#MikaRambles

[mikajihiko]

Catching up with AKIHIKO KAJI's changes in Given Bangaihen --- (10th Mix_2)

DISCLAIMER: A forewarning that this blog contains SPOILERS, including but not limited to story plot and some panels of the latest chapter of Given Bangaihen ( Given 10th Mix_2). Proceed with caution!

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On a thread on Twix (Twitter+X) Ive yapped about changes in main 4 Given after the span of 10 years. On this blog however I want to concentrate on Akihiko, which, as a synopsis I simply said:

Akihiko continuously allows Haruki to have his way with him. He's very soft, wanting to always please Haruki in any way possible, but not in a way where Haruki is allowed to step on him. The vibe is similar as pre-dating Akiharu, but added the anxiety of post-dating Akiharu.

However, I cant help but feel like I simply grazed over the topic considering Akihiko is a character who goes through constant change, in fact thats his entire thing- from changing to be a man deserving of Haru's love to having a dedicated emergence chapter. Err, My point is that that spiel isn't the only thing thats changed about him. Hence this blog and so I shall continue to yap~

Starting with his direct appearance. Our first impression of Akihiko is that he's someone who looks depressive and ragged who has a tough exterior, cool, and seemingly stone-cold which throughout the series we learn that these ragged looks are physical manifestations of actual depressive episodes stemming from the numerous abuse he receives from a past, yet continuously haunting, ex-relationship

As the story progresses we see him gradually get back into his nature of being a constantly smiling and giddy guy with a child-like demeanor; And, that continues to be the case in this sequel! Having energy to dawn fake circle glasses and a hat to go match it (as a "disguise" / intimidation tactic for the "bugs™")

With regards to personality, his inherent nature of being giddy and child-like never ceases, however, so does the pre-existing anxiety. Albeit not so obvious, Akihiko's past relationship has traumatized him in ways that he or a lot would not expect.

From someone who never really cared about his past partners shenanigans, when it comes to Haruki, he ultimately tries his best to continue to make up for things even after 10 years by wooing him, ergo continuously following through as per Popov-san's words; not that genuine sweet gestures seem to be a problem for him or Haruki.

From someone who had to be coerced into doing things, when it comes to Haruki, he doesnt have a problem with anything and gives in to all of Haruki's qualms; Always aiming to please! Of course, being in a healthy relationship makes it easier to do. Besides, what's there to wear a disguised marriage ring for aesthetics just to keep the bugs™ off Akihiko 😗

Compared to the past as well he has become more protective! In other words, became expressive in showing jealousy and possessiveness, only wanting Haruki for himself; which in itself is a drastic change as finally, he understands what it means to want someone all for himself. Considering high school Akihiko never cared for trivial things, into after-dating-HarukiAkihiko who admits to hating seeing his boyfriend play with an ex, into 7-years-later Akihiko who becomes overly defensive of Haruki's nape, into finally 10-years-later Akihiko who's against Haruki wearing the 'wedding ring for aesthetics' because he "doesnt want Haruki to look like a lonely wife". Its quite the evolution, emergence if you may, which admittedly is very cute

But yes, as I circle back, this stemming from the trauma of being in a relationship with someone who was completely commitment-phobic. The fear of doing just one wrong thing ultimately leading to Haruki leaving (even though Haru wont) is a chance he will not take. But also then again, its not like Akihiko hates it, completely indulging with his lover like this answers the calling of his romantic side! But, something to look forward to with how things will waver when the boat gets rocked in chapters to come; I'll leave that for the future as I digress!

Ig so far thats all I have important to say~! Im looking forward to the next chapters! Im excited to see how these changes in each character would affect interactions! Similarly to how Ritsuka has let go of his SUPER idolization of Akihiko hehe I look forward to seeing other changes~!

Happy Akiharu Foreverr!!!🍁🌸

#given #akihiko kaji #Given Bangaihen #10th Mix_2 #Spoilers #MikaRambles #Given spoilers #Given Bangaihen Spoilers

[ghostlychaotic]

So I got the art of titanfall 2... BT IS LEFT HANDED AND I AM EXCITED ABOUT THIS FOR NO REAL REASON

#mikarambles #titanfall2

[mikajihiko]

Orion being on Hiragi's shirt is interesting to me because the story of Orion in Greek myth was that he stepped on a scorpion which ended his life, and Shizu is Scorpio being born on Nov 21st. Sensei could've left Orion out like how she left Pisces to show alone but she didn't! I really am looking forward to Shizuragi like I personally don't think their story is done 👀 theres gotta be more like how theres more to the other couples. Just to clarify, I don't think Hiragi is going to off himself, everything for now Im implying to be metaphorical

#Given #GivenManga #Given Official Art #Natsuki Kizu #Hiragi Kashima #Shizuragi #mikarambles

[mikajihiko]

Given Mistranslations

For years, english Given fandom used unofficial translations as the only reference since official english translations were not available till early 2020.

Given is an ongoing series since 2013 with its first Japanese volume released in November 2014.

Misinformation was heavy due to unofficial translations. Translations done by unofficial translation teams are inherently harmful as it can easily be influenced by bias in comparison to official translations which work with the author in order to portray meaning exactly or as close to the authors intentions.

Debunking Takes: 1.) Akihiko wanted to harm Ugetsu because he was jealous of him

 Akihiko wanted Ugetsu’s extreme connection with his emotions to lessen (dull) in hopes to ease the pain and heavy burden Ugetsu felt.

2.) Haruki was aggressively assaulted due to the strong dialogue

- ‘Wait’ and ‘Stop’

うそうそ (uso uso) = "Lie" or "No way this is happening” is not equivalent to "No"

"待った” (matta) = "Wait" or "hold on a second” is not equivalent to "Stop"

"やめてよ" yameteyo=“stop” was said once and it was to ask Aki to stop looking like he was in pain.

3.) Akihiko never apologized for his actions or was never remorseful

- ‘Apology’

マジで 俺が 全面的に わるい (Majide ore ga zenmen-teki ni warui) = seriously bad, disgraceful, morally bad, strong sense of criticism

Akihiko did apologize but unofficial translation has watered the degree of sincerity.

4.) It was rape/ sexual assault. Akihiko is a rapist.

- ‘Consent’

"和姦" (wakan) = sex with consent

translation teams will always translate in a way that westerners/ english readers will understand. Similar to how suffixes like “-kun”, “-san”, “-chan”, and alike are removed

It’s not rape, they didnt have sex. The accurate term would be sexual assault, but, since Haruki has expressed consent then we cannot by legal terms call it sexual assault either. (Doesnt mean Akihiko was in the right for doing such actions)

It’s a gray area; neither entirely good nor entirely bad. 

Note! Haruki was upset about Akihiko rejecting his help and not for Aki's actions prior to the rejection. Not saying what happened was right. - Check out document file here!

#given code 20 #given chapter 20 #mikarambles #Given #Given Manga #Akihiko Kaji #Haruki Nakayama #Ugetsu Murata #Debunking!

[mikajihiko]

Have yall noticed Mafuyu's clothes depend on who he's hanging out with the most? I noticed it starting with this one omake with Itaya, wherein he states that Mafuyu's been into matching clothes-- 双子コーデ, with Hiragi who he had been hanging out with recently

Initially I thought nothing of it, then I dug a bit deeper. On first glance we can say its not similar at all, but if we look closely there are a lot of similar elements- bulky shoes, skinny jeans, long sleeved comfort wear, and matching rings on the pointer finger. And, it happened again recently with the colored official art sensei gave us a few weeks ago!

So I thought maybe this wasnt a new thing Mafuyu did. I dug even more and saw similarities In YukiMafu too! In terms of school uniform, we can see similar elements in their clothing- a button up shirt, inner sweater, scarf, unbuttoned school blazer, and high cut shoes

Later on, Mafuyu quits the gakuran despite the fact his school's uniform is a gakuran similarly colored to his old one. I assume this is because he was no longer around Yuki and so he has settled with something that felt personally natural

With that being said however, we do see a come back of the gakuran in volume 6 wherein nearly 2 years has passed. In this panel we can see him and Ritsuka virtually wearing the same thing, and another later in the chapter as well- no apricot sweater even! And not only that, illustrations of him and Ritsuka have them both wearing outfits of the similar if not same exact elements!

I enjoy indulging in the idea that Mafuyu is the type who finds comfort in the people he's close to and so he mimics or is influenced by what they wear. I find that aspect of him to be really cute!🥰

#Given #Given Manga #Given Anime #given mafuyu #Mafuyu Sato #Ritsuka Uenoyama #Yuki Yoshida #Hiragi Kashima #mikarambles

[mikajihiko]

Given Mix_20 Thoughts! Can I just say my respect for Ue has increased drastically, how drastic it already was in a way I thought it couldnt get any bigger than this, but it did, and heres why! When Hiragi first reached out the Rikka, he only ever requested Ritsuka to finish the song (yes Hiragi forced him to actually do it butsdkjasd) He never said Ritsuka should follow Yuki's sound, everything else was on Ritsuka. Even Hiragi was surprised when he heard

To make it clear, its not because of Hiragi forcing him that made him want to do this song, we all know Ritsuka has no problem saying 'No'; the real reason I’ll tackle later on. But, the reason he didnt want to do it was because of the emotional weight he felt when listening to Yuki's song

Sure, first it was uncomfortable by the mere fact that it was Yuki- Mafuyu's ex and shizuragi's childhood friend. Most especially, especially after feeling the remnants of Yuki's emotions, especially when he knows how Yuki passed away, it would’ve made anyone want to quit

But again, that didnt stop him, instead it propelled him further! Mix_20 gave emphasis on the reason as to why and it’s because Ritsuka wanted to not only to give closure to Mafuyu. He also brought it onto himself to give these grieving childhood friends some closure despite it not being his responsibility, and he was very aware that it wasnt. But, he saw an opportunity to do good to others and took it. It was emotionally tolling for him, yes, but not because he was forced to make music, BUT because he wanted to do give his all as someone who is a perfectionist; He wanted his gift to be perfect

And thats not the only thing that amazes me, he also showes respect towards Yuki's music by saying he was GLAD to have listened to Yuki's song (あの曲をみつけられて 良かった). And he turns the stressful experience into something positive, saying he feels very much personally fulfilled about not only being helpful to others, but as well as a self-accomplishment by seeing the proof of his own capabilities. (「ここまで やれる」 それが証明できた. 今は、それが満足だ ) Mix_20

Ritsuka could’ve chosen to be selfish. Just like how initially, he had made the 2nd part of Yuki's song to sound like him, as he was responsible to finish the second half- a change Hiragi noticed (mix_9). This was when Ue felt like shifting priorities to reaching Mafuyu

The shift of knowing that Mafuyu had been feeling lonely all those times. Reading Mix_14, surely everyone understands the external pressure added on to Ritsuka as well- guilt of having fun with another band while leaving his own, slowly losing himself in this heavy process. But the message of Ritsuka's story here isnt negative- it’s showing how feeling down and anxious during stressful events is a normal thing, that everyone needs help and deep thinking for them to align themselves.

And of course because of this, Ritsuka got back on his feet as the strong person he is. Not letting the anxiety get to him, and got back to doing things his own stubborn way (affectionate). He lets go of selfishness, knowing with all confidence that his own skills can pull Mafuyu.

And so he did, and this sense of accomplishment he feels washing over him during the end of SYH debut, knowing well he has not only accomplished his goals of pulling Mafuyu but also made Hiragi shine, gave closure to those close to Yuki, and had proven himself to be capable! All the shocked faces coming from Shizuragi really make me laugh. Never would they have thought of Ue to be someone as selfless and giving, but that truly is him. Someone so kind and generous with confidence and power- "fundamentally a good guy"🙈💖

EDIT: I fixed some grammar and punctuation-ings 😭 I wrote it while moved by strong emotions, it was crazy! Needless to say, Im very proud of Ritsuka and I dont think I have the words to fully express myself. I hope this blog can emit even a bit of that feeling!

#Given #Given Hiragi Mix_20 #Hiragi_Mix 20 #Mix_20 #Given Manga #Uenoyama Ritsuka #Given Meta #Mikarambles #Volume 9 Given #Uecchi Supremacy #The real Ore-sama!

[mikajihiko]

Ugetsu's emergence: manga and booklet comparison summary!!

Sensei really took her time on this chapter- the message is extremely clear now we love to see 😋 I know not everyone has access to the first version of Ugetsu's emergence as it was a special for Given Movie dvd only; Ive received my vol 8 today so I'll share some major changes!

On manga the comic has a more darker vibe. Initially I thought it was the printing cause the paper is a different type from the movie booklet, but that wasnt it! The lines are much sharper, bold, and various items have been colored (ie. stove top) and rendered (ie. clothes)

The element of smoke/water and cigarettes are also more apparent with sensei adding and replacing objects; how he's essentially drowning himself in it

Other objects added would be a suitcase indicating he has arrived/ is in another country. The unkept suitcase could also indicate that he's flighty with his residence, which corresponds with how he canonically is jumping from hotel to hotel while in new york

And additional panels! Sensei adding an extra panel as well as redrawing the panel below it. It now features Ugetsu's eyes brightly redrawn (top) as he wakes up after dreaming of Akihiko

Another addition is a panel of him taking notice of a new notification on his phone, bending down to see who the message was from

A redraw (top) of this panel which now shows a small smile forming on his lip rather than the pensive look from the movie booklet (bottom)

An additional panel of him afterwards, now fully smiling

Lastly, a redraw (right) of this panel, much more detailed than the one from the movie booklet (left)

Thats all that Ive noticed at first glance! I'll share again if ever I notice something👁 Please buy the manga if you have the means to! The difference between cheri and manga releases is that the panels are more polished in the manga, things change and 🥳 VOL 7 ENG ON JAN 10, THANK YOU FOR READING!! Share your thoughts in the comments or by reblogging~ I love seeing everyones thoughts 🫶🏼!!

#Given #Given Manga #Ugetsu's Emergence #Ugetsu Murata #Given Volume 8 #BUY THE MANGA #comparison check #Given Manga Spoilers #Mikarambles

[mikajihiko]

Heyo, my name’s Mika (he/they/she)! I made this blog for my favorite series Given by Natsuki Kizu. I’ve been a fan of her works since 2020! I’m more of a manga oriented fan and will mostly share my fan art, fan fics, theories, analysis, and merch collection! I like to:

Casually swear

Abuse capslock + emojis

Crack bad jokes and puns

Keep track of fandom events

Interact, and answer questions!

I’m not fond of unofficial sites. I’m also not spoiler free and can be NSFW with my posts! I like talking about sensitive topics concerning Given,  but I always make sure to tag everything properly. I’m mostly on Twix (Twitter + X) but I’ll share any of what I consider as my “Tumblr worthy” thoughts here. This is my first dance with Tumblr so it’ll take some time to adjust, thank you for your patience!  P.S. I struggle with typos no matter where I go, it’ll never leave!

Click on the tags !!

#MikaRambles #Mikatelier #MiAnswers #GivenUpdates #Merch_GU #Review_GU

[ghostlychaotic]

.

ordered stuff for a cosplay- im hype

#cosplay #mikarambles

[ghostlychaotic]

just bought titanfall 2 on pc

I have played it on xbox one / ps4 but I'm so satisfied I now have it on pc

#mikarambles

[ghostlychaotic]

To make my titanfall oc a blog or not,,,

I want to,,, but,,, I’m scared

#mikarambles #titanfall