Ahhhhhh! Sorry I haven't updated in about a month. I have had my hands full as a part-time retail employee, University's Japanese Club President--training in the new board/setting up a strong board in the first place, Finals, applying to both Fulbright and JET programs, and now am smack dab in the middle of finals week. I meant to update more this semester, but since I am graduating on Saturday, I figured I could put off a better update until then. First of all, let me just say I have had all of these tabs building up on my computer and I thought to put them here. I am not going to make these links look nice right now, as I am technically working on one of 5 papers due by Thursday, and so just bear with me for one more week. Then I will talk about a bunch of pop culture phenomena in Japan and about Graduate School Programs I have been looking at. I'm also still open for requests on posts, so please let me know about anything that interests my few readers.
Again, sorry for the lack of updating this fall, please be patient with me.
http://news.yahoo.com/japan-defense-stress-air-sea-safety-amid-china-035530113.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25133957
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/28/us-japan-china-idUSBRE9AR0AH20131128
http://servaasschrama.com/2013/11/27/japan-wants-to-turn-the-moon-into-a-giant-power-plant/
http://www.businessinsider.com/shimizu-corporation-solar-plant-on-moon-2013-11
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/japan-wants-turn-moon-giant-155241164.html
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/11/29/japan-s-new-secrets-bill-threatens-to-muzzle-the-press-and-whistleblowers.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20131126/as-japan-secrecy-law/?utm_hp_ref=homepage&ir=homepage
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abenomics
http://www.dw.de/abenomics-fuel-japanese-economic-growth/a-16817118
http://news.yahoo.com/japan-pivots-counter-chinese-navy-041044352--finance.html
http://www.asahi.com/english/articles/TKY201311280153.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/japan-fukushima
http://www.indiatvnews.com/business/india/latest-news-iphone-5s-5c-japan-9017.html
http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/11/30/apples-iphone-5s-5c-take-9-of-japans-top-10-smartphone-sales-spots
http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/iphone-5s-and-5c-grab-76-percent-share-of-japans-smartphone-market-28-11-2013/
http://tokyodesu.com/2013/11/25/pictures-why-the-japanese-call-twitter-idiot-finder/
http://news.yahoo.com/china-japan-wields-more-military-clout-141543841.html
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/japan-regulator-sanctions-deutsche-securities-105725827.html
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/india-japan-plan-joint-procurement-135850202.html
http://news.yahoo.com/china-condemns-abe-criticizing-air-defense-zone-042809744.html
http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JIC/monbusho.html
Monday, December 16, 2013
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Language & Cosplay
I was talking to a friend the other night and he recommended that I use Lang-8 to improve my written Japanese. This website is interactive in that it allows people to communicate directly and indirectly within the learning process. For example, I can write a story in Japanese, submit it to the website, have a native speaker edit it, and give me constructive feedback on how to improve my grammar and why my grammar was inaccurate.
Lately on "kotaku," an otaku website that updates news within the anime, manga, cosplay, etc subculture, had an article on the police at an anime convention. Apparently a churchgoer was at a convention held at the same hotel as an anime convention in Southeast Asia and saw a girl with underboob showing. This churchgoer called the police on her in an attempt to flag her for indecent exposure. Except the results were much less than she had desired.
This is an important issue for the cosplay community because it raises concerns for social boundaries and interacting with outsiders--people who aren't a part of the subculture while in public settings. There are a few things that I wish this article had gone more in-depth about. Specifically the results of what the police did, how this affects the cosplay community, and what kind of impact will this have on the whole social sphere of public relationships. Cosplay outfits can be very risque, but at the same time be completely decent. Some things might look scandalous, but actually be more conservative (not all the time of course), than originally expected. It also depends on how the costume is made and worn and whether it was for more private display or more public display, such as a hotel convention.
It also raises the concerns of whether women have the right to control their body image without public persecution and forced patriarchal social views on female decency. This woman who called the cops was obviously practicing a religion and followed their views on female decency. But she did not have the right to impose her beliefs on a woman who was following all codes of conducts. Anime and cosplay conventions have strict rules on what kinds of costumes can be worn publicly at specific conventions. The staff are well informed of these rules and strictly abide by them. So if this costume was really indecent, she would have promptly been told to change. Therefore this outsider had no right to impose her personal views on something that she wasn't aware of. Instead, it would have been better for her to consult the hotel or the convention staff on the dress code before calling the police.
Lately on "kotaku," an otaku website that updates news within the anime, manga, cosplay, etc subculture, had an article on the police at an anime convention. Apparently a churchgoer was at a convention held at the same hotel as an anime convention in Southeast Asia and saw a girl with underboob showing. This churchgoer called the police on her in an attempt to flag her for indecent exposure. Except the results were much less than she had desired.
This is an important issue for the cosplay community because it raises concerns for social boundaries and interacting with outsiders--people who aren't a part of the subculture while in public settings. There are a few things that I wish this article had gone more in-depth about. Specifically the results of what the police did, how this affects the cosplay community, and what kind of impact will this have on the whole social sphere of public relationships. Cosplay outfits can be very risque, but at the same time be completely decent. Some things might look scandalous, but actually be more conservative (not all the time of course), than originally expected. It also depends on how the costume is made and worn and whether it was for more private display or more public display, such as a hotel convention.
It also raises the concerns of whether women have the right to control their body image without public persecution and forced patriarchal social views on female decency. This woman who called the cops was obviously practicing a religion and followed their views on female decency. But she did not have the right to impose her beliefs on a woman who was following all codes of conducts. Anime and cosplay conventions have strict rules on what kinds of costumes can be worn publicly at specific conventions. The staff are well informed of these rules and strictly abide by them. So if this costume was really indecent, she would have promptly been told to change. Therefore this outsider had no right to impose her personal views on something that she wasn't aware of. Instead, it would have been better for her to consult the hotel or the convention staff on the dress code before calling the police.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Social Issues, World Issues
The Cove is back in the news again. This time they are trying to open an Marine Water Park.
Supposedly The Cove is trying to create a tourist environment in which
people can swim with the dolphins, eat the dolphins, and continue an
environment that accepts the needless slaughter of dolphins.
In other news, I'm not sure whether last week's Japanese Club meeting was a success or a failure. We held a special social issues night to discuss current events and social problems in Japanese club and it was offered by our adviser, the only Japanese Professor on campus, as extra credit for her students. We had a good turnout and the students got very involved with the presentations. Apparently they didn't read the whole email or something because it was advertised as social issues. Well the main thing is that misunderstanding and miscommunication occurred about the event.
Unfortunately I am going to have to use a heavy hand and explain to my board members their positions and duties at the next board meeting tomorrow because they seem to have either forgotten or misunderstood what their individual tasks are. They want to negotiate everything and try to supersede me when all I am trying to do is instruct them and guide them to success. I am not looking forward to the next board meeting because I have to be firm and keep them collected and together. I know one person will probably try to rebel against me and I really know not why.
Space Robot Kirobo was in the news several weeks ago. I completely forgot to finish this post. Urgh I'm such a silly space cadet.
In other news, the former president of Nintendo passed away a few weeks ago. Hiroshi Yamauchi was only 85 years old when he passed.
Well, that is all for now.
In other news, I'm not sure whether last week's Japanese Club meeting was a success or a failure. We held a special social issues night to discuss current events and social problems in Japanese club and it was offered by our adviser, the only Japanese Professor on campus, as extra credit for her students. We had a good turnout and the students got very involved with the presentations. Apparently they didn't read the whole email or something because it was advertised as social issues. Well the main thing is that misunderstanding and miscommunication occurred about the event.
Unfortunately I am going to have to use a heavy hand and explain to my board members their positions and duties at the next board meeting tomorrow because they seem to have either forgotten or misunderstood what their individual tasks are. They want to negotiate everything and try to supersede me when all I am trying to do is instruct them and guide them to success. I am not looking forward to the next board meeting because I have to be firm and keep them collected and together. I know one person will probably try to rebel against me and I really know not why.
Space Robot Kirobo was in the news several weeks ago. I completely forgot to finish this post. Urgh I'm such a silly space cadet.
In other news, the former president of Nintendo passed away a few weeks ago. Hiroshi Yamauchi was only 85 years old when he passed.
Well, that is all for now.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Disaster, Fulbright Scholars, Life
Forgive me for this random and late update. I'm currently in my anime club's meeting and people keep tripping over my power cord. I feel they should stop dragging their feet since they tripped passing one way, so the cord isn't expected to have disappeared on the walk back.
So I've been spending my time lurking on Yahoo again... and today I found out that Fukushima was hit again by yet another earthquake. This brings me back to the question I posed in my last blog post. How is Japan going to hold the 2020 Olympics if they aren't getting support from the rest of the world for Fukushima. Sure they might actually be getting help, but the American audience really isn't sure because they're distracted by a lot of things such as the conflict with Syria.
I've actually been busy trying to finish my Fulbright Scholars application which has been consuming all of my life, time, and sleep. I can't wait to be done with it because then maybe I will be able to spend some time sleeping instead of being a crabby, sleepy grouch who has to do everything all at once or fail miserably at life. I'm almost finished with the application but I still have a few tedious things to do. I'm so anxious and I was advised to apply to more than just Fulbright because they're very picky. I hope the board committee at least likes my subject, even if they don't choose me. Hopefully they will though.
Well, I'm going to give my eyes a short break before I resume working on this application. I really need to shut down my computer and take a rest before I pass out on this keyboard. Thanks for reading and have a good night. I'll keep you all updated with the things you are interested in most. If I get any feedback, I will definitely write more about those subjects so please, please comment me.
Thank you and have a good night~
So I've been spending my time lurking on Yahoo again... and today I found out that Fukushima was hit again by yet another earthquake. This brings me back to the question I posed in my last blog post. How is Japan going to hold the 2020 Olympics if they aren't getting support from the rest of the world for Fukushima. Sure they might actually be getting help, but the American audience really isn't sure because they're distracted by a lot of things such as the conflict with Syria.
I've actually been busy trying to finish my Fulbright Scholars application which has been consuming all of my life, time, and sleep. I can't wait to be done with it because then maybe I will be able to spend some time sleeping instead of being a crabby, sleepy grouch who has to do everything all at once or fail miserably at life. I'm almost finished with the application but I still have a few tedious things to do. I'm so anxious and I was advised to apply to more than just Fulbright because they're very picky. I hope the board committee at least likes my subject, even if they don't choose me. Hopefully they will though.
Well, I'm going to give my eyes a short break before I resume working on this application. I really need to shut down my computer and take a rest before I pass out on this keyboard. Thanks for reading and have a good night. I'll keep you all updated with the things you are interested in most. If I get any feedback, I will definitely write more about those subjects so please, please comment me.
Thank you and have a good night~
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
More Disaster Information
So there is more news from Japan about how severe the radiation leaks have been. According to Yahoo, Japan is surprised that the radiation had leaked into underground water which found its way to the sea. More likely than not, the radiation had already been leaking into both heavily. Now, we can only watch helplessly as Japan struggles with containing this high quantity of waste. There is no news on how the social stigma of being from Fukushima is affecting anyone (besides farmers) in Japan yet. Because people are still distracted by the president's issues with Syria, there may not be help soon enough to save Japan or anyone within distance of the Pacific Ocean.
At the same time it is a surprise that Japan won the competition of hosting the 2020 Olympics. Their stocks jumped upwards as soon as the final decision came out which is great news for the economy. I just think that it is a bit ironic that people will be sending their most physically agile and physically fit to Japan during this time of internal and international crisis. How will Japan be able to protect the world's athlete's and their fans from the radiation that will undoubtedly seep into the local food and water. Surely the radiation has spread heavily, but nobody knows how far it has spread yet. For all we know the water in Okinawa already has traces of the radiation from Fukushima and the water from Fukushima could shower over Tokyo. I don't mean to knock Japan, but this is both a godsend and a potential death sentence depending on how they deal with Fukushima and whether the world decides they are enough about their fellow man to help out.
Pending more information, so please keep your eyes open.
At the same time it is a surprise that Japan won the competition of hosting the 2020 Olympics. Their stocks jumped upwards as soon as the final decision came out which is great news for the economy. I just think that it is a bit ironic that people will be sending their most physically agile and physically fit to Japan during this time of internal and international crisis. How will Japan be able to protect the world's athlete's and their fans from the radiation that will undoubtedly seep into the local food and water. Surely the radiation has spread heavily, but nobody knows how far it has spread yet. For all we know the water in Okinawa already has traces of the radiation from Fukushima and the water from Fukushima could shower over Tokyo. I don't mean to knock Japan, but this is both a godsend and a potential death sentence depending on how they deal with Fukushima and whether the world decides they are enough about their fellow man to help out.
Pending more information, so please keep your eyes open.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Language, Disasters, Slang
Learning Japanese via online help can be super difficult because one
doesn't know what information to trust and to ignore. For example,
Sharedtalk is a great start, but once you talk to other non-native
speakers... it can get a little more than confusing.
Using Anki can only help you get so far because it doesn't give you grammar or speaking practice. It is a great was to increase one's vocabulary and reading kanji skills.
Line is supposed to be a common way Japanese people instant message, but if you don't have the skills to understand 25%, you could easily get lost if they can't meet you half way with languages.
The rapidly growing Radiation Problem is obviously way less important to our current president than starting a war with Syria. Who needs the West coast when we have to wage war?! And to make it better, Tepco has decided that they want to build an Ice Wall to try to stop the problem as if fish haven't already been bleeding from their eyes in the middle of the ocean due to radioactive exposure. As if Japan wasn't already in massive amounts of dept, Tepco wants to spend $470 Million to build their ice wall to at least delay exposure. I wonder how the Japanese people are dealing with this and whether they know that the problem is way more severe than originally thought. On top of it, I wonder whether people in Fukushima will have to cope with inequalities just because of the the nuclear plant being in their prefecture. I can only imagine that more social problems may arise as a result of this.
Yesterday I was thinking, does this blog make me a weeaboo? I don't think it does because I admit my country sucks. But I don't think Japan is the greatest thing ever. I like different aspects of both, but I what I really like is the way the cultures have become quite interwoven through media influences and yet still remain vastly different since World War II. I don't like the politics of either one too much, but then again... it is politics. I really enjoy the differences of recreation and views on things. I feel that if I were just a weeaboo this blog might be a bit more... focused on one thing instead of trying to cover a wide variety of topics, including Japan/U.S. relations. And no, I don't think that I have great Japanese (I often screw up pronouncing train station [eki] for some reason, but do fairly well overall on pronunciation, granted my grammar is definitely not the best). And please forgive me for not going as in-depth as I have in earlier posts on a single topic. I've been really busy this summer and haven't been thinking too much about these things lately. Hopefully when classes start, I'll make better posts.
In case you don't know what a weeaboo is~
Word of the Day: Weeaboo
Using Anki can only help you get so far because it doesn't give you grammar or speaking practice. It is a great was to increase one's vocabulary and reading kanji skills.
Line is supposed to be a common way Japanese people instant message, but if you don't have the skills to understand 25%, you could easily get lost if they can't meet you half way with languages.
The rapidly growing Radiation Problem is obviously way less important to our current president than starting a war with Syria. Who needs the West coast when we have to wage war?! And to make it better, Tepco has decided that they want to build an Ice Wall to try to stop the problem as if fish haven't already been bleeding from their eyes in the middle of the ocean due to radioactive exposure. As if Japan wasn't already in massive amounts of dept, Tepco wants to spend $470 Million to build their ice wall to at least delay exposure. I wonder how the Japanese people are dealing with this and whether they know that the problem is way more severe than originally thought. On top of it, I wonder whether people in Fukushima will have to cope with inequalities just because of the the nuclear plant being in their prefecture. I can only imagine that more social problems may arise as a result of this.
Yesterday I was thinking, does this blog make me a weeaboo? I don't think it does because I admit my country sucks. But I don't think Japan is the greatest thing ever. I like different aspects of both, but I what I really like is the way the cultures have become quite interwoven through media influences and yet still remain vastly different since World War II. I don't like the politics of either one too much, but then again... it is politics. I really enjoy the differences of recreation and views on things. I feel that if I were just a weeaboo this blog might be a bit more... focused on one thing instead of trying to cover a wide variety of topics, including Japan/U.S. relations. And no, I don't think that I have great Japanese (I often screw up pronouncing train station [eki] for some reason, but do fairly well overall on pronunciation, granted my grammar is definitely not the best). And please forgive me for not going as in-depth as I have in earlier posts on a single topic. I've been really busy this summer and haven't been thinking too much about these things lately. Hopefully when classes start, I'll make better posts.
In case you don't know what a weeaboo is~
Word of the Day: Weeaboo
A non Japanese person who basically
denounces
their own culture and calls themselves Japanese. They try to learn
Japanese through the anime they watch and usually end up pronouncing it
wrong and looking like a complete idiot.
KEEP IN MIND: that a non-Japanese person can like the culture, watch anime, speak the language and RESPECT THE CULTURE, while still keeping in touch with there own. Which keeps them from being a Weeaboo, Japanophile, etc.
KEEP IN MIND: that a non-Japanese person can like the culture, watch anime, speak the language and RESPECT THE CULTURE, while still keeping in touch with there own. Which keeps them from being a Weeaboo, Japanophile, etc.
Weeaboo's basically disrespect the culture and make complete asses of themselves.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
News, Literature, Media, Social Questions
So I was haunting Yahoo news again (only because it is so convenient to skim before I check my email) and Japan has yet again been in their news. First Japan was in the news because one of their volcanoes has erupted for over 500 times this year already and nobody really knows why, but loves the sight of it. The volcano that has been erupting is Sakurajima and the locals there are just that used to it. Apparently the school children even go to school with special masks because of how much this volcano just pumps out.
Secondly, a nineteenth century text has finally been decoded for the Western audience. This literature explains that Bugei no Jo gives detailed information to those becoming master swordsmen on everything in life. Not just how to wield a weapon, but live one's daily life even. But the hilarity of this article will probably make more Westerners think that samurai were really classy all of the time when they weren't necessarily. There were just as many sneaks as not and they were quick to switch sides depending on how battles were turning out. They were just as crazy and as wild as the Joker's Arkham asylum. Maybe more so because there was less supporting evidence like DNA or photography to help them prove that they were killing X persons or protecting Y persons. Sure samurai had rules, but just like today not everyone followed them. Just please keep in mind that people were like people are now, and don't over-romanticize them too much.
I was reading the plot of a movie and I stumbled upon a list of it's influences. Urotsukidouji is the original influence of "tentacle rape" as it is most commonly known. Tenta-rape became popular because of the anime, whereas the manga actually had more of a plot. It became popular because the director of the anime too artistic liberties with the author's permissions. The author acknowledges that there have been liberties taken, and although he doesn't necessarily agree with them, he does find it interesting to see how the director changed and used his works with creative intent.
Then I was following a friend on social media and they posed this question to the rest of our University's Anime Club. This video posed a question of "Is anime becoming mainstream?" and "Do we want it to be?" as an anime fan community. I had already been thinking about that question before he had posed this question openly because I'm working on a grant proposal and since it is only for a year I have to narrow down and specify what I want to research and why it is important. I think I've found the topic I ultimately want to research, but this one is important to me too. It is important because Japanese media and its influence ARE becoming more and more prevalent in American culture whether we acknowledge that. I'm from the Midwest (a place both New York and California think don't like Asia or any of its media for some reason--I just think they want to seem better than us just because they have Asian-town locations they're famous for.)
I think that this question is important because is not only acknowledges that there is a heavy Japanese presence in contemporary culture, but whether it should stay as various subcultures or not. I feel that the way television stations are run and maintained that there really isn't any control over whether the fans want it to become mainstream or not. It is more common and more people recognize it (at the very least) and the majority culture always wins over the minority subcultures. It is like how Hollywood will take movies such as Astroboy, Speedracer, Dragon Ball Z, Batman, Superman, The Hulk and alter it for a broader audience. It might piss off fans, but they really don't hold much power it seems. After all these might be subcultural "things" but at the end of the day it is still for making money.
Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoyed. Please comment and share if you enjoy, and feedback or subjects are more than welcome.
Secondly, a nineteenth century text has finally been decoded for the Western audience. This literature explains that Bugei no Jo gives detailed information to those becoming master swordsmen on everything in life. Not just how to wield a weapon, but live one's daily life even. But the hilarity of this article will probably make more Westerners think that samurai were really classy all of the time when they weren't necessarily. There were just as many sneaks as not and they were quick to switch sides depending on how battles were turning out. They were just as crazy and as wild as the Joker's Arkham asylum. Maybe more so because there was less supporting evidence like DNA or photography to help them prove that they were killing X persons or protecting Y persons. Sure samurai had rules, but just like today not everyone followed them. Just please keep in mind that people were like people are now, and don't over-romanticize them too much.
I was reading the plot of a movie and I stumbled upon a list of it's influences. Urotsukidouji is the original influence of "tentacle rape" as it is most commonly known. Tenta-rape became popular because of the anime, whereas the manga actually had more of a plot. It became popular because the director of the anime too artistic liberties with the author's permissions. The author acknowledges that there have been liberties taken, and although he doesn't necessarily agree with them, he does find it interesting to see how the director changed and used his works with creative intent.
Then I was following a friend on social media and they posed this question to the rest of our University's Anime Club. This video posed a question of "Is anime becoming mainstream?" and "Do we want it to be?" as an anime fan community. I had already been thinking about that question before he had posed this question openly because I'm working on a grant proposal and since it is only for a year I have to narrow down and specify what I want to research and why it is important. I think I've found the topic I ultimately want to research, but this one is important to me too. It is important because Japanese media and its influence ARE becoming more and more prevalent in American culture whether we acknowledge that. I'm from the Midwest (a place both New York and California think don't like Asia or any of its media for some reason--I just think they want to seem better than us just because they have Asian-town locations they're famous for.)
I think that this question is important because is not only acknowledges that there is a heavy Japanese presence in contemporary culture, but whether it should stay as various subcultures or not. I feel that the way television stations are run and maintained that there really isn't any control over whether the fans want it to become mainstream or not. It is more common and more people recognize it (at the very least) and the majority culture always wins over the minority subcultures. It is like how Hollywood will take movies such as Astroboy, Speedracer, Dragon Ball Z, Batman, Superman, The Hulk and alter it for a broader audience. It might piss off fans, but they really don't hold much power it seems. After all these might be subcultural "things" but at the end of the day it is still for making money.
Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoyed. Please comment and share if you enjoy, and feedback or subjects are more than welcome.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Catching Up; Literature, Pop Culture & More
So sorry I've been busy.
The news has been overflowing with reports on Fukushima. I know I should be worried because I not only want to return to Japan, but because I also want to move to the west coast and if there is radioactive material oozing into the ocean, that will affect the West Coast of America quickly. After the plant manager died of cancer (supposedly unrelated to his heavy hours in the plant after the near meltdown two years ago), there has been several reports in the weeks following that updating global citizens of what is failing and Japan's attempts to fix these grave problems. I really wonder how Japanese citizens view this and whether or not they're getting as much or (hopefully) more information daily about what is going on at this nuclear power plant. I also worry because I know that Japan's been trying hard to conserve energy since they had closed down their other plants (in order to one day not need run on nuclear energy anymore).
Then today I found out Utada Hikaru's mother passed away (maybe yesterday in Japan--not sure). I found out via Asian Junkie and one of my Japanese penpals that she is definitely deceased (and not just propaganda) and supposedly by suicide, but nobody knows for sure. I don't know how Utada is taking it since this just occurred, but I can only hope that there is some comfort in knowing that her fans and her mother's empathize with her. If you haven't had the chance to hear either of these amazing musicians, quickly go listen to some of their hits. I can only hope the best for Utada.
A roommate from last year posted this on another roommate's wall the other day. I know that instant ramen is becoming more and more common as daily meals in both America and Japan, and people love to mix up what they like. The reason that the first roommate shared This Article on the second's wall is because we've watched her try hummus ramen, ramen as toppings, dry ramen, and more. She wanted to see if the second would try a ramen burger because of her experiments, but it was too much for the other one to consider.
At some point a few weeks ago I was reading Understanding Humor in Japan by Jessica Milner Davis because I read another book by a Russian in Japan that upset me. The Russian author stated possible facts about why the Japanese do things they do, why they view things the way they do, but without historical or factual explanations. There were no citations or any evidence to back up his statements besides his living there. I plan on putting up a more in-depth post on the book when I get the chance.
Davis' article was really interesting because she not only explains everything in detail for an audience who does or doesn't know anything about Japanese culture on top of relating and explaining historical context. I look forward to reading more of this book in the near future.
Lastly I've begun prepping for applying to grad school and the Fulbright Scholars Program. I want to research Japanese culture and this is a great way to do so. It is really prestigious and I really hope I get in. I have an interesting subject I want to research and I hope they'll accept me so I can study and write about it. Since I can only research and not teach or get an MA or anything while I'm in Japan, I'm hoping that the Grad Schools I apply to will allow me to defer them for a year to do this researching (if I'm accepted *fingers crossed*).
Well, thank you so much for reading. Don't forget to comment and share with your friends.
The news has been overflowing with reports on Fukushima. I know I should be worried because I not only want to return to Japan, but because I also want to move to the west coast and if there is radioactive material oozing into the ocean, that will affect the West Coast of America quickly. After the plant manager died of cancer (supposedly unrelated to his heavy hours in the plant after the near meltdown two years ago), there has been several reports in the weeks following that updating global citizens of what is failing and Japan's attempts to fix these grave problems. I really wonder how Japanese citizens view this and whether or not they're getting as much or (hopefully) more information daily about what is going on at this nuclear power plant. I also worry because I know that Japan's been trying hard to conserve energy since they had closed down their other plants (in order to one day not need run on nuclear energy anymore).
Then today I found out Utada Hikaru's mother passed away (maybe yesterday in Japan--not sure). I found out via Asian Junkie and one of my Japanese penpals that she is definitely deceased (and not just propaganda) and supposedly by suicide, but nobody knows for sure. I don't know how Utada is taking it since this just occurred, but I can only hope that there is some comfort in knowing that her fans and her mother's empathize with her. If you haven't had the chance to hear either of these amazing musicians, quickly go listen to some of their hits. I can only hope the best for Utada.
A roommate from last year posted this on another roommate's wall the other day. I know that instant ramen is becoming more and more common as daily meals in both America and Japan, and people love to mix up what they like. The reason that the first roommate shared This Article on the second's wall is because we've watched her try hummus ramen, ramen as toppings, dry ramen, and more. She wanted to see if the second would try a ramen burger because of her experiments, but it was too much for the other one to consider.
At some point a few weeks ago I was reading Understanding Humor in Japan by Jessica Milner Davis because I read another book by a Russian in Japan that upset me. The Russian author stated possible facts about why the Japanese do things they do, why they view things the way they do, but without historical or factual explanations. There were no citations or any evidence to back up his statements besides his living there. I plan on putting up a more in-depth post on the book when I get the chance.
Davis' article was really interesting because she not only explains everything in detail for an audience who does or doesn't know anything about Japanese culture on top of relating and explaining historical context. I look forward to reading more of this book in the near future.
Lastly I've begun prepping for applying to grad school and the Fulbright Scholars Program. I want to research Japanese culture and this is a great way to do so. It is really prestigious and I really hope I get in. I have an interesting subject I want to research and I hope they'll accept me so I can study and write about it. Since I can only research and not teach or get an MA or anything while I'm in Japan, I'm hoping that the Grad Schools I apply to will allow me to defer them for a year to do this researching (if I'm accepted *fingers crossed*).
Well, thank you so much for reading. Don't forget to comment and share with your friends.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Cosplay & Conventions
A few updates:
Anime Fusion : A convention I haven't been to yet and might be vending amigurumi at if I am lucky.
I found an amazing Online Store from one of my good friends. It seems that they ship Asian foods everywhere. I'm really excited because they have all of the good junk foods from Japan.
Tao Okamoto is the main female lead in the new Wolverine movie. I thought she was really interesting because I didn't know she was a famous Japanese model turned actress. She really branched out to do this American film and I can't wait to see her acting skills. She's supposedly really good.
There's supposed to be a really good video of a panel held by a famous American cosplayer, Rufflebutt. The whole video doesn't show all of her presentation unfortunately, but gives the gist of what to do and what not to do when wearing a skimpy cosplay. Some of one's imagination will have to be used because of the cameraman's poor filming skills.
Anime Fusion : A convention I haven't been to yet and might be vending amigurumi at if I am lucky.
I found an amazing Online Store from one of my good friends. It seems that they ship Asian foods everywhere. I'm really excited because they have all of the good junk foods from Japan.
Tao Okamoto is the main female lead in the new Wolverine movie. I thought she was really interesting because I didn't know she was a famous Japanese model turned actress. She really branched out to do this American film and I can't wait to see her acting skills. She's supposedly really good.
There's supposed to be a really good video of a panel held by a famous American cosplayer, Rufflebutt. The whole video doesn't show all of her presentation unfortunately, but gives the gist of what to do and what not to do when wearing a skimpy cosplay. Some of one's imagination will have to be used because of the cameraman's poor filming skills.
Rides: Magazine
Here are my notes on reading:
Rides: The Japan Issue (Ganbare Nihon!)
July/Aug 2013 Issue, $5.99, rides-mag.com
In this issue, the Editor's Letter talks about not only an "impromptu trip to Japan" in January 2011, but how the staff "vowed to get back there [Japan] not only to present you with a magazine full of their culture (and, as we've seen, a love for ours), but as a reminder that Japan is strong, innovative and always building bigger and better than before." Within this issue, not only do they talk about cars, they also mention Akihabara,
The article "Hood: Turning Japanese" talks about the general roadtrip this crew took through Japan. They mention the vast differences of driving between the two countries, especially on freeways, and trains in Japan.
"Carte Blanche" actually caught my eye. It was about how people can rent "tricked out" go carts and ride through Akihabara (Akiba cart) and tour the area.
They interviewed "RIZE" who is internationally famous in America and Japan (hip hop star) for his album "Stand up!" He's an example of American Influenced Japanese musician returning music to the states.
Rides: The Japan Issue (Ganbare Nihon!)
July/Aug 2013 Issue, $5.99, rides-mag.com
In this issue, the Editor's Letter talks about not only an "impromptu trip to Japan" in January 2011, but how the staff "vowed to get back there [Japan] not only to present you with a magazine full of their culture (and, as we've seen, a love for ours), but as a reminder that Japan is strong, innovative and always building bigger and better than before." Within this issue, not only do they talk about cars, they also mention Akihabara,
The article "Hood: Turning Japanese" talks about the general roadtrip this crew took through Japan. They mention the vast differences of driving between the two countries, especially on freeways, and trains in Japan.
"Carte Blanche" actually caught my eye. It was about how people can rent "tricked out" go carts and ride through Akihabara (Akiba cart) and tour the area.
They interviewed "RIZE" who is internationally famous in America and Japan (hip hop star) for his album "Stand up!" He's an example of American Influenced Japanese musician returning music to the states.
The Wallflower & Excel Saga: Anime
So today Tobi and I started watching The Wallflower anime by Nabeshin. The voice actors all seem unfitting for the characters they play, as either too childish or too adult. The animation itself is fine, and the plot moves at a consistent pace. It gives off a vibe of Excel Saga in that the main character Sunako oddly resembles a bit of Excel in dialogue and maybe even action. At the same time, the animation made some of the actions of the characters a bit awkward and almost too over the top. It feels like it should stay a manga instead of a Kodocha-like anime. Since we're only two or three episodes in, it isn't right for me to judge it fully because it isn't finished but, the first impression is that I might not like the series over all.
Before The Wallflower, we finished watching the last four episodes of Excel Saga. I really wanted to know what happened to Lord Ilpalazzo and Excel after they finished falling down the escape chute/punishment hole. I was really sad to see the series end, but at the same time I am really happy to have finished listening to it. There was a shift in voice actors for Excel between the first thirteen episodes and the last thirteen. The last few episodes of the second season showed a slow and growing obvious shift in the voice actress's abilities to mimic the one from season one. She didn't stay consistent in voice, but still put a lot of emotion and power into the character. It was rather convincing to hear Excel wavering in mindset and character as she not only questioned herself and her existence, while coping with the changes of Lord Ilpalazzo as well. Also, to anyone interested in watching the series please note the 25th episode is the final episode of the storyline. The 26th episode is super special and the animators went all out to make an episode unshowable on television. So if you get the chance to watch the series, please wait until after the 25th episode to watch the final and unrelated episode. It is totally worth it in my opinion.
I don't want to spoil the plot of any of the episodes, so I'm avoiding talking about specifics. The reason for that is because in Excel Saga, all of the episodes generally change in both plot and substance and parody. To single out any episodes would ruin it for any potential viewers I feel. I'm not sure how I can improve this post, so all and any feedback would be appreciated.
Before The Wallflower, we finished watching the last four episodes of Excel Saga. I really wanted to know what happened to Lord Ilpalazzo and Excel after they finished falling down the escape chute/punishment hole. I was really sad to see the series end, but at the same time I am really happy to have finished listening to it. There was a shift in voice actors for Excel between the first thirteen episodes and the last thirteen. The last few episodes of the second season showed a slow and growing obvious shift in the voice actress's abilities to mimic the one from season one. She didn't stay consistent in voice, but still put a lot of emotion and power into the character. It was rather convincing to hear Excel wavering in mindset and character as she not only questioned herself and her existence, while coping with the changes of Lord Ilpalazzo as well. Also, to anyone interested in watching the series please note the 25th episode is the final episode of the storyline. The 26th episode is super special and the animators went all out to make an episode unshowable on television. So if you get the chance to watch the series, please wait until after the 25th episode to watch the final and unrelated episode. It is totally worth it in my opinion.
I don't want to spoil the plot of any of the episodes, so I'm avoiding talking about specifics. The reason for that is because in Excel Saga, all of the episodes generally change in both plot and substance and parody. To single out any episodes would ruin it for any potential viewers I feel. I'm not sure how I can improve this post, so all and any feedback would be appreciated.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Various Post Topics to Come
So this post is going to be filled with topics I will (hopefully) return to at a later date. I'm going to post a lot of links because at the very least it will give you all an opportunity to check them out yourselves even if I'm unable to return to them immediately. Thank you in advance for understanding that I've had such a busy schedule and haven't been posting on a regular basis still.
The first thing that I'm going to post a link to is Doshisha University. One of my Japanese friends was recommending this university to me for grad school after we discussed my "Little Red Riding Hood" paper. He didn't go to college himself, but he wanted to recommend it to me because he thought that it had a program similar to what we had been discussing. This university, among others, is one of many that I'm considering for grad school because of the difficulty of my subject area of interest.
Then, another Japanese friend recommended that I read METI, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan. She said that it was a great place to read up on current financial affairs of Japan and Japan's interactions with other countries. She recommended this website to me because she had read that Japan was trying to export anime and manga, and more, overseas to help boost exports and the decrease in trade. The reason I posted this here is because I think it is important to focus on what Japan is doing and why this is important. There is an increase of anime culture in other countries and this influence needs to be studied and watched closely to see its effects currently and where it could lead to for both the the importer country and Japan as the exporter. Not to mention how it will influence pop culture for both parties.
I also learned about "Rasen" or Spiral in the same conversation with this same friend. She and I had been discussing movie preferences with another and she mentioned how "Rasen" was a terrifying movie to her and she why she avoided horror films. I really want to watch this film because of the other stories this author had written.
We three had also discussed "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure" and how her son had converted her to a fan of it. We both like Jyotaro the most. She also spoke of a "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure" Store and that it was influenced by the manga. I really want to visit this place and to learn more about it. From the way she had described it, it was really cool!
While I was talking with my Japanese friend and another, an "American Dad" episode was playing on my TV in the background. This episode stopped me in my tracks because it was playing a Japanese song. I had to immediately Youtube it because I didn't know why the creators had used this song. I think it should be highlighted that this song is definitely new, as it is Perfume's "Monochrome Effect."
This song is just one of many that are sneaking or stumbling into American Pop culture and becoming treasured pieces, too incorporated to ever be separated.
When I looked up this video, I found on the sidebar of suggestions a movie clip from the film "Funky Forest." This film has a surprising number of reviews on Youtube and doesn't seem to have any direct connection to the above film. In fact, I don't even know why it was suggested with this video, but now I must watch it and commentate on my findings.
I think that is it for now, as I should probably head to bed now.
Thank you for reading.
The first thing that I'm going to post a link to is Doshisha University. One of my Japanese friends was recommending this university to me for grad school after we discussed my "Little Red Riding Hood" paper. He didn't go to college himself, but he wanted to recommend it to me because he thought that it had a program similar to what we had been discussing. This university, among others, is one of many that I'm considering for grad school because of the difficulty of my subject area of interest.
Then, another Japanese friend recommended that I read METI, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan. She said that it was a great place to read up on current financial affairs of Japan and Japan's interactions with other countries. She recommended this website to me because she had read that Japan was trying to export anime and manga, and more, overseas to help boost exports and the decrease in trade. The reason I posted this here is because I think it is important to focus on what Japan is doing and why this is important. There is an increase of anime culture in other countries and this influence needs to be studied and watched closely to see its effects currently and where it could lead to for both the the importer country and Japan as the exporter. Not to mention how it will influence pop culture for both parties.
I also learned about "Rasen" or Spiral in the same conversation with this same friend. She and I had been discussing movie preferences with another and she mentioned how "Rasen" was a terrifying movie to her and she why she avoided horror films. I really want to watch this film because of the other stories this author had written.
We three had also discussed "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure" and how her son had converted her to a fan of it. We both like Jyotaro the most. She also spoke of a "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure" Store and that it was influenced by the manga. I really want to visit this place and to learn more about it. From the way she had described it, it was really cool!
While I was talking with my Japanese friend and another, an "American Dad" episode was playing on my TV in the background. This episode stopped me in my tracks because it was playing a Japanese song. I had to immediately Youtube it because I didn't know why the creators had used this song. I think it should be highlighted that this song is definitely new, as it is Perfume's "Monochrome Effect."
This song is just one of many that are sneaking or stumbling into American Pop culture and becoming treasured pieces, too incorporated to ever be separated.
When I looked up this video, I found on the sidebar of suggestions a movie clip from the film "Funky Forest." This film has a surprising number of reviews on Youtube and doesn't seem to have any direct connection to the above film. In fact, I don't even know why it was suggested with this video, but now I must watch it and commentate on my findings.
I think that is it for now, as I should probably head to bed now.
Thank you for reading.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Nintendo: Games
One of my good friends and ex-classmates posted This on Facebook earlier today. It talks about the creator of "Mario" video games and why a lot of his games are "damsel in distress." The creator of this blog post interviewed Miyamoto Shigeru and asked him about why he didn't include playable female characters. This conversation and recent controversial studies not only reflect the female interests of and in gaming, but also how women are more involved in pop culture than ever before. Instead of being marginalized or just not involved in this piece of culture.
In focusing on women's growing population of female gamers, Japan has not only influenced a degree of self awareness in America on the media taken in by the general populace, but started many conversations (and quarrels) on whether x percentage of women are "real gamers," whether women are engaged in the community, and what media coming from Japan is shaping our perceptions. Kotaku's questions and Miyamoto's responses show that there is a wide opening for many changes to Nintendo's current gender roles in games. Instead of coming off with a "timestamped," age-related response, Miyamoto instead states that there are possibilities for everything, ignoring the fact of whether or not they're just aiming for a larger market.
Sorry for the brief blurb, but this caught my eye. I will have to do more research into this as I do not know much about video games, video gaming community, or Nintendo (save for signature games). Sorry if this seems like garble, but I think it is impressive that pop culture in America has become so self aware of what its ingesting and why.
In focusing on women's growing population of female gamers, Japan has not only influenced a degree of self awareness in America on the media taken in by the general populace, but started many conversations (and quarrels) on whether x percentage of women are "real gamers," whether women are engaged in the community, and what media coming from Japan is shaping our perceptions. Kotaku's questions and Miyamoto's responses show that there is a wide opening for many changes to Nintendo's current gender roles in games. Instead of coming off with a "timestamped," age-related response, Miyamoto instead states that there are possibilities for everything, ignoring the fact of whether or not they're just aiming for a larger market.
Sorry for the brief blurb, but this caught my eye. I will have to do more research into this as I do not know much about video games, video gaming community, or Nintendo (save for signature games). Sorry if this seems like garble, but I think it is impressive that pop culture in America has become so self aware of what its ingesting and why.
Amigurumi: Craft
 |
| This is my pattern~ |
In the early 2000's, amigurumi became very popular around the internet because of how trendy it was in Japan. To find amigurumi in America, one doesn't have t look far. Etsy, a craft/selling website is overflowing with peoples various knitted or crocheted inventions. The creators of amigurumi often label it as "amigurumi" as well, which makes it more obvious that the Japanese influenced it. Everything from anthropomorphized candles to cutesy, almost "cartoon-y" creatures (and their patterns) can be found anywhere on the internet in American English or in bookstores and libraries.Americans, as a result, have been leaning more and more towards cutesy things to create, rather than more lifelike creations, such as American Girl dolls.
Why is cuteness overflowing in American pop culture? The Power of Kawaii research by Hiroshi Nittono, Michiko Fukushima, Akihiro Yano, and Hiroki Moriya document how the trend of "kawaii" or "cute" things, as influenced by Japan, examine "hypotheses is that viewing cute things affects behavioral tendencies but not general performance levels" (Nittono). The study further goes on to state that,
Kawaii things not only make us happier, but also affect our behavior. This study shows that viewing cute things improves subsequent performance in tasks that require behavioral carefulness, possibly by narrowing the breadth of attentional focus. This effect is not specific to tasks related to caregiving or social interaction. For future applications, cute objects may be used as a facile emotion elicitor. Cute features not only make objects more user friendly and approachable [3], but also induce careful behavioral tendencies in the users, which is beneficial in specific situations, such as driving and office work.
So, the rapid spread of "cuteness" throughout America via "amigurumi" can be said to be calming. Add that to a lucrative and laid-back hobby such as knitting or crocheting, and peaceful Americans can be found.
I do note that I didn't specify that most of the people involved with amigurumi or knitting are women, because although that may be the current majority group of openly active participants, it doesn't encompass everyone.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Last Semester
Last semester Japanese club worked a lot on writing a list of potential club activities. I keep pressing for ideas because I want to work on changing the club from a state of eternally near death to a thriving and growing club. Of course whatever Japanese club decides to do in the future has to be big.
During those last meetings of the semester we wrote up a pretty lengthy list of activities. So, for all to see I am posting the Japanese Club meeting notes here online. I figured that since I spend so much time here anyways, I might as well organize my thoughts here too.
Activities we can do during the summer include:
During those last meetings of the semester we wrote up a pretty lengthy list of activities. So, for all to see I am posting the Japanese Club meeting notes here online. I figured that since I spend so much time here anyways, I might as well organize my thoughts here too.
Activities we can do during the summer include:
- The August Lantern Festival (See Here For More Info)
- Visiting the Spoon bridge and Cherry
- Free movies in Parks (Schedule Here)
- State Fair
- Drive in Movie Theatre
- Valley Fair
- Como Zoo/Japanese Gardens
- 4th of July Party
- Park BBQ/Squirt guns/hiking trips/Bonfires
- Fishing Trips, canoeing, paddle boats, sand castle building competition
- White Water Rafting
- Waterpark of America/MOA
- Dinkytown exploration
- House Party @ Robby's?
- Swimming in the UST pool
- Visiting Minnehaha Falls
- Lilydale
- Renaissance Festival
- Creating a new club logo for "Nihon Culture Club"
- Going Places with ELS/ International Students
- Uniting with other clubs on Campus, U of M, etc.
- And of course continuing the long tradition of "End of the Semester Banquets"
- With activities like Karaoke at Boomtown (211 Oak St.)
- Maybe a couple films or other visual media
- Calligraphy
- Cooking Night
- Apple Picking
- Aikido, Soccer, Taiko, etc
- Retreats
- Hosting our own Matsuri
- A Giant Monopoly Game
- The Bean Game
- Movie Night
- Easel Games/Pictionary
- Introducing the eBoard to Matsumoto Sensei
- Considering going from every week to every other week
- Collaborate with GMSA for International Dinner?
- Advocate programs that unite America and Japan
Minnesota Japanese School: Education
I was going through files the other day on my computer and I discovered that I had a link to the Minnesota Japanese School. I went to go check out the web address and see if it was still working because I had no idea what it was. When I clicked back on the link the first thing that caught my eye was how the front page provides a link for English speakers who want to learn Japanese to go elsewhere. This school seems to want to be clear that people who speak Japanese are able to attain an education in their native tongue and to save others the hassle of mistaken identity. The other school for English learners to learn Japanese is Mori no Ike in the Concordia Languages Villages.
The majority of the pages are in Japanese which is completely understandable. They're marketing to a specific language group, though they clearly state that the school is open to all. After clicking on classes, any visitor to the site can see that all of the teachers are very friendly women, divided up by the grade and class they teach.
Clicking on "Gallery" takes the visitor to a long page of photos showing what the school teaches and shows students participating in calligraphy. The teachers are also shown teaching the children stroke order and everyone appears happy and friendly while learning. Having this school in Minnesota is really cool because it doesn't mean that the students are conforming to a specific nationalist view, but allowed to learn without English. The school seems to parallel school in Japan even, based on class schedules and subject matter.
Overall I was thrilled to rediscover my discovery of this school because it presents great opportunities for children to learn in Japanese without having to return to Japan or one of the coastal American states. This is just one of multiple examples that exemplify Minnesota's, and the Midwest's, love for Japan.
The majority of the pages are in Japanese which is completely understandable. They're marketing to a specific language group, though they clearly state that the school is open to all. After clicking on classes, any visitor to the site can see that all of the teachers are very friendly women, divided up by the grade and class they teach.
Clicking on "Gallery" takes the visitor to a long page of photos showing what the school teaches and shows students participating in calligraphy. The teachers are also shown teaching the children stroke order and everyone appears happy and friendly while learning. Having this school in Minnesota is really cool because it doesn't mean that the students are conforming to a specific nationalist view, but allowed to learn without English. The school seems to parallel school in Japan even, based on class schedules and subject matter.
Overall I was thrilled to rediscover my discovery of this school because it presents great opportunities for children to learn in Japanese without having to return to Japan or one of the coastal American states. This is just one of multiple examples that exemplify Minnesota's, and the Midwest's, love for Japan.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Anime & Manga: Me
In 2012 I was very desperate for $.
Well... still am. But not to the degree that I was going to sell my
anime and manga. Since I have given a good portion of this away to my
school's Anime Club, I wanted to note and record what I used to own. The
rest of this I probably still own and it is around the house somewhere.
VHS:
·
GOKU: Midnight Eye
·
Gunsmith Cats: Riding Bean
·
Martian Successor Nadesico (v 1: Invasion)
·
Ghost in the Shell (movie—Special Edition)
·
Raven Tengu, Kabuto
·
Plastic Little
·
Fushigi Yugi: The Quest for Shinzaho (episode
34-36)
·
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Genesis 0:1
·
National Geographic Video: Living Treasures of
Japan
Library Manga:
·
Bleach (Volume 12)
·
Bring It On (Korean manwha –Volume 3)
·
Cheeky Angel (Volume 3)
·
Clamp School Detectives (Volume 3)
·
Dazzle (Volume 1)
·
Fruits Basket (Volume 10)
·
Fushigi Yugi: The Mysterious Play (7, 8, 8, 13)
·
Goong: The Royal Palace (Korean manwha -- Volume
5)
·
Hana Kimi (Volumes 7, 9, 11)
·
Harlequin Ginger Blossom’s
o
Harlequin Pink: Idol Dreams
o
Harlequin Violet: Response
·
Hellsing (Volume 7)
·
Her Majesty’s Dog (Volume 1)
·
I.N.V.U (Korean manwha -- Volume 2)
·
Kekkaishi (Volume 1)
·
Metropolis
·
Naruto (Volume 4)
·
Neon Genesis Evangelion (Volume 8)
·
One Piece (2, 7)
·
Paradise Kiss (Volume 3)
·
Platinum Garden (Volume 3)
·
Ral Grad (Volume 1)
·
Sgt. Frog (Volume 7)
·
XXXHolic (Volume 1)
Boxed Set:
Entire series Boxed Set of Fushigi Yugi Books for
$55, the condition is practically new, well taken care of.
Boxed Set of Oh My Goddess VHS cassettes for $10,
kept in the best condition possible. (Boxed set is of 5 vhs.)
My Manga
·
Sokora Refugees (Volume 1)
·
Tokyo Mew Mew (Volume 1)
·
Neck and Neck (Volume 1)
·
Alice 19th (Volume 1)
·
Et Cetera (Volume 1)
·
Nana (Volume 1)
·
Guru Guru Pon-Chan (Volume 2)
·
Full Moon O Sagashite (Volume 2)
·
No Need for Tenchi! (Volume 1)
·
Mermaid Saga (Volume 1)
·
Paradise Kiss (Volume 4)
·
Othello (Volume 2, 3)
·
Hot Gimmick (Volume 2)
·
The World of Narue (Volume 1)
·
Wish (Volume 3)
·
Orphen (Volume 1)
·
Pastel (Volume 8)
·
The Wallflower (Volumes 1, 4)
Used Manga:
• Bleach
(Volume 12)
• Bring It
On (Korean manwha –Volume 3)
• Cheeky
Angel (Volume 3)
• Clamp
School Detectives (Volume 3)
• Dazzle
(Volume 1)
• Fruits
Basket (Volume 10)
• Fushigi
Yugi: The Mysterious Play (7, 8, 8, 13)
• Goong:
The Royal Palace (Korean manwha -- Volume 5)
• Hana Kimi
(Volumes 7, 9, 11)
• Harlequin
Ginger Blossom’s
o Harlequin
Pink: Idol Dreams and
o Harlequin
Violet: Response
• Hellsing
(Volume 7)
• Her
Majesty’s Dog (Volume 1)
• I.N.V.U
(Korean manwha -- Volume 2)
• Kekkaishi
(Volume 1)
• Metropolis
• Naruto
(Volume 4)
• Neon
Genesis Evangelion (Volume 8)
• One Piece
(2, 7)
• Paradise
Kiss (Volume 3)
• Platinum
Garden (Volume 3)
• Ral Grad
(Volume 1)
• Sgt. Frog
(Volume 7)
• XXXHolic
(Volume 1)
Set:
Volumes 1-13 of Fushigi Yugi Book
Manga
• Sokora
Refugees (Volume 1)
• Tokyo Mew
Mew (Volume 1)
• Neck and
Neck (Volume 1)
• Alice
19th (Volume 1)
• Et Cetera
(Volume 1)
• Nana
(Volume 1)
• Guru Guru
Pon-Chan (Volume 2)
• Full Moon
O Sagashite (Volume 2)
• No Need
for Tenchi! (Volume 1)
• Mermaid
Saga (Volume 1)
• Paradise
Kiss (Volume 4)
• Othello
(Volume 2, 3)
• Hot
Gimmick (Volume 2)
• The World
of Narue (Volume 1)
• Wish
(Volume 3)
• Orphen
(Volume 1)
• Pastel
(Volume 8)
• The
Wallflower (Volumes 1, 4)
All Things Anime
So as you can probably tell, I'm cleaning out my bookmarks. I
didn't know what else to do because there's still too much. I think I'm
going to start off with some cosplays because they're the first thing
that I sorted through. I really wanted to have a lolita dress for a
future con, so I was browsing online for a pattern. I don't really know
what else to do with these but list them here, unlike the English things
yesterday. Sorry.
Basic Lolita Dress
Bedsheet Summer Dress
Classic Lolita
Gothic Loli How To
Gothic Loli Dress
Old School Loli
Sun Fun Loli
Sweet Lolita Alice in Wonderland
Then I went through a lot of my convention things. I really was into conventions when I was in Japan because I missed that slice of home life. I don't want to go to a lot of conventions because I don't like that many people, especially the subtle, passive-aggressive battles everyone has in their heads and through their interactions with everyone else.
All Anime Cons :Essentially this is just a list of all the biggest conventions in the whole wide world. It seems to be updated on a fairly frequent basis (year to year or so I think) because it is always accurate on dates. I use this to plan out imaginary cons I want to go to and keep track of my friends cons, lest I try to plan stuff with them when they're out at a con.
Anime Fusion :Is a convention I'm considering vending at this coming year. My friend wanted me to sell with her since her normal crew isn't going. She knew that I wanted to sell at a convention and this is a pretty good opportunity for me. She wants me to pitch in my share, but I haven't worked in three weeks due to complications. Once I work a little and pay off some of my school bill, of course I'll gladly give her my share. In the meantime, I will have to crochet a lot because I need to have stock to sell after all~!
Anime Planet :I use this site to look up characters I've only seen in gifs or pics. Its really helpful because then I can also look through a semi wide, semi narrow list of types of characters I want to cosplay. It is less tedious than Anime Characters Database for cosplays, but maybe not as much overall.
Animinneapolis :Animinneapolis is a local con I've been going to for a couple of years. Actually I've been going to it since it first opened, and it isn't that organized. On the surface level fans aren't aware of all of the chaos behind the scenes.
Metacon :Metacon is maybe two years old now. I was unable to go to it before I went to Japan, but I heard it is pretty good. I'm so excited because I am considering going this year. I heard it is a really nice and neat convention, maybe not as chaotic and wild as Animinneapolis, but I don't know for sure.
That's all I have for anime conventions. I really can't wait because I know this year will have a lot of big changes for me. I want to go to all of them and know that going to all of them would overwhelm me. the possibility of being an entrepreneur through conventions would be really exciting, since I don't know how else to get myself off the ground. At least this will be a good chance for me.
Right Stuf :No it isn't a typo. It is a really cool online store to buy essentially anything related to anime and manga. I think they even do some cosplay. They have really cool sales around the holidays too, so they're worth looking into.
Intermission time:
So
I was really interested in voice acting after I went to several panels
at conventions over the years and I was really fired up after I'd
challenged Monica Rial to a voice off. Unfortunately I'd lost my voice
that weekend... so I looked like a puny coward. I still plan on voicing
off with her, though I'm sure I have a fair chance at winning. I'll need
to practice before I see her again though. So here's some things that
my bestie helped me in pursuit of this interest.
Jerry Lewis :An official announcer's test to warm up and practice with one's voice. I'd highly recommend it for anyone about to give a speech or presentation.
Kyle Hebert :He's a voice actor and he'll teach or give voice acting tips for money. He does it over skype so he can access a full range of customers. He even gives discounts, like less for pairs sometimes, so keep an eye out for those. He's totally worth every cent because he truly wants to help out.
New Grounds :An important tool because individual film and game creators are always looking for voice actors. It is a great way to guild experience and get feedback from massive amounts of strangers. Just look on their 4chan-like forums and start building relationships.
Proboards :A great place to also start one's voice acting career. I don't know much about it, but I do know it is a great place to start for beginners.
Suzumiha Haruhi :Look around here as well to start off one's career. Look up egoraptor(s) as well.
Vocaroo :I use to record myself not only for Ecards/congrats, but to practice. It is a lot easier than setting up my computer's camera, but is only audio. More than what I need to practice while perpetually shocked at the wound of my own voice.
VO Ninja :The Voice Over Ninja. Another important tool for the self-starting voice actor. Remember, it takes practice and research and persistence to become a success!
Don't forget that to start an independent career in voice acting, money will have to be invested. It isn't something that can be done easily so prepare to invest in mics, an audio system, software as more. Basic acting classes will also help if you're really at a loss.
Lastly, I think I will go through some Japanese stores that are online as well. I really like them because of what service they provide on top of the items they sell. Some of these were recommended through my close friend in/from Tokyo, and were more catered towards my preferences than in general. So please don't be surprised if some of it doesn't appeal to you.
Pierrot Yarns : Don't let the name fool you. Ever see cute things in anime? Here's how you can knit or crochet it. It is a great and inexpensive way to create some cosplay clothes.
Pixiv :A great way to find stylish and more "original" art of your favorite anime and manga characters. I love to utilize this for art pieces like the one in the link.
Prisila's Wigs :Some of the nicest, inexpensive regular and cosplay wigs I've ever seen. their customer service is really nice and they will ever style the wigs in store for customers. All "colored" wigs are about $50 and down to butt-length. I want to get some styled next time I go to Japan for cosplays.
Well that's all I have for now. Most of my bookmarked items have been cleared out thematically, so there might be some random and sporadic posts after this. Not sure, since this might be the last.
Thank you for reading and have a great evening~
Basic Lolita Dress
Bedsheet Summer Dress
Classic Lolita
Gothic Loli How To
Gothic Loli Dress
Old School Loli
Sun Fun Loli
Sweet Lolita Alice in Wonderland
Then I went through a lot of my convention things. I really was into conventions when I was in Japan because I missed that slice of home life. I don't want to go to a lot of conventions because I don't like that many people, especially the subtle, passive-aggressive battles everyone has in their heads and through their interactions with everyone else.
All Anime Cons :Essentially this is just a list of all the biggest conventions in the whole wide world. It seems to be updated on a fairly frequent basis (year to year or so I think) because it is always accurate on dates. I use this to plan out imaginary cons I want to go to and keep track of my friends cons, lest I try to plan stuff with them when they're out at a con.
Anime Fusion :Is a convention I'm considering vending at this coming year. My friend wanted me to sell with her since her normal crew isn't going. She knew that I wanted to sell at a convention and this is a pretty good opportunity for me. She wants me to pitch in my share, but I haven't worked in three weeks due to complications. Once I work a little and pay off some of my school bill, of course I'll gladly give her my share. In the meantime, I will have to crochet a lot because I need to have stock to sell after all~!
Anime Planet :I use this site to look up characters I've only seen in gifs or pics. Its really helpful because then I can also look through a semi wide, semi narrow list of types of characters I want to cosplay. It is less tedious than Anime Characters Database for cosplays, but maybe not as much overall.
Animinneapolis :Animinneapolis is a local con I've been going to for a couple of years. Actually I've been going to it since it first opened, and it isn't that organized. On the surface level fans aren't aware of all of the chaos behind the scenes.
Metacon :Metacon is maybe two years old now. I was unable to go to it before I went to Japan, but I heard it is pretty good. I'm so excited because I am considering going this year. I heard it is a really nice and neat convention, maybe not as chaotic and wild as Animinneapolis, but I don't know for sure.
That's all I have for anime conventions. I really can't wait because I know this year will have a lot of big changes for me. I want to go to all of them and know that going to all of them would overwhelm me. the possibility of being an entrepreneur through conventions would be really exciting, since I don't know how else to get myself off the ground. At least this will be a good chance for me.
Right Stuf :No it isn't a typo. It is a really cool online store to buy essentially anything related to anime and manga. I think they even do some cosplay. They have really cool sales around the holidays too, so they're worth looking into.
Intermission time:
Jerry Lewis :An official announcer's test to warm up and practice with one's voice. I'd highly recommend it for anyone about to give a speech or presentation.
Kyle Hebert :He's a voice actor and he'll teach or give voice acting tips for money. He does it over skype so he can access a full range of customers. He even gives discounts, like less for pairs sometimes, so keep an eye out for those. He's totally worth every cent because he truly wants to help out.
New Grounds :An important tool because individual film and game creators are always looking for voice actors. It is a great way to guild experience and get feedback from massive amounts of strangers. Just look on their 4chan-like forums and start building relationships.
Proboards :A great place to also start one's voice acting career. I don't know much about it, but I do know it is a great place to start for beginners.
Suzumiha Haruhi :Look around here as well to start off one's career. Look up egoraptor(s) as well.
Vocaroo :I use to record myself not only for Ecards/congrats, but to practice. It is a lot easier than setting up my computer's camera, but is only audio. More than what I need to practice while perpetually shocked at the wound of my own voice.
VO Ninja :The Voice Over Ninja. Another important tool for the self-starting voice actor. Remember, it takes practice and research and persistence to become a success!
Don't forget that to start an independent career in voice acting, money will have to be invested. It isn't something that can be done easily so prepare to invest in mics, an audio system, software as more. Basic acting classes will also help if you're really at a loss.
Lastly, I think I will go through some Japanese stores that are online as well. I really like them because of what service they provide on top of the items they sell. Some of these were recommended through my close friend in/from Tokyo, and were more catered towards my preferences than in general. So please don't be surprised if some of it doesn't appeal to you.
Pierrot Yarns : Don't let the name fool you. Ever see cute things in anime? Here's how you can knit or crochet it. It is a great and inexpensive way to create some cosplay clothes.
Pixiv :A great way to find stylish and more "original" art of your favorite anime and manga characters. I love to utilize this for art pieces like the one in the link.
Prisila's Wigs :Some of the nicest, inexpensive regular and cosplay wigs I've ever seen. their customer service is really nice and they will ever style the wigs in store for customers. All "colored" wigs are about $50 and down to butt-length. I want to get some styled next time I go to Japan for cosplays.
Well that's all I have for now. Most of my bookmarked items have been cleared out thematically, so there might be some random and sporadic posts after this. Not sure, since this might be the last.
Thank you for reading and have a great evening~
Cosplay Fundraising an Issue?
Sorry it has been a while since I last updated. I have been so busy with finals and working at least 34 hours a week that I almost forgot about this blog. So I'm going to update with a new "controversial" subject in the cosplay community. So recently a girl "fundraised" for her cosplay career. It is controversial because a lot of people think that it is unfair that she was even bothering, while others think that if she has a large and generous fanbase, she should be able to. For more information, please read This. Essentially because this person raised 4k for her $650 cosplay photoshoot and splurged on the extra funding, people are pissed off. Some think it is wrong because an individual should completely raise their own funds to partake in such a hobby or lifestyle, while others applaud her for finding other means to get the necessary funds. I personally think that there isn't enough information on this web page because the general paragraph full of information on the event was already full of others opinions and not facts.
"So Liz Katz recently had an Indiegogo fundraiser that passed its goal of $650. It has now reached over $4,000. What she wanted to do with the money was to create a sexy Princess Peach costume for a Mario-themed photoshoot. She also needs a sewing machine, camera lenses, and outdoor lighting. This has gotten the cosplay community in an uproar, saying that people shouldn’t be asking for money to create cosplay outfits. One cosplayer, Kearstin Nicholson, has shown her dislike for the fundraiser."
--John 'Spartan' Nguyen
I think that it would be most important for the full facts because without more detail I really can't take a stance on the situation. If this girl didn't spend the money as she had intended for fundraising, I might be upset. Is she spent it on her goals and had excess to spend on herself or future cosplays, I would shrug it off. But because I truly don't know what is going on, I really can't judge like others are. It doesn't seem fair to ask others opinions without the full details, so this article should either be edited or dismissed.
Thanks for reading.
"So Liz Katz recently had an Indiegogo fundraiser that passed its goal of $650. It has now reached over $4,000. What she wanted to do with the money was to create a sexy Princess Peach costume for a Mario-themed photoshoot. She also needs a sewing machine, camera lenses, and outdoor lighting. This has gotten the cosplay community in an uproar, saying that people shouldn’t be asking for money to create cosplay outfits. One cosplayer, Kearstin Nicholson, has shown her dislike for the fundraiser."
--John 'Spartan' Nguyen
I think that it would be most important for the full facts because without more detail I really can't take a stance on the situation. If this girl didn't spend the money as she had intended for fundraising, I might be upset. Is she spent it on her goals and had excess to spend on herself or future cosplays, I would shrug it off. But because I truly don't know what is going on, I really can't judge like others are. It doesn't seem fair to ask others opinions without the full details, so this article should either be edited or dismissed.
Thanks for reading.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Cosplays I Want[ed?] to Do
If you found this blog on a basic Google search, you may have noticed this posting on another blog. Don't worry, I'm not plagarizing someone else's works. I took it from my other blog because I thought it fit the theme of this one. So don't fret because I have my permission to post it here~
Today I have been going through the bookmarks on my firefox browser to just lessen some of the clutter on my computer. I do this every year (or two) because after a while I don't need some of the stuff. Or I don't want stuff anymore. The web comics folder on my computer has grown exponentially in the past six months.
So to preserve some of the things that I do want, but conserve space at the same time I'm going to put up links to all the cosplay-related things I've spent time investing in over the past year. Prepare yourselves for links.
Uncommon Skin Toned Characters
Cat-People List
Catgirl Kiki *Something I really want to do if I can lose the weight
./Hack Twinblade
Color Q World (Colored Characters in Anime/Manga) * Something everyone should preview, if only for the articles
Tangrowth
Mecha Girls
Noah from FMA
There's actually more stuff on my computer that I want to do, like a Tangrowth gijinka and Diebuster characters. I'm really looking forward to doing the Diebusters one and the catgirl kiki because I think they're really cool. I also want to to Michiko from Michiko to Hatchin because she's so cool! The downside is I have to struggle to make the cosplays myself, but I can't wait to do it. I think that my hair will be long enough too. Well I'll sit and muse on which cosplay I want to make for the upcoming year, and let you all know later.
Thank you for reading.
Today I have been going through the bookmarks on my firefox browser to just lessen some of the clutter on my computer. I do this every year (or two) because after a while I don't need some of the stuff. Or I don't want stuff anymore. The web comics folder on my computer has grown exponentially in the past six months.
So to preserve some of the things that I do want, but conserve space at the same time I'm going to put up links to all the cosplay-related things I've spent time investing in over the past year. Prepare yourselves for links.
Uncommon Skin Toned Characters
Cat-People List
Catgirl Kiki *Something I really want to do if I can lose the weight
./Hack Twinblade
Color Q World (Colored Characters in Anime/Manga) * Something everyone should preview, if only for the articles
Tangrowth
Mecha Girls
Noah from FMA
There's actually more stuff on my computer that I want to do, like a Tangrowth gijinka and Diebuster characters. I'm really looking forward to doing the Diebusters one and the catgirl kiki because I think they're really cool. I also want to to Michiko from Michiko to Hatchin because she's so cool! The downside is I have to struggle to make the cosplays myself, but I can't wait to do it. I think that my hair will be long enough too. Well I'll sit and muse on which cosplay I want to make for the upcoming year, and let you all know later.
Thank you for reading.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Little Red Continued: Me
First off, now 3D Latte Art is trending in Japan.
Secondly, the sources for my Little Red Riding Hood Cross-Cultural paper are here now. I think there are a few missing, but I can't find my usb at this moment so I'll post the rest at a later date here.
Haase, Donald. "Little Red Riding Hood." The Greenwood Encyklopedia of Folktales and Fairy Tales. Vol. 2 G-P. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 2008. Print.
Secondly, the sources for my Little Red Riding Hood Cross-Cultural paper are here now. I think there are a few missing, but I can't find my usb at this moment so I'll post the rest at a later date here.
Works Cited
Anderson, Joseph L. Enter a Samurai: Kawakami Otojiro and
Japanese Theatre in the West. Tuscon,
Ariz: Wheatmark, 2011. Print.
Bacchilega, Cristina,
and Cornelia Niekus Moore. Constructions and Confrontations: Changing Representations of Women and Feminisms, East
and West : Selected Essays. Honolulu: College
of Languages, Linguistics and Literature, University of Hawaiʻi and the East-West Center, 1996. Print.
Beckett, Sandra L. Red Riding Hood for All Ages: A Fairy-Tale
Icon in Cross-Cultural Contexts. Detroit:
Wayne State University Press, 2008. Print.
Beckett, Sandra L. Recycling Red Riding Hood. New York:
Routledge, 2002. Print.
Blonsky, Marshall. On Signs. Baltimore, Md: Johns Hopkins
University Press, 1985. Print.
Knight,
John. Waiting for Wolves in Japan: an
Anthropological Study of People-Wildlife Relations. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2003. Print. Haase, Donald. "Little Red Riding Hood." The Greenwood Encyklopedia of Folktales and Fairy Tales. Vol. 2 G-P. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 2008. Print.
Kristof, Nicholas D.
"Big Wolves Aren't so Bad in Japan." New York Times [New York]
1 Dec. 1996: n. pag. New York Times.
Web.
Kurahashi, Yumiko. Two Tales from Cruel Fairy Tales for Adults.
Marvels and Tales. 22.1 (Apr. 2008)
pg 1. Word count 5708. From Literary Resource Center.
Lebra, Takie S, and
William P. Lebra. Japanese Culture and
Behavior: Selected Reading. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press. 1986. Print.
Prasol. A. F. Modern Japan Origins of the Mind: Japanese
Traditions and Approaches to Contemporary
Life. Singapore: World Scientific,
2010. Internet Resource.
Zipes, Jack. The
Trials and Tribulations of Little Red Riding Hood: Versions of the Tale in Sociocultural Context. South
Hadley, MA: Bergin & Garvey, 1983. Print.
I wanted to follow up with the extensive research I've been doing on Little Red Riding Hood in Japan so I posted my sources on my research paper. I think that after I apply to grad school then I will officially post the paper I wrote here, but until then, I will not because I don't want to be dismissed from any schools for being a plagiarist (of myself) or have someone else use it to get into school. So please don't plagiarize my works and efforts.
Thank you for reading.
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