North Republic Industries
Issue#37
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The September Sumo Tournament
Yokozuna Kakuryu
This was both an exciting tournament filled with opportunity for so many wrestlers and one that also is errr. I am here to talk about many key rikishi (wrestlers) and those that I like along with anything else sumo related.
Yokozuna Hakuho probably the number one sumo wrestler today after loosing two matches in a row pulled out of the tournament citing an injury and not having the vigor to pull through, thus ending like the last 8 or so years of him not having to pull out. Some speculate that the injury is fake and that Hakuho pulled out to save face after loosing twice in a row. However others are confident that Hakuho truly has an injury because of his record of not being injured before and being who he is. However with Hakuho gone this opening up a bright light for all the other wrestlers to try and win the tournament. Though Hakuho was injured it is expected that he will return in November.
Yokozuna Harumafuji pulled out again to make sure that his elbow is in top condition. He pulled out last tournament in the middle of it because he hurt his elbow, that already gives him some problems, and so to be safe he pulled out again to rest it up and make sure that he is in the best condition. More than likely he will be returning in November though. Also with Harumafuji gone it also adds even more to the opportunity of others to win with two of the three Yokozuna gone.
Yokozuna Kakuryu the winner of this tournament, coming in at 12-3 and after having won the playoff against Ozeki Terunofuji. With the other two yokozuna out of the tournament expectations were high on Kakuryu to win and do well not only because he was the sole yokozuna but also because he has yet in 8 tournaments as a yokozuna to win the tournament (compared to like the last three or so yokozuna usually win a tournament in like 2 tournaments). So pressure was on Kakuryu to do well and this was a great opportunity for him to do so, and he pulled it off and won and this is his second tournament win. However some fire has been thrown at Kakuryu because he used henka (dodging/sidestep at the start of the match) three times in the tournament, with two of those three being in his match against Ozeki Kisenosato. Though Kakuryu didn't win with henka the fact that he still did it remains. Most people see the Yokozuna as well above henka which is sometimes seen as a cowards way, especially going up against a worthy and key match against an Ozeki. Some though think that henka even used by an Yokozuna is a fine way of doing things. Some (people in the youtube comment section) are calling him a terrible yokozuna and not living up to the honor of the rank. So he now has that to wear, and who knows how Kakuryu will perform in the November tournament with hopefully both of his fellow yokozuna back in full power.
Ozeki Terunofuji lead the pack for most of the tournament and after a while many thought that he would win it all, however everything changed when he lost two times in a row and then injured himself. However he refused to pull out of the tournament and went on to loose again, to make it three times in a row. However he had fallen out of the lead when he went into day 15, the final day, and he had to win twice again yokozuna Kakuryu while injured. However he amazed many when he beat Kakuryu in regulation and a playoff had to be done. However it was unfortunate for Terunofuji as he lost in the playoff to Kakuryu and became runner up to the tournament. However overall it was a great tournament for Terunofuji this was only his second tournament at ozeki and he performed great and was runner up. However Terunofuji in the greater scheme of things might have hoped to win this tournament so that he might set himself up to win the November Tournament so that he might be promoted to Yokozuna. However even though he lost, sometimes the Sumo Association counts being a runner up. So if he did win November, hopefully with all three yokozuna back, would be harder for him or anyone else. However just looking at it he played his part as Ozeki and did well and scored double digit wins and was a serious contender for the cup.
Ozeki Kisenosato had a good tournament and at the same time didn't. On the one hand he got double digit wins at 11-4, he was a contender for the cup through most of the tournament, and he did well. On the other hand Kakuryu pulled a double henka on him, and he once again didn't win the cup. Kisenosato who has been a runner-up about 8 or so times has never won a cup, and is usually seen as Japan's greatest hope to win the cup and end the 10 or so year period of a Japanese wrestler not winning. This was also a golden opportunity for him to win with two of the three yokozuna out. He stayed in the running be it one off the pace or two or so for most of the tournament and had a good chance of winning, however in the end he lost. Some people think that if he couldn't win here that he will never win, while others do believe that he could win despite it. He has been an Ozeki for almost 4 years, and out of those 4 years he only had a losing record once, so he still is as an Ozeki doing well. However in the end he didn't win and will have to try harder in November.
Ozeki Kotoshogiku had an amazing comeback. After just barely escaping demotion last tournament on the last day getting the needed 8 wins this tournament he comes back and shows what's he's made of like almost nothing happened. He got double digit wins at 11-4, performed well, and was even in the running for the cup for a bit. That said he wasn't always in the running for the cup. However the only rank and filer he lost to was Yoshikaze who even then was at M1 and had an amazing tournament. Overall it seems to show that Kotoshogiku is right back on form.
Ozeki Goeido unfortunately didn't have a great tournament and got a losing record of 7-8 and will be katoban (probation) next tournament meaning that if he doesn't get at least 8 wins in November he will be demoted from Ozeki. Getting his winning record next tournament could prove very hard for Goeido if all three yokozuna and fellow ozeki are in it. Goeido will have to fight hard if he wants to retain his rank. However he could pull it off.
Sekiwake Tochiozan had an amazing tournament last time (10-5 and took down some top ranked guys), and coming into this one he wanted to get double digit wins hopefully coming into 11 or 12 so that he could also get double digit wins in November and hopefully get promoted to Ozeki. For the first part of the tournament things seemed to be going his way and looked like he might even be a contender for the cup again, until day 6 when he lost against Ichinojo and then lost 4 days in a row, going into day 10 at 5-4. While he did win on day 10 to move to 6-4 and still had a glimmer of hope but the rest of his tournament didn't go well and he only scraped by at 8-7 still a winning record and still good for sure. He will pretty much have to start all over in November to make an Ozeki push.
Komusubi Tochinoshin had an amazing tournament. He has finally risen back to the rank of Komusubi and achieved his first winning record in sanyaku with double digit wins at 10-5 an impressive display by a Komusubi. He hopes to get promoted up to Sekiwake however both Sekiwake achieved winning records of 8-7 meaning that they would have to make a new spot for Tochioshin which they may very well do considering his impressive and got the fighting spirit prize. In the tournament Tochinoshin showed amazing strength as on several occasions he lifted his opponent up and then out of the ring. Some people are even speculating that he may very well be the next Ozeki instead of Tochiozan.
Maegashira #1 Yoshizake had the best tournament of his life. He rocked in with double digit wins at 11-4 however those wins are something else he won against two yokozuna, two ozeki, two sekiwake, and one Komusubi. He got two kinboshi for defeating the yokozuna which are lifetime raises, and because of his sumo and excellence in the tournament he got two of the three special prizes those being the Technique prize and the outstanding performance prize. Many were shocked with Yoshikaze this tournament and he will be going up to Komusubi in November most certainly. Many people are wondering if he will be able to do a repeat performance in November as well.
Maegashira #2 Sadanoufuji had a terrible tournament he had straight loses for 13 days in a row and then luckily won his final two to come in at a 2-13 record. Unfortunately for Sadanoufuji he will be going far down the banzuke come November and will probably be in Maegashira #10 area, at least I would say.
Maegashira #2 Osunaarashi, the Egyptian, had a good tournament coming in at 8-7 and will probably find himself up at Maegashira #1 come November. This rank was an all time high for him and so next tournament he will have a new all time high. Some like Osunaarashi because he has his own style of sumo and like to watch him because they are entertained, while others not so much. Some say that he is too young and headstrong and that is the main reason he loses most of his matches.
Maegashira #3 Sadanoumi didn't have a great tournament unfortunately and broke his habit of getting a winning record, then a losing record, then a winning one. As he has now two losing records in a row as he clocks in at 6-9. If only he had a bit more power and strength perhaps he would be able to more consistently win. He will be finding himself further down the bazuke come November probably around Maegashira #5 or so, that is what I would guess.
Maegashira #5 Kaisei the Brazilian (yes I am only talking about him for FS). He didn't have a great tournament coming in at 6-9, though he did win against one Ozeki (Goeido). He started out the tournament bad with 4 straight loses as well. With his losing record he will probably find himself at around Maegashira #9 or so.
Maegashira #7 Endo, the popular rikishi, had an alright tournament coming in at 8-7 and will probably find himself up at Maegashira #4 or so, I'd say. This is as he tries to move back up the banzuke after his fall to do injury and lose earlier this year.
Maegashira #12 Ikioi had an amazing tournament coming in at 11-4 with the fighting spirit prize. He was actually in the running for the cup for a long time as on day one he won and then on day 2 he lost only to win the next 9 days in a row. Since he was in the running for the cup, they brought him up to face much higher ranked opponents not only to test him but also to justify him winning the cup if he did do so. He ended up not doing so hot against those guys, however he still walked away with a great record of 11-4 this is all after last tournament where he went a terrible 11-4.
Obito Resigns as Chancellor
Former Chancellor Obito Giving his Resignation Address
In a speech given on the steps of the Chancellery Obito, former President of The Allied Republics, resigned saying that he just couldn't work with the Senate or the Government. He cited saying that he just doesn't have the power like the Fuhrer and didn't even have the power to support that all female officers wear tiny miniskirts. He also went on to say that the Senate just isn't likable and are just about like homunculus and that they all want human life or anything, and went on to say "I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is called a disgrace, that two a law firm, and three or more become a senate. And by God I have had this senate" (*Disclaimer he may or may not have said this). Also citing the way the Senate works just isn't good.
However going on in his speech Obito said that the region is moving in scope, that the merger isn't working out right, and that people from TAS are taking over and how TAR made too many cessions to them in the merger. Also going on to how the region feels different. These things or at least similar ones have been found in the posts of many former TAR citizens who have left, all citing that they don't feel vested in the region any more, that it doesn't feel the same. Even Lewis and Daniel was quoted with saying "Not going to lie this region feels very foreign at times." To which he received three thumbs up. Perhaps Obito is coming on a similar trend and theme, that old TAR citizens just don't feel like the place is the same anymore, and many are leaving as a result. Some though are sticking around at least for now such as Lewis and Daniel, Obito, and Free States. However one wonders about it all as so many are citing similar lines and phrases.
However before Obito left the stage he gave three warnings that the forum economy couldn't work, to beware of Regionia, and that the merger won't last. These have been debated like how the forum economy works to a degree, or what would we do if the merger didn't work? Most debated though was Regionia's part in all of this as well as others, with words thrown at Obito, Regionia, and other people.
Some people agree with Obito, some people don't agree at all, some are in the middle. It is hard to say though right now where the region will go one way or the other. Only time can truly tell what will happen, and I must say that time talks very slowly.
Messenger TV Launches
On September 27th, 2015 The Messenger with its parent company North Republic Industries launched Messenger TV, perhaps the first true TV station in the region. The Messenger is expanding its brand and company even further proving to be a strong media company. Messenger TV hosted by Lewis and Daniel who also happens to be Editor-in-Chief of The Messenger. Already the program has put forward two episodes as pilots to try and judge the waters and feel of the market for the station, and reaction to them was pleasant and well received. To which Messenger TV was approved for two more episodes to be aired, which have started production.
Lewis and Daniel, host and director of Messenger TV, was quoted with saying "Depending if Messenger TV continues to air it could achieve great heights and new legend." He went on further in the full length interview to say "Messenger TV is trying to tap in and build in a corner of the media industry that is really quite virgin." In the same interview Lewis and Daniel was asked if he purposefully allowed Messenger TV to be shortened to MTV, to which he responded with "No, quite honestly I had no clue until I was shouting in the box about how it and thought that I might try to shorten it like You shorten North Republic Industries with NRI. Little did I know that it would be MTV so I backed up and just went full on Messenger TV."
As of right now Messenger TV's first two episodes have been revolving around the life of its host Lewis and Daniel in the "real world." However Lewis and Daniel hopes to talk about more things including things happening in the region with politics, economy, and all that. Also he wants to go into things like anime, movies, and other things. He too wants suggestions on what else to produce.
As of right now Messenger TV seems to be rating well and production goes well and has two more episodes in the works. So at least for now we can expect the newest edition of TM and thusly NRI to be around for a bit longer. Who knows where else this program will go and what it will do, though it does have some limitations and NRI has been quoted with saying that The Messenger is still our number one product and that Messenger TV will not take over the normal newspaper.
Culture/Opinion/Good Anime Section - Summertime Edition!
Hello, Hello, Hello we are once again back for another addition to my favorite section. Remember that the names of the new ones are links to MyAnimeList were you can find more information, Synopsis, reviews, average score, Voice Actors, and more! Also I would be happy to talk about any series or movie that you might want to discuss. Once again I shall list the names of those I have done. Also Lewis and Daniel is always happy to talk about anime with you. Or if you need to know some anime sites just ask! This time you will also be getting a Summer time edition! I usually just copy and paste this part of the article. Tell me what else you want to see here! Please know that as we go back and look at some or if I have on my blog, I will be putting a (R) after it to show that I have already written reviews on, it is not apart of the title like (TV) or (2005) might be
Spice and Wolf (R)
Nodame Cantabile
Code Geass
School Rumble (R)
Honey and Clover
Clannad (R)
Great Teacher Onizuka (R)
Eden of the East
Kimi ni Todoke (R)
Mushishi
Ah My Goddess (R)
Full Metal Panic
Trigun
Kino's Journey
ef - a tale of memories
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Toradora
K-On!
One Piece
Guin Saga
Sekirei
Rec (R)
Glass Mask (2005)
Durarara!!
Cowboy Bebop
Angel Beats!
Usagi Drop (R)
Itazura na Kiss
Kobato.
Ouran High School Host Club
Princess Jellyfish
Genshiken
Hanasaku Iroha
Skip Beat!
Kids on the Slope
Eureka Seven
Death Note
Black Lagoon
One Outs
Princess Tutu
Fullmetal Alchemist
Love Hina
Hyouka
Cross Game
Waiting in the Summer
Psycho-Pass
--
Sword Art Online
Mirai Nikki (TV)
Crest of the Stars
Attack on Titan
Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo
Beck
Tari Tari
Kemono no Souja Erin
Gin no Saji
Maoyuu Maou Yuusha
Tokyo Godfathers
The Irresponsible Captain Tylor
Nodame Cantabile
Space Battleship Yamato 2199
Log Horizon
Hunter x Hunter (2011)
The Wind Rises
Gingitsune
Nana
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Azumanga Daioh
Now and Then, Here and There
Berserk
Record of Lodoss War
Akira
The Vision of Escaflowne
Macross
The Seven Deadly Sins
Touch
Slayers
Fate/Zero
Redline
Garden of Words / Kotonoha no Niwa
Kotonoha no Niwa or Garden of Words is a movie by Shinkai, Makoto most famous for his other movies 5 Centimeters per Second and The Place Promised in Our Early Days, though he has many other works.
The Story is about two people one is a young boy who wants to become a shoemaker and an older lady who seems like a mystery. The two meet up every time it rains in a park and start to learn more about each other as they grow closer to each other.
The Story is good, but also foggy in that we are gaining what is seemingly glances at each of them in their time, I don't know. This isn't a huge action story but a nice little love story about finding yourself, striving for your dreams, age gap, and perhaps more. However more could have been done in key areas of the story to make it even better.
The Characters, well really there are only two characters all the others are very minor to the point where they play almost no role what so ever. This is truly a story of these two characters, and as characters well they pass. They are interesting, human, and unique as well. While there is a bit of development in them and we learn abit about them, but when looking back they aren't the strongest nor the most fleshed out characters in the world.
The Art, perhaps the strongest part of this film. The art is so amazing and brilliant that you are left in awe at every scene almost especially in the park. From the backgrounds to the main focus everything seems well crafted and done, as water drops fall and splash to the visuals. It is just wonderful masterpiece I think in visuals and art.
The Music does well to immerse you in its world and the visuals. It really adds to the atmosphere and is well crafted. I cannot really remember a particular song or melody in remembrance, however listening back on the ost I do find myself enjoying it and its beauty. So overall it boast some good music, though nothing very rememberable I'd say.
The Voice Acting for the sub was very well done, I have no problems with it and thought that it was quite nice in fact.
Overall the movie is good, though at times it perhaps might remind you of your current crush and romance. The ending was both satisfying and at the same time not, it really is conflicting - however safely for all those who were scared by 5cm/s fear not isn't not like that. So the ending really is like just leaving off at a moment like "what happens in the future then after that thing that just happened!" Anyways for enjoyment I say that it was fairly enjoyable. overall though it was a good movie, not the best, but surely not the worst.
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya has become a classic or at least a standard among anime fans, or at least I think it has. Now before I get into the review there are two main ways of watching this anime with its two seasons - broadcast order which is the episodes in a seemingly random order to enhance the randomness of it and then there is chronological order which is all of the episodes in the order that they make sense in.
The Story is about Kyon who is also our narrator. Ever since he was kid he never believed in the supernatural. Come along Haruhi Suzumiya who totally believes in the supernatural. The two gravitate to one another like two magnates and fun ensues as they create a club to spread joy and find these supernatural beings such as espers, time travelers, and aliens.
The Story is good, I really like it. It is a slice of life anime mixed with comedy, hits of romance, parody, sci-fi, and some other things as well. The story is good, and also it is life so there is that. However it does more than just that as well as it puts in these sci-fi and supernatural things. It creates an interesting set up however there is indeed a plot, that I wish would at times go deeper or be more relevant. However the story is good. However I must warn you that there is an arc, an infamous arc, known the anime world round. The Endless Eight arc, known because it is pretty much 8 straight episodes of the same thing. It is the same day over and over again. Like groundhog day. You might be tempted to skip this, however you must watch it. I recommended at least once for everyone. Trust me.
The Characters, oh yes! They are wonderful. At least for me I can find myself relating to Kyon on so many things, and of course disagreeing as well. However I find Kyon to be such an amazing character, as his Haruhi, and the other members of their club. They each have character to them and are at points developed well, though you might not always notice it. However I still feel that there is plenty of development except for perhaps finding out Kyon real name. All in all great characters.
The Art is great. Wonderful, nicely done. No complaints here.
The Music is great. Both the openings and the endings are wonderful and are very rememberable. The regular music is good as well though I can't say it is as rememberable or noteworthy however when you hear it again it does click. Still good.
The voice acting for the English dub is wonderful, the voices go so well together and are very well done. High praises.
Overall this is a wonderful anime that I highly enjoyed and must recommend to everyone, not only because it is a good anime but also because it being a staple to the anime fandom. That being said I wish there was say more romance and I'm sure you could probably find some other flaws. However I liked it.
Bartender
Bartender - A 2006 anime.
The Story is about a Bartender who makes some of the best cocktails in the world. Many people come into his bar, and Sasakura goes about helping out their problems. Each episode goes into someone else's past and problems.
The Story is very good, each episode you learn something else. It is a pretty much episodic anime, much like Mushishi. It is nice and calm while Sasakura gives wonderful advise while making amazing cocktails. You will learn much about being a bartender, to people, to cocktails. All while you are presented with a great story.
The characters are great. Though most only have one real episode they are fleshed out so well and developed so nicely. Some come back here and there. All in all Sasakura is an amazing character and one of my favorites, because of how he is. The characters are well done, fleshed out, and develop well.
The art is well done, it is some solid animation. I can't complain as it looks good, though I wouldn't say that I was blown away or it's the best. However it is very well done.
The music is well done, the op is good, though I ind the ending better. With all of the other music fits so well as its just well done and connected. Well done. I can't say its super rememberable, however here that doesn't hurt it.
The Voice acting for the sub was well done. I thought that voices fit well and blended to make strong characters.
Overall this is a great anime. One that is nice and clam, and teaches you as well. I very much enjoyed this anime for all that it had. Not to mention all the quotes you can get from it, so take out some paper and pen so that you can write them all down. The ending was well, eh. I don't know. However on the whole this is a great anime.
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This ends Issue #37 of The Messenger!!! We have come a long way because of your support! We thank you for reading and hope that you will read the issues to come. And Thanks to all of you who have said that The Messenger is a great paper, and we hope that you will continue this support forever and always. We are right now the #1 News out there!
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