anime music – Yuki The Snowman

30 Day Anime Challenge Day 6: Favorite Anime Ending Theme

I’ve been looking forward to Days 5 and 6 of this list. I love music. I love anime. This will be a challenge indeed. There are far too many endings songs I love that I can not possibly just choose one as my favorite. I’m going to do ten songs, five opening and five ending themes for each day and let you in on why I love them so much.

5.An Evil Angel and a Righteous Devil
Dragon Ball Super ED 8
Performed by The Collectors

With the Tournament of Power Arc introducing a new ending theme this week (Haruka by Lacco’s Tower), I thought it would be a great idea to start off this list with the Arc’s first ending theme. An Evil Angel and a Righteous Devil is my personal favorite of the Dragon Ball Super ending themes due to the political tone and themes of the lyrics and music video (choosing a side, deception, the tragedy of war, etc.), something I would never expect from a Shonen series such as Dragon Ball.

I’ve already given an in-depth analysis on the song in an earlier post, so please check out the link provided.

‘Angels and devils: even if the devils were really angels
Righteousness and evil would still hold no meaning
Winning or losing doesn’t benefit anyone –
Everyone is simply hurt, crying at the end’

Number Four:
Dou Kangaete mo Watashi wa Warukunai (lit. No Matter How I Look at It, I’m not Popular)
Watamote Ed 1
Performed by Izumi Kitta (voice actress of series heroine Tomoko Kuroki)

Great songs are the ones that are personal. It’s even better if find parallels in the lyrics to your own life or if the performance of the song matches the spirit of the song’s central theme. The first ending theme of “Watamote” captures this as voice actress Izumi Kitta’s performs as Tomoko the series socially awkward main character I coudn’t help but find a sense of similarity by listening to Tomoko sing about her inability to commute with “normies”, wasting her life online, and her loneliness.

I also couldn’t help but laugh as in reflection of my old days of being a shut-in weeaboo back in middle and high school – feeling superior to my normie peers.

…god i was such a special snowflake trash back in the day.

‘After all the time I’ve spent online
My voice won’t even come out after all this time
In rain or shine, it doesn’t change
Is that right?! It’s not my fault!’

Number Three
Hiru no Tsuki (lit. Daytime Moon)
Outlaw Star ED 1
Performed by Arai Akino

‘This serene feeling…
Tell me, what’s the word people use for it?’

“This serene feeling”. It’s the feeling I had towards Hiru no Tsuki ever since I was a child watching Outlaw Star. Despite being ignorant to the Japanese language and the context of Hiru no Tsuki back then, I always felt this peaceful, yet sorrowful presence in Akino’s performance and in the song itself. 11-year-old Benjamin couldn’t quite tell exactly what or why the reason for the feeling back then but he knew that there was more to Outlaw Star than just the simple story of ragtag crew traveling through space finding treasure and collecting money.

Hiru no Tsuki fueled the feeling.

Emily Brown and Ayako Kawasumi’s (American and Japanese voice actresses of Melfina) performance of Hiru no Tsuki in Episode 21 (Grave of the Dragon) drove the sorrowful emotion point home with Melfina singing acapella – possibly reflecting on her longing to understand the purpose and reason on why does she exist; despite her artificial creation.

The pain in her heart.

‘Will the time come? When you will know the pain in my heart?
Then you’d be able to be gentler than you are now.’

Number Two
Ride on Shooting Star
Fooly Cooly ED
Performed by The Pillows

Ride on Shooting Star doesn’t make sense. You can not make sense of it, no matter how much you want it to. It’s confusing. It’s crazy. It’s nonsense. It’s perfect for FLCL!

Think about it: Fooly Cooly is a crazy and outlandish anime series. You know what else is crazy and confusing? Puberty – and the changes that it brings. Unexplained changes and experiences you did not understand at all as a teenager. What’s one of Fooly Cooly’s creative themes? Dealing with puberty and not knowing how to deal with it. That’s why Ride on Shooting Star is perfect as the series’s ending theme. It doesn’t need to make sense and that’s why it’s perfect.

‘Ride on shooting star
With the voice of my heart, like a shotgun
I kept on singing’

Number One
The Real Folk Blues
Cowboy Bebop ED
Performed by Mai Yamane and The Seatbelts

‘THE REAL FOLK BLUES
I just want to know real sadness
Sitting in the muddy river, this life isn’t so bad either
If it ends once.’

The lyrical music of Cowboy Bebop is of an expansion of the series’s story beyond simple background atmosphere. Cowboy Bebop is heavily influences by music so it shouldn’t be a shock how the music in the series work in synergy for the narrtive of Cowboy Bebop with songs such as “Rain”, “Blue”, and ending theme song “The Real Folk Blues”.

Spike’s tale is that of a depressing, saddening one. While there are many things about Spike and his past that we may never know, we do know and are aware of the sad realities of it. One could consider The Real Folk Blues as additional information on Spike, with lines in the song such as “The despair that grew out of hope
And this chance with a trap laid in it “ and “How long must I live to be healed?”.

Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed my top five anime ending themes! What are some of your favorites? Please tell me in the comments below and see ya later!

By Yuki The Snowman Posted on July 2, 2017

anime 0

30 Day Anime Challenge Day 5: Favorite Anime Opening Theme

I’ve been looking forward to Days 5 and 6 of this list. I love music. I love anime. This will be a challenge indeed. There are far too many opening songs I love that I can not possibly just choose one as my favorite. I’m going to do ten songs, five opening and five ending themes for each day and let you in on why I love them so much.

Keep in mind that there’s order to this list (although number one is based off personal bias)

Dan Dan Korko Hikareteku (lit. Bit bv Bit My Heart is Charmed)
Dragon Ball GT OP
By Field of View

There are only three good things about Dragon Ball GT – the animation, the new ideas presented (that were poorly executed sadly), and the music. When I’m talking about GT’s music, I am not speaking of the horrible American original soundtrack (OST). And I’m especially not talking about horrible attempt at hip-hop that is “STEP INTO THE GRAND TOUR” trash (still to this day I cringe every time I hear that shit).

I’m talking about the superior Japanese OST, mainly GT’s opening theme song “Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku” or “Bit by Bit My Heart is Charmed”.
There’s a certain, nostalgic charm with this song, setting it apart from other Dragon Ball opening themes. To start, Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku is actually a love ballad. The character iit reminiscing on the first time he first met the one he fell in love with . On the surface, it seems out of place to have a long song in the Dragon Ball series, but if you dig a little bit, it make sense (plus, original Dragon Ball had a few romantic ending themes and as of recently with the Tournament of Power Arc , “Boogie Back” [the second ending theme of that arc] also carries that romantic feeling of longing).

Dragon Ball as a whole, is a charming series of adventure with unique and lovable diverse characters. Plus, I can promise you that we Dragon Ball fans can remember the first time when we first watched Dragon Ball and fell in love – our hearts charmed by the show bit-by-by. It works.

Finally, the best thing about the song is how it was used in the final episode of Dragon Ball as we relive main character Son Goku’s life, trails, and victories from Dragon Ball, Z, and GT.

‘You see, when I met you
I remembered the view which I had treasured when I was a child’

Smile Bomb

Yuu Yuu Hakusho OP 1
Sung By Sara White

Another intro that gives me a sense of nostalgia. Maybe it’s how the English version still kept that 90s Shonen anime vibe with the lyrics, instrumental arrangement, and singing. Maybe it’s the lyrics and it reflection on friends supporting you on your journey. That’s probably it.

The Hero!!
One Punch Man OP 1
Performed by JAM Project

Have you ever listen to an anime song that you just knew it fit just right with the series? The lyrics fit perfectly with the series’s tone, or the song was just full of so much energy that it felt just right using it as a theme song? That’s “The Hero!!” to me. I don’t think words can even describe the emotion in it, so I’ll just provide the full version below.

‘I wanna be the strongest HERO’

Seriously any version of the iconic Lupin the 3^rd Theme
Lupin the III
Composed by Yuji Ohno

Do I really have to explain why I love this song? Seriously I kinda don’t wanna because I have to go to a friend’s house soon. Fine, I’ll explain why. Ready? 70s acid jazz in an anime with a charming thief, the OG Femme Fatale, the stoic wandering samurai, and a smooth gunman. This song makes me want to go out and do some high level criminal things with my crew.

Theme of Lupin the 3rd

1. Tank!
Cowboy Bebop
Performed by The Seat Belts

The moment when I first heard the horns section blaring in the first bar of Tank, I knew Cowboy Bebop would be dissimilar to any anime series I’ve watched prior. Cowboy Bebop’s opening combined two of my loves: jazz music and anime. Never would I imagine that somebody in the world would put those two things together and make it work. Let me tell you something, It was at that moment in the year 2001 at the age of 12 that I knew Cowboy Bebop would be a game changer in the American anime fanbase.

With that, those were my favorite anime opening theme. Stay tuned in the future when I’ll drop my top 5 anime ending themes! In the comments, please tell me some of your favorite anime theme songs of all time!

By Yuki The Snowman Posted on July 1, 2017

anime 0

ANIME LYRICS ANALYSIS: Limit Break x Survivor (Dragon Ball Super)

The second opening theme song of Dragon Ball Super, performed by Kiyoshi Hikawa (signed with Nippon Columbia). Debuted in Dragon Ball Super on Episode 77, the start of the Universe Survival Arc.

Kiyoshi Hikawa

‘Get excited! To space, let’s go!
The latest obsession! Join the flow?
I’ll hold in my hand’

Too anime for me to analyze

‘I wanna laugh like a crazy!
I’m used to bein’ confused!’

When you’re so used to going through the same bullshit day in and day out, not receiving any results that makes you happy, you can only just simply laugh as if you’re insane. Besides, you’re used to dealing with confusion (may it be from general life bullshit or what not). It’s second nature, why not laugh about it?
‘I can’t get no satisfaction’

Goku in his Super Saiyan God form. A form in which he was ultimately unsatisfied with (which lead to Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan, or Super Saiyan Blue).

This is Goku to a tee. He is consistent with is training for self improvement and he is always seeking new, stronger warriors as he’s not satisfied with his current state of power. His drive to become stronger and combat against people as strong or stronger than himself is one of the catalyze of the Tournament of Power.

In the real world, this can be applied to anyone with drive and passion. People who reach their personal best want more in life, thus feeling unsatisfied. This create a desire to push themselves to a new heights, to explore new things to curb the thirst as to speak.

(This is my favorite line of the song, as it describes my nature of wanting more in life)

‘(woo-hoo) Boredom
(woo-hoo) Becomes a stone
Before it gets too heavy and falls (Let’s fly high)’

Stones are heavy. Stone can drag you, slowing down your process or your entire life. Bored people, people who aren’t doing anything with their lives, are dragged down by it. When people apply their dreams, drive, passion, and thoughts into action, they do not allow any stones to drag them down. In fact they refuse to be dragged down.

In short, be obsessed with your passions, or be average and boring.

‘(woo-hoo) Let’s spread
(woo-hoo) Our wings of excitement’

Open your wings and soar high. Let others know about your excitement and influence them.
‘Let’s go to the next world’

Goku achieving Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan

Go to the next level in life. Do you want to stay in the same place as always No? Then go do something about it!

‘The door of possibilities is still locked
Oh well, I’ll break through the wall again’

Opportunities. Advancements. Desires. At times, they’re locked behind a closed doors, blocking your path to achieve greatness. Sometimes, you have to force your way to gain what you want in life, may it be breaking down walls or destroying road blocks. Those who are used to facing roadblocks and locked doors in life just tend to say “screw it” and destroy the barriers as usual.

‘Now! Shoot past the limit! Shout “It’s piece of cake”!
The Invinclbe Me is waiting there’

Again, Goku to a tee. As Beerus stated in the “Battle of the Gods” movie, Goku is a fighting genius. A title Goku truly earned has he has shot past his personal limits with his Super Saiyan forms, discovering new forms of Super Saiyan overtime.

In the real world, those who push themselves will always go past their limits, achieving new heights no matter what.

Tupac said it best; “Real niggas do what they wanna do, bitch niggas do what they can do.”

‘Dragon Ball Super!’

It’s the name of the fucking anime it’s not deep at all.
‘Even Zen-Oh Sama will be blown away!’

It’s not that deep. Lord Zen-Oh is a kid who can be impressed very easily. Granted, he was super excited from watching the exhibition fights earlier in the arc. Perhaps he will be blown away by the tournament.

By Yuki The Snowman Posted on June 7, 2017

Anime Analysis 0

Otaku no Video: Tatake Otaking! – Lyrics Analysis

Lyrical analysis of the theme song of the 1991 anime OVA Otaku no Video, “Tatake Otaking!” (Fight Otaking!) by Gainax. Tatake Otaking describes the main character’s journey to become the king of all otakus, becoming whatever he desires, despite others telling him he’s wrong to pursue his otaking dreams.

‘Over the endless wasteland
I run alone for all I am worth
embracing the hope
of an unseen world far away.’

When you start the dream journey you’ll be alone on the path. The faraway world of your dreams unseen, but you must keep on pressing on.

It’s your dreams. Chase it, even if you can not yet see the end results of it.

‘The only thing I believe in is glowing passion.
I will be a raging inferno!
No one will be able to stop
my heart’s beat!’

Believe in your passion, it’s your main focus and at times, it’s the only thing that you can believe in. Envision yourself as an unstoppable inferno, and do not allow anyone to attempt to put out your flames. There will be people who’ll want to stop your shine.

Do not let them. No matter what.

‘One of these days, I will find out the truth of
love. Everything in this world will be mine.’

Love created from the passion of the grind and hustle from chasing your dreams and you doing you.
This world can be yours if you put your mind to what you seek, and imply effort through actions.

Also, does the line “everything in this world will be mine” reminds you of a certain quote from an early 80s gangsta movie?

‘We’re bound together by friendship.
It’s a thick bond.’

The otaku community, for the most part, is a close-knit one. Our community is forged from many outcasts, shun by society for the common passion, which we all come together and support one another. Naturally, (everlasting) friendships are created from this.

onv_04 (1).jpg — Our little group has always been
And always will until the end

‘I won’t let anyone block me!
(I won’t let anyone block me!)
I will go my own way!
(I will go my own way!)’

You can never allow anyone to stop you from achieving your dreams, no matter what. On this hustle and dream path, there will be people who want you to steer off it. They will attempt to block your progress, or tell you shit like “Oh, you can’t do this.” Or “You’ll never make it.”

Fuck them. Do you. If they ain’t paying your bills, fucking you, or feeding you, don’t let their opinions get to you. Do you. Do your own shit.

Besides, people like a man or a woman with her own path and goals, and can stay focus on them.

anonymoose-otaku-no-video-01-bd-10bit-42004491-mkv_snapshot_42-40_2015-04-11_13-32-54 — People will hate and ridicule. Fuck them.

‘Fight! Fight!
Fight! Fight!
Fight! Otaking! ‘

A possible reference to the original otaking himself, former Gainax president (and company co-founder) Toshio Odka.

‘I abandon the one I love and keep on running
believing in a shining future
and staking my dreams on it.’

On the hustlers and dreamer path, you may have to abandon friends and family members who won’t support you and your dreams. If you have people like that in your life, cut them out now. They’re holding you back. Keep running towards the shinning future you want in life.

Ken Kubo (main character) had to abandon his girlfriend off, who was on his case for being otaku and chasing his dreams.

138214 — Hey, she doubted his shit, so he had to cut that bitch off like K Camp.

‘The sweat that soaks my T-shirt
is the medal of a man.

Yeah no.

‘My tears won’t stop!
I won’t forget the beating
of my heart’s refrain!’

(It’s not that deep)

‘I will rise above the drifting time and be reborn.
The time will come someday when I
will be known as Otaku.’

(It’s not that deep)

‘I won’t let anyone block me!
(I won’t let anyone block me!)
I will go my own way!
(I will go my own way!)
Fight! Fight!
Fight! Fight!
Fight! Otaking’!

(Already given my analysis on the hook)

‘I’ve thrown away
everything in my life.’

For some otaku, in order to become the ultimate otaku, they’ve thrown everything out from their lives. Friends. Family. Work. Everything just so they can invest in their passion and dreams. (Although I personally wouldn’t recommend tossing love ones and a job aside just to watch anime all day)

In some cases, you may have to throw many things out of your life, so you can pursue a better life.

You have to be willing to give up something to get the real shit.

My goal is the world!
(My goal is the world!)
I’ll be the greatest man!
(I’ll be the greatest man!)
Fight! Fight!
Fight! Fight!
Fight! Otaking!

Going back to the “The world is yours!” mindset mentioned earlier. People with drive and purpose want the world. They want to be noticed by the world, and want everything within it.

Who’s world is this?
The world is yours Otaking. The world is yours Otaqueen.

By Yuki The Snowman Posted on May 30, 2017