Winter 2021 Anime Impressions

I thought I would try out a new format with bullet points.

Attack on Titan: The Final Season

• I think it’s great and don’t agree with the animation complaints on Twitter. It’s one thing to be unsatisfied with the show, and another thing to send hateful comments to the director and animators. I’m thankful that we have a final season.

The Promised Neverland Season 2

• I am enjoying it, but I liked the setting in Season 1 more. There’s something terrifying about being trapped in a place while knowing that you are livestock.
• I always feel that something bad will happen. Even when something good happens, I am unconvinced.
• You can read my Season 1 Impressions post here.

Horimiya

• I am enjoying it. I love Miyamura, both his looks and personality.
• I like both of Miyamura’s looks.
• Piercings are attractive.

• 

• 

Cells at Work BLACK

• I watched the first episode, but I’ll probably binge it some time in the future.

Wonder Egg Priority

• Amazing animation.
• The first episode was strange, but I’ll probably continue it when more episodes are out.

Yes.

Dr. Stone: Stone Wars

• Plan to watch.

Jujutsu Kaisen (Continuing)

• I love so many characters, which is rare for me. I love Yuuji, Gojou, and Sukuna.
• My favourite character is obviously the villain, Mahito.
• I want to see Sukuna more.
• It’s like a mix of Demon Slayer and Parasyte.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Mo Dao Zu Shi Q (Continuing)

• Since the episodes are only five minutes long, I will binge the rest of the series when it is completed.
• Speaking of which, I am so excited for MDZS Season 3. My favourite character, Xue Yang, will finally make his appearance.

---

Of the airing shows, my favourites are Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan: Final Season, and The Promised Neverland Season 2. Let me know if there’s a Winter 2021 anime you recommend~

On Social Media & Content Creation

I’ve been thinking about social media for a while; here are my thoughts.

Social media is what you make of it.

Social media is a tool for you to use. Some people use it to boost their social standing, while others use it as a space to post their artworks or cosplays. Some people are collectors, and others enjoy eating food and/or making food. Some people use it to stay in touch with their friends; others use it to keep records. There’s no right or wrong way to use social media.

On Validation: Social Media versus Blogging

I’ve heard a lot of people say that you don’t need validation from posting, or from followers and engagement. Okay, then why do I see so many people asking for more followers and views on their blog posts? Many bloggers have written about their blogging goals for 2021 and most of them include achieving a certain number of followers and views. Is there a difference between needing validation from social media versus blogging?

I don’t think so. Many Instagrammers pour a lot of time and effort into their posts, just like bloggers. Both Instagrammers and bloggers create content. Is it “seeking validation/attention” or is it “having goals”?

On Taking Breaks versus Productivity

I’ve seen many content creators (cosplayers, bloggers, writers, artists, podcasters, YouTubers, and VTubers) apologize for not putting out content on time or for taking a break. It seems like taking breaks is a bad thing. Does anyone else find this weird?

I know that for certain platforms, the algorithm works in the favour of those who constantly post. I also sympathize with those who want to stay “relevant” and avoid losing followers.

How I Use Social Media

• 

In my The Kore Wa Watashi Blog Award post, I self-proclaimed as a kuudere and used Houtarou Oreki’s photo to describe myself. While watching Hyouka, I resonated with what Houtarou said (shown above). It made me think, Why do I post on Instagram? I’m not enjoying it as much as I used to, and I don’t need validation from likes.

People use social media differently. Like I said, I view social media as a tool. You can find me most active on my Twitter, and I seldom use Instagram now. I still get some enjoyment out of Instagram – at the moment, anyway. If there comes a day when there is nothing to gain from social media, I will cease to use it.

Final Thoughts

Some people live their lives on social media, and I won’t be the judge of that. I hate it when people tell others to go outside/do whatever they do, as if they are superior. I will say this: social media shouldn’t be an exhausting thing. If you find that you are drained from it, consider taking a break. Perhaps you are putting unnecessary stress on yourself by placing too much importance on it.

In Case You Missed It: My Favourite Posts of 2020

Click to read:

In Case You Missed It: My Favourite Posts of 2018

In Case You Missed It: My Favourite Posts of 2019

Here are my favourite posts of 2020.

My Thoughts on Weathering With You – Makoto Shinkai 2020 Film

I wrote this review after I watched it in the theatres. I think Weathering With You was the last movie I watched with friends, so I’m really glad I went that day.

Travel Diary: Bowen Island

I went to Bowen Island with my friends for healing because I was super stressed at the time. I don’t think any of us really expected a pandemic to happen back then, so I feel lucky that I was able to spend quality time with my friends.

A positive post

In this post, I wrote about the good things that happened to me during quarantine. I found it helpful to look at the good moments.

Part 2 here.

Chuang 2020: My Thoughts on the Final Ranking

This is one of my best posts in terms of views. I was super passionate about this Chinese survival show.

Revisiting The Untamed with Elle – Blogger Collab! Part 1

I had a ton of fun collaborating with Elle. It was super cool chatting with her about something we both love: The Untamed. & I think the post reflects that.

Click here for Part 2.

Authenticity?

Rather than the actual content, I want to highlight the post’s comment section. There are wonderful conversations and I was happy that so many of you guys engaged with the post. Thank you.

#Controversed Week 4

This is a post I wrote in response to Moya’s #Controversed Week 4 prompts on managing blogging criticism.

Going Back to My Roots

This is a personal post I wrote about my motivations for blogging, and I want to share it again.

2020 Year-End Review

Many people told me that they were able to relate my post. Reflection is good, especially for 2020.

Anime X-Change: Time of Eve

Anime X-Change was an event hosted by Jon Spencer Reviews. I was recommended Time of Eve; here’s my review.

My Hair Accessory Collection

My Ring Collection

My Earring Collection

My Necklace Collection

Now, my hair accessory collection. Hahaha. I’ve got a lot more hair accessories, but these are my favourites.

Ribbon

I’m in a ribbon club~ looking at Nabe, Shoujo, Elle, and Moya

• 

• 

Cosplay

I also have accessories from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and probably a few other anime. They would stand out too much out of cosplay.

Your Name

• 

• 

Tokyo Ghoul / Darling in the Franxx / Bakemonogatari

I like the egg and devil hair clips the most.

Casual

I got these from Amazon. The pearl clips are flimsy but the non-pearl ones are my favourites.

• 

• 

Bonus: I don’t have this mantou hair clip anymore but I liked it when I got it in 2017.

• 

[Review] Light on Series: The Long Night (2020)

Light on Series: The Long Night is a highly-rated, dark, and suspenseful crime thriller. I really enjoyed this Chinese series and finished in two or three days.

Synopsis: Zhang Chao creates a scene at a subway station, and the bomb squad is called. When they open Zhang Chao’s suitcase, they find that there’s no bomb, but a body inside. On the surface, there is overwhelming evidence that Zhang Chao murdered the victim, Jiang Yang. There is a problem: Zhang Chao was hours away from the time of Jiang Yang’s death. To make matters worse, an anonymous person is sending a piece of a photograph to the media every few days; a building will explode if the media refuses to print it. To unravel the cause of Jiang Yang’s death, Yan Liang is called to help the police force. He must learn everything about Jiang Yang before the complete photograph is released to the public.

The show alternates between three stories and time periods.

Story #1: In the modified reports, Hou Gui Ping raped a woman and killed himself out of guilt. This story tells what actually happened.

Story #2: Jiang Yang and Zhu Wei investigate the true cause of Hou Gui Ping’s death.

Story #3: Present day; Yan Liang and his team investigate Jiang Yang’s murder.

I’ve never seen a story told in this format. You get to know all three stories in-depth, and I felt attached to all the characters.

Bai Yu plays Jiang Yang. I’ve seen a few of his earlier dramas (Detective L, Guardian, Fairyland Lovers, Love O2O) and this drama is nothing like them. It’s serious, dark, and more realistic. His acting is brilliant in this one.

If you are like stories about a person dedicating their entire life to something, this show is for you. To clear Hou Gui Ping’s name, Jiang Yang pours his life into this case. He meets so much resistance and pushback from different parties. He is stubborn, so incredibly stubborn. He loses so much, yet he never gives up. There were many times when I wondered if it was even worth it. He wasn’t even close to Hou Gui Ping, but he believes in his work. He believes in justice.

This is not a “happy” show, but it’s still very suspenseful and entertaining to watch. The show is artful in how they split up the three stories. You don’t learn everything at once, as it switches back and forth between the stories. Like the photograph puzzle mystery, you don’t learn the complete story until the end of the series.

I absolutely recommend The Long Night.

My Favourite Opening and Ending Songs of 2020

Obviously, I haven’t listened to every OP and ED of 2020. If you have any recommendations, let me know!

My Favourite Openings

忘言歌 Song of Words Unsaid by 赵磊 Zhao Lei (Chuan Shu Zijiu Zhinan / The Scum Villain’s Self-Saving System)

This is a Chinese song. I’m a huge fan of the series (novel and donghua). I also really like the singer.

No Separation by Jeff Chang (Heaven Official’s Blessing)

This is the series I am currently obsessed with! It’s a Chinese series by the same creator of Scumbag System (above) and Mo Dao Zu Shi. I think this opening has the best art.

Chiisana Hibi by flumpool (Kakushigoto)

I am a huge fan of flumpool.

Great Pretender OP by Yutaka Yamada (Great Pretender)

I’ve blogged about one of my favourite composers, Yutaka Yamada. He also composed the music for Tokyo Ghoul, which speaks to how versatile his music is. Great Pretender is amazing anime.

Dying Wish by 畠中 祐 (Moriarty the Patriot)

This song grew on me. I didn’t have a strong opinion of it at first but now I love it. Moriarty the Patriot was an amazing anime.

My Favourite Endings

籠の中に鳥 Kago no Naka ni Tori by ユアネス yourness (Sing “Yesterday” for Me)

In a recent post, I shared that this is one of my favourite songs.

SLUMP by Stray Kids (Tower of God)

I prefer the Korean version, maybe because they are a Korean group. I think it’s great that the show used songs from a Kpop group. After all, it is an adaptation of a Korean webtoon.

Lost in Paradise feat. AKLO by ALI (Jujutsu Kaisen)

This song is amazing. It is catchy and chill. I really like the animation here too. I’m really enjoying Jujutsu Kaisen right now. It’s kind of like a mix of Demon Slayer and Parasyte.

Other Side by MIYAVI (ID:Invaded)

ID:Invaded was a good anime. The concept is similar to the game, AI: The Somnium Files.

---

Do you like any of these songs? What are your favourite openings and endings of 2020?