Akira is important for anime both in the West and in Japan. It seems odd, but Akira’s predecessor isn’t another anime. Rather, Akira is the child of Godzilla. So what does the teen angst of Akira have to do with the giant city smashing Godzilla? Both Akira and Godzilla show the influence of World War…
Year: 2015
Mighty Atom and Tezuka’s Production System
Any series that looks at the most influential anime must talk about Osamu Tezuka’s Mighty Atom (Tetsuwan Atomu) or Astro Boy as we in the West know it. Astro Boy laid the groundwork for anime and manga storytelling, production, and all other aspects of the medium. While it was not the first Japanese animation, Tetsuwan…
The Japanese National Railways Incidents–Enduring Mysteries from Post-War Japan
Modern Japan is known the world over for her rail system. The famous bullet trains allow commuters to cross the main island at lightning speeds. Trains played a large role in Japan’s transition from a medieval nation to a modern nation in the late 19th and early 20th century, knitting the country together and allowing…
What are Maid Cafes?
“Gokitaku hajimete desu ka?” She wears white stockings and lace, a fantasy in the flesh. You nod and say something vaguely affirmative. The server bows. Her petticoat and frilly pinafore are immaculate. You see just a hint of her garter. The other servers stop what they are doing and bow toward you. “Okaerinasai-mase goshujin-sama!” You…
Write your Own Japanese Fairy Tale Contest
Contest is now closed. We will announce the winners in a few weeks. Thanks for all the interest! Tuttle Publishing and JP have joined forces to make you work! Just kidding. Have you ever wanted to write or illustrate your own Japanese fairy tale? Now’s your chance. Before I get into the rules, lets talk…
Urashima Taro, the Fisher Lad
Long, long ago in the province of Tango there lived on the shore of Japan in the little fishing village of Mizu-no-ye a young fisherman named Urashima Taro. His father had been a fisherman before him, and his skill had more than doubly descended to his son, for Urashima was the most skillful fisher in…