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In Russia, Anime (Supposedly) Kills You.
As a psychology enthusiast, this news really bothers me. Over the past couple of weeks, six Russian teenagers committed suicide. The thing was that these kids had the good life. So what happened? A well-renowned Russian child psychologist named Olga Makhovskaya, blames anime in an article published by “The Voice of Russia”.
Now why would she blame anime? One fact is that the teens had a history of watching anime. Olga proclaims that anime characters talk about death like it’s the greatest thing ever. She also says that the Japanese make a big deal about death. Olga even goes on to say that anime destroys the borderline between reality and fantasy and teens won’t be able to tell things apart because of that.
First off, what kind of anime is this psychologist talking about? Does she think that all the kids who died watched the entire run of Neon Genesis Evangelion and/or Puella Magi Madoka Magica? Even if they did, I doubt they wanted to kill themselves after watching those series. Another problem I have with Olga is she starts off with this statement, “Of course anime by itself cannot be the cause of teenage suicides” and then she goes off talking like it IS the cause. She also lost so much credibility to me when she said that anime destroys teens’ perceptions of reality. Isn’t extensive research supposed to be a huge requirement for a job as a psychologist?
You can read the article about the supposed link between anime and teen suicide in Russia here. Just another sad example of the West failing to understand anime and blaming serious problems on entertainment.
Perhaps what Olga should do is watch this amazing video of how anime inspires.
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Japan Is Awesome, Sexism, Women In Power, and English Gintama - Fun Links To Check Out
Here are some goodies to read and share with friends.
Made Better in Japan - The Wall Street Journal takes a look at the rise of high-detail Japanese fashion, food, clothing, and service. Basically, Japan is incorporating many international styles and blending them into products that are just as good as the original source. It’s amazing to see how the country can make Brooklyn coffee better than (or just as good as) actual Brooklyn coffee. The part of the article where they go into jeans is very enlightening. Now whether that detail can succeed in the global world is a whole different story.
ANNCast #106: S-E-X-X-I-S-M - A controversial subject makes headwaves in the most recent ANNCast. A very lively discussion and the guests make a good point about how the anime community isn’t that bad in terms of sexism, when compared to the video game community. Funny how they also mentioned Bakuman. I definitely agree with how bad sexism is in video game fandom, as the fighting game community is VERY guilty of this.
A More Peaceful World If Women Were in Charge? - Networking is important. That’s the MO. Also, you need to be both aggressive and sympathetic at the same time. Man, we need Olivier Milla Armstrong to be the ruler of the world.
Sentai Filmworks Confirms English Dub of Gintama Movie - If you ask me, this movie is perfect for a dub. Why? The Benizakura arc doesn’t have too many crazy jokes. Plus, the movie introduces a majority of the main cast.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Street Fighter X Tekken - Send these cards to your special someone. Seriously. Just do it. Bear hugs are awesome.
Now, if you excuse me, I must go and be FOREVER ALONE.
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Do Girls Really Like Vegeta?
Yes, this is a man who oozes sexiness every time he walks into the room.
Like a fine wine that continues to age well, Dragon Ball is still continuing to be relevant in every anime/manga fan’s lives. Just recently, the ever-rageful Prince of the Saiyans, Vegeta, became a target both positively and negatively. Our anti-hero was voted #2 on a list of top 9 anime/manga boys that women wish were real. Gintama also made fun of his entire character in Episode 242 (Volume 42, Chapter 364 in the manga), where the girls of Gintama discuss Vegeta and question his appeal to women in front of a female Vegeta fan. As Gintama’s episode title proclaims, “Girls Like Vegeta”. Is the bad boy appeal of Vegeta extremely powerful for women to resist?
Here’s one girl’s thought about Vegeta:
“He’s always strong, but his loving tsundere-ness towards his family really gets me.” (A quote about Vegeta from the list conducted by Girl Sugoren)
After hearing that quote, it makes me wonder about Vegeta’s popularity after the Freeza arc. Most of us know that he cried during the arc and begged Goku to beat Freeza. Was that the moment made girls go “Awwww”? Vegeta’s character slowly changed afterwards, as he started to settle down a little with a family while still being the prideful Prince of Saiyans that he is. The guy was literally a complete a-hole who didn’t care about anything, except defeating Goku in battle. Vegeta did show some signs of love to his family, as he went berserk when his son, Trunks (whose future version was also VERY POPULAR among girls) was killed by Cell and risked his life to save everyone from Majin Buu. Of course, there’s that confident smirk, evil laugh, and arm fold he does that seems to draw a lot of attention.
With those characteristics that Vegeta has, why are girls drawn to them? Do we blame Hollywood? Do we blame the media? Or do we blame human nature? It could be girls’ inherent preference of “good genes”. “Good genes” in men tend to be a high level of masculinity and symmetry. Women at a younger age seem to enjoy seeing acts of bravery and risk-taking (which bad boys tend to do). There’s also the belief that girls secretly harbor the fantasy of turning the bad boy into a loving man who is committed to them.
Do Vegeta fangirls see hope that it’s possible for a bad boy to become a nice guy and still remain tough? Or do they appreciate the fact that Vegeta is a “bad boy” character that lives up to whatever perceived fantasies they have of him? It was interesting to see Bulma being attracted to Vegeta, but it somehow makes sense for her. Vegeta’s confidence in wanting to be stronger than Goku probably attracted her in the first place, since he was very determined to reach his goal at all costs. Also, as Trunks once stated, both his parents were lonely and that’s why they got together. A combination of strength and love can create interesting opportunities, don’t you think?
I do like to point out that the group of women who voted Vegeta on the Sugoren list were women in their 20s’. What happens when they get older? Will their opinions about “bad boys” change? Will they like Vegeta less? As women get older, their appreciation of certain types of men evolve.
Vegeta seems like the perfect guy to many girls. He is still a “bad boy” at heart, but he also fights with some sense of altruism. I think this is the secret to his popularity among women. The fact he’s an somewhat altruistic, tough guy. Both younger and older women can find him to be a character that satisfies their criteria for a great male character. Vegeta has been able to activate so many emotions in people’s (especially women’s) hearts, that you can’t help but react (and women tend to focus on emotions). Look at all the things he has said and done over his history in Dragon Ball.
Even though I’m not a girl, I love Vegeta. He’s played a big part in how my personality is shaped. I don’t know about this perceived notion that guys don’t like him, but like Piccolo (as Gintama hints). All I can say is that guys might feel a bit inspired to develop some sense of pride to keep themselves strong. To the female Vegeta fans out there, is his pride a strong factor in why you love the beloved Saiyan Prince and do you perhaps enjoy that quality in a man?
Power, brash confidence, and a good heart - when it comes to the ideal man, isn’t fiction just grand?
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The Great Power of the Fujoshi
“Out of the otaku population, female otaku have the most spending power, which is one of the reasons why you see an increase of boy love publications and anime featuring good looking guys.” - Danny Choo on CNN GeekOut
Over the past couple of years, I have noticed that things were changing in the anime/manga world. There were more and more titles that seem to have attractive male characters. Even though “moe” series targeted towards males are still running rampant, the anime/manga world has been filled with titles (such as Blue Exorcist, Naruto, BLEACH, Gintama, Black Butler, Katekyo Hitman Reborn, Bakuman, Axis Powers Hetalia, and Tiger & Bunny) that have a variety of male characters for female fans to swoon over. Especially females who are into yaoi and boys’ love. This has led to the rise of the fujoshi, a community of fangirls that has the power to shift the gender balance for the better. Some male otaku have felt threatened and intimidated by the fujoshi, but this is just another example of how strong the purchasing power of women is despite the state of the global economy.
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“J-Pop America Fun Time Now” Comes Back With More Anime-ru
Oh man, Saturday Night Live. You never cease to surprise me with your skits sometimes. I think anime fans might make this much funnier.
You know what they need to do. Since weeaboos (which the cast are parodying) seem to hate other weeaboos, their next skit has to involve them criticizing each other.
If you watch at the skit, there’s merchandise from Soul Eater, Negima!, and One Piece. This is according to Anime News Network.
Does anyone think that the audience really gets (or even cares about) most of the jokes in the J-Pop Talk Show skit?
You can watch the video here.
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Doraemon, The Professional
Man, does Jean Reno look great as Doraemon or what? I can imagine a mature Doraemon series where Jean Reno pulls out guns & swords out of his dimensional pocket. I love how Doraemon is the “anime ambassador” for Japan. If you ask me, I feel that Doraemon should’ve been brought to the United States. He’s still relevant even today, especially with how much technology has taken over the lives of children & how much parents can spoil them with it.
Also, Toyota. Nice job. What notable Japanese culture icon will they tackle next, I wonder? Sazae-san?
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Introducing…The Akiba Culture Zone!
Earlier this summer, a new department store opened up in Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan called the Akiba Culture Zone. It’s basically a department store that sells nothing but products catered to the otaku. There are also clothing stores that sell clothes for geeks as well.
A food court, cafes (a new cafe is opening soon on the 6th floor), & karaoke are all present. I think Akihabara has continued to establish itself as THE place for otaku, though I’m highly interested to seeing how those clothing stores will make otaku “fashionable”.
You know what would be even cuter & also have a huge economic impact? A department store dedicated to fujoshi in Ikebukuro.
For more information & photos, you can visit GPara’s article on the new store.
Akiba Culture Zone’s official website is at: www.akibacultureszone.com.
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Plans for New York Comic-Con 2011
Hey everyone, I just want to give a quick update on what’s going to happen regarding what I’m doing at New York Comic-Con.
First off, I will be attending the convention on Friday. I might attend the following panels.
“Unusual Manga Genres” (11:00am - 12:00pm) at Anime Stage
Sorry, Final Fantasy XIII-2 (Square Enix’s panel on the game is at the same time). I just don’t care about you at all.
“Is ‘The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo’ A Superhero?” (12:15pm - 1:15pm) at Room 1B03 or “YEN PRESS” at Room 1A02
In my opinion, Lisbeth Salander is one of the most unique heroines in recent memory. I truly think that she’s a good role model for young girls who are struggling to survive. Though that Yen Press panel entices me too.
“Mythbusters: Anime Edition” (2:00pm - 3:00pm) at Anime Stage
This intrigues me to a huge degree as I have watched the TV show before with my cousin.
“Hiro Mashima & Kodansha Comics” (6:30pm - 7:30pm) at Room 1A24
I never was interested in Fairy Tail, but I am going to the panel to support Kodansha USA’s efforts.
“Vertical Inc. Industry Panel” (8:45pm - 9:45pm) at Room 1A03
I love stuff from Vertical. THANK YOU FOR PICKING UP GTO: SHONAN 14 DAYS!
On Saturday, I will be cosplaying as Cold-Blooded Tough Guy Takasugi-Kun from 3Z Ginpachi Sensei and hopefully will be wielding the infamous “Patriot”.
I will be attending the following panels:
“Sunrise” (12:00pm - 1:00pm) at Room 1A03
I will be attending with a friend who will be cosplaying Tsukuyo to promote Gintama to everyone!
“Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3” (2:45pm - 3:45pm) at American Airlines Theater, Room 1A06
Phoenix Wright reveal (who I HOPE WILL BE REVEALED in this panel) will be EPIC.
“CBLDF: Defending Manga” (7:30pm - 8:30pm) at Room 1A23
If you consider yourself a serious manga fan, I highly recommend you check this panel out. Seriously.
Sorry, I will not be attending the Cosplay Masquerade, though I might sneak a peek and whack people with the Patriot.
On Sunday, this is what I hope to be attending:
“VIZ Media” (10:45am - 11:45am) at Room 1A23
I should make a petition to bring back Gintama :P
“Tiger & Bunny” (1:15pm - 2:15pm) at Room 1A03
I will be attending this panel with a friend. One of my favorite animes due to its Western influence.
“Anime News Network Panel” (2:30pm - 3:30pm) at Room 1A15
One of my Google Reader sites and always a pleasure to visit. This will be my first time going to one of their panels.
So, I think that covers up my plans for the convention. Of course, things will be tentative. I will also be shopping for Gintama merchandise.
If anyone wants to meet me in person and talk about a variety of things, feel free to tweet me (if I have reception in that god-forsaken Javitz Center). For those who are interested, I have indeed moved into a new home and still trying to settle in. No home Internet right now and I am writing this entry at a library in Manhattan. I just realized how much I miss blogging and I hope to get back to it soon. In so many ways, Manga Therapy is “therapy” for me. I don’t want to take that for granted.
That’s about it for now. See you guys soon!
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And now two of Japan’s most popular comfort foods are under contract with Kyubey.
DOES THAT DEMON KNOW NO BOUNDS!?
Though I did love him when he was talking about entropy while being creepy…..OH WAIT, THIS WILL HELP WITH OUR DIGESTIVE ENTROPY. Good going, you little incubator, you~
Source: Anime News Network
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BLEACH Soul Society Butlers at Garcon Cafe in Harajuku
Ladies, would you love to be served by these lovely gents dressed in black kimonos?
More information about Garcon Cafe’s BLEACH event can be found here. I want that Hollow Ichigo omelette!
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