Misato's Cross

The very famous and yet popular Misato's Cross is possibly one of the most distinct memories from NGE, most notably in EoE. Hence, it is very heavily well sought after by fans and cosplayers alike. I'm one of 'em. Well not a cosplayer but certainly a die hard fan. The cross is a symbol of the philosophy and psychology of NGE and it serves me as a potent reminder, worn around my neck. Trouble is, I brought it into a nightclub a year ago and dance or techno music doesn't help to restrain a pendant around your neck. Especially when you jump up and down like a lunatic. As you do when you've drunk many many pints. So it was gone forever.

But recently, I rekindled a kind of longing for it after I had a go of asking for a rummage through lost property. But given that this was a year later, the odds were slim and sure enough, there was no sign of the precious pendant. So I've decided to buy another one.

However, I soon ran into problems. It's a bit rare to find this cross on the internet unless you want splash out 21,000 yen (£100) on an official eva remake edition aluminium cross with an engraved serial number. Tempting but no. If I wasn't able to find the first official cross (made of chrome) then this would have been the last resort. But fate smiled on me and I suddenly came across a French site selling it for a nice £5 (shipping is approx £8). Fate smiled on me even more today when I came across a UK site with the necklace.

I look forward to the day when my little package arrives.

UK site/Angelic Anime
French site/Imaginaire

And a little quote from TheKeep.org on the subject of NGE: (link)

"How shall a man know his gods?"
"By the signs of their divinity."
"And what if thieves walk among the gods?"
"Then, indeed, how shall a man know?"

The Japanese Language

I have taken it upon myself to attempt an extremely challenging task. It'll be interesting whether I'll stick to it or not but the fact is, I am attempting to learn Japanese. 'Nippongo desu'. One thing has to be said about this amazing language...it is weirdly fun to learn. It's just so different but ridiculously easy to pronounce (as a result of Romanji).

A stranger would probably think I wouldn't stick to learning Japanese but I now have so much motivation to push me on through it all during the boring summer holidays. For a start I intend to live in Japan after university; if I am lucky I might even get a proper Astrophysics research post. Secondly, I do Shorinji Kempo which also tempts me to Japan. And there are other things that would benefit and also generally 'look good'. I could be a fansubber! And have a laptop with cool Japanese all over the keyboard. And of course, talk in Japanese on the phone around normal monolingual English people! So it is all quite an exciting thought. And an absolutely amazing, life changing skill.

But am I going to stick at it?...... Hope so. To be bilingual. Wow.

The Place Promised In Our Early Days

Once upon a time Makoto Shinkai was praised highly for his astounding work 'Voices Of A Distant Star'. He soon moved on to a new project with an assembled team of talented artists and friends.

Kumo no Muko, Yakusoku no Basho

Beyond The Clouds, The Promised Place

Absolutely beautiful in every way, this film is indescribable. The script is the first thing that springs to mind as it is noticeably poetic, fitting the scene perfectly with thought and emotions. The dialogue between the characters is exceptionally realistic and it is easy to feel immersed in their world as if it is your own. And it must also be mentioned that the art is absolutely fantastic; the imagery is just so realistic and yet vividly otherworldly; giving strength to the theme of 'parallel worlds'. That's another thing; as a physicist, I enjoyed the link of parallel world theory with dreams. I very much view scientific theories in a romantic way and I believe science has become too cold blooded. Encouragingly, this film shows that behind the science, the real struggle is emotional, that of the bond between the two boys and Sayuri, and the passion to reach a distant tower they yearned to reach in their childhood.


A must watch, it has received a complete ten rating from me on MyAnimeList and tens are pretty rare!