Lucky☆Star - References List [Read On!]

[Pellissier]

This thread is meant to keep a Complete List (if we will ever able to do it!) of all the references we're able to spot in Lucky Star! Where possible, background explanations and useful links will also be posted, in order to fully understand what was going on, how, when and why.

The list will be kept up to date from now on, by adding infos about a newly aired episode each week.

A fundamental rule to see your contributions here will be to post informations on the Cultural References in Lucky Star (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=48610) thread only! Other than for discussion, that thread is also meant to seek and organize informations that will find a place here (check first (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=976305&postcount=1) and second (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=977126&postcount=2) post in particular). Hence, to make Mods' life easier, only posts from there will be considered.

The users who will see their post published here will of course be mentioned and credited (so that they could be "prized" if someone wishes to :)). But don't worry because users who will show a particularly good, useful and creative attitude will be mentioned and credited as well ;)

[Pellissier]

Episode 1:

1) A couple of annotations by Kaioshin_Sama (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=976330&postcount=3):

- When Konata tells the story of how she saved Tsukasa from an evil foreigner (http://xs216.xs.to/xs216/07231/1-Tsukasa-foreigner.jpg), the video of her beating up the foreigner shows her using the Tatsumi Senpuu Kyaku (Ryu and Ken's special move) on a Foreigner (http://xs216.xs.to/xs216/07231/2-konatavsforeigner.jpg) who looks like Street Fighter 2's Guile (http://xs216.xs.to/xs216/07231/3-sfguile.png) in Ryu's Japan Stage from the same game. Also the Street Fighter 2 Interface is used for this scene as well. (http://xs216.xs.to/xs216/07231/4-sfbg.jpg)

- The ending theme sung by Konata (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq5abWK2IRg) is the opening (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ludyPuzcFUo&mode=related&search=) from an old 1976 Metal Hero Series called Uchū Tetsujin Kyodain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uchuu_Tetsujin_Kyodain).

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2) Informations posted by aohige (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=977100&postcount=9):


-The newspaper article Kagami was reading, is lifted from the Yasuyoshi Kobayashi case. Kobayashi kidnapped and held a girl in confinement with a dog leash on her. He confessed to wanting to keep her as his slave.
His nickname among some people was "prince Kobayashi", due to his looks. On Internet, many referred to him as "confining prince".
The newspaper Kagami is reading says "confining princess", as a reference to this incident.

-Many of the stores you see in the show are slightly modefied names of stores near the Kasukabe train station.

-The way Shiraishi calls out the next episode preview is mimicking how the popular cartoon series Sazae-san introduces the previews.


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3a) AVPlaya (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1000005&postcount=43) tells us a bit about the Opening Theme:

The two-handed heart gesture the girls made during the OP dance is a signature move for Morning Musume (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morning_Musume), requently made by two of the "cute" members, Michishige Sayum (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sayumi_Michishige)i and Kusumi Koharu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koharu_Kusumi). The gesture is also part of Kusumi Koharu's PV dance for "Balalaika", the OP of the extremely popular young girl's anime, "Kirarin Revolution (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirarin_Revolution)".

I guess everyone knows that KyoAni OP/ED dances are parodies of Hello! Project (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hello%21_Project) groups, right? I was playing the 2006 Momusu concert as I was building my home gym last night and boy, I would guess that the great majority of the Wotas at the concert probably watched both Haruhi and Lucky Star. There's must be a huge overlap between idoru otaku and anime otaku.

3b) Always about the OP, AVPlaya (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1147308&postcount=131) adds another little bit:

The sideway gun guesture Konata made during the OP, in which she jabs the viewer with her index finger several times, seemed to be a reference to a part of the Akiba-idol group AKB48 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AKB48)'s dance for their single "Aitakatta". At the end of the chorus, during the line "Kimi ni...", all the girls would point their right hand up in the exact fashion as Konata and point forward as the finish the line.

I believe this is a reference because 1. The song came before L*S started, and 2. We know KyoAni watches idol groups obsessed by the Wotas like Momusu to get their idea for their OP/ED dances. An online discussion revealed that several famous ota-gei movements were performed by the SOS-dan during the full Hare Hare Yukai dance. I'm quite sure they must have viewed all available video on the rising star of the Wota scene - AKB48 - when planning their dancing segments.

You can reference these two videos - the gesture is pretty much the signature move of the song. I'm sure it performed many a moe-death to the otageishi screaming below.

Aitakatta MV
4CTFZpAla2E

Aitakatta Concert performance
7bAcQjCjH_4

[Pellissier]

Episode 2:

1) Written by Kaioshin_Sama (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=976330&postcount=3):


- During the arcade sequence Konata plays a Crane game with Keroro Gunsou (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keroro_(character)) characters as the prize.

- During the arcade sequence Konata plays the Haruhi ending theme Hare Hare Yukai on Taiko Drum Master (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiko_Drum_Master)

- During the arcade sequence the fighting game Konata is playing is similar to Tekken (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tekken) with Konata's character resembling Craig Marduk (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Marduk) and her opponents character slightly resembling Ling Xiaoyu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xiaoyu).

- During the sequence where Konata talks about the Dentist, she says Change Getter with a picture of a dentist in the background. Change Getter is a command that the Getter Robo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Getter_robo) pilots shout in order to shift the Getter Robo into different forms. The picture also seems to be meant to invoke an image of Shin-Getter 2 (http://xs216.xs.to/xs216/07231/revoltech008getter1.jpg)

- Following the Shin Getter reference is a parody of the opening to Gunbuster (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunbuster) by Gainax, with the Exelion (http://xs216.xs.to/xs216/07231/exelion01.gif) in the background and the first few bars of the Gunbuster opening Active Heart (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB7Z5ymA0xg) playing in the background.

- In one scene there is a poster with a picture of Lisianthus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisianthus) from Shuffle! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuffle) on it.


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2) Posted by PirateSkittles (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=976858&postcount=7):

Not sure about this one, but in Tsukasa's room, when they compare what the twins are doing during their break, there's a green plush toy with an orange hat...it looks a lot like the frog in "Negima?!".

Kagami's eating our beloved treat, Pocky. <3

Konata reads Comptiq magazine

When Konata talks about Drama CDs not having the same cast as the anime, Lucky Star's Drama CDs don't have the same casts (amongst other series with the same dilemma).

The karaoke (ending) song sung by Konata is the opening of Akumaizer 3, "Victory! Akumaizer 3".

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3) Provided by aohige (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=977100&postcount=9):

- The voice actors changing from Drama CD to Anime is also poking fun at this show itself.
The same thing happened to Lucky Star CDs and Anime. :heh:

- When the sisters are imagining Konata working as a part-timer at a fast food restaurant, you see "Smile 0-yen" on the menu.
This was a slogan that McDonalds of Japan used to run many years ago.

- When Shiraishi greets on the Lucky Channel, he almost mubles his line as Taniguchi from Suzumiya Haruhi, going "Wa-wa-wa" (continues to wasuremono)
This line got very popular among fans on the net, and has been used in numerous MADs.
The voice actor is aware of this, and that's why he used the joke.

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4) Additional informations by Manatsu (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=977945&postcount=14):

The Koi no Apron show which Kagami mentioned in ep 2 is apparently a real show on Japanese TV, though it only exists as two special shows for the Ai no Apron format of TV reality cooking contest, which mainly pits female celebrities/idols against each other individually or in groups with the task of completing a given menu and have the dish tasted by the judges. The novelty is that not all of the celebrities invited are apt cooks, especially the younger ones. Imagine them wrecking havoc in the kitchen and later have their "masterpiece" judged and getting punished for making poison, that's supposedly one of the selling point of the show.

The reference was at the most in name only, since Kagami was watching a drama serial and not a variety show.
The entry in the japanese wiki is named 赤い洗面器の男 (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%B5%A4%E3%81%84%E6%B4%97%E9%9D%A2%E5%99%A8%E3%8 1%AE%E7%94%B7) (romanized as "akai senmenki no otoko", meaning "red wash basin man"). Apparently, it is a running gag found in Mitani Koki's work, a famous Japanese playwright in Japan. Most of them appeared in Furuhata Ninzaburo, a popular detective drama serial from the 90's, where Tamura Masakazu (some J-dorama fans should be able to recognize him) plays the title character. The gag is such that a character will talk about the red wash basin man and ask the question "why does he balance the red wash basin on his head?", but the punchline is always never given.

[Pellissier]

Episode 3:

1) Posted by Kaioshin_Sama (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=976330&postcount=3):

- The Train is a common method of travelling in Japan and can often be very cramped and overheated. The train ride highlights and plays the riding of trains in Japan as well as inverts the common problem of perverted men gropin females by instead having Konata lift her shirt while fanning herself and a man turn away in embarassment.

- Japanese High School Students often where lighter clothes in the summer and Kagami was seen changing into her summer uniform.

- Tsukasa's winter uniform that she mistakenly puts on bears a remarkable resemblance to the one's seen in the eroge To Heart (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Heart) and worn by Akari Kagamigishi (http://xs216.xs.to/xs216/07231/akaric222.jpg) who Tsukasa resembles aside from the purple hair.

- During one of the sequences characters appear who resemble those from Cromartie High School (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cromartie_High_School) including Takeshi Kamiya (center-bottom) and Shinjiro Hayashida (right).

- During another sequence characters who resemble those from Pani Poni Dash (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pani_Poni_Dash) appear including one who resembles Rebecca Miyamoto (http://xs216.xs.to/xs216/07231/BeckyMiyamoto.jpg) and Rei Tachibana (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/03/TachibanaRei.jpg).

- One of the games played by Konata and Kagami resembles Virtua Fighter (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtua_Fighter) with Konata's character resembling Akira Yuki (http://xs216.xs.to/xs216/07231/454px-Akira_Yuki.jpg).

- The game that Konata beats Kagami at is a quiz game. Quiz Games are quite popular in Japan, but if one practices with the same game long enough they can memorize the questions and patterns, and even answer before the question is finished. This is something Konata knows and takes advantage of, but Kagami also knows showing that this is fairly common knowledge in Japanese culture.

- The Ending Theme is Sorega Ai Deshou (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ_42w_m5hU), which is the Opening Theme from Full Metal Panic: Fumoffu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fumoffu).

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2) Provided by PirateSkittles (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=976858&postcount=7):

When Konata speaks of detectives, she mentions Conan from "Meitantei Conan" (Detective Conan) and Kindaichi from Kindaichi Shōnen no Jikenbo (Kindaichi Case Files), both manga series about detectives. [edit by Pellissier: they're also anime series]

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3) Courtesy of aohige (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=977100&postcount=9):


-The bleeeeeped out "magic spells" Konata says are "Behoimi" and "Ionazun", a popular healing spell and damaging lightning spells in Dragon Quest series. She's talking about Dragon Quest 5 where you have to pick between two brides, Flora and Bianca. Kagami replies "Bianca, of course!".

(Btw, I have been an avid Bianca-person for years until I played the DQ5 remake in recent years... and found Flora to be just as attractive. Now every time I play, I don't know who to pick! HELP!! :heh:)

-When the girls are talking about brides... the anime-reference Konata abruptly makes are talking about the girls Angel Salvia and Angel Daisy from Wedding Peach anime.

-Ranking of the game consoles. Pipin, 3DO, and PS2.

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4) Additional info by Manatsu (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=977945&postcount=14):

Ladybug Samba:

てんとう虫のサンバ (romanized tentoumushi no samba, meaning Ladybug Samba). That is a classic Japanese song from the 70's usually sung in wedding receptions/dinners. The Ladybug Samba "punk version" is a reference to one of the lines spoken by Oosaki Nana in ep 50 of the NANA TV animation series. I haven't read the manga so I'm not sure if it's originally from there.

[Pellissier]

Episode 4:

1) Written by Claies (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=976908&postcount=8):


Konata's second lateness explanation refers to a scene in the first episode of Kanon (2006 remake), where Ayu crashes into Yuuichi with a bag of taiyaki that she accidentally "stole" in a panic.

Miyuki's gift package may be a reference to the American jewelry company Tiffany & Co.

Kagami's birthday gift is the Brigade Chief armband, worn by Suzumiya Haruhi from Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu, a Kyoto Animation production.

Tsukasa's birthday gift is the school uniform from anime To Heart. Konata notes that it is very similar to their school's uniform.

Konata imitates Crayon Shin-Chan while commenting Kagami while they ate the birthday cake,

While wondering whether Konata would do better in school with a study-related game, Kagami references Moe Drill, a spinoff quiz game from Lucky Star the manga for the Nintendo DS.

An action figure of Akuma (or is it from DBZ?) sits on Konata's desk while she studied.

Konata criticizes the typically long scenes in Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu involving character Nagato Yuki, along with episode director Yutaka Yamamoto. She then reads a thread on 2channel, Japan's largest internet forum community.

Konata reads another issue of the Comptiq magazine, noting that the summer Comp Festival is about to begin.

Kagami sings "Sailor Suit and Machine Gun" in the end credits.


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2) Posted by aohige (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=977100&postcount=9):


-The reason why Konata used the To Heart costume as the gift for Tsukasa, is the anime staff's self-parody on the fact that Tsukasa looks almost exactly like the heroine Akari Kanzaki from To Heart. This joke comes up again in episode 9.

-There's a doll of Bonta-kun from Full Metal Panic behind Miyuki when they are eating cake.

-Figure on Konata's desk resembles Dragon Ball character, and is creating a genki-dama.

-Konata is reading volume 19 of Mugen no Juunin manga. (American title, Blade of Immortal)

-There's a poster of Mayumi Thyme from Shuffle! in Konata's room.

-Konata's notebook in class has the Kame in circle mark from Dragon Ball's Kame-sennin dougi.

-Konata's line "everything is so... nostalgic" is the famous line by Captain Okita in Space cruiser Yamato series.
The reason why Kagami tells her why she's using such an old joke. It's from back in the 70s. :heh:

-The fan Konata is using to cool herself is of Kinu Kanisawa from Tsuyokiss, the original video game version.

-Akira's "Mammoth ureP!" is a catch phrase used by Noriko Sakai, affectionately called NoriP, back in the 80s.


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3) Provided by Kaioshin_Sama (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=976330&postcount=3):

- At the party Konata gives Tsukasa an outfit that resembles the one's worn in To Heart and even exclaim's "To Heart".

- Konata mentions she is late because a girl who stole Taiyaki bumped into her on the way to school and dragged her off. This is a reference to Ayu Tsukimiya (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayu_Tsukimiya) from Kanon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanon), which of course was a Kyoto Animation Project with Key.

- The Armband Given to Tsukasa resembles the one worn by Suzumiya Haruhi in the popular anime.

- Konata mentions Comiket (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comiket), which is the premier event for Manga and Doujin writers to hawk their wears to the public and generate publicity and awareness of their projects. It's essentially the E3 of Manga.

- Part of the segment leading up to eyecatch appears to lampoon Japan's troubles with crimes of sexual deviancy that have been coming to the forefront of Japanese culture in recent years.

- Konata makes light of the recent lolicon trend in Japan and how the flat chest has become to be seen as status symbol. This appears to refer specifically to a quote by the character Maiyumi Thyme (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayumi_Thyme) from Shuffle! who frequently justifies her sexual appeal with the words "A flat chest is a symbol, it has immeasurable value."

- The character Maiyumi Thyme also appears in a poster on Konata's wall, further establishing her apparent high regard for the character from the earlier scene.

- The set on which Konata appears during her imagined interview bears a remarkable resemblance to the flashy set (http://xs216.xs.to/xs216/07231/millionaire.gif) of the American Gameshow Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Wants_To_Be_A_Millionaire#Stage)

- Konata is reading a volume of Blade of The Immortal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade_Of_The_Immortal) in one scene.

- In one scene Konata watches the infamous episode of Haruhi where Nagato is sitting reading a book for 3 minutes straight and nothing is happening (http://wiki.sos-dan.com/wiki/Someday_in_the_Rain). This episode was seen as a budget savour by many and came under some harsh criticism. Konata notes the flame war on 2channel (http://www.2ch.net/), which is seen as the largest Otaku community in the world, and is noted for its users ability to generate a large number of posts in a very short amount of time over the simplest of subjects that often decay rapidly into flame wars.

- One of Konata's books has the Kame School of Martial Arts Symbol (http://xs216.xs.to/xs216/07231/KameSymbol.jpeg) on it from Dragon Ball.

- Konata mentions CompMatsuri which appears to be a summer festival for the Comptiq magazine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comptiq). However I can find no information on its actual existence in real life (tentative).

- Konata uses a quote by Captain Juzo Okita (http://xs116.xs.to/xs116/07232/beard_needs_you.jpg) from Space Battleship Yamato (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Battleship_Yamato) reffering to everything feeling nostalgic.

- Kagami has a Bonta-Kun (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bontakun.gif) doll in her room from Full Metal Panic: Fumoffu.

- Konata has a fan with the character 柊　瀬芦里 (http://xs216.xs.to/xs216/07231/serorianferuto.jpg) from Ane Chanto Shiyou Yo on it. I would provide a link about the game proper, but I can't find one that doesn't link through to H content.

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4) Added by Manatsu (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=977945&postcount=14):

On top of Konata's computer is a figure of Kooh, a character from the popular Korean game, Sukatto Golf Pangya. It has the same pose as the market released figure though in a different color. See link here (http://www.amiami.com/shop/ProductInfo/product_id/56153) and here (http://www.amiami.com/shop/ProductInfo/product_id/63603).

Unfortunately, I still can't identify the other figure. I have a large pic (1.35MB) of the figures, but it didn't help much.

http://xs116.xs.to/xs116/07231/2007-05-14-54418.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs116&d=07231&f=2007-05-14-54418.jpg)
Mentioned by aohige already. Just want to add that the fan which Konata was using is a real Tsuyokiss merchandise. See link here (http://nijigencospa.com/detail/id/0000006316).

5) Submitted by biomage (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1999410&postcount=222):

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Episode 4
I see a To Heart Poster on Konata bed picture (http://kepfeltoltes.pirateclub.hu/pics/snapshot20081016233810.jpg) / poster picture (http://i33.tinypic.com/ta1pxz.png)

[Pellissier]

Episode 5:

1) Written by aohige (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=977300&postcount=10):


-Obvious online MMORPG jokes... tons of commonly used MMO terms like pulling, tanking, death penalty, debuff, etc.

-A lot of people may not be familiar with traditional Yukata wearing called "kitsuke".
Tying the sash properly is very hard, and not commonly known how to do by most people..

-The obvious Comiket references. Yes, you stand in the line from the morning (or for some people... from night before!)
and is very tiring, and East and West sides are far apart. Summer time Comiket is hell on earth... I will never, ever go there in the summer again. :heh:

-Konata's relative policewoman is wearing the mask of Bonta-kun, from Full Metal Panic.

-Kagami's "Getto daze!" when she catches the goldfish is catch phrase (no pun intended) of Satoshi (Ash in american version) of Pokemon anime.

-Kagami names her goldfish Gyopi-chan, which is the name of the goldfish in Kingyo Chuuihou! anime.

-Tsukasa's "Balsamicosu" line is refering to Balsamico Vinegar, popular italian vinegar.

-Konata and Tsukasa's conversation on the phone "looks like a frog" "I see, depleted uranium" is refering to the mech RK-92 Savage from Full Metal Panic.

-The chat window on the MMO they are playing is very faithfully Japanese. The use of "WWWW" is like american "LOL", and one of the quote said by one of the quoters is famous quote from a FF11 player.

-Nekama is refering to guys who use female avatars (toons, characters, w/e) and pretend to be a female player in the game.
The opposite of that, girls pretending to be guys, is called Nenabe.

-"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah" in front of the fan. Come on, I'm sure it's an universal thing, and not unique to Japanese. You know you're guilty! :heh:

-Konota's talking about experience in the popular online game Monster Hunter 2 in the preview for the next episode.

-Ending song is the world-famous Dragon Ball theme song Cha-la-Head-Cha-La, but does anyone even need to mention this? :heh:


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2) Posted by kj1980 (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=992171&postcount=32):

The Lævateinn is a reference to the new Armslave ARX-8 (codename: Lævateinn) which makes is Sousuke's new Armslave in the light novel Full Metal Panic Tsudou Make My Day (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=992194&postcount=23).

The script of Lucky Star Episode 5 was guest written by Gatoh Shoji who is the author of the "Full Metal Panic" light novels. He and director Takemoto Yasuhiro are great friends whose friendship began when Kyoto Animation did "Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu." Gatoh has written the script as a guest for Kyo-Ani previously, notably the "Day of Sagittarius" episode of Haruhi (Specific phrases that are used in Armslaves such as ECCM and bilaterals are said in that episode).

Gatoh is also known to be an avid player of MMORPGs. His handle name can also be seen in the episode as one of Konata's online friends.

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3) Added by OceanBlue (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1002203&postcount=44):

When Konata was playing her MMO and she found that rare drop, she was humming/singing "Bouken Desho Desho?", which is the OP of Suzumiya Haruhi.

[Pellissier]

Episode 6:

1) A deep insight of the episode. Courtesy of JEEB (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=976013&postcount=41). Original source is here (http://wing2.jp/~jeeb/?p=113)

First Part Of The Episode



The Cicada (”Higurashi”) in the beginning

In Japan, the cries of Cicada are considered as a kind of a sign of summer, especially the end of it (as the time when Tanna japonensis is active is summer). Here it can be understood as the beginning of summer, maybe even as a reference towards Higurashi no Naku Koro ni.


The Subaru Vivio RX-R

Yui-neesan’s (Konata’s older cousin) car is a real existing one (propably a 1997 model), although I have not seen any pointings towards Kuroi-sensei’s car (by the looks of it it’s a standard family van, looks a bit like Honda Mobilio circa 2002-2003 ).


Initial D

Somehow I sense that the majority got this reference. Yui-neesan steps on the pedal and the whole anime gets a completely new look. Beautiful 3D CG shots, furious drifting and the “What’s with this Chome-Chome D- like driving?!” comment at the end combined with some characteristic looks of Initial D- drawing style make this reference easy to spot. If you know about Initial D, that is. Although there’s just one thing… They were driving from Saitama to the sea, why are they racing on a touge? (If Yui-neesan followed that car onto another roads, it’s understandable, though…)


The school swimsuit (sukumizu) ハァ～、ハァ～・・・ｗ

Of Konata, our idol of lolicon! The fact that she can still wear her ‘6-3′ swimsuit (sixth grade of elementary school, third class) means that she hasn’t grown at all during that time. I can hear some people drooling behind me already… But, anyways, sukumizu are no longer as popular as they were in junior high or senior high schools, although you can spot them, albeit very rarely, at some elementary / junior high schools.


Full Metal Panic! Fumoffu

At the beach Konata comments about watermelons getting completely destroyed if they’d be hit with guns (in reality suika wari is done with a bokken or something like it [a wooden sword or a real sword]). This is a reference to Sagara Sousuke from Full Metal Panic, who, in Full Metal Panic Fumoffu goes for the gun in suika wari.


“When you take someone’s glasses off, their eyes become (з.з)”

A common joke in anime and manga, where a character becomes completely shocked and unable to do anything without his or her glasses. A reference to Nobi Nobita (Doraemon) and many more.


‘Nanpa’

Means ‘to pick up’ a girl you don’t know, for example on a street (starting, for example, with the question ‘Could you tell me what is the time right now?’ and with a blitzkrieg- like speed continuing to the date check or something like ‘Would you go to the movies with me?’). The word in itself has no sexual context in itself, and only describes the type of meeting another person, the girls just refer to a romance with a stranger.


The ‘Right there-shouichi’tto’

A popular phrase from the 1970’s Japan (”Yokkoishouichi”), derived as a parody from the name of the soldier Yokoi Shouichi, found from the Guam Island in 1972, who had been hiding from the American forces all the way from 1945. Has the same meaning as “Dokkoisho”, which has many meanings, here translated as “Right here”.


Umi no Ie (”Sea house”)

In Japan there are usually such places near beaches. You can change clothes, wash yourself in them… or at least have a drink or something to eat. Usually quite heavy-priced and nothing really gourmet, but better than to sit under the burning hot sun in Japan.


Drinking a la Misato Katsuragi

No comments here, if you still don’t get it, please, watch Shin Seiki Evangerion (Neon Genesis Evangelion).


“Konata’s touched!”

A possible reference to the “Hideki Kangeki”- pachinko slot machine, done over the first Japanese version of YMCA, sung by Saijou Hideki.


Konata’s “sumoist’s apron”- thing

A reference to an earlier Japanese food making- manga/ anime “Mister Ajikko” (a bit like “Yakitate! Japan”, but ran from 1987 to 1989), episode 44. I haven’t seen it myself, but I think it’s the overreactions after tasting something that the makers were pointing to. As for what is a Fundoshi, look here (http://ww2.tiki.ne.jp/~eisin/fundoshi/).


The AIR- typish scene-making by the sea(?)

This could be a reference to the game AIR, made by KEY and it’s anime adaptation made by Kyoto Animation (they’re making Lucky☆Star, too). AIR is centered around a story that happens in a village near sea and many scenes happen near it.

[B]Second Part Of The Episode


“The Melody We Know”

This is pretty surely “Motteke! Seeraa- fuku” being hummed in here by Tsukasa.


“Timotei, Timotei, Timoteeei!”

Timotei is a shampoo brand, sold in many countries. Check the CM that she is referring to here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rzm-hGVRV18).


Putting the hand on your chin and saying “Mm… Mandom.”

A reference to the old, old commercials from Gatsby- Mandom, that were famous at their time (link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vbt12KazoQ)). Mandom is a mens’ healthcare brand, nowadays more mentioned as Gatsby.


The gyaruge- reference

When it looks like there might be a chance for a special event, which can be invoked by choosing the right action alternatives, it is called “Having a flag standing”. It also means that usually almost all gyaruge- players save there, thus the “Save frequently” -comment (everyone saves there in order to see both ways and to get all the special event pictures / CG).


Final Fantasy Tactics, the Japanese version

The “Save Frequently” and “Are you throwing rocks?” are both from the online help of Final Fantasy Tactics (”Seebu wa komame ni ne” and “Ishi nageteru kaai?”)


Konata’s spooky stories

The song “DANZEN! Futari wa purikyua” is the opening song for “Futari wa Purikyua” (”Futari wa Pretty Cure”), a Magical Girl anime series. Also a joke on 2ch.net?


Konata’s white mask

A reference to the remake of the film on the novel “Inugamike no Ichizoku” (犬神家の一族, “The family of the Inugamis’”), which is a detective drama in the Kindaichi Kousuke- series. The character Inugami Sukekiyo wears such a mask in it.


Konata “legs out”

Another reference to “Inugamike no Ichizoku”, this time to a certain corpse, that is upside down. Konata actually says “The Inugami family” when performing the act to make it more understandable


“Hiroshi desu”

When Tsukasa picks up the shell and starts to listen to its sound, she uses a “to desu”- ending and says her name twice. This is a reference to a Japanese comedian Hiroshi, who was popular in Japan from about 2005 to 2006.


Comptiq

Also called Comp, a computer game magazine. Lucky☆Star first appeared on its pages and here it is, in the anime. Again.


“I really asked about it.”

A phrase that is heard on the TV Tsukasa and Kagami are watching, always said in the TV programme “Toribia no Izumi” (トリビアの泉, “The fountain of trivia”).


Shiraishi’s “Maicchinguu~!”

Although can be understood as “My jingles!” by the way Akira-sama did the movement, this is also a reference to a 1981-1983 anime “Maicchingu Machiko-sensei” (まいっちんぐマチコ先生), which is now being used in many different study books for high-schoolers, for example.


“House” and “A Dog of Flanders”

Not the doctor, but a foodstuff company. Was one of the sponsors for the TV anime series “Furandaazu no inu” (フランダースの犬, “A Dog of Flanders”). This anime is very popular and well-known in Japan, and if I can say that I found House foodstuff with Flanders’ images on them in a regular family, I could say that in a way Shiraishi is right about otaku…


“At that time, the thing that was seen by the correspondent!”

A reference to a variety programme “Toukou! Tokuhou Oukoku” (投稿!特ホウ王国, “Submitted! The Newsflash Kingdom”), that was running 1994-1997 on the Nippon Television Network Corporation (日本テレビ).


“Valentine Kiss”

The ending of Episode 6 is Kokushou Sayuri’s (国生さゆり; not ‘Kuninama’ - as Konata said) debut solo song, which was released in 1986. The ‘member number’ Konata mentions is the member number in the group Onyanko Club (おニャン子クラブ), in which Kokushou Sayuri was still in when she released the song. Her member number was ‘8′.

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2) Another great amount of informations provided by aohige (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=977300&postcount=10):


-Initial D. Need I say more?

-Konata wearing her grade-school issued swimsuit from sixth grade and saying some people like it, is referencing to some Japanese otaku's fondness with "sukumizu" swimsuits. Those lolicon bastards. :rolleyes:

-Watermelon splitting is a traditional summer event in Japan, where you hide the participant's eyes with cloth, and spin the person. After several spins, he/she has to swing the stick aimlessly, and hope to hit the watermelon, busting it open.
The "busting the Watermelon with gun" bit that Konata mentions is reference to Full Metal Panic.

-The "take off your glassess and your eyes look like this ( 3 3 )" was a commonly used expression in old manga, notably Fujiko Fujio mangas.

-When Tsukasa sits down, she says "Yokkoishouichi"... ths is a very, VERY old fad from the 70s. It's mixing "dokkoisho", and the stranded Japanese soldier Shouichi Yokota (Yokota shouichi). It's one of those old phrases that used to be popular, but no longer used in modern times.

-Umi no Ie (house of sea) are beach side restaurants, that serves very simple food for jacked up price. Like, curry rice with nothing but curry and rice. :heh:

-When asked if the food tastes that good, Konata says it's not so good that I'd run around the beach in fundoshi underwear.
This is a joke referencing to the cooking manga, Mister Ajikko.

-Konata does parody of Timote shampoo commercial from the 80s.

-Konata's "Mmmmm... Mandom" is also a TV ad reference. In the 70s, they had Charles Bronson star in the ad, saying those exact phrase. The ad got so popular, this phrase was widely used by many during the 70s.

-Konata's "Save very often! Are you throwing rocks?" is a joke from Fintal Fantasy Tactics online help, Japanese version.

-Konata's scary talk ends with the man singing DANZEN! Futari wa PriCure, the popular theme song from the girls anime Futari wa PreCure (Pretty Cure).

-Both the Konata's scary mask and sticking leg upside down are reference from Inugamike no Ichizoku TV Drama series, based on the novel of the same title. "Sukekiyo" is a character in the drama.

-The TV show Kagami and Tsukasa are watching at home is obviously "Trivia no Izumi" TV series. (Fountain of Trivia)

-Akira's "Kyaru-n!" is famous greeting from Can Can Bunny's mascot character Swaty, a gal-game incarnation of the goddess Sarasvati.

-Shiraishi's "Maicchingu!" is from the famous 80s anime, Maicchingu Machiko Sensei.

-Shiraishi's phrase "That's when our agent saw..!" at the end of the Lucky Channel show, is famous phrase from the popular variety TV show, Toukou! Tokuhou Oukoku.

-Ending theme is Valentine Kiss from Onyanko Club in the 80s.
The characters are talking about how people get the singer Sayuri's name wrong often.
Perhaps they picked them because, Onyanko Club's most famous song was "Sailor Fuku o nugasanaide"...(Don't take off my Sailor fuku)
And Lucky Star's opening them song is "Take away the Sailor Fuku" :heh:


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3) Further deepenings about the Initial D sequence.

By Manatsu (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=977945&postcount=14):

The Vivio vs FD race sequence was more or less lifted from Initial D First Stage ep 5 (not sure where in the manga) where it was the AE86 vs FD. Yui passed the FD in the same way Takumi claimed victory on the 5 hairpin turns with the same gutter move following a high speed entry into the turn.

It doesn't end here. Next we have Konata teasing Kuroi-sensei with the same lines which Natsuki told Takumi at the beach, also from Initial D First Stage ep 5.

By HashiriyaGDB (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=979623&postcount=17):

The corresponding ID manga volume for the AE86 vs FD race is volume 2. Yui's Subaru Vivio RX-R is a BLATANT reference to Bunta Fujiwara's Impreza WRX STi Type R (GC8V).
Here's another tidbit on the Vivio. It's the only K-car to have a supercharged engine (all other K-cars I know, such as the Cappuccino, i, Wagon R, Copen are powered by turbocharged engines). I'm very surprised the producers didn't add in a supercharger whine for when doing the interior shots for the Vivio.

About a.f.k's subs for the ID section. The "I" in the "FDI" refers to the fact that Keisuke's Mazda RX-7 Type R is a version 1 FD, so it should be "FD3S-I". The Mazda RX-7 Spirit R (2002) would be "FD3S-VI" since it was based on a version 6 FD. The appropriate roman numeral is attached only when the full chassis code is used. Most people simply say "FD".

BTW, that song during the Vivio vs FD battle sounds VERY similar to "Noizy Tribe" by m.o.v.e., a J-ROCK group that does the themes for the ID series.

[Pellissier]

Episode 7:

1) New deep insight. Courtesy of JEEB (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=976343&postcount=6) , original source is here (http://wing2.jp/~jeeb/?p=121)

First Part Of The Episode


Maria-sama ga Miteru

From the beginning of the episode, to the end of it Kona-chan seems to be in a ojou-sama (”Young Lady”) - mode after, by her own words, falling a bit too much into MariMite (abbreviated version of “Maria-sama ga Miteru” ; マリア様が見てる, “The Virgin Mary is watching you” ), which is a series of light novels, that has been made into an anime and into a manga, and that takes place in a elegant catholic girls’ school. She says the words “My… Oh, Tsukasa-san, did you know that your ribbon is slightly askew?”, which is a reference to a scene at least in one of the novels, and uses overall keigo (link) as her speaking style, which is only usual in formal situations or at “ladies’ schools”. Yes, they do exist in reality… Also, the overall drawing style of ojou-sama- Konata could be a reference to “Ouran Koukou Hosuto Kurabu” ( 桜蘭高校ホスト部, “Ouran High School Host Club” ).


“After all, Sebastian is a must if you talk about butlers.”

Konata says this while she is calling Shiraishi “Sebastian”. This is a reference to the fact that in many anime, manga and games in Japan after the animation “Arupusu no Shoujo Haiji” ( アルプスの少女ハイジ, “Heidi” - 1974) the name of a butler, if there was such, became standardized to “Sebastian”.
Various titles with Sebastian- named butlers
o Perrine Monogatari
o The Little Mermaid
o To Heart
o Purinsesu Nain Kisaragi Joshikou Yakyuu-bu
o Akihabara Dennou Gumi
o Tatakau! Sebastian
o Onegai My Melody
o Sadistic・19
o Inukami!
o Kuroshitsuji
o ペンギン娘 (Pengin-ko / Pengin-musume - no official reading orz)
o and more…


Furby

The way Konata breaths - “Haa, burskooo…” (Couldn’t check this by myself, anyone has a Furby^2? Anyone?)


The music in the TV

When Konata wakes up is “Kuchibiru Hakuchuumu (Day Dream)”, the opening from the anime Strawberry Panic. Connected by the same composer as with the opening of Lucky☆Star, “Motteke! Seeraa-fuku” - Hata Aki. Also has a considerable amount of girl-to-girl human relations (*krhm* yuri *krhm*), as MariMite.



The appearance of the drill doctor

After Kagami says “A choco cornet really looks like a drill, doesn’t it?”, Tsukasa and the others get the double-drill- doctor image from episode 2 pushed into their heads again.


The Lumine at the west entrance of Oomiya station

Is the place where Kagami and Tsukasa wait for Konata to appear. Also a reference to the SOGO department store in Oomiya, since the banner in the background says “ZOCO” when she is explaining her reason to be late.


McDonalds

The place they ate at. Need. I. Say. More?

Second Part Of The Episode


Konata’s phone

Now this isn’t for sure, but it looks like one of the N900- series from NTT DoCoMo, or J-Phone’s (AKA Vodafone K.K. and nowadays as SoftBank Mobile) J-N04 or J-N05.


TOBU Railways, Kasukabe Station

is the station Konata and the Hiiragi twins meet. Actually it is written 東武鉄道・春日部駅, but in the anime other kanji are being used (糖武鉄道・糟日部駅 - the reading is the same)


Tsukasa’s phone

is the P702i from NTT DoCoMo. With a Sgt. Frog strap in it.


Roses again

This time Kuroi-sensei tells us about The War of The Roses. Connected to MariMite, as well.


Pachelbel’s Canon

is Tsukasa’s melody for incoming e-mail, it seems. Also a connection to Kyoto Animation’s earlier work, Kanon (and to the original game from Key).


Kagami’s phone

is a P902iS (crimson red) from NTT DoCoMo. Panasonic does pretty good phones IMHO, I’ve always liked their push-to-open structure.


Konata’s ringtone

Is “Hare hare yukai”, the opening from Kyoto Animation’s Summer 2006 series Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu (The Melancholies of Haruhi Suzumiya).


Konata’s e-mail address on her phone

is either meganekkogekilove@~ or meganekkogekirabu@~ . In Japan it’s very usual to have e-mail in a phone, it works like SMS, but across all operators (there’s CDMA, W-CDMA and PHS systems in Japan, so it’s impossible to use a number-to-number “mail” service) and can contain multimedia. Also spam is very common there, too, although you can block all non-phone addresses if you wish. Some operators will do that automatically.


Henshuu Ou, book 16

is the manga that Tsukasa borrowed from Konata and was touched. Konata, on the other side, laughed.


Attack No.1

is the manga Kagami asks about from Tsukasa and Konata. The usual sound dogs make when they bark is “wan!” in Japan, which makes the sound “One”.


Garasu no Kamen

The words “A girl to be afraid of” said in the middle of roses is a reference to the shoujo manga “Garasu no Kamen” ( ガラスの仮面, “Glass Mask” )


The GAMERS store

is the store Konata asks Kagami to come with her. There’s a reference to a new book of Full Metal Panic! (on the novel side) and to Comptiq, too. The “thing she wanted” is a figurine of Shana, from the 2006 anime series Shakugan no Shana.


Twintails

The twintails selected on the “Akira stylification plan” (あきらおしゃれ化計画) seem to end up on Shiraishi’s head. Not only that, but it’s a reference to a certain interview at which Shiraishi happened to put on twintails (”…the ones you did live…”).


Twin-drills

A reference to the Getter 2 robot from the “Getter Robo”- series with the lines “Do not tread lightly the speed of a Getter.” and “The second unit?”. Also the style of the “Twin-drills” Shiraishi thinks about is similar to the hairstyle of Matsudaira Touko from MariMite.


“Gerogeero!”

Is a reference to a Japanese manzai group Aozora Kyuuji・Kouji’s member Shimoji Yasuo.


The song Konata wants Miyuki to sing

is “Omoide ga ippai” from the anime “Miyuki”. Connected by the name “Miyuki”


The song Miyuki sings

is Chijou no Hoshi, which is extremely well known in Japan because it is the theme song for Project X - a famous documentary programme from the television channel NHK. Composed, written and sung by Nakajima Miyuki (note the name).

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2) Episode recollection written by aohige (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=977300&postcount=10):


-Maria-sama ga miteru reference, obviously.

-Sebastian is a popular name for butlers, starting with Heidi.
Anything from Disney's Little Marmaid, to adult game To Heart, anime series Akihabara Denno-gumi, Inukami, etc.
It's even funnier that Tsukasa responds to this, since she looks just like Akari from To Heart.

-When Konata turns on her TV, it's playing the 2nd opening theme song of Strawberry Panic, a yuri anime series.
It seems Konata is into yuri anime these days, along with Marimite. Watch out Kagami...! :D

-Anime shows often gets pushed back... or in worst case scenario episode canceled entirely because of baseball game getting extended. Damn those sports!

-Curry doesn't usually go bad even if you leave it out a day, if you keep the lid on the pot.
HOWEVER. Just like Konata in this episode... I have had a full pot of curry go bad after one day. I was literally in tears!
Learn your lesson before it hits you kiddos, just to be safe.. always put the pot in the fridge. Those molds can get through anything!

-Konata's phone ringer is Kanon und Gigue in D-Dur, from German composer Johann Pachelbel. Well, it's a very popular classical music, so I'm sure everyone has heard it sometime in their life.

-Konata's ringer is, obviously, Suzumiya Haruhi's ending song.

-Tsukasa is reading the manga Henshuuou. Don't know which volume though.

-Kagami asks them how they felt about Attack No.1, a popular tennis manga and anime series from the 70s.

-Konata goes into the ojou-sama mode, and says the line "Osoroshii ko..." which is a famous (and overused) line from Garasu no Kamen (Glass Mask) manga from the 70s and 80s. Amazingly enough, this manga is still serialized, and has not concluded

yet. :heh:

-Kagami mentioned Full Metal Panic's new book is out, and Konata notices Comptique's new issue is out too.
So she offers to go to "Gamers", a popular anime-oriented book and goods store in Japan.

-With the points acquired at Gamers, Konata wants to buy a Shakugan no Shana item.

-Lucky Channel's Shiraishi has his hair in twin-tail. This is a inside-joke from the Weekly Lucky Channel online radio show.
Here you can see the real Minoru Shiraishi in twin tail (http://www.lucky-ch.com/weekly/070511_sp.html).
It's... horrifying!

-When Akira says make it twin drill, he imagines the drills and say "Don't underestimate the speed of Getter", to which Akira

replies "heh, Getter 2 eh?". Shiraishi's quote is famous quote by Hayato, the pilot of Getter 2 in Getter Robo.

-The ending song is Chijou no Hoshi (The star on earth) by Miyuki Nakajima.
Prior to this, Konata asks her to sing Omoide Ippai, which is an ending theme song to the anime "Miyuki".
That's why she mentions the Miyuki connection.

[Pellissier]

Episode 8:

1) A quick info provided by aorta (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=976342&postcount=5):

The controller used in Episode 8 is called a Hyper Shot.

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/427/hypershotcontroljd9.jpg

The game is Hyper Olympic.

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2) Posted by aohige (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=977300&postcount=10):


-Teacher "It's a mistake, blamed on youthfulness" Konata "So you're a kid"
These are reference to the famous (and again, over-used) lines from Char Aznable of Mobile Suit Gundam.

-The video game they are playing is Hyper Olympic from Konami.
And yeah, the metal ruler method seemed to be the fastest way of getting fast record. :heh:
Used to beat the crap out of that special controller...

-Konata says "Girls have to be elegant", which is a line by Lumiere in Kiddy Grade, who happens to have the same voice

actress as Konata, Aya Hirano.

-At the hardles, Tsukasa says "Ajapa-" as she fall to the ground. It's a famous joke by Zaburou Banjun, a famous comedian
during and after WWII. He passed away in the early 80s.

-The BGM playing during the relay race is from Initial D.

-When Tsukasa was imagining her and her sister's role reversed, the background effect is the same as that of Gundam's
Amuro and Lala's contact scene. It even does the newtype flash effect at the end.

-Konata mentions that her letter sent to Newtype was published on the new issue.
This really happened. If you check the June issue of Newtype, her letter really is there. :heh:

-Accourding to fans, the book Konata has in her right hand is .hack//XXXX, a spin-off manga of .hack series and right is Suzumiya Haruhi no Koushiki official fanbook. Otaku fans have keen eyes...

-When Konata finds the Shuffle! volume 5, it plays the newtype awakening sound from Gundam, as well as the effects.
I guess all these Gundam in-jokes suddenly popping out all over this episode is because of Konata's Newtype letter event. :heh:

-The book shelf at the store has tons of galgame/eroge related books... most are vague, but you can spot stuff like To Heart,

DaCapo, and Higurashi. For some reason, adult porn manga artist Cuvie's manga was there too. :heh:

-Ending song is, Monkey Magic by Godiego, the theme song for the Saiyuuki live action TV series in the late 70s. This series
aired in some english speaking countries as Monkey. Awesome, awesome show. There hasn't been ANY TV series, live or

cartoon, based on Saiyuuki that comes even close to this show, even to this day.


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3) Written by Fat Cat Lim (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=990192&postcount=26):

Konata's dad appears to be using a Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM for the lenses, while one of the camera bodies that he's using is a Nikon D200. Not really sure if the camera that's paired with the Canon lenses is a Canon or another Nikon D200, but it sure looks like the Nikon D200 from the left-side body.

Canon lenses - http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF 400mm-f-5.6-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx
Nikon D200 - http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond200/

[Pellissier]

Episode 9:

1) Written by aohige (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=977300&postcount=10):


-Konata's "pochittona" when she pushes the key is famous and overused line from the Time Bokan anime series. The skinnier bad guy (who's name is diffrent from show to show) always says that when pressing a button in the robot.

-The TV Drama Tsukasa wanted to watch (but decided to record) is 14 sai no haha (14 year old mother) series.

-Kagami says she likes shooting games, and Konata likes gal-game and RPG.
When Japanese gamers say "shooting games", we don't usually mean FPS. The old-school shoot-em-ups where you control a flying fighter, and shoot stuff off the screen like Gradius, Xebius, 1942, R-Type, and whatnot.

-The reason why the girls are laughing about Konata being a "gari" on the sushi-fortune telling, is because gari is a side-dish and not really a sushi at all. :heh:

-As some mentioned, the horror flick the girls went to see seems to be Saw 3.
Dunno, I don't watch scary movies. I like to sleep.

-Konata's line "Buffet... it's land of women's greed" is a direct reference to a line from ToraDora! novel series, except in there the chararcter says "Pudding in bucket" instead of buffet. Japanese refer to buffet as "Viking" style restaurant.

-The girls keep saying "that" athelete, but they are all refering to real-life sport athletes of course.

-When Kagami said this year's championship was "that" team and "this" team, she meant Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters and Chuunichi Dragons. That's why Konata asks "isn't there something like bargain sales on ham?" :heh:

-When they introduced Tsukasa, Akira starts to say "Kamigishi Akari from To Heart?", which Shiraishi bleeped out by yelling out Koi no Mikuru densetsu from Suzumiya Haruhi. It's yet another joke at Tsukasa looking just like Akari of To Heart.

-Shiraishi wimpering as he mutters "I've never been hit even by my dad" is a famous and popular line by Amuro Rei of Mobile Suit Gundam.

-Ending song is Kogarashi ni Dakarete, by Koizumi Kyouko... affectionately known as "Kyonkyon", idol singer in the 80s.

-Konata is talking about the famous Super Mario Bros. trick in the preview of the next episode.
Where you could stomp on a turtle shell on the stairs infinitly, and get infinite 1UPs... but when you hit 129 man, it reaches a cap, and if you die even once after you reach the cap, it's game over.


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2) Posted by angel_wing0 (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=982892&postcount=21):

"The (baseball) player that went to America" which Kagami mentioned is former Seibu Lion Ace "Dice-K" Daisuke Matsuzaka. The "long game" which Miyuki was talking about, is the koshien (high school baseball) championship game which went 2-days long between Waseda Jitsugyo and Komadai Tomakomai in August 20th and 21st of 2006 with Waseda winning 4-3 (the game is tied 1-1 after 15 innings on the first day). The "handkerchief prince" that Tsukasa mentioned is Yuki Saito of Waseda Jitsugyo and now in Waseda University. He pitched in the 2-day game and hence his name is mentioned. That "one athlete got gold in figure skating", which Miyuki mentioned, is Shizuka Arakawa and she won Japan's lone medal at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics.

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3) Quick info by GhOsTeDgE (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=984678&postcount=22):

The cover of the magazine sitting on the bed next to Konata features Feena Fam Earthlight from Yoake Mae Yori Ruri Iro Na -Crescent Love-

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4) Added by Tomislav (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=991925&postcount=28):

The TV show Tsukasa intended to watch but decided to register has been said to be 14 sai no haha but, IMHO, the given description suits also Ay Yazawa's "Nana".

[Pellissier]

Episode 10:

1) Submitted by kj1980 (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=989967&postcount=23):


Tsukasa's new mobile phone strap is Tamama from Keroro Gunsou

Barusamikosu~ (from Ep. 5)

Eroge title: Angel Wish~Houkago no Meshitsukai ni Chu!~
dVfeMOYfhKk

Eroge title: Peace@Pieces
E-wZkaqeqGs
(Additional info: the illustrator for this eroge is Noizi Ito (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noizi_Ito))

Kagami's mobile phone: NTT DoCoMo P902iS (http://panasonic.jp/mobile/p902is/design/index.html)

Kagami's light novel: Full Metal Panic! Side Arms 2 - Kyokuhoku Kara no Koe (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=641564&postcount=22)

Tsukasa's "Dondake~": hmm...hard to explain. A more recent way of saying "wow, you're kidding"

Bonta-kun in Kagami's room

anime store: Animate store in Omiya

Konata's store-specific reward cards (left to right): Toranoana, Animate (old), Ishimaru Denki, Gamers, Yodobashi Camera

ANIME TENCHO (http://www.animate.co.jp/aniten/introduction/aniten.asp) (real name: Anizawa Meito) - mascot character for Animate retail chain. Seiyuu: Seki Tomokazu.

HOSHII RAMIKA (her name is a pun which can be translated as "I wanna laminated cards") - main heroine of ANIME TENCHO. Regular cosplayer and avid reader of BL stories. Seiyuu: Nagasawa Miki.

Konata's figurines: PangYa's Koo, Tsubame Syndrome's Kurashiki Tsubame, Asahina Mikuru

Konata's poster: Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu poster from Megami Magazine

Konata's manga: I can make out Full Metal Panic and Karin Vol. 9

"ROM-sen": "ROM" = read only memory, "sen" = specific. Therefore, despite Konata's dad being an author he prefers reading eroge and galge rather than writing a script of it.

Kagami vs Konata video game pt. 1: the sequence sounds a lot like 1942...but I could be wrong

Kagami vs Konata video game pt. 2: Mojipittan
xk3cO-SqPL8

ｷﾀ━━━━(ﾟ∀ﾟ)━━━━!!!! 2ch ASCII art

Shiraishi Minoru's speech on tsundere: Gihren Zabi's address to Zeon

CoCo-ichi: Curry House CoCo Ichibanya (http://www.ichibanya.co.jp/) curry specialty restaurant chain. Shiraishi Minoru has a day-time job there in real life, as well as a part-time job at a yakiniku restaurant.

ED song: Kahala Tomomi's "I'm Proud"

Tsukasa says that this song was popular when they were in pre-school. orz... I was in high school when this song was number one in the charts. Damn, I'm old.

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2) Posted by TnAdct1 (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=992321&postcount=34):

Konata mentioning that she needs to go to Gamers in order to pick up the limited Aquarian Age bookmark reflects how the card game (which eventually spun-off into a few manga and anime titles) is a product of Broccoli, the company that owns Gamers.

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3) Added by Windspirit (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=992553&postcount=35):

- When Kagami, Tsukasa, Konata, and her dad are eating together, Konata's father suddenly stands up and says that the scene before him is heavenly. Then, Konata speaks and in background, we can hear Konata's father saying : "Sakura... Tohsaka is... Tohsaka is your sister !"

- The girls and even Akira are still calling Shiraishi "Sebastian", a typical butler's name in Japan since "Heidi" in 1974.

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4) Miyuki at the clinic. The names of the other patients don't seem to be random...


KChasm (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=996848&postcount=41) tells us:

"Shigeo Ando" might be a reference to the drama "Dr. Koto Shinryojo" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Kot%C5%8D_Shinry%C5%8Djo), especially what with that blue cap (http://wiki.d-addicts.com/static/images/thumb/b/b4/350px-Dr_Koto_-_Shinryoujo_2006_chart.jpg). (I dunno if Mariko Nishiyama's a reference to anything, though).

Nemo_N (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=996917&postcount=42) replies as follows:

I think you are right. Nishiyama Mariko seems to be another character from the same dorama.

She is played by Nene Otsuka. Short filmography here (http://www.jdorama.com/artiste.97.htm).

Basically, they were making fun of the fact that Miyuki was at a clinic :p.

[Pellissier]

Episode 11:

1) Posted by stormy001_M1A2 (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1003688&postcount=45):

"Master Oyama, time 13.04"

This name refers to the most famous Korean Karate grandmaster who founded Kyokushinkai school. Famous for his enormous strength feat like killing a bull within one punch, he also traveled whole Japan to defeat Japanese grandmasters to prove his system. He also went overseas to challenge other fighting styles to prove his Karate is superior. His teaching is well noted for emphasis on realism and non padded sparring where attacks to head were permitted. One of the famous test in Kyokushinkai is 100 man test where students were expected to defeat 100 opponents consecutively to advance to higher level.

He is a controversial figure, calling all other Karate school as dancing instead of real martial arts.

Link: http://www.masutatsuoyama.com/

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2) Added by Spitze (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1004495&postcount=46):

When Konata's dad says "Stronger!" when playing with static electricity, he is referring to Kamen Rider Stronger's henshin sequence.

[Pellissier]

Episode 12:

1) Posted by kj1980 (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1009662&postcount=53):

Konata's dad saying the first three syllables to "Pikka pikka no ichinensei" (A Japanese commercial referring to how kids entering elementary school are an important step in their school life) as he was cleaning.

The Rinkai Line (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rinkai_Line) to Ariake Tokyo Big Sight (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Big_Sight)

Ouch-cars (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1006553&postcount=54) wwww

The 500mL PET bottle drink that Konata gives to Tsukasa and Kagami during the pre-Comike briefing is Koiwai Milk & Coffee

Wallet size, just like Comike, perfect enough for stacks of 500 yen coins and 1000 yen bills, which is average price of each book.

The doujinshi that Kagami bought for Konata: "Nurunuru Danchou-san" (Wet * Wild Dancho [Haruhi]) and "Ikenai Kanchou-san" (The bad, bad Captain [Tessa]) wwww

Tsukasa being lost and her mobile phone being useless because of the mobile phone repeater stations in that area are over-loaded. So true, so true. This is one of the first mistakes a beginner makes at Comike. In Comike, mobile phones are useless. If you want to communicate, get a handheld tranceiver (not one of those cheapo FRS/GMRS walkie-talkies, but those prosumer ones made for DXers by ICOM (http://www.icomamerica.com/) and Yaesu (http://www.yaesu.com/))

Konata talking about Harumi (the previous location for Comike...over 12 years ago).

The hotel for the Harumi Comike, Hotel Urashima www That hotel is also known to be haunted in some rooms. Very small, very expensive, and very hard to reserve due to Comike.


Kogami Akira indeed makes an appearance...but in the most unfortunate way wwww

Chihara Minori (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chihara_Minori) wwww

The otaku who's getting pissed off that Nagato's trading card is all sold out looks exactly like Gatoh Shoji (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shouji_Gatou), who also happens to be the script writer for this episode

If you look very closely at the background characters at Comike, you can find the Miyakawa sisters, Hiyorin, and even Soujirou. You have to be extra attentive as they are only there for a split second and it's kinda like "Where's Wally?"

Anime Tencho vs Animate worker Sugita www Sugita's impersonation of Amuro from Gundam (ku..nanika, bukiga nai noka?) is really good!!!



ED Theme: "Makenaide" by ZARD (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZARD). Perhaps it's Kyo-Ani's way of paying tribute to a great singer whose death came upon too young, too soon? May she rest in peace


http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/4308/1182698442826is6.jpg

Now you know what Gauron means when he says "Aishiteruzeee Kasim" (I love you Kasim!!)
Kagami was so moe~ when she picked up that doujinshi. Her first step into the world of BL wwww


What's with that obasan voice for all the background characters? Old, young, male, or female .. it's the same voice >_<.

They are all voiced by Kujira (American anime fans would understand as "the voice of Orochimaru in NARUTO"). Why? Because it's cheaper to have one veteran voice actor/actress do all the background characters than hiring a different person each and everytime. The other voice actor who does background male character is Tachiki Fumihiko.

And someone do their research, is the guy he's fighting also the seiyuu of Sosuke? I haven't watched FMP so I wouldn't know

Yes, it's Seki Tomokazu. The running gag is that:
Animate worker Sugita (voiced by Sugita Tomokazu)
is holding up a trading card of Kyon (also voiced by Sugita Tomokazu)
decrying how trading cards of Nagato (a character of Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu) and even Koizumi (another character of Haruhi) are selling more than his
while Anime Tencho (voiced by Seki Tomokazu)
is holding a trading card of Sagara Sousuke (also voiced by Seki Tomokazu)
decrying how Sousuke's trading cards has a huge inventory for the past three years while Taisa-dono's (Tessa from FMP) sold out on the initial run

Actually, if you go to Lucky Star's website (http://www.lucky-ch.com/) you actually see an ad saying that "just as Anime Tencho and Animate worker Sugita said, we have plenty of inventory on these two telephone cards! Please buy!!" wwww

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2) Added by Kaioshin_Sama (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1022038&postcount=54):

When Seki Tomokazu's character smashes Sugita Tomokazu's character into the shelf in episode 12, Sugita says "Asia". The whole sequence bears a resemblance to G Gundam's overall flair, and Master Asia (the likely reference) was a major character in G Gundam, which starred Seki Tomokazu as Domon Kashuu.

[Pellissier]

Episode 13:

1) Posted by Windspirit (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1036314&postcount=55):

Konata thinks that "One Hundred Poets" would be more entertaining if it was Yu-Gi-Oh-style. "You could summon a monk. Think there was a Semimaru ! Semimaru uses a shining attack ; Ono no Komachi uses a lovely strike !"

Konata says that she didn't see her vacations pass since she was busy cleaning, writing New Year's cards ; Kagami answers that Konata never wrote New Year's cards and that she copied her own homework the day before. Konata then whispers "Uguu~", clearly a reference to Ayu's "Uguu~" in Kanon. There are even cute, tiny wings on her back (Ayu's bag).

The sign at the top of the building looks like Mazda's sign (two wings).

Anime Tencho. No comment.

Anime Tencho's trump card is a Geass that makes Konata buy the DVD.

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2) Added by PirateSkittles (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1151729&postcount=133):

During Konata's 'Yu-Gi-Oh Poem' game idealisation, she mentioned Semimaru doing a shining attack and Ono no Komachi using a lovely attack.

Semimaru is a poet and musician of the early Heian period. Ono no Komachi was a famous waka poet during the early Heian period, noted as a rare beauty - thus lovely attack.

Coming of age Ceremony: (from wiki) Since 1948, the age of majority in Japan has been 20; persons under 20 are not permitted to smoke, drink, or vote. Coming-of-age ceremonies, known as seijin shiki, are held on the second Monday of January. At the ceremony, all of the men and women participating are brought to a government building and listen to many speakers, similar to a graduation ceremony. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the government gives the new adults money.

In the past, coming-of-age ceremonies were largely reserved for noble and samurai families. A ceremony called genpuku was celebrated for men of such ranks at an age varying from 12 to 16. The equivalent for women was called mogi (裳着, mogi?), and was celebrated for girls between the ages of 12 and 14.

A Asahina Mikuru (battle waitress from the future version) figurine from Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu is on Konata's television.

Kagami mentions that Tsukasa often stays near the Kotatsu. A kotatsu is a low, wooden table frame covered by a heavy blanket, where a table top sits. Underneath is a heat source, often built into the table itself.

Konata's Future: Kagami thinks about possibilities about what Konata could do as a job, and some of them (if not most) are jobs the mangaka of Lucky Star, Yoshimizu Kagami, does. At least the 'using random material' part. xP And when Konata says "Megas smoked cheese-nyoro," it's a reference to Chuyura-san.

Anime Tencho: When Konata finally goes to the register to pay, the shopkeepers all lean over to have a closer look, and their faces are in the style of characters in Keroro Gunso.

Ending: The ending song, of course, is a reference of another of Shiraishi Minoru's roles, Taniguchi. Taniguchi, from Suzumiya Haruhi, sang "Wa-wa-wa-Wasuremono" when he walked in on Kyon and Nagato Yuki.

Previews: The previews for the next episode is narrated by Keroro Gunso characters. The one who is mostly speaking (one who says "Giro-giro") is Corporal Giroro. The invasion of Pekopon is a reference to the Keroro Gunso series: Giroro is focused on invading Pekopon (Earth). Keroro is the one going 'Ge-Gero!'. There's also Tamama speaking. The tree store clerks in the Animate scene are those who voice for Keroro, Tamama and Giroro from Keroro Gunsou.

[Pellissier]

Episode 14:

1) Posted by kenjiharima (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1037373&postcount=57):

Minoru Shiraishi's saying "Miyagi-san" before singing is a Karate Kid reference, then he trains while singing.

The inputs on the button and movements are similar to Virtua Fighter while he was fighting the "Invisible Wall"

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2) Submitted by dodgethis_sg (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1061383&postcount=71):

While Konata was playing a PS2 game over at the Hiiragi's, Kagami asks her if she actually knew anything about the robots she was using in the game. Konata replies back it was her dad's influence as a kid that she knows most of them.

The game in question is obviously Super Robot Wars by Banpresto.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Robot_Wars

Considering the fact that the latest in the series for the PS2, Original Generations, was released the previous week, a little viral marketing wouldn't hurt in the least bit, would it?

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3) Added by PirateSkittles (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1151729&postcount=133):

Yutaka's Graduation: Kagami asked Yutaka if she received a second button from anyone. That's apparently because giving a girl the second button from your school uniform on the day of graduation is a sign of crazy mad love.

Lucky Channel: "Final Answer", as well as Akira's further lines, are a reference to Hiromi Konno playing the role of the Quiz Show Contestant, when the Hiiragi family was watching Quiz $ Millionaire, the Japanese variant of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.

Lucky Paradise is a reference to Lucky Star's informational ad section, which is basically the same thing as Lucky Channel.

The ending song is Hare Hare Yukai, from Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu. Also a slight reference of him being featured in the series as Taniguchi.

[Pellissier]

Episode 15:

1a) Courtesy of Crowkenobi (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1037373&postcount=57):

Someone else pointed out the Kiddy Grade poster in Kona-chan's room, and I'd like to id another poster. From this image:

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/1966/ndvd019ab8.th.png (http://img120.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ndvd019ab8.png)

the poster on the upper right is this:

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/817/1167334976842872474x342ei1.th.jpg (http://img215.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1167334976842872474x342ei1.jpg)

highly appropriate for April Fool's Day. :D
And I'd like to point out the Bubba Haruhi statue on Kona-chan's bookshelf... makes you wonder if she bought the kit and put it together herself... :hmm:
And what is she reading that's so "unique"?? ;)

1b) Addition by Shiroi Hane (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1054038&postcount=61)

Specifically the poster is the for the Ignition (http://www.kiddygrade.com/movie/1/index.html) movie (which was shown in Theatre Shinjuku in April of this year, and it is probably no coincidence that this episode was set in April). You can see the poster itself, in-situ as it were, here (http://springs.sunnyday.jp/report/2007/20070407_002.shtml)

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2) Posted by Kaioshin_Sama (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1054150&postcount=62):

At the very end of the Lucky Channel segment, Minoru says "Watashi Wa Tai Desu" or "It's Lieutenant" in a very distinct voice. This is the voice and tone used by Quattro Bagina/Char Aznable in Zeta Gundam when Bright Noa refers to him as a Colonel. Char Aznable had previously been a Colonel under Zeon, but in his assumed identity as Quattro Bagina he is only a lieutenant and he wanted to make clear that distinction. Though I'm not sure why Minoru says it, and it just seems to have been a spur of the moment thing. The reference is still clear though.

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3) Impressive submission by AVPlaya (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1054358&postcount=63):

I got some of this info from this wonderful blog (http://www.syu-ta.com/luckystar/luckystar-parody-15.shtml) and some out of my head or other personal sources. If I personally know about it I will start to rant, if I don't I'll simply translate.

"San-Nen B-Gumi, Kuroi-sensei!"
The sentences before the OP are references to a classic dorama "3年B組金八先生 (http://www.tbs.co.jp/kinpachi/)" (Kinbachi-sensei of the 3rd year B-class). The phrase was used often in the show and in the OP, only in L*S version it was changed to Kuroi (Nanako) sensei. It's about a teacher in a Tokyo Middle school and the issue he faced educating the often trourblesome kids. The show usually address realistic themes such as child abuse and sex-ed, and it's been around for 25 years. A series' made every once in a while, the last one, 7th, was aired in 2005; it's supposed to be the REAL final series.

Kinbach-sensei!
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/3361/000008po9.jpg

"Kokoro no Tomo Yo!"
When Kona started to say this while hugging her new "Heart Friends" for winning the pre-sales ticket to Haruhi concert, it was a reference to Doraemon. "Jianan" or Giant, was this big bully kid in Doraemon who tortured the other kids daily. But once in a while during the one of Doraemon's big adventure movies, Giant became part of the group and sometimes he will display unusual bravery and love for his friends. During times of crisis he would show his display of friendship by hugging Nobita and the gang (sometimes under coercion) and scream "KOKORO NO TOMO YO!" (You are my Friend of Heart!). It can usually bring tear to a kid'ss eye to see this usually selfish bully doing something brave for his suddenly Heart Friends. Of course when the adventure's over and they're all back home, Giant would start taking money, candy, Nintendos, or Doraemon gadgets from Nobita just like before.

Picture of Jaian, killer of Nobita:
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/730/ousama1xp4.gif

Although this is anime related I wanted to mention it. Not many current anime fans has seen Doraemon, unless they've grew up in Asia.

"Big Shougun!"
When Konata first heard about Kagami's fat gold fish, she said "でかっ！将軍！" or "Big! Shougun!" This is a reference to a very popular dorama "華麗なる一族 (http://www.tbs.co.jp/karei2007/)" (Kareinaru Ichizoku), a huge TBS production starring Kimura Takuya of SMAP. It's about the family intrigue of a Japanese Oil Tycoon family and it's based on a best-selling REAL novel. "Shougun" in the dorama is a huge carp kept by the Grandfather (head of the family) which would appear when you tap on the water. Many people who watched the dorama were impressed. No he's not a gold fish. The show got pretty high ratings and again proven the "Chicks Dig Kimura" rule. Will the guy ever stop being the top male idol? Yes I've watch a few episodes but I'm not a SMAP fangirl so I didn't really finish it. It aired back in 01/2007 so this is a really new reference. Must be something from the dorama watching female animators. No otaku will reference a Kimura dorama.

Kimura-san on the lower left:
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/1301/img257b80d7zik5zjqj6.jpg

"DV Otoko"
When Kagami's dreaming about the reincarnation of her fat gold fish becoming her future husband, she was worried that he'll become a "DV man". DV = Domestic Violence, of course. Pretty easy to us gaijin-tachi.

"The Closer"?
According the above blog, the TV show that's airing while Kagami and Tsukasa discuss telling lies is the a TNT original crime drama series "The Close (http://www.tnt.tv/series/closer/)r" starring Kyra Sedgwick. Yeah she's pretty hot, and the show has strong review and ratings for a TNT show. I guess it's popular in Japan too. Even the blogger isn't sure about this, and I'm not even going to second guess him since I have never watched a dubbed American show in Japanese.

Big in Japan!
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/9071/14853closerlra6.jpg

"Iku? Mairu?"
The question Hiiragi family tried to answer the first time was "What was the humble form of "行く" (go)? and the answer was "参る". I am kinda shocked that they missed it because even I know the answer. Perhaps we as gaijin tend to learn keigo before we learn normal Japanese, but I don't think "mairimasu!" was that rare, especially they all being mikos, shouldn't they know more keigos than normal folks?

"All-Star Appreciation Festival"
The quiz show Hiiragi family was enjoying is a twice a year special that has been aired since 1991 called "オールスター感謝祭 (http://www.tbs.co.jp/kanshasai/)". The Hiiragi girls and man were watching the Spring Special. All I know about it was that the male host, Shimata Shinsuke, is pretty famous and appears on several other shows as guests. It is pretty popular special; there's even a PS2 game made from the show.

Compare this to the anime TV picture.; KyoAni does its homework:
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/637/3e122f71gv0.jpg

Cheap Raman
While talking about the mythical house Miyuki lived in, the girls walked past a sign that reads "Delicious Chinese Noodle, 390 Yen". It is a sign for a super-cheap chain raman place called "ラーメンの日高屋 (http://www.hiday.co.jp/man/core/index.html)" (Raman no HidakaYa). I've never eaten there so I don't know how good it is, but here's what I do know: "Chuuka Soba" or Chinese noodles is another name for good old raman. Raman is actually treated as foreign (Chinese) food in Japan, but we all know it's Japanese. Kinda like how they see things like "Omu-Rice" as Western, but you'll be hard to find an ketchup-rice filled omelet in any Western kitchen. Since they have all 200 plus stores listed on their site, I'm going to be an ota and guess that the store they walked by is this one:

071 春日部店 春日部市中央1-9-1 048-753-0355

Picture of a random Hidakaya:
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/2208/jmydy5jkmjbfmjawnjaxmljyb4.jpg

"I'll be the Class Rep!"
When Yukata volunteered to be the Class Rep, she was referencing a line from a TV dorama, "熱中時代 (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%86%B1%E4%B8%AD%E6%99%82%E4%BB%A3)" (NecchuJidai). It was an OLD dorama aired in 1979 about a group of grade school students. I suppose it's very fitting for Yukata. It was white hot when first premiered, as it has a 47.5% rating. That means almsot 50% of all Japanese were watching it at the time. I don't know much about it.

He had a lot of fangirls back in the days:
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/4048/5c9ad765svr3.jpg

Russian Battleship
When Nanako-sensei woke Konata with a knock on the head, Konata said "ポチョムキン" or "Pochumukin". Apparently she's dreaming about a famous Russian Battleship called "Potemkin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battleship_Potemkin)" (Потёмкин). I'm not going to elaborate it as you can read the wikipedia yourself. What kind of dream could she be having? Of course I thought she said "Ocha Mochi", which is a mochi made with sencha powder. I like my version better. :)

Omochi Unyo~n...
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/4120/matunagakashi2nk3.jpg

Nakako-chan's Textbook
This (http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/463404580X/syusquizhomep-22/ref=nosim/) is the very text book she was holding while giving Kona a hard time.

It even the cover looked boring:
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/5631/5162kmf64tlaa240qp4.jpg


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4a) Spitze (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1054615&postcount=64) tells us about the goldfish sequence:

When Konata talks about pets coming back as humans to take care of their owner, she's referring to the show Tenshi no Shippo.

4b) Spitze (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1053035&postcount=60) also spends a word about Konata's dad:

Konata's dad, for putting on the goggles and face mask for his allergy, he's acting out the henshin sequence for Kamen Rider Super-1.

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5) CCYoshi (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1054675&postcount=65) spotted a possible reference:

When the girls are talking about visiting Miyuki's house, they start discussing what kind of pet she would have. Konata brings up that Miyuki has to have a "big, white dog".

Now what other rich girl has a big white dog? Chiyo of Azumanga Daioh. It feels like it could have been intentional; at least, I'm suspicious of anything that comes out of Konata's mouth.

Furudanuki (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1056253&postcount=67) adds as follows:

It probably was a Azumanga Daioh reference, since that series is very well known. However, the same criteria of "rich family, security fence, large yard, big white dog, and parasol" would also be an accurate reference for Ana Coppola from Ichigo Mashimaro. Konata could have had both examples in mind.

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6) About the quiz at Hiiragi's house, stormy001_M1A2 (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1055653&postcount=66) tells us about the unanswered question:

The unanswered quiz question regarding about Sir Andrew Wiles solving a theorem is refering to Fermat's Last Theorem, one of most heroic intellectual achievement of the recent history.

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7) Spotted by Elehayym (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1064031&postcount=74):

During Lucky Channel, Shiraishi goes "Miyo! Touhou ga akaku moeteiru!". That's the last part of what Domon and Master Asia (also known as Touhou Fuhai) say the first time they meet again, and in a few other circumstances, in G Gundam. Also the tone in which he says it is similar. Sample (http://utenti.lycos.it/eme/Ryuuha! Touhoufuhai wa.mp3)
Besides with all the guest appearances of Seki Tomokazu as Anime Tencho, this doesn't surprise me ^^ I always thought that his Domon was quite memorable.

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8) Added by Kiri_No_Haku :

Near the end of episode 15, when "AM 0:00" appears on the screen while Konata is playing a ps2 game, the music playing in the background is "Lorelei" from the visual novel Fate/Stay Night. ^^

Thank God I read the whole thing to remember the song. ^^

[Pellissier]

Episode 16:

1) The photographer harassing Tsukasa is the director of Suzumiya Haruhi No Yuutsu, Ishihara Tatsuya (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=9087), and takumi2k4 (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1059325&postcount=110) brings us proofs!

Hey, is it true that the guy who takes photos of Tsukasa is the director of Haruhi, Ishihara Tatsuya?

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/314/snapshot20070725045433bv2.th.jpg (http://img526.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot20070725045433bv2.jpg)

http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/4117/snapshot20070725050040ch8.th.jpg (http://img362.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot20070725050040ch8.jpg)

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2) Humongous submission by AVPlaya (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1065548&postcount=77):

Alright it's time again... I'll post any cultural references that's not part of the otaku world which I found myself or around the net, and I'll probably skip things that's already posted in this thread. Saa, hajimaru yo!

RINGU
The title of this episode is "Ringu", which is also the name for probably the most famous Japanese horror film of the last 10 years, both in Japan and internationally. I'm pretty sure everyone here's either heard of or has seen the original or the Americanized remake of the film. I'm not sure why the episode is called that, since there are no pale girls with long black hair crawling out of any TV sets, but perhaps it's a reference to many of the minor charas who were either introduced or touched upon in this episode? This is good topic for discussion... why what is the relationship between EP16 and a creepy movie about the ghost of an ESPer girl?

How did she fit in there again?
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/2659/sadakouv3.jpg

FOMA SH903iTV Black
The Ultra cool Japan-only Docomo phone made by Sharp which Kotana used to show off her l33t Haruhi rington and background. It can receive digital broadcast TV signal, and there's little doubt she will use it to watch anime. Sharp phones has the best screens because Sharp is one of the few LCD glass makers in the world.

Suge!
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/1184/o01nx6.jpg


Kagami the Orc
The very beginning of the EP we ran into the middle of a conversation where Kona decided that Kagami is an OUKU. And Kagami promptly objected to her appointment as the only monster. It seemed that they're talking about the Orc from the LOTR, which was a monster hit in Japan as well. I think they were talking about which race they each belong to in the LOTR universe.. Kona is OBVIOUSLY a hobbit, Miyuki, beautiful and smart, is very Elfish. Tsukasa is most human of them all, and that leaves poor Kagami to be the Orc. Hey, there's a whole interesting story behind TWO LINES in this anime!

Female Orc from Lineage II - they no got female Orcs in LOTR...
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/9192/5b065dorcfemalefighterrkc4.jpg


Sukiyaki Da!
The dish Hiiragi family was enjoying is the famous Japanese nabe dish すき焼き (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukiyaki) (Sukiyaki). It's just a lot of good stuff in a pot cooking in a special soy-sauce-based soup. Most nabes has clear broth as its base, but Sukiyaki is special in that the soup itself is very flavorful (some would say a bit savory...). The trick to nabe dinners is "more grabbing, less talking". You talk, you starve... and those whose chopstick and jaw moved the fastest wins. This is clearly a lesson to all who has never enjoyed dishes like nabe or Chinese/Korean firepots. Don't chat until you're full. Another thing about Sukiyaki... you can keep the left over soup and cook it until it becomes a sauce, and eat it over rice the next day!

Oishisou!
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/5633/suki111gd2.jpg


Horse Crap Seafood
Konata was having issue with the Japanese name for a type of sea urchin called "green sea urchin". The name is "バフンウニ (http://www.tbs.co.jp/seibutsu/zukan/museki/htmls/museki_19.html)" or "Horse Crap sea urchin". As you can see below, it's an apt name.

Oh Crap!
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/726/bafununibs0.jpg


Family in a Bento
After the Microwave Drink episode, Konata said Miyuki and her mom are like "The parent/child in a bento". In Japan, many dishes have the name "Oyako", or "Parent/Child" in them. This is usually referring to a dish with the main ingredient of egg and chicken, hence the play on word "Parent/Child." For example, one of the best donburi dishes is Oyako-don, a rice bowl covered with egg and chicken. Kona uses this expression to describe how similar or close they are.

Mou Oishiisou!
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/5386/oyakodonrz7.gif


LittlePSX
This is very otaku but I want to mention it. The cafe Kona worked for was the earliest version of one of the first Cosplay/Maido cafe around, LittlePSX (http://www.littlepsx.com/). I read about LittlePSX when maido cafe first came about a few years ago. This version was when it was a "Cheap Sweet" cafe, where you pay a set fee and get to eat all sort of cheap snacks and drinks. Now appearantly it's now a "maido darts bar". I don't know what you're supposed to do in a maido darts bar... some one care of fill this in? You shoot darts at maids while drunk?

the original LittlePSX... the anime was pretty close wasn't it?
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/3678/littlepsxinner01eb7.jpg


Reunions and Golden Week
Just want talk a little about these school topics. First of all, reunions. A school reunion starts the year you graduate from a school. Since this is Japan, you have 3 schools - grade, middle, and high school. These reunions are going to last a long time, if you are a close knit class. People in their 30's and 40's regularly attend middle and high school reunions; most of the time annually. Kona was asking about Middle School reunions there. If you grew up in the West, this is hard to imagine. But in Japan, the friend you've made when you're 13 will usually remain your friend for the rest of your friggin life, whether you like it or not. :) About Golden Week (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Week_(Japan))... I think it's a required knowledge for gaijin otakus now. It's a great stretch of time, and a lot of people visit foreign countries. In the place I used to live, we have to prepare for Golden Week since the influx of Japanese tourist will usually overwhelm everyone.

Decorations for Children's Day, originally Boy's Day.
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/7567/boysdayrl6.jpg


MAIU!
When Misao said Ayano's cookies were "MAIU!" she meant it was more delicious than just "umai"). This is a popular slang word which originated in a foody variety show hosted by two fat comedians called "元祖！でぶや (http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/debuya/)" (Ganso! Debuya). The shows' premise was these two fat guys looking for foods to make them fatter, and when they find it, they would say "MAIU!" to indicate how utterly delicious the food was. It's now a popular catch phrase used by teenage girls alike.

When the Debuya Boys visited Akiba maido cafes...MAIU! (It's printed in that yellow circle on the screen)
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/7108/20051120debuya2yn2.jpg


Final Warning! Beat Takeshi's SCARY diseases!
When Kona-jiji's little lolicon family was eating dinner and watching TV together, the TV show they were watching was one of the highest rated show in Japan called "最終警告! たけしの本当は怖い家庭の医学 (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%9C%80%E7%B5%82%E8%AD%A6%E5%91%8A%21%E3%81%9F%E 3%81%91%E3%81%97%E3%81%AE%E6%9C%AC%E5%BD%93%E3%81% AF%E6%80%96%E3%81%84%E5%AE%B6%E5%BA%AD%E3%81%AE%E5 %8C%BB%E5%AD%A6)" (Final Warning! Takeshi's Really Scary Family Medical Knowledge). Hosted by the world-famous Beat Takeshi, the show basically features a disease a week and it's supposed to be scary you into a healthier life style. The show is watched weekly by millions of middle age and older adults. It's sometimes funny and sometimes disgusting. They even have segments where they ACT OUT the horror stories of people such as the poor smoker who didn't know he has lung cancer until he started to COUGH BLOOD! ARG!!! It's pretty interesting but I can never get into it. Maybe when I'm older.

Beat-sama's gonna scare you into good health!
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/3458/px35001kr2.jpg


Hell Girl's English Serifu
Alright most of you have gotten the English phrase the elder Hiiragi sisters tried to translate is one of Jikoku Shoujo's standard lines, so I'm just going to cut and paste the English and the Japanese here:

Curses, like chickens, come home to roost,
人を呪わば穴二つ

when you make the contract,
あなたが契約を結んだ時

you will absolutely go to hell, too.
あなたも必ず地獄へと流される。


Bird Rests
Just in case you don't know what a 鳥居 (Torii) looks like, it's this gate thing in front of every Shinto shrine

Body-carrying bird rests here!
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/7874/miyajima1kw4.jpg


ENKA!!!
AKIRA-sama sang a beautiful traditional pop song of Japan in a style called 演歌 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enka) (Enka, or "Performance Songs"). There's a lot of history behind Enka, tracing its root from the middle 1800's. It's now a declining art form; enjoyed only by people older than 40 years of age. Many people think Enka's going to die, but I don't think so. Here's the reason - if you're even in Karaoke with your boss, and you're over 30 years old, you should only order and sing Enka to entertain your boss. It's a mature person's music; if you start to sing J-POP songs, you can kiss that promotion good bye as you're seen as immature. If you start to sing otaku songs, you'll probably get fired. :)

I personally enjoy Enka a lot, maybe because I am getting older. Enka is THE original Asian pop music and I'm so glad it's still around today, although the only time you'll get to see it live is probably on New Year's Kohaku singing competition special. Enka, with the help of Akira and Shiraishi, will live forever. In a few week, a miracle will happen in Japan, as an Enka single will reach top 5 of the Oricon chart. Everyone will be stunned and major newsmedia will put be talking about it. Let's just wait and behold the spectacle.

As I have said before, Akira's got MAD enka skillz. Enka is all about the facial expression when you sing.. most Enka songs are sad songs about lost love or the cheating man, and you're not really singing unless you can emote the pain through your voice, your face, and your hand gestures. A very difficult part of Enka is how you vibrate your voice through your abs when you hit the trailing notes or the all important Zabi (climax). In fact the word Zabi came from Enka. Many of these aspects were animated on Akira. The ED from Hiromi-chan was especially good because it was a really well made Enka Karaoke... with the beautiful scenery, the singer in impeccable long sleeve kimono (formal, mature woman) and looked as serious as hell... only thing missing is the falling sakura. (actually they ALL looked like this). Listen to this song carefully... see how Hiromi's trying to vibrate her voice deeply during the Zabi, but Akira-sama came out instead. It's so friggin awesome I'm actually in tears. :D

Here's a REAL Enka MV by the probably the most senior and famous of all female Enka singer, Misora Hibari (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%BE%8E%E7%A9%BA%E3%81%B2%E3%81%B0%E3%82%8A). Compare her to Hiromi-chan; if she wants to copy anyone this is it:
umyudAg3J0A


Bonus: The last thing Kyon said before she show ended was "Jan Ken Po", which is the paper-rock-scissor game to us gaijin, and according to bayaob, it was a reference to the end of Sazae-san anime. :)

ADDEDUM: I missed what Kyon ordered in the LittlePSX cafe: He ordered 3 things:

うな重 (Unagi-Jou): Broiled eel over rice. Excellent dish:
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/90/unajouk5.jpg

エビピラフ (Ebi-Pilafu): Shrimp Pilaf; not found outside of Japan:
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/6241/ebipilafac4.jpg

ミートスパ (Meeto-Supa): Meat Spaghetti. No, this is NOT the spaghetti you know and love:
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/8296/s193vc4.jpg

It takes 15 minutes to make a MeetoSupa? What kind of cafe is this? But they actually have Unagi-Juu? Probably never had them in the first place.. Unagi-Juu is notoriously hard to make, and only specialty-places can do them well.

3) Posted by PirateSkittles (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1065745&postcount=78):

At Konata's job, there are characters cosplaying from the series "Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu". Konata is cosplaying as Haruhi, Patricia is cosplaying as Mikuru, possibly-Akira is cosplaying as Yuki, and a random guy is cosplaying as Kyon.

Cosplayer-Yuki's responses to Kyon's orders are mostly, if not all, quotes from Yuki in Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu.
Konata replies "I have no interest in an ordinary menu" to Tsukasa's order, which is a reference to a quote from Haruhi, "I have no interest in ordinary people".
Konata refers to the brigade, something Haruhi started with Kyon.
Patricia replies "Classified Information" to Kagami's question, which is one of Mikuru's quotes.

The dance all three perform is the ending of Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu, "Hare Hare Yukai".

When Konata goes "shopping while waiting for someone", she is recommended to buy two character albums from Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu: Volume 8 (Itsuki Koizumi's) and Volume 9 (Kyon's). The guy making the recommendation is, again, voiced by Tomokazu Sugita, who also voices Kyon. So he basically recommended "Legendary Girl A" to buy his own album.

Also, during Akira's "Live Concert", Minoru says '"Exausting Life Returns" is...'. It's a reference to a song on Kyon's Character Album, "Kentai Life Returns".

[Pellissier]

Episode 17:

1) Xiaolang (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1067595&postcount=81) tells us about the Cat's Eye reference:


I'm pretty certain about this since I'm a fan of Tsukasa Hojo (of City Hunter fame): when Konata was talking about Kagami and her sisters, she alludes to the idea that the Hiiragi sisters have a hidden personality, probably thieves like the Kisugi sisters in "Cat's Eye."

Comparison:
The Kisugi Sisters from Cat's Eye:
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/Ffenixrising/snapshot20070730001502.jpg

The Hiiragi Sisters, and Kagamin at the edge for some reason:
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/Ffenixrising/LuckyStar-17-Large23.jpg

Cat's Eye:
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/Ffenixrising/snapshot20070730002705.jpg

Lucky Star:
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/Ffenixrising/LuckyStar-17-Large22.jpg

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2) Spotted by shiroitenshi83 (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1068505&postcount=83):

I have noticed that Kagami had tried to buy a bottle of drink from a konbini (convenience store) named FamilyMart (without her wallet).
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/3678/moyismluckystar17rawaviiw1.jpg

Compare with here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FamilyMart).

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3) Posted by Teiran (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1070657&postcount=85):

As part of imagining how great life would be in a big family, Konata mentions four daughters and a mother in the olden days in America, waiting for the return of a long-absent father.

That's a little barebones, but it sounds suspiciously like the plot of Little Women (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Women).

This episode establishes that our otaku heroine has an aversion to books, so how could she ever have encountered that story? Well, if we know one thing about Kona-chan, we know that she has a certain penchant for cultural references that are older than she is, such as, oh, 80s anime (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ai_no_Wakakusa_Monogatari) adaptations (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakakusa_Monogatari_Yori_Wakakusa_no_Yon_Shimai) of 19th-century novels.

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4a) Submitted by PirateSkittles (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1073070&postcount=86):

During Lucky Channel,

Anizawa Meito-san mentions "Rou**n", "Gao**nger", "**tato", "Mai***", they are references to Hiromi Konno (Akira's seiyuu) other roles from other series.

"Rou**n" would be Rouran (from Kikou Sen'nyo Rouran)
"Gao**nger" could be Go-gan (from Mamimume Mogacho)
"**tato" would be Potato (from Air)
"Mai***"...I have no idea at all, but as the others are other voice-acting roles by the same seiyuu, this must be another one of them.

Also explains why he asked if she's Akira Kogami "right now".

4b) With extension and corrections by Kritios (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1073566&postcount=93)


Gao**nger: She voiced several different bird things (http://www.toei-group.co.jp/tv/programs/gao/guest/guest27.html) in Gaoranger (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyakujuu_Sentai_Gaoranger) (footage which was then used in Power Rangers: Wild Force)

Mai***: Wikipedia says she voiced a bit role ("Girl B from Maimai Kingdom") in Anpanman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anpanman).


75]

5) Added by RozenMaidenSK (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1073599&postcount=94):

I heard Konata were saying something about names of Pocket Mo*sters (Pocket Monsters - Pokemon)
... She meant that she knows the name of every Pokemon

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6) Written by Kyora (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1074289&postcount=95):

I'm not sure if this is purely, unbelieveably coincidental but... In the scene where Yui, Konata's father, and Yutaka are setting up for the surprise birthday party. The scenes flash one from to another with the ticking noise in the background, with the time.

This seems to be a parody on the popular Fox TV series, "24," where after a commercial break, a few different scenes will flash through with a clock, with a very similar beeping/ticking noise in the background.

Also, when they ask for the career choices, Konata puts down "Brigade Leader" for the first one, which is another Suzumiya Haruhi references.

Yutaka and Konata are playing what looks a lot like a Nintendo Wii...

edit;;
Konata's also seen reading a magazine (I can't tell which it is though...) in class with Suzumiya Haruhi on the front.

6b) With extension by aorta (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1074402&postcount=96) about the magazine:


It's this. Haruhi is on the back cover.

http://www.comptiq.com/release/comptiq/2007_07.html


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7) A new massive submission by AVPlaya (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1084495&postcount=104):

Otaku Crime
AGAIN L*S features TV broadcasts relating to otaku-related crime. I'm pretty sure its a form of self-parody, but I'm not sure how many otaku actually find it funny in Japan. The first case the Konata and Yutaka saw on TV should be the world-famous case (http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUST30108720070515) of the teen who beheaded his own mother, carried it to an internet cafe, and then turned himself in. Yeah the kid was found with lots of manga and games in his room. Of course the media went wild about how his otaku-ness cause the crime/etc... The joke here is rather dark... Read the news and watch the segment again. :)

I'm not sure exactly what incident Konata and Kagami was talking about sepcifically, but what I do know is that during the first part of 2007 the news media and blogs was focusing a LOT on "harmful" manga. There was news about police raiding bookstores and proposals to ban "harmful lolicon shojo manga". They could be talking about these incidents. You can read a lot of about it in this English post (http://comipress.com/article/2007/07/17/2307).

We corrupt young girls, ne!
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/2370/2503308107la2.gif

24
The sequence in which the Izumi family prepares for Kotana's birthday bash is of course parody of the hit FOX TV drama "24". Jack and friends are so big that even Crayon Shin-chan parodied it. Okay, you say "so and so is big in Japan", what does it really mean? Well, if a Hollywood celeb does one of these, then he or she is "big in Japan". Jack is SO BIG and he does a bunch of them in a MINI-SERIES way. That's BIG.

Jack Bauer Loves Calorie Mate: part 1 to 6. Watch in ORDER!
Ic23EgQHHw4
2SMS4YZR6-c
9tg8rQM3v3k
jdWLsw2ulaA
VwX18xLdROY
8QVNu2YOnSw
Only thing in the world which can stop JACK BAUER? Japanese High School Girls, of course.


College Major Declarations
HS kids in Japan has to decide exactly what major they want to go into during their 3rd year in HS. This is because unlike the US, when you enter a Japanese college you go into your major right away. What the girls are doing is actually picking not only the major, but exact college which offer those majors. They are doing this because in order to get into a good, public college, a student has to 2 tests - a national administered test and a test administered by the college that's based on the major. For example, to get into Todai, you need top grades from the national and Todai tests. The system in Japan is one of the hardest in the world. The declarations are important, because your declaration plus your score decide if you get into to your school. For example, if you're Kagami and you picked law or economics or , you can't decide to apply for a medical major AFTER you've discovered your grades can qualify for a medical school. Thus, these sheets can decided your future career, and you have to do it when you're just 17.

Wohoo! I'm in ToDai!
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/7980/tokyouniversityentranceon2.jpg

Kaiten Zushi
Kagami like to pick fresh items when visiting cheap sushi places called "回転寿司 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conveyor_belt_sushi)", where you eat by picking sushi out of a conveyor belt and pay by the plate. She's so seasoned....

We be cheap!
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/9351/099dts01ti6.jpg

Ito Yokado and Otsuka Kagu
When Kagami and Konata was arguing about Light novels, they were standing outside of stores called Ito Yokado and Otsuka Kagu (Furuniture). Ito Yokado (https://www.iy-net.jp/nsmarket/shoptop.do?shopcd=00175) a "General Merchandise Shop", similar to our Wal-mart or Target, but it also sells food items as well (open 'til 11PM!). Otsuka Kagu (http://www.idc-otsuka.co.jp/showroom/showroom_f.html) is a major furniture showroom and it's diagonal from Ito-yakado. It's the backdrop when the camera is facing Kotana. Both are famous Japanese chain stores, and both are right outside the Katsukabe JR Station.

Ito-Yokado Katsukabe
http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/4680/kasukabe28hp2.jpg

Otsuka Kagu Katsukabe on the left
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/189/kasukabe29bm9.jpg

Credit: the image came from this blog (http://tamagazou.machinami.net/kasukabeshigaichi.htm) about Saitama (not L*S related!)

FamilyMart
The store in which Kagami forgot her to bring money to is the 3rd largest Convenient Store chain in Japan (behind 7/11 and Lawsons) called FamilyMart. (http://www.family.co.jp/english/index.html) FamilyMart is famous for its technological innovation and they have stores in Korea, Taiwan, China, and Thailand. The one she visited is probably the 東鷲宮店 location near the Washinomiya Jinja. Yes, 2ch otakus are already adding the poor store to the "Holy Site" list. If I were them I'd put a life size display of Kagami right outside the store.

FamilyMarts are better than 7/11! (The FamilyMart near Waseda U)
http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/892/familymartrt4.jpg

Octopus with Wasabi
The food item Tsukasa was looking for in her PJ is a specialty food item called "タコ山葵" (tako wasabi). It's chunks of octopus marinated with chopped wasabi. I've not had this one but I've always dipped cooked octopus pieces in wasabi soysauce like a sashimi. It's good!

Oishi...i?
http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/2198/takowasabiby8.jpg

Oyoyo!
The sound Tsukasa made after she discovered the censored food item is a reference to a famous Japanese professional rakugo artist (rakugo-ka) named 桂三枝 (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%A1%82%E4%B8%89%E6%9E%9D) (Katsuka Sanshi), Rakugo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakugo) is a older form of story-telling art that is the precursor to today's manzai and other comedy formats. It's basically one guy telling a funny story. "Oyoyo!" is an expression made famous by Katsuka Sanshi.

Katsuka-sensei:
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/5132/920446317695ebcfhl1.jpg

Tanshin Funin
Yui-nee-san is crying about the fact that her husband has to perform Tanshin-Funin. 単身赴任 is when the husband leave the wife and family behind to take a job in a far-away location, sometimes even out of the country, for an extended period of time. The husband will then live in company housing while away. This happens because Japanese companies tend to train employees by sending them to various part of the operations for a period of time before given them more responsibility, so a salariman can often expected to be called to be stationed at a remote location for a year or so. Due to short length of stay and the firm Japanese belief that uprooting family is bad, the husband often go by himself. This practice has created huge social problem of husbands/wifes cheating on each other during these stays.

Tokyo Walker
The magazine Matsuri was reading while waiting for the twins is the July 3, 2007 issue of "Tokyo Walker (http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/mag/tw/)" magazine. Tokyo Walker is a young people mag about what's cool in the greater Tokyo Area; there's a walker magazine for most major cities in Japan and in Asia. Usually you want to find out something cool or a great place to eat, you'll pick up a copy of Tokyo Walker.

July 3rd issue of Tokyo Walker:
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/9717/200703000115vi7.jpg

Paella
Matsuri-one-chan made a very traditional Seafood Paella (http://www.eatpaella.co.uk/seafood_paella.asp). It uses saffron to create the orange-ish color of the rice, and that's why Kagami was late looking for it. Saffron is rare and expensive. One of my favorite dish to make, since it was so simple. Also, the fact that the older sisters order the younger ones to run chores are quite normal - older siblings get to order younger ones around, but Kagami isn't liking it one bit.

Paella - this photo looked pretty close to the anime
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/8963/seafoodpaellaqw4.jpg

Kagami's New Book
Kagami wanted to buy the latest book by somewhat famous author 山田真哉 (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%B1%B1%E7%94%B0%E7%9C%9F%E5%93%89)(Yamada Shinya) called "食い逃げされてもバイトは雇うな (http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/4334034004?ie=UTF8&tag=yamadashinyak-22&linkCode=as2&camp=247&creative=1211&creativeASIN=4334034004)" He's famous for writing about the intricacies corporate finances and accounting, being a licensed accountant himself. His book is actually more about economics, and since Kagami wanted to major in econ, it make sense she wanted to buy the book.

Looks like a dry reading...
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/1968/31fltzuutllaa240xi5.jpg


7b) If you thought it was not enough, AVPlaya (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1084502&postcount=105) goes ahead!

PART A:

Kotana:「HA☆NA☆SE!!」 (From Yugioh) (???)



Konata's Asperations:


Danchou (Haruhi)
Successor to NantoShinKen (Hokuto No Ken (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fist_of_the_North_Star), mixing "HokutoShinKen" and "NantoSeiken")
コンテマン (ConteMan) - the person drawing the filler between key panels in an anime



Konata: can show you all them PokeMans (can she do it in English too?)



Kagami's Light Novel: "レンタルマギカ 魔法使い、貸します (http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/bunko/bk_detail.php?pcd=200405000263)" (Rental Magica)


Konata's Magazine: Computiq (http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000RE7PFW/syusquizhomep-22/ref=nosim/)July 2007


Konata's Scribble: Noein - To Your Other Self (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noein)anime


Yutaka's Nuigurumi : にゃもー (Nyamou)



Part B


Konata/Yukata Playing Wii



Konata Referencing 若草物語 (http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000065B4T/syusquizhomep-22/ref=nosim/) (Little Women), the anime, not the novel or TV show



Cat's Eye (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat's_Eye_(anime))OP Parody, with 1 extra girl


Comic on Konata's bed: "ひぐらしのなく頃に 鬼曝し編 (http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/comic/bk_detail.php?pcd=200512000082)" (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Onisarashi Hen, or Demon Express)
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/7535/200512000082gi0.jpg


Lucky Channel


Lucky Channel: Shiraishi parodies Domon Kasshu (http://www.gundamofficial.com/worlds/fc/characters/chara_domon.html) of Gundam G's favorite line: "My back's really burnning red!" (or something :heh: )

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/3060/eptwentyeight56li1.jpg


Shiraishi Turing white: puns his own name, which means "white rock".


Anime Tanchou questions the Akira's Passion, named the 3 past roles (the seiyuu otas here can fill in the roles she played)"



Kikou Sennyo Rouran (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=2164)
HyakuJuuSentai GaoRenJaa (http://www.angelfire.com/band2/beste65site/senti/Gao.html) (a tokusatsu show)
AIR (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=2480)
Sireike! Anpanman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anpanman) (Anpan man Anime)



ED


『しら☆いし』: The L*S OP became ED for The Shira * Ishi Show


ED song: Motteke! Seiraafuku, Ambigous Sunshine Version



Girls in the back of the bus: Hiromi-chan (Akira) and Kaori-chan (Tsukasa)



Kamen Rider Henshin pose



Parody line from 新造人間キャシャーン (Cassern)

[Pellissier]

Episode 18:

1) Posted by Kaioshin_Sama (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=976330&postcount=3):

In one of the scenes, Konata and Kuroi are shown in a video game like scenario. They are filling in for Sousuke (Konata) and Gauron (Kuroi) and acting out a typical battle animation from Super Robot Taisen W, which is part of a popular cross over serues of Strategy games by Banpresto.

75

2a) Weekly hyperbolic contribution by AVPlaya (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1084504&postcount=106), part 1:

Collectible Choco Wafer
The chocolate wafer Konata was generously sharing with everyone was something that can only be invented in Japan - it is a collectible card game made by Bandai called "神羅万象 (http://shinrabansho.com/shouhin.html)" (Shinranbanshyo). What's great about this game is that when you buy a new card packet, you also get a - CHOCO WAFER! So the kid gets the card AND a snack. Perfect marketing. Why does Konata have so many? She probably have a card she really wanted and got carried away. Any card game fan can identify with that, only you no get no choco wafer.

Munchies for all your battles!
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/4373/sinra22ut1.jpg

Lucky * Animals
Just a short list of the RAKI * Doubutsu:

Konata - Fox
Tsukasa - Puppy (she's no bia.. )
Yutaka - Squirrel
Kagami - Rabbit
Yui-nee-chan - Leopard
Minami - Eagle
Miyuki - Sheep or Cow


Super-Smart Animals
Man this EP is all about animals! When the Tsukasa and Kagami were talking about dogs, the TV show which triggered this debate is a very, very popular TV show called 天才!志村どうぶつ園 (http://www.ntv.co.jp/zoo/index.html) (Tensai! Shimura Doubutsu En). This is a show loved by everyone and hosted by a Japanese comedic Legend, 志村けん (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%BF%97%E6%9D%91%E3%81%91%E3%82%93) (Shimura Ken). He was the first manzai comedian to make it big on TV and he has hosted numerous shows which is the model for today's comedic variety shows. Everyone in Japan knows him. This particular show he's hosting is is about animals... especially smart animals doing tricks or performing impossible tasks. There are a lot of segment featuring dogs and cats, but the most famous animal from the show is the Chimpanzee named パンくん (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%91%E3%83%B3%E3%81%8F%E3%82%93) (pan-kun) and his pet dog James. Yes, he's one of the smartest non-human primate in the world, with the IQ of a 3-yrs old, so he gets a pet dog. With his dog James, Pan-kun performs human tasks such as shopping, riding the bus, feeding his dog, cleaning his room, visiting his vet, and cook his own meals, all by himself. A lot of cele talentos such as Aoki Sayaka (we like her) host segments on this show due to the popularity. It's a great show, folks.

Here's a video of one of the Pan-kun segments. Watch as Pan-kun board a train with James, his faithful Pitbull. That old guy on the top left is Shimura the host.

R7nNaUAWe44

Japanese Elections
Konata complaining about how Japanese Diet Election (http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1647944,00.html) Coverage has disturbed her anime viewing. Japan held an Diet Upper House election last week and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party lost its majority in the Upper House. Since the Lower House is more powerful, the still rule Japan but the LDP Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, refused to resign even though the election was seen as a referendum on his rule. His brief reign was marred by scandals and some moves to change Japan's pacifist constitution, while economy and reform stagnated. His ratings were as low as Bush before the election, and his party took a great loss. This election was followed closely by Japanese TV, and and many otakus were inconvenienced by the coverage. But what Konata may not know or care is that the current Foreign Minister, Aso Taro (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taro_Aso), an otaku who likes "Rozen Maiden" and even campaigned in Akiba, is next in line for the PM job. He is big on the export of Japan's "Soft Power", meaning anime/manga, and even sponsored events like an International Manga Award to promote it. If he becomes PM, we'll probably see the Japanese military actively develop Mobile Suits and female government employee will be required to wear maido outfits. (Aso has a lot of problems I won't get into here.)

Rozen Aso with Rozen Maiden: Vote for me and Suiseiseki neh!
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/5161/akibaasorozendx4.jpg

Kick Boxing One
We found out by accident that Nanako-sensei liked to watch K1 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K-1), Japanese professional Kick-boxing-based "Martial-Arts Fighting Competition". It's like Ultimate Fighting Champtionship in the US, only that K1 focus on Muay Thai and other boxing styles more so there's less grappling moves dominated other ultimate fighting circuits. K1 is popular in Japan, although Pride Fighting Championship is probably more so. This is what non-otaku guys in Japan watches.

Akebono, the former Sumo Yokozuna, versus Musashi, a fan favorite, in a K1 match:
http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/1070/akebonomusashiwr6.jpg

Japanese Cell Plans
Getting a phone in Japan is really similar to getting it in the US, even though the phones are vastly different. Usually you get a phone for free or really cheap for signing a two-year contract (that's why Kagami said 2 years), but the plan can be much cheaper than the US. The only thing that's really expensive in Japan is the data rate, which is counted by packet. You don't pay for receiving phone calls but you do when you initiate the call (which is norm in most countries except the US). That's why many girls would carry multiple handsets, so she can give out number to specific handset to different types of people; this is especially true under the Japan-only PHS system, where you pay zero or very little monthly fee and only pay for the outgoing calls you make (which is usually cheaper too). Negative part of PHS is that it's only available in certain cities and the handsets are not as advanced/cool. Selecting a handset and a carrier/plan is an art in Japan...

An old-skool PHS phone
http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/8157/dochimon831dualmodesa2.jpg

2b) Weekly hyperbolic contribution by AVPlaya (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1084509&postcount=107), part 2:

PART A:

Konata's grade school aspirations: Vet and lawyer
Possible manga/game inspirations:
Manga - "動物のお医者さん (http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/4592881419/syusquizhomep-22/ref=nosim/)" (Animal Doctor)
Game - 逆転裁判 (http://www.capcom.co.jp/newproducts/consumer/gbasaiban/index2.html) (Phoenix Wright I) for the GBA, 2001

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/6706/51xfdehgzylaa240uh8.jpghttp://img337.imageshack.us/img337/5763/packagenk6.jpg

The light novel Kagami forced Konata to read:
"君の居た昨日、僕の見る明日１　－STARTING BELL－ (http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/bunko/bk_detail.php?pcd=200405000104)" (The Yesterday of Your Existence, The Tomorrow that I see - Starting Bell)

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/6954/200405000104au9.jpg

Konata's Lament: When Konata said "I have not reached that level yet" in response to Kagami, it's a reference to KyoAni's Yamakan Resignation Announcement (http://www.kyotoanimation.co.jp/info.html), which stated the exact same words: "まだその域に達していないので"

Yamakan self-portrait, taken from his mixi page:
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/3756/146789762kq3.jpg

Konata vs Nanako
This scene parodies the "スーパーロボット大戦Ｗ (http://www.suparobo.jp/srw_lineup/srw_w/about/index.html)" (Super Robo Taisen W) game for DS. The two robots are: ARX-7 Arbalest and Venom Plan-1058 Codarl-M from Full Metal Panic!

http://img456.imageshack.us/img456/5366/b000bnczu409lzzzzzzzmh0.jpg

Girls Chasing Each Other in the Rain
The girls in the rain are two characters from "MUNTO(ムント)～時の壁を越えて～ (http://www.munto.com/data/mein/)" ( Munto 2: Beyond the Walls of Time OVA). The first girl is Suzume, and the chasing gilr is Ichiko. This is also a Yamakan anime.

PART B

Tsukasa Manga
The manga Tsukasa's reading is "ラグーンエンジン" (Lagoon Engine) volume 5.

http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/4319/512ebmsb2wlaa240wv0.jpg

Seme! Uke!
Since Hiyori's automated response to "攻め" (seme, "aggresor" in BL), is "受け" (uke, "receiver" in BL), she is a certified 腐女子 (Fujoshi).

The Nagano Fujoshi Sisters Otaku Idol Group:
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/3770/20070302hanawa201nt6.jpg

Japan's Three Major Holy Sites
According to Patty, it's not Kamakura, Kyoto, or Nara, but Akibahara (Tokyo), Nipponbashi (http://www.denden-town.or.jp/) (Osaka), and Oosu (Nagoya). Plus Nagano and Kichigyoji as the local Tokyo semi Holy Sites.

Nipponbashi DenDen Town
http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/3357/nipponbashi01kr4.jpg

Hiyori's Manga Collection
Some books on Hiroyi-chan's bookshelf. Boy she has some good seinen taste!


"快感フレーズ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaikan_Phrase)" (Kaikan (Sensual) Phrase)
"サンクチュアリ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanctuary_(manga))" (Sanctuary) [COOL!]
"MONSTER (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster_manga)" [Nice!]
"将太の寿司 (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=6657)" (Shota no Sushi) [My favorite cooking manga/dorama]


http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/8237/comic1yz9.jpg

Otome Road and K-books
Patty the gaijin otaku was actually giving a tour information to two local girls about the famous Otome Road (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otome_Road) in Ikebukuro. She offered all the important info so I won't repeat it. Like Tora no Ana at Akiba, K-Books (http://www.k-books.co.jp/) at Otome Road is where the hardcore gather for their doujin needs.

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/3682/otome4mp9.jpghttp://img241.imageshack.us/img241/783/otmoe11yz8.jpg
Image Credit (http://patrickmacias.blogs.com/er/2006/04/hime_gumi.html).

[Pellissier]

Episode 19:

1) 50 foot reference, spotted by Dop (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1094703&postcount=56):



http://randomc.animeblogger.net/image/Lucky%20Star/Lucky%20Star%20-%2019%20-%20Large%2026.jpg

You've got to love that scene, not so much a reference as a direct copy, er, I mean a homage. yes, that's it, a homage.

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/IMC/A9738.jpg

75

2) The reference found by the almighty Suzumiya Haruhi (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1097571&postcount=117) is so good it is criminal:

The characters that Hiyori drew were Odoroki Housuke and Garyuu Kyouya from Gyakuten Saiban 4 / Ace Attorney 4:

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/7249/vlcsnap528890ql4.png

75

3a) Weekly mammoth contribution by AVPlaya (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1105826&postcount=119), part 1:

Kona no Petto
There sure are plenty of dog references in L*S. We know that the Hiiragi Twins wanted one, since EP13 the sponsor graphics has been a husky, and now Kona mentioned that she has a game dog. I think everyone can agree that the game she's playing must be Nintendo's first big hit for the DS, Nintendog. In this game you do talk to the dog, so it matches what she said.

The cutest Nintendog cover:
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/9013/11248146410lo1.jpg


That CHINCHIN is ADORABLE!
Okay before you think I'm dirty, hear me out. As most of you have figured out, "chinchin" is what little children called a penis. But that's not what Tsukasa was asking... they were talking about DOGS so she was asking a very valid question about dog training terms. "ちんちん", in addition to be a term for male genital, is also used to describe the act of a dog standing on its hind legs. Why is it called that? Well, most Japanese, like you and me, believe that it's because when a male dog performs this trick, it's penis will be shown to all. Thus the girls all blushed (except Kona of course). What Miyuki said was that it's an imported term from Chinese. Well, I personally never heard of such usage, but it's possible. "親親" (qing1 qing1, same sound as ChinChin) means literally "kiss kiss". It's used when you wanted someone to kiss you. When a dog raises its hind leg and thus raise it's head, it's possible that the trainer could be asking the dog to raise its mouth high enough to kiss the trainer. Thus our MiWIKI has a plausible point.

Good looking Chinchin right there!
http://img470.imageshack.us/img470/6531/boscotrickay7.jpg


Gundam Research
Due to possible licensing issue, L*S could never reference Gundam out-right, even though you can tell they're dying to do so. Finally in this episode they can't wait much longer so they let it all out, hoping that their expertly applied censoring skills will avoid Bandai lawsuits. According to the Japanese Gun-ota, the following is what some anonymous akiba-kei chibi-cosplayer interview her lolicon gun-ota hentai chichi about:

Canon Series:

V - Mobile Suit Victory Gundam or V Gundam, 1993
W - Mobile Suit Gundam Wing or New Mobile Report Gundam W - 1995
X - After War Gundam X or Mobile New Century Gundam X - 1996


Parody Series:

Gundam Serial Murder Cases: It's actually "ポートピア連続殺人事件 (http://strategywiki.org/wiki/Portopia_Renzoku_Satsujin_Jiken)" (Portopia Serial Murder Cases) , a 1983 adventure game made by Enix for NEC PC and Nintendo Famicom.
Famous Detective Gundam: - Of course this is "名探偵コナン" or "Detective Conan/Case Closed" The image shown here looks like "Turn A Gundam (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_A_Gundam)" though.

Gundam Chara Age versus Densetsu no Shojou A:

Amuro Ray (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amuro_Ray) (15) - K****a (18): According to wikipedia, Amuro was 15 at the beginning of One Year War. Perhaps by the end of the War, he's 16 and thus Girl A is correct.
Bright Noa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bright_Noa) (19) - K****a in years (20): Again, Bright is also just about 20 at the end of the One Year War. Guess that's the reference age point for the anonymous otaku - end of the original Mobile Suit Gundam series.

PC version of Portopia:
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/4407/portopiapc6k1boxyt8.jpg


The Good Gift
When Kona-jiji returned with a bag of omiyage from the neighbor, Konata asked "What? A vase?". This is another Mobile Suit Gundam reference. Right before the Zeon colonel M'Quve (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%27Quve) died, he stated "Uragan, give the vase to Lady Kycilia, it's very valuable!". Only a highly-trained child of a Gun-Ota would automatically feel that something valuable should instinctively be a vase. A lolicon dad also should not using Princess Maker (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_maker)-like lines when describing his own lilo-moe daughter.

Makube and his valuable Vase:
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/2049/tmakube5nx6.jpg


Tsukasa's Fear
The movie Tsukasa used to keep herself awake is the very famous Japanese horror classic "呪怨 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ju-on)" (JuOn). The film has been remake by Hollywood as "The Grudge", and the most scary thing in that movie is how all the main characters living in Japan all became English speaking gaijin.

You know how long it takes to put on all this makeup?
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/8406/juon20ppplanotp2.jpg


Otaku-Nee-San
Yui-Nee-san is actually reading Fate/stay Night manga volume #3 (http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/comic/bk_detail.php?pcd=200602000155). She's actually an otaku!!! Actually if you think about, what else is she doing in the Izumi house? Reading Kona's wall of Otaku manga. She has been turned...

Rider is so sexy...
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/5880/200602000155bi6.jpg


Konata Decoration
Thing in Konata's Room:

On Top of TV: - Atelier Sai 1/6 Mikuru Asahina Waitress Version Pink (http://www.hlj.com/product/ATS82100)
Hanging next to bookself: Large version of "彗星ヒヨコ (http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%A9%9F%E5%8B%95%E6%88%A6%E5%A3%AB%E3%82%AC%E3%8 3%B3%E3%83%80%E3%83%A0%E3%81%95%E3%82%93-%E3%81%A4%E3%81%8E%E3%81%AE%E3%81%A1%E3%82%87%E3%8 1%A3%E3%81%A8%E3%81%A4%E3%81%8E%E3%81%AE%E5%B7%BB~ %E5%BD%97%E6%98%9F%E3%83%92%E3%83%A8%E3%82%B3%E6%8 0%A5%E4%BE%BF~/dp/4049007908)" (Suisei Hiyoko) from the Gundam parody 4-koma manga "機動戦士ガンダムさん (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%A9%9F%E5%8B%95%E6%88%A6%E5%A3%AB%E3%82%AC%E3%8 3%B3%E3%83%80%E3%83%A0%E3%81%95%E3%82%93)"
Wall Posters - Kiddy Grade (?) and ???

Kawasugi!
http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/4550/d1000006ms9.jpg


Nanako the Violent Teacher
When Nanako said to Konata "Correct It!", that seemed to be reference to Mobile Suit Gundam's Bright Noa. When she hits Konata, two person appears in the flash": Akira and Kanata. The hitting scene is from the Thai martial arts movie "The Protecto (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427954/)r" (ワンカット in Japanese) starring Tony Jaa. The quotes on the black boards are from: Che Guevara, Jean-Paul Charles Aymard Sartre, and John Lennon.

I kick loli-ass!
http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/4508/protectorsmallos2.jpg

3b) Weekly mammoth contribution by AVPlaya (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1105827&postcount=120), part 2:

Typhoon Family
When the girls were talking about the weather after the Typhoon, they were making a Japanese pun. What Konata was trying to say is "台風一過" (Tai Fuu Ikka), which is the calm weather after the typhoon, but she thought she the term was "台風一家" (Tai Fuu Ikka), which means "The Typhoon Family". Then she proceeded to make seemingly funny comment about the big typhoon's siblings. Kagami, knowing the real meaning of the term, asked Kona if she's serious. Of course she was. Seemed like Tsukasa was in Kona's boat as well. This happens to a lot of kanji-semi literate Japanese teens.

The Typhoon Family Photo:
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/5900/1150603va0.jpg


Pro Baseball In Japan
The Japanese pro-baseball season is now in full-swing. Overtime game would push midnight anime further back, forcing many otaku to re-adjust their VCRs. There are no Tivo-like service in Japan (I checked) so even with a DVR, they will have to do this manually. Thus many otaku in Japan hated baseball with a passion. Trivia: It seemed that Nanako's favorite Pro Baseball Team is the Lotte Chiba Marines (http://www.marines.co.jp/), and the main reason for this was that one of the team's star pitcher, 小林宏之 (http://www.marines.co.jp/team/41.html) (Kobayashi Hiroyuki), is Katsukabe KyoEi High School's most famous alumni. He helped the team won its' first Japan Series title in '05; I remember him cus I watched the game. What's really unbelievable was the fact that Kona-jiji was watching baseball... isn't he an otaku? Another trivia - The Koshien Summer High School Baseball Tournament (something I watch live every night) does NOT hurt the Otakus as much because 1. All games are played during the day and 2. The games have a 15 inning max rule. Otakus should only hate PRO baseball, but I doubt many can tell the difference.

Yoshimizu loves his senpai:
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/3586/412xe5.jpg


Cool Biz
As many of you know by now, Cool Biz (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%AF%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%BB%E3%83%93%E3%8 2%BA) is the environmental policy promoted by the Koizumi government - from the first working day of June to the last working day of September, salarimen in Japan should try not to wear a neck tie or a jacket. All AC should be set at 28 Celsius. Maybe Kona-dad's not so lolicon after all...

Former PM Koizumi with his Cool Biz shirt:
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/3170/20060607204306fp3.jpg


Waitress Kagamin!
In the imaginary sequence where Kagami became a waitress, she's actually Cosplaying as an actual waitress of a famous Japanese restaurant chain for American food, Anna Miller's (http://www.imuraya.co.jp/annamillers/index.html). The restaurant actually started out in Hawaii (http://honolulu.citysearch.com/review/3189644) and then expanded to Japan, and it's famous for its breakfast and Pennsylvania Dutch pies. Cospla-Ota also love their cute and a little ecchi uniform, which is probably why it's in L*S. While you have to admit Kagami is super tsundere in their orange apron, It's too bad that KyoAni really failed to show the most interesting part of the uniform - the apron's "supporting feature" (see below).

A real Anna Miller's waitress-san demonstrating why cosplayers love her dress:
http://img382.imageshack.us/img382/1979/20041024annamirrors01br5.jpg


Wonderful Discoveries!
The show they Hiiragi Twins are watching is again, a very popular TBS show "世界・ふしぎ発見! (http://www.tbs.co.jp/f-hakken/)" (Discovery of World's Wonder!). It's a combination travel/quiz show where they show the audience a place or city in the world and what' so special about it. There will be trivial questions asked during the show and the 6 or so tarento (talent-less guests) will try to answer them correctly in order to win the big prize - a travel package furnished by LOOK JTB (http://www.jtb.co.jp/lookjtb/) (name beeped), Japan's largest travel agency. The TBS staple is the longest running quiz show ever, having just broadcasted their 1,000th episode this year.

The joke here was the LOOK JTB travel package offered was "one month trip to (a frozen) Tundra", like that's an ideal vacation. The "wonder" featured that night was Australia's Ayer's Rock, based on the voice over from the TV. The Ota in me found that the show DID recently visit Ayer's Rock this year, with it's 998th episode (http://www.tbs.co.jp/f-hakken/mystery998_1.html) aired on 2/17/2007. The date doesn't quite match up but you can't expect KyoAni to be 100% accurate all the time.

Takeuchi Kanae (show's on-location host) in Australia:
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/8372/998p05fu0.jpg


Quickie Reference: Kona's desire to know more about their school's "idol" and the staus of her "bodyguard groups" is probably a reference to "D.C. ~ Da Capo (http://circus.nandemo.gr.jp/common/dcps/index.html)" and "SHUFFLE (http://www.project-navel.com/navel/products/softwares/shuffle.html)" games.


Shower/Bath in Japan
Nanako-sensei was shown to have taken shower/bath before going to bed. This is normal in Japan, just in case you don't know from watching all those anime. People do not shower in the morning; a bath is always before bed time. The Japanese believe bath is stress-relieving and it's required for a restful sleep. Another reason for the absence of morning shower (unthinkable in the US) is the lack of the need for deodorant (good luck finding it in Japan) - when you don't really smell bad when you wake up, you're less likely to want a full shower. However, some Japanese has been adopting the morning shower to appear Westernized. These people ended up taking a shower in the morning and a bath at night, as many Japanese will tell you, they can't fall asleep without a proper Ofuro.

Joy is falling asleep after being neck deep in a Japanese tub!
http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/3025/showimgiw9.jpg

3c) Weekly mammoth contribution by AVPlaya (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1105833&postcount=121), part 3:

Melon Pan!
Hiyori's lunch is another otaku staple food called the Melon-pan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melonpan). It's a sweet-bread that's popular in Japan and Asia. Although mostly green, Melon-pans are not made from melon fruit but it's named after its appearance. It gets its flaky top via a thin layer of cookie dough, while the rest is a sweet bread. Sometimes you can find them filled with custard or other fillings. Melon pan became an otaku favorite since it's the only food Shana from Shakugan no Shana will eat. A version of Melon pan also exist in HK and Taiwan, where its called "Pineapple Bread". It's unclear where the bread originated, but it's pretty much certain that is not Europe.

Also many Westerner will find it strange, but bread is absolutely huge in Japan. Every street has a bakery or sorts and most Japanese eat toasts for breakfast now (as you can tell from anime). IMHO bread in Japan and other part of Asia are 100 x better than the bread in the US, and since they really fuse the best of all worlds, the best bakeries in Japan are even better than the best bakeries in Paris. You really have to visit one of them to really know the incredible variety and flavors Japanese bread offers. Same goes with Cakes and other sweets, but that's another post altogether. :)

One of the best selling lunch food:
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/7074/p5200025en4.jpg


Bizarre Jump
Hiroyi's Awesome Twisting Action is A Reference to ジョジョの奇妙な冒険 (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure), one of the biggest shonen manga ever. At 92 plus volumes, it's also one of the longest. What she was parodying I have no idea; never got into Jojo.

It's bizarre that Jojo never got himself an anime.
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/3320/408851062309sclzzzzzzzvdp5.jpg


Apollo Who?
The two chara in Hiroyi's non-slumping sketches are 王泥喜法介 (Odoroki Housuke) and 牙琉響也 (Garyuu Kyouya) from the DS hit game 逆転裁判４ (http://www3.capcom.co.jp/saiban4/) (Apollo Justice, Ace Attorney in the West). This is the 4th game of the Gyakuten Saiban series, the first 3 is know as "Phoenix Wright, Ace Attorney" in the West. Non-gamers like Yutaka have no idea who they are. Hiroyi is probably going to yaoi them in a doujin... from the looks of it, Odoroki is seme and Garyuu is uke).

Odoroki in the middle, while Garyuu is on top:
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/6518/imgcalendar01qy0.jpg


Cosplayer in Saitama
The cosplayers the girls meet are of course cosplaying Edward and Roy of "Full Metal Alchemist". The keitai strap "Ed" was holding is Al, Ed's poor body-less brother.

Even cosplayers are cuter in Anime...
http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/7593/009zq4.jpg


Bowling Fun
The pseudonym Fujoshi Hiroyi reserved their bowling lane under was 枢木スザク (Kururugi Suzaku) of "Code Geass - Lelouch of the Rebellion (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_Geass)" The CLAMP series seemed to be a favorite doujin target for the BL community.

SOS-Dan Bowlers and their score by the 7th frame:

HARUHI: 155 (she's good!)
KYON: 88 (he sucks!)
YUKI: 129 (she sucked at first but got better)
MIKURU: 19 (she's there for Kyon's enjoyment)
ITSUKI: 92 (busy watching Kyon's, most likely)

Okay, I think Suzaku's a uke...
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/4080/83r815b83h83m83a83x91e6wc3.png


Poster Bug
The poster Yutaka's trying to post is a newsletter from the Nurse's Office on Athlete's Foot (水虫, mizumushi) prevention. Due to the long raining season and the mostly humid condition of an island nation, Athlete's Foot is a problem bothering most people, especially active students. Everyone is taught how to prevent Athlete's Foot in school, and medication for them is a big category in Japan.

An office poster on Mizumushi prevention:
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/4339/yobo1uq6.jpg


Attack of the 50 foot Yutaka
In our favorite Fujoshi's imagination, Yukata-chan became a gozilla-like monster. The picture she has in her head is a parody of the poster of the 1958 science fiction classic, "Attack of the 50 foot Woman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attack_of_the_50_Foot_Woman)". Compare the anime to the poster below:

I think we'd all prefer a 50 foot tall Yutaka:
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/6922/80460170vf7.jpg


YAOI?
These no-ota L*S girl sure know how to ask questions. First we have a question about chinchin, now Yutaka drops the bomb and ask the forbidden question: What is Yaoi. I think most people knows about it, so I'll just post the two possible meanings Hiroyi could have given:

Accepted Definition： "山なし", "落ちなし", "意味なし" (Yamanashi, Ochinashi, Iminashi), signifying the lack of climax, punchline, and meaning in a graphical story about two men having sex.

"Real" Definition ： "やめて", "おしりが", "いたい" (Yamete! Oshiri ga Itai!), signifying what's usually said after the aforementioned men on men sex took place: "Stop! My butt hurts!"

Super Yaoi!
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/5070/20060618201052ma0.jpg


Sea of Trees
In the LC, Shiraishi bragged about being an "outdoorsman" for going to popular vacation spots like Jogashima Island (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%9F%8E%E3%82%B1%E5%B3%B6) (the location for all the live-action EDs). Akira then mentioned the benefit of "Forest Bathing (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%A3%AE%E6%9E%97%E6%B5%B4)", a popular excuse for outdoor travel as it was wildly believed that the air in the woods contain a lot of negative ion which will improve your health. I have never heard anyone using this term in the West.

Akira-sama then asked Shiraishi to take a trip to the "Tree Sea of Mount Fuji". The stated reason for the trip was to "fetch her some of Fuji's famous water". While Fuji-san's water is famous for tea-making (quality of water is a huge deal for tea-otakus), the parody here is that in a 1993 special of a very popular comedy show "ダウンタウンのガキの使いやあらへんで!! (Downtown no Tsukaiyaarahende!!) called the 罰ゲーム (Batsu Gemu), where a comedian was punished to goto France to fetch some Evian water (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%80%E3%82%A6%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BF%E3%82%A6%E3%8 3%B3%E3%81%AE%E3%82%AC%E3%82%AD%E3%81%AE%E4%BD%BF% E3%81%84%E3%82%84%E3%81%82%E3%82%89%E3%81%B8%E3%82 %93%E3%81%A7!!%E3%81%AE%E4%BC%81%E7%94%BB) from the source. The REAL reason for the trip was that the famous 青木ヶ原 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aokigahara) (Aokigahara or"Tree Sea") in the foothills of Mout Fuji is a popular suicide spot (http://www.seekjapan.jp/article-1/767/The+Suicide+Woods+of+Mt.+Fuji) for the Japanese. Due to it's location, it's also considered THE most haunted place in all of Japan, inhabited by kami, oni, and ghosts of past victims of suicide. Shiraishi is scared for that reason, but of course Akira-sama just wanted him to off himself while he's there... That's why Akira said "you have past the line of Death." The producers were probably to film his suicide for the finale ED. Oh Joy! I think death of Shiraishi is what many viewer were calling for.

Stuff on Shiraishi's neck: A cross, ring of garlic, and a couple of Japanese charms - all good stuff to bring to a haunted forest.

Spooky!
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/5074/jukairf6.jpg

[Pellissier]

Episode 20:

1) Posted by TnAdct1 (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1105715&postcount=118):

Konata's comment about patterns in recently opened boxes containing trading figurines/cards is true. Most companies usually have a pattern when it comes to the location of certain figurines/cards (especially the rare ones) in a "unit box" that is used by stores to hold trading figurines/cards, and if the "unit box" is recently opened (with none of the content moved around), you can not only tell which individual packages may contain the rare figurines/cards (if any), but also, when it comes to figurines, if you have more than 1 "unit box" of a certain series of figurines, you can tell, from a recently opened box, which figurine is in each individual box. An example of this method: when it comes to the rare figurines, the Konami Figumate brand, if the "unit box" does contain a rare figurines, usually puts it in the furthest back package of the box's right hand side.

75

2) Written by darksider (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1106614&postcount=126):

Another moment Minami feeling uneasy about her chest, like following

Yutaka: You'll look nice in yukata!
Minami: ...I know you are being nice, but somehow I can't heartily enjoy it.
It's just like... you're saying I don't have...

Behind this conversation, Minami had in her mind a rather common assumption that people with larger breasts doesn't fit in the kimonos very well, being easier to look fat and tubby.
(And probably Yutaka had no idea about it, or simply no idea about Minami's source of grief itself.)

75

3a) AVPlaya (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1119985&postcount=129) wanted to spend a word about this episode as well:

Shokukan and Kaado
The very first sketch is devoted to Kona's awesome skills at finding rare prizes in snack boxes and rare game cards. The included prizes in these snack foods are called 食玩 (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%A3%9F%E7%8E%A9)（Shokugan, short for "food toys"), and there's an incredible amount of variety of them in Japan. Although some snacks include prizes in every pack, most of the treasured prizes are limited edition promotional items made to boost sales. They are highly popular because they are usually very well-made for a free toy; some good ones even rival the the detail offered by PVC figurines. Like Gashapons, real otas would collect the rare ones. Same goes with collectible game cards, which in Japan there are about 10x more variety; finding the rare ones takes skill.

It's ironic that Kona's showing off her l33t skills since just recently she was found with tons of choco wafers from "神羅万象" (Shinranbanshyo) card/snack pack. It means she DIDN'T get the card she wanted and was forced to buy so much packets that she has to give the wafers away. Another thing I found reading otaku blogs is that almost everyone of them said you CANNOT shake the boxes because 1. the store owners will kick you out, and 2. You may damage the precious prize inside. It's fascinating to see L*S otas went against their patron saint. Now I'm not sure exactly which prize/card she was after (and no one in Japan knew either), which is surprising given the number of real world references in the show.

The Ultimate Shokugan for Kagami and Konata: Pocky x Gundam!
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/8582/pockygundamuk9.jpg

Shelf filled with Gundam cards and Shokugan snacks: the kind Kona loves
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/2272/20040710142500aagk2.jpg



Otaku in the Media
When Kona was complaining about otaku portrayal in the media, she was refering to the sudden surge of interest in otaku culture in the mass media in the last few years. While there are specials on TV focusing on Akiba or talk shows on Otaku crime, the most popular property was of course 電車男 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Densha_otoko) (Densha Otoko), a story about a 2ch otaku's quest to GET a hottie he rescued from a drunk on a train. Another one was a best selling book called "腐女子彼女 (http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/jp/p_pickup/2006/fujoshikanojo/)" (Fujoshi Girlfriend), an excerpt of a blog (http://pentabutabu.blog35.fc2.com/) in book form written by a regular guy dating a pretty Fujoshi. It's a pretty funny read about his mis-adventure with a fully blown fujoshi who makes Gundam references when she sees fast red cars (Red ones are 3x faster) and steals his credit card so she can buy Fate/stay night game on Amazon (too embarrassed to use her own name!). They generally give good impression of otaku to the rest of the world, so I'm not sure exactly why Kona's still angry.

"Fujoshi Kanojo"'s funny TV CM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qMYEWfX4wo):
_qMYEWfX4wo


Katsukabe Anime Club
The two guys behind Konata while she's talking about otaku on TV was holding a copy of "涼宮ハルヒの公式 (http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/comic/bk_detail.php?pcd=200604000263)" (Suzumiya Hauri no Koushiki) Anime Guide Book. Those two guys actually looked like Computer Club members from Haruhi anime, according to some ota.

Required Otaku Reading
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/1007/20060827607tr2.jpg


The Exploding Insects
Cultural and Anime references relating to killing insects. First Kona-jiji told Konata about the story of how the Master Swordsman, 宮本武蔵 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miyamoto_Musashi) (Miyamoto Musash), captured a fly with his chopsticks. Musashi is a legendary samurai in Japan, considered by most to be the best swordsman in history. He's won a number of famous duels and lived a long, fruitful life; even wrote a book on swordsmanship and philosophy called the "Book of Five Rings", a tome that's still studied today.

As Kona bare-handedly murdered a mosquito filled with her dad's blood, the sound she made and the flashing graphics is a reference to "北斗の拳 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fist_of_the_North_Star)" (Hotoko no Ken or Fist of the North Star). That's the sound effect when an enemy is damaged by Kenshiro's Hokuto Shinken. When Kona-jiji trapped another mosquito by flexing his arm, he was then transformed into the Great Kenshiro himself, and performed his most famous line, "お前は既に死んでいる" (You're already dead). This is due to the effect of the Hokuto Shinken, which kills its victim moments after the Shiken was performed on the poor guy by exploding them into a bloody mess. Kona-jiji though the mosquito would suffer the same fate by sqeezing harder, which is of course otaku delusion.

Bad-ass Musashi-dono
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/5986/no75ib5.jpg


Sexy, Manga-Reading Kagamin
The manga Kagami was reading were volume 1-3 of 喰霊 (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%96%B0%E9%9C%8A) (Garei (http://www.animenfo.com/mangatitle,1592,cnuols,garei___the_enc.html)) and volume 1-3 of 未来日記 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirai_Nikki)（Mirai Nikki, The Future Diary). We don't know what game Kona was playing exactly, but some people have said it felt like Kanon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanon), which is definitely possible since it was KyoAni's last big project before L*S.

Great Kadokawa manga you better buy right now!
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/2717/manga1zn0.jpg


Sweet Fountain of Aura
The show on TV as the Chibko-sisters were watching TV was a very strange "spiritual" program called "国分太一・美輪明宏・江原啓之のオーラの泉 (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%9B%BD%E5%88%86%E5%A4%AA%E4%B8%80%E3%83%BB%E7%B E%8E%E8%BC%AA%E6%98%8E%E5%AE%8F%E3%83%BB%E6%B1%9F% E5%8E%9F%E5%95%93%E4%B9%8B%E3%81%AE%E3%82%AA%E3%83 %BC%E3%83%A9%E3%81%AE%E6%B3%89)" (Gokubun Taichi, Miwa Akihiro, Ehara Hiroyuki's Fountain of Aura). This is a basically a new age "spiritual" show about ghosts, ESP powers, and past live viewing/fortune telling. Anything relating to the spirit world can be discussed here. It's a show hosted by Gokubun Taichi of the idol group TOKIO, plus a "Preacher of Love" and a "Spiritual Counselor" who can see ghosts. Each week a guest is featured and his or her "spiritual sensitivity" is measured. It's as wacky as they come; I can totally see why KyoAni wanted to mention this show.

While shows about the unknown and the world of the spirits hosted by male idol or grade school children (I'm not kidding here) are super popular on Japanese TV, everyone knows that the only thing more popular than a Johnny's boy is FOOD. There are endless number of foody shows on TV. From food competitions (Douchi no Cooking Show, one of my favorite that has since ended), competitive eating (the big eaters are usually skinny guys or women), celebrity cooking (of uneatable food), cooking on a budget (live one month off 10,000 yen!), cooking your own catch, to comedians eating anything and everything for laughs. But just in case you didn't get enough food, there's a number of specials throughout the year about food. One of these special about Sweets ( a summer favorite) is what Yutaka wanted to watch.

Now one of a well-known (note not popular) "reporter" on the show is a fellow named 彦摩呂 (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%BD%A6%E6%91%A9%E5%91%82) (Hiko Maro), who often are the taster of the food featured on these specials. One of his famous (or rather infamous) line after eating is this line "まるでXXXの宝石箱やぁ～～！！" (It's as if it's a Jewel Box of XXX!). Most people feel this line and all his other line are pretty lame and dishonest, so even KyoAni decided to make fun of it by having him say this line in L*S (He's the dude on TV eating the cake): "まるでスイーツのハレ晴レダンスやぁ～～！！" (It's as if it's the Hare Hare Dance of Sweets!) So now you all know how lame this dude is. But the food featured on these shows are pretty sweet; it really show you how much better Japanese food/cooking is compare to the food show we have here. The Sweets especially.. you have not tasted dessert until you've tried a Mount Blanc (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%A2%E3%83%B3%E3%83%96%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3_%28% E3%82%B1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AD%29) cake made from fresh cream and chestnut paste...

I was going to show a photo of that creepy show but a really gorgeous Mont Blanc is better:
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/8705/deco10hv4.jpg

3b) Wait, maybe two words ... (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1119992&postcount=130) :

Suzumiya Haruhi no 巨乳
The big breasted girl asking you to buy her big-sized soft drink is of course everyone's favorite deity, Haruhi-sama. The can in her hand looks like a coca-cola parody, but I believe it should be a self-parody for the Mikuru Tea drink (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1093814&postcount=931) sold in Akiba recently. There's even sign telling the otaku to "just buy it".

Although most people know about Coka-cola in Japan, Coke doesn't really make their money with cola. Like other beverage companies, their main products are tea, coffee, and sports drink (http://www.cocacola.co.jp/products/). Cola and other soda don't sell nearly as well.

Tea made by Mikuru!
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/8369/20070811a14aj4.jpg

Bonus: I don't really know which Coke CM they're trying to parody, so here's a Coke (Tea) commercial featuring, eh, similar theme The actress here, Tokiwa Takako (http://jdorama.com/artiste.110.htm), is an dorama actress famous for her, eh, attributes (got a famous nude scene to prove it). Plus 2 extra coke CM - featuring two other popular actresses.

Coca Cola Sokenbicha CM - Tokiwa Takako & Nishida Naomi
YX4a-ir70NI

Coca Cola Sokenbicha CM - Yada Akiko
8qgfc07F0bM

Cocal Cola Karada Meguricha CM - Hirosue Ryoko
kMgE3a_N2P8


Algae Monster of Hokkaido
When Kagamin was enjoying Misao's ice cream, she said "(It's like) Marimokkori's Eyes!". What she was referring to was how the ice cream made her so happy that her eyes looked like the funny-looking eye of Hokkaido's Mascot character, まりもっこ (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%81%BE%E3%82%8A%E3%82%82%E3%81%A3%E3%81%93%E3%8 2%8A)り (Marimokkori). Named after a special local algea, it's a cute green chara with a bulging crotch (see below). Marimokkori is a popular mascot character for Hokkaido; visitors usually brought one home along with other Hokkaido omiyage like the "White Lover" Cookies (the non-stale kind (http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200708200060.html)).

Check out his eyes and other interesting bits
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/122/pic0518so4.jpg


How-to Enter ToDai with Manga
When Misao told everyone that she think she can enter Tokyo University (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_University), Japan's #1 University and one of the most difficult place to attend in the world, she go the idea by reading a manga called "ドラゴン桜 (http://e-morning.jp/manga/dragon.html)" (Dragon Sakura). The manga was then remade into a highly rated 2005 dorama (http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Dragon_Zakura) starring Abe Hiroshi (http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Abe_Hiroshi) and Johnny's Yamapi (Yamashita Tomohisa (http://www.jdorama.com/artiste.1299.htm)). It's basically about a loser of a lawyer who decided that he can help 5 failing students from a crummy school enter Todai with his special training. His "classes" involving mixing sports with rote memorization and ignoring school teachers for subject matter exerts. He also, of course, teachers life lesson to these delinquent kids.

When Kagami was questioning Misao, she was specifically calling her out that such teacher, classmates, environment, and training exist only in manga and TV. It was really a great reference because MANY kids DID believe they have a chance for Todai after watching the dorama. "Hey! Yamapi got in by playing catch while doing chemisty, so can I!". Kagamin is of course, the only one in the room with a real chance at Todai future. Hohoho. I personally liked the show for Abe-san; one of the great Japanese actors unknown to the West. I liked Yamapi in "Nobuta wo Produce", but he's really too Johnny's pretty for me. The show was utterly ridiculous but good acting and style saved it for me.

Abe-sama will MAKE a Todaijin out of you!
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/227/0200mt6.jpg


Summer Test Preparation
The reason why Konata (and everyone else) is paying attention to Summer assignment this time is because that this particular summer is special. The Summer vacation of a 3rd year HS student is spend doing special home work design to help you review the entire 1st and 2nd year of HS. This is to prepare them for the big tests in a few month. Good schools like Katsukabe would give them a review that's going to really help them do well on the tests, and anyone wanting to be in an elite University has best take advantage of it.

There's a saying: "夏休みを制する者が受験を征する" (Those who controlled their Summer vacation will conquer the test). A student wanting to enter a public college will study for 10 to 12 hours a day. Good schools will even arrange special Summer camp where the students can concentrate on studying all summer long. Still think Japanese school is all fun and games? The Hiiragi girls even said they skipped the Matsuri held by their own Jinja. Even in L*S, the pressure of the 3rd year is evident. It seemed that our little Kona is serious about going to college after all.

Students at a Summer Study Camp:
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/7448/0507gakusyuugaxtusyukuux1.jpg


The Girls and their Eki
This episode finally showed us a couple of JR stations. The following are the new Holy Sites:

Konata's Home Station: 幸手駅 (Satte Eki)

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/916/9f8e670c90dddf096852c9bkg2.jpghttp://img180.imageshack.us/img180/4359/satte1vi3.jpg

c9EgAQkbBE0

Station for the Big Meeting: 東武動物公園駅 (Toubu Doubutsu Koen Eki)

The sign's changed slightly like the other names:
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/7425/270f3f86ff822eb0df93ef9zg0.jpghttp://img263.imageshack.us/img263/3627/020407tobudobutsukoenzk8.jpg


The Great Lucky Star Hanabi Daikai
By now we now know exactly which city Konata and the Hiiragis live, but we were never told here Miyuki/Minami resided, aside that it's closer to Tokyo. Some of you may know this, but Japan has a special breed of otaku called the Densha-Otaku; the train fanatics. Some of them are also anime-otakus. Some of these hybrid-otas analyzed the train scenes, station location, and clues from the dialog in trying to discover which Matsuri the girls went. Basically there are two candidates, and I'll just post them both. You can be the judge.

First candidate is the famous 江戸川花火大会 (http://www.walkerplus.com/hanabi/kanto/detail/fw0471.html) (Edogawa Hanabi Daikai) held 8/4 of this year. Over 1.3 million people watched it live and over 14,000 fireworks were used last year. Video links below:

AFQX-e7NOn4

The Second candidate is somewhat famous 川崎市多摩川花火大会 (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%A4%9A%E6%91%A9%E5%B7%9D%E8%8A%B1%E7%81%AB%E5%A 4%A7%E4%BC%9A_(%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%B A%E3%83%BB%E5%B7%9D%E5%B4%8E%E5%B8%82)) (Kawasaki City Hanabi Daikai), held on the 3rd Saturday of August. Video below:

_Ckh9PAyCb0


Tsukasa's Quick Quips
She made two one-liner references during the Masuri scetch:

When she was trapped by the ticket gate in the stations: "なんじゃこりゃー" (Nanja Koryaa!) It was the last word of Detective ジーパン (Jeans) in a legendary police drama "太陽にほえろ! (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%A4%AA%E9%99%BD%E3%81%AB%E3%81%BB%E3%81%88%E3%8 2%8D!)" (Taiyou ni Hoero!), which was aired from 1972 to 1986.
When Tsukasa was scratching her mosquito bites, she let out "かい～の" (Kai-no~~). This phrase is a famous gag line of a popular comedian named 間寛平 (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%96%93%E5%AF%9B%E5%B9%B3) (Hazama Kanpei).

She also printed on her paper fan her most favorite thing in the world: "バルサミコ酢" (Balsamic Vinegar). I'm sure KyoAni will have this out for sale any day now.

Hazama-san, Master of low-brow humor:
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/4718/livepicfs8.jpg


Lucky Dog
In Lucky Channel, new pretty-boy assistant Ono Daisuke made a reference to the past characters he and Imano Hiromi (Akira's seiyuu) played on the anime "AIR (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIR_%28%E3%82%B2%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A0%29)". He was the character 国崎往人 (Kunisaki Yukito) and she was the dog ポテト (Poteto).

Hiromi-chan was so cute...
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/4981/pikooe3.jpg


The Groom's Rumba
The latest Shiraish ED again featured a song written and performed by the great Mr. White Rock. The song, "お婿ルンバ" or "Groom's Rumba" is a parody of a very popular wedding song by 70-80's idol 郷ひろみ (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%83%B7%E3%81%B2%E3%82%8D%E3%81%BF) (Gou Hiromi), "お嫁サンバ" or "Bride's Samba". I only knew about him because he dated Matsuda Seiko (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsuda_Seiko) back in the 80's. You can watch the original song below (not the same one I posted before):

Oyome Samba performed by Gou Hiromi back in '84:
GWCVwsOhdvs

[Pellissier]

Episode 21:

1) Spotted by TnAdct1 (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1118274&postcount=128):

During the bit where Hiyori comes up with funny comic idea when she goes to bed (only to forget about it when she wakes up) a poster of Kira and Athrum from Gundam SEED can be in the background as Hiyori tries to remember the funny idea that she had.

75

2) Added by PirateSkittles (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1151729&postcount=133):

Yassai Mossai: When Tsukasa is dozing off while doing her homework, she wakes up suddenly and mentions 'Yassai Mossai'. I think that it's a reference to this dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn_rI7qGEt4

Pocky: When Kagami buys a little keychain, Konata highly 'recommends' her to buy a box of Pocky.

Wish Tree: Konata says that someone wrote "Konata is my wife." That's a reference to the reception of Lucky Star where a sign was posted up in Washinomiya Shrine that says that exact same thing.

Koizumi: In the bus, Konata talks about Koizumi's character style being in the style of Izam. Itsuki Koizumi is a character from Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu, who realesed a character song album. Izam is a japanese actor and singer.

Souryuuden: During dinner, background voices were talking about a story of four brothers, "Souryuuden". That's a reference to "Gin-Ei-Den Souryuuden", a doujinshi by CLAMP.

Lucky Channel: Hiromi Konno (Kogami Akira) and Ono Daisuke (himself) both voiced in the series 'AIR'. Konno played the role of a dog named Potato, who only says 'picco' (which is why Akira said 'picco'). Daisuke played Yuki, but also Sora the crow. That is why Akira said that Daisuke isn't a crow, and Daisuke said that Akira isn't a dog. It's also the reference behind the previews of the next show, featuring their 'animal talk'.

Ono Daisuke called his corner 'This Week's Maggare', a reference to his role as Itsuki Koizumi from the series Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu. Itsuki Koizumi is an Esper, and one of his character songs was called 'Maggare Spectacle'.

Shiraishi Minoru works at CoCo-ichi, where apparently he serves meat cakes there. xP

[Pellissier]

Episode 22:

[Pellissier]

Episode 23:

1) Submitted by AVPlaya (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1159068&postcount=134):


=== Part A

Kona's Haruhi Love
Konata's Computer Wallpaper is the picture Haruhi 2nd Season Announcement graphic. It looks like the top half of this:

Where can I find this wallpaper?!
http://img381.imageshack.us/img381/6227/gn2007070707ly9.jpg

Tsuruya Spam
When Konata discovered that her mailbox is full of spam, she said 「メールがめがっさ溜まってる！」 (Meeru ga megassa tamatteru!, or I've got a LOT of mail!). めがっさ (megassa, a large number), like Nyoron!, is one of Tsuruya-san's trade mark sayings.

Megassa Chaos (http://mega.saloon.jp/), a Tsuruya-san only compilation doujinshi
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/8069/bg2zp2.jpg


www.tsunderelabulabu.co.jp
It seemed that Konata is busying copying an image folder named TSUNDERE (ツンデレ) from her computer to a.. website? What is she copying? Her secret webcam candid photo of Kagamin? Does she have a pay-only site for the Tsundere Lovers which offers "candid" photos of a certain purple-haired girl with twin-drills? Where do I sign up? NOW we know why she goes to the Hiiragi house all the time now... new source of COMIKET fund no doubt. OKOK She's only copying to her E: drive, but a guy can dream, can't he?

What was that flashing red light in your bathroom, Kona-chan?
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/1971/46323fh3.jpg


The Real Reason the PS3 Failed in Japan
Is due to the fact that Kona-chan's still playing old PS2 games, even while sick at home. If Kona-chan ain't buying, you ain't selling. Them's the rules. Wrapped under her warm and compy futon, Konata is playing one of the best games of 2005, "ワンダと巨像 (http://www.jp.playstation.com/scej/title/wander/)" or "Shadow of the Colossus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadow_of_the_Colossus)" in the West. This game became part of Sony's Greatest Hits title, and that's probably the version she's playing.

Cover of the Playstation 2 the Best collection version:
http://img462.imageshack.us/img462/7352/b000f9z9aw09sclzzzzzzzcd6.jpg


Yet Another Minomonta TV Show
Minomonta-san (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%81%BF%E3%81%AE%E3%82%82%E3%82%93%E3%81%9F) is the most exposed person in the world - he's on TV on average of 20 hours a week, a world record. That's how popular he is as a host. He does a LOT of shows, including the one watched by Miyuki and her Momma, an daily afternoon house-wife information show called "午後は○○おもいッきりテレビ (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%8D%88%E5%BE%8C%E3%81%AF%E2%97%8B%E2%97%8B%E3%8 1%8A%E3%82%82%E3%81%84%E3%83%83%E3%81%8D%E3%82%8A% E3%83%86%E3%83%AC%E3%83%93)" (Gogo wa Marumaru Omoikkiri Terebi). It's a show only a house wife or husband would enjoy. In this show, the pink-haired pair learn about the incredible hype surrounding Xylitol, a sugar substitute marketed all over Asia as some magical dental health aid.

Since I can't find a single video on this show, I can only imagine how boring it must be:
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/5736/8ev82a282c182ab82e883e8ho7.jpg


The Magic of Xylitol!
Speaking of which, the very next scene we saw Miyuki bought into the hype surrounding this Finnish fake sugar made from wood, and she GET herself a family bottle of the New Lime Mint flavor of Lotte Xylitol Gum (http://www.lotte.co.jp/products/catalogue/gum/04.html#family) (キシリトールガム). Since the darn gum did cause her to visit a dentist needlessly and ended up getting another cavity taken out, I'd say this gum works! I can't believe people who bought into this marketing scam... Xylitol (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylitol) has minimal dental benefits - the best thing it can do is to make gum sweet while not giving you cavity, that's all.

These family bottles are quite handy!
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/7813/472f64f6jg0.jpg

DVD Recoder for Kona
Kona mentioned to Nanako-sensei that she wanted to get a DVD recorder. In Japan, as the sale of DVD players fall, the sale of DVD recorder is rising. It seemed that the DVD Recorder adaptation for the Japanese market is faster than the hard-drive based DVR's North American adaption rate. This is probably because the marketing focus of the major Japanese electronic firms are focused on DVD and nex-gen Blu-Ray and HD-DVD technologies and less on the HD technologies, where Japan has no real tech advantage. I do hope she gets a DVD-recorder for her late night anime.. how did watch ALL those shows without one? Most likely she download them from Winny like everyone else too. But really, HDD recorers are so much better, Kona-chan... don't you know at least one AV-otaku (Audio Visual, not the other one)? Like these new sexy Panny Digas... I know you want a Blu-Ray recorder so this Panny BW-200 (http://panasonic.jp/diga/products/bw200_br100/)HDD/BD hybrid recorder is exactly what you'll need to get all your akiba-kei anime in HD! It's a little expensive but you get to burn your own BD anime collection neh...

Just look at this beauty.. you know you want it, Kona-chan...
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/8296/dmrbw200so8.jpg

=== Part B

Cake-flavored Strawberries
Tsukasa made an interesting observation that the strawberry has a "cake" flavors to it. It's funny because Strawberry Cake is the best selling cake in Japan by far. In fact when people mention ケーキ, the first image that pops up is a creme-layered pound cake with a strawberry on top. Japan is filled with Bakery/Pastry shops selling cakes and other baked-sweets by the piece, and every one of them feature a signature Strawberry Cake. Buying and eating cakes is an everyday occurrence in Japan, that is in contrast with the West where we mostly eat cakes at Birthday parties or eating out in a fancy restaurant. Japanese cakes are also special in that they're mostly sold in pieces, exquisitely encased in its own plastic wrappers. The cream is not very sweet, unlike the diabetes-inducing sugary thing we called frosting here; the cake itself is also light and fluffy, not dense and again, sicken-ly sweet like the boxed cake found on Safeway shelfs. Numerous strategies has also been developed for eating a strawberry cake, as EP1 as eluded to.

In short, Japanese cakes are 10x better than anything in the US, and only select European cities can boast better cakes than the ones found in any normal street in Japan. If you ever go to Japan, please do make sure and visit a Japanese pastry and try a strawberry cake or mount blanc - you will be amazed. Japanese and Asian-style pastry shopped can also be found in large American cities; you just have to know where to find them. This was supposed to be a short entry, but as you can guess, I'm a big fan of Japanese pastries.

These strawberries all taste like cake!
http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/8659/itigoku1.jpghttp://img297.imageshack.us/img297/7485/20070224170221ku2.jpghttp://img49.imageshack.us/img49/9857/dscn9765thumbwe8.jpg


Tsundere Doggie
The show Yutaka watched with the Izumi's after she woke up is a segment of a morning information show ala The Today Show from Fuji TV called "めざましテレビ (http://wwwz.fujitv.co.jp/meza/index.html)" (Mezamashi Terebi, or Alarm Clock TV). At every Monday to Friday around 7:54AM, they will do a segment called "きょうのわんこ (http://www.fujitv.co.jp/meza/wanko/wanko.html)" (Today's Doggie). In L*S the segment is called "きょうのわんわんわん"; both Wanko and Wanwan are children's term for puppies or dogs. As you might have guessed it, it features a puppy a day to doggie-moe everyone before they go to work or school. The only difference is, The segment is about "Today's Doggie", so only 1 dog is featured per day, yet the show in L*S featured at least 2.

The Dogs Featured on "Today's Wanwan":

Welsh Corgi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welsh_Corgi)- cute, smallish dog with big face and short legs - the Chibi'kko of dogs
Siberian Husky (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_Husky)- Appearantly the Tsundere of dog breeds. Not sure where do they have a "twin tail" though; the Mascot Animal for Lucky Star for the past 13 episodes.


Some video of "Kyou no Wanko":

L0GZTcg8b1M
RF4qaXxcYus
Jd0fUjge8nU
If I bite you, it's because I love you.
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/9863/jordan006zz2.jpg


Patti Rocks
Patti, like most gaijin-otas, listen to a lot of J-pop music. However, like most of us, she only listen to a band when they have an anime OP/ED, and mostly will only listen to their anime work. For example, Orange Range was the biggest act in Japan back in 04 and 05, and yet most of us here only knows about them because of Bleach. It's a shame, really; I always think that if you dig anime songs, you should also dig right into J-POP/Rock scene and look for non-anime works of a good band/singer.

One thing I'd like to add is that if I'm a gaijin-ota in Japan and I'd like to hide that fact to a non-outlaw Japanese, I would do exactly what Patti did - name these popular mainstream bands but never mention the fact I only listen to their anime songs. Of course I'll never ever bring up names like "Function Junction", "angela" or *ugu* "ALI Project".

I'm going to list all the JPOP/Rock acts Patti listed for Kagami and a mention just 1 anime song from each band; for the complete list go here (http://www.syu-ta.com/luckystar/luckystar-parody-23-patty.shtml).


ORANGE RANGE - BLEACH OP: "*~Asterisk" (This is really not made for Bleach)
CHEMISTRY - Gundam SEED Destiny OP: "Wings of Words"
SUNEOHAIR - Honey and Clover ED: Waltz (I LOVE THIS SONG!!!)
Porno Graffitti - FMA OP: "Melissa" (Awesome song)
Laraku - FMA OP: "Ready Set Go" among many others (Are the otakus?)
Jinn - BLOOD+ OP: "Raion"
Nightmare - Death Note OP: "The World"


We give otaku nightmares
http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/7772/319311oi7.jpg

BTW, I have to give Patti's seiyuu props again. When she said "maid" to Kagami the first time, she used correct American English pronounciation, not "MA-I-DO". That's why Patti has to repeat it. Perhaps her OL job has to do work with English a lot, or that she'a good NOVA student.


Kona Ota Compilation
Sine I'm lazy, I'm going to list a bunch of ota references Kona-chan (and some by Kagami/Tsukasa) here:

When Kagami/Tsukasa walked into Kona-chan's room while she's watching anime, Kagami said "Oosu" and Tsukasa said "Meesu". This is supposed to be a reference to "鉄コン筋クリート (http://www.tekkon.net)" or "Tekkon Kinkreet" (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6531) manga and anime movie. I haven't watched the series even though I wanted to, so I'm not sure but these seemed to be the catch serifu for the 2 main characters.

The Mecha anime with bishounen/shoujo Kona was watching is "機神大戦ギガンティック・フォーミュラ (http://www.gigantic-f.com/)" or "Kishin Taisen Gigantic Formula (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=7488)". The song playing is the OP from the series, "United Force" by seiyuu/singer Kuribayashi Minami (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=17030) (rather catchy).


Yeah! Kona-chan watches us for our moe-ness, not our mecha!
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3783/20070406000446eb9.jpg


Gamers Deeto
So Konata asked Kagami out on a date, and they went to the Gamers (http://cgi.broccoli.co.jp/gamers/omiya/main.html) store in Oomiya-ku (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%8Cmiya-ku%2C_Saitama) of Saitama City. There's only 18 gamers in all of Japan, and although this one is in Saitama, from school they would have to travel West to Oomiya Eki instead of North to Satte Eki (Kona) and Higashiwashinomiya Eki (Hiiragi Twins). Since it's out of the way and time-consuming, Kona wanted her favorite Tsundere to go with her. *Holy Site Alert!*

At gamers the girls played a self-referential game. First Kona picked up the Character Single CD for an anime she never "watched". This single CD features Kahlua/Tequila Marjoram of Galaxy Angel Rune (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6255) or II (a Brocolli property, owner of Gamers). Of course Kona would be feel connected to the slutty Tequila/Kahlua-chan since that's another character played by Hirano Aya. Kagami's eyes just so happen to land on the vol 8 of the "Damashite! Power Puff Gilrs Z (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=5371)" Collector's Edition DVD, of which she felt an instant connection. That's because Kagami's seiyuu, Katou Emiri (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=28606), also played Hyper Blossom in that series. Sometimes serendipity has some marketing undertone too.

Yes, the entire Galaxy Angel manga/anime/game universe is one of my guilty pleasures.

Do you find me hot now, Kagamin?
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/535/04allpa6.jpg


Vampires and Small boobs
The light novel Kagami used to annoy Misao with is "レンタルマギカ吸血鬼VS魔法使い (http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/bunko/bk_detail.php?pcd=200612000035)" or "Rental Magica: Vampires VS Wizards" I really, really want to watch this anime now.

The nikoniko-eqsue words flying above the girls after Kona proclaiming her breast-based advantage to Minami called the girls "胸ぺったんガールズ", which is a slangy term for "Flat-breasted Girls", a new sub-group for the Lucky*idols. Watch for their new single soon.

Let us remind ourselves why a pair of flat boobies is precious and rare.
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/6070/hinnyuusutetasuyj1.jpg


Gottouza-sama's Ride
Since we've talked a lot about the origin of Gottouza-sama (gosh I wish we can see more of her), I'm just going to add a bit. Her ride in anime and real life is the Honda CB400 Super Four (http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/cb400sf), in which she has posed with on the cover of her single, "Red Zone (http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000R9TN2A/syusquizhomep-22/ref=nosim/)". The bike debuted in 1992, and has a nick name of "Project Big 1". It's a 4-cylinder bad boy and capable of 105 mph, which back in 92 is pretty awesome. Honda still make a version of CB400SF, so I'm not sure what year is her lovely bike. I'm pretty sure it's a vintage model though.

Also some info on the kanji sowed on the sleeves and the back her yankee uniform - it's "音舞羅" (nebura) or the kanji-fied name of her radio show "ねぶら (http://lantis-net.com/nevra/)".

Oh Ride me, Gottouza-sama!
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/7140/cb400sfla2.jpg

Also, the song for the ED is of course the battle insert song for "Asahina Mikuru no Kibou Episode 00". I can't believe I missed it because I loved that song. I blame Shiraishi.. the guy can't even hum a song!

[Pellissier]

Episode 24 (Final):