Ichigo 100% (manga)

Ichigo (meaning strawberries) refers to the pattern on panties shown frequently during accidental upskirts. Beyond the perverted nature of the manga (Japanese humour at work, I’m complaining yet I’m not), Ichigo 100% is well written, with both heart-warming and sad moments.

A high school romantic comedy with one guy, and many (undeserving) love interest. His indecisiveness in choosing the girl he loves frustrates and leaves the readers anticipating and addicted.

One thing I like about this series is how each character has his thoughts and feelings narrated instead of just the main character. It makes each character better developed and unique. It also allows the reader to empathise with all of the characters. Thoughout the series, I could feel the pain –– sometimes joy but mainly pain –– of each character. An emotional rollercoaster, but this time riding on many characters’ different emotions –– a much bumpier ride.

---Spoilers---

Another thing I like about this series is the use of fictional metaphors to represent how the characters feel and how the story would end. Toujou’s novel probably represented how she hoped the situation would end. The second movie hinted how Manaka and Tsukasa would separate (the train scene). The last movie showed how Toujou felt about Manaka. The fortune number pairing hinted that Toujou is the best match for Manaka but apparently did not come through. I am sure many would agree with the fortune numbers.

The ending… happy-sad. Halfway through the series, I rooted for Tsukasa Nishino but towards the end I sympathised with Satsuki Kitaoji, and then Aya Toujou. It hurts when Kitaoji tried so hard until she was in despair and decided to be Manaka’s best friend. It is painful to see Toujou walk away tearing in the snow. Sad to see her smile to Manaka at the end of her ceremonial speech.

It is sad that choosing one girl would mean heartbreak for the other. Sad but inevitable. As how Manaka could not give all three girls happiness, Ms Mangaka (manga writer) could not possibly satisfy all the readers. Well, I think she tried her best to give all the characters a happy ending.

The series ended with each character moving on. It might be heartbreaking, it might be unfair, but in the end they managed to move on. If anything, it ended with hope.

Hope, and a lasting impression. Thank you mangaka.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buRnPSlWQHk
Better Life by Keith Urban

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fy91mHAPpE
Somebody Like You by Keith Urban

mindless wandering of the wondering mind

When you are alone, not doing anything in particular, not thinking of anything specific, you tend to observe what you normally would not. The little things in life that escapes our attention.

I was sitting in the canteen after PE, slowly drinking; the atmosphere relaxed, the end of a long hectic week. I was sitting and quietly observing the Indian foodstall lady clearing up. It might probably be the cool weather or the relaxed mood that makes all actions seem slower.

I thought about the lack of hygiene the woman was famous for. How true can that be? I wondered as I watched her washing her pot. Would she bring it home or store it for next week? I mused as I saw her putting leftover food into a plastic bag. Idle thoughts to amuse myself.

I turned to the other stalls. The western food stall owners were packing up too. They too were moving slower than usual. The fruits and drinks stall was taking an order. The noodle and carrot cake stall open until now, working long hours, even during school holidays. The other stalls––closed. My eyes turned back to watch the Indian lady keep her utensils.

Why do these stalls open till now? Are they trying to earn a few more dollars, or are they just willing to provide service for the students? It this why they chose to work in a school canteen: for the students? Won’t they earn more selling to the public? I had an urge to ask them.

They may be working in our college because they like students (as if there is anything nice about us). No one knows; they did not ask of us to appreciate them.

To watch and let your mind wander off. I may not understand much, but to sit back and and appreciate the simple things in life, I feel happy. No Mark and Shannon, I was not down or unwell. In fact, it made what's left of my day. Yay.