Comment on Expression

A comment to a pixiv post in regards to the recent burst of Hetalia fanart of Kiku Honda (Japan) and the Earthquake that happened on March 11, 2011.

I kind of get the feeling I’m missing something; lost in translation if you will. Maybe because I haven’t seen some of the images being posted on pixiv that are being refered to (ie they were removed).

From my understanding (of the Google translate English), I don’t think they’re necessarily asking you to STOP your “freedom of expression” but rather to think before you act; don’t be reckless; be responsible. They even specified artists to use disclaimers if there is a slight chance someone would be offended and you still wish to publish the work. In addition, it is listed what they thought was “imprudent” as if they were trying to clarify that for us. People are entitled to their opinions and artist must be conciously aware of that [even if they don't give a damm]

I do agree that artists need to be careful with their intentions. If the Japanese express offense from something the artist drew, then it is the artist’s responsibility to respect their opinion. In this case, it might be easier to just remove your work than try to explain it in words, especially how easy it is for both parties to misunderstand each other with the obvious language and cultural barrier. But that right is reserved solely to the artist’s discretion.

A lot of people in the fandom seem to be commenting more on the fact that it is WAY TOO SOON, but I am sorry to say: but that’s how art work. For example (spoiler alert), when Mami was decapitated in episode 3 of Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica, there was a significant number of joke fanart. For someone who took her death so serious (ie that guy who cried during his review on youtube), it would have been considered too soon. But the principality is still there: if an artist wants to express something, it will be done sooner rather than later. Yes, some of the art may be insensitive and perhaps it is too soon (I mean, there is a time and place for everything.) But as I stated in my quote, there needs to be respect from both the artist and the people who find themselves offended. In order for that to happen, both parties need to be concious of one another. This is what it means to have freedom of expression.

Man, the things I do for Hetalia at 4 in the morning. Wish I was like this with studying :/

Usagi ’11

新年おめでとうございます みなさん!
I doodled a rabbit for this year, since it is the year of the rabbit.

Christmas Spirit

This week, my roommates and I purchased a tree and decorated stockings in light of the approach of Christmas, and the fact that I wouldn’t have time later because I would be busy with exams. They don’t call it studying for nothing. Super excited for Christmas baking, Christmas partying, and CHRISTMAS BREAK that I have started counting down on Facebook and have been listening to Christmas music since the beginning of November. Yes, that excited. All that’s left is the snow…

メリークリスマス

update 1: Its only a preview (pencil lining). I’m working on overdrive to try and get this finished sometime during Christmas, so bare with me >____<

There's a 4koma that goes a long with the card, but that will have to get done later…

Update 2: ALRIGHT SOME COLOUR!

Update 3: Printed edition and 4koma will be released later…

orange

orange

One of my favourite Axis Power Hetalia MADs. There are many reasons as to why this MAD has gained such a high place in many fans hearts. For one thing, animation is solid for something fan made. Song choice was also excellent. Although I am not too familiar with who is the artist, I have to say that it is a very nice song that definitely reflects the feelings when one parts way with a significant other(s). I guess that’s sort of how I feel about graduation. Back to the MAD. I guess another reason why its one of my favourite is because Arthur is in it! It is really interesting how the artist interpreted the American Revolution, and the relationship between England and America. It was less, Americans were unhappy and just decided to spite England but more it was time for them to leave the nest, like how many other nations felt at the time where nationalism was very important. Lets just say, the relationship seems more mutual than how the textbook or any teacher would explain it to be.

Anyway, I purposely found a video with English translations because the lyrics and the animations go hand in hand ish.

Happy Hungry

Oh shit! Himaruya-sensei has officially made me a very happy person >w<

So starting from Left to Right: Iceland, Norway <3, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland~.

This is the full-coloured Nordic/Scandinavian header image he was working on for his main webpage. It’s so pretty, I want to print a poster size version of this and put it in my room, but I will refrain from taking such actions for my mother would come and rip it the shreds before burning it. Bitch.

Also apparently Himaruya-sensei has been in Hong Kong for the last couple of days and posted this:

Mmmmm mein~~~~ At first I kind of wanted Congee today…but now I want noodle soup…

Random sidenote, Himaruya-sensei is really good at taking photos 0___0 As expected from the guy who created Hetalia!

I NEED TO GO TO HONG KONG FLICK YEAH!!!

ヘタリア Axis Powers

image from pixiv

This show is awesome.

Ne ne papa waina choudai! Ne ne mama, ne ne mama~!

恭喜發財,利是逗來

picture from pixiv

Re: May I have this dance

Some notes from the Panda General.

I have great timing, since semi was last friday (mind you I didn’t go cause I’m an antisocial emo person.)

Anyway, I didn’t look over it a lot, so if it’s badly written, my apologies. I will fix it.

Obviously, because I’ve never been to a school dance, I wouldn’t know what it was like, so I just assumed it involved a lot of people talking, and a lot of loud music, and a lot of people in dresses and suits.

This part of the story was set when Kino and Yuki are 2nd years (Grade 11) at Grandia School. Around third term. Essentially it’s a very prestigious school with a lot of rich kids, and a few students who are on scholarships, Kino being one of them. Basically this is the beginning of a lot of shit that happens later.

Originally, I was planning for Kino to end up not going because Yuki was already taken or busy. It be something like, he was busy so he told Kino he wouldn’t be able to come. But then I didn’t know how to make her cry (yeah I’m mean, I wanted to make her cry.) So I went with the he was already taken route cause then I could have someone else make her cry instead of Yuki.

Someone who read the story commented on how he always says she’s cute. The main reason was because I suck at writing so I repeat the same word OVER again. Really need to fix that. Uhh but then I thought later maybe it was a form of habit, because Kino does really see herself as a person but a monster, or a burden. Man, I’m making him out to be a sweet person with a girly name.

Like I mentioned last time, everyone’s names are four letters long XD Except Nadako…and Keith who only makes a minor appearance.
Here’s a list of everyone mentioned in this story FULL name:
Mayu Goldsmith
Nadako Fubayashi
Rolland Eric Lea
Keith Staedtler
So Eric’s actual name is Rolland, but again, four letter short names are my thing.

Since I skipped the 1st term part of the story, I’ll give a brief descriptions of the characters
Mayu: daughter of some goverment official in the states. Used to be Yuki’s fiance but yeah that didn’t turn out well. It was an arranged marriage.
Nadako: daughter of a Japanese family who won the lottery.
Eric: Son of the director of Grandia College (the school). The school’s Prince.
Keith: Mayu’s stalker, he’s fairly rich too.

(to be continued…)

Recording

Recording A.K.A Pixiv Slideshow

I did a recording during winter break for my University applications. I’m no pro, it was my first time recording, but it turned out ok.
I hope they like it ><

All images used are from pixiv.net. User account is needed to download images.