Thursday 24 March 2022

The Fourteenth Book Worth of Photos: Desire For Change

(Click here to skip to the Q&A)
Yeah we didn't have the need to do a showdown between this girl and Touyama Nao at all; I just genuinely want Ede-chan to be my girlfriend.

Period.

*giggles*

I refer you to the blog post a year ago where I specifically congratulated Hondo Kaede on her birthday while reviewing photobooks which are not featuring her. Fast forward a year later and look at where we are now. *laughs* Today, we are reviewing HER very first photobook, so thanks whoever is up there in management who managed to make this 25-year-old obligatory photobook release happen before she turns 26; I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart. Never have I thought I wanted a Ede-chan photobook THIS BAD and I got it especially considering I wrote this post after I saw it all. Thanks to also the Internet for not spoiling anything for me, thanks to Ede-chan and her Twitter feed for not showing me too many images because I would buy it either way. This impression could be my best yet, as it literally turned my day bottom-side up. I was so tired waking up this morning and at work the whole day and thinking how much I still want to do this tonight and yes, I brought up all my energy I had left and did this. *silence* I wonder if this is what it feels like to do something for your girl. Haha what am I even saying anyways

So yeah happy birthday, Kaede-chan. I know it's casual but you are too so don't mind if I continue to describe how much I want you even without you by my side hehe

LET'S DO THIS!!


Hondo Kaede 1st Photobook "MUTE"
[Buy at Animate Online Shop]

(If you need unboxing refer to my previous post lol)

写真集 Hondo Kaede 1st Photobook "MUTE"
This might be the best photobook cover we have seen here yet

Just a short profile, you may know her from "Toji no Miko" (not listed above), and I loved her when she was in "Majo no Tabitabi" as overconfident magician Elaina

OH WOW WHAT IS THIS!??
(Haha this just struck me, I'm sorry)

Okay okay introductions first. Besides talking about Hondo Kaede being a voice actress in Japan and being famous for a couple of series you might have known, I personally liked her more in person than in Anime. Not that I know a lot about cheerful and cheeky her, but you know. For her first photobook though, she went with the essential bowl of rice but just such a big bowl it makes you walk out feeling the best ever, kind of approach. And that is what I think it's about: a book thick enough with photos to please you forever (lol), Q&As, interviews, offshots... This book has everything. So, if you thought you haven't gotten enough of Ede-chan in this blog, this is her chance to redeem herself from you. Trust me, this just only got me into her than I could ever *giggles*

She's like so, so girlfriend material
(To me, I get it, to me)

Heart you too, Ede-chan.
Now and forever.
*giggles*

And... she's off!
(That's all, huh) (lol)

Love these close-ups, by the way. They fill up so much of this thick book I can't even

THIS.
I WANT THIS.
*laughs*

Really, it's just me right? Liking this girl?
Haha *chu*

You would think she tied one of those fortune things which wrote your partner is right by your side? Because that's me
(Haha)

Those cheeky faces man, they be part of this book, and her

No really, it's substantial, her cheekiness.
I'll be saying that a lot btw haha and it's true too

With this image, I genuinely want my girlfriend to ONLY look like this or we don't date
(Haha I'm serious)

"Eh? Ede-chan, what's wrong?"
(Hehe)

Wow.
Just.
Wow.

Aw thank goodness didn't recognize you without the double tooth it's a total turn-on for me

Yeah but dear Komatsu Mikako fixed her teeth last year so... I guess I have only her now haha dammit why

Oh, and background in case you wonder, we're at the beach haha

Cheeky Ede-chan strikes again with the straw hat!
Haha just too adorable to get mad lol

Wow, we in a hotel room already, huh.
*giggles*

Never thought I'll ever see this much skin from her in my life but

TFW I said something to make her mad, probably a sex joke or something lol

Literally trying to draw out the cuteness I just absorbed from her out of me so I don't die from it
(Haha I wonder when I'll run out of things to say to describe her)

YES!!!
(Haha)

Yeah, when it's not Kouno Marika this just hits different, really

Aw... #RelationshipGoals I want to wake up to this every morning tbh

Cheeky Ede-chan strikes again!
Water guns, huh. *runs away*
(Haha)

Shout out to we love fussa dot com with the colourful donut
(You have coffee right, not just alcohol? lol)

This is very, very girlfriend-like

Who are you??
*laughs*

Thank goodness I'm not rich or live in a rich family or else she'll be dressed like this every day and I will not like that

Gotta say though, some if not most of her fashion sense is kinda weird and it's pretty evident in her Twitter account which she opened recently (maybe because it's for this) and don't ask me why she is into this but I'm into her so she is forgiven. Besides, we got more stuff to worry about so let's move on the journey, shall we?

Oh, that's very cute

Blowing bubbles???
No really, can I join in?
*giggles*

Again, if you don't think this is moe you can't find this anywhere I assure you

Welp she likes the lamppost more than me lol
("But Kaede why" haha)

I like how they have some plot here and there
("I'm over here!" lol)

MEGANE!!!!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
(lol it's like they know)

*speechless*

And then she takes it off and my heart meter just MAXes out
(Haha)

You know, it was raining so why not be cheeky with it too lol

Hanazawa Kana, is that you? Haha
(Even then you can still see Ede-chan's uniqueness in this)

Not really that keen on this but she does have nice legs haha ah-

Okay what is with this cuteness overload
(Haha)

OK WE ARE DONE WITH NAN-CHAN SHE IS MY IMOUTO NOW
(Hey try calling me "onii-chan" for a bit lmao)

You know, while being cute one can still be cheeky with those twintails

If Hondo Kaede were a model an art piece

This actually looks real artistic- I want to be the wall
(Haha *dabs*)

Oh okay I thought it was me but what is with the half-coloured dress lol

"(I) cut my hair all the way down!"
(Oh this)

Okay so technically I consider this as the halfway point of the book and this was also spoiled which was also why the title and also also what I was worried about, for in this photobook dear Ede-chan CHOSE to cut her hair down to do half of the photo shoot in her hometown Nagoya. We will talk about why she chose to make me angry with this cut (lol), but suffice it to say it was meant to tell a story. Well, yeah not wrong you can just tell me how much I would prefer you NOT do this lol I hate short hair as a trend haha *sigh*

"It's cut!"
Welp
(Haha)

I mean, even this length is fine by me to be honest I think this is cute even for her kinda wide face but...

...this is just *shakes head*

Cannot unsee retirement Ede-chan in a rocking chair lmao

[BEFORE]
So yeah we went from this...

[AFTER]
...to this.
*pukes*

Okay HALF TIME HALF TIME I need to take a break or at least, I think my phone needs to take a break taking too many great shots of Ede-chan- You think my phone will become my love rival? *laughs* But yeah maybe it's heating up. Google phones aren't the best thing people use out there lol

Even if I read this halfway this special gift postcard is such a tease such a great bookmark hehe

Okay I get what you doing Ede-chan don't think I forgave you for your haircut

You are forgiven haha I mean just LOOK AT THIS

She is really behaving like a middle schooler btw lol and I like it

Oh yeah, she is a fan of spicy Chinese food so mala ramen

A trip to the zoo? Okay
(Like really, do you even have hair to pull back? Haha) (See?)

Close enough...?
I mean, kid you still had more hair than you NOW haha

So yeah, in case you didn't notice, she also cut down her hair so she can (kinda) portray herself with her childhood photos in her hometown Nagoya! Nice touch I would say, your hair as a kid isn't that short, and you know... size and build and stuff but hey, it's kind of a comparison, so we get to learn something from here imo so...

Hi, future dad.
*laughs*

How are you more kid than kid you in this?
(lol)

Hi mom *laughs*
(Yeah I'll take your mom's place if you need a hug *dabs*)

Yeah, I can see that is a pink swan boat lol she sits alone huh that's kinda sad

Not verified photographer by the way her Twitter account has plenty of examples

I don't really appreciate you making fun of yourself but CHEEKY EDE-CHAN STRIKES AGAIN-

Make sure to follow Ede-chan's ZOO Instagram to- Please don't make fake accounts she is not on Insta

Is this supposed to be Chinese? Because I can't talk about Russia right now lol

MEGANE!!!
(Haha okay me)

I almost read the text on the shirt as something else so don't mind me lmao

Oh more Chinese food? Can I join?

Just her waiting for food is also *chef's kiss*

Wait, what?

Really??
(Hehe)

Like, Ede-chan if you want to make a food Insta account I won't even mind be sure to give her a follow-
(lol)

Okay maybe another one haha

And she visited the school that taught her all: NICHINARE ie. Japan Narration Acting Academy

Honestly saying have you ever seen her in recording? Because it's something like this


100 QUESTIONS FOR HONDO KAEDE!!!
(Selected ones will be mentioned here in quote, above is full if you interested and can Japanese)
Q1: Origin of name
A1: Mother encountered people of fate who were named "Sakura" and "Kaede" more than often especially more of the former, so it was a hard decision between them
[Well thank goodness it isn't "Hondo Sakura" lol]

Q2: Nickname(s) as a kid
A2: Kae-chan, Ede-chan
[Kae-chan? Is that something I can call you after dating you twice? Hehe]

Q3: Similarities to parents
A3: Partly similar to father, mostly mother

Q4: Earliest memory of your life
A4: Recollection of being in Higashiyama Zoo (Aichi Prefecture where she was born) where she was trying to get a handshake with a giraffe mascot who walked away, and (she) shouted "Wait up! If you leave I'll throw this at you!!" while crying and running towards it
[LOL that sounded bad but the mascot with a long neck probably did not notice her]

Q5: Things you were interested to learn as a kid
A5: Calligraphy for a year plus, swimming for around 5 years

(Is it surprising that she was a cheeky kid? But also shy and very dishonest and playful apparently)

Q7: Dreams as a kid
A7: Being a Rayquaza, being a magical girl
[Well at least she got one of those happening with Anime "Majo no Tabitabi" NO WONDER SHE WAS PERFECT FOR THE ROLE she was like "that is my dream as a kid" lol]

Q8: Believed in Santa for how long?
A8: Until 5th year in elementary school
[Well dear parents you might have tried a little harder lol but yeah I assume most kids are also at this point]

Q10: Stuff you liked to do in school
A10: School field trips and school culture festival (in drama club)!
[Wow, imagine being in high school with her]

Q11: Food you loved as a student
A11: Udon and ramen!

Q15: Up until now, what was one thing you were still proud of?
A15: As soon as I started work, I told myself to treasure "the Hondo Kaede feel" from the start
[Okay, I respect you now for not being like everyone else who are all busy being idols]

Q16: Favourite music artists?
A16: "Franchouchou" because I joined their live recently, "adieu" something unlike me
[Okay we don't talk about music anymore lol former is from Anime series "Zombie Land Saga" which she voiced in, latter is actual solo artist so she likes her job in case you wondered]

Q17: Favourite Anime series?
A17: NARUTO
[We are breaking up *laughs*]

Q18: Favourite magazine?
A18: FUDGE
[No wonder haha I can see why now lol "Fashion or weird, you decide"]

Q19: Favourite books?
A19: (Voice-acting) scripts!
[Yep, what did I tell you haha]

Q20: Favourite Manga series?
A20: NARUTO
[I can't believe I just wrote the title of my most hatred series TWICE lol]

Q23: Favourite movie?
A23: Spirited Away
[Understandable, left the best impression to me as a kid too; Studio Ghibli made miracles]

(No, we are not going to talk about her favourite Anime character because it's that ninja thing and I could not give a f-)

Q25: If you would go back in time and give yourself some advice...
A25: "You're fine like this! But maybe you should improve on your time management"
[lol]

(Your mom's specialty miso udon? Can I have some I'm a fan of udon! *giggles*) (But no, really, I actually like udon a lot)

Q28: If you were to eat one thing for the rest of your life...?
A28: Spicy tomato pasta with plenty of vegetables added in

Q29: Favourite season
A29: Fall-winter
[Yeah, so around that time, I get it; I personally hate the cold so maybe this is the best time, not too cold to be uncomfortable]

Q30: What's the most you've played in a game
A30: "Pokémon Leaf Green" on the Gameboy Advance
[Welp I play Pokémon Blue here so don't reveal my age pls lol]

Q32: Sleepwear
A32: Something warm in winter, only in summer (do I) wear nothing because it's cooling
[Okay remind me to stop by your place in summer lmao *dabs*]

Q33: Eyesight?
A33: REAL BAD! Contacts sphere -5.00 degrees
[I don't know if that is bad or not I only wear glasses lol]

(Edit: Okay according to my sis who wears contacts that's still 500 degrees equivalent. That's not too bad haha 700 is worse-)

Q37: Sleeping position
A37: Can't sleep if not positioned by (my) side
[That's great me too we sleep together-]

Q38: Morning routine
A38: (I) wash my face and put on my contacts and read the morning news
[Yep, that's how I literally only know now that she ONLY wears contact lenses]

Q39: Favourite songs to sing in karaoke
A39: Character songs from whom I voiced
[No surprises there she LITERALLY has a radio show where she talks about worked titled "Hondo Kaede's Work Radio", no joke]

Q40: Ideal time off
A40: Wake up in the morning for a stroll and clean up the house, then watching some movies and play video games. Easy to do the last two but (doing) first three is hard
[Haha yeah I feel you girl because SAME]

Q41: Things to buy instinctively when visiting a convenience store
A41: Hojicha and (I assume ready-to-cook) noodles

(Not going to talk about her favourite YouTube channels or perfume because I'm not that into Japanese internet culture even as a man lol)

Q46: Best place to relax at home
A46: The sofa in front of the TV~!
[I only have my room to myself so... *sob*]

(Yeah your phone's home screen and lock screen can't be me and me right? lol I guess shrines are better) (Mine can be you and you once I scan that special gift postcard in hehe)

Q48: Most used app on your smartphone
A48: Google Maps! If I don't have it I can't go anywhere...
[Hey, if you got me and I have a car, we will be a perfect couple *wink*]

(Not going to translate her most used emoticons lol)

Q50: First crush
A50: Probably in elementary school! Someone tall and cool!
[Why am I not in that timeline where I was in her elementary school lol]

Q51: If you first met someone, what is something you would notice first?
A51: Their gaze and personality
[Wow gaze huh I'm already screwed she will find out about my anxieties of literally meeting her in person lmao]

Q52: Did you experience love at first sight?
A52: Yes! In elementary school! I got rejected!
[What are the chances, it's that guy, she had her first crush on? lol]

Q53: Places to go on first date
A53: Without going overboard... hmm... shopping or sorts?
[Yeah fine I'll carry your bags for the stuff I paid haha]

Q55: What do you see in your partner
A55: Serious, honest, knowledgeable, nice, nice, nice, laughs a lot, playful mind at heart and carries one's dreams and hopes moving forward
[Three nices? Well in her defence I already lost at being knowledgeable so]

Q57: What you want to listen on a driving date?
A57: Whatever they like they can let it play! If it gets too loud I'll get uncomfortable (though)
[Remind me to bring up like, Teshima Aoi on our drive lol]

Q58: Fetishes
A58: I wonder what they are...
[I wonder too, Ede-chan, you into female voice actresses?]

Q59: What tickles your fancy?
A59: I wonder what they are...
[Okay guys literally drill her with your kindness, she doesn't have that moment so you gotta put in the effort]

Q61: Would you prefer to confess or be confessed to?
A61: I would like to confess from my side! Without hesitation!
[Well I look forward to the day I get confessed to by you-]

Q62: Own charm points
A62: Strong eyes and... double tooth?
[Yes and YES OH MY FUCKING GOD- I thank our Lord and saviour for stopping this girl from fixing her teeth]

Q63: What do you like and hate about yourself?
A63: (I) like myself for being straightforward! (I) hate myself for being bad at something once I found out I was bad at it and it'll never change!
[I don't see a problem with your weakness unless it's stuff you like to do or sex-]

Q64-65: Things to do to heal yourself, destress
A64: Take train rides, eat spicy stuff... Go to parks...
[Wow if it's anything that gets me or you out of the house, please do- Just spare me of the spicy food thanks haha]

Q66: Things you want and don't want your acquaintances to know more about you on
A66: Better to leave it as is, and take too much concern of them! Laugh it out!
[... This girl has some dark secrets haha]

Q67: Presents that will make you happy
A67: Love of characters and work (I was on)! Cosmetics! Haha
[Then Ede-chan may I talk about my love for Elaina from Anime "Majo no Tabitabi" and Hikari-chan from "Demi-chan"... And yes any makeup stuff you want lol]

Q68: Things you want the most now
A68: A mansion! More work!
[About that latter part... lol]

Q69: If you were given a year (to yourself), what would you do?
A69: Hanging out with places I don't know of with people I know, or hanging out overseas living however I want!
[Hey, if I was given a year to myself I would do these too]

Q70: What will make you angry? What would you be when you are?
A70: Things that force me on knowing uncommon knowledge and on decisions will probably make me mad... People who give up easily will also make me angry
[I... think we should hang out less lmao]

(Yeah okay who doesn't want a door that goes anywhere from Doraemon lol I'll go straight to your place- Oh you rather get stuck in an island with a comedian and GoPro? We good haha)

Q73: What is something you want to try at least once before you die?
A73: I want to fly in the sky! Paraglider or skydiving or related!
[Waki Azumi: You called?]

Q74: If you were reincarnated what would you want to be?
A74: A bird... a beautiful woman... I would still want to become a voice actress again!
[But aren't you a beautiful woman already- *dabs*]

(Skipping answers that is basically work...)

Q79: What do you put forth to live your every day?
A79: Enjoy! Don't force (myself)! Do stuff (I) like!
[With work that is going to be impossible but...]

Q83: Country you would want to visit
A83: Italy! Water city Venice!

(Yeah, who wouldn't go home if it's their last day of their lives...)

Q85: Your happiest moment so far
A85: Being given the chance to (talk about) this photobook
[T-Thanks... *giggles*]

Q88: What do you think you would be if it wasn't being voice actor?
A88: Putting stuff I want to be aside, then I might try to be a (likely stage) actress! Other things I might be interested are dealing with animals and medicine, lighting or audio.
[Well I did think of sound engineer as my career before but oh well maybe our paths can cross after all]

Q93: What is the hardest time you had at work?
A93: Passing auditions, I was still unable to capture the character's (acting) leading up to the final episode, and had to go through many round of direction (from others) throughout. Really regretted I was unable to perform it myself...!
[Wow that sounds rough, but looks like everyone had that first role problems tbh]

Q96: Voice actors you look up to
A96: I already know of voice actors before I started work, but I was heavily influenced by Tano Asami and Han Megumi
[Wow I couldn't even say I know them well so]

Q100: Last word!
A100: Thanks for getting your hands on this! My favourite foods, outfits, places, people... a lot of them were being compiled! This photobook where being a voice actress but it was without the essence of voice within, I gave the title of the book "MUTE". The stuff I worked a lot on and I will continue to work on and enjoy them all back and forth, so please continue to show your support!
[Ah, so THAT is how the title came about; She is right though]


Interview with the mother? Is this legal??
(Haha not going to translate this btw I think the above Q&A is enough)

Imagine the number of accidental slips you get to see of Ede-chan during the shooting
*giggles*
(I'm sorry I'm such a perv)

You think any of the people down there know of her?
Haha you'll be surprised how little that'll be

Thanks Ede-chan for this photobook, thanks for the hard work.

And one final shot for the road!
THIS is my definition of perfection, by the way.




*phew*
(Literally me after I'm done haha but in a good way)

How should I start describing this... This is not even close, or should I say, the two photobooks in the showdown last year? THOSE ARE NOT EVEN CLOSE TO THIS. Really. I swear. And it's not because it has been a year. *laughs* Because for starters, I really like Ede-chan. Like, I hardly know Koga Aoi and Waki Azumi likes her dogs more, but HER!! *laughs* Not just that of course, but as you can see above, there is a lot of her to love if you truly like her for who she is even in image, by the way. And trust me, I took more photos to do this review even over Ajuju's which I remember is also over 120 before I cut it down. (Get it, her hair?) (lol) But yeah, not just that, but she is just in a different league, and I love her for it.
"Hondo Kaede is not someone everyone would love, but I do. I will say that much. 
Ede-chan DAISUKI!!"




That shall be all. If you see the page render properly with images minimum without the Q&A section I will be updating this over the weekend, but not the interview I have no interest in translating everything considering I might have to for Naobou's photobook which is coming up next!! Haha yeah I change channels real quick isn't it. *laughs* But yeah, hers will be the literal opposite of this typical book, so we shall see how much I can talk about without using the camera lol see you guys there

P.S. I woke up from a nightmare at 4am this morning (if you really want to know it's a wolf which grew red eyes like Alphas in Legends of Arceus) and was too scared to sleep so I wrote the intro of this post. It made me so much happier hehe I couldn't be more happy to review this I thought I would be disappointed because of the short hair but I wasn't. Thank goodness haha

P.P.S. I'm hugging this book to sleep I may have loved a photobook TOO much this time around I can't believe it took me three years to reach that lmao