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.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
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.
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