Review by Kei-kun

Perseus is by far and indefinitely favored by many fans. The song features a fast techno style beat (*KOTOKO, look out*) coupled with the oriental pentatonic melody. Perseus is my personal best from Shimatani Hitomi. It was what pulled me into becoming a Shimatani fan in the beginning. I watched her performance of Perseus on PopJam (2003-07-26), and I simply fell in love with the song, and moreso... Hitomi. La Fiesta (The Celebration) also features a cool beat, slower than that of Perseus of course, yielding a steady pace with the use of classical guitar, with lots of the exotic feel that Hitomi likes. The third track features some sort of small story in which Hitomi gets ready and goes on travel or trip. The track uses her different songs to convey the current location and environment. It starts with 'Itsuno hi nika' as she departs from her apartment, then as she gets lost; 'Akai Sabaku no Densetsu' is played. In the end, when she arrives in the city/airport, 'Perseus' is played in the background, and truly gives a very ambient atmosphere if you put the effort and imagine it.

This CD contains Yamaguchi Momoe originals, which Ayako here covers. Manjushaka, was originally sung by Yamaguchi Momoe (and also covered by Anita Mui Yim Yong, in the cantonese version), is excellently sung again by Ayako. I haven't heard all of Momoe's original but I can tell that Ayako's pitch is a little higher than Momoe's. Nevertheless I really loved how Ayako sings the chorus of the song. The whole instrumental accompaniment in Manjushaka is a little different to the original. In here, Ayako's cover, the song begins with a more sad tone using the kyoku (or erhu) at the beginning, and also at the coda. This I believe brings out a unique touch of melancholy to the whole theme of the song. The song is also modernised by great dynamic use of strings and electric guitar. With all of this being yielded, the song still remains faithful to the original. Absolutely fantastic.

Time and time again, Fuji Ayako continues to bring out the best of enka magnificence. This is another good collection of her hits. One of my favorites here is "Hanayo Inochiyo", which albeit unsuprisingly similar to other of her hits like "Onna no Magokoro", it just never ceases to fail pulling my ears towards my earphones! What's more, if you've missed her CD single "Minato Komoriuta", which features a lengthy version of the original. Then this is your chance to listen to it. In the first track, you can get to really appreciate the versatility of Ayako's voice. The vocal fluctuating quality of enka is pure excellence here. No wonder Aya-chan is one of the most popular (if not 'the' most popular) enka artists out there. However, there are still several of her old favorites like "Kokorozake" which seem to appear repeatedly in most of her albums. I now have 3 copies *each* of "Kokorozake", "Murasaki Ujou" and "Yuki Shinshin". For that reason (owning several CDs), some of the songs here are not new, hence the 4/5 rating.

What made me purchase this CD single, was after watching Android Ana Maico 2010, the ending theme (Default no Egao) is just so loving. The style of the opening is very jumpy, and dancible to. The lyrics are very basic to follow, oh yes indeed. Since a lot of it uses the music scale 'do-re-mi-fa-so'. I like how the song incorporates it into the lyrics. Then the ending theme, is simply "that" style. The love song ballad style, where the singer sings from a dancing to the left and right whilst snapping your fingers along the way with a swinging motion, etc. Fantastic vocals from Tange Sakura.

This CD isn't all enka, if you're looking for *just* enka, then I wouldn't recommend this CD. Otherwise if you're a Fuji Ayako fan, go for it, buy it. The only song that I know that isn't new in this CD is "Rinne no Kusari". The rest is a different style. More orchestral and breathtaking. The kind of feel I get from listening to this CD is like that standing in the wide open fields, with vast winds racing towards you. The composition and the use of strings in many of these songs is just wonderful. One cute song would have to be "Koneko no Myuuchan" (track 3). I wouldn't have guessed that Ayako would be singing a cutie-cat song such as that. This limited edition set also features a book, which in case you didn't know, is what occupies the second item count in this CDJapan entry. The book is very well designed too, like a children's picture book, strongly binded. All of it comes nicely housed in a transparent plastic slip case and resealable pouch.

I have to say that this album is an excellent purchase for those who want a good introduction into Ayako's music. The first disc contains more cheerful and happy songs, whereas the second disc contains the melancholic/sad songs. The booklet that contains the lyrics is also well made, because it has several beautiful photographs of Ayako. And at the end, a photo of Ayako-chan when she was little. *kawaii*

This edition features a specially labelled DVD. A unique glossy coat is on the disc, unlike the regular prints you find on the regular editions. It also includes a postcard as well. Something to include in your "Memories Diary" if you have one (from the 1st Mail). Kei's feelings towards Mizuho begins to blossom, and is more forward towards Mizuho as well. In turn this leads to a nice honeymoon which is followed up in the 3rd Mail DVD.

This CD is similar to the LOVE A RIDDLE image album. Though, this one contains only 2 dialogue tracks, and several vocals. This album I believe is a CD that is more or less about Mizuho's character. It contains the songs sung by Inoue Kikuko, and several background music tracks which are expressive of Mizuho's emotions, as well as being several cues to the character's appearance in the anime. Perhaps if you just like "Sora wa Kataranai", then this is a nice purchase. However, if you're an Onegai Teacher otaku, then it's no question whether to buy it or not.

Unless you're fluent in Japanese, or that you're a complete nerd about Onegai Teacher (like me), then this CD isn't the best purchase. If you already own the Seratula and Stokesia CD albums, then the contents of CD that only build on top of your collection are the dialogues by Inoue Kikuko (which are dialogue extracts of Mizuho from the anime). However there is one exception... the Back Image Music (Maxi version), which is not included in the Seratula CD set. The Maxi version is simply the Back Image Music (original) played twice in succession. Still, a good CD it is.

I've Sound once again produces another great pair of opening and ending themes for this quasi-sequel to Onegai Teacher. Second Flight features KOTOKO in a duet with Satou Hiromi, who I've heard sings a lot of game songs from "feel". Second Flight isn't as good as Shooting Star, but the ending theme (Asu e no Namida) is good, and gives a certain melancholic feel. Not perfect, but good material once again from I've.

Maybe due to popular demand, that this model is remanufactured but in PVC? The details of the model is rather detailed and the colors are nice and bright. The rimless glasses however, have to glued onto the model's face in order to be displayed together. Similarly this goes for the Pochy as well. 2 Pochy (Pocky) sticks are provided in the box (packaging) too, of which you can glue to her right hand just touching the index finger for display. Perhaps the initial resin release is better than this one? I don't know, since I do not own both to pass judgment. Good model, but it comes at a price.

I like this single. Another great song, and still Ayako carries the great voice over the years since her timeless classics from the lates 90s. The CD not only includes off vocal versions, but also a folded leaflet that contains the melody (treble clef only, no bass) transcribed on music along with lyrics too. Not exactly sheet music because it isn't made for any particular instrument nor it is formal or professional to be classed a genuine sheet music. But it is great material for musicians (e.g. pianists, like myself), and good for karaoke also. The CD cover also is lovely too, with a good fair shade of violet, and shows a good photo of Ayako, beautiful as usual.

A fine album from Fuji Ayako, and this was my first Fuji Ayako CD I bought too. This CD rounds up a good sum of her best songs, including "Murasaki Ujou" and "Futari no Kizuna", as well as the pop song "Rifurein" (Refrain); shows how versatile Ayako's voice is. One of my favorites from this CD is "Futari Bana", which the original single is now out of print, and this is one of the few albums to include it.

This DVD contains the 8 music clips of video compiled from the TV animation, except for an exclusive (OVA) video for the song "snow angel", and a sequence of still images for the song "Anohi no Kimi e". Essential purchase for any Onegai Teacher fan.

This DVD contains an excellent summary of the whole series in 1 hour. The video begins with a reminiscence of the events that happened in the series (hence the title "Reminiscence Disc). It also contains a textless version of the ending from episode 12. This is absolutely not for people who haven't watched Onegai Teacher before or yet.

This CD contains all of the tracks from Onegai Twins. As well as the full version of the ending theme from episode 12, "Photograph". The music this time isn't composed by I'VE (only the opening theme was), but composed by another VG music group, "feel". The emotion and atmosphere provided by the music lives up to the anime's name and popularity. Though, it isn't as great or breathtaking as the music synthesis and production from "I'VE". The collection of instrumentals and synthesis of them isn't as dramatic or heart-rendering as those produced by "I'VE". But I haven't played any videogames composed by "feel" (or even "I'VE"). I suppose I just prefer the sounds from titles like "Air", "Kanon" and "Onegai Teacher". "I'VE" debuted in the anime industry in their compositions for "Onegai Teacher", and they produced a great piece of work. "feel" debuted(?) in the anime industry in their compositions for "Onegai Twins", they suceeded, but not as great as predecessor composers "I'VE" in Onegai Teacher.

This CD album contains all of the tracks from the OVA, Aa! Megamisama. Beautiful tracks. Takeshi used a lot of acoustic ambience here. It gives the anime a real tinkly/magical as well as emotional feel, which it rightly deserves. (especially disc 1 track 7, 'Contract', which is an instrumental arrangement of the song "Megami no Kimochi"... truly beautiful). The 2nd disc's later tracks are variations of some of the tracks from the first disc. And this is good for listening to alternative melodies and instruments. This album also features the full versions of the opening and ending themes. So why not spend an extra 1000 yen and get the full original soundtrack instead of just buying the CD single? This is an essential purchase for any A!MG fan.

If you want to listen to the beautiful songs of Onegai Teacher, and have missed the opportunity to acquire them through the soundtracks in the DVDs, then this is your purchase. The off vocal CD is useful for those wanting to listen to the backing melodies and/or want to sing along. Kono CD-seto wa totemo sugoi yo!