“How” Do You Love Anime?

Yes. Not why, but how.

The Difference Between “Otaku” and “Weeaboo”

From what I understand. In 460 words or less.

Redefining and Recontextualizing Moe: A New Dimension to Sexualized Cuteness

After getting approval from my supervisor and head of department, I present to you my honors thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Japanese Studies at the National University of Singapore.

I decided upon the topic of moe for my research as it has been a very hot-button issue in anime fandom for quite some time. I hope my paper will give you a clearer understanding of the concept, why moe might be far more useful and essential to the otaku than you might have realized and why moe isn’t insidious and does not spell the death of anime. Also discussed are gender issues and virtual child pornography.

ABSTRACT

By adopting a cultural studies approach, this paper seeks to redefine and recontexualize moe. This paper argues that moe is used as a coping mechanism by the otaku to reclaim agency and remain connected in a more individualized society as opposed to a tool that legitimizes the subjugation of women in society and homogenizes anime. This is done through the possession of fictional characters via the creation of dôjinshi, attending events and going on pilgrimages to the real-life settings of their favorite manga and anime. In addition, because moe is an element of the kawaii art style, it is separate and distinct from the other elements of an anime, allowing creators to retain creative freedom while simultaneously catering to the otaku and appealing to a wider demographic. Instead of being exploited by producers, the kawaii art style facilitates the production of character merchandise that the otaku purchase and use to aid them in reclaiming agency and connecting with fictional characters and other otaku.

Continue to the full text after the jump. If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to link to this post! (^o^)

The Importance of Moe in Character Merchandise

This school semester (sans-finals) is finally over and this time round, I took my first honors-level class on Japanese popular culture. After much contemplation, for my research paper, I decided to write on the inherent importance of moe-elements when it comes to character merchandise. It was a long and arduous process to see this paper to completion, but it was well worth it and exceedingly fun and educational.

Enjoy!

Parody Dōjinshi and Self-Expression

Doujinshi, written as ‘dōjinshi’ throughout the following essay, is something that is close to the hearts of many Otaku, especially myself (take that however you may). And because of this, I decided to write a research paper on the subject for this past semester. Yes. You heard me. A paper on doujinshi for a university class. I love my major.

Japanese Popular Culture and Soft Power

Another semester, another academic paper on one of my all time favorite topics, Japanese popular culture. This time, it deals with the relationship between Japanese popular culture and Soft Power, the ability for one country to control another country’s wants and values through non-traditional means.

By now, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that my interest of Anime and Japanese popular culture extends beyond the boundaries of a mere hobby. Right now, it’s also a big, big part of my academic life. As the old adage goes: “Do what you love, love what you do, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life”.

Well, technically speaking, that’s complete bull because, believe me, writing this paper was not an easy task to accomplish. Hours of research, sleepless nights and sweat went into this paper and I’m ecstatic to say that all that effort was not in vain as I got quite a good grade for it.

As with all the other papers on my blog, the rest of this post will be sans pictures.

With that, I present to you the final draft of my work, untouched, for your reading pleasure. It can get rather technical at times, but I do hope you enjoy reading it. (^.^)

Anime Genre-ism, Madoka and Magical Girls

There is one thing that bothers me regarding Madoka, or more accurately, some of Madoka’s fans. Since the first episode of Madoka aired, on many forums and blogs and sites, I have noticed many comments along these lines: “I usually don’t touch Magical Girl Anime, but I am glad that I picked up Madoka” and comments on how Madoka has ‘redefined’ the genre.

Actar’s Reviews 210 – Lucky Star Blu-Ray Complete Box

One of my all time favorite Anime, Lucky Star, is finally given the Blu-Ray treatment. Is it worth the astronomical price? Let’s find out.

Actar’s Reviews 158: Densha Otoko’s Getsumen To Heiki Mina Figure

ｷﾀ━━━━(ﾟ∀ﾟ)━━━━!!

Today, we shall be taking a look at the closest and most affordable replica of Yamada’s Mina figure from the metafictional Anime ‘Getsumen To Heiki Mina’ from the hit modern day Japanese love story ‘Densha Otoko’.

While I usually don’t review completed PVC figures due to the fact that there isn’t really much to talk about unlike action figures, dolls or merchandise, I’m making an exception this time.

An Analysis of My ~Anime Harem~

A year ago, numerous Anime fans jumped on the Anime Harem bandwagon, myself included. All one needed to do was to select 8 of one’s all time favorite Anime characters, female or male depending on your gender or persuasion, and post them for the entire population of depraved Otaku fiends to feast their eyes on. (^.^)

One year of mind-numbing, reality-escaping Anime later, I wonder how my harem has changed… Do be warned that there might be minor plot spoilers to the various shows that the characters come from in the various discussion segments.