#jimu

[jimuart]

Handmade angel

[muktepavel]

shelf display set

[white-cat-of-doom]

The Japanese production celebrated both their opening night in Hiroshima and also the 41st anniversary of the production earlier today.

11 November 2024.

Maku Hiura as Asparagus, Haruka Yamazaki as Bombalurina, Shun Kuwahara as Carbucketty, Nanako Yoshimura as Cassandra, Ryutaro Matsui as Coricopat, Marina Tada as Demeter, Kazuki Morita as Gilbert, Chiaki Kimura as Grizabella, Chiaki Kainuma as Jellylorum, Yuki Hirai as Jemima, Misato Tashiro as Jennyanydots, Masatoshi Futamura as Macavity, Shu Oshida as Mistoffelees, Shinichi Shinjo as Mungojerrie, Junpei Wakebe as Munkustrap, Yuki Takahashi as Old Deuteronomy, Mizuki Omori as Rum Tum Tugger, Ayu Shimizu as Rumpleteazer, Shoyo Kamitani as Rumpus Cat, Haruna Sasaki as Sillabub, Neo Oi as Skimbleshanks, Rika Takeshita as Tantomile, Jimu Yoshioka as Tumblebrutus, and Hitomi Sekino as Victoria.

[littleeyesofpallas]

Oh this one is fun, we get to do a three for one, because they;re all sort of vaguely adjacent and super short lists

BASHAAR[バジャール] from the arabic bashaar[بَشَّار ] it seems like it has some nuanced uses in the quran and I don't have the context to make any kind of educated comment on that, so I just won't.

JAVA[ジャバ] or it might be meant to be JABBAR[جبار]? Once again I just don't know enough Arabic, least of all when filtered through the brain of a Japanese game dev from 25, years ago, to even speculate on how likely it is or isn't based on what it means or how it is or isn't used.

ULTRAAR[ウルトラール] based on Ultraman and mashed up with BASHAAR. This at least is straight forward and superficial enough that I can say with certainty. The Monster Rancher franchise actually references Ultraman quite a bit even before Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher made the franchise crossover official.

JIMU-SHAAR[ジムジョール] from jimu[事務]: "office work"/"desk work"/"paperwork" and BASHAAR. She was repalced with the NA only Boxer Bajarl, which did not exist in the Japanese game.

And this loops us back to MR1 with the "Magic" breed

MAJIN BASHAAR[マジンバジャール]

MAJIN[マジン] as in either majin[魔人] lit."demon+person" as in a sorcerer or magician or majin[魔神] lit. "demon+god" as in an evil spirit or malevolent deity. I assume it's the former, but either sort of fits.

GADJUKA[ガデューカ] as in gadjúka[гадюка] the russian word for "Viper."

CHLOROMAN[クロロマン] Like Chlorophyll, like a plant.

SUEZO MANIA[スエゾーマニア] because of how Japanese used the loan word "mania" the way we'd use the word "maniac" it seems to imply this is a normal man in a suezo suit because he's just a huge fan of suezo...

GATLING BLOW[ガトリングブロー] the words are easy enough to parse, and obviously the gatling gun part makes sense, but I feel like "blow" has been used weirdly here... but I don't know that there's any other word it could've been.

LAST BANCHO[ラストバンチョー] bancho[番長] is a slang term referring to the leader of a middle or high school gang. It's a character type that kind of saw its peak in the 80s-90s, and has died off since.

ALDEBARAN[アルデバラン] mistakenly romanized as Ardebaren here and as Aderbaran in Deception: Invitation to Darkness, the Tecmo game it references. In both cases they're supposed to be referencing the brightest star in the constellation Taruus, Aldebaran/al Dabarān[الدبران]: "The Follower." The same game is also referenced in one of the Pixie/??? breeds.

ZOMBIE[ゾンビ] just what it looks like

And then just so long as we're here fiddling around with spirits and magicians and zombies and such...

GHOST[ゴースト] just what it looks like

CHEF[シェフ] again...

KOMI[コミ] but then this is clearly a recolor of Chef, and I'm not sure what bearing that has on what it's supposed to be in con junction with this name... KOMI like COMIC? KOMI like the handicap in the board game, Go?? But neither of those feel like they line up with the image or the adjacency to Chef. Is it some other thing I'm not seeing, or am I just overthinking it? anyway...

CHONMAGE[チョンマゲ] the chonmage[丁髷] was the specific style of topknot associated with samurai of the edo period.

There was also CHONMAGE(WHITE)[チョンマゲ(白)]

Oh wow, not only did they bring Ghost back but we got a never before used subtype from the LINE Monster Farm app's 2nd anniversary event! First one since the original games,

CHESHIRE[チシャ] from the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland

TRICK'N[トリックン] the root here is definitely the Japanization of TRICK[トリック] but I'm not sure how to interpret the N' syllable. TRICK'N? TRICKUN? TRICK-KUN?

[hulijingemperor2]

Happy birthday to our twin emperors!! 🦊🦚🎊

~~~

Everyone across the Jianghu world is on holiday today! Because it's 02.20, a.k.a the birthday of their two beloved emperors. Far and wide, cultivators, fox spirits, peacock spirits and even mortals celebrate by partying, gathering and partaking in cultural activities. They would even start news things because they believe it's auspicious.

~

And as for our emperors, they're having a lavish party in Jinlintai, Lanling. Yao Huangdi's concubines, except for Minshan, were still in their clans (and Jing Manor) getting their gifts organized.

Knowing that the Huangdis will be in Lanling, the city became filled with fox and peacock spirits.

Yao Huangdi: *holding a large bouquet of peonies. Then Zixuan entered with a bouquet of peonies too.*

Zixuan: is that for me, Huangdi?

Yao: *smile* what about that? Is that for me, Huangdi?

Zixuan: *hugs* of course it is! Happy birthday, Foxy!

Yao: happy birthday to you, Zix. Beautiful flowers.

Here's your bouquet.

Zixuan: lovely! As always!

Yao: where were you?

Zixuan: getting ready, and contemplating what to give you.

What can I give the emperor of the Jianghu and fox spirits.

Fortunately I got you the perfect gift.

I'm an amazing gift giver.

Yao: you give the best gifts indeed. But not as what I give you.

And we rule the Jianghu together, so I can relate to contemplating on a gift for you.

Zixuan: all clans send flowers, best wishes and priceless gifts for us.

Yao: yea. Thoughtful right.

Yanli: Zixuan, A-Su and I had planned out everything!

Qin Su: I hope you two birthday emperors enjoy your day.

Yao: definitely. Everything goes well when it's planned by the empresses.

Zixuan: you both are gifts already.

A-Li, where is Shi wudu?

Yanli: he went to meet his brother. I

mean sister, Shi Qingxuan. They're in Jing Manor.

Zixuan: ohh! Amazing then.

See how our harems are linked, Foxy pie. *opens fan*

Yao: ah yes. *opens fan*

Zixuan: but how do you handle that large harem of chaotic people? I would be pulling my hair out. Or maybe demanding to be worshipped.

They should fight over me.

Yao: *laughing*

Qin Su: everyone would be eager to worship you both!

Yanli: exactly!

Meng Shi: aw, my two babies. You look stunning. *hugs* happy birthday!!

Yao: thank you so much, A-niang.

Zixuan: thank you, Jimu!

Meng Shi: empresses, you did a great job organizing everything.  I'm so proud.

Qin Su and Yanli: thanks taihou. *bow* don't mention it.

Qin Su: anything for our hubbies.

Yanli: they deserve the best.

Meng Shi: that's right. My babies already have the world.

Yao'er, Xuan'er. I got you some birthday money. I mil each. And I instructed the maids to make your favorite dishes.

Yao: aw, A-niang. You may fatten us. Not that I mind.

Meng Shi: well your cheeks would be more pinchable.

Zixuan: aww.

Su Fengge: *kneels* Huangdi and Huangdi, Xiandu is here with his clan members.

Yao: excellent. Let's go see.

Thereafter the Huangdis stood near the steps of Jinlintai, to see thousands of Su sect members joined by their clan members kowtowing

"May the two emperors be immortal and help the Jiangju flourish more."

In sync, they offered miniature jade Qilin and Pixiu statues, stood up and bowed. Then they made their clan signal go off like fireworks.

Yao: *amused* oh waw!!

Zixuan: Shanshan always outdoes himself!

Yao: that's right! Every year, it's something magnificent.

Su she: *kisses their hands* happiest of birthdays, Yao Huangdi. You're my soul.

And happiest of birthdays, Xuan Huangdi.

Yao: thank you, Shanshan.

Zixuan: thank you!

Su she: how was the surprise from Moling Su?

Yao: lovely as always. I love the gifts.

Zixuan: we're very pleased.

Su she: I'm glad to hear that.

My clan members will bring in your gifts into Jinlintai. I have to go meet team dimple, Huangdi. May I?

Yao: sure. Go meet team d, dear. And hurry back..

Su she: *blush* we're just planning things for you. And Xuan Huangdi.

Yao: I see.

~~~

Now the party is in full swing! Yao and Zixuan sat on the lanling jin throne, while there were entertainment, food and expensive wine. Clan leaders, fox spirits, cultivators and peacock spirits took turns to wish and gift them.

Rizhao Zeng sect leader: happy birthday, Huangdis. I'm gifting you two ceramic vases each.

Yao: well, that sounds lovely. Thank you.

Zixuan: excellent craftsmanship.

Rizhao Zeng Zongzhu: this Jianghu will be nothing without you both. May you live forever, and continue to be gorgeous. You two are like the sun and the moon, shining on the Jianghu.

Yao: aw, how heartfelt.

Zixuan: of course we'll remain gorgeous.

Yao: of course.

Zixuan has to get older first.

Zixuan: *gasps*

Ayao I'm just two hours older than you.

Yao: that's why you'll always be two hours ahead.

Former ouyang Zongzhu: *toasting* to our dimpled emperor and our peacock emperor!

Sect leader Mao: to our twin emperors!

Zixuan: this is how it should be.

The both of us spending our birthdays together.

Yao: I always enjoy it.

Zixuan: I hated what A-Die did to you.

Pushing you down the stairs. And it was our birthday.

Yao: that's when I started loathing.

Zixuan: things are better now.

We're emperors. And he's our prisoner.

Yao: right!

Zix, do you think Jiang cheng will perform for us.

Zixuan: he must! Or else I'm kicking him out of the harem.

Yao: oh kick him out? That's so harsh.

Zixuan: what would you do, Ayao?

Yao: ah, I may be disappointed.

Maybe tease him a little.

Then team d would drill him.

Zixuan: leave it up to team d?

Yao: yep. As I should.

Takes away the stress.

Zixuan: is that a beauty hack?

I'll just ignore Huaisang then.

Yao: that's the best thing. And you already do.

Zixuan: I'll do it some more.

Later on team d and the rest of concubines came with their gifts.

Xue yang: Jiggy, Xuanxuan. Guess who's here.

Xichen: Ayao, happy birthday.

Xue yang: just ignore Lan lips.

Shen Jiu: oh come on yangyang. It's Huangdi's birthday, isn't it. And not only one Huangdi.

Yao: thank you yangyang, and Huan. Concubines, feel free to get some refreshments, then offer your gifts.

Nie Mingjue: happy birthday, Meng Yao. *kisses hand*

Yao: aw, dage. Thanks a lot.

Zixuan: look who's a softie today! This is how you should always treat my brother.

Mingjue: sometimes he torments me, Huangdi. But I'll try, for your birthday.

Zixuan: then eat his torments. Don't you have any taste.

Mingjue: ah, I'll try to kiss him more often.

Shi Qingxuan and Shi wudu: happy birthday, emperors.

Rusong: Happy birthday from Sect leader Qin.

Jinling: and Sect leader Jin.

Both: *hugs*

Yao and Zixuan: awww

Yao: babies!

Zixuan: thank you, babies.

Jinling: A-Die, Xiao shushu, my clan members had decorated every inch of Lanling for you.

All decorations were made from our cultivators.

Zixuan: spectacular!

Rusong: and in Laoling, we had organized lantern festivals, boat racing and operas. We gave out free food amd sweets to everyone in the city. As for Yunping, everything is well decorated.

I got team d to sell your merch.

Yao: oh waw. I'm glad that everyone is having fun.

Rusong: yup. Ling gege and I had ordered local Laoling and Lanling delicacies here for your liking.

Meng Shi: A-Song and A-Ling planned out everything with the empresses.

Jinling: I think we did more than them.

Rusong: of course we did. And we're the babies of the emperors

Qin Su: so you have baby privileges then?

Rusong: correct.

Qin Su: and how did sect leader Qin amd Jin get so rich.

Jinling: we're rich babies.

Qin Su: hahaha, I see.

Yanli: let them take the credit. They're cute.

Qin Su: definitely.

They did more than us.

Meng Shi: and of course they're rich babies. They had to buy two gifts. And do everything in twos.

Rusong: Nainai got our back!

Jinling: she always backs us up.

Yao: that's true A-niang. A-Song and A-ling did so well with the gifts and the organizing.

Zixuan:  they're the best!

Jinling: *kisses Zixuan on his cheek*

Rusong: *did the same with Ayao*

Mo xuanyu: that madam Jin must be missing out again.

Meng Shi: if she wasn't evil, she would be here.

I treat Xuan'er like my own son, and A-ling like my grandson.

Zixuan: Jimu, you're the sweetest.

But sometimes I meet A-niang in private.

Meng Shi: it's alright. I commend you dear. My rivalry isn't yours.

She should pay for how she mistreated Yao'er.

Xiaobao, Jingyi, Xiaoyu and Taihua then took turns to kiss Their Diedie and their shushu.

Xiaobao: happy birthday, A-Die and shushu!

Jingyi: we got you some gifts. Here you go!

Yao: aww, they're beautiful, my dears!

Taihua: Xioayu and I made peony hair accessories for you and shushu.

Yao: aw for us?

Zixuan: that's precious.

Taihua: *puts it on them*

Yao: Hua and xiaoyu are so talented!

Yao: our children had made our birthdays even more special.

Zixuan: that's true. And I think the empresses are supposed to perform for us.

Empresses: *blushing*

Yao: ohh, *glances* the empresses. Are they going to dance for us?

Qin Su: you'll see, Yao Huangdi.

Yanli: it's a surprise.

Zixuan: I can't wait.

Yao: same.

Qin Su: after the concubines give their gifts, of course.

Yanli: plus we want to give you a little laugh before we perform.

Zixuan: Ayao's harem and their antics always have me cracking up!

Yao: yea they're something else.

Zixuan: always fighting over those dimples, ahh.

Yao: haha always.

Zixuan: before the harem, I want to give you my gift.

Yao: go ahead!! And I'll give you yours.

Zixuan: I got a pink sapphire statue of you commissioned. With peony motifs and your nine tails. It will be unveiled in the middle of the courtyard.

Yao: aw, Zix. That is so thoughtful.

Zixuan: whenever guests come, they'll be greeted by your statue first.

Yao: when can I take a break from being customer service. *laughing* greeting guests.

Zixuan: *laughing* never.

Yao: Zix, I got you a monuments too. But it's made into a fountain. And it will be unveiled in Jinjing imperial city.

Zixuan: awww. Thank you so much.

I'm glad I got to honour you for your birthday. And just your happiness is a gift to me.

Yao: I'm glad I got to honour you too.

Shen Jiu: my diva emperors. Happy birthday. I decided to go first because I want to criticize everyone else.

Mo xuanyu: well that's rude

Shen Jiu: team d had their time to criticize.

Emperor Guangyao, I got you some gold koi from cang qiong peak. They will be placed in Jing Manor's imperial gardens.

Yao: I'm moved by your friendly gift, Shen Jiu. Thank you.

Xue yang: you got Jiggy fish? Seriously?

Shen Jiu: golden koi! Plus they release gold, glowy dust which is said to be medicinal.

They're rare and good for the environment.

Su she: could have gotten him some jade or something.

Shen Jiu: team dimple. I got emperor Zixuan some jade stuff. I can't give them the same gift.

Emperor Zixuan, here's a peacock statue. From cang Qiong's jade. And there's Bismuth in there too!

Zixuan: awwwww. I love it! Shen Jiu, I'm impressed!

Shen Jiu: all hail the two emperors. May you continue to be magnificent.

*looks back* anyone else?

Xichen: Huangdi and Huangdi.

Shen Jiu: I don't like your gift.

Xichen: i didn't present it yet!

Shen Jiu: yea, but I still don't like it.

Xichen: firstly to my Ayao. I'm gifting you all the treasures of Gusu, and half of the cloud recesses.

I really love you! And you're Lan Furen.

Yao: Huan. *amused*

Xichen: we have lots of gold. And that gold now belongs to you.

Shen Jiu: why not the whole cloud recesses. Anyways he owns it already.

Meng Shi: I hope it's not because of whiny zhan.

Xichen: no taihou. I didn't want to give Shufu a stroke.

Meng Shi: Yao'er is Lan furen, so he deserves the cloud recesses. However I have one policy as your empress dowager.

Xichen: and that is?

Meng Shi: wangxian will have to pay rent to Yao'er. If they must do their intimacy at his place.

Xichen: as you wish Taihou.

Su she: *laughing* Lan Wangji has to pay a rent. Omg! I'm so weak!

I love taihou.

Mo xuanyu: everyone loves taihou.

Yao: ah thank you for the gift, A-Huan. And I do love being your Lan Furen.

Xichen: what if Wangji doesn't want to pay rent.

Meng shi: then I'll talk to him personally.

Xichen: yes taihou.

Zixuan Huangdi, I got you 15 incense burners in various auspicious shapes.

Shen Jiu: God, he wants to drug Zixuan Huangdi.

Mo xuanyu: exactly. Gusu Incense burners make people horny and delusional.

Shen Jiu: so it turns you into team dimple then?

Mo xuanyu: Shen Jiu!!

Xue yang: but he's kinda right.

Shen Yuan: can you stop being a bitter cucumber, Shen Jiu.

Zixuan: Zewu Jun, I don't want an aphrodisiac! How dare you.

Shen Jiu: then we're have another Jin prince or princess.

Xichen: these are normal incense burners, Huangdi.

We don't give away that kind.

Zixuan: thanks then, Zewu Jun. I'll tell you when I need the special kind, ok. Not in front of A-Li.

Yanli: what?!

Zixuan: shhh.

Shen Yuan: for the two emperors, I got you two mansions! Near cang qiong peak!

Yao: oh really?!

Shen Jiu: that's my territory!

Shen Yuan: um, so? I'm rich aren't I?

Shen Jiu: such a show off.

Mo xuanyu: Yao gege and Xuan gege, I got you two some makeup and jewelry.

Yao: fabulous!! Yuyu, you're give the best gifts as well.

Zixuan: you'll always make us sparkle.

Mo xuanyu: you two got to dazzle the haters.

And I'll make sure you two slay.

Zixuan: you're the best, yuyu.

Su she: some pendants and statues for the two Huangdis!

Yao: I love them, Shanshan.

Su she: all clans had organized fireworks for you both later.

Xue yang: Jiggy, I got you a few daggers from my knife collection.

Shen Jiu: are you an assasin or a chef?

Shen Yuan: neither.

Xue yang: I'm a hitman! And Jiggy loves it when I give him daggers.

Shi siblings: emperors.

Shi Qingxuan: gege and I had gifted you chests of gold and golden ornaments.

He's the God of wealth after all.

Yao: I'm lost for words! You both have outdone yourselves. Making us and our empire more rich.

Shi Wudu: you deserve to be glorious.

Nie Mingjue: emperors, from the nies, we offer ornaments as well.

Huaisang: fans, and expensive Qinghe tea.

I know it's San ge and Zixuan Huangdi's fav.

Yao: thank you very much, Nies. I absolutely cherish your gifts.

Zixuan: very very beautiful. Yes I'm indeed a fan of tea from Qinghe.

Ayao introduced it to me. I used to get my tea from Lanling and Dongying.

Xue yang: diva.

Shen Jiu: doesn't Qinghe tea taste like dirt? Just asking.

Huaisang: it's a little earthy, but very rich.

Yao: yes, the Nies are the biggest tea leaf manufacturers in the Jianghu. They're amazing.

Shen Jiu: I see.

Yao: do you wash the tea correctly?

Shen Jiu: I did.

Xue yang: you're supposed to wash tea leaves?!!!

Su she: you don't drink it when you add water the first time.

Zixuan: duh.

Yao: hey, where's Jiang gui fei?

Shen Jiu: his extravagant entrance better be extravagant.

Su she: I know right.

Mo xuanyu: he never live up to team dimple's expectations.

Shen Jiu: is it a universal level or?

Mo xuanyu: someone get Shen Jiu away from me.

~~

Afterwards Qin Su began to play the guqin for her Huangdi, while Yanli played the flute.

Both emperors admired their empresses with every inch of their hearts.

Yao: they're so talented and beautiful.

Zixuan: we're so lucky to be married to them.

Yao: right.

In addition, Jiang cheng came in like a belly dancer, dancing to the empresses tunes.

Zixuan and Yao: *clapping*

Yao: omg who got him to do that!

Zixuan: lol I don't know. But it's amazing.

Yao: this is so entertaining!

Team d: *choking*

Shen Yuan: I may have taught him some steps.

He wanted to do something special for his emperors.

Shi Qingxuan: and I helped him too!

He's such a softie sometimes.

Xichen: I think it's a 02 20 miracle. Cuz dage is also soft today.

Shen Jiu: can he be hard? How would he please the emperor?!

Yao: i don't want dage tonight.

Shen Jiu: bummer. OK Nie gui fei you can remain soft if you like.

Yao: after the celebration, Zixuan and I will go on a vacation. Along with our empresses.

Zixuan: we really deserve a romantic vacation with them.

(Not my art~ anyways)

[patibato]

[Bitter Sweet Sixteen] 002-A24 - Eat, Smile, Have a Blast

*crowd chattering*

Momiji: Wow~ so many people! It looks like all the tourists have gathered here!

(Everyone travelled for the festival, huh. …I'm really glad it opened without issue.)

…Hm?

Customer A: Excuse meee, I'd like to buy a three pack of baby castella with the special syrup.

Ushio: Right, hold on a moment…!

Customer B: I'll take a five pack!

Ushio: R-right…!

Customer C: No way! This is delicious! The special syrup is pretty good! I'll get it as a souvenir! Sir, make it a ten pack~!

Ushio: -…! Ri…! Right!

Momiji: Amazing. It's busy as hell…

Nanaki: Hey. It's been like that since the festival started.

Momiji: Nanaki-kun, Kiroku-kun! Good work!

Kiroku: …Good, work… to you… too…

Nanaki: Um, Chief. If it's alright… well. Our hands are free at the moment.

We were thinking we could help Kurama-kun out with the stall. The waiting customers are gonna get bored at this rate.

…Will that impact our grade?

Kiroku: … We'll … do our… best.

Momiji: Huh!?

(Nanaki-kun and Kiroku-kun came to offer help themselves…)

-… Of course! Just ask if there's anything you don't understand! Let's do our best to provide hospitality!

*omotenashi battle*

Momiji: Thanks for the help, you two! Our dear customers seemed very happy! Right, Ushio-kun!

Ushio: …Well, they got sold quicker than if I did it alone. It's a natural result of multiple people maintaining it… …

…It helped. Here, as thanks. It's the castella I'm selling.

Kiroku: …You're… thanking…

Nanaki: Here's hoping it doesn't start raining again. …Thanks for the food.

Chew chew… …!?

Delicious…

Ushio: …Hmph.

Nanaki: The moment the mild syrup flavour enters your mouth, an aroma spreads out like you're on a prairie…

The gentle sweetness of the sponge softly creeps up on you, like flowers garnishing a pure dreamscape…

A miraculous harmony that wouldn't be possible without both—a magnificent combination of saltiness and sweetness, with a somewhat nostalgic feeling…!

What is this… until I swallowed it, I had a Jimu Hen* guitar solo running through my brain…

Momiji: Amazing! Looks like you've got a talent for food reviews too, Nanaki-kun!

Nanaki: Ah, no, it was just too good, so I ended up…

Kiroku: … …

… …

Momiji: (Kiroku-kun's fully focused on eating. …Cute.)

Oh right, Ushio-kun.

Ushio: What.

Momiji: The lady who prepared the baby castella machine was praising you. She says you should have told them that you'd properly brought all the ingredients with you, instead of going "I forgot the syrup~".

"It's the first time I've had such delicious sweets" she said, so she's thankful.

Ushio: … I mean, I just did what I was supposed to.

Momiji: (So he says, but his cheeks are turning a bit red. He's embarrassed, huh.)

—Everyone really put their all into this. The fireworks were also a wonderful success, and both the tourists and the locals were very pleased. You really livened things up!

Nanaki: The music did?

Momiji: Of course! The sound source was far better than the one they'd been using before, and both young and old people enjoyed it!

Nanaki: Really!?

Momiji: Really. There's already a video online. They're saying the way it's matched with the fireworks is the best, and the number of views is doing good.

Nanaki: I see!

Ah, no. …It's because I worked hard. Yeah.

Momiji: Kiroku-kun's lantern is also really popular, it's addictive eeriness is considered cute—

Kiroku: …Huh…

Momiji: It seems like it's become a photo spot. Lots of pictures are being uploaded to social media.

Kiroku: Re… …rea, lly…? But… it's not… fin… ished…

Momiji: Being unfinished isn't as bad as you think.

Kiroku: …

Momiji: The clear skies brought a good turnout, and the management side was pleased too. Everyone's having so much fun—I, I'm so moved… …

Ushio: …You're quite the crybaby, for an adult.

Momiji: S-sorry. Looks like the sea breeze got in my eyes.

(At any rate, the kid who did the most to ensure everyone's efforts bore fruit like this was—)

Akuta: He~y there! 'Tis I, the man who will completely eviscerate the competition for the Kurodemy** Director Prize!

Muneuji: Good work, everyone.

Momiji: Akuta-kun, Muneuji-kun, good work!

Akuta: Ah~ this takoyaki is seriously good! The okonomiyaki's cooked all fluffy, and the oden's so flavourful~! Stall food is the best!

Nanaki: Aaah, you've bought so much, even though Sakuchan-sensei said we'd go out for food at the after party…

Akuta: Nope~ I remember that clear as day. When I passed in front of the stalls, I got 'em for free!

Ushio: Bet you were looking real greedy. Or like a starving puppy.

Kiroku: Isotake does… make you want… to give… food… to him…

Muneuji: As they're a representation of everyone's kindness, we couldn't refuse. Though I did say to not eat them now, and save them for later.

Momiji: He couldn't help himself, huh.

Akuta: No problem! My stomach is infinite! It's still only ten percent full!

Sakujiro: Ah, here you all are. It seems the store will be ready soon. We will be going to the same place we got Hishio bowls at on the first day.

Momiji: Since we'll be leaving Shodoshima tomorrow, we should absolutely all eat together this time.

Akuta: Hi-shi-o! Hi-shi-o!

Kiroku: …

Nanaki & Ushio: …

Muneuji: We'll all be participating, then.

Kiroku: … It… seems… that way.

Muneuji: …

Ushio: …

Kiroku: …Will you two… be… o… kay?

…You won't…… get into a…..

Akuta: What's that? You'll share half your Hishio bowl? With me? Hooray! Thanks!

Kiroku: …!? That's not—

Akuta: Huh, did you say you'll share your miso soup too? You're seriously a god, Kiroku! Thank you thank you~~~!

Kiroku: …I, didn't… say…

Momiji: (It somehow feels like they're not on the same page…)

At any rate, let's set off!

Nanaki: What do you mean you launched the egg!?

Akuta: Yep! It went boom!

Momiji: Hm? What did?

Nanaki: Nothing, we're discussing a movie.

Don't yell.

Muneuji: We negotiated with the egg, and this is how things turned out.

Nanaki: You mean it could communicate? The egg? I didn't think it seemed much like a living creature.

Muneuji: If you're asking if it reacted like it had a living body, it didn't. However, I could sense some kind of purpose from it.

Akuta: It was like a space communication device? Controlled remotely, like a radio controlled car~

Nanaki: So now, the egg is…?

Akuta: We searched the mountain for a bit, but couldn't find it!

Muneuji: I fear it may have burst into tiny pieces.

Nanaki: Wow… seriously…?

Akuta: No way! It doesn't have such a weak nature! It's an egg.

We'll definitely meet again someday. Somehow—I can just tell.

Nanaki: You're really confident about a baseless assumption. …Well, it's fine. Whatever you do, don't let Kinugawa-kun know.

He seemed really attached to the egg. I'm sure he'll be hurt if you tell him it might have burst.

Muneuji: Understood. I shall tell him that it returned to the sea itself.

*ジムヘン/Jimu Hen is a reference to Jimi Hendrix, often abbreviated to ジミヘン/Jimi Hen in Japan

**The Kurodemy Prize is a real thing, but it seems to be a manga award with no subcategories, so I'm not sure it's actually a reference to that

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Masterlist

[screw-fandom-urls-anyway]

"joe" this, "joe" that. boy do i have something for you splatoon fandom.

The Neo Splatana Stamper is called "Jimu Waipā Hyū" in Japanese, and that's all well and good. HOWEVER, sometimes the Japanese playerbase will leave out the "waipā" to cut it short. In the comment section of a Japanese Splatoon YT short, I was translating some comments to read, and well... I'm sure you can see where this is going.

"Jimu Hyū" translated to Jim Hugh. THE NEO SPLATANA STAMPER HAS BEEN CALLED JIM HUGH ALL THIS TIME AND WE NEVER EVEN FUCKING NOTICED.

[anthropomorphics-archive]

1998 Chris Sawyer pin-up illustration, included in issue 17 of adult art anthology The Bunny Pages

See the full issue here! (NSFW link)

[inthehausofholbein]

Runa-chan!

Luna: Hai!

Nani ga suki?

Luna: Chokominto! Yori mo anata!

Jimu-chan!

Jim: Hai!

Nani ga suki?

Jim: Sutoroborii fureibaa, yori mo anata!

Yamu-chan!

Yam: Hai!

Nani ga suki?

Yam: Kukkii & kuriimu, yori mo anata!

[blazescompendium]

Mythology in our daily lifes: Mythologic symbolism in Football Teams

This is a post i want to do for a while, because one of my passions in studying mythology and one of the main topics i like to study is how Mythology is embedded in our daily lives and modern culture.

Football is the most popular sport on Earth, and as in many other sports, it has deep roots with myths. I personally have great interest in how sports connect us as Humans, and i started noticing how some teams have their symbology and their visual identity completely tied to mythology!

Hey, this post will be more less of an essay, and more an irreverent commentary. With all due respect to all the topics i will talk about here, but i will be a bit more casual in this text.

I took some examples to write about, and i will focus on those teams shields. The examples i have here are specifically from National Teams, but this can also apply for regional clubs as well. I just thought the examples i have here are a bit more straight to my point! If you have any regional club you want to show, because they have mythology embedded in their emblem or identity as well, please do!

So, let's start by the easiest:

Mexico National Team:

The Mexico National Team honestly have one of the best looking logos on Earth right now, and it has everything to do with their own country Mythology.

According to the Aztec Codices, the founding myth of Tenochtitlan (capital of Aztec civilization, and later reborn as the Mexico City) should be done where an Eagle was seen eating a snake in a Cactus. Legend has, this was seen in an island inside a giant lake, that would later become Tenochtitlan. The city was made of small islands connected inside the lake, but was destroyed and the lake drained by the Spanish Invaders in the 16th Century.

There's some variations on this legend, as well. The Codex Fejérváry-Mayer does depict just an Eagle attacking a snake, while the Ramirez Codex corroborates the more popular version of the tale, that has the Cactus.

In other texts from the time, the specific creature being targeted by the Eagle is not specified.

The Aztec Codices are nothing more than registers from the civilizations on Central America, like painted books and documentations of their society. Many were lost to time, or destroyed on purpose by Spanish Invaders. Others, like those i have mentioned are well preserved or at least transcribed. This makes sourcing this tale not a very hard task, you can look it up yourself!

The Eagle, Serpent and Cactus became the most popular version of the tale. So much so, it became the coat of arms of Mexico, and the symbol is as well present in their national flag. The eagle is rumored to represent the solar and war deity, and Patron god of the capital city Tenochtitlan: Huītzilōpōchtli. While, it is true that Huītzilōpōchtli was connected to birds, more so the Hummingbird, there's also the suggestion it was connected to Eagles, which makes this shield much more iconic. Not only Mexico is evoking its ancestral god strength to guide the country, but also to play a world cup. Which i find pretty neat.

Mexico's official coat of arms and the current National team shield

Analyzing the design, they have gone for spike outlines representing the cactus, while some kind of cubic shape (resembling Aztec aesthetic) go around, with the colors of the Mexican flag. The traditional Eagle is instead roosted with one leg on a football ball, which is the classic Tellstar model, that debuted in...You guessed! 1970 world cup,held at Mexico! A perfect match of the sport history, and national culture from Mexico, but as well many depictions of Mythology in a subtle manner in the logo. I really like it!

Japan National Team

This shield was the reason i started to study about this topic to begin with, because i bought a Japan national team shirt, and started to notice Yatagarasu on its crest! Yes, the legendary three-legged-crow that guided emperror Jimu through Yamato.

The Yatagarasu legend is pretty simple, and it says this bird is a manifestation of ''divine will'', sent by Amaterasu herself to guide Jimu in his quest to found what would be modern day Japan, according to the myth.

According to the Kojiki, Yatagarasu was sent by Takamimusubi specifically. While the Amaterasu version is from the Kojiki. In the Nihon Shiki a rather different version of the crow, and his lineage can be seen.

Another fun fact is that, in all of Yatagarasu mentions in Japan's myth, originally there was no mention about the number of legs! This was later added after assimilation of nearby cultures that also had Three-Legged-Crows in their myths, such as Korea and China. This, however is just a theory scholars came with, and it could be also a misinterpretation caused by time.

Ok, but what exactly did Yatagarasu helped Jimu with?

Glad you asked!

According to a myth known as ''Eastern Expedition'', Yatagarasu was guiding Jimu while the later was trying to cross Seto Sea to the Kinki region, in his quest to establish the Yamato court and his country. Guided by the legendary Crow, they decided to attack from the east, crossing to the west during their quest of conquer, since attacking from the west did not prove helpful before. According to the tale, that was because Jimu, descending from Amaterasu should follow the Sun.

This was just one of the registers of the creature, that is some times regarded as guardian of Amaterasu herself. Many instances on record (both scholars and popular records) that, Yatagarasu also protected Amaterasu. In my research i did not found much evidence of this being recorded, but i also do not speak Japanese so... If you do, and know something please correct me!

It is also seems very common knowledge the Yatagarasu is very much worshipped in the Kumano region! But i should dive a bit more into that if i ever cover this Crow specifically, in the future!

But what is important is that, this creature was recorded in the Kojiki, Nihonshoki, and other archaeological sites, like murals and even mirrors!

But why is Yatagarasu balling in the Japanese national team shield then?

Yatagarasu became a symbol of guidance to victory, and even before the founding of the team, in 1921, the Crow with three legs was already in use as family crests, and even in postal services. It would become associated with football when Japanese Football Association adopted it as a mascot in the 1930s. The crow, however, would just appear in kits during the 1980s.

The first Japanese national team logo and a shrine for Yatagarasu which uses a football ball!

The logo did not changed much during years, just slightly. The crow is always dominating a ball with one feet, while standing in the other two feet. The color red also symbolizes the sun, which is important as a national identity and the identity of the myth itself. In later iterations, such the more recent, the ball lack details, making it more like a sun.

Yatagarasu is also the official mascot of the JFA (Japanese Football Association) since 1931. Many associate the Yatagarasu link with football, being because the football pionner Nakamura Kakunosuke, ''Japan's football father'' was born in the Kumano region. He was a high school senior of Uchino Tairei. This football coach designed the JFA logo himself!

Even the Kumano Shrine officials accepted this new role of the deity. One of the shrines even has a statue of the crow with a football, just like the JFA logo. Some complexes also houses memorials to sports achievements.

You can read more about this in the following link

This is not my only source to this text, but there's a good chunk of information i could not cover, like some political background and more!

For me it is pretty cool overall how a mythological symbol changed over the years, and even embraced such a recent sport as football. Despite of the political connotations of its time, i believe that this is a very notorious occurrence, that should be studied more in this field!

Next we have a big one:

Brazil

Brazil's logo in 1990 and Brazil logo during the 2020s. See if you spot the mythological reference in there!

Brazil is one of the behemoths of the sport, even if in a bit of a transitory and bad phase nowadays, the national team of Brazil, (also called ''Seleção'' which translates directly to ''The Selection'' referencing its the top players being selected to be there) managed to finish in the top 10 during the last five World Cup editions. It is also the first team to win it 3 times, and also the first and only to win it 5 times, making it a team loaded with history. But also symbology, that blends with the World Cup and Football history itself, which in turn blends with Mythology as you will see in a minute.

Starting by the newer shield, it is simple. All the colors of the national flag can be seen in it, and every time the team win another world cup, they add one star to it. In the center we have a Pate Cross. The Pate cross does not have anything mythological involving it, it was just from the Christ's Order an Order in which the first person to discover the territory one day would become Brazil, was a part of. That is just it.

Honestly i don't fully understand the reason for it to be there, but apparently it is so important that the Brazilian Football Confederation itself made it against their rules to remove it? Fine i guess...

(source here)

But really, i think the one which is really here to be talked about is their 1990-1991 shield, in which we have the Jules Rimet trophy instead of the cross. And that is what makes this shield so interesting for us. The Jules Rimet Trophy was the first trophy of the World Cup, and it would be given permanently to the winner of the tournament that could win it 3 times first. Brazil did it with Pelé in 1970, giving the trophy to the country definitively and getting the tournament a new one, the one with a ball in the top which you all are used to see nowadays.

This shield while iconic, was very short lived... Sadly, it lasted less than a year!

The Trophy tiself represents no other than Nike, the Greek goddess of victory! Nike would help with war, athletics, debates and any other type of direct competition. Nike is more commonly associated with her iconic headless statue, and her wings always flying towards victory.

She is also usually depicted in myths as one of the first goddesses to offer help to Zeus in the Titanomachy, the war against the Titans. She then became an attendant to Zeus and Athena. There are some scholars who disagree on Nike's origin, was her part of Athens that became a whole? Or was always an unique goddess? It is hard to define for us, as both were important in the city of Athens, making it hard to distinguish.

Nike some times is described as the one who can judge mortals and gods in competition. Not only war, but music, athletics, or any given competition. She will always be on the side who deserves to win. Thus judging the winner as deserving. Nike was often described as helping athletes, and many times this is described as such. For instance here: Pindar Nemean 5 where it is said the Athlete Euthymenes of Aegina has ''Fallen in the arms of Victory''. This is a direct reference to Nike.

Nike also helped Zeus during his fight against Typhon, even protecting Zeus with her shield. This however only according to the Nonnos' Dionysiaca. The Theogony does not mention this happening.

If you go by the Homeric Hymns, describe Nike as being the daughter of Ares, while other sources like the Theogony says that Nike came from Styx and Pallas.

Whoever was her true parents, during the early 20th century, Nike became associated with sports and athleticism in general, having her image printed in Olympic medals. Olympic games that were initially started imitating the ancient Greek games, specifically.

Nike is so associated with sports nowadays, her image is always on the medals as in the latest ones, for the Paris 2024 games

Nike in the Olympic gold medal of 2024, and the Jules Rimet Trophy

So, when we come back to the 1990 Brazil shield, it all connects back to Nike, as if she was the patron of the team, guiding them to victory. Which makes extremely funny the fact that, the world cup after they removed her, they actually won it.

But in any case, i believe Nike could very much be brought back to the Brazilian Shield, since it has a deep connection to the history of the team and its past glories. The idea of Nike guiding the most victorious team back to its path of glory is extremely nice, and could be a very cool marketing campaign. But hey, what i know? I am just an amateur Mythology Scholar.

...

And that is mostly it.

I thought this would be a fun and quirky topic to talk about. I really enjoy how Mythology blends with our life and culture so well. For me it is fascinating, and i think this is a good example on how nice it is!

[delhinewsinenglish]

Taiwan's strongest earthquake in nearly 25 years damages buildings, leaving 4 dead

Taiwan's strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush hour Wednesday, damaging buildings and highways and causing the deaths of four people.

Taiwan's national fire agency said four people died in Hualien County and at least 57 were injured in the quake that struck just before 8 am. The local United Daily News reported three hikers died in rockslides in Taroko National Park near the offshore epicentre.

A five-storey building in Hualien appeared heavily damaged, collapsing its first floor and leaving the rest leaning at a 45-degree angle. In the capital Taipei, tiles fell from older buildings and in some newer office complexes, while debris fell from some building sites. Schools evacuated their students to sports fields, equipping them with yellow safety helmets. Some also covered themselves with textbooks to guard against falling objects as aftershocks continued.

Train service was suspended across the island of 23 million people, as was subway service in Taipei, where a newly constructed above-ground line partially separated. The national legislature, a converted school built before World War II, also had damage to walls and ceilings.

Traffic along the east coast was at a virtual standstill, with landslides and falling debris hitting tunnels and highways in the mountainous region. Those caused damage to vehicles, though it wasn't clear if anyone was hurt.

Despite the quake striking at the height of the morning rush hour just before 8 am, the initial panic faded quickly on the island, which is regularly rocked by temblors and prepares for them with drills at schools and notices issued via public media and mobile phone.

Authorities said they had only expected a relatively mild quake of magnitude 4 and accordingly did not send out alerts.

Still, the earthquake was strong enough to scare people who are used to such shaking.

“Earthquakes are a common occurrence, and I've grown accustomed to them. But today was the first time I was scared to tears by an earthquake,” Taipei resident Hsien-hsuen Keng said. ”I was awakened by the earthquake. I had never felt such intense shaking before.”

She said her fifth-floor apartment shook so hard that “apart from earthquake drills in elementary school, this was the first time I had experienced such a situation.”

Hualien was last struck by a deadly quake in 2018, which collapsed a historic hotel and other buildings. Taiwan's worst quake in recent years struck on September 21, 1999, with a magnitude of 7.7, causing 2,400 deaths, injuring around 100,000 and destroying thousands of buildings.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said a tsunami wave of 30 centimetres (about 1 foot) was detected on the coast of Yonaguni island about 15 minutes after the quake struck. Smaller waves were measured in Ishigaki and Miyako islands. Japan sent military aircraft to gather information about the impact around the Okinawa region.

Taiwan's earthquake monitoring agency gave the magnitude as 7.2 while the US Geological Survey put it at 7.4. It struck about 18 kilometres (11.1 miles) south-southwest of Hualien and was about 35 kilometres (21 miles) deep. Multiple aftershocks followed, and the USGS said one of the subsequent quakes was 6.5 magnitude and 11.8 kilometres (7 miles) deep. Shallower quakes tend to cause more surface damage.

The earthquake was felt in Shanghai and several provinces along China's southeastern coast, according to Chinese media. China and Taiwan are about 160 kilometres (100 miles) apart. China issued no tsunami warnings for the Chinese mainland.

Residents of China's Fujian province reported violent shaking, according to Jimu News, an online outlet. One man told Jimu that the shaking awakened him and lasted about a minute.

In the Philippines, residents along the northern coast were told to evacuate to higher ground, but no major tsunami was reported about three hours after the quake.

Villagers in the provinces of Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte and Isabela were asked not to return to their homes until the tsunami alert was lifted, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Teresito Bacolcol said.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said there has been no report of injury or damage in Japan. He urged the residents in the Okinawa region to stay on high ground until all tsunami advisories are lifted. He cautioned people against disinformation and urged them to stay calm and assist others.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami threat to Hawaii or the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam. About three hours after the earthquake, it said the threat had largely passed for all areas with waves being reported only in Taiwan and southern Japan.

Taiwan lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire," the line of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean where most of the world's earthquakes occur.

Source : Taiwan's strongest earthquake in nearly 25 years damages buildings, leaving 4 dead

[groovykingcat]

The Top 10 Kids' Robotics Kits All Children Will Enjoy

As a parent today, providing a jump-start for your child in the STEM field has never been more crucial. Learning robotics for children has been a great and strong means to trigger curiosity, motivate problem-solving skills, and gain practical expertise in science, technology, engineering, and math. The perfect robotics kits entertain only to an extent—they teach youngsters to invent, code, and engineer. 

Whether you are a parent, educator, or just want to give something educational, this top 10 list of best robotics kits is designed to cater to a range of interests, skill levels, and age ranges. These kits marry learning and fun, making learning robotics engaging and easy. 

1. LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox 

One of the best-selling LEGO robotics kits for young learners, the LEGO Boost combines old-school LEGO construction with easy-to-use coding via a visual app interface. Children can construct 5 multipurpose models, such as a robot called *Vernie*, and animate their creations with block-based coding. 

Age Range: 7–12 years 

Why Kids Love It: Merges LEGO and coding. 

Skills Learned: Fundamental programming, mechanical engineering, robotics learning concepts. 

2. Makeblock mBot Neo 

The mBot Neo is a user-friendly yet powerful robot building kit designed for coding beginners. It supports both block-based and Python coding, making it ideal for progressing as kids grow. It also features AI and IoT functions to deepen the learning experience. 

Age Range: 8–12 years 

Why Kids Love It: Real-life coding and smart features like obstacle avoidance. 

Skills Learned: Programming logic, sensors, robotics for children. 

3. Sphero BOLT 

Sphero BOLT is a ball-shaped robot that children can program through a tablet or smartphone. Its LED matrix and sensors make it extremely interactive, and it's perfect for beginners and advanced young programmers alike. 

Age Range: 8+ years 

Why Kids Love It: It's like programming a rolling, glowing pet robot. 

Skills Learned: JavaScript basics, problem-solving, robotics. 

4. Thames & Kosmos Kids First Coding & Robotics 

This STEM toy is ideal for young beginners not yet ready for computer-based coding. It employs a narrative-style strategy with a charming robot named Cody that children code with physical code cards. 

Age Range: 4–8 years 

Why Kids Love It: Imaginative and screen-free. 

Skills Learned: Sequencing, logic, basic robotics learning principles. 

5. Wonder Workshop Dash Robot 

Dash is a ready-to-assemble robot that children can program with visual coding apps. With sensors, lights, and sounds, Dash provides hours of creative play and **kids' robotics** experiences. 

Age Range: 6–11 years 

Why Kids Love It: Interactive voice commands and unlimited activities. 

Skills Learned: Coding, engineering design, robotics. 

6. LEGO Mindstorms Robot Inventor 

A higher-level LEGO robotics kit, the LEGO Mindstorms Robot Inventor is perfect for children who are ready to delve into more advanced engineering and programming principles. It integrates LEGO building with motors and sensors to produce 5 distinct robotic models. 

Age Range: 10+ years 

Why Kids Love It: Advanced LEGO robots that can walk, talk, and play games. 

Skills Learned: Python and Scratch programming, robotics systems, mechanical engineering. 

7. Botley 2.0 by Learning Resources 

Botley is a screen-free coding toy that teaches basic programming concepts with a remote programmer. The new 2.0 version has additional features such as night vision, dancing, and music. 

Age Range: 5–9 years 

Why Kids Love It: Interactive challenges and screen-free design. 

Skills Learned: Logic, critical thinking, early coding. 

8. Ubtech Jimu Robot Kit – Astrobot Series 

This award-winning robot construction kit allows children to create their own robots and bring them to life with Blockly coding. Equipped with servo motors and LED lights, the Jimu Astrobot brings robots to life. 

Age Range: 8–14 years 

Why Kids Love It: Build awesome robots that move and interact. 

Skills Learned: Engineering, robotics learning, creative design. 

9. Ozobot Evo 

Ozobot Evo is a small robot that children can program with colored markers or an app. It's an excellent introduction to both on-screen and unplugged coding. 

Age Range: 6–12 years 

Why Kids Love It: It can follow color paths and respond to colors. 

Skills Learned: Color-coded logic, creativity, basic programming. 

10. Robobloq Qobo Coding Robot 

For pre-school children only beginning their robotics learning, Qobo is a cute robot snail that teaches beginner logic by doing fun, interactive puzzles. The robot is coded with cards, instructing it to go various directions and into stories. 

Age Range: 3–7 years 

Why Kids Love It: Narrative-based learning through a cute robot. 

Skills Learned: Sequencing, problem-solving, introductory robotics. 

Things to Look For When Picking a Robotics Kit 

When choosing a robotics kit for your child, consider the following few things: 

1. Age Appropriateness 

Choose a kit that is appropriate to your child's age. Younger children appreciate screen-free kits, whereas older children can handle kits that use actual coding languages such as Python or Scratch. 

2. Type of Coding Interface 

Some kits have graphical, drag-and-drop interfaces suited to beginners, but others gradually advance to coding through text input for more complex users. 

3. Reusability and Expandability 

Opt for kits expandable with your child's progress. Kits expandable with optional packs or featuring open-ended challenge types are benefits. 

 4. Educational Value 

A proper STEM toy is one not only of fun but of instruction in notions such as engineering, logic, sequencing, cause-and-effect, etc. 

5. Engagement and Fun 

In the end, the greatest robotics kits are those that get children enthused and hooked. Seek kits that provide artistic freedom, storytelling, or competition-based gameplay. 

Why Robotics Is the Future of Learning 

Robotics is not merely a buzz term—it's the door to 21st-century skills. By way of robotics for kids, kids learn to analyze complicated issues, work in groups, and learn about the digital world they're growing up in. 

From constructing their first robot to coding its movements, children get to feel the excitement of bringing their creations to life. And with the advent of coding toys and robot building kits, learning has never been more fun. 

Advantages of introducing children to robotics at an early age include: 

* Enhancing critical thinking and analytical minds 

* Increased creativity and design thinking 

* An early start in future tech careers 

* Better academic performance in STEM subjects 

Get Started with a Free Robotics Webinar! 

If you’re ready to explore the world of robotics for kids, there’s no better way to begin than by attending a free webinar designed specifically for young learners and their parents. 

Join Guruface’s Free Webinar on Robotics for Kids 

This webinar is full of engaging activities, live robot demonstrations, and knowledge about how robotics can change your child's future. If you're new to the concept or already researching options, this free seminar is a great way to get educated before committing to a kit. 

Here at Guruface, we are of the opinion that every child must have access to tools and inspiration which will help them become the visionaries of tomorrow. With the guidance of professional sessions and live teaching practices, your child shall be initiated to the thrilling process of robotics learning in a congenial and delightful atmosphere. 

Last Words 

The world is changing quickly—and the children who will do well in it are those that know how to think, code, and make things. Putting your money in the appropriate robotics kits and experiences early on can be the foundation of a life filled with wonder and achievement. Ranging from LEGO robotics kits through sophisticated coding toys, there's something in this lineup for any child that wants to invent. 

Don't miss an opportunity to explore whether robotics can work for your child. 

Click here to sign up for the Free Robotics Webinar by Guruface: https://guruface.com/webinar/free-webinar-on-robotics-for-kids/289 

Let the learning—and the fun—start!

[symbieote]

I think suwabe junichi is cool but he's not my fave or anything. However. I was just reading a list of his pseudonyms and they made my entire day. I just sat there for a while chuckling. I love finding out what kind of stupid joke pseudonyms seiyuu come up with.

I need to know what goes on in suwabe's mind when he comes up with shit like hijikata koshizou 肘肩腰三 and Kevin Spicy and 初回特典(not sure how this is read. Vndb says ubukai tokunori which would be funny but straight up hatsukai tokuten would be even funnier. Yes he is First Edition Gift With Purchase! That's him!)

Other seiyuu pseudonyms I love: 事務台事(jimu kyarii) and koyasu's 大宇宙守護and 壬生浪士 and midorikawa hikaru who goes by such either hikaru spelt 氷河流 or even funnier, calls himself aokawa teru 青川輝 which is just his name but run through a thesaurus. And the various Houdentei guys who, as far as I could figure out from googling, wasn't in an actual group or project or anything, its just because? I want to listen in on the conversation where they came up with their names. And theres nakamura who goes by 仲達 I guess so it's horrible SEO because that's Sima Yi's courtesy name. Also ペロペロンチーノjust sounds inappropriate which is very funny. My favourite guy of all time いちごみるく WHY won't he do my drama CDs. And yasumoto names himself after a pro wrestling movie like. Yeah that sounds like him. Narita KEN goes by aoshima YAIBA. Or sometimes they WILL name themselves after obscure fictional characters. They're all so stupid and I love them all so much. Like truly most of the work under those pseudonyms is not necessarily good it's moooooostly just easy otaku oriented cash grabs but the names are so funny.

[white-cat-of-doom]

Performance and additional curtain call photos from opening night in Hiroshima yesterday.

With Maku Hiura as Asparagus, Haruka Yamazaki as Bombalurina, Shun Kuwahara as Carbucketty, Nanako Yoshimura as Cassandra, Ryutaro Matsui as Coricopat, Marina Tada as Demeter, Kazuki Morita as Gilbert, Chiaki Kimura as Grizabella, Chiaki Kainuma as Jellylorum, Yuki Hirai as Jemima, Misato Tashiro as Jennyanydots, Masatoshi Futamura as Chorus Macavity, Shu Oshida as Mistoffelees, Shinichi Shinjo as Mungojerrie, Junpei Wakebe as Munkustrap, Yuki Takahashi as Old Deuteronomy, Mizuki Omori as Rum Tum Tugger, Ayu Shimizu as Rumpleteazer, Shoyo Kamitani as Rumpus Cat, Haruna Sasaki as Sillabub, Neo Oi as Skimbleshanks, Rika Takeshita as Tantomile, Jimu Yoshioka as Tumblebrutus, and Hitomi Sekino as Victoria.

[hulijingemperor2]

Wen qing: *checking up on Zixuan* your core and qi are good. Just take these pills daily. After your meal.

Zixuan: thank you. And what about that concoction.

Wen qing: take it on morning.

It's an energy booster.

Zixuan: is it bitter?

Wen qing: *laughing* peacock spirit Huangdi is afraid of bitter medicine?

Zixuan: ehem, no! I'm not.

I just asked.

Yanli: he's 100% afraid of bitter things.

Zixuan: A-li, don't tell her that!

Wen qing: lol, your secret is out.

Yanli: did you get to meet Wen ning and A-Yuan.

Wen qing: yes! I'm glad to meet them!

Yanli: how sweet.

Wen qing: And Yao huangdi is such a gentleman, deciding to escort me there.

Zixuan: he always fulfill the demands of his guests perfectly. With no question.

That's my amazing Foxy!!

Wen qing: aww.

Zixuan: where is he anyways?

Wen qing: Yao Huangdi stayed back to do some urgent paperwork, but he'll be here shortly.

He just arranged transport for me.

Zixuan: very hospitable.

Yanli: that's really delightful!

Yao: *entering with Meng Shi and Qin Su*

Zixuan: aw here he is. Yaoyao. We were just talking about you.

Yao: ohh. Am I that interesting? *laughing*

Zixuan: always.

Qin su: Xuan gege!

Zixuan: heyy, Qin Su. You're back! Well obviously you are. Yaoyao is flawless.

Qin Su: yea I'm back gege.

Zixuan: aww.

Qin Su: now what happen to you?

Zixuan: I was pregnant with twins.

Qin Su: *laughing* what?! Congrats though.

Zixuan: thank you. A-Su.

Qin Su: you're so cute.

Meng Shi: Xuan'er. How are you?

Zixuan: I'm fine, Jimu. And Wen qing gave me medicine.

Meng Shi: lovely!

And Wen qing is really talented and intelligent.

Yao: yea she is very talented.

Qin Su: I certainly agree.

Wen qing: taihou, Yao Huangdi and Qin Huanghou. Don't flatter me.

It makes me nervous.

Meng Shi: awww.

Wen qing: he doesn't like bitter medicine.

Zixuan: you're nervous about being complimented but you're still letting out my secret. That's unfair!

Meng shi: aw because he's a baby. Yao'er and Xuan'er are the same. They don't like bitter things.

Yao: A-niang.

Zixuan: Jimu.

Meng Shi: you shouldn't be fooled by the word 'Huangdi'. They're still cute and stubborn.

~~

Later on in Jing Manor 📍.

Yao: Ms Wen, they have installed a rose bush in the garden.

Wen qing: oh great, Yao Huangdi!

Yao: the empire alliance papers are in order. I have stamped them but now you have to stamp them as well. *showing his deep dimples as be spoke*

Yao: our empires will be very close, and maybe we can fund each other.

What are your views on wealth and Healthcare?

Wen qing: *turning red* yea.

Yao: excuse me?

Meng Shi: the dimples again?

Wen qing: they're just cute. Ehem. Sorry, Huangdi. What did you ask? I'm so sorry.

Yao: it's ok. I asked what are your views on wealth and Healthcare?

Do you think it should be divided equally or not?

Wen qing: everyone should have access to money as well as Healthcare.

Yao: right. Successfully we practice that here. But I was curious to know the structure is in other places. And people's point of view.

Wen qing: i see.

Well my place has the same ideologies yours!

Yao: marvelous.

~~~~~~~

After A-Yao and Wen Qing brought their empires together, he decided to take a stroll with Qin Su.

Qin Su: *glancing at his dimples*

Yao: are you happy?

Qin Su: yes. With you.

Yao: ah. Tell me something then *smile*

Qin su: I was feeling a bit sad, while in Laoling. Like something was missing.

Now I feel as if I found it again.

Qin Su: I want to be with you, Huangdi. And Songsong.

Yao: we share the same wish.

Yao: *makes a umbrella appear, then sheltered her*  It's drizzling.

Qin Su: awww.

Team dimple: *staring from a corner*

Xue yang: they're just smoking hot together.

Su she: hmm. They do have a chemistry.

And they both know what they want.

Mo xuanyu: where do these other women keep coming from. Don't they know Yao gege is mine!

Mo xuanyu: I'm going to talk to Yao gege!

Mo xuanyu: Yao gege!

Yao: oh hey A-Yu.

Mo xuanyu: do you love me?!

Yao: *pats head* yes I do, A-yu.

Mo xuanyu: *blushing while enjoying his touch* love you too Yao gege.

Qin su: A-Yu, you're so cute! But what's this.

Yao: yes he is. He's my adorable A-Yu.

Mo xuanyu: *hugs* Yao gege.

Wait, Su Jiejie, you said I'm cute?! But I said that you're the other woman.

Qin su: *laughing* yes xuanyu, you're very cute. And I'm not stealing your Yao gege from you.

Mo xuanyu: ok. *hugs A-Yao tighter*

Yao: come it us.

Mo xuanyu: I would love that!!!!

Xue yang: xuanyu got some game.

Su she: I know right.

Xue yang: I'm gonna try. Hehehehe..

Su she: yangyang, I think we should give Huangdi some time. He hangs with us 24/7.

Xue yang: want to spy on them with me.

Su she: of course I do.

Xue yang: Shanshan. Do you think Qin Su is a hot kisser like Jiggy.

Su she: I believe so!

Xue yang: what will happen if two hot people kiss.

Su she: then. They kiss.

Xue yang: but in a dramatic way.

Yao: yangyang, I'll know if you're spying on us.

Xue yang: I know Jiggybun. *blows kiss*

Qin Su.

Qin Su: xue yang.

Xue yang: you don't have a problem with me spying on you.

Qin Su: it's ok for your simping self, but I don't think my personal maid, Bicao, might like that.

And she will undergo swordfighting practice, due to tradition.

Xue yang: hehe, empress privileges. Got it.

You see, when I love someone, I fight to get to them. And you're lucky I don't fight with women. Otherwise Bicao might fail in protecting you.*winks*.

Qin Su: *sigh* team d and xue yang never change.

He's always so crazy.

Yao: around the clock.

Xue yang: Jiggybun, Susu. I got to go find a nice place in the bushes with Shanshan.

Su she: Huangdi, thanks again for saving me from Lan zhan and his bossy behavior.

Yao: *kisses him on his forehead* any time, A-She.

Su she: *flushed red* Huangdi.

Qin Su: ( Yao huangdi gives a lot of angel kisses, that leaves his chaos gang speechless. I really do miss his kisses)

Yao: A-Su, shall we move on?

A-Su: *blush* sure.

~~

Furthermore~~

*looking at peonies.*

Yao: aren't they lovely?

Qin Su: very! Jing Manor has the best peonies!.

Yao: yes, our gardeners are always well skilled.

Qin su: ah.

Mo xuanyu: Yao gege. I love your addition to the garden!

It's really pretty.

Yao: thanks A-yu.

Mo xuanyu: brightens up the place as well.

Yao: I agree.

Yao: *picks four roses*

*then he puts two in Qin Su's hair and then mo xuanyu's*

Mo xuanyu: ahhhh, Yao gege!!! *blushing* I'm gonna faint!

I will never take this off.

Yao: here's some more, darling.

Mo xuanyu: oh my oh my. I'm being pampered my my Yao gege. I love you, Yao gege!

Yao: *caresses his face*

Qin Su: *blushing*

Yao: forgive me.

Qin Su: for what?

Yao: for putting it in your hair. I find it suits you.

Qin Su: A-Yao, you're y husband.

You can do whatever with me, any time.

Yao: *smile*

Meanwhile this went on, a tiny fox spied on them and ran off. Then on the other side, Meng Shi was in her room drawing a few designs.

Sisi: what are these, Huanghou?

Meng Shi: jewelry designs.

Sisi: for????

Meng Shi: no one in particular.

Sisi: are you sure, dimples?

Meng Shi: of course I am.

Don't worry.

Sisi: Dimples, is it for your daughter-in-law?

Meng Shi: obviously A-Si. My daughter-in-law, the clan leader of Laoling Qin deserves the best jewelry.

Yao'er and A-Su are perfect together.

Sisi: they're cuties.

Meng shi: exactly.

Sisi: what do you like about her?

Meng Shi: her intellect and grace.

It matches with A-Yao's.

And she knows about the ups and downs of life.

You know. Like dealing with guangshan.

And supporting Madam Qin, who was harassed by him.

People like Madam Jin and Jin guangshan never experienced fighting for your image and respect.

Not even Xichen and the Nies know about struggle.

They have all earned it by birth but haven't fought for it really.

And they wouldn't even understand the struggle of women in this Jianghu.

Sisi: you're right.

But fortunately, Qin Su restored her mom's honour like A-Yao did with you.

Meng Shi: poor poor Madam Qin.

She was a hulijing, and Qin Cangye was the Jin subordinate.

Then this nasty guangshan interfered with her.

I See myself in Qin Su and her mom.

Sisi: Madam Qin is a hulijing?

Meng Shi: yes. But not anyone famous. But her mom was a cultivator and her dad was a hulijing.

Sisi: Huanghou jiejie, you know. Qin su is so demure, yet so strong.

Meng Shi: I agree. events and environment do shape an individual.

Sisi: mhm.

Meng Shi: and that's why I ship them.

My Yao'er deserves the most successful and down to earth. Someone who earned their success. Someone who's beautiful and elegant.

In their position, people look up to them for idealism and inspiration.

They're the best reigning pair to have!

Anyways, A-Si, I have a little spy who'll report to me.

Sisi: team D?

Meng Shi: no!

A little fox!

Sisi: little Dianxia?

Meng shi: mhm.

Rusong: *running in, while in his fox form* Nainai!!!!

Sisi: there's your Dianxia! he's so tiny.

Meng shi: yes! A pocket sized baby.

This was how A-Yao used to look around his age. When he turned into a fox.

Rusong: *turns back into a human* Nainai, A-Die put a peony in A-niang's hair.

Meng shi: awwwwwwww.

A-Si! Songsong, that's delightful!

Rusong: agreed! But Nainai, why team d keeps drinking vinegar?

Meng Shi: maybe because they like the taste. Heehee.

Rusong: lol.

Meng shi: did anyone see you?

Rusong: nop, I stayed out of sight. Told you I would make an amazing spy.

Meng Shi: good. *gives him some taels*

Rusong: thank you!!

Meng Shi: *kisses him on his forehead* Songsong is amazing.

~~~

Mo xuanyu: guys I'm gonna give you your privacy. I sense something cute is gonna happen.

Yao: if you wish, A-Yu. *hugs* take care.

Mo xuanyu: of course, Yao gege.

Yao: I'll catch up with team d later.

Qin Su: I wonder what's that cute thing.

Yao: I don't know.

Qin Su: *blushing* are they planning our wedding?

Yao: maybe.

Qin su: *hugs* Yao Huangdi.

Yao: *hugs*

Sakura blossoms then fell gracefully on them.

~~~

Team dimple: *hanging out in the fierce corpse training ground.*

Mo xuanyu: Shanshan. C...can a person make a flower.....into a bookmark? *blushing*

Su she: yes you can.

Mo xuanyu: *blushing*

Xue yang: didn't your rival do that because of Wuxian!

Su she: yea! A couple of losers. But team d can do it because it's for our flawless A-Yao.

Mo xuanyu: Yao gege gave me peonies!! He gave the other woman peonies too. But he gave me roses and that's all that matters.

But I think I should stop calling HER the other woman. Cuz she said I'm cute.

Xue yang: that's the team dimple rule. If they recognize that Jiggy is indeed hot and we're cute little simps, then we have no enmity with them.

Su she: once they don't challenge A-Yao and team dimple.

Mo xuanyu: this Lan lips always challenge team dimple. Taking A-Yao from us and having a right over him.

Xichen: *entering* team dimple.

Su she: speak of the lan disaster.

Mo xuanyu: ugh.

Xue yang: LAN LIPSSSS!! WE WERE NOW SPEAKING ABOUT YOU AND HOW YOU LIKE TO STEAL JIGGYBUN!!! YOU SELFISH LAN!

Xichen: *rolls eyes*

Mo xuanyu: did he just roll his eyes at us??

Su she: that's a criminal offense.

Xichen: guys. I just want to find out about that alliance.

Su she: I can't spill without my Huangdi's permission.

Xue yang: Jiggy and Qin Su are married dude.

Mo xuanyu: yea, they're a couple.

Xichen: Yes I know that part!! Well that's good for A-Yao and Qin Su reuniting.

A Huangdi must have his harem.

Qin Su and I are good friends.

Xue yang: Qin Su says you're evil.

Xichen: haha. That's not true.

And how come you guys aren't crying your eyes out.

Mo xuanyu: cuz Yao gege gave me a peony. Hehehehehehe.

Xue yang: cuz they're hot as hell. And it's true. They're getting married.

Su she: and I like to mess with you. Live in turmoil like the rest of the lans.

Xichen: omg.

Xue yang: yea. We're unhinged.