I discovered this song almost a decade after it was released. Coming out in 2003, Realize has its fame credited as one of the opening songs for the anime Gundam Seed. For me, it’s allure comes from its lyrics. Although in hindsight, it appears that a lot the songs chosen to be intros to anime tend to have those themes in them.
I’m personally curious as to what is up with Ms. Tamaki. Ever since Realize I get the impression that she’s taken a backseat – a preverbal “2nd place” in the industry since then. I’ve looked her up a couple times in the past few months out of curiosity and although she is active, it’s not much a big showing. If anyone would like to chime in about her, be my guest.
As you may know, people usually commute to their work or school by trains in stead of driving their own car in Japan. Since that, people are packed like sardines at rush hour on the way to work or school every morning, especially it happens in the big city like Osaka or Tokyo.
Today, i went to Osaka from Kyoto to see my old friends by train at 7 am.
The station was jammed with workers and students and i never expected to be able to take the train comfortably, but eventually i could have a seat and enjoy short travel by the train to Osaka. Why could i have such a nice riding at the time of commuter’s hell? It’s because i took a Women-only car.
Since Chikan ( the Japanese word for ‘pervert who touches girls (or men) on trains) crimes often happen in Japan, many trains have Women-only cars these days.
Women-only cars have received positive reaction from some men and some women.
Anyway, as long as Women- only passenger cars are provided in trains, i will never need to worry about be packed like sandwich in rush hour:D
I found this cool video while doing some research on the next iPhone – am considering getting a 4S or a Droid at the moment. Also have been sort of looking forward to iPhone 5 – however not sure when it will be released. If anything though, I am in the market for a new phone as my contract is up. One of the things I like about the new iPhone 4S is Siri – and as of late, I’ve heard that now Siri can be talked to in Japanese.
(↑ Watch the video now)
Questions Asked:
Question
Siri Response
Shabette Response
Konnichiwa – Hello
“Konnichiwa (Hello) it’s 11:56AM.”
“Konnichiwa!”
Is it cold outside?
It’s not too cold, 8°C (42°F)
(Just shows weather)
My stomach hurts..
(Siri doesn’t get what was asked)
(Shabette just delivers some web results)
Can you tell me my schedule tomorrow?
(Siri shows a blank schedule)
(Shabette shows him he will be surfing at 6AM tomorrow)
Can you give me a map of Chigasaki (city)?
(Siri says that the ‘maps’ feature is available for English users only)
(Shabette gives a map of Chigasaki)
Show me a video of ‘Kyari Pamyu Pamyu’
(Siri asks if he wants to a see a websearch for ‘Okyariba’ video )
(Shabette shows him the correct videos)
Raw Wheat, Raw Rice, Raw Eggs (Tongue Twister)
(Siri asks him if he has better things to do with his time..)
(Shabette asks if he wants to see web results)
I want to make some Curry Rice!
(Siri doesn’t understand what I want to make some Curry Rice means)
(Shabette shows him a recipe of how to make it – girl in the back seems impressed)
Thank you!
“Thank you for your kind words..”
“Aww, shucks” (embarrased)
Night! Please wake me up tomorrow
What time would you like to set the alarm for?
Setting the alarm for tomorrow, 3-11-2012, at 10AM
Naturally, I wanted to see how Siri sounded in Japanese, so I did a search and came across this video on Youtube. The tester, probably a native speaker – pits Siri against a Japanese competitor version of Siri made by the Docomo group called ‘Shabette Concierしゃべってコンシェル‘.
In the video, the native speaker asks both Siri and Shabette Concier a series (no pun intended) of questions to determine which software performs better in terms of response. Unfortunately for Apple, it seems like Siri probably needs to spend a little more time getting to know Japan – for now she comes across more like a ‘gaijin’ (foreigner) who seems unfamiliar with pop culture things like curry rice and Kyari Pamyu Pamyu.
I guess you could say though, part of Siri’s charm is having that sassy ‘attitude’. As one of the comments on that video suggested, perhaps Siri is a ‘tsundere‘. Even though Shabette comes across ‘cuter sounding’ – sometimes you just appreciate the woman who takes control .
Saying I love you to Siri - unfortunately she doesn't really get the concept nor does she want the attention lol
The latest m-flo album, Square One, was released earlier this month. It is awesome! Their first new work in about 5 years if you don’t count their releases of remixes. I like this new album. It has the feel of early m-flo works when they used to collaborate with Lisa.
Check out some videos!
“All I Want Is You” from the new album, Square One
…and throwback–one of my favorite songs “Come Again” featuring Lisa
The ace of the idol group, AKB48, Maeda Atsuko (20) personally announced on the 25th that she would graduate from AKB48.
According to AKB’s officials, in Saitama at the end of a concert held at the Saitama Super Arena, Maeda announced her graduation by saying “Joining AKB was the first major decision of my life. Today let me make my second major decision here.” Through tears, she said “I have a lot of worries, but I think that I also have to graduate for the sake of my juniors.” However, she added “I’m not quitting right away,” and concrete details of when her graduation will be have not been announced.
Maeda is a 1st generation member of AKB48, formed in 2005; and since the start she has been its ace, placing number one in their fan elections in both 2009 and 2011. Lately she’s been broadening her activities in TV dramas and movies as well.
Well, it’s pretty big news! It oughta shake up AKB a bit, but they’ll probably give fans enough time to prepare, and they’ve also been training up the next gen aces like Jurina so we’ll see what happens over all.
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