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Hi! I saw Kaoru tweeting about answers to an exam and certification. What does he mean by it, if you know?

Yep, so he recently created a 'Kaoru exam' for his blog. Subscribers could take the test and answer a series of of questions which he had set about himself.

The correct answers to the test were posted today, so we were able to check to see our scores.

There are no prizes, no awards etc for high scorers. Its just for a bit if fun. The questions are quite cute too!

He won't be doing this every month probably, but he may do it again at some point, so if you wanna take the Kaoru exam, best to join TTD 😉

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The Freedom of Expression, Radio version - Ep 18, Jan 2016 - Death row in Japan vs USA, Kim Jeong-Un's shoes, Bionic penis.

Kaoru introduces the show's concept, then Joe, then the contact info, and then begins his first topic.

This is about the photographer Henry Hargreaves, who created a series of photos detailing the last meals of death row inmates in the USA. Kaoru picks up on a few of the photos that caught his interest (see photos in link); the last meal of Victor Feguer, who requested a single olive with the pitt. He had found an olive in the breast pocket of the doctor he murdered, and so he wanted to be reborn as an olive tree after he was buried; the last meal of Timothy McVeigh, who was given the death sentence for blowing up the Alfred P. Murrah federal building in Oklahoma City. He requested two pints of mint chocolate chip ice cream; the last meal of John Wayne Gacey, who was found guilty of murdering 33 boys. His last meal was fried shrimp, KFC, potato fries, and a pound of strawberries. Kaoru mentions that there are many other examples, including steak, lobster, ice cream etc. He feels like these are the kind of things these people must have eaten as kids. Joe says he has been involved in talk events related to the death penalty before, and he mentions that the only developed nations that still carry out the death penalty today are the USA and Japan. However, in the USA it now depends on the state, and is not often carried out, so Japan is the only developed country that carries on with the death penalty in the same way, year after year. Up untill 1975, death row inmates in Japan were asked their final meal request the day before their execution, but this was changed in 1975, because many people would commit suicide once they were told that they were due to be executed the following day. Since that year, inmates are usually informed of their execution within the same day, and probably don't have the chance for a 'last meal'. He also says that the usual method of execution in the USA is lethal injection, but in Japan its death by hanging.  Inmates are given the chance to eat お供物/okumotsu in front of the Buddhist alter immediately before being hanged, but most are unable to eat at such a moment. Therefore Japanese inmates don't have the freedom to express their intention that American inmates have. Joe says the majority of the information concerning when and how executions take place in Japan is not made public. Once a decision has been made to execute, it usually takes place within 5 days, but when exactly is not publicly known. This can be problematic for the families of inmates who wish to know the date of death. This is one of the reasons why Joe is against the death penalty. He is not trying to tell people they have to oppose the death penalty, but realises this is a very difficult topic for the media to grapple with, which means that movements to abolish the death penalty do not gain much traction. He hopes that this episode can be a starting point for people to go out and read about the death penalty in Japan, either online or in books, so they can see the situation that the mass media never shows them. He personally feels that murder is being legally legitimised in war overseas, and domestically by use of the death penalty, and that taking a life in any circumstance is wrong, even the life of a criminal. Kaoru wonders whether the inmates in America sometimes become defiant after being told of their execution the following day, by ordering excessive amounts of food. He says there was even someone who requested to watch The Lord of the Rings while eating. Joe says there are a lot of things to consider. He's read that in Japan, a lot of inmates go into a kind of depressive state after they are told they will be executed that day.

Kaoru then lightens the topic by asking Joe what he would choose as his last meal if humanity were due to end tomorrow. Joe says at the moment he would choose cafe-style napolitan spaghetti. Shinbashi is a great place for napolitan apparently. For Kaoru it would probably be something like miso soup, rice, and pickles. He'd be less concerned about what he ate, and happy just to have a full stomach. They then wonder what Kami would choose. Perhaps Okonomiyaki, he is a native of Kansai after all.

Next they welcome Tasai for the Tokyo Sports corner. Tasai says he also loves napolitan and even makes it at home. His first topic relates to North Korea. It was big news that North Korea had successfully tested a hydrogen bomb in early Jan 2016, but the story Tokyo Sports in interested in is that according to 'sources', Kim jong-un's sister Kim yo-jong is responsibile for his 'secret boots' (he apparently uses shoes with in-built lifts to make him appear taller). It is speculated that having such a duty, amongst others, might mean she could be the intended successor. Joe mentions that the existence of this news means that the shoes are obviously no longer secret. Are Tokyo Sports shaking up North Korea with this news on Kaoru's radio show?? They think they had better be careful with this! Joe jokingly asks Tasai whether Tokyo Sports are trying to drag InterFM down with them. Tasai says, no, but they might want to be extra careful while they are on their way home later. Kim is possibly wearing the boots to improve his appeal/charisma in view of the people, after the successful hydrogen bomb test. Tasai jokes that this story may have the potential to finally bring down Kim jong-un.

Tasai's next story is that of a British man, Mohammed Abad, who had lost his own penis and was given a functioning bionic penis by doctors. He had lost his own in an accident as a child when he was six, but as an adult a new one has been made using skin grafts. The skin was placed around a tube that can be filled with air to make it errect. After being able to 'use' it for the first time, Abad is apparently very happy with the results. Kaoru feels like he wants to congratulate the man. Tasai mentions that if a man makes it to 40 without having sex, they will lack confidence in their life. Therefore he wanted to share this good news with everyone. Kaoru wonders how the bionic penis actually feels. If the guy had sex for the first time with it, how does he know thats what its supposed to feel like? They all agree that if they guy feels mentally satisfied, thats the most important thing.

Kaoru finishes with a quick mention of his Budokan shows, which are due the following week, and hopes people will watch the shows and get a picture of the future of Dir en grey for the following year. He asks listeners to mail in their thoughts.

 

Songs - Soilwork/Stalemate, Dir en grey/KR Cube.

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So the theme of the new MV is actually AI itself?

This is obviously a lot deeper than some fans had assumed, and I'm liking it.

I think this has to be one of the deepest videos they've made.

Really, since when is this band gonna make artistic decisions just because its cheap??

I really hope all these people who straight out sent complaints are reconsidering.

Waiting to see the real thing before making a conclusion wins!

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As Im waiting till next week to get the single, this will help me until then. Many, many great photos. Definitely worth getting!

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Kaoru tweeted that he thinks Sakamoto Shinichi's drawing of Roosevelt is really cool. This is for an updated version of Shueisha's World History manga series.

Manga info here

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DIR EN GREY 『The Devil In Me』

Promo display | 2024.01.20 Gorilla Hall Osaka.

© killer0216.

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DIR EN GREY 『The Devil In Me』

Promo display | 2024.01.20 Gorilla Hall Osaka.

© killer0216.

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I like the fact that someone is sharing a screenshot of my TFOE summary on X/Twitter and spouting disinformation with it, and then blocking me when I call them out.

Can we just make one thing clear?

The members were not starved and mistreated on tour. Whatever you may think of the management, there is NO reason to assume they are holding the members prisoners under draconian, cheapskate conditions. And certainly no reason to spout such assumption as fact in public.

Yes, Kyo was complaining, but Kyo just complains. Thats how he is. Those of you subscribed to TheThe Day can see how much Kaoru suffered on tour (i.e He didn't).

As for the new MV, this seemingly was also not solely a result of management demanding cheapness, as we heard from Kaoru recently when he was describing some of the background.

As for the complaint about the overseas merch store, Dir en grey are a niche band in Japan, and an even nicher one overseas. As a first go at setting up a store for overseas fsns, it seems perfectly fine to me. If the merch sells, they will probably continue invest more in it, like any business. Give them a chance, instead of just instant condemnation. Don't even get me started on how many Japanese fans LOVED the merch in the overseas store.

Based on the amount of people who apparently complained profusely in the tour survey about use of AI etc, I would honestly not be surprised if the management think twice about sending the band to Europe again soon. Why would they send them after getting so many complaints??

I really wish people would consider this.

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So, the merch for the Psychonnect tour has a series of items entitled "___ which the members will hate"....for example, "Bathtowel which the members will hate" 😂

What could it be?? Gauze era photos printed on them??

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A post shared by 薫 (@kaoru_crooo)

Ready for Gauze mode!!!

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A post shared by ジョー横溝 (@joeyokomizo_official)

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A post shared by ジョー横溝 (@joeyokomizo_official)

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The last episode of TFOE!

Kaoru actually singing live on air!

It was Joe's birthday recently, so Kaoru and Tasai sang Happy Birthday. In reality, it was more like talking the lyrics, but still!! 😂

Kaoru also explained a bit about the music video for The Devil in Me. The members were filmed in front of a green screen, and the background is a mixture of AI and CG, with director Kondo still hard at work on the full video. This approach was decided upon through discussions between the members and Director Kondo. Kaoru said he was thinking about showcasing the full video had it been ready, but alas, it isn't ready yet.

They asked viewers to write questions about the mv in the comments. I asked what the meaning of all the pink was, Joe read this out, and Kaoru answered "Pink". They laughed at this...so did I!

For the main they did a TFOE quiz, with 5 questions about the first ever Niconama broadcast where Kaoru was dressed as Sweeny Todd (Flashbacks to my UK dentist nightmare 😂).

They then read out a few of the comments people had sent in about things they had graduated from. Following this, Kaoru was brought two trays full of prawn/shrimp dishes, since he recently 'graduated' from his dislike of shrimp. He happily tried them all.

To finish the free part, Kaoru mentioned that there are still quite a lot of tickets left for the Osaka dates of the upcoming tour, since this venue is quite large. Get your tickets everyone!!

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TFOE Radio InterFM version - fan summaries 2015 - 2017

(Topics of each show listed in the links)

Ep 1 Concept of show

Ep 2 - A.I, Military expansion protest, Revenge porn

Ep 3 - Dokugen, Agnes Chan/online liability.

Ep 4 - Dark fashion, Kawashima Naomi/Erotic movies, Igarashi Megumi/Censoring obscenity.

Ep 5 - Taiwan, Doraemon movie, Male only/female only live controversy, Weak school kids.

Ep 6 Mexico, Arche cover design, Honda Keisuke, Playboy magazine.

Ep 7 - Arche cover design, Murder case in Tokyo

Ep 8 - Photography at overseas lives, Doppelgangers, Osaka's Lupin, Celebrities using drugs

Ep 10 - Arche cover design, Shadow art, Murder case, Actor denying fatherhood of child.

Live special #1

Live Special #2

Ep 13 - Banned album covers, Murder case, Sexually suggestive poster.

Ep 14 - Photography, air guitars

Ep 15 Movie recommendations, Grumpy sports personalities, Japan-South Korea relations.

Ep 16 Kaoru's talk event, David Bowie, New Years tv

Ep 17 - Amp simulators, Coming of Age, Trust in staff

Ep 18 - Death row in Japan vs USA, Kim jong-un's shoes, Bionic penis.

Ep 19 - Fukushima Daiichi visit, Baseball player caught doing drugs.

Ep 20 - A.I. Technology, STAP cell/Obokata Haruko controversy.

Ep 21 - Budokan impressions, Questions from listeners, First Japanese politician ever to attempt to take paternity leave caught cheating days before wife gives birth.

Ep 22 - Q and A with Kaoru, Kiyohara drug scandal, Celebrities becoming politicians.

Ep 23 - Fan comments, Child killer identity leak, Politician suggests shutting down politically biased content.

Ep 24 - 5th Anniversary of 3/11, Human canvass artwork, Kyo hayfever, Actress childless by choice, Celeb Instagram spat.

Ep 25 - Old live houses, Censoring of smoking scenes, Beat Takeshi, Arrest of celebrity doctor.

Ep 26 - Ideal female body shape, Child daycare shortage, Ban on beards

Ep 27 - Instant yakisoba, TV/radio presenter faked academic record, New jingle appeal.

Ep 28 - Opposition Party name change, Madonna late to own concert, Baseball players caught illegally betting on games.

Ep 29 - Taboo surrounding disabled sex, Former AV star Dan Mitsu entering politics?

Ep 30 - Internet regulations, Unfair treatment in relation to drugs offenses, Tax hike controversy/criticism of Japanese bureaucracy.

Ep 31 - New jingle campaign, UFOs, French comics/Bandes dessinées.

Ep 32 - Domestic violence, Racial discrimination in USA, Chiba legend 'Jaguar', Ancient mummy wearing Addidas.

Ep 33 - New jingle campaign, Panama Papers leak.

Ep 34 - Death-row art, Man mistakes bear cub for puppy, Japan's place in World Press Freedom Index

Ep 35 - Live-streamed suicide, Tokyo Governer Masuzoe Yōichi scandal, Celebrity Becky's apology for affair, Idol stabbed over 20 times by fan.

Ep 36 - The status of cannabis in Japan, Tokyo Governer financial scandal, Hillary Clinton's promise to reveal UFO info if elected president.

Ep 38 - Subliminal messages, Japanese comedian takes on Cambodian nationality to compete in Olympics, The appeal of Japanese women overseas

Ep 39 - Naked living, Tokyo Sports 'Lowlife Awards', Muhammad Ali's death.

Ep 40 - Time cover showing pregnant rape victim, Hiranabe's bad luck, Brexit

Ep 41 - Underwater band Aquasonic, Tracking a spouse with GPS, Ichiro beats Pete Rose's world record.

Ep 42 - Mode of Vulgar tour finished, Security issues at Rio de janeiro Olympics, Actor Ishida Junichi running for Tokyo Governor?

Ep 43 - Inadequate media election coverage, Increase in motiveless crime.

Ep 44 - Announcement of another live special, Pokemon Go, Palm reading/Palmistry.

Ep 45 - Dobashi in Brazil, 'Crush the NHK' election broadcast, Shark movies.

Live Special #3

Ep 46 - Pokemon Go, Celebrity lawyer in trouble

Ep 47 - Hierarchy in groups/bands, the language barrier overseas.

Ep 48 - Judge posts pictures of himself in his underpants on Twitter, Olympic marathon runner Neko Hiroshi, PM Abe as Mario at Olympic closing ceremony.

Ep 49 - Diverse beauty pageant, Sex doll theft.

Ep 50 - Public reading of erotic literature in library, Dobashi returns from Brazil (with condoms).

Ep 51 - Illustrated guide to poo, Bust reducing bra

Ep 52 - Image of the 'perfect face', Celeb makes AV debut, Thai red-light districts facing destruction.

Ep 53 - Elaborate bentō boxes, Dubious assault on hotel worker by actor, Weekly mag Shūkan Bunshun.

Ep 54 - Playing pre-recorded songs at lives, thought provoking messages, PR video portraying eel as girl in swimwear.

Ep 55 - Fan feedback, Thoughts on Mode of DSS tour, Security cameras in schools.

Ep 56 - Jumping on the Halloween bandwagon, Futon maker-turned-fashion maker.

Ep 57 - Bob Dylan wins Nobel Prize, Headlines taken out of context

Ep 58 - Unique tap/faucet designs, Gang rape carried out by Keiō University students

Ep 59 - Looking at works of art from different perspectives, Sinkhole opens up in Fukuoka.

Ep 60 - Illustrated stationary guide/Kaoru's love of drawing, Shin Godzilla.

Ep 61 - Pun art, Nikkatsu erotic movies revival.

Ep 62 - Retouched/Photoshopped images in magazines, Musician arrested for drug use a second time.

Ep 63 - German dinner projection art, Abe-Trump discussing PikoTaro

Ep 64 - Van Gogh animation 'Loving Vincent', Buzzword of the year.

Ep 65 - Christmas, Controversial Fabreeze CM, Rocker Uchida Yūya.

Ep 66 - LAST EPISODE - Looking back at the show.

The radio versions were uploaded to Youtube by Kie, I have simply summarized the content in English. Take a look below!

https://youtube.com/channel/UCR94HUT_vEflCpuGxuqpPqg

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If you want to see exactly how much the band was eating in Europe, sign up to TheThe Day! (Thumbnail not Europe tho 😂)

https://x.com/kaorugeee/status/1778728803805823030?t=Tdg2xwuBBcJEo6y-PckcZw&s=09