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

If we all reacted the same way, we'd be predictable, and there's always more than one way to view a situation. 

こんばんわ。

What's so special about this figure is that my ownership of her didn't come about the conventional way. That is, I first saw the figure, went to marathon the 2 seasons of Ghost in the Shell S.A.C., then ordered her.

It was love at first sight.

I made it a point to get only characters that I know, so watching the anime is a vital process.

Ghost in the Shell is a masterpiece, and I have been living in a shell.

A quick background about this "dollie" beauty:

Series: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (S.A.C.)
Manufacturer: Union Creative
Product Line: Hdge Technical Statue
Scale: 1/7
Material: PVC
Sculptor: Yuu Ishii
Release Date: Sept. 2015

I came across the moniker "dollie" while surfing through My Figure Collection's community discussion, and found it amusing. The thing about someone's impression is that once it was planted into your head, it is hard to see it as anything but that. Though the term is not without justifications, as you'll see later. It's her eyes.

{And they didn't get the colour right.}

Well, I've decided to try something different for Major's photoshoot, partly to sharpen my photography sense but mostly it was an attempt to differentiate myself from, well, the world. Let me present to everyone, the hottest and most kick-ass android, Motoko.

My favourite feature is definitely the optical camouflage gradually spreading downwards from her knee, as she seemingly blend as one with the surroundings.

P.S.: I had to flip this photograph to make the frame work, with regards to the unfolding of the skyscrapers. Doing everything backwards is my style (no, I'm not proud of it TT).

An introduction frame, kinda

Trying to create a serious vibe here, you know with the gazing into the distance thing

A new chapter sort of page

This is how Motoko looks like as a whole, with the tourist background as a bonus. Rather unfortunately it came with the dreaded black triangular base that collectors have come to associate with Union Creative's figure. Something like their trademark.

Wished they have picked a better trademark.

While I have learnt a great deal from this shoot, one thing was clear - I knew nuts about manga. As an avid manga reader from age 13, I am deeply ashamed. Despite reading and owning so much manga, never have I once stopped to ponder about the frame's compositions, the characters' varying perspectives, and how these technicalities played a part to propel the story in the desired direction. 

This frame business is tough as nuts.

In the spirit of working backwards, I had to stare hard at everything I took and then decide on the suitable frames to make it tell a story. The process is so screwed up that I nearly gave up on multiple instances. I didn't take enough variations of perspectives and I didn't plan beforehand, so the editing was really impromptu and purely based on my ability to push the limits.

I'll have to sit down and plan real hard for my next shoot.

Speaking of the next figure, for those who have been following my entries, this is unfortunately not D-figure that I have been waiting for since December 2014. He has been awfully delayed and god knows when he'll arrive... Why, why is this happening to me?

I guess this agony and anticipation will only make the day when he arrives sweeter.

It's the last day of November, let's make the next month even more fabulous and create lasting memories worth reminiscing over.

Good things always starts from your mindset, believe it.

xoxo

Gosh to think I nearly missed the one anime event that I wouldn't pass for the world - until this morning I actually thought it was next week x.X So, it's finally Singapore's turn for Anime Festival Asia, and this year it's happening at the happening mall of Suntec City Convention Centre (just where I like it, since it's more convenient for me xD). So armed with $35 and my iPhone, I rode down town to join in the fun (N if things went out of hand I still have my VISA ;] ).

Mami unwrapping her towel like, "Welcome home, Mistress."

...And here's she dressed up for the festival! (Trying to gnore the price tag*)

Love Live gals in their training attire. Honestly I can't believe they actually started this line, because I don't find the outfit any special... Well, Love Live fans R just so lucky to enjoy such variations!

My favourite Miku so far, the mebae version! I have always assumed "mebae" is a form of tribal dance (based on the figure's pose), until a quick Google to reveal it's the name of the illustrator! Mike here's actually a ballerina... Goodness I can't tell!

The legendary Saber, wedding version, at a whooping price of $218. I watched Fate:Zero and although I enjoyed the show, I could not figure out the hype behind Saber. How come nobody is fantasising over Lancer and his love story? I once asked my close friend Hao and he told me it's because he died too early, but seriously? I still cannot accept that flimsy explanation! Oh Lancer...

A Pokemon Booth! The booth tender was very kind and allowed me to take some photos.

The Charizard is spot-on!

Enter: Danny Choo's Dollife section~

Boi ver. oO

Standard Mirai school attire~

Old school hype, what with the anniversary of Sailor Moon, revival of Digimon, and the never ending Dragon Ball mech

I only took this for one reason, can U guess it?

This is a really cool variation of the DB line - featuring the artist's rendering and supposedly a limited edition flown in from Japan for us!

Love such dynamism - makes for awesome figure photography!

Who says centre-parting is old fashion?

Not trying to ruin this masterpiece but from this position it looks like he's trying to scratch his butt

.

.

.

After circling a while I realised I forgot to take an ambience shot. The place was packed, but not as crowded as I expected, so all as good!

Everyone's able to put their hearts at ease with the vigilant patrol unit summoned for this event

We even have Umi and Kotori giving live report, and here I am trying to distract them with my sneaky shots けけけ

When I saw this booth I immediately thought of the fireworks festival in Japan with those overpriced plastic masks, and had to snap it

Yui poster! Ah she's the cutest!

Another never ending anime - Detective Conan

 Finally something acceptable and pleasing to the eye (managed to snap this giant Naruto poster before the walkway was promptly flooded with passers-by)

...Good things just keep flashing by before my eyes. LOOK WHO'S BESIDE ME! And I didn't even have to look too hard! I made it a mission to hunt down all Naruto cosplayers just to snag a photo with them, because there just isn't enough love for them in Singapore!

And I totally ignored the other casts and just asked for a photo with him xD Sakura looked pretty pissed off (or was it just me) but I have no shame, it is do or die. Omg this is definitely the climax of my day at the festival... Then I had to go ahead and ruin the photo with my halfway smile. I NEVER smile that like. I was legit nervous and panicking internally. 

Bonus: He is male, not some girls cross-dressing and ruining my fantasy

Itachi <333

Look who I found as I was exiting the hall! I would be stroked to find a figure of my cosplay

...And another treasure found in this sea of swarming humans! This Sarada is so spot-on and cute I couldn't resist cuddling her close to me! She even noticed and commented about her parents on my phone case xD

Image source: http://naruto.wikia.com/wiki/Sarada_Uchiha 

See the resemblance? 幸せ~!

The cosplay palette wouldn't be complete without some Lelouch goodness

And C.C.! I totally recognised her from past conventions (as marked by her characteristic eye bags) and remembered her name on SGclub forum is Rinya. Not wanting to sound like a stalker, but when I first saw her in Cosfest, she was doing Sheryl Nome with a Ranka Lee, and I was awe-strucked. Looks like there's no rush to sell off your costume just after 1 cosplay!

Hooray, Maki spotted!

A for effort for the skateboard, Killua 

Just when I was wondering where aren't there any Sebastians... Sebby <3

This year there's a lot of Kotoris, and everyone that I have seen are really pretty and on point, like this lovely Kotori here. She was really polite and her pose a satisfying one *thumbs up*

BlackWarGreymon here proved a great sport and gave the crowd a good laugh with his humorous monologue and "Terra force" (RE: garbage bag by his feet)

Heck, he even told off Angewomon when he noticed she was blocking the Female washroom and ordered her to "move away la!"

This is so pleasing to my eye, especially considering I've just ordered her figure~

And yep, she totally couldn't see through the face armour

I made it a point to only take photographs of characters I recognise and like, but her costume was simply too exquisite to miss!

Miku #333 Natsu Tsubaki ver. She was really gave me face and posed specially for me! This is probably my best shot today with that sick background and 1-1 eye (lens) contact

...And this was what happened 9/10 times I tried to beg for a photograph. After they had walked off twice on me and refusal to pose for me (too busy for my measly iPhone, I guess), I had to launch a sneak attack and ended with this half-hearted shot.

It was mostly for memory's sake.

Another amazing cosplay with amazing figures (re: flat tummy), couldn't miss this either.

Awakward Miku, not that it was her fault since this was capture during her mid-bow (re: see those lights on her costume!)

Something you don't always see, young Sasuke in Spiderman and Badman's company

My my, what do we have here? "The Last" squad woohoo

I didn't realise there's a Sky Garden next door and found this Love Live group getting ordered around by a male photographer. Love their costumes <3

Then there was this dude with his eye-catchy flag, also getting ordered around by his photographer. 

Here's the full picture. It was quite hilarious but then he started to complain about being tired and my heart immediately reached out to him.

...Back indoors, guess who I bumped into. My goodness, it's the whole squad from Diabolik Lovers! After my initial repulsion towards this anime, I saw it was available for viewing on my MioTV and decided to give it another chance... Let's just say I'm going to watch Season 2 after I'm done with Hakuoki.

Elsewhere, an epic showdown between apprentice Ichigo and Darth Varder was unfolding under the air-con

Looks like this battle has a winner - little Captain America once again saved the day!

Lucky me! Though this is making me think twice about pre-ordering Lucky Chloe from Kotobukiya, hmmm...

Yui! She's so cute~

Erza Scarlet, looking fierce in her armour

Wow, just...Wow! Miku in Harvest Moon version just blew my mind away. Besides the high I got from knowing it's inspired from the Nendoroid. this beautiful lady with her gorgeous fan and dress just, I had to stop her and captured this moment forever.

Personally, I'm not really a fan of Fate Stay Night but figured I should give this Archer a chance. Damn that intrusive arm!

Another kawaii Kotori. Love how their wigs are so true to the character

What's Ichigo doing getting into fights everywhere he goes? He's even raising his zanpakutou against his good pal Rukia?

In another dimension, all is well and the Captains and Ichigo are taking group pic

Notice Byakuya is dozing off from posing too long lol

This duo is sick! And that Spiderman has got a smokin' figure, just sayin'

This is too impressive to miss. Love Spider Gwen!

Had to shoot this for his reminiscence to Kotobukiya's recently released Kaneki. Can't stop thinking about figurines even among cosplayers TT

Found something interesting as I was trying some tops in the Adidas flagship store. I thought something was wrong with me when I saw the word "naruto."  Like did I love Naruto so much that I was hallucinating it in Adida's changing room?

Turns out, this dude's for real. I guess everyone needs to get a Konoha headband at some point, even athletes xD

Overall, I'm really pleased with this year's anime convention. There were tons of characters among the cosplayers that I recognised and love, and there were some decent Naruto merchandise this year (like the 3D Itachi keychain that I bought). However, it has been some time since I went about taking photographs of cosplayers this eagerly, and I have to say this - I've come to appreciate cosplayers who display a sense of courtesy and humility, who performs their best regardless of the lens in front. Just because I'm not carrying any fancy gear or DSLR does not make me less important than the other おじさんs, though some do gave me that vibe.

Through this experience, I've also come to love figure photography more, because unlike a live character, I can fiddle, adjust, and take as many close-up shots to my heart's content. In another words, I can "order" my figure to do whatever I want, without having to worry about it getting tired or walking off before I even hit the "shoot" button. Better to have people staring at you than ten cameras flashing off around you and hands cutting into my frame!

xoxo