What the Japanese music celebrities tweeted right after the earthquake

Note: This page will be continually updated as we add more to the list.

The devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan has affected millions of people. No one knows how much damage was caused, nor is Japan even close to tallying how many people are missing, injured or dead as rescue efforts are continuing.

When the earthquake hit, during the first few hours, J!-ENT was monitoring our J_ENTJAPAN Twitter site and reading posts from various followers and also following the posts of various music celebrity twitter accounts and noticing how stars such as Ayumi Hamasaki, TM Revolution, MICRO of Home Made Kazoku, Hikaru Utada, Issei Ishida, model Natsuki Katou, GACKT and MIYAVI were using their celebrity status on their Twitter accounts to direct people to emergency services and also some providing information in English for the international followers who may be living in Japan.

Here are the initial tweets that took place right after the earthquake occurred.  Some tweets were done several hours later and while most were in Japanese, some stars addressed their international fans in English. Here are a few of those celebrity tweets:

• Ayumi Hamasaki - Among the most active tweets came from Ayumi Hamasaki who began trying to help people by posting emergency re-tweet information on her Twitter account.  Hamasaki posted, “Before nature, we are powerless human beings.  I hope and will retreat desperately spreading information.  Do not despair, have to courage to stand up and have hope in our hearts.  It depends on us!”  For her English fans, Ayumi tweeted, “Thank you guys to keep praying for Japan!!!! We all gonna be strong.  We can feel your heart.  It will really be helpful to us.  Thanks again for all prayers.”
• Takanori Nishikawa (TM Revolution) was also among the more active tweeters of the day as he did all he can to help people via Twitter, especially those who were non-Japanese fans living in Japan.  TMR told his fans that he was OK but used a lot of his efforts to retweet information and important emergency information for those following him on Twitter.
• Home Made Kazoku’s MICRO also followed TMR’s lead by using his Twitter account to help those who are following him on Twitter.
• Rock star MIYAVI also used Twitter to pass around important messages to his fans and urging them to learn how to Retweet.  Miyavi tweeted to his fans, “dear my ppl, thank u 4 ur prayers. me n my fam r all fine. but the ppl in the places the earthquake hit r not… so please keep prayin 4 us.
• Producer and musician Shinichi Osawa also took to Twitter to help people out.  Osawa tweeted, “Thank you I’m OK but still terrible pls pray for all victims.”
• Pop artist BENI posted, “Thank you all, I’m safe, thanks.  Anyway, we can now act on our own by conserving electricity.”  Beni followed up with a message to her fans in English, “thank you all for your concern, I’m fine as well as my family. This is all very surreal..ready to support in any way possible.#prayforjapan“
• Rocker/musician/producer YOSHIKI of X JAPAN tweeted, “Hope everybody is ok?  Yes I’m in Tokyo… I AM OK Love!!!  Trying to make sure all my fans, family and friends are ok….Trying to be calm….but I still can’t contact my mother…”.  YOSHIKI posted the following day, “My Mother is FINE!! Thank you Thank you everybody!! I’m praying for the people in Japan still trying to find their family…I talked to ToshI, Pata, Sugizo, Heath… They are all OK! Still trying to reach some of my friends….”
• m-flo’s Taku Takahashi tweeted, “hey guys. thanx 4 ur kindness. Tokyo is still shaking a little once in a while. hope it stops.”
• Actor/musician Issei Ishida tweeted, “thanks now still bit of quakes but we will survive!! To English speakers,If you at safe place,please stay there,it’s night and cold already,not good idea to walk around.reply me any question.”
• Producer/Musician Tetsuya Komuro now lives in Osaka and not in Tokyo.  He tweeted to his fans “I now work in television in Osaka, not Tokyo.  Please do not panic and remain calm.  I am worried though.”
• Music artist Hikaru Utada tweeted after the earthquake, “Wow I just experienced the biggest earthquake of my life. Gas/electricity has stopped in many areas of Japan and some people have died.  For foreigners in Japan- there are tsunami warnings in many areas, stay away from the sea and rivers, and watch out for aftershocks!”
• Hip hop artist Zeebra tweeted,  “Thank you.  Whole family is safe.” and continued with another reply to a friend, “I’m good, man. I hope it don’t get worst. Pray for us!”
• DJ and producer Towa Tei tweeted, “Thank you everybody mailing me.. I am fine. NOW, I rather save Electricity and think what i can do and pray. PEACE!”
• FANTASTIC PLASTIC MACHINE’s Tomoyuki Tanaka tweeted, “Studio is a mess.  Cracked and broken things which fell off the shelves…I hope everyone is safe!”
• Singer Crystal Kay tweeted, “Holy shit that was big.  omg is everyone ok!!?!?!?!?!?!?!? tsunami is destroying miyagi…im watching it on tv ;(;(.  sending out my prayers!!!!!!!!!  yokohama had a ６mag. my shoe shelf has fallen over ;s.  im at homeeeeeeee im ok. so scared. the sky looks so weird right now.  omgggg sendai is getting destroyed now…houses and everything. fire is moving with the wave…omg….this is unreal. 仙台のみなさん、祈ってます！！omg i have never seen a tsunami before. they are showing it on tv. everyone PLS go somewhere high up!! stay safe!!! im sending out my prayers to everyone in the miyagi and sendai area…and all the affected areas!!!  its coming again and again and again. its never ending…i hate it.
• Singer Emi Hinouchi tweeted, “Glad to be alive.  Crying”
• Singer Nanase Aikawa tweeted in English, “Dear oversea fans Thanks for your messages worried about me. We, my family, are fine. No need to worry.  It was definitely the biggest earthquake ever that hit east Japan.  It reminds me of Hanshin earthquake, another huge earthquake happened in the past, and hurts my heart.  I don’t know what I can do, but I just hope there won’t be any more damage than there already is.”
• Music artist KEN THE 390 tweeted, “I’m worried and hope everyone in the Northeast is safe!  By the way, the book shelf inside is all messed up…”
• DJ Sugiurumn tweeted, “Please Stay Tough please!”
• Singer/musician/producer Tomoyasu Hotei tweeted, “I’m safe.  I ran to the school.  The location group of drama is worried.  Everyone alright?”.  Hotei continued, answering questions of how his wife, actress/singer Miki Imai is doing.  Hotei said, “Miki is safe, sorry to have you worrying about us.   Miyagi and Ibaraki, however, have damage.  Prepare for aftershocks.
• Aya Matsuura tweeted on Saturday, “Late post, sorry.  I hope everyone is safe.”
• Morning Musume member Erina Mano tweeted, “Is everyone all right?  I am unable to contact my family on the phone (/ _ ; )”
• The management? of pop quartet SCANDAL posted the following on Twitter, “All four members are all right.  Please be careful and listen to the breaking news of the earthquake.”
• Former Morning Musume member Ai Kago tweeted, “I was in the first floor and the shaking was enormous that you couldn’t walk.  One of the people was so scared!  Is everyone alright? OK everyone, Be careful! I hope everyone is safe!”
• Former KAT-TUN member Jin Akanishi tweeted, “Is everyone all right?  I’m good.  Thank you for your comments, I just worried a lot.  It looks like the aftershocks are continuing and can not sleep at all.  I hate that.  Be careful everyone.”
• AKB48 member Tomomi Itano tweeted, “Since I am not in Japan, I am safe.  Everyone Ok?  I’m quite worried.”
• AKB48 member Sayaka Akimoto tweeted, “Everyone, I am safe”.  Akimoto later tweeted, “I’m watching the news.  We should all cooperate and support.  I hope the damage does not increase.”
• AKB48 member Mariko Shinoda tweeted, “I’m on Twitter now!  Are you all right!!  。・゜・(ノД`)・゜・”  Shinoda tweeted concern for her fellow AKB48 members, “I am concerned about all members!  In Japan…everyone is okay.”
• AKB48 member Hana Tojima tweeted, “I’m alive.  Take care everyone.”
• AKB48 member Ayaka Umeda tweeted to her fans, “I came back from a trip and was unable to update. I’m sorry.  Is everyone ok from the earthquake?
• Singer ARIA contacted us and said, “I’m alright, my family’s too, Thank you for your kindness.”  After the earthquake, Aria posted, “Alone in a scary mess.  My room is messy but I’m in a safe place.  I’m alright.  Everyone okay?
• Hisashi of GLAY tweeted, “I have never seen such a tsumani…”, Hisashi later tweeted, “Felt some trembling but I’m fine.”
• AAA leader Naoya Urata tweeted, “I can not use the phone at all but because I am connected to Twitter, I can try to exchange information using Twitter.  My parents home inside is messy and I’m sure my family will blame me.  The power of nature is really scary.”
• AAA member Chiaki posted “No injuries?  I’m safe and sound!”
• AAA member Misaki Uno tweeted, “I wish everyone is safe. I think many people are lonely and alone.  I fear they are not alone.  Please be safe!”
• AAA member Shinjiro Atae tweeted, “OK!  I was at the theater and left.  I arrived at my apartment and saw a crack on the wall.  It messed up my room.  But all right now.  Aftershocks still continues.”  Atae continued to tweet but this time in English.   “I’m so scared!!! but I’m ok!! thx!!”  “r u guys ok??we need to help each other!!!anyway calm down,calm down!!u r not alone definitely!!!!!!!”
• Former AAA member Yukari Gotoh tweeted, “I’m sorry but my hands are trembling in fear”
• Base Ball Bear tweeted, “Everyone is home safely but preparing emergency bags and helmets”.
• Hiroki of D tweeted, “Got in touch with everyone earlier and everyone is safe!  Please be careful because the aftershocks still continue.”
• Teruki Nagata of AN CAFE tweeted, “Is everyone safe?”  Teruki tweeted not long after, “An e-mail came from my father.  I am relieved.”
• Takuya of AN CAFE tweeted, “Is everyone in the northeast OK?”
• Kiyoshi of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION tweeted, “We are all safe in Ajikanmenba.  Everyone OK?!”
• Singer Mini tweeted, “That was an earthquake, is everyone fine?”  Min later tweeted, “Everyone in Miyagi OK?  Saw an article in Shibuya, saw a sewer pipe that bursted.  There are many fires, everyone please be careful.”
• moumoon vocalist YUKA tweeted, “Hiroshima was shaking slightly, I’m safe!  Watch out for aftershocks”  She and Masaki then tweeted that due to the severity of the earthquake/tsunami, the two would postpone their schedule concerts.
• YUCALI of HALCALI tweeted, “was a great earthquake (‘・ _ ・ `)  I caught a train!  Everyone okay?”
• Singer, alan tweeted, “I’m fine.  Please be careful.  Shake is terrible.We thank the staff of the venue during rehearsal…earthquake, fled immediately.”
• Producer Daisuke Asakura tweeted, “Home!  I was waiting for a while because I felt a tremor.  I am safe but aftershocks are still following.”
• Pop star ICONIQ tweeted, “I’m fine.  Everyone OK?  It seems that the aftershocks still continue today but please be careful!”
• Singer Kohmi Hirose was at photoshoot with her staff when the earthquake happened.  Kohmi posted “Everyone, are you all right? I’m fine.  So, please be careful.”
• Singer Jamosa tweeted, “Enoshima had an earthquake but there is no tsunami warning.  Back in Tokyo.  Fujisawa firefighters, thank you very much!  I can not use the phone at all!  Everyone, are you okay?
• ASIA ENGINEER’s ZERO commented, “Not an odd quick earthquake.  Phone won’t connect at all.  Please tell us about the situation in Tokyo?”
• mihimaru GT producer Hideyuki Daichi Suzuki tweeted, ” Thank you! I’m OK . The aftershocks are still continuing, everyone has to stay calm.  Yes, in Tokyo. This is less damage. But the aftershocks are still continuing. I stayed at home. Many people go home last night and stayed the trains to stop.”
• GooF of SOFFet was leaving a radio interview at FM Osaka and then felt the earthquake and tweeted, “Huh everyone okay?  Osaka was shaking!”
• Singer Tomoe Shinohara tweeted, “I pray for your safety, please pray for those who are wounded from the earthquake.  My heart is shaking.”  Shinohara continued, “I hope everyone is not hurt.”
• Shanadoo’s Rose tweeted, “I am hearing – Earthquake”.
• Shanadoo’s CK tweeted, “Everyone safe?”
• Masa of the rock band BASARA tweeted, “This is dangerous!  Great earthquake shaking the train! “
• Music artist WYOLICA tweeted, “Shibuya.  Alive. Shattered windows from the building near me.”  Wyolica would go on to tweet later that day,  “Aftershocks are enormous.  It may shake all night.  Everyone have shoes beside you.  I will be wearing a jacket.  Out of respect for the neighbors.”
• Music artist Miray tweeted, “I’m all right.”
• Ryuichi Kawamura of LUNA SEA tweeted, “the earthquake was awful! are everybody okay? please be careful since there are still some aftershock! I am fine!”
• SUGIZO of LUNA SEA tweeted, “I’m fine. Please don’t worry about me guys!”.  As for the LUNA SEA members, Sugizo followed up with, “All LUNA SEA’s member is fine!! Thank you so much guys!! Please don’t worry about us!! From Tokyo with Love…”
• Tatsuro of MUCC tweeted the following, “Aftershocks are continuing, is everyone all right?  Together we will persevere!”
• Hiroto of Alice9 tweeted, “I wish everyone to be safe!  I am fine.  E-mail and telephone is not connected but I can be reached on Twitter.”
• Naoko of Shonen Knife tweeted, “We had an earthquake. I’m in Osaka and there are not so strong one but in Northern part of Japan, it was strong. We decided to stay in Osaka because of the earthquake.I deeply appreciated kind messages from overseas. I just can pray for the people who suffer from the disaster.”
• Japanese reggae artist RYO THE SKYWALKER was in Jamaica at the time of the earthquake but tweeted the following, “Im in Jamaica right now so 大丈夫です〜 but nuff ppl in north they get damaged …. thx anyway !!! i jus fine and work in anchor studio !! worry bout big earthquake in JPN …”
• Entertainer Emyli was among the few entertainers like Crystal Kay who had a lot things on their mind during the earthquake especially family members.  Emyli tweeted within the first 24 hours, “i cant reach my father, he might be trapped inside a train.  freshness burger in gaienmae wont let me use their phone.  was able to reach my father. thank you for your prayers. bought food & the last iphone charger, food was all out except instant food. will stay overnight at the studio & walk a few cities home tmrw.  tokyo tower is bent. ground is shaking right now.   sleepy, but scared, started shaking again.  cant tell if it’s my heart shaking or the ground shaking. earthquakes are ongoing.  these are times when u really appreciate the small things–drinking clean water, being able to shower, eat clean food–and most importantly, being alive. live ur day to the fullest everyone, turn ur dreams into reality. the end can come at anytime for anyone & anywhere.  i truly thank every one of you who are praying for us. that is the only thing that’s holding this country together right now. all i can think about is surviving today.  my daddy’s home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.  thank u everyone for all ur prayers & thoughts & love during this difficult time. just elated & so thankful that my family is alive & unhurt.  may we be able to survive this day. my heart goes out to all persons affected by this catastrophe.”
• Aoi from the rock band the GazettE tweeted, “I remember the drill. Food and water has been stocked. Information is flowing through Twitter. There is also an emergency message board. I’m fine. Please respond calmly.”
• Ruki of the GazettE tweeted, “Big earthquake. Watch out for aftershocks everyone”
• Singer and voice actress Haruko Momoi tweeted, “I am  safe.  It was a bad earthquake and came back home to check out the apartment and to find shelter.  I pray the damage will not get worse.  Because my father was sick, I was concerned about his unstable blood pressure because of the earthquake.  I was also concerned about the deterioration of his physical condition from the psychological stress.  I think the anxiety is felt in the Kanto region.  I have a pain in my chest.”  Momoi issued the following tweet to her intl. fans, “Dear overseas Momoists.THX to your worrying about us.I’m OK.I appreciate your tender words.  I hope sing a anisong with Japanese and every country’s fans,again…Thank you for your encouragement tweet.Arigatou gozaimasu!”
• Anison singer HIMEKA tweeted, “I updated my blog. People who worried about me, thank you. I’m doing fine.  Keeping the victims of the tsunami in my thoughts and prayers…”
• staff for Ami and Yumi of PUFFY tweeted, “amiyumi is safe.  We thank everyone who has worried and hope that everyone is safe.”
• Shinji of SID tweeted, “I hope everyone in the northeast is all right.  Earthquake in Tokyo was enormous.  The bookshelf in the house fell.  Paying attention to the aftershocks”.
• Producer and musician Tetsuro Oda tweeted, “I’m getting more worried and home many are completely safe. Take care everyone.”
• Olivia Lufkin tweeted, “My family, friends and I are safe everyone!!! Sending out my love to all the earthquake victims. <3 <3 <3.  Thank you all for the concerned messages. My family is together at my parents place, where we will be staying till…”
• Eriko Imai from SPEED had a tweet from her staff to please check her blog.  On her blog, she posted, “  Everyone, are you safe??  Me and my song are safe.  For the first time, I felt fear.  I’m sure everyone feels the same.  Please act calmly and everyone, please be safe.  Thank you.  Please be safe.”  As for the other members of SPEED, Eriko posted, “Thanks for everyone’s concerns.  SPEED members are all safe.  We again experienced the horrors of nature.  I will still continue. Many people have died in the earthquake and the impact from tsunami.  We pray for you.  Finally, do not forget hope.”
• Nana from MAX tweeted, “Earthquake.  Everyone safe?  I’m fine.  It’s really scary…”
• Rina from MAX tweeted, “water supply at my parent’s home has been cut off.  But water supplies are at the public citizen’s hall.  Also, continuous power failure.  I’m am scared.”
• The staff for the female pop group BRIGHT tweeted, “Earthquake is everyone okay? Please be careful for the aftershocks! ! Members are safe! For now!
• Singer/actress Meisa Kuroki tweeted, “Is everyone safe?  I’ll be fine for now!  Be careful of tsunami.  Take care!”
• Singer Nami Tamaki tweeted, “Is everyone OK because I am doing OK?!  I felt the earthquake in the house and the aftershocks are still continuing.  Trying to open the window without it falling down.  I hope your safe from the bottom of my heart.”
• Singer GACKT was a bit more personal, creating a Twitter account the day after and posting a long message about getting together and doing something.  Asking celebrities to join him and posting a message on the following website.  In an excerpt of that message, GACKT tweeted “We need the courage to reach out and help those who are affected, to show a little courage and SHOW YOUR HEART!”
• Singer JASMINE tweeted, “(“° b °)”<<< just tell me whether or not it is safe ーーー”
• Model Natsuki Katou has been active since the earthquake in providing emergency information on Twitter.  Her first tweet after the earthquake was “Everyone!! Please do not go near the sea or river.  When moving, protect your head, please.”
• Singer MISIA tweeted, “I hope everyone is safe?  Please support those who meet survived from the damage and those who are displaced, are in physical and mental fatigue. Aftershocks still continue.    The situation is serious, we all need to try and act cool!”
• Singer JUJU tweeted, “I’m safe at home.  I’m scared too!”
• Rina of SCANDAL tweeted, “Are you okay?  If you are worried about me or the staff members, we are in a safe place and everyone is OK!  Thank you!  Let’s help each other!  OK!”
• Nohana of Stereopony tweeted, “Ok guys its (>_<)? earthquake Stereopony is safe! You guys take care (>_<)”
• Shiho of Stereopony tweeted, “Everyone OK?  It seems that the aftershocks that followed are still continuing.  Be careful!”
• Singer Tommy february6, who was not feeling well that day tweeted the following day, “Shun-chan is safe.  Our cats are safe.  I went to a meeting today and came back home awhile ago.  I was scared because it was in a building which was being used as a shelter.  Anyway, I’m OK, scared but calm.  I like being calm.  How is everyone’s place?”
• Singer Hiromi tweeted,  “Are you all right in the Northeast? ? (>_<) screaming sore throat”.  Hiromi later tweeted, “I’m alright… we still have earthquakes tho. i don’t wanna fall asleep”
• Singer Rie Fu tweeted, “As for me I am safe and sound, but there are much more out there needing your support. Please send donations!!”
• Singer Kylee tweeted, “I heard that a very large earthquake hit Japan, are you guys all right?  I am very worried.”
• Kaneko Nobuaki of RIZE tweeted, “Nobuaki Kaneko, RIZE and staff are safe.”
• Singer Saori@destiny tweeted, “Is everyone OK? I’m worried.  I remember a horrible childhood experience with the Great Hanshin earthquake.  Please be careful, please!”
• Singer Keita Tachibana of w-inds. tweeted, “I hope everyone is in a safe place.”
• DJ/Producer Satoshi Fumi tweeted, “to my friends,i’m ok.but stop the traffic!”
• Singer Yu Shirota tweeted, “Are you okay?  I am fine!  It’s really dangerous, so please stay away from the sea.”
• Singer Kat McDowell tweeted throughout the day, “Wow!! The train was shaking so bad!!! The was the scariest earthquake ever!  I hope the people outside were ok!! I hope the people in Miyagi are ok!!  trains stopped.. So walking home. It’s nice to walk and see other people!  We are ok. Thank you for all the messages!! We are home now trying to find out what happened.. 4 million homes with no power, and it’s night now and cold so please pray for those who have lost homes! #prayforjapan.  For those who are stuck in Tokyo tonight, you can stay at the near by schools, or the budokan or saitama super arena.  wow.. it’s like the tremors never stop… この余震が止まらないね。　I’m praying that God will be with all of us in Japan tonight, and give us peace.  Thank you for all the messages!! Most of Tokyo is safe, just shaken up!! We’re praying for the people up North!  I am awake!! It’s hard to sleep, but I am sooo grateful I can go to church today to pray with people together! see what we can do to help!”
• Singer Blaise Plant of Monkey Majik lives in Sendai and tweeted throughout the day with probably the most detail of his experience since he lives near the epicenter.  Plant tweeted, “My house is trashed! I’m ok! It was spooky…the biggest one yet!!  Hey Everyone! It seems to have calmed down a bit.from where I am.the buildings are all busted up..massive billboards on the verge of falling.  I urge everyone to keep alert…things are falling all over the place… I heard tsunami looks pretty big on TV.  I currently can’t go home the ground is still shaking and shaking.  So far a lot of people from the neighborhood gathered together to keep warm.  Just checked out Mayn’s Studio, everything is ok, not much damage…my place is…trashed.  This is my only way to talk to you all, sorry, just trying to write as fast as I can. I think these tremors are going to last all week.  I know it’s a little dangerous to be in a car throughout all this, but just needed a little charge for my iPhone.  We are getting non-stop tremors…a big one every 15 mins or so. It sucks cause every shake makes u wonder if it’s the big one.  Still pitch black, power is not back yet…walked outside…smell of propane.  Currently 2am, power still out, cold. Keeping positive, but so many people have been injured, or killed. It’s hard to sleep. Unimaginable.  Just heard from Maynard…there headed over here…looks like things are slowly coming together on this side. Pray for others.”
• Maynard Plant, brother of Blaise and a member of Monkey Majik has also been tweeting about his experience in Sendai.  Here is a chronicle of a few twitter posts from Maynard, “Omg.. That was scary.  Is everyone ok?  I finally found Blaise… He’s ok… But his mansion was in terrible condition. I am now going to check my studio. Haven’t had Internet, phone, power, water, heat since my last twit on Friday. I’m back downtown to see how Blaise is doing.  Using ocean water to cool down the nuclear reactor. Many people exposed at this point.”

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My Bride is a Mermaid – Part 2 (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

A hilarious and fitting conclusion to “My Bride is a Mermaid”.  I absolutely enjoyed this second part so much, that I re-watched it again.  Definitely recommended!

Image courtesy of © FUNimation Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: My Bride is a Mermaid – Part 2

DURATION: Episodes 14-26 (300 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: 4:3, English Dolby Digital 5.1, Japanese 2.0, Subtitles: English

COMPANY: FUNimation Entertainment

RATED: 13+

Release Date: September 7, 2010

Originally created by Tahiko Kimura

Directed by Seiji Kishi

Series Composition by Makoto Uezu

Music by Yasuharu Takanashi

Character Design by Kazuaki Morita

Art Director: Maho Takahashi

Music Director: Satoki Iida

Anime Production: AIC, avex mode, GONZO

Featuring the following voice talent:

Halko Momoi/Alexis Tipton as San Seto (Sun Seto)

Takahiro Mizushima/Todd Haberkorn as Nagasumi Michishio

Daisuke Ono/Eric Vale as Kai Mikawa

Kenta Miyake/John Swasey as Gouzaburou Seto

Rika Morinaga/Caitlin Glass as Mawari Zenigata

Sakura Nogawa/Cherami Leigh as Luna Edomae (Lunar Edomae)

Monica Rial/Natsuko Kuwatani as Maki

Eri Kitamura/Trina Nishimura as Akeno Shiranui

Atsushi Imaruoka/Andy Mullins as Nagasumi’s Father

Noriko Namiki/Lydia Mackay as Nagasumi’s Mother

Eriko Matsushima/Juli Erickson as Nagasumi’s Grandmother

Vanilla Yamazaki/Linda Young as Narrator

Nagasumi’s in hot water after a beautiful young mermaid named Sun saves him from drowning. The deep-sea sweetheart’s dad is a merman yakuza prone to executing anyone who learns his family’s scaly secret! Luckily, there’s a loophole: if Nagasumi agrees to marry Sun, he just might avoid sleeping with the fishes!

He’s doing his best to keep his finned fiancee happy, but a rising flood of rival suitors and gilled gangsters has Nagasumi gasping for air! He’s definitely in over his head, but there’s no denying the mermaid’s allure – Nagasumi’s hooked now that Sun has come ashore!

Since 2002, the manga series “Seto no Hanayome” by Tahiko Kimura has been entertaining readers of Monthly Gangan Wing (published by Square Enix). The popularity of the manga series led to a drama series released in 2004 and in 2007, the manga received a 26-episode anime TV adaptation courtesy of Gonzo and now is being released on DVD in the U.S. courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment with the title “My Bride is a Mermaid”.

The anime series was directed by Seiji Kishi (“Galaxy Angel Rune”, “Angel Beats”, “Ragnarok the Animation”) and series composition by Makoto Uezu (“School Days”, “Sola”, “Yumeria”). Character designs were done by Kazuaki Morita (“Nyan Koi!”, “Tentai Senshi Sunred”), art direction by Maho Takahashi (“Bamboo Blade”, “Tokko”, “Cobra the Animation”) and music by Yasuharu Takanashi (“Gantz”, “Hell Girl”, “Eyeshield 21″, “Halo Legends”, “Naruto Shippududen”).

“My Bride is a Mermaid” is an anime series that revolves around Nagasumi Michishino. Nagasumi and his family go on a family vacation near the oceanside where Nagasumi’s grandmother lives. While swimming, Nagasumi drowns but is rescued by a mermaid named Sun.

When Nagasumi comes to, he is found on rocks and when he tells his family that he thinks he was rescued by a mermaid, his mother and father think he is joking around. But his grandmother has heard of the tales of mermaid in the sea and that if a mermaid is seen by a human, the mermaid must die or the human must marry the mermaid.

Of course, Nagasumi and family don’t believe the tale, until Sun makes her appearance and tells him that she wants to be his bride.

Of course, Nagasumi feels that he can’t do it because he’s a young guy but when he meets Sun’s family, he and his family realize that Sun’s family are like the yakuza and if Nagasumi does anything to cause harm to Sun, her father Gozaburo will kill him. Also, her father and the Seto group are not exactly too fond of Nagasumi (because they seem him as a weak person and for Nagasumi taking his daughter away from him).

Nagasumi knows that she saved his life and by doing that, has risked her life by being seen by a human. So, Nagasumi feels that he must do the right thing. To have Sun as his bride.

But of course… life for both Nagasumi and Sun can get a bit complicated as Seto’s father is against the marriage, Sun’s rival wants to marry Nagasumi and the richest boy in Japan wants to marry Sun.

And now in part two of “My Bride is a Mermaid”, a mysterious student named Akeno Shiranui has arrived and her goal…to split Nagasumi and Sun up.  Also, other young ladies start to have feelings towards Nagasumi.   With all these obstacles, will Nagasumi and Sun ever get married?

“My Bride is a Mermaid” focuses on the following characters:

Nagasumi Michishio – The main character who drowned and was saved by a mermaid named Sun. Because Sun was seen by a human, tradition is that the mermaid must die unless she becomes the bride of that human. So, Nagasumi does all he can to care for his wife. Unfortunately, the majority of the Seto group are against their marriage.

Sun Seto – A mermaid and the bride of Nagasumi. The daughter of Gozaburo Seto, an underwater yakuza boss. She loves Nagasumi with all her heart and although she doesn’t have the same mannerisms like the other yakuza members in the Seto group, she can show off her fighting skills if need be.

The Michishio Family – Nagasumi’s father is a jealous father when his wife starts to show interest in Seto Yakuza member Masa. They are upbeat parents who tend to get on Nagasumi’s nerves.

The Seto Family – Gozaburo Seto is the boss of the Seto Group (an underwater yakuza group). His love is all about his daughter Sun and hates Nagasumi for taking her away. Ren Seto is the mother of Sun and is the family matriarch and Seto group disciplinarian. She is supportive of Sun’s marriage to Nagasumi.

Other Characters:

Akeno Shiranui – A mermaid and mermaid examiner.  She deports mer-people who do fail to qualify as mermaids who resemble humans and not arousing any suspicion that they are mermaids.  Also, an excellent in swordfighting.

Masa – A member of the Seto Group and helps to keep Gozaburo’s anger in check. He is responsible in watching over Nagasumi and Sun.

Maki – An assassin of the Seto Group that is only a few inches tall and is fond of Sun and despises Nagasumi for taking Sun away.

Lunar Edomae - The childhood friend and rival of Sun. Because Nagasumi also sees Lunar in her mermaid form, Lunar wants to take him away from Sun and also to one up her by wanting him to marry her.

Kai Mikawa – The richest boy in Japan and the son of the head of the multi-million dollar Mikawa Corporation. He is also from the mermaid group and is a killer whale who wants to marry Sun.

Mawari Zenigata – The daughter of the police chief and childhood friend of Nagasumi. She has always had a crush on Nagasumi and wants to become a police chief when she gets older.

Here is a basic summary of each episode on “My Bride is a Mermaid – Part 2″:

DISC 3:

• EPISODE 14 – Koneko Monogatari (The Adventures of Chatran) – Nagasumi finds a kitten and realizes how the mer-people are terrified by it.
• EPISODE 15 – What’s Your Name?- Nagasumi and Sun, Lunar and Mawari and Saru and Mikawa go on a double date.
• EPISODE 16 – Minority Report – Akeno Shiranui joins Nagasumi’s school but she’s not a normal student.
• EPISODE 17 – Cops vs. Thugs – Due to Akeno’s strength and great body, the thugs at school start to fall for her.
• EPISODE 18 – Gate of Flesh – The whole class goes ona  field trip to Kyoto but why did Maki attack Akeno?
• EPISODE 19 – There’s No Business Like Show Business – Akeno continues to try to find ways of splitting up Nagasumi and Sun.
• EPISODE 20 – A Better Tomorrow – Lunar’s father tries to find a way to express his love for his daughter.

DISC 4:

• EPISODE 21 – 10 Things I Hate About You – Nagasumi receives an anyonymos love letter from the class president but to help call him down, Sun’s mother gives him a special drink that has interesting side effects.
• EPISODE 22 – Privilege - Lunar is preparing for part in a drama and asks Sun to play her boyfriend.
• EPISODE 23 – The Man Without a Past – Akeno believes Masa was an acquaintance of her missing older brother.
• EPISODE 24 – Farewell Friend – Kai has a boil in his bottom and Saru accidentally hears wrong information that Kai is dying and spreads the news to everyone.
• EPISODE 25 – The Family Game – Sun feels that Nagasumi doesn’t appreciate her and ends up going to a party held by a noble.
• EPISODE 26 – Antwone Fisher (The Place You Go Home To) – The noble has drugged Sun and plans to marry her, now Nagasumi and friends try to save her before its too late.

VIDEO:

“My Bride is a Mermaid” is presented in Widescreen 16:9. I have to say that the anime series is pretty cool as it features various styles of animation and artwork plus there is a good amount of detail in the artistic backgrounds. Gonzo did a fantastic job with this series and making the animation and surroundings so vibrant and beautiful to look at.

Although I am not too familiar with Tahiko Kimura’s work, I really dig the character designs by Kazuaki Morita and Gonzo staff just having a wild and crazy time with the various and different styles of designs for the characters. May it be in normal mode, chibi mode, etc. Art direction by Maho Takahashi also brings this series to life with the beautiful art backgrounds.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

“My Bride is a Mermaid” is presented in English 5.1 Dolby Digital and Japanese stereo. The series is front and center channel driven. I felt the audio was well-done on both the English dub and the Japanese vocal track. I’m a big fan of Haruko Momoi and it was great to see her play the role of Sun Seto. I enjoyed the Japanese soundtrack but the English dub was done very well!

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“My Bride is a Mermaid – Part 2″ comes with the textless opening and ending theme songs (by voice actress Halko Momoi) and FUNimation Entertainment trailers.

“My Bride is a Mermaid – Part 2″ continues the hijinks of Nagasumi, Sun and friends as the plot to split Nagasumi and Sun continues with the arrival of mermaid examiner Akeno Shiranui.

If anything, the series continues it’s crazy humor as Nagasumi tries to scare his father-in-law and other mermaids with a kitten and also hijinks that include Sun pretending to be Lunar’s boyfriend, the school president falling for Nagasumi and quite a few episodes featuring Akeno Shiranui, a mermaid with an awesome body but also a no-nonsense character.    And as for Nagasumi, although the women’s feelings towards him are not as pronounced as other harem-based anime series, the number of characters featured in this second part is pretty cool and for the most part, just a fun and enjoyable series to watch.

The series doesn’t get too serious until it reaches the last two episodes but for the most part, I found this series to be a fun, enjoyable and crazy anime series that doesn’t get too dramatic nor does it get too convoluted with all the characters.  If anything, the stories are rather enjoyable and you end up getting to know each of the supporting characters this time around.

The character designs showcase the characters in various styles and the artistic backgrounds really do compliment the characters and the voice acting for both English and Japanese soundtracks are well-done.  Personally, I love Halko Momoi’s songs and her seiyuu role as Sun, so that was a major plus.  But I also watched the whole second part about twice now, in Japanese and English and found myself really enjoying this series a lot.  And I think others will as well.

If I had only one major nitpick with the DVD release is the lack of special features and audio commentary but other than that, this is still an anime series for those who enjoy comedy.

If you are looking for a fun, crazy anime series, definitely give “My Bride is a Mermaid” a chance and for those who watched part 1, definitely give part 2 a chance as the episodes do get better and also are much funnier than the first half of the series. As for “My Bride is a Mermaid – Part 2″, definitely a hilarious and fitting conclusion to the series.  Definitely recommended!

Momoi Halko – Feel So Easy!/天空のスプライト (A J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review)

“Momoi Halko returns with a double-A sided CD single featuring two upbeat, energetic tracks used as an ending theme to the anime series ‘Mission E’ and her Bunka Hosa program. ”

ARTIST: Momoi Halko

CD SINGLE: Feel So Easy!

LABEL: avex entertainment

CATALOG #: AVCA-26889

DURATION: 19:40

RELEASE DATE: August 27, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. Feel so Easy!
2. 天空のスプライト
3. Feel so Easy! – Karaoke
4. 天空のスプライト – Karaoke

Momoi Halko returns with her latest CD single “Feel So Easy!/天空のスプライト”. Her first CD single in nine-months which is amazing considering there is so many Momoi Halko-related merchandise available every month.

“Feel So Easy!” is the ending theme to the anime series “Mission E” and the latter which is used as an outro to Momoi’s Bunka Hoso program “Momoi Haruko no Cho! Momoi”.

Both tracks are upbeat, synth-based dance tracks. Full of energy and showcases Momoi’s energy and vibrant style. Momoi tends to have quite a few singing vocals, so for those who were wondering which vocal she uses in this track, she uses her high pitched cute vocals.

“Feel So Easy!” is used for “Mission E”, the second series continuing from the hit anime series “CODE-E” produced by Studio DEEN.

The second track “天空のスプライト” (Sky Sprite) is another upbeat track, in a similar synth-based pop track like “Feel So Easy!” but Momoi sings in her normal tone.

And for those who are familiar with Momoi Halko’s music, these energetic songs are what her fans love (especially when they can sing and dance to it at a live concert with glow sticks).

The remaining two tracks are the karaoke versions of the first two songs.

As for the CD insert, the insert features lyrics to both tracks on one side and photos of Momoi on the other. There is a wrap around cover that features artwork from “MISSION E”.

If you are a fan of Momoi Haruko, you kind of know what kind of music you will be getting. Typically high energy, upbeat, sugary pop tunes which Momoi would sing with her various singing voices (high pitched/cute, low or normal).

And these two tracks are very full of energy and I have no doubt in my mind that fans will enjoy the songs on this CD single.

I was a bit surprised there was no CD+DVD versions like previous CD singles.  Especially since her new website features the music video.  But nonetheless, all in all, another fun CD single from Momoi Halko!

Check out more of our reviews at J!-ENT’s World Groove

Buy this CD Single:

Momoi Halko – Sunday early Morning (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Music Review)

“’sunday early morning’ has suddenly become my favorite Momoi Halko album! An exciting, well-produced album that is different from previous albums that captures an exciting side of the Queen of Akihabara”

ARTIST: Momoi Halko

ALBUM: Sunday early Morning

LABEL: avex entertainment

CATALOG #: AVCA-26638

DURATION: 56:15

RELEASE DATE: March 5, 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. Sunday Early Morning
2. Romantic Summer -momo-i version-
3. 21世紀
4. RADIO DAYS RADIO NIGHTS
5. Enter!
6. 今、あなたが好き
7. Party!
8. ハイ・エナジー -momo-i version-
9. ルミカ
10. ナイト・で・ないと
11. Thunder Shot!
12. Good morning!
13. Get Wild

Ever since we interviewed Momoi Halko and having to research her past material and review each album, my interest has peaked for Momoi’s musical and voice acting works.

I have to admit that since her move to avex entertainment, the production values of her music has risen considerably and I see her music get better and better.

With the release of “Sunday early Morning”, this album has quickly become my favorite album from Momoi. Not only is it full of energy on all tracks but the music production is just great.

The title track “Sunday early morning” was a shock because the music is very Osawa Shinichi-like (of Mondo Grosso). The song is an all English track but because a vocalizer is used, you get that RAM RIDER-ish style of vocals but all in all, a fun track. Just a note that although in English, the English is almost like Puffy Ami Yumi’s “Asia no Junshin” which literally doesn’t mean anything. Lyrics in the song such as “they low no two karma, comin’ choose/near geek mars, the couple/honesty/now day cycle”. Hehe… it might not make sense but its still fun.

The second track “Romantic summer -momo-i version- features another track of her hit song. It has that 80′s style of feel but with modern digital tweaking. A very fun track to listen to!

The third track is her last CD single “21 Seiki”, another fun track which is more rock-based with the digital blips included.

The fourth track “RADIO DAYS RADIO NIGHTS” is another track that features a hyper, up-beat sound and Momoi singing high pitched. Not as high pitched as the next track…

The fifth track “Enter!” is sung in Momoi’s high pitched seiyuu voice and begins with “enter! x 8 and “anime” repeated in the beginning. Another fun track!

The sixth track “Ima, Anata ga Suki” which is the slow jam on the album. A very beautiful ballad! Piano and keyboard driven but a very awesome ballad nonetheless.

The seventh track “Party!” is another Momoi high energy song with the high-pitched voice.

The eight track is “High Energy – momo-i version” and the ninth track is “Lumica”, both which have been featured on previous albums before.

The ninth track “Night de Night” (or “Naito de Naito”) is a high-energy track with a Euro influence, hyper para para feel to it.

The tenth track “Thunder Shot!” is rock driven, high energy and I can already imagine her performing this track in concert and fans going crazy with their light sticks.

The eleventh track “Good morning!” features another track with almost a gabber-style of beat and another song that utilizes the vocalizer with Momoi singing “Good Morning! Ohayo!”. A cute, energetic song!

The final track “Get Wild” is a cover of the TM Network song. The song features a euro style of hyper-beat style and overall a fun and cool cover of the hit dance song.

The packaging of this album is a slip cardboard box featuring the CD and a booklet. The booklet features Momoi Halko stickers which include her logo, the peach, her Roland keyboard, Nintendo Powerglove and even her waitress outfit and vectorized images.

The CD insert is more or less a folded poster. Track listings on one side and poster featuring different photos of Momoi Halko on the other side.

All in all, a very cool, energetic, cute and fun album by Momoi Halko.

I actually enjoyed the songs on this album more than previous other albums. Especially the production value of the music and you get a good balance of Momoi singing in different octaves and you get the sugary sweet pop, the rocking tracks and the beautiful ballad. What more can you ask from a Momoi album?

For those who missed the music videos from her CD singles, there is no DVD included on this album but a simultaneous release titled “Haruko Momoi Best Clip” was released the same day.

All in all, another cool album from the Queen of Akihabara!

BUY THIS ALBUM!

[WORLD GROOVE] Currently listening to Momoi Halko – Rumika [Chuo Line]

ARTIST: Momoi Halko

CD SINGLE: Rumika

LABEL: avex entertainment

CATALOG #: AVCA-26537/B

DURATION: 21:31

RELEASED on November 14, 2007

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. Rumika
2. Chuo Line
3. Rumika (Karaoke)
4. Chuo Line (Karaoke)

DVD: Region 2, 4:3, Duration: 4 minutes

1. Rumika (music video)

Halko Momoi returned in November 2007 with a new CD single titled “Rumika” and coupling song “Chuo Line”.

The first song “Rumika” is used as the intro theme to the series “Kawaii!! Jenny” (an interesting take on Sentai series and animated series such as “Sailor Moon” but utilizing dolls).

Momoi’s song is a fun, enjoyable pop song by Momoi and personally, I can see her hardcore fans memorizing the lyrics and shouting in unison during the performance of this song. And watching the opening theme for “Kawaii! Jenny”, the song works well as the opening theme. The theme song is sung in Momoi’s normal singing voice and not a high pitched voice or seiyuu-ish voice, for those that are curious

As for the coupling song, “Chuo Line” which is the train line that runs between Tokyo and Nagano. The song is used for the ending theme for “Dream Factory the Debut” which is literally a show that takes on auditions for voice actors and was aired from July through September 2007 on TBS.

The song by Halko is a beautiful acoustic and electric guitar driven ballad. A very beautiful ballad and compared to other ballads that she has done, this one features Momoi singing more in a higher voice and possibly one of the beautiful ballads to come from Momoi.

The music video features Momoi with her Roland AX-1 and ehr Nintendo Power Glove on her right hand (what kind of music video would it be without her two trademark props) and the video goes back and forth from Momoi playing the instrument, sitting on a ledge and putting sand in a bottle and Momoi outdoor with Tokyo buildings in the background.

As for the CD insert, just a basic tri-fold featuring a photo of Momoi with her power globe and Roland AX-1. Inside is the lyrics for both songs.

I was very impressed with the CD single. It happens to be one of Momoi’s finest CD singles released so far and “Rumika” is an enjoyable and catchy pop song and “Chuo Line”, very beautiful and charming.

All in all, if you are a Momoi Halko fan, definitely a CD single that’s worth picking up!