I have three main objectives in mind as I hopped on the train and headed expectantly towards Expo for my first Chara Expo. Firstly, there's something I need to get my hands on. Then there's that somebody that I have to take a photograph with, and I want to get a scope of the event for this blog. Sounds relatively reasonable and attainable yea? Alright let's hop right it ->

Oh and I must talk about the clickbait above. This dashing Lancer from Fate/Zero caught my eye from afar with those spot-on lances (just lOOk at those grooves, oh the feels~) As our eyes made contact, I loosely waved my phone, sending my (burning) desire to get his photograph, but to my surprise he actually waved back and smiled at me instead.

I totally thought the Heaven's Gate just opened (no movie reference intended).

Anyway, he quickly got into Shoot Mode and boy does he know his angle - just look at that face, and how he's holding his Noble Phantasms. Even the crowds knew better and cleared the background, this was simply meant to be...

... Okay, back to the event updates.

My expectations for this con is kinda between Anime Festival Asia (AFA) and the End of Year Festival (EOY), where the former is THE event to die for and the latter kinda meh, but passable, if there are some decent doujinshi booths.

The ticket cost $10, and is easily the most beautiful ticket I have ever received in my life - it's glittery and made of 80 gsm magazine paper, a wonderful piece of paper I must say.

The crowd is more forgiving than AFA, but I was really disappointed to find there was no Doujinshi Artworks sections, just mainly commercial booths.

What's more appalling than that was the number of booths dedicated to card games - this entire row is basically the Card Alley, plus a few others on the loose. 

Nobody told me the Singapore card scene is so happening, and even Aunties (bottom left, spotted and trying to appear inconspicuous) were inevitably drawn into the mixture.

It appears that the Marketing team of the SONY booth has done their research and somehow got the faces of Sword Art Online to don the Singapore Airline's stewardess's uniform. Whether they knew that National Day is coming or it was a secret collab with the government to promote patriotism through anime, I do not wish to know.

For the SAO fans who might already know, there's also gonna be a movie for these two models. Phew finally back to their normal (and appropriate) outfits.

I need to know who designed this sick poster, I mean just look at how badass it is! Totally giving out the Steins;Gate feel.

As a chronic bishie fangirl, I'm always on the lookout for good looking anime guys. Incidentally next to the SAO promo poster, there were these SERVAMP manga laid out and calling for me to read them. I looked up the title and the first episode of this 12 episode long series actually just aired 5 days ago! *Mad grin*

Speaking of anime to watch, has anyone heard of Sakamoto? <3

If there's one anime that was heavily advertised throughout the expo hall, it has to be Love Live. Seriously, if the show is popular enough to warrant its own full, empty booth solely guarded by 9 cardboard cut outs of its main characters, you know this series is making serious bucks off the poor fanboys (and girls).



If anyone still remembered about the objectives I mentioned at the beginning of this post, you're seeing it - this booth. More accurately, this booth is the reason why this post even existed; I wouldn't have go if Voltage Inc. had not announced on its Facebook page (that I checked 10 times a day) that it was flying from Japan to Singapore for the first time.

What's Voltage, you're asking? Only the creators of some of the Best. Sexy. Fantasy bishounen, delicately packed into their delectable platter of dating apps, made for people just like me. And they're here with my favourite man in the form of merchandise - how can I miss the world for this?

...

Apparently, I still ended up missing him.

See, when I said I came down to get a certain something, I seriously only intended to get this one thing. I meant business. Now let me zoom in on that item.

 

Oh hold on, there seems to be something blocking the view. Hmm what's that offensive piece of paper doing on my bae's face? Someone tell me, what are the odds that a red SOLD OUT tape happened to run loose and coincidentally ended up stuck to my Scorpio keychain?

...

...

S...old... out...

SOLD OUT.

It's only Day 1 and less than 3 hours since the opening- I can't. I knew it's going to be popular, even entertained thoughts that it might get sold out, but not BEFORE I got my hands on it...

After walking listlessly away from the booth, my surroundings immediately dimmed and the crowds' chatters faded into a sort of hushed muffle. The world became lacklustre, and I felt like I've lost direction.

Okay exaggerations aside, that tape did dealt some serious damage to my fragile mind, and my mood sank to the dead bottom for a good half an hour. This tragedy was clearly avoidable - why couldn't I just get my sorry ass out of my house earlier?

 Anyway, there's no way I could have left the booth empty-handed, seeing there were no other options of bagging their merchandise anywhere (no online or physical shops in Japan either). I have to make-do with my other favourite app - Our Two Bedroom Story's Tsumugu and Minato. The Guide Book is free and I snagged that too, not that I needed one but anything with hot bishies printed on I must.

Objective #1 - 0.5 completion.

Look at me, at this time I was still deeply fraught with disbelief that I failed to take note which anime this is from, my bad. Anyway, this is a dandy booth filled with animator's original sketches (scanned, duh) and character designs.

I chose a few that caught my eye and snapped them for future references.

Side-view with insider's colour and alphabet markings

Ah lucky me, seems like they're characters from, nope not diomedea that's the anime studio's name, but Mayoiga, or The Lost Village and it has just finished airing last June.

*****

Now let's move on to the figures, shall we? Besides a few repeats from AFA last year like the Miku mebae. ver. and Saber bride ver., I've noticed a surge of of Ichiban Kuji prize figures. Big names like Aniplex, Bandai (with their S.H. Figuarts and Figuarts Zero), and GoodSmile Company created together have a conservative display.

 

This is an example of the Ichiban Kuji prize figures (prize line is the alternative and cheaper version of the usual scale figures), featuring Asuna in Japan's famous maid costume.

They have this thing with doing alternate colours for the same figure, but i thought this Sonico was really neat, especially the pastel version.

They did the same for Shinobu too but I got bored and just took one

Cuteness overload! However where's my Senjougahara :(

Spotted this ravishing beauty by Alpha X Omega, one of the earlier figures from 2009

Ranka Lee by Banpresto, released in 2012 as a prize figure for the movie ~Sayonaya no Tsubasa~ (*Intentionally inserted below Sheryl Nome coz I'm on Team Sheryl)

Here are the lovely 12,000 yen Miki and Kyouko Maiko ver., joining hands and tempting defenceless fangirls and boys

A blurred shot of Ho-ho-homura

 

Moving right into S.H. Figuarts territory, still hot from their 20th Anniversary (aka merch overload), an anime convention can't be complete without some dose of classic Sailor Moon

 

In the spirit of celebrating pretty gals in super short skirts, I have just finished this watercolour postcard of Usagi as an early birthday gift for my best girl in Canada~

 DBZ, yet another classic that has shaped the anime industry. Loving that effect!

 

The ships are real (One Piece, Bandai)

Random Angela ochatomo-ish figures

 This is a figure that can lure a smile and lighten burdened hearts. Max Factory presents Miku's long lost twin sister, Tamayorihime

I have a lot to say about this hot stuff... But I have to mention there was this geezer with a DSLR, seemingly doing expert shots of her in front of me, until I took a causal glance at the photos - yep classic panty shots. Consecutively. Way to go.

...And the only reason Kogitsunemaru from Touken Ranbu made it to my page is thanks to the scale figure by Max Factory. Luckily for me I don't play the game (yes they may all be bishies, but none are comparable to Voltage's)

Of course we can't have a figure showcase without Nendoroids, and it was a delight to see the Harvest Moon Miku in flesh and plastic after so long

This year's Snow Miku nendoroid (2016 - Snow Owl Ver.) and figma (right)

And here's the ever famous Hatsune Miku, now available in 1:1 scale lol

 (the box is roughly the size of a seating stool)

*****

Sliding straight to the last portion - cosplay.

Looking at this duet conjures many feels, but mainly the tough and arching decision to forgo adding Kamui (left) to my bishounen figures collection. Kagura (right) is looking way too soft and happy facing her baka older brother!

This beautiful Saber in her midnight blue gown totally adds class (and a dose of deadliness) to the deadpanned concrete floor

Very satisfied with this year's Saber cosplayers, including this sweet lady in Fate/Stay Night Rin's borrowed outfit ver.

More magical girls - this is easily the prettiest Kinomoto Sakura (and female cosplayer) I have seen in a looong time 

P.S.: It was my [denied] childhood dream to wield that pink wand

Just now we have Homura sealed behind a piece of glass, and now, in flesh and blood with Madoka

A striking and statuesque Bismarck from Kancolle (I think that's her, I've only watched an episode on Aniplus HD). So thankful to get a shot posed just for me ^.^

"It all began with a bashful tap on her shoulder from behind..." I actually spotted 2 Chun-Lis, and the limited pink version was unfortunately trapped behind a booth, so I couldn't approach her TT



The ever popular squad of Love Live gals, nicely done in front of their poster

When I spotted Akutagawa Ryunosuke and her (why do they always turn out to be cosplayed by gals) on-point cosplay, I just have to. Look at his her expression!

Concluding this lengthy post, I have henceforth completed Objective #2 and #3 - to capture cosplayers at their best and snag a photograph with my Itachi, as usual <333 What I love about Itachi cosplayers are their attempts to stay in character, which equates to zero utterance of words and emotions. I totally don't mind (reeling in it really). Even though this time round's a female, I ain't complaining. 

All in all it was another great con experience and a timely outlet to release my inner otaku amongst the likeminded.

Thanks for staying until the end, and till next time!

P.S.: I'm gonna work on my next figure photoshoot and not put them off again, I swear!

Nothing makes me happier than bringing along my ikemen (handsome men) for a journey to the West - the Chinese Garden, an easily accessible and authentic garden next to Chinese Garden MRT. Katsura Kotarou (right) has been my favourite man in Gintama (銀魂) since I started watching years ago, but it was until two months ago that I actually started noticing Hijikata. It happened during the episode where Hijikata Toshizou switched bodies with Gintoki (main character) in an accident, and his display of discipline and leadership charisma completely won me over in minutes.

Nothing beats a man who commands attention and exercises self-restraint (and naturally, a nicely styled hair <3).

Below are additional information on the models:
(for blood types, birthdays, and waistline sizes, please refer to Wikipedia)

Model #1: Hijikata Toshizou (土方歳三)

Series: Gintama

Manufacturer: Megahouse

Product Line: G.E.M. Ver.Kai

Scale: 1/8

Material: PVC

Sculptor: Arai Kyousuke

Release Date: Sept. 2013

Model #2: Katsura Kotarou (桂小太郎)

Series: Gintama

Manufacturer: Megahouse

Product Line: G.E.M. Ver.Benizakura (though no short hair ver. was provided o.O)

Scale: 1/8

Material: PVC

Sculptor: Arai Kyousuke

Release Date: Nov. 2015

I had just finished bringing a group of Japanese students from Kagoshima University through a tour around (part of) my University, and unfortunately it was a pretty excruciating experience. Nothing sucks the vigour out of me more than an awkward social situation, where language barrier stood in the way of any potential and meaningful long-term relationship.

However, it was really more of a reality check of my pathetic Japanese. As Sasuke had aptly put,

"What have I been doing for the past (half) year? Nothing has changed!"

And what was with the girls to boys ratio? Why were there only 2 guys?

Okay, getting out of topic here, let's get back to the fun stuff.

I have always been aware of the risks of borrowing landscapes - for one thing, it might just rain; these few weeks it have been pouring intermittently, which makes it a really brutal month for outdoor shoots. Therefore, I value sunlight more than anything, but is there a thing as too much sunlight?

The moment I stepped into the Japanese Garden section, I knew I had come too early. For two, it was sweltering. Armed with my VitaminWater (lemonade), I ducked between rocks, trees, and cowered within the bridge's shadow in a lame attempt to not get tan. It was really pathetic.

In an effort to pass time and wait patiently for the sun to set, I began exploring the garden (this was the first I have visited this garden, sometimes I wonder what have I been doing too). As expected of an established green oasis, there were an abundance of uncommon animals and birds, and due to the weird timing of 4pm, there were hardly any people around (wee~).

Just look at this picturesque rockscape, this is definitely something I would want in my backyard!

An un-Singapore scenery

Doesn't this seems like a scene of an ancient Chinese drama?

This touching Chinese drama scene was also a source of my aggravation - see that gate on the bottom right? It was closed, CLOSED. Did the place know this was the reason I came all the way from the North? This legit Uchiha household-like building, which was actually a bonsai house (how cool is that!) only opens until 5PM. I probably would have made it if I had chosen the Chinese Garden route, but the Japanese Garden closes at 7PM you see... T.T

Feeling chest-fallen and toying with the notion of sneaking in, I pondered the consequences of trespassing and getting jailed as I headed for the next hotspot of the garden, the striking seven storey pagoda towards the East Entrance (where I entered from).

Here we have Katsura practicing his way of sword under the comfort of shade 

(though not so comfortable for me, as I had to knee along the slope while taking multiple test shots).

Hell yea, I love this sort of point-at-me shots >. >

...So my dear Hijikata was getting a little impatient from waiting for his turn (no doubt he yearns for my undivided attention as much as I do), and I could not resist capturing his contemplative side profile while he took a relaxing smoke by the great lake of the Tea House Pavilion.

"So, you finally done?" He turned around and asked in his usual gruff voice, casting a bored glance in my direction. Did he knew I was there all along? 

As his Shinsengumi jacket beat gently against his back, he exuded composure and a certain rigidity that no doubt came with his role as the police force's Vice-Commander. With his brows drawn in a perpetual frown and that no-nonsense steely expression, he was easily misunderstood as being an unfriendly and aloof man. Admittedly, he could get a little cold at times, but I knew better. Knowing there was an extremely gentle and selfless man underneath that frosty suit was enough to keep me sticking around him.

"Ooooi," He called out while waving his cigarette in front of my face. Snapping out of my reverie, I accidentally inhaled some of that Japanese imported tobacco and quickly descended into a coughing fit.

"Hijika...ta-san! How many cough...times have I told you not to...cough do that?"

"Then stop staring at my chest and get cracking, we ain't got the whole day."

"W-Who's staring at your ch- you?" I retorted and fumbled for my phone, rubbing self-consciously at the screen for any fingerprints as he twisted back towards the lake and resumed his earlier pose. I swore I could catch a glimpse of that arrogant smirk behind the collar as he causally puffed away at that overpriced imported cigarette. Damn him and his Made-in-Japan obessession.

"What, did you say something?" He suddenly walked up to me and inquired.

"Wait, stay there and don't move- yes just like that! Hold that sulk face while I just-"

"Sulk face? First you took your damn sweet time with that outlaw and now you're insulting my face-"

"Come on don't get mad, you know that sulk face is a force of attraction for me." I placated and even threw in my rapid-blinking shoujo eyes for assurance. His eyes widened a fraction and he hurriedly strode down the walkway away from me.

"Hey where are you going?"

"The sun's setting, if you wanna catch the sunset we've got to hurry."

Thanks to his sharp mind, we were able to make it back to the grass patch by the Japanese bridge just as the clouds started shielding the sun. Even though he did not admit it, I knew he loved this spot more than he was letting on. Besides mayonnaise, he could not resist anything with the word "Japanese" attached, be it milk, cats, or bridges.

After a few shots, I lowered my phone and tapped my lips.

"Hey, can't you smile just once?"

"Which serious swordsman smiles while swinging his sword?" He responded with an incredulous expression, raising his pride and freshly sharpened katana and cutting across the air with a resounding whoosh.

"Nice! Can you do that again?"

"If you didn't catch that, then that's too bad, Miss Photographer." It was so unfair how he could get away with being so mean and uncooperative simply by looking gorgeous, and calling me by my dream title, even if it was just him teasing.

*****

Some time later...

"So the time has finally come, huh, Vice-Commander of the Shinsengumi, Hijikata Toshirou," Katsura growled under the fading daylights, pointing his sword determinedly towards him.

"Katsura, you're literally at the edge of the water; looks like your luck has run dry, facing me here alone," Hijikata sneered, readying his own sword.

"Are you ready to die here, Hijikata?"

"Right back at you, you damn criminal!"

Instead of charging and attacking, they simultaneously turned towards the side and glared at the sudden throng of rogue samurais gathered around them. There were easily thirty of them, each creeping closer and eyes locked like a leopard on them.

"Keh, these bastards sure know how to pick the right time," Hijikata cursed under his breath.

"Mph, looks like our showdown will have to wait," Katsura lightly shook his head and mumbled loud enough for his temporary ally to hear.

"This shall be the only time I'll cooperate with a Joui member, but don't let it get to your head thinking you're off my radar, you hear that Katsura?" Hijikata declared as he quickly scanned their surrounding for the head of these bunch of weaklings. Hiding by the torii gate huh, he released a soft "hmph" as Katsura nodded knowingly in his direction.

"Like the Jouishishi would ever want to be associated with the Shogunate's limps." Drawing out a low breath, he muttered, "I'll leave the Boss to you, don't die before I get to kill you, Hijikata."

"Look who's talking, and I could say the same for you, Katsura."

xoxo

P.S.: Kyaaa, sorry the FanFic impulse came and I just couldn't resist... Till the next time, and thanks for reading!

So D-figure, my favourite man, is finally here... After all that painful anticipation and cursing my choice of vendor, the accumulated excitement had long worn down and all that was left was, "Ah, guess I did order him some time ago huh?"

Alright, we all know that isn't true, like I could stop forget or thinking about it?

Nevertheless, it seemed befitting to begin 2016 with my poster man and hopefully, do his infinite beauty some justice. For starters, here's a brief specification:

Series: Naruto Shippuden

Manufacturer: Megahouse

Product Line: G.E.M.

Scale: 1/8

Material: PVC

Sculptor: Arai Kyousuke (love this man really, for bringing beautiful men into our world & into my bleak room... Oh and I need your signature please)

Release Date: Sept. 2015

Since I've started this blog, whenever I travel around I would pay closer attention to any potential beauty spots for my next shoot.

And I've found a pretty darn good one for this.

I have locked on to this particular place the moment I caught sight of its plentiful rocks (of appropriate scale) and general tranquility of the site, including the crystalline water and the lack of human activities. Low human traffic = little distraction + endless staring, which is one of the irritating "cultures" in Singapore.

For fellow Naruto fans, the long awaited battle between the Uchiha brothers is undoubtedly one of the best and memorable showdowns in the ninja universe, and since it took place at such a rocky condition with each rocks detailedly drawn to its dents and crevices, I figured why not do the same in reality?

Image source: http://kira919.deviantart.com/art/Sasuke-VS-Itachi-310199036

Why Kishimoto, as though being a fictional character isn't enough, he had to eradicate his no existence from a non-existence universe! *Double blow*

Let's begin, shall we?

Could we take a second to appreciate the clarity and utter beauty of this scene? The complete reflection is no photoshop but it might as well have been!

Even Itachi's crow couldn't wait to take a sip from that water!

Hehe, am really loving the rocky abundance

Despite how sunny the background looks, the spot I was camping at was miraculously shaded, hence the only uncomfortable circumstance was me lying on the bed of rocks (roses are for the weak)

Itachi looks so contented and healthy in this frame, I love it ^.^

You see, I've decided to play around with his Akatsuki cloak and have him look all Dracula-like instead of merely holding it as he originally should. For the wind blown effect too.

So yes, it wasn't meant to be like this, meaning, it was pretty unstable and I had to rush to stop it from tumbling off his shoulders...

Great weather, great feels

Love how Megahouse's figure looks great both front and back (digging that ponytail & men with long hair in general <3)

Shisui Mangekyou effect (that crow overlapping eye scene in anime), although in this version Itachi is just wearing his normal Sharingan

許せサスケ、これで最後だ。

Forgive me Sasuke, this is the last time.

I have been so focused on Itachi that I was so tempted to leave Sasuke by the rocks... You see, the thing with borrowing landscapes is the matter of time. There's only so much time you have before the sun rises and ruins the photo exposure.

However, I really wanted to reenact the final fight scene so...

Oh, while all these was happening there was a wedding shoot going on by the bridge too. Though personally I wouldn't want mine to be here...

So here's Manga X Photography #2 of my interpretation of the Uchiha brothers spent in blood and bruises (and perhaps some black flames?)

My foolish little brother...

No matter how I look, Sasuke seems to be the only one looking hostile...

Nowhere to run

お前の目は俺だ、サスケ。 

Your eyes are mine, Sasuke.

On a serious note, please forgive me, as I've took my own sweet time and turned out this miracle spot ain't so much a miracle... The sun was rolling fire on my back and I was sweating buckets and the glare was just... It was a miracle the figures did not melt under the direct exposure.

When I just arrived the sky was practically a clear canvas and suddenly these cuties began dotting the sky... Well, they are called the fair weather clouds and a sign of great weather ahead... TT

*****

Then, there was also this cool spot in Bishan Park that I wanna use for this shoot, but they went on and installed frigging lamps and destroyed the whole in the woods feel...

We fans all know how they always travelled through the forest between villages and missions, and I thought I could emulate that from my neighbourhood park (lol) but now I could only use those vertical accents to frame the photographs...

Looking hostile, again

...And ready to kill.

Unfortunately, it has gotten to a point where I couldn't stand his hostility and I had to sell him off...
Alright jokes aside, it was more of a case of character dislike than his face, since I've originally bought him to complement Itachi. Now that I've got these, no point keeping him around hmm?

Forgive me Itachi.

In the meantime, for all Itachi fans who have missed this amazing figure from Megahouse (much love), or for those who wants more of Itachi goodness (me), Tsume-art has recently sculpted a 1/10 scale of him in edo-tensei mode and is already up for pre-order, while the folks at S.H. Figuarts has released a painted prototype of Itachi in his Akatsuki outfit in this Naruto Ninja Council S.H. Figuarts  lineup. Fingers crossed and uncrossed and crossed that it'll be made a reality and not be another shelved project like their previous Naruto Figuarts Zero line...

That was really frustrating.

以上。

ー公子