The Gestahlian Empire

First of all, I just want to wish everyone a Happy New Year! I know 2016 has been a very tough year, full of all kinds of political issues, unending wars and the deaths of a lot of beloved people; With the start of 2017, maybe we can close the book on those sad times and look toward the future with hope and happiness. January 1st is also the birthday of Dia Kurosawa! Dia is a third year student at Uranohoshi Girl's High School and the current Student Council President. Dia is a very proud perfectionist, and cannot tolerate a sloppy or poorly done job on anything, even going so far as to lecture others on things such as unorthodox kanji readings. On top of that, she speaks in a very formal and refined style of Japanese. While she likes and enjoys school idols, she was very hesitant to become one and refused to join when asked; she even thought that her younger sister Ruby is being 'held hostage' by the members of Aqours. She eventually caved when she lost a match agains...

Today, November 1st in Japan, is the birthday of Rin Hoshizora! Rin is the tomboy of the group and she excels at sports, especially hurdling, basketball and, football (soccer); being athletically fit, she makes an excellent dancer as well. She is very hardworking and full of energy, always leading the group's practise sessions. Unfortunately, she is not very good academically, being labeled as a member of the San Baka or Three Idiots. When she was little, boys teased her for not dressing like a girl, so she has had a complex about her appearance that she is trying to overcome with the help of her fellow μ's members. She also likes to speak like a cat, ending sentences with nya~, and sometimes even dressing like a cat. She also has a very odd but extremely strong sense of smell. Happy Birthday Rin!! If you play School Idol Festival, log in today to get 5 Loveca stones. (Love Gems in the International version) Top Image Credit: Marshall's Pixiv

As the 26th rolls around once again, It is time to celebrate the birthday of my favorite Senran Kagura character: Murasaki <3 Murasaki is first introduced in Senran Kagura: Shinovi Versus and is associated with Hebijo Academy. She lacks basic social skills and avoids contact with people, to the point where she is the only truant student in the school's history. She mostly stays in her room reading online novels, playing video games or watching anime with her stuffed bear Bebeby. She has a very cynical outlook on life, and tends to interpret everything negatively. In battle Murasaki uses Shurikens that are woven in her hair as well as emit waves of energy due to her 'Root of Calamity' ability. She also has the strange ability to sniff information about another person's inner character. Lastly, she also sports the largest chest in the series at 105 cm. I first fell in love with her, after finishing her backstory in Shinovi Versus (Play the game, it's really ...

Today is Eli Ayase's Birthday! The responsible and ever so diligent Student Council President of Otonokizaka High is a very serious, no nonsense realist. Although she tends to distance herself from people she doesn't know very well, she is very caring and protective of anyone who takes the time to get to know her. She is very glamorous and is often complimented for her style and figure. She is part Russian and has a younger sister named Alisa who she cares a lot for. Her hobbies are making accessories and she is skilled in quilting and crafts. She passes on her skills from ballet to the other members as the group's choreographer. She will often say the Russian word хорошо (horosho meaning good) when speaking. If you play School Idol Festival, log in today to get 5 Loveca stones. (Love Gems in the International version) Image Credit: CREAM's Pixiv

With only a mere day until the Fall season anime starts airing in Japan. I've once again compiled my list for what I will be watching this season! So you could see the full offering for yourself, first I will link the full list for the season. (Top Image is Keijo!! btw) Fall Anime List Courtesy of MAL And now without further ado, here is my list: Bungou Stray Dogs Season 2 (Western Authors Hype!!) Hibike Euphonium 2 Keijo!! (DAT ASS) Okusama ga Seitokaichou+! (More Ui!!) WWW.Working (More Wagaria is always good) Mahou Shoujo Ikusei Keikaku (Looks Interesting) Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans 2nd Season (AOTS) Gi(a)rlish Number Brave Witches Stella no Mahou Flip Flappers Long Riders ViVid Strike Idol Memories Anitore XX Mahou Shoujo Nante Mou Ii Desukara. 2nd Season Shakunetsu no Takkyuu Musume Ame-iro Cocoa in Hawaii Nazotokine That's all for now. What anime are you guys looking forward to watching?

It is September 21st in Japan which marks the adorable Ruby Kurosawa's Birthday! Ruby is a first year at Uranohoshi Girls High School and a member of CYaRon! which is a sub unit of Aqours. Ruby is usually found with her best friend Hanamaru, and Dia is her older sister. Ruby tends to be fearful and scared (especially around men), but has a inner fortitude as a result of her well-to-do family upbringing. Like her sister, Ruby is an avid fan of idols and after joining Aqours, she helps with the wardrobe supervision as her talent is coordinating outfits. As for hobbies, Ruby enjoys needlework and clothing. Ruby-chan Kawaii! Just like with the μ's character's birthdays, if you log into School Idol Festival, you will get 5 Loveca stones (Love Gems in non-Japanese versions). Image Credit:  にわさね Pixiv

Since it is September 19th in Japan, Today is Riko Sakurauchi's Birthday! Riko is a second year student at Uranohoshi Girls' High who transferred from Otonokizaka High. Riko is very modest, calm, and reserved, and thus prefers indoor activities; as a result her favorite activities are playing the piano and viola and her hobbies are painting, crafting, and cooking. She often tends to panic quite often, as a result making mistakes and jumping to conclusions. She tends to think she is not special and was adamantly against becoming a school idol until Chika dragged her into it. Despite this she becomes very loyal to the group and in addition to performing, she is the composer of the group. Just like with the μ's character's birthdays, if you log into School Idol Festival, you will get 5 Loveca stones (Love Gems in non-Japanese versions). Image Credit:  にわさね◎僕ラブ13/ライ10 Pixiv

Today is 9/12 in Japan right now and thus is Kotori Minami's Birthday. While Kotori may come off as cutesy, ditsy and very indecisive, she is the one with the most insight as to how the other members are feeling; because of this she has a hard time expressing her own feelings as she is always taking the others into consideration. She is quite adept in the world of fashion and she designs all the outfits for the group. Finally, due to her kindness, sweet voice, and her cuteness she became known secretly (for a short time) as Minalinsky, Akiba's Legendary Maid. Happy Birthday Kotori-chan!!! If you play School Idol Festival, log in now to get 5 Loveca Stones (Love Gems in the English Version) Image Credit:  のか Pixiv

Today (my time; its already 8/4 in Japan...I'm late ( ≧Д≦)) is August the 3rd, which means it's Honoka Kousaka's Birthday. Honoka is the leader of μ's and the main driving force of the group. She is an almost endless optimist who always tries to look for the good in things and is never afraid to take risks. She can be quite pushy and once she has an goal set she will strive toward it single-mindedly; as a result she tends to overexert herself. Honoka excels at swimming and collecting stickers and her family owns a Japanese Sweets Shop. Lastly, She is childhood friends with Umi and Kotori. Happy Birthday Honoka!!! Also, if you are playing School Idol Festival, log in today to get 5 Loveca stones. (Love Gems in International version) Top Image Credit: nennen's Pixiv

As we wave goodbye to μ's with the final live event and the group's last single, we start to take a look at Aqours, the school idol unit that will be the focus of the new multimedia franchise Love Live! Sunshine!! Today is August 1st in Japan, so it is Takami Chika's Birthday! Chika is the creator and leader of Aqours and is known to be a very cheerful, upbeat, energetic girl. Her family owns a ryokan (A traditional Japanese inn) that is well known for its hot-springs. She is a huge fan of μ's and it was through watching their videos online that inspired her to become a school idol. Chika is talented in calligraphy, table tennis and horizontal bar; at home she has 2 older sisters and her blood type is B. Just like with the μ's character's birthdays, if you log into School Idol Festival, you will get 5 Loveca stones (Love Gems in non-Japanese versions). Image Credit:  はづき's Pixiv

Well, its already been a whole three weeks since the current summer season began, but I still wanted to get this out there, so here is the listing for Summer 2016. I'm doing this a little different this time and instead I'm going to link to MAL where the list is interactive and you can learn more about potential anime you want to watch by clicking on it: MAL Anime List: Summer 2016 As for what I an currently watching, I'll list them here: New Game Taboo Tattoo Masou Gakuen HxH Fate Kaleid Liner PRISMA ILLYA 3rei!! Planetarian Regalia – The Three Sacred Stars Kono Bijutsubu ni wa Mondai ga Aru! Time Travel Shoujo Amanchu Love Live Sunshine!! (AOTS for now) Shokugeki no Souma S2 Rewrite Ange Vierge Tales of Zestiria The X Fukigen no Mononokean I'll probably be using this new format for coming seasons as well since I have really become a fan of MAL's interactive season listings. Anyway what anime are you guys watching?

NICO NICO NII!!!! July 22nd is Yazawa Nico's birthday! While the shortest of the group, she is definitely the idol with the most heart, and she puts her all into her performances with the gusto of a pro. While she can come off as harsh and abrasive, she only wants what's best for the group. She is the Idol Clubs's president and she is into fashion with her special skill being hair arrangement. Also, if you are playing School Idol Festival, log in today to get 5 Loveca stones. (Love Gems in International version) Top Image Credit:  みなせなぎ@３日目東コ49a Pixiv

As we wave goodbye to μ's with the final live event and the group's last single, we start to take a look at Aqours, the school idol unit that will be the focus of the new multimedia franchise Love Live! Sunshine!! Today is July 13th in Japan, so it is Tsushima Yoshiko's Birthday. Yoshiko is a chuunibyou who prefers to go by the name Yohane. While she is very confident and smart, she has a habit of getting into unforeseen problems wherever she goes and as such believes herself to be a fallen angel cursed by God. She likes to dress like a little devil and is good at preforming magic and playing video games. Her blood type is O and her height is 156 cm. Happy Birthday Yoshiko  Yohane-chan!! Just like with the μ's character's birthdays, if you log into School Idol Festival, you will get 5 Loveca stones (Love Gems in non-Japanese versions). Top Image Credits: Nekotarou0721's Twitter

Just wanted to write up a quick post to say that in less than 12 hours, the newest addition to the Love Live media franchise: Love Live Sunshine!! will begin its worldwide simulcast. Be sure not to miss it if you are a LL fan or just hyped in general!! I'll be posting the anime list for the current season soon, so keep on the lookout for that. (I just got a new job so I've been busy.) You could also go straight to the source and look at the list on neregate.com .

As we wave goodbye to μ's with the final live event and the group's last single, we start to take a look at Aqours, the school idol unit that will be the focus of the new multimedia franchise Love Live! Sunshine!! Today is June 13th in Japan, so today is Mari Ohara's Birthday. Mari is a third year student at Uranohoshi Girls' High School who has a Italian-American Father and Japanese Mother. She speaks with a accent and will often pepper English into her sentences. While she doesn't feel she's suited to be an idol, she is very cheerful and prefers to solve problems by herself. She works as the composer for Aqours, and for hobbies, she enjoys sports and horseback riding. Her favorite genre of music is industrial metal. Her blood type is AB and her height is 163cm. Happy Birthday Mari-chan!! Just like with the μ's character's birthdays, if you log into School Idol Festival, you will get 5 Loveca stones (Love Gems in non-Japanese versions). Top ...

Today in Japan is June 9th, and thus it is the lovely Nozomi's Birthday. Nozomi is the big sister of the group and always tries to keep the group's spirits up or give them advice as she is considered the wisest member. She loves anything spiritual and is always on the lookout for 'power spots' and charms in addition to taking an interest in Fortune telling and Tarot. She works part-time at the local shrine and likes to take naps. In addition she is sometimes very perverted, often groping the other girls chests, especially if they are misbehaving. She is Eli's best friend and the two have been together since freshman year. She is currently in a tie with Kotori as my favorite character, and I strongly suggest anyone who hasn't seen the anime to watch it so you can see why. Watch it here: Crunchyroll Happy Birthday Nozomi-chan!! Just like with all the μ's character's birthdays, if you log into School Idol Festival, you will get 5 Loveca stones (Lov...

Just wanted to put up a quick post celebrating Star Wars Day!! May the Force be with you!! Image Credit: 八木 光流 Pixiv

Today is April 19th over in Japan and that means today is Maki Nishikino's Birthday! Maki is the tsundere of the group and she has a hard time expressing her true feelings, in addition to being quite stubborn. While she was usually a loner, after joining μ's, she learned to be more open and personable. She is blessed with a lot of talent in music including playing the piano and singing, and is the vocal coach of the group. She also comes from a very wealthy background and her family owns a beach house. Happy Birthday Maki!!! Just like with all the μ's character's birthdays, if you log into School Idol Festival, you will get 5 Loveca stones (Love Gems in non-Japanese versions). Top Image Credit:  カラモネーゼ's Pixiv

As we wave goodbye to μ's with the final live event and the group's last single, we start to take a look at Aqours, the school idol unit that will be the focus of the new multimedia franchise Love Live! Sunshine!! Since today is April 17th, the character we will be looking at today is Watanabe You. You is a cheerful energetic girl whose father captains a ferry; she wants to someday do the same thing too. She is very athletic and does a lot of weight training and running, but what she really excels at is diving. She is so good at diving that she qualifies to be on the national team. Her blood type is AB and her height is 157cm. As today, April 17th, is You's birthday, I wish her a Happy Birthday! Just like with the μ's character's birthdays, if you log into School Idol Festival, you will get 5 Loveca stones (Love Gems in non-Japanese versions). Top Image Credit: Miloku's Pixiv

With just 1 day to go until the new season of anime begins, here is the list of new anime for Spring 2016, enjoy!! Just like the last two seasons, there seems to be a lot more variety nowadays with what is being released, which should hopefully stave off all those people who think anime is 'this' or 'that', or that nothing 'original' is being made. (They really just want the 80s or 90s to come back; I love that era of anime as well, but things change, jeez.) Anyway here is what I'm looking forward to: JoJo: Diamond is Unbreakable (4/1) Gyakuten Saiban (4/2) Ragnastrike Angels (4/3) Gundam RE:0096 (4/3) Macross Delta (4/3) Kuma Miko (4/3) Pan de Peace (4/4) Bakuon!! (4/4) Seisen Cerberus (4/4) Hundred (4/4) Onigiri (4/6) Netoge no Yome wa Onnanoko ja Nai to Omotta? (4/7) Hai-Furi (4/9) Flying Witch (4/9) Sansha Sanyou (4/10) Wagamama High Spec (4/11) This might change going into the season, but for now this is what I got. Chart...

As it is March 15th in Japan as of the writing of this post, today is Uni Sonoda's Birthday! Umi is a pragmatic and serious girl with a strong will, but is also pretty shy. As a result she tends to avoid being adventurous or trying new things, instead sticking to the 'traditional' method. Joining μ's helped her understand the purpose of trying new things and made her more rounded as a person. She is also a member of the school archery club! Happy Birthday Umi-chan!! Just like with all the μ's character's birthdays, if you log into School Idol Festival, you will get 5 Loveca stones (Love Gems in non-Japanese versions). Top Image Source:  根岸千秋＠ティア116参加予定 Pixiv

Happy Valentines Day everyone! Whether you are spending it with that special someone, or are forever alone and just watch anime and/or other activities (like me!) hopefully you enjoy yourself today! Image Credit: motokonut's Pixiv

Today January 17th, is Hanayo Koizumi's Birthday! Hanayo, called Kayo-chin by Rin, is the quiet and shy member of the group. As a result she doesn't speak up that much; but when you speak to her about her favorite topics like idols or rice, she can become quite enthusiastic and, besides Nico, is the most excited member of the group when it comes to being an idol. Happy Birthday Kayo-chin!!!! Just like with all the μ's character's birthdays, if you log into School Idol Festival, you will get 5 Loveca stones (Love Gems in non-Japanese versions). Top Picture Credits:  わさも Pixiv

Happy New Year everybody!!! (Yes, I know I am late to the party (ノдヽ) ) Now that 2016 is here we are now one week into a brand new anime season, and here is the full list to show off: While this season is not as exciting for me as the previous two seasons (Which were fantastic in my eyes), there are a few shows that I am interested in: Haruchika (Jan 6) Musaigen no Phantom World (Jan 6) Shoujo-tachi wa Kouya wo Mezasu (Jan 7) Assassination Classroom Season 2 (Jan 7) Dagashi Kashi (Jan 7) AOTS for now Oshiete! Galko-chan (Jan 8) Kokuhaku no Pandora (Jan 8) Schwarzesmarken (Jan 10) Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! (Jan 13) What shows are all of you interested in? See any standouts this season? Chart created by Zana at  neregate.com The following websites were used as sources of information to create the chart :  Anime News Network   Moon Phase   Moetron   My Anime List