It's already the end of August and finally, things are getting back to normal. It's been a difficult two month of tears shed, emotional roller coasters and loved ones coming and going. I'm really relieved and glad to say that things are getting back to normal.
I am looking forward to September because I'll be going to Osaka and then back to Singapore for a little bit to check up on my mom and at the end of September, I am finally going to see lynch. again. I felt like I haven't seen them since last year because May's show was just... no. No more hall tours please.
On Monday, I went to Kichijoji to try a new cafe and I decided to go to Kichijoji more often to explore since it's on my way home from school everyday anyways. On Friday, I made my way down to Shibuya The Game after class to go check out some bands because actually I really wanted a shirt from one of the bands playing that day. Also because A Ghost of Flare was headlining and I've been wanting to see them since I came back to Tokyo.
The first band I watched was Cyclamen, they were pretty good live and I was surprised Hayato (vocalist) could do screamo like that. He's really nice and looks really mellow in person, so it was hard to imagine. I met him a couple of months ago, so it was nice to finally see his band.
Next band up was Survive Said The Prophet and like Hayato, I met some of the members a couple of months ago and earlier this month I told one of them that I'll go see them next time they play. They were good live as well and I really enjoyed their set.
The final band up was A Ghost of Flare and (obviously) I enjoyed their set the most. They opened with There's no rose without a torn and played for about half an hour. The venue was really crowded by the time the bands finished playing. I was just standing around the merch area talking to some people as I had time to kill.
It was nice talking to new people again. I waited around for Laura since it was her birthday, just wanted to give her a birthday hug and then head home. We ended up going for dinner instead. It was a nice end to the week honestly. I don't count weekends because I don't leave the house most of the time.
The next couple of weeks I think will be spent catching up on my classes (still), counting down to Autumn. ^^
Sunday 30 August 2015
237. beyond the mist
August 25th, 2015
On Tuesday, I skipped class to meet up with Raine. I haven't seen her in two years because she left for London to continue her studies. The last time I saw her was back in Singapore before I left for Japan in 2013.
We met up at Tachikawa Station and made our way to Kawaguchiko Station, we met up with another friend, Ryuu, along the way. It took about 2 hours to get to Kawaguchiko and the weather was really gloomy that day, dark clouds and a little rain. The way there was nice because of the scenery, such a sucker for nature but right down to the core, I am still a city girl.
On Tuesday, I skipped class to meet up with Raine. I haven't seen her in two years because she left for London to continue her studies. The last time I saw her was back in Singapore before I left for Japan in 2013.
We met up at Tachikawa Station and made our way to Kawaguchiko Station, we met up with another friend, Ryuu, along the way. It took about 2 hours to get to Kawaguchiko and the weather was really gloomy that day, dark clouds and a little rain. The way there was nice because of the scenery, such a sucker for nature but right down to the core, I am still a city girl.
This letter on the mountains was spotted along the way.
We had to change trains several times to get to Kawaguchiko station, we got off at Takao and got on another train to Otsuki. The train we rode from Otsuki was cute, it was decorated with Thomas and Friends, even the interiors were nicely decorated. We got some food and were on our way to Kawaguchiko.
*photo heavy*
Sunday 23 August 2015
236. tonight, we are the dreamers
I have been feeling under the weather for the entire week and wasn't sure if I was up to go to any shows. On Friday, I decided to go to see Decays, THE BONEZ and MERRY but because I am SICK, and being absentminded lately, I forgot my ticket. Thank god, there was Plan B.
Plan B was to go to Crystal Lake's True North Project #3 with Loyal To The Grave and OTUS. Despite still feeling a little unwell, I just went ahead to Shibuya Garret. OTUS was already on stage as I walked in. They had a half hour set, and so did Loyal To The Grave. I enjoyed both bands and was glad I could see Loyal because I missed them last month.
Crystal Lake took the stage at almost 9 and played for about 45 minutes. Their set was good today because it was a long one and they played a couple of old songs and a new song. I was kind of sick seeing them play lately because it was always the same 5 songs. Seeing them today was another good pick me up. I have been feeling sick and stressed out lately. Funny enough, little sis and I came down with a fever on the exact same day.
Even though I was having a headache, I was headbanging (not vigorously) to my favorite songs. I was so glad they played Mahakala and Twisted Fate. Yudai (guitarist) crowdsurfed for their encore song, and was playing the guitar on the crowd. As always, it was nice seeing familiar faces again. I always can't handle my schoolmates after some time because even though they are nice and we get along, our minds are just wired very differently.
My headache got worse after show but at least it was worth it since I really enjoyed myself. I hung around the venue for a little bit before heading home. I went home early this time since my head was pounding.
The next time I will be seeing Crystal Lake play will be in Osaka for Bloodaxe Festival. I will be seeing Crossfaith the day after too, can't wait!
Plan B was to go to Crystal Lake's True North Project #3 with Loyal To The Grave and OTUS. Despite still feeling a little unwell, I just went ahead to Shibuya Garret. OTUS was already on stage as I walked in. They had a half hour set, and so did Loyal To The Grave. I enjoyed both bands and was glad I could see Loyal because I missed them last month.
Crystal Lake took the stage at almost 9 and played for about 45 minutes. Their set was good today because it was a long one and they played a couple of old songs and a new song. I was kind of sick seeing them play lately because it was always the same 5 songs. Seeing them today was another good pick me up. I have been feeling sick and stressed out lately. Funny enough, little sis and I came down with a fever on the exact same day.
Even though I was having a headache, I was headbanging (not vigorously) to my favorite songs. I was so glad they played Mahakala and Twisted Fate. Yudai (guitarist) crowdsurfed for their encore song, and was playing the guitar on the crowd. As always, it was nice seeing familiar faces again. I always can't handle my schoolmates after some time because even though they are nice and we get along, our minds are just wired very differently.
My headache got worse after show but at least it was worth it since I really enjoyed myself. I hung around the venue for a little bit before heading home. I went home early this time since my head was pounding.
The next time I will be seeing Crystal Lake play will be in Osaka for Bloodaxe Festival. I will be seeing Crossfaith the day after too, can't wait!
P.S. I would have recorded their new song or the old songs but my mind really wasn't functioning. I only realized I didn't record anything after they played The Fire Inside (before encore). Hopefully, I can much better over the weekend.
Saturday 22 August 2015
235. children of the universe
I've been wanting to go to Studio Chizu's exhibition for quite a while now since I see the posters in Shibuya Hikarie everyday on the way to class. Since the exhibition is going to be over next week, on Thursday, I finally stopped pushing on "next time".
Studio Chizu is owned by animation director Mamoru Hosoda, his works include The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (時をかける少女), Summer Wars(サマーワーズ), Wolf Children (おおかみこどもの雨と雪) and just released last month, The Boy and the Beast (バケモノの子). I've watched The Girl Who Leapt Through Time a couple of years ago and it didn't really grabbed me but I really liked Wolf Children because the animation was really well done and it was a sad story, both at the beginning and the end.
I have yet to watch The Boy and the Beast but after going to the exhibition, I really want to see it now. It's very "other worldly" and really reminded me of Spirited Away, though I can tell the story is completely different.
I made my way up to the 9th floor of Hikarie and these pillars greeted me as I purchased my ticket to the exhibition. To be honest, the ticket price was kind of steep (1700Y) but it was worth it.
Studio Chizu is owned by animation director Mamoru Hosoda, his works include The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (時をかける少女), Summer Wars(サマーワーズ), Wolf Children (おおかみこどもの雨と雪) and just released last month, The Boy and the Beast (バケモノの子). I've watched The Girl Who Leapt Through Time a couple of years ago and it didn't really grabbed me but I really liked Wolf Children because the animation was really well done and it was a sad story, both at the beginning and the end.
I have yet to watch The Boy and the Beast but after going to the exhibition, I really want to see it now. It's very "other worldly" and really reminded me of Spirited Away, though I can tell the story is completely different.
I made my way up to the 9th floor of Hikarie and these pillars greeted me as I purchased my ticket to the exhibition. To be honest, the ticket price was kind of steep (1700Y) but it was worth it.
The first thing that you will see once you enter the exhibition hall is a huge poster of The Boy and The Beast, some write-ups from the director himself, both in English and Japanese, followed by storyboards, paintings and drawings of the films. The "making of"s, as most people would call it. There were human-sized drawings and also, they put up drawings on the wall. I admit, I was biased because I only took photos of Wolf Children and (kinda) ignored the rest.
The background paintings were really impressive. I'm always in awe with background paintings because it IS difficult to paint. You have to have a lot of patience (which I don't, backgrounds are the thing that fucks up my entire painting most of the time). After the drawing section, there were some sculptures. The key below is from Summer Wars. The really cute white thing in the second picture (which I'm too lazy to check the name of) is from the latest film.
The sculptures were even more impressive than the drawings. I was surprised they even had the gate from Bakemono no Ko in the last room. It's the size of an actual regular sized shrine gate.
Despite not watching the latest film, I enjoyed the exhibits for it the most. The imagery looks like something out of a dream I would definitely love to have. If I could dream of those landscapes, I would be very happy. I can't wait till I get the chance to watch it.
The final room of the exhibition made me really regret and bummed out that I was alone. There were a ton of interactive photo taking booths, something I have not seen in Japan yet. I wish there was someone with me so I could camwhore. I really wanted to take a photo with Ame and Yuki! Their booth was the cutest. How cute can this get?
Of course, before leaving the exhibition there will always be a merchandise store to rob me. I ended up buying a couple of things, only from Wolf Children and a postcard from Bakemono no Ko. Overall I was really happy with this exhibition and it helped me get out of my "I want to watch a nice animated film but I have no idea what to watch because I have watched everything else 98374756248 times." So, I would probably watch Studio Chizu's films for the next week.
Feed me inspiration please.
Friday 14 August 2015
234. a little less hate
...hating on summer. If there's one season I really can't stand, it's summer. It's too bright, too hot, too humid, too annoying, too troublesome... and the list goes on. But there are just a couple of things that lets me hate summer just a little less. Watermelon popsicles, music festivals and fireworks.
On Wednesday after class, I made my way down to Tamagawa to meet up with Laura because I wanted to play with sparklers. The nearest river was Tamagawa, so we decided to meet up there. We didn't know how to get to the river, so we got a little lost and went the long "scenic" route instead. Actually, we could have just walked straight out of the train station and it was a less than 10 minute walk to get to the river but the long walk was nice, minus climbing up slopes.
On Wednesday after class, I made my way down to Tamagawa to meet up with Laura because I wanted to play with sparklers. The nearest river was Tamagawa, so we decided to meet up there. We didn't know how to get to the river, so we got a little lost and went the long "scenic" route instead. Actually, we could have just walked straight out of the train station and it was a less than 10 minute walk to get to the river but the long walk was nice, minus climbing up slopes.
The sunset was pretty lovely that evening, we were just sitting around waiting for the sun to set. Once it got dark, we lighted up some sparklers. I bought a big pack of a variety of sparklers and a couple of tiny fireworks. I've never played with fireworks until I moved to Japan, last year was the first time. Growing up in Singapore isn't fun because they ban a ton of fireworks, fire crackers and certain sparklers. It was really fun because there were other people near the river bank lighting up some fireworks as well, so we could see a couple of different types.
It was hard to take good photos, mine is actually a screencap of one of the many videos we took. We played around until almost 10pm and decided to have supper. On the way to the station, there was a temple, couple of cafes and restaurants but nothing really tickled our tastebuds, so we decided to go to Shibuya instead. We didn't stay too long in Shibuya either since it was already late.
Lately, I haven't been exploring Tokyo much. I have been stressed out with stuff back home and catching up on classes. And when I have time, all I want to do is stay at home because I just want some time on my own. I haven't even finished any painting this year and it's already the middle of August. It's been really hard to concentrate on my art this year. I've been dying to try and experiment new things but I just haven't had the time.
There's a list of places I wrote down somewhere that I want to check out, hopefully I will in time. It's my summer holiday now, only a few days but I just really want to stay home and paint. Also, my apartment is beginning to feel more homey since I finally bought an easel and tiny shelf. I plan on decorating my place a little more, I really enjoy home decor shopping, haha. Once my place is pretty enough to me, I will definitely write an entry about why I love living in this apartment so much.
Counting down till summer is over.
Monday 10 August 2015
233. ladybird's requiem, kondo akino
I think I have blogged about Kondo Akino a couple of years ago. I was in Shimokitazawa on Thursday and was pleasantly surprised to come across her book of works from 1998 ~ 2013. Another great source of inspiration, I especially love her short films.
This week has been pretty lovely as well. I got to spend some time with new friends, old friends, see a band that I have been listening to for a decade with one of my current favorite band opening for them, go to nice cafes and had a quiet, peaceful weekend.
I'm still trying to get back into the swing of things. Slowly getting there.
Monday 3 August 2015
232. blue and yellow, the used
Today felt like a loooonnnngggg day. I received some bad news from home this afternoon during class, this time it's Mad who is back in the hospital. She was just fine when I saw her almost two weeks ago. Life can just take a turn sometimes and for me, I feel like it's been a never ending battle going on my head of worrying too much and trying to stay focus at the same time of things I want, class and everything here. I hope she gets better soon, I was talking to her fiance and checking up on her.
Thankfully there was a good pick-me-up after class tonight. I made my way to Ebisu after class and headed to Liquidroom for The Used's show here with Crystal Lake opening for them. Crystal Lake took the stage at exactly 7pm and opened to Matrix. I haven't seen them in a while, they didn't disappoint as usual. They played the usual, Matrix, Ups an Downs, Rollin', Beloved and The Fire Inside.
The Used played almost right on time at 8pm and opened to Maybe Memories. They were better than I expected them to be. In the past people would tell me not to see them because Bert (vocals) sucked live, also because I don't really like Bert because he was dick (inside story). Putting that aside, his vocals were amazingly alright. I guess it pays off when he's been sober for three years now. They played a ton of old songs from In Love and Death and their self-titled album.
The show was filled with nostalgia for me. It's been 10 years (man, I feel old) since I've been listening to them. I remember always listening to them on my way home from school. Oh, those angsty days. Their setlist was filled with my favorites, Take It Away, Listening, I Caught Fire, Blue and Yellow, All That I've Got, Buried Myself Alive, Box Full of Sharp Objects, The Taste of Ink.. FILLED with my favorites like I said. Also, it was a nice break from all the Japanese bands.
Weirdly enough, the longer I am in Japan, I get happier when I see a foreign band even if my favorite bands at the moment are mostly Japanese. It could also be because I can actually understand when they are talking to the audience, lol. The Used had more heart in their live performance than I expected, especially coming from Bert. I really enjoyed Blue and Yellow. It was my lullaby for a few years when I was younger. Their MC was also kinda funny. Well, good westernized humour.
They closed to Pretty Handsome Awkward, and their encore was a long version of Box Full of Sharp Objects. They also covered a little bit of Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit. Ryo came on stage again to do the screamo for Box Full of Sharp Objects. It actually made me really happy because I could see my past and present when they were performing together. It's kind of an unexplainable feeling. Life is so strange sometimes, I'm glad I missed The Used in the past if not I wouldn't be as happy as I was today.
Another thing I love about being in Japan is that when I go to shows, I see a lot of familiar faces and would stop and talk to them as much as my Japanese allows me. Thank god there are a couple of people who can speak English fluently. It feels more "at home" than I ever was in Singapore. It was nice seeing so many people again today, I felt like I needed it after the intense two weeks back home and the news I received today. I was greeted with a lot of 久しぶり, and compliments that I look better with short hair.
This year has been proving to be a little too crazy for me again. I'm planning to go to more shows, do more art related things and spend time with new people. Aside from the worries I have, I have been pretty good and plan to stay that way.
Thankfully there was a good pick-me-up after class tonight. I made my way to Ebisu after class and headed to Liquidroom for The Used's show here with Crystal Lake opening for them. Crystal Lake took the stage at exactly 7pm and opened to Matrix. I haven't seen them in a while, they didn't disappoint as usual. They played the usual, Matrix, Ups an Downs, Rollin', Beloved and The Fire Inside.
The Used played almost right on time at 8pm and opened to Maybe Memories. They were better than I expected them to be. In the past people would tell me not to see them because Bert (vocals) sucked live, also because I don't really like Bert because he was dick (inside story). Putting that aside, his vocals were amazingly alright. I guess it pays off when he's been sober for three years now. They played a ton of old songs from In Love and Death and their self-titled album.
The show was filled with nostalgia for me. It's been 10 years (man, I feel old) since I've been listening to them. I remember always listening to them on my way home from school. Oh, those angsty days. Their setlist was filled with my favorites, Take It Away, Listening, I Caught Fire, Blue and Yellow, All That I've Got, Buried Myself Alive, Box Full of Sharp Objects, The Taste of Ink.. FILLED with my favorites like I said. Also, it was a nice break from all the Japanese bands.
Weirdly enough, the longer I am in Japan, I get happier when I see a foreign band even if my favorite bands at the moment are mostly Japanese. It could also be because I can actually understand when they are talking to the audience, lol. The Used had more heart in their live performance than I expected, especially coming from Bert. I really enjoyed Blue and Yellow. It was my lullaby for a few years when I was younger. Their MC was also kinda funny. Well, good westernized humour.
They closed to Pretty Handsome Awkward, and their encore was a long version of Box Full of Sharp Objects. They also covered a little bit of Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit. Ryo came on stage again to do the screamo for Box Full of Sharp Objects. It actually made me really happy because I could see my past and present when they were performing together. It's kind of an unexplainable feeling. Life is so strange sometimes, I'm glad I missed The Used in the past if not I wouldn't be as happy as I was today.
Another thing I love about being in Japan is that when I go to shows, I see a lot of familiar faces and would stop and talk to them as much as my Japanese allows me. Thank god there are a couple of people who can speak English fluently. It feels more "at home" than I ever was in Singapore. It was nice seeing so many people again today, I felt like I needed it after the intense two weeks back home and the news I received today. I was greeted with a lot of 久しぶり, and compliments that I look better with short hair.
This year has been proving to be a little too crazy for me again. I'm planning to go to more shows, do more art related things and spend time with new people. Aside from the worries I have, I have been pretty good and plan to stay that way.
Sunday 2 August 2015
231. recurrently
The first week back in Tokyo has been really lovely (minus the damn heat) but I have been having hard time getting back into the swing of things with class, friends and everything else in between. I'm adjusting again and I'll be back to normal in no time. I'm just happy to be back here with people I know that care for me. On Tuesday I went to Ikebukuro on my own to get some Pokemon stuff for baby sis and also lug this fat ass all the way home :
I didn't mind at all actually, haha. On Wednesday I met up with Laura for dinner and also to hand her this Snorlax and also her favorite cereal that I got from Singapore. It was such a nice catch up. So much can happen in two weeks? We always end up talking for too long. Also, she brought me to another cafe.
We ended up taking the last train home, well at least I did. On Friday was the usual drinking with my schoolmates, I don't particularly want to drink often but it was kinda like a welcome back to Tokyo for me. Being there made me miss Mo and Otchiko, the guys did as well. Since half of us were tired, the half left and I continued bar hopping with Remi and David. It was so nice spending time with them again.
On Saturday, I met up with Nicole also to catch up and she gave me my birthday present. I didn't expect anything but I love the way she wrapped it. It was really cute.
She used a Moomin handkerchief to wrap a lush bath bomb and decorated it with Flame Princess! I was really happy. Honestly, I don't really care about the price. I get really happy when people notice what I like and put thought into their gift. Much like Laura's drawing on my concert ticket, haha. But I'm not going to post it since she doesn't allow me to. I spent the entire day with Nicole just catching up on our lives and how cute Hazuki is. Will never get over how much I love lynch.
Today I'm just gonna spend my time at home cleaning up the house and catching up on my Japanese classes and if I have time, squeeze in some time to paint. I have 2 weeks worth of homework to catch up on.
I'm really excited about tomorrow because after almost 10 years of liking The Used, I am going to see them for the first time in Japan (who would have thought). I missed them 3 times already in the past. First was because I wasn't in Australia, second was they were playing at Soundwave BUT the hall was too full, I couldn't even get into the venue to see them. Third was when they were in Singapore, I was here. So I'm finally going to see them tomorrow and to make things sweeter, Crystal Lake is playing with them. Happy to be back in Tokyo. :)
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