Art as Solace, Social Roles, and A Shifting Bishoujoscape: Reflections on Noa is My Senior, and My Friend

(stares at u)

New Year, Same Me: 2023 Film Run-down

January is not over yet, so end of year round-ups are still acceptable to pos – what, it’s February?! Hey, don’t look at me like that!!

New Year, Same Me: 2023 Video Game Run-down

A lofty 2023 goal of mine was to play more games, which I happily managed to realize. You won’t find any notable annual hitters which have been subjected to numerous accolades in this meagre list of mine, but they’re nevertheless entries which brought me joy in their own quaint and distinct ways.

New Year, Same Me: 2023 Manga Run-down

Regrettably, my manga consumption in 2023 fell short of initial expectations (and if you think this is bad, wait until you see how few anime series I consumed,). Nevertheless, I did delve into a substantial number of works which warrant recognition, albeit in a concise, bite-sized manner.

Much of these observations are loosely repackaged musings from social media, and I will be exclusively listing works that I have completed in earnest. Ongoing works which I’ve greatly enjoyed (e.g. My Girlfriend’s Child or The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All) will be omitted. You know, just to make things a little bit tidier.

Sentimental Journey and Reminiscing Through Music

It’s the new anime season, so you all know what that means.

Time to watch a 1998 galge adaptation, courtesy of Sunrise!

My Favourite Idolmaster Songs: [2] Secret Mirage

It’s fine like this, this is how it should be
And yet, and yet – how I wish to touch you
If only we could remain pristine, retain our purity as we fall into one another’s arms…

Kitsch Existentialism: Final Fantasy IX and Resolving Past Misconceptions

A voice from the past, joining yours and mine.
Adding up the layers of harmony.
And so it goes, on and on.

My Favourite Idolmaster Songs: [1] Kimi no Stage Ishou, Hontou wa…

I can’t seem to find the words to defy the seasons.

When History’s My Cage: South of the Circle’s Faded Memories

“I know what happened, I was there. Perhaps you were miles away again.
Are you even here now?”

“My Only Feeling Heart”: To Heart and The Anatomy of First Love

Can you BELIEVE a bishoujo adaptation with postcard memories exists?!