough translation from Happinet then some of my thoughts for the two.

Kakuka Virsago (郭嘉ヴァサーゴ)

The two swords fix onto the fan

Translation from source:

Giga’s strategist, Kakuka Virsago, 3 mode change to be released!
・ Strategist mode
・ Commander mode
・ Majin mode

■ The powerup form with parts of BB Senshi No.352 Senjin Gattai Shuu Gundam equipped [?]

● Kakuka Virsago
A strategist of Giga and Shiba-I’s best pupil. His ingenuity and resourcefulness earned him a praise as the “young genius” from Sousou. Possess talent as cold and beautiful as ice [?]. Appears in Eiyuu Gekitotsu Hen (Part 2), now on being merchandised his design and gimmick receive a power up.

[Accessories] Sword x 2, fan
[Contents] Runner x 3, stickers, instruction sheet (with manga)

■ Release date: January 2010
■ Target age: 8 years and above
■ Size: packaging: 205(W)x150(H)x50(D)mm

Thoughts
With Kaku and Houtou both dead in the current Part 3, Kakuka is the last of the Three Excellencies of Giga. Feels like Giga will be crushed by end of Part 3 leaving Sousou to bring it up again.

Kakuka has a new design (old design) with three modes, two are shown but which two? Is the one similar to Chest Break mode the Commander(武将) mode or Majin(魔神) mode? Or is the not shown power up form with Shuu Gundam parts the Majin mode? If not then could the old design be the strategist mode? [EDIT] Now made clear with the new picture added.

Equipped with Shuu parts? So what is Kakuka? A remanent of Shuu? A new evil? A Shuu possession? Also as shown in the animated PVs, the three “bad guys” are Shuu, Kakuka and Toutaku.

Will he be part of Part 3’s endgame or have a role to play if there is a Part 4?

Ok, the forms are all there, even the Shuu parts equipped form

Genbusou Ryofu Tallgeese (玄武装 呂布トールギス)

Elbow joints!! A new-gen Sangokuden kit design?

Translation from source:

All new design Ryofu returns with a power up!

■ 22 joints, a pursuit of full articulation, 170% improvement over the previous Ryofu. Purple part on the helm, mask, visor will be clear parts
■ Equipped with a big-scale halberd
■ Backpack combines into shield

● Genbusou Ryofu Tallgeese
A well known and mighty warrior. Yearning to battle with more powerful opponents joins the Toutaku Troops in Sangokuden Part 1. After the decisive battle with the anti-Toutaku alliance his whereabouts are unknown, now returns with a power up.

[Accessories] Halberd, Shield
[Contents] Runner x 7, stickers, instruction sheet (with manga)

■ Release date: January 2010
■ Target age: 8 years and above
■ Size: packaging: 205(W)x150(H)x50(D)mm

Thoughts
No jumbo set for Ryofu this time, phew. Now clad in white armor with more of those hexegonal turtle shell pattern on it. I suppose the armor is called Genbusou(Genbu Armament)? Clawed and black before, now he is white and spiky :P.

Genbu(玄武) is one of the Four Symbols, associated anmal is the tortoise. The Three Lords are also associated with the Four Symbols. The stylized turtle emblem on (previous) Ryofu’s box and the Shinbu mode of the Tengyokugai also hints on Ryofu’s relationship with the Genbu symbol. In the manga version an additional scene is added in the second compiled volume of Part 1 to show that he has survived and his appearance in a panel of Part 3’s preview suggest that his role in Sangokuden is not finished yet. Also in the Comic World on his instruction sheet, the purple part is also glowing when the Gyokuji is activated.

But the mythology only talked about The Three Lords, Jyakushi, Kogyou and Ryuutei. What did Ryofu become? A new Fourth Lord? Or he has awoken to some unknown Fourth Lord? What about his own country, a fourth Kingdom?

If he is the first kit of a supposedly Part 4 then he could be the protagonist then? If so, what could Part 4 be about? About what happened to him after Part 1? As Part 3 seems to be derailing from the literature, could Part 4 be original? Also with him in Part 3’s preview could he be in Part 3 and theres no Part 4?

Still wondering, could he have lost his memory and become Kouseki after Part 1? (But Ryofu has purple eyes..who is Kouseki?)

Part 4 not confirmed yet but have a good chance.
All speculations for now…

A look at the backpack/shield gimmick

Pictures from Happinet Online (via Ngee Khiong)