#happy birthday keiko 2023

[akihabaradivision]

Thank you!

With this, Keiko's birthday sadly comes to an end. I had a feeling that more people wanted to give her something so I extended her birthday until today. Thanks to everyone who did so, and those who gave her something the day before. With Keiko's birthday over, this ends this year's round of OC birthdays to deal with until next month when her mom, Aika's, comes around. Personally, I'm looking forward to the hijinks that ensue there. Thanks to everyone again, and I hope you all have a very safe and happy holiday!

-

Keiko is sitting in her bedroom at her desk, busy doodling something in her sketchpad. She sighs as made a mistake somewhere, though from a novice's eyes, the mistake is unnoticeable. Placing her pencil down, she picks up the eraser and is about to begin erasing before she notices the camera.

"Sometimes, I think doodling is more work than drawing out the actual image. Why? Because when you doodle, it starts out that way until it becomes an actual work that you want to complete and make it look good because you never knew when you may need it again... if that makes sense. Suffice to say, I don't like doodling, but I do like doodles."

"Anyway, I wanted to say 'thank you' to everyone who delivered me an early Christmas present, i.e. some birthday gifts. Some people complain about their birthdays being too close to Christmas, but I actually don't mind it. It just means I have more to look forward to. But again, I really appreciate it to everyone. I'm glad to know that there are people who look me for me, and not just because I'm a manga artist. So... thanks again."

She gives the camera a wave and a smile before going back to work, before she groans and eventually crumples the paper up, joining its friends in the full trash can behind her.

[real-life-senshi]

OMG OMG OMG

Komatsu Ayaka (live-action Aino Minako/Sailor Venus/Sailor V) got married on her birthday - July 23, 2023 JST!!!!!

Ayaka shared she and her now-husband submitted their papers and made everything official at Sendai, Japan, due to the location of where her husband works. Her husband is someone she's been seeing and isn't part of the entertainment industry.

She is so stunning in the wedding dress I am in awe! Congratulations, Ayaka!!!!

Keiko already retweeted Ayaka's announcement and shared her well-wishes. Translation:

Komacchan Congratulations on your marriage🎉 Komacchan is always kind and warm. That my best friend who walked through life together with me for 20 years got married, I feel so happy as if it were my own life. ☺️ I wish you a long and happy life together…!

Keiko using her nickname for Ayaka and calling Ayaka her best friend have me in tears. <3

Miyuu retweeted as well, and many fellow cast members have commented on Instagram, etc. I'll keep an eye on any more blog posts or retweet and translate them as it comes in.

This was only announced less than an hour ago.

[putschki1969]

C.C.C. Live Stream Ambient Border: Hikaru Guest Appearance

Sorry, I am a bit late with these news. Hikaru was a guest at today’s live stream on the C.C.C. YouTube Channel. Thankffully, the video got archived. Hikaru is talking about her upcoming appearance in the stage play “Ambient Border” in which she will play the character “Asebi”. A majority of the broadcast was dedicated to a section with 100 rapid fire questions, some of the stuff was kinda interesting because but overall nothing too exciting. Look beneath the cut for a rough summary!! On a side note, Hikaru is wearing a hoodie that’s part of the official merchandise (not on sale anymore tho).

『アンビエントボーダー』プレイベント『Ambient Border -DAWN-』 Event title: “Ambient Border -DAWN-” Venue: Akihabara Talk Live BAR from scratch Date: December 17 【Day】OPEN 14:30 / START 15:00 (~2h) 【Night】OPEN 18:30 / START 19:00 (~2h) Tickets: Ticket with XMAS Present:¥4,000＋１drink(￥500) Pre-order ticket: ¥3,000＋１drink(￥500) Door ticket：¥4,000＋１drink(￥500)

『アンビエントボーダー/Ambient Border』 ・ Date: 2023, Feb 01 - Feb 05 (8 performances in total） 2/1 19:00 2/2 19:00★ 2/3 14:00★ / 19:00★ 2/4 13:00★ / 18:00★ 2/5 12:00   / 16:00★ ★ A different mini live is scheduled to take place after the performances ★ Hikaru’s mini live is scheduled for the 1st performance on February 3 ・ Location: CBGK Shibugeki !! Check out ALL Ambient Border NEWS HERE!

100 Questions with Hikaru

Rough summary of Hikaru’s 100 Rapid Fire Questions:

Name: Hikaru | Sex: Female | Birthday: July 2 | Age: 35 | Height: 155cm | Dominant hand: Right-handed but holds microphone in left hand | Grip strength: ~30kg | Shoe-size: 23cm; Feet are small but wide | Blood type: 0 | Birthplace: Toyama | Uni club activities:? | Favourite sport: None | Any lessons she took: Piano, tennis, drums, musical | Part-time jobs: Nursery, Doutor, family restaurant, hotel lobby | Current hobby: Sleeping, reading, watching TV etc | Special skill:None | Motto: Persistence pays off | Why: Because finding the will to continue is always hard | Siblings: 1 younger sister | Pet you would want?: Something small | Favourite food: Egg and chicken | Least favourite food: Everything she cannot handle even if she tried to give it a try again and again | Favourite train station: Toyama Station | Why: Because it’s her hometown | Favourite animal: Small animals | Least favourite animal: Bugs | Favourite colour: Black, white, red, blue | Favourite season: When it’s not too hot or too cold | Favourite day of the week: No idea, she likes all of them | Dream for the future: Continue singing | Recent present that made her happy: No recent presents from anyone but she gave a neat present to Keiko | Something you want recently: ? | Special meal to cook: Anything you just need to boil | Favourite electronic device: Microwave | What to put on fried egg: soy sauce | What’s best to combine with rice: Mentaiko | Favourite brand: Nothing specific | Believe in destiny: Yes | Any place she is happy to have visited: Every place she has visited | Any place she wants to visit: Every place she hasn’t visited yet | Favourite TV program: Moya stuff | Favourite drama: Doesn’t watch it | Favourite film: Before Sunrise | Favourite Japanese comedy: Moya Moya Summers | Favourite anime: too much but basically everything by CLAMP - she s dying to see the X-Series finished  |  Favourite character: Too many | Favourite manga: Too many | Some voice actor questions with some random names I don’t know | How many hours of sleep: 3-5 | Ideal date: At home | Something that hasn’t changed in her life: She never lies and she is stubborn | Any fetish: Legs | her charm point: She asks the viewers | If she had to compare herself to an animal: Sloth | Favourite 4-character-idiom: 温故知新 = gain new sights by studying the past | Favourite game/pastime as a child: Puzzle | Nickname as child: Hikaru, Hi-chan | Recent happy moment: When singing | How does she reward herself: Sleeping, reading, manga, anime | Favourite artist: Beyonce | Favourite genre: R’n’B | Favourite song: Too many but she loves Ambient Border atm | Play any instruments: She took some piano and drum lessons but hasn’t played in ages | Instrument she would like to play: Anything with strings but mostly guitar or bass but her hands might be too small | Biggest fail during a live: Dropping her microphone | Favourite venue: She loves all of them | What do you want to it right now: Donuts | If she could return to her student days: If there is something she wants to do, she won’t hesitate to do it | Favourite miso soup ingredient: Wakame, onions and egg | Sweet or savoury: Both | Are her drawings any good: No | Big smile for the viewers | One suggestion to do something: Get a ticket for Ambient Border | One suggestion to stop doing something: Stop hesitating to subscribe to her YouTube channel | Favourite Ambient Border character: ? | Highlight of Ambient Border: The fact that it is very entertaining | Favourite oden ingredient: radish, konyaku, egg | Non-negotiable policy: Stand by one’s beliefs and refuse to bow | Words that made her happy: Any praise really | Something she likes about herself: She has no idea | Something she would like to improve about herself: Her inability to deal with sudden changes  | A habit: Always using formal speech in mails | If you could bring one item to an inhabited island, what would it be: Knife | What #2 in your Top 10 of all-time favourite things: Singing | Most expensive thing she has bought recently: Nothing really | What would you do if you weren’t a singer: Teacher of young kids in nursery school | Favourite gesture of the opposite sex: | What would you tell Hikaru from 10 years ago: Let’s do our best | What would you like to ask Hikaru 10 years from now: What are you doing? | If you could time travel, where would you go: She would rather not travel through time | Challenge she would like to take on: Compose songs | What would she do on the last day of earth: Meet people she wants to meet, eat what she wants to eat, just do normal stuff | What’s your personal Ambient Border: Chance and opportunity | Final few words: Everyone go see Ambient Border.

[thyele]

2023年1月30日

Deshabillz2023年4月29日(土) 名古屋 MUSIC FARMさん「押忍！間も無くチケット販売開始となります！ おう！よろしくな！名古屋で俺たちの散り様を観ろ！ 押忍！笑、散らない散らない あ、ちらし寿司にする？無配 押忍！しないから！ #間も無く宜しくです #4月29日名古屋ミュージックファーム #無料配布はいいよなぁ #Deshabillz https://t.co/VnZK8Eofw8」https://twitter.com/Deshabillz2022/status/1619529675285618688

森 翼mori tsubasa/MIMIZUQさん「おはようモイ！iPhoneからキャス配信中 - https://t.co/RzXZlWHbqS」https://twitter.com/mori_tsubasa/status/1619529800313610241

森 翼mori tsubasa/MIMIZUQさん「犬についていく https://t.co/RzXZlWHbqS」https://twitter.com/mori_tsubasa/status/1619530831902687233

SOPHIA_OFFICIALさん「✨お知らせ✨ 松岡充 ニコニコチャンネル「Matsuotterの裏世のヲタ」 第141回 Matsuotterの裏世のヲタ生放送 ～バナココセットって何? SP～ 本日、1月29日(日)21:00～ 生放送予定です！🌻 ぜひ御覧ください。 https://t.co/kf5sS7AIlt ※前半15分ほど無料視聴可能です！ #SOPHIA #SOPHIA松岡充」https://twitter.com/SOPHIA_OFFICIAL/status/1619533463312551936

akiさん「2023年1月28日(土) 高田馬場 @CLUBPHASE 1日2回公演 ご来場ご視聴ありがとうございました アーカイブ視聴チケット発売中です 配信開始翌日から起算して 7日後の17:59迄 14日後の17:59迄 30日後の21:00迄 ※視聴期間は各アーカイブ終了日の23:59までとなります。 ZAIKO https://t.co/QeEhrdEWjb」https://twitter.com/aki_official/status/1619534046392119298

ザゴッドアンドデススターズさん「本日チケット発売」https://twitter.com/davidskullno/status/1619538047883948032

邪悪四弦LINAさん「NEiN 2023.2/4 博多DRUM LOGOS 2023.2/26 吉祥寺CRESCENDO 博多と吉祥寺、両日おもっくそやらせて頂きますぜ！ ２年前博多では[諸事情]により博多ならではな食べ物が全く食べれなかったので今度こそ食べたいなぁ 食べたいなぁ(°_°) https://t.co/Xm0ZME0yqw」https://twitter.com/L_ch_vazm/status/1619538749737799680

akiさん「素晴らしい幕開けでした(・Д・)ノみんなの声援も嬉しかったです。やっぱりフェイスベールは無い方が歌いやすいな。ライブ配信アーカイブチケット発売中ですので是非。 https://t.co/QeEhrdEWjb 次回は3月18日(土) 4月22日(土) 高田馬場 @CLUBPHASE です。ご来場でも茶の間でも(・Д・)ノ是非」https://twitter.com/aki_official/status/1619541149135548416

森 翼mori tsubasa/MIMIZUQさん「野良犬について行く配信終わってテラスでコーヒー飲んでたら「昨日FESで見てファンになりました！サインください。」って。ファンが1人増えた。嬉しかった。次の Liveの予定を聞かれたからMIMIZUQのツアーがあるよ。東名阪で。って言った。ぽかんとしてた。ファンが1人減ったかもしれない。 https://t.co/h8NxqS5MRs」https://twitter.com/mori_tsubasa/status/1619542021336887296

SUGIZOさん「奇跡のデビューLIVE。。。 Photo by Keiko TANABE. #THELASTROCKSTARS #TLRS #YOSHIKI #HYDE #SUGIZO #MIYAVI @YoshikiOfficial @HydeOfficial_ @MIYAVI_OFFICIAL @LAST_ROCKSTARS https://t.co/i6yBDXKS5n」https://twitter.com/SUGIZOofficial/status/1619542998873939970

Hydeさん「[STAFF] #TheLastRockstars are coming to ROCK New York City 2023 Debut Tour SOLD OUT! New show JUST ADDED Feb 3 at #HammersteinBallroom Tix: https://t.co/Blc2FAIO7Q #YOSHIKI #HYDE #SUGIZO #MIYAVI @LAST_ROCKSTARS @YoshikiOfficial @SUGIZOofficial @MIYAVI_OFFICIAL」https://twitter.com/HydeOfficial_/status/1619545914586320898

Hydeさん「今日は何の日？ #YOSHIKI #HYDE #SUGIZO #MIYAVI #THELASTROCKSTARS #東京ガーデンシアター #HYDEBIRTHDAY #HYDE誕生祭2023 #hydeHBD https://t.co/4ATg7HZZ2h」https://twitter.com/HydeOfficial_/status/1619546704298283009

森 翼mori tsubasa/MIMIZUQさん「はいどうもーCOWCOWでーす。 https://t.co/w00hPDmaXL」https://twitter.com/mori_tsubasa/status/1619546796258385922

Jさん「急げ!!!!!!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥」https://twitter.com/J_wumf/status/1619550281641123842

森 翼mori tsubasa/MIMIZUQさん「2月 4(土)茨木Mariana cafe🦉 5(日)北堀江club vijon🦉 12(日)渋谷gee-ge.あとは全部嫌い 19(日)渋谷gee-ge.3マン 23(祝・木)代々木LODGE 昼夜🦉 25(土)名古屋鑪ら場 26(日)今池GROW 3月 1(水)原宿RUIDO 田澤孝介×森翼 3(金)新潟十日町 そのあとタイに出発🇹🇭 次は5月に戻るのかな🇯🇵 https://t.co/pkkZSq3GFu」https://twitter.com/mori_tsubasa/status/1619554951201685509

Yoshikiさん「Happy birthday Hyde! @HydeOfficial_ @LAST_ROCKSTARS https://t.co/VO0Gq06aCw #YOSHIKI #hyde #sugizo #miyavi #thelastrockstars #tlrs #ラスロク #tokyo #NYC #LA https://t.co/jJxdr97FBx」https://twitter.com/YoshikiOfficial/status/1619556138395250688

Yoshikiさん「#TheLastRockstars are coming to ROCK #NewYorkCity 2023 Debut Tour New show JUST ADDED Feb 3 at #HammersteinBallroom Tix: https://t.co/QNuacMcIhk #YOSHIKI #HYDE #SUGIZO #MIYAVI @LAST_ROCKSTARS @YoshikiOfficial @HydeOfficial_ @SUGIZOofficial @MIYAVI_OFFICIAL」https://twitter.com/YoshikiOfficial/status/1619556895320322050

KING OFFICIALさん「【TODAY】 2023.1.29(日) 柏PALOOZA KING ONEMAN LIVE 〝蒼天航路〟 OPEN 17:00 / START 17:30 ■入場当日券受付中 https://t.co/fVrWiN5YHk ※整理番号不要の方は直接会場へ ※キャンセル連絡必須 contact@kingryo.com チケットの交換、譲渡、無断キャンセル不可   ■配信 https://t.co/dkivo5l4wj https://t.co/wxiNvin7n1」https://twitter.com/KINGOFFICIAL114/status/1619559745551241217

KING OFFICIALさん「【KING WEB SHOP】 ■チェキ 公演当日21:00まで https://t.co/O4cjT66UHp ※受付期間後は、フォームが開いてる間は、ご注文承ります。 お忘れの方は、ご注文いただいて大丈夫です。 ■KING NEW ALBUM 〝CRY OUT TO HEAVEN〟 https://t.co/epgpeQqgtO ■通常通販 https://t.co/ERDSYYIonH https://t.co/PP2SwW3QJD」https://twitter.com/KINGOFFICIAL114/status/1619559780703674369

Ryuichi Kawamuraさん「a cRoss✨ https://t.co/2dNqDto9O3」https://twitter.com/RyuichiKawamur2/status/1619571683463172096

THE FIRST TIMES_NEWSさん「LUNA SEA、カムバック公演の映像作品『復活祭 -A NEW VOICE- 』のジャケットビジュアル公開 #LUNASEA #THEFIRSTTIMES @LUNASEAOFFICIAL ▼写真・記事の詳細はこちら https://t.co/Zeg4bmKufg」https://twitter.com/The_FirstTimesN/status/1619244133889019905

UNIVERSAL MUSIC STOREさん「【LUNA SEA】 ＼ジャケ写公開／ 2023年3月14日（火）発売 『復活祭 -A NEW VOICE- 日本武道館』💿✨ 当ストア限定セットのご予約は1月31日(火)23:59まで✅ https://t.co/D5gjIuLWL7 #LUNASEA #復活祭 https://t.co/dOrUbTV42u」https://twitter.com/UM_STORE_JP/status/1619245127284805632

HYDE CHANNELさん「【1/30(月)22:30〜放送】 THE LAST ROCKSTARS 日本公演ファイナル終演直後 YOSHIKI、HYDE、SUGIZO、MIYAVI 生出演 https://t.co/4RcTd5xWCI #YOSHIKI #HYDE #SUGIZO #MIYAVI #THELASTROCKSTARS @YoshikiOfficial @HydeOfficial_ @SUGIZOofficial @MIYAVI_OFFICIAL @LAST_ROCKSTARS https://t.co/QrGiSHlCb7」https://twitter.com/HYDECHANNEL/status/1619577521623957504

Kaoruさん「なぜこれがこうなる？？🐴🦽→⚫️ 初めての事で何が起きてるのかわからず目が点だった😶 #MarilynManson #MarilynMarathon https://t.co/VthvUnG8Gs」https://twitter.com/ka_o0721/status/1619019920502816769

Kaoruさん「Marilyn Marathon live video📹 @M_Marathon_JP Largest Kyatatu🪜 Marilyn Manson Copy band🤡 #MarilynManson #MarilynMarathon #CopyBand #AntichristSuperstar #AdultCultureFestival https://t.co/dtqqYtGA3B」https://twitter.com/ka_o0721/status/1619341340646711298

YOSHIKI CHANNELさん「1/30(月)22:30～ YOSHIKI CHANNEL 放送決定 初ライブ日本公演ファイナルを終えたばかりの #TheLastRockstars #YOSHIKI,#HYDE,#SUGIZO,#MIYAVI が会場から生出演　 niconico(日本語) https://t.co/MTsgXR92cv YouTube(２ヶ国語同時放送) https://t.co/HQrbz7Cky4 @YoshikiOfficial @LAST_ROCKSTARS https://t.co/T25KJnz43S」https://twitter.com/YoshikiChannel/status/1619572659767115778

西邑卓哲 | 𝗔𝗖𝗠：：：さん「今日はヴァロットン展へ。最高だった！！！！階調無き大胆な白と黒が特徴的だけれど年代を追って観ていくと(照明としての)光の当て方と影の大胆さも際立ち、映像美を極めた映画や写真を見ている感覚にもなった。報道写真のような批評性、風景画に見られた意外なジャポニズムの��響も面白かった……◎◎ https://t.co/NYBRhvbO5n」https://twitter.com/takaaki_FOXPILL/status/1619585191810580481

SUGIZOさん「[SugizoTube] 【1/30(月)22:30〜生放送】 #THELASTROCKSTARS 日本公演ファイナル終演直後 #YOSHIKI #HYDE #SUGIZO #MIYAVI 生出演 日本公演ファイナルを終えたばかりのメンバーが生出演! https://t.co/ARzTyC2LDD @YoshikiOfficial @HydeOfficial_ @SUGIZOofficial @MIYAVI_OFFICIAL @LAST_ROCKSTARS https://t.co/9kcByXeCai」https://twitter.com/SUGIZOofficial/status/1619585881807126534

YOSHIKI CHANNELさん「Mon, Jan 30, 10:30 pm JST #TheLastRockstars special broadcast on #YOSHIKICHANNEL #YOSHIKI #HYDE #SUGIZO & #MIYAVI will appear live after the show in Japan! YouTube -JP or Bilingual https://t.co/HQrbz7Cky4 Niconico -JP https://t.co/MTsgXR92cv @YoshikiOfficial @LAST_ROCKSTARS https://t.co/z2nk0Be25W」https://twitter.com/YoshikiChannel/status/1619572992350248967

中島卓偉さん「春ツアーのプレイガイド先行は本日までですー！うわ〜〜〜〜！ #中島卓偉」https://twitter.com/takuinakajima/status/1619587686947516418

森 翼mori tsubasa/MIMIZUQさん「めっちゃ嬉しい！！！」https://twitter.com/mori_tsubasa/status/1619590644623867905

首���りDollsさん「【nao弾き語り】 2023/03/06(月) 東高円寺https://t.co/iJ9NnjP9It 『キィキィ A GOGO!!』 -LIVE- ▪︎古川貴之(Marsberg Subway System) ▪︎nao(首振りDolls) ▪︎タカイリョウ(the twenties) -DJ- ▪︎ジョニーダイアモンド(首振りDolls) チケット予約只今より開始！ https://t.co/Nm8HFpH8i2 https://t.co/DRmzO142sn」https://twitter.com/KubihuriDolls/status/1619591300747071488

SUGIZOさん「Happy Birthday HYDE!!!!! 🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉 キミと一緒にバンドをやれて心から光栄に思っているよ！ いつも本当にありがとう。 これからも共に飛翔していこう！ Wishing you a wonderful new year!!!!! With Love, SGZ @HydeOfficial_ @LAST_ROCKSTARS https://t.co/ReUXnAOsXJ」https://twitter.com/SUGIZOofficial/status/1619592277999116288

密室ノイローゼさん「【チケット好評発売中❗️】 「三位一体の五夜」 ▶︎出演 aie / Kaya / 桜井青 ▶︎2023年2月7日(火)＠下北沢SHELTER Open18:30/start19:00 4,500円(1D別) ▶︎🎫 LivePocketにて https://t.co/A7JeY7r9H3 ▶︎詳細 https://t.co/xdNE4RdBPy #カリガリ #caligari #桜井青 https://t.co/pvqB1BC7Vf」https://twitter.com/SHUMI_MISSITSU/status/1619576197641388033

Yoshikiさん「Yeah, I'm playing the drums without a corset this tour. I see doctors every day, It might be the last time I hit the drums🤣 #YOSHIKI #TheLastRockstars #HYDE #SUGIZO #MIYAVI @LAST_ROCKSTARS @HydeOfficial_ @SUGIZOofficial @MIYAVI_OFFICIAL」https://twitter.com/YoshikiOfficial/status/1619596105544769538

Yoshikiさん「そう、今回コルセットなしでドラム叩いてる 毎日医者にいってるけど なるようになれって感じ。。 ドラム叩くの最後になるかも🤣 #YOSHIKI #TheLastRockstars #HYDE #SUGIZO #MIYAVI @LAST_ROCKSTARS」https://twitter.com/YoshikiOfficial/status/1619596256451645442

金髪豚野郎K助(偽殿下)さん「やっとドラム叩けるー！ (°_°) https://t.co/V3cxwvIRbP」https://twitter.com/goldenpigdrumer/status/1619611530382970882

Yoshikiさん「どうなろうと、もうすぐショーが始まる、叫べよーー！ Regardless the show will start soon. Screeeeam! #YOSHIKI https://t.co/mzCbI49ML9 #TheLastRockstars #HYDE #SUGIZO #MIYAVI @LAST_ROCKSTARS https://t.co/GPnsLACgjf」https://twitter.com/YoshikiOfficial/status/1619623320022044672

魚住 英里奈(独唱)さん「一日一日には必ず一人天使がいる」https://twitter.com/erina_chas/status/1619630786256457729

[akihabaradivision]

It was now nightfall in Akihabara and a certain birthday girl was spending the day relaxing and sketching, mindlessly doodling before stopping as the doorbell rang. Pausing her sketching, she placed her sketchbook and pencil down and got up from where she was comfortably seated and walked towards the door, after looking through the peephole she opened the door and was greeted by her friend and fellow artist, Kureha Koizumi of Saitama Division.

“Happy Birthday, Keiko.” The gothic artist smiled lightly as the blonde let her in, she noticed that she held an assortment of presents in her arms and immediately knew that they were for her. The mangaka lead the other girl to the living room where they sat on the couch and Kureha placed each present on the coffee table in front of them, “I wanted to get here sooner but I had to finish up some last minute holiday commissions but I hope you like them.”

Picking up one of the presents, the blonde girl opened it to reveal a LED desk lap featuring the infamous characters of the popular anime, Sailor Moon.

Opening the second gift, it was revealed to be a bundle of sketchbooks featuring various Sanrio characters on the cover.

And finally, opening the last gift revealed to be a small yet beautifully decorated cake with a figurine of a pink version of Hatsune Miku on top. “Oh, that one is actually from Sayaka, she wanted to bake a cake for you but didn’t know what to decorate it with, I sorta helped her with that.”

The blue haired girl rubbed her neck sheepishly, “I know it’s not much but I figured it’s better than nothing, plus, us artists gotta stick together, right?” Her lips quirked up into a slightly smile.

Happy Birthday Keiko! 💝

"Wow," Keiko said, looking at the amount of gifts that Kureha had brought for her. Truthfully, she enjoyed hanging out with Kureha more than most people. Though she wasn't as talkative or active as most of her friends and acquaintances, Keiko didn't mind at all. And when one, or both of them, were too busy with life to actually meet and greet, they often met up on an art forum they frequented and chatted there. Sometimes, Lana from Kyoto would join, if she wasn't busy taking care of her city or her younger sister, Kanade.

"Thanks a lot, Kureha." Keiko said, as she took almost all of the gifts from the young girl's hands. She was particularly interested in the Sailor Moon gift. Though this wasn't much of a surprise, that shoujo anime was one of Keiko's favorites when she was younger. She didn't watch it much these days, but she was definitely going to have to go back and re-watch it again. Thanking her friend once more, she bid the Gothic artist farewell with a wave and a smile.

After several minutes of organizing the gifts her artist friend had gifted her, the manga artist then went forward to completing the most important task of all: carefully peeling off the Hatsune Miku figurine on top of the cake she had so that she could find someplace in her room to put it, before partaking of this delicious birthday cake!

[akihabaradivision]

Darkness swept over the ever-bustling city of Akihabara as the day came to a close.

Keiko Yumi, upon hearing the doorbell ring, made a beeline towards the front door.

On the other side of the door was Shian Meizono, looking somewhat disheveled. “Whew… I’ve been running around all day, but I need to get you something for your birthday today…”

She reached into her duffel bag and pulled out a large box and handed it to Keiko. Wait.. how did that fit in her bag…?

“A flex arm for drawing tablets. Just a little something to make drawing easier and ergonomically more comfortable. Someone I knew said these make a huge difference. Attach it to your tablet and I guess you can figure the rest out. You make good mangas, so hopefully this can be of use for you.”

Shian pulled her phone from the pockets on her leg garters. Her brow twitched when she took notice of the time. “Oh for fuck’s sake, the court’s gonna take all my money if I don’t catch this guy… I gotta go now, but have a Happy Birthday, ‘kay?”

And with that, Shian disappeared into her black sports car and drove off.

As Keiko watched Shian drive off, the manga artist was still a bit shocked that the enforcement agent actually went out of her way to give her a gift and wish her 'happy birthday'. Not that it wasn't unappreciated, but Keiko always figured Shian was more friendly with Criss than her. Though they've spoken a few times before, usually it didn't go further than a few 'hey's', 'hi's', and 'how are you's'. So receiving a gift from her was definitely surprising.

But as stated, it wasn't unwelcome. Especially considering the gift Shian bought for her was a very useful and nice one. She hadn't experienced any arm problems, besides a hand and arm cramps, so something like this would be put to use a lot. The last thing she wanted was to be diagnosed with RSI like Nikki. Taking the flex arm into her room, she quickly and easily attached, trying it out. Needless to say, it worked flawlessly.

The young manga artist then resumed what she was doing before the doorbell rang, continuing work on her manga. Looking at the flex arm she was currently using, an idea suddenly came to her head.

"I've been meaning to add a bounty hunter to my story for a while now..."

[akihabaradivision]

When Keiko opened the door she saw a red haired artist who give her a glow smile

"Keiko sweetie!"-Natsume said smiling and hugg her

"Natsume san"-said Keiko after Natsume stop the hug-"what are you here"-she asked confused to the painter and her occasional art teacher from all the times Natsume teaches art classes

Nastume give her a decorated box-"happy birthday,when i found out today is the birthday of one of my student i can't help but wanted gift you something"-he explain when Keiko let him enter,both was in the living room and the mangaka opening the box and her eyes opened when she see the gift

When she take off all the gifts Keiko gasped looking at the sketch book and all the art materials

"Natsume-san, this is beautiful... But a bit much"-said Keiko and Natsume deny with the head

"of course not darling, you're a great mangaka and artist,how you do in my classes and your manga talk by itself... although you sees art as a hobby that don't evoid how i love support young artists with talent"-he explain with a warmth-almost motherly-voicetone (even if Natsume was only one or two years older than Keiko)

After that he walks to the door-"i'm sorry for not can say much more but i'm busy with some art comissions and my anniversary date tonight, happy birthday Keiko,i hope see you in the next art class dear"-said him smiling

Keiko smiled, looking at all of the art supplies that Natsume had gifted her. Like many of her fellow students, she had once made the mistake of assuming that Natsume was a female because of his appearance. When he revealed himself to be 'male', she was surprised, but didn't judge him for it. Truthfully, Keiko was glad that Natsume was one of her art professors. Though he didn't teach all the time, the few times he did were always memorable because Keiko always walked away with something that she didn't know before.

Although they were only a year or so apart, it was obvious that Natsume knew far more than Keiko ever would about art. And why wouldn't he? Unlike Keiko, who only drew as a hobby and typically stuck to one form of art (though she was quite talented in many others), Natsume drew as a career and knew dozens of different art styles. Though Keiko didn't utilize all of them for her work, the few she did use were all taught to her by Natsume, himself.

Looking down at the art supplies once more, the manga artist grabbed her sketchbook and decided to make use of the tools her art teacher had gifted her.

"Maybe I should think about adding him as a character in my one of my future chapters..." she thought as she continued drawing.

[akihabaradivision]

ARB Birthday Special: Keiko Yumi

~~ December 22nd ~~

"The first draft is just you telling yourself the story."

Login Lines:

*Sighs* "Finally done! Hopefully once I send these in, my publisher will get off my back for the next month or so. ...And in record time too! Once I drop these off I can head to work and see what assignments Nemu-san has for me. ...Hmm? A message from... Nemu-san? 'Work is canceled. Enjoy your birthday.' My... birthday?!"

"How foolish can I get? I've been so busy with work I neglected to notice today was the day of my birth! I messaged Nemu-san back thanking her, though canceling work was unnecessary. ...She didn't message me back, but I assume it was because she was busy with work of her own. ...But still, what am I going to do with this free time I have?"

Voice Lines:

"I received a lot of 'happy birthdays' and such from the people of Akihabara, which is nice. ...You know, it's funny. Back when I was younger, nobody really paid me any attention. I was just another face in the crowd, so to speak. And if they did pay me attention, it was usually always negative. I can't count the number of times I got bullied back in high school. I definitely don't miss those days."

"...I don't believe it. Otome-sama, herself, sent me a 'happy birthday'! I don't believe it! I always figured that I wasn't worthy enough to be in the Prime Minister's shadow. That I was just one of the many people working under her. I mean, not that I don't mind working for Chuohku, but... too be recognized by the Prime Minister, herself. This is an honor I don't take for granted!"

"What the...? Where did all these gifts come from?! Are these all for me? Most of them are from my friends at school. ...Ha. Like I mentioned earlier, when I was younger I was used to being ignored or bullied. But now, I'm adored. I don't know if its because of my manga or just because I'm in the D.R.B. ...One thing is for sure, I definitely don't miss high school. Uni beats that place any day."

"Sheesh, it's going to take a while to get through all of these gifts. Here's a fancy one! It says it's from... my mom. Tch, great. What did that hag have the audacity to send me for my birthday? ...Some cash for my birthday? How original. And what's this now? ...A photo of my high school graduation? ...Tch, I won't ask how she managed to take a photo of me like this. Probably asked grandma for it. The nerve of her! She thinks me so soft sending me this will make me forgive her?! To hell with that, and her!" *Throws the present in the garbage, not giving it a second thought*

"Criss? What are you doing here? I mean, not that I'm not glad you're here, but I thought you mentioned in your last letter you were stranded on Hokkaido exploring a haunted hospital or something. ...You hitched a ride with someone? How many times do I have to tell you that's not safe? There are a lot of dangerous people out there, Criss. Any one of them could do something to you if you're not careful." *Sighs* "Well, I suppose the important thing is you're back home and safe. But please be more mindful next time."

"...You got me a birthday gift? Not that's it not unappreciated, but how? I thought you were out of money? ...Ah, that explains it, I guess. So, what is it? ...A hoodie? Oh, and it features a manga artist on it. Cute. It looks really nice. Plus, you got it in pink, my favorite color. Thanks Criss. This was really sweet."

"Nikki? You're here? Wow, someone alert the papers! The recluse actually left her room, for my birthday, no less! I'll definitely have to mark this date down on calendar! ...Haha! Sorry, I couldn't help myself. But really, I'm glad to see you've gotten out of your room, at least, once this week."

"Anyway, are you here to wish me a 'happy birthday' too or... A gift? From you? ...Wow, I'm definitely going to have mark this day down. ...A drawing tablet? ...Wait, this is a Wicom Cintiq Pro, isn't it? Do you know how expensive these things are, Nikki?!" *Sighs* "Fine, I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. But I really find it disgusting that you earn more than I do when you work far less. ...Yeah, whatever."

Criss Lines:

"Hey Keiko! Happy birthday! ...I was stranded, but thankfully, I managed to hitch a ride with some nice gentlemen who gave me a lift back to Tokyo! Oh, come on, Keiko! They were really nice gentlemen! Trust me, I have an inkling if I feel someone is dangerous or not. ...Alright, I'll be more mindful, but I'm really okay, as you can see."

"Anyway, here's your birthday gift! ...Oh, my check came in from my YouTube videos! It wasn't as much as usual, but it was enough to get you a gift. Ta-da! It's a mangaka hoodie! I saw it on the way here, and thought it would really suit you! ...Thanks Keiko! Glad you like it. Promise me you'll wear it, okay?"

Nikki Lines:

"Hey Keiko. ...Are you quite finished? ...You know, if you're going to act like this, then I'll just leave. I don't have to stand here and be ridiculed for my life choices. ...Whatever. Anyway, here's your birthday gift. ...Yes, it's a drawing tablet, one of the most expensive ones on the market, FYI. The guy I ordered it from said this would help with artists who draw digitally. ...Look, if you don't want it, I can always return it and get my money back. ...What can I say? Video games are my bread and butter and they earn me money."

[akihabaradivision]

Happy Birthday Keiko! ~~December 22nd~~

Happy birthday to one of Japan's most (in)famous manga artists to date and leader of one of Akihabara's rap teams! Please be sure to wish her a very happy birthday and an early Merry Christmas as thanks for entertaining us with her manga!

Feel free to wish Keiko a happy birthday, or ask her anything!

...Unless you happen to be friends with her no-good mother, or are enemies of Chuohku. If you are either of these things, kindly do not bother her.

[akihabaradivision]

ARB Birthday Special: Criss Hiromi

~~ November 1st ~~

"All a skeptic is is someone who hasn't had an experience."

Login Lines:

"Hmm... morning Leraje! How'd you sleep, old buddy? Yeah, me too! I'm glad to be back home. Don't get me wrong, I love exploring, but sleeping on a soft, warm bed beats sleeping outside on the ground any day. Speaking of which, I better get a move on! This day won't seize itself! ...Wait, what's this?"

"A letter from my grandparents? 'Happy birthday, Criss!' ...Wait... Oh yeah, today's November 1st! My birthdate! I can't believe I forgot! ...Leraje, guess what? I'm 19 years old now! One year away from 20! Wow, I can't believe it... I'm 19!"

Voice Lines:

"I got a lot of 'happy birthdays' from my followers online on YouTube! I have to admit, it's a little embarrassing, but I'm glad to have so many people who follow and watch me do what I do. I guess I have Nikki to thank for introducing me to YouTube and showing me how to become more popular with it. Without her, I don't think I would have met all of you. So... thank you all!"

"Several of my classmates wished me a 'happy birthday', as well, which is a surprise. Usually, some of them either think I'm weird or strange and don't want anything to do with me, or just make fun of me. But I'm glad at least a few of them are nice. It really means a lot! It's nice to have good friends!"

"...Mom, dad. It's me again. I... I don't know if... if you guys are listening, but... it's my birthday, today. The day that... that I was born, I guess. I... I just wanted to say that... that I love and miss you both very much, wherever you are. ...And... I'll never stop searching for you."

*sighs* "What am I doing? You're just wasting your time, Criss. Face facts. They're not here anymore. They haven't come to see you the past two years. What makes you think this one will be any different? After all, you're just... 'unwanted'..."

"Hey, Keiko! Thanks for stopping by to visit! ...Yes, I know. I promise I'll head to class this week. But I have been keeping up on my assignments, so there's that! ...Yes, I know that's no substitute. I promise I'll try to do better. Sorry."

"...Ooh, a gift? What is it? ...A ghost necklace?! And it lights up too?! Cool! Thanks a lot, Keiko! I promise I'll wear it always! It's too good not to keep around my neck! Thanks again, Keiko!"

"Hey Nikki! I'm kinda surprised to see you here. ...You... you came to see me on your own? How sweet! ...Aww, but why? Isn't it normal for best friends to hug? ...But... it's my birthday... Yay! Thank you, Nikki! ...Aww, just a while longer? ...Fine, fine! I'll stop!"

"Hehehe! ...I try not to shake the camera, but it gets hard when I'm juggling it and my equipment together. ...What's this? A... helicopter? Ohh... it's a drone-thing! I've seen these before on the Internet! Awesome! Thank you, Nikki! ...Will do! ...Aww, you can't stay longer? ...Fine. But before you go... one last hug!"

Keiko Lines:

"Hey Criss! Happy birthday! I'm glad you're back here in the city. Your professors have been sending me emails asking about you. You haven't been skipping classes again, have you? *Sighs* ...Criss, we've talked about this. If you ever want to get out of high school, you've got to be more serious. And no, just doing your assignments is no substitute. You actually have to be there, in person. ...Thank you. I'm not trying to be harsh or mean. I just care about you, is all."

"But that's enough of me lecturing you. Here's your birthday gift from me! I know you like to go traversing around in the dark, so I bought you this. It's a glow-in-the-dark necklace. It automatically lights up whenever the area is dark. Promise me you'll wear it whenever you go out on way of your... exploits, okay? ...Good. That fills me with some sense of security. And again, happy birthday. I'm really happy for you."

Nikki Lines:

"Hey Criss. Happy birthday. ...Yes, I would have just shot you an email, but... that would have seemed insensitive, so... here I am. ...DO NOT hug me. You know I don't do hugs, no matter who they are from. ...I don't care that you're my best friend. DO NOT hug me. ...Gah, fine. ...Okay, you've gotten your hug. Now let go. ...Criss, do not think that just because it is your birthday I won't hurt you."

"Urgh, whatever. ...I've noticed lately in your videos that you have a tendency to shake it a lot, especially when you're running. ...I know that holding the camera and your equipment can be hard when you're exploring. That's why I bought you this. It's a drone. One that flies and hovers in the air, keeping your hands free. Think of it like a versatile camera or something. ...Yeah, sure. If you need help setting it up, let me know. ...Alright, I'm out. I've got a tournament to get to later today. Enjoy the rest of your day. ...Criss, what did I say about hugging me?"