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Tenth Book Worth of Photos: The Route to Love, From The End and Beyond

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Tenth Book Worth of Photos: The Route to Love, From The End and Beyond

Sunday, 09 February 2020
(Click here to skip to the interview)
As you can see, I tried real hard to incorporate all my feelings for Akarin and the past nine books on this one haha happy early birthday to me btw let's try to finish within these two days haha

Okay, the last photobook review of my life. Hey, don't quote me on this for I like to break promises considering I did say it's only for last year and we're in 2020 and I'm STILL reviewing photobooks haha I promise this is the last for now. So, let's end with a bang! And boy do we have someone to end with here. I... I like her so much I think I'm obsessed with this girl, Kitou Akari. What do I do now haha ask yourself what I did when I was crazing over Toyosaki Aki a decade ago lol "this is my first date too" lmao let's get into it before I go bonkers




THE ORIGIN
Like most of the photobooks I've reviewed over this... series worth of photos, she is a voice actress. Kitou Akari, or Akarin as they (and I) would like to call her, is... lovely. Uh oh, I think I ran out of words to say now, so let's talk about history. It all started, as usual, with a tsundere character she voices in Anime "Blend.S" called Hinata Kaho which I promise you that's where most of her fans know her (not that she doesn't have many roles, at least back then), and then we all found out that... she is afraid of horror stuff. *laughs* (YouTube for answers please) And you know, when people find out your weakness that is also a kind of cute which is also part of your beauty, people start going crazy about her as she stars in more and more roles with her adorable voice- I'm describing a normal fan behaviour anyways definitely not talking about myself haha. A couple of years in and somehow her voice acting has gotten producers interested, and so the pace in her career in the Anime industry kicks off with opening of her social media accounts and announcing her single debut due October 2019 (I reviewed her 1st single here), and the announcement of this, her first photobook. It was then I could not help but am already prepared to pre-order her book but I did not. Not that her looks is holding me back, no, (Akarin I promise you, you are totally my type haha), but I decided to wait for a little while until the special gifts got revealed. And also, to allow those who can go to her signing in Japan to pre-order as that was one of the gifts was a chance to meet her, so I, as the kind guy I am (lol), did not choose to spoil another chance at letting people talk to her for 20 seconds. *silence* *sob* Akarin can you appear in my dreams pwetty pwease?


THE REVIEW
Kitou Akari 1st Photobook "Love Route"
[Available on Amazon Japan]
This is a pre-order, so naturally you will get all the gifts or additional stuff that comes with it, at the same retail price, which is quite a deal. Also, it wasn't too difficult to make a decision because apart from Gamers who is literally selling this with at least TWO special gifts, I don't have to decide much since I would naturally choose this online store over many others. Hey, that's what happens when you collaborate with the magazine company itself haha. Come on, it comes with a special bromide photo, an A2-sized poster... what more do you want? Well, there's more at a higher tier (tapestry and acrylic mini-figure of Akarin??) but I stopped here just because. Again, I'm reviewing the basic tier btw there isn't a cheaper version of it in this store. Okay, we need to dive into this real quick I need my constant dose of Akarin lol

But first... UNBOXING HYPE!!! *cheers*
You know you're an otaku when your dad brings in a big box and asks "what is this" haha
Oh is this another Gamers thing again? Haha they like to give free store magazines

This specific package in an overview
Yes, this photobook is (a major) part of this package, along with some Uesaka Sumire bromide photos and the first Klassic Note Review of the year. Refer to this post for an overview.
I know the others are great too but we know the focus is on this haha IT'S HAPPENING
(Between this and Tom Nook's island package... lol)
If you incessantly giggle while looking at this like me, you have suffered from a virus that is Kitou Akari haha

ε†™ηœŸι›† Kitou Akari 1st Photobook "Love Route"
She wants me so bad she's already prepared to marry me, this girl
As mentioned in the title itself, Akarin brings us to her world where she... shows us how to fall in love with her. Yeah, this doesn't get any more elaborate somehow, I hate to admit. And I'm not even exaggerating when I say "and beyond" in the title of this post. I mean, she's in a wedding gown, man. Still, if this photobook only makes me like her more I'm not going to deny it especially after looking through it Akarin proves to us that gravure is not necessary (lol sorry but why no) to be able to display her beauty, and I like that. I really do.

Akarin suki suki suki suki suki okay let's move on before I explode haha

Wow this is very good oh yeah she can draw
Just in case you don't know the genius that is Kitou Akari, she worked part-time during her student days as an illustrator, so don't be surprised when you see a couple of her hand-drawn images in this book; they are really good though, she has the talent. Sadly, her passion for voice acting the people she drew is bigger which explains her current job now. Her drawing skills will be taken as a side hobby very seriously by the talent company haha they will get this

Woah! What's this? Another bromide?!!
(Oh, this is the mystery one... Wait, what?)
Okay, it appears that there is a difference between the one inside the photobook and outside of the photobook (refer to THE EXTRAS for details), but I assume you do get more from pre-ordering since this one is inside every copy- IS THIS ANOTHER POSTER FOLDED INSIDE OF THE BOOK?? οΌˆγƒ»β–‘γƒ»οΌ‰

Okay we have seen this before it's literally the cover but the other side is my new favourite now
(I will say that often btw)

See, it's this level of imperfection on her face that makes me like her even more call me a freak I don't care
This is proof that she didn't slap all the powder she can on her face and I like that honesty hehe okay now that we are done with surprises let's get to the photobook reading haha is this the right verb even

Ooo is this is the American highway of what lol
(Legit thought it's page number but it's unlikely)


Wow, this is already the best they put the afterword in front to get the formalities out of the way haha Akarin you cheeky girl (also, probably not decided by her lol)

Here is what she wrote:
"Thank you for getting your hands on this book.
Since it's my first photobook, I got really worried in many aspects but I did try out a lot of situations (for images). I really enjoyed the photo shoot!
The point that I was given the opportunity to be a voice actress
I never thought that it was possible for me to come out with a photobook at any point (of her career) and I could not believe it...Β 
For everyone who have gotten this I'll be happy if you even get any amount of satisfaction out of it!!"
HELL YEAH you bet I did Akarin!! I can't believe you can come up with a photobook too but look at where we are now I'm literally burning my weekend to do this post that you won't know of haha okay let's start for real

Kawaii Akarin You'll Fall In Love With #1: China with them buns!!
(This is literally page 1, right after the comment from her)

"Family Business" Akarin your dad runs a TCM shop or something?
(She's in one of the many Chinatowns that's for sure probably one in Japan)

Really sad side view because she doesn't have any chest- I DON'T CARE SHE'S CUTE haha

Erm my dear Empress may I get you anything?

This is too cute, too cute...

Did they just take a photo of her when she gets to take a break? lol

Stare at me more, Akain. Please.

"Holiday"
Akarin you know how to surf?

Kawaii Akarin You'll Fall In Love With #2:
Her holding a surfboard even though she doesn't know how to surf haha
(Then again we don't know)

The pretence is fine because this is perfect somehow

"As her surfer boyfriend I feel honoured that my girlfriend approves of my hobby" lol

Akarin on the beach might be the perfect combination we or even she ever seen

This smile can heal depression I assure you

This is going to be as wet as she can get haha

When you got that water master chi going lol (insert bald headed kid anime reference here)

I show this to my dad and he'll still agree she's a beauty because this is not taken from 30 years ago

"Departure"
Ah hello megane-san long time no see FETISH TRIGGERED
(Also Kawaii Akarin You'll Fall In Love With #3!)

If Akarin is flying to Singapore to live with me forever I'll pay for her plane ticket hehe

This is so beautiful I can't even

If she is this cute sleeping I'm just going to stare at her like this

"Make Up"
Okay my least favourite segment haha just joking
(Akarin, I trust you to not put too much makeup, yes?)

This means she wants to play hide and seek with you but with your eyes masked haha what

Kawaii Akarin You'll Fall In Love With #4: Her, On Bed
(Oh Akarin you also fail sit-and-reach too? We are two of a kind then)

Makeup lessons 101 with Kitou Akari
(You think this will work as a livestream? I mean every other girl is showing off their "tools" on Instagram anyways)

This is the part where you HAVE to say her nails are great lol

"Nest"
This is a scene to behold.

This dress is surprisingly nice I can recommend this to my sis

Kawaii Akarin You'll Fall In Love With #4!!
(Thanks for close-ups I totally appreciate it I can stare at these all day)

"Lifework"
Didn't know you can guitar, girl.

Now that I think about it am I teaching her guitar?
I mean, I do know a little so technically I can do that...

Kawaii Akarin You'll Fall In Love With #5: Akarin with a guitar!
(I mean, with this many images you'll like something of her)

I want an offshot video of her screwing this up haha she's been posting videos on Twitter lately

"Triumph"
Chinatown again? If she likes the culture then I have a chance hehe
(Also, according to the sign on the top image, she's in Yokohama apparently)

Kawaii Akarin You'll Fall In Love With #5: Her with Bubble Tea
(This is so wholesome it makes me gentlemanly paying for it all the more worth it)

"Confession"
Uh oh Akarin, you don't mean...?

Stop staring at me like this I need to know!!
(Also, when the tree trunk is shorter than you and you have to pose lol)

Kawaii Akarin You'll Fall In Love With #6: This.
(How you expect she would react if you put her against that tree)

How it would look like in reality lol

"And this is how I got rejected by Kitou-san" haha

This side view is pathetic but I love it haha sorry

Kawaii Akarin You'll Fall In Love With #7: Playful Akarin!
(I don't think this is how she behaves normally but)

And this is... I have no idea I'll fill it in if I ever find out haha
(Edit: See THE INTERVIEW)

She seems to happy eating that ice cream I bought for her hehe

F-For me? But isn't this an indirect kiss...??

Is this where she wants me to hold her hand?
Or is this just a freeze frame where it seems like so? lol #DatingProblems

Kawaii Akarin You'll Fall In Love With #8
(I wonder if she likes boat trips)

"Eternal"
Wait, she said yes???

Again, whoever's the lucky guy to be able to marry this girl

Keep the gown down, girl, keep it down lol

These are literally photos taken for a wedding book

We in the church already?? Or is this the hotel room lol

Kawaii Akarin You'll Fall In Love With #9: Akarin's back view

She's taking it off herself? How desperate is she? lol
(Oh, the reality is her putting it down herself, as seen in the book)

We did it, guys.
And by we I meant Akarin and me haha I can't run away now xD

"AKARI NO ARIKA"!!
Yes, this is her monthly serialisation from magazine "Seiyuu Paradise R" which started from end of 2017 (surprisingly also the time when "Blend.S" was airing) featuring her in various roles and/or famous figures similar to Kouno Marika's first serialisation in the magazine. Coincidence? If that is not so then how are we going to get all these cosplays? *giggles*

"Dojikko Maid-san"
Not Anime reference afaik they just can't stand her not being clumsy lol

"Hajimari"
(This is probably when I fell for her charm)

"Shinsengumi"
The cutest in the force haha Mulan isn't even close

Again, not her usual behaviour but that's why she's adorable doing it hehe

"Nightingale"
What is that again? *laughs*

"Agatha Christie"
Okay she may look like the real McCoy when she's her age haha

"Marilyn Monroe"
If you saw that issue of the magazine she did the skirt blow thing HAHAHAHA

"Pimiku"
Ah, she's a Shaman queen...

"Yukata Date"
Remembering those simpler times when we were dating hehe

"Marie Antoinette"
Impersonating the French queen? This looks like her daughter haha

"Madame Curie"
She's triggering my glasses fetish again haha you think she looks better than Ten-chan? *laughs*

"Junior High School Days"
So that isΒ chuunibyou? That eye patch might be too iconic in Anime haha

"Audrey Hepburn"
Ah, this British actress likes photography...
Wow, you can learn a lot of stuff from just this segment haha I think she learnt a lot too

"Yosano Akiko"
This is just her posing as a philosopher haha

"Cleopatra"
This might be my least favourite amongst the ones here tbh she looks like my mom's friend haha
(sorry)

And the recent I don't know what equation equals Kitou Akari
(Okay to translate it's [Chigasaki X Waves / (White One Piece Press / Barefooted)2]
Whoever came up with this equation is a genius and then we find out it's her? Haha maybe

Ooo another survey winning campaign again?
Now's my chance
Just as we've seen in Kouno Marika's photobook (search "Fourth Book Worth of Photos"), this one also comes with a survey where you answer a couple of questions, mail them back and stand a chance to win a signed polaroid from her! As attractive as it sounds, it'll take quite a lot to send this to Japan provided I can even fill this up in Japanese writing haha I might just do it

This girl's an artist, man

Ah, and I'm glad I didn't see this last page first haha
(I mean, is it a surprise when the marriage is literally the cover? lol)
So... what do you think? I mean, it's not all perfect but I'll take imperfections from this lovely girl I'm in too deep already lol. Besides, today her is a beauty, and I'll take that. If you need a definition on what type I like she's totally my type btw haha I guess I said it sorry Nan-chan and Ten-chan whom I intend to marry she got to me first (>_<)


THE EXTRAS
As mentioned somewhere above, the Gamers edition of this photobook comes with several gifts which I must say is totally worth the purchase (even over that selfie mini photobook of Sumipe's), and as you have seen in the review I may have gotten way more than I expected, so let's go through all of them!
Man, that is a lot haha worth the ripoff from shipping already

Firstly, what was written outside of the book, as stated in the store page listing: A bromide photo which is dependent on store in which for Gamers is random from 5 but only 2 have been revealed and of course with my luck I got one of the 2, and (Observe the fold on the cover, bottom right is bromide, and bottom left is) a BIG A2-sized poster of Akarin in a wedding dress. This is awesome haha you think I'll consider another store now?? Haha
Yay! Haha

We all deserve to get married to her so you can zoom in in all its glory
Then, there's the surprises inside of the book, as entitled to First Press Editions of all the photobooks which is likely in stock if you buy now maybe: a bromide photo which I assume is included inside of any of the First Press photobooks (even if it's shipped to Singapore and left on the shelf for months and some lucky broke got it for his friend) (refer to Fourth Book Worth of Photos haha), and a B2-sized poster folded and slotted into the book. This one was a surprise, as you can see in the above review.

So total, it's FOUR gifts, and if you want to include the two-sided poster, FIVE. You don't know how much happiness I am in right now~ *giggles*

Oh also, let's talk about the complimentary Gamers magazine that always comes with every purchase from their online store (I assume retail too) which features someone I don't know of:
"Maeshima Ami"? Hey, cute girl haha

I mean, LOOK AT THIS.

"Departure Disc" Wow it's over already? lol


THE INTERVIEW
As with most photobooks I have reviewed, there is an interview in this one because why not know more about her in paragraphs of Japanese text which I have to translate a summary to you guys after spending hours understanding what was written? Here we go then, is a list of the important points you need to know about Akarin and the photo shoot itself provided she is not as long-winded as Anzai Chika haha:
And here are the shots I took from my phone camera and now I really hate how they put lovely Akarin in there instead of giving me a page of text thanks for four pages of offshot images hehe
With so many images in the interview to distract me, I gotta talk about a few right?
I want to be bubble tea now haha Akari I will treat you to as many as you want IS THAT A CLEAVAGE???

When your girl wants to do it, uh, I mean, sleep and you're still working in the room HOW COULD YOU lol

I want to be the wall haha


Last but not least, here's my (casual) fill-up of the survey that came with the book that I want to send it back so bad because I still have like, until end of July to do so anyways. (I believe I have to put this inside a letter and then send it otherwise it will not work but) Here are the answers anyway (not going to test my handwriting because I didn't practice haha)

Also, if you find these questions familiar it's because Marinka's photobook had one too same publisher btw

[1] Write down the works of Kitou Akari that you know of.
Blend.S
Tsurezure Children
Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun
Kyokou Suiri
(I also found out she's in minor roles too like Alice to Zouroku and Boku Dake ga Inai Machi)

[2] Write down whichever shots you liked from this photobook. (multiple entries possible)

It's the bubble tea, am I right? Also ice cream what is with her and food >_<
Akarin showing more leg with shorter pants (lol)

[3] Write down, if you have any request, what you would like to see from serialisations* in "Seiyuu Paradise R" in the future.

Cosplay seems to be the thing recently with everyone, so... that's good enough haha I want a dating serialisation where we experience the ups and downs of being in a virtual relationship like, every month lol

[4] Write down 3 people** who you want to see release a photobook.
Kouno Marika (Come on, we need a Reiwa Era 1st summer photobook)
Tachibana Rika (I dare you to release her 3rd photobook for this married lady)
Whoever is on the cover of that free Gamers magazine, "Maeshima Ami"? Oh wait Suzuki Aina is in this magazine? Then her haha

[5] Write down any related comments (with respect to the photobook) or a message to Kitou Akari etc.
(This is literally testing me on what to say for 20 seconds if I ever go to a fan meet, and I've thought about it before)
"Hello, this is Aozaki Shouhei, a Singaporean fan of yours.
I don't remember how I got into liking you (tsundere roles I guess), but I can say you have a charm that is appealing to me.
Thanks for the dating/marriage simulation which is the embodiment of this photobook. (lol)
Please continue to work hard on being yourself for all of us.
I will be watching from afar, supporting you wherever possible."
(If I really intend to send this at least I can just translate this and send it by mail)

*Serialisations happen in "Seiyuu Paradise R" as whenever they like, from one to three months break in between.
**Obviously, to be in connection with the production company related or under the magazine which helped her release this photobook. People like the TrySail girls are out of this range, naturally.




And this... shall be it. I had a lot of fun eading and reviewing these and burning my weekends doing this, and I hope you did enjoy it too. But I'm not letting this go without making this a landmark event of my life!! So... (no, it's not posting this on social media haha)


THE SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
So, in an attempt to play around with another site builder (sorry not sorry Blogger), here's the overview of the ten books in which I have reviewed till date. There are many stories out there, and this is an adequate summary that all of them deserve each with their own points. Also, it'll be a good reference for me to come back to when whenever I feel lonely on say, Valentine's Day. Haha Happy Valentine's Day, girls. I hope you have someone to spend it with. *sob*




This is finally it, guys. I'm done. Coming up, it's quite late already but Entertainment News will be up soon for the week. Don't worry, I had a nap and watched Anime for the week already (which has two shows starring Akarin btw PURE COINCIDENCE haha) so I'll finish that post by tonight. Cya then, and until next time... I hope I don't have a next time because if I have to do this again... I... I can't jinx myself on this what if I have to do this again?? Haha bye I will just to explode in a corner

P.S. And I've also finished Baba Fumika's interview on her photobook page so if you missed it go take a look because I swear the 50 Q&A is more interesting than that haha that's why I lost interest to finish it

P.P.S. I think I just realised: If you piece up all the date scenes in all the photobooks you can make yourself a real life gal game- Oh they have those on DMM already? But I don't like those AV actresses haha lol