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Written by edsamac
With its title having the subtle Japanese onomatopoeia of a 'kiss' snuggled alongside a woman's undergarment, Chu-Bra! pretty much speaks for itself as THE authoritative source for anything and everything regarding underwear. Not much of a shocker, really, coming from the boys over at ZEXCS studios - but in ways more than one, this makes things interesting. For the first time in a long time, they're proving to us that eye candy CAN, in fact, be educational.
Chu-Bra! talks about the story of the eccentric Nayu - a fresh elementary school graduate who, at an early age, developed a peculiar taste for women's underwear. Her unique hobby was literally "flashed" before the whole middle school body during their commencement exercises, as she tripped on her way to the podium to deliver the opening speech. Covering her privates? - Pristine, adult-style lace panties. Not fazed by the rumors that ensued shortly thereafter, Nayu fights on to share with others her passion for women's underwear, as she attempts to form the very first "underwear club" in her school.
Certainly not one of the more realistic plots out there, but amusing nonetheless. If it were a petty excuse to talk about women's underwear in a (strangely) unperverted manner, then by all means, why not? Truth be told, this show can probably create in one a renewed respect for the female anatomy beyond superficial appreciation of its curvaceous awesomeness. Besides, let's face it - when was the last time an ecchi anime actually did more than simply fill your need of eye candy for the day?
It's all about sensitivities. Perhaps a way for men to actually realize that there's more to life than two melons hanging off the front of a woman's chest, Chu-Bra! attempts to bluntly throw tidbit after tidbit of underwear facts at the viewer, as if trying to elicit some kind of sympathy from the men who have the audacity to create a moral dilemma between boxers and briefs. Besides the shameless panty shots that are forcibly excused by this plot device, the show places gravity on relevant issues regarding the growth and development of the female body. This "mature" addition to the mix balances out the otherwise nonsensical smorgasbord of moe goodness that would have probably labeled the show as just another work of fan service and testosterone.
Though the formula of the show can be considered another quirk of Japanese eclecticism, it can't be denied that the show has its own little lesson for the dirty little bugger in each of us - namely, behind every bra is a woman who is unique in herself. If you're used to watching ecchi shows, Chu-Bra! may very well be a refreshing change of pace away from the blunt boob service or unrealistic harem mayhem. This doesn't mean, however, that the show doesn't deliver in terms of fan service. You can bet your bottom dollar it will - but don't expect to get away without learning a thing or two in the process.

Written by Kashikomarimashita
American Football comes to…well...America.
According to Anime News Network, Sentai Filmworks has announced their licensing of the popular American Football anime Eyeshield 21. Eyeshield 21 follows the story of Sena Kobayakawa, who is drafted by his high school’s American football team based on his speed of getting away from bullies. In order to keep his identity secret a green eyeshield is used on his helmet. There are 145 episodes of Eyeshield 21 and it is slated for DVD release in America on May 18th.
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Tegami Bachi Serves up a Second Season
In a recent interview with Zassosha's Puff magazine mangaka Hiroyuki Asada revealed that a second season of Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee will be launching this fall. The manga follows a letter bee as he delivers messages throughout a magical fantasy land. Viz Media currently plans to release the manga later this month. The first season of Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee aired in Japan in October of last year and can currently be seen on Crunchyroll.
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Gundam Blazes Trail
The official Gundam Anime website in Japan has confirmed that the Gundam 00 Festival “A trailer for the Trailblazer” event and DVD set will include the 00 Anastasia short when it ships this June. The two disc, 150 minute long set will also include the newest trailer for Mobile Suit Gundam 00 film and a making of video. You can read more about this on Anime News Network's website.
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Aria Change of Release
Online retail company Right Stuf, Inc. and its subsidiary division, Nozomi Entertainment, has announced that it will reschedule the release of the Aria the Origination DVD Collection to March 16, 2010.
According to Right Stuf President and C.E.O. Shawne Kleckner, the two-week shift was caused by manufacturing delays. “We know ARIA fans have been waiting patiently for the series' concluding OVA and third season, and we look forward to bringing it to you, albeit slightly later than we originally intended," said Kleckner.
The Aria the Origination DVD Collection will contain the 13 episodes and the DVD-only bonus episode that comprise the ARIA anime's third and final television season, plus The OVA ~ARIETTA~.
Written by BasouKazuma
Today we're going to get to know a little about Karkarov, a Library Mod (aka boring Librarian) who 'likes pina colada's and getting caught in the rain'. No one knows his real age but maybe we'll get closer to solving that mystery!
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BasouKazuma: Hello Karkarov! How's your day been, battle any intergallactic space creatures?
Karkarov: No not today, I did have to fight off a right wing terrorist group lead by an undead Hitler at work but that wen't ok.
BasouKazuma: I seee ..... sad news for me. =(
Karkarov: Sorry I had no choice they were trying to steal my donuts.
I had to pay good money for those donuts and I wasn't about to let it happen.
BasouKazuma: I understand, can't mess with a man's donuts. Well what brought you to Crunchyroll.com?
Karkarov: Honestly in the past I avoided the Crunchyroll because it was doing the illegal online streaming stuff everyone likes. However I did like to watch Naruto when it was not in filler mode and when Dattebayo posted some things about it I took a second look.
BasouKazuma: Yea I think a good deal of people learned about Crunchyroll since Dattebayo stopped fansubbing Naruto. What does Crunchyroll mean to you?
Karkarov: Good question... I think CR to me is the future of digital entertainment. One day everyone will be watching their "tv" shows and movies online and through computers and it is sort of neat to be involved in something that got on the boat early.
BasouKazuma: Sorry but the correct answer was a type of sushi. Better luck next time!
Karkarov: Yes I lose! But my answer sounds better!
BasouKazuma: That it does.
Let's talk about your personal life. What sort of activities do you partake in when you're not on Crunchyroll?
Karkarov: Well besides working at ye old job (bleh) I like to mess about with video games, build pc's (made two this week), do some artsy stuff like painting warhammer 40k figures, and uh read and go to movies. I also like pina colada's and getting caught in the rain if anyone wants to meet up at a bar called O'Malleys. I could be making that part up though.
BasouKazuma: I would hope so. O_O
Well that segways into another topic. Have you seen any good movies recently?
Karkarov: I just recently saw Wolfman actually and thought it wasn't too bad. It did leave me a little disappointed because I was hoping for more plot but it had a cool looking werewolf killing people in very gory ways. Makes it hard to complain.
BasouKazuma: Haha, I think Tracy Morgan said something similar on some Late Night show.
Just go to it for the transforming Werewolf.
Karkarov: -_-
Well I should say the acting was good too.
Particularly the old guy whose name I can't remember because I am a doofus.
BasouKazuma: Did you see any movies recently that were so bad that you just have to rip on it?
Karkarov: Hmmm recently I haven't seen anything I really hated. I really don't like the attention Avatar is getting.
It is hardly the "best picture" in my personal opinion. Even if it does have half naked blue cat girls in it.
BasouKazuma: Isn't that every Anime fan's dream?
Karkarov: I am a strange anime fan, I don't like furries and cat girls.
BasouKazuma: Haha, was just messing. I agree, the storyline for Avatar was too tame since they wanted the best money making formula.
Karkarov: Indeed. When you see a copy of the Disney Pocahontas script with 10 words marked out and half of them are replaced with unobatanium you know something is wrong.
BasouKazuma: True true. Any upcoming movies that you are looking forward to?
Karkarov: Inception! I also want to see shutter island and as a Gundam fanboy I admit I will probably buy Gundam UC on blu ray and watch that as well.
BasouKazuma: I think I saw a trailer for Inception, was that the one with the city shifting and overlapping on itself? If so, I had no clue what that was going to be about. What makes you want to watch it?
Karkarov: Hmm well that is the movie I mean. I just like that type of flick that seems to take a psychological bent I guess. Dicaprio is in both of those but that's really a coincidence. Honestly the trailer sort of makes me think of something more resembling classic sci fi like Blade Runner and I like that.
Of course I could turn out to be full of it so who knows?
BasouKazuma: Just realized it's written and directed by Christopher Nolan! Mastermind behind Memento and the new Batman movies. That's all I need to know, so I'm onboard!
Karkarov: Don't forget he did the Prestige, great book, and great movie!
BasouKazuma: You heard it folks, check out Inception if you liked any of these great movies.
What about TV shows, Mr. Karkarov? Are you following anything?
Karkarov: Well *prepares for lambasting* I do particularly enjoy a couple shows right now. I like Southland, Heroes which I admit is not as good as it used to be, and.... Men of a Certain Age. Yes I know old dude alarms are going off. I promise I am only 19 :-)
BasouKazuma: I would advise against taking his word for it on this age, our sources have only been able to pinpoint Kark's age somewhere between 1 and 60.
Karkarov: I am 24 tops I swear.
BasouKazuma: If you say so! What makes you like these shows?
Karkarov: I enjoy crime dramas, Heroes got me hooked at the first season because of the rather refreshingly original story and great acting, and uh I am a young guy who understands old people and likes a nice comedy. Besides everyone loves Raymond, supposedly.
BasouKazuma: Hey hey, don't make general statements here. You could get accused of things.
Can't comment on the shows since I haven't watched them aside from Heroes which did go downhill.
What are you majoring in or did major in, in college?
Karkarov: I majored in Architecture with a minor in Graphics Design.
Of course I eventually got my BS in BS which is what has carried me the farthest in life.
BasouKazuma: Experts now estimate Kark's age at 24 - 60 unless he's a boy genius!
How are you holding up with this interview? Regrets yet?
Karkarov: Nah the worst thing that could happen is that some of the people who I turned onto CR see the interview. If they give me grief I can just shank them and dispose of the bodies.
BasouKazuma: O_O
Moving on ...... (help). Have you been keeping up with any shows on Crunchyroll?
Karkarov: Of course. I actually watch more CR than normal tv (v_v)
The shows I am most into currently though are actually Book of Bantorra, the various Gundams that got posted recently, and I find myself surprisingly enjoying Durarararararara....rarara.
BasouKazuma: So you really are embracing the future of online TV.
Are there any other online streaming sites you frequent?
Karkarov: Well thats a toughie! Obviously I have checked out Hulu.
Sometimes I do mess around a bit with ANN too but they are sort of partners with CR aren't they? But yeah I guess I do embrace that idea.
BasouKazuma: Yea some of their content comes for us but they have their own partners too.
Karkarov: Yeap, they get some interesting shows here and there. It sort of stinks they seem to have limited rights though. I like that CR gets long term access to most of it's stuff. Just need to fix the Gundam issue Basou.
BasouKazuma: No comment
Karkarov: Heh.
BasouKazuma: Are there any shows (other than Gundam) that you would like to see on the site?
Karkarov: Well obviously I would like to see Berserk, who wouldn't? There is also Monster which I have recently bought some DVD's for and of course the ever popular Darker than Black.
The recent episode of one of our CR shows even agrees with me.
It featured a promotional poster for Darker than Blacks second season quite clearly..... Maybe it is telling Shinji to buy Funimation?!?
BasouKazuma: We'll get right on that with our theoretical dollars.
Karkarov: Imaginary money is the best kind, you never run out of it.
BasouKazuma: YEP. Soooooo, how do you like being a Library Mod?
Karkarov: I do enjoy it. It gives me a chance to work with a number of different users to improve the site and make a contribution! Unlike other types of mods we Lib Mods also get to stay mostly friendly. The worst thing we can ever do to a user is deny thier edits. I sort of feel for the forum and chat mods....
BasouKazuma: Direct confrontation with users can suck sometimes when they're mad. =\
Karkarov: I have to concur. I know you see a lot of that too as support admin guy.
BasouKazuma: I promised myself I wouldn't cry .....
Let's move on!
Karkarov: Hahaha ok.
BasouKazuma: Who do you talk to the most here on Crunchyroll?
Karkarov: Surprising question there! I tend to talk a bunch on wall comments for the shows I like, in guestbooks, and the CR pulse. You know there is one now that provides links to a guy using a mock Dragon Slayer to chop up poor defenseless wood? I still think we should call the Pulse CR Bites instead~! Just sayin.
BasouKazuma: Misleading! It was a Buster Sword (http://www.crunchyroll.com/pulse-31850/in-real-life-the-buster-sword/), not the Dragon Slayer.
Karkarov: True! But it has links in the vids! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uR1gCSO9NB0)
BasouKazuma: Fine fine, I think you've suffered enough for today (or maybe I have?). Would you like to make any closing comments?
Karkarov: Sure! I want to thank BasouKazuma for taking the time to interview moi and humbly suggest someone should do a BK's Corner where we flame BasouKazuma himself! Also a shout out to all the Lib Mods, I love you guys and you all do great work. Also to you users who have helped me out in the past with the Library I really appreciate the support and help you guys give us!
BasouKazuma: Guess I have to prepare to taste my own medicine. =\
Well thanks for your time, I appreciate it.
Did you know that Osamu Tezuka originally studied medicine at Osaka University before he devoted his career to manga. His medical knowledge of the human body is displayed the most in his series Black Jack.
Naruto Shippuden ©2002 MASASHI KISHIMOTO / 2007 SHIPPUDEN All Rights Reserved., Hanamaru Kindergarten © YUTO/SQUARE ENIX, HANAMARU KINDERGARTEN COMMITTEE, Gintama ©HIDEAKI SORACHI/SHUEISHA・TV TOKYO・DENTSU・SUNRISE, Soranowoto © Paradores/Aniplex/ 1121, Chu-Bra © Yumi NakataEFUTABASHA^CHU-BRA Partnership
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