Things I've Done for the Year 2017

My accomplishments and new skills picked up in 2017

1. Self-learning Photoshop
2. Journalling
3. Upcycle clothes into bags
4. Upcycled old poker cards to be used for teaching music theory
5. Made GIFs from videos
6. Learn stab bookbinding
7. Building a $100k website from scratch
8. Putting the cranky old site on page one of Google using months of SEO
9. Survived months of unfair treatment and work depression and rekindled the fire.
10. Rediscovered what I really want in life.
11. Met new friends in LDH fandom

About Nidaime J Soul Brothers: A discussion with Retsuya

Discussion with Retsuya needs to be a regular headline for posts where she tells us what she learnt from the books she read and translated.

I will kick off the tag and share what she said about Hiro and Nidaime, from Hiro's bibliography.

So he was talking that as a leader/ceo there are times it weighs heavily and painfully on him E.g. he would get anon fanmail saying a load of nasty shit, such as protests during nidaime's absorption. Hiro says that (nidaime) was really pumped to be joining exile's ranks, even if it meant dissolving nidaime.

He goes on to say that nidaime members are still able to stand as nidaime on stage while having activities as Exile, which also leads to the reason why 2jsb vs 3jsb was done.

Hiro believes nidaime members were able to further polish their quality and shine within Exile. He doesn't believe that that spirit has disappeared.

He understands the pain the fans are going through and recognises their love for exile. He's well appreciative that people are able to be upset because they love the group.

He wrote that at that time he was afraid that he'll continue to be hated for what he did. He then ends off with saying that initially he was a bit overwhelmed with 14 members, but knew that if he wanted to make his dreams come true, it was an unavoidable path to take.

Interesting insight. Thank you Hiro. I love Nidaime and I'm sad they had such a short debut but I still respect your decision. Those anon hate mail is unnecessary and it speaks ill of the type of fans who need to stop being so entitled.

2JSB vs 3JSB and Survival were great concerts and very nostalgic. I enjoyed seeing how much they improved over the years, and till date it is my biggest regret to have rejected watching Survival when I was in Japan, especially when there were available tickets.

DIY projects

DIY projects that caught my eye when browsing Pinterest

• DIY Project Leather Folders
• 12 Book Clutch DIYs

In the end, I followed the page.

I really want to make those folders using all the spare PVC I own. They could hold my files and documents better.

The best part is, I can give them away.

LJ revive!

I'm reviving my LJ.

It's been more than a year since I last posted a fic.

This time, I will post WIPs, headcanons, what-ifs and scenario prompts, and also crosslink from my AO3 and my friends' works. Traffic is important wwww

There aren't enough English Exile Tribe fics and I agree. There aren't enough NaoNao and Yokosuka fics and this must be rectified. Kwun can write OmiRyu.

I'll also be posting High&Low fics.

Time to get back in the writing groove. I've been stagnant for far too long.

Bitter Blood

http://kissasian.ch/Drama/Bitter-Blood

Featuring Keiji.

How have I not watched it yet?? I mean, I like detective series. I'll start on it soon...

I have a Rabb.it account!

Recently, I created a Rabb.it account to watch and share videos.

And here's what I found to share other videos.

https://letsrabbit.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115003545688-Can-I-screen-share-or-share-my-desktop-

Instructions:
https://letsrabbit.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002433048-What-s-the-Share-on-Rabbit-Chrome-extension-

I watch videos from bilibili too, so this is definitely useful.

On to more video streaming sessions with friends!

Nendoroid Cobra

http://mikatan.goodsmile.info/en/2017/09/04/nendoroid-cobra-highlow-g-sword/

This is too cute! I want a Cobra nendo! It supposedly costs $50 but it's a pre-order. The shipment will arrive in February 2018. Awesome. I can wait. This year I didn't spend much because there were unexpected circumstances and I want to save up for next year.

Yeah, I know how my future house will look like. One room for Exile, one room for crafting, a bedroom to sleep in.

Tokyo Vampire Hotel drama

Summary: https://jdramas.wordpress.com/2017/06/16/tokyo-vampire-hotel/

It's a strangely bizarre drama and a new take on vampires. I like the Romanian touch because that was cool. Going to Romania to film part of the series was awesome.

Good advice

https://hbr.org/2017/01/are-you-solving-the-right-problems

Excellent read. Reframe the problem, understand the problem differently, and propose another solution to work around things.

I need this. Also because I face this at work.

Yes I do read articles like this. I don't just read everything about Exile Tribe and High&Low, or fanfics. Thanks to the posts on my wall, I read articles with insight and discussion. I read articles about new scientific discoveries and inventions. I read articles about animal rescues. I read articles about company structures and how to be better problem solvers. I occasionally read Buzzfeed when the content captures my attention. I read politics and drama. I read about human stupidity.

I'm a bookworm. I read.

=======

https://medium.com/personal-growth/13-things-you-need-to-give-up-if-you-want-to-be-successful-44b5b9b06a26

This is another great read. Because I need to stay strong, and continue doing so, especially with what I'm doing now. I must keep improving myself, and unleash my rage so that I can calm down and continue doing my work.

Kokia

Kokia sounds amazing.

http://eimusics.com/kokia-discography/

Naoto spotted at YY S/S 2018 featuring Naoki and Shirota Yu

https://twitter.com/christinapaik/status/877927887239761920

https://twitter.com/christinapaik/status/877823873336524800

Much about the Yohji Yamamoto S/S 2018 Paris Collection is abuzz in the internet. Once again, Naoki reprises his role as one of Yohji's models, this time with Shirota Yu modelling the Parisian runway.

And here, we spot Naoto among the audience, decked out in blue in the front row.

I can't believe I identified him by his red boots first. I might have caught him when I watched the Youtube live last night but I was also screaming at Naoki looking as dashing as ever in Yohji's clothes.

Naoki is a Harukist

Source: http://www.premiumcyzo.com/modules/member/2017/06/post_7651/

This set of photos is lovely. Thank you for providing me a new wallpaper. Yes I'm in love with the 4th photo and I want to write a cafe fic where Naoki reads in a quaint old cafe during a lazy afternoon on his day off.

Naoki is a Harukist. Intellectual men who read books and dress well.

GENE MVs

To view all the MVs released by Gene so far:

https://www.bilibili.com/video/av10499044/

Hiro You are Awesome

http://www.billboardradiochina.com/bb2/02-May-2017-Exclusive-interview-with-Hiro-from-Exile-Special-feature?language=zh_cn

I fucking love Hiro. I have so much respect for him. And this solidifies my theory why I respect him, what I think of LDH World, and what the performers can do after they decide they can no longer dance but would still want to contribute.

I want to catch their last performances before the people I know retire from the lives.

I want to continue supporting them.

I want to meet them.

岩田先輩が後輩を先に行かせて守ってると思いきやメンさん生贄に捧げる

https://twitter.com/TAHINE__/status/864785512963256324

PUT ON SOME PANTS, OKAMURA

Poor Mendy. Gun-chan tried to protect the juniors and he somehow sacrificed Mendy. 岩田先輩が後輩を先に行かせて守ってると思いきやメンさん生贄に捧げる Alan you run damn fast huh?

WWW Final concert on May 14

https://twitter.com/ArethaNesmith/status/863764597362184192

Aretha Nesmith is Nessan's younger sister. Apparently the Second's family members attended the Second's final concert last night.

I can't identify whose parents and siblings they are OTL But it's great to see them supporting their families.

If only they'll release another WWW DVD. I'd love to get the senshuraku version because of the special appearances by Takahiro and Makidai. So many LDH artists turned up to catch the last performance.

I love this Exile Tribe family.

Go Naoki!

http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/1821882.html

Apparently Naoki has been learning English since January 2016. He's pretty fluent, at least, he can understand questions in English and respond accordingly.

I wish Tatara Samurai is screened here...but

がんばってください、直己さん！ずっと応援します！

This week on Tatara Samurai

I love the theme song. Atsushi and Joe Hisaishi collaborations are beautiful. Just listen to Atsushi's beautiful voice.



Tatara Samurai Hollywood premiere! Also, English by Akira and Naoki.

「心」feat Naoto

Naoto is featured in Kobukuro's MV!



Beautiful song, beautiful dance. It's been a while since his background dancer days with Ayu. I miss this side of Naoto.

Rainy Day by Ayumi Hamasaki is one excellent example - I loved his dance here, and the song is beautiful. Just look at this live.



Naotoのダンスかっこいい

Should I gif this MV hmmm

You can find 「心」MVメイキングビデオ for their behind-the-scenes.

Naoto Discusses Working with NIGO in his Latest Collection

Naoto introduces Studio Seven.

There are English subtitles.

Make Naoki model for you please

三代目 J Soul Brothers ライブステージの裏側

Looking at Naoto and Naoki's training and stretching makes me feel horribly unfit and inflexible.

Also Naoki looks like a black panther. All feline grace and power. Beautiful.

Can you see the star signs

Blog set up!

http://24shadowfragments.blogspot.sg/

I'll slowly populate it.

Wonder if I can password-lock some posts...

High&Low the Live

HIGH&LOW THE LIVE IS GOOD.

GREAT JOB, GUYS.

MAY THERE BE A DAY I CAN ATTEND MORE LDH CONCERTS.

Congrats if you do manage to find me here. It's a mess and there're most likely broken links and deleted videos, but it's my online haven.

I've decided that my current frustration is due to a need to channel my fangirling and commentary somewhere before I go mad. I need an outlet that doesn't inconvenience people. So, I've decided to create a blog where I will post everything that catches my eye (within copyright, of course). Maybe I'll extend it to other fandoms like tokusatsu, but for now the content is Exile Tribe.

This blog here is too personal for me to want to share it. I've never revealed I've a blog. I have LJ, I have Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. People can follow me there.

I'm not alright at all.

I'm not alright at all.

I'm at the point where I want to cut off all contact on Facebook and Line groups because I cannot deal with this crushing feeling yet.

I don't want to deal with people.

I want to be left alone until I can gather the remaining pieces of me and glue them back.

It's not an excuse for shitty behaviour, but please don't trigger it either. I will do drastic things and I will not regret nor apologise for it.

Usually I'll end up avoiding communication until the next day, or when time passes. Because, this is how I deal. Bringing it up will lead to more conflict, more arguments as both sides try to reason but end up making things worse.

Let it go.

I say it once and for all - I hate being touched. If you offer me a hug, I will reciprocate. This goes both ways. If I offer a hug and you return it, thank you. But if you hug me suddenly, I will push you off.

It.is.fucking.annoying.

Don't try.

Don't say I didn't warn you. Try it at your own risk.

=====

Last week, I said I would stop posting anything related to LDH on Facebook and LINE until I'm better. Because, not even my beloved fandom is helping me cope. Plus I've always had a tendency to post things my friends like, at the expense of myself.

So, I'm back.

I'm back using this blog to post my fandoms, you who have accompanied me for more than a decade.

I will put everything here. Links, pictures etc. Because, all I need is an avenue to relieve my personal fangirling.

Then, when I reopen my channels, I will only post what they want to see, the posts that will get them excited.

Friends, if you happen to see this, I hope you do realise that I've been trying very hard. But it's ok. I'll cope, as I've always done. There are things where I will not budge, but in fandoms that I really, really love, I'll try harder.

This time, I need more time to recover. But I know I can pull out of my own personal hell. Don't worry, I'm stronger than you think. ^^

I'm done

People come and go.

I've already seen 7 colleagues leave within the span of 6 months ever since I moved into HQ last year.

The 8th is someone I've known longer. Since 2015.

I'm not attached enough to feel more than a simple, quiet resignation. Funny how I'm like this, while other things get me riled up.

My friends say I'm a stubborn, tenacious moron.

I am. Without a doubt.

But right now, I'm weary. There simply is no incentive for me to put in more effort into something that isn't mine to take charge of. I'm a do-er. If you want me to do things, I will do it with the barest, most minimal effort, because without incentives to spur me, you will not get my 100%.

I'm here long enough to know how things work. In addition to my own problems, you can't fool me into thinking that if I just believe, if I work long enough, put in more effort to achieve results, I'll get rewarded. I can't push back my current problems, tell it "Wait, wait till I'm rewarded, then come back and I'll handle it." It doesn't work like that.

Sure you can tell me, there is no revenue, how do I expect to be rewarded? Of course I know this. I've always known this. That is why I no longer care about working so hard. I'll only stress myself unnecessarily. Maybe I disagree with how things are run, maybe I don't care much for the leaders, but I'm done caring.

Another burden has been added on me.

But I will be strong.

They need me now.

I must be more fucked up than I thought

One moment I'm engaged in an animated conversation, the next moment I'm throwing in the towel and taking back everything I've done and clamming up.

The shitty thing is, I'm aware of what I'm doing and what reactions to anticipate. It's like I'm deliberately being manipulative and sly, trying to pinpoint the kind of reaction consistency, and setting myself up to bear the brunt of any anger.

Worse, I don't feel remorse.

I'm not seeking attention, at least I don't think I am. I want to plant the seeds of chaos, then slip away and watch them bloom and wreak havoc from a distance.

I'm calmly thinking it, always watching, always observing. Data analysis. Observe the trends, what is popular.

Then the next moment I'm attempting to retreat into my shell and stop everything and stay away from everyone.

I must be more fucked up than I thought. Or my mental health is breaking down.

Maybe it's time to sit back, not do anything, and watch, and plan my next moves from there.

Hell, I read through this entry and I don't sound coherent.

EXILE TRIBE Click and Drag game

http://marchionessofmustache.tumblr.com/post/157317762872/blueberrys-for-kaede-chan-well-i-get-bored

Best friend: Kenchi
Boyfriend: Naoki
Hates you: Reo
First Kiss: Kenchi
Secret Admirer: Tetsuya
Future Husband: Gun-chan

Can I switch Gun-chan and Naoki? OTL

Super fly super fly

I love this song. Old school 80s funk music is fun.

I want more songs like this. Less EDM, more variety. *stares very hard at 3JSB*

Naoki Naoki Naoki Naoki Naoki

NAOKI. LOOKING DEBONAIR.

I highly believe Naoto and Gun-chan were behind the pillars, and I managed to catch a glimpse of Naoto's hair and his hand flashing his phone....just as Naoki strutted out looking debonair in his Yohji Yamamoto outfit. Of course he's going to take videos. I can't see Gun-chan. I need other videos.

More articles that could give me more glimpses of Naoki:

1. The Future of Male Beauty at the Men’s Wear Shows in Paris
2. Yohji Yamamoto's 2017 Fall/Winter Collection Mixes Directional Cool and Artistic Flair
   
3. YOHJI YAMAMOTO FALL/WINTER 2017 COLLECTION
   
4. BACKSTAGE AT YOHJI YAMAMOTO MEN FALL WINTER 2017/18 PARIS
   
5. 小林直己(EXILE、三代目JSB )二度目のパリコレ出演！圧倒的な存在感を示す
6. adidas Y-3 Takes Over Palais de Tokyo For a Striking Paris Fashion Week Show
   

THE BACKSTAGE PHOTOS. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH NAOKI AND TAKUMI HAVING A NICE CONVERSATION.

Dior Homme with Naoto, Omi and Ryuji

Source: http://m.nowfashion.com/dior-homme-menswear-fall-winter-2017-paris-20751

OMI.

AND RYUJI JOINS NAOTO IN PARIS.

The guy on the right (whose back is shown) is obviously Omi.

So they managed to meet up in Paris. Wonder where are Gun-chan and Naoki? Can I have a group shot of all 5 of you? 8D

VOGUE SANDAIME

http://www.vogue.com/13523626/exile-j-soul-brothers-japanese-boyband-paris-menswear-fall-2017/

They are awesome alright.

Naoto and Gun-chan and Naoki.

And Takumi looks good.

Omi is there because of Dior. Naoto and Gun-chan were invited because of Louis Vuitton. Naoki was invited to model for Yohji Yamamoto again. Same for Takumi.

TAKE OVER THE WORLD BY THE STORM, SANDAIME.

I hope they'll talk about Paris during the next Metropoliz concert. Or Shukan Exile features them in Paris. I'm already waiting for the Gekkan Exile volume with them in Paris. 8D

Studio Seven interview

http://hypebeast.com/zh/2017/1/hypebeast-studio-seven-exile-naoto

Naoto looks so cool here!

Keiji in Singapore, not just OmiKen

Keiji is also in Singapore. His Instagram Stories for the past 24 hours were all about his time here.

And we found out he was at Gardens by the Bay while we were having dinner last night. Pretty much across the road.

What the fuck. We went there with very dim hopes of finding OmiKen. We left the place and found out Keiji was literally a stone's throw away from our location.

I don't even

I can't

I

Dammit. 3 LDH guys here in the span of one week. And we missed them all.

I've recorded his Insta Stories.

But in all honesty and sincerity, I hoped you guys had fun here. Perhaps it's a fun getaway from work, travelling incognito, no crazy fans hounding you. May you guys come here again on a World Tour. ^^ We're waiting!

*stares at Gene*

*prays hard for Singapore to be on their World Tour list*

Omi and Ken-chan in Singapore

Omi and Ken-chan are in Singapore now. Apparently they were spotted yesterday at the casino. The fan requested for a handshake.

There is only one casino I can think of, and that's the MBS casino. High chance they're staying at MBS hotel and they decided to explore the area. The casino has a free entry for foreigners. Plus MBS is big enough to explore in a couple of hours anyway.

Which means they might also use the Infinity Pool, and explore GBTB nearby. Or head out to the city area. Or go to Clarke Quay for a drink or two.

Typical. HAHAHA. Please enjoy yourselves yeah? If I ever get the chance to meet you guys, I can say I'm a big fan from Singapore. ^^

Ready to face the world

https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/1651529

Day by day, Makidai is making a steady recovery. よかった。。。心配ですから。

May 2017 be the year where I can change myself for the better too.

自分頑張ってください。

Decorate your time

I did it.

I've finally created a music blog for my students.

It took quite some time to think of an appropriate title that isn't too in-your-face and make me sound like a boring old teacher.

I'll be writing witty posts and sharing resources that might help my students in their theory and practical. Or just to expand their music genre. Then I will work on changing the background design during my spare time. Something related to galaxies or constellations? 8D

I used emoji from here too: http://www.copyandpasteemoji.com/

Cheers. *goes back to High&Low*

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017

A new year, a new beginning, faced with new challenges and new hope.

Once again, having been bombarded by all the announcements from LDH, I am motivated by their aim to be a global company. They will be faced with new challenges, but I have faith in them.

If I have so much faith in LDH and Hiro, I should also have faith in myself. To take on new challenges and make sure I succeed. I'm not young anymore, I must be brave enough to say, hey, I'm standing right here, I'm scared shitless but I will not give up without trying.

I will succeed.

It is a promise to myself, and a promise I will keep. I want to prove to myself, I'm in the right place to develop myself, to keep learning and growing. At the same time, I will show everyone that I'm successful despite the circumstances. I have my goals to fulfill, but I will surely make it.

This is why I say I'm strong. When I fall, I will get up and move on. It may not be immediate, but the moment of depression will not last long enough to manifest.

Cheers to a new year! Gene please include Singapore as one of your stops for your World Tour. I'll pay good money to see you. And next time, bring your senpai. *eyes 3JSB and the Second*