Nakano Broadway occupies a special position in the Tokyo public consciousness, as a place showcasing a different brand of otakuism compared to that of of Akihabara or Ikebukuro. Less commercialised, flashy, less intense, more sophisticated and more directed towards the ‘collector’ rather than the casual, awkward teenager, Nakano Broadway represents what manga and anime used to be – a specific brand of sabukaruchaa – subculture. At the end of the relatively unassuming shoutengai Sun Mall, about four minutes by foot from the north entrance of JR Nakano station, lies Nakano Broadway, which most likely won’t give you any revelatory ‘woow’ experience. Rather, people who have listened to their friends hype this place up into the clouds might be prone to disappointment. But wait, there’s more to it that meets the eye. But first, some history.

The first thing you’re likely to experience is confusion, as the first escalator you encounter leads you not up to the second floor as any normal person would assume, but rather the third one. I always get lost, even with a map – the layout of the building is like something from a Kafka novel. Luckily, there are floor maps, and on the first floor you’re recommended to grab a pamphlet in your language of choice, be it Japanese, English, Chinese, or Korean. I could’ve written a floor guide, but Nakano Broadway isn’t really meant to be browsed through methodically, you’re supposed to get lost in the narrow gates, forgetting both the time and where those 10,000 yen bills from your wallet went … The important thing is that the main action happens on the second and third floors; depart from either the aforementioned escalator or the stairs and you’re good to go.

As one should expect, Mandarake is both the physical and the spiritual centre of Nakano Broadway, and by far occupies the largest number of shops inside. As one of its slogans goes, ‘If you can’t find it at Mandarake, you can’t find it anywhere’. And that’s most certainly true, be it old Toho-godzilla posters (2nd floor), antique robots (4th floor), miniature cars (2nd floor), anime cells (4th floor), anime music (2nd floor), Doujinshi (2nd floor), vintage Astroboy (4th floor) – you get the picture. On the third floor is one of my favourite Mandarake stores, ‘Henya’: after you make your way through a gate consisting of traditional Japanese torii (gates found at shinto temples), you’re greeted by a life-size Choujin Baromu (apparently some old super hero) with a price tag of 850,000 yen, and as you walk around on the equal-parts tacky and fascinating 1960’s futuristic neon floor, your eyes will be blinded by the sheer amount of old toys and figurines. Although no aficionado of that sort, I felt my hand unconsciously moving towards my wallet upon seeing Godzilla, Tiger Mask, and Robby the Robot from Forbidden Planet, as well as other Showa-era rarities. Call me boring, but I usually spend most of my time at the large second-hand manga store on the third floor, which bears the poetic name of ‘Main Store’ and ‘Main Store 2’. This is one of my absolute favourite spots for manga in Tokyo: Not only is it reasonably cheap, with even most obscure and hard-to-get titles prized under 1,000 yen, the selection is also excellent. If you’re in trouble, the staff are also always very helpful, and there’s usually at least one English-proficient person, for those of you not yet confident in the language of the land of the rising sun. If you’re a Tokyo resident and wanting to get rid of some old, dust-collecting comics – maybe before your family is visiting you for Christmas? – you can head over to the buy-back stand on the 3rd floor. As far as prices go I am not really sure, but assume that they will pay more than book-off, given that you have something noteworthy to offer. The outside decor of the main store perfectly sets the mood with its 80s industrial Hong Kong steampunk theme – Nakano Broadway has been compared to the infamous ‘Kowloon Walled City’ (which also by the way is the theme for an awesome game center Kawasaki Warehouse) – reminding us that, even though Mandarake might be a chain store now, this is its original incarnation, where it all started – the centre of Tokyo’s ‘otaku subculture heaven’.

Even though visiting all the Mandarake stores will take you more than a whole day’s worth of exploring, there are also other places worth visiting in Nakano Broadway. A comprehensive list would be too long for this article, so what follows are some severely biased selections. If you can’t find the cells you’re looking for at Mandrake, you can head to Anime World Star, a small shop specialising in celluloids from movies. I admittedly haven’t visited this particular store, but rumour has it that it’s possible to make a bargain for less than 1,000 yen. Rather than wasting your money on a sub-par meal at that robot restaurant in Shinjuku, you could also consider investing in a cute, tiny vintage machine at Robot Robot on the 3rd floor. Although you probably won’t find Japan’s new darling Pepper here, most of the fictional robots from Japan and abroad can probably be found in this small shop. We can’t finish without mentioning Zingaro, which, if we want to go all cheesy, can be said to put the culture into the subculture that Nakano Broadway represents. Owned by Murakami Takashi, an acclaimed Japanese artist whose instantly recognisable happy flowers (or artwork for Kanye West’s third album), Zingaro consists of no more than five galleries, where especially pixiv Zingaro is of special interest to the anime fan. The gallery regularly hosts manga and anime-related exhibitions, all free of charge. And should you be tired after a day’s worth of guilty pleasure shopping, or simply want a place to sit down and play with your miniature robots, Bar Zingaro is the place for that, with it’s delicate Scandinavian interior and flower paintings. If the noisy Akihabara just leaves you exhausted, fed up with that mass-produced crap that more than often is the case nowadays, you can turn back to JR Akihabara Station, take the Chuo line to Shinjuku, change for either the Sobu line or the Chuo line, and get off at Nakano, and you will have everything your nostalgic, a little bitter, but true otaku heart desires. Nakano Broadway is not the place to go if you’re looking for new stuff, but if you are, pretend to be, or want to become an enthusiast, you will want to be right here.

If you have ever watched an anime and seen the characters wearing a kimono, you have probably wondered what is a kimono? A kimono is a traditional Japanese dress worn today in tea ceremonies, weddings, and other formal occasions. You may seen many characters wearing them at one point in an anime. Typically, in anime, females are seen wearing kimono though men do wear them as well. Kimono are generally made out of silk, as is the obi, and may consist of many layers beneath the initial robe that you see. The outer layer has beautiful decorations that often suit the season the kimono was made for varying from birds to flowers and other plants. The colors are also a reflection of the season themselves. Often, bright colors will be worn for summer and cooler colors for seasons like winter.

In Japan today, kimono are generally worn for special occasions only such as weddings and tea ceremonies. Sumo wrestlers may often times be seen wearing kimono as it is a requirement. The kimono has also been adapted into more modern fashions such as lolita fashion called wa loli. As you can see, even though the everyday use of kimono has declined, the kimono is still a very popular fashion that has yet to lose popularity in Japan today. There are westerners who do want to wear the traditional kimono, as well, so some establishments are available for renting out kimono to foreigners. These establishments can show how to properly wear a kimono and allow foreigners to walk around town in traditional dress. Kimono can be quite expensive so most people in Japan will usually rent a kimono rather than buy one for special occasions. A cheap kimono can go for around $100 while an expensive kimono can dip well into the thousands.

There are many rules in regards to how to wear a traditional kimono, though store clerks are always willing to teach you if you want to learn how. Not just foreigners, but even many Japanese people today do not know how to properly put on a kimono. There are many steps that must be taken to properly wear a kimono from having all of the seams inline, the right cannot overlap the left, and the excess material must be tucked underneath the sash. Unless you wear a kimono often, it can be quite difficult to remember how to put it on. Often times, someone who rents out kimono can teach you how to put one on. There's also a proper attitude and etiquette to follow when wearing a kimono from how you can walk to how you can behave. It's not just an outfit, it's how you act too. It reflects the proper lady-like behavior that is to be expected of a woman who wears a kimono.

As you can see, there is a lot more to a kimono than just a dress. A kimono is not a cosplay nor is it just a piece of cloth. The kimono is a beautiful textile representation of Japan's rich history that has continued to survive today. The kimono has survived for many centuries, continuing to grow and adapt to new ages in Japan. It will be interesting to see how much more the kimono will adapt to new styles in Japan. Japan is known as being a country with many different trends, but the kimono is one fashion that never goes out of style.

NEET, Hikikomori, YD. If you watch any amount of anime, you are bound to have run into at least one or two of these terms. Actually, NEET and Hikikomori have been around for quite some time now. And while some people may think that these terms are interchangeable or that the people they describe are pretty much the same, the truth is they are different. Though one could be classified as two or more of them at the same time. While YD originated from a recent anime, Dempa Kyoushi, NEET and Hikikomori are both real terms that have been in use for over a decade and are actually considered as an important social issue. Because of its use in the series, though, I believe the term YD may actually pick up. All of these terms and the people they describe are clear manifestations of our modern society and the direction in which human psychology and human interactions are heading. So to get things started let’s find out…

NEET: (Oxford Dictionary) British. A young person who is no longer in the education system and who is not working or being trained for work. Acronym of Not in Education, Employment, or Training. Origin: Early 21st century. It is important to note that NEETs are young people usually under the age of 30 and are officially not involved in any of the aforementioned occupations. The reasons can be anything from laziness, a bad economy or job market or they are recent graduates. They usually live off of welfare programs, unemployment check or allowances from their parents. This last one is most common in Japan. Eikichi Onizuka from Great Teacher Onizuka is technically a NEET before deciding to be a teacher. A punk, but still a NEET. Hikikomori: (Oxford Dictionary) In Japan, the abnormal avoidance of social contact, typically by adolescent males. A person who avoids social contact. Origin: Japanese. Literally meaning “staying indoors, (social) withdrawal”. There are almost 1 million hikikomori in Japan between the ages of 20 and 40. Unlike NEETs, Hikikomori started as a definition for socially withdrawn young people about 20 years ago in Japan. However, this first generation of Hikikomori continues to live in isolation and is now in their 40s. Hikikomori are people who refuse to leave their house for more than 6 months. They tend to live with their parents who cover their expenses or if they live on their own, they also receive some sort of allowance from their family. However, the definition of Hikikomori does not include a lack of employment. And with the existence of online work, they could very well make a living on their own. Hakua Shiodome from Shomin Sample is most definitely a hikikomori. Isolating herself from everybody but still working and studying, until Kimito comes along. YD: (Denpa Kyoushi / Ultimate Otaku Teacher manga and anime) Abbreviated form of the Japanese phrase “Yaritai koto shika Dekinai” or “only Able to Do what he Wants” (ADW) in English. It is a self-diagnosed condition the main character Junichirou Kagami claims to suffer from which only allows him to do what he wants to do. In the anime, when put in situations where he must do something he doesn’t want to do, he makes sure to add something into the mix that he desires to do, is interested in or simply, will entertain him. Another example of a YD character would be Luffy from One Piece. He only does what he wants, but then again, he is a pirate. He hand-picks his crew members, eats what he wants, goes where he wants and chases whatever dream he wishes. As he states at one point, his ideal of being Pirate King is not to be important, but to be free. That sounds pretty YD to me! So now that we have the definitions down, let’s break apart the differences.

As mentioned before, this is another major difference, at least between NEETs and hikikomori. NEETs can be social and spend time outside their home, but hikikomori are by definition reclusive. Hikikomori usually decide to shut themselves away from society after an occurrence that affects them in a social setting. This can be a humiliating moment, a frightening experience, or simply a small social phobia that grows worse and worse over time. They sometimes spend time outside of their home, but this usually makes them uncomfortable. Depending on the degree of their anxiety, misanthropy or anthropophobia, they can range from being quiet and isolated students to completely disappearing from school. A good example of a hikikomori is Ito Hikiotani from Punch Line. She used to go to school until a traumatizing bully experience led her to drop out of school and avoid human interaction as much as possible. Once at the Korai House, she rarely leaves her room and she has no job so she is also a NEET. In fact, Ito’s name (read in Japanese Hikiotani Ito) is actually a play on the words Hikikomori, otaku and niito (NEET). Sora and Shiro from No Game No Life are two more hikikomori who cut their ties to society when they lose their parents. And while Yuuko Shionji from Kami-sama no Memo-chou is referred to as a NEET Detective, she’s really more of a hikikomori since she does all her investigating from her laptop in her room by herself, but technically she isn’t unemployed as she is a detective. YDs will basically be social whenever and with whomever they want at any given time. Our aforementioned Haruhi Suzumiya hand-picks her club members / friends and the times they interact. Luffy also chooses his friends / crew members and, much like Haruhi, makes them join him. And as for those he doesn’t want to socialize with, he just walks away or blatantly ignores them.

Another reason is that in Japan there are countless social norms, rules and expectations which, until recently, were followed by everybody without question. Nobody really wanted to stand out and / or be different. However, more and more people have discovered individuality and while there are those who embrace it, let their unique flag fly and don’t care about what others think, some dislike being judged and feel they don’t agree with the way Japanese society works, so they decide to retract from it. Itami’s wife, Risa from GATE, for example is a doujinshi artist and a major otaku so she lives as a hikikomori, as neither of her interests are very socially acceptable in Japan. As for YD, this seems to be a very real thing. It just hasn’t been given a name until now. And, I believe it is most prevalent among millennials, and now, their children. A YD personality like Junichiro’s, Haruhi’s or Luffy’s is all about just doing what you want and not really caring about others’ expectations of you or what people think of you. This is a mentality that has grown and spread over the last decade or so and it makes some people uncomfortable. This is often shown in anime when the aforementioned characters are criticized for being so free-spirited.

The main differences are: 1. hikikomori are always reclusive but could have a job. 2. NEETs don’t have a job or go to school and may be sociable or antisocial. 3. YDs do whatever they very well please, work-wise, socially or otherwise. 4. One can be both a hikikomori and a NEET at the same time. 5. One can also be a NEET and YD at the same time. 6. Not sure whether a hikikomori can be YD, since this is the most pathological of the conditions. I suppose if the reason to withdraw isn't negative, and is truly what all they desire, they could be YD too.

Some see the YD way of life as irresponsible and selfish, but those who follow it are most likely happier than those who do things they don’t want to simply because “they have to” or because society dictates it. Young entrepreneurs, successful YouTubers, parents who home-school and permaculturers are just some examples of real-world YDs. They make their own path without following the rules and expectations of society. They follow their dreams, they do what they want. However, I also believe the NEET phenomenon is a side-effect of this YD “condition” as Junichiro calls it. The NEETs who stay as such by choice, also do what they want. They don’t want to do what they’re expected to, they wish to be free, play video games, loaf around, or what-have-you (not everyone wants to start a business!). While this seems lazy, they are simply pursuing their own happiness. So in a way, some NEETs are also YDs! And lastly, if hikikomori were able to embrace the YD lifestyle, they would likely be able to leave their homes and be a part of society. However, this depends mostly on the society that made them withdraw in the first place. Hopefully Japan will open up more and more to the idea of individuality and allow people to be who they want to be without making them feel like they don’t want to be a part of that society anymore. Are you a NEET? A hikikomori? YD? Do you know any people like this? If you had to be one, which one would you choose? Please share your thoughts in the comments! Nya~!

Because of its pace-making modernity, especially in depictions in anime, it’s sometimes easy to forget exactly how important long-standing yearly traditions are, on a cultural and personal level for Japan. This is especially true in winter, when Japan’s love of celebration and willingness to embrace foreign traditions ensure that Christmas spirit is in full swing, as evidenced by the beautiful, elaborate illuminations (Japanese Christmas light shows), countless ads for “Christmas cake,” and the beloved (though somewhat creepy) Colonel decked out as Santa.

But even more important to the season is Oshōgatsu, the Japanese New Year Celebration. Unlike Christmas, almost everyone has the New Year’s holiday off from work. Where Christmas is more of a date night, Oshōgatsu is a time for family, and practicing long-standing tradition. An essential part of Oshōgatsu is hatsumōde, the first visit to a shrine in the New Year. But what exactly is hatsumōde? Since it’s depicted so frequently in our favorite anime (like Love Live!, Monogatari, The Eccentric Family, and more) we’re here to fill you in.

Although Japan historically celebrated the Chinese New Year, like other Asian nations, during the early years of the Meiji Restoration, to further its efforts to charge into the “Western” world, the country adopted the Gregorian calendar and January 1st became the first official day of the New Year, taking New Year’s traditions with it. While modern Japan is wonderfully tolerant of world religions, its historical traditions are typically rooted in Shinto, “the way of the Gods,” a ritual-heavy religion celebrating kami, divine beings that manifest themselves in sacred objects found in the natural world (and with scenery so beautiful, the reasons for this belief are obvious), or Buddhism, which migrated from the Asian mainland. Hatsumōde is no different, with centuries of practice rooted in Shinto tradition.

As mentioned earlier, hatsumōde is the first visit to a shrine in the New Year. One important (and somewhat tricky) distinction worth noting is that the term “shrine” refers to religious buildings associated with Shinto, where “temple” refers to buildings that are associated with Buddhism. Although Buddhism is equally important in terms of historical tradition and practices, it’s typically not as common to visit a temple for hatsumōde, as evidenced by the millions that flock to the nation’s most popular shrines (like the Meiji Jingu, in the heart of Tokyo) year after year.

Like its Western counterpart, an important part of Oshōgatsu is starting the year off on the right foot, often times with a resolution, or a wish. This is expressed in a couple of ways in Japan, such as kakizome, the first calligraphy done specifically on New Year’s, where you write your favorite character or a character representing your strongest desire for the coming year. While very popular in its own right, it has become a regular homework assignment for high schoolers and junior high schoolers during winter vacation. Another way is through the purchase of omamori, amulets or charms dedicated to specific deities that are meant to safeguard against harm (such as charms to ward off illness, or accident), or help in the fulfillment of personal desire (like charms to help in your studies, in your athletic pursuits, or with love). During hatsumōde, old charms can be returned to shrines for burning, and new ones can be purchased to set the tone for the coming months. Although they start off fairly cheap, the cost can vary greatly depending on the quality and artistry of the charm in question, since they range from simple cell-phone strap tchotchkes to beautiful placards and amulets.

There are also omikuji, which are available at shrines throughout the year but are especially popular during New Year’s, and hatsumōde. Omikuji are random fortunes written on strips of paper, but unlike other types of fortunes, the hatchet swings both ways and they can be good or bad. Written on each is the level of fortune or misfortune you’re likely to receive, as well as aspects of your life that will be affected in the coming year. In the unlucky event of a bad fortune, you can tie the strip to a tree on the grounds of the shrine in the hopes of warding it off. Incidentally, omikuji share fortune-telling elements with nengajō, post-cards delivered to far away friends or family members. Nengajō’s fortunes are often scratch off, adding a little bit of agency for your gamble with lady luck.

A Full Belly and a Happy New Year Although not a part of hatsumōde specifically, Oshōgatsu and the beginning of the New Year are synonymous with seasonal, traditional Japanese dishes so tasty they leave even Soma drooling. First up is osechi, a boxed meal consisting of regional foods, each with their own unique meaning. Most of the dishes are salted or pickled, since that was a traditional way of preserving food before the advent of refrigerators. Of course, no New Year’s in Japan would be complete without mochi, which are sticky Japanese rice cakes. Ozoni, a light soup with regional ingredients, is one of the most popular ways to enjoy mochi for the New Year, and is a perfect way to beat a chilly winter day. Recently, sashimi and sushi have gained popularity as well. Feasting on such rich food does tend to leave one sluggish once the holidays are over, and everyone returns to work or school. To help their stomachs settle, promote good health, and to get back into the swing of things, they eat nanakusa-gayu, or seven-herb soup, on January 7th.

Around the New Year’s season kids start clambering for another Japanese tradition, otoshidama. This practice is a little less spiritually grounded, and involves gifts of cash for children from their older relatives. The amount varies depending on the means of each family, but it’s quite common for kids to receive ¥10,000 (about $100, depending on the exchange rate) or more, especially if they’re an only child, or have particularly doting grandparents. I love Japanese traditions, but as someone with a huge family and a ton of nieces and nephews, my wallet and I are glad that this tradition hasn’t spread to the rest of the world.

If you’ve come this far, hopefully that means you’ve enjoyed learning about hatsumōde, and Japanese New Year. Are there any memorable scenes from your favorite shows that confused you, that make more sense now that you’ve read this article? Have you experienced hatsumōde first-hand? If so, how was it similar or different from how it is portrayed in anime? Sound off in the comments and let us know what you think. Akemashite o-medetō-gozaimasu! (Happy New Year!)

Ecchi fanservice is almost as controversial as it is prevalent. There exist a host of think-pieces on whether or not fanservice is nothing but harmless titillation or shameless and dangerous objectification. Recently the series Kill la Kill, had its fanservice become one of the most diverse topics in anime fandom. But Fanservice has no signs of staying, much to the delight of some, and every new season there is always a host of shows which will bear the ‘ecchi’ label, for an audience which view that label as a selling point. Fanservice is not outright condemnable, but it is capable of crossing a moral line that, while varying from viewer to viewer, should give both production studio’s a reluctance to include such material and audiences a reluctance to watch and appreciate it. There are a host of factors that make specific instances of fanservice objectionable, transforming what are supposed to be characters into nothing beyond sex objects, which is neither good from a moral perspective nor an enticing way to approach erotic content. The aim of this piece is to analyze concepts and characteristics which bring fanservice along a sliding scale of erotic to objectifying, using specific series, and moments from them to elucidate my point. Now in this approach to fanservice in which I am somewhat critical of it, I want to state clearly that I am not against fanservice shows totally. Furthermore, I am certainly not someone who, when a series is a ‘fanservice show’, will write that series off completely and not give it the time of day. Two of my favorite series from the previous anime season (as of writing this piece) were Monster Musume and Prison School, filled with ridiculous situations and fanservice. I even did a review of Monmusu (And gave it a pretty racy title, for what it’s worth) for this very website, and said a lot of pretty favorable things about it, including some of the ways in which it used its fanservice.

Now before I get into different traits that make ecchi fanservice positive or negative, I want to start with one concept that I do not accept, why I do not accept it. The idea that, since fanservice concerns fictional characters, everything is fair game and that, by the sole merit of it being fictional, characters can be displayed in any manner without the license for anyone to give a moral critique. Fiction is significant because of its relationship with real life. Ghost in the Shell is significant because, though science-fiction, the search for and uncertainty with Identity and the concept of being mirrors that in the human experience. Gurren Lagann is significant because, even though it goes to physically impossible realms, the idea of Spiral Power is a symbol for human development and an ethical call for people to always try their best, and reach new heights despite whatever obstacles face them. As such, how characters are portrayed in an effort to titillate the viewer has a bearing on how people think about sexuality, and the worth of other people. So for example, I would not say a violent snuff film is harmless because it is fiction, nor would I say that titillation based on a character being coerced or forced into sex is healthy. Now keep in mind, these criteria are a sliding scale that varies from viewer to viewer. I would not say that fanservice needs to hit every single one of these criterion in order to be considered healthy, nor miss every single one in order to be considered objectionable. And again, this varies from viewer to viewer, even in the interpretation of whether or not one such criterion applies. Also, keep in mind that a show can have moments of fanservice that are quite positive and healthy and other moments which are objectifying.

Diegetic Fanservice is a term coined by Anime YouTuber and Blogger Digibro, who writes ‘Fanservice moments can be broken down into two large categories: diegetic and nondiegetic. Non-diegetic refers to fanservice that has nothing to do with the events that are actually going on in the story, and is solely experienced by the audience.’ Non-diegetic fanservice leaves a sour taste in the mouth because it frames fanservice in an act or perspective that the characters neither condone nor engage in in anyway. Digi gives the example of a scene in the second season of Sword Art Online, where there’s a panning shot that looks over one of the female characters rear end. Non-diegetic fanservice is like the first person perspective of Makura no Danshi rupturing it’s way into a series where that perspective is not present to begin with. In my mind, non-diegetic fanservice both takes away from the narrative, takes away from the show as a piece of visual media and is objectification. As to why it takes away from the narrative, it’s worth pointing out that in the first arc of the second season of Sword Art Online, it’s female lead, Sinon, has numerous panning shots which focus on her butt, during times where dialogue, often expository dialogue was being given. The story arc being what it is in that series, a high-stakes death game where the lives of characters at risk, are decidedly non-sexual, the narrative of which is meant to elicit the feelings of an edge of your seat, psychological thriller where characters we’re supposed to care about as human beings could very well die. That narrative, and also, the serious tone it needs, is completely broken when we see those shots.

Moreover, we should be conscious that when discussing anime, live-action films, video game cut scenes or any other film, the way in which images are framed, how characters are placed and the settings and objects they are placed with, should tell us something, reinforce or play into the overall narrative. This type of fanservice does nothing to achieve that, much to the contrary; it takes away from this consistency. This is why it takes away from the series as a piece of visual media, it feels alien, and immersion breaking, and it’s readily apparent that it was included for no other reason than to titillate the audience. A great example of where this is avoided is in the 12th episode of Neon Genesis Evangelion, in a scene where Misato Katsuragi is clipping on her Bra. This scene follows a lengthy flashback sequence showing a traumatic event from Misato’s past, and the focus of the shot is displaying a scar on her body that originates from that event. We follow this shot with an image of Misato looking into a mirror, then a close up shot of Misato with a pensive look on her face. Looking at a reflection is generally used to denote introspection in visual media, and the next shot of object which is specifically tied to that event ties this into what this scene is about. This shot is Misato viewing her own body, the scar on it, and how the events continue to affect her to this day. As the viewer looks at her body, so does Misato herself. To place it in philosophical language, she is not just an object which is seen, but in the context of a narrative, is a subject which is seeing herself.

This contrast is key, because even though the scene in Misato is of merely her in her underwear, it’s less of an infringement of the shots of a fully-clothed Sinon in SAO. Misato is in a state of undress but it shows us a moment of reflective authenticity that she has in the narrative the same time the viewer has in viewing the narrative. Her semi-nakedness is meant to reflect on the fact that we see an emotional part of her that is laid bare before us that would otherwise not be public. The shot of Sinon is totally outside of her thoughts as a character and actions as a character, it has nothing to do with the story, the imagery or her feelings. Moreover, it is drawn in a way there that is heavily suggestive of physical features that are designed specifically to attract a male-audience.

One of the aspects which makes fanservice is much more palatable is the willingness of the character, male or female, to enter into the act which the viewer and the creators view as ‘fanservice’ and how this willingness comes about. This is not ‘Non-diegetic’ because the character pursues this sort of action, hopefully in conjunction with the motivation, characterization, and the state of their in-universe relationships at the time. Now, even this has an element of controversy, because much of anime is made by and for men, often the choices of female characters come from a male-mindset, which may pay less attention and fidelity to their female characters as their male characters as a result of an often unconscious bias. I think the proper way to answer this tension would be to have the industry focus on more gender inclusivity in directorial positions. However, there are many examples where I feel a series or film coming from a male creator had an example of a female character that felt fully realized, and less objectified than those coming from a female creator. For example, comparing the Work of Hayao Miyazaki, who routinely placed strong female characters in his work, to that of the series Gangsta. which was penned by a female Mangaka with the pen name of Kohske. Overall, I don’t feel like the ideal of a female character having her own sexual agency is totally undercut by coming from a mostly male production staff.

Scenes where fanservice revolves around a character acting out of their own free will contribute to a sense of their own agency, while scenes where their will is not considered, contribute to their image as a sex object. One of the examples of this is another scene from Sword Art Online, this time in its first season. In the scene, Asuna, a woman, who’s in a romantic relationship with Kirito, a male character, begins to undress in front of him. In this scene, Asuna is, of her own will, trying to elicit a sexual response from a man she’s attracted to. Moreover, this takes place in the context of a relationship that both characters undertake where we have concrete and believable reasons why they are attracted to each other, which stem from their own independent facets of characterization and motivation. This feels like a perfectly normal situation, whose place in the narrative is not first to titillate, but to show how an aspect of their relationship as characters is developing. Another great example of a way this is used in a more subtle fashion is in the series Shirobako, where Aoi Miyamori heads to the home office of her colleague, Misato Segawa. They work for an animation studio; they talk some business and Segawa remarks that her shoulders are stiff and stretches out a little. The next frame shows, Segawa’s breasts at the bottom of the shot with Miyamori looking at them with a blush and sense of awe. When Segawa says the comment about her shoulders being stiff, Miyamori, looking at her breasts, remarks with a sly look on her face that ‘it must be rough.’ This is subtle humor that, while it may titillate a male audience, feels like a natural part of a conversation between two professional female characters.

Juxtaposed to this are the numerous examples of fanservice, again in the first season of Sword Art Online, this time in the Alfheim Online (ALO) arc, where there is sexual fanservice of Asuna in situations where she is basically being sexually assaulted. I don’t have to go at length as to why this is pretty distasteful, offensive and downright hurtful to those who have been in situations of Assault. It’s not a sexy thing, and it’s not something where someone being forced into a sexual situation, without their consent and totally against their will, should be made in a situation to titillate anyone. I was pretty happy when one of the most common criticisms of this arc was the objectification of Asuna in such a way. Scenes of ‘Forced’ content and sexual assault or even rape, rank among the most objectionable displays of fanservice in anime. Whether or not they happen to a man or women, they should never be played off in a way where they are explicitly drawn or designed to titillate a viewing audience. This should be obvious as to why, however, it’s worth stating that a large parts of it tie into a break of immersion with the narrative. Looking at the example given in SAO, the scenes in which Asuna is assaulted are also meant to make us think of her Assaulter as evil, and worth total contempt, and they achieve that at the least. But it feels completely cheap and underhanded, when we are supposed to hate a character for their assault yet somehow also be turned on by the act of them assaulting someone else. They’re two completely clashing concepts.

There are those today who would posit that structural inequalities between genders are a thing of the past and that all of this attention on fanservice is just another way to unfairly judge male desire and sexuality. While I do not think it’s inherently bad for a man to draw woman in a way that is made to attract a male audience. After all, there are series that cater to an audience of women, often with scantily- clad men meant to titillate a female audience. However, I want to make the claim the bodily attributes for which Men are sexualized are often less objectifying than the attributes for which Women are sexualized. In the Series Free!, the story focuses on a high-school swim team. It’s commonly understood in the Anime community that Free! is a sort of fanservice show for girls. This is evidenced for the fact that there are a number of shots focusing in on scantily clad males (They are swimmers after all) with their musculature as the point of detail on their bodies. But men’s muscles are not solely viewed as a sex-object. Muscles are often used as a symbol of man’s strength and agency, which are some of the characteristics for which men are commonly sexualized in visual media. They’re a symbol men have of their own power, ability and often, hard-work and self-improvement. They carry significance that goes before being a sex object for another gender.

As opposed to this, the most common aspect that a woman character is sexualized for is the size of her bust and the shape of her rear-end. The way in which they signal attractiveness is not the same way in which muscles signal attractiveness for those attracted to men. When we see the ‘T and A’ factor, we don’t see it in a way that signals about the character in any other way than them being a sex-object. This creates a discrepancy where what we sexualize males for are simultaneously symbols for men to themselves, and to other men, of their own power and ability, where women are sexualized only by physical attributes which are supposed to make those attracted to women, specifically men, titillated. Men are sexualized by their own activity, agency, and commitment to self-betterment through a physique showing off a great deal of muscle and little body-fat. Women are sexualized by a body which is seen by others and deemed to be attractive by ‘T and A’, which is irrespective of their own strength. This is not to say that a woman could not look at her own body and find her breasts sexy, or an object of self-confidence. Men often find this sexiness in their own musculature as well. Rather that the features for which we sexualize the image of a male, give it something beyond an image that is praised merely for being ‘sexy’, it has merits of its own that simple ‘T and A’ often do not. In conclusion, whether fanservice is morally objectionable or not often relies to its specific placement in the narrative, and visual imagery of a series or film. Shows which feel out of place are often immersion breaking and do not function well as either erotica or story-telling. To continue, the more control or agency that a character has in a situation where fanservice is depicted, the better, with the worst offenses often revolving around situations where a character is in a ‘forced’ situation, such as during a sexual assault. Finally, while there all aspects of fanservice I think are totally defensible, I think that the focus on ‘T and A’ in female fanservice, leads to a discrepancy in which women are made into objects, and men are viewed as ‘sexy’ for ways which directly tie into their own agency. In writing this piece I became very aware that covering every single aspect of fanservice, specifically what criterion make it objectionable or defendable, was impossible in such a short form, when this article in itself almost comes up on 10 pages, double-spaced. A book, written in academic fashion, would be probably what’s needed to do this subject true justice. However, I hope you enjoyed this piece and appreciate my arguments, even if you disagree. I’d love and appreciate constructive criticism of this article in the comments section, and I hope we can have a productive, respectful and illuminating conversation!

We all at some point have discovered an anime that completely shifts your emotions from one spectrum to another, ranging from jubliance to utter grief. It's these types of feelings that resonate within us when tuning into our favorite anime. While most anime take us into a far away world, filled with vast arrays of vibrant colors and mesmorizing environments, there are just some anime that bring us back down to reality in the most profound way. They may or may not be a well known series, but what permeates inside your soul is not the popularity of the show, but rather the words being spoken among the cast. Whether the genre be slice of life or action/sci-fi, the many directions a series can guide you in are limitless. While the flashy sequences act as the primer on the entire canvas, its the moral reward that completes the picture. Its those moments where you lie on your bed, contemplating and questioning the meaning behind what was just expressed. It reverberates all throughout your entire body itching to be answered. So this brings us to the topic at hand which is why taking a slice of anime can better your life. Many books and documentaries provide the same effect, in which there are nuggets that we can take with us on our adventure through life. We are going to discuss five reasons why taking a slice of anime can definitely have a strong impact on your life. The first point we'll hop into is: Artistic direction.

Anime has been around for many years, but for those in the west we are more aqquainted with the term, “animation”. To animate means to give birth to movement, whether it be as simple as a ball rolling across the floor, to the production quality we see in anime today. Its these subtleties that give life to anime and make it such a spectacle to watch. There lives an artist inside all of us, whether it be a fashion designer, painter, or even something as extreme as skateboarding. All of these have some form of art behind it, which is what inspires us to come up with new ideas to amaze the world. Where anime helps us in this sense is that it provides us with imagination and artistic direction. Anime is all about movement, much like the other art forms that surround us, and so by tuning into our favorite series it shows us where we need to go. Anime is like the art teacher you wish you had, filled with an infinite source of inspiration that creates a new realm within the mind, and pushes you beyond your expectations. With every series having its own unique coating of paint, we can discover in ourselves, meanings which we could never have seen before had we not become fascinated by the many works Japan has offered. That brings us into the next reason why taking a slice of anime can change your life.

Watching anime can really help you dive into a new world which you never really understood, but after tuning in for awhile you start to see the meaning behind it all. This brings us to the last reason why anime can truly change your life. The world is filled with so many different colors, shapes, and sizes and it's not surprising that Japan has a fantastic culture which we can all be inspired by. Despite its rough edges in moments throughout history, Japan has emerged as a country known for its dedication and devotion to peace, but also that it stands strong amidst all adversity. Anime is a great example of this, as Japan demonstrates their passion through art, and it resonates all throughout the world. We are invited into the country without truly being there, and we feel as if we can relate through the words and actions on screen. With various genres ranging from history, to slice of life, anime serves a meaning for each and every one of us, despite where we come from. While anime is merely just a sub culture in Japan, it still holds a place in the hearts of millions all over. From small children to adults, anime has something for everyone and it's what unites all cultures. It expresses the importance of why we are alive in the first place, that we all are humanity and humanity is culture. Learning from each other is what helps us come to terms with what is around us, and helps to direct us down the path of certainty.

We hope that this article brought a new meaning to your love for anime, and that it continues to inspire you for years to come. Honey's Anime is a place where we can all share the same passion and enjoyment, and express those feelings in a honest way. Anime is not only a form of entertainment, but it is also a form of education since it can teach you things about yourself that you would have otherwise ignored. Take this slice with you, as Honey's Anime has a very big cake to share with the rest of the world. As always, keep it locked here for more anime entertainment. Leave a comment below and discuss your passions with everyone! Take care.

It is probably safe to say you know what a kimono is. Kimono are featured in many different anime to be worn at festivals, ceremonies, and hatsumode, but did you know there are many different types of kimono as well? You are probably familiar with the yukata, which is the light kimono worn in the summer season to attend the Hanabi (fireworks) festival and at traditional Japanese ryokan, but have you heard of a furisode? While you may have seen many kimono in anime, you may also have seen a furisode and not have even realized it!

Hopefully now you have a better understanding of what a furisode is. It is a coming of age formal garment worn once a single woman turns into an adult at the age of 20 until she is married. The intricate designs on a furisode promote certain aspects of a woman to make her appear marriageable. After learning that, can you think of your favorite anime kimono girls who may actually be wearing a furisode without you know it? What do you think about the idea of a coming of age kimono? Is it outdated like coming of age ceremonies in the west or is it a part of history that should could keep on continuing?

While so many different anime hairstyles seem to defy the laws of physics, there is no hairstyle more perplexing than the ahoge. Ahoge can be broken down into the two Japanese words words "aho" meaning idiot or fool and "ge" which means hair. The term "ahoge" refers to that strand of hair that you see sticking straight out of a character's head. You know the one! Ahoge came from hairdressers who referred to cowlicks as "stupid hairs." The hair itself seems to stick out with no aid from hairsprays, gels, or other styling agents, but it also cannot be smoothed back down into place as some characters have been known to attempt. It is somewhat a lost cause, it seems. There are times when ahoge does not refer to a single strand of hair but a tuft of hair, such as in the case of the youngest Minami sister, Chiaki from Minami-ke. Since the term ahoge was first used, ahoge has evolved from being used to describe a person's hairstyle to a person's personality or level of intelligence. Many characters will be immediately labeled as stupid or fools. It's essentially a visual cue signaling the audience that the character may be a bit dimwitted, but the world is not black and white, and neither are characters with ahoge.

Ahoge characters are not always stupid, however! Another trait displayed by characters possessing ahoge is carefreeness. Some characters just do not seem to have a care in the world so they tend to shirk their responsibilities and lay around as if there is nothing important to do. Don't some people have it easy? An odd trait of some ahoge is its ability to move based on a character’s emotions. That may mean a twitch, moving around as if it is dancing, or even going completely straight when it is usually curved. You can see this at times for carefree ahoge characters, but haven't you seen at least one male character whose ahoge goes completely straight? Wonder what he's thinking...

If an ahoge character is not stupid nor is he or she carefree, they might just be mischievous. There are quite a few mischievous anime characters. They tend to be the ones who seek out trouble, pull pranks, trick their friends into doing something they want to do, etc. Some mischievous anime characters are just looking for a quick laugh or to cause trouble, but that is all in the fun of the character! An interesting trait for mischievous ahoge characters is the ability for the ahoge to pop up out of nowhere as if the character had an idea, which they usually do. When a character suddenly comes up with an idea to cause trouble, a hair will pop out of place turning them into an ahoge character. Although this does happen enough, not all characters that sometimes display an ahoge are mischievous. Sawako from Kimi ni Todoke may rarely have an ahoge, but clearly, Sawako is not a troublemaker.

Ahoge is a very common anime trope, but it seems that not many people are aware it exists or know what it means. Many characters fall under a specific characterization when they have an ahoge, but sometimes, it's all in the character's style. At least it's not a consistent trope like other characterizations, but ahoge is not to be confused with antennae-style hair which features two strands of hair sticking out. After reading this article, can you think of any ahoge anime characters you may have seen before? Do you have any ahoge favorites?

The world of anime is filled with judgment. By that, I mean people are always judging people who like anime! People who like anime are weird so everything they like has to be weird, right? Sure, there is a lot of anime merchandise out there that tends to rub others the wrong way because they don't understand. Don't you always see articles about weird Japanese stuff? Yet, when you think about, doesn't everything have a function? Some people just like to judge first and think later, so most anime fans are associated with "weird anime merchandise". Well, let's really look at these weird anime merchandise and really see how "weird" they are! Here's a list of the top 10 weird anime merchandise!

You know, in the end, "weird" is just another label that we put on things we just don't understand. There's a lot of "weird" out there, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy them. Some of these items deemed as "weird anime merchandise" can actually be quite functional! Hope you enjoyed this list of top 10 weird anime merchandise! Now, how many can you admit to owning, hm?

For those of us who watch anime or read manga, those of us who love Japanese videogames, those who enjoy J-Pop or idols, or frequent Japanese culture-related websites, the term otaku feels like a comfortable badge of recognition; an indication that you’re in a relatively safe space with like-minded people who share your interests, where they might otherwise be cause for undue ridicule or ostracism. However, it’s no secret that Japan has had a complicated, somewhat checkered history with the term otaku, and the people who are identified, or self-identify, that way. The following article is an exploration of the term otaku, and what it means both inside and outside Japan, as well as the implications the actions of individuals who were identified (or identified themselves) as otaku have had on the otaku community and societies at large. It will ask questions regarding the responsibility of the sometimes heinous actions associated with this social subgroup, and as such, I just wanted to put in a brief trigger warning: we’re going to be discussing some events that are graphic. Sometimes violently, sometimes sexually, and (unfortunately) sometimes both. If you are sensitive to subjects of this nature, perhaps this article isn’t for you. With that said, I hope this can start a thoughtful, respectful conversation about a topic that causes a lot of personal and societal discomfort.

First, it’s important to identify what otaku actually means, for those not in the know. Otaku (おたく/オタク) is derived from the polite Japanese word for a person’s house. Contemporary usage was coined in the early 80s, reportedly in association with the publication Manga Burikko, to refer to a particularly obsessive brand of nerd, typically associated with anime and manga. This obsession could take many forms, such as obsessive reading/viewing habits, obsessive collection of magazines, videos, or figures associated with a particular brand or series, and a general sort of overzealousness about the things the nerd was interested in. Because of that, the general perception was that people so obsessed were socially awkward and somewhat unpleasant to interact with. While we’ll get into the point where the term changed from an in-word used by like-minded fans to a brand of societal stigma in just a moment, I wanted to talk about the difference between the Japanese usage of the word, and Western usage. Although the term “nerd” was never a particularly positive word in the West, the term otaku, which was simply a nerd interested in aspects of Japanese culture, didn’t carry any additional weight or stigma. In fact, in recent years the term “nerd” has come to be used in a more positive way, indicating a level of enthusiasm for an interest that goes beyond the average, but not necessarily into the aggressive or detrimental, and has come to envelope a wide-variety of interests, including typically non-nerdy things (ranging from sports, fashion, alcohol-connoisseurship, etc.). Perhaps it’s because of how globalized our world has become (and subsequent ease of information/cultural exchange), but I think the change is a positive one, and generally seems to have buoyed perception of otaku in the West as well.

There was a very distinct moment in Japanese history that lead society from viewing otaku culture as a benign aspect of two cultural products that everyone consumed on a daily basis, to a threat to public safety and symptom of a greater societal problem. An almost year-long string of horrific murders between August 1988 and June 1989, of girls between the ages of 4-7, culminated in the arrest of Miyazaki Tsutomu, or The Otaku Murderer, as he came to be infamously known. At the age of 27, after sexually assaulting an elementary schoolgirl who was subsequently rescued by her father, Miyazaki was apprehended by police in Saitama prefecture, where he resided. When they raided his apartment, alongside remains of his victims taken as trophies of his murders, they found almost 6,000 videotapes, which included anime and slasher-films, and were quickly offered up as inspiration and motivation for his monstrous acts. A collection of child pornography helped cement the association between otaku and hentai, as well. This lead to a wave of moral outrage that swept the nation, and the true stigmatization of otaku culture at large. During his trial, he blamed his actions (which he referred to as acts of benevolence) on an alternate persona called “Rat Man,” which he drew throughout. Courtroom proceedings lasted almost two decades, until Miyazaki was hanged in 2008. But it was only the first of many incidents publicized on the national and global level where anime, and otaku culture specifically, were used as (at best) incidental explanations or (at worst) scapegoats for heinous actions against others.

For the most part, reactions to these incidents were outsiders looking into a world they didn’t understand, and responding with suspicion and fear. The same can’t be said, however, for Katō Tomohiro, admitted otaku and perpetrator of what came to be called the Akihabara Massacre, in 2008. The incident took place on a Sunday, which is when Akihabara famously closed some of its busiest roads for shoppers to make it easier for all of the pedestrian traffic. After posting his intentions on an online forum (where he had posted increasingly negative posts regarding his life, and society at large), and preparing for the attack by selling his personal computer to pay for knives and a truck rental, Katō drove said rental truck into a sidewalk crowded with pedestrians. After, he exited the vehicle and proceeded to stab passersby. Police eventually gave chase and cornered him in an alley where he surrendered himself into their custody, but not before he killed seven people and injured twenty. This incident started a media frenzy as well, since it proved that not even fellow otaku were safe from the misguided wrath of would-be friends. Anti-social and criminal behavior were even more strongly associated with otaku culture. The country came under a lot of international scrutiny, since Japan had always been considered a comparatively safe haven for residents and tourists alike. As a further result, the execution orders for previously mentioned criminal Miyazaki Tsutomu were expediently fulfilled. Akiba’s 35 year practice of closing certain streets to motor traffic to make it easier for pedestrians to congregate was put on a hiatus that lasted for years. Katō himself was sentenced to death, and his execution was carried out earlier in 2015.

As recently as this year, events that have continued to fan the flames of the public’s negative perception of otaku culture have transpired. In an article posted on this very website (which you can read here:*** http://blog.honeyfeed.fm/anime-otaku-murdered-a-high-school-girl/ ***), the story of Masahiro Aoki murdering former co-worker, 17-year-old Kana Iwase, in cold blood was recounted. Masahiro killed Kana on November 12 by strangling her to death in his apartment, after apparently inviting her in to talk about their shared interest, anime. He called the police himself to confess his crimes. Possible motive for the murder seem to be the financial strain Masahiro was under while overindulging his hobby, spending thousands on anime-related merchandise (including hundreds of DVDs and figures) and several personal computers, although he admitted to police after arrest that he had been contemplating murder for some time. Once the national news stations obtained images and video of his room, it didn’t take long for the scapegoating of Otaku culture to renew. A sentence regarding the case is still pending.

The practice of using popular culture and the type of media consumption individuals engage in as a potential reason for heinous acts and criminal activity isn’t a strictly Japanese custom by a long shot. Incidents throughout U.S. history have explored the notion that interest (healthy or otherwise) in certain genres of music, television, videos, and more recently, video games, have a causative relationship with violent crimes and criminal activity. Take, for example, the Columbine High School Massacre in April, 1999, in which two seniors at the school armed themselves with firearms and explosives and killed twelve students, a teacher, and injured dozens more before taking their own lives. Many things changed in the wake of the shootings, but it was their interest in videogames and Marilyn Manson that the media latched onto, sparking a similar sense of misplaced moral outrage, which went so far that some people attempted to sue videogame manufacturers, record companies, and Marilyn Manson himself.

I’ll put it simply: of course anime, or videogames, or any type of media isn’t responsible for the violent or criminal actions of others. When tragedies like those mentioned in this article do happen, it’s important to keep an open mind and a critical eye when trying to discern the motivation for such heart-breaking actions. While it’s understandable that in the wake of such tragedies victims and society alike try to find some measure of peace or comfort by blaming aspects of a culture they don’t participate in or don’t understand. Doing so is an act that is just as misguided as the actions of those responsible, although the effects aren’t necessarily felt in such pronounced ways. There are so many complicated factors that go into determining what makes an individual or a group behave criminally, or violently, to seek to harm themselves or those around them. In the case of many of the individuals who carried out the crimes discussed, feelings of social and physical isolation, mental or physical disabilities, as well as a lack of understanding and an inability to explore their debilitating feelings in a positive manner are suggested to have played an important role in cementing their desire to carry out their crimes. The hopelessness of their actions caused others to feel are often the feelings they wrestle with themselves. While it’s easy to understand the misguided finger-pointing towards anime, or videogames, or whatever type of media those involved chose to consume, and the knee-jerk reaction of the general public to view such media as dangerous or harmful, isn’t it just as easy to see that it’s in these inanimate things which those troubled individuals sought some measure of comfort? I mention this not as an excuse for their unforgivable actions, but as a more constructive avenue for understanding. Types of media like anime and other staples of otaku culture aren’t the cause in cases like this, but are often a symptom of some greater underlying problem. By using media as a scapegoat, we are doing ourselves, victims, and even the perpetrators a disservice. By ignoring the complicated underlying factors at play and avoiding responsibility in favor of finger-pointing, we give rise to more opportunity for those who don’t receive the attention or care they desperately need to perpetuate this heart-breaking cycle of misunderstanding that too-often ends in violence. Both Japan and Western countries alike have had a hard time destigmatizing perception and treatment of very real, everyday problems that we all face, like depression, social or mental disorders, or illnesses. It is easy to look at hikkikomori, or those with anxieties or disorders and dismiss them as unfortunate outliers, somehow rotten apples that won't spoil an otherwise delicious bunch. This is a huge disservice. They are our fellows, and by letting them know we hear their voice, by creating an environment where it’s ok for them to explore their feelings in a positive way, by giving everyone access to the tools they need to get whatever level of help or intervention is required, we can move forward past the senseless scapegoating, and begin to affect real, positive change.

Terms like otaku and “nerd” came to represent a subcultural group of people who felt marginalized, but could come together in shared interests and engage in healthy, beneficial social activity without the anxiety of being dismissed or ridiculed. While it’s impossible to be constantly vigilant and stamp out all cases of violence, it’s important to try to foster an environment of understanding and positive enthusiasm for our interests, to help make ourselves and others feel included, like they have a real voice that is not only heard, but respected. I’ll admit that even I am sometimes uncomfortable with my own interests, or rather, the way they are represented in otaku culture, or other subgroups that share them. Sometimes I think it would be easier to distance myself from the things that make me uncomfortable, or feel embarrassed. But I think it’s important to engage with these feelings, and try to explore them in a way that is positive, and create a shared sense of understanding. While I might not necessarily be the first writer at Honey’s to volunteer to write an article about the top ten best panty shots of shows that came out over the summer season, I’ll respect the author who does, because they’re engaging in a shared interest in a way that benefits them and others, even if it makes me feel uncomfortable. We’re all coming to the same place, even if we’re doing so for different reasons. So I will try to explore these issues head-on. For example, it’s worth noting that recently Japan has come under scrutiny from the U.N. with regard to portrayals of child pornography in both anime and manga. Defenders and proponents were quick to react, voicing their opinions online regarding censorship, freedom of speech, and the importance of distinction between the consumption of fictional media and real world actions and consequences. These types of conversations make me (and others, I’m sure) uncomfortable, but they’re just as important to have. If we close our ears and turn off our minds, we can’t move forward. The only conversation that isn’t worth having is the one that implies that none of these conversations are worth having in the first place. If you’ve stuck with me this long, I want to thank you. This article is a complicated one to explore, and I’ve felt a little nervous in writing it. I hope that I’ve approached it with appropriate sensitivity and thoughtfulness, and that we can spark a discussion beyond simply agreeing with each other that it’s wrong when something we care about and enjoy so much is blamed for increasingly complicated issues.

Plato once said, "You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." A relationship starts off on better ground when it's not just words and promises. When you have mutual interests, it can be easier to coexist and get to know one another. However, girls remain a mystery to boys. What do they want? What do you do? Why is it so complicated? Well, if you're looking for a like-minded girl to share your time with, you may want to consider an otaku girl! You'll have some common ground if you both enjoy anime, but that doesn't mean it'll be an easy road ahead of you. Otaku girls can be just as confusing as any other girl. The fundamentals don't change just because she's an otaku; she's just someone who likes similar things to what you like! Relationships don't have to be as complicated as they seem, though. Here are 5 ways to date an otaku girl to make your life a little easier.

Having an otaku girlfriend is great for all the otaku boys out there looking for someone to share their interests with! It is wonderful to be able to share this part of yourself with someone who understands, unless you prefer to have a relationship such as the one in I Can't Understand What My Husband Is Saying. Regardless, having a girlfriend can be difficult for some and downright confusing for others so hopefully this list will help you understand your otaku girlfriend some more. Dating doesn't have to be impossible. It just takes a little time and understanding!

Hello there, and welcome to the newest edition of Anime Astrology! This month we’re going to take a look at some of the Characters born under the star sign Pisces. Those born under this sign are creative thinkers and have larger than life dreams and aspirations, not uncommonly to the point of having their head in the clouds. This water sign also has an innate ability to go with the flow of the world, which can manifest itself in both positive and negative ways. Pisces is very affected by its environment particularly in personal relationships and this may present itself in the form of selflessness and empathy towards other people, and allows them to adjust to situations with ease. This malleability may also result in members of this sign taking on pessimism or other negative outlooks of others, as well as tending towards taking the path of least resistance. Now that we know what the stars say, let’s take a deeper look at some Pisces characters!

Pisces is intuitive and creative, and certainly someone you want on your side. Their capacity to flow in social situations and through life is a talent that can serve them well, when properly applied. Though the qualities the zodiac dictates do not apply to every single person or fictional character born under a specific star sign, it is a fun thing to consider. Thank you for joining us for this installation of Monthly Anime Astrology - we’d love to hear thoughts from our Pisces readers in the comments below.

With most hobbies, there is a fine line between an interest and obsessed. Whether a hobby takes up most of your life or a small portion of your life depends greatly on how interested you are in a particular hobby. Many people like to make generalizations in regards to anime viewers about the degree in which you enjoy anime. As a rule of thumb, people will make the assumption that you're an anime addict! This view is off base because not everyone who enjoys anime enjoys it to the same degree as others. That would be impossible, however there are a few ways to figure out if you are an anime addict. On a scale of one to weeaboo, just how much of an anime addict are you?

The first sign of an anime addict involves gauging the amount of anime merchandise that you have in your possession. If you're at home, stop and assess your room. Do you have wall scrolls decorating the wall? Do you have figures lining the shelves? How about a dakimakura resting on your bed? Maybe you think that's too hard core, but how about a small anime keychain or several pins tacked onto your messenger bag? Whether you own a little or a lot of merchandise can show how much of an anime addict you are. If your walls are lined with anime merchandise, you may be seen as an anime addict! Or maybe you have a shopping problem. Perhaps you're the type who spends every cent on your hobby. There's nothing wrong with that! It's well worth it. There are many other individuals whose interests are a bit more mild so they choose to own nothing anime-themed or may tote around a button or accessory that's for the eyes of a perceptive anime enthusiast. Which group do you fall into?

Let's not forget that a person's conversation is made up of their interests. If you're an anime addict, you'll find that you are more prone to bring up anime in conversation amongst your friends, give your opinions on an anime, or push a recommendation on your peers. Hell, look at me; I write about anime! Don't those sound like the makings of an anime addict? It's common for those with a great interest in a subject to bring it up more often than not. If your friends have the same hobby, you can all pass the time by talking about different series. Typically, you'll just find yourself discussing anime most of the time. There are other anime addicts out there who develop an interest in the Japanese language. It's almost impossible to watch anime without learning a few Japanese words! If you're really hard core, and leaning towards weeaboo status, you'll intermix Japanese into your English or just exclaim in Japanese whenever it suits you. Don't you enjoy shouting out loud in a sentence that only a few people can understand? Well, if you're an anime addict, you do!

One of the most defining factors to determine whether you're an anime addict or not is whether or not your life revolves around anime. It's one thing to take the time to watch an anime in your spare time and finish at your pace. A lot of us do this most of the time. Some people may spend a few days binge watching anime because there are just so many series out there to watch and the one you're on is just too good to stop. That's what you call an anime fan. When you start ditching friends, spending whole weeks watching anime, you know you're dipping into Japanese otaku status. If you're schedule revolves around watching anime, you may find you've got an anime problem. You may try to keep up with all the current anime this season by forsaking other responsibilities or people. Maybe you decide you cannot make an event because your favorite anime is airing. If you have found yourself in this situation where your life revolves around anime, you're most likely an anime addict! Your life revolves around anime!

While this may seem like an odd question, but what is your life like outside of anime? When you're not watching anime or talking about it on the message boards, what do you do? Many anime enthusiasts will go to conventions, expos, and even cosplay meet ups to seek out other like-minded individuals to enjoy their hobbies with. Why not enjoy your hobby with people who understand you? Or you can take another route: do what you want regardless of the opinions of strangers. Maybe you're the type of person who walks around with a pair of cat ears on your head, a Naruto headband around your forehead, or you enjoy wearing a fox tail wherever you go. Whichever category you fall into, you're an anime addict! On the opposite of the spectrum, you could just enjoy a life outside of anime. That doesn't mean you're not into anime; you're just not as addicted as other otaku might be. There's nothing wrong with having a life outside of anime!

While labels and the desire to "be defined" aren't exactly imperative to our survival, you can use these questions to determine whether or not you are an anime addict! Does everything you do revolve around anime? Is that the major foundation for your life? There's nothing wrong with that! Whether you're a casual viewer or an anime addict, that's for you to find out. Taking into consideration these questions, just what type of anime addict are you? Or, what other examples are there that would define a person an anime addict? Let us know in the comments below!

Top 10 Things You May Not Have Known About Sailor Moon For the past twenty four years, Sailor Moon has had an undying influence on not just the Shoujo genre, but anime as a whole. Both its original manga and anime series were published and broadcasted from 1992-1997 in Japan, and became available to numerous nations around the world. Its success still continues to blossom with not just new merchandise, DVD and Bluray releases based on the series from over 20 years ago, but in a new installment called Crystal. This meant to represent Takeuchi-sensei’s manga that the original anime series did not faithfully follow. For today’s top 10 things you may not know list, we shall explore the groundbreaking Sailor Moon.

As an honorable mention, I will share just a couple of few bonus facts. As many of you may know, Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities to live in but with the occurrence of Tokyo Tower being a significant part of the franchise, it gives an indication of where the characters live. The majority of the series takes place around the Azabu Juban neighborhood of the Minato Ward and if the most expensive city in the world has a most expensive area, this has to be it. So it may be probable the parents of the characters made good money before the economic bubble busted while the manga debuted not too long after. Plus, in that area, Rei works at the Hikawa Shrine and there is a real life Hikawa Shrine. The series labels it in this kanji 火川神社 (with the first kanji in reference to Hino/Mars), while the real life shrine is written in this kanji 氷川神社. And one last quick mention, which most hardcore fans will likely know, just like how Simpsons creator Matt Groening used his family’s names for those characters except Bart, Takeuchi-sensei incorporated the names of her family members, Kenji, Ikuko, and Shingo into Usagi’s family. So did you know some of these facts? Did you learn something new? Are there any fans out there that can share something we missed or something very intriguing? Please feel free to leave a comment!!!

Ah, there’s nothing like slang to make you feel like a community. When like-minded individuals get together and use the same slang and terminology, there’s a feeling of unity, isn’t there? Well, that is unless you are categorized as a weeaboo! What is a weeaboo, you may ask. Weeaboo is a less than endearing term for an individual who is more than a little obsessed with all things Japanese and anime. It was a term originally started on 4chan when another derogatory term “wapanese” or “wannabe Japanese” was censored from the forum. After, people started to refer to “wapanese” as “weeaboo” in place of the old terminology. Weeaboos are not your ordinary otaku, guys. Weeaboos take their hobby to the next level! Yes, the term “weeaboo” is not a very endearing one, but not everyone can be a weeaboo. There are certain character traits that apply to those who bear the title. Let us see if you have the qualities of a weeaboo!

Hopefully the title didn’t completely throw you off. Weeaboos are just known for being somewhat Japanese obsessed. Let us retract that sentence. Weeaboos are known for thinking that everything Japanese is the equivalent of gold and diamonds in comparison to everything else. Japanese animation is better. Japanese cars are better. The Japanese language is better. Granted, you can consider all of these things better without being a weeaboo, but weeaboos are just known for thinking that everything Japanese is better than anything else. Many weeaboos will even use their limited knowledge of the Japanese language and interject the words in their own sentences usually pronounced incorrectly or used improperly. The Japanese language seems to be a fun one with high pitches, cute voices, and highly animated, so why not use what you know, right? This is mainly where the term “wannabe Japanese” comes from. Weeaboos would generally do anything that makes them closer to their favorite characters. Many weeaboo will even disregard their own cultural background in favor of the Japanese culture. While not everyone is that extreme, it is a stereotype that comes with being a weeaboo, and there are people out there that really would trade in their first born son for Japanese ancestry.

You have probably heard the term weeaboo more than once, but did you really know what it meant? After reading about what is a weeaboo, you can see that weeaboos are not generally thought of in a positive light as they seem to come off ignorant and anime obsessed. Clearly, no one wants to be thought of in such a negative way, but can you think of someone who is like that? I am not trying to point fingers here, but do you think you may have the makings of a weeaboo? If you do but think it is an entirely negative idea, just like the term otaku, take it and make it your own! Do not let labels ruin your self image. If you are a weeaboo, be a proud weeaboo. We can’t always live in a society where we let other people’s views change us. Be a weeaboo with your heart and soul, no matter what anyone else says.