Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Holiday Recommendations!

It's that time of the year again and as we all know it's the gift giving time. So, I have taken it upon my glorious self to help you do your shopping, whether it be for yourself or for someone else. Here are some of my favorite manga, dramas, movies and CD's to help you please everyone on your list!

Okay, let's start with my favorite manga right now!

砂時計(すなどけい)/sunadokei by: 芦原妃名子 (あしはらひなこ)


Now, I usually don't like shojo manga, but I have to say, this is by far one of the best stories I have ever read. The manga is 10 volumes total and just recently finished. The story is about a girl named Uekusa Ann who moves with her mother from Tokyo to a rural town in the middle of nowhere after her parents divorce. She feels out of place until she meets a boy named Daigo and the two become best friends. However, a tragedy occurs that changes Ann's life forever...the manga is great...there's romance and friendship...real life hardships and situations. It's not the average shojo manga, which is why I'm so drawn to it. So check it out! You can get it at your local Kinokuniya or at Amazon Japan.

For those of you who cannot read the Japanese, never fear, the English translation will be available January 1st for your viewing pleasure! Check it out here!

Another great choice, shojo style is:
僕の初恋をキミに捧ぐ/boku no hatsukoi wo kimi ni sasagu by: 青木琴美(あおきことみ)



Okay, so another extremely popular manga. What is wrong with me? I know, I know. But check it out! The art might turn you off at first, but you can move past it quick, I swear...(they have really creepily big eyes...). So the story goes like this, two kids grow up together, one is really sick. They meet in the hospital and make a promise to each other - On their 20th birthday they will get married. The only problem is, will the sick boy make it to his 20th birthday?! OMG folks, it's so sad! The story chronicles their childhood and schooldays...narrated by them both, with flashbacks and sad little blurbs...its so wonderful! Oh so good! You think it would be predictable, but I find myself reading uncontrollably. It's still going and there are 9 volumes out as of right now. So go to either Kinokuniya or Amazon Japan to check it out.
*Unfortunately if you don't read Japanese you are out of luck on this one. It hasn't been translated as of yet. But keep your hopes up. One day. You could always practice your Japanese. Check it out anyway!

Not into the shojo? It'sk ! I got you covered-Let's try one of these!
*ピュ〜と吹く!ジャガー by: うすた 京介
Want one of the funniest comics ever! Ever wonder what a comic about a dude who plays the recorder would be about...check this out! The best gag comic ever...featured in Shonen Jump!

*銀魂 by: 空知英秋 GIN TAMA by: Sorachi Hideaki - A comic about...uh...what is it about? It's funny...check it out. I think it has aliens and giant dogs...samurai? It's also features in Shonen Jump and it was turned into an Anime. So it must be good...*cough*.
- This one is available in English ! Yay! So, go to your local fine book retailers and buy buy buy!

Finally a quick list of manga to check out! (Trust me..muahahah)
Reborn (English Available)
D.Gray Man (English Available)
ヴァンパイア騎士/Vampire Knight (English Available)
B.O.D.Y (English Available)
CROWS!!!! <--- I added the !!!!!! weee 絶対彼氏/Absolute Boyfriend (English Available) Ouran Host High School (English Available) 花とみつばち Flowers and Bees (English Available) Death Note (I guess it should go on the list...English Available of course)


CD of the season a must have!!!
L'arc ~en~ Ciel's KISS


It's beautiful...although the cover looks like an amateur rip of of AKFG's CD covers (which is sad since L'arc's CD covers are usually really pretty!) but hey...it's whats on the inside that counts...and dude...L'arc made it count. This has to be their best album since...ray! There isn't one song on here that I dislike. So go get it! It makes a great gift!

Here's the track list:

1. SEVENTH HEAVEN (5:01) <日本テレビ系「スポーツうるぐす」テーマソング>
2. Pretty girl (3:17)
3. MY HEART DRAWS A DREAM (4:16) <スバル New レガシィ CMソング>
4. 砂時計 (4:35)
5. spiral (4:01)
6. ALONE EN LA VIDA (5:12)
7. DAYBREAK’S BELL (4:11)
8. 海辺 (4:33)
9. THE BLACK ROSE (3:38)
10. Link -KISS Mix- (4:46) <「劇場版 鋼の錬金術師 シャンバラを征く者」オープニングテーマ>
11. 雪の足跡 (4:46)
12. Hurry Xmas (4:49)


The best dramas for gifts:

Long Vacation - a classic...always makes a great gift

Nodame Cantabile


花より男子/hana yori dango

*For the best prices try eBay...or otherwise go to yesasia or Cdjapan for the best deals!

And finally, you want the best movie to get your special someone...try these:

大停電のよるに - Daiteiten no yoru ni

"Daiteiden no Yoru ni" is the latest film from director Takashi Minamoto. Inspired by the August 13, 2003 blackout across New York City, Minamoto presents an original tale about the Christmas that neon-tinted Tokyo went dark! Amidst this backdrop characters struggle to find their own place, help each other, and fall in love. It is a really great movie. English SUBS!

ゲゲゲの鬼太郎/Gegege no Kitaro

Japanese DVD release of the film adaptation of legendary manga and anime series "Gegege no Kitaro" starring Eiji Wentz, Mao Inoue, Reina Tanaka, Yo Oizumi, Kanpei Hazama, Koyuki, and more! Kitaro lives his life in Gegege Forest with his father the eyeball and his ghoulish friends! One day he receives a letter with news that threatens to shake both the spirit world and the world of the humans. When a human boy ends up with tremendous power and evil spirits attack, Kitaro manages to save him. Now the real trouble begins! YAY! Fun for any fan! English Subs!!

Some more movies:
Nana (Eng. Subs)
Sakuran (English Subs)
Maiko Haaaan!!! (English subs)

Once again go to yesasia.com or Cdjapan.co.jp for more info!

So, check all these wondrous wonders out! And have yourself a merry little X'mas! Or whatever it is your celebrate!







懐かしいよね!...Merry X'SMAP! メリクリみんな!