Watamote Hidden Gems: Episode 4

  

  As you all may know,Watamote is one of the many anime I'm watching this season. Now, one of the running jokes in the show is its constant reference to different anime, which is fitting because Tomoko, the main character, is quite the otaku. But, as I'm getting deeper into the series, I'm starting to notice little Easter eggs and cute parodies present throughout each episode and I thought it would be cool try to catch them all!!So let's get started!

Hidden Gems

A familiar face...?

Episode 4 of Watamote opens with Tomoko doing some late night Internet surfing. When the scene cuts to a full shot on her computer screen, you might have noticed a familiar face. In the middle of the page is a Internet ad promoting none other than...well...Watamote! Talk about shameless promotion XD.

Parodies 

May the Force Be With You

Except from Watamote

Except from Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back

During the same scene, Tomoko decides to read one more Internet article before going to bed. When the scene once again cuts to her computer screen, the words in the article are presented scrolling out in front of a space-like back drop. Even Star Wars gets a reference!

Word World

 
Tomoko finally hits the hay, in hopes of trying some sleeping tips she found in the article that might result in dirty dreams. Instead, she dreams of a world where everything is made of the Kanji that represents it. I'm not sure if it was an intentionally reference, but I can't help but point out this scene similarities to the award winning children's show Word World.

Word World

This might be a stretch, but you have to admit, the two concepts are pretty similar!

Watamote

Word World

Watamote

Word World

Play Motion Network?

The Play Motion 3 is my favorite consul !

Which one is the real one?

Now, most of you probably caught this but I still thought I should add it to the list. Product parodies in anime isn't anything new, but I still thought it was cute when Tomoko stopped by a game shop to pick a game for her Play Motion 3. Looks like they got the design down to a T!

Touyo or Tokyu?

In this episode, Tomoko mentions that her mom buys  underwear for her at the supermarket, and were shown a large shopping center called Touyu. However, the name and design bears a strong resemblance to that of the Japanese department store chain, Tokyu.

Bah Dah Bup Bah Bah....

I'm lovin' it!

  Towards the end of the episode we see Tomoko heading out of the mall and what eatery can we spot just to the right of her? Mcdon-..er...um...WcDonalds? But honestly, McDonalds knock offs are nothing new to anime.

So that's everything I could spot in this episode. Anything you think I missed?

Check out my other Hidden Gems posts!

Watamote Episode 3: “Since I'm Not Popular, The Weather's Bad”

Watamote Episode 3

     So as I stated in my First Impression video of this series, I like it for it's slice of life aspect and this was  reconfirmed in this most recent episode. Clearly this anime is not plot driven; all though Tomoko's ultimate goal is to become popular, she only works at it a little at a time. Because of this, the episodes pacing can be slow at times. For example, in this episode, we watch Tomoko go through an awkward day followed by a desperate attempt to become sick, so she won't have to go to school for a while. Although the plot sounds lackluster I actually enjoyed episode 3 because of Tomoko. She's extremely relate-able and the situations she facesin make me both laugh out loud and want to crawl up into a ball because I've been there. My favorite part had to be the scene where she's hiding from the rain under a bus stop.

Tomoko and some acquaintances

No Tomoko, you don't just tell people
you're sweaty.

 I could literally feel how nervous she must have been trying to make small talk with those boys. And although her attempts were hilariously wacky, I felt her pain of desperately trying to talk to someone, but not knowing what to say. I just wanted to jump into the computer screen and be yell, "Tomoko, No!!!!" The best scenes are always ones where Tomoko's in an uncomfortable situation because they manage to be funny and sad at the same time. In fact, scenes like this are much funnier than the anime references, which I could honestly do without. Now, don't get me wrong, I do get why they are included. 

"Tomoko" Kusanagi

After all, what would an anime about an otaku be without references to the anime world? Not to mention, it's refreshing to see the references include more recent anime such as Kuroko no Basket. But I just feel they could be more discrete, or at least blend with the story better. However, I have to admit, I was totally fan-girling during the Ghost in the Shell scene.

Prince Tomoki, who was sick this episode
but you could hardly tell because he
always looks like death.

     Now, as much as I love Tomoko, the highlight of this episode for me was her brother Tomoki. Once again he was bitter. Once again he was irritated with everything. And once again I loved it. This may sound weird, but I just love the fact that these two siblings rarely share heart felt moments. Call me a pessimist but I feel like it puts a final realistic touch on this show.

Overall, I thought this episode was cute, but sad, and a bit boring at times. 3/5

Swimming Anime Dating Sim

You knew it was coming

        Deviant art user fifthdimensional has answered the prayers of Free! fan-girls everywhere with her creation of Swimming Anime Dating Sim. Users can play as Mizu Oyogu, a high school senior who has recently transferred to the a new school. Luckily for her (and you) this school is crawling with the handsome

In this game, Rin is on good terms
the rest of the gang and Makoto's father
looks like my middle school principal

 boys from the new summer anime Free! Iwatobi Swim Club! Now, this Dating Sim was created well before the series premiered, the creator pulling most of her inspiration from the original 30 second clip that jump started all the swimming anime pandemonium, hence the use of the characters Tumblr given names (Senpai, Shota etc.) as well as hilarious titles bestowed onto them by the creator (Pimp-Kun anyone?) rather than their real ones. This also means some disappointing news for Rei fans, as since he didn't appear in the infamous commercial, he doesn't make an appearance in the dating sim. At least not yet. The creator has made sure to note that the game is still in it's Beta stages, and is constantly being updated. So far though, I really like this game.

Haruka's hair is perpetually in Bieber
hair flip mode.

The dialogue is really funny and although the personalities of the characters differ a bit from the actual anime, it's still really enjoyable. Hopefully, the creator will find a way to have the game align more closely with the anime in the future, but even if she decides to go on her own way, I will definitely still play it. Anyway, you can check out the game on her deviantart page and tell me what you think! Until then!

*Bonus* I did a little let's play of the game if you want a preview of what to expect. And don't worry about game spoilers; what happens in the game drastically differs depending on what choices you make!

         

-RCUJay

Vacation All I Ever Wanted!

   Hey guys! Time for a personal post! Now, I mentioned this in another post but just in case you didn't see, I'll just talk about it here. From August 3 to August 10 I'll be on vacation!! Yay! But, this means my reaction videos for Free! Episode 6 and Attack on Titan Episode 17 [And possibly 18] will be a little late ^^'. But don't worry, I'm planning some secret videos to have up in their place and when I come back I'll return to schedule as usual [I might end up combining Attack on Titan episodes 17 & 18 though]. Just wanted to give you a heads up so you don't think I'm dead! XD

-RCUJay

Attack on Titan Merch Round Up!

   Attack on Titan is one of the most popular anime of the year so it makes sense that everyone looking to profit from it. Since the start of the summer,  a lot of different AoT merchandise have been set to be release to the delight of fans everywhere, so I thought it'd be fun to take a look at some of these anticipated items!

"Attack On Titan" Cycling Gear

Product: Cycling Jersey

Provider: Good Smile Company

Price: 13,440 yen [~$137]

Release Date: October

Product: Cycling Bib Shorts

Provider: Good Smile Company

Price: 14, 280 yen [~$145]

Release Date: October

  So, I'm not a cyclist but I think fans who are will be pretty excited. I'm really feeling the Jersey although I think I would like it better if the front was just brown, rather than a print of the Attack on Titan's promotion picture. It seems too Zazzle-made to me. The bib shorts could go either way for me; I think I would have to see them in person, or at least a picture of the actual product. For nwo though, I'm leaning towards a no for them. I definitely think the design could have been more creative. 

"Attack on Titan" Mask T-Shirt

Provider: Cospa Gee Store

Price: 2,900 yen [~$30]

Release Date: August

Okay, I don't know about you but I think this is freaking awesome! A shirt that doubles as a mask?! I'll admit it will look a little weird when you're hiking your shirt over your face but I see this as a really cool way to show your love for AoT! And for once, a reasonable price! It's definitely a GET for me!

"Attack on Titan" With Wall Stickers

Provider: Masameya

Price: 750 yen [~ $8] each

Release Date: August [Now taking Pre-orders]

Now eight dollar stickers aren't really my thing, so ultimately, I'll have to pass. But I have to admit, the design with the colossal titan peering over the wall never seizes to excite me. That scene was so epic!

"Attack on Titan" Shirt/ Hats

Product: Training Corps Shirts

Provider: COSPA

Price: 3045 yen [~$31]

Release Date: July

Product: Survey Corps Shirts

Provider: COSPA

Price: 3045 yen [~$31]

Release Date: July

Product: Survey Corps Embroidered Caps

Provider: COSPA

Price: 3885 yen [~$39]

Release Date: September

YES YES YES YES! These items are magnificent! The shirts are absolutely stunning [especially in black] and whoever I need to give my money to in order to get them, *takes out wallet* it's yours! I usually don't go for embroidered hats but they complete the look nicely. And plus, these look so BAD ASS!!!!!!

"Attack on Titan" Hug Pillows Offered

Product: Training Corps Shirts

Provider: movic

Price: 9450 yen [~$96]

Release Date: September 19th

I feel like this was the product that everybody was waiting for... and finally, the prayers have been answered! As a big Eren fan, this pillow is giving me life, but I really wish they'd offer more characters [although he and Levi seem to be the fan favorites]. Anyway, it's a GET for me...that is, if you don't mind going backrupt! [That price though...]

National Cherry Blossom Festival!!!

Obligatory Sakura Tree Picture

      So a billion years ago back in April, I was lucky enough to attend the Nation Cherry Blossom Festival that takes place every year in Washington D.C. It was my first time going and let me tell you I did not know what to expect. In my head, the event would be similar to those festivals you see in those typical high school anime, where all the girls are dressed up in Kimonos, street vendors are selling ramen and meat on a stick in little huts, children are playing that game where you try to catch a fish with that paper net thing, etc. It was fun but over all it wasn't that spectacular. A big problem I had was the lack of Japanese culture. Don't get me wrong, they had a lot of Japanese related showcases and ceremonies, but for example, the parade had a lot of random acts like this giant Scooby-Doo float.

Scooby-Doo

Random, but pretty cool

Because what's a parade without the Subway Sub?

Clowns.

    The actual festival gave me mad convention vibes with all the cosplay and was probably the funniest part for me. Unfortunately there was one awkward moment I had to endure. If you might recall from the videos on my YouTube channel, I attended Zenkaikon in Lancaster, PA this year. Not only did I go, but I was granted a press pass, thanks to crunchyroll, which allowed me to interact with the guests and get much better con coverage than I'm used to. One of the guests I was lucky enough to interview was geek specific comedian Uncle Yo, and boy he was a great guy! So when I spotted him hosting an event on one of the main stages, I waited patiently and when it ended, I went up to him to reminiscence our Zenkaikon experiences and "catch up." But to my dismay, he...didn't...remember me...at all. ;.; At this point, my esteem was too far gone to try to jog his memory, so I simply asked for a picture and sulked away. Now, I know he's a busy man, and  he probably met hundreds of people between Zenkaikon and the festival, but I still felt kind of embarrassed.

Me holding in my tears ;_;

Shrine Exhibit

Why did I even take this picture when there are no Sakura trees in site?

Cute Luigi and Waluigi cosplayers

  Even though I went down to Washington D.C for the festival, I couldn't pass up the chance to explore the city and all its attractions. So I made sure to set aside some time to go down to the Smithsonian Museum as well as visit some historical land marks.

Smithsonian

Monkey!

From the Martin Luther King Monument

The Washington Monument 

Me becoming a caveman

I left D.C. Saturday night so I didn't take part in any of the Sunday festivities. Also, I heard there was one of these in California. Does anyone know if that one is any better?

[Ends post]