dayone's blog

Yui: Taiyou no Uta (aka:good luck/bad luck=karma!)

Just a bit of rambling,

You may have had times that good luck can sometimes become bad luck, this is what happened to me when my long time friend Zdorama wrote to me saying "du I somehow ended up with an extra copy of Taiyou no Uta and I'll send it to you if you like." I was stoked as I had not watched it yet and having heard good things about it on line I of course said "shoots send em." So thanks to Zdorama for being so generous. So what happened, why write about it? Read on.

I first found out about Yui after she did the ending theme song for the anime series Bleach, and knew that I liked what I heard so I looked around and I have to say I did like what I found so yeah I'm a fan even though I have yet to purchase her albums. I was looking forward to seeing more. and then...

As I received the DVD...

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I excitedly opened the package and immediately popped it in the player then......nothing. huh? is my player broke? eject! insert. loading...press play, .......nothing, eject check for scratches, none, try the secondary non divx player, power, insert, load, press play, .... "disc read error"!!!! OH NOooo!! , Ok no need to panic there are more players to try, lets try the PC external, loading.....play, main menu!! success! YES turn up the PC speakers to 11, lean back grab some Lamune soda, coolness.. 3 minute 5 seconds in stutter, (huh?)... FREEZE!!!..(Yikes!!, spilled my Lamune, crap!)  "cyclic redundancy error" ACKkkk,.. NOooo!!! Quick switch to internal drive! eject, insert, start program, hit play,.....Menu success! yes!, scan forward to 2 min 30sec, continue "alright!" 35 seconds later, FREEZE!!!  GRRrrrr, Why!!!

This goes on for a while, trying to skip forward passed the error, tried ripping to the hard drive tried changing settings in the players, everything failed. I have come to the sad conclusion that the disc has a built in error from the manufacturer.

Having put so much effort to try and play it I couldn't give up now, I have to see this movie, my long time friend went through the trouble to package, stand in line pay for and ship the movie that then I'm sure went through many hands going from mail carrier to truck to plane that flew across the pacific ocean landing on some god forsaken island then on to another truck and postal worker who walked the halls to find my box to put the package in.

The PO worker maybe looked at it and wondered what was in there. With his many years of postal drudgery he knew it was a DVD but was it an action movie that he might instead pocket to the dismay of the intended recipient? Maybe its a Disney movie his kids might already have, or porn, "its probably porn", he would think after reading the name of the recipient, yeah that name sounds odd enough, "My wife wouldn't like me to bring that kind of stuff home, I will just do the right thing this time" places it in the box, moves on to the next package that he is sure is a "as seen on TV miracle grow chia pet".

Within the next day or two while the box sat silently waiting for someone to stop by and check for mail. I went about my daily business of being busy for no good reason. Once in a while thinking "I wonder how long it would take for the DVD to arrive?". Usually from 4  days to depending on planetary shift, the tides and global warming, and finally some Joe at the PO to get up the energy while simultaneously keeping his morals in check (Yes postal theft is a real problem here) It can and has taken up to 11 days! My mom gets there first and as she hands it to me that night I thought "coolness!". Little did I expect the trials that were about to begin.

I can't give up! must see Yui acting and singing, I know already that it is a bit of a tragedy by the other reviews online and the back of the box. Franticly I search the major sites to see if its been posted for those that wear eye patches, walk with a limp and sometimes inexplicably feature small noisy birds hanging out on their shoulder, no luck!

O Yui,Yui! wherefore art thou Yui!

Finally I find a few links to incomplete posts on streaming sites. I get to watch the film WITHOUT all its glorious resolution and audio fidelity.But my bad luck being as it is I call it lucky that I get to see it at all. Someday I will try to buy another DVD that would hopefully be free of errors, but that will have to wait for the economy to recover or some economic stimulus package that includes the down trodden and unlucky folks like me. Winning the lottery would also help, someone on island last week won 1.6 million after taxes last month, but then I would have to have a budget for tickets, which I don't...

My bad luck aside, a little bit about the movie.
Yui does a fine job in her acting debut, as you may well know she plays a person with a rare disease that makes it dangerous to go out in the daylight. And yes this disease does exist.

As with anyone with a shortened life span each experience in life is accentuated and seems more meaningful and important knowing that you may not get another chance to do anything twice.

It is at times touching and charming with a rather slow pace at the start, things do pick up after some character development time. Of course Yui gets to sing, and boy does she, I got goose bumps when she drew a crowd singing on the street. Interestingly enough the street performances were important to Yui and her career too. The director said the role was really made for her and the parallels in the story were intentional. Her personality is also just like the character so its not too hard for a first timer.

I really enjoyed the Movie even if it looked bad through a steaming site and sounded less than perfect.
A charming movie with like able characters, I do recommend a viewing. Find it where you can its worth it.

I think a measure of quality for any movie is how it affects those who see it and understand its meaning. In that, this movie succeeds, I thought of it for days after and have changed my thinking because of it. Sure there are many movies with a similar lesson but this one works for me.

As we all watch the time fly by do we realize what happens around us, do we make the most of our time?
After watching this movie I don't think I do, so now on I will make more efforts to appreciate my time and at
least make a difference for those I know.

Anime Music - Macross Frontier

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Sakamoto Maaya, Nakashima May,and Nakajima Megumi made a huge splash in Japanese pop charts this year by way of work on the anime soundtrack of Macross F (frontier). Four singles having hit the top five from this show and has broken records in DVD sales in japan recently.Two singles debuted at #3 and its two albums both placing high on the Oricon. CD sales were so unexpected that many locations sold out in short order.

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Nakajima Megumi born on 1989 by a Japanese father and Pinoy (Philippine) mother makes her debut working in this series doing both the speaking and singing voice work for her character Ranka Lee. She won a nation wide contest of singing, voice and performance searching for the new Macross F character.

As you can see Megumi does have some PI influence to her look. When visiting her mothers home land for her birthday she notes on her blog that she can't speak the two main languages there, Tagalog and English, but has enjoyed her time there and intends to return again. Deculture!

Megumis voice has a texture and tone that some how makes it feel young and playful just like the character she plays in the show. In a live performance she emulates her TV character perfectly, with dance moves to match, super cute. She is quickly gaining international popularity. Megumi definitely has a bright future ahead, fans can't seem to get enough, including me.

中島愛(Nakajima Megumi) - 星間飛行

Nakajima also covered a couple of the early Macross songs originally performed by Mari Iijima. She does an incredible job! Compare the samples, these are both from the anime so you can see how 25 years has changed things.From the hand drawn and painted of the 1980s to the cell shaded CG of 2008.

Macross - Watashi no Kare wa Pilot

Macross Frontier - Watashi no Kare wa Pilot w/ Lyrics

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Sakamoto Maaya and Nakabayashi Mei (aka May'n) both sing for the character Sheryl Nome. Sakamoto doing the voice acting as Rankas mom and singing 2 songs while Nakabayashi credited as May'n is her main singing voice. Sakamoto has had much more experience having debuted as a voice actor back in 1996 compared to May'n in 2005. She has so many anime credits that I wont list them here. A truly impressive resumé. Her singing career is no small matter also as far as I can tell she has had  10 albums and 17singles so far most are anime related, I don't know why I haven't heard of her before now. Being close to 30 might limit Maayas appeal to some, but her popularity right now seems to be at an all time high. I'm late to the party again, anyway shes awesome, have a listen. So what is a triangle for?

Sakamoto Maaya -Triangler (PV)(SUBBED)

May'n is the main singer for the character Sheryl Nome. I was confused at first why my friends were saying that the voice of Sheryl was like 18 when I knew that Maaya was 28, till I checked the credits and saw two names for Sheryl and two names for Ranka. Megumi was miss credited as Ai which is a common mistake, they are both written with the same character. It was a mystery to me until I read Zdoramas post about another Megumi with the same problem.  I'm still not sure why they decided to use two singers for Sheryl but I just didn't notice two different voices, guess my ears, not so good. May'n is also quite the find with undeniable talent. A very impressive live performer too.(see clip below) I'm really looking forward to more from all three of these women. She also has a similar story of going through singing trials, with the 28th "Horipro - Talent Scout Caravan - Love Music - Audition" making it to the final four.
Here singing Diamond Crevase live.

ダイアモンド・グレバス　ライブ映像

A few lucky folks in Japan even had the opportunity to attend special concerts featuring the music from the show. The first was early on as a 25th aniversery concert that had performers from all the former Macross works including Mari Iijima.This was also the anouncement and debut for Megumi who sang a Minmay song because Frontier was still in production. Also a few near the end of Frontiers broadcast. The sales were so good how could they not? I would have so liked to go to one of those, unfortunately being almost broke and not renewing my passport on time stopped me in my tracks, with Bush making the process take a couple months instead of weeks I had to pass. Could you believe at the Budokan! Thats right! Crazy popular for an anime. I really hope a concert DVD will be produced.
May'n is even having a concert in Singapore coinciding with a anime festival on Nov28th!

Finally I found sort of an answer as to whats up with all the synchronized audience participation in Japanese concerts, looks like it is planned, check out this short shown before on the website and during the concerts. Instructions to follow allong. coolness.

星間飛行～ご一緒に！振り付けフラッシュ(ランカ・リー＝中島愛)

All the albums and singles are available now buy em while you can. Unfortunately the show itself may never make it to a US release, there are licensing problems with those greedy Robotech fools.

The Macross universe has pushed the envelope of the anime industry and its influence on pop music for the past 25 years. I do hope it continues as this latest effort has been some its best.

MAX, Mina is back!

Being a MAX fan since the Amuro Namie and the Super Monkeys days,
I am very happy to learn though Charmy☆Risuzu that Mina has returned!
After about a six years.

So I went and found the announcement clip and a recent performance.

MAX☆MINA復帰

I have to say I am disappointed in the sound engineer of the following clip. Grrr this is a dance tune not a ballad turn up the music and bring down the vocals, they cant put any power behind it if its already too loud. but still they haven't lost anything and even the dance steps remain.

Max (Mina Return) - Give Me A Shake 2008

New best album of in December 2008 "NEW EDITION ~MAXIMUM HITS~," featuring new arrangements of 12 of their past hits, including a remix by Clazziquai Project and a new song "Are you ready?"

Wish these ladies the best of luck.

Akino Arai

Akino Arai

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Vocalist Akino Arai born 8-21-1959 is a rare artist with little known on western shores except for her contributions to many anime soundtracks. She debuted in 1986, and has had quite a bit of success though she is definitely not main stream. She has a large following in Europe, maybe because she does sing in English and french too.

The Anime Macross Plus was the first I heard from her. Her terrifically clear and delicate voice made the song Voices hauntingly beautiful. I just had to have more!  Her backing music varies greatly from industrial influences, electonica type ambiance, acoustic guitar and drum to full orchestra.  If you like to chill to lovely calming vocals, like variety in backing music to a lush voice check out Akino Arai.

Now days there are many examples on youtube so be sure to check those. I would recommend the following to show a little bit of her talent.

Macross Plus AMV - Voices (Japanese)

Voices from Macross Plus with composer Yoko Kanno

Akino Arai - Borderline

Borderline from the Macross Plus

Akino Arai - Moon Light Anthemí

Moon Light Anthemi

Akino Arai & Yoko Kanno "Toki no shirabe"

toki no shirabe with composer Yoko Kanno again

Outlaw Star - Tsuki no Ie

outlaw star sound track song Tsuki no ie

I was reminded that I should post about her since MorningBerryz noted Imai Miki. They have a similar music style sometimes though not as powerful a voice. I would not call it easy listening but I honestly don't know how its catagorised. Easy on the ears calming to the soul, its peacefull making. :)  Wait a minute, I would never compare Akino Arai with Imai Miki, as if, never mind...

If you are interested her official site can be found here.

ZONE (ゾーン)

Temporary fame by contract is what I call it, and that is a real shame because they were headed for greater heights.
ZONE a four member all girl group had the makings of lasting greatness. One of the few idol/rock groups to play their own instruments.

Starting in a style similar to the all powerful force that is Morning Musume, 8 young and talented lady's were chosen to create a singing and dancing group. The number was eventually cut to 4 and the playing of instruments became required after Ominami Tadayuki in a stroke of genius decided there aren't enough idol groups out there that play instruments and sing and dance. The term bandol (band+idol) applies here. The members being Ookoshi Takayo the leader and guitar, Sakae Maiko bass guitar, Saito Mizuho drums, and Magase Miyu lead vocals and guitar, and later Takayo graduating similar to MM and being replaced by Nishimura Tomoka  because Tayako wanted to continue her studies. In another good move Tomoka was one of the former 4 that were cut so she fit right in. They eventually split up when three of the group had graduated high school and they all decided to try going their individual ways. Other rumers have it as Mizuho wanting to continue studies and the others not wanting to continue as a three member group, we may never know what the truth was.

Originally formed in 1997, with their first indie single released in 1999 called Believe in Love. Later signing with Sony after being noticed on Komekome Club. Their fourth single in 2001, secret base～君がくれたもの～ was their highest selling, hitting close to 750,000 copies reaching #2 in the charts, with the help of its exposure as a TV drama theme song. But alas in 2002 with their first album being named Z they were only set to make four albums from the start, and even then their fourth and fifth albums E, Ura E. did not contain any new songs as its release came after the break. Funny how the first E sold twice as many copies as N. Ura E is said to be a compilation chosen by votes of their fans, but is listed as a B side compilation also.

They worked on the theme song for 2003 series of astroboy, Japanese release of the movie Ice Age, a song was used in the game Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, had a ps2 video game WONDER ZONE, and made numerous appearances in tv shows as is the regular way of the pop star in Japan. ZONE even had their own show that was very funny, always entertaining. They even contributed to a theme album dedicated to the manga, anime and movie Nana, another fave of mine, where every band associated with it was good.

The most rambunctious member of the group Mizuho constantly needed to be reigned in. She is so out of control in some episodes of Mathews Best Hits TV that the host himself, also a crazy personality, is astounded. The personalities of each member was different and complimentary to the others making them seem like a group of really good friends. With the exception of Mizuho who would be the class clown guaranteed, you can imagine the three others at any school, mall or popular hangout just chillin, they're cool like that.

Another item to note, ZONE's PV for the song Taiyou no KISS was shot on Guam. At the time I didn't know about them but I meet the film crew when they were looking for a waterproof video camera or housing because they wanted to shoot half of the frame in water and half out. I told them we didn't carry such equipment and suggested checking a dive shop when another guy asked if we had an aquarium, I was at a loss, said sorry and they went on their merry way. As you can see in their video they did find an aquarium to put the camera in, that's some creative thinking, the PV came out great and they even made a TV special at the same time. it can be found on youtube of course, just search for ZONE TV Special.

Let me just say, I wish Zone had a longer name. the five albums released were named by letter the first being Z the second O and so on. Thus following the pattern but not exactly the last 2 were E and then Ura E. With no more letters in the name the members saw the end coming. That bites. Each member was coming into their own and as such you can imagine maybe some wanted to do other things. Had they not ended at that point I am certain things would have improved still. Who ever came up with the letter per album thing guaranteed at that point, the end of the group. I don't know why they didn't graduate more members and continue recruiting like MM, it was working for them so far.There have been rumors of reunions of ZONE around for a while though I think its doubtful given the successes of Miyu as a solo artist and Maiko in Maria, not to mention the amount of time that has passed. This isn't Speed we're talkin bout.

So what has happened to them since splitting? I dont know much but a quick search found that;
Takayo had a short solo career but her official site went down so...,
Maiko formed another all girl bandol group called Maria that has had some success. their fifth single slated for release 9/17. Go Maiko! and Miyu has a solo career going releasing her third single in May 21 a day after her 20th birthday
(oddly both Maria and Miyu, have a sound that can easily be associated with ZONE's sound.)

Now let me get to why they were awesome, with a sample of their work of course.

ZONE - Believe in Love PV

1st indies single

ZONE - GOOD DAYS

1st sony single

ZONE - うたばん『ZONEの2学期&「証」』[2002.09.26]

Utaban, Akashi

Sunshine kiss - Zone

The one shot on Guam

ZONE.-.[True.blue]

Shot in Okinawa

ZONE - Daibakuhatsu NO.1 PV

2nd single

Hitoshizuku

Ice Age theme

ZONE - 第54回NHK紅白歌合戦『secret base～君がくれたもの～』

Secret Base, their highest selling single
at the Kouhaku Utagasen

ZONE - Egao Biyori PV

Zones final single release, was supposed to be an optimistic final song,
the title translates to something like "wait till the smile"
but as you can see by their last Music Station performance, smiles were hard to maintain.

ZONE - 笑顔日和

Final special on Music Station final concert at Budoukan
Singing their best selling song of friendship.

zone dismiss part1

zone dismiss part2

These farewell performances always get me.
Surprising how part of their final ends up broadcast nationally.

DDX drag drift xtreme, on Guam.

I noticed that this group is dead!!  Whats up with that?

So here is a little drift injection, from all the way out in the pacific a tiny Island called Guam.
The video isn't mine, the photos are. enjoy.

This past June 12th Signal Auto a well known tuning shop and drift team in Japan along with a local promotions company held round one of an on going competition called DDX (Drag Drift Xtreme) the event consists of well drag racing drifting and extreme sports demos, (mainly motorcycle stunts and burnout competitition. Guam has not had organised drifting for very long so we would really still all be amatures but with the help of events like this the local talent are sure to improve. I was not able to attend the 2nd round which took place recently, so I will not be posting for every round but I will try to post what I can. Read about round 2 here in the local newspaper.

signal auto demo drift

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This is where it all happened the parking/staging area for the dragstrip, this was taken the night before at practice

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My best shot

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Making with the prepping and stuff.

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Signal were also the judges.

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Demo time.

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Yes those are two cars one way and another in the oposite direction in the same corner.

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My friend in a S14 with S14 SR20DET broke in to the 12s with only a boost controller!

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The local Drift Wieners.
Steven, Jon and Brian.
 

Hope this inspires the rest of this group to start posting about the whole drift life thing.

Slipping and Gripping, what its all about.

Aya Ueto , maybe.

By the way there is currently a rumor running around Guam that Aya Ueto is here this week. Some tour group bumped her reservation at a beach club so she had to move to another location. In the tourism industry as with all business the one offering the most money usually gets what they want.  Here is a page of a probably 4 year old プレイボーイ I just happen to have on the shelf.

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Guam is so small and detached from the main land of Japan that the local Japanese population wouldn't even notice if a big star walked right by them, thus the frequent visits here by celebrities, and its cheaper and closer than Hawaii. That also works against me finding out who is here and when. Just bout all of the Tsunku produced groups have been here and I haven't seen a one. Grr...

09/06/99 Fan club event in GUAM

I wanted to share a few stories, from years gone by but not in chronological order because who thinks that way anyway, A good friend of mine reminded me of this one when he called me out of the blue and suggested I check out his blog, I did and here I am making my own. It should help me keep in touch and assuage any rumors that I might have passed on. (I`m not that old yet!!)
Ok then I will start in the middle, I will get around to the older stories later.

I found out by chance that a jpop singer was on Island for a small event held at a local club, a non advertised thing that had me wondering why a star of her level would do such a low key type of show. Of course I went directly there as soon as I could get outa work. Nervously I approached the door and trying to remember when the last time I studied Japanese, it was too long ago to be useful. I said to myself, "self, whatever happens, if you get booted out you can still say you tried and in that way you are a real fan." Looking at the entrance I wondered if I was there on the wrong day it was silent and no one was around even the lights and sign for the club were turned off. I was hesitant to try the door, but if I was at the wrong place, or the rumor was false or some act of god had changed things then I could find out by simply asking the first person I met. the door was open. Lucky!

I walked down the short hall and saw there were bartenders at their stations cleaning and no one was at the bar, it was still quiet but then as I approached I heard laughter hushed laughter from what sounded like 50 trained extras, as if on que, which died as quickly as it started. then some clapping with the same strange abrupt start and stop. I didn't know what to think it was as if someone was testing one of those audience reaction simulation machines. I still didn't see what was up, just heard these weird sound that seemed out of place in an empty club.

Facing the bar I asked the guy "ay howz it? is this the place where that Japanese singer is gonna perform?" He goes "yeah are you a fan?" I was relieved to say the least that it was the right place. I shrugged and said I know a few of her songs, I started to blush as the notion of being a fan of anything was still considered to be part of the at the time looked down on subculture of the Otaku relm and not to be divulged to anyone other than another Otaku. He went on to say he liked her too because the staff of the event gave him a CD and its pretty damn cool according to him. He then offered me a drink, as is his job. I of course said sure.

The place was still quiet and I wondered when it was starting, then I heard it again, clapping this time, I spun around to where I heard it coming. to my surprise behind me in an adjacent area were at least 50 people sitting quietly in neat rows of folding chairs in front of a small stage. Just as I was trying to fathom what the hell. She comes out on stage, from what appeared to have been a short break. I though "Damn I`m late" and downed my drink. the bartender then gave me a refill and told me she had just finished a set a couple minutes ago. I was upset about it but she started talking to the crowd and they seemed mesmerized as she cracked some jokes and explained that she had to rearrange the schedule to sing first then talk instead of talking then singing.

Strange how Japanese audiences act its like they all know what to do and when, almost like they had rehearsed it before, but more on that later. I though at least I get to see her as herself and not doing anything scripted. Turns out she was adorable and very down to earth in her ways, joking with the audience and excepting gifts from a couple of them she talked of how she felt about each one of the gifts and made a little association game which I`m sure to giver of the gifts felt very special about having made such impressions on her.

I could see that these were no ordinary attenders of events, no one off the street except me then I remembered about fan club events and this is what it had to be, because she was so comfortable with them and she even knew some of their names. Her image on stage has always been to be a tough chick with just a touch of cute, but her real personality is more like the happy slightly tomboyish cutiness of a girl next door type. I was falling for her, as a fan does. A curse, I`m sure but an enjoyable one.

After about four or five drinks I was tipsy and smiling and was thoroughly enjoying myself as she went on and on having a good time with her fan club plus one. She wrapped up her time on stage after getting a signal from her manager, I`m guessing because she also had family members there, she thanked everyone profusely while giggling and the audience clapped and cheered stood up and clapped and cheered, she went behind the curtain and for the first time the crowd started talking to each other. no one left the area just talked to each other in their folding chairs till another person came out and made an announcement they then all shuffled their way out a side door toward the hotel that houses this particular club. I turned back to the counter to pay my bill and to my surprise the bartender refused to take my money saying that it was paid for by the event organizers. Lucky again!

I had a good time got to see one of my favorites at the time and had free drinks too what more could I ask for? well my only regret was not understanding everything she said and of course not being there in time to hear her sing live.

Who was the singer I speak of, you were wondering this whole time? Some one who will always have a place on my CD shelf. A sweet and honest to goodness nice girl. Who incidentally has since had many more hits. Who many times debuted her albums at number one and recently performed along with Caroline Lufkin. Its the one and only

Paradox

Aikawa Nanase.
Buy her albums, you know she rocks.

A side note about Japanese culture.
I don`t know if I`m right or not but it seems to me that Japanese audiences seem to view these events and concerts from a very different perspective than the average western individual, judging from their actions and reactions its as if they are each individually in a world of their own as if the performer is there just for him or herself and almost completely ignores anyone else there. this is of course third person perspective as I've only been to two of these, the other was a Southern All Stars live house thing in Okinawa but there too it was odd how everyone did the same thing at the same time, clapping, laughing, cheering or chanting all in unison and at what seemed to be predetermined intervals.

Somebody help me out here because it interferes with my enjoying the show for fear of doing the wrong thing at the wrong time. Even watching concert videos I noticed the chanting of names and stuff like they`re on que it seems. anyone? As an outsider I feel left out even when I`m there. Unless of course I`ve had a few on the house and theres someone as captivating as Aikawa Nanase on stage.

My first blog

So my friend of many years calls me out of the blue after a few years of non contact and says " I have this blog that I mentioned you in..." etc. So I'm like "oh really? no, I don't have a blog. Ok then I will check it out."
Well, now I'm here and fairly exited to add my stuff to it.

In the coming days you can expect to find more about what happens out on the pacific Island of Guam, posts about racing, a passion of mine, and j-pop the sound track of my life.

Ja ne.