lucasrschool

[lucasrschool]

Hi, great response! I totally agree with how all three of these anime/manga are both entirely different in storytelling while also circling around similar ideas of memory, identity, and historical revisionism and interpretation. Your Name is undeniably intricate in its themes and storytelling, including its method of subliminally handling events such as the unfortunate 2011 Tōhoku earthquake disaster, showing us how love and memories can bypass and even go beyond the most grievous of circumstances. Hetalia: Axis Powers was definitely something else, but I found enjoyment out of it. Its caricatures, as you said, are almost reminiscent of how youth can whimsically interpret these events and history. Last but not least, Sensōron is undoubtedly provocative, but its insight into how historical events can be reframed, reshaped, and remolded by one’s perception of the narrative, even if it’s not true for the most part, is exceptionally enlightening. I respect the work and attention to detail that went into the manga, despite not really affirming it at all. There are many layers that go into these pieces of media, and I think it’s very important to recognize how they can impact Japan and the world through their social commentary and historical interpretations, no matter what genre it aligns itself with. Fantastic reply!

Blog Post — Your Name / Hetalia: Axis Powers / Sensōron

Watching Your Name, Hetalia: Axis Powers, and reading Sensōron back-to-back was like experiencing three completely different tones of storytelling; one emotionally intimate, one hilariously chaotic, and one provocatively political. Yet, they all circle around the idea of memory, identity, and how we interpret history, both personally and nationally.

Your Name struck me the most emotionally. While it's a love story on the surface, it quietly wrestles with themes of loss, trauma, and the disconnection between rural and urban Japan. The way it handles the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake indirectly really hit me, especially how something so massive can disappear from public consciousness unless you’re personally connected. The idea that memory fades unless it's intentionally held onto felt both personal and global.

Hetalia couldn’t be more different, but it surprised me with how it uses comedy to make complex global histories more approachable, even if sometimes it veers into problematic stereotypes. It made me think about how we often oversimplify world politics into punchlines or caricatures, especially online. In a weird way, Hetalia is almost a reflection of meme culture and how history is consumed by younger generations.

Sensōron was by far the most difficult; philosophically and emotionally. Kobayashi’s framing of Japan’s wartime actions feels deliberately provocative, and while I disagree with much of it, it forced me to confront how national narratives are shaped and contested. It reminded me of the tensions in how the U.S. teaches its own history, how patriotism can sometimes blur into revisionism.

Overall, these works made me more aware of how anime and manga can be tools of cultural memory; whether through fiction, satire, or direct political commentary. They challenged me to think about how I process the past, both as an individual and part of a larger global community.

[lucasrschool]

Blog #11 - Final Blog - Your Name/Hetalia: Axis Powers/Sensōron

Can’t believe it, but we’re finally here!! The last three anime/manga that we have to take a look at are ready to be analyzed, and I’m really excited to start with Your Name.

Your Name is possibly my favorite anime film of all time and has been since I first watched it a while back. Rewatching it again for this class made me remember how truly phenomenal it was and still is. It’s an excellent story about how love is the ultimate bridge across time, and how even the grave can’t rupture the grasp that love has on people and life, traveling across timelines to express its ineffable beauty onto others. The relationship built between our two protagonists, Mitsuha and Taki, and the tale of their remarkable resilience and faith, pushing through all kinds of obstacles and hardships, all in order to finally discover and unravel each other's backgrounds and worlds, is nothing short of magical. It’s a touching romance about how love transcends reality, even beyond the normative limits of the universe, something that really reminded me of the movie Interstellar. Its message regarding the appreciation of the countryside of Japan, akin to the idea of gemeinschaft, is also very enlightening.

Hetalia: Axis Powers, on the other hand, was an intriguing case. Though its stereotypes and essentialisms are obvious and entirely overblown, it wears those up its sleeves. It has a much more comedic tone and is relatively lighthearted compared to even an anime like Your Name, which certainly wasn’t afraid of poking fun at its characters and gender roles, even if it does so in a conservative/conventional fashion. The characters are enjoyable, and though some of the anime can border on problematic for some, viewing it in context, it’s understandable how it grew to have such a massive fanbase.

Finishing off with Sensōron, it’s necessary to first examine the genre of manga in order to first be able to interpret it. Upon recognizing that it works from a neo-nationalist perspective, many of its themes become rather apparent, such as its anti-leftist point of view and callousness. Though most of what it claims is unsound when taking a more objective look at history overall, it’s incredible how powerful it is as visual rhetoric in persuading others to rally by their side and urging people to recognize the flaws of biased media and fabricated artifacts, and I think there’s some value in that.

What an amazing pleasure it’s been to analyze these various pieces of anime and manga! It's been a good run, and I’m very pleased with everything that we’ve watched and learned throughout the course. With all that being said, I'm signing out. See ya!

[lucasrschool]

Hey, nice post! Personally, I have to agree with you on the fact that Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind was much stronger on the surface than Xenoblade Chronicles 2 at first, though when you look deep into it, the complexities, intricacies, and brilliance of Xenoblade become much more apparent. The way Princess Nausicaä relieves the land of its ills and heals it through love and admiration is most definitely inspirational. I also really connected with Rex’s goal for, as you stated, finding a world where blades and humans can coexist in peace and harmony, as they are both a part of nature and united to each other. I love how you put a reference in there as well to The American Journal of Economics and Sociology as it really adds a lot to your point about how both anime heavily explore the concept of the Anthropocene and the age of humans and our effect on planet Earth. We should always remember to treat nature as a living entity, not just as an object separate from us that we utilize for our own personal gain and selfish benefit, and I think those are important things to keep in mind as we watch anime such as these.

"Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" and "Xenoblade Chronicles 2"

After watching both anime, I have to say I understood "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" so much more. It took me a while to understand the connection between humanity and nature while watching "Xenoblade Chronicles 2." However, in both anime series, young characters had the desire to save their world, which was falling apart. In "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wild," the land was covered by a poisonous jungle, to the extent that the people had to wear masks when near it and watch out for the hazardous bugs living there. Princess Nausicaa forms a special connection with the jungle and its inhabitants, including the bugs, and attempts to prevent a war between humans to protect the jungle, which she believes is healing the land.

In "Xenoblade Chronicles 2," humans live on titans, which are huge mountain-like creatures that are slowly dying off. Rex, a salvager, creates a special bond with Pyra, a blade, and they attempt to find Elysium or heaven. Along the way, Rex fights many enemies who are trying to end the world and makes bonds with blades who feel used. His goal is to find a world where the blades and the humans can be free, because ultimately they cannot live without each other.

In "The American Journal of Economics and Sociology," we determine that the Anthropocene is the concept of human influence on Earth, and both of these anime explore this. In Nausicaa, we learned that the jungle was polluted due to a war fought by humans, and when the bugs are disturbed, they lash out. In Xenoblade, the Titans are believed to have died due to conflicts between nations and the actions of Malos and Mythra.

Both anime made me consider how we treat the natural world as something that we can use rather than something that is living. Meaning we often take advantage of it for our benefits, whether through pollution, resource extraction, or removing animals and plants without considering the impact on the ecosystem. This is an issue that affects the world, and we will one day see the consequences of it.

[lucasrschool]

Blog #10 - Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind & Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Of all the Miyazaki films that I’ve watched, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is surely one of the finest. Words can’t even begin to describe how beautifully articulated this movie is. It masterfully addresses the then-contemporary global issues of the Cold War, the nuclear age, and climate change while providing greatly entertaining animation to boot. As I always do, starting with the animation, it’s just marvelous. Vibrant, pastel, and colorful. The animation brings the world to life and gives viewers a distinct tone, mood, and color palette for each environment, whether it be the valley itself or the toxic jungle; it’s all sublime.

Nausicaä herself is a wonderfully bright and charming character to be the star of the show, and her actions definitely speak for themselves. Her attitude toward preserving nature and all that is good, being the salt of the Earth, is In line with her almost being portrayed as a type of Christ, but in an environmentalist framework, someone whose passion for the salvation of nature spreads not only to the sea of decay but to all the villages of the land and their peoples. I was personally immensely touched by this, as we can all learn from her self-giving, love, and sacrifice to be the best versions of ourselves that we can be, not only for our fellow people, but for even the ecosystem that we so often distinguish ourselves from, showing us that sometimes all that it takes is a mere appreciation and acknowledgment of nature’s value and worth to start making a change for the better, turning ourselves from the paradigm of instrumentalism, industrialism, and neoliberalism, to one of peaceful coexistence.

Onto Xenoblade Chronicles 2, I had heard a lot about this game, how great it is and whatnot, but I was still remarkably surprised! Firstly, while obviously not an anime film or show in the typical sense, it still retains a lot of the familiar storytelling tropes and aspects of anime that we oftentimes see in media, just told within a different medium, in this case being video games, such as heartfelt dialogue and awesome fight sequences. Here, I was really touched by the sentimental relationship between Rex, Pyra, and Mythra, as well as their companions. The worldbuilding is phenomenal and really touches upon environmentalism in a distinct way, not by dismantling our current exchanges with it, but by nurturing it through further human intervention and involvement, seeking harmony instead of a simple coexistence, quite noticeably different from the path that Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind took for its story, but a welcome change for sure. Following the story, the same themes of sacrifice, mystery, and intrigue run all throughout, and the game manages to build a strong sense of appreciation in me for nature, the world, and how to better it, not just by letting it do its thing, but by working in conjunction with the ecosystem itself, always remembering that we are intrinsically a product of and united to nature, and so we must always remember to show deep care, respect, and admiration for it.

As always, great anime, and I’m beyond excited to see what’s in store for the last module!

[lucasrschool]

Awesome reply! I'm not going to lie, I had heard of Neon Genesis Evangelion and its intricate and esoteric approach to storytelling, but really nothing had prepared me for what I was about to get into. The way this anime taps into who you are, your identity, and your perception of the truth and the world as a whole is absolutely bewildering in the best way possible. I love what you noted about Shinji and how his flaws are what make him more real and relatable than other protagonists. We see his self-growth, his self-questioning, and his self-doubt in an engaging way, and sometimes it hurts to watch, but it builds our connection to him and the other characters in a manner that many other shows don't even dare to touch. His journey of self-discovery in the first series was awe-inspiring, even if a little hopeless and psychologically-dense at times, while the film goes for a much darker tone that leaves you wondering and searching for the truth of reality itself. I really loved hearing your nuanced take on this, great response!

Neon Genesis Evangelion, The End of Evangelion

I did not expect Neon Genesis Evangelion to make me think about myself. I thought it was going to be your typical sci-fi anime with giant robots, epic battles, and maybe some cool action scenes. But what I received is a series that breaks down its characters and audience in a way that is raw and personal. By the conclusion of it, it wasn't even about the robots anymore, it was about identity, fear, and trying to relate to other people.

The protagonist, Shinji Ikari, is no self-confident hero. He fears confrontation, avoids doing the right thing, and is tortured by self-doubt. Occasionally he's infuriating to see, and it is just because that's what makes him real. His inner thoughts are characterized by fear, self-hatred, and confusion, and slowly enough, the show builds towards making us understand that these feelings aren't unique to him. All the protagonists are going through some degree of loneliness or emotional turmoil.

The first series slowly drifts away from action and is more focused on psychological questioning. We are completely in the world outside Shinji's mind in the last two episodes. What we get there is a surreal series of inner monologue, abstract imagery, and questioning of who he is. Few were disappointed with the lack of a "happily-ever-after" ending, but for me, it was a genuine depiction of a teenager trying to figure out if he deserves love.

Its sequel movie, The End of Evangelion, offers a much darker and more graphic conclusion. The world disintegrates for Shinji physically and mentally as the Instrumentality Project tries to erase the differences between people. It's horrid and distasteful but still asking the same question, is it worth suffering for the other individuals in order to be acknowledged?

Ultimately, Evangelion doesn't provide solutions. But it reminds us that battles are often fought hardest in the interior, and that selecting to confront ourselves and others is what actually makes us human.

[lucasrschool]

Blog #9 - Neon Genesis Evangelion & The End of Evangelion

What is there to say about Neon Genesis Evangelion that hasn’t already been stated before? It has garnered lots of attention and notoriety over the years for its themes and esoteric approach to storytelling, to say the least.

I have to begin with the animation since it’s what we first notice whenever we watch any series. It’s vibrant and oozing with late ‘90s charm, and the visuals as you get further into the end and in the movie are nothing short of spectacular. Don’t let the down-to-earth stylization of the earlier episodes fool you, I have genuinely never seen an anime with visuals as mind-bending and kaleidoscopic as this. It’s a sight to behold, for sure.

Moving on to some of the more controversial aspects of this show, we have Shinji, a 14 year old boy struggling with issues of self-esteem, self-hatred, and self-doubt who’s caught between a rock and a hard place when he’s pressured, despite his lack of faith in himself, to defend and protect Tokyo-III from huge monstrous beings known as Angels (ironically enough) alongside the other Eva pilots using huge mechs known as Evangelions and, suffice it to say, these fight scenes are phenomenal. I was really able to sympathize with Shinji. He represents the struggles and tribulations of those with a queerer form of masculinity in a world where hegemonic masculinity and braggadocious personalities remain supreme and put you at the top of the food chain. His journey of self-discovery leading up toward his enlightenment at the end of the show really brings to light how one’s perception of the world and themselves forms exactly their identity, and how releasing one’s baggage of insecurities and self-loathing can lead to true freedom, even if life won’t always be perfect at any given moment. I found myself relating to his experiences being shy and introverted quite a lot, and it was inspiring to see him overcome those odds while piloting the mech, no matter how difficult it seemed. I also really loved the dichotomy between Shinji and Asuka's personalities, as well as the interrelations between them, Misato, Rei, and Kaworu, which I feel helped expand the universe of Neon Genesis Evangelion in an inviting way as they attempt to uncover the secrets of humanity, the Evangelions, and NERV.

The film The End of the Evangelion, however, is another can of worms, particularly in its ending, where many would say it seems to oppose with what was previously established in the also-mysterious ending of the TV series, even though both take place simultaneously after episode 24, just viewing things from a different perspective. Due to the negative fan reception of the conclusion of the show at the time, among other reasons, there was a much more despondent finale to the events of this film; but nonetheless, the movie’s attempt at exploring the human psyche and how we truly are or become who we believe we are, was absolutely impeccable, even if a little strange and off-putting at times.

There’s undoubtedly very little anime that will leave you as mystified regarding its true meaning than this one, and along with its rich spiritual and religious symbolism, it unquestionably deserves its high rank within the world of anime, for its top-notch and unorthodox storytelling, its incredibly intriguing cast of characters, and its amazing animation!

[lucasrschool]

Wow. I'm blown away by how awesome of an experience this must've been, and how great of a reply this was! I really enjoyed hearing your amazing experiences at Tokyo, Japan. Though they aren't necessarily "conventions" in the typical sense, fan gatherings play a key role in spreading the love for anime and manga, widening the reach of Japanese pop culture and allowing it to become a pillar of society. What you mentioned about the immanence of fandom and their influence in Japan is a very sharp observation as well. No longer is it something that society shuns as "weird," it's now advertised as one of the defining characteristics of their culture that, as you said, is also a leading factor as to why Japan is so economically successful. Whether it be billboards, buildings, or fan gatherings, it's clear that youth culture has transformed Japan and provided an outlet for people to share, connect, and experience together through their favorite pieces of popular media. It's beautiful to hear about how fans from all across the globe travel to Japan and unite under their shared interest in its popular culture. Your experience at the Sailor Moon Cafe and seeing other people cosplay and interact with each other is wonderful and another vivid example of how fandom, anime and manga, and Japanese pop culture have become one with society, not only in Japan, but around the entire world. Phenomenal reply!

Anime Convention and Fan Gatherings

When I visited Tokyo, Japan, I had no idea that I would be stepping into the world of anime. I knew Tokyo was the hub of anime and manga, but I had no idea that it was going to be that vibrant and busy. I had always loved anime growing up, but nothing prepared me for what I experienced in Japan. It was no longer about watching the anime; it was about being fully immersed in a culture where anime was not just for entertainment, but it was part of their lives. It was on billboards, trains, on snack packages, and even in the bathrooms. This is where I experienced true fandom.

The first place we visited was Akihabara, which is known as the Electric Town, and boy, when I tell you this was an experience. There was color, energy, and action. Buildings were wrapped in banners with the most popular anime, such as My Hero Academia. Shops were overflowing with merch. It felt like each anime had its own store. I found things that I could only find there, like rare action figures. But what was even more amazing was the people. People were dressed in full cosplay just walking down the street. Come to find out, most of them dressed up in cosplay for work. And there was no judgment.

While walking around, I came across a group of people all dressed very similarly, so I went to see what was going on, and it turned out to be a gathering of fans for Sailor Moon. I found myself surrounded by so many Sailor Moon fans in front of the Sailor Moon Cafe. It was literally like I was walking onto an episode of the show. There were Luna stuffed animals, milkshakes with a moon on them, and even food with the characters on it. Fans were getting to know each other even though they were from all across the world. They were giving each other goodies and sharing their favorite moments from the show. I would not consider it a convention, but a fan gathering. Tons of fans began swarming in, dressed as their favorite characters from Sailor Moon, eager to get to know one another. At this point, I felt like I belonged here. It was truly a fantastic experience because we all shared similar interests and understood each other, which is something I hadn't felt in a long time. After leaving the cafe, we just started walking, mesmerized by the anime and manga. On every street corner would be someone in cosplay handing out pieces of paper that were inviting you to their cafe or store. What shocked me the most was how normal it was to everyone. It was like everyone was used to this excitement.

Throughout the rest of the trip, we had multiple fan encounters like we did at the Sailor Moon Cafe, and it felt as though we were literally at an anime convention the whole trip. Being in this class made me reflect on my time in Japan. It made me realize that fandom is so prevalent in Japan. These people travel across the world to attend conventions and gatherings because they provide a space for them to be themselves and express themselves. Today, the younger generation, especially in Japan, is growing up seeing how normal it is to be fans of anime and manga. They are learning that there is a place for them and their passions, and they can share them with others who share the same passions. Not only this, but fandom transforms Japan's economy and is a leading factor for why Japan is so economically successful.

Although I did not attend an organized fan gathering, I did participate in numerous fan gatherings in Japan, including the Sailor Moon gathering. It was incredibly cool to be in the very country that anime and manga are most known for, while attending these gatherings and contributing to the fandom.

[lucasrschool]

Blog #8 - Convention & the True Otaku Documentary

After watching the True Otaku documentary, I definitely learned a lot about fandom, youth culture, and conventions. I don’t have much experience with conventions themselves, but I certainly know a solid amount about fandoms and how lively some of their communities can be, which I think is truly remarkable. I admire how these communities span across so many different cultures and places around the world. Otaku culture, fan gatherings, and conventions are certainly a highlight, in Japan, the United States, and throughout the globe.

Within these conventions, people share, connect with, and bond over such a large variety of genres, mediums, and media itself! It’s a rich, multi-generational community of people having fun partaking in the things that they enjoy with other like-minded fans. Conventions create a safe space and an almost theatrical simulation within our own reality, where people can act out their wildest dreams and imaginations within a designated space. On top of this, It’s just as vivid online as it is in the real world, and many before going to conventions share their likings and interests with others in online forums where they discuss all things anime, manga, and otaku.

Additionally, one of the major things I noticed while watching the documentary is that fandom and youth culture aren’t just limited to manga, anime, and things that are necessarily otaku or Japanese. I took note of this while I was watching the documentary and somebody was, funnily enough, cosplaying as a weighted companion cube from the well-known video game series Portal, really putting on display how otaku is oftentimes interlaced with a broader love and passion for film, shows, comics, video games, and pop culture as a whole, both American and Japanese, and much more. The 2010 D.C. anime club martial arts demonstration by the Jedi Guardians lightsaber dueling group mentioned in the documentary is another fantastic example of this, and they perform for fundraising organizations and charities to support the community. It is almost superfluous to point out the magnitude of benefits that hosting such conventions bring for the greater area around these gatherings, especially when they make such a genuine and positive altruistic impact for their respective communities.

Furthermore, cosplaying plays a huge role in anime conventions such as Otakon and Anime USA. Through cosplay, you get to become someone other than yourself, and that gives many a special outlet to not only express themselves but even go so far as to break societal normative gender performances to fully imitate the characters that they are cosplaying. The effort many people put into making them as well is astonishing! Fans become immensely creative when the time comes to depict their favorite characters from their preferred media of choice, and it can transform into a lifestyle for those who are passionate about it. The challenge of it all, the things you learn as you cosplay, it all plays a role as to why so many are infatuated with something many would consider “strange” or “odd.” It can take a massive amount of creativity to cosplay, and it undeniably strengthens one’s ability to craft solutions when it sometimes seems like there are none, and it’s superbly inspiring. There are also lots of subvarieties, genres, and niches of cosplay that add to its appeal for many people.

Another great point made in the True Otaku documentary is that the fringes of society are where all of the innovation lives because they’re not bound by the normative standard that is imposed onto the population by mainstream institutions. Instead, they're places where one gets to live out their favorite fantasies in a way that many in society would shun. These “fringes” even bleed into mainstream culture as well, explaining why there are so many fans of manga, anime, and video games nowadays, with people who would freely describe themselves as “weebs” or “otaku,” because for the most part, it is no longer something society is embarrassed of, but has now blossomed into an accepted and vibrant way of life for those who share a common interest in Japanese popular culture.

This all creates a strong diplomatic bridge between Japan and other countries around the world that can unite under the same love for anime, manga, music, video games, and anything otaku. It’s a pristine example of “soft power” on a colossal scale, positively impacting the lives of so many people around the world and extending Japan’s outreach to various distinct communities and groups of people, turning mass media entertainment into a platform of union and alliance.

All in all, we can summarize otaku, fandom, and fan culture in one word: passion. These experiences help in giving people’s lives purpose and meaning in a way many other things can’t. People have accomplished through imagination what knowledge could not: acceptance of differences, diversity, uniqueness, and the ability to connect across cultural boundaries through a shared love for their passions and interests.

[lucasrschool]

Hey, what’s up! This was a great reply, and I really agree that these anime made me reflect a lot on my identity. I love how you connected all three of these shows together into one unified core concept regarding identity and not being afraid to present yourself in a manner that reflects who you truly are in the inside. There is, indeed, a lot of emotional vulnerability put on display in Sailor Moon. It allows us to connect with and relate to Usagi on a deeper level, and as a result, we feel for her in all aspects of her life, whether it be attempting to pass an exam, or defeating the next bad guy around the block with the help of Luna. Retsuko’s struggles are also profoundly relatable since they touch upon the ideas of workplace overload, stress, and systemic gender inequality, which we can all sympathize with. These systems box us into lives that forsake our ability to express ourselves, which is why Retsuko’s passion for death metal is so understandable. I also agree that Wandering Son was the most emotional of them all. The struggles Nitori faces are intense and unrelenting, and the themes of self-discovery and identity formation are definitely universal across all cultures, time, and space. Nice job!

Blog Post: Sailor Moon / Aggretsuko / Wandering Son

Watching the assigned episodes of Sailor Moon, Aggretsuko, and Wandering Son made me reflect a lot on identity, and what it means to grow into yourself while the world pushes you in all directions. Each show brought something different, but they all pointed to the same truth, that trying to be who you are is hard, especially when the world has already decided who it thinks you should be.Sailor Moon surprised me with how much it focuses on emotional vulnerability. Usagi feels things deeply. She cries, panics, messes up, but still keeps on going. In episodes 1, 2, 4, and 8, we see her learning to lead by caring, not by dominating. That really stood out to me because it reminded me of the pressure many girls face to either grow up fast or be visually appealing, when in reality emotions are part of what makes people strong.Aggretsuko took a different tone, in season 1 episodes 1, 5, and 7, and season 2 episodes 2 and 5, I really felt for Retsuko. She tries so hard to play the good employee, to not cause conflict, or to smile even when she’s upset. But her death metal karaoke moments are like a scream for people who have felt stuck in systems where we can’t express ourselves. It hit close to home because I’ve seen people, especially women, work tirelessly in order to survive workplaces that don’t value them fully.Wandering Son was the most emotionally powerful for me. Episodes 1, 7, 9, and 10 were delicate and honest in ways I didn’t expect. Watching Shuichi and Yoshino navigate gender identity, especially in school where conformity is intense, made me reflect on how painful it is to feel like your truth doesn’t fit the hand you were dealt. Even though their experiences are deeply tied to Japanese cultural norms, the themes of self discovery and trying to be seen felt universal.All three shows made me think more deeply about how society shapes identity, and how hard but necessary it is to push back.

[lucasrschool]

Blog #7 - Sailor Moon/Aggretsuko/Wandering Son

Moving onto the topics of feminism, girl power, and gender performance, this week we will explore these concepts by taking a look at the anime Sailor Moon, Aggretsuko, and Wandering Son!

Sailor Moon is undoubtedly one of the most iconic anime of all time, and for good reason. Its animation screams bold, vibrant, and unapologetically girly. It has really fun writing and can be pretty funny at times. It never fails to keep the audience entertained by what crazy adventures Usagi goes on. The show’s appeal is certainly aided by how charming and likeable the characters are, as well as the interactions that they have with each other. In Japan, the show immensely reformed how people viewed femininity and the positivity it can bring to society and institutions, especially among teenagers, clearly part of the zeitgeist influenced by third-wave feminism. While I can’t really “relate” to the characters in the same way girls can, it still opened my mind to some of the common experiences women go through throughout the course of their lives, and Usagi’s determination and passion for helping others, even in a society that views femininity as “lesser” or “weaker” than masculinity, was super inspiring and definitely something I’ll always remember when discussing this anime.

Aggretsuko on the other hand, while still vibrant and cutesy, takes a very different approach for its animation, leaning less into the ‘80s anime stylization and more into a flat, contemporary, and subdued simplicity for its characters that is certainly unique compared to many other shows of its kind. The characters being animals instead of humans really allows their personality to show off in a remarkably ingenious way. The anime falls heavily into the genre of slice of life, all from the perspective of Retsuko, the protagonist. It sharply critiques contemporary cultural issues in Japan and the rest of the world stemming from gender performativity and the limitations it places on women in the workplace and what is defined as “normal” behavior in society. I loved Retsuko’s personality, and I feel that everyone can relate to her “secret” hobby of death metal, especially when considering how intense life can be sometimes and how we all have to cope with stress in some way or another. The juxtaposition between her soft and oftentimes submissive demeanor to her passion for death metal is a nice touch, showing us that gender is not only a social construct, but also how it can sometimes feel like we have to put on a “mask” in order for society to truly accept us.

Onto the topic of being accepted by society, we have the heartfelt and intimate Wandering Son, one of the most deeply personal and introspective anime I’ve ever seen that touches upon the topic of transgenderism. This anime goes deep into many of the issues regarding gender and sexuality that have become quite divisive in recent decades. I really admired how unflinching the anime was in its depiction of so many of the difficulties that people face in our society for seeking to explore their gender and how they truly fit in. I genuinely felt for Nitori in her journey of discovering who she is, who she wants to be, and how she wants to present and identify herself, and it was touching to see how there are people who are willing to accept those for who they feel comfortable being, regardless of what society tells them things must or should be like. Though society may oftentimes shun others in their pursuit of happiness, we must always remain firm in our beliefs and our identity, no matter how the world treats us, and that’s an idea I was really able to connect with while watching this incredibly unique and insightful anime.

I've really been enjoying what I’ve been watching so far, and again, I’m ecstatic for what’s up next! Until next time, see ya!

[lucasrschool]

Great response! I admit that the anime caught me off guard in the beginning as well, but as time went on the meaning of it became crystal clear. It definitely plays like a slice of life that isn't afraid to poke fun at itself and be really funny at times. One thing that I love that you mentioned is how the characters grow over time and start to build long-lasting friendships, despite initial awkwardness, which is something I feel that we can all really relate to in one way or another. It was really nice to see Sasahara's growth from the quiet and taciturn newbie of Genshiken into the confident and prominent member of the club that he now presents himself as in the later episodes. You're totally correct, not only in your assessment of the characters, but also in how relatable they are! Their shared passions and hobbies end up being the foundation for their bond and strong camaraderie. It really showcases how putting ourselves out in the open can connect us to people we never thought we'd ever know or be with, and it's incredibly eye-opening. Awesome reply!

Genshiken

While watching the first two episodes of Genshiken, I was initially a little confused as to what the message this anime wanted to portray. As I continued watching however, I realized that though it may not seem like it at first, this is commentary on the portrayal on otakus and finding your community.

In the first two episodes, main character Sasahara is a new freshman in college trying to figure out what club he wants to join. He continuously looks at the manga club, but is too nervous to actually go to the table to learn more because he feels like people will judge him. When he eventually builds up the courage to ask about The Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture club, he sees Kousaka already up there asking questions. In addition to this, we see Sasahara go to their meeting room, still unsure about whether this is a good fit for him, and we are shown the rest of the characters comfortable talking about their passions in anime and manga, eventually showing Sasahara this is the club for him. As the series progress, we get to see the characters grow into themselves more as they take on new situations (like conventions, strangers judging them, or new people joining), while also becoming more comfortable with each other and creating a friend group as a result.

I can relate to these characters because sometimes it is hard putting yourself into a new environment that you know little about, hoping you will find someone else that you can relate to. One of the most important parts about humanity are community and the feeling of wanting to fit in. Though these strangers at the beginning appear as though they have nothing in common, they eventually bond over their shared passions and are able to understand each other. Over time I have purposely put myself out there and have met people that share similar passions as me, and discovered new communities and interests as a result.

Though the characters are aware of the speculation that being an otaku is strange or weird in their society, they are still able to overcome these stereotypes by forming bonds and communities over things they truly love.

[lucasrschool]

Blog #6 - Genshiken

Genshiken was an interesting anime for sure! It was much more on the comedic side than most of the anime we’ve watched thus far. Seeing how otaku fans interact with other people, particularly with Kasukabe, was really funny as there are obvious distinctions that Genshiken showcases between otaku personalities and non-otaku people. This anime really showcases how many in the otaku world/sphere pursue meaning and substance in fictional works, even sometimes over long-lasting goals and objectives in the real world, not because they believe that there is nothing of value in the real world, but because there is an unmistakable level of fun, enjoyment, and community involved with being an otaku that connects people from so many different backgrounds together.

This is shown to us in the character of Kousaka who, despite not "looking" the part of otaku, is still heavily engaged with and in touch with otaku culture and the Genshiken club. He still deeply interacts and associates himself with his hobbies of manga, anime, and video games, even while being in a relationship. On the flipside are those such as Madarame, who prioritize otaku and pop culture media over most other aspects of their "real" lives, akin to NEETs who also overlap with otaku culture. In this sense, there is an implicit rejection of the mainstream official culture and employment system and an acceptance of the “unofficial” culture, where hierarchies are built and society is maintained almost underground and parallel to the real world, explaining why many also feel like they must operate "hidden" from the broader society at large, as if fearing that their culture and hobbies would be ostracized by the public. In this framework, cooperating and participating in mainstream society is rejected wholesale in favor of pop culture consumption and remixing, almost as if it's a replacement for the real world and employment itself, especially within the context of Japan. There is no more need to find meaning in anything other than what is being partaken in with otaku culture and visual art and media, because the meaning and emotional value ascribed to the objects supplant themselves over things with real world value or monetization.

I can really connect with this to a certain degree, and I feel that many nowadays can as well. Nowadays, it seems as if we all live just as much in the virtual world as we do in the real world, through smartphones, computers, laptops, and the sorts. In this postmodernist paradigm, where assets are taken from a database of items with emotional value attached to them, we replace the items and identities present in our physical world with these customizable characters and objects that used to represent things that exist in the real world. Now, we see it and take it for what it is, above what it was originally meant to signify and point to. A prominent example of this for a lot of people is simulator games such as Stardew Valley, where the value of farming and farm-life in the digital landscape is supplanting actual farming and labor in the real world, and instead, we are metaphorically transported to a parallel world as avatars in the video game simulation, almost like a hyperreality. Even things such as in-game currency in certain online games can be said to follow through with this same principle and logic of ascribing value to things that are entirely digital and not held within the mainstream “official” cultural economy, environment, and context of the real world.

This was a really intriguing watch. To see the inner workings of fan and otaku culture in a comedic way was undeniably entertaining, even if this culture is something that many try to ignore, deny, or reject. Despite what many may argue, otaku culture and the things that people interact with and bond with each other over can be just as real and vivid as what exists in our own world, in their own fantastical ways.

[lucasrschool]

I’m super impressed by your thoughts on these anime! That personal connection you ascribe to Naruto, that quest to find meaning, purpose, and belonging, is as incredibly enlightening as it is beautiful. We can all relate to the show in one way or another, particularly in how he perseveres and stays determined throughout it all, despite significant discrimination and ostracization. Not to mention, you talked about humor playing a role and, honestly, you’re absolutely correct in your judgement! Humor plays a vital role in keeping the mood and tone of Naruto lighthearted and playful. Even if it sometimes approaches rather serious topics, it never forgets to keep things joyful and optimistic. Naruto himself serves as a representation of the hope within us all, and to keep pushing forward despite all obstacles and setbacks. You also had a lot of great things to say about Wolf Children, especially with how different it feels from Naruto in tone. Your emphasis on Hana’s journey as a single mother is especially insightful and speaks to the challenges that so many mothers face around the world, touching upon many universal aspects regarding motherhood that we can all connect to and feel for on an emotional level. The way you tied it into strict Japanese familial social structures was also a really nice detail. I totally agree with your take on A Silent Voice as well, and how it is perhaps the most emotionally touching of them all. The redemption ark the characters face shows us how we can all improve ourselves, remedy our mistakes, and always try to uplift others and understand their backgrounds with empathy and open-mindedness. Truly, as you said, none of these things are necessarily bound by Japanese culture but are universals that exist throughout the entire world and allow us to further connect with each other on a more compassionate level. Phenomenal reply!

Blog Post:  Naruto, Wolf Children, and A Silent Voice.

Naruto, Wolf Children, and A Silent Voice really highlighted how anime can explore deep personal struggles while also addressing universal issues. What struck me most in Naruto was how Naruto's quest for recognition mirrors the human desire for acceptance and belonging. His determination to prove himself despite being ostracized by his village speaks to both Japanese values of perseverance and universal conversations about self worth. I found this particularly moving because like many people, I’ve experienced times where I felt underestimated and had to keep pushing forward despite doubt from others. His resilience and humor make him relatable and inspiring, even at times when all seems lost. Wolf Children felt entirely different in tone but resonated in a way that reminded me of family sacrifices. Hana’s journey as a single mother raising half wolf children speaks to the reality of parenthood and the challenge of raising kids who don’t quite “fit” societal expectations. The scenes where she struggles to decide whether her children should live as humans or wolves reminded me of how parents everywhere navigate helping their children find their own identity while protecting them from the world’s judgment. It also made me think of how Japan’s societal expectations, such as strict norms around family structure, can add pressure, but these are global challenges too. I especially admired Hana’s patience and strength, as her love for her children often meant sacrificing her own comfort and dreams. A Silent Voice hit me the hardest emotionally. It deals with bullying, disability, and forgiveness in a raw and empathetic way. Shoya’s journey from bully to someone seeking redemption made me reflect on how early mistakes shape us, and how empathy can be a difficult but necessary path to healing. The focus on Shoko’s disability and the social barriers she faces reminded me of how important it is to challenge discrimination in our daily lives, regardless of culture. All three works left me thinking about resilience, identity, and human connection, issues that aren't limited by borders but are directly framed through Japanese cultural contexts.

[lucasrschool]

Blog #5 - Naruto/Wolf Children/A Silent Voice

Moving on to some of the most iconic and critically acclaimed anime of all time, I’m going to be discussing Naruto! What can be said about it that hasn’t already been said before? Despite some of its flaws, the characters remain extremely likable and well-developed, the story is enticing until the end, and it has absolutely left its mark on the manga and anime world. Naruto represents a story of gaman, perseverance even despite all forms of humiliation and defeat, and ganbaru, pushing through every obstacle and using every ounce of effort to achieve the impossible. This is particularly of note in Japan since it’s stories like these that are targeted towards a younger male teenager demographic and tackle with ideas such as struggle and discrimination, even if in a subtle way. Naruto himself is ostracized from the wider society due to the nine-tailed fox being sealed within him, and even with that, he pushes head on in his pursuit to become the next hokage. This determination is something that all of us can aspire to and relate to on a personal level, as we’ve all gotten through circumstances that may not have been the most pleasurable, but despite them, we still pursue our dreams no matter what, and I truly think that’s part of what makes Naruto so special to this day.

On the other side of the spectrum from Naruto, we have Wolf Children, a very personal and heart-warming tale about Hana, a mother who falls in love with a werewolf, and her two semi-human and semi-wolf children who must now cooperate and participate in society while trying not to face discrimination for their peculiar characteristics. Despite the odd topic, the film is really beautiful and fleshes out the characters and the relationships between them extensively. On top of the pre-existing concept of bifurcation and being forced to dwell in a society that forces you to adopt solely one particular identity, a clear nod to people from multicultural backgrounds whose society favors one aspect of their identity over others, the movie also brings into account how difficult it can be during your adolescent years to choose an identity and a future to pursue above all else, despite everything you may be losing out on. Instead of outright rejecting the multiplicity within our identities, I also really appreciate how the movie attempts to see the positive aspects of having a multifaceted and layered identity and selfhood, which I think is missing in a lot of talk around inculturation and assimilation into society, where the burden and onus of change is often placed on the individual and not on society at large.

Which is where I get to the final anime of this module, and perhaps my favorite film here, A Silent Voice, a movie that really stuck out to me in an intriguing way regarding representations of discrimination in popular fiction. The animation itself is of superb quality and certainly adds to the atmosphere of the plot and characters. Compared to many other anime, shows, and movies, it tackles the problem of prejudice and discrimination in a very sharp manner by placing the onus of change away from the individual, such as how it is with Naruto or Wolf Children, and onto society as a whole. The film powerfully demonstrates the consequences of bullying and the unimaginable need for empathy and accountability on a communal level to reduce the discrimination and ostracization of people with disabilities, as well as other groups who are excluded from many other aspects of society. What I really admire is how the solution offered by A Silent Voice is to dismantle the societal structures that prohibit the pursuit of happiness for individuals with identities or qualities that don’t align with the broader standard or normative behavior, rather than to enforce direct assimilation into culture without any change happening within society itself. The film features Shoya who, despite having repeatedly bullied Shoko in her class back in the sixth grade, greatly renounces and feels remorse for his previous actions and attempts to seek forgiveness from Shoko, even though he known fully well that she is not obligated to do so. Shoya and his friend group, in this sense, represent the broader societal effort to renew and reform society from the ground up instead of rejecting or ostracizing them outright, in order to better accept people of differing backgrounds and characteristics, which I feel is exactly how this type of predicament should be approached. I think that those features really set A Silent Voice apart from the majority of media that I have watched, since usually the protagonist has to go through the motions to change to be accepted into society, while this film shows us that we can all play our part in making society more accepting and open toward people with disabilities or any other difference. It’s an unimaginably heartfelt and reflective story that I feel deeply connects with many people from around the world, not just in Japan or the United States.

I’m undoubtedly eager for what’s next, but for now, I can admire and appreciate the thought that went into these projects and forever cherish them for what they accomplish.

[lucasrschool]

Hi! Your response was super thoughtful and a fascinating take on what the world of Shin Sekai Yori has to offer. It’s true that it can be a little perplexing at the start, but it all plays into the message of the anime, which you articulated splendidly. It’s like the anime takes the message of Psycho-Pass and applies it to the idea of “the wild child” in Japan, showing us how the measures taken to alleviate fears regarding childhood volatility can be disruptive to people’s childhoods and completely change their outlook on the world, for better or for worse. I relate to your commentary on “the normal child” heavily, since it is clear to tell how society sets people on a conveyor belt to a prepackaged and organized future without allowing kids to just be kids and explore. According to our surroundings, we must have it all figured out, which goes against childhood creativity and imagination. What you said about the education curriculum is also quite insightful, as censorship, distortion, and a biased take on history are often seen together with promoting a particular ideology, things that further play into the forming of one’s worldview for the worse. Giving the youth of today their rightfully due autonomy is an important first step in paving the way for a better tomorrow and a better future for us all. Awesome reply!

Shin Sekai Yori

When beginning this anime, I was a little confused on its plot and underlying meaning; however, as I progressed through the series, things started to connect and make more sense. Shin Sekai Yori is an anime set in a seemingly utopia-like society in which humans have psychokineses powers and live in tranquility. This paradise quickly unravels, however, when the kids discuss how Saki is the last child to graduate from their elementary school (when there are still many others) and rumors of graves in the administrative wing. Audiences throughout the series discover that the adults of the society have been observing behaviors of children through examinations and killing them if they show signs of resistance or isolation. The community's education board does this as a way to prevent fiends and karma demons from appearing. We also learn in the last episode, society hides the facts that all non-psychokineses users from the past had their DNA modified to become queerats, emphasizing PK user superiority. Though these actions in the anime are cruel, Shin Sekai Yori does a great job commenting on societal pressures on children while also making audiences wonder how surveillance and control can alter one's perspectives completely.

In the real world, children are held to the standard of the "normal child": go to school, get good grades, graduate, and be a productive member of society. Though this initial way of thinking is not necessarily harmful, it puts them into a small box with little room to deter from this path. These children also feel the need that they must grow up sooner and have their lives planned out in order to reap the benefits of society, (as most life benchmarks are based around adulthood and occupation), thus disregarding the ideas of youth and uncertainty. In addition to this, lots of primary and secondary schools teach in linear formats that may not be a beneficial learning type for all. For example, a child is only learning what their Board of Education controls the curriculum to be for their school system (under assumptions they're not doing additional personal research). Though it is impossible for us to learn everything that has happened in history in just a few short years, by allowing only a group of select individuals to dictate what is "most important", we close ourselves off to a multitude of events, cultures, customs, and ideals. Additionally, certain topics can be censored or hard to access in order to create a more controlled and uniform perspective. In cases of dictatorship for example, older media is censored as the leader alters and surveys the education system in order to instill specific ideologies into young generations, while being met with little resistance.

Many adults tend to view children as concerns since they are a direct product of society's current ideals. With many uncertain factors, people tend to get nervous about what is to come; however, these worries should be shifted into allowing the youth to imagine a better tomorrow for themselves, even if this means change and guidance today.

[lucasrschool]

Blog #4 - Shin Sekai Yori

With great power comes great responsibility, especially in the case of the anime Shin Sekai Yori, or in English, From the New World. That’s definitely a running theme, as the story centers on humanity’s possession of a mysterious “cantus” psychokinetic ability that greatly manipulates how they interact with the world in more ways than one. What results of this is a dynamic involving absolute total instantaneous power and control over reality and zero possibility of being able to regulate it. If someone goes haywire, what can we do? This here is the dilemma at play throughout the entire anime. “Fiends” and "karma demons" in Shin Sekai Yori are representations of “the wild child,” a stark reminder and symbol of the supposed volatility of children of new generations and society’s increasing inability to “predict” the actions and livelihoods kids would go on to perform and attain, respectively.

Society’s solution to this, akin to Psycho-Pass and the method its world used to solve the problems of society, is to heavily surveil the children and restrict them from learning or viewing anything related to humanity’s dark and twisted past, intercepting them with “attack inhibition” and “death feedback,” inborn genetic traits that prevent humans from being able to attack other humans. The anime, knowing this, uses discipline instead of regulation to try to solve the problems of Japanese society, akin to some methods people may use today to accomplish the same goal. Instead of viewing children as people needing to be nurtured to grow into strong, capable, and healthy adults, it views them as objects of fear, explaining why Saki longs for the day that children change from objects of fear to objects of hope. The anime tries to instill in viewers, not only from Japan, but globally, a new sense of how we should view children, not as agents to be surveilled, but as real people.

From the New World also acts as a lesson, that trying to diminish children’s freedom only acts as a Band-Aid to the real problems facing our world, not a solution. I think many of us can relate to having been prohibited of doing many of the things that we’ve always desired to do growing up—it’s common nature for society to always watch over kids to make sure nothing bad happens, and it’s completely reasonable, but when taken to the extreme, it can disrupt childhoods and subsequently negatively impact society.

One final thing I want to mention is the fine line between discipline and regulation, and how instead of always pursuing discipline, I think it’d be wiser to maintain a strong emphasis on therapy, mental health, and on providing both kids and adults with a strong support group, whether it be family, friends, professors, faculty, or staff. Instead of dehumanizing people for their mistakes and discouraging them from pursuing their strong suits, the key is to highlight their talents bestowed upon them and allow them to grow in their hobbies and interests, so that children and adults may grow into successful and healthy people physically, mentally, and socially, the direct opposite of what Shin Sekai Yori's society had followed up to that point.

There was a lot to unpack with this anime, and I was delighted to watch through the episodes; but until next time, signing out!

[lucasrschool]

I’m totally enamored by your reply, and you really hit the nail on the head when it comes to why Psycho-Pass is such an intriguing and relatable anime! Not only is the concept of this show super interesting, but its execution, which showcases the depths of decision-making and justice in a world that lacks it entirely, is phenomenal to say the least. That idea you mentioned of expectations being placed on you from the outset, even before you’ve truly even decided on a plan, is a genuine one that I can wholeheartedly relate to. You also mentioned artificial intelligence, and for me, the idea of machines one day overtaking humans, not in a cliché movie-like manner, but in a more subtle way, where discipline is internalized from within and we are molded into what the “system” with no true subject of power desires us to be, is a haunting yet interesting thought for sure. With the rise of artificial intelligence, soon we will have to bear the question in mind of how we are going to utilize AI without it becoming overbearing on us to the point where we depend on it for large portions of our lives. Fantastic response!

Blog Post - Psycho-Pass

Watching Psycho-Pass was a gripping and thought-provoking experience that pushed me to reflect on the world we live in today. The show’s dystopian setting, where an all-powerful system judges people based on their psychological state, felt weirdly relevant, not just to issues in Japan, but globally. Japan’s concerns with social conformity, mental health stigma, and increasing reliance on surveillance technology are clearly woven into the Sibyl System. However, beyond Japan, I observed clear parallels with the rise of AI governance, predictive policing, and the ethical compromises societies make in favor of safety over freedom.

What hit closest to home for me was the idea of being judged not for what you’ve done, but for what you might do. In my own life, I’ve felt the pressure of expectations, such as which school I should attend and which career path I should follow, and it made me think: how different would things be if those decisions were made for me by a system claiming to know what’s best? Watching Akane try to do the right thing within a broken structure reminded me of the challenges we all face when navigating systems that are meant to help but sometimes hurt.

The episodes I watched also made me reflect on justice. Kogami's pursuit of Makishima challenges the idea that justice is black and white. There’s a constant tension between law and morality. Can you be right if you break the rules for a good reason? This reminded me of ideas we discussed in readings about social contracts and power, especially how institutions define "normal" and "deviant."

Overall, Psycho-Pass challenged me to think about the cost of peace, the danger of letting machines decide what’s human, and the importance of individual conscience in a controlled world.