Do you guys know this news?
It seems really fun!! lol

[National Flags Made Out of Food]
http://www.toxel.com/inspiration/2009/09/08/national-flags-made-out-of-food/

I want to have Indea's one! Curry~ ^^



These days, classes are so busy... I need a rest!

Finally, our long summer vacation was end, and new fall semester has started. OMG, last semester was also frustrated, but this semester is much worth than that because whole California states public schools are suffered a terrible horrible catastrophic budget cut crisis.

Usually, university instructors don’t use kinda coarse words, but today, so many instructors said “God damn budget cut crisis!!” Yes, their salaries are 10% cut and residential & non-residential student fees are increased and all classes are decreased nearly 30%. Whatta hell!!

I understand it’s coming from world economic crisis, and CA government finance had not really good since before this crisis. However, it doesn’t matter for me (well, it’s might be important because of my major.), the problem is, I still cannot add my classes which I want to add on this semester! *Sigh* For example, the class which I went to this morning had 50 seats available, and for this class, almost 100 students came! Well, it’s suppose to be happen. New students are coming but class are less than before… I have no idea how government members could think that “schools might be able to run their business even we cut budget for education”.

I hope I can add my class until end of this week. This unstable situation gives huge stress to my hear. (>_<)
Hey everyone, is there no effect (of economic crisis) in your country or school??

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I think almost all US schools has started new semester. Good luck on your study! And other people who are still in your vacation, I hope you will have great days!!
I try to find anything nice topic for next my journal.^^;;

 

Some letter arrived these days! Thanks a lot a lot a lot!!! *>v<*
It always makes my day! And I appreciate them because someone spend their time for me; they think which letter paper/postcard is good, or which topic they write. This is very very…precious thing!!

*・。*.。・。*.‥゜**.°*。*.・。゜*.‥。.・。*.°・。*゜‥°.・。*

There are so many festivals/celebrations through the year in Japan. However, summer is kinda “festival” season for me (and many of us). About 2 weeks ago, my friend said to me “Hey, today, there is summer festival! OMG, there are tooooo many people there.” Sigh, I little miss them! Normally, I don’t like the place where is quite crowded, but festival day is different. Even if I can stay only 1 hour, still I want to go there. I like atmosphere.^^

Also, when I remember summer festival, I can’t forget to talk about fireworks! My home city is quite usual size in near Tokyo, but our fireworks (during the local summer festival) is middle class. Around my city, there are no-cities do this class. I heard that this years fireworks are less than last year because of current bad economy. orz

I heard that Asian style fireworks and European style fireworks are different. I’ve never been to Europe, so I’m not sure how’s different. Anyway, yesterday, I tried to check some fireworks video. So, I just add here!


[Nagaoka Fireworks Festival]


This is the biggest fireworks festival in Japan. (about 20000 shoots)


[Ōmagari Japan Fireworks Competition]


This is also one of the most famous festival in Japan. (15,000 ~ 20,000 shoots) For people, this is festival, however, for fireworks artisans, this is serious competition. I heard that in last year, there are over 760,000 people were coming.


[My city’s local fireworks festival]


It surprised me there are such a local video in Youtube! Ahhhh… I miss this! There were only 7,600 shoots in this year. (Video is only 1~2 min, but usually fireworks festival is 1 hour~2 hours.) Hummm… yes, I feel “bad economy” from this info.^^;;

Especially, I like simple red one (it’s old traditional color), and the piece which you can watch very last one. It seems like golden weeping willow. This type is called “冠菊/Kamuro-kiku” which means “crown-chrysanthemum.” We love to use flower name to express something others, however, I didn’t imagine this firework is called chrysanthemum. I mean, “Japan” is named also firework’s name. It’s funny… but it’s nice for him, isn’t it. lol

Sometimes I think kinda vulgar things; the firework price depends on the size. There are many sizes/classes; small one is $30~$50, medium one is $100~$300, medium/large one is $650, and quite large one is over $5,500. The price is changeable, I mean, it depends on set piece’s difficulty or gunpowder.

Normally, people decide to use medium size ($100~$300), so if my city use this size only, the calculation 7,600 multiply $150 equal $1,140,000. …….Well, I love to see fireworks, so it’s ok. *bitter laugh*

Finally, [Noto6] has released!! Well, now, I’m trying to open all endings. (Because Himaruya noticed if we open all ending, some special contents will be open.) I know someone already post a zip file which includes some game captures. However, I (as one stupid game player) am ambitious for complete in this game by myself… So, now, I’m making a huge table to chose every single routes. I hope someone will post “to complete guide with the shortest way.” Because there are soooooo many selections!!!
OMG…I’ve checked almost 1/3 now, and this 1/3 included 72 routes! Hopefully, I’ll be able to open every routes within tomorrow. (Now, I saw “America, Spain, Sealand, mini Germany, and Prussia’s face icon”)

But, honestly, it’s much better than some other PC game. Some commerce PC games (include R18 or BL game) have tooooo many routes, or conditional endings. So, this Noto6 is still ok for me. ;P

I’m not sure it’s useful data, however, if I’ve done everything, maybe I’ll post how to see all endings, or I’ll just make captures complete special bonus. (But I think someone will do earlier than me.^^;;)




[add later] more info about game.

I couldn’t stop to play Noto6 game, and I’ve opened all routes. I can say that we need to wait Himaruya will distribute an extra patch which includes main part of this game. (From past information & official illustration, it should contain Germans & Slavs.) He also said that now, he is making the Noto6 game (information) homepage, so maybe this web page will be coming first, then the extra patch file will be coming later…? Maybe.

Current version, we can see only Noto-sama End, Sealand End, Spain (BGM seems like Bad End) End, and America End. Deformed Germany pict says “please wait the extra patch file.”

I’m gonna go to sleep finally…zzz

I can’t believe I’m in summer!!!!!!! TOO COLD HERE!!


I hope every my letters has arrived for everyone already!

This time, I choose 2 versions; one is post card and other one is letters (both are traditional Japanese papers!) Especially the post card is really “summer” design which is painted golden fishes.

Well, when I see golden fishes for any items, I feel “Oh, it’s very summer one!” because in Japan, golden fish is a character (word or phrase) associated with a particular season. In Japanese, we call them Kigo. We have maaaaaaaany characters/words which express each seasons, and using these words is one of a low of etiquette/decency. (Use these words when we write the letter, normally.)

Anyway, I choose “summer golden fish” one this time. I hope they like them. ^^
And, I’m wondering that do other countries have these seasonal words/characters/item?? I understand if they have it, it’s not gonna be same as Japanese, however what kinda words they have?? (I think it’s based on their cultures/local traditions/weathers etc.)

I just put some Japanese seasonal words here. Is there anything similar as yours?

*・。*.。・。*.‥゜**.°*。*.・。゜*.‥。.・。*.°・。*゜‥°.・。*

[Spring]
Ume (Prunus mume), Cherry Blossom, Apple flower, Dandelion, Mugwort, Wisteria, Swallow, Warbler, Calm, Sierra, Baby horse, Violet field, Hazy moon

[Summer]
Fireworks, Parasol, Wind bell, Yukata (casual summer kimono), Polka dot, Fan, Glean leaves, Young bamboo, Morning glory, Sunflower, Calamus, Iris, Lily, Poeny, Summer radish, Beer, Shaved ice, Lemonade, Sweetfish, Bonito, Cherry, Tomato, Golden fish, Cicada, Tree frog, Firefly, Snail, Rainbow, Distant thunder

[Autumn]
Starry night, Galaxy, Colored leaves, Goose, Ant-lion, Shrike, Deer, Pacific saury, Fallen leaves, Lycoris, Japanese bellflower, Cosmos, Chrysanthemum, Chestnut, Lespedeza, Sweet potato, Grape, Taro, Autumn eggplant, Mushroom, Apple, Corn, Persimmon,

[Winter]
Snow, Frost, Orion, Winter sea, Charcoal, Stove/Heater, Hot-water bottle, Yuzu (Citrus ichangensis), Crane, Swan, Fox, Whale, Gadidae, Yellowtail, Duck, Blowfish, Dead tree, Narcissus, Winter camellia, Camellia sasanqua, Rice cake, Carrot, Napa cabbage, Mandarin, Leek

*・。*.。・。*.‥゜**.°*。*.・。゜*.‥。.・。*.°・。*゜‥°.・。*

OMG!! I tried to pick some, but I could only translate few words, and many words I couldn’t translate. I mean, I checked Wiki and other internet sources, but there are no-direct translations. (It’s happened when I write school papers! Even I check dictionary, they say “no result”. Whatta hell!!)

I think every original languages (include English) have each beauty/grace; each word’s sounds awake/rouse specific images. I hope, one day I’ll be able to understand their (languages/sounds) sensibility; not from translated words, from original languages! (((>_<)))

Also, I hope people can understand Japanese language’s beauty… ;)
(Is this sounds too narcissistic?! If it makes you feel unpleasant, sorry about that. However, simply I like my country.)

 

Yeay! The first post card has arrived!! *(((>v<)))* Thanksglareola !

This “letter arriving” always makes me sooooo exchiting!!
Normally, international mail takes 1 week, so I think & hope my letters will arrive to you soon. (without any lost letters…)

 

I’m home~!
Last night, I wrote letters & cards for “LJ friends”, also I wrote some cards for my old friends who live in Japan. There are 11 messages! OMG, my right wrist is quite pains! >_<;; I know when I write something, my pen pressure is strong; 11 messages are bit… many for me.

Anyway, I sent all of them!! If there is no trouble, my mails will arrive within 1 week. Yeay~. I hope there will no-delivery accidents!

I have to go now, maybe later, I’ll add something others. ^^

 

glareola has one interesting meme, so stolen this meme from her journal. ^^
(Now, I try to listen her music list! In LJ, many people tell me their recommended music. I’m glad to know something new music! ;D)

You can learn a lot about someone by the music they listen to. So here is the game! Hit shuffle on your ipod or mp3 player and write down the first 25 songs. No cheating or skipping songs that are shameful. That is the fun! Then tag your friends. Yeah we're going to pass on that part.

[This is my random list.]

01. No Reply: Steve Conte
02. 変わらないもの(a thing which never change): 奥華子
03. I believe ～海の底から～(from the deep floor of the sea): KOKIA
04. 蝶(butterfly): 天野月子
05. Everyday Combat: Lost Prophets
06. Hush: Kula Shaker
07. Gloomy Sunday: Sarah Brightman (cover)
08. Numb: Linkin Park
09. 正しい街(right town): 椎名林檎
10. Irish Day: Iona
11. STILL(Japanese Ver.): いとうかなこ
12. Thoughtless: Korn
13. Iris: GooGoo Dolls
14. 甲賀忍法帖: 陰陽座
15. 陽の照りながら雨の降る(Raining in the sun shine): Cocco
16. Doll-Dagga Buzz-Buzz Ziggety-Zag: Marilyn Manson
17. Home: Vanessa Carlton
18. Moments: 浜崎あゆみ
19. Sposa son disprezzata: Cecilia Bartoli
20. To Build A Home: The Cinematic Orchestra
21. Giorni Dispari: Ludovico Einaudi
22. sweet denial: Paul Leonard-Morgan
23. チンサグの花(Impatiens balsamina’s flower): 坂本龍一
24. 私とワルツを(Waltz with me): 鬼束ちひろ
25. I Am The Day: Libera

This is … totally chaos order! Lol
Japanese & others are 50:50. Hummm, it’s supposed be.
It quite surprised for me because in this list, there are only few anime/game songs! Honestly, in my mp3 player, there are many… anime/character/game songs. Well, anyway, random list should become chaos; rock, classic, pops, metal, visual, instrumental, country, traditional, opera, etc, etc…

I find Youtube links, so if you have a little interest, let’s check some! >v<
Especially, these classic/opera/instrumental pieces are beautiful! (I believe so.)

Oh, I didn’t post any journals these days… ><
Well, I tried to go out well! (Otherwise, I stay indoor… it’s easily gonna be few days, or sometimes a week;;) Luckily and unbelievably, I had quite nice sunny days! Yeay!

This is one of the best season to travel to San Francisco, so maaaaany people visit to SF. Honestly, I don’t really like a dense crowd, but I still can enjoy to watch people. I heard some German, many French and other unknown languages. Lol
I hope they can enjoy this time’s staying.^^

I put some photos. These city & country side contrasts are really “American”; I feel!!

( Photo - American colors! >v< )

OMG… I haven’t really used English these days… I’m stuck for the right vocabulary…
I need to keep write something constantly…!!

 

I forgot to upload my passport on last post, so I just add them here.^^

( ~ My passport ~ )


*・。*.。・。*.‥゜**.°*。*.・。゜*.‥。.・。*.°・。*゜‥°.・。*

This [Your country’s capital as a hetalia character] post is interesting. ;D Members have several idea for their capital characters. (or each state capital, or some other main cities). I can see how each members think their cities… sometimes their image is quite unusual; their “native” point of views are always new for me!

I don’t think there are any other state characters in Japan. (I mean, there is only Japan as Japanese characters.) Only “Japan” can show our stand-alone individuality.

I suddenly remembered that I did’t register for a voting right for absentees! Well, if I register now, a certification card will be coming couple of months later…sigh, stupid me! Next week, I need to go to the consulate general office.

So, I dug up my passport from between of on text book. I’m so careless person… orz (Before, I lost my passport once. OMG, I was in panic! and I have to learn from my stupid experience.)
 

And, I just wondered how about other passport’s design?? Yes, all the time, my curiousness comes up unexpectedly. I just put some of them. Their cover designs are very interesting for me. ;D


Swiss passport

I love this passport design!! ((>v<)) Very simple, and clearly everyone can notice which country is.

Ukrainian passport

It's little different between others; well, passport should be different, but I feel this is kinda super scientific.

Spanish passport

I don't know why they put this strange lines!

Belgian passport

This is also unique design. ^^

US passport (inside)

Obverse of a passport card: Whatta decorative inside! lol

British passport

UK never fails my expectation! This is...very...strong...appeal. XDD


****** ([∂]ω[∂]) ******


Now, I really really really want to go to Europe & go back to Japan to eat them!!! (Agh, I’m always talking about food…) I hope you can watch Nico Video. Maybe, some of them are quite familiar with you. ^^

[European countries’ sweets: ヨーロッパ各国のお菓子]

[European countries’ foods: ヨーロッパ各国の料理]

[Japanese sweets: 和菓子]

Yummy!!

Yey! Today was girl’s shopping day!
I and my friend went to city for shopping & having a dinner. Yesterday, she gave me a call, and said “we don’t really meet each other these days, so if you can, let’s go to city to have a dinner!” I easily shut myself in the room, so this is a nice offer to bring me out!
She is quite nice girl. XDD She is much younger than me, however, our “fangirl” spirit is really similar (lol) and it’s bit difficult to find any Japanese fangirl out of our country… So even if our favorite things are not same, we can talk about each topics. All the time, we say “OMG, we will never leave from this fangirl/otaku culture!!” Such a deep heavy Karuma. XDD

I couldn’t to stop to buy these 2 accessories. Sigh… When I was in Japan, it means couple of years ago, I worked (yes, I had some money to buy freely), and freely to go travel &/or buy some stuffs for myself. However, in here, I need to restrain myself from spending. ^^;; I understand that my first priority is study, yes. But, Ahhh… forgive me! I need something reliefs from monotonous daily!



These are simple & cute, aren’t these. I like Swarovski accessories! I don’t need to pay attention for treatment too much because they are not so expencive, and they are tough. lol (I know myself, I use them quite rough.) If I can, I want to go to Kristallwelten which is Swarovski museum one day. ;D

After our shopping, we had the dinner at a Italian restaurant!! In San Francisco (or other big city), there are many different countries’ districts. Such as China town, Russian hill, or little Japanese center. However, our favorite is Italian district! ((>v<)) I trust their foods are similar as original Italian. lol Anyway, we had nice time~.
These districts are American interests for me. In Japan, I don’t really think there are many districts (except Chinese.)

Are there many different districts in your/other countries? I just curious about it!

 

At the café, I consulted with her about some worries/annoyance about current my attitude and fan's attitude for Hetalia… it was little serious for me. Later, I’ll post that… maybe I shouldn’t post annoyance for LJ which is public space, however… humm.
 

I don't know these days my journals are fun or not so fun... Normally, I don't have many "troubles" in my life, so my journal is gonna be quite plane.^^;; However, at least in the internet world, I can be exciting with new information. In my conclusion, today's post is quite random topic as usual. ;DD

How many Airline companies have you ever used? I don't have so many experiences with them; maybe only 6 or 7 airlines. In the flight, especially in the international (long, little painful, sometimes boring) flight, "in-flight meal" is one of small interest/relax event! Well, I've never used business/first class of course; even economy class in-flight meals are very...different by each Airline companies.
Today, somehow, I read one "in-flight meal" web site. OMG, there are sooooo many various meals! XDD I want to talk about this little.


* I mainly pick photos which are each country’s "national flag carrier".
* I try to find “long distance flight’s” meal.
* I only pick up "economy class meal" because higher class meals make me "o_0' OMG"!!
* American Airlines are too many! So, just chose some Airlines which I’ve used before.


( [In-flight meal] maks you hungry?! )

*・。*.。・。*.‥゜**.°*。*.・。゜*.‥。*・。*.。・。*.‥゜**.°*。*.・。゜*.‥。.・。*.°・。*゜‥°.・。*


These in-flight meal photos are smaaaaaaaal examples. Because, their menu is changeable; which depends on season, country/flight-course, economy, business situation, and management policy.

I also check the article “in-flight meal” at Wiki, and there is funny fact for me; this article has 10 different languages version, and Japanese one has the longest content. I feel… normally, we don’t complain/refer openly, but for the topic which is related between “food”, suddenly we talk more and more. ;D

Anyway, I become quite hungry! ((>v<))

Maybe, I should’ve add “business/first class” meals too…
High class meal is totally different than economy class!! (It seems like arestaurant meal!)

Maybe, many of you guys/girls have an external HDD. Me too, my laptop PC is quite old (4 years old) and HDD is only 50GB, so I have the external 250GB HDD. However, it’s almost full… I can’t believe it… I don’t want to buy more external HDD, so today I’ve disposed my HDD.

Well, I found many “hidden” photos which is my family & friends. Ahhhh…. It’s timely; last night I told with my mum by phone… I bit miss Japan! (>_<)’ Usually I don’t feel “I miss Japan, family, and friends…”, however these days… strangely I want to go back to Japan. *bitter laugh* (I know this is temporary. Haha.)

Anyway, I found many photos and one interesting (?) short video. So, this post is for my memorial (because I almost forgot that I had these photos! Stupid me!) ;DD

[Photos of NZ]
I used to stay in New Zealand. It was less than 1 year, but I really love NZ! I want to go back there one day…!!


Auckland where is the biggest city in NZ. I stayed this city. (and funny sign. lol)


Near Auckland: This place is used for “The Piano” which is one of my favorite movie!


Wellington: I like this sign. ;D


Queenstown: This place is “the LotR” film location!!


[Photos of Japan]
This is my mum’s home region.











My mum comes from just bottom of Tugaru (where Norway speaks this diarect) area. This region is very country side, however they still keep ancient traditions. This dance is one of their traditions. Northern Japanese traditional “kagura” (which is specific type of Shinto theatrical dance.) This is not famous festival, but in this area, this tiger-dance is quite important & big event in summer.

In summer whole Japan has many many summer festivals; mostly of them are related between our “Bon” culture. This is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the departed (deceased) spirits of one's ancestors. This Buddhist custom has evolved into a family reunion holiday during which people return to ancestral family places and visit and clean their ancestors' graves, and when the spirits of ancestors are supposed to revisit the household altars.

Maybe I should post this video in July or August (festival season), however, I’m not sure I’ll remember “I have to post this video” until August… So, now, I post it! lol




......... This is a memorial photo for my Coming of Age Day. OMG, it’s long time ago…orz
(But I really love this Kimono♥ which is a traditional garment worn.)

I want to know “country’s nickname”!!

We know there are many stereotype images for each country’s people (sometimes it’s good image, and sometimes it’s not good image…), however, I wonder that “how about “country (or city)” itself”??
I know only few of them for example…


Italia: Pearl of Adriatic sea, city of water; Venezia.
U.S.: Police of the world.
U.K.: City of fog; London, Albion (White land).
France: City of art, city of flower; Paris.
Finland: Maiden of Baltic sea.
Czech: Golden city; Prague.
Hungary: Pearl/Rose of Danube; Budapest.
Austria: City of music; Vienna.
Taiwan: Noble-beauty island.
Japan: Country or cherry-blossom.


I tried to fine other nickname, but I couldn’t find them. I like to know stereotype images, however nickname has a much positive image! I don’t think too much idealization is good, but still I hope people know both good image & other image~. :)

 

1. my dinner!

Yeay~. Finally, my stomach heals up!!
I couldn’t eat kinda heavy meal… but today, I thought I can eat something usual, so I cook one of my favorite Japanese food! *((>v<))*
In “Maru Kaite Chikyuu - Japan ver.”, he sings

-昔に食べた肉じゃがの
あの味が忘れられないのです

-mukashi ni tabeta nikujaga no
ano aji ga wasurerarenai no desu

-I cannot forget the taste
of the braised meat and potato dish I ate before

This phrase makes me “I want to eat this too…!”
Why not? And this is my Nikujaga! Well, this photo is not really good… however, taste was so good! I like cooking~. ;DD Japanese food is not only “Sushi.” *bitter laugh*






2. ranking.

I found one interesting (?) article. There are soooo many ranking survey now; and this survey shows famous city’s brand power. (this is more details.) They chose 50 famous countries all over the world.

[2009 Anholt-GfK Roper City Brands IndexSM Ranking] (Top 10 of 50 Cities)
1. Paris
2. Sydney
3. London
4. Rome
5. New York
6. Barcelona
7. San Francisco
8. Los Angeles
9. Vienna
10. Madrid

There are some small detail rankings too.

[Presence Brand Ranking]
1. London
2. New York
3. Paris
12. Beijing
50. Jeddah

[Place Brand Ranking]
1. Sydney
2. Rome
3. Paris
37. Chicago
50. Mumbai

[Pre-requisites Brand Ranking]
1. Sydney
2. Toronto
3. Amsterdam
6. Vancouver
27. Prague

[People Brand Ranking]
1. Sydney
2. Toronto
3. Melbourne
33. Singapore
46. Cairo

[Pulse Brand Ranking]
1. Paris
2. New York
3. Rome
14. Rio de Janeiro
46. Warsaw

[Potential Brand Ranking]
1. London
2. New York
3. Sydney
8. Boston
29. Hong Kong


Honestoly, when I see this kind of survey, I always wonder that how they judge especially “people”. I have no-idea about statistical science, so I only guess this result is based on some trustable statistics. However, I’m still unsure, who can judge who is good & who is not good. ^^;;

I think this is a noncommittal/acceptable result. (But I doubt some results too. :p)
How do you think?? ;D

I’m in a book store now! (but I know I’ll post this after I’ll go back to my room. lol) The book store & library are nice place to write something! I love the place where among the books…^^


1. just daily thing.

I’m writing something random topics as usual.
Today, I went to the city to look for a new bag; I want to have the bag for spring & summer… however, strangely, I have shirt blouses & belt now. ……Why?! XDD When I go to shopping, I always do like this… I buy something which I don’t plan to buy. I can’t understand myself~. Anyway, these cloths are quite nice & lovely, so maybe it’s fine. (I didn’t go to shopping quite long time… honestly, I enjoyed today’s shopping!)


2. about national anthem

Before I start to write this journal, I wrote some e-mail for my friends, and I listened national anthems. I really love to listen them! (And also, I love to listen to different language version of same song… such as Disney’s one.) However, I had to stop to play because for some unknown reasons, national anthems brought tears to my eyes!! OMG, this is outside… such ashamed///// After I became 20 y/o, suddenly I became who is easily moved to tears. I don’t know why… What was happened for my brain?? Well, it’s not point which I want to talk now.

I don’t know how people like to listen anthems. In my PC, I have “National anthem” folder. I just collect many versions of different national anthems. But my friend said “…Why do you have this …kinda unusual audio folder??” (She is my old friend, so she can say like this disrespect thing! lol) I said “Why don’t you have anthem audio file??” then, we were staring each other. XDD


***
I think each anthem has country’s color. Personally, I love to listen Scandinavian’s anthem, especially, Swedish one!! Both lyrics and music are touch for my heart…!! (the last phrase “Ja, jag vill leva, jag vill dö i Norden /Yes, I want to live I want to die in the North/おお、我北欧に生き、北欧に死すことを欲す” is SUPER cool!!) Finnish & Estonian anthems are also nice. I have no idea their languages (I check Wiki, so I know what they mean; just I don’t know knowledge about languages…), but I like their sound~. I think these 5 Nordic anthems are mainly singing about their precious natures, and melody sounds like church hymn; it’s sounds silent, calm, and peaceful. Beautiful!

However, around Central European countries; they are mainly singing about their courage, sacrifice, or explicit proud/history; its sounds like much marching style than Nordic’s. (I know there are exceptions, such as Swiss anthem) Well, anthem needs to inspire people’s pride, so this marching style might be quite necessary.
Well, each area has each color; however, these differences are very interesting. ^^


***
I think I memorize couple of anthems which I often listen repeat & repeat. Probably, I can sing American, British, Swedish, and Italian anthem. (Oh, also I can sing NZ & Australian!) I memorize melody many other countries‘, so if I can see lyrics, I can sing them, maybe. American anthem is easy to put rich emotions; it’s interesting… sounds really “heroic”!

If you listen some melodies, and follow to their melody, you might think “… this melody is quite difficult to sing!!” Well, I think, …for example, Russian anthem is quite difficult to keep right pitch(the first note is so high!!); Turkey & France are also bit complicated to keep right pitch. (By the way, Turkey’s anthem is unique. The song is minor key; minor key anthem is not so usual for anthem!) Oh, and some anthems have quite loooooong lyrics!!! OMG, like Poland’s “Mazurek Dąbrowskiego/Poland Is Not Yet Lost”, do they (every nation) memorize every lyrics?? Every elementary schools have to have enough music lectures to teach the national anthem… it’s funny for me. ;D


***
Mine, Japanese national anthem is the shortest song in the world; I’m lucky, I didn’t need to memorize such a long lyrics! XDD I like Japanese one; well, I know someone thinks the melody is like an funeral song. I understand why they think so... It’s not the marching style or hymn; but it simply & solemnly sings a peace. It’s good to express our nationality. (even, some Japanese don’t like this song… people still separated agree side & disagree side. It’s kinda sad.)


3. do you have any your favorite song which is language's??

These days, I’m quite curious about foreign music! I have some knowledge about classic piece, but I don’t have information about recent pop music. Do you have any recommendation with your country’s musician??? If you have any advice, please please tell me about it!! I want to know & listen them!! :D

 

1. New official pict

O M G
Have you checked this post (about official pict) already?!
Honestly, I forgot a breathing while. Now, I can say they are truly brothers…!! (I didn’t imagine they have totally same faces each other!! Thank you someone who requests this pict for Himaruya!! I’m soooooooooo glad to see them as Official-pict!!)




And, Romano!! AAAhhhhh… I love you too!! (((*>v<*)))
This pict, he really looks like “older-brother” of Veneziano.

One girl explained what Himaruya notes for each picts. (I can translate too, but I’m lazy… So, I just quote this from her translation.^^)

-For Prussia with Germany's hair style, it is Himaruya-san's answer to a fan who wonders how Prussia would look like if he had his hair slicked back like his brother. Himaruya-san notes Prussia doesn't look as macho as Germany does with this hair style.

-For the North Italy pic, it's for a fan who wants to see North Italy being "tough"...

-As for Romano... well, people just want to see more Romano, thus the pic.

I found the article about the official pict for Anime in the magazine. He will appear!!Well, I’m bit afraid how he will work in Anime… ^^;;

2. Unfinished scanlation

This post tells me there are many stories are not translated yet. Today, I have time to do some, so I just post here~.
Scanlation “Comic diary #4 & one strip from Comic diary #11”

I couldn’t go out today because last night, I got food poisoning… sigh. Now, I feel much better, however, since I came to the US, I get food poisoning every single year!! My friend (she is in Japan) always tells me “You have to care about food because Japanese food hygiene is one of the best in the world; it means, our stomach is not strong enough against other country’s hygiene!!” Her major study is nutrition & pharmacy, so she really care about my health too.^^;;

Sometimes, I go to the foreign Embassy/Chancery websites to Japan. There is no reason, just… it’s interesting to read them. Each websites has each country’s color, I think. For example, Scandinavian countries, their website is quite clean & nice design! (Especially, the Embassy of Sweden; their web is really good! They introduce even Swedish tasty restaurant in Japan. XDD) Canada & the UK, their site are also nice, but bit difficult to find some information. ^^;; and, America!! OMG, they have TOO many information!! I understand they have to tell a lot of information, but it’s quite tough to find information which user want to see!! Embassy of Austria; I like their site color; simple red & white~. Embassy of Germany; they have substantial contents both German, Japanese, English. I know this is my stereotype image, however, I thought their website shows that was shrewd of them. ;D

I visited only the US and NZ embassy to get my student Visa. I’m always surprised where they seat. Their embassies are located in one of the most expensive areas in Tokyo!! I don’t want to calculate if Japanese ordinary company want to rent their place…!! (But embassies can rent much cheaper price than usual. That is the privilege for them~.)

Couple of years ago, I did a one day trip to visit embassies. (My friend always say “Why you do like this erratic behavior?!” I say “Why don’t you do that? It’s just fun for me!”) But I didn’t bring photos which I took… So, I tried to find some picts in the internet.

Some embassies are much gorgeous than Japanese public institution! Especially the embassy of the US!! Whata huge building! Canadian embassy is also huge & nice. The UK, excuse me, do you think here IS the UK?? Lol The embassy of Estonia is decent & cute~! Almost all embassies have national emblem; those are super cool!! >v<
 
( I hope this time these picts appear with no problem. )

Have you ever seem some embassies in your country??
 

Yeeees!! I was impatient for the Nordic coming!!

There are already 2 post (1 / 2) at community (is there any other??) which mention about new small story “Nordics strips”.
All 5 countries; Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland are always little mysterious & spirit of romantic for me since I was little. So, I’m really really glad to see them in Hetalia. XDD (AAAhhhh/// Especially Denmark!! I curtained if you comes into Hetalia comic, I’m in love with you!)

Bit sad thing is, their dialects are quite unique/particular… but when their lines are translated to English, I don’t know how much it’s translated. Maybe this IS translation’s limitation?? I mean, it is impossible that 100% perfect translation. (This is the reason why I want to learn other languages… even if I can’t become a native, knowledge should be my help to understand them.)

I like a Poland’s proverb which says “If the translation is beautiful, this translation is not correct; the correct translation is not beautiful.” I agree this saying 100%.^^;;



[It seems like a small tip about Japan, so I bring this part from the last post]

Well, Yes. Himaruya brings in some dialects from whole Japan. If you know “which part of dialects each characters use”, maybe it’s gonna be little help to know characters. So, I just put small map with dialects.
Maybe it’s not interesting… anyway, I always do like this for my satisfaction, so it’s fine~. :D



Usually, We think that Japan is divided into 11 regions. As you can see, this map is also divided by different colors.

I think Sweden’s “Aidu dialect” is “real dialect” because Himaruya comes from this area.

Norway, his "Tsugaru dialect" is not really strong. If he uses “real accent”, I have no-idea what he speaks. (This region has really really unique strong dialect). However, their dialects are based on “大和言葉/Yamato-Kotoba” which means old original Japanese in 6-7th century. So, many single words are kinda modesty (I think it’s good for Norway’s bit mythic character!).

Denmark’s "Ibaraki accent" is also unique; personally, I feel this accent has a quite “country” sound because I still can understand what they speak. Well, this area is quite unique. Ibaraki prefecture is included with Kanto(east)-area, however, their dialect contains some Northern dialect elements. Normally, people who live in Kanto(east)-area (especially Tokyo), lose specific (strong) accents, but Ibaraki people still keep their own dialect. I think this dialect expresses Denmark’s interesting country’s place.

Some scholars think Southern & Western Japanese language and Northern & Eastern Japanese language are totally different, because only 100~200 years ago, when southern person & northern person talked with, it was soooo difficult to understand what they said.

Still, Northern & Southern accent are too different between standard accent; sometimes I can’t think these are same Japanese. ^^;; Luckily, my mum comes from North part (just bottom of Norway dialect’s region), and my dad comes from Osaka, so both different accents are easy to approach for me.


…This is like a geography class. XDD