Death

Death is something inevitable, and definitely something that happens to every living creatures. It is a sign that our mortality is something that always have an ending, in this kind of world at least. To put it simply, death is the end of our lives as a human.

Just like how each of our own lives differ one and another, death also varies. The way we die varies, and the way each of us views death also vary. And perhaps we have various views of death throughout our lives due to our growth and developments within each of our own lives. I too, has developed my own changing views about death.

Witnessing someone's death right before my eyes when I was a teenager sort of influenced how I view death. If you ask me about my views of death back then, I'd say that it is scary and traumatizing. Perhaps because the death which I witnessed was so sudden, in the middle of something that should be fun, and the fact that he was my father. I saw how his body changed its state from being alive, to dying, and eventually death.It was something that I can't ever forget.

But if you ask me how I view death now, my answers may vary. I'm not viewing it as something scary and traumatizing anymore, because I have grown out of it and time does have something to do with it. My definite answer is that death is something which is unavoidable, because we are going to die someday in the end. The rest of my various answers are purely influenced by my views and understandings about this world. Like how death can be peaceful because we may no longer need to feel the sufferings we currently feel when we ere in this world. Letting go of those pain and leave. Or simply because we have done our role in this world and there is literally nothing else for us worth living. Death can be tragic too, if there's an unfortunate event behind death itself. But no matter how beautiful or tragic a death is, they happen for a reason.

How beautiful or how tragic a death is can be linked with the way someone died. Some may die peacefully, either in their sleep or the end of a deadly sickness. Some may die in an accident, murdered, or even ending their own lives. During such tragedy, some may question the existence of God for God lets the tragedies happen. But as someone who views that everything happens for a reason, I do not even question the existence of the creator. Because without the tragedy, we may not be able to treasure the beauty of life. It's better for us to grasp the message and learn instead of throwing blames to another. Some contradicting forces also coexist for a reason. Murder can be considered as an evil act, unless if there is really no other way to survive. But how can we know what's good if we don't know what's evil?

As for suicide, it may be a tragedy and/or something beautiful. It is a tragedy, because the person ended their own lives due to whatever reasons that made them did it. In most cases, it leaves a painful scar to the loved ones of the deceased. But it can also be beautiful, for they may no longer need to feel all the pain they felt when they were alive. And the consequences that they have in the afterlife is none of our business, because they're the ones who took their own lives. What is our business as mortals who know about suicide, is raise our sense of humanity instead of throwing biased judgements even though they have passed away. So what if they are 'too weak to handle life'? Is it not better if the so-called strong ones help the weak ones instead of throwing such foolish judgements? Quoting Magnificent by U2, such foolishness can really leave a heart black and blue. Their suicide can also taught us something, like how some people may feel utterly depressed although they hide it very well. We should be more kind to others instead of judging them. In that case, death can bring us lessons and messages.

Another thing I think about death, which is something life also has, is fate. Some people are meant to have peaceful death, while others are meant to have such tragic deaths. I even think that some people are meant to take their own lives, despite of the what ifs. Because of fate, death can leave such messages even though not everyone embrace them. And perhaps it is also fated that only some people can embrace the messages, because both of the contradicting forces coexist for a reason. In the end, both forces are the ones that keep this world alive. Something to fight for. Or simply a meaning of life.

Every living beings shall face their own deaths. No matter how long we shall live, we are having our own ending in this world. Just like the lives we have, our deaths are different as well. The way we view death is different, and even the way we view afterlife is different. But no matter where we stand, everything is meant to be. Including the messages that both life and death have given us.

Shooting Souls

The night had finally came, and now she was at a small party with a group of friends. They were not celebrating any major things, nor were they partying that often. They simply made a promise to each other at that particular place if they managed to hold on to dear life. And that was what they were doing at that time. They also let their emotions flow. The joy of seeing each other again, the relief of grasping freedom once again, the sadness of losing others. But eventually, the joy and relief overwhelmed them so much that they didn't feel much sadness. What mattered to them was that exact moment which would craft their future.

They made a toast for their survival and their future. Clink. They drank their own glasses of champagne. Bit by bit, their lips blossomed into joyful smiles. Each one of them told their stories during such a difficult time, and they always ended up in a good way since they made it. Soon, they began turning up the music. Some of them started dancing. Some others refilled the glasses. And the rest began chatting about various topics. She was listening to the chatting, until she felt the buzz hit her head.

She excused herself from the chatting group and went out to the rooftop to grab some fresh air. There were fairy lights dangling above her, but they were off since the light pollution had decreased significantly. It was perfect since she could see The Milky Way above her. She gazed at the beautiful sky in appreciation, until she shivered lightly. She didn't think that it would get breezy, so she left her leather jacket at the hanger in there. "It's so pretty, isn't it? It's good that we can finally see the magical night sky," a man said as he draped her jacket over her shivering shoulders. Her eyes fluttered open at his voice and she felt more relaxed. She wasn't sure if it was the champagne, the atmosphere, his voice, or the combination of them. But she couldn't find a way to care about the reason. All that mattered was that moment. For a moment, her green eyes were staring at the glorious golden eyes that stared back at her with the exact same amount of intensity.

A light suddenly passed at the sky, making both of them looked away from each other. "Wow, shooting stars!" he exclaimed. He stared at them lovingly. She, on the other hand, felt mixed feelings about the current sky. It was magnificent indeed, but it felt different from the one she had witnessed at the deserted parking lot. They were moving quickly, and there were lots of them. They were also moving in different directions instead of 'falling' with the gravity. Soon, she had an urge to take a picture of the sky. She ran inside and grabbed her phone from the table. The stars were still moving to different directions and somehow never clashed with one another. Her phone managed to capture the sky with the abstract white strikes.

"Is it so beautiful that you need to take a picture to make it more memorable?" he asked. "That's not the only reason." He frowned at her answer. "I saw them when I was at a parking lot this evening after sunset. They were moving toward the same direction in a slower motion. They were like a greeting from the universe. This one, however, is different. There are more of them now than what I saw at the parking lot. And they're moving in different directions. Something tells me that they're souls, not stars." He stared at her for a moment; letting her words sunk in deeply. Feeling his stare, she looked back at him.

Gradually, she felt the lights decreased. She turned her gaze back at the sky and found one lingering star blinking once at her before taking off to the upper right. And then it disappeared. Could that star just gave her a sign that her assumption was correct? Maybe. But what did it matter to her? Some things would always meant to stay as a mystery.

After The Milky Way reappeared and the night grew colder, they went back inside. They saw the chatting group dancing, making the entire eight people in front of them doing the exact same thing. They danced to the beat with a smile on each of their faces. It was the perfect atmosphere to relax before they faced the reality of tomorrow. For now, they would like to release the pent up stress they felt before it was over. Both of them joined the rest as they moved their bodies in sync with the music.

Suddenly, her thoughts drifted back to the last star which blinked at her. What's more strange was the immediate thought of that toward her best friend. "I don't think I can come with you though." "Why?" she asked her. "I have to go, it's something important." "Oh, okay." They parted toward their own paths afterward. Could it be her? Could it be her best friend blinking at her before leaving elsewhere? She moved to the chair and called her. When she noticed that she wasn't picking up her call, she immediately knew the answer. Sighing, she hung up and put her phone down. "Let's meet again if we have another life," she thought to herself before rejoining the others on the dance floor.

Being At Peace by Not Giving a Fuck

Encountering life means encountering people. Encountering people means encountering opinions. And encountering opinions means the decision to follow the opinions or throw them away. Not all opinions are bad, but this post specifically explains about others' opinions which we really don't have to follow. cause sometimes, some people use their opinions to change others instead of encouraging them just to be themselves.

As the author of this blog, it is a privilege of me to write my own experience about this topic. Which is one thing that I hate about my own country. Sometimes I meet those annoying people who happen to push their opinions on one's personal life. Mostly, they talk about the importance of marriage; which by far is the very last thing I'm interested in and I have my own personal reasons for that. So far, the most annoying one came from one seemingly religious married man whom I assume is quite patriarchy as well. I even had every counterarguments for all the arguments he said, like why some people die young if God said that all people must get married. I've also encountered the pushy opinions from what should be my 'closest circle', or at least that's what they claimed it to be even though they're nothing compared to my friends who are open minded and understanding. Those kind of annoying ones had their own opinions on what kind of life I should have, although it's actually none of their business since it's my life, not theirs. At one point, I was really frustrated with those people throwing their opinions to me that I really wanna say "none of your fucking business" to them.

After that very turning point, I decided to try not to give a fuck to whatever they say about my life. Of course it's easier said than done; cause throughout my life, I have a habit of being a good listener whenever I have a conversation with someone. When I listen to people, sometimes I filter them with what I believe in and decipher what they're trying to convey as well as what kind of people they are. Thanks to the same filter, I can stand on my own ground even though I tend to listen first and speak when I'm comfortable or asked. One major drawback that I feel as a listener is the ability to feel whatever they say, which lead to thinking about them. That's why I felt frustrated at first whenever I heard those kinds of opinions.

Bit by bit, I'm gradually learning to filly have no fucks given to any of them. By giving no fucks, I'm learning to handle my life on my own. If I success, it's because of me and for me since I'm the one who do all the deeds. If I fail, I'm the one who's responsible and keep doing what I can because I'm the one who I have in the end. I have the freedom to choose what kind of life I have with the consequences that lie beneath it. And most importantly, I'm letting myself just to be me. I'm freeing myself from worrying about what others think of me, and eventually I feel my soul being more at peace.

Opinions are just opinions. As individuals, we all have the free will to choose what kind of life we want, with the consequences as well. Those pushy people need to learn to appreciate that each individuals are naturally different, so there's no need to push those kinds of opinions and try to control their lives. It's not healthy. By giving zero fucks to those opinions, (or at least having the will to try not to give a slightest fuck), I believe that our personal lives will be more peaceful. Besides, why let others run your life if it's your life in the first place? Our own lives aren't their fucking business anyways.

P.S.: I'm aware that there's a book entitled "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck", which I haven't read by far (maybe later when the time comes). This post has nothing to do with the book in any matter, because I'm writing this with the intention of sharing my thoughts regarding of the matter.

LDH Soloists

This post is the last part in the "LDH artists whom I've listened to" series. Also, this is gonna be shorter than the previous two posts since I haven't listened to lots of LDH soloists, whether they're a part of EXILE TRIBE/E.G. Family or not. So, here are the soloists whom I've listened to:

1. Hiroomi Tosaka (登坂広臣)

He's one of the vocalists of J.S.B.'s third generation. His deep sultry voice is so lovely and unique. In his first album, he also has plenty of good songs and channeled different kinds of concepts. From loving yet slightly lusty song in FULL MOON, cool and slightly arrogant personality in LUXE (not that I mind cause he totally nailed that concept as well), fun and casual in DIAMOND SUNSET and Not For Me, to a lovely and emotional ballad in With You and END OF LINE. Seriously, what kind of concept he can't pull off?

I love most of his songs in his first album FULL MOON. But when I think about it, I think Omi is a selenophile since his discography mostly has something to do with moon. Not just the titles, but also the cover art. FULL MOON, SUPERMOON. He really must have a thing with moon. I haven't got the chance to hear his other discographies, but I'm gonna do that since he's so talented.

2. CrazyBoy (ELLY)

ELLY is a Performer in J.S.B.'s third generation, and he debuted as a rapper under the name CrazyBoy. His songs are upbeat and Hip-Hop. Just like Omi, I've only listened to his first album (which I really like) and I'm gonna continue listening to his discography later on since he's talented.

3. Dream Ami

She's the only Dream/E-girls former member who debuted as a soloist before the disbandment of Dream and her departure from E-girls. She naturally has high pitched voice and was the member who can reach highest notes. Despite of having a high pitched voice which is slightly similar to most of Japanese idol group members, she is a decent singer due to the techniques she uses when she sings.

I think I can't write about her that much since I've only listened to Amaharu and Good Goodbye. Her concept as a soloist are mostly soft and feminine, with a dash of fantasy. Perhaps I'm gonna listen to the rest of her discography later on.

Those are the only soloists in LDH which I've listened to. Perhaps I'm gonna listen to Shizuka's debut single later on, as well as GENE's vocalists solo songs. I'm gonna consider listening to Sho Aoyagi too, since I like his voice when I listened to his solo song Maria (available in HiGH&LOW Original Soundtrack). He is one of the finalists for EXILE Vocal Battle Audition where TAKAHIRO won as the new vocalist for EXILE. Maybe I'll listen to Ryuji's solo songs and the rest of EXILE's vocalists as well; except NESMITH cause he's the only EXILE vocalist who doesn't debut as a soloist, whatever the reason is.

This agency also has other soloist who are not related with the whole EXILE TRIBE/E.G. Family thing like Crystal Kay, MIYAVI, JAY'ED, Leola, CRAZY SHIKAKKEI, and MABU. But since I'm currently happy with the current artists that interest me, perhaps it'll take quite a long time until I finally got the interest to listen to them. The main reason has been stated in the first post of this "LDH Trilogy Posts". Or maybe I'll lose my interest in trying to listen to them, but that's the future to decide since I'm comfortable with my pace in exploring the artists in this agency.

LDH Female Groups

As a continuation to the previous post, this post is dedicated to the female groups in LDH which I've heard. But I guess this post might be kinda sad considering most of them have disbanded. Without further ado, here are the groups:

1. Happiness

This is the first female group which is debuted under LDH. Their concept was originally upbeat and cheerful, but not as cheerful and cute as the orthodox Japanese idol groups. Probably a bit similar to the current concept of Girls². As time goes by and the members went from cheerful teenagers to fierce women, their concept turned into a more mature upbeat songs with badass/swag/sexy themes here and there.

I have no problems liking their songs when they still had MAYU as one of their vocalists. Although MAYU's voice is naturally (slightly) high pitched, I like the way she sings. On the contrary, Ruri has deep sultry voice and she also sings really well. Karen, their only original vocalist, also raps in few of their songs. As for the Performers, SAYAKA is their dancing queen while their leader MIYUU also created some of their choreography. I think I forget to mention that another thing I like from LDH groups is that sometimes the members created their own choreography, aside from their signature freestyle. This group is also confirmed to join 88rising for the sake of their international debut. I'm counting on it, cause these talented ladies deserve it.

2. SudannaYuzuYully

This group is a Hip-Hop group consisting of two Performers from Happiness/E-girls and a Vocalist from E-girls, where the Performers rap in their songs. The name also derived from the members' names (Anna Suda, Yuzuna Takebe, and YURINO).

I don't really like their initial releases until I heard Look At Me Now. That song is seriously dope. They also have several good songs in their first album SYY. I like the way Anna Suda raps. Yuzu definitely has nice vocals and techniques. Sadly, I'm not sure about their future since the news of E-girls disbanding also stated that Yuzu will join a group project with Afrojack in LDH Europe while the other members are most likely gonna focus as Happiness members.

3. E-girls (disbanding at the end of 2020)

I'm still sad about the fact that they're disbanding at the end of this year. Totally, really sad. But they already decided their own future, and it's no use to blame the agency for their disbandment.

I think I've already mentioned the initial purpose of this group's formation in another post, so let's skip to my opinion about them. They're no doubt very talented. I like their releases when they still had plenty of members with E.G. Pyramid system, as well as when they become a solid group with 11 members. Back then, the main vocalists were Shizuka and Ami from Dream, Reina from Flower, and Karen from Happiness. I think the only original E-girls vocalist is Yuzuna, although she was demoted to Rabbits once and managed to get back to E-girls after she successfully completed her training period in Rabbits. Ruri was also initially a vocalist for E-girls before she joined Happiness. Same goes with Anna Suda; her initial position was just an E-girls Performer before having her concurrent position with Happiness.

4. Flower (disbanded)

I'm also pretty much saddened by their disbandment, but I guess it can't be helped. Theirs songs are the perfect combination of ballad with beats. I kinda sucks at explaining genres, so please bear with me.

They had two main vocalists and another Performer who also sings sometimes. After Chiharu Muto left, Kyoka Ichiki became one of their vocalists (thus revoking her position as their Performer) along with Reina. After she left, Reina became the only vocalist until their disbandment. Some performers also left with their own reasons. With that, the remaining members who have concurrent position with E-girls automatically become E-girls members up until their disbandment. After that, the Performers will pursue their careers as actresses and/or models, while Reina already debuted as a soloist under the name Rei with her first solo song Call Me Sick.

5. Dream (disbanded)

This group was originally an idol group under avex. They also had several members leaving (not sure if they also had members joining). Eventually, they joined LDH and changed their concept to a more mature one. Sometimes later, more and more members (including the original members) left until there are only four of them left: Ami, Shizuka, Aya, and Erie. If I'm not mistaken, the four members formation were still solid although Aya and Erie weren't having the same spotlight with Ami and Shizuka as E-girls members. Their concept as four members group was also not as fierce as when the group just joined LDH. They gradually became an upbeat and colorful group until their concept turned into slowbeat ballad with Only You, Darling, and their last single Blanket Snow.

This was also the only female group in LDH where everyone sing and dance; no such thing as Vocalists and Performers. Even so, they also decided the main vocalists which suited the songs (before they became a four members group). Like in Perfect Girls, the main vocalists were those whose voices are fierce and suited with EDM music. After their disbandment, Ami continued being a soloist. She naturally has high pitched voice, but I like the technique in her vocals. Shizuka has debuted as a soloist, but I haven't heard her solo song. Aya is still in LDH, while Erie left the agency and becomes a DJ.

So, those are the groups which I've listened to. I'm still truly saddened with the disbandment of Flower and E-girls, but I can only hope for the best for their decision.I'm not sure if I'm gonna listen to Girls², but let's see about that. The next post will be the soloist in the agency that I've listened to.

LDH Male Groups

LDH is a Japanese entertainment agency which is created by the original members of EXILE. Since then, the agency has grown and debuted various groups and having other artists joining them. Furthermore, they also has extended their scope with having actors and models, as well as creating dramas and films projects like HiGH&LOW, Prince of Legend, and Tatara Samurai.

As an agency which is initially founded by a male group, this post is dedicated specifically to the male groups in LDH which I have heard so far. As in, I listened to their music and have my opinions about them based on that. Without further ado, here are the male groups in the agency that I've listened to:

1. EXILE

The legendary group which was initially named as J Soul Brothers. Their discography as J Soul Brothers is kinda hard to find, not to mention that they already got plenty of recognition as EXILE. Initially, the group was formed as a dance group; but they have vocalists joining them later on. After that, they become a "dance and vocal group" where the vocalists and dancers can share the same stage without one being overshadowed by another.

To be honest, I haven't really heard most of their discography since TAKAHIRO joined the group since I tend to listen to their first releases when I'm interested to a musician. Their latest release which I've heard is Star of Wish, which is really good. I also like their early releases when they still had SHUN with them.

I think that I don't need to explain much about the Performers (dancers) since EXILE is on another level with their skills since they often give each of the Performers their own freestyle dance in their MVs & Lives. Freestyle is like the signature of LDH's groups, which also shows what kind of style each of the members have. ATSUSHI also had a year of hiatus to pursue more knowledge about singing in America. God bless his voice. This is also the only group where the vocalists only required to sing, because the vocalists in other groups occasionally dance as well without decreasing the quality of their voice.

I have huge respect for the original members of this group since they're the ones who founded the agency. The four original Performers also stayed in the group until their retirement when they've reacged the age of 40, although HIRO retired first due to his role as the C.E.O. of the agency. MAKIDAI is currently Dj-ing and in a music griup called PKCZ. MATSU is currently being an actor, and USA is still in the agency.

2. EXILE THE SECOND

The members of this group are the second generation of J Soul Brothers, excluding AKIRA who joined EXILE first. After their merging with EXILE, the group was initially named "THE SECOND from EXILE" in which AKIRA hasn't joined them. After making cameos in their MVs as EXILE THE SECOND, AKIRA eventually joined the group.

The combination of the vocalists' voices is really interesting. NESMITH has a nice deep voice while SHOKICHI also has nice techniques. But when he sings, sometimes SHOKICHI let out a sultry sexy voice like in his solo song BACK 2U. As a part of EXILE TRIBE, the Performers are also not disappointing. All in all, I don't have any problems with liking this group. I also think that it's nice for the group since the vocalists don't sing much as EXILE members since EXILE already have two main vocalists.

3. 三代目 J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE (Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE)

Literally translated as "Third Generation of J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE", the two leaders of this group were members of J.S.B.'s second generation. And this is probably the last of LDH male group which has a direct relation to EXILE and J.S.B.; since EXILE was J.S.B. before they changed their name, the revival of J.S.B. created the second generation, then they merged with EXILE and J.S.B. is revived by the current third generation.

I only begun listening to their initial releases after I was finished with J.S.B.'s second generation. I've listened to their first album, in which there's not much that I liked although I really like Kimi to Nara. I also like their other upbeat songs like R.Y.U.S.E.I., J.S.B. Dream, O.R.I.O.N., and Summer Madness. Ryuji's and Omi's voices really blends well together. Sometimes later, ELLY debuted as a rapper and he occasionally raps in J.S.B.'s songs like Feel So Alive and Rainbow.

4. GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE

This is my favorite group in EXILE TRIBE, which is also the original junior group debuted in LDH. Their concept is directed for younger audiences, and it seems like they targeted this group to have international fandom since all of their singles have English Versions. They also have one original song in English: Control Myself. I like that song. Mandy also rapped in that song.

The vocalists in this group are finalists for J.S.B.'s third generation. Yuta was also initially a member of GENE's support group (back dancers), but eventually got the chance to join. All of the Performers also auditioned to join EXILE, but Alan and Mandy are the only ones who made it.

As my favorite group, of course I like lots of their songs, including their latest single: Hira Hira. The group is also very interesting, in courtesy of their show named "GENERATIONS High School TV" where you can see their personalities. The MC, Hayato, is so talkative. Alan got the rep as "Fusei Leader" (leader who always mess around). He also really hates tomato. Ryuto is a contradiction of the other vocalist, Ryota, since he occasionally curse and act like a gangster whereas Ryota is the prince in this group. Yuta has a weird/alien personality. Reo, the youngest and cutest member but also cool considering he's a krumper. And Mandy, well he's the hilarious member who sometimes be the group's joke. What's more interesting is that they managed to have a World Tour even before they performed at Tokyo Dome. That's really cool.

5. THE RAMPAGE from EXILE TRIBE

This group has 3 Vocalists and 13 Performers, which reminds me of the resemblance of EXILE's current formation. One of the vocalists also occasionally raps in their songs.

Just like the group's name, their concept is more like a group of rampaging people. They're also the only group in EXILE TRIBE which has more than two vocalists (technically, so does EXILE but NESMITH and SHOKICHI don't always sing as EXILE, so...). Kazuma is the one who occasionally raps, and I have no problem with the way he sings and raps. Hokuto has sweet voice and can reach high notes easily. RIKU's voice is actually nice, but I don't like how he oversing the notes during Lives. It's like... I don't know. Kinda hard to explain. But he tends to overdo his vocals when he sings, while I like the balance and control of the other vocalists. Not too much, not too less either. Just perfect.

6. FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE

The junior group where one of the Performers passed away of stomach cancer. Sadly enough, he passed away before the group officially debuted.

I honestly don't have much to review since I've only heard their first single, which I honestly don't like. I'm gonna listen to their first album later in case if there are any more of their songs that I'll like. But I've heard Dear Destiny briefly, and I think I might like that song eventually.

7. BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE

This group is different from the rest of EXILE TRIBE groups because all of the members sing, rap, and dance. The group is a collaboration between EXILE TRIBE and DOBERMAN INFINITY.

Like the previous group, I also haven't listen much to their discography. I only like several songs in their mini-album, and I'm gonna listen to the rest of their discography.

8. DOBERMAN INFINITY

Probably my favorite male group outside EXILE TRIBE. It's a bit sad that they're still sort of underrated. They're a Hip-Hop group which initially consisted of all rappers. When the group joined LDH, they added a vocalist who is a finalist for EXILE's Vocal Battle Audition which was intended to find a vocalist alongside ATSUSHI.

Because they're also my favorite group, I like lots of their songs. The rappers are definitely good. KAZUKI has an amazing vocal, period. God bless that voice. He also raps in some of their songs like Jump Around Infinity and 5ive. All in all, this is my favorite underrated group in LDH.

9. COLOR (DEEP)

The group is currently known as DEEP. But I haven't listened to their discography as DEEP, so....

This group was formed by ATSUSHI as a vocal group. Sometimes later; ATSUSHI left the group, they change the name to DEEP, and currently has only 3 members left. They also had an audition to look for other vocalists. The three winners and the remaining members formed a group called DEEP SQUAD, but I haven't found any discography from them.

I've only listened to their first two albums as COLOR. The quality of their vocals is so not disappointing. Their style at that time was more or less R&B. I have no problem liking their songs and I'm gonna listen to the rest of their discography.

Those are the male groups in LDH which I've listened to. I'm not sure if I'm gonna listen to HONEST BOYZ, ACE OF SPADES, and RED DIAMOND DOGS since it's difficult for me to follow lots of groups at a time. Not to mention that GENE is my favorite group. But anyways, the next post will be the female groups in the agency which I've listened to.

Learning Other Languages

Learning other languages can be difficult, or not, depending on each of our own abilities. But is that really all it depends on? In this post, I'm writing about my personal experience during my almost 23 years of learning two additional languages. Although, one is longer than the other.

My native language is Indonesian. Even though I'm half Chinese and half Javanese, I don't really understand those two languages like the natives or those who simply learn them. Despite of my father's attempt to let me learn Mandarin by enrolling me to Mandarin Course at school, my grade were terrible because I focused on the complications in learning that language and the fact that I wasn't really fond of learning it. At the same time, I was enrolled in an English Course and I managed to excel in it partly because Indonesian also has alphabets like English so I don't need to learn how to read different characters in a language. Exposure to medias which use English from childhood also helped me getting used to the language. I spent my childhood watching Disney Channel; and my teenage years were spent watching channels which use English like AXN and Star World.

I was so comfortable using English that I switched Indonesian novels to English novels. I also express myself more on the internet using English, although I rarely write in my native language. The same comfort also made my decision of my major for my Bachelor's Degree. The only major drawback that I experience with getting exposed to foreign language from childhood is a certain stereotype. Some people here stereotyped us who often use English as arrogant slash cocky. Usually, the reason is us using foreign language too often that we don't love our own language thus not loving our own country, which is such a foolish excuse because I'd change my nationality if I dislike my country. Due to how moronic that stereotype is, that doesn't stop me from using English whenever I want to. And it certainly doesn't stop me to learn other languages.

During High School, I was starting to get interested in Japanese music. Sometimes later, I started reading lyrics translations to understand their meanings. I also watched Japanese dramas & films with English subtitles, although I occasionally found Indonesian subs as well. I was lucky to find several PVs and Lives which have Kanji, Romaji, and English/Indonesian subtitles in it. Before I knew it, I was unconsciously learning Japanese; but I didn't want to stop because of my huge interest in their culture. Later on, I could memorize Hiragana along with several Katakana and Kanji. I can also type simple sentences in Japanese. My other form of self-learning is interacting with some Japanese native speakers from an online game. In the game, we interacted through text and I have to thank Google Translate for their scanning feature. As a language graduate myself, I know that the translation for full sentences can be incorrect or simply weird; so I read each of the words' translations and comprehend what they mean when each of them are combined. I also noted the translations of those words for future references, I'm thankful for being able to interact with the native speakers because interacting with them is really useful in developing my Japanese language, and we're still occasionally catching up with each other.

So far, my personal experience in learning two additional languages have different reasons of my ability to learn them. One being familiarity and exposure from childhood, and another being the interest of the culture which lead to the want to learn the language. With that, it can be concluded that there are other things which cause the success of learning other languages, apart from the individual abilities. Exposure from childhood and the familiarity with the native language may help. But when we learn another language as an adult, it might be more difficult than if we learn it from our childhood. In that case, one thing that can motivate us to learn the language is our own interest. If we have the interest to learn a language, we may be able to learn it regardless of the difficulty of the language itself. There are plenty of ways to Rome indeed, but we must decide whether we really wanna go there or not. Until then, which method we use to learn a language doesn't really matter because each of us have our own pace.