9/10. I have a small hole in my heart that is Japanese literature shaped, and the fact that it took me this long (and a requirement for a class) to read this was a crime. I enjoyed it quite a bit, especially with how happy of an ending it was. I really needed that pick me up after September.
2. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
4/10. I wanted to love this and by no means did I hate it, I just dislike the class I had to read this for. Also, because of other people in that class not participating, we were getting quizzes each class on the book, which turned reading it into studying it which just wasn't great. It was still well written and I quite enjoyed the usage of language and how the dialog was written.
3. No Longer Human (Manga) by Junji Ito
9.5/10. No Longer Human is genuinely one of my favorite novels to date, so when I first heard of the manga version I knew I had to read it and I was by no means disappointed. Ito's art style is perfect for this novel and I love the changes that Ito made to the story (Takeichi's suidide, meeting Dazai in the mental hospital, and the ending in general). I also especially loved how at the very beginning we see Dazai and Sachi sitting on the river bank and then at the very end we see the newspaper on Yoichi's kite detailing his death. It was tragic, but it also felt like closure. I'm not sure how problematic it is to say, but I do, unfortunately, relate to Yozo due to multiple things he has said (particularly about the clown like persona, and the feeling of not being human, though that's for another time). I don't want to keep going on, but know that I definitely can.
4. Goodbye, Eri by Tatsuki Fujimoto
8/10. Loved the art and the story, especially how it's only learned near the end how Yuta's mother was actually rather abusive/harsh with him. Honestly, the ending did confuse me a bit with Eri being a vampire (I'm not sure if this is a hallucination or real?) but the explosion at the end made me oddly happy.
5. Chainsaw Man volume 13
7/10. Loved the 'Goodbye, Eri' reference after Mitaka became the war devil. Other than that, amazing art as usual. Angel, Kobeni, and Cosmo/Halloween Devil, I still miss you.
6. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
?/10. I definitely didn't. . . hate it. . . but I'm not sure if I liked it. I'm conflicted. Yeah. Ari and Dante's getting together was cute though. . . okay next book.
Etsuko Ichihara is Japanese artist. Born 1988 in Aichi. Graduated in Studies of Media, Body and Image from the School of Culture, Media and Society, Waseda University. She has been creating artworks that interpret Japanese culture, customs and beliefs from a unique point of view, and present new, technology-based approaches. Thanks to their strong impact, these works have been introduced across a wide range of media all over the world, such as newspapers and TV programs, radio programs, and magazines.
Ichihara’s works were included in the Excellence Award at the 20th Japan Media Arts Festival, Entertainment Division in 2017, and in 2016, chosen for the INNOvation program from The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. She won Honorary Mention (Interactive Art+) in PRIX Ars Electronica 2018 and received a STARTS Prize Nomination in the same year recently.
She has recently presented her works in exhibitions such as ‘Digital Shamanism: Japanese Funeral and Festivity’ at NTT InterCommunication Center [ICC], ‘Cyber Arts Exhibition 2018’ at Ars Electronica Festival in Linz, Japan Media Arts Festival, ‘Mediating Asia’ at National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, ‘Roppongi Crossing 2022’ at the Mori Art Museum.
Interview at toco toco TV
youtube
TEDxUTokyo(Japanese)
youtube
Credits
Conveyor mechanical design and development: Hayashi Tamio (TASKO Inc.)
Technical direction: Okiyama Ryota (TASKO Inc.), Kimura Masataka (TASKO Inc.)
Sushi plate device development and installation: Nakaji Hiroaki
Food sample modeling cooperation: Sato Sample, IWASAKI CO., LTD.
Robot application development: Watanabe Chika
Scenography cooperation: Sammonji Masaya (BKY+SENTO-DASHI committee), Uchiumi Kohei (BKY+SENTO-DASHI committee)
Logo design: Hata Yurie
Translation: Sato Ayako
Cast: Fujii Naotaka, Mishima Yuta, Hokamura Hitoshi
Video Supervision: Sakamoto Asato
Support received from
Production cooperation: Digital Hollywood University, 100BANCH, Poled Co., Ltd, ZENTech, Inc., Nofty, Inc., Kazuo Wakamiya
Technical cooperation: TASKO Inc., RYUDOSHOTEN L.L.C., yakushoku saffrondo, BnA Co.,Ltd
Cooperation: Mori Art Museum
Fandoms: Dangan Ronpa - All Media Types, Persona Series, Persona 5, Dangan Ronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, Super Dangan Ronpa 2, Dangan Ronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls, Dangan Ronpa 3: The End of 希望ヶ峰学園 | The End of Kibougamine Gakuen | End of Hope's Peak High School, New Dangan Ronpa V3: Everyone's New Semester of Killing, Dangan Ronpa 十神 - 佐藤友哉 | Dangan Ronpa: Togami - Satou Yuuya, Dangan Ronpa: Kirigiri, Dangan Ronpa Zero, Dangan Ronpa Another: Another Despair Academy, Super Dangan Ronpa Another 2: Sun of Hope & Moon of Despair, Dangan Ronpa Rebirth: Voices, Dangan Ronpa TheAfter: Future of Despair School
Rating: Not Rated
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Check Out PSYCHO-PASS Spin-Off Stage Play "Virtue and Vice" Dress Rehearsal in Videos
Stage Play PSYCHO-PASS Virtue and Vice, the highly-anticipated spin-off stage play based on Production I.G's sci-fi crime suspense anime franchise PSYCHO-PASS finally started its run at Ninon Seinenkan Hall in Tokyo on April 18. One day before its opening, its dress rehearsal session was introduced to Japanese media.
The play is directed by Katsuyuki Motohiro, who has served as general director for the anime series including the 2015 feature film. It tells a spin-off story about original characters' activities at the Public Safety Bureau's Criminal Investigation Division Unit Three, written by one of the anime's screenplay writers, Makoto Fukami.
>Shibuya. On Central Street, a young boy wonders off from the pharmacy out of boredom.
Finally! Some time to myself without my parents breathing down my neck.
>He looked around to find something to help him kill the boredom. Then, he noticed someone... A certain king we all know.
Can’t believe I had to come all the way here to Shibuya to play Gun About. I really hope they finish renovations soon. Who even does this at this time of year?
Young Boy: Hey, Shinya!
Shinya: Oh, hey, Yuta! What are you doing here so late? I thought your mom didn’t like that.
Yuta: She and Ryuichi are in the pharmacy buying Grandpa’s medicine. He has prescription so they’ll be awhile. So I thought I’d sneak off, maybe get something from the convenience store.
Shinya: Do you even have the money?
>Hearing this, Yuta’s jaw dropped.
Yuta: Shoot! I forgot, Mom’s says I’m not old enough to have my own money. So what about you? Don’t you usually go to the arcade in Akihabara?
Shinya: The owner closed it down for renovations. He’s thinking of adding a second floor to put in a gamer’s cafe and use the other higher floors to rent apartments.
Yuta: Couldn’t you just play Gun About at home?
Shinya: We don’t have the Internet and my mom doesn’t really like that game. So I have to come all the way here which is taking a heavy toll on my wallet. Just hope I can make it back before dinner. By the way, how are things. Especially with...
Yuta: With my condition? Well, it’s still pretty much the same. I can’t feel pain, shouldn’t that mean I’m like invincible? Why can’t my mom see that?
I’m not sure if I’m the right person to tell you that, Yuta.
>Just then, they noticed something. Someone going into an alley next to the karaoke place.
Shinya: I know that guy. And who’s the lady with him?
Yuta: Doesn’t that go to that place where they sell model guns? Joe said I shouldn't go in there.
Shinya: But if he’s going to be there, I’m sure it will be alright. Wanna see what they’re up to?
Yuta: Well, as long as I get back before my parents notice I'm gone.
>The two boys followed into the alley... Not knowing they were being followed as well.
???: Little kids shouldn’t be going into an alley at night. I better follow them before Yuta worries Setsuko and Ryuichi.
>The managed to sneak inside.
Welcome back. Come to sell me something else weird? ... You’re even dressed weird.
The high schools in the city are having an event. I know I transferred out of Shujin, but my friends needed help and I said I would. We were hoping to go there after we talk with you.
Same here. I know me and my friend just graduated, but we just couldn't let them do this on their own.
What is it you wanted to talk about?
Makoto: Well, you know about that tournament Ren was invited to?
Kaoru: You mean Smash Bros.? Yes... Actually, shouldn’t you be there now?
I already did. The things about the Smash Universe is... Time is irrelevant.
Makoto: Since Smash Bros. consists of characters from other video game series, Nintendo needed a space were they can be together without disrupting the story of their games. And that’s when they made Smash Bros.
Kaoru: Amazing. But how did you get an invitation?
Ren: Sonic the Hedgehog.
Iwai: You mean your last heist?
Ren: Yes. Sneaky McBatty (Rouge the Bat) let is slip to Sonic that we’re the Phantom Thieves. Thankfully, he, the Thorndykes, and their friends decided to keep it a secret, but Sonic got the idea to invite me to be in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate... As DLC, of course.
Iwai: I see. But what does this have have to do with us?
Ren: After I did that, our first admin had the idea to sign me up for that fighting tournament that takes place every year here in Tokyo.
Iwai: You mean the Fight Before Christmas? I guess that means you’re here for the rule book.
Makoto: I’m entering as well. My former aikido instructor was going to enter due to bills piling up at the dojo and the prize money should be able to pay them off until he can find something, but the maximum age to enter is 59 and he’s 62. However, when he diced to find someone to take his place, I was the first one who came to mind.
Kaoru: Really? You must be really good at aikido to be chosen. Actually, I’ve always thought of taking up the martial arts... For sports.
Heh! That’s what I thought.
Kaoru: And what about you, Ren kun?
Ren: Like I said, Mishima thought it would be good for the Phandom if the leader of the Phantom Thieves was in the tournament and would get us more requests and, in light of the holidays, gifts.
Kaoru: That must be rough.
Yuta: (whisper) Why are they talking about the Phantom Thieves?
Shinya: (also whispering) Well, I’m not suppose to say anything, but...
Look, can you keep a secret?
>Yuta nods his head. So Shinya leans in close and whispers in his ear.
Shinya: ...
Yuta: ARE YOU SERIOUS!? YOU’RE FRIENDS WITH THE PHANTOM THIEVES!?
SHUSH! They’ll hear us!
>Too late. We notice them where they were hiding.
Shinya kun?
Kaoru: Holy smoke! The King of Akihabara! ... And I wish I had a cut-in to show my expression. And why is Yuta Koshu with you?
Yuta: Huh? You know about me?
Kaoru: Who in Shibuya hasn’t heard of you? ... Because of him.
>Kaoru was pointing to the door which was open and someone came in. Yuta was sure he had been busted... Until he saw who it was.
Yuta: Oh good. It’s just you. I was sure Mom and Ryuichi was here.
But I don’t think you’ll be out of trouble just yet.
Yuta: Why’s that?
???????: Because just as Joe followed you, we followed Joe.
>As this Joe person comes in... Two more followed.
(sighs) If we get anymore people here this place will either become a suburb or have people thinking there’s a sale going on.
Sorry. We just took our eyes off of him for just a minuet and he was gone.
Yuta: I’m sorry. I just met Shinya and we got curious about one of his friends.
Well, as long as you didn’t get hurt or did anything dangerous, I’ll forgive you this once. Just don’t scare us like that again. My heart almost dropped when we turned around and you weren’t there.
Iwai: Just goes to show you that you gotta keep a real close eye on the younger ones. Especially when you’re out in the city at night.
Yuta: (a bit offended) Hey! I’ll have you know I just turned 8.
Joe: Anyway, I guess you know about me too.
I also know about you as well, Joe Akamine. As well as you both, Ryuichi and Setsuko Suzuki.
Ren: Can you explain, please?
Makoto: Joe and Ryuichi are well known in the boxing world. Joe is one of the few expected to become the next Joe Yabuki. As for Ryuichi, he was in the prime of his boxing career but was forced into early retirement due to complications with his vision.
Ryuichi: I don’t think we need to talk about that. But there were a few good things that came out of it.
Setsuko: That’s true.
Shinya: You two are married, right? Yuta told me.
Yuta: That’s right. Ryuichi’s my step-dad now. Even though he can’t box anymore, I still think he’s great. Almost as much as Joe.
Ryuichi: (playfully offended) Aww, thanks.
>We couldn’t help but laugh.
Setsuko: Now hold on. Yuta, event though I’ve forgiven you, I’m still upset. Just wandering off on your own. And at night, no less. And you went into a gun shop.
Iwai: I can assure you, ma’am, these are just models. They only shoot pellets.
Setsuko: I see.
Joe: By the way, I also overheard you guys talking about the Fight Before Christmas.
Makoto: You know about it too, Joe san? I take it you’re also entering.
Ryuichi: Really? That’s what you wanted to talk about?
Joe: Well, Mr. Takizawa normally enters in the tournament, but as of last month, he turned 60 and has been declared too old to enter. But he asked me to enter in his place. He just told me this morning and I was going to tell you tonight.
Kaoru: Really? Do they allow boxers? She just said she practices aikido.
Iwai: Well, Kaoru, the Fight Before Christmas is a bit like the Street Fighter Tournament. All forms of fighting are welcome.
Kaoru: I see. They’re not very organized about this, are they? But why does Mr. Takizawa enter the tournament? Does he need the money?
Joe: No, he doesn’t do this for the money. He’s trying to become the next FBC Champion. But he said I can still get the money if I want.
Kaoru: Really? How much is the prize money?
Iwai: ¥900,000. ($7983)
Kaoru: (surprised) For real!? And I thought the money you won in the lottery was a lot.
Ren: You won the lottery, Iwai san?
Kaoru: We’ll explain another time.
Yuta: Joe, you’ve got to enter it. I know you can become the next Champ.
Joe: Well, if it means Mr. Takizawa would have his dream of the currant Champ being defeated, I guess.
Yuta: Yes!
Joe: So, where do I sign up?
Iwai: Normally, you can sign online...
But from what I've heard, a lot of people want to sign up in person at the TV station in Akasaka Mitsuke. Mostly because of one of the co-commentators.
Ryuichi: Why? Is it someone famous?
Iwai: You could say that... If you like girls based on edible meats.
Kaoru: You mean it’s... Her?
Joe: If it is, I guess we should get going.
Iwai: I don’t think you can go right now. The place is probably packed by now. But don’t worry, registrations will be open for a while, so you might have time.
Makoto: That’s probably good. We don’t have time today anyway.
Ryuichi: How come?
>Suddenly, the door opened again.
‘Bout time we found you guys! We’ve been waiting almost 20 minutes.
We thought you probably got held up for some reason.
>Joe, Ryuichi, and Setsuko just started at Ryuji, Yusuke, and Haru about what they were wearing.
Is something wrong?
Ren: I’ll explain later. Right now, we better go. Everyone’s waiting.
>With that, we leave and Iwai closes the shop for the night... And just when all was quiet...
Interesting...
>Sho notices Ryuichi walking off. Seeing him, Shoe makes a look of disgust.