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7 Reasons You should go to Hokkaido !

December 11, 2014, 1:00 am
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Hi Ninjamates! Ran hereJ

I took a trip to HOKKAIDO.
I think Hokkaido is one of the most popular destination from Singapore.
Maybe some of Ninjamates have been to Hokkaido
or considering to make a trip:)

I've ever been to Hokkaido when I was a high school student.
At that time, we visited to Sapporo & Hakodate.
Normally many people visit these area for first trip.
This time I went to more country side.
Nearby Sakura-chan's home town:)

Day1: Utoro
                  Day2: Teshikaga, Akan
    Day3: Tokachi
                          Day4: Kamikawa, Souunkyo


I’ve never been to such a beautiful place!


Please let me share with you, 
7 reasons why you should go to Hokkaido.


1.     Breathtaking landscape
↑Onneto (Ashoro area)
Onneto means old lake in Ainu language.
The lake looked emerald green and surface was frozen.
↑ Mikuni Touge Pass
(Kamikawa area)
  
↑ Man's tears & Yunohana Waterfall (Utoro area)
↑Mt.Iou (510m)
Active Volcano in Akan National Park

Hey
(Photo by Mr. Dennis Seow)

Now I am a real NINJA! Nin Nin---♪
↑ Lake Akan
in the early morning
What a fantastic scenery
Mt. Kurodake (1,984m)
Sounkyo Area / Daisetsuzan National Park
 You can go to the middle of the mountain by Ropeway
↑View from ropeway
360° panorama beautiful landscape.

These are only part of photos that I took.
Actually I took 800 pictures each day.

You can find more beautiful photos on flickr


2.　 Carpet of fluffy white snow
We don't have many chance to see snow in Tokyo.
It snows only a few times or even zero in a year.

In Hokkaido, you can see blanket of snow with high probability ( Nov-Mar ) 
 So cold, but feel so good !
 Snow is so fluffy!
(Photo by Mr. Dennis Seow)

Do you want to build a snowman〜♪


3.   Bump into wild animals 
You might see wild animals.
Fox ( Kita-kitsune) is Soooo cute.
He (She?) looked at my camera and did posing!
Looks like a puppy, but don't touch.

Squawk Squawk Squawk...

There are many swans in Lake kussharo
which is a Caldera lake in “Akan National Park”
 It was very very cold at lake side ><
But they swam with elegance.
We bumped into Japanese deer (Ezojika) on the road!
(Tsurui Village)

Red-crowned Crane (Tanchou) is symbolize bird of Japan
and it is designated as a National monument.


4.     Star-filled sky

This is the most memorable experience of Hokkaido trip for me.
Because it is one of my dream from childhood to see star-filled sky. 
Amazing amount of stars in the sky.
I also could find some shooting stars and milky way.
I totally forgot about super cold weather and spent long time.
Of course I made a wish...non, made wishes!



5. Onsen (hot spring) under the cold weather 

 　The average temperature range in November in Hokkaido 
from a low of -5℃ a high of 5℃.

My body totally got cold in end of the day,
my hands and toes were numb. 
Then Japanese style hotel (Ryokan) staff always greet you 
with worm and comfortable room.
(↑Kangetsuen)

They give you a small welcome sweets and tea set.
(↑↓Akankosou)
They also prepare Yukata for you.
Oh, you don't know how to wear? No worries.
Just tie an obi on your west.
It makes you relax:)

Then let's go to Roten-buro (Outside Onsen)
(↑Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel)

Red curtain is an entrance for woman
Blue curtain is an entrance for man
Sometimes they change the places, so don't miss this sign.
(↑Akankosou)

Have you ever tried Onsen (hot spring) ?
It has some easy rules.

1. You should take off all clothes before you go to a bath.
2. You can bring a small towel, but don't put it into hot water.
3. Need to wash your body before you go into Onsen.
4. Don't swim! Ok?

Outside was super cold, because I was already naked.
But this is one of the most happiest moment when I take a bath.

Ah Hahhhh

I felt like in heaven.
This is natural Onsen.
It makes your skin smooth and might become more beautiful:)


6.     Full of super yummy foods


After take a bath, gorgeous dinner is waiting for you.
This is Kaiseki Ryouri.
Japanese traditional meal brought in course.
Menu is all different depending on restaurant or hotel and seasons.
They served many kinds of original dishes. 
I was so full after a big dinner.


北の勝 (Kintano Katsu) is a local sake from Nemuro (the east part of Hokkaido).
　You can get it only in Hokkaido.

I know many Singaporean love ramen!
Miso ramen is popular in Hokkaido (Sapporo). Nudle is thick.

Buta-don (Pork rice bowl dish) is speciality dish in Obihiro area
Succulent meat with sweet and spicy sauce.
Wow! This is long queue for Buta-don.
  
Of course you can have many flesh sea foods.
Salmon roe and fleshy crabs meats.
Omg...Looks like ruby.


(↑Sounkyo Kankou Hotel)


Actually I gain 2kg after the trip...


7. Beautiful sunrise and sunset
   As if I was in fantasy...
↑Sunrise in Akan area
Beautiful lake with early morning mist.
Sky looks pink and pale purple.

(nearby Oshinkosher water-fall)
↑Sunset at Tokachi liver

↑Sunset in Utoro
(Route 334 nearby Oronko Rock)


↑Sunset in Daisetsu-kougen Asahigaoka

I didn't see beautiful sunrise and sunset for long time.
It made me nostalgic.


At the end

Don't forget to get souvenir for your family and friends!

My recommendations
Rokkatei butter sandwich cookie and white chocolate with dry strawberry
which are one of the most famous & popular sweet from Hokkaido.
Kitakarou Rice cracker is made by local products and they have variety of taste.
 (rice, salt, seaweed, prawn, scallop...etc)

She looks so happy, right?


I think Singapore and Hokkaido are totally opposite.

Singapore

City
Gorgeous Illuminations
Everything is Efficient
Convenient
Fast & Busy
Always summer
　Bright even in midnight

Hokkaido

Country
Rich Nature
Flesh air
No big shopping mall
Relax & Slow
Cold weather with beautiful snow
Totally silent


I like both and it is incomparable.
Since I stay busy city in Singapore
I can feel more surprise and it makes me restore full sensitivity.

I hope you to visit & explore Hokkaido someday.
I promise that it gives you memorable experience.


*****

If you want to know more details about Hokkaido trip,
please contact to Moe san from Nippon Express.
She organized this trip and give you any information:)
Ms. Moe Anan: moe.anan@nittsu.com.sg


*****

Posted by Ran

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Ran on Youtube

You can find more beautiful photos on flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ran-ninjagirls

　Ran on Instagram♪
　Please search for my user ID: ran_ninjagirls

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10 Tips to improve your photo skills

December 31, 2014, 2:55 am
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A Happy New Year, Ninjamates!
Ran here:)

How was your 2014? and What's your decision for 2015?
I feel like many new things will start to move on!

Time really does fly.
But many pictures which I shot reminds me of many things happened.

In Singapore, there are many Camera Fans:)
Everyone take picture or bring nice cameras in town.
We can always take photos very easily by smart phone.

Anyway I posted the article about Hokkaido trip before.
Actually it's a photograph tour.
I visited to Hokkaido with 4 semi-professional photographer from Singapore,
and we saw 2 Japanese professional photographers.
→copyrighted with the rights reserved to Jensen Chua

This time, I learned simple tips to improve photo skill immediately from them.

So today let me share with you
10 tips to improve your photo skills.

Here we goooooo---!


1. Attachment to the objects

Mr. Junichi Yamamoto who is a professional photographer 
specialized in nature and wild animals in Hokkaido.

Check out! Breathtaking photos :o
http://yamamoto-photo.com/gallery.html#4
He gave us the advise with his episode.
“ When he was asked a lady to take a picture of them,
the photo got a sharp focus on beautiful back ground instead of the ladies ”  lol 

His artwork↓

2. Taking a lot a lot a lot of photos

Mr. Weng Seng Yip is Canon EOS World Council Member,
and he learned photograph by himself

His facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/yipwengseng.photography
@Daisetsukougen Asahigaoka by Weng Seng Yip
Japanese Deer (Ezojika) by Weng Seng Yip

He said “Basic skill (Exposure, Shutter Speed, F-number etc…) is not so difficult.
If you concentrate on practicing, you can master within 3 weeks.
But after that you should take many many many pictures.
That's the best way to improve your photo shooting skill. ”

According to an article I read before,
It was said that “ Take 100 pictures of one object,
try to shoot all different angle, exposure, shutter speed...” 

Wow! All you can do is try try try.


3. Don't put horizon line always in CENTER

Don't you put the shooting horizon line always in center?
I did ^^;

This photo looks very normal
Focused on what I want to take
↓　↓　↓
Blue sky and beautiful sunshine give this photo a story.


4.   Don't miss “ Golden time ” = Sunrise and Sunset

Lighting is the most important thing for photo shooting.
You can take beautiful pictures as long as press shutter button 
under the light of sunrise and sunset.↑Early morning @ Akankosou
↑Sunset @ Akan area
↑ Sunset nearby Oshinkoshin Waterfall
↑This one was also taken in sunset @Sentosa


5. Hide the sun behind a tree


 Mr. Kouetsu Ichinei, he is a professional photographer 
specialized in Hokkaido (especially Daisetsuzan)

He has his photo museum
Sounkyo Mt.Daisetsu Photo Museum.
He gave us the advise “ Try to hide the sun behind a tree”
Please try this easy technic.

《Before》Focus on the sun
@ Daisetsukougen Asahigaoka

Sunset is very beautiful, but I dare to hide the sun behind trees
《After》↓
  
@ Daisetsukougen Asahigaoka

Luminous halo and shade is very beautiful.
Looks more artistic :)

He run in the mountain when we took photos,
Because golden time (sunset) is limited.

Mr.Ichinei stays in Daisetsuzan for a month in winter for photo shooting.
Can you believe he is 75years old! So active & passionate!

In winter mountain, it will be fine only one day a week.
He said “ Waiting is a job for professional photographer ”


6. Seeing the objects through a different angle

You might have experience that
when you change your perspective, the thing looks different.


《Before》
Change angle like this↓ Bend legs, hips, necks...
↓↓↓
《After》
@Lake Kussharo

And move a step to the object. (for women 3 steps)

Don't always see things from same place,
Let's move your legs and change perspective.
You might find different world :)


7.    Try to use slow shutter speed

 When you take active object something like waterfall or river.
 What do you think about this place?

Please try to use slow shutter speed and tripod.

  《Before》Used an auto shutter speed
↓　↓　↓
《After》Used a slower shutter speed and fixed camera by tripodNearby Waterfall of Ginga & Meteor

You can see the flow of the river.
The photo looks more professional.


8. Focus on only one object

I think one of the most difficult ofject is wild animals
They never do posing for us, keep moving even ask them politely...

Mr. GengHui who has passion to photo and run his own website.
He is also good photographer, especially he likes taking picture of wild animals.
Sometimes he goes to Bukit Timah nature park to take pictures of birds.  

Please check  Photojournalist  for more beautiful pictures and Hokkaido review:)
  
Bumped into fox (Kita-kitsune) in Utoro area
Photo by Mr. GengHui

He gave me the advise “ Focus on only one object ”

《Before》I took whole landscape 
《After》Focus on an crane
 ↓　↓　↓
The object is more emphasized.


9. Having Creative Mind

 I thought “ Humm...Nothing for photo shooting ”

But if you have a creative mind like him
You can change “boring place” to “ Interesting place ” !
 Photo by Jensen Chua 

 Photo by Jensen Chua 

Amazing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is Mr.Jensen's article about Hokkaido Trip on Yahoo! Singapore:
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/hokkaido-japan-photojournal-story-raw-075200550.html


10. Bring playful sprit

Mr. Dennis Seow is a photo journalist of superadrianme.com
(You can check what should you bring to Hokkaido from his article)

He always has playful sprit!

Let's compare 2 photos which are taken at same place.

+ Playful mind
↓　↓　↓
Photo by Mr.Dennis Seow (superadrianme.com)
@Onneto

+ Playful mind
 ↓　↓　↓
Photo by Mr.Dennis Seow (superadrianme.com)


On next holiday, how about going on a trip with camera?
If you are interested in Hokkaido trip,
please contact to Moe san from Nippon Express (Singapore).
She organized this trip and give you any information.
Ms. Moe Anan: moe.anan@nittsu.com.sg


*****

Posted by Ran

Ninja Girls on Facebook

Subscribe Ninja Girls Youtube

Ran on Youtube

You can find more photos on flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ran-ninjagirls

　Ran on Instagram♪
　Please search for my user ID: ran_ninjagirls

Follow Ran's Twitter


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New Year! New Hairdo! - Tsubaki's KOMACHI first experience!!

January 15, 2015, 7:35 am
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Hi Ninja Mates! 
Tsubaki here;)

2015 has began.
Have u made your new years resolutions?
Me? haha ninja girls's is
v simple and only one.







Hahaha not bad right?


Besides that, i made up my mind that i am going to try something 
which i have been avoiding until 2014 for some reason.

Well...this is one of them. 

"Try new kind of hair colour "

I have never tried kinda outstanding hair colour in my whole life. 
Never tried blonde... pink... rainbow...
Reason because..hmm i donno maybe my parents v strict last time 
so I totally missed the timing to do "Crazy hair style" in my teenage period.

And now I am already 30 years old...

Is it too late for me to try "Crazy hair colour"?


Well, today is your youngest day in your rest of life! No reason to not give it try! 




This time i went to KOMACHI, a new Japanese hair salon located at Orchard area,





This hair salon is sister brand of Naoki Yoshihara by Ash which i blogged about many times last time.


Address:

360 Orchard Road
#02-03/04 International Building
(next to ANZ Bank)

Tel:
 63399432 or 68363391


Opening Hours: 

Monday to Friday: 10.00am-8.00pm 

Saturday to Sunday: 10.00am-7.00pm


Facebok: 






 I love the chandelier!



It is my first time to go there. The salon's decoration is coordinated with black & white.  "Simple & stylish" are the most appropriate word to them but at the same time I found it very cozy and relaxing.





                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The hairstylist Ivan, he is very skilful and kindly explained everything towards
my questions. Actually i was a bit nervous trying new hair colour and my explanation to him was like this...

"Ah, i want make it half and half… Upper half is like totally black… and lower half should be something like blonde or anything blighter…like this"   

He was amazingly able to understand my weird English and told me calmly

"Oh I understand. What u want is called "Ombre colour". No worries, I can do it for u:)" 



He is damn coooool!



According to my google check, 

"Ombrefrom the french word meaning shaded or shading. Ombre hair colour is generally darker at the roots through the mid-shaft and then gradually gets lighter from the mid-shaft to the ends"




When u google it, u can find so many "Ombre hair colour photo" actually.
But to be honest, I didn't know the word "Ombre"
in spite i knew this kind of colouring has been a trend so many years already...



.....Haha I am so outdated i know! Shut up! Shut up!!!!






Anyway, The journey to my first ombre colour has started.





These are my "Before" photo.









I wanted colour the upper part totaly black, but actually didn't cos Ivan told me that once i colour my hair black, next time it may be v difficult if i want to try other colour (Let's say brown). So i followed his advise n tried not black but chose dark brown.        

                                                                
During the colour, I was busy playing with my camera. 
Gosh!! from this angle, I look totally bold!!! 






                                                       
After coloured upper part, he started dye lower part. To make it brighter, he bleached my lower part twice so that the difference of upper side n lower side can be obvious.








OMG! Look at this!! 
Ivan told me if i want, he can put other colour to the lower part like blue, red, pink whatever,
but i decided to leave it with just bleached colour. (Maybe next time i can try diff colour??)





Anyway here i come!! Tada----!





Hehehe,  U like it??






when it curled, gradation is v beautiful.







I really like my new "Ombre hair colour".
Now selfie tiiiiimmmmmeeeeeeee!





With super talented hairstylist, Ivan! Thanks to his great consultation,
I could get this fabulous ombre colour!





New year? New hair!!!


To those who interested in Komachi,
below is the basic price of their service.

Hair cut...$80  (Ladies)  $70  (Man)
Hair Colour....$100 (Retouch)  $120 - (Full Head Colour, Depends on your hair length)
Hair Perm....$150 - (Depends on your hair length)
Treatment...$80 -


Here is good news for Ninja Mates!

you can save the flyer below in your iPhone
 and show your hair stylist so that you can enjoy
the discount price!!

This promotion price will end at end of Fec 2015.

Hurryyyy!!!



U can use this flyer in either hair salons in the following.


Naoki Yoshihara by Ash
https://www.facebook.com/NaokiYoshiharaByAsh


Komachi
https://www.facebook.com/komachi.sg 


Naoki Yoshihara by Ash Tampines
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Naoki-Yoshihara-by-Ash-Tampines/366968076797175







xoxo
Tsubaki




Tsubaki on Instagram!! Follow me!!!!
http://instagram.com/whatevershelikes

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Tsubaki make funny funny videos!

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Ninja Girls on the beach - Relaxing weekend!

August 9, 2014, 12:54 am
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Hi Ninja Mates! Tsubaki here!


Since I came to Singapore, spending time on beach has been always one of my favourite activities on weekends. Sakura and Ran are also beach-girl type, so what we needs to get are some fruits, titbits and drinks then we can happily spend whole day on a beach.






One thing we are different from other beach girls, we are BLOGGERS, so end up a relaxing moment sometime could become a serious photo taking session. Beach is one of the most photogenic spots for bloggers, how can we resist ?? hehe








Anyway, these are photos we took on the Tanjong Beach in Sentosa.
You like it? 





We must must must take selfie!


Me. I like this bikini but the thing is this shape of the bra make my boobs look hopelessly flat! 
Anyway in this photo, is not that obvious.




Sakura always bring her books to the beach.




OMG, I like this photo!






Ran. Wooooow, what would you do if u could find such a pretty girl on the beach?




Her smile is killer!




Run Ninja run!!!!





If you don't have any idea on this weekend, grab some fruits, titbits, drinks (And Camera maybe?) and go to BEACH!



Don't forget to take a group selfie!!


Have a nice weekend and Happy Birthday Singapore!! 

Xoxo

Tsubaki



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Tsubaki make funny funny videos!

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Kawaii hairdo inspired by Asuna from Sword Art Online (Anime)

February 14, 2015, 5:13 pm
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Who said our daily hairdo can't be inspired by anime characters? 



                  




ASUNA - Sword Art Online 

She is the heroine and the partner of Kirito in Sword Art Online 
who has long beautiful hair and hazel eye.

She is graceful yet strong and it attracts me a lot.












Before





Don't forget to remain a piece of hair before creating a braid





Take a section of hair on one side of the head






Actually...both sides





Create a traditional braid from a section of hair on one side of the head. 




Secure with an elastic and repeat on the other side





 Tada





Pull the braids and make it loose





Bring them together and tie them in a knot at the back of the head with another elastic.





Like this




 Remove both elastics securing each braids once it is tied in one knot 




 Hmm.. But  it is not finished yet.




Take a piece of hair from the braided ends fall straight




Wrap it around the elastic to hide it and secure it with one or two bobby pins




Done, finally





After 





With Asuna









Tsubaki (Atsuko Sato,  Japanese):

I am so clever that sometimes
 I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.


ninjagirlssg@hotmail.com





Do subscribe Ninja Girls You Tube!

Tsubaki make funny funny videos!

Dun forget "LIKE" our FB!



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Popin' Cookin - Japanese DIY Candy Bento Kit-

February 17, 2015, 6:39 pm
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Japanese sweets
Popin' Cookin - Make! Bento! -
JPY 250 = USD2.5

This is a DIY candy kit, edible jelly Bento (lunch box).

▶︎▶︎▶︎Package


Actually this is supposed to be kids,
but it catches the attention of adults because of its quality and unique concept.

▶︎What's inside?

▶︎▶︎▶︎Making Bento

3 easy steps
Step1: Add water on the tray
Step2: Add broccoli powder (green powder)
Step3: Stir it with a fork

▶︎▶︎▶︎Making rice

Step1: Add water on the tray
Step2: Add rice ball powder (white powder)
Step3: Stir it with a fork until it gets well-mixed

It looks different from other ingredients.
Texture is more sticky and it looks like real rice.


▶︎▶︎▶︎Making a small Panda shape ball rice 
& Onigiri (Rice Ball)
Add Black powder on the tray
Looks like sesame but it tastes like grape
Put small rice ball into black powder like a stamp.


▶︎▶︎▶︎Making Spagetti 

Mix orange powder and water together
Put orange soft candy puts into a small bag & squeeze like this

▶︎▶︎▶︎Arrange them beautifully into a lunch box
(This time I used a plate)
Of course you can eat them all.
It doesn't contain any dangerous ingredients.
It is made with no preservatives and artificial coloring.

Omelet(yellow)→ Lemon flavor
Broccoli(green)→ Muscat flavor
Fried Chicken(Orange)→ Orange flavor
Sausage(Red)→ Strawberry flavor
Spagetti Naporitana→ Grape flavor



Written by Ran

Ran (Manami Iwatani, Japanese)



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New year! New video series! "Japanese by dummies" Lesson 1: Self introduction 自己紹介（じこしょうかい）

February 19, 2015, 6:57 pm
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If you are interested in Japanese language, you'll love our new series!
Check out our new video series "Japanese by dummies".
We have been woking on it for quite a long time,
and I am so glad that I am launching it.... finally.





We will be uploading this series every week, tentatively,
but since I am the only one who is drawing and editing all these,
so..... let me do my best.
Or maybe you can motivate me by sharing with us how you liked it!






Hope the anime-version of Ninja Girls can be your new best friend.
Enjoy the video!






Written by: Sakura



Sakura (Aya Imura, Japanese, Singapore PR):

The most misunderstood introvert in Singapore. Being on the cover of FHM with bikinis doesn't make me any outgoing, ok? I'm nerdy, quirky, shy, and always 40% less pretty than most of my photos. And I'm proud of it, thanks.  ninjagirlssg@hotmail.com












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5 things I really liked about Kata i4 -Octa core CPU, 5" HD display, 2GB RAM, 32GB internal storage and many more!-

February 21, 2015, 5:49 pm
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Sorry iPhone, I don't think I am going back to you any more. My first "affordable smartphone" Kata i4 blew me away!




KataUSA is a brand new player in Singapore's smart phone market, and to be honest with you, I had never heard of this brand before. This i4 is their latest model and currently sold online at Lazada.sg at SGD358.

But if you think this is just another "cheap" smart phone, you will be shocked. Try holding it with your own palm, It doesn't feel "cheap" at all! I have been using this phone for a few days and I have already found so many things I like about this phone. Let me share with you some of them.



1. Stylish design



I FIND THE DESIGN OF i4 REALLY COOL. It's designed in USA and manufactured in China, and I can see huge influence of iPhone series in their design, but I have to say it's looking better than the latest iPhone. Really catches people's attention. I have no idea how many of my friends have asked me the same question: "Cool phone! What is this?"



2. Good Selfie camera


This is what it really matters to a blogger like me. My phone must have a good camera. It's got 16MP rear camera and 8MP front camera. Yes, 8MP front camera! This is better than most of the smartphones in the market right now. Perfect for selfies. Oh, but the cameras don't come with digital zoom though. And I like the Face beauty mode, it's like those Japanese photo sticker!!


Without Face Beauty Mode:



With Face Beauty Mode:



3. Fast processor


You can open so many apps at the same time without any trouble. Very smooth and reliable. No more waiting!



4. Powerful speaker


It comes with Yamaha loudspeaker. Until I use this phone I really didn't know having a good speaker on my phone can be so convenient. Now I can watch YouTube video with my friends without keeping our faces too near to the phone!



5. Huge storage


32GB internal storage + 10GB Kata cloud + Additional 25GB Kata cloud = A LOT. I don't think I need such a big storage immediately but it surely gives me a peace of mind.




So here are the things I really like about Kata i4. The only thing this phone is missing is LTE (4G)..... It could have been perfect if it had LTE! Well, anyway, I am deeply sincerely satisfied with this phone. If you are looking for something different, go for this phone. Your friends will be jealous of you.




Sakura (Aya Imura, Japanese, Singapore PR):

The most misunderstood introvert in Singapore. Being on the cover of FHM with bikinis doesn't make me any outgoing, ok? I'm nerdy, quirky, shy, and always 40% less pretty than most of my photos. And I'm proud of it, thanks.  ninjagirlssg@hotmail.com







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POPIN' COOKIN - Japanese DIY Candy Sushi Kit -

February 23, 2015, 3:16 pm
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Popin' Cookin - Happy Sushi House -

This is a DIY candy kit, edible sushi shape jelly.

▶︎▶︎▶︎Package

▶︎▶︎▶︎ What's inside

▶︎▶︎▶︎ Making Rice
Add water on the tray.
Add sushi rice powder.
Stir it with a spoon (include) until it gets well-mixed.
Gradually it starts to have rice texture.

▶︎▶︎▶︎Making Egg
Add water on the tray.
Add egg powder (yellow).
Stir it well and make the surface flat.

Making tuna is the same way.

▶︎▶︎▶︎ Making Seaweed
 Looks like chocolate.
Stretch out black soft candy with fingers
until it fits the seaweed length guide.

▶︎▶︎▶︎ Making sushi rice
Form sushi rice with your hands.

▶︎Making Salmon roe
Add water in both section A & B on the tray.
Add Ikuranomoto (A/Blue package) to section A
Add Ikuranomoto (B/Orange package) to section B
Stir it well with a spoon.
Use dropper and soak up the red liquid ( section B)
Then drop the liquid into the blue liquid (section A)
from a high of 3cm and make round-shape.

Surprise! It looks real salmon roe!

▶︎▶︎▶︎ Making Ikura (Salmon roe) Gunkan
Wrap sushi rice with seaweed (black soft candy)
Top with salmon roe

▶︎▶︎▶︎Making Sushi
Cut tuna and eggs half with a spoon.
Put Tuna & Egg (jelly) on rice balls

▶︎▶︎▶︎Place the sushis in a serving dish 
You can eat them all !
It contains no preservatives or artificial coloring.
The taste is grape flavor.

It's good for a small gift from Japan
You can get it on online as well.


Written by Ran (Manami Iwatani, Japanese)
 

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Here's what you will see tomorrow at Chingay Parade -Faces of Singapore from Chingay Preview-

February 25, 2015, 6:20 pm
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 Who's going to Chingay Parade tomorrow, or the day ofter tomorrow? It's "Special SG50 Edition" this year, and they even call it "Greatest Parade in Chingay History"........ WOW. 






Guess what, we were invited to the preview a few weeks ago, and took a lot of pictures to share the fun with you guys! I didn't take any video, so please relax and enjoy the photos, there's no spoiler!







There were so many kids at the preview! I heard they invite local students to the preview every year. Look how excited they are!






20 mins before the amazing show....... we got to see the backstage and feel the excitement all around in the air!



Photo credit: Kayo Kobayashi

Photo credit: Kayo Kobayashi

Photo credit: Kayo Kobayashi





This year's parade, you will see a lot of eco-flowers everywhere in the show. This is recycled from plastic bag!














Oh they provide you many "cheering" tools. Don't be shy, shake them hard and tell the world how to party, yeah!






"If you're not in the parade, you watch the parade. That's life." -Mike Ditka









Oh by the way there's a superstar dancer in the photo above. My mother in law!






















Unfortunately tickets are sold out already, so those of you who got the tickets already..... lucky you!!! Enjoy the show, have lots of fun, and feel the vibes of Singapore. All faces we see in the parade are simply beautiful, don't you agree?





Sakura (Aya Imura, Japanese, Singapore PR):

The most misunderstood introvert in Singapore. Being on the cover of FHM with bikinis doesn't make me any outgoing, ok? I'm nerdy, quirky, shy, and always 40% less pretty than most of my photos. And I'm proud of it, thanks.  ninjagirlssg@hotmail.com












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[New Video] Innovative Japanese Artisanal Products -Rin Crossing is coming to Singapore for IFFS 2015!-

February 27, 2015, 4:19 am
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Let's have a quick tour to the world of Japanese artisanal products, shall we? Rin Crossing, Japanese online platform introducing artisanal products from Japan, is coming to Singapore soon to attend International Furniture Fair Singapore 2015. They let me try some of the interesting stuffs they are bringing in this time...... and I had a lot of fun with them!!

(New video at the bottom)



-Sumi no chocolate-



Can you guess what this is made for?






No, it's not for you to eat! This is a chocolate-shaped ceramic carbon. It absorbs moisture and deodorises, so you can put them anywhere to keep your stuffs odore-free. Popular gift in Japan now, even TV news are talking about it!






You can use it by itself, but also can use it with an aroma oil you have, just drop one drop on it!



-Colorful Masu-



Have you seen traditional Masu box? Yes this is what you use to drink Sake at Japanese restaurants. But did you know it's also a symbol of prosperity and wealth, too? Find out why in the video!






So this is more modern version of traditional Masu box. Young designer's inspiration made it so hip and fun!







-Aroma Candle HONOKA-



Candle lovers, you will love this unique piece! Yes it smells so Japanese, very nice and tasteful, but not just that. It's wrapped by special kind of Washi paper to make beautiful shadow all around! It has won "Good design award" in Japan.






















-Chat-



I just love these plates. It's speech bubble shaped!!! So cute. How you want to play with it is all up to you. Since it's so inspiring, it's even sold at museum shop at MOMA New York. Museum quality!







These are just a small part of what they are having at the exhibition this time. You will see more stuffs at Rin crossing Booth (Booth number: 4C-78). IFFS is mainly for business buyers, but I heard it's open for public on the last day. It will be held at Singapore Expo from 13th to 16th March!






I like how Japanese make their products. We always put 100% passion and effort in it, and sometimes continue it through generations. These innovative Japanese artisanal products are surely a result of our traditional craftsmanship, and at the same time, it has the creativity and cheekiness of Manga. Lovely, aren't they?






Sakura (Aya Imura, Japanese, Singapore PR):

The most misunderstood introvert in Singapore. Being on the cover of FHM with bikinis doesn't make me any outgoing, ok? I'm nerdy, quirky, shy, and always 40% less pretty than most of my photos. And I'm proud of it, thanks.  ninjagirlssg@hotmail.com





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[New Video] Lesson 2: Basic Greeting (挨拶/あいさつ) -Japanese by dummies-

March 2, 2015, 2:16 am
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Thanks for waiting! Second episode of Japanese by dummies is now on YouTube. We are learning Basic Greetings this time. In this episode, there's an important lecture about the most useful Japanese word ever which is "Doumo", find out how you can use this word in the video!

(Video link below)







Click to start the video or click the link below to watch it on YouTube......





Written by: Sakura



Sakura (Aya Imura, Japanese, Singapore PR):

The most misunderstood introvert in Singapore. Being on the cover of FHM with bikinis doesn't make me any outgoing, ok? I'm nerdy, quirky, shy, and always 40% less pretty than most of my photos. And I'm proud of it, thanks.  ninjagirlssg@hotmail.com






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I left Singapore to live with my Mr. Right! -This is what happened after the video-

March 4, 2015, 5:28 pm
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Hi Ninja mates! Ran here!
Today I have something important to tell you.



I left Singapore and came back to Japan.



Yes, I am writing this article in Tokyo.
I’m sorry for making this decision so sudden without telling you guys.



Why did I go back to Japan?
Bored with Singapore?



Nooooo Way !!!!!!!!




I miss Singapore a lot and always think about it.


When I choose a bento box at convenience store,
I always think of hot and yummy hawker foods.


When I walk down the street with many layer of winter clothes,
I wish I could go to anywhere with a short pants, T-shirts and flip-flops.


I miss the days I could go to the beach 365 days a year!
Singapore is the amazing country for me!
I enjoyed the life and I have everything there.



My BFFs, stable job, confortable house and nice roomy like a sister, and my dreams....


Singapore has a culture that accepts various kinds of believes, personalities, religions…
It’s natural that many kinds of races, nationalities live together.
People there have positive mind and full of energy.

I REALLY LOVE IT !

The time I spent in Singapore totally changed my life.

 

The left photos were shot on the day when I left Japan for Singapore.
The right photos were shot in Singapore after 4 years

           

I had everything in Singapore, but one thing...


* * *


About 1 year ago, 
we made a video called “ 29 year old Japanese girl looking for her Mr. Right ”.
You could have known us through this video.



 Thank you again for supporting me!
I have to tell you what happened after releasing the video.



From the conclusion



I found my Mr right.







I received a message from a man who saw the video.
In one of the emails, 
he reminded me about a music festival which I was wondering if I should go or not.



I decided to go to the music festival and then met my “Mr.right.”



I felt a good feeling when I saw him first time and he felt the same.
After a while we started dating.



Sorry I cannot talk about the details of him.
I just say he is a non-Japanese and works as a system engineer.


Mature…???
Independent...Yes
Overseas experience...He has

He loves travel, movie, running and cooking.
We cook together sometimes :)



Actually he didn’t know about the video.
But if we didn’t make the video I couldn’t see him.



Life is always unexpected.



* * *



 A few months later we started dating, 
Then.... he suddenly transferred to Tokyo.



Before I heard the news 
I’ve never thought to leave Singapore.



Should I follow him or not.....??
After thinking about that for a long time,
I decided to go back to Japan with him.




Sakura chan & Tsubaki chan said to me



“You are a member of Ninja Girls even when you go back to Japan or live anywhere in the world.”



They gave me a big big courage.



And above all, 
Thank you for reading this article and always supporting us.
I’m very grateful to you!



Of course I continue Ninja Girls project from Tokyo!



* * *


I have always wanted to try something after go back to Japan.
 It is… Ninja Training !


（↑ This is just image photo lol）

Actually I've already started to do Ninja Training @ Ninja Dojyo in Tokyo.
I’m a super beginner though.



I will talk about it in the near feature.
Please look forward to it.




Ran from Tokyo with Love


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[New Video] Lesson 3: Thank you & I'm sorry ありがとう＆ごめんなさい -Japanese by dummies-

March 6, 2015, 3:22 am
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Konnichiwa! Third episode of Japanese by dummies is now on Youtube, this time we are learning about "Thank you" and "I'm sorry" in Japanese! When you visit a country you are not familiar with, these are the kind of words you want to know first. So we have put many useful phrases in this video, hope you enjoy!

(Video link below)






Click to start the video or click the link below to watch it on YouTube......


Written by: Sakura



Sakura (Aya Imura, Japanese, Singapore PR):

The most misunderstood introvert in Singapore. Being on the cover of FHM with bikinis doesn't make me any outgoing, ok? I'm nerdy, quirky, shy, and always 40% less pretty than most of my photos. And I'm proud of it, thanks.  ninjagirlssg@hotmail.com






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[New Video] Lesson 4: Count to ten in Japanese 10までの数の数え方 -Japanese by dummies-

March 13, 2015, 9:27 pm
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Konnichiwa! Fourth episode of Japanese by dummies is now on Youtube, we are learning how to count to ten this time!

(Video link below)








Click to start the video or click the link below to watch it on YouTube......


Written by: Sakura



Sakura (Aya Imura, Japanese, Singapore PR):

The most misunderstood introvert in Singapore. Being on the cover of FHM with bikinis doesn't make me any outgoing, ok? I'm nerdy, quirky, shy, and always 40% less pretty than most of my photos. And I'm proud of it, thanks.  ninjagirlssg@hotmail.com







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[Event report] J-OBSESSION!! - obsessed with Japanese sub-culture?

March 18, 2015, 11:29 am
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"Kaonashi", sheepy.....and me. Cute right?  hehe










Have you heard of J-OBSESSION, Japanese sub-culture event started in 2010?
Me and Sakura popped into their 6th J-OBSESSION at Cathay Cineplexes last Sunday.

It is was the first time for us to attend this event and 
it was very interesting.

https://www.facebook.com/JObsession2010




Performance with Odorite







Oh she was really good






Performance by a local band






Boyes holding cameras







Photographers 






Watching cos-players are the best part of the event for me.
I always admire their passion, enthusiasm and a lot of efforts for cos-play.

             I was shocked because of her White contact lens 




                      Do you know what character she is inspired abt this cos-play?





So cute....but she looked super hot!!



  Cool trio!



Awww they are so cite!




D

Do you want take a look of behind the scene?





Another cos-play... Solder vs Zombe...one of my favourites in the event.




Of course "Kaonashi" is my favourite of favourite!






We were not cos-players but somehow still taken photo by these lovely photographers!
I think it is because we wore Yukata (Jaoanese Kimono)


This photo is the one from "My perspective" when they were trying take photo of me.







Selfie with one of awesome photographers! 
Thank you sooo much!!!




Tsubaki (Atsuko Sato,  Japanese):

I am so clever that sometimes
 I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.


ninjagirlssg@hotmail.com



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Japan Report: My first time experience of MIXED Onsen

March 23, 2015, 10:19 am
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Hi Ninja Mates, Ran from Tokyo:) 
It's gradually getting warmer and warmer in Japan.
Spring is just around the corner!
I wait impatiently.

BUT

Just one thing...

I have a pollen allergy (; _ ;)

So I always wear a mask in these days.

Atishoooo


* * * * *

Anyway,
I went on a short trip a few weeks ago.
Takaragawa Onsen is a Japanese style hotel (Ryokan) with outside Onsen.
They get many good reviews on Trip adviser.
It's in Gunma prefecture and it takes about 3-4hours from Tokyo by car.
I was surprised that it still has many snows.
The area also famous for ski resort.

If you want to have something “ special Japanese experience ” I really recommend.
It looks old but you must be relax:)
 They provide Yukata as night clothes and you can chose your favorite design from among many.
 The place is very popular and always fully booked.
Because of amazing outside Onsen!

Sooooo Beautiful!!!!!
It's the best Onsen ever.
I was so excited like this!

Food was also good.
You can have Japanese style full course meal which is called “ Kaiseki Ryouri”.
Their speciality is bear meat soup.

They have four kinds of outside Onsen.
The place is special, because of not only location but also MIXED Onsen!
I've never tried before, so this is first time for me.
Normally you cannot put a towel into a bath,
but they provide special Onsen cloth (Yuamigi) only for women.

For guys? Of course must be naked!
( You can bring a small towel. No worries ;p)

At the beginning, I felt a bit shy but get used to it soon. Lol
The place is spacious, so I can keep my private space.
I think this place easy for Mixed Onsen beginner.

You can enjoy with your boyfriend / girlfriend or family:)

* * * * *

The next day I went to Houshi Onsen for just taking a bath.
The Onsen has a tradition going back 140 years
and it is registered tangible cultural property.
This place made me feel like slip back in time.

They also have mixed Onsen.
But they don't provide Onsen cloth and even women cannot bring towel into a bath...
And this Onsen is not so big.
To be honest it's almost occupied by men.
One guy took a bath with glasses...
The place and traditional Onsen is pretty nice.
That's interesting experience.
But I think it's not comfortable for women.
Japan has many amazing places and cultures which I still don't know.
Hope to discover more and more and want to share with you!




Ran from Tokyo with Love


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[New Video] Lesson 5: At restaurant レストランで使える表現 -Japanese by dummies-

March 31, 2015, 3:40 am
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Konnichiwa! Here comes the last episode of "Japanese by dummies"! This time we are learning useful phrases at a restaurant. Enjoy!

(Video link below)





Click to start the video or click the link below to watch it on YouTube......

Written by: Sakura



Sakura (Aya Imura, Japanese, Singapore PR):

The most misunderstood introvert in Singapore. Being on the cover of FHM with bikinis doesn't make me any outgoing, ok? I'm nerdy, quirky, shy, and always 40% less pretty than most of my photos. And I'm proud of it, thanks.  ninjagirlssg@hotmail.com








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“Why are the trade unions in Singapore so weak?” I asked NTUC Chief Lim Swee Say.

April 2, 2015, 8:00 pm
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One of the benefits I get as a blogger, is that I get to meet important people all the time. On this occasion, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Lim Swee Say, the Secretary General of the NTUC. Before meeting him, I Googled about trade unions in Singapore.


I found this Japanese website talking about “benefits of doing business in Singapore”. There are the usual low corporate tax, efficient system, great human resources… nothing surprising to me, but what I found at the very end was rather shocking.


It said: “Weak trade unions". The business consultant who wrote the article was actually telling Japanese people to come do business in Singapore, because the trade unions here are so weak there’s nobody to keep them from abusing their workers. Is this true?




Therefore, I asked Mr. Lim Swee Say, the Secretary-General of NTUC, what he thought about this phenomenon.


“Haha…. I wonder what they meant by ‘weak’. Were there any reason in the article?” said Lim


“No, Mr. Lim. But I suppose they are saying so because you don’t do strikes in Singapore.”


“Ah-huh. So we must do strikes to be a strong trade union, is that what people think?”


“I guess many people in this world are thinking that strikes are the strongest weapon we workers have and must make use of it”, I said.


He gave me a cheeky smile, sat back in the sofa and shared with me the following points:




1. Strong trade unions do not need strikes.

"If you can get what you want without going on strike, would you go on strike? Singapore’s unemployment rate is very low and average salary is increasing.
Wage gain is faster than inflation today. I think we are doing well without going rough, don’t you think so?”


2. Singapore unions can still go on strikes.

“If you don’t want to go on strike but your union leaders decide to carry on,
in most countries, it means you are out of luck.  You have to give up work and wait for the strike to be over. In Singapore, we think this shouldn’t happen.
So we only allow the strike to happen when this is the decision voted by over 51% of the workers. So…. if you want to go on strike, you can. Anytime. Go on."


3. Our unions are not big. But they are efficient.

“We have 6,000 union leaders. It may not sound like a big number. But do you know we are the only country in this world with retirement age fixed for union leaders? You see, once you have power, most people don’t want to give it up. And that’s how systems start going wrong. We keep it small and smart. Always go for efficiency rather than just being BIG. If you think bigger is better, that’s not always true in trade unions.”


4. The membership is growing.

“We have more and more union members every year. You cannot judge our union strength by number of members, but because of this increase, we can be stronger in negotiation and get more results for our workers. We are active. We are growing.


So….. do you still think we are ‘weak’?"




I thought I should tell my fellow Japanese businessmen they would be very disappointed if they ever expect Singapore’s trade unions to be weak and quiet.


The unions come after you in the most efficient manner to make sure workers are treated well. But after the dialogue, Mr. Lim whispered to me with his cheeky smile again.


“Maybe we should keep ourselves looking ‘weak’……. so we can have more businesses come to Singapore, eh?”


You guys have the coolest labour chief, I must say.


(Visit Five Stars and A Moon for comments and discussions!)



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Cos-player interview - Kaika from The Cosplay Chronicles

April 11, 2015, 8:41 pm
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Kaika










Kaika is a Singapore based Cosplayer. Her ability as a Blogger and Vlogger has also given her a number of opportunities to represent Singapore and cover foreign events, also she became Top 10 finalist in Singapore Blog Award for the third straight year. You may want to check her blog and YouTube channel to know more about her remarkable achievement.


Blog: http://www.thecosplaychronicles.net
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/elpheal


What got you into cosplay when you started cosplay?

Hmmm I just naturally have always been a fan of animated stuffs. As a kid I loved drawing and when I discovered anime/manga it was instant addiction. Like many people, I aspired to be like superheroes. So when I discovered 'Cosplay' was a chance to live as a superhero for a day, I jumped straight in. Now it is a creative outlet in my life where I explore creating Art while paying tribute to thee fictitious characters and stories that touched my heart. 




Who is cosplayer you admire?

I like a lot of different cosplayers haha! I like anyone who cosplay the characters I like and anyone who puts in a lot of effort




What is the most memorable cosplay you ever did? Why?

Haha It's hard to nominate a favourite because they are all my beloved children. Each of them represents a story and have my memories weaved into every one of them.
But I guess Shana from Shakugan no Shana and Mogami Kyoko from Skip beat! bears a special place in my heart.




For this Shakugan no Shana iii cosplay, it was the first time I ever worked with real fire. It was a slightly scary experience but thanks to the photographer, pyrotechnicians and helpers, the photos turned out really well.

Due to my immerse fandom for Mogami Kyoko and the storyline, I cosplayed 5 different versions of Mogami Kyoko from Skip Beat! I think this is the first time I’ve ever done so many variant of the same character before haha.







Due to my immerse fandom for Mogami Kyoko and the storyline, I cosplayed 5 different versions of Mogami Kyoko from Skip Beat! I think this is the first time I’ve ever done so many variant of the same character before haha.









Elsa from FROZEN also comes into memory because her costume was very difficult to make and I fell sick halfway through. To make things sweeter, I had a very handsome Jack Frost pair up with me. She is a Singaporean cosplayer called Yuanie 
(https://www.facebook.com/yuanie.cos ). We also had a lot of fun conceptualising and preparing the props needed for the photoshoot.








•
Last but not least would be my Rurouni Kenshin photoshoot with Jin Joson(https://www.facebook.com/Jin.behindinfinity) from Philippines. I was cosplaying as Yukishiro Tomoe , the first wife of Himura Kenshin. The photoshoot has a very special meaning to me because not only was Tomoe my very first cosplay from more than 10 years ago, I also finally had a wonderful Kenshin to pair up with me! To top it off, with thanks to Jin and our photographer Reskiy’s amazing talent, we even managed to bring to life the final death scene.
I cannot fully express how awesome it is for a long time fan to be able to pay tribute to a series this way but it was just a really amazing experience.  




                                                                    http://thecosplaychronicles.blogspot.sg/2015/01/rurouni-kenshin-trust-betrayal.html


What Cosplay do your have planned for the future? 


Just some old titles and characters I've been looking to cosplay for a long time.
Hoping to cosplay Sakai Yuuji from Shakugan no Shana 3, Luneth (warrior version) from Final Fantasy 3 and Kirito from Sword Art Online 1. Maybe also Princess Ariel from Disney’s Little Mermaid.



Which part do you like best when creating cosplay?

I guess i like the part where everything's done and I'm just focused on bringing the characters to life with pictures haha. So I like the photoshoot part haha.





Do you think Singapore is cosplay-friendly country? Why?

Compared to Japan, yes haha. For the mere fact that Singaporean cosplayers can wear their costumes on the MRT but Japanese cosplayers would never dare to do that in Japan. I once saw a guy dressed up as Batman exit a train in Tokyo but it was during Halloween so I'm not sure if the western festival made any exceptions.
I think Singapore’s media has been very positive about Cosplay the last few years. And that has helped to shape a more wholesome and positive public image in Singapore. I like to think that while Singapore is a conservative country with strong Asian roots, she is also a land that is receptive to differences. 





What is your personal motto? - To Your Fans!

I have no fans haha.
One of my personal motto in life is to respect others and respect myself.
Don't change who you are just because you're donning a superhero costume. A superhero costume doesn't change our life, it's a superhero attitude that changes lives.
And that applies to everything we do. From the way we carry ourselves in public while donning a costume, to our attitude and actions towards fellow cosplayers.



Thank you Kaika!


Check our her blog and Youtube!!












Tsubaki (Atsuko Sato,  Japanese):

I am so clever that sometimes
 I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.


ninjagirlssg@hotmail.com





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