Anime Toys

I think you have a little insipiration in all of us.  From malaysian chinese boy to Mirai Director with some good and cool life experience under your belt.  I love reading you motivation articles as sometimes I can apply some of the concepts in different ways.  Keep it up!

(ID #220161) Posted on 2008/06/23 23:34

reply to Ricky's comment

Agreeing with Ricky ^o^

I have only had the opportunity to thoroughly read you site recently but, I always enjoy reading your motivational posts. Going throught the rough patches in life makes you stronger, is what I believe. Everything we do is a test and it's up to us whetether we perform or not. I think that you are a very good example of that. I haven't met you personally but, some things can be understood through other means. 

We wish you well in everything you do, Danny! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and happiness with us ^-^

(ID #220171) Posted on 2008/06/23 23:53

reply to suki's comment

Hmm. Don't think I can answer that poll yet. I'm only 21, ha. Haven't started my own life.

Danny, continue writing posts about your past and achievements. It's very insightful and I'm sure a lot of guys here find them interesting and helpful. Ignore those mongrels (as Jeremy Clarkson puts it" who flame you when they're not even half of what you are now.

No sad or disturbed childhood for me. I have a very sheltered life and protective parents. A little too protective.

(ID #220167) Posted on 2008/06/23 23:44

reply to tintin-san's comment

I do attribute my being a hikikomori to a highly sheltered upbringing due to living in the proverbial ghetto and thus dislike blathering about it because I did nothing to change it and do not feel I've yet found my purpose in life.

(ID #220177) Posted on 2008/06/24 00:01

reply to nanu's comment

ONLY 21? Wut? XD
I'm 21 and I feel like having a mid-life crisis, maybe it's post-exam depression or something but still! Even at the tender age of 21, I think I've experienced of a lot.

(ID #220198) Posted on 2008/06/24 00:21

reply to nya-chama's comment

You bet Nanu!
Hell, I'm 20 and I feel the mid-life crisis! You know, not knowing if i'm doing the right things, if i'm in the proper university course, what the hell is happening to the friends i hung out with every single day...

Jeez... I just feel like packing a bag with clothes and travelling the world. Golden Boy style. Having a few learning experiences, maybe working in some different areas, anything to break routine and doing something different...

I think that tends to happen because nowadays you stay in school for just too long... It's important to learn, but c'mon! 12+ years and the subjects basically loop every 4 years! They just get more and more complicated, but it's more of the same, you just burn-out.

Don't you guys think so?

(ID #220751) Posted on 2008/06/24 14:09

reply to Gammagreen_Zero's comment

I certainly agree. I'm only 17, but i've noticed "general education" is useless for quite some time. i'm hoping that my chosen career path(animation), will  get rid of this routine i feel i've been stuck in since i started school. it gets so freaking exhausting its irritating. But i only have 3 yrs left until i can move on from this crap shoot and achieve a life long dream. =]

(ID #223194) Posted on 2008/06/27 11:07

reply to トゥレ's comment

Thanks for sharing, Danny, both your not-so-good childhood and also the lovely SAFSs!!  Really appreciate it.

Very sad to hear that you were treated so poorly as a kid as I think nobody should be put through that but like you mentioned, I think some of those events did make you into who you are today, a determined and successful and above all happy person.

Can't share anything as remotely as bad as your childhood Danny, fortunately for me I've had a very peaceful and nurturing time growing up.  The only similarities I share with you is that my mum also worked as a nurse and my dad was often working long hours on a building site as a civil engineer.  My grandpa sold shoes for a while and I was pretty much brought up by my grandma and her sister.  If anything I haven't had a tough time growing up and I often think that I might have a very tough adult life because I've had or used my luck.  I'm generally a very positive person but I often think that if I had more tougher or harsher experiences in my past, I might be a more driven and ambitious person today.  I'm not ungrateful for what I've been through or anything but I feel guilty and spoiled sometimes when I hear about other people's bad experiences.

I think I've only started collecting more figures in the last couple of years and mainly the influence of this site! :)  I've always found solice and my own different world(s) in manga, comics and to a lesser extent, animation more.  I do remember playing with mecha figures a lot when I was young and I'd always ask for either a brand new mecha figure or LEGO for my birthday or Christmas.

I'm 32 (I'm probably guessing I'm one of the older member here) and just recently became single.  So I'm really in an awkward part of my life.  I don't really know where I'm heading but I do know that I still love figures, manga, comics and anime a lot and they together with drawing and my day job, are what's keeping me anchored and grounded at the moment.

Looking forward to your improvements to this site Danny.  You're bringing a lot of people with similar interest together and sharing is always caring!! ^___^

(ID #220172) Posted on 2008/06/23 23:54

reply to kaeze's comment

im 26... yeah dude! you rocks!

(ID #223386) Posted on 2008/06/27 14:05

reply to demian07's comment

Oh gawd Danny don't hate me but I used to be a bully back in elementary school. =|

(ID #220174) Posted on 2008/06/23 23:55

reply to 「頂の座」's comment

excellent post danny. i know it's cliche, but if just one person is helped from your post then mission accomplished dude.
i'm 25. and i prefer being an adult. work sucks. but being able to buy any figure i want when i want is cool.

(ID #220176) Posted on 2008/06/23 23:58

reply to Pasha Drew's comment

Thought I'd add a bit on my life separately ^^;

I'm only 19, so I have more to learn  about life.. though I've been told I'm fairly mature as well ^^;
Being the youngest child, female and from a conservative(and religious) family; my parents tend to be a bit more protective at times. I try to understand them but, I'll be honest and say that it is hard to accept at times. I think the hardest situation for me to accept, is that I work for my parents and they have hopes for me to inherit the family business. I appreciate and love them, there's no doubt. Though I feel restricted by that, I've been out of high school for 2 years and not had the opportunity to study since then. 
I always tell myself that there's always someone out there having a harder situation, I really feel that I can be thankful If I approach the situation maturely ^-^
There's sure to be an opportunity to styudy sometime >.<

(ID #220179) Posted on 2008/06/24 00:05

reply to suki's comment

Wow, I had no idea, Danny. It's awesome that you've made it this far from where you used to be - rather than any specific technique or knowledge, I think that's the greatest motivation of all.

(ID #220181) Posted on 2008/06/24 00:05

reply to Fonzler's comment

As it stands, you'll always have the support of the community you helped bring together ^^;

While I wish as much as anyone that a better childhood could have been yours, what's past is past, and you have my respect for trying to change the future.

Can't say I had anything as bad as your childhood experience, although I was bullied as well in the equivalent of elementary school here.

Thanks for sharing. And also, I want your Takamachi Nanoha Figma T_T

(ID #220183) Posted on 2008/06/24 00:08

reply to Certifiably Insane's comment

"What are you crying for? This even isn't your house!" 
That went through my head too when I read that ^^;;;;;

I definitely enjoyed my childhood more than I'm enjoying myself at the moment. Being an adult kinda sucks, you carefree days dsappear, deadlines come up everyhwere, the world demands money off you @_@ Sure you get to do "adult" stuff, but I'm not that perverted >.>;

Anyway, I was lucky to be the youngest of 5 brothers(wai~), I was spoiled rotten by all of them, I always got my way ^^; They would always give up their free time for me. One of their girlfriends was Japanese(how I got into anime and stuff), she always called me "wagamama" and never told me what it meant! She was just jealous *pout*.

(ID #220187) Posted on 2008/06/24 00:12

reply to nya-chama's comment

I have nothing against your sharing anything at all.  Your doing so makes you very human and accessible and makes me also want to give rather than take.  Thanks to you, I am realizing more and more that I have nothing to lose (except for privacy).

As a coping mechanism, I do tell myself to not feel too much of an attachment to cultural artifacts in the first place (as if they are prized possessions). The disposability of pop culture sometimes bothers me. I do not tend to buy things for fanatic appreciation, but strengthening that with the following rationale is kind of a hypocritical means to justify limited consumption:
I am unsure whether or not I will get bored of figures, since I am only getting ones I feel some connection with. If those connections change because I change as a person, then so be it.

But through this reasoning, I am trying to find a balance for my sense of duty in life while still being able to enjoy being an otaku for the original reason of escapism.

(ID #220197) Posted on 2008/06/24 00:20

reply to nanu's comment

my life is a little tainted i suppose (as some of you will know) I prefer the time when i was young, innocent & didnt understand what was going on around me. even though I was born to my true parents - they didnt really seem to support me as the way parents would for their child - sure my dad payed for all the usual stuff, clothes, food, water etc but he was always working, my mum on the other hand didnt have much of a clue how to handle me as I was born with ADHD. I have to give her an A+ for effort - she may not be the best mum in the world but she put up with my ADHD & kept the docs from giving me meds that would have given me some bad side effects that would effect me in the future. so none of that Ritalin (retalin???) crap for me. my father was always there but in a way he was never there - he was never the one to tell me that id be ok when i fell over in the park or something - yeah maybe things like that aren't serious but when your a kid it means the world to you. most of the time i was in the care of my mum who as ive mention'd didnt have a clue what to do with me. even though my dad took me for holidays overseas & everything - when we got home it was always the same. dad would go back to work & i would be left to my mum. my dad never really interacted with me much unless i was getting spanked or shouted at for doing something wrong which seemed to be the case most of the time. that was probably the main form or communication for us come to think of it lol. but when i finally hit 13 & I started to become my own person I realized my family wasn't a real family. because my family are both from Hong Kong & i was born in the UK there seemed to be some sort of barrier between us - things i would understand - they wouldnt & vice versa. it slowly became clearer to me & I started to ask about my parents past a bit more  - i was falling into depression (at 13) I kept thinking about it for the next few years - often having arguments with my dad about not being there - sons always look up to their dads as mentors etc but i couldnt do that because he never really seemed to be there. till this day things are still the same - im still depressed but my parents dont see it because they themselves dont understand stand anything else thats not directly affecting them. they dont see whats going but I am so confused inside about many things. & probably will never get answers for all those questions. i keep asking myself - what did i do in the past life that im being punished for now??? & my blood boils when ever i talk about my dad & at the same time it hurts me deep inside. - my O.C.D doesnt help matters either.....

(ID #220201) Posted on 2008/06/24 00:22

reply to Hayden's comment

another round of SAF!! *full of envy*

well.. to me it never occurred that you are a show off or anything like that.

you really brought the 'otaku' community together! i didn't know there were so many people in my country with similar interests. thanks for this site and you for sharing with us.

im happier now i guess. i have a sad childhood and im not brave enough to share to the internet. your brave *thumbs up*

(ID #220204) Posted on 2008/06/24 00:27

reply to Anonymous Coward's comment

 I don't know if I'm really considered an adult now, I'm just 18. But I do know that I enjoy life today. As an adult I get to interact more with other people and experience life to its semi fullest form, sure growing up means that trials and responsibilities will come and bombard you, but that's what life is all about. 

Being able to conquer hardships and take care of responsibilities will surely make one happier, and satisfied with oneself. 

And if i take a quote from Spinzaku: Happiness is just like glass, people don't notice it until you tilt into different angles and let light pass through. (Something like that)

Anyways, I so want that Figma Nanoha, I can't find it here in the Philippines. I'd do anything just to win that Figma!!!!!!!!!

(ID #220205) Posted on 2008/06/24 00:27

reply to wildflug's comment

Wait for it. Wasaitoys will eventually carry it.

(ID #220440) Posted on 2008/06/24 05:21

reply to R-1's comment

T-T You know, I just asked if they would have additional stocks in the future. But they said that no extra stocks would be coming anymore!

Now, I'm really regretting that I didn't put that in my pre-order list T-T

(ID #221030) Posted on 2008/06/24 22:59

reply to wildflug's comment

I do not hesitate to tell others how I've turned my academic life around. From flunking 6 out of 7 subjects, I've went on to top my entire school. No special method, no secret studying regime, just determination and effort.

My hope is that someone will look and say, "Hey, if he can do it, so can I." There will always be others who'll continue to wallow in their pit, though. I have no pity on them. 

(ID #220206) Posted on 2008/06/24 00:27

reply to Eva's comment

whoa.. that's nice! my academic life is a disaster. and i lack the determination. and im lazy. i put my effort elsewhere.. haha

maybe some day... someday...  

(ID #220210) Posted on 2008/06/24 00:31

reply to Anonymous Coward's comment

Sir. You mind adopting me as a foster child?

(ID #220207) Posted on 2008/06/24 00:27

reply to The Sojourner's comment

i heard chris hanson is interested. ^^;

(ID #220248) Posted on 2008/06/24 01:08

reply to gordon's comment

I might not meet Chris Hanson's expectations.

(ID #220263) Posted on 2008/06/24 01:23

reply to The Sojourner's comment

Thanks for sharing us some of your life. Helped us to know you better. It's often said that those who had troubled childhood became successful individuals in their later lives. With your large amounts of collections, you seem to be really successful.

As for the poll question, i dunno :| i'm not in position yet to make a conclusion. Just a fresh grad with no work yet.. oh would miss those days with summer vacations....

Although i'm looking forward about being able to buy lot's of Anime figurines because of salary from work maybe ^^"

(ID #220220) Posted on 2008/06/24 00:37

reply to aviadreams87's comment

And why shouldn't you share your life stories with us, Danny? After all, this site is in your namesake. Good on you for sharing with us your many slices of life. It's always very interesting to find out how people tick. Just forget the haters, they're obviously jealous and not to mention demented.

I don't think my childhood was very good either.. maybe because my parents were new to the concept of parenting. They've mellowed out a lot now so it's better and I can communicate with them instead of always being told off for nothing. I'm also going through a point where I want to pursue my interests but am afraid of what my parents will say, so I admire your determination a lot and I try to take away a lesson from every one of your motivational posts to prepare myself. So thanks for everything you've shared!

(ID #220230) Posted on 2008/06/24 00:47

reply to fifaifo's comment

wow...that is something. i truly admire n respect wat you have done with your life, the achievements n all. u hv every reason to be proud n of cos, n every right to enjoy all the goodies that u r enjoying right now. ^^; 

(ID #220236) Posted on 2008/06/24 00:55

reply to Cavalock's comment

A very inspiring post indeed. Unlike you, I had a good up bringing with both of my parents by my side. Its tough being the oldest as I have to be more responsible and a better role model towards my family including my bro and sis. I've had many setbacks and hardships in my life so far but I don't let them defeat me. I take it instead as an 'obstacle' in the way of my goals and achievements. Everytime I achieve something, I don't stop, I keep going challenging myself. The skies the limit, anything is achievable if u set ur mind to it. (Realistically of course lol). At this current point, I'm happy at where I am and taking life one step at a time. Not only I'm just working but learning more about life and whats next on the agenda I can learn and challenge myself. 
As a youngster, I always likely playing with toys but my parents stopped buying me them when I was 7. They wanted me to grow up and focus more on my studies and go to Uni and get a good job. Unfortunately I disappointed them but I achieved my goals another way. The hard 'do it yourself' way. Now I can buy my own toys and play with them everyday. One of my achievement accomplished. ^^

(ID #220237) Posted on 2008/06/24 00:56

reply to Optic's comment

Thanks for sharing Danny,  I admire your honesty.

(ID #220241) Posted on 2008/06/24 01:00

reply to shirow's comment

danny, sorry to hear about your childhood. but hey at least u turned out alright and successful too.

your motivation posts are inspiring. it proves that with determination, successful is reachable. i myself am influenced by u to start a blog (something which i never see myself doing before i became a permanent resident here). i believed many here are also influenced by u as well (to start a blog). anyone? a show of hands guys. 

(ID #220243) Posted on 2008/06/24 01:02

reply to gordon's comment

guilty. so many people here have a website.

many polls here that are disguised as news items, seem interesting. maybe someone should make one regarding this topic ^^;

(ID #220305) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:16

reply to nanu's comment

^^ +1. i didn't have any notion of starting a blog before i became a dannychoo member. heck, i wasn't even remotely interested in blogging. i've started one now but :D need to work out something to add some stuff in it regularly. i'l start adding figure pics as soon as i set up my own lightbox in my home.

(ID #220352) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:59

reply to 6pack's comment

Can't quite say I had too dramatic a childhood... Albeit I could totally understand how these things can shape your life... Danny, you turned out great due to the adversity in your life. You're motivated and happy, and when everything boils down to it, that's pretty good. 

It might be a bit presumtious to say so, but I get where you're coming from... I won't go into things, as I'm not certain I'm at that point in my life where I'd feel comfortable with sharing things like that... Doesn't much help I'm a rather introverted type, esp so about my own life... But similarly to the conclusion that you've arrived at, I've found that in the end, a few bumps along the way doesn't mean you can't come out good. 

For what it's worth, I can't say I can bear resentment against your hardship, as you may not have turned out as such otherwise... And honestly, I'm not sure any of us here would wish to have you with us any differently than you just are~

Hang in there mate~

(ID #220249) Posted on 2008/06/24 01:09

reply to Maqywhaq's comment

It's amazing to discover that the achivements you had accomplished till date from knowing how you were brought up in the past. Sharing is part of my everyday life & I fully agree to you of "rather die sharing everything I know rather than die keeping my knowledge and experience to myself." World witout sharing is boring, especially for P2P ^^;

(ID #220250) Posted on 2008/06/24 01:11

reply to WiseFreeman's comment

I think your life stories and motivational posts are really nice and inspiring.  You don't have to give advice to people, but you do anyway, and that's great.  You seem to be a pretty amazing person, and while your past may have been very sad and difficult, it made you who you are today.  
I don't like to complain about my childhood, because I know I had good parents and a good life.  But I also had overly strict, overly concerned parents and I ended up extremely shy, without any confidence to speak of, and socially inept.  Hooray.  I wish they had pushed me a little more, honestly.  It's great that they let me go off to college for a major I wanted, but I wish they had pushed me to do something more practical, because I'm jobless and rather lost right now.  

Anyway, I've only been collecting figures and stuff for about 4 years (when I went to my first anime con; I've only been into anime for about 7-8 years), so I don't have much.  I really like them though.  They add a lot of color and character to the apartment.  My goal is to have at least one thing (be it a wall scroll, plushie, or figure) from every show I've enjoyed.  In some cases it's something very specific (like my cabbit, and I really want a tachikoma), and I do have multiple things from some of my favorite series.  But I have a long way to go.  :)  It's slow moving, as I have too many hobbies, and they're all expensive.  

(ID #220255) Posted on 2008/06/24 01:14

reply to Kris's comment

painful stuff to hear from a great person like you danny. things will get much better, i know it and was hoping it ever since i saw this page oftenly few years ago [ i didnt have a membership to this awsome site back then ]^^

(ID #220258) Posted on 2008/06/24 01:17

reply to Last{[0]}Raven's comment

Thanks for sharing!  It's always good to hear and learn from the experience of others.

As for your question about who's the oldest collector, I don't know.  I'm only 32, so I know there's a few folks on here that are collecting and older than me.  I lose...  T.T

(ID #220259) Posted on 2008/06/24 01:18

reply to tenrou's comment

It's amazing to discover that the achivements you had accomplished till date from knowing how you were brought up in the past. 

Sharing is part of my everyday life & I fully agree to you of "rather die sharing everything I know rather than die keeping my knowledge and experience to myself." World witout sharing is boring, especially for P2P ^^;

We like the articles being written in your blog & we would also like to know more about you. We'll keep up our faith & support you till the end of dawn.

It's because of you of a same interests that had gather all the like-minded readers over here & share our own life story.

IMHO, People who don't appreciate whatever written in Danny's blog, please kindly leave quitely without giving any negative impact to this healthy community.

Dannychoo.com    For The Win!!!!!!!!!

(ID #220264) Posted on 2008/06/24 01:23

reply to WiseFreeman's comment

I didn't had any problems as a child since I was friend from both the bullies and the one that got bullied (sp?) but even with that I wasn't happy at all since I didn't had any real friends. Now that I'm an adult I'm much happier and found some real friends and not to mention people to talk about all the things I like.

(ID #220271) Posted on 2008/06/24 01:27

reply to Deathy's comment

Really some awesome comments here, really nice to see people opening up like this. 

As per the poll, I had a relatively good childhood, up until the age of around 12 or so I was quite a happy person. At around that age I moved house, and had a falling out with my friends. This left me without friends for a few years, some of the most depressing years of my life. I would constantly cry myself to sleep, just desperate to have any sort of friends. Anyway, a few years into secondary school I eventually made a great group of friends, and I managed to salvage my teen years, actually had a blast tbh! Now I'm college, now have more friends than I could imagine, the future looks bright and I can only hope things get better! 

I think I'd have been much happier as a child if I'd had the internet! Cause there are some seriously awesome people here! :)

(ID #220276) Posted on 2008/06/24 01:36

reply to robnubis's comment

thx for motivation danny u inspire us all..and really sorry to hear about ur childhood memories
as for me am only 17 turning 18 in about 5 months (kinda makes me think am the youngest one here) though i do have dillemas with my family, but not the relatives but just family...always being pressured and whatnot...academci life is a so-so flunking a bit and passing.. still trying to be determined enough to always go on top but cannot be met due to disturbances...
and talking about safs..i liked the konata boxes hehe mind if u gave each of us comrades one? ^_^

(ID #220287) Posted on 2008/06/24 01:53

reply to pepsi???'s comment

Gosh, I can only wish to be where you are now.  Free figures...Not working in a lame cubicle...Goes to show the past helps shape the future. 

(ID #220289) Posted on 2008/06/24 01:56

reply to Eetaku's comment

no comment...

(ID #220297) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:04

reply to Dead Snake's comment

paradox D:<

(ID #220300) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:10

reply to nanu's comment

I can't comment on these circumstances...

maybe I'm more like "speechless" but not completly...

(ID #220315) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:23

reply to Dead Snake's comment

lmao. :D

(ID #223197) Posted on 2008/06/27 11:13

reply to トゥレ's comment

I like your inspirational/personal posts, Danny. You shouldn't care for the hatemail you get (it seems like you don't do anymore), it's just people who are jealous. Noone forces them to read it and if there are others who can make good use of these articles I see no reason why you shouldn't continue. You always have some good advice like setting goals. DC.com is not just a news buletin but a community site so reading about the life of others is alright with me.

Giving up collecting figures? No way, at least not for a (long, long) while. I'm 21 now btw.

About childhood/adulthood I think I had about the same amount of fun.
I had a quite nice childhood. My parents divorced after I was born and I lived with my mum, but I think I was better off that way. I had a lot of fun and am gratefull to her for everything. I don't think I missed out on anything.
I'm a university student now so I'm in the transitional phase between childhood and adulthood. IMHO by getting older you have more responsibility and obligations but you have more freedom to do what you want. (and you have your own money:)) You just have to know what you want to do with your life if you can decide on your own. So I don't feel bad about getting older.

I think I said it already but it must be awesome to get SAFs:) Nice perk.
'Also need to get round to working on implementing the rating tool for your competition entries to win some of these figures.' Maybe I have missed something but can we win SAFs? How? 

(ID #220299) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:09

reply to &re:)'s comment

Arg, Danny, you are so lucky getting all those SAFS! I still want to know what you're doing for the Goodsmile and MaxFactory crew to make them like you so much ^^.

About the question, guess I'd have to say I was happier as a child. Back then life was so simple: just playing some games, playing with lego, going to school which was way too easy, etc. It was never perfect, but still nice.
But lately life seems the other way around. Not knowing where to go in life, not meeting any people that like the same stuff as you, ignored by girls, what have you...

That's why I believe in balances (carry a ying-yang sign too):if there's a good thing, you end up paying with something bad and vice-versa. Your childhoop was less than happy, so now your getting all those chances and succeed. So I sometimes wonder when my negative payment is done....

BTW: yes purezze fix that competition tool, and want to SAF too!

(ID #220302) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:13

reply to Evil King's comment

As a teenager I can't really answer the poll yet...
I know that I really enjoy my life right now. I didn't so much when I was younger, as I didn't have a lot of friends because I was/am really shy, and the friends I had I only got to see at school. About 6 months ago I got a girlfriend and things really changed... I made lots of friends through her, so I get to do stuff outside of school with people at least once a week nowadays. So right now I'd say I'm as happy as I can imagine being possible, but who knows, maybe as I get older I'll get happier ^_^

Danny, these articles you write truly do inspire me. Starting in July I'm going to be learning Japanese, working on it every day... 
I'm planning to get a job, but I don't have a clue where I should work. There's an employment boom in my area right now, so there are tons of job opportunities, but age/education restrictions come into play meaning I can probably only get a job bagging groceries or something lame like that. I have no idea what I want to do when I'm older, so I can't look into certain fields and see if there's a way to get in... (like if I wanted to be a lawyer, get a job doing filing at a law office, or something). 
It seems the skills I have won't really help me at this point in my life... for the past 3 or 4 years I've been working on websites with people, but I can pretty much only do html and css stuff. I know lots about computers (I've been putting them together and such since I was like 8), I know a fair bit about audio/video equipment. I'm really good at English (I'm an editor in a few fansub groups). I wouldn't even know how to go about finding a job where I could apply any of these skills/this knowledge, but perhaps when I get home from my last exam of the schoolyear today I'll look around on the internet for people looking for someone to maintain their website... 

My parents give me money, but I don't like having to rely on them for it... plus it's their money and they need it to pay bills, etc. I want to be able to take the girlfriend out, or go buy a new videogame, or go do whatever, without having to go to my parents and ask if I can have money for it... At the same time I'm a kid and I don't want to be spending every minute of my free time working. Oh well, I shouldn't complain.

Sorry for such a huge comment/rant >_>

(ID #220304) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:14

reply to Calan's comment

You're an inspiration to a lot of people. Just keep doing what you're doing. Ganbatte!

(ID #220307) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:16

reply to asrai's comment

Still Danny, you turned your life around. You were a sad little kid and became one of the most notable people in the otaku world. Motivating!!!!!!
I WANT YOUR FIGURES~~!!!!!!!!!Free SAF!!!!!!!! Lucky Guy!!!!!

(ID #220314) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:23

reply to Rin's comment

Awww, Danny... You're right, if the past shaped who you are today, and you're happier today than you've ever been, you can never really regret *that past*. While not to your degree, I too had been bullied in grade school and in recent years, endured a life-wrenching divorce.

So I definitely understand revisiting or making up for one's *childhood*. And maybe that's how it should be; cherishing the piece of you that will or should never grow up. Like my blog slogan says, "Never forget how to play..." ^_^

P.S. Especially playing with figures, lol.

(ID #220317) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:24

reply to xjaymanx's comment

Oh Danny-san... I never knew you had it so hard.... *sniffle* at least your able to do something you love so much now right? Hardly anyone in the world is that lucky.
Wish I was sent figures just because of who I was lol.

(ID #220320) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:28

reply to Meimi132's comment

Hey man, sucks to hear you had it hard in your early years. I too didn't exactly have good memories of my earlier years as well.

It's good to hear that your present self is happy! Keep those achievements coming as they are inspirations for many of us, including myself!

(ID #220328) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:33

reply to Brian the Bear's comment

Wow Danny, sure a lot of figures there.  Soon you won't have enough room for them all, else you'll have to build a new room. :X

I hope you take some good pictures of RIZE as she seems to be the favorite out the bunch there.  Second, I don't think you should be so concerned about the e-mails and stuff you get, to me it just sounds like jealousy from those who send it.  You have achieved a lot in life and should be proud of that fact.

For me, I'm not sure if I'm happier as a child or an adult,  I did love it back when I was a young kid, because everything was so carefree and you didn't have to worry about anything.  Now as an adult, I miss those days.  However I do love my newfound freedom to make choices for myself.

(ID #220330) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:39

reply to BandAiD's comment

Sure thing about Rize - gorgeous eyes.

(ID #221718) Posted on 2008/06/25 20:33

reply to Danny Choo's comment

Oh, almost forgot, REIJIN GET!!! OTOHA GET!!!

(ID #220333) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:40

reply to Meimi132's comment

"If I didn't have the upbringing that I had, maybe I wouldn't have turned out so determined in life (maybe?)"

I think that's true to the core; not that I'm saying that such a childhood was good, but it's like what they always like to tell us: The more difficulties one's experienced in life, the stronger one will be, either physically, mentally, or both. I still remember my childhood, and while it wasn't a walk down a well-paved path, I couldn't say it was dull grey either. Just that while I remember having fun times, there were also the bad occasions hand in hand, and I think those helped me to be able to deal with the more coarse parts of my daily life. And know that those who lambast you probably just jealous, or really strictly traditional :/

(ID #220335) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:41

reply to radical anime fan's comment

I turned all "serious reading and thinking mode" that I completely forgot about the SAFs XD I really want Ri Mie... On a happy note, looks like no one here attempted suicide at the sight of the literal mountain of SAFs O_O

(ID #220349) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:50

reply to radical anime fan's comment

lol

(ID #221713) Posted on 2008/06/25 20:30

reply to Danny Choo's comment

Especially inspiring to me is that you're of Malaysian Chinese origin. Makes me think that we can succeed elsewhere when our country turns their backs on us(which is pretty much whats happening in some places here). Your determination to persevere really changed me quite a bit since I started visiting here.

Will be collecting figures for many moons to come I'm sure, but stalled at 10 for the moment. 

(ID #220340) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:43

reply to soonkiong's comment

I think it's great that you're sharing bits about yourself, it helps us readers get to know you more.

It's really tough to be a child of immigrant parents, they're always working hard for you, but don't have any time for you. My parents work over 12 hours days, and it pains me to see them get home tired but still cook dinner for me and my siblings. I didn't have quite a rough upbringing because we weren't left in a care of other families, we were just left home alone. I didn't get to go out much either, because my mom was afraid she'd come home and we would be gone. No one was allowed over either. I hear my friends talk about how much they hate their parents for doing this and that, and all I wish is that my parents were there to be with me. It makes me teary to talk about my childhood also, since it was so lonely. But growing up like that makes you a tough trooper.

(ID #220342) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:43

reply to Raine's comment

I sorta enjoyed my childhood, even though I don't remember as much fond memories of back then. I guess the worse memories would have to be how strict my parent were when I was young. The most joyful period would have to be between the age of 16-20, when I had more freedom.
Since I just became an adult... I still think I'm living as a teenager... maybe that means I enjoy being a child more.

I find all the information you had written about your past and current self, very inspiring. It has given me a big push to further study my Japanese and improve my other skills, and to take another possible path in life. Reading all your entries about Japan makes me want to work there one day. My first visit to Japan at the end of the year was sparked by your posts about your weeks in Tokyo.

Btw, nice collection of new figures. Very Jealous.

(ID #220346) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:46

reply to zephi's comment

Hm.. I guess it explains why you managed to do that Indian accent so fluently when we first met ^^:

Got pretty much criticized my both my Chinese and English tutors when I was a young lad, and my sibling and me were called names when we're younger. But we don't really care about that and continued with what we could.

Remember crying whenever I don't get to see my mom when I was younger ^^;

(ID #220347) Posted on 2008/06/24 02:48

reply to windbell's comment

Woo...those Lucky Star petit ver2 aren't out yet! If you get the Konata Saber.....I WILL BUY IT!

(ID #220356) Posted on 2008/06/24 03:01

reply to ClearTranquil's comment

Hi Danny,
a good or bad childhood was not important for my hobbys, so some people says to me :
what do you like ?...see ? ... hear ?..japanese pop..animes or what you collect.. plastic dolls ???
yes some are stupid, some are never seen any anime figures before they come to me .
But after a look at my rooms, have the most of these unlucky guys problems to close they
mouth and most of the reactions are positiv !
I sample for more than 12 or 13 years and so I have a big collection,I don't no exactly but maybe 300 figures...
and yes I'm a older guy (44) but I think nobody is to old for this nice hobby.

(ID #220357) Posted on 2008/06/24 03:07

reply to dragon's comment

ahh *gives danny-san a big. big hug* I'm glad to hear that you're looking forward to your current life. Make me kind of envious with all those figures :D 

Is it just me that i'm uncomfortable with nanoha's clothing, looking so strikingly like Trinity Blood?

btw, is there a contest? I'd like to try and join haha! *u*

(ID #220360) Posted on 2008/06/24 03:11

reply to xanthe's comment

there will be - I need time to roll out some new code first.

(ID #221712) Posted on 2008/06/25 20:27

reply to Danny Choo's comment

thanks for sharing. i think you do create a bond with your readers by opening up and sharing a little of yourself ^^.

(ID #220363) Posted on 2008/06/24 03:15

reply to tick tock's comment

Thanks for sharing about your childhood Danny. Glad to hear that you have decided to take it off your mind and carry on with life. Man, you're one lucky guy on this planet getting so many SAF's. How do you manage to care for them? Full-time maid in house dusting the figures?

Regarding my childhood, i'd say i was more happy as a child cause i got to play and learn and do whatever i wanted. There were ups and down's in life like getting smacked a lot, but it was my fault entirely. But how can we remember the good things in life if it wasn't for the bad things to balance them? Being an adult is a tough job. Everyday is a new challenge, to prove yourself to this mindless world of unknown people. Not to forget paying bills, or that sudden expense, or coming home to find telephone line dead (so no internet till lines are working), and all those extra stuff that pop out of now where to ruin a perfect day.

i think i've started rambling, signing off.....

(ID #220364) Posted on 2008/06/24 03:15

reply to 6pack's comment

Please continue posting about your life and your experience in japan danny!!! 
i love to read your blog every day because one day i want to live in japan too. the information you provide are really helpful to get an impression of what it can be to live in japan.
you are older than most of your readers i guess, so you're more "wise" in a way than we are. plus you worked _really_ hard for what you achieved, so its fine for me if you "show off" (besides i don't think about it in this way!) 
if some pleople need to complain about what you are writing, then just ignore them. they don't have to read this blog!
頑張って!!!

(ID #220365) Posted on 2008/06/24 03:16

reply to Asuki's comment

I think childhood for me was more carefree. Now, as a young adult...sigh, you've actually gotta worry about survival, i.e. working to feed yourself and stuff. Of course, you'd have the financial capability to buy your favourite stuff and all but akin to what Ben Parker said, "With age (power), comes great responsibility..."

I don't think I or we all for the matter cannot handle these responsibilities, it's just that you no longer have the luxury to "switch-off" or "take a break". I seriously feel that all sorts of entertainment, be it the otaku sub-culture or just being a sports/movie/music buff etc, are manifestations of our need to escape "reality"...

I seriously enjoy anime (sometimes manga) and gunpla and figurines because they take my mind off stuff that I don't want to think about, i.e. bills to pay, job security and all that kinda nonsense.

In a nutshell, I think I was happier as a child. I'd endeavour to be just as happy but really, sometimes there's only so much you can do....

(ID #220371) Posted on 2008/06/24 03:25

reply to yanggie's comment

Great read - thanks for sharing that with us. I think that having a depressing childhood HAS made you more focused in life. I feel somewhat lazy and un-ambitious in comparison - something i hope to change soon. 
Hm, im not sure if im happier now, or then. My childhood was a good laugh and carefree, but blighted by the usual things like lack of money and homework. Now i have lots of money and good friends, but im fed up of being single - i need a life companion!

Question - do you ever get stressed when you accumulate so much stuff in your collection? Im having a big sell-off at the moment because i feel like im living amongst too much clutter. Recieving free figures by the bucketload would actually be a nightmare for me! I only buy the few figures i really want.

(ID #220372) Posted on 2008/06/24 03:25

reply to AndyH's comment

receiving SAFS is never stressful ^^;

(ID #221709) Posted on 2008/06/25 20:25

reply to Danny Choo's comment

I definitely love my life as an adult better than I do a child.
I can't say I've had quite such a bad experience as you Danny, but over the time, I do know all those things add up and make your more determined to live your life how you want.
I slept at home for most of my childhood, but never had friends, probably because I was timid and was bullied like you. School was a chore because I was bullied every day until I entered high school (It eventually ended me beating up one bully near the end of primary who started the fight with me, naturally I got severely reprimanded, although it was cool because the bullies backed off after that). I spent the day times in either school or another woman's house who my parents paid to take me to school and feed me while they worked. She was a decent person but I remember being utterly lonely and an outcast. She had lots of animals so I would spend my spare time playing with them or taking care of them. Much better than getting picked on by my brother when he was in the house. ^_^
The other reason after that is education. I have never learned so much after I left school and was left to my own devices to learn what I wanted. I would go to school and be in spite of most every lesson, virtually everything was uninteresting. I know that sounds ungrateful since a lot of kids around the world don't get an education, but I just hated the education system I suppose, all the pressure to be a good little kid, not have any fun and study so you can eventually "live a happy life". Fat lot of advice that turned out to be. Went through a long bout of depression from about 10/11, up to say 18 or slightly later.
I finally found small solace in playing music during my teens, but only started to really enjoy it when I neared 18, I knew by that time music was what I always wanted to do. I owe my depressive recovery to my determination and Musical aspirations. Things have become even better since I started to learn Japanese and it's culture, and made more musical friends.
It's nice to know where all your determination for life came, I had a similar eye opening, and only hope I can make my future as successful as yours. Thanks once again Danny.

(ID #220377) Posted on 2008/06/24 03:34

reply to Daemonseed's comment

Wow, that was very moving (Granted, I'm very easily moved, but still ^^;).  It's always depressing for me to hear about such hard working and talented people like you getting berated on the internet for sharing your thoughts or opening up to the community.  I, for one, appreciate these posts as they're thought provoking and remind me to put things in perspective.

I'm not sure how long my figure craze will last but I've just gotten started and burned a huge hole in my wallet.  Can't say it'll last forever, but I do know my passion for the Japanese language has set in for the long haul.

(ID #220387) Posted on 2008/06/24 03:55

reply to meronpan's comment

Well , the best part of my life (from past to current) so far is - i can't even say if my childhood memories are better or my current life right now as an adult - that's why i can't even vote , yep , it kinda sucks for my part but what the hell i don't even mind, the only thing i know right now is just go with the flow and try to live to the fullest , life is short anyways.

(ID #220401) Posted on 2008/06/24 04:25

reply to beatfreak's comment

That's really really amazing Danny... The fact you've had a rough childhood, but you've held on throughout, and at the end of the day, you're a balanced human being who's perfectly comfortable with where he is and what he's doing. Seriously, you're an inspiration. Believe me when I say that.

If you do ever get the time and/or inclination, I would really like to know what makes you tick. I mean, I read about what you do, and what your attitude to the things around you is, and it's all so different... I mean you do what you want and you're completely immune to criticism. Whatever gets you through the day, we could all use a bit of it.

A little deep, but I meant it all ^^.

(ID #220402) Posted on 2008/06/24 04:29

reply to Lost In Life's comment

Thanks for the kinds words ^^
Will write about what drives me and hope that the article will help others.

(ID #221703) Posted on 2008/06/25 20:22

reply to Danny Choo's comment

Danny I am very glad that my husband found your site and introduced it to me ^^  I dare say I decided to kick my own butt and turned my site to a partial blog after reading your moneyterization/motivational articles :P  I am glad you decided to share again despite the possible hate mail rubbish :P  Was getting distracted from the figures to read your story ^^;

I had some fond memories in my childhood but also a rocky patch (which I won't go into too much details here) as well, but now I kinda see them as life experiences which not everyone gets to experience :) I keep my fond memories with me in other ways -- example my penname, mascot is derived from past experience with having dogs (and other animals in my first home).

Sometimes I think the rocky patches of life makes it more interesting no? (Even tho I rather not to have too many of them lol)

(ID #220404) Posted on 2008/06/24 04:37

reply to chun's comment

Thanks for sharing this with us danny, makes the blog feel totally different from the others, not just some distant articles about this and that :)

Can't really blame my childhood, peaceful living on countryside with lots of room to do what ever we wanted. I remember how I all the time ran off to our neighbors to play with their Nintendo 8-bit, didnt have my own at that time. Some trouble maker in that sense.

Couldn't vote though, even that I'm 24 already I don't consider myself adult so wouldn't know if being adult is better ^^ But at least Im looking forward to do all the things I've planned, guess I'll feel "adult" when I've done the most burning things and decide to settle down :)

(ID #220414) Posted on 2008/06/24 04:53

reply to Mikuni's comment

Danny, you're an inspiration to us all. To go through all these hardships and be the massive success you are today, you truly are a legend ^_^

(ID #220448) Posted on 2008/06/24 05:42

reply to Perplexus's comment

Didn't have a happy childhood myself. Had to live with a jerk of an uncle while I studied in the city. He'd get pissed at me for any perceived slight I did to him or his family, while his kids
messed around with all my stuff. Their nanny wasn't much of a saint either, spreading malicious rumours about my family's affairs or the other househelp. We eventually moved out and got our own home, but things weren't any better as the constant bullying in school began to escalate year after year, along with all the frustration that came with it from being unable to do anything about the situation.  Had a few embarrassing breakdowns in class too.
But, I'm not gonna ask for sympathy. Eventually figured that there were others worse than I was, and I had to be bear it out. Still, have to put up with a couple of neuroses now and again, and having an S.O. in relatively the same boat isn't making matters any better. Nevertheless, I now believe that things eventually have a way of working out.
This will sound like a suck-up, but Danny, you are an inspiration to many of we fellow geeks. Continue the path you've chosen.

(ID #220450) Posted on 2008/06/24 05:47

reply to R-1's comment

Er, this might be personal, Sir Danny, but I usually ask this from people who pour their hearts out (in the real world anyway): did your folks ever find out about what you went through?

(ID #220457) Posted on 2008/06/24 05:52

reply to R-1's comment

Hey Danny, if I live in south America Colombia, where should I buy my figures? I always have to deal with a middleman plus shipment it turns really expensive. Btw I envy your life, you do what you like and get free figures XD. Thanks.

(ID #220454) Posted on 2008/06/24 05:50

reply to Dann's comment

I've only recently realized how bad my childhood has been in certain ways. I'm still dealing with various issues... they're holding me back in life, and it's time for me to break through them, but it's so hard, it's so difficult and painful, I'm tempted to start crying now because I'm trying to type them down... :) I shut myself off/out emotionally when I was 12 or 13 years old. It gave me a good time but 'disconnected' me from all my feelings. It made me blind for all the things that were wrong and were being done to my mind. I haven't cried or shared any feelings/warmth with anybody for almost 20 years now. I want to now, but I can't, somehow. 

Like they say, nothing is harder to beat than your childhood. If you've accepted yours and moved on, well congratulations to you, Danny :) I wonder if I will ever get over mine?  

(ID #220456) Posted on 2008/06/24 05:52

reply to keats's comment

I've been going through the same kind of issues...I had a hell of a shield up from age 8 to 17.  Although I did end up facing a depression for a about a year and a half, and dropped out because of it (it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made, though) I managed to break out of it last year. I was fortunate enough to have a lot of support. 

So yes, it can be done. Good luck. *hugs*

(ID #220561) Posted on 2008/06/24 09:29

reply to kâkebuke's comment

Thank you for sharing a bit more about your past, you've been really open these past few articles. For the life of me Danny-san, I can't understand how some people would send hatemail to you. The world is a crazy place full of jealous idiots I guess.

I grew up with a big family, mom and dad used to work overseas as well, so for a time i lived with my grandparents who were the coolest ever. They had a nice big house with lots of books and my grandfather always let me play with his computers (he was a statistician but I can't even remember the brand and models).  No instances of me ever being bullied too so I guess I had a good childhood. my life got a little more hectic when I reached my teen years since my parents moved back to the Phils and i had to go from one school to another. My parents were a little relaxed with my upbringing, they let me go out late, bought me stuff, tolerated my rebellious phase (they even found out i was into this whole devil worship thing, but that's another story), though I never really did anything stupid and always brought home good grades. 

As for the poll question, I can't really say which period of my life was happier. I'm 25 now and both phases of my life seemed really enjoyable and full of good memories. one thins though, as a child, I was naive, innocent and ignorant of the ways of the world, and they say ignorance is bliss.

(ID #220466) Posted on 2008/06/24 06:12

reply to necrophadian's comment

I don't know how to think of my childhood, I forgot almost everything from 0-12. My parents got divorced when I was 12 and life had its ups and downs since then, my parents still hate each other and my mom threw my out of the house about 4 times -which she did again about 2 weeks ago-. I'm now 17 and feel everything else but happy, I've got huge problems at school because most of the teachers don't like me (Probably because I hate them) and I need to repeat a grade again. This whole city and the people living in it pisses me off, I need to see something else and that's why I'm spending 5 months in New Zealand, I hope that I know what I want to do in life after I return. Thanks for sharing your childhood with us Danny, don't care about those idiots sending you hate mail, they just don't have anything better to do.

(ID #220473) Posted on 2008/06/24 06:37

reply to Tempest's comment

Reading the stories here makes it look like I had it easy ^^;
I hope that you find what you seek in New Zealand and even if you dont, seek what you feel most passionate about.

(ID #221700) Posted on 2008/06/25 20:16

reply to Danny Choo's comment

Nah, not at all, I think you had a really hard time!
Thanks for your comment, I hope so too :)

(ID #221992) Posted on 2008/06/26 03:26

reply to Tempest's comment

"These days however I feel fine - being depressed about my past doesn't really help me in anyway. I wont try to forget it either though - I probably couldn't even if I tried."

And that is the way I go about it. Sometimes you can never forget the past, but it seems like you have put the past behind you- once I am out on my own I can begin to put things behind me. Thats not to say I'm not happy at the moment- For the most part I enjoy my life outside of it's problems.

It's nothing to get depressed over anymore- you are successful in your ventures and you are loving life! Don't sweep it under the rug, but keep it buried in the backyard like it has been lately. Don't visit the gravesite much either, it seems you have visited enough that you have reached an ultimate conclusion. For me, I would then visit less often and have a changed mind about things.

(ID #220478) Posted on 2008/06/24 06:51

reply to -XYZPDQ's comment

Still in my childhood...how should I relate to this...>.> However, thank you for sharing Danny!

(ID #220481) Posted on 2008/06/24 06:58

reply to Akari's comment

I am there with you Danny, I had a rough childhood.  Not as bad as other people but it was enough not made me a very unhappy child.  I am definitely a happier person now that I am an adult and have control over my life.  I feel that most of the problems at childhood spawn from the events that are out of your control or understanding.  

Congrats to you for your achievements and overall happiness and if people complain about your writing they should know that the website is called Danny Choo for a reason.  

Take care and best of luck!

(ID #220504) Posted on 2008/06/24 07:39

reply to canchegundam's comment

Nice post Danny and very inspirational indeed. Yes, I always believe that the past shapes a person. I was brought up by a foster family as well, but they were very nice people. My father failed his business when I was very young and went bankrupt. Times were tough and my parents were constantly working to meet ends. I could only go home once in awhile but they tried to come and see me as much as they can. Things did get better but I would not be the person I am now if I have not been through the tough period I think.

(ID #220510) Posted on 2008/06/24 07:55

reply to mythian's comment

I think you shouldn't be depressed about the past instead, laugh about it. It was because of the people around you that made shape you... They may have bullied you then but now you're successful... What I'm trying to say is that you just PWNED them and taht's something you should feel proud of...

Oh about your SAFs... I want your Baek Changpo! And about everyone of your figures! RAWR!

(ID #220511) Posted on 2008/06/24 07:58

reply to lostandfound's comment

Dunno how to answer the pool... I guess I'll only be able to really vote when I'm old and have perspective to compare both.

But nice and bad moments on both I guess.

Nice stash! Some I really want, and curious about the Miraied ones. XD

(ID #220523) Posted on 2008/06/24 08:17

reply to XSportSeeker's comment

First of all, Danny, you impress me, talking suck personal matters with people you really dont know... I was a really depresing kid,with a weak personallity, and other kids on school gave me hard time, and thing get worst when start to get interest in girls... On high school things get better, I made friends that still conserve today, but all change when meets my first love, a girl-friend that changes my way to see live... Actually, I`m on my 28(guess I`m one of the oldest menbers of this site, jeje), and can say I enjoy with my adult live a lot, maybe my work can be frustating somedays, but i don`t regret anything. Well, of some things...

Never speak to much of myself, but sometimes makes feel better. Getting tired of figures, or be a freak? Ja, no way. And one last thing. This is your site, Danny(Danny; DannyChoo), and you can speak of whatever thing you like, and if anybody don`t agree, simply don`t enter the site.

(ID #220535) Posted on 2008/06/24 08:51

reply to thefrikking's comment

Reading about your childhood almost made me feel guilty of my own, but like you said, there must be a perpose for everything.  Made me think of Harry Potter though ; P   At least you didn't have to live in a cubbard under the stairs, but then again you don't know magic.  Do you?

(ID #220537) Posted on 2008/06/24 08:52

reply to Atrus's comment

I got distressed when I saw Harry getting bullied - all I could think of was my past. Still love the series though ^^

(ID #221696) Posted on 2008/06/25 20:07

reply to Danny Choo's comment

thnx for sharing your childhood experience with us...it was an eye opener

u are so lucky getting all these SAFS XD ...can't wait till the contests! hehe

(ID #220564) Posted on 2008/06/24 09:36

reply to Gundam00's comment

Thank you for sharing, as always, and for sharing well, too. :)

I spent most of my childhood wishing I were grown up already (and always in the company of family members, fellow music students, etc. who were older than me), and now that I'm 20, I can't say I'm too fond of certain practical aspects of adult life. ^^; But I do feel stronger. My childhood was a bit of a mess -- my parents preferred to live "freely" rather than work hard at providing a stable environment. There were some unpleasant and even tragic consequences, but I don't really regret that lifestyle. I still tend to think that life is too short to spend most of it being bored...

(ID #220569) Posted on 2008/06/24 09:44

reply to kâkebuke's comment

Thank you Danny, it takes some courage to share details like you have about your past and such, but it's very important, not only to others but for yourself too.  You're articles have most definitely helped me to better guide myself into the future, like you I have plans and goals, including ending up in Japan after I graduate college. ^^  

The people who try to put you down for stating your achievements are either ignorant or jealous, I see those type of people a lot.  In fact, I think the majority of humans may be like that, but that doesn't mean it's right.  

I think you've followed an excellent path so far and you should continue doing things how you have been, I'm looking forward to witnessing your advancement, it's quite an inspiration to me.

(ID #220573) Posted on 2008/06/24 09:49

reply to wickedclown's comment

I have respect for the way you have overcome the obstacles in your life Danny (of course respect for everybody else for that matter)
Can't really answer the poll due to the fact that I'm only 17,making it hard to say i know anything about living as an adult.

(ID #220577) Posted on 2008/06/24 09:58

reply to D.'s comment

Wow danny have a hug for bravery *hug* btw i am male so no grabing my bum thank you :) you really put the saying "whatever doesnt kill us makes us stronger" into practice look at where you are now at your age, if i tried id either fail or take forever to get there, i admire you and look up to you, i see a little bit of my self in you. :) 

(ID #220581) Posted on 2008/06/24 10:03

reply to kiss me im british's comment

  Well you just received more figures for free than i have in my collection. But i'm kinda picky about getting new ones, and i have to buy them all!  Many thanks for providing us with your thoughts, wisdom, and fantastic website.  If it wasn't for stumbling upon this page one day, i would never of had the motivation to do what i plan on doing now.  But what i saw as i read about your life, was that it was what i wanted to do in many ways with my own.  

 Furthermore, you've given other readers great opportunities to reach each other,monetize, and learn more about what we all love. Since i live in a fairly rural area in the US, i don't have any local opportunities to experience much of Japan, anime, or many of the past times i enjoy. But i've stuck with my passion(music/japan), and found many people who share it, and places to watch my anime,sources of musical inspiration, and stores to purchase my figures!!!!     

  Thee important rule of life: "Follow your bliss"  -Joseph Campbell

(ID #220584) Posted on 2008/06/24 10:04

reply to Emperor's Hand's comment

Hey Danny, I certainly cannot say that I do have the same level of difficulty during my past(I had my fair share but yours were much greater). But I agree that us facing these kind of events in the past tends to become either helpless or hopeful. Helpless in a sense that we lose hope and become lost. and the other hopeful and strive for the better.

I can't say that I am in best position right now but I believe that Im doing good (but not as good as you though :p) I know because I am earning more now than the people in the same age group as mine. 

I am pretty much determined to do my best so that once I decided to have a family I can give them the best and not make them experience the sad things I experienced. Anyway, sorry for sharing a lengthy comment. I hope to one day visit japan and panic buy as much anime stuff as i can (Maybe meet you as well). Til then I wish you Goodluck in everything :)

(ID #220594) Posted on 2008/06/24 10:19

reply to vash's comment

Takes guts to go through life that you had.  I've had a bit of a rough childhood myself but nothing as bad as what you had so I have profound respect for you.

When I was young it was just my mom and I since my mom left my dad when I was around four I believe.  I never my dad, never got a phone call from him either.  My mom worked two jobs at first to make ends meet.  I was always left with my grandma or cousin and maybe saw my mom at most ten hours a week.  My mom was always short tempered and if I did something wrong in her books I'd get hit.  One of the few memories I have from my early childhood was I was with my mom going from one store to another, and I apparently did something to make my mom mad and she shoved me right into the wall outside of one of the stores and I scraped up my arm and leg on that side where I hit the all badly and she made me go to the store with her looking like that.  As I grew older I never really trusted anyone and would keep silent in class and didn't have many friends as I guess I feared they would do the same thing to me as my mom did if I made them mad.  After my 13th birthday my mom just kind of gave up on me and started to ignore me for the most part though she would yell and hit me if she felt I did wrong on occasion.  

I feel I took the coward way out by developing multiple personalities instead of standing up to my mom.

(ID #220599) Posted on 2008/06/24 10:26

reply to Amiantos's comment

Thanks for sharing your story. How is everything with you now?

(ID #221691) Posted on 2008/06/25 20:03

reply to Danny Choo's comment

That's quite a lot of swag there, Danny.

Thanks for sharing your past with us.

(ID #220608) Posted on 2008/06/24 10:36

reply to Martin Wandering's comment

I want the ChuChu Astram!

(ID #220618) Posted on 2008/06/24 10:48

reply to Philabong's comment

her oppai are awesome!

(ID #221689) Posted on 2008/06/25 20:00

reply to Danny Choo's comment

Danny, the one thing I like about your blog/portal site is that it seems much more personal than other blogs. To be honest, I don't enjoy reading blogs (no offense to you bloggers, nothing personal). Alot of blogs really have nothing to say but give sarcastic comments about some person that had to deal with at work, or some irreverent remark that makes them think they are witty. But you seem like a really earnest person who is out there enjoying life and passing on some knowledge along to others. Anyway, you do good work, and I have to say that I've become addicted to your site for some reason. As far the hate-mails are concerned, I think we all know that people who are that harsh and critical need to be more introspective and look at themselves instead of trying to dish it out to someone that they barely know.

(ID #220619) Posted on 2008/06/24 10:49

reply to Melo's comment

Thank for sharing your past.

(ID #220655) Posted on 2008/06/24 11:54

reply to notfair's comment

MORE SAFS?!?!?!
DO WANT

Your posts are always awesome to read. It always feels like a look into a life that anyone can achieve.
Just don't feed the trolls......^^"

(ID #220656) Posted on 2008/06/24 11:55

reply to Cyberchaos's comment

Some guys have all the luck! Just kidding, I know you worked hard to get to where you are, and I hope that someday soon I will be in a similar position. (including the free figures)

(ID #220660) Posted on 2008/06/24 11:57

reply to TomGnome's comment

>"If I didn't have the upbringing that I had, maybe I wouldn't have turned out so determined in life"
so true! this may sound a bit cold but as the saying goes, "whatever doesn't kill you, would only make you stronger". of course I'm glad that life had a way of making up to you later on. but surely the experience has made you a much stronger and better person. I'm not sure how to say this without sounding overbearing or condescending, so I hope it won't come out in bad way. however I do feel proud of the kind of person you have become, what you have achieved and proud that I've had the chance to meet you. so I hope you'd always be proud and happy of what you have done and achieved for yourself. never let anyone make you think otherwise.
in a way it's kind of the same with the case of your hate mail. you can filter them out or ignore them however just as long as you move on forward it won't only help you achieve higher goals it'll also serve as an inspiration to us all.
btw Thank you for sharing your experiences. I'm sure it wasn't as easy as you might have made it look at this post. but rest assured it'll serve as a guide or inspiration for most of us who read dannychoo.com 

(ID #220663) Posted on 2008/06/24 12:02

reply to marvin's comment

Hey Danny, as an additional note, please don't ever allow those hate mail get you down. as mentioned before getting this kind of hate mail only means you're on your way up and these guys just want to drag you down to feel better about themselves. never give them that satisfaction. I know I've met you only once before, but one can easily tell that you're a good person with a big heart. don't let any of those hate mongers change that. 

(ID #221374) Posted on 2008/06/25 12:17

reply to marvin's comment

Thanks Marvin, it was a pleasure meeting you too.

(ID #221687) Posted on 2008/06/25 19:59

reply to Danny Choo's comment

I'm still not comfortable with talking about stuff that happened to me, not even to my boyfriend of 2 and 1/2 years. He had it rough too though. Everyone is just shuffling along Danny :)

Go hug your wife when you feel sad. I know it hurts sometimes. 

(ID #220664) Posted on 2008/06/24 12:04

reply to kmyk's comment

That was very touching! It may seem that I just registered a few days ago but I've been reading your articles for months now and what really catches my eyes are the stories you write about your past. These stuff you write about really help some of us here and we would be sad if you didn't share your past and experiences with us. One this is certain though, every time we read stuff about your life you help us a little bit. I hope you share with us more of your experiences and we will surely share some of ours if you want XD

(ID #220676) Posted on 2008/06/24 12:22

reply to Sabekuji Kaneda's comment

Thanks for the kind words - will be writing more then ^^

(ID #221684) Posted on 2008/06/25 19:58

reply to Danny Choo's comment

Like everyone else said, you are a very inspirational person. You have such determination and that's why everyone admires you so much. I don't have much to say since it's hard to put into words on how I feel. But thanks for living Danny. :]

(ID #220678) Posted on 2008/06/24 12:25

reply to Ichi's comment

Nice load of figures... again... o_o;;
Seriously i don't know if my childhood or my adult time now was/is better. When i was a child i had less things to worry about but i had many morry barriers too... now i have more freedom but with that also a lot more things to take care of and worry about. So i guess in my case it's all the same, things just moved slightly.
Moo, share secret figma informations pretty please! ^^;; (when i hear figma i go all fuzzy since a while... can't get enough of them x_X;;)

(ID #220686) Posted on 2008/06/24 12:33

reply to Tami's comment

damn man that's some tough stuff to get thru danny.to the people who would say the stupid ass comments for your achievements are just retarded. different people go thru different things but you have come out for the best man.just because some people think some things as toys,to others it has a deep and special meaning. we all like hearing success stories and don't let the detractors get you down cause they are just jealous. you do inspire us to be better and achieve more so keep it up man because this is the 1st site  I hit everyday.

(ID #220694) Posted on 2008/06/24 12:39

reply to cloudduel_13's comment

I guess ppl will hate you if they see something in you that they are sorely lacking. Thanks for sharing. Regarding the poll... I can't really decide, I love my carefree days as a kid and I enjoy my freedom and financial independence as an adult. lol

(ID #220703) Posted on 2008/06/24 12:51

reply to Neutrinos's comment

Thanks for sharing that Danny. You are really one of my inspirations ... I wish I had the guts you have to make my dreams come true. I try the best I can though :) I can't say I had a terrible childhood ... we all have things that impact our lives in different ways. I'm happier now in that I have control of my life ... I can do whatever I want, buy whatever I want  (far too much anime and manga these days :) ) ... I have freedom that as a kid, you just don't have. I consider myself to be the sum of my experiences and I love my life now so I really wouldn't want to change anything in the past. it took me a little while to get to this point ... but the juice was worth the squeeze. Hang in there everyone!

(ID #220705) Posted on 2008/06/24 12:52

reply to Laz Long's comment

I'm curious when Danny hints at something with the Nanoha figma figure. I will guess either new figmas, more Nanoha figmas in the works, or Max Factory will be making Nanoha figures to rival Alter's?

(ID #220717) Posted on 2008/06/24 13:09

reply to The-O's comment

interesting how figures pop out of nowhere like that...

a bit of an offbeat question here but I need an answer asap, what websites do you guys go to watch animes in? I haven't watched one in a while because i have no clue where to go to watch one. and also what animes would you recommend me watch?

(ID #220736) Posted on 2008/06/24 13:47

reply to SkullZero's comment

irc.rizon.net

(ID #220827) Posted on 2008/06/24 16:10

reply to -Kurisu-'s comment

i watch full lengh anime episodes and anime films on www.megavideo.com i look on google to see what i like and then find the file in www.megaupload.com  after :), on a side note danny why dont you use this website instead of youtube? you get payed for videos and get prizes. im thinking of joining it, dunno yet. oh and something my last post didnt say, my current GF has had the worst things happen but for privacy thats all i am saying. bye bye for now :)

(ID #221283) Posted on 2008/06/25 08:29

reply to kiss me im british's comment

adolescent should be an option...  And I rather have Gundam models...  But I guess I can go with some Lucky Star Nendroid...

(ID #220759) Posted on 2008/06/24 14:17

reply to Barsona's comment

Adolescent should be categorized as adult.

(ID #221682) Posted on 2008/06/25 19:55

reply to Danny Choo's comment

How ironic. I saw that Baek Chang Po yesterday when i visited Power Anime in West L.A.

Anyway, this is a hard question to answer seeing as I can't think of a moment where i have been really happy in my life. As a child i grew up poor after my dad left me and my mom. As i grew up i never got the things i really wanted and as a child you really don't know what the deal is when you can't get the things you want. I always wanted name brand shoes and clothes and even toys, things i saw other kids my age have. Now that i'm older i understand why i didn;t have those things, because of how broke we were.

We aren't as poor as we were before, because today i work really hard to keep the things we have that we never had before. Within the last 2 years i have made some of the biggest purchases of my life. In fact i never thought i'd have a computer of my own. I recently got a root canal treatment done and i still owe the dentist about $900 USD. If i was poor like the poor child i was, i would have welfare cover that, but i like to pay bills now and i have many to pay every month. Though, sometimes as the adult i am now i wonder if this is it. Is there anything else in importance in my life other than working and making money to pay off my bills and rent? Sometimes i wanna get paid without working, but that's even more work to get started. On top of that i haven't found that special person in my life possibly because she doesn't exist. That's all i have to say for now.

(ID #220766) Posted on 2008/06/24 14:27

reply to The Lyrical Loli's comment

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zlfKdbWwruY&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zlfKdbWwruY&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

(ID #220774) Posted on 2008/06/24 14:39

reply to Darth Guy's comment

If you dance, the whole world dance with you.

(ID #220797) Posted on 2008/06/24 15:15

reply to Darth Guy's comment

Thanks for the clip - I've seen some before but not all of it.

(ID #221681) Posted on 2008/06/25 19:53

reply to Danny Choo's comment

didn't felt like commenting at first, but thought, "why not?"

I remember when I was 3 or 4, my dad would often carry a sleeping me in his arms to my nanny house, who took care of me while my parents were at work. And I gave my nanny problems..like poo in my pants, etc. 
then there was also the bittersweet moments I shared with another boy, 2 yrs younger than me. we would often cry over the funniest and smallest things. ~>_<~ Come to think of it now, it's really  funny why we cried. 
when I was 6 to 12, life was easy. typical daily routine: School, home, tv, eat, sleep, homework. It was all right until my dad got into some problems with loan sharks. My mum was already working, so managed to paid off some of them. totally hated my dad for running away when that happened. he had a mistress!! And I hardly had any games or toys to play cos of my family financial problems, but didn;t really mind. I pity my mum most of the time cos she's the strongest woman I have ever seen!! even till today. 
hardly had any true buddy buddy friends though, throughout primary and secondary school. Just school friends and that's all. 
But i seriously look forward in life, cos I have found what I wanna do in the future and is trying to get there, despite it being far...

(ID #220788) Posted on 2008/06/24 15:01

reply to Tiny Red Man's comment

You will be at your destination before you realize it.

(ID #221678) Posted on 2008/06/25 19:47

reply to Danny Choo's comment

19 now... never did have a happy childhood... it's good to be an adult because now i can afford to buy anime figurines, consoles, etc... parents never gave me anything... so now that i have money i can buy whatever i want :D

(ID #220825) Posted on 2008/06/24 16:08

reply to -Kurisu-'s comment

Don't stop with the motivational posts Danny!  I (and many other people judging by the posts above) find them very inspiring. ^^
Now that I think back, my social life in early childhood kinda sucked, but I don't really feel terrible because of it or anything.  My family was/is overly protective so I never really had much outside interaction until I had to go to preschool.  I remember being almost completely unable to communicate with anyone there, so all the kids left me out of their games.  (I ended up coloring and building puzzles by myself in the corner ;_;) Throughout most of elementary school(until around 4th grade) I never had a stable "group" of friends, and on top of that I was extremely quiet and shy.  Nowadays, I'm a bit better in some aspects(I'm more open and more likely to speak up), but I still have trouble connecting and communicating properly to people.  (Part of that is because I refuse to let anyone get too close to me)
I am working to overcome my problems though, and I still have a lot of growing to do. ^^  

(ID #220826) Posted on 2008/06/24 16:09

reply to Coco the Bean's comment

Being a child and an adult both have their moments. As far as my childhood goes, I do miss the carefree days during my secondary school with my group of friends. Only worrying about passing the next exam and saving up for any anime fix we can get our grubby mitts on.

As an adult in my late 20's, I'd have to say that I'm still learning a lot and I've only really begun to experience life only a couple years back.  I can probably say I'm happier as an adult as i get to talk to my high school groupies about the stupid and mundane things we got to do back then.

(ID #220848) Posted on 2008/06/24 17:03

reply to coffeebugg's comment

Danny, once again you have shocked me with your past. I find myself sincerely moved by your ordeal, as family is very important to me. I am left speechless to learn that such things have happen to you. Especially by foster parents that were responsible for you well being. No child should ever have to go thru such psychological abuse, and have one's life filled with such uncertainty. It must have been an extremely difficult decision for your parents to enter you into foster care, but I assume they had no choice under the circumstances. It is reassuring to know you were able to move beyond those days, and instead focus your energy into achieving what you want out of life. While those events were certainly saddening, it would have been much worse if you let it overwhelm you as a person. 

It is never easy to convey your intentions thru plain written words. Too often people have a way of reading into things subjectively. This has a tendency to lead to negativity and hatred as you have pointed out. Thru you numerous post though, I believe I'm starting to see who you really are. Not someone that wants to be pitied or envied by others. Rather someone that wants to share and be heard, but NOT be misunderstood which is unfortunately sometimes the case. Keep doing what you are doing Choo-man. Never let others discourage you from doing what you love. 

I'm am genuinely glad to hear that your past is no longer upsetting you. It sounds like you have done alot of healing and soul searching to forgive, and not harbor any resentment from your childhood. You must have a good support system in your life to help you deal with your emotions. I suspect the wifey is a big component of that system which is outstanding. It is important to surround yourself with people who care about your well being. 

This post has certainly inspired alot of folks to share their life. I've never seen so many long comments in one post before. As for me, I can't say I've had many misfortunes. Me'z a normal kid with normal problems, and was relatively happy and healthy. As an adult, I'm still doing very well. More freedom, but now with more responsibility... and I'm not even married yet. Sometimes I yearn for the simpler days, but don't we all once and awhile...

(ID #220861) Posted on 2008/06/24 17:21

reply to FatBastard's comment

Thanks for the kind words and dont ever change that avatar!

(ID #221673) Posted on 2008/06/25 19:44

reply to Danny Choo's comment

i like u
u can come over to my house ^^

i was like u, fat
grown without any ordeal....
boring yet blissful

(ID #224293) Posted on 2008/06/28 15:09

reply to mon_han_FU-reek's comment

I love hearing about your stories, Danny. I really admire you and I just hope that one day I can achieve my goals/dreams like you.

(ID #220865) Posted on 2008/06/24 17:31

reply to bibiyona's comment

You need not "hope" because I know you "will"

(ID #221669) Posted on 2008/06/25 19:41

reply to Danny Choo's comment

I've had similar experiences with parents making ends meet and being left at a nightmare daycare and not being able to tell anyone about it til later on...but being in my early twenties it's hard to decide between childhood and adult, but leaning towards adult at this point...

Your motivation articles are really inspiring as many have mentioned and you've proven your success with such a large following and increasing number of readers and members...

(ID #220879) Posted on 2008/06/24 17:54

reply to silent1134's comment

I remember living with my grand parents when I was little because my parents were too busy at the time.  I would go back to my parents on weekend and remember being sad to go back to grandparents once weekend was over.  I know this is nothing compared to what you described above but thought I would share them and let you know that I do understand where you coming from ^^;

I think it is great that you are sharing your experiences and all.  I do not see any hints of you showing off and sort from any of your posts and even if I see some, it should be only natural from what you experienced in past and achieved so far.  Keep up the good work and inspiriations for all of us :D

(ID #220911) Posted on 2008/06/24 18:36

reply to Akiba-Kid's comment

This is your website, it's even named after you, you do with it and say on it whatever you like. Anyone who is against this can diaf. Also if you can; please ask goodsmile, figma, or whoever to make a 日下部みさお character I am slowly dying without this.

(ID #220923) Posted on 2008/06/24 19:00

reply to aggitan's comment

I dont think you need to wait too long ^^;

(ID #221666) Posted on 2008/06/25 19:39

reply to Danny Choo's comment

The lucky star nendoroid set 2 i think will be released later this year.  But I like the 1st set a whole lot better.  Wish they'd do a re-run on that since I missed it. T_T  

Didn't know your childhood was like that.  btw, are you the only child?  Can't remember you talking about any siblings.  Compared to my life back then I really like my adult life more just because I get to do things I've only dreamed about when I was just a kid.  Although I still am a kid at heart. heheh.  And I think I'm gonna be like this for the rest of my years.  Most people here can't understand my fascination with anime, games and figures but hey I don't really mind since its my life anyway. ^^

(ID #220960) Posted on 2008/06/24 20:00

reply to BeLe's comment

Younger sister - will talk about her when the time is right ^^

(ID #221665) Posted on 2008/06/25 19:38

reply to Danny Choo's comment

DANNNYYYYY!!! 
I FEEL LIKE KILLING YOUUUUUUU D=
URAYAMASHIIIIIIIIII T_T

(ID #220986) Posted on 2008/06/24 20:45

reply to Aiko-chan's comment

Your post about your experiences have actually been an inspiration for me and where I am right now. If I hadn't picked up an interest for web development I probably would have been working some dead end job and regretting every bit of it. Not to mention my otaku collection probably wouldn't be what it is today.

(ID #220989) Posted on 2008/06/24 21:01

reply to Adun's comment

Thanks for the kind words and great to hear that you are doing well.

(ID #221663) Posted on 2008/06/25 19:36

reply to Danny Choo's comment

uwahuhu... Danny it must had been tough!! ;_;

I'm really happy that you look forward and live to who you are now, the MOST important thing is to BE HAPPY ^^

Any option for teenager? Me is between a child and an adult ^^; I looked for part-time jobs to support this expensive hobby.. but I'll give part of my pay-check to my parents, of course!

I'm brought up with normal upbringing; no tough sweat to taste but will work towards my dream like Danny do~

Don't worry, Danny's loyal supporters are MUCH MUCH more than those flamers!

(ID #221000) Posted on 2008/06/24 21:37

reply to andra's comment

Hey all,
Thanks for the kinds words and sharing your story too. My back is playing up a bit so will get round to answering individual comments in the morning.

(ID #221003) Posted on 2008/06/24 21:48

reply to Danny Choo's comment

I knew you had the same problem as me the moment i saw those MRI scan. You've been sitting too long again, I guess. I've fully recovered, thanks to some chinese medicine i had to take thrice a week for a few months. Not sure if that'll have the same effect for you.
But here's another good and quick fix:
Find a platform that is about 40 to 50 degrees elevation. 
Stand on it with your toes facing up.
It's suppose to stretch the teden? at the back of your heel.
Do this for about 15mins.
I play my PSP while standing there and keeping my mind off the pain.

(ID #221364) Posted on 2008/06/25 11:57

reply to Darth Guy's comment

Thanks - will give it a go.

(ID #221661) Posted on 2008/06/25 19:34

reply to Danny Choo's comment

Ahww! Danny!
If i ever meet you, i'll give you a big hug!
I think your awesome and you achieved so much.
So please keep posting!

(ID #221005) Posted on 2008/06/24 21:54

reply to JaydenM's comment

Hey Danny~ Hope your back feels better in the morning =3
It's incredible to hear/read people's life stories, everyone has something/s that seems like one could never deal with it if it happened to them.
In my case, I'm hearing impaired so making friends was really hard as I went to a special hearing school in the morning, so by the time I got to my normal school, everyone would be in groups for lunch and other class activities. This really stunted my social growth, even now I have trouble with self-confidence and being in groups (I'm also very shy), and I'm always worried if I missed some details when people are talking ^^;; I prefer to chat on the internet, it's all laid out for you to see clearly.
A good skill I've learnt though is to read body language, it gives me an insight on people that most wouldn't pick up on. It's kinda creepy how accurate I can be sometimes, lol, I try not to pay attention to it now if I can help it ^^;;

I'm happier as an adult, I have access to people I can relate to better, from conventions, forums, church and 2 close guy friends from high school (though they're not really into the 'cultural' aspect of Japan, they're just interested in the anime). I understand myself better and have more confidence as an individual (still have to work on the shyness with new people tho ^^;;)

I've been through a bunch of other things, but not to the extent that you have Danny (and a lot of other people who have commented). Keep ignoring the flamers, those who appreciate you as a person will always support you and be there for you. Please keep writing motivational posts like this, they are inspiring and give us hope that we too can overcome our circumstances, no excuse!

(ID #221028) Posted on 2008/06/24 22:50

reply to Koshiko's comment

Thanks for sharing your story. The back is still not too good but hope to be able to walk properly within a week by resting as much as I can.

(ID #221660) Posted on 2008/06/25 19:33

reply to Danny Choo's comment

I wish GSC and MF liked me since they are my two favorite companies. I've known about your blog for years now and would read some of your random posts which would be linked to every other anime site. I don't know you really so I'm guessing the reason why you get free figures is for advertising since you're the most well known Otaku blogger. I can't go to an anime/hentai/merchandise/eroge/Japan site without seeing your blog affiliated with it lol! >.>

I wish I knew more about you, whatever your job is, and how come your so popular, but I guess I'll learn in time since I've been frequenting your blog daily. I'd say, if your happy with your life now, just forget your childhood. Holding onto emotional pain is bad for you~but as you said, you no longer cry from it and have moved on. 

I've spent my life online since I was 8, and say that the internet has raised me. My dad works from 10am-10pm 6 days a week, and my mom is drunk/sleeping 24/7 so I've just been lonely. Now I'm 18 and moving to my girlfriends house in 6 days...The scary part is, I feel like I suck at everything so I don't know what to do for a living. I just want to be able to live with my girlfriend, afford insurance, be able to buy computers, any anime collectible I want, and not have to waste my WHOLE life working. NO kids for me.

My girlfriend and I have been wanting to go to Comiket but we've never been to Japan, definitely don't understand the language, and need to learn a lot more before being able to. I wouldn't know where to visit in japan, I read so many blogs talking about the many places they visited, but I know where nothing is lol. People also seam to be pro's at taking the train in Japan and knowing what days and times to visit places and events. I have so much to learn about Japan before even thinking of visiting..otherwise It'll just be a wasted trip. -_______-

(ID #221077) Posted on 2008/06/25 00:36

reply to King of Eroge's comment

Everything (nearly) about me is here > http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
As for not knowing what you want to do, seek what you enjoy most and are passionate about.

(ID #221655) Posted on 2008/06/25 19:31

reply to Danny Choo's comment

Thanks, Danny for sharing your story with us. I grew up in Hong Kong with parents that are often too busy to take care of me, so I was raised by a few different family members and foster family-like setting.  I understand what you mean by looking forward in seeing your parents and getting bullied by kids in other families.

(ID #221084) Posted on 2008/06/25 00:50

reply to Shadowgram's comment

Wow kudos danny.
Its nice to hear success stories every once in a while.
Cheers to your new life^^

(ID #221107) Posted on 2008/06/25 01:27

reply to rosel's comment

Very inspiring success story. 
Remembered this proverb from I heard long ago from somewhere, What doesn't bring you down, raises you up. 
Personally I'm starting to grow more independent, because no way in hell my parents will be sponsoring figurines for me ^^; 
I rather spend money that I earned myself, which is why I'm taking part-time jobs whenever I can and working full-time during my holidays. 
Will be working to be successful in my own right. 
Cheers ^^

(ID #221119) Posted on 2008/06/25 01:56

reply to leefe's comment

My comment is probably going to be lost in the sea of other comments, but it bears saying:  Screw the spiteful people, Danny.  You worked hard to get where you are, you had opportunities and you seized them, the only thing the nay-sayers have to blame are themselves.

I say keep posting how you got to where you are.  I know I like hearing about it, even if I probably passed my window of opportunity for the most part. :3   I'll find my way to Japan sooner or later for permanency, but first I must vacation there in September.

(ID #221177) Posted on 2008/06/25 03:14

reply to Len-Vesper's comment

It will be your first time here? I think you will like it ^^

(ID #221652) Posted on 2008/06/25 19:28

reply to Danny Choo's comment

This is a little late, but it is glad to hear that after some bad experiences everything is turning around for you. I think the hate comes from people who are jealous of what others have. They have to put you down to justify that you are doing better then they are. The Internet - giving voice to idiots since 1989.

(ID #221237) Posted on 2008/06/25 05:30

reply to x33b's comment

Your a massive inspiration for me danny, seeing how far you've come and everything you have achieved. If i could achieve even half of what you have done I'll be extremely happy. You've especially motivated my japanese learning.

So I've got a lot to thank you for :)

(ID #221252) Posted on 2008/06/25 05:56

reply to Joe1991's comment

You have a rather inspirational life Danny.  One has to admire your determination and persistance.  Also its no wonder you like toys so much now...your childhood explains a lot.  Keep up the great work...we love what you've done with the site.  Cheers.

(ID #221286) Posted on 2008/06/25 08:34

reply to macrossfan's comment

A while back, a friend of mine asked with a sarcastic tone, if I had a lot of toys to play with while I was young and I just brushed it off with an ignorant "yes". And when i was in japan for the first time last year, i bought so much action figures and Gundam model kit that my worst fear then was that my suitcase burst opened in public and all these toys just exploded out. Then later last year too; after the Japan trip, my house was renovated so i have to pack everything up in boxes and until now,months after the reno is long done, I've yet to pull out all my used to be Prized collection from storage...
Am I finally coming out of my OTAKU shell?
I even feel a bit embarrassed stepping into a toy shop nowadays...
I guess I'm finally becoming happier being an Adult then wanting to stay a child on the side all these while.

(ID #221358) Posted on 2008/06/25 11:48

reply to Darth Guy's comment

Im way happier now as an adult because i now have the cash and the power to buy all the toys i could only stare at as a kid.

(ID #221385) Posted on 2008/06/25 12:30

reply to Tragic comedy's comment

OK 1ST OF ALL I WANNA SAY Danny u r my HEROO!!!!! i'm really sorry about your past but let's just leave it behind ja? u have gone thru a lot of stuff AND NOW LOOK AT YOU U R REALLY SUCCESFULL, WITH A GREAT WIFE THAT LOVE U & A GOOD BUSSINESS. U NEVER GAVE UP & THAT'S GOOD.  

now me, i was happier as a child i mean for me life was wonderful, i had everything that a kid could ask Family, Toys, Videogames & Happinness. Until my mom found out that my dad was cheating on her and everything started to fall apart & my so called "WONDERFUL LIFE" turned into a Nightmare (i was 14), a nightmare that i couldn't believe, i was by myself in an unknown country with no friends & no family.  u could say that my only shelter was Manga, Anime & Videogames. i remember staying for hours @ the library after school reading tons & tons of manga, i didn't want to go back to my house, i was so tired of watchin my parents fight endlessly one day after another they never stopped. until i got tired of them & asked my mom to buy me a ticket to go back & forget everything, since i was a minor i couldn't go by myself; so me & my mom went back to Peru. After 3 years my dad told us he wanted us back in the U.S. we came back, & to our surprise he was still cheating on my mom, since i went back to school i got a lot of friends there so to do not get depressed i joined clubs like the SoccerClub, BadmintonClub & TennisClub. i started to do dangerous stuff like Graffiti, Drugs, etc. anyways i knew it was wrong but i felt really cool doing it (i know, i was stupid back then) my parents never knew about it & then my dad told us that he was gonna break up with the other lady & blah blah blah.... & that we were gonna be together like before for me all of that was BULLSH$T i didn't believe him. I can't say he lied cuz he's still with us but i still don't trust him & i don't think i will. i've cried a lot when that happenned, but now when i tell this to my friends or anyone i don't. 

A KNOW A WROTE A LOT SO SORRY!! i just wanted to let it out hehe ^^     

(ID #221409) Posted on 2008/06/25 13:05

reply to lin-da-kenobi's comment

Thanks for sharing kenobi. Now that you dont cry when talking about this means that you have grown stronger. Stay strong.

(ID #221649) Posted on 2008/06/25 19:24

reply to Danny Choo's comment

THANX DANNY!! ^o^

(ID #222263) Posted on 2008/06/26 11:59

reply to lin-da-kenobi's comment

damn thats rough Danny good to see you made it through. WoW seems like santa came early or you ransacked some warehouse! LOL

(ID #221421) Posted on 2008/06/25 13:31

reply to zie's comment

I,m 37 and still buying Gundams...

(ID #221427) Posted on 2008/06/25 13:52

reply to MS pilot's comment

You rock Danny, and that's the reason why your blog is my favorite one... KUDOS for you and your achievements, you are a GREAT ROLE MODEL DUDE !!!

(ID #221483) Posted on 2008/06/25 15:14

reply to FAT's comment

Over the past fews years I've been trying to overcome things that happened in my childhood since you shared your with us I'll share only what I can with you.

Several years before I was born my mom got into a major car accident to no fault of her own. She overcome the odds was able to walk and had me. However, due to having me and have an injury from skating when I was around 2 my mom woke up one day and was barely able to move most of her body. For quite a while I blamed myself even though it's not my fault. Even through that my mom tried her best to take care of me, take me to fieldtrips,etc...But,my Dad got into a lot of debt and my mom's money started to go missing, and my money too. It turns out my Dad was stealing my mom's (a disabled) persons money right under her nose, and my money too even though I was just a kid. My mom got cancer when I was in 7th grade, my Dad kept stealing money. And because of my mom's cancer she's lost her voice forever. It will never return.During this time I got severely bullied (I can't go into details) and I cut off ties with my friends because the bullies threatened to harm them too. I told teachers, and my father since my mother was ill.They did not believe me. I told the principal about who was instigating the bullying since the person had brought a good rep to the school because they were in the movie industry. My cries for help were ignored.I eventually I overcame the bullying, entered highschool, made lots of friends and ran the mangaclub. During this time my mom overcame her cancer. Unfortunately,I still live with my father due to the fact I'm a university student and my mom is disabled. I can't afford to move us out/. My Dad has done many other terrible things like try to control my contact with family and friends, put me down etc...However, I no longer consider him my Dad instead I work hard at school, and work and do my best to achieve my goals. As a side note: My father has never payed back a penny he has stolen.

Remember Danny screw the nay-sayers your awesome, and an inspiration.You're living proof that otaku + bad childhood does no equal a killer

(ID #221531) Posted on 2008/06/25 16:29

reply to Jenarwen's comment

Sorry to hear the problems that you been through as a child. Be strong and focus on what you are most passionate about and good things will start to happen.

(ID #221645) Posted on 2008/06/25 19:17

reply to Danny Choo's comment

good luck on getting your dream!

(ID #221958) Posted on 2008/06/26 02:34

reply to mon_han_FU-reek's comment

First of all Danny, you have done well. Not many people can forgive someone who have done bad things to you, most just want revenge, but you did and I truly respect your compassion and bravery.
Now that you living the dreams of your life, I see it as a reward for your hard work and determination. You are an inspiration for me and I bet for a lot of your readers too. Keep doing what you're doing Danny, your blog is one of my biggest otaku loot ^^;
My childhood is a normal one I guess, and after reading your story and other comrades stories here, I should be more thankful for my parents and my life even though I never got SAFS #_#
Of all the figures you suddenly acquired this time, I WANT the Re-mie and Kotona Nendoroids so bad T_T I guess there's something about me and Nendoroid that can't be explained, I love them ;3

(ID #221657) Posted on 2008/06/25 19:31

reply to Rikku's comment

<p>I really enjoy reading these posts about your life and what you have been through, realy sorry to hear that you was bullied and did'nt have much luck in your childhood. But atleast it has made you stronger and more motivated and you have found a way to move on in life even with all those bad times.</p>

<p>To be honest my childhood was a bit mixed i was bullied at times but then other times i had alot of fun and good friends, can't say the same about being at home my parent's only wanted to drink and fight so i ended up just locking myself in my room for most of my late teens but atleast that's how i found anime, once i left college that i quit because i could'nt do what i wanted to do i ended up working for a company that slowly was destroying me yeah they gave me a foot hole into what i wanted to do for a living but they destroyed my self esteem and my motivation to do anything with my life.</p>


<p>It's been up and down ever since i met my wife there which was the best thing to come out of it and finaly started to get my motivation back fell out with my Mother who i hav'nt talked to in almost 2 years and me and my wife are stuck in a small room at a relatives house which we have lived in for a while now as can't affored our own place, now i finaly have a new job that is much better and hopefully will help me reach my goals one of the main ones being to work and live in Japan which i will try my darn hardest to accomplish.</p>

<p>And as always please keep up the excellent posts ignore the people who have yet to get a life and have nothing better to do than attack people who are trying to share there experiences and help others.</p>

(ID #222000) Posted on 2008/06/26 03:39

reply to tibul's comment

Whoa, Danny you made me want to buy some anime figures, right now.

(ID #222318) Posted on 2008/06/26 13:16

reply to Kozta-Boom's comment

This has to be one of your best posts I have ever read because it is so raw in its honesty.

Your past possibly made you the person you are now. I went through the Landmark Forum (where some people say it's a cult) but basically, they teach you to see the world as it is, i.e. existentialist way of saying, "it ain't good/bad, it just is.." and we give meaning to the life we live.

Motivational posts are powerful when honesty is there and you have a positive message despite the negative undertones. Your life is possibly testimony that what's past is past and the future is in our hands.

All the best and keep writing about fabulous otaku stuffs.... ;-)

(ID #222433) Posted on 2008/06/26 16:43

reply to panzergrenadier's comment

well, i am not sure my childhood is good or bad. It just passed quietly, without any memories be remembered. 
My parents are not happy with each other. My mother want to divorce but since i was too young she chose not. In the end time there are not many good things but rather bad things happen but i still dont have any feeling. Probably because my mother already suffer enough so i choose to suppress these hard feeling to not make any troubles. 
Now 18 and studying oversea, taking the responsibility to have a good position in term of monetary,i still feel nothing different beside watching anime and manga. Or may be my adulthood have come yet ? 

(ID #222572) Posted on 2008/06/26 19:55

reply to Mano's comment

Hey thanks i really enjoyed this post. i end up reading more about your childhood rather than about the figurines. call it voyeurism or stuff but i do find comfort in reading about real life stories and stuff...theres always something to relate to. my father has always been working long hours so nothing much has changed since long long time ago since my family migrated to singapore. my mum used to work full time so my primary (elementary) school days were pretty much lacking in parental care and stuff. even though for now, my parents devote more time to me, i don't really appreciate it as much as i would have. a helluva lot of years have passed since then (10+?)- getting from some crappy neighborhood school to a decent secondary school to a better pre-u college - but im still feeling pretty much the same...hope it'll get better some day. ^_^

(ID #222699) Posted on 2008/06/26 23:26

reply to rowfleasian's comment

Thanks for this post Danny! I think it's really cool that you can talk to all of us this honestly. I am sure this will help someone out!!! =)

(ID #223378) Posted on 2008/06/27 13:59

reply to strikr's comment

Hi Danny, I only found this site by accident 2 weeks ago (just signed up), and must say I really enjoy all your personal as well as Otaku content.  Keep up the good and honest work.
  I don't know if I qualify as the eldest reader, but i am 37 and been collecting for only about 3 years, and can't see myself growing out of it for a long time - if ever.  Cheers.

(ID #223565) Posted on 2008/06/27 17:46

reply to davidc's comment

Wow, I didn't have time to read this long post until now.
Hey Danny, Thank for sharing your personal history, experience and achievements. They are great and are truly motivating. I am being honest. No joke.
I've became a daily reader of your blog because you post things like these... things that inspires and educates others and also... things that we can relate to you with, whether it be life, 2D girls, or anything actually! This is why I'm here and loving everyday of it.
Every time I'm able to read a post about your past experience and how determined you are now and how far you've reached in life, I become more motivated and question "What am I doing with my life?!". I feel more determined to make something out of it, and the the best of it! Like you, I also find it essential in life to have a destination. I need one so I know where I'm going...even if I don't know that place. I just need to know I'm getting somewhere in life! Reading your words and seeing your successes have changed my perspective and confidence in life. Thank you so much, Danny! Please continue the effort in running this blog! I hope it's not too late to say these words xD

Now for my childhood (I don't mind sharing)... from birth to 5 years old, I've only lived with my mom and only met my dad later in life because he's elsewhere working for money. my parents were poor when I was little (I'm 19 now) and so I never get any of the toys I ever wanted. Though my parents kept telling me they had no money, I just didn't understand and cry. The only thing I had was a SNES w/ Super Mario World and that's the only game I have for three years. My parents would never buy me any games but they don't hesitate to buy me stuff like clothes, books, and tools for school. I occasionally get bullied during elementary school simply because some kids thought I was "ugly". Middle school was the worst because I was bullied everyday throughout the year by over 3/4 of the class and the entire school! Why? Because i'm one of THREE(3) Chinese/Asian students in a school with the REST OF THE STUDENT BODY being Hispanic. No one liked me because I was Chinese (yes, racism) and my face was loaded with pimples (hello ugly!). That was the neighborhood I lived in (hello Sunset Park...Brooklyn, NYC). I've gotten into about 14 fights and have been suspended the same number of times. I even get bullied by random group of kids when I'm going to the public library alone! Things got worse... bad influence happens and I stole about $2000 in cash from my parents over two years (this was 6th and 7th grade) and spend it all on games and food (ironically, not so much toys). Of course they found out and I get the beating I deserved...but I continue anyway. I don't know how but I eventually just got over it (matured?). After all is said and done, my parents moved out of NYC to work and thus, I began a new life and left the dirty past behind.

High school... I'm now in Oregon, polar opposite of NYC... I was "culture shocked" that I made true friends and people are actually friendly with no one bullying me around. I guess I softened up a little too much here as I spent three out of my four years in HS moping around in angst over girls and complete lack of confidence in myself. Self esteem destroyed and I always feel insecure. I was depressed about my social life... but I was quite successful in my academics (graduated with high honors :D). Senior year... this is where I jump out of depression and develop my antisocial personality; I hate being around more than 2-3 people and hate parties or any gathering. I hated the world. I hated life. I hated myself and just about everyone else I knew. I find everything to be fake. disgustingly fake. I realized I felt this way because the one girl I've harbored deep feelings for throughout HS deliberately ignores me because she hates me for who I am. It's nothing I do but it's my person. my character. my personality that she hates. This struck me hard because she was one of the VERY FEW who understood me and was able to talk about deeper things with. She caused me to sob on school grounds for the first time in like ten years. I was totally heartbroken. Senior year was the worst year of my entire life...

College to present life... Not knowing what I want to do with my life nor did I had a destination, I just drifted from day to day... confused and dazed. I couldn't continue college because I don't know WHY I am in college so I left and began some self-discipline. I turned myself into a full-time worker to see how the real world works and how life is different outside of school. I thought this could motivate me to see how great school is and go back. And it worked. I began longing to go back to school... With the crappy economy now and the state of my current job, there's no way I'm satisfied with my place in life; I am ready to advance in life but needed a slight push to get going. Danny, it's around this time I began actively reading your blog instead of merely looking at your gundams and figure news ^_^;; After reading your biography bits here and there of how you used to live in UK and moved to Japan through efforts, to working with MS and now running Mirai Inc... I was astonished with what you've achieved. I am merely a store clerk working on wage pay with not much of a future. Later I've learned that the managers I work under all have BA but they are managers now because they didn't get to where they wanted originally (software engineers for example). I began questioning "do I really want to stay here and become like them?"... I go back and read some more dannychoo.com stuff and explore the opportunities deeper and ponder (for months and months)... and finally, I said "HELLLLLLLLLLL NOOO! SCREW THIS! I DON'T AND WON'T TURN OUT LIKE THE MANAGERS! I'LL MAKE THE MOST OUT OF MY LIFE AND I'LL SUCCEED AT IT!". Cue hotblooded scream of courage and the likes. I've picked myself up. Set myself a destination... I don't know nor do I care where, but I know that it's FAR! and that's good. No more wasting my life and time. No more depressing over stupid things. I've set myself straight and began my journey towards a better, brighter and hopefully more successful future.

Even though I've picked up my life by myself, I don't think I could've done it sooner without influential factors like you, Danny. You've showed me determination makes things possible... and best of all, you can still be otaku even with your career xD. I hope to still be able to do Gundam models when I get a career and/or settled down. I really look up to you and proudly tell my friends that but they just find me weird and perverted (hello 2d girls and idols) but that's their loss since they have no idea what they're missing out on. So yea... that's my childhood haha.

Again... Thank you Danny! Keep up the great work! ^__^

(ID #223593) Posted on 2008/06/27 18:18

reply to zyuan's comment

HOLY WALL OF TEXT! oi... guess I got carried away a bit... ^_^;;

(ID #223594) Posted on 2008/06/27 18:19

reply to zyuan's comment

@ Zyuan: "After reading your biography bits here and there of how you used to live in UK and moved to Japan through efforts, to working with MS and now running Mirai Inc... I was astonished with what you've achieved" that's exactly how i felt when i started to read Danny's blog ^^ i remember saying to myself "WAOOOO! =O I WANNA BE LIKE DANNY! TRAVELIN ALL OVER THE WORLD" & think my dreams are gonna come true......since i'm saving a lot of money.

hey man i'm really sorry about you being bullied during your childhood by those Hispanic kids,  i mean i'm Latino & i feel ashamed by that ya know.... i really HATE BULLIES, i think only IGNORANT people does that.....anyway....TAKE CARE MAN I KNOW YOU'LL BECOME SUCCESSFUL! ^^ 

(ID #224300) Posted on 2008/06/28 15:15

reply to lin-da-kenobi's comment

These types of stories are inspirational for me because I'm at the bottom of the barrel. I never truly enjoyed my childhood and things never really went as they should have and the same could be said for my adulthood. I can't remember the last time I made a friend, had a college course I actually liked, parents being supportive, siblings supporting me, none of that. I even had a few suicidal streaks the last 10 years and it is enlightening to hear of people getting jobs, learning stuff they like, getting a girlfriend, etc. 

(ID #226983) Posted on 2008/07/01 17:51

reply to shippoyasha's comment

wow! that was a hard childhood. You seem 'good to go" now, and I'm proud to know you.

(ID #227396) Posted on 2008/07/02 04:30

reply to tohru's comment

Oh man....it's so awesome you have the 2nd set of the Lucky Star Petit nendoroids!? If I remember right the secret figure is Konata cosplaying as Saber....I didn't really like the picture I saw of it, but I'm sure I'll like it once I see it in real life!! I'm absolutely in love with Petit nendoroids and have been collecting all the sets (they're hard as hell to put together though). That Rize is gorgeous too mine is on her way as I post :) was just shipped out today YAY!

My childhood wasn't a lot of fun. I grew up in a very high pressure environment...since moving out for college and now still moved out as an adult...I've finally learned how to breathe easy. And it feels so wonderful.

(ID #228370) Posted on 2008/07/03 08:15

reply to duckie's comment

My childhood pretty much sucked (and no I wasn't bullied) , I didn't fit in with anyone no matter how hard I tried, but I'm happier as an adult, I even have friends who are otaku

(ID #230416) Posted on 2008/07/05 13:13

reply to Syugo's comment

hmm... thank you man, i feel ya. i too had a bad childhood. I used to wake up to my father beating my mother (he was an alchaholic) and then he was later in jail almost all my life. from one time to another, he kept going in and out of jail for pretty much my whole life, i grew up very poor and living with a lot of brother's and sisters (i'm the third oldest) and then now there are 5 younger then me. and for my summer's i was sent from pennsylvania (my home) to New York and there i was used mainly for caring for baby's and children mostly 5 and under. and now it's only more kids. and i remember my first actual "friend" was in second grade. his name was Danny Blazer. When the Book Fair came around, if my mom had any money, she'd (sometimes) give me a dollar or 2, but this time, none. so my best friend ever, (danny) got like 5 dollars (to me then, he was crazy rich) and he got some stuff for him and then he got us, (to share) a little ( 1" by 1/2") book with a transparent, clear plastic cover with watery jell and glitter instde it, and the paper was black (we explained it as "Hehe so we can curse without the teacher knowing and we wont get in trouble!" and i was so happy for once, ya know for once, someone did something, for me. i was so happy, one of the top 10 happiest moment's in my life. and then in the same class another book fair came months later. the previous day (i used to pass time by drawing (and still do) and i was good!) well i had this how to draw pokemon book, and my mom had no money. so i traced the final image in the book and told my mom "ya see, if i bring these to school tomorrow i can sell them to kids! and i can get money for us!" and she saw me, and gave me $2.50 in quarters. and i was like, cool! But i can sell these! so keep it! and i ended up keeping it in the end and  going to school the next day, i gave all my "drawing's" away and i got a quarter for it all... no one gave me money but one girl (i don't remember her name or her) and then i spant a dollar at the book fair. and i was so sad because i knew my mom needed the money and i spent a dollar on something stupid when i wasn't supposed to. and i was soo sad... but my mom didn't really (show) she cared and well it went on like this for a while, basically, me drawing, getting sent to new york ect. and well, it's pretty much the same now, the only difference is now i smoke marijuanna, draw more, and watch anime a lot.  ... thank you for your time and story. Good luck forever more.

(ID #232162) Posted on 2008/07/07 17:08

reply to Deidara420's comment

indeed, you hit the mark, danny! by coming out of my shell i have met some great people! i had an abusive father growing up, and that is something that i have been trying to get over for years now, and gradually succeeding. i have had a more fortunate childhood than some, with a loving mother,sister and a sweet Princess Ayeka doll that inspired me to learn how to sew and make her clothes since 2001. you can see her here...  http://shaorin-chan.deviantart.com/

(ID #240037) Posted on 2008/07/17 09:56

reply to Shaorin's comment

Hey man, I'm really a noob to the figure scene, and anime in general.  My first comment here, just signed up.  Just want to say, and this is true for everybody, its not about what cards you're dealt in life, its how you use those cards that makes you a winner.  

I was born with a pysical handicap and will walk on crutches the rest of my life.  I don't let it become an issue for me, and make the best out of the situation.  I feel lucky that I have been able to visit Japan last year, I went to Tokyo and Kyoto.  Akihabra was really awesome and I plan on going again next year.  I got some nice comments from random Japanese folks walking by (except a cosplay girl that yelled "watch where you're going gaijin!" at me when a guy running by accidentally triped on a crutch). I carried four large bags of comics, games, and figures.  Two bags in each hand while grasping the grip of my crutches to get around.  It was heavy, I was exhausted, and I had to take a taxi back to the hotel when I was done but man was it worth it!  Life can be tough at times, but push yourself, persevere, and enjoy the reward.  

I'm finding my interest growing into learning more about figures and expanding my knowlege of the hobby (and expanding my collection).  I already assemble and paint 'western' style figures and I think I'll try to play with an unpainted resin kit to see the results.

Does this site have a forum?  Dont' know if this is the right place to ask, but anyone have tips for a figure and anime noob thats starting out in this hobby?  I know many figures can be quite expensive it would be helpful to me if there are any tips to get the most out of your money.  Right now I have four figures and ordered some more from online shops.  Is there anything I should watch out for?  I'm going to Japan again next year, is there a time thats best to go to be able to attend a figure event in Tokyo?  My japanese is limited, will the language barrier be a problem when going to an event?  I'm assuming there are non native japanese and English speaking folks, it would be nice to meet new people that also share interest in the hobby.  How do you display your figures in your home?  2 figures I have ordered are a bit adult, do you hide them in your room or display them where they can be enjoyed? (what about when your parents visit! ack!)  I know Americans are senstive to anything suggestive sexually, is this also a problem in Japan? (I know the Japanese culturally have different views than Americans when it comes to sexuality)

Anything pointing me in the right direction would be very helpful.  I figure this is the place to asks since there seems to be many experts here.  Thanks.

(ID #301548) Posted on 2008/09/15 09:54

reply to wonderboy's comment

I grew up being isolated because of my Asperger's condition, and for at least three years I wished I was an Elf like Link from Zelda so I wouldn't have to be like the humans who were rejecting me. But the Fey have paid their dues every now and again. I remember this one time my brother's friend and him were teasing my then gullible self that they were magically pulling money out of my pockets which were empty. Then out of nothingness they pulled out this twenty dollar bill and they were both freaking out. I told that story to my brother's friend and he didn't remember he used to be so mean. The twenty bucks has remained a mystery, nobody's been able to explain it since.

I guess I got into anime seriously way after Pokemania had bitten the dust, when my art teacher let me do my artist case study on Osamu Tezuka. There was something about him that really changed my life. He had a crummy life to start with too, but that tends to happen if they're bombing Japan and you're seeing bodies everywhere. So he started making manga all the time, to remind us all to stop fighting and realise that all life is sacred. Then came the Tezuka: The Marvel of Manga exhibition in Sydney, and I went to that exhibit twice. I was hooked ever since.

And I've always liked telling stories, and drawing pictures to tell them. Crazy shit happens to people even in real life that changes the world. Even though I've had to stay back at school while my friends have all graduated, and are at university now, my hobbies keep me going and allow me to meet new people.

Just today I went for a walk down the road to the Anime figure shop to pick up some Haruhi Bunny Nendoroids, but the first thing I told Brad the owner who runs the shop was that there's an Otaku girl in the Kinokuniya bookshop that's stolen my heart. He always asks me how I'm going and he brightens up the community around the area in a way that wasn't there before. It gives me a reason to live in this otherwise unremarkable suburb, that figure shop in a baffling location. As for the otaku girl who stole my heart? That meganekko and I are going to talk sooner or later, but for now a man can dream.

(ID #317227) Posted on 2008/09/29 17:47

reply to Asperger's Anime Blogger's comment

everything usually happens for a reason, and usually for the best. Can anybody gime me like a list of good sites to get pvc figures from, i want to start my collection. thanks 

(ID #415713) Posted on 2008/12/17 19:46

reply to cheta's comment

Not sure if you read this Danny, But your blogs is the same as a good anime to me.
You share life stories with a whole culute, and as i think you lecture most of us, you sort of create hope in my soul.

My life story is short, boring and not so painfull.
Was hit a by my mom, was bulled in the school a bit, but life have been good to me since i've had good friends, i currently 18 years old, don't really regret anything, might be because i forgot it, or there really isn't anything to regret. I try my best to get the best out of my life (Hey you only got one, and you never know when something bad might happend), reading your blog teaches me, and keeps my soul alive and targeted at my goals.

Danny you are not only awesome for all the status symbols (feguriens and etc) but also for your personallity, and your openess.

May you live long, and happy.

(ID #427290) Posted on 2008/12/28 07:56

reply to TXX's comment

Danny,

I have only came across your site recently but I am finding a lot of interesting articles to read here.  In fact, after reading your blogs have motivated me to start a blog myself.  It's a bit of a mess right now as I haven't done much website development since my college days.  I am not much of a blogger myself, but I have always wanted to know how other fellow Otakus collect/preserve their figure collection, what's new, and critique each figures as they come out.  I am in my mid-30s and have been living happily as an Otaku for the most of it, I like reading your articles, keep up the good work.

(ID #479074) Posted on 2009/02/07 20:52

reply to Wolfheinrich's comment

cool pics of the figures danny, might try those site you mentioned in the post to try and get some of those fiures for myself.
btw stop teasing and just show the figures plz.

(ID #548256) Posted on 2009/04/04 04:13

reply to Sat Nav's comment

Danny Choo...

I guess not all of us have a great child hood times... but some do have perfect life since then..

Nonetheless, your farther Jimmy Choo is a famous man and in Malaysia they even give him the title of "Datuk" - for those who don't know that is something like the title of "Sir" in England....

I am the same as you though not entirely the same - but basically I wish I can erase my childhood and teenagers time from my memory forever - I hate thinking about it, it was sad but somehow I'm glad to make it alive as a normal adult and an otaku....

(ID #560803) Posted on 2009/04/13 12:58

reply to John Shewsbury's comment

I love reading about your life and you really do inspire me to do better and not give up on my dreams. ^_^

(ID #584827) Posted on 2009/04/30 11:10

reply to Shogo X's comment

This is a pretty late comment, but I just had to say...keep those motivational posts coming Danny! They're truly inspirational/motivational to read. I've come across several motivational speeches/literature pieces to date, but nothing ever beats the blood and dirt from one's own experience. Excuse the language, but screw the hateful bunch. Jealousy is what drives them, surely you know that. Do keep posting these, you have the rest of us reading and loving it! 

(ID #601984) Posted on 2009/05/12 16:04

reply to judithspeaking's comment

Danny, thank you for sharing these stories. I have taken what you write to heart, and working toward my goals. I have already made improvements and seen the fruit of some of my labor! Thank you sempai!!! 

(ID #628784) Posted on 2009/06/01 09:22

reply to Gabriel's Ghost's comment