Tag Archives: Japan

Anime and Japan’s culture of “cuteness”

Posted on June 19, 2011 by Yumeka

Something that’s always fascinated me since I’ve been able to follow Japan’s anime fandom in real time thanks to the advancement of the Internet, is the proliferation of “cuteness” in the country – not just in all genres of anime, … Continue reading →

Posted in Editorials and Ramblings, Japan & Japanese | Tagged , , , , | 20 Comments

My condolences to Japan and reflections on natural disasters

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Yumeka

I’ve never seen Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 but I know it’s appropriate right now I rarely do news posts since I can’t get them out promptly and there are many others far more skilled at gathering up-to-date information and links than … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan & Japanese, Miscellaneous | Tagged , | 14 Comments

Miku Hatsune and the importance of official canon in anime

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Yumeka

初音ミク by 歪歪waiwai I’ve never had interest in being a part of the Vocaloid fandom, but I do have a ton of respect for it and acknowledge its importance in the otaku world. However, a recent question about the popularity … Continue reading →

Posted in Editorials and Ramblings | Tagged , , , | 36 Comments

Where are all the films that blend live-action and anime?

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Yumeka

While browsing through this entertaining little site yesterday, a thought suddenly occurred to me: are there any Japanese films in which anime characters and live-action characters interact?…

Posted in Editorials and Ramblings | Tagged , , , , | 22 Comments

1,500 words in defense of moe

Posted on November 27, 2010 by Yumeka

I’ve tackled the moe debate indirectly in previous posts, but I haven’t yet went head on with it. So here I go, a post of 1,500 words about why moe does not deserve the negative treatment that many Western anime … Continue reading →

Posted in Editorials and Ramblings | Tagged , , , | 31 Comments

The appeal of the anime “short skirt plus long leggings” look

Posted on November 5, 2010 by Yumeka

Skirts blowing in the wind is always a nice touch. Not too long ago, while I was showing my mom a video of May’n and Megumi Nakajima’s Budokan concert, she made an interesting comment about their outfits. She said that … Continue reading →

Posted in Editorials and Ramblings | Tagged , | 30 Comments

The gems of my anime collection

Posted on October 29, 2010 by Yumeka

After 10+ years of collecting anime goods, I feel it’s time for me to pick out the handful of products that are the pride and joy of my collection…

Posted in Anime Products, Images, Videos, & Mp3s | Tagged , , , | 23 Comments

The ethos of self-sacrifice in anime

Posted on July 7, 2010 by Yumeka

Nausicaa’s selflessness always makes me cry A common trope that I’ve noticed in all genres of anime is the many scenes of dramatic self-sacrifice. Even if it’s a comedy series, even if it’s a character who’s not particularly noble, self-sacrifice … Continue reading →

Posted in Editorials and Ramblings | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

Don’t get discouraged when learning Japanese (because it’s easier than English)

Posted on June 14, 2010 by Yumeka

I’ve been studying Japanese at college, abroad, and on my own since mid-2004. The most common reaction I get from people whom I talk to about it, or who are beginning to learn themselves, is that it must be an … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan & Japanese | Tagged , , | 34 Comments

Communal Japan vs individualistic America

Posted on March 11, 2010 by Yumeka

Not a Hetalia post, just used some screencaps X) Now that I’ve had some years of experience studying and being immersed in Japanese culture, one particular thing that’s always fascinated me about Japan when compared to America is the sense … Continue reading →

Posted in Editorials and Ramblings, Japan & Japanese | Tagged , | 9 Comments