fascinates: (vocaloid | len rockstar)
nikki ♫ ([personal profile] fascinates) wrote in [community profile] ofurotaimu2010-09-19 07:50 pm

Utaite Spotlight: ASK

ASK

mylist | community | mixi | blog

I am sure no one, even newbies in this fandom, does not know about ASK. He is one of the most popular singers in the utattemita world as well as one of the most secretive. The reason it took so long to write this writeup for him is because there is virtually no information on ASK, save for his songs and works (CDs, live events, etc.).

There is no need to describe ASK's voice in terms of genre or singing style. He can sing ballads, rock, pop, etc. Sometimes, his voice tends to get shaky in his solo works, especially during high parts. He also often appears to sing with less force compared to his contemporaries like clear, Tourai, Kettaro, etc. However that doesn't mean he doesn't have a wide range or strong voice; a proof of this is his numerous Nico Nico Douga medley covers, where he most often sings all the songs (high, low, super high, loli, etc.) using various pitches and styles of his voice. His medley covers alone show how well he manipulates his own voice to bring life to his songs. He has minimally, though, borrowed Hanatan's voice in a few of his medleys.

One reason why ASK is popular is because of his lighthearted take on songs, sometimes even bordering on crack. He started singing Kamen Rider songs before delving into medleys and eventually into Vocaloid songs. He has several collaborations with other utaite including the infamous AsuNeGero and Smiley*2. At the moment, he hasn't put out any covers because he is busy with his live events and doujin works.

ASK was born in Aichi on March 26, 1985. He stands at 180 cm, one of the tallest utaite I know. He likes playing MMORPGs and video games. Despite those info, ASK is a very secretive individual. He rarely appears in live events and rarely has radio shows (he guests in shows but rarely holds them alone). In his blog, there is a page dedicated to telling people the sites he frequent and that he never uses the name ASK in sites other than those, encouraging people to report to him if someone from other sites are using his name and posing as an utaite. He also states that aside from his e-mail and twitter, he cannot offer any other way of correspondence, and keeps his Skype and other vital information private. He also said that he never uses his utaite name when playing games.

Furthermore, he has a statement for people who want to send him gifts and discouraged them from doing so. While he is thankful for everyone, he thinks that people should not waste money on him, especially since they already bought tickets for his events. There is also no way to send him gifts other than during live events. Instead of material gifts, he strongly encourages sending him letters instead because it doesn't cost much to buy paper ^^;. As for fanart, he welcomes them but he doesn't personally allow BL-themed art because he thinks it might be a breach of etiquette ^^;.

ASK also says that he can read little English but he is quite bad at it. People are free to leave him messages in English (in his blog/email) but he pleads to keep the English very basic.


sample songs
Ningen ga Daisuki na Kowareta Youkai no Uta (Touhou/Cool&Create)
Piano x Forte x Scandal (original by OSTER Project)
Cendrillon [with aomofu] (original by SignalP)
Wash my Blood (original by DeadballP)
Wanderlast (original by SasakureP)

Nico Nico Douga medley
Nico Nico Ryuuseigun
Nanairo no Nico Nico Douga
Fukutsu no Tama de Gocchani! medley
Nijigen medley


nikki says
ASK has included all the information you need in his blog as I stated above, but I find it hard to understand most of his posts (not to mention he's very tl;dr ;;). But since I promised I'd do a writeup for him, here it is even if it's late XD.

I first knew ASK because of his heart-wrenching cover of Aku no Meshitsukai which is still my favorite cover of the song to date. I honestly like only a few of his covers but I admire his medleys so much. For me, he gives off an 'older brother' attitude even when he is among older fellow utaite. He's pretty much level-headed and always seems to have a cool aura except when doing some crack with NeGero w. His songs aside, he is one of the few utaite I admire because of his diligence to separate his private from his online life as well as saying his points across without hesitation, like for example, his stand on the proposed Virtual Child Porn Ban in Japan.
ext_315426: (Default)

[identity profile] lunahonou.livejournal.com 2010-09-19 11:54 am (UTC)(link)
FIRST!! YES!! ASK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ext_315426: (Default)

[identity profile] lunahonou.livejournal.com 2010-09-19 12:13 pm (UTC)(link)
okay. finished reading <33333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333

ILUSM, NIKKI!!!!!!!!!!!!! <3

Yes! True! So secretive ;w;

AAAASSSSKKKK!!!!
*goes aways from the computer for awhile*

WE HAVE THE SAME BIRTHMONTH-- or smth

SO TALL!!
crimsonfire3: (Default)

[personal profile] crimsonfire3 2010-09-19 12:27 pm (UTC)(link)
PFFFFFFFFT. YOU KNOW LOL AHAHAHA YOU KNOW? AHAHA I think we just did the same thing LOL;;; I mean...

WE HAVE THE SAME BIRTHMONTH-- or smth
- My reaction too AHAHAHA *GOTSHOT*
ext_315426: (Default)

[identity profile] lunahonou.livejournal.com 2010-09-19 12:52 pm (UTC)(link)
LOL!! when I saw ASK's utaite spotlight in nikki's twitter, MY HAND CLICKED WITHIN THE SPEED OF LIGHT!!!

SUPER MOUSE CLICKING/DRAGGING MUBS!!

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!
I'm grinning like a madman/woman/girl/bi/gay <333


ASSSSSSSSSKKKK!!!
ext_399134: (Yamamoto)

[identity profile] syusaki.livejournal.com 2010-09-19 09:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Dude. I have same birth month of ASK, too. THEREFORE I HAVE THE SAME BIRTH MONTH OF YOU GUYS. ;wwww; <3?

But my birthday is also the day Neru left. orz So depressing.
ext_315426: (Default)

[identity profile] lunahonou.livejournal.com 2010-09-19 01:14 pm (UTC)(link)
LOLOLOLOL xDD

Sorry xD I get spazzy when it comes to my sabsddsakljslretkjerlkgbfjsdhfjehrkjef <-- see? xD


*runs*
crimsonfire3: (Default)

[personal profile] crimsonfire3 2010-09-19 11:55 am (UTC)(link)
ASLKDJAS;; ASK ASKJDAS;; COMMENT FIRST BEFORE READ |DDDDDDD
crimsonfire3: (Default)

[personal profile] crimsonfire3 2010-09-19 12:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Srsly though. What a gentleman *w* I mean asdkajs;; letters than gift? I'm ;w; so... iyaaa~ I'm so touched ;w;

he gives off an 'older brother' attitude even when he is among older fellow utaite
-so true. *nod* actually when I heard his Aku no Meshitsukai he kinda gives that aura. Especially his Alice ;_; idek why...

Srsly though, he's so secretive. People who probably went on his lives must be awesomely happy O: And is it true that he's... handsome? LOLOL *GOTSHOT*


Cool he's born in March |D
Sorry for some ultimate fangirl mode here X__x I'm a fangirl of his for a long time already OTL
crimsonfire3: (Default)

[personal profile] crimsonfire3 2010-09-19 01:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Smiley*2's namahousou ;__; I remember the time you told me about the 7PM thing, and I missed that. I think it was around April or March OTL supposed to be my first nama, but I can't enter lel

It's amazing how he sounds very serious, but he got a really good sense of humor. *w* I guess that's how people born in March for you |DD

Btw, he already works, right?

Ah! The one that his face is covered with the hat? I guess his GWN illustration is not so far off XD
bloodcaramel: (Default)

[personal profile] bloodcaramel 2010-09-20 12:03 pm (UTC)(link)
A pic of him covering his face with a hat? Where!? D: *shotspazmshot*
ext_464577: (Default)

[identity profile] sanzycheshire.blogspot.com 2010-09-19 12:34 pm (UTC)(link)
"While he is thankful for everyone, he thinks that people should not waste money on him, especially since they already bought tickets for his events."

Aww.. I think that's really considerate of him. x3

"Instead of material gifts, he strongly encourages sending him letters instead because it doesn't cost much to buy paper"

*nods* I think letters are very precious. :3
ext_508549: Gero with his chahan. (Default)

[identity profile] nozombier.livejournal.com 2010-09-19 12:40 pm (UTC)(link)
AAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!

Ahhhh~ <3 I love this man~ >/////< I love how he's so straight forward~ And I agree about the letters~ <3 Man i wanna send him some letters too. ;u;

I heard he's really handsome... OH GOD TALL AND HANDSOME AND SO TALENTED AND SMART-/shot

I also love how he separates work/hobby to private life. It shows how mature he is!~ <3
ext_508549: Gero with his chahan. (Default)

[identity profile] nozombier.livejournal.com 2010-09-19 01:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Yay~! Meganeeee~ <3 Yeah, his pixiv arts shows he wears red(?) rimmed glasses. *u*

Those who had attended his live shows are so lucky. ;u;
ext_462345: → karnevelle (Default)

[identity profile] nxia.livejournal.com 2010-09-19 12:43 pm (UTC)(link)
YES! ktkr--!!!

... "doujin works" asdkjhcd what the, HE DRAWSS?! & 5'11 woah i wonder if his into basket ball. My gosh... ASK is such a STRAIGHT guy!! OAO; Hhggnnn his mysterious personality makes it all interesting! ♥
ext_462345: → karnevelle (Default)

[identity profile] nxia.livejournal.com 2010-09-19 01:19 pm (UTC)(link)
zomgah! including Canna Cinq? Seriously, this man's gotta be LOVED! I'm in aweeee *A*~
bloodcaramel: (Default)

[personal profile] bloodcaramel 2010-09-19 12:49 pm (UTC)(link)
amg FINALLY A POST ABOUT HIM!

He's one of my top favourite utaite since he's one of the earlier uttatemitas that i've came across while running around in Youtube back in 2008 or earlier.

I adore his sense of crack in most of his songs, he makes me smile xD Though some of his songs like Aku no Meshitsukai makes me melt xD

Although i wish i could get into his community or at least have a peek at his real face. Also I can't believe his that tall. Not many boys I come across here have reached that height or more xD and seeing the fanarts, he seem to be a megane, which makes things even better *shot*

By the look of it, he seems to be a considerate person, wanting his fans not to waste so much money on gifts and willing the banning virtual child porn. Then again i don't really know what his opinions were about that proposal because of my lack of japanese skills orz.

Still he's a very cool person to me. Mature and considerate and an awesome sense of humor as an epic side dish xD

Thanks for writing this, Nikki!
kyokugen: (Default)

[personal profile] kyokugen 2010-09-19 01:59 pm (UTC)(link)
I definitely love this. ASK. ♥ *^* I personally think he makes one great voice actor. >^<
takaraikarin: (下呂 - heartdigital)

[personal profile] takaraikarin 2010-09-19 02:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Have to admit, ASK's voice is always too nasally for my taste, but I do think he's got a good voice and I like a handful of his covers. Also, I never heard a peep of negative comments from fans, so I'll take off my hat for his professionalism =)

And yes, he always sounded so... reisei (the only word I think that sums up him so well. oh, and-) shikkarishiteiru ^^
takaraikarin: icon of US/UK characters from 'Hetalia' (米英)

[personal profile] takaraikarin 2010-09-21 06:12 am (UTC)(link)
:D Thanks luv,
ext_427839: (Default)

[identity profile] kuuki-chan.livejournal.com 2010-09-19 02:39 pm (UTC)(link)
ASKKKKK!!!*A*
Thank you for writing this!! XDD
ASK is the first Utaite I know + one of the people that sucked me into the utattemita hole psshhh ( and he's still one of my favourites <3)
I agree with "his tl;dr post" part though XDD He reminds me of an ojii-san with his long post and sometimes with his use of uhh..too many kanjis /is lazy :<


/now I wish I have an older brother like him DD:

seraphictune: (Hikari & Kotone)

[personal profile] seraphictune 2010-09-19 05:43 pm (UTC)(link)
ASK~~~~
so pro *w* separating private/online life XD

although honestly, I haven't really heard much of his stuff (knows him from AsuNeGero XD) but I do like his medleys, they're so crack-tastic~~~ XDD

tall and handsome *w* ooooooh. XD

letters are so sweet~ =)

[personal profile] ureshiitoki 2010-09-19 06:39 pm (UTC)(link)
ASK is really smart for knowing how to pick apart his life. I also think that's it's really cool of him to set up "rules" (because most people are afraid of offending the fans)

ASK <3
ext_454308: Chibi Love is War Miku (Default)

[identity profile] stephieku.livejournal.com 2010-09-19 09:51 pm (UTC)(link)
I actually haven't listened to much of ASK's stuff, but after reading this, I have much respect for him. Although I'm curious about him, this is probably the best way to avoid drama and keep professional
ext_454459: (Default)

[identity profile] sillygrl1990.livejournal.com 2010-09-19 10:53 pm (UTC)(link)
I really respect how ASK is so considerate and mature!
He should totally voice act though... so talented. *_*
lluvia: A NEETish Royal Prince ‡ Prince Of Stars ‡ Minekura Kazuya (My cousin's called Zakuro.)

[personal profile] lluvia 2010-09-20 05:44 am (UTC)(link)
... I like how he discourages BL even after doing that magnet with NeGero. O-Oh ASK. But he's such a classy guy, overall. I ♥ him, definitely the cool/mature type.

[identity profile] akari-misaki.livejournal.com 2010-09-20 06:46 am (UTC)(link)
ASK is the first utaite that I heard and like my fangirling of utaite start from him LOL (his "SPICE!" is so nnnggghhh...! for me and that "Servant of Evil"! X3 )
thank you for write this up it really brighten me up and remind me again why I love him so much XD XD
yanii: (Default)

[personal profile] yanii 2010-09-20 12:09 pm (UTC)(link)
ASK is also the first utaite I've heard of, as I have told you.
Does he even hold his own lives? I'm in the comm but man he does not.

While reading the the only thing that went in my brain was gaaash asuke is so cool so cool so cool so cool oh man so coool. I totally look up to him. :S

[identity profile] valxonia.livejournal.com 2010-09-20 04:21 pm (UTC)(link)
ASK is definitely my FAVORITE utattemita ><,, I love his voice and his personality so much!

His "Aku no Meshitsukai" is definitely heartbreaking (ARGHHHH those serifu!!!!)

and awwwwww Not to spend money on him?? THAT'S SO SWEEEEEETTTTT!!

he's such a professional ,, I'd love to go see his live at least once T_T (i'll die happily LOL)

Thanks alot for posting this up!

[identity profile] ravient.livejournal.com 2010-09-22 06:06 pm (UTC)(link)
ASK!!!! FINALLY U DID HIM~~ XDD that sounds so wrong but u know what i mean.. XP

thanks to him, i entered this fandom~ XDDD he does sound like aniki~ I'd like him as my aniki~ XP

that's really sweet of him for telling his fans not to spend their money for the gifts~ X3

ah.. i'm srsly curious bout his face.. wwwww
ext_584538: (Default)

[identity profile] haine-x3.livejournal.com 2011-02-11 01:35 pm (UTC)(link)
ASKKKKKK!
He holds a special place in my heart because he was the first Nico singer I heard. Or least that I'm aware of anyway. I also knew of him through his Servant of Evil cover...my fav song and fav cover to this very day. T^T

After hearing his cover, I was intrigued. Listening to other songs by him led me to discover all those other singers and BAM! I brought into the world of utattemita.

(Anonymous) 2011-05-05 03:17 am (UTC)(link)
I got ASK's photos!! i'm not sure though..:-/ and it's just his back though.. anyone want it? i will upload and post the link here later if you guys want.. :D the link here
stephieku: (Default)

[personal profile] stephieku 2011-05-05 03:53 am (UTC)(link)
You can see a photo of him here on this news article on an old daikaigi --> http://ascii.jp/elem/000/000/490/490174/index-3.html

(specifically: http://ascii.jp/elem/000/000/490/490535/img.html )

But his face is blocked XD
tempestbreak: (Default)

[personal profile] tempestbreak 2012-08-11 06:15 am (UTC)(link)
Do you have a picture of ask where his face can be seen? It's really hard finding one...
stephieku: (Default)

[personal profile] stephieku 2012-08-11 06:40 am (UTC)(link)
Hello! ASK is quite private, so there aren't any picture of his face anywhere that I know of. There are some of his body I guess ^^;
tempestbreak: (Default)

[personal profile] tempestbreak 2012-08-14 08:14 am (UTC)(link)
I see. Thanks a lot. Uhmm Can I ask a favor? I really love utaite covers but it's a bit hard finding good songs. Can you give me a list of best covers?
stephieku: (Default)

[personal profile] stephieku 2012-08-15 04:54 am (UTC)(link)
I answered this question on your other comment, but I'll just summarize it again. Since "best covers" is kinda subjective, I can't provide you such a list, but I linked you the utattemita rankings which should provide you with the most popular covers :)
tempestbreak: (Default)

[personal profile] tempestbreak 2012-08-22 02:36 am (UTC)(link)
Nee Did you made this website? It's really helpful. Arigatou. =3
I'm just curious. How many of you are working on this website and who is Nikki? Gommen for asking too much question.
stephieku: (Default)

[personal profile] stephieku 2012-08-22 03:49 am (UTC)(link)
I didn't make this website, but I'm a admin :) I guess I'm the second-in-command? Nikki is the owner and main admin of the site. She's the leader, creator of this community, and writes most of the articles! I'm responsible for the news, namahousou sections. Although I answer community comments a lot XD We also have two other mods, Tune and Len who take care of various things and moderate our other branches, such as our Tumblr and Facebook page.

You can learn more at the staff section of our website. We're still in the middle of building the website, so please excuse it's emptiness!
tempestbreak: (Default)

[personal profile] tempestbreak 2012-08-22 05:37 am (UTC)(link)
Not true. It contains a lot of stuffs already. XD
Ah btw are all utaites NND singers?
I feel really fortunate that you're answering my question. (^^,)
stephieku: (Default)

[personal profile] stephieku 2012-08-22 07:06 am (UTC)(link)
Regarding utaite, it's kinda arguable. Here on ofurotaimu, we only use the term to refer to people who do utattemita on Nico Nico Douga. The word "utaite" is a Japanese word that means someone who sings, so it's not a specialized term for Nico Nico Douga. However on Nico Nico Douga, in the Japanese Utattemita fandom, you're considered an "utaite" when you've acchieved a decent level of views and popularity. I have Japanese friends who say they cannot call themselves utaite yet, even though they have uploaded covers.

Some people use the term more broadly have it apply to anyone who does utattemita, such as some people in the Youtube Utattemita group, who call themselves yt utaite.

tempestbreak: (Default)

[personal profile] tempestbreak 2012-08-22 07:53 am (UTC)(link)
I learned something new. ^^,