#young kimihiro

[koushirouizumi]

Fei Wong, to a "young" Watanuki: You are a being that cannot exist!!! YUUKO, COVERING Watanukis ears: Do Not Listen. m E, BANGING FISTS DOWN: (MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY)

[landofanimes]

CLAMP Exhibition (2024)

July 3 - September 23, 2024 in Tokyo

The biggest CLAMP exhibition to date, the event showcases the original artwork from 23 works made by the group of four women, from RG Veda to Card Captor Sakura: Clear Card (technically 22 but they're counting Legal Drug and Drug and Drop separetely).

Over the years CLAMP has published a variety of manga, including those for boys (shounen), girls (shoujo) and young men (seinen), depending on the magazine they were published. Appealing to readers of all ages, genders and countries, their work continues to captivate.

The exhibition will feature a total of 800 original manuscripts (200 in color, 600 black and white), divided in 7 areas: Color, Love, Adventure, Magic, Phrase, plus Imagination and Dream.

C for COLOR. CLAMP colors the world.

Displaying a total of 200 original colored pieces from all 23 works (100 for each half of the exhibition).

This area showcases the variety of artstyles, techniques and tools CLAMP used over the years on their different manga. Includes pieces with colored ink, Copic markers, acrylic gouache, pastels, and digital art.

Even when publishing 2 different works at the same time the group likes to vary their tools: RG Veda (1989-96) was colored with ink and airbrushes, while Tokyo Babylon (1990-93) was colored with screen tones. The artstyle also changed depending on the publisher.

2. L for LOVE. CLAMP draws the forms of love.

The artwork in this area are divided in 8 types of love seen throught CLAMP's manga.

"The love depicted by Clamp is not singular—there is a straightforward love towards a significant other, but it can also be a determination to protect loved ones, a thought character keeps in their hearts, or even the conflict itself." (from tokyoartbeat article)

3. A for ADVENTURE. CLAMP weaves the stories of adventure.

350 manuscripts from 6 action-packed manga series: RG Veda, Tokyo Babylon, X/1999, Magic Knight Rayearth, Cardcaptor Sakura, and Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE.

Includes a synopsis of each work and selected scenes to follow along parts of the story.

4. M for MAGIC. CLAMP casts its magic.

The fantasy, magic, and mysterious powers seen in CLAMP works are seen in the moving manga pannels projected in 3 large screens in this area.

5. P for Phrase. CLAMP spins the phrases.

The first room showcases 40 manuscripts from xxxHolic.

The second room focuses on the power of words spun by CLAMP, exhibiting quotes form their works on the walls. Visitors can also pull one phrase sticker from the Phrase Box from CLAMP and take it home, or stick it to a wall in the room. There are 120 different phrases to pull.

6. IMAGINATION

Timeline of 35 years of creative work, from 1989 to 2024, featuring manga volumes, magazine issues, and more.

An installation in the center of the room also features quotes from a new interview with the four women specially for this event.

This is also the only area which features CLAMP's work in other media, including various collaborations. There is a selection of color illustrations, rough design drafts, and other artworks from Soryuden: Super Dragon Brothers, CODE GEASS, BLOOD-C, HiGH＆LOW g-sword, Cardfight!! Vanguard, GIFT (picture book by Ice skater Yuzuru Hanyu), The Grimm Variations, and HELLO KITTY.

7. DREAM

The last area is solely to exhibit a new illustration featuring Ashura (RG Veda) and Sakura Kinomoto (Card Captor Sakura: Clear Card), representing CLAMP's beginnings and future through their first and latest work.

"Kuro" (Black) and "Shiro" (White) are also the names of the new artbooks titled COLOR, which compile the artworks seen in the exhibition. A deluxe edition will be released at a later date compiling both volumes in one.

............................................

The audio guide during the exhibition is provided by Jun Fukuyama, who has played Kimihiro Watanuki in the anime series xxxHOLiC, Kobayashi Kotaro in ANGELIC LAYER, and Lelouch Lamperouge in Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (CLAMP is responsible for character design in Code Geass) .

The place also features a store with a long list of products.

They also have the first volume of their various manga available to read, and a TV showcases the recently shared announcement video of the new anime project of Magic Knight Rayearth.

CLAMP Exhibition National Art Center in Roppongi, Tokyo First Half: Wednesday, July 3 - Monday, August 12 Second Half: Wednesday, August 14 - Monday, September 23

Sources:

Tokyo Art Beat

Fashion Press

Bijutsutecho (+)

Natalie Mu

Internet Museum

Official Clamp_ex Twitter

[movies-to-add-to-your-tbw]

Title: Princess Mononoke

Rating: PG-13

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Cast: Youji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yûko Tanaka, Kaoru Kobayashi, Masahiko Nishimura, Tsunehiko Kamijô, Akihiro Miwa, Mitsuko Mori, Hisaya Morishige, Sumi Shimamoto, Tetsu Watanabe, Makoto Satō, Akira Nagoya, Kei Iinuma, Tsuzuki Kayako, Kimihiro Reizei

Release year: 1997

Genres: fantasy, adventure, drama

Blurb: Ashitaka, a prince of the disappearing Earth people, is cursed by a demonised boar god, and must journey to the west to find a cure. Along the way, he encounters San, a young human woman fighting to protect the forest, and Lady Eboshi, who is trying to destroy it. Ashitaka must find a way to bring balance to this conflict.

[sorrowmarked]

Raw Lines From The Internet || accepting

" impermanence does not mean insignificance." -- @engodly​ (yuuko @ kohane)

kohane looked up at yuuko, her young face solemn as green eyes met red. “cherry blossoms only bloom for a short time,” she said, by way of answer as she looked out over the garden. such a short moment of spring, the beautiful colors of the flowering trees, impermanent as yuuko had said, but not insignificant. not with the way people wished to view cherry blossoms.

just because they were fleeting did not make them less beautiful.

“everything eventually fades, that means we should love it more not less.” she looked back over at yuuko. she knew why the witch was telling her this. she could see it all very clearly.

“kimihiro will understand, one day.”

[nanakah]

Full version of CLAMP's illustration for Young Magazine's 40th anniversary

[watanukisglasses]

This one was inspired in my baby Kimihiro <3 (don’t blame me, he’s one of my fave characters of all time)

It’s strange to look at him without glasses...

[chronologiical]

i redrew the first ever watanuki i drew 4 years ago! looking back at old art is super embarrassing LOL

[existentialismee]

meet watanuki kimihiro, the young man who runs an orphanage out in cotes!

watanuki lost his parents at a young age, and practically grew up by himself. though the situation left him incredibly lonely and sad, his childhood inspired him to try and help anyone who was like him, thus leading him to open up his home into a place for orphans

has total mom vibes. he picks up after all the kids, cleans, cooks, gets them to school, makes their clothes-- the whole package! he’s only in his late twenties, but already has a huge amount of responsibility under his belt

even though his dream job was to become a professional chef, he’s really quite happy doing what he does now. watanuki had absolutely no family growing up, so he considers the kids he takes care of as just that. he would literally do quite anything for them!

as sweet and caring as he is though, he’s prone to having emotional outbursts quite often. the kids play pranks on him all the time just to get a big reaction out of him. he hates it and falls for it every single time

so, just to note: this watanuki is nothing like his immortal, shopkeeper self! his personality reflects more of who he was before yuuko’s death, though has simmered down a bit just because he’s matured. his home was once the shop he owned in cotes forest, but of course he has no memories of that currently! he’s just a normal human who has had absolutely no interaction with the supernatural

[dainarps]

An AU inside an AU

@claudrps “And what do you have to offer me in exchange for your education?” Kimihiro Watanuki stared up at the woman, feeling his throat go dry. He was fifteen, an orphan, and looking for an opportunity to better himself. Cultivation — that was a path to true success. When Mistress Yuuko Ichihara announced that she would be looking for new students, the whole sect was abuzz. Youths came from far and wide to answer her call, many of them turned away.

Watanuki needed this. He lived on the streets, trading chores and odd jobs for shelter during the night, when spirits roamed freely. A roof over his head was only one perk, though. There was fame and notoriety, too, but even that wasn’t why Watanuki wanted this.

He had watched cultivation masters before, admiring their work from wherever his home happened to be that night. They freed lost and wandering spirits, guiding them to return to their afterlives, helping them achieve satisfaction in life. They assisted humans, saving them from wandering corpses or vengeful ghosts looking for anyone to kill and satisfy their bloodlust. No matter what they did, their work was fulfilling.

Watanuki had no sense of purpose. He didn’t remember his parents and neither did anyone else, leaving him a mystery to even those in his clan. Some people considered him cursed — a human born from thin air was only destined to cause trouble. Watanuki paid them no mind. He knew he had parents out there somewhere, whether he grew up orphaned or not. People didn’t just appear out of the ground like flowers.

He’d never felt a calling toward anything until he watched a group of cultivators exorcise the spirit of an angry mother from a baby, saving the child’s life. He wondered if cultivators had been present during his early days, if he would still have his parents.

He wondered if he could make a difference in someone’s life like that.

“I’m offering you…myself,” Watanuki said, his voice firm.

Yuuko smirked and brought her pipe to her lip, inhaling slow, then exhaling, blowing smoke in Watanuki’s face. “So…you’re offering me nothing?”

“Eh?” “That’s how you think of yourself, is it not? You are worth nothing, you came from nothing, you will never achieve anything. You are valued at nothing.” Watanuki’s eyes went wide and he stared at Yuuko, unsure of how to respond to that. Maybe sometimes thoughts like that crossed his mind. There were many days where he thought that about himself. She wasn’t wrong.

He stared down at the ground, his fists clenched at his side. It was one thing for himself to say those things, but it was another entirely for someone else to do so. “That’s what I thought,” Yuuko said, raising her hand to dismiss him. “I’m worth more than nothing,” Watanuki said. “I may have nothing, but I’m worth more than nothing. I’m good with my hands. I can cook and clean. I can sew. I can work. I have value.” He looked up at Yuuko again, his eyes set firm. He wouldn’t be turned away. He could do this. He had worth. He had the determination and the grit.

Yuuko didn’t seem offended by his outburst. In fact…she grinned, and Watanuki immediately felt uneasy. “Prove it.”

Watanuki spent his time at the Ichihara compound on his hands and knees, scrubbing, weeding, painting, and when his knees grew red and raw from that, he stood and cooked, dusted, and catered to each whim Yuuko had. He became a servant, working alone in a house far too big for one person to clean. It seemed that those who were actually the servants had been given some time off, and most of them stood by and watched him. He often heard them talking about how much longer he’d last until he gave up.

They didn’t know just how far stubbornness could take a young man.

It put him through each day of Yuuko calling his name, demanding ridiculous things, begging for sake early in the morning or breakfast late at night. At first, Watanuki delivered these things. His attitude changed quite quickly, though, the more he thought about what got him here in the first place. He valued himself…and he wasn’t going to let this lady take advantage of him. “Watanukiiii,” Yuuko whined, interrupting one of her classes to find him in the hallway, dusting cobwebs off of old paintings. “Bring me the wine from the cellar — you know the one with—“ “No,” Watanuki said. “No?” “No! I’m busy doing the other ridiculous chores on this list, and you’re not drinking in the middle of the morning, and in the middle of your class! What would your students think of you?! Shoo! Shoo! I’m busy!”

Yuuko raised a brow and several of her students were peeking out of the room, looking shocked at his behavior.

“If you say so,” Yuuko said, turning back to her classroom. She repeated this experiment a few more times, and each time, Watanuki fought her on it. She didn’t know if that made him brave or stupid, but it was a good thing regardless. It meant he had a spine.

She allowed Watanuki into the classroom a month later, when his hands were forming callouses from raking the yard, when his knees were black and bruised from scrubbing the floor, when the bags under his eyes were almost as long as his eyes themselves.

Watanuki was a special case, though. He needed more than lessons and practice. He needed a guiding hand — not with cultivation, but with himself. Most of her students came from well-known families, raised with love and kindness. They had brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers. Watanuki had nothing and nobody to fall back on. He had nobody to support him, so Yuuko took him under her wing. He was still young, so she raised him. She brought him on various trips, allowed him into meetings he shouldn’t have been privy to.

Some of the other leaders turned their noses up at it, but none said a word. They couldn’t. This was Yuuko’s student and this was her way of teaching. Worse than that was that Watanuki was actually good at what he did. He was a natural talent, and Yuuko was sure that his ancestors had to have been great cultivators. It was abnormal for someone to have this level of power, but not know where it came from. To be frank, Yuuko was fascinated with Watanuki, and that fascination eventually turned into an almost parental bond.

She tried not to play favorites in class, but Watanuki made it difficult not to. He was a hard worker and skilled in more ways than one. And while she plenty enjoyed pestering him in class, teasing him outside of it was even better. Hardly a night went by where he didn’t show to make her tea or cook her dinner. It had been ages since he’d arrived here, but he hardly acted any different than he had on day one.

——

“What will you name it?” Yuuko asked. Watanuki looked down at the sword in his hands. Yuuko had gone to the smith with a very specific request, and he’d delivered. The silvery sword looked almost liquid under the sunlight, the bird wings on the delicate hilt practically glittering. Watanuki was strong, but not like some, and the sword was light enough for him to swing it easily.

Naming a sword was a big deal. It would be with him for, hopefully, a long time. It would bind to him, protect him, and serve him well. It needed a name that was worthy of it.

“Fenghuang,” Watanuki said after a few moments.

Yuuko hummed and nodded her name approvingly.  “A good name.”

The sword’s color shifted in the light, and Watanuki liked to think that it agreed with his choice. ——

Most of the cultivators from his class spread out around the country, returning only occasionally to make reports or reunite with old friends. Watanuki never traveled far, though. He took care of this sect, joined Yuuko when her presence was demanded elsewhere, and left only when she sent him somewhere she was incapable of going.

There were rumors now regarding her behavior, with many wondering if he was being groomed to be her heir. She was unmarried and had no children to speak of. Watanuki, with his family situation — or lack thereof — was a perfect candidate. He was strong, his cultivation skills were admirable for his age, and as he grew he only became more powerful.

He wanted to make Yuuko proud. She had done so much for him, and each time she smiled he felt a little more fulfilled.

——

“A present,” Yuuko said, holding a large box out to Watanuki.

“Eh? What for?”

“Oh, an old friend owed me a favor, so he paid me back with this. I don’t want it, so I thought you might have some use for it.”

“So it’s not a present,” Watanuki said, narrowing his eyes at Yuuko. “It’s leftovers.” “Mm, maybe,” she said. He took the box and set it on his lap — for as big as it was, it wasn’t particularly heavy.

“Some ghost isn’t going to jump out of this at me, right?” Yuuko threw her head back and cackled, as if appreciating that vision more than anything else in the world. He reminded himself to be wary of any future gifts she gave him.

Inside the box was a brand new shamisen, a bird painted elegantly across the front. A plectrum with a similar design laid next to it. Some of the best cultivators practiced with music and instruments, and though Yuuko was already turned around and gone, Watanuki had the feeling that this wasn’t just some secondhand gift.

——

Tendrils of magic swirled around Yuuko — her own cultivation — devouring her from the inside out. Watanuki had only just arrived, summoned by her at the last second. He wondered…if that was her last act. What had she been fighting? What had taken her away?

“Yuuko!” Watanuki screamed, reaching through her spell and grabbing hold of her, trying to free her. Yuuko was one of the most powerful cultivators in history — she couldn’t just die! It was impossible! She…She was Yuuko!

When pulling her free didn’t work he stood back, pulling the shamisen around and strumming — his cultivation combatting against hers. It was a futile idea. Useless from the start.

“Watanuki,” Yuuko spoke, her voice sounding far away and causing Watanuki’s song to cut off suddenly. “You were always meant for greatness, but not even you can stop death.”

Watanuki blinked tears out of his eyes, ignoring how they stained his glasses. “I can try! It’s not supposed to be like this! You’re supposed to be here!” He lifted his plectrum again, only to be cut off by Yuuko’s voice again. “Not all good things can last, Kimihiro. Promise me, though, that you won’t stop,” she said. “Promise me…that you’ll go on existing.” Watanuki looked up to say something more, but Yuuko’s body was all that was left of her, her soul vanished and her corpse just that — a corpse.

An anguished cry fell from his lips and he leaned forward, his tears soaking the ground.

——

Watanuki prayed for several days at her grave, staying there through the night. Visitors from other clans came and went, and even folks from other countries knelt by her grave. Her disciples were all sent to learn under new teachers, and when Watanuki did eventually return to the temple, he was alone. His footsteps echoed in the halls and he muffled his wretched sobs in the bath.

It wasn’t fair. There had to be a way to bring her back to life. She should’ve been immortal. It wasn’t right. Someone like her shouldn’t have been taken away — all the criminals, the thieves, the rapists in this world — and the heavens took Yuuko.

Watanuki couldn’t eat and he didn’t sleep. The other masters were concerned, coming over every now and then to force him to rest. It was only when he was confronted by one of the eldest, that he realized what he could do. He could keep working — he could become immortal — and that would give him an eternity to search for a way to bring back Yuuko.

With newfound vigor, Watanuki began putting himself back on track, fueled by a new goal — a selfish one. His goal of wanting to help others was put on the back burner, but Yuuko would understand that, right? She’d get it, right? He was doing this for her! He was researching, studying, and reading for her.

For some time he was left alone in the temple, left to mourn and do his bidding. He answered his calls and assisted other cultivators as needed, but eventually reality caught back up to him.

He knew what the others said about him — that he was selfish, that he was tainting his cultivation, that the immortality he earned wasn’t rightly given. He’d heard worse things before.

The big issue was that, if he was going to remain in this temple, if he was going to continue practicing cultivation, he was going to have to start accepting students. He would have to open the temple back up to his sect, let people enroll.

The news was delivered to him and he grumbled about it for weeks. Didn’t they know he had better things to do?! Didn’t they understand his work here?! He could really make a difference if he accomplished this! He could bring Yuuko back — and so many other great leaders!

He knew, though, that if he mentioned it to anyone…it’d be frowned upon. It went against the natural order.

To be frank, fuck the natural order.

——

Several years after Yuuko’s death, Watanuki opened the front doors to the temple for the first time. He stepped outside wearing her long robes and lit the oil lamps out front. He planted new flowers, hung flags, and let it spread that he would finally be accepting students — those he deemed worthy. Yuuko’s task had been a difficult one for him — what was worth his education here?

Watanuki had volunteered his life in exchange for her teachings. What did he want these children to do? If he had to teach, he wouldn’t bother with those who couldn’t stand on their own two feet. They should be wise — worldly — but not stuck up. They should know the value of hard work and labor, while knowing what it took to be poised and refined.

So, when his first potential student arrived at his door, begging to be educated, Watanuki inhaled slow on his pipe and exhaled, letting the smoke waft lazily around the ceiling. “I’d like a cup of tea before I make my decision,” he said.

[epiphanyneuphoria]

Top 23 Anime Guys that I personally think are good-looking

1) Uchiha Sasuke (teen Sasuke is cute but young adult to adult Sasuke is the hottest I’ve seen. Idk if I’m biased if I haven’t found anyone that can replace him as top visual anime guy)

2) Tomoe (his damn pretty eyes and beautiful hair. Nuff said)

3) Yato (particularly when he’s not being an idiot)

4) Lelouch Lamperouge (ahh that slender bishounen CLAMP style design *swoon*)

5) Mabuchi Kou (I mean... have you seen his face?)

6) Namikaze Minato (second coolest dad in the Narutoverse)

7) Li Syaoran/Tsubasa Li (the clone, the original whichever, they’re both cute)

8) Watanuki Kimihiro (Syaoran’s alternate existence. Just as sweet and adorable. He’s pretty with and without megane)

9) Hyuga Akito (what can I say, I love me some CLAMP boys)

10) Fushimi Saruhiko (I don’t even like him that much but when megane suits you, it suits you)

11) Ichinose Guren (his manga version is hotter but he’s still charming nevertheless in the anime)

12) Munakata Reisi (I don’t usually prefer megane characters but the Blue King is damn hot with one)

13) Kaneki Ken (I didn’t find him cute in the manga but his anime design is such an ikemen)

14) Judal (his seiyuu Kimura Ryohei is the reason why I find him attractive)

15) Sohma Hatsuharu (idk if I like his White or Black personality better tbh)

16) Natsume Takashi (I sometimes got lost staring at his pretty face when watching this anime)

17) Akabane Karma (minus his personality, he’s actually really good-looking)

18) Sohma Yuki (one of my first childhood crushes. I still love this boi)

19) Abeno Haruitsuki (his HAIR, his cold manly demeanour and his height is just *chef kisses*)

20) Orihara Izaya (because he’s so wicked, I’d gladly punch that pretty face anytime soon)

21) Sohma Kyo (THANK GOODNESS his 2019 version is good-looking. I didn’t find him all that attractive in the old one. Aww look at that blush and that smirk)

22) Kishitani Shinra (i love this pweety adowable boi so much)

23)  Todoroki Shoto (most people would probably rank him higher but it’s just my preference I guess. I find him the most handsome in the anime anyway)

EDITED: BONUS EDITION

Cause I totally forgot that I liked this guy before. 

Magi - Hakuryuu Ren

Also, can we appreciate the absolute change from innocent pure Hakuryuu above to absolutely fukin smexy edgy i’d-do-anything-for-you hot dark lord hakuryuu?

[koushirouizumi]

{H.O.L.I.C} 2k22 vs. Ch. 25 vs. Ep 24 ~ 04/01

"What is H A P P I N E S S To You?" - Kinomoto

{I.M.Gs by Me} (DO NOT RE-POST) {DO NOT RE-PRODUCE WITHOUT MY PERMISSION} (PLEASE ASK TO USE)

[ludicinm-achieved]

"Oi? Are you listening to me or shall I smash your nose into pieces first?" A loud growl escaped the young one while he was letting his hands cracking a little. His bones running against each other while grinning widely at the stranger that was bound to the little chair Kimihiro found somewhere. Most likely from a kindergarten while he was again on a stroll. That beside, Kimihiro glared at the other. "You don't get it, do you? Ripping out my piercing are costing you a lot more than you think or can you perform surgery on my chest and ears? No? Thought so!" His hands were moving fastly when he got the knife out of his pocket. The blade was dark, no staines of blood visible but it smelled terribly. Not really clear if it was the typical smell of mold, blood or feces. "Give me just the password for your bank account. Then you will survive this little game unharmed."

[sorrowmarked]

@incvitablis cont from x. 

Kimihiro had dressed her up before sending her out with Yuuko, making sure to put the young girl in rain boots. He fussed over her like a mother. Or rather like a mother should. Her own mother had never fussed. Not in the way Watanuki did at least. Taking care to make sure she was safe, and warm and happy. She walked along with Ms. Yuuko in the pumpkin patch. Her own rain boots squishing in the mud. 

The pumpkin patch was empty. 

The pumpkin patch was not empty. 

She lifted her mossy green eyes to the pumpkin Yuuko was holding. "That pumpkin is already something, Yuuko-san," she said. Sometimes she felt as if Ms. Yuuko were testing her. She wasn't ever sure if she passed.

She lifted her little hand pointing at the pumpkin. "That pumpkin is a home." not a carriage, and it didn't need to grow to be a home. Not when its resident was so small. "To the yokai that cursed this field." 

[bemused-writer]

How dare you make me choose: the game

vRules: name your top 10 favorite characters from 10 different fandoms and then tag 10 people

Thanks for tagging me, @hilullabye!

So, because I’m terrible at picking favorites I’ve decided to limit myself to manga and/or cartoon characters. And so, in no particular order:

Noé Archiviste (Vanitas no Carte)

What’s not to like? He’s kind, inquisitive, and balances Vanitas out splendidly. He’s also terribly interesting; what are the details of his backstory? How will he change over the course of the series? But aside from that he also asks all the questions I want to ask. :D

Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Pretty much always a given for me on these kinds of lists. I related to him a lot when I was younger; he’s an inspiring character that keeps on going despite how bad things get.

Raven (Teen Titans)

Another given. I was completely obsessed with this character and I still think she’s awesome. Powerful, mysterious, and cares more than she let’s on. She’s just the best. I also loved her episodes; controlling emotions, mastering oneself, tackling your fears... Powerful stuff.

Bart Allen/Impulse (Young Justice)

This show is on my mind a lot lately since the third season is airing and while I have some qualms with how things are going I still think this portrayal of Bart was great. He set out to change history, did a good job of it, and befriended the guy that tormented him in his past. What’s not to admire there?

Asakura Hao (Shaman King)

Another character I was completely obsessed with as a kid. I just found his background and his motivations fascinating. He was so clearly in the wrong but he truly believed he was right and that he would bring peace to the world.

Ichihara Yuuko  & Watanuki Kimihiro (xxxHolic)

Putting two for one is cheating but oh well. 8D 

I loved how wise Yuuko was and how she always helped people, though not necessarily in any way you’d expect. I admire the way she understood so many things and fought for balance. As for Watanuki it was the changes he underwent that spoke to me a great deal. Ultimately, he couldn’t move on, which was the one thing Yuuko knew everyone had to do. It’s honestly their relationship I found so interesting.

Aang (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

There are so many people I want to choose from this series but for now I’ll simply go with Aang. I love how he tries to pursue the monks’ philosophies and how he brings peace and balance to the world. 

Daidouji Tomoyo (Cardcaptor Sakura)

She’s probably the wisest kid in the universe and the most accepting of unrequited love. She also has excellent style.

Sumeragi Subaru (Tokyo Babylon & X/1999)

CLAMP did you wrong Subaru but you were a kind, terribly considerate person, who deserved so much better.

L (Death Note)

The fandom often portrays him as a lot nicer than he actually is but as far as the series is concerned he was fighting for the side of good and he was justice even if he meted it out with several ... questionable tactics.

Ahsoka Tano (Star Wars: The Clone Wars & Rebels)

Okay, I’ve already gone over the limit but she’s just an awesome character. Fiesty, wise, and strong. She’s what Anakin could have been if he wasn’t, you know, Darth Vader. If you haven’t seen her before you’ve got to take a look!

Ahh, it’s so hard to stop at just ten. XD Also, CLAMP has taken over this list. I guess I can’t say I’m surprised; they were a big influence on me.

I’ll tag @violetikigai, @grelleswife, @skylights422, @descendant-of-truth, @ineverywordandsong, @bagel-san, @mistressakiraart, @maripr, @ellahrairah, and @alnair-tair if any of you would care to give this a go. ^^

[astro-onechampionship]

3 Reasons Why Singaporeans Must Watch ONE: KING OF THE JUNGLE

This Friday, 28 February, ONE Championship hosts its first Singapore event of the year.

All the past events in “The Lion City” have been explosive blockbusters filled with incredible displays of martial arts action, but ONE: KING OF THE JUNGLE promises to top them all.

The 11-bout card features two World Title clashes and elite match-ups between local heroes and international superstars.

Here are three reasons why you cannot afford to miss this spectacular night of action at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

A Young Lion Is Ready To Roar

Amir Khan is fired up to face OWS standout Kimihiro Eto.

The Singaporean mixed martial artist was not satisfied with how things ended in his last match – a unanimous decision win over Malaysian rival Ev “ET” Ting in November ­– and now, he vows to put on a show in his home country.

Khan has worked on his striking in preparation for this bout, and he is convinced he can return to his finishing ways this Friday.

The knockout artist plans for a decisive finish, so do not miss this potential show-stealer.

Two Local Favorites Are Back In Action

Friday night heralds the much-anticipated return of local stars Tiffany “No Chill” Teo and Radeem Rahman.

On the lead card, Rahman locks horns with ONE newcomer Jeff Chan in a bantamweight tilt. Expect to see fancy footwork and slick striking from Rahman, who recently won his professional boxing debut.

Then, on the main card, fan favorite Teo squares off against rising Japanese submission specialist Ayaka Miura.

Fully rehabilitated from her eye injury, Teo has no plans of shying away from a ground war with the black belt judoka.

The stakes are high as each woman tries to become the number one contender to “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan’s ONE Women’s Strawweight World Championship. A victory will clinch the winner a title shot.

A Thai Could Make History Again

Sam-A Gaiyanghadao could become the first man to hold the ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title, further proving he is the best striker in his weight class.

The Thai legend, whose 25-year career spans more than 400 bouts, faces Rocky Ogden for the inaugural belt this Friday.

Sam-A successfully exported his mastery in "the art of eight limbs" to kickboxing and claimed the ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title in December at ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS.

In doing so, he became the first man to hold ONE World Titles in two different sports in two separate weight classes – he is also the former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion.

If he wins the ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title this time around, he will become the first man to hold belts in two different sports, but in the same weight class.

Support Khan, Sam-A, Teo, and Rahman as they represent “The Lion City” at ONE: KING OF THE JUNGLE this Friday, 28 February at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The lead card starts on meWATCH at 5:30pm Singapore Standard Time (SGT).

To watch the main card, tune-in to meWATCH at 8:30pm SGT.

Also, Channel 5 will air the main card on a delay at 12:00am SGT on Saturday, 29 February.

Or download the ONE Super App to catch all the action live and for free.

Read More From ONE Championship:

Kimihiro Eto Ready To Battle Former Sparring Partner Amir Khan

Radeem Rahman Ready For Anything Jeff Chan Throws At Him

Rocky Ogden Wants To Become A Star By Beating Legend Sam-A

[missmyloko]

The Karyūkai Summary of 2018

On The Seventh Day Of Fun I present... that sweet, sweet data that everyone seems to look forward to! 

Misedashi Ichisumi (市すみ) of Yamaguchi (やまぐち) in Pontocho - January 8th Fukuyuri (ふく友梨) of Horiyae (堀八重) in Miyagawa Cho - January 22nd Katsuharu (佳つ春) of Odamoto (小田本) in Gion Kobu - January 22nd Katsumomo (佳つ桃) of Odamoto (小田本) in Gion Kobu - February 12th Mahori (まほ璃) of Tama (多麻) in Gion Kobu - February Ichiai (市愛) of Masunoya (桝之矢) in Pontocho - March 1st Mizuno (瑞乃) of Fukushima (福嶋) in Gion Kobu - March 4th Mameyo (豆誉)of Arai(新井) in Gion Kobu - March 7th Nanoha (菜乃葉) of Tama (多麻) in Gion Kobu - March 12th Asuka (あす佳) of Tsurui (つる居) in Gion Kobu - March 16th Ichihiro (市紘) of Nakagishi (中支志) in Gion Kobu - March 17th Konatsu (小奈都) of Nakagishi (中支志) in Gion Kobu - March 17th Mariko (槇里子) of Nishimura (西村) in Gion Kobu - May 16th Katsuemi (佳つ笑) of Odamoto (小田本) in Gion Kobu - May 22nd Miwako (美羽子) of Nishimura (西村) in Gion Kobu - May 28th Hidekano (秀華乃) of Masamiya (雅美家) in Pontocho - May 30th Mameyui (豆結) of Ninben (亻) in Gion Kobu - June 6th Koaki (小晶) of Kaden (花傳) in Miyagawa Cho - June 7th Kimisaki (君咲) of Honjo (本城) in Miyagawa Cho - July 5th Umehana (梅はな) of Umeno (梅乃) in Kamishichiken - September 13th Umenana (梅なな) of Umeno (梅乃) in Kamishichiken - September 25th Umesana (梅さな) of Umeno (梅乃) in Kamishichiken - October 2nd Hidemai (秀眞衣) of Masamiya (雅美家) in Pontocho - October 3rd Kanohisa (叶久) of Kanoya (叶家) in Gion Higashi - October 4th Kanochiyo (叶千代) of Kanoya (叶家) in Gion Higashi - October 4th Emino (恵美乃) of Ninben (亻) in Gion Kobu - October 9th Ichigiku (市ぎく) of Ichi (市) in Kamishichiken - October 24th Ichiume (市うめ) of Ichi (市) in Kamishichiken - November 13th Naomai (尚舞) of Nakasato (中里) in Kamishichiken - November 27th Mameju (まめ樹) of Tama (多麻) in Gion Kobu - December 6th 2018 Total: 30 2017 Total: 20 Change: +10 Erikae Ichitaka (市多佳) of Ichi (市) in Kamishichiken - April 24th Marika (茉利佳) of Tsurui (つる居) in Gion Kobu - May 25th Tomitsuyu (富津愈) of Tomikiku (富菊) in Gion Higashi - May 28th Ichiaya (市彩) of Masunoya (桝之矢) in Pontocho - June 9th Fukune (ふく音) of Kawayoshi (河よ志) in Miyagawa Cho - September 13th Ichiharu (市晴) of Nakagishi (中支志) in Gion Kobu - October 26th Shino (紫乃) of Fukushima (福嶋) in Gion Kobu - November 21st Mameryū (まめ柳) of Tama (多麻) in Gion Kobu - November 21st Hinayū (雛祐) of Okatome (岡とめ) in Gion Higashi - December 7th 2018 Total: 9 2017 Total: 9 Change: 0 Leavings Ayaha (あや葉) of Katsumi (勝見) in Pontocho - January Ichitomo (市知) of Ichi (市) in Kamishichiken - January Masami (満彩美) of Man (まん) in Gion Higashi - February Katsusen (佳つ扇) of Odamoto (小田本) in Gion Kobu - April Chikasuzu (千賀すず) of Komaya (駒屋) in Miyagawa Cho - April Ichimomo (市桃) of Ichi (市) in Kamishichiken - April Mamekoma (豆こま) of Shibata (柴田) in Gion Kobu - May Ichikoma (市こま) of Ichi (市) in Kamishichiken - June Chiyoko (知余子) of Nishimura (西村) in Gion Kobu - July Korin (小凛) of Kaden (花傳) in Miyagawa Cho - July Ichiteru (市照) of Masunoya (桝之矢) in Pontocho - July Fumine (文音) of Okatome (岡とめ) in Gion Higashi - August Katsuna (勝奈) of Daimonji (大文字) in Kamishichiken - August Koyoshi (小よし) of Shigemori (しげ森) in Miyagawa Cho - August Fumiyoshi (��美���) of Yoshifumi (よし冨美) in Miyagawa Cho - September Naoai (尚あい) of Nakasato (中里) in Kamishichiken - September Umechie (梅ちえ) of Umeno (梅乃) in Kamishichiken - October Umehana (梅はな) of Umeno (梅乃) in Kamishichiken - October Umenana (梅なな) of Umeno (梅乃) in Kamishichiken - October Kimihiro (君ひろ) of Toshikimi (利きみ) in Miyagawa Cho - November Kimitoyo (君とよ) of Toshikimi (利きみ) in Miyagawa Cho - November Fukuno (ふく乃) of Kawayoshi (河よ志) in Miyagawa Cho - November Mameaki (まめ章) of Tama (多麻) in Gion Kobu - November Nakako (奈加子), formerly of Nishimura (西村), in Gion Kobu - November Katsune (勝音) of Daimonji (大文字) in Kamishichiken - December Mamesome (豆そめ) of Ninben (亻) in Gion Kobu - December Hinagiku (雛菊) of Okatome (岡とめ) in Gion Higashi - December 2018 Total: 27 2017 Total: 15 Change: +12 Shikomi Tama (多麻) of Gion Kobu Hiroshimaya (廣島屋) of Gion Kobu x2 Fukushima (福嶋) of Gion Kobu  Nishimura (西村) of Gion Kobu x2 Tsurui (つる居) of Gion Kobu Ninben (亻) of Gion Kobu Unknown in Pontocho Shigemori (しげ森) of Miyagawa Cho x3 Kawayoshi (河よ志) of Miyagawa Cho Kawahisa (川久) of Miyagawa Cho Hanafusa (花ふさ) of Miyagawa Cho Honjo (本城) of Miyagawa Cho x2 Man (まん) of Gion Higashi x2   So, what can we deduce from this year’s numbers?

The sort version is: many things. The long, however, is more complicated, so let’s focus on that! First, some of you may have noticed some names on those lists that I didn’t formally announce, mainly the retirement of Nakako (奈加子) in Gion Kobu and Katsune (勝音) of Daimonji (大文字) in Kamishichiken. This is because they happened quite recently and long time readers should know by now that I like to hide information in the various tabs before announcing it. So, this post is acting as their announcement. Anyway, back on track!

Starting off, there are far more names on this list compared to last year, 22 to be exact, which is huge. There were 10 more misedashi, but sadly 12 more leavings. However, the overall number of misedashi compared to retirements is 30 to 27, so the karyukai saw a net gain of 3. Erikae stayed the same, which is good as it means that a diverse amount of maiko are going on to become geiko. This year also saw at least one erikae from each of the gokagai, which tends to be rare, so that’s really great!

Gion Kobu was the big winner overall, representing half of the misedashi (15/30 - 50%) and just under half of the erikae (4/9 - 44%). With only minimal leavings (6/27 - 22%) it shows that they went through immense growth that far out paced all of the other kagai. They also debuted two jikata geiko, which is fantastic. But, even better is that they’ve actually debuted four jikata geiko in the span of twelve months, from October 2017 to October 2018.

Pontocho again remains stable, which fascinates me greatly. With four misedashi, one erikae, and only two leavings, they’re the only other kagai to post positive numbers.

In contrast, Kamishichiken went through some of the biggest negatives. Although they had six misedashi, which is impressive for such a small district, they ended up with nine leavings, leaving them with a net of minus three and quite a large problem. The biggest issue is with the women who left, who happened to be young geiko and senior maiko; their loss has now left a large gap in skill for the odori as elderly geiko need new blood to eventually be replaced, but the time needed to replace them is now much greater. It also doesn’t help that two of their new debuts quit within a month, which may point to a greater overall problem (or not, who knows?).

What surprises me the most here is Miyagawa Cho. When Gion Kobu had their last misedashi boom approximately a decade ago Miyagawa Cho also saw an explosion of misedashi. This time around they have experienced no such thing, and are actually showing negative numbers. For a kagai with the second highest numbers it’s surprising that they only had three misedashi overall, yet saw seven retirements, given them a net loss of minus four. Therefore, Miyagawa Cho edged out Kamishichiken by one to take the title of worst overall. Gion Higashi showed some interesting outcomes too, with two misedashi, two erikae, but three retirements. The two erikae were the most surprising as they don’t always have years where they have a maiko finish their apprenticeships and choose to continue on as geiko. But, overall, they’re also working with a net loss of minus one.

This year only two natori geiko left the profession, Nakako in Gion Kobu and Masami in Gion Higashi, but both are still active within the karyukai as they both own businesses. Nakako owns a bar and Masami is the okasan of the Man okiya and ochaya.

Looking to the future, there seems to be a great number of shikomi, some of which will be having their misedashi during the first few months of 2019. Ones that we know for sure will be debuting are from Hiroshimaya and Fukushima in Gion Kobu and Shigemori in Miyagawa Cho. I wouldn’t be surprised if we also see new members from Tsurui, Hanafusa, and Kawayoshi around odori season.So, what do you think of 2018? Was it surprising or expected? Let me know your thoughts and your predictions for 2019 ^^