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Fire Cat
A man aged 21 died after running into an apartment that was blazing with fire trying to save a cat. The police later di... ( more » )
Fri 07/04 09:55 comments (3)
Alter Mikuru
This 1/8 scale figure of Mikuru by Alter just came out and you can get the reviews at FooBarBaz and ( more » )
Fri 07/04 09:06 comments (8)
Japanese Haircut
I used to cut my own hair when it was long - because it was long, one could not really notice the shoddy handwork ^^; A... ( more » )
Thu 07/03 21:02 comments (39)
Wonfes Hatsune Miku
Mikatan has more pics of the Hatsune Miku that will be on sale at the Wonfes next month. Love the triangle minamike-sty... ( more » )
Thu 07/03 17:30 comments (34)
Choose Your Destiny 2
Somebody has broken into your house and stole all your clothes. The burglar was kind enough to leave behind some underwe... ( more » )
Thu 07/03 16:27 comments (106)
Machine Gun in Akihabara
Knives are not the only thing you need to watch out for in Akiba... A man was given a spot check in Akiba after "lookin... ( more » )
Thu 07/03 09:53 comments (45)
NicoNico Douga
NicoNico Douga announced that it made an agreement with the likes of the Japan Animation Association ... ( more » )
Thu 07/03 09:36 comments (42)
日本語/Japanese  Sat 05/17 21:59 JST
A bunch of SAFS (Suddenly Acquired FigureS) came into my possession and only had time to open and play with Nida and Moetan before I left for Germany. Was nice to come back home to open some of these while in the lounge trying to get over the jetlag. For some reason, all of these are manufactured by Good Smile or Max Factory...
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
Another Figma Haruhi get.
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
Figma Saber get. Looking at all these free figures, I was just thinking how much I love my job ^^;
I guess I'm happy that my job involves me doing what I do best and am most passion about - building web applications. Building my hobbies and interests (otaku) into my work has worked out extremely well too.

I do design and make shoes too but its not what I'm best at or most passionate about.
This brings me to the mails I receive from folks who are at a lost and not sure what to do in their career.

My suggestion has always been the same. Identify what you do best and are most passionate about and then talk to as many people as possible and research possibilities and opportunities in that area.
As you approach your areas of passion, you will eventually discover the meaning of your existence and once you have done that, the passion inside of you will fuel you until you fulfill the purpose of your existence.

What I would not suggest is to choose a line of work just for the monies.
Money is important but you cant take it with you when you die. Dying with peace in mind that you spent your life (however long or short) doing something that you are most passionate about will give you more fulfillment as you recall all the destinations that you reached in your lifetime and that you fulfilled your purpose.

As a teenager, I remember being at a lost as to what I wanted to do in life and ended up choosing courses in college just because my friends chose them. Was quite a depressing time in life for me.

It was when I realized that I was most passionate about Japanese culture (games, anime, 2D girls, idols and a dream of living in Tokyo) that lead me to learn Japanese. I felt I had a goal in life and soon felt much better about being alive. The steps I took from starting to learn Japanese in the UK as a teenager up to working for Microsoft in Tokyo has been written up in my Learning Japanese article.

Ah, me has gone off at a really big tangent completely off topic ^^;
Figure haul article into a motivational piece...
Anyway, are you happy with what you are doing with your life right now?
If the answer is "no" then this post may help a bit. If the answer is "yes" then great! Keep at it and remain focused on what you do - not difficult if you are passionate about what you do. You can accomplish anything with passion and focus.
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
Figma Lelouch get.
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
Fate Rider get.
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
Goodsmile Limited Edition Lineage II Dark Elf get.
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
The illustration booklet that came with Nida.
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
The Moetan box is huge!
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
Boxes will be binned for the figures I decide to keep. Rest of the figures will be given away to registered members when the competition tool is ready. Only active members (commenting/posting news items) qualify for the goodies.
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
Full review of Moetan soon.
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
Nida review here for those who missed it.
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
A load of Nendoroids.
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
Kagami Nendo.
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
Konata Nendo.
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
Miku Miku.
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
Back O box.
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
Mikuru sisters. If you are looking for any of these figures then have a lookie on one of the following trusted dannychoo.com partners.
Figure Haul (click to enlarge)
Polls
chibihien in Singapore
National Servicemen
Registered on 2008/01/19 21:34
can i have the figma Haruhi? since you have extra =D

my order (which also includes figma Yuki) from Hobby Link Japan is taking exceptionally long to ship.. i wonder if it's lost.. hmmmmmm.. i better check with the nearest post office and see if they are holding it for me without my knowledge
(ID #189911) Posted on 2008/05/17 22:12
Edward in Michigan U.S.A.
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Registered on 2006/12/24 12:02
Actually Danny is short one.  According to Konata's rule of three-which I have long subscribed to myself- Danny needs that third one just in case.  He already has one to  take with him and one to keep.
(ID #190498) Posted on 2008/05/18 14:56
Panther in Urban Hell (Singapore)
Deathseeker
Registered on 2007/12/24 09:20
OMG you got GSC's limited Dark Elf. :(
(ID #189915) Posted on 2008/05/17 22:22
Ben in Utah, United States
CEO... of the world
Registered on 2007/03/29 08:00
OMG... *tries to reach into computer screen*

BZZzzzZZZzzTTTTTTTTTTt!!!!!

*dies*
(ID #190206) Posted on 2008/05/18 06:41
Matsu in Singapore
Popular Culture Vulture
Registered on 2008/01/18 22:37
Not many people can really have the opportunity to experience that gratifying sense of fulfillment in their jobs. Sometimes you might be in a dream job but the company may suck or you have colleagues from hell. Or worse.

What I think works best is a fine balance between work, family and personal space. It differs from person to person but unless you strive for balance - too much of one thing will probably not be healthy.

Btw, why no Macross Frontier figurines, Danny?
(ID #189918) Posted on 2008/05/17 22:28
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
Will probably pick up some Yamato ones when they come out.
(ID #190299) Posted on 2008/05/18 10:01
leefe in a tincan.
Lazyass human
Registered on 2007/08/15 20:25
Waiting for the Armoured VF-25 ^^; 
Do want moetan figurine too. It's awesome cute orz
(ID #192265) Posted on 2008/05/20 17:07
Cow Honey in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Ant Farmer, 1-Mth Old Otaku
Registered on 2008/05/03 13:21
Well said Matsu. I could not agree more. "Balance" is the word. We have to make the best of our situations in life ... one way or another. Work, family, friends, etc. :)
(ID #194938) Posted on 2008/05/23 22:03
Jayden in Singapore
Student by day, Superhero by night.
Registered on 2008/05/04 13:52
Oh, how I wish I had some 'SAFS' too. haha.
That's a lot of figures. I especially like the Nida one. :D
(ID #189920) Posted on 2008/05/17 22:33
Daemonseed in Britland
Student
Registered on 2008/05/06 08:54
I can't vote in this pole because I'm currently in transition with what I want to be doing in life, so I'm about 50/50.

I notice you have acquired those Lucky Star figures which seems to remind me, have you watched the series yet? (It gets better after the first episode if you're wondering.)
(ID #189923) Posted on 2008/05/17 22:39
Arekusu in The Lost Woods
Dai Gurren Dan member
[f] 
Registered on 2006/12/31 18:24
I would say I am very happy with where I am in life, it was only the past couple of years that I realised roughly where I wanted to go, then each time I realised something new, it moved me further towards absolute realisation. I finally decided that I am heading into the gaming industry, its where my interests and passion lies; at first I had my mind set on being a character designer, then I realised, however my drawings skils are soemwhat varied, some days they are good, others they are bad. That is when I realised what I really wanted to do, was go into the computing side of the industry, be it as a programmer, modeller, etc. I don't really mind, but my computing skills are something I can rely on, and I know will get me far.

Its lucky I sorted out my mind now, because it enabled me to make the right choices for university, and hence I am now on the right track :D
(ID #189924) Posted on 2008/05/17 22:40
iron2000 in SG
Registered on 2007/12/19 23:44
"SAF"
doesn't sound pleasent to me :P
But figures is another thing.

Recently got into the Figma scene. 
Missed both opportunities to get the scarf though.

Got the Chou Yuusha, then when on to Yuki, then Haruhi, Saber then coming Mikuru..then I thought should I get the whole SOS dan?

The poison starts spreading...fighting to control..

(ID #189927) Posted on 2008/05/17 22:48
AndyH in Birmingham, UK
3D artist
Registered on 2006/12/25 10:08
Nice figures - looks like being chummy with GoodSmile is paying off!

As for my life? Im kinda happy with what im doing at the mo. I quit my full-time job that was dragging me down, and im quite happy for now doing freelance working from home from time to time. I still really want to move out of the house or live in japan for at least a year though, but i have to think of my mom, since my dad died 6 months ago.
Im hoping things will pick up soon anyway! 2008 is the year of change for me.
(ID #189931) Posted on 2008/05/17 22:52
lsio83 in Boston
Student
Registered on 2007/11/25 06:34
Looking forward to your give-away competition ^^
(ID #189932) Posted on 2008/05/17 22:53
Evil King in Vlaardingen, the Netherlands, Earth
Student and full-time otaku
Registered on 2007/12/19 00:24
Now that's one big pile of SAFs man. Was it your birthday recently, or did Goodsmile just happen to have some left ? I hope unpacking them help get over that jetlag; can't wait for the first giveway competition XD
(ID #189938) Posted on 2008/05/17 22:56
Divine Fang in Malaysia
Otaku
Registered on 2008/04/24 01:33
"My suggestion has always been the same. Identify what you do best and are most passionate about and then talk to as many people as possible and research possibilities and opportunities in that area.
As you approach your areas of passion, you will eventually discover the meaning of your existence and once you have done that, the passion inside of you will fuel you until you fulfill the purpose of your existence."

Danny, I'll remember what you wrote above. I just find it very meaningful, definitely very mind provoking I'd say. Thanks, coz, I'm kinda 'lost'.
(ID #189942) Posted on 2008/05/17 23:01
Cow Honey in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Ant Farmer, 1-Mth Old Otaku
Registered on 2008/05/03 13:21
Haha, Divine, I found what you say thought-provoking too. I have been searching ... for a long time, in fact almost my whole life. Eventhough I am happy with my work and life NOW in general ... I am still not exactly doing what I am really passionate about. Maybe one day ... one fine day ... hehe :)
(ID #194939) Posted on 2008/05/23 22:08
M'C in Jakarta, Indonesia
^o^v
Registered on 2008/01/30 22:46
whoaaa~ Nice Advice Danny, Thanks ^^
(ID #189943) Posted on 2008/05/17 23:02
jonhohx in Adelaide working to go to Tokyo
Government agent
Registered on 2007/05/14 19:31
I will return to japan one day to make otaku films...
(ID #189944) Posted on 2008/05/17 23:02
Syugo in Tokyo/Akihabara
super otaku, doujin-ka
Registered on 2008/03/28 00:54
I'm thinking of doing the same thing (except animated), I guess great minds think alike !!!!
(ID #228552) Posted on 2008/07/03 11:36
ETERNAL in Gensokyo
Otaku
Registered on 2008/03/21 11:33
Well, I'm still in school so I haven't had much time to think about my future but I think I'm on a good path. Or at least I hope so.

As for those figures, a competition would be interesting...
(ID #189956) Posted on 2008/05/17 23:14
wildflug in Manila, Philippines
Dsylexic Social Studies student, struggling gundam modeler and gamer
Registered on 2008/05/08 22:37
This was very inspiring! Damn, I'll study hard as hell! I'll be the greatest lawyer/teacher known to man! ( A man can dream right?) 

My craziest dream job would be to illustrate for Gunpla boxes... how do you get into that job anyways?

BTW, Danny can I place a request? Please review the figma Nanoha when you decide to grab one! Please! 
(ID #189958) Posted on 2008/05/17 23:15
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
Im sure one will some how come into my possession ^^;
(ID #190301) Posted on 2008/05/18 10:05
Hirito in The Little Red Dot - Singapore
ORD!! Now awaiting Uni admission.
Registered on 2007/09/01 18:24
Are the nendoroid Kagami and Konata on giving away status??? Would love those hehehe.
I'm currently torn between choosing a path that is of great interest (and I think I'll handle better), and a path that is in pursue of a dream. Not sure which to choose... the easy or the hard path? But at least I have interest and passion in both should I take any. Help?
(ID #189961) Posted on 2008/05/17 23:17
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
In this case listen to your heart and not your brain.
(ID #190302) Posted on 2008/05/18 10:07
thefrikking in Spain
Imperial Guard
Registered on 2007/08/18 06:30
You and me think the same, Danny. You should live the moment, the future can`t be controled. You must think in future, but for my experience, thinks happens and can`t be controled. I never imagine that my live can change so much during the last five months... So my advise is the same; find your passion,make true friends and loves, enjoy it and LIVE, never regret of anything, and let the things happens. This is the true happiness, people!

I want Nida, and these Nendoroids, Danny, you are mean, doing this things...
(ID #189964) Posted on 2008/05/17 23:27
Cyberchaos in Australia, Sydney
Student
Registered on 2008/02/17 19:31
nice figs mate

i guess i love what i'm studying right now - Network Engineering
i think you'd know what i'm talking about...
i'm also studying for a CCNA so i can at least work in whatever work  environment i want ^^
i'll probably be in the workforce in about a year so it's really quick for me. Gosh it's scary to even think about that.

then i'll probably study japanese part-time at a college for fun/awesome/anime/manga

But hey, i guess i sorta am following my dream to be somewhere in the IT industry. i guess that's where i'm most comfortable. IN FRONT OF A KEYBOARD. lol.

And thanks for the words of encouragement - It really makes me feel like i'm 'doing what i have a passion for'

ps: need any networking staff danny?!?!
:P
(ID #189968) Posted on 2008/05/17 23:32
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
Will let you all know when positions are open.
(ID #190304) Posted on 2008/05/18 10:08
e-jump in Malaysia
Test Engineer
Registered on 2007/12/22 21:34
Not sure i'm really happy in what im working as now.
Originally I aimed to be a computer expert/network admin. 
However I made the wrong choice at University when I choosed Electrical/Computer Engineering. It was more into electronics and ASIC design. However I found out that my programming  skills sucks. Maybe not a bad choice afterall.
Now I'm a test engineer in a harddisk company. Pay is not that good, but at least I can play around with new drives cough*velociraptor*cough.
*no, i dont get free drives to take home ;_;
(ID #189971) Posted on 2008/05/17 23:39
kintaro in Pineville North Carolina
Student
Registered on 2007/04/24 20:19
Man. The world would be amazing if everyone who wanted free figures could get them.

Congrats on the SAFS
(ID #189977) Posted on 2008/05/17 23:44
studmuffin in Miami, Fl
student
Registered on 2008/03/20 11:46
brilliant outlook on life danny and grats on getting a monster load of free figures u lucky dog u
(ID #189981) Posted on 2008/05/17 23:46
wcloudx in Singapore
Artist
Registered on 2008/01/12 03:00
Ack!! You even have both Nendoroid Konata and Kagami >_<!!

As for life, I'm happy with what I'm doing right now ^^ I've been doing really well with my Animation course right now, which I'm really interested on ^^ Right now, I'm learning web design and photography too as part of my degree course ^^

Art has been my passion ever since I was a kid, and I'm happy with the path I'm going right now ^o^

It's true money is important, but having to work with something you really like, especially a hobby, is priceless ^^

Btw, I've been wondering about Figma Lelouch. Is he a limited edition? Since I can't seems to find him on any online shops.
(ID #189985) Posted on 2008/05/17 23:52
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
I dont think hes limited. Maybe shops dont want to stock him ^^;
(ID #190307) Posted on 2008/05/18 10:08
Tami in Germany - Cologne
WebDesign, Coding, Administration
Registered on 2007/12/16 10:42
So that's your answear to "What if Haruhi would have droped of the boat into water?!" ... :p

Hmm as for what i am doing... i do like to make websites and all the stuff around it from the hardware parts up to the other end, but this kind of work in germany... right now... well it has been dieing slowly for a while, a lot of companys went bancrupt and 2 of which i worked at right under my tush.
So thats why i want to change my job starting this June/July into something else, i am all fine as long as it is IT related.
Looking for something that is wanted in Japan so i can apply there for Jobs then once the jobchange is done in 2~years.
(ID #189988) Posted on 2008/05/17 23:56
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
Ah sorry - missed that one.
Well the man said the deepest point in the lake was about 9 meters...
I guess thats my answer ^^;
(ID #190308) Posted on 2008/05/18 10:09
Smithy in Neo-Venezia
Undine
Registered on 2008/05/20 21:19
Well said Danny, but what if you're not sure what you're good at or passionate about? 

I like my hobbies involving anime, studying Japanese in evening class, I like my work as a computer support victi...err engineer... is fine but I haven't found or encountered anything that gets me so passionate I feel I could immerse myself in it so fully and make it a goal in life the way you and several others here write so passionately about.


To put it in "Aria" terms, I'm just sitting in the gondola letting the current take me where it's going as I'm not sure where I'd want to navigate to. ^^;
(ID #189993) Posted on 2008/05/18 00:01
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
Then thats your first step - figuring out what you are good at and like.
(ID #190309) Posted on 2008/05/18 10:10
lostandfound in a UFO... catcher...
Part human, part student, 100% loser
Registered on 2007/10/22 02:10
Wow Danny, I really admire you, you've worked hard and now you're living your dream... 
Right now, I'm a little blurry about what I want to do in life... LOL this year's examination would decide my fate... I'm not ready yet!!
(ID #189999) Posted on 2008/05/18 00:09
Cavalock in Singapore
Copywriter
Registered on 2008/02/23 14:42
welcome back Danny...nice reading bout the your 'origins', hah, like a superhero origin.

i guess i'm kinda lucky to be doing/working in something i like. Writing in the media industry. So far during my work, I have done stuff that I have always dreamt about since i was a kid n i have told pple that I can die happy now. 
(ID #190001) Posted on 2008/05/18 00:11
skankywonders in California
Student
Registered on 2007/08/09 05:36
"Rest of the figures will be given away to registered members when the competition tool is ready." Alright! This is going to be a great tool for the site Danny! 

I just ordered my Haruhi Nendoroid yesterday and I'll have to wait about 3 weeks for it to come all the way from China... 

Anyways, I love the artist that made Nida, great works. 

(ID #190003) Posted on 2008/05/18 00:11
skankywonders in California
Student
Registered on 2007/08/09 05:36
I forgot to mention: I'm still not sure of what to do with my life, I mean as you said Danny I too love Otaku stuff. 

I'm currently learning Japanese actually, but I'm guessing I know 2% out of all the language. 

(ID #190035) Posted on 2008/05/18 00:30
number1guy in United States
University Student
Registered on 2007/11/09 05:34
I sure wish people just left stuff for me on my front steps. ^,^
(ID #190007) Posted on 2008/05/18 00:14
litokid in Toronto, Canada
your annoying commercial break
Registered on 2007/11/25 09:34
...where I'm going in life, huh? I'm still in university, but I'm studying what I want. xD Film production for the win. Don't know if I can make a living out of it, but I can sure try.
(ID #190015) Posted on 2008/05/18 00:18
ornehx in Penang, Malaysia
dannychoo.com no aidokusha
Registered on 2007/12/25 23:02
そのとおり!!
the best job is the job where your interest are
it doesn't matter what type of job it is - just be the best in it
i guess i still need some working on to archive that target - i guess i am on a sort of stepping-stone job now to achieve what i want at the end.
add oil add oil がんばります
(ID #190024) Posted on 2008/05/18 00:24
Henry in Makati, Philippines
anime/cosplay events organizer
Registered on 2006/12/25 19:17
HANYAAN~!!!

Konata, Kagami and Miku Nedo~ *heart heart heart*

i think i've found my path to my destination but i need some good pair of shoes to walk into this treacherous path of mine ^^;;;
(ID #190034) Posted on 2008/05/18 00:29
Koshiko in Sydney
website designer (currently assist. graphic designer)
Registered on 2007/08/03 12:37
Haruhi = WANT!
My bro's noticed my strange facination with the Figma collection, I want them all ^^;; Especially Haruhi, I just haven't gotten around to looking for her in Sydney and online stores yet u_u~
Where do you store all this stuff? =o I'd have to pile them above my wardrobe xD;;
(ID #190038) Posted on 2008/05/18 00:34
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
The house is full of them - even in thr toilet ^^;
(ID #190310) Posted on 2008/05/18 10:12
D_Blade in Montreal
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Registered on 2006/12/31 22:48
OMG toilet-decorating figures... *cries*
(ID #190642) Posted on 2008/05/18 20:58
Rin in Canada
Student Otaku
Registered on 2008/01/04 16:17
OMG!!!
YOUR A LUCKY MAN!!!
Who can get free figure!!! FREE!!!
Danny I want the life you have!!!
I WANT THE LUCKY STAR NENDOROIDS!!!
(ID #190044) Posted on 2008/05/18 00:38
Dead Snake in Redhill, Singapore
Internship student
Registered on 2007/05/12 03:11
I have passion on what I;m doing now, although not as much passion to japan/anime/otaku culture/figure/healthcare materials/games/etc. but I think I'll just do the best I can at what I'm doing now, wether or not it will lead me to my goals ^^

what's my goal? to be a well-known otakuish architect ^^
(