じーーン@アマギゴエ

“5-7-07 (12:51AM EDT)—- The Last Seiyuu?

Amino and Celsys are cooperating to develop a new human voice synthesis software based on artificial-voice technology called “Finespeech“. Expectations are both amature and pro developers will use it in the entertainment fields such as anime and games. Release is planned between May and July, 2007.”

Source: ANS

I really hope this doesn’t happen. Part of the reason why I even enjoy anime is because of the seiyuu. Not only do they bring the characters to life, but oftentimes they sing as well. Interaction with these people enhance the anime fandom experience and taking that away will only kill it, not to mention how much the economy will fall with lack of seiyuu CD/DVD/etc. sales. No one will care if characters will be voiced by computers. Being a huge seiyuu fan and hopeful aspiring seiyuu (lol), I am appalled at this news. Some things are just not meant to be done by machines.

PS: Yes, I know. Old news is old.

Sweet Jesus, it slipped right under my nose. Yeah, that’s right, SaiMoe has started once again.

Okay, so I was bored last week and there weren’t any particular new episodes/series I wanted to watch at the moment. But then I remembered, “oh yeah, I never finished watching NHK, even though I have the whole season”. So I popped it in and let the conspiracy unravel. Read more

“Canada ranks fifth worldwide when it comes to marijuana usage, but ranks first among industrialized nations, according to the 2007 World Drug Report.”

“About 16.8 percent of Canadians ages 15 to 64 light up, compared to 12.6 percent of Americans in the same age bracket, according to the report. Canada’s usage is about four times the worldwide average of 3.8 percent, while the United States’ usage is about three times the average.”

Origin: FOXNews.com

Speaking of getting high…

“BEND, Ore. — Last weekend, Kent Couch settled down in his lawn chair with some snacks — and a parachute. Attached to his lawn chair were 105 large helium balloons.”

Origin: FOXNews.com

It seems as it ended well, also Takahashi Youko performed as a surprise guest.

- Opening
01) RINBU-revolution (Okui Masami & Mizuki Nana)
- MC
02) -w- (Okui Masami)
03) Sora ni Kakeru Hoshi (Okui Masami)
04) Romantic summer (Haruko Momoi)
05) WONDER MOMO-i (Haruko Momoi)
06) Jyunpaku Sanctuary (Chihara Minori)
07) Kimi ga Kureta Ano hi (Chihara Minori)
08) Koi no Dice☆ Oshiete (Cy-Rim rev.)
09) Seishoujo Ryouiki (Takarano Arika & Mizuki Nana)
- MC
Read more

This date doesn’t happen everyday. So hmm, what’s so special about today?

In Japan:

- It was Tanabata. I have to go sometime in the near future…

- The Animelo 2007 Generation-A concert happened. See seiyuu3 for current details and those soon to come. Also, Minorin blogged about it, as well (with images).

- Suzumiya Haruhi’s 2nd Season is announced officially.

Elsewhere:

- International Nana Day was held across the globe. There may have been one in my area, too, but I don’t know for certain. (If you don’t get it, nana = 7)

- Various Live Earth concerts were held ’round the world.

On a different note, I’m debating whether or not I should import the Suzumiya Haruhi no Gekisou Concert DVD (not sure if I’ll even get the photobook that is supposed to come with it). Any if you haven’t seen the trailer for this yet, take a look for yourself (or click here for better quality video):

Read more

“TOKYO — A Japanese man who set a world record by wolfing down dozens of hot dogs within minutes has suffered a severe jaw injury due to his rigorous training, making his next title uncertain.“

Source: FOXNews.com