J's Chimes: Welcome Aboard The AFA Bus...

Seems like preps for the coming Anime Festival Asia 2011 is well under way and ads have started appearing in all shapes and sizes... Yep, even to our transportation vehicles. Seems like they Ita buses to advert this event. Hopefully this is gonna be good too because this is also the very first AFA event in which I've bought tickets to watch the concert. A pretty hefty price I must say but it well worth it with all the famous idols coming to Singapore for the concert.


AFA will be held in Singapore on the 11 November 2011, an auspicious day indeed for many people around the world to get married too... Well that's what they believe... In any case, 111111 also marks the launch of a much awaited game by Illusion soft too which may excite lots of fans around the world too... Not gonna spoil it so soon so wait for more updates later on...

J's Chimes: AFA Is Back!

The Anime Festival Asia is back once again and am so looking forward to it. Reason being that I've also bought the tickets for the concert. Though it cost a bomb, I guess it's worth it once in a while since this event only happens once a year. AFA 2011 will commence from 11 Nov to 13 Nov 2011 and am hoping it be the best out of the other 3 years previously. And of course, that includes purchasing of more models and anime in that coming event...


Am also looking forward to Hatsune Miku's concert which will happen on the 11 Nov 2011. Heard it be the same as the 3D projection performance that took place back in Sapporo Japan recently too. Still, there's about a month away from all the excitement so trying to contain myself for the time being and update more of AFA when it's closer. For more information about AFA, you can view their website at http://www.animefestival.asia/

J's Chimes: Relive Sailor Moon In Live Action...

It's been so long since I've watch Sailor Moon. Back in the old days, this anime was aired on a mandarin television channel in Singapore. Would watch it from time to time as back then I wasn't really into anime yet. And now this had became a classic which is still a favourite till now. So back in 2006, a live action drama series was made somehow....


And here's the opening introduction of the live action series Sailor Moon... The CG aren't as good though but it was a hit back then in 2006. Well in any case, it's kinda exaggerated in many ways but still cool to watch...


An example of a fight scene can be seen as above. Kinda fancy and funny and pretty much seems like a Power Ranger series... Nevertheless, its kinda nice due after watching a few episodes here and there...

J's Chimes: Culture Japan

Back in AFA, Danny Choo presented his speech about Japanese Culture and one of the videos include an hour long programme directed by him was aired on stage. This is probably one of the most amazing programmes around and educational in some ways or another for people who wanted to know more about Japan. Episode 0 was loaded in Youtube as a preview for the other episodes to come and you can view it here below.



Danny Choo was probably one of the reason why I'd blog too. That's why I've always look upon him as a role model as he's able to make this passion of his into a job. Anyway, Culture Japan will be aired on Animax starting December so you might wanna consider subscribing to Mio or Starhub TV for that if you are really interested...

J's Chimes: New Kids On The Blog

Have finally manage to finish the translation and here it is as promised. Special thanks to my friend YY for recording and timing the subtitles into this programme. This documentary series that was aired last Wednesday on Channel U in Singapore talks about Cosplays in our country and how it has become a growing trend here. Had trouble subbing it because the narrator really talks a lot within this 12 minute video. Well in any case, watch it and be inspired... Please note that if captions does not appear, you can activate it manually from the icon on the bottom right and select 'CC' to turn it on. And fullscreen it for a much better view...

J's Chimes: Topic On Cosplay

A television programme titled 'New Kids On The Block' that was shown on Channel U in Singapore just this Wednesday talks about Cosplays and Events that are increasingly becoming popular in our local youth trend. Due to the fact that it is in mandarin, J's Chimes took the liberty to translate it into English and am currently still subtitling it even as we speak. Hopefully we'll get this done next week so that fans would get to watch it and understand a little bit more about Cosplay

J's Chimes: The Bang And Slice Of Everyday Life

I remembered playing cops and robbers during my youthful days but somehow some Japanese television programme took it to great height by playing a really funny prank on unsuspected people walking on the streets of Osaka. I love how the people react to this and some even act it as though it is for real... This one is really funny so beware... Oh, with English subtitles too...

J's Chimes: Security Is Important...

Time for a little video that will tickle your funny bones... One of the reason that I find this video interesting was that back then in the Army, am also doing security duties just like him with the metal detector and stuff. However we are told that if we were to find something suspicious hidden in a women's clothing or bags, thou shall not touch or search a female regardless. This funny video sure gets one laughing for the misdeeds the security guard has done to check for suspicious stuff only on a beautiful girl...

J's Chimes: Youth Parade Cosmo 2010

The Youth Parade Cosmo 2010 in the Shine Youth Festival had finally concluded today with a couple of cosplayers here and there. I would probably believe that most cosplayers have gone to the Cosfest at downtown East instead as it's a bigger scale event than this. But in any case, there are a number of interesting things happening around Orchard Road with this event that brought about many onlookers trying to figure out why there is a sudden wave of cosplayers parading around Orchard Road... A small bazaar selling anime goodies and stuff are also setup below the new SCAPE Mall in Orchard Road.


What comes as a surprise for this event is the appearance of popular cosplayers Alodia & Ashley from the Philippines. This is probably the 3rd time I see them in Singapore after AFA 2009 and the cosplay competition. Indeed they are so popular that a bunch of photographers kept chasing them to take pictures.


The second surprise visit would be Gundam Exia by 00 Emotions. Once again, they are the most sought after for photos and stuff... The cosplayers later parade the streets of Orchard Road with plenty of curious onlookers. With such, that concludes my day at the festival because a downpour is coming the way. In addition, tomorrow will be any busy day at the Cosfest 2010 in Downtown East. For more photos of the Shine Youth Festival Cosplays and Events, please click on the link at the right taskbar or simply click here.

J's Chimes: Not Your Everyday Advert...

Even a simple advertisement for an indoor pesticide is given a Kamen Rider look a like makeover and battling an evil cockroach that invades the houses in Japan. A rather exaggerated advertisement with a unique and interesting twist that such series could also blend into our everyday live necessities. Kinda reminds me of Power Rangers too... In any case, watch this to brighten up your day!

Day 10 In The Army: Pi Pi Pizza To To Toppings

One of the most addictive chorus for a Pizza commercial with an animation twist. And a ronery ending to make up for the funny start... Makes me crave for Pizza too but what the heck, still in the army eating rations... Well, just 3 more days then will talk about that soon enough.

J's Chimes: Danny Choo Network TV

Am pretty excited with the coming Danny Choo Network TV which will be aired from the 12th of June this year. However it is only limited to people living in Japan and also those who have cable televisions to watch it on Animax... Hmmm, sure hope someone uploads it on Youtube or record it in HD for many others to watch. Said to be 30 minutes long in Japane and an hour for Animax subscribers, this TV show will talk much about animes and stuff in which we all know much about. In any case, have owe it much to Danny Choo because he was the reason I'd start blogging too. To talk about our hobbies and such is a wonderful experience though there are people who dislikes our passion for such things. In any case, its the holidays for me now, so gonna start blogging many stuffs again...

J's Chimes: History Of Anime

Ever wonder about the evolution of anime? Then all the more you should know about the history of anime and how it has come about and also hitting into the US market. Seriously there's also much that I do not know and this video had much or less enlightened me of such. Here's part 1 out of 6 parts uploaded by a little someone on Youtube (In the case you had no interest to watch on here...). Famous Classics like Akira, Astroboy, Transformers and the likes are all being discussed in detail in the following parts.

J's Chimes: Fantasy Comes Alive

Titled Fantasy Comes Alive, this video games and anime concert will be held on the 30th April and 1st May 2010 at the University Cultural Hall. With special guest Hitoshi Sakimoto, the composer for the Final Fantasy XII and Valkyria Chronicles music, tickets are currently on sale at sistic from $20 to $50. It also includes a mini cosplay event or competition where you can dress as your favourite character while watching the concert... (Kinda weird...) Well in any case, you can visit their website at www.fantasycomesalive.com for more details. Somehow or rather it clashes with my exam dates so can't go even if I want to. If you do like music from games and anime then maybe ya wanna check this out.

J's Chime: They Are All Connected To Anime...

Some people just don't understand the importance of Japanese anime in our lifestyle so I thought that a little 'Education' is necessary for you to know why. Of course you do know how anime begun and stuff but do you really know that they actually connected to all industries around? Think harder and you will get the gist of it. They are as per follows:


Anime inspires mangas & doujinshi and vice versa:
Till date, most mangas are now being made into anime because of their popularity. Some examples are Bleach to Naruto. Some animes also become manga and such would be Suzumiya Haruhi to Code Geass. Sometimes the storyline deviates from each other or that the style of art is different.


Anime comes from Eroge and vice versa:
Same as mangas, some adult games do become anime (Other genre includes ecchi and hentai) and vice versa. Some examples are ToHeart, Comic Party and School Days. Surprisingly, Eroges seem have better storyline in some cases. Thus its inevitable that people who loved anime will definitely get to know Hentai too. Of course there are still Eroges that came out as a decent anime like Yoake Mae Yori Ruriiro Na, Izumo or Utawarerumono instead of making it into a H anime.


Anime creates Artwork, Fanbooks, Fanarts and vice versa:
A good example would be Queen's Blade in which the artwork are kinda popular that it becomes an anime a few seasons back. Anime also brings market to the art industry which also brought about making characters for games, movies, etc. An example of such Artist is Tony Taka who drew up characters for Shining Tears, games and anime.


Anime helps develop games and vice versa:
A nice example would be the Suzumiya Haruhi game on PSP and an example of games becoming anime would be Tales of Symphonia, Tales of Vesperia, etc. In fact, games are made to look like anime characters and you could name many though in the market.


Anime releases movies and vice versa:
Anime creates movies in both live action, animation and 3D. Examples of live action includes Death Note, Animations as in Summer Wars and 3D animations like Final Fantasy The Spirits Within. In fact there are more of such movies and popular ones like Death Note live action has been watch by many people whom includes those who don't like anime. But the thing is, it originates FROM anime, so why are you complaining?


Anime brings about products into industry and vice versa:
With anime's popularity comes about toys for kids, daily necessities like food to tissues or plates etc, stickers, cups, straps, wallets, clothes, appliances, electronics and many many more stuff in the market which in turn generates profit. If you for once think that anime is useless or should be ban, won't all of these industries be affected and create loss of jobs, revenue, opportunity costs?


Anime becomes hobbies and scale models and vice versa:
With anime, it brings about demands for scale models of favourite characters and stuff. Thus bringing about new hobbies for people. Anime creates new demands like daimakura, card games like Bushiroad's Weiss Schwarz, Gundam modeling, Gashapons, etc.


Anime relates to Cosplay and vice versa:
Without animes, there won't be cosplay and without cosplay, there won't be animes. Similarly a new industry in regards to cosplay for example fashion, makeup, wigs, clothing stores would be affected if not for anime which inspires people to dress as their favourite character. With that there won't be conventions and such around.


Anime spurs conventions, competitions, events and vice versa:
Would there be comicon, comiket, AFA, Coscon, Cosfest, EOY and such happening around the world if anime does not exists? Won't there be a bit less entertainment for the general public if anime wasn't around? Think again....


Anime composed Songs & Music and vice versa:
So you've heard many songs in Japanese? Out of the few you've listened, there would bound to be one that's from an anime series. So you say that anime songs are bad... Are you saying that the idols who sang these are bad too? Take note that some of these anime song are sung by popular bands like Orange Range to Ayumi Hamasaki.


Anime brings about Seiyuus, Voice acting, writers, artists, Idols, etc:
May'n is an example of popular idols in Japan. Voice actings for anime characters, giving a boost to art in a country, etc are what anime could expand into. Without such there wouldn't be voice acting schools, artwork, writers around wouldn't it? Singapore is slowly picking up with animations and stuff in relations to IT so it wouldn't be surprising to see animation films by local people in future.


Anime brings about photography in parts of the world and also tourism in Japan:
Cosplay = Photography and I would be surprise if it wasn't... Such brings about also tourism in Japan by tourists from around the world who loves anime too. What else would also be popular in Japan? Hardly I can't think of any besides it having delicious food and shopping, scenery and culture...


BEST PART ABOUT Anime? Everything is linked together...
Anime = Mangas = Eroge = Artwork = Games = Movies = Cosplay = Models = Conventions = Songs..... Talk about any and it all adds up and links well together. Any other reasons to hate anime now? Take out either one and they will all fall like dominoes. Think deeper and you'd understand what animes really are... Of course there are still more connections in which animes could link to and no doubt it is a part of our daily lives before you know it. Your push toy to your phone strap could very well be from an anime when you least expect it...

J's Chimes: The Reality of Suzumiya Haruhi

One of the most interesting advertisements that I've ever seen. ACUO is something like a peppermint sweet much similar to Mentos or Fisherman's Friend. With a puff of freshness, the guy changes a 3D girl into characters from the Suzumiya Haruhi Anime. Amazing blend of reality and 2D animation which works pretty nice and funny indeed. And oh man I love the animation for Mikuru and Nagato. If this really does work, imagine... I bet anime fans around would go about blowing freshness to all women and turning them into pretty anime characters. Won't that be nice?

J's Chimes: Subbing And Translations

I begin to appreciate fan subbers for animes and such more after translating a Chinese documentary show myself till late night yesterday. Seriously, you'd never know how tough it is until you tried it yourself. Even though the show is only about 30min long, it took me 3 hours to complete it. And that does not include editing and inputting it into the show. Titled 'My World My Blog', will be uploading this to my blog and youtube once it's done. So next time you're getting impatient, do not take things for granted that fan subs are slow because they really do put in a lot of effort and no pay for you all to enjoy your animes.

J's Chimes: My World My Blog

A documentary show titled 'My World My Blog' which aired every Thursdays on Channel U at 9.30pm will be talking about Cosplays and such in the next coming episode. J's Chimes will definitely be recording it and upload the show onto my blog. It talks about our passion for cosplay events and the life of cosplayers who would face criticism and rejection from the general public and family members or friends. Guess it would be dedicated for people like us who love events such as these... a definite must watch and preparing for it.

J's Chimes: Zettai Kareshi

A live action drama for Zettai Kareshi Christmas Edition Special will be aired tonight on Channel U Singapore. Adapted from a manga by Yuu Watase, this add-on episode about Christmas would be for those ronery people out there during this time of year.

J's Chimes: Speed Racer Movie

How many years has it been since I've watched the anime version of Speed Racer. Now its back as a real-life action movie. Seems like the States is finally looking up into animes now for their films after running out of ideas... Debuts on May 9, Speed Racer is a movie made for the whole family and its quite cartoony at times. Nevertheless, you can watch the anime version here at http://www.crunchyroll.com/publisher/speedracer. I gotta warn you though, the author's law of physics is really bad and that this is a 1960s anime...