Kurisumasu Omedetou, Minna!!!

Christmas Joys

Evergreen boughs that fill our homes
With fragrant Christmas scents,
Hearts filled with the loving glow
That Christmas represents;

Christmas cookies, turkeys stuffed,
Festive holly berry,
Little faces bright with joy,
Loved ones being merry;

Parties, songs, beribboned gifts,
Silver bells that tinkle,
Christmas trees and ornaments,
Colorful lights that twinkle;

Relatives waiting with open arms
To smile and hug and kiss us;
These are some of the special joys
That come along with Christmas.

By Joanna Fuchs

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas: Holiday Season Anime-Style

Japan may have a different take on Christmas but it doesn’t stop us fans from dreaming that one of these days — or seasons – we would finally see our favorite anime title celebrate the Yuletide season.

Anime Christmas Specials (or episodes with a tinge of the season thrown in) are a scarcity.

Though every now and then, a studio comes up with one for their series. And we fans are forever grateful for that.

Japan may have a dfferent take on Christmas, but there’s always the general theme of loving and sharing, and it’s always a treat to see our beloved anime celebrate this joyful season.

Here are a number of anime titles touching on the subject of the yuletide for you to watch this Christmas season:

Vandread Episode 10: White Love

While everyone is busy decorating the Nirvana for Christmas, a comet is seen approaching. Hibiki has no idea what the festivities is all about but Dita asks him for some help.

Hibiki found a box and inside is a video tape that Dita shows throughout the ship. It is of a family celebrating Christmas. The pirates are shocked at the sight of a woman and a man together in happiness.

While Parfet struggles to fix the snow machine, Hibiki sees the comet and gets an idea. He and Meia investigate the comet and fights a reaper ship hiding inside. Defeating the enemy, the comet is crushed and creates a beautiful scene of snows in space.

Hibiki gives Dita a flower he found in the ice. His present on the other hand is an ornament with his likeness in a Santa suit.

Watch Vandread Episode 10 here:

Ranma 1/2 OAV: Tendo Dojo Christmas Scramble

The whole crew of the Ranma series is invited to a party hosted by Kasumi Tendo. She, apparently, dreamed of being sent a message by Santa to hold a party.

Nabiki uses this as an opportunity to earn by making Ranma’s other fiancees pay for a date with Ranma. During the event, the Tendo sisters including Ranma and Shampoo perform a song while Mr. Tendo and Mr. Saotome creates a scene to get Ranma and Akane tied together by a ring.

When Nabiki’s plan is ruined by sheer jealousy, Ranma and Akane was chased and had time alone with each other.

Akane gave her gift to Ranma: a shawl–err, a fish net. I mean a scarf. Ranma’s gift was a picture frame with a photo Akane had in her room.

After the party that ended in a disaster, Kasumi recieved a gift for everyone to enjoy.

Watch Ranma ½ OAV here:

Itsudatte My Santa

Santa, a boy named so after his birthday fell on Christmas Eve, is met by a cute girl who tells him she’s a Santa Claus.

Actually, Mai is a trainee to become a Santa Claus and bring happiness during Christmas. She had to convince San-chan to believe in Christmas and remember that he was never lonely.

When he realizes this and kisses her as a thank you gift, she suddenly transforms into a rambunctious woman and takes him on a trip to understand further how special the ocassion is and it’s underlying message of love.

However, Mai finds herself in love with San-chan and spends more time with him. But as the next Christmas comes again, she and her friends are pressured as the time for her to say goodbye comes nearer and nearer.

Watch the two-episode OAVs here: OAV 1, OAV 2

Kimagure Orange Road, Episode 38:

Kyosuke Timetrips. The Third Christmas

Kyosuke’s plan to ask Madoka was foiled when Hikaru throws herself at him. Pained to see Madoka out on the street on Christmas Eve alone, he hurries to her when he falls on the stairs.

He finds himself taken back in time to make sure to ask Madoka. This eventually leaves Hikaru out of the picture and as he runs to her, he slips on the stairs and falls back, again, to the time before asking Madoka, giving him another chance to set things right.

Watch the episode here:

Ai Yori Aoshi Enishi: Miyuki Christmas OAV

A watch drops at Enishi on Christmas Eve while walking downtown.

The watch apparently belongs to a blue-haired girl who calls herself Santa Claus. She grants Enishi’s wish and as a result had to stay with him (for his wish is to spend time with a girl).

He named her Aori, after a girl in his past. She successfully made his day happy, along with other people’s, but in the end, they had to part ways as she still had the task to make more people’s wishes come true.

Watch Ai Yori Aoshi Enishi OAV here:

Martian Successor Nadesico, Episode 13: There Is No Single Truth

It’s Christmas on board the Nadesico, but behind the veneer of festivities, more serious events are moving forwards.

With the Nadesico set to join the military, the crew face being being drafted into the UEAF- all except Akito, that is, who is set to be replaced by a trained pilot.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Erina asks Akito to help further her research into organic boson jumping (teleportation). But is being a pawn in one of Erina’s games really worth the risks, or should Akito just forget it and spend a quiet holiday with Megumi?

Watch Martian Successor Nadesico Episode 13 here:

Chokotto Sister, Episode 01: The Present is a Little Sis?

The story centers around a Christmas wish made by Haruma Kawagoe after his mother had suffered a miscarriage, followed by an operation which prevented her from having any more children.

Several years later, when Haruma is a college student, a woman on a flying motorbike claiming to be Santa Claus delivers his wish, a younger sister.

When he remarks that he made his wish a long time ago, “Santa” replies that making a little sister takes a lot more time than just making an android, takes his signature for delivery, and departs.

Haruma now has a little sister, who comes with her own instruction manual—a manual for how to be a little sister, that is. When she asks him to name her, he calls her Choco, which refers to the Japanese word for “manual”.

Watch Chokotto Sister Episode 01 here:

Maison Ikkoku, Episode 40: X-Mas is a Feeling of Love

Everybody is set for the party at Chachamaru’s, except for Godai. He’s waiting for Sakamoto to appear with Kyoko’s stone, in the cafe. But Sakamoto lost the stone on the train.

They try to find it with the help of the train manager. Meanwhile, Kyoko worriedly waits for Godai. Akemi keeps Mitaka occupied.

Godai finds the stone and decides to show up at Chachamaru, but leaves early to search for something he dropped along the way. Kyoko follows. She catches up, then they walk home.

Watch Maison Ikkoku Episode 40 here:

Boys Be Winter Chapter, Episode 01: First Snowfall

A not so Christmas-y episode involving Yoshihiko who bumps into a lady in a Santa suit. Turns out that the lady is a pop idol named Mori Jyunna.

He had to act as his manager and stay with her as she misses her shoot to meet her boyfriend. Yoshihiko also considered getting in touch with Natsue who he thought was acting weird lately, calling him for no reason.

Watch Boys Be Winter Chapter Episode 01 here:

Mahoromatic 2, Episode 05: Will I Catch a Cold Tomorrow?

Mahoro and Minawa prepare a Christmas dinner for Suguru and his friends.

Suguru takes Minawa to the city to see and feel the festive atmosphere. Minawa thinks it would be nice to be able to feel it all with a heart. Hamaguchi talks to Mahoro about Minawa.

And at night, the party is gatecrashed by Shikijo-sensei. During cleaning time, Suguru gives his gifts to Mahoro and Minawa, a reason why he wasn’t spending so much time with Mahoro.

Watch Mahoromatic 2 Episode 05 here:

Love Hina Christmas Special

Naru, Keitaro and Mutsumi are still preparing for the Toudai Entrance Exams. Christmas is around the corner and there is a belief that if a person confesses his love to another on the special day, any wish will come true.

Keitaro and everyone thought Naru was feeling the same for him and was about to give him a present, too, only to find her with Prof. Seta in an expensive hotel.

Brokenhearted, Keitaro walks lonely out on the street. To his surpirse, he finds Naru’s face on a giant TV screeen, sending a message for him. He finds her and gives her the present he had been saving up for.

Watch Love Hina Christmas Special here:

CardCaptor Sakura, Episode 35: Sakura’s Wonderful Christmas

Sakura couldn’t come up with a Christmas gift for Yukito and asks for advice from Mei Lin. She tried hard to call Yukito that night to invite him out on a Sunday morning.

In the park, they end up with Mei Lin and Li who are also out together. In the middle of eating, the park sparked in flame and the two card captors had to do their job.

The Firey Card was responsible for the sudden commotion and Sakura had to put everyone to sleep. She fights using the two elemental card she has: Windy and Watery. After capturing the Clow Card, Kero begins to feel his powers coming back.

Another day of successful Clow Card capturing, but there’s a stirring in Sakura’s heart as the days pass and the time for her recurring dream to manifest draws near.

Watch CardCaptor Sakura Episode 35 here:

Azumanga Daioh, Episode 17: Osaka’s Scary Stories

It’s Azumanga Daioh. It’s odd and crazy. Just watch it.

Watch Azumanga Daioh Episode 17 here:

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There are other anime christmas specials out there, try to enjoy them as well. But for now, celebrate the season with these anime specials…

Merry Christmas!!!

Kurisumasu Omedetou!!!

Maligayang Pasko!!!

*****JHAJR*****

Christmas Anime Bazaar ’08!

This isn’t your typical bazaar.

What we have for you, dear customers, are products that you won’t see anywhere else. Products that are integral parts of your beloved anime, they shouldn’t even be for sale.

So get your credit cards pumped up and be the first if not the only one to own the following anime merchandise:

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Porcelain Pelican (Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi)

This pelican is the remaining artifact out of four that used to maintain the balance of things in the Abenobashi Shopping District. Put this on top of your house pointing its beak to the east. Then with a little bit of imagination, and some guilt from almost killing an old man, you may be able to travel to different dimensions where nothing is what it seems.

~ Some chantings required and is available separately.

Genius Eyeglasses (Love Hina)

Naru Narusegawa used to wear this during the Toudai preparatory exam. Use it to pass any hard exam that comes your way. Taking exams will never be the same!

~ You could also use it to hypnotize so use with caution.

Chiyo-chan’s hair buns (Azumanga Daioh)

Use it to become the cutest girl (or boy) in your area. And to show everyone just how cute you have become, use it to fly around the neighborhood!

It’s detachable and washing machine-safe.

~ Comes with a free penguin costume for the first 10 callers!

Neuro clips (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

It’s stylish and determines the level of your intelligence and sanity. Also perfect as mobile telecommunication device.

~ Comes with a How-to-be-as-disturbed-as-Ikari pamphlet.

Hare Hare Yukai Complete Dance Instructions (Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya)

With dance steps never before seen on any TMOHS media and Haruhi in a bunny suit as your personal instructor.

~ Free bunny suit.

Zero’s Mask (Code Geass)

Start a revolution with this stylish  mask specially made for people with geass. Use it to control your enemy and rise your way to greatness.

~ Awaken Your Inner Geass book by award-winning author C.C. available separately.

Cephiro’s Pillar Title (Magic Knight Rayearth)

No need to be somebody important to be the next pillar of Cephiro! Just sign our magical contract and you can start praying for the world’s well-being.

~ Caution: You must not fall in love.

Cardcaptor’s costume (Cardcaptor Sakura)

Overly designed and overused Carpcaptor battle costumes for sale. 50% off! Use it for cosplays and to capture Clow Cards.

~ Comes with Create your own Clow Card instruction manual.

Rynax (Kurau Phantom Memory)

Fly like birds and walk through walls with this amazing scientific discovery!

Just take it in and you’re off to becoming a whole new you!

~ A completely ‘new you’ may surface so use with caution!

Kobato’s Doll Ioryogi (Kobato)

Use it as a punching bag, or added stuffing for your pillows. Very comfortable and soft.

~ May annoy you or bite.

Shounen Bat’s Bat (Paranoia Agent)

Strike fear into the hearts of the entire neighborhood with this beautifully crafted bat. Prepare to drive the community madly paranoid over you.

~ Comes with free cap and rollerblades.

Dragon Whiskers (Ranma 1/2)

Have the long healthy hair you’ve been dreaming of with this Chinese artifact.

Just boil it with your soup and start growing those locks!

~ Strictly for women.

Mokona Modoki (Tsubasa Chronicle / xxxHolic)

Travel dimensions and take home the biggest souvenirs with ease with these Mokona combo. Use it as communication device between dimensions.

~ May annoy you.

Tenchi Masaki (Tenchi Muyo)

Kick him, toss him. The perfect stress reliever. Store him away when you have no need for Tenchi.

~ Also available: Keitaro Urashima.

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Go ahead and fill your need for anime stuff this Christmas. You deserve it, dear otaku!

Merry Christmas in 3 days! ! !

*****JHAJR*****

“Al” Elric

Real Name: Alphonse Elric

Anime: Fullmetal Alchemist

Age: 10 (during transmutation); 13 years old

Gender: Male

Birthyear: 1900

Hometown: Reesembool

Height: 7’3” (in armor)

Hair: Gold-brown

Eyes: Blue

Hobbies: Picking up stray cats

Seiyuu: Rie Kugimiya

If not for his brother Ed, Alphonse would have disappeared completely and their wish to bring their mother back from the dead made worse ten-folds. His body disappeared in their attempt to do the taboo in alchemy, but Ed managed to seal his soul inside an armor suit.

People, then, would automatically assume that he is the Fullmetal Alchemist.

Ed is a child trapped in a metal body. He is 10 years old at the time and is therefore very polite. He constantly acts as Ed’s voice of reason and is very protective of his big brother.

While he longs to become human again, he seems to care more for his brother than for himself and is more willing to restore Ed’s limbs.

Despite his situation, trapped inside a metal armor with no heart and memory, Al retains the kindness and purity of a young child. He is a strong pacifist who always sees the goodness in others.

Ed had used his own blood to seal Al in the armor suit and it is located at the nape inside the suit. Once erased, Al’s soul would be lost.

To save Al’s body from exploding, Scar transferred the incomplete Philosopher’s Stone inside him, and later turning him into the Philospher’s Stone. However, he has to use alchemy sparingly for doing so destroys his own body. Nevertheless, he did not heed using it’s entire power after seeing his brother killed by one of the Homunculi. Edward tried to bring him back and ends up on the other side of the gate while he was able to recover his human body.

In the Fullmetal Alchemist Movie, Conqueror of Shamballa, he had regained his human form and is using alchemy to help people, while at the same time looking for a way to reunite with his big brother.

*****JHAJR*****

Kurau

Name: Kurau Amami

Anime: Kurau Phantom Memory

Age: 22

Gender: Female

Hair: Black

Eye: Blue

Seiyuu: Ayako Kawasumi

Abilities: Flight, pass through solid objects, amazing strength and agility

Kurau used to be a cheerful young girl who lives with her father and their housekeeper Ella until a freak accident that resulted in a new individual born inside her, taking over her.

On her 12^th birthday, Dr. Hajime Amami, her scientist-father, brought her to his laboratory to see them experiment with a form of alternative energy they call Rynax. The experiment failed and she was struck by the Rynax energy, knocking her out, and by the time she wakes up, a new being has taken over her body.

It is then realized that the Rynax is not a form of energy but a life form that could have killed Kurau and itself upon contact with each other. Yet, Kurau was very fortunate that her body and the Rynax had formed a symbiotic relationship.

Rynax made her capable of superhuman abilities.

But this also made her a lab rat for the scientists working with Rynax energy and in ten years had been the reason why she had to live away from her father. She is pursued by the police force, believing that she is a threat to the world.

Ten years after her contact with Rynax, another being – the Rynax’ pair – emerged from her body. It was a girl who looks like Kurau 12 years ago and was given the name Christmas. Kurau swore to protect Christmas as well as the body of the original Kurau.

*****JHAJR*****

Messages For Shinji…

Stop crying and whining, Shinji…

Anime’s most disturbed and pitiful lead character only wants to be loved and since it’s the season of loving and sharing, his co-stars in Neon Genesis Evangelion are here to offer him their warmest greetings:

*****

There you go Shinji…

See, there are people in this world that cares for you and would do anything to put a smile on your face…

…or not…

Kidding aside though, everbody loves you, Shinji. And only YOU can decide for yourself whether or not this season should be a reason for cheers.

7 days to go before Christmas 2008!!!

*****JHAJR*****